bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combination of Laser Material Deposition and Laser Surface Processes for the Holistic Manufacture of Inconel 718 Components
Authors: Arrizubieta Jon Iñaki , Cortina Magdalena , Ruiz Jose Exequiel , Lamikiz Aitzol
Published: July 2018

The present work proposes a novel manufacturing technique based on the combination of Laser Metal Deposition, Laser Beam Machining, and laser polishing processes for the complete manufacturing of complex parts. Therefore, the complete process is based on the application of a laser heat source both for the building of the preform shape of the part by additive manufacturing and for the finishing operations. Their combination enables the manufacture of near-net-shape parts and afterwards removes the excess material via laser machining, which has proved to be capable of eliminating the waviness resulting from the additive process. Besides, surface quality is improved via laser polishing so that the roughness of the final part is reduced. Therefore, conventional machining operations are eliminated, which results in a much cleaner process. To validate the capability of this new approach, the dimensional accuracy and surface quality as well as the microstructure of the resulting parts are evaluated. The process has been validated on an Inconel 718 test part, where a previously additively built-up part has been finished by means of laser machining and laser polishing.
3D-Printed Low-Cost Dielectric-Resonator-Based Ultra-Broadband Microwave Absorber Using Carbon-Loaded Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene Polymer
Authors: Ren Jian , Yin Jia Yuan
Published: July 2018

In this study, an ultra-broadband dielectric-resonator-based absorber for microwave absorption is numerically and experimentally investigated. The designed absorber is made of the carbon-loaded Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) polymer and fabricated using the 3D printing technology based on fused deposition modeling with a quite low cost. Profiting from the fundamental dielectric resonator (DR) mode, the higher order DR mode and the grating mode of the dielectric resonator, the absorber shows an absorptivity higher than 90% over the whole ultra-broad operating band from 3.9 to 12 GHz. The relative bandwidth can reach over 100% and cover the whole C-band (4–8 GHz) and X-band (8–12 GHz). Utilizing the numerical simulation, we have discussed the working principle of the absorber in detail. What is more, the absorption performance under different incident angles is also simulated, and the results indicate that the absorber exhibits a high absorptivity at a wide angle of incidence. The advantages of low cost, ultra-broad operating band and a wide-angle feature make the absorber promising in the areas of microwave measurement, stealth technology and energy harvesting.
Durability Modeling Review of Thermal- and Environmental-Barrier-Coated Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites Part I
Authors: Abdul-Aziz Ali
Published: July 2018

This paper is a Part I of a literature review documentation describing the currently available and used techniques that are being explored by material scientists and researchers in the field of materials characterizations and testing for both thermal and environmental barrier coatings (TBCs and EBCs, respectively). This review contains relevant information regarding the most common coating applications and their impact on the durability and life of both the coatings and the substrate materials. It also includes a description of the methodologies of coating applications and their pros and cons. A discussion of the applicability, failure modes and modeling approaches that are presently available and utilized by active researchers in the field is also included. Part II will illustrate an in-depth assessment of various aspects of the available and developing life prediction models for both TBC and EBC and the influence of intrinsic and extrinsic factors on their thermal and mechanical stability.
An Original Tribometer to Analyze the Behavior of Abrasive Grains in the Grinding Process
Authors: Godino Leire , Pombo Iñigo , Sanchez Jose Antonio , Izquierdo Borja
Published: July 2018

Manufacturing of grinding wheels is continuously adapting to new industrial requirements. New abrasives and new wheel configurations, together with wheel wear control allow for grinding process optimization. However, the wear behavior of the new abrasive materials is not usually studied from a scientific point of view due to the difficulty to control and monitor all the variables affecting the tribochemical wear mechanisms. In this work, an original design of pin-on-disk tribometer is developed in a CNC (Computer Numerical Control) grinding machine. An Alumina grinding wheel with special characteristics is employed and two types of abrasive are compared: White Fused Alumina (WFA) and Sol-Gel Alumina (SG). The implemented tribometer reaches sliding speeds of between 20 and 30 m/s and real contact pressures up to 190 MPa. The results show that the wear behavior of the abrasive grains is strongly influenced by their crystallographic structure and the tribometer appears to be a very good tool for characterizing the wear mechanisms of grinding wheels, depending on the abrasive grains.
Synthesis and PI3 Kinase Inhibition Activity of a Wortmannin-Leucine Derivative
Authors: Cantrell William , Huang Yue , Menchaca Antonio A. , Kulik George , Welker Mark E.
Published: July 2018

Wortmannin is a potent covalent inhibitor of PI3K that shows substantial in vivo toxicity and thus is unsuitable for systemic therapeutic applications. One possible approach to minimize systemic toxicity is to generate a latent wortmannin pro-drug that will be selectively activated in target tissues. To test this approach, a wortmannin derivative with a leucine linker attached to C20 has been synthesized and tested for inhibition of PI3K activity in prostate cancer cells. Analysis of PI3K pathway inhibition by Wormannin-Leu (Wn-L) and intact Wortmannin (Wn) showed that attachment of Leu at C-20 decreased potency of PI3K pathway inhibition 10-fold compared to intact wortmannin, yet exceeded the potency of a competitive PI3K inhibitor LY294002.
Exploiting Compositionally Similar Grape Marc Samples to Achieve Gradients of Condensed Tannin and Fatty Acids for Modulating In Vitro Methanogenesis
Authors: Hixson Josh L. , Durmic Zoey , Vadhanabhuti Joy , Vercoe Philip E. , Smith Paul A. , Wilkes Eric N.
Published: July 2018

