bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE VALUE OF MIXED-METHOD RESEARCH WITH FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: A GROUNDED THEORY PROTOCOL
Authors: Ilias Kartini , Cornish Kim , Sang-Ah Park Miriam , Golden Karen Jennifer
Published: January 2016

This study emphasizes the value of mixed-method research methodologies in research with families of children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD), specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The category of NDD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) includes Intellectual Developmental Disorders, Communication Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deﬁcit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Speciﬁc Learning Disorder, and Motor Disorders. NDD affect not only the child, but the family as well. Limited research has utilized a qualitative or a mixed-methods approach to explore the experiences, stressors, and resilience of parents of children with ASD in non-Western contexts. Providing an example of a mixed-methods design, this paper illustrates a multiple-phase doctoral study on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study’s objective is to conduct an embedded design, mixed-method analysis using grounded theory to better understand parents’ (mothers and fathers) experiences, stressors, well-being and resilience in the Malaysian cultural context. Integrating and blending the approaches together allows for deeper analysis and theory development, while allowing rich cultural data to be shared in research areas where limited information is present. Revealing the family system, cultural, and contextual processes, the findings have important implications for professionals and researchers to develop more meaningful, culturally-tailored, and evidenced-based interventions.
EXPLORATORY STUDY ON THE MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE CONTAINING SULFUR
Authors: Yeoh David , Heng Boon Koh , Jamaluddin Norwati
Published: January 2016

This research is an exploratory experiment into sulfur concrete used not as a complete replacement of cement but as an additional material in percentage of the cement content. The aim of this research was to explore the possible appreciation of mechanical and physical properties of concrete containing sulfur with percentages of 1%, 5% and 10% of the cement content. The sulfur used here was not heat-activated, hence the binding effect in sulfur was absent. The experimental results revealed that concrete containing sulfur did not perform better in their strength properties, both compressive strength and flexural strength. The physical properties such as water penetration and water absorption for concrete containing sulfur also showed poor performance in comparison to ordinary Portland cement concrete. Such phenomena are very likely due to the sulfur not being activated by heat. Carbonation test did not show good results as a longer term of testing is required. Drying shrinkage property was found to be encouraging in that concrete containing 10% sulfur had quite significant reduction in drying shrinkage as opposed to ordinary Portland cement concrete.
STUDY OF CO2 ADSORPTION AND DESORPTION ON ACTIVATED CARBON SUPPORTED IRON OXIDE BY TEMPERATURE PROGRAMMED DESORPTION
Authors: Hakim Azizul , Abu Tahari Maratun Najiha , Marliza Tengku Sharifah , Wan Isahak Wan Nor Roslam , Yusop Muhammad Rahimi , Mohamed Hisham Mohamed Wahab , Yarmoa Mohd. Ambar
Published: January 2016

Anthropogenic gas of CO2 level was higher than CO2 atmospheric safety limit of 350 ppm since 80’s. It can be assumed that CO2 level growth directly proportional to the population and development. Hence, studies on CO2 capture have been extensively established in between year of 2000-2010. Metal oxide can be a good adsorbent but it has the weakness in surface area and sintered after regeneration process. Thus, activated carbon was used to enhance the surface area which mainly responsible for physical adsorption. Fe2O3 supported on activated carbon (Fe2O3/AC) were prepared by impregnation method and used for CO2 adsorption-desorption studies. The XRD result shows that precursor of ferric nitrate used to impregnated on AC (activated carbon) support was directly dissociated to Fe2O3 metal oxide by thermal treatment under N2 atmosphere temperature at 450 °C. The loading amount of Fe2O3 by weight ratio affect the textural properties and CO2 capturing capacity. The surface area and pore volume of the catalyst decrease with the loading of Fe2O3. Highest Fe2O3 loading shows greater amount chemically adsorbed of CO2. Nevertheless, it drastically reduced the surface area of the AC, which is chiefly responsible for CO2 physisorption, thus decreasing the carrying capacity of ACs at 25 °C. The 20Fe2O3/AC was found to be optimum loading for better physi and chemisorptions of CO2.
TASK ANALYSIS AND DOMAIN MODELS IN DESIGNING VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT OF A WEB-BASED NON-IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT APPLICATION (WEB-NIVEA) FOR DIAGNOSING DYSLEXIC CHILDREN’ POTENTIAL
Authors: Hamid Jamilah , Ubaidullah Nor Hasbiah , Samsudin Khairul Anuar , Saad Aslina
Published: January 2016

