bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Female Accomplice: Rape and the Servant Problem in Roxana
Authors: Nawrot Dawn A.
Published: June 2017

This article evaluates the servant rape in Daniel Defoe’s Roxana (1724) against conduct literature on the “servant problem,” and particularly against Defoe’s multiple tracts on servants and supposedly promiscuous female domestic labourers. Like contemporary conduct writing, Roxana’s rape narrative expresses intersecting social anxieties among employer classes over commerce infiltrating the domestic sphere and uncertainty related to contracted servants’ virtue and obedience. Roxana specifically reflects conduct writers’ association of female servants’ disloyalty with sexual promiscuity. Yet, unlike Defoe’s conduct literature, which avoids discussing servant rape, Roxana reflects the normalization of rape of female domestics. I argue that the novel’s representation of rape deflects blame from male authority within the private sphere onto a female accomplice engaged in sexual labour beyond the bounds of the middle-class household. The narrative thus draws on the common occurrence of the rape of female servants but, at the same time, removes culpability from a readership whom Defoe protects as an ideologically moral employer class.
Multiobjective Evaluation in Countermeasure Selection at Two-Way Stop-Controlled Intersections: Considering Traffic Operation, Safety, and Environment
Authors: Yang Zhao , Zhang Yuanyuan , Zhu Renwei , Zhang Yin
Published: June 2017

This study developed a procedure to conduct multiobjective evaluations in the traffic countermeasure (CM) selection process at two-way stop-controlled (TWSC) intersections. The economic benefits of three vehicle safety–related CMs were calculated considering not only safety impacts, but also operational and environmental impacts. First, for each CM, VISSIM simulation models were developed to obtain the average delay, vehicle emissions, and fuel consumption for the intersection before and after the treatment. The traffic operational impacts were calculated as the change in delay costs. The environmental impacts were calculated as the change in vehicle emissions and fuel consumption costs. Next, safety performance functions and crash modification factors were used to calculate the safety impacts as the crash reduction benefits for various CMs. Finally, the life-cycle cost method was used to combine the different components into the total benefit. The Monte Carlo simulation method was used to conduct uncertainty analysis through random sampling from probability descriptions of uncertain input variables to generate a probabilistic description of results. The findings showed, first, that the operational and environmental impacts accounted for a large proportion of the total impacts, which can significantly affect the selection of CMs. Second, the rankings of the CMs differ depending on whether the safety impacts alone are considered or different impacts are considered together. The study illustrates the detailed process of evaluating projects considering multiple objectives. The findings also explain how different objectives can have countervailing effects in improving motorist safety at TWSC intersections.
Improving the Self-Explaining Performance of Czech National Roads
Authors: Ambros Jiří , Valentová Veronika , Gogolín Ondřej , Andrášik Richard , Kubeček Jan , Bíl Michal
Published: June 2017

Improving the road network according to the principles of self-explaining roads is a promising way to increase the level of safety; however, there are no universal guidelines on how to measure and improve the self-explaining performance of existing roads. To apply this approach on Czech national roads, the present study was conducted, consisting of five steps: ( a) automated segmentation into tangents and horizontal curves; ( b) collection of floating car data and calculation of speed; ( c) development of multivariate speed models for estimation of speed, including on segments not covered by floating car data; ( d) networkwide application of the models and evaluation of speed consistency, such as differences in speeds on tangents and following curves; and ( e) identification of substandard curves, and categorization and proposal of optimization for consistent placement of traffic control devices or reconstructions. The paper describes all the steps as well as several checks conducted along the way, such as comparison of profile speed and floating car speed, interpretation of regression models, and validation of predicted speed consistency against long-term average crash frequency. The methodology has been certified for use in practice and will be applied by the Czech national road agency.
Geographic Information System–Based Spatial and Statistical Analysis of Severe Crash Hotspot Accessibility to Hospitals
Authors: Ulak Mehmet Baran , Kocatepe Ayberk , Ozguven Eren Erman , Horner Mark W. , Spainhour Lisa
Published: June 2017

Previous studies have examined hospital accessibility issues, and other work has exhaustively investigated several aspects of roadway crashes, such as their severity and frequency, possible causal factors, and their clustering on networks. However, the nature of the relationship between them, in the accessibility of severe crash hotspots to hospitals with emergency services, is relatively unexplored. Looking at both elements simultaneously is especially critical, given the need to provide the necessary aid to crash victims in a timely manner to help reduce roadway deaths. To the authors’ knowledge, such an assessment has not been attempted before. The objective of this study was twofold. First, the study investigated accessibility through the use of geographic information systems and statistical analysis to detect high-risk locations. Second, the study used hierarchical multinomial logistic regression analysis to examine several environmental, traffic, and human factors to identify the determinants of the crashes that constitute hotspots. The results show that several roadway segments portend an elevated threat of injury and fatalities for drivers and passengers, not only due to a higher probability of being severely injured, but also because of the low accessibility to hospitals having emergency services. The results suggest that particular spatial, traffic, and roadway factors, such as intersection presence or speed limits, substantially imperil traffic safety. The knowledge gained from this study can help agencies and officials pinpoint and investigate high-risk locations to enhance the safety of roadway users.
Application of Results of Tests in Developing a Two-Dimensional Model for Soil–Steel Railway Bridges
Authors: Machelski Czesław , Janusz Leszek
Published: June 2017

