bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparaison interlaboratoire de résultats d'analyse des hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques dans un sol
Authors: Belkessam Laurence , Lecomte Paul , Milon Véronique
Published: June 2015

In order to understand the analytical difficulties to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a contaminated soil, nine laboratories compared the PAHs contents of the 16 US-EPA list, in a soil coming from a former cookery site, and in the solvent extract. The results show that:- the analytical protocols are very heterogeneous (nine laboratories and nine analytical methods),- Soxhlet, Soxtec and ASE extraction methods lead to comparable results,- Gas chromatography - GC - allows more reproducible results (20% of variation) than liquid chromatography - HPLC - (between 20 and 80%), even if both techniques lead to comparable concentration levels,- the gas chromatography and the liquid chromatography responses seem independent of the molecular weight of the compounds, and rather related to the content levels: the more the content is increasing, the more the variation rate is decreasing. A subsequent study will focus on the influence of the pre-treatment on the measured values.

Un test interlaboratoire (9 participants) sur l'analyse des 16 HAP de la liste de l'US EPA, dans un sol pollué d'une ancienne cokerie (quelques dizaines de ppm) a permis, après un rappel des aspects normatifs existants, de dégager un certain nombre de points-clés dans la compréhension des variations habituellement observées lors de l'analyse de ces produits.S'il ne semble pas y avoir de consensus pour l'utilisation des techniques d'extraction (Soxhlet, Soxtec et ASE), les résultats observés avec chacune d'elles sont par contre très proches.Les dosages par HPLC/UV-fluorimétrie et GC/MS conduisent à des niveaux de teneurs moyennes comparables, avec cependant une reproductibilité meilleure pour la GC/MS.Les valeurs de reproductibilité ne semblent pas être fonction de la masse moléculaire mais plutôt des concentrations mesurées, particulièrement pour de faibles concentrations.
Éditorial n°23 Déchets Sciences et Techniques: Management environnemental et écologie industrielle : une question de culture et de compétition économique
Authors: MOSZKOWICZ Pierre
Published: June 2015

Parmi les articles que vous trouverez dans les pages qui suivent, l’un a retenu particulièrement mon attention : « Eco ciment, une expérience au Japon d’un nouveau type de ciment permettant le recyclage de déchets », proposé par des auteurs appartenant à l’un des leaders mondiaux de l’industrie cimentière.La publication en français d’un article écrit par des auteurs japonais est très exceptionnelle et mérite d’être soulignée. Mais c’est le contenu qui peut aussi nous surprendre et appeler quelques réflexions. Les auteurs rapportent en effet leur expérience en matière de recyclage de déchets par l’industrie cimentière, qui se démarque très nettement de nos propres pratiques en France.Le gouvernement japonais a aidé l’industrie cimentière à la mise au point de ciments où plus de la moitié des matières premières sont substituées par des résidus d’incinération d’ordures ménagères et d’autres déchets industriels. Le cadre réglementaire, l’économie des filières industrielles et le marché semblent avoir permis la fabrication à grande échelle de ces nouveaux ciments, qui sont promus pour leur haute valeur environnementale, et qui représentent un excellent exemple de réalisation des préceptes de l’écologie industrielle.
Étude des représentations de la population, riveraine d'une usine d'incinération: L’exemple d'Athanor
Authors: Nahon Thierry
Published: June 2015

Twenty in-depth interviews have been made with people living in the vicinity of a solid waste incinerator. They have been asked about their conception of the environment, pollution and nuisances and then their perception of the incinerator. Although the incineration plant has been quite well accepted, some reserves are associated not directly with pollution risk, but with more general issues related to modernity and technical systems (technological and political-economic opacity). Two types of reactions are induced; the first illustrates the need of a higher degree of citizen participation in waste management, the other the social scapegoat role of the waste industry. Some explanatory elements of these attitudes have been researched by using the work of anthropologist René Girard on the link between ritual sacrifice and social order.

Nous avons réalisé vingt entretiens approfondis auprès de personnes résidant à proximité d'une usine d'incinération. Nous les avons questionné sur leur conception de l'environnement, de la pollution et des nuisances et enfin sur leur perception de l'usine d'incinération. Bien que cette installation soit dans l'ensemble relativement bien acceptée, elle occasionne des craintes, des réticences qui ne se réfèrent pas directement au risque de pollution, mais à des aspects plus généraux de la modernité et des systèmes techniques (leur opacité technologique et politico- économique). Cette perception génère deux types de réaction : l'une renvoie à la nécessité d'une plus forte implication des citoyens dans le système de gestion des déchets, l'autre donne à l'industrie du déchet un rôle social d'exutoire. Nous apportons des éléments de compréhension de cette attitude en faisant référence aux travaux de l'anthropoloque René Girard sur le lien entre le sacrifice rituel et l'ordre social.
Méthode de réduction des rejets aqueux des ateliers de traitement de surface
Authors: Laforest Valérie , Debray Bruno , Bourgois Jacques
Published: June 2015

The metal finishing industries generate a large quantity of wastewater usually polluted by toxic chemicals. In order to reduce the effluents and to respect the laws, we have built a method which helps professionals to reduce the amount of wastewater. Afterwards, a computer tool was developed in order to carry out the optimization.

