bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Probability of Abusive Head Trauma: A Pooled Analysis
Authors: Maguire Sabine Ann , Kemp Alison Mary , Lumb Rebecca Caroline , Farewell Daniel Mark
Published: August 2011

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE:

To determine which combinations of clinical features assist in distinguishing abusive head trauma (AHT) from nonabusive head trauma.

METHODS:

Individual patient data from 6 comparative studies of children younger than 3 years with intracranial injury were analyzed to determine the association between AHT and combinations of apnea; retinal hemorrhage; rib, skull, and long-bone fractures; seizures; and head and/or neck bruising. An aggregate analysis of data from these studies used multiple imputation of combined clinical features using a bespoke hotdeck imputation strategy, which accounted for uncertainty arising from missing information.

RESULTS:

Analyzing 1053 children (348 had AHT), excluding nonsignificant variables (gender, age, skull fractures), for a child with an intracranial injury and 1 or 2 of the 6 features, the positive predictive value (PPV) of AHT varies from 4% to 97% according to the different combinations. Although rarely recorded, apnea is significantly associated with AHT (odds ratio [OR]: 6.89 [confidence interval: 2.08–22.86]). When rib fracture or retinal hemorrhage was present with any 1 of the other features, the OR for AHT is >100 (PPV > 85%). Any combination of 3 or more of the 6 significant features yielded an OR of >100 (PPV for AHT > 85%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Probabilities of AHT can be estimated on the basis of different combinations of clinical features. The model could be further developed in a prospective large-scale study, with an expanded clinical data set, to contribute to a more refined tool to inform clinical decisions about the likelihood of AHT.
Efficacy of Saflufenacil plus Dimethenamid-P for Weed Control in Corn
Authors: Moran Meghan , Sikkema Peter H. , Swanton Clarence J.
Published: August 2011

A new, prepackaged mixture of saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P has been introduced for PRE control of grass and broadleaf weeds in corn. Field experiments with this new herbicide combination were conducted in 2008 and 2009 at four locations in southern Ontario, Canada. The objective of this study was to determine the dose of saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P required for overall weed control and species-specific weed control, as well as the dose required for early season weed control when followed with glyphosate at the six- to eight-leaf corn stage. Based on weed dry weight, the GR95 across locations ranged from 126 to 675 g ha−1. The 95% growth reduction (GR95) for common ragweed, common lambsquarters, pigweed, and wild mustard were 933, 325, 186, and 115 g ha−1, respectively. Highest corn yields were achieved with saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P applied alone at doses ranging from 368 to 1470 g ha−1. When followed by glyphosate, the dose range of saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P required to achieve the greatest corn yields was 46 to 1,470 g ha−1. A minimum dose of 184 g ha−1 of saflufenacil + dimethenamid-P followed by glyphosate was required for the yield to exceed that of the single treatment of glyphosate applied alone.
Classification of Roadside Weeds along Two Highways in Different Climatic Zones According to Ecomorphological Traits
Authors: Hayasaka Daisuke , Akasaka Munemitsu , Miyauchi Daisaku , Uchida Taizo
Published: August 2011

Growth of vegetation in curbside cracks causes deterioration of asphalt and curbs, reducing road longevity and safety capabilities. Road managers spend a considerable amount of time and money on roadside vegetation management every year. The vegetation in curbside cracks in these study regions is managed approximately once a year by mowing and road sweeping using street-sweeper trucks. Nevertheless, ideal management practices of roadside vegetation have not yet been established partly due to insufficient knowledge of the ecological strategies of plants invading roadsides, especially curbside cracks. Although establishment of plants in the cracks might be restricted due to severe anthropogenic road disturbances, the cracks could be habitats for species with specific ecological traits. The objective of this study was to clarify the floristic and functional characteristics of roadside weeds, particularly species invading curbside cracks, to provide information for effective road management. The species composition of plants invading the cracks was surveyed along Route 3 (southern Japan) and Route 4 (eastern Japan) in different climatic zones, based on 108 floristic inventories. We compared species occurrence and composition to characterize the dominant ecomorphological traits of the species. In total, 163 species occurred in curbside cracks along both routes. Species composition of vegetation in curbside cracks was more variable between the routes than between land-use types. Of the 54 species, more than 5% occurred in all plots, and only three had differences in occurrence among land-use types. Ecomorphological trait composition patterns of the species were similar across land-use types. From these results, we found that regardless of differences in species composition among regions, climatic conditions, and surrounding land-use type, there were some dominant ecomorphological traits of roadside vegetation with plants in curbside cracks, such as ephemeral monophytes that are barochorous or anemochorous. By contrast, rhizomatous perennials, which cause greater deterioration of asphalt than ephemeral monophytes, were rare along the cracks. Although vegetation composition and structure generally depend on land-use types and disturbance regimes, linear landscape elements such as curbsides might be habitats for plants adapted to road disturbances. Roadside vegetation management, such as mowing and road sweeping once a year, seems sufficient to restrict establishment of rhizomatous perennials around Japan.
Smooth Crabgrass Control with Indaziflam at Various Spring Timings
Authors: Brosnan J. T. , McCullough P. E. , Breeden G. K.
Published: August 2011

