bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tool wear and hole quality when single-shot drilling of metallic-composite stacks with diamond-coated tools
Authors: Kuo Chun L , Soo Sein L , Aspinwall David K , Bradley Sam , Thomas Will , M’Saoubi Rachid , Pearson David , Leahy Wayne
Published: February 2014

This article details experimental work performed to evaluate the effects of varying feed rate (0.08 and 0.15 mm/rev) and tool coatings (diamond-like carbon and chemical vapour–deposited diamond) on tool wear modes and hole quality when drilling 30-mm-thick Ti-6Al-4V/carbon fibre–reinforced plastic/Al-7050 stacks in a single-shot operation. At a feed rate of 0.08 mm/rev, the diametrical accuracy of holes produced by both the chemical vapour–deposited diamond and diamond-like carbon–coated drills (6.38 mm diameter) was comparable within a tolerance of ±0.04 mm even after 70 holes. However, in terms of cylindricity, holes machined with chemical vapour–deposited diamond were significantly better than those produced using the diamond-like carbon–coated drills by a factor of ∼2 (65.7 vs 140.6 µm). A similar trend was also observed for hole out of roundness. Burr height at hole entry locations (Ti layer) ranged from ∼0.03 to 0.08 mm for all trials undertaken at the lower feed rate level; however, the diamond-like carbon–coated drills generated exit burrs which were ∼4 times larger than their chemical vapour–deposited diamond-coated counterparts. Subsequent wear analysis showed that diamond-like carbon–coated drills operating at 0.08 mm/rev typically exhibited progressive abrasion, workpiece adhesion and chipping leading to fracture of the tool corner, while fracture due to fatigue was prevalent in tests carried out at the high feed rate level. In contrast, poor adhesion of the chemical vapour–deposited diamond coating to the carbide substrate led to premature flaking, severe chipping and fracture of the drill cutting and chisel edge.
Management of wheel/rail interface to prevent rail rollover derailments
Authors: Wu Huimin , Kerchof Brad
Published: February 2014

Recent rail rollover derailments motivated this investigation. The wheel/rail forces under seven track/rail conditions were measured at a curve of a heavy haul line. The investigation indicated that combinations of reverse rail cant, weak rail restraint, poor truck steering and poor wheel/rail contact can increase the risk of a rail rollover derailment. This investigation reaffirms the findings from previous rail roll studies and further stresses three important issues related to track maintenance practice. First, track maintenance tasks that involve changing track gage or rail orientation can have the unintended consequence of causing adverse wheel/rail contact, resulting in large lateral forces. Rail grinding should be coordinated with the restoration of rail cant to correct wheel/rail contact patterns. Second, restoring and restraining only the high rail has a high risk of causing a rollover derailment from the low rail. Third, rail grinding cannot be properly conducted on a track that has weak rail restraint and variable levels of reverse rail cant.
Closing the Social-Class Achievement Gap
Authors: Stephens Nicole M. , Hamedani MarYam G. , Destin Mesmin
Published: February 2014

College students who do not have parents with 4-year degrees (first-generation students) earn lower grades and encounter more obstacles to success than do students who have at least one parent with a 4-year degree (continuing-generation students). In the study reported here, we tested a novel intervention designed to reduce this social-class achievement gap with a randomized controlled trial ( N = 168). Using senior college students’ real-life stories, we conducted a difference-education intervention with incoming students about how their diverse backgrounds can shape what they experience in college. Compared with a standard intervention that provided similar stories of college adjustment without highlighting students’ different backgrounds, the difference-education intervention eliminated the social-class achievement gap by increasing first-generation students’ tendency to seek out college resources (e.g., meeting with professors) and, in turn, improving their end-of-year grade point averages. The difference-education intervention also improved the college transition for all students on numerous psychosocial outcomes (e.g., mental health and engagement).
Feelings of dual-insecurity among European workers: A multi-level analysis
Authors: van Oorschot Wim , Chung Heejung
Published: February 2014

This article analyses European Social Survey data for 22 countries. We assess the relationship between feelings of employment and income insecurity (dual-insecurity) among workers and national flexicurity policies in the areas of lifelong learning, active labour market policy, modern social security systems and flexible and reliable contractual arrangements. We find that dual-insecurity feelings are lower in countries that score better on most flexicurity polices, but these effects are in all cases outweighed by levels of GDP per capita. Thus feelings of insecurity are reduced more by the affluence of a country than by its social policies. However, affluence is strongly correlated with the policy efforts designed to reduce insecurity, especially active labour market policies and lifelong learning, two policy areas that are threatened with cuts as a result of austerity.
Who’s Caring for the Caregiver?
Authors: Alpert Patricia T.
Published: February 2014

With the advancements in medical technology, individuals are living longer with multiple chronic illnesses. This translates to aging adults providing care to loved ones as informal caregivers. When caregiving extends into years and even decades, the caregiver can suffer from caregiver syndrome. Identifying those suffering from this condition is the necessary first step to providing them the care they require to live more fulfilling lives.
ATV injury experience at a pediatric trauma center: A 5-year review
Authors: Hagopian Moriah M , Burkhalter Lorrie , Foglia Robert P
Published: February 2014

Background

All terrain vehicles (ATVs) have grown in size and speed, and contribute significantly to pediatric trauma injuries. We compared pediatric ATV and All Trauma injuries, and sought to determine if there has been an improvement in ATV safety.

