bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long‐term use of dienogest in the treatment of painful symptoms in adenomyosis
Authors: Osuga Yutaka , Watanabe Manabu , Hagino Atsushi
Published: July 2017

Aim

We aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of dienogest (DNG), a progestational 19‐norsteroid, administered for 52 weeks in patients with symptomatic adenomyosis.

Methods

A total of 130 patients with adenomyosis received 2 mg of DNG orally each day for 52 weeks. In cases of complicated anemia, patients were treated for anemia prior to receiving the medication. Adverse events and adverse drug reactions were evaluated. The patients' pain symptoms (dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain from adenomyosis) were assessed using a pain‐scoring tool. This was a verbal rating scale comprising a 0–3‐point pain‐severity score measuring disability to work, and an analgesics‐usage score measuring need for analgesics.

Results

The most common adverse drug reactions included metrorrhagia (96.9%) and hot flush (7.7%). However, in most cases, metrorrhagia was tolerable and no clinically significant changes were observed concerning the incidence or severity of reactions during the 52‐week treatment period. There were no serious adverse events. Both the pain‐severity score and analgesics‐usage score decreased after the start of treatment with DNG. The mean ± standard deviation changes from baseline for the pain score were −3.4 ± 1.8 at 24 weeks and −3.8 ± 1.5 at 52 weeks, respectively.

Conclusion

The long‐term use of DNG was well‐tolerated and effective in patients with symptomatic adenomyosis.
Global Cities, Connectivity, and the Location Choice of MNC Regional Headquarters
Authors: Belderbos René , Du Helen S. , Goerzen Anthony
Published: July 2017

Regional headquarters (RHQs) perform a crucial bridging function between corporate headquarters, regional affiliates, and other regional actors. Their bridging role and associated connectivity needs lead MNCs to locate their RHQs in highly connected ‘global cities’. We examine how the interplay between global city connectivity, geographic distance, and RHQ roles determine the likelihood that particular cities are chosen as a location for MNCs’ RHQ investments. Our inferences are based on an analysis of location choices for 1031 RHQs among 48 global cities. We find that while the geographic distance of a global city to the MNC's regional affiliates diminishes the likelihood that a given city is chosen, these distance effects disappear when the global city is highly connected. Well connected global cities, furthermore, attract investment in RHQs by MNCs from more distant countries‐of‐origin. On average, city connectivity is a more important characteristic for RHQs that have an entrepreneurial role.
A widespread cyanobacterium supported by polyphasic approach: proposition of Koinonema pervagatum gen. & sp. nov. (Oscillatoriales)1
Authors: Buch Bruna , Martins Mariéllen Dornelles , Branco Luis Henrique Z.
Published: July 2017

Several new genera originally classified as the genus Phormidium, a polyphyletic and taxonomically complex genus within the Oscillatoriales, were recently described. The simple morphology of Phormidium does not reflect its genetic diversity and the delimitation of a natural group is not possible with traditional classification systems based on morphology alone. Therefore, this study used morphological, ecological, and molecular approaches to evaluate four populations morphologically similar to Ammassolinea, Kamptonema, and Ancylothrix (simple, curved, and gradually attenuated at the ends trichome), found in subtropical and tropical Brazilian regions. 16S rRNA gene sequences grouped all the strains in a highly supported clade with other two European strains isolated from thermal springs surrounding areas. The 16S‐23S ITS secondary structure corroborated the phylogenetic analysis with all the strains having similar structures. Consequently, a genetically well‐defined and cryptic new genus, Koinonema gen. nov., is proposed containing the aquatic, mesophilic, and morphologically homogeneous new species, Koinonema pervagatum sp. nov.
Appearance and characterization of fruit image textures for quality sorting using wavelet transform and genetic algorithms
Authors: Khoje Suchitra
Published: July 2017

Images of four qualities of mangoes and guavas are evaluated for color and textural features to characterize and classify them, and to model the fruit appearance grading. The paper discusses three approaches to identify most discriminating texture features of both the fruits. In the first approach, fruit's color and texture features are selected using Mahalanobis distance. A total of 20 color features and 40 textural features are extracted for analysis. Using Mahalanobis distance and feature intercorrelation analyses, one best color feature (mean ofa* [L*a*b* color space]) and two textural features (energya*, contrast of H*) are selected as features for Guava while two best color features (R std, H std) and one textural features (energyb*) are selected as features for mangoes with the highest discriminate power. The second approach studies some common wavelet families for searching the best classification model for fruit quality grading. The wavelet features extracted from five basic mother wavelets (db, bior, rbior, Coif, Sym) are explored to characterize fruits texture appearance. In third approach, genetic algorithm is used to select only those color and wavelet texture features that are relevant to the separation of the class, from a large universe of features. The study shows that image color and texture features which were identified using a genetic algorithm can distinguish between various qualities classes of fruits. The experimental results showed that support vector machine classifier is elected for Guava grading with an accuracy of 97.61% and artificial neural network is elected from Mango grading with an accuracy of 95.65%.