This paper presents an analysis of the possibilities for the application of a two-dimensional model based on a circumferential strip of soil–steel structures that used results of measurements on railway soil–steel bridges. The distribution of a live load in the model was based on the so-called collocation point method. The method assumed conformity of results coming from a real test and those obtained in the two-dimensional model at a certain point of a structure. As a conformity criterion, deformation or internal forces (e.g., bending moment, thrust force, and stress) was assumed. Two locomotives moving above the structures were used to obtain influence lines of the collocation point. Examples of influence lines are presented; these also could be used for determination of stiffness of soil–steel bridges. The main advantage of this approach is the ability to evaluate the effects of any moving loads applied on existing bridges according to findings of measurements of deflections and development of deflection influence lines.
Impact of Ground Freezing on Seismic Performance of Bridge Pile Foundations Subject to Liquefaction-Induced Lateral Spread
Authors: Yang Zhaohui , Zhang Xiaoyu
Published: June 2017

Lessons were learned from two major earthquakes in Alaska: the freezing of ground crust had a great influence on bridge pile foundation behavior during lateral spread. Based on a typical bridge from the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities bridge inventory, supported on commonly used pile foundations that penetrate a liquefiable sand layer, finite element (FE) modeling was used to study seismic performance of bridge foundations subject to liquefaction-induced lateral spread in two scenarios: the frozen case, in which a frozen ground crust represented typical winter conditions, and the unfrozen case, in which an unfrozen ground crust represented summer conditions. Soil reactions and pile responses were analyzed with solid–fluid coupled FE modeling. Results for both cases illustrate the key characteristics of pile performance. In addition, the effectiveness of the p-y approach for predicting the pile response under such a complex loading combination was confirmed by a comparison of the results from LPILE with those from coupled FE modeling, and this approach is recommended for practice. Guidelines are proposed for design practitioners to assess the freezing ground impact on pile foundations with the p-y approach.
Influence of smoking on aneurysm recurrence after endovascular treatment of cerebrovascular aneurysms
Authors: Futchko John , Starr Jordan , Lau Darryl , Leach Matthew R. , Roark Christopher , Pandey Aditya S. , Thompson B. Gregory
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Smoking is a known risk factor for aneurysm development and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, as well as subsequent vasospasm in both untreated individuals and patients who have undergone surgical clipping of cerebrovascular aneurysms. However, there is a lack of data in the current scientific literature about the long-term effects that smoking has on the integrity of endovascular repairs of cerebral aneurysms. This study was designed to determine if any smoking history increased the risk of poorer outcomes and/or aneurysm recurrence in patients who have had endovascular repair of cerebral aneurysms.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients admitted to the University of Michigan Health System from January 1999 to December 2011 with coiled aneurysms and angiography, CT angiography, or MR angiography follow-up. Patients were identified and organized based on many criteria including age, sex, smoking history, aneurysm recurrence, aneurysm location, and Hunt and Hess grade. Analysis was targeted to the patient population with a history of smoking. Bivariate chi-square tests were used to analyze the association between a positive smoking history and documented aneurysm recurrence and were adjusted for potential confounders by fitting multivariate logistic regression models of recurrence.

RESULTS

A total of 247 patients who had undergone endovascular treatment of 296 documented cerebral aneurysms were included in this study. The recurrence rate among all patients treated with endovascular repair was 24.3%, and the average time to the most recent follow-up imaging studies was 1.62 years. Smokers accounted for 232 aneurysms and were followed up for an average of 1.57 years, with a recurrence rate of 26.3%. Never smokers accounted for the remaining 64 aneurysms and were followed up for an average of 1.82 years, with a recurrence rate of 17.2%. Multivariate analysis revealed that, after controlling for potential confounders, a history of smoking—whether current or former—was associated with a significantly increased risk of aneurysm recurrence. The odds ratios for aneurysm recurrence for current and former smokers were 2.739 (95% CI 1.127–7.095, p = 0.0308) and 2.698 (95% CI 1.078–7.212, p = 0.0395), respectively, compared with never smokers.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive smoking history is associated with a significantly increased risk of aneurysm recurrence in patients who have undergone endovascular repair of a cerebral aneurysm, compared with the risk in patients who have never smoked.
Safety and cost efficiency of a restrictive transfusion protocol in patients with traumatic brain injury
Authors: Ngwenya Laura B. , Suen Catherine G. , Tarapore Phiroz E. , Manley Geoffrey T. , Huang Michael C.
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Blood loss and moderate anemia are common in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, despite evidence of the ill effects and expense of the transfusion of packed red blood cells, restrictive transfusion practices have not been universally adopted for patients with TBI. At a Level I trauma center, the authors compared patients with TBI who were managed with a restrictive (target hemoglobin level > 7 g/dl) versus a liberal (target hemoglobin level > 10 g/dl) transfusion protocol. This study evaluated the safety and cost-efficiency of a hospital-wide change to a restrictive transfusion protocol.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of patients with TBI who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) between January 2011 and September 2015 was performed. Patients < 16 years of age and those who died within 24 hours of admission were excluded. Demographic data and injury characteristics were compared between groups. Multivariable regression analyses were used to assess hospital outcome measures and mortality rates. Estimates from an activity-based cost analysis model were used to detect changes in cost with transfusion protocol.