Methods

We reviewed the CMCD Trauma Registry for all ATV injuries from 2007–2011, and compared data with data previously compiled for All Trauma admissions from 2006 to 2008.

Results

There were 197 ATV and 4473 All Trauma admissions. The two groups differed in that the ATV group had a greater number of transfers from outside hospitals, trauma activations, Injury Severity Score, and need for operation. Mortality was 0.5% for ATV and 1.3% for All Trauma injuries. 51% of children ≤10 years were drivers; only 18% wore helmets.

Conclusion

ATV admissions are associated with higher acuity injuries than All Trauma admissions. Pediatric ATV safety does not appear to have improved; efforts should be refocused to improve it.
Influence of misalignment on nonlinear dynamic characteristics for matched bearings-rotor system
Authors: Yi Jun , Pang Bitao , Liu Heng , Wang Fengtao , Ji Bowen , Jing Minqing
Published: February 2014

This paper presents a simplified model of misaligned-installing matched bearings, which is always constituted by two angular contact bearings in machine tools. Aiming at the effect of parallel misalignment arising in practical installing between two matched bearings, the nonlinear restoring force is derived and a matched bearings-rotor system model is established with Timoshenko elements. The Continued-Poincare–Newton–Floquet method is employed to analyze the global nonlinear characteristics with a varying clearance. Compared with the normally installed matched bearings-rotor system, it can be found that the amount of misalignment plays an important factor both on the global stability and vibration amplitude for a misaligned matched bearings-rotor system. The broadest unstable speed region always arise while the amount of misalignment equals to the initial clearance, and a slightly larger misalignment than the initial clearance can easily help the system from unstable dynamic behavior to periodic behavior. Meanwhile, a horizontal increasing misalignment will mainly affect the horizontal dynamic response by the way of magnifying and right shifting the vibration amplitude peak on speed axis obviously, but do a slight opposite effect on vertical normally installed direction. The results show that a proper amount of misalignment may be beneficial for the dynamic characteristic for the matched bearings-rotor system.
Real-time multibody application for tree harvester truck simulator
Authors: Baharudin Mohamad Ezral , Rouvinen Asko , Korkealaakso Pasi , Mikkola Aki
Published: February 2014

A real-time simulator for a tree harvester has been developed for training in more effective vehicle and cutter operation and tree management. The equations of motion of the constrained mechanical system of the tree harvester are expressed using a recursive formulation. The hydraulic actuator modelling of the harvester is based on lumped fluid theory, in which the hydraulic circuit is divided into discrete volumes where pressures are assumed to be distributed equally, while pressure wave propagation in pipes and hoses is assumed to be negligible. For modelling purposes, valves are broken up into a number of adjustable restrictors, which can be modelled separately. The contact model used comprises two parts: collision detection and response. Collision detection identifies whether, when and where moving bodies may come in contact. Collision response prevents penetration when contact occurs and identifies how it should behave after collision. A penalty method is used in this study to establish object collision events. The major achievement of this study is combining these three modelling methods in the application of a real-time simulator.
Towards square hole-flanging produced by single point incremental forming
Authors: Cristino VAM , Montanari L , Silva MB , Martins PAF
Published: February 2014

This paper presents the first investigation on square hole-flanging produced by single point incremental forming. The aim and objective is to provide readers with a broad understanding on the deformation mechanics of the process that will enable them to understand plastic flow resulting from the interaction between the tool and the blank, to identify the influence of the pre-cut geometry in the overall formability, and to characterize the physics of failure. The methodology comprises the mechanical characterization of the material, the use of circle grid analysis, and the fabrication of square flanges with round corners by multistage single point incremental forming using blanks with different pre-cut hole geometries. The investigation is performed in aluminium AA1050-H111 and the overall results widens and enhances current research work in hole-flanging of cylindrical parts by giving the first contribution towards the understanding of plastic flow and failure in hole-flanging of square parts produced by single point incremental forming.
Non-union of a clavicle fracture: lateral fragment excision for brachial artery embolism
Authors: Hassan Syed , Burgess Elizabeth , Sangars Bheem , Perricone Vittorio , Charalambous Charalambos P
Published: February 2014

A 67-year-old motorcyslist was admitted to hospital following a high-speed road traffic collision and found to have a left midshaft clavicle fracture and multiple ipsilateral rib fractures. He was treated conservatively and went on to have non-union of the clavicle. The non-union was managed non-operatively. The patient then re-attended the hospital with an acute ischaemic left hand 3 years after the original injury date. An arterial duplex scan confirmed a embolus to the brachial artery. A brachial embolectomy was urgently performed. A computed tomography scan showed non-union of the clavicle fracture and an inflammatory mass compressing the left subclavian artery, which was the focus of the embolic event. The clavicle non-union was managed operatively with lateral half claviculectomy. Immediately after clavicle excision, the vascular team performed reconstruction of the brachial artery. At follow-up,there was normal shoulder and hand function at outpatient clinic. A duplex scan confirmed good triphasic waveforms throughout the arteries of the left upper limb.
The Running Athlete
Authors: Henning P. Troy
Published: February 2014

Context:

Pelvic stress fractures, osteitis pubis, and snapping hip syndrome account for a portion of the overuse injuries that can occur in the running athlete.