Les ateliers de traitement de surface sont générateurs de grandes quantités d'effluents liquides chargés en produits chimiques souvent toxiques. Afin de limiter l'impact de cette activité sur l'environnement et d'aider les industriels à respecter les contraintes réglementaires, on a mis au point une méthode d'optimisation des rejets en eau. Ce travail a débouché sur le développement d'un outil informatique support de la méthode.
Étude de la combustion de produits organiques aromatiques chlorés: Le cas du monochlorobenzène
Authors: Rouzet Gilles , Schwartz Dominique , Gadiou Roger , Delfosse Lucien
Published: June 2015

Chlorobenzene is widely used in chemical processes, and the elimination of this sort of industrial waste by incineration must be carefully done because this chemical species can lead to the formation of a great number of chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons. Among these molecules dioxines and dibenzofurans are highly toxic. In order to increase our knowledge of the mechanisms which lead to the formation of these species, a study of the pyrolysis and the combustion of chlorobenzene was done. The different reaction products were identified and quantified, and the influence of temperature and oxygen concentration was investigated. The results show that thermal decomposition is highly dependent upon combustion conditions, 80% of the initial chlorine is present as HCl, the remaining fraction is mainly present in solid carbon. A great number of hydrocarbons is formed, benzene, acetylene and methane represent the main part of the carbon mass balance. Experiments performed in rich conditions showed that two cycle aromatic hydrocarbons were formed: biphenyles or naphtalenes chlorinated or not. In some cases, a substantial amount of phenol and chlorophenol was formed even in stoichiometric conditions.

Le chlorobenzène est utilisé en grande quantité dans l'industrie chimique, l'élimination de ce type de déchet industriel par incinération doit être menée avec précaution car cette molécule peut conduire à la formation de nombreux hydrocarbures aromatiques chlorés, parmi lesquels on trouve les dioxines et dibenzofuranes particulièrement nocifs. Afin de mieux comprendre les mécanismes qui conduisent à la formation de ces molécules, une étude de la pyrolyse et de la combustion du chlorobenzène a été réalisée. Les différents produits formés ont été identifiés et quantifiés en fonction de la température et de la quantité d'oxygène présente dans les milieux gazeux. Les résultats montrent que la décomposition thermique est très dépendante des conditions de combustion, 80 % du chlore se retrouve sous la forme de HCl, le reste étant principalement inclus dans le carbone solide. De nombreux hydrocarbures sont formés, le benzène, l'acétylène, le méthane et les oxydes de carbone représentent la plus grande part du bilan carbone. Les expériences en milieu riche ont montré qu'il y avait formation de composés à deux cycles : biphényles et naphtalènes chlorés ou non. Dans certaines conditions, une formation importante de phénol et de chlorophénol a été observée même en présence d'une quantité stoechiométrique d'oxygène.
Procédé de réduction de la corrosion par le chlore et de l’encrassement des faisceaux de tubes d'usines d'incinération
Authors: Allal K.M. , Birkner F.
Published: June 2015

The solution to the chlorine corrosion and the fouling problems of boiler and heat exchanger tubes in waste incineration plants is given by the use of ICA products. This is mainly based on the injection at the secondary combustion air entrance of a mineral substance called ICA 5000. Beside its corrosion inhibition effect, it yields the protection of the combustion chamber refractory coating, the formation on the heated surfaces of an easily removable ash, an increase of the plant treating capacity, a decrease of the cleaning.

Le procédé ICA est une réponse au problème de la corrosion par le chlore et de l'encrassement des faisceaux tubulaires de chaudières et échangeurs de chaleur dans les usines d'incinération. Celui-ci est mis en œuvre par l'injection au niveau de l'air secondaire de combustion, d'une substance minérale appelée ICA 5000. Outre son effet inhibiteur de corrosion, ce procédé permet de protéger le revêtement réfractaire de la chambre de combustion, de former un dépôt meuble sur les surfaces chauffantes, d'augmenter la capacité de traitement de l'unité, de diminuer le temps de nettoyage et par là même de réduire les coûts d'entretien.
Le tri des ordures ménagères dans les pays en développement: Étude de cas au Brésil
Authors: Bertolini Gérard , Foully Bernard , Morvan Bernard
Published: June 2015

The feasibility and opportunity analysis to build and operate materials recovery facilities (MRFs) in developing countries has to avoid a mimetic concept on the basis of old industrialized countries.Brazil corresponds in fact to an intermediate position of new industrialized country. Eight examples of MRFs or sorting centers of household refuse have been considered. They correspond to various contexts and have specific characteristics.Complementary investigations concern the outlets of the recovery materials and the recycling facilities, the requirements, the processes and the markets.

