bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kyntöauran rakenteiden kehittäminen mitatun kuormitusaineiston perusteella
Authors: Keränen Lassi
Published: December 2017

Tutkimuksessa sovellettiin erilaisia lujuusopin ja standardien mukaisia käytössä olevia väsymismitoitusmenetelmiä hitsi -ja ruuviliitoksilla kokoonpantuun maatalouskoneen suunnitteluun ja lujuuslaskentaan. Tutkimuksessa mitattiin kyntöauran rakenteisiin kohdistuvia kuormituksia venymäliuskamittausten avulla ja analysoitiin rakenteiden käyttäytymistä auran käytön aikana. Mitattujen kuormitusten perusteella arvioitiin alkuperäisen S355‑teräksestä valmistetun kyntöauran rakenneosien kestoikää. Auran runko-osat suunniteltiin uudelleen käyttäen S700-lujuusluokan rakenneputkea ja rakenneosille tehtiin väsymismitoitus mitattujen kuormitusten perusteella. Suunnitellun rakenteen mitoituksessa ja jännitysten laskennassa hyödynnettiin FE-menetelmää. Hitsaamalla liitettäviä osia oli muotoiltava uudelleen sallitun jännitystason saavuttamiseksi. Väsymismitoituksessa käytettiin lujuusopin mukaista yksinkertaistettua S‑N ‑käyrää, väsymiskestävyyteen vaikuttavia tekijöitä ja lovenmuotolukuja sekä standardien mukaisia väsymisluokkiin perustuvia menetelmiä hitsiliitosten mitoituksessa. Tutkimuksen tuloksena huomattiin, että suurin vaikutus kestoikään on liitoksen geometrialla ja hitsisauman jälkikäsittelyllä. Lisäksi havaittiin, että ehjän materiaalin väsymiskestävyys kasvaa, kun materiaalin murtolujuus kasvaa. Hitsiliitoksella väsymiskestävyys ei kuitenkaan kasva samassa suhteessa perusaineeseen verrattuna. Lujaa terästä käyttämällä rakenteen massa väheni, kun rakenteen kestävyys samalla parani.
Lateral rhinostomy for treatment of severe chronic rhinosinusitis in two rabbits
Authors: Wright Louden , Mans Christoph
Published: December 2017

CASE DESCRIPTION 2 client-owned rabbits were evaluated for signs of chronic upper respiratory tract disease.

CLINICAL FINDINGS Clinical signs had been present for 3 weeks and 4 years and included mucopurulent nasal discharge, right-sided maxillary swelling, recurrent dacryocystitis, and intermittent sneezing. One rabbit had been treated with nasolacrimal duct lavage and topical and systemic antimicrobial administration without resolution of clinical signs. Results of CT of the head in both cases indicated severe rhinosinusitis.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Both rabbits underwent unilateral rhinostomy by means of a lateral approach. Access was established via the facies cribrosa of the maxillary bone. Purulent material was removed from the affected nasal cavity and the maxillary sinus by means of debridement and lavage. After endoscopic exploration, marsupialization was performed to create a stoma. Both rabbits recovered from surgery without apparent complications, and the surgical site healed within 1 month in both. Computed tomography was repeated 5 months after surgery in one rabbit and 13 months after surgery in the other and indicated patent nasal passages and no evidence of recurrence or persistence of disease.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that lateral rhinostomy should be considered for treatment of chronic severe rhinosinusitis in rabbits. Such an approach may be less technically demanding and could decrease the likelihood of postsurgical complications reported with other techniques.
Relationship between repository radiographic findings and subsequent performance of Quarter Horses competing in cutting events
Authors: Barrett Myra F. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Contino Erin K. , Park Richard D. , Kawcak Christopher E. , Frisbie David D. , zumBrunnen James R.
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE To investigate potential associations between repository radiographic findings and subsequent performance of Quarter Horses competing in cutting events.

DESIGN Retrospective cohort study.

SAMPLE Repository radiographs (ie, radiographs obtained at the time of sale) for 343 client-owned horses.

PROCEDURES Repository radiographic findings were compared with objective measures of performance, including the likelihood of competing; the likelihood of earning money as a 3-year-old, as a 4-year-old, and as a 3- and 4-year-old combined; and the amount of money earned as a 3-year-old, as a 4-year-old, and as a 3- and 4-year-old combined.

RESULTS The presence of mild osteophytes involving the distal aspect of the tarsal joint was significantly associated with lower mean earnings as a 4-year-old. The presence of osteophytes on the dorsoproximal aspect of the middle phalanx of the hind limbs was significantly associated with an increased odds of earning money as a 4-year-old. Radiographic lesions of the medial femoral condyle of the stifle joint were not significantly associated with subsequent performance.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Most abnormalities identified on repository radiographs were not significantly associated with subsequent performance. The significant association between mild tarsal osteophytosis and earnings was unexpected. Results of the present study indicated the need for further investigation of the relationship between radiographic findings and performance outcome in Western performance horses.
Association of magnetic resonance imaging–based preoperative tumor volume with postsurgical survival time in dogs with primary intracranial glioma
Authors: MacLellan Jeffrey D. , Arnold Susan A. , Dave Aditya C. , Hunt Matthew A. , Pluhar G. Elizabeth
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE To assess the relationship between preoperative volume of primary intracranial gliomas in dogs as determined via MRI and survival time after surgical debulking and adjunctive immunotherapy.

