bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Building Automation System in Building Energy Efficiency
Authors: Zong De Xin , Wang Zhao Xia
Published: October 2011

Building automation is the inevitable product of information age and the modern society, and it is the perfect combination of modern high-tech and building. Making the equipments in the building running automatically in optimal state, building automation system can reduce energy consumption maximally while providing a comfortable environment conditions. This paper makes an energy saving analysis of each important component of building automation system, and establishes a typical office building model, simulating how building automatic system can influence building energy efficiency in four level cases. It hopes to provide some reference for the application of building automation system in building energy efficiency.
Synthetically Analysis Effects about the Shape of Multi-Layer Building for Results of Energy Saving Building
Authors: Wang Ruo Zhu , Qian Yong Mei
Published: October 2011

The paper mainly advances the analyze model on the basis of the relation between the shape coefficient of multi-layer building and building energy saving, the synthetically analysis is finished about effects of the different type models for the results of energy saving through using the TH-BECS2010 software, the analysis includes the facing deriction of the building, shape coefficient , and the parameter of the length, and the width, and the heith of the building etc. for effecting the shape coefficient. The the relative results are subjected that effects about the facing deriction and the shape of multi-layer building for results of energy saving building, it can become the theory basis of energy saving building design.
A Combined Study on Low-Carbon Economy and Construction Industry
Authors: Li Xiao Ying , Lu Cai Wu , Jin Wei Xing
Published: October 2011

Development of low-carbon economy is an important approach to adjust industrial structure. With the gradual acceptance of low-carbon economic concept, borders of industries gradually become unclear and construction industry steps into the phase of combination. This paper gains the result that the profit of implementing low carbon technology is increasing function or decreasing function to the actual value and by adopting efficient low carbon technology in construction industry in two different fusing stages, and considering the market competition situation through the return condition of referral encouragement. It also gains the situation that the government provides referral encouragement or does not provide referral encouragement by analyzing the relationship between the profits and the average benefits of low carbon in the market, and finally proposes the fusing countermeasures of construction industry in the low carbon economy age. And it gave the accelerate in-depth development of modern construction industry.
Structure and Properties of Total-Heat Exchange Membranes for Energy Saving Heat Exchange Ventilation Processes
Authors: Xue Li Xin , Liu Bing Xin , Chen Jing , Shao An Chun
Published: October 2011

As complement to air conditioners, ventilation systems are playing important roles in keeping human health as well as saving energy. They improved indoor air quality by replacing inside polluted air with outside fresh air. To reduce the energy needed to condition the induced fresh air, heat exchanging processes are designed to reduce the temperature differences between this fresh air and the indoor air. Heat exchanging processes using total heat exchange membranes (THEM) allowed not only the exchange of heat but also humidity, generally providing better energy saving and air quality improvement results. Recently, we have studied a novel class of THEM made from a casting process using inorganic and organic functional materials. Their structure and properties characterized with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), BET Adsorption test, Water-vapor Permeability Analysis, CO2 Permeation Test, and Heat Exchange Efficiency Test are discussed here.
Research of Sewage Source Heat Pump Applied in Urban Dwelling Community
Authors: Lin Zhen Guo , Zhang Su Yun , Chen Min
Published: October 2011

Sewage discharged form urban dwelling community is warm in winter and cool in summer, which is a sustainable resource and has not utilized fully. Sewage-source heat pump (SSHP) system has advantage of energy efficient, economic, environment friendly and broad foreground, which has significance for the development of building energy efficiency (BEE). The past research of SSHP usually set the heat source and heat sink in sewage farm or main-pipe of urban sewage system, and few take the cesspool of dwelling community as heat source and heat sink directly. The author wanted to develop SSHP system by using sewage on the spot of cesspool in urban dwelling community. He chose a representative urban dwelling community from Chongqing and has tested the temperature and flow volume of sewage for more than one year. Based on testing data, the paper developed SSHP applying schemes for air-conditioning, heating and hot-water supplying, which can be handy-applied in the urban dwelling community. The research of this paper aims to broaden the use of SSHP and promote the development of BEE technology.
A Case Study of Water Conservation Evaluate for Green Building
Authors: Zhang Li , Zhang Wei
Published: October 2011

With the development of resource economizing social, green building is being paid more attention at present, and also offers wider development space for water conservation technology. Water conservation evaluation is accordingly becoming an important part in green building study. A green residential area in Xi’an, which including a series of water conservation project such as water saving instrument, reclaimed usage of domestic greywater and rainwater, landscape water protection and so on, is selected as a study case. With evaluating its water conservation of incremental cost, rainwater utilization and comprehensive benefit, the paper aims at consulting on the investment decision in green building’s water conservation technology to reduce the environmental impact on the earth due to water consumption and wastewater discharge.
Indoor Thermal Environment Studies and Comparisons of Representative Residential Buildings in Urban Village of Guangzhou during Typical Weather in Summer
Authors: Li Zhi Sheng , Liao Jia Wen , Liu Xu Hong
Published: October 2011

