bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Changing Balance of Design Requirements
Authors: Ford T.E.
Published: November 2014

The two goals of maximum reliability and minimum maintenance costs occupy the energies of today's designers to an ever increasing extent. This was made clear in the contributions to a symposium on the ever changing balance of design requirements which dealt with reactions from various sources. From the manufacturers of aircraft which may have a ‘lead‐time’ of up to 6 years from original market research, a considerable amount of predictions must be made regarding future technological and economic trends as well as market potential. Hawker Siddeley Aviation's speaker referred to the increasing complexity of aircraft and air traffic control equipment and therefore, the increased costs to be balanced by increased productivity. It is the HSA Group's policy to treat aircraft maintenance cost as a major design parameter, targetting and control being undertaken by the design department in a similar fashion to weight and performance control.
Achievements, problems and prospects for the british aircraft industry
Authors: Masefield Peter
Published: November 2014

AMONG all the anxious, complex and difficult problems which confront the United Kingdom and its people in these times of economic and social stress, there are none of more importance and significance for the future than those of British manufacturing in general and of the Aircraft — or “Aerospace” — Industry in particular.
Candid Cameras
Authors: Roach J.
Published: November 2014

Although most people are now familiar with TV receivers through everyday contact, the TV camera is very much less understood. This article describes a joint venture project between the Corporation and a company which designs special‐purpose TV cameras. Some of these cameras operate at low light levels and others operate in the infrared region of the spectrum to image the thermal radiation from objects. Such cameras are proving useful in a wide variety of surveillance and inspection applications, both in industry and for general security work.
“Fifty Years Fly Past”
Authors: Masefield MA Peter
Published: November 2014

AIRCRAFT ENGINEERING'S first half‐century has spanned three‐quarters of the Aviation era since the Wright Brothers first flew on 17th December, 1903. Those 50 active years have seen a transformation of every aspect of the engineering scene — materials, structures, power‐plants, ancillaries and equipment. Yet still today, the art and the science of aeronautical engineering —and it is certainly both—are advancing as fast as any group in the past, while costs soar.
Towards an International Licence
Authors: FRY R.A.
Published: November 2014

At any point of time on any day of these 1970s, international air traffic is moving a vast population across frontiers. The passengers obediently fasten seat belts, the big jets capture the glideslope and then roll in towards the terminal. The disembarking passengers leave the aircraft thinking about immigration and customs, the transit passengers glean a quick impression of a possibly unknown land beyond the terminal, and the boarding passengers speculate on the relative advantages of aisle or window seats. Very few of these people will consider whether the vehicle which carries them so comfortably presents any problems to the technicians at the airports visited en route.
Coatings in the Aero Gas Turbine
Authors: WEDGE R.H. , EAVES A.V.
Published: November 2014

One of a series of papers presented at a Symposium on the Cost Effectiveness of Sprayed Metal Coatings, organised by the Association of Metal Sprayers.
Airworthiness—“A Round‐up”
Authors: Major E.R.
Published: November 2014

In my introductory article, “Airworthiness — A Systems Approach”, last March, I expressed the hope that eminent engineers from all the disciplines and activities on which “total airworthiness” (my phrase) depends, would be persuaded by Aircraft Engineering to contribute articles on their own specialisations.
Indication and Alerting
Authors: Ford T.E.
Published: November 2014

Among digital systems on the flight decks of Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft is one which provides more effective monitoring and alerting than was ever before possible. Better panel layouts and flight deck geometry enable the objectives of improved flight operations and crew efficiency to be realised. A prime consideration is also the reduced cost of ownership compared with previous systems and, in addition, provision has been made for change and growth.
Safety Topics
Authors: MAYDAY
Published: November 2014

There is no mandatory limit to the number of retreads, but ten is a typical maximum, with the average much less. Currently, the quality control of retreaded tyres is ensured by inspection both of carcase and final product, and this includes some holographic and destructive sampling of the production. Notably, a Cranfield Institute of Technology project has pointed to greater failure after three or four retreads. The tyre manufacturer would like operators to keep more complete records of individual tyres used to help in the collection of information.
Safety Topics
Authors: Mayday
Published: November 2014

A FURTHER step in the development of criteria for the operation of two‐engine aircraft on longer ranges has been taken earlier this year with the publication of proposals by the FAA. The advisory circular containing these varies in some respects from the draft issued in 1984 (referred to in ‘Aircraft Engineering’) and comments have been invited. The criteria are designed to ensure that transoceanic flights by two‐engine aircraft will be at least as safe as those by current three or four engine jets. Each airline that wants to make such flights will have to prove individually to the FAA that its aircraft and flight crew members meet these proposals. The action is being taken because of the reliability of modern jet engines and in view of the fact that military and business jets with two engines have been flying across the North Atlantic safely for many years.
ECDS1 — An Electronic Coordinate Determination System for Industrial Applications
Authors: Lardelli A.
Published: November 2014