Les analyses de faisabilité et d'opportunité de la construction et du fonctionnement de centres de tri des ordures ménagères dans les pays en développement doivent éviter de transposer, de façon mimétique, les raisonnements appliqués dans les pays industrialisés de longue date.Le Brésil fournit en fait un contexte intermédiaire de nouveau pays industriel (NPI). Huit exemples de centres de tri (tous sur ordures brutes) correspondant à des situations différentes, ayant des caractéristiques et des modes de fonctionnement contrastés, ont été retenus.Des analyses complémentaires concernent les débouchés, et au-delà, les filières de valorisation des matériaux récupérés.
Visceral Leishmaniasis Caused by Leishmania infantum in Salta, Argentina: Possible Reservoirs and Vectors
Authors: Barroso Paola A. , Marco Jorge D. , Locatelli Fabricio M. , Cardozo Rubén M. , Hoyos Carlos L. , Mora María C. , García Bustos María F. , López-Quiroga Inés , Mimori Tatsuyuki , Gentile Alberto G. , Barrio Alejandra B. , Korenaga Masataka , Hashiguchi Yoshihisha , Basombrío Miguel A.
Published: June 2015

Cases of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) were not recorded until recently in the Chaco region of northwestern Argentina. Dogs were surveyed at the sites of infection of two HVL index cases in the Chaco region of Salta province. Canine cases (CanL) were diagnosed by two parasitological methods, two molecular methods targeting mini- and maxicircle DNA, and immunochromatographic dipstick. Among 77 dogs studied, 10 (13%) were found infected with Leishmania spp. In seven dogs and two humans, the infecting species was typed as Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum. The same genotype was detected in the human and two of the CanL. Although several diagnostic methods displayed weak or moderate agreement, the concordance values for serology versus maxicircle PCR were very good (Kappa index = 0.84). Sandflies captured in the area were identified as Lutzomyia migonei and Lu. cortelezzii/Lu. sallesi (cortelezzii complex). The focal appearance of leishmaniasis in dogs and humans in a sylvatic region and its relatively low prevalence of infection suggests that L. (L.) infantum transmission to dogs and humans may, in this region, stem from sylvatic reservoirs.
Three Human Gnathostomiasis Cases in Thailand with Molecular Identification of Causative Parasite Species
Authors: Jongthawin Jurairat , Intapan Pewpan M. , Sanpool Oranuch , Sadaow Lakkhana , Janwan Penchom , Thanchomnang Tongjit , Sangchan Apichat , Visaetsilpanonta Siriraksa , Keawkong Worasak , Maleewong Wanchai
Published: June 2015

Human gnathostomiasis is one of the important food-borne parasitic zoonoses. The disease is caused by a spirurid roundworm of the genus Gnathostoma. Here, we describe three parasitological confirmed cases of human gnathostomiasis, caused by Gnathostoma spinigerum, in a hospital in Thailand during 2004–2012. Clinical characteristics, treatment, and outcome of cases were revealed. Parasites were accidentally recovered from patients and morphologically identified as Gnathostoma species. Confirmed diagnosis and identification of causative parasite species was made by DNA extraction of the recovered worms, followed by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the second internal transcribed spacer region (ITS2) of DNA and the partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox-1) gene. Sequences corresponding to ITS2 and cox-1 were similar to G. spinigerum. To our knowledge, this study represents the first molecular confirmation that recovered G. spinigerum is a causative agent of human infection in Thailand.
Frequency of surgery and hospital admissions for communicable diseases in a high- and middle-income setting
Authors: Jarnheimer A , Kantor G , Bickler S , Farmer P , Hagander L
Published: June 2015

Background

In high-income countries, non-communicable diseases drive the demand for surgical healthcare. Middle-income countries face a double disease burden, of both communicable and non-communicable disease. The aim of this study was to describe the role of surgery for the in-hospital care of infectious conditions in the high-income country Sweden and the middle-income country South Africa.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed of 1·4 million infectious disease admissions. The study populations were the entire population of Sweden, and a cohort of 3·5 million South Africans with private healthcare insurance, during a 7-year interval. The outcome measures were frequency of surgical procedures across a spectrum of diseases, and sex and age during the medical care event.

Results

Some 8·1 per cent of Swedish and 15·7 per cent of South African hospital admissions were because of infectious disease. The proportion of infectious disease admissions that were associated with surgery was constant over time: 8·0 (95 per cent c.i. 7·9 to 8·1) per cent in Sweden and 21·1 (21·0 to 21·2) per cent in South Africa. The frequency of surgery was 2·6 (2·6 to 2·7) times greater in South Africa, and 2·2 (2·2 to 2·3) times higher after standardization for age, sex and disease category.

Conclusion

The study suggests that surgical care is required to manage patients with communicable diseases, even in high-income settings with efficient prevention and functional primary care. These results further stress the importance of scaling up functional surgical health systems in low- and middle-income countries, where the disease burden is distinguished by infectious disease.
Comparative recruitment, morphology and reproduction of a generalist trematode,Dicrocoelium dendriticum, in three species of host
Authors: BECK MELISSA A. , GOATER CAMERON P. , COLWELL DOUGLAS D.
Published: June 2015

Epidemiological rate parameters of host generalist parasites are difficult to estimate, especially in cases where variation in parasite performance can be attributed to host species. Such cases are likely common for generalist parasites of sympatric grazing mammals. In this study, we combined data from experimental exposures in cattle and sheep and natural infections in elk to compare the recruitment, morphology and reproduction of adultDicrocoelium dendriticum, a generalist trematode that has emerged in sympatric grazing hosts in Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Alberta. Overall, there were no significant differences in the recruitment of metacercariae and in the pre-patency period of adults in experimentally exposed cattle and sheep. All flukes reached reproductive maturity and the degree of reproductive inequality between individual flukes within each infrapopulation was moderate and approximately equal among the three host species. Neither fluke size norper capitafecundity was constrained by density dependence. Thus, fitness parameters associated with growth and reproduction were approximately equivalent among at least three species of definitive host, two of which are sympatric on pastures in this Park. The generalist life-history strategy of this trematode, which is known to extend to other stages of its life cycle, has likely contributed to its invasion history outside its native range in Europe.
Too much Zeal on Seals? Animal Welfare, Public Morals, and Consumer Ethics at the Bar of the WTO
Authors: HERWIG ALEXIA
Published: June 2015

