bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemical Characteristics and Source Analysis of Aerosol Composition over the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea in Spring and Autumn
Authors: Zhang Yan , Zhang Hong-Hai , Yang Gui-Peng , Liu Qiu-Lin
Published: June 2015

The total suspended particulate (TSP) samples over the Bohai Sea and the Yellow Sea were collected during two cruises in spring and autumn in 2012. Concentrations of water-soluble ions {Na+, K+, NH4+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, NO3 −, SO42−, and CH3SO3 − [methanesulfonic acid (MSA)]} and trace metals (Al, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, and V) were measured. Mass concentrations of TSP samples ranged from 65.2 to 136 μg m−3 in spring and from 15.9 to 70.3 μg m−3 in autumn, with average values of 100 ± 22.4 and 40.2 ± 17.8 μg m−3, respectively. The aerosol was acidic throughout the sampling periods according to calculation of equivalent concentrations of the cations (NH4+, nss-Ca2+, and nss-K+) and anions (nss-SO42− and NO3 −). Correlation analysis and enrichment factors revealed that the aerosol composition in the coastal marine atmosphere had a feature of a mixture of air masses: that is, crustal, marine, and anthropogenic emissions. Trace metals were enriched by a wide range of 1–103, and enrichment factors for crustal source (EFc) were relatively higher in spring. Species like Cd, Zn, and Pb had an overwhelming contribution from anthropogenic sources. In addition, the concentrations of MSA varied from 0.0075 to 0.17 and from 0.0019 to 0.018 μg m−3 during the spring and autumn cruises, respectively, with means of 0.061 and 0.012 μg m−3, respectively. Based on the observed MSA and nss-SO42− concentrations in spring and autumn, the relative biogenic sulfur contributions to nss-SO42− were estimated to be 8.0% and 3.5% on average, respectively, implying that anthropogenic sources had a dominant contribution to the sulfur budget over the observational area.
Public Retreat, Private Expenses, and Penury
Authors: Chowdhury Samik
Published: June 2015

Health care can be expensive for the un-insured, often constituting a potential poverty trap. Urban India is particularly vulnerable to this possibility given the greater demand for health, absence of a structured health care system, overburdened public institutions, ubiquitous, and unregulated private health care market and the generic paucity of public funds. Using nationally representative household level data for two points of time and a suitable alteration of an existing methodology, this article computes the degree and depth of impoverishment from out of pocket medical expenses, and its variation across states and select socioeconomic characteristics. Roughly 6 percent of the urban population or about 18 million people face impoverishment entirely due to out of pocket medical expenses in India. There are substantial inter-state and inter-group variations in the incidence of this burden. The findings are potentially crucial as India prepares to embark on its journey toward universal health coverage.
The Popular Struggle against Coca-Cola in Plachimada, Kerala
Authors: Berglund Henrik , Helander Sofia
Published: June 2015

This article is a case study of the campaign against the Coca-Cola Company in Plachimada, Kerala, India, which was a reaction against alleged environmental damages and water depletion caused by the company’s production of soft drinks. It addresses the following questions: How was civil society used as a platform for this struggle and what was the outcome? Did this campaign affect the political participation of its members? The study is based on interviews and surveys of the villagers in Plachimada and connects to theories on social movements and political participation, as well as to the debate on Indian civil society. The findings presented show the importance of having a local, core group in charge of the campaign, while simultaneously making use of existing support groups at the regional, national, and international levels. It also reveals that after reaching its goal, the campaign has resulted in a general increase of political participation amongst its members.
Giambattista Vico and the psychological imagination
Authors: Tateo Luca
Published: June 2015

This special issue originates from an international workshop on “Vico and imagination,” that took place at Aalborg University in 2014, within a research project on Giambattista Vico and the epistemology of psychology. Imagination has inexplicably been relegated to the background in contemporary psychology, despite the fact that imaginative processes are involved in even the most mundane activities. In this editorial, I first present the rationale and the content of the articles and commentaries. Then I outline a brief history of the concept of imagination before Vico, drawing some consequences for contemporary psychology. Finally, I provide the proposal for a new research program on imagination as a higher psychological function that enables us to manipulate complex meanings of both linguistic and iconic forms in the process of experiencing.
Study on electropulsing assisted turning process for AISI 304 stainless steel
Authors: Wang H. , Chen L. , Liu D. , Song G. , Tang G.
Published: June 2015

Electropulsing was introduced into the turning process of the AISI 304 stainless steel. The results indicate that the main cutting force, microhardness and axial roughness on machined surface are reduced dramatically under appropriate electropulsing parameters. For AISI 304 stainless steel, the electropulsing applied in turning process can improve the plastic deformation ability in cutting area, increase lubricating property and change friction state between the tool and the workpiece in the forming process of the chip. It causes the arising of plastic stripping tear based on pure shear plastic deformation and brings obvious changes on morphologies of the machined surface and the corresponding chip.
Experimental investigation on interface phenomena involving spreading of Fe–Cr based filler metal
Authors: He P. , Wang J. , Zhang W. , Qian Y.
Published: June 2015

