bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling and Validation of the Vehicle Longitudinal Model
Authors: Ahmad F. , Mazlan S. A. , Zamzuri H. , Jamaluddin H. , Hudha K. , Short M.
Published: May 2015

This paper presents the detailed derivation and validation of a full vehicle model tostudy the behaviour of vehicle dynamics in the longitudinal direction. The modelconsists of handling and tyre subsystems, an engine model subsystem, an automatictransmission subsystem and a brake model subsystem. The full vehicle model was thenvalidated using an instrumented experimental vehicle based on the driver input frombrake and throttle pedals. Vehicle transient handling dynamic tests known as suddenbraking tests were performed for the purpose of validation. Several behaviours of thevehicle dynamics were observed during braking and throttling manoeuvres, such asbody longitudinal velocity, wheel linear velocity and tyre longitudinal slip, at eachquarter of the vehicle. Comparisons of the experimental results and model responseswith sudden braking and throttling imposed motions were made in this study. It isconcluded that the trends between simulation results and experimental data were found to be almost similar with an acceptable level of error for the application at hand
Experimental and Simulation Studies to Determine the Effective Octane Number in an Engine Fuelled with Ethanol and Gasoline
Authors: Sai Yashwanth M. , Venugopal T. , Ramesh A.
Published: May 2015

Alcohols are widely used along with gasoline owing to their superior antiknockproperties. Engine knocking depends on both fuel properties and operating conditions.The Research and Motor Octane Numbers widely used to characterize antiknockpotential are calculated under specific operating conditions. In this work, a method thatincorporates the effects of actual operating conditions is developed, used to determinethe antiknock potential when ethanol and gasoline are used in a port fuel injected engineusing simultaneous and pre-blended injection modes. Experimental results are used tobuild and validate an analytical model of the engine which is used to study theantiknock benefits in terms of “Effective Octane Number” (ONEff). Experiments areconducted using a newly developed injection system which utilizes separate injectorsfor ethanol and gasoline. This method could capture the effects of engine operatingconditions in calculating antiknock benefits. Higher ethanol fractions showed betterantiknock capabilities. ONEff increases from 90 to 105 units when the ethanol quantity isincreased from 0 to 100% by mass, but the effect diminishes after 50%. Hence,considering antiknock benefits, the use of 50% ethanol in gasoline is recommended.ONEff of the pre-blended injection case was only 0.8 units higher, indicating the similarantiknock potential of both injection strategies.
Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Tensile Properties of Oil Palm Mesocarp Fibre/Poly(Butylene Succinate) Biocomposites
Authors: Then Y. Y. , Ibrahim N.A. , Zainuddin N. , Ariffin H. , Wan Yunus W.M.Z. , Abd Rahman M.F.
Published: May 2015

The present work deals with the utilization of oil palm mesocarp fibre (OPMF) andpoly(butylene succinate) (PBS) to produce cost-effective biodegradable materials. Thebiocomposite was prepared from OPMF and PBS at a weight ratio of 70:30 via a meltblending technique without addition of any additive. This biocomposite showedrelatively low tensile and water resistance properties. As a consequence, it wassubjected to electron beam irradiation (EBI) treatment under various irradiation dosagesranging from 5–25 kGy, aiming at improving both its tensile properties and its waterresistance. The results indicated that the biocomposite irradiated with 25 kGy of applieddosage showed a considerable improvement of 50% in tensile strength, 780% in tensilemodulus and 38% in elongation at break. The water absorption and thickness swellingof the biocomposites were reduced after EBI treatment. The scanning electronmicroscopy showed improvement of the interfacial adhesion between OPMF and PBSafter EBI treatment.
Aves, Tumut, New South Wales, South-eastern Australia
Authors: Lindenmayer David B. , Cunningham Ross B. , MacGregor Chris , Montague-Drake Rebecca , Crane Mason , Michael Damian , Lindenmayer Bruce D.
Published: May 2015

A large-scale, long-term study of the impacts on vertebrates of landscape change and habitat fragmentation is taking place at Tumut in southern New South Wales, south-eastern Australia. Field surveys focus on counting birds within three broad kinds of sites in the study region. These are: (1) A randomized and replicated set of 85 sites in remnants or fragments of native Eucalyptus forest located within the boundaries of the Radiata Pine plantation. (2) Sites dominated by Radiata Pine plantation trees (N = 40 sites). (3) Sites in the large areas of continuous Eucalyptus forest adjacent to the plantation that act as “controls” (N = 40 sites). We list of birds recorded during 1996 and 1997. A total of 92 species from 34 families was recorded. The list will be useful for workers examining bird responses to fragmented landscapes as well as those interested in the biodiversity values of plantation landscapes.
Reptilia, Squamata, Serpentes, Colubridae, Urotheca decipiens: distribution extension
Authors: Castro-Herrera Fernando , Vargas-Salinas Fernando
Published: May 2015

None
Reptilia, Squamata, Liolaemidae, Phymaturus verdugo: distribution extension,
new provincial records, filling gaps, and geographic distribution map
Authors: Avila Luciano Javier , Perez Cristian Hernán Fulvio , Perez Daniel Roberto , Morando Mariana
Published: May 2015