Evidence Acquisition:

PubMed searches were performed for each entity using the following keywords: snapping hip syndrome, coxa sultans, pelvic stress fracture, and osteitis pubis from 2008 to 2013. Topic reviews, case reports, case series, and randomized trials were included for review.

Study Design:

Clinical review.

Level of Evidence:

Level 4.

Results:

Collectively, 188 articles were identified. Of these, 58 were included in this review.

Conclusion:

Based on the available evidence, the majority of these overuse injuries can be managed non-operatively. Primary treatment should include removal from offending activity, normalizing regional muscle strength/length imbalances and nutritional deficiencies, and mitigating training errors through proper education of the athlete and training staff.

Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy:

C
An introductory course in urology: results of a novel course for foundation doctors and medical students
Authors: Abboudi Hamid , Chetwood Andrew , Nair Rajesh , Bolgeri Marco , Coker Charles , Larner Tim , Green James
Published: February 2014

Objective:

The objective of this article is to critically assess the value of a medical student and junior doctor weekend introduction to urology course.

Materials and methods:

All UK medical students and foundation doctors were invited to attend an introductory course held at The Royal Society of Medicine, London, organised by the Section of Urology. The course included consultant-delivered lectures, practical skills sessions and an academic competition. Pre- and post-course feedback questionnaires were used to assess (a) perceptions of urology as a specialty, (b) career aspirations and (c) confidence performing basic urological surgical skills.

Results:

Sixty delegates attended from a variety of UK medical schools and hospitals. Seventy-three per cent of respondents were more likely to pursue a career in urology post-course. The most common negative perceptions included being a competitive career with long training and lacking glamour. Confidence in suturing, knot tying, suprapubic catheterisation, basic laparoscopy and cystoscopy were significantly improved following this course ( p < 0.005).

Conclusion:

A short urology course should be offered to medical students by urology departments and surgical societies; it will benefit students as well as the specialty. It is important that medical students are exposed early to urology given both positive and negative perceptions. Such initiatives may help strengthen the positive perceptions and dispel negative perceptions while increasing delegates’ desire to pursue a urology career.
Propagation of Bisphosphonate-Related Femoral Stress Fractures Despite Femoral Nailing
Authors: Fang Christian , Chau Jackie Yee-Man , Woo Siu-Bon , Lau Tak-Wing , Kwan Kenny , Leung Frankie
Published: February 2014

We report 2 cases of atypical femoral fracture displacement despite treatment with intramedullary (IM) nailing. Both patients had received more than 3 years of bisphosphonates. One patient had prophylactic fixation of an atypical femur fracture due to intractable pain. The other had undergone nailing previously for a traumatic shaft fracture. The patient then received bisphosphonate later and sustained an atypical fracture with the nail in place. Both femoral nails were slotted, cannulated stainless steel piriformis entry designs. These 2 cases are among the first reported failures of IM fixation in preventing displacement of a bisphosphonate stress fracture. We advice caution when using slotted nails in prophylaxis of atypical femur fractures because of its significantly reduced torsional stiffness compared to modern nonopen sectioned nails.
hGH promotes megakaryocyte differentiation and exerts a complementary effect with c-Mpl ligands on thrombopoiesis
Authors: Xu Yang , Wang Song , Shen Mingqiang , Zhang Zhou , Chen Shilei , Chen Fang , Chen Mo , Zeng Dongfeng , Wang Aiping , Zhao Jinghong , Cheng Tianmin , Su Yongping , Wang Junping
Published: February 2014

Key Points

hGH has a distinct capacity to promote the differentiation, especially the terminal differentiation of human primary megakaryocytes. hGH exerts a complementary and synergistic effect with c-Mpl ligands on thrombopoiesis.
PI3K p110δ uniquely promotes gain-of-function Shp2-induced GM-CSF hypersensitivity in a model of JMML
Authors: Goodwin Charles B , Li Xing Jun , Mali Raghuveer S. , Chan Gordon , Kang Michelle , Liu Ziyue , Vanhaesebroeck Bart , Neel Benjamin G. , Loh Mignon L. , Lannutti Brian J. , Kapur Reuben , Chan Rebecca J.
Published: February 2014