Fe–Cr based alloy emerges as an economic alternative to Ni based filler metal applied in brazing of steels and high temperature alloys; however, its spreadability and interface microstructure have been very poorly studied. In the present study, wettability and interface microstructure of new type Fe–Cr–Ni–Cu–P–Si filler metal are investigated at different pressures. The molten Fe–Cr–Ni–Cu–P–Si filler metal demonstrated good spreadability both in vacuum and in air. Fingering phenomenon at the spreading edge indicated the dissolution of base metal during spreading and insufficient diffusion. Reactions promoted the fragmentation and removal of the oxide film, and the dissolution of oxide and base metal further improved the spreadability. These mechanisms indicate potential for an excellent brazeability of Fe–Cr–Ni-Cu–P–Si filler metal.
Precision cancer mouse models through genome editing with CRISPR-Cas9
Authors: Mou Haiwei , Kennedy Zachary , Anderson Daniel G. , Yin Hao , Xue Wen
Published: June 2015

The cancer genome is highly complex, with hundreds of point mutations, translocations, and chromosome gains and losses per tumor. To understand the effects of these alterations, precise models are needed. Traditional approaches to the construction of mouse models are time-consuming and laborious, requiring manipulation of embryonic stem cells and multiple steps. The recent development of the clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 system, a powerful genome-editing tool for efficient and precise genome engineering in cultured mammalian cells and animals, is transforming mouse-model generation. Here, we review how CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to create germline and somatic mouse models with point mutations, deletions and complex chromosomal rearrangements. We highlight the progress and challenges of such approaches, and how these models can be used to understand the evolution and progression of individual tumors and identify new strategies for cancer treatment. The generation of precision cancer mouse models through genome editing will provide a rapid avenue for functional cancer genomics and pave the way for precision cancer medicine.
Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) induces migration and invasive mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: McGarry Trudy , Veale Douglas J. , Gao Wei , Orr Carl , Fearon Ursula , Connolly Mary
Published: June 2015

Introduction

This study investigates the role of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) in the regulation of migratory and invasive mechanisms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Invasion, migration, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -3 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-3 (TIMP-3) expression, β-integrin binding, cytoskeletal rearrangement and Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) activation in response to a TLR2-ligand, Pam3CSK4 (1 μg/ml), in ex vivo RA synovial tissue explants, primary RA synovial fibroblasts (RASFC) and microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC) were assessed by Transwell Matrigel™ invasion chambers, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), multiplex adhesion binding assay, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), F-actin immunofluorescent staining, matrigel synovial outgrowths, Rac1 pull-down assays/Western blot and zymography. β1-integrin expression in RA/control synovial tissue was assessed by immunohistology. The effect of Pam3CSK4 on cell migration, invasion, MMP-3 and Rac1 activation was examined in the presence or absence of anti-β1-integrin (10 μg/ml) or anti-IgG control (10 μg/ml). The effect of an anti-TLR-2 mAb (OPN301)(1 μg/ml) or immunoglobulin G (IgG) control (1 μg/ml) on RASFC migration and RA synovial tissue MMP activity was assessed by wound assays, ELISA and zymography.

Results

Pam3CSK4 significantly induced cell migration, invasion, MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression and induced the MMP-1/TIMP-3 and MMP-3/TIMP-3 ratio in RASFC and explants (p <0.05). β1-integrin expression was significantly higher in RA synovial tissue compared to controls (p <0.05). Pam3CSK4 specifically induced β1-integrin binding in RASFC (p <0.05), with no effect observed for β2-4, β6, αvβ5 or α5β1. Pam3CSK4 increased β1-integrin mRNA expression, Rac1 activation, RASFC outgrowths and altered cytoskeletal dynamic through induction of filopodia formation. Pam3CSK4-regulated cell migration and invasion processes, but not MMP-3, were inhibited in the presence of anti-β1-integrin (p <0.05), with no effect observed for anti-IgG control. Furthermore, anti-β1-integrin inhibited Pam3CSK4-induced Rac1 activation. Finally, blockade of TLR2 with OPN301 significantly decreased spontaneous release of MMP-3, MMP-2 and MMP-9 and increased TIMP-3 secretion from RA synovial explant cultures (p <0.05). Incubation of RASFC with OPN301 RA ex vivo conditioned media inhibited migration and invasion compared to IgG control.

