bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano-CT Characterization of Structural Voids and Air Bubbles in Fused Deposition Modeling for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Chen Roland K. , Lo Terris T. , Chen Lei , Shih Albert J.
Published: September 2015

The build quality of fused deposition modeling (FDM) parts depends on many build parameters, such as toolpath and temperature. Destructive material testing methods are widely used to examine FDM parts with different build parameters. The optimization of build parameters relies on methods of experimental design and extensive material testing. However, this approach mainly considers the bulk properties of the FDM part, without fully understanding the effect of each parameter on the build quality. This study presents a method to investigate the integrity of FDM parts using nano-focus computed tomography (NanoCT). A solid filled ULTEM sample was built and underwent NanoCT scan. The three dimensional geometry of this sample was reconstructed. Structural voids and bubbles inside the sample were also identified and quantified. The volume of this solid filled sample consists of 11.9% structural voids and bubbles. Air bubbles are further categorized into internal bubbles (bubbles inside the deposited fibers) and necking bubbles (bubbles at the bonding region of two adjacent fibers). While structural voids can be predicted according to toolpath, layer thickness, and extruder diameter, the occurrence of air bubbles are unexpected and can compromise the integrity of the built parts. NanoCT offers a non-destructive way to inspect the integrity of FDM parts. NanoCT can also be used to study three dimensional meso-structure and correlate that with build parameters. This will provide insightful information for further studying the FDM process and help to predict material strengths and to improve the part quality.
Dual-Tree Wavelet Packet Transform for Ultrasonic Data Transmission Through Metal Structures
Authors: Wang Jinjiang , Gao Robert X. , Tang Xinyao , Fan Zhaoyan , Wang Peng
Published: September 2015

Data communication through metallic structures is generally encountered in manufacturing equipment and process monitoring and control. This paper presents a signal processing technique for enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and high-bit data transmission rate in ultrasound-based wireless data transmission through metallic structures. A multi-carrier coded-ultrasonic wave modulation scheme is firstly investigated to achieve high-bit data rate communication while reducing inter-symbol inference and data loss, due to the inherent signal attenuation, wave diffraction and reflection in metallic structures. To improve the signal-to-noise ratio, dual-tree wavelet packet transform (DT-WPT) has been investigated to separate multi-carrier signals under noise contamination, given its properties of shift-invariance and flexible time frequency partitioning. A new envelope extraction and threshold setting strategy for selected wavelet coefficients is then introduced to retrieve the coded digital information. Experimental studies are performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the developed signal processing method for manufacturing.
Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) Using Vegetable Oil With Nano-Platelet Solid Lubricant in Milling Titanium Alloy
Authors: Nguyen Trung , Nguyen Dinh , Howes Pete , Kwon Patrick , Park Kyung-Hee
Published: September 2015

Improving the machinability of titanium (Ti) alloys remains unresolved for manufacturing industries because excessive tool wear and catastrophic tool failures lead to shortened tool life and low productivity with any available cutting tool system. Besides optimizing the substrate and/or coating materials for cutting tools, improving the cooling and lubricating conditions is one of the ways to improve the machinability of Ti alloys. In this paper, we explore the possibility of using a nano-platelet, lamellar-type solid lubricant of graphite Exfoliated graphite nano-platelets (xGnP®) grade C750 (or xGnP750) in Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) machining of Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64). Due to the lamellar or layered crystal structure, each layer easily slides against adjacent layers to provide the lubricity when introduced at the tool/work material interface. Although the nano-platelets have a nano-thickness, they have a micro-sized diameter, which prevents the nano-platelets from penetrating through human skin and breathing through nose. This makes the great advantage in this approach compared to other nano-enhanced MQL processes. The milling experiment shows that the nano-platelets present in the MQL oil decreased flank wear and improved the tool life compared to traditional MQL with pure oil as well as dry machining. The presence of nano-platelets reduces the micro chipping and tool fracture caused by the effect of impact in interrupted machining.
Importance of Feature Sequencing in Incremental Forming
Authors: Lingam Rakesh , Harikrishnan C. L. , Kishan I. V. M. , Reddy N. Venkata
Published: September 2015

Incremental Sheet Forming (ISF) is a flexible forming process suitable for low volume production of sheet metal components. Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF), which has only one tool forming the geometry, is the simplest variant of incremental forming. Bending of sheet between the component opening and the fixed boundary is unavoidable in SPIF due to the absence of support/backup. Double Sided Incremental Forming (DSIF) has two tools which can be used interchangeably for forming and providing local support. The accuracy of parts formed using DSIF is superior to those formed using SPIF as the unwanted bending is substantially reduced by providing local support. In addition DSIF is capable of forming components with features on both sides of the initial plane of sheet and convex and concave features without additional setup.

