bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Return on Equity Using Capital Adequacy Ratio in Commercial Banks: An ANOVA Table Analysis
Authors: Chaturvedi Meenakshi
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study is to predict the impact of Credit Risk Management on Profitability of Commercial Banks in India. Data is obtained from different news media, publication and sample banks to describe present scenario of banking sector in India. To analyze the profitability and credit risk management of banks after implementing the Basel II standard, we collected secondary data of ten years (2003 to 2013) from the annual report of banks. Few bar-diagrams have been drawn to compare the performance among six banks. While, to fulfill the research objective, ROE, and CAR is calculated to evaluate the Credit Risk of the Banks. Using these two ratios, researcher constructed the regression model statistics.
A Study of Trend in Asset Allocation among Public and Private Sector Sponsored Mutual Funds in India and its Impact on Performance of Open-Ended Equity Funds
Authors: Gupta Ms. Pooja
Published: May 2016

Indian Mutual Funds industry has an existence over 5 decades in the Indian markets, with US-64 scheme of Unit Trust of India (UTI) during 1964-87 as an introduction to the Indian investor to the concept of mutual fund. This industry has ever since, seen tremendous changes till date; with the entry of public sector bank sponsored mutual funds during 1987-1993 and private sector joining then after. The MF industry had shown a remarkable growth with the existence of both public sector and private sector players, post-liberalization. Among all others, one of the mutual fund peculiarities is the fund manager’s ability of asset allocation which reflects the fund manager’s inclination for positive returns from the sectoral performance which shall directly affect the returns generated by the funds. This paper attempts to study the impact of asset allocation on the performance of the open-ended equity funds of AMC’s under study.
Effect of soft layer on seismic response of subway station in layered stratum
Authors: Li Yayong , Jin Xiaoguang , Feng Yuansheng , Luo Wei
Published: May 2016

The seismic behavior of subway and highway tunnel has been an important topic followed the seismic damages of several structures in recent large earthquakes. Soft layer is often encountered in engineering site, and it is often located with normal strata. There have been limited literatures concerned on seismic performance of subway station with the presence of soft layer. Flac3D is employed to investigate the effect of soft layer on seismic response of subway station structure in earthquake. The effect of soft layer locating below subway station is firstly studied. Then the seismic response of subway station against location of soft layer is further investigated. The relative displacement, acceleration and safety factor of secondary lining, and internal force of central column are highlighted. It is found from numerical results that effects of the two cases are similar when soft layer locates below or above subway station and both beneficial for improving the safety of subway station compared with the case without soft layer. The case when soft layer locates below subway station is more preferable than the case above. It is also found that in the case when soft layer is within the range of subway station, it will greatly amplify the acceleration and internal force of secondary lining, especially for the part that is close to soft layer, and the influence degree gradually decreases with the increase of relative distance to soft layer. As a result, soft layer is generally beneficial for improving stability of subway station, but it should be avoided to be located within the range of subway station to ensure the stability of subway station.
A study on the application of the operating modal analysis method in self-propelled gun development
Authors: Liu Pengke , Shao Xiaojun , Zhou Faming , Chao Hongxiao
Published: May 2016

The basic theory and main features of operating modal analysis method have been elaborated, and then by using this method, the parameters of low-order natural characteristics of some wheeled and tracked self-propelled guns have been obtained. By two examples, the application of the operating modal analysis method for the development of self-propelled gun has been introduced. According to the result of operating modal analysis, for some wheeled self-propelled gun, “beat vibration” between the first-order natural characteristics and firing frequency of the gun has been identified, and further research indicates that the primary cause of the “beat vibration” is that the stiffness of the cradle is too weak which enlarges the vibratory response of the muzzle. With the reinforcement of the cradle, the testing result of firing indicates that the vibratory response of the muzzle is reduced obviously, and that the firing dispersion is much better than before. In order to certificate the accuracy of its dynamic model, for some tracked self-propelled guns, the natural characteristics of the whole gun through a comparison of the operating modal analysis and finite element calculation have been specified, and then according to the results of operating modal analysis, the dynamic model of the gun has been meliorated, and the natural characteristics of the gun by the finite element calculation are consistent with those by the operating modal analysis. This indicates that the model of the gun is correct with the vibratory response of the whole gun under seven running fire simulated, and that the error of vibratory response of the muzzle between firing testing and analog simulation does not exceed 15 %.
Investigation of pressure pulsations in centrifugal pump system
Authors: Barzdaitis Vytautas , Mažeika Pranas , Vasylius Marius , Kartašovas Valentinas , Tadžijevas Artūras
Published: May 2016

This article presents the results obtained on vibration measurements of the centrifugal pumps together with the measurements of pressure pulsations, generated in the pipeline system. The main task of the current investigation, developed based on previously conducted substantiated experimental investigations, is to identify the main source of pressure pulsations in the pipeline system. More than 9 different operating modes were set for high capacity (up to 1000 m3/h) centrifugal pumps during the vibration and pressure pulsation measurement processes. Throughout the measurements, the high capacity pumps, connected in series or parallel, were transferring fluids to a pipeline, in a length of more than 350 meters. Having conducted the experimental investigation, the main source of pressure pulsations, generated in the pipeline system, was identified.
Analysis of the influence of braking control laws on gear walk
Authors: Yin Qiaozhi , Nie Hong , Zhang Ming , Wang Yongquan , Deng Jian
Published: May 2016