Practical applications

The proposed method is nondestructive fruit quality assessment method. The experimental results has proven that Genetic algorithm along with wavelet textures feature has potential to discriminate fruit quality. Finally, it can be concluded that discussed method is an accurate, reliable, and objective tool to determine fruit quality namely Mango and Guava, and might be applicable to in‐line sorting systems
Pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic integration and modelling of oxytetracycline for the calf pathogensMannheimia haemolyticaandPasteurella multocida
Authors: Lees P. , Potter T. , Pelligand L. , Toutain P.‐L.
Published: July 2017

A calf tissue cage model was used to study the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of oxytetracycline in serum, inflamed (exudate) and noninflamed (transudate) tissue cage fluids. After intramuscular administration, the PK was characterized by a long mean residence time of 28.3 hr. Based on minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for six isolates each ofMannheimia haemolyticaandPasteurella multocida, measured in serum, integration of in vivo PK and in vitro PD data established area under serum concentration–time curve (AUC0–∞)/MIC ratios of 30.0 and 24.3 hr forM. haemolyticaandP. multocida, respectively. Corresponding AUC0–∞/MIC ratios based on MICs in broth were 656 and 745 hr, respectively. PK‐PD modelling of in vitro bacterial time–kill curves for oxytetracycline in serum established mean AUC0–24 hr/MIC ratios for 3log10decrease in bacterial count of 27.5 hr (M. haemolytica) and 60.9 hr (P. multocida). Monte Carlo simulations predicted target attainment rate (TAR) dosages. Based on the potency of oxytetracycline in serum, the predicted 50% TAR single doses required to achieve a bacteriostatic action covering 48‐hr periods were 197 mg/kg (M. haemolytica) and 314 mg/kg (P. multocida), respectively, against susceptible populations. Dosages based on the potency of oxytetracycline in broth were 25‐ and 27‐fold lower (7.8 and 11.5 mg/kg) forM. haemolyticaandP. multocida,respectively.
Disentangling the Role of Ideology and Partisanship in Legislative Voting: Evidence from Argentina
Authors: Alemán Eduardo , Micozzi Juan Pablo , Pinto Pablo M. , Saiegh Sebastian
Published: July 2017

We present a novel approach to disentangle the effects of ideology, partisanship, and constituency pressures on roll‐call voting. First, we place voters and legislators on a common ideological space. Next, we use roll‐call data to identify the partisan influence on legislators' behavior. Finally, we use a structural equation model to account for these separate effects on legislative voting. We rely on public opinion data and a survey of Argentine legislators conducted in 2007–08. Our findings indicate that partisanship is the most important determinant of legislative voting, leaving little room for personal ideological position to affect legislators' behavior.
Central nervous system infection due to Cryptococcus gattii sensu lato in India: Analysis of clinical features, molecular profile and antifungal susceptibility
Authors: Lahiri Mukhopadhyay Shayanki , Bahubali Veenakumari H. , Manjunath Netravathi , Swaminathan Aarthi , Maji Sayani , Palaniappan Marimuthu , Parthasarathy Satishchandra , Chandrashekar Nagarathna
Published: July 2017

Cryptococcus gattii species complex has evolved as a pathogen in the last two decades causing infection among both immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts. We aimed to analyse the clinical features of CNS infection caused by C. gattii sensu lato, molecular and antifungal susceptibility profile of this pathogen. Cases diagnosed to have CNS cryptococcosis were included in the study. Cryptococcus recovered from patient's specimen was identified by standard protocol. Species confirmation, mating type and molecular type determination were performed by PCR based methods. Antifungal susceptibility was tested in VITEK2C to amphotericin B, 5‐flucytosine, fluconazole and voriconazole. Among 199 cases, 20 (10%) were due to C. gattii, comprising of 75% cryptococcal meningitis and 25% cryptococcoma cases. Young adult males were commonly affected. Headache and vomiting were prominent symptoms and 50% were immunocompromised. Among the isolates, 75%, 20% and 5% were C. tetragattii, C. gattii sensu stricto and C. bacillisporus respectively and all had mating type α. Four (20%) isolates of C. tetragattii and the only isolate of C. bacillisporus were resistant to fluconazole. The most common species isolated from south India is C. tetragattii. The study contributes to the epidemiology of C. gattii and reiterates the need for genotyping and antifungal susceptibility testing.
Longitudinal dental maturation of children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate: A case‐control cohort study
Authors: Tan E. L. Y. , Kuek M. C. , Wong H. C. , Yow M.
Published: July 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

Many reports suggest that children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) have delayed dental development and asymmetrical timing of tooth‐pair formation. We aimed to investigate the dental maturation of permanent teeth in children with complete unilateral CLP (UCLP) and compare the findings with non‐CLP children.

Setting and sample population

This case‐control study used 115 radiographs of children with complete UCLP and controls (non‐CLP children matched on age, gender and ethnicity) from a hospital‐based dental clinic in Singapore.

Material and methods

Orthopantomographs of 60 children with complete UCLP (5‐9 years old) and 55 children (9‐13 years old) from the same cohort were investigated using the Demirjian's method and compared with controls to determine if there were any differences in dental maturation with age.