RESULTS

A total of 1565 patients with TBI admitted to the ICU were included in the study. Multivariable analysis showed that a restrictive transfusion strategy was associated with fewer days of fever (p = 0.01) and that patients who received a transfusion had a larger fever burden. ICU length of stay, ventilator days, incidence of lung injury, thromboembolic events, and mortality rates were not significantly different between transfusion protocol groups. A restrictive transfusion protocol saved approximately $115,000 annually in hospital direct and indirect costs.

CONCLUSIONS

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the largest study to date to compare transfusion protocols in patients with TBI. The results demonstrate that a hospital-wide change to a restrictive transfusion protocol is safe and cost-effective in patients with TBI.
Spine stereotactic radiosurgery for metastatic sarcoma: patterns of failure and radiation treatment volume considerations
Authors: Bishop Andrew J. , Tao Randa , Guadagnolo B. Ashleigh , Allen Pamela K. , Rebueno Neal C. , Wang Xin A. , Amini Behrang , Tatsui Claudio E. , Rhines Laurence D. , Li Jing , Chang Eric L. , Brown Paul D. , Ghia Amol J.
Published: June 2017

OBJECTIVE

Given the relatively lower radiosensitivity of sarcomas and the locally infiltrative patterns of spread, the authors sought to investigate spine stereotactic radiosurgery (SSRS) outcomes for metastatic sarcomas and to analyze patterns of failure.

METHODS

The records of 48 patients with 66 sarcoma spinal metastases consecutively treated with SSRS between 2002 and 2013 were reviewed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate rates of overall survival (OS) and local control (LC). Local recurrences were categorized as occurring infield (within the 95% isodose line [IDL]), marginally (between the 20% and 95% IDLs), or out of field.

RESULTS

Median follow-up time was 19 months (range 1–121 months), and median age was 53 years (range 17–85 years). The most commonly treated histology was leiomyosarcoma (42%). Approximately two-thirds of the patients were treated with definitive SSRS (44 [67%]) versus postoperatively (22 [33%]). The actuarial 1-year OS and LC rates were 67% and 81%, respectively. Eighteen patients had a local relapse, which was more significantly associated with postoperative SSRS (p = 0.04). On multivariate modeling, receipt of postoperative SSRS neared significance for poorer LC (p = 0.06, subhazard ratio [SHR] 2.33), while only 2 covariates emerged as significantly correlated with LC: 1) biological equivalent dose (BED) > 48 Gy (vs BED ≤ 48 Gy, p = 0.006, SHR 0.21) and 2) single vertebral body involvement (vs multiple bodies, p = 0.03, SHR 0.27). Of the 18 local recurrences, 14 (78%) occurred at the margin, and while the majority of these cases relapsed within the epidural space, 4 relapsed within the paraspinal soft tissue. In addition, 1 relapse occurred out of field. Finally, the most common acute toxicity was fatigue (15 cases), with few late toxicities (4 insufficiency fractures, 3 neuropathies).

CONCLUSIONS

For metastatic sarcomas, SSRS provides durable tumor control with minimal toxicity. High-dose single-fraction regimens offer optimal LC, and given the infiltrative nature of sarcomas, when paraspinal soft tissues are involved, larger treatment volumes may be warranted.
The Effects of Training on Anxiety and Task Performance in Simulated Suborbital Spaceflight
Authors: Blue Rebecca S. , Bonato Frederick , Seaton Kimberly , Bubka Andrea , Vardiman Johnené L. , Mathers Charles , Castleberry Tarah L. , Vanderploeg James M.
Published: June 2017

