bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat-Related Mortality in a Warming Climate: Projections for 12 U.S. Cities
Authors: Petkova Elisaveta , Bader Daniel , Anderson G. , Horton Radley , Knowlton Kim , Kinney Patrick
Published: October 2014

Heat is among the deadliest weather-related phenomena in the United States, and the number of heat-related deaths may increase under a changing climate, particularly in urban areas. Regional adaptation planning is unfortunately often limited by the lack of quantitative information on potential future health responses. This study presents an assessment of the future impacts of climate change on heat-related mortality in 12 cities using 16 global climate models, driven by two scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions. Although the magnitude of the projected heat effects was found to differ across time, cities, climate models and greenhouse pollution emissions scenarios, climate change was projected to result in increases in heat-related fatalities over time throughout the 21st century in all of the 12 cities included in this study. The increase was more substantial under the high emission pathway, highlighting the potential benefits to public health of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Nearly 200,000 heat-related deaths are projected to occur in the 12 cities by the end of the century due to climate warming, over 22,000 of which could be avoided if we follow a low GHG emission pathway. The presented estimates can be of value to local decision makers and stakeholders interested in developing strategies to reduce these impacts and building climate change resilience.
Estimating the Costs and Benefits of Providing Free Public Transit Passes to Students in Los Angeles County: Lessons Learned in Applying a Health Lens to Decision-Making
Authors: Gase Lauren , Kuo Tony , Teutsch Steven , Fielding Jonathan
Published: October 2014

In spite of increased focus by public health to engage and work with non-health sector partners to improve the health of the general as well as special populations, only a paucity of studies have described and disseminated emerging lessons and promising practices that can be used to undertake this work. This article describes the process used to conduct a Health Impact Assessment of a proposal to provide free public transportation passes to students in Los Angeles County. This illustrative case example describes opportunities and challenges encountered in working with an array of cross-sector partners and highlights four important lessons learned: (1) the benefits and challenges associated with broad conceptualization of public issues; (2) the need for more comprehensive, longitudinal data systems and dynamic simulation models to inform decision-making; (3) the importance of having a comprehensive policy assessment strategy that considers health impacts as well as costs and feasibility; and (4) the need for additional efforts to delineate the interconnectivity between health and other agency priorities. As public health advances cross-sector work in the community, further development of these priorities will help advance meaningful collaboration among all partners.
Nuclear Lipid Microdomain as Resting Place of Dexamethasone to Impair Cell Proliferation
Authors: Cataldi Samuela , Codini Michela , Cascianelli Giacomo , Tringali Sabina , Tringali Anna , Lazzarini Andrea , Floridi Alessandro , Bartoccini Elisa , Garcia-Gil Mercedes , Lazzarini Remo , Ambesi-Impiombato Francesco , Curcio Francesco , Beccari Tommaso , Albi Elisabetta
Published: October 2014

The action of dexamethasone is initiated by, and strictly dependent upon, the interaction of the drug with its receptor followed by its translocation into the nucleus where modulates gene expression. Where the drug localizes at the intranuclear level is not yet known. We aimed to study the localization of the drug in nuclear lipid microdomains rich in sphingomyelin content that anchor active chromatin and act as platform for transcription modulation. The study was performed in non-Hodgkin’s T cell human lymphoblastic lymphoma (SUP-T1 cell line). We found that when dexamethasone enters into the nucleus it localizes in nuclear lipid microdomains where influences sphingomyelin metabolism. This is followed after 24 h by a cell cycle block accompanied by the up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (CDKN1A), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1B (CDKN1B), growth arrest and DNA-damage 45A (GADD45A), and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes and by the reduction of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phospho signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (phoshoSTAT3) proteins. After 48 h some cells show morphological changes characteristic of apoptosis while the number of the cells that undergo cell division and express B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) is very low. We suggest that the integrity of nuclear lipid microdomains is important for the response to glucocorticoids of cancer cells.
Mutation Scanning in a Single and a Stacked Genetically Modified (GM) Event by Real-Time PCR and High Resolution Melting (HRM) Analysis
Authors: Ben Ali Sina-Elisabeth , Madi Zita , Hochegger Rupert , Quist David , Prewein Bernhard , Haslberger Alexander , Brandes Christian
Published: October 2014

Genetic mutations must be avoided during the production and use of seeds. In the European Union (EU), Directive 2001/18/EC requires any DNA construct introduced via transformation to be stable. Establishing genetic stability is critical for the approval of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). In this study, genetic stability of two GMOs was examined using high resolution melting (HRM) analysis and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) employing Scorpion primers for amplification. The genetic variability of the transgenic insert and that of the flanking regions in a single oilseed rape variety (GT73) and a stacked maize (MON88017 × MON810) was studied. The GT73 and the 5' region of MON810 showed no instabilities in the examined regions. However; two out of 100 analyzed samples carried a heterozygous point mutation in the 3' region of MON810 in the stacked variety. These results were verified by direct sequencing of the amplified PCR products as well as by sequencing of cloned PCR fragments. The occurrence of the mutation suggests that the 5' region is more suitable than the 3' region for the quantification of MON810. The identification of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in a stacked event is in contrast to the results of earlier studies of the same MON810 region in a single event where no DNA polymorphism was found.
Advances in the Function and Regulation of Hydrogenase in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803
Authors: Cassier-Chauvat Corinne , Veaudor Théo , Chauvat Franck
Published: October 2014