Virtual reality (VR) technology has novel, complex attributes such as realism and immersion that far surpass 3D multimedia applications, thus entailing appropriate development methodologies. In this study, the researchers propose a new development methodology based on the adaptation of Sutcliffe's VR development methodology in designing a diagnostic tool called Web Based Non-Immersive Virtual Environment Application (WEB-NIVEA), which would be used as a tool to diagnose dyslexic children’s potential in visual spatial field. The development of WEB-NIVEA was based on tasks analysis and domain models phases. Specifically, the analysis of task phases focused on three sub activities, namely application functions, interaction properties, and application activities.  In tandem, the analysis of the domain models helped the design and development of the tool using relevant environmental themes mediated by a virtual agent. To add a sense of presence, realism and interaction elements were employed to engage potential users, especially dyslexic children, to use this tool with ease and fun. Through heightened engagement, dyslexic children can diagnose their potential, so that appropriate learning path can be identified and enhanced to help these children learn efficaciously, thus helping them to embark on suitable careers later in their lives.
APPLICATION OF RADIAL BASIS FUNCTION NETWORK ON PARKINSON DATA
Authors: Zainudin Nur Farahana , Mohamed Norizan , Aleng Nor Azlida , Ahmad Rusmili Siti Hasliza
Published: January 2016

Radial basis function networks have many uses, including the function approximation, time series production, classification and system control. Radial basis function based diagnosis of medical diseases has been taken into great consideration in recent studies. The real data from UCI Machine Learning websites that used 500 Parkinson’s patients and 7 different attributes as the subject were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 21.0. Next, the result of SPSS software will be used and run by MATLAB software. From the research that has been done by other researchers, it was found that MATLAB software is much better in producing the best results for Radial Basis Function.  The value of R2 for Multiple Linear Regression and Radial Basis Function is 0.7450 and 0.9702 respectively. Hence, the Radial Basis Function method shows that there is more variability is explained by this model
CAPTURING GREENHOUSE GAS CARBON DIOXIDE TO FORM CARBONATE COMPOUNDS
Authors: Wan Isahak Wan Nor Roslam , Che Ramli Zatil Amali , Samad Wan Zurina , Yarmo Mohd Ambar
Published: January 2016

The application of CuO and MgO nanoparticles in CO2 capture was evaluated experimentally using 5% CO2 in nitrogen via physisorption and chemisorption instrumentation. The structural and surface micrograph of the CuO and MgO nanoparticles were characterized by XRD and TEM, respectively. After CO2 capture by the CuO nanoparticles, the amounts of oxide, hydroxide, and carbonate phases in the adsorbents were determined by XPS measurements. No hydroxide phase was detected in the MgO nanoparticles because of the efficient transformation of MgO into MgCO3. Monolayer adsorptions of CO2 were shown to occur in the MgO nanoparticles with a total chemisorption of 5.0 mmol/g. After the fifth cycle, only 3% reduction of the CO2 chemisorption was reported because of some agglomeration by sintering during desorption.
IMPLEMENTATION FRAMEWORK SYSTEM FOR ACCREDITATION OF PRIOR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING (APEL) IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Kaprawi Noraini , Razzaly Wahid , Wan Ali Wan Nor Syahira
Published: January 2016

Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) is a systematic process that involves identification, documentation and assessment of prior experiential learning.  APEL has great potentials to widen access and increase mobility for higher education. However, APEL in Malaysia is practically quite unknown in the higher education (HE) sector. There are yet many barriers and this pose a great challenge to implement it in Malaysian higher education institutions (HEIs). These barriers need to be addressed in order for APEL to be in place in HEIs. Since APEL in Malaysian HEIs, is rather immature, therefore, this research focuses on the development of APEL implementation framework for Malaysian HEIs. This research also identifies the barriers and strategies to the effective APEL implementation in Malaysia. This qualitative research employed questionnaires, which were later triangulated with interviews from 62 respondents comprises staff from MQA and six (6) local universities. Three(3) experts from Unirazak, OUM and MQA were also involved in the interview. The findings of this research indicates that the biggest barrier in implementing APEL system in Malaysia is the assessment system, followed by quality assurance, assessor and APEL promotions. This study also indicates that among the effective strategies are to coordinate advising services from local and international experts and implementing research studies for improvement. Finally, the sustainable APEL implementation framework developed is flexible, interactive as well as user-friendly and consisted of four main phases, i.e. student responsibilities, assessor responsibilities, exemption sub-committee and students (approval and decision).
GENERALIZATION OF MATHEMATICAL REPRESENTATION FOR TOOL PATH BASED ON BOUNDARY REPRESENTATION (BREPS) DATA STRUCTURE
Authors: Suhaimi Mohd Azlan , Mat Ghani Firdaus , Mohd Taib Jamaludin , Md Tap Masine
Published: January 2016

A generic representation of linear and curvilinear entities with embedded motion attributes is possible via the integration of a Hermite curve and dynamic of motion. A Hermite curve will form the curve, while a dynamic of motion will position the vertices on the curves with the introduction of a delta distance (Δs). A three-phase algorithm is introduced to examine the applicability of generic representation in tool-path generation. The preprocessing stage will examine the input model prior to Phase I. Phase I will extract the BReps data, and these BReps data will be used in Phase II to develop the generalized mathematical representation of the tool path. Finally, the tool path is drawn in Phase III.
THE PRACTICE OF BUILDING INSPECTION IN MALAYSIAN TOTAL ASSET MANAGEMENT
Authors: Che Ani Adi Irfan , Sairi Ahmad , Johar Suhana , Abd Razak Mohd Zulhanif , Mohd Tawil Norngainy
Published: January 2016

