bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Evaluation Method of Cleaning Performance for Washing Machines
Authors: Stamminger Rainer , Lambert Edith , Hilgers Thomas
Published: August 2016

Several different approaches are commonly used to obtain information about the performance of laundry systems, e.g. washing machines. The evaluation of washing performance with soiled test fabrics is commonly done by measuring the reflectance of the washed test specimen. The absolute reflectance readings may be used if the results are only compared within a series of tests using the same batches of test materials for all runs. The inevitable uncertainty of any test results may be reduced if the results can be expressed as ratios compared to the performance of well-known or well-established reference systems tested in parallel. This approach is defined in IEC 60456:2010 and followed globally for assessing the performance of washing machines. With the current evaluation method the calculation of the overall wash performance test result cannot be adjusted to adequately reflect the characteristics of different wash programmes designed for different purposes – or different machine technology and global regions. It is therefore the task of this paper to develop an evaluation method for assessing the cleaning performance of washing machines which is scientifically sound and statistically complete and more flexible in its application to different programmes and/or regions. A new cleaning evaluation method is suggested in this paper and applied to two sets of available data. The new cleaning evaluation method shows to have a number of apparent advantages over the method currently used. As a straightforward approach the stain specific evaluation ensures full usage of generated information including reference machine and batch values to allow calibrating the test result. The full statistical evaluation gives a more complete picture and allows partial results to reflect different aspects of system performance as well as weighting factors allow adjustment to specific requirements.
Investigation of material removal rate (MRR) and wire wear ratio (WWR) for alloy Ti6Al4 V exposed to heat treatment processing in WEDM and optimization of parameters using Grey relational analysis
Authors: Altuğ Mehmet
Published: August 2016

The study examines the changes of the microstructural, mechanical and conductivity characteristics of the titanium alloy Ti6Al4 V as a result of heat treatment using wire electrical discharge machining, and their effect on machinability. By means of optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), analyses have been performed to determine various characteristics and additionally, microhardness and conductivity measurements have been conducted. Material removal rate (MRR) and wire wear ratio (WWR) values have been determined by using L18 Taguchi test design. The microstructures of the samples have been changed by thermal procedures. Results have been obtained by using the Grey relational analysis (GRA) optimization technique to solve the maximum MRR and minimum WWR values. The best (highest) MRR value is obtained from sample E which was water quenched in dual phase processing. The microstructure of this sample is composed of primary α and α’ phases. The best (lowest) WWR value is obtained from sample A.
Fabrication of 3D porous MoS2–GO nanocomposite monolith as a promising adsorbent
Authors: Xia Hongkun , Ji Tianhao , Wu You , Wu Yongle
Published: August 2016

Three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposite monolith containing MoS2 nanoflakes, graphene oxide (GO) and amorphous SiO2 was fabricated through a simple mixing process and hydrothermal treatment. Compared with GO monolith prepared under identical conditions, the MoS2–GO monolith had larger specific surface area, smaller pore diameter, as well as much higher adsorption capacity for Cu2+ and Rhodamine B. Introducing amorphous SiO2 into the end monolith by using tetraethyl orthosilicate as a reactant in the synthesis reduced shrinkage and produced a greater number of large pores (>1 μm pore diameter) in the monolith. The specific surface area and pore diameter of the MoS2–GO monolith were 321.4 m2 g−1 and 11.71 nm, respectively. The higher adsorption capacity was ascribed to the presence of many S atoms in the MoS2 nanoflakes inside the monolith.
Metallurgical Failure Investigation of a Surface Hardened Drive Shaft Made of Tempered Low-Alloy Steel 25CrMo4 (1.7218)
Authors: Fischer B. , Cagliyan E.
Published: August 2016

A drive shaft of a multifunctional mechanical processing machine for large components broke down during processing. The OEM shaft was worn-out after years of operation and was recently replaced. The replaced drive shaft was delivered to the materials laboratory of the Berlin gas turbine plant in order to identify the cause of the damage. It was found that the component failed due to high cycle fatigue failure, HCF, on the tooth roots after a short period of operation. The teeth of the damaged shaft were inappropriately induction surface hardened.
Characterization of Ultra Thin Copper Layers
Authors: Karasahin S. , Dammasch M.
Published: August 2016

The technological progress of microelectronic devices is directly coupled with the ability to produce transistor circuits and interconnects on the wafer level with increasingly small dimensions while providing equal or even better electrical properties and functionality. Therefore every new generation of microchip manufacturing is a challenge for the existing production technologies to compete with the raised requirements as well as for the material scientific methods to characterize and control the properties of the incorporated dielectrics and deposited metal layers with dimensions in the nm range. The following article will illustrate the investigation methods that have been applied for the development of electrolessly plated copper layers of less than 3 nm thickness to provide a conductive copper seed for subsequent copper electroplating to fill Dual Damascene interconnects of the 14 nm or 10 nm technology node. The methods used are AFM, Ellipsometry, 4-point resistivity, XPS, EELS, XRF, XRD, FIB/HR-STEM, HR-TEM.
Drilled Shaft Design and Load Testing in Florida Intermediate Geomaterial and Weak Limestone
Authors: Herrera Rodrigo , Jones Lawrence E.
Published: August 2016

