bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Hydrology and Nutrient Transport in the Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Wu Yong , Shi Xiaohong , Li Changyou , Zhao Shengnan , Pen Fang , Green Timothy
Published: February 2017

Intensive agricultural activities in the Hetao irrigation district have severely degraded local aquatic ecosystems and water quality, and Ulansuhai Lake is now the most rapidly degrading eutrophic lake in China. A better understanding of the hydro-agronomic and pollutant transport processes in the area is thus urgently needed. This study simulated monthly streamflow, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) for the Hetao irrigation district using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to evaluate the nutrient load, source areas, and hydrological pathways. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values obtained for the streamflow simulations were 0.75 and 0.78 for the calibration and evaluation periods, respectively. The SWAT model captured the temporal variation in streamflow (R2 > 0.8) for two periods; the NSE values for the TN and TP loads were 0.63 and 0.64 for the calibration period and 0.48 and 0.42 for the evaluation period, respectively. The predicted monthly TN load was correlated with irrigation (r = 0.61) and the monthly TP load with precipitation (r = 0.89), indicating that nitrogen transport is primarily associated with soil leaching and groundwater flow, and phosphorus is primarily transported by sediments caused by rainfall erosion. A case study of split nitrogen fertilizer applications demonstrated reduced annual TN load by as much as 13% in one year. Fertilization timing also affects the load in different pathways especially in lateral subsurface flow and shallow groundwater. Better agricultural management could thus reduce nitrogen losses, and buffer strips could minimize phosphorus transport.
Variability of Darcian Flux in the Hyporheic Zone at a Natural Channel Bend
Authors: Xu Shaofeng , Song Jinxi , Jiang Weiwei , Zhang Guotao , Wen Ming , Zhang Junlong , Xue Ying
Published: February 2017

Channel bends are one of the most important characteristic features of natural streams. These bends often create the conditions for a hyporheic zone, which has been recognized as a critical component of stream ecosystems. The streambed vertical hydraulic conductivity (Kv), vertical hydraulic gradient (VHG) and Darcian flux (DF) in the hyporheic zone were estimated at 61 locations along a channel bend of the Beiluo River during July 2015 and January 2016. All the streambed attributes showed great spatial variability along the channel bend. Both upward fluxes and downward fluxes occurred during the two test periods, most of studied stream sections were controlled by downwelling, indicating stream water discharge into the subsurface. The average downward flux was higher at the downstream side than at the upstream side of the channel bend, especially in July 2015. The distribution of streambed sediment grain size has a significant influence on the variability of Kv; high percentages of silt and clay sediments generally lead to low Kv values. Higher Kv at the depositional left bank at the upstream site shifted toward the erosional right bank at the downstream site, with Kv values positively correlated with the water depth. This study suggested that the variabilities of Kv and VHG were influenced by the stream geomorphology and that the distribution of Kv was inversely related, to a certain extent, to the distribution of VHG across the channel bend. Kv and VHG were found to have opposite effects on the DF, and the close relationship between Kv and DF indicated that the water fluxes were mainly controlled by Kv.
Impact of air exposure and annealing on the chemical and electronic properties of the surface of SnO2 nanolayers deposited by rheotaxial growth and vacuum oxidation
Authors: Kwoka Monika , Krzywiecki Maciej
Published: February 2017

In this paper the SnO2 nanolayers were deposited by rheotaxial growth and vacuum oxidation (RGVO) and analyzed for the susceptibility to ambient-air exposure and the subsequent recovery under vacuum conditions. Particularly the surface chemistry of the layers, stoichiometry and level of carbon contamination, was scrutinized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The layers were tested i) pristine, ii) after air exposure and iii) after UHV annealing to validate perspective recovery procedures of the sensing layers. XPS results showed that the pristine RGVO SnO2 nanolayers are of high purity with a ratio [O]/[Sn] = 1.62 and almost no carbon contamination. After air exposure the relative [O]/[Sn] concentration increased to 1.80 while maintaining a relatively low level of carbon contaminants. Subsequent UHV annealing led to a relative [O]/[Sn] concentration comparable to the pristine samples. The oxidation resulted in a variation of the distance between the valence band edge and the Fermi level energy. This was attributed to oxygen diffusion through the porous SnO2 surface as measured by atomic force microscopy.
An Observational Upper Limit on the Interstellar Number Density of Asteroids and Comets
Authors: Engelhardt Toni , Jedicke Robert , Vereš Peter , Fitzsimmons Alan , Denneau Larry , Beshore Ed , Meinke Bonnie
Published: February 2017

We derived 90% confidence limits (CLs) on the interstellar number density (

) of interstellar objects (ISOs; comets and asteroids) as a function of the slope of their size–frequency distribution (SFD) and limiting absolute magnitude. To account for gravitational focusing, we first generated a quasi-realistic ISO population to

from the Sun and propagated it forward in time to generate a steady state population of ISOs with heliocentric distance

. We then simulated the detection of the synthetic ISOs using pointing data for each image and average detection efficiencies for each of three contemporary solar system surveys—Pan-STARRS1, the Mt. Lemmon Survey, and the Catalina Sky Survey. These simulations allowed us to determine the surveys’ combined ISO detection efficiency under several different but realistic modes of identifying ISOs in the survey data. Some of the synthetic detected ISOs had eccentricities as small as 1.01, which is in the range of the largest eccentricities of several known comets. Our best CL of

implies that the expectation that extra-solar systems form like our solar system, eject planetesimals in the same way, and then distribute them throughout the Galaxy, is too simplistic, or that the SFD or behavior of ISOs as they pass through our solar system is far from expectation.
Binary Source Microlensing Event OGLE-2016-BLG-0733: Interpretation of a Long-term Asymmetric Perturbation
Authors: Jung Y. K. , Udalski A. , Yee J. C. , Sumi T. , Gould A. , Han C. , Albrow M. D. , Lee C.-U. , Kim S.-L. , Chung S.-J. , Hwang K.-H. , Ryu Y.-H. , Shin I.-G. , Zhu W. , Cha S.-M. , Kim D.-J. , Lee Y. , Park B.-G. , Pogge R. W. ,   (The KMTNet Collaboration), Pietrukowicz P. , Kozłowski S. , Poleski R. , Skowron J. , Mróz P. , Szymański M. K. , Soszyński I. , Pawlak M. , Ulaczyk K. ,   (The OGLE Collaboration), Abe F. , Bennett D. P. , Barry R. , Bond I. A. , Asakura Y. , Bhattacharya A. , Donachie M. , Freeman M. , Fukui A. , Hirao Y. , Itow Y. , Koshimoto N. , Li M. C. A. , Ling C. H. , Masuda K. , Matsubara Y. , Muraki Y. , Nagakane M. , Oyokawa H. , Rattenbury N. J. , Sharan A. , Sullivan D. J. , Suzuki D. , Tristram P. J. , Yamada T. , Yamada T. , Yonehara A. ,   (The MOA Collaboration)
Published: February 2017

In the process of analyzing an observed light curve, one often confronts various scenarios that can mimic the planetary signals causing difficulties in the accurate interpretation of the lens system. In this paper, we present the analysis of the microlensing event OGLE-2016-BLG-0733. The light curve of the event shows a long-term asymmetric perturbation that would appear to be due to a planet. From the detailed modeling of the lensing light curve, however, we find that the perturbation originates from the binarity of the source rather than the lens. This result demonstrates that binary sources with roughly equal-luminosity components can mimic long-term perturbations induced by planets with projected separations near the Einstein ring. The result also represents the importance of the consideration of various interpretations in planet-like perturbations and of high-cadence observations for ensuring the unambiguous detection of the planet.
A High Space Density of Luminous Lyα Emitters at
z
∼
6.5
Authors: Bagley Micaela B. , Scarlata Claudia , Henry Alaina , Rafelski Marc , Malkan Matthew , Teplitz Harry , Dai Y. Sophia , Baronchelli Ivano , Colbert James , Rutkowski Michael , Mehta Vihang , Dressler Alan , McCarthy Patrick , Bunker Andrew , Atek Hakim , Garel Thibault , Martin Crystal L. , Hathi Nimish , Siana Brian
Published: February 2017

We present the results of a systematic search for Lyα emitters (LAEs) at

6
≲
z
≲
7.6

using the HST WFC3 Infrared Spectroscopic Parallel (WISP) Survey. Our total volume over this redshift range is

∼
8
×

10

5

Mpc3, comparable to many of the narrowband surveys despite their larger area coverage. We find two LAEs at z = 6.38 and 6.44 with line luminosities of

L

Ly
α

∼
4.7
×

10

43

erg s−1, putting them among the brightest LAEs discovered at these redshifts. Taking advantage of the broad spectral coverage of WISP, we are able to rule out almost all lower-redshift contaminants. The WISP LAEs have a high number density of

7.7
×

10

−
6

Mpc−3. We argue that the LAEs reside in megaparsec-scale ionized bubbles that allow the Lyα photons to redshift out of resonance before encountering the neutral intergalactic medium. We discuss possible ionizing sources and conclude that the observed LAEs alone are not sufficient to ionize the bubbles.
On the Incidence of Wise Infrared Excess Among Solar Analog, Twin, and Sibling Stars
Authors: Da Costa A. D. , Martins B. L. Canto , Leão I. C. , Lima Jr J. E. , Silva D. Freire da , Freitas D. B. de , Medeiros J. R. De
Published: February 2017

This study presents a search for infrared (IR) excess in the 3.4, 4.6, 12, and 22 μm bands in a sample of 216 targets, composed of solar sibling, twin, and analog stars observed by the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) mission. In general, an IR excess suggests the existence of warm dust around a star. We detected 12 μm and/or 22 μm excesses at the 3σ level of confidence in five solar analog stars, corresponding to a frequency of 4.1% of the entire sample of solar analogs analyzed, and in one out of 29 solar sibling candidates, confirming previous studies. The estimation of the dust properties shows that the sources with IR excesses possess circumstellar material with temperatures that, within the uncertainties, are similar to that of the material found in the asteroid belt in our solar system. No photospheric flux excess was identified at the W1 (3.4 μm) and W2 (4.6 μm) WISE bands, indicating that, in the majority of stars of the present sample, no detectable dust is generated. Interestingly, among the 60 solar twin stars analyzed in this work, no WISE photospheric flux excess was detected. However, a null-detection excess does not necessarily indicate the absence of dust around a star because different causes, including dynamic processes and instrument limitations, can mask its presence.
The Surface Brightness-color Relations Based on Eclipsing Binary Stars: Toward Precision Better than 1% in Angular Diameter Predictions
Authors: Graczyk Dariusz , Konorski Piotr , Pietrzyński Grzegorz , Gieren Wolfgang , Storm Jesper , Nardetto Nicolas , Gallenne Alexandre , Maxted Pierre F. L. , Kervella Pierre , Kołaczkowski Zbigniew
Published: February 2017

In this study we investigate the calibration of surface brightness–color (SBC) relations based solely on eclipsing binary stars. We selected a sample of 35 detached eclipsing binaries with trigonometric parallaxes from Gaia DR1 or Hipparcos whose absolute dimensions are known with an accuracy better than 3% and that lie within 0.3 kpc from the Sun. For the purpose of this study, we used mostly homogeneous optical and near-infrared photometry based on the Tycho-2 and 2MASS catalogs. We derived geometric angular diameters for all stars in our sample with a precision better than 10%, and for 11 of them with a precision better than 2%. The precision of individual angular diameters of the eclipsing binary components is currently limited by the precision of the geometric distances (∼5% on average). However, by using a subsample of systems with the best agreement between their geometric and photometric distances, we derived the precise SBC relations based only on eclipsing binary stars. These relations have precisions that are comparable to the best available SBC relations based on interferometric angular diameters, and they are fully consistent with them. With very precise Gaia parallaxes becoming available in the near future, angular diameters with a precision better than 1% will be abundant. At that point, the main uncertainty in the total error budget of the SBC relations will come from transformations between different photometric systems, disentangling of component magnitudes, and for hot OB stars, the main uncertainty will come from the interstellar extinction determination. We argue that all these issues can be overcome with modern high-quality data and conclude that a precision better than 1% is entirely feasible.
Functional Pattern of Increasing Concentrations of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Spiral Ganglion: Implications for Research on Cochlear Implants
Authors: Ramku Emina , Ramku Refik , Spanca Dugagjin , Zhjeqi Valbona
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND: As previously various studies have suggested application of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may be considered as a promising future therapy for hearing deficits, in particular for the improvement of cochlear neurone loss during cochlear implantation.AIM: The present study's aim was to establish the upper threshold of the concentration of BDNF in Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice spiral ganglion outgrowth.METHODS: Spiral ganglion explants were prepared from post-natal day 4 (p4) (NMRI) mice of both sexes under the approval and guidelines of the regional council of Hearing Research Institute Tubingen.RESULTS: Spiral ganglion explants were cultured at postnatal days 4 in the presence of different concentrations of BDNF as described under methods. We chose an age of postnatal day (P4) and concentrations of BDNF 0; 6; 12.5; 25 and 50 Æžg/ml. Averaged neurite outgrowth is measured in 4 different cultures that were treated with different concentrations. Results show that with increasing concentrations of BDNF, the neurite density increases.CONCLUSION: The present finding show evidence that BDNF has a clear incremental effect on the number of neurites of spiral ganglia in the prehearing organ, but less on the neurite length. The upper threshold of exogenous BNDF concentration on spiral ganglion explant is 25 Æžg/ml. This means that concentration beyond this level has no further incremental impact. Therefore our suggestion for hydrogel concentration in NMRA mice in future research should be 25 Æžg/ml.
Big Data and Healthcare
Authors: Moahi Kgomotso Hildegard
Published: February 2017

Big data and its application to healthcare has captured the world's imagination because of the ability of data analysts to combine huge disparate datasets and be able to produce trends, patterns and predictions. This ability lends itself to the quest to improve healthcare in terms of quality as well as cost. This chapter explores what big data is and how it can be applied to health care and medicine. To do this, the first sections address the question of what big data and data analytics are and what they encompass. An exploration of the potential benefits of big data is provided, with examples of applications, most of which are from the more developed nations of the United States and Europe. The chapter then considers what might be possible from implementing big data in low resource countries, with some examples of what already pertains. It looks at the challenges of implementing big data in health care in both developed and low resource countries.
Next Wave of Tele-Medicine
Authors: Bwalya Kelvin J.
Published: February 2017

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are being embedded into healthcare system front-end and back-end platforms both in the developing and developing world contexts in ways unimaginable 20 years ago. This trend has brought about ubiquity culminating into spatial-temporal healthcare delivery models where health practitioners and patients do not need to be simultaneously in the same physical domain in order for healthcare to be delivered. This chapter presents a development projectile of healthcare systems and explores interventions and current trends in pervasive healthcare delivery systems and makes a prognosis of what is to come in future. The first parts of the chapter generally present formulaic concepts about telemedicine. The chapter is hinged on literature and document reviews focussing on innovations in telemedicine and gives a commentary on what needs to be done to achieve true ubiquity in healthcare delivery systems both in the developing and developed world contexts. The chapter posits that pervasiveness will be highly enshrined into healthcare systems to a point where physicians will not have to leave their working space to provide a service. The design of the Defibrillator Drone, for example, provides an opportunity for healthcare application developers to develop information system applications which do not only carry medical supplies from one place to the other, but are able to reason and prescribe medications. With acute advances in the science of robotics and ICTs in general, this is a reality in the foreseeable future.
Developing and Measuring the Business Case for Health Information Technology
Authors: Unwin Duncan Wade , Sanzogni Louis , Sandhu Kuldeep
Published: February 2017

This chapter examines the adoption of information technology and information systems to support the clinical process. It explores popular models of information systems adoption and success, and relates these to the health it context. The end result of successful adoption of technology should be the improvement in performance of health care delivery, yet measurement of performance is complex. The various approaches to performance measurement are discussed. As one of the challenges in predicting the outcomes of adoption is the lack of consistent taxonomy, a solution to which is proposed. The chapter then looks at evaluation of it projects and considers what special factors may affect health it adoption and benefits in developing health care systems.
Smartphone Guns Shooting Tweets
Authors: Kiggins Ryan
Published: February 2017

This chapter investigates the increasing use of social media during a 2012 flare up in armed conflict between Hamas and the state of Israel. Through tweet and counter tweet, Israel, Hamas, and digital recruits engage in a duel as lethal to identity as kinetic projectiles. Internet connected devices such as smartphones have become hostile agents through the republishing of social media content. Such devices and social media content have material affects beyond the geographic battlespace. The advent of Internet connected devices and social media content concomitant with their use during armed conflict by hostiles beyond the geographic battlespace suggest that patterns of conflict are rapidly changing calling into question the notion of hostile, hostile acts, and battlespace. In a social media and smartphone saturated era, who and what counts as hostile (people, smartphones, and tweets) is increasingly ambiguous.
Influence of Social Networking Sites on Civic Participation in Higher Education Context
Authors: Ahrari Seyedali , Zaremohzzabieh Zeinab , Abu Samah Bahaman
Published: February 2017

This book chapter introduces the debate on youth civic participation specifically looking at the benefits in the higher educational context. This chapter promotes the recent level and character of using the social networking sites and their possibility to admit for the growth of higher education towards student civic participation. The chapter also reviews the recent studies on the civic uses of the social networking sites and argues the learning methods and consequences that could be practiced by learners and instructors when using the social networking sites for civic participation. Hence, the Bandura's social cognitive theory and cognitive engagement theory will be applied to create the framework for exploring the influence of civic efficacy and knowledge, access to civic information on the social networking sites, and civic interest on the association between the social networking sites and youth civic participation. It helps in recognizing the motivation that inspires the youth online civic participation actions in the higher educational settings.
Private–public partnerships: A mechanism for freight transport infrastructure delivery?
Authors: Ittmann Hans W.
Published: February 2017

Background: Freight transport infrastructure is an indispensable requirement for economic growth, development and prosperity. Public–private partnerships (PPPs), as a mechanism to fund and construct freight transport infrastructure, have been suggested by many in private and public sectors.Objectives: The concept of PPPs is dealt with, and the relevance of this mechanism is expanded upon. It is clear that PPPs in the rail environment present huge challenges and complexities. The objective was to determine whether PPPs are a viable mechanism to fund freight transport infrastructure in South Africa.Method: Experiences with rail PPPs worldwide have shown that many failures occurred implementing these. The challenges and complexities of PPPs, in the freight rail environment, are highlighted together with the benefits, risks and best practices of PPPs. It is shown that suitable policies, legislation and regulations concerning PPPs are in place in South Africa.Results: A proper framework and methodology to proceed should be in place. PPPs take time and are complex. Government involvement remains essential. Firm contractual agreements between parties are essential. Risk handling, risk sharing and the magnitude of risks should be clarified with agreement on where the risks reside. Financial viability, with value for money (VfM) and financial benefits for private sector role players are non-negotiable.Conclusion: Appropriate legislation for implementing PPPs must be in place while two further important elements are economic circumstances and proper project execution. Taking all these factors into consideration, the freight transport sector can only benefit from successfully negotiated and implemented PPPs.
Congenital Uterine Arteriovenous Malformation Presenting as Postcoital bleeding: A Rare Presentation of a Rare Clinical Condition
Authors: Agarwal Neha , Chopra Seema , Aggarwal Neelam , Gorsi Ujjwal
Published: February 2017

Congenital uterine arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an extremely rare condition with <100 cases documented in literature. We report multiparous women presenting to us with a history of postcoital bleed. Initial Doppler ultrasonography was consistent with features suggestive of AVM. Subsequently, computed tomography (CT) angiography confirmed the diagnosis. Embolization was chosen as the treatment because of the large extension of AVM and the risk of hemorrhage during hysterectomy. The patient was discharged in a stable condition with a plan of repeat embolization in the next setting. At 6 and 12 weeks of follow-up, she did not experience any further episodes of bleed. The purpose of this case report is to highlight the salient clinical features, diagnosis, and the management options available for this rare clinical condition.
The Initial and Terminal Cluster Sets of an Analytic Curve
Authors: Gauthier Paul M.
Published: February 2017

For an analytic curve γ (a, b) → ℂ, the set of values approached by γ(t), as t ↘ a and as t ↗ b can be any two continua of ℂ ⋃ {∞}.
Redes sociales y museos: análisis de la campaña en Twitter para el Día Internacional de los Museos y Noche de los Museos
Authors: Caerols-Mateo Raquel , Viñarás-Abad Mónica , Gonzálvez-Valles Juan Enrique
Published: February 2017

Las redes sociales suponen una oportunidad para la gestión de la comunicación en los museos. Este trabajo analiza la iniciativa conjunta de cinco museos en Twitter durante el hito más importante del año para el sector: el Día Internacional de los Museos y Noche de los Museos. El interés radica en la confluencia de distintas disciplinas y enfoques: las humanidades, la comunicación corporativa, el entorno digital y las relaciones públicas.  Se añade la particularidad de que este tipo de instituciones no suelen ser objeto de estudio, a pesar de la gran relevancia que tienen en el panorama museístico -Lázaro Galdiano, del Romanticismo, Cerralbo, Nacional de Artes Decorativas y el Sorolla-. Metodología: Se realiza un análisis de contenido de los perfiles de Twitter de esos museos para conocer la gestión del contenido y de la participación en la red social. Resultados y Conclusiones: Los resultados indican la necesidad de una estrategia más definida que aproveche el potencial de las redes sociales, ya que el contenido no se utiliza como estrategia y la participación no responde a la esperada durante estos hitos tan relevantes.
Electromagnetic Compatibility Measurement Procedure for Vehicle Components--Immunity to AC Power Line Electric Fields
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: February 2017

This SAE Recommended Practice covers the recommended testing techniques for the determination of electric field immunity of an automotive electronic device when the device and its wiring harness is exposed to a power line electric field. This technique uses a parallel plate field generator and a high voltage, low current voltage source to produce the field.
Conducted Immunity, 250 kHz to 400 MHz, Direct Injection of Radio Frequency (RF) Power
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: February 2017

This part of SAE J1113 specifies the direct RF power injection test method and procedure for testing electromagnetic immunity of electronic components for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The electromagnetic disturbances considered in this part of SAE J1113 are limited to continuous, narrowband conducted RF energy. This test method is applicable to all DUT leads except the RF reference ground. The test provides differential mode excitation to the DUT. Immunity measurements of complete vehicles are generally only possible by the vehicle manufacturer. The reasons, for example, are high costs of a large absorber-lined chamber, preserving the secrecy of prototypes or the large number of different vehicle models. Therefore, for research, development, and quality control, a laboratory measuring method for components shall be applied by the manufacturer. This method is suitable over the frequency range of 250 kHz to 400 MHz. This direct RF power injection test is particularly effective when used as part of the engineering development of the electronic component (at the prototype PCB level) where the line by line diagnostic capabilities of this test facilitate cost-effective circuit board level improvements in the RF immunity performance of the module or component
Electromagnetic Compatibility--Component Test Procedure--Part 42--Conducted Transient Emissions
Authors:   Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Standards
Published: February 2017

This SAE Standard defines a component-level test procedure to evaluate automotive electrical and electronic components for Conducted Emissions of transients, and for other electromagnetic disturbances, along battery feed (B+) or switched ignition inputs of a Device Under Test (DUT). Test apparatus specifications outlined in this procedure were developed for components installed in the 12-V passenger cars, light trucks, 12 V heavy-duty trucks, and vehicles with 24 V systems
Measurement of Vehicle and Suspension Parameters for Directional Control Studies--Rationale
Authors:   Vehicle Dynamics Standards Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Information Report presents the background and rationale for SAE J1574-1.

The motor vehicle industry is working toward a more complete understanding of the factors affecting the motions of vehicles on the roadway, by using a variety of techniques that predict responses to road and operator inputs. The capability to predict responses is desirable so that vehicles can be designed for optimum safety and utility. In addition to the force and moment properties of the pneumatic tires, a number of vehicle and suspension parameters affect the response of the vehicle; these include weight, center-of-gravity location, moments of inertia, suspension ride and roll rates, suspension kinematic and compliance properties, and shock absorber characteristics. These parameters must be quantified in order to predict vehicle responses.

Measurement of most of these parameters will be limited to determining their values in the linear range for use in directional control simulations. The limitation to linear range characteristics primarily reflects current measurement practice, to which SAE J1574-1 is directed. In the case of mass and inertia properties, this limitation clearly does not apply. For those to which it does apply, it is not felt to be a serious limitation since most of the measurement techniques can be extended beyond the linear range through appropriate increases in steering or suspension displacement or loading. Use of the measured parameters in simulations is assumed as the most frequent use. However, this does not seem to limit their use to simulations. Vehicle and suspension characteristics appropriate for simulation can equally well be used for vehicle and suspension characterization and comparison, suspension development and optimization, and processing of road test data.

As noted in SAE J1574-1, vehicles addressed will be limited to passenger cars, light trucks, and on-highway recreational and commercial vehicles with two or more axles of approximately the same wheel track. This excludes bicycles, motorcycles, tricycles, and vehicles intended primarily for off-highway use. This limitation is largely a recognition of the types of vehicles historically measured for ride and directional control simulation, since SAE J1574-1 has been written to document the current state-of-the-art rather than to expand it. Additionally, inclusion of these other vehicles might well require measurement of other chassis characteristics to properly simulate their dynamic characteristics. The measurement of these additional characteristics may not be supported by widespread experimental practice.
Connections for On-Board Road Vehicle Electrical Wiring Harnesses - Part 3: Multipole Connectors - Flat Blade Terminals - Dimensional Characteristics and Specific Requirements
Authors:   Connector Systems Standards Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Standard defines dimensional characteristics of existing flat blades of multipole connectors and specific requirements for on-board electrical harnesses of road vehicles.

This document applies to connectors designed to be disconnected after mounting in the vehicle in the case of repair and/or maintenance only.
Fasteners—Part Standard—Cap Screws, Hex Bolts, and Hex Nuts (Metric)
Authors:   Ship Systems - Fasteners Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Part Standard covers selected metric screws, hex bolts, and nuts manufactured in accordance with American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and SAE fastener standards. This document covers fastener materials often used in ship systems and equipment but its use may be applied wherever fasteners of the covered materials are used. This document permits the fasteners to be identified and ordered by a part or identifying number (PIN) as defined in this document.
Road Vehicles—Brake Linings—Compressibility Test Procedure
Authors:   Brake Linings Standards Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Standard specifies a method for testing and measuring the compressibility of friction materials and disc brake pad assemblies to be used in road vehicles. This SAE test method is consistent in intent with ISO 6310.
Optional Pass-Thru Features
Authors:   Vehicle E E System Diagnostic Standards Committee
Published: February 2017

SAE J2534-1 defines a standard vehicle network interface that can be used to reprogram emission-related control modules. However, there is a need to support vehicles prior to the 2004 model year as well as non-emission related control modules. The SAE J2534-2 document meets these needs by detailing extensions to an SAE J2534-1 interface. Together, these extensions provide the framework for a common interface to protect the software investment of the Vehicle OEMs and Scan Tool manufacturers. Only the optional features will be described by this document. Unless otherwise noted it is expected that these features are added to a fully compliant interface adhering to the December 2004 publication of SAE J2534-1.
Trailer Sway Response Test Procedure
Authors:   Trailer Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Information Report establishes a consistent procedure for measuring and analyzing the natural sway response of a particular trailer when attached to a particular vehicle under specific loading and operating conditions. This test procedure applies, but is not limited to, passenger cars, vans, light/medium-duty trucks as tow vehicles, and semitrailers with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 11 794 kg (26 000 pounds) or less. Other applications include full trailers, tow dollies, tow bars, and the like. Other articulated vehicles can utilize this test procedure as long as the test does not exceed the linear behavior of the system. This test procedure does not apply to motorcycles towing trailers.
Voltage Regulators for Automotive-Type Generators
Authors:   Vehicle  Electric  Power Supply Systems Standards Committee
Published: February 2017

This SAE Definition Document contains historic voltage regulation methods and test requirements that have not been previously published. The purpose of this document is to recommend a set of definitions and practices for use on current and future 12 V vehicle electric power regulation and control systems in internal combustion engine road vehicles. This document is not intended to include nor exclude regulators used in higher voltage vehicle electrical systems. The term “generator” rather than “alternator” will be used even though these terms may be used interchangeably in practice.
General Motors UART Serial Data Communications
Authors:   Vehicle E E System Diagnostic Standards Committee
Published: February 2017

This Technical Information Report defines the General Motors UART Serial Data Communications Bus, commonly referred to as GM UART. This document should be used in conjunction with SAE J2534-2 in order to enhance an SAE J2534 interface to also provide the capability to program ECUs with GM UART.

SAE J2534-1 includes requirements for an interface that can be used to program certain emission-related Electronic Control Units (ECUs) as required by U.S. regulations, and SAE J2534-2 defines enhanced functionality required to program additional ECUs not mandated by current U.S. regulations. The purpose of this document is to specify the requirements necessary to implement GM UART in an enhanced SAE J2534 interface intended for use by independent automotive service facilities to program GM UART ECUs in General Motors vehicles.
H-Point Machine (HPM-II)—Procedure for H-Point Determination—Benchmarking Vehicle Seats
Authors:   Human Accom and Design Devices Stds Comm
Published: February 2017

Benchmarking is used to discover the design intent measurements for seating compartments in vehicles when these measurements are either unknown or are specified using differing measurement procedures.

This document provides the specifications and procedures to establish consistent measurements for benchmarking vehicle seating positions using the H-Point Machine (HPM-II1) and H-Point Design tool (HPD) described in SAE J4002. The HPM-II is a physical tool used to establish key reference points and measurements in a vehicle (Figure 1). The HPD is a CAD tool that aids in the benchmarking process (see Annex A and SAE J4004).
Comparison of Two Different Methods of obtaining Strain by Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Mandal Banashree , Raj Ravi , Kumar Alok , Bhat Imran
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Tissue deformation imaging enables the objective assessment of regional myocardial deformation assessed by ultrasound-based strain and strain rate. There are two ways to compute myocardial deformation (strain) using echocardiography: One-dimensional tissue Doppler (DTI)-derived strain and two-dimensional (2D) strain derived from B-mode images (speckle tracking, 2D-ST). This study compares the myocardial deformation parameter (i.e., strain) by these two techniques in the perioperative period using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in patients undergoing surgery for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).

Materials and methods

We performed preoperative global longitudinal strain (GLS) of left ventricle (LV) using 2D-ST and DTI, three-dimensional (3D) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and 2D LVEF in a consecutive series of 50 adult patients scheduled for on-pump CABG.

Result

There was no difference between 2D and 3D LVEF (p < 0.0001), GLS using 2D-ST and DTI (p-value = 0.0005). The 3D LVEF correlated well with GLS using 2D-ST (r = 0.54, p < 0.0001) and less with tissue Doppler-derived GLS (r = 0.35, p-value = 0.0131).

Conclusion

The LV GLS calculated using 2D-ST correlates well with LV GLS derived from DTI using TEE. The LV GLS also correlated well with the 3D LVEF.

How to cite this article

Kumar A, Mandal B, Raj R, Bhat I. Comparison of Two Different Methods of obtaining Strain by Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography in Patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Prospective Observational Study. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2016;4(2):37-44.
Right Ventricle Segmental Strain Trends in Patients undergoing Tetralogy of Fallot Repair: An Observational Study
Authors: Mandal Banashree , Barwad Parag , Negi Sunder Lal , Puri Kriti , Rana Sandeep S
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Incidence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in early postoperative period after Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair ranges from 28 to 63%. Echocardiography is the first-line tool for the assessment of RV function in early postoperative period. As speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has emerged as a new promising tool for assessing myocardial performance and is independent of geometric assumptions and angle dependence, it is more sensitive for detecting changes in myocardial performance than conventional echocardiographic parameters of RV function. The current study demonstrates echocardiographic parameters assessed by conventional two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography and STE in patients before and after TOF repair.

Materials and methods

Fifty-nine consecutive patients planned for complete intracardiac repair for TOF were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. The 2D echocardiography and STE were performed a day prior to TOF repair, in the early postoperative period between days 3 and 7 and after discharge at 3 months.

Results

The median age of patients was 6 years, with 57.6% males (34/59). Baseline hemoglobin and room air oxygen saturation were 17.7 ± 3.7 gm% and 79.4% ± 8% respectively. Two patients did not survive the procedure (3.4%). Right ventricular longitudinal peak systolic strain (RV LPSS) in early postoperative period was significantly decreased in all segments of both septal and lateral wall. However, RV LPSS assessed at midterm follow-up at 3 months postoperatively significantly improved in all segments of RV compared with assessment done in the early postoperative period, and was significantly better than preoperative values in all three segments of the septal wall.

Conclusion

Our study shows that the use of 2D strain or speckle tracking is a feasible and easy-to-implement technique for the evaluation of RV function after TOF repair.

How to cite this article

Negi SL, Puri K, Mandal B, Rana SS, Barwad P. Right Ventricle Segmental Strain Trends in Patients undergoing Tetralogy of Fallot Repair: An Observational Study. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2016;4(2):45-50.
Perioperative Echocardiographic Features of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection
Authors: Barwad Parag , Dutta Vikas , Kumar Alok
Published: February 2017

Total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) refers to when all four pulmonary veins connect anomalously to the right atrium, directly or indirectly. Perioperative echocardiography, both transthoracic and transesophageal (TEE) with color flow imaging and Doppler interrogation, can identify the venous confluence, its connections, obstructions if any in the pathway, and any interatrial communication. They supplement each other in delineating the anatomy of such anomalous pulmonary venous connections. Perioperative TEE evaluation of patients with repaired TAPVC confirms the adequacy of repair, leaks or stenosis of the venous baffle. We summarize the role of perioperative echocardiography in understanding cases of TAPVC.

How to cite this article

Kumar A, Dutta V, Puri GD, Barwad P. Perioperative Echocardiographic Features of Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2016;4(2):51-58.
The Value of a Systematic Transesophageal Echocardiography Examination: An Isolated Finding mimicking a Pleural Effusion
Authors: Kunju Shakeel AM , Rapchuk Ivan L
Published: February 2017

An interesting case report of presumed pleural fluid collection observed during routine intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography examination is presented here. Acquisition of an isolated image without giving due consideration to the technique used in obtaining that image may be misleading and result in avoidable patient intervention.

How to cite this article

Kunju SAM, Rapchuk IL. The Value of a Systematic Transesophageal Echocardiography Examination: An Isolated Finding mimicking a Pleural Effusion. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2016;4(2):64-66.
Unusual Embolization of Atrial Septal Defect Device in Left Ventricle and its Successful Retrieval
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Dutta Vikas , Kumar Alok
Published: February 2017

Atrial septal defect (ASD) transcatheter occlusion techniques are now established as the preferred method and have become an alternative to surgery under extracorporeal circulation. In this study, we aimed to present our emergency surgical approach to an unusual case of device embolization to left ventricle due to migration of the ASD occluder. The diagnosis was made via transthoracic echocardiography postprocedure. No early or late complication was seen. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) examinations showed no residual interatrial shunting. Transcatheter occlusion of secundum-type ASD has drawbacks, such as distal migration and residual shunts. Consequently, we think that unfavorable anatomy (deficient or floppy rim, septal malalignment) and device diameter are major issues in device migration. Careful follow-up and TEE monitoring perioperatively can lead to successful management of such cases.

How to cite this article

Kumar S, Kumar A, Dutta V. Unusual Embolization of Atrial Septal Defect Device in Left Ventricle and its Successful Retrieval. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2016;4(2):67-69.
Two global data sets of daily fire emission injection heights since 2003
Authors: Rémy Samuel , Veira Andreas , Paugam Ronan , Sofiev Mikhail , Kaiser Johannes W. , Marenco Franco , Burton Sharon P. , Benedetti Angela , Engelen Richard J. , Ferrare Richard , Hair Jonathan W.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS) assimilates fire radiative power (FRP) observations from satellite-based sensors to produce daily estimates of biomass burning emissions. It has been extended to include information about injection heights derived from fire observations and meteorological information from the operational weather forecasts of ECMWF. Injection heights are provided by two distinct methods: the Integrated Monitoring and Modelling System for wildland fires (IS4FIRES) parameterisation and the one-dimensional plume rise model (PRM). A global database of daily biomass burning emissions and injection heights at 0.1° resolution has been produced for 2003–2015 and is continuously extended in near-real time with the operational GFAS service of the Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service (CAMS). In this study, the two injection height data sets were compared with the new MPHP2 (MISR Plume Height Project 2) satellite-based plume height retrievals. The IS4FIRES parameterisation showed a better overall agreement than the observations, while the PRM was better at capturing the variability of injection heights. The performance of both parameterisations is also dependent on the type of vegetation. Furthermore, the use of biomass burning emission heights from GFAS in atmospheric composition forecasts was assessed in two case studies: the South AMerican Biomass Burning Analysis (SAMBBA) campaign which took place in September 2012 in Brazil, and a series of large fire events in the western USA in August 2013. For these case studies, forecasts of biomass burning aerosol species by the Composition Integrated Forecasting System (C-IFS) of CAMS were found to better reproduce the observed vertical distribution when using PRM injection heights from GFAS compared to aerosols emissions being prescribed at the surface. The globally available GFAS injection heights introduced and evaluated in this study provide a comprehensive data set for future fire and atmospheric composition modelling studies.
Speciation of organic aerosols in the Saharan Air Layer and in the
free troposphere westerlies
Authors: García M. Isabel , van Drooge Barend L. , Rodríguez Sergio , Alastuey Andrés
Published: February 2017

Abstract. We focused this research on the composition of the organic aerosols transported in the two main airflows of the subtropical North Atlantic free troposphere: (i) the Saharan Air Layer – the warm, dry and dusty airstream that expands from North Africa to the Americas at subtropical and tropical latitudes – and (ii) the westerlies – which flows from North America through the North Atlantic at mid and subtropical latitudes. We determined the inorganic compounds (secondary inorganic species and elemental composition), elemental carbon and the organic fraction (bulk organic carbon and organic speciation) present in the aerosol collected at Izaña Observatory, ~ 2400 m a.s.l. in Tenerife Island. The concentrations of all inorganic and almost all organic compounds were higher in the Saharan Air Layer than in the westerlies, with bulk organic matter concentrations within the range 0.02–4.0 µg m−3. In the Saharan Air Layer, the total aerosol population was by far dominated by dust (93 % of bulk mass), which was mixed with secondary inorganic pollutants (