bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Soluble Oxygen in Hot Metal Pretreatment
Authors: Wu Bao‐guo , Dong Yuan‐chi , Wang Shi‐jun
Published: December 2016

The change law of oxygen activity was studied by using Fe2O3‐CaO‐CaF2 and Na2CO3/Na2SO4 fluxes under laboratory conditions. At the same time, the range of oxygen activity which is in favour of removing phosphorus and sulphur simultaneously was also investigated. The results showed that the oxygen activity in the iron melt during de‐phosphorization can reach up to 5.91×10−6~10.03×10−6 in about 5 min and then only varies within a narrow range. A final phosphorus content of 0.008% and a final sulphur content of 0.003% can be obtained if the oxygen activity is controlled within the range of 4.5×10−6~8.0×10−6.
Numerical and Physical Simulation of Flow Patterns in a Swirling Flow Tundish
Authors: Hou Qinfu , Zou Zongshu
Published: December 2016

Swirling flow tundish is a new kind of tundish which has shown good effects on flotation of inclusion and reduction of inclusion content. In this paper, studies have been carried out on the flow fields in a one‐strand slab tundish. A full scale model of the flow patterns in the water model tundish was developed using a self‐developed code. RTD curves under different experimental conditions were obtained from both physical and numerical simulations. The effects of the swirling flow chamber geometry and the flowrate on flow patters in the tundish were discussed and compared with results from the numerical simulation. Validation of the self‐developed codes was achieved by comparing the physical and numerical results of the RTD curves and the mean rotational velocities in swirling flow tundish. As a result, significant rotational flow in the swirling flow chamber and asymmetrical flow pattern in the whole tundish were confirmed and the effects of these parameters on dead zone and mean residence time were also obtained. Further and more comprehensive studies are needed to optimize the design and application of such tundishes.
On Restricting Aspects in the Production of Nonmagnetic Cr‐Mn‐N‐alloyed Steels
Authors: Saller Gabriele , Bernauer Josef , Leitner Harald , Clemens Helmut
Published: December 2016

Cr‐Mn steel grades with high nitrogen contents are becoming increasingly important in the field of austenitic stainless steels. Industrial production facilities allow to use two different strategies to reach a high nitrogen content. The first involves taking advantage of the pressurised‐electroslag remelting process, which is operated at elevated nitrogen partial pressure; the second consists of adding elements which increase the nitrogen solubility of the melt so that high nitrogen contents can be achieved at atmospheric pressure.

This paper focuses on nitrogen solubility and austenite stability. These have been observed as important and in some cases restricting for the successful implementation and production of high alloyed Cr‐Mn austenitic steels. The precondition for a stable austenitic microstructure can be predicted with the help of equations using chromium and nickel equivalents. Different formulae were tested and their results compared to the microstructure of the alloys. The nitrogen solubility in the melt is particularly important for the steel grades cast under atmospheric conditions. It has been found feasible to produce steel grades up to 0.9 mass percent nitrogen at atmospheric pressure on an industrial scale. Several theoretical approaches for calculating the nitrogen solubility in the melt were tested for atmospheric conditions and compared to the chemical analyses of conventionally cast Cr‐Mn steel grades.
Numerical Accuracy Test on Heat Transfer in a Single‐belt Strip Casting Simulator
Authors: Nogami Hiroshi , Lawrence Guthrie Roderick Ian
Published: December 2016

The heat removal rate from the solidifying molten metal is one of the most important issues in casting processes. The analysis of the inverse heat conduction problem (IHCP) with an assumption of one‐dimensional heat flow is a typical approach to clarify the heat transfer characteristics between the solidifying metal and the mould, and the authors have also developed a single‐belt strip casting simulator applying this technique. In this study the effects of the mould geometry and the temperature measurement on the estimation accuracy of surface temperature and interfacial heat flux in this method were examined through numerical experiments. The mould profile of the simulator where a side dam is integrated generates a multi‐dimensional heat flow and causes a non‐uniform heat flux along the metal‐mould interface. The heat flow in the central part, however, is unidirectional in the initial period and the thermal status at the interface can well be reproduced by the IHCP analysis. Furthermore, the disturbances in the temperature measurement, for example the interfacial thermal resistance between the inserted thermocouples and the casting mould, directly cause estimation errors and should be removed. These results indicate that the single‐belt strip casting simulator developed by the authors is capable to measure the interfacial heat flux and the surface temperature in the casting process although the measuring period and the location are limited. They also suggest the methods how to imporve the measurement accuracy for the various casting simulation techniques.
Thixo‐Forging and Thixo‐Joining of an Integrated Product
Authors: Wang Kaikun , Kopp Reiner , Hirt Gerhard
Published: December 2016

In an effort to investigate thixo‐joining of aluminium alloy AISi7Mg with bolts of different metals, a series of experiments was carried out. An aluminium master part of high geometric complexity was thixo‐forged. Then thixo‐joining experiments were conducted. While the thixo‐forging of the aluminium master part being completed, bolts of brass, copper, plain carbon steel and stainless steel were integrated into the thixo‐forged part in one step. Evaluations of the produced parts were performed with X‐ray inspection, microstructure and segregation analyses. The experimental results confirm that the aluminium alloy A356 has good formability in semi‐solid state and that the thixo‐joining of the metal bolts with the aluminium part in one step is feasible.
Numerical Study on Mould Powder Entrapment Caused by Vortexing in a Continuous Casting Process
Authors: Kastner Gebhard , Brandstätter Wilhelm , Kaufmann Bernhard , Wassermayr Christian , Javurek Mirko
Published: December 2016