Indaziflam is an alkylazine herbicide that controls annual grasses by inhibiting cellulose biosynthesis. Compared with other PRE herbicides like prodiamine, indaziflam has a longer half-life in soil (> 150 d), which may allow for greater flexibility with application timing. Research was conducted in 2010 in Tennessee and Georgia evaluating smooth crabgrass control efficacy with indaziflam applied at early PRE, PRE, and early POST timings on the basis of soil temperature. Regardless of application timing, all rates of indaziflam (35, 52.5, and 70 g ai ha−1) controlled smooth crabgrass 89 to 100%. Prodiamine at 840 g ai ha−1applied PRE provided ≥ 99% smooth crabgrass control on all rating dates. Smooth crabgrass plant counts were significantly correlated (r= −0.961; p < 0.0001) with visual ratings of smooth crabgrass control at the end of the study. Application flexibility with indaziflam may benefit turf managers in scheduling herbicide applications for smooth crabgrass control in Tennessee and Georgia.
A General Multivariate Latent Growth Model With Applications to Student Achievement
Authors: Bianconcini Silvia , Cagnone Silvia
Published: August 2011

The evaluation of the formative process in the University system has been assuming an ever increasing importance in the European countries. Within this context, the analysis of student performance and capabilities plays a fundamental role. In this work, the authors propose a multivariate latent growth model for studying the performances of a cohort of students of the University of Bologna. The model proposed is innovative since it is composed by (a) multivariate growth models that allow the capture of different dynamics of student performance indicators over time and (b) a factor model that allows measurement of the general latent student capability. The flexibility of the model proposed allows its applications in several fields such as socioeconomic settings in which personal behaviors are studied using panel data.
Diagnostic Role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Breast Lump With its Correlation with Histopathology
Authors: Khatun Hazara , Enam Suraiya , Hussain Maleeha , Begum Monowara
Published: August 2011

This study was carried out to evaluate the accuracy of FNAC and its role in palpable breast lumps for the early surgical management in outdoor and indoor patients of Dhaka Medical College during the period of January to December 2000. FNAC was performed on 310 patients who presented with palpable breast lumps. Histopathology was available in 122 cases, among which cytologically diagnosed benign cases were 106 proved so histologically in 105 (99.05%) cases but catagorized correctly in 99 cases. There was false negative diagnosis in one case. All 14 cases diagnosed as malignant in cytological examination were confirmed as such histologically. Two cases reported as suspicious for malignancy in cytological diagnosis, was proved malignant histologically. False positive diagnosis was made in one case. The accuracy of FNAC in the diagnosis of breast lump is quite satisfactory and can be compared with histopathological diagnosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8388 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 65-69
Study on Clinicopathologic Correlation of Malignant Tumors of Urinary Bladder
Authors: Badruddoza SM , Azim FA , Rahman AJEN , Kamal M , Barua AR , Khan KH , Chowdhury T
Published: August 2011

A total of 57 cases clinically suspicious to be urinary bladder malignancies were studied for clinico-histopathological correlations. Patients had different age ranges, sexes, occupations and habit of smoking but all of them presented with painless gross or microscopic haematuria. Histopathological examinations revealed all as malignant tumors of different types and grades. Gross male smokers preponderance and significant proportion of cases from age range 50 to 80 years were noted. So in a proper clinical setting, every haematuria case should be evaluated specially for bladder malignancy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/taj.v14i2.8392 TAJ 2001; 14(2): 81-84
Antiviral Properties of Lactoferrin—A Natural Immunity Molecule
Authors: Berlutti Francesca , Pantanella Fabrizio , Natalizi Tiziana , Frioni Alessandra , Paesano Rosalba , Polimeni Antonella , Valenti Piera
Published: August 2011

Lactoferrin, a multifunctional iron binding glycoprotein, plays an important role in immune regulation and defence mechanisms against bacteria, fungi and viruses. Lactoferrin’s iron withholding ability is related to inhibition of microbial growth as well as to modulation of motility, aggregation and biofilm formation of pathogenic bacteria. Independently of iron binding capability, lactoferrin interacts with microbial, viral and cell surfaces thus inhibiting microbial and viral adhesion and entry into host cells. Lactoferrin can be considered not only a primary defense factor against mucosal infections, but also a polyvalent regulator which interacts in viral infectious processes. Its antiviral activity, demonstrated against both enveloped and naked viruses, lies in the early phase of infection, thus preventing entry of virus in the host cell. This activity is exerted by binding to heparan sulphate glycosaminoglycan cell receptors, or viral particles or both. Despite the antiviral effect of lactoferrin, widely demonstrated in vitro studies, few clinical trials have been carried out and the related mechanism of action is still under debate. The nuclear localization of lactoferrin in different epithelial human cells suggests that lactoferrin exerts its antiviral effect not only in the early phase of surface interaction virus-cell, but also intracellularly. The capability of lactoferrin to exert a potent antiviral activity, through its binding to host cells and/or viral particles, and its nuclear localization strengthens the idea that lactoferrin is an important brick in the mucosal wall, effective against viral attacks and it could be usefully applied as novel strategy for treatment of viral infections.
Canadian Initiatives to Prevent Hypertension by Reducing Dietary Sodium
Authors: Campbell Norm R. C. , Willis Kevin J. , L’Abbe Mary , Strang Robert , Young Eric
Published: August 2011

