bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trying to save the world with company law? Some problems
Authors: Talbot Lorraine
Published: April 2016

This paper aims to unravel two connected errors in the current critical position on companies. Since the financial crisis, there have been a growing number of voices in the academic community raised against the shareholder value driven corporate sector. The often conservative and highly doctrinal voices of English company lawyers have become in parts more radicalised and have found common research ground with varied academic disciplines and with company lawyers in other jurisdictions more accustomed to critical approaches. New ideas have been forged; old ideas have been rediscovered and re-examined. In the emerging networks, the neoliberal domination of the study of companies is being substantially challenged. As exciting as this is, I am concerned that critical scholars have cohered around a core claim about company law which is erroneous. Furthermore, they have largely assumed that the current economy can sustain a social agenda as well as creating profit. This, I argue, hugely underestimates entrenched problems in the economy. In unravelling these issues my aim is to reorientate challenges to shareholder primacy and to the claims of capital more generally.
Nailfold Capillaroscopy and Clinical Applications in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Smith Vanessa , Thevissen Kristof , Trombetta Amelia C. , Pizzorni Carmen , Ruaro Barbara , Piette Yves , Paolino Sabrina , De Keyser Filip , Sulli Alberto , Melsens Karin , Cutolo Maurizio ,   On behalf of the EULAR Study Group on Microcirculation in Rheumatic Diseases
Published: April 2016

Capillary microscopy is a safe and non‐invasive tool to evaluate the morphology of the microcirculation typically affected in SSc. Next to being paramount for the “(very) early” diagnosis of SSc eyes are also geared toward capillaroscopy with the aim to be able to use it as a biomarker, especially in the prediction of future occurrence of DU. The following review will explain what capillary microscopy is and will focus additionally on studies evaluating the association between capillaroscopy and DU.
Comparative proteomic analysis between fifth‐instar nymphs and adults of Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri
Authors: El‐Shesheny Ibrahim , El‐Hawary Ibrahim , Mesbah Ibrahim , Killiny Nabil
Published: April 2016

Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri Kuwayama is extremely problematic worldwide, particularly where Huanglongbing (HLB) disease, the most serious and devastating of citrus diseases, is found. The threat is a result of its ability to transmit the causal agent of HLB, Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) bacterium. Improvements in proteomics, mass spectrometry, bioinformatics tools and gene ontology annotation facilitate the mapping and large‐scale identification and quantification of proteins. To date, only a few comparative proteomic studies report the developmental proteomic changes of hemimetabolous and plant–disease vector insects. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis of D. citri total protein is able to detect qualitative and quantitative developmental differences. Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry identifies 89 protein spots. Most proteins are metabolism and bioenergetics‐related. Nineteen protein spots are found to be implicated in stress/defence/immunity; 7 in development regulation; 9 in nervous system functions; 4 in the reproductive system; 23 in cytoskeleton and muscle organization; and 4 in movement, flight and other processes. Significant increases in the level of proteins related to structural constitution of the skeleton, stress/defence/immunity, reproduction system, muscles, locomotion and flight are found in adults, consistent with the fact that D. citri is a hemimetabolous insect, whereas proteins involved in developmental regulation are higher in the nymphal stage. The identification of these variably expressed proteins between the nymph and adult stages, linked with the basis of their physiological roles, will lead to a better understanding of the factors influencing development in D. citri and the regulation of some crucial metabolic pathways. It may also help to identify targets for genetic manipulation using RNA interference or other techniques to disrupt Asian citrus psyllid development, lifespan or its ability to transmit CLas.
Coaxial Electrospinning Method for the Preparation of TiO2@CdS/PVA Composite Nanofiber Mat and Investigation on its Photodegradation Catalysis
Authors: Luo Yanmei , Jia Yiru , Zhang Dexian , Cheng Xinjian
Published: April 2016

TiO2/PVA composite nanofiber mat was prepared via an electrospinning technology. SH‐TiO2‐SiO2 hybrid particles and PVA solution were injected through a coaxial syringe, yielding a composite nanofiber mat. The as‐prepared SH‐TiO2‐SiO2/PVA composite nanofiber mat was immersed in Cd2+ cation solution and S2− anion solution in turn. Thus, yellow TiO2@CdS/PVA composite nanofiber mats were prepared. By adjusting the number of times a mat was immersed in the Cd2+ and S2− solutions, different amounts of CdS particles attaching to the mats were obtained. Both SH‐TiO2‐SiO2/PVA and TiO2@CdS/PVA composite nanofiber mats were employed to catalyze the photodegradation of a model dye, methylene blue. The photodegradation performance could be greatly enhanced by the introduction of CdS particles anchoring onto TiO2 particles. The photodegradation efficiency reached 99.2% within 180 min. Also, the nanofiber mat could be recycled and reused at least 10 times. The photodegradation efficiency of TiO2@CdS/PVA composite nanofiber mats remained 68.8% for 10 cycles.
Diel variations in carbon isotopic composition and concentration of organic acids and their impact on plant dark respiration in different species
Authors: Lehmann M. M. , Wegener F. , Werner R. A. , Werner C.
Published: April 2016

