bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated assessment of biological invasions
Authors: Ibáñez Inés , Diez Jeffrey M. , Miller Luke P. , Olden Julian D. , Sorte Cascade J. B. , Blumenthal Dana M. , Bradley Bethany A. , D'Antonio Carla M. , Dukes Jeffrey S. , Early Regan I. , Grosholz Edwin D. , Lawler Joshua J.
Published: June 2013

As the main witnesses of the ecological and economic impacts of invasions on ecosystems around the world, ecologists seek to provide the relevant science that informs managers about the potential for invasion of specific organisms in their region(s) of interest. Yet, the assorted literature that could inform such forecasts is rarely integrated to do so, and further, the diverse nature of the data available complicates synthesis and quantitative prediction. Here we present a set of analytical tools for synthesizing different levels of distributional and/or demographic data to produce meaningful assessments of invasion potential that can guide management at multiple phases of ongoing invasions, from dispersal to colonization to proliferation. We illustrate the utility of data‐synthesis and data‐model assimilation approaches with case studies of three well‐known invasive species—a vine, a marine mussel, and a freshwater crayfish—under current and projected future climatic conditions. Results from the integrated assessments reflect the complexity of the invasion process and show that the most relevant climatic variables can have contrasting effects or operate at different intensities across habitat types. As a consequence, for two of the study species climate trends will increase the likelihood of invasion in some habitats and decrease it in others. Our results identified and quantified both bottlenecks and windows of opportunity for invasion, mainly related to the role of human uses of the landscape or to disruption of the flow of resources. The approach we describe has a high potential to enhance model realism, explanatory insight, and predictive capability, generating information that can inform management decisions and optimize phase‐specific prevention and control efforts for a wide range of biological invasions.
Dedicated Bioenergy Crop Impacts on Soil Wind Erodibility and Organic Carbon in Kansas
Authors: Evers Byron J. , Blanco‐Canqui Humberto , Staggenborg Scott A. , Tatarko John
Published: June 2013

Dedicated bioenergy crops such as perennial warm‐season grasses (WSGs) may reduce soil erosion and improve soil properties while providing biomass feedstock for biofuel. We quantified impacts of perennial WSGs and row crops on soil wind erodibility parameters (erodible fraction, geometric mean diameter of dry aggregates, and aggregate stability) and soil organic carbon (SOC) concentration under a dedicated bioenergy crop experiment in eastern Kansas after 4 and 5 yr of management. Soil properties were measured under switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii L.), miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus), and annual row crops including continuous corn (Zea mays L.), photoperiod sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.], sweet sorghum, and grain sorghum. Perennial WSGs reduced wind erodible fraction by 1.08 to 1.16 times compared with row crops. The geometric mean diameter of dry aggregates under switchgrass and miscanthus was 2.8 to 4.5 times greater than under row crops. Dry soil aggregate stability under miscanthus and big bluestem was greater than under row crops. After 5 yr, differences in SOC concentration between WSGs and row crops were not statistically significant for the 0‐ to 15‐cm depth. Photoperiod sensitive and sweet sorghum had greater biomass yield than WSGs. In 2011, miscanthus yielded more biomass than corn by 5.3 Mg ha–1. Overall, growing dedicated bioenergy crops can reduce the soil’s susceptibility to wind erosion but may not significantly increase SOC concentration in this region in the short term.
New Local Thresholding Method for Soil Images by Minimizing Grayscale Intra‐Class Variance
Authors: Hapca Simona M. , Houston Alasdair N. , Otten Wilfred , Baveye Philippe C.
Published: June 2013

Recent advances in imaging techniques offer the possibility of visualizing the three‐dimensional structure of soils at very fine scales. To make use of such information, a thresholding process is commonly implemented to separate the image into solid particles and pores. Despite the multitude of thresholding algorithms available, their performance is being challenged by the complexity of the soil structure. Experience shows that, to improve thresholding performance, existing methods require significant input from a skilled operator, making the thresholding subjective. In this context, this article proposes a new, operator‐independent thresholding technique based on the analysis of the intraclass grayscale variance. The method extends the well‐established Otsu technique, by applying first a preclassification of the voxels corresponding to the solid phase. Then, a threshold value is determined through minimization of the intraclass variance of the unclassified voxels. The method was implemented globally, then locally for a range of window sizes, with the optimal window size selected as that for which the standardized grayscale variances of the two voxel populations are equal. Results on the three‐dimensional soil images investigated suggest that the proposed method performs noticeably better than Otsu's method, and in particular is robust enough to variations in image contrast and soil structure. Tested on a synthetic image, the new method produces a misclassification of only 2% of voxels, compared to 4.9% with Otsu's method. These results suggest that the proposed method can be very useful in the analysis of images of a variety of heterogeneous media, including soils.
Chromium removal with cross-linked chitosan adsorption and base-precipitation combination
Authors: Zhang Huixin , Wang Feng , Jin Xiuhong , Zhu Yuchao , Li Xiaona , Zhou Hongyong
Published: June 2013