INTRODUCTION: In commercial spaceflight, anxiety could become mission-impacting, causing negative experiences or endangering the flight itself. We studied layperson response to four varied-length training programs (ranging from 1 h–2 d of preparation) prior to centrifuge
simulation of launch and re-entry acceleration profiles expected during suborbital spaceflight. We examined subject task execution, evaluating performance in high-stress conditions. We sought to identify any trends in demographics, hemodynamics, or similar factors in subjects with the highest
anxiety or poorest tolerance of the experience.METHODS: Volunteers participated in one of four centrifuge training programs of varied complexity and duration, culminating in two simulated suborbital spaceflights. At most, subjects underwent seven centrifuge runs over 2 d, including
two +Gz runs (peak +3.5 Gz, Run 2) and two +Gx runs (peak +6.0 Gx, Run 4) followed by three runs approximating suborbital spaceflight profiles (combined +Gx and +Gz, peak +6.0 Gx and +4.0 Gz). Two cohorts
also received dedicated anxiety-mitigation training. Subjects were evaluated on their performance on various tasks, including a simulated emergency.RESULTS: Participating in 2–7 centrifuge exposures were 148 subjects (105 men, 43 women, age range 19-72 yr, mean 39.4 ±
13.2 yr, body mass index range 17.3–38.1, mean 25.1 ± 3.7). There were 10 subjects who withdrew or limited their G exposure; history of motion sickness was associated with opting out. Shorter length training programs were associated with elevated hemodynamic responses. Single-directional
G training did not significantly improve tolerance.DISCUSSION: Training programs appear best when high fidelity and sequential exposures may improve tolerance of physical/psychological flight stressors. The studied variables did not predict anxiety-related responses to these centrifuge
profiles.Blue RS, Bonato F, Seaton K, Bubka A, Vardiman JL, Mathers C, Castleberry TL, Vanderploeg JM. The effects of training on anxiety and task performance in simulated suborbital spaceflight. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(7):641–650.
A Case Study of Human Roll Tilt Perception in Hypogravity
Authors: Clark Torin K. , Young Laurence R.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND: Increased gravito-inertial acceleration, or hypergravity, such as produced in a centrifuge or in an aircraft coordinated turn, causes humans to systematically overestimate their roll tilt in the dark. This is known as the “G-excess” illusion. We have previously
modified a mathematical observer model of dynamic orientation perception to replicate these illusory tilt perceptions. This modified model also made a novel, previously untested, prediction that humans would underestimate acute roll tilt in reduced gravitational environments (hypogravity).CASE
REPORT: In the current study, we used aircraft parabolic flight to test this prediction in a single subject. Roll tilt perception was reported using a subjective visual vertical task in which the subject aligned an illuminated line, presented in a head mounted display, with their perceived
direction of down. The same subject made reports during hypogravity parabolas (0.165 G and 0.38 G, corresponding to lunar and Martian gravity, respectively), hypergravity maneuvers (1.6 G during a pull out maneuver and 1.2 G during a coordinated turn), and 1-G control conditions (both on the
ground and in straight and level flight). As hypothesized, the subject significantly underestimated roll tilt in the hypogravity environments by approximately 40% compared to 1-G reports while overestimating roll tilt in the hypergravity environments.DISCUSSION: The amount of underestimation
observed was quantitatively consistent with that predicted a priori by the modified observer model. We propose the term “G-shortage” illusion for the underestimation of roll tilt in hypogravity. This illusion may have implications for aircraft pilots and astronauts.Clark TK,
Young LR. A case study of human roll tilt perception in hypogravity. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(7):682–687.
Remaining Useful Life Prediction of Hybrid Ceramic Bearings Using an Integrated Deep Learning and Particle Filter Approach
Authors: Deutsch Jason , He Miao , He David
Published: June 2017

Bearings are one of the most critical components in many industrial machines. Predicting remaining useful life (RUL) of bearings has been an important task for condition-based maintenance of industrial machines. One critical challenge for performing such tasks in the era of the Internet of Things and Industrial 4.0, is to automatically process massive amounts of data and accurately predict the RUL of bearings. This paper addresses the limitations of traditional data-driven prognostics, and presents a new method that integrates a deep belief network and a particle filter for RUL prediction of hybrid ceramic bearings. Real data collected from hybrid ceramic bearing run-to-failure tests were used to test and validate the integrated method. The performance of the integrated method was also compared with deep belief network and particle filter-based approaches. The validation and comparison results showed that RUL prediction performance using the integrated method was promising.
Research on the Fine-Scale Spatial Uniformity of Natural Rainfall and Rainfall from a Rainfall Simulator with a Rotary Platform (RSRP)
Authors: Liu Bo , Wang Xiaolei , Shi Lihua , Liu Xichuan , Kang Zhaojing , Chen Zhentao
Published: June 2017

Abstract: The accurate production of a rainfall environment similar to natural rainfall by a rainfall simulator (RS) is a crucial and challenging task in rainfall instrument testing or calibration. Although the spatial uniformity of rainfall accumulation is a key parameter of an RS, the spatial uniformity comparison between simulated rainfall and natural rainfall, and the spatial uniformity improvements for an RS are scant in the literature. In this study, a fine-scale natural rainfall experiment was studied using the same testing methods of an RS and the rainfall uniformity was evaluated using the Christiansen Uniformity Coefficient (CU). Simultaneously, factors influencing the spatial uniformity of natural rainfall, including the average rainfall accumulation (RA), the deviation of RA, and the area of the test zone, were analyzed. The results successfully reproduced some of the behaviors observed in natural rainfall experiments, showing that CU is dependent on these parameters. Based on these studies, we developed a rainfall simulator with a rotary platform (RSRP) and found that although spatial uniformity of the RSRP was greatly improved using an appropriate rotary speed, it was not consistent with the spatial uniformity of natural rainfall. Furthermore, we tested four tipping-bucket rain gauges using this imperfect RSRP, and found that the RSRP might acquire the instrumental errors associated with RA for a tested rainfall instrument.
Outdoor Characterization of Phase Change Materials and Assessment of Their Energy Saving Potential to Reach NZEB
Authors: Cornaro Cristina , Pierro Marco , Puggioni Valerio , Roncarati Daniele
Published: June 2017

