bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated Methodology for Investigation of Wagon Bogie Concepts by Simulation
Authors: Ahmad S. S. N. , Cole C. , Spiryagin M. , Sun Y. Q.
Published: October 2014

Implementation of a new bogie concept is an integrated part of the vehicle design which must follow a rigorous testing and validation procedure. Use of multibody simulation helps to reduce the amount of time and effort required in selecting a new concept design by analysing results of simulated dynamic behaviour of the proposed design. However, the multibody simulation software mainly looks at the dynamics of a single vehicle; hence, forces from the train configuration operational dynamics are often absent in such simulations.

Effects of longitudinal-lateral and longitudinal-vertical interactions between rail vehicles have been found to affect the stability of long trains [1,2]. The effect of wedge design on the vertical dynamics of a bogie has also been discussed in [3,4]. It is important to apply the lateral and vertical forces from a train simulation into a single multibody model of a wagon to check its behaviour when operating in train configuration.

In this paper, a novel methodology for the investigation of new bogie designs has been proposed based on integrating dynamic train simulation and the multibody vehicle modelling concept that will help to efficiently achieve the most suitable design of the bogie. The proposed methodology suggests that simulation of any configuration of bogie needs to be carried out in three stages. As the first stage, the bogie designs along with the wagon configurations need to be presented as a multibody model in multibody simulation software to test the suitability of the concept. The model checking needs to be carried out in accordance with the wagon model acceptance procedure established in [5].

As the second stage, the wagon designs need to be tested in train configurations using a longitudinal train dynamics simulation software such as ‘CRE-LTS’ [2], where a train set consisting of the locomotives and wagons will be simulated to give operational wagon parameters such as lateral and vertical coupler force components.

As the third stage, the detailed dynamic analysis of bogies and wagons needs to be performed with a multibody software such as ‘Gensys’ where lateral and vertical coupler force components from the train simulation (second stage) will be applied on the multibody model to replicate the worst case scenario. The proposed methodology enhances the selection procedure of any alternate bogie concept by the application of simulated train and vehicle dynamics. The simulated case studies show that simulation of wagon dynamic behaviour in multibody software combined with data obtained from longitudinal train simulation is not only possible, but it can identify issues with a bogie design that can otherwise be overlooked.
Safety, Feasibility, and Reliability of the Maximal Step Length, Gait Speed, and Chair Test Measured by Seniors Themselves: The Senior Step Study
Authors: Bongers Kim T.J. , Schoon Yvonne , Graauwmans Maartje J. , Hoogsteen-Ossewaarde Marlies E. , Rikkert Marcel G.M. Olde
Published: October 2014

Self-management of mobility and fall risk might be possible if older adults could use a simple and safe self-test to measure their own mobility, balance, and fall risk at home. The aim of this study was to determine the safety, feasibility, and intraindividual reliability of the maximal step length (MSL), gait speed (GS), and chair test (CT) as potential self-tests for assessing mobility and fall risk. Fifty-six community-dwelling older adults performed MSL, GS, and CT at home once a week during a four-week period, wherein the feasibility, test-retest reliability, coefficients of variation, and linear mixed models with random effects of these three self-tests were determined. Forty-nine subjects (mean age 76.1 years [SD: 4.0], 19 females [42%]) completed the study without adverse effects. Compared with the other self-tests, MSL gave the most often (77.6%) valid measurement results and had the best intraclass correlation coefficients (0.95 [95% confidence interval: 0.91−0.97]). MSL and GS gave no significant training effect, whereas CT did show a significant training effect (p < .01). Community-dwelling older adults can perform MSL safely, correctly, and reliably, and GS safely and reliably. Further research is needed to study the responsiveness and beneficial effects of these self-tests on self-management of mobility and fall risk.
Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL)-Positive Health Care-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates Are Associated with Skin and Soft Tissue Infections and Colonized Mainly by Infective PVL-Encoding Bacteriophages
Authors: Hu Qiwen , Cheng Hang , Yuan Wenchang , Zeng Fangyin , Shang Weilong , Tang Dahai , Xue Wencheng , Fu Jianfeng , Zhou Renjie , Zhu Junmin , Yang Jie , Hu Zhen , Yuan Jizhen , Zhang Xia , Rao Qing , Li Shu , Chen Zhijin , Hu Xiaomei , Wu Xingan , Rao Xiancai
Published: October 2014

The emergence of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL)-positive methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is a public health concern worldwide. PVL is associated with community-associated MRSA and is linked to skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). However, PVL genes have also been detected in health care-associated (HA) MRSA isolates. The diseases associated with PVL-positive HA-MRSA isolates and the distributions of PVL-encoding bacteriophages in HA-MRSA have not been determined. In this study, a total of 259 HA-MRSA strains isolated between 2009 and 2012 in China from inpatients with SSTIs, pneumonia, and bacteremia were selected for molecular typing, including staphylococcal cassette chromosome
mec
typing, multilocus sequence typing, and staphylococcal protein A gene typing. The PVL genes and PVL bacteriophages in the MRSA isolates were characterized by PCR. Among the tested MRSA isolates, 28.6% (74/259) were PVL positive. The high prevalence of PVL-carrying HA-MRSA was observed to be associated with SSTIs but not with pneumonia or bacteremia. The PVL-positive HA-MRSA isolates were colonized mainly by infective PVL phages, namely, Φ7247PVL, ΦSLT, and ΦSa2958. The distribution of PVL-carrying bacteriophages differed geographically. Our study highlights the potential risk of the emergence of multidrug-resistant HA-MRSA strains with increased virulence.
Fatal Outcome of Autochthonous Hepatitis E in a Patient with B Cell Lymphoma in Southeastern France
Authors: Doudier Barbara , Verrot Denis , Serratrice Christine , Poucel Christian , Auguste Regine , Colson Philippe
Published: October 2014