DESIGN Retrospective cohort study.

ANIMALS 47 client-owned dogs enrolled in clinical trials regarding glioma treatments.

PROCEDURES Medical records of all dogs undergoing craniotomy at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medicine Center with histologically confirmed glioma between 2008 and 2015 were retrospectively reviewed, and outcome data were collected. Preoperative T2-weighted or post–gadolinium administration T1-weighted MRI scans, performed at several referral institutions with scanners of magnet strengths ranging from 0.5 to 3.0 T, were used to measure tumor volumes as a percentage of total calvarial volume. Data were analyzed to assess the effect of each 2% fraction of tumor volume on median survival time (MST) after surgery and adjuvant treatment.

RESULTS Tumor volumes ranged from 0.5% to 12.2% of total intracranial volume. Overall MST was 185 days (range, 2 to 802 days). No association was identified between preoperative tumor volume and MST. Only 3 (6%) dogs had low-grade tumors that had relatively small volumes, measuring 1.4%, 2.1%, and 4.3% of total calvarial volume. The MST for these 3 dogs (727 days) was longer than that for high-grade tumors (174 days); however, owing to the low number of dogs with low-grade tumors, no statistical comparison was performed.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Preoperative tumor volume determined via MRI was neither associated with nor predictive of outcome following surgery and adjunctive treatment for dogs with glioma. Tumor grade was predictive of outcome, but unlike tumor volume that was measured with MRI, invasive biopsy was necessary to definitively diagnose tumor grade.
Surto de Trypanosoma vivax em rebanhos bovinos na Zona da Mata do estado de Pernambuco
Authors: Ono Mayumi Santos Botelho , Souto Pollyanna Cordeiro , Cruz Jefferson Ayrton Leite de Oliveira , Guerra Neurisvan Ramos , Guimarães Janaína Azevedo , Dantas Alexandre Cruz , Alves Lêucio Câmara , Rizzo Huber
Published: December 2017

Objetivou-se registrar a ocorrência e descrever os achados clínicos e hematológicos de surtos de tripanossomíase em bovinos em propriedades localizadas nos municípios de Timbaúba e Paudalho, Zona da Mata do estado de Pernambuco. Foram realizadas visitas às propriedades para coleta de dados sobre o histórico do rebanho além de informações sobre o manejo dos animais na propriedade, realização de exame clínico e coleta de material para hemograma, pesquisa de hematozoários e Reação em Cadeira da Polimerase. Clinicamente, os animais apresentavam mucosas hipocoradas, emaciação, havendo histórico de óbito em ambas as propriedades. Previamente ao manejo da ordenha era feita a aplicação de ocitocina, sendo ainda observada a presença de moscas hematófagas. Ao hemograma observou-se presença de anemia normocítica normocrômica e leucocitose por neutrofilia na maioria dos animais. Foi observada presença do protozoário Trypanosoma vivax no esfregaço sanguíneo e confirmados na PCR. Recomendou-se o tratamento com diaceturato de diminazene (10,5 mg/kg) em administração única. Conclui-se que o T. vivax, ocorre na região nordeste de maneira esporádica e que o manejo sanitário deficiente predispõe a ocorrência da enfermidade nos rebanhos.
LA PARADIPLOMACIA DE LAS FARC-EP
Authors: TORRIJOS RIVERA VICENTE , PÉREZ CARVAJAL ANDRÉS
Published: December 2017

Las nuevas condiciones del sistema internacional han permitido el surgimiento de distintas formas de diplomacia. Por tanto, el presente artículo analiza el concepto de paradiplomacia, entendida a la luz de diversas fuentes teóricas como la relación entre organizaciones, grupos e individuos con ciertos Estados para buscar apoyo internacional en un área de interés específico. Desde esta perspectiva, el documento indaga acerca de la naturaleza de las FARC-EP y busca establecer los principales vectores de su conducta diplomática.
The Application of a Knowledge Management Framework to Automotive Original Component Manufacturers
Authors: Calitz Andre , Cullen Margaret
Published: December 2017

Aim/Purpose: This paper aims to present an example of the application of a Knowledge Man-agement (KM) framework to automotive original component manufacturers (OEMs). The objective is to explore KM according to the four pillars of a selected KM framework.

Background: This research demonstrates how a framework, namely the George Washington University’s Four Pillar Framework, can be used to determine the KM status of the automotive OEM industry, where knowledge is complex and can influence the complexity of the KM system (KMS) used.

Methodology: An empirical study was undertaken using a questionnaire to gather quantitative data. There were 38 respondents from the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers (NAACAM) and suppliers from three major automotive OEMs. The respondents were required to be familiar with the company’s KMS.

Contribution: Currently there is a limited body of research available on the KM implementation frameworks for the automotive industry. This study presents a novel approach to the use of a KM framework to reveal the status of KM in automotive OEMs. At the time of writing, the relationship between the four pillars and the complexity of KMS had not yet been determined.

