bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
β-Adrenergic Regulation of the L-type Ca
2+
Channel Does Not Require Phosphorylation of α
1C
Ser
1700
Authors: Yang Lin , Katchman Alexander , Samad Tahmina , Morrow John P. , Weinberg Richard L. , Marx Steven O.
Published: July 2013

Rationale:

Sympathetic nervous system triggered activation of protein kinase A, which phosphorylates several targets within cardiomyocytes, augments inotropy, chronotropy, and lusitropy. An important target of β-adrenergic stimulation is the sarcolemmal L-type Ca
2+
channel, Ca
V
1.2, which plays a key role in cardiac excitation–contraction coupling. The molecular mechanisms of β-adrenergic regulation of Ca
V
1.2 in cardiomyocytes, however, are incompletely known. Recently, it has been postulated that proteolytic cleavage at Ala
1800
and protein kinase A phosphorylation of Ser
1700
are required for β-adrenergic modulation of Ca
V
1.2.

Objective:

To assess the role of Ala
1800
in the cleavage of α
1C
and the role of Ser
1700
and Thr
1704
in mediating the adrenergic regulation of Ca
V
1.2 in the heart.

Methods and Results:

Using a transgenic approach that enables selective and inducible expression in mice of FLAG-epitope–tagged, dihydropyridine-resistant Ca
V
1.2 channels harboring mutations at key regulatory sites, we show that adrenergic regulation of Ca
V
1.2 current and fractional shortening of cardiomyocytes do not require phosphorylation of either Ser
1700
or Thr
1704
of the α
1C
subunit. The presence of Ala
1800
and the
1798
NNAN
1801
motif in α
1C
is not required for proteolytic cleavage of the α
1C
C-terminus, and deletion of these residues did not perturb adrenergic modulation of Ca
V
1.2 current.

Conclusions:

These results show that protein kinase A phosphorylation of α
1C
Ser
1700
does not have a major role in the sympathetic stimulation of Ca
2+
current and contraction in the adult murine heart. Moreover, this new transgenic approach enables functional and reproducible screening of α
1C
mutants in freshly isolated adult cardiomyocytes in a reliable, timely, cost-effective manner.
Nematicidal activity of gallic acid purified from Terminalia nigrovenulosa bark against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Nguyen Dang-Minh-Chanh , Seo Dong-Jun , Nguyen Van-Nam , Kim Kil-Yong , Park Ro-Dong , Jung Woo-Jin
Published: July 2013

The nematicidal activity of Terminalia nigrovenulosa bark (TNB) and its purified compound were assayed against Meloidogyne incognita in vitro. The nematicidal compound was isolated from TNB using silica gel column and Sephadex LH-20 chromatography combined with thin-layer chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography. Structural identification of the nematicidal compound was conducted using 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C-NMR and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We found that the nematicidal compound purified from TNB was gallic acid (GA) or 3,4,5-trihydroxy benzoic acid. Nematicidal activity bioassays revealed that GA treatment resulted in 20.3, 37.5, 73.3, 88.3 and 95.8% hatch inhibition at 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg ml−1 after 3 days, respectively, of incubation. Eggshells appeared to be deformed and destroyed at 2 and 3 days after incubation with a GA concentration of 1.0 mg ml−1, respectively. Additionally, after treatment with a GA concentration of 1.0 mg ml−1, mortality of second-stage juveniles of M. incognita was 65.0, 75.0, 96.7 and 100% at 3, 6, 9 and 12 h incubation, respectively.
Transcriptional silencing of RNAi constructs against nematode genes in Arabidopsis
Authors: Kyndt Tina , Ji Hongli , Vanholme Bartel , Gheysen Godelieve
Published: July 2013

In this research, Arabidopsis thaliana plants were transformed with hairpin constructs targeting cyst nematode (Heterodera schachtii) genes, driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter: two housekeeping genes (the splicing factor Hs-U2AF and the vacuolar Hs-H+ATPase) and one candidate effector gene (the ubiquitin extension protein Hs-ubi). Expression of the dsRNA appeared to be extremely variable between and within homozygous T3 lines and even between tissues. Infection experiments showed up to 50% reduction in nematode infection for some transgenic lines. The results varied not only between lines containing the same construct but also between independent repetitions of the experiment. Further focusing on the Hs-U2AF-RNAi lines revealed large variations and a general decline of construct expression levels over the generations. Bisulphite sequencing of a 197 bp part of the CaMV 35S promoter revealed substantial methylation in this region and a negative correlation between the methylation level and expression of the hairpin construct. Taken together, our results show that host-generated RNAi can suffer from high levels of transcriptional silencing of the construct, leading to varying expression levels within and between transgenic lines.
Antagonistic potential of Paenibacillus elgii HOA73 against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita
Authors: Nguyen Xuan Hoa , Naing Kyaw Wai , Lee Young Seong , Jung Woo Jin , Anees Muhammad , Kim Kil Yong
Published: July 2013