None
Insecta, Ephemeroptera: range extensions and new state records from far western Montana, U.S.A.
Authors: McCafferty W. Patrick , Newell Robert L.
Published: May 2015

None
Branched amphiphilic polysulfides: influence of macromolecular architecture on self-assembly and oxidation responsiveness
Authors: d’Arcy Richard , Tirelli Nicola
Published: May 2015

2-, 4-, 6- and 8-arm star amphiphilic block copolymers were prepared with the branching point located in the hydrophobic core composed of poly(propylene sulfide) (PPS); poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) pendant chains completed the macromolecular structure. The level of branching influenced the rigidity of the PPS core and of the overall macromolecule, with the Mark-Houwink parameter a gradually approaching the value typical of globules for 6 and 8 arms. A binary behavior (linear vs. branched) was noticed for the kinetics of oxidation by H2O2 and the stability of the colloidal aggregates formed in water: irrespective of the number of arms, all branched polymers showed a slower response (to oxidation) and a more stable hydrophobic domains (a critical micellar concentration < 0.01 mg/mL).
Mechanism of charge transport in organic semiconductors and carbon nanomaterials
Authors: Jiang Yuqian , Xi Jinyang , Shuai Zhigang
Published: May 2015

We develop theoretical descriptions for charge transport in organic semiconductors and carbon nanomaterials. For the localized charges, we found the quantum nuclear tunneling effect is essential which could manifest isotope effect for mobility as well as exotic optical feature. Because the nuclear tunneling tends to favor electron transfer while heavier nuclei decrease the quantum effect, isotopic substitution should reduce carrier mobility. Moreover, the isotopic effect only occurs when the substituted nuclei contribute actively to vibrations with appreciable charge reorganization energy and coupling with carrier motion. For the band-like transport, we propose a Wannier extrapolation scheme for computing the electron-phonon interaction matrix for the Boltzmann equation. Our calculation indicates that the intrinsic electron-phonon scatterings in two-dimensional carbon materials are dominated by low-energy longitudinal-acoustic phonon scatterings over a wide range of temperatures, while by high-frequency optical phonons at high temperature. The electron mobilities of α- and γ-graphynes are predicted to be ca.104 cm2V-1s-1 at room temperature.
Branched Thiophene Oligomer/Polymer Bulk Heterojunction Organic Solar Cell
Authors: Martinez Francisco , Neculqueo Gloria , Vasquez Sergio O. , Lemmetyinen Helge , Efimov Alexander , Vivo Paola
Published: May 2015

Thiophene small novel branched structures have been proposed as candidates for dopant agents transporting holes-electron in organic solar cell (OSC). Low-band gap of these branched oligotiophene have been obtained to be used in organic solar cells. Two branched thiophene oligomers, a sexithienylene vinylene (E)-Bis-1,2-(5,5´´-Dimethyl-(2,2´:3´,2´´-terthiophene) vinylene, (BSTV) and octathienylene vinylene (BOTV) (E)-Bis-1,2-(5,5´´´-Dimethyl-(2,2´:5´,2´´:3´,2´´´-tetrathiophene) vinylene oligomers, have been synthesized and used as electron donor or dopant in a bulk heterojunction poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT), /[6,6]-phenyl C61-butyric acid methylester (PCBM), Organic Photovoltaic cell.
Influence of Qur’anic Teaching on Famous Muslim Philosophers
Authors: Mohamadiani Davood , Abdellahi Sayed Majid
Published: May 2015

The Holy Qur’an is the most important factor shaping the development of the Islamic culture and civilization. It can be claimed that all attempts in the field of Islamic thought have been shaped on the basis of the Qur’anic literature, jurisprudence, ilm al-usul, theology, philosophy and gnosis. For instance philosophy, which found its way into the Muslim world from Greece, developed under the influence of Qur’anic teachings by Islamic philosophers and formed a new Islamic identity. Muslim philosophers adapted ideas and philosophical doctrines from the teachings of the Qur’an. They also used the Qur’anic verses in order to conceptualize and make new theories. They used the logic of the Qur’an for presenting philosophical arguments based on the analyses of this work. Among the Islamic philosophers, the contributions of Kindi, Suhrawardi, Avicenna, and Mulla Sadra were most significant.
A Cultural History of Women in Antiquity, edited by Janet H. Tulloch
Authors: Hayward Nicola E
Published: May 2015

A Cultural History of Women in Antiquity, edited by Janet H. Tulloch. Bloomsbury, 2013. 288pp., bw illustrations. Hb., $104.00. Volume 1 of A Cultural History of Women. ISBN-13: 9780857850973.
Editorial
Authors: Ramírez Triana Carlos Ariel
Published: May 2015

Editorial de la edición número 9
El programa nacional para el financiamiento a la educación superior México (PRONAFES México), una alternativa de alto valor agregado
Authors: Rodríguez Magaña Alejandro , Olea Deserti Elia
Published: May 2015