Ruminants produce large amounts of the greenhouse gas, methane, which can be reduced by supplementing feed with products that contain anti-methanogenic compounds, such as the solid winemaking by-product, grape marc. The aim of this study was to exploit compositional differences in grape marc to better understand the roles of condensed tannin and fatty acids in altering methanogenesis in a ruminant system. Grape marc samples varying in tannin extractability, tannin size and subunit composition, and fatty acid or tannin concentrations were selected and incubated in rumen fluid using an in vitro batch fermentation approach with a concentrate-based control. Four distinct experiments were designed to investigate the effects on overall fermentation and methane production. Generally, fatty acid concentration in grape marc was associated with decreased total gas volumes and volatile fatty acid concentration, whereas increased condensed tannin concentration tended to decrease methane percentage. Smaller, extractable tannin was more effective at reducing methane production, without decreasing overall gas production. In conclusion, fatty acids and tannin concentration, and tannin structure in grape marc play a significant role in the anti-methanogenic effect of this by-product when studied in vitro. These results should be considered when developing strategies to reduce methane in ruminants by feeding grape marc.
Impact of Alkaline H2O2 Pretreatment on Methane Generation Potential of Greenhouse Crop Waste under Anaerobic Conditions
Authors: Perendeci N. Altınay , Gökgöl Sezen , Orhon Derin
Published: July 2018

This paper intended to explore the effect of alkaline H2O2 pretreatment on the biodegradability and the methane generation potential of greenhouse crop waste. A multi-variable experimental design was implemented. In this approach, initial solid content (3–7%), reaction time (6–24 h), H2O2 concentration (1–3%), and reaction temperature (50–100 °C) were varied in different combinations to determine the impact of alkaline H2O2 pretreatment. The results indicated that the alkaline H2O2 pretreatment induced a significant increase in the range of 200–800% in chemical oxygen demand (COD) leakage into the soluble phase, and boosted the methane generation potential from 174 mLCH4/g of volatile solid (VS) to a much higher bracket of 250–350 mLCH4/gVS. Similarly, the lignocellulosic structure of the material was broken down and hydrolyzed by H2O2 dosing, which increased the rate of volatile matter utilization from 31% to 50–70% depending on selected conditions. Alkaline H2O2 pretreatment was optimized to determine optimal conditions for the enhancement of methane generation assuming a cost-driven approach. Optimal alkaline H2O2 pretreatment conditions were found as a reaction temperature of 50 °C, 7% initial solid content, 1% H2O2 concentration, and a reaction time of six h. Under these conditions, the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test yielded as 309 mLCH4/gVS. The enhancement of methane production was calculated as 77.6% compared to raw greenhouse crop wastes.
Development of a Rapid and Simple Method for Preparing Tea-Leaf Saponins and Investigation on Their Surface Tension Differences Compared with Tea-Seed Saponins
Authors: Yu Xiao-Lan , He Yong
Published: July 2018

The relative overcapacity in China's tea-leaf production and the potential application of tea-leaf saponins in soil remediation encouraged in-depth developments and comprehensive utilizations of tea-leaf resources. Through variables optimizations using Box–Behnken designs for ultrasonic power, temperature as well as ultrasonic treatment time in ultrasonic-assisted water extraction and single-variable experiments for acetone-extraction solution ratio in acetone precipitation, a rapid and simple method was developed for preparing tea-leaf saponins. Tea-leaf saponins with the concentration of 3.832 ± 0.055 mg/mL and the purity of 76.5% ± 1.13% were acquired under the optimal values of 78 w, 60 °C, 20 min and 0.1 ratio of acetone-extraction solution. Both Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectra and ultraviolet (UV) spectra revealed slight composition differences between tea-leaf saponins and tea-seed saponins, while these differences were not reflected in the critical micelle concentration (CMC) and the surface tension of tea-leaf saponins and tea-seed saponins, indicating there was no need to distinguish them at the CMC. Further research attention on where tea-leaf saponins were in low concentrations is deserved to discover whether they had differences in comparison with tea-seed saponins, which was beneficial to apply them in the phytoremediation of contaminated soils.
Cytotoxic and N-Acetyltransferase Inhibitory Meroterpenoids from Ganoderma cochlear
Authors: Cheng Li-Zhi , Qin Fu-Ying , Ma Xiao-Chi , Wang Shu-Mei , Yan Yong-Ming , Cheng Yong-Xian
Published: July 2018

