bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐resolution insight into recombination events at the SD1 locus in rice
Authors: Jia Xianqing , Zhang Yadong , Zhang Qijun , Zhao Qingyong , Traw Milton Brian , Wang Long , Tian Dacheng , Wang Cailin , Yang Sihai 
Published: November 2018

SummaryRecombination during meiosis plays an important role in genome evolution by reshuffling existing genetic variations into fresh combinations with the possibility of recovery of lost ancestral genotypes. While crossover (CO) events have been well studied, gene conversion events (GCs), which represent non‐reciprocal information transfer between chromosomes, are poorly documented and difficult to detect due to their relatively small converted tract size. Here, we document these GC events and their phenotypic effects at an important locus in rice containing the SD1 gene, where multiple defective alleles contributed to the semi‐dwarf phenotype of rice in the ‘Green Revolution’ of the 1960s. Here, physical separation of two defects allows recombination to generate the wild‐type SD1 gene, for which plant height can then be used as a reporter. By screening 18 000 F2 progeny from a cross between two semi‐dwarf cultivars that carry these different defective alleles, we detected 24 GC events, indicating a conversion rate of ~3.3 × 10−4 per marker per generation in a single meiotic cycle in rice. Furthermore, our data show that indels and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) do not differ significantly in GC rates, at least at the SD1 locus. Our results provide strong evidence that GC by itself can regain an ancestral phenotype that was lost through mutation. This GC detection approach is likely to be broadly applicable to natural or artificial alleles of other phenotype‐related functional genes, which are abundant in other plant genomes.
Revisiting the Writing Competencies Expected by Industries in an Exit Test
Authors: Attan Anie , Ali Nor Liza , Habil Hadina , Stapa Mahani , Md Saleh Zanariah , Abdul Raof Abdul Halim 
Published: November 2018

The writing component of the Test of English Communication Skills for Graduating Students (UTM-TECS) measures competencies of understanding of task and situation, critical creative thinking, analysis and evaluation of task, choice of lexis, accuracy and clarity of expressions and coherent flow of ideas. Five years into its implementation, a revisit of the requirements was made to reassess the validity of this measurement. The methodology comprises two stages. First, it involved test design, assessment of scripts and sampling of the different levels by the language practitioners as had previously been established. Second, interviews with the workplace professionals from diverse specialisations. The procedure involved showing selected scripts to workplace professionals for them to evaluate the adequacy of the test and to assess the quality of the writing as they deem satisfactory and acceptable in their work settings. Interviews were then conducted after the evaluation session to elicit the workplace professionals’ views and expectations of writing competencies in their respective organisation. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed adequacy of the test but recommendation were used to re-design the UTM-TECS Test of Writing to meet the new expectation of the workplace professionals.
Static Watson-Crick regular grammar
Authors: Abdul Rahman Aqilahfarhana , Fong Wan Heng , Sarmin Nor Haniza , Turaev Sherzod , Mohamad Zulkufli Nurul Liyana 
Published: November 2018

DNA computing, or more generally, molecular computing, is a recent development at the interface of computer science and molecular biology. In DNA computing, many computational models have been proposed in the framework of formal language theory and automata such as Watson-Crick grammars and sticker systems. A Watson-Crick grammar is a grammar model that generates double stranded strings, whereas a sticker system is a DNA computing model of the ligation and annealing operations over DNA strands using the Watson-Crick complementarity to form a complete double stranded DNA sequence. Most of the proposed DNA computing models make use of this concept, including the Watson-Crick grammars and sticker systems. Watson-Crick grammars and their variants can be explored using formal language theory which allows the development of new concepts of Watson-Crick grammars. In this research, a new variant of Watson-Crick grammar called a static Watson-Crick regular grammar is introduced as an analytical counterpart of sticker systems. The computation of a sticker system starts from a given set of incomplete double stranded sequence to form a complete double stranded sequence. Here, a static Watson-Crick regular grammar differs from a dynamic Watson-Crick regular grammar in generating double stranded strings: the latter grammar produces each strand string “independently” and only check for the Watson-Crick complementarity of a generated complete double stranded string at the end, while the former grammar generates both strand strings “dependently”, i.e., checking for the Watson-Crick complementarity for each complete substring. In this paper, computational properties of static Watson-Crick regular grammars are investigated to correlate with the Chomsky hierarchy and hierarchy of the families of dynamic Watson-Crick regular languages. The relationship between families of languages generated by static Watson-Crick regular grammars with several variants of sticker systems, Watson-Crick regular grammars and Chomsky grammars are presented by showing the hierarchy.
Preliminary study on lipid extraction from Nannochloropsis salina using supercritical carbon dioxide method
Authors: Zainan Nur Hidayah , Che Yunus Mohd Azizi , Harun Razif 
Published: November 2018