A novel technique for a complete removal of both Cr(VI) and Cr(III) ions, namely cross-linked chitosan (CCTS) adsorption and base-precipitation combination, was studied in this work in great detail. The optimum conditions for Cr(VI) adsorption onto CCTS were determined as a function of pH, CCTS dosage and contact time, while Cr(III) precipitation was investigated as a function of pH value. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich (D–R) models were applied to describe the Cr(VI) adsorption isotherm on CCTS. The Langmuir model agreed much better with experimental data than the Freundlich and D–R by a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.994. The capacity and ΔGo of CCTS for Cr(VI) were 70.4 mg/g and −26.6 kJ/mol respectively, indicating the feasible and spontaneous nature of the Cr(VI) sorption process. This combined technique was applied for real wastewater treatment from the electroplating industry and obtained a one-off retention in solution not more than 0.5 mg/L for both Cr(VI) and Cr total. These results meet the Chinese standards for effluent discharge.
Impact of urban WWTP and CSO fluxes on river peak flow extremes under current and future climate conditions
Authors: Keupers Ingrid , Willems Patrick
Published: June 2013

The impact of urban water fluxes on the river system outflow of the Grote Nete catchment (Belgium) was studied. First the impact of the Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) and the Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) outflows on the river system for the current climatic conditions was determined by simulating the urban fluxes as point sources in a detailed, hydrodynamic river model. Comparison was made of the simulation results on peak flow extremes with and without the urban point sources. In a second step, the impact of climate change scenarios on the urban fluxes and the consequent impacts on the river flow extremes were studied. It is shown that the change in the 10-year return period hourly peak flow discharge due to climate change (−14% to +45%) was in the same order of magnitude as the change due to the urban fluxes (+5%) in current climate conditions. Different climate change scenarios do not change the impact of the urban fluxes much except for the climate scenario that involves a strong increase in rainfall extremes in summer. This scenario leads to a strong increase of the impact of the urban fluxes on the river system.
Co-digestion of glycerine and sewage sludge to optimise green electricity production
Authors: Maes L. , Weemaes M. , Hellinck N. , De Gueldre G. , Van De Steene B.
Published: June 2013

Sewage sludge and crude glycerine were co-digested in the mesophilic digester of Hoogstraten wastewater treatment plant. Additions of up to 1 kg of crude glycerine/(m³ reactor).(day) were done without significant operational problems. At higher dosage, severe digester foaming was observed. Methane production during co-digestion was up to 20% higher than what would be expected based on the digester input. Compared to the period before glycerine dosage, every tonne of added crude glycerine resulted in a surplus methane production of 489 Nm³. The theoretical methane production from the used crude glycerine was 341 Nm³ per tonne. The difference is explained by a higher sewage sludge degradability during co-digestion with glycerine. Glycerine dosage can remedy the lowered specific biogas yield of sewage sludge in Flanders and consequently enhance green electricity production.
Experience from start-ups of the first ANITA Mox Plants
Authors: Christensson M. , Ekström S. , Chan A. Andersson , Le Vaillant E. , Lemaire R.
Published: June 2013

ANITA™ Mox is a new one-stage deammonification Moving-Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) developed for partial nitrification to nitrite and autotrophic N-removal from N-rich effluents. This deammonification process offers many advantages such as dramatically reduced oxygen requirements, no chemical oxygen demand requirement, lower sludge production, no pre-treatment or requirement of chemicals and thereby being an energy and cost efficient nitrogen removal process. An innovative seeding strategy, the ‘BioFarm concept’, has been developed in order to decrease the start-up time of new ANITA Mox installations. New ANITA Mox installations are started with typically 3–15% of the added carriers being from the ‘BioFarm’, with already established anammox biofilm, the rest being new carriers. The first ANITA Mox plant, started up in 2010 at Sjölunda wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Malmö, Sweden, proved this seeding concept, reaching an ammonium removal rate of 1.2 kgN/m3 d and approximately 90% ammonia removal within 4 months from start-up. This first ANITA Mox plant is also the BioFarm used for forthcoming installations. Typical features of this first installation were low energy consumption, 1.5 kW/NH4-N-removed, low N2O emissions, <1% of the reduced nitrogen and a very stable and robust process towards variations in loads and process conditions. The second ANITA Mox plant, started up at Sundets WWTP in Växjö, Sweden, reached full capacity with more than 90% ammonia removal within 2 months from start-up. By applying a nitrogen loading strategy to the reactor that matches the capacity of the seeding carriers, more than 80% nitrogen removal could be obtained throughout the start-up period.
Energy efficiency in membrane bioreactors
Authors: Barillon B. , Ruel S. Martin , Langlais C. , Lazarova V.
Published: June 2013

Energy consumption remains the key factor for the optimisation of the performance of membrane bioreactors (MBRs). This paper presents the results of the detailed energy audits of six full-scale MBRs operated by Suez Environnement in France, Spain and the USA based on on-site energy measurement and analysis of plant operation parameters and treatment performance. Specific energy consumption is compared for two different MBR configurations (flat sheet and hollow fibre membranes) and for plants with different design, loads and operation parameters. The aim of this project was to understand how the energy is consumed in MBR facilities and under which operating conditions, in order to finally provide guidelines and recommended practices for optimisation of MBR operation and design to reduce energy consumption and environmental impacts.
Assessment of detection limits of fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing for detection of illicit connections
Authors: Nienhuis Jaap , de Haan Cornelis , Langeveld Jeroen , Klootwijk Martijn , Clemens François
Published: June 2013