Unsteady three‐dimensional turbulent flow phenomena are seen to have a major impact on steel quality in the continuous casting process. Usually steel mould powder is placed on top of the mould in order to use it as a lubricant between the solidifying steel and the mould and to prevent heat losses from the molten steel. It is well known that mould powder entrapment into the molten steel lowers the quality of the final steel products significantly. This can be caused by a vortexing flow at the interface between mould powder and molten steel near the submerged entry nozzle (SEN).

The paper describes a study which was performed to analyse if commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software is capable of predicting the transient build‐up of vertical structures in the casting mould. Two‐phase‐flow phenomena have been modelled by using the Volume Of Fluid (VOF) method. The influence of different turbulence models, mesh densities and initial as well as boundary conditions on the resulting flow field was investigated. Due to the size and complexity of the problems the simulations partially had to be performed in parallel mode on a Linux‐cluster computing environment.
Some Highlights on New Steel Products for Automotive Use
Authors: Babbit Michel
Published: December 2016

This paper is a short review on some recent developments regarding steels for automotive use. A new precoated steel suitable for to hot stamping processing has been developed, which is most appropriate for producing anti‐intrusion parts. Another evolution of precoated steels is a new inorganic treatment (NIT), which has proved to be efficient in increasing the stamping productivity of precoated steels. In the field of corrosion protection, a new generation of thin organic coatings has been implemented and in the future Zn‐Mg metallic coatings will help to save auxiliary anticorrosion measures such as wax and mastics. To offer steels with high stiffness but low weight, Arcelor has developed a new multimaterial sandwich which shows a good potential for large panels due to its high stiffness. Finally, some breakthrough steel products are discussed as possible candidates for mid/long term applications.
Stainless Steels for Exhaust Lines
Authors: Chassagne Francis , Mithieux Jean‐Denis , Schmitt Jean‐Hubert
Published: December 2016

Exhaust lines of cars have been strongly evolving during the last decade to meet the various requirements of the automotive industry and the new environment regulations. This development tends to favour stainless steel grades to replace cast iron for the exhaust manifold and aluminized low carbon steel for pipes and mufflers. Among the various stainless steel grades, the proportion of ferritic grade increases for the hot part of the exhaust system as its price is lower and more stable than austenitic or refractory grades, and as it exhibits a better resistance to cyclic oxidation.

A large and rapid development of stainless ferritic grades has been based on Ti and Nb stabilization. Adding niobium presents many advantages for corrosion resistance, deep‐drawability, and mainly creep resistance at high temperature. The paper is focused on stainless steel with 14 wt% chromium, stabilized with Nb. Intermetallic precipitation is studied after a 100 h holding time at different temperatures (sag tests). It is shown that, depending on the test temperature and on the chemical composition of the steel, Fe2Nb or Fe2Nb3 intermetallic particles can precipitate, which affects the creep resistance: Fe2Nb3 being more stable at higher temperature. Some impacts on the alloy design dedicated to exhaust line application are presented as a conclusion of the study.
Stability and Constitutive Modelling in Multiphase TRIP Steels
Authors: Haidemenopoulos Gregory N. , Katsamas Antonis I. , Aravas Nikolaos
Published: December 2016

Multiphase TRIP steels are a relatively new class of steels exhibiting excellent combinations of strength and cold formability, a fact that renders them particularly attractive for automotive applications. The present work reports models regarding the prediction of the stability of retained austenite, the optimisation of the heat‐treatment stages necessary for austenite stabilization in the microstructure, as well as the mechanical behaviour of these steels under deformation. Austenite stability against mechanically‐induced transformation to martensite depends on chemical composition, austenite particle size, strength of the matrix and stress state. The stability of retained austenite is characterized by the MσS temperature, which can be expressed as a function of the aforementioned parameters by an appropriate model presented in this work. Besides stability, the mechanical behaviour of TRIP steels also depends on the amount of retained austenite present in the microstructure. This amount is determined by the combinations of temperature and temporal duration of the heat‐treatment stages undergone by the steel. Maximum amounts of retained austenite require optimisation of the heat‐treatment conditions. A physical model is presented in this work, which is based on the interactions between bainite and austenite during the heat‐treatment of multiphase TRIP steels, and which allows for the selection of treatment conditions leading to the maximization of retained austenite in the final microstructure. Finally, a constitutive micromechanical model is presented, which describes the mechanical behaviour of multiphase TRIP steels under deformation, taking into account the different plastic behaviour of the individual phases, as well as the evolution of the microstructure itself during plastic deformation. This constitutive micromechanical model is subsequently used for the calculation of forming limit diagrams (FLD) for these complex steels, an issue of great practical importance for the optimisation of stretch‐forming and deep‐drawing operations.
Study of Property Degradation of T23 Heat‐resistant Steel based on Microstructural Evolution during Creep
Authors: Deng Yongqing , Zhu Lihui , Wang Qijiang , Zou Fengming
Published: December 2016