Phase change materials (PCM) are very promising materials for improving energy efficiency in buildings, especially in hot weather conditions. In spite of the growing attention paid to the integration of PCM into buildings, there are few studies on PCM evaluation under real operating conditions. This lack of data often does not allow accurate calibration and validation of building simulation models. This work aims to characterize a commercial PCM panel by RUBITHERM®. The panel was laid on the floor of a test box exposed outdoors, and the experimental data were used to validate a PCM software tool implemented in IDA Indoor Climate and Energy software. A reference office building model with characteristics prescribed by Italian regulations (STD) was provided with three PCM with melting points of approximately 21 °C, 24 °C and 26 °C, laid on the floor office. The building energy performance obtained was compared to the energy performance of a reference building prescribed by the new Italian building energy performance regulation (NZEB) for three cities in Italy (Trento, Rome and Palermo). The results showed that energy savings obtained from implementing PCM in the STD building were not sufficient to reach the NZEB reference value for all cities. Only the use of night ventilation was able to assist in reaching NZEB. PCM with a 21 °C melting point showed the best annual energy saving performance in all cities. Temperature range and temperature peaks experienced by PCM in the day/night cycle can explain the behavior of these materials in the various cities and seasons as latent and sensible heat storage systems.
Switchable Two-Dimensional Liquid Crystal Grating in Blue Phase
Authors: Huang Bing-Yau , Lin Shih-Hung , Lin Ke-Chin , Kuo Chie-Tong
Published: June 2017

We demonstrate a switchable two-dimensional phase grating in blue phase liquid crystal (BPLC), which is fabricated by sawtooth in-plane-switch (IPS) electrodes. They are used to generate the horizontal electric field on a single indium-tin-oxide (ITO) glass substrate and, as a result, the 1-D and 2-D phase gratings can be mutual switched via different polarizations of incident light with an applied voltage. The first-order diffraction efficiency is up to 20% and 10% for the 1-D and 2-D phase grating at V = 150 V, respectively. Moreover, the rise and decay time is 0.9 and 1.1 ms, respectively, which is suitable for wide applications of high-speed optical manipulations.
Microstructure and Electrical Properties of Fe,Cu Substituted (Co,Mn)3O4 Thin Films
Authors: Szymczewska Dagmara , Molin Sebastian , Hendriksen Peter , Jasiński Piotr
Published: June 2017

In this work, thin films (~1000 nm) of a pure MnCo2O4 spinel together with its partially substituted derivatives (MnCo1.6Cu0.2Fe0.2O4, MnCo1.6Cu0.4O4, MnCo1.6Fe0.4O4) were prepared by spray pyrolysis and were evaluated for electrical conductivity. Doping by Cu increases the electrical conductivity, whereas doping by Fe decreases the conductivity. For Cu containing samples, rapid grain growth occurs and these samples develop cracks due to a potentially too high thermal expansion coefficient mismatch to the support. Samples doped with both Cu and Fe show high electrical conductivity, normal grain growth and no cracks. By co-doping the Mn, Co spinel with both Cu and Fe, its properties can be tailored to reach a desired thermal expansion coefficient/electrical conductivity value.
Choosing Surgery for Neurogenic TOS: The Roles of Physical Exam, Physical Therapy, and Imaging
Authors: Kuwayama David P. , Lund Jason R. , Brantigan Charles O. , Glebova Natalia O.
Published: June 2017

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (nTOS) is characterized by arm and hand pain, paresthesias, and sometimes weakness resulting from compression of the brachial plexus within the thoracic outlet. While it is the most common subtype of TOS, nTOS can be difficult to diagnose. Furthermore, patient selection for surgical treatment can be challenging as symptoms may be vague and ambiguous, and diagnostic studies may be equivocal. Herein, we describe some approaches to aid in identifying patients who would be expected to benefit from surgical intervention for nTOS. We describe the role of physical examination, physical therapy, and imaging in the evaluation and diagnosis of nTOS.
Technical Assessment of Different Operating Conditions of an On-Board Autothermal Reformer for Fuel Cell Vehicles
Authors: Tribioli Laura , Cozzolino Raffaello , Chiappini Daniele
Published: June 2017

This paper evaluates the performance of a fuel cell/battery vehicle with an on-board autothermal reformer, fed by different liquid and gaseous hydrocarbon fuels. A sensitivity analysis is performed to investigate the system behavior under the variation of the steam to carbon and oxygen to carbon ratios. This is done in order to identify the most suitable operating conditions for a direct on-board production of hydrogen to be used in a high temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. The same system should be able to process different fuels, to allow the end-user to freely decide which one to use to refuel the vehicle. Hence, the obtained operating conditions result in a trade-off between system flexibility as the feeding fuel changes, CO poisoning effect on the fuel cell and overall efficiency. The system is thus coupled to a high temperature fuel cell, modeled by means of a self-made tool, able to reproduce the polarization curve as the input syngas composition varies, and the overall system is afterwards tested on a plug-in fuel cell/battery vehicle simulator, in order to provide a thorough feasibility analysis, focusing on the entire system efficiency. Results show that a proper energy management strategy can mitigate the effect of the fuel variation on the reformer efficiency, allowing for good overall powertrain performance.
Identifying Bird Remains Using Ancient DNA Barcoding
Authors: Dalén Love , Lagerholm Vendela , Nylander Johan , Barton Nick , Bochenski Zbigniew , Tomek Teresa , Rudling David , Ericson Per , Irestedt Martin , Stewart John
Published: June 2017

