bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of MgO and Ag2O Mix-Additions on the Formation and Superconducting Properties of Bi-2223 Phase
Authors: Lu X.Y. , Yi D. , Chen H.
Published: April 2015

The bulk samples with the composition Bi1.8Pb0.4Sr1.9Ca2.1Cu3.5Oy + x wt% MgO + (5-x) wt% Ag2O (x = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) were prepared by sintering at 840°C for 240 h after partial­melting at 870°C for 1 h. The sample with individual Ag2O addition shows the lowest melting temperature and the lowest proportion of the Bi-2223 phase, whereas the sample with individual MgO addition shows the highest melting temperature. The highest proportion of the Bi-2223 phase appears in the sample with 1wt% MgO and 4 wt%Ag2O mix-additions. With increasing MgO content, the width of hysteresis loop ΔM of the bulk samples at 77 K increases (0≦x≦2), and then decreases (2≦x≦5). The largest ΔM appears in the sample with 2 wt% MgO and 3 wt% Ag2O mix-additions.
Experimental Study on Aging Characteristics of Liquid Silicone Rubber Sheds for Composite Bushing
Authors: Zhu Meng Zhou , Liu Yang , Li Cheng Gang , Liu Jian Jun
Published: April 2015

Based on the large-area aging and cracking phenomena of Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) composite bushing sheds occurred in power grid, the research has been performed on LSR composite bushing sheds energizing for many years By using the methods of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetry (TG) analysis, the authors analyze different parts’ aging properties, microstructures and composition changes of LSR bushing sheds. The experimental results show that the natural environment may be one of the important factors that cause the LSR aging, gradually from the surface to the interior, there are no new groups generated in the process of aging, but the long chain content, the crosslinking degree and the side chain methyl number of LSR decrease obviously, and along with the aging aggravation, the organic composition content in LSR reduces gradually. This research poses great reference significance for better understanding aging mechanism of LSR, scientifically evaluating its lifetime, and guiding scene operational maintenance.
The Influence of Doping Both NiO and CoO on the Properties of Low-Loss and High Bs MnZn Ferrites
Authors: Yang Shi Qing , Yu Pi Feng , Liang Tao Hua , Yang Qing Xue , Meng Yi Feng
Published: April 2015

MnZn soft ferrite materials with NiO-CoO dopant are prepared by conventional oxide technique.The influences of CoO and NiO addition on the microstructure and magnetic properties of low-loss and high Bs MnZn ferrites are investigated. The present results show that MnZn soft ferrite materials with CoO addition of 0.1wt% and NiO addition of 1.28wt% possess both homogeneous grains and high saturation magnetic flux density. The lowest loss point is located at 100°C. The valley point of power loss shifts to higher temperature with increasing of NiO dopant. The power losses decrease and sintering density increases with increase of CoO addition. The sintered MnZn ferrite materials based upon a specific sinter curve possesss excellent comprehensive properties: μi=2198 , Pcv=319 kw/m3 , Bs=540mT (T=25°C), Bs=451mT (T=100°C).
Supercapacitive Performance of Mesoporous Carbon Materials Co-Templated by F127 and PDMS-PEO
Authors: Liu Yu Rong
Published: April 2015

Ordered mesoporous carbons are synthesized by using the triblock copolymer F127 (EO106-PO70-EO106) and diblock copolymer PDMS-PEO (DMS32-EO20) as co-templates. KOH is utilized to improve the surface area and tailor the pore texture of the ordered mesoporous carbon. KOH activation significantly increases the surface area of mesoporous carbon due to the generation of micropores in mesopore walls. The obtained activated mesoporous carbons have high surface area (1592 m2 g-1) and large pore volume (0.79 cm3 g-1). The activated carbons also exhibit improved electrochemical behavior with a specific capacitance of 218.9 F g-1 at the current density of 1 A g-1, excellent rate performance and good cycling stability, revealing a promising application in supercapacitors.
Synthesis and Preparation of Eu(BA)3Phen and its Fluorescent Falsification-Resistant Screen Printing Ink
Authors: Meng Jie
Published: April 2015

