bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microstress in Reaction‐Bonded SiC from Crystallization Expansion of Silicon
Authors: Wing Bradley L. , Esmonde‐White Francis , Halloran John W.
Published: July 2016

Microstress in reaction‐bonded silicon carbide (RBSiC) has been measured using piezo‐Raman spectroscopy. Compressive microstresses as high as 2 GPa exist in the silicon phase and tensile microstresses as high as 2.3 GPa exist in the SiC phase of RBSiC. This is much larger than expected for thermoelastic microstress from coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch would provide. Instead the microstresses arise from the crystallization of liquid silicon. During the reaction bonding process, not all of the silicon reacts to form SiC and there is liquid free silicon. The phase transformation of the free silicon from liquid to solid has a large volume expansion, which results in large residual microstress within the silicon and SiC phases of RBSiC.
The Distortion‐Adjusted Change of Thermal Expansion Behavior of Cubic Magnetic Semiconductor (Sc1−xMx)F3 (M = Al, Fe)
Authors: Han Fei , Chen Jun , Hu Lei , Ren Yang , Rong Yangchun , Pan Zhao , Deng Jinxia , Xing Xianran
Published: July 2016

For the study of negative thermal expansion (NTE) compounds, it is critical to effectively control the thermal expansion. In this letter, a chemical approach has been taken to control the thermal expansion behavior in ScF3 which has a strong NTE. Owing to the difference of radius of substituting ions, local distortion inevitably emerges in the lattice matrix, which is verified by pair distribution function analysis of high‐resolution synchrotron X‐ray scattering. It is a valuable clue that the thermal expansion behaviors in the ScF3 based systems and other trifluorides are correlated closely to structural distortion of metal‐F‐metal linkages. In addition, the introduction of 3d transition‐metal enables its semiconductor and ferromagnetic characteristics. This study provides important reference opinion for the control of thermal expansion and introduction of multifunctionalization for those NTE compounds with open framework structure.
Conservation priorities for the different lines of Dutch Red and White Friesian cattle change when relationships with other breeds are taken into account
Authors: Hulsegge B. , Calus M.P.L. , Oldenbroek J.K. , Windig J.J.
Published: July 2016

From a genetic point of view, the selection of breeds and animals within breeds for conservation in a national gene pool can be based on a maximum diversity strategy. This implies that priority is given to conservation of breeds and animals that diverge most and overlap of conserved diversity is minimized. This study investigated the genetic diversity in the Dutch Red and White Friesian (DFR) cattle breed and its contribution to the total genetic diversity in the pool of the Dutch dairy breeds. All Dutch cattle breeds are clearly distinct, except for Dutch Friesian breed (DF) andDFRand have their own specific genetic identity.DFRhas a small but unique contribution to the total genetic diversity of Dutch cattle breeds and is closely related to the Dutch Friesian breed. Seven different lines are distinguished within theDFRbreed and all contribute to the diversity of theDFRbreed. Two lines show the largest contributions to the genetic diversity inDFR. One of these lines comprises unique diversity both within the breed and across all cattle breeds. The other line comprises unique diversity for theDFRbut overlaps with the Holstein Friesian breed. There seems to be no necessity to conserve the other five lines separately, because their level of differentiation is very low. This study illustrates that, when taking conservation decisions for a breed, it is worthwhile to take into account the population structure of the breed itself and the relationships with other breeds.
Persistent Atrial Fibrillation Ablation in Females: Insight from the MAGIC‐AF Trial
Authors: SINGH SHELDON M. , D'AVILA ANDRE , ARYANA ARASH , KIM YOUNG‐HOON , MANGRUM J. MICHAEL , MICHAUD GREGORY F. , DUKKIPATI SRINIVAS R. , HEIST E. KEVIN , BARRETT CONOR D. , THORPE KEVIN E. , REDDY VIVEK Y.
Published: July 2016

Gender and Persistent AF

Introduction

Atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation is less frequently performed in women when compared to men. There are conflicting data on the safety and efficacy of AF ablation in women. The objective of this study was to compare the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a contemporary cohort of men and women undergoing persistent AF ablation procedures.

Methods and Results

A total of 182 men and 53 women undergoing a first‐ever persistent AF catheter ablation procedure in The Modified Ablation Guided by Ibutilide Use in Chronic Atrial Fibrillation (MAGIC‐AF) trial were evaluated. Clinical and procedural characteristics were compared between each gender. The primary efficacy endpoint was the 1‐year single procedure freedom from atrial arrhythmia off anti‐arrhythmic drugs. Women undergoing catheter ablation procedures were older than men (P < 0.001). The duration of AF and associated co‐morbidities were similar between both genders. Single procedure drug‐free atrial arrhythmia recurrence occurred in 53% of the cohort with no difference based on gender (men = 54%, women = 53%; P = 1.0). Procedural (P = 0.04), fluoroscopic (P = 0.02), and ablation times (P = 0.003) were shorter in women compared to men. Periprocedural complications and postablation improvement in quality of life were similar between men and women.