The problem of gear walk on landing gear becomes increasingly serious. A rigid-flexible coupling dynamic half-axle main landing gear model, verified to be in accordance with the test data and the original deceleration control system, are built to study the gear walk problems. The co-simulation method is adopted. According to the severe gear walk phenomenon under the deceleration braking system, two modified braking control laws-only the reference speed-speed difference (with PBM) control and the one combining the PBM with the fuzzy control are designed for this type of airplane to weaken the gear walk. The simulating results show that the modified braking control law weakens the gear walk considerably. The braking frequency increases by about 17 %. The average wheel axle gear walk average amplitude decreases by 73 % and the longitudinal acceleration drops by about 91 %. The braking frequency decreases by 50 % so that the vibration frequency of the gear walk decreases by about 59 %. The combined braking control law is verified that is of great stability, adaptability and robustness under variable external conditions.
An improved local mean decomposition method and its application for fault diagnosis of reciprocating compressor
Authors: Chen Gui-juan , Zou Long-qing , Zhao Hai-yang , Li Yu-qian
Published: May 2016

Local mean decomposition (LMD) is a new time–frequency analysis method which can decompose a signal adaptively into a set of product function (PF) components, and the construction of local mean function and envelope function plays an important role in the accuracy of its PF components. Aiming at the strong nonstationarity, nonlinearity and multi-component coupling characteristics of reciprocating compressor vibration signals, an improved LMD was proposed by a novel construction method of local mean function and envelope function. By introducing an extreme symmetrical point between two extreme points and using the Monotone Piecewise Cubic Hermite Interpolation (MPCHI) instead of Cubic Spline Interpolation (CSI) to construct the envelopes, a novel construction method of local mean function and envelope function was proposed, and then the improved LMD algorithm was given based on this novel construction method. The improved LMD was applied to decompose the vibration signals of reciprocating compressor fault states, and the comparison of details between different LMD decomposition results verified the superiority of this improved method. The envelope frequency spectrum of PF component gives a more significant peak of fault frequency than that of original signal, which further indicates that this proposed method is competent for the diagnosis of reciprocating compressor oversized bearing clearance fault.
A combined computational and experimental study on vibration stress relief for large welded DH36 steel tube
Authors: Li Shuqi , Fang Hongyuan , Liu Xuesong , Wang Wei , Wang Qiang , Cui Wei
Published: May 2016

Vibration stress relief (VSR) is an effective and economic method for reducing residual stress in various welding components. Compared with other methods, it costs much less time and energy. In this study, finite element method (FEM) was used to assist VSR treatment of large DH36 steel welded tube by determining the 1st order vibration mode of the tube and the natural frequency of the tube in a hypothetic zero-stress state. According to the computational results, proper vibration exciting assembling and excitation strategy was selected. An effectiveness index, η, for fast and quantitative estimation of the residual stress decrease rate was proposed. η is determined by 1st order natural frequencies of the tube in three states, i.e. as-welded, VSR treated and a hypothetic zero-stress state. η in this study was 49.8 %, meeting well with the experimentally measured residual stress decrease rate, ~50 %. Thus, the validity of the effectiveness index was verified. This study provides a novel method for analysis of VSR effectiveness. In comparison, maximum residual stress was reduced by 20-57 % when traditional local post weld heat treatment (PWHT) was used. This indicates that VSR is a good stress relief method for DH36 welded structures.
Experiment and simulation research of the ground-borne vibration for a high-speed train
Authors: Cui Kai , Lv Dong
Published: May 2016

In order to study the effect of the operational loads on the ground-borne vibration of the high-speed train, a train-track coupling model with considering the vertical and horizontal effects is established and applied to calculate the impact of different operational speeds on vibration acceleration. As shown in the results, the vibration acceleration is largely affected by different frequencies generated from different train speeds. By means of an indoor dynamic triaxial test, the impact of different vibration frequencies of a train on soil body is simulated. And a large number of medium- and low-frequency vibration tests are conducted according to the settings of load form, drainage requirement and vibration number of train vibration loads. The experimental results are analyzed to study the effect of different frequencies on dynamic characteristics, and a dynamic strain-time calculation formula, that takes the frequency factor into consideration, is proposed. Meanwhile, the improved formula that considered frequency is substituted into the finite element model (FEM) of the train, so as to analyze the impact of different vibration frequencies on the settlement, is applied. As shown in the results, the proposed improved formula, that considered the frequency, is good at prediction. The effect of vibration efficiency on the engineering can be reflected by a simulated high-speed train model. Based on the simulation model, a reinforcement measure is conducted for the ground-borne, and it is calculated that the settlement is obviously reduced and the service time of the train ground-borne is increased. This paper can provide a reference for a theoretical research and engineering practice.
Research on deep hole drilling vibration suppression based on magnetorheological fluid damper
Authors: Zhang Huang , Shen Xingquan , Li Yaoming , Miao Hongbin
Published: May 2016