Europium complex Eu (BA)3Phen was synthesised by selecting the fine Benzoyl acetone (BA) as the first ligand, o-phenanthroline (Phen) as the second ligand . IR spectrum indicated that europium ion has bonded with the ligands. The fluorescent properties and UV spectrum were studied. And fluorescent falsification-resistant screen printing ink was prepared , the fluorescent ink showed the characteristic emission of Eu3+, showed invisible in the visible light and showed obvious fluorescence under ultraviolet light.
Forming Compound Parts of Metal / Plastics by Rolling-Extrusion
Authors: Ji Liang Bo , Xia Qin Xiang
Published: April 2015

The technology of forming metal / plastics compound parts combined metal rolling, plastics extrusion and the bonding of metal and plastics were introduced. On compound forming, the principle on adhesion interface and the purpose and method of surface treatment on sheet metal were analyzed. The experiments on compound forming of zincked sheet metal / TPO were progressed as a example.
Quantitative Calculation of Polynuclear Aluminum Content in the Forced Hydrolysis-Polymerization Course of Aluminum (III) Salt Solutions
Authors: Yang Jia , Wang Chen Yi , Teng Li Hua , Zhang Kai Long
Published: April 2015

According to the results of potentiometric titration of aluminum salt solutions under the moderate slow rate of injecting base and the three critical feature points on its titration curves, at the same time, using the self-contained Boltzmann's equation of Origin software fitting the curve, the quantitative formula of poly-aluminum content have been given. This formula can calculate conveniently the polynuclear aluminum content in the forced hydrolysis-polymerization process. The value of pattern calculation coincides with that of the Al-ferron timed spectrophotometry assay, which offers a kind of new method for studying the course and the quantitative determination of Al (III) salt solutions in simple water systems.
Colossal Permittivity Observed in Yttrium Doped BaTiO3
Authors: Shen Zhen Jiang , Bing Li Na
Published: April 2015

Colossal permittivity (CP) in BaTiO3(BT)-based polycrystalline ceramics with normal grain sizes has been successfully obtained in yttrium (Y) doped BT ceramics (BYT) via a simple and effective method. Considering the necessary factors for CP formation mechanism, well designed doping condition and sintering procedure were carried out in the sample preparation. Characterizations show that BYT is with a pure tetragonal perovskite structure and the grain growth is depressed under the action of Y donor doping. The frequency independence of permittivity and Debye-like relaxation related to Maxwell-Wagner relaxation which occurred at the interfaces between semiconducting grains and insulating grain boundaries can be detected. These are induced by an internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC)-type structure which formed under an overall and carefully designed synthesis procedure. But the temperature independence of permittivity does not arise because of the particular tetragonal structure and micron dimension grain sizes of BYT.
Spontaneous Deposition of Bonelike Apatite Layer on Bioactively H2O2-Treated Titanium Substrate
Authors: He Wen Jun , Zhu Rui Fu , Lü Yu Peng
Published: April 2015

The bioactivity of commercially pure titanium treated with H2O2 solution and/or heating process are evaluated by immersing the specimens in a simulated body fluid (SBF). Bone-like apatite with typical characteristics of low crystallinity and defective structure was deposited on the H2O2/SnCl2-treated titanium surface. Heating treatment or immersion time can improve the deposition effect of apatite to a certain extent. The atom ratio of Ca/P in the formed apatite varies from 2.7 to 1.6, deviating from the equilibrium ratio 1.7 of HA. The mechanism for nucleation and growth of the apatite layer can be attributed to the amorphous titania sol, the morphology filled with numerous net and crack in Ti surface and the catalyze effect of Sn ion.
Computational Study of the Decomposition of Cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine under Impact, Friction, and Electric Fields
Authors: Hu Hui , Li Miao Miao , Wang Bao Shan
Published: April 2015