Conclusion

Women undergoing a first‐ever persistent AF ablation procedure were older but had similar clinical outcomes and complications when compared with men.
The tale of the shrinking weapon: seasonal changes in nutrition affect weapon size and sexual dimorphism, but not contemporary evolution
Authors: Miller C. W. , McDonald G. C. , Moore A. J.
Published: July 2016

Sexually selected traits are often highly variable in size within populations due to their close link with the physical condition of individuals. Nutrition has a large impact on physical condition, and thus, any seasonal changes in nutritional quality are predicted to alter the average size of sexually selected traits as well as the degree of sexual dimorphism in populations. However, although traits affected by mate choice are well studied, we have a surprising lack of knowledge of how natural variation in nutrition affects the expression of sexually selected weapons and sexual dimorphism. Further, few studies explicitly test for differences in the heritability and mean‐scaled evolvability of sexually selected traits across conditions. We studied Narnia femorata (Hemiptera: Coreidae), an insect where males use their hind legs as weapons and the femurs are enlarged, to understand the extent to which weapon expression, sexual dimorphism and evolvability change across the actual range of nutrition available in the wild. We found that insects raised on a poor diet (cactus without fruit) are nearly monomorphic, whereas those raised on a high‐quality diet (cactus with ripe fruit) are distinctly sexually dimorphic via the expression of large hind leg weapons in males. Contrary to our expectations, we found little evidence of a potential for evolutionary change for any trait measured. Thus, although we show weapons are highly condition dependent, and changes in weapon expression and dimorphism could alter evolutionary dynamics, our populations are unlikely to experience further evolutionary changes under current conditions.
Observations of newborn blue sharks Prionace glauca in shallow inshore waters of the north‐east Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Bañón R. , Maño T. , Mucientes G.
Published: July 2016

The anomalous presence of numerous blue shark Prionace glauca neonates and juveniles in shallow inshore waters of Galicia, north‐west Spain, during the summers of 2014 and 2015 is reported. Changes in oceanographic conditions, high recruitment events or changes in the pupping area are discussed as possible causes of this unusual behaviour.
Reliability of parent report measures of sleep in children with Down syndrome
Authors: Esbensen A. J. , Hoffman E. K.
Published: July 2016

Background

Behavioural sleep disturbances are common among children with Down syndrome (DS). However, tools used to detect and evaluate behavioural sleep disturbances were developed for typically developing children and have not been evaluated for use among children with DS. The current study evaluates the psychometric properties of three measures of behavioural sleep disturbances that are currently being used with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including children with DS.

Method

Caregivers of 30 children with DS rated their child's sleep with the Behavioral Evaluation of Disorders of Sleep (BEDS), Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) and Sleep Disturbances Scale for Children (SDSC). Caregivers also provided information on sleep diagnoses and completed a 7‐night sleep and behaviour diary.

Results

The study investigated the rate of detecting sleep problems, internal consistency, and convergent and concurrent validity of the BEDS, CSHQ and SDSC. Children with DS were reported to exhibit behavioural sleep disturbances at different rates depending on the measure used; 0% BEDS, 79.3% CSHQ and 17.2% SDSC. Internal consistency was comparable for all three measures for their total scores. However, when evaluating the internal consistency of subscale scores, those on the CSHQ and SDSC performed more strongly. The subscales of the CSHQ performed best when evaluating convergent and concurrent validity, with the SDSC subscales performing moderately well.

Conclusion

The study findings suggest that, among children with DS, the CSHQ and its subscales performed in a psychometrically sound and theoretically appropriate manner in relation to other measures of sleep, medical history of sleep problems, and daily reports of sleep and associated behaviours. The SDSC performed moderately well. When evaluating behavioural sleep disturbances among children with DS, the CSHQ is recommended based on its stronger psychometric properties.
The Learning Curve for Transcatheter Mitral Valve Repair With MitraClip
Authors: Eleid Mackram F. , Reeder Guy S. , Malouf Joseph F. , Lennon Ryan J. , Pislaru Sorin V. , Nkomo Vuyisille T. , Rihal Charanjit S.
Published: July 2016

Objectives

This study sought to assess the learning curve for TMVR for treatment of primary mitral regurgitation (MR).

Background

Data are lacking regarding the technical experience required to achieve optimal clinical outcomes with transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVR) using the edge‐to‐edge MitraClip technique.

Methods

We examined the sequential experience of the first 75 patients (age 80 ± 9 years; 77% male) who underwent TMVR at our institution. A sequence number of each patient was assigned as a continuous variable and in tertiles for analysis.

Results

TMVR with MitraClip was successful in 97% with an average procedural time of 106 ± 39 minutes. The 30‐day rate of major adverse cardiovascular events was 7%. With increased case experience, there were decreases in procedural time, fluoroscopy time, length of hospital stay, and major adverse cardiovascular events. Procedural success, residual mitral regurgitation and NYHA functional classification at 30‐day follow‐up remained unchanged throughout the experience.