Findings: The results indicate that there is a need to improve KM in the automotive OEM industry. According to the relationships investigated, the four pillars, namely leadership, organization, technology and learning, are considered important for KM, regardless of the level of KMS complexity,

Recommendations for Practitioners: Automotive OEMs need to ensure that the KM aspects are established and should be periodically evaluated by using a KM framework such as the George Washington University’s Four Pillar Framework to identify KM weaknesses.

Recommendation for Researchers: The establishment and upkeep of a successful KM environment is challenging due to the complexity involved with various influencing aspects. To ensure that all aspects are considered in KM environments, comprehensive KM frameworks, such as the George Washington University’s Four Pillar Framework, need to be applied.

Impact on Society: The status of KM management and accessibility of knowledge in organizations needs to be periodically examined, in order to improve supplier and OEM knowledge sharing.

Future Research: Although the framework used provides a process for KM status determination, this study could be extended by investigating a methodology that includes KMS best practice and tools. This study could be repeated at a national and international level to provide an indication of KM practice within the entire automotive industry.
Formulasi Pasta Gigi Gel Ekstrak Etanol Bawang Dayak (Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb.)
Authors: Warnida Husnul , Juliannor Ade , Sukawaty Yullia
Published: December 2017

Karies gigi adalah suatu kerusakan gigi yang dimulai dari permukaan dan berkembang ke arah dalam pada gigi, diawali dengan proses demineralisasi gigi. Karies gigi biasanya disebabkan oleh bakteri streptococcus mutans. Bawang dayak (Eleutherine bulbosa (Mill.) Urb) dapat menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri karena mengandung metabolit sekunder seperti flavonoid, fenol, triterpenoid, dan antrakuinon. Penelitian ini bertujuan memformulasikan ekstrak etanol bawang dayak (Eleutherine bulbosa) ke dalam bentuk sediaan pasta gigi gel. Ekstrak bawang tiwai dengan konsentrasi 2,5% diformulasi menjadi pasta gigi gel dengan variasi sorbitol 5% - 50% dan CMC 3% - 7%. Evaluasi yang dilakukan meliputi organoleptis, homogenitas, pH, viskositas, daya sebar dan freeze-thaw cycling test. Hasil pengamatan organoleptik menunjukan adanya perubahan warna pasta gigi gel menjadi terbentuk 2 lapisan gel. Rentang pH pasta gigi gel 5,50 - 5,80, rentang uji daya sebar 4,61 – 5,82 cm, rentang viskositas 17066 - 99877 mPas. Hasil sentrifugasi dan cycling test menunjukkan tidak terjadi perubahan organoleptis, homogenitas, pH, dan viskositas pasta gigi gel.
Joint Inquiry
Authors: Stosich Elizabeth Leisy
Published: December 2017

Recent research on the relationship between standards and teachers’ practice suggests that teachers are unlikely to make changes to practice without extensive opportunities for learning about standards with colleagues. This article extends this line of research, using a comparative case study of three high-poverty urban schools to examine the nature of teachers’ collaborative work around the Common Core State Standards and the conditions that support this work. It argues that collaborative practices that encourage joint examination of instruction and student learning against standards support teachers in noticing and attending to differences between their current practice and standards. In addition, it examines the role of teachers’ instructional knowledge and principals’ leadership in supporting teachers’ collaboration around standards.
Restorative Interventions and School Discipline Sanctions in a Large Urban School District
Authors: Anyon Yolanda , Gregory Anne , Stone Susan , Farrar Jordan , Jenson Jeffrey M. , McQueen Jeanette , Downing Barbara , Greer Eldridge , Simmons John
Published: December 2017

A large urban district ( N = 90,546 students, n = 180 schools) implemented restorative interventions as a response to school discipline incidents. Findings from multilevel modeling of student discipline records ( n = 9,921) revealed that youth from groups that tend to be overrepresented in suspensions and expulsions (e.g., Black, Latino, and Native American youth; boys; and students in special education) had similar, if not greater, rates of participation in restorative interventions than their peers. First-semester participants in restorative interventions had lower odds of receiving office discipline referrals (OR .21, p < .001) and suspensions (OR .07, p < .001) in the second semester. However, the suspension gap between Black and White students persisted. Implications for reform in school discipline practices are noted.
Wrestling with Existence: Pondering Suffering and Grace in Lila
Authors: Scott Mark S.M.
Published: December 2017

