bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NucBase, an easy to use read mapper for small RNAs
Authors: Dufourt Jeremy , Pouchin Pierre , Peyret Pierre , Brasset Emilie , Vaury Chantal
Published: January 2013

Background

High-throughput deep-sequencing technology has generated an unprecedented number of expressed sequence reads that offer the opportunity to get insight into biological systems. Several databases report the sequence of small regulatory RNAs which play a prominent role in the control of transposable elements (TE). However, the huge amount of data reported in these databases remains mostly unexplored because the available tools are hard for biologists to use.

Results

Here we report NucBase, a new program designed to make an exhaustive search for sequence matches and to align short sequence reads from large nucleic acid databases to genomes or input sequences. NucBase includes a graphical interface which allows biologists to align sequences with ease and immediately visualize matched sequences, their number and their genomic position. NucBase identifies nucleic motives with strict identity to input sequences, and it capably finds candidates with one or several mismatches. It offers the opportunity to identify “core sequences” comprised of a chosen number of consecutive matching nucleotides. This software can be run locally on any Windows, Linux or Mac OS computer with 32-bit architecture compatibility.

Conclusions

Since this software is easy to use and can detect reads that were undetected by other software, we believe that it will be useful for biologists involved in the field of TE silencing by small non-coding RNAs. We hope NucBase will be useful for a larger community of researchers, since it makes exploration of small nucleic sequences in any organism much easier.
Gene encoding prolactin in cinnamon clownfish Amphiprion melanopus and its expression upon acclimation to low salinities
Authors: Noh Gyeong Eon , Rho Sum , Chang Yong Jin , Min Byung Hwa , Kim Jong-Myoung
Published: January 2013

Background

Prolactin (PRL) is a key hormone for osmoregulation in fish. Levels of PRL in the pituitary gland and plasma ion composition of clownfish seem to change to regulate their hydromineral balance during adaptation to waters of different salinities. In order to understand osmoregulatory mechanism and its association with growth performance and PRL in fish, the gene encoding PRL and its expression level in cinnamon clownfish Amphiprion melanopus upon acclimation to low salinity was analyzed.

Results

The PRL gene of A. melanopus encoded a protein of 212 amino acid residues comprised of a putative signal peptide of 24 amino acids and a mature protein of 188 amino acids. Analysis of growth performance under different salinities of 34, 25, 15, and 10 ppt indicated that cinnamon clownfish could survive under salinities as low as 10 ppt. A higher rate of growth was observed at the lower salinities as compared to that of 34 ppt. Upon shifting the salinity of the surrounding water from 34 ppt to 15 ppt, the level of the PRL transcripts gradually increased to reach the peak level until 24 h of acclimation at 15 ppt, but decreased back as adaptation continued to 144 h. In contrast, levels of plasma Na+, Cl-, and osmolality decreased at the initial stage (4–8 h) of acclimation at 15 pt but increased back as adaptation continued till 144 h.

Conclusion

Cinnamon clownfish could survive under salinities as low as 10 ppt. Upon shifting the salinity of the surrounding water from 34 ppt to 15 ppt, the level of the PRL transcripts gradually increased during the initial stage of acclimation but decreased back to the normal level as adaptation continued. An opposite pattern of changes - decrease at the beginning followed by an increase - in the levels of plasma Na+, Cl-, and osmolality was found upon acclimation to low salinity. The results suggest an involvement of PRL in the processes of osmoregulation and homeostasis in A. melanopus.
The effect of seeing a family physician on the level of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients
Authors: Mahdavi Ali Reza , Etemad Koorosh , Haider Muhiuddin , Alavinia Seyed Mohammad
Published: January 2013

Background

Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in diabetic patients reflects the average blood glucose level, and will not be affected by variability in blood glucose in short time. Regular care of patients by medical staff could effectively control glycemic situation. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of medical care by general physicians on glycemic control by measuring of HbA1c.

Methods

In order to assess the effectiveness of National program for diabetes control and prevention in Iran, we compare HbA1c, Fasting blood glucose (FBS), systolic and diastolic blood pressure in two groups of diabetic patients diagnosed in this program. The first group consisted of patients who received at least four visits by General Physician (GP) during one year after the diagnosis, and second group were patients who did not visited by GPs or received 1–3 visits.

Results

After one year, 24.1% of patients did not receive any care, while 57.9% examined at least once a year. Among visited patients, 23.5% received 1–3 times medical care and 23.5% received four or more visits. HbA1c was significantly lowered in patients with appropriate care (four and more) compared with the non cared patients and patients with less than four cares.