In order to study the microstructural evolution and the effect on property degradation of T23 heat‐resistance steel (2.25Cr‐1.6W‐V‐Nb‐B‐N) during creep, creep rupture specimens were investigated at 823K, 873K and 923K. The microstuctural evolution was examined by optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. It has been noted that the creep property degradation of T23 is related to the decrease of dislocation density due to the recovery and recrystallization of the bainitic ferrite matrix and the martensite in the carbon‐rich islands, the coarsening of M23C6 carbides, and even the transformation from M23C6 to M6C. Coarsening of M23C6 is the dominating effect during short‐term creep whereas recovery and recrystallization is the key factor for long‐term creep. Property degradation is advanced at higher temperature due to the quicker recovery and recrystallization.
The Influence of Surfactant on the Surface Characterization of Celestite in Spherical Oil Agglomeration
Authors: Sönmez Ibrahim , Cebec Yakup
Published: December 2016

This study investigates the relationship between the critical surface tension of wetting of celestite and agglomeration recovery as well as the zeta potential in dependence of pH and amount of collector (Na‐Oleate). For this purpose, effects of pH and collector amount on the agglomeration recovery are investigated and zeta potential measurements and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR) analyses are carried out to determine the adsorption type of Na‐Oleate on celestite surface. The sessile drop technique is used for the measurement of contact angle and determination of the critical surface tension of wetting (YC) of celestite. The maximum agglomeration recovery is obtained at pH 7. The critical surface tension of wetting of celestite is very close to the surface tension of kerosene, which is 25.95 mN/m. Furthermore, at the optimum Na‐Oleate amount of 10 kg/ton, the critical surface tension of wetting of celestite is approximately equal to the surface tension of kerosene.
Thermodynamics of Composition Control of CaO‐MnO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 Inclusions in Tire Cord Steel
Authors: Wang Haitao , Wang Fuming , Hao Ning , Xu Zhongbo , Jin Liling
Published: December 2016

The effect of oxide component content on the low melting point zone (simplified as LMP) in the CaO‐MnO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 system has been analysed by FactSage. The contents of [Si], [Mn], [O] and [Al] in liquid steel which are in equilibrium with the LMP inclusions in the CaO‐MnO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 system have been calculated. The results show that the CaO‐MnO‐Al2O3‐SiO2 system has the largest LMP zone (below 1400°C) when the Al2O3 content is 20% or the CaO content is 15%, and that the LMP zone becomes wider with increase in SiO2 and MnO contents (within the range of 0~25%). To obtain LMP inclusions (below 1400°C), [Si] and [Mn] can be controlled within a wide range, but [Al] and [O] must be controlled within the range of 0.5~5 ppm and 50~120 ppm, respectively.
Effect of Normalizing of Hot Band on Magnetic Properties and Texture in High Silicon Non‐Oriented Electrical Steels
Authors: Chang Sam K. , Huang Wang Y.
Published: December 2016

Normalizing of hot rolled bands results in better magnetic properties (lower iron loss and higher flux density) than non‐normalizing, which is caused by the fact that normalized steels show larger final grain size, higher volume faction of cube texture, and lower volume fraction of γ fiber than non‐normalized ones. Antimony and tin alloyed steels provide the best magnetic properties among the test steels and have bigger grain size than boron steel. The first group also has a higher fraction of (100)‐fiber and a lower share of γ fiber than the boron steel. However, the effects of these elements on textures with or without normalizing are minimal. The texture factor (TF) has a stong influence on the magnetic properties of normalized NO steels, while the magnetic properties improve with a decrease in TF, but this effect is not so pronounced for non‐normalized materials.
Application of UV/VIS‐Reflection Spectroscopy for Determination of the Oxidation State of Liquid Slags with High Fe3+‐Contents
Authors: Nowack Norbert , Zebger Ingo , Pfeifer Frank , Rheindorf Angela
Published: December 2016

This work considers the reflectivity of liquid oxides (silicates and phosphates) in the ultraviolet and visible spectral range using a reflection angle of 0°. We have developed a spectroscopic reflection method (impulse‐flash‐technique) and have investigated CaO‐FeOn‐SiO2 and CaO‐FeOn‐P2O5 with Fe2O3‐contents above 32 mol‐% (FeO1.5) at a temperature of 1400°C applying oxygen partial pressures of po2 = 0.001 bar up to po2 = 0.21 bar.

The increased reflectivity in the ultraviolet spectral range is based on the very intensive electron transfer (charge transfer bands, CT) from the oxide ion (bound to the respective matrix) to the Fe3+‐ion. The increased reflectivities in the visible spectral range are due to d‐d‐transitions in the Fe3+‐ion located in Fe3+‐O2− ‐complexes. This can be proven in the following way. The reflection bands in the visible range are much less pronounced than the CT‐bands in the UV range. In the slag melts, complexes with the coordination number 4, Fe3+(O2−)4, have been found predominantly.