Seven compounds, including two pairs of new meroterpenoids, (+)- and (−)-gancochlearol C (1), (+)- and (−)-cochlearoid Q (3), and a new meroterpenoid gancochlearol D (2), together with four known meroterpenoids were isolated from the aqueous EtOH extract of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma cochlear. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic data. The isolated compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic activity against three human lung cancer cells (H1975, PC9, A549) and N-acetyltransferase inhibitory property. The results show that (+)-gancochlearol C could inhibit N-acetyltransferase with an IC50 value of 5.29 μM. In addition, ganomycin F was found to show moderate activity against the H1975 human lung cancer cell line, with an IC50 value of 19.47 μM.
Conversion of Fructose to HMF in a Continuous Fixed Bed Reactor with Outstanding Selectivity
Authors: Weingart Eric , Tschirner Sarah , Teevs Linda , Prüße Ulf
Published: July 2018

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a very promising component for bio-based plastics. Efficient synthesis of HMF from biomass is still challenging because of fast degradation of HMF to by-products under formation conditions. Therefore, different studies, conducted mainly in monophasic and biphasic batch systems with and without water addition have been published and are still under investigation. However, to produce HMF at a large scale, a continuous process is preferable. Until now, only a few studies have been published in this context. In this work, it is shown that fluorous alcohol hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) can act as superior reaction solvent for HMF synthesis from fructose in a fixed bed reactor. Very high yields of 76% HMF can be achieved in this system under optimized conditions, whilst the catalyst is very stable over several days. Such high yields are only described elsewhere with high boiling reaction solvents like dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), whereas HFIP with a boiling point of 58 °C is very easy to separate from HMF.
Effects of In Vitro Digestion on the Content and Biological Activity of Polyphenols from Acacia mearnsii Bark
Authors: Chen Xiao , Xiong Jia , He Lingxiao , Zhang Yu , Li Xun , Zhang Liping , Wang Fei
Published: July 2018

The stability and bioaccessibility of polyphenol from Acacia mearnsii bark were measured at various stages during in vitro simulated digestion. Subsequently, the changes in the total polyphenol content (TPC) and biological activity were studied. The results showed that the phenolic compounds from A. mearnsii remained stable, and TPC underwent few changes during gastric digestion. Nonetheless, intestinal digestion led to the degradation of proanthocyanidins (PAs) and a significant decrease in TPC (26%). Degradation was determined by normal-phase HPLC and gel permeation chromatography. Only monomers, dimers, and trimers of flavan-3-ols were identified in the serum-accessible fraction for characterization of their bioaccessibility. The results also indicated the obvious antioxidant capacity of PAs from A. mearnsii bark, and ~53% of the α-glucosidase–inhibitory effect was preserved. All these findings show that PAs from A. mearnsii bark as a native plant source may be particularly beneficial for human health as a natural nutritional supplement.
New Iodine Food Composition Database and Updated Calculations of Iodine Intake among Norwegians
Authors: Carlsen Monica H. , Andersen Lene F. , Dahl Lisbeth , Norberg Nina , Hjartåker Anette
Published: July 2018

Iodine food composition data of Norwegian foods have been sparse and knowledge about different dietary iodine sources limited. We compiled a comprehensive iodine food composition database and estimated dietary iodine intake among adults in the latest Norwegian national dietary survey (Norkost 3). The iodine content of food and beverages were compiled using international guidelines and standards. Iodine content of 3259 food items were compiled, including analytical values, values from other food composition databases, estimated values, and values that were based on recipes. Estimated iodine intake in the Norkost 3 population ranged from 15 to 1462 µg/day. Men had significantly higher intake of iodine than women (p < 0.001). The proportion of men and women with estimated iodine intake below average requirement was 19% and 33%, respectively. In young women, 46% had estimated iodine intakes below average requirement and a high probability of inadequate iodine intake. Several dietary sources contributed to iodine intake and differences in the consumption pattern may put subgroups at risk of insufficient iodine intake. In the coming years, the determination of iodine in foods and national dietary surveys should be regularly performed to monitor the iodine intake in the Norwegian population.
Aqueous Extract of Pepino (Solanum muriactum Ait) Leaves Ameliorate Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress in Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Hsu Jen-Ying , Lin Hui-Hsuan , Hsu Cheng-Chin , Chen Bing-Chen , Chen Jing-Hsien
Published: July 2018

Chronic alcohol intake leads to alcoholic fatty liver. The pathogenesis of alcoholic fatty liver is related to abnormal lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, endotoxins, and cytokines. Solanum muricatum Ait. (Pepino) is a plant food commonly cultivated in the Penghu island, Taiwan. Previous studies indicated that the aqueous extract of pepino was able to attenuate diabetic progression via its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanisms of the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of pepino leaf in preventing alcoholic fatty liver remain unknown. In this study, Lieber–DeCarli ethanol-containing liquid diet was used to induce alcoholic hepatic injury in C57BL/6 mice. The hepatoprotective effects and the related mechanisms of aqueous extract of pepino leaf (AEPL) were examined. Our results showed that 2% AEPL treatments protected the liver from ethanol-induced injury through reducing serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) (all p < 0.05). AEPL had the effects in improving the ethanol-induced lipid accumulation in mice under histological examination. Molecular data indicated that the anti-lipid accumulation effect of AEPL might be mediated via inducing hepatic levels of phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (p-AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, and reducing the expressions of hepatic lipogenic enzymes, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) (all p < 0.05). AEPL also decreased hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acid relative substances (TBARS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6, as well as the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (all p < 0.05). Moreover, AEPL significantly elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) content compared to the ethanol-fed group (all p < 0.05). Our present study suggests that AEPL could protect the liver against ethanol-induced oxidative injury and lipid accumulation.
A Simple and Sensitive Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometric Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Anthraquinone Glycosides and Their Aglycones in Rat Plasma: Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study of Rumex acetosa Extract
Authors: Ullah Hossain Mohammad Arif , Kim Junhyeong , Rehman Naveed Ur , Kim Hye-Jin , Ahn Mi-Jeong , Chung Hye Jin
Published: July 2018