Bird remains that are difficult to identify taxonomically using morphological methods, are common in the palaeontological record. Other types of challenging avian material include artefacts and food items from endangered taxa, as well as remains from aircraft strikes. We here present a DNA-based method that enables taxonomic identification of bird remains, even from material where the DNA is heavily degraded. The method is based on the amplification and sequencing of two short variable parts of the 16S region in the mitochondrial genome. To demonstrate the applicability of this approach, we evaluated the method on a set of Holocene and Late Pleistocene postcranial bird bones from several palaeontological and archaeological sites in Europe with good success.
Investigation on Coupled Fluid-Flow and Stress in Dual Model Rock Mass with Time-Dependent Effect and Its Simulation
Authors: Zhao Moli , Zhang Qiangyong , Li Shucai , Zhao Huan
Published: June 2017

The coupled fluid-flow and stress model with time-dependent effect is developed. In this model, rock mass is simulated as a homogeneous and isotropic dual-porosity, dual-permeability continuum. Darcy’s law is used to describe the fluid flow in a porous medium, and cubic law is used to describe the flow in fractures. The finite element method is introduced to solve the system, and the effects of fractures and fracture spacing are considered numerically. The numerical results indicate that fractures have a significant impact on the rocks’ displacement and pore pressure. It also shows an increase in plastic strain with decreasing fracture spacing, as does the creep strain. The coupled process is highly sensitive to the fracture spacing. A series of numerical simulations are conducted to better understand the complex coupled processes, which leads to an improved understanding of different aspects of naturally fractured reservoirs and may impact on experimental design to explore these attributes in a real reservoir situation.
Why Do Children Engage in Sedentary Behavior? Child- and Parent-Perceived Determinants
Authors: Hidding Lisan , Altenburg Teatske , Van Ekris Evi , Chinapaw Mai
Published: June 2017

Todays children spend a large amount of their time sedentary. There is limited evidence on the determinants of sedentary behavior in children, and qualitative studies are especially lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to explore determinants of children’s sedentary behavior from the child- and parent perspective. Qualitative data were collected during concept mapping sessions with four groups of 11–13 years old children (n = 38) and two online sessions with parents (n = 21). Children and parents generated sedentary behavior motives, sorted related motives, and rated their importance in influencing children’s sedentary time. Next, multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to create clusters of motives resulting in a concept map. Finally, the researchers named the clusters in the concept map. Concept maps of children yielded eight to ten perceived determinants, and concept maps of parents six to seven. Children and parents identified six similar potential determinants, and both rated as important: Sitting because… “it is the norm (I have to)”, and “I can work/play better that way”. In addition, children rated “there is nobody to play with” as an important potential determinant for engaging in sedentary behavior. The most important child- and parent perceived determinants were related to the social/cultural and physical environment, indicating that these are promising targets for future interventions.
Within What Distance Does “Greenness” Best Predict Physical Health? A Systematic Review of Articles with GIS Buffer Analyses across the Lifespan
Authors: Browning Matthew , Lee Kangjae
Published: June 2017

Is the amount of “greenness” within a 250-m, 500-m, 1000-m or a 2000-m buffer surrounding a person’s home a good predictor of their physical health? The evidence is inconclusive. We reviewed Web of Science articles that used geographic information system buffer analyses to identify trends between physical health, greenness, and distance within which greenness is measured. Our inclusion criteria were: (1) use of buffers to estimate residential greenness; (2) statistical analyses that calculated significance of the greenness-physical health relationship; and (3) peer-reviewed articles published in English between 2007 and 2017. To capture multiple findings from a single article, we selected our unit of inquiry as the analysis, not the article. Our final sample included 260 analyses in 47 articles. All aspects of the review were in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Analyses were independently judged as more, less, or least likely to be biased based on the inclusion of objective health measures and income/education controls. We found evidence that larger buffer sizes, up to 2000 m, better predicted physical health than smaller ones. We recommend that future analyses use nested rather than overlapping buffers to evaluate to what extent greenness not immediately around a person’s home (i.e., within 1000–2000 m) predicts physical health.
Benefits, Facilitators, Barriers, and Strategies to Improve Pesticide Protective Behaviors: Insights from Farmworkers in North Carolina Tobacco Fields
Authors: Walton AnnMarie , LePrevost Catherine , Linnan Laura , Sanchez-Birkhead Ana , Mooney Kathi
Published: June 2017