Based on the working principle of magnetorheological fluid damping, in this paper, a set of squeezing mode Magneto-rheological Fluid (MRF) dampers is designed for drilling vibration suppression in deep hole machines. Elaborate analysis of the correlativity between the dynamic morphology trajectory of the machined hole surface, the vibration of the drilling tool-shaft, and the theoretical derivation of the damping force, is put forward in accordance with the Bingham model and Euler-Bernoulli beam Equation. Simultaneously, the contrast analysis of the vibration suppression effect is carried out through the drilling experiments with and without an MRF damper. In addition, a series of measurements on the vibration characteristics of the drilling shaft, the drilling tool and the guide surface wear patterns, and the machine hole surface are analyzed, respectively. Both the drilling experiments and theory studies have revealed that the strength of the magnetic field changed with the drill shaft at different levels of vibration. The MRF damper could suppress the vibration with nonlinear characteristics initiatively and instantaneously, by variable damping, which can eventually improve the surface roughness. In addition, according to the phenomenon of tool tipping, the breakage of the guide bars and the machine hole surface deduces the condition of the vibration effect objectively.
Prognostic diagnosis of the health status of an air-turbine dental handpiece rotor by using sound and vibration signals
Authors: Yi-Cheng Huang , Chang-Chih Liu , Po-Chou Chuo
Published: May 2016

This paper reports the diagnostic results of a free-running of air turbine dental handpiece (ATDH) with three rotor statuses by applying fast Fourier transform (FFT), Hilbert-Huang transform (HHT), and multiscale entropy (MSE) processes. The proposed method was tested under conditions of additional axial preload on the rotor and ceramic bearings with a damaged outer race supporting the rotor. A laser-Doppler vibrometer, condenser microphone, and portable MEMS system microphone were used to acquire the signals when the ATDH rotor features were changed. The results showed that changes in preload or malfunctioning ball bearings can be discriminated and abstracted using FFT and HHT to analyze the vibration frequencies. The experimental results showed that the proposed method can successfully predict the prognostic status of an ATDH rotor. The smart sensing of the health of the ATDH was achieved through a comparative evaluation of the MSE values. The proposed diagnostic method yielded satisfactory prognostic effectiveness in predicting the health status of the tested ATDH rotor.
The ride comfort and energy-regenerative characteristics analysis of hydraulic-electricity energy regenerative suspension
Authors: Gong Bian , Guo Xuexun , Hu Sanbao , Fang Zhigang
Published: May 2016

For optimization of performances of a hydraulic-electricity energy regenerative suspension (HERS) unit, the tradeoff point was determined based on study of ride comfort and energy-regenerative characteristics of a HERS unit in this study. A HERS unit as a new energy reclaiming suspension device is equipped with an energy-harvesting hydraulic electromagnetic shock absorber (HESA). The HESA together with a quarter car was modeled based on theoretical analysis and experiments, in which the root mean square (RMS) values of the sprung mass vibration acceleration and the recovered power are regarded as the optimization objectives under different road excitation conditions such as the constraints (natural frequency, dynamic displacement, and dynamic load of wheels). The HERS unit was optimized after the relationship between the ride comfort and the energy regeneration was obtained. In comparison with the traditional suspension, the HERS unit may be utilized to improve the ride comfort and meet the vehicle-driving requirements. Moreover, the total input power may be saved by 34-100 W on average while the vibration acceleration is among 0.65-1.06 m/s2. Furthermore, it is verified that the HERS damping force control is the feasible under various load currents.
Multistage throttling characteristics of reverse direction impact of pilot operated check valve
Authors: Liu Lei , Zhao Jiyun
Published: May 2016

The aim of this study was to improve the reverse impact characteristics of large-flow pilot operated check valves, meanwhile reduce oscillation, cavitation and unloading time. Three different main poppets were selected, and the impact pressure and flow were set as 30 MPa and 1000 L/min, respectively. The cavitation phenomenon was explored based on the analysis of gas-liquid two-phase flow by Fluent software, and then experimental verification was performed. Meanwhile, the dynamic characteristics of pilot operated check valves were analyzed by the impact test system. The simulation results showed that the fluid pressure clearly decreased while flowing through the poppet area. The sudden decrease of flow area at the orifice port of the poppet resulted in an increase in flow-velocity, because the cavitation area appears on the side of the main poppet. A stepped throttling structure could effectively reduce the cavitation area, preventing the generation of cavitation. The experimental results showed that the pressure oscillation of a stepped main poppet significantly reduced during the process of unloading, at 28.41 MPa; with a flow gradient of 4.86×105 L/min2; unloading time significantly reduced, for 711 ms; indicating it opened more rapidly and dynamic characteristics was superior. It can be concluded that the stepped throttling structure could effectively reduce the pressure oscillation of a pilot operated check valve during the process of unloading, improve response speed, enhance the impact properties, and reduce cavitation. This verified the correctness of the simulation and the rationality of the cavitation index.
Research on noise prediction and acoustics design of shipboard cabin
Authors: Liang Bing-Nan , Yu Hong-Liang , Cai Yan-Nian
Published: May 2016