The implementation of Total Asset Management (TAM) is important for sustainable development. Safety and security are aspects that need to be assured of in sustainable development. To ensure that the aspects are assured, the construction industry professionals who are involved in designing, creating, maintaining and disposing the assets should have knowledge in asset management. Therefore, this paper reveals the awareness, knowledge, and familiarity of construction industry professionals about asset management, particularly in terms of building inspection. The data was obtained by using a questionnaire-survey, in which questionnaires were distributed among 205 Malaysian Professionals from various fields. The data was analysed by using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The result shows that the majority of respondents are aware of the need for building inspection and the importance of it. However, they lack knowledge on how to perform a proper building inspection. This is because they are not familiar with the standards or protocols which are often used as a guide such as QLASSIC, RICS Building Survey Report, ASTM E-2018, CPBS101 and others. This is somehow related to many reports of building disasters which occur in Malaysia. To achieve sustainable development, all professionals involved in asset management should have sound knowledge of the principles of TAM, in order to implement it comprehensively.
A 0.3 mW 2.4 GHZ LOW POWER LOW NOISE AMPLIFIER USING FORWARD BODY BIAS TECHNIQUE FOR WIRELESS SENSOR ARD BODY BIAS TECHNIQUE FOR WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK
Authors: Azizan Anishaziela , Zainol Murad Sohiful Anuar
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a 0.3 mW 2.4 GHz low-power low-noise amplifier (LNA) using a forward-body bias technique for a wireless sensor network. The proposed LNA is implemented using CMOS 0.13-µm Silterra technology. The forward-body bias technique with a cascode configuration has been adopted in order to obtain low power consumption. A low supply voltage of 0.5 V is used to optimize the trade-offs between the LNA performances. The post-layout simulation results indicate that a power consumption of 0.3 mW is achieved. The simulated input return loss (S11) is less than -17.71 dB while the output return loss (S22) is below -14.83 dB. Moreover, the gain (S21) of 9.86 dB, the noise figure (NF) of 5.11 dB and the input-referred third-order intercept point (IIP3) of -7.5 dBm at 2.4 GHz is obtained with the calculated figure of merit (FOM) of 4.64 (1/mW).
FACTORS IDENTIFICATION ON OPTIMIZATION OF BALL PLACEMENT TOOL FOR FLIP-CHIP-BALL-GRID-ARRAY PRODUCT
Authors: Ismail Annuar , Dollah Rozzeta , Miyagi Zenichi
Published: January 2016

Market demand on system-on-chip (SoC) using ball-attach technologies, it is time for ball-attach module to have an improvement on their capabilities within limited resources (man and machine). This paper identifies caused of factor which contributes more time to production time. Justification on improving ball-attach module cycle time during high volume activities is explained.
Reusable nanoengineered surfaces for bacterial recruitment and decontamination
Authors: Ista Linnea K. , Yu Qian , Parthasarathy Anand , Schanze Kirk S. , López Gabriel P.
Published: January 2016

Biofouling, or accumulation of unwanted biofilms, on surfaces is a major concern for public health and human industry. Materials either avoiding contamination (fouling resistant) and/or directly killing attached microbes (biocidal) have thus far failed to achieve the goal of eliminating biofouling; fouling resistant surfaces eventually foul and biocidal surfaces accumulate debris that eventually decrease their efficacy. Combined biocidal and fouling release materials offer the potential for both killing and removing debris and are promising candidates for reducing biofouling on manufactured materials. Interference lithography was used to create nanopatterns of initiators, which were then used to initiate atom transfer radical polymerization of the temperature-responsive polymer, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) as a fouling release component. Biocidal activity was conferred by subsequent layer-by-layer deposition of cationic and anionic poly(phenylene ethynylenes) into the valleys between the PNIPAAm. For both Gram positive and Gram negative model bacteria, dark-regime biocidal activity was observed that did not increase upon exposure to light, suggesting that the mode of antimicrobial activity is due to ionic disruption of the cell wall. Subsequent to killing, bacteria and cellular debris were removed upon a temperature-induced phase transition of the PNIPAAm. These materials exhibited capture, killing, and release activity over multiple cycles of use.
Sequential inversion of modal data for sound attenuation in sediment at the New Jersey Shelf
Authors: Duan Rui , Ross Chapman N. , Yang Kunde , Ma Yuanliang
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a method for estimating bottom geoacoustic properties especially the sediment attenuation from information contained in normal modes of a broadband signal. Propagating modes are resolved using the time-warping technique applied to signals from light bulb sound sources deployed at ranges of 5 and 7 km in the Shallow Water '06 experiment. A sequential inversion approach is designed that uses specific features of the acoustic data that are highly sensitive to specific geoacoustic model parameters. The first feature is the modal group speed, which is inverted for seabed sound speed, density, and sediment thickness. The second feature is the modal depth function for inverting receiver depths. The third feature is related to the modal coefficient spectra, and this is inverted for source depth and sediment attenuation. In each subsequent stage, estimates from the previous stage(s) are used as known values. The sequential inversion is stable and generates estimates for the geoacoustic model parameters that agree very well with results from other experiments carried out in the same region. Notably, the inversion obtains an estimated attenuation of 0.078 dB/λ in the band 120–180 Hz for the de-watered marine sediment characteristic of the continental shelf at the site.
The Effectiveness of Custom Foot Orthotics in Treating Chronic Low Back Pain: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Hogan Kathleen K. , Perkins William O. , Powden, Cameron J. , Hoch Matthew C.
Published: January 2016

Clinical Scenario:

Chronic low back pain is one of the most common causes of pain and disability. Currently, there is a need for more effective interventions to treat low back pain.