This study was conducted to evaluate the nematicidal potential of Paenibacillus elgii strain HOA73 against the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita, under both in vitro and in vivo conditions. The novel strain HOA73 (GenBank accession number JQ12069) produced hydrolytic enzymes including gelatinase and chitinase. Exposure of M. incognita to various concentrations (10-30%) of the bacterial culture filtrate (BCF) or 0.05-0.4 mg ml−1 of the crude enzymes produced by P. elgii HOA73 significantly reduced hatch of the second-stage juvenile (J2) and caused substantial mortality under in vitro conditions. The hatch inhibition and J2 mortality rate was enhanced with the increase in the concentration of BCF and the crude enzymes. Similarly, the antagonistic effects also increased significantly over the time for which the treatments were given. Moreover, the crude enzymes partially destroyed cuticle layers of eggs and juveniles at 0.4 mg ml−1 concentration. Furthermore, the pot experiment indicated that addition of HOA73 culture into potted soil significantly reduced the root galling, number of egg masses and nematode population by 62.1%, 69.8% and 53.0%, respectively, as compared to the control at 7 weeks after M. incognita infestation. HOA73 inoculation also promoted tomato plant fresh shoot weight by 17.9% as compared to control. Hence, the present results demonstrated the ability of P. elgii HOA73 as a potential biocontrol candidate against the root-knot nematode as well as a plant growth promoter for tomato.
Impact of Childhood Attachment with Parents on the Change of Relationship with God following Life Events
Authors: Chou Hui-Tzu Grace , Johansen Scott
Published: July 2013

This article extends previous research on the impacts of life events on individuals’ religiosity and examines whether individuals’ reactions to life events are affected by childhood relationships with parents. Questionnaires were completed by undergraduate students at a state university in Utah. The results of a multivariate analysis, based on data from undergraduate students raised by two Mormon parents, show that those who had a secure relationship with their mothers were more likely to report the occurrence of positive life events that drew them closer to God. Those who had a secure relationship with their fathers were less likely, than their counterparts, to report the occurrence of either positive or negative life events that took them away from God. In contrast, those with an anxious mother or avoidant father during childhood were more likely to report the occurrence of life events, both positive and negative, that took them away from God.
Description of the larva of Ochthebius capicola (Coleoptera: Hydraenidae) from marine rockpools of South Africa
Authors: SABATELLI SIMONE , AUDISIO PAOLO , TRIZZINO MARCO , GIULIO ANDREA DI
Published: July 2013

Larval instars II and III of Ochthebius (Ochthebius) capicola (Péringuey 1892) from South Africa are described and illus-trated by SEM, including a detailed analysis of their chaetotaxy and porotaxy. Specimens used in this study were collected with adults of the same species in marine rockpools. The larval morphology of O. capicola is compared to that of other members of the same genus occurring in this habitat, contributing to the current taxonomic and phylogenetic debate on the intrageneric taxonomy of Ochthebiinae.
Zenkovia, a new generic replacement name for preoccupied Scaphella Zenkova, 1977 (Ostracoda) non Swainson, 1832 (Gastropoda)
Authors: DOWELD ALEXANDER B.
Published: July 2013

The generic name Scaphella was proposed by Zenkova (1977: 81; type species S. gibbosa Zenkova, by original designation) for a new fossil ostracod genus from the Middle Silurian (Wenlockian) of the eastern slope of Middle Urals (Russian Federation). However, this name is already preoccupied by a marine gastropod molluscan generic name Scaphella Swainson (1832: pl. 87), which is in active current use in zoology (Bail & Poppe 2001; Bail 2013) and even served as a type of a distinct molluscan subfamily Scaphellinae Gray (1857) [Mollusca: Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Neogastropoda: Muricoidea: Volutidae: Scaphellinae].
An Air–Sea Coupled Skeleton Model for the Madden–Julian Oscillation*
Authors: Liu Fei , Wang Bin
Published: July 2013

This work is an extension and improvement of the minimal Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) “skeleton” model developed by Majda and Stechmann, which can capture some important features of the MJO—slow eastward propagation, quadrupole-vortex structure, and independence of frequency on wavelength—but is unable to produce unstable growth and selection of eastward-propagating planetary waves. With the addition of planetary boundary layer frictional moisture convergence, these deficiencies can be remedied. The frictional boundary layer “selects” the planetary-scale eastward propagation as the most unstable mode, but the dynamics remains confined to atmospheric processes only. Here the authors study the role of air–sea interaction by implementing an oceanic mixed-layer (ML) model of Wang and Xie into the MJO skeleton model. In this new air–sea coupled skeleton model, the features of the original skeleton model remain; additionally, the air–sea interaction under mean westerly winds is shown to produce a strong instability that selectively destabilizes the eastward-propagating planetary-scale waves. Although the cloud–shortwave radiation–sea surface temperature (CRS) feedback destabilizes both eastward and westward modes, the air–sea feedback associated with the evaporation and oceanic entrainment favors planetary-scale eastward modes. Over the Western Hemisphere where easterly background winds prevail, the evaporation and entrainment feedbacks yield damped modes, indicating that longitudinal variation of the mean surface winds plays an important role in regulation of the MJO intensity in addition to the longitudinal variation of the mean sea surface temperature or mean moist static stability. This theoretical analysis suggests that accurate simulation of the climatological mean state is critical for capturing the realistic air–sea interaction and thus the MJO.
Effects of Vertical Shears and Midlevel Dry Air on Tropical Cyclone Developments*
Authors: Ge Xuyang , Li Tim , Peng Melinda
Published: July 2013

