bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Compact Forearm Crutch Based on Force Sensors for Aided Gait: Reliability and Validity
Authors: Chamorro-Moriana Gema , Sevillano José , Ridao-Fernández Carmen
Published: June 2016

Frequently, patients who suffer injuries in some lower member require forearm crutches in order to partially unload weight-bearing. These lesions cause pain in lower limb unloading and their progression should be controlled objectively to avoid significant errors in accuracy and, consequently, complications and after effects in lesions. The design of a new and feasible tool that allows us to control and improve the accuracy of loads exerted on crutches during aided gait is necessary, so as to unburden the lower limbs. In this paper, we describe such a system based on a force sensor, which we have named the GCH System 2.0. Furthermore, we determine the validity and reliability of measurements obtained using this tool via a comparison with the validated AMTI (Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc., Watertown, MA, USA) OR6-7-2000 Platform. An intra-class correlation coefficient demonstrated excellent agreement between the AMTI Platform and the GCH System. A regression line to determine the predictive ability of the GCH system towards the AMTI Platform was found, which obtained a precision of 99.3%. A detailed statistical analysis is presented for all the measurements and also segregated for several requested loads on the crutches (10%, 25% and 50% of body weight). Our results show that our system, designed for assessing loads exerted by patients on forearm crutches during assisted gait, provides valid and reliable measurements of loads.
Spatially Multiplexed Micro-Spectrophotometry in Bright Field Mode for Thin Film Characterization
Authors: Pini Valerio , Kosaka Priscila , Ruz Jose , Malvar Oscar , Encinar Mario , Tamayo Javier , Calleja Montserrat
Published: June 2016

Thickness characterization of thin films is of primary importance in a variety of nanotechnology applications, either in the semiconductor industry, quality control in nanofabrication processes or engineering of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) because small thickness variability can strongly compromise the device performance. Here, we present an alternative optical method in bright field mode called Spatially Multiplexed Micro-Spectrophotometry that allows rapid and non-destructive characterization of thin films over areas of mm2 and with 1 μm of lateral resolution. We demonstrate an accuracy of 0.1% in the thickness characterization through measurements performed on four microcantilevers that expand an area of 1.8 mm2 in one minute of analysis time. The measured thickness variation in the range of few tens of nm translates into a mechanical variability that produces an error of up to 2% in the response of the studied devices when they are used to measure surface stress variations.
Timber Chips as the Insulation Material for Energy Saving in Prefabricated Offices
Authors: Wang Yupeng , Fukuda Hiroatsu
Published: June 2016

This research demonstrates the feasibility of a roof insulation method for prefabricated offices that uses vinyl packed timber chips to reduce air conditioning loads (hereinafter referred to as AC loads) and which also improves indoor thermal comfort. The advantages of the new roof insulation method were revealed through comparing the impacts of four roof types on prefabricated offices. The AC load and indoor thermal comfort (surface temperature and air temperature) were evaluated. The disposal of scrap timber discarded from building construction projects is costing money, and is also a waste of natural resources. The assessment of a new roof insulation method with timber chips demonstrates the advanced usage of timber chips, reducing the environmental load in the building construction process. On the other hand, since prefabricated offices have lower thermal storage capacities and are less airtight than RC (reinforced concrete) or S (steel) structured buildings, the AC load consumption and indoor thermal comfort exacerbation in prefabricated offices is more serious. Especially in summer, a large amount of solar energy absorption from the roof raises the indoor air temperature and significantly increases the cooling load. This research contributes to the environmental design for prefabricated offices, and develops a method for the reuse of wood chips.
2D Versus 3D: The Relevance of the Mode of Presentation for the Economic Valuation of an Alpine Landscape
Authors: Getzner Michael , Färber Barbara , Yamu Claudia
Published: June 2016

In order to value the transformation of landscapes from an economic perspective, survey respondents are usually presented with pictures of various landscapes with the aim to visualize differences in their appearance. The current paper presents a classroom experiment ascertaining differences, and potential advantages and disadvantages, of 2D versus 3D (stereoscopic) presentations of landscape changes. The landscape to be valued was a traditional Alpine pasture in the Austrian Alps as a prominent example of natural and cultural heritage (traditional economy and specific ecology). Two alternative scenarios included, on the one hand, changes in agricultural uses, leading to natural afforestation (reforestation) and decay of existing infrastructure (e.g., hiking trails). On the other hand, significantly extended tourism infrastructure (e.g., new attractions for visitors) was presented. Two groups were presented manipulated pictures (2D/non-stereoscopic), and 3D (stereoscopic) presentations with 3D glasses, respectively. Both groups were then asked for their perception of landscape changes. It turns out that significant differences between the two groups could be detected in terms of the frequency of vacations at Alpine pastures. For instance, respondents in the 3D stereoscopic group stated a significantly higher frequency of trips. However, on the other hand, they did not state a significantly different willingness-to-pay to prevent landscape changes disadvantageous in terms of sustainability. The study results thus suggest that the mode of presentation may affect the valuation of landscape changes depending on the valuation instrument.
Improved Time Response of Stabilization in Synchronization of Chaotic Oscillators Using Mathematica
Authors: Shahzad Mohammad , Ahmad Israr , Saaban Azizan , Ibrahim Adyda
Published: June 2016

