bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A System Level Analysis of the Framework and Feasibility for Dual Air and Road Mode Vehicle
Authors: Jetti Siddhartha , Motevalli Vahid
Published: October 2013

The dual mode air-road vehicle is one of those concepts that have intrigued travelers and inventors for a long time. The quest for a vehicle that can be driven on the roads and flown in the sky started as early as the development of airplane by Wright brothers in 1906. With the ever growing traffic and congestion on the roads, increased security procedures at airports and airline hub-spoke system, the travel times for certain range of distances have increased in recent times creating a need for a dual mode vehicle. In the US, for the mid-range distances (200–500 mile), travel options available are limited for other than large population centers. Transportation by train or bus is often limited and involves multi-stops between desired destinations. Therefore, the mid-range travel is more likely accomplished by a car or an airline or sometimes both. Travel by car or airline for this ranged can consumes considerable time because of road, airport and air traffic congestions, security procedures and wait times. A survey published in 2004 by Bureau of Transportation Statistics [1] reveals that 200–500 mile trips account for about 31.8% of the total trips taken in the US.

With the premise that a dual mode vehicle could be a potential solution for mid-range travel, particularly around a 300 mile distance, the present work aims at establishing a frame-work and performance envelope for this type vehicle, In other words, the roadable aircraft or the flying car. These vehicles are neither a high performance car nor a high performance aircraft. They are vehicles that have the capability to be driven on the roads and flown in the sky. The present study focuses on identifying the technical, operational and acceptability challenges that have to be overcome to build a dual mode vehicle. This paper also covers some preliminary design aspects like power-fuel requirements, wing-airfoil parameters and an approach to address the road mode issues arising due to the wing.
Micromechanical Modeling of Multifunctional Composites
Authors: Bahei-El-Din Yehia , Micheal Amany
Published: October 2013

In the new generation of aircrafts in which the use of composite materials is ever increasing, smart composites reinforced with active fibers are expected to play a major role in monitoring health and performance of the airframe in addition to their load carrying capabilities. While advancements in material development, e.g. PZT filaments, bring the fabrication of structural components with multifunctionality closer to reality, reliable predictions of their behavior and performance are lacking. In particular, the modeling of damage progression on multiple lengthscales in structural composites is essential in modeling both sensing and/or actuation functionalities. Moreover, temperature changes affect the response of active constituents through changes in thermomechanical fields and/or changes in coupled functions, as for example in pyroelectric materials. These complexities invite a novel modeling approach of the problem.

This paper represents a major departure from present approaches, which focus mainly on undamaged, unidirectionally reinforced multifunctional fibrous composites at ambient temperatures. The work presented models multifunctional composite materials and structures on multiscales considering piezoelectric and pyroelectric phenomena. In particular, fibrous laminates with a general layup are considered under membrane forces and bending moments in combination with temperature changes. The solution for the local fields and overall response is determined in terms of a transformation field analysis scheme in which the local stresses or strains that cannot be removed by mechanical unloading are treated as eigen fields applied in an otherwise elastic medium. In the current application, the latter represents an aggregate of unidirectional plies and their phases.

The proposed modeling strategy is applied to fibrous laminates subjected to mechanical and/or thermal loads. While the modeling of damage follows the same strategy, it is discussed elsewhere.
Temperature Effects on Flutter of a Mach 5 Transport Aircraft Wing
Authors: Verstraete Dries , Vio Gareth A.
Published: October 2013

The high temperatures encountered during flight severely impact the structural design of hypersonic aircraft. They can lead to high thermal stresses and a significant reduction in material strength and stiffness. This reduction in structural rigidity requires innovative structural concepts and a stronger focus on aero-elastic deformations in the design and optimisation of the aircraft structure. This article investigates the effects of high temperatures on the flutter behavior of the wing of the A2 aircraft, a Mach 5 transport aircraft designed as part of the European Commission Framework VI LAPCAT program. The article presents results for various simplified temperature distributions. These temperature distributions were imposed to look at the fundamental trends in the flutter velocity and frequency with both temperature and temperature distribution. The results for the A2 wing are compared with other wing models to identify effects of geometry variations. The analysis shows that the flutter velocity drops by about 20% when a uniform temperature of 500 °C is applied to the wings. When temperature gradients are applied, a drop of 5–10% is found, which is in line with findings in literature.
Does the Curved Nature of the Tibia Influence the Non-Contact ACL Injury?
Authors: Bhuiyan Ariful I. , Hashemi Javad , Slauterbeck James R.
Published: October 2013