Clinical Question:

Does the use of custom foot orthotics improve self-reported measures of pain and function in adults with chronic low back pain?

Summary of Key Findings:

A comprehensive and systematic search was conducted for studies of level 2 evidence or higher that pertained to the clinical question. The search yielded 11 studies, of which one randomized control trial and two prospective cohorts fit the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The articles examined the effectiveness of custom foot orthotics in isolation compared with no treatment as well as custom foot orthotics in combination with usual care compared with usual care alone. The included studies all demonstrated that the use of custom foot orthotics reduce chronic low back pain after seven weeks of use. One included study was considered high-quality evidence while two were deemed low-quality evidence using the PEDro.

Clinical Bottom Line:

There is moderate evidence to support the use of custom foot orthotics to improve self-reported measures in adults with chronic low back pain after seven weeks of use.

Strength of Recommendation:

The Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy recommends a grade of B for consistent limited-quality patient-oriented evidence.
Fluid Delivery Method Influences Drinking Efficiency among Physically Active Children
Authors: Yeargin Susan W. , Bowman Sean M. , Eberman Lindsey E. , Edwards Jeffrey E.
Published: January 2016

During physical activities, youth consume fluids from various delivery methods that may influence hydration behaviors. The purpose of this study was to determine the drinking efficiency of these different methods. Children’s fluid intake was more efficient when drinking from a cup compared with a bottle with no mouth contact and a water fountain, but not compared with a bottle with direct mouth contact. Drinking from the water fountain was the least effective compared with all other methods. Children drink more efficiently when using cups and water bottles with direct mouth contact as the delivery method compared with methods with no mouth contact.
Eating at the right time
Authors: Traverso Giovanni
Published: January 2016

Misalignment of feeding and sleeping schedules can disrupt learning and memory, a concern for shift workers.
Working Capital as a Determinant of Corporate Profitability
Authors: Madhou Ashwin , Moosa Imad , Ramiah Vikash
Published: January 2016

This study examines the interaction of corporate profitability, working capital management and firm characteristics. Advanced quantitative techniques, such as dynamic panel estimation and median regression, are used to test the underlying relations. The findings indicate that both size and debt ratio are important determinants of corporate profitability and that profitable firms and losing firms tend to have different determinants of profitability. Several findings indicate that the effects of the components of working capital on profitability depend on firm characteristics such as the state of working capital (surplus/deficit) and where the firm lies in the profitability league.
Stock Price Modeling: Separation of Trend and Fluctuations, and Implications
Authors: Craven B. D. , Islam Sardar M. N.
Published: January 2016

A series of stock prices typically shows a large trend and smaller fluctuations. These two parts are often studied together, as if parts of a single process; but they appear to be separately caused. In this paper, the two parts are analyzed separately, so that one does not distort the other, and some spurious interaction terms are avoided. This contributes a model, in which a wide range of features of stock price behavior are identified. With logarithms of stock prices, the two parts become of more comparable size. This is found to lead to a simpler additive model. On a logarithmic scale, the stock prices show the trend as a straight line (which can be extrapolated), with added fluctuations filling a narrow band. The trend and fluctuations are thus separated. The trend appears to be largely generated by a positive feedback process, describing investor behavior. The width of the fluctuation band does not grow with time, so positive feedback is not its cause. The movement of stock prices can be understood by analyzing the trend and fluctuations as separate processes; the latter considered as a stationary stochastic process with a scale factor. This analysis is applied to a historical dataset [Formula: see text] index of daily prices from February 1928). Here, the fluctuations are autocorrelated over short time intervals; there is little structure, except for market crash periods, when variability increases. The slope of the trend showed some jumps, not predictable from price history. This approach to modeling describes many aspects of stock price behavior, which are usually discussed in behavioral finance.
Knowledge Nurturing Reflexivity in the Lens of the Internal Conversation
Authors: Yoo Dong Kyoon
Published: January 2016