A set of idealized experiments using the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) were designed to investigate the impacts of a midlevel dry air layer, vertical shear, and their combined effects on tropical cyclone (TC) development. Compared with previous studies that focused on the relative radial position of dry air with no mean flow, it is found that the combined effect of dry air and environmental vertical shear can greatly affect TC development. Moreover, this study indicates the importance of dry air and vertical shear orientations in determining the impact. The background vertical shear causes the tilting of an initially vertically aligned vortex. The shear forces a secondary circulation (FSC) with ascent (descent) in the downshear (upshear) flank. Hence, convection tends to be favored on the downshear side. The FSC reinforced by the convection may overcome the shear-induced drifting and “restore” the vertical alignment. When dry air is located in the downshear-right quadrant of the initial vortex, the dry advection by cyclonic circulation brings the dry air to the downshear side and suppresses moist convection therein. Such a process disrupts the “restoring” mechanism associated with the FSC and thus inhibits TC development. The sensitivity experiments show that, for a fixed dry air condition, a marked difference occurs in TC development between an easterly and a westerly shear background.
Evaluation of Multiple Dynamic Initialization Schemes for Tropical Cyclone Prediction
Authors: Hendricks Eric A. , Peng Melinda S. , Li Tim
Published: July 2013

Three different dynamic initialization schemes for tropical cyclone (TC) prediction in numerical prediction systems are described and evaluated. The first scheme involves the removal of the analyzed vortex, followed by the insertion of a dynamically initialized vortex into the model analyses. This scheme is referred to as the tropical cyclone dynamic initialization scheme (TCDI) because the TC component is nudged to the observed surface pressure in an independent three-dimensional primitive equation model prior to insertion. The second scheme is a 12-h relaxation to the analyses' horizontal momentum before the forecast integration begins, and is called the dynamic initialization (DI) scheme. The third scheme is a combination of the previous two schemes, and is called the two-stage dynamic initialization scheme (TCDI/DI). In the first stage, TCDI is implemented in order to improve the representation of the TC vortex. In the second stage, DI is invoked in order to improve the balance between the inserted TC vortex and its environment. All three dynamic initialization schemes are compared with a control (CNTL) scheme, which creates the initial vortex using synthetic TC observations that match the observed intensity and structure in a three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3DVAR) system. The four schemes are tested on 120 cases in the North Atlantic and western North Pacific basins during 2010 and 2011 using the Naval Research Laboratory's TC prediction model: Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Mesoscale Prediction System-Tropical Cyclones (COAMPS-TC). It is demonstrated that TCDI/DI performed the best overall with regard to intensity forecasts, reducing the average minimum central pressure error for all lead times by 24.4% compared to the CNTL scheme.
Veto Bargaining and the Legislative Process in Multiparty Presidential Systems
Authors: Palanza Valeria , Sin Gisela
Published: July 2013

This article analyzes the use of vetoes in multiparty presidential systems. It suggests that the nature of executive-legislative bargaining is fundamentally altered when multiple parties compose the legislature and when presidential veto prerogatives are extended to incorporate partial (line-item) vetoes. Using a data set that includes all bills passed by the Argentine Congress in the past 25 years, we estimate veto occurrence under different scenarios. Our findings are at odds with received expectations: whether the President holds a majority in Congress or not fails to explain variations in the likelihood of vetoes. Instead, the level of significance of legislation is relevant for predicting vetoes, with landmark legislation being more likely to be vetoed regardless of levels of support for the president in Congress. In addition, partial vetoes become the preferred alternative when confronting legislation initiated by the president herself.
An Analysis of Sectoral Distribution of Registered Geographical Indications in Selected Countries
Authors: Raju K.D. , Chaudhary Seema
Published: July 2013

It has been almost 16 years now when protection for geographical indications (GIs) established under the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) Agreement of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Since 1995, 380 geographical indication applications have been filed in the GI Registry in India and out of which 169 have been registered as of March 19th, 2012. There is tremendous jump in the filings by foreign countries (134 applications) in the recent past. The goods registered under four classes are agricultural, handicraft, manufactured and food stuff which account for 24.26 per cent, 64.49 per cent, 8.28 per cent and 2.95 per cent respectively in the country. Indian contribution towards geographical indication will be analyzed to find out the overall glimpse of the success rate and workability of the regime adopted. The study reveals that Europe is leading in the area, followed by United States of America and India respectively. At the same time, India is the single country in leading the GI protection in the world today and one of the favourite destinations of foreign GI application filings.
Cell formation and scheduling of part families for reconfigurable cellular manufacturing systems using Tabu search
Authors: Eguia Ignacio , Racero Jesus , Guerrero Fernando , Lozano Sebastian
Published: July 2013

