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An electric screwdriver was designed to work in an automatic cycle on assembly lines. A characteristic feature of the screwdriver is the use of a low power motor in comparison with commonly used devices. The work of tightening the threaded joint takes place at the expense of the kinetic energy of the components of the drive system and the working screwdriver. It has been proved that the ability of the screwdriver to perform the tightening work is determined by the sum of the mass moment of inertia of the working components system and the mass moment of inertia of the motor's rotor, reduced to the axis of the screwdriver bit. The process of tightening is characterized by the number of screwing pulses, screwing torque values at the end of each pulse and the time of screwing process. The limitation of the value of the transmitted tightening torque takes place through the applied overload coupling. The construction work of the screwdriver was preceded by the development of a mathematical model of the process of screwing and balance of torques acting during each phase of operation was carried out. This allowed the calculation of the value of the kinetic energy of components of the drive and operating system translated into the tightening work. The kinematic conditions to be met by the screwdriver at the end of a single tightening pulse were determined in order to accumulate kinetic energy and start another tightening pulse.

The paper studies present state of direct investment in technological innovations in the European Union. The EU member states are found to demonstrate different economically motivated preferences as to investment in nanotechnology. The EU investment strategies are assessed from the viewpoint of challenges facing developing and transition economies.

The main purpose of this paper is to give a mathematical description of flow stress of examined aluminium alloys on the basis of upsetting tests perdormed in a servohydraulic plastomer. Deformation curves have been described by means of the Sellars-Tegart-Garofalo equation, with the aid of linear regression analysis by the neural network method implemented in the NEUREX program.

The theory of kinetics of static recrystallization of steel during hot forming links the phenomenon to certain critical strain, grain size, strain rate, activation energy and temperature. The basic description is provided by the Avrami equation. An overview of equations used was compiled and comments on selected parameters prepared.

This paper presents a new model for calculation of critical strain for initialization of dynamic recrystallization. The new model reflects the history of forming in the deformation zone during rolling. In this region of restricted deformation, the strain rate curve for the surface of the strip exhibits two peaks. These are the two reasons why the onset of dynamic recrystallization DRX near the surface of the rolled part occurs later than in theory during strip rolling. The present model had been used in a program for simulation of forming processes with the aid of FEM and a comparison between the physical experiment and a mathematical model had been drawn.

The results of theoretical and experimental analysis of hammer forging process of lever drop forging from AZ31 magnesium alloy are presented in this paper. In order to design a process guaranteeing obtaining a proper product, numerous simulations were made, in which material flow kinematics, strain and damage criterion distributions and forging energy were analyzed. On the basis of the obtained results, the analysis of limiting phenomena, which could appear during the process, was made. Experimental tests in industrial conditions according to designed technology were carried out. Good quality of drop forgings were obtained. On the basis of conducted research, it was stated that hammer forging of lever drop forging from AZ31 magnesium alloy is possible.

Road transport plays an important role in the transport of goods and people and is important for the national economy. Damage usually excludes the means of transport from operation, which causes disruption of supply chains. One such damage is the failure of the suspension system of the vehicle or trailer, which usually occurs when the vehicle is heavily loaded. Such a defective system has been analyzed in this publication. Mathematical apparatus and finite element method (FEM) numerical simulations were used. A dangerous axle cross-section in terms of load was indicated and the maximum stresses in this area were calculated for two types of roads. On highways, the stress at the critical point was 199 MPa, and on uneven roads it increased to 304 MPa, which is comparable to the yield point. It was found that the second form of vibration may cause stresses in the damage area, but the excitation frequency would have to be quite high. The probability of such a load and failure event occurring is low under operating conditions.

With the rapid development of the road transport industry, trucks with semi-trailers have become the main means of transporting goods by road. High quality, durability and reliability of the construction are the main requirements for the production of trailers. Trailer and semi-trailer axles are one of the main and most important components of a truck. Due to the fact that semi-trailer axles are subjected to additional static and dynamic loads during operation, their proper construction is extremely important, therefore they should be carefully designed and tested. The durability of the suspension components refers to the duration of the onset of fatigue. This article presents an analysis of damage to the rear axle of the semi-trailer using macroscopic observations of the damage site and dynamic FEA of stress distribution in the axle material. In order to identify the probable cause of the damage, eight cases of loading the semi-trailer axle were considered. Analytical solutions have shown that in various cases the yield point is exceeded and the strength limit of the modeled semi-trailer axle is reached. The risk of damage to the vehicle's suspension system components increases on poor roads (bumps and winding road sections).