The approach used to calculate structure surface vibration velocity and sound pressure level (SPL) is provided. Then structural vibration model and panels acoustic contribution are combined to investigate sound radiation from a vibrating structure. As for the shipboard cabin where the mariners work with high level requirement of the SPL, it’s necessary to build the boundary element model of shipboard cabin by obtaining the structural mode information and finding out characteristics of vibration velocity. Considering the effect of thin-shell-structure consoles and switchboards, the acoustic field inside the shipboard cabin and the panel contribution to the cabin are analyzed. The peak frequencies in the sound pressure spectrum at the field points and their corresponding panels with larger contributions to the cabin are found. Based on the modal shape analysis, damping is adopted to inhibit the predominant modes. In front of the console and the switchboard where the engineer on watch operate, at the height of one’s head with sitting posture and standing posture, four field points are laid out respectively. Then, the most obvious peak frequency is picked out as the frequency of attention. Vibration reducing measures like laying damping coatings and modular floating floors and so on are adopted to reduce the noise radiation of the plate in the ship cabin. Through the deck vibration transmission experiment, the damping performance of the modular floating floor is ascertained. A comprehensive assessment of the noise label in the cabin is needed to ensure that the sound pressure level meet the relevant requirements of the ship general rules.
Experimental study on the influence of modal parameters of thin cylindrical shell coated with constrained layer damping
Authors: Li Hui , Cheng Jia , Sun Wei , Wen Bangchun
Published: May 2016

This research has experimentally investigated on the influence on modal parameters of thin cylindrical shell coated with constrained layer damping (CLD). Firstly, based on vibration behavior of thin walled shell structure, an experiment system is established to measure modal parameters of the shell with high accuracy and efficiency, and the corresponding test methods and identification techniques which are suitable for the shell coated with CLD are proposed. Then, the shell is coated with different numbers and sizes of CLD pieces or in different coating positions of CLD rings, and modal parameters are obtained by the proposed test method. Finally, based on the accurate measured data, the influence on natural frequencies, mode shapes and damping ratios of TCS coated with CLD are analyzed and discussed in details. This research can provide technical support for CLD application on thin walled shell structure.
Features based on instantaneous frequency for seismic signals clustering
Authors: Sokolowski Jakub , Obuchowski Jakub , Madziarz Maciej , Wylomanska Agnieszka , Zimroz Radosław
Published: May 2016

Seismic signals discrimination is a multidimensional problem since recorded events may vary in terms of type, location, energy, etc. Recently, two discrimination features based on instantaneous frequency (IF) were proposed by the Authors. The first of these features is determined by distribution of the signals’ first Intrinsic Mode Function’s (IMF) IF. The second one is a particular simplification of the previous one as it gives information about the most frequently occurring instantaneous frequency in the considered first IMF. In order to exhibit features’ potential in distinguishing of seismic vibration signals, one has to use clustering algorithms. The features were already subjected to k-means algorithm. In this paper we show results of agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHCA) and compare it with outcomes of k-means. In order to test optimal number of clusters, method based on average silhouette was accomplished. The results are illustrated by analysis of real seismic vibration signals from an underground copper ore mine.
Total Hip Arthroplasty for the Paralytic and Non-paralytic Side in Patient with Residual Poliomyelitis
Authors: Sonohata Motoki , Kitajima Masaru , Kawano Shunsuke , Mawatari Masaaki
Published: May 2016

Background:

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) for poliomyelitis is a problematic procedure due to difficulty in positioning the cup of the prosthesis in the true acetabulum and the risk of dislocation after THA due to the low muscle tone.

Methods:

We herein present a case of bilateral hip pain with a history of poliomyelitis. Radiograph showed bilateral hip osteoarthritis caused by hip dysplasia due to residual poliomyelitis in right hip joint or developing dysplasia of the hip joint in left hip joint. THA was performed to bilateral hip joints.

Results:

Six years after bilateral THA, bilateral hip pain significantly improved. Additionally, the muscle strength on the paralyzed right side partially improved. However, the muscle strength on the non-paralyzed left side did not significantly improve. No complications related to the surgery were observed.

Conclusion:

Promising early results were obtained for THA in our patient with residual poliomyelitis. However, surgeons should pay attention to the potential development of complications concerning THA that may arise due to the residual poliomyelitis.
Challenges and Pitfalls Associated with Diagnostic and Prognostic Applications of Functional Neuroimaging in Disorders of Consciousness
Authors: Bodien Yelena G. , Giacino Joseph T.
Published: May 2016

The diagnostic assessment of patients with disorder of consciousness is currently based on clinical testing at the bedside and prone to a high error rate in the assessment of the degree of conscious awareness. Investigation of more objective assessment strategies, such as the use of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to detect conscious awareness, are becoming increasingly popular in the research community. However, inherent challenges to the use of fMRI threaten its validity as a diagnostic tool and will need to be resolved prior to its integration into the clinical setting. These challenges, which range from the heterogeneity of the patient sample to factors influencing data acquisition and biases in interpretation strategies, are discussed below. Recommendations aimed at mitigating some of the limitations are provided.
The Chief Role of Frontal Operational Module of the Brain Default Mode Network in the Potential Recovery of Consciousness from the Vegetative State: A Preliminary Comparison of Three Case Reports
Authors: Fingelkurts Alexander A. , Fingelkurts Andrew A. , Bagnato Sergio , Boccagni Cristina , Galardi Giuseppe
Published: May 2016