Organic CHNO-containing high energy density materials have been widely used for storing large amounts of the chemical energies which can be rapidly transformed into heat upon various external perturbations during detonation. The sensitivity of the energetic materials is subjected to considerable concern for safety and maintenance. Periodic density functional theory with the all-electron basis sets were employed in this work to unravel the impact, friction, and electric-fields induced decomposition of HMX. The minimum energy paths for the N−NO2homolysis reactions of HMX in the bulk and gas phases were obtained. The surface-enhanced effect on the decomposition of HMX were calculated for both (010) and (100) surfaces. A general theoretical scheme has been proposed to assess the intrinsic mechanic and electrostatic sensitivities of the pure energetic materials.
The Changes of Thickness and Tearing Behavior of Tencel Fabrics Treated with Different Time by Plasma
Authors: Zhang Li Sha , Liu Hong Ling , Yu Wei Dong , Liu Ruo Hua
Published: April 2015

Tencel fabrics were treated with low pressure plasma with air for different treatment time. The samples were tested their thickness and calculated each mean value of fabrics treated with different time. The result indicated that samples became thicker with the prolonged plasma treatment time. The samples were also divided into two groups and tore along warp and weft direction, respectively, to measure the influence of plasma treatment time on the tearing strength. The result of the measurement implied that the tearing strength of samples treated 1 minute by plasma decreased dramatically, when they were compared with the untreated ones. However, the decrease of the tearing strength became slight when the plasma treatment increased to 5, 10 and 20 minutes.
Study on the Mechanical Properties of Cement-Based Composites Were Reinforced through the Jute Fibers at Different Content
Authors: Qiu He , Huang Ting Ting , Zhang Yu , Yan Ting Ting , Peng Peng
Published: April 2015

In this study, there were four content of jute fibers were added into cement-based mortar to improve their mechanical properties. Results obtained have shown that jute fibers can effectively improve the mechanical properties of cement-based composites. When the jute fiber of 10mm after alkali treatment, the compressive strength, flexural strength, impact strength of fiber-reinforced cement-based composite materials were better than the pure mortar. When the jute fiber of 19mm after alkali treatment, the results showed that the mechanical properties were best under 1.2 Kg/m3 fiber content.
Isothermal Crystallization Behavior of PLA/PIL Composites
Authors: Zhou Ping , Zhou Mi , Hu Jing Ying , Qian Xin
Published: April 2015

The effect of Poly (ionic liquid) (PIL) on the crystallization of polylactide (PLA) has been investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry. The nonisothermal crystallization result showed that PIL enhanced the crystallization of PLA. The Avrami method was used to describe the isothermal crystallization behavior of PLA/PIL composites. The Avrami exponent (n) revealed that the PIL accelerated PLA crystallization through heterogeneous nucleation.
Preparation and Separation Properties of Oleyl Alcohol-Modified PDMS Membranes
Authors: Liao Yi Ping , Ye Hong , Wang Yu
Published: April 2015

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) pervaporation (PV) membranes are promising for the recovery of aromatic compounds in water. The novel oleyl alcohol-modified PDMS membranes were prepared using n-heptane as solvent, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as crosslinker, di-n-butyltin dilaurate (DBTL) as catalyst and oleyl alcohol as organic modifier. The PV performances were investigated for separating phenol/water mixtures at different temperatures. The results showed that the oleyl alcohol-modified PDMS membranes had better selectivity than those without oleyl alcohol. For 0.50 wt% phenol in feed mixture at 80 °C, these membranes had a flux of 0.115 kg m-2 h-1 and separation factor of 8.77.
A New SERS Substrate Based on TiO2 Nanorods Thin Film Assembled Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Yu Xu Feng , Cheng Xiu Lan , Lv Peng Yu
Published: April 2015

Surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has been proved to be a highly sensitive method to detect organic molecules at very low concentrations. In recent years, many researchers have reported that 1-dimension semiconductor nanomaterials assembled noble metal nanoparticles can get a strong SERS effect. In this paper, we succeeded to synthesize TiO2 nanorod thin films on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass with hydrothermal synthesis which were able to be used as SERS substrates. Gold nanoparticles were assembled to TiO2 nanorod thin films using the physical sputtering method and the citrate reduction method, respectively. The field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) images show that the later method could achieve the more desirable and uniform distribution of gold nanoparticles. Rhodamine 6G (R6G) was chosen as the probe molecule to study the SERS performance of our novel SERS substrates. Raman scattering measurement proved that the substrates were able to enhance Raman signals by several orders of magnitude and could be applied to biochemical detection. The whole fabrication process was facile and cost-effective, and the SERS activity and reproducibility of the substrates were pretty good.
Electrochromic Porperties of Fluorescent Dye Doped Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) with Different Polymerization Times
Authors: Li Xin , Liang Fei Yue , Li Cong Ju
Published: April 2015

The electrochromic properties of an electrochemical polymerized composite consisted of poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with fluorescent yellow dye (PEDOT-FY) with different polymerization time are reported. The structures of PEDOT-FY were characterized via cycle voltammograms and spectroelectrochemistry. The PEDOT-FY films can appears orange-yellow and purple in the neutral state, and yellow-green and deep green in the oxidized state. Polymerizing for 6 min, the PEDOT-FY film comes out a new pair of oxidative and reductive peaks around 0.3V and-0.15V. In addition, the PEDOT-FY films also have short response times. It is shown that acid dye doping is an effective method to broaden the color change range of the electrochromic mateials.
A Novel PNIN Barrier Controlled Tunnel FET
Authors: Wang Hao , Chang Sheng , Huang Qi Jun , He Jin
Published: April 2015

A novel structure of barrier controlled tunnel FET is proposed in the paper. The principles of gate work function engineering and channel doping engineering are combined to form up an in channel potential barrier, which can tune the source to drain tunnel current. The proposed structure serves as an alternative solution of barrier controlled tunnel FET fabrication, which combines the merits of the barrier controlled traditional MOSFET device and the bandgap controlled tunnel device. With carbon nanotube as the channel material, the device performance of the novel structure is verified using numerical simulation under the non-equilibrium Green’s function framework.
Molecular Dynamic Study on Thermal Conductivity of Methyl-Chemisorption Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Song Yun Peng , He Yan , Tang Yuan Zheng
Published: April 2015

The thermal conductivity at 300K of (6, 6) carbon nanotubes and chemi-adsorbed carbon nanotubes with methyl groups at random positions through covalent bonding (chemisorption) has been calculated as a function of adsorption density using molecular dynamics. The results exhibit a rapid drop in thermal conductivity with chemisorptions, even chemisorption as little as 1.0% of the nanotube carbon atoms reduces the thermal conductivity significantly. Investigate its reason, defects caused by chemisorption blocking the transmission of phonons which plays a leading role in the heat conduction of nanotubes, affecting the temperature distribution and energy transmission, leading to the thermal conductivity decline.
Application of Phase Change Materials in Buildings
Authors: Fan Tie Lin , Zhao Feng Qing
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the merits and drawbacks of different phase change energy storage materials and investigate its application in buildings. The classification and integration of phase change energy storage materials into buildings were reviewed. Through years of research and development, these materials have found application in gypsum board, concrete and mortar. The problems in practical application and development direction of the future were put forward.
Experimental Study of Factors on the Conductive Properties of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Ma Juan , Gao Chun Hai , Zheng Hong Qi , Wang Dun Bin
Published: April 2015