Pesticide exposure is associated with deleterious health effects. Prior studies suggest Latino farmworkers perceive little control over their occupational health. Using the Health Belief Model as a theoretical guide, we explored the perceptions of Latino farmworkers working in tobacco in North Carolina (n = 72) about benefits and facilitators of pesticide protective behaviors as well as barriers, and strategies to overcome barriers to their use. Interviews were conducted with participants at farmworker housing during non-work time. Qualitative data were analyzed using ATLAS.ti. Farmworkers recognized pesticide protective behaviors as helping them to not get sick and stay healthy. Farmworkers perceived work experience as facilitating protective behaviors. Wetness in the field was the most commonly cited barrier to protective behavior use. To overcome this barrier, farmworkers suggested use of water-resistant outerwear, as well as packing a change of clothes for mid-day, with space and time to change provided by employers. Examination of the efficacy and feasibility of farmworkers’ suggestions for addressing barriers is warranted. Training and behavior modeling by experienced peers may improve behavior adoption and perceived control.
Retrieval and Comparison of Forest Leaf Area Index Based on Remote Sensing Data from AVNIR-2, Landsat-5 TM, MODIS, and PALSAR Sensors
Authors: Chen Wei , Yin Hang , Moriya Kazuyuki , Sakai Tetsuro , Cao Chunxiang
Published: June 2017

Remote sensing data from multi-source optical and SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) sensors have been widely utilized to detect forest dynamics under a variety of conditions. Due to different temporal coverage, spatial resolution, and spectral characteristics, these sensors usually perform differently from one another. To conduct statistical modeling accuracies evaluation and comparison among several sensors, a linear statistical model was applied in this study for retrieval and comparative analysis based on remote-sensing indices from optical sensors of ALOS AVNIR-2 (Advanced Land Observing Satellite Advanced Visible and Near Infrared Radiometer type 2), Landsat-5 TM (Thematic Mapper), MODIS NBAR (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Nadir BRDF-Adjusted Reflectance), and the SAR sensor of ALOS PALSAR (Advanced Land Observing Satellite Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar), respectively. This modeling used the forest leaf area index (LAI) as the field measured variable. During modeling, six optical vegetation indices were selected for evaluation and comparison between the three optical sensors, while simultaneously, two radar indices were calculated for the comparison between ALOS AVNIR-2 and PALSAR sensors. The gap between the spatial resolution of remote-sensing data and field plot size can account for the different accuracies found in this study. This study provides a reference for the selection of remote-sensing data types and spatial resolution in specific forest monitoring applications with different data acquisition costs and accuracy needs. Normally, at regional and national scales, remote sensing data with 30 m spatial resolution (e.g., Landsat) could provide significant results in the statistical modelling and retrieval of LAI while the MODIS cannot always meet the requirements.
New MT2 Melatonin Receptor-Selective Ligands: Agonists and Partial Agonists
Authors: Boutin Jean , Bonnaud Anne , Brasseur Chantal , Bruno Olivier , Lepretre Nolwenn , Oosting Peter , Coumailleau Sophie , Delagrange Philippe , Nosjean Olivier , Legros Céline
Published: June 2017

The search for melatonin receptor agonists and antagonists specific towards one of the receptor subtypes will extend our understanding of the role of this system in relaying circadian information to the body. A series of compounds derived from a hit compound discovered in a screening process led to powerful agonists specific for one of the isoform of the melatonin receptor namely, MT2. The compounds are based on a poorly explored skeleton in the molecular pharmacology of melatonin. By changing the steric hindrance of one substituent (i.e., from a hydrogen atom to a tributylstannyl group), we identified a possible partial agonist that could lead to antagonist analogues. The functionalities of these compounds were measured with a series of assays, including the binding of GTPγS, the inhibition of the cyclic AMP production, the β-arrestin recruitment, and the cell shape changes as determined by cellular dielectric spectroscopy (CellKey®). The variations between the compounds are discussed.
Preparation and Supercooling Modification of Salt Hydrate Phase Change Materials Based on CaCl2·2H2O/CaCl2
Authors: Xu Xiaoxiao , Dong Zhijun , Memon Shazim , Bao Xiaohua , Cui Hongzhi
Published: June 2017