Conclusions

TLR2 activation induces migrational and invasive mechanisms, which are critically involved in the pathogenesis of RA, suggesting TLR2 as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of RA.
Introduction
Authors: Hayward Eva , Weinstein Jami
Published: June 2015

This introduction puts into conversation two seemingly divergent analytics: transgender studies and animal studies. It asks: How does the prefixial nature of trans—across, into, and through: a prepositional force—further transfigure the “animal turn”? If the animal turn has recharged inquiry into difference and ethics, what happens to these magnetic pulls when they are transformed, transacted, or transduced by trans studies? Taking as a central logic that transgender subjects have never been fully human—consider how the indeterminate pronoun “it” has been used to name transgenders—the introduction posits how a trans heuristic allows us to better understand the limits of “the human” as a biopolitical tool for privileging a few so as to de-, in-, nonhumanize the many. Trans exposes what is at stake in these prefixial maneuvers, what is materialized and dematerialized, what is made livable and unlivable, killable and un-killable.
Species Panic
Authors: Huebert David
Published: June 2015

Elaborating a concept of “species panic” and its intrinsic relation to interspecies desire, this article couples the concerns of animal studies and posthumanism with those of queer and transgender theory, synthesizing these positions through their shared commitment to unstable frameworks of gender, sexuality, and embodied identity. It argues that humans, androids, and electric and “genuine” animals do not exist in isolation in Philip K. Dick's 1968 novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? On the contrary, they occupy shifting positions on a series of spectrums, where human, animal, and machine bleed into one another. If one accepts the novel's invitation to think the androids as a species, the plot of Do Androids Dream becomes a dramatization of interspecies desire. After arguing that interspecies desire is, in multiple senses, queer and that Dick's androids serve as exemplars of trans embodiment and offer models for reconceiving bodily existence, the author concludes that Dick's portrayal of species-transgressive sexual explorations is not a priori radical.
GI's Anatomy
Authors: McNay Anna , Stewart Jay
Published: June 2015

Historically, the dominant body of representations of gender variance has been presented from the point of view of the medical practitioner: as abnormalities, as “other.” In spring 2013, thirty transgender and intersex people participated in GI's Anatomy, a series of practical life-drawing workshops in London programmed by the arts-based organization Gendered Intelligence (GI). The models posing also identified as transgender or as having an intersex condition. The project gave its participants the opportunity to create a significant body of work, to issue new representations of their own bodies, to take a more holistic view of the person and the wider social and cultural references in which they sit. This article reviews the goals and achievements of this seminal project, taking a closer look at the experience of two participants and focusing on the circularity of knowledge production at play.
Locating a Tranimal Past
Authors: Booth M. Dale
Published: June 2015

This review essay surveys the current state of tranimal historiography, paying specific attention to Jens Rydström's Sinners and Citizens: Bestiality and Homosexuality in Sweden, 1880–1950, several essays in the edited collection Centering Animals in Latin American History, and Leah DeVun's GLQ article “Animal Appetites.” Ranging from the medieval to the modern, these texts offer a glimpse at an emerging branch of tranimal studies rooted in historical methodology and analysis.
Stochastic and Chaotic State Assessment Parameters of the Cardio-Vascular System of the Subjects in the Conditions of the Dosed Physical Load
Authors: Ельников  , Elnikov A. , Горленко  , Gorlenko N. , Добрынина  , Dobrynina Irina , Башкатова  , Bashkatova Yuliya , Хадарцева  , Khadartseva K. , Фудин  , Fudin N.
Published: June 2015

A comparative analysis of the effectiveness of new bioinformatics methods is shown that in contrast to traditional methods of statistical analysis on the basis of the deterministic-stochastic approach using bioinformatics methods gives higher sensitivity in identifying order parameters (the main diagnostic features) studied the functional systems of the body. The parameters of the cardio-vascular system in untrained and trained subjects from the perspective of chaos theory and self-organization were studied. There is the essential difference between the two groups (trained and untrained students). Dosed physical activity revealed a tendency to increase the area and volume of quasi-attractors state vector of the organism in untrained subjects in 1.5 times and also at 6% in trained subjects. Exercise stabilizes the parameters of the cardio-vascular system trained students and it is the first marker of the degree of detenidamente in young population in the region. Statistical methods are difficult to establish the existence of significant differences in the parameters of the functional systems of the body between the groups of trained and untrained students. The differences are often not statistically significant.
Prevalence, Sex and Age Peculiarities of Chronic Heart Failure among Rural and Urban Population of the North-Ossetia-Alania
Authors: Дедегкаева  , Dedegkaeva T. , Астахова  , Astakhova Z.
Published: June 2015