In order to use cyanobacteria for the biological production of hydrogen, it is important to thoroughly study the function and the regulation of the hydrogen-production machine in order to better understand its role in the global cell metabolism and identify bottlenecks limiting H2 production. Most of the recent advances in our understanding of the bidirectional [Ni-Fe] hydrogenase (Hox) came from investigations performed in the widely-used model cyanobacterium Synechocystis PCC6803 where Hox is the sole enzyme capable of combining electrons with protons to produce H2 under specific conditions. Recent findings suggested that the Hox enzyme can receive electrons from not only NAD(P)H as usually shown, but also, or even preferentially, from ferredoxin. Furthermore, plasmid-encoded functions and glutathionylation (the formation of a mixed-disulfide between the cysteines residues of a protein and the cysteine residue of glutathione) are proposed as possible new players in the function and regulation of hydrogen production.
Rational Practices to Manage Boll Weevils Colonization and Population Growth on Family Farms in the Semiárido Region of Brazil
Authors: Neves Robério , Colares Felipe , Torres Jorge , Santos Roberta , Bastos Cristina
Published: October 2014

Because boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boh. develops partially protected inside cotton fruiting structures, once they become established in a field, they are difficult to control, even with nearly continuous insecticide spray. During two cotton-growing seasons in the Semiárido region of Pernambuco State, Brazil, we tested the use of kaolin sprays to disrupt plant colonization through visual cue interference, combined with removal of fallen fruiting bodies to restrain boll weevil population growth after colonization. Kaolin spray under non-choice trials resulted in 2.2×, 4.4×, and 8.6× fewer weevils, oviposition and feeding punctures on kaolin-treated plants, respectively, despite demonstrating no statistical differences for colonization and population growth. Early season sprays in 2010 occurred during a period of rainfall, and hence, under our fixed spraying schedule no significant differences in boll weevil colonization were detected. In 2011, when kaolin sprays were not washed out by rain, delayed boll weevil colonization and reduction on attacked fruiting bodies were observed in eight out of 12 evaluations, and kaolin-treated plots had 2.7× fewer damaged fruiting bodies compared to untreated plots. Adoption of simple measures such as removal of fallen fruiting bodies and prompt reapplication of kaolin sprays after rainfall show promise in reducing boll weevil infestation.
Performance Evaluation of Bidding-Based Multi-Agent Scheduling Algorithms for Manufacturing Systems
Authors: Gordillo Antonio , Giret Adriana
Published: October 2014

Artificial Intelligence techniques have being applied to many problems in manufacturing systems in recent years. In the specific field of manufacturing scheduling many studies have been published trying to cope with the complexity of the manufacturing environment. One of the most utilized approaches is (multi) agent-based scheduling. Nevertheless, despite the large list of studies reported in this field, there is no resource or scientific study on the performance measure of this type of approach under very common and critical execution situations. This paper focuses on multi-agent systems (MAS) based algorithms for task allocation, particularly in manufacturing applications. The goal is to provide a mechanism to measure the performance of agent-based scheduling approaches for manufacturing systems under key critical situations such as: dynamic environment, rescheduling, and priority change. With this mechanism it will be possible to simulate critical situations and to stress the system in order to measure the performance of a given agent-based scheduling method. The proposed mechanism is a pioneering approach for performance evaluation of bidding-based MAS approaches for manufacturing scheduling. The proposed method and evaluation methodology can be used to run tests in different manufacturing floors since it is independent of the workshop configuration. Moreover, the evaluation results presented in this paper show the key factors and scenarios that most affect the market-like MAS approaches for manufacturing scheduling.
Evaluating the Anti-Neuroinflammatory Capacity of Raw and Steamed Garlic as Well as Five Organosulfur Compounds
Authors: Ho Su-Chen , Su Min-Sheng
Published: October 2014

The anti-neuroinflammatory capacities of raw and steamed garlic extracts as well as five organosulfur compounds (OSCs) were examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglia. According to those results, steaming pretreatment blocked the formation of alliinase-catalyzed OSCs such as allicin and diallyl trisulfide (DATS) in crushed garlic. Raw garlic, but not steamed garlic, dose-dependently attenuated the production of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). DATS and diallyl disulfide at 200 and 400 μM, respectively, displayed significant anti-neuroinflammatory activity. Meanwhile, even at 1 mM, diallyl sulfide, S-allyl cysteine and alliin did not display such activity. Inhibition of nuclear factor-κB activation was the mechanism underlying this protective effect of raw garlic and DATS. Analysis results indicated that the anti-neuroinflammatory capacity of raw garlic is due to the alliin-derived OSCs. Importantly, DATS is a highly promising therapeutic candidate for treating inflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases.
Hepatoprotective Effect of the Aqueous Extract of Simarouba amara Aublet (Simaroubaceae) Stem Bark against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Hepatic Damage in Rats
Authors: Maranhão Hélida , Vasconcelos Carlos , Rolim Larissa , Neto Pedro , Neto Jacinto , Filho Reginaldo , Fernandes Mariana , Costa-Silva João , Araújo Alice , Wanderley Almir
Published: October 2014