In order to improve human thermal comfort of residential buildings in urban village, the study of indoor thermal environment is necessary. Three typical selected houses in Huangpu Village were taken as an example to study. After a seven-day field measurement under the condition of natural ventilation, thermal neutral temperature and PMV indices were calculated based on the collected data. It is shown that the PMV values of the houses vary from -0.5 to 2.1, and the acceptance rate differ significantly in different houses and human activities states. The parameters including outdoor air temperature, indoor air temperature and PMV were studied through the linear regression, and the results demonstrate that their correlation coefficients are high, and their relationships have been developed. The results of this work create a precedent for the indoor thermal environment design and control of urban village buildings in China.
Analysis of Damping Characteristics for Sandwich Beams with a Polyurea Viscoelastic Layer
Authors: Lu Ping , Liu Xu Dong , Ma Xue Qiang , Huang Wei Bo
Published: October 2011

Constrained layer damping treatments such as sandwich beams are considered as the most efficient way of introducing vibration damping into a structure. The dynamic mechanical properties and damping behavior of a laminated sandwich composite beam inserted with a viscoelastic layer is investigated. A quantitative analysis of damping in the sandwich laminated composite beam has been conducted through the theoretical and experimental method. Traditional epoxy and new kind of polyurea viscoelastic layer are selected to analyze the damping properties. Results showed that the polyurea viscoelastic layer had good dumping capability. The effects of temperature, frequency of viscoelastic layer on vibration damping characteristics arc also discussed. They also demonstrate the great capability of laminated sandwich composites with embedded viscoelastic layer to considerably enhance structural damping.
Study on Binary Fatty Acids/ Sepiolite Composite Phase Change Material
Authors: Deng Jian Hong , Li Wen Biao , Jiang Da Hua
Published: October 2011

Lauric acid/stearic acid as the binary phase change materials, modified sepiolite as the inorganic carrier, organic/inorganic composite energy storage materials was prepared by melting adsorption.Comprehensive experiment results show that binary phase change material is lower than single one at initial phase change temperature and phase change peak temperature, and it has good energy storage results, the composite material can be used in energy storage and heat recovery system to save energy.
Preparation and Characterization of Composite for Toluene Removal from Water
Authors: Liu Xiu Qi , Xing He Qin
Published: October 2011

In our study, a new kind of material for toluene adsorption was prepared by melt blending with EPDM as the matrix and waste dusty slag as the filler. The effects of dicumylperoxide (DCP) and waste dusty slag contents on the toluene absorbency were studied. The results show that the toluene absorbency reaches the highest value 388.11 % for the composite with 2 wt % DCP and 30 wt % waste dusty slag. Comparing the toluene absorbency for three samples, the experimental result indicates that the toluene absorbency of waste dusty slag /EPDM composite was higher than that of EPDM (crosslinked) and EPDM
Study on Phosphorus Release from Sediment Control by In Situ Control Technology
Authors: Bi Li Jun , Yang Jing , Sun Shi Quan
Published: October 2011

This paper test to processing lakes sediment by three kinds of in-situ control technology which including aeration, zeolite capping and calcium nitrate in situ treatments, and it study the influence of phosphorus release from sediment. The test results showed: (1) under anaerobic conditions, the phosphorus release content is as 4.26 times as it under aerobic conditions. Under aerobic condition (dissolved oxygen saturation ≥ 20%), the Dissolved oxygen is not important for phosphorus release in sediments.（2）zeolite capping can effectively control the phosphorus release from sediment, but Dissolved oxygen is important for that. Under dynamic condition, the phosphorus release content is stability.（3）Under aerobic conditions or anaerobic conditions, calcium nitrate in situ treatments can effectively control the phosphorus release from sediment. Under aerobic conditions, the phosphorus release content reduce by 53.6%.Under anaerobic conditions, it reduce by 83.4%.(4) The control effects of the phosphorus release content by three kinds of in-situ control technology was followed: under anaerobic condition, calcium nitrate in-situ treatment > zeolite capping> untreated; and under aerobic condition, calcium nitrate in-situ treatment > zeolite capping > aeration ≥ untreated; and under hydrodynamic condition, calcium nitrate in-situ treatment >zeolite coverage>zeolite capping> aeration >untreated.
The Reliability Analysis of Concrete Perforated Brick Wall Shrinkage Cracking
Authors: Yan Li , Yin Xin Sheng , Wang Bo
Published: October 2011

For concrete perforated brick wall has drying shrinkage cracks during the construction and use which is the prevalent phenomenon, combined with structural reliability theory, used of the basic theory of linear elastic fracture mechanics, when block wall construction was in the production of drying shrinkage cracks the reliability of crack resistance were analyzed and calculated which is a useful complement that reliability analysis and a useful level adjustment of reliability in the "code for design of masonry structures".
Public Transportation Share Ratio Prediction Based on Disaggregate Dogit Model
Authors: Qi Bu Yun , Dou Hui Li
Published: October 2011

