bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between physical function and biomechanical gait patterns in boys with haemophilia
Authors: Stephensen D. , Taylor S. , Bladen M. , Drechsler W. I.
Published: October 2016

Introduction

The World Federation of Haemophilia recommends joint and muscle health is evaluated using X‐ray and magnetic resonance imaging, together with clinical examination scores. To date, inclusion of performance‐based functional activities to monitor children with the condition has received little attention.

Aim

To evaluate test–retest repeatability of physical function tests and quantify relationships between physical function, lower limb muscle strength and gait patterns in young boys with haemophilia.

Methods

Timed 6‐minute walk, timed up and down stairs, timed single leg stance, muscle strength of the knee extensors, ankle dorsi and plantar flexors, together with joint biomechanics during level walking were collected from 21 boys aged 6–12 years with severe haemophilia.

Results

Measures of physical function and recording of muscle strength with a hand‐held myometer were repeatable (ICC > 0.78). Distances walked in six minutes, time taken to go up and down a flight of stairs and lower limb muscle strength correlated closely with ankle range of motion, together with peak knee flexion and ankle dorsi and plantarflexion moments during walking (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Alterations in gait patterns of boys with haemophilia appear to be associated with changes in performance of physical function and performance seems to depend on their muscle strength. Timed 6‐minute walk test, timed up and down steps test and muscle strength of the knee extensors showed the strongest correlation with biomechanical joint function, and hence might serve as a basis for the clinical monitoring of physical function outcomes in children with haemophilia.
High‐temperature tensile strength and fracture behavior of ZrB2‐SiC‐graphite composite
Authors: Wang Lingling , Kong Dewen , Fang Guodong , Liang Jun
Published: October 2016

The tensile behavior of ZrB2‐SiC‐graphite composite was investigated from room temperature to 1800°C. Results showed that tensile strength was 134.18 MPa at room temperature, decreasing to 50.34 MPa at 1800°C. A brittle‐ductile transition temperature (1300°C) of ZrB2‐SiC‐graphite composite was deduced from experimental results. Furthermore, the effect of temperature on the fracture behavior of ZrB2‐SiC‐graphite composite was further discussed by microstructure observations, which showed that tensile strength was controlled by the relaxation of thermal residual stress below 1300°C, and was affected by the plastic flow during 1300°C and 1400°C. At higher temperature, the tensile strength was dominated by the changes of microstructures.
Optimisation of bambara groundnut water extract and skim milk composition as cryoprotectant for increasing cell viability of Lactobacillus spp. using response surface methodology
Authors: Kaewiad Kanyanat , Kaewnopparat Nattha , Faroongsarng Damrongsak , Wungsintaweekul Juraithip , Kaewnopparat Sanae
Published: October 2016

Four legume water extracts, that is bambara groundnut, soya bean, red kidney bean and black bean as well as skim milk, were examined for their effectiveness in protecting Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Lactobacillus fermentum SK5 during the freeze‐drying and storage. Bambara groundnut water extract (BGWE) showed promising cryoprotective activity that was comparable to skim milk. BGWE and skim milk at 2–10% w/v and 5–20% w/v individually produced survival rates for both strains of 87–88%. To further optimise the synergistic cryoprotective medium, response surface methodology was employed. The optimal combination was 4.93% w/v BGWE and 11.68% w/v skim milk for L. rhamnosus GG and 5.17% w/v BGWE and 11.36% w/v skim milk for L. fermentum SK5 with survival rates of 95.17% and 94.36%, respectively. The storage life of freeze‐dried cells of both probiotics at 4 °C and 30 °C for 6 months was markedly improved when they were produced with these optimal combinations.
Process optimisation of microwave‐assisted extraction of peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) seed oil using hexane–ethanol mixture and its characterisation
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Li Wengang , Li Jian , Zu Yuangang , Hse Chung‐Yun , Xie Jiulong , Zhao Xiuhua
Published: October 2016

Ethanol and hexane mixture agent microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE) method was conducted to extract peony (Paeonia suffruticosa Andr.) seed oil (PSO). The aim of the study was to optimise the extraction for both yield and energy consumption in mixture agent MAE. The highest oil yield (34.49%) and lowest unit energy consumption (14 125.4 J g−1) were obtained under optimum extraction condition: solid‐liquid ratio 0.37 g mL−1, extraction time 3.72 min, extraction temperature 80.92 °C, ethanol ratio 20.00%. GC–MS results showed that unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) accounted for 88.60% of total fatty acids in PSO. Moreover, linolenic acid content of 37.35% was the highest UFA and caused PSO to possess good nutrition. PSO in DPPH radical scavenging experiment showed that IC50 value of 28.80 ± 2.13 mg mL−1 exhibited strong antioxidant property. All experiments proved that mixed solvent MAE is an efficient and promising method to extract PSO. This method can effectively reduce the energy consumption and extraction time.
Increased brain cortical thickness associated with visceral fat in adolescents
Authors: Saute R. L. , Soder R. B. , Alves Filho J. O. , Baldisserotto M. , Franco A. R.
Published: October 2016

Background

There has been a growing amount of evidence indicating that excess visceral fat is associated with alterations in brain structure and function, including brain cortical thinning in adults.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the relationship between brain cortical thickness with obesity assessments, in adolescents.