Conclusion

Appropriate number of visits for each patient by GPs is an effective glycemic control in diabetic patients. Although this study provides a framework for medical care in diabetes, how to take care of these patients depends on specific situation of each patient and should be determined for each of them individually.
The role of mentalising in the management of violence
Authors: Adshead Gwen , Moore Estelle , Humphrey Martin , Wilson Claire , Tapp James
Published: January 2013

Violence between people is a complex social phenomenon involving both social and individual psychological variables. Prevention of violence includes attention to risk factors for violence; but also the provision of interventions for those who have been violent to others. This article explores the evidence that failures of the mentalising process are a risk factor for acts of violence, especially in mental health service users; and describes the implementation of potential therapeutic programmes that seek to improve mentalising in individuals who pose a risk of serious violence to others.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Is There a Correlation?
Authors: Jankovic Bojana , Le Karen T. , Hershman Jerome M.
Published: January 2013

Context:

The link between Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has long been a topic of controversy. There are conflicting reports; some suggest that these two are positively correlated, whereas other studies report no relationship.

Evidence Acquisition:

We performed a systematic literature review of original studies that investigated the correlation between HT and PTC. The two main search engines used to identify articles were OVID Medline and PubMed. The included studies were categorized into a fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) group and an archival thyroidectomy specimen group.

Evidence Synthesis:

There is no clear evidence to support the correlation between HT and PTC. Population-based FNAB studies report no linkage, whereas many of the studies of thyroidectomy specimens report a positive relationship. The average prevalence rate of PTC in patients with HT was 1.20% in 8 FNA studies of 18 023 specimens and 27.56% in 8 archival thyroidectomy studies of 9 884 specimens. The relative risk ratio of finding evidence of PTC in HT specimens ranged from .39 to 1.00 in the FNA group (average RR = .69) in contrast to 1.15 to 4.16 from the archival thyroidectomy studies (average RR = 1.59). In addition, there are many studies in the literature that propose a genetic link between HT and PTC involving the PI3K/Akt pathway and RET/PTC gene rearrangements.

Conclusion:

Although limited by the lack of definitive pathology, population-based FNA studies did not find a statistically significant correlation between HT and PTC. Thyroidectomy studies, which reported a statistically significant positive correlation, are subject to selection bias. More prospective studies with longer follow-up are needed to further elucidate this relationship.
Slum Clearance and Urban Renewal in the United States
Authors: Collins William J , Shester Katharine L
Published: January 2013

We study the local effects of a federal program that helped cities clear areas for redevelopment, rehabilitate structures, complete city plans, and enforce building codes. We use an instrumental variable strategy to estimate the program's effects on city-level measures of income, property values, employment and poverty rates, and population. The estimated effects on income, property values, and population are positive and economically significant. They are not driven by changes in demographic composition. Estimated effects on poverty reduction and employment are positive but imprecise. The results are consistent with a model in which local productivity is enhanced. (JEL I32, N32, N92, R23, R38, R58)
Agranulocytosis Induced by Proton Pump Inhibitors; Two Cases of Fatal Antimalarial-Induced Cardiomyopathy; Oxaliplatin-Induced Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura; Unique Skin Eruption Caused by Telaprevir; Acute-Onset Opioid-Induced Hyperalgesia in a Child; Risk of Sharing a Pill Cutter; Dementia and Risk of Adverse Warfarin-Related Events in Nursing Homes; Comparative Rates of Adverse Events with Parenteral Formulations of Iron
Authors: Shuster Joel
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Drug Monographs: Ziv-aflibercept and Vincristine Sulfate Liposome
Authors: Lee Jessica N. , Solimando Dominic A. , Waddell J. Aubrey
Published: January 2013

The complexity of cancer chemotherapy requires pharmacists be familiar with the complicated regimens and highly toxic agents used. This column reviews various issues related to preparation, dispensing, and administration of antineoplastic therapy, and the agents, both commercially available and investigational, used to treat malignant diseases.
Vardenafil: Raynaud Phenomenon
Authors: Generali Joyce A. , Cada Dennis J.
Published: January 2013

This Hospital Pharmacy feature is extracted from Off-Label Drug Facts, a quarterly publication available from Wolters Kluwer Health. Off-Label Drug Facts is a practitioner-oriented resource for information about specific drug uses that are unapproved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This new guide to the literature enables the health care professional or clinician to quickly identify published studies on off-label uses and determine if a specific use is rational in a patient care scenario. References direct the reader to the full literature for more comprehensive information before patient care decisions are made. Direct questions or comments regarding Off-Label Drug Uses to jgeneral@kumc.edu .
Preceptor Development: Providing Effective Feedback
Authors: Wilkinson Samaneh T. , Couldry Rick , Phillips Holly , Buck Brian
Published: January 2013

Feedback plays a significant role in precepting and is indispensable in residency training. As described by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the goal of any postgraduate residency program is to prepare individual trainees to function as qualified practitioners. Although feedback and evaluations have traditionally been synonymous, our goal is to differentiate the two and describe the role of each within resident performance. The goal of this article is to provide preceptors with the tools to provide timely, effective, and quality feedback to residents on a regular basis. Although the focus of this article is on residency training, these concepts can be utilized in student rotations as well.
Dosing Accuracy of Insulin Aspart FlexPens after Transport through the Pneumatic Tube System
Authors: Ward Leah G. , Heckman Michael G. , Warren Amy I. , Tran Kimberly
Published: January 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether transporting insulin aspart FlexPens via a pneumatic tube system affects the dosing accuracy of the pens.