In order to analyze the distributing condition of urban passenger flow scientifically and correctly, the disaggregate Dogit model is presented to predict the public transportation share ration in city, which is carried out by means of analysis of the outer and inner factors that affect the choice of modes of transportation and is based on the random utility theory. Establishment of the model, parameter identification and the process of calculation are described in detail. Finally, according to the proposed algorithm, the public transportation share ratio forecast test is carried out using the field survey data. The results of independent sample test indicate that the model has a finer precision and stability.
The Characteristic of the Seismic Response Spectrum of Slope Reinforced with Piles under the Different Diameters
Authors: Li Rong Jian , Yu Yu Zhen , Jiao Yu Jie
Published: October 2011

In order to study the characteristic of seismic response of the reinforced slope subjected to earthquake, the seismic response spectrum of slope reinforced with piles under the two different diameters were compared and analyzed. The seismic acceleration response shows a steady amplification with the increase of height without water in substratum, and the maximal seismic response occurs near the crest of slope. The dominant frequency of the amplification of seismic response spectrum of the slope reinforced with piles under the smaller diameter obviously shifts to the medium and low frequency. In addition, because of the liquefaction of substratum and the resulting dynamic failure of the pile, the response components of the medium and low frequency also are strengthened further. The results show that the global stiffness of the reinforced slope is obviously affected by the diameter of the pile and the liquefaction in substratum, which thereby affects the seismic acceleration response and the distribution of spectral amplification factor.
Study on Impact Compaction of Aeolian Sand Subgrade and its Effect Evaluation
Authors: Yuan Yu Qing , Wang Xuan Cang , Shao Hui Jun
Published: October 2011

In order to solve the problem of aeolian sand subgrade compaction, we studied the technology of impact compaction, applied it to the engineering practice and analyzed its effect with Rayleigh wave. The technology of impact compaction can combine the compaction of potential energy and kinetic energy and make it easier for the materials to reach their elastic stage. With the combined function of "knead-roll-impact", the impact compaction road roller can compact the soil body and offer 6～10 times impact force and 3～4 times the depth of influence more than the vibratory roller. The impact compaction methods of aeolian sand subgrade were put forward. The comparative field compaction tests between impact and vibratory compaction are carried through, which are detected by Rayleigh wave. The results show that the impact compaction can make the density of the aeolian sand subgrade 2～5% higher than the vibratory compaction, and reach the influence depth of 7 metres. To sum up, the impact compaction can clearly increases the strength and stiffness of aeolian sand subgrade with a dynamic elastic modulus of 202.63MPa.
The Design and Production of Map Symbol Database Based on ArcGIS
Authors: Xu Jian Ying , Yang Ming Yu
Published: October 2011

Map symbol is the basis of digital cartography, and ArcGIS is the best suited digital cartography GIS software in the current. As the same as other GIS software, symbol database of ArcGIS still cannot completely satisfy the requirement of digital chart production and display. Therefore, we must create symbol database according to the Map chart requirements. The paper described the design method of Map Symbol database under the condition of ArcGIS, and discussed respectively the production of different kinds of symbols, expanding ArcGIS symbol database.
Demineralization of Mine Water by Electrodialysis
Authors: Hajduková Jitka , Thomas Jan , Maliková Petra , Vidlář Jiří
Published: October 2011

This paper considers the demineralization of mine water using a lab-scale electrodialysis unit EDR-Z/10-1.0. Experiment were carried out on real mine water from Jeremenko water pit complex (DIAMO s.p., ODRA Ostrava branch, Czech Republic). These mine water greatly affect surface water quality, especially high concentration of dissolved solids, sulfates and chlorides. Aim of research was to treatment of mine water to quality corresponding with legislative limits for surface water. Electrodialysis tests were conducted in the batch and feed-and-bleed modes. It was demonstrated that electordialysis is good way for mine water treatment.
Application of Fuzzy Cluster to Geotechnical Stratums Division
Authors: Yang Yu You , Huang Xue Gang , Wang Xiao Jie , Zhang Qiong Fang , Liu Chen
Published: October 2011

In the traditional classification of the soil stratums, geological engineers mostly classify the soil stratums according to their experience. However, it is very probable that these classification results are subjective, random and uncertain. There is a significant regional difference, so different people may have different results for the same soil stratums classification. Therefore, the concept of fuzzy cluster is introduced in this paper, which makes the physics-mechanical indexes of the soil as the basic parameters, and the soil stratums are classified through mathematical analysis. In order to ensure that classification results are reasonable and effective, the cluster validity index is applied to test results. Through engineering examples analysis, the present classification method is practicable in geotechnical stratums division.
New Method for Improving the Electrical Characteristics of P-N Junction Diode
Authors: Srithanachai Itsara , Ueamanapong Surada , Poyai Amporn , Niemcharoen Surasak
Published: October 2011