El crédito educativo es el mecanismo necesario para romper la línea de restricción presupuestaria de las familias en México ante la falta de espacios en la educación superior pública. Con un adecuado instrumento de financiamiento educativo, la presión para el Estado será menor, se da acceso con beneficios a clases sociales menos favorecidas y las universidades privadas cumplirían en mayor medida su función. El esfuerzo coordinado del Estado, de este tipo de instituciones educativas y del propio alumno, en un programa nacional de financiamiento como el que aquí se propone, pueden contribuir a la creación de un mecanismo de financiamiento educativo trascendente con alta proyección de largo plazo, donde al final se demuestra que todos ganan y el fondo se autoalimenta con presupuesto propio, dando la pauta para el surgimiento de nuevos programas de becas y apoyos para la formación académica de los estudiantes que así lo requieran. El Programa Nacional de Financiamiento a la Educación Superior (PRONAFES) que se presenta, puede ser exitoso en México, e incluso replicarse en cualquier país con el apoyo y decisión de comunidades educativas, universidades y del Estado
Influencia de la inversión en capacidades científicas en los resultados de generación de nuevo conocimiento en América, Europa y Asia
Authors: Luna Chocontá Alejandra , Rojas Berrio Sandra Patricia , Tobasura Madero David Leonardo , Topete Barrera Carlos
Published: May 2015

Teniendo en cuenta que uno de los factores limitantes del desarrollo científico y tecnológico de un país son los factores económico – financieros (López, 2004), este trabajo tiene como propósito revisar el desempeño de éstos de países en América, Europa y Asia en términos de los resultados que se han obtenido a partir de las inversiones en Ciencia y Tecnología, tomando como referente el año 2010. Se revisan fuentes secundarias y se toman los datos para recursos financieros, recursos humanos y generación de nuevo conocimiento. Los resultados muestran que los países que se destacan en el análisis de coordenadas principales y de clúster son los que realizan mayores inversiones en I+D y por ende generan mayores resultados de nuevo conocimiento.
Stream Structural Limitations on Invasive Communities in Urban Riparian Areas
Authors: Warren Robert J. , Potts Daniel L. , Frothingham Kelly M.
Published: May 2015

Urban riparian plant communities exist at the interface between terrestrial and aquatic habitats, and they are rich sources of species biodiversity and ecosystem services. The periodic floods that promote species diversity in riparian plant communities also increase their vulnerability to nonnative plant invasions. Plant invasions are constrained by seed and suitable habitat availability. However, how seed dispersal and establishment limitations interact to shape nonnative plant invasions in riparian communities is poorly understood. We use Stream Visual Assessment Protocol data to evaluate the hydrological and geomorphological parameters that influence the seeding and establishment of six common nonnative species in urban riparian habitats: garlic mustard, purple loosestrife, reed canarygrass, common reed, Japanese knotweed, and multiflora rose. To address this objective, we analyzed stream reach data collected during a basin-wide environmental assessment of the extensively urbanized upper Niagara River watershed. We found limited support for our prediction that propagule limitation constrains the distribution of nonnative riparian species, likely because these species are well established in the study area. Instead, we found that opportune stream reach characteristics better predict the distribution of the common invasive riparian species—most notably open tree canopy. Given that there is widespread investment in urban riparian forest restoration to improve water quality, increase stream-bank stability, enhance wildlife habitat and promote recreation, our data suggest that riparian forests may provide the additional benefit of reducing the abundance of some, but not all, invasive plants.
Low Inbreeding Depression and High Plasticity under Abiotic Stress in the Tall Morningglory (Ipomoea purpurea)
Authors: Mason Chase M. , Christopher Dorothy A. , Rea Ashley M. , Eserman Lauren A. , Pilote Alex J. , Batora Nicholas L. , Chang Shu-Mei
Published: May 2015

Weeds represent a major cause of agricultural losses worldwide. Most weeds share a common set of life history characteristics that predispose them to weediness, two of which are self-compatibility, which allows for ease of colonization through reproductive assurance, and high trait plasticity, which allows for tolerance of a wide variety of environments and abiotic conditions. However, self-fertilization typically comes at the cost of inbreeding depression. This study investigates the role of inbreeding depression and trait plasticity under abiotic stress in the tall morningglory, a widespread self-compatible agricultural weed in the southeastern United States. Results show very little inbreeding depression in this species, likely due to purging of deleterious alleles through repeated founder events in agricultural landscapes. In contrast, abiotic stress induced substantial plasticity in ecophysiological traits, reproductive traits, and biomass allocation. In terms of performance, drought sharply impacted reproduction but not vegetative growth, and nitrogen limitation sharply impacted both. These findings are applicable to the control of weedy morningglory and underscore the usefulness of evolutionary ecology to weed management.
Temporal Trends and Predictors for Cancer Clinical Trial Availability for Medically Underserved Populations
Authors: Gerber David E. , Lakoduk Ashley M. , Priddy Laurin L. , Yan Jingsheng , Xie Xian-Jin
Published: May 2015

Background.

Lack of access to available cancer clinical trials has been cited as a key factor limiting trial accrual, particularly among medically underserved populations. We examined the trends and factors in clinical trial availability within a major U.S. safety-net hospital system.

Materials and Methods.

We identified cancer clinical trials activated at the Harold C. Simmons Cancer from 1991 to 2014 and recorded the characteristics of the trials that were and were not activated at the Parkland Health and Hospital System satellite site. We used univariate and multivariate logistic regression to determine the association between trial characteristics and nonactivation status, and chi-square analysis to determine the association between the trial characteristics and the reasons for nonactivation.