The geometry of the tibial plateau and the femoral condyles are emerging as key parameters to be studied as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury risk factors. In this paper, we study the role of curved profile of the medial compartment of the tibia in a sagittal plane as a critical risk factor for the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The curvature of the mid-medial compartment of Tibia in 40 uninjured controls (21 women and 19 men) and 44 anterior cruciate ligament-injured cases (23 women and 21 men) were measured using magnetic resonance images and in-house matlab programming. We hypothesized that the Individuals with a less curved profile in the medial compartment of the tibia are at increased risk of suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury compared to those with larger curved profiles. Based on t-tests, we established that the uninjured controls had larger curvature (p<0.05) compared to the injured cases. Biomechanically speaking a larger curvature of the tibia could prevent excessive sliding movement of femur with respect to the tibia, and thus could reduce the ACL strain. We suggest that future studies are needed to confirm this relationship and to evaluate the potential role of this curved profile of tibia in the risk of ACL injury.
Influence of Microstructure on Crack Susceptibility of Large Chilled Iron Mill Rolls
Authors: Russo Spena Pasquale , De Maddis Manuela , Lombardi Franco
Published: October 2013

Large chilled iron mill rolls fabricated by permanent-mold gravity suffer from surface macroscopic cracking during iron solidification. This defect is usually intermittent over time, and in some extent, unrelated with the chemical composition and the process parameters used. To study this phenomenon, a metallographic analysis has been carried out on two real 5.5-ton chilled iron mill rolls made of the same chemical composition, manufactured with quite similar process parameters, but giving two very different results in practice: one of the two mill rolls exhibited a macroscopic crack. Because of the different metallurgical structures observed, especially regarding graphite content, a three-dimensional (3D) numerical analysis has been adopted to predict the thermal-mechanical behavior of the casting during the solidification and cooling stages. Special attention has been dedicated to the influence of the graphite expansion on mechanical stresses occurring in the casting skin. Numerical results point out that graphite expansion notably affects the evolution of stress-strain fields within the casting to an extent that it could lead to the formation of macroscopic cracks in the early stages of the casting solidification. Furthermore, the numerical analysis highlights that the thermal deformation of the permanent mold contributes to increase the risk of cracks to occur.
Development of Virtual Sculpting System With Haptics in PowerWall 3-D Virtual Environment
Authors: Peng Xiaobo , Isaac Blesson
Published: October 2013

This paper presents the research work on developing a virtual sculpting system with haptic interface integrated with PowerWall system for complex product design. The PowerWall is a large scale (10 ft by 7.5 ft) immersive Virtual Environment (VE). The approach is to apply virtual sculpting method by interactively carving a workpiece using a virtual tool. With the implementation of stereoscopic visual feedback and haptic force feedback in the PowerWall, the designer would appreciate a much better understanding of the 3D shape geometry and can explore through the 3D scene like he/she can do in the real world. The “hybrid interaction technique” is presented as solution to solve the mismatch between the small workspace of the haptic device and the large size of PowerWall system.
Evaluating TRIZ as a Provider of Provocative Stimuli
Authors: Arlitt Ryan , Nix Anthony , Stone Rob
Published: October 2013

The Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (known by its Russian acronym TRIZ) is used across the globe to help engineers working on product design and development. In previous papers the authors developed a Function-Based TRIZ method and began a validation process. A single innovative feature was identified in a sample of innovative products, and these features were traced backwards on the Function-Based TRIZ matrix. The Function-Based TRIZ matrix was deemed successful in cases where any inventive principle suggested by the matrix could have produced the innovative feature. During this process, the authors observed that no matter which principle was used, some mental leap was needed to apply it. Additionally, many different inventive principles can lead to the same concept. This paper examines a new hypothesis: that the provocative stimulus presented by any randomly selected inventive principle facilitates concept generation just as effectively as using the historical contradiction matrix to guide inventive principle selection. This paper presents a study on the benefits of using the TRIZ contradiction matrix to select the “correct” principles during concept generation. During this study, participants were asked to come up with concepts using one of two TRIZ matrices: the real one that contains historical knowledge from an extensive patent search, or a randomly populated one. The results of this exercise were then examined using modified versions of two concept evaluation metrics set forth by Shah: quantity and variety. This paper offers two contributions to the field. The first is a step toward understanding the role and importance of conflict mappings in TRIZ and TRIZ-like problem-solving methodologies. The second is a method for evaluating process variety (as opposed to outcome variety) when TRIZ is used to generate ideas.
Energy Crisis From Household Dryer Machine
Authors: Khan Jobaidur R.
Published: October 2013

Energy is a very critical issue for United States, especially when it is wasted for very trivial reason but in a very big scale. Household dryer machine is used to dry cloths using valuable energy, which could be performed just by using natural heat from day sunlight. Using of dryer machine contributes to two negative impacts in energy world. Firstly, it consumes fuel from world’s fuel reservoir and secondly, it produces heat and contributes to global warming, which could be used for power production. During this ongoing countrywide energy crisis, now it is the time to audit this energy expenditure to find out how much energy is spent for dryer machine. It is also important to find out how this event contributes to the global warming.
A Virtual Tool for Wear Simulation of Standard and Non-Standard Spur Gears
Authors: Karpat F. , Ekwaro-Osire S. , Karpat E.
Published: October 2013

