bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Membrane transporters mediating root signalling and adaptive responses to oxygen deprivation and soil flooding
Authors: SHABALA SERGEY , SHABALA LANA , BARCELO JUAN , POSCHENRIEDER CHARLOTTE
Published: April 2014

This review provides a comprehensive assessment of a previously unexplored topic: elucidating the role that plasma‐ and organelle‐based membrane transporters play in plant‐adaptive responses to flooding. We show that energy availability and metabolic shifts under hypoxia and anoxia are critical in regulating membrane‐transport activity. We illustrate the high tissue and time dependence of this regulation, reveal the molecular identity of transporters involved and discuss the modes of their regulation. We show that both reduced oxygen availability and accumulation of transition metals in flooded roots result in a reduction in the cytosolic K+ pool, ultimately determining the cell's fate and transition to programmed cell death (PCD). This process can be strongly affected by hypoxia‐induced changes in the amino acid pool profile and, specifically, ϒ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) accumulation. It is suggested that GABA plays an important regulatory role, allowing plants to proceed with H2O2 signalling to activate a cascade of genes that mediate plant adaptation to flooding while at the same time, preventing the cell from entering a ‘suicide program’. We conclude that progress in crop breeding for flooding tolerance can only be achieved by pyramiding the numerous physiological traits that confer efficient energy maintenance, cytosolic ion homeostasis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) control and detoxification.
Problems with using total serum bilirubin as a criterion for phototherapy in extremely low‐birthweight infants
Authors: Ichinomiya Kenji , Inoue Fumitaka , Koizumi Aya , Inoue Takahiro , Fujiu Toru , Maruyama Kenichi
Published: April 2014

Background

Despite the early use of phototherapy and exchange transfusion in premature infants based on total serum bilirubin (TSB), the reemergence of kernicterus has been reported. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of using TSB as the criterion for phototherapy in extremely low‐birthweight infants (ELBWI).

Methods

We reviewed the medical charts of 43 ELBWI admitted to hospital between January 2009 and December 2010, and analyzed the relationship between TSB and unbound bilirubin (UB).

Results

No infant underwent exchange transfusion or developed acute bilirubin encephalopathy. There was a significant correlation between TSB and UB measured immediately before phototherapy during the first 7 days of life (r = 0.657, P < 0.001), but none thereafter (r = 0.120, P = 0.213). Thirty‐seven percent of infants who underwent phototherapy during the first 7 days of life had suprathreshold USB but subthreshold TSB, whereas this rose to 97% thereafter.

Conclusions

No correlation was observed between TSB and UB in ELBWI after the first 7 days of life, and almost all phototherapy sessions were initiated based on the UB criterion, even though TSB was below the accepted threshold. UB may be high if jaundice is evaluated solely on the basis of TSB.
Rapid C‐reactive protein and white cell tests decrease cost and shorten emergency visits
Authors: Kokko Eeva , Korppi Matti , Helminen Merja , Hutri‐Kähönen Nina
Published: April 2014

Background

Elevated white blood cells (WBC) in blood and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in serum are often used as non‐specific markers for bacterial etiology of infection in children. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how rapid WBC and CRP testing influences patient flow and cost in the pediatric emergency room (ER).

Methods

This study was a retrospective chart review. In all, 166 children who were treated during 3 months in the ER of a children's hospital, and in whom rapid tests for WBC and CRP were done, were included. The association between rapid testing and length of ER stay was evaluated, and the cost of rapid tests was compared with the corresponding cost if done in the hospital laboratory.

Results

Median ER stay was 147.5 min, if no examinations other than rapid CRP and WBC tests were done and if no emergency treatment was given, compared with 201.5 min for laboratory tests or emergency treatment given (P < 0.001). The respective figures were 142.5 min and 179.5 min in those 96 children discharged home (P = 0.003). The cost of rapid testing was only 41.5% of the corresponding laboratory cost.

Conclusion

The simultaneous rapid testing of CRP and WBC in children with presumable infection decreased cost and shortened the length of ER stay, if no other examinations or emergency treatment were needed. The cost of rapid testing was less than half of the corresponding cost in laboratory.
Extreme‐Right Voting in Western Europe: The Role of Social‐Cultural and Antiegalitarian Attitudes
Authors: Cornelis Ilse , Van Hiel Alain
Published: April 2014

The joint impact of antiegalitarian attitudes and social‐cultural attitudes on citizens’ tendency to vote for extreme right‐wing political parties was investigated. In the first study, we explored these attitudes in representative samples of seven Western European countries. In a follow‐up study, we predicted respondents’ likelihood of voting for a Dutch right‐wing party on the basis of the measures of social‐dominance orientation (as an indicator of antiegalitarian attitudes) and right‐wing authoritarianism (as an indicator of social‐cultural attitudes). Our findings demonstrated that voting for extreme right‐wing parties was associated more consistently with antiegalitarian attitudes than with social‐cultural attitudes. Moreover, the effect of antiegalitarian attitudes was partly mediated by migration attitudes (Study 1) and ethnic prejudice (Study 2). We discuss the finding that antiegalitarian attitudes are more strongly related to extreme right‐wing voting than social‐cultural attitudes.
Planting geometry as a pre‐screening technique for identifying CO2 responsive rice genotypes: a case study of panicle number
Authors: Shimono Hiroyuki , Ozaki Youhei , Jagadish Krishna S. V. , Sakai Hidemitsu , Usui Yasuhiro , Hasegawa Toshihiro , Kumagai Etsushi , Nakano Hiroshi , Yoshinaga Satoshi
Published: April 2014