Methods

A total of 115 Novo Nordisk FlexPens containing insulin aspart were randomly assigned to be transported via a pneumatic tube system (n = 92) or to serve as the control (n = 23). Each pen was then randomized to 10 international unit (IU) doses (n = 25) or 30 IU doses (n = 67), providing 600 and 603 doses, respectively, for the pneumatic tube group. The control group also received random assignment to 10 IU doses (n = 6) or 30 IU doses (n = 17), providing 144 and 153 doses, respectively. Each dose was expelled using manufacturer instructions. Weights were recorded, corrected for specific gravity, and evaluated based on acceptable International Organization for Standardization (ISO) dosing limits.

Results

In the group of pens transported through the pneumatic tube system, none of the 600 doses of 10 IU (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.6) and none of the 603 doses of 30 IU (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0 to 0.6) fell outside of the range of acceptable weights. Correspondingly, in the control group, none of the 144 doses at 10 IU (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0 to 2.5) and none of the 153 doses at 30 IU (0.0%; 95% CI, 0.0 to 2.4) were outside of acceptable ISO limits.

Conclusion

Transportation via pneumatic tube system does not appear to compromise dosing accuracy. Hospital pharmacies may rely on the pneumatic tube system for timely and accurate transport of insulin aspart FlexPens.
Implementation of a Standardized Discharge Time-out Process to Reduce Prescribing Errors at Discharge
Authors: Beardsley James R. , Schomberg Regina H. , Heatherly Steven J. , Williams Beth S.
Published: January 2013

Background

To reduce prescribing errors occurring on discharge from the hospital, a standardized discharge time-out process was implemented on a general medicine service at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. In the time-out process, the multidisciplinary care team reviewed the patient's medical records together to determine the optimal discharge medication regimen. This regimen was recorded on a time-out form and then was used to develop the patient's discharge documents.

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a standardized discharge time-out process on prescribing errors that occur as patients are discharged from a general medicine service.

Methods

The medical records of all patients discharged from a general medicine service during 60-day periods before (“pre-group”) and after (“post-group”) implementation of a standardized discharge time-out process were retrospectively reviewed by an internal medicine physician to determine the presence of discharge prescribing errors.

Results

There were 142 and 124 evaluable patients in the pre- and post-groups, respectively. Compliance with the time-out process was 93% in the post-group. At least 1 prescribing error was detected in 49 (34.5%) of the discharges in the pre-group and 17 (13%) of the discharges in the post-group ( P < .0001). All of the errors noted in the post-group occurred in discharges in which a clinical pharmacist was not involved.

Conclusions

A multidisciplinary, standardized discharge time-out process was associated with a dramatic reduction in prescribing errors when patients were discharged from a general medicine service. The time-out process is one strategy to improve patient safety at hospital discharge.
Y-Site Compatibility of Vancomycin and Piperacillin/Tazobactam at Commonly Utilized Pediatric Concentrations
Authors: Nichols Kristen R. , DeMarco Michael W. , Vertin Michael D. , Knoderer Chad A.
Published: January 2013

Background

Vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam are common empiric antibiotics in hospitalized pediatric patients. Studies evaluating intravenous (IV) compatibility at various concentrations show inconsistent results.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the Y-site compatibility of vancomycin 10 mg/mL and piperacillin/tazobactam 112.5 mg/mL.

Methods

Vancomycin (10 g vial) was reconstituted using sterile water for injection (SWFI) and diluted with 5% dextrose in water (D5W) to a final concentration of 10 mg/mL in an evacuated IV bag. Piperacillin/tazobactam (40.5 g vial) was reconstituted and diluted with SWFI to a final concentration of 112.5 mg/mL (100 mg/mL piperacillin) in an evacuated IV bag. Both antibacterial stock solutions were then stored in a refrigerator at 4°C (39.2°F). Initial solution appearances, including color, clarity, and particulates, were documented. Diluted solutions were mixed in a quantity of 3 mL of each vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam in glass test tubes. Subsequent evaluation included pH assessment and visual evaluation with unaided eye, magnifying glass, high-beam light, and via Spec-20 turbidimeter. Solution mixtures were evaluated upon mixing and again at 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 4 hours after mixing.