Chaotic dynamics are an interesting topic in nonlinear science that has been intensively studied during the last three decades due to its wide availability. Motivated by much researches on synchronization, the authors of this study have improved the time response of stabilization when parametrically excited Φ6—Van der Pol Oscillator (VDPO) and Φ6—Duffing Oscillator (DO) are synchronized identically as well as non-identically (with each other) using the Linear Active Control (LAC) technique using Mathematica. Furthermore, the authors have synchronized the same pairs of the oscillators using a more robust synchronization with faster time response of stability called Robust Adaptive Sliding Mode Control (RASMC). A comparative study has been done between the previous results of Njah’s work and our results based on Mathematica via LAC. The time response of stabilization of synchronization using RASMC has been discussed.
Identification of Pathogenic Fusarium spp. Causing Maize Ear Rot and Potential Mycotoxin Production in China
Authors: Duan Canxing , Qin Zihui , Yang Zhihuan , Li Weixi , Sun Suli , Zhu Zhendong , Wang Xiaoming
Published: June 2016

Ear rot is a serious disease that affects maize yield and grain quality worldwide. The mycotoxins are often hazardous to humans and livestock. In samples collected in China between 2009 and 2014, Fusarium verticillioides and F. graminearum species complex were the dominant fungi causing ear rot. According to the TEF-1α gene sequence, F. graminearum species complex in China included three independent species: F. graminearum, F. meridionale, and F. boothii. The key gene FUM1 responsible for the biosynthesis of fumonisin was detected in all 82 F. verticillioides isolates. Among these, 57 isolates mainly produced fumonisin B1, ranging from 2.52 to 18,416.44 µg/g for each gram of dry hyphal weight, in vitro. Three different toxigenic chemotypes were detected among 78 F. graminearum species complex: 15-ADON, NIV and 15-ADON+NIV. Sixty and 16 isolates represented the 15-ADON and NIV chemotypes, respectively; two isolates carried both 15-ADON and NIV-producing segments. All the isolates carrying NIV-specific segment were F. meridionale. The in vitro production of 15-ADON, 3-ADON, DON, and ZEN varied from 5.43 to 81,539.49; 6.04 to 19,590.61; 13.35 to 19,795.33; and 1.77 to 430.24 µg/g of dry hyphal weight, respectively. Altogether, our present data demonstrate potential main mycotoxin production of dominant pathogenic Fusarium in China.
PKR Activation Favors Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus Replication in Infected Cells
Authors: Gamil Amr , Xu Cheng , Mutoloki Stephen , Evensen Øystein
Published: June 2016

The double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase R (PKR) is a Type I interferon (IFN) stimulated gene that has important biological and immunological functions. In viral infections, in general, PKR inhibits or promotes viral replication, but PKR-IPNV interaction has not been previously studied. We investigated the involvement of PKR during infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) infection using a custom-made rabbit antiserum and the PKR inhibitor C16. Reactivity of the antiserum to PKR in CHSE-214 cells was confirmed after IFNα treatment giving an increased protein level. IPNV infection alone did not give increased PKR levels by Western blot, while pre-treatment with PKR inhibitor before IPNV infection gave decreased eukaryotic initiation factor 2-alpha (eIF2α) phosphorylation. This suggests that PKR, despite not being upregulated, is involved in eIF2α phosphorylation during IPNV infection. PKR inhibitor pre-treatment resulted in decreased virus titers, extra- and intracellularly, concomitant with reduction of cells with compromised membranes in IPNV-permissive cell lines. These findings suggest that IPNV uses PKR activation to promote virus replication in infected cells.
Phleboviruses and the Type I Interferon Response
Authors: Wuerth Jennifer , Weber Friedemann
Published: June 2016

The genus Phlebovirus of the family Bunyaviridae contains a number of emerging virus species which pose a threat to both human and animal health. Most prominent members include Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV), sandfly fever Naples virus (SFNV), sandfly fever Sicilian virus (SFSV), Toscana virus (TOSV), Punta Toro virus (PTV), and the two new members severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) and Heartland virus (HRTV). The nonstructural protein NSs is well established as the main phleboviral virulence factor in the mammalian host. NSs acts as antagonist of the antiviral type I interferon (IFN) system. Recent progress in the elucidation of the molecular functions of a growing list of NSs proteins highlights the astonishing variety of strategies employed by phleboviruses to evade the IFN system.
DNA Damage Reduces the Quality, but Not the Quantity of Human Papillomavirus 16 E1 and E2 DNA Replication
Authors: Bristol Molly , Wang Xu , Smith Nathan , Son Minkyeong , Evans Michael , Morgan Iain
Published: June 2016

Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are causative agents in almost all cervical carcinomas. HPVs are also causative agents in head and neck cancer, the cases of which are increasing rapidly. Viral replication activates the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway; associated proteins are recruited to replication foci, and this pathway may serve to allow for viral genome amplification. Likewise, HPV genome double-strand breaks (DSBs) could be produced during replication and could lead to linearization and viral integration. Many studies have shown that viral integration into the host genome results in unregulated expression of the viral oncogenes, E6 and E7, promoting HPV-induced carcinogenesis. Previously, we have demonstrated that DNA-damaging agents, such as etoposide, or knocking down viral replication partner proteins, such as topoisomerase II β binding protein I (TopBP1), does not reduce the level of DNA replication. Here, we investigated whether these treatments alter the quality of DNA replication by HPV16 E1 and E2. We confirm that knockdown of TopBP1 or treatment with etoposide does not reduce total levels of E1/E2-mediated DNA replication; however, the quality of replication is significantly reduced. The results demonstrate that E1 and E2 continue to replicate under genomically-stressed conditions and that this replication is mutagenic. This mutagenesis would promote the formation of substrates for integration of the viral genome into that of the host, a hallmark of cervical cancer.
Badnaviruses: The Current Global Scenario
Authors: Bhat Alangar , Hohn Thomas , Selvarajan Ramasamy
Published: June 2016

Badnaviruses (Family: Caulimoviridae; Genus: Badnavirus) are non-enveloped bacilliform DNA viruses with a monopartite genome containing about 7.2 to 9.2 kb of dsDNA with three to seven open reading frames. They are transmitted by mealybugs and a few species by aphids in a semi-persistent manner. They are one of the most important plant virus groups and have emerged as serious pathogens affecting the cultivation of several horticultural crops in the tropics, especially banana, black pepper, cocoa, citrus, sugarcane, taro, and yam. Some badnaviruses are also known as endogenous viruses integrated into their host genomes and a few such endogenous viruses can be awakened, e.g., through abiotic stress, giving rise to infective episomal forms. The presence of endogenous badnaviruses poses a new challenge for the fool-proof diagnosis, taxonomy, and management of the diseases. The present review aims to highlight emerging disease problems, virus characteristics, transmission, and diagnosis of badnaviruses.
Marburg Virus Reverse Genetics Systems
Authors: Schmidt Kristina , Mühlberger Elke
Published: June 2016

The highly pathogenic Marburg virus (MARV) is a member of the Filoviridae family and belongs to the group of nonsegmented negative-strand RNA viruses. Reverse genetics systems established for MARV have been used to study various aspects of the viral replication cycle, analyze host responses, image viral infection, and screen for antivirals. This article provides an overview of the currently established MARV reverse genetic systems based on minigenomes, infectious virus-like particles and full-length clones, and the research that has been conducted using these systems.
Assessment of Streamside Management Zones for Conserving Benthic Macroinvertebrate Communities Following Timber Harvest in Eastern Kentucky Headwater Catchments
Authors: Adkins Joshua , Barton Christopher , Grubbs Scott , Stringer Jeffrey , Kolka Randall
Published: June 2016

Headwater streams generally comprise the majority of stream area in a watershed and can have a strong influence on downstream food webs. Our objective was to determine the effect of altering streamside management zone (SMZ) configurations on headwater aquatic insect communities. Timber harvests were implemented within six watersheds in eastern Kentucky. The SMZ configurations varied in width, canopy retention and best management practice (BMP) utilization at the watershed scale. Benthic macroinvertebrate samples collected one year before and four years after harvest indicated few differences among treatments, although post-treatment abundance was elevated in some of the treatment streams relative to the unharvested controls. Jaccard index values were similar across SMZ treatments after logging, indicating strong community overlap. These findings suggest that stream invertebrate communities did respond to the timber harvest, though not negatively. Results also suggest that SMZ criteria for aquatic habitats in steeply sloping topography, including at least 50 percent canopy retention and widths of at least 16.8 m, appear to be adequate for protecting benthic macroinvertebrate communities from logging impacts.
Estimating Loess Plateau Average Annual Precipitation with Multiple Linear Regression Kriging and Geographically Weighted Regression Kriging
Authors: Jin Qiutong , Zhang Jutao , Shi Mingchang , Huang Jixia
Published: June 2016

Estimating the spatial distribution of precipitation is an important and challenging task in hydrology, climatology, ecology, and environmental science. In order to generate a highly accurate distribution map of average annual precipitation for the Loess Plateau in China, multiple linear regression Kriging (MLRK) and geographically weighted regression Kriging (GWRK) methods were employed using precipitation data from the period 1980–2010 from 435 meteorological stations. The predictors in regression Kriging were selected by stepwise regression analysis from many auxiliary environmental factors, such as elevation (DEM), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), solar radiation, slope, and aspect. All predictor distribution maps had a 500 m spatial resolution. Validation precipitation data from 130 hydrometeorological stations were used to assess the prediction accuracies of the MLRK and GWRK approaches. Results showed that both prediction maps with a 500 m spatial resolution interpolated by MLRK and GWRK had a high accuracy and captured detailed spatial distribution data; however, MLRK produced a lower prediction error and a higher variance explanation than GWRK, although the differences were small, in contrast to conclusions from similar studies.
The hydraulic mechanism in the hind wing veins of Cybister japonicus Sharp (order: Coleoptera)
Authors: Sun Jiyu , Wu Wei , Ling Mingze , Bhushan Bharat , Tong Jin
Published: June 2016