Based on the test results of conductive properties of carbon fiber reinforced concrete, the main influence on content of carbon fiber, content of coarse aggregate, and carbon fiber length are discussed and analyzed. The test results show that when CF content reach the amount of 0.8%~1.2% by mass of cement, the factors have no significant effect on the fractional change in resistance under 0.5% of the significance levels. But when CF content reach the amount of 1.2%~2.0% by mass of cement, the factors show significant effect on the fractional change in resistance under 0.5% of the significance levels. The CFRC resistance can be taken the minimum only when the sand-cement ratio is 1.47, the CF nominal length is equal to 12mm and the CF content is accounted for 2.0% by weight of cement.
The Filtering Properties Research of Healthy Antibacterial Anti-Fog Silk Mask Fabrics
Authors: Liu Yun Ting , Zhang Hong Xia , Xu Jian Feng , Jiang Ya Fen , Zhu Cheng Yan
Published: April 2015

For the present situation of spotty mask fabrics in current market, the paper used natural fiber silk as raw materials for the study of anti-fog and haze mask fabrics. The paper design five different programs and any one sample in every program has different weft density or warp and weft yarn fabric specifications. Make total of 15 kinds of trial samples and do a series of testing of fabric performance. Through testing the pore size value, the filtration efficiency, resistance value and other indicators and analyzing the results, do research on filtering properties of the fabrics. The conclusions have certain guiding significance in product development.
Influence of Annealing Temperature on the Properties of Zn-Sb Composite Thin Films by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Sun Yu Huan , Qin Juan , Wang Guo Hua , Shi Wei Min
Published: April 2015

Zn-Sb based composite thin films have been prepared by radio frequency magnetron sputtering using a Zn4Sb3 compound target followed by thermal annealing. Sample structure and surface morphology were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The electrical properties of the films were studied by Hall measurements. The X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the intensity of diffraction peak of ZnSb phase is enhanced as temperature increasing. Results of AFM shows the rms roughness is getting big with increasing temperature due to the growing crystal grains. Hall measurements indicate that the Zn-Sb composite thin films annealed at different temperatures are p-type conducting with carrier concentrations being on the order of 1019 cm-3.
Homogenous Thin Films Prepared on Microchannel Plates via Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Yan Bao Jun , Liu Shu Lin , Yang Lu Ping
Published: April 2015

Oxide thin films such as aluminum oxide doped with zinc (AZO), and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) were prepared in the pores of microchannel plate (MCP) by atomic layer deposition (ALD), which is a precise control thin film thickness on substrate with high aspect ratio structure. In this paper, homogenous oxide thin films deposited on varied substrates were prepared by ALD technology under different conditions, and the morphology, element distribution and structure of deposited samples are systematically investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray (EDX), and x-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively, The results show that ALD technique is a good method to grow homogenous thin films on MCP.
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Lubricant Depletion Instability under Laser Heating
Authors: Li Bei , Wong Chee How
Published: April 2015

In this work, the coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation is employed to study lubricant evolution and depletion when subjected to a moving laser heat source. A layered film structure is formed in the equilibrium lubricant system due to the polar interactions of the lubricant functional end groups with the disk substrate. The lubricant surface morphology and depletion profiles during laser heating are studied. It is shown that the lubricant undergoes severe depletion increasing as the laser heats up with time, resulting in aggravated lubricant diffusion and evaporation. Moreover, the surface temperature profile is examined under a moving laser heat source and it reveals that the increased temperature is centered around the laser beam and quickly decays away from the laser beam. The non-uniform temperature is formed due to heat transfer between heated beads and surrounding beads, which leads to non-uniformity of surface tension and thermocapillary stress, thereby depleting the lubricant away from the scanning laser beam on the disk surface.
Diffusion Flame Stability of Low Calorific Fuels
Authors: Caetano N.R. , Stapasolla T.Z. , Peng F.B. , Schneider P.S. , Pereira F.M. , Vielmo H.A.
Published: April 2015