The relation between the redox state of liquid slags and their UV‐reflectance has been evaluated quantitatively. The basic investigations for recording the redox state of liquid silicates and phosphates during a running metallurgic process are part of this work. Liquid silicates and phosphates are the most important slag systems in this context.
Computational Thermodynamics Application on the Calcium Inclusion Treatment of SAE 8620 Steel
Authors: Bielefeldt Wagner Viana , Vilela Antǒnio C. F. , Moraes Carlos A. M. , Fernandes Paulo C.
Published: December 2016

A thermodynamic study was carried out to evaluate the contents of Al, Ca, S and O at which liquid or partially liquid inclusions are formed to optimize the castability of SAE 8620 steel. Samples of steel secondary treatment (Ladle) and continuous‐casting billets (Tundish) were obtained from an electric steel mill. Entry data for this study were obtained in heats carried out in the steel plant. Furthermore, analyses were performed with a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and an Energy‐Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS), as well as chemical analysis of both steel and total oxygen. In the Ladle sample, after calcium addition, inclusions had concentrations between 30 and 45% CaO and consisted mainly of calcium‐aluminates with MgO content of 10%. In the Tundish sample, inclusions contained a high percentage of alumina. Combining the characterization of inclusions with a computational thermodynamics model, the obtained results showed that the ideal range of calcium may vary between 10 and 14 ppm to form liquid inclusions with a minimum CaS content for the O, S and Al levels from SAE 8620 in this process stage. An analysis of Mg influence on the formation of calcium‐aluminates was also carried out. For contents of Mg found in aluminium‐killed steels treated with Ca, Mg does not significantly influence the formation of calcium‐aluminates inclusions. Higher calcium contents can be taken into account, depending on both the process type in steel production and the demanded product properties. The present study shows that the combined application of both inclusions characterization techniques and computational thermodynamics can drastically reduce the empiricism regarding the development of processes for the control of non‐metallic inclusions in steels. Thus, this research can contribute to increase the efficiency of manufacturing processes, improve the quality of existent products and make possible the economic development of new ones.
Development of a Lean Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Liljas Mats , Johansson Pelle , Liu Hui‐Ping , Olsson Claes‐Olof A.
Published: December 2016

The classic series of duplex stainless steels shows very high corrosion resistance and can be used for very demanding applications. A new lean duplex steel, LDX 2101® (EN 1.4162, UNS S32101), has been developed with corrosion resistance on a par with standard austenitic grades. Application areas include: structural components, chemical industry, tanks and containers. The steel was designed to have equal amounts of ferrite and austenite in annealed condition and with an austenite that is stable against strain‐induced martensite. Thanks to its high nitrogen content, the steel has a fast austenite reformation when subjected to thermal cycling, e.g. welding. Unlike conventional duplex grades, the formation of intermetallic phase is very sluggish, although precipitation of nitrides and carbides has a certain impact on material properties after exposure in the temperature range 600 to 800°C. The precipitation behaviour after different isothermal treatments is described and its influence on different product properties is shown. A good agreement was found between impact toughness and corrosion resistance for a wide range of thermal treatments.
Effect of Lubrication during Hot Rolling on the Evolution of Through‐Thickness Textures in 18%Cr Ferritic Stainless Steel Sheet
Authors: Kang H. G. , Huh M. Y. , Park S. H. , Engler O.
Published: December 2016

Samples of a ferritic stainless steel sheet were hot‐rolled with and without application of lubrication. The effect of the different hot rolling processes on the evolution of texture and microstructure after hot rolling, cold rolling and subsequent recrystallization annealing was studied by means of macro and micro‐texture analysis and microstructure observations. After hot rolling, the sample rolled with lubrication displayed uniform rolling textures through the sheet thickness, while the sample rolled without lubrication showed shear textures in the outer layers of the sheet. The finite element method was employed to reveal the strain states during hot rolling with and without lubrication. The texture of the hot rolled sheet strongly influenced the formation of texture after cold rolling and final recrystallization and, therewith, planar anisotropy as well as the severity of ridging of the final gauge sheet. Hot rolling with lubrication was beneficial to the formation of strong recrystallization textures through the whole thickness layers leading to an enhanced planar anisotropy of the sheet. The recrystallized sheet hot‐rolled without lubrication displayed less severe ridging, however, which was attributed to a less frequent formation of orientation colonies in the outer thickness layers of the sheet.
Investigation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Steel‐Aluminium Joints Produced by Metal Arc Joining
Authors: Agudo L. , Jank N. , Wagner J. , Weber S. , Schmaranzer C. , Arenholz E. , Bruckner J. , Hackl H. , Pyzalla A.
Published: December 2016

Joints of zinc coated steel (DX54D+Z200) to aluminium alloys (AW6181‐T4 and AW5182‐H111) were produced by the Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) technique, a modified metal inert gas (MIG) joining process. The aluminium alloy sheets and the AISi3Mn1 filler material are welded, while brazing occurs between the AISi3Mn1 filler and the steel sheet. At the interface between the Al‐based filler and the steel sheet, aluminium‐rich intermetallic FexAly‐phases are formed. The comparatively low heat input of the CMT process and the choice of filler composition limit the thickness of the intermetallic phase seam (IMP) to a few micrometers. The structure of the intermetallic phase and its morphology are strongly influenced by the alloying elements (Mn, Si) of the filler. Tensile tests and crash tests of the steel to aluminium alloy joints revealed good mechanical properties.
Pellets Prepared with Mechanically Activated Iron Ore
Authors: Mourão Marcelo B. , Takano Cyro
Published: December 2016