In ISF, as the deformation progresses, the intended geometry slowly develops, this increases the stiffness of the sheet. While forming multiple features, the forming sequence greatly affects the way stiffness builds-up, which further affects the geometry of formed components. In the present work, an experimental investigation is carried out to demonstrate the affect of forming sequence on the geometries and accuracy of formed component. Results presented show that the feature sequencing greatly affects the geometry and accuracy of formed components.
Characterization of Deformation Mechanics and Microstructure Evolution During Indirect Extrusion in Small Length Scales
Authors: Moradi Marzyeh , Basu Saurabh , Shankar Meenakshisundaram
Published: September 2015

In situ characterization of mechanics of deformation including dynamic strain, strain-rate and rotation of material elements was performed in prototypical small length-scale forming operation- indirect extrusion (IE) of commercially pure Lead (Pb) and Aluminum (Al 1100) using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) technique. Effects of scaling and deformation rate over a range of dimensions and velocities on mechanical response of CP Pb and the resultant anomalies were studied. Additionally, previous and post-deformation characterization of microstructure in Al was accomplished by performing Orientation Imaging Microscopy (OIM) on workpiece materials with different grain sizes. Finally, In situ characterization aided by high speed imaging of indirect extrusion of Al coupled with a Visco-Plastic Self-Consistent (VPSC) model was used to predict the evolved textures in various regions of deformation zone and the results were compared to OIM observations.
A Thermal Model for Laser Hardening Simulation
Authors: Liverani Erica , Fortunato Alessandro , Ascari Alessandro , Sorgente Donato , Scintilla Leonardo Daniele , Palumbo Gianfranco
Published: September 2015

Laser hardening is a very flexible and useful process for surface treatment of medium carbon steels, capable of processing varied and complex geometries. In order to enlarge the range of industrial applications to which this process can be applied, a suitable model is necessary in order to reduce the setup time requested for the optimization of new components. The process model presented is based on the Arrhenius-like equation for estimation of the thermally induced process reaction time for microstructural transformations. By means of experiments, all unknown parameters in the equations have been determined, highlighting the accuracy and low computation time of the simulator.
Adaptive Robot Control as a Service in Cloud Manufacturing
Authors: Adamson Göran , Wang Lihui , Holm Magnus , Moore Philip
Published: September 2015

The interest for implementing the concept of Manufacturing-as-a-Service is increasing as concepts for letting the manufacturing shop-floor domain take advantage of the cloud appear. Combining technologies such as Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, Semantic Web, virtualisation and service-oriented technologies with advanced manufacturing models, information and communication technologies, Cloud Manufacturing is emerging as a new manufacturing paradigm. The ideas of on-demand, scalable and pay-for-usage resource-sharing in this concept will move manufacturing towards distributed and collaborative missions in volatile partnerships. This will require a control approach for distributed planning and execution of cooperating manufacturing activities. Without control based on both global and local environmental conditions, the advantages of Cloud Manufacturing will not be fulfilled.

By utilising smart and distributable decision modules such as event-driven Function Blocks, run-time manufacturing operations in a distributed environment may be adjusted to prevailing manufacturing conditions. Packaged in a cloud service for manufacturing equipment control, they will satisfy the control needs. By combining different resource types, such as hard, soft and capability resources, the cloud service Robot Control-as-a-Service can be realised.

This paper describes the functional perspective and enabling technologies for a distributed control approach for robotic assembly tasks in Cloud Manufacturing.
Novel Extrusion Punch Design for Improved Lubrication and Punch Ejection
Authors: Lowrie James , Ngaile Gracious
Published: September 2015

The extreme surface expansion and pressures observed during the backward extrusion process can have adverse effects on the surface of the workpiece and the life of the punches used in the process. After the forming process is complete, the ejection of the punch can further damage the part surface and reduce tool life because the pressures on the land of the punch remain quite high. The research presented in this investigation aims to reduce or eliminate the galling and surface damage for the backward extrusion process by creating a new class of punch which can create the opportunity for lubrication transport to the area underneath the punch and lessen the damaging conditions during punch ejection. The proposed tooling divides the traditional punch into two pieces, a hollow punch body and an insert with micro channels for lubrication transport. The tooling was developed and used in a series of tests to determine the benefits of the new punch. Preliminary data shows that the extrusion loads for proposed punch are similar to the conventional punch, but the surface finish is significantly enhanced using the modified punch design and the galling is minimized. Furthermore, there is a marked reduction in the ejection load required to remove the punch from the part after forming.
Energy Efficiency and Performance Optimized Control of a Hybrid Feed Drive
Authors: Duan Molong , Okwudire Chinedum E.
Published: September 2015

Linear motor drives (LMDs) are well known to provide significant advantages in terms of positioning speed and precision over traditional screw drives (SDs), making them better suited for high-speed, high-precision machine tools. However, their use in such machine tools is limited by their tendency to consume a lot of electrical energy and cause thermal issues that help drive up costs. A hybrid feed drive (HFD) has been proposed as a possible solution to this dilemma. The HFD combines LMD and SD actuation to achieve speeds and accuracies similar to LMDs while consuming much less energy. This paper explores control strategies to further improve the performance of the HFD without unduly sacrificing its efficiency. First, it highlights two performance limitations of the controller proposed for the HFD in prior work, namely, imperfect tracking and suboptimal feedback gains. Then it compares two approaches for achieving perfect tracking with regard to performance and energy efficiency. Finally, it presents an approach for optimizing the feedback gains of the HFD to achieve the best positioning performance. Simulations and experiments are used to demonstrate significant gains in precise positioning using the methods proposed in this paper, while maintaining superb energy efficiency relative to an equivalent LMD.
Melodic contour identification and sentence recognition using sung speech
Authors: Crew Joseph D. , Galvin John J. , Fu Qian-Jie
Published: September 2015