Hypertension is the leading risk for premature death in the world. High dietary sodium is an important contributor to increased blood pressure and is strongly associated with other important diseases (e.g., gastric cancer, calcium containing kidney stones, osteoporosis, asthma and obesity). The average dietary sodium intake in Canada is approximately 3400 mg/day. It is estimated that 30% of hypertension, more than 10% of cardiovascular events and 1.4 billion dollars/year in health care expenses are caused by this high level of intake in Canada. Since 2006, Canada has had a focused and evolving effort to reduce dietary sodium based on actions from Non Governmental Organizations (NGO), and Federal and Provincial/Territorial Government actions. NGOs initiated Canadian sodium reduction programs by developing a policy statement outlining the health issue and calling for governmental, NGO and industry action, developing and disseminating an extensive health care professional education program including resources for patient education, developing a public awareness campaign through extensive media releases and publications in the lay press. The Federal Government responded by striking a Intersectoral Sodium Work Group to develop recommendations on how to implement Canada’s dietary reference intake values for dietary sodium and by developing timelines and targets for foods to be reduced in sodium, assessing key research gaps with funding for targeted dietary sodium based research, developing plans for public education and for conducting evaluation of the program to reduce dietary sodium. While food regulation is a Federal Government responsibility Provincial and Territorial governments indicated reducing dietary sodium needed to be a priority. Federal and Provincial Ministers of Health have endorsed a target to reduce the average consumption of sodium to 2300 mg/day by 2016 and the Deputy Ministers of Health have tasked a joint committee to review the recommendations of the Sodium Work Group and report back to them.
Multiple OralCandidaInfections in Patients with Sjögren’s Syndrome — Prevalence and Clinical and Drug Susceptibility Profiles
Authors: YAN ZHIMIN , YOUNG ANDREW L. , HUA HONG , XU YANYING
Published: August 2011

Objective.

To determine the prevalence of oral candidiasis and multiple oralCandidainfections in patients with primary Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), and the clinical and drug susceptibility profile.

Methods.

Thirty patients with primary SS were enrolled in our study. The diagnosis of oral candidiasis was based on the clinical manifestation, and confirmed by a concentrated rinse culture.Candidaspp. assessment was accomplished using standard methods: Sabouraud dextrose agar with 50 mg/l chloramphenicol and CHROMagar were used for the rapid screening of clinical species, followed by the API 20C system for further species identification.In vitroantifungal drug susceptibility ofCandidaisolates was determined by the minimal inhibitory concentrations.

Results.

In our study, 87% (26/30) of subjects had oral candidiasis, in which 42% (11/26) had multipleCandidaspp. infection. AlthoughC. albicansremains the predominant isolate, other rare species such asC. tropicalis,C. glabrata,C. parapsilosis, andC. kruseiwere present, alone or in combination. Chronic atrophic candidiasis is the most common clinical type of oral candidiasis in patients with SS. The susceptibilities of the 44Candidaisolates to 7 antifungal agents varied dramatically. The resistance to azoles was remarkable, and the phenomenon of cross-resistance between itraconazole and fluconazole was observed.

Conclusion.

Patients with primary SS carry a high risk of oral candidiasis and a high frequency of multipleCandidainfections. The azole resistance patterns ofCandidaspp. support the necessity for drug susceptibility testing as a routine procedure for patients with oralCandidainfections.
Associations of Vitamin D Binding Protein Gene Polymorphisms with the Development of Peripheral Arthritis and Uveitis in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: JUNG KYONG-HEE , KIM TAE-HWAN , SHEEN DONG-HYUK , LIM MI-KYOUNG , LEE SANG-KWANG , KIM JI-YOUNG , PARK HYO , CHAE SOO-CHEON , SHIM SEUNG-CHEOL
Published: August 2011

Objective.

Genetic factors account for more than 90% of overall susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and recent studies have focused on non-major histocompatibility complex genes. Vitamin D binding protein (DBP) is a highly polymorphic protein that transports vitamin D and its metabolites. In addition to its sterol binding capacity, DBP has many other roles in the inflammatory and immune systems, and has been reported to be associated with autoimmune diseases. We investigated the association between DBP polymorphisms and susceptibility to AS.

Methods.

This case-control study was conducted in 223 patients with AS and 239 ethnically matched controls who were genotyped for 8 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the DBP and its promoter. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes using the standard phenolchloroform method, and the GoldenGate assay was used for genotyping.

Results.

No significant association was found between the susceptibility to AS and DBP polymorphisms. In a subgroup analysis of patients with AS, G alleles at rs222016 and rs222020 (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.42–0.95, p = 0.03; OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.42–0.95, p = 0.03, respectively) and A allele at rs3733359 (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39–0.90, p = 0.01) showed the decreased risk of peripheral arthritis. G allele at rs4752 showed increased risk of uveitis (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.12–3.72, p = 0.02). On the haplotype analyses, haplotype 2 (AGGA) protected against the development of peripheral arthritis (p = 0.01) and haplotype 3 (GAAG) was associated with an increased likelihood of uveitis (p = 0.02).

Conclusion.

