bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The application of mineral casting in high-precision printed circuit board drilling machine
Authors: Zou Haitian , Wang Baolin , Song Fumin , Fu Lianyu 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to verify the feasibility and reliability of mineral casting applied in high-precision printed circuit board (PCB) drilling machine. The mechanical properties of machine frame are quantified to provide a solution for machine tool industry to seek a perfect substance competing with classic materials such as cast iron and granite.

Design/methodology/approach
– The optimal design of machine frame is performed via the CAD system combined with finite element analysis (FEA). The mechanical properties of the frame elements are evaluated by a series of mechanical experiments: static performance is quantified by flatness tests, dynamic behavior is estimated by experimental and numerical models, respectively. Meanwhile, the performance of the frame element with traditional materials is examined experimentally.

Findings
– Mineral casting parts can be successfully applied to PCB drilling machine to meet high accuracy requirements. The characteristic of mineral casing gives the most possibilities in structural design. The frame parts show good static/dynamic behaviors by structural optimization processes. Especially, the machine frame with mineral casting gains a great weight reduction compared with traditional materials.

Originality/value
– The application of mineral casting in PCB drilling machine offers greater design flexibility and innovative system solutions. The combination of FEA is convincing to achieve optimal structure and ideal weight to maximize the economic and technical benefits. Moreover, lightweight design of machine structural components achieves not only higher kinematic/dynamic precision but also considerable cost reduction.
Procurement innovation for public construction projects
Authors: Weisheng Lu , M.M. Liu Anita , Hongdi Wang , Zhongbing Wu 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to attempt to shed light on procurement innovation by examining two state-of-the-art procurement systems in China – an agent-construction system (ACS or in Chinese Dai Jian Zhi) and public-private partnership (PPP), with special consideration given to the systems’ particular political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal (PESTEL) background.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper does so by using content analyses, semi-structured interviews, and a “PESTEL-Procurement Innovation” framework.

Findings
– It is found that PPP has not been as popular as expected, while the ACS, which is little known to the international construction management community, is widespread in China. The study of ACS and PPP further reveals that congruence between a procurement system and its external PESTEL conditions is essential for procurement innovation.

Research limitations/implications
– The “PESTEL-Procurement Innovation” framework could be a useful tool for devising procurement innovation; although there are many questions yet to be answered by further research.

Practical implications
– The paper provides useful insights into procurement innovation, particularly when governments worldwide are searching for innovative procurement systems to help deliver public projects and services.

Originality/value
– The paper possesses originality in that it tackles procurement innovation, an area that is under researched in construction management. It exhorts the re-connection between a procurement system and its external PESTEL conditions for devising bona fide procurement innovations.
The effects of weather conditions on dispersal behaviour of free‐ranging lizards (Tiliqua, Scincidae) in tropical Australia
Authors: Price‐Rees Samantha J. , Lindström Tom , Brown Gregory P. , Shine Richard 
Published: October 2013

Summary

Animals may switch between alternative modes of movement (e.g. philopatry vs. dispersal) in response to complex interactions between internal state, landscape characteristics, dispersal capacity and navigational capacity.

In this study, we use an extensive data set from GPS telemetry of free‐ranging lizards (bluetongue skinks, Tiliqua spp.) in the Australian wet‐dry tropics, to examine how abiotic conditions (temperature, air pressure, precipitation, humidity and wind speed) influence lizard dispersal. The GPS transmitters provided >60,000 records of lizard location from 49 individuals (41 T. scincoides intermedia, 8 T. multifasciata) monitored for a mean of 65 days each.

We used a maximum likelihood analytical tool to objectively distinguish intra‐patch movements from dispersive movements. Threshold levels of dispersal to differentiate between these two movement phases averaged 36–42 m displacement per hour, depending on species and site.

Whether bluetongue lizards within the study population dispersed (rather than remained encamped) was highly associated with weather variables, notably air temperature and atmospheric pressure. Fine‐scale (hourly) weather conditions were better predictors of lizard dispersal than daily mean values.