We describe a case of fatal fulminant hepatitis E concomitant to malignant B cell lymphoma in a 73-year-old French woman. Infection was with an autochthonous hepatitis E virus of genotype 3f. Frequent consumption of uncooked pig liver sausage (figatellu) was the only risk factor found.
Human Cytomegalovirus UL97 Phosphorylates the Viral Nuclear Egress Complex
Authors: Sharma Mayuri , Bender Brian J. , Kamil Jeremy P. , Lye Ming F. , Pesola Jean M. , Reim Natalia I. , Hogle James M. , Coen Donald M.
Published: October 2014

Herpesvirus nucleocapsids exit the host cell nucleus in an unusual process known as nuclear egress. The human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL97 protein kinase is required for efficient nuclear egress, which can be explained by its phosphorylation of the nuclear lamina component lamin A/C, which disrupts the nuclear lamina. We found that a dominant negative lamin A/C mutant complemented the replication defect of a virus lacking UL97 in dividing cells, validating this explanation. However, as complementation was incomplete, we investigated whether the HCMV nuclear egress complex (NEC) subunits UL50 and UL53, which are required for nuclear egress and recruit UL97 to the nuclear rim, are UL97 substrates. Using mass spectrometry, we detected UL97-dependent phosphorylation of UL50 residue S216 (UL50-S216) and UL53-S19 in infected cells. Moreover, UL53-S19 was specifically phosphorylated by UL97
in vitro
. Notably, treatment of infected cells with the UL97 inhibitor maribavir or infection with a
UL97
mutant led to a punctate rather than a continuous distribution of the NEC at the nuclear rim. Alanine substitutions in both UL50-S216 and UL53-S19 resulted in a punctate distribution of the NEC in infected cells and also decreased virus production and nuclear egress in the absence of maribavir. These results indicate that UL97 phosphorylates the NEC and suggest that this phosphorylation modulates nuclear egress. Thus, the UL97-NEC interaction appears to recruit UL97 to the nuclear rim both for disruption of the nuclear lamina and phosphorylation of the NEC.

IMPORTANCE
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) causes birth defects and it can cause life-threatening diseases in immunocompromised patients. HCMV assembles in the nucleus and then translocates to the cytoplasm in an unusual process termed nuclear egress, an attractive target for antiviral therapy. A viral enzyme, UL97, is important for nuclear egress. It has been proposed that this is due to its role in disruption of the nuclear lamina, which would otherwise impede nuclear egress. In validating this proposal, we showed that independent disruption of the lamina can overcome a loss of UL97, but only partly, suggesting additional roles for UL97 during nuclear egress. We then found that UL97 phosphorylates the viral nuclear egress complex (NEC), which is essential for nuclear egress, and we obtained evidence that this phosphorylation modulates this process. Our results highlight a new role for UL97, the mutual dependence of the viral NEC and UL97 during nuclear egress, and differences among herpesviruses.
Converting Carbon Dioxide to Butyrate with an Engineered Strain of Clostridium ljungdahlii
Authors: Ueki Toshiyuki , Nevin Kelly P. , Woodard Trevor L. , Lovley Derek R.
Published: October 2014

Microbial conversion of carbon dioxide to organic commodities via syngas metabolism or microbial electrosynthesis is an attractive option for production of renewable biocommodities. The recent development of an initial genetic toolbox for the acetogen
Clostridium ljungdahlii
has suggested that
C. ljungdahlii
may be an effective chassis for such conversions. This possibility was evaluated by engineering a strain to produce butyrate, a valuable commodity that is not a natural product of
C. ljungdahlii
metabolism. Heterologous genes required for butyrate production from acetyl-coenzyme A (CoA) were identified and introduced initially on plasmids and in subsequent strain designs integrated into the
C. ljungdahlii
chromosome. Iterative strain designs involved increasing translation of a key enzyme by modifying a ribosome binding site, inactivating the gene encoding the first step in the conversion of acetyl-CoA to acetate, disrupting the gene which encodes the primary bifunctional aldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase for ethanol production, and interrupting the gene for a CoA transferase that potentially represented an alternative route for the production of acetate. These modifications yielded a strain in which ca. 50 or 70% of the carbon and electron flow was diverted to the production of butyrate with H
2
or CO as the electron donor, respectively. These results demonstrate the possibility of producing high-value commodities from carbon dioxide with
C. ljungdahlii
as the catalyst.