There is an industrial demand for the increased performance of mechanical power transmission devices. This need in high performance is driven by high load capacity, high endurance, low cost, long life, and high speed. New designs and modifications in gears have been investigated to obtain high load carrying capacity and increased life with less volume and weight. Tooth wear is one of the major failure modes in gears. Although there are different classifications of wear mechanisms, wear on gears can be simply classified as mild wear, pitting, and severe wear, depending on the wear rate. These types of wear may lead to power transmission losses, decreased efficiency, increased vibration and noise, and gear tooth failure. This paper deals with the simulation of wear for standard and non-standard gears using an analytical approach. A numerical model for wear prediction of gear pair is developed. A wear model based on Archard’s equation is employed to predict wear depth. A MATLAB-based virtual tool is developed to analyze wear behavior of standard and non-standard spur gears with various gear parameters. In this paper, this virtual tool is introduced by using many numerical examples.
Response of an Osteoblast to Cyclic Strain at Its Focal Adhesions Using Magnetic Micropillars
Authors: Shiraishi Toshihiko , Ohara Takuya , Morishita Shin , Takeuchi Ryohei
Published: October 2013

This paper describes a micro device which applies cyclic strain to focal adhesions of a cell. In recent years, evidence has been growing that focal adhesions act as mechanosensors of cells which convert mechanical force into biomechanical signaling. However, there are no effective micro devices which can directly apply mechanical stimulation to each focal adhesion. Here we develop a micropillar substrate embedding micron-sized magnetic particles and enabling the micropillars to be deflected by external magnetic field. The combination of long and short micropillars produces the difference of deflection between them and enables the micropillars to apply strain to a cell. The long pillars were periodically deflected at the amplitude of approximately 1.4 μm whereas most of short pillars were not deflected. Using the magnetic micropillar substrate, we observed the deformation of an osteoblast cell at its focal adhesions. The findings indicate that the present micro device can be used for investigating mechanosensing systems of a cell.
Relaxation Time Effect on the Human Head Using the Thermal Wave Model
Authors: Tullius Toni K. , Bayazitoglu Yildiz
Published: October 2013

The most common electronics used by the vast majority of the world’s population emit low radio frequencies and they may be harmful to both skin and brain tissue. The bio-heat transfer model is numerically solved to predict the time dependent temperature distribution of micro waves as it emits to the brain caused by everyday electronics in order to understand the effects the waves have on our organs. A time dependent finite difference technique is used to model a multilayer system depicting this external heat source passing through skin, bone, and into the brain. This model accounts for the extra heat generated within the body from the chemical reactions of the tissue, whereas pervious work took this heat sources to be negligible. A relaxation time is also included in the bioheat transfer model in order to account for the response time the tissue takes caused by the perturbation. Most studies neglect this parameter. Parameters for the adult and child head model are compared. The manuscript is aimed to understand the potential threats on the human body caused by everyday use of the technologies such as Ipods, cellular phones, bluetooth’s, etc.
Function and Mechanism Formalization in Task Based Conceptual Design Method
Authors: Darbinyan H. V.
Published: October 2013

Mechanism and function formalization problem is touched in a novel task based conceptual mechanical design method. The general concept and a specific application of this method were reported in earlier publications. Direct dependence between the function and mechanism, identical synthesis tools for various stages of design and for various mechanical objects are the features making the suggested method advantageously different from existing concept design approaches. The core idea of suggested conceptual design method is the direct relation between challenged function and the mechanical entity which is in charge of implementing the requested function.

The existing task based conceptual design methods are not satisfying the designer’s needs for scope of application, universality of design means, visualization and formalization of both mechanical and functional fields. Formalization of functions and mechanisms is an important design tool that will facilitate synthesis, analyzes, visualization and archiving (data base creating) processes of mechanical development. Further progress in unveiling the resources of the suggested design method is mostly based on development of formalization means for both categories of functions and mechanisms.

The current study is unveiling newly developed function and mechanism description language that is helping to formalize both mechanical and functional categories facilitating their involvement in design process and making the description of a new product’s mechanical development easy and understandable. Function formalization in conjunction with mechanism formalization allows to formulate precisely the design task and concentrate the designer’s attention on solution of a single task strictly arranged in the hierarchical function tree of all involved tasks and functions.
Tip Clearance Control Concept in Gas Turbine H.P. Compressors
Authors: Ekong G. I. , Long C. A. , Childs P. R. N.
Published: October 2013

To improve the thermodynamic efficiency of aircraft engine and other gas turbine engines, higher and higher pressure ratios are desired in conjunction with more refined engine cycles. In the high pressure compressor, higher pressure ratios result in lower aspect blades and enhanced sensitivity of the engine design to radial clearance effects.

The tip clearance in the axial flow compressor of modern commercial civil aero-engines is of critical importance in terms of both mechanical integrity and performance. Typically as the clearance between the compressor blade tips and the casing increases, the aerodynamic efficiency will decrease and therefore the specific fuel consumption and operating costs will increase, and the clearance is therefore of critical importance to civil airline operators and their customers alike. A design exercise was performed and a series of conceptual solutions were developed using the theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) process and their potential viability in clearance control was investigated with thermal modelling. TRIZ was selected as an appropriate tool as the issue was long-standing having been the focus of previous projects, and robust design solutions were being sought.