Leaf respiration in the dark and its C isotopic composition (δ13CR) contain information about internal metabolic processes and respiratory substrates. δ13CR is known to be less negative compared to potential respiratory substrates, in particular shortly after darkening during light enhanced dark respiration (LEDR). This phenomenon might be driven by respiration of accumulated 13C‐enriched organic acids, however, studies simultaneously measuring δ13CR during LEDR and potential respiratory substrates are rare. We determined δ13CR and respiration rates (R) during LEDR, as well as δ13C and concentrations of potential respiratory substrates using compound‐specific isotope analyses. The measurements were conducted throughout the diel cycle in several plant species under different environmental conditions. δ13CR and R patterns during LEDR were strongly species‐specific and showed an initial peak, which was followed by a progressive decrease in both values. The species‐specific differences in δ13CR and R during LEDR may be partially explained by the isotopic composition of organic acids (e.g., oxalate, isocitrate, quinate, shikimate, malate), which were 13C‐enriched compared to other respiratory substrates (e.g., sugars and amino acids). However, the diel variations in both δ13C and concentrations of the organic acids were generally low. Thus, additional factors such as the heterogeneous isotope distribution in organic acids and the relative contribution of the organic acids to respiration are required to explain the strong 13C enrichment in leaf dark‐respired CO2.
Using In Vitro High‐Throughput Screening Data for Predicting Benzo[k]Fluoranthene Human Health Hazards
Authors: Burgoon Lyle D. , Druwe Ingrid L. , Painter Kyle , Yost Erin E.
Published: April 2016

Today there are more than 80,000 chemicals in commerce and the environment. The potential human health risks are unknown for the vast majority of these chemicals as they lack human health risk assessments, toxicity reference values, and risk screening values. We aim to use computational toxicology and quantitative high‐throughput screening (qHTS) technologies to fill these data gaps, and begin to prioritize these chemicals for additional assessment. In this pilot, we demonstrate how we were able to identify that benzo[k]fluoranthene may induce DNA damage and steatosis using qHTS data and two separate adverse outcome pathways (AOPs). We also demonstrate how bootstrap natural spline‐based meta‐regression can be used to integrate data across multiple assay replicates to generate a concentration–response curve. We used this analysis to calculate an in vitro point of departure of 0.751 μM and risk‐specific in vitro concentrations of 0.29 μM and 0.28 μM for 1:1,000 and 1:10,000 risk, respectively, for DNA damage. Based on the available evidence, and considering that only a single HSD17B4 assay is available, we have low overall confidence in the steatosis hazard identification. This case study suggests that coupling qHTS assays with AOPs and ontologies will facilitate hazard identification. Combining this with quantitative evidence integration methods, such as bootstrap meta‐regression, may allow risk assessors to identify points of departure and risk‐specific internal/in vitro concentrations. These results are sufficient to prioritize the chemicals; however, in the longer term we will need to estimate external doses for risk screening purposes, such as through margin of exposure methods.
Does Iconicity in Pictographs Matter? The Influence of Iconicity and Numeracy on Information Processing, Decision Making, and Liking in an Eye‐Tracking Study
Authors: Kreuzmair Christina , Siegrist Michael , Keller Carmen
Published: April 2016

Researchers recommend the use of pictographs in medical risk communication to improve people's risk comprehension and decision making. However, it is not yet clear whether the iconicity used in pictographs to convey risk information influences individuals’ information processing and comprehension. In an eye‐tracking experiment with participants from the general population (N = 188), we examined whether specific types of pictograph icons influence the processing strategy viewers use to extract numerical information. In addition, we examined the effect of iconicity and numeracy on probability estimation, recall, and icon liking. This experiment used a 2 (iconicity: blocks vs. restroom icons) × 2 (scenario: medical vs. nonmedical) between‐subject design. Numeracy had a significant effect on information processing strategy, but we found no effect of iconicity or scenario. Results indicated that both icon types enabled high and low numerates to use their default way of processing and extracting the gist of the message from the pictorial risk communication format: high numerates counted icons, whereas low numerates used large‐area processing. There was no effect of iconicity in the probability estimation. However, people who saw restroom icons had a higher probability of correctly recalling the exact risk level. Iconicity had no effect on icon liking. Although the effects are small, our findings suggest that person‐like restroom icons in pictographs seem to have some advantages for risk communication. Specifically, in nonpersonalized prevention brochures, person‐like restroom icons may maintain reader motivation for processing the risk information.
Whitecapping
Authors: Dyachenko S. , Newell A. C.
Published: April 2016