This work analyses pellets prepared with iron ore that has been mechanically activated by high energy ball milling. Pellet feed iron ore was submitted to high‐energy ball milling for 60 minutes, and the resulting material was analysed through measurements of particle size and specific surface area, as well as X‐ray diffraction. Pellets were prepared from this material. The pellets were heated at temperatures ranging from 1000 to 1250°C in a muffle furnace, and submitted to the maximum temperature during 10‐12 minutes. The samples were then tested regarding crushing strength, densification and porosity, and were examined in a scanning electronic microscope. The results were compared to those obtained with similar samples made from non‐milled pellet feed. It has been shown that through high‐energy ball milling of iron ore it is possible to achieve pellets presenting high densification and compressive strength at firing temperatures lower than the usual ones.
Influence of Texture on Magnetic Aging of Cold Rolling Non‐oriented Silicon Steel Sheets
Authors: Xu L. , Mao W. , Yang P. , Feng H.
Published: December 2016

The relationship between magnetic aging and texture of 50W800 non‐oriented silicon steel (0.002~0.003 % C) was investigated. The Young's modulus of cementite is very close to that of {100} planes in ferrite and obviously lower than those of other crystallographic planes in ferrite. Therefore, cementite particles would precipitate in the form of disks along the {100} planes of the ferrite matrix during aging. The magnetic properties after aging at 200°C for 24 hours showed that the aging precipitation of cementite particles increased the core loss. The driving force for the wall movement of 180° stripe domains depends on the sheet texture. The texture, in which the <100> direction is parallel to the magnetizing field, is the most favourable texture component to reduce the core loss increment induced by aging.
Research on Utilization Factor of Injected Pulverized Coal into BF at Large PCI Rate
Authors: WU Keng , PAN Wen , XU Wanren , YIN Xiaoying , ZHANG Jianmin , WU Weilu
Published: December 2016

The carbon mass fraction of blast furnace (BF) dust (gravitational dust and sludge) was determined under normal production conditions in industrial tests. The mass fraction of unconsumed coal and coke particles in BF dust at different PCI rates was obtained based on microscopic and chemical analysis. A relationship between PCI rate and mass fraction of unconsumed coal in BF dust was derived. The amount of unconsumed coal and coke particles in BF dust at different PCI rates was obtained. The utilization factor of injected pulverized coal into BF was determined under different PCI rates at Baosteel. This result provides a necessary analysis method at large PCI rate in BF.
High Strength 3D Non‐Vacuum Electron Beam Weld Joints ‐ Setting of Gradient Material Properties and Testing of Weld Quality
Authors: Reimche W. , Bach Fr.‐W. , Mroz G. , Duhm R. , Bernard M. , Diebel M.
Published: December 2016

Highly loaded structures made of modern metallic materials are increasingly being placed under stringent standards with regard to the mechanical strength and deformation properties of their individual parts as well as with regard to the loading capacity of their joints. In order to create strain profiles in individual structural components, such components are heated with an electron beam at defined locations in order to bring in local microstructure changes and consequently the targeted local changes in the strength and deformation properties of the material with respect to a delayed crack growth. Additionally, components with specifically set tensile strength are welded to high quality structures. For this purpose the young but efficient non‐vacuum electron beam welding (NV‐EBW) method is used and further developed. Weld quality is examined especially in regard to an improved beam positioning, process control and weld joint defect detection.
A Laboratory Steckel Mill Simulation
Authors: Hinton John S. , Beynon John H.
Published: December 2016

The recrystallisation of AISI430 ferritic stainless steel during hot working is considered crucial for developing suitable product properties for sheet metal forming. Attention has focused on the ability to accurately reproduce the process route conditions of hot Steckel mill rolling at the laboratory scale. The variability was considered through five complex simulations on the IMMPETUS thermomechanical compression (TMC) test machine. This paper presents the methods employed to translate the industrial practice into laboratory based experiments, and the development of the simulation to a satisfactory level. This paper includes a discussion of the quality of the simulation, particularly with regard to its use as a tool for analysing metallurgical changes.
Implementation method of loss observer to power controller for overhead line and supercapacitor hybrid electric railway vehicle
Authors: Saito Tatsuhito , Kondo Keiichiro
Published: December 2016

In order to absorb the regenerative power and to reduce the peak input power of a train—in other words, to smooth the input power of the train—in this paper we repot a frequency‐domain‐based power controlling strategy for energy storage of hybrid electric railway vehicles. Applying a loss‐compensating method by using a disturbance observer improves the energy while keeping ability of this controller. However, that loss compensating method requires precise voltage–energy characteristics of the supercapacitor (SC) to estimate the correct loss. Hence, nonlinearity of the capacitance of the SC becomes a problem because it causes an error in the estimated loss. Therefore, this paper presents a method to measure the voltage–energy characteristics precisely of the SC that has a voltage dependence on the capacitance. A method to implement those characteristics into controllers is also proposed. The loss compensating method is applied to a controller by using the proposed method, and its effectiveness is verified by a small‐scale experimental system. © 2016 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Identification of Risk Pathways and Functional Modules for Coronary Artery Disease Based on Genome-Wide SNP Data
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Luan Yi-Zhao , Zuo Xiaoyu , Chen Ye-Da , Qin Jiheng , Jin Lv , Tan Yiqing , Lin Meihua , Zhang Naizun , Liang Yan , Rao Shao-Qi
Published: December 2016