Simarouba amara stem bark decoction has been traditionally used in Brazil to treat malaria, inflammation, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, wounds and as a tonic. In this study, we investigate the hepatoprotective effects of the aqueous extract of S. amara stem bark (SAAE) on CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats. SAAE was evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography. The animals were divided into six groups (n = 6/group). Groups I (vehicle—corn oil), II (control-CCl4), III, IV, V and VI were pretreated during 10 consecutive days, once a day p.o, with Legalon® 50 mg/kg b.w, SAAE at doses 100, 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w, respectively. The hepatotoxicity was induced on 11th day with 2 mL/kg of 20% CCl4 solution. 24 h after injury, the blood samples were collected and their livers were removed to biochemical and immunohistochemical analyzes. The SAAE decreased the levels of liver markers and lipid peroxidation in all doses and increased the catalase levels at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg. Immunohistochemical results suggested hepatocyte proliferation in all doses. These results may be related to catechins present in SAAE. Thus, SAAE prevented the oxidative damage at the same time that increased regenerative and reparative capacities of the liver.
An Observation Capability Metadata Model for EO Sensor Discovery in Sensor Web Enablement Environments
Authors: Hu Chuli , Guan Qingfeng , Chen Nengcheng , Li Jia , Zhong Xiang , Han Yongfei
Published: October 2014

Accurate and fine-grained discovery by diverse Earth observation (EO) sensors ensures a comprehensive response to collaborative observation-required emergency tasks. This discovery remains a challenge in an EO sensor web environment. In this study, we propose an EO sensor observation capability metadata model that reuses and extends the existing sensor observation-related metadata standards to enable the accurate and fine-grained discovery of EO sensors. The proposed model is composed of five sub-modules, namely, ObservationBreadth, ObservationDepth, ObservationFrequency, ObservationQuality and ObservationData. The model is applied to different types of EO sensors and is formalized by the Open Geospatial Consortium Sensor Model Language 1.0. The GeosensorQuery prototype retrieves the qualified EO sensors based on the provided geo-event. An actual application to flood emergency observation in the Yangtze River Basin in China is conducted, and the results indicate that sensor inquiry can accurately achieve fine-grained discovery of qualified EO sensors and obtain enriched observation capability information. In summary, the proposed model enables an efficient encoding system that ensures minimum unification to represent the observation capabilities of EO sensors. The model functions as a foundation for the efficient discovery of EO sensors. In addition, the definition and development of this proposed EO sensor observation capability metadata model is a helpful step in extending the Sensor Model Language (SensorML) 2.0 Profile for the description of the observation capabilities of EO sensors.
Toward Smart Aerospace Structures: Design of a Piezoelectric Sensor and Its Analog Interface for Flaw Detection
Authors: Boukabache Hamza , Escriba Christophe , Fourniols Jean-Yves
Published: October 2014

Structural health monitoring using noninvasive methods is one of the major challenges that aerospace manufacturers face in this decade. Our work in this field focuses on the development and the system integration of millimetric piezoelectric sensors/ actuators to generate and measure specific guided waves. The aim of the application is to detect mechanical flaws on complex composite and alloy structures to quantify efficiently the global structures’ reliability. The study begins by a physical and analytical analysis of a piezoelectric patch. To preserve the structure’s integrity, the transducers are directly pasted onto the surface which leads to a critical issue concerning the interfacing layer. In order to improve the reliability and mitigate the influence of the interfacing layer, the global equations of piezoelectricity are coupled with a load transfer model. Thus we can determine precisely the shear strain developed on the surface of the structure. To exploit the generated signal, a high precision analog charge amplifier coupled to a double T notch filter were designed and scaled. Finally, a novel joined time-frequency analysis based on a wavelet decomposition algorithm is used to extract relevant structures signatures. Finally, this paper provides examples of application on aircraft structure specimens and the feasibility of the system is thus demonstrated.
Wireless Sensor Networks for Heritage Object Deformation Detection and Tracking Algorithm
Authors: Xie Zhijun , Huang Guangyan , Zarei Roozbeh , He Jing , Zhang Yanchun , Ye Hongwu
Published: October 2014