Methods

In this study, we measured three different obesity assessments within an adolescent population (aged 15 – 18 years): body mass index (BMI), visceral fat ratio measured with an MRI and hepatorenal gradient measured with an ultrasound. Volunteers also underwent an MRI scan to measure brain structure.

Results

Results indicated that there was no relationship of BMI or hepatorenal gradient with brain cortical dimensions. However, there was a significant association between visceral fat ratio and an increase of cortical thickness throughout the brain.

Conclusions

These results suggest that visceral fat, but not BMI, is correlated with cortical thickening in adolescence.
Suppressed grain growth in highly porous barium titanate foams by two‐step sintering
Authors: Mehr Mehrad , Pineiro Janny , Santos Bruno D. , Nino Juan C.
Published: October 2016

Porous barium titanate has gained significant attention in recent years for their potential use in applications such as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering, stress sensors, gas sensors, and many others. However, there is very little control over the grain size of the material during the sintering processes specially to achieve little or no growth of the starting powders. Here, using the two‐step sintering method barium titanate foams were shown to be synthesized with controlled grain size of the struts without significant differences in the pore structure of the materials. In order to evaluate the applicability of two‐step sintering for a variety of processing methods, highly porous (>80% porosity) foams synthesized through the direct polyurethane foaming method were used to create conditions furthest from bulk where two‐step sintering has shown success. Two‐step sintering parameters were identified and the processing conditions were confirmed to not alter the mechanical properties of the samples due to expected residual stresses or thermal shock resulting from the rapid heating and cooling rates employed.
Development of Quality Indicators to Address Abuse and Neglect in Home‐Based Primary Care and Palliative Care
Authors: Sheehan Orla C. , Ritchie Christine S. , Fathi Roya , Garrigues Sarah K. , Saliba Debra , Leff Bruce
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To develop candidate quality indicators (QIs) for the quality standard of “addressing abuse and neglect” in the setting of home‐based medical care.

Design

Systematic literature review of both the peer‐reviewed and gray literature.

Setting

Home‐based primary and palliative care practices.

Participants

Homebound community‐dwelling older adults.

Measurements

Articles were identified to inform the development of candidate indicators of the quality by which home‐based primary and palliative care practices addressed abuse and neglect. The literature guided the development of patient‐level QIs and practice‐level quality standards. A technical expert panel (TEP) representing exemplary home‐based primary care and palliative care providers then participated in a modified Delphi process to assess the validity and feasibility of each measure and identify candidate QIs suitable for testing in the field.

Results

The literature review yielded 4,371 titles and abstracts that were reviewed; 25 publications met final inclusion criteria and informed development of nine candidate QIs. The TEP rated all but one of the nine candidate indicators as having high validity and feasibility.

Conclusion

Translating the complex problem of addressing abuse and neglect into QIs may ultimately serve to improve care delivered to vulnerable home‐limited adults who receive home‐based medical care.
Outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection using fresh and cryopreserved‐thawed testıcular spermatozoa in 83 azoospermic men with Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Vicdan Kubilay , Akarsu Cem , Sözen Eran , Buluç Burcu , Vicdan Arzu , Yılmaz Yıldırım , Biberoğlu Kutay
Published: October 2016

Aim

To report the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles using fresh or cryopreserved‐thawed testicular spermatozoa of men with Klinefelter syndrome (KS).

Methods

Medical records of 83 azoospermic men with KS who underwent testicular sperm extraction (TESE) were reviewed. The clinical parameters for predicting sperm retrieval and fertilization, implantation, pregnancy and live birth rates of ICSI cycles in these patients were evaluated.

Results

A total of 88 TESE procedures were performed with sperm retrieval rates of 39.8% per cycle (35/88) and 42.1% per patient (35/83). None of the studied clinical parameters were found to be informative in predicting successful sperm recovery. A total of 41 embryo transfer cycles were carried out using fresh testicular spermatozoa in 30, cryopreserved‐thawed spermatozoa in 10 and cryopreserved‐thawed embryo replacement in one. The fertilization and clinical pregnancy rates were comparable at 52.7% and 51.6% with fresh and 48.3% and 60% with cryopreserved‐thawed testicular spermatozoa groups, respectively. Twenty‐two clinical pregnancies were obtained, including 14 singletons, five twins, two triplets and one quadruplet and ended with the delivery of 13 singletons and six twins. In total, out of 25 delivered fetuses, four died (3 female, 1 male) following delivery and 21 newborns (14 female, 7 male) were healthy with a female to male ratio of 2:1. Conclusions

We concluded that no clinical or laboratory parameter predicts the presence of spermatozoa in patients with KS, except the TESE procedure itself. The use of fresh or cryopreserved‐thawed spermatozoa on ICSI cycle outcomes are equally successful in patients with KS.
Impact of predators and competitors on the depth selection by two invasive gammarids
Authors: Kobak J. , Jermacz Ł. , Rutkowska D. , Pawłowska K. , Witkowska L. , Poznańska M.
Published: October 2016