IMPORTANCE
The development of a microbial chassis for efficient conversion of carbon dioxide directly to desired organic products would greatly advance the environmentally sustainable production of biofuels and other commodities.
Clostridium ljungdahlii
is an effective catalyst for microbial electrosynthesis, a technology in which electricity generated with renewable technologies, such as solar or wind, powers the conversion of carbon dioxide and water to organic products. Other electron donors for
C. ljungdahlii
include carbon monoxide, which can be derived from industrial waste gases or the conversion of recalcitrant biomass to syngas, as well as hydrogen, another syngas component. The finding that carbon and electron flow in
C. ljungdahlii
can be diverted from the production of acetate to butyrate synthesis is an important step toward the goal of renewable commodity production from carbon dioxide with this organism.
Prevention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: From Vaccine to Antibody
Authors: Huang Kelly , Wu Herren
Published: October 2014

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract disease in infants and young children. Initial efforts to develop a vaccine to prevent RSV lower respiratory tract disease in children were halted because of serious adverse events that occurred when children were infected with RSV following vaccination, including vaccine-related deaths. Subsequently, a major focus for researchers was to understand what led to these adverse events. Investment in a vaccine for RSV continues, and new strategies are under development. Success to prevent RSV disease was met by the development of immunoprophylaxis, first with intravenous immunoglobulin and then with recombinant monoclonal antibody. The story of immunoprophylaxis for RSV includes the first-in-class use of antibody technology for infectious disease, and palivizumab currently remains the only way to prevent serious lower respiratory tract disease due to RSV infection.
Detection of Shiga Toxin-Producing
Escherichia coli
from Nonhuman Sources and Strain Typing
Authors: Beutin Lothar , Fach Patrick
Published: October 2014

Shiga toxin-producing
Escherichia coli
(STEC) strains are commonly found in the intestine of ruminant species of wild and domestic animals. Excretion of STEC with animal feces results in a broad contamination of food and the environment. Humans get infected with STEC through ingestion of contaminated food, by contact with the environment, and from STEC-excreting animals and humans. STEC strains can behave as human pathogens, and some of them, called enterohemorrhagic
E. coli
(EHEC), may cause hemorrhagic colitis (HC) and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Because of the diversity of STEC types, detection strategies for STEC and EHEC are based on the identification of Shiga toxins or the underlying genes. Cultural enrichment of STEC from test samples is needed for identification, and different protocols were developed for this purpose. Multiplex real-time PCR protocols (ISO/CEN TS13136 and USDA/FSIS MLG5B.01) have been developed to specifically identify EHEC by targeting the LEE (locus of enterocyte effacement)-encoded
eae
gene and genes for EHEC-associated O groups. The employment of more genetic markers (
nle
and CRISPR) is a future challenge for better identification of EHEC from any kinds of samples. The isolation of STEC or EHEC from a sample is required for confirmation, and different cultivation protocols and media for this purpose have been developed. Most STEC strains present in food, animals, and the environment are
eae
negative, but some of these strains can cause HC and HUS in humans as well. Phenotypic assays and molecular tools for typing EHEC and STEC strains are used to detect and characterize human pathogenic strains among members of the STEC group.
The Inflammatory Response during Enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
Infection
Authors: Pearson Jaclyn S. , Hartland Elizabeth L.
Published: October 2014

The inflammatory response is an integral part of host defense against enterohemorrhagic
Escherichia coli
(EHEC) infection and also contributes to disease pathology. In this article we explore the factors leading to inflammation during EHEC infection and the mechanisms EHEC and other attaching and effacing (A/E) pathogens have evolved to suppress inflammatory signaling. EHEC stimulates an inflammatory response in the intestine through host recognition of bacterial components such as flagellin and lipopolysaccharide. In addition, the activity of Shiga toxin and some type III secretion system effectors leads to increased tissue inflammation. Various infection models of EHEC and other A/E pathogens have revealed many of the immune factors that mediate this response. In particular, the outcome of infection is greatly influenced by the ability of an infected epithelial cell to mount an effective host inflammatory response. The inflammatory response of infected enterocytes is counterbalanced by the activity of type III secretion system effectors such as NleE and NleC that modify and inhibit components of the signaling pathways that lead to proinflammatory cytokine production. Overall, A/E pathogens have taught us that innate mucosal immune responses in the gastrointestinal tract during infection with A/E pathogens are highly complex and ultimate clearance of the pathogen depends on multiple factors, including inflammatory mediators, bacterial burden, and the function and integrity of resident intestinal epithelial cells.
Animal Models of EnterohemorrhagicEscherichia coliInfection
Authors: Ritchie Jennifer M.
Published: October 2014

The first major outbreaks caused by enterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli(EHEC) raised public and medical awareness of the risks associated with acquiring this potentially deadly infection. The widespread presence of these organisms in the environment, the severity of the clinical sequelae, and the lack of treatment options and effective preventive measures demand that we obtain a better understanding of how this group of organisms cause disease. Animal models allow study of the processes and factors that contribute to disease and, as such, form a valuable tool in the repertoire of infectious disease researchers. Yet despite more than 30 years of research, it seems that no single model host reproduces the full spectrum of clinical disease induced by EHEC in humans. In the first part of this review, a synopsis of what is known about EHEC infections is garnered from human outbreaks and biopsy specimens. The main features and limitations of EHEC infection models that are based on the three most commonly used species (pigs, rabbits, and mice) are described within a historical context. Recent advances are highlighted, and a brief overview of models based on other species is given. Finally, the impact of the host on moderating EHEC infection is considered in light of growing evidence for the need to consider the biology and virulence strategies of EHEC in the context of its niche within the intestine.
Nucleotide Metabolism and DNA Replication
Authors: Warner Digby F. , Evans Joanna C. , Mizrahi Valerie
Published: October 2014

