bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Cooperative Collection Development in the Illinois Library and Information Network
Authors: McClarren Robert R.
Published: November 2014

Under the Illinois Library System Act, the head librarians of the University of Illinois, Southern Illinois University, Chicago Public, and Illinois State Libraries, with the Chairman, Illinois State Library Advisory Committee, serve as the Research and Reference Center Committee. The R & R Committee's first duty in encouraging and in making available adequate library research and reference facilities for the residents of Illinois is “to develop long range acquisition policies to strengthen the existing collections and to avoid unnecessary duplication.” To this end, a subcommittee, broadly representative of the Illinois library community, was appointed late in 1975 with specific charge to identify unmet needs of the Illinois library and information network and to make recommendations to identify or to develop collections to meet these needs. The Subcommittee's report, accepted by the parent committee in February, 1977, follows. The R & R Committee directed that the report be distributed widely to library systems and to other appropriate groups in the state and that their consideration and response be aggressively sought, supported, and encouraged before the casting and adoption of the plan, the determination of priorities, and the implementation of the grand design. This plan is now before the Illinois library community for preview, with the anticipation that it will provoke the thought, reaction, and action vitally necessary to make it a vehicle for the continuance of the state's record of dynamic library development.
Two Aspects of Rocket Flight
Authors: Macmillan R.H.
Published: November 2014

THIS article presents some results of theoretical research carried out by the author, based on work begun in 1946 when he was, for a time, concerned with rocket ballistics. It serves to amplify part of the theory given by R. C. Knight (Math. Gazette, Vol. 32, No. 300, July 1948, pp. 187–194). The two sections which follow are entirely separate; the first concerns the stability of spinning rockets and the second the potentialities of multi‐stage rockets. Acknowledgment is due to the Chief Scientist, Ministry of Supply, for permission to communicate this paper.
The Library Shelf
Authors: L.H.
Published: November 2014

Reviewing this Standard from the viewpoint of the aircraft engineer, one is immediately conscious of the fact that much of the subject matter does not come within his province. A discreet silence is therefore observed on the notes concerning qualitative tolerances on machined parts. This is, however, only one of a comprehensive range of subjects which have been gathered together under the heading of ‘Dimensioning and Tolerancing’. Any attempt, such as this, to standardize the method of dimensioning an engineering drawing, merits the serious attention of the designer and the production engineer. At the moment, much time, money and raw material is wasted because of the failure of the designer and the manufacturer to understand one another completely, through the medium of the blueprint. In these days of world trade, and more particularly in time of war, oceans and continents may separate these two ends of the production line. If correspondence or personal visits between them are necessary to straighten out manufacturing problems, the drawing can be said to have failed in its purpose. Intelligent interpretation of this standard, by both parties, will remove many of the present difficulties.
Analytical Propeller Balance
Authors: Tung S.Y.
Published: November 2014

WE have used several methods to balance propellers analytically in order to avoid the cut‐and‐try method now commonly adopted in the practical field. The method described here has been employed in the propeller shop of C.A.T.C. in China and found applicable in the following cases:
Gas Turbine Combustion Efficiency Calculations
Authors: Withers J.G.
Published: November 2014

THE alternative definitions of combustion efficiency based on the ratio of actual to theoretical heat releases and of theoretical to actual fuel requirements are discussed in relation to the practical need for reckoning enthalpies above a datum temperature. Empirical expressions are obtained which enable the enthalpies of the reactants and the products of combustion to be calculated to an adequate standard of accuracy. The appropriate heat of combustion of the fuel is defined and the effect of temperature examined. The difference in calculated efficiencies obtainable from the alternative definitions are then determined under extreme conditions, and a practical formula developed. Finally, experimental errors in combustion efficiency determination are examined for both the heat balance and gas analysis techniques.
Circular Plates of Non‐Uniform Thickness
Authors: Gittleman W.
Published: November 2014

THIS paper presents an approximate method of stressing circular plates of non‐uniform thickness subjected to symmetrical lateral loading. Although exact solutions are available for plates of uniform thickness under various types of loading, solutions for plates of non‐uniform thickness have been obtained for only a few special instances. Generally, the problem does not admit of an exact solution, but the approximate method described here, which is similar to the well‐known ‘sum and difference’ method for rotating disks, is capable of a high degree of accuracy.
Production Engineering, Administration and Management
Authors: Connolly J.V.
Published: November 2014

6.51 Work Measurement is sometimes used as a new and more popular term for ‘time study’. In this chapter it will be used to cover a wider field, which, while it includes ‘time study’, will have a considerably broader meaning. Productivity, both national and that of the individual factory and shop, methods study and motion study, all have the right (and an equal right) to be considered under the heading of Work Measurement, together with time study as commonly known and practised. Rate fixing, which is an immature form of time study, has also many of the elements which justify its inclusion under this heading, and some mention of Job Evaluation must be made. Fig. 16 is a general schematic diagram indicating where some of the above‐mentioned measurements lie in relation to one another. No serious attempt has been made in this diagram to indicate correct scales or proportions, but enough has been shown to indicate that the area to which time study can be applied is at the base of a complicated pyramid and that its influence is of the same order as that of a tributary to a main stream.
Moment of Resistance of Beams Stressed Beyond the Elastic Limit
Authors: Ish Horowicz M.
Published: November 2014