In order to validate the concepts, use was made of a test facility developed at the University of Sussex, incorporating a rotor and an inner shaft scaled down from a Rolls Royce Trent aeroengine to a ratio of 0.7:1. The mechanical design of the test facility allows the simulation of flow conditions in the HP compressor cavity equivalent to the Trent 1000 aero-engine, with a rotational speed of up to 10000 rpm. The idle and maximum take-off conditions in the square cycle correspond to in-cavity rotational Reynolds numbers of 3.1×106 ≤ Reφ ≤ 1.0×107. The finite element thermomechanical model has been built to validate the engine measurements. This paper describes the use of TRIZ and the development of a selected concept and the detailed evaluation for reduction and control of tip clearance in HP compressors. This was achieved through the reduction in the compressor disc heat expansion time constant by improving drum heat transfer using bleed air from the compressor core flow. This paper explores the trade-offs between clearance and efficiency and develops and explores concepts to control the compressor tip clearance throughout the engine operating cycle. The project involved modelling of potential solutions and use of experimental facilities, a rotating compressor cavity rig, in order to explore the physical principles and demonstrate proof of concept for controlling tip clearance in HP compressors of gas turbine engines.
Effects of Hardness on the Lifetime of Graphite Brushes Used for Aircraft Starter Generators
Authors: Asmatulu R. , Holle M. J. , Misak H. E.
Published: October 2013

This study is focused on the relationship between the hardness of three different carbon/graphite brushes (A, B and C), the wear rate of the brushes and heat generated within a 400 Amp starter generator. The method being proposed was to alternate the starter generator from the starting mode and the generating mode, and run each carbon/graphite brush in the starter generator for a set time and document the wear rates, heat generations and surface morphology changes. The hypothesis was that either excess carbon dust caused arcing, or the energy required to form the carbon dust was releasing too much heat, and thus the brush was too hard. An optical microscope, AFM, and SEM were used in the analysis of the surfaces. It was found that as the hardness of the brush went up, the wear rate decreased while the overall heat on the inside of the starter generator increased. From this research, it is evident that the hardness of the brushes is the key factor for heat, wear and morphology changes in the starter generator.
Science Signaling
Podcast: 8 October 2013
Authors: Feldstein Ariel E. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: October 2013

Microparticles released by fat-laden hepatocytes stimulate angiogenesis and contribute to the progression of fatty liver disease.
Ephrin-A2 Un-Glu’s the Synapse
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: October 2013

Ephrin-A2 increases glutamate reuptake transporter abundance to control synaptic glutamate concentrations and prevent synapse elimination.
Systems Pharmacology of Adverse Event Mitigation by Drug Combinations
Authors: Zhao Shan , Nishimura Tomohiro , Chen Yibang , Azeloglu Evren U. , Gottesman Omri , Giannarelli Chiara , Zafar Mohammad U. , Benard Ludovic , Badimon Juan J. , Hajjar Roger J. , Goldfarb Joseph , Iyengar Ravi
Published: October 2013

Drug combinations that mitigate adverse events were identified using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System, and one combination, exenatide and rosiglitazone, was tested in a rodent model.
Autoimmune Attack Takes Your Breath Away
Authors: Lindstrom Tamsin M. , Robinson William H.
Published: October 2013

Autoimmune targeting of a lung-specific protein can cause interstitial lung disease.
A Reflex Cause of Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Tonelli Adriano R.
Published: October 2013

Denervation of the pulmonary artery improves walking distance and hemodynamics in patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.
CodY Is a Global Regulator of Virulence-Associated Properties for Clostridium perfringens Type D Strain CN3718
Authors: Li Jihong , Ma Menglin , Sarker Mahfuzur R. , McClane Bruce A.
Published: October 2013

CodY is known to regulate various virulence properties in several Gram-positive bacteria but has not yet been studied in the important histotoxic and intestinal pathogen
Clostridium perfringens
. The present study prepared an isogenic
codY
-null mutant in
C. perfringens
type D strain CN3718 by insertional mutagenesis using the Targetron system. Western blot analysis indicated that, relative to wild-type CN3718 or a complementing strain, this isogenic
codY
mutant produces reduced levels of epsilon toxin (ETX). Using supernatants from cultures of the wild-type,
codY
-null mutant, and complementing strains, CodY regulation of ETX production was shown to have cytotoxic consequences for MDCK cells. The CodY regulatory effect on ETX production was specific, since the
codY
-null mutant still made wild-type levels of alpha-toxin and perfringolysin O. Sialidase activity measurements and sialidase Western blot analysis of supernatants from CN3718 and its isogenic derivatives showed that CodY represses overall exosialidase activity due to a reduced presence of NanH in culture supernatants. Inactivation of the
codY
gene significantly decreased the adherence of CN3718 vegetative cells or spores to host Caco-2 cells. Finally, the
codY
mutant showed increased spore formation under vegetative growth conditions, although germination of these spores was impaired. Overall, these results identify CodY as a global regulator of many
C. perfringens
virulence-associated properties. Furthermore, they establish that, via CodY, CN3718 coordinately regulates many virulence-associated properties likely needed for intestinal infection.