The development and application of a highly versatile suite of tools for mycobacterial genetics, coupled with widespread use of “omics” approaches to elucidate the structure, function, and regulation of mycobacterial proteins, has led to spectacular advances in our understanding of the metabolism and physiology of mycobacteria. In this article, we provide an update on nucleotide metabolism and DNA replication in mycobacteria, highlighting key findings from the past 10 to 15 years. In the first section, we focus on nucleotide metabolism, ranging from the biosynthesis, salvage, and interconversion of purine and pyrimidine ribonucleotides to the formation of deoxyribonucleotides. The second part of the article is devoted to DNA replication, with a focus on replication initiation and elongation, as well as DNA unwinding. We provide an overview of replication fidelity and mutation rates in mycobacteria and summarize evidence suggesting that DNA replication occurs during states of low metabolic activity, and conclude by suggesting directions for future research to address key outstanding questions. Although this article focuses primarily on observations from
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, it is interspersed, where appropriate, with insights from, and comparisons with, other mycobacterial species as well as better characterized bacterial models such as
Escherichia coli
. Finally, a common theme underlying almost all studies of mycobacterial metabolism is the potential to identify and validate functions or pathways that can be exploited for tuberculosis drug discovery. In this context, we have specifically highlighted those processes in mycobacterial DNA replication that might satisfy this critical requirement.
Mycobacterial Biofilms
Authors: Richards Jacobs P. , Ojha Anil K.
Published: October 2014

Bacteria have a natural propensity to grow as sessile, matrix-encapsulated, multicellular communities called biofilms. Formation of biofilms proceeds through genetically programmed, distinct developmental stages signaled by intricate networks of communication among the constituent population and their environment. Growing in the complex and heterogeneous microenvironments of biofilms, the resident bacteria acquire unique phenotypes that are generally not associated with their planktonic counterparts. Most notable among these is an extraordinary level of tolerance to a variety of environmental stresses, including antibiotics. Although mycobacteria have long been observed to spontaneously form complex multicellular structures
in vitro
, it has only recently become apparent that these structures are not only formed through dedicated genetic pathways but are also tolerant to antibiotics. In this article, we review the recent advances in the understanding of mycobacterial biofilms
in vitro
. We further consider the possible linkage between biofilm-like lifestyles and characteristic persistence of mycobacterial infections against host-defense mechanisms as well as antibiotics.
+Ophitoxaemia and myocardial infarction—the issues during primary angioplasty: a review
Authors: Gupta Prabha Nini , Thomas Jinesh , Francis Preetham Kumar , Shylaja Sajith Vamadevan
Published: October 2014

‘The Big four’ are the most poisonous snakes in India, and especially in Kerala. These include the cobra, the viper, the krait and the sea snake. Most of the poisonous snakebites in India occur in Kerala. We believe there are only a few reports of myocardial infarction after snakebites and most of these are viper bites. We believe this is the second case of primary angioplasty for a snakebite. There are at least a few potential issues in performing a primary angioplasty in a snakebite case, namely (1) Is it a thrombus or a spasm? (2) Are the bleeding parameters deranged? Will the patient tolerate tirofiban and other glycoprotein (GB) 2b3a inhibitors? Will he develop dangerous bleeding due to the high dose of heparin needed? Further, would we save the patient from myocardial infarction only to lose him to renal failure, both due to the nephrotoxicity of the venom, the kidney being further damaged by the contrast media used for the angioplasty? We discuss all these issues as they crossed our mind, and hope it will help further treatment in others. We would like to review the available literature on these points and describe a recent case of ours.
Effects of breed and feed supplementation on the fertility of cows developed for milk production in Zimbabwe
Authors: Garwe E. C. , Hamudikuwanda H. H. , Mutisi C. , Ball P. J. H.
Published: October 2014

Forty‐six indigenous Sanga‐type (Nkone and Tuli breeds) cows and 46 crossbred (Nkone x Jersey and Tuli x Jersey) cows were randomly allocated to four treatment combinations in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with two breeds and two dietary levels, a control diet and a diet supplemented with dairy meal containing 14 per cent crude protein at the rate of 2 kg per cow per day. The progesterone concentration was measured in milk samples taken three times a week from 10 days postpartum for up to 200 days, and the cows' bodyweights and body condition scores were recorded fortnightly. The pregnancy rate in the crossbred cows was significantly higher (P<0·05) than in the indigenous cows, and the assumed pregnancy loss rate 30 days after conception was significantly higher (P<0·05) in the indigenous cows than in the crossbred cows. The supplemented crossbred cows had a lower pregnancy loss rate than the supplemented indigenous cows (P<0·05). All the supplemented indigenous cows that lost pregnancies were in their first parity, whereas all the crossbred cows that lost pregnancies were multiparous and were not supplemented. The indigenous cows weighed significantly more (P<0·05) than the crossbred cows irrespective of diet, and the supplemented cows of both breeds weighed more (P<0·05) than the control cows. The supplemented indigenous cows had significantly higher (P<0·05) body condition scores than the control cows. The mean dairy milk yield of all the breeds was generally low but significantly higher (P<0·05) in the crossbred than in the indigenous cows.
Relationships between physiological variables and race performance in French standardbred trotters
Authors: Leleu C. , Cotrel C. , Courouce‐Malblanc A.
Published: October 2014