The diving beetles (Dytiscidae, Coleoptera) are families of water beetles. When they see light, they fly to the light source directly from the water. Their hind wings are thin and fragile under the protection of their elytra (forewings). When the beetle is at rest the hind wings are folded over the abdomen of the beetle and when in flight they unfold to provide the necessary aerodynamic forces. In this paper, the unfolding process of the hind wing of Cybister japonicus Sharp (order: Coleoptera) was investigated. The motion characteristics of the blood in the veins of the structure system show that the veins have microfluidic control over the hydraulic mechanism of the unfolding process. A model is established, and the hind wing extending process is simulated. The blood flow and pressure changes are discussed. The driving mechanism for hydraulic control of the folding and unfolding actions of beetle hind wings is put forward. This can assist the design of new deployable micro air vehicles and bioinspired deployable systems.
Resolving the Issue of the Target of Vowel Copy in Fijian Loanwords
Authors: Kumagai Gakuji
Published: June 2016

English loanwords into Fijian undergo vowel epenthesis, as Fijian disallows coda consonants and consonant clusters. Vowel copy is an option for determining epenthetic vowel quality in loanword adaptation (Kumagai 2016a; Schütz 1978, 2004). The target of copy epenthesis seems to be either the preceding or following vowel of the epenthetic site. However, the choice of target vowel is indeterminate, as there is no vowel copy in Fijian native phonology. This paper offers a resolution to the problem by adopting an expanded version of prosodic projection theory (Martínez-Paricio 2012, 2013), in which feet are allowed to exhibit maximal/minimal projection. I propose Foot Condition, which requires the Foot[±max/±min] to circumscribe the vowel copy domain.
“Tense” /æ/ is still lax: A phonotactics study
Authors: Duncan Daniel
Published: June 2016

The production of the lax vowel /æ/ is widely studied as a sociolinguistic variable in American English, as several dialects differ in the allophonic distribution of lax and tense variants of the vowel. Using a forced-choice well-formedness judgment task, this paper tests whether the /æ/ used by Northern Cities Shift (NCS) speakers, which is described as a raised and tensed [ɛə] in all environments, is still represented as a lax vowel in speakers’ grammars. Participants who were native speakers of California English, which only tenses preceding nasals, and NCS English, which tenses everywhere, were asked to choose which of a pair of nonce words, constructed to include a lax-only environment /Vsk, Vsp/, as in gasp, risk, sounds more like a possible English word. California English speakers significantly prefer frames containing lax vowels, including [æ], over those containing tense vowels. NCS speakers respond in the same way: they favor [ɛə] in trials like [bɛəsp] vs. [bisp] just as California English speakers favor [æ] in [bæsp] vs. [bisp]. This suggests they keep the vowel in the phonologically active class usually considered to be lax vowels, providing evidence that speakers generalize features based on lexical distributions rather than phonetic properties.
Onset Weight with Branchingness Constraints: The Case of Pirahã
Authors: Hermans Ben , Torres-Tamarit Francesc
Published: June 2016

In this paper we develop an analysis of onset-driven stress in Pirahã based on the idea that onsets can be parsed under the vocalic mora (Hyman type) or adjoin to the syllable node (Hayes type) depending on their sonority. We propose a set of constraints standing in stringency relations that prohibit branching structures in metrical dependent positions to account for the fact that syllables with voiceless onsets in Pirahã are the best stress attractors.
Morphologically-conditioned tonotactics in multilevel Maximum Entropy grammar
Authors: Shih Stephanie S , Inkelas Sharon
Published: June 2016

This paper presents a novel approach to probabilistic morphologically-conditioned tonotactics, featuring a case study of Mende, in which tonotactics vary by lexical category. This variation in surface tone patterns is modeled via indexed weight adjustments (i.e., varying slopes) for each constraint in a Maximum Entropy Harmonic Grammar, quantifying the degree to which each lexical class follows basic tonotactic principles in a common base grammar. Approaching morphologically-conditioned phonotactics as indexed weight adjustments of a base grammar offers a solution to the existing stalemate between single grammar (e.g., indexed constraints) and multiple grammar (e.g., Stratal OT; cophonologies) models of lexically-sensitive phonological patterns.
On the Phonetics and Phonology of Focus marking in Boro
Authors: Mahanta Shakuntala , Das Kalyan , Gope Amalesh
Published: June 2016

It is discussed widely in the literature on tone and intonation that both these phenomenon make use of changes in the f0. It is often assumed that intonation in tone languages is only slightly more limited than it is in non-tonal ones (Yip 2002). This paper addresses the question of tone assignment in Boro and investigates how it operates as a function of focus. This paper studies both the phonetics and phonology of intonation in Boro and delineates the way in-situ and morphological focus markers influence sentence prosody. The results show that in-situ focus does not result in any change of the f0 value of the target word. The only consistent acoustic correlate for focus marking is found to be post focus compression. The morphological focus marker leads to discrete downstepping of the following High tone and also emerges with an H* by deleting the neighboring H tones. One of the significant results of this experiment is that while H tones were realized at a higher f0 while co-occurring with the H* of the MF marker, L tones did not lead to any changes unless the stem were disyllabic, showing that there are phonological factors constraining sentential prosody.
The Emergence of the Binary Foot in Mandarin
Authors: Brown Jason , Yang Shuxia
Published: June 2016