Appropriate habitat selection driven by multiple environmental cues may help organisms avoid predation pressure and excessive competition. Moreover, identification of habitat selection mechanisms of invasive organisms is crucial for predicting their distribution and impact in novel areas. We evaluated experimentally the habitat selection by Dikerogammarus villosus and Pontogammarus robustoides (Gammaroidea, Amphipoda, Crustacea), invasive in European fresh and brackish waters, with regard to depth, the presence of predators, the racer goby Babka gymnotrachelus, and heterospecific gammarid competitors. We exposed gammarids in single‐ and mixed‐species treatments in a 100‐cm‐long depth gradient (depth: 10–100 cm, levels every 10 cm) or in a control shallow tank (constant depth: 10 cm) in the presence or absence of predators located behind a mesh barrier adjacent to the deeper side of the gradient. Dikerogammarus villosus always selected deeper locations than P. robustoides. Both species did not affect each other's depth selection, but P. robustoides limited the distribution of D. villosus and pushed it towards the mesh barrier in the shallow tank. Dikerogammarus villosus responded to predators only in the depth gradient, retreating to shallower sites and climbing towards the surface. Pontogammarus robustoides moved away from the predator area in the shallow tank, indicating that its response was independent of depth selection. Thus, different depth distributions of both gammarids result from their specific preferences rather than from competitive displacement. The observed behaviour is likely to result in their segregation in the field, limiting inter‐specific competition, allowing for optimum utilization of resources and decreasing predatory pressure.
The Role of Phonology and Phonetics in L2 Kanji Learning
Authors: HAGIWARA AKIKO
Published: October 2016

This study explores whether emphasizing the phonetic components of kanji, Chinese characters used in Japanese, facilitates second language (L2) learners’ novel character learning. Previous L2 studies on Chinese characters indicate that phonology plays a major part in word identification. However, this view remains controversial, because the role of phonetic radicals has not been closely examined. In this study, 70 learners of Japanese, whose first language (L1) is alphabetic, were divided into 3 learning condition groups: pronunciation–hearing and read aloud, pronunciation–hearing, and no pronunciation–hearing. All learners were repeatedly exposed to unfamiliar kanji, some of which included visually emphasized phonetic radicals to help the learners identify characters. Learning was measured by the ability to select the target kanji from visually similar alternatives and to write their meanings in English. The results revealed no significant difference in learning kanji, either in terms of meaning production or selection of the correct orthographic representation across groups. The pronunciation–hearing group successfully related phonetic radicals with the sounds represented by the radical, but this skill did not contribute to better learning of novel kanji. The results support the direct route view, suggesting that logography is learned by extracting meaning directly from orthography regardless of phonological mediation.
UBC18 mediates ERF1 degradation under light–dark cycles
Authors: Cheng Mei‐Chun , Kuo Wen‐Chieh , Wang Yi‐Ming , Chen Hsing‐Yu , Lin Tsan‐Piao
Published: October 2016

Ethylene Response Factor 1 (ERF1) plays a crucial role in biotic and abiotic stress responses. Previous studies have shown that ERF1 regulates stress‐responsive gene expression by binding to different cis‐acting elements in response to various stress signals. ERF1 was also reported to be unstable in the dark, and it regulates hypocotyl elongation. Here, we elucidated the mechanism underlying degradation of ERF1.

Yeast two‐hybrid screening showed that UBIQUITIN‐CONJUGATING ENZYME 18 (UBC18) interacted with ERF1. The interaction between ERF1 and UBC18 was verified using pull‐down assays and coimmunoprecipitation analyses. We then compared the ERF1 protein abundance in the UBC18 mutant and overexpression plants. Based on the results of protein degradation and in vivo ubiquitination assays, we proposed that UBC18 mediates ERF1 ubiquitination and degradation.

ERF1 was more stable in UBC18 mutants and less stable in UBC18 overexpression lines compared with that in wild‐type plants. ERF1 was degraded by the 26S proteasome system via regulation of UBC18 and promotes dark‐repression of downstream genes and proline accumulation.

UBC18 negatively regulated drought and salt stress responses by altering the abundance of ERF1 and the expression of genes downstream of ERF1.
Maximum sustainable yield harvesting in an age‐structured fishery population model
Authors: Skonhoft Anders , Gong Peichen
Published: October 2016

A generic type age‐structured fishery population model consisting of two harvestable age classes is formulated. Optimal harvest rates are determined with uniform fishing mortality and perfectly selective fishing, respectively. Selectivity allows for differentiating the fishing mortality among different age classes. Sustainable yield–biomass functions are developed, and the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) solutions are found under both exploitation schemes. The gain of perfectly selective fishing over uniform (or biomass) fishing is examined under various assumptions, and it is proved that the benefit of selective harvesting increases when the harvestable fish population becomes more heterogeneous in terms of weights, or values. In contrast to the surplus production model, or Clark model, the analysis also demonstrates that MSY with different age classes is not purely a biological concept.
Incidence of intraductal carcinoma, multifocality and bilateral significant disease in radical prostatectomy specimens from Japan and United States
Authors: Peng Yu‐Ching , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Kong Max Xiangtian , Li Jianhong , Deng Fang‐Ming , Melamed Jonathan , Zhou Ming
Published: October 2016