How does belief in God withstand the assault of life's sorrows? If God exists, why does existence itself seem to speak against divine benevolence and omnipotence? While these questions animate theological and philosophical discourse on the problem of evil, they also appear in other contexts, particularly literature. Marilynne Robinson's acclaimed Gilead saga—Gilead, Home, and Lila—functions as a literary meditation on suffering and grace. In Lila, the lead character, Lila, filters the question of theodicy through the prism of her life experiences and begins an extended conversation about it with a minister, Reverend John Ames, whom she eventually marries. Together, they wrestle with the meaning of existence, mutually illuminating their lifelong struggles with the question. In this essay, I will frame the problem of evil from Lila's perspective, explore five facets of it from her experience, and analyze the open spaces it creates for theological and philosophical discourse on theodicy.
Efficacy of intraoperative epidural triamcinolone application in lumbar microdiscectomy: a matched-control study
Authors: Stienen Martin N. , Joswig Holger , Chau Ivan , Neidert Marian C. , Bellut David , Wälchli Thomas , Schaller Karl , Gautschi Oliver P.
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the intraoperative application of an epidural steroid (ES) on the decompressed nerve root improves short- and midterm subjective and objective clinical outcomes after lumbar microdiscectomy.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective analysis of a 2-center database including consecutive cases in which patients underwent lumbar microdiscectomy. All patients who received ES application (40 mg triamcinolone, ES group) were matched by age and sex to patients who had not received ES application (control group). Objective functional impairment (OFI) was determined using age- and sex-adjusted T-scores of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Back and leg pain (visual analog scale), functional impairment (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI], Roland-Morris Disability Index [RMDI], and health-related quality of life (hrQoL; 12-Item Short Form Health Survey [SF-12] physical component summary [PSC] score and EuroQol [EQ-5D index]) were measured at baseline, on postoperative day 3, and at postoperative week 6.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients who received ES application were matched with 101 controls. There were no baseline demographic or disease-specific differences between the study groups, and preoperative pain, functional impairment, and hrQoL were similar. On postoperative day 3, the ES group had less disability on the RMDI (mean 7.4 vs 10.3, p = 0.003) and higher hrQoL as determined by the SF-12 PCS (36.5 vs 32.7, p = 0.004). At week 6, the ES group had less disability on the RMDI (3.6 vs 5.7, p = 0.050) and on the ODI by trend (17.0 vs 24.4, p = 0.056); better hrQoL, determined by the SF-12 PCS (44.3 vs 39.9, p = 0.018); and lower OFI (TUG test T-score 100.5 vs 110.2, p = 0.005). The week 6 responder status based on the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) was similar in the ES and control groups for each metric. The rates and severity of complications were similar, with a 3.8% and 4.0% reoperation rate in the ES group and control group, respectively (p = 0.272). There was a tendency for shorter hospitalization in the ES group (5.0 vs 5.8 days, p = 0.066).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative ES application on the decompressed nerve root is an effective adjunct treatment that may lower subjective and objective functional impairment and increase hrQoL in the short and intermediate term after lumbar microdiscectomy. However, group differences were lower than the commonly accepted MCIDs for each metric, indicating that the effect size of the benefit is limited.

■ CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE Type of question: therapeutic; study design: retrospective cohort trial; evidence: Class II.
Progression of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Longitudinal Study in Norwegian Memory Clinics
Authors: Eldholm Rannveig Sakshaug , Barca Maria Lage , Persson Karin , Knapskog Anne-Brita , Kersten Hege , Engedal Knut , Selbæk Geir , Brækhus Anne , Skovlund Eva , Saltvedt Ingvild
Published: December 2017

Background:

The course of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) varies considerably between individuals. There is limited evidence on factors important for disease progression.

Objective:

The primary aim was to study the progression of AD, as measured by the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB). Secondary aims were to investigate whether baseline characteristics are important for differences in progression, and to examine the correlation between progression assessed using three different instruments: CDR-SB (0–18), the cognitive test Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE, 0–30), and the functional measure Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL, 0-1).

Methods:

The Progression of AD and Resource use (PADR) study is a longitudinal observational study in three Norwegian memory clinics.

Results:

In total, 282 AD patients (mean age 73.3 years, 54% female) were followed for mean 24 (16–37) months. The mean annual increase in CDR-SB was 1.6 (SD 1.8), the mean decrease in MMSE score 1.9 (SD 2.6), and the mean decrease in IADL score 0.13 (SD 0.14). Of the 282 patients, 132 (46.8%) progressed slowly, with less than 1 point yearly increase in CDR-SB. Cognitive test results at baseline predicted progression rate, and together with age, ApoE, history of hypertension, and drug use could explain 17% of the variance in progression rate. The strongest correlation of change was found between CDR-SB and IADL scores, the weakest between MMSE and IADL scores.

Conclusion:

Progression rate varied considerably among AD patients; about half of the patients progressed slowly. Cognitive test results at baseline were predictors of progression rate.
Nutrition: Review on the Possible Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Botchway Benson O.A. , Moore Masania K. , Akinleye Faith O. , Iyer Ishwari C. , Fang Marong
Published: December 2017

Since its discovery some hundred years ago, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disease and an eminent cause of most dementia, continues to pose problems for affected families and society, especially in developed countries. With the approved medications by the Food and Drugs Administration in the United States, effectual treatment of AD apropos to the complete eradication of the disease continues to be elusive due to complexities relating to the pathophysiology of the disease. Nutrition has and continues to play a salient role in the survival of living organisms with no exception for human beings. Herein, we report the connection between nutrition and AD with particular attention to vitamins, curcumin, and the Mediterranean diet.
The Five Dimensions of Parkinson’s Disease Genetic Risk
Authors: Coetzee Gerhard A. , Pierce Steven
Published: December 2017

Genome-wide association studies of Parkinson’s disease have revealed polymorphic variants associated with closely mapped genes of interest. We propose here that those genes may only represent the tip of an iceberg of regulatory effects and do not necessary reflect disease relevance. To usefully interpret a risk locus, one needs to consider 5 dimensions of information, which represent the three-dimensional structure of chromatin (dimensions #1– 3), which is locally variable across time (dimension #4), and, most importantly, dependent on cell type and context (dimension #5).
Churn handling strategies for structured overlay networks: A survey
Authors: Kaur Ramanpreet , Sangal Amrit Lal , Kumar Krishan
Published: December 2017

Churn handling has become an active area of research due to increased complexity, high dynamicity of participating nodes and its effect on the performance of overlay network. In this paper, we systematically analyse churn, its causes and implications along with churn handling strategies employed in various state of the art structured overlay network. These churn handling strategies are classified into two main categories based on addressing effects of churn: Churn Resilience and Dynamic repair strategies. These techniques are further classified into sub categories based on their inherent mechanism for addressing a particular concern. In addition, this paper pinpoints various concerns related to the future research for handling participant’s churn.
A multi-agent based approach for modelling context-aware systems
Authors: Sahnoun Ali , Dib Ahmed Taki Eddine , Maamri Ramdane
Published: December 2017

One of the primary objectives of ambient systems is to provide services based on the ability to interact with the environment (including objects, humans and system components). An ambient system must deal with the dynamic integration of new and unexpected elements (e.g. users or devices). To fulfil the system functions, we need to specify the ambient system and its dynamic context. In this paper, we present an elaborated formal approach to model the core concepts of context-aware systems and their dynamic reconfigurations. The approach enables a high-level of abstraction and supports building context-aware systems by providing modularity and separation of concerns. For this purpose, one, we use Milner’s standard bigraphs to model the contextual part of the context-aware system and second, we provide an extension of the Bigraphical Reactive System (BRS) to model the functional part of multi-agent system architectures (BRS-MAS). Finally, to evaluate the proposed approach, we use a Bigraphical Model Checker (BigMC) to verify safety and liveliness properties through a smart car management system case study.
A formal framework for organization- centered multi-agent system specification: A rewriting logic based approach
Authors: Laouadi Mohamed Amin , Mokhati Farid , Seridi-Bouchelaghem Hassina
Published: December 2017

Formal semantics provide precise specifications of the expected behavior of organizational model based on multi-agent system, allowing users to understand them and also modelers to reason about them and to prove their correctness. A first step was described to provide a formal specification framework among organization-centered multi-agent system by using an existing rewriting logic language called Maude to translate organizational models, which allows addressing these issues. Such formalization provides additional benefits, such as enabling the simulation of the specifications or giving access to the Maude toolkit to reason about them. In this paper, Maude was used to formally describe Agent-Group-Role-based-organization specifications. The proposed framework could, in fact, be used as is or with some extensions to describe other agent organization models. Actually, the results of precedent works [ 31 , 32 ] were synthesized with additional extensions related to the formal description of the Agent-Group-Role model. This approach is illustrated using the supply chain management (SCM) case study.
Influence of Cutting Temperature on the Tensile Strength of a Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Delahaigue Jérémy , Chatelain Jean-Francois , Lebrun Gilbert
Published: December 2017

Carbon fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRP) have seen a significant increase in use over the years thanks to their specific properties. Despite continuous improvements in the production methods of laminated parts, a trimming operation is still necessary to achieve the functional dimensions required by engineering specifications. Laminates made of carbon fibers are very abrasive and cause rapid tool wear, and require high cutting temperatures. This creates damage to the epoxy matrix, whose glass-transition temperature is often recognized to be about 180 °C. This study aims to highlight the influence of the cutting temperature generated by tool wear on the surface finish and mechanical properties obtained from tensile tests. Trimming operations were performed on a quasi-isotropic 24-ply carbon/epoxy laminate, of 3.6 mm thickness, with a 6 flutes diamond-coated (CVD) cutter. The test specimens of 6 mm and 12 mm wide were obtained by trimming. The reduced width of the coupons allowed amplification of the effect of defects on the measured properties by increasing the proportion of coupon cross-section occupied by the defects. A new tool and a tool in an advanced state of wear were used to generate different cutting temperatures. Results showed a cutting temperature of 300 °C for the new tool and 475 °C for the worn tool. The analysis revealed that the specimens machined with the new tool have no thermal damage and the cut is clean. The plies oriented at −45° presented the worst surface finish according to the failure mode of the fiber. For the worn tool, the surface was degraded and the matrix was carbonized. After cutting, observations showed a degraded resin spread on the machined surface, which reduced the surface roughness and hid the cutting defects. In support of these observations, the tensile tests showed no variation of the mechanical properties for the 12 mm-wide specimens, but did show a 10% loss in mechanical properties for the 6 mm-wide specimens. These results suggest that the thermal defects caused by tool wear affect tensile properties, but only from a certain coupon width below which the machining defects increase their influence on the properties.
Sub-Ensemble Coastal Flood Forecasting: A Case Study of Hurricane Sandy
Authors: Schulte Justin
Published: December 2017