Results.

A total of 773 trials were identified, of which 152 (20%) were not activated at Parkland. In multivariable analysis, nonactivation at Parkland was associated with trial year, sponsor, and phase. Compared with the 1991–2006 period, clinical trials in the 2007–2014 period were almost eightfold more likely not to be activated at Parkland. The most common reasons for nonactivation at Parkland were an inability to perform the study procedures (27%) and the startup costs (15%).

Conclusion.

Over time, in this single-center setting, a decreasing proportion of cancer clinical trials were available to underserved populations. Trial complexity and costs appeared to account for much of this trend. Efforts to overcome these barriers will be key to equitable access to clinical trials, efficient accrual, and the generalizability of the results.

Implications for Practice:

Despite numerous calls to increase and diversify cancer clinical trial accrual, the present study found that cancer clinical trial activation rates in a safety-net setting for medically underserved populations have decreased substantially in recent years. The principal reasons for study nonactivation were expenses and an inability to perform the study-related procedures, reflecting the increasing costs and complexity of cancer clinical trials. Future efforts need to focus on strategies to mitigate the increasing disparity in access to clinical research and cutting-edge therapies, which also threatens to hinder study accrual, completion rates, and generalizability.
The effects of silicon dioxide, iron(III) oxide and copper oxide nanomaterials on the properties of self-compacting mortar containing fly ash
Authors: Mohseni Ehsan , Ranjbar Malek Mohammad , Yazdi Mohammad Ali , Hosseiny Simin Sadat , Roshandel Ehsan
Published: May 2015

This study presents the mechanical and water absorption properties of self-compacting mortars containing various amounts of nanoparticles, including nano-silicon dioxide (NS), nano-iron(III) oxide (NF) and nano-copper oxide (NC) used in binary and ternary combinations. The nanoparticles were added at proportions corresponding to 1%, 3% and 5% by weight of cement, and fly ash was added as 25% of the weight of the cement in all cases. The results showed an increase in workability of the mortars. In the case of the compressive strength and water absorption when nanoparticles were added individually, the optimum replacement of cement by nanoparticles was around 3% for nano-copper oxide and 3% nano-silicon dioxide for flexural strength. The best results for compressive strength, flexural strength and water absorption at the end of 90 d were determined with 5% NS + NC in binary combination and 3% in ternary combination. Moreover, it was found that using nanoparticles decreased the porosity and water absorption of the specimens.
Effect of axial compression on ductility design of RC walls
Authors: Yuen Y. P. , Kuang J. S.
Published: May 2015

Reinforced concrete (RC) structural walls can render excellent lateral stability and ductility to medium to high-rise buildings, but are generally subjected to very high axial compression loading, which can reduce the inherent ductility. A comprehensive statistical analysis with 474 sets of experimental data was conducted to evaluate and quantify the effect of the axial compression ratio (ACR) on the structural performance of RC structural walls. The stipulated limits on the ACR and the methods of evaluation used in various design codes were compared. Provisions on the limits of the ACR stipulated in various design codes were compared, and the expected attainable ductility factors for RC walls designed to different codes were evaluated. It was found that the provisions on ACR limits in Eurocode 8 generally satisfy the target ductility level but a distinction needs to be made between non-squat and squat walls due to their different structural behaviours.
Characteristics of potential gasifier fuels in selected regions of the Lake Victoria Basin
Authors: Mosiori Geoffrey O. , Onindo Charles O. , Mugabi Paul , Tumwebaze Susan B. , Bagabo Samuel , Johnson Rukundo B.
Published: May 2015

All countries in the Lake Victoria Basin depend mostly on hydroelectric power for the provision of energy. Gasification technology has a high potential for reducing biomass energy consumption whilst increasing access to modern energy services. The key aspect for the failure of gasification operations in the Lake Victoria Basin is inadequate adaptation of gasification equipment to fuel characteristics, lack of fuel specification and inappropriate material choice. We therefore investigated the thermo-chemical characterisation of six biomass fuels, namely Pinus caribaea, Calitris robusta, Cupressus lusitanica, Eucalyptus grandis, Pinus patula and sugarcane bagasse from selected regions of the Lake Victoria Basin. Ultimate analysis was done using a Flash 2000 elemental analyser. Moisture content, ash content and volatile matter were determined in oven and muffle furnaces while heating values were determined using a Gallenkamp calorimeter. The mean percentage levels obtained indicate that all six biomass fuels had a mean range for nitrogen of 0.07±0.2–0.25±0.07%, for carbon of 40.45±0.61–48.88±0.29%, for hydrogen of 4.32±0.13–5.59±0.18% and for oxygen of 43.41±1.58–51.1±0.64%. Moisture content ranged between 25.74±1.54% and 56.69±0.52%, ash content between 0.38±0.02% and 2.94±0.14%, volatile matter between 74.68±0.49% and 82.71±0.19% and fixed carbon between 14.35±0.33% and 24.74±0.27%. Heating values ranged between 16.95±0.10 MJ/kg and 19.48±0.42 MJ/kg. The results suggest that all six biomass fuels are potential biomass gasification materials.
Quantifying the catchment salt balance: An important component of salinity assessments
Authors: Bugan Richard D.H. , Jovanovic Nebo Z. , De Clercq Willem P.
Published: May 2015