Lizards primarily dispersed between widely scattered patches of core‐habitat under fine, hot, clear weather conditions. Air pressure tended to predict lizard dispersal more accurately than did more commonly analysed variables such as temperature and precipitation.
Viral antibody dynamics in a chiropteran host
Authors: Baker Kate S. , Suu‐Ire Richard , Barr Jennifer , Hayman David T. S. , Broder Christopher C. , Horton Daniel L. , Durrant Christopher , Murcia Pablo R. , Cunningham Andrew A. , Wood James L. N. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBats host many viruses that are significant for human and domestic animal health, but the dynamics of these infections in their natural reservoir hosts remain poorly elucidated.In these, and other, systems, there is evidence that seasonal life‐cycle events drive infection dynamics, directly impacting the risk of exposure to spillover hosts. Understanding these dynamics improves our ability to predict zoonotic spillover from the reservoir hosts.To this end, we followed henipavirus antibody levels of >100 individualE. helvumin a closed, captive, breeding population over a 30‐month period, using a powerful novel antibody quantitation method.We demonstrate the presence of maternal antibodies in this system and accurately determine their longevity. We also present evidence of population‐level persistence of viral infection and demonstrate periods of increased horizontal virus transmission associated with the pregnancy/lactation period.The novel findings of infection persistence and the effect of pregnancy on viral transmission, as well as an accurate quantitation of chiropteran maternal antiviral antibody half‐life, provide fundamental baseline data for the continued study of viral infections in these important reservoir hosts.
Peptic ulcer bleeding in China: A multicenter endoscopic survey of 1006 patients
Authors: Bai Yu , Du Yi Qi , Wang Dong , Zou Duo Wu , Jin Zhen Dong , Zhan Xian Bao , Zhao Xiao Yan , Sha Wei Hong , Wang Jiang Bin , Yu Weng Fei , Jiang Yi , Ye Li Ping , Zhang Shu Tian , Zhou Li Ya , Chen Min Hu , Yu Xiao Feng , Zheng Jian Wei , Wang Rong Quan , Huang Xiao Jun , Chen Dong Feng , Wang Hua Hong , Tian De An , Lu Nong Hua , Hou Xiao Hua , Ji Feng , Wang Ji Yao , Yuan Yao Zong , Fan Dai Ming , Wu Kai Chun , Jiang Bo , Li Zhao Shen ,   Chinese Peptic Ulcer Bleeding Research Group
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveWe aimed to describe the clinical picture, management and outcomes of Chinese patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB), especially in those with high risks.MethodsA multicenter endoscopic survey was conducted. All consecutive patients with endoscopy confirmed PUB from October 2010 to June 2011 were enrolled. Data including patients' gender, age, symptoms and endoscopic findings, Forrest classification, and endoscopic and medical treatment were documented. High‐risk ulcer was defined as Forrest grades Ia to IIb upon endoscopy. Rates of rebleeding, surgery and mortality were recorded.ResultsIn all, 1006 patients were included. Of these 437 (43.4%) were categorized with high‐risk PUB, among whom 110 (25.2%) received endoscopic treatment, and the success rate was 99.1%. Rebleeding rates 1–3 days, 4–5 days and 6–30 days after treatment in high‐risk patients who did and did not receive endoscopic treatment were 10.9% versus 10.4%, 3.6% versus 3.7% and 0.9% versus 1.5%, respectively. The surgery rates of high‐risk patients with or without endoscopic treatment were 1.8% (2/110) versus 1.8% (6/327). During the 9‐month study period, two patients with high‐risk PUB died, therefore, the overall mortality rate of high‐risk PUB was 0.5% (2/437).ConclusionThe study suggests that the proportions of high‐risk PUB in China is 43.4%, while rebleeding and surgery rate after endoscopic treatment as well as the mortality rate of high‐risk PUB in China are 15.6%, 1.8% and 0.5%, respectively.
Microbiome diversity of Aphis glycines with extensive superinfection in native and invasive populations
