bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical and corrosion properties of friction stir welded joints of Al-Cu alloy 2219-T87
Authors: Rao G. Srinivasa , Rao V. V. Subba , Rao S. R. Koteswara 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
In the present study, 8.1 mm thick AA 2219–T87 plates were joined by friction stir welding (FSW) process. Welds were characterized by using micro hardness survey, tensile testing, face bend, root bend tests, optical microscopy (OM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and salt fog test (ASTM B117) at different pH values and spraying times. Hardness survey across the joint revealed that weld nugget is the softest region and it is also found that tensile failure occurs in the nugget. Tensile testing of the transverse welded joints showed that high efficiency (> 75 %) joints could be produced. The friction stir welds subjected to the surface bend showed 1800 bend ductility, whereas in the critical root bend the cracks were initiated at a bend angle in the range of 30–400. Transmission electron micrographs obtained from various regions of the weld indicated that almost all strengthening precipitates dissolved in the nugget region while partial dissolution of precipitates occurred in the thermomechanically affected zone and coarsening occurred in heat affected zone. However, the losses in hardness in the nugget due to dissolution of precipitates and the negation of work hardening by recrystallization were compensated to a large extent by the strengthening due to the grain refinement in the nugget, which explains the high joint efficiencies exhibited by these welds. It was observed that the welds possessed much better corrosion resistance in basic and neutral solution than in acidic solution. It was found that corrosion attack was greater in the base material than in weld metal at all pH values and spraying times. It has been concluded that friction stir welding has a significant effect on mechanical and corrosion properties of the welds.
Effect of abrasive water jet turning process parameters on surface roughness and material removal rate of AISI 1050 steel
Authors: Kartal Fuat , Gökkaya Hasan 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to optimize and determine the most important abrasive water jet turning (AWJT) operational parameters, such as nozzle diameter (0.75 and 1.3 mm), nozzle feed rate (5, 25 and 45min−1), stand-off distance (2, 10 and 18 mm), abrasive flow rate (50, 150 and 350 g × min−1), and spindle speed (500, 1500 and 2500 min−1), regarding machining efficiency parameters, namely, average surface roughness Ra (µm) and material removal rate (mm3 × min−1), using AISI 1050 steel workpieces machined by abrasive water jet turning. Taguchi L18(21 × 34) orthogonal experimental design was used for the experimental design. Adequacy of the predicted linear regression model equations was tested using the method of ANOVA. These model equations were used to optimize the operational parameters of the surface roughness and material removal rate. Machinability charts, indicating the optimum processes with respect to the surface roughness and material removal rate for AISI 1050 steel workpieces, were developed and presented in this study. As a result of experimental studies, it is seen that nozzle feed rate proved to have the most significant impact on surface roughness by 48.7 %. Abrasive flow rate proved to have the most significant impact on material removal rate by 84.6 %. Using a nozzle diameter of 0.75 mm, the average surface roughness was improved while material removal rate decreased.
Design of an impact testing machine for polymer films by the free falling dart procedure
Authors: Rafique Muhammad Musaddique Ali 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Impact forces have been used to study the behavior of materials for a long time. The aim of the impact testing is to investigate those conditions under which a material will fail in a brittle manner regarding a sudden load. There are three general methods of testing impact resistance of components: falling weight tests, pendulum tests and tumbling impact tests. In the present study, an attempt has been made to establish an impact tester used to carry out impact testing of plastic films by free falling dart method. In this, a box of wood with a hole on its upper side is used on which plastic film is held by clamps and a dart is allowed to fall onto film to note perforation. Then the impact resistance is statistically calculated. Impact resistance is determined by the energy caused by weight to fail 50 % of specimen. Practical results are found to be in good agreement with theory.
Organisation of German livestock production from the bottom up: a new institutional economic analysis of dairy cattle breeding
Authors: Höhler J. , Kühl R. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Cooperatives operate in many different parts of the agri-food chain. Animal breeding, as one of these areas, has not yet been subject to intensive research. In the literature, cooperatives are often claimed to produce a lower quality product than comparable investor-owned firms. Is this the case in dairy cattle breeding as well? In order to address this question, we examine the inter- and intra-organisational coordination and structure of the supply chain for cattle breeding in Germany by means of a property rights model. In a short-term perspective, the profit maximisation of the cooperative member follows the model of perfect competition. In addition, we show the existence of a quality coordination problem in breeding associations in the long run. This problem is presumed to be counteracted by the dual system of price-setting which allows the cooperative to provide incentives to its members.
Mechanical Ventilation Antioxidant Trial
Authors: Howe Kimberly P. , Clochesy John M. , Goldstein Lawrence S. , Owen Hugh 
Published: September 2015

Background
Many patients each year require prolonged mechanical ventilation. Inflammatory processes may prevent successful weaning, and evidence indicates that mechanical ventilation induces oxidative stress in the diaphragm, resulting in atrophy and contractile dysfunction of diaphragmatic myofibers. Antioxidant supplementation might mitigate the harmful effects of the oxidative stress induced by mechanical ventilation.

Objective
To test the clinical effectiveness of antioxidant supplementation in reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation.

Methods
A randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled double-blind design was used to test whether enterally administered antioxidant supplementation would decrease the duration of mechanical ventilation, all-cause mortality, and length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital. Patients received vitamin C 1000 mg plus vitamin E 1000 IU, vitamin C 1000 mg plus vitamin E 1000 IU plus N-acetylcysteine 400 mg, or placebo solution as a bolus injection via their enteral feeding tube every 8 hours.

Results
Clinical and statistically significant differences in duration of mechanical ventilation were seen among the 3 groups (Mantel-Cox log rank statistic = 5.69, df = 1, P = .017). The 3 groups did not differ significantly in all-cause mortality during hospitalization or in the length of stay in the intensive care unit or hospital.

Conclusions
Enteral administration of antioxidants is a simple, safe, inexpensive, and effective intervention that decreases the duration of mechanical ventilation in critically ill adults.
Perceptions Related to Falls and Fall Prevention Among Hospitalized Adults
Authors: Twibell Renee Samples , Siela Debra , Sproat Terrie , Coers Gena 
Published: September 2015

Background
Prevention of falls during hospitalization depends in part on the behaviors of alert patients to prevent falls. Research on acutely ill patients’ intentions to behave in ways that help prevent falls and on the patients’ perceptions related to falls is limited.

Objective
To explore hospitalized adults’ perceptions related to risk for falling, fear of falling, expectations of outcomes of falling, and intention to engage in behaviors to prevent falls.

Methods
Adult, alert, acutely ill inpatients (N = 158) at risk for falling completed a survey consisting of 4 scales and 3 single items. Nurses’ assessments and patients’ perceptions of the risk for falling were compared.

Results
Decreased intentions to engage in behaviors to prevent falls were correlated with patients’ increased confidence in their ability to perform high-risk behaviors without help and without falling (P &lt; .001), decreased fear of falling (P &lt; .001), and decreased perceived likelihood of adverse outcomes if they did fall (P &lt; .001). Although nurses’ assessments indicated a risk for falls, 55.1% of the patients did not perceive a high likelihood of falling while hospitalized. Whereas 75% of patients intended to ask for help before getting out of bed, 48% were confident that they could get out of bed without help and without falling.

Conclusions
Although assessments may indicate a risk for falling, acutely ill inpatients may not perceive they are likely to fall. Patients’ intentions to engage in behaviors to prevent falls vary with the patients’ fall-related perceptions of confidence, outcomes, and fear related to falling.
Novel Toll/IL-1 Receptor Homologous Region Adaptors Act as Negative Regulators in Amphioxus TLR Signaling
Authors: Peng Jian , Tao Xin , Li Rui , Hu Jingru , Ruan Jie , Wang Ruihua , Yang Manyi , Yang Rirong , Dong Xiangru , Chen Shangwu , Xu Anlong , Yuan Shaochun 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Studies have shown that the basal chordate amphioxus possesses an extraordinarily complex TLR system, including 39 TLRs and at least 40 Toll/IL-1R homologous region (TIR) adaptors. Besides homologs to MyD88 and TIR domain-containing adaptor molecule (TICAM), most amphioxus TIR adaptors exhibit domain architectures that are not observed in other species. To reveal how these novel TIR adaptors function in amphioxus Branchiostoma belcheri tsingtauense (bbt), four representatives, bbtTIRA, bbtTIRB, bbtTIRC, and bbtTIRD, were selected for functional analyses. We found bbtTIRA to show a unique inhibitory role in amphioxus TICAM-mediated pathway by interacting with bbtTICAM and bbt receptor interacting protein 1b, whereas bbtTIRC specifically inhibits the amphioxus MyD88-dependent pathway by interacting with bbtMyD88 and depressing the polyubiquitination of bbt TNFR-associated factor 6. Although both bbtTIRB and bbtTIRD are located on endosomes, the TIR domain of bbtTIRB can interact with bbtMyD88 in the cytosol, whereas the TIR domain of bbtTIRD is enclosed in endosome, suggesting that bbtTIRD may be a redundant gene in amphioxus. This study indicated that most expanded TIR adaptors play nonredundant regulatory roles in amphioxus TLR signaling, adding a new layer to understanding the diversity and complexity of innate immunity at basal chordate.
Gut Microbial Dysbiosis Due to Helicobacter Drives an Increase in Marginal Zone B Cells in the Absence of IL-10 Signaling in Macrophages
Authors: Ray Avijit , Basu Sreemanti , Gharaibeh Raad Z. , Cook Lydia C. , Kumar Ranjit , Lefkowitz Elliot J. , Walker Catherine R. , Morrow Casey D. , Franklin Craig L. , Geiger Terrence L. , Salzman Nita H. , Fodor Anthony , Dittel Bonnie N. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
It is clear that IL-10 plays an essential role in maintaining homeostasis in the gut in response to the microbiome. However, it is unknown whether IL-10 also facilitates immune homeostasis at distal sites. To address this question, we asked whether splenic immune populations were altered in IL-10–deficient (Il10−/−) mice in which differences in animal husbandry history were associated with susceptibility to spontaneous enterocolitis that is microbiome dependent. The susceptible mice exhibited a significant increase in splenic macrophages, neutrophils, and marginal zone (MZ) B cells that was inhibited by IL-10 signaling in myeloid, but not B cells. The increase in macrophages was due to increased proliferation that correlated with a subsequent enhancement in MZ B cell differentiation. Cohousing and antibiotic treatment studies suggested that the alteration in immune homeostasis in the spleen was microbiome dependent. The 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that susceptible mice harbored a different microbiome with a significant increase in the abundance of the bacterial genus Helicobacter. The introduction of Helicobacter hepaticus to the gut of nonsusceptible mice was sufficient to drive macrophage expansion and MZ B cell development. Given that myeloid cells and MZ B cells are part of the first line of defense against blood-borne pathogens, their increase following a breach in the gut epithelial barrier would be protective. Thus, IL-10 is an essential gatekeeper that maintains immune homeostasis at distal sites that can become functionally imbalanced upon the introduction of specific pathogenic bacteria to the intestinal track.
ERK1-Based Pathway as a New Selective Mechanism To Modulate CCR5 with Natural Antibodies
Authors: Venuti Assunta , Pastori Claudia , Siracusano Gabriel , Riva Agostino , Sciortino Maria Teresa , Lopalco Lucia 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Natural human Abs, recognizing an epitope within the first extramembrane loop of CCR5 (the main HIV coreceptor), induce a long-lasting internalization (48 h) of the protein, whereas all known CCR5 modulating molecules show a short-term kinetics (60–90 min). Despite extensive studies on the regulation of CCR5 signaling cascades, which are the effect of concomitant CCR5 internalization by exogenous stimuli such as Abs, downstream signaling continues to be poorly understood. In this article, we report a hitherto unrecognized mechanism of CCR5 modulation mediated by G protein–dependent ERK1 activity. We further demonstrate that ERK1 is localized mainly in the cytoplasmic compartment and that it interacts directly with the CCR5 protein, thus provoking possible CCR5 degradation with a subsequent de novo synthesis, and that re-expression of CCR5 on the cell membrane required several days. In contrast, the RANTES treatment induces a recovery of the receptor on the cell membrane in short-term kinetics without the involvement of de novo protein synthesis. The said new pathway could be relevant not only to better understand the molecular basis of all pathologic conditions in which CCR5 is involved but also to generate new tools to block viral infections, such as the use of recombinant Abs.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Mitigate the Effects of Complement Attack by Endocytosis of C5b-9
Authors: Georgiannakis Apostolos , Burgoyne Tom , Lueck Katharina , Futter Clare , Greenwood John , Moss Stephen E. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell death is a hallmark of age-related macular degeneration. The alternative pathway of complement activation is strongly implicated in RPE cell dysfunction and loss in age-related macular degeneration; therefore, it is critical that RPE cells use molecular strategies to mitigate the potentially harmful effects of complement attack. We show that the terminal complement complex C5b-9 assembles rapidly on the basal surface of cultured primary porcine RPE cells but disappears over 48 h without any discernable adverse effects on the cells. However, in the presence of the dynamin inhibitor dynasore, C5b-9 was almost completely retained at the cell surface, suggesting that, under normal circumstances, it is eliminated via the endocytic pathway. In support of this idea, we observed that C5b-9 colocalizes with the early endosome marker EEA1 and that, in the presence of protease inhibitors, it can be detected in lysosomes. Preventing the endocytosis of C5b-9 by RPE cells led to structural defects in mitochondrial morphology consistent with cell stress. We conclude that RPE cells use the endocytic pathway to prevent the accumulation of C5b-9 on the cell surface and that processing and destruction of C5b-9 by this route are essential for RPE cell survival.
INFLUENCE OF SICKLE CELL GENE ON THE ALLELIC DIVERSITY AT THE MSP-1 LOCUS OF PLASMODIUM FALCIPARUM IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH SEVERE MALARIA
Authors: Patel Dilip Kumar , Mashon Ranjeet Singh , Purohit Prasanta , Patel Siris , Meher Satyabrata , Dehury Snehadhini , Marndi Chhatray , Das Kishalaya , Kullu Bipin Kishore , Das Padmalaya 
Published: September 2015

Although several studies have supported that sickle cell trait (HbAS) protects against falciparum malaria, the exact mechanism by which sickle gene confers protection is unclear. Further, there is no information on the influence of sickle gene on parasitic diversity of P. falciparum population in severe symptomatic malaria. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of the sickle gene on the parasite densities and diversities in hospitalized adult patients with severe falciparum malaria. The study was carried out in 166 adult hospitalized subjects with severe falciparum malaria at Sickle Cell Clinic and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Burla, Odisha, India . They were divided into three groups on the basis of hemoglobin variants HbAA (n=104), HbAS (n=30) and HbSS (n=32). The msp-1 loci was genotyped using a PCR based methodology. The parasite densities were significantly high in HbAA compared to HbAS and HbSS. The multiplicity of infection (MOI) and multiclonicity for msp-1 were significantly low in HbSS and HbAS compared to HbAA. The prevalence of K1 (p<0 .0001) and MAD20 (p=0.0003) alleles were significantly high in HbAA. The RO33 allele was detected at a higher frequency in HbSS and HbAS, compared to K1 and MAD20. Sickle gene was found to reduce both the parasite densities and diversity of P. falciparum in adults with severe malaria.
THE DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF PULSED WAVE TISSUE DOPPLER IMAGING IN ASYMPTOMATIC BETA- THALASSEMIA MAJOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS ; RELATION TO CHEMICAL BIOMARKERS OF LEFT VENTRICULAR FUNCTION AND IRON OVERLOAD .
Authors: Ragab Seham 
Published: September 2015

Background: Cardiac iron toxicity is the leading cause of death among β-halassaemia major (TM) patients. Once heart failure becomes overt , it will be difficult to reverse . Objectives: To investigate non overt cardiac dysfunctions in TM patients using pulsed wave Tissue Doppler Imaging (TD I) and its relation to the iron overload and brain natruritic peptide (BNP). Methods: Thorough clinical , conventional echo and pulsed wave TDI parameters were compared between asymtomatic 25 β-TM patients and 20 age and gender matched individuals. Serum ferritin and plasma BNP levels were assayed by ELISA . Results: TM patients had significant higher mitral inflow early diastolic (E) wave and non significant other conventional echo parameters. Pulsed wave TDI revealed systolic and diastolic dysfunctions in the form of significant higher isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) , ejection time ( E T) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT) with significantly lower mitral annulus early diastolic velocity E` (12.07 ±2.06 vs 15.04±2.65 ,P= 0.003) in patients compared to controls. Plasma BNP was higher in patients compared to the controls. Plasma BNP and serum ferritin had significant correlation with each other and with pulsed wave conventional and TDI indices of systolic and diastolic functions. Patients with E/E` ≥ 8 had significant higher serum ferritin and plasma BNP levels compared to those with E/E` ratio < 8 without difference in Hb levels .Conclusion: Pulsed wave TDI is an important diagnostic tool for latent cardiac dysfunction in iron loaded TM patients and is related to iron overload and BNP .
Closer View at the Stock Market Liquidity: A Literature Review
Authors: Kumar Gaurav , Misra Arun Kumar 
Published: September 2015

<p>Liquidity is said to be the lifeblood of stock markets. It has prominent implications for traders, regulators, stock exchanges and the listed firms. In recent years a huge amount of literature has emerged that deals with liquidity. This article classifies and organises the literature and provides a critical review of the frameworks currently available for modelling liquidity and its macroeconomic and firm specific drivers. Commonality and intraday behaviour of liquidity in various markets is discussed under the umbrella of market microstructures. Subsequently, liquidity risk as a factor in Asset pricing is analysed taking various models in to consideration. Finally, the study reviewed the impact of liquidity on corporate finance decisions viz. dividends, firm valuation, stock split, capital structure etc.</p>
Self-Regulatory Policy of Accounting and Auditing Profession and Its Effect on Audit Expectation Gap in Nigeria
Authors: Onulaka Paul N. 
Published: August 2015

From the very beginning, auditing is pretty much a self-regulated profession and has some ethical rules of thumb to follow in practice. But the plethora of corporate failures and scandals in recent past where auditors’ instrumental role is evident in many instances raise question about the validity and suitability of “self-regulation” in auditing, especially in Nigeria and some other parts of the world where auditors need to perform auditing in ever complex risk management process. However, to restore the public confidences within and outside the auditing profession and to raise the overall audit quality, many countries are establishing some super regulatory bodies to set accounting and auditing standards and regulate the activities of auditors with a view to reducing audit expectation gap. The reason for this paradigm shift is because events over the last decades has shown that an inverse relationship appears to be existing between efforts being made to reduce audit expectations gap by accounting and auditing profession and the actual number of audit failures. This study adopted a cross sectional survey design. This was designed to investigate whether there is a relationship between the self-regulation of accounting and auditing profession in Nigeria and audit expectation gap. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used for data analysis. The finding shows a strong relationship between self-regulation and audit expectation gap and the deficient standard gap is not only associated with selfregulation but other legal pronouncements which the respondents considered obsolete and need to be revamped.
Performance Management in Government Internal Audits: Critical Success Factors
Authors: Aikins Stephen Kwamena 
Published: August 2015

This study investigates the factors that impact successful performance management in government internal audit units. Studies show that besides formal compliance with statutory and administrative mandates such as compilation and reporting, public sector performance measures are not utilized for managerial decision making, budgetary allocation and accountability. The National Performance Management Advisory Commission has identified in the Performance Management Framework for State and Local Government, activities that constitute key factors for sustaining performance management. Using 2012 benchmarking data from the Association of Local Government Auditors, this study analyzed the extent to which the uses of government internal audit performance reports, as well as audit performance of the activities identified as key factors in the above-mentioned framework, impact successful audit performance management. Results show that successful performance management is a function of audit oversight body’s commitment, audit staff accountability, availability of adequate resources, as well as the use of audit performance report to monitor achievement against performance objectives, and to coordinate efforts within government. The results also generally confirm both the literature on the low utilization of performance measures and many key factors outlined in the performance management framework.