Distributed temperature sensing (DTS) with fiber-optic cables is a powerful tool to detect illicit connections in storm sewer systems. High-frequency temperature measurements along the in-sewer cable create a detailed representation of temperature anomalies due to illicit discharges. The detection limits of the monitoring equipment itself are well-known, but there is little information available on detection limits for the discovery of illicit connections, as in mixing of sewers, and attenuation also plays an important role. This paper describes the results of full-scale experiments aiming to quantify the detection limits for illicit connections under various sewer conditions. Based on the results, a new monitoring set-up for (partially) filled sewer conduits has been proposed.
Aeration performance of hydrodynamic flow regulators
Authors: Wójtowicz P. , Szlachta M.
Published: June 2013

Hydrodynamic flow regulators are used in environmental engineering as a replacement for traditional flow throttling devices. They are extremely efficient, reliable and free from the common disadvantages of traditional devices. Recent research by the authors indicated that the atomization of a liquid by hydrodynamic flow regulators accelerates oxygenation and may be used for improving the quality of wastewater and stormwater. To date, an evaluation of the aeration capacity of a hydrodynamic flow regulator at the pilot scale or in a practical situation has not been presented in the literature. This study presents the experimental results of oxygen absorption tests for conventional and modified cylindrical hydrodynamic flow regulators (patent pending). These devices were tested in a closed-circuit experimental setup at the semi-commercial scale. The aeration efficiency of hydrodynamic flow regulators was assessed by means of the overall standard oxygen transfer coefficient (KLa(20), h−1) and standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR, gO2/h) for a wide range of tested configurations. The effect of flow rate and discharge mode on the aeration capacity of flow regulators was investigated. The values of KLa(20) for cylindrical hydrodynamic flow regulators obtained in the experiments were between 2.62 and 15.57 h−1 while SOTR values ranged from 53 to 316 gO2/h. The modified discharge mode with two active outlets allowed for an increase in aeration efficiency of up to 15% compared to conventional designs.
Concurrent photocatalytic hydrogen production and organic degradation by a composite catalyst film in a two-chamber photo-reactor
Authors: Wang Xi , Li Xiao-yan
Published: June 2013

A novel visible light-driven photocatalyst film, MoS2/Ag/TiO2, was synthesized on a glass-fiber membrane. The composite catalyst film had a multi-layer structure with Ag as nanoconjunctions between the MoS2 and TiO2 layers. The catalyst film performed well for both photocatalytic hydrogen production and organic degradation in a two-chamber photo-reactor under either solar or visible light. Hydrogen was produced in the cathode side chamber while the model organic was decomposed in the anode side chamber. The specific hydrogen production rate went through a maximum of 85 mmol/m2-h with an energy conversion efficiency of 0.85%, while the maximum specific organic carbon removal for formic acid under solar light reached 1,520 mg/m2-h. It is apparent that Ag between the TiO2 and MoS2 layers allowed the transfer of photo-excited electrons via TiO2 → Ag → MoS2 for organic degradation and H+ reduction (e.g. hydrogen evolution) in two different chambers.
Chemical feed control using coagulation computer models and a streaming current detector
Authors: Yavich Alex A. , Van De Wege Jim
Published: June 2013

This paper describes the use of both the streaming current detector (SCD) and coagulation computer models to provide real-time data for required coagulant feed rates. The method for computer modeling of coagulation and other water treatment processes/operations was originally developed for Lake Michigan Filtration Plant in Grand Rapids, Michigan (MI). Since the initial implementation, a number of water treatment plants (WTPs) in the United States have begun routinely utilizing computer models for chemical feed control and process performance optimization. One plant, Holland WTP in Holland, MI, currently employs both an SCD and a coagulation computer model for chemical feed control. Case studies presented in this paper compare the performance of coagulation computer models and the SCD in full-scale operation.
Velocity gradient as a tool to characterise the link between mixing and biogas production in anaerobic waste digesters
Authors: Sindall R. , Bridgeman J. , Carliell-Marquet C.
Published: June 2013

Whilst the importance of mixing in anaerobic digesters to enhance process performance and gas production is well recognised, the specific effects of mixing regime on biogas production are not clear. Here, the velocity gradient is used to demonstrate the importance of minimally mixed zones in a digester, with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models indicating that 20–85% of a laboratory-scale digester experiences local velocity gradients of less than 10 s−1, dependent on mixing speed. Experimental results indicate that there is a threshold above which increased mixing speed (and hence velocity gradient) becomes counter-productive and biogas production falls. The effects of minimal mixing on digester microbiology are considered with the creation or destruction of localised pockets of high acetate concentration providing a possible explanation for the velocity gradient threshold. The identification of this threshold represents a valuable contribution to the understanding of the effects of mixing on gas production in anaerobic digesters.
Biosurfactants as demulsifying agents for oil recovery from oily sludge – performance evaluation
Authors: Chirwa Evans M. N. , Mampholo Tshepo , Fayemiwo Oluwademilade
Published: June 2013