A reconfigurable cellular manufacturing system (RCMS) consists of multiple reconfigurable machining cells, each of which has one or more reconfigurable machine tools (RMTs), a setup station, and an automatic material handling and storage system. As part of the RCMS design process, similar parts must be grouped into part families and the RMTs must be arranged to form parallel cell configurations. A RCMS is designed at the outset for rapid changes in its components, allowing the production of multiple part families in each parallel cell. This paper proposes a new approach to simultaneously solve the cell formation and the scheduling of part families for an effective working of a RCMS. A new mixed integer linear programming model is used to represent both problems at the same time with the objective of minimizing production costs. Two types of production costs are considered: reconfiguration (i.e. setup) costs for changing from one family to the next one, and under-utilization costs for not using the RMT resources. A small size example is used to illustrate this integrated methodology. Computational experiments have been carried out adapting some larger instances from the literature on cellular manufacturing systems. Solving large instances optimally becomes prohibitive in terms of computational effort. That is why an approximate method, based on a Tabu search (TS) algorithm, has also been developed. Results show the ability of this algorithm to find good-quality production schedules of part families in a RCMS without requiring long computing times. It can be concluded that a RCMS can attain manufacturing flexibility without losing cost-effectiveness and that the approach proposed in this paper can efficiently solve real-world problems.
Reflections on the implementation of the Gifted and Talented policy in England, 1999–2011
Authors: Brady Maggie , Koshy Valsa
Published: July 2013

The landscape of gifted and talented education in England has changed in the past decade when the UK government launched an education programme for ‘gifted and talented’ pupils as part of its Excellence in Cities policy initiative. The policy was initially intended to raise educational achievement of higher ability pupils in secondary schools in socially deprived urban areas and was subsequently extended to all age groups and schools in England. This article reports the findings of official reports and reviews and includes the reflections of a local authority adviser of a large education district within a socially deprived area of London. The adviser had the responsibility for implementing the policy through working with schools and practising teachers.
Optimized sampling strategy for measurement of biomass properties during full-scale composting
Authors: Sadef Yumna , Poulsen Tjalfe Gorm , Bester Kai
Published: July 2013

Biomass to be composted is often very heterogeneous and collection of representative samples for determination of compost properties is therefore difficult, especially under full-scale conditions. During full-scale composting different biomasses in the amount of 10–100 tons are mixed, yielding a very heterogeneous mixture. Final sample size for compost property determination is usually a few grams compared with compost pile masses of hundreds of tons. Desired sample particle size is about 1 mm, while compost particle size ranges from 5 to 50 cm. This study focuses on the development of a strategy for sampling under full-scale conditions for minimum measurement uncertainty based on selected material properties. Optimization was conducted considering multiple parameters, such as number of pile turnings before sampling, number of samples collected, sample mass, sample homogenization, particle size reduction and number of replicate measurements. Measurement uncertainty was evaluated using water content, inorganic matter content and nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus) content. For each parameter measurement variability was determined as a function of sampling strategy and used to identify optimal sampling strategy.
Steady-state emulation of a diesel engine air charging system through real-time turbocharger modelling
Authors: Zhang Kai , Akehurst Sam , Pennycott Andrew , Hawley J.Gary
Published: July 2013

Engine downsizing is an important route to meeting tightening emission regulations and improving engine efficiency. However, when a new air charging system such as a turbocharger is selected to enable downsizing of an internal-combustion engine for increased specific power and efficiency, extensive resource-intensive optimization procedures are currently required. In this paper, a method of emulating an engine charge system is developed on the basis of a charge air-handling unit and a real-time turbocharger model comprising map based compressor and turbine models with improved data density and range via numerical and analytical approaches. Variables such as the boost pressure, back pressure, turbocharger speed and the mass flow rate of air are used to compare the response of the charge system emulation with the real turbocharger. The emulation method achieves considerable accuracy when compared with the real turbocharger hardware. This approach will enable future engine developments to be assessed prior to the prototype hardware phase, resulting in significantly lower costs and shorter time frames for the development process.
How Are You Feeling? Revisiting the Quantification of Emotional Qualia
Authors: Kron Assaf , Goldstein Ariel , Lee Daniel Hyuk-Joon , Gardhouse Katherine , Anderson Adam Keith
Published: July 2013