Salt hydrates have issues of supercooling when they are utilized as phase change materials (PCMs). In this research, a new method was adopted to prepare a salt hydrate PCM (based on a mixture of calcium chloride dihydrate and calcium chloride anhydrous) as a novel PCM system to reduce the supercooling phenomenon existing in CaCl2·6H2O. Six samples with different compositions of CaCl2 were prepared. The relationship between the performance and the proportion of calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2·2H2O) and calcium chloride anhydrous (CaCl2) was also investigated. The supercooling degree of the final PCM reduced with the increase in volume of CaCl2·2H2O during its preparation. The PCM obtained with 66.21 wt % CaCl2·2H2O reduced the supercooling degree by about 96.8%. All six samples, whose ratio of CaCl2·2H2O to (CaCl2 plus CaCl2·2H2O) was 0%, 34.03%, 53.82%, 76.56%, 90.74%, and 100% respectively, showed relatively higher enthalpy (greater than 155.29 J/g), and have the possibility to be applied in buildings for thermal energy storage purposes. Hence, CaCl2·2H2O plays an important role in reducing supercooling and it can be helpful in adjusting the solidification enthalpy. Thereafter, the influence of adding different percentages of Nano-SiO2 (0.1 wt %, 0.3 wt %, 0.5 wt %) in reducing the supercooling degree of some PCM samples was investigated. The test results showed that the supercooling of the salt hydrate PCM in Samples 6 and 5 reduced to 0.2 °C and 0.4 °C respectively. Finally, the effect of the different cooling conditions, including frozen storage (−20 °C) and cold storage (5 °C), that were used to prepare the salt hydrate PCM was considered. It was found that both cooling conditions are effective in reducing the supercooling degree of the salt hydrate PCM. With the synergistic action of the two materials, the performance and properties of the newly developed PCM systems were better especially in terms of reducing the supercooling degree of the PCM. The novel composite PCMs are promising candidates for thermal energy storage applications.
On the Application of Replica Molding Technology for the Indirect Measurement of Surface and Geometry of Micromilled Components
Authors: Baruffi Federico , Parenti Paolo , Cacciatore Francesco , Annoni Massimiliano , Tosello Guido
Published: June 2017

The evaluation of micromilled parts quality requires detailed assessments of both geometry and surface topography. However, in many cases, the reduced accessibility caused by the complex geometry of the part makes it impossible to perform direct measurements. This problem can be solved by adopting the replica molding technology. The method consists of obtaining a replica of the feature that is inaccessible for standard measurement devices and performing its indirect measurement. This paper examines the performance of a commercial replication media applied to the indirect measurement of micromilled components. Two specifically designed micromilled benchmark samples were used to assess the accuracy in replicating both surface texture and geometry. A 3D confocal microscope and a focus variation instrument were employed and the associated uncertainties were evaluated. The replication method proved to be suitable for characterizing micromilled surface texture even though an average overestimation in the nano-metric level of the Sa parameter was observed. On the other hand, the replicated geometry generally underestimated that of the master, often leading to a different measurement output considering the micrometric uncertainty.
A Simple Extraction Method of Young’s Modulus for Multilayer Films in MEMS Applications
Authors: Guo Xin-Ge , Zhou Zai-Fa , Sun Chao , Li Wei-Hua , Huang Qing-An
Published: June 2017

Based on the first resonance frequency measurement of multilayer beams, a simple extraction method has been developed to extract the Young’s modulus of individual layers. To verify this method, the double-layer cantilever, as a typical example, is analyzed to simplify the situation and finite element modeling (FEM) is used in consideration of the buckling and unbuckling situation of cantilevers. The first resonance frequencies, which are obtained by ANSYS (15.0, ANSYS Inc., Pittsburgh, PA, USA) with a group of thirteen setting values of Young’s modulus in the polysilicon layer are brought into the theoretical formulas to obtain a new group of Young’s modulus in the polysilicon layer. The reliability and feasibility of the theoretical method are confirmed, according to the slight differences between the setting values and the results of the theoretical model. In the experiment, a series of polysilicon-metal double-layer cantilevers were fabricated. Digital holographic microscopy (DHM) (Lyncée Tech, Lausanne, Switzerland) is used to distinguish the buckled from the unbuckled. A scanning laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) (Polytech GmbH, Berlin, Germany) system is used to measure the first resonance frequencies of them. After applying the measurement results into the theoretical modulus, the average values of Young’s modulus in the polysilicon and gold layers are 151.78 GPa and 75.72 GPa, respectively. The extracted parameters are all within the rational ranges, compared with the available results.
Deoxyelephantopin and Isodeoxyelephantopin as Potential Anticancer Agents with Effects on Multiple Signaling Pathways
Authors: Mehmood Tahir , Maryam Amara , Ghramh Hamed , Khan Muhammad , Ma Tonghui
Published: June 2017

Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death worldwide. The development of drugs to target only one specific signaling pathway has limited therapeutic success. Developing chemotherapeutics to target multiple signaling pathways has emerged as a new prototype for cancer treatment. Deoxyelephantopin (DET) and isodeoxyelephantopin (IDET) are sesquiterpene lactone components of “Elephantopus scaber and Elephantopus carolinianus”, traditional Chinese medicinal herbs that have long been used as folk medicines to treat liver diseases, diabetes, diuresis, bronchitis, fever, diarrhea, dysentery, cancer, and inflammation. Recently, the anticancer activity of DET and IDET has been widely investigated. Here, our aim is to review the current status of DET and IDET, and discuss their anticancer activity with specific emphasis on molecular targets and mechanisms used by these compounds to trigger apoptosis pathways which may help to further design and conduct research to develop them as lead therapeutic drugs for cancer treatments. The literature has shown that DET and IDET induce apoptosis through multiple signaling pathways which are deregulated in cancer cells and suggested that by targeting multiple pathways simultaneously, these compounds could selectively kill cancer cells. This review suggests that DET and IDET hold promising anticancer activity but additional studies and clinical trials are needed to validate and understand their therapeutic effect to develop them into potent therapeutics for the treatment of cancer.