Chronic heart failure is one of the most common diseases of the cardiovascular system. It is known that the Russian epidemiological studies on the chronic heart failure are significantly different from the overseas, but at the same time it revealed differences between individual regions of the Russian Federation. A set of material was held on the basis of six medical institutions of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, selected as a result of the randomization. 688 families, including 1600 respondents aged from18 to 100 years of rural and urban population of North Ossetia-Alania, were examined. The diagnosis of chronic heart failure was verified on the basis of a standardized assessment of clinical symptoms used in the study of EPOCH- CHF. The prevalence of heart failure among the rural population of the North Ossetia-Alania was slightly higher and reached 14.4% , and 13.9 % in urban areas. Among both rural and urban popula-tion of the North Ossetia-Alania the prevalence of heart failure was high, more than a few times higher than international epidemiological studies and higher than epidemiological research data of EPOCH - CHF. Severe сhronic heart failure reached 3.8% in rural and 3.9 % in urban population of the entire representative sample. The prevalence of сhronic heart failure was 1.3 times higher in women than in men. Among younger age groups, the prevalence of heart failure was higher in men than in women.
Some Immunoendocrine Criteria Protracted Forms of Hysterical Disorders
Authors: Говш  , Govsh E. , Кирюхина  , Kiryukhina S. , Подсеваткин  , Podsevatkin V. , Подсеваткина  , Podsevatkina S.
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study was to identify prognostically unfavorable immune and endocrine development criteria hysterical disorders. The study involved patients with hysterical personality development, hysterical neurosis and healthy donors. Immunological reactions were performed by standard methods, hormonal - immune enzyme analysis. Changes in cellular and humoral immunity in the form of a reduction in the absolute number of T- and B-lymphocytes, decrease the metabolic activity of neutrophils, the ratio of circulating immune complexes of different molecular weight, and lower cortisol levels indicate the involvement of the immune endocrine reactions in the pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of the protracted forms of conversion disorders, and confirm the need for surveys of the immune and hormonal status of patients suffering from hysterical personality development. Identified by the authors the changes in neuro-immune-endocrine system can be regarded as a prognostically unfavorable in the development of hysterical disorders, and involve the use of immunomodulators in the treatment of these diseases.
The Carbon Sorbents Use in Critical States of the Organism
Authors: Долгих  , Dolgikh T. , Лихолобов  , Likholobov V. , Пьянова  , Pyanova L. , Долгих  , Dolgikh V. , Хвостунцев  , Khvostuntsev S.
Published: June 2015

Many modern sorbents have low sorption activity toward toxic substances of protein nature. Sorption selectivity for protein compounds can be enhanced by chemical modification of the sorbent surface withpolyvinylpyrrolidone. At the first stage of the study, 58 patients after surgical removal of abdominal cavity tumors were examined and treated. In 28 patients, the postoperative period was complicated with diffuse purulent peritonitis. So, the complex therapy of these patients was supplemented with 1-2 hemosorption sessions using a VNIITU-1 carbon sorbent in a sterile saline solution. The sorbent, which was awarded with a gold medal of the International Salon of Innovations and In-vestments, has a meso-porous surface that allows toxic substances of low and moderate molecular weight to be removed from the human body. The hemosorption sessions substantially reduced hematological, immunological and biochemical disorders and ultimately decreased mortality in the early postoperative period by a factor of 3.7. The second stage of the study was aimed to develop a molded carbon sorbent based on VNIITU-1 for selective sorption of pro-inflammatory cytokines form blood plasma. Bench testing was performed with blood plasma obtained during plasmapheresis from 15 patients with acute pancreatitis complicated with pancreonecrosis and diffuse purulent peritonitis. Blood plasma perfusion was carried out on a Unirol-1 device using the 10 cm3 columns filled with the sorbent, at a rate of 15 ml/min and a plasma/sorbent ratio of 10/1. Overall, 50 ml of plasma was passed through the column. The TNFɑ, IL-1β, IL-4, and IgA contents were determined in blood plasma before and after the sorption. The modified hemosorbent VNIITU-1-PVP showed much higher sorption capacity and selectivity than the initial VNIITU-1. This concerns pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β: its concentration decreased by a factor of 33.5 and TNF-α was virtually absent. The level of anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4 was nearly twofold higher as compared to blood plasma that was passed through VNIITU-1. The IgA content remained virtually unchanged.
Possibilities of Prevention of Insolvency Colonic Anastomosis by means of Infusion Therapy in the Preoperative Period and during the Operation (brief message)
Authors: Слепушкин  , Slepushkin V. , Миндзаева  , Mindzaeva E. , Тотиков  , Totikov V. , Тотиков  , Totikov Z.
Published: June 2015

The article presents the results of treatment of 63 patients who were operated on colon cancer. As infusion therapy during surgery and preoperative preparation in 31 patients (the 1st group) the simple crystalloid solutions were used; the balanced polyionic solutions were used in 32 patients (the 2nd group) as infusion therapy. Results in the patients of the 2 groups were the following: the function of the digestive tract was restored on average 2 days earlier, the complications such as nausea and frequency of suppuration of postoperative wounds were decreased, pain syndrome was less pronounced. Failures anastomosis was revealed a 4% less in comparison with the patients of the 1st group. In patients of the 2nd group with edema of the intestinal wall, the thickness of which in the postoperative period was recovered in 2-3 days, in group 1, the recovery was on the 4-5th day. The results showed that the optimal scheme of infusion therapy is the combined use during surgery and in the preoperative period of low molecular weight solutions based hydroxyethylamine and balanced polyionic crystalloid solutions.
Method for Registering Movement of the Chest at the Diagnosis of the Sleep Apnea
Authors: Сенина  , Senina E. , Прохорцов  , Prokhortsov A. , Ивахно  , Ivakhno N. , Федоров  , Fedorov S.
Published: June 2015