IMPORTANCE
Clostridium perfringens
is a major human and livestock pathogen because it produces many potent toxins.
C. perfringens
type D strains cause intestinal infections by producing toxins, especially epsilon toxin (ETX). Previous studies identified CodY as a regulator of certain virulence properties in other Gram-positive bacteria. Our study now demonstrates that CodY is a global regulator of virulence-associated properties for type D strain CN3718. It promotes production of ETX, attachment of CN3718 vegetative cells or spores to host enterocyte-like Caco-2 cells, and spore germination; the last two effects may assist intestinal colonization. In contrast, CodY represses sporulation. These results provide the first evidence that CodY can function as a global regulator of
C. perfringens
virulence-associated properties and that this strain coordinately regulates its virulence-associated properties using CodY to increase ETX production, host cell attachment, and spore germination but to repress sporulation, as would be optimal during type D intestinal infection.
Validation of the Korean Version of the Acupuncture Expectancy Scale
Authors: Kim Yun-Ji , Lee In-Seon , Kim Ho-Sun , Lee Hyejung , Park Hi-Joon , Lee Hyangsook , Mao Jun J , Chae Younbyoung
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Expectancy has been shown to affect patients’ responses to acupuncture therapy. However, no validated measure of expectancy for acupuncture is available in the Korean language. The Acupuncture Expectancy Scale (AES), a 4-item self-reporting questionnaire, is the validated instrument for measuring expectancies regarding acupuncture therapy. We translated the AES into Korean and examined its test–retest reliability and construct validity.

Methods

The AES was translated using a forward and backward translation procedure. Internal consistency was assessed in 275 participants with item-total correlations. Construct validity was also assessed by performing principal component analysis and correlating scores on the scale with the participants’ intention to receive acupuncture therapy. Test–retest reliability was assessed in 33 participants by calculating Cronbach's α and Spearman rank correlation coefficients.

Results

Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α=0.910). Principal component analysis showed that expectancy of acupuncture treatment accounted for 79.2% of the variance. The AES was positively correlated with participants’ intention to receive acupuncture treatment (r=0.695, p<0.001). Test–retest reliability in 33 of the 275 participants was adequate, with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient ranging from 0.500 to 0.737 (p<0.001).

Conclusions

The Korean version of the AES is a valid and reliable instrument for measuring patients’ expectancies regarding acupuncture treatment in the Korean population.
The first report of survival postRothia aeriaendocarditis
Authors: Thiyagarajan Arun , Balendra Anjella , Hillier David , Hatcher James
Published: October 2013

A 61-year-old patient presented with drowsiness, decreased appetite and weight loss. On examination he had several splinter haemorrhages and a tender mass over the right temporal region. Respiratory and abdominal examinations were unremarkable and heart sounds were normal with no clinically audible murmurs. He spiked regular temperatures and consequently had several blood cultures taken. Transthoracic and transoeseophageal echocardiogram showed a 3 cm mitral valve vegetation. MRI confirmed suspicions of septic emboli in the brain. Blood cultures grewRothia aeriaand he was started on benzylpenicillin, rifampicin and gentamicin. After a period of observation he deteriorated clinically and biochemically, surgical intervention therefore ensued with an urgent metallic mitral valve replacement. Nineteen days postsurgery the patient was successfully discharged on outpatient antibiotic therapy and warfarin. In view of complications such as embolisation and cerebral infarction,R aeriaendocarditis should be managed aggressively and with a high index of clinical suspicion.
Risky behaviour: a rare complication of an uncommon disease in a returning traveller
Authors: Pimenta Dominic , Democratis Jane
Published: October 2013

A 49-year-old man with a history of hypertension and no known drug allergies was admitted with a 4-day history of fever, general malaise, sore throat and diarrhoea. Eleven days ago, he had returned from a 2-week adventure holiday to South Africa. On admission, he was noted to have a creatinine 392 µmol/L, alanine aminotransferase 133 IU/L, alkaline phosphatase 211 IU/L and platelets 151×109/L. A differential diagnosis of suspected leptospirosis or bacterial sepsis was made and he was started on ceftriaxone. Two hours later he became hypotensive, tachypnoeic with severe myalgia and a temperature of 41°C, type I respiratory failure and metabolic acidosis. There was no stridor, facial swelling or rash. A diagnosis of Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction was made. A second dose of ceftriaxone was given without any reaction. The patient thereafter completed 7 days of doxycycline. PCR confirmed leptospirosis and subsequent leptospirosis IgM was positive. He improved clinically with treatment and was discharged after 10 days of admission.
Brown-McLean syndrome
Authors: Kam Ka Wai , Jhanji Vishal , Young Alvin L
Published: October 2013