AN important activity in industrial manufacturing processors is that of taking the measurements of patterns, machine components, jigs and workpieces. Since a large number of measuring instruments and methods are avaialable for small objects they present no real problems. However when large items have to be measured, as is the case in aeronautical engineeing, shipbuilding, antenna construction, the erection of large machines in automotive engineering environments and in applications involving industrial robots, conventional methods are woefully inadequate. This inadequacy is due to the need to construct expensive measuring devices that are often inconvenient to use and that can be the cause of undesirable side‐effects (interference, work interruptions, deformations).
Safety Topics
Authors: Mayday
Published: November 2014

ONLY a generation ago, military pilots started training knowing that they had chosen a dangerous career. This was because military flying which supplied airlines with most of their trained pilots in those days, killed in accidents between 20 and 25% of pilots. Even in wartime, about a third of the losses were for reasons other than enemy action. In one typical Navy class of 20 pilots, 5 were dead within five years of starting flying. These fatalities occurred in typical accidents such as spinning, hitting high ground in bad weather, arrester hook failure, in‐flight explosion or night catapult launch. Against this background, survival soon became an important theme for the young trainee. He thought and talked a lot about emergencies and learned to approach every flight and every aircraft, as well as everybody and everything connected with them as a potential cause of his sudden demise. A robust and healthy suspicion was the order of the day, reinforced by a good sprinkling of hairy experiences.
Rotorcraft Trends
Authors: Ford CEng. Terry
Published: November 2014

AGAINST the background briefly outlined together with the development of increasingly sophisticated powerplants as well as the research activities conducted into the operational aspects of rotating wing aircraft, it was realised that major benefits could be expected from fully exploiting health monitoring techniques. Applications would not only be for future helicopters but also for retrospective action for those currently in service. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has conducted extensive investigations into many aspects of these proposals and published a report by a working group in 1985, the membership of which was drawn from industry, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) had the CAA. This report has been prepared to satisfy HARP recommendation No 11.
Non‐Destructive Coating Thickness Measurement
Authors: Latter T.D.T.
Published: November 2014

COATINGS are applied for a wide variety of reasons. These include atmospheric protection, appearance, performance, cost (coated material is often cheaper than the solid) and so on. Methods of application very much depend upon the coating being applied: spraying, dipping, electrolysis, chemical treatment and conversion, are all common methods. No matter what the coating or method of application, the monitoring and control of thickness is mandatory and if that control can be accomplished non‐destructively there are many additional advantages.
Helicopter Avionics
Authors: Ford Terry
Published: November 2014

AT a recent symposium at the Royal Aeronautical Society, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) made specific references to HARP Report recommendations 1 and 11. These laid emphasis on the CAA initiating a special study into the detail causes of the significant number of helicopter accidents attributable to ‘human error’ to see where technology might contribute to useful improvement, and, that the CAA should set up a working party between experts in the Airworthiness Division of the Ministry of Defence and selected specialists from universities and industry. They would draw up proposals or requirements for parameters to be measured and for new or improved condition monitoring devices or systems, to be widely publicised.
Safety Topics
Authors: Mayday
Published: November 2014

A significant event both for Metair and the Saab 340 occurred recently when the first aircraft to incorporate not only the necessary cabin material and design changes necessitated by the 1988 interim mandatory requirements but also those which come into force in 1990, was completed at West Mailing. Metair Aircraft, a subsidiary of Hunting Associated Industries and a sister company of Field Aircraft, produced this cabin interior to meet the new fire survivability regulations for production number 121 of the Saab 340 37‐passenger aircraft. The Metair company has been associated with Saab since the early 1980's when it completed the first passenger cabin and all of these aircraft now have their interiors completed at West Mailing. The aircraft are flown from Sweden with bare passenger cabin and unpainted exterior and after 14 working days are returned with a completed interior and externally painted to the customer's specification. Some 70% of Metair's activities are accounted for by the Saab 340 completion task, for which it has overall design responsibility.
Safety Topics
Authors: Mayday
Published: November 2014

WITH the revised third edition of CAP 371 in preparation, it was highly appropriate for a conference on Flight Time Limitations to be held at the Royal Aeronautical Society. It became evident during the proceedings that at least three differing environments have to be considered when trying to formulate a scheme to prevent fatigue in pilots. The long haul scene, inclusive tour operations and offshore helicopters all have their own particular problems while general aviation or executive duty hours may not be suitable for any of them.
The Search for Higher Thrust
Authors: Ford Terry
Published: November 2014

MORE power is continuously being demanded from aero‐engines and a leading feature of the Rolls‐Royce RB 211 series of turbofans is the progressive development of this unit from its original design rated at 42,000 lb thrust to the Trent which in its fully developed form, will be able to deliver 95,000 lb thrust. The RB 211 initially powered the short range TriStar and the latest model has already been ordered for the MD‐11 and Airbus A330 and is being considered for the so‐called MD‐12X and the Boeing 777.
Safety Topics
Authors: Mayday
Published: November 2014

