bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Microtrip Definitions for Developing Driving Cycles
Authors: Nouri Pegah , Morency Catherine
Published: September 2017

Climate change has become one of the most critical environmental concerns of the past decades, with greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions being identified as the main culprit. Globally, policy makers have been trying to reduce GHG emissions through various policies and strategies. Given that in North America transportation accounts for 30% of total emissions, it has become the focus of attention for GHG reduction initiatives. The use of emissions models is necessary to assess the potential impact of those initiatives. The main component for emissions measurement and estimation is the driving cycle, which can be summed up as the speed profile that represents driving behaviors. The accuracy of estimations of emissions strongly depends on the accuracy of the driving cycles used; using inaccurate driving cycles would not be representative of real-world driving patterns and could provide erroneous results, even if the model used were the most reliable possible. Driving-cycle development has different steps, one being to divide the speed profiles into smaller sections called microtrips. There are several methods for establishing the parameters of the microtrips created; in this study, such methods, as well as a new one based on distance, were compared to determine which method could result in the most accurate driving cycle. The results show that microtrips based on spatial characteristics provide more representative driving cycles, whereas among spatial characteristics, distance-based approaches resulted in the most accurate driving cycle.
Registration of ‘Titan’ Southern Medium‐Grain Rice
Authors: Sha X. , Moldenhauer K. A. K. , Gibbons J. W. , Hardke J. T. , Bulloch J. M. , Beaty B. A. , Norman R. J. , Wilson C. E. , Wamishe Y. , Siebenmorgan T. J. , Berger G. L. , Wisdom D. K. A.
Published: September 2017

‘Titan’ (Reg. No. CV‐151, PI 680613), is an early‐maturing and short‐statured medium‐grain rice cultivar (Oryza sativa L.) developed at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture's Rice Research and Extension Center (RREC), near Stuttgart, AR. It was approved for release in February 2016 by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Experiment Station. Titan was derived from the three‐way cross (‘M‐206’//‘Bengal’/‘Lafitte’) F1/‘Jupiter’ made at the RREC in 2006 and initiated as a F4:5 bulk of a single panicle row STG09PR‐81‐087 in the Puerto Rico winter nursery in spring 2010. In 45 statewide and multistate yield trials conducted from 2012 to 2015, Titan had a 4% yield advantage (statistically insignificant) over the predominant commercial cultivar Jupiter; however, it matured about 6 d earlier than the latter. Titan possesses both Pi‐z and Pi‐ks blast resistance genes compared with Jupiter, which only has the Pi‐ks gene, and Titan has a better resistance to both leaf and neck blast, which are caused by the fungal pathogen Magnaporthe grisea (T.T. Hebert). Titan has a typical southern medium‐grain rice quality with an apparent amylose content of 15.0% and gelatinization temperature of 62.8°C, both very similar to that of Jupiter; however, Titan has a much larger kernel size than Jupiter. Titan is well adapted to the medium‐grain rice growing regions in the US Mid‐South. The release of the medium‐grain cultivar Titan will provide rice producers with an improved medium‐grain cultivar for rice production in Arkansas and the Mid‐South.
PSI and TOPSIS Based Selection of Process Parameters in WEDM
Authors: Diyaley Sunny , Shilal Pramod , Shivakoti Ishwer , Ghadai Ranjan Kumar , Kalita Kanak
Published: September 2017

Wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) is a nontraditional machining process for machining conductive materials with complex and intricate shapes with a high surface finish and dimensional accuracy. The decision making for the selection of the best set of combinations of input process parameters is a major challenge. Therefore a proper optimization tool should be used for the optimal selection of process parameters. The resent work deals with the comparative study of Preferential Selection Index (PSI) and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for the selection of process parameters during machining of EN31 tool steel. Four input parameters- Pulse on Time (Ton ), Pulse off Time (Toff  ), Servo Voltage (SV) and the Wire tension (WT) are considered. Surface roughness and material removal rate are the measured output responses. Taguchi L9 orthogonal array is used for developing the experimental design. Three levels of each control factor are considered. The results show that a single parameter alone does not have a significant influence on the output responses. Thequality of the output responses depends on the combination of the various set of input parameters. The best set of combination suggested from the current input parameters for machining of EN31 Tool Steel by Wire EDM Process is found to be Pulse on Time (Ton )= 15μs, Pulse Off Time (Toff  )=35μs, Servo Voltage (SV)=40V and the Wire tension (WT)=5kgf from both PSI as well as TOPSIS techniques. Confirmation experiments are performed to validate the optimal results.
Emerging Threat of Chikungunya: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Pervin Monira
Published: September 2017

Abstract not availableJ Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 26, No.1, April, 2017, Page 1-2
Causative Factors of Ludwigs Angina
Authors: Biswas Dipali , Mahamud Mashuque , Mahmud Sharfuddin , Islam Md Shaikhul , Akaiduzzaman DGM , Litu Manilal Aich , Rahman Md Siddiqur
Published: September 2017