For bimodal cochlear implant users, acoustic and electric hearing has been shown to contribute differently to speech and music perception. However, differences in test paradigms and stimuli in speech and music testing can make it difficult to assess the relative contributions of each device. To address these concerns, the Sung Speech Corpus (SSC) was created. The SSC contains 50 monosyllable words sung over an octave range and can be used to test both speech and music perception using the same stimuli. Here SSC data are presented with normal hearing listeners and any advantage of musicianship is examined.
DNA tumor virus oncogenes antagonize the cGAS-STING DNA-sensing pathway
Authors: Lau Laura , Gray Elizabeth E. , Brunette Rebecca L. , Stetson Daniel B.
Published: September 2015

Viral oncogenes remove the host's STING

Cancer-causing viruses, such as the human papilloma virus (HPV) that causes cervical cancer, account for 12% of human cancers. One way they can cause cancer is by targeting tumor suppressor proteins in the host. Now Lau
et al.
report that DNA tumor viruses can also thwart the host's immune system. Oncogenes from HPV and human adenovirus bound to the protein STING, a key component of the cGAS-STING pathway that senses and defends against intracellular DNA. In this way, the viruses subvert the host's antiviral immunity and set up shop, which, for an unlucky few, eventually causes cancer.

Science
, this issue p.
568
Remote control of therapeutic T cells through a small molecule–gated chimeric receptor
Authors: Wu Chia-Yung , Roybal Kole T. , Puchner Elias M. , Onuffer James , Lim Wendell A.
Published: September 2015

Keeping a leash on cancer-killing cells

Redirecting the immune system to attack tumor cells is proving to be an effective therapy against cancer. However, when patients are exposed to T cells engineered to recognize and attack cancer cells, there is a risk of runaway or excessive activity or of off-target effects, both of which can themselves be deadly. Wu
et al.
designed T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors that recognize and attack cancer cells with an additional control system. This mechanism would allow a doctor administering the therapy to turn the engineered T cell “on” or “off” by administering a small molecule that is required along with cancer cell antigen to stimulate the T cells and activate their tumor cell–killing properties.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aab4077
Operon structure and cotranslational subunit association direct protein assembly in bacteria
Authors: Shieh Yu-Wei , Minguez Pablo , Bork Peer , Auburger Josef J. , Guilbride D. Lys , Kramer Günter , Bukau Bernd
Published: September 2015

Proximity best for building protein complexes

The synthesis of protein subunits and their assembly into a fully functional complex are generally thought to be two distinct processes. Shieh
et al.
studied the synthesis and assembly of the luciferase complex in
Escherichia coli.
Organization of the luciferase subunits LuxA and LuxB side by side into an operon promotes their colocalized synthesis and assembly into an active enzyme complex. Indeed, the association between the subunits occurs as they are being synthesized on ribosomes, which helps order the sequence of subunit interactions.

Science
, this issue p.
678
Draft Genome Sequences of Six Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae Strains That Establish Bacteremia in the Infant Rat Model of Invasive Disease
Authors: VanWagoner Timothy M. , Morton Daniel J. , Seale Thomas W. , Mussa Huda J. , Cole Brett K. , Whitby Paul W. , Stull Terrence L.
Published: September 2015

Haemophilus influenzae
is an important cause of invasive disease. The infant rat is the accepted model of invasive
H. influenzae
disease. Here, we report the genome sequences of six nontypeable
H. influenzae
strains that establish bacteremia in the infant rat.
Avian Polyomavirus Genome Sequences Recovered from Parrots in Captive Breeding Facilities in Poland
Authors: Dayaram Anisha , Piasecki Tomasz , Chrząstek Klaudia , White Robyn , Julian Laurel , van Bysterveldt Katherine , Varsani Arvind
Published: September 2015

Eight genomes of avian polyomaviruses (APVs) were recovered and sequenced from deceased
Psittacula eupatria
,
Psittacula krameri
, and
Melopsittacus undulatus
from various breeding facilities in Poland. Of these APV-positive samples, six had previously tested positive for beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) and/or parrot hepatitis B virus (PHBV).
First Draft Genome Sequence of Balamuthia mandrillaris, the Causative Agent of Amoebic Encephalitis
Authors: Detering H. , Aebischer T. , Dabrowski P. W. , Radonić A. , Nitsche A. , Renard B. Y. , Kiderlen A. F.
Published: September 2015

The free-living amoeba
Balamuthia mandrillaris
is a rare but highly lethal agent of amoebic encephalitis in humans and many other mammalian species. Here, we announce the first draft genome sequence of the original 1990 isolate cultured from the brain of a deceased mandrill baboon.
Complete Genome and Plasmid Sequences of Three Canadian Strains of Salmonella enterica subsp.
enterica
Serovar Enteritidis Belonging to Phage Types 8, 13, and 13a
Authors: Rehman Muhammad Attiq , Labbé Geneviève , Ziebell Kim , Johnson Roger P. , Nash John H. E.
Published: September 2015

Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Enteritidis is a prominent cause of human salmonellosis frequently linked to poultry products. In Canada,
S
. Enteritidis phage types 8, 13, and 13a predominate among both clinical and poultry isolates. Here, we report the complete genome and plasmid sequences of poultry isolates of these three phage types.
Draft Genome Sequence of Methicillin-Resistant Clinical Staphylococcus aureus Isolate 51S (Sequence Type 291)
Authors: Marasa Bernard S. , Khan Saeed , Iram Saira , Sung Kidon , Xu Joshua
Published: September 2015

We report the draft genome sequence of a methicillin-resistant clinical
Staphylococcus aureus
isolate with a novel
spa
type and sequence type (ST291), isolated from a renal failure patient in Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Gram-Positive Thermophilic Iron Reducer Thermincola ferriacetica Strain Z-0001
T
Authors: Lusk Bradley G. , Badalamenti Jonathan P. , Parameswaran Prathap , Bond Daniel R. , Torres Cesar I.
Published: September 2015

A 3.19-Mbp draft genome of the Gram-positive thermophilic iron-reducing
Firmicutes
isolate from the
Peptococcaceae
family,
Thermincola ferriacetica
Z-0001, was assembled at ~100× coverage from 100-bp paired-end Illumina reads. The draft genome contains 3,274 predicted genes (3,187 protein coding genes) and putative multiheme
c
-type cytochromes.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bifidobacterium actinocoloniiforme Type Strain DSM 22766
T
, Isolated from Bumblebee Digestive Tracts
Authors: Chen Xiaohan , E Zhiguo , Gu Donglu , Lv Longxian , Li Yudong
Published: September 2015

Bifidobacteria are one of the most important beneficial bacteria in the gut of mammals and insects. We sequenced the genome of
B. actinocoloniiforme
DSM 22766, which was isolated from the digestive tracts of bumblebees. The genome contains 1,548 protein-coding genes, 49 RNAs and two CRISPR repeats.
Draft Genome Sequence of Purine-Degrading
Gottschalkia purinilyticum
(Formerly Clostridium purinilyticum) WA1 (DSM 1384)
Authors: Poehlein Anja , Bengelsdorf Frank R. , Schiel-Bengelsdorf Bettina , Daniel Rolf , Dürre Peter
Published: September 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Gottschalkia purinilyticum
(formerly
Clostridium purinilyticum
) WA1, an anaerobic bacterium specialized on degradation of purines (including adenine) and glycine, which uses the selenoprotein glycine reductase for substrate degradation. The genome consists of a single chromosome (3.40 Mb).
Draft Genome Sequence of Methicillin-Sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213
Authors: Soni Isha , Chakrapani Harinath , Chopra Sidharth
Published: September 2015

Staphylococcus aureus
subsp.
aureus
ATCC 29213 is one of the most commonly used strains in drug discovery research and for quality control. We report the completed draft genome sequence for the strain.
Draft Genome Sequence of Roseovarius tolerans EL-164, a Producer of
N
-Acylated Alanine Methyl Esters and
N
-Acylhomoserine Lactones
Authors: Voget Sonja , Bruns Hilke , Wagner-Döbler Irene , Schulz Stefan , Daniel Rolf
Published: September 2015

Roseovarius tolerans
EL-164 is a member of the
Roseobacter
clade, a group of marine bacteria within the
Alphaproteobacteria
. It produces different
N
-acylhomoserine lactone (AHL) autoinducers as well as five AHL-related but functionally different compounds, the
N
-acylated alanine methyl esters. The size of the draft genome is 3,749,755 bp.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Commensal Enterococcus cecorum Strains Isolated from Chickens in Belgium
Authors: Dolka Beata , Boyen Filip , Butaye Patrick , Heidemann Olsen Rikke , Naundrup Thøfner Ida Cecilie , Christensen Jens Peter
Published: September 2015

Here, we report the draft genome sequences of two commensal
Enterococcus cecorum
strains (1710s23 and 1711s24), cultivated from the ceca of healthy laying hens originating from different farms in Belgium.
Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee: a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Fransen Marlene , McConnell Sara , Harmer Alison R , Van der Esch Martin , Simic Milena , Bennell Kim L
Published: September 2015

Objective

To determine whether land-based therapeutic exercise is beneficial for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) in terms of reduced joint pain or improved physical function and quality of life.

Methods

Five electronic databases were searched, up until May 2013. Randomised clinical trials comparing some form of land-based therapeutic exercise with a non-exercise control were selected. Three teams of two review authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias for each study. Standardised mean differences immediately after treatment and 2–6 months after cessation of formal treatment were separately pooled using a random effects model.

Results

In total, 54 studies were identified. Overall, 19 (35%) studies reported adequate random sequence generation, allocation concealment and adequately accounted for incomplete outcome data. However, research results may be vulnerable to selection, attrition and detection bias. Pooled results from 44 trials indicated that exercise significantly reduced pain (12 points/100; 95% CI 10 to 15) and improved physical function (10 points/100; 95% CI 8 to 13) to a moderate degree immediately after treatment, while evidence from 13 studies revealed that exercise significantly improved quality of life immediately after treatment with small effect (4 points/100; 95% CI 2 to 5). In addition, 12 studies provided 2-month to 6-month post-treatment sustainability data which showed significantly reduced knee pain (6 points/100; 95% CI 3 to 9) and 10 studies which showed improved physical function (3 points/100; 95% CI 1 to 5).