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a complex human disease, involving multiple genes and their nonlinear interactions, which often act in a modular fashion. Genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiling provides an effective technique to unravel these underlying genetic interplays or their functional involvements for CAD. This study aimed to identify the susceptible pathways and modules for CAD based on SNP omics. First, the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium (WTCCC) SNP datasets of CAD and control samples were used to assess the joint effect of multiple genetic variants at the pathway level, using logistic kernel machine regression model. Then, an expanded genetic network was constructed by integrating statistical gene–gene interactions involved in these susceptible pathways with their protein–protein interaction (PPI) knowledge. Finally, risk functional modules were identified by decomposition of the network. Of 276 KEGG pathways analyzed, 6 pathways were found to have a significant effect on CAD. Other than glycerolipid metabolism, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, and cardiac muscle contraction pathways, three pathways related to other diseases were also revealed, including Alzheimer’s disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and Huntington’s disease. A genetic epistatic network of 95 genes was further constructed using the abovementioned integrative approach. Of 10 functional modules derived from the network, 6 have been annotated to phospholipase C activity and cell adhesion molecule binding, which also have known functional involvement in Alzheimer’s disease. These findings indicate an overlap of the underlying molecular mechanisms between CAD and Alzheimer’s disease, thus providing new insights into the molecular basis for CAD and its molecular relationships with other diseases.
Biological Databases for Hematology Research
Authors: Zhang Qian , Ding Nan , Zhang Lu , Zhao Xuetong , Yang Yadong , Qu Hongzhu , Fang Xiangdong
Published: December 2016

With the advances of genome-wide sequencing technologies and bioinformatics approaches, a large number of datasets of normal and malignant erythropoiesis have been generated and made public to researchers around the world. Collection and integration of these datasets greatly facilitate basic research and clinical diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders. Here we provide a brief introduction of the most popular omics data resources of normal and malignant hematopoiesis, including some integrated web tools, to help users get better equipped to perform common analyses. We hope this review will promote the awareness and facilitate the usage of public database resources in the hematology research.
Maternal administration of magnesium sulfate promotes cell proliferation in hippocampus dentate gyrus in offspring mice after exposing to prenatal stress
Authors: Xiang Xinli , Zhao Depeng , Gao Chonglan , Wang Kai , Zhou Qian , Kang Jiuhong , Duan Tao
Published: December 2016

Prenatal stress (PS) inhibits cell proliferation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG), which is related to hippocampal anatomy and function abnormality. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) on PS‐induced cell proliferation suppression in offspring during embryonic stage and postnatal spatial learning. MgSO4 administration was performed after PS treatment on pregnant mice. Mice were randomly divided into four groups: non‐PS or PS maternal mice injected with MgSO4 or saline (P + NS, P + MG, C + MG and C + NS group). Corticosterone was collected from amniotic fluid of mother mice on day 17 of embryonic stage (E17). The ability for spatial learning and memory of pups postnatal 3 week was evaluated using water maze assay. Additionally, cell proliferation was detected by assessing the expression of Ki67 using immunohistochemistry in mice fetuses or pups. PS significantly increased corticosterone level in amniotic fluid (P < 0.05) and impaired the spatial learning and memory (P + NS vs C + NS of latency time and track path length: P < 0.05) of offspring on postnatal day 21. However, MgSO4 administration could reverse PS‐induced spatial learning and memory disability (P + MG vs P + NS, P < 0.05). Additionally, PS reduced the number of Ki67‐positive cell in hippocampal DG on E17, E19 and postnatal day 21 (P + NS vs C + NS, P < 0.05), which were also abrogated by maternal administration of MgSO4 (P + MG vs P + NS, P < 0.05). Collectively, prenatal administration of MgSO4 can reverse PS‐induced reduction of cell proliferation in hippocampal DG during embryonic stage and postnatal spatial learning.
Accelerating ions with high-energy short laser pulses from submicrometer thick targets
Authors: Wagner F. , Brabetz C. , Deppert O. , Roth M. , Stöhlker T. , Tauschwitz An. , Tebartz A. , Zielbauer B. , Bagnoud V.
Published: December 2016

Using the example of the PHELIX high-energy short pulse laser we discuss the technical preconditions to investigate ion acceleration with submicrometer thick targets. We show how the temporal contrast of this system was improved to prevent pre-ionization of such targets on the nanosecond timescale. Furthermore the influence of typical fluctuations or uncertainties of the on-target intensity on ion acceleration experiments is discussed. We report how these uncertainties were reduced by improving the assessment and control of the on-shot intensity and by optimizing the positioning of the target into the focal plane. Finally we report on experimental results showing maximum proton energies in excess of 85 MeV for ion acceleration via the target normal sheath acceleration mechanism using target thicknesses on the order of one micrometer.
INTERPRETATION OF CONTRACTS AND “COMMERCIAL COMMON SENSE”: DO NOT OVERPLAY THIS USEFUL CRITERION
Authors: Andrews Neil
Published: December 2016