Results

Delayed dental maturation was found in the 5‐ to 9‐year‐old children with UCLP compared to controls by 0.55 years (standard deviation: 0.75) (P<.001). There was no significant difference between the dental maturation of children with UCLP and controls in the 9‐ to 13‐year‐old group (P=.744). The group with UCLP had higher risk of asymmetrically developing tooth pairs than the control group for both age groups (P<.001).

Conclusion

No difference in dental maturation between UCLP and controls in the 9‐ to 13‐year‐old group was found. However, there was diametrical difference in dental maturation in the 5‐ to 9‐year‐old group, which attenuated as they grew older. There was a consistently higher risk of asymmetrical tooth formation in children with UCLP than in controls.
Concordance between self‐reported and observer‐rated anxiety severity in outpatients with anxiety disorders: The Leiden routine outcome monitoring study
Authors: Schat Anke , van Noorden Martijn S. , Giltay Erik J. , Noom Marc J. , Vermeiren Robert R.J.M. , Zitman Frans G.
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Anxiety severity measures can be self‐report or observer‐rated. Although mostly these measures concur, they can diverge markedly. We examined concordance between two anxiety scales: the observer‐rated Brief Anxiety Scale (BAS) and the self‐report Brief Symptom Inventory 12‐item version (BSI‐12), and described associations between patient characteristics and discordance.

Design

The study used an observational design, using prospective data from 2,007 outpatients with DSM‐IV‐TR panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, agoraphobia without panic, social phobia, and/or generalized anxiety disorder.

Methods

Overall agreement was described using Pearson's product–moment correlation coefficient. Associations between patient characteristics and discordance (defined as |Z‐BAS‐Z‐BSI‐12| ≥ 1) were evaluated with univariable and multivariable multinomial logistic regression analyses.

Results

Overall correlation between BAS and BSI‐12 was positive and strong (r = .59). Discordance occurred in 24.8% of patients ([Z‐BAS ≥ Z‐BSI‐12 + 1] = 12.2%; [Z‐BAS ≤ Z‐BSI‐12 − 1]  = 12.6%). Patients with higher observed than self‐reported anxiety severity did not differ from concordant patients. Patients with lower observed than self‐reported anxiety severity more often had panic disorder, less often had social phobia, and had higher scores on cluster B and C personality characteristics than concordant patients. Lower observed than self‐reported anxiety severity was best predicted by panic disorder, social phobia, and affective lability.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate that the use of a single source of information gives a one‐sided view of pathology. A multimethod approach is highly preferable, as this allows for assessment across different domains and through multiple sources of information, and as such, provides clinicians with vital information.

Practitioner points

When assessing anxiety severity, the use of self‐report measures provides additional information to observer‐rated measures.

In patients who have strong cluster B and C personality traits, anxiety severity might be overlooked, even by trained observers.

The use of a multimethod assessment strategy is preferable in anxiety severity assessment.
Systems and techniques used in the culture of soft‐shell swimming crabs
Authors: Tavares Camila Prestes dos Santos , Silva Ubiratã Assis Teixeira , Pereira Leandro Angelo , Ostrensky Antonio
Published: July 2017

The academic interest in the production of soft‐shell swimming crabs has increased in direct proportion to the increasing demand worldwide for this gastronomic delicacy. The techniques of obtaining this product are essentially based on the maintenance of swimming crabs at premoult stage in open, semi‐closed or closed farming systems, until the moment of moulting. These different types of systems reflect the biological e environmental control method evolution. To achieve industrial scale production of soft swimming crabs, the option of using closed systems has increased in recent years. This type of system offers several advantages, such as greater control over environmental variables, greater ease of installation, higher storage densities, greater ease of monitoring ecdysis occurrence and, especially, the possibility of incorporating several forms of automation. In this review, the main production systems currently used, as well as the main techniques for obtaining the animals, their management under controlled conditions, harvesting and slaughter, are presented and discussed, focusing on future perspectives for the world production of soft‐shell swimming crabs.
Linear Elliptic PDEs in a Cylindrical Domain with a Polygonal Cross‐Section
Authors: Hitzazis I. , Fokas A. S.
Published: July 2017

Integral representations for the solution of the Laplace, modified Helmholtz, and Helmholtz equations can be obtained using Green's theorem. However, these representations involve both the Dirichlet and the Neumann values on the boundary, and for a well‐posed boundary value problem (BVP) one of these functions is unknown. A new transform method for solving BVPs for linear and integrable nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), usually referred to as the unified transform or the Fokas method, was introduced in the late 1990s. For linear elliptic PDEs in two dimensions, this method first, by employing two algebraic equations formulated in the Fourier plane, provides an elegant approach for determining the Dirichlet to Neumann map, i.e., for constructing the unknown boundary values in terms of the given boundary data. Second, this method constructs novel integral representations of the solution in terms of integrals formulated in the complex Fourier plane. In the present paper, we extend this novel approach to the case of the Laplace, modified Helmholtz, and Helmholtz equations, formulated in a three‐dimensional cylindrical domain with a polygonal cross‐section.
Advances in transfusion medicine: gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Oakland K. , Jairath V. , Murphy M. F.
Published: July 2017