Conclusions

Among people with knee osteoarthritis, land-based therapeutic exercise provides short-term benefit that is sustained for at least 2–6 months after cessation of formal treatment.
Guideline-based decision support has a small, non-sustained effect on transthoracic echocardiography ordering frequency
Authors: Boggan Joel C , Schulteis Ryan D , Donahue Mark , Simel David L
Published: September 2015

Background

Guidance for appropriate utilisation of transthoracic echocardiograms (TTEs) can be incorporated into ordering prompts, potentially affecting the number of requests.

Methods

We incorporated data from the 2011 Appropriate Use Criteria for Echocardiography, the 2010 National Institute for Clinical Excellence Guideline on Chronic Heart Failure, and American College of Cardiology Choosing Wisely list on TTE use for dyspnoea, oedema and valvular disease into electronic ordering systems at Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Our primary outcome was TTE orders per month. Secondary outcomes included rates of outpatient TTE ordering per 100 visits and frequency of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) ordering prior to TTE. Outcomes were measured for 20 months before and 12 months after the intervention.

Results

The number of TTEs ordered did not decrease (338±32 TTEs/month prior vs 320±33 afterwards, p=0.12). Rates of outpatient TTE ordering decreased minimally post intervention (2.28 per 100 primary care/cardiology visits prior vs 1.99 afterwards, p<0.01). Effects on TTE ordering and ordering rate significantly interacted with time from intervention (p<0.02 for both), as the small initial effects waned after 6 months. The percentage of TTE orders with preceding BNP increased (36.5% prior vs 42.2% after for inpatients, p=0.01; 10.8% prior vs 14.5% after for outpatients, p<0.01).

Conclusions

Ordering prompts for TTEs initially minimally reduced the number of TTEs ordered and increased BNP measurement at a single institution, but the effect on TTEs ordered was likely insignificant from a utilisation standpoint and decayed over time.
Immunohistochemical localisation and effect of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors on canine spontaneous periodontitis
Authors: Kaiser S. M. , Thiel C. , Kramer M. , Raddatz B. B. , Failing K. , Alldinger S.
Published: September 2015

Periodontitis is commonly observed in dogs. In human medicine, it is well documented that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are involved in the destruction of the periodontium. Therefore, the aim of this prospective study was to investigate the impact of MMPs and their inhibitors, the TIMPs (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases), on canine periodontitis. The oral cavities of 57 dogs were examined clinically and radiologically. Gingival biopsies were obtained from the examined dogs and histologically analysed via haematoxylin and eosin stained sections. Immunohistological detection of MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 as well as TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 was performed by the avidin‐biotin peroxidase complex technique. All sections were evaluated by light microscopy. Statistically significant positive correlations were detected between the histologically verified degree of inflammation and the expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐3, MMP‐8 and MMP‐9 as well as between changes in collagen fibre content and the occurrence of MMP‐2, MMP‐8 and MMP‐9. Concerning TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2, non‐significant, generally negative correlations were observed. In summary, in canine periodontitis, an increased expression of the above mentioned MMPs and a tendentially decreased expression of TIMPs are present. In conclusion, in canine periodontitis, a MMP‐TIMP imbalance is suggestive of contributing to the destruction of the periodontium.
Increase of Clostridium perfringens in association with Eimeria in haemorrhagic enteritis in Japanese beef cattle
Authors: Kirino Y. , Tanida M. , Hasunuma H. , Kato T. , Irie T. , Horii Y. , Nonaka N.
Published: September 2015

A coprological survey with detailed clinical observation of naturally occurring haemorrhagic enteritis (HE) cases was conducted to understand the pathophysiology of HE by clarifying the infection status of Eimeria and enteropathogenic bacteria in cattle. Faecal samples from 55 cases of HE and 26 clinically normal animals were collected, and a quantitative examination of Eimeria and potential enteropathogenic bacteria was performed. The number of Eimeria species oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) exceeded 10,000 in 69.1 per cent of HE cases with a maximum of 1,452,500 OPG and Eimeria zuernii was found to be overwhelmingly dominant. A significant increase in faecal coliform count was observed in HE cases compared with clinically normal animals. Among the animals shedding >10,000 OPG, 42.9 per cent showed a remarkable increase in Clostridium perfringens abundance (>104 CFU/g) in the faeces. In the cases with C. perfringens detected, its abundance was positively correlated with Eimeria OPG and high C. perfringens abundance was always accompanied by high Eimeria OPG. E. zuernii is likely to play a crucial role in massive multiplication of C. perfringens in HE in cattle.
British Veterinary Association Annual General Meeting: Edinburgh, September 24, 2015
Authors: Thorpe D.
Published: September 2015

The 2015 Annual General Meeting of the British Veterinary Association will be held at the Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh, on Thursday, September 24, 2015, at 15.30.
An adventure worth chasing
Authors: Egan Padraig
Published: September 2015