Identifying CO2 responsive genotypes is a major target for enhancing crop productivity under future global elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration ([CO2]). However, [CO2]‐fumigation facilities are extremely expensive and are not easily accessible, and are limited in space for large‐scale screening. Hence, reliable donors for initiating [CO2]‐responsive breeding programs are not in place for crops, including rice. We propose a simple and novel phenotyping method for identifying [CO2]‐responsive genotypes, and quantify the responsiveness to low planting density over 4‐year trials across both temperate and tropical conditions. Panicle number per plant is the key determinant of grain yield and hence was the focus trait across all our trials. In temperate climate, a 3‐season field screening using 127 diverse rice genotypes and employing two planting densities (normal and low density) was conducted. Two japonica genotypes were selected based on their higher responsiveness to low planting density as candidates for validating the proposed phenotyping protocol as a pre‐screen for [CO2]‐responsiveness. The approach using the two selected candidates and three standard genotypes was confirmed using a free‐air CO2 enrichment facility and temperature gradient chambers under elevated [CO2]. In tropical climate, we grew three rice cultivars, previously identified for their [CO2]‐responsiveness, at two planting densities. The experiments provided confirmation that responsiveness to low planting density was correlated with that of [CO2]‐responsiveness across both the temperate and tropical conditions. The planting density would be useful pre‐screening method for testing large panels of diverse germplasm at low cost complemented by available CO2‐control facilities for final validation of candidates from the pre‐screens.
Plasma Antimullerian Hormone as a Predictor of Ovarian Antral Follicular Population in Bos indicus (Nelore) and Bos taurus (Holstein) Heifers
Authors: Batista EOS , Macedo GG , Sala RV , Ortolan MDDV , Sá Filho MF , Del Valle TA , Jesus EF , Lopes RNVR , Rennó FP , Baruselli PS
Published: April 2014

Contents

In Bos taurus cattle, antimullerian hormone (AMH) has been demonstrated to have a high degree of correlation with ovarian antral follicle count and the number of healthy follicles and oocytes. To document the correlation between the plasma concentration of AMH and follicular number in Bos indicus and Bos taurus heifers, Nelore (Bos indicus, n = 16) and Holstein heifers (Bos taurus, n = 16) had their ovarian follicular waves synchronized. After synchronization, ovarian antral follicular population (AFP) was evaluated three times at 60‐day (d) intervals (T‐120 d, 120 days before plasma AMH determination; T‐60 d, 60 days before; and T0, at the time of plasma AMH determination). The plasma AMH concentration was positively correlated with the number of ovarian follicles on the day of the follicular wave emergence in Bos indicus (Nelore) and Bos taurus (Holstein) heifers at each evaluation time (p < 0.05). The AFP was higher in Bos indicus (Nelore) than in Bos taurus (Holstein) heifers (p < 0.05). Similarly, the AMH concentration was higher in Bos indicus (Nelore) than in Bos taurus (Holstein) heifers (p < 0.0001). When heifers were classified as to present high or low AFP according to the mean of the AFP within each genetic group, high‐AFP heifers presented a greater (p < 0.0001) AMH concentration than low‐AFP heifers, regardless of the genetic group. In conclusion, the AFP is positively correlated with plasma AMH concentration in both Bos indicus (Nelore) and Bos taurus (Holstein) heifers. Furthermore, Bos indicus (Nelore) heifers presented both greater plasma AMH concentrations and AFP than Bos taurus (Holstein) heifers.
Treatment with eCG Decreases the Vascular Density and Increases the Glandular Density of the Bovine Uterus
Authors: Mona e Pinto J , Pavanelo V , Alves de Fátima L , Medeiros de Carvalho Sousa LM , Pacheco Mendes G , Machado Ferreira R , Ayres H , Sampaio Baruselli P , Palma Rennó F , de Carvallo Papa P
Published: April 2014