MOST previous methods for predicting moments of resistance of beams subjected to pure bending beyond the limit of proportionality involve somewhat complicated and cumbersome calculations and are usually confined to specific materials and cross‐sections.
An Application of the Three‐Moment Equation
Authors: Ayers K.B.
Published: November 2014

MOST readers will be familiar with the ‘Mirrored Beam’ method of using the Three‐Moment Equation for ‘Built‐in’ beams. The following method is somewhat similar but has the added advantage that it can be applied also to beams whose ends are elastically restrained or have a fixed slope.
Air‐conditioning for Aircraft Cabins
Authors: Tourret R. , Winter E.F.
Published: November 2014

AS air is a compressible fluid, a decrease of pressure occurs with increase of altitude (FIG. 1.) This change gives rise to anoxia or altitude sickness (due to lack of oxygen), expansion of the gas in ear or abdomen and ‘bends’ or decompression sickness. For these reasons (and also because of the low temperature and humidity) it is necessary to protect passengers intending to fly at high altitudes by placing them in a special cabin in which a suitable pressurized atmosphere can be maintained.
Torsional Column Strength of Thinned‐Walled Open Sections
Authors: Malik I.M.K.
Published: November 2014

THE torsional instability of a column is most likely to occur with open‐section columns such as channels and Z‐sections as they are very inefficient in resisting torsion. For calculating the torsional strength of open‐section columns there is a general lack of information and few experimental checks on predicted values are available.
Still‐Air Range in the Stratosphere
Authors: Carline A.J.K.
Published: November 2014

A method is given for calculating rapidly and accurately, by the use of charts (Figs. 1–3), the still‐air range performance of jet‐propelled aircraft operating completely above the tropopause. Simple rules arc also derived in Section 3 for estimating the effect of small changes in certain parameters for use when a design is largely stabilized. Table I summarizes these rules by showing percentage changes in all‐up weight, fuel weight, mean cruising height, etc., for a given percentage change in other parameters, keeping certain other quantities constant. Appendix I shows the error involved by using an approximate rather than the accurate formula for estimating range. (See Section 3.) For simplification, the mean cruising height (defined as the height at which the aircraft weight is a mean between that at the beginning and that at the end of the cruising flight) is calculated, rather than the height over the target (i.e. half range height). Appendix II discusses the difference between the two heights. A typical range performance problem is worked out in Appendix III showing how the tables and charts arc used. Appendix IV gives some useful properties of that part of the I.C.A.N. standard atmosphere extending from the tropopause to 70,000 ft.
Electronic Flash Photography
Authors: Aspden R.L
Published: November 2014

THE last decade has seen great progress in the development of the electronic flash tube and there are today few scientific or engineering projects which do not employ the tube as a high‐speed photographic light source to secure data which cannot otherwise be obtained. Aeronautical research is no exception; the technique of flash photography was accelerated during the war years, both in this country and America, primarily to meet the many and varied problems which arise in aircraft engineering.
The Analysis of Fuselage Frames
Authors: Morse William
Published: November 2014

The work involved in solving certain fixed‐fixed arch problems can be considerably reduced by adopting the classic centre method.
The Helicopter in Free Ground Vibration
Authors: Saravanos B.
Published: November 2014

A theoretical approach is presented with the object of determining the natural frequencies and hub characteristics of a single‐rotor helicopter in free ground vibration for use in the analysis of self‐excited mechanical oscillations of hinged rotor blades. The method is intended to obviate the experimental determination of these parameters, a technique which necessitates the construction of the helicopter before its vibrational features can be explored.
The airline that knows what maintenance is all about
Authors: Garbett G.H.
Published: November 2014

ANYONE ENGAGED in aircraft engineering who has visited the Air Canada maintenance base at Montreal to observe the layout, equipment and operating system will have bound to come away greatly impressed with the facilities and efficiency of the plant. In the writer's opinion it is one of the most advanced airline maintenance bases in the world.
The Queen's University of Belfast
Authors: D
Published: November 2014

AT the present time The Queen's University of Belfast has nine faculties and 670 full‐time teachers. The total student population of 6385 includes 4898 full‐time undergradduates and 632 full‐time postgraduates.
Autopilot for British Airways
Authors: Ford T.E.
Published: November 2014

THE Super One‐Eleven aircraft of the European Division of British Airways, currently have the ability to operate in Cat 2 conditions (RVR down to 400 metres and decision heights down to 100 ft). They are equipped with a Marconi‐Elliot auto‐pilot which is an extension of the basic E2000 fitted to all but the earliest production One‐Elevens. This auto‐pilot owes its origin to the well‐proven Bendix PB20D which for the 200 Series, was developed and optimised to suit the characteristics of the aircraft and at the same time looked ahead to future lower weather minima operations.
Safety or Silence
Authors: Ford Terence E.
Published: November 2014