Eight years after qualifying, Padraig Egan has embarked on a surgical residency fully aware that the rigorous training means starting his surgical learning from scratch. He will be sharing his experiences with Vet Record Careers
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Melvin Amanda
Published: September 2015

Amanda Melvin is senior product manager at MSD Animal Health, which is supporting the Afya Serengeti rabies prevention project.
Alpha-lipoic acid: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic potential in diabetes
Authors: Rochette Luc , Ghibu Steliana , Muresan Adriana , Vergely Catherine
Published: September 2015

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease with a high prevalence worldwide. Diabetes and insulin resistance are associated with the development of cardiovascular and nervous diseases. The development of these disorders reflects complex pathological processes in which the oxidative stress caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) plays a pivotal role. It is widely accepted that diabetes impairs endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and increases the production of ROS, thus resulting in diminished NO bioavailability and increased oxidative stress. Alpha-lipoic acid (LA) possesses beneficial effects both in the prevention and in the treatment of diabetes. LA is a potent antioxidant with insulin-mimetic and anti-inflammatory activity. LA in the diet is quickly absorbed, transported to the intracellular compartments, and reduced to dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) under the action of enzymes. LA, which plays an essential role in mitochondrial bioenergetic reactions, has drawn considerable attention as an antioxidant for use in managing diabetic complications such as retinopathy, neuropathy and other vascular diseases.
The Impact of Knowledge Sharing Enablers on Employees' Performance: An Empirical Study on READ Foundation in Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Authors: Hussain Iftikhar , Khan Anum , Qurashi Amber , Qurat-ul-Ain  , Shabbir Asma
Published: September 2015

To investigate the critical role that knowledge sharing enablers play in putting into practice knowledge management within schools' and impacting schools' performance. The field of knowledge management aims at enhancing performance through knowledge sharing enablers. However, not all knowledge sharing enablers have same effects. This study attempted at categorizing enablers among knowledge management users/teachers and examine whether performance changes due to these enablers. Existing literature was reviewed to shape the study design. Present research is quantitative in nature and was conducted through personal interviews to explore the proposed relationships. An instrument was adopted which was tested for validity and reliability. The research instrument was administered to respondents and 110 responses were acquired. Convenience sampling is used to select the respondents. Descriptive statistics, correlation and regression analysis were used to analyse data. The current research found that among the knowledge sharing enablers' cultural characteristics, rewards and incentives, management support, and organisation structure have significant positive relationship with schools' performance and these results supported the previous studies. The findings also indicate that growth in job and task achievement is also positively related with schools' performance. The result also revealed that knowledge sharing enablers (cultural characteristics, rewards and incentives, management support, organisation structure) are becoming important to increase teachers' motivation. The findings also reflect that among the knowledge sharing enabler's; organisation structure has more influence on employees' performance. The present research results not only confirmed theory with practice; but also presented a reference for the knowledge practitioners as well as the teachers and business professionals. The present study has revealed that setting up knowledge sharing enablers are important for implementing knowledge management and is an important mean for improving organisational performance. Knowledge sharing does not only help in managing knowledge, but instead it plays the role of enhancing organisational performance by taking on the duty of assisting and coordinating different departments in their sharing of information and knowledge.
Initial boundary value problem for 2D Boussinesq equations with temperature-dependent diffusion
Authors: Li Huapeng , Pan Ronghua , Zhang Weizhe
Published: September 2015

We consider the initial-boundary value problem (IBVP) of 2D inviscid heat conductive Boussinesq equations with nonlinear heat diffusion over a bounded domain with smooth boundary. Under slip boundary condition of velocity and the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary condition for temperature, we show that there exists a unique global smooth solution to the IBVP for H3initial data. Moreover, we show that the temperature converges exponentially to zero as time goes to infinity, and the velocity and vorticity are uniformly bounded in time.
The Quality of Biodiversity Inputs to EIA in Areas with High Biodiversity Value — Experience from the Cape Floristic Region, South Africa
Authors: Hallatt Trevor Winston , Retief Francois Pieter , Sandham Luke Alan
Published: September 2015

The quality of biodiversity inputs to Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in areas with high biodiversity value was investigated by reviewing the quality of a sample of Biodiversity Impact Assessments (BIAs) in the Cape Floristic Region (CFR), South Africa. The results suggest that while the overall performance was satisfactory, several inadequacies were evident, confirming international trends. Inadequacies relate to consideration of alternatives, public consultation, monitoring programmes, and gathering of biodiversity baseline data during inappropriate seasons and over insufficient time periods. Positive outcomes include the incorporation of ecosystems processes in baseline studies and assessment as well as the wide adoption of a precautionary approach to impact prediction. It is recommended that best practice and biodiversity guidance as developed and implemented in the Western Cape Province, be adopted as widely as possible in other provinces, and that the BIA practitioner community be alerted to revealed weakness of BIA report quality.
Modeling Nonequilibrium Gas Flow Based on Moment Equations
Authors: Torrilhon Manuel
Published: September 2015