This case study summarizes the design, construction, load testing, and integrity testing of nonredundant drilled shafts for a bridge project in northwest Florida. The subsurface profile consisted mainly of calcareous sandy and silty clay (marl and marlstone) interfingered with limestone and cemented sand layers. The results of unconfined compression tests revealed significant variability in strength, with strata within the depth of interest holding strength properties that fall within the generally accepted range of cohesive intermediate geomaterial. This paper discusses local geology, geotechnical investigation, design, construction, load testing, and site-specific correlations. Important aspects of the project, including the use of the shaft inspection device to examine the cleanliness of the bottom of the shafts, Osterberg cell load testing, and the site-specific correlations developed from the results, as well as integrity testing with cross-hole sonic logging and a thermal integrity profiler, are presented. The inability of the standard penetration test (SPT) to delineate boundaries adequately between strong and (relatively) weaker layers is presented, as well as nonlinear site-specific relationships between anticipated skin friction resistance and SPT blow count. The nonlinear SPT-based relationships attempt to address the strain incompatibility between strong and weak seams that may exist within a given stratum. Proposed correlations for skin friction and end bearing that are based on laboratory strength testing are presented in terms of revised unconfined compressive strength to address variability in strength characteristics across the site.
Comparative Analyses of Granular Pavement Moduli Measured from Lightweight Deflectometer and Miniaturized Pressuremeter Tests
Authors: Shaban Alaa M. , Cosentino Paul J.
Published: August 2016

A field investigation was conducted with two testing devices, the miniaturized pressuremeter test (MPMT) and a lightweight deflectometer (LWD), to evaluate the elastic characteristics of granular pavement layers. The stress–strain data from the MPMT tests were used to determine the stiffness of pavement materials under the influence of static loading conditions in initial elastic modulus ( Ei) and reload elastic modulus ( Er). The time–deflection data from the LWD tests were used to determine the stiffness parameters of pavement materials under the influence of dynamic loading conditions in dynamic deformation modulus ( Ed) and LWD plate deflection. The results of the MPMT tests were compared with the results of the LWD tests in two phases. First, a direct approach was conducted with statistical analysis. MPMT elastic moduli were compared with LWD dynamic moduli. The results indicate that Ei and Er could be used to estimate Ed. The initial-modulus model had the best prediction for granular pavement dynamic moduli, followed by the reload moduli model. Second, an inverse approach was achieved by implementing finite element analysis. Three MPMT modulus models were utilized as inputs in the two-dimensional finite element simulation to predict pavement layer deflections. The predicted deflections were compared with deflections measured from LWD tests. The results revealed that a strain-level model in numerical simulation of base course moduli provided satisfactory values of predicted deflection and that the reload modulus model yielded the best prediction deflections for subgrade soils.
Geotechnical and Leaching Properties of Municipal Solid Waste Incineration Fly Ash for Use as Embankment Fill Material
Authors: Zhang Yibo , Soleimanbeigi Ali , Likos William J. , Edil Tuncer B.
Published: August 2016

The beneficial use of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash promotes sustainability in highway construction. This study investigated the geotechnical and chemical leaching characteristics of fresh and aged MSWI fly ash samples for use of the material in highway construction applications. The results show that the geotechnical properties of MSWI fly ash resemble those of silty sands with poor drainage capacity. Compared with fresh ash (<10 days since placement), aged ash (3 to 6 months) has a higher California bearing ratio, higher unconfined compressive strength, and greater freeze–thaw durability. The concentrations of cadmium, chromium, selenium, silver, and sulfate from water leach tests are below the limits stipulated in Wisconsin NR 538. The concentrations of heavy metals in leachate from Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure tests are below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standard maximum contaminant level, with the exception of arsenic. Cumulative mass release from column leach tests indicates that fresh ash will release more heavy metals than aged ash during long-term leaching processes. According to the geotechnical and environmental test results in this investigation, aged MSWI fly ash is identified as a viable material for potential use in roadway construction.
Enhancements to a Simple Pavement Frost Model
Authors: Duffy Brendan , Orr David , Miller Heather J.
Published: August 2016

The ability to predict the timing of thaw is important to the design and the maintenance of roads. Such knowledge allows highway agencies to reduce the damage caused by enacting seasonal load restrictions during thawing. Because measurement by observation or testing requires time and resources, one desirable solution is a predictive model. Simple models, such as the Cornell Pavement Frost Model (CPFM), require only daily temperature weather inputs. Possible improvements to the CPFM were tried with a primary goal of improving thaw timing while keeping the model simple and applicable across New York State and beyond. The proposed modifications included changing the thaw reference temperature, providing better tracking of thermal properties throughout seasonal changes, and driving thaw from underneath with a constant underground temperature. During the investigation, further changes were tested involving ways to treat latent heat during thaw, including decoupling. Changes were tested against frost tube data from Ithaca, New York. The model was evaluated and adjusted at other sites in Maine and New Hampshire. The additional inputs required by the resulting modified model were depth and value of constant temperature, moisture content, and estimated shade. The modified model greatly improved the depth and timing of the model for most sites. The final model used the original formulation with minor modifications for freezing and a latent heat formulation for thawing. With more than one freezing–thawing front, the formulas were decoupled. Further investigation should be done to improve frost depth and timing, and in particular, to find out why rapid thawing from underneath does not occur at some sites.
Effects of Seasonal Variation on the Load-Bearing Capacity of Pavements Composed of Insulation Layers
Authors: Haghi Negar Tavafzadeh , Hashemian Leila , Bayat Alireza
Published: August 2016