While the binary foot is a common requirement across languages, formalized as a constraint, Ft-Bin is violable, and predicts patterns of latent binarity in some languages. This paper outlines the prosodic behaviour of synthetic compounds in Mandarin, which are demonstrated to yield output structures that must consist of binary feet, and where otherwise additional obligatory syllables will undergo tonal deletion in order to satisfy this requirement. The addition of classifiers and other function words into these compounds indicates that the foot is not syllabic, and the deletion of the tones associated with these morphemes indicates that feet are instead tonal in nature. These feet appear to be an emergent effect, whereby an optimal unmarked structure surfaces in specific contexts. In other words, Ft-Bin is enforced in synthetic compounds, and is only statistically active in the lexicon.  The context for this emergence is a morphosyntactically derived form, contrary to predictions of recent approaches to constraint application, where constraints apply more stringently to inner domains. As such, foot binarity in compounds is likened to prosodic phenomena, such as reduplication.
A Rule-ordering Theory of Blocking in Nonderived Environments
Authors: Rasin Ezer
Published: June 2016

In Nonderived Environment Blocking (NDEB), a phonological process applies across morpheme boundaries or morpheme-internally when fed by another phonological process but is otherwise blocked from applying. NDEB poses a challenge to both rule-based phonology and Optimality Theory: if P is a process that is blocked in nonderived environments, the challenge in both frameworks is to partition the set of environments of application of P into two subsets – corresponding to derived and nonderived environments – and block the application of the process precisely in nonderived environments. My goal in this paper is to show that NDEB can be reduced to rule ordering. I will do so by presenting a rule-ordering theory of NDEB that uses morpheme structure rules. Every rule P that is blocked in nonderived environments will be ordered after a morpheme structure rule R that removes P’s environments of application. Since morpheme structure rules apply to URs of individual morphemes (which correspond to nonderived environments), R will prevent P from applying precisely in nonderived environments.
THE WIND NEBULA AROUND MAGNETAR SWIFT J1834.9–0846
Authors: Younes G. , Kouveliotou C. , Kargaltsev O. , Gill R. , Granot J. , Watts A. L. , Gelfand J. , Baring M. G. , Harding A. , Pavlov G. G. , Horst A. J. van der , Huppenkothen D. , Göğüş E. , Lin L. , Roberts O. J.
Published: June 2016

We report on the analysis of two deep XMM-Newton observations of the magnetar Swift J1834.9−0846 and its surrounding extended emission taken in 2014 March and October, 2.5 and 3.1 yr after the source went into outburst. The magnetar is only weakly detected in the first observation, with an absorption-corrected flux

erg s−1 cm−2 and a

upper limit during the second observation of about 3 × 10−14 erg s−1 cm−2. This flux level is more than 3 orders of magnitude lower than the flux measured at the outburst onset in 2011 September. The extended emission, centered at the magnetar position and elongated toward the southwest, is clearly seen in both observations; it is best fit by a highly absorbed power law (PL), with a hydrogen column density of

cm−2 and PL photon index

. Its flux is constant between the two observations at

erg s−1 cm−2. We find no statistically significant changes in the spectral shape or the flux of this extended emission over a period of 9 yr from 2005 to 2014. These new results strongly support the extended emission nature as a wind nebula and firmly establish Swift J1834.9−0846 as the first magnetar to show a surrounding wind nebula. Further, our results imply that such nebulae are no longer exclusive to rotation-powered pulsars and narrow the gap between these two subpopulations of isolated neutron stars. The size and spectrum of the nebula are compatible with those of pulsar-wind nebulae, but its radiative efficiency

is markedly high, possibly pointing to an additional wind component in Swift J1834.9−0846.
OGLE-2012-BLG-0724LB: A SATURN-MASS PLANET AROUND AN M DWARF
Authors: Hirao Y. , Udalski A. , Sumi T. , Bennett D. P. , Bond I. A. , Rattenbury N. , Suzuki D. , Koshimoto N. , Abe F. , Asakura Y. , Bhattacharya A. , Freeman M. , Fukui A. , Itow Y. , Li M. C. A. , Ling C. H. , Masuda K. , Matsubara Y. , Matsuo T. , Muraki Y. , Nagakane M. , Ohnishi K. , Oyokawa H. , Saito To. , Sharan A. , Shibai H. , Sullivan D. J. , Tristram P. J. , Yonehara A. ,   (The MOA Collaboration), Poleski R. , Skowron J. , Mróz P. , Szymański M. K. , Kozłowski S. , Pietrukowicz P. , Soszyński I. , Wyrzykowski Ł. , Ulaczyk K. ,   (The OGLE Collaboration)
Published: June 2016

We report the discovery of a planet by the microlensing method, OGLE-2012-BLG-0724Lb. Although the duration of the planetary signal for this event was one of the shortest seen for a planetary event, the anomaly was well covered thanks to high-cadence observations taken by the survey groups OGLE and MOA. By analyzing the light curve, this planetary system is found to have a mass ratio

q
=
(
1.58
±
0.15
)
×

10

−
3

. By conducting a Bayesian analysis, we estimate that the host star is an M dwarf with a mass of

M

L

=

0.29

−
0.16

+
0.33

M

☉

located at

D

L

=

6.7

−
1.2

+
1.1

kpc

away from the Earth and the companion’s mass is

m

P

=

0.47

−
0.26

+
0.54

M

Jup

. The projected planet–host separation is

a

⊥

=

1.6

−
0.3

+
0.4

AU

. Because the lens–source relative proper motion is relatively high, future high-resolution images would detect the lens host star and determine the lens properties uniquely. This system is likely a Saturn-mass exoplanet around an M dwarf, and such systems are commonly detected by gravitational microlensing. This adds another example of a possible pileup of sub-Jupiters