The paper considers the actual problem of the development of instrumental methods of examination and diagnostics of carotid apnea. These methods don’t require the constant presence of health personnel and the expensive equipment. The authors proposed a method of registering movement of the chest using a micromechanical accelerometer with extremely small dimensions, low weight, power consumption and cost, along with sensor control oro-nasal flow and pulse oximeter, it allows the recognition of the type of apnea. During experimental studies, the accelerometer was placed on the chest, measuring the total vector acceleration due to the movement of the chest and the acceleration of free fall. Mathematical modeling of signal processing has allowed the optimal lowpass filter Butterworth 6th order, ensuring the selection of the useful signal. The article presents the results of measuring the acceleration along the x-axis and z-axis with continuous breathing and temporary stop. The results of measuring acceleration along three axes showed that the most significant for registration are the x-axis and z-axis. The use of proposed method of measuring the motion of the thorax by means of accelerometers allows to detecting the cessation of breathing, the time lag isn’t more than 0.5 seconds. This method can be used in addition to the pulse oximeter sensors and oro-nasal flow, which will provide registration apnea.
Asymptotically Optimal Inventory Control for Assemble-to-Order Systems with Identical Lead Times
Authors: Reiman Martin I. , Wang Qiong
Published: June 2015

Optimizing multiproduct assemble-to-order (ATO) inventory systems is a long-standing difficult problem. We consider ATO systems with identical component lead times and a general “bill of materials.” We use a related two-stage stochastic program (SP) to set a lower bound on the average inventory cost and develop inventory control policies for the dynamic ATO system using this SP. We apply the first-stage SP optimal solution to specify a base-stock replenishment policy, and the second-stage SP recourse linear program to make allocation decisions. We prove that our policies are asymptotically optimal on the diffusion scale, so the percentage gap between the average cost from its lower bound diminishes to zero as the lead time grows.
Managing Underperformance Risk in Project Portfolio Selection
Authors: Hall Nicholas G. , Long Daniel Zhuoyu , Qi Jin , Sim Melvyn
Published: June 2015

We consider a project selection problem where each project has an uncertain return with partially characterized probability distribution. The decision maker selects a feasible subset of projects so that the risk of the portfolio return not meeting a specified target is minimized. To model and evaluate this risk, we propose and justify a general performance measure, the underperformance riskiness index (URI). We define a special case of the URI, the entropic underperformance riskiness index (EURI), for the project selection problem. We minimize the EURI of the project portfolio, which is the reciprocal of the absolute risk aversion (ARA) of an ambiguity-averse individual with constant ARA who is indifferent between the target return with certainty and the uncertain portfolio return. The EURI extends the riskiness index of Aumann and Serrano (2008) by incorporating the target and distributional ambiguity, and controls the underperformance probability (UP) for any target level. Our model includes correlation and interaction effects such as synergies. Since the model is a discrete nonlinear optimization problem, we derive the optimal solution using Benders decomposition techniques. We show that computationally efficient solution of the model is possible. Furthermore, the project portfolios generated by minimizing the underperformance risk are more than competitive in achieving the target with those found by benchmark approaches, including maximization of expected return, minimization of UP, mean-variance analysis, and maximization of Roy’s safety-first ratio (1952). When there is only a single constraint for the budget, we describe a heuristic which routinely provides project portfolios with near-optimal underperformance risk.
Experience-Based Routing in Call Center Environments
Authors: Robbins Thomas R.
Published: June 2015

In this paper we examine some assumptions commonly made in modeling call centers. In particular, we evaluate the assumption that agents are homogeneous, statistically equivalent servers. We examine empirical data to highlight the issues that create heterogeneity between agents. We explore a call center environment where agents increase their productivity over time, but eventually leave the organization. We consider the implication of this heterogeneity and explore a routing policy that attempts to exploit this heterogeneity and improve long-term call center performance. We consider the application of experience-based routing; that is, routing to agents based on their availability and experience relative to other available agents. We examine policies where calls are routed to the most experienced agents when the call center is busy, to facilitate efficiency, and to the least experienced agent when the call center is slow, to facilitate learning. We investigate the potential improvement in performance that can be achieved by considering agent experience when making routing decisions and characterize the conditions under which the improvement is most significant. We find that routing to agents based on experience can yield substantial improvements over a wide range of conditions.
Risks and benefits of antiplatelet therapies
Authors: Khan Nazish
Published: June 2015

This article will provide an overview of the key developments and advances seen within the field of antiplatelet therapies over the last decade. For each pharmacological agent currently used in clinical practice, the article will provide some insights into their mechanism of action along with the pros and cons associated with their use. In addition, an overview of the evidence base that underpins and helps to define the place in therapy of the currently available antiplatelet agents will be provided.
5th BSH Heart Failure Nurse Study Day
Authors: Williams Anne , MacCallum Annie
Published: June 2015

Anne Williams and Annie MacCallum report on the 5th Heart Failure Nurse Study Day which took place on 6th March at Queen Mary University in London
Living with heart failure after peripartum cardiomyopathy
Authors: Taylor Emma
Published: June 2015