Objective: The aim the study was to investigate the impact of the shot peening process on the condition of the surface layer and biological properties of titanium alloy produced by means of the Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) method., Material and Methods: Specimens were prepared by the EOSINT M280 metal sintering laser system. The surfaces were subjected to the shot peening process using three different media, i.e. steel shot, nutshell granules and ceramic beads, after which they were subjected to profilometric analysis, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) observations and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) tests, as well as to assessment of biological compatibility in terms of cytotoxicity (SH-SY5Y cell lines)., Results: The general results obtained from the tests indicate satisfactory biocompatibility of the examined surfaces and that the impact of the shot peening process on the titanium alloy cytotoxicity is acceptable., Conclusions: The lowest cytotoxicity was demonstrated by the surfaces modified by ceramic beads than the nutshells and the biggest steel shot correspondingly. Moreover, the shot peening process carried out by means of CrNi steel and ceramic shot caused the reduction of surface roughness when, for the surface processing by means of nutshell granules, the increase of surface roughness was observed compared with the unmodified surface of titanium alloy samples.

The tribological performance of metalwork steel tools is of vital importance in both cold and hot working processes. One solution for improving metal tool life is the application of coatings. This paper investigates the differences in quantitative wear behavior and wear mechanisms between AlCrSiN-coated and bare steel K340 and five reference tool steels: X155CrVMo12-1, X37CrMoV5-1, X40CrMoV5-1, 40CrMnMo7 and 90MnCrV8. The investigated tool steels were heat-treated, while K340 was subjected to thermochemical treatment and then coated with an AlCrSiN hard film (K340/AlCrSiN). The hardness, chemical composition, phase structure and microstructure of steels K340 and K340/AlCrSiN were examined. Tribological tests were conducted using the ball-on-disc tester in compliance with the ASTM G99 standard. The tests were performed under dry unidirectional sliding conditions, using an Al 2 O 3 ball as a counterbody. The wear factor and coefficient of friction were estimated and analyzed with respect to hardness and alloying composition of the materials under study. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations were made to identify the sliding wear mechanisms of the analyzed tool steels and physical vapor deposition (PVD)- coated K340 steel. In contrast to the harsh abrasive-adhesive wear mechanism observed for uncoated tool steels, the abrasive wear dominates in case of the AlCrSiN. The deposited thin film effectively prevents the K340 substrate from harsh wear severe degradation. Moreover, thanks to the deposited coating, the K340/AlCrSiN sample has a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.529 and a wear factor of K = 5.68 × 10 -7 m 3 N -1 m -1 , while the COF of the reference tool steels ranges from 0.70 to 0.89 and their wear factor ranges from 1.68 × 10 -5 to 3.67 × 10 -5 m 3 N -1 m -1 . The AlCrSiN deposition reduces the wear of the K340 steel and improves its sliding properties, which makes it a promising method for prolonging the service life of metalwork tools.

Background: Altered myocardial energy metabolism has been linked to worsening of RV function in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The aim of this study was to evaluate RV glucose and fatty acid metabolism in vivo in a rat model of PAH using positron emission tomography (PET) and investigate the effects of Macitentan on RV substrate utilization., Methods: PAH was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by a single subcutaneous injection of Sugen 5416 (20 mg/kg) followed by 3 weeks of hypoxia (10% oxygen). At week 5 post-injection, the PAH rats were randomized to Macitentan (30 mg/kg daily) treatment or no treatment. Substrate utilization was serially assessed 5 and 8 weeks post-injection with 2-[ 18 F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG) and 14(R,S)-[18F]fluoro-6-thia-heptadecanoic acid (FTHA) PET for glucose and fatty acid metabolism respectively and correlated with in vivo functional measurements., Results: PAH induction resulted in a 2.5-fold increase in RV FDG uptake (standardized uptake value (SUV) of normal control: 1.6 ± 0.4, week 5: 4.1 ± 1.9, week 8: 4.0 ± 1.6, P < 0.05 for all groups vs. control). RV FTHA showed twofold increased uptake at week 5 (SUV control: 1.50 ± 0.39, week 5: 3.06 ± 1.10, P = 0.03). Macitentan significantly decreased RV FDG uptake at 8 weeks (SUV: 2.5 ± 0.9, P = 0.04), associated with improved RV ejection fraction and reduced RV systolic pressure, while FTHA uptake was maintained., Conclusion: PAH is associated with metabolic changes in the RV, characterized by a marked increase in FDG and FTHA uptake. Macitentan treatment reduced PAH severity and was associated with a decrease in RV FDG uptake and improved RV function.

'Cataclysmic variables' are binary star systems in which one star of the pair is a white dwarf, and which often generate bright and energetic stellar outbursts. Classical novae are one type of outburst: when the white dwarf accretes enough matter from its companion, the resulting hydrogen-rich atmospheric envelope can host a runaway thermonuclear reaction that generates a rapid brightening. Achieving peak luminosities of up to one million times that of the Sun, all classical novae are recurrent, on timescales of months to millennia. During the century before and after an eruption, the 'novalike' binary systems that give rise to classical novae exhibit high rates of mass transfer to their white dwarfs. Another type of outburst is the dwarf nova: these occur in binaries that have stellar masses and periods indistinguishable from those of novalikes but much lower mass-transfer rates, when accretion-disk instabilities drop matter onto the white dwarfs. The co-existence at the same orbital period of novalike binaries and dwarf novae-which are identical but for their widely varying accretion rates-has been a longstanding puzzle. Here we report the recovery of the binary star underlying the classical nova eruption of 11 March AD 1437 (refs 12, 13), and independently confirm its age by proper-motion dating. We show that, almost 500 years after a classical-nova event, the system exhibited dwarf-nova eruptions. The three other oldest recovered classical novae display nova shells, but lack firm post-eruption ages, and are also dwarf novae at present. We conclude that many old novae become dwarf novae for part of the millennia between successive nova eruptions.