The papers presented at the biennial Convention of the Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers had two broad themes concerned with noise abatement — ‘Understanding the problem’ and ‘The way ahead’. The former opened with a consideration of the legal and social aspects of the aircraft noise problem, which have to be reconciled with safe navigation. Three possible radical cures have been considered: quieten the aircraft; take the aircraft away from the people; or the people away from the aircraft. Restrictions on night movements and quieter engines all help, but more forward planning at airports would be of great assistance.
COMPETITIVENESS OF PRODUCT, FIRM, INDUSTRY, AND NATION IN A GLOBAL BUSINESS
Authors: Chang Moon H. , Peery Newman S.
Published: November 2014

Competitiveness is often confused with productivity. Productivity refers to the internal capability of an organization, while competitiveness refers to the relative position of an organization against its competitors. These two important concepts are often confused and interchangeably used. For example, in his famous book, The Competitive Advantage of Nations. Porter (1990, p. 6) says that the only meaningful concept of competitiveness at the national level is national productivity. Competitiveness may also have a distinctly different meaning at different levels of analysis — product, firm, industry, and nation. Porter (1990, p. 33) says that the basic unit of analysis for understanding competition is the “industry,” while the title of his book refers to “nations.” He also says that firms, not nations, compete in international markets.
TOWARDS A THEORY OF SPIRITUALITY IN THE WORKPLACE
Authors: Amin Mohamed A. , Wisnieski Joette , Askar  , Syed
Published: November 2014

In spite of the importance of spirituality and the attention given to it by the media, research on the impact of spirituality in the workplace has been lacking. This paper attempts to stimulate academic interest in the topic by reviewing some of the management and psychology literature on spirituality. The paper takes a few steps towards resolving some of the definitional problems, and advances some preliminary propositions on the relationship between spirituality and job performance and behavior.
THE TRANSFER PRICING DECISION PROCESS FOR MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS
Authors: Rae Bateman Connie , Herndon Neil C. , Fraedrich John P.
Published: November 2014

This paper represents a discussion of transfer pricing (TP). Key factors are identified and propositions developed from tax accounting and other perspectives. Stages of the TP decision process are identified along with the critical factors directly affecting sales and a TP audit. Propositions are derived which show relationships among these variables and tax rates, competition, and TP methodologies. Finally, academic research implications are suggested.
LIBRARY RESOURCES OF BRISTOL AND THE SOUTH‐WEST
Authors: KENT F.L.
Published: November 2014

The area covered by the South‐Western Regional Library System comprises nine counties: Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Oxfordshire, Somerset, and Wiltshire. Had it been possible simply to assume that any area containing the University of Oxford must necessarily possess almost infinite library resources, local library problems might safely have been left to solve themselves and this paper could have been brought to an abrupt end forthwith. But neither the Bodleian nor the college, departmental and other special libraries of the University can fairly be described as forming part of the library resources of the south‐west; Oxford is on the extreme edge of the area and its libraries, in so far as their use is not confined to members of the university, are manifestly of national and not regional importance and scope. It is, therefore, entirely reasonable that the recent important amendment to the Bodleian rules which permits the loan of non‐copyright material from the Radcliffe Science Library should have stipulated that such loans be negotiated through the National Central Library and not through the Regional Bureau. The presence within the Region, however, of one of the world's greatest libraries confers inestimable benefits on all who find themselves within tolerably easy reach of it, and the Bodleian has always been generous in assisting librarians in the south‐west. For the purposes of this paper it would be as futile to attempt to describe the Bodleian and the other Oxford libraries in a few sentences as it would be preposterous to omit all mention of them, and it has therefore seemed best thus briefly to assess their position at the outset before passing to a description of the resources and problems of the Region as ordinarily understood.
GOVERNMENT INDEXES AND INDEXING
Authors: HORROCKS SIDNEY
Published: November 2014

The field of Government publishing is a wide one, albeit there are fewer signposts to guide the uninitiated than in any other branch of the publishing world. I, therefore, propose to take as my principal theme a survey of those bibliographical aids which contribute to a better appreciation of Government publications and which help us to cope in some measure with the enquiries which beset us as part of our normal daily routine. In doing this I am fully aware that at the Aslib Conference last year, Mr. W. Cox, of H.M.S.O., covered much of this ground and dealt with it with an authority I cannot claim. When I read his paper, I was struck by the amount of detail he compressed into it, but I had the feeling that his presentation was too one‐sided. He, quite naturally, spoke from the official side, the publisher‐angle—today I want to approach the field of Government publishing from the user‐angle.
The ROLE OF The BRITISH NATIONAL BIBLIOGRAPHY IN The APPLICATION OF COMPUTERS TO PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEMS
Authors: WELLS A.J.
Published: November 2014