Rumex acetosa (R. acetosa) has been used in folk remedies for gastrointestinal disorders and cutaneous diseases. Rumex species, in particular, contain abundant anthraquinones. Anthraquinone glycosides and aglycones show different bioactive effects. However, information on the pharmacokinetics of anthraquinone glycosides is limited, and methods to quantify anthraquinone glycosides in plasma are rarely available. A simple and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometric bioanalytical method for the simultaneous determination of both anthraquinone glycosides and their aglycones, including emodin, emodin-8-O-β-d-glucoside, chrysophanol, chrysophanol-8-O-β-d-glucoside, physcion, and physcion-8-O-β-d-glucoside , in a low volume of rat plasma (20 µL) was established. A simple and rapid sample preparation was employed using methanol as a precipitating agent with appropriate sensitivity. Chromatographic separation was performed on HPLC by using a biphenyl column with a gradient elution using 2 mM ammonium formate (pH 6) in water and 2 mM ammonium formate (pH 6) in methanol within a run time of 13 min. The anthraquinones were detected on triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer in negative ionization mode using multiple-reaction monitoring. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, recovery, and stability. The values of the lower limit of quantitation of anthraquinones were 1–20 ng/mL. The intra-batch and inter-batch accuracies were 96.7–111.9% and the precision was within the acceptable limits. The method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of R. acetosa 70% ethanol extract to rats at a dose of 2 g/kg.
Development of Ultrashort Pulse Lasers for Ultrafast Spectroscopy
Authors: Kobayashi Takayoshi
Published: July 2018

Principles and information obtained by ultrafast spectroscopy and scheme of optical parametric amplifier are discussed. Realization of ultrashort visible and ultraviolet lasers based on the parametric processes are discussed.
Ball-Milled Recycled Lead-Graphite Pencils as Highly Stretchable and Low-Cost Thermal-Interface Materials
Authors: Liao Chun-An , Kwan Yee-Kwan , Chang Tien-Chan , Fuh Yiin-Kuen
Published: July 2018

A simple and sustainable production of nanoplatelet graphite at low cost is presented using carbon-based materials, including the recycled lead-graphite pencils. In this work, exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (EGNs), ball-milled exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (BMEGNs) and recycled lead-graphite pencils (recycled 2B), as well as thermally cured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), are used to fabricate highly stretchable thermal-interface materials (TIMs) with good thermally conductive and mechanically robust properties. Several characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that recycled nanoplatelet graphite with lateral size of tens of micrometers can be reliably produced. Experimentally, the thermal conductivity was measured for EGNs, BMEGNs and recycled 2B fillers with/without the effect of ball milling. The in-plane thermal conductivities of 12.97 W/mK (EGN), 13.53 W/mK (recycled 2B) and 14.56 W/mK (BMEGN) and through-plane thermal conductivities of 0.76 W/mK (EGN), 0.84 W/mK (recycled 2B) and 0.95 W/mK (BMEGN) were experimentally measured. Anisotropies were calculated as 15.31, 15.98 and 16.95 for EGN, recycled 2B and BMEGN, respectively. In addition, the mechanical robustness of the developed TIMs is such that they are capable of repeatedly bending at 180 degrees with outstanding flexibility, including the low-cost renewable material of recycled lead-graphite pencils. For heat dissipating application in high-power electronics, the TIMs of recycled 2B are capable of effectively reducing temperatures to approximately 6.2 °C as favorably compared with thermal grease alone.
Treatment of Oil-Contaminated Water by Modified Polysilicate Aluminum Ferric Sulfate
Authors: You Zhaoyang , Zhang Li , Zhang Shujuan , Sun Yongjun , Shah Kinjal J.
Published: July 2018

In this experiment, a variety of inorganic materials were simply compounded with Polysilicate Aluminum Ferric Sulfate (PSAFS) to treat emulsified oil-contaminated water. Manganese sulfate (MnSO4), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), and zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) were selected as the materials to modify PSAFS in order to obtain a coagulant with good flocculation performance. During the preparation of modified PSAFS, metal manganese, magnesium, and zinc were introduced for modification, and four factors were used to optimize the best proportion of modifiers and PSAFS. The results showed that the order of demulsification and oil-removal ability is as follows: Mn-PSAFS (Mn-modified PSAFS) > Zn-PSAFS (Zn-modified PSAFS) > Mg-PSAFS (Mg-modified PSAFS) > PSAFS. Modified PSAFS was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (IR) and a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). In the range of 604 cm−1 to 1200 cm−1, due to the complexation reaction between metal ions and polysilicic acid, the absorption peaks of the modified PSAFS and PSAFS were significantly different. SEM results revealed that the particles of the spatial network structure were fibrous and arranged more closely (0.5 mm × 50.0 mm) than others. This study provided that the modified PSAFS had good potential application in treating emulsified oily wastewater in the future.
Joint Jewish and Muslim Holy Places, Religious Beliefs and Festivals in Jerusalem between the Late 19th Century and 1948
Authors: Klein Menachem
Published: July 2018