The issues involved with conventional lipid extraction methods, such as the usage of toxic solvents and accumulation of chemical waste, has motivated researchers to find an alternative approach to the extraction technology. One of the alternatives is via the Supercritical Carbon Dioxide (SC-CO2) method. This extraction method is considered as green as it provides a clean, selective and efficient process. Although the SC-CO2 method has been successfully used to extract lipids from microalgae, there are still some issues related to sample preparation and process parameters that need to be resolved. Therefore, this study investigates the effect of adding a modifier (ethanol) and using different types of holders (cotton and steam bun cloth) has on the yield of lipid from Nannochloropsis salina. The usage of a holder is required during the process due to the fine particles of the microalgae which have the potential to clog the instrument used. The SC-CO2 extraction without the modifier was conducted for 4 hours at 60°C, 30 MPa and CO2 flow rate of 4 ml/min, while the extraction with the modifier was conducted using 3.8 ml/min CO2 and 0.2 ml/min ethanol. It was found that the highest lipid yield of 0.16 g lipid / g dried microalgae was achieved using cotton cloth as a holder with the addition of the modifier. Lower amount of lipids were obtained when using the Soxhlet method (0.08 g lipid / g dried microalgae) and SC-CO2 without modification (0.02 g lipid / g dried microalgae). These preliminary findings show that the SC-CO2 process requires modifications to enhance the lipids yield from microalgae.
GABAB receptors modulate Ca2+ but not G protein‐gated inwardly rectifying K+ channels in cerebrospinal‐fluid contacting neurones of mouse brainstem
Authors: Jurčić Nina , Er‐Raoui Ghizlane , Airault Coraline , Trouslard Jérôme , Wanaverbecq Nicolas , Seddik Riad 
Published: November 2018

Key points
Medullo‐spinal CSF contacting neurones (CSF‐cNs) located around the central canal are conserved in all vertebrates and suggested to be a novel sensory system intrinsic to the CNS.
CSF‐cNs receive GABAergic inhibitory synaptic inputs involving ionotropic GABAA receptors, but the contribution of metabotropic GABAB receptors (GABAB‐Rs) has not yet been studied.
Here, we indicate that CSF‐cNs express functional GABAB‐Rs that inhibit postsynaptic calcium channels but fail to activate inhibitory potassium channel of the Kir3‐type.
We further show that GABAB‐Rs localise presynaptically on GABAergic and glutamatergic synaptic inputs contacting CSF‐cNs, where they inhibit the release of GABA and glutamate.
Our data are the first to address the function of GABAB‐Rs in CSF‐cNs and show that on the presynaptic side they exert a classical synaptic modulation whereas at the postsynaptic level they have an atypical action by modulating calcium signalling without inducing potassium‐dependent inhibition.
AbstractMedullo‐spinal neurones that contact the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF‐cNs) are a population of evolutionary conserved cells located around the central canal. CSF‐cN activity has been shown to be regulated by inhibitory synaptic inputs involving ionotropic GABAA receptors, but the contribution of the G‐protein coupled GABAB receptors has not yet been studied. Here, we used a combination of immunofluorescence, electrophysiology and calcium imaging to investigate the expression and function of GABAB‐Rs in CSF‐cNs of the mouse brainstem. We found that CSF‐cNs express GABAB‐Rs, but their selective activation failed to induce G protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) currents. Instead, CSF‐cNs express primarily N‐type voltage‐gated calcium (CaV2.2) channels, and GABAB‐Rs recruit Gβγ subunits to inhibit CaV channel activity induced by membrane voltage steps or under physiological conditions by action potentials. Moreover, using electrical stimulation, we indicate that GABAergic inhibitory (IPSCs) and excitatory glutamatergic (EPSCs) synaptic currents can be evoked in CSF‐cNs showing that mammalian CSF‐cNs are also under excitatory control by glutamatergic synaptic inputs. We further demonstrate that baclofen reversibly reduced the amplitudes of both IPSCs and EPSCs evoked in CSF‐cNs through a presynaptic mechanism of regulation. In summary, these results are the first to demonstrate the existence of functional postsynaptic GABAB‐Rs in medullar CSF‐cNs, as well as presynaptic GABAB auto‐ and heteroreceptors regulating the release of GABA and glutamate. Remarkably, postsynaptic GABAB‐Rs associate with CaV but not GIRK channels, indicating that GABAB‐Rs function as a calcium signalling modulator without GIRK‐dependent inhibition in CSF‐cNs.
Dynamics, Vibrations and Control Lab Equipment Design
Authors: Tekes Ayse , Van Der Horn Kevin , Marr Zach , Tian Chong 
Published: November 2018