It has been argued that complex subjective sense of self is linked to the brain default-mode network (DMN). Recent discovery of heterogeneity between distinct subnets (or operational modules - OMs) of the DMN leads to a reconceptualization of its role for the experiential sense of self. Considering the recent proposition that the frontal DMN OM is responsible for the first-person perspective and the sense of agency, while the posterior DMN OMs are linked to the continuity of ‘I’ experience (including autobiographical memories) through embodiment and localization within bodily space, we have tested in this study the hypothesis that heterogeneity in the operational synchrony strength within the frontal DMN OM among patients who are in a vegetative state (VS) could inform about a stable self-consciousness recovery later in the course of disease (up to six years post-injury). Using EEG operational synchrony analysis we have demonstrated that among the three OMs of the DMN only the frontal OM showed important heterogeneity in VS patients as a function of later stable clinical outcome. We also found that the frontal DMN OM was characterized by the process of active uncoupling (stronger in persistent VS) of operations performed by the involved neuronal assemblies.
Dynamic smile evaluation in different skeletal patterns
Authors: Siddiqui Noshi , Tandon Pradeep , Singh Alka , Haryani Jitesh
Published: May 2016

Objective:

To evaluate dynamic smile in different skeletal patterns and to correlate vertical smile parameters with the underlying causative factors.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 150 participants ranging in age from 16–25 years were selected and divided into one of three groups—horizontal, average, and vertical skeletal pattern—using the following three cephalometric parameters: SN-MP, FMA, and Jarabak ratio. Videographic records of smile were obtained, and measurements were recorded and analyzed at rest, including upper lip length, and during smile, including maxillary incisal display, interlabial gap, intercommisural width, change in upper lip length, and smile arc. Differences among the three groups were subjected to two-way analysis of variance and post hoc and chi-square tests for smile arc. Correlations between vertical smile variables and vertical skeletal (N-ANS, N-Me) and dental cephalometric measurements (U1 to palatal plane) were also investigated.

Results:

Vertical parameters were significantly increased in the vertical pattern when compared with the horizontal pattern, ie, upper lip length (P < .01), maxillary incisal display (P < .001), interlabial gap (P < .001), and change in upper lip length (P < .001), whereas intercommisural width was significantly decreased in vertical pattern when compared with the horizontal pattern (P < .001). Flat smile arc was seen more frequently in the horizontal pattern. Positive correlations were found between the N-Me, U1-PP, and change in upper lip length with vertical smile parameters.

Conclusions:

Different skeletal patterns exhibit their characteristic smile features. Upper lip length is not responsible for increased incisal display during smile. Increased incisal display during smile is more closely associated with upper lip elevation than vertical skeletal and dental factors.
Microleakage under ceramic flash-free orthodontic brackets after thermal cycling
Authors: Kim Julia , Kanavakis Georgios , Finkelman Matthew D. , Lee Moonyoung
Published: May 2016

Objective: To compare microleakage under 3M Unitek's APC Flash-Free Adhesive Coated System bracket and the APC PLUS Adhesive Coated System bracket after thermal cycling.

Materials and Methods: Forty freshly extracted human maxillary premolars were randomly divided into two groups and bonded with either a Flash-Free bracket or a PLUS bracket. After bonding, the samples were incubated in a water bath at 37°C for 24 hours and thermocycled for 5000 cycles between 5°C and 50°C. All teeth were immersed in a 2% methylene blue solution for 24 hours, embedded in acrylic and sectioned in a buccolingual direction at approximately the center of the bracket. Microleakage was observed at the enamel-adhesive interface from the occlusal and gingival margins of the bracket base. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U-test.

Results: The median microleakage was higher in the Flash-Free group, but the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P > .05).

Conclusion: In a laboratory setting, there is no significant difference between the extent of microleakage under the APC Flash-Free Adhesive Coated System bracket and the APC PLUS Adhesive Coated System bracket after thermal cycling.
The Challenges of Providing Diabetes Education in Resource-Limited Settings to Women With Diabetes in Pregnancy: Perspectives of an Educator
Authors: Goldschmidt Virginia J. , Colletta Betty
Published: May 2016

IN BRIEF In resource-limited settings, the challenges of providing diabetes education are magnified. To provide the best education, these challenges and barriers need to be identified and addressed. Many times, at the “teachable moment” of a gestational diabetes diagnosis, we are able to not only address the immediate concerns, but also help patients adopt and continue long-term healthy lifestyle behaviors that improve the health of their entire family.
Carbohydrate Content in the GDM Diet: Two Views: View 1: Nutrition Therapy in Gestational Diabetes: The Case for Complex Carbohydrates
Authors: Hernandez Teri L.
Published: May 2016