Two papers this morning, both putting the public library point of view, have thrown doubt on the wisdom of using a central cataloguing agency, such as the British National Bibliography, in local library computer systems. Miss Johnson discussed four or five difficulties which she thought would militate against a national central agency, though she seemed to think that a regional central agency might not suffer from these difficulties, while Mr Maidment declared that it was easier to make local arrangements to meet local requirements than to try to integrate local systems with a national or perhaps international organization.
SELECTIVE DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION USING A KDF9 COMPUTER
Authors: ANTHONY L.J. , CARPENTER D.H. , CHENEY A.G.
Published: November 2014

Many libraries in research organizations and in industry operate current awareness services of one kind or another, ranging from the circulation of copies of periodicals to the publication of information bulletins and the personal notification of items of interest to individuals. In the latter case the subject interests of users are recorded and the information staff, when scanning the incoming literature, use these records to match users' interests to documentary input.
GENERAL DISCUSSION
Authors: ANTHONY CHAIRMAN: L.J.
Published: November 2014

Miss B.H.J. Sants (British Petroleum) said that the speakers had mentioned progressive ladders of promotion, but in most library and information units the staff were divided into professional and non‐professional staff. How did the platform suggest that by pursuing a policy of training aimed at developing the individual's talents one could continue to motivate by job‐satisfaction when the opportunities for promotion were bound to be limited?
SIMULATION OF BIPOLAR TRANSPORT IN SEMICONDUCTOR P‐N JUNCTIONS USING THE GENERALIZED HYDRODYNAMIC EQUATIONS
Authors: Hamza Mohammad , Morel H. , Chante J.P.
Published: November 2014

A full consistent discretization scheme of the improved carrier density, momentum‐ and energy‐conservation equations is presented. The carrier heat flux as well as the convection and recombination terms are considered. The convection terms are averaged and then the differential constitutive relations of the current density and the energy flux are solved. The proposed discretization scheme generalizes the Scharfetter‐Gummel (S‐G) difference approximation to the generalized hydrodynamic model (HDM). On the basis of this scheme the hydrodynamic equations (HDE's) are solved for both electrons and holes. The transport of hot carriers in the p‐i‐n diode is investigated over a large scale of biasing values. The electric field distribution is not severely purturbed by the hot electron effects up to the medium biasing range. However, the minority carrier distribution is significantly affected by the carrier temperature‐gradients near the space‐charge‐regions. The minority carriers that are diffused to the edge of depleted regions are heated and if the carrier temperature gradient is sufficiently strong they diffuse back to the neutral cold region rather than to be captured by the electric field as known from the standard DDM theory.
INVERSE MODELLING OF AMORPHOUS SILICON SOLAR CELL TIME‐OF‐FLIGHT TRANSIENTS
Authors: Buykx A.A. , Wentinck H.M. , Crans W. , Metselaar J.W.
Published: November 2014

For the extraction of transport parameters from Time‐of‐Flight (TOF) measurements a simulation and optimization program was developed that uses the principle of Inverse Modelling. The model describing the physical transport processes in an amorphous device is discussed as well as the implementation of the simulator in the dataprocessor and optimization driver PROFILE. As an example a simulation of TOF measurements at an amorphous p‐i‐n solar cell is shown.
MAGNETIC FIELD ANALYSIS IN SHADED‐POLE TYPE INDUCTION MOTOR
Authors: Matsubara T. , Ishihara Y. , Kitamura S. , Inoue Y.
Published: November 2014

Shaded‐pole type induction motors are simple structure, strongly‐built and low cost since they have no condensers. Therefore they are used generally in cooling fans in the devices around computers etc., even though they are of low efficiency due to the power loss in the shading coils.
AIR‐GAP FIELD ANALYSIS AND DETERMINATION OF TORQUE OSCILLATIONS IN THE ASYNCHRONOUS MACHINE
Authors: BRUDNY J.F. , DELARUE Ph. , NOTELET F.
Published: November 2014

The torque harmonics generated by asynchronous machine slotting are essentially linked to air‐gap permeance variations due to the rotor rotation. These variations lead to machine inductance coefficient fluctuations which are at the begining of torque harmonics. So the problem consists to determine the permeance variation law as well as for its mean value that for its “harmonics”. The aim of this study is to end at analytical expressions which allow to calculate the torque harmonic magnitudes whatever the considered machine. In consequence the numerical methods (e.g. finite element method) are not appropriated because their implementation considering the rotation will be too long and, in the other hand, they only permit, from calculus results, to estimate this permeance variation law. To resolve this problem by analytical way this law must be characterized by a simple expression. That leads the authors to translate the complex phenomena, linked to the field line repartition in the slotting, by simple laws applied to a fictitious slot model. After presenting the selected model to characterize the slots, the authors introduce the angle per unit permeance notion which permits to make clear the air gap permeance variation law in function of rotor rotation. The experimental verifications which relate to inductance coefficients and torque harmonics permit to validate these permeance variation law and in consequence the selected fictitious slot model. The evolution of these quantities in function of the magnetic field magnitude inside the machine permits the authors to propose a fictitious slot model evolution law which can take the saturation into account.
THE FEM ANALYSIS OF NONSYMETRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT FORCES AND FIELDS IN THE WINDOW OF CONVERTOR TRANSFORMER
Authors: Napieralska Juszczak Ewa , Michał
Published: November 2014