The Seals Regime at issue in EC–Seals pursued conflicting policy objectives of animal welfare, protection of public morals, Inuit, and the marine environment through regulation of product composition and hunting. The panel's TBT findings are problematic. The panel uses the term ‘related’ PPMs in the definition of technical regulations of content and does not distinguish and sequence the legal tests of TBT Articles 2.1 and 2.2 clearly enough. It fails to analyze properly how the necessity analysis should be performed for a multipurpose policy and reduces the ability of WTO members to defend them. The panel also adopts an unduly empiricist definition of public morals and legitimate objectives. This article argues that the content of public morals and legitimate objectives in Article 2.2 should be informed by moral philosophy. Its analysis suggests that collectively binding regulation of ethical standards can generally not be considered to be about public morals.
The Trade in Services Agreement (TISA) and Its Compatibility with GATS: An Assessment Based on Current Evidence
Authors: ADLUNG RUDOLF
Published: June 2015

Measured by the standards of the relevant GATS provisions, in Article V, a very significant share of current regional trade agreements (RTAs) in services is deficient. This includes agreements involving the 50 odd WTO Members that are currently negotiating a Trade in Services Agreement (TISA). While these agreements might have improved significantly on many commitments contained in current GATS schedules, mostly submitted two decades ago, they also introduced new restrictions for which no GATS equivalents exist. Moreover, in a number of cases the parties fiddled with the definitional framework provisions and generally binding obligations and disciplines of the GATS. Should these attempts continue, TISA could not live up to its proclaimed objective of promoting future multilateral liberalization.

Nevertheless, a closer look at some RTAs previously concluded by TISA parties also suggests that, with political will, there is a possibility to avoid aberrations: a clause providing that in the event of inconsistencies with WTO/GATS provisions, the latter shall prevail. The incorporation of such a clause might be viewed as a litmus test on participants' continued commitment to multilateralism.
A genome-wide SNP scan accelerates trait-regulatory genomic loci identification in chickpea
Authors: Kujur Alice , Bajaj Deepak , Upadhyaya Hari D. , Das Shouvik , Ranjan Rajeev , Shree Tanima , Saxena Maneesha S. , Badoni Saurabh , Kumar Vinod , Tripathi Shailesh , Gowda C.L.L. , Sharma Shivali , Singh Sube , Tyagi Akhilesh K. , Parida Swarup K.
Published: June 2015

We identified 44844 high-quality SNPs by sequencing 92 diverse chickpea accessions belonging to a seed and pod trait-specific association panel using reference genome- and de novo-based GBS (genotyping-by-sequencing) assays. A GWAS (genome-wide association study) in an association panel of 211, including the 92 sequenced accessions, identified 22 major genomic loci showing significant association (explaining 23–47% phenotypic variation) with pod and seed number/plant and 100-seed weight. Eighteen trait-regulatory major genomic loci underlying 13 robust QTLs were validated and mapped on an intra-specific genetic linkage map by QTL mapping. A combinatorial approach of GWAS, QTL mapping and gene haplotype-specific LD mapping and transcript profiling uncovered one superior haplotype and favourable natural allelic variants in the upstream regulatory region of a CesA-type cellulose synthase (Ca_Kabuli_CesA3) gene regulating high pod and seed number/plant (explaining 47% phenotypic variation) in chickpea. The up-regulation of this superior gene haplotype correlated with increased transcript expression of Ca_Kabuli_CesA3 gene in the pollen and pod of high pod/seed number accession, resulting in higher cellulose accumulation for normal pollen and pollen tube growth. A rapid combinatorial genome-wide SNP genotyping-based approach has potential to dissect complex quantitative agronomic traits and delineate trait-regulatory genomic loci (candidate genes) for genetic enhancement in crop plants, including chickpea.
Ubiquitin-specific Protease 15 Negatively Regulates Virus-induced Type I Interferon Signaling via Catalytically-dependent and -independent Mechanisms
Authors: Zhang Huan , Wang Dang , Zhong Huijuan , Luo Rui , Shang Min , Liu Dezhi , Chen Huanchun , Fang Liurong , Xiao Shaobo
Published: June 2015

Viral infection triggers a series of signaling cascades, which converge to activate the transcription factors nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), thereby inducing the transcription of type I interferons (IFNs). Although not fully characterized, these innate antiviral responses are fine-tuned by dynamic ubiquitination and deubiquitination processes. In this study, we report ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) 15 is involved in regulation of the retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-dependent type I IFN induction pathway. Knockdown of endogenous USP15 augmented cellular antiviral responses. Overexpression of USP15 inhibited the transcription of IFN-β. Further analyses identified histidine 862 as a critical residue for USP15’s catalytic activity. Interestingly, USP15 specifically removed lysine 63-linked polyubiquitin chains from RIG-I among the essential components in RIG-I-like receptor-dependent pathway. In addition, we demonstrated that in contrast to USP15 de-ubiquitinating (DUB) activity, USP15-mediated inhibition of IFN signaling was not abolished by mutations eliminating the catalytic activity, indicating that a fraction of USP15-mediated IFN antagonism was independent of the DUB activity. Catalytically inactive USP15 mutants, as did the wild-type protein, disrupted virus-induced interaction of RIG-I and IFN-β promoter stimulator 1. Taken together, our data demonstrate that USP15 acts as a negative regulator of RIG-I signaling via DUB-dependent and independent mechanisms.
Manipulating surface-plasmon-polariton launching with quasi-cylindrical waves
Authors: Sun Chengwei , Chen Jianjun , Yao Wenjie , Li Hongyun , Gong Qihuang
Published: June 2015