The work we describe addresses the process of whitecapping. We first argue that, when the winds are strong enough, the ocean surface must develop an alternative means to dissipate energy when its flux from large to small scales becomes too large. We then show that the resulting Phillips' spectrum, which holds at small or meter length scales, is dominated by sharp crested waves. We next idealize such a sea locally by a family of close to maximum amplitude Stokes waves and show, using highly accurate simulation algorithms based on a conformal map representation, that perturbed Stokes waves develop the universal feature of an overturning plunging jet. We analyze both the cases when surface tension is absent and present. In the latter case, we show the plunging jet is regularized by capillary waves that rapidly become nonlinear Crapper waves in whose trough pockets whitecaps may be spawned. We are careful not to claim this as the definitive mechanism for whitecaps because three‐dimensional effects, although qualitatively discussed, are not included in the analysis.
Description and Biomechanical Comparison of a Percutaneous Radiologic Gastropexy Technique in a Canine Cadaver Model
Authors: Culp William T. N. , Balsa Ingrid M. , Kim Sun Y. , Glaiberman Craig B. , Grimes Millie , Mayhew Philipp D. , Johnson Eric G. , Palm Carrie A. , Garcia Tanya C. , Kass Philip H.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe a novel percutaneous radiologic gastropexy (PRG) technique in a canine model and to biomechanically compare this technique to open incisional gastropexy (OIG) and laparoscopic‐assisted incisional gastropexy (LAG).

Study Design

Randomized ex vivo biomechanical study.

Animals: Canine cadavers.

Methods

Fifteen cadavers were randomized to 1 of 3 surgical interventions: OIG, LAG, and PRG. For the PRG procedure, the stomach was distended with air, and a preloaded T‐fastener device was utilized to attach the stomach to the body wall with fluoroscopic‐guidance. The procedural times of the 3 techniques were recorded. After completion of the procedure, the stomach and body wall overlying the stomach wall were harvested and the maximum tensile strength of the gastropexies was determined.

Results

The maximal tensile strength was not significantly different between groups. The total procedural time for the PRG procedure (5 minutes) was significantly shorter than both OIG (28 minutes) and LAG (20 minutes) procedures.

Conclusion

The PRG technique described in this study demonstrated a similar maximal tensile strength to commonly employed gastropexy techniques (OIG and LAG) in an acute canine model. Additionally, the PRG procedure was significantly faster to perform. The clinical relevance of this technique will be determined by further study to assess the applicability and efficacy of this procedure in clinical patients by determining the likelihood of adhesion development and the ability of the adhesion to prevent gastric volvulus.
EXTRACTION OF SNAKEHEAD FISH [Ophiocephalus striatus (Bloch, 1793)] INTO FISH PROTEIN CONCENTRATE AS ALBUMIN SOURCE USING VARIOUS SOLVENT
Authors: Romadhoni Abdul Rasyid , Afrianto Eddy , Intan Pratama Rusky
Published: April 2016

Study aimed to determine the optimum solvent for extraction of soluble protein (albumin) and identify the chemical composition of snakehead fish protein concentrate. The method was experimental while the treatments were the variation of solvents: distilled water, HCl 0.1 M, and NaCl 0.9 %. Soluble protein (albumin) and yield parameters analyzed by using completely randomized design (CRD) which consist three treatments and four replications, the other parameters were described descriptively. The result showed that the highest soluble protein (albumin) (7.65 %) was produced by HCl 0.1 M solvent with 2.55 % yield, 10.76 % dry basis moisture content, 63.78 % total protein content, and 2.54 % fat content.
MOLECULAR CHARACTERIZATION OF Dunaliella salina AND Chlorella vulgaris FUSANT USING 18SrDNA GENE
Authors: Pancasakti Kusumaningrum Hermin , Zainuri Muhammad
Published: April 2016

Protoplast fusion was found to be an efficient method in improving carotenoid production from fusant of carotenogenic microalgae D. salina and C. vulgaris. Molecular characterization is needed for identifying the dominant parental genome in the fusant using ribosomal DNA sequences. The research was carried out by analyzing the gene encodes for 18S rDNA of fusant and determining relationship of fusant with D. salina and C. vulgaris species from GenBank. Quantitative analysis showed that C. vulgaris was not remarkably dominant in fusant with 84 % similarity compare to D. salina with 82 % similarity. The result indicated that the fusant gained both character from their parents.
Large Eddy Simulation of the Rotating Stall in a Pump-Turbine Operated in Pumping Mode at a Part-Load Condition
Authors: Pacot Olivier , Kato Chisachi , Guo Yang , Yamade Yoshinobu , Avellan François
Published: April 2016

The investigation of the rotating stall phenomenon appearing in the HYDRODYNA pump-turbine reduced scale model is carried out by performing a large-scale large eddy simulation (LES) computation using a mesh featuring approximately 85 × 106 elements. The internal flow is computed for the pump-turbine operated at 76% of the best efficiency point (BEP) in pumping mode, for which previous experimental research evidenced four rotating stall cells. To achieve an adequate resolution near the wall, the Reynolds number is decreased by a factor of 25 than that of the experiment, by assuming that the flow of our interest is not strongly affected by the Reynolds number. The computations are performed on the supercomputer PRIMEHPC FX10 of the University of Tokyo using the overset finite-element open source code FrontFlow/blue with the dynamic Smagorinsky turbulence model. It is shown that the rotating stall phenomenon is accurately simulated using the LES approach. The results show an excellent agreement with available experimental data from the reduced scale model tested at the EPFL Laboratory for hydraulic machines. The number of stall cells as well as the propagation speed agree well with the experiment. Detailed investigations on the computed flow fields have clarified the propagation mechanism of the stall cells.
Compact Model for the Static and Dynamic Behavior of a Piezoelectric Bimorph Actuator for Microfluidic MEMS
Authors: Rumschoettel Dominik , Kagerer Markus , Irlinger Franz , Lueth Tim C.
Published: April 2016

Piezoelectric actuators are commonly used in Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS). They can deliver high forces, large accelerations, and high power densities. However, one of their weaknesses is the comparatively small actuator travel that can be readily achieved. The elongation attainable by a slab of piezoelectric material is only a few tenth of a percent. Therefore, it is often useful to employ mechanical structures which are capable of amplifying those minute deflections.