Leveraging intellectual capital has become imperative to facilitate individuals’ innovativeness. However, little is known about the process of knowledge nurturing reflexivity where newborn ideas and newfound knowledge, which may be incomplete or ineffective in their infancy, are further developed instead of being criticised or discarded. Without proper nurturing, they may be abandoned prematurely and never be transformed into innovativeness. To fill the research gap, this study explores knowledge nurturing reflexivity drawn upon the theory of the internal conversation. Data collected from 368 knowledge workers were used to test the research framework. Empirical results show that sociability and solidarity are conducive to absorptive capacity that in turn influences knowledge nurture. In addition, innovativeness is significantly affected by knowledge nurture. This study contributes to overcoming the weakness of reflexivity modelling in the knowledge management (KM) literature. This study also provides important insights about the essential role of the internal conversation in building knowledge nurturing reflexivity.
Numerical Simulation of Violent Impinging Jet Flows with Improved SPH Method
Authors: Shao J. R. , Li S. M. , Liu M. B.
Published: January 2016

This paper presents an implementation of an improved smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method for simulating violent water impinging jet flow problems. The presented SPH method involves three major modifications on the traditional SPH method, (1) The kernel gradient correction (KGC) and density correction are used to improve the computational accuracy and obtain smoothed pressure field, (2) a coupled dynamic solid boundary treatment (SBT) is used to remove the numerical oscillation near the solid boundary and ensure no penetration condition, (3) a free surface condition, which is obtained from the summation of kernel function and volume, is used to describe the water jet accurately. Different cases about violent impinging jet flows are simulated. The influences of impact velocity and angles are investigated. It is demonstrated that the presented SPH method has very good performance with accurate impinging jet patterns and pressure field distribution. It is also found that the pressure time histories of observation points are greatly influenced by the rarefaction wave from surrounding air. Closer distance from free surface can lead to quicker decay of the pressure time history.
Strain Gradient Finite Element Analysis on the Vibration of Double-Layered Graphene Sheets
Authors: Xu Wei , Wang Lifeng , Jiang Jingnong
Published: January 2016

A nonlocal Kirchhoff plate model with the van der Waals (vdW) interactions taken into consideration is developed to study the vibration of double-layered graphene sheets (DLGS). The dynamic equations of multi-layered Kirchhoff plate are derived based on strain gradient elasticity. An explicit formula is derived to predict the natural frequency of the DLGS with all edges simply supported. Then a 4-node 24-degree of freedom (DOF) Kirchhoff plate element is developed to discretize the higher order partial differential equations with the small scale effect taken into consideration by the theory of virtual work. It can be directly used to predict the scale effect on the vibrational DLGS with different boundary conditions. A good agreement between finite element method (FEM) results and theoretical natural frequencies of the vibration simply supported double-layered graphene sheet (DLGS) validates the reliability of the FEM. Finally, this new FEM is used to investigate the effect of vdW coefficients, sizes, nonlocal parameters, vibration mode and boundary conditions on the vibration behaviors of DLGS.
Factorizations of Matrices over Projective-free Rings
Authors: Chen Huanyin , Kose H. , Kurtulmaz Y.
Published: January 2016

An element of a ring R is called strongly J#-clean provided that it can be written as the sum of an idempotent and an element in J#(R) that commute. In this paper, we characterize the strong J#-cleanness of matrices over projective-free rings. This extends many known results on strongly clean matrices over commutative local rings.
Some Properties of Completely Arithmetical Rings
Authors: Lu Xinmin
Published: January 2016

In this paper, we introduce the concept of completely arithmetical rings and investigate their properties. In particular, we prove that if R is a completely arithmetical ring with J(R)=0, then K0(R) ≅ ℤn for some positive integer n. We also show that such a ring is precisely a ring in which every proper ideal can be written uniquely as a product of finitely many distinct completely strongly irreducible ideals.
Enhanced porosity preservation by pore fluid overpressure and chlorite grain coatings in the Triassic Skagerrak, Central Graben, North Sea, UK
Authors: Stricker Stephan , Jones Stuart J.
Published: January 2016

Current understanding of porosity preservation in deeply buried sandstone reservoirs tends to be focused on how diagenetic grain coatings of clay minerals and microquartz can inhibit macroquartz cementation. However, the importance of overpressure developed during initial (shallow) burial in maintaining high primary porosity during subsequent burial has generally not been appreciated. Where pore fluid pressures are high, and the vertical effective stress is low, the shallow arrest of compaction can allow preservation of high porosity and permeability at depths normally considered uneconomic. The deeply buried fluvial sandstone reservoirs of the Triassic Skagerrak Formation in the Central Graben, North Sea, show anomalously high porosities at depths greater than 3500 metres below sea floor (mbsf ). Pore pressures can exceed 80 MPa in the upper part of the Skagerrak Formation at depths of 4000–5000 mbsf, where temperatures are above 140°C. The Skagerrak reservoirs commonly have high primary porosities of up to 35%, little macroquartz cement and variable amounts of diagenetic chlorite grain coats. This research sheds light on the complex controls on reservoir quality in the fluvial sandstones of the Skagerrak Formation by identifying the role of shallow overpressure in arresting mechanical compaction and the importance of chlorite detrital grain coatings in inhibiting macroquartz cement overgrowth as temperature increases during progressive burial.
Quantum Transport on Disordered and Noisy Networks: An Interplay of Structural Complexity and Uncertainty
Authors: Walschaers Mattia , Schlawin Frank , Wellens Thomas , Buchleitner Andreas
Published: January 2016