(
0.2
<

m

P

/

M

Jup

<
1
)

in contrast to a lack of Jupiters (

∼
1
–
2

M

Jup

) around M dwarfs, supporting the prediction by core accretion models that Jupiter-mass or more massive planets are unlikely to form around M dwarfs.
AGILE OBSERVATIONS OF THE GRAVITATIONAL-WAVE EVENT GW150914
Authors: Tavani M. , Pittori C. , Verrecchia F. , Bulgarelli A. , Giuliani A. , Donnarumma I. , Argan A. , Trois A. , Lucarelli F. , Marisaldi M. , Monte E. Del , Evangelista Y. , Fioretti V. , Zoli A. , Piano G. , Munar-Adrover P. , Antonelli L. A. , Barbiellini G. , Caraveo P. , Cattaneo P. W. , Costa E. , Feroci M. , Ferrari A. , Longo F. , Mereghetti S. , Minervini G. , Morselli A. , Pacciani L. , Pellizzoni A. , Picozza P. , Pilia M. , Rappoldi A. , Sabatini S. , Vercellone S. , Vittorini V. , Giommi P. , Colafrancesco S. , Cardillo M. , Galli M. , Fuschino F.
Published: June 2016

We report the results of an extensive search through the AGILE data for a gamma-ray counterpart to the LIGO gravitational-wave (GW) event GW150914. Currently in spinning mode, AGILE has the potential of cover 80% of the sky with its gamma-ray instrument, more than 100 times a day. It turns out that AGILE came within a minute of the event time of observing the accessible GW150914 localization region. Interestingly, the gamma-ray detector exposed ∼65% of this region during the 100 s time intervals centered at −100 and +300 s from the event time. We determine a 2σ flux upper limit in the band 50 MeV–10 GeV, UL = 1.9 × 10−8 erg cm−2 s−1, obtained ∼300 s after the event. The timing of this measurement is the fastest ever obtained for GW150914, and significantly constrains the electromagnetic emission of a possible high-energy counterpart. We also carried out a search for a gamma-ray precursor and delayed emission over five timescales ranging from minutes to days: in particular, we obtained an optimal exposure during the interval −150/−30 s. In all these observations, we do not detect a significant signal associated with GW150914. We do not reveal the weak transient source reported by Fermi-GBM 0.4 s after the event time. However, even though a gamma-ray counterpart of the GW150914 event was not detected, the prospects for future AGILE observations of GW sources are decidedly promising.
Early Outcomes Following Metal-on-Metal Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients Younger Than 50 Years
Authors: Riley Clay , Idoine John , Shishani Yousef , Gobezie Reuben , Edwards Bradley
Published: June 2016

Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is a useful intervention for older patients with glenohumeral arthritis and a deficient rotator cuff. However, as a semiconstrained prosthesis, conventional reverse TSA implanted in a young patient could fail over time secondary to polyethylene wear and subsequent osteolysis. A metal-on-metal prosthesis may avoid this type of failure. The purpose of this study is to assess the outcomes in an initial cohort of young patients who underwent reverse TSA using a metal-on-metal prosthesis. Surgical indications included age younger than 50 years with a functioning deltoid and significant impairment of shoulder function with irreparable rotator cuff due to tumor resection, arthritis, or revision surgery. Nine patients with an average age of 37 years underwent implantation of a custom metal-on-metal reverse TSA prosthesis. All patients had a minimum 12-month follow-up or a failure of their procedure requiring revision surgery prior to 1 year. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) scores, Constant scores, and range of motion were recorded and analyzed pre- and postoperatively to assess improvement, and all complications were noted. Average ASES score improved from 47 points preoperatively to 73.4 points postoperatively (
P
=.013). Average Constant and adjusted Constant scores improved from 20.8 points and 16% preoperatively to 61.8 points and 67.3% postoperatively, respectively (
P
=.019 and
P
=.068). Mean postoperative active forward flexion and active external rotation were 119.4° and 10°, respectively. Complications included the following: 3 patients sustained a postoperative dislocation, 1 patient had a glenoid fracture and complete loss of fixation of the baseplate, and 1 patient experienced dissociation of the glenosphere from the base-plate. Although metal-on-metal reverse TSA may appear to be an attractive choice in the treatment of young patients with limited reconstructive options, postoperative outcomes are disappointing, and the complication rate is high. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(5):e957–e961.]
Trauma-Induced Resolution of Solitary Osteochondroma of the Distal Femur
Authors: Lee Adam K. , Woll Abbigail K. , Malone W. James J. , Mirenda William M.
Published: June 2016