Introduction: Ludwigs angina is a rapidly progressive, potentially fulminant cellulitis involving the sub-lingual, submental and sub-mandibular spaces. It typically originates from an infected or recently extracted tooth, most commonly the lower second and third molars. Besides, poor nutritional status, lack of proper medical supports are still major predisposing factors in developing Ludwigs angina in countries like Bangladesh.Aim: Our study aimed to observe the role of odontogenic infection in development of Ludwigs Angina.Method: We carried out a cross sectional study among 26 patients with Ludwigs angina admitted in the department of ENT and Head-neck surgery in SSMC &Mitford Hospital from January-December-2014.Results: In this study we found that males are predominantly affected than females (21 males and 5 females, ratio-4.2:1) with odontogenic infection (18, 69%) as source. We found historyof recent tooth extraction in 6 cases (23%) & organism was isolated from pus culture,Klebsiella in 10 cases (19.2%) out of 26 cases. We elicited underlying systemic disease mainly is Diabetes Mellitus in 9 cases (35%) that predisposes to Ludwigs angina.\Conclusion: Our study suggests that prompt and thorough clinical evaluation and definitivecare will considerably improve patient condition and reduce morbidity and mortality.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 26, No.1, April, 2017, Page 3-7
Role of Electromyography in Diagnosis of Clinically Suspected Cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Experience from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Saha Kanol , Chowdhury Rajib Nayan , Chowdhury Ahmed Hossain , Hasan ATM Hasibul , Ghose Swapon Kumar , Sina Hashmi , Alam Badrul , Habib Mansur , Mohammad Quazi Deen
Published: September 2017

This cross sectional observational study was carried out in the department of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, On 42 Patients of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) to find out their clinical and electrophysiological profiles, as well as to study the correlation between clinical presentation and electrophysiological findings. The mean age was found 44.64± 16.4 years. Majority of the patients were males.The mean duration of illness was found to be 1.33±0.53 Years and majority 35(83.3%) of the patients suffered from illness for 1- 2 years. Most 57.1% of the patients had upper limb onset, whereas 33.3% had lower limb onset and 9.5% had bulbar onset, muscle wasting, weakness and fasciculations were the most frequent presenting features. Clinically number of definite, probable and possible ALS cases were 4 (9.5%), 11 (26.2%) and 27 (64.3%) respectively. After doing electromyography, the definite cases increased 40(95.3%) significantly among which 29 cases did not have LMN features in e 3 regions clinically. Finally, this study reveals that the diagnostic yield is significantly higher with combine clinical and electrophyiological features compare to clinical feature alone for diagnosis definite ALS cases.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 26, No.1, April, 2017, Page 65-72
A Combined Experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics Investigation of Particulate Matter Emissions from a Wall-Guided Gasoline Direct Injection Engine
Authors: Sciortino Davide , Bonatesta Fabrizio , Hopkins Edward , Yang Changho , Morrey Denise
Published: September 2017

The latest generation of high-efficiency gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines continues to be a significant source of dangerous ultra-fine particulate matter (PM) emissions. The forthcoming advent in the 2017–2020 timeframe of the real driving emission (RDE) standards affords little time for the identification of viable solutions. The present research work aims to contribute towards a much-needed improved understanding of the process of PM formation in theoretically-homogeneous stoichiometric spark-ignition combustion. Experimental measurements of engine-out PM have been taken from a wall-guided GDI engine operated at part-load; through parallel computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of the test-engine, the process of mixture preparation was investigated. About 80% of the total particle number is emitted on average in the 5–50 nm range, with the vast majority being below the regulated lower limit of 23 nm. The results suggest that both improved charge homogeneity and lower peak combustion temperature contribute to lower particle number density (PNDen) and larger particle size, as engine speed and load increase. The effect of engine load is stronger and results from greater injection pressure through better fuel droplet atomisation. Increases in pre-combustion homogeneity of 6% are associated with one order of magnitude reductions of PNDen. A simplified two-equation functional model was developed, which returns satisfactory qualitative predictions of PNDen as a function of basic engine control variables.
Towards a Theoretical Construct for Modelling Smallholders’ Forestland-Use Decisions: What Can We Learn from Agriculture and Forest Economics?
Authors: Baker Kahlil , Bull Gary , Baylis Kathy , Barichello Richard
Published: September 2017

Academic research on smallholders’ forestland-use decisions is regularly addressed in different streams of literature using different theoretical constructs that are independently incomplete. In this article, we propose a theoretical construct for modelling smallholders’ forestland-use decisions intended to serve in the guidance and operationalization of future models for quantitative analysis. Our construct is inspired by the sub-disciplines of forestry and agricultural economics with a crosscutting theme of how transaction costs drive separability between consumption and production decisions. Our results help explain why exogenous variables proposed in the existing literature are insufficient at explaining smallholders’ forestland-use decisions, and provide theoretical context for endogenizing characteristics of the household, farm and landscape. Smallholders’ forestland-use decisions are best understood in an agricultural context of competing uses for household assets and interdependent consumption and production decisions. Forest production strategies range from natural regeneration to intensive management of the forest resource to co-jointly produce market and non-market values. Due to transaction costs, decision prices are best represented by their shadow as opposed to market prices. Shadow prices are shaped by endogenous smallholder-specific preferences for leisure, non-market values, time, risk, and uncertainty. Our proposed construct is intended to provide a theoretical basis to assist modellers in the selection of variables for quantitative analysis.
Carboxylic Acid Production
Authors: Lidén Gunnar
Published: September 2017