An 80-year-old Chinese man with high myopia and a history of right eye cataract extraction and superior peripheral iridectomy developed peripheral corneal oedema after a period of aphakia. The peripheral corneal oedema was static over years and did not progress to involve central cornea hence his visual acuity remained stable. The condition was compatible with the relatively rare Brown-McLean syndrome. Specular microscopy showed normal endothelial cell density in the oedematous peripheral as well as central cornea. While anterior segment optical coherence tomography demonstrated the cross-sectional architecture of cornea, Scheimpflug imaging was used to measure the peripheral corneal thickening and to demonstrate increased corneal density as compared with the contralateral normal eye. These investigations not only help better characterise the rare disease, but also in precisely monitoring any disease progression by periodic measurements.
From physician intent to the pharmacy label: prevalence and description of discrepancies from a cross-sectional evaluation of electronic prescriptions
Authors: Cochran Gary L , Klepser Donald G , Morien Marsha , Lomelin Daniel , Schainost Rebecca , Lander Lina
Published: October 2013

Objective

The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to estimate the prevalence of unintended discrepancies between three sources of prescription information and to describe the types of electronic prescribing system vulnerabilities identified.

Methods

Staff from community pharmacies identified approximately 200 new prescriptions written at three participating ambulatory care clinics (2 adult, 1 paediatric). Unintended discrepancies were identified by comparing three sources of prescription information: (1) the prescriber's note as documented in the patient's chart; (2) the electronic prescription (e-prescription) entered into the clinic's electronic prescribing software; (3) the medication that was ultimately dispensed by the pharmacy as indicated on the prescription label. The discrepancy rate was calculated by dividing the number of discrepancies identified by the number of prescriptions evaluated.

Results

A total of 602 prescriptions written by 33 prescribers were evaluated from the 3 ambulatory care clinics. The discrepancy rate between the prescriber's note and the e-prescription was 1.7%, 0.6% and 3.9% for the three clinics. The discrepancy rate between the e-prescription (clinic) and the prescription label (pharmacy) was 4.2%, 0.9% and 1.5%. Differences between directions for administration was the most common type of discrepancy identified.

Conclusions

Discrepancy rates between the prescriber's note and the e-prescription were similar to the discrepancy rates between the e-prescription and pharmacy label. To reduce outpatient medication errors, a better understanding is needed of the sources of discrepancies that occur within the prescriber's clinic, and those that occur between the clinic and pharmacy.
Comparison of tulathromycin, azithromycin and azithromycin‐rifampin for the treatment of mild pneumonia associated with Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Venner M. , Credner N. , Lämmer M. , Giguère S.
Published: October 2013

The objectives of the present study were to determine the relative efficacy of tulathromycin, azithromycin, or azithromycin with rifampin for the treatment of pulmonary abscesses on a farm with endemic infections caused by Rhodococcus equi. Foals with ultrasonographic evidence of pulmonary abscesses (abscess score 8.0–15 cm; n=120) were randomly allocated in four equal treatment groups: (1) tulathromycin intramuscularly; (2) azithromycin monotherapy, orally; (3) azithromycin with rifampin, orally; (4) saline intramuscularly as a placebo. Physical examination and thoracic ultrasonography were performed by individuals unaware of treatment group assignment. Foals that worsened were removed from the study. The proportion of foals that recovered without the need for a change in therapy was significantly higher for foals treated with azithromycin (29 of 30) or azithromycin with rifampin (28 of 30) than for foals treated with a placebo (20 of 30). Additionally, azithromycin or azithromycin with rifampin resulted in a significantly faster decrease in the number of abscesses and abscess score compared with a placebo. The proportion of foals treated with tulathromycin that recovered (27 of 30) was not significantly different from that of foals treated with a placebo. Azithromycin alone or in combination with rifampin was beneficial in the study population.
An introduction to orogenic andesites and crustal growth
Authors: Gómez-Tuena Arturo , Straub Susanne M. , Zellmer Georg F.
Published: October 2013

This chapter provides an overview of the current state of research on orogenic andesites. While their importance as proxies to the evolution of the continental crust has long been recognized, andesite genesis has remained highly controversial with a broader consensus yet to be reached. The controversy is fuelled by the question of whether orogenic andesites are primary melts of slab and mantle materials, or instead derivative products of basaltic mantle melts that differentiate in the overlying crust. These hypotheses are addressed in three sections of the book devoted to slab–mantle processes, the complexities of melt differentiation at crustal levels, and models pertaining to arc crustal growth. We believe that cross-fertilization and discussion among seemingly opposite and irreconcilable hypotheses will smooth the pathway towards a holistic communal model of andesite petrogenesis.
Caledonian nappes of southern Norway and their correlation with Sveconorwegian basement domains
Authors: Roffeis C. , Corfu F.
Published: October 2013