Take home lab equipment and hands-on learning tools are still in demand for control theory and vibrations courses. The existing equipment are extremely expensive and require wide lab space. The aim of this research is to build vibratory mechanical system that is compact, modular and small scale so that each student can work on their setup and take it home if necessary. For this purpose, in this study, a semi-compliant mechanism is designed to be utilized in systems control and vibrations courses which would enhance the understanding of students by using experimental demonstration of the theoretical systems. The superiorities of the design over commercially available equipment are their low cost and simplicity.
A parallel arm mechanism consisting of several flexible links that can be attached at different points on the slider is designed, finite element analysis (FEA) is performed in Solidworks, and the flexible beams are 3D printed using polyactic acid (PLA) and Polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) filaments. Different configurations of the mechanism are explored by changing the number of flexible beams attached to the slider. The mathematical model of the proposed mechanism can be represented by a single mass and multiple springs in parallel. Since mass is a known property, the equivalent stiffness can be experimentally found from the frequency analysis of free response. For this purpose, a PCB model tri-axial accelerometer is attached to the slider and the equations of motion are derived from the analysis of frequency characteristics of the complaint dual arm mechanism for each configuration. System properties including the equivalent friction are obtained from the acceleration vs time data using logarithmic decrement. The forced response is studied by attaching a load to the mass through a pulley system. The load deflection curve is obtained experimentally from LabVIEW. Since the system parameters are obtained from the free response, Matlab Simulink model outputs for the same initial displacement and force input are verified with the experimental data.
Adjustable Compliant Mechanism Load Deflection Test Bench Design
Authors: Tekes Ayse , McFall Kevin , Woods Franklin , Bryant Alexander 
Published: November 2018