This paper investigates the effect of soft X-ray irradiation various energy and times on P-N junction diodes. X-ray energy irradiated on P-N junction diode with 55 and 70 keV with various time in the range 5-50 sec. After irradiations were study on the current-voltage (I-V) characteristics and capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristics. Leakages current after irradiated by X-ray are not change, while forward current are increase about 3 orders. The change of current-voltage characteristics can analyze by many parameter such as carrier lifetime and series resistance. Capacitance-voltage characteristics after irradiation are not change. The results show that soft X-ray technique can be improving performance of the P-N junction diodes. These techniques are importance to use for improving device performance in industry work.
LED with Ocean Battery
Authors: Wang Jung Chang
Published: October 2011

This article utilities ocean battery drive LED lamp which is a symbol of NTOU. One of the renewable green energy is sea water existing by the nature. The sea water battery has convenience of usage and storage. LEDs will be a great benefit to the saving-energy and environmental protection in the lighting lamps region. When we consider that the choice for providing power type, origin and green, the ocean battery may offer the electric power of Direct Current (D.C.) for a long time which causing it unexpected deficient and does not cause the marine pollution. There are two experiments respectively to analyze that how long time the ocean battery can consume and these characteristics. One is to have the loading resistance 2.95 KΩ in order to form the circuit, lets the ocean battery discharge continually, each process 10 minutes later, gauges its voltage; Another lets the ocean battery itself nature electric discharge, uses the tri-ammeter to gauge the ocean battery voltage. Then we design a LED chart for NTOU fonts having dimensions of 2000 x 10 x 5 mm3 composing the soft LED lamp strip which weld them on the aluminum based plate as indicative lamp in the night navigation. The starting minimum voltage is 5 V and the maximum voltage is 12 V. The results show that so long as the ocean battery vibrates light flipping, the voltage starts unstable, will draw steady-state value after a few time. In other words, the air bubble will affect the voltage value in the ocean battery; therefore we must pay attention to solve this question.
Residual Force of Orthodontic Elastomeric Ligature
Authors: Dechkunakorn Surachai , Viriyakosol Nuttachai , Anuwongnukroh N. , Suddhasthira Theeralaksna , Laokijcharoen Pasaree , Churnjitapirom Pornkiat , Tua-Ngam Peerapong , Kaewprakob Thongsak
Published: October 2011

Objectives:The study aimed to compare the residual forceoflocally produced Thai orthodontic elastomeric ligatureswith 2 commercial brands.Materials and Methods: The study compared Thai clear and blue orthodontic elastomeric ligatures with clear and blue commercial brands[Unitek (USA) and W&H (China)]. The dimensional characteristics of the ligatures (i.e., inner diameter, outer diameter and cross-section thickness) were measured. Then initial extension force was measured. After that, the residual force was determined at day 1and repeated on day 2,3,4,5,6,7,14,21, and 28 andthe percentage of residual force wascalculatedaccording to ISO 21606:2007. The data were analyzed with Two-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression (p<0.05). Results: Thai ligatures had significantly greater inner diameter(clear 1.22 mm, blue 1.21 mm) and cross-section thickness (clear 0.78 mm, blue 0.79 mm) in both colors when compared with Unitek and W&H brands. Thai ligatures had no significant difference in cross-section thickness between clear and blue.Thai clear ligatures hadthe highest initial extension force(2.30 N). Thai ligatures showed similar force decay patterns as other brands, rapidly decreasing the first day, gradually decreasing over 7 days and remaining nearly constant until 28 days.However, both clear and blue Thai elastomeric ligatures had significantly less outer diameters (clear 3.12 mm, blue 3.15mm). Thai blue ligatures had the lowest initial extension force (1.96 N).TheThai clear and blue demonstrated less percentage of residual force in the first day (clear 53.00%, blue 50.66%) and28 days (clear, 37.69%, blue, 37.00%) butthey were clinically acceptable. In general, clear ligatures exhibited a greater percentage of residual force than blue ligatureamong the 3 brands. Conclusion:Thai orthodontic elastomeric ligature properties are comparable to commercially available brands and acceptable for clinical application.
Performance Evaluation of Scintillation Fiber-Optic Dosimeter for Measuring High-Energy Photon Beams
Authors: Yoo Wook Jae , Jang Kyoung Won , Moon Jin Soo , Han Ki Tek , Lee Bong Soo , Cho Seung Hyun , Kim Sin
Published: October 2011

In this study, we have fabricated a fiber-optic dosimeter using an organic scintillator and a plastic optical fiber for measuring percentage depth doses with radiotherapeutic high energy photon beams. The scintillating light generated in an organic dosimeter probe embedded in a solid water phantom is guided by a plastic optical fiber to the light-measuring device. Using this fiber-optic dosimeter, percentage depth doses are measured with 6 and 15 MV energies of photon beams whose field sizes are 2 x 2 and 10 x 10 cm2, and the results are compared with those measured using conventional dosimeters such as an ionization chamber and EBT films used in radiotherapy dosimetry.
Processing and Recycling Experiments of Dust from Electric Arc Furnace
Authors: Bacinschi Zorica , Rizescu Cristiana Zizi , Stoian Elena Valentina , Ungureanu Dan Nicolae , Poinescu Aurora Anca , Ittu Constanta
Published: October 2011