The paper describes the simulation of a short circuit of one diode in a three‐phase convertor set connected to a 2 winding transformer. The forcing currents are computed with the circuit simulation method. The circuit — field model is solved with the finite‐element method. In the paper is presented the distribution of flux lines and values of short circuit forces (strains) solved during one period every 15 degrees in the window of the convertor transformer. This approach to dynamic phenomena using the method presented has not yet been applied to short circuit research in transformers.
THE INCLUSION OF A FINITE CAPTURE TIME IN NUMERICAL DEVICE SIMULATION
Authors: Gault M. , Matsuura H. , Furuya K. , Mawby P. , Towers M.S.
Published: November 2014

A new quantum effect device which is capable of highly coherent electron emission is theoretically proposed and analysed. The new device works by using the potential induced accumulation layer at a heterointerface to produce dimensionally reduced electrons. These electrons tunnel through a heterobarrier ensuring that their energy is quantised in the direction of propagation. To avoid the problem of unquantised three dimensional electrons dominating the current the two dimensional electrons that tunnel through the barrier are replenished by electrons from two side contacts. A self‐consistent model is used to analyse the performance of the device and it is found that the new device performs very well, producing electrons with a very narrow energy spread in the direction of propagation. The current density/coherency combination is easily controlled by the applied bias and the device also offers the potential for ultra fast switching through the transition between coherent and incoherent states.
TRIBOLOGY AT FULMER
Authors: Waterman N.A. , Atkinson I.B. , Cash D.A. , Hayman C. , Larson C.
Published: November 2014

Tribological problems, in common with most other technological problems, are normally solved by one of two methods—1. By the application of existing knowledge. 2. By a research and development programme. The first method, on grounds of speed and economy, is usually the first to be tried and requires the means of characterizing the friction, wear, or lubrication problem, a broad knowledge of the possible alternative solutions and the necessary experience to identify the most cost effective solution. Where no technically satisfactory solution exists or where the solution is economically unattractive, a more basic approach is necessary. Although it can be said that a change of design can have the greatest influence on tribological problems in many instances constraints on change will only permit materials or lubricant substitution or possibly the application of a surface coating. In these instances the tribological problem becomes one of materials development. Examples of the solution of tribological problems by both methods are presented in this paper. They are taken from work recently carried out or presently in progress at the Fulmer Research Institute.
Microbial degradation of marine lubricating oils
Authors: KING R.A. , McKEHZIE P.
Published: November 2014

OVER the past two years, ten vessels on intercontinental routes have been examined and found to have suffered varying degrees of microbiological deterioration of the main engine lubricating oil. In one case, the emulsification of the oil had caused severe corrosion, necessitating a crankshaft regrind. In several cases the oil was unsuitable for further use and had to be discarded. The paper briefly outlines the mechanism of oil degradation by micro‐organisms and reports practical experience of the types and origin of organisms found in affected ships and the appearance of the oil and bearing surfaces suffering this form of attack. Practical recommendations are given for identification of the problem at the early stages and tested methods used to eliminate the bacterial infection are discussed.
The Renminbi Yuan and its Accelerating Global Clout
Authors: Das Dilip K.
Published: November 2014

An impassioned debate has been on in the academic and policy circles regarding the undervaluation of the renminbi (RMB) yuan. This issue has emerged as one of the most contentious and thought‐provoking in the discipline of international finance. That it is undervalued is widely acknowledged. With China's emergence as an economic superpower of the future, this debate no doubt has considerable merit and ramifications. This article looks sang froid at its undervaluation, 2005 revaluation and when should the RMB yuan be further appreciated. As the Chinese economy picks up further growth momentum, the currency appreciation is expected to accelerate. This article also examines the implications of further appreciation of the RMB yuan on the Chinese and Asian economies as well as its plausible impact over the bilateral imbalances between China and US economy.
Analyzing the Sustainability of India's Current Account Position Following the Reforms of the Early 1990s
Authors: Sohrabji Niloufer
Published: November 2014

Following the 1991 crisis, India undertook reforms that liberalized trade and investment. India faced current account deficits for most of the period following these reforms. This paper analyzes sustainability of India's current account position over the last decade using the intertemporal solvency model of Hakkio and Rush and Husted. In this theoretical framework, the intertemporal solvency constraint is satisfied if there is cointegration between inflows and outflows of the current account. This paper finds cointegration between the series when allowing for a structural break using the Gregory and Hansen procedure. Dynamic generalized least squares (GLS) estimation shows a strong relation between India's current account inflows and outflows. On the basis of the empirical results, this paper concludes that there has been an improvement in trade patterns and despite experiencing deficits, India's current account position is sustainable.
Risk factors for delayed gastric emptying after pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Chong Charing Ching‐Ning , Lee Kit‐Fai , Ip Philip Ching‐Tak , Liu Shirley Yuk‐Wah , Chan Micah Chi‐King , Cheung Yue‐Sun , Wong John , Lai Paul Bo‐San
Published: November 2014

Aim

Evaluation of the prevalence of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) post‐operatively is thwarted by an inconsistency in DGE definition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the incidence and underlying risk factors of DGE after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), employing the International Group of Pancreatic Surgery (ISGPS) consensus definition.