This paper summarizes the main geochronological features of the Caledonian nappes in southern Norway, discusses their similarities and differences, and reports new U–Pb isotope dilution thermal ionization mass spectrometry data. The latter include ages of 1670 Ma for orthogneiss from the Upper Finse Nappe, 1500, 1250 and 950 Ma for intrusive rocks from the Hallingskarvet Nappe, and 1037 and 997 Ma for volcanic units from the Suldal and Lower Finse nappes. The Caledonian nappes can be subdivided into units formed at 1700–1600 Ma, having an affinity with Gothian crust, and units formed at about 1500 Ma, correlating with Telemarkian crust. A Sveconorwegian tectonometamorphic overprint is ubiquitous, but with large differences in the intensity and relative timing of the overprint. Some complexes (such as Kvitenut–Dyrskard) were affected at around 1000 Ma and others (such as Jotun and Lindås) between 970 and 930 Ma. There is also considerable variety in the Caledonian effects. Ordovician events affected some nappes (Jæren, Revsegg), thought to be of exotic origin, while Silurian and Devonian events of variable intensity are observed in all nappes. The emerging patterns offer the basis for a qualitative discussion of the provenance of the nappes that can eventually be combined with quantitative structural criteria to reconstruct pre-Caledonian palaeogeographies.
The mechanical properties of human adipose tissues and their relationships to the structure and composition of the extracellular matrix
Authors: Alkhouli Nadia , Mansfield Jessica , Green Ellen , Bell James , Knight Beatrice , Liversedge Neil , Tham Ji Chung , Welbourn Richard , Shore Angela C. , Kos Katarina , Winlove C. Peter
Published: October 2013

Adipose tissue (AT) expansion in obesity is characterized by cellular growth and continuous extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling with increased fibrillar collagen deposition. It is hypothesized that the matrix can inhibit cellular expansion and lipid storage. Therefore, it is important to fully characterize the ECM's biomechanical properties and its interactions with cells. In this study, we characterize and compare the mechanical properties of human subcutaneous and omental tissues, which have different physiological functions. AT was obtained from 44 subjects undergoing surgery. Force/extension and stress/relaxation data were obtained. The effects of osmotic challenge were measured to investigate the cellular contribution to tissue mechanics. Tissue structure and its response to tensile strain were determined using nonlinear microscopy. AT showed nonlinear stress/strain characteristics of up to a 30% strain. Comparing paired subcutaneous and omental samples ( n = 19), the moduli were lower in subcutaneous: initial 1.6 ± 0.8 (means ± SD) and 2.9 ± 1.5 kPa ( P = 0.001), final 11.7 ± 6.4 and 32 ± 15.6 kPa ( P < 0.001), respectively. The energy dissipation density was lower in subcutaneous AT ( n = 13): 0.1 ± 0.1 and 0.3 ± 0.2 kPa, respectively ( P = 0.006). Stress/relaxation followed a two-exponential time course. When the incubation medium was exchanged for deionized water in specimens held at 30% strain, force decreased by 31%, and the final modulus increased significantly. Nonlinear microscopy revealed collagen and elastin networks in close proximity to adipocytes and a larger-scale network of larger fiber bundles. There was considerable microscale heterogeneity in the response to strain in both cells and matrix fibers. These results suggest that subcutaneous AT has greater capacity for expansion and recovery from mechanical deformation than omental AT.
Overexpression of NF-κB p65 in macrophages ameliorates atherosclerosis in apoE-knockout mice
Authors: Ye Xin , Jiang Xiaoting , Guo Wei , Clark Katie , Gao Zhanguo
Published: October 2013

The transcription factor NF-κB p65 is a key regulator in the regulation of an inflammatory response and in the pathology of atherosclerosis. However, there is no direct evidence for the role of NF-κB in macrophages in the development of atherosclerosis. We investigated whether macrophage overexpression of p65 in apoE-knockout mice could improve atherosclerosis. Transgenic (Tg) mice overexpressing p65 in macrophages were generated by crossing fatty acid-binding protein 4 (aP2) promoter-controlled p65 mice with apoE-knockout (KO) mice. Tg mice exhibited functional activation of NF-κB signaling in macrophages and fat tissues. We observed that the atherosclerotic lesion was 40% less in the Tg mice compared with the apoE-KO controls fed a standard atherogenic diet for 16 wk ( n = 12). The Tg mice were leaner from reduced fat mass by increased energy expenditure. Moreover, the overexpression of p65 in macrophages suppressed foam cell formation. Our results show that there is 1) an increased fatty acid oxidation in macrophages, 2) a reduced scavenger receptor CD36 expression and lipid accumulation in microphages, 3) reduced-inflammation cytokines in serum, and 4) enhanced energy expenditure in Tg mice. Our data suggest that activation of NF-κB in macrophages has atheroprotective effects in mice by enhancing lipid metabolism and energy expenditure.
The food intake-suppressive effects of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor signaling in the ventral tegmental area are mediated by AMPA/kainate receptors
Authors: Mietlicki-Baase Elizabeth G. , Ortinski Pavel I. , Rupprecht Laura E. , Olivos Diana R. , Alhadeff Amber L. , Pierce R. Christopher , Hayes Matthew R.
Published: October 2013