THE problems peculiar to the operation of rotating wing aircraft have always posed additional tasks related to control, vibration and the difficulties of ensuring adequate load paths in the event of a failure. Issues related to these topics in both the civil and military field were addressed at a recent Royal Aeronautical Society Conference which outlined the various factors in helicopter flight safety together with progress in the last few years and the outlook for the future.
Aero Engine Design
Authors: Ford Terry
Published: November 2014

MANY significant characteristics of the development of aero engine design together with likely trends for the future were addressed at a recent Seminar sponsored by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers and the Royal Aeronautical Society. Environmental effects play an important part together with advanced technology features and the requirement that an operator would always like to see high reliability and trouble‐free maintainability.
Technology and Training
Authors: Ford C.Eng. Terry
Published: November 2014

INTERNATIONAL discussion of the relationship that enables technology to be matched to training requirements was generated and encouraged at a recent conference organised by the Royal Aeronautical Society. Attended by civil and military representatives from a wide range of companies and authorities, a number of issues were addressed that encompassed various kinds of training systems and the advancing techniques that are being employed.
PROBLEMS OF GETTING—AND KEEPING—STAFF
Authors: MASON D.
Published: November 2014

In the American periodical Office there used to be a regular feature entitled ‘Employee relationships—right or wrong’. Each month there would be three or four brief ‘case studies’ describing situations which had led to staff grievances, followed by statements of the employees' and bosses' points of view and a little panel for you to tick to show who you thought was right. The accuracy of your inspired guess could then be checked by reading the decision of the official mediator. The details of these cases demonstrated the astonishing number of ways in which staff can react to different circumstances. Study of this variety and its reduction to basic principles goes under the name of ‘motivation’, and is usually carried out by professional psychologists. The results of their labours are given in papers which have such titles as ‘Homeostatic concepts and motivation’, ‘Hedonic and activation theories of emotion’ and ‘Self‐actualization and related concepts’, which are, I am sure, easily readable by other psychologists, but just a little difficult for laymen. However, intrepid informationalists like us, in our eternal quest for new knowledge to interpret, can soon track down the papers which describe the subject in terms we can understand.
BOOK ISSUE CONTROL BY COMPUTER WITHIN A LOCALLY INTEGRATED SYSTEM
Authors: MAIDMENT W.R.
Published: November 2014

Before we attempt to assess the merits of any book charging system, we have to be clear about what we regard as a merit. Ideas on this subject are by no means fixed, but have changed a good deal over the years. During the nineteenth century most librarians would have considered the security of public property as the most important attribute. Ledger charging, closed access and the Cotgreave indicator all followed logically from this attitude. The mass use of public libraries which developed from universal education led to a change in the librarian's values. For nearly half a century the first question to be asked about a charging system was: ‘How fast is it?’ Open access was a necessary change for this and other reasons and with it came the need for a rapid counter service, a need which dominated all thinking on the subject until quite recently. So much importance was attached to a speedy service that some librarians accepted systems which involved an increase in the total work to be done in their libraries for the sake of reducing the delay to readers at the counters. The Dickman system and, indeed, most delayed‐discharge systems are expressions of this obsession.
The impact of information management on corporate cultures
Authors: Woody Horton Forest
Published: November 2014

I'm delighted to have been invited once again to an Aslib conference to share with you some views on the subject of information management. The Association's selection of the theme ‘The Adaptive Information Manager’ this year is particularly timely because it seems to me that we are at a juncture in the introduction of information management into organisations where there is neither so much a problem of philosophical acceptance of the idea, nor of methodological implementation alternatives (not that those concerns are unimportant), as there is the question of the impact of such a major management reform on the ability of enterprises to adapt and assimilate. In short the crucial issue is how resilient the company, or other kind of organisation is to the kaleidoscopic variety of impacts and changes.
CALCULATION OF TRANSIENT ELECTROMAGNETIC FORCES IN AN AXISYMMETRICAL ELECTROMAGNET WITH CONDUCTIVE SOLID PARTS
Authors: Sadowski N. , Lefevre Y. , Lajoie‐Mazenc M. , Bastos J.P.A.
Published: November 2014

The paper describes the analysis and the calculation of transient response of a voltage fed electromagnet. This calculation is based on the simultaneous solution of the magnetic field equations and the electrical circuit equations. In the modelling of the magnetic fields, eddy currents in solid conductive parts and saturation of magnetic parts are taken into account. This modelling uses Finite Element Method for the calculation of magnetic fields and forces with special quadrilateral elements. Experimental and simulation results for an axisymmetrical electromagnet are presented and compared.
Detection and Quantification of Chloramphenicol in Milk and Honey Using Molecularly Imprinted Polymers: Canadian Penny‐Based SERS Nano‐Biosensor
Authors: Gao Fang , Feng Shaolong , Chen Zhiwen , Li‐Chan Eunice C.Y. , Grant Edward , Lu Xiaonan
Published: November 2014