Results

Initial combination of vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam resulted in a milky precipitate, visible to the unaided eye, which dissipated 15 seconds after mixing. No precipitate was visualized via any method at any additional time point. Turbidimetry and pH readings did not demonstrate differences from baseline measurements.

Conclusions

A combination of vancomycin 10 mg/mL and piperacillin/tazobactam 112.5 mg/mL demonstrated precipitation immediately upon mixing. Co-infusion of vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam via Y-site should be considered incompatible.
Elvitegravir/Cobicistat/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Tablets
Authors: Cada Dennis J. , Torres Silvia , Levien Terri L. , Baker Danial E.
Published: January 2013

Each month, subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service receive 5 to 6 well-documented monographs on drugs that are newly released or are in late phase 3 trials. The monographs are targeted to Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committees. Subscribers also receive monthly 1-page summary monographs on agents that are useful for agendas and pharmacy/nursing in-services. A comprehensive target drug utilization evaluation/medication use evaluation (DUE/MUE) is also provided each month. With a subscription, the monographs are sent in print and are also available on-line. Monographs can be customized to meet the needs of a facility. Subscribers to The Formulary Monograph Service also receive access to a pharmacy bulletin board, The Formulary Information Exchange (The F.I.X.). All topics pertinent to clinical and hospital pharmacy are discussed on The F.I.X. A drug class review is now published monthly with The Formulary Monograph Service.

Through the cooperation of The Formulary, Hospital Pharmacy publishes selected reviews in this column. For more information about The Formulary Monograph Service or The F.I.X., call The Formulary at 800-322-4349. The January 2013 monograph topics are onperampanel, omacetaxine mepesuccinate, ocriplasmin, sodium picosulfate/magnesium oxide/anhydrous citric acid, and lomitapide. The DUE/MUE is on perampanel.
Is Glacial Acetic Acid Really Needed at Your Hospital? Providing Patients with Unused Medications at Discharge; Is it Insulin or Heparin? Warning! Do Not Use Unrefrigerated Avastin and Lucentis
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: January 2013

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Approvals, Submission, and Important Labeling Changes for US Marketed Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Baker Danial E.
Published: January 2013

This monthly feature will help readers keep current on new drugs, new indications, dosage forms, and safety-related changes in labeling or use. Efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of this information; however, if there are any questions, please let me know at bakerdan@wsu.edu .
Things I Wish I had Known before becoming a Pharmacy Leader
Authors: Mark Scott M.
Published: January 2013

The Director's Forum series is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. This month's article is intended to provide tips and guidance for new pharmacists who suddenly find themselves in managerial roles. While this can be a challenge, there is a network of colleagues within the profession who have also experienced this transition.
Health Information Technology Updates to Start the New Year
Authors: Fox Brent I. , Felkey Bill G.
Published: January 2013

We write our articles several months in advance. This month, we are writing at the time of the Presidential election and the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) meeting. We focus on health information technology (HIT) topics of interest from the meeting, beginning with a brief look at the HIT implications of the recent re-election of President Obama.
Cooperative formation and functions of multimetal supramolecular systems
Authors: Nabeshima Tatsuya , Yamamura Masaki
Published: January 2013

Multimetal complexes provide a variety of interesting structures, unique properties, and functions. Such sophisticated functions are often produced by synergistic and cooperative interactions among the metal ions accumulated in the restricted small area of the multimetal systems. We describe novel three strategies (i.e., macrocyclic, C-shape, and multimetal template) for the preparation of the multimetal supramolecular systems by the cooperative metal binding of a multi-Schiff-base and multi-oxime ligands, and their characteristic structures and functions. The three approaches are versatile and effective because the employed coordination reactions smoothly and quickly proceeded under mild conditions to quantitatively form the desired coordination structures. The multimetal supramolecular systems obtained here exhibit the synergistic and cooperative functions for ion recognition, magnetic properties, helicity control, and modulation of reaction selectivity. These types of multimetal complexes could be developed for a cascade functional supramolecular system that shows highly synergistic properties, integrated multifunctions, and function amplification.
Automotive Lubricants and Testing
Authors: Tung Simon C. , Totten George E.
Published: January 2013

Description

Thirty chapters provide a comprehensive overview of various lubrication aspects of a typical powertrain system including the engine, transmission, driveline, chassis, and other components. The manual addresses major issues and current development status of automotive lubricant test methods.

Topics also cover advanced lubrication and tribochemistry of the powertrain system, such as diesel fuel lubrication, specialized automotive lubricant testing development, filtration testing of automotive lubricants, lubrication of constant velocity joints, and biodegradable automotive lubricants.

Major chapters cover
Other Automotive Specialized Lubricant Testing Including Manual Transmission, Rear Axle, and Gear Box Lubricant Testing and Specification
Authors: Simner Dave
Published: January 2013

Having discussed the fundamentals of the various transmission units in Chapter 10, the potential tests that would be required to prove that the lubricant is satisfactory for service are considered here. It is clear that there is a vast choice of tests available for this purpose, and equally, there is a whole range of performance indicators to ensure that the transmission is fit for the duty required. In certain circumstances, only one specific function of the lubricant will need to be proven to specify that fluid; at other times, there is a whole host of different functions that need to be tested and signed off. In this chapter, the options for testing transmission units and their lubricants are discussed. Most of these options will affect or be affected by the lubricant. However, for completeness, some testing in which the fluids are unlikely to have much of a part to play is included.
Nonpetroleum-Based, No/Low-Sulphur, Ash, and Phosphorus, and Bio-No-Toxicity Engine Oil Development and Testing
Authors: Woydt Mathias
Published: January 2013

More and more, engine oils must minimize or avoid their effect on the durability of particulate filters and catalysts, and in the future, on terrestrial and aquatic environments. They must also maximize their contribution to fuel economy. Replacing hydrocarbon-based oils with environmentally friendly products is one of the ways to reduce the adverse effects on the ecosystem caused by the use of lubricants. By analyzing recent technological evolutions and future trends in engine oil specifications, with the associated consequences for the functional properties performed by base oils and individual additives, the need and potential application of alternative base oils with intrinsic properties will be displayed. The focus of this chapter is on alternative base oils.
Current and Future Advances in Materials Development for Tribological Applications
Authors: Rivolta Barbara , Canale Lauralice
Published: January 2013

Improvements in the tribological performance of engines can produce many benefits, the most important of which are

• A reduction in fuel and oil consumption;

• A reduction in maintenance requirements and no longer of service intervals;

• An increase in engine power output;

• Harmful exhaust emissions reduction; and

• Improved durability, reliability, and engine life.
Diesel Fuel Lubrication and Testing
Authors: Qu Jun
Published: January 2013

Diesel engine fuel pump and fuel injection system components rely for lubrication on the fuels that are generally not good lubricants. Diesel fuels have low viscosities and are composed almost entirely of nonpolar hydrocarbons with intrinsically poor boundary lubricating properties. To achieve relatively complete combustion to reduce exhaust emissions, fuel injection pressures in diesel engines of recent manufacture are becoming very high (~200 MPa) to achieve fine atomization of the fuel. The tolerances between the plungers and the bores in fuel injectors (e.g., Figure 23.1) must be extremely tight, typically 2–4 μm, to seal the pressure between the top and bottom ends [1]. The combination of the low fuel lubricity and tight geometric clearance makes the diesel fuel injector operate at boundary lubrication and vulnerable to scuffing damage that would cause the injector plunger to stick or seize, leading to an engine failure.
Filters and Filtration Testing of Automotive Fuels and Lubricants
Authors: Bessee Gary , Clark-Heinrich Erica
Published: January 2013

This chapter provides an introduction to automotive petroleum filtration—fuels and lubricants. This chapter is not intended to provide the reader with in-depth guidance, but rather to provide a general introduction to automotive fuel and lubricant filtration.
Destructive Adsorption for Enhanced Chemical Protection
Authors: Obendorf S. Kay , Spero Ellan F.
Published: January 2013

Destructive adsorption was studied as a mechanism to provide enhanced chemical protection for traditional textiles. A test procedure for chemical protective clothing fabrics using low volume contamination was used to focus on chemical protection by the mechanism of adsorption. Conventional woven fabrics were treated with two self-decontaminating textile treatments, N-halamine (chlorinated 1, 3-dimethylol-5, 5-dimethylhydantoin (DMDMH)) and MgO nanoparticles; a third treatment included starch in addition to MgO. Both N-halamine and MgO treatments demonstrated some degree of degradation of the toxin aldicarb. However, the MgO-treated specimens exhibited more degradative products and reduction of aldicarb than the N-halamine DMDMH. The fabric treatments containing the MgO nano-particles resulted in destructive adsorption of aldicarb resulting in self-decontamination. Inclusion of starch with the MgO resulted in fabric that exhibited evidence of both physical adsorption and destructive adsorption of the toxin. The role of destructive adsorption to decontaminate traditional fabrics was clearly demonstrated. This self-decontamination enhances chemical protection at low volume contamination.
Roller Profile Development for an Axially Loaded, Single Row Spherical Roller Bearing in an Oscillating Application
Authors: Cowles J. H. , Houle C. A.
Published: January 2013