Two adjustable compliant mechanism load deflection test benches are presented in this study. Both test bench mechanisms enable testing the deflection of flexible links or mechanisms. The modularity of the designs provides to test various link forms such as fixed-fixed and pinned-pinned joints. The load deflection test benches consist of a linear actuator, an amplifier rod, a linear rail and a sliding car. The measurement setup is equipped with force and displacement sensors for the linear actuator, various clamps to attach the compliant member, and machine vision software to measure member deflection. A displacement-controlled loading using a linear actuator, rack-pinion attached to a motor, or step loading with a pulley can be applied as an input to the system.
There are several limitations involved in the design. First, the length of the test object should be kept between 5 cm to 30 cm. Second, a low cost linear actuator with a low extension velocity to obtain quasi static deflection curves of the compliant members is required. Finally, the design should also have the capability of providing various types of boundary conditions with interchangeable attachments. The force can be applied either parallel or perpendicular to the test object. Input load deflection is measured with the displacement sensor, and the resulting member displacement measured visually using machine vision software. This software synchronizes data from the displacement sensor and a calibrated camera image to automatically detect deflection using a pinhole camera model and known dimensions of the test apparatus.
The purpose of this study is to design and fabricate a load deflection test setup capable of testing flexible links and compliant mechanisms. Two different designs are proposed and explored in this study. The first design is the modification of a commercially available ECP Model 210 educational turnkey system favorably utilized in undergraduate level vibrations and control labs. By attaching the designed clamps on two carts, fixed-fixed and U shaped compliant link load deflection can be obtained. Four cases such as fixed-fixed buckling beam, U shaped beam buckling with one end sliding, already buckled beam loaded at its upper midpoint, and inverse U-shaped beam loaded at its apex to form deflected M beam (with design 2) are considered. In order to achieve buckled beam experiments in which the load is applied at the midpoint of the already buckled links, a new test bench consisting of a linear actuator, rigid links, rail and two sliding cars is designed.
Analysis of Tire Relaxation Constants for Modeling Vehicle Traction Performance and Handling
Authors: Vantsevich Vladimir V. , Demkiv Lyubomyr I. , Klos Sviatoslav R. 
Published: November 2018

Various vehicle and tire dynamics models with different levels of complexity have been developed and used for predicting and studying vehicle traction and handling. This paper offers an overview of research work that was done on the tire relaxation length and time constant in the longitudinal and lateral directions with regard to tire/vehicle traction and handling characteristics. Several analytical and empirical models of the tire relaxation length and time constant from technical literature are compared by applying these models to a tire and, thus, analyzing and comparing computational results that come out from the models.
Based on the overview and analysis of the longitudinal/lateral relaxation length and time constant data, the paper also provides an analysis of the impact of the tire normal reaction, tire inflation pressure, tire slippage and wheel actual velocity on the relaxation constants.
The paper concludes with recommendations on the analytical methods and experimental data of the tire relaxation length and time constant computing that are more suitable for real-time modeling of agile traction and handling characteristics and, thus, can be profound for agile control synthesis. Therefore, the core contribution of the paper is to provide a fundamental analysis of the relaxation length effect for its further incorporation in agile tire slippage control.
New Algorithm to Design Real Time Optimal and Robust Ultrafiltration Rates in Chronic Kidney Disease to Prevent Cardiovascular Morbidity and Mortality
Authors: Abohtyra Rammah M. , Chait Y. 
Published: November 2018

Hemodialysis (HD) is a necessary treatment for end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients in order to prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that may be related to the hemodynamic effects of rapid ultrafiltration. Despite significant advances in HD technology, only half of ESKD patients treated with HD survive more than 3 years. Fluid management remains one of the most challenging aspects of HD care, with serious implications for morbidity and mortality.
In this paper, we develop a novel algorithm to design real time optimal, robust ultrafiltration rates based on actual HD data to identifying the parameters of a fluid volume model of an individual patient during HD. Our design achieves, if exists, an optimal ultrafiltration profile for the identified nominal model under maximum ultrafiltration and hematocrit constraints and guarantees that these constraints are satisfied over a pre-defined set of parameter uncertainty. We demonstrate the robust performance of our algorithm through a combination of clinical data and simulations.
Multi-Physics Design and Modeling of 3D Printed Hydraulically Amplified Dielectric Elastomer Actuators With Large Actuation Strokes
Authors: Zamanian Amir Hosein , Porter Daniel Allen , Krueger Paul , Richer Edmond 
Published: November 2018