IN BRIEF Restriction of dietary carbohydrate has been the cornerstone for treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). However, there is evidence that a balanced liberalization of complex carbohydrate as part of an overall eating plan in GDM meets treatment goals and may mitigate maternal adipose tissue insulin resistance, both of which may promote optimal metabolic outcomes for mother and offspring.
Participation in School Food and Nutrition Activities among Grade 6–8 Students in Vancouver
Authors: Stephens Teya A. , Black Jennifer L. , Chapman Gwen E. , Velazquez Cayley E. , Rojas Alejandro
Published: May 2016

This study examined student-reported participation in school food and nutrition activities in Vancouver, British Columbia (BC), and whether engagement differed by gender and between elementary and secondary school students. A cross-sectional survey of grade 6–8 public school students (n = 937) from 20 elementary and 6 secondary schools assessed student-reported participation in a range of food and nutrition activities. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression to examine associations between participation with gender and school type. Overall, <50% of students reported engaging in most of the food and nutrition activities examined in the 2011–2012 school year, including: food preparation (36%), choosing/tasting healthy foods (27%), learning about Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) (45%), learning about foods grown in BC (35%), gardening (21%), composting (32%), and recycling (51%). Females were more likely to report recycling and learning about CFG and BC-grown foods (P < 0.05). Secondary students were more likely to report activities focused on working with or learning about food/nutrition (P < 0.05). Despite local and provincial efforts to engage students in food and nutrition experiences, participation in most activities remains relatively low, with few students exposed to multiple activities. Continued advocacy is needed from the dietetics community to improve student engagement in food and nutrition activities.
Development and characterization of 15 microsatellite markers for Cephalotaxus fortunei (Cephalotaxaceae)
Authors: Wang Chunbo , Guo Zhiyou , Huang Xilian , Huang Lu
Published: May 2016

Premise of the study:

To survey population variation and the adaptive evolution of Cephalotaxus fortunei (Cephalotaxaceae), an endemic and endangered conifer in China, microsatellite markers were developed and characterized for this species.

Methods and Results:

Based on the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining repeats (FIASCO) protocol, 15 microsatellite markers were developed for C. fortunei, 13 of which were polymorphic within a sample of 75 individuals representing five natural populations. The number of alleles per locus ranged from one to seven. The expected and observed heterozygosities were 0.108–0.738 and 0.000–1.000, respectively. Ten polymorphic loci were also successfully amplified in C. oliveri.

Conclusions:

These polymorphic loci provide a valuable tool for population genetic analysis of C. fortunei, which will contribute to its management and conservation.
Microsatellite primers for a species of South African everlasting daisy (Helichrysum odoratissimum; Gnaphalieae, Asteraceae)
Authors: Glennon Kelsey L. , Cron Glynis V.
Published: May 2016

Premise of the study:

Microsatellites were developed for the widespread Helichrysum odoratissimum (Asteraceae) to estimate gene flow across diploid populations and to test if gene flow occurs among other closely related lineages within this genus.

Methods and Results:

Ten primer pairs were developed and tested using populations across South Africa; however, only seven primer pairs were polymorphic for the target species. The seven polymorphic primers amplified di‐ and trinucleotide repeats with up to 16 alleles per locus among 125 diploid individuals used for analyses.

Conclusions:

These markers can be used to estimate gene flow among populations of known ploidy level of H. odoratissimum to test evolutionary hypotheses. Furthermore, these markers amplify successfully in other Helichrysum species, including the other three taxonomic Group 4 species, and therefore can be used to inform taxonomic work on these species.
A NEW MAXIMUM-LIKELIHOOD TECHNIQUE FOR RECONSTRUCTING COSMIC-RAY ANISOTROPY AT ALL ANGULAR SCALES
Authors: Ahlers M. , BenZvi S. Y. , Desiati P. , Díaz–Vélez J. C. , Fiorino D. W. , Westerhoff S.
Published: May 2016

The arrival directions of TeV–PeV cosmic rays show weak but significant anisotropies with relative intensities at the level of one per mille. Due to the smallness of the anisotropies, quantitative studies require careful disentanglement of detector effects from the observation. We discuss an iterative maximum-likelihood reconstruction that simultaneously fits cosmic-ray anisotropies and detector acceptance. The method does not rely on detector simulations and provides an optimal anisotropy reconstruction for ground-based cosmic-ray observatories located in the middle latitudes. It is particularly well suited to the recovery of the dipole anisotropy, which is a crucial observable for the study of cosmic-ray diffusion in our Galaxy. We also provide general analysis methods for recovering large- and small-scale anisotropies that take into account systematic effects of the observation by ground-based detectors.
SPECTROSCOPIC CONFIRMATION OF A PROTOCLUSTER AT z ≈ 3.786
Authors: Dey Arjun , Lee Kyoung-Soo , Reddy Naveen , Cooper Michael , Inami Hanae , Hong Sungryong , Gonzalez Anthony H. , Jannuzi Buell T.
Published: May 2016