Typically it is not recommended to use a single row spherical roller bearing in an application in which there are significant axial loads. The use of these bearings in a less than optimal customer application can be driven by the need for a high load capacity within a limited geometric envelope. Specialized roller profiles can be developed that eliminate high contact stresses on the roller ends that can lead to the premature failure of the bearing. In this paper, analytical results are presented for the roller to raceway contact stress of four different roller profiles with a given load applied to the bearing. The profiles considered are single transverse radius, double trans-verse radii, and optimized symmetric and asymmetric. The piecewise logarithmic profiles developed are applied to a barrel roller in this paper, but a generalized method is developed such that the profile could be applied to any type of roller—cylindrical, barrel, hourglass, or tapered. The analysis results for two of the profiles are validated by dynamic testing performed within RBC's Corporate Test Laboratory on a three axis, hydraulic, computer controlled test rig. The bearing inner ring is oscillated while the bearing is subjected to simultaneous radial and axial loads. The control software allows the monitoring of radial displacement and bearing torque during testing. The test results correlate very well with the analytical results. The displacement and torque readouts are shown to predict the onset of raceway fatigue and spalling for one of the roller configurations before testing is complete and the bearing is disassembled.
Effects of Overgarment Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate on Human Thermal Comfort
Authors: Winterhalter Carole , Truong Quoc , Endrusick Thomas , Cardello Armand , Lesher Larry
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of moisture vapor transport properties of four different groups of overgarments (OGs) on physiological, sensory, and comfort responses. These OGs were made from materials containing an impermeable film and three semi-permeable (or moisture vapor permeable) membranes with varying moisture vapor transmission rates (MVTR). The impermeable film had an MVTR of 5 g/m2/24 h, and the three moisture vapor membranes had MVTRs of 360, 670, and 864. These four OGs were evaluated under two environmental and work/rest conditions. The environmental conditions consisted of a warm environment, Ta = 29.2°C, 51 % relative humidity, V = 1.1 m/s and a cool environment, Ta = 18.4°C, 50 % relative humidity, V = 1.1 m/s. Eight men wore the OGs while performing 4 h of intermittent exercise. Rectal temperature, an 8-point mean weighted skin temperature and heart rate were continuously recorded. Skin wettedness was calculated from dew point sensors under the OG. Mean body weight loss and moisture absorption by the OG, underwear, and foot-wear were measured from pre- and post-experiment weights. A sensory and comfort rating questionnaire was presented to the volunteers every 30 min. During prolonged intermittent exercise in moderate environmental conditions, volunteers wearing OGs with MVTR of 670 and greater produced less thermo-physiological stress, independent of changes in perceived comfort. Perceived comfort of the MVTR 5 OG was significantly lower than all other garments at 18.4°C. At 29.2°C, both the MVTR 5 and 360 OG produced lower comfort, but not significantly. At 29.2°C, volunteers were significantly warmer, sweatier, and experienced significantly greater moisture on their skin, undergarments, and inside their OGs than at 18.4°C, and these sensations increased over time. However, at 29.2°C, perceived comfort differences among MVTR levels were either not significant or not associated with MVTR level.
Development of a Test Apparatus/Method and Material Specifications for Protection from Steam under Pressure
Authors: Ackerman M. Y. , Crown E. M. , Dale J. D. , Murtaza G. , Batcheller J. , Gonzalez J. A.
Published: January 2013

Industrial steam presents a worker hazard that has not been addressed within the protective clothing industry to date, and traditional flame-resistant materials provide little protection against this hazard. A test method and associated equipment has been developed and evaluated against field measurements to ensure that the method is able to differentiate among materials and is representative of the actual hazard. A two-level system of ranking textiles has been suggested: Level 1—fabrics that would be used for everyday use, and Level 2—fabrics that could be used for higher risk operations. The two-level system proposed is based on energy transmitted through the material and time to the onset of a second-degree thermal injury
A Model to Estimate Separator Forces during Ball Speed Variations
Authors: Leveille Alan , Frantz Peter , Rosene Garry
Published: January 2013

When the combined loads on ball bearings include forces in the radial or moment directions, the balls will not orbit the bearing at one common speed. This ball speed variation (BSV) might result in additional bearing friction forces if the variation in speed is large enough to allow the balls to spread out from their normal spacing by an amount that exceeds the cage pocket clearances. In this paper we present a model used to estimate the cage forces and friction torques caused by BSV and compare the model predictions with measured friction torque test data. The model first analyzes the forces on a single ball by determining the distance over which a ball must slip during a single orbit of the bearing center. The ball to race force is determined by equating the energy lost during this slip with the energy input through traction at the inner race interface. The component of the ball to cage force normal to the ball–pocket interface is then determined by balancing this force with the ball to race force. The cage to land force is similarly determined by balancing the collective forces at all the ball to race and ball to cage interfaces. Finally, the BSV drag torque is written as the sum of contributions from these three drag sources. In order to validate the model, test data were obtained using single 204 size bearings operating under applied thrust and radial loading. The bearing drag torque was found to depend on the degree of misalignment and cage pocket clearance, as predicted by the model.
Manganese Levels in Limestone: Operational Issues in Wet Limestone Flue Gas Scrubbing Technologies
Authors: Fraley Scott
Published: January 2013

