bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The failure of regulation: Work, environment and production at Taranto’s ILVA
Authors: Greco Lidia , Chiarello Franco
Published: November 2014

The article focuses on the case of the largest steel plant in Europe, located in Taranto (Italy), to argue that its current crisis is not simply dictated by technological or managerial failings. Rather, the article contends that its problems stem from a regulatory crisis and, specifically, from the failure of the deregulation model pursued after the industry’s process of privatization. Such a model has hinged upon the logic of a big private firm that, on the one hand, has sought to disembed itself from the socio-institutional context and, on the other, has set and followed its own rules with disruptive effects on the local society and environment, as well as on the plant’s economic viability. Such a model entered a crisis when the other socio-institutional actors started to react to the disastrous situation existing in Taranto. To use Polanyian language, a ‘double movement’ has emerged: disruptive pressures have triggered defensive reactions.
Respect in Organizations: Feeling Valued as “We” and “Me”
Authors: Rogers Kristie M. , Ashforth Blake E.
Published: November 2014

Research suggests that organizational members highly prize respect but rarely report adequately receiving it. However, there is a lack of theory in organizational behavior regarding what respect actually is and why members prize it. We argue that there are two distinct types of respect: generalized respect is the sense that “we” are all valued in this organization, and particularized respect is the sense that the organization values “me” for particular attributes, behaviors, and achievements. We build a theoretical model of respect, positing antecedents of generalized respect from the sender’s perspective (prestige of social category, climate for generalized respect) and proposed criteria for the evaluation of particularized respect (role, organizational member, and character prototypicality), which is then enacted by the sender and perceived by the receiver. We also articulate how these two types of respect fulfill the receiver’s needs for belonging and status, which facilitates the self-related outcomes of organization-based self-esteem, organizational and role identification, and psychological safety. Finally, we consider generalized and personalized respect jointly and present four combinations of the two types of respect. We argue that the discrepancy between organizational members’ desired and received respect is partially attributable to the challenge of simultaneously enacting or receiving respect for both the “we” and the “me.”
Retinal Toxicity Induced by a Novel β-secretase Inhibitor in the Sprague-Dawley Rat
Authors: Fielden Mark R. , Werner Jonathan , Jamison Jeff A. , Coppi Aldo , Hickman Dean , Dunn Robert T. , Trueblood Esther , Zhou Lei , Afshari Cynthia A. , Lightfoot-Dunn Ruth
Published: November 2014

β-Secretase 1 (BACE1) represents an attractive target for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In the course of development of a novel small molecule BACE1 inhibitor (AMG-8718), retinal thinning was observed in a 1-month toxicity study in the rat. To further understand the lesion, an investigational study was conducted whereby rats were treated daily with AMG-8718 for 1 month followed by a 2-month treatment-free phase. The earliest detectable change in the retina was an increase in autofluorescent granules in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) on day 5; however, there were no treatment-related light microscopic changes observed in the neuroretina and no changes observed by fundus autofluorescence or routine ophthalmoscopic examination after 28 days of dosing. Following 2 months of recovery, there was significant retinal thinning attributed to loss of photoreceptor nuclei from the outer nuclear layer. Electroretinographic changes were observed as early as day 14, before any microscopic evidence of photoreceptor loss. BACE1 knockout rats were generated and found to have normal retinal morphology indicating that the retinal toxicity induced by AMG-8718 was likely off-target. These results suggest that AMG-8718 impairs phagolysosomal function in the rat RPE, which leads to photoreceptor dysfunction and ultimately loss of photoreceptors.
Adenocarcinoma of the Ampullary Glands of the Ductus Deferens in a Sprague-Dawley Rat
Authors: Motohashi Masaya , Wakui Shin , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Yoshida Ayaka , Mutou Tomoko , Ikegami Masahiro , Asari Masao , Inomata Tomo
Published: November 2014

Spontaneously occurring proliferative lesions of the male accessory sex glands are infrequent in various strains of rats. In rodents, the ampullary glands are embedded in the prostate. Although 2 spontaneous cases of atypical hyperplastic lesions at the ampullary gland were previously described in Wistar rats, adenocarcinoma and/or adenoma in this gland have not been reported. This study describes adenocarcinomas in the bilateral ampullary glands in a 52-week-old intact male Sprague-Dawley rat housed as part of a control group in a toxicological experiment. At necropsy, the body weight (644.4 g) and the weight of the prostate with ampullary gland (2.75 g) were similar to others of the same control group, and it had a normal gross appearance. Histopathologically, both ampullary glands revealed microinvasive adenocarcinoma without vascular invasion. The morphological characteristics of the neoplasm varied in different regions of the gland. Other parts of the male accessory sex glands did not show proliferative lesions.
Evaluation of Clinical Pathology Data
Authors: Everds Nancy E.
Published: November 2014