The oil producing and petroleum refining industries dispose of a significant amount of oily sludge annually. The sludge typically contains a mixture of oil, water and solid particles in the form of complex slurry. The oil in the waste sludge is inextractible due to the complex composition and complex interactions in the sludge matrix. The sludge is disposed of on land or into surface water bodies thereby creating toxic conditions or depleting oxygen required by aquatic animals. In this study, a fumed silica mixture with hydrocarbons was used to facilitate stable emulsion (‘Pickering’ emulsion) of the oily sludge. The second step of controlled demulsification and separation of oil and sludge into layers was achieved using either a commercial surfactant (sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)) or a cost-effective biosurfactant from living organisms. The demulsification and separation of the oil layer using the commercial surfactant SDS was achieved within 4 hours after stopping mixing, which was much faster than the 10 days required to destabilise the emulsion using crude biosurfactants produced by a consortium of petrochemical tolerant bacteria. The recovery rate with bacteria could be improved by using a more purified biosurfactant without the cells.
Chinese Elders' Self-Image and Their Perceived Peer-Image: Possibility of Self-Enhancement Bias
Authors: Bai Xue , Chow Nelson
Published: June 2013

Decades of research with Western participants has documented that there is a pervasive motivation for people to view themselves as better off than others while evidence for the existence of such self-enhancement bias (SEB) among East Asians varies considerably across studies. Considering the traditional culture of Confucius on modesty, the present study hypothesizes that there should be no significant SEB among Chinese elders. Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 445 older people in China-Wuhan, in which the revised Chinese version of Image of Aging Scale (IAS-C) was filled out. SEB was calculated by subtracting participants' ratings of “Peer-Image” (P) from their ratings of Self-Image (S). However, inconsistent with our hypothesis, a significant SEB was observed among the Chinese older participants and significant differences in the magnitude of SEB were discerned among older people in different characteristic groups. Possible explanations were further provided for the mismatch between Chinese values and the existence of SEB.
Undergraduate Students' Knowledge about Aging and Attitudes toward Older Adults in East and West: A Socio-Economic and Cultural Exploration
Authors: Huang Chin-Shan
Published: June 2013

Knowledge about aging and the attitudes toward older people were surveyed in undergraduate students (total number of subjects sampled is 1402) in four countries (Japan, China, Taiwan, and Vietnam) in eastern cultures and in two countries (United States and United Kingdom) in western cultures. All participants completed two questionnaires, FAQ1 (for knowledge) and ASD (for attitudes) in their own languages. It was found that within the undergraduate students sampled: (a) the level of knowledge about aging in the western countries is significantly higher than that in the eastern countries, and (b) attitudes toward aging are more positive in the western countries compared to the eastern countries. The data suggest that, within the limits of the sampling: (a) the tradition of respecting older adults in eastern cultures may have weakened gradually, and (b) the modernization theory that assumes industrialization devalues aging populations appears to be supported in eastern countries but not in western countries. An alternative non-linear theory is discussed for the relationship between modernization and the societal views on aging. Educational promotion of knowledge about aging is emphasized for the formation of positive attitudes toward older adults.
The Mysterious Case of the Loaded Leprechaun
Authors: Inger Kerry K. , Long James H. , Loraas Tina M. , Stanley Jonathan D.
Published: June 2013

The Loaded Leprechaun is a brewery/restaurant with locations around the U.S. At the end of their meal, patrons have the option to participate in the popular “Dollar Holler” tradition, wherein they personalize a dollar bill and staple it to a surface in the restaurant. The case requires students to address the legal, financial accounting, tax, and auditing issues arising from this tradition. The modular nature of the case allows the instructor to assign individual topics or the entire case, depending on the nature of the class. As students complete the case, they are exposed to an unusual, but realistic, scenario requiring them to think critically about the underlying accounting issues and conduct professional research. In addition, implementation of the case does not require a significant investment of effort on the part of the instructor.
Synthesis of ethyl-6-aminohexanoate from caprolactam and ethanol in near-critical water
Authors: Hou Zhi , Luo Li , Liu Chun , Wang Yuan , Dai Li
Published: June 2013

The reaction between caprolactam and ethanol was performed in near-critical water. The primary product (ethyl-6-aminohexanoate) was identified by GC-MS. The influences of the reaction temperature, residence time, initial ratio (reactant/water), pH, and additives on the yields of ethyl-6-aminohexanoate are discussed. The results showed that the yield of ethyl-6-aminohexanoate could be as high as 98 % with SnCl2 as an additive in near-critical water. At the same time, the reaction between caprolactam and ethanol was estimated by a lumped kinetic equation as a second-order reaction in near-critical water, and the activation energy was evaluated according to the Arrhenius equation under acidic and basic conditions. Based on the results, the reaction mechanism between caprolactam and ethanol in near-critical water is proposed.
Fourth Contribution on Late Eocene Amber Silken Fungus Beetles: A New Baltic Amber Species of Atomaria (Coleoptera, Clavicornia, Cryptophagidae)
Authors: Lyubarsky G. Yu. , Perkovsky E. E.
Published: June 2013

Atomaria gedanicola Lyubarsky et Perkovsky, sp. n., a new cryptophagid species from Baltic amber is described. The new species is the first recorded Eocene Atomariinae. The new species is similar to A. fuscipes Gyllenhal. It differs from the latter in having pronotum flat, posterior angles of pronotum obtuse, and antenna short. The record of A. gedanicola syninclused with Ceratopogon biting midge supports the Late Eocene age of the Baltic amber, for the Holarctic affinities of both taxa are incompatible with the paratropical climate characteristic of the Mid-European Middle Eocene.
Incidence of embolism associated with carotid artery stenting: open-cell versus closed-cell stents
Authors: Park Keun Young , Kim Dong Ik , Kim Byung Moon , Nam Hyo Suk , Kim Young Dae , Heo Ji Hoe , Kim Dong Joon
Published: June 2013

Object

Carotid artery stenting (CAS) can be an alternative option for carotid endarterectomy in the prevention of ischemic stroke caused by carotid artery stenosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of stent design on the incidence of procedural and postprocedural embolism associated with CAS treatment.