The relationships between V4 (the velocity for a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol/litre) and V200 (the velocity for a heart rate of 200 bpm) and the performance indices of 223 healthy French trotters were analysed. They were divided into four age groups of three, four, five and six years and over, and into three performance groups (good, intermediate and poor performers) defined by the index of trot (ITR), an annual index of performance calculated by the national stud. V4 and V200 were assessed during the performance of a three‐step standardised field exercise test, and four performance indexes (ITR, earnings, best time and the number of starts) were calculated for each group. An analysis of variance showed that V4 and V200 were highly correlated with the horses’ age and level of performance (P<0·05). The correlation between the physiological variables and ITR was better for the three‐ and four‐year‐old horses than for the older horses.
Frequencies of PrP genotypes in 38 breeds of sheep sampled in the National Scrapie Plan for Great Britain
Authors: Eglin R. D. , Warner R. , Gubbins S. , Sivam S. K. , Dawson M.
Published: October 2014

Between October 2001 and January 2003 the prion protein (PrP) genotypes of over 250,000 sheep were determined through the operation of the National Scrapie Plan (NSP); the results for 38 breeds were analysed to provide an estimate of the underlying PrP genotype distribution of the British sheep population. Although there was marked variability among the genotype profiles of the different breeds, several trends emerged. A comparison of the allele frequencies demonstrated that the breeds could be grouped into three categories: breeds dominated by ARR and ARQ in which the frequency of ARR exceeded the frequency of ARQ; breeds dominated by ARR and ARQ in which the frequency of ARQ exceeded the frequency of ARR; and breeds with significant levels of either AHQ, ARH or VRQ. Hill breeds were more likely to have a lower proportion of animals at low risk of scrapie (NSP type 1) and a higher proportion of animals at an intermediate risk of scrapie (NSP type 3) than other breeds. Most breeds had a small proportion of animals at high risk of scrapie (NSP type 5). The frequency of ARR/VRQ (NSP type 4) was variable
Effects of surgery on the acute phase response in clinically normal and diseased horses
Authors: Pollock P. J. , Prendergast M. , Schumacher J. , Bellenger C. R.
Published: October 2014

The serum concentrations of serum amyloid A, haptoglobin and fibrinogen were measured in a group of horses before and at intervals after elective and non‐elective surgery, and in a control group of normal horses. There was a significant, rapid and repeatable increase in the concentration of serum amyloid A in response to both elective and non‐elective surgery. In the control horses its serum concentration was within the normal range, from 0 to 0·2 µg/ml. Twenty‐four hours after elective surgery its mean peak concentration was 16·4 µg/ml, and after non‐elective surgery it was 27·3 µg/ml. In contrast, the serum concentrations of haptoglobin and fibrinogen increased more slowly after surgery and had not decreased by 72 hours after surgery.
Non‐pruritic granuloma in Norwegian forest cats
Authors: Leistra W. H. G. , van Oost B. A. , Willemse T.
Published: October 2014

The eosinophilic granuloma complex is a group of skin disorders common in cats. This paper describes the clinical, haematological and histopathological features of 17 related Norwegian forest cats, six of which had a linear granuloma on the caudal thigh, three of which also had a granuloma on the lower lip, and one of which had a granuloma in combination with an indolent ulcer. The high prevalence of the disease in this population is suggestive of a genetic background.
Evaluation of the analgesic effect of lidocaine and bupivacaine used to provide a brachial plexus block for forelimb surgery in 10 dogs
Authors: Wenger S. , Moens Y. , Jäggin N. , Schatzmann U.
Published: October 2014

Twenty adult dogs weighing between 1·4 and 53·5 kg and aged between six months and nine years were anaesthetised and the brachial plexus was localised with the aid of a nerve stimulator. In 10 of the dogs a brachial plexus block was induced with a mixture of lidocaine and bupivacaine and the other 10 each received 0·25 ml/kg saline as a control. The end‐tidal isoflurane concentration was maintained between 1·3 and 1·4 per cent during surgery for carpal arthrodesis or a fracture of the radius or ulna. Acute heart rate or blood pressure increases of 20 per cent or more were treated with 1 µg/kg fentanyl intravenously. Postoperatively, signs of pain were scored by a single blinded observer at hourly intervals until eight hours after the block had been induced, on a scale from 0 to 18. Dogs with pain scores above 5 received 0·1 to 0·2 mg/kg methadone intravenously, repeated as necessary. During surgery the control dogs received significantly more fentanyl (median 0·05 µg/kg/minute, range 0·02 to 0·20 µg/kg/minute) than the group given local anaesthetic (median 0 µg/kg/minute, range 0 to 0·02 µg/kg/minute). Postoperatively, the control group required significantly more methadone (median 0·2 mg/kg, range 0·1 to 1 mg/kg) than the treated group (median 0 mg/kg, range 0 to 0·13 mg/kg).
Microscopic and clinical evidence for Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) phagocytophilum infection in Italian cats
Authors: Tarello W.
Published: October 2014