Conclusions

The learning curve for TMVR with MitraClip for treatment of primary MR is characterized by a sequential reduction in procedure time, fluoroscopy time, procedural complications, and hospital length of stay at a tertiary academic medical center. Thirty‐day procedural results are favorable and similar during the initial learning period.
Anticipated Emotions About Unintended Pregnancy in Relationship Context: Are Latinas Really Happier?
Authors: Aiken Abigail R. A. , Trussell James
Published: July 2016

This study examined differences in women's anticipated emotional orientations toward unintended pregnancy by relationship status and race and ethnicity. Data from a prospective survey of 437 women aged 18 to 44 years who intended no more children for at least 2 years were analyzed along with 27 in‐depth interviews among a diverse subsample. Cohabiting women and women in romantic relationships not living together were less likely to profess happiness (odds ratio = 0.42, p < .05, odds ratio = 0.25, p < .01, respectively), even when partners' intentions and feelings were controlled. The most prominent factor underlying negative feelings was partners' anticipated lack of engagement with the emotional, physical, and financial toll of unintended childbearing. Contrary to conventional wisdom regarding the “Hispanic paradox,” foreign‐born and U.S.‐born Latinas were no more likely to profess happiness than non‐Hispanic Whites or Blacks. Moreover, foreign‐born Latinas whose survey responses indicated happiness often revealed highly negative feelings at in‐depth interview, citing pressure to conform to sociocultural norms surrounding motherhood and abortion.
The Effect of Glatiramer Acetate on Spinal Cord Volume in Relapsing‐Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Singhal Tarun , Tauhid Shahamat , Hurwitz Shelley , Neema Mohit , Bakshi Rohit
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

Spinal cord atrophy occurs early in the multiple sclerosis (MS) disease course, is closely related to physical disability, and is a putative neuroprotective therapeutic outcome measure.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot study explored glatiramer acetate (GA)’s effect on spinal cord volume in patients with relapsing‐remitting MS (RRMS).

METHODS

Fifteen patients receiving daily subcutaneous GA were prospectively followed. At baseline, age was 43.6 ± 7.4 years, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score was 1.4 ± 1.5, timed 25‐foot walk (T25FW) was 4.7 ± 1.1 seconds, and time on GA was 2.1 ± 3.1 years. Healthy controls (n = 10) with similar age and sex to the patients were also enrolled. The spinal cord was imaged at baseline and one year later with 3T magnetic resonance imaging. An active surface method measured the C1–C7 spinal cord volume from which we calculated the normalized area.

RESULTS

The spinal cord area showed no significant change in the MS group over one year (P = .19). Furthermore, the change in the spinal cord area did not differ significantly between the MS and control groups over one year (P = .26). In the MS group, the EDSS score (P = .44) and T25FW (P = .92) did not change significantly on‐study.

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study of RRMS, GA therapy was not associated with any ongoing spinal cord atrophy or any difference in the one‐year rate of spinal cord area change versus healthy controls. These results paralleled the lack of clinical worsening and may reflect a treatment effect of GA. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Relative bioavailability of coenzyme Q10 formulation for paediatric individualized therapy
Authors: Martinefski Manuela , Samassa Paula , Buontempo Fabian , Höcht Christian , Lucangioli Silvia , Tripodi Valeria
Published: July 2016

Objectives

Conduct a preliminary comparison of the bioavailability between two formulations: commercial grade coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) powder (solid formulation) and a new oil-in-water liquid emulsion and their effect on other antioxidants.

Methods

Six healthy individuals participated in a randomized, crossover, open, consecutive design, with a 2-week washout period. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed after a single and multiple intakes of 250 mg CoQ10 given daily for 1 week.

Key Findings

The differences in the pharmacokinetic parameters of maximum plasma concentration, area under the curve between 0–360 and 0–4 h, elimination half-life were statistically significant with a relative bioavailability of 489% increase over solid CoQ10 formulation. A multiple dose supplementation increased plasma CoQ10 levels in both formulations, liquid emulsion performing better (2.4- vs 3.9-fold for solid and liquid formulation, respectively) without modifications on other antioxidants. Furthermore, the plasma CoQ10 at 7th day was statistically different between formulations (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results obtained showed that liquid emulsion improves the bioavailability of CoQ10 respect to solid form which not only facilitates the individualized administration for the child but in turn could increase the therapeutic efficacy, which should be confirmed by further studies.
Associations between respiratory signs and abnormalities reported in thoracic CT scans of cats
Authors: Lamb C. R. , Jones I. D.
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVES

To estimate the prevalence of subclinical abnormalities reported in thoracic (CT) scans of cats and to investigate associations between respiratory signs and CT signs.

METHODS

Retrospective review of signalment, indications, respiratory signs and reported CT findings in a series of cats. Associations between patient variables, respiratory signs and CT signs were analysed using multi‐variable regression methods.

RESULTS

Records of 352 consecutive cats were reviewed. Abnormalities affecting thoracic structures were reported in CT scans of 138/179 (77%) cats that did not have respiratory signs; the most prevalent CT findings were pulmonary collapse (41%), evidence of bronchial disease (24%) and space‐occupying lesions (21%). Dyspnoea, cough and tachypnoea were associated with space‐occupying lesions. Dyspnoea was also associated with pulmonary consolidation and atelectasis. Increasing body weight was associated with pulmonary atelectasis and increasing age was associated with evidence of bronchial disease.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Abnormalities were commonly detected in thoracic CT scans of cats that did not show respiratory signs. The most prevalent abnormality – pulmonary atelectasis – is probably a temporary effect of sedation or anaesthesia. A high prevalence of subclinical abnormalities and limited correlations between clinical signs and CT findings will complicate diagnosis.
Taking Action to Reduce Waste: Quantifying Impacts of Model Use in a Multiorganizational Sustainability Negotiation
Authors: Czaika Ellen , Selin Noelle E.
Published: July 2016