In this paper, it is proposed that coastal flood ensemble forecasts be partitioned into sub-ensemble forecasts using cluster analysis in order to produce representative statistics and to measure forecast uncertainty arising from the presence of clusters. After clustering the ensemble members, the ability to predict the cluster into which the observation will fall can be measured using a cluster skill score. Additional sub-ensemble and composite skill scores are proposed for assessing the forecast skill of a clustered ensemble forecast. A recently proposed method for statistically increasing the number of ensemble members is used to improve sub-ensemble probabilistic estimates. Through the application of the proposed methodology to Sandy coastal flood reforecasts, it is demonstrated that statistics computed using only ensemble members belonging to a specific cluster are more representative than those computed using all ensemble members simultaneously. A cluster skill-cluster uncertainty index relationship is identified, which is the cluster analog of the documented spread-skill relationship. Two sub-ensemble skill scores are shown to be positively correlated with cluster forecast skill, suggesting that skillfully forecasting the cluster into which the observation will fall is important to overall forecast skill. The identified relationships also suggest that the number of ensemble members within in each cluster can be used as guidance for assessing the potential for forecast error. The inevitable existence of ensemble member clusters in tidally dominated total water level prediction systems suggests that clustering is a necessary post-processing step for producing representative and skillful total water level forecasts.
Investigation of Flat Clinching Process Combined with Material Forming Technology for Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhao Shengdun , Han Xiaolan , Wang Yongfei , Zhao Xuzhe
Published: December 2017

In recent years, the use of aluminum alloy has tended to increase for building lightweight automobiles to reduce their automotive weight, which is helpful to save energy and protect the environment. In order to join aluminum alloy, a flat-clinching process combined with material forming technology was investigated to join aluminum alloy sheets using an experimental and a numerical method. Al1060 was chosen as the material of the sheet, and DEFORM-2D software was used to build the numerical model. After the numerical model was validated by the experimental results, the influences of punch diameter and holder force on the materials deforming behavior of the clinched joint were analyzed using the numerical model. Then, the material flow, joining ability, and joining quality were investigated to assess the clinched joint. The results showed that an increase in punch diameter could give rise to an increase in neck thickness and interlocking length, while an increase in blank holder force induced a decrease in interlocking length and an increase in neck thickness. The joining quality could be increased by increasing the forming force. It can be concluded that a clinched joint has better joining quality for joining light-weight sheets onto automotive structures.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of 2′,3′-iso-Aryl-abscisic Acid Analogs
Authors: Wan Chuan , Wang Mingan , Yang Dongyan , Han Xiaoqiang , Che Chuanliang , Ding Shanshan , Xiao Yumei , Qin Zhaohai
Published: December 2017

2′,3′-iso-Benzoabscisic acid (iso-PhABA), an excellent selective abscisic acid (ABA) analog, was developed in our previous work. In order to find its more structure-activity information, some structural modifications were completed in this paper, including the substitution of phenyl ring and replacing the ring with heterocycles. Thus, 16 novel analogs of iso-PhABA were synthesized and screened with three bioassays, Arabidopsis and lettuce seed germination and rice seedling elongation. Some of them, i.e., 2′,3′-iso-pyridoabscisic acid (iso-PyABA) and 2′,3′-iso-franoabscisic acid (iso-FrABA), displayed good bioactivities that closed to iso-PhABA and natural (+)-ABA. Some others, for instance, substituted-iso-PhABA, exhibited certain selectivity to different physiological process when compared to iso-PhABA or (+)-ABA. These analogs not only provided new candidates of ABA-like synthetic plant growth regulators (PGRs) for practical application, but also new potential selective agonist/antagonist for probing the specific function of ABA receptors.
A Practical Method for the Preparation of 18F-Labeled Aromatic Amino Acids from Nucleophilic [18F]Fluoride and Stannyl Precursors for Electrophilic Radiohalogenation
Authors: Zarrad Fadi , Zlatopolskiy Boris , Krapf Philipp , Zischler Johannes , Neumaier Bernd
Published: December 2017

In a recent contribution of Scott et al., the substrate scope of Cu-mediated nucleophilic radiofluorination with [18F]KF for the preparation of 18F-labeled arenes was extended to aryl- and vinylstannanes. Based on these findings, the potential of this reaction for the production of clinically relevant positron emission tomography (PET) tracers was investigated. To this end, Cu-mediated radiofluorodestannylation using trimethyl(phenyl)tin as a model substrate was re-evaluated with respect to different reaction parameters. The resulting labeling protocol was applied for 18F-fluorination of different electron-rich, -neutral and -poor arylstannyl substrates in RCCs of 16–88%. Furthermore, this method was utilized for the synthesis of 18F-labeled aromatic amino acids from additionally N-Boc protected commercially available stannyl precursors routinely applied for electrophilic radiohalogenation. Finally, an automated synthesis of 6-[18F]fluoro-l-m-tyrosine (6-[18F]FMT), 2-[18F]fluoro-l-tyrosine (2-[18F]F-Tyr), 6-[18F]fluoro-l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (6-[18F]FDOPA) and 3-O-methyl-6-[18F]FDOPA ([18F]OMFD) was established furnishing these PET probes in isolated radiochemical yields (RCYs) of 32–54% on a preparative scale. Remarkably, the automated radiosynthesis of 6-[18F]FDOPA afforded an exceptionally high RCY of 54 ± 5% (n = 5).
Design of New-Generation Usable Forms of Topical Haemostatic Agents Containing Chitosan
Authors: Zielińska Dorota , Struszczyk Marcin H. , Madej-Kiełbik Longina , Chmal-Fudali Edyta , Kucharska Magdalena , Wiśniewska-Wrona Maria , Brzoza-Malczewska Kinga
Published: December 2017