Key Points

Compared with ubiquitously expressed PI3K p110α, genetic inhibition of PI3K p110δ uniquely normalizes mutant Shp2-induced GM-CSF hypersensitivity. Potent pharmacologic inhibitors of PI3K p110δ cooperate with MEK inhibition to reduce mutant Shp2-induced hyperproliferation.
GpIbα-VWF blockade restores vessel patency by dissolving platelet aggregates formed under very high shear rate in mice
Authors: Le Behot Audrey , Gauberti Maxime , Martinez De Lizarrondo Sara , Montagne Axel , Lemarchand Eloïse , Repesse Yohann , Guillou Sylvain , Denis Cécile V. , Maubert Eric , Orset Cyrille , Vivien Denis
Published: February 2014

Key Points

Following endothelial damage, platelet cross-linking during closure of the vessel lumen is mediated by GpIbα-VWF interactions. Disruption of GpIbα-VWF interactions restores vessel patency by specifically disaggregating the external layer of occlusive thrombi.
Immunosuppression for the non-transplant physician: what should you know?
Authors: lversen Martin
Published: February 2014

Immunosuppression is considered a difficult topic. In general, pulmonologists are experienced with anti-inflammatory treatment in the form of steroids and immunosuppressive treatment with moderate doses of methotrexate or azathioprine; some specialists treating patients with interstitial lung disease have experience with more immunosuppression and a larger number of drugs. Life-long intensive immunosuppression, as in lung transplant recipients, is a task for the specialist, but with more than 3,500 lung transplantations in the world annually (figure from the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation;www.ISHLT.org) many non-transplant pulmonologists will encounter lung transplant recipients, and will need some basic knowledge about immunosuppression. Also, an increasing number of patients with interstitial lung disease are treated with high-intensity immunosuppressive treatment.

This review is intended to be an introduction on general immunosuppression in patients with lung disease and lung transplant recipients. For a more comprehensive review the reader is advised to consult one or more of the large reviews published in recent years [1–4] or consult the Lung Transplantation issue of theEuropean Respiratory Monograph(Issue 45; 2009) where a lot of background information on lung transplantation can be found.
TB and MDR-TB: what is new in 2012?
Authors: Tadolini Marina , Centis Rosella , D'Ambrosio Lia , Battista Migliori Giovanni
Published: February 2014

Educational aims

To understand the need for new diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB) and describe the role of GeneXpert

To describe to what extent drug resistance affects clinical management of multi/extensively drug resistant-TB, and the importance of having new drugs to manage these difficult-to-treat cases

To describe the current evidence on TB/HIV collaborative activities

To discuss the importance of providing a public-health response to reach TB elimination through a new post-2015 strategy and to protect new drugs through rational use of treatment regimens

In 2007, the 125th anniversary of the discovery ofMycobacterium tuberculosisby Robert Koch followed a particularly significant year in the history of tuberculosis (TB) as, in the same year, the World Health Organization and other international organisations published a series of pillar documents and guidelines that set the pathway to improve the control of TB at the global level. Among these, we can mention the Stop TB Strategy, the guidelines on drug-resistant TB management, the Global Plan to Stop TB 2006–2015 and the International Standard of TB Care. Despite the positive results obtained with the implementation of the new recommendations, some crucial gaps remained urgent, such as the need for innovative diagnostic tools for the prompt diagnosis of TB, the rapid identification of drug-resistant strains and the development of new drugs to combat the increasing number of drug-resistant forms of TB.

This year, 130 years after Robert Koch's discovery, we can recognise that some of these requests have been met. This article will describe the progresses made in different fields including: laboratory diagnosis and the experience with Xpert® MTB/RIF assay; multi/extensively drug resistant-TB management and development of new promising drugs; implementation of TB/HIV collaborative activities. In addition, it will briefly describe the message of the European Union Standards for TB Care, recently developed by the European Respiratory Society and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

A strong public-health response is now needed to translate the latest recommendations into practice, make good use of the new diagnostic tools and drugs, improve the quality of TB and TB/HIV service worldwide and minimize the development of new cases of MDR-TB, through the correct clinical management of newly diagnosed, drug susceptible TB cases.
The extended Mittag-Leffler function and its properties
Authors: Özarslan Mehmet Ali , Yılmaz Banu
Published: February 2014

In this paper, we present the extended Mittag-Leffler functions by using the extended Beta functions (Chaudhry et al. in Appl. Math. Comput. 159:589-602, 2004) and obtain some integral representations of them. The Mellin transform of these functions is given in terms of generalized Wright hypergeometric functions. Furthermore, we show that the extended fractional derivative (Özarslan and Özergin in Math. Comput. Model. 52:1825-1833, 2010) of the usual Mittag-Leffler function gives the extended Mittag-Leffler function. Finally, we present some relationships between these functions and the Laguerre polynomials and Whittaker functions.
Aphid facultative symbionts reduce survival of the predatory lady beetle Hippodamia convergens
Authors: Costopoulos Kelly , Kovacs Jennifer L , Kamins Alexandra , Gerardo Nicole M
Published: February 2014

Background

Non-essential facultative endosymbionts can provide their hosts with protection from parasites, pathogens, and predators. For example, two facultative bacterial symbionts of the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), Serratia symbiotica and Hamiltonella defensa, protect their hosts from parasitism by two species of parasitoid wasp. Previous studies have not explored whether facultative symbionts also play a defensive role against predation in this system. We tested whether feeding on aphids harboring different facultative symbionts affected the fitness of an aphid predator, the lady beetle Hippodamia convergens.