We use a role‐play simulation to examine how using quantitative models influences the process and outcome of sustainability negotiations. Our experimental approach involved 74 teams of five parties negotiating the details of a pilot test to compost and/or recycle used paper coffee cups. Approximately half of these negotiation teams were given a quantitative model—a life cycle assessment (LCA). We measured both negotiation process and outcome variables, in particular identifying favorable agreements—the mutually exclusive set of agreements that either minimized carbon dioxide emissions or maximized the parties’ collective earned value. We found that most teams used a quantitative model; nearly half of those cocreated their own while negotiating. In our sample, teams that used a model, even those cocreating the model while negotiating, reached agreement more quickly than teams not using a model. Teams that cocreated the LCA reached a higher number of favorable agreements. We observed two dominant manners of model use: using the model to test alternatives while developing an agreement and verifying that a tentative agreement would sufficiently reduce carbon dioxide emissions. We conclude that using a quantitative model during a sustainability negotiation can help to increase the chances of obtaining a favorable agreement without lengthening the negotiation duration.
Rye B chromosomes encode a functional Argonaute‐like protein with in vitro slicer activities similar to its A chromosome paralog
Authors: Ma Wei , Gabriel Tobias Sebastian , Martis Mihaela Maria , Gursinsky Torsten , Schubert Veit , Vrána Jan , Doležel Jaroslav , Grundlach Heidrun , Altschmied Lothar , Scholz Uwe , Himmelbach Axel , Behrens Sven‐Erik , Banaei‐Moghaddam Ali Mohammad , Houben Andreas
Published: July 2016

B chromosomes (Bs) are supernumerary, dispensable parts of the nuclear genome, which appear in many different species of eukaryote. So far, Bs have been considered to be genetically inert elements without any functional genes.

Our comparative transcriptome analysis and the detection of active RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) in the proximity of B chromatin demonstrate that the Bs of rye (Secale cereale) contribute to the transcriptome. In total, 1954 and 1218 B‐derived transcripts with an open reading frame were expressed in generative and vegetative tissues, respectively. In addition to B‐derived transposable element transcripts, a high percentage of short transcripts without detectable similarity to known proteins and gene fragments from A chromosomes (As) were found, suggesting an ongoing gene erosion process.

In vitro analysis of the A‐ and B‐encoded AGO4B protein variants demonstrated that both possess RNA slicer activity. These data demonstrate unambiguously the presence of a functional AGO4B gene on Bs and that these Bs carry both functional protein coding genes and pseudogene copies.

Thus, B‐encoded genes may provide an additional level of gene control and complexity in combination with their related A‐located genes. Hence, physiological effects, associated with the presence of Bs, may partly be explained by the activity of B‐located (pseudo)genes.
Pathological implications of linear immunoglobulin G staining on the glomerular capillary walls in a case of infection‐related glomerulonephritis
Authors: Fujigaki Yoshihide , Kawamorita Yosuke , Yamaguchi Hiromi , Arai Shigeyuki , Tamura Yoshifuru , Ota Tatsuru , Shibata Shigeru , Kondo Fukuo , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Uchida Shunya
Published: July 2016

We report a 32‐year‐old man with nephrotic syndrome and preceding symptom of infection. He had renal insufficiency, hypocomplementemia, and elevated titer of anti‐streptolysin O. Renal biopsy showed mesangial hypercellularity and focal segmental endocapillary hypercellularity with double contour of the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). Immunofluorescence study showed granular C3 staining on the mesangial areas and glomerular capillary walls (GCWs) and linear immunoglobulin G (IgG) staining on GCWs. Electron microscopy revealed sporadic subepithelial humps, discontinuous small and thin deposits in the endothelial side of the GBM and mesangial deposits. He was diagnosed with infection‐related glomerulonephritis (IRGN) with the striking finding of linear IgG staining, which is unusual in IRGN. The patient did not have diabetes mellitus or anti‐GBM disease. The patient's serum seemed not to contain IgG, which can bind to GCW. He showed normalization of complement within two months after relief from infection symptoms and a trend toward improvement in proteinuria, hematuria and renal function over 14 months. We discuss the possible mechanisms of linear IgG staining in our case based on clinical and experimental studies on IRGN with cationic bacterial protein as antigen.
Ectopic expression of NnPER1, a Nelumbo nucifera 1‐cysteine peroxiredoxin antioxidant, enhances seed longevity and stress tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Chen Hu‐hui , Chu Pu , Zhou Yu‐liang , Ding Yu , Li Yin , Liu Jun , Jiang Li‐wen , Huang Shang‐zhi
Published: July 2016