This article discusses the development of continuum models to describe processes in gases in which the particle collisions cannot maintain thermal equilibrium. Such a situation typically is present in rarefied or diluted gases, for flows in microscopic settings, or in general whenever the Knudsen number—the ratio between the mean free path of the particles and a macroscopic length scale—becomes significant. The continuum models are based on the stochastic description of the gas by Boltzmann's equation in kinetic gas theory. With moment approximations, extended fluid dynamic equations can be derived, such as the regularized 13-moment equations. Moment equations are introduced in detail, and typical results are reviewed for channel flow, cavity flow, and flow past a sphere in the low–Mach number setting for which both evolution equations and boundary conditions are well established. Conversely, nonlinear, high-speed processes require special closures that are still under development. Current approaches are examined, along with the challenge of computing shock wave profiles based on continuum equations.
Contrast in Phonology, 1867–1967: History and Development
Authors: Dresher B. Elan
Published: September 2015

This article surveys the history of contrast in phonology from Bell's Visible Speech ( 1867 ) until Chomsky & Halle's Sound Pattern of English ( 1968 ). Phonological contrast can be viewed at the segmental and subsegmental (feature) levels. As contrast at the segmental level involves the phoneme, whose later history has been extensively documented, I concentrate on the origins of the concept in the work of Sweet. Subsequently, I focus on subsegmental-level contrast. After a look at its treatment in phonological analyses that operated without an explicit theory of features, I turn to Trubetzkoy, in whose work we find the seeds of later approaches. The article explores the foundations of the main methods of computing contrastive features: minimal differences and hierarchical feature ordering. It concludes with a discussion of contrast in early generative phonology and reviews some of the reasons for its decline at the end of the 1960s.
Afterload-induced diastolic dysfunction contributes to high filling pressures in experimental heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Leite Sara , Rodrigues Sara , Tavares-Silva Marta , Oliveira-Pinto José , Alaa Mohamed , Abdellatif Mahmoud , Fontoura Dulce , Falcão-Pires Inês , Gillebert Thierry C. , Leite-Moreira Adelino F. , Lourenço André P.
Published: September 2015

Myocardial stiffness and upward-shifted end-diastolic pressure-volume (P-V) relationship (EDPVR) are the key to high filling pressures in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Nevertheless, many patients may remain asymptomatic unless hemodynamic stress is imposed on the myocardium. Whether delayed relaxation induced by pressure challenge may contribute to high end-diastolic pressure (EDP) remains unsettled. Our aim was to assess the effect of suddenly imposed isovolumic afterload on relaxation and EDP, exploiting a highly controlled P-V experimental evaluation setup in the ZSF1 obese rat (ZSF1 Ob) model of HFpEF. Twenty-week-old ZSF1 Ob ( n = 12), healthy Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY, n = 11), and hypertensive ZSF1 lean control rats (ZSF1 Ln, n = 10) underwent open-thorax left ventricular (LV) P-V hemodynamic evaluation under anesthesia with sevoflurane. EDPVR was obtained by inferior vena cava occlusions to assess LV ED chamber stiffness constant β, and single-beat isovolumic afterload acquisitions were obtained by swift occlusions of the ascending aorta. ZSF1 Ob showed increased ED stiffness, delayed relaxation, as assessed by time constant of isovolumic relaxation (τ), and elevated EDP with normal ejection fraction. Isovolumic afterload increased EDP without concomitant changes in ED volume or heart rate. In isovolumic beats, relaxation was delayed to the extent that time for complete relaxation as predicted by 3.5 × monoexponentially derived τ (τexp) exceeded effective filling time. EDP elevation correlated with reduced time available to relax, which was the only independent predictor of EDP rise in multiple linear regression. Our results suggest that delayed relaxation during pressure challenge is an important contributor to lung congestion and effort intolerance in HFpEF.
Reduced cortical BACE1 content with one bout of exercise is accompanied by declines in AMPK, Akt, and MAPK signaling in obese, glucose-intolerant mice
Authors: MacPherson R. E. K. , Baumeister P. , Peppler W. T. , Wright D. C. , Little J. P.
Published: September 2015

Obesity and type 2 diabetes are significant risk factors in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. A variety of cellular mechanisms, such as altered Akt and AMPK and increased inflammatory signaling, contribute to neurodegeneration. Exercise training can improve markers of neurodegeneration, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a single bout of exercise on markers of neurodegeneration and inflammation in brains from mice fed a high-fat diet. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed a low (LFD; 10% kcal from lard)- or a high-fat diet (HFD; 60% kcal from lard) for 7 wk. HFD mice underwent an acute bout of exercise (treadmill running: 15 m/min, 5% incline, 120 min) followed by a recovery period of 2 h. The HFD increased body mass and glucose intolerance (both P < 0.05). This was accompanied by an approximately twofold increase in the phosphorylation of Akt, ERK, and GSK in the cortex ( P < 0.05). Following exercise, there was a decrease in beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1; P < 0.05) and activity ( P < 0.001). This was accompanied by a reduction in AMPK phosphorylation, indicative of a decline in cellular stress ( P < 0.05). Akt and ERK phosphorylation were decreased following exercise in HFD mice to a level similar to that of the LFD mice ( P < 0.05). This study demonstrates that a single bout of exercise can reduce BACE1 content and activity independent of changes in adiposity. This effect is associated with reductions in Akt, ERK, and AMPK signaling in the cortex.
Multivalent Forms of the Notch Ligand DLL-1 Enhance Antitumor T-cell Immunity in Lung Cancer and Improve Efficacy of EGFR-Targeted Therapy
Authors: Biktasova Asel K. , Dudimah Duafalia F. , Uzhachenko Roman V. , Park Kyungho , Akhter Anwari , Arasada Rajeswara R. , Evans Jason V. , Novitskiy Sergey V. , Tchekneva Elena E. , Carbone David P. , Shanker Anil , Dikov Mikhail M.
Published: September 2015