Emma Taylor was diagnosed with left heart failure when she was pregnant with her second son at only 31 years of age. This issue, she shares her journey of diagnosis, treatment and living with heart failure
Influence of psychosocial factors on coping and living with a venous leg ulcer
Authors: Peart Joanna
Published: June 2015

This clinical focus and literature review describe the effect of psychosocial factors on coping and living with a venous leg ulcer (VLU). The associated stressors of living with a VLU include: pain, loss of self-esteem, and social isolation, with subsequent negative emotions that could potentially lead to anxiety and depression. The ability to cope with a VLU depends upon the individual, with some patients employing negative coping strategies such as denial, depending on the stage of the illness and level of acceptance reached ( Husband, 2001 ; Brown, 2014 ). Psychosocial interventions by health professionals have been shown to reduce the stress of living with a VLU, to improve a patient's coping ability, and subsequently enhance wound healing. This article highlights the importance of holistic assessment and joint treatment planning, to incorporate patients' psychosocial needs and individual coping methods in order to reduce the associated stress of living with a VLU.
Clinical handover: the importance, problems and educational interventions to improve its practice
Authors: McKechnie Andrew
Published: June 2015

The clinical handover is a complex area of advanced communication in medicine and is becoming increasingly recognized as a situation where good communication is needed to ensure patient safety. This article outlines its importance and the need to make improvements.
Preparation and Characterization of Phthalic Acid-Propane-1, 2-Diol-Glycerol Co-Polyester as A Biodegradable Polymer
Authors: Islam Saiful , Haque Moinul , Bakr Abu
Published: June 2015

Phthalic acid propane-1,2 diol-glycerol co-polyester (PPGC) is synthesized from phthalic acid and propane-1, 2-diol with 5% glycerol of total weight as a crosslinking agent using Dean-Stark apparatus with Ferric Chloride (Approximately 0.4% of the total weight) as catalyst and o-xylene as the reaction medium at temperature 137-141° C for about 5 hours. The co-polyester is characterized by its molecular weight, elemental analysis, solubility tests in common organic solvents, swelling behavior in water and ethanol, melting point, density, pH test, IR-spectra and degradation test. Its probable structure is assigned. Molecular weight is determined by end group analysis and viscosity method. The degradation study of the co-polyester is carried out in different solutions of pH values 1.70 - 9.16. At room temperature (30°C) the co-polyester remained intact in the acid solutions (1.70 - 5.80 pH) but degraded in basic solutions (7.14 - 9.16 pH). In normal soil, it is almost 100% degradable within 60 days.
Flora da Bahia: Clethraceae
Authors: Perdiz Ricardo De Oliveira , Giulietti Ana Maria , De Oliveira Reyjane Patrícia
Published: June 2015

The floristic account of the Clethraceae from Bahia State, Brazil, is presented. One species, Clethra scabra, was recognized. Description of taxa, illustrations and general notes on the species are presented.
Recognition of the competence of multicultural education special education teacher impact of multicultural education practices
Authors: Kim Young Hak , Choi Sung Bo
Published: June 2015

The purpose of this study is to find out the special education teachers learn about the awareness of multicultural education targeting capabilities How does this affect the practice of multicultural education teachers aware of these cultural competency training. The subjects were surveyed 350 people who are teachers working in special schools. Studies have shown that awareness of multicultural education and multicultural competence of the teacher education practices and static correlation effects on multicultural education for multicultural awareness and attitudes among the sub-competencies, multicultural knowledge and skills in order of Multicultural Education Multicultural Education Practice has had a. Especially in multicultural teacher training experience, training, experience, education, multicultural student instruction experience has had a significant impact on the perceived level of cultural competence education teacher. Therefore, special education autonomous competence of teachers in order to improve the Multicultural Education Scholarship Council, a special training program for school assessment, it is necessary to open such a course in college and graduate school. This study suggests the need to take measures to increase the capacity of multicultural education teacher, special education practitioners of multicultural education.
The Management of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction
Authors: Coats Andrew JS , Shewan Louise G ,   Monash University, Melbourne, Australia and University of Warwick, UK. E: ajscoats@aol.com,   Monash University, Melbourne, Australia,   University of Warwick, Coventry, UK,   Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Australia
Published: June 2015