We integrated molecularly imprinted polymers with surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (MIPs‐SERS) to develop an innovative nano‐biosensor for the determination of chloramphenicol (CAP) in milk and honey products. Template molecule (CAP), functional monomer (acrylamide), cross‐linking agent (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate), initiator (2,2’‐azobis(isobutyronitrile)), and porogen (methanol) were employed to form MIPs via “dummy” precipitation polymerization. Static and kinetic studies validated the specific selectivity of MIPs toward CAP over nonimprinted polymers (imprinting factor >4). Canadian penny‐based silver nano‐structure was synthesized as SERS‐active substrate for determination of CAP in food matrices. Collected spectra were processed by principal component analysis to differentiate various concentrations of CAP in foods. Partial least squares regression models showed good prediction values (R> 0.9) of actual spiked contents (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5 ppm) of CAP in milk and honey. This developed nano‐biosensor is low cost, requires little sample pretreatment, and can provide reliable detection of trace level of chemical hazards in food systems within a total of 15 min.
Radial head replacement with pyrocarbon prosthesis: early clinical results
Authors: Abdulla Irfan N. , Molony Diarmuid C. , Symes Michael , Cass Benjamin
Published: November 2014

Background

Comminuted radial head fractures are challenging to treat with open reduction and internal fixation. Radial head arthroplasty is a favourable technique for the treatment of complex radial head fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes of radial head arthroplasty using modular pyrocarbon radial head prosthesis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 21 consecutive patients requiring radial head arthroplasty for unreconstructible radial head fractures between July 2003 and July 2009. Patients completed a Short Form‐36 (SF‐36), the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Index. Patients were independently physically examined and their post‐operative radiographs were reviewed.

Results

Twenty‐one patients (nine males and 12 females) were reviewed at a minimum of 12 months follow‐up. The mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 10.8 (0–34.1), mean SF‐36 physical score was 76.9 (35–96), mean SF‐36 mental score was 83.8 (60–94), and their Mayo Elbow Performance Index score was 86.4 (70–100). Patients maintained 90% of their grip strength when compared with their uninjured arm and had 17.5° of fixed flexion in the affected arm. Radiologically, 14 cases had some degree of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis, 12 cases had evidence of heterotrophic ossification, five had some evidence of periprosthetic lucency and three patients were radiologically, but not functionally ‘overstuffed’.

Conclusion

Radial head arthroplasty with pyrocarbon radial head prosthesis is an acceptable option when treating unreconstructable radial head fractures yielding good functional and radiological outcomes.
EPA‐coated titanium implants promote osteoconduction in white New Zealand rabbits
Authors: Mustafa Ammar , Lung Christie Y. K. , Mustafa Nazih S. , Mustafa Besma A. , Kashmoola Muhannad A , Zwahlen Roger A. , Matinlinna Jukka P.
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To investigate the effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)‐coated Ti implants on osteoconduction in white New Zealand rabbit mandibles.

Material and methods

Sandblasted and cleansed planar titanium specimens with a size of 5 × 5 × 1 mm were coated on one side with 0.25 vol% eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The other side of the specimens was kept highly polished (the control side). These specimens were inserted in rabbit mandibles. Twelve rabbits were randomly assigned into three study groups (n = 4). The rabbits were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. The harvested specimens with the implants were assessed for new bone formation on both sides of the implant using CBCT, conventional radiographs, and the biaxial pullout test. The results were statistically analyzed by a nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test and Friedman's test as multiple comparisons and by Brunner–Langer nonparametric mixed model approach (R Software).

Results

A significant osteoconductive bone formation was found on the EPA‐coated Ti implant surface (P < 0.05) at 8 weeks when compared to the polished surface (control). Biaxial pullout test results showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) after 8 and 12 weeks with a maximum force of 243.8 N, compared to 143.25 N after 4 week.

Conclusion

EPA implant coating promoted osteoconduction on the Ti implant surfaces, enhancing the anchorage of the implant to the surrounding bone in white New Zealand rabbits.
Effect of scale on trait predictors of species responses to agriculture
Authors: Gilroy James J. , Medina Uribe Claudia A. , Haugaasen Torbjørn , Edwards David P.
Published: November 2014

Species persistence in human‐altered landscapes can depend on factors operating at multiple spatial scales. To understand anthropogenic impacts on biodiversity, it is useful to examine relationships between species traits and their responses to land‐use change. A key knowledge gap concerns whether these relationships vary depending on the scale of response under consideration. We examined how local‐ and large‐scale habitat variables influence the occupancy dynamics of a bird community in cloud forest zones in the Colombian Chocó‐Andes. Using data collected across a continuum of forest and agriculture, we examined which traits best predict species responses to local variation in farmland and which traits best predict species responses to isolation from contiguous forest. Global range size was a strong predictor of species responses to agriculture at both scales; widespread species were less likely to decline as local habitat cover decreased and as distance from forest increased. Habitat specialization was a strong predictor of species responses only at the local scale. Open‐habitat species were particularly likely to increase as pasture increased, but they were relatively insensitive to variation in distance to forest. Foraging plasticity and flocking behavior were strong predictors of species responses to distance from forest, but not their responses to local habitat. Species with lower plasticity in foraging behaviors and obligate flock‐following species were more likely to decline as distance from contiguous forest increased. For species exhibiting these latter traits, persistence in tropical landscapes may depend on the protection of larger contiguous blocks of forest, rather than the integration of smaller‐scale woodland areas within farmland. Species listed as threatened or near threatened on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List were also more likely to decline in response to both local habitat quality and isolation from forest relative to least‐concern species, underlining the importance of contiguous forests for threatened taxa.
Dual‐Modality Input in Repeated Reading for Foreign Language Learners With Different Learning Styles
Authors: Liu Yeu‐Ting , Todd Andrew Graeme
Published: November 2014