Osteochondromas are benign lesions manifested as bony protrusions capped by cartilage. The exact cause of these growths is not known, and there is no treatment other than surgical excision if the lesion becomes symptomatic. Spontaneous resolution is an uncommon phenomenon that is not completely understood. A 12-year-old girl presented with a mass behind the left knee diagnosed as an osteochondroma. She was followed with serial radiographs because the lesion was minimally symptomatic. At 2.5 years after presentation, the patient reported feeling a “pop” with knee hyperflexion, and radiographic follow-up confirmed a decrease in the size of the growth. The protrusion continued to decrease in size until it was no longer detectable with radiographs, physical examination, and advanced imaging. Spontaneously resolving osteochondromas have been previously documented, but the literature is limited. There were just over 20 cases reported as of the writing of this article, and only 1 other case includes postresolution magnetic resonance imaging. This report of localized trauma inducing spontaneous resolution provides additional evidence and insight supporting previous theories on spontaneous resolution of osteochondromas, which may assist in counseling patients and their families regarding expected natural history. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(5):e1001–e1004.]
Viviendas en La Universidad de Michigan. (USA)
Authors: Hellmuth George , Obata Gyo , Kassabaum George
Published: June 2016

Estas viviendas, construidas para los estudiantes casados de la Universidad de Michigan, están situadas en Ann Arbor y se han organizado en una serie de «vecindades» con sus correspondientes calles peatonales, alamedas, zonas de recreo, servicios comerciales, etc. La unidad de vivienda básica es una casa de dos plantas, con estructura de madera sobre un cimiento de hormigón.
Determinación volumétrica de la sílice en el cemento Portland
Authors: Calleja J. , Bacle B.
Published: June 2016

Not available
Sobre la naturaleza zeolítica de la toba amarilla de Gran Canaria
Authors: Sersale Ricardo
Published: June 2016

Not available
Industrial manufacture of expanded clay
Authors: Cubaud J. C. , Murat M.
Published: June 2016

Not available
New research on necessary measures against harmful inclusions of clay (continued)
Authors: Schmidt E.
Published: June 2016

Not available
The fifth international symposium on cement chemistry
Authors: Calleja J.
Published: June 2016

Not available
Cement and prefabrication
Authors: Joisel A.
Published: June 2016

Not available
Model of a CNC Feed Drive for On-Site Tuning of the Controllers for Single Axis Motion
Authors: Breaz Radu Eugen , Racz Sever Gabriel , Bologa Octavian , Tera Melania
Published: June 2016

The accuracy of CNC machine-tools is heavily influenced by the correct tuning of the feed drives controllers. While an initial tuning is performed by the machine-tool manufactures, in time the values have to be changed by the user in order to preserve positioning and contouring accuracy of the machine. This paper presents a model of a CNC feed drive, for a particular CNC machine-tool, but with a high degree of generality. The objective is to provide the user the necessary knowledge, together with a simple, yet accurate simulation tool, in order to assist him in the process of tuning the controllers.
Placement of Composed LED Light Sources for an Inverse Triangulation Motion Capture System with Reflexive Spherical Markers
Authors: Mirescu Constantin Radu , Roșca Gabriela
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates the problem of composed LED light sources placement for a particular case of motion capture with reflexive spherical markers in Gait Analysis in a controlled lighted environment. After the addressed problem is introduced the way the rays are propagated from the individual LEDs to the pixel array of video camera is computed. Based on this calculus the number of ray hits on distinct pixels is computed for a marker placed in the workspace. Next by varying some scene parameters we obtain the total number of hits on the overall set of makers placed in the scene and based on this number we obtain finally the best placement for the composed LED light sources using an iterative approach.
Phase Difference Control System for TR Motor
Authors: Nishizawa Uichi , Toyama Shigeki
Published: June 2016

The authors have developed a translational and rotational motor in one device by ultrasonic drive technology. This motor has two degree of freedom, that is, translational movement and rotational movement (TR motor). Two movements are controlled independently or simultaneously such as screw movement. As the motor is driven by ultrasonic vibration at the resonant frequency, the motor (stator) is designed and optimized by FEM analysis. Based on the analysis of FEM, the authors have developed a TR motor successfully. It shows good controllability in both movements.
Error Estimation for Known Marker Position Retrieval by Ideal Pinhole Camera Direct Observation
Authors: Mirescu Constantin Radu , Roșca Gabriela
Published: June 2016

For Motion Capture in Gait Analysis using Known Spherical Markers one simple direct approach is to compute the projection of the Marker Center using its projection in the Pixel Plane and based on it to find the location of the Marker on the line that connects the Marker Center Projection and the camera Focal Point. For various positions of the Marker in the workspace the exact image of the marker is computed using a genuine approach and compute back the approximation of the position based on the generated image. Various algorithms are taken in consideration and finally the results are assessed from the point of view of Gait Analysis and two directions for calculus improvement are identified.
Study Concerning the Hysteresis of Pneumatic Muscles
Authors: Deaconescu Tudor , Deaconescu Andrea
Published: June 2016

A known phenomenon during the contraction/expansion cycles of pneumatic muscles is the occurrence of hysteresis, caused by the elasticity of their component materials. The inherent hysteresis manifest in pneumatic muscles increases the non-linearity of the systems they are included in and consequently the complexity of the related control systems. The paper discusses a number of experimental results obtained for the hysteresis related behaviour of a small size Festo pneumatic muscle, where the specific hysteresis loops were highlighted via isotonic testing.
Zigler-Nicols PID Tuning Method for Position Control of a Mobile Robot
Authors: Crenganis Mihai , Breaz Radu Eugen , Racz Gabriel , Bologa Octavian
Published: June 2016