Wet flue gas desulfurization (WFGD) systems have been operating in electric utility coal-fired boiler plants since sulfur dioxide emissions became regulated with a series of amendments to the Clean Air Act from 1971–1977. Since that time, significant improvements have been made in these system designs in terms of scrubbing performance; but scaling and the associated corrosion in limestone forced oxidation (LSFO) based WFGD towers continues to be a concern with scrubber operations. Scaling in a WFGD system is most often caused by operational factors; however, scaling can also form through undesirable side reactions. The formation of MnOx has been observed in the cooling water systems of power plants for a number of decades. MnOx scale deposition is understood through two oxidation mechanisms—one chemical and one biological. MnOx scale can be formed through chemical oxidation with halogens or biocides. Biological oxidation of manganese (Mn) is the result of naturally occurring bacteria from fresh water sources. Understanding how MnOx scale is formed is important; however, the associated corrosion is the deeper issue. Most research on industrial Mn scaling and corrosion has focused on the water source as the leading contributor; however, for WFGD systems, reagent limestone has been found to be a notable contributor of soluble Mn. The proper selection of limestone is important to reducing levels of soluble Mn in the system. This presentation will review several examples of the scaling and corrosion problems and what can be done to mitigate these problems in terms of limestone quality and operational conditions.
Proactive Pavement Smoothness from the Base Upward
Authors: Goodman Stephen N. , Arsenault Rhiannon , Dziedziejko Tom
Published: January 2013

The importance of high initial smoothness on newly constructed or rehabilitated pavement facilities has been identified by many researchers and recognized by many road agencies. Pavements with high initial smoothness display retarded roughness progression and, therefore, longer service lives. In Ontario, Canada, the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) implemented a bonus/penalty system for smoothness in the mid-1990s. Initially based on the profile index and scallops (i.e., bumps) measured with a California Profilograph, the specification is now based on the International Roughness Index analyzed locally (for bumps) and over regular intervals. The potential bonus for high initial smoothness in Ontario is considerable, as is the potential penalty for excessive roughness. Furthermore, the ability to correct areas of excessive roughness after placement is greatly limited by the MTO because the public does not wish to observe a new pavement surface being “damaged” by a milling machine. Given such, contractors are proactively requesting smoothness testing on base pavement layers so that areas of excessive roughness can be addressed prior to the placement of the surface layer. However, once the smoothness of the base layer is determined, the contractor must decide whether areas of excessive roughness will be sufficiently smoothed by the surface hot mix asphalt (HMA) layer or whether milling is first required (at additional cost). In addition to a brief overview of the Ontario smoothness specification, this paper presents the change in pavement smoothness with increasing HMA layers measured at a select project location in order to identify how much additional smoothing a contractor should anticipate. Of particular interest is the change in smoothness from an in-place recycled layer to a base HMA layer and, finally, a surface HMA layer. The results will allow contractors to optimize pavement smoothness (and their associated bonus) while minimizing costly corrective milling.
Practical Implementation of Automated Fault Measurement Based on Pavement Profiles
Authors: Chang George K. , Watkins James , Orthmeyer Robert
Published: January 2013

The current U.S. Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) requires state highway agencies (SHA) to report to the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) a set of pavement-condition data, which includes faulting data on jointed concrete pavements, among other data items. To address this pressing need for an automated fault-measurement method based on pavement profile data to reduce the risk associated with manual faulting measurements, the authors developed an automated faulting measurements (AFM) module in the profile viewing and analysis tool (ProVAL), to allow practical application of this method for state department of transportation (DOT) users. This paper describes the development of the AFM algorithm (including joint finding and joint fault computation), the associated field validation program, recommended profile measurement methodology, and usage/limitation of the AFM tool on the ProVAL platform. Through the peer reviews and field validation efforts, the AFM is shown to be an effective tool for implementation of automated fault measurements. Therefore, the AFM is served as the basis for AASHTO R 36–12 “Standard Practice for Estimating Faulting of Concrete Pavements.”
Estimating Acoustic Performance Trends of Various Asphalt-Surface Mixtures Based on Field Measurement
Authors: Lu Qing
Published: January 2013