We present new observations of the field containing the z = 3.786 protocluster PC 217.96+32.3. We confirm that it is one of the largest known and most overdense high-redshift structures. Such structures are rare even in the largest cosmological simulations. We used the Mayall/MOSAIC1.1 imaging camera to image a 1.°2 × 0.°6 area (≈150 × 75 comoving Mpc) surrounding the protocluster’s core and discovered 165 candidate Lyα emitting galaxies (LAEs) and 788 candidate Lyman Break galaxies (LBGs). There are at least two overdense regions traced by the LAEs, the largest of which shows an areal overdensity in its core (i.e., within a radius of 2.5 comoving Mpc) of 14 ± 7 relative to the average LAE spatial density (

) in the imaged field. Further,

is twice that derived by other field LAE surveys. Spectroscopy with Keck/DEIMOS yielded redshifts for 164 galaxies (79 LAEs and 85 LBGs); 65 lie at a redshift of 3.785 ± 0.010. The velocity dispersion of galaxies near the core is σ = 350 ± 40 km s−1, a value robust to selection effects. The overdensities are likely to collapse into systems with present-day masses of >1015
M
⊙ and >6 × 1014
M
⊙. The low velocity dispersion may suggest a dynamically young protocluster. We find a weak trend between narrow-band (Lyα) luminosity and environmental density: the Lyα luminosity is enhanced on average by 1.35× within the protocluster core. There is no evidence that the Lyα equivalent width depends on environment. These suggest that star formation and/or active galactic nucleus (AGN) activity is enhanced in the higher-density regions of the structure. PC 217.96+32.3 is a Coma cluster analog, witnessed in the process of formation.
RE-ACCELERATION MODEL FOR RADIO RELICS WITH SPECTRAL CURVATURE
Authors: Kang Hyesung , Ryu Dongsu
Published: May 2016

Most of the observed features of radio gischt relics, such as spectral steepening across the relic width and a power-law-like integrated spectrum, can be adequately explained by a diffusive shock acceleration (DSA) model in which relativistic electrons are (re-)accelerated at shock waves induced in the intracluster medium. However, the steep spectral curvature in the integrated spectrum above ∼2 GHz detected in some radio relics, such as the Sausage relic in cluster CIZA J2242.8+5301, may not be interpreted by the simple radiative cooling of postshock electrons. In order to understand such steepening, we consider here a model in which a spherical shock sweeps through and then exits out of a finite-size cloud with fossil relativistic electrons. The ensuing integrated radio spectrum is expected to steepen much more than predicted for aging postshock electrons, since the re-acceleration stops after the cloud-crossing time. Using DSA simulations that are intended to reproduce radio observations of the Sausage relic, we show that both the integrated radio spectrum and the surface brightness profile can be fitted reasonably well, if a shock of speed

∼ 2.5–2.8 ×

and a sonic Mach number

∼ 2.7–3.0 traverses a fossil cloud for ∼45 Myr, and the postshock electrons cool further for another ∼10 Myr. This attempt illustrates that steep curved spectra of some radio gischt relics could be modeled by adjusting the shape of the fossil electron spectrum and adopting the specific configuration of the fossil cloud.
THE WATER ABUNDANCE OF THE DIRECTLY IMAGED SUBSTELLAR COMPANION κ AND b RETRIEVED FROM A NEAR INFRARED SPECTRUM
Authors: Todorov Kamen O. , Line Michael R. , Pineda Jaime E. , Meyer Michael R. , Quanz Sascha P. , Hinkley Sasha , Fortney Jonathan J.
Published: May 2016

Spectral retrieval has proven to be a powerful tool for constraining the physical properties and atmospheric compositions of extrasolar planet atmospheres based on observed spectra, primarily for transiting objects but also for directly imaged planets and brown dwarfs. Despite its strengths, this approach has been applied to only about a dozen targets. Determining the abundances of the main carbon- and oxygen-bearing compounds in a planetary atmosphere can lead to the C/O ratio of the object, which is crucial for understanding its formation and migration history. We present a retrieval analysis of the published near-infrared spectrum of

b, a directly imaged substellar companion to a young B9 star. We fit the emission spectrum model utilizing a Markov Chain Monte Carlo algorithm. We estimate the abundance of water vapor, and its uncertainty, in the atmosphere of the object. In addition, we place an upper limit on the abundance of CH4. We qualitatively compare our results with studies that have applied model retrieval on multiband photometry and emission spectroscopy of hot Jupiters (extrasolar giant planets with orbital periods of several days) and the directly imaged giant planet HR 8799b.
PROBING THE BIRTH OF POST-MERGER MILLISECOND MAGNETARS WITH X-RAY AND GAMMA-RAY EMISSION
Authors: Wang Ling-Jun , Dai Zi-Gao , Liu Liang-Duan , Wu Xue-Feng
Published: May 2016