We discuss recent research on quantum transport in complex materials, from photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes to photonic circuits. We identify finite, disordered networks as the underlying backbone and as a versatile framework to gain insight into the specific potential of nontrivial quantum dynamical effects to characterize and control transport on complex structures. We discriminate authentic quantum properties from classical aspects of complexity and briefly address the impact of interactions, nonlinearities, and noise. We stress the relevance of what we call the nonasymptotic realm, physical situations in which neither the relevant time- and length-scales, the number of degrees of freedom, or constituents tend to very small or very large values, nor do global symmetries or disorder fully govern the dynamics. Although largely uncharted territory, we argue that novel, intriguing and nontrivial questions for experimental and theoretical work emerge, with the prospect of a unified understanding of complex quantum transport phenomena in diverse physical settings.
Biology, Ecology, and Management of an Invasive Stink Bug,Bagrada hilaris, in North America
Authors: Palumbo John C. , Perring Thomas M. , Millar Jocelyn G. , Reed Darcy A.
Published: January 2016

The painted bug, Bagrada hilaris, native to eastern and southern Africa and Asia, was detected in California in 2008, and it has spread rapidly throughout several southwestern US states. A polyphagous insect, it is particularly damaging to the billion dollar cole crop industry. B. hilaris frequently causes damage when it migrates to newly planted crops from weedy hosts. Feeding produces circular or star-shaped chlorotic lesions that become necrotic, and infested plants may be distorted. Currently, no reliable sampling methods for B. hilaris exist, nor are there effective natural enemies in the United States. Therefore, management has relied on multiple applications of insecticides and cultural practices such as removal of weedy hosts, destruction of crop residues, timing of planting, and use of transplants. Several pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides are most effective for controlling the insect. Reliable sampling methods and further development of integrated pest management strategies to manage this invasive pest are urgently needed as its range continues to expand.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid: Potential Health Benefits as a Functional Food Ingredient
Authors: Kim Jun Ho , Kim Yoo , Kim Young Jun , Park Yeonhwa
Published: January 2016

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) has drawn significant attention since the 1980s for its various biological activities. CLA consists mainly of two isomers, cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12, and the mixture of these two (CLA mix or 50:50) has been approved for food as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) in the United States since 2008. Along with its original discovery as an anticancer component, CLA has been shown to prevent the development of atherosclerosis, reduce body fat while improving lean body mass, and modulate immune and/or inflammatory responses. This review summarizes the clinical trials involving CLA since 2012; additional uses of CLA for age-associated health issues are discussed; and CLA's potential health concerns, including glucose homeostasis, oxidative stress, hepatic steatosis, and milk-fat depression, are examined. With ongoing applications to food products, CLA consumption is expected to rise and close monitoring of not only its efficacy but also its known and unknown consequences are required to ensure proper applications of CLA.
High-Intensity Ultrasound to Improve Physical and Functional Properties of Lipids
Authors: Wagh Ashwini , Birkin Peter , Martini Silvana
Published: January 2016

High-intensity ultrasound (HIU) has been used in recent years to change the crystallization behavior of edible lipids. This technique can be used in combination with other processing technologies to tailor lipids' functional properties and broaden their application for various food products. In general, sonication induces crystallization, increases crystallization rate, and generates a harder and more elastic crystalline network characterized by smaller crystals with a sharper melting profile. An important application of HIU is to improve the hardness and elasticity of shortenings that have a low content of saturated fatty acids and are free of trans-fats. This review summarizes recent research that used HIU to change the physical and functional properties of edible lipids and focuses on the importance of controlling processing variables such as sonication power level and duration and crystallization temperature.
Caffeine: Friend or Foe?
Authors: Doepker Candace , Lieberman Harris R. , Smith Andrew Paul , Peck Jennifer D. , El-Sohemy Ahmed , Welsh Brian T.
Published: January 2016

The debate on the safety of and regulatory approaches for caffeine continues among various stakeholders and regulatory authorities. This decision-making process comes with significant challenges, particularly when considering the complexities of the available scientific data, making the formulation of clear science-based regulatory guidance more difficult. To allow for discussions of a number of key issues, the North American Branch of the International Life Sciences Institute (ILSI) convened a panel of subject matter experts for a caffeine-focused session entitled “Caffeine: Friend or Foe?,” which was held during the 2015 ILSI Annual Meeting. The panelists' expertise covered topics ranging from the natural occurrence of caffeine in plants and interindividual metabolism of caffeine in humans to specific behavioral, reproductive, and cardiovascular effects related to caffeine consumption. Each presentation highlighted the potential risks, benefits, and challenges that inform whether caffeine exposure warrants concern. This paper aims to summarize the key topics discussed during the session.
Knockdown of RTN1A attenuates ER stress and kidney injury in albumin overload-induced nephropathy
Authors: Xiao Wenzhen , Fan Ying , Wang Niansong , Chuang Peter Y. , Lee Kyung , He John Cijiang
Published: January 2016