Soil and stream salinisation is a major environmental problem because it reduces the productivity of landscapes and degrades water quality. The Berg River (South Africa) has been exhibiting a trend of increasing salinity levels, which has primarily been attributed to the manifestation of dryland salinity. Dryland salinity occurs as a result of changes in land use (indigenous vegetation to agriculture and/or pasture), which cause a change in the water and salt balance of the landscape, consequently mobilising stored salts. The quantification of salinity fluxes at the catchment scale is an initial step and integral part of developing dryland salinity mitigation measures. The objective of this study was to quantify the salinity fluxes in the Sandspruit catchment, a tributary catchment of the Berg River. This included the quantification of salt storage, salt input (rainfall) and salt output (in run-off). The results of the catchment salt balance computations indicate that the Sandspruit catchment is exporting salts, i.e. salt output exceeds salt input, which may have serious implications for downstream water users. Interpolated regolith salt storage generally exhibited increasing storage with decreasing ground elevation. A salinity hotspot was identified in the lower reaches of the catchment. It is envisaged that the data presented in this study may be used to classify the land according to the levels of salinity present; inform land management decisions; and provide a guide and framework for the prioritisation of areas for intervention and the choice and implementation of salinity management options. The data which were generated may also be used to calibrate hydrosalinity models.
Deltoid Compartment Syndrome After Prolonged Lateral Decubitus Positioning
Authors: Borenstein Todd R. , Cohen Eric , McDonnell Matthew , Kamal Robin N. , Hayda Roman A.
Published: May 2015

Case:

A thirty-six-year-old man fell off a ladder and sustained an open fracture of the distal end of the left humerus. He was taken to the operating room for irrigation, debridement, and fixation of the fracture and was placed in the right lateral decubitus position for over seven hours. He subsequently developed right deltoid compartment syndrome, necessitating emergency compartment release. One year later, he had limited function, with a Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of 81.3 points.

Conclusion:

Deltoid compartment syndrome can occur from operative positioning, with poor long-term outcomes as a result. Expeditious surgery, additional padding, and repeat checks are necessary for at-risk patients.
Segmental Forearm Fracture Due to Grip-Lock Injury in Male Gymnast
Authors: Updegrove Gary F. , Aiyer Amiethab A. , Fortuna Kristine L.
Published: May 2015

Case:

A fifteen-year-old male gymnast sustained a segmental forearm fracture with physeal involvement as the result of a grip-lock injury.

Conclusion:

Grip lock occurs when a leather grip becomes caught around a bar while the athlete is rotating around it. This may lead to physeal injuries, extensor tendon injuries, and fractures of the hand, wrist, or forearm. Proper grip fit and maintenance as well as education of coaches, parents, and athletes is important to prevent this type of injury.
Atypical Vancouver Type-C Periprosthetic Fracture Complicated by Nonunion
Authors: Chen Foster , Li Robert , Lall Ajay , Kim Sun Jin , Hirsh David M. , Schwechter Evan M.
Published: May 2015

Case:

In recent years, atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) associated with bisphosphonate use have increasingly been reported, but current definitions limit their diagnosis to native femora. Atypical periprosthetic fractures are rare. We present a case of a Vancouver type-C periprosthetic fracture that was recognized as an AFF following nonunion.

Conclusion:

Bisphosphonate-associated AFFs can present as periprosthetic fractures. Delayed recognition of the role of bisphosphonates in a periprosthetic fracture may lead to a worse outcome, including a delay in diagnosis, delayed union, and failure of fixation.
Finite-Wellbore-Radius Solution for Gas Wells by Green's Functions
Authors: Sousa Emilio P. , Barreto Abelardo B. , Peres Alvaro M.
Published: May 2015

Even when written in terms of a pseudopressure function, the diffusivity equation for flow of gases through porous media is, rigorously speaking, nonlinear because the viscosity/compressibility product is pseudopressure-dependent. However, several techniques and analysis procedures neglect such nonlinearity. A new methodology for constructing solutions for gas reservoirs through the Green's-function (GF) technique was recently proposed in the literature. Such methodology handles the viscosity/compressibility product variation rigorously, and it was successfully applied to solve several gas-well-test problems. In those problems, the wellbore is always represented by a line source. This work extends the theory a little further by considering a finite-wellbore-radius (FWR) boundary condition for a single vertical well producing at constant rate from an isotropic homogeneous and infinite gas reservoir. The proposed solution does not consider non-Darcy-flow effects, wellbore storage, and skin. Results from our FWR solution are compared with a commercial finite-difference reservoir simulator that shows a very close agreement. We also compared the FWR solution to the correspondent line-source solution to study the difference between the two solutions. As expected, the pseudopressure solutions by use of line-source and FWR boundary conditions do not match at early times, but they do agree at long times, which is exactly how FWR and line-source well solutions for slightly compressible fluids behave. It seems that, even for gas-well problems, the wellbore can be satisfactorily represented by a line source without significant loss of generality. The line-source assumption greatly simplifies the mathematics and the computational effort. This aspect is especially attractive for complex nonlinear gas-well problems that remain to be solved by the GF approach.
Controlling the Height of Multiple Hydraulic Fractures in Layered Media
Authors: Khanna Aditya , Kotousov Andrei
Published: May 2015