Significant differences, including epidemiologic, clinical, pathologic and genetic, exist between Asian and Caucasian prostate cancer. Detailed pathologic data are, however, scarce. We studied in detail and compared the pathological features of prostate cancer in radical prostatectomy specimens in 228 patients (117 Japan, 111 US). Japanese prostate cancer had a higher Gleason grade group (mean 2.67 vs. 2.42 US, P < 0.05), but lower pathological stage (72 % pT2 and 28 % pT3 vs 55 % pT2 and 45 % pT3 US, P < 0.05). Japanese cancer showed significantly more tumor foci (3.8 vs 2.9 US, P < 0.05), and higher incidence of bilateral significant disease (81.3 % vs. 66.7 % US, P < 0.05). The dominant tumor nodules in Japanese cases had higher Gleason grade group (mean 2.73 vs. 2.40 US, P < 0.05). The incidence of intraductal carcinoma was significantly higher in Japanese patients (35.3 % vs. 12.6 % US, P < 0.01), which was independent of Gleason score (7: 30.9 % Japan vs 11.8 % US, P < 0.01; ≥ 8: 87.5 % Japan vs 28.6 % US, P < 0.01) and tumor stage (pT2: 24.1 % Japan vs 6.6 % US, P < 0.01; pT3: 62.9 % Japan vs 20 % US, P < 0.01). These findings demonstrate distinct pathological features in prostate cancer between Japanese and Caucasian patients, and may have important diagnostic and therapeutic implications.
MULTI–STATE ANALYSIS OF PROCESS STATUS USING MULTILEVEL FLOW MODELLING AND BAYESIAN NETWORK
Authors: A. R. Khalil Mohamed , Ahmad Arshad , Tuan Abdullah Tuan Amran , Al-Shatri Ali , Al-Shanini Ali
Published: October 2016

Multilevel Flow Modeling (MFM) model maps functionality of components in a system through logical interconnections and is effective in predicting success rates of tasks undertaken. However, the output of this model is binary, which is taken at its extrema, i.e., success and failure, while in reality, the operational status of plant components often spans between these end. In this paper, a multi-state model is proposed by adding probabilistic information to the modelling framework. Using a heat exchanger pilot plant as a case study, the MFM model is transformed into its fault tree [1] equivalent to incorporate failure probability information. To facilitate computations, the FT model is transformed into Bayesian Network model, and applied for fault detection and diagnosis problems. The results obtained illustrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
NUMERICAL ESTIMATION OF MOISTURE CONTENT IN SPRAY DRIED JUICE POWDER
Authors: Bello A. Aliyu , Ahmad Arshad , Ripin Adnan , Oladokun Olagoke
Published: October 2016

The moisture contents of powders is an important parameter that affects the quality and commercial value of spray dried products. The utility of predicted moisture content values from two droplet drying models were compared with experimental data for spray dried pineapple juice, using the Ranz-Marshal and its modified variants for the heat and mass transfer correlations. The droplet Diffusion model, using the Zhifu correlation, gave estimates with errors of about 8% at 165 oC, 9% at 171 oC, 26% at 179 oC and 2% at 185 oC. The Ranz-Marshal correlation also gave comparable results with this model while results using the Downing and modified Ranz-Marshall correlations widely diverged. The Energy balance model predicted completely dried juice particles, and short drying times, in contrast to the experimental data. The small error sizes of the Diffusion model improves on the wide error sizes of an earlier process model, making is useful as a first approximation choice, for spray drier design and simulation, especially for juices under comparable operating conditions.
FABRICATION AND TESTING OF POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE (PDMS) MICROCHANNEL FOR LAB-ON-CHIP (LOC) MAGNETICALLY-LABELLED BIOLOGICAL CELLS SEPARATION
Authors: Abidin Ummikalsom , Yunas Jumril , Majlis Burhanuddin Yeop
Published: October 2016

Microfluidics channel of micron- to millimeter in dimension has been widely used for fluid handling in transporting, mixing and separating biological cells in Lab-on-Chip (LoC) applications. In this research, fabrication and testing of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) microfluidic channel for Lab-on-chip magnetically-labelled biological cells separation is presented. The microchannel is designed with one inlet and outlet. A reservoir or chamber is proposed as an extra component of the microchannel design for ease of trapping the intended biological cells in LoC magnetic separator system. The PDMS microchannel of circular-shaped chamber geometry has been successfully fabricated using replica molding technique from SU-8 negative photoresist mold. An agglomerate-free microbeads flowing has been observed using the fabricated PDMS microchannel. Trapping of microbeads in the trapping chamber with 2.0 A current supply in the continuous microfluidics flow > 100 mL/min has also been demonstrated. In conclusion, a separation of biological cells labelled with magnetic microbeads is expected to be realized using the fabricated PDMS microchannel.
INDOOR TEMPERATURE CONTROL AND ENERGY SAVING POTENTIAL OF SPLIT- TYPE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM USING FUZZY LOGIC CONTROLLER
Authors: Nasution Henry , Dahlan Afiq Aiman , Abdul Aziz Azhar , Azmi Ulul , Zulkifli Amirah Haziqah , Windiarti Herlanda
Published: October 2016

Variable speed compressor (VSC) offers a wider range of cooling capacity control according to the cooling load of the system. The on/off controller consumes larger energy as the compressor is always working at maximum speed despites the cooling load and continuously on and off to prevent from over cool the room. This study focused on the implementation of VSC to increase energy efficiency with better temperature control inside the room for split unit air conditioning system. The experiments are done at room temperature of 23 and 24oC with internal heat load of 500 and 1000 W. The proposed system indicates as much 37% of energy saving as compared to on/off controller
NUMERICAL EVALUATION OF THERMO-HYDRAULIC PERFORMANCE IN FIN-AND-TUBE COMPACT HEAT EXCHANGERS WITH DIFFERENT TUBE CROSS-SECTIONS
Authors: Gholami Ahmadali , Abdul Wahid Mazlan , A. Mohammed Hussein , Saat A. , Mohd Yasin M.F. , Sies M.M. , Kamaruzaman N. , Rahman Md. Mizanur
Published: October 2016