Research into dual‐modality theory has long rested on the assumption that presenting input in two modalities leads to better learning outcomes. However, this may not always hold true. This study explored the possible advantages of using dual modality in repeated reading—a pedagogy often used to enhance reading development—for two literacy purposes, second language (L2) reading comprehension and vocabulary development. Furthermore, the study probed whether the efficacy of repeated reading implemented using both dual and single modalities varies according to a learner's preferred learning style (visual, auditory, and balanced). The study found that the participants—foreign language learners of Japanese—did not always exhibit greater reading comprehension and vocabulary gains when repeated reading was implemented using dual‐modality input. Indeed, it seems that the efficacy of dual‐modality input in repeated reading is contingent on the attentional investment required by the particular form of phonological support; the modality (visual or auditory) learners favor; and, most important, the instructional purpose (comprehension or acquisition). Based on these findings, the article discusses how repeated reading practice should be best implemented vis‐à‐vis the purposes of L2 reading and vocabulary development.
Zn in Athenian Black Gloss Ceramic Slips: A Trace Element Marker for Fabrication Technology
Authors: Walton Marc , Trentelman Karen , Cianchetta Ilaria , Maish Jeffrey , Saunders David , Foran Brendan , Mehta Apurva
Published: November 2014

The black‐colored pottery slips produced in Athens from the 6th to 4th centuries B.C., had a consistent composition achieved through processing and refinement of raw clay. Little direct evidence has been established as to what were these refinement methods. To better understand how the slip material was prepared, the major and trace elemental compositions of 19 slips from different ceramic vessels and their corresponding bodies of Athenian red‐figure and black‐figure vases were determined using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICPMS). Notably higher Zn concentrations were found in the slips (271–1959 ppm) than in their corresponding body ceramics (<361 ppm). The Zn concentrations in the slips were also found to be above the natural background for typical clay (between 10 and 300 ppm) suggesting an unintentional anthropogenic enrichment of this metal. Based on the abnormally high Zn content of the slip, it is speculated that the clay was treated using vitriol (concentrated acid mine runoff which is rich in Zn), to induce flocculation and remove carbonate mineral phases from the raw material that, if present, would prevent the slip from vitrifying. This same signature of elevated levels of Zn with a corresponding Ce anomaly is also observed for black glosses produced in Corinthian and Etrurian (Italy) workshops indicating that these trace element signatures were imparted to the material by means of shared methods of manufacturing instead of being indicative of a single unique source for this material.
Higher Weight, Lower Education: A Longitudinal Association Between Adolescents' Body Mass Index and Their Subsequent Educational Achievement Level?
Authors: Larsen Junilla K. , Kleinjan Marloes , Engels Rutger C. M. E. , Fisher Jennifer O. , Hermans Roel C.J.
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between adolescents' body mass index (BMI) z‐scores and their subsequent level of schooling, extending previous longitudinal research by using objectively measured weight and height data.

METHODS

A longitudinal study with 3 study waves (1‐year intervals) involving 1248 Dutch adolescents (49% girls; mean age = 13.7 years) at schools providing different educational levels was used to determine adolescents who moved and did not move to a lower educational level in the first year, or in the second year, and to examine whether this movement could be predicted by BMI z‐scores (zBMI), after controlling for a large range of potential confounding factors.

RESULTS

A total of 1164 Dutch adolescents continued in the same level of education, whereas 84 adolescents moved to a lower educational level (43 moved in the first and 41 in the second year). A higher zBMI significantly increased the risk of a general transition to a lower educational level, and of a transition in the first year, but not in the second year, after controlling for potential demographic, behavioral, and psychological confounds.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that a higher zBMI during adolescence immediately lowers educational achievement level during general secondary education.
Mechanisms of fibrosis in acute liver failure
Authors: He Yingli , Jin Li , Wang Jing , Yan Zhi , Chen Tianyan , Zhao Yingren
Published: November 2014

Background & Aims

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a condition with high mortality and morbidity. Fibrosis in chronic liver disease was extensively researched, whereas fibrosis and underlying mechanism in acute liver failure remains unclear.