Fifteen cats from Italy with Ehrlichia‐like inclusion bodies in their neutrophils were studied. They were diagnosed with Anaplasma (Ehrlichia) phagocytophilum infection on the basis of cytological observation of morulae within 1 to 21 per cent of their neutrophils, clinical signs characteristic of ehrlichiosis and their response to doxycycline. The predominant signs of disease were anorexia, lethargy, hyperaesthesia, muscle and joint pain, lameness, neck rigidity, lymphadenomegaly, gingivitis/periodontitis, conjunctivitis, weight loss, incoordination, pale mucous membranes and hyperglobulinaemia. The cat with inclusions in 21 per cent of its neutrophils had suffered arthralgia, tachypnoea, neck rigidity, vomiting and thrombocytopenia for four months, but recovered promptly after treatment with doxycycline.
The foot‐and‐mouth disease epidemic in Dumfries and Galloway, 2001. 1: Characteristics and control
Authors: Thrusfield M. , Mansley L. , Dunlop P. , Taylor J. , Pawson A. , Stringer L.
Published: October 2014

The foot‐and‐mouth disease epidemic in Dumfries and Galloway in south‐west Scotland comprised 177 infected premises (IPs) in 24 geographical clusters, and ran from March 1 until May 23, 2001. Initial seeding of infection was by livestock (predominantly sheep) that had passed through Longtown Market in adjacent Cumbria. Thereafter, spread within existing, and to new, clusters was associated with the movement of personnel and vehicles, with further transmission by Longtown Market contacts and across common boundaries. Sheep and cattle premises were equally affected. After the peak of the epidemic at the beginning of the third week of March, the upper possible limit of attack rates for premises contiguous to IPs, and premises within 3 km, remained around 10 per cent, with new clusters emerging more distantly. Control procedures included traditional methods of slaughter of all animals on IPs and, elsewhere, of animals considered by veterinary assessment to be Dangerous Contacts; movement restrictions; enhanced biosecurity; tracing of potential sources and spread of virus; and surveillance of premises subsequently considered at risk. These methods were supplemented by the novel pre‐emptive slaughter, without veterinary assessment, of all susceptible livestock on all premises contiguous to IPs, and of small ruminants and pigs within a 3 km radius (known as the Protection Zone) around IPs. In total, approximately 80,000 cattle, 564,000 sheep, 2600 pigs and 500 goats were slaughtered, the novel methods accounting for 29 per cent of all cattle and 75 per cent of all sheep killed. Limitations of existing national databases necessitated the development of local databases to administer control procedures.
The foot‐and‐mouth disease epidemic in Dumfries and Galloway, 2001. 2: Serosurveillance, and efficiency and effectiveness of control procedures after the national ban on animal movements
Authors: Thrusfield M. , Mansley L. , Dunlop P. , Pawson A. , Taylor J.
Published: October 2014

After the foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) epidemic in Dumfries and Galloway in south‐west Scotland in 2001, serosurveillance of sheep remaining in the 3 km radius Protection Zones around Infected Premises (IPs), and within a 10 km radius of IPs, revealed no evidence of infection. The epidemic was brought under control by a range of traditional techniques: slaughter of all animals on IPs and of veterinary‐assessed Dangerous Contacts (DCs), movement restrictions, biosecurity, tracing of potential sources and spread of virus, and surveillance of At‐Risk premises. Novel pre‐emptive slaughter of FMD ‐susceptible animals on premises contiguous to IPs, and small ruminants and pigs on premises within 3 km of IPs, commenced after the epidemic had peaked. Most of the traditional control procedures were undertaken quickly and with appropriate priority. Animals on IPs were usually slaughtered within one day of confirmation, and veterinary‐assessed DCs within two days of confirmation of relevant IPs (a median of two days). The pre‐emptive contiguous and 3 km culls took somewhat longer (medians of five and 17 days, respectively). IPs were most commonly identified as a result of reporting by farmers or their veterinarians (72 per cent of IPs); veterinary clinical patrols identified 16 per cent, while veterinary assessment of DCs and tracing each identified 5 per cent. No evidence of infection was found on any pre‐emptively contiguously culled premises, and IPs were declared only on three 3 km cull premises. The time from estimated first lesion to end of slaughter on an IP was found, by regression analysis, to be a key component in effective control, manifested by a reduction in the estimated dissemination rate (EDR); there was little evidence that the intensity of contiguous culling affected the EDR. Patrols and serological surveillance of residual animals within 10 km of IPs, supported by more extensive evidence from elsewhere in the UK, suggested that cryptic infection in sheep was not widespread. Ultimately, there was insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of 3 km pre‐emptive culling as a control procedure.
Evaluation of an ELISA to detect antibodies to maedi‐visna virus in individual and pooled samples of milk from sheep
Authors: Mazzei M. , Carrozza M. L. , Bandecchi P. , Mazzanti G. , Mannelli A. , Tolari F.
Published: October 2014

An ELISA was used to detect antibodies to maedi‐visna virus in samples of serum and milk from individual sheep; the results obtained indicated that the ELISA can be used to detect antibodies in milk. The assay was also applied to samples of bulk‐tank milk; a standard curve was created and used to calculate the seroprevalence of maedi‐visna in 11 flocks of sheep and the results were compared with the results obtained by applying the ELISA to individual serum samples. There was good agreement between the seroprevalences calculated from the standard curve for bulk‐tank milk and from the individual serum samples.
Emergence of fasciolosis in cattle in East Anglia
Authors: Pritchard G. C. , Forbes A. B. , Williams D. J. L. , Salimi‐Bejestani M. R. , Daniel R. G.
Published: October 2014

Liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) infection caused weight loss, diarrhoea, decreased milk yield and occasionally death in cattle in East Anglia during the winters of 2001 to 2003. The condition had previously been limited mainly to stock imported into this part of Britain from endemically infected areas. In composite faecal samples collected by 16 farm animal veterinary practices in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, fluke eggs were found in 15 (28·8 per cent) of 52 previously unaffected suckler herds and 10 (16·7 per cent) of 60 dairy herds. Antibodies to F hepatica were detected by ELISA in 32 (53·3 per cent) of the bulk milk samples from these 60 dairy herds, including the 10 in which fluke eggs were found. The emergence of fasciolosis in East Anglia was attributed to recent higher summer rainfall, which favoured the intermediate snail host Lymnaea truncatula and the free‐living stages of F hepatica, the increased influx of sheep from endemic fluke areas for seasonal grazing, and the wetter grazing conditions associated with the Environmentally Sensitive Area scheme.
Magnetic nanocomposite beads: synthesis and uptake of Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Bakr Al-Sayed A. , Moustafa Yasser M. , Khalil Mostafa M.H. , Yehia Mohamed M. , Motawea Eman A.
Published: October 2014

Sodium alginate and magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were combined to produce magnetic nanocomposite beads that were used for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions at a temperature of 25 °C and a stirring rate of 150 rpm. The different parameters affecting the adsorption capacity of the synthesized material such as contact time (30–270 min), pH (3–7), adsorbent dosage (5–10 g per 50 mL of wet beads), and initial Cu(II) concentration (50–450 mg/L) were investigated. Of all of the variables, the solution pH has the most significant effect on the adsorption capacity, particularly in the range of 4–6. Response surface methodology was used for modeling and optimizing the uptake process. While the experimental data were well described by the pseudo-second-order model, the adsorption isotherms were better fitted by the Langmuir equation. The results revealed that the maximum removal percentage was 92.6% from the initial Cu(II) concentration (150 mg/L) at pH 6, adsorbent dose (8.0 g/50 mL), and contact time (210 min). Therefore, the synthesized magnetic nanocomposite product could act as a highly effective nanoadsorbent in Cu(II) removal from the aqueous solutions.
An Empirical Robotic Framework for Initiating Interaction with the Target Human in Multiparty Settings
Authors: Hoque Mohammed Moshiul , Hossian Quazi Delwar , Deb Kaushik , Das Dipankar , Kobayashi Yoshinori , Kuno Yoshinori
Published: October 2014

Currently work in robotics is expanding from industrial robots to robots that are employed in the living environment. For robots to be accepted into the real world, they must be capable to behave in such a way that humans do with other humans, and initiate interaction in the same way. This paper focuses on designing a robotic framework that is able to perform an important social function such as, initiating interaction with the target human in multiparty setting in a natural and social ways. However, it is not easy task for the robot to initiate an interaction process with a particular human, especially when the robot and the human are not facing each other or the intended target human is intensely engaged his/her work. In order to initiate an interaction process, we propose a framework that consists of two parts: capturing attention and ensuring attention capture. Evaluation experiments reveal the effectiveness of the proposed system in four viewing situations namely, central field of view (CFOV), near peripheral field of view (NPFOV), far peripheral field of view (FPFOV), and out of field of view (OFOV) respectively.
Regulation of Tumor Metastasis by Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Condamine Thomas , Ramachandran Indu , Youn Je-In , Gabrilovich Dmitry I.
Published: October 2014

Accumulation of pathologically activated immature myeloid cells with potent immune-suppressive activity is one of the major immunological hallmarks of cancer. In recent years, it became clear that in addition to their immune-suppressive activity, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) influence tumor progression in a variety of ways. They are directly implicated in the promotion of tumor metastases by participating in the formation of premetastatic niches, promoting angiogenesis and tumor cell invasion. In this review, we discuss recent data describing various roles of MDSCs in the formation of tumor metastases.
The Mechanisms and Therapeutic Potential of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Vallon Volker
Published: October 2014

The kidneys in normoglycemic humans filter 160–180 g of glucose per day (∼30% of daily calorie intake), which is reabsorbed and returned to the systemic circulation by the proximal tubule. Hyperglycemia increases the filtered and reabsorbed glucose up to two- to three-fold. The sodium glucose cotransporter SGLT2 in the early proximal tubule is the major pathway for renal glucose reabsorption. Inhibition of SGLT2 increases urinary glucose and calorie excretion, thereby reducing plasma glucose levels and body weight. The first SGLT2 inhibitors have been approved as a new class of antidiabetic drugs in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and studies are under way to investigate their use in type 1 diabetes mellitus. These compounds work independent of insulin, improve glycemic control in all stages of diabetes mellitus in the absence of clinically relevant hypoglycemia, and can be combined with other antidiabetic agents. By lowering blood pressure and diabetic glomerular hyperfiltration, SGLT2 inhibitors may induce protective effects on the kidney and cardiovascular system beyond blood glucose control.
The water channel aquaporin-1 contributes to renin cell recruitment during chronic stimulation of renin production
Authors: Tinning Anne R. , Jensen Boye L. , Schweda Frank , Machura Katharina , Hansen Pernille B. L. , Stubbe Jane , Gramsbergen Jan Bert , Madsen Kirsten
Published: October 2014