Numerous emotion researchers have asked their study participants to attend to the distinct feelings of arousal and valence, and self-report and physiological data have supported the independence of the two. We examined whether this dissociation reflects introspection about distinct emotional qualia or the way in which valence is measured. With either valence (Experiment 1) or arousal (Experiment 2) as the primary focus, when valence was measured using a bipolar scale (ranging from negative to positive), it was largely dissociable from arousal. By contrast, when two separate unipolar scales of pleasant and unpleasant valence were used, their sum was equivalent to feelings of arousal and its autonomic correlates. The association (or dissociation) of valence and arousal was related to the estimation (or nonestimation) of mixed-valence experiences, which suggests that the distinction between valence and arousal may reflect less the nature of emotional experience and more how it is measured. These findings further encourage use of unipolar valence scales in psychological measurement.
Tool chain for harvesting, simulation and management of energy in Sensorial Materials
Authors: Behrmann Thomas , Budelmann Christoph , Bosse Stefan , Lehmhus Dirk , Lemmel Marc C
Published: July 2013

The continuing decrease in size and energy demand of electronic sensor circuits allows endowing engineering structures and, to an increasing degree, materials with integrated sensing and data processing capabilities. Materials that adhere to this description are designated as Sensorial Materials. Their development is multidisciplinary and requires knowledge beyond materials science in fields like sensor science, computer science, energy harvesting, microsystems technology, low-power electronics, energy management, and communication. Development of such materials will benefit from systematic support for bridging research area boundaries. The present article introduces the backbone of an easy-to-use toolbox for layout of the energy supply of smart sensor nodes within a sensorial material. The fundamental approach is transferred from rapid control development, where a comparable MATLAB/Simulink tool chain is already in use. The main goal is to manage limited power resources without unacceptably compromising functionality in a given application scenario. The toolbox allows analysis of the modeled system in terms of energy and power and allows analyzing factors such as energy harvesting, use of predictive power estimation, power saving (e.g. sleep modes), model-based cognitive data reduction methods, and energy aware algorithm switching. It is linked to a simulation environment allowing analysis of energy demand and production in a specific application scenario. Its initial version presented here supports single self-powered sensor nodes. A broad set of application cases is used to develop scenario-dependent solutions with minimum energy needs and thus demonstrate the use of the toolbox and the associated development process. The initial test case is a large-scale sensor network with optical fiber–based data and energy transmission, for which optimization of energy consumption is attempted. The toolbox can be used to improve the power-aware design of sensor nodes on digital hardware level using advanced high-level synthesis approaches and provides input for sensor node and sensor network level.
Quantification of parameter and model uncertainty for shape memory alloy bending actuators
Authors: Crews John H , Smith Ralph C
Published: July 2013

In this article, we employ a Bayesian framework to estimate parameter and model uncertainty for shape memory alloy bending actuators. The Bayesian framework provides parameter densities, instead of ordinary least-squares optimal point estimates. Bayes’ rule relates a posterior parameter density to a prior density and likelihood. However, the posterior density is difficult to calculate directly for high-dimensional parameter spaces. Markov chain Monte Carlo methods overcome this difficulty indirectly by creating a Markov chain whose stationary density is the posterior. In this article, we utilize the Delayed Rejection Adaptive Metropolis algorithm for estimating parameter uncertainty. The shape memory alloy bending actuator is modeled using the homogenized energy framework, a computationally efficient and accurate model for various transductive materials. The model is summarized, and techniques for estimating the heat transfer parameters are presented. An algorithmic approach to quantifying uncertainty is useful for numerous reasons. The anticipated use is to quantify uncertainty for robust control algorithms. Robust control is an area of considerable research for smart materials such as shape memory alloy; however, the source of uncertainty is rarely quantified. The methods employed here would greatly aid in the design of robust controllers.
Multimodal nonlinear damping technique using spatial filtering
Authors: Yan Linjuan , Lallart Mickaël , Guyomar Daniel
Published: July 2013

A nonlinear damping strategy using spatial filtering aiming at attenuating multimodal vibrations in a flexible structure is proposed and applied to a clamped–clamped steel beam. Based on the mode shapes, four piezoelectric patches are symmetrically or antisymmetrically attached on the surfaces of the beam close to the clamped ends. To suppress odd modes, two antisymmetrically attached patches are intermittently connected to a switching device consisting of a digital switch and an inductor. The electronic switch is kept open unless the sum of the two piezovoltages reaches an extremum value. When the switch is closed, the antisymmetrically bonded patches and the inductor constitute an oscillator. The switching time corresponds to half a period of this oscillator until the sum of two piezovoltages has been reversed. In a similar way, symmetrical patches based on the difference signal are used for controlling even modes. Experimental setup for controlling the first two vibration modes of a clamped–clamped beam is established to validate the analytical results based on finite element method. Corresponding results showed that the proposed damping strategy using spatial filtering exhibits better performance and allows an effective bimodal control method without significantly increasing the complexity and can be easily extended to multimode control.
Structural design and development of multiband aero-vehicle smart skin antenna
Authors: Kim Joon , Jang Jong-Youn , Ryu Gu-Hyun , Choi Ji-Ho , Kim Min-Sung
Published: July 2013