Results

While these aphid faculative symbionts did not deter lady beetle feeding, they did decrease survival of lady beetle larvae. Lady beetle larvae fed a diet of aphids with facultative symbionts had significantly reduced survival from egg hatching to pupation and therefore had reduced survival to adult emergence. Additionally, lady beetle adults fed aphids with facultative symbionts were significantly heavier than those fed facultative symbiont-free aphids, though development time was not significantly different.

Conclusions

Aphids reproduce clonally and are often found in large groups. Thus, aphid symbionts, by reducing the fitness of the aphid predator H. convergens, may indirectly defend their hosts’ clonal descendants against predation. These findings highlight the often far-reaching effects that symbionts can have in ecological systems.
Contribution of Anterior Cingulate Cortex and Descending Pain Inhibitory System to Analgesic Effect of Lemon Odor in Mice
Authors: Ikeda Hiroshi , Takasu Syuntaro , Murase Kazuyuki
Published: February 2014

Background:

Affections are thought to regulate pain perception through the descending pain inhibitory system in the central nervous system. In this study, we examined in mice the affective change by inhalation of the lemon oil, which is well used for aromatherapy, and the effect of lemon odor on pain sensation. We also examined the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and descending pain inhibitory system to such regulation of pain.

Results:

In the elevated plus maze, the time spent in the open arms was increased by inhalation of lemon oil. The pain behavior induced by injection of formalin into the hind paw was decreased. By inhalation of lemon oil, the number of c-Fos expression by formalin injection was significantly increased in the ACC, periaqueductal grey (PAG), nucleu raphe magnus (NRM) and locus ceruleus, and decreased in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH). The destruction of the ACC with ibotenic acid led to prevent the decrease of formalin-evoked nocifensive behavior in mice exposed to lemon oil. In these mice, the change of formalin-induced c-Fos expression in the ACC, lateral PAG, NRM and SDH by lemon odor was also prevented. Antagonize of dopamine D1 receptor in the ACC prevented to the analgesic effect of lemon oil.

Conclusions:

These results suggest that the analgesic effect of lemon oil is induced by dopamine-related activation of ACC and the descending pain inhibitory system.
A study of the medicinal plants used by the Marakwet Community in Kenya
Authors: Kipkore Wilson , Wanjohi Bernard , Rono Hillary , Kigen Gabriel
Published: February 2014

Background

The medicinal plants used by herbalists in Kenya have not been well documented, despite their widespread use. The threat of complete disappearance of the knowledge on herbal medicine from factors such as deforestation, lack of proper regulation, overexploitation and sociocultural issues warrants an urgent need to document the information. The purpose of the study was to document information on medicinal plants used by herbalists in Marakwet District towards the utilization of indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge for the advancement of biomedical research and development.

Methods

Semi- structured oral interviews were conducted with 112 practicing herbalists. The types of plants used were identified and the conditions treated recorded.

Results

Herbal practice is still common in the district, and 111 plants were identified to have medicinal or related uses. Different herbal preparations including fruits and healing vegetables are employed in the treatment of various medical conditions. Veterinary uses and pesticides were also recorded.

Conclusion

The study provides comprehensive ethnobotanical information about herbal medicine and healing methods among the Marakwet community. The identification of the active ingredients of the plants used by the herbalists may provide some useful leads for the development of new drugs.
Conjunctival sarcoidosis presenting as limbal conjunctival hypertrophy: a case report
Authors: Han Sang Beom , Yang Hee Kyung , Hyon Joon Young , Wee Won Ryang
Published: February 2014

Introduction

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a case of conjunctival sarcoidosis that presented as limbal conjunctival hypertrophy and was controlled with topical cyclosporine.

Case presentation

A 70-year-old Asian woman presented with painless limbal conjunctival hypertrophy. An incisional biopsy of the hypertrophic lesion showed noncaseating granulomas that consisted of multinucleated giant cells and epithelioid cells. The results of a systemic evaluation were normal except for a slight increase in serum angiotensin-converting enzyme to 58.9IU/L (normal range, 8 to 55IU/L). Twice-daily 0.05% topical cyclosporine was prescribed for the treatment of remaining lesions. After two months, the lesions had completely resolved and her serum angiotensin-converting enzyme level had normalized.

Conclusions

Sarcoidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of conjunctival hypertrophy. Topical cyclosporine can be useful in conjunctival sarcoidosis.
Treatment of wheat straw using tannase and white-rot fungus to improve feed utilization by ruminants
Authors: Raghuwanshi Shailendra , Misra Swati , Saxena Rajendra Kumar
Published: February 2014

Background

Current research to enrich cattle feed has primarily focused on treatment using white rot fungi, while there are scarce reports using the enzyme tannase, which is discussed only in reviews or in the form of a hypothesis. In this context, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of tannase on wheat straw (WS) and also the effect of lyophilized tannase at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% (w/w) on WS followed by fermentation withGanodermasp. for 10 d and compared in relation to biochemical parameters, crude protein (CP) content, and nutritional value by calculating the C/N ratio in order to improve the nutritional value of cattle feed.