Methods

Hepatitis B virus related ALF patients were recruited to investigate if there was ongoing fibrosis by liver histology and liver stiffness measurement(LSM) analysis as well as fibrosis markers assay. Sera HMGB1 were kinetically detected in progression and remission stage of ALF. Hepatic stellate cell(HSC) activation by HMGB1 was explored by testing mRNA and protein level of α‐SMA and collagen 1a1 by using qPCR and western blot. Autophagy induction by HMGB1 was explored by LC3‐II conversion, autophagy flux and fluorescence.

Results

Firstly, ongoing fibrosis in progression stage of ALF was confirmed by histological analysis, LS measurement as well as fibrosis markers detection. HSC activation and autophagy induction in explanted liver tissue also revealed. Next, kinetic monitoring sera HMGB1 revealed elevated HMGB1 in progression stage of ALF vs HBsAg carrier, and drop back to base level in remission stage. Thirdly, rHMGB1 dose dependently activated HSCs, as indicated by increased mRNA and proteins level in α‐SMA and collagen 1a1. Moreover, autophagy was induced in HSC treated with rHMGB1, as illustrated by increased LC3 lipidation, elevated autophagy flux and GFP‐LC3 puncta.

Conclusions

Acute liver failure is accompanied by ongoing fibrosis, HSC activation and autophagy induction. Increased HMGB1 activates HSC via autophagy induction. Those findings integrate HMGB1, HSCs activation, autophagy into a common framework that underlies the fibrosis in ALF.
In vivo properties of cerebellar interneurons in the macaque caudal vestibular vermis
Authors: Meng Hui , Laurens Jean , Blázquez Pablo M. , Angelaki Dora E.
Published: November 2014

Key points

We quantify both spontaneous and stimulus‐driven responses of interneurons in lobules X (nodulus) and IXc,d (ventral uvula) of the caudal vermis during vestibular stimulation.

Based on baseline firing, at least three types of neuronal populations could be distinguished.

First, there was a group of very regular firing neurons with high mean discharge rates.

Second, there was a group of low firing neurons with a range of discharge regularity.

Third, we also encountered putative interneurons with discharge regularity and mean firing rates that were indistinguishable from those of physiologically identified Purkinje cells.

The vestibular responses of putative interneurons were generally similar to those of Purkinje cells, thus encoding tilt, translation or mixtures of these signals.

Mossy fibres showed unprocessed, otolith afferent‐like properties.

The cerebellar cortex is among the brain's most well‐studied circuits and includes distinct classes of excitatory and inhibitory interneurons. Several studies have attempted to characterize the in vivo properties of cerebellar interneurons, yet little is currently known about their stimulus‐driven properties. Here we quantify both spontaneous and stimulus‐driven responses of interneurons in lobules X (nodulus) and IXc,d (ventral uvula) of the macaque caudal vermis during vestibular stimulation. Interneurons were identified as cells located >100 μm from the Purkinje cell layer that did not exhibit complex spikes. Based on baseline firing, three types of interneurons could be distinguished. First, there was a group of very regular firing interneurons with high mean discharge rates, which consistently encoded tilt, rather than translational head movements. Second, there was a group of low firing interneurons with a range of discharge regularity. This group had more diverse vestibular properties, where most were translation‐selective and a few tilt‐ or gravitoinertial acceleration‐selective. Third, we also encountered interneurons that were similar to Purkinje cells in terms of discharge regularity and mean firing rate. This group also encoded mixtures of tilt and translation signals. A few mossy fibres showed unprocessed, otolith afferent‐like properties, encoding the gravitoinertial acceleration. We conclude that tilt‐ and translation‐selective signals, which reflect neural computations transforming vestibular afferent information, are not only encountered in Purkinje cell responses. Instead, upstream interneurons within the cerebellar cortex are also characterized by similar properties, thus implying a widespread network computation.
The determinants of transverse tubular volume in resting skeletal muscle
Authors: Sim Jingwei , Fraser James A.
Published: November 2014

Key points

The surface membrane of skeletal muscle infolds to form a system of transverse (t)‐tubules, which propagate electrical activity deep into the fibre to activate muscle contraction.

Ionic currents flowing into and out of the t‐tubules can cause osmotic fluxes and tubular volume changes, such as those seen in muscle fatigue and trauma, but the mechanisms driving these are unclear.

We used a computer model to determine that resting t‐tubule volume is maintained by active ion cycling between the extracellular fluid, muscle cell and t‐tubules.

By considering how these ion cycles are influenced by the extracellular fluid composition, we can reliably predict the resultant changes in t‐tubule volume.

These findings explain and reconcile previous experimental data, providing a framework for understanding the role of the t‐system in muscle physiology and pathology.