Contents

The uterus plays an essential role in mammalian reproduction and is a target of several hormonal protocols used to improve fertility in cattle. Many studies highlighted the importance of eCG treatment following fixed‐time artificial insemination in improving follicular growth, ovulation and pregnancy rates in cattle. Moreover, eCG has been implicated in angiogenesis, leading to important changes in uterine blood flow and vascularisation. However, there is still a lack of information regarding the specific alterations induced by eCG upon glandular and vascular characteristics of bovine uterus. To investigate the influence of eCG on: uterine thickness and area; uterine artery diameter and area; uterine vascular and gland density; and the expression of the VEGFA‐system, the uteri of crossbred beef cows were collected. All cows were submitted to follicular wave emergence synchronization. On day four of protocol, cows submitted to superovulation (n = 6) received 2000 IU eCG, on day eight, after expected follicular deviation, cows submitted to stimulatory treatment (n = 5) received 400 IU eCG. Control cows (n = 5) did not receive eCG. On day five po cows were subjected to ultrassonographic evaluation and slaughtered for uterine tissue sampling on day six po. Uterine vessels and glands were quantified by the counting point stereological method. The VEGFA‐system was localized in different cellular types, showing no qualitative or quantitative differences in the site of expression or the intensity of the positive signal among the groups. Vascular density was decreased in the endometrium of stimulated and myometrium of superovulated cows compared with the control ones, which showed higher vascular density in the myometrium and endometrium of the ipsilateral uterine horn. The uterine gland density was higher in superovulated compared with stimulated and control cows. Thus, we can infer that stimulatory or superovulatory treatments with eCG influence the vascular density in the endometrium and myometrium in cattle.
How Do Technical Barriers to Trade Affect China's Imports?
Authors: Bao Xiaohua
Published: April 2014

This research adopts the heterogeneous‐firm approach to analyze how technical barriers to trade (TBT) imposed by China affect its imports. The empirical analysis is based on a sample covering China's import control measures (e.g. TBT, tariff, license and quota) of all harmonized system (HS) 4‐digit products during the period 1998–2006. A modified two‐stage gravity model is used to correct for Heckman selection bias and firm heterogeneity bias. This paper finds that, in general, TBT reduce China's import probability with potential trade partners, but raise the import values with existing trade partners. Further evidence shows that the TBT effects on trade value remain quite stable. However, the TBT effects on trade probability vary a great deal across industries and countries in different time periods.
Youth Poverty, Employment, and Leaving the Parental Home in Europe
Authors: Ayllón Sara
Published: April 2014

This paper studies the nature of youth poverty dynamics in Europe. First, it analyzes to what extent experiencing poverty in a given period is in itself positively related to the probability of living below the poverty line again in the future. That is, we assess the degree of poverty genuine state dependence among young people. Second, we study the interrelationships between poverty, employment, and residential emancipation. The results show that youth poverty genuine state dependence is positive and highly significant, but this scarring effect is short‐lived in Scandinavia compared to Southern or Continental Europe. Moreover, although we find a strong association between poverty and leaving home in Nordic countries, time spent in economic hardship does not last long. On the contrary, in Spain and Italy, young adults tend to leave their parental home much later in order to avoid falling into a poverty state that is more persistent.
Mental Illness and Criminal Behavior
Authors: Vogel Matt
Published: April 2014

The tragic events in Aurora, CO and Newtown, CT have renewed public perception of mentally persons as ‘dangerous’ and ‘criminal.’ Unfortunately, this perception is based more on conjecture and fear than research. The following essay takes stock of the empirical research on mental illness and criminal behavior. Three noteworthy trends emerge from this literature. First, the prevalence of mental illness is substantially higher among individuals who have come in contact with the criminal justice system relative to the general population. Second, individuals with psychotic and externalizing behavioral disorders, particularly those who also abuse drugs and alcohol, tend to engage in higher levels of violence than individuals with other forms of mental illness. Third, mental illness does not determine whether someone will break the law; rather, it is but one of many criminogenic risk factors that interact in complex ways to influence individual behavior.
Social Movement Engagement over the Long Haul: Understanding Activist Retention
Authors: Bunnage Leslie A.
Published: April 2014

This article offers a broad review of the scholarship of the ‘retention’ of social movement activists, examining it from the individual, social relational, and organizational levels of analysis. The following contribute to the likelihood that a participant sustains their engagement: accommodation of individual needs and motivations, a social network to reinforce attachment to activism, and a successful organization that promotes its members' empowerment. The conclusion considers the insights gained from the scholarship so that organizations might increase activist persistence and notes gaps that merit further study, particularly regarding the emerging effects of ‘internet communication technology’ (ICT).
The ‘New’ Sociology of Deindustrialisation? Understanding Industrial Change
Authors: Strangleman Tim , Rhodes James
Published: April 2014

This article reviews a range of new and established writing on deindustrialisation. It traces the origins of the concept from its popularisation in the early 1980s with the onset of large scale loss in the industrial regions of North America and Europe. We argue that with the passage of time, the academic field of deindustrialisation has matured as the scale and consequences of industrial loss become more apparent. We suggest here that sociology has not made the contribution it could have in this debate and that one of the key strengths of the area is its interdisciplinary nature; especially from disciplines such as geography, anthropology, and social history. Its key aim is to explain why this is the case and suggest that by fully engaging with the issue of deindustrialisation and the range of new material available, the sociology of economic life can develop a more rounded account both of work and its absence.
Recidivism, Redemption, and Desistance: Understanding Continuity and Change in Criminal Offending and Implications for Interventions
Authors: Nakamura Kiminori , Bucklen Kristofer Bret
Published: April 2014

