bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
OPTIMISATION OF TiN HARD COATINGS ON PRENITRIDED LOW ALLOY STEELS
Authors: Spies H. -J. , Larisch B. , Hoeck K.
Published: January 2014

Hardened and tempered low alloy steels were duplex treated by nitriding and TiNx coating by hollow cathode discharge. The influence of the composition and structure of the nitrided case, the mechanical treatment of the nitrided case before deposition (grinding, polishing), and the deposition parameters (sputter cleaning, nitrogen input, bias voltage) on the properties of the coating–nitrided steel composite have been investigated. It was found that the outermost nitride layer and a porous zone in the compound layer of the nitrided steel had negative effects on the adhesion,hardness, and wear behaviour of the composite. The outer compound layer can be denitrided by prolonged strong sputter cleaning. An intermediate titanium layer improved the resistance of the hard coating to adhesive failure. Higher nitrogen levels in the deposition atmosphere made it possible to form stoichiometric TiN with good mechanical properties. Best results in the scratch test, and the finest columnar structure, were achieved for coatings produced with a continuous increase of nitrogen input during deposition. Only a small loss of hardness occurred in comparison with stoichiometric TiN.
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISATION OF NOVEL Ti-Cu INTERMETALLIC COATINGS
Authors: Salehi M. , Hosseini R.
Published: January 2014

The structure and composition of an innovative Ti-Cu intermetallic coating has been investigated by means of metallographic examination, X-ray diffraction, glow discharge optical spectroscopy, and microhardness measurements. For this purpose, Ti-6Al-4V substrates were coated with a uniform layer of copper by an electroplating technique, then a diffusion anneal was conducted in an argon controlled atmosphere. Microstructural examination revealed that the compound coating microstructure consisted of four layers: the outer two layers are composed of various intermetallic compounds, including TiCu3 + Ti3 Al and TiCu; the third layer is the transformation product of the β phase electroplatformed at the diffusion temperature, which contains α- Ti and Ti2Cu; and the fourth layer was identified as the product of this transformation precipitated mainly at proeutectoid (α- Ti boundaries. These microstructural features reveal the two essential characteristics of the coatings, namely the continuous layers of intermetallic compound and a substrate hardened by inward diffusion of a substitutional alloying element.
Wear resistant WC–Co composite hard coatings
Authors: Lim S. C. , Gupta M. , Goh Y. S. , Seow K. C.
Published: January 2014

This paper addresses the feasibility of brazing WC–Co composite hard coatings on to AISI 410 martensitic stainless steel substrates using a nickel based brazing filler metal (AMS 4777D). Coatings of different weight percentages of WC–Co particles and powdered filler metal were prepared through vacuum brazing. The wear characteristics of the coatings were examined using a specially adapted cylinder on cylinder wear tester. The results show that of all the coatings tested, those with WC–Co content in the range 45 to 55 wt-% represent the best compromise in terms of wear resistance and integrity of coating.
Surface Engineering with Lasers: Application to Co Based Materials
Authors: De Hasson J. T. M. , De Mol van Otterloo L.
Published: January 2014

Electron Inicroscopy, mechanical hardness measurements, and wear experiments have been carried out on316 stainless steel laser coated with Co based Stellite alloys. It has been found that with optimum laser parameters a poreless coating with a hardness of 11·3 GPa can be attained. Detailed analysis indicates that solid solution hardening by Wand Cr, dislocation–dislocation interactions, and dispersion hardening owing to the metal carbides and the C03 W precipitates are responsible for the high hardness. In accordance with theoretical predictions, cuttingof the DO19 ordered C03W precipitates was not observed. All these microstructural features contribute to the mechanical properties, on the basis of which the hardness can be successfully explained. An ilnportant parameter which influences these mechanical properties is the low dilution of the coating by the substrate. It is this aspect, together with the well defined and controllable processing parameters, which makes laser coating of powders superior to other deposition techniques for depositing Stellite layers.
Application of Ball Cratering Method to Study Abrasive Wear
Authors: Staia M. H. , Enriquez c. E. , Puchi E. S. , Lewis D. B. , Jeandin M.
Published: January 2014

The present paper discusses the feasibility of a new use of the ball cratering technique (Calotest) for studying the abrasive wear resistance of hard coatings. The few modifications that were necessary to make the Calotestequipment suitable for this task mainly concerned the calibration of rotational velocity and the controlled delivery of the abrasive–lubricant mixture. Three different types of material were tested to show the capability of the proposed method. These materials were: mono crystalline Si (100) wafers, plain carbon steel, and electroless Ni–P coatings on plain carbon steel in both the as deposited and heat treated conditions. The reproducibility of the values of the wear constants determined by means of the formulationdescribed in the literature prove that the ball cratering test is reliable for the determination of the abrasive wear behaviour of any of thecoatings studied.
Long term follow-up in patients with initially diagnosed low grade Ta non-muscle invasive bladder tumors: tumor recurrence and worsening progression
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroaki , Kikuchi Eiji , Mikami Shuji , Maeda Takahiro , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Miyajima Akira , Nakagawa Ken , Oya Mototsugu
Published: January 2014

Background

We evaluated the clinical outcome of low grade Ta bladder cancer followed-up for a long period using the 2004 WHO grading system.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 190 patients with primary, low grade Ta bladder cancer. We defined worsening progression (WP) as confirmed high grade Ta, all T1 or Tis/concomitant CIS of bladder recurrence, upper urinary tract recurrence (UTR), or progression to equal to or more than T2. The associations between clinicopathological factors and tumor recurrence as well as WP pattern were analyzed. We also evaluated the late recurrence of 76 patients who were tumor-free for more than 5 years.