Carboxylic acids are central compounds in cellular metabolism, and in the carbon cycle in nature.[...]
Native and Heated Hydrolysates of Milk Proteins and Their Capacity to Inhibit Lipid Peroxidation in the Zebrafish Larvae Model
Authors: Carrillo Wilman , Guzmán Xavier , Vilcacundo Edgar
Published: September 2017

Casein and whey proteins with and without heat treatment were obtained of whole milk and four commercial milks in Ecuador, and were hydrolyzed. Then, their capacity to inhibit the lipid peroxidation using the TBARS method was evaluated at concentrations of 0.02, 0.04, 0.2, and, 0.4 mg/mL. Native and heated hydrolysates of milk proteins present high inhibitions of lipid peroxidation with a dose dependent effect both in vivo and in vitro tests. Casein and whey proteins obtained from whole milk were the ones with the highest anti-oxidant activity in vitro and in vivo test. Native casein hydrolysate at 0.4 mg/mL present a value of 55.55% of inhibition of lipid peroxidation and heated casein hydrolysate at 0.4 mg/mL presents a value of 58.00% of inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Native whey protein at 0.4 mg/mL present a value of 34.84% of inhibition of lipid peroxidation, and heated whey protein at 0.4 mg/mL presents a value of 40.86% of inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Native and heated casein hydrolysates were more active than native and heated whey protein hydrolysates. Heat treatments have an effect of increasing the in vitro inhibition of lipid peroxidation of hydrolysates of milk protein. Casein and whey hydrolysates were able to inhibiting lipid peroxidation in the zebrafish larvae model. Native casein hydrolysate obtained of whole milk presents 48.35% of inhibition TBARS in vivo, this activity was higher in heated casein hydrolysate obtained of whole milk with a value of 56.28% of inhibition TBARS in vivo. Native whey protein hydrolysate obtained of whole milk presents 35.30% of inhibition TBARS, and heated whey protein hydrolysate obtained of whole milk was higher, with a value of 43.60% of inhibition TBARS in vivo.
On Adverse Effects of Consumers’ Attaching Greater Importance to Firms’ Ethical Conduct
Authors: Baumann Florian , Friehe Tim
Published: September 2017

Consumers increasingly care about firms’ ethical conduct (e.g., labor and environmental practices) when making their consumption choices. This note presents a simple framework to highlight the possibility that this development may induce a less desirable production technology choice and bring about lower market transparency. When faced with consumers’ greater moral concerns, more firms may choose an undesirable mode of production and shroud information about it.
Non-Clinical Studies for Evaluation of 8-C-Rhamnosyl Apigenin Purified from Peperomia obtusifolia against Acute Edema
Authors: Tamayose Cinthia , Romoff Paulete , Toyama Daniela , Gaeta Henrique , Costa Caroline , Belchor Mariana , Ortolan Bruna , Velozo Leosvaldo , Kaplan Maria , Ferreira Marcelo , Toyama Marcos
Published: September 2017

Compound 8-C-rhamnosyl apigenin (8CR) induced a moderate reduction in the enzymatic activity of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) from Crotalus durissus terrificus and cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2), but the compound also significantly inhibited the enzymatic activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase. In vitro assays showed that the compound induced a slight change in the secondary structure of sPLA2 from Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom. In vivo assays were divided into two steps. In the first step, the 8CR compound was administered by intraperitoneal injections 30 min prior to administration of sPLA2. In this condition, 8CR inhibited edema and myonecrosis induced by the sPLA2 activity of Crotalus durissus terrificus in a dose-dependent manner by decreasing interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and lipid peroxidation. This has been demonstrated by monitoring the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in rat paws after the course of edema induced by sPLA2. These results, for the first time, show that sPLA2 of Crotalus durissus terrificus venom induces massive muscle damage, as well as significant edema by mobilization of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Additionally, its pharmacological activity involves increased lipid peroxidation as well as TNF-α and IL-1β production. Previous administration by the peritoneal route has shown that dose-dependent 8CR significantly decreases the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes. This resulted in a decrease of the amount of bioactive lipids involved in inflammation; it also promoted a significant cellular protection against lipid peroxidation. In vivo experiments performed with 8CR at a concentration adjusted to 200 μg (8 mg/kg) of intraperitoneal injection 15 min after sPLA2 injection significantly reduced sPLA2 edema and the myotoxic effect induced by sPLA2 through the decrease in the enzymatic activity of cPLA2, cyclooxygenase, and a massive reduction of lipid peroxidation. These results clearly show that 8CR is a potent anti-inflammatory that inhibits cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and it may modulate the enzymatic activity of sPLA2 and cPLA2. In addition, it was shown that Crotalus durissus terrificus sPLA2 increases cell oxidative stress during edema and myonecrosis, and the antioxidant properties of the polyphenolic compound may be significant in mitigating the pharmacological effect induced by sPLA2 and other snake venom toxins.
Valorization of By-Products from Commercial Fish Species: Extraction and Chemical Properties of Skin Gelatins
Authors: Sousa Sérgio , Vázquez José , Pérez-Martín Ricardo , Carvalho Ana , Gomes Ana
Published: September 2017