Launching the free-space light to the surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) in a broad bandwidth is of importance for the future plasmonic circuits. Based on the interference of the pure SPP component, the bandwidths of the unidirectional SPP launching is difficult to be further broadened. By greatly manipulating the SPP intensities with the quasi-cylindrical waves (Quasi-CWs), an ultra-broadband unidirectional SPP launcher is experimentally realized in a submicron asymmetric slit. In the nano-groove of the asymmetric slit, the excited Quasi-CWs are not totally damped and they can be scattered into the SPPs along the metal surface. This brings additional interference and thus greatly manipulates the SPP launching. Consequently, a broadband unidirectional SPP launcher is realized in the asymmetric slit. More importantly, it is found that this principle can be extended to the three-dimensional subwavelength plasmonic waveguide, in which the excited Quasi-CWs in the aperture could be effectively converted to the tightly guided SPP mode along the subwavelength plasmonic waveguide. In the large wavelength range from about 600 nm to 1300 nm, the SPP mode mainly propagates to one direction along the plasmonic waveguide, revealing an ultra-broad (about 700 nm) operation bandwidth of the unidirectional SPP launching.
Analysis of nucleosides in municipal wastewater by large-volume liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Brewer Alex J. , Lunte Craig
Published: June 2015

This article describes a novel large-volume injection HPLC/MS/MS method to quantify modified and un-modified nucleosides in municipal wastewater influent.
Effect of Pb(ii) on phenanthrene degradation by new isolated Bacillus sp. P1
Authors: Liu Shao-Heng , Zeng Guang-Ming , Niu Qiu-Ya , Gong Ji-Lai , Hu Xin-Jiang , Lu Lun-Hui , Zhou Yao-Yu , Hu Xi , Chen Ming , Yan Ming
Published: June 2015

A new strain of bacteria, Bacillus sp. P1, was isolated from compost to degrade PHE in the presence of Pb(ii).
Fluorine-free superhydrophobic/hydrophobic polybenzoxazine/TiO2 films with excellent thermal stability and reversible wettability
Authors: Zhang Wenfei , Lu Xin , Xin Zhong , Zhou Changlu , Liu Juan
Published: June 2015

A thermally stable superhydrophobic film with strong adhesion to glass substrates and reversibly switchable behavior was prepared from polybenzoxazine and TiO2.
Electronic and optical properties of reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Lundie Mark , Šljivančanin Željko , Tomić Stanko
Published: June 2015

Ab initio hybrid DFT theory of graphene dots in graphene oxide predicts optically active energy gaps over visible and UV spectra with strong absorption characteristics and long radiative recombination times.
Thermotropic phase transitions in Pb1−xSrx(Al1/3Nb2/3)0.1(Zr0.52Ti0.48)0.9O3 ceramics: Temperature dependent dielectric permittivity and Raman scattering
Authors: Li C. Q. , Peng L. , Wang P. , Jiang K. , Liu A. Y. , Hu Z. G. , Chu J. H.
Published: June 2015

The phase transitions of Pb1−xSrx(Al1/3Nb2/3)0.1(Zr0.52Ti0.48)0.9O3 (Sr-modified PAN-PZT) ceramics with Sr compositions of x = 2%, 5%, 10% and 15% have been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), temperature dependent dielectric permittivity and Raman scattering. The XRD analysis show that the phase transition occurs between Sr composition of 5% and 10%. Based on the broad dielectric peaks at 100 Hz, the diffused phase transition from tetragonal (T) to cubic (C) structure shifts to lower temperature with increasing Sr composition. The dramatic changes of wavenumber and full width at half-maximum (FWHM) for E(TO4)′ softing mode can be observed at morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). Moreover, the MPB characteristic shows a wider and lower trend of temperature region with increasing Sr composition. It could be ascribed to the diminishment of the energy barrier and increment of A-cation entropy. Therefore, the Sr-modified PAN-PZT ceramics unambiguously undergo two successive structural transitions (rhombohedral-tetragonal-cubic phase) with temperature from 80 to 750 K. Correspondingly, the phase diagram of Sr-modified PAN-PZT ceramics can be well depicted.
TOE1 is an inhibitor of HIV-1 replication with cell-penetrating capability
Authors: Sperandio Sabina , Barat Corinne , Cabrita Miguel A. , Gargaun Ana , Berezovski Maxim V. , Tremblay Michel J. , de Belle Ian
Published: June 2015