DBP gene polymorphisms are associated with the development of peripheral arthritis and uveitis in Korean patients with AS. Given the influence of different DBP variants on the immune system, larger-scale studies are warranted to elucidate the role of DBP in the pathogenesis of AS.
Mortality in Patients with Biopsy-proven Giant Cell Arteritis: A South Australian Population-based Study
Authors: NINAN JEM , NGUYEN ANH-MINH , COLE ANTONIA , RISCHMUELLER MAUREEN , DODD THOMAS , ROBERTS-THOMSON PETER , HILL CATHERINE L.
Published: August 2011

Objective.

To compare mortality rates and cause of death in patients with biopsy-proven giant cell arteritis (GCA) with those in the general population.

Methods.

Patients with biopsy-proven GCA were identified from pathology reports of temporal artery biopsies in South Australia, from January 1, 1992, to December 31, 2006. All patients with biopsy-proven GCA were linked to the South Australian Births, Death and Marriage Registry to identify deaths until December 31, 2006. Standardized mortality ratios and relative survival (ratio of observed survival in GCA group to expected survival of general South Australian population, matched by age, sex, and calendar time) were calculated. The cause of death recorded on the death certificate was also documented.

Results.

There were 225 cases of biopsy-proven GCA (163 women and 62 men). The mean age at diagnosis of GCA was 78.2 years. The mean followup period was 66.2 months (SD 47.1 mo). During the followup period, there were 71 deaths in the GCA group (50 women, 21 men). The standardized mortality ratio was 0.99 (95% CI 0.77–1.25). The relative survival for different followup periods demonstrates that patients with GCA experienced similar mortality to the general population (age-matched and sex-matched). Death from cardiovascular causes (45%) was the most common, followed by infection (17%) and cancer (17%). Infection was a significantly more common cause of death in the first year (chi-squared, p = 0.0002).

Conclusion.

Our population-based cohort study did not demonstrate any increased mortality risk for patients diagnosed with biopsy-proven GCA. The risk of death from infection early in the disease may be increased.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-blocking Agents for Children with Enthesitis-related Arthritis — Data from the Dutch Arthritis and Biologicals in Children Register, 1999–2010
Authors: OTTEN MARIEKE H. , PRINCE FEMKE H.M. , TWILT MARINKA , ten CATE REBECCA , ARMBRUST WINEKE , HOPPENREIJS ESTHER P.A.H. , KOOPMAN-KEEMINK YVONNE , WULFFRAAT NICO M. , GORTER SIMONE L. , DOLMAN KOERT M. , SWART JOOST F. , van den BERG J. MERLIJN , van ROSSUM MARION A.J. , van SUIJLEKOM-SMIT LISETTE W.A.
Published: August 2011

Objective.

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of biological agents in children with enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA).

Methods.

All patients with ERA in whom a biological agent was initiated between 1999 and 2010 were selected from the Dutch Arthritis and Biologicals in Children (ABC) register. In this ongoing multicenter observational register, data on the course of the disease and medication use are retrieved prospectively at the start of the biological agent, after 3 months, and yearly thereafter. Inactive disease was assessed in accordance with the Wallace criteria.

Results.

Twenty-two patients with ERA started taking 1 or more biological agents: 20 took etanercept, 2 took adalimumab (1 switched from etanercept to adalimumab), and 2 took infliximab (1 switched from etanercept to infliximab). Characteristics: 77% were male, 77% had enthesitis, 68% were HLA-B27-positive. The median age of onset was 10.4 (IQR 9.4–12.0) years; median followup from the start of the biological agent was 1.2 (IQR 0.5–2.4) years. Intention-to-treat analysis shows that inactive disease was achieved in 7 of 22 patients (32%) after 3 months, 5 of 13 patients (38%) after 15 months, and 5 of 8 patients (63%) after 27 months of treatment. Two patients discontinued etanercept because of ineffectiveness, and switched to adalimumab (inactive disease achieved) or infliximab (decline in joints with arthritis after 3 months of treatment). One patient discontinued etanercept because of remission, but had flare and restarted treatment, with good clinical response. No serious adverse events occurred.

Conclusion.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-blocking agents seem effective and safe for patients with ERA that was previously unresponsive to 1 or more DMARD. However, a sustained disease-free state could not be achieved, and none discontinued TNF-blocking agents successfully.
Outcomes of Parental Mental Illness on Children: A Qualitative Study from Iran
Authors: Oskouie Fatemeh , Zeighami Reza , Joolaee Soodabeh
Published: August 2011

Children of parents with mental illness are a substantial, yet marginalized group. This study, as part of a more extensive research project, used grounded theory to explore the outcomes of parental mental illness on their children. Seventeen informants were interviewed at a mental hospital in the city of Qazvin, Iran. The participants were selected using purposeful and theoretical sampling. Interviews were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin’s method. It was revealed that parental mental illness leads to five major outcomes that involve communication, mental, educational, economic, and extra roles factors. As such, it is suggested that these children should be considered within health care plans and that policy makers, nurses, and other health care providers use these findings for preventive and educational purposes.
Publication Bias and Outcome Reporting Bias: Agomelatine as a Case Example
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: August 2011