Fracture-height containment is desirable in hydraulic-fracturing treatments because it can result in better efficiency of oil or gas recovery and have less impact on the environment. Several mechanisms of the containment of a single hydraulic fracture were investigated in the past, and the outcomes of these studies are now well-documented in the open literature. However, the effectiveness of these mechanisms in the case of multiple closely spaced hydraulic fractures has not received much attention. The latter situation typically arises in the case of multiple transverse fractures emanating from a single horizontal wellbore.

In this paper, we develop a mathematical model that one can use to assess the fracture-interaction phenomenon as well as the effect of the modulus contrast between adjacent rock layers. We consider the situation in which one must contain the hydraulic fractures entirely in the pay zone and investigate fracturing-fluid-pressure control as a possible mechanism of height containment. It is demonstrated that when the fracture spacing becomes comparable with the fracture height, the interaction between the fractures produces a shielding effect. In this case, the fracturing-fluid pressure that ensures fracture containment is greater in comparison with the case of a single isolated fracture. However, the fracture opening is also smaller in the case of closely spaced fractures. The dependence of the fracturing-fluid pressure and fracture opening on the fracture spacing needs to be taken into consideration during the selection of fracture spacing for a particular treatment.
Evaluation of Biocompatibility of an Etch-and-Rinse Adhesive System Based in Tertiary Butanol Applied in Deep Cavity
Authors: Alves Gilvanely Cardoso , Sobral Ana Paula Veras
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate biocompatibility of an etch-and-rinse adhesive system based in tertiary butanol applied in deep cavity human teeth with approximately 1 mm of remaining dentin by observing histological changes of the pulp tissue of humans at intervals of 01, 07, 14 and 21 days. Twenty third molars with indication for xtraction from patients of both sexes, presenting no systemic alterations were used. Class I cavity was made deeper and then, XP BOND adhesive system and resin Filtek Z250 were applied. The sample was divided into four groups according to the time intervals between the application of adhesive system and extraction. Morphologic criteria analysed considered the presence of hyperemia, type of inflammatory cell response, organization of odontoblast cells layer, organization of pulp tissue and the presence or absence of bacteria. Data were submitted to Fisher Exact Test p> 0.05. We observed mild inflammatory infiltrate, preserved pulp tissue morphology, disorganization of the odontoblast layer in most specimens, as well as absence of bacteria at the intervals of 01, 07, 14 and 21 days. In some cases there was pulp hyperemia. The etchand- rinse adhesive system based in tertiary butanol showed satisfactory behavior in the conditions studied.
Meniscal Scaffolds - Preclinical Evidence to Support their Use: A Systematic Review
Authors: Matteo Berardo Di , Perdisa Francesco , Gostynska Natalia , Kon Elizaveta , Filardo Giuseppe , Marcacci Maurilio
Published: May 2015

Arthroscopic meniscal treatment is the most common procedure performed in the orthopedic practice. Current management of meniscal pathology relies on different therapeutic options, ranging from selective meniscectomy, suturing, and to meniscal replacement by using either allografts or scaffolds. The progresses made in the field of regenerative medicine and biomaterials allowed to develop several meniscal substitutes, some of those currently used in the clinical practice. Before reaching the clinical application, these devices necessarily undergo accurate testing in the animal model: the aim of the present manuscript is to systematically review the scientific evidence derived by animal model results for the use of meniscal scaffolds, in order to understand the current state of research in this particular field and to identify the trends at preclinical level that may influence in the near future the clinical practice.

Thirty-four papers were included in the present analysis. In 12 cases the meniscal scaffolds were used with cells to further stimulate tissue regeneration. With the exception of some negative reports regarding dacron-based scaffolds, the majority of the trials highlighted that biomaterials and bio-engineered scaffolds are safe and could play a beneficial role in stimulating meniscal healing and in chondral protection. With regard to the benefits of cell augmentation, the evidence is limited to a small number of studies and no conclusive evidence is available. However, preclinical evidence seems to suggest that cells could enhance tissue regeneration with respect to the use of biomaterials alone, and further research should confirm the translational potential of cell-based approach.
Ocular Surface as Barrier of Innate Immunity
Authors: Bolaños-Jiménez Rodrigo , Navas Alejandro , López-Lizárraga Erika Paulina , Ribot Francesc March de , Peña Alexandra , Graue-Hernández Enrique O , Garfias Yonathan
Published: May 2015

Sight is one of the most important senses that human beings possess. The ocular system is a complex structure equipped with mechanisms that prevent or limit damage caused by physical, chemical, infectious and environmental factors. These mechanisms include a series of anatomical, cellular and humoral factors that have been a matter of study. The cornea is not only the most powerful and important lens of the optical system, but also, it has been involved in many other physiological and pathological processes apart from its refractive nature; the morphological and histological properties of the cornea have been thoroughly studied for the last fifty years; drawing attention in its molecular characteristics of immune response. This paper will review the anatomical and physiological aspects of the cornea, conjunctiva and lacrimal apparatus, as well as the innate immunity at the ocular surface.
Weakly and strongly polynomial algorithms for computing the maximum decrease in uniform arc capacities
Authors: Ghiyasvand Mehdi
Published: May 2015