Seasonal variation in the subgrade resilient modulus is likely caused by external factors, such as precipitation and freeze–thaw cycles. One of the strategies for minimizing the impact of this variation on the subgrade modulus is to use insulation layers to prevent frost penetration. This study investigated the effects of the use of insulation layers on pavement performance in the fully instrumented Integrated Road Research Facility in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Three insulated sections of the test road were comprised of bottom ash (BA) (100 cm) and polystyrene boards of two thicknesses (5 and 10 cm), and the adjacent conventional section was considered the control section (CS). The resilient modulus and the effective modulus of pavement were backcalculated with the data obtained from falling weight deflectometer testing conducted at the test road during a 1-year monitoring period, from July 2014 to July 2015. Temperature and moisture probes, installed across the depth of the sections, were used to determine the frozen, thawed, or recovering condition of the pavement. The study results revealed that polystyrene boards protected subgrade soil from freezing and thawing effects. The minimum ratio of the backcalculated subgrade modulus of each test to the resilient modulus of the test performed in September was 0.94 in the BA section, and the ratio of the CS could decrease to 0.88 in the recovering period. Comparison of the load-bearing capacity of insulated sections and the CS indicated that, unlike BA, polystyrene boards significantly decreased the load-bearing capacity of the pavement.
Hardware Implementation and Validation of 3D Underwater Shape Reconstruction Algorithm Using a Stereo-Catadioptric System
Authors: Hmida Rihab , Ben Abdelali Abdessalem , Comby Frédéric , Lapierre Lionel , Mtibaa Abdellatif , Zapata René
Published: August 2016

In this paper, we present a new stereo vision-based system and its efficient hardware implementation for real-time underwater environments exploration throughout 3D sparse reconstruction based on a number of feature points. The proposed underwater 3D shape reconstruction algorithm details are presented. The main concepts and advantages are discussed and comparison with existing systems is performed. In order to achieve real-time video constraints, a hardware implementation of the algorithm is performed using Xilinx System Generator. The pipelined stereo vision system has been implemented using Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) technology. Both timing constraints and mathematical operations precision have been evaluated in order to validate the proposed hardware implementation of our system. Experimental results show that the proposed system presents high accuracy and execution time performances.
Data Always Getting Bigger—A Scalable DOI Architecture for Big and Expanding Scientific Data
Authors: Prakash Giri , Shrestha Biva , Younkin Katarina , Jundt Rolanda , Martin Mark , Elliott Jannean
Published: August 2016

The Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Data Archive established a data citation strategy based on Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for the ARM datasets in order to facilitate citing continuous and diverse ARM datasets in articles and other papers. This strategy eases the tracking of data provided as supplements to articles and papers. Additionally, it allows future data users and the ARM Climate Research Facility to easily locate the exact data used in various articles. Traditionally, DOIs are assigned to individual digital objects (a report or a data table), but for ARM datasets, these DOIs are assigned to an ARM data product. This eliminates the need for creating DOIs for numerous components of the ARM data product, in turn making it easier for users to manage and cite the ARM data with fewer DOIs. In addition, the ARM data infrastructure team, with input from scientific users, developed a citation format and an online data citation generation tool for continuous data streams. This citation format includes DOIs along with additional details such as spatial and temporal information.
A Framework to Analyze the Stochastic Harmonics and Resonance of Wind Energy Grid Interconnection
Authors: Cho Youngho , Lee Choongman , Hur Kyeon , Kang Yong , Muljadi Eduard , Park Sang-Ho , Choy Young-Do , Yoon Gi-Gab
Published: August 2016

This paper addresses a modeling and analysis methodology for investigating the stochastic harmonics and resonance concerns of wind power plants (WPPs). Wideband harmonics from modern wind turbines (WTs) are observed to be stochastic, associated with real power production, and they may adversely interact with the grid impedance and cause unexpected harmonic resonance, if not comprehensively addressed in the planning and commissioning of the WPPs. These issues should become more critical as wind penetration levels increase. We thus propose a planning study framework comprising the following functional steps: First, the best fitted probability density functions (PDFs) of the harmonic components of interest in the frequency domain are determined. In operations planning, maximum likelihood estimations (MLEs) followed by a chi-square test are used once field measurements or manufacturers’ data are available. Second, harmonic currents from the WPP are represented by randomly-generating harmonic components based on their PDFs (frequency spectrum) and then synthesized for time domain simulations via inverse Fourier transform. Finally, we conduct a comprehensive assessment by including the impacts of feeder configurations, harmonic filters and the variability of parameters. We demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed study approach for a 100-MW offshore WPP consisting of 20 units of 5-MW full converter turbines, a realistic benchmark system adapted from a WPP under development in Korea and discuss lessons learned through this research.
Effect of Sintering Temperature and Applied Load on Anode-Supported Electrodes for SOFC Application
Authors: Nguyen Xuan-Vien , Chang Chang-Tsair , Jung Guo-Bin , Chan Shih-Hung , Huang Wilson , Hsiao Kai-Jung , Lee Win-Tai , Chang Shu-Wei , Kao I-Cheng
Published: August 2016