Heart failure is defined as a clinical syndrome and is known to present with a number of different pathophysiological patterns. There is a remarkable degree of variation in measures of left ventricular systolic emptying and this has been used to categorise heart failure into two separate types: low ejection fraction (EF) heart failure or HF-REF and high EF heart failure or HF-PEF. Here we review the pathophysiology, epidemiology and management of HF-PEF and argue that sharp separation of heart failure into two forms is misguided and illogical, and the present scarcity of clinical trial evidence for effective treatment for HF-PEF is a problem of our own making; we should never have excluded patients from major trials on the basis of EF in the first place. Whilst as many heart failure patients have preserved EFs as reduced we have dramatically under-represented HF-PEF patients in trials. Only four trials have been performed in HF-PEF specifically, and another two trials that recruited both HF-PEF and HF-REF can be considered. When we consider the similarity in outcomes and neurohormonal activation between HF-REF and HF-REF, the vast corpus of trial data that we have to attest to the efficacy of various treatment (angiotensinconverting-enzyme [ACE] inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers [ARBs], beta-blockers and aldosterone antagonists) in HF-REF, and the much more limited number of trials of similar agents showing near statistically significant benefits in HF-PEF the time has come rethink our management of HF-PEF, and in particular our selection of patients for trials.
Balloon- or Self-Expandable TAVI: Clinical Equipoise?
Authors: John Jose , Gert Richardt , Mohamed Abdel-Wahab ,   Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken GmbH, Am Kurpark 1, 23795 Bad Segeberg, Germany E: mohamed.abdel-wahab@segebergerkliniken.de,   Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken GmbH, Am Kurpark 1, 23795 Bad Segeberg, Germany E: mohamed.abdel-wahab@segebergerkliniken.de,   Heart Center, Segeberger Kliniken GmbH, Am Kurpark 1, 23795 Bad Segeberg, Germany E: mohamed.abdel-wahab@segebergerkliniken.de
Published: June 2015

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become an effective treatment option for patients with severe aortic stenosis and high surgical risk or contraindications for surgical aortic valve replacement. Most of the currently available prostheses employ either balloon-expandable or self-expandable designs. Presently, there is a paucity of data directly comparing these two widely used prosthesis types. Forthcoming trials will reveal whether newer designs of both technologies translate into fewer complications and better outcomes, with expansion of TAVI indications. This manuscript reviews features and clinical outcomes of balloon- and self-expanding prostheses, summarising current data from registries and trials.
A Quick Guide to Paravalvular Leak Closure
Authors: Sameer Gafoor , Jennifer Franke , Stefan Bertog , Simon Lam , Laura Vaskelyte , Ilona Hofmann , Horst Sievert , Predrag Matic ,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Seckbacher Landstrasse 65 60389 Frankfurt, Germany; E: info@cvcfrankfurt.de,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Seckbacher Landstrasse 65 60389 Frankfurt, Germany; E: info@cvcfrankfurt.de,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Seckbacher Landstrasse 65 60389 Frankfurt, Germany; E: info@cvcfrankfurt.de,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Seckbacher Landstrasse 65 60389 Frankfurt, Germany; E: info@cvcfrankfurt.de,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Seckbacher Landstrasse 65 60389 Frankfurt, Germany; E: info@cvcfrankfurt.de,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Seckbacher Landstrasse 65 60389 Frankfurt, Germany; E: info@cvcfrankfurt.de,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Seckbacher Landstrasse 65 60389 Frankfurt, Germany; E: info@cvcfrankfurt.de,   CardioVascular Center, Frankfurt, Seckbacher Landstrasse 65 60389 Frankfurt, Germany; E: info@cvcfrankfurt.de
Published: June 2015

Paravalvular leak (PVL) is a seldomly covered aspect of structural heart disease. However, this is a condition that frequently presents after valvular replacement. This article will cover the diagnosising and treating PVL (i.e. imaging, access, and device selection). In addition, specific aspects of aortic and mitral PVL closure will be covered in this review.
Integrating Physiology into the DNA of Coronary Revascularisation – A Historical Perspective, Contemporary Review and Blueprint for the Future of Coronary Physiology
Authors: Sayan Sen , Justin Davies ,   International Centre for Circulatory Health, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, 59–61 North Wharf Road, London W2 1LA UK. E: sayan.sen@imperial.ac.uk,   International Centre for Circulatory Health, National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, 59–61 North Wharf Road, London W2 1LA UK. E: sayan.sen@imperial.ac.uk
Published: June 2015

The clinical and economic benefits of physiologically guided revascularisation have been demonstrated, yet its clinical adoption remains unacceptably low. Recently, new indices of stenosis severity have been introduced that aim to improve adoption by circumventing the limitations of existing indices. The most validated of these new indices is the instantaneous wave-free ratio (iFR). This review will describe the physiological basis of this index, how it avoids the problems of existing indices such as fractional flow reserve (FFR) and the clinical validation studies of iFR to date. We will then describe a novel use of iFR, which has the potential to transform the use of physiology in the catheter lab and finally integrate physiology into the DNA of coronary revascularisation.
Vascular Access and Chronic Total Occlusion Angioplasty
Authors: David Smith , Ahmed Hailan , Alexander Chase ,   Dr D Smith, Consultant Cardiologist, Regional Cardiac Centre, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, SA6 6NL, UK E: dave.smith@wales.nhs.uk,   Dr D Smith, Consultant Cardiologist, Regional Cardiac Centre, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, SA6 6NL, UK E: dave.smith@wales.nhs.uk,   Dr D Smith, Consultant Cardiologist, Regional Cardiac Centre, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, SA6 6NL, UK E: dave.smith@wales.nhs.uk
Published: June 2015