We are there to oil the wheels of commerce, not to put spanners in the works, or even grit in the oil.
After the Counterculture: American Capitalism, Power, and Opposition in Thomas Pynchon's Mason & Dixon
Authors: FLAY CATHERINE
Published: December 2016

Although Thomas Pynchon has continued to publish long after the postwar American countercultural era, his politics are critically characterized in relation to that movement's values. The dominant critical positions associate power with rationalism and functionality, and political opposition with creativity and pleasure, positioning Pynchon's novels at a politicized intersection between postmodernism and the counterculture. This article problematizes this dominant critical position, taking Mason & Dixon (1997) as exemplary of Pynchon's reconsideration of the nature of power and potential opposition to it in response to the countercultural movement's failures and successes, and to developments in capitalist social organization in the 1980s.
Resurrection in Paganism and the Question of an Empty Tomb in 1 Corinthians 15
Authors: Cook John Granger
Published: December 2016

On the basis of the semantics of ἀνίστημι and ἐγείρω and the nature of resurrected bodies in ancient Judaism and ancient paganism, one can conclude that Paul could not have conceived of a resurrection of Jesus unless he believed the tomb was empty.
New mobile methods for dietary assessment: review of image-assisted and image-based dietary assessment methods
Authors: Boushey C. J. , Spoden M. , Zhu F. M. , Delp E. J. , Kerr D. A.
Published: December 2016

For nutrition practitioners and researchers, assessing dietary intake of children and adults with a high level of accuracy continues to be a challenge. Developments in mobile technologies have created a role for images in the assessment of dietary intake. The objective of this review was to examine peer-reviewed published papers covering development, evaluation and/or validation of image-assisted or image-based dietary assessment methods from December 2013 to January 2016. Images taken with handheld devices or wearable cameras have been used to assist traditional dietary assessment methods for portion size estimations made by dietitians (image-assisted methods). Image-assisted approaches can supplement either dietary records or 24-h dietary recalls. In recent years, image-based approaches integrating application technology for mobile devices have been developed (image-based methods). Image-based approaches aim at capturing all eating occasions by images as the primary record of dietary intake, and therefore follow the methodology of food records. The present paper reviews several image-assisted and image-based methods, their benefits and challenges; followed by details on an image-based mobile food record. Mobile technology offers a wide range of feasible options for dietary assessment, which are easier to incorporate into daily routines. The presented studies illustrate that image-assisted methods can improve the accuracy of conventional dietary assessment methods by adding eating occasion detail via pictures captured by an individual (dynamic images). All of the studies reduced underreporting with the help of images compared with results with traditional assessment methods. Studies with larger sample sizes are needed to better delineate attributes with regards to age of user, degree of error and cost.
Stakeholder perceptions of legal trade in rhinoceros horn and implications for private reserve management in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
Authors: Wright Oliver Thomas , Cundill Georgina , Biggs Duan
Published: December 2016

The proposed legalization of international trade in rhinoceros horn is a hotly debated topic. South Africa is home to a large proportion of Africa's blackDiceros bicornisand white rhinocerosesCeratotherium simumpopulations. Private owners are custodians of c. 25% of the country's rhinoceroses, and the introduction of legal trade in horn harvested from live rhinoceroses may therefore have significant implications for the private conservation industry. This study explores perceptions of legal trade in rhinoceros horn, and its potential implications for reserve management, among rhinoceros owners and conservation practitioners from private game reserves in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Twenty-five semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants from 17 private game reserves (c. 37% of the total number of reserves with rhinoceroses). Whereas rhinoceros owners were mostly in favour of trade, opinion among non-owners was more nuanced. Owners expressed more interest in trading in live rhinoceroses, and stockpiled horn from natural mortalities, than in sustainably harvesting rhinoceros horn for trade. Informants therefore predicted that they would not change their practices significantly if the trade were legalized. However, most informants had little confidence that CITES would lift the trade ban. The perspectives of private reserve owners and managers should be taken into account in South African and international policy discussions relating to the legal trade in rhinoceros horn.
Detection and molecular identification of Hepatozoon canis and Babesia vogeli from domestic dogs in Palestine
Authors: AZMI KIFAYA , AL-JAWABREH AMER , NASEREDDIN ABEDELMAJEED , ABDELKADER AHMAD , ZAID TAHER , EREQAT SUHEIR , SAWALHA SAMER S. , BANETH GAD , ABDEEN ZIAD
Published: December 2016