Seed longevity, the maintenance of viability during storage, is a major factor for conservation of genetic resources and biodiversity. Seed longevity is an important trait of agriculture crop and is impaired by reactive oxygen species (ROS) during seed desiccation, storage and germination (C. R. Biol., 331, 2008 and 796). Seeds possess a wide range of systems (protection, detoxification, repair) allowing them to survive during storage and to preserve a high germination ability. In many plants, 1‐cys peroxiredoxin (1‐Cys Prx, also named PER1) is a seed‐specific antioxidant which eliminates ROS with cysteine residues. Here we identified and characterized a seed‐specific PER1 protein from seeds of sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.). Purified NnPER1 protein protects DNA against the cleavage by ROS in the mixed‐function oxidation system. The transcription and protein accumulation of NnPER1 increased during seed desiccation and imbibition and under abiotic stress treatment. Ectopic expression of NnPER1 in Arabidopsis enhanced the seed germination ability after controlled deterioration treatment (CDT), indicating that NnPER1 improves seed longevity of transgenic plants. Consistent with the function of NnPER1 on detoxifying ROS, we found that the level of ROS release and lipid peroxidation was strikingly lower in transgenic seeds compared to wild‐type with or without CDT. Furthermore, transgenic Arabidopsis seeds ectopic‐expressing NnPER1 displayed enhanced tolerance to high temperature and abscisic acid (ABA), indicating that NnPER1 may participate in the thermotolerance and ABA signaling pathway.
Phylogeny of Callibaetis (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) based on morphology of nymphs and adults
Authors: Cruz Paulo Vilela , Salles Frederico Falcão , Hamada Neusa
Published: July 2016

Callibaetis is considered to be one of the most problematic genera among mayflies by a series of taxonomic inaccuracies that have accumulated over the last two centuries. Despite these taxonomic problems, two independent hypotheses of species groups have been proposed. In the first hypothesis, three species groups for North America were proposed, and in the second, three species groups were proposed for South American. In these hypotheses, the generic delimitation and monophyly of Callibaetis have not been evaluated under a cladistic framework. Taking this into account, the objectives of this study were to verify the monophyly of Callibaetis and whether the groups of species proposed for the genus are corroborated as natural. The matrix included 128 morphological characters and one habitat character, 119 discrete characters were compiled (101 of nymphs and 18 of adults), and six imaginal characters are related to pigmentation pattern. Continuous characters were ratios and were represented by 10 characters (nine for nymphs and one for adults). The data set was analysed under implied weights. Group support was estimated with relative Bremer support and frequency differences. The results corroborated the monophyletic nature of Callibaetis and the generic status of Callibaetoides; however, the groups proposed for North and South American Callibaetis species were not corroborated. Our study indicated four groups of species for the genus, which we proposed as subgenera: Callibaetis, Abaetetuba subgen. n. Aiso subgen. n. and Cunhaporanga subgen. n.
CADANGAN PROTOTAIP SISTEM PENGURUSAN MAKLUMAT LADANG BAGI PETANI KECIL DI MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohd Danuri Mohd Shahrul Nizam , Shahibi Mohd Sazili , Abd Rahman Rohizah
Published: July 2016

This paper introduces the process of developing web application of farm management information system (FMIS) for smallholder farmers in Malaysia by using rapid application development (RAD) prototyping methodology in information system research design. FMIS is important ICT solution to assist smallholder farmer to be more competitive in agriculture. The web application requirement determined through extraction process using physical data-driven design system from Malaysia Good Agriculture Practise (MyGAP) physical forms. Additionally, the functions and features of the system were determined through several questionnaires which were distributed to 209 smallholder farmers located in Taman Kekal Pengeluaran Makanan (TKPM) in Selangor. Selangor agricultural area together with smallholders farmers were chosen as respondents because Selangor is the highest internet penetration state in Malaysia. Subsequently, the design and analysis of FMIS are constructed by us including the database design, data flow design, system flow design and software development which was validated by two other experienced system analysts. The software development process were using PHP web development tool called Scriptcase version 8 which were taking less than 2 months to be completed. Furthermore, we also made a comparative study of an existing system available in the market to give additional competitive value to the new development of FMIS in Malaysia. The final developed FMIS is accessible through the official MyAgris website.
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER MODEL FOR THE LIBYAN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION INDUSTRY
Authors: Hassan Ali , Jamaluddin Md. Yusoff , Queiri Abdelbaset
Published: July 2016

This paper surveys the existing Technology transfer (TT) models developed across different industries. The aim is to develop and empirically test a model that describes the TT process of embracing foreign advanced technology by ICT and ICT-based SME projects in Libya. The developed model defines the following factors (enablers) that influence the ITT process, which is TT government support initiatives, transferor characteristics, transferee characteristics, TT environment, learning centers, and their respective sub-factors (variables). The outcome (achievements) factors are identified and explained through their relevant sub-factors. To verify the model and investigate the interrelations between the model’s factors a questionnaire survey was conducted in Libyan ICT projects where the TT process was involved. Statistical analysis methods were used to analyze the data collected. The respondents indicated that transferee’s characteristics were the most important factor with the highest impact that will result in an effective TT process.  Moreover, the results showed that most factors chosen for this study are relevant towards an effective TT process. Economic development was perceived to be the most meaningful outcome of a successful TT process, followed by knowledge improvement, the firm’s performance, and development as well as the survival of ICT-based SMEs. This paper is a part of an ongoing study to develop ITT model for the Libyan ICT industry.
CAR POSITION AND ORIENTATION BASED DRIVING SKILL METRIC FOR ANALYTICAL DRIVING SKILL INDEX EVALUATOR
Authors: Badrul Hisham Amirah ‘Aisha , Aujih Ahmad Bukhari , Izran Ishak Mohamad Hafis , Zainal Abidin Mohamad Shukri
Published: July 2016