Whereas the conflict over Palestine’s’ holy places and their role in forming Israeli or Palestinian national identity is well studied, this article brings to the fore an absent perspective. It shows that in the first half of the 20th century Muslims and Jews in Jerusalem shared holy sites, religious beliefs and feasts. Jewish–Muslim encounters of that period went much beyond pre-modern practices of cohabitation, to the extent of developing joint local patriotism. On the other hand, religious and other holy sites were instrumental in the Jewish and Palestinian exclusive nation building process rather than an inclusive one, thus contributing to escalate the national conflict.
A Review of Ion Implantation Technology for Image Sensors †
Authors: Teranishi Nobukazu , Fuse Genshu , Sugitani Michiro
Published: July 2018

Ion implantation technology is reviewed mainly from the viewpoint of image sensors, which play a significant role in implantation technology development. Image sensors are so sensitive to metal contamination that they can detect even one metal atom per pixel. To reduce the metal contamination, the plasma shower using RF (radio frequency) plasma generation is a representative example. The electrostatic angular energy filter after the mass analyzing magnet is a highly effective method to remove energetic metal contamination. The protection layer on the silicon is needed to protect the silicon wafer against the physisorbed metals. The thickness of the protection layer should be determined by considering the knock-on depth. The damage by ion implantation also causes blemishes. It becomes larger in the following conditions if the other conditions are the same; a. higher energy; b. larger dose; c. smaller beam size (higher beam current density); d. longer ion beam irradiation time; e. larger ion mass. To reduce channeling, the most effective method is to choose proper tilt and twist angles. For P+ pinning layer formation, the low-energy B+ implantation method might have less metal contamination and damage, compared with the BF2+ method.
Controls on Soil Organic Carbon Partitioning and Stabilization in the California Sierra Nevada
Authors: Rasmussen Craig , Throckmorton Heather , Liles Garrett , Heckman Katherine , Meding Stephen , Horwath William R.
Published: July 2018

There is a critical need to quantify the role of soil mineral composition on organic carbon (C) stabilization in forest soils. Here, we address this need by studying a matrix of forest ecosystems and soil parent materials with the objective of quantifying controls on the physical partitioning and residence time of soil organic carbon. We sampled soil profiles across a climate gradient on the western slope of the California Sierra Nevada, focusing on three distinct forest ecosystems dominated by ponderosa pine, white fir, or red fir, on three igneous parent materials that included granite, andesite, and basalt. Results indicated that short-range order mineral phases were the dominant factors accounting for the variation in soil carbon content and residence time. The results further suggested an interaction between ecosystem fire regime and the degree of soil weathering on the partitioning, chemical composition, and residence time of C in density separated soil physical fractions. These results suggest a link between the degree of soil weathering and C storage capacity, with a greater divergence in storage capacity and residence time in the Inceptisols, Entisols, and Andisols of the white fir and red fir ecosystems relative to minimal variation in the highly weathered Ultisols and Alfisols of the ponderosa pine ecosystem.
The Combined Elevation Test (CET) in Adolescent School Children: A Pilot Study
Authors: Furness James , Schram Ben , Corea Darren , Turner Zachary , Cairns Hannah
Published: July 2018

The Combined Elevation Test (CET) is a musculoskeletal screening technique (MST) that replicates the streamline position in swimming and is commonly used in various sports. Although CET is widely used, no normative data exist within an adolescent population. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to develop a large data set for the CET within an adolescent population and to evaluate the influence of various demographic and anthropometric variables. Data were collected for 416 participants aged between 8 and 18 years old. Age and arm span showed a significant correlation with CET scores (arm span rs (105) = 0.478, p = 0.000; age rs (416) = 0.238, p = 0.000). Regression analysis further quantified the influence of arm span and age on CET scores, accounting for 23.1% and 5.3% of variability respectively. These results can be used as a reference point for clinicians and coaches who are using the CET within their assessments.
Bioengineering of Bordetella pertussis Adenylate Cyclase Toxin for Antigen-Delivery and Immunotherapy
Authors: Chenal Alexandre , Ladant Daniel
Published: July 2018