The processing and recycling experiments of dust from Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) in industrial conditions aimed at highlighting the minimizing possibility of this waste by transforming it into a by-product that can represent either a secondary raw material for steel making in EAF or to recover iron, zinc and lead (the Waltz process). Electric-arc furnace dust (EAFD) is a by-product of steel production and recycling. This fine-grained material contains high amounts of zinc and iron as well as significant amounts of potentially toxic elements such as lead, cadmium and chromium. Therefore, the treatment and stabilization of this industrial residue is necessary. Leaching test is a method of evaluating the impact of waste that is stored (soil, water table).
Numerical Simulation of Wave Propagation in Variable Cross-Section Bars
Authors: Jin Hong Bin
Published: October 2011

A model for wave propagation in variable cross-section bars is developed. Then a numerical simulation method based on CSPM is introduced. Furthermore the wave propagations in stepped bars and conical bars are simulated. The simulation results agree well with the analytical solutions, which demonstrate that the model can describe the wave propagation in variable cross-section bars precisely.
Measurement of Chloride Ion Using a Long-Period Fiber-Grating-Based Microfluidic Chip System
Authors: Wang Jian Neng , Tang Jaw Luen , Wu Wei Te , Chen Der Cheng , Chen Chien Hsing , Luo Ching Ying
Published: October 2011

A microfluidic system for chloride ion measurement using a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) is presented. Optical fiber sensors based on waveguide technology are promising and attractive in chemical, biotechnological, and civil engineering applications. The LPFG-based microfluidic system used to measure the transmission powers of different chloride ion concentration solutions of sea sand and seawater. The results show the relationship between transmitted light intensities and different chloride ion concentration solutions was close to linear. This system could be potentially used to discriminate the different chloride ion concentration solutions. This LPFG-based microfluidic system for chloride ion measurement reported here could hopefully benefit the development and applications in the field of civil engineering especially for concrete and raw material testing as well as infrastructure health monitoring.
Symplectic Solutions in Singularity Problems of Anisotropic Beams
Authors: Yang You Zhen
Published: October 2011

Based on the two-dimensional elasticity,the symplectic method is applied to study analytically the stress distributions of anisotropic beam.Using variation principle and introducing separation of variables, dual equations were presented.Then in the symplectic space which consists of the original variables and their dual variables,the problem can be solved via effective mathematical physics methods such as the method of sepatation of variables and eigenfunction vector expansion.So the original problems come down to solve the eigensolutions of zero eigenvalue and non-zeroes eigenvalue that describe the exponentially decaying localized solutions usually ignored by Saint-Venant's principle. Completed numerical examples are newly given to compare with established results.
Strain Measurements Based Finite Element Model Updating
Authors: Zhang Yu Xin , Wang Zeng Zhong , Liu Ye Yan
Published: October 2011

Analytical models of the actual structure often differ greatly from their as-built counterparts. Model updating techniques improve the predictions of the behavior of the actual structure by identifying and correcting the uncertain parameters of the analytical model. This paper presents a new model updating technique to improve the finite element analysis model by updating design parameters using strain measurement based on affine scaling interior Algorithm. Static strain measurements are more reliable and realistic than acceleration data in practice. Numerical examples are presented to study the application of the method.
Diffusion Processes Affecting the Performance of Heterogeneous Catalysts: Part 1
Authors: Zeynali Mohammad Ebrahim , Hakim S.
Published: October 2011

The diffusion processes taking place in heterogeneous catalytic systems have been discussed. Various diffusion mechanisms such as Knudsen diffusion, molecular diffusion, configurational diffusion and surface diffusion sensitivity in catalytic systems were investigated. The concentration gradients inside the catalyst pellet were obtained for various Thiele modulus. The Knudsen number was calculated and discussed for large and small pores. The transitional diffusion coefficient was determined for diethylbenzene. The experimental pore size distribution carves for an industrial and synthesized catalyst was obtained and the effect of pore size distribution on diffusion coefficient was discussed.
Probing the Phase Transition in Nanocrystalline TiO2 Powders by Positron Lifetime (PAL) Technique
Authors: Hassan E.M. , Balboul Basma A.A. , Abdel-Rahman M.A.
Published: October 2011

Positron annihilation techniques (PAT) have recently been successfully employed for the characterization of phase transitions in metals and compounds. In the present study, positron annihilation lifetime (PAL) measurements have been carried out on a nanocrystalline titania (TiO2) in the form of powders that had been heat-treated at temperatures ranging from 300 to 1273K. The PAL spectra were analyzed into two lifetime components. The shorter lifetime τ1 (185-300 ps) is attributed to positron annihilation in vacancies and the longer lifetime τ1 (400-580 ps) to positrons in microviods at interfaces. The rutile phase of TiO2 powders was utilized as a reference in order to compare their behavior with the commercially supplied and widely available anatase phase (Degussa P25). The influence of the heat-treatment upon the nanostructure during the transition of the anatase to rutile phase were also investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), TEM and BET surface area methods. Understanding of this effect is expected to enhance our knowledge of the morphology and nanocrystallite size of TiO2 powders and their T-dependence, and hence their physical properties.
Assessment of Microstructural Degradation in 2.25Cr-1Mo Steel Using Miniature Specimen Technique
Authors: Jha B.B. , Sahoo T.K. , Tripathy D. , Mishra Barada Kanta
Published: October 2011