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a common medical and surgical emergency and is the second most common indication for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in the UK. Most transfusion guidelines recommend the use of restrictive blood transfusion in stable gastrointestinal bleeding. This review explores the evidence supporting this practice, including whether it is safe in lower as well as upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and the risks of restrictive transfusion in patients with cardiovascular disease. There is a lack of evidence supporting the use of platelet and fresh frozen plasma transfusion in gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this review is to serve as a practical guide to transfusion in stable gastrointestinal bleeding.
The great trade collapse and the Spanish export miracle: Firm‐level evidence from the crisis
Authors: Eppinger Peter S. , Meythaler Nicole , Sindlinger Marc‐Manuel , Smolka Marcel
Published: July 2017

We provide novel evidence on the microstructure of international trade during the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent global recession by exploring a rich firm‐level data set from Spain. The focus of our analysis is on changes at the extensive and intensive firm‐level margins of trade, as well as on performance differences (jobs, productivity and firm survival) across firms that differ in their export status. We find no adverse effects of the financial crisis on foreign market entry or exit, but a considerable increase in the export intensity of firms after the financial crisis. Moreover, we find that exporters were more resilient to the crisis than non‐exporters. Finally, while exporters showed a significantly more favourable development of total factor productivity after 2009 than non‐exporters, aggregate productivity declined substantially in a large number of industries in Spanish manufacturing. We also briefly explore two factors that might help explain the surprisingly strong export performance of Spain in the aftermath of the great trade collapse: improved aggregate competitiveness due to internal and external devaluation and a substitutive relationship between domestic and foreign sales at the firm level.
Changes in cytokine profiles following treatment with food allergen‐specific sublingual immunotherapy in dogs with adverse food reactions
Authors: Maina Elisa , Devriendt Bert , Cox Eric
Published: July 2017

Background

Food allergen‐specific sublingual immunotherapy (FA‐SLIT) is considered to be a novel, safe and effective approach in dogs with adverse food reactions (AFR).

Hypothesis/Objectives

To investigate changes in key cytokines associated with FA‐SLIT.

Animals

Eleven dogs with confirmed AFR.

Methods

Participants received either dose escalation of FA‐SLIT or placebo over a six month period. Oral food challenge was performed at the beginning and end of the study, along with clinical examinations and collection of skin surface bacterial cytology and blood. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with the culprit food antigen. ELISA methods were used to quantify Interleukin (IL)‐10, IFN‐γ, IL‐4 and IL‐17A in the supernatant of stimulated cells.

Results

IL‐10 and IFN‐γ levels were significantly increased at the end of the study in the treatment group (T), compared with the placebo group (P), whereas no changes were found in IL‐4 levels. IL‐17A levels were decreased in both groups (but more profoundly in T). Bacterial scores on the skin were positively correlated with IL‐17A and inversely correlated with IL‐10 concentrations. Interleukins were not correlated with clinical scores.

Conclusion and clinical importance

FA‐SLIT may modulate the allergic response toward Th1 and Treg cell phenotypes, and induction of tolerance in dogs with AFR. Therefore, FA‐SLIT may be a tool to desensitize dogs with AFR. However, more data on a larger number of cases and a broader panel of cytokines are needed to corroborate these findings, and to elucidate the mechanism of action for responses to FA‐SLIT by dogs with AFR.
A double‐blinded, randomized, controlled, crossover evaluation of a zinc methionine supplement as an adjunctive treatment for canine atopic dermatitis
Authors: McFadden Rendina A. , Heinrich Nicole A. , Haarstad Amy C. , Tomlinson Dana J.
Published: July 2017

Background

Zinc is important for skin health and proper immune system function.

Hypothesis/Objectives

A zinc methionine, essential fatty acids (EFA) and biotin product (Zn supplement) was compared to an EFA and biotin product (control) in canine atopic dermatitis (CAD).

Animals

Twenty seven client‐owned dogs with chronic CAD receiving ciclosporin or glucocorticoids.

Methods

A 24 week, randomized, double‐blinded, controlled study with crossover at week 12 and 4 week period of allergy medication reduction at weeks 8 and 20. Evaluations included Canine Atopic Dermatitis Lesion Index (CADLI), pruritus Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and cytology sampling.

Results

In dogs receiving the zinc supplement and ciclosporin for eight weeks, 44% (n = 7) had significantly decreased CADLI from 11.9 to 6.0 (P = 0.0002) with no significant change in pruritus VAS (P = 1.0). In dogs receiving the zinc supplement and glucocorticoids for eight weeks, 55% (n = 6) had significantly decreased CADLI from 10.9 to 5.0 (P = 0.0043) and pruritus VAS from 7.4 to 3.2 (P = 0.0166). For dogs receiving either steroids or ciclosporin there was a reduction in use of such medications, for at least four weeks, in 63% of dogs receiving the zinc supplement and 37% of dogs receiving the control. This difference was not significant (P = 0.1027). Seventy eight percent of dogs were diagnosed and treated for superficial skin infections during the study.