Patients and Methods

Patient demographics, operative details, clinical course and pathology of 95 consecutive patients who underwent PD at a tertiary academic institution were analysed.

Results

The overall incidence of DGE was 32.6 per cent, and those of grades A, B and C were 18.9 per cent, 5.3 per cent and 8.4 per cent, respectively. DGE was associated with longer post‐operative length of stay (17 days vs 13 days, P = 0.016). With increasing DGE severity, there was a statistically‐significant increase in the presence of post‐operative pancreatic fistula greater than grade A (P = 0.033) and the post‐operative length of stay (P = 0.020). Post‐operative pleural effusion (P = 0.020) and increased number of lymph nodes resected (P = 0.014) are significant independent risk factors for DGE.

Conclusions

The ISGPS definition and grading systems for DGE are applicable and correlate well with clinical course. An association between more extensive lymphatic dissection and DGE is noted.
Superior mesenteric artery first approach with first jejunal vein‐oriented mesenteric excision in pancreatoduodenectomy
Authors: Ohtsuka Takao , Nakamura Masafumi , Tanaka Masao
Published: November 2014

The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) first approach prior to the isolation of the portal vein (PV)/superior mesenteric vein (SMV) from the pancreatoduodenal region during pancreatoduodenectomy was introduced to reduce blood loss due to congestion caused by the PV/SMV first approach. There are several SMA first approaches: the mesenteric approach for pancreatic head cancer and the anterior approach for other periampullary diseases are usually employed at our institution. In these approaches, identification of the first jejunal vein is a critical step to determine the optimal area for lymph node dissection along the SMA (mesoduodenum), and to identify the starting point of the SMA first approach to insulate the flow of the inferior pancreatoduodenal artery. We herein describe our SMA first approach with first jejunal vein‐oriented mesenteric excision during pancreatoduodenectomy.
Reintroduction objectives, decisions and outcomes: global perspectives from the herpetofauna
Authors: Ewen J. G. , Soorae P. S. , Canessa S.
Published: November 2014

Reintroductions and other conservation translocations are an important but often controversial form of wildlife management. Some authors have suggested the low success rates may reflect poor planning and decision‐making. In this study, we used examples of herpetofaunal reintroductions, published in four volumes of the IUCN's Reintroduction Specialist Group Global Perspectives in Reintroduction Biology, to identify the objectives set by reintroduction practitioners, the indicators of success they choose and the types of difficulties they encounter. We found objectives focused on target species, but also on broader ecological objectives, such as ecosystem restoration, and social and economic aims. Practitioners reported high success rates: however, these referred to a mixture of general objectives, reflecting the fundamental aims of programmes, and technical aspects, such as developing husbandry protocols, that are important only as stepping stones for broader objectives. In some cases, important objectives were not assigned relevant indicators, thus making assessment impossible. Non‐biological aspects such as funding dynamics were the most important source of difficulties; however, they were not always openly recognized by assigning relevant objectives and indicators. We argue that the adoption of a more structured approach to decision‐making could help in addressing all these issues. In particular, we recommend that where possible, managers should clearly state all relevant objectives and constraints, and distinguish their respective relevance and importance. If such elements are not clearly defined a priori, planning and assessing reintroductions can become difficult or even impossible, increasing the risk of inefficient use of resources.
Evaluation of headstarting and release techniques for population augmentation and reintroduction of the smooth green snake
Authors: Sacerdote‐Velat A. B. , Earnhardt J. M. , Mulkerin D. , Boehm D. , Glowacki G.
Published: November 2014

Headstarting is a conservation technique for improving survival of species with high juvenile mortality by accelerating growth rate and increasing body size of captive‐born young. With reptiles, headstarts are often kept active year‐round to achieve body size goals and increase survival, omitting overwintering (brumation). As brumation is part of the life cycle of reptiles, there may be tradeoffs related to temperature response post‐release when reptiles are kept active. Upon release into habitats, reptiles are either soft released, where acclimation is provided with in situ enclosures, or hard released without acclimation, directly into habitat. Soft releases have resulted in greater survival and site fidelity than hard releases, but evaluations with snakes are rare. We used a comparative approach to examine effects of brumation versus year‐round activity on prerelease growth and survival of smooth green snake Opheodrys vernalis headstarts. We estimated short‐term post‐release daily survival rates of headstarts and compared movements of hard and soft released snakes. Despite decreases in body mass during brumation, prerelease body size, growth rate and survival did not differ among brumation treatments. Brumated headstarts exhibited rapid compensatory growth, attaining the size of active headstarts within 2 months of brumation. We observed qualitative evidence of reproductive potential in brumated snakes with the production of spermatozoa and unfertilized eggs, which was absent in active headstarts. The short‐term survival rate of all headstarts during post‐release tracking was 0.83 (±0.01), but we lacked power to examine differences in survival among release treatments. Daily movements did not differ among release treatments. Soft releases had slightly greater recaptures, facilitating monitoring. Although brumation comparisons produced equivalent prerelease growth and survival, as a precautionary measure for post‐release survival, we recommend incorporating brumation into headstarting efforts. While further study with other reptiles is warranted, we recommend a comparative framework in planning headstarting efforts with additional species.
TIMING OF LUMPY INVESTMENT, PRICING AND TECHNICAL PROGRESS
Authors: Brusco Sandro , Tarola Ornella , Trento Sandro
Published: November 2014