Authors: Bansal Raman , Mian M. A. Rouf , Michel Andy P. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAssociations among insects and microbes can lead to beneficial or parasitic interactions. Using 454 sequencing of 16S RNA genes, we compared microbiome diversity and abundance among field‐collected (F) and laboratory‐reared (L) populations of the invasive soybean aphid (Aphis glycines), a pest of soybean. Additionally, we screened A. glycines populations from native (Japan, South Korea and China) and invasive regions (North America) to broadly determine the microbiome diversity. Our results suggested that Arsenophonus (relative abundance of 54.6%), Buchnera (38.7%) and Wolbachia (3.7%) were the major bacteria associated with A. glycines. Arsenophonus was the most abundant in F populations but was significantly reduced in L populations; additional bacteria species also had lower relative abundances in L populations. Native and invasive populations were largely similar in bacteria communities and revealed substantial superinfection of Arsenophonus and Wolbachia. The lone exception was a lack of Arsenophonus in A. glycines from Japan. Divergent selection pressures among natural and laboratory populations were inferred as factors driving the differential bacterial communities observed. Our results will allow for improved comparative aphid‐symbiont research and broaden our understanding of the interactions among insects, endosymbionts and their environments.
The impact of seed vouchers on poverty reduction among smallholder rice farmers in Nigeria
Authors: Awotide Bola Amoke , Karimov Aziz , Diagne Aliou , Nakelse Tebila 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn response to the global food crisis of 2008, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded an emergency rice initiative (ERI) program to boost rice production in Nigeria. The supplementary seed voucher program, implemented alongside the ERI adopted a randomized control trial to grant randomly selected farmers access to subsidized certified improved rice seed using the seed voucher system (SVS). In this study, we provide a consistent estimate of the impact of the SVS on Poverty reduction, using mixed methodologies such as inverse propensity score weighing (IPSW) and the local average treatment effect (LATE) estimation techniques. Results show that the SVS has a positive and statistically significant impact on annual household income and per capita consumption expenditure. This study shows that availability of good quality seed at an affordable price can raise agricultural productivity, increase household income and contribute to poverty reduction.
Committed mast cell progenitors in mouse blood differ in maturity between Th1 and Th2 strains
Authors: Dahlin J. S. , Heyman B. , Hallgren J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMast cell progenitors (MCp) leave the bone marrow and migrate to peripheral tissues where they mature. Although the existence of committed MCp in adult mouse and human blood has been postulated, they have never been found. We have isolated a rare population of cells in adult mouse blood, committed to the mast cell lineage. These were identified as lineage− c‐kithi ST2+ integrin β7hi CD16/32hi cells. Moreover, a major difference in maturity of these cells based on FcεRI expression was observed between the Th2‐prone BALB/c strain and the Th1‐prone C57BL/6 strain (66% vs 25% FcεRI+, respectively). Therefore, the choice of mouse strain is critical when studying disease models such as experimental asthma where mast cells and their progenitors are involved.
Mitogen‐Activated Protein Kinase Phosphatase 1 as an Inflammatory Factor and Drug Target
Authors: Korhonen Riku , Moilanen Eeva 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are signaling proteins that are activated through phosphorylation, and they regulate many physiological and pathophysiological processes in cells. Mitogen‐activated protein kinase phosphatase 1 (MKP‐1) is an inducible nuclear phosphatase that dephosphorylates MAPKs, and thus, it is a negative feedback regulator of MAPK activity. MKP‐1 has been found as a key endogenous suppressor of innate immune responses, as well as a regulator of the onset and course of adaptive immune responses. Altered MKP‐1 signaling is implicated in chronic inflammatory diseases in man. Interestingly, MKP‐1 expression and protein function have been found to be regulated by certain anti‐inflammatory drugs, namely by glucocorticoids, antirheumatic gold compounds and PDE4 inhibitors, and MKP‐1 has been shown to mediate many of their anti‐inflammatory effects. In this Mini Review, we summarize the effect of MKP‐1 in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses and its role as a potential anti‐inflammatory drug target and review recent findings concerning the role of MKP‐1 in certain anti‐inflammatory drug effects.
MIB‐1 labeling index as a prognostic factor for patients with follicular lymphoma treated with rituximab plus CHOP therapy
Authors: Yamamoto Eri , Tomita Naoto , Sakata Seiji , Tsuyama Naoko , Takeuchi Kengo , Nakajima Yuki , Miyashita Kazuho , Tachibana Takayoshi , Takasaki Hirotaka , Tanaka Masatsugu , Hashimoto Chizuko , Koharazawa Hideyuki , Fujimaki Katsumichi , Taguchi Jun , Harano Hiroshi , Motomura Shigeki , Ishigatsubo Yoshiaki 
Published: October 2013