Results

Penicillium charlesii,a tannase-producing microorganism, produced 61.4 IU/mL of tannase in 54 h when 2% (w/v) tannic acid (TA) was initially used as a substrate in medium containing (% w/v) sucrose (1.0), NaNO3(1.0), and MgSO4(0.08 pH, 5.0) in a 300-L fermentor (working volume 220 L), and concomitantly fed with 1.0% (w/v) TA after 24 h. The yield of partially purified and lyophilized tannase was 5.8 IU/mg. The tannin-free myco-straw at 0.1% (w/w) tannase showed 37.8% (w/w) lignin degradation with only a 20.4% (w/w) decrease in cellulose content and thein vitrofeed digestibility was 32.2%. An increase in CP content (up to 1.28-fold) along with a lower C/N ratio of 25.0%, as compared to myco-straw, was obtained.

Conclusions

The use of tannin-free myco-straw has potential to improve the nutritional content of cattle feed. This biological treatment process was safe, eco-friendly, easy to perform, and was less expensive as compared to other treatment methods.
Disability benefit growth and disability reform in the US: lessons from other OECD nations
Authors: Burkhauser Richard V , Daly Mary C , McVicar Duncan , Wilkins Roger
Published: February 2014

Unsustainable growth in program costs and beneficiaries, together with a growing recognition that even people with severe impairments can work, led to fundamental disability policy reforms in the Netherlands, Sweden, and Great Britain. In Australia, rapid growth in disability recipiency led to more modest reforms. Here we describe the factors driving unsustainable DI program growth in the U.S., show their similarity to the factors that led to unsustainable growth in these other four OECD countries, and discuss the reforms each country implemented to regain control over their cash transfer disability program. Although each country took a unique path to making and implementing fundamental reforms, shared lessons emerge from their experiences.

JEL codes

J14, J18
MIG-10 (lamellipodin) has netrin-independent functions and is a FOS-1A transcriptional target during anchor cell invasion in C. elegans
Authors: Wang Zheng , Chi Qiuyi , Sherwood David R.
Published: February 2014

To transmigrate basement membrane, cells must coordinate distinct signaling activities to breach and pass through this dense extracellular matrix barrier. Netrin expression and activity are strongly associated with invasion in developmental and pathological processes, but how netrin signaling is coordinated with other pathways during invasion is poorly understood. Using the model of anchor cell (AC) invasion in C. elegans, we have previously shown that the integrin receptor heterodimer INA-1/PAT-3 promotes netrin receptor UNC-40 (DCC) localization to the invasive cell membrane of the AC. UNC-6 (netrin)/UNC-40 interactions generate an invasive protrusion that crosses the basement membrane. To understand how UNC-40 signals during invasion, we have used genetic, site of action and live-cell imaging studies to examine the roles of known effectors of UNC-40 signaling in axon outgrowth during AC invasion. UNC-34 (Ena/VASP), the Rac GTPases MIG-2 and CED-10 and the actin binding protein UNC-115 (abLIM) are dedicated UNC-40 effectors that are recruited to the invasive membrane by UNC-40 and generate F-actin. MIG-10 (lamellipodin), an effector of UNC-40 in neurons, however, has independent functions from UNC-6/UNC-40. Furthermore, unlike other UNC-40 effectors, its expression is regulated by FOS-1A, a transcription factor that promotes basement membrane breaching. Similar to UNC-40, however, MIG-10 localization to the invasive cell membrane is also dependent on the integrin INA-1/PAT-3. These studies indicate that MIG-10 has distinct functions from UNC-40 signaling in cell invasion, and demonstrate that integrin coordinates invasion by localizing these molecules to the cell-basement membrane interface.
Small regulators, major consequences – Ca2+ and cholesterol at the endosome–ER interface
Authors: van der Kant Rik , Neefjes Jacques
Published: February 2014

The ER is the largest cellular compartment and a major storage site for lipids and ions. In recent years, much attention has focused on contacts between the ER and other organelles, and one particularly intimate relationship is that between the ER and the endosomal system. ER–endosome contacts intensify when endosomes mature, and the ER participates in endosomal processes, such as the termination of surface receptor signaling, multi-vesicular body formation, and transport and fusion events. Cholesterol and Ca2+ are transferred between the ER and endosomes, possibly acting as messengers for ER–endosome crosstalk. Here, we summarize different types of ER–endosomal communication and discuss membrane contact sites that might facilitate this crosstalk. We review the protein pairs that interact at the ER–endosome interface and find that many of these have a role in cholesterol exchange. We also summarize Ca2+ exchange between the ER and endosomes, and hypothesize that ER–endosome contacts integrate several cellular functions to guide endosomal maturation. We post the hypothesis that failure in ER–endosome contacts is an unrecognized but important contributor to diseases, such as Niemann–Pick type C disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Angiogenic sprouting is regulated by endothelial cell expression of Slug (Snai2)
Authors: Welch-Reardon Katrina M. , Ehsan Seema M. , Wang Kehui , Wu Nan , Newman Andrew C. , Romero-Lopez Monica , Fong Ashley H. , George Steven C. , Edwards Robert A. , Hughes Christopher C. W.
Published: February 2014