Publication bias and outcome reporting bias contribute to distorted perceptions of drug efficacy and the underreporting of adverse events. To demonstrate these biases, this article describes how the clinical profile of the antidepressant agent agomelatine (Valdoxan
®
) has been presented in the literature. Agomelatine has been systematically assessed in 10 short-term placebo-controlled studies and three long-term placebo-controlled relapse prevention studies. Five published trials demonstrated clinically modest but statistically significant benefits over placebo. Five unpublished trials did not find agomelatine more effective than placebo, but in two of these studies the active comparison drug (fluoxetine [Prozac
®
] or paroxetine [Paxil
®
]) was more effective than placebo. Agomelatine was more effective than placebo in one of three relapse prevention studies, but only the positive study was published. Based on what is evident in the entire published and unpublished dataset, agomelatine does not have a tremendously superior sleep and sexual effects profile. The risk of liver toxicity is also not prominently highlighted in the published literature.
Research on Relationship between Modulus and Tooth Number of Transmitting Gear and Vibration Noise
Authors: Dai Guang Hao , Zhao Ai Jun , Zhang Hai Fu , Gao Chang Wei
Published: August 2011

The dynamic model of gear driving system is built using centralized mass method in this paper. On the base of frequency domain and time domain results of model derived from equation of Fourier series, the example of a certain gearbox is calculated. Through adjusting the parameters of modulus and tooth number of gearbox, the dynamics computation is completed. The relationship between diversification of modulus and tooth number of gear and vibration noise is gained by comparatively analyzing the calculation results.
Influence of Flyweight Profile on Regulating Characteristic of Rubber V-Belt CVT
Authors: Ding Hua Feng , Zhu Cai Chao , Liu Huai Ju
Published: August 2011

Flyweight is an important part of CVT (continuously variable transmission), whose quality affects the regulating characteristics directly. This paper investigates the influence of flyweight profile on regulating characteristics, which based on the numerical model of the rubber V-belt CVT in steady state. Ideal profile of the flyweight is described which can lead to a constant power peak engine speed. In view of manufacture, the profile is simplified to be an arc and two arcs, respectively, to view the variation of the regulating line of the CVT. Conclusion can be proposed that multi-arcs, like two arcs is better compared with the profile made up of only one constant radius arc according to the subsequence regulating characteristic of CVT.
A New Method of Constructing Tooth Surface for Logarithmic Spiral Bevel Gear
Authors: Li Qiang , Wei Zi Liang , Yan Hong Bo
Published: August 2011

In this article it constructs tooth surface equation of a new type of bevel gear which is logarithmic spiral bevel gear by the tooth trace and the tooth profile curve with space geometric knowledge. By means of the CAD software which can intuitively understand the complex curves and surfaces and the MATLAB software platform, it makes the complex mathematical theory be easier to understand and apply correctly, and verifies the correctness of the tooth surface equations.
Study of the Brush Seal Design and Test Technology
Authors: Li Ning , Tang Guang , He Ling
Published: August 2011

Design and test technologies for brush seal are summarized in this paper. Test process under static and dynamic states for brush seal is introduced. The test results show that flow parameter of Φ2 for brush seal manufactured by ourselves meets the requirements for limits specified in related documents abroad.
Optimization Procedure for Complete Planetary Gearboxes with Torque, Weight, Costs and Dimensional Restrictions
Authors: Kissling Ulrich , Bae Inho
Published: August 2011

In a gear box design, it is quite difficult for a designer to quickly find an optimum solution, while the space restriction is given and the weight is to be minimized. Also the manufacturing cost, total power loss and other relevant factors have to be considered. Solving such a problem is very time-consuming, if different variants of reducers have to be evaluated carefully. A new optimization tool, based on KISSsys software, permits to layout automatically a complete gearbox using functions for the layout of gear stages, shaft dimensions and bearings, if the required torque capacity, life time, safety factors and the total ratio are given. This tool is used to generate a complete set of different variants of gear reducers. The main results are displayed in 3D graphics, showing weight, costs and efficiency of the different variants. Another graph shows the casing dimensions of the variants in three dimensions in order to check the compliance with space restriction. The use of this tool in two typical engineering applications gives very good results; the potential for weight reduction is higher than expected, going up to 30%. Manufacturing price reduction is even higher, going up to 50%.
Structure Design Research for Concrete Mixer Blade
Authors: Zhang Hui , Tang Qian , Zhang Yuan Xun
Published: August 2011

Aimed at the problems of logarithmic spiral blade mixing unequally and square spiral blade discharging in slow speed, a new method for deriving mixing drum spiral blade was proposed based on the principle of differentiation, deducing both logarithmic spiral and square spiral. Combined with actual demand, a new type of mixing drum spiral blade was designed. Compared with traditional spiral blade, helical lead angle of the new spiral became smaller in a certain range. The variation scope of pitch and taper section diameter were more reasonable, and then the mathmatical model of new mixing drum had been established.
Modeling and Analysis of Gear Driving System Based on the CATIA
Authors: Cao Wei , Wang Rui
Published: August 2011