This study presents the design and multi-physics finite element analysis of a novel hydraulically amplified dielectric elastomer actuator (HADEA). The design was optimized for additive manufacturing and consists of a hyper-elastic silicone toroidal shell enclosing a dielectric liquid filled chamber and a pair of elastic annular electrodes partially covering the opposing actuator surfaces. Application of voltage on electrodes leads the central region of the HADEA to be compressed due to the induced Maxwell stress. Consequently, the peripheral region of the HADEA is axially expanded by the pressurized dielectric liquid.
The finite element modeling and analysis that couples the structural, electrostatic, and fluid-structure interaction effects in the model is presented. We investigated the effect of two geometric parameters, the electrode size relative to the actuator diameter and the height of the actuator, on the actuation stroke of HADEAs. Numerical results showed actuation strains up to 63.1% while maintaining the electrodes’ voltage in instrument range. The proposed design shows promising potential for the application of HADEAs in bio-mechanical systems, soft robots, and co-robots capable of human interaction.
Comparing responses to differently framed and formatted persuasive messages to encourage help-seeking for depression in Japanese adults: a cross-sectional study with 2-month follow-up
Authors: Suka Machi , Yamauchi Takashi , Yanagisawa Hiroyuki 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveTo examine audience’s responses to differently framed and formatted persuasive messages in the context of developing depression help-seeking messages.DesignCross-sectional followed by 2-month follow-up study.Setting and participantsA web-based survey was conducted in July 2017 among Japanese adults aged 35–45 years. There were 1957 eligible respondents without psychiatric history. Of these, 1805 people (92.2%) completed the 2-month follow-up questionnaire.Main outcome measuresSix depression help-seeking messages were prepared with three frames (neutral, loss and gain framed)×2 formats (formatted and unformatted). Participants were asked to rate one of the messages in terms of comprehensibility, persuasiveness, emotional responses, design quality and intended future use. Help-seeking intention for depression was measured using vignette methodology before and after exposure to the messages. Subsequent 2-month help-seeking action for their own mental health (medical service use) was monitored by the follow-up survey.ResultsThe loss-framed messages more strongly induced negative emotions (surprise, fear, sadness and anxiety), while the gain-framed messages more strongly induced a positive emotion (happiness). The message formatting applied the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Clear Communication Index, enhanced the emotional responses and increased the likelihood that the message will be read. The loss-framed formatted message alone had a significantly greater OR of having help-seeking intention for depression compared with the neutral-framed unformatted message as a reference group. All messages had little impact on maintaining help-seeking intention or increasing help-seeking action.ConclusionMessage framing and formatting may influence emotional responses to the depression help-seeking message, willingness to read the message and intention to seek help for depression. It would be recommendable to apply loss framing and formatting to depression help-seeking messages, to say the least, but further studies are needed to find a way to sustain the effect of messaging for a long time.
Is length of time in a stroke unit associated with better outcomes for patients with stroke in Australia? An observational study
Authors: Busingye Doreen , Kilkenny Monique F , Purvis Tara , Kim Joosup , Middleton Sandy , Campbell Bruce C V , Cadilhac Dominique A 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveSpending at least 90% of hospital admission in a stroke unit (SU) is a recommended indicator of receiving high-quality stroke care. However, whether this makes a difference to patient outcomes is unknown. We aimed to investigate outcomes and factors associated with patients with acute stroke spending at least 90% of their admission in an SU, compared with those having less time in the SU.DesignObservational study using cross-sectional data.SettingData from hospitals which participated in the 2015 Stroke Foundation National Audit: Acute Services (Australia) and had an SU. This audit includes an organisational survey and retrospective medical record audit of approximately 40 admissions from each hospital.ParticipantsPatients admitted to an SU during their acute admission were included.Outcome measuresHospital-based patient outcomes included length of stay, independence on discharge, severe complications and discharge destination. Patient, organisational and process indicators were included in multilevel logistic modelling to determine factors associated with spending at least 90% of their admission in an SU.ResultsEighty-eight hospitals with an SU audited 2655 cases (median age 76 years, 55% male). Patients who spent at least 90% of their admission in an SU experienced: a length of stay that was 2 days shorter (coefficient −2.77, 95% CI −3.45 to –2.10), fewer severe complications (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.60, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.84) and were less often discharged to residential aged care (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.94) than those who had less time in the SU. Patients admitted to an SU within 3 hours of hospital arrival were three times more likely to spend at least 90% of their admission in an SU.ConclusionSpending at least 90% of time in an SU is a valid measure of stroke care quality as it results in improved patient outcomes. Direct admission to SUs is warranted.