The Snail family of zinc-finger transcription factors are evolutionarily conserved proteins that control processes requiring cell movement. Specifically, they regulate epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions (EMT) where an epithelial cell severs intercellular junctions, degrades basement membrane and becomes a migratory, mesenchymal-like cell. Interestingly, Slug expression has been observed in angiogenic endothelial cells (EC) in vivo, suggesting that angiogenic sprouting may share common attributes with EMT. Here we demonstrate that sprouting EC in vitro express both Slug and Snail, and that siRNA-mediated knockdown of either inhibits sprouting and migration in multiple in vitro angiogenesis assays. We find that expression of MT1-MMP, but not VE-Cadherin, is regulated by Slug and that loss of sprouting as a consequence of reduced Slug expression can be reversed by lentiviral-mediated re-expression of MT1-MMP. Activity of MMP2 and MMP9 are also affected by Slug expression, likely through MT1-MMP. Importantly, we find enhanced expression of Slug in EC in human colorectal cancer samples compared to normal colon tissue, suggesting a role for Slug in pathological angiogenesis. In summary, these data implicate Slug as an important regulator of sprouting angiogenesis, particularly in pathological settings.
Distinctive kinetics and substrate specificities of plant and fungal tRNA ligases
Authors: Remus Barbara S. , Shuman Stewart
Published: February 2014

Plant and fungal tRNA ligases are trifunctional enzymes that repair RNA breaks with 2′,3′-cyclic-PO4and 5′-OH ends. They are composed of cyclic phosphodiesterase (CPDase) and polynucleotide kinase domains that heal the broken ends to generate the 3′-OH, 2′-PO4, and 5′-PO4required for sealing by a ligase domain. Here, we use shortHORNA>p substrates to determine, in a one-pot assay format under single-turnover conditions, the order and rates of the CPDase, kinase and ligase steps. The observed reaction sequence for the plant tRNA ligase AtRNL, independent of RNA length, is that the CPDase engages first, convertingHORNA>p toHORNA2′p, which is then phosphorylated to pRNA2′p by the kinase. Whereas the rates of the AtRNL CPDase and kinase reactions are insensitive to RNA length, the rate of the ligase reaction is slowed by a factor of 16 in the transition from 10-mer RNA to 8-mer and further by eightfold in the transition from 8-mer RNA to 6-mer. We report that a single ribonucleoside-2′,3′-cyclic-PO4moiety enables AtRNL to efficiently splice an otherwise all-DNA strand. Our characterization of a fungal tRNA ligase (KlaTrl1) highlights important functional distinctions vis à vis the plant homolog. We find that (1) theKlaTrl1 kinase is 300-fold faster than the AtRNL kinase; and (2) theKlaTrl1 kinase is highly specific for GTP or dGTP as the phosphate donor. Our findings recommend tRNA ligase as a tool to map ribonucleotides embedded in DNA and as a target for antifungal drug discovery.
Project Training Influence on Upper School Pupils� Key Competences Formation
Authors: ���������  , Glukhareva O.
Published: February 2014

The paper presents approaches to developing models for the formation of core competencies in science lessons students through project-based learning. The basic stages of the formation of the key competencies of students in teacher activities that include: analysis of regulatory documents to conduct a comprehensive educational assessment, designing the content of educational material, the formation of core competencies in the implementation of the project method. Grounds described in detail a comprehensive educational assessment focused on identifying the educational needs of students, the level of formation of structural components of competencies (knowledge, skills, experience, activities and values), resources of the educational environment. The system of lessons, projects for students 10 - 11th grades, according to an educational Program of main lines (complete) general education in computer science. To the preferred activities for the formation of core competencies in teaching computer science. In order to verify the developed model, an experimental study of the levels of formation of cognitive activity of students. Established that the skills to collect, organize, classify, analyze information, skills to provide information in an accessible, aesthetic form, the ability to express their thoughts, to prove their ideas, ability to work in a group, as a team, ability to work independently, to make choices, to decide on the conditions implementation of the developed models have steadily increased.
Approbation of Professionally Focused Course of English Language Distance Teaching in Secondary Vocational Education (SVE) System: First Results� Analysis
Authors: �����������  , Vassilchenko Nina
Published: February 2014