Anode-supported cells are prepared by a sequence of hot pressing and co-sintering processes for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications. Commercially available porous anode tape (NiO/YSZ = 50 wt %/50 wt %), anode tape (NiO/YSZ = 30 wt %/70 wt %), and YSZ are used as the anode substrate, anode functional layer, and electrolyte layer, respectively. After hot pressing, the stacked layers are then sintered at different temperatures (1250 °C, 1350 °C, 1400 °C and 1450 °C) for 5 h in air. Different compressive loads are applied during the sintering process. An (La,Sr)MnO3 (LSM) paste is coated on the post-sintered anode-supported electrolyte surface as the cathode, and sintered at different temperatures (1100 °C, 1150 °C, 1200 °C and 1250 °C) for 2 h in air to generate anode-supported cells with dimensions of 60 × 60 mm2 (active reaction area of 50 × 50 mm2). SEM is used to investigate the anode structure of the anode-supported cells. In addition, confocal laser scanning microscopy is used to investigate the roughness of the cathode surfaces. At sintering temperatures of 1400 °C and 1450 °C, there is significant grain growth in the anode. Furthermore, the surface of the cathode is smoother at a firing temperature of 1200 °C. It is also found that the optimal compressive load of 1742 Pa led to a flatness of 168 µm/6 cm and a deformation of 0.72%. The open circuit voltage and power density of the anode-supported cell at 750 °C were 1.0 V and 178 mW·cm−2, respectively.
Variation in the Growth Traits and Wood Properties of Chinese Fir from Six Provinces of Southern China
Authors: Duan Hongjing , Cao Sen , Zheng Huiquan , Hu Dehuo , Lin Jun , Lin Huazhong , Hu Ruiyang , Sun Yuhan , Li Yun
Published: August 2016

To determine the phenotypic variation in 700 ten-year grafted Chinese fir collected from six provinces in southern China, 10 phenotypic traits were investigated: tree height, diameter at breast height, bark thickness, volume of timber, heartwood ratio, density of wood, hygroscopicity, tracheid length, tracheid diameter, and ratio of tracheid length to tracheid diameter. Abundant phenotypic variation was found among the six populations; the phenotypic variation coefficients all exceeded 10%, and the largest was for volume of timber. Significant variation (p < 0.01 or 0.05) in traits was found among the populations, except for diameter at breast height, heartwood ratio, and tracheid diameter, while all traits differed significantly (p < 0.01) within populations. The high value of repeatability (broad-sense heritability) suggested moderate genetic control of the traits. The 10 traits were strongly correlated within the entire population; strong positive correlations (p < 0.01) were observed between growth traits, and significant negative correlations (p < 0.01 or 0.05) were found between the density of wood and most other characteristics, except for heartwood ratio and ratio of tracheid length to tracheid diameter. Using diameter at breast height and density of wood as criteria, 98 relatively fast-growing genotypes with relatively high wood basic density were identified.
Trait Emotional Intelligence Is Related to Risk Taking when Adolescents Make Deliberative Decisions
Authors: Panno Angelo
Published: August 2016

Most forms of risky behavior reach their peak during adolescence. A prominent line of research is exploring the relationship between people’s emotional self-efficacy and risk taking, but little is known about this relationship in the cognitive-deliberative domain among adolescents. The main aim of the present study consists in investigating whether trait EI (Emotional Intelligence) is positively related to risk taking under predominantly cognitive-deliberative conditions among adolescents. Ninety-four adolescents played the cold version of the Columbia Card Task one month following an assessment of their trait EI. Results showed that trait EI is associated with risk taking under cognitive-deliberative conditions among adolescents. Moreover, the present research showed that trait EI is related to risk taking through the decision makers’ self-motivation. These results provide novel insights into research investigating the connections between emotional intelligence, decision science and adolescence research.
Assessment of Drivers with Alzheimer’s Disease in High Demand Driving Situations: Coping with Intersections in a Driving Simulator
Authors: Stinchcombe Arne , Paquet Stephanie , Yamin Stephanie , Gagnon Sylvain
Published: August 2016