Significance

Understanding the host response to HIV-1 infection may provide important clues to design new strategies to prevent further infection and viral spread. In this report, we show that the cellular protein Target Of Egr1 (TOE1) can specifically bind to a HIV-1 regulatory sequence, called the transactivator response element, and inhibit its activity. This inhibition is shown to be sufficient to impair viral transcription and replication in HIV-1–infected T cells. We show that TOE1 is secreted from activated primary T cells, mimicking antigen presentation. Secreted forms of TOE1 cross the plasma membrane of neighboring cells and retain HIV-1 inhibitory activity. These results provide new information on a cellular mediator of HIV-1 inhibition and may guide further therapeutic anti–HIV-1 approaches.
The circle method and bounds for 𝐿-functions—III: 𝑡-aspect subconvexity for 𝐺𝐿(3) 𝐿-functions
Authors: Munshi Ritabrata
Published: June 2015

Let

π
\pi

be a Hecke-Maass cusp form for

S
L
(
3
,

Z

)

SL(3,\mathbb {Z})

. In this paper we will prove the following subconvex bound:
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="upper L left-parenthesis one half plus i t comma pi right-parenthesis much-less-than Subscript pi comma epsilon Baseline left-parenthesis 1 plus StartAbsoluteValue t EndAbsoluteValue right-parenthesis Superscript three fourths minus one sixteenth plus epsilon Baseline period">

L

(

1
2

+
i
t
,
π
)

≪

π
,
ε

(
1
+

|

t

|

)

3
4

−

1
16

+
ε

.

L\left (\tfrac {1}{2}+it,\pi \right )\ll _{\pi ,\varepsilon } (1+|t|)^{\frac {3}{4}-\frac {1}{16}+\varepsilon }.

\]
The emergence of cooperation from a single mutant during microbial life cycles
Authors: Melbinger Anna , Cremer Jonas , Frey Erwin
Published: June 2015

Cooperative behaviour is widespread in nature, even though cooperating individuals always run the risk of being exploited by free-riders. Population structure effectively promotes cooperation given that a threshold in the level of cooperation was already reached. However, the question how cooperation can emerge from a single mutant, which cannot rely on a benefit provided by other cooperators, is still puzzling. Here, we investigate this question for a well-defined but generic situation based on typical life cycles of microbial populations where individuals regularly form new colonies followed by growth phases. We analyse two evolutionary mechanisms favouring cooperative behaviour and study their strength depending on the inoculation size and the length of a life cycle. In particular, we find that population bottlenecks followed by exponential growth phases strongly increase the survival and fixation probabilities of a single cooperator in a free-riding population.
WaspAtlas: ANasonia vitripennisgene database
Authors: Davies Nathaniel J. , Tauber Eran
Published: June 2015

WaspAtlas is a new integrated gene database for the emerging model organismNasonia vitripennis, which combines annotation data from all available annotation releases with original analyses to form the most comprehensiveN. vitripennisresource to date. WaspAtlas allows users to browse and search for gene information in a clear and co-ordinated fashion providing detailed illustrations and easy to understand summaries. The database provides a platform for integrating gene expression and DNA methylation data. WaspAtlas also functions as an archive for empirical data relating to genes, allowing users to easily browse published data relating to their gene(s) of interest.

Availability

Freely available on the web athttp://waspatlas.com. Website implemented in Catalyst, MySQL and Apache, with all major browsers supported.

Contact

njd23@le.ac.uk
Factors driving risk in the US banking industry
Authors: Gregory Katina , Hambusch Gerhard
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how several key risk factors, including capital-to-asset ratio (CAR), franchise value and lobbying, affect various measures of risk in the US banking industry before, during and after the financial crisis. The empirical analysis covers the period 2004-2013.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using recent bank holding company data, this research explores several factors driving risk in the US banking industry. The authors follow recent regulatory models and use a cross-sectional approach that can be employed as a complement to established regulatory bank failure and early warning models to detect and prevent bank crisis and to guide policy intervention over time.

Findings

– The findings provide evidence that the CAR has a negative relationship with bank risk. The authors also show that banks’ franchise values exhibit a positive relationship with bank risk in non-crisis years and a negative relationship during the crisis. The authors further find evidence suggesting that lobbying decreases bank risk in non-crisis years and increases risk during the crisis.

Originality/value

– Previous studies have controversially discussed the effect of factors driving bank risk. The authors contribute to the discussion and provide the first empirical study to analyze the effects of lobbying activities by bank holding companies on bank risk before, during and after the financial crisis.
An Anglican Clergyman on the Frontier: Benjamin Glennie on the Darling Downs 1848–1860
Authors: Hogg Robert
Published: June 2015

Benjamin Glennie was an Anglican clergyman on Queensland's Darling Downs from 1851 to 1876. From 1848 until 1860 he kept a diary of his ministry. Using this diary as its primary source, this article considers how Anglicanism was fostered in a frontier society. It argues that being a clergyman in a frontier society was arduous work. Environmental and social conditions made clerical work considerably more challenging than in places were the Church of England enjoyed the privileges of Establishment. Furthermore, the attitude towards religion on the part of frontier settlers is examined. Religious practice was compromised by the exigencies of frontier life, and adherence to religious forms and rituals did not always conform to clerical expectations.
Mining environmental high‐throughput sequence data sets to identify divergent amplicon clusters for phylogenetic reconstruction and morphotype visualization
Authors: Gimmler Anna , Stoeck Thorsten
Published: June 2015