Deformation is the direct cause of heritage object collapse. It is significant to monitor and signal the early warnings of the deformation of heritage objects. However, traditional heritage object monitoring methods only roughly monitor a simple-shaped heritage object as a whole, but cannot monitor complicated heritage objects, which may have a large number of surfaces inside and outside. Wireless sensor networks, comprising many small-sized, low-cost, low-power intelligent sensor nodes, are more useful to detect the deformation of every small part of the heritage objects. Wireless sensor networks need an effective mechanism to reduce both the communication costs and energy consumption in order to monitor the heritage objects in real time. In this paper, we provide an effective heritage object deformation detection and tracking method using wireless sensor networks (EffeHDDT). In EffeHDDT, we discover a connected core set of sensor nodes to reduce the communication cost for transmitting and collecting the data of the sensor networks. Particularly, we propose a heritage object boundary detecting and tracking mechanism. Both theoretical analysis and experimental results demonstrate that our EffeHDDT method outperforms the existing methods in terms of network traffic and the precision of the deformation detection.
CMOS Time-Resolved, Contact, and Multispectral Fluorescence Imaging for DNA Molecular Diagnostics
Authors: Guo Nan , Cheung Ka Wai , Wong Hiu , Ho Derek
Published: October 2014

Instrumental limitations such as bulkiness and high cost prevent the fluorescence technique from becoming ubiquitous for point-of-care deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) detection and other in-field molecular diagnostics applications. The complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology, as benefited from process scaling, provides several advanced capabilities such as high integration density, high-resolution signal processing, and low power consumption, enabling sensitive, integrated, and low-cost fluorescence analytical platforms. In this paper, CMOS time-resolved, contact, and multispectral imaging are reviewed. Recently reported CMOS fluorescence analysis microsystem prototypes are surveyed to highlight the present state of the art.
A Novel Dog-Bone Oscillating AFM Probe with Thermal Actuation and Piezoresistive Detection
Authors: Xiong Zhuang , Mairiaux Estelle , Walter Benjamin , Faucher Marc , Buchaillot Lionel , Legrand Bernard
Published: October 2014

In order to effectively increase the resonance frequency and the quality factor of atomic force microscope (AFM) probes, a novel oscillating probe based on a dog-bone shaped MEMS resonator was conceived, designed, fabricated and evaluated. The novel probe with 400 μm in length, 100 μm in width and 5 μm in thickness was enabled to feature MHz resonance frequencies with integrated thermal actuation and piezoresistive detection. Standard silicon micromachining was employed. Both electrical and optical measurements were carried out in air. The resonance frequency and the quality factor of the novel probe were measured to be 5.4 MHz and 4000 respectively, which are much higher than those (about several hundreds of kHz) of commonly used cantilever probes. The probe was mounted onto a commercial AFM set-up through a dedicated probe-holder and circuit board. Topographic images of patterned resist samples were obtained. It is expected that the resonance frequency and the measurement bandwidth of such probes will be further increased by a proper downscaling, thus leading to a significant increase in the scanning speed capability of AFM instruments.
Molecular and morphological data reveal hybrid origin of wild Prunus yedoensis (Rosaceae) from Jeju Island, Korea: Implications for the origin of the flowering cherry
Authors: Cho Myong‐Suk , Kim Chan‐Soo , Kim Seon‐Hee , Kim Ted Oh , Heo Kyoung‐In , Jun Jumin , Kim Seung‐Chul
Published: October 2014

• Premise of the study: The subgenus Cerasus of the genus Prunus includes several popular ornamental flowering cherries. Of the hundreds of cultivars, P. ×yedoensis (‘Somei‐yoshino’) is the most popular and familiar cultivar in Korea and Japan and is considered to be of hybrid origin. However, the hybrid origin of P. ×yedoensis and its relationship to wild P. yedoensis, naturally occurring on Jeju Island, Korea, are highly controversial.

• Methods: We extensively sampled wild P. yedoensis, cultivated P. ×yedoensis, and numerous individuals from other species belonging to subgenus Cerasus on Jeju Island. Samples from 71 accessions, representing 13 species and one cultivar (P. ×yedoensis), were sequenced for nrDNA ITS/ETS (952 characters) and seven noncoding cpDNA regions (5421 characters) and subjected to maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood analysis. Additive polymorphisms in the ITS/ETS regions were confirmed by cloning amplicons from representative species.

• Key results: The nuclear (ITS/ETS and G3pdh) and cpDNA data, along with several morphological characteristics, provide the first convincing evidence for the hybrid origin of wild P. yedoensis. The maternal parent was determined to be P. spachiana f. ascendens, while the paternal parent was unresolved from the taxonomically complex P. serrulata/P. sargentii clade. The presence of two kinds of ribotypes was confirmed by cloning, and the possible origin of cultivated P. ×yedoensis from wild populations on Jeju Island was also suggested.