Intersections are one of the most complex and cognitively demanding driving situations. Individuals with dementia and, more precisely, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), may face additional challenges negotiating intersections given the nature of their cognitive decline, which often includes deficits of attention. We developed a comprehensive evaluation scheme to assess simulated driving performance at intersections. The evaluation scheme captured all types of errors that could occur during preparation (i.e., prior to the intersection), execution (i.e., during the intersection), and recovery (i.e., after the intersection). Using the evaluation scheme, intersection behaviour in a driving simulator among 17 drivers with mild AD was compared to that of 21 healthy controls. The results indicated that across all types of intersections, mild AD drivers exhibited a greater number of errors relative to controls. Drivers with mild AD made the most errors during the preparation period leading up to the intersection. These findings present a novel approach to analyzing intersection behaviour and contribute to the growing body of research on dementia and driving.
The Relationship between Phytoplankton Evenness and Copepod Abundance in Lake Nansihu, China
Authors: Tian Wang , Zhang Huayong , Zhao Lei , Xu Xiang , Huang Hai
Published: August 2016

The relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is a central issue in ecology. Previous studies have shown that producer diversity can impact the consumer community via predator-prey interactions. However, direct observations of this relationship remain rare, in particular for aquatic ecosystems. In this research, the relationship between phytoplankton diversity (species richness and evenness) and the abundance of copepods was analyzed in Lake Nansihu, a meso-eutrophic lake in China. The results showed that copepods abundance was significantly decreased with increasing phytoplankton evenness throughout the year. However, both species richness and phytoplankton biomass showed no significant relationship with the abundance of copepods. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed that phytoplankton evenness was negatively correlated with Thermocyclops kawamurai, Cyclops vicinus, Eucyclops serrulatus, Mesocyclops leuckarti, Sinocalanus tenellus, Sinocalanus dorrii, Copepods nauplius, but positively correlated with many Cyanophyta species (Chroococcus minutus, Dactylococcopsis acicularis, Microcystis incerta, Merismopedia tenuissima, Merismopedia sinica and Lyngbya limnetica). Based on our results, phytoplankton evenness was a better predictor of copepods abundance in meso-eutrophic lakes. These results provide new insights into the relationship between diversity and ecosystem functioning in aquatic ecosystems.
Geographical Patterns of HIV Sero-Discordancy in High HIV Prevalence Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Cuadros Diego , Abu-Raddad Laith
Published: August 2016

Introduction: Variation in the proportion of individuals living in a stable HIV sero-discordant partnership (SDP), and the potential drivers of such variability across sub Saharan Africa (SSA), are still not well-understood. This study aimed to examine the spatial clustering of HIV sero-discordancy, and the impact of local variation in HIV prevalence on patterns of sero-discordancy in high HIV prevalence countries in SSA. Methods: We described the spatial patterns of sero-discordancy among stable couples by analyzing Demographic and Health Survey data from Cameroon, Kenya, Lesotho, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. We identified spatial clusters of SDPs in each country through a Kulldorff spatial scan statistics analysis. After a geographical cluster was identified, epidemiologic measures of sero-discordancy were calculated and analyzed. Results: Spatial clusters with significantly high numbers of SDPs were identified and characterized in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania, and they largely overlapped with the clusters with high HIV prevalence. There was a positive correlation between HIV prevalence and the proportion of SDPs among all stable couples across within and outside clusters. Conversely, there was a negative, but weak and not significant, correlation between HIV prevalence and the proportion of SDPs among all stable couples with at least one HIV-infected individual in the partnership. Discussion: There does not appear to be distinct spatial patterns for HIV sero-discordancy that are independent of HIV prevalence patterns. The variation of the sero-discordancy measures with HIV prevalence across clusters and outside clusters demonstrated similar patterns to those observed at the national level. The spatial variable does not appear to be a fundamental nor independent determinant of the observed patterns of sero-discordancy in high HIV prevalence countries in SSA.
The Effects of the Passage of Time from the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake on the Public’s Anxiety about a Variety of Hazards
Authors: Nakayachi Kazuya , Nagaya Kazuhisa
Published: August 2016

This research investigated whether the Japanese people’s anxiety about a variety of hazards, including earthquakes and nuclear accidents, has changed over time since the Tohoku Earthquake in 2011. Data from three nationwide surveys conducted in 2008, 2012, and 2015 were compared to see the change in societal levels of anxiety toward 51 types of hazards. The same two-phase stratified random sampling method was used to create the list of participants in each survey. The results showed that anxiety about earthquakes and nuclear accidents had increased for a time after the Tohoku Earthquake, and then decreased after a four-year time frame with no severe earthquakes and nuclear accidents. It was also revealed that the anxiety level for some hazards other than earthquakes and nuclear accidents had decreased at ten months after the Earthquake, and then remained unchanged after the four years. Therefore, ironically, a major disaster might decrease the public anxiety in general at least for several years.
Meteorological Factors for Dengue Fever Control and Prevention in South China
Authors: Gu Haogao , Leung Ross , Jing Qinlong , Zhang Wangjian , Yang Zhicong , Lu Jiahai , Hao Yuantao , Zhang Dingmei
Published: August 2016