Methods

Ninety-six symptomatic and asymptomatic patients, consisting of 79 males and 17 females, with moderate to severe carotid artery stenosis and a mean age of 69.0 years were treated with CAS. The stent type (48 closed-cell and 48 open-cell stents) was randomly allocated before the procedure. Imaging, procedural, and clinical outcomes were assessed and compared. The symptomatic subgroup (76 patients) was also analyzed to determine the influence of stent design on outcome.

Results

New lesions on postprocedural diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) were significantly more frequent in the open-cell than in the closed-cell stent group (24 vs 12, respectively; p = 0.020). The 30-day clinical outcome was not different between the 2 stent groups. In the symptomatic patient group, stent design (p = 0.017, OR 4.173) and recent smoking history (p = 0.036, OR 4.755) were strong risk factors for new lesions on postprocedural DWI.

Conclusions

Stent design may have an influence on the risk of new embolism, and selecting the appropriate stent may improve outcome.
Disseminated intracranial juvenile xanthogranulomatosis in a neonate without cutaneous lesions
Authors: Gressot Loyola V. , Patel Akash J. , Bollo Robert J. , Mohila Carrie A. , Jea Andrew
Published: June 2013

Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare disease that is part of a spectrum of histiocytic dendritic cell disorders. The authors report an unusual case of a 6-week-old male who presented with seizures. Neuroimaging revealed disseminated intracranial disease involving the optic apparatus, basal ganglia, lateral ventricles, and brainstem. The patient did not have any cutaneous lesions or evidence of extracranial disease. The patient underwent open biopsy of a large right midbrain lesion; pathology was consistent with JXG. He underwent postoperative chemotherapy and is doing well 7 months after surgery with regression of the intracranial lesions. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of a neonate with disseminated intracranial JXG without cutaneous stigmata.
Learning to Learn: towards a Relational and Transformational Model of Learning for Improved Integrated Care Delivery
Authors: Tsasis Peter , Evans Jenna , Rush Linda , Diamond John
Published: June 2013

Health and social care systems are implementing fundamental changes to organizational structures and work practices in an effort to achieve integrated care. While some integration initiatives have produced positive outcomes, many have not. We reframe the concept of integration as a learning process fueled by knowledge exchange across diverse professional and organizational communities. We thus focus on the cognitive and social dynamics of learning in complex adaptive systems, and on learning behaviours and conditions that foster collective learning and improved collaboration. We suggest that the capacity to learn how to learn shapes the extent to which diverse professional groups effectively exchange knowledge and self-organize for integrated care delivery.
Special Issue on Critical Assessment of Theoretical Calculations of Atomic Structure and Transition Probabilities
Authors: Jönsson Per , Chung Hyun-Kyung
Published: June 2013

There exist several codes in the atomic physics community to generate atomic structure and transition probabilities freely and readily distributed to researchers outside atomic physics community, in plasma, astrophysical or nuclear physics communities. Users take these atomic physics codes to generate the necessary atomic data or modify the codes for their own applications. However, there has been very little effort to validate and verify the data sets generated by non-expert users. [...]
The Influence of Interface Characteristics on the Adhesion/Cohesion of Plasma Sprayed Tungsten Coatings
Authors: Matějíček Jiří , Vilémová Monika , Mušálek Radek , Sachr Pavel , Horník Jakub
Published: June 2013

Tungsten is the prime candidate material for plasma facing components of future fusion devices. Plasma spraying, with its ability to coat large areas, including non-planar surfaces, with a significant thickness, is a prospective fabrication technology for components subject to moderate heat loads, e.g., the first wall of the Demonstration Reactor (DEMO). The functionality of such coatings is critically dependent on their adhesion to the underlying material. This in turn, is influenced by a variety of processing-related factors, chief among them being the state of the interface. In this study, the effects of two factors—surface roughness and the presence of thin interlayers—were investigated. Two different levels of roughness of steel substrates were induced by grit blasting, and two thin interlayers—titanium (Ti) and tungsten (W)—were applied by physical vapor deposition prior to plasma spraying of W by a Water Stabilized Plasma (WSP) torch. Coating adhesion was determined by a shear adhesion test. The structures of the coatings and the interfaces, as well as the characteristics of the fractured surfaces, were observed by SEM.
Quantitative Analysis of Lithium-Ion Battery Capacity Prediction via Adaptive Bathtub-Shaped Function
Authors: Chen Yi , Miao Qiang , Zheng Bin , Wu Shaomin , Pecht Michael
Published: June 2013