Conclusions and clinical importance

This study supports a potential benefit of adjunctive zinc methionine supplementation in CAD. Dogs receiving glucocorticoids may be more likely to benefit. Further studies are needed to substantiate these initial results.
Randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled pilot study on the effects of topical blackcurrant emulsion enriched in essential fatty acids, ceramides and 18‐beta glycyrrhetinic acid on clinical signs and skin barrier function in dogs with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Marsella Rosanna , Cornegliani Luisa , Ozmen Ibrahim , Bohannon Mary , Ahrens Kim , Santoro Domenico
Published: July 2017

Background

Lipid‐based emulsions can be useful for the management of canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). 18‐beta glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA), a component of liquorice root, has anti‐inflammatory and anti‐pruritic effects.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the effects of a topical lipid emulsion containing ceramides, fatty acids and GRA on clinical signs of cAD and skin barrier in a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods

Client owned (n = 45) dogs with nonseasonal, mild/moderate AD, received either treatment or placebo for three months. Skin lesions, pruritus, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and global assessment (GA) were evaluated.

Results

Fourteen dogs receiving treatment and 14 receiving the placebo completed the study. After one month ≥50% reduction in pruritus was seen in seven of 14 dogs (50%) in the Treatment group, and in two of 14 dogs (14.3%) in the Control group (P = 0.047). After two and three months, significant reduction in pruritus was not seen. For Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI), TEWL and GA, there were no significant findings over time or between groups.

Conclusions and Clinical relevance

The emulsion had some transient beneficial clinical effects. However, it was not effective in controlling pruritus as a monotherapy. Further studies should examine whether owner compliance was a factor in the steady decline of effect on pruritus scores. Further studies evaluating its role as an adjunctive therapy are indicated.
Successful medical treatment of an Aspergillus terreus mycetoma of the nostril/lip in a 16‐year‐old Fjord pony gelding with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction
Authors: Randleff‐Rasmussen Pia K. , Mosca Marion , Knoerr Frédéric , Pin Didier , Desjardins Isabelle
Published: July 2017

Background

Mycetoma is a chronic, proliferative lesion of cutaneous/subcutaneous tissue characterized by draining tracts and granules in the discharge caused by actinomycetes (actinomycetoma) or filamentous fungi (eumycotic mycetoma).

Objectives

This case report describes the unusual finding of a cutaneous mycetoma of the lateral wing of the right nostril in a gelding.

Animal

A 16‐year‐old Fjord gelding with suspected pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) was presented for evaluation of a nonpainful, firm and raised mass involving the lateral wing of the right nostril and the lip.

Methods and Results

Cytological examination of the mass showed marked pyogranulomatous inflammation and histopathological examination revealed a fungal mycetoma. Fungal culture identified the causative organism as Aspergillus terreus, which is not known for its propensity to cause either dermal granulomas or mycetoma in domestic animals. Further investigation, including a TRH stimulation test, led to a diagnosis of PPID (Cushing's disease), which may have led to immunosuppression of the animal and increased susceptibility to infection.

Conclusions and Clinical importance

The horse was treated medically with pergolide for the PPID and oral potassium iodide for the fungal infection, with good therapeutic response and no relapse after five months. Surgical debridement or excision was not performed. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report of a cutaneous mycetoma caused by A. terreus in a horse.
Durability of a coating containing titanium dioxide for the photocatalytic degradation of diclofenac in water with UV‐A irradiation
Authors: Schulze‐Hennings U. , Brückner I. , Gebhardt W. , Groteklaes M. , Blöß S. P. , Wett M. , Linnemann V. , Montag D. , Pinnekamp J.
Published: July 2017

A novel catalyst was used for lab scale photocatalytic experiments. It was a carbon doped titanium dioxide which was designed to create an energy efficient photocatalytic process. The titanium dioxide is able to absorb UV‐A radiation and parts of the visible light spectrum. The catalyst was immobilized to a glass sheet. UV‐A radiation was used for the degradation of the pharmaceutical diclofenac in water to investigate the applicability of the catalyst to degrade organic micropollutants. With the given experimental setup hydroxyl radicals were generated and diclofenac was degraded below the limit of quantification. However, reaction rates are rather slow and the material properties of the catalyst showed the need of improvement. This is because the properties of the coating were influenced by the release of inorganic binder. Therefore, the coating and possibly the titanium dioxide were washed off and the reaction rates decreased drastically after 80 hours of use.
Xenogeneic chimera—Generated by blastocyst complementation—As a potential unlimited source of recipient‐tailored organs
Authors: Oldani Graziano , Peloso Andrea , Lacotte Stéphanie , Meier Raphael , Toso Christian
Published: July 2017

Blastocyst complementation refers to the injection of cells into a blastocyst. The technology allows for the creation of chimeric animals, which have the potential to be used as an unlimited source of organ donors. Pluripotent stem cells could be generated from a patient in need of a transplantation and injected into a large animal blastocyst (potentially of a pig), leading to the creation of organ(s) allowing immunosuppression‐free transplantation. Various chimera combinations have already been generated, but one of the most recent steps leads to the creation of human‐pig chimeras, which could be studied at an embryo stage. Although still far from clinical reality, the potential application is almost unlimited. The present review illustrates the historical steps of intra‐ and interspecific blastocyst complementation in rodents and large animals, specifically looking at its potential for generation of organ grafts. We also speculate on how it could change transplant indications, on its economic impact, and on the linked ethical concerns.
Depletion of Pax7+ satellite cells does not affect diaphragm adaptations to running in young or aged mice
Authors: Murach Kevin A. , Confides Amy L. , Ho Angel , Jackson Janna R. , Ghazala Lina S. , Peterson Charlotte A. , Dupont‐Versteegden Esther E.
Published: July 2017

Key points

Satellite cell depletion does not affect diaphragm adaptations to voluntary wheel running in young or aged mice.