Both the processing and release of secretory granules involve water movement across granule membranes. It was hypothesized that the water channel aquaporin (AQP)1 directly contributes to the recruitment of renin-positive cells in the afferent arteriole. AQP1−/− and AQP1+/+ mice were fed a low-salt (LS) diet [0.004% (wt/wt) NaCl] for 7 days and given enalapril [angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI), 0.1 mg/ml] in drinking water for 3 days. There were no differences in plasma renin concentration at baseline. After LS-ACEI, plasma renin concentrations increased markedly in both genotypes but was significantly lower in AQP1−/− mice compared with AQP1+/+ mice. Tissue renin concentrations were higher in AQP1−/− mice, and renin mRNA levels were not different between genotypes. Mean arterial blood pressure was not different at baseline and during LS diet but decreased significantly in both genotypes after the addition of ACEI; the response was faster in AQP1−/− mice but then stabilized at a similar level. Renin release after 200 μl blood withdrawal was not different. Isoprenaline-stimulated renin release from isolated perfused kidneys did not differ between genotypes. Cortical tissue norepinephrine concentrations were lower after LS-ACEI compared with baseline with no difference between genotypes. Plasma nitrite/nitrate concentrations were unaffected by genotype and LS-ACEI. In AQP1−/− mice, the number of afferent arterioles with recruitment was significantly lower compared with AQP1+/+ mice after LS-ACEI. We conclude that AQP1 is not necessary for acutely stimulated renin secretion in vivo and from isolated perfused kidneys, whereas recruitment of renin-positive cells in response to chronic stimulation is attenuated or delayed in AQP1−/− mice.
NIDE: A Novel Improved Differential Evolution for Construction Project Crashing Optimization
Authors: Hoang Nhat-Duc
Published: October 2014

In the field of construction management, project crashing is an approach to shortening the project duration by reducing the duration of several critical project activities to less than their normal activity duration. The goal of crashing is to shorten the project duration while minimizing the crashing cost. In this research, a novel method for construction project crashing is proposed. The method is named as novel improved differential evolution (NIDE). The proposed NIDE is developed by an integration of the differential evolution (DE) and a new probabilistic similarity-based selection operator (PSSO) that aims at improving the DE’s selection process. The PSSO has the role as a scheme for preserving the population diversity and fending off the premature convergence. The experimental result has demonstrated that the newly established NIDE can successfully escape from local optima and achieve a significantly better optimization performance.
High-Wattage Pulsed Irradiation of Linearly Polarized Near-Infrared Light to Stellate Ganglion Area for Burning Mouth Syndrome
Authors: Momota Yukihiro , Kani Koichi , Takano Hideyuki , Matsumoto Fumihiro , Aota Keiko , Takegawa Daisuke , Yamanoi Tomoko , Kondo Chika , Tomioka Shigemasa , Azuma Masayuki
Published: October 2014

The purpose of this study was to apply high-wattage pulsed irradiation of linearly polarized near-infrared light to the stellate ganglion area for burning mouth syndrome (BMS) and to assess the efficacy of the stellate ganglion area irradiation (SGR) on BMS using differential time-/frequency-domain parameters (D parameters). Three patients with BMS received high-wattage pulsed SGR; the response to SGR was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) representing the intensity of glossalgia and D parameters used in heart rate variability analysis. High-wattage pulsed SGR significantly decreased the mean value of VAS in all cases without any adverse event such as thermal injury. D parameters mostly correlated with clinical condition of BMS. High-wattage pulsed SGR was safe and effective for the treatment of BMS; D parameters are useful for assessing efficacy of SGR on BMS.
Eltrombopag in Good’s Syndrome
Authors: Kristiansen Håvard Anton , Spetalen Signe , Fløisand Yngvar , Heldal Dag
Published: October 2014

Good’s syndrome is a rare acquired immunodeficiency associated with thymoma. Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist and has been shown to be a valuable supplement to the treatment of several types of refractory cytopenias. In this paper, we describe a male patient suffering from Good’s syndrome with immune-mediated T-cell driven pancytopenia and absence of megakaryopoiesis. He was successfully treated with eltrombopag resulting in a multilineage clinical response.
Nonlinear Dynamical Analysis for the Cable Excited with Parametric and Forced Excitation
Authors: Qian C. Z. , Chen C. P. , Zhou G. W.
Published: October 2014

Considering the deck vibration effect on the cable in cable-stayed bridge, using nonlinear structure dynamics theory, the nonlinear dynamical equation for the stayed cable excited with deck vibration is proposed. Research shows that the vertical vibration of the deck has a combined parametric and forced excitation effect on the cable when the angle of the cable is taken into consideration. Using multiscale method, the 1/2 principle parametric resonance is studied and the bifurcation equation is obtained. Despite the parameters analysis, the bifurcation characters of the dynamical system are studied. At last, by means of numerical method and software MATHMATIC, the effect rules of system parameters to the dynamical behavior of the system are studied, and some useful conclusions are obtained.