Batteries are one of the most important components in many mechatronics systems, as they supply power to the systems and their failures may lead to reduced performance or even catastrophic results. Therefore, the prediction analysis of remaining useful life (RUL) of batteries is very important. This paper develops a quantitative approach for battery RUL prediction using an adaptive bathtub-shaped function (ABF). ABF has been utilised to model the normalised battery cycle capacity prognostic curves, which attempt to predict the remaining battery capacity with given historical test data. An artificial fish swarm algorithm method with a variable population size (AFSAVP) is employed as the optimiser for the parameter determination of the ABF curves, in which the fitness function is defined in the form of a coefficient of determination (R2). A 4 x 2 cross-validation (CV) has been devised, and the results show that the method can work valuably for battery health management and battery life prediction.
Decomposing US Money Supply Changes since the Financial Crisis
Authors: Robinson Richard , El Nasser Marwan
Published: June 2013

In response to the financial crisis of 2008, the Federal Reserve radically increased the monetary base. Banks responded by increasing excess reserves rather than increasing bank loans, and the public responded with a substantial flight to liquidity in the form of currency and demand deposits. As a result, the money-supply multipliers substantially decreased, so that the actual money supply measures grew more moderately than the base. The sustained multiplier-collapse spawned reexamination of monetary versus fiscal theories of price-level determination. This paper, however, presents decompositions of the money-multiplier collapse into changes in the currency-to-deposit ratios, and changes in the reserve-to-deposit ratio. By doing so, possible near-term increases in the multipliers are simulated so that the possibility of either full or partial restoration to their pre-crisis levels is assessed. Policy possibilities for controlling the money supply over various horizons follow. This analysis illustrates the Federal Reserve’s exit dilemma that results from its financial-crisis policy.
Epicardial Lineages
Authors: Greulich Franziska , Kispert Andreas
Published: June 2013

The epicardium is the mono-layered epithelium that covers the outer surface of the myocardium from early in cardiac development. Long thought to act merely passively to protect the myocardium from frictional forces in the pericardial cavity during the enduring contraction and expansion cycles of the heart, it is now considered to be a crucial source of cells and signals that direct myocardial growth and formation of the coronary vasculature during development and regeneration. Lineage tracing efforts in the chick, the mouse and the zebrafish unambiguously identified fibroblasts in interstitial and perivascular locations as well as coronary smooth muscle cells as the two major lineages that derive from epithelial-mesenchymal transition and subsequent differentiation from individual epicardial cells. However, controversies exist about an additional endothelial and myocardial fate of epicardial progenitor cells. Here, we review epicardial fate mapping efforts in three vertebrate model systems, describe their conceptual differences and discuss their methodological limitations to reach a consensus of the potential of (pro-)epicardial cells in vitro and in vivo.
On-Chip Enucleation of Bovine Oocytes using Microrobot-Assisted Flow-Speed Control
Authors: Feng Lin , Hagiwara Masaya , Ichikawa Akihiko , Arai Fumihito
Published: June 2013

In this study, we developed a microfluidic chip with a magnetically driven microrobot for oocyte enucleation. A microfluidic system was specially designed for enucleation, and the microrobot actively controls the local flow-speed distribution in the microfluidic chip. The microrobot can adjust fluid resistances in a channel and can open or close the channel to control the flow distribution. Analytical modeling was conducted to control the fluid speed distribution using the microrobot, and the model was experimentally validated. The novelties of the developed microfluidic system are as follows: (1) the cutting speed improved significantly owing to the local fluid flow control; (2) the cutting volume of the oocyte can be adjusted so that the oocyte undergoes less damage; and (3) the nucleus can be removed properly using the combination of a microrobot and hydrodynamic forces. Using this device, we achieved a minimally invasive enucleation process. The average enucleation time was 2.5 s and the average removal volume ratio was 20%. The proposed new system has the advantages of better operation speed, greater cutting precision, and potential for repeatable enucleation.
Progress in Imidazolium Ionic Liquids Assisted Fabrication of Carbon Nanotube and Graphene Polymer Composites
Authors: Peng Rengui , Wang Yuanzhen , Tang Wei , Yang Yingkui , Xie Xiaolin
Published: June 2013

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene sheets are the most promising fillers for polymer nanocomposites due to their superior mechanical, electrical, thermal optical and gas barrier properties, as well as high flame-retardant efficiency. The critical challenge, however, is how to uniformly disperse them into the polymer matrix to achieve a strong interface for good load transfer between the two. This problem is not new but more acute in CNTs and graphene, both because they are intrinsically insoluble and tend to aggregate into bundles and because their surfaces are atomically smooth. Over the past decade, imidazolium ionic liquids (Imi-ILs) have played a multifunctional role (e.g., as solvents, dispersants, stabilizers, compatibilizers, modifiers and additives) in the fabrication of polymer composites containing CNTs or graphene. In this review, we first summarize the liquid-phase exfoliation, stabilization, dispersion of CNTs and graphene in Imi-ILs, as well as the chemical and/or thermal reduction of graphene oxide to graphene with the aid of Imi-ILs. We then present a full survey of the literature on the Imi-ILs assisted fabrication of CNTs and graphene-based nanocomposites with a variety of polymers, including fluoropolymers, hydrocarbon polymers, polyacrylates, cellulose and polymeric ionic liquids. Finally, we give a future outlook in hopes of facilitating progress in this emerging area.
Data Assimilation of the High-Resolution Sea Surface Temperature Obtained from the Aqua-Terra Satellites (MODIS-SST) Using an Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Miyazawa Yasumasa , Murakami Hiroshi , Miyama Toru , Varlamov Sergey , Guo Xinyu , Waseda Takuji , Sil Sourav
Published: June 2013