Satellite cell depletion early in life (4 months of age) has minimal effect on diaphragm phenotype by old age (24 months).

Prolonged satellite cell depletion in the diaphragm does not result in excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, in contrast to what has been reported in hind limb muscles.

Up‐regulation of Pax3 mRNA+ cells after satellite cell depletion in young and aged mice suggests that Pax3+ cells may compensate for a loss of Pax7+ satellite cells in the diaphragm.

Future investigations should focus on the role of Pax3+ cells in the diaphragm during adaptation to exercise and ageing.

Satellite cell contribution to unstressed diaphragm is higher compared to hind limb muscles, which is probably attributable to constant activation of this muscle to drive ventilation. Whether satellite cell depletion negatively impacts diaphragm quantitative and qualitative characteristics under stressed conditions in young and aged mice is unknown. We therefore challenged the diaphragm with prolonged running activity in the presence and absence of Pax7+ satellite cells in young and aged mice using an inducible Pax7CreER‐R26RDTA model. Mice were vehicle (Veh, satellite cell‐replete) or tamoxifen (Tam, satellite cell‐depleted) treated at 4 months of age and were then allowed to run voluntarily at 6 months (young) and 22 months (aged). Age‐matched, cage‐dwelling, Veh‐ and Tam‐treated mice without wheel access served as activity controls. Diaphragm muscles were analysed from young (8 months) and aged (24 months) mice. Satellite cell depletion did not alter diaphragm mean fibre cross‐sectional area, fibre type distribution or extracellular matrix content in young or aged mice, regardless of running activity. Resting in vivo diaphragm function was also unaffected by satellite cell depletion. Myonuclear density was maintained in young satellite cell‐depleted mice regardless of running, although it was modestly reduced in aged sedentary (–7%) and running (–19%) mice without satellite cells (P < 0.05). Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, we detected higher Pax3 mRNA+ cell density in both young and aged satellite cell‐depleted diaphragm muscle (P < 0.05), which may compensate for the loss of Pax7+ satellite cells.
The Effects of Laser and Mechanical Forming on the Hardness and Microstructural Layout of Commercially Pure Grade 2 Titanium Alloy Plates
Authors: Mjali Kadephi V. , Els-Botes Annelize , Mashinini Peter M.
Published: July 2017

This paper illustrates the effects of the laser and mechanical forming on the hardness and microstructural distribution in commercially pure grade 2 Titanium alloy plates. The two processes were used to bend commercially pure grade 2 Titanium alloy plates to a similar radius also investigate if the laser forming process could replace the mechanical forming process in the future. The results from both processes are discussed in relation to the mechanical properties of the material. Observations from hardness testing indicate that the laser forming process results in increased hardness in all the samples evaluated, and on the other hand, the mechanical forming process did not influence hardness on the samples evaluated. There was no change in microstructure as a result of the mechanical forming process while the laser forming process had a major influence on the overall microstructure in samples evaluated. The size of the grains became larger with increases in thermal gradient and heat flux, causing changes to the overall mechanical properties of the material. The thermal heat generated has a profound influence on the grain structure and the hardness of Titanium. It is evident that the higher the thermal energy the higher is the hardness, but this only applies up to a power of 2.5kW. Afterwards, there is a reduction in hardness and an increase in grain size. The cooling rate of the plates has been proved to play a significant role in the resulting microstructure of Titanium alloys. The scanning speed plays a role in maintaining the surface temperatures of laser formed Titanium plates resulting in changes to both hardness and the microstructure. An increase in heat results in grain growth affecting the hardness of Titanium.
Optimization of Friction Stir Welding Process Parameters to Join Al 5052 and Al 6061 Alloy Plates Using Grey-Taguchi Technique
Authors: Sandeep R. , Sudhakara D. , Prasanthi G.
Published: July 2017

Friction stir welding (FSW) is a solid state welding process used for welding similar and dissimilar materials. The process is widely used because it does not have common problems such as solidification and liquefaction cracking associated with the fusion welding techniques. The objective of the present research is to find the best combination of friction stir welding process parameters to join aluminium 5052 and 6061 alloy materials. The combination of process parameters is helpful to improve ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, percentage of elongation and hardness of welded joint. To achieve the research objective taguchi based grey analysis was used. The optimum process parameters were found be at rotational speed is 1400 rpm, transverse speed of 100 mm/min and axial force is at 11 KN.
Flexible Job-Shop Scheduling for Reduced Manufacturing Carbon Footprint
Authors: Liu Qiong , Tian Youquan , Wang Chao , Chekem Freddy O. , Sutherland John W.
Published: July 2017