The MIB‐1 labeling index, which is based on Ki67 immunostaining, is widely used to evaluate the proliferation of tumor cells in lymphoma. However, its clinical significance has not been fully assessed. We retrospectively evaluated the prognostic impact of the MIB‐1 labeling index at the time of diagnosis, in 98 patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) grade 1–3b who were treated uniformly with rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R‐CHOP) therapy. The 5‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) for an MIB‐1 labeling index of ≥10% (n = 60) and <10% (n = 38) was 35% and 61%, respectively (P = 0.015). The 5‐year overall survival (OS) for an MIB‐1 labeling index of ≥10% and <10% was 77% and 92%, respectively (P = 0.025). Pathological grading was not correlated with PFS or OS. In multivariate analysis, an MIB‐1 labeling index of ≥10% was independently associated with poor PFS and OS. In conclusion, an MIB‐1 labeling index of 10% is a useful cut‐off level for predicting the prognosis of patients with FL.
Cinacalcet treatment decreases plasma fibroblast growth factor 23 concentration in haemodialysed patients with chronic kidney disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Kuczera Piotr , Adamczak Marcin , Wiecek Andrzej 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObjectiveRecent clinical studies suggest that fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is important in the pathogenesis of calcium–phosphate abnormalities in patients with chronic kidney disease and that increased plasma FGF23 concentration is a cardiovascular risk factor in these patients. The aim of this prospective, single‐arm, open‐label clinical study was to assess the influence of 6‐month cinacalcet treatment on plasma FGF23 concentration in haemodialysed patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT).Design, Patients and MeasurementsIn 58 haemodialysed patients with sHPT (parathormone PTH > 300 ng/l), serum PTH, FGF23, calcium and phosphate concentrations were assessed before the first dose of cinacalcet and after 3 and 6 months of treatment.ResultsSerum PTH concentration decreased significantly after 3 and 6 months of treatment, and the mean serum calcium and phosphate concentrations remained stable during the treatment period. Plasma FGF23 concentration (geometric mean with 95% confidence index) decreased after 3 and 6 months of treatment from 354 (261–481) ng/l to 295 (204–428) ng/l; P = 0·099 and to 183 (117–285) ng/l; P = 0·015, respectively. FGF23 concentration decreased in 52% of patients. In multivariate regression analysis, plasma FGF23 concentration changes were explained by the changes in serum phosphate, but not by serum PTH or calcium changes or by the dose of cinacalcet.Conclusions1. Cinacalcet treatment decreases plasma FGF23 concentration in haemodialysed patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. 2. The decrease in plasma FGF23 concentration seems to be related to the decrease in serum phosphate concentration.
Soil–solution partitioning of DOC in acid organic soils: results from a UK field acidification and alkalization experiment
Authors: Oulehle F. , Jones T. G. , Burden A. , Cooper M. D. A. , Lebron I. , Zieliński P. , Evans C. D. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryDissolved organic carbon (DOC) is an important component of the global carbon (C) cycle and has profound impacts on water chemistry and metabolism in lakes and rivers. Reported increases of DOC concentration in surface waters across Europe and Northern America have been attributed to several drivers, including changing climate, changing land‐use to eutrophication and declining acid deposition. The latter of these suggests that acidic deposition suppressed the solubility of DOC, and that this historic suppression is now being reversed by reducing emissions of acidifying pollutants. We studied a set of four parallel acidification and alkalization experiments in organic matter‐rich soils, which, after three years of manipulation, have shown distinct soil solution DOC responses to acidity change. We tested whether these DOC concentration changes were related to changes in the acid/base properties of DOC. Based on laboratory determination of DOC site density (S.D. = amount of carboxylic groups per milligram DOC) and charge density (C.D. = organic acid anion concentration per milligram DOC) we found that the change in DOC soil–solution partitioning was tightly related to the change in degree of dissociation (α = C.D.:S.D. ratio) of organic acids (R2 = 0.74, P < 0.01). Carbon turnover in soil organic matter (SOM), determined by soil respiration and β‐D‐glucosidase enzyme activity measurements, also appears to have some impact on DOC leaching, via constraints on the actual supply of available DOC from SOM; when the turnover rate of C in SOM is small, the effect of α on DOC leaching is reduced. Thus, differences in the magnitude of DOC changes seen across different environments might be explained by interactions between physicochemical restrictions of DOC soil–solution partitioning and SOM carbon turnover effects on DOC supply.