Our previous studies have suggested a critical role of reticulon (RTN)1A in mediating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in kidney cells of animal models and humans with kidney diseases. A large body of evidence suggests that proteinuria itself can cause tubular cell injury leading to the progression of kidney disease. In the present study, we determined whether RTN1A mediates proteinuria-induced tubular cell injury through increased ER stress. We found that incubation of HK2 cells with human serum albumin induced the expression of RTN1A and ER stress markers, whereas knockdown of RTN1A expression attenuated human serum albumin-induced ER stress and tubular cell apoptosis in vitro. In vivo, we found that tubular cell-specific RTN1 knockdown resulted in a significant attenuation of tubular cell ER stress, apoptosis, and renal fibrosis in a model of albumin overload nephropathy. Based on these findings, we conclude that RTN1A is a key mediator for proteinuria-induced tubular cell toxicity and renal fibrosis.
Using fMRI to study reward processing in humans: past, present, and future
Authors: Wang Kainan S. , Smith David V. , Delgado Mauricio R.
Published: January 2016

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is a noninvasive tool used to probe cognitive and affective processes. Although fMRI provides indirect measures of neural activity, the advent of fMRI has allowed for 1) the corroboration of significant animal findings in the human brain, and 2) the expansion of models to include more common human attributes that inform behavior. In this review, we briefly consider the neural basis of the blood oxygenation level dependent signal to set up a discussion of how fMRI studies have applied it in examining cognitive models in humans and the promise of using fMRI to advance such models. Specifically, we illustrate the contribution that fMRI has made to the study of reward processing, focusing on the role of the striatum in encoding reward-related learning signals that drive anticipatory and consummatory behaviors. For instance, we discuss how fMRI can be used to link neural signals (e.g., striatal responses to rewards) to individual differences in behavior and traits. While this functional segregation approach has been constructive to our understanding of reward-related functions, many fMRI studies have also benefitted from a functional integration approach that takes into account how interconnected regions (e.g., corticostriatal circuits) contribute to reward processing. We contend that future work using fMRI will profit from using a multimodal approach, such as combining fMRI with noninvasive brain stimulation tools (e.g., transcranial electrical stimulation), that can identify causal mechanisms underlying reward processing. Consequently, advancements in implementing fMRI will promise new translational opportunities to inform our understanding of psychopathologies.
Circuit Implementation and Antisynchronization of an Improved Lorenz Chaotic System
Authors: Xiong Li , Lu Yan-Jun , Zhang Qi-Meng , Zhang Zhi-Yu
Published: January 2016

An improved Lorenz chaotic system is proposed, making it into a circuit which is easy to be implemented by using some basic electronic components. The antisynchronization error systems can be asymptotically stabilized at the origin with three different methods which are proposed to control the improved Lorenz system. Theoretical analyses and simulation results are given to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of these proposed schemes. Then the hardware circuit for the proposed Lorenz system is implemented by repeated optimization design. Experimental results show that the circuit has good comprehensive performance.
Calcium/Cobalt Alginate Beads as Functional Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Focaroli Stefano , Teti Gabriella , Salvatore Viviana , Orienti Isabella , Falconi Mirella
Published: January 2016

Articular cartilage is a highly organized tissue with complex biomechanical properties. However, injuries to the cartilage usually lead to numerous health concerns and often culminate in disabling symptoms, due to the poor intrinsic capacity of this tissue for self‐healing. Although various approaches are proposed for the regeneration of cartilage, its repair still represents an enormous challenge for orthopedic surgeons. The field of tissue engineering currently offers some of the most promising strategies for cartilage restoration, in which assorted biomaterials and cell‐based therapies are combined to develop new therapeutic regimens for tissue replacement. The current study describes the in vitro behavior of human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hADSCs) encapsulated within calcium/cobalt (Ca/Co) alginate beads. These novel chondrogenesis‐promoting scaffolds take advantage of the synergy between the alginate matrix and Co+2 ions, without employing costly growth factors (e.g., transforming growth factor betas (TGF‐βs) or bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs)) to direct hADSC differentiation into cartilage‐producing chondrocytes.
The Heteronuclear Multiple-Quantum Correlation Experiment: Perspective from Classical Vectors, Nonclassical Vectors, and Product Operators
Authors: de la Vega-Hernández Karen , Antuch Manuel
Published: January 2016

It is usually accepted that most 2D-NMR experiments cannot be approached using classical models. Instructors argue that Product Operators (PO) or density matrix formalisms are the only alternative to get insights into complex spin evolution for experiments involving Multiple-Quantum Coherence, such as the Heteronuclear Multiple-Quantum Correlation (HMQC) technique. Nevertheless, in recent years, several contributions have been published to provide vectorial descriptions for the HMQC taking PO formalism as the starting point. In this work we provide a graphical representation of the HMQC experiment, taking the basic elements of Bloch’s vector model as building blocks. This description bears an intuitive and comfortable understanding of spin evolution during the pulse sequence, for those who are novice in 2D-NMR. Finally, this classical vectorial depiction is tested against the PO formalism and nonclassical vectors, conveying the didactic advantage of shedding light on a single phenomenon from different perspectives. This comparative approach could be useful to introduce PO and nonclassical vectors for advanced upper-division undergraduate and graduate education.
Durability of Modified Expanded Polystyrene Concrete after Dynamic Cyclic Loading
Authors: Shi Wenbo , Miao Linchang , Luo Junhui , Wang Jiaqi , Chen Yinan
Published: January 2016