In order to help manufacturing companies quantify and reduce product carbon footprints in a mixed model manufacturing system, a product carbon footprint oriented multi-objective flexible job-shop scheduling optimization model is proposed. The production portion of the product carbon footprint, based on the mapping relations between products and the carbon emissions within the manufacturing system, is proposed to calculate the product carbon footprint in the mixed model manufacturing system. Non-Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II) is adopted to solve the proposed model. In order to help decision makers to choose the most suitable solution from the Pareto set as its execution solution, a method based on grades of product carbon footprints is proposed. Finally, the efficacy of the proposed model and algorithm are examined via a case study.
Investigations on the Application of Minimum Quantity Solid Lubrication in Turning
Authors: Makhesana Mayur A. , Patel Kaushik M.
Published: July 2017

Machining is the manufacturing process, capable of producing required shape and size by material removal. In recent times industries are striving to enhance the performance of machining processes. One of the problem associated with machining is the amount of heat generation as a result of friction between tool and workpiece. Heat generated may affect the quality of machined surface and tool wear. In order to control it, cutting fluid is applied in large quantity. The problem arises with the use of cutting fluid is its effect on worker’s health and environment. The present investigation is an attempt to explore the use the solid lubricants in machining as an alternative to cutting fluid. The work involves development of minimum quantity solid lubrication set up. Turning experiments has been performed by applying solid lubricants mixed with cutting fluid in minimum quantity. The performance of minimum quantity solid lubrication has been assessed in form of obtained surface finish, power consumption and tool wear during turning. Experimental findings discovered the superiority of minimum quantity solid lubrication over conventional cutting fluid and can be considered as cost effective and sustainable lubrication method.
Monitoring of Molten Pool Thermal History and its Significance in Laser Cladding Process
Authors: Gopinath Muvvala , Patra Karmakar Debapriya , Nath Ashish Kumar
Published: July 2017

The current study focuses on the process monitoring of thermal history and its significance in laser cladding technology. Thermal history of the molten pool during laser cladding was monitored using an IR-pyrometer and the molten pool life time, solidification shelf duration and cooling rates were calculated. Effect of these on three different cases was studied in brief: (a) Elemental segregation in nickel based super alloy, (b) Wettability between metal matrix and WC particles and (c) Decomposition of TiC particles in metal matrix. It was found that with slow cooling rate, formation of Laves phases in Inconel 718 became dominant which is detrimental to the mechanical properties. Also, slow cooling resulted in the decomposition of TiC particles resulting in poor wear properties of the coating. In contrast to the above two cases where slow cooling was found to be detrimental for mechanical properties of the coating, it increased wettability as well as bonding through diffusion between the WC particles and the metal matrix. Also the effect of presence of TiC and WC in metal matrix on molten pool thermal history was studied. The microstructures, elemental segregations and fractured surfaces were characterized using SEM and EDS analyses.
Development of Hybrid Composites (Al-SiC-C) Through Stir Casting: Machinability Studies
Authors: Kosaraju Satyanarayana , Anne Venu Gopal , Gosavi Swapnil
Published: July 2017

Composite materials are important engineering materials due to their outstanding mechanical properties. Composite materials offer superior properties to conventional alloys for various applications as they have high stiffness, strength and wear resistance. The high cost and difficulty of processing these composites restricted their application and led to the development of reinforced composites. In the last two decades, wear studies on Particulate Metal Matrix Composites (PMMCs) reinforced with various reinforcements ranging from very soft materials like graphite, talc etc., to high hardened ceramic particulates like SiCp, Al2O3 etc., have been reported to be superior to their respective unreinforced alloys. Therefore, present work focused on the study of machinability of Al based binary composites reinforced with 8.5% SiC and Al based Hybrid composite reinforced with 8.5% SiC, 2% and 4% Graphite powder (Solid lubricant) have been studied by considering the effect of process parameters such as speed, feed, depth of cut and composition of material. Binary and hybrid composite materials have been casted by stir casting methodology. Experiments have been conducted using Design of Experiments approach to reduce the number of experiments and time. The cutting force and surface roughness in turning of both the binary and hybrid materials have been measured using cutting force dynamometer (4 component kistler dynamometer) and the roughness has been measured using surface roughness tester (Marsurf M400) simultaneously. The multi objective optimization has been carried out using Grey relational based Taguchi method. It was observed that feed was the most influencing factor compared to others factors and also results shown that the performance characteristics cutting force and the surface roughness are greatly enhanced by using Grey relational Analysis.
Efficient Process Planning Strategies for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Venkatesan Uppili Srinivasan , Pande S. S.
Published: July 2017

This work reports the development of robust and efficient algorithms for optimum process planning of Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes needing support structures during fabrication. In particular, it addresses issues like part hollowing, support structure generation and optimum part orientation. Input to the system is a CAD model in STL format which is voxelized and hollowed using the 2D Hollowing strategy. A novel approach to design external as well as internal support structures for the hollowed model is developed considering the wall thickness and material properties.