Miniature specimen techniques viz. small-punch tests (SPT) have been carried out at room temperature in order to correlate the microstructural degradation of 2.25Cr-1Mo steel with that of SPT parameters. Microstructural degradation of this steel has been introduced as a result of thermal ageing corresponding to Larson-Miller parameters (LMP) values of 33,012, 35,402, 37,846 and 38,374. SPT parameters viz. total area and area under the region of plastic instability of the load-displacement curve have been found to decrease with an increase in LMP values. A strength parameter viz. UTS obtained using uniaxial tensile tests has also been found to decrease with an increase in LMP values. The results indicated that miniature specimen techniques viz. small-punch test could be successfully used to assess the degradation of microstructures in 2.25Cr-1Mo steel generated due to their exposure to high temperatures.
Preparation of C/Cu Composite Powders by High-Energy Ball-Milling
Authors: Guo Xiu Yan , Ma Guo Jin , Xie Shi Kun , Yi Rong Xi , Gao Zhi
Published: October 2011

Cu-4% mixed-powder consisting of rough copper powder and graphite powder was separately mechanical alloyed by high-energy ball milling. The phases and micrograph of these powders were determined by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show an increase in the lattice parameter of copper with milling times, up to a saturation value of about 24h; There was an absence of graphite reflections from X-ray diffractograms after longer milling times.
Mapping the Transcriptional Machinery of the IL-8 Gene in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells
Authors: Bezzerri Valentino , Borgatti Monica , Finotti Alessia , Tamanini Anna , Gambari Roberto , Cabrini Giulio
Published: October 2011

IL-8 released from bronchial epithelial cells infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa plays a crucial role in the chronic lung pathology of patients affected by cystic fibrosis. Novel anti-inflammatory approaches will benefit from a thorough understanding of the regulatory mechanisms involved in the transcription of this chemokine to identify potential pharmacological targets. We addressed this issue by investigating the role of phosphoproteins and transcription factors (TFs) on transcription of IL-8 gene in the human bronchial epithelial IB3-1, CuFi-1, and Calu-3 cells. P. aeruginosa increased the basal phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 pathway components 90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK)1/2 and mitogen- and stress-activated kinase-2 and of the p38 MAPK pathway components p38α/δ/γ and heat shock protein 27 (HSP27). The involvement of these kinases in the expression of IL-8 gene was confirmed with pharmacological inhibitors of ERK1/2, RSK, p38, and HSP27 both at transcription and secretion levels. Transfection of TF decoy oligodeoxynucleotides, designed to interfere with the interaction of the TFs NF-κB, NF-IL6, AP-1, CREB, and CHOP with the corresponding consensus sequences identified in the IL-8 promoter, reduced the P. aeruginosa-dependent transcription of IL-8, suggesting their participation in the transcriptional machinery. Stimulation of IB3-1 cells with IL-1β led to a similar pattern of activation, whereas the pattern of phosphoproteins and of TFs modulated by TNF-α differentiated sharply. In conclusion, the results highlight a novel role for RSK1/2 and HSP27 phosphoproteins and of the cooperative role of the TFs NF-κB, NF-IL6, AP-1, CHOP, and CREB in P. aeruginosa-dependent induction of transcription of the IL-8 gene in human bronchial epithelial cells.
Cutting Edge: Calcium/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type IV Is Essential for Mesangial Cell Proliferation and Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Ichinose Kunihiro , Rauen Thomas , Juang Yuang-Taung , Kis-Toth Katalin , Mizui Masayuki , Koga Tomohiro , Tsokos George C.
Published: October 2011

Renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Although immune parameters that instigate renal damage have been characterized, their link to local processes, which execute tissue damage, is poorly understood. Using genetic-deletion and pharmacological-inhibition approaches, we demonstrated that calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV, which contributes to altered cytokine production in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, controls spontaneous and platelet-derived growth factor-stimulated mesangial cell proliferation and promotes IL-6 production through AP-1. Our studies identified calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type IV as a valuable treatment target for lupus nephritis and point out the importance of local kidney factors in the expression of tissue damage that, if properly targeted, should enhance clinical benefit and limit toxicity.
Aerosol composition and sources in the central Arctic Ocean during ASCOS
Authors: Chang R. Y.-W. , Leck C. , Graus M. , Müller M. , Paatero J. , Burkhart J. F. , Stohl A. , Orr L. H. , Hayden K. , Li S.-M. , Hansel A. , Tjernström M. , Leaitch W. R. , Abbatt J. P. D.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Measurements of submicron aerosol chemical composition were made over the central Arctic Ocean from 5 August to 8 September 2008 as a part of the Arctic Summer Cloud Ocean Study (ASCOS) using an aerosol mass spectrometer (AMS). The median levels of sulphate and organics for the entire study were 0.051 and 0.055 μ g m−3, respectively. Positive matrix factorisation was performed on the entire mass spectral time series and this enabled marine biogenic and continental sources of particles to be separated. These factors accounted for 33% and 36% of the sampled ambient aerosol mass, respectively, and they were both predominantly composed of sulphate, with 47% of the sulphate apportioned to marine biogenic sources and 48% to continental sources, by mass. Within the marine biogenic factor, the ratio of methane sulphonate to sulphate was 0.25 ± 0.02, consistent with values reported in the literature. The organic component of the continental factor was more oxidised than that of the marine biogenic factor, suggesting that it had a longer photochemical lifetime than the organics in the marine biogenic factor. The remaining ambient aerosol mass was apportioned to an organic-rich factor that could have arisen from a combination of marine and continental sources. In particular, given that the factor does not correlate with common tracers of continental influence, we cannot rule out that the organic factor arises from a primary marine source.
Seasonal differences in the vertical profiles of aerosol optical properties over rural Oklahoma
Authors: Andrews E. , Sheridan P. J. , Ogren J. A.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. A small airplane made 597 aerosol optical property (light absorption and light scattering) vertical profile measurements over a rural Oklahoma site between March 2000 and December 2007. The aerosol profiles obtained during these 8 yr of measurements suggest significant seasonal differences in aerosol loading (scattering and absorption). The highest amounts of scattering and absorbing aerosol are observed during the summer and the lowest loading occurs during the winter. The relative contribution of aerosol absorption is highest in the winter (i.e., single scattering albedo is lowest in winter), particularly aloft. Aerosol absorption generally decreased with altitude below ~1.5 km and then was relatively constant or decreased more gradually above that. Aerosol scattering decreased sharply with altitude below ~1.5 km but, unlike absorption, also decreased at higher altitudes, albeit less sharply. Scattering Ångström exponents suggest that the aerosol was dominated by sub-micron aerosol during the summer at all altitudes, but that larger particles were present, especially in the spring and winter above 1 km. The seasonal variability observed for aerosol loading is consistent with AERONET aerosol optical depth (AOD) although the AOD values calculated from in situ adjusted to ambient conditions and matching wavelengths are up to a factor of two lower than AERONET AOD values depending on season. The column averaged single scattering albedo derived from in situ airplane measurements are similar in value to the AERONET single scattering albedo inversion product but the seasonal patterns are different – possibly a consequence of the strict constraints on obtaining single scattering albedo from AERONET data. A comparison of extinction Ångström exponent and asymmetry parameter from the airplane and AERONET platforms suggests similar seasonal variability with smaller particles observed in the summer and fall and larger particles observed in spring and winter. The observed seasonal cycle of aerosol loading corresponds with changes in air mass back trajectories: the aerosol scattering was higher when transport was from polluted areas (e.g., the Gulf Coast) and lower when the air came from cleaner regions and/or the upper atmosphere.
Comment on: "Technical note: Consistent calculation of aquatic gross production from oxygen triple isotope measurements" by Kaiser (2011)
Authors: Nicholson D. P.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. Kaiser (2011) has introduced an improved method for calculating gross productivity from the triple isotopic composition of dissolved oxygen in aquatic systems. His equation avoids approximations of previous methodologies, and also accounts for additional physical processes such as kinetic fractionation during invasion and evasion at the air-sea interface. However, when comparing his new approach to previous methods, Kaiser inconsistently defines the biological end-member with the result of overestimating the degree to which the various approaches of previous studies diverge. In particular, for his base case, Kaiser assigns a 17O excess to the product of photosynthesis (17δP) that is too low, resulting in his result being ~30 % too high when compared to previous equations. When this is corrected, I find that Kaiser's equations are consistent with all previous study methodologies within about ±20 % for realistic conditions of metabolic balance (f) and gross productivity (g). A methodological bias of ±20 % is of similar magnitude to current uncertainty in the wind-speed dependence of the air-sea gas transfer velocity, k, which directly impacts calculated gross productivity rates as well. While previous results could and should be revisited and corrected using the proposed improved equations, the magnitude of such corrections may be much less than implied by Kaiser.
The relevance of the North-Sea Caspian Pattern (NCP) in explaining temperature variability in Europe and the Mediterranean
Authors: Brunetti M. , Kutiel H.
Published: October 2011