The load-bearing antenna approach for state-of-the-art aero-vehicle structure has been made for military aircraft in recent studies. This study presents the structural design and development of multiband aero-vehicle smart skin antenna which has been developed as a simplified structured load-bearing antenna panel compared with recent studies for aircraft. A multifunctional concept of aircraft structure combines structural and electrical functions to single structural component. The structural function of multiband aero-vehicle smart skin antenna is load-bearing member of aircraft, and its electrical function is antenna for communication and navigation of aircraft. The radar cross section and drag reduction could be achieved by using sandwich structure and composite material. Through sequential design and development process, multiband aero-vehicle smart skin antenna successfully demonstrated the design, fabrication, and structural integrity of a load-bearing multifunction antenna component subjected to flight load conditions. This study concentrated on the computational analysis using finite element to validate the structural design of multiband aero-vehicle smart skin antenna structure. In addition, structural test results were briefly introduced to compare with the analysis results. The prototype of multiband aero-vehicle smart skin antenna was fabricated and tested for the verification of each analysis within the desirable tolerance.
A review of flaws and damage in space launch vehicles: Motors and engines
Authors: Dhital Dipesh , Lee Jung R , Farrar Charles , Mascarenas David
Published: July 2013

Rocket engines are complex systems which usually operate under extreme physical conditions such as very high temperature and pressure, strong erosion, and high-density energy release. Mechanical and chemical complexity, long service lives, aging materials, and designs with small margins of safety are typical for space launch vehicle components including the engine. Furthermore, these components can be exposed to various flaws and damage during the manufacturing, assembly, or ground handling phase. In regard to the engine, its performance characteristics can be significantly affected by the degradation resulting from such flaws and damages, which, in turn, might lead to failure of the entire space mission. Any manufacturing/operational damage needs to be detected at the earliest stage possible, so that the required preventive measures can be implemented, and component readiness and reliability must be checked either during manufacturing or during field inspections. This review study lists such possible flaws/damages on rocket engine components. This information could be beneficial for determining and developing the efficient techniques for reliable nondestructive evaluation and structural health monitoring.
A novel fiber optic bolt loosening monitoring sensor system for aircraft bolt joints
Authors: Shin Hye-Jin , Lee Jung-Ryul , Park Chan-Yik
Published: July 2013

A novel fiber optic bolt loosening monitoring sensor is proposed and applied to an experimental model of aircraft lug assemblies. The lug assembly is fabricated with a stainless steel lug, a composite sandwich panel, and 10 carbon-steel bolts, nuts, and washers. The bolt loosening monitoring system is configured with a single-mode fiber and an optical time-domain reflectometer. Sections of the single-mode fiber line are mounted on the respective 10 bolt/nut joints and function as bending sensor nodes to detect bolt loosening events. Then, the other end of the single-mode fiber is connected to the optical time-domain reflectometer, to measure optical loss in the backscattering light attenuation trace, induced by the macro-bending of the sensor nodes. In addition, the bolt loosening angle and locations can be determined, by analyzing the optical time-domain reflectometer traces. The experiments for multi-bolt monitoring demonstrate that the single single-mode fiber line incorporated with optical time-domain reflectometer is able to detect simultaneously which bolts were loosened with an angle resolution of 1.45°, even under temperature variation. Since the optical time-domain reflectometer and SMF combination allows monitoring tens of kilometers, just one system can monitor thousands of bolt joints. Therefore, numerous bolt joints in large structures can be economically monitored in real time.
Improving Foot Self-Care Knowledge, Self-Efficacy, and Behaviors in Patients With type 2 Diabetes at Low Risk for Foot Ulceration
Authors: Fan Lifeng , Sidani Souraya , Cooper-Brathwaite Angela , Metcalfe Kelly
Published: July 2013

The pilot study aimed to explore the effects of an educational intervention on patients’ foot self-care knowledge, self-efficacy, and behaviors in adult patients with type 2 diabetes at low risk for foot ulceration. The intervention consisted of three sessions and was given over a 3-week period. A total of 70 eligible consenting participants were recruited for this pilot study. Fifty-six participants completed the study. The outcomes were assessed at pretest, following the first two sessions, and 3-month follow-up. The findings indicated that the foot self-care educational intervention was effective in improving foot self-care knowledge, self-efficacy and behaviors in adult patients with type 2 diabetes at low risk for foot ulceration. The findings support the effects of the intervention. Future research should evaluate its efficacy using a randomized clinical trial design, and a large sample of patients with type 2 diabetes at low risk for foot ulcerations.
Dynamical properties of Duffing–van der Pol oscillator subject to both external and parametric excitations with time delayed feedback control
Authors: Wang Yi-Ze , Li Feng-Ming
Published: July 2013