Strength anisotropy and mixed mode fracture in heavily drawn pearlitic steel
Authors: Toribio J. , González B. , Matos J. C. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTSteels with pearlitic microstructure exhibit strength anisotropy after cold drawing to increase the yield stress by a strain hardening mechanism. Such anisotropy manifests itself in the form of mixed mode propagation associated with crack deviation tending to axial growth following a path quasi‐parallel to the wire line (drawing axis) due to the drawing‐induced orientation of the pearlitic microstructure. This paper analyses the strength anisotropy of heavily cold‐drawn prestressing steel wires linked with three consequences: (i) crack deflection and mixed mode propagation; (ii) specific microscopic modes of fracture, including enlarged and oriented cleavage; and (iii) a kind of directional toughness, associated with different deflection angles and distinct fracture micromechanisms.
Direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration: translating evidence into action
Authors: Hannan L. M. , Steinfort D. P. , Irving L. B. , Hew M. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere is strong evidence that direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration reduces complications, but this practice is not universal in Australia and New Zealand.AimsTo describe the current utilisation and logistical barriers to the use of direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration by respiratory physicians from Australia and New Zealand, and to determine the cost benefits of procuring equipment and training resources in chest ultrasound.MethodsWe surveyed all adult respiratory physician members of the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand regarding their use of direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration. We performed a cost‐benefit analysis for acquiring bedside ultrasound equipment and estimated the capacity of available ultrasound training.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐six of 275 respiratory physicians responded (53% response). One‐third (33.6%) of respondents do not undertake direct ultrasound localisation. Lack of training/expertise (44.6%) and lack of access to ultrasound equipment (41%) were the most frequently reported barriers to performing direct ultrasound localisation. An average delay of 2 or more days to obtain an ultrasound performed in radiology was reported in 42.7% of respondents. Decision‐tree analysis demonstrated that clinician‐performed direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration is cost‐beneficial, with recovery of initial capital expenditure within 6 months. Ultrasound training infrastructure is already available to up‐skill all respiratory physicians within 2 years and is cost‐neutral.ConclusionMany respiratory physicians have not adopted direct ultrasound localisation for pleural aspiration because they lack equipment and expertise. However, purchase of ultrasound equipment is cost‐beneficial, and there is already sufficient capacity to deliver accredited ultrasound training through existing services.
Role of 3D animation in periodontal patient education: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cleeren Gertjan , Quirynen Marc , Ozcelik Onur , Teughels Wim 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThis randomized controlled parallel trial investigates the effect of 3D animation on the increase and recall of knowledge on periodontitis by patients with periodontitis. The effects of a 3D animation (3D animation group) were compared with narration and drawing (control group) for periodontal patient education.Material and MethodsA total of 68 periodontitis patients were stratified according to educational level and then randomly allocated to control or 3D animation groups. All patients received: (1) a pre‐test (baseline knowledge), (2) a patient education video (3D animation or control video), (3) a post‐test (knowledge immediately after looking at the video), and (4) a follow‐up test (knowledge recall after 2 weeks). Each test contained 10 multiple‐choice questions.ResultsThere was no significant difference in baseline knowledge. Patients receiving the 3D animations had significantly higher scores for both the post‐test and the follow‐up test, when compared with patients receiving sketch animations.Conclusion3D animations are more effective than real‐time drawings for periodontal patient education in terms of knowledge recall. 3D animations may be a powerful tool for assisting in the information process.