This study examined numericallythe Thermal-hydrodynamic properties of airflow in the fin-and-tube compact heat exchangers (FTCHEs) with considering different shapes of tubes in lowReynoldsnumbers. The influence of applying flat, oval and circular tube adjustments on the thermal and hydraulic characteristics of air flow were analyzed on the in-line tube arrangements. Establishing standard conditions, the study compared different geometries based on circular tubes of 10.459 mm diameter tubes with 25.4 mm longitudinal pitches and 25.4 mm transverse pitches. The other geometries of tubes were assumed in a stable and constant state preparing the same heat transfer surface area per unit volume as that of the nominal case. The results showed that the FTCHE with flat tubes gives the best area goodness factor (j/f) with in a certainrange of Reynoldsnumbers. In addition, FTCHE with flat tubes shown the best thermo-hydraulic performance and a significant augmentation of up to 10.83% and 35.63% in the average area goodness factor achieved accompanied by a decrease in the average friction factor of 17.02% and 43.41% in the flat tube case compared to the oval and circle tube shapes, respectively. It is concluded that the average area goodness factorfor the oval tube is about 25.04% higher than that of the circular tube, while the average friction factor for the oval tube is about 26.9% lower than that of the circular tube. This means that the flat tube has a better-combined thermal–hydraulic performance than the oval and circle tube.
OPTIMIZATION OF THE STACK IN A STANDING WAVE THERMOACOUSTIC REFRIGERATOR AT DIFFERENT DESIGN TEMPERATURES
Authors: Mohd-Ghazali Normah , El-Fawal Mawahib Hassan
Published: October 2016

Although numerous successful thermoacoustic refrigerators have been reported to date, the performance of these systems is still lower than their vapor compression counter parts. Optimization is imperative to identify the upper limit of the performance in order to be competitive and accepted by the general public. However, optimization methods adopted so far, experimentally and numerically, involved discrete variations of the selected parameters of interest. This paper presents the results of an optimization using the Lagrange Multiplier method, a mathematical approach never used before. The simultaneous optimization of the stack length and center position at various design temperatures is performed for a standard thermoacoustic refrigerator design. Results show similar pattern and trend with previous results with a 24.7% higher stack coefficient of performance achievable. This is promising considering that only two of the design parameters have been optimized.
UNDRAINED SHEAR STRENGTH OF SOFT CLAY MIXED WITH DIFFERENT PERCENTAGES OF LIME AND SILICA FUME
Authors: Hasan Muzamir , Alrubaye Ali Jamal , Seng Leong Kah , Ideris Mohammad Syafiq , Marto Aminaton
Published: October 2016

Soil stabilisation, as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly method, is used in the building of systems like roads, dams, canals and river levels. Chemical stabilisation of soil is carried out by adding binder or by-products like lime and silica fume to the soil thereby modifying the geotechnical performance of the soil. Various researchers have carried out research on the properties of soil, such as its compaction, compressibility, hydraulic conductivity, and strength characteristics. The focus of the study was the determination of the physical properties of the soft clay used and the strength of soft clay (kaolin) mixed with 6 % of silica fume and various percentages (3 %, 5 %, 7 % and 9 %) of lime. Unconfined compression test was carried out on the soft clay and the mixtures of soft clay-lime-silica fume to investigate the effect of lime stabilisation with silica fume additives on the unconfined compressive strength of the mixtures. Based on the results obtained, all soil samples were indicated as soils with medium plasticity. From 0 % to 9 % of lime with 6 % of silica fume, the decreased in the maximum dry density was by 5.92 % and the increased in the optimum moisture content was by 23.5 %. Decreased in the coefficient of permeability of the mixtures occurred when compared to the coefficient of permeability of the soft clay itself. The improvement in shear strength of soft clay mixed with 6 % silica fume and 5 % lime was 29.83 % compared to the shear strength of the soft clay sample. The optimal percentage of lime-silica fume combination was attained at 5.0 % of lime and 6.0 % of silica fume in order to improve the shear strength of soft clay. It can be concluded that lime-silica fume additives improved the unconfined compressive strength of the soft clay.
UTILISATION OF PLASTIC SACKS FIBRE AND BRAN ASH FOR SOFT CLAY SHEAR STRENGTH
Authors: Rika Putri Nyimas Septi , Dewi Ratna , Ilham Muhammad
Published: October 2016