We develop an assimilation method of high horizontal resolution sea surface temperature data, provided from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS-SST) sensors boarded on the Aqua and Terra satellites operated by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), focusing on the reproducibility of the Kuroshio front variations south of Japan in February 2010. Major concerns associated with the development are (1) negative temperature bias due to the cloud effects, and (2) the representation of error covariance for detection of highly variable phenomena. We treat them by utilizing an advanced data assimilation method allowing use of spatiotemporally varying error covariance: the Local Ensemble Transformation Kalman Filter (LETKF). It is found that the quality control, by comparing the model forecast variable with the MODIS-SST data, is useful to remove the negative temperature bias and results in the mean negative bias within −0.4 °C. The additional assimilation of MODIS-SST enhances spatial variability of analysis SST over 50 km to 25 km scales. The ensemble spread variance is effectively utilized for excluding the erroneous temperature data from the assimilation process.
Sequential Fuzzy Diagnosis Method for Motor Roller Bearing in Variable Operating Conditions Based on Vibration Analysis
Authors: Li Ke , Ping Xueliang , Wang Huaqing , Chen Peng , Cao Yi
Published: June 2013

A novel intelligent fault diagnosis method for motor roller bearings which operate under unsteady rotating speed and load is proposed in this paper. The pseudo Wigner-Ville distribution (PWVD) and the relative crossing information (RCI) methods are used for extracting the feature spectra from the non-stationary vibration signal measured for condition diagnosis. The RCI is used to automatically extract the feature spectrum from the time-frequency distribution of the vibration signal. The extracted feature spectrum is instantaneous, and not correlated with the rotation speed and load. By using the ant colony optimization (ACO) clustering algorithm, the synthesizing symptom parameters (SSP) for condition diagnosis are obtained. The experimental results shows that the diagnostic sensitivity of the SSP is higher than original symptom parameter (SP), and the SSP can sensitively reflect the characteristics of the feature spectrum for precise condition diagnosis. Finally, a fuzzy diagnosis method based on sequential inference and possibility theory is also proposed, by which the conditions of the machine can be identified sequentially as well.
Bromodomain Proteins in HIV Infection
Authors: Boehm Daniela , Conrad Ryan , Ott Melanie
Published: June 2013

Bromodomains are conserved protein modules of ~110 amino acids that bind acetylated lysine residues in histone and non-histone proteins. Bromodomains are present in many chromatin-associated transcriptional regulators and have been linked to diverse aspects of the HIV life cycle, including transcription and integration. Here, we review the role of bromodomain-containing proteins in HIV infection. We begin with a focus on acetylated viral factors, followed by a discussion of structural and biological studies defining the involvement of bromodomain proteins in the HIV life cycle. We end with an overview of promising new studies of bromodomain inhibitory compounds for the treatment of HIV latency.
On the Vulnerability of Water Limited Ecosystems to Climate Change
Authors: Manfreda Salvatore , Caylor Kelly
Published: June 2013

Society is facing growing environmental problems that require new research efforts to understand the way ecosystems operate and survive, and their mutual relationships with the hydrologic cycle. In this respect, ecohydrology suggests a renewed interdisciplinary approach that aims to provide a better comprehension of the effects of climatic changes on terrestrial ecosystems. With this aim, a coupled hydrological/ecological model is adopted to describe simultaneously vegetation pattern evolution and hydrological water budget at the basin scale using as test site the Upper Rio Salado basin (Sevilleta, NM, USA). The hydrological analyses have been carried out using a recently formulated framework for the water balance at the daily level linked with a spatial model for the description of the spatial organization of vegetation. This enables quantitatively assessing the effects on soil water availability on future climatic scenarios. Results highlighted that the relationship between climatic forcing (water availability) and vegetation patterns is strongly non-linear. This implies, under some specific conditions which depend on the ecosystem characteristics, small changes in climatic conditions may produce significant transformation of the vegetation patterns.
Comparing Two Operating Configurations in a Full-Scale Arsenic Removal Plant. Case Study: Guatemala
Authors: Garrido Hoyos Sofía , Avilés Flores Martha , Ramírez Gonzalez A. , Grajeda Fajardo Celia , Cardoso Zoloeta Saúl , Velásquez Orozco Hayron
Published: June 2013