In this paper, a new problem on a directed network is presented. Let D be a
feasible network such that all arc capacities are equal to U. Given a t > 0,
the network D with arc capacities U - t is called the t-network. The goal of
the problem is to compute the largest t such that the t-network is feasible.
First, we present a weakly polynomial time algorithm to solve this problem,
which runs in O(log(nU)) maximum flow computations, where n is the number of
nodes. Then, an O(m2n) time approach is presented, where m is the number of
arcs. Both the weakly and strongly polynomial algorithms are inspired by
McCormick and Ervolina (1994).
Ratio-of-Mediator-Probability Weighting for Causal Mediation Analysis in the Presence of Treatment-by-Mediator Interaction
Authors: Hong Guanglei , Deutsch Jonah , Hill Heather D.
Published: May 2015

Conventional methods for mediation analysis generate biased results when the mediator–outcome relationship depends on the treatment condition. This article shows how the ratio-of-mediator-probability weighting (RMPW) method can be used to decompose total effects into natural direct and indirect effects in the presence of treatment-by-mediator interactions. The indirect effect can be further decomposed into a pure indirect effect and a natural treatment-by-mediator interaction effect. Similar to other techniques for causal mediation analysis, RMPW generates causally valid results when the sequential ignorability assumptions hold. Yet unlike the model-based alternatives, including path analysis, structural equation modeling, and their latest extensions, RMPW requires relatively few assumptions about the distribution of the outcome, the distribution of the mediator, and the functional form of the outcome model. Correct specification of the propensity score models for the mediator remains crucial when parametric RMPW is applied. This article gives an intuitive explanation of the RMPW rationale, a mathematical proof, and simulation results for the parametric and nonparametric RMPW procedures. We apply the technique to identifying whether employment mediated the relationship between an experimental welfare-to-work program and maternal depression. A detailed delineation of the analytic procedures is accompanied by online Stata code as well as a stand-alone RMPW software program to facilitate users’ analytic decision making.
Economic Value of Li-ion Energy Storage System in Frequency Regulation Application from Utility Firm’s Perspective in Korea
Authors: Hur Wonchang , Moon Yongma , Shin Kwangsup , Kim Wooje , Nam Suchul , Park Kijun
Published: May 2015

Energy Storage Systems (ESSs) have recently been highlighted because of their many benefits such as load-shifting, frequency regulation, price arbitrage, renewables, and so on. Among those benefits, we aim at evaluating their economic value in frequency regulation application. However, unlike previous literature focusing on profits obtained from participating in the ancillary service market, our approach concentrates on the cost reduction from the perspective of a utility firm that has an obligation to pay energy fees to a power exchange. More specifically, we focus on the payments between the power exchange market and the utility firm as a major source of economic benefits. The evaluation is done by cost- benefit analysis (CBA) with a dataset of the Korean market while considering operational constraint costs as well as scheduled energy payments, and a simulation algorithm for the evaluation is provided. Our results show the potential for huge profits to be made by cost reduction. We believe that this research can provide a guideline for a utility firm considering investing in ESSs for frequency regulation application as a source of cost reduction.
Model-Based State Feedback Controller Design for a Turbocharged Diesel Engine with an EGR System
Authors: Dong Tianpu , Zhang Fujun , Liu Bolan , An Xiaohui
Published: May 2015

This paper describes a method for the control of transient exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems. Firstly, a state space model of the air system is developed by simplifying a mean value model. The state space model is linearized by using linearization theory and validated by the GT-Power data with an operating point of the diesel engine. Secondly, a state feedback controller based on the intake oxygen mass fraction is designed for EGR control. Since direct measurement of the intake oxygen mass fraction is unavailable on the engine, the estimation method for intake oxygen mass fraction has been proposed in this paper. The control strategy is analyzed by using co-simulation with the Matlab/Simulink and GT-Powers software. Finally, the whole control system is experimentally validated against experimental data of a turbocharged diesel engine. The control effect of the state feedback controller compared with PID controller proved to be further verify the feasibility and advantages of the proposed state feedback controller.
Forest Ecosystem Services: Issues and Challenges for Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management in Italy
Authors: Vizzarri Matteo , Tognetti Roberto , Marchetti Marco
Published: May 2015

Although forest ecosystems are fundamental sources of services and global biodiversity, their capacity to maintain these benefits in the future is potentially threatened by anthropogenic impacts such as climate change, land use, and unsustainable management practices. Thus far, studies focusing on forests and their services have gained less attention compared with studies on other biomes. Additionally, management practices may potentially undermine the capacity of forests to sustain biodiversity conservation and services in the future, especially outside protected areas. This study linked the concepts of biodiversity and forest ecosystem services at the national level in Italy. Through a downscaled review, we first analyzed management issues, challenges, and needs within the context of forest ecosystem services. We then carried out a survey on protected areas. The results show that forest biodiversity supports the provision of other services and, hence, needs to be preserved and supported by adaptive management practices. Current research on forest ecosystem services must extend policy trajectories to protected areas (i.e., National Parks) as centers of biodiversity and models of the sustainable use of resources.
High Hydrostatic Pressure Pretreatment of Whey Protein Isolates Improves Their Digestibility and Antioxidant Capacity
Authors: Iskandar Michèle , Lands Larry , Sabally Kebba , Azadi Behnam , Meehan Brian , Mawji Nadir , Skinner Cameron , Kubow Stan
Published: May 2015

Whey proteins have well-established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. High hydrostatic pressure processing of whey protein isolates increases their in vitro digestibility resulting in enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This study compared the effects of different digestion protocols on the digestibility of pressurized (pWPI) and native (nWPI) whey protein isolates and the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the hydrolysates. The pepsin-pancreatin digestion protocol was modified to better simulate human digestion by adjusting temperature and pH conditions, incubation times, enzymes utilized, enzyme-to-substrate ratio and ultrafiltration membrane molecular weight cut-off. pWPI showed a significantly greater proteolysis rate and rate of peptide appearance regardless of digestion protocol. Both digestion methods generated a greater relative abundance of eluting peptides and the appearance of new peptide peaks in association with pWPI digestion in comparison to nWPI hydrolysates. Hydrolysates of pWPI from both digestion conditions showed enhanced ferric-reducing antioxidant power relative to nWPI hydrolysates. Likewise, pWPI hydrolysates from both digestion protocols showed similar enhanced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in a respiratory epithelial cell line as compared to nWPI hydrolysates. These findings indicate that regardless of considerable variations of in vitro digestion protocols, pressurization of WPI leads to more efficient digestion that improves its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Household Water Quantity and Health: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stelmach Rachel , Clasen Thomas
Published: May 2015

While the quantity of water used in the home is thought to be an important determinant of health, much of the evidence relies on using water access as a proxy for quantity. This review examines the health effects of household water quantity using studies that directly measured water quantity. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and article reference lists. Eligible studies included experimental and observational studies that measured a difference in water quantity and quantified an association between water quantity and health outcomes. 21 studies, divided into six of the many possible water-quantity associated outcomes, met the eligibility criteria. Due to heterogeneity in designs, settings, methods, and outcomes, a meta-analysis was inappropriate. Overall results showed a positive association between water quantity and health outcomes, but the effect depended on how the water was used. Increased water usage for personal hygiene was generally associated with improved trachoma outcomes, while increased water consumption was generally associated with reduced gastrointestinal infection and diarrheal disease and improved growth outcomes. In high-income countries, increased water consumption was associated with higher rates of renal cell carcinoma and bladder cancer but not associated with type II diabetes, cardiac-related mortality, or all-cause mortality.
Modelling Anopheles gambiae s.s. Population Dynamics with Temperature- and Age-Dependent Survival
Authors: Christiansen-Jucht Céline , Erguler Kamil , Shek Chee , Basáñez María-Gloria , Parham Paul
Published: May 2015

Climate change and global warming are emerging as important threats to human health, particularly through the potential increase in vector- and water-borne diseases. Environmental variables are known to affect substantially the population dynamics and abundance of the poikilothermic vectors of disease, but the exact extent of this sensitivity is not well established. Focusing on malaria and its main vector in Africa, Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto, we present a set of novel mathematical models of climate-driven mosquito population dynamics motivated by experimental data suggesting that in An. gambiae, mortality is temperature and age dependent. We compared the performance of these models to that of a “standard” model ignoring age dependence. We used a longitudinal dataset of vector abundance over 36 months in sub-Saharan Africa for comparison between models that incorporate age dependence and one that does not, and observe that age-dependent models consistently fitted the data better than the reference model. This highlights that including age dependence in the vector component of mosquito-borne disease models may be important to predict more reliably disease transmission dynamics. Further data and studies are needed to enable improved fitting, leading to more accurate and informative model predictions for the An. gambiae malaria vector as well as for other disease vectors.
Conformational Ensembles Explored Dynamically from Disordered Peptides Targeting Chemokine Receptor CXCR4
Authors: Vincenzi Marian , Costantini Susan , Scala Stefania , Tesauro Diego , Accardo Antonella , Leone Marilisa , Colonna Giovanni , Guillon Jean , Portella Luigi , Trotta Anna , Ronga Luisa , Rossi Filomena
Published: May 2015

This work reports on the design and the synthesis of two short linear peptides both containing a few amino acids with disorder propensity and an allylic ester group at the C-terminal end. Their structural properties were firstly analyzed by means of experimental techniques in solution such as CD and NMR methods that highlighted peptide flexibility. These results were further confirmed by MD simulations that demonstrated the ability of the peptides to assume conformational ensembles. They revealed a network of transient and dynamic H-bonds and interactions with water molecules. Binding assays with a well-known drug-target, i.e., the CXCR4 receptor, were also carried out in an attempt to verify their biological function and the possibility to use the assays to develop new specific targets for CXCR4. Moreover, our data indicate that these peptides represent useful tools for molecular recognition processes in which a flexible conformation is required in order to obtain an interaction with a specific target.