Environmental high‐throughput sequencing (envHTS) is a very powerful tool, which in protistan ecology is predominantly used for the exploration of diversity and its geographic and local patterns. We here used a pyrosequenced V4‐SSU rDNA data set from a solar saltern pond as test case to exploit such massive protistan amplicon data sets beyond this descriptive purpose. Therefore, we combined a Swarm‐based blastn network including 11 579 ciliate V4 amplicons to identify divergent amplicon clusters with targeted polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primer design for full‐length small subunit of the ribosomal DNA retrieval and probe design for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). This powerful strategy allows to benefit from envHTS data sets to (i) reveal the phylogenetic position of the taxon behind divergent amplicons; (ii) improve phylogenetic resolution and evolutionary history of specific taxon groups; (iii) solidly assess an amplicons (species') degree of similarity to its closest described relative; (iv) visualize the morphotype behind a divergent amplicons cluster; (v) rapidly FISH screen many environmental samples for geographic/habitat distribution and abundances of the respective organism and (vi) to monitor the success of enrichment strategies in live samples for cultivation and isolation of the respective organisms.
Design and Monitoring of Well-Performing Bridge Transitions
Authors: Rose Jerry G. , Stark Timothy D. , Wilk Stephen T. , Purcell Macy
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a review of railroad track transition designs that have performed well, e.g., ballasted bridge decks, hot-mixed asphalt (HMA) sublayer, and concrete wing walls parallel to the track, to guide future design and maintenance of bridge transitions instead of installing a concept and monitoring its performance. Using non-invasive monitoring techniques, e.g., miniature accelerometers, the performance of the two railroad track transitions has been measured and evaluated. The results show well-performing track exhibits tie accelerations of 5g or less with little difference between: (1) the bridge deck, approach embankment, and open track, (2) concrete and wood ties, and (3) clayey or silty subgrades. The measured transient vertical tie displacements are negligible, which verifies the observed good track support. The results from these two sites are being used as a control for comparison with poorly-performing bridge transitions, track defects, e.g. broken ties, rail-fastener gaps, fouled ballast, broken rail, and to verify the success of remedial measures.
Fuzzy Maintenance Decision Support for Treating Squats in Railway Infrastructures
Authors: Jamshidi Ali , Núñez Alfredo , Li Zili , Dollevoet Rolf
Published: June 2015

A fuzzy based maintenance decision making methodology for railway infrastructures to solve the problem of a specific rolling contact fatigue defect called squat is presented. Relying on Axle Box Acceleration (ABA) measurements to detect squats, a robust model is used to predict the evolution of detected squats under three different growth scenarios (fast, average, slow). Once a track is candidate for preventive maintenance, to facilitate grinding operations, we propose a fuzzy clustering methodology to group light squats that are good candidates to be treated together because of their proximity. Using a new α% method based on clustering, Pareto fronts are analyzed to show the trade-offs between the number of non-treated squats and coverage percent related to α%. Based on the prediction model, four key performance indicators at the technical level are combined using a fuzzy expert system which estimates the global health condition of each cluster of squats. Estimated cost effectiveness of different maintenance actions are compared. Therefore, infrastructure managers will be able to estimate track condition per cluster, and then easily rank the clusters of light squats according to their importance. Also, the predictive indicators enable infrastructure managers to decide which parts of tracks need to be replaced when severe squats are detected in the track. To illustrate the proposed method, the track Groningen-Assen of the Dutch railway network is used.
Standardization of High-Wide Load Measurement Using Laser-Based Technology
Authors: Reinsmith Alexander , Schlake Bryan W.
Published: June 2015

Each year, thousands of open-top loads are shipped across North America over the Class I railroad network. Many of these loads are high-value, high-risk shipments, presenting considerable operational challenges for the carriers due to special handling requirements. Shipments that extend beyond a standard geometric envelope, denoted by various “plates” in the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Open Top Loading Rules (OTLR), are considered to be over dimensional, or High-Wide Loads (HWLs). Historically, railroad mechanical personnel have measured HWLs manually using a tape measure, plumb line, level, and various homemade devices. Measurement methodologies and philosophies can vary widely among mechanical inspectors. As a result, railroads have recently sought out new technologies to standardize the measurement process, resulting in greater safety, efficiency, accuracy and documentation. Taking the lead in this effort, Norfolk Southern Corp. (NS), BNSF Railway and Union Pacific Railroad have all worked closely with InfraMeasure, Inc. in their development of a patent pending, portable, laser-based measurement system known as SafeLoad®. This paper documents the development of this technology, including the completion of successful repeatability tests and the training of dozens of car inspectors from multiple railroads on the use of the system.