In this paper, CATIA was used to establish the parameterized model for gear driving system of reducer. The Assembly Design workbench was used to complete the virtual assembly and the DMU Kinematics module was adopted to simulate the movement of gear pair. Finally, finite element analysis was conducted by using Analysis &Simulation module to simulate the actual working condition of gear driving system, which verified the rationality of parametric model and the accuracy of calculation , at the same time, provided the reference data for failure analysis.
Initial Behavior of Speed Increasing Helical Gears by Torque Fluctuation
Authors: Park Chan Il
Published: August 2011

This work studied initial impact behavior of speed increasing helical gears with backlash and the change of mesh stiffness by torque fluctuation. For this purpose, single degree of freedom equations of motion of helical gears with the periodical change of mesh stiffness and backlash, and its dimensionless form were derived. The Newmark beta method and the Newton-Raphson method were used to obtain nonlinear behavior of helical gears. Many excitation frequencies initially caused the tooth separation and single-sided impacts of the gear pair and eventually led to the normal tooth contact. However, some special excitation frequencies caused the single-sided impacts in the entire time. Damping increase reduced the initial transient period. Backlash increase extended the duration of single-sided impacts and also increased mesh force.
Transient Behavior of Air Flow through the Intake Manifold of a Heavy Duty Diesel Engine
Authors: Srisattha T. , Issarakul S. , Wechsatol Wishsanuruk , Wannatong K.
Published: August 2011

This research is aimed to study the transient behavior of air flow through the intake manifold of a heavy duty diesel engine according to the step of valve opening. The numerical study of air flow through the intake manifold was done on the 6SD-1 Isuzu engine. Two numerical techniques, finite element and finite volume methods were used in comparison and tendency confirmation of air flow characteristics inside the manifold. The transient air flow was studied at the engine speed of 1,000 rpm, 1,500 and 2,000 rpm. The numerical results from both numerical techniques agree exceptionally well with each other. The transient behavior of air flow according to the step of valve opening is well illustrated.
Rock Damage Research Based on the Energy Principles
Authors: Gao Wei , Wang Lei , Yang Da Yong
Published: August 2011

For the damage process of rock is a kind of energy-consuming process in nature, it should conform to the least energy consumption principle. Here, a new damage evolution model based on the least energy consumption principle is proposed. With real experiments of granite specimens, the new model is verified. It can be seen that, the stress-strain curves (part before the peak) of the theoretical curve is coincided with the test curve well. So, this new method is suitable to describe the evolution process of rock damage.
Analysis on the Thermal Error Compensation Model of Direct-Drive A/C Bi-Rotary Milling Head
Authors: Zheng Peng , Bao Xin , Cui Fang
Published: August 2011

The thermal deformation error that is the biggest error of effecting the machining precision of Direct-drive A/C Bi-rotary Milling Head was narrated in brief. Based on the introduce of the study status on the thermal error compensation techniques of CNC Machine tool, the momentum of thermal deformation of Bi-rotary Milling Head was analyzed. According to the Trigonometric Relations in A/C axis rotation angle of Bi-rotary Milling Head and the momentum of thermal deformation in Bi-rotary Milling Head and -axis respectively, a thermal error compensation model was established to make the Machine tool to compensate for thermal errors in -axis.
Application of Taguchi and Response Surface Methodologies for Surface Roughness in Rotary Tool Polishing Hardness Mould Steels
Authors: Potejana Potejanasak , Thongchattu Chakthong
Published: August 2011

This research proposes a new application of 3-axis CNC milling machine for polishing the 60 HRC hardness steels. The rotary polishing tools are designed by refer to the end-mill ball nose’s design. The diamond powder are coated in rotary polishing tools by resinoid bonding method and concentrated in 4.4 karat/cm2. The Zig-milling tool paths are used to polish the hardness steel. After polishing, the confocal laser scanning microscope is used to analyze the arithmetic mean surface roughness of the hardness steels. The L12 orthogonal array of the Taguchi’s method is selected to conduct the matrix experiment to determine the optimal polishing process parameters. The diamond grit size and cutting speed of the rotary polishing tools, feed rate and step over of the tool path, the depth of polishing process penetration, and polishing time are used to study. The combination of the optimal level for each factor of the hardness steel polishing process are used to study again in the confirmation experiment. The predicted signal to noise ratio of smaller - the better under optimal condition are calculated by using the data from the experiment. The combination of the optimal level for each factor are used to study again in the confirmation experiment and the result show that polishing time was a dominant parameter for the surface roughness and the next was depth of penetration. The response surface design is then used to build the relationship between the input parameters and output responses. The experimental results show that the integrated approach does indeed find the optimal parameters that result in very good output responses in the rotary polishing tools polished hardness mould steel using CNC milling machine. The mean surface roughness of hardness steel polishing process is improved by the diamond rotary tools with the 3-axis CNC milling machine.
Thermally and Chemically Added-Calcium Composite Activation of Coal Gangue and its Application in Cement
Authors: Song Xu Yan , Han Jing Yun , Gao Zhi Hai
Published: August 2011