Designing usable forms of topical haemostatic agents is the most important activity during the design process, resulting in strengthened functional properties of the final medical devices. This study aimed to propose indications for a research programme based on risk management supporting the development of two usable forms of a topical haemostatic agent: chitosan/alginate lyophilized foam and chitosan/alginate impregnated gauze. Both of the usable forms of the topical haemostatic agent, being the main part of the modified combat gauze, were fabricated using the chitosan/alginate complex. Risk analysis is helpful in developing an appropriate research programme, significantly reducing the risk to an acceptable level.
Identification of a Multicomponent Traditional Herbal Medicine by HPLC–MS and Electron and Light Microscopy
Authors: Liu Ju-Han , Cheng Yung-Yi , Hsieh Chen-Hsi , Tsai Tung-Hu
Published: December 2017

Background: Commercial pharmaceutical herbal products have enabled people to take traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in a convenient and accessible form. However, the quantity and quality should be additionally inspected. To address the issue, a combination of chemical and physical inspection methods were developed to evaluate the amount of an herbal formula, Xiang-Sha-Liu-Jun-Zi-Tang (XSLJZT), in clinical TCM practice. Methods: A high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) method with electrospray ionization was developed to measure the herbal biomarkers of guanosine, atractylenolide III, glycyrrhizic acid, dehydrocostus lactone, hesperidin, and oleanolic acid from XSLJZT. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs and light microscopy photographs with Congo red and iodine–KI staining were used to identify the cellulose fibers and starch content. Furthermore, solubility analysis, swelling power test, and crude fiber analysis were contributed to measure the starch additive in pharmaceutical products. Results: The results demonstrated large variations in the chemical components of different pharmaceutical brands. The SEM photographs revealed that the starch was oval, smooth, and granular, and that the raw herbal powder appears stripy, stretched, and filiform. The stained light microscopy photographs of all of the pharmaceutical products showed added starch and raw herbal powder as extenders. Conclusion: The developed chemical and physical methods provide a standard operating procedure for the quantity control of the herbal pharmaceutical products of XSLJZT.
Nanoengineered Interfaces, Coatings, and Structures by Plasma Techniques
Authors: Vasilev Krasimir , Ramiasa Melanie
Published: December 2017

Nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanobelts, nanoneedles, nanosheets, nanowires, nanopillars: the variety of nanostructured interfaces that can be created and modified using plasma processes is virtually endless.[...]
Real-Time Tropospheric Delays Retrieved from Multi-GNSS Observations and IGS Real-Time Product Streams
Authors: Lu Cuixian , Chen Xinghan , Liu Gen , Dick Galina , Wickert Jens , Jiang Xinyuan , Zheng Kai , Schuh Harald
Published: December 2017

The multi-constellation Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) offers promising potential for the retrieval of real-time (RT) atmospheric parameters to support time-critical meteorological applications, such as nowcasting or regional short-term forecasts. In this study, we processed GNSS data from the globally distributed Multi-GNSS Experiment (MGEX) network of about 30 ground stations by using the precise point positioning (PPP) technique for retrieving RT multi-GNSS tropospheric delays. RT satellite orbit and clock product streams from the International GNSS Service (IGS) were used. Meanwhile, we assessed the quality of clock and orbit products provided by different IGS RT services, called CLK01, CLK81, CLK92, GFZC2, and GFZD2, respectively. Using the RT orbit and clock products, the performances of the RT zenith total delays (ZTD) retrieved from single-system as well as from multi-GNSS combined observations were evaluated by comparing with the U.S. Naval Observatory (USNO) final troposphere products. With the addition of multi-GNSS observations, RT ZTD estimates with higher accuracy and enhanced reliability compared to the single-system solution can be obtained. Compared with the Global Positioning System (GPS)-only solution, the improvements in the initialization time of ZTD estimates are about 5.8% and 8.1% with the dual-system and the four-system combinations, respectively. The RT ZTD estimates retrieved with the GFZC2 products outperform those derived from the other IGS-RT products. In the GFZC2 solution, the accuracy of about 5.05 mm for the RT estimated ZTD can be achieved with fixing station coordinates. The results also confirm that the accuracy improvement (about 22.2%) can be achieved for the real-time estimated ZTDs by using multi-GNSS observables, compared to the GPS-only solution. In the multi-GNSS solution, the accuracy of real-time retrieved ZTDs can be improved by a factor of up to 2.7 in the fixing coordinate mode, compared with that in the kinematic mode.
Agressividade Fiscal: uma comparação entre empresas listadas na NYSE e BM&FBOVESPA1
Authors: De Macena Araújo Risolene Alves , Da Silva Santos Lívia Maria , Maia Leite Filho Paulo Amilton , Paes de Barros Camara Renata
Published: December 2017