This paper presents the implementation and the tuning of PID controller for a mobile platform with differential steering. It presents a mobile platform built in the Department of Industrial Machinery & Equipment, of the Engineering Faculty of Sibiu for an European contest. In a first phase, a brief introduction to PID controller is made, followed by a description of the various robot's components and traction principles underlying locomotion of mobile platforms. At the end the paper contains several principles of tuning the PID controller for the mobile robot.
On the Variation of the Polytropic Exponent in a High Pressure Fan Impeller
Authors: Dragomirescu Andrei
Published: June 2016

Fan impellers are usually designed considering that the pumped air is incompressible and homogeneous, i.e. its density remains constant. When the incompressibility hypothesis can lead to significant errors, as in the case of high pressure fans, the analysis of the air flow can be made by considering that the air undergoes a polytropic process of constant polytropic exponent. In this paper, the concept of polytropic process of variable exponent depending on impeller radius is introduced, in order to better approximate the phenomena that take place inside blade passages. Numerical results obtained for an impeller of a high pressure fan without spiral casing suggest that the pumped air undergoes two different processes: an expansion in the first part of the impeller and the usual compression in the second part. The two processes are reflected in the strong variation of the polytropic exponent, which shows a vertical asymptote where the change of the process takes place. The results also suggest that high pressure fan impellers could consist of two stages, each stage being designed according to the process that takes place inside it: expansion or compression.
Studies Concerning Numerical Prediction of Metal Fibering Obtained by Cold Bulk Forming Using Sensitivity Analysis of Tribological and Rheological Properties on a Cylindrical Crushing Process
Authors: Gavrus Adinel , Pintilie Daniela , Nedelcu Roxana
Published: June 2016

The present research paper concerns a numerical and experimental analysis of the tribologic and rheological constitutive behavior influence on prediction of metallic material forging fibering. Numerical analysis using finite element Forge® code and Abaqus software show the high importance of the friction law formulation and of the material rheological softening on the fibers morphology and on their position coordinates. Calibration and sensitivity of friction law together with the numerical sensitivity of the softening term corresponding to a Hansel-Spittel rheological equation have been studied for a cylindrical crushing test of a 16MnCr5 steel.
Researches on NOx Emissions from the Test Bench Testing of a Post Combustion Burner
Authors: Cretu Mihaela , Barbu Ene , Teleaba Victoria , Vilag Valeriu , Mirea Radu
Published: June 2016

The more and more restrictive environment requirements in the field of pollutant emissions of co-generative plants are imposing researches related to the more efficient work of those related to the post combustion facility. The paper presents the results of a post combustion burner achieved on a test bench, when it idling operates on natural gas mixed with air or with burned gases of a gas turbine. The modeling of the measured emissions, led to NOx concentrations in ambient air that are below the limits imposed by the in force regulations related to air quality and are correlated to the real time measured data.
Feasibility of the Microcomputers for the ADDASAT Capsule
Authors: Rugescu Dragos Ronald
Published: June 2016

One of the most challenging problems in developing the astrionics of the recoverable orbital ADDAHORSE microcapsule is represented by the power and size constraints which require an extreme degree of miniaturization. The size, mass and power requirements of the electronic and computing (astrionics) on-board control and command equipment can be conveniently reduced by designing an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) which integrates sensors, autopilot logic, drivers, RF communication and interface subsystems in a single, combined SoC (System-on-Chip). The feasibility of such a device is discussed here within the bounds of the ADDAHORSE project which was proposed for structural funding in Romania in 2014. This study was conducted by the Center for Innovation and Development in the Exploration of Space (CIDES) in the emerging Făgăraș facility of the future Făgăraș Space Center in Romania.
A Static Output Feedback Approach for Inverting a Dynamic System
Authors: Ene Costin , Stoica Adrian Mihail
Published: June 2016

Inverting a state-space system A,B,C,D is a problem implying that the transmission zeros, of the system we want to invert, lie in the open left half plane. This is solved by finding an appropriate D matrix. We will show that finding D turns into a static output feedback problem, that can be addressed by solving a non-convex problem of rank minimization under LMI constrains. A numerical example will show the effectiveness of this approach.
Mechanical Evaluation of Titanium Implants Ag/Si Doped Carbon Layers
Authors: Croitoru Sorin Mihai , Socol Gabriel
Published: June 2016

This paper presents some experimental research followed by setting industrial criteria for evaluation of titanium screw dental implants coated with layers of carbon doped with silver and silicon. Coating was done by three laser deposition methods. The coatings were studied related to the laser deposition method, friction coefficient and adherence to titanium substrate. As well, a DEFORM 2D™ simulation of screw dental implant fixture is presented. Research was done in the framework of CarLa M-ERA.NET project. Only research done by Romanian partners is presented.
Consideration Regarding the Modeling of Knowledge of Kanban System by Implementing in Technical Academic Institutions
Authors: Popp Ilie Octavian
Published: June 2016

After the first time invention of Kanban system by Ohno Taiichi [1], Kanban system is becoming more and more famous in industries and nevertheless its importance and implementation is increasing faster than ever before. Main objective is to address this question thoroughly, how knowledge base Kanban system can be useful in future. This research work shows a modeling approach of Kanban system implementation to improve and meet the requirement of knowledge by implementing Kanban system using just in time concept given by Ohno Taiichi for academic institution. It also describe how can this system be implemented and how can we benefit from this system in a different way. Its advantages and disadvantages are also discussed this paper.