Activation of coal gangue from Yixing was done by the method of addition of calcium during calcination. Structural characteristic and cementitious properties of activated samples were analyzed. And then hydration degree of activated coal gangue cement was studied. The results show that: thermally and chemically added-calcium composite activation method can improve the activity of coal gangue. At 1050°C, more effective silicate minerals may be in activated samples, with which cement system may have a higher degree of hydration. infra-red(IR) spectra shows that large number of new mineral peaks can occur in activated sample, and with extending of hydration age mineral peaks gradually decreases until it disappears.
The Study on Accelerated Life Mechanism of Glass Fiber Reinforced Magnesium Oxychloride Cement
Authors: Dong Jin Mei , Yu Hong Fa , Liu Qian Qian
Published: August 2011

Accelerated aging procedure and SIC test method have been used to determine the mechanical property of glass fiber reinforced magnesium oxychloride cement (GRMC). Hydration product, microstructure and corrosion degree of glass fibers have been analyzed by XRD and SEM in the oxychloride magnesium cement matrix. The mechanism of mechanical property degradation has been concluded based on the analysis of testing data. For ordinary GRMC sample, the main hydration product 5Mg(OH)2·MgCl2·8H2O (5·1·8) hydrolyzed to Mg(OH)2 easily in water. Mechanical property degraded because of the formation of leptophyllous Mg(OH)2, the looseness of interface region of matrix and glass fiber and corrosion of glass fiber. However, the extended mechanical performance was excellent due to the steadily exsit of 5·1·8 in high performance GRMC sample. It could be concluded that the 5·1·8 existing steadily in oxychloride magnesium cement matrix was the basilic premise for glass fiber which could not be corrupted easily.
Synthesis and Characterization of Sol-Gel Derived Magnesium Tantalate Nanopowder
Authors: Jiang Yi Shan , Luo Jiang Hua , Li Zhen , Chen Lu Ning
Published: August 2011

Cornstalk fibers were modified with surface modification and the properties of cornstalk fiber/gypsum composites was studied. The results showed that mechanical properties of cornstalk fiber/gypsum composites were enhanced by adding unmodified cornstalk fibers, but composites waterproof performance was decreased greatly. Through surface modification on cornstalk fibers, composites mechanical properties were further enhanced, and composites waterproof performance was improved obviously. The mechanism of surface modification was discussed, and the model of interfacial zone between modified cornstalk fiber and gypsum matrix was proposed.
Density Functional Theory Study of Influence of Hydrogen Absorption on the Field Emission Properties of Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Sun Kai , Fan Zhi Qin , Liu Xiu Ying
Published: August 2011

The field-emission properties of capped(5, 5) single-walled carbon nanotubes with hydrogen adsorbed on the tip with and without an applied electric field have been investigated using first-principles density-functional theory. It is found that the structure of carbon nanotubes with hydrogen molecules is stable under field-emission conditions. The local density of states at the Fermi level increases with the adsorption of hydrogen molecules. These results elucidate that the field-emission properties of carbon nanotubes can be enhanced by the adsorption of hydrogen molecules, and are consistent with the experimental results.
Mechanical Properties Simulation of Squeeze Cast Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Guo Zhi Hong , Hou Hua , Qu Shu Wei
Published: August 2011

A research program was simulated to study the effects of pouring temperature, squeeze pressure and die temperature on the tensile, elongation and hardness properties of AZ91D magnesium alloys using anycasting software. The curves with different processing parameters on mechanical properties have been painted. The results indicated that mechanical properties increased firstly, then decreased when the pouring temperature increased to 670°C, and gradually increased with the increasing of squeeze pressure. The affect laws of mould temperature are similar as ones of pouring temperature. Eventually found that the squeeze casting got better mechanical properties(σb= 225MPa, δ= 3.6%, Vickers hardness=62) on the pouring temperature 670°C, mold temperature 180°C, holding pressure 120Mpa, pressure duration 25s.
Study on Arc Ion Plating Nitride Films of Microscopic Morphology and Micro-Hardness
Authors: Tao Qing , Sui Yan Wei , Zhi Sun , Song Wei
Published: August 2011

AlN and TiN thin films are widely used in electronic devices and acoustic material and other fields because of its unique merit, the preparation of nitride thin films by using the arc ion plating has not been a systematic and deep study. The article presents our research procedure which the AlN and TiN thin films are deposited on stainless steel substrate by arc ion plating (AIP). The characteristics of thin films, for example microstructure, morphology, composition analysis and hardness, are examined and analyzed. The results showed that: Droplet-like particles appear in the microstructure of nitride thin films, and the grain size of droplet-like particles in AlN thin films is greater than in TiN thin films. The micro-hardness of nitride films preparation in experiment has improved significantly, and establish firmly basic for extending the application field of nitride film.
Poly[N-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-L-Phenylalanine] with Good Solubility and Good Blue Light-Emitting Properties via Electropolymerization
Authors: Lai Cun Yuan , Guo Wen Juan , Tang Xin De , Zhang Guang You , Pan Qi Wei , Pei Mei Shan
Published: August 2011

Poly[N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-L-phenylalanine] (PN9FPA) films with good fluorescence properties and good solubility were prepared electrochemically by direct anodic oxidation of N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-L-phenylalanine (N9FPA) in boron trifluoride diethyletherate (BFEE). The structures of the monomer and the polymers were characterized and evaluated with IR. The fluorescence spectra indicated that PN9FPA films were blue-light emitters.
Process Research of Amorphous SiO2 for Optical Fiber Preform by Sol-Gel
Authors: Tang Hui , Zhao Yuan , Zhang Jin Zhong , Sha Yu , Jin Li Guo
Published: August 2011