EPS concrete was produced by mixing the expanded polystyrene spheres (EPS) and polymer emulsion and thickener to the matrix concrete, and this concrete had good vibration energy absorption characteristics. Based on the experimental data obtained on EPS volume ratio of 0%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by replacing matrix or coarse aggregate, the two design styles had nearly the same compressive strength. By applying frequency of 5 Hz, 50000 or 100000 times, 40 KN, 50 KN, and 60 KN cyclic loading, it is shown that the higher the inclusion size was, the lower the compressive strength of the EPS concrete would be; the larger the applying dynamic cyclic load was, the more obvious the compressive strength changing would be. Meanwhile, the strength of EPS concrete had no evident change after durability test. The results of this research had practical significance on using EPS concrete in some long-term cyclic dynamic load engineering.
The New Role of CD163 in the Differentiation of Bone Marrow Stromal Cells into Vascular Endothelial‐Like Cells
Authors: Lu Wei , Su Le , Yu Zhezheng , Zhang Shangli , Miao Junying
Published: January 2016

Bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) can differentiate into vascular endothelial cells (VECs). It is regarded as an important solution to cure many diseases, such as ischemic diseases and diabetes. However, the mechanisms underlying BMSC differentiation into VECs are not well understood. Recent reports showed that CD163 expression was associated with angiogenesis. In this study, overexpression of CD163 in BMSCs elevated the protein level of the endothelial‐associated markers CD31, Flk‐1, eNOS, and VE‐cadherin, significantly increased the proportion of Alexa Fluor 488‐acetylated‐LDL‐positive VECs, and promoted angiogenesis on Matrigel. Furthermore, we demonstrated that CD163 acted downstream homeobox containing 1 (Hmbox1) and upstream fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2). These data suggested that CD163 was involved in Hmbox1/CD163/FGF‐2 signal pathway in BMSC differentiation into vascular endothelial‐like cells. We found a new signal pathway and a novel target for further investigating the gene control of BMSC differentiation into a VEC lineage.
Finite Element Study of Container Structure under Normal and High Temperature
Authors: Zha Xiaoxiong , Zuo Yang
Published: January 2016

This paper does some research on the mechanical property of multilayer container structure under high temperature and gives some suggestions on how to make fire protection based on the performance-based fire design. Firstly, using the software of FDS (Fire Dynamics Simulator), the fire background and fire heating release curve are determined. Through the simulation, the actual temperature curves (of the top and bottom temperature curves of the middle, door, and corner position in the container) are obtained and compared with the standard temperature curve of ISO-834. Secondly, using the software of Abaqus, a full scale finite element model of multilayer container structure is established. Two temperature fields under the standard temperature curve of ISO-834 and the actual temperature curve (of the most unfavorable curve of the top temperature curve of the middle position in the container) are obtained, respectively. Thirdly, the thermal-mechanical coupled analysis is carried out for the container structure under the wind loading and temperature field. The research result can be feasible in design and construction of container buildings and provides some references to corresponding specification preparation.
LncRNAs in Stem Cells
Authors: Hu Shanshan , Shan Ge
Published: January 2016

Noncoding RNAs are critical regulatory factors in essentially all forms of life. Stem cells occupy a special position in cell biology and Biomedicine, and emerging results show that multiple ncRNAs play essential roles in stem cells. We discuss some of the known ncRNAs in stem cells such as embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, adult stem cells, and cancer stem cells with a focus on long ncRNAs. Roles and functional mechanisms of these lncRNAs are summarized, and insights into current and future studies are presented.
A Flexible Online Camera Calibration Using Line Segments
Authors: Zhang Yueqiang , Zhou Langming , Liu Haibo , Shang Yang
Published: January 2016

In order to make the general user take vision tasks more flexibly and easily, this paper proposes a new solution for the problem of camera calibration from correspondences between model lines and their noisy image lines in multiple images. In the proposed method the common planar items in hand with the standard size and structure are utilized as the calibration objects. The proposed method consists of a closed-form solution based on homography optimization, followed by a nonlinear refinement based on the maximum likelihood approach. To automatically recover the camera parameters linearly, we present a robust homography optimization method based on the edge model by redesigning the classic 3D tracking approach. In the nonlinear refinement procedure, the uncertainty of the image line segment is encoded in the error model, taking the finite nature of the observations into account. By developing the new error model between the model line and image line segment, the problem of the camera calibration is expressed in the probabilistic formulation. Simulation data is used to compare this method with the widely used planar pattern based method. Actual image sequences are also utilized to demonstrate the effectiveness and flexibility of the proposed method.