Activation of Notch signaling in hematopoietic cells by tumors contributes to immune escape. T-cell defects in tumors can be reversed by treating tumor-bearing mice with multivalent forms of the Notch receptor ligand DLL-1, but the immunologic correlates of this effect have not been elucidated. Here, we report mechanistic insights along with the efficacy of combinational treatments of multivalent DLL-1 with oncoprotein targeting drugs in preclinical mouse models of lung cancer. Systemic DLL-1 administration increased T-cell infiltration into tumors and elevated numbers of CD44+CD62L+CD8+ memory T cells while decreasing the number of regulatory T cells and limiting tumor vascularization. This treatment was associated with upregulation of Notch and its ligands in tumor-infiltrating T cells enhanced expression of T-bet and phosphorylation of Stat1/2. Adoptive transfer of T cells from DLL1-treated tumor-bearing immunocompetent hosts into tumor-bearing SCID-NOD immunocompromised mice attenuated tumor growth and extended tumor-free survival in the recipients. When combined with the EGFR-targeted drug erlotinib, DLL-1 significantly improved progression-free survival by inducing robust tumor-specific T-cell immunity. In tissue culture, DLL1 induced proliferation of human peripheral T cells, but lacked proliferative or clonogenic effects on lung cancer cells. Our findings offer preclinical mechanistic support for the development of multivalent DLL1 to stimulate antitumor immunity. Cancer Res; 75(22); 4728–41. ©2015 AACR.
Osteogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Contributes to Primary Myelofibrosis
Authors: Martinaud Christophe , Desterke Christophe , Konopacki Johanna , Pieri Lisa , Torossian Frédéric , Golub Rachel , Schmutz Sandrine , Anginot Adrienne , Guerton Bernadette , Rochet Nathalie , Albanese Patricia , Henault Emilie , Pierre-Louis Olivier , Souraud Jean-Baptiste , de Revel Thierry , Dupriez Brigitte , Ianotto Jean-Christophe , Bourgeade Marie-Françoise , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Lataillade Jean-Jacques , Le Bousse-Kerdilès Marie-Caroline
Published: September 2015

Primary myelofibrosis is a myeloproliferative neoplasm that is a precursor to myeloid leukemia. Dysmegakaryopoiesis and extramedullary hematopoiesis characterize primary myelofibrosis, which is also associated with bone marrow stromal alterations marked by fibrosis, neoangiogenesis, and osteomyelosclerosis. In particular, contributions to primary myelofibrosis from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have been suggested by mouse studies, but evidence in humans remains lacking. In this study, we show that bone marrow MSCs from primary myelofibrosis patients exhibit unique molecular and functional abnormalities distinct from other myeloproliferative neoplasms and these abnormalities are maintained stably ex vivo in the absence of leukemic cells. Primary myelofibrosis-MSC overexpressed heparin-binding cytokines, including proinflammatory TGFβ1 and osteogenic BMP-2, as well as glycosaminoglycans such as heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate. Transcriptome and functional analyses revealed alterations in MSC differentiation characterized by an increased osteogenic potential and a TGFβ1 signaling signature. Accordingly, phospho-Smad2 levels were intrinsically increased in primary myelofibrosis-MSC along with enhanced expression of the master bone regulator RUNX2, while inhibition of the endogenous TGFβ1 receptor TGFβR1 impaired osteogenic differentiation in these MSCs. Taken together, our results define the source of a critical osteogenic function in primary myelofibrosis that supports its pathophysiology, suggesting that combined targeting of both the hematopoietic and stromal cell compartments in primary myelofibrosis patients may heighten therapeutic efficacy. Cancer Res; 75(22); 4753–65. ©2015 AACR.
Intraventricular Astroblastoma in an Infant: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Sabharwal Paramveer , Sadashiva Nishanth , Unchagi Asha , Mahadevan Anita , Pandey Paritosh
Published: September 2015

Astroblastomas are rare intracranial tumours of uncertain origin and are commonly present in the supratentorial compartment. Astroblastomas often affect children and young adults. Their occurrence in an intraventricular location, in an infant, is extremely uncommon. We describe a 1-year-old boy who presented with features of raised intracranial pressure. An MRI scan revealed an intralateral ventricular tumour. Complete excision was performed. Its histopathological examination revealed features consistent with astroblastoma. A follow-up MRI scan after 9 months did not show any residual tumour, and the patient was followed up without any adjuvant therapy. The radiological and histopathological characteristics of this tumour are described in our report.