This paper proposes an improved driving skill metric incorporating car-track deviation angle and car position off-set correction agility. The main advantage of the method is which it provides more accurate since this research is using more variables in the formulation for the skill metric compared to the old metric by using the same sample group of subjects. This paper reports nearly an average of 95% of improvement for the new skill metric estimation accuracy. The analysis further reveals the metric also has better driving skill index estimation consistency. The proposed method herein offers a means for characterizing driving skill in response to car-track input information and improving the intelligent behaviours of car support system.
CONTROL OF A COUPLED TANK SYSTEM USING PI CONTROLLER WITH ADVANCED CONTROL METHODS
Authors: Nai Ho Ling , Abdul Wahab Norhaliza , A. Shehu Ibrahim , Alhassan A. , Albool I. , Ibnihajar N. , Othman B. M. , Zainal M. S. , Ibrahim M. J. , Rasol M. S.
Published: July 2016

The liquid level control in tanks and flow control between cascaded or coupled tanks are the basic control problems exist in process industries nowadays. Liquids are to be pumped, stored or mixed in tanks for various types of chemical processes and all these require essential control and regulation of flow and liquid level. In this paper, different types of tuning methods are proposed for Proportional-Integral (PI) controller and are further improved with integration of Advanced Process Control (APC) method such as feedforward and gain scheduling to essentially control the liquid level in Tank 2 of a coupled tank system. The MATLAB/Simulink tools are used to design PI controller using pole-placement, Ciancone, Cohen Coon and modified Ziegler-Nichols tuning method with Cohen Coon tuning method found to have a better performance.  Advanced process control such as feedforward-plus-PI, Gain Scheduling (GS) based PI, Internal Model Control (IMC) based PI, feedforward-plus-GS-based PI and feedforward-plus-IMC-based PI controllers are further tested as improvement version to further compare the significance of the advanced process control outcomes hence GS-PI, improved GI-base PI-plus FF found to have better performance. The GS method is built over five operating points to approximate the system’s nonlinearity and is eventually combined with feedforward control to yield a much better performance.
A SIMULATION STUDY OF SINGLE CELL INSIDE AN INTEGRATED DUAL NANONEEDLE-MICROFLUDIC SYSTEM
Authors: Mansor Muhammd Asraf , Ahmad Mohd Ridzuan
Published: July 2016

Electrical properties of living cells have been proven to play significant roles in understanding of various biological activities including disease progression both at the cellular and molecular levels. Analyzing the cell’s electrical states especially in single cell analysis (SCA) lead to differentiate between normal cell and cancer cell. This paper presents a simulation study of micro-channel and nanoneedle structure, fluid manipulation and current flow through HeLa cell inside a microfluidic channel. To perform electrical measurement, gold dual nanoneedle has been utilized. The simulation result revealed, the cell penetration occurs at microchannel dimension and solution flow rate is 22 µm x 70 µm x 25 µm (width x length x height) and 0.396 pL/min, respectively. The purposed device has capability to characterize the electrical property of single cells can be used as a novel method for cell viability detection in instantaneous manner.
A Nonlinearly Broadband Tuneable Energy Harvester
Authors: Yildirim Tanju , Ghayesh Mergen H. , Li Weihua , Alici Gursel
Published: July 2016

A nonlinearly broadband tuneable energy harvesting device has been designed, fabricated, and tested based on the nonlinear dynamical response of a parametrically excited clamped–clamped beam carrying a central point mass as the core element; a tuning mechanism in the form of an initial axial displacement applied to one of the clamped–clamped beam ends has been introduced to the system which enables tuning of device's natural frequency. Magnets have been used as the central point mass which generates a backward electromotive force (EMF) as they move through a coil when parametrically excited. The tuning parameter was set to a value for which the primary and principal nonlinear resonant regions become close to each other; hence, the frequency bandwidth is broadened substantially, leading to a larger amount of electrical power harvested; moreover, the nonlinear behavior, due to flexural/restoring-electromagnetic couplings, increased the operating bandwidth considerably. The system was parametrically excited using an electrodynamic shaker, and the corresponding motions of the magnets were measured. By increasing the tuning parameter, the fundamental natural frequency reduces and the system nonlinearity significantly increases; it has been discovered that when the initial axial displacement is approximately the thickness of the beam the fundamental and principal parametric resonance branches combine thus, the frequency bandwidth (and hence the range of the energy harvested) is significantly increased due to the parametric excitation, nonlinear behavior, and initial axial displacement.
A Response Surface Methodology in Predicting Injuries to Out-of-Position Occupants From Frontal Airbags
Authors: Tay Y. Y. , Moradi R. , Lankarani H. M.
Published: July 2016