Results related to analysis of some domestic printing manuals on English teaching for students of economic specialties in secondary vocation education system are provided in this paper. During the analysis contradictions between these manuals� contents, methods, forms and training resources and requirements to results of acquisition FSES SVE�s educational programs, scientific achievements in area of foreign languages teaching�s didactics and technique, and also to information society realities had been revealed. As one of possible ways for named results achievement a professionally focused course of English language distance teaching for students of SVE of economic profile is offered. Thanks to its thematic and professionally significant content which is selected, developed and structured in a combination with a special set of information and pedagogical technologies, active methods of teaching, such course will become effective, economically expedient and socially significant tool for development of social and professional qualities of SVE system trainees. In the second part of paper the author tries to comprehend results of diagnostic and predictive stages related to a pilot study, and proves methodical tasks� statement as well as pedagogical experiment�s practical stage choice.
Property Rights as a Factor of Foreign Direct Investment. The Case of Poland
Authors: Owczarczuk Magdalena
Published: February 2014

Clearly defined property rights enable people and business to make contracts over such property, and thus to engage in business – most business transactions concern the transfer of some sort of property, or rights to property. It seems that property rights have huge influence on foreign direct investment inflow, especially in the Polish economy. Therefore, the aim of this article is to verify the hypothesis that property rights are an important factor for foreign direct investment flow. The object of the research is the Polish economy in the years 1994- 2011. The first part of this paper shows the dynamics and structure of FDI inflows to the Polish economy in the years 1994-2011. Next two parts clarify the idea of property rights, their transformation, importance to the growth and foreign direct investment inflow. Verification of the hypothesis will be made on the basis of domestic and foreign literature.
Integration and Productivity: Satellite-Tracked Evidence
Authors: Natividad Gabriel
Published: February 2014

This paper introduces satellite-tracked real-time data from a large fishing firm managing its vertically, horizontally, and geographically linked ships to study the causal impact of integration on total factor productivity (TFP) after the firm acquired its vertically unintegrated contractual fish suppliers. TFP increased 16% among newly integrated ships, whereas it did not vary for already owned ships. Some classic mechanisms such as increased effort due to monitoring do not systematically explain TFP gains under integration, whereas evidence on hold-up threat alleviation is mixed. Importantly, enhanced knowledge transfer and hierarchical authority enacting productivity-improving operational practices among newly integrated ships are more likely explanations of the results.

This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Transformation of R&D into a Driver of Service Innovation: Conceptual Model and Empirical Analysis
Authors: Sawatani Yuriko , Fujigaki Yuko
Published: February 2014

The transition to a service economy through the transformation of social structures has become a global phenomenon that affects research and development (R&D) organizations. However, the innovation and R&D management literatures are mainly rooted in product development based on technological trajectories, which is not necessarily applicable to services. To fill this gap, the field of service marketing has introduced the service-dominant logic perspective, which does not separate services from goods. This paper proposes a new R&D model focusing on value cocreation through the study of a technology-based R&D unit in the information technology company. A set of hypotheses was developed and tested using data from R&D activities related to service innovation projects. The findings suggest that the technology developed through R&D contributes to value cocreation interactions between the R&D organization and the customer, which are facilitated by mutual organizational understanding. They also contribute to the discovery of research themes. The result is the emergence of a new type of service-oriented researcher who focuses not only on creating new technologies and adapting them to the customer site but also on discovering research themes by broadening the scope of research to the creation of new service systems. The managerial implications and limitations of these findings are discussed.
Pharmacy Management of Postoperative Blood Glucose in Open Heart Surgery Patients: Evaluation of an Intravenous to Subcutaneous Insulin Protocol
Authors: Stahnke Amanda , Struemph Kelly , Behnen Erin , Schimmelpfennig Julia
Published: February 2014

Purpose

To develop and implement a protocol to improve blood glucose (BG) control during transition from intravenous (IV) to subcutaneous (SC) insulin, increase compliance with Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) measures, and decrease sternal wound infections post open heart surgery (OHS).

Methods

An IV to SC protocol was developed and implemented. A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent OHS was conducted from January 2, 2009 to September 30, 2010 (pre protocol) and from October 1, 2010 to December 31, 2011 (post protocol). Data collected included age, sex, history of diabetes mellitus (DM), BG values, hypoglycemia incidence, length of stay, and incidence of sternal wound infections.

Results

A total of 243 patients were included in the study. Compliance with SCIP postoperative day 1 and 2 BG goals was similar pre and post protocol ( P = .24 and .248). One sternal wound infection occurred after protocol implementation, whereas 6 occurred pre protocol ( P = .046). Change in BG when transitioning from IV to SC insulin was similar between the groups, however there were significantly fewer hypoglycemia episodes post protocol ( P < .001).

Conclusion

Though differences were not found in compliance with SCIP postoperative day 1 and 2 measures, fewer sternal wound infections and hypoglycemic episodes were reported, indicating that the pharmacy protocol may have a positive impact on patient outcomes.
Take-Home HIT: The New Discharge Education?
Authors: Fox Brent I. , Felkey Bill G.
Published: February 2014

The technology supporting health care is as dynamic as it has been in decades. Internal and external forces are causing a search for alternative methods to existing practices, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and decreasing costs. In this article, we suggest the addition of a new technology component to the existing health system discharge process.