Dengue fever (DF) is endemic in Guangzhou and has been circulating for decades, causing significant economic loss. DF prevention mainly relies on mosquito control and change in lifestyle. However, alert fatigue may partially limit the success of these countermeasures. This study investigated the delayed effect of meteorological factors, as well as the relationships between five climatic variables and the risk for DF by boosted regression trees (BRT) over the period of 2005–2011, to determine the best timing and strategy for adapting such preventive measures. The most important meteorological factor was daily average temperature. We used BRT to investigate the lagged relationship between dengue clinical burden and climatic variables, with the 58 and 62 day lag models attaining the largest area under the curve. The climatic factors presented similar patterns between these two lag models, which can be used as references for DF prevention in the early stage. Our results facilitate the development of the Mosquito Breeding Risk Index for early warning systems. The availability of meteorological data and modeling methods enables the extension of the application to other vector-borne diseases endemic in tropical and subtropical countries.
Phytoestrogens and Mycoestrogens Induce Signature Structure Dynamics Changes on Estrogen Receptor α
Authors: Chen Xueyan , Uzuner Ugur , Li Man , Shi Weibing , Yuan Joshua , Dai Susie
Published: August 2016

Endocrine disrupters include a broad spectrum of chemicals such as industrial chemicals, natural estrogens and androgens, synthetic estrogens and androgens. Phytoestrogens are widely present in diet and food supplements; mycoestrogens are frequently found in grains. As human beings and animals are commonly exposed to phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens in diet and environment, it is important to understand the potential beneficial or hazardous effects of estrogenic compounds. Many bioassays have been established to study the binding of estrogenic compounds with estrogen receptor (ER) and provided rich data in the literature. However, limited assays can offer structure information with regard to the ligand/ER complex. Our current study surveys the global structure dynamics changes for ERα ligand binding domain (LBD) when phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens bind. The assay is based on the structure dynamics information probed by hydrogen deuterium exchange mass spectrometry and offers a unique viewpoint to elucidate the mechanism how phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens interact with estrogen receptor. The cluster analysis based on the hydrogen deuterium exchange (HDX) assay data reveals a unique pattern when phytoestrogens and mycoestrogens bind with ERα LBD compared to that of estradiol and synthetic estrogen modulators. Our study highlights that structure dynamics could play an important role in the structure function relationship when endocrine disrupters interact with estrogen receptors.
Distribution of High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Its Relationship with Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors in the Middle-Aged Chinese Population
Authors: Wang Zengwu , Wang Xin , Chen Zuo , Zhang Linfeng , Zhu Manlu
Published: August 2016

Background: An increased concentration of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) indicates risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Because the available data is limited, a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2009–2010 to describe hs-CRP distribution and its relationship with established CVD risk factors. Methods: A population-based sample of adults aged 35 to 64 years (n = 14,046) was taken from 12 research populations across China. Demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and hs-CRP measured. Pearson’s and Kendall’s tau-b correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analyses were used to test the relationship between hs-CRP and other CVD risk factors. Results: For 8389 (4412 females) eligible participants, hs-CRP was 1.89 ± 4.37 mg/L (median (25th, 75th): 0.80 (0.40, 1.80)), and increased with age, BP, glucose, and BMI (p < 0.05), males had significantly higher hs-CRP than females (2.07 (4.89) vs. 1.73 (3.83), p < 0.001). About 24.3% had the hs-CRP concentrations more than the top quartile (25.8% in males, 22.9% in females), 12.3% (13.3% in males, 11.5% in females) >3 mg/L. There was a significant positive correlation of quartiles of hs-CRP concentrations with age, SBP, DBP, glucose level, BMI, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio, and LDL-C/total cholesterol ratio (p < 0.001). The elevated hs-CRP (>1.80 mg/L) related positively with age, LDL-C, BP, glucose, BMI, and living north and negatively with HDL-C/TC, LDL-C/TC, TC independently (p < 0.05). For subjects with coexisting hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity, about 63.0% were in the top quartile of hs-CRP concentrations. Conclusions: Hs-CRP was associated with most of the known CVD risk factors. Measurement of hs-CRP may provide a more comprehensive view of the patient’s overall risk profile in the Chinese population.
β1 Integrin as a Prognostic and Predictive Marker in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Yin Hsin-Ling , Wu Chun-Chieh , Lin Chih-Hung , Chai Chee-Yin , Hou Ming-Feng , Chang Shu-Jyuan , Tsai Hung-Pei , Hung Wen-Chun , Pan Mei-Ren , Luo Chi-Wen
Published: August 2016

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) displays higher risk of recurrence and distant metastasis. Due to absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), TNBC lacks clinically established targeted therapies. Therefore, understanding of the mechanism underlying the aggressive behaviors of TNBC is required for the design of individualized strategies and the elongation of overall survival duration. Here, we supported a positive correlation between β1 integrin and malignant behaviors such as cell migration, invasion, and drug resistance. We found that silencing of β1 integrin inhibited cell migration, invasion, and increased the sensitivity to anti-cancer drug. In contrast, activation of β1 integrin increased cell migration, invasion, and decreased the sensitivity to anti-cancer drug. Furthermore, we found that silencing of β1 integrin abolished Focal adhesion kinese (FAK) mediated cell survival. Overexpression of FAK could restore cisplatin-induced apoptosis in β1 integrin-depleted cells. Consistent to in vitro data, β1 integrin expression was also positively correlated with FAK (p = 0.031) in clinical tissue. More importantly, β1 integrin expression was significantly correlated with patient outcome. In summary, our study indicated that β1 integrin could regulate TNBC cells migration, invasion, drug sensitivity, and be a potential prognostic biomarker in TNBC patient survival.
Importance of Estrogenic Signaling and Its Mediated Receptors in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lau Kin-Mang , To Ka-Fai
Published: August 2016