During the conduct of in vivo toxicology studies, in-life, clinical pathology, and anatomic pathology parameters are collected and interpreted. These sets of parameters are evaluated in an integrative manner to determine the overall toxicity of a test article. For clinical pathology parameters, the inherent variability and physiologic factors affecting each analyte must be understood prior to interpretation. Changes in clinical pathology parameters that are considered to be test article–related are then assessed with respect to changes in the concurrent data sets such as clinical signs and anatomic pathology to determine the underlying pathophysiology. In this article, examples of hemolysis and hepatotoxicity are used to demonstrate the relationships among the various parameters and data sets. Whereas there was tight correlation of all data sets in the example of hemolysis in rats, the examples of altered enzymes and other biomarkers indicating liver injury and dysfunction were more often discordant with other data sets.
Natural History of Glomus Jugulare: A Review of 16 Tumors Managed with Primary Observation
Authors: Carlson Matthew L. , Sweeney Alex D. , Wanna George B. , Netterville James L. , Haynes David S.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To characterize clinical disease progression and radiologic growth in a series of observed, previously untreated, glomus jugulare tumors (GJT).

Study Design

Retrospective review.

Setting

Tertiary neurotologic referral center.

Subjects and Methods

All patients with primary GJTs that were observed without intervention for a minimum of 2 years. Primary outcome measures included progression of cranial neuropathy and/or radiologic growth.

Results

A total of 15 patients (80% female; median age, 69.6 years) with 16 GJTs met inclusion criteria. The most common indications for observation included advanced age (11; 73%) and patient preference (11; 73%). Cranial nerve function remained stable in most subjects over a median clinical follow‐up period of 86.4 months. Among the 12 with serial imaging, 5 (42%) GJTs demonstrated radiologic growth, while 7 (58%) remained stable. The median growth rate of the 5 enlarging tumors using the maximum linear dimension was 0.8 mm/y (range, 0.6‐1.6 mm/y) or 0.4 cm3/y (0.1‐0.9 cm3/y) using volumetric analysis. There were no deaths attributable to tumor progression or treatment.

Conclusion

In an older subset of patients, we found that a significant number of GJTs do not grow after time of diagnosis and symptoms frequently remain stable for many years. Even with disease progression, most GJTs exhibit indolent growth with slowly progressive cranial neuropathy, affording satisfactory physiologic compensation in most patients. In the absence of brainstem compression or concern for malignancy, observation of GJTs is a viable initial management option for elderly patients.
Unexplained hemolysis in patients undergoing ECMO: beware of hypertriglyceridemia
Authors: Venado A , Wille K , Belott SC , Diaz-Guzman E
Published: November 2014

Hemolysis is a common complication of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support and is associated with increased mortality. Frequent monitoring of markers of hemolysis is performed at ECMO centers. We report two cases of spurious hemolysis caused by hypertriglyceridemia in patients undergoing ECMO support. Critically ill patients, including those receiving ECMO, may be at risk of developing medication-induced hypertriglyceridemia. The interference of lipids with the measurement of plasma free hemoglobin, a marker of hemolysis, should be recognized. Our cases highlight the importance of investigating hypertriglyceridemia as part of the assessment of unexplained hemolysis in patients supported with ECMO.
A classic examination of fluvial processes and forest patterns: Victor Ernest Shelford’s (1954) ‘Some Lower Mississippi Valley Flood Plain Communities: Their Age and Elevation’. Ecology 35(2): 126–142.1
Authors: Meitzen Kimberly M.
Published: November 2014

The study of the interaction between fluvial processes and forest community patterns owes elements of its origins to the research of Shelford (1954) on the Mississippi River valley. Shelford (1954) is a classic for many reasons; three highlighted here are its role of establishing a methodology for applying historical resources for long-term research studies, its influence on developing conceptual models of forest succession relative to multiple controlling factors, and its recognition of the rapid and extensive impact of human activities on altering natural land-cover patterns and the important role of analog forests for management and conservation. References to Shelford (1954) within the literature have increased every year since its publication and I believe its presence among varied disciplines will continue.
Effect of Lower Extremity Fasciotomy Length on Intracompartmental Pressure in an Animal Model of Compartment Syndrome
Authors: Mathis James E. , Schwartz Brian E. , Lester Jonathan D. , Kim Walter J. , Watson Jonathan N. , Hutchinson Mark R.
Published: November 2014

Background:

There has been an increase in minimally invasive surgery for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), despite the potential for incomplete compartment release and iatrogenic injuries. To our knowledge, no study has examined the effect of the length of fascial release on compartment pressures.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose was to explain the high failure rate seen in fascial release for CECS by evaluating the effect of fasciotomy length on intracompartmental pressures. We hypothesized that complete fascial release would need to be performed to return pressures to baseline levels.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Five male swine (10 lower extremities) were anesthetized. A slit catheter, connected to a pressure monitor, was inserted into the anterior compartment and a solution containing 5% swine albumin was injected into the compartment until the compartment pressure was >25 mm Hg for 10 minutes. Pressures were measured at rest, after the injection, and after each 10% incremental fasciotomy release.

Results:

The mean resting intracompartmental pressure was 3.2 mm Hg (range, 0-6 mm Hg), which increased after the injection to a mean of 37 mm Hg (range, 26-67 mm Hg). After complete fasciotomy, the mean pressure was 1.1 mm Hg (range, 0-4 mm Hg). There was a strong negative correlation ( r = −0.693) between fasciotomy length and intracompartmental pressure. In 90% of the specimens, the pressures were <15 mm Hg after 80% fascial release, and after 90% release, all pressures were ≤8 mm Hg.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates a strong correlation between fasciotomy length and a reduction in intracompartmental pressures in a swine model. Our study suggests that 90% fascial release may represent a possible watershed zone, returning the intracompartmental pressure to a value at or near baseline values.

Clinical Relevance:

The results suggest that even in cases with near complete fascial release, intracompartmental pressures may decrease enough to provide symptomatic relief and avoid possible iatrogenic injuries associated with percutaneous release. It is unknown whether the swine model may adequately translate to the clinical setting; thus, recommendations should be taken with caution, and future studies should be performed to examine the correlation in a human model.
Consequences of Tibial Tunnel Reaming on the Meniscal Roots During Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in a Cadaveric Model, Part 2
Authors: LaPrade Christopher M. , Smith Sean D. , Rasmussen Matthew T. , Hamming Mark G. , Wijdicks Coen A. , Engebretsen Lars , Feagin John A. , LaPrade Robert F.
Published: November 2014

Background:

Recent emphasis has turned to reconstructing the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) after injury. However, single-bundle PCL reconstruction of the anterolateral bundle may potentially injure the posterior meniscal roots.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine if posterior meniscal root injuries occurred because of tunnel reaming for single-bundle PCL reconstruction. It was hypothesized that tibial tunnel reaming within the anterolateral bundle footprint during PCL reconstruction would result in clinically significant decreases in posteromedial (PM) root attachment areas and in ultimate failure strength for the PM root.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Testing was performed on 12 matched pairs of human cadaveric knees. For each pair of knees, one knee was left intact, while the contralateral knee was prepared with a tibial tunnel placed 5 mm anterior to the center of the tibial PCL attachment and within the previously described footprint of the anterolateral bundle of the PCL for single-bundle PCL reconstruction. The attachment areas of the posterior meniscal roots were measured with a coordinate measuring device before and after PCL tunnel reaming. The posterior meniscal roots were then pulled to failure with a dynamic tensile testing machine.

Results:

There was a significant mean decrease in the attachment area of the PM root (%Δ, 28%; 95% CI, 16-40) after PCL tunnel reaming compared with the intact state ( P = .005). The mean ultimate failure strength of the native PM root (mean, 440 N; 95% CI, 347-534) was also significantly stronger (mean, 40%; 95% CI, 18-61; P = .005) than that of the PM root after PCL tunnel reaming (mean, 243 N; 95% CI, 176-309). No changes were found for the posterolateral (PL) root after PCL tunnel reaming.

Conclusion:

Tibial tunnel reaming for single-bundle PCL reconstruction in the anterolateral bundle footprint significantly reduced the ultimate failure strength and attachment area of the PM meniscal root. The attachment area and ultimate failure strength of the PL root were unaffected by tunnel reaming.

Clinical Relevance:

Tibial tunnels reamed in the footprint of the anterolateral bundle during single-bundle PCL reconstruction can cause iatrogenic damage to the PM meniscal root attachment. Thus, tibial tunnels should strive to be reamed in the center of the entire tibial PCL attachment site during PCL reconstruction.
Ankle Syndesmosis
Authors: Williams Brady T. , Ahrberg Annette B. , Goldsmith Mary T. , Campbell Kevin J. , Shirley Lauren , Wijdicks Coen A. , LaPrade Robert F. , Clanton Thomas O.
Published: November 2014

Background:

Syndesmosis sprains can contribute to chronic pain and instability, which are often indications for surgical intervention. The literature lacks sufficient objective data detailing the complex anatomy and localized osseous landmarks essential for current surgical techniques.

Purpose:

To qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the anatomy of the 3 syndesmotic ligaments with respect to surgically identifiable bony landmarks.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Sixteen ankle specimens were dissected to identify the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (AITFL), posterior inferior tibiofibular ligament (PITFL), interosseous tibiofibular ligament (ITFL), and bony anatomy. Ligament lengths, footprints, and orientations were measured in reference to bony landmarks by use of an anatomically based coordinate system and a 3-dimensional coordinate measuring device.

Results:

The syndesmotic ligaments were identified in all specimens. The pyramidal-shaped ITFL was the broadest, originating from the distal interosseous membrane expansion, extending distally, and terminating 9.3 mm (95% CI, 8.3-10.2 mm) proximal to the central plafond. The tibial cartilage extended 3.6 mm (95% CI, 2.8-4.4 mm) above the plafond, a subset of which articulated directly with the fibular cartilage located 5.2 mm (95% CI, 4.6-5.8 mm) posterior to the anterolateral corner of the tibial plafond. The primary AITFL band(s) originated from the tibia 9.3 mm (95% CI, 8.6-10.0 mm) superior and medial to the anterolateral corner of the tibial plafond and inserted on the fibula 30.5 mm (95% CI, 28.5-32.4 mm) proximal and anterior to the inferior tip of the lateral malleolus. Superficial fibers of the PITFL originated along the distolateral border of the posterolateral tubercle of the tibia 8.0 mm (95% CI, 7.5-8.4 mm) proximal and medial to the posterolateral corner of the plafond and inserted along the medial border of the peroneal groove 26.3 mm (95% CI, 24.5-28.1 mm) superior and posterior to the inferior tip of the lateral malleolus.

Conclusion:

The qualitative and quantitative anatomy of the syndesmotic ligaments was reproducibly described and defined with respect to surgically identifiable bony prominences.

Clinical Relevance:

Data regarding anatomic attachment sites and distances to bony prominences can optimize current surgical fixation techniques, improve anatomic restoration, and reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury from malreduction or misplaced implants. Quantitative data also provide the consistency required for the development of anatomic reconstructions.
Review of the rice production cycle: By-products and the main applications focusing on rice husk combustion and ash recycling
Authors: Moraes Carlos AM , Fernandes Iara J , Calheiro Daiane , Kieling Amanda G , Brehm Feliciane A , Rigon Magali R , Berwanger Filho Jorge A , Schneider Ivo AH , Osorio Eduardo
Published: November 2014

One of the consequences of industrial food production activities is the generation of high volumes of waste, whose disposal can be problematic, since it occupies large spaces, and when poorly managed can pose environmental and health risks for the population. The rice industry is an important activity and generates large quantities of waste. The main solid wastes generated in the rice production cycle include straw, husk, ash, bran and broken rice. As such, the aim of this article is to present a review of this cycle, the waste generated and the identification of opportunities to use them. Owing to impacts that can be minimised with the application of rice husk ash as a by-product, this work is focused on the recycling of the main wastes. In order to achieve that, we performed theoretical research about the rice production cycle and its wastes. The findings point to the existence of an environmentally suitable use for all wastes from the rice production cycle. As rice, bran and broken rice have their main use in the food industry, the other wastes are highly studied in order to find solutions instead of landfilling. Straw can be used for burning or animal feeding. The husk can be used for poultry farming, composting or burning. In the case of burning, it has been used as biomass to power reactors to generate thermal or electrical energy. This process generates rice husk ash, which shows potential to be used as a by-product in many different applications, but not yet consolidated.
Instructional Engineering Principles to Frame the Future of Reading Intervention Research and Practice
Authors: Simmons Deborah
Published: November 2014

In this article, I outline thoughts regarding the complexities and possibilities of the next generation of reading intervention for students who do not benefit from typical instructional practices. I ground my recommendations in school-based research and observations conducted primarily in kindergarten through third grade and more recently in Grades 6 through 10. Building on principles and practices that have accrued through experimental research, I discuss the importance of enhancing the impact of reading instruction by reinforcing and articulating connections within and between intervention tiers. Specifically, I focus on the potential of (a) fortified Tier 1 foundations, (b) aligned Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions, (c) bridged instruction to support critical reading transitions, and (d) flexible, responsive Tier 2/Tier 3 interventions.
Effects of pH and thermally sensitive hybrid gels on osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Dai Zhuojun , Shu Yinglan , Wan Chao , Wu Chi
Published: November 2014

Osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow is an essential step for bone formation. The osteogenesis is normally induced by chemical mediators. Recent laboratory studies have revealed that mechanical properties of an extracellular matrix, typically hydrogels with different modules, also affect the fate of stem cells. The question is how to adjust their mechanical properties inside the body in biomedical applications. In this study, we designed/used a novel extracellular matrix, namely, a hybrid gel made of billions of injectable small thermally and pH-sensitive poly( N-isopropylacrylamide- co-acrylic acid) microgels whose swelling at the body pH and temperature physically jammed them and mesenchymal stem cells together, which enabled us to in situ apply an adjustable mechanical stress on those embedded stem cells. By treating the cell layer with the microgels, we found that an earlier incorporation of the microgels significantly increases the alkaline phosphatase activity, while a later addition of the microgels after the primary calcium deposition enhances the extracellular matrix mineralization in the mesenchymal stem cells cultures accompanied by up-regulation of osteogenic marker genes expression, presumably due to the calcium fixation by the carboxyl groups inside the microgels and the physical contact between the microgels and mesenchymal stem cells layers. These microgels provide an extracellular matrix microenvironment to affect the fate and biological behavior of mesenchymal stem cells, facilitating their potential applications in regenerative therapies.
The gas phase SiO2/epoxy nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties
Authors: Wu Zhanjun , Wang Min , Wang Zhi
Published: November 2014

The mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy nanocomposites filled with 7–40 nm spherical silica particles were investigated as a function of silica loadings. Due to the ultrasonic dispersion and modification of the coupling agent, the silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles were readily dispersed in the epoxy resin with light aggregation for the loading of up to 5 wt% as determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tensile test indicated that the tensile strength and elongation at break of the nanocomposites increased by up to 23% and 31%, respectively, compared with the neat epoxy resin. The glass transition temperatures of all the epoxy nanocomposites were higher than that of the neat epoxy resin for about 35–45°C, but did not show significant changes with an increase in the silica loading. The fracture surfaces were also observed using SEM, which showed evidence of the SiO2 nanoparticle debonding.
Accelerometer-based steering-wheel movement monitoring for drowsy-driving detection
Authors: Lawoyin Samuel , Fei Ding-Yu , Bai Ou
Published: November 2014

Monitoring steering-wheel movements is a well-documented method of detecting driver fatigue and drowsiness. Current methods for monitoring steering-wheel movements are prohibitive for daily use owing to the high costs of implementation and the necessity for complex modifications to be made to accommodate the new setup. These limitations have confined potentially lifesaving drowsiness detection methods based on steering-wheel movements to laboratory and simulator settings. A new method was proposed in this study, which employed a triaxial accelerometer to provide a cost-effective, easy, and efficacious way to monitor steering-wheel movements without requiring any modifications to the existing vehicle setup. Simulations and experimental results showed that the accelerometer-measured rotation angles of the steering wheel were linearly correlated with the actual rotation angles of the steering wheel registered by the potentiometer ( R2≈1; p < 0.001) and that the steering-wheel movements recorded were also strongly correlated with the actual steering-wheel rotation. The excellent agreement between the accelerometer-estimated steering-wheel rotation and the actual steering-wheel rotation suggests that accelerometers can be a useful tool to monitor the steering-wheel movements for the detection of drowsy driving. Because of its cost-effective nature, the proposed method could help to proliferate the practical deployment of individual drowsy detection.
Three-dimensional global pattern prediction for tyre tread wear
Authors: Huang Haibo , Chiu Yijui , Wang Chen , Jin Xiaoxiong
Published: November 2014

A theoretical tyre model was developed analytically using the proposed middle plane for predicting the three-dimensional global tyre wear qualitatively and quantitatively as a function of the road roughness and the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle. Diagrams of the tyre wear pattern across the tyre width and along the tyre circumference were drawn for different road roughnesses, camber angles and vehicle dynamic characteristics. The numerical results show how the three-dimensional tyre wear pattern varied when these factors changed. Numerical calculations also reveal that a unique wear pattern may be caused by the system’s inherent dynamic features, e.g. the modal shape. In addition, a sensitivity analysis shows that the slip ratio, the longitudinal stiffness, the tyre width, the velocity and the vertical force have the greatest effects on the frictional dissipation energy, in that order. With the established wear model, good tyre wear distribution predictions can be given qualitatively and quantitatively for the rolling surface of the tyre. Moreover, guidelines for obtaining less tyre wear are provided for tyre and car manufacturers.
Side-slip angle estimation and stability control for a vehicle with a non-linear tyre model and a varying speed
Authors: Du Haiping , Lam James , Cheung Kie-Chung , Li Weihua , Zhang Nong
Published: November 2014

In this paper, the novel design of a side-slip angle observer and an observer-based stability controller for a vehicle with a non-linear tyre model and a varying forward speed is presented. The Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy modelling technique is first applied to represent the vehicle’s lateral dynamics with the non-linear Dugoff tyre model and varying speed. The observer and the observer-based controller are then constructed using the measured yaw rate and the estimated premise and state variables and are designed to be robust against the model and parameter uncertainties. The conditions for designing such an observer and an observer-based controller are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Numerical simulations on a non-linear eight-degree-of-freedom vehicle dynamics model and experimental data are conducted to validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The comparison of results with those from other existing approaches shows that the designed observer can accurately estimate the vehicle’s side-slip angle and the controller can effectively control this side-slip angle regardless of the variation in the vehicle’s longitudinal velocity.
Experimental study on the performance and the exhaust emissions of a diesel engine fuelled with diesel from direct coal liquefaction and diesel blends under low-temperature combustion
Authors: Zhuang Jian , Qiao Xinqi , Fang Qiang , Bai Jinlong
Published: November 2014

In this study, the experiment is conducted on a four-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine equipped with a turbocharger and a high-pressure common rail injection system. The test fuels include diesel from direct coal liquefaction, diesel and their blends. The effects of exhaust gas recirculation and retarded injection on the combustion, the nitrogen oxide emissions and the soot emissions under low-temperature combustion are explored. The results indicate that exhaust gas recirculation and retarded injection can effectively lengthen the ignition delay of test fuels especially for diesel from direct coal liquefaction. The ignition delays of all the fuels become shorter with increasing engine load, but the variation rates for diesel from direct coal liquefaction and diesel are not the same. Retarded injection can lead to a soot hump for the four fuels, but it reflects this soot change for diesel from direct coal liquefaction more sensitively than for diesel. Diesel from direct coal liquefaction produces lower nitrogen oxide emissions and lower soot emissions than diesel does under low-temperature combustion. A control strategy that achieves reduction in both the nitrogen oxide emissions and the soot emissions will cause the fuel consumption to deteriorate.
Sliding-mode observers for urea selective catalytic reduction system state estimations based on nitrogen oxide sensor measurements
Authors: Chen Pingen , Wang Junmin
Published: November 2014

The state estimations for urea-based selective catalytic reduction systems have received growing interest in the past few years because of their importance to selective catalytic reduction controls and onboard diagnostics, as well as the high cost and difficulties of direct sensor measurements. Most of the existing estimation techniques suffer because of the ammonia cross-sensitivity from the nitrogen oxide sensor and require an ammonia sensor to be available downstream of the selective catalytic reduction, which may increase the costs of production urea-based selective catalytic reduction systems. The purpose of this study is to design observers for estimating the key states (the nitrogen oxide concentration, the ammonia concentration, and the ammonia coverage ratio) of the urea-based selective catalytic reduction system at the selective catalytic reduction outlet in various situations, using only a nitrogen oxide sensor. The sliding-mode observers were designed to ensure high robustness against the ammonia cross-sensitivity from the nitrogen oxide sensor and uncertainties from the selective catalytic reduction inputs. Simulation verification results under the Federal Test Procedure 75 test cycle showed that the proposed observers were able to estimate the states accurately, in hot and cold exhaust conditions, for both single-cell selective catalytic reduction systems and two-cell selective catalytic reduction systems. The proposed observer-based estimation technique has the potential for reducing the cost of advanced selective catalytic reduction control systems and for applying it to onboard diagnostics.
Experimental and numerical modal analyses of high-speed train wheelsets
Authors: Jin Xincan
Published: November 2014

The frequency responses of the wheelsets of a high-speed train are believed to have an important influence on wheel/rail dynamics. This paper is focused on an experimental modal analysis (EMA) and numerical modal analysis (NMA) of a motor wheelset and a trailer wheelset with a hollow-drilled shaft that are both utilized on high-speed trains. The EMA investigation of high-speed train wheelsets is achieved by using a hammer-impact excitation method and a varied-time-base (VTB) technique that has a high identification precision. The NMA is performed using the finite element method to model equivalent spring unit connections among jointed components. The results obtained in the NMA studies are in excellent agreement with those obtained from the EMA studies. Furthermore, NMA is also performed for the case of pre-stressed wheelsets; this is achieved by considering their stress states under a static axle load and a gyroscopic force mimicking operating conditions. Compared with free wheelsets, the results for the preloaded wheelsets have slightly higher eigenfrequencies. In addition, the results obtained in the NMA show the influence of the flexibility of the wheels on the total structural flexibility of the wheelset. Finally, it is expected that the VTB technique can be generalized for use in examining the wheelsets on general rolling-stock.
Design of the wheel profile of an independently rotating wheel with inverse tread conicity by considering the trajectory of the center of gravity
Authors: Wang Wenjun
Published: November 2014

The self-alignment of independently rotating wheels (IRWs) with inverse tread conicity cannot be realized simply by using a nonlinear concave wheel profile. A novel wheel profile design method is proposed to solve this problem that is based on the static guidance characteristic of a single isolated wheelset. The procedure is based on a desired lateral geometric force function with respect to the lateral displacement of IRWs with inverse tread conicity. The method focuses on the trajectory of the center of gravity under the wheel/rail contact constraint. A numerical process description and design example are provided and the resulting design is checked using forward contact analysis and the multi-body dynamics analysis software SIMPACK. A lateral restoring force that is proportional to the lateral displacement can be obtained using the proposed design method for the wheel profile.
Multi-objective optimisation for musculoskeletal modelling: Application to a planar elbow model
Authors: Dumas Raphaël , Moissenet Florent , Lafon Yoann , Cheze Laurence
Published: November 2014

One of the open issues in musculoskeletal modelling remains the choice of the objective function that is used to solve the muscular redundancy problem. Some authors have recently proposed to introduce joint reaction forces in the objective function, and the question of the weights associated with musculo-tendon forces and joint reaction forces arose. This question typically deals with a multi-objective optimisation problem. The aim of this study is to illustrate, on a planar elbow model, the ensemble of optimal solutions (i.e. Pareto front) and the solution of a global objective method that represent different compromises between musculo-tendon forces, joint compression force, and joint shear force. The solutions of the global objective method, based either on the minimisation of the sum of the squared musculo-tendon forces alone or on the minimisation of the squared joint compression force and shear force together, are in the same range. Minimising either the squared joint compression force or shear force alone leads to extreme force values. The exploration of the compromises between these forces illustrates the existence of major interactions between the muscular and joint structures. Indeed, the joint reaction forces relate to the projection of the sum of the musculo-tendon forces. An illustration of these interactions, due to the projection relation, is that the Pareto front is not a large surface, like in a typical three-objective optimisation, but almost a curve. These interactions, and the possibility to take them into account by a multi-objective optimisation, seem essential for the application of musculoskeletal modelling to joint pathologies.
Performance enhancement of inverse diffusion flame burners with distributed ports
Authors: Barakat HZ , Kamal MM , Saad HE , Eldeeb WA
Published: November 2014

An experimental study regarding the influence of the air port design on the inverse diffusion flame characteristics was performed for two different burner configurations, wherein the combustion/heat transfer performance was optimized. In the first configuration that comprised a single air port and distributed fuel ports, decreasing the air jet diameter enhanced the combustion efficiency by 3.6% as testified by recording a maximum decrease of 81.3% in the CO emissions. As the central air jet Reynolds number thus reached 18038, the stability limit was extended by 181% in terms of the air jet velocity; while the flame length was reduced by 38.6%. Inasmuch as the flow residence time across the high-temperature zone thus decreased, NO x emissions as low as 6 ppm were obtained. In the other configuration that had multiple air ports, there was a decrease in the CO, HC, and NO x emissions respectively by 69%, 58%, and 31% in comparison to those of the single port having the same port area. It was found that the smallest jet diameter was accompanied by the highest peak temperature as well as the maximum heat flux to a plate on which the flame impinged, respectively, having the values of 1761℃ and 11.4 kW/m2. In this regard, increasing the air jet Reynolds number by 30% increased the peak flame temperature by 8.3%. In the primary equivalence ratio range between 0.8 and 2.0, the impingement plate optimum spacing for the maximum heat flux was found to correlate well with Reynolds number. Combining the nonunity Lewis number and the Gas Research Institute-3 (GRI-3) kinetics with the k − ɛ model verified the fuel jet deflection and soot development, but overpredicted the NO x emissions by 11.5%. Increasing the center-to-center distance between the central air jet and the distributed fuel ports reduced the flame length by 19%.
“Virtual Fictional/Factual Positioning”: Mediating dialogical concepts in psychological and literary studies
Authors: Barani Forough , Wan Yahya Wan Roselezam , Bin Talif Rosli
Published: November 2014

At the intersection of psychological and literary studies and acknowledging dialogical aspects of the self in Herman’s Dialogical Self Theory (DST), we coined the concept of “Virtual Fictional/Factual Positioning” (VFP), which is also guided by Bakhtin’s discussion on the author-hero relation. VFP evaluates the possible dialogical coalition of the author’s positions as “I-as-artist/novelist” and “I-as-the-hero-of-my-story,” amongst other positions in literary narratives. Evaluation of the existing literature on DST and the few adaptations of this theory for literary purposes highlights the insufficient consideration paid to the dialogical possibilities of the self in literary studies. To develop our argument based on our new model, we present a textual analysis of Paul Auster’s Man in the Dark and examine the protagonist’s narratives and his relation with his hero in the story within the story. Furthermore, we address the question of whether this protagonist/author’s self consists of polyphonized dialogical voices or merely a cacophony of various thoughts with fewer logical and no dialogical qualities.
Theoretical psychology in China: Past, present, and future
Authors: Yang Wendeng , Ye Haosheng
Published: November 2014

This article first describes the three periods of the recent past in Chinese theoretical psychology: (a) the period that introduced Western theoretical psychology and the establishment of Chinese theoretical psychology (1917–1948), (b) the period that introduced Soviet Russian psychology and the popularity of Marxist psychology (1949–1976), and (c) the period that reintroduced Western theoretical psychology and the birth of its Chinese counterpart (1977–present). Then, we discuss the trapped condition of contemporary Chinese theoretical psychology, such as the need for originality, the change in the Chinese academic environment, and the lack of proper self-positioning. To solve these problems in China, the following suggestions are proposed: (a) advancement of meta-theoretical research, (b) support for experimental psychological studies, (c) bridging of psychology and its neighboring disciplines, (d) bridging the gap between psychology and the public, and (e) bridging domestic and foreign cultural psychology.
Developing an understanding of social norms and games: Emotional engagement, nonverbal agreement, and conversation
Authors: Brinck Ingar
Published: November 2014

The first part of the article examines some recent studies on the early development of social norms that examine young children’s understanding of codified rule games. It is argued that the constitutive rules that define the games cannot be identified with social norms and therefore the studies provide limited evidence about socio-normative development. The second part reviews data on children’s play in natural settings that show that children do not understand norms as codified or rules of obligation, and that the norms that guide social interaction are dynamic, situated, and heterogeneous. It is argued that normativity is intersubjective and negotiable and starts to develop in the first year, emerging as a practical skill that depends on participatory engagement. Three sources of compliance are discussed: emotional engagement, nonverbal agreement, and conversation.
‘The kind of mildly curious sort of science interested person like me’: Science bloggers’ practices relating to audience recruitment
Authors: Ranger Mathieu , Bultitude Karen
Published: November 2014

With at least 150 million professional and amateur blogs on the Internet, blogging offers a potentially powerful tool for engaging large and diverse audiences with science. This article investigates science blogging practices to uncover key trends, including bloggers’ self-perceptions of their role. Interviews with seven of the most popular science bloggers revealed them to be driven by intrinsic personal motivations. Wishing to pursue their love of writing and share their passion for science, they produce content suitable for niche audiences of science enthusiasts, although they do not assume background scientific knowledge. A content analysis of 1000 blog posts and comparison with the most popular blogs on the Internet further confirmed this result and additionally identified key factors that affect science blog popularity, including update frequency, topic diversity and the inclusion of non-text elements (especially images and video).
Roberto Esposito and the Biopolitics of Property Rights
Authors: Stone Matthew
Published: November 2014

The nexus between property and subjectivity is at stake in various pressing contemporary debates, two of the most pertinent being on the separation of human body material into the status of property, and on the rapidly changing ways we think of virtual entities and places in proprietary terms. This intersection of questions of ownership and of personhood has naturally provoked a necessary discussion on the biopolitics of property. This article seeks to examine Roberto Esposito’s reflections on property in order to develop a claim that there is a biopolitical mechanism not merely intrinsic to contemporary legal property relations but also rooted in the very structure of orthodox property theory that may be identified in the likes of Locke, Hegel and Kant. His work in this area allows us to understand the contradictions embedded within the liberal model of property rights as well as the scale of the intellectual challenge present in reimagining a more radical relationship between property and the subject.
On the use of the electromechanical impedance technique for the assessment of dental implant stability: Modeling and experimentation
Authors: Ribolla Emma La Malfa , Rizzo Piervincenzo , Gulizzi Vincenzo
Published: November 2014

We propose the electromechanical impedance technique to monitor the stability of dental implants. The technique consists of bonding one wafer-type piezoelectric transducers to the implant system. When subjected to an electric field, the transducer induces structural excitations which, in turn, affect the transducer’s electrical admittance. The hypothesis is that the health of the bone surrounding the implant affects the sensor’s admittance. A three-dimensional finite element model of a transducer bonded to the abutment of a dental implant placed in a host bone site was created to simulate the progress of the tissue healing that occurs after surgery. The healing was modeled by changing the Young’s modulus of the bone–implant interface. It was found that as the Young’s modulus of the interface increases, the electromechanical characteristic of the transducer changes. Then, the model was used to interpret the experimental results relative to a sensor bonded to an abutment screwed to implants secured into bovine bone samples. The results show that the electromechanical impedance technique can be used to monitor the stability of dental implants although more research is warranted to examine the repeatability of the methodology and its advantage with respect to existing commercial systems.
Community-Based Participatory Research Conceptual Model
Authors: Belone Lorenda , Lucero Julie E. , Duran Bonnie , Tafoya Greg , Baker Elizabeth A. , Chan Domin , Chang Charlotte , Greene-Moton Ella , Kelley Michele A. , Wallerstein Nina
Published: November 2014

A national community-based participatory research (CBPR) team developed a conceptual model of CBPR partnerships to understand the contribution of partnership processes to improved community capacity and health outcomes. With the model primarily developed through academic literature and expert consensus building, we sought community input to assess face validity and acceptability. Our research team conducted semi-structured focus groups with six partnerships nationwide. Participants validated and expanded on existing model constructs and identified new constructs based on “real-world” praxis, resulting in a revised model. Four cross-cutting constructs were identified: trust development, capacity, mutual learning, and power dynamics. By empirically testing the model, we found community face validity and capacity to adapt the model to diverse contexts. We recommend partnerships use and adapt the CBPR model and its constructs, for collective reflection and evaluation, to enhance their partnering practices and achieve their health and research goals.