Optimum orientation of the hollowed part model is computed using Genetic Algorithm (GA). The Fitness Function for optimization is the weighted average of process performance parameters like build time, part quality and material utilization. A new performance measure has been proposed to choose the weightages for performance parameters to obtain overall optimum performance.

The paper presents, in detail, the design and development of algorithms with results for typical case studies. The proposed methodology will significantly contribute to improving part quality, productivity and material utilization for AM processes.
Data-Driven Prognostics Using Random Forests: Prediction of Tool Wear
Authors: Wu Dazhong , Jennings Connor , Terpenny Janis , Gao Robert , Kumara Soundar
Published: July 2017

Manufacturers have faced an increasing need for the development of predictive models that help predict mechanical failures and remaining useful life of a manufacturing system or its system components. Model-based or physics-based prognostics develops mathematical models based on physical laws or probability distributions, while an in-depth physical understanding of system behaviors is required. In practice, however, some of the distributional assumptions do not hold true. To overcome the limitations of model-based prognostics, data-driven methods have been increasingly applied to machinery prognostics and maintenance management, transforming legacy manufacturing systems into smart manufacturing systems with artificial intelligence. While earlier work demonstrated the effectiveness of data-driven approaches, most of these methods applied to prognostics and health management (PHM) in manufacturing are based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) and support vector regression (SVR). With the rapid advancement in artificial intelligence, various machine learning algorithms have been developed and widely applied in many engineering fields. The objective of this research is to explore the ability of random forests (RFs) to predict tool wear in milling operations. The performance of ANNs, SVR, and RFs are compared using an experimental dataset. The experimental results have shown that RFs can generate more accurate predictions than ANNs and SVR in this experiment.
Studying the Mechanisms of High Rates of Tool Wear in the Machining of Aramid Honeycomb Composites
Authors: Gill David D. , Yip-Hoi Derek M. , Meaker Max , Boni Taryn , Eggeman Erica L. , Brennan Alex M. , Anderson Aidan
Published: July 2017

Aramid honeycomb composite structures have revolutionized the aerospace industry by providing high strength, light weight, energy absorbing structures for many applications. To finder wider utilization, the costs of producing honeycomb structures must be reduced and one important area of focus is to reduce tool wear and increase tool life. This study began with the hypothesis that the high rate of tool wear was due to excessive tool rubbing because of the lower stiffness of this material when compared to solid materials. Tool wear measurements were taken over the life of a tool and high speed video was utilized to study the machining process. The results of the tool wear test showed a standard tool wear timeline. The video analyses showed the tool experiencing rubbing far beyond expectations due to the collapse of honeycomb cells induced by twisting far in advance of the arrival of the tool.
Dynamic Sampling Design for Characterizing Spatiotemporal Processes in Manufacturing
Authors: Shao Chenhui , Jin Jionghua (Judy) , Hu S. Jack
Published: July 2017

Fine-scale characterization and monitoring of spatiotemporal processes are crucial for high-performance quality control of manufacturing processes, such as ultrasonic metal welding and high-precision machining. However, it is generally expensive to acquire high-resolution spatiotemporal data in manufacturing due to the high cost of the 3D measurement system or the time-consuming measurement process. In this paper, we develop a novel dynamic sampling design algorithm to cost-effectively characterize spatiotemporal processes in manufacturing. A spatiotemporal state-space model and Kalman filter are used to predictively determine the measurement locations using a criterion considering both the prediction performance and the measurement cost. The determination of measurement locations is formulated as a binary integer programming problem, and genetic algorithm is applied for searching the optimal design. In addition, a new test statistic is proposed to monitor and update the surface progression rate. Both simulated and real-world spatiotemporal data are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Energy Consumption of Feed-Drive Systems That Depends on the Workpiece-Setting Position in a Five-Axis Machining Center
Authors: Sato Ryuta , Inoue Yuta , Shirase Keiichi , Hayashi Akio
Published: July 2017

Energy consumption of numerical control (NC) machine tools is one of the key issues in modern industrial field. This study focuses on reducing the energy consumed by a five-axis machining center by changing only the workpiece-setting position. Previous studies show that the movements along each axis in five-axis machining centers depend on the workpiece-setting position, regardless of whether the same operation is performed. In addition, the energy consumptions required for the movements are different along each axis.

From these considerations, an optimum workpiece-setting position that can minimize the energy consumed during these motions is assumed to exist. To verify this assumption, in this study, the energy consumed by the feed drive systems of an actual five-axis machining center is first measured and then estimated using the proposed model in this study. The model for estimating the energy consumption comprises the friction, motor, and amplifier losses along each axis. The total energy consumption can be estimated by adding the energy consumptions along each axis.

The effect of the workpiece setting-position on the energy consumption is investigated by employing the cone-frustum cutting motion with simultaneous five-axis motions. The energy consumption that depends on the workpiece-setting position is first measured and then estimated. The results confirm that the proposed model can estimate the energy consumption accurately. Moreover, the energy consumption is confirmed to depend on the workpiece-setting position; the minimum energy consumption is found to be 20% lower than the maximum one.