Ações destinadas a minorar os impostos corporativos, por meio de atividades fiscais agressivas, estão se tornando cada vez mais uma característica comum do ambiente organizacional em muitos países ao redor do mundo. No entanto, o ambiente de negócios se modifica de país para país. As regras diferem e as condições de se implementar atividades fiscais agressivas podem não ser as mesmas. Diante disso, o objetivo do trabalho foi verificar se as empresas listadas na NYSE são menos agressivas fiscalmente do que as empresas listadas na BM&FBOVESPA, no período de 2010 a 2014. Para alcançar esse objetivo, as proxies de agressividade fiscal foram baseadas no estudo de Chen et al. (2010): alíquota efetiva de imposto (ETR) e diferença entre lucro contábil e lucro tributável (BTD). Foram utilizadas as técnicas de Regressão OLS e Regressão Quantílica para uma amostra de 501 empresas, sendo 107 empresas listadas na bolsa de valores de São Paulo (BM&FBOVESPA) e 394 listadas na bolsa de valores de Nova Iorque (NYSE). Os resultados evidenciaram que as empresas da NYSE são menos agressivas fiscalmente do que as empresas listadas na BM&FBOVESPA, exceto no quantil superior (quantil 90), relativo à ETR, no qual as empresas da NYSE apresentaram menor ETR do que as empresas da BM&FBOVESPA, sugerindo, com isso, maior agressividade fiscal destas empresas.
Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure, architecture description
Authors:   CGDI Architecture Working Group
Published: December 2017

The Canadian Geospatial Data Infrastructure (CGDI) is a distributed set of data, as well as services and applications that enable the sharing and use of geospatially referenced information. The CGDI is being developed by the Geoconnections program. A complete
introduction to the CGDI and its various aspects is found in the CGDI Target Vision.
CGDI is an open information technology infrastructure that is based upon publicly available specifications. The architecture is designed to enable the implementation of systems to support service providers, data providers and application developers, using interoperable and re-usable components. This
goal is achieved largely through specifying the interfaces of these services. These specifications draw upon the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 19100 series of abstract standards for Geographic Information, and related implementation specifications under development by the Open
GIS Consortium (OGC).
This architecture description document is one of a trio of evolving documents that describe the CGDI:
1. The CGDI Target Vision,
2. The CGDI Architecture Description, and
3. The CGDI Implementation Plan.
GeoConnections framework data guide
Authors:   GeoConnections
Published: December 2017

Welcome to the GeoConnections Framework Data Guide. This online course is designed to introduce you to framework data concepts, sources and uses. Does your job require you to present information in a geospatial or map form? Do you need to bring together
geospatial information from different sources and integrate it on a common base map? Have you had difficulties finding and using common base mapping data? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, this guide is for you.

Framework data is common base map data that provides geospatial reference across Canada to physical features and other types of information that is linked to geography. You can access it from a number of sources at a variety of scales or levels of information detail. Framework data is important
because it provides you with a foundation for integrating other kinds of data, which is often required for analysis and reporting purposes.

The guide has two purposes:

To inform you of the benefits of framework data.
To help you find and access framework data.

If you have a general background in information technology or use it to analyse data, prepare charts and reports, etc., but are not familiar with geospatial information and its manipulation, this guide will help you. Once you have read the guide, you will know where to find framework data,
understand the benefits of different data sources, be in a better position to choose the type of data that best suits your needs, and know how to access it from your own computer.
Uniform reconstruction of continuous functions with the RAFU method
Authors: Corbacho Cortés Eduardo
Published: December 2017

The RAFU (radical functions) method can be used to obtain the uniformreconstruction of a continuous function from its values at some ofthe points of partitions of a closed interval. In this work we willprove that we can reconstruct a continuous function from average samplesof these points, from linear combinations of them and from local averagesamples given by convolution. Uniform error bounds will be established. If these data are unknown but approximate values of them are known, uniform reconstruction will be also possible. Error estimates in these cases will be given. The case of a non-uniform net will be treated. Examples and algorithms will be also shown.
Volume and temperature transports through the main Arctic Gateways: A comparative study between an ocean reanalysis and mooring-derived data
Authors: Pietschnig Marianne , Mayer Michael , Tsubouchi Takamasa , Storto Andrea , Stichelberger Sebastian , Haimberger Leopold
Published: December 2017

Abstract. Oceanic transports through the Arctic gateways represent an integral part of the polar climate system, but comprehensive in-situ-based estimates of this quantity have been lacking in the past. New observation-based estimates of oceanic volume, temperature and freshwater transports have recently become available. Those estimates have been derived from moored observations in the four major gateways by applying mass and salinity constraints. We seize this opportunity to compare a recent ocean reanalysis release with those observation-based estimates. First, time series of integrated volume and temperature transports through each strait are considered. Good agreement is found for Davis Strait volume transports, but considerable disagreement of up to 1.1 Sv in Fram Strait and the Barents Sea Opening. The annual mean net volume export through the gateways is −0.03 ± 0.23 Sv in the reanalysis, weaker than the −0.15 ± 0.06 Sv derived from the observation-based estimate (uncertainties represent the monthly standard deviation). The net ocean heat transport to the Arctic Ocean is similar in the two datasets (observation-based: 153 ± 44 TW, reanalysis: 145 ± 35 TW). Discrepancies in the integrated transports are further investigated by studying cross-sections of velocity, temperature and temperature flux density. These reveal good qualitative agreement in all straits, but considerable differences in the strength of major features like the East Greenland Current and the West Spitzbergen Current. Examination of the instrumental coverage reveals that areas of discrepancy are often co-located with poorly observed regions. In conclusion, both types of data sets have their merits and are recommended to be used complementarily for climate studies in this data-sparse region. We hope that the results presented in this study can assist in planning future observational efforts and in the development of ocean reanalysis products.