As one measure to reduce traffic noise, designing a noise-reducing (“quiet”) pavement surface has received increasing attention. For asphalt pavements, some existing asphalt mixtures have shown better noise-reducing capabilities than conventional dense-graded asphalt concrete (DGAC) pavements. To design a new asphalt mixture optimized for noise reduction, the acoustic performance of existing asphalt–surface mixtures needs to be evaluated and understood. For this purpose, a study was conducted to measure tire/pavement noise on a variety of asphalt pavements for four consecutive years. The tire/pavement noise was measured with an on-board sound-intensity (OBSI) method that was continuously improved during the study. Regression analysis was applied to determine the levels and increase rates of tire/pavement noise on four major asphalt mixtures, and the effects of mix design variables on tire/pavement noise. Results show that tire/pavement noise generally increases with pavement age on all types of asphalt pavements. For newly placed or overlaid pavements, open-graded or rubberized gap-graded mixtures exhibit lower noise levels than conventional dense-graded asphalt mixture. Open-graded asphalt mixtures can retain noise-reduction benefit for a longer period than gap-graded mixtures. Using rubberized binders in the open-graded mixtures can further reduce the noise-increase rate. Pavement surface permeability, macrotexture, and existing surface distresses may affect the tire/pavement noise level.
Effect of Water, Speed, and Grade on Continuous Friction Measurement Equipment (CFME)
Authors: de León Izeppi Edgar , Flintsch Gerardo , McGhee Kevin
Published: January 2013

The regional pooled-fund project known as the Pavement Surface Properties Consortium is a research program focused on enhancing the level of service provided by the roadway transportation system by optimizing pavement surface texture characteristics. The program was set up in 2006 with support from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and six departments of transportation. The Consortium provides a practical mechanism to conduct research on pavement surface properties and explore their relationships with ride quality, friction, and noise. Complementing this effort, additional research focuses on the review, testing, and evaluation of emerging technologies. Some of the technologies tested have been Continuous Friction Measurement Equipment (CFME) operating with fixed-slip ratios. In 2010, it was decided to run comparisons of all the units to validate and establish a database and perform repeatability and sensitivity evaluations at the Virginia Smart Road. In this paper, we evaluate CFME equipment with tests conducted at different speeds and a fixed 0.5-mm water-film-thickness flow rate. A second comparison was also made in which the water-film thickness was varied, while the speed was kept constant at 65 km/h (40 mph). All of the devices were tested back to back to eliminate the effect of temperature differences on the pavement and on the water. Preliminary results show that at greater speeds, the measured friction coefficients measured are lower. Likewise, the greater the water-film thickness used, the lower the measured friction coefficients. There is also evidence that some of these units might be affected by the longitudinal grade.
Measuring Rolling Resistance of Typical Swedish Pavements
Authors: Sandberg Ulf
Published: January 2013

Rolling resistance properties of a large number of Swedish pavements and a few Danish pavements have been measured in recent years by means of a special trailer produced and owned by the Technical University of Gdansk in Poland. Three different automobile and light truck tires have been used as reference tires, two of them representing automobile tires and one representing truck tires (with regard to pavement properties). There are several problems related to the measurement methods, which are briefly dealt with in this paper. The main part of the paper reports the rolling resistance coefficients (RRCs) that have been measured over a range of pavements common in Sweden and over a range of conditions. It appears that there is a very good and repeatable correlation between RRC and mean profile depth (MPD) of the pavement macrotexture, explaining approximately 80 % of the total variation. The variation in RRC between the worst and the best pavement is 45 %, which would correspond to approximately 5 % of fuel consumption and CO2 variation in highway driving. Looking at the most common pavements in Sweden, the range is approximately 20 %–25 % between the best and the worst. The conclusion is that there is a potential for reducing fuel consumption of road traffic by using pavements with low rolling resistance properties.
Lime Kiln Dust: An Overlooked Resource
Authors: Tate Mike
Published: January 2013

Dust collected from the flue gas stream of lime calcining operations, called lime kiln dust or LKD, is a resource that has been underutilized in the past. Increased emphasis on beneficial utilization of residual materials like LKD has resulted in a fresh look at this product's characteristics and how it can be used in a wide range of applications. These may include: the beneficial effect that the chemistry and alkalinity of lime kiln dust can have in soil and waste treatment applications, the use of the lime kiln dust reactivity to control water in soils or to stabilize biosolids, the use of properly screened LKD to act as a mineral filler, and the presence of fly ash in the dust that provides potential pozzolans for applications where strength is important. This paper explores the important properties of lime kiln dust and how these properties can be used in a variety of applications. Limitations of current ASTM standards for applications of lime kiln dust are also discussed.
Pervious Concrete
Authors: Brown Heather J. , Offenberg Matthew
Published: January 2013

Description

Seven peer-reviewed papers provide the latest information on specifying, designing, testing, and installing pervious concrete.

These papers reflect data collected on pervious projects relating to fresh concrete properties, hardened properties, durability, permeability, and mix design alternatives.

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