The present study was conducted in Naranjo County located in the municipality of Mixco, Guatemala. The water supply source comes from two wells with a maximum flow of 25.24 and 33.44 L·s−1. The main problem with this source is the high arsenic concentration—between 0.1341 and 0.1671 mg·L−1. The aim of this study was to conduct laboratory tests, basic engineering and supervision of the construction and evaluation of an operations plant using two configurations, A (low-rate sedimentation and ceramic filter) and B (high-rate sedimentation and clinoptilolite filter), to remove arsenic present in water for human use and consumption. This plant supplies water to Naranjo County in Mixco, Guatemala (5000 inhabitants). First, a laboratory Jar Test was performed to evaluate arsenic removal efficiency. And second, a conventional clarification plant was then built (design flow: 25.24 L·s−1). The best results were achieved with configuration B, with the following reagents and dosage as defined by the laboratory tests: 10 mg L−1 ferric chloride as coagulant; 1.8 mg·L−1 CH-polyfocal as flocculant and 0.4 mg L−1 MIT03 as color removal; 1 mg L−1 sodium hypochlorite as oxidant and adjusting pH to ≈7.0 with sodium hydroxide. Once the plant began operating, the efficiency of the treatment process was evaluated. The maximum elimination efficiencies were obtained 100% for turbidity (0 UTN), 89.54% (3.66 UPt-Co) for color and 96.80% (0.005 mg L−1) for arsenic, values that comply with Guatemalan standards. For this case, the relation between Fe(III) dosage/mg and As(V) removal was 1:46.
L'abbatiale de Saint-Germain-des-Prés et les débuts de l'architecture gothique
Authors: Plagnieux Philippe
Published: June 2013

Bien que le chevet de l'ancienne abbatiale de Saint- Germain-des- Prés occupe, aux côtés du Saint-Denis de Suger et de la cathédrale de Sens, une place importante dans l'histoire du premier art gothique, il n'avait pas encore été l'objet d'une étude monographique répondant aux exigences de la recherche actuelle. Mis en chantier vers 1145, il devait pourtant exercer une influence durable. Le nouveau chevet était destiné à abriter un ensemble de tombeaux commémoratifs visant à célébrer la mémoire des rois mérovingiens et l'illustre passé de l'abbaye fondée par Childebert. L'architecte adopta pour répondre à ce programme le parti ambitieux d'un long sanctuaire ceint d'un déambulatoire desservant une couronne de chapelles rayonnantes. L'adoption d'une élévation intérieure à trois niveaux (grandes arcades, baies jumelles ouvrant sur les combles du déambulatoire, fenêtres hautes), le choix de supports obéissant à une double logique visuelle et structurelle, la présence d'arcs-boutants pour contrebuter les voûtes d'ogives, comme le dessin de la modénature ou le traitement raffiné du décor sculpté, conduisent à attribuer le chevet parisien au maître qui, peu de temps auparavant, avait conçu la cathédrale de Sens. Le rôle joué par cet architecte d'exception dans la création du nouvel art de bâtir peut être désormais mieux apprécié.
Festons et crochets. Les pérégrinations d'un feuillage ornemental entre la France et l'Angleterre durant la première moitié du XIIe siècle
Authors: Denoël Charlotte
Published: June 2013

Le point de départ de cet article est un manuscrit des Antiquités judaïques de Flavius Josephe (Paris, B.n.F. latin 16940) qui présente des affinités paléographiques et stylistiques avec un groupe de manuscrits exécutés à Saint-Quentin de Reauvais vers 1100 et enluminés par le Maître des Evangiles d Amiens. Ces affinités s'observent en particulier dans le domaine de l'ornementation, car les initiales du Flavius Josephe sont systématiquement décorées d un profil de feuille festonnée de forme presque identique à celui qui apparaît dans les manuscrits de Beauvais précités. Elaboré par les artistes normands vers la fin du XIe siècle, ce type de feuillage s est par la suite diffusé de manière simultanée en Angleterre et au Nord de la Loire suivant deux phases chronologiquement distinctes, d'abord vers 1100, puis quelques décennies plus tard, vers 1130-1140. Ce recours à un vocabulaire ornemental commun dans les scriptoria situés de part et d'autre de la Manche offre un éclairage supplémentaire sur la nature des nombreux échanges artistiques entre l'Angleterre et le Nord de la France au cours de la première moitié du XIIe siècle.
Les chapelles du chevet de la collégiale de Mantes. Un petit chef-d'œuvre du gothique rayonnant
Authors: Gallet Yves
Published: June 2013

l'architecture gothique du dernier tiers du XIIIe siècle français est généralement décriée, en raison de l'aspect académique que présenteraient les monuments mis en chantier vers la fin du règne de Louis IX, par des maîtres d'œuvre figés dans le respect d une tradition indépassable. Cette prétendue incapacité à renouveler les formules héritées d'un premier XIIIe siècle extraordinairement créatif doit être réévaluée à l'aune de monuments comme les chapelles rayonnantes ajoutées vers 1265-1280 au déambulatoire de la collégiale de Mantes. Avec leurs jeux de réseaux d'une impressionnante variété et d'un grand effet décoratif, ces chapelles longtemps attribuées au XIV siècle témoignent de l'esprit qui animait alors les maîtres d'oeuvre, et que l'on propose de définir ici par l'expression de « fantaisie virtuose » : une démarche toute d'originalité et d'inventivité, qui manie avec maîtrise un répertoire classique conjugué à un goût nominaliste pour la forme singulière. Ces caractères font des chapelles de Mantes un véritable petit chef-d'œuvre du style rayonnant, qui évoque les recherches du Decorated Style ou préfigure le gothique de la Rhénanie du début du XIVe siècle.