Soft soil possess poor mechanical properties, thus produce problems when bearing load. To overcome the problems, soft soil has to be stabilised. To do soil stabilisation, it Is imperative to add some mixture as additional substance in order to improve the characteristic of the soft soil. Plastic sacks fibre is one of the easily obtainable material which consists of high density profile, while bran ash contains good carbon and silica. This research aimed to determine the optimum level of plastic sacks waste fibre and bran ash to obtain the maximum soil shear strength and to compare the original soil shear strength with the modified mixture soil shear strength. The strength tests were conducted on the laboratory scale using the triaxial test device for the Unconsolidated Undrained (UU) test. Soft clay sample was mixed with the chop of plastic sacks fibre with the following level of composition : 0.4 % , 0.6 %, 0.8 %, 1 %, and also the bran ash composition content of  0 %, 2 % and 4 % to the dry weight of soil with the test unit of 36 pieces. Based on laboratory testing, the maximum cohesion value reside on variation of 0.8 % plastic sacks fibre and 2 % bran ash with the value of 0.65 kg/cm2, and the maximum shear angle lays on variation of 1 % of plastic sacks fibre and 0 % of bran ash with the value of 9.95 degree. For the mixture variation of 0.8 % plastic sacks fibre and 2 % of bran ash, it produced a shear strength of 0.67 kg/cm2 and abled to increase the soil shear strength by 87.08 %. As a conclusion, the use of plastic sacks fibre and bran ash was found to be able to improve the soft clay shear strength properties.
CHALLENGES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF DEEP EXCAVATION FOR KVMRT IN KUALA LUMPUR LIMESTONE FORMATION
Authors: Tan Yean-Chin , Chow Chee-Meng , Koo Kuan-Seng , Nazir Ramli
Published: October 2016

The Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) Sungai Buloh - Kajang Line project is the first Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project in Malaysia. The  KVMRT  Project  when completed  will  cover  a  distance  of  51km  and  comprises  of  31 passenger  stations.  This paper covers the challenges in design and construction of deep excavation works for three underground stations, namely Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) station, Cochrane Station and Maluri Station, as well as one portal (South Portal) all located in Kuala Lumpur limestone formation. The Kuala Lumpur Limestone formation exhibits notorious karstic features with irregular bedrock profiles, variable weathering condition, cavities and slime zones. This paper presents the design principles of temporary earth retaining system together with vertical rock excavation to the final depth of the station in karstic limestone formation. The unique experience (design and construction) gained from this project will be a useful reference for similar excavation works, especially in karstic limestone formation
EFFECT OF NOSE BLADE ANGLE ON FACE STABILITY OF JACKED BOX TUNNELLING
Authors: A. Prakoso Widjojo , Sabbah Azzah Balqis
Published: October 2016

A typical jacked box tunnel usually consists of a precast concrete box tunnel and a steel nose blade installed in the box front. Two of many design factors for this tunnel type are the face stability and the face resistance; an increase in face stability is typically accompanied by an unintended consequence of an increase in face resistance. A series of numerical analyses was performed to explore the interaction between the face stability and the face resistance. Three design parameters were considered, namely amount of unexcavated soil inside box tunnel, nose blade angle and soil depth. Plane strain finite element models were used to simulate the tunnel jacking process; the software used was Plaxis 2D.  The face stability represented by safety factor is affected mainly in a decreasing order by the amount of unexcavated soil inside box tunnel and the nose blade angle. However, if a minimum jacking force is required, an optimal combination of the two design parameters should be adopted.
INVESTIGATION ON THE MECHANICS OF PRECAST SEGMENT TUNNEL LINING
Authors: Jusoh Siti Norafida , Mohamad Hisham , Marto Aminaton , Alias Nor Eliza , Hezmi Muhammad Azril , Abdullah Rini Asnida , Mohd. Yunus Nor Zurairahetty
Published: October 2016

Tunnel lining design is an interactive problem, which is not merely about the strength, but how much the lining could deform to accommodate the ground movement.  When tunnel interacts with soil, stress from the ground is distributed onto the structure. In precast segmental tunnel lining, it is critical to investigate the lining reaction when applied with load, as this affects the overall flexural behaviour of tunnel lining. The objective of this paper is to understand the basis of tunnel lining mechanical behaviour response. A series of conducted flexural bending laboratory testing and developed numerical models presented here in order to discuss on the mechanics of segmental tunnel lining. By having two different support mechanisms, variation trend in load-deflection and moment bending curve depicted.  Mirror trend of pin-pin support can easily be spotted in the results indicated segment lining affected by the load and support design.
GEOTECHNICAL PARAMETERS STUDY USING SEISMIC REFRACTION TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: Nadia Rose , Saad Rosli , Muztaza Nordiana , Ismail Nur Azwin , Saidin Mohd Mokhtar
Published: October 2016

In this study, correlation is made between seismic P-wave velocities (Vp) with standard penetration test (SPT-N) values to produce soil parameter estimation for engineering site applications. A seismic refraction tomography (SRT) line of 69 m length was spread across two boreholes with 3 m geophones spacing. The acquired data were processed using Firstpix, SeisOpt2D and surfer8 software. The Vp at particular depths were pinpointed and correlated with geotechnical parameters (SPT-N values) from the borehole records. The correlation between Vp and SPT-N values has been established. For cohesive soils, it is grouped into three categories according to consistencies; stiff, very stiff and hard, having velocity rangesof 575-314 m/s, 808-1483 m/s and 1735-2974 m/s, respectively. For non-cohesive soils, it is also divided into three categories based on the denseness as loose, medium dense and dense with Vp ranges of 528-622 m/s, 900-2846 m/s and 2876-2951 m/s, respectively
HYDROLOGICAL MODELLING OF UNGAUGED ARID VOLCANIC ENVIRONMENTS AT UPPER BATHAN CATCHMENT, MADINAH, SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Alahmadi Fahad , Abd Rahman Norhan , Yusop Zulkifli
Published: October 2016