To prepare the amorphous SiO2 optical fiber preform which has lower attenuation, we selected TEOS as raw material, H2O as menstruum, HCl as catalyst, CH3NO as anti-cracking agent, prepared the mandrel material of SiO2 optical fiber preform by sol-gel method. The XRD, SEM, FT-IR and TG were used to study the characteristic of the samples. The results show that the TEOS and H2O can be uniformly mixed with vigorous stirring and water increasing. The hydrolysis rate of TEOS will increase with the increasing HCl volume. The transparency will decrease when the HCl reaches a fixed value. The CH3NO can play a role of anti-cracking agent, it also can affect the transparency if it is more. The optimal capability parameter TEOS: H2O: HCl: CH3NO = 1: 25: 0.5: 0.1. The optimal heat treatment process was determined by TG and FT-IR as follows: the temperature was risen slowly to 170°C and 300 °C for 1h, and then reluxed at 900°C for 2h.
Thermal and Thermo-Oxidative Degradations of Deproteinized Natural Rubber and Natural Rubber
Authors: He Can Zhong , Peng Zheng , Zhong Jie Ping , Liao Shuang Quan , She Xiao Dong , Luo Yong Yue , Tan Hai Sheng
Published: August 2011

Deproteinization of natural rubber was achieved in the latex stage. The structure of deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR) was characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The thermo degradation of DPNR was studied by thermogravimetry analysis (TG) under air atmosphere and nitrogen atmosphere. The kinetic parameters apparent activation energies (Ea) of the thermal decomposition reaction been calculated from the TG curves using the method described by Broido. And the results were compared with the thermo degradation of natural rubber (NR) under the same conditions. The effect of proteins in natural rubber latex on thermal/ thermo-oxidative stability of NR was discussed. The results show that: the absorptions of the proteins in DPNR at 1546 ㎝-1, compared to NR, become significantly weaker, nearly disappear, which indicates most of proteins has been removed from NR. The thermo degradation of DPNR in nitrogen atmosphere is a one-step reaction. The initial degradation temperature (T0) 、the maximum degradation temperature（Tp） and the final degradation temperature（Tf）as well as the Ea of DPNR are higher than those of NR, which indicates that DPNR represents a better thermal stability than NR under nitrogen atmosphere. Thermo-oxidative degradation of DPNR and NR are two-step reaction. The characteristic temperatures (T0, Tp and Tf) of DPNR are lower than those of NR. The Ea during the First Step of Thermooxidative Degradation of DPNR are also lower than those of NR. These results prove that the thermo-oxidative stability of DPNR is worse than that of NR. Protein is the key role to the thermal stability of natural rubber.
Study on Direct Annealing Process of Hot-Rolled Plate
Authors: Li Sheng Li , Peng Xing Dong , Chen Yu
Published: August 2011

To study the transmutation of organization and texture on direct annealing process of hot-rolled plate. Different annealing experiments were done in the lab. The annealed samples are from steel grade of SPHC. To check the organization of the annealed samples by optical microscopy, to measure grain size by Micro-image Analysis & process software. To measure the mechanical properties by the room temperature tensile test. To check AlN by TEM and EDX.To measure texture by texture measuring instrument, and the data was collected on a computer, using two-step calculation of ODF, measured with constant 45° section of graph. When annealing temperature of the samples reaches 875 °C or more, a relatively low strength , high n value, and high r value is received, but if the holding time is longer, grain coarsening occurs at the time,so the annealing temperature is not more than 925°C.When annealing temperature reaches 875 °C, AlN increased slightly, and the texture is not obvious.
Finite Element Analysis of X-Cor Sandwich's Compressive Strength
Authors: Dang Xu Dan , Wang Xin Li , Zhang Hong Song , Xiao Jun
Published: August 2011

In this article the finite element software was used to analyse the values for compressive strength of X-cor sandwich. During the analysis, the failure criteria and materials stiffness degradation rules of failure mechanisms were proposed. The failure processes and failure modes were also clarified. In the finite element model we used the distributions of failure elements to simulate the failure processes. Meanwhile the failure mechanisms of X-cor sandwich were explained. The finite element analysis indicates that the resin regions of Z-pin tips fail firstly and the Z-pins fail secondly. The dominant failure mode is the Z-pin elastic buckling and the propagation paths of failure elements are dispersive. Through contrast the finite element values and test results are consistent well and the error range is -7.6%~9.5%. Therefore the failure criteria and stiffness degradation rules are reasonable and the model can be used to predict the compressive strength of X-cor sandwich.
A Novel Model of Steady-State Sliding Wear with Electrical Current
Authors: Yang Zhen Hai , Zhang Yong Zhen , Chen Fu Xiao , Shangguan Bao
Published: August 2011

A novel model of steady-state sliding wear with electrical current was created, which gives an accurate relational expression of three factors (electrical current, sliding velocity and contact pressure) and wear rate of the pin material. The experiments were carried out on the couple of QCr0.5 against copper-based powder metallurgical materials. The results show that the model is accurate and it is able to clearly show the influence of electrical current, sliding velocity and contact pressure on wear rate of pin.