The hybrid algorithim approach, together with innovative new technologies, has lead to increased interest in chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and increasing procedural success rates. Unlike non-CTO PCI, there is an increased rate of femoral access. When considering arterial access in CTO PCI, a balance is needed between anticipated procedural difficulty, planned CTO strategy and the desire to minimise the risk of vascular access-related complications. We review the evidence for best practice with respect to femoral puncture technique and also assess the technologies and techniques available to place larger inner diameter catheters into the radial artery.
Avoiding Coronary Occlusion and Root Rupture in TAVI – The Role of Pre-procedural Imaging and Prosthesis Selection
Authors: Barbanti Barbanti ,   Marco Barbanti, Division of Cardiology–Ferrarotto Hospital, University of Catania, Italy. E: mbarbanti83@gmail.com
Published: June 2015

Coronary occlusion and rupture of the aortic root or annulus remain two major concerns of transcatheter aortic valve implantation technique. Despite their relatively low frequency they raised the interest of the scientific community as they carry an extremely poor prognosis. Prosthesis type and size selection is part of the patient selection process that allows the operator to prevent these complications. In this article, the techniques used either during pre-TAVI screening or during the procedure itself to avoid coronary occlusion and aortic rupture will be discussed.
Permanent Pacemaker Implantation after TAVR – Predictors and Impact on Outcomes
Authors: Marcel Weber , Jan-Malte Sinning , Christoph Hammerstingl , Nikos Werner , Eberhard Grube , Georg Nickenig ,   Marcel Weber, Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Pulmonology and Angiology, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str.25, 53105 Bonn, Germany; E: marcel.weber@ukb.uni-bonn.de,   Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Pulmonology and Angiology, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str.25, 53105 Bonn, Germany; E: marcel.weber@ukb.uni-bonn.de,   Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Pulmonology and Angiology, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str.25, 53105 Bonn, Germany; E: marcel.weber@ukb.uni-bonn.de,   Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Pulmonology and Angiology, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str.25, 53105 Bonn, Germany; E: marcel.weber@ukb.uni-bonn.de,   Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Pulmonology and Angiology, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str.25, 53105 Bonn, Germany; E: marcel.weber@ukb.uni-bonn.de,   Department of Internal Medicine II, Cardiology, Pulmonology and Angiology, University Hospital Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str.25, 53105 Bonn, Germany; E: marcel.weber@ukb.uni-bonn.de
Published: June 2015

The number of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) worldwide is increasing steadily. Atrioventricular conduction disturbances, with or without the need for permanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation, are one of the most common adverse events after TAVR. Among transcatheter heart valves (THV), rates of conduction abnormalities vary from less than 10 % to more than 50 %. Depending on the reported data referred to, historical data showed that up to one-third of the patients required implantation of a PPM following TAVR. Although generally considered as a minor complication, PPM may have a profound impact on prognosis and quality of life after TAVR. Current data support the hypothesis that conduction abnormalities leading to pacemaker dependency result from mechanical compression of the conduction system by the prosthesis stent frame and individual predisposing conduction defects such as right bundle-branch block (RBBB). With several large randomised trials and registry studies having been published recently and second generation THV having been introduced, the debate about predictors for pacemaker implantation and their impact on outcome after TAVR is still ongoing.
Heat shock protein 70 and nitric oxide concentrations in non-tumorous and neoplastic canine mammary tissues: preliminary results – Short communication
Authors: Szczubiał Marek , Urban-Chmiel Renata , Łopuszyński Wojciech
Published: June 2015

The concentrations of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and nitric oxide ions (NO), measured as nitrite, were determined in canine mammary tumours and nontumorous mammary gland tissues. The concentrations of Hsp70 and NO were significantly higher in both benign and malignant tumours than in non-tumorous mammary tissues. Hsp70 concentration decreased with the increase in the grade of histological malignancy. A strong positive correlation was found between the concentrations of Hsp70 and NO in the benign tumours as well as in grade I and grade II malignant tumours. The results indicate that the process of neoplastic transformation in the canine mammary gland is related to a significant increase in Hsp70 and NO concentration in tumour tissues, and an interdependence between Hsp70 and nitrite ion production can be observed.
Vascular lesions and pneumonia in a pig fetus infected by porcine circovirus type 2
Authors: Szeredi Levente , Cságola Attila , Dán Ádám , Dencső László
Published: June 2015

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) associated reproductive disease was diagnosed in a herd containing only gilts. A single case of abortion occurred and no other disorder was evident in the herd. PCV2 antigen and/or DNA were detected in two aborted fetuses. One of the fetuses, revealing both PCV2 DNA and antigen, presented multinucleated giant cells, severe vascular lesions (intramural oedema, fibrinoid necrosis, mild lympho-histiocytic vasculitis, fibrin thrombi) and mild non-suppurative inflammation in the lungs. Other abortifacient infections were not found. This is the only report of PCV2-induced abortion in Hungary since 1999, when PCV2-associated disease was first discovered in the country.