In equipment‐intensive sectors – such as water utilities, power generation, and gas – billions of dollars are spent in capital equipment. The nature of the investment is often lumpy: at some point a plant has to be replaced and a large investment is required. We characterize the dynamic optimal investment policy of profit‐maximizing and welfare‐maximizing firms. We first show that, when there is no technical progress, the duration of the plant is longer for a profit‐maximizing firm. We then consider technical progress leading to either capacity expansion or to operating costs reduction. We show that duration tends to increase when the installed capacity increases over time, while it tends to decrease when technical progress reduces operating costs, both for profit‐maximizing and welfare‐maximizing firms. Under some conditions, when capacity expands over time the duration of the plant is longer for a profit‐maximizing firm than for a welfare‐maximizing firm.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Two Opioid Agonist and Cav2.2 Blocker Multitarget Ligands
Authors: Mollica Adriano , Costante Roberto , Novellino Ettore , Stefanucci Azzurra , Pieretti Stefano , Zador Ferenc , Samavati Reza , Borsodi Anna , Benyhe Sándor , Vetter Irina , Lewis Richard J.
Published: November 2014

N‐type voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels (CaV2.2) are located at nerve endings in the central and peripheral nervous systems and are strongly associated with the pathological processes of cerebral ischaemia and neuropathic pain. CaV2.2 blockers such as the ω‐conotoxin MVIIA (Prialt) are analgesic and have opioid‐sparing effects. With the aim to develop new multitarget analgesic compounds, we designed the first ω‐conotoxin/opioid peptidomimetics based on the enkephalin‐like sequence Tyr‐D‐Ala‐Gly‐Phe (for the opioid portion) and two fragments derived from the loop‐2 pharmacophore of ω‐conotoxin MVIIA. Antinociceptive activity evaluated in vitro and in vivo revealed differential affinity for CaV2.2 and opioid receptors and no significant synergistic activity.
Immune modulation by a tolerogenic myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)10–60 containing fusion protein in the marmoset experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model
Authors: Kap Y S , van Driel N , Arends R , Rouwendal G , Verolin M , Blezer E , Lycke N , 't Hart B A
Published: November 2014

Current therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune neuroinflammatory disease, mostly target general cell populations or immune molecules, which may lead to a compromised immune system. A more directed strategy would be to re-enforce tolerance of the autoaggressive T cells that drive tissue inflammation and injury. In this study, we have investigated whether the course of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice and marmosets can be altered by a potent tolerizing fusion protein. In addition, a multi-parameter immunological analysis was performed in marmosets to assess whether the treatment induces modulation of EAE-associated cellular and humoral immune reactions. The fusion protein, CTA1R9K-hMOG10–60-DD, contains a mutated cholera toxin A1 subunit (CTA1R9K), a dimer of the Ig binding D region of Staphylococcus aureus protein A (DD), and the human myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (hMOG) sequence 10–60. We observed that intranasal application of CTA1R9K-hMOG10–60-DD seems to skew the immune response against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) towards a regulatory function. We show a reduced number of circulating macrophages, reduced MOG-induced expansion of mononuclear cells in peripheral blood, reduced MOG-induced production of interleukin (IL)-17A in spleen, increased MOG-induced production of IL-4 and IL-10 and an increased percentage of cells expressing programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and CC chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4). Nevertheless, the treatment did not detectably change the EAE course and pathology. Thus, despite a detectable effect on relevant immune parameters, the fusion protein failed to influence the clinical and pathological outcome of disease. This result warrants further development and improvement of this specifically targeted tolerance inducing therapy.
Quantitative CT measurements of small pulmonary vessels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: do they change on follow‐up scans?
Authors: Saruya Shinji , Matsuoka Shin , Yamashiro Tsuneo , Matsushita Shoichiro , Fujikawa Atsuko , Yagihashi Kunihiro , Kurihara Yasuyuki , Nakajima Yasuo
Published: November 2014