The transverse tubular (t)‐system of skeletal muscle couples sarcolemmal electrical excitation with contraction deep within the fibre. Exercise, pathology and the composition of the extracellular fluid (ECF) can alter t‐system volume (t‐volume). T‐volume changes are thought to contribute to fatigue, rhabdomyolysis and disruption of excitation–contraction coupling. However, mechanisms that underlie t‐volume changes are poorly understood. A multicompartment, history‐independent computer model of rat skeletal muscle was developed to define the minimum conditions for t‐volume stability. It was found that the t‐system tends to swell due to net ionic fluxes from the ECF across the access resistance. However, a stable t‐volume is possible when this is offset by a net efflux from the t‐system to the cell and thence to the ECF, forming a net ion cycle ECF→t‐system→sarcoplasm→ECF that ultimately depends on Na+/K+‐ATPase activity. Membrane properties that maximize this circuit flux decrease t‐volume, including PNa(t) > PNa(s), PK(t) < PK(s) and N(t) < N(s) [P, permeability; N, Na+/K+‐ATPase density; (t), t‐system membrane; (s), sarcolemma]. Hydrostatic pressures, fixed charges and/or osmoles in the t‐system can influence the magnitude of t‐volume changes that result from alterations in this circuit flux. Using a parameter set derived from literature values where possible, this novel theory of t‐volume was tested against data from previous experiments where t‐volume was measured during manipulations of ECF composition. Predicted t‐volume changes correlated satisfactorily. The present work provides a robust, unifying theoretical framework for understanding the determinants of t‐volume.
The effects of dexamethasone on post‐asphyxial cerebral oxygenation in the preterm fetal sheep
Authors: Lear Christopher A. , Koome Miriam E. , Davidson Joanne O. , Drury Paul P. , Quaedackers Josine S. , Galinsky Robert , Gunn Alistair J. , Bennet Laura
Published: November 2014

Key points

Mothers at risk of preterm delivery are routinely given synthetic glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone to help mature fetal lungs and improve survival after birth.

We have previously shown that dexamethasone given after an acute episode of asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep is associated with greater brain injury.

In this study we found that fetal exposure to dexamethasone after asphyxia in preterm fetal sheep was associated with reduced intracerebral oxygenation during the critical latent phase of recovery.

In the secondary phase, maternal dexamethasone was associated with increased epileptiform transient activity and evidence of greater mitochondrial oxidation.

These findings suggest that fetal exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone is associated with a critical mismatch between the brain's demand for oxygenation and the supply of oxygen that may contribute to greater brain injury.

Exposure to clinical doses of the glucocorticoid dexamethasone increases brain activity and causes seizures in normoxic preterm fetal sheep without causing brain injury. In contrast, the same treatment after asphyxia increased brain injury. We hypothesised that increased injury was in part mediated by a mismatch between oxygen demand and oxygen supply. In preterm fetal sheep at 0.7 gestation we measured cerebral oxygenation using near‐infrared spectroscopy, electroencephalographic (EEG) activity, and carotid blood flow (CaBF) from 24 h before until 72 h after asphyxia induced by 25 min of umbilical cord occlusion. Ewes received dexamethasone intramuscularly (12 mg 3 ml–1) or saline 15 min after the end of asphyxia. Fetuses were studied for 3 days after occlusion. During the first 6 h of recovery after asphyxia, dexamethasone treatment was associated with a significantly greater fall in CaBF (P < 0.05), increased carotid vascular resistance (P < 0.001) and a greater fall in cerebral oxygenation as measured by the difference between oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobin (delta haemoglobin; P < 0.05). EEG activity was similarly suppressed in both groups. From 6 to 10 h onward, dexamethasone treatment was associated with a return of CaBF to saline control levels, increased EEG power (P < 0.005), greater epileptiform transient activity (P < 0.001), increased oxidised cytochrome oxidase (P < 0.05) and an attenuated increase in [delta haemoglobin] (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dexamethasone treatment after asphyxia is associated with greater hypoperfusion in the critical latent phase, leading to impaired intracerebral oxygenation that may exacerbate neural injury after asphyxia.
Thermal treatment induced change of diluted oxygen doped ZnTe films grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Gu Ran , Gu Shulin , Ye Jiandong , Huang Shimin , Zhu Shunming , Tang Kun , Zhen Kang , Zheng Youdou
Published: November 2014

In this paper, the authors report the growth of diluted oxygen doped ZnTe films (ZnTe:O) by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The effect of a post thermal annealing on the properties of the highly mismatched films has been investigated. It is found that the in-situ doping leads to an effective incorporation of oxygen into ZnTe films with different occupation configurations, either on Zn or on Te site. The subsequent annealing process in a vacuum ambient leads to an enhancement of the oxygen incorporation into the ZnTe:O films due to the diffusion of the residual oxygen, while the annealing with the same as-grown sample covered on top of the surface (denoted as “face-to-face” annealing in the text) is beneficial to the improvement of the film quality with manifest intermediate band emission at around 1.9 eV as revealed by the low-temperature photoluminescence. This study indicates that the mass-productive MOCVD technique may be suitable for the growth of highly mismatched ZnTe:O films for the application of the intermediate band solar cell.
Zagreb Regimen, an Abbreviated Intramuscular Schedule for Rabies Vaccination
Authors: Ren Jiangping , Yao Linong , Sun Jimin , Gong Zhenyu
Published: November 2014

The Zagreb regimen, an abbreviated intramuscular schedule for rabies vaccination, was developed by I. Vodopija and colleagues of the Zagreb Institute of Public Health in Croatia in the 1980s. It was recommended by WHO as one of the intramuscular (IM) schedules for rabies vaccination in 2010. We reviewed the literature on the immunogenicity, safety, economic burden, and compliance of the Zagreb 2-1-1 regimen. Compared to Essen, another IM schedule recommended by WHO, Zagreb has higher compliance, lower medical cost, and better immunogenicity at an early stage.
Abrogation of the Interferon Response Promotes More Efficient Human Cytomegalovirus Replication
Authors: McSharry Brian P. , Forbes Simone K. , Avdic Selmir , Randall Richard E. , Wilkinson Gavin W. G. , Abendroth Allison , Slobedman Barry
Published: November 2014

The effect of abrogating the interferon (IFN) response on human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication was investigated using primary human cells engineered to block either the production of or the response to type I IFNs. In IFN-deficient cells, HCMV produced larger plaques and spread and replicated more rapidly than in parental cells. These cells demonstrate the vital role of IFNs in controlling HCMV replication and provide useful tools to investigate the IFN response to HCMV.
Metastable Intermediates as Stepping Stones on the Maturation Pathways of Viral Capsids
Authors: Cardone Giovanni , Duda Robert L. , Cheng Naiqian , You Lili , Conway James F. , Hendrix Roger W. , Steven Alasdair C.
Published: November 2014

As they mature, many capsids undergo massive conformational changes that transform their stability, reactivity, and capacity for DNA. In some cases, maturation proceeds via one or more intermediate states. These structures represent local minima in a rich energy landscape that combines contributions from subunit folding, association of subunits into capsomers, and intercapsomer interactions. We have used scanning calorimetry and cryo-electron microscopy to explore the range of capsid conformations accessible to bacteriophage HK97. To separate conformational effects from those associated with covalent cross-linking (a stabilization mechanism of HK97), a cross-link-incompetent mutant was used. The mature capsid Head I undergoes an endothermic phase transition at 60°C in which it shrinks by 7%, primarily through changes in its hexamer conformation. The transition is reversible, with a half-life of ~3 min; however, >50% of reverted capsids are severely distorted or ruptured. This observation implies that such damage is a potential hazard of large-scale structural changes such as those involved in maturation. Assuming that the risk is lower for smaller changes, this suggests a rationalization for the existence of metastable intermediates: that they serve as stepping stones that preserve capsid integrity as it switches between the radically different conformations of its precursor and mature states.

IMPORTANCE
Large-scale conformational changes are widespread in virus maturation and infection processes. These changes are accompanied by the release of conformational free energy as the virion (or fusogenic glycoprotein) switches from a precursor state to its mature state. Each state corresponds to a local minimum in an energy landscape. The conformational changes in capsid maturation are so radical that the question arises of how maturing capsids avoid being torn apart. Offering proof of principle, severe damage is inflicted when a bacteriophage HK97 capsid reverts from the (nonphysiological) state that it enters when heated past 60°C. We suggest that capsid proteins have been selected in part by the criterion of being able to avoid sustaining collateral damage as they mature. One way of achieving this—as with the HK97 capsid—involves breaking the overall transition down into several smaller steps in which the risk of damage is reduced.
Comparison of factors associated with desaturation in prehospital emergency anaesthesia in primary and secondary retrievals
Authors: Wimalasena Yashvi H , Corfield Alasdair R , Hearns Stephen
Published: November 2014

Objective

To investigate the incidence and factors associated with desaturation related to emergency intubations within an aeromedical retrieval service pertaining to both primary prehospital and secondary interhospital missions.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of all rapid sequence intubations (RSI) was performed by the Emergency Medical Retrieval Service over a 4.5-year period (June 2008–November 2012). For each RSI, clinical indication for RSI, age, sex, traumatic or medical diagnosis, team leader specialty, Cormack and Lehane (C-L) grade of laryngoscope view, attempts at intubation, desaturation and hypotension was analysed. A multiple logistical regression analysis was constructed using the factors identified in the univariate logistical regression using a backward stepwise model.

Results

During the study period, a total of 1423 missions were carried out. 1088 of these missions were secondary retrievals and 335 were primary prehospital missions. 208 patients required RSI during the study period. Our data show that 15.4% of all anaesthetised patients had a desaturation during emergency anaesthesia. This included 11.3% of primary prehospital patients and 16.8% of secondary retrieval patients (95% CI −5.0% to 15.8%). 7.9% of patients had an episode of hypotension during RSI. Univariate associations for desaturation were more than one attempt at intubation and a C-L grade III or worse view. Multivariate analysis showed only C-L grade III or worse view as an independent risk factor for desaturation.

Conclusions

Desaturation was not more common in secondary retrieval patients. Multiple attempts at intubation and a poor laryngoscopic view at intubation were associated with desaturation during RSI.