Prostate cancer (PCa) treatment was first established by Huggins and Hodges in 1941, primarily described as androgen deprivation via interference of testicular androgen production. The disease remains incurable with relapse of hormone-refractory cancer after treatments. Epidemiological and clinical studies disclosed the importance of estrogens in PCa. Discovery of estrogen receptor ERβ prompted direct estrogenic actions, in conjunction with ERα, on PCa cells. Mechanistically, ERs upon ligand binding transactivate target genes at consensus genomic sites via interactions with various transcriptional co-regulators to mold estrogenic signaling. With animal models, Noble revealed estrogen dependencies of PCa, providing insight into potential uses of antiestrogens in the treatment. Subsequently, various clinical trials were conducted and molecular and functional consequences of antiestrogen treatment in PCa were delineated. Besides, estrogens can also trigger rapid non-genomic signaling responses initiated at the plasma membrane, at least partially via an orphan G-protein-coupled receptor GPR30. Activation of GPR30 significantly inhibited in vitro and in vivo PCa cell growth and the underlying mechanism was elucidated. Currently, molecular networks of estrogenic and antiestrogenic signaling via ERα, ERβ and GPR30 in PCa have not been fully deciphered. This crucial information could be beneficial to further developments of effective estrogen- and antiestrogen-based therapy for PCa patients.
STORMTOOLS: Coastal Environmental Risk Index (CERI)
Authors: Spaulding Malcolm , Grilli Annette , Damon Chris , Crean Teresa , Fugate Grover , Oakley Bryan , Stempel Peter
Published: August 2016

One of the challenges facing coastal zone managers and municipal planners is the development of an objective, quantitative assessment of the risk to structures, infrastructure, and public safety that coastal communities face from storm surge in the presence of changing climatic conditions, particularly sea level rise and coastal erosion. Here we use state of the art modeling tool (ADCIRC and STWAVE) to predict storm surge and wave, combined with shoreline change maps (erosion), and damage functions to construct a Coastal Environmental Risk Index (CERI). Access to the state emergency data base (E-911) provides information on structure characteristics and the ability to perform analyses for individual structures. CERI has been designed as an on line Geographic Information System (GIS) based tool, and hence is fully compatible with current flooding maps, including those from FEMA. The basic framework and associated GIS methods can be readily applied to any coastal area. The approach can be used by local and state planners to objectively evaluate different policy options for effectiveness and cost/benefit. In this study, CERI is applied to RI two communities; Charlestown representing a typical coastal barrier system directly exposed to ocean waves and high erosion rates, with predominantly low density single family residences and Warwick located within Narragansett Bay, with more limited wave exposure, lower erosion rates, and higher residential housing density. Results of these applications are highlighted herein.
The Tribological Properties of Multi-Layered Graphene as Additives of PAO2 Oil in Steel–Steel Contacts
Authors: Guo Yan-Bao , Zhang Si-Wei
Published: August 2016

Multi-layered graphene was prepared by supercritical CO2 exfoliation of graphite. As the additives of polyalphaolefin-2 (PAO2) oil, its tribological properties were investigated using four-ball test method. The friction reduction and anti-wear ability of pure lubricant was improved by the addition of graphene. With a favorable concentration, the graphene was dispersive. The PAO2 oil with 0.05 wt % graphene showed better tribological properties than that for the other concentration of graphene additives. It could be used as a good lubricant additive for its excellent tribological characteristics, and the multi-layered graphene can bear the load of the steel ball and prevent direct contact of the mating metal surfaces. However, a higher concentration would cause the agglomeration of graphene and weaken the improvement of tribological properties.
Electricity Recovery from Municipal Sewage Wastewater Using a Hydrogel Complex Composed of Microbially Reduced Graphene Oxide and Sludge
Authors: Yoshida Naoko , Miyata Yasushi , Mugita Ai , Iida Kazuki
Published: August 2016

Graphene oxide (GO) has recently been shown to be an excellent anode substrate for exoelectrogens. This study demonstrates the applicability of GO in recovering electricity from sewage wastewater. Anaerobic incubation of sludge with GO formed a hydrogel complex that embeds microbial cells via π-π stacking of microbially reduced GO. The rGO complex was electrically conductive (23 mS·cm−1) and immediately produced electricity in sewage wastewater under polarization at +200 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. Higher and more stable production of electricity was observed with rGO complexes (179–310 μA·cm−3) than with graphite felt (GF; 79–95 μA·cm−3). Electrochemical analyses revealed that this finding was attributable to the greater capacitance and smaller internal resistance of the rGO complex. Microbial community analysis showed abundances of Geobacter species in both rGO and GF complexes, whereas more diverse candidate exoelectrogens in the Desulfarculaceae family and Geothrix genus were particularly prominent in the rGO complex.
Electrochemical Hydrogel Lithography of Calcium-Alginate Hydrogels for Cell Culture
Authors: Ozawa Fumisato , Ino Kosuke , Shiku Hitoshi , Matsue Tomokazu
Published: August 2016