The adenylate cyclase toxin (CyaA) is one of the major virulence factors of Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough. CyaA is able to invade eukaryotic cells where, upon activation by endogenous calmodulin, it synthesizes massive amounts of cAMP that alters cellular physiology. The CyaA toxin is a 1706 residues-long bifunctional protein: the catalytic domain is located in the 400 amino-proximal residues, whereas the carboxy-terminal 1306 residues are implicated in toxin binding to the cellular receptor, the αMβ2 (CD11b/CD18) integrin, and subsequently in the translocation of the catalytic domain across the cytoplasmic membrane of the target cells. Indeed, this protein is endowed with the unique capability of delivering its N-terminal catalytic domain directly across the plasma membrane of eukaryotic target cells. These properties have been exploited to engineer the CyaA toxin as a potent non-replicating vector able to deliver antigens into antigen presenting cells and elicit specific cell-mediated immune responses. Antigens of interest can be inserted into the CyaA protein to yield recombinant molecules that are targeted in vivo to dendritic cells, where the antigens are processed and presented by the major class I and class II histocompatibility complexes (MHC-I and II). CyaA turned out to be a remarkably effective and versatile vaccine vector capable of inducing all the components of the immune response (T-CD4, T-CD8, and antibody). In this chapter, we summarize the basic knowledge on the adenylate cyclase toxin and then describe the application of CyaA in vaccinology, including some recent results of clinical trials of immunotherapy using a recombinant CyaA vaccine.
Erratum: Rupprecht, C.E., et al. Additional Progress in the Development and Application of a Direct, Rapid Immunohistochemical Test for Rabies Diagnosis. Vet. Sci. 2018, 5, 59
Authors: Rupprecht Charles , Xiang Zhiquan , Servat Alexandre , Franka Richard , Kirby Jordona , Ertl Hildegund
Published: July 2018

Due to an error during production, the order in which Figure 1 and Figure 2 appear and the linking of the Figure 1 and Figure 2 captions in the Results section of the published paper [1] were incorrect. A corrected version of the Figure order and associated captions is provided below[...]
Searching for Inflow toward Massive Starless Clump Candidates Identified in the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey
Authors: Calahan Jenny K. , Shirley Yancy L. , Svoboda Brian E. , Ivanov Elizabeth A. , Schmid Jonathan R. , Pulley Anna , Lautenbach Jennifer , Zawadzki Nicole , Bullivant Christopher , Cook Claire W. , Gray Laurin , Henrici Andrew , Pascale Massimo , Bosse Carter , Chance Quadry , Choi Sarah , Dunn Marina , Jaime-Frias Ramon , Kearsley Ian , Kelledy Joseph , Lewin Collin , Mahmood Qasim , McKinley Scott , Mitchell Adriana M. , Robinson Daniel R.
Published: July 2018

Recent Galactic plane surveys of dust continuum emission at long wavelengths have identified a population of dense, massive clumps with no evidence for ongoing star formation. These massive starless clump candidates are excellent sites to search for the initial phases of massive star formation before the feedback from massive star formation affects the clump. In this study, we search for the spectroscopic signature of inflowing gas toward starless clumps, some of which are massive enough to form a massive star. We observed 101 starless clump candidates identified in the Bolocam Galactic Plane Survey (BGPS) in

J = 1−0 using the 12 m Arizona Radio Observatory telescope. We find a small blue excess of

for the complete survey. We identified six clumps that are good candidates for inflow motion and used a radiative transfer model to calculate mass inflow rates that range from 500 to 2000

Myr−1. If the observed line profiles are indeed due to large-scale inflow motions, then these clumps will typically double their mass on a freefall time. Our survey finds that massive BGPS starless clump candidates with inflow signatures in

J = 1−0 are rare throughout our Galaxy.
The Effect of Massive Neutrinos on the Position of Cold Dark Matter Halo: Revealed via the Delaunay Triangulation Void
Authors: Qin Jian , Liang Yu , Zhao Cheng , Yu Hao-Ran , Liu Yu , Zhang Tong-Jie
Published: July 2018

Using a cosmological N-body simulation that coevolves cold dark matter (CDM) and neutrino particles, we discover the local effects of massive neutrinos on the spatial distribution of CDM halos, reflected on the properties of Delaunay Triangulation (DT) voids. Smaller voids are generally in regions with higher neutrino abundance, so their surrounding halos are impacted by a stronger neutrino-free streaming. This makes the voids larger (surrounding halos are washed outward from the void center). On the contrary, larger voids are generally in regions with lower neutrino abundance, so their surrounding halos are less impacted by neutrino-free streaming, making the voids smaller (surrounding halos are squeezed toward the void center). This characteristic change of the spatial distribution of the halos suppresses the 2-point correlation function of halos on scales of ∼1 Mpc/h and significantly skews the number function of the DT voids, which can potentially serve as measurable neutrino effects in current or future galaxy surveys.
MHD Simulation of Prominence Eruption
Authors: Fan Yuhong
Published: July 2018