Dogs serve as hosts for a great number of parasites, which may affect their health and wellbeing. This study aimed to observe tick borne pathogens in dogs from Palestine including Hepatozoon canis and Babesia species. The prevalence of both H. canis and Babesia species infections in apparently healthy dogs, from ten districts of the West Bank was surveyed. DNA was extracted from blood samples obtained from dogs (n = 362) and ticks (n = 213) collected from dogs (n = 77). A primer set that amplifies a partial sequence of the Babesia and Hepatozoon 18S rRNA gene was used for PCR and the DNA sequences of the PCR products of all samples were determined. Twenty-nine (8·0%) of the dogs were found infected including 20 with H. canis (5·5%), seven with Babesia vogeli (1·9%) and two with undefined Babesia spp. (0·6%). Twelve Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l ticks were pathogen-positive, including ten with H. canis (4·7%), one with B. vogeli (0·5%), and one with Hepatozoon felis (0·5%). The results indicated that a wide range of tick borne pathogens is circulating in the canine population in the surveyed region. This study is the first report on the prevalence of H. canis, B. vogeli and Babesia spp. in dogs in Palestine and its results will assist in the management of diseases associated with these blood parasites.
Hepatozoon silvestris sp. nov.: morphological and molecular characterization of a new species of Hepatozoon (Adeleorina: Hepatozoidae) from the European wild cat (Felis silvestris silvestris)
Authors: HODŽIĆ ADNAN , ALIĆ AMER , PRAŠOVIĆ SENAD , OTRANTO DOMENICO , BANETH GAD , DUSCHER GEORG GERHARD
Published: December 2016

Based on morphological and genetic characteristics, we describe a new species of Hepatozoon in the European wild cat (Felis silvestris silvestris), herein named Hepatozoon silvestris sp. nov. The study also provides the first data on the occurrence of H. felis in this wild felid. Hepatozoon meronts were observed in multiple cross-sections of different organs of four (44%) cats. Additionally, extracellular forms, resembling mature gamonts of Hepatozoon, were found in the spleen and myocardium of two cats. Furthermore, tissues of six animals (67%) were positive by PCR. Hepatozoon felis was identified infecting one cat (11%), whereas the 18S rRNA sequences of the remaining five cats (56%) were identical, but distinct from the sequences of H. felis. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that those sequences form a highly supported clade distant from other Hepatozoon spp. Future studies should include domestic cats from the areas where the wild cats positive for H. silvestris sp. nov. were found, in order to investigate their potential role to serve as intermediate hosts of this newly described species. Identification of its definitive host(s) and experimental transmission studies are required for elucidating the full life cycle of this parasite and the possible alternative routes of its transmission.
An outbreak of oriental theileriosis in dairy cattle imported to Vietnam from Australia
Authors: GEBREKIDAN HAGOS , NELSON LINDA , SMITH GREG , GASSER ROBIN B. , JABBAR ABDUL
Published: December 2016

This study reports an outbreak of oriental theileriosis in dairy cattle imported to Vietnam from Australia. Following clinical and pathological diagnoses, a total of 112 cattle blood samples were divided into three groups and tested using multiplexed tandem PCR. Group 1 were from aborted heifers in Vietnam; group 2 were from cattle before shipment from group 1 cattle and group 3 were from the same batch of cattle but transported to Taiwan. Theileria orientalis DNA was detected in 72·3% cattle. The prevalences of T. orientalis in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 77·6, 86·9 and 57·5%, respectively, and the difference in prevalence was significant between groups 1 and 3 (P < 0·0001). The infection intensities of genotypes chitose and ikeda of T. orientalis were higher in groups 1 (57 721 and 33 709, respectively) and 3 (5897 and 61 766, respectively) than those in group 2 (2071 and 6331, respectively). Phylogenetic analyses of the major piroplasm surface protein sequences revealed that genotypes chitose and ikeda determined herein were closely related to those previously reported from Australia. This first report of an outbreak of oriental theileriosis in imported cattle emphasizes improved measures for the export and import of cattle infected with T. orientalis.
Metabolic dysregulation and late-life depression: a prospective study
Authors: Marijnissen R. M. , Vogelzangs N. , Mulder M. E. , van den Brink R. H. S. , Comijs H. C. , Oude Voshaar R. C.
Published: December 2016

Background

Depression is associated with the metabolic syndrome (MS). We examined whether metabolic dysregulation predicted the 2-year course of clinical depression.

Method

A total of 285 older persons (⩾60 years) suffering from depressive disorder according to DSM-IV-TR criteria was followed up for 2 years. Severity of depression was assessed with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) at 6-month intervals. Metabolic syndrome was defined according the National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP-ATP III). We applied logistic regression and linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, years of education, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, somatic co-morbidity, cognitive functioning and drug use (antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs) and severity of depression at baseline.

Results

MS predicted non-remission at 2 years (odds ratioper component = 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.58), p = 0.047), which was driven by the waist circumference and HDL cholesterol. MS was not associated with IDS sum score. Subsequent analyses on its subscales, however, identified an association with the somatic symptom subscale score over time (interaction time × somatic subscale, p = 0.005), driven by higher waist circumference and elevated fasting glucose level.

Conclusions

Metabolic dysregulation predicts a poor course of late-life depression. This finding supports the concept of ‘metabolic depression’, recently proposed on population-based findings of a protracted course of depressive symptoms in the presence of metabolic dysregulation. Our findings seem to be driven by abdominal obesity (as indicated by the waist circumference) and HDL cholesterol dysregulation.