Here we propose a novel electrochemical lithography methodology for fabricating calcium-alginate hydrogels having controlled shapes. We separated the chambers for Ca2+ production and gel formation with alginate with a semipermeable membrane. Ca2+ formed in the production chamber permeated through the membrane to fabricate a gel structure on the membrane in the gel formation chamber. When the calcium-alginate hydrogels were modified with collagen, HepG2 cells proliferated on the hydrogels. These results show that electrochemical hydrogel lithography is useful for cell culture.
A Scanning Transmission X-ray Microscopy Study of Cubic and Orthorhombic C3A and Their Hydration Products in the Presence of Gypsum
Authors: Rheinheimer Vanessa , Chae Sejung , Rodríguez Erich , Geng Guoqing , Kirchheim Ana , Monteiro Paulo
Published: August 2016

This paper shows the microstructural differences and phase characterization of pure phases and hydrated products of the cubic and orthorhombic (Na-doped) polymorphs of tricalcium aluminate (C3A), which are commonly found in traditional Portland cements. Pure, anhydrous samples were characterized using scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and demonstrated differences in the chemical and mineralogical composition as well as the morphology on a micro/nano-scale. C3A/gypsum blends with mass ratios of 0.2 and 1.9 were hydrated using a water/C3A ratio of 1.2, and the products obtained after three days were assessed using STXM. The hydration process and subsequent formation of calcium sulfate in the C3A/gypsum systems were identified through the changes in the LIII edge fine structure for Calcium. The results also show greater Ca LII binding energies between hydrated samples with different gypsum contents. Conversely, the hydrated samples from the cubic and orthorhombic C3A at the same amount of gypsum exhibited strong morphological differences but similar chemical environments.
Tolterodine Tartrate Proniosomal Gel Transdermal Delivery for Overactive Bladder
Authors: Rajabalaya Rajan , Leen Guok , Chellian Jestin , Chakravarthi Srikumar , David Sheba
Published: August 2016

The goal of this study was to formulate and evaluate side effects of transdermal delivery of proniosomal gel compared to oral tolterodine tartrate (TT) for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Proniosomal gels are surfactants, lipids and soy lecithin, prepared by coacervation phase separation. Formulations were analyzed for drug entrapment efficiency (EE), vesicle size, surface morphology, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, in vitro skin permeation, and in vivo effects. The EE was 44.87%–91.68% and vesicle size was 253–845 nm for Span formulations and morphology showed a loose structure. The stability and skin irritancy test were also carried out for the optimized formulations. Span formulations with cholesterol-containing formulation S1 and glyceryl distearate as well as lecithin containing S3 formulation showed higher cumulative percent of permeation such as 42% and 35%, respectively. In the in vivo salivary secretion model, S1 proniosomal gel had faster recovery, less cholinergic side effect on the salivary gland compared with that of oral TT. Histologically, bladder of rats treated with the proniosomal gel formulation S1 showed morphological improvements greater than those treated with S3. This study demonstrates the potential of proniosomal vesicles for transdermal delivery of TT to treat OAB.
Recent Advances on Carbon Molecular Sieve Membranes (CMSMs) and Reactors
Authors: Llosa Tanco Margot , Pacheco Tanaka David
Published: August 2016

Carbon molecular sieve membranes (CMSMs) are an important alternative for gas separation because of their ease of manufacture, high selectivity due to molecular sieve separation, and high permeance. The integration of separation by membranes and reaction in only one unit lead to a high degree of process integration/intensification, with associated benefits of increased energy, production efficiencies and reduced reactor or catalyst volume. This review focuses on recent advances in carbon molecular sieve membranes and their applications in membrane reactors.
The Wasserstein Metric and Robustness in Risk Management
Authors: Kiesel Rüdiger , Rühlicke Robin , Stahl Gerhard , Zheng Jinsong
Published: August 2016

In the aftermath of the financial crisis, it was realized that the mathematical models used for the valuation of financial instruments and the quantification of risk inherent in portfolios consisting of these financial instruments exhibit a substantial model risk. Consequently, regulators and other stakeholders have started to require that the internal models used by financial institutions are robust. We present an approach to consistently incorporate the robustness requirements into the quantitative risk management process of a financial institution, with a special focus on insurance. We advocate the Wasserstein metric as the canonical metric for approximations in robust risk management and present supporting arguments. Representing risk measures as statistical functionals, we relate risk measures with the concept of robustness and hence continuity with respect to the Wasserstein metric. This allows us to use results from robust statistics concerning continuity and differentiability of functionals. Finally, we illustrate our approach via practical applications.