Out-of-position (OOP) occupants, especially smaller females and children, are quite vulnerable to injuries caused by deploying airbags. This study is aimed at investigating the effects of various design parameters of a frontal airbag on OOP occupants’ resulting injury levels. The study also investigates the predictive capability of the occupant’s injury potential using a regression model developed from the response surface methodology. For this, the OOP occupant is represented using a MADYMO 3-year old child dummy. The objective measurements identified as the main injury causation parameters include the fabric permeability, friction coefficient between the occupant and the airbag, and the occupant’s initial position. Due to the complexity of the airbag model, small iterations are performed until the numerical model is found to be in reasonable agreement with another study available in the literature. The first part of the work is focused on analyzing the effect of a single parameter on the injury responses of the 3-year old child. The second part of the work covers the development of a set of regression model to predict the combined effects of various parameters on the injury responses of the occupant. It is shown that the regression model is fairly accurate and sufficient in predicting various injury levels to OOP occupants from a deploying airbag.
Vehicle Mass Optimization for Frontal Structure Using I-Sight and Study of Weld Parameterization for Mass Improvement
Authors: Patil S. A. , Moradi Rasoul , Lankarani Hamid M.
Published: July 2016

In order to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) requirement, the frontal structure of the vehicle needs to be design to maximize energy absorption in the presence powertrain design layout constraint. This needs the basis for structural optimization using a pragmatic approach. With regards to passive safety of a vehicle, there is a constant increase of the requirements to the BIW (Body in White) stiffness in ever greater extent, without a significant increase in vehicle weight. The primary objective of this study is to demonstrate mass optimization in a virtual tryout chain and generate optimized analytical model that can be leveraged in future assessment of a car. For this, a parameter investigation concerning variation of input data is done using I-sight. Simplified model of the bumper subsystem is developed for the offset crash test to serve as a base for the creation of designs by changing design variables. The optimization is carried out using I-sight to explore design space for this subsystem. Finally the effectiveness of optimized bumper subsystem is examined using full vehicle impact test. The focus of the work is further promoting the trend for light weight construction by weld optimization. Overall, this virtual tryout leads in sustainability by lighter transport on road, thus saving fuel and reducing emission.
Energy Absorption Characteristics of a Thin-Walled Tube Filled With Carbon Nano Polyurethane Foam and Application in Car Bumper
Authors: Tankara D. , Moradi R. , Tay Y. Y. , Lankarani H. M.
Published: July 2016

Over the past few decades, much research work has been conducted on the development of advance crashworthy structures to increase the energy absorption of mechanical systems. Thin-walled tubes are primarily used as structural reinforcements and as energy absorbing components. The high-energy absorption characteristics of cellular foams have attracted great attention to further enhance this superior capability. In particular, nanotechnology has been utilized in the development of advanced cellular materials for the automotive and aerospace industry. The primary objective of this study is to conduct a parametric study using experimental and finite element methods to examine and quantify the performances of thin-walled tube when filled with carbon nano particulates. To accomplish this study, compression tests are carried out to obtain the load-deflection curves of the nano-foams when subjected to different weight percentages of carbon nano fibers. Next, the specific energy absorbed and the collapse mechanism of nano foam filled thin-walled tubes are analyzed and compared with the empty ones. Finally, an illustrative study on the use of nano foams for vehicular applications is presented by using a vehicle bumper numerical model. The carbon nano foam is installed into the cavity of the bumper model and a full-frontal crash simulation is performed. Overall, this study has shown that the energy absorption capacity of thin-walled structures can be significantly enhanced with the use of carbon nano foams.
Sensitivity Analysis of Vehicle Parameters for Heading Angle Control of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle
Authors: Sahoo Shubhashisa , Subramanian Shankar C. , Srivastava Suresh
Published: July 2016

Even if there are many software and mathematical models available in the literature to analyze the dynamic performance of Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), it is always difficult to identify or collect the required vehicle parameters from the vehicle manufacturer for simulation. In analyzing the vehicle handling performance, a difficult and complex task is to use an appropriate tire model that can accurately characterize the ground-wheel interaction. Though, the well-known ‘Magic Formula’ is widely used for this purpose, it requires expensive test equipment to estimate the Magic Formula coefficients.

The design of longitudinal and lateral controllers plays a significant role in path tracking of an UGV. Though the speed of the vehicle may remain almost constant in most of the maneuvers such as lane change, Double Lane Change (DLC), step steer, cornering, etc., design of the lateral controller is always a challenging task as it depends on the vehicle parameters, road information and also on the steering actuator dynamics. Although a mathematical model is an abstraction of the actual system, the controller is designed based on this model and then deployed on the real system.

In this paper, a realistic mathematical model of the vehicle considering the steering actuator dynamics has been developed by calculating the cornering stiffnesses from the basic tire information and the vertical load on each tire. A heading angle controller of the UGV has been considered using the Point-to-Point navigation algorithm. Then, these controllers have been implemented on a test platform equipped with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) and a Global Positioning System (GPS).