Hydrological modelling of ungauged catchments is still a challenging task especially in arid regions with a unique land cover features such as highly fracture volcanic basalt rocks. In this study, upper Bathan catchment (103 km2) in Madinah, western of Saudi Arabia is selected. The aim of this paper is to simulate the hydrological responses of volcanic catchment to daily design storm events. The weighted areal average of two daily design rainfall depth scenarios are computed, which are 50 years and 100 years return period and correspondent predicted rainfall are 80.6 mm and 94.1 mm, respectively. SCS Type II temporal synthetic distribution of daily rainfall is selected to disaggregate the daily rainfall into smaller time interval. Excess rainfall is computed using Soil Conservation Services Curve Number (SCS-CN) method based on Land Cover and Land Use (LCLU) and hydrological soil groups (HSG) maps, while direct runoff hydrograph is developed using Soil Conservation Services dimensionless unit hydrograph (SCS-UH) method using lag time equation. HEC-HMS software is used, and it showed that the runoff volumes of the two rainfall scenarios are 50% and 54% of the total rainfall depth, and the peak discharges are 123 m3/sec and 158 m3/sec. This study provided an indication of the hydrograph characteristics of basaltic catchments and the result of this paper can be used for further flood studies in arid ungauged volcanic catchments.
FLOOD HYDRAULICS DUE TO EMERGENT VEGETATION ALONG A RIPARIAN ZONE IN MEANDERING CHANNELS
Authors: Ibrahim Zulkiflee , Ismail Zulhilmi , Harun Sobri , Shiono Koji , Mohd. Zuki Nazirah , Makhtar Md. Ridzuan , Jumain Mazlin , Abd. Rahman Mohd. Suhaimi , Jamal Mohamad Hidayat
Published: October 2016

Frequent floods around the globe including recent events in several states in Malaysia have damaged the residential properties, infrastructures and crops or even deaths. Clearing vegetations or trees on the floodplain has been pointed out as a contributing factor to the damages. Thus, the influence of floodplain vegetation on the river hydraulics during flooding must be better understood. The hydraulics of flood flows in non-erodible vegetated meandering channel was experimented in the laboratory where two-lined steel rods were installed along a riparian zone to simulate as trees. The stage-discharge relationship, flow resistance, depth-averaged velocity, streamwise vorticity and boundary shear stress patterns during shallow and deep flood inundations were studied. The findings showed that floodplain vegetation had increased the channel flow depth by 32% and its flow resistance. The velocity in vegetated zone was lowered and the shear stress reduced by 86.5% to 91% along the river meander. In addition, the trees also limit flow interaction between main channel and floodplain
Amalan Syura Dalam Kalangan Guru Besar Dan Hubungannya Terhadap Komitmen Kerja Guru
Authors: Abd Hamid Suhana , Mohamad Ahmad Marzuki
Published: October 2016

This study is design to  investigate the implementation of the shura among headmasters that’s influence teachers’ work commitment, and to examine the shura element asli predictability of teachers’ work commitment. This study uses quantitative methods involving 200 respondents among teachers from 23 grade A schools in Johor Bahru. The overall analysis of questionnaire data obtained Cronbach alpha value of 0.946, which showed the highest level of reliability assessment and fulfilling the needs of this study. The data is analys using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) 22.0. Overall finding shows the implementation of the practice of shura is in a high level, which should be carried out among the teachers. Referring to the second objectives of this study, the analysis proves that elements of the shura; openness, consensus, trust, and trust able to predict work commitments. Based on this result, it can be understood that the elements of the shura competent to improve future teachers’work commitments. It is recommended, for future studies to the investiage the practice of shura in relation with the job satisfaction and school achievement in education. The findings of this study are expected to generate knowledge and understanding in leadership based on a broad practice of shura.
Aplikasi Penderiaan Jauh atau Remote Sensing dalam Pemodelan Pengaruh Iklim terhadap Taburan Burung Hijrah Di Hutan Paya Laut Matang, Perak
Authors: Abd Rahman Azimah
Published: October 2016

Climate changes especially temperature and rainfall effect the habitat selection of bird migration in mangrove area to get some food and temporary stopover. The increase and decrease of temperature and rainfall is varies between upstream to downstream. This research was done to prove that temperature and rainfall are uneven in some area even in same boundary that can give impact in habitat selection of migratory birds. This research was concern around Matang Mangrove Forest, Perak that already familiar as focal area for migratory birds. Remote Sensing application was used in this research through use of ERDAS Imagine 8.5 which is based on pixels. This application helps to model the relationship between climate, namely temperature and rainfall with distribution density of migratory birds around the study area. Climate modeling was conducted to predict the distribution of migratory bird populations in the future due to changes in temperature and rainfall over a period of 5 years and 20 years. The results of this study showed a decrease in the population of migratory birds by 6.4% for a period of 5 years and a decrease to 7.5% for the last 20 years.  Sungai Sepetang and Sungai Selinsing shown that migratory bird populations decreased continuously after 20 years. However the Sangga Besar, Teluk Kertang, Temerlok, Pulau Pasir Hitam dan Sungai Tinggi area showed an increase in the arrival of migratory birds after 20 years.  This information analysis help the related agencies in manage and maintain the area around the Matang Mangrove Forest identified potential habitat for migratory birds in the future. In addition, through this study migratory bird monitoring can be carried out systematically on a wider scope without ignoring areas that strives to be the alternative habitat for migratory birds in the future.
Energy and Exergy Analyses of a Power Plant With Carbon Dioxide Capture Using Multistage Chemical Looping Combustion
Authors: Hassan Bilal , Ogidiama Oghare Victor , Khan Mohammed N. , Shamim Tariq
Published: October 2016