The aims of this study were to perform a longitudinal evaluation of the cross‐sectional area (CSA) of small pulmonary vessels and the extent of emphysema measured on computed tomography (CT) scans of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and to correlate the pulmonary vascular measurements with extent of emphysema. The institutional review board approved this retrospective study and waived the need for patients' informed consent. Seventy‐four patients with COPD who underwent both initial and follow‐up CT scans at an interval of ≥12 months were analysed. The CSA of small pulmonary vessels <5 mm2 was measured, and the percentage of total CSA of the area of the lung (%CSA<5) was calculated. The extent of emphysema was assessed as the percentage of low attenuation area (%LAA, <−950 Hounsfield units). Comparisons between initial and follow‐up measurements were performed using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test. The relationship between longitudinal changes in %CSA<5 and %LAA during the follow‐up period was assessed using the Spearman rank correlation. The %LAA increased significantly on follow‐up CT scans (P<0·0001). The %CSA<5 was slightly decreased on follow‐up scans, but the difference was not significant. Although longitudinal change in %LAA was positively correlated with duration of follow‐up period (ρ = 0·505, P<0·0001), longitudinal change in %CSA<5 was not. In conclusion, there was a progressive increase in the extent of emphysema over time, but no significant decrease in the CSA of small pulmonary vessels over the same time period.
The diagnostic performance of cardiac magnetic resonance in detection of myocardial involvement in AL amyloidosis
Authors: Fikrle Michal , Palecek Tomas , Masek Martin , Kuchynka Petr , Straub Jan , Spicka Ivan , Rysava Romana , Linhart Ales
Published: November 2014

Background

The non‐invasive assessment of amyloid heart disease may be challenging. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) represents a method of choice for assessment of left ventricular (LV) morphology and function, and it also provides a unique possibility to evaluate the presence of amyloid deposition by the late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) technique. However, so far, published studies have not been consistent in terms of described LGE patterns associated with amyloid cardiomyopathy.

Aims

To compare echocardiographic and CMR assessment of LV morphology and function and to evaluate the presence and pattern of LGE in a population of patients with AL amyloid cardiomyopathy.

Methods

Twenty‐two consecutive patients with newly diagnosed AL amyloid cardiomyopathy and without contraindications to CMR were comprehensively examined by echocardiography and CMR.

Results

Echocardiography and CMR did not differ in the evaluation of interventricular septal thickness, LV end‐diastolic diameter and ejection fraction. Significant differences were found between echocardiographic and CMR estimates of LV end‐diastolic volume (P<0·01) and LV mass (P<0·001). Various global LGE patterns (transmural homogenous or heterogeneous, subendocardial) were present in 17 patients (77%), patchy LGE was observed in one case (4·5%) and suboptimal nulling of the myocardium was reported in two subjects (9%).

Conclusions

Echocardiography significantly overestimates LV mass and underestimates LV volumes in patients with AL amyloid cardiomyopathy as compared to CMR. As it is present in more than three quarters of individuals with AL amyloid cardiomyopathy, any type of global LGE pattern may be considered as pathogenomic for amyloid heart disease.
Self‐employed But Looking: A Labour Market Experiment
Authors: Koellinger Philipp D. , Mell Julija N. , Pohl Irene , Roessler Christian , Treffers Theresa
Published: November 2014

We examine whether having previously been self‐employed is a negative signal on the job market. In a UK field experiment where two applications of otherwise equally qualified individuals were sent out in response to the same vacancies in human resource management, we find that entrepreneurs systematically receive fewer responses than non‐entrepreneurs. Empirical studies that treat market wages as the opportunity cost of remaining self‐employed are therefore likely to overestimate alternative earnings to entrepreneurship.
Increased adult hippocampal neurogenesis is not necessary for wheel running to abolish conditioned place preference for cocaine in mice
Authors: Mustroph M. L. , Merritt J. R. , Holloway A. L. , Pinardo H. , Miller D. S. , Kilby C. N. , Bucko P. , Wyer A. , Rhodes J. S.
Published: November 2014

Recent evidence suggests that wheel running can abolish conditioned place preference (CPP) for cocaine in mice. Running significantly increases the number of new neurons in the hippocampus, and new neurons have been hypothesised to enhance plasticity and behavioral flexibility. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that increased neurogenesis was necessary for exercise to abolish cocaine CPP. Male nestin–thymidine kinase transgenic mice were conditioned with cocaine, and then housed with or without running wheels for 32 days. Half of the mice were fed chow containing valganciclovir to induce apoptosis in newly divided neurons, and the other half were fed standard chow. For the first 10 days, mice received daily injections of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) to label dividing cells. On the last 4 days, mice were tested for CPP, and then euthanized for measurement of adult hippocampal neurogenesis by counting the number of BrdU‐positive neurons in the dentate gyrus. Levels of running were similar in mice fed valganciclovir‐containing chow and normal chow. Valganciclovir significantly reduced the numbers of neurons (BrdU‐positive/NeuN‐positive) in the dentate gyrus of both sedentary mice and runner mice. Valganciclovir‐fed runner mice showed similar levels of neurogenesis as sedentary, normal‐fed controls. However, valganciclovir‐fed runner mice showed the same abolishment of CPP as runner mice with intact neurogenesis. The results demonstrate that elevated adult hippocampal neurogenesis resulting from running is not necessary for running to abolish cocaine CPP in mice.