A particularly often used configuration is a sandwich structure consisting of either two differently poled strips of piezoelectric material or a single strip of piezoelectric and a layer of passive material. Such a structure is called a bimorph. If one of the layers is mounted above a cavity, the structure forms a membrane actuator. Because of their capability to displace fluid volume, those actuators are suitable for a wide range of applications in the area of microfluidics, including, but not limited to, micropumps, microvalves, microdroplet generators, and high frequency acoustic transducers. The directed design of those actuators demands the determination of their mechanical and electrical properties in advance.

In the present paper a compact model for the characterization of such a bimorphic membrane actuator is presented. The model is based on an analytical description of the bending line of the membrane by means of Euler-Bernoulli-Beam theory. Relationships for the dependency of the actuator deflection and the volume displaced by the membrane on the geometry and the material properties of the actuator are established. Other model parameters like the moving mass and the effective stiffness are also determined. The identified parameters are used to create a behavioral model of the full dynamic characteristics of the actuator. This allows the prediction of the dynamic response to an arbitrary input excitation signal.

The model is validated by comparing the predicted static and dynamic behavior of the membrane actuator with empirically derived results. For this purpose a number of test specimen with different actuator geometries are fabricated. The quasi-static deflection of the actuator is monitored with a laser-vibrometer for different drive voltages. Furthermore the dynamic behavior of the actuator is determined by recording its step response function.

Overall, a model for the prediction of the static and dynamic behavior of a piezoelectrically driven bimorph membrane actuator is presented. The model validation shows good agreement between the predicted and measured behavior for the quasi-static deflection of the actuator and reasonable agreement for its dynamic properties.
Highly Sensitive Two Dimensional Tactile Sensor Using Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube
Authors: Nozaki Takuya , Suzuki Ken , Miura Hideo
Published: April 2016

A highly sensitive two-dimensional strain sensor, which consists of area-arrayed bundles of multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), has been developed by applying micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The spatial resolution of the developed sensor was 0.5 mm which is superior to that of human finger, 1mm. Since the shape of the grown MWCNTs varies widely depending on the average thickness of the catalyst layer and the growth temperature, the optimum growth condition was investigated for forming the bundles of MWCNTs with vertical alignment and longer length. The change of the electrical resistance of the grown MWCNTs bundle was measured by applying a compression test in the strain range from 0% to −50%. It was found that the electrical resistance of the MWCNTs bundle increased almost linearly with the applied compressive strain and its strain sensitivity was about 100%/%-strain (gauge factor: 100). The MWCNT bundles with the aspect ration of 20 were grown by using the optimal growth conditions. This bundle structure showed the high load sensitivity of 10 mN as was expected. In addition, two-dimensional deformation distribution of the area-arrayed bundles was observed under the application of the concentric circular load.
Time-Resolved Modeling of Growing Carbon Nanotube Forests
Authors: Ajiboye Damola , Pai P. Frank , Maschmann Matthew R.
Published: April 2016

A two-dimensional mechanical model of actively growing carbon nanotube (CNT) forests is developed and used to perform a parametric growth study examining the effects of CNT diameter, growth rate distribution, and orientation angle distribution on the resulting CNT forest morphology. The CNT forest alignment is quantified using the Hermans Orientation Factor (HOF). Each CNT within the forest is modeled as a series of interconnected linear elastic Euler-Bernoulli beams elements, each with six degrees of freedom corresponding to angular rotation, an axial displacement, and a transverse displacement at each of two nodes. Individual CNTs within the forest grow at a constant rate at discrete time steps. When CNTs are within sufficient proximity, a van der Waals potential is established to maintain intimate contact between adjacent CNTs. The van der Waals interaction is modeled as a linear elastic element located between nodes in close proximity. Mismatches in the growth rate and orientation of contacting CNTs leads to translation, rotation, and buckling of constituent CNTs. The resulting morphology of the simulated forests is similar in appearance to experimentally grown CNT forests. The model represents a new methodology for studying CNT forest growth kinetics, and the resultant CNT forests may be further subjected to mechanical, thermal, and electrical evaluation.
Computational Determination of the Modified Vortex Shedding Frequency for a Rigid, Truncated, Wall-Mounted Cylinder in Cross Flow
Authors: Faucett Aimie , Harman Todd , Ameel Tim
Published: April 2016

Flow around a rigid, truncated, wall-mounted cylinder with an aspect ratio of 5 is examined computationally at various Reynolds numbers Re to determine how the end effects impact the vortex shedding frequency. The existence of the wall and free end cause a dampening of the classical shedding frequency found for a semi-infinite, two-dimensional cylinder, as horseshoe vortices along the wall and flow over the tip entrain into the shedding region. This effect was observed for Reynolds numbers in the range of 50 to 2000, and quantified by comparing the modified Strouhal numbers to the classical (two-dimensional) solution for Strouhal number as a function of Reynolds number. The range of transition was found to be 220 < Re < 300, versus 150 < Re < 300 for the classical case. Vortex shedding started at Re ≈ 100, significantly above Re = 50, where shedding starts for the two-dimensional case.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Mechanical Interface Behavior of Copper and Single Walled Carbon Nanotube Bundles
Authors: Awad Ibrahim , Ladani Leila
Published: April 2016

Because of their remarkable thermal, mechanical and electrical properties, Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) have significant potential to be employed in nano/ micro-electrical applications as interconnects. However, they must be adaptable to the current copper (Cu) technology for this transition to occur. In this study, a hybrid structure of CNTs and Cu is used as interconnects. Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulation of the interface is conducted in order to evaluate mechanical integrity of CNT-Cu composite material. CNT-Cu interface has been studied by simulating different arrangements of Single Wall Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) at the interface of a Cu slab. Displacement controlled loading has been applied to pull-out CNTs from the interface with Cu while Cu is spatially fixed. Pull-out forces have been determined for several different cases where multiple CNT strands interfaced with Cu slab. Pull-out force vs. displacement curve has been recorded for each case. The results show similar behavior of these curves. After pull-out force reaches a maximum value, it oscillates around an average force with descending amplitude until the strand/s is/are completely pulled-out. A linear relationship between pull-out forces and the number of CNT strands was observed. When multiple layers of CNTs were studied at the interface of Cu, second order effect was found to be negligible. Embedded length has no significance on the average pull-out force. However, the amplitude of oscillations increases as the length of CNT strand increases. As expected when one end of CNT strand was fixed, owing to its extraordinary strength, substantial amount of force was required to pull it out. Finally an analytical relationship is proposed to determine the interfacial shear strength between Cu and CNT bundle in interconnects.
High Temperature Storage and HAST Reliability of Copper-Aluminum Wirebond Interconnects
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Deshpande Shantanu , Nguyen Luu
Published: April 2016

Gold wire bonding has been widely used as first-level interconnect in semiconductor packaging. The increase in the gold price has motivated the industry search for alternative to the gold wire used in wire bonding and the transition to copper wire bonding technology. Potential advantages of transition to Cu-Al wire bond system includes low cost of copper wire, lower thermal resistivity, lower electrical resistivity, higher deformation strength, damage during ultrasonic squeeze, and stability compared to gold wire. However, the transition to the copper wire brings along some trade-offs including poor corrosion resistance, narrow process window, higher hardness, and potential for cratering. Formation of excessive Cu-Al intermetallics may increase electrical resistance and reduce the mechanical bonding strength. Current state-of-art for studying the Cu-Al system focuses on accumulation of statistically significant number of failures under accelerated testing. In this paper, a new approach has been developed to identify the occurrence of impending apparently-random defect fall-outs and pre-mature failures observed in the Cu-Al wirebond system. The use of intermetallic thickness, composition and corrosion as a leading indicator of failure for assessment of remaining useful life for Cu-al wirebond interconnects has been studied under exposure to high temperature and temperature-humidity. Damage in wire bonds has been studied using x-ray Micro-CT. Microstructure evolution was studied under isothermal aging conditions of 150°C, 175°C, and 200°C till failure. Activation energy was calculated using growth rate of intermetallic at different temperatures. Effect of temperature and humidity on Cu-Al wirebond system was studied using Parr Bomb technique at different elevated temperature and humidity conditions (110°C/ 100%RH, 120°C/ 100%RH, 130°C/ 100%RH) and failure mechanism was developed. The present methodology uses evolution of the IMC thickness, composition in conjunction with the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm to identify accrued damage in wire bond subjected to thermal aging. The proposed method can be used for quick assessment of Cu-Al parts to ensure manufactured part consistency through sampling.
Theoretical and Experimental Research on Design of Non-Resonant Gear Transformer
Authors: Shiying Wang , Ming Lv , Gang Ya , Jiancheng Liu , Guoxing Liang
Published: April 2016

Honing process is widely used to improve the surface finish of hardened gears. The existing challenging for this manufacturing process includes its low efficiency and excessive forces exerted on both of engaged gears and tools. Ultrasonic assisted honing has a number of superior advantages over the traditional methods. This paper presents a new theoretical method for the parameter determination of non-resonant gear transformer, which is the key component of ultrasonic assisted honing systems. A mathematical model for the ultrasonic assisted honing system is first established and solved with different design parameters by using the numerical method. The numerated results then are verified by the FEM analysis and experiments. It is found that the proposed method is effective and useful. The details will be addressed in the paper.
Exfoliated 2D black phosphorus nanosheets: Field emission studies
Authors: Suryawanshi Sachin R. , More Mahendra A. , Late Dattatray J.
Published: April 2016

A few layer black phosphorus (BP) nanosheets are obtained by micromechanical cleavage from a bulk BP crystal. In a typical exfoliation procedure, a layer of BP is peeled off from bulk crystal with the help of Scotch tape and transferred onto SiO2/Si and pristine Si substrates. The morphological and structural analyses of the samples were carried out using an optical microscopy, a transmission electron microscopy, and a Raman spectroscopy. Field emission investigations on a few layered BP nanosheets on Si substrate were carried out at the base pressure of 1 × 10−8 mbar. The turn-on value, corresponding to emission current density of ∼1 μA/cm2, is found to be ∼5.1 V/μm for BP nanosheets/Si emitter and high field enhancement factor (β) ∼1164, attributed to atomically thin/sharp edges of the BP nanosheets. The emission current shows good stability at a preset value of ∼5 μA over a period of more than 8 h. The present results demonstrate the potential of the mechanically exfoliated BP nanosheets/Si field emitter for the development of practical electron sources.
V-band monolithic microwave integrated circuit with continuous wave output power of >23.5 dBm using conventional AlGaN/GaN-on-Si structure
Authors: Kim Dong-Hwan , Eom Su-Keun , Kang Myoung-Jin , Jeong Jun-Seok , Seo Kwang-Seok , Cha Ho-Young
Published: April 2016

This letter reports an AlGaN/GaN-on-Si power amplifier (PA) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) operating at V-band using advanced gate processing technology. The AlGaN/GaN-on-Si high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) employed a gate length of 100 nm with a double-deck shaped (DDS) field-plate, which resulted in a cut-off frequency of 68 GHz and a maximum oscillation frequency of 160 GHz at the drain voltage of 15 V with significant reduction in gate resistance and improvement of current collapse phenomenon. A 60 GHz three-stage PA MMIC composed of two 4 × 37 μm and an 8 × 37 μm AlGaN/GaN-on-Si HEMTs successfully demonstrated using the DDS field-plate gate technology, which exhibited a continuous wave output power of >23.5 dBm at the drain voltage of 18 V at 58 GHz. This is the highest output power performance for V-band power amplification based on AlGaN/GaN-on-Si technology.
Effects of corrugation shape on frequency band-gaps for longitudinal wave motion in a periodic elastic layer
Authors: Sorokin Vladislav S.
Published: April 2016

The paper concerns determining frequency band-gaps for longitudinal wave motion in a periodic waveguide. The waveguide may be considered either as an elastic layer with variable thickness or as a rod with variable cross section. As a result, widths and locations of all frequency band-gaps are determined by means of the method of varying amplitudes. For the general symmetric corrugation shape, the width of each odd band-gap is controlled only by one harmonic in the corrugation series with its number being equal to the number of the band-gap. Widths of even band-gaps, however, are influenced by all the harmonics involved in the corrugation series, so that the lower frequency band-gaps can emerge. These are band-gaps located below the frequency corresponding to the lowest harmonic in the corrugation series. For the general non-symmetric corrugation shape, the mth band-gap is controlled only by one, the mth, harmonic in the corrugation series. The revealed insights into the mechanism of band-gap formation can be used to predict locations and widths of all frequency band-gaps featured by any corrugation shape. These insights are general and can be valid also for other types of wave motion in periodic structures, e.g., transverse or torsional vibration.
A rare case of thyroid storm
Authors: McMillen Brock , Dhillon Manvinder Shelley , Yong-Yow Sabrina
Published: April 2016

Thyroid storm is a rare and life-threatening state of thyroid hormone excess. Rapid recognition of thyroid storm is key to decreasing the morbidity and mortality of this condition. Clinical manifestations of thyroid storm include unexplained weight loss, hyperactivity and irritability. The most common causes of thyrotoxicosis are Graves' disease, toxic multinodular goitre and toxic adenoma. We present a rare case of thyroid storm induced by dual nivolumab and ipilimumab immunotherapy in a patient receiving treatment for advanced melanoma. In this case, our patient was admitted for thyroid storm 1 month after initiating treatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab immunotherapy. The patient was treated with β-blockers, antithyroid medications and systemic steroids resulting in an improvement in thyroid function testing and symptoms.
Effect of polymer-coated urea on nitrous oxide emission in zero-till and conventionally tilled silage corn
Authors: Hunt Derek E. , Bittman Shabtai , Zhang Hongjie , Bhandral Rita , Grant Cynthia A. , Lemke Reynald
Published: April 2016

Little is known about nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from silage corn (Zea mays L.). Studies have shown that controlled-release N fertilizers have the potential to reduce N2O emissions, compared with conventional N fertilizers. This 2-year field study compared N2O emissions from urea fertilizer and a slow-release polymer-coated urea (CRU) applied to silage corn on soils managed with conventional tillage (CT) and zero tillage (ZT). The study was conducted on a silty loam soil in the cool, moist climate of south coastal British Columbia, Canada, taking year-around measurements from static chambers. Over 2 study years there was a significant interaction between N sources and tillage methods; under CT there was no significant difference between CRU and urea (557 vs. 447 g N2O-N ha−1 year−1, respectively), but under ZT, emissions from CRU were significantly higher than from urea (968 vs. 381 g N2O-N ha−1 year−1, respectively). Annual emissions of N2O-N ranged from 0.09 to 0.65% of applied N fertilizer. The CRU also had significantly greater emissions than urea per unit N uptake and plant yield under ZT, while there was no significant difference between N sources under CT. The results do not indicate that NO3− release from broadcast CRU matches corn growth or reduces emission of N2O.
Coupled oxidation of iron tetraarylporphyrins as a synthetic tool for linear tetrapyrroles
Authors: Mizutani Tadashi
Published: April 2016

Coupled oxidation of iron tetraphenylporphyrins was studied as a tool for preparation of various linear tetrapyrroles. We obtained two linear tetrapyrrole products, biladienone with the meso carbon retained and bilindione with one of the meso carbons eliminated. Biladienone was isolated as a 15-hydroxy derivative. Acid catalyzed elimination of water from biladienone yielded bilatrienone. Bilindione was converted to the zinc complex of 5-oxaporphyrin by reacting it with acetic anhydride and zinc acetate. The zinc complex of 5-oxaporphyrin was a labile electrophile, and readily reacted with a weak nucleophile such as methanol or ethanol. The nucleophilic ring cleavage was used to prepare a variety of bilinone derivatives with substituent at the terminal pyrrole ring. The zinc complex of 5-oxaporphyrin fluoresced red light with a quantum yield of 7%. Free base bilinone showed solvatochromism by forming proton-transferred hydrogen bonding with aprotic amide, which bears similarity to the red to far-red photochromism of phytochromes. The zinc complex of biladienone bearing long alkyl chains was used as an active layer of molecular switch, where flexible framework of linear tetrapyrrole and self-assembling properties lead to 103 fold electric current reduction by application of an external electric field. The zinc complex of biladienone showed allosteric binding to amines, where allosteric behavior was caused by its dimerization.
The Substrate Specificity of Sirtuins
Authors: Bheda Poonam , Jing Hui , Wolberger Cynthia , Lin Hening
Published: April 2016

Sirtuins are NAD+-dependent enzymes universally present in all organisms, where they play central roles in regulating numerous biological processes. Although early studies showed that sirtuins deacetylated lysines in a reaction that consumes NAD+, more recent studies have revealed that these enzymes can remove a variety of acyl-lysine modifications. The specificities for varied acyl modifications may thus underlie the distinct roles of the different sirtuins within a given organism. This review summarizes the structure, chemistry, and substrate specificity of sirtuins with a focus on how different sirtuins recognize distinct substrates and thus carry out specific functions.
Transcriptomic Analysis of Resistant and SusceptibleBombyx moriStrains Following BmNPV Infection Provides Insights into the Antiviral Mechanisms
Authors: Li Gang , Qian Heying , Luo Xufang , Xu Pingzhen , Yang Jianhua , Liu Mingzhu , Xu Anying
Published: April 2016

Purpose. To decipher transcriptomic changes and related genes with potential functions againstBombyx morinucleopolyhedrovirus infection and to increase the understanding of the enhanced virus resistance of silkworm on the transcriptomic level.Methods. We assembled and annotated transcriptomes of the Qiufeng (susceptible to infection) and QiufengN (resistant to infection) strains and performed comparative analysis in order to decipher transcriptomic changes and related genes with potential functions against BmNPV infection.Results. A total of 78,408 SNPs were identified in the Qiufeng strain of silkworm and 56,786 SNPs were identified in QiufengN strain. Besides, novel AS events were found in these 2 strains. In addition, 1,728 DEGs were identified in the QiufengN strain compared with Qiufeng strain. These DEGs were involved in GO terms related to membrane, metabolism, binding and catalytic activity, cellular processes, and organismal systems. The highest levels of gene representation were found in oxidative phosphorylation, phagosome, TCA cycle, arginine and proline metabolism, and pyruvate metabolism. Additionally, COG analysis indicated that DEGs were involved in “amino acid transport and metabolism” and “carbohydrate transport and metabolism.”Conclusion. We identified a series of major pathological changes in silkworm following infection and several functions were related to the antiviral mechanisms of silkworm.
Research on Joint Handoff Algorithm in Vehicles Networks
Authors: Bi Yuming , Tian Lei , Liu Mengmeng , Liu Zhenzi , Chen Wei
Published: April 2016

With the communication services evolution from the fourth generation (4G) to the fifth generation (5G), we are going to face diverse challenges from the new network systems. On the one hand, seamless handoff is expected to integrate universal access among various network mechanisms. On the other hand, a variety of 5G technologies will complement each other to provide ubiquitous high speed wireless connectivity. Because the current wireless network cannot support the handoff among Wireless Access for Vehicular Environment (WAVE), WiMAX, and LTE flexibly, the paper provides an advanced handoff algorithm to solve this problem. Firstly, the received signal strength is classified, and the vehicle speed and data rate under different channel conditions are optimized. Then, the optimal network is selected for handoff. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can well adapt to high speed environment, guarantee flexible and reasonable vehicles access to a variety of networks, and prevent ping-pong handoff and link access failure effectively.
Experimental Research on Heat Transfer Characteristics of CuO Nanofluid in Adiabatic Condition
Authors: Guangbin Yu , Dejun Gao , Juhui Chen , Bing Dai , Di Liu , Ye Song , Xi Chen
Published: April 2016

The laminar convective heat transfer behavior of CuO nanoparticle dispersions in glycol with the average particle sizes (about 70 nm) was investigated experimentally in a flow loop with constant heat flux. To enhance heat exchange under high temperature condition and get the more accurate data, we try to improve the traditional experimental apparatus which is used to test nanofluid heat transfer characteristics. In the experiment five different nanoparticle concentrations (0.25%, 0.50%, 0.80%, 1.20%, and 1.50%) were investigated in a flow loop with constant heat flux. The experimental results show that the heat transfer coefficient of nanofluid becomes higher than that of pure fluid at the same Reynolds number and increased with the increasing of the mass fraction of CuO nanoparticles. Results also indicate that at very low volume concentrations nanofluid has no major impact on heat transfer parameters and the pressure of nanofluids increased by the mass fraction increase.
A Case of Arterial and Venous Tear during Single Lead Extraction
Authors: Green Michael S. , Wu Daniel , Patel Vishal , Tariq Rayhan
Published: April 2016

Transcutaneous lead extraction can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The risk of causing concomitant arterial and venous injury is rare. We report a case of marginal artery rupture with coronary sinus rupture after a CS lead extraction. A 71-year-old male was admitted for extraction of a 6-year-old implantable cardioverter-defibrillator lead due to fracture from insulation break. During the lead extraction, blood pressure fell precipitously and echocardiographic findings were consistent with pericardial effusion. After unsuccessful pericardiocentesis, open chest sternotomy and evacuation of hematoma was performed. Subsequent surgical repair of several injuries was completed including the distal coronary sinus, a large degloving injury of posterior portion of the heart, and first obtuse marginal branch bleed. This case demonstrates that when performing transcutaneous lead extraction (TLE) with laser sheath, a degloving injury can cause arterial rupture with concomitant coronary sinus injury. A multidisciplinary team-based approach can ensure patient safety.Learning Objective.Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator leads will falter over time. With the advancement of new technology for extraction more frequent and serious complications will occur. Active fixation CS leads present unique challenges. In the presence of hemodynamic changes during extraction the occurrence of both an arterial and venous injury must be considered.
The Lattice Structure of L-Contact Relations
Authors: Chen Xueyou
Published: April 2016

From the point of view of graded truth approach, we define the notion of a contact relation on the collection of allL-sets, discuss the connection to the set of all close, reflexive, and symmetric relations on allL-ultrafilters onX, and investigate the algebraic structure of allL-contact relations.
Dynamic Output Feedback Robust MPC with Input Saturation Based on Zonotopic Set-Membership Estimation
Authors: Ping Xubin , Qian Bo , Sun Ning
Published: April 2016

For quasi-linear parameter varying (quasi-LPV) systems with bounded disturbance, a synthesis approach of dynamic output feedback robust model predictive control (OFRMPC) with the consideration of input saturation is investigated. The saturated dynamic output feedback controller is represented by a convex hull involving the actual dynamic output controller and an introduced auxiliary controller. By taking both the actual output feedback controller and the auxiliary controller with a parameter-dependent form, the main optimization problem can be formulated as convex optimization. The consideration of input saturation in the main optimization problem reduces the conservatism of dynamic output feedback controller design. The estimation error set and bounded disturbance are represented by zonotopes and refreshed by zonotopic set-membership estimation. Compared with the previous results, the proposed algorithm can not only guarantee the recursive feasibility of the optimization problem, but also improve the control performance at the cost of higher computational burden. A nonlinear continuous stirred tank reactor (CSTR) example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the approach.
Variations in the Obesity Gene “LEPR” Contribute to Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Evidence from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Ming Ming , Wang Jun , Fan Jiao Jie , Ng Tsz Kin , Sun Dian Jun , Guo Xin , Teng Yan , Li Yan-Bo
Published: April 2016

Leptin is a hormone protein regulating food intake and energy expenditure. A number of studies have evaluated the genetic effect of leptin (LEP) and leptin receptor (LEPR) genes on T2DM. This study aimed to investigate the association between these gene polymorphisms and T2DM by a systematic review and meta-analysis. Published studies were identified through extensive search in PubMed and EMBASE. A total of 5143 T2DM cases and 5021 controls from 14 articles were included in this study. Five functional variants inLEPRwere well evaluated. Meta-analysis showed that rs1137101 (p.R223Q) was significantly associated with T2DM in all genetic models: allele model (OR = 1.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.13–1.42), dominant model (OR = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.05–1.35), homozygote model (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.38–2.39), and recessive model (OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.35–2.28), with minimal heterogeneity and no indication of publication bias. Similar associations with T2DM were also found for rs62589000 (p.P1019P) and 3′UTR ins/del, although the data was obtained from a small number of studies. For the other two polymorphisms rs1137100 (p.R109K) and rs8179183 (p.K656N), they were not significantly associated with T2DM. Our results provide robust evidences for the genetic association of rs1137101 (p.R223Q) inLEPRwith T2DM susceptibility.