In 2014, laser-based measurement technology was deployed across the entire NS network and was also used extensively by Union Pacific Railroad. In addition, BNSF and other Class I railroads began testing with the thought of implementing in the near future. Repeatability tests performed among newly trained employees indicated high levels of precision, with field measurements deviating by no more than 0.25 inches among various inspectors. Additional field testing confirmed a reduction in labor time and personnel required to measure HWLs by as much as one half while significantly improving measurement accuracy and reducing fall related risks by eliminating the need to climb on HWLs. In addition to these immediate benefits, the early stages of implementation have highlighted a potential long-term need for standardized measurement training within the industry. Anticipating the growing knowledge gap left by attrition, railroad mechanical departments are placing greater emphasis on training new car inspectors to assume the safety critical task of HWL measurement. This paper explores the current state of HWL measurement in the US railroad industry and identifies potential solutions, using technology, to further standardize both the practice of measuring HWLs and the training of new inspectors.
Energy Harvesting Potential of Terfenol-D for On-Board Bearing Health Monitoring Applications
Authors: Estrada Raul , Foltz Heinrich , Tarawneh Constantine , Moreno Rene
Published: June 2015

One of the limiting factors in on-board bearing health monitoring systems is the life of the batteries used to power the system. Thus, any device that can extend the life of the battery, or entirely replace it, is a notable improvement on any currently available systems. Existing on-board monitoring systems, not optimized for low power, are designed to run on approximately 300 mW of power. Current bearing health monitoring systems have proven effective with as few as one reading every four minutes. The environment under which railroad bearings operate is a harsh one, making most forms of energy harvesting very hard to implement. Terfenol-D is a novel and sustainable solution for this problem due to its durable characteristics and strong magnetostriction. A fixture is designed using multiple magnets of ranging magnetization to properly characterize energy harvesting using Terfenol-D. The maximum available power observed during these experiments is about 77 mW under ideal conditions. The generated power is sufficient to run low-power bearing health monitoring systems.
Effects of Different Models on Natural Frequencies of Short Span Bridges Used in High Speed Rail
Authors: Nour Said I. , Issa Mohsen A.
Published: June 2015

The natural frequencies of vibration of short span bridges used in high-speed rail were investigated. Three different models of increasing complexity were evaluated and their effects on the vibration frequency were compared to the first basic model of simply supported Euler-Bernoulli beam.

In the second and third cases, the bridge was modeled as an Euler-Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam supported at its two ends by identical spring elements with an equivalent vertical stiffness to simulate elastomeric bearings and soil foundation. The boundary value problem was solved numerically to extract the bridge eigenfrequencies. In the case of Euler-Bernoulli beam, curve fitting techniques were used to deduce accurate simple empirical formulae to calculate the first six natural frequencies of an elastically supported bridge. In the case of a Timoshenko beam, graphical solutions were proposed to compute the fundamental frequency. Results confirmed that the use of Timoshenko beam theory reduces the natural frequency and the consideration of flexible supports further decreases the natural frequency.

In the fourth model, the interaction of the track and the bridge was included. The bridge was modeled as an elastically supported beam and the track was modeled as a spring-damper element with an equivalent vertical stiffness resulting from track components like rail pads, cross-ties and ballast. A parametric study was performed to analyze the effects of the track stiffness on the natural frequencies of the bridge. Graphical solutions were presented to quantify the change of the normalized natural frequencies of the system with the increase in the track modulus. Results indicated that the changes in the track modulus have no significant effects in models with rigid supports. A decrease in the fundamental frequency was noticeable with softer track modulus as the support flexibility increased.
A Method to Verify Railroad Interconnect With Highway Traffic Signal Systems
Authors: Moore Adam , Zebell Paul , Koonce Peter , Meusch Jon
Published: June 2015

In response to increasing concern about railroad grade crossing safety, the Federal Railroad Administration and Department of Transportation issued Safety Advisory 2010-02 recommending in part “...that railroads conduct comprehensive joint inspections of highway traffic signal pre-emption interconnection with State and local highway authorities...” 2010-02 also recommends recording devices at interconnected highway-rail grade crossings.

This paper addresses a method to facilitate these goals by enabling the highway authority to independently verify that rail equipment is functioning properly, and just as importantly, enabling the railroad to independently verify that the highway traffic signal equipment is providing adequate clearance time in advance of the arrival of the train in the crossing. The method involves adding two circuits between the rail equipment and the traffic signal equipment: a crossing island circuit, and a start of the traffic clearance phase indicator from the traffic signal to the rail equipment. This system has been implemented at two intersections in Portland, Oregon, with plans for further implementation.
Crashworthiness and Puncture Protection Analyses of Liquified Natural Gas Tenders
Authors: Kirkpatrick Steven W. , Northrup Claudia
Published: June 2015

The extensive North American freight rail network is currently operated with diesel as the sole fuel source. However, the Class 1 railways have recently started to explore Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as an alternative fuel source, which has a lower environmental impact and could provide fuel cost savings compared to diesel. The efforts to develop industry standards for fuel tenders is being led under the Association of American Railroads (AAR) Natural Gas Fuel Tender (NGFT) Technical Advisory Group (TAG), a joint effort of the AAR Locomotive, Tank Car, and Equipment Engineering Committees, with multiple participants from industry.

A significant section of the standards for LNG tenders are the performance requirements to ensure safety in collisions. As part of this effort, the NGFT TAG has been working in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to define a suitable set of collision load cases and associated safety performance requirements. In support of these efforts, a series of analyses have been performed for the various collision load cases to support the development of suitable methodologies to evaluate the load cases and inform the NGFT TAG and other stakeholders related to the safety performance of NGFT designs. Results from these efforts are described in this paper.
From passengers to co-pilots: Patient roles expand
Authors: Anderson Margaret , McCleary K. Kimberly
Published: June 2015

The premier position of medical research on the U.S. national policy agenda marks a pivotal point in the evolution of patient engagement.