Mechanisms related to diffusion flame stabilization have been the subject of several studies within the last decades due the industrial and scientific interests. Information on flame stability is of fundamental importance in energy efficiency and safety regarding industrial applications. Thus, an experimental study was performed in order to examine the flame characteristics and regions of stability limits. In this study, a representative burner of industrial applications was employed, which allows the stabilization of several combustion regimes. The lift-off and blow-out flame regimes were investigated for different proportions of carbon dioxide in natural gas. In this way, an analysis of the calorific fuel influence on the flame stability was performed based on the measurements and a comparison with classical literature models was done. The fuel dilution by adding carbon dioxide was found to decrease the soot production, leading to lower flame heights and also, lower lift-off and blow-out limits. Results obtained from this study encourage future works which consider flames in large scale, in order to equate to industrial applications.
Erratum - Analysis of extracellular superoxide dismutase and Akt in ascending aortic aneurysm with tricuspid or bicuspid aortic valve
Authors: Arcucci A. , Ruocco M.R. , Albano F. , Granato G. , Romano V. , Corso G. , Bancone C. , De Vendittis E. , Della Corte A. , Montagnani S.
Published: April 2015

This correct the article published on European Journal of Histochemistry 2014;58:200-206 doi: 10.4081/ejh.2014.2383
Cluster analysis of fasciolosis in dairy cow herds in Munster province of Ireland and detection of major climatic and environmental predictors of the exposure risk
Authors: Selemetas Nikolaos , Phelan Paul , O’Kiely Padraig , De Waal Theo
Published: April 2015

Fasciolosis caused by Fasciola hepatica is a widespread parasitic disease in cattle farms. The aim of this study was to detect clusters of fasciolosis in dairy cow herds in Munster Province, Ireland and to identify significant climatic and environmental predictors of the exposure risk. In total, 1,292 dairy herds across Munster was sampled in September 2012 providing a single bulk tank milk (BTM) sample. The analysis of samples by an in-house antibody-detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), showed that 65% of the dairy herds (n = 842) had been exposed to F. hepatica. Using the Getis-Ord Gi* statistic, 16 high-risk and 24 low-risk (P <0.01) clusters of fasciolosis were identified. The spatial distribution of high-risk clusters was more dispersed and mainly located in the northern and western regions of Munster compared to the low-risk clusters that were mostly concentrated in the southern and eastern regions. The most significant classes of variables that could reflect the difference between high-risk and low-risk clusters were the total number of wet-days and rain-days, rainfall, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), temperature and soil type. There was a bigger proportion of well-drained soils among the low-risk clusters, whereas poorly drained soils were more common among the high-risk clusters. These results stress the role of precipitation, grazing, temperature and drainage on the life cycle of F. hepatica in the temperate Irish climate. The findings of this study highlight the importance of cluster analysis for identifying significant differences in climatic and environmental variables between high-risk and low-risk clusters of fasciolosis in Irish dairy herds.
Adherence to Physical Activity Recommendations and Its Associated Factors: An Interregional Population-Based Study
Authors: Alkerwi Ala'a , Schuh Barbara , Sauvageot Nicolas , Zannad Faiez , Olivier Arnaud , Guillaume Michèle , Albert Adelin , Larsson Charlotte A.
Published: April 2015

Background

Though the influence of physical activity in preventing cardiovascular diseases is well documented, only a few comparative studies have determined the degree of adherence to physical activity recommendations among populations and identified the demographic, socioeco-nomic, behavioural and health-related factors associated with good compliance.

Design and methods

Cross-sectional interregional NESCaV survey of 3133 subjects compared three populations, Luxembourg, Lorraine (France) and Wallonia (Belgium), by using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Age and gender prevalence rates of physical activity were standardized to the European population.

Results

The likelihood to meet the recommendations was higher in Luxembourg, after adjustment for age, gender, education, employment, weight status, morbidity score, health perception and level of importance attributed to the practice of physical activity (P<0.0001). The odds for meeting the recommendations were significantly higher among those with secondary than tertiary education. Compared to good self-health perception, subjects with poor or fair self-perceived health were less likely to meet the recommendations; this also applied to those attributing little or enough importance to physical activity compared with great importance.