There is growing evidence that a stable magnetar could be formed from the coalescence of double neutron stars. In previous papers, we investigated the signature of formation of stable millisecond magnetars in radio and optical/ultraviolet bands by assuming that the central rapidly rotating magnetar deposits its rotational energy in the form of a relativistic leptonized wind. We found that the optical transient PTF11agg could be the first evidence for the formation of post-merger millisecond magnetars. To enhance the probability of finding more evidence for the post-merger magnetar formation, it is better to extend the observational channel to other photon energy bands. In this paper, we propose to search the signature of post-merger magnetar formation in X-ray and especially gamma-ray bands. We calculate the synchrotron self-Compton (SSC) emission of the reverse shock powered by post-merger millisecond magnetars. We find that the SSC component peaks at

in the spectral energy distribution and extends to

for typical parameters. These energy bands are quite suitable for Fermi Large Area Telescope and Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), which, with their current observational sensitivities, can detect the SSC emission powered by post-merger magnetars up to

. NuSTAR, which is sensitive in X-ray bands, can detect the formation of post-merger millisecond magnetars at redshift

. Future improvements in the sensitivity of CTA can also allow us to probe the birth of post-merger millisecond magnetars at redshift

. However, because of the γ−γ collisions, strong high-energy emission is clearly predicted only for ejecta masses lower than

.
ROTATION PERIODS FOR COOL STARS IN THE 4 Gyr OLD OPEN CLUSTER M67, THE SOLAR–STELLAR CONNECTION, AND THE APPLICABILITY OF GYROCHRONOLOGY TO AT LEAST SOLAR AGE
Authors: Barnes Sydney A. , Weingrill Joerg , Fritzewski Dario , Strassmeier Klaus G. , Platais Imants
Published: May 2016

We report rotation periods for 20 cool (FGK) main sequence member stars of the 4 Gyr-old open cluster M67 (=NGC 2682), obtained by analyzing data from Campaign 5 of the K2 mission with the Kepler Space Telescope. The rotation periods delineate a sequence in the color–period diagram (CPD) of increasing period with redder color. This sequence represents a cross-section at the cluster age of the surface P = P(t, M), suggested in prior work to extend to at least solar age. The current Sun is located marginally (approximately 1σ) above M67 in the CPD, as its relative age leads us to expect, and lies on the P = P(t, M) surface to within measurement precision. We therefore conclude that the solar rotation rate is normal as compared with cluster stars, a fact that strengthens the solar–stellar connection. The agreement between the M67 rotation period measurements and prior predictions further implies that rotation periods, especially when coupled with appropriate supporting work such as spectroscopy, can provide reliable ages via gyrochronology for other similar FGK dwarfs from the early main sequence to solar age and likely until the main sequence turnoff. The M67 rotators have a rotational age of 4.2 Gyr with a standard deviation of 0.7 Gyr, implying that similar field stars can be age-dated to precisions of ∼17%. The rotational age of the M67 cluster as a whole is therefore 4.2 Gyr, but with a lower (averaged) uncertainty of 0.2 Gyr.
ON THE ORIGIN OF INNER COMA STRUCTURES OBSERVED BY ROSETTA DURING A DIURNAL ROTATION OF COMET 67P/CHURYUMOV–GERASIMENKO
Authors: Kramer Tobias , Noack Matthias
Published: May 2016

The Rosetta probe around comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko (67P) reveals an anisotropic dust distribution of the inner coma with jet-like structures. The physical processes leading to jet formation are under debate, with most models for cometary activity focusing on localized emission sources, such as cliffs or terraced regions. Here we suggest, by correlating high-resolution simulations of the dust environment around 67P with observations, that the anisotropy and the background dust density of 67P originate from dust released across the entire sunlit surface of the nucleus rather than from few isolated sources. We trace back trajectories from coma regions with high local dust density in space to the non-spherical nucleus and identify two mechanisms of jet formation: areas with local concavity in either two dimensions or only one. Pits and craters are examples of the first case; the neck region of the bi-lobed nucleus of 67P is an example of the latter case. The conjunction of multiple sources, in addition to dust released from all other sunlit areas, results in a high correlation coefficient (∼0.8) of the predictions with observations during a complete diurnal rotation period of 67P.
“UM MOÇO MUITO BRANCO”: A CONSTRUÇÃO DO INSÓLITO NA OBRA DE JOÃO GUIMARÃES ROSA
Authors: Júnior Arnaldo Nogari , Bellini Nerynei Meira Carneio
Published: May 2016

Como se sabe, a literatura é capaz de levar o ser humano a vivenciar emoções intensas e distintas. Todorov (1975) destaca a literatura fantástica, e, em seus estudos, mostra que esta se traduz como vacilação experimentada por um indivíduo que não reconhece mais as regras do mundo real, diante de um fenômeno visivelmente fantástico, o que certamente provoca anseio no leitor. Desse modo, com base em nossas experiências literárias, constata-se que diversas obras literárias aludem ao fantástico, o qual pode variar entre o estranho e o maravilhoso. Portanto, as narrativas fantásticas não devem ser meramente classificadas como tal, mas é indispensável considerar suas mutações, estilos e intenções de produção. Diante disso, o presente artigo propõe a análise do conto “Um moço muito branco”, de João Guimarães Rosa, com o intuito de averiguar aspectos insólitos presentes nessa narrativa e como as mesmas são incorporadas textualmente.

PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Literatura Fantástica. Guimarães Rosa. Um moço muito branco.