Abstract. The impact of the upper level (500 hPa) teleconnection between the North-Sea and the Caspian (NCP) on the temperature and precipitation regimes in the Eastern Mediterranean (EM) have been studied and reported and an index (NCPI) that measures the normalized geopotential heights' differences between the two poles of this teleconnection has been defined. In the present study, the impact of the NCP on the temperature regime over the entire European continent is presented. In particular, the correlation between temperature and the NCPI has been evaluated, on a monthly basis, over the entire Euro-Mediterranean domain for the 1948–2007 period. The results highlight a significant positive correlation in the north-western area of the domain and a significant negative correlation in the south-eastern one. These two poles were also highlighted by comparing the temperature anomalies associated with both phases of NCP. The importance of this sort of NCP-induced temperature bi-pole in the context of temperature variability over Europe and the Mediterranean has been evaluated by applying a Principal Component Analysis to the temperature dataset. The results showed that the temperature bi-pole is associated with the second most important mode of temperature variability over the domain, but if the analysis is restricted to the months associated to NCP (+) and NCP (−), it becomes the first mode with 29.2 % of associated variance.
Prevalence of ADHD Symptoms amonge Male Preschoolers Based on Different Informants in Ahvas City of Iran
Authors: Tashakori Ashraf , Afkandeh Razieh
Published: October 2011

Background. This cross-sectional study evaluated rate of reported ADHD symptoms among male preschoolers in Ahvaz by different informants and rate of their agreement. Method. One hundred ninety-two 5-6-year old boys from nine kindergartens in Ahvaz were selected. Teacher and parents' Conners ADHD rating scales were used. Findings. For 133 children, questionnaires were returned. Prevalence of children with positive questionnaire was 24.06%, with only parent questionnaire was 4.51%, with only teacher questionnaire was 17.29%, and with both informants was 2.25%. Teacher-parent agreement was low (P=0.0001). Conclusions. ADHD symptoms are frequently reported by informants and may be more reported by teachers than parents and teacher-parent agreement may be low. Interview with different informants and observation of child behavior are needed for documentation of diagnosis.
Clinicopathologic Correlation of Epidemiologic and Histopathologic Features of Pediatric Bacterial Lymphadenitis
Authors: Nunes Rosado Flavia G. , Stratton Charles W. , Mosse Claudio A.
Published: October 2011

Context.—Infection is a common cause of lymphadenopathy in children and has numerous microbial etiologies. Lymph node biopsy is considered a keystone in arriving at a definite diagnosis. An accurate differential diagnosis from a lymph node biopsy can expedite diagnosis and minimize ancillary testing.

Objective.—To assess and compare the histopathologic and epidemiologic features of common and uncommon pediatric bacterial lymphadenitis.

Design.—We searched our database for surgical specimens that had a positive identification of bacteria during an 8-year period. The chart was reviewed to assess the pathogen identified and epidemiologic data. The archival tissue sections were reviewed and the histopathologic findings described for each pathogen.

Results.—The review of 368 pediatric lymph node biopsies identified 33 cases with a bacterial infection. These comprised 21 cases of Mycobacterium avium complex (60%), 1 of Mycobacterium fortuitum (3%), 7 of Bartonella henselae (20%), 2 of Yersinia enterocolitica (7%), 1 of Francisella tularensis (3%) and 1 of Streptococcus pyogenes (3%).

Conclusions.—Each of these infectious lymphadenitides had distinct epidemiologic and histopathologic features that are discussed in this report.
Quality and Safety in Medical Care: What Does the Future Hold?
Authors: Liang Bryan A. , Mackey Tim
Published: October 2011

Context.—The rapid changes in health care policy, embracing quality and safety mandates, have culminated in programs and initiatives under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Objective.—To review the context of, and anticipated quality and patient safety mandates for, delivery systems, incentives under health care reform, and models for future accountability for outcomes of care.

Design.—Assessment of the provisions of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, other reform efforts, and reform initiatives focusing on future quality and safety provisions for health care providers.

Results.—Health care reform and other efforts focus on consumerism in the context of price. Quality and safety efforts will be structured using financial incentives, best-practices research, and new delivery models that focus on reaching benchmarks while reducing costs. In addition, patient experience will be a key component of reimbursement, and a move toward “retail” approaches directed at the individual patient may supplant traditional “wholesale” efforts at attracting employers.

Conclusions.—Quality and safety have always been of prime importance in medicine. However, in the future, under health care reform and associated initiatives, a shift in the paradigm of medicine will integrate quality and safety measurement with financial incentives and a new emphasis on consumerism.
Managing Transfusion Service Quality
Authors: Blaylock Robert C. , Lehman Christopher M.
Published: October 2011

Context.—Providing blood products for transfusions is a complex process subject to errors both within and outside the transfusion service. Transfusion-related errors can have grave consequences for the patient undergoing transfusion. As with many processes performed within health care systems, there is an expectation of error-free practice. Although this is an unobtainable goal, a focused quality-management plan, employing a medical event reporting system in a just working environment, can effect measurable system-quality improvement.

Objective.—To illustrate the intrinsic value of quality-improvement activities through discussion of examples of quality misadventures from our transfusion service during the past 20 years.

Data Sources.—Examples of quality-improvement activities were extracted from our quality-system archives. The published literature on transfusion quality was reviewed.

Conclusions.—Active reporting, structured investigation, and systematic resolution of transfusion-related errors are effective methods for improving and maintaining transfusion quality.