We carry out magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations of the quasi-static evolution and eruption of a twisted coronal flux rope under a coronal streamer built up by an imposed flux emergence at the lower boundary. The MHD model incorporates simple empirical coronal heating, optically thin radiative cooling, and field-aligned thermal conduction, and thus allows the formation of prominence condensations. We find that during the quasi-static evolution, prominence/filament condensations of an elongated, sigmoid morphology form in the dips of the significantly twisted field lines of the emerged flux rope due to runaway radiative cooling. A prominence cavity also forms around the prominence, which is best observed above the limb with the line of sight nearly along the length of the flux rope, as shown by synthetic SDO/AIA EUV images. The magnetic field supporting the prominence is significantly non-force-free despite the low plasma β. By comparing with a simulation that suppresses prominence formation, we find that the weight of the prominence is dynamically important and can suppress the onset of the kink instability and hold the flux rope in equilibrium for a significantly long time, until draining of the prominence plasma develops and reduces the weight of the prominence. The flux rope eventually develops the kink instability and erupts, producing a prominence eruption. The synthetic AIA 304 Å images show that the prominence is lifted up into an erupting loop, exhibiting helical features along the loop and substantial draining along the loop legs, as is often seen in observations.
Atlas of diatoms (Bacillariophyta) from diverse habitats in remote regions of western Canada
Authors: Bahls Loren , Boynton Beverly , Johnston Barb
Published: July 2018

High-resolution LM images of diatoms from remote regions of western Canada are presented as a contribution to our knowledge of diatom floristics, ecology and biogeography in North America. Approximately 600 taxa are imaged in 132 plates. Genera with the most taxa are Cymbella (19 taxa), Cymbopleura (29), Encyonema (23), Encyonopsis (15), Eunotia (77), Gomphonema (42), Navicula (47), Neidium (20), Nitzschia (35), Pinnularia (50) and Stauroneis (34). Diatoms were collected from diverse habitats in four of North America’s major biomes: Arctic tundra, taiga, Rocky Mountains and Pacific rainforest. Many of the photographed taxa could not be identified to species and are likely new to science. Other taxa may represent new records for North America or Canada. Images of voucher specimens are keyed to individual collection sites. Detailed descriptions of the collection sites include GPS coordinates, colour photographs, vegetation, algal substrates, elevations, pH, temperature and conductivity. Samples were collected from natural substrates in fresh to brackish, flowing and standing waters. Voucher slides are deposited in the Montana Diatom Collection (Helena) and the University of Montana Herbarium (Missoula). Cleaned diatom frustules have been deposited in the Diatom Herbarium of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
Football-Related Pediatric Extremity Fractures and Dislocations: Size Matters
Authors: Montgomery Corey , Porter Austin , Parks Christopher , Sachleben Brant , Blasier R. Dale , Rabenhorst Brien
Published: July 2018

Football remains a popular sport in the United States despite sometimes significant injuries, such as fractures and dislocations, occurring. The objective of this study was to evaluate pediatric extremity fractures and dislocations related to football. A retrospective review was conducted at a level 1 pediatric trauma center to identify patients who were treated specifically for American football–related injuries (
International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision,
code E007.0). All patients with football-related injuries presenting to the emergency department during a 6-year period (2007–2012) were reviewed for inclusion in the study. Patients with only fractures or dislocations involving the extremities were analyzed. Exclusion criteria included patients older than 18 years, non–football-related sports-related injuries, and patients presenting to non–emergency department health care facilities. Demographic information was collected in addition to type of injury, body mass index, and type of treatment. A total of 193 patients with 96 fractures and 7 dislocations were included. More than two-thirds of all fractures occurred in the lower extremities, with tibia (17.0%) and femoral shaft (14.2%) fractures being the most common. Thirty-five percent of the fractures and dislocations required operative treatment. No statistically significant correlations were identified pertaining to age, race, and timing of the injuries in the season. Regarding body mass index, underweight patients were associated with 3.6 times greater odds of sustaining a fracture when compared with patients who were not underweight (
P
=.006). Underweight patients may be at a higher risk for fractures or dislocations. Identifying at-risk children may result in improved patient and coach education, potentially leading to better preventive measures and fewer injuries. [
Orthopedics.
2018; 41(4):216–221.]
Consumo de agua y «Huella Hídrica» de las ciudades españolas
Authors: Sotelo Navalpotro José Antonio , Sotelo Pérez Maria
Published: July 2018

En las últimas décadas, España ha vivido un notable crecimiento urbano marcado por la dispersión por el territorio de zonas residenciales, de actividades económicas secundarias y terciaras, por el flujo de personas y mercancías, …que demandan y disponen nuevos usos de los recursos hídricos, repercutiendo, de manera directa e indirecta en la aparición de nuevos modelos de «creación de ciudad». De este modo, en el presente estudio se realiza una estimación del consumo y las demandas de agua y de «Huella Hídrica», tanto a nivel económico como ambiental, y su vinculación con el desarrollo endógeno, describiendo los recursos hídricos utilizados, necesarios para la producción y consumo de bienes y servicios así como de las demandas de agua directa, en las ciudades españolas, en general, y, de las grandes urbes, en particular.
Optimization of the Process Reliability of the Ultrasonic Crimping Process by Evaluating the Mounting Conditions for Tubular Cable Lugs
Authors: Seefried Johannes , Gläßel Tobias , Rezler Raphael , Franke Jörg
Published: July 2018