Results

Tumor recurrence and WP occurred in 82 (43.2%) and 21 (11.1%) patients during follow-up (median follow-up: 101.5 months), respectively. WP to high grade Ta, all T1 or Tis/concomitant CIS was seen in 17 patients, and UTR and progression to equal to or more than T2 were seen in 2 and 2 patients, respectively. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that multiple tumor (p < 0.001, HR: 2.97) and absence of intravesical instillation (IVI) (p < 0.001, HR: 2.88) were significant risk factors for tumor recurrence while multiple tumor was the only risk factor for WP (p = 0.001, HR: 5.26). After a 5-year tumor-free period, 9 patients experienced late recurrence in years 5 and 10 and were diagnosed at a follow-up cystoscopy, however, only 2 patients recurred beyond 10 years and were found by gross hematuria. There were no significant risk factors of late recurrence.

Conclusions

Multiple tumor was a risk factor for both tumor recurrence and WP while IVI did not affect the occurrence of WP. Our results suggest that routine follow-up of patients with low grade Ta bladder cancer is needed up to 10 years from the initial diagnosis.
Fixed point theory approach to boundary value problems for second-order difference equations on non-uniform lattices
Authors: Area Iván , Godoy Eduardo , Nieto Juan J
Published: January 2014

In this paper, by means of the appropriate Green’s function, an integral representation for the solutions of certain boundary value problems for second-order difference equations on (quadratic andq-quadratic) non-uniform lattices is presented. As a consequence, using fixed point theory, new results for the existence and uniqueness of the solution are proved on non-uniform lattices.

MSC:34B27, 39A20, 34A05, 34B05.
Number-projected isovector neutron-proton pairing effect in odd mass nuclei
Authors: Berbiche Amine , Fellah Mohamed , Allal Nassima H
Published: January 2014

A formalism which enables one to strictly conserve the number of particles when taking into account the isovector pairing correlations is presented in the case of odd mass nuclei. With this aim, we had to first establish the expression of the projector for such systems. Expressions of the ground state and its energy have been exhibited. The model has been numerically tested in the framework of a schematic model.

PACS

21.60.-n; 21.30.Fe
The impacts of thyroid function on the diagnostic accuracy of Cystatin C to detect acute kidney injury in ICU patients: a prospective, observational study
Authors: Wang Feilong , Pan Wenzhi , Wang Hairong , Zhou Yu , Wang Shuyun , Pan Shuming
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Cystatin C (Cysc) could be affected by thyroid function both in vivo and in vitro and thereby may have limited ability to reflect renal function. We aimed to assess the association between Cysc and thyroid hormones as well as the effect of thyroid function on the diagnostic accuracy of Cysc to detect acute kidney injury (AKI).

Methods

A total of 446 consecutive intensive care unit (ICU) patients were screened for eligibility in this prospective AKI observational study. Serum Cysc, thyroid hormones and serum creatinine (Scr) were measured upon entry to the ICU. We also collected each patient's baseline characteristics including the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) score. The diagnostic performance of Cysc was assessed from the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) in each quartile of thyroid hormone(s).

Results

A total of 114 (25.6%) patients had a clinical diagnosis of AKI upon entry to the ICU. The range of free thyroxine (FT4) value was 4.77 to 39.57 pmol/L. Multivariate linear regression showed that age (standardized beta = 0.128, P < 0.0001), baseline Scr level (standardized beta = 0.290, P < 0.0001), current Scr (standardized beta = 0.453, P < 0.0001), albumin (standardized beta = -0.086, P = 0.006), and FT4 (standardized beta = 0.062, P = 0.039) were related with Cysc. Patients were divided into four quartiles based on FT4 levels. The AUC for Cysc in detecting AKI in each quartile were as follows: 0.712 in quartile I, 0.754 in quartile II, 0.829 in quartile III and 0.797 in quartile IV. There was no significant difference in the AUC between any two groups (all P > 0.05). The optimal cut-off value of Cysc for diagnosing AKI increased across FT4 quartiles (1.15 mg/L in quartile I, 1.15 mg/L in quartile II, 1.35 mg/L in quartile III and 1.45 mg/L in quartile IV).

Conclusions

There was no significant impact of thyroid function on the diagnostic accuracy of Cysc to detect AKI in ICU patients. However, the optimal cut-off value of Cysc to detect AKI could be affected by thyroid function.
Albumin versus crystalloid solutions in patients with the acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Uhlig Christopher , Silva Pedro L , Deckert Stefanie , Schmitt Jochen , de Abreu Marcelo Gama
Published: January 2014

Introduction

In patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) fluid therapy might be necessary. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the effects of colloid therapy compared to crystalloids on mortality and oxygenation in adults with ARDS.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were identified through a systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and LILACS. Articles published up to 15th February 2013 were independently screened, abstracted, and assessed (Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool) to provide evidence-based therapy recommendations. RCTs were eligible if they compared colloid versus crystalloid therapy on lung function, inflammation, damage or mortality in adults with ARDS. Primary outcome parameters were respiratory mechanics, gas exchange lung inflammation and damage as well as hospital mortality. Kidney function, need for renal replacement therapy, hemodynamic stabilization and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay served as secondary outcomes.

Results

A total of 3 RCTs out of 4130 potential trials found in the databases were selected for qualitative and quantitative analysis totaling 206 patients who received either albumin or saline. Overall risk of bias was unclear to high in the identified trials. Calculated pooled risk of death was not statistically significant (albumin 34 of 100 (34.0%) versus 40 of 104 (38.5%), relative risk (RR) = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.62 to 1.28, P = 0.539). Weighted mean difference (WMD) in PaO2/FiO2 (mmHg) improved in the first 48 hours (WMD = 62, 95% CI 47 to 77, P <0.001, I
2
 = 0%) after therapy start and remained stable after 7 days (WMD = 20, 95% CI 4 to 36, P = 0.017, I
2
 = 0%).

Conclusions

There is a high need for RCTs investigating the effects of colloids in ARDS patients. Based on the findings of this review, colloid therapy with albumin improved oxygenation but did not affect mortality.
Advancing the functional utility of PAR-CLIP by quantifying background binding to mRNAs and lncRNAs
Authors: Friedersdorf Matthew B , Keene Jack D
Published: January 2014

Background

Sequence specific RNA binding proteins are important regulators of gene expression. Several related crosslinking-based, high-throughput sequencing methods, including PAR-CLIP, have recently been developed to determine direct binding sites of global protein-RNA interactions. However, no studies have quantitatively addressed the contribution of background binding to datasets produced by these methods.

Results

We measured non-specific RNA background in PAR-CLIP data, demonstrating that covalently crosslinked background binding is common, reproducible and apparently universal among laboratories. We show that quantitative determination of background is essential for identifying targets of most RNA-binding proteins and can substantially improve motif analysis. We also demonstrate that by applying background correction to an RNA binding protein of unknown binding specificity, Caprin1, we can identify a previously unrecognized RNA recognition element not otherwise apparent in a PAR-CLIP study.

Conclusions

Empirical background measurements of global RNA-protein crosslinking are a necessary addendum to other experimental controls, such as performing replicates, because covalently crosslinked background signals are reproducible and otherwise unavoidable. Recognizing and quantifying the contribution of background extends the utility of PAR-CLIP and can improve mechanistic understanding of protein-RNA specificity, protein-RNA affinity and protein-RNA association dynamics.
A foreign language as an educational tool of modern reality
Authors: Андреева Ирина , Andreeva Irina
Published: January 2014

Mastering a foreign language and a certified confirmation of the level of its knowledge can be viewed as an educational tool needed to achieve both personal and community oriented goals. The most important in the educational and professional space are such international systems as IELTS, TOEFL, TOEIC, FCE, ZOP, TestDaf, DSH, DALF, DELE
Leadership competence and determination of the level of its development in the student community
Authors: Хломова Екатерина , Khlomova Ekaterina , Каргин Николай , Kargin Nikolay , Миронов Вячеслав , Mironov Vyacheslav
Published: January 2014

Our study focuses on the possibility of using technology of mass monitoring of leadership, opportunities for selecting students with leadership qualities and their development in the educational process. It is assumed that the leadership, although it is genetically determined, but under the influence of directed learning, can be improved and the severity can be increased. Objective knowledge of the personal qualities of the individual students will approach the issue of education. The possibility of purposeful selection of students for leadership qualities will improve the effectiveness of training by teaching students those roles, which is adequate to their psychophysical possibilities.
Consider the Benefits of a Fully Integrated Medication Use Process
Authors: Felkey Bill G. , Fox Brent I.
Published: January 2014

We believe a pharmacist's professional goal is simple to articulate but challenging to achieve – medication use that is safe and efficacious. Pharmacists do not operate alone in the medication use process and are not the only professionals who can influence medication safety and efficacy. We discuss the medication use process from a systems perspective, identifying opportunities for pharmacists (and others) to address medication safety and efficacy.
Utilization of a Computerized Clinical Surveillance System to Increase Acute Myocardial Infarction Core Measure Compliance
Authors: Shuster Jerrica E. , Dorsch Michael P.
Published: January 2014

Background

Clinical surveillance systems (CSS) are utilized by many health care institutions to help identify at-risk patients, prioritize care, improve the clinical services provided, and increase compliance with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) core measures.

Objective

This study will assess the accuracy and practicality of a CMS acute myocardial infarction (AMI) alert, provided by the CSS Theradoc, designed to increase compliance with medications required at discharge in AMI patients.

Methods

This is a single-center, retrospective cohort review to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the Theradoc CMS AMI alert. All patients with a Theradoc CMS AMI alert were analyzed for AMI occurrence and omission of CMS-required discharge medications. Secondary endpoints regarding alert times and quantity were also assessed to address the practicality of implementing the alert.

Results

Data were collected on patients with alerts occurring between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2011 ( N = 962). The Theradoc CSS alert was found to have a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 4.79%, signifying a gross amount of false positives. No modifications to the alert definitions or timing were able to increase the specificity to >10%.

Conclusions

Regardless of the high sensitivity, the Theradoc CMS AMI alert does not have the appropriate level of specificity to utilize at the study institution at this time.
Neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of maternal exposure to oral bisphenol A in female mice
Authors: Naulé Lydie , Picot Marie , Martini Mariangela , Parmentier Caroline , Hardin-Pouzet Hélène , Keller Matthieu , Franceschini Isabelle , Mhaouty-Kodja Sakina
Published: January 2014

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widespread estrogenic compound. We investigated the effects of maternal exposure to BPA at reference doses on sexual behavior and neuroendocrine functions of female offspring in C57BL/6J mice. The dams were orally exposed to vehicle alone or vehicle-containing BPA at doses equivalent to the no observed adverse effect level (5 mg/kg body weight per day) and tolerable daily intake (TDI, 0.05 mg/kg body weight per day) level from gestational day 15 until weaning. Developmental exposure to BPA increased the lordosis quotient in naive females exposed to BPA at the TDI dose only. BPA exposure had no effect on olfactory preference, ability to express masculine behaviors or number of calbindin-positive cells, a sexually dimorphic population of the preoptic area. BPA at both doses selectively increased kisspeptin cell number in the preoptic periventricular nucleus of the rostral periventricular area of the third ventricle in adult females. It did not affect the number of GNRH-positive cells or percentage of kisspeptin appositions on GNRH neurons in the preoptic area. These changes were associated with higher levels of estradiol (E2) at the TDI dose while levels of LH, estrus cyclicity, ovarian and uterine weights, and fertility remained unaffected. Delay in the time of vaginal opening was observed during the postnatal period at TDI dose, without any alteration in body growth. This shows that developmental exposure to BPA at reference doses did not masculinize and defeminize the neural circuitry underlying sexual behavior in female mice. The TDI dose specifically exacerbated responses normally induced by ovarian E2, through estrogen receptor α, during the postnatal/prepubertal period.
A continuous composition spread approach towards monolithic, wavelength-selective multichannel UV-photo-detector arrays
Authors: von Wenckstern H. , Zhang Z. , Lenzner J. , Schmidt F. , Grundmann M.
Published: January 2014

Continuous composition spread (CCS) methods have been very successfully used for exploiting and optimization of new material systems. Concerning sample growth by pulsed-laser deposition (PLD) approaches towards thin films with a CCS are involved, here movable masks for partial shadowing of the substrate and multiple targets are needed to obtain linearly varying changes of composition. Here we make use of an approach allowing deposition of thin films with CCS at high growth rates by using segmented PLD targets. We describe how this approach can be used to fabricate monolithic, wavelength-selective multichannel UV-photo-detector arrays.
Flexible surface acoustic wave devices and its applications in microfluidics
Authors: Zhou Jian , He Xingli , Wang Wenbo , Hu Nana , Jin Hao , Xu Y. , Dong Shurong , Wang Demiao , Fu Y.Q. , Luo J. K.
Published: January 2014

Flexible electronics and microsystems are an emerging technology with a tremedous impact to the future electronics and information technology and widespread applications. Various devices and microsystems have been developed. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices are a type of essential device for electronics, microsensors and microsystems; however there is no activity on the development of flexible SAW devices yet. This paper reports the development of flexible SAW devices on cheap, bendable and disposable plastic films. Flexible SAW devices with resonant frequency of 198.1 MHz and 447 MHz for the Rayleigh and Lamb waves respectively have been obtained with a large transmission signal up to 18dB. The flexible SAW devices have also demonstrated their ability for acoustic streaming with a velocity up to 3.4 cm/s and for particle concentration. The results have clearly demonstrated that the flexible SAW devices have great potential for applications in electronics and microsystems.
A verified method for solving piecewise smooth initial value problems
Authors: Auer Ekaterina , Kiel Stefan , Rauh Andreas
Published: January 2014

In many applications, there is a need to choose mathematical models that depend on non-smooth functions. The task of simulation becomes especially difficult if such functions appear on the right-hand side of an initial value problem. Moreover, solution processes from usual numerics are sensitive to roundoff errors so that verified analysis might be more useful if a guarantee of correctness is required or if the system model is influenced by uncertainty. In this paper, we provide a short overview of possibilities to formulate non-smooth problems and point out connections between the traditional non-smooth theory and interval analysis. Moreover, we summarize already existing verified methods for solving initial value problems with non-smooth (in fact, even not absolutely continuous) right-hand sides and propose a way of handling a certain practically relevant subclass of such systems. We implement the approach for the solver VALENCIA-IVP by introducing into it a specialized template for enclosing the first-order derivatives of non-smooth functions. We demonstrate the applicability of our technique using a mechanical system model with friction and hysteresis. We conclude the paper by giving a perspective on future research directions in this area.
A practical application of kernel-based fuzzy discriminant analysis
Authors: Gao Jian-Qiang , Fan Li-Ya , Li Li , Xu Li-Zhong
Published: January 2014

A novel method for feature extraction and recognition called Kernel Fuzzy Discriminant Analysis (KFDA) is proposed in this paper to deal with recognition problems, e.g., for images. The KFDA method is obtained by combining the advantages of fuzzy methods and a kernel trick. Based on the orthogonal-triangular decomposition of a matrix and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD), two different variants, KFDA/QR and KFDA/SVD, of KFDA are obtained. In the proposed method, the membership degree is incorporated into the definition of between-class and within-class scatter matrices to get fuzzy between-class and within-class scatter matrices. The membership degree is obtained by combining the measures of features of samples data. In addition, the effects of employing different measures is investigated from a pure mathematical point of view, and the t-test statistical method is used for comparing the robustness of the learning algorithm. Experimental results on ORL and FERET face databases show that KFDA/QR and KFDA/SVD are more effective and feasible than Fuzzy Discriminant Analysis (FDA) and Kernel Discriminant Analysis (KDA) in terms of the mean correct recognition rate.
Network Threat Identification and Analysis Based on a State Transition Graph
Authors: Lv Huiying , Zhang Yuan , Wang Jie
Published: January 2014

With the rapid popularity of Internet and information technology, local area network is becoming insecure. Along with the improving advantages, security threats are emerging continually and bringing great pressure and challenges. An identification and analysis method for network real-time threats is proposed to accurately assess and master the current network security situation, and thereby preferably guide a dynamic defense. This method recognizes the current threats and predicts the subsequent threats by modeling attack scenarios and simulating attack state transferring. The threat identification model is called Attack State Transition Graph and Real-Time Attack State Graph, which is constructed by an Expanded Finite-State Automata. Based on the former possible threat paths, the state transitions can be illustrated and based on the latter, actually successful threats and threat paths are described. Then a threat identification algorithm is presented based on the above model. With this algorithm, various invalid threats are filtered; current valid threats are obtained by correlating the dynamic alarms with a static attack scenario. Further on, combining the Attack State Transition Graph with a Real-Time Attack State Graph, a possible next threat and a threat path can be identified and an attack target can also be predicted. Finally, the simulated results in an experimental network verify the feasibility and validity of the model and algorithm. This method provides a novel solution to evaluate and analyze the network security situation.
Multi-Attribute Decision Making Based on Attribute Importance Degree and Case-Based Reasoning
Authors: Wu Zhong , Yan Ruixia
Published: January 2014

To tackle a multi-attribute decision making problem, rough set and casebased reasoning are often combined. However, the reduction in a rough set is always complex. In this paper we provide a new relative importance measure about the unitary attributes values by ranking the relative importance of the attributes in the rough set theory. A new rough set model based on ranking the relative importance of the attributes is built and its properties are studied. Then unitary attributes values are utilized to compute the similarity of rules in case-based reasoning, for there might be incompletely match or miss values. A new multiattribute decision making based on case-based reasoning and a rough set based on the ranking relative importance of the attributes is constructed, which obtains rules, avoiding reduction and rule extraction.
A Negotiation Framework for Managing the Requirements Changes
Authors: Zhang Yirui , Jin Ying , Bai Jianxiu , Zhang Jing
Published: January 2014

The consistent system requirements set is the basis of successful software projects. The requirements change is very usual in a software project, and it may cause inconsistency of the requirements set, and become the key factor that affects the quality of the requirements and the software. Aiming at the problem of requirements inconsistencies caused by the requirements change, this paper proposes a compromise-based negotiation framework to manage the requirements changes, illustrates the efficiency of the proposed method by a software engineering case, gives a contrast experiment with the current mainstream method, and finally gives a comparison with the related work and a conclusion. The experimental results show that the framework proposed in this paper is more flexible and accurate than the results of the current popular framework, so it is more suitable for the requirement changes management.
Flowering dynamics and pollen production of Laburnum anagyroides Med. under the conditions of south-eastern Poland
Authors: Stawiarz Ernest , Wróblewska Anna
Published: January 2014

A study on the flowering biology and pollen production of the common laburnum (Laburnum anagyroides Med.) was conducted under the conditions of Lublin during the period 2004 - 2006. The flowering of this species began in the second 10-day period of May and lasted for 2.5 - 4 weeks. The flowers of common laburnum are borne in showy golden-yellow pendulous racemes. They develop successively, starting from the base and moving to the tip of an inflorescence. During the growing season, one shrub produces 800 to 3200 racemes, with 14 to 35 flowers in a single raceme. On average, the flowering duration for a raceme was 12.8 days and 8.7 days for a single flower. Throughout the study years, the shrubs proved to be most attractive in the third 10-day period of May when they reached full bloom.

The average weight of pollen produced was 6.08 mg per 10 flowers of Laburnum anagyroides, 14.02 mg per raceme, and 26.0 g per shrub. Pollen grains reached average dimensions of 24.01 μm × 24.26 μm.
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSE OF HABROBRACON HEBETOR SAY (HYM.: BRACONIDAE) TO MEDITERRANEAN FLOUR MOTH (ANAGASTA KUEHNIELLA ZELLER), IN RESPONSE TO PESTICIDES
Authors: Mahdavi Vahid , Saber Moosa
Published: January 2014

The functional response is a behavioral phenomena defined as the relation between the parasitized host per each parasitoid and host density. This phenomenon can be useful in assessing parasitoid efficiency for the biological control of the host. Parasitoid wasps are most important insects and they play a significant role in the natural control of pests via their parasitism activities. In this study, the effects of diazinon and malathion were evaluated on the functional response of Habrobracon hebetor Say to different densities of last instar larvae of Anagasta kuehniella Zeller. Young adult females (< 24 h old) of the parasitoid were exposed to LC30 values of pesticides. Host densities of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64 were offered, to treated young females for 24 h in 10 cm Petri dishes. At this point, the parasitism data were recorded. The experiments were conducted in eight replications. The functional response was type Ш in the control and insecticide treatments. Searching efficiency in the control, diazinon and malathion-treated wasps were 0.008±0.002, 0.003±0.002, and 0.004±0.002 h-1, handling times were 1.38±0.1, 7.95±0.91, and 6.4±0.81 h, respectively. Diazinon and malathion had the highest and the lowest effect on searching efficiency of H. hebetor, respectively. After conducting advanced field studies, it was found that malathion may be used as a compatible chemical material with biological control agent in IPM programs.
DEVELOPMENTS IN ESP TEACHING
Authors: Jendrych Elżbieta
Published: January 2014

The fast changing business environment and the ever-growing de- mand facing professional communicators in the 21st century pose new challenges to language learners and teachers alike. Competitive business organizations at- tempt to recruit employees who have excellent linguistic competence coupled with nonlinguistic competences and skills. It is not easy to acquire these addi- tional competences and skills. However, most of them are transferable and can be greatly improved if students are provided with adequate teaching materials and appropriate input from the teacher. The aim of the paper is to address the complexity of ESP teaching today. Firstly, it presents an overview of the changes that have occurred in the practice of teaching ESP in the last few decades. It also sheds some light on the increasing importance of needs analysis. Then it presents new developments in teaching English for professional communication at the ter- tiary level of education. These developments include (1) content-and-language integrated learning, (2) use of didactic case studies, (3) corpus studies con- ducted for teaching purposes and aimed at identifying high-frequency language elements: terms, specialized lexis items, collocations, formulae, acronyms, etc., that need to be prioritized in language courses, (4) more effective course-books with higher terminology indexes, (5) extended use of online materials, (6) teach- ing writing for specialized purposes, and (7) teaching cross-cultural and social skills. The new approach is more challenging for ESP teachers and requires much higher qualifications, such as content knowledge and transferable skills. In order to increase students’ employability and promotion opportunities, we need teaching materials and approaches that help streamline students’ efforts, economize on time, and increase the effectiveness of language courses.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS FOR LAW STUDENTS: THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATIVE AND PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCES
Authors: Vyushkina Elena G.
Published: January 2014

The paper deals with a practical approach to developing of law stu- dents’ communicative and professional competences within a one-term, optional, cross-curricular course. The author, whose principal occupation is teaching Le- gal English, was offered the opportunity to train a team of law students to take part in the national rounds of the International Client Consultation Com- petition. Since then, the author has been involved in coaching teams for law students’ competitions and the author’s three year work has resulted in framing an experimental cross-curricular course “Client Consultation in English”. The background and necessity for the development of the course are outlined in the paper, along with a brief overview of teaching legal skills in Russia and general information about international competitions for law students. The basic ele- ments of the course are described, as well as the methods used by the author for training students’ teams. A similar framework is being used now for creating another cross-curricular course “Legal Negotiations in English”.
Literacy of Young Adults Learning at Adult Gymnasiums: Literacy or Illiteracy?
Authors: Varik Ene
Published: January 2014

The article based on the sociocultural approach to literacy (Barton & Hamilton 1998, Barton 2007, Eames 2006, Gee 2012). The literacy has to do with reading, whereas multiple abilities to “read” certain types of texts in certain ways or at certain levels are used. This allows to claim that in that area various types of abilities are needed depending on the type of literacy and there is a set of literacy practices (Gee 2012, 40). Based on sociocultural approach conducted in 2007 the survey Literacy level of students of adult gymnasiums. The survey focuses on the analysis of literacy of young adults learning at adult gymnasiums in Estonia. The main research question was: how do young adults who learn at adult gymnasiums assess their coping with literacy-related activities and what are their skills in reading texts with different degrees of difficulty? The survey revealed that the majority of young adults who had had reading difficulties during childhood also experienced reading difficulties as adults. Significant proportion of young adults learning at adult gymnasiums had difficulties with finding necessary information in written texts and using this information.
Secondary Education Students with Reading Disability - Findings from Two Remedial Training Experiments
Authors: Vanninen Petri , Määttä Kaarina
Published: January 2014

Dyslexia can have determining effects on a person’ s learning identity, educational choices, and life in general. This is the first scientific report focusing on the remedial training prospects for adults with dyslexia. The main purpose of the research was to provide new information about reading disability in adults and to determine the usefulness of remedial training for dyslexia in Finland. In this research, the remedial effect of training material that was created to improve the reading performance of upper secondary education students was analyzed through two different remedial experiments. The results were analyzed through statistical analysis and students’ own experiences. In addition, the functionality of the diagnostic method for dyslexia and reading disability in students were studied. The sample (n = 98) comprised students from two Finnish education institutes who participated in two remedial training experiments. The reading of the test group (n = 6) and the control group (n = 3) selected from the sample were studied for one study year. The test group was given 20 hours of remedial training for dyslexia while the control group was not. The research group (n = 37) in which the diagnostic method was tested comprised of students from two Finnish vocational schools. The research results showed positive development in students’ reading during the remedial training period. Statistically significant decrease in the total number of reading errors and significant increase in reading speed were found. According to the results, the cerebral hemisphere-oriented tasks in the training material stimulated the weaker cerebral hemisphere, as expected. The training material for students with L-type dyslexia had a more positive effect than the one designed for students with P-type dyslexia.
Installation and measurement capacity of 3 × 592 GBq 241Am–Be neutron irradiation cell
Authors: Bulut S. , Çelenk İ. , Artan S.
Published: January 2014

In this study, the installation and measurement capacity of the neutron irradiation system are investigated. First of all an irradiation geometry enabling optimum irradiation was designed for three 241Am–Be sources each of it having 592 GBq activity. Neutron irradiation system was installed after design and optimization of the system including the design of appropriate moderator and shielding were completed. Radiation safety standards of the Neutron Research Laboratory fulfilling the requirements of national regulation were achieved with unique configuration of the shielding materials. In this study the results of qualitative and quantitative detection limits obtained for Na, Al, Cl, K, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Mo, Ru, Ag, Cd, In, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Yb, Lu, Hf, W, Pt, Au, Th and U elements by using the neutron irradiation cell comprising 3 × 592 GBq 241Am–Be isotopic neutron source are presented and discussed.
Glucocorticoid Induced Cerebellar Toxicity in the Developing Neonate: Implications for Glucocorticoid Therapy during Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Noguchi Kevin
Published: January 2014

Prematurely born infants commonly suffer respiratory dysfunction due to the immature state of their lungs. As a result, clinicians often administer glucocorticoid (GC) therapy to accelerate lung maturation and reduce inflammation. Unfortunately, several studies have found GC therapy can also produce neuromotor/cognitive deficits and selectively stunt the cerebellum. However, despite its continued use, relatively little is known about how exposure to this hormone might produce neurodevelopmental deficits. In this review, we use rodent and human research to provide evidence that GC therapy may disrupt cerebellar development through the rapid induction of apoptosis in the cerebellar external granule layer (EGL). The EGL is a transient proliferative region responsible for the production of over 90% of the neurons in the cerebellum. During normal development, endogenous GC stimulation is thought to selectively signal the elimination of the EGL once production of new neurons is complete. As a result, GC therapy may precociously eliminate the EGL before it can produce enough neurons for normal cerebellar function. It is hoped that this review may provide information for future clinical research in addition to translational guidance for the safer use of GC therapy.
Extinction Resilience of Island Species: An Amphibian Case and a Predictive Model
Authors: Altaba Cristian
Published: January 2014

Extreme overall divergence and high extinction rates are typical of insular endemics. Thus, detecting and understanding nativeness is critical on islands. Resilience to extinction is explored through a mechanistic approach focusing on midwife toads (Anura: Alytidae: Alytinae), an ancient lineage that includes continental and insular species. All alytines need urgent conservation action, including control of emerging diseases and spatially explicit reserve design aimed at ensuring ecosystem health and connectivity. The only extant insular alytine is additionally affected by an introduced continental predator. This alien species acts as a driver of the prey’s near-extinction and has not elicited any evolutionary response. Both IUCN criteria and EDGE scores show that alytines are top conservation priorities. However, there is a need for also considering phenotypic and ecological uniqueness in the assessment of conservation status and urgency. The reason is that phenotypes render ecosystems functional and insular ones uniquely so. In contrast, phylogenetic relatedness is just a constraint upon, not a motor of, evolutionary novelty. Insular species are indeed particularly susceptible, but can be similarly endangered as continental ones. This paradox may be solved by recognizing the insularity syndrome in any isolated or nearly-insular ecosystem, as a function of evolutionary and dispersal potentials. This predictive model may be useful for island biogeography, invasion biology and conservation planning.
Rift Valley Fever Outbreaks in Mauritania and Related Environmental Conditions
Authors: Caminade Cyril , Ndione Jacques , Diallo Mawlouth , MacLeod Dave , Faye Ousmane , Ba Yamar , Dia Ibrahima , Morse Andrew
Published: January 2014

Four large outbreaks of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) occurred in Mauritania in 1998, 2003, 2010 and 2012 which caused lots of animal and several human deaths. We investigated rainfall and vegetation conditions that might have impacted on RVF transmission over the affected regions. Our results corroborate that RVF transmission generally occurs during the months of September and October in Mauritania, similarly to Senegal. The four outbreaks were preceded by a rainless period lasting at least a week followed by heavy precipitation that took place during the second half of the rainy season. First human infections were generally reported three to five weeks later. By bridging the gap between meteorological forecasting centers and veterinary services, an early warning system might be developed in Senegal and Mauritania to warn decision makers and health services about the upcoming RVF risk.
Toxicity of Gutkha, a Smokeless Tobacco Product Gone Global: Is There More to the Toxicity than Nicotine?
Authors: Willis Daniel , Popovech Mary , Gany Francesca , Hoffman Carol , Blum Jason , Zelikoff Judith
Published: January 2014

The popularity of smokeless tobacco (ST) is growing rapidly and its prevalence of use is rising globally. Consumption of Gutkha, an addictive form of ST, is particularly common amongst South Asian communities throughout the World. This includes within the US, following large-scale immigration into the country. However, there exists a lack of knowledge concerning these alternative tobacco products. To this end, a study was carried out to determine the toxicity of gutkha, and what role, if any, nicotine contributes to the effects. Adult male mice were treated daily for 3-week (5 day/week, once/day), via the oral mucosa, with equal volumes (50 μL) of either sterile water (control), a solution of nicotine dissolved in water (0.24 mg of nicotine), or a solution of lyophilized guthka dissolved in water (21 mg lyophilized gutkha). Serum cotinine, measured weekly, was 36 and 48 ng/mL in gutkha- and nicotine-treated mice, respectively. Results demonstrated that exposure to nicotine and gutkha reduced heart weight, while exposure to gutkha, but not nicotine, decreased liver weight, body weight, and serum testosterone levels (compared to controls). These findings suggest that short-term guhtka use adversely impacts growth and circulating testosterone levels, and that gutkha toxicity may be driven by components other than nicotine. As use of guthka increases worldwide, future studies are needed to further delineate toxicological implications such that appropriate policy decisions can be made.
First Report of a Peroxiredoxin Homologue in Jellyfish: Molecular Cloning, Expression and Functional Characterization of CcPrx4 from Cyanea capillata
Authors: Ruan Zengliang , Liu Guoyan , Wang Beilei , Zhou Yonghong , Lu Jia , Wang Qianqian , Zhao Jie , Zhang Liming
Published: January 2014

We first identified and characterized a novel peroxiredoxin (Prx), designated as CcPrx4, from the cDNA library of the tentacle of the jellyfish Cyanea capillata. The full-length cDNA sequence of CcPrx4 consisted of 884 nucleotides with an open reading frame encoding a mature protein of 247 amino acids. It showed a significant homology to peroxiredoxin 4 (Prx4) with the highly conserved F-motif (93FTFVCPTEI101), hydrophobic region (217VCPAGW222), 140GGLG143 and 239YF240, indicating that it should be a new member of the Prx4 family. The deduced CcPrx4 protein had a calculated molecular mass of 27.2 kDa and an estimated isoelectric point of 6.3. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that CcPrx4 mRNA could be detected in all the jellyfish tissues analyzed. CcPrx4 protein was cloned into the expression vector, pET-24a, and expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta (DE3) pLysS. Recombinant CcPrx4 protein was purified by HisTrap High Performance chelating column chromatography and analyzed for its biological function. The results showed that the purified recombinant CcPrx4 protein manifested the ability to reduce hydrogen peroxide and protect supercoiled DNA from oxidative damage, suggesting that CcPrx4 protein may play an important role in protecting jellyfish from oxidative damage.
Antimalarial Evaluation of the Chemical Constituents of Hairy Root Culture of Bixa orellana L.
Authors: Zhai Bo , Clark Julie , Ling Taotao , Connelly Michele , Medina-Bolivar Fabricio , Rivas Fatima
Published: January 2014

Over 216 million malaria cases are reported annually worldwide and about a third of these cases, primarily children under the age of five years old, will not survive the infection. Despite this significant world health impact, only a limited number of therapeutic agents are currently available. The lack of scaffold diversity poses a threat in the event that multi-drug–resistant strains emerge. Terrestrial natural products have provided a major source of chemical diversity for starting materials in many FDA approved drugs over the past century. Bixa orellana L. is a popular plant used in South America for the treatment of malaria. In search of new potential therapeutic agents, the chemical constituents of a selected hairy root culture line of Bixa orellana L. were characterized utilizing NMR and mass spectrometry methods, followed by its biological evaluation against malaria strains 3D7 and K1. The crude extract and its isolated compounds demonstrated EC50 values in the micromolar range. Herein, we report our findings on the chemical constituents of Bixa orellana L. from hairy roots responsible for the observed antimalarial activity.