Background: New treatments for hepatitis C (HCV) infection hold great promise for cure, but numerous challenges to diagnosing, establishing care, and receiving therapy exist. There are limited data on insurance authorization for these medications., Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients receiving sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (SOF/LED) from October 11-December 31, 2014 to determine rates and timing of drug authorization. We also determined predictors of approval, and those factors associated with faster decision and approval times., Results: Of 174 patients prescribed HCV therapy during this period, 129 requests were made for SOF/LED, of whom 100 (77.5%) received initial approval, and an additional 17 patients (13.9%) ultimately received approval through the appeals process. Faster approval times were seen in patients with Child-Pugh Class B disease (14.4 vs. 24.7 days, p = 0.048). A higher proportion of patients were initially approved in those with Medicare/Medicaid coverage (92.2% vs. 71.4%, p = 0.002) and those with baseline viral load ≥ 6 million IU/mL (84.1% vs. 62.5%, p = 0.040). Linear regression modeling identified advanced fibrosis, high Model of End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and female gender as significant predictors of shorter decision and approval times. On logistic regression, Medicare/Medicaid coverage (OR 5.96, 95% CI 1.66-21.48) and high viral load (OR 4.52, 95% CI 1.08-19.08) were significant predictors for initial approval., Conclusions: Early analysis of real-world drug authorization outcomes between October-December 2014 reveals that nearly one in four patients are initially denied access to SOF/LED upon initial prescription, although most patients are eventually approved through appeal, which delays treatment initiation. Having Medicare/Medicaid and advanced liver disease resulted in a higher likelihood of approval as well as earlier decision and approval times. More studies are needed to determine factors resulting in higher likelihood of denial and to evaluate approval rates and times after implementation of restrictive prior authorization guidelines.

Granular cell tumor is an unusual growth of probably neuroectodermal histogenesis, first reported by Abrikossoff in 1926 with the name of myoblastenmyoma. Authors described a case of a 54 year man with laryngeal seat of granular-cell myoblastoma. In this case Abrikossoff tumor was located in the right vocal chord. The tumor was treated successfully surgically by microlaryngoscopy. The etiology, clinical features and diagnostic difficulties are discussed.

The three rare cases of the papilloma epithelial in the nose and paranasal sinuses were described. The diagnostic difficulties, treatment and clinical course were also discussed.

The authors have presented a case of brain abscess during chronic otitis media. They have described a treatment, complications and reasons of failure.

A mouse monoclonal antibody and a rabbit polyclonal antibody prepared against the placental form of the enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST-pi) were used to immunohistochemically stain normal and neoplastic human uterine cervical tissues from 88 cases. Of 65 cases of preneoplastic squamous lesions and invasive carcinomas of the cervix, 94% stained with the monoclonal antibody and 100% with the polyclonal antibody. In the 23 benign tissues, staining of ectocervical squamous epithelium was generally not observed; however, areas of reserve-cell hyperplasia, immature squamous metaplasia and adjacent endocervical cells did show staining (68% with the monoclonal antibody and 95% with the polyclonal antibody). Many of the positive tissue types showed a variety of staining patterns and intensities. These findings do not support the concept that GST-pi staining can be used to distinguish preneoplastic lesions of the cervix from benign reactive or proliferative processes. These results are of interest in the investigation of cervical carcinogenesis since GST-pi may be involved in an early stage of neoplastic transformation of the cervical epithelium. The correlation of these findings with the results of human papillomavirus testing and DNA content analysis should be of interest in determining the relationship of this enzyme to cervical neoplasia.

The authors report a boy aged 9 years in whom a giant meningioma of the small wing of the sphenoidal bone was removed surgically. Attention is called to the rarity of these tumours in the first decade of life. Developmental retardation, speech beginning at the age of 4 years, large head and epileptic seizures developing at the age of 7 years without signs of intracranial hypertension suggested the possibility of organic brain disease and development of massive hemiparesis, speech disturbances and choked disc in the last period of the disease were the cause of referral of the child to a neurosurgical unit. Plain skull films and angiography demonstrated changes typical of raised intracranial pressure and presence of an expanding lesion in the left cerebral hemisphere. Meningioma was found on operation hidden within the left frontal and temporal lobes but connected by means of a narrow band to the dura of the small wing of the sphenoidal bone. A good result was obtained. Follow-up examination after 2 years demonstrated slight neurological abnormalities and a very good general state of the child.