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) activation in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) is physiologically relevant for the control of palatable food intake. Here, we tested whether the food intake-suppressive effects of VTA GLP-1R activation are mediated by glutamatergic signaling within the VTA. Intra-VTA injections of the GLP-1R agonist exendin-4 (Ex-4) reduced palatable high-fat food intake in rats primarily by reducing meal size; these effects were mediated in part via glutamatergic AMPA/kainate but not NMDA receptor signaling. Additional behavioral data indicated that GLP-1R expressed specifically within the VTA can partially mediate the intake- and body weight-suppressive effects of systemically administered Ex-4, offering the intriguing possibility that this receptor population may be clinically relevant for food intake control. Intra-VTA Ex-4 rapidly increased tyrosine hydroxylase levels within the VTA, suggesting that GLP-1R activation modulates VTA dopaminergic signaling. Further evidence for this hypothesis was provided by electrophysiological data showing that Ex-4 increased the frequency of AMPA-mediated currents and reduced the paired/pulse ratio in VTA dopamine neurons. Together, these data provide novel mechanisms by which GLP-1R agonists in the mesolimbic reward system control for palatable food intake.
Reducing milking frequency during nutrient restriction has no effect on the hepatic transcriptome of lactating dairy cattle
Authors: Grala T. M. , Kay J. K. , Phyn C. V. C. , Bionaz M. , Walker C. G. , Rius A. G. , Snell R. G. , Roche J. R.
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate if a reduced milking frequency altered the effect of dietary energy restriction on the hepatic transcriptome of grazing dairy cows during early lactation. Multiparous Holstein-Friesian and Holstein-Friesian × Jersey cows ( n = 120) were milked twice daily (2×) from calving until 34 ± 6 days in milk (mean ± SD). Cows were then allocated to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of two milking frequencies [2× or once daily (1×)] and two feeding levels for 3 wk: adequately fed (AF) or underfed (UF, 60% of AF). Liver tissue was biopsied from 12 cows per treatment after 3 wk of treatment, and the hepatic transcriptome was profiled with an Agilent 4 × 44k bovine microarray. Over 2,900 genes were differentially expressed in response to the energy restriction; however, no effects resulted from changes to milking frequency. This may indicate that after 3 wk of 1× milking, any changes to the liver transcriptome that may have occurred earlier have returned to normal. After 3 wk of energy restriction, gene expression patterns indicate that glucose-sparing pathways were activated, and gluconeogenesis was increased in UF cows. Genes involved in hepatic stress were upregulated in response to the energy restriction indicative of the pressure energy restriction places on liver function. Other pathways upregulated included “cytoskeletal remodeling,” indicating that a 3 wk energy restriction resulted in molecular changes to assist tissue remodeling. Overall, 1× milking does not modify the hepatic transcriptome changes that occur in response to an energy restriction.
Characterization of genome-wide transcriptional changes in liver and adipose tissues of ZDF (fa/fa) rats fed R-α-lipoic acid by next-generation sequencing
Authors: Pashaj Anjeza , Yi Xiaohua , Xia Mengna , Canny Stephanie , Riethoven Jean-Jack M. , Moreau Régis
Published: October 2013

We report on the characterization of lipogenic tissue transcriptional networks that support physiological responses of obese rats to a lipid-lowering bioactive food compound, R-α-lipoic acid (LA). Nine-week-old male Zucker diabetic fatty (fa/fa) rats were fed a chow diet supplemented with 3 g LA per kg diet or pair fed for 2 wk. At the end of the trial, high-quality RNA was extracted from the liver and epididymal fat and subjected to transcriptome analysis by RNA-Seq technology. Results showed a substantially higher number of differentially expressed genes [DEG, false discovery rate adjusted P ≤ 0.05 and absolute log2(fold change) ≥ 1] in the liver (110 genes) vs. epididymal fat (10 genes). Most epididymal fat DEG were also differentially expressed in liver and shared directionality of change. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis of these transcripts revealed significant enrichment of GO categories related to immune response, stress response, lipid metabolism, and carboxylic acid metabolic processes. Of interest, interferon-related genes involved in defense against microorganisms and innate immune response were induced by LA. Lipid metabolism-related transcript changes observed in LA-fed animals included downregulation of lipogenic genes ( Pnpla3, Pnpla5, Elovl6, Acly, Gpam, and Aacs) and concomitant upregulation of short-, medium-, and long-chain fatty acid metabolic processes ( Acot1, Acot2, Acsf2, and Crat). Transcriptional changes were accompanied by the lowering of abdominal adiposity and blood triacylglycerol levels. We conclude that LA dietary supplementation induces prominent gene expression changes in liver in support of significant improvement of whole-body lipid status.