• Conclusions: Bidirectional and multiple hybridization events were responsible for the origin of wild P. yedoensis. Extensive gene flow was documented in this study, suggesting an important role of reticulate evolution in subgenus Cerasus.
Selenium halide-induced bridge formation in [2.2]paracyclophanes
Authors: Sarbu Laura G , Hopf Henning , Jones Peter G , Birsa Lucian M
Published: October 2014

An addition/elimination sequence of selenium halides topseudo-geminallybis(acetylene) substituted [2.2]paracyclophanes leads to new bridges with anendo-exo-diene substructure. The reactions have been found to be sensitive to the substitution of the ethynyl group. The formation of dienes with a zig-zag configuration is related to that observed for non-conjugated cyclic diynes of medium ring size.
Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia
Authors: Demos Terrence C. , Lomasney Laurie M. , Martin-Carreras Teresa , Sanchez Edward , Bancroft Laura W.
Published: October 2014

An 18-year-old man was referred to the authors’ institution’s thoracic cancer specialists for further consultation after abnormal findings were seen on chest radiograph.
Isolated Subscapularis Repair for Massive Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Austin Luke , Chang Edward S. , Zmistowski Benjamin , Nydick Jason , Lazarus Mark
Published: October 2014

The best surgical treatment for an irreparable rotator cuff tear is controversial. In such cases, partial rotator cuff repair, primarily involving the posterior cuff in most reports, has been shown to be beneficial. The authors retrospectively investigated 41 patients who underwent arthroscopic subscapularis-only repair and greater tuberoplasty between April 2003 and August 2009 for massive 3-tendon cuff tears with irreparable supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons after 3 months of conservative management was unsuccessful. Twenty-five patients (61%) underwent biceps tenotomy, and the remaining 39% had preexisting biceps tenotomy or rupture. The patients were assessed with American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) scores. Of the 41 patients, 34 (83%) were available for a follow-up telephone questionnaire after a minimum of 12 months (mean, 35 months; range, 12–84 months). Mean ASES and SANE scores were 76% and 63%, respectively. Mean postoperative passive range of motion was 156° of forward flexion and 39° of external rotation. Of the patients queried, 74% (25 of 34) were able to actively raise their arms above shoulder level. For those with a positive belly-press test result preoperatively, 22 of 27 patients had a negative test result postoperatively. A total of 3 complications (7.3%) occurred. Workers’ compensation claim was a strong predictor of lower shoulder scores. Arthroscopic subscapularis-only repair and greater tuberoplasty may offer a promising and safe method for treating massive rotator cuff tears when the supra-spinatus and infraspinatus tendons are irreparable. Workers’ compensation claim may predict lower outcome scores.
Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures Treated With Titanium Elastic Nailing
Authors: Sun Liao-Jun , Yang Jie , Tian Nai-Feng , Wu Yao-Sen , Yu Xian-Bin , Hu Wei , Guo Xiao-Shan , Chen Hua
Published: October 2014

The objective of this study was to prospectively compare intraoperative fluoroscopy time and clinical and radiological results in pediatric femoral shaft fractures treated with titanium elastic nailing (TEN) using a small-incision, blind-hand reduction vs closed reduction. From February 2008 to December 2009, sixty-eight children were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group A comprised 34 patients treated with a small-incision, blind-hand reduction technique and group B comprised 34 patients treated with a closed reduction technique. Operative time, intraoperative fluoroscopy time, fracture union time, and complications were recorded in both groups. Clinical and radiological results were assessed using the TEN scoring system. Mean operative time was 30.5±8.5 in group A and 53.0±15.0 minutes in group B, and mean fluoroscopy time was 28.4±18.5 seconds in group A and 65.0±28.5 seconds in group B. Operative time and fluoroscopy time were significantly longer in group B (
P
<.001). According to the TEN scoring system, the results were excellent in 31 patients and good in 3 patients in group A and excellent in 29 patients and good in 5 patients in group B. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of clinical and radiological results. There was also no significant difference in terms of fracture healing time, weight-bearing time, and complications. The small-incision, blind-hand reduction technique provided similar clinical results as closed reduction. This technique could be an alternative to closed reduction because it significantly reduced intraoperative radiation exposure and operative time.
Posterior Approach in Treating Sacral Fracture Combined With Lumbopelvic Dissociation
Authors: He Simin , Zhang Haiping , Zhao Qinpeng , He Baorong , Guo Hua , Hao Dingjun
Published: October 2014

Type III Denis fracture of the sacrum is rare clinically, constituting approximately 16% of all sacral fractures. Because it is often complicated with neurologic injuries, treatment is crucial and difficult. Several surgical options are available for the treatment of type III Denis sacral fracture with lumbopelvic dissociation. The authors report 21 patients admitted to the hospital from February 2002 to May 2012 who had type III Denis sacral fracture combined with lumbopelvic dissociation. All of the patients were treated with posterior sacral lamina decompression, sacral nerve root decompression, fracture reduction, an integrated lumbopelvic internal fixation system, and posterolateral fusion. The authors recorded pre- and postoperative complications, fracture reduction, bone graft healing, and improvements in neurologic function, according to the Gibbons grading standard. The average surgical time was 190 minutes (range, 170–210), and the average amount of intraoperative bleeding was 960 mL (range, 930–1500). No intraoperative complications occurred. Twelve patients had complete recovery of neurologic function; 5 patients showed great improvement except for foot drop and impaired lower limb sensation; and 4 patients showed no improvement in lower limb, bladder, and rectum function. Gibbons grade decreased from an average of 3.43±0.51 before surgery to 1.76±1.09 at the last follow-up. Deep infections were noted in 2 cases, and in 1 case, vertebral screw loosening was observed 1 year postoperatively. Surgical reduction with lumbopelvic fixation is an ideal method for treating type III Denis sacral fracture with neurologic injury and lumbopelvic dissociation.
Acute Pediatric Leg Compartment Syndrome in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Cohen Eric , Trunzter Jeremy , Klinge Steve , Schwartz Kevin , Schiller Jonathan
Published: October 2014