In this paper, the nonlinear dynamical characteristics of the Duffing–van der Pol oscillator subject to both external and parametric excitations with time delayed feedback control are analyzed. Using the multiple scale method, the primary and principal parametric resonances are discussed. Both the periodic and chaos dynamical behaviors are presented by numerical solutions. From the results, it can be seen that the frequency and amplitude responses for the primary and principal parametric resonances can be affected by the time delayed control. Moreover, it is not only the external and parametric excitations that have an influence on the periodic and chaotic motions, but also the control parameters.
Influences of system parameters on dynamic behavior of the vehicle shimmy system with clearance in steering linkage
Authors: Lu Jian-Wei , Xin Jia-Yun , Vakakis Alexander F , Bergman Lawrence A
Published: July 2013

Influences of system parameters on dynamic behavior of the vehicle shimmy system with consideration of clearance in the steering linkage mechanism are analyzed. The kinematic pair of steering linkage mechanism with clearance between the steering tie rod and left trapezoidal arm is modeled based on Hertz’s law, and a four-degree-of-freedom dynamic model of a vehicle shimmy system with consideration of clearance in the steering linkage mechanism is presented. Based on this model, numerical analysis is carried out, and the influences of the parameters, such as clearance, contact surface stiffness of the kinematic pair, wheel alignment parameters, and vehicle speed on the dynamic response of the vehicle shimmy system are discussed. It is shown that, considering the clearance in the steering linkage mechanism, these parameters can make a coupled contribution to the dynamic response of the vehicle shimmy system, and some effective measurements for vehicle shimmy attenuation are available. The conclusions will provide theoretical basis for effective vehicle shimmy control, especially for vehicles which are in use.
Frequency optimization of laminated composite annular sector plates
Authors: Topal Umut
Published: July 2013

This paper deals with frequency optimization of symmetrically laminated angle-ply annular sector plates. The design objective is the maximization of the fundamental frequency and the design variable is the fiber orientation in the layers. The first order shear deformation theory is used for the finite element solution of laminates. Nine-node Lagrangian rectangular plate element which have five degrees of freedom per node is used for the finite element solution of the laminated annular sector plates. The modified feasible direction method is used for the optimization routine. For this purpose, a program based on FORTRAN is used. The numerical analysis is carried out to investigate the effects of annularity, boundary conditions and sector angle on the optimal designs and the results are shown in tabular and graphical forms. Finally, the obtained results are compared. It can be shown that the parameters have a key role on the optimum design of laminated annular sector plates.
Performance analysis of wireless sensors for aircraft control
Authors: Logan Saravanan , Sankareswaran Uma Maheswari
Published: July 2013

The article presents an aircraft wireless communication (AWC) model that replaces existing indoor wired sensor communication in aircraft with wireless sensor architectures to reduce electrical wiring issues. In the proposed system for radio reception of signals from multiple wireless sensors, the space division multiple access technique escalates the strength of transmission power and condenses electromagnetic signal interference. The performance of proposed AWC model is investigated and validated for safe indoor propagation and enhancement of the overall capacity of the AWC system.
The influence factors analysis of the best orientation relative to the sun for dual-axis sun tracking system
Authors: Liu Liqun , Han Xiaoqing , Liu Chunxia , Wang Jing
Published: July 2013

The sunbeam can be converted into electricity via photovoltaic solar cells, and sun trackers are such devices for efficiency improvement. In this paper, different types of sun-tracking systems are reviewed, such as fixed tilt-angle, dual-axis, single-axis with East-West direction, and single-axis with North-South direction. The captured irradiation using different sun trackers are compared, and different influence factors are analyzed to gain the optimal orientation of the sun, such as time error, latitude, azimuth angle and tilt-angle of a photovoltaic module, reflectivity, and composite transparent coefficient. These results are very important to improve the tracking efficiency of the sun tracker.
Tourist Flow and Earnings Benchmarks
Authors: Parte-Esteban Laura , Alberca-Oliver Pilar
Published: July 2013

This study examines the relationship between meeting earnings benchmarks and regional factors related to the hospitality industry. Our hypothesis assumes that the tourist flow in which a hotel is located influences the hotel’s performance, but it is not the same for all firms. Specifically, firms meeting earnings benchmarks, when it is documented that managers have strong incentives to engage in earnings management strategy, present a different relationship with regional tourist flow. The evidence suggests that regional tourist flow is associated with the corporate performance of firms but that there is an inflexion point for firms meeting earnings benchmarks.
Affective meanings of stereotyped social groups in cross-cultural comparison
Authors: Schröder Tobias , Rogers Kimberly B. , Ike Shuichirou , Mell Julija N. , Scholl Wolfgang
Published: July 2013

This paper compares affective meanings of various stereotyped social groups in U.S., German, and Japanese cultures along the three basic dimensions of emotional experience (evaluation, potency, and activity). Analyses exploring similarities in affective meanings between respondents revealed considerable consensus within cultures, but less across cultures. These analyses indicated greater consensus for the U.S. and German sample than for the Japanese sample, supporting past research which indicates that Japanese social perception is more contextualized than in Western cultures. Analyses of cross-cultural differences also identified meaningful patterns of culture-specific deviation, interpretable in terms of the placement of each national sample on cultural dimensions such as power distance, masculinity, and individualism/collectivism. We argue that affective meanings reflect the social order of specific cultures, making variations in consensus significant as affective meanings guide intergroup behavior and emotion.
Channels of vision and the poetics of drawing: Strategies for teaching
Authors: Riley Howard
Published: July 2013

This article introduces a novel approach to pedagogy within an art school in the UK HE sector, based upon a synthesis of perception theory and communication theory. It is argued that art students’ drawing is empowered by strategies of teaching informed by aspects of James J. Gibson’s ecological approach to visual perception relevant to an understanding of the variety of information contained in the structure of light. Three types of perceivable information are identified: the distal, the haptic, and the proximal, described as channels of vision, and illustrated with examples of the author’s drawings. Aspects of Roman Jakobson’s communication theory are introduced, and both theorists’ insights are amalgamated in a systemic-functional semiotic matrix describing the domain of drawing derived from Michael Halliday’s systemic-functional semiotic model for language. The matrix has informed the design of a curriculum for drawing, and a project from this curriculum is presented and illustrated with students’ drawings.
The Unique Experience of Spouses in Early-Onset Dementia
Authors: Ducharme Francine , Kergoat Marie-Jeanne , Antoine Pascal , Pasquier Florence , Coulombe Renée
Published: July 2013

To date, few studies have examined the experience of spouse caregivers living with a person with early-onset dementia. Moreover, few support resources are offered to these family caregivers and fewer are still tailored to their unique trajectory. The aim of this qualitative study was to document the lived experience of spouse caregivers of young patients in order to inform the development of professional support tailored to their reality. A sample of 12 spouses of persons diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65 participated in semistructured interviews. Six themes emerged from their caregiver trajectories, namely, difficulty managing behavioral and psychological symptoms, long quest for diagnosis, nondisclosure to others and denial of diagnosis, grief for loss of spouse and midlife projects, difficulty juggling unexpected role and daily life responsibilities, and difficulty planning for future. Results open up innovative avenues for the development of interventions geared to facilitating role transition for these spouse caregivers.
Contained Rupture of the Sinus of Valsalva Associated With Infective Endocarditis and Untreated Congenital Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Moscarelli Marco , Attaran Saina , Thomas Claire , Anderson Jon R.
Published: July 2013

Isolated sinus of Valsalva (SV) aneurysm is a rare condition that may arise in patients with congenital ventricular septal defects (VSD). Small VSDs are often left untreated because of high rate of spontaneous closure. However, complications such as aortic regurgitation and infective endocarditis may occur as complications of small VSDs. We present the case of a 19-year-old man with a history of VSD, who presented with Staphylococcus aureus endocarditis and a contained rupture of the SV into the right ventricle, which was successfully treated. In the light of this case, we believe that even small VSDs should be assessed regularly and treated before such drastic complications occur.
Lusoria Flap for the Management of Aortic Coarctation in an Eight-Year-Old Child
Authors: Arrigoni Sara C. , Willems Tineke P. , Mungroop Hubert E. , Heuvel Freek van den , Ebels Tjark
Published: July 2013

Anomalous origin of right subclavian artery arising from the descending aorta is known as “arteria lusoria.” The diagnosis in asymptomatic children is usually the by-product of other symptomatic-associated anomalies, such as aortic coarctation. We describe a case of an eight-year-old boy with juxtaductal aortic coarctation and rare origin of the arteria lusoria proximal to the aortic coarctation. The anomalous arteria lusoria was used as a flap to repair the aortic coarctation. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported application of lusoria flap in a young child (not newborn) with ductal aortic coarctation.
Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography During Percutaneous Device Closure of Fontan Fenestration
Authors: Hill James , Bellotti Christopher , Golden Alex
Published: July 2013

The Fontan circulation was originally described as palliation for tricuspid atresia but was subsequently used for a wide variety of single-ventricle physiologies, with the common thread being inability to separate the ventricles for independent use in the systemic and pulmonary circulations. Fontan baffle fenestrations have been created since the late 1980s to assist in maintaining the cardiac output in the presence of increased resistance to flow through the pulmonary circuit. Many institutions continue to use an approach to Fontan circulation that utilizes routine fenestration followed by percutaneous device closure at a later time, whereas other institutions use fenestrations sparingly. We present the case of a five-year-old female with hypoplastic left heart syndrome with a fenestrated Fontan, who underwent three-dimensional rotational angiography at the time of catheterization for percutaneous device closure of the fenestration.
The β2 integrin–kindlin-3 interaction is essential for T-cell homing but dispensable for T-cell activation in vivo
Authors: Morrison Vicky Louise , MacPherson Matthew , Savinko Terhi , San Lek Hwee , Prescott Alan , Fagerholm Susanna Carola
Published: July 2013

Key Points

TTT-motif in beta2-integrin binds kindlin-3. Mutation of TTT-motif affects T-cell homing not activation.