A thermodynamic model and parametric analysis of a natural gas-fired power plant with carbon dioxide (CO2) capture using multistage chemical looping combustion (CLC) are presented. CLC is an innovative concept and an attractive option to capture CO2 with a significantly lower energy penalty than other carbon-capture technologies. The principal idea behind CLC is to split the combustion process into two separate steps (redox reactions) carried out in two separate reactors: an oxidation reaction and a reduction reaction, by introducing a suitable metal oxide which acts as an oxygen carrier (OC) that circulates between the two reactors. In this study, an Aspen Plus model was developed by employing the conservation of mass and energy for all components of the CLC system. In the analysis, equilibrium-based thermodynamic reactions with no OC deactivation were considered. The model was employed to investigate the effect of various key operating parameters such as air, fuel, and OC mass flow rates, operating pressure, and waste heat recovery on the performance of a natural gas-fired power plant with multistage CLC. The results of these parameters on the plant's thermal and exergetic efficiencies are presented. Based on the lower heating value, the analysis shows a thermal efficiency gain of more than 6 percentage points for CLC-integrated natural gas power plants compared to similar power plants with pre- or post-combustion CO2 capture technologies.
The hijacking of a receptor kinase–driven pathway by a wheat fungal pathogen leads to disease
Authors: Shi Gongjun , Zhang Zengcui , Friesen Timothy L. , Raats Dina , Fahima Tzion , Brueggeman Robert S. , Lu Shunwen , Trick Harold N. , Liu Zhaohui , Chao Wun , Frenkel Zeev , Xu Steven S. , Rasmussen Jack B. , Faris Justin D.
Published: October 2016

Activation of a wheat gene product by a fungal protein leads to cell death in the plant, allowing the pathogen to cause disease.
Constructing 3D heterogeneous hydrogels from electrically manipulated prepolymer droplets and crosslinked microgels
Authors: Chiang Min-Yu , Hsu Yao-Wen , Hsieh Hsin-Yi , Chen San-Yuan , Fan Shih-Kang
Published: October 2016

Multiphase and cross-scale manipulations of objects with diverse properties for 3D hydrogel construction.
Making climate science more relevant
Authors: Kennel Charles F. , Briggs Stephen , Victor David G.
Published: October 2016

Better indicators for risk management are needed after Paris
Putting the spotlight on organic sulfur
Authors: Levine Naomi M.
Published: October 2016

Diverse dissolved organic sulfur compounds play an active role in ocean biogeochemistry
Additive Protection against Congenital Cytomegalovirus Conferred by Combined Glycoprotein B/pp65 Vaccination Using a Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Vector
Authors: Schleiss Mark R. , Berka Ursula , Watson Elizabeth , Aistleithner Mario , Kiefmann Bettina , Mangeat Bastien , Swanson Elizabeth C. , Gillis Peter A. , Hernandez-Alvarado Nelmary , Fernández-Alarcón Claudia , Zabeli Jason C. , Pinschewer Daniel D. , Lilja Anders E. , Schwendinger Michael , Guirakhoo Farshad , Monath Thomas P. , Orlinger Klaus K.
Published: October 2016

Subunit vaccines for prevention of congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection based on glycoprotein B (gB) and pp65 are in clinical trials, but it is unclear whether simultaneous vaccination with both antigens enhances protection. We undertook evaluation of a novel bivalent vaccine based on nonreplicating lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (rLCMV) vectors expressing a cytoplasmic tail-deleted gB [gB(dCt)] and full-length pp65 from human CMV in mice. Immunization with the gB(dCt) vector alone elicited a comparable gB-binding antibody response and a superior neutralizing response to that elicited by adjuvanted subunit gB. Immunization with the pp65 vector alone elicited robust T cell responses. Comparable immunogenicity of the combined gB(dCt) and pp65 vectors with the individual monovalent formulations was demonstrated. To demonstrate proof of principle for a bivalent rLCMV-based HCMV vaccine, the congenital guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) infection model was used to compare rLCMV vectors encoding homologs of pp65 (GP83) and gB(dCt), alone and in combination versus Freund's adjuvanted recombinant gB. Both vectors elicited significant immune responses, and no loss of gB immunogenicity was noted with the bivalent formulation. Combined vaccination with rLCMV-vectored GPCMV gB(dCt) and pp65 (GP83) conferred better protection against maternal viremia than subunit or either monovalent rLCMV vaccine. The bivalent vaccine also was significantly more effective in reducing pup mortality than the monovalent vaccines. In summary, bivalent vaccines with rLCMV vectors expressing gB and pp65 elicited potent humoral and cellular responses and conferred protection in the GPCMV model. Further clinical trials of LCMV-vectored HCMV vaccines are warranted.