A wide range of experiments such as J-Turn, lane change and DLC have also been conducted for comparison with the simulation results. Sensitivity analysis has been carried out to check the robustness and stability of the controller by varying the cornering stiffness of tires, the most uncertain parameter. The longitudinal speed of the vehicle is assumed to vary between a minimum value of 1.4 m/s and a maximum value of 20 m/s. It has been found that when the vehicle is moving at a constant velocity of 3.2 m/s, a heading angle change of 20 degrees can be achieved within 3 seconds with 2% steady state error using a proportional controller. It was observed that at lower speeds, the controller is more sensitive to the steering actuator dynamics and at higher speeds, the controller is more sensitive to the cornering stiffness of tires.
Experimental Study for Propane Injection in Gasoline Engines
Authors: El-Sayed Mohamed E. M. , Byrley Don , Urbanik Wes , Selis Aaron , Kreft Jared , Li Tianao , Ng Kah Aik
Published: July 2016

To study the effect of propane injection on gasoline fueled passenger vehicles fuel economy and cost saving the concept of a modular partial injection system was developed. The injection system was designed with the ability to be fitted in any gasoline fueled vehicle. The Control of the propane injection module was assembled with two stage system of regulators for coarse and fine adjustment of the propane flow to the engine. A digital manometer was used to adjust the pressure across the needle valve. The developed modular system was sealed and housed in a control box mounted to the side of the propane supply tank. The developed system was then fitted in a passenger vehicle and road tested for efficiency and cost savings.

In this paper, the design and development criteria in addition to the physical build of the modular propane injection system will be presented. Also, the fuel economy and cost saving from the road test results will be discussed.
Electron density modulation in a pulsed dual-frequency (2/13.56 MHz) dual-antenna inductively coupled plasma discharge
Authors: Sirse Nishant , Mishra Anurag , Yeom Geun Y. , Ellingboe Albert R.
Published: July 2016

The electron density, ne, modulation is measured experimentally using a resonance hairpin probe in a pulsed, dual-frequency (2/13.56 MHz), dual-antenna, inductively coupled plasma discharge produced in argon-C4F8 (90–10) gas mixtures. The 2 MHz power is pulsed at a frequency of 1 kHz, whereas 13.56 MHz power is applied in continuous wave mode. The discharge is operated at a range of conditions covering 3–50 mTorr, 100–600 W 13.56 MHz power level, 300–600 W 2 MHz peak power level, and duty ratio of 10%–90%. The experimental results reveal that the quasisteady state ne is greatly affected by the 2 MHz power levels and slightly affected by 13.56 MHz power levels. It is observed that the electron density increases by a factor of 2–2.5 on increasing 2 MHz power level from 300 to 600 W, whereas ne increases by only ∼20% for 13.56 MHz power levels of 100–600 W. The rise time and decay time constant of ne monotonically decrease with an increase in either 2 or 13.56 MHz power level. This effect is stronger at low values of 2 MHz power level. For all the operating conditions, it is observed that the ne overshoots at the beginning of the on-phase before relaxing to a quasisteady state value. The relative overshoot density (in percent) depends on 2 and 13.56 MHz power levels. On increasing gas pressure, the ne at first increases, reaching to a maximum value, and then decreases with a further increase in gas pressure. The decay time constant of ne increases monotonically with pressure, increasing rapidly up to 10 mTorr gas pressure and at a slower rate of rise to 50 mTorr. At a fixed 2/13.56 MHz power level and 10 mTorr gas pressure, the quasisteady state ne shows maximum for 30%–40% duty ratio and decreases with a further increase in duty ratio.
How to measure community tolerance levels for noise
Authors: Taraldsen Gunnar , Gelderblom Femke B. , Gjestland Truls T.
Published: July 2016

Relationships between noise exposure and transportation noise induced annoyance have been studied extensively for several decades. The annoyance due to aircraft noise exposure is in the present paper assumed to be influenced by the day–night yearly average sound level (DNL). It has long been recognized that the annoyance also depends on non-DNL factors, but this is complicated—resulting in a variety of different modeling strategies. Motivated by this, the community tolerance level (CTL) was introduced in 2011 for a loudness-based psychometric function. It is a single parameter that accounts for the aggregate influence of other factors. This paper suggests and investigates different methods for the measurement of the CTL. The methods are illustrated on data found in the literature, on recent surveys around two Norwegian airports, and on simulated data. The results from the presented methods differ significantly. An elementary method is shown to give a measurement of the CTL with smaller uncertainty, and is recommended as a replacement for the originally suggested least-squares method. Methods for evaluating the measurement uncertainty are also presented.
Whole-genome sequence analysis shows that two endemic species of North American wolf are admixtures of the coyote and gray wolf
Authors: vonHoldt Bridgett M. , Cahill James A. , Fan Zhenxin , Gronau Ilan , Robinson Jacqueline , Pollinger John P. , Shapiro Beth , Wall Jeff , Wayne Robert K.
Published: July 2016

Genome admixture in two endemic North American wolf species.
Comment on “Multiple repressive mechanisms in the hippocampus during memory formation”
Authors: Mathew Rebecca S. , Mullan Hillary , Blusztajn Jan Krzysztof , Lehtinen Maria K.
Published: July 2016

Cho
et al
. (Reports, 2 October 2015, p. 82) report that gene repression after contextual fear conditioning regulates hippocampal memory formation. We observe low levels of expression for many of the top candidate genes in the hippocampus and robust expression in the choroid plexus, as well as repression at 4 hours after contextual fear conditioning, suggesting the inclusion of choroid plexus messenger RNAs in Cho
et al
. hippocampal samples.