Acute compartment syndrome is an orthopedic surgical emergency and may result in devastating complications in the setting of delayed or missed diagnosis. Compartment syndrome has a variety of causes, including posttraumatic or postoperative swelling, external compression, burns, bleeding disorders, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Rare cases of pediatric acute compartment syndrome in the setting of acute myeloid leukemia and, even less commonly, chronic myeloid leukemia have been reported. The authors report the first known case of pediatric acute compartment syndrome in a patient without a previously known diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia. On initial examination, an 11-year-old boy presented with a 2-week history of progressive left calf pain and swelling after playing soccer. Magnetic resonance imaging scan showed a hematoma in the left superficial posterior compartment. The patient had unrelenting pain, intermittent lateral foot parethesias, and inability to bear weight. Subsequently, he was diagnosed with acute compartment syndrome and underwent fasciotomy and evacuation of a hematoma. Laboratory results showed an abnormal white blood cell count of 440×10
9
/L (normal, 4.4–11×10
9
) and international normalized ratio of 1.3 (normal, 0.8–1.2). Further testing included the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene located on the Philadelphia chromosome, leading to a diagnosis of chronic myeloid leukemia. Monotherapy with imatinib mesylate (Gleevec) was initiated. This report adds another unique case to the growing literature on compartment syndrome in the pediatric population and reinforces the need to consider compartment syndrome, even in unlikely clinical scenarios.
Habitat Suitability Modeling for the Newell's Shearwater on Kauai
Authors: Troy Jeff R. , Holmes Nick D. , Veech Joseph A. , Raine André F. , Green M. Clay
Published: October 2014

The Newell's shearwater, or ‘A’o Puffinus newelli, is endemic to the main islands of the Hawaiian Archipelago and is listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List and as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Using abiotic and biotic environmental variables, we developed a terrestrial habitat suitability model for this species on Kauai to predict habitat that could be suitable in the absence of anthropogenic threats. In addition, we developed a habitat/threat-isolation index incorporating information from our suitability model to identify regions of structurally suitable habitat with less exposure to certain anthropogenic threats (relative to other portions of the island). The habitat suitability model suggests that slope, density of rock fragments within the soil, and native vegetation cover are important factors associated with the current known distribution of the Newell's shearwater on Kauai, and that a moderate portion of the sloped interior terrain of Kauai could potentially be suitable nesting habitat for this species. The habitat/threat-isolation index identified the mountains on the north-central portion of the island as structurally suitable habitat most isolated from a combination of major anthropogenic disturbances (relative to other portions of the island). Much of this region, however, is privately owned and not designated as an official reserve, which could indicate a need for increased conservation action in this region in the future. This information is important for conservation biologists and private landowners because expanding efforts to control nonnative predators, as well as management of additional lands as reserves, may be necessary for the protection and preservation of the Newell's shearwater.
A Descriptive Study of Intellectual Capital in SMEs Operating in Electrical and Electronics Manufacturing Sector in Malaysia
Authors: Khalique Muhammad , Shaari Jamal Abdul Nassir bin , Isa Abu Hassan Md.
Published: October 2014

The aim of this chapter is to find the existence of the components of intellectual capital in SMEs operating in the electrical and electronics manufacturing sector in Malaysia. To find the objective of this study, a valid research instrument was established to conduct a survey of 237 from 77 SMEs operating in Penang and Selangor. A descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to explore the existence of the six components of intellectual capital, namely human capital, customer capital, structural capital, social capital, technological capital, and spiritual capital in SMEs operating in the electrical and electronics manufacturing sector. The results reveal that the respondents of Malaysian SMEs perceive that the six components of intellectual capital play a pivotal role in competitive advantage and superior performance.
Trust-Based Knowledge Management System Building
Authors: Bencsik Andrea , Rácz Irma
Published: October 2014

This chapter introduces the importance of trust in knowledge management system building. It argues that the relationships among organizational culture, problems of knowledge sharing, and HR features are in close correlation with each other. The main aspect of the chapter is to show the general requirements and pre-requisites of knowledge management system building based on trust. The authors aim to reveal the theoretical aspect of trust-based culture and knowledge management system building, and the HR's tasks connected to these two ideas. The chapter presents three case studies on three different companies' practices, a multinational, big company, and an institution. This chapter shows samples, best practices, critical steps that can ensure success to the companies that want to start building a knowledge management system.
Computational Approach in Sizing of Pulsejet Engine
Authors: Ahmad Mohamed Tarmizi , Ahmadian Sevda , Zhahir Amzari , Ariff Omar Kassim , Romli Fairuz I.
Published: October 2014