Conclusions

Region, education, self-perceived health and perception of importance of physical activity were emerged as independent determinants of meeting the recommendations. Awareness of the positive health effects of physical activity might thus be crucial for motivating the people to become more active. Further research is needed to explore potential region-specific factors which might explain the difference in population behaviours with respect to physical activity.
Virulence gene profiles of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from chickens with colibacillosis in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Authors: Mbanga Joshua , Nyararai Yvonne O.
Published: April 2015

Colibacillosis, a disease caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), is one of the main causes of economic losses in the poultry industry worldwide. This study was carried out in order to determine the APEC-associated virulence genes contained by E. coli isolates causing colibacillosis in chickens. A total of 45 E. coli isolates were obtained from the diagnostics and research branch of the Central Veterinary Laboratories, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. These isolates were obtained from chickens with confirmed cases of colibacillosis after postmortem examination. The presence of the iutA, hlyF, ompT, frz, sitD, fimH, kpsM, sitA, sopB, uvrY, pstB and vat genes were investigated by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Of the 45 isolates, 93% were positive for the presence of at least one virulence gene. The three most prevalent virulence genes were iutA (80%), fimH (33.3%) and hlyF (24.4%). The kpsM, pstB and ompT genes had the lowest prevalence, having been detected in only 2.2% of the isolates. All 12 virulence genes studied were detected in the 45 APEC isolates. Virulence gene profiles were constructed for each APEC isolate from the multiplex data. The APEC isolates were profiled as 62.2% fitting profile A, 31.1% profile B and 6.7% profile C. None of the isolates had more than seven virulence genes. Virulence profiles of Zimbabwean APEC isolates are different from those previously reported. Zimbabwean APEC isolates appear to be less pathogenic and may rely on environmental factors and stress in hosts to establish infection.
Microleakage of zirconia frameworks cemented with two types of phosphate monomer-based resin cements
Authors: Owittayakul Darunee , Lerdrit Wipada , Pittayachawan Piyapanna
Published: April 2015

Objective: Resin cements containing phosphoric acid modified methacrylate monomers are commonly used for zirconia-based restorations. However, there are few studies of microleakage of zirconia frameworks cemented with these types of resin cements. The purpose of this study was to compare microleakage of zirconia frameworks cemented with two types of phosphate monomer-based resin cements after long-term thermocycling. Materials and Methods: Totally, 30 permanent premolars were randomly divided into two groups: Self-etching (SE) (Panavia™ F2.0, Kuraray Medical, Japan) and self-adhesive (SA) (RelyX™ U100, 3M ESPE, USA) resin cements. The teeth were prepared for zirconia frameworks, which were fabricated by TDS CAD/CAM. After cementation and thermocycling (20,000 cycles), specimens were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye solution for 24 h and were sectioned mesiodistally and buccolingually. Microleakage was recorded, and the data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Sign test (α = 0.05). Results: All specimens showed significantly higher microleakage scores at the cementum margins than at the enamel margins (P < 0.05). The SE resin cement provided significantly lower microleakage scores than the SA resin cement at the enamel margin (P < 0.05); however, there were no statistically significant differences in microleakage between two resin cements at the cementum margins (P > 0.05). Conclusion: SE resin cement has a better sealing ability than SA resin cement at the enamel surface. Both resin cements presented high microleakage at the cementum margins, especially at the tooth/resin interface.
Monsoonal variations in aerosol optical properties and estimation of aerosol optical depth using ground-based meteorological and air quality data in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Tan F. , Lim H. S. , Abdullah K. , Yoon T. L. , Holben B.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Obtaining continuous aerosol-optical-depth (AOD) measurements is a difficult task due to the cloud-cover problem. With the main motivation of overcoming this problem, an AOD-predicting model is proposed. In this study, the optical properties of aerosols in Penang, Malaysia were analