bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guided Munition Adaptive Trim Actuation System for Aerial Gunnery
Authors: Schumacher Lauren N. , Barrett Ronald M.
Published: November 2018

Twenty-two years ago, adaptive munitions using piezoelectric actuators were conceived. The Barrel-Launched Adaptive Munition (BLAM) program used piezoelectric elements to articulate a 10 deg. half-angle conical section on the nose of a 73 mm caliber supersonic wind tunnel model. The test article was designed to pivot the forward portion of the round about the aerodynamic center (which was collocated with the forward section center of gravity). While effective in trim articulation, the majority of actuator power was expended resisting nose inertia rather than manipulating air loads. Adaptive actuators for guided munitions have progressed greatly since that time. In 2001, major advances canard articulation for guided bullets were achieved. These were followed by the Shipborne Countermeasure Range-Extended Adaptive Munition (SCREAM) program. While the piezoelectric effectors designed for these historic programs would allow for respectable deflections, the invention of post-buckled piezoelectric (PBP) actuation would dramatically boost total deflection levels while maintaining full blocked force capabilities. These PBP actuators would be used in a variety of flight control mechanisms for different classes of UAVs. In addition to these applications, the high bandwidth of piezoelectric actuators are particularly well suited to guided munitions. This paper describes the structural mechanics and dynamics of the PBP-class actuator as integrated in guided munitions. As a critical element in ultra-high bandwidth flight control actuation, PBP actuators have been shown to possess pseudo-corner frequencies in excess of 1 kHz. Additionally, PBP actuators have been integrated into tight packing volumes in guided cannon shells while demonstrating setback acceleration tolerances of tens of thousands of g’s. Previous work illustrates several different actuation configurations as well as integration methods with canards and fins. This study links the structural mechanics of previous authors with aeromechanics to arrive at performance predictions in aerial combat. The paper lays out a guided aerial round based on the PBP concept, then uses circular error probable (CEP) predictions in a standard atmosphere quantify the required deflections for engagement of a variety of targets. The results show one order of magnitude fewer rounds being expended per kill in direct air-to-air engagements with peer aircraft. The paper shows that PBP-class actuators could be used for defensive engagements as well with the engagement of oncoming hostile missiles. The paper concludes with prediction of engagement improvements for modern aircraft like the F-35 with 25 mm rounds as well as aircraft like the F-15 with 20 mm guided ammunition.
Electromechanical Characterization of an Innovative Painted Carbon Nanotube Strain Sensor Under Dynamic Loading
Authors: Magnafico Erika , Casalotti Arnaldo , Lanzara Giulia
Published: November 2018

Piezoresistive strain sensors can be manufactured by embedding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in an insulating polymer matrix, by taking advantage of CNTs superior electromechanical properties. In particular, the electromechanical properties find their roots in the conductive network formed by the randomly dispersed CNTs, through which the current can flow. When a mechanical strain occurs the conductive network configuration varies, changing the overall material conductivity. In this study this concept is being exploited to form a CNTs-based functional paint that allows to monitor ultra-large structural areas, in multiple directions, with an easy to assemble and processing approach. In particular, CNTs are dispersed in a PolymethylMethacrylate (PMMA) matrix following a carefully designed process to achieve a proper viscosity for direct painting onto a large in scale structure. Electromechanical tests are performed to characterize the piezoresistive behaviour of the coating in static and dynamic loading conditions. The results showed the great sensitivity of the coating to strain. The proposed approach to directly paint a sensitive coating onto the structure to be monitored has the advantages of: ultra-low weight, direct contact with the structure to be monitored and an extremely simple installation procedure.
Preliminary Assessment of Morphing Winglet and Flap Tabs Influence on the Aeroelastic Stability of Next Generation Regional Aircraft
Authors: Noviello Maria Chiara , Dimino Ignazio , Amoroso Francesco , Concilio Antonio , Pecora Rosario
Published: November 2018

Future aircraft wing technology is rapidly moving toward flexible and morphing wing concepts capable to enhance aircraft wing performance in off-design conditions and to reduce operative maneuver and gust loads. However, due to the reduced stiffness, increased mass, and increased degree of freedom (DOF), such mechanical systems require advanced aeroelastic assessments since the early design phases; this appears crucial to properly drive the design of the underlying mechanisms since the conceptual phase by mitigating their impact on the whole aircraft aeroelastic stability.

Preliminary investigations have shown that the combined use of adaptive flap tabs and morphing winglets significantly improves aircraft aerodynamic performance in climb and cruise conditions by the order of 6%. Additionally, by adapting span-wise lift distributions to reduce gust solicitations and alleviate wing root bending moment at critical flight conditions, significant weight savings can also be achieved.

Within the scope of Clean Sky 2 Airgreen 2 project, flutter and divergence characteristics of a morphing wing design integrating adaptive winglets and flap tabs are discussed. Multi-parametric flutter analyses are carried out in compliance with CS-25 airworthiness requirements (paragraph 25.629, parts (a), (b), (c) and (d)) to investigate static and dynamic aeroelastic stability behavior of the aircraft. The proposed kinematic systems are characterized by movable surfaces, each with its own domain authority, sustained by a structural skeleton and completely integrated with EMA-based actuation systems. For that purpose, a sensitivity analysis was performed taking into account variations of the stiffness and inertial properties of the referred architectures. Such layouts were reduced to a stick-equivalent model which properties were evaluated through MSC-NASTRAN-based computations. The proprietary code SANDY 4.0 was used to generate the aero-structural model and to solve the aeroelastic stability equations by means of theoretical modes association in frequency domain. Analyses showed the presence of critical modal coupling mechanisms in nominal operative conditions as well as in case of system malfunctioning or failure. Design solutions to assure clearance from instabilities were then investigated. Trade-off flutter and divergence analyses were finally carried out to assess the robustness of the morphing architectures in terms of movable parts layout, mass balancing and actuators damping.
Parametric Study of Helicopter Blade for Active Twist Control Incorporating Macro Fiber Composite Actuator
Authors: Sicim Mürüvvet Sinem , Demirci Dinçer , Kaya Metin Orhan
Published: November 2018

Helicopters suffer from a number of problems raised from the high vibratory loads, noise generation, load capacity limitations, forward speed limitation etc. Especially unsteady aerodynamic conditions due to the different aerodynamic environment between advised and retreating side of the rotor cause most of these problems. Researchers study on passive and active methods to eliminate negative effects of aerodynamic loads. Nowadays, active methods such as Higher Harmonic Control (HHC), Individual Blade Control (IBC), Active Control of Structural Response (ACSR), Active Twist Blade (ATB), and Active Trailing-edge Flap (ATF) gain importance to vibration and noise reduction. In this paper, strain-induced blade twist control is studied integrated by Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) actuator. 3D model is presented to analyze the twisting of a morph and bimorph helicopter rotor blade comprising MFC actuator which is generally applied vibration suppression, shape control and health monitoring. The helicopter rotor blade is modeling with NACA23012 airfoil type and consists of D-spar made of unidirectional fiberglass, ±45° Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) and foam core. Two-way fluid-structure interaction (FSI) method is used to simulate loop between fluid flow and physical structure to enable the behavior of the complex system. To develop piezoelectric effects, thermal strain analogy based on the similarities between thermal and piezo strains. The optimization results are obtained to show the influence of different design parameters such as web length, spar circular fitting, MFC chord length on active twist control. Also, skin thickness, spar thickness, web thickness are used to optimization parameters to illustrate effects on torsion angle by applying response surface methodology. Selection of correct design parameters can then be determined based on this system results.
Energy Harvesting in Discontinuous Processes by Shape Memory Alloys
Authors: Czechowicz Alexander , Langbein Sven
Published: November 2018

Heat is often lost unused in industry, commerce and households and is considered a waste product — while there is a lot of energy potential in waste heat. As part of the project “Theasmart”, scientists and companies are exploring just these potentials to find out how the waste product heat can be used for further purposes through the use of an innovative smart materials technology. The goal of the project is the further qualification of shape memory alloys with special focus on thin hysteresis applications for energy harvesting. In certain applications, these metals can be used as a thermal drive, for example for thermal valves or as thermal air flow regulators. Energy efficiency in processes in industrial companies or households could be improved by their use of waste heat. By 2020, the development of thermally driven generators, so-called “energy harvesters”, and the identification of other areas of application is planned. This publication focuses on first steps towards a process tool which can be actuated by waste heat of a thermal annealing sub-process directly, or used as mechanical energy charging device combined with a releasing mechanism.
Shape Memory Alloy Actuatable Woven Neural Probes
Authors: Shull Gabriella , Hu Jay Jia , Buschnyj Justin , Koon Henry , Abel Julianna , Kodandaramaiah Suhasa B.
Published: November 2018

The ability to sense neural activity using electrodes has allowed scientists to use this information to temporarily restore movement in paralyzed individuals using brain-computer interfaces (BCI). However, current electrodes do not provide chronic recording of the brain due to the inflammatory response of the immune system caused by the large (∼ 20–80 μm) size of the shanks, and the mechanical mismatch of the shanks relative to the brain. Electrode designs are evolving to use small (< 15 μm) flexible neural probes to minimize inflammatory responses and enable chronic use. However, their flexibility limits the scalability — it is challenging to assemble 3D arrays of such electrodes, to insert the arrays of flexible neural probes into the brain without buckling, and to uniformly distribute them into large areas of the brain. Thus, we created Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) actuated Woven Neural Probes (WNPs). A linear array of 32 flexible insulated microwires were interwoven with SMA wires resulting in an ordered array of parallel electrodes. SMA WNPs were shaped to an initial constricted profile for reliable insertion into a tissue phantom. Following insertion, the SMA wires were used as actuators to unravel the constricted WNP to distribute electrodes across large volumes. We demonstrated that the WNPs could be inserted into the brain without buckling and record neural activity. In separate experiments, we showed that the SMA could mechanically distribute the WNPs via thermally induced actuation. This work thus highlights the potential of actuatable WNPs to be used as a platform for neural recording.
Titanium coverage for plasma-induced uniform HfSiON film from Hf nanoscale islands on SiO2/Si
Authors: Kitajima Takeshi , Kage Ryosuke , Nakano Toshiki
Published: November 2018

Significant improvement of the in-plane uniformity of an HfSiON film is enabled by a Ti coverage over Hf islands on an SiO2/Si substrate. Surface diffusion of Hf during an HfSiON film growth from Hf (island)/SiO2/Si structure induced by a nitrogen inductively coupled plasma (ICP) exposure is effectively suppressed by the Ti coverage. The nitrogen ICP exposure to the Ti/Hf (island)/SiO2/Si surface forms a TiN layer, which suppresses the surface diffusion of Hf by lowering the surface energy. Even a small Ti coverage of 5% is effective for the uniform Hf concentration in the HfSiON film. The uniformity of the film is monitored by an in vacuo noncontact AFM and a cross-sectional SEM imaging. An ex situ XPS analysis indicates that the TiN layer is sputtered by the ion bombardment and the Ti content in the film decreases less than 1%. The intermixing of Si with Hf and the subsequent nitridation of the film is successfully performed even the surface is covered with TiN. The mercury probe measurement revealed that the improved uniformity by the Ti coverage increases the capacitance and reduces the leakage current of the high-k dielectric film.
Modifying the rheological properties of polypropylene under elongational flow by adding polyethylene
Authors: Fujii Yoko , Nishikawa Riho , Phulkerd Panitha , Yamaguchi Masayuki
Published: November 2018

Adding polyethylene greatly affects the rheological response of isotactic polypropylene (PP) under uniaxial elongational flow. Though strain hardening in the transient elongational viscosity barely appeared in pure PP, we induced strain hardening by adding low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to PP, even though the blends showed a phase-separated structure. During elongational flow, LDPE droplets dispersed in the PP were deformed in the flow direction. Because LDPE shows marked strain hardening in the elongational viscosity, the deformed LDPE droplets behaved as rigid fibers as the strain increased. Consequently, the PP between the fibrous LDPE droplets experienced excess localized deformation, which increased the apparent elongational viscosity. Furthermore, adding the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) increased the drawdown force—defined as the force required for uniaxial stretching of a molten polymer in the nonisothermal condition. This behavior comes from the rapid crystallization of HDPE, which causes the deformed HDPE particles to act as rigid fibers in the molten PP and enhances the PP crystallization, which increases the elongational stress.
A predictive model for the hysteretic and damage behavior of rubberlike materials
Authors: De Tommasi D. , Puglisi G. , Toma E. , Trentadue F.
Published: November 2018

We propose a microstructure inspired approach for rubberlike materials. These materials are modeled as a mixture of an elastic matrix and a damageable fraction, assigned by a distribution of links with variable activation and rupture thresholds. In particular, the hysteretic behavior is described by considering the recross-linking effect under unloading. Based on the physical interpretation of the material distribution and parameters of the model proposed here, we are able to obtain an effective and numerically efficient three-dimensional, nonlinear damage and hysteresis model for rubberlike solids. To demonstrate the feasibility of this model in reproducing complex deformation histories, we performed cyclic uniaxial and shear tests on ethylene-propylene diene monomer specimens. A comparison with diffusely adopted models clearly demonstrates the advantages of the proposed approach. In particular, we show the possibility, crucial for real applications, of describing a completely different deformation history based on the material parameters calibration on the only uniaxial experiment.
Comparison of Critical Speed and D′ Derived From 2 or 3 Maximal Tests
Authors: Kordi Mehdi , Menzies Campbell , Galbraith Andy
Published: November 2018

Purpose: The hyperbolic distance–time relationship can be used to profile running performance and establish critical speed (CS) and D′ (the curvature constant of the speed–time relationship). Typically, to establish these parameters, multiple (3+) performance trials are required, which can be highly fatiguing and limit the usability of such protocols in a single training session. This study aimed to compare CS and D′ calculated from a 2-trial (2-point model) and a 3-trial (3-point model) method. Methods: A total of 14 male distance runners completed 3 fixed-distance (3600, 2400, and 1200 m) time trials on a 400-m outdoor running track, separated by 30-min recoveries. Participants completed the protocol 9 times across a 12-mo period, with approximately 42 d between tests. CS and D′ were calculated using all 3 distances (3-point model) and also using the 3600- and 1200-m distances only (2-point model). Results: Mean (SD) CS for both 3-point and 2-point models was 4.94 (0.32) m·s−1, whereas the values for D′ were 123.3 (57.70) and 127.4 (57.34) m for the 3-point and 2-point models, respectively. Overall bias for both CS and D′ between 3-point and 2-point model was classed as trivial. Conclusion: A 2-point time-trial model can be used to calculate CS and D′ as proficiently as a 3-point model, making it a less fatiguing, inexpensive, and applicable method for coaches, practitioners, and athletes for monitoring running performance in 1 training session.
Joint-Level Analyses of the Back Squat With and Without Intraset Rest
Authors: Stone Jason D. , King Adam C. , Goto Shiho , Mata John D. , Hannon Joseph , Garrison James C. , Bothwell James , Jagim Andrew R. , Jones Margaret T. , Oliver Jonathan M.
Published: November 2018

Purpose: To provide a joint-level analysis of traditional (TS) and cluster (CS) set structure during the back-squat exercise. Methods: Eight men (24 [3] y, 177.3 [7.9] cm, 82.7 [11.0] kg, 11.9 [3.5] % body fat, and 150.3 [23.0] kg 1-repetition maximum [1RM]) performed the back-squat exercise (80%1RM) using TS (4 × 6, 2-min interset rest) and CS (4 × [2 × 3], 30-s intraset rest, 90-s interset rest), randomly. Lower-limb kinematics were collected by motion capture, as well as kinetic data by bilateral force platforms. Results: CS attenuated the loss in mean power (TS −21.6% [3.9%]; CS −12.4% [7.5%]; P = .042), although no differences in gross movement pattern (sagittal-plane joint angles) within and between conditions were observed (P ≥ .05). However, joint power produced at the hip increased from repetition (REP) 1 through REP 6 during TS, while a decrease was noted at the knee. A similar pattern was observed in the CS condition but was limited to the hip. Joint power produced at the hip increased from REP 1 through REP 3 but returned to REP 1 values before a similar increase through REP 6, resulting in differences between conditions (REP 4, P = .018; REP 5, P = .022). Conclusions: Sagittal-plane joint angles did not change in either condition, although CS elicited greater power. Differing joint power contributions (hip and knee) suggest potential central mechanism that may contribute to enhanced power output during CS and warrant further study. Practitioners should consider incorporating CS into training to promote greater power adaptations and to mitigate fatigue.
Natural climate solutions for the United States
Authors: Fargione Joseph E. , Bassett Steven , Boucher Timothy , Bridgham Scott D. , Conant Richard T. , Cook-Patton Susan C. , Ellis Peter W. , Falcucci Alessandra , Fourqurean James W. , Gopalakrishna Trisha , Gu Huan , Henderson Benjamin , Hurteau Matthew D. , Kroeger Kevin D. , Kroeger Timm , Lark Tyler J. , Leavitt Sara M. , Lomax Guy , McDonald Robert I. , Megonigal J. Patrick , Miteva Daniela A. , Richardson Curtis J. , Sanderman Jonathan , Shoch David , Spawn Seth A. , Veldman Joseph W. , Williams Christopher A. , Woodbury Peter B. , Zganjar Chris , Baranski Marci , Elias Patricia , Houghton Richard A. , Landis Emily , McGlynn Emily , Schlesinger William H. , Siikamaki Juha V. , Sutton-Grier Ariana E. , Griscom Bronson W.
Published: November 2018

U.S. land management can contribute 1.2 Pg CO
2
e year
−1
of greenhouse gas mitigation, 76% of which costs USD 50 Mg CO
2
e
−1
or less.
Label-free imaging of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer’s disease with stimulated Raman scattering microscopy
Authors: Ji Minbiao , Arbel Michal , Zhang Lili , Freudiger Christian W. , Hou Steven S. , Lin Dongdong , Yang Xinju , Bacskai Brian J. , Xie X. Sunney
Published: November 2018

Misfolded proteins in amyloid plaques in transgenic Alzheimer’s disease mouse brains are visualized directly without labeling.
Time-space–displaced responses in the orangutan vocal system
Authors: Lameira Adriano R. , Call Josep
Published: November 2018

Wild orangutan mothers weigh the danger posed by predators and wait until it is safe to inform their dependent infants.
Realization of flat band with possible nontrivial topology in electronic Kagome lattice
Authors: Li Zhi , Zhuang Jincheng , Wang Li , Feng Haifeng , Gao Qian , Xu Xun , Hao Weichang , Wang Xiaolin , Zhang Chao , Wu Kehui , Dou Shi Xue , Chen Lan , Hu Zhenpeng , Du Yi
Published: November 2018

We observed electronic Kagome lattice and possible nontrivial electronic flat band in twisted multilayer silicene at 77 K.
Single-cell transcriptional analysis reveals ILC-like cells in zebrafish
Authors: Hernández Pedro P. , Strzelecka Paulina M. , Athanasiadis Emmanouil I. , Hall Dominic , Robalo Ana F. , Collins Catherine M. , Boudinot Pierre , Levraud Jean-Pierre , Cvejic Ana
Published: November 2018

Analyses of immune cells in rag1-deficient zebrafish led to the discovery of innate lymphoid cells in teleosts.
Influence of persistent buried ice on late glacial landscape development in part of Wisconsin’s Northern Highlands
Authors: Attig John W. , Rawling J. Elmo
Published: November 2018

Landscape features that formed when buried ice melted and overlying sediment collapsed are abundant and widespread in the part of Wisconsin’s Northern Highland region glaciated by the Wisconsin Valley Lobe and the western part of the Langlade Lobe. Stagnation and burial of ice of the Wisconsin Valley Lobe are documented by broad tracts of hummocky moraine topography that record the position of the maximum extent of the lobe, and by extensive pitted and collapsed heads-of-outwash and outwash plains deposited during recession. Recession of the Wisconsin Valley Lobe was characterized by episodes of stagnation interspersed with episodes of readvance, documented by small west-east–trending heads-of-outwash. Advances of the western margin of the Langlade Lobe deposited large northwest-southeast–trending heads-of-outwash characterized by extensive areas of pitted and collapsed outwash plains with obscure but recognizable ice-contact faces. Following recession of the Wisconsin Valley and Langlade Lobes, the Ontonagon Lobe advanced out of the Superior Basin and over sediment containing abundant buried ice. Permafrost and debris cover combined to delay the melting of buried ice and the formation of the postglacial landscape. Regional correlation of ice-margin positions, combined with geomorphic and stratigraphic relationships, indicates that ice buried in north-central Wisconsin persisted in some places for up to 5000 yr or more following the recession of active ice.
Minimum age of the Mapleton, Tully, and Labrador Hollow moraines indicates correlation with the Port Huron Phase in central New York State
Authors: Kozlowski Andrew L. , Bird Brian C. , Lowell Thomas V. , Smith Colby A. , Feranec Robert S. , Graham Brandon Lars
Published: November 2018

The glaciated terrain along the northern edge of the Appalachian Plateau in the eastern Finger Lakes of central New York has long been recognized as an important location for meltwater routing and for proglacial lake development in the Great Lakes region. Despite recognition of multiple ice margins formed by the Ontario Lobe of the Laurentide ice sheet during the late Wisconsinan, numerical age control of several margins has been elusive, particularly in regard to regional readvances of the Port Bruce (ca. 16,980–18,000 cal [calibrated] yr B.P.) and Port Huron (ca. 14,300– 16,000 cal yr B.P.) Phases. Utilizing light detection and ranging (LiDAR) terrain models in the eastern Finger Lakes area, we identified and described the Mapleton, Tully, and Labrador Hollow moraines. Associated ice-marginal landforms include push moraines, fans, and hummocky topography. In places, these features intrude into the northern heads of through valleys. Coring of three basins directly associated with these landforms yielded more than 20 samples of boreal tree needles and twigs, and Dryas leaves. Accelerated mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon assay results indicate that poststadial lacustrine sedimentation began at ca. 15,000 cal yr B.P., consistent with ages of the Port Huron Phase.
Styles of underplating in the Marin Headlands terrane, Franciscan complex, California
Authors: Regalla Christine A. , Rowe Christie D. , Harrichhausen Nicolas , Tarling Matthew S. , Singh Jyotsana
Published: November 2018

Geophysical images and structural cross sections of accretionary wedges are usually aligned orthogonal to the subduction trench axis. These sections often reveal underplated duplexes of subducted oceanic sediment and igneous crust that record trench-normal shortening and wedge thickening facilitated by down-stepping of the décollement. However, this approach may underrecognize trench-parallel strain and the effects of faulting associated with flexure of the downgoing plate. New mapping of a recently exposed transect across a portion of the Marin Headlands terrane, California, United States, documents evidence for structural complexity over short spatio-temporal scales within an underplated system. We documented the geometry, kinematics, vergence, and internal architecture of faults and folds along ~2.5 km of section, and we identified six previously unmapped intraformational imbricate thrusts and 13 high-angle faults that accommodate shortening and flattening of the underthrust section. Thrust faults occur within nearly every lithology without clear preference for any stratigraphic horizon, and fold vergence varies between imbricate sheets by ~10°–40°. In our map area, imbricate bounding thrusts have relatively narrow damage zones (≤5–10 m) and sharp, discrete fault cores and lack veining, in contrast to the wide, highly veined fault zones previously documented in the Marin Headlands terrane. The spacing of imbricate thrusts, combined with paleoconvergence rates, indicates relatively rapid generation of new fault surfaces on ~10–100 k.y. time scales, a process that may contribute to strain hardening and locking within the seismogenic zone. The structural and kinematic complexity documented in the Marin Headlands is an example of the short spatial and temporal scales of heterogeneity that may characterize regions of active underplating. Such features are smaller than the typical spatial resolution of geophysical data from active subduction thrusts and may not be readily resolved, thus highlighting the need for cross-comparison of geophysical data with field analogues when evaluating the kinematic and mechanical processes of underplating.
Evaluation ofin vitrosusceptibility of Gram-positive pathogens from a tertiary care hospital in Singapore to a novel oxazolidinone, tedizolid, by a gradient diffusion method and broth microdilution
Authors: Choudhury Saugata , Mun Lee Kar , Xuan Esme Ng Chu , Jia Lee Shin , Vasoo Shawn , Wickramasinghe Subodha Samanthini , Mee Long Jen
Published: November 2018

We compared the in vitro antimicrobial activities of tedizolid and linezolid on the Sensititre broth microdilution system for Gram-positive cocci isolates (n=146) from skin and skin structure infections and bloodstream infections, bronchoalveolar lavage and sputum. These pathogens included 40 methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, 38 coagulase-negative staphylococci, 20Enterococcus faecalisand 48 beta-haemolyticStreptococcusspp. Susceptibility was simultaneously determined for 48 vanA vancomycin-resistant enterococci isolates 2013–2016 from rectal swabs (23E. faecalisand 25E. faecium, of which 4 were linezolid-non-susceptible). MIC90sfor tedizolid were fourfold to eightfold lower than linezolid on the Sensititre and ranged from 0.12 to 0.5 µg/mL for the different pathogen groups. All isolates were susceptible to tedizolid except two vanAE. faeciumstrains (MICs of 1 and 2 µg/mL, respectively). Categorical and essential agreement for tedizolid were 99.48% and 92%, respectively, between Liofilchem gradient diffusion and Sensititre methods. Overall, the drug exhibited excellent activity against the surveyed Gram-positive pathogens.
Role of research psychology in defence and security
Authors: Butcher Fiona
Published: November 2018

The following article provides an overview of the research psychology capabilities within MOD's Defence Science Technology Laboratory (Dstl). An explanation is provided of the role of Dstl psychologists and the way they work to deliver impacting applied scientific research to address 'real world' defence and security challenges. Three short case studies are provided to illustrate the range of work they delivered.
Abortion and deprivation: a reply to Marquis
Authors: Christensen Anna
Published: November 2018

In ‘Why Abortion is Immoral’, Don Marquis argues that abortion is wrong for the same reason that murder is wrong, namely, that it deprives a human being of an FLO, a ‘future like ours,’ which is a future full of value and the experience of life. Marquis’ argument rests on the assumption that the human being is somehow deprived by suffering an early death. I argue that Marquis’ argument faces the ‘Epicurean Challenge’. The concept of ‘deprivation’ requires that some discernible individual exists who can be deprived. But if death involves total annihilation, then no discernible individual exists to be so deprived. I argue that the Epicurean Challenge must be addressed before it can be proven that Marquis is correct to claim that abortion and murder are wrong because they deprive someone of an FLO.
Analysis of safety of slender concrete masonry walls in relation to CSA S304-14
Authors: Isfeld Andrea C. , Müller Anna Louisa , Hagel Mark , Shrive Nigel G.
Published: November 2018

The Canadian masonry design standard appears to be overly conservative in determining the capacity of concrete block walls with slenderness ratios greater than 30. When assessing the potential for buckling of a masonry wall according to Euler buckling criteria, the effective height is determined in part from the end supports. In Euler theory only pinned, fixed and free support conditions are considered, and the Canadian standard considers the support conditions to be hinged, elastic or stiff. For a partially reinforced masonry wall a true hinged base support is expected to be difficult to achieve, as the width of the concrete block restrains rotation. The effect of the base support conditions on the deflected shape of partially grouted block walls was investigated under axial and out-of-plane loading. The results of this testing were compared with calculations based on the Canadian masonry standard. It becomes clear that the standard is overly conservative in many cases and the design of slender walls needs to be re-examined.
A sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor dapagliflozin comparison with insulin shows important effects on Zn2+-transporters in cardiomyocytes from insulin-resistant metabolic syndrome rats through inhibition of oxidative stress
Authors: Olgar Yusuf , Turan Belma
Published: November 2018

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors showed significant effects in patients with diabetes or metabolic syndrome (MetS) with high cardiovascular risk. Although the increased intracellular Zn2+ level ([Zn2+]i), oxidative stress, and altered cardiac matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in diabetic cardiomyopathy can intersect with different signaling pathways, the exact mechanisms are not known yet. Since either MMPs or SGLT2 have important roles in cardiac-fibrosis under hyperglycemia, we aimed to examine the role of SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin (DAP) on cardiac Zn2+-transporters responsible for [Zn2+]i-regulation, comparison to insulin (INS), together with MMP levels and systemic oxidative stress status in MetS-rats. High-carbohydrated diet-induced MetS-rats received DAP or INS for 2 weeks. DAP but not INS in MetS-rats significantly decreased high blood-glucose levels, while both treatments exerted benefits on increased total oxidative status and decreased total antioxidant status in MetS-rat plasma as well as in heart tissue. Protein levels of Zn2+-transporters, responsible for Zn2+-influx into cytosol, ZIP7 and ZIP14 were increased with significant decrease in ZIP8 of MetS-rat cardiomyoctes, while Zn2+-transporters, responsible for cytosolic Zn2+-efflux, ZnT7 was decreased with no change in ZnT8. Both treatments induced significant beneficial effects on altered ZIP14, ZIP8, and ZnT7 levels. Furthermore, both treatments exerted benefits on depressed gelatin-zymography and protein expression levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in MetS-rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. The direct effect of DAP on heart was also confirmed with measurements of left ventricular developed pressure. Overall, we showed that DAP has important antioxidant-like cardio-protective effects in MetS-rats, similar to INS-effect, affecting Zn2+-regulation via Zn2+-transporters, MMPs, and oxidative stress. Therefore one can suggest that SGLT2 inhibitors can be new therapeutic agents for cardio-protection not only in hyperglycemia but also in failing heart.
Fabrication of the electric double layer transistor with (La,Pr,Ca)MnO3 nanowall wire channel
Authors: Hattori Azusa N. , Nakazawa Hisoka , Nakamura Takuro , Tanaka Hidekazu
Published: November 2018

In the scaling down of electronic devices, functional oxides with strongly correlated electron system provide advantages to conventional semiconductors. We report the fabrication of the electric double layer transistor (EDLT) with the (La,Pr,Ca)MnO3 (LPCMO) epitaxial nanowall wire (NW) channel whose width was less than 100 nm. The width controlled LPCMO NWs were fabricated using an original nanofabrication technique: 3D nanotemplate pulsed laser deposition. The LPCMO NW EDLT was produced by employing 80 nm width NWs as channel. The produced LPCMO NW EDLT showed low leakage current. The metal-insulator transition property was successfully modulated by gating effect on the LPCMO NW EDLT.
Performance improvement of octupling millimeter wave generation through modulation index optimization
Authors: Chen Xiaogang
Published: November 2018

Performance improvement for optical generation of octupling millimeter wave signal based on dual-parallel Mach–Zehnder modulator (MZM) without optical filtering through optimization of modulation index of MZM is proposed. Theoretical derivation and simulation verification are provided for the octupling millimeter wave generation scheme, extinction ratio (EXT) of practical MZM is considered. The effect of imperfect EXT of commercially available MZM on optical sideband suppression ratio (OSSR) and RF spurious suppression ratio (RSSR) of the generated octupling optical millimeter wave is investigated. The results show that the performance of generated octupling millimeter wave with modulation index optimization is stable and insensitive to the EXT of MZM. While for the approach without modulation index enhancement, an additional filter is required to generate high quality optical millimeter wave.
Folding Polyominoes into (Poly)Cubes
Authors: Aichholzer Oswin , Biro Michael , Demaine Erik D. , Demaine Martin L. , Eppstein David , Fekete Sándor P. , Hesterberg Adam , Kostitsyna Irina , Schmidt Christiane
Published: November 2018

We study the problem of folding a polyomino [Formula: see text] into a polycube [Formula: see text], allowing faces of [Formula: see text] to be covered multiple times. First, we define a variety of folding models according to whether the folds (a) must be along grid lines of [Formula: see text] or can divide squares in half (diagonally and/or orthogonally), (b) must be mountain or can be both mountain and valley, (c) can remain flat (forming an angle of [Formula: see text]), and (d) must lie on just the polycube surface or can have interior faces as well. Second, we give all the inclusion relations among all models that fold on the grid lines of [Formula: see text]. Third, we characterize all polyominoes that can fold into a unit cube, in some models. Fourth, we give a linear-time dynamic programming algorithm to fold a tree-shaped polyomino into a constant-size polycube, in some models. Finally, we consider the triangular version of the problem, characterizing which polyiamonds fold into a regular tetrahedron.
An Instance Based Model for Scalable θ-Subsumption
Authors: Léger Hippolyte , Bouthinon Dominique , Lebbah Mustapha , Azzag Hanene
Published: November 2018

The θ-subsumption test is known to be a bottleneck in Inductive Logic Programming. The state-of-the-art learning systems in this field are hardly scalable. Last year, we have created a distributed θ-subsumption process based on an Actor Model, with the aim of being able to decide subsumption on very large clauses. This model was correct and complete, but was also very slow. This is why we introduce ANTS (Actor Network based Theta-Subsumption), a new model also based on an actor network, which is significantly faster than the previous one.
Classification of globally colorized categories of partitions
Authors: Gromada Daniel
Published: November 2018

Set partitions closed under certain operations form a tensor category. They give rise to certain subgroups of the free orthogonal quantum group [Formula: see text], the so-called easy quantum groups, introduced by Banica and Speicher in 2009. This correspondence was generalized to two-colored set partitions, which, in addition, assign a black or white color to each point of a set. Globally colorized categories of partitions are those categories that are invariant with respect to arbitrary permutations of colors. This paper presents a classification of globally colorized categories. In addition, we show that the corresponding unitary quantum groups can be constructed from the orthogonal ones using tensor complexification.
Design of a Haptic-Gripper Virtual Reality System (Hg) for Analyzing Fine Motor Behaviors in Children with Autism
Authors: Zhao Huan , Zheng Zhaobo , Swanson Amy , Weitlauf Amy , Warren Zachary , Sarkar Nilanjan
Published: November 2018

Fine motor skills, including grasping, manipulating, and reaching for objects, are a documented weakness for many children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). However, relatively less research has attempted to address these motor deficits, especially by taking advantage of advanced technology. To explore potential mechanisms for expanding accessibility to fine motor intervention for people with ASD, we present the design and implementation of a feasibility study of a novel Haptic-Gripper Virtual Reality System (Hg). Hg is capable of providing analysis and practice opportunities of fine motor skills in an adaptive and low-cost virtual environment with real-time auditory, visual, and haptic feedback. The Haptic Gripper in Hg can detect a user's grip force and hand location and provide haptic feedback to guide hand movement and grip control while completing several simple and engaging virtual fine motor tasks. We conducted a feasibility study with six children with ASD and six typically developing (TD) children and found that participants were interested in using the Haptic Gripper and could quickly get used to the system. Although the results are preliminary and limited, we observed medium to strong correlations between the proposed fine motor skill metrics and the scores achieved with a standardized fine motor skill test and improvements of participants in accuracy and steadiness of movement and force control. This study provides important guidance for future investigations of the Hg's potential for assessing and improving fine motor manipulation skills.
Effects of Virtual Reality Properties on User Experience of Individuals with Autism
Authors: Bozgeyikli Lal "Lila" , Bozgeyikli Evren , Katkoori Srinivas , Raij Andrew , Alqasemi Redwan
Published: November 2018

In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has been become a popular training tool for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Although VR was proven to be a promising tool for individuals with ASD, effects of VR properties or attributes of user interfaces designed for VR on user experience is still an unexplored area. In this study, we explore effects of five attributes of user interfaces designed for VR on user experience of high-functioning individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD): instruction methods, visual fidelity, view zoom, clutter, and motion. Our motivation is to give positive contribution to the design of future VR training applications for individuals with ASD so that more benefits can be gained. Three VR experiences were designed and implemented, and a user study was performed with 15 high-functioning individuals with ASD and 15 neurotypical individuals as the control group. Results indicated that using animated instructions and avoiding verbal instructions, using low visual fidelity and normal view zoom, and using no clutter and no motion in VR warehouse training applications targeting individuals with HFASD are good design practices.
Genetic ablation or pharmacological inhibition of Kv1.1 potassium channel subunits impairs atrial repolarization in mice
Authors: Si Man , Trosclair Krystle , Hamilton Kathryn A. , Glasscock Edward
Published: November 2018

Voltage-gated Kv1.1 potassium channel α-subunits, encoded by the Kcna1 gene, have traditionally been regarded as neural-specific with no expression or function in the heart. However, recent data revealed that Kv1.1 subunits are expressed in atria where they may have an overlooked role in controlling repolarization and arrhythmia susceptibility independent of the nervous system. To explore this concept in more detail and to identify functional and molecular effects of Kv1.1 channel impairment in the heart, atrial cardiomyocyte patch-clamp electrophysiology and gene expression analyses were performed using Kcna1 knockout ( Kcna1−/−) mice. Specifically, we hypothesized that Kv1.1 subunits contribute to outward repolarizing K+ currents in mouse atria and that their absence prolongs cardiac action potentials. In voltage-clamp experiments, dendrotoxin-K (DTX-K), a Kv1.1-specific inhibitor, significantly reduced peak outward K+ currents in wild-type (WT) atrial cells but not Kcna1−/− cells, demonstrating an important contribution by Kv1.1-containing channels to mouse atrial repolarizing currents. In current-clamp recordings, Kcna1−/− atrial myocytes exhibited significant action potential prolongation which was exacerbated in right atria, effects that were partially recapitulated in WT cells by application of DTX-K. Quantitative RT-PCR measurements showed mRNA expression remodeling in Kcna1−/− atria for several ion channel genes that contribute to the atrial action potential including the Kcna5, Kcnh2, and Kcnj2 potassium channel genes and the Scn5a sodium channel gene. This study demonstrates a previously undescribed heart-intrinsic role for Kv1.1 subunits in mediating atrial repolarization, thereby adding a new member to the already diverse collection of known K+ channels in the heart.
Meta-analytic insights into factors influencing the repeatability of hormone levels in agricultural, ecological, and medical fields
Authors: Fanson Kerry V. , Biro Peter A.
Published: November 2018

Interest in individual variation in hormone concentrations is rapidly increasing, particularly with regard to the evolutionary and practical implications. A key aspect of studying individual variation in any labile trait is estimating the degree of within- versus among-individual variation, but at present, we do not have a broad consensus on the extent to which hormone levels are repeatable and what factors might influence repeatability. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of hormone levels that included 1,132 estimates of repeatability from 368 studies across three fields of study: agriculture, ecology, and medicine. We assessed the influence of sex, age class, sample type, hormone family, type of hormone measure, assay type, number of subjects, number of samples per subject, and sampling interval on repeatability estimates. Overall mean repeatability was 0.58, but estimates differed substantially among study disciplines, being lowest in ecology (0.34), moderate in agriculture (0.52), and relatively high in medicine (0.68). In addition, repeatability decreased slightly as sampling interval increased, and also tended to be higher for peak hormone levels than baseline levels. Overall, hormone levels are moderately repeatable, suggesting that they can potentially be useful indicators of individual variation. However, estimates of repeatability are quite variable among fields, so caution should be used when relying on single samples to assess individual variation.
Female C57BL/6J mice lacking the circadian clock protein PER1 are protected from nondipping hypertension
Authors: Douma Lauren G. , Solocinski Kristen , Holzworth Meaghan R. , Crislip G. Ryan , Masten Sarah H. , Miller Amber H. , Cheng Kit-Yan , Lynch I. Jeanette , Cain Brian D. , Wingo Charles S. , Gumz Michelle L.
Published: November 2018

The circadian clock is integral to the maintenance of daily rhythms of many physiological outputs, including blood pressure. Our laboratory has previously demonstrated the importance of the clock protein period 1 (PER1) in blood pressure regulation in male mice. Briefly, a high-salt diet (HS; 4% NaCl) plus injection with the long-acting mineralocorticoid deoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) resulted in nondipping hypertension [<10% difference between night and day blood pressure (BP) in Per1-knockout (KO) mice but not in wild-type (WT) mice]. To date, there have been no studies that have examined the effect of a core circadian gene KO on BP rhythms in female mice. The goal of the present study was to determine whether female Per1-KO mice develop nondipping hypertension in response to HS/DOCP treatment. For the first time, we demonstrate that loss of the circadian clock protein PER1 in female mice does not significantly change mean arterial pressure (MAP) or the BP rhythm relative to female C57BL/6 WT control mice. Both WT and Per1-KO female mice experienced a significant increase in MAP in response to HS/DOCP. Importantly, however, both genotypes maintained a >10% dip in BP on HS/DOCP. This effect is distinct from the nondipping hypertension seen in male Per1-KO mice, demonstrating that the female sex appears to be protective against PER1-mediated nondipping hypertension in response to HS/DOCP. Together, these data suggest that PER1 acts in a sex-dependent manner in the regulation of cardiovascular rhythms.