Research in pulsejet has intensified recently due to its design simplicity that can be developed into efficient small scale propulsive units for new applications such as UAVs and Unmanned Combat Vehicles (UCAV). A major obstacle for its development is low efficiency of the engine. The objective of this research is to investigate the possibility of using pulsejet in certain applications where the pulsejet can trade its low efficiency with low cost, simple design, and light weight. Numerical analysis is used for analysing the pulsejet engine design. The main results drawn from this research is in increasing efficiency and improving performance of engine by improving size of engine, especially diameter of combustion chamber. The computed results show good resemblance with published data.
Application of Coandă Jet for Generating Lift of Micro Air Vehicles - Preliminary Design Considerations
Authors: Ahmed Riyadh Ibraheem , Djojodihardjo Harijono , bin Abu Talib A.B.D. Rahim , Abd Hamid Mohd Faisal
Published: October 2014

Coandă effect, which has been widely utilized in many engineering applications for circulation control, is here reviewed for the design of Coandă Micro-Air-Vehicles (MAVs). Based on the review, a basic spherical configuration is analyzed to obtain the relationship between relevant parameters to the lift that can be produced based on fundamental principles. The results can be used for preliminary design purposes and are discussed in view of existing literature.
Conceptual Design of Flapping Wing Using Shape Memory Alloy Actuator for Micro Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Marimuthu Navanitha , Abdullah Ermira Junita , Majid Dayang L.A. , Romli Fairuz I.
Published: October 2014

Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) has the capability to fly autonomously in complex environments which enables human to conduct surveillance in areas which are deemed too dangerous or in confined spaces that does not allow human entry. Research and development of MAVs aim to reduce their size further, thus novel techniques need to be explored in order to achieve this objective while still maintaining the MAVs’ current performance. In this paper, a conceptual design of an MAV with a main drive system using shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator to provide the flapping motion is proposed. SMA is considered superior to other smart materials due to its efficiency and large energy storage capacity. By incorporating SMA in the flapping wing MAV, it will provide users the flexibility to add more payloads by reducing bulky cables or reduce operating cost by using less fuel. However, there are some drawbacks in using SMAs such as nonlinear response of the strain to input current and hysteresis characteristic as a result of which their control is inaccurate and complicated.
Autonomous Aerial Hard Docking of Fixed and Rotary Wing UAVs: Task Assessment and Solution Architecture
Authors: Mat Amir Rasydan , How Liew Mun , Ariff Omar Kassim , Zhahir M. Amzari M. , Ajir Ramly Mohd
Published: October 2014

This paper covers exploratory efforts that attempt to address limitations and restrictions in the operating envelope of UAVs, and proposes a conceptual solution to the problem. UAVs, like aircraft, can be categorized into two main types: fixed wing and rotary wing. A fixed wing UAV flies using wings that generate lift caused by the vehicle’s forward airspeed and the shape of the wings. The greatest advantage of fixed wing UAVs obtained from utilizing aerodynamic lift is its long range and high endurance performance. However, this primary advantage comes from the fact that most fixed wing UAVs have wings that are of a high aspect ratio, which becomes a liability in confined operating conditions. An autonomous aerial hard docking system is proposed as a system that manages to enable different UAV platforms to have operational envelopes which far exceed the operational envelopes of the constituent UAV platforms. The paper outlines necessary subsystems that need to exist for autonomous aerial hard docking capability. It presents practical requirements of the various constituent subsystems, namely the guidance and navigation subsystem, the grasping subsystem and the damping subsystem. For each of the subsystems, the challenges which have to be overcome to ensure the effectiveness of the complete system are examined. It further elaborates the testing, investigation and development steps that need to be implemented to realize this capability. It ends by elaborating on the work already underway and future development plans. Note that this paper presents a conceptual logical and architectural solution, and as such detailed analysis findings are inappropriate and premature.
Aeroelastic Tailoring of Composite Wing Design Using Bee Colony Optimisation
Authors: Jun Tan Kai , Harmin Mohammad Yazdi , Romli Fairuz I.
Published: October 2014

Bee Colony Optimisation (BCO) method is used to optimise the fibre orientation of a simple rectangular composite wing with respect to maximising flutter/divergence speed. A modified implementation is proposed to provide a suitable version of BCO algorithm for solving the multi-variable optimisation problem. 50 test cases are performed and the statistical investigation is made in order to investigate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed algorithm. Consideration is also made in terms of the best weightage of the minimum confident parameter. The overall results indicate that the modified BCO algorithm offers outstanding performance in terms of both accuracy and computational time.
Experimental Determination of Low-Cost Servomotor Reliability for Small Unmanned Aircraft Applications
Authors: Sarson-Lawrence Jarrow , Sabatini Roberto , Clothier Reece , Gardi Alessandro
Published: October 2014