As the US incarceration rate has reached an unprecedented level, so has the number of people leaving prison and returning to the community. Faced with the prison population growth together with the economic downturn and budget crises, many states are seeking ways to break the increasing cycle of recidivism. Although research on recidivism and desistance has not always learned from each other, recently, there is an increasing convergence of these two streams of research. This convergence has been stimulated by a variety of factors, but most notably, it draws from emerging research on redemption, which focuses on the inverse relationship between recidivism risk and time since previous contact with the criminal justice system. Although the concepts of recidivism, desistance, and redemption are all about continuity and change in criminal offending over time, the relationship between the three has not been examined. In this paper, we discuss the interface between recidivism and desistance research with a particular focus on redemption research; point out one emerging consensus from both recidivism and desistance research, namely, the importance of offenders' motivation and individual internal change; and discuss new ideas to effectively improve our approaches of reducing recidivism and facilitating desistance.
Elucidating the clinical characteristics of patients captured using different definitions of massive transfusion
Authors: Zatta A. J. , McQuilten Z. K. , Mitra B. , Roxby D. J. , Sinha R. , Whitehead S. , Dunkley S. , Kelleher S. , Hurn C. , Cameron P. A. , Isbister J. P. , Wood E. M. , Phillips L. E. ,   the Massive Transfusion Registry Steering Committee
Published: April 2014

Background and Objectives

The type and clinical characteristics of patients identified with commonly used definitions of massive transfusion (MT) are largely unknown. The objective of this study was to define the clinical characteristics of patients meeting different definitions of MT for the purpose of patient recruitment in observational studies.

Materials and Methods

Data were extracted on all patients who received red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in 2010 at three tertiary Australian hospitals. MT patients were identified according to three definitions: ≥10 units RBC in 24 h (10/24 h), ≥6 units RBC in 6 h (6/6 h) and ≥5 units RBC in 4 h (5/4 h). Clinical coding data were used to assign bleeding context. Data on in‐hospital mortality were also extracted.

Results

Five hundred and forty‐two patients met at least one MT definition, with 236 (44%) included by all definitions. The most inclusive definition was 5/4 h (508 patients, 94%) followed by 6/6 h (455 patients, 84%) and 10/24 h (251 patients, 46%). Importantly, 40–55% of most types of critical bleeding events and 82% of all obstetric haemorrhage cases were excluded by the 10/24 h definition. Patients who met both the 5/4 h and 10/24 h definitions were transfused more RBCs (19 vs. 8 median total RBC units; P < 0·001), had longer ventilation time (120 vs. 55 h; P < 0·001), median ICU (149 vs. 99 h; P < 0·001) and hospital length of stay (23 vs. 18 h; P = 0·006) and had a higher in‐hospital mortality rate (23·3% vs. 16·4%; P = 0·050).

Conclusion

The 5/4 h MT definition was the most inclusive, but combination with the 10/24 h definition appeared to identify a clinically important patient cohort.
Simulating Ice-Sloping Structure Interactions With the Cohesive Element Method
Authors: Lu Wenjun , Lubbad Raed , Løset Sveinung
Published: April 2014

The major processes that occur when level ice interacts with sloping structures (especially wide structures) are the fracturing of ice and upcoming ice fragments accumulating around the structure. The cohesive zone method, which can simulate both fracture initiation and propagation, is a potential numerical method to simulate this process. In this paper, as one of the numerical methods based on the cohesive zone theory, the cohesive-element–based approach was used to simulate both the fracturing and upcoming fragmentation of level ice. However, simulating ice and sloping structure interactions with the cohesive element method poses several challenges. One often-highlighted challenge is its convergence issue. Numerous attempts by different researchers have been invested in this issue either to prove or improve its convergence. However, these researchers work in different fields (e.g., fracture of concrete, ceramic, or glass fiber) with different scales (e.g., from a ceramic ring to a concrete block). As an attempt to study the cohesive element method's application in the current ice-structure interaction context (i.e., an engineering scale up to hundreds of meters), the mesh dependency of the cohesive element method was alleviated by both creating a mesh with a crossed triangle pattern and utilizing a penalty method to obtain the initial stiffness for the intrinsic cohesive elements. Furthermore, two potential methods (i.e., introduction of a random ice field and bulk energy dissipation considerations) to alleviate the mesh dependency problem were evaluated and discussed. Based on a series of simulations with the different aforementioned methods and mesh sizes, the global ice load history is obtained. The horizontal load information is validated against the test results and previous simulation results. According to the comparison, the mesh objectivity alleviation with different approaches was discussed. As a preliminary demonstration, the results of one simulation are summarized, and the load contributions from different ice-structure interaction phases are illustrated and discussed.
An Operationally Optimized Seven Link Biped Robot Moving on Slopes
Authors: Naseradinmousavi Peiman
Published: April 2014

In this paper, we discuss operational optimization of a seven link biped robot using the well-known “Simulated Annealing” algorithm. Some critical parameters affecting the robot gait pattern are selected to be optimized reducing the total energy used. Nonlinear modeling process we published elsewhere is shown here for completeness. The trajectories of both the hip and ankle joints are used to plan the robot gait on slopes and undoubtedly those parameters would be the target ones for the optimization process. The results we obtained reveal considerable amounts of the energy saved for both the ascending and descending surfaces while keeping the robot stable. The stability criterion we utilized for both the modeling and then optimization is “Zero Moment Point”. A comparative study of human evolutionary gait and the operationally optimized robot is also presented.
Effect of the Oscillation of Left Heated Wall on Heat Transfer Enhancement for a Square Cavity Domain
Authors: Sowayan Ahmed S.
Published: April 2014

The vibration of a left vertical hot wall in a square cavity with thermally insulated vertical walls facing unsteady natural convection is investigated numerically. The cavity is filled with an ideal gas and the top wall is exposed to free stream conditions. Using the primitive variables of velocity and pressure, the staggered grid technique and the marker-and-cell (MAC) method is used to solve the governing equations using the Boussinesq approximation for natural convection. The numerical solution is obtained by using Matlab platform. Sample results are shown in the form of contour plots for pressure, velocity vectors, vorticity, and temperature fields for fixed values of Reynolds number. Detailed analyses of unsteady laminar flow and thermal fields are exhibited over broad ranges of Reynolds number and frequency of the oscillating wall. Systematically-organized computational results based on the MAC method with an explicit formulation indicate enhancement of heat transfer demonstrated by higher average Nusselt number values for selected values of the Reynolds number.
Modal Analysis for the Column and Spindle Box of TH6213 Boring and Milling Center Machine
Authors: Wang Chuanyang , Wang Xu , Yu Zhibin
Published: April 2014

The dynamic characteristics of machine tools have significant effects on their processing quality and processing efficiency. Good dynamic performance of machine is the guarantee of machining accuracy. Modal analysis is the foundation of testing the dynamic characteristics of the machine. Model of Column and spindle box of TH6213 boring and milling center machine are established by using the Solid Edge software. Modal analysis for the column and spindle box was done with ANSYS Workbench to get its natural frequency and mode shape. All this provides the theoretical basis for optimizing the structure.
Parametric Stability of a Nonlinear Rotating Blade
Authors: Wang Fengxia , Luo Albert C. J.
Published: April 2014

The stability of period-1 motions of a rotating blade with geometric nonlinearity is studied. The roles of cubic stiffening geometric term are considered in the study of nonlinear periodic motions and its stability and bifurcations of a rotating blade. The nonlinear model of a rotating blade is reduced to the ordinary differential equations through the Galerkin method, and the gyroscopic systems with parametric excitations are obtained. The generalized harmonic balance method is employed to determine the period-1 solutions and the corresponding stability and bifurcations.
Stability Analysis and Optimal Design of High-Speed and High-Load Driving Mechanism With Joint Clearance Based on Multi-Body Dynamics
Authors: Zhang Zenglei , Wu Shijing , Zhang Haibo , Chen Jie
Published: April 2014

High-speed and high-load driving mechanism with joint clearance presents strong nonlinear features which affects the dynamic characteristics of the mechanism. A single-degree-of-freedom multi-body model, including nine connecting links, three translation joints and ten revolute joints with clearance, is built with the continuous contact method based on research of dynamics theory about joint clearance. Furthermore, normal forces are calculated with a nonlinear continuous contact force model and tangential forces are calculated with the modified Coulomb friction model to simulate process of contact and collision. When the model is solved according to real operating condition, the results are compared with that of the model with ideal joints, finding that revolute joint clearance will create effects on velocity and especially great effects on acceleration of the driving mechanism. Moreover, different amounts and different sizes of the clearance are considered to research the influence on dynamic characteristics of the driving mechanism. Meanwhile, methods of optimal design are explored according to the parametric analysis computing results. Simulation methods and findings can act as guidance for further study of optimal design for high-speed and high-load driving mechanisms to reduce the negative effects of joint clearance.
Performance Model for Optically Driven Micropumps With Carbon Opacified Aerogel Membranes
Authors: Han Yen-Lin
Published: April 2014

Aerogel, a highly porous material with less than several percent of solids, has been utilized in applications requiring high precision thermal managements due to its extremely low thermal conductivity. Combining the advantages of high porosities and low thermal conductivities, aerogels were used as thermal creep membranes in Knudsen Compressors, micro/meso-scale pumps/compressors with no moving parts. Heating one side of the thermal creep membrane to create a temperature gradient, a Knudsen Compressor is operated based on the rarefied gas phenomenon of thermal creep to create flows and to induce a pressure gradient from the cold side to the hot side of the membrane. Adding carbon particles in silica aerogels creates an optically thick, opacified carbon aerogel that can absorb radiation energies to heat up one side of the aerogel membrane in a Knudsen Compressor to create thermal creep flows. An analytical model was developed to predict the temperature profile inside of the carbon opacified aerogel thermal creep membrane for the Knudsen Compressor. Applying this temperature model, pressure ratios achieved by the optically heated Knudsen Compressors for given operating conditions were also studied and correlations between the membrane thickness and the maximum pressure increase were determined.
Fail-Safe? A Study About the Integrity of Safety Valves for Tanks for Dangerous Goods
Authors: Reich F. , Otremba F. , Würsig A.
Published: April 2014

In Europe, tanks designed on different safety philosophies are used for transporting one and the same liquid dangerous goods (Krautwurst, 2011). Owing to this circumstance, the BAM was commissioned by the BMVBS to conduct a research project designed to analyse and assess the equipment of tanks. Furthermore in these project were researched some failure mechanism of pressure relief devices (PRD).

Based on the knowledge gained, possible solutions were worked out under safety-relevant aspects that would benefit tank transport by providing a lower hazard potential. Besides looking at the mode of operation and the construction of PRV, their blow-off characteristics and total flow rate are considered from a safety engineering point of view.

Based on in-depth studies, a concept for and the further approach to examinations of the failure limits of PRD, especially of spring loaded relief valves, was developed and comprehensively described in the report “The use of safety devices, particularly safety valves, on transport containers” (Pötzsch, Reich, & Jochems, 2011).

The purpose of this study was to investigate failure causes of safety valves by normal modes and accidental fire heat loads. A series of investigations for different influences using safety valves for tanks were obtained. Testing vibration modes and corrosion presents some design limits. Experimental study of a pressure vessel engulfing in fire identify significant design limits. The complete set of results provides direct information of fail-safe modes and discusses the usage.
Estimation of the Transient Surface Temperature and Heat Transfer Coefficient of Convective Cooling for Large Slab and Long Cylinder by Using an Inverse Heat Conduction Method
Authors: Soujoudi Ramin , Campo Antonio
Published: April 2014

Inverse heat conduction method is a technique to determine heat flux and surface temperature on an inaccessible surface of wall by measuring the temperature on an accessible boundary. The objective of this paper is to develop a method by which stable prediction of heat transfer on an inaccessible boundary could be obtained without altering the thermal boundary condition that would have existed were sensor not present. In this work, three points backward finite difference applied to the 1-D heat equation for large slab and long cylinder with constant thermophysical properties and uniform initial temperature. The numerical solutions of the heat equations are performed with symbolic Maple software. It is demonstrated that approximate temperature distributions for the three bodies are equivalent to analytical solution using first term series solution. It is also shown that the series solution converge rapidly for long times, and for Fo > 0.2, ony the first term of the series nned to be retained for 2% accuracy.
Using the Bootstrap Method to Determine Uncertainty Bounds for Change Point Utility Bill Energy Models
Authors: Tyler James Clay , Reddy T. Agami
Published: April 2014

Statistical inverse modeling of energy use in buildings and of HVAC&R equipment and systems has been widely researched, and are fairly well ingrained in the profession. However, there are still a few nagging issues; one of them is related to the accuracy in estimating model prediction uncertainty bands at a pre-specified confidence level. This issue is important since it bears directly on the risk associated with the identified energy savings. While several papers have been published dealing with uncertainty in statistical models, the non-heteroscedascity and the non-gaussian behavior of the residuals are problematic to handle using classical statistical equations of model prediction uncertainty. This paper proposes and illustrates the use of the Bootstrap method as a robust and flexible alternative approach to determining uncertainty bands for change point model predictions identified from utility bills. In essence, the bootstrap method works by taking a data set and resampling it with replacement. In the case of utility bill analysis, one starts with 12 data points representing energy use for each month of the year. Such samples are repeatedly generated to produce a large (say, m) number of synthetic data sets from which m different change point models can be identified. These m models are used to make predictions at any pre-specified outdoor temperature, and the 95% (or any other) prediction interval bands can be determined non-parametrically from the m data predictions. This paper fully describes and illustrates this approach along with a case study example.
Non Linear Dynamic and Control of New Concept Orbital Pulley Infinitely Variable Transmission
Authors: Palma Orlando , Cruz Carlos
Published: April 2014

The continuously variable transmissions (CVT) have been extensively studied, however, few studies of transmissions have been made that can reach the neutral and reverse rotational speeds through the separation distance of a half sided central pulley as a single variable control. This paper proposes a new clutchless transmission model, which operates through orbital pulleys to change velocity ratios for forward and reverse through neutral such that an infinitely variable transmission (OP-IVT) is obtained. The concept is described and explained, and the dynamic model of the system is proposed and shown in open loop. The system is also controlled via a numerical simulation program with PID control showing the dynamic closed loop behaviour of the generated model in trajectory tracking and disturbance rejection, showing the control as the capability to meet a wide range of speeds without losing the known efficiency performance of current continuously variable transmissions.
Effect by Guide Vane Swirl and Tumble Device to Improve the Air-Fuel Mixing of Diesel Engine Running With Higher Viscous Fuels
Authors: Saad Idris , Bari Saiful
Published: April 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect guide vane swirl and tumble device (GVSTD) on the in-cylinder airflow particularly to generate turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) and velocity inside the combustion chamber and around fuel injected region. High velocity and TKE would accelerate the evaporation, diffusion and mixing processes of CI engines, particularly when alternative fuels of higher viscosity and density (known as HVF — higher viscous fuel) are used. A verified simulation base model was prepared by the SolidWorks software and analysed using ANSYS software to study the reference data of the resulting in-cylinder airflow characteristics. Then GVSTD models were developed and imposed on the intake runner of the base model. The parametric optimization technique was used to find the optimum number of vanes for the GVSTD model. This was done by preparing 10 GVSTD models with the vane number varied from 3 to 12. The models were then tested on the base model individually. Generally, GVSTD improve in-cylinder TKE and velocity. Additionally, this research found that GVSTD with 3 vanes resulted in an improved TKE and velocity of about 6.3% and 10.4% respectively when compared to the base model. Therefore, it may be said that the use of GVSTD can increase the chances to improve the performance of a CI engine and reduce the emission when run on HVF.
DDPM-DEM Simulations of Particulate Flows in Human Tracheobronchial Airways
Authors: Feng Yu , Kleinstreuer Clement
Published: April 2014

Dense particle-suspension flows in which particle-particle interactions are a dominant feature encompass a diverse range of industrial and geophysical contexts, e.g., slurry pipeline, fluidized beds, debris flows, sediment transport, etc. The one-way dispersed phase model (DPM), i.e., the conventional one-way coupling Euler-Lagrange method is not suitable for dense fluid-particle flows [1]. The reason is that such commercial CFD-software does not consider the contact between the fluid, particles and wall surfaces with respect to particle inertia and material properties. Hence, two-way coupling of the Dense Dispersed Phase Model (DDPM) combined with the Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been introduced into the commercial CFD software via in-house codes. As a result, more comprehensive and robust computational models based on the DDPM-DEM method have been developed, which can accurately predict the dynamics of dense particle suspensions.

Focusing on the interaction forces between particles and the combination of discrete and continuum phases, inhaled aerosol transport and deposition in the idealized tracheobronchial airways [2] was simulated and analyzed, generating more physical insight. In addition, it allows for comparisons between different numerical methods, i.e., the classical one-way Euler-Lagrange method, two-way Euler-Lagrange method, EL-ER method [3], and the present DDPM-DEM method, considering micron- and nano-particle transport and deposition in human lungs.
Benchmark Investigation of Dynamics Models for Design Optimization of Articulated Heavy Vehicles
Authors: Islam Md Manjurul , He Yuping
Published: April 2014

This paper represents validation of yaw plane and yaw-roll models of a tractor/semitrailer combination with TruckSim software package. A linear 3 degree-of-freedom (DOF) yaw-plane model and a linear 5 DOF yaw-roll model of tractor/semitrailer have been generated, compared and evaluated. This paper investigates the applicability of vehicle models with linear tire model. The models of the articulated heavy vehicle (AHV) yield excellent simulation results which are validated by comparing the simulation results obtained from TruckSim. This paper also includes eigenvalue analysis of the models to estimate their unstable motion modes. Benchmark comparison of the models has been performed to investigate the fidelity, complexity and applicability.
Electrical Discharge Machining Electrodes Manufactured via Selective Laser Sintering Technique Using New Composite Materials
Authors: Amorim Fred Lacerda , Czelusniak Tiago , Higa Camila
Published: April 2014

The cost of a part manufactured by Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) is mainly determined by electrode cost. The production of electrodes by conventional machining processes is complex, time consuming and can account for over fifty percent of the total EDM process costs. The emerging Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies provide the possibility of direct fabrication of EDM electrodes. Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an alternative AM technique because it has the possibility to directly produce functional components, reducing the tool-room lead time and total EDM costs. The main difficulty of manufacturing an EDM electrode using SLS is the selection of an appropriate material, once both processes require different material properties. The current work focused on the investigation of appropriate materials that fulfill EDM and SLS process demands. Three new metal-matrix materials composed of Mo-CuNi, TiB2-CuNi and ZrB2-CuNi were developed and electrodes under adequate SLS conditions were manufactured. EDM experiments using different discharge energies were carried out and the performance evaluated in terms of material removal rate and volumetric relative wear. The results showed the powder systems composed of Mo-CuNi, TiB2-CuNi and ZrB2-CuNi revealed to be successfully processed by SLS and the EDM experiments demonstrated that the newly composite electrodes possess superior performance when compared to copper powder electrodes made with SLS. The work also suggests important topics for future research work on this field.
Charge Inversion of Mica Surface in Multivalent Electrolytes
Authors: Tan Qiyan , Guo Weichuan , Zhao Gutian , Kan Yajing , Qiu Yinghua , Chen Yunfei
Published: April 2014