One of the major and at the same time most critical process step in the production of electric drives is the contacting process. The purpose of this contacting process is to join the stator windings mechanically and electrically with a contact element. An innovative and energy-efficient process is the ultrasonic crimping process, which combines the two process steps of stripping and contacting in one single process. This process is characterized by the transformation of oscillation energy into thermal energy caused by damping. Due to the direct heat generation within the cable lug and the oscillation coupled in, it shows major potentials relating to process stability, the contacting of high-frequency litz wires and anodized conductors. However, some disadvantages like the occasional occurrence of fatigue fractures in the tubular cable lugs and unclear dependencies reducing process reliability have to be investigated. The following paper presents possibilities to further optimize the ultrasonic crimping process and increase the process reliability. In this context, the mounting conditions of the tubular cable lugs are considered. In order to evaluate the obtained results, the electrical and mechanical connection quality of the samples is determined.
Contribution to the Reduction of Annealing Processes in the Manufacturing of Valve Solenoids by Using Inline Measuring Technology in the Caulking Process
Authors: von Lindenfels Johannes , Heyder Andreas , Funk Stefan , Pigler Stefan , Franke Jörg
Published: July 2018

Electromagnetic actors (solenoids) are used in automotive and automation technology as valve actors for pneumatics and hydraulics or as actuating and pressure solenoids. During assembly there are often press-in and caulking processes used. A central quality aspect of the final control elements is the adherence to defined actuating force ranges in order to ensure the switching process and at the same time to keep wear within limits. These defined force ranges can currently only be maintained by additional heat treatment of the parts. The hysteresis of the assembled unit can be influenced by the caulking. The objective of this paper is to propose the potential reduction of annealing processes by revealing the interdependencies between the magnetic interactions of the individual components and the assembly process parameters. In addition, errors in the caulking process are detected and prevented at an early stage. A magnetic characterization of the soft magnetic components and assemblies before and during their assembly is proposed. Furthermore, the integration of the measurement data into a process control system is intended. The precondition is the development and construction of measuring equipment and systems that can be used to assess the magnetic properties at an early stage of assembly. The assembly can then be adjusted in order to compensate batch fluctuations. As a consequence new materials can be used to eliminate complex annealing processes prior to assembly.
Development of a clinical prediction rule to diagnose Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in the World Health Organization’s algorithm for seriously ill HIV-infected patients
Authors: Maartens Gary , Stewart Annemie , Griesel Rulan , Kengne Andre P. , Dube Felix , Nicol Mark , Rangaka Molebogeng X. , Mendelson Marc
Published: July 2018

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) algorithm for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in seriously ill HIV-infected patients recommends that treatment for Pneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia (PJP) should be considered without giving clear guidance on selecting patients for empiric PJP therapy. PJP is a common cause of hospitalisation in HIV-infected patients in resource-poor settings where diagnostic facilities are limited.Methods: We developed clinical prediction rules for PJP in a prospective cohort of HIV-infected inpatients with WHO danger signs and cough of any duration. The reference standard for PJP was > 1000 copies/mL of P. jirovecii DNA on real-time sputum polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Four potentially predictive variables were selected for regression models: dyspnoea, chest X-ray, haemoglobin and oxygen saturation. Respiratory rate was explored as a replacement for oxygen saturation as pulse oximetry is not always available in resource-poor settings.Results: We enrolled 500 participants. After imputation for missing values, there were 56 PJP outcome events. Dyspnoea was not independently associated with PJP. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate were inversely correlated. Two clinical prediction rules were developed: chest X-ray possible/likely PJP, haemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL and either oxygen saturation < 94% or respiratory rate. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the clinical prediction rule models was 0.761 (95% CI 0.683–0.840) for the respiratory rate model and 0.797 (95% CI 0.725–0.868) for the oxygen saturation model. Both models had zero probability for PJP for scores of zero, and positive likelihood ratios exceeded 10 for high scores.Conclusion: We developed simple clinical prediction rules for PJP, which, if externally validated, could assist decision-making in the WHO seriously ill algorithm.
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Authors: Tillemans Siobhan
Published: July 2018

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Robot-assisted Retroperitoneoscopic Partial Nephrectomy
Authors: Lim Chye Yang , Lee Kau Han , Huang Kuan-Hua , Liu Chien-Liang , Chiu Allen Wen-Hsiang
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To compare the results from 3-arm and 4-arm robot assisted retroperitoneoscopic partial nephrectomy (RARPN) in our initial case series in terms of oncologic and functional outcomes.

Patients and Methods:

35 RARPN performed for malignant small renal masses in our hospital were categorized by the method used, 3-arm or 4-arm. Patient demographics (age, body mass index, tumor size, R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score, tumor location), perioperative outcomes (operative time, warm ischemic time, estimated blood loss, length of stay, surgical margin status, complications, pathology) and functional outcomes (pre and post operative renal function change) were compared.

Results:

Initial 14 cases were performed in 3-arm method while latter 21 cases performed in 4-arm method. The tumor size was larger in the 4-arm group (3.5 cm vs 2.3 cm, P = 0.0261) but the warm ischemic time was significant shorter in 4-arm group (17 mins vs 23 mins, P = 0.0093). There were no other significant differences in remaining patient demographics, perioperative outcomes and functional outcomes.

Conclusion:

4-arm RARPN is a safe, feasible technique in treating malignant small renal masses even the tumor is located at anterior portion as it provides good traction and exposure on surgical field, thus reducing the warm ischemic time.