One of the key challenges of designing low-cost Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) is to ensure acceptable and certifiable reliability factors for the adopted Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) components since their reliability is often not quantified. In this paper, the experimental results obtained for quantifying the reliability of mini Unmanned Aircraft (UA) servomotors (by recording their time-to-failure on a defined set of test runs) are presented. The Weibull prediction model is adopted for quantitative analysis and the associated key mathematical models. The methodology adopted for performing the reliability analysis including the test bench setup used for the experiments is described. The results indicate a level of reliability expected for low-cost servos. Such servos could be used for low-risk UAS operations (e.g. small UA operating over sparsely populated regions) and where the economics of the business case permitted higher loss rates.
Investigation into Air Interception Guidance Algorithms for Autonomous Aerial Hard Docking of Dissimilar Platforms
Authors: Ariff Omar Kassim , Salami E. , Ahmad M.T. , Go T.H.
Published: October 2014

Autonomous aerial hard docking is the process where an aircraft approaches and forms a rigid connection with another aircraft. After the docking process is complete, it is not necessary for the lift and propulsion system of the docked aircraft to be operating. Docking allows the larger aircraft to carry the small aircraft outside its airframe, thereby extending the range of endurance of the smaller aircraft. In this paper, we investigate specific scenario where docking occurs between a rotary wing aircraft and a fixed wing aircraft. To perform the above procedure, a guidance system on each platform has to ensure interception while satisfying the primary interception condition of velocity vector co-linearity at the moment of intercept of the two trajectories or flight paths. Pursuit guidance and proportional navigation were assessed as candidates for further development for the terminal docking phase. Since the platforms are in quasi-perfect knowledge of each other, the pursuer evader scenario is replaced by the pursuer-pursuer scenario. The novelty of this work lies in the formulation of terminal constraints, as well as the findings obtained. This paper concludes that contrary to the missile guidance scenario, pursuit based guidance laws provide superior baseline laws from which AAHD guidance and navigation laws can be developed.
The Future of Aircraft Feedback Information: Maintainability Allocation Methodology
Authors: Wan Husain Wan Mohd Sufian
Published: October 2014

In this paper, the author looks at certain areas of maintainability prediction process where missteps or misapplications most commonly occur. This research attempts to utilise the aircraft maintenance historical data and information (i.e. feedback information systems). Aircraft feedback information such as Service Difficulty Reporting System (SDRS) and Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) contains various types of information that could be used for future improvement rather than just the failure elements, as well as to help identify the critical and sensitive components that need more attention for further improvement. The study shows that the aircraft maintenance related feedback information systems analyses are very useful for deciding the maintainability effectiveness; these include planning, organizing maintenance and design improvement. There is no doubt that historical data information has the ability to contribute an important role in design activities. The results also show that maintainability is an importance measure that can be used as a guideline for managing efforts made for the improvement of aircraft components.
The Performance of Mass Properties Measurement for Satellite’s Structural Model
Authors: Abdullah Nor Hafizah , Thanarasi Karthigesu
Published: October 2014

This paper focuses on the capabilities of equipment known as Mass Properties Measurement (MPM) to calculate the center of gravity (CG) of a jig or an adaptor, which is used for mounting a structural model of Malaysian satellite, RazakSAT on POI-1000M Spin Balance Machine. The adaptor needs to be designed accurately to precisely accommodate the bolt sizes in both sides of the Device Under Test (DUT) side and the rotary plate side. In other words, the adaptor must be able to act as a good interface plate. A Malaysian research institute, SIRIM Berhad was chosen to undertake the design and manufacturing of the adaptor according to the specifications made by ANGKASA. The list of requirements of MPM should be considered during measurement to have optimum results, so that the satellite fixture onto the rotary table can be preceded for further calculations. Space Electronics (SE), the manufacturer for this MPM machine, has provided the control system for operators to calculate the required measurement such as CG, moment of inertia (MOI) and Product of Inertia (POI). Results confirmed that the simulation and experimental values are successfully obtained.
Experimental Study on Variable Deflection Control of SMA Actuated Composite Plate
Authors: Gaikwad Priyanka Subhash , Abdullah Ermira Junita , Majid D.L. , Mohd Rafie Azmin Shakrine
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a variable deflection control of a fiber glass composite plate system using shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators. The technique on changing the camber of plate needs to be developed as it is the most investigated approach of shape morphing. Gradual changes of the camber along the span can create controllable twisting of the composite plate. The necessary camber change is pursued either by reconfiguration of the underlying structure or the shape changing of the composite plate or smart composite. In this proposed platform, strain gauges are used to measure the strain of the plate in a single cantilever mode while nickel titanium (NiTi) Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) wires are used as actuators to actuate the composite plate, which are controlled using Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller. In this research six strain gauges were placed at different location of the plate: tip, mid and root part of the plate. From the experimental result, it was found that the mid part of the plate had the highest change in strain value and the control system using input from the strain gauge located there produced the best performance compared to those located at the tip and root of the plate.