Interaction between solid surfaces in aqueous electrolyte solutions is of great importance to many diverse domains, such as bioMEMS, nanofluidics, colloid science, polymer physics, and molecular biophysics. Several counterintuitive phenomena occur at high concentrations of multivalent ions. In this article, charge reversion, the sign reversal of the effective surface charge in the presence of multivalent counterions, is directly observed through the force between two mica surfaces in aqueous solutions of trivalent cations by surface forces measurements. The effective surface potential functioned with bulk concentration is calculated from an analytical model based on ion correlations. The obtained force profiles can be described by the analytical model when ion correlations effects are taken into account, while Poisson-Boltzmann theory fails. It reveals that ion correlations are important for screening charged surface in the presence of multivalent counterions.
Modeling on n-Heptane Pool Fire Behavior in an Altitude Chamber
Authors: Liu Quanyi , Yao Wei , Yin Jiusheng , Yang Rui , Zhang Hui
Published: April 2014

Airplane as one of the important transport vehicles in our life, its safety problem related to in-flight fire has attracted a wide-spread attention. The combustion behavior of the cabin fire in flight shows some special characteristics because of the high-altitude environment with low-pressure and low oxygen concentration. A low-pressure chamber of size 2 m×3 m×2 m has been built to simulate high-altitude environments, where multiple static pressures for pool fire tests can be configured in the range between standard atmospheric pressure 101.3KPa and 30KPa. Two different sizes of pool fires were tested. Then corresponding modeling were conducted by a LES code FDS V5.5 to examine the mechanism of pressure effect on the n-Heptane pool fire behavior. The burning of liquid fuel was modeled by a Clausius-Clapeyron relation based liquid pyrolysis model. The modeling data was validated against the experimental measurements. The mass burning rate of free-burning pool fire decreases with the decreasing of pressure, which was observed from the modeling to be due to the reduction of flame heat feedback to the fuel surface. Under low pressure, the fire plume temperature increases for the same burning rate. The mechanism of pressure effect on fire behavior was analyzed based on the modeling data.
Crack Identification in Beam Structures Using Homotopy Iteration Algorithm
Authors: Huang L. , Huang M. , Lu Z. R.
Published: April 2014

An approach based on homotopy iteration algorithm to identify the location and the depth of a cracked beam is studied. In the forward problem, a fully open crack model with the composite element method is employed for the vibration analysis and the dynamic responses of the cracked beam in time domain are obtained from the Newmark direct integration method. In the inverse analysis, the identification equation is derived by minimizing the error between the calculated acceleration response and the simulated measured one. Then, Newton’s method with the homotopy equation is used to track the correct path and improve the convergence of the crack parameters. A numerical example is conducted to illustrate the correctness and efficiency of the proposed method and the effects of influencing parameters, such as division of the homotopy parameter and measurement noise are studied.
Thermo-Mechanical Fatigue Life Prediction of Heavy Duty Diesel Engine Cylinder Heads
Authors: Guo Xuyang , Cheng Ying , Zhang Ziming
Published: April 2014

Due to the complex geometry and loading conditions, cylinder head is the most challenging part among all components in heavy duty diesel engines. It experiences both severe thermal loads and mechanical loads, resulting thermal fatigue, mechanical fatigue and thermo-mechanical fatigue (TMF). The demands for higher power and lower emissoins and fuel consumption accelerate fatigue.

In this paper, a life time prediction process is presented with emphasis on analyses of multiaxial stress state and fatigue life assessment models in critical areas. The specimen test is used to obtain the material properties. The influences of thermal and mechanical loads on the critical areas are investigated. In addition, different fatigue life models are applied to estimate fatigue life of a heavy duty diesel engine cylinder head. It is proved that both the crack locations and life time are predicted with high accuracy.
Numerical Investigation of Flow Over an Airfoil by the Lattice Boltzmann Method
Authors: Valenzuela Felipe A. , Guzmán Amador M. , Díaz Andrés J.
Published: April 2014

During the last years the aerodynamics characteristics of airfoils have been studied solving numerically the Navier-Stokes (NS) equations. These calculations require a significant computational cost due to both the second order and the nonlinear characteristics of the NS partial differential equations. Therefore, efforts have been devoted to reduce this cost and increase the accuracy of the numerical methods. The Lattice-Boltzmann Method (LBM) has become a great alternative to simulate this problem and a variety of fluid flows. In this method, the convective operator is linear and the pressure is calculated directly by the equation of state without implementing iterative methods. This work represents a preliminary investigation of a laminar flow over airfoils under low Reynolds number conditions (Re = 500). Solutions are obtained using a Multi-Block mesh refinement method. In order to validate the computational code, calculations are performed on a SD7003 airfoil at an angle of attack of 4° and 30°, which corresponds to the available numerical and experimental results. The results of this study agree well with previous experimental and numerical studies demonstrating the capabilities of the LBM to simulate accurately laminar flows over airfoils as well as capturing and predicting the laminar separation bubbles.