Fish skins constitute an important fraction of the enormous amount of wastes produced by the fish processing industry, part of which may be valorized through the extraction of gelatins. This research exploited the extraction and characterization of gelatins from the skin of three seawater fish species, namely yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), blue shark (Prionace glauca), and greenland halibut (Reinhardtius hippoglossoides). Characterization included chemical composition, rheology, structure, texture, and molecular weight, whereas extraction studies intended to reduce costly steps during extraction process (reagents concentration, water consumption, and time of processing), while maintaining extraction efficiency. Chemical and physical characterization of the obtained gelatins revealed that the species from which the gelatin was extracted, as well as the heat treatment used, were key parameters in order to obtain a final product with specific properties. Therefore, the extraction conditions selected during gelatin production will drive its utilization into markets with well-defined specifications, where the necessity of unique products is being claimed. Such achievements are of utmost importance to the food industry, by paving the way to the introduction in the market of gelatins with distinct rheological and textural properties, which enables them to enlarge their range of applications.
Vitamin D Supplementation and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Present and Future
Authors: Barchetta Ilaria , Cimini Flavia , Cavallo Maria
Published: September 2017

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic hepatic disease throughout the Western world and is recognized as the main cause of cryptogenic cirrhosis; however, the identification of an effective therapy for NAFLD is still a major challenge. Vitamin D deficiency is a wide-spread condition which reaches epidemic proportions in industrialized countries, mainly in relation to current lifestyle and limited dietary sources. Epidemiological studies point towards an association between hypovitaminosis D and the presence of NAFLD and steatohepatitis (NASH), independently of confounders such as obesity and insulin resistance. Furthermore, several pieces of experimental data have shown the anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitizing properties exerted by vitamin D on hepatic cells. However, results from trials evaluating the effects of oral vitamin D supplementation on liver damage in NAFLD and NASH are controversial. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the evidence currently available from clinical trials and to discuss possible shortcomings and new strategies to be considered in future investigations.
Quaternary—A Multidisciplinary Integrative Journal to Cope with a Complex World
Authors: Rull Valentí
Published: September 2017

We live in a Quaternary world, that is, a world shaped by the interplay of the different compartments of the earth system—lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere—during the last ~2.6 million years [...]
An Iterative Black Top Hat Transform Algorithm for the Volume Estimation of Lunar Impact Craters
Authors: Wang Jiao , Cheng Weiming , Luo Wei , Zheng Xinqi , Zhou Chenghu
Published: September 2017

Volume estimation is a fundamental problem in the morphometric study of impact craters. The Top Hat Transform function (TH), a gray-level image processing technique has already been applied to gray-level Digital Elevation Model (DEM) to extract peaks and pits in a nonuniform background. In this study, an updated Black Top Hat Transform function (BTH) was applied to quantify the volume of lunar impact craters on the Moon. We proposed an iterative BTH (IBTH) where the window size and slope factor were linearly increased to extract craters of different sizes, along with a novel application of automatically adjusted threshold to remove noise. Volume was calculated as the sum of the crater depth multiplied by the cell area. When tested against the simulated dataset, IBTH achieved an overall relative accuracy of 95%, in comparison with only 65% for BTH. When applied to the Chang’E DEM and LOLA DEM, IBTH not only minimized the relative error of the total volume estimates, but also revealed the detailed spatial distribution of the crater depth. Therefore, the highly automated IBTH algorithm with few input parameters is ideally suited for estimating the volume of craters on the Moon on a global scale, which is important for understanding the early processes of impact erosion.
Total Power Radiometer for Medical Sensor Applications Using Matched and Mismatched Noise Sources
Authors: Park Woojin , Jeong Jinho
Published: September 2017

This paper presents a simple total power radiometer to noninvasively measure the temperature of the human body. The proposed 3-GHz radiometer consists of an antenna collecting the noise power generated by a target, a low-noise and high-gain receiver amplifying the noise power, and a detector converting the noise power to voltage. A single-pole-triple-throw (SP3T) switch is placed between the antenna and the receiver, while a personal computer is used to control the SP3T switch, collect and process the data such as detector output voltages and physical temperatures of the reference noise sources and the target. The fabricated radiometer shows a good performance agreement with a thermometer in the temperature measurement of water from 25.0 to 43.1 °C. For the accurate prediction of the target temperature, the radiometer is calibrated adaptively to the environment and radiometer variations. For this purpose, two reference noise sources (hot and cold) are proposed using matched and mismatched resistors at room temperature. These resistor-based noise sources offer a reliable performance without complex temperature control systems. Furthermore, they can be easily calibrated in real time by periodically measuring the physical temperatures of the resistors. In addition, the logarithmic detector with wide dynamic range is adopted and logarithmically-fitted based on the measurement results instead of linear approximation, which reduces the error caused by the limited dynamic range of resistor-based noise sources. In order to further increase the accuracy, the performance imbalances between ports in the SP3T switch are also taken into account by employing offsets in the radiometer output voltages.
Time-Resolved Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy and Imaging Using Solid-State Detectors: Characteristics, Present Status, and Research Challenges
Authors: Alayed Mrwan , Deen M.
Published: September 2017

Diffuse optical spectroscopy (DOS) and diffuse optical imaging (DOI) are emerging non-invasive imaging modalities that have wide spread potential applications in many fields, particularly for structural and functional imaging in medicine. In this article, we review time-resolved diffuse optical imaging (TR-DOI) systems using solid-state detectors with a special focus on Single-Photon Avalanche Diodes (SPADs) and Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs). These TR-DOI systems can be categorized into two types based on the operation mode of the detector (free-running or time-gated). For the TR-DOI prototypes, the physical concepts, main components, figures-of-merit of detectors, and evaluation parameters are described. The performance of TR-DOI prototypes is evaluated according to the parameters used in common protocols to test DOI systems particularly basic instrumental performance (BIP). In addition, the potential features of SPADs and SiPMs to improve TR-DOI systems and expand their applications in the foreseeable future are discussed. Lastly, research challenges and future developments for TR-DOI are discussed for each component in the prototype separately and also for the entire system.
Complete Resolution of a Recurrent Canine Anal Sac Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Palliative Radiotherapy and Carboplatin Chemotherapy
Authors: Giuliano Antonio , Dobson Jane , Mason Sarah
Published: September 2017

Anal sac squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare tumor in dogs. Only eight cases have been described in the literature, and previous reports of treatment only describe surgery or palliative treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. We report a case of a 12-year-old female neutered Labrador with locally advanced anal sac SCC. The dog was treated with four cycles of carboplatin 300 mg/m2 and four weekly fractions of 8.5 Gy radiation. The dog achieved a complete response, and one year later the dog is still alive and well with no evidence of tumor recurrence. Radiotherapy in combination with carboplatin chemotherapy was effective in the long-term control of this rare disease.
Virtual Water Flows at the County Level in the Heihe River Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Yali , Zhou Qing , Wu Feng
Published: September 2017

Water scarcity in arid regions can be addressed by using the virtual water concept in water resources management. This research used a compiled county-level input–output table to analyze virtual water flows for the Heihe River Basin in 2012 by applying a multi-regional input–output (MRIO) model. The results showed that the Heihe River Basin is a net virtual water exporter at a scale of 1.05 billion m3, which accounts for one third of the total amount of the basin’s water resources. The midstream area of the basin imports 96.31% of virtual water (2.04 billion m3) and exports 88.84% of virtual water (0.94 billion m3). In contrast, the upstream and downstream parts have limited virtual water flows. The agricultural sector largely consumes water in each county; maize or wheat production accounts for approximately 50% of the total water consumption. For most sectors, the virtual water content from surface water is greater than that from groundwater. The ratio of virtual surface water to virtual groundwater ranges from 1.20 to 2.91. The results for the water stress index indicated that most counties experienced water stress due to maize production. Greater attention needs to be paid to the adaptation and assessment of virtual water strategies in arid regions.
The Noise Produced by the Air Handling Units Depending on the Type of Engine
Authors: Jachimowicz Sebastian , Gładyszewska-Fiedoruk Katarzyna
Published: September 2017

The elaboration is the study is to examine the difference in the sound level in the air handling units made by the same producer. These units are of the same design parameters and components, and supply air and exhaust air. The only difference is mounted engines. Tested air handling units are equipped with an engine type EC, and traditional direct drive, controlled by an converter. Sound level measurements were carried out in the ducts supply air ventilation system at a distance of 1 m from the air handling unit and for the unit at a distance of 2 m from the inspection door of the fan section of the supply, with 3 settings efficiency of units 30%, 60% and 90%. Tested headquarters are located inside the building. Excessive noise has a negative effect on the human body, resulting in fatigue, difficulty in learning and concentration, impaired orientation, annoyance, increase in blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, and in the worst case of temporary or permanent hearing loss. For this reason it is very important to protect against noise. Therefore, it was these studies.
Research on Odours Emitted from Non-Hazardous Waste Landfill
Using Dynamic Olfactometry
Authors: Meišutovic-Akhtarieva Marija , Marčiulaitienė Eglė
Published: September 2017

The article analyses the existing research on odour emissions from the passive odour source – municipal
landfill for non-hazardous waste. The current research has been carried out in the Vilnius county, at the Kazokiškės
landfill for regional municipal waste. Odour emissions were analysed using samples from waste of different age and at
different outdoor air temperatures. The investigation determined the concentration of odourous volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) formed in the landfill (mg/m3) and odour emissions (OUe/m2s). The odour concentration varied between
0.02 OUe/m2s (from 9 year old waste at 11oC) to 1.29 OUe/m2s (from 0–3 year old waste at minus 1 oC and minus 10 oC).
It was determined that as temperature decreases (within the range of 11 to minus 10 oC), the concentration of odour
emissions increases. The coefficient of correlation between the temperature of environment and the concentration of
odours emitted from the landfill stood at minus 0.91.
Experimental Study of Droplet Biofilter Packed with
Green Sphagnum
Authors: Petrauskaitė Erika , Vaiškūnaitė Rasa
Published: September 2017

Air cleaning from VOC (volatile organic compunds) group of contaminants could be done by using different
types of methods: adsoption, absorption, chemical or thermal oxidation. However, the most promising method is biological
air cleaning. Biofilters have found most of their success in the treatment of dilute high-flow waste gas sreams
containing odors or volatile organic compounds. To evaluate the meaning of the applicability of green sphagnum use in
the droplet biofilter we will make the research. Sphagnum as a plant has big capabilities to absorb water and hold it in
the porous parts plant structure. This characteristic of the plant could affect the water flow in the lower layer of the
biolfiltrer and in this case will change the possibility to microorganisms to create right envinment to absorb and degrade
the polluted air. The main aim of this research is the experimental study of droplet biofilter packed with green sphagnum.
The SAGA Survey. I. Satellite Galaxy Populations around Eight Milky Way Analogs
Authors: Geha Marla , Wechsler Risa H. , Mao Yao-Yuan , Tollerud Erik J. , Weiner Benjamin , Bernstein Rebecca , Hoyle Ben , Marchi Sebastian , Marshall Phil J. , Muñoz Ricardo , Lu Yu
Published: September 2017

We present the survey strategy and early results of the “Satellites Around Galactic Analogs” (SAGA) Survey. The SAGA Survey’s goal is to measure the distribution of satellite galaxies around 100 systems analogous to the Milky Way down to the luminosity of the Leo I dwarf galaxy (

). We define a Milky Way analog based on K-band luminosity and local environment. Here, we present satellite luminosity functions for eight Milky-Way-analog galaxies between 20 and 40  Mpc. These systems have nearly complete spectroscopic coverage of candidate satellites within the projected host virial radius down to

using low-redshift gri color criteria. We have discovered a total of 25 new satellite galaxies: 14 new satellite galaxies meet our formal criteria around our complete host systems, plus 11 additional satellites in either incompletely surveyed hosts or below our formal magnitude limit. Combined with 13 previously known satellites, there are a total of 27 satellites around 8 complete Milky-Way-analog hosts. We find a wide distribution in the number of satellites per host, from 1 to 9, in the luminosity range for which there are 5 Milky Way satellites. Standard abundance matching extrapolated from higher luminosities predicts less scatter between hosts and a steeper luminosity function slope than observed. We find that the majority of satellites (26 of 27) are star-forming. These early results indicate that the Milky Way has a different satellite population than typical in our sample, potentially changing the physical interpretation of measurements based only on the Milky Way’s satellite galaxies.
The Frequency-dependent Damping of Slow Magnetoacoustic Waves in a Sunspot Umbral Atmosphere
Authors: Prasad S. Krishna , Jess D. B. , Doorsselaere T. Van , Verth G. , Morton R. J. , Fedun V. , Erdélyi R. , Christian D. J.
Published: September 2017

High spatial and temporal resolution images of a sunspot, obtained simultaneously in multiple optical and UV wavelengths, are employed to study the propagation and damping characteristics of slow magnetoacoustic waves up to transition region heights. Power spectra are generated from intensity oscillations in sunspot umbra, across multiple atmospheric heights, for frequencies up to a few hundred mHz. It is observed that the power spectra display a power-law dependence over the entire frequency range, with a significant enhancement around 5.5 mHz found for the chromospheric channels. The phase difference spectra reveal a cutoff frequency near 3 mHz, up to which the oscillations are evanescent, while those with higher frequencies propagate upward. The power-law index appears to increase with atmospheric height. Also, shorter damping lengths are observed for oscillations with higher frequencies suggesting frequency-dependent damping. Using the relative amplitudes of the 5.5 mHz (3 minute) oscillations, we estimate the energy flux at different heights, which seems to decay gradually from the photosphere, in agreement with recent numerical simulations. Furthermore, a comparison of power spectra across the umbral radius highlights an enhancement of high-frequency waves near the umbral center, which does not seem to be related to magnetic field inclination angle effects.
Radio and γ-Ray Variability in the BL Lac PKS 0219−164: Detection of Quasi-periodic Oscillations in the Radio Light Curve
Authors: Bhatta Gopal
Published: September 2017

In this work, we explore the long-term variability properties of the blazar PKS 0219−164 in the radio and the γ-ray regime, utilizing the OVRO 15 GHz and the Fermi/LAT observations from the period 2008–2017. We found that γ-ray emission is more variable than the radio emission implying that γ-ray emission possibly originated in more compact regions while the radio emission represented continuum emission from the large-scale jets. Also, in the γ-ray, the source exhibited spectral variability, characterized by the softer-when-brighter trend, a less frequently observed feature in the high-energy emission by BL Lacs. In radio, using Lomb–Scargle periodogram and weighted wavelet z-transform, we detected a strong signal of quasi-periodic oscillation (QPO) with a periodicity of 270 ± 26 days with possible harmonics of 550 ± 42 and 1150 ± 157 day periods. At a time when detections of QPOs in blazars are still under debate, the observed QPO with high statistical significance (∼97%–99% global significance over underlying red-noise processes) and persistent over nearly 10 oscillations could make one of the strongest cases for the detection of QPOs in blazar light curves. We discuss various blazar models that might lead to the γ-ray and radio variability, QPO, and the achromatic behavior seen in the high-energy emission from the source.
Discovery of a Detached, Eclipsing 40 Minute Period Double White Dwarf Binary and a Friend: Implications for He+CO White Dwarf Mergers*
Authors: Brown Warren R. , Kilic Mukremin , Kosakowski Alekzander , Gianninas A.
Published: September 2017

We report the discovery of two detached double white dwarf (WD) binaries, SDSS J082239.546+304857.19 and SDSS J104336.275+055149.90, with orbital periods of 40 and 46 minutes, respectively. The 40 minute system is eclipsing; it is composed of a 0.30 M
⊙ and a 0.52 M
⊙ WD. The 46 minute system is a likely LISA verification binary. The short 20 ± 2 Myr and ∼34 Myr gravitational-wave merger times of the two binaries imply that many more such systems have formed and merged over the age of the Milky Way. We update the estimated Milky Way He+CO WD binary merger rate and affirm our previously published result: He+CO WD binaries merge at a rate at least 40 times greater than the formation rate of stable mass-transfer AM CVn binaries, and so the majority must have unstable mass-transfer. The implication is that spin–orbit coupling in He+CO WD mergers is weak, or perhaps nova-like outbursts drive He+CO WDs into merger, as proposed by Shen.
The Very Low Albedo of WASP-12b from Spectral Eclipse Observations with Hubble
Authors: Bell Taylor J. , Nikolov Nikolay , Cowan Nicolas B. , Barstow Joanna K. , Barman Travis S. , Crossfield Ian J. M. , Gibson Neale P. , Evans Thomas M. , Sing David K. , Knutson Heather A. , Kataria Tiffany , Lothringer Joshua D. , Benneke Björn , Schwartz Joel C.
Published: September 2017

We present an optical eclipse observation of the hot Jupiter WASP-12b using the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph on board the Hubble Space Telescope. These spectra allow us to place an upper limit of

(97.5% confidence level) on the planet’s white light geometric albedo across 290–570 nm. Using six wavelength bins across the same wavelength range also produces stringent limits on the geometric albedo for all bins. However, our uncertainties in eclipse depth are ∼40% greater than the Poisson limit and may be limited by the intrinsic variability of the Sun-like host star—the solar luminosity is known to vary at the 10−4 level on a timescale of minutes. We use our eclipse depth limits to test two previously suggested atmospheric models for this planet: Mie scattering from an aluminum-oxide haze or cloud-free Rayleigh scattering. Our stringent nondetection rules out both models and is consistent with thermal emission plus weak Rayleigh scattering from atomic hydrogen and helium. Our results are in stark contrast with those for the much cooler HD 189733b, the only other hot Jupiter with spectrally resolved reflected light observations; those data showed an increase in albedo with decreasing wavelength. The fact that the first two exoplanets with optical albedo spectra exhibit significant differences demonstrates the importance of spectrally resolved reflected light observations and highlights the great diversity among hot Jupiters.
Influence of Surface Treatment of Wood to the Flame Length and Weight Loss under Load Single-Flame Source
Authors: Gašpercová Stanislava , Makovická Osvaldová Linda
Published: September 2017

The aim of the paper is reaction of fire of two selected wood (spruce and beech wood). These type of woods are used most in the construction industry both as a lining in outdoor or indoor, on the stairs or in the construction of roof trusses. Experiment was focus on testing reaction of fire on two different types of surfaces and the treated and untreated surfaces. The modified surface was abraded by sandpaper and rough surface was only saw wood. The main objective of this study was to observe and compare the length of the flame spread and weight loss of spruce and beech forest in treated and untreated surfaces when applied Single-flame source on the surface of the material.
Assessment of Long-Term Strength of Rocks
Authors: Kravcov Alexander N. , Svoboda Pavel , Pospíchal Vaclav , Morozov Dmitry V. , Ivanov Pavel N.
Published: September 2017

In relation to extraction of coal seams at significant depths, the issue of protection of safety equipment against pressure exerted by rock becomes very important. In many surveys of the effects of pressure exerted by rock it was demonstrated that the intensity of stress around the mine works increases the greater the depth of the mine works. However, surveys of technological mine works have shown that the level of deformation of the mine bracing varies in various types of rock at identical depths and no precise rule was established between the increase in pressure exerted by rock and the increasing depth of the mine works.
NLRP3 and Potassium Efflux Drive Rapid IL-1β Release from Primary Human Monocytes during Toxoplasma gondii Infection
Authors: Gov Lanny , Schneider Christine A. , Lima Tatiane S. , Pandori William , Lodoen Melissa B.
Published: September 2017

IL-1β is produced by myeloid cells and acts as a critical mediator of host defense during infection and injury. We found that the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii induced an early IL-1β response (within 4 h) in primary human peripheral blood monocytes isolated from healthy donors. This process involved upregulation of IL-1β, IL-1RN (IL-1R antagonist), and NLRP3 transcripts, de novo protein synthesis, and the release of pro- and mature IL-1β from infected primary monocytes. The released pro–IL-1β was cleavable to mature bioactive IL-1β in the extracellular space by the protease caspase-1. Treatment of primary monocytes with the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 or with extracellular potassium significantly reduced IL-1β cleavage and release in response to T. gondii infection, without affecting the release of TNF-α, and indicated a role for the inflammasome sensor NLRP3 and for potassium efflux in T. gondii–induced IL-1β production. Interestingly, T. gondii infection did not induce an IL-1β response in primary human macrophages derived from the same blood donors as the monocytes. Consistent with this finding, NLRP3 was downregulated during the differentiation of monocytes to macrophages and was not induced in macrophages during T. gondii infection. To our knowledge, these findings are the first to identify NLRP3 as an inflammasome sensor for T. gondii in primary human peripheral blood cells and to define an upstream regulator of its activation through the release of intracellular potassium.
T Cells Regulate Peripheral Naive Mature B Cell Survival by Cell–Cell Contact Mediated through SLAMF6 and SAP
Authors: Radomir Lihi , Cohen Sivan , Kramer Matthias P. , Bakos Eszter , Lewinsky Hadas , Barak Avital , Porat Ziv , Bucala Richard , Stepensky Polina , Becker-Herman Shirly , Shachar Idit
Published: September 2017

The control of lymphoid homeostasis is the result of a very fine balance between lymphocyte production, proliferation, and apoptosis. In this study, we focused on the role of T cells in the maintenance/survival of the mature naive peripheral B cell population. We show that naive B and T cells interact via the signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) family receptor, SLAMF6. This interaction induces cell type–specific signals in both cell types, mediated by the SLAM-associated protein (SAP) family of adaptors. This signaling results in an upregulation of the expression of the cytokine migration inhibitory factor in the T cells and augmented expression of its receptor CD74 on the B cell counterparts, consequently enhancing B cell survival. Furthermore, in X-linked lymphoproliferative disease patients, SAP deficiency reduces CD74 expression, resulting in the perturbation of B cell maintenance from the naive stage. Thus, naive T cells regulate B cell survival in a SLAMF6- and SAP-dependent manner.
Enhancing Vaccine Efficacy by Engineering a Complex Synthetic Peptide To Become a Super Immunogen
Authors: Nordström Therése , Pandey Manisha , Calcutt Ainslie , Powell Jessica , Phillips Zachary N. , Yeung Grace , Giddam Ashwini K. , Shi Yun , Haselhorst Thomas , von Itzstein Mark , Batzloff Michael R. , Good Michael F.
Published: September 2017

Peptides offer enormous promise as vaccines to prevent and protect against many infectious and noninfectious diseases. However, to date, limited vaccine efficacy has been reported and none have been licensed for human use. Innovative ways to enhance their immunogenicity are being tested, but rational sequence modification as a means to improve immune responsiveness has been neglected. Our objective was to establish a two-step generic protocol to modify defined amino acids of a helical peptide epitope to create a superior immunogen. Peptide variants of p145, a conserved helical peptide epitope from the M protein of Streptococcus pyogenes, were designed by exchanging one amino acid at a time, without altering their α-helical structure, which is required for correct antigenicity. The immunogenicities of new peptides were assessed in outbred mice. Vaccine efficacy was assessed in a skin challenge and invasive disease model. Out of 86 variants of p145, seven amino acid substitutions were selected and made the basis of the design for 18 new peptides. Of these, 13 were more immunogenic than p145; 7 induced Abs with significantly higher affinity for p145 than Abs induced by p145 itself; and 1 peptide induced more than 10,000-fold greater protection following challenge than the parent peptide. This peptide also only required a single immunization (compared with three immunizations with the parent peptide) to induce complete protection against invasive streptococcal disease. This study defines a strategy to rationally improve the immunogenicity of peptides and will have broad applicability to the development of vaccines for infectious and noninfectious diseases.
Interdisciplinary Management of an Orthodontic Patient with Temporomandibular Disorder
Authors: Franklin She Tsang Tsang , Wong Anita-Tak Ying
Published: September 2017

A 21-year-old female patient presented with temporomandibular disorder, skeletal Class II, Angle Class II division 2 malocclusion, gummy smile, and incomplete overbite was managed successfully by splint therapy and orthodontic camouflage with miniscrew anchorage and extraction. She was treated with occlusal splint to alleviate signs and symptoms of anterior disc displacement without reduction and the associated masticatory dysfunction and revealed the true malocclusion before orthodontic treatment. Computer software facilitated the formulation of visual treatment objective (VTO) and occlusogram which guided the whole arch intrusion, retraction of the upper anterior segment, mesialization of lower left dentition, and distalization of lower right dentition. In this case report, the rationale and importance of preorthodontic splint therapy and specific considerations in orthodontic mechanics for managing this patient were discussed.
A Challenging Picture of Cancer-and Inflammation-Related Changes
Authors: Nieder Carsten , Steen Rolf E. , Dalhaug Astrid
Published: September 2017

The authors describe a diagnostically challenging case where a patient with previous squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil developed a putative second primary squamous cell carcinoma in the lung (stage IV with lung and bone metastases). During palliative chemotherapy several episodes of severe infection occurred, eventually resulting in abscess formation in the hip and brain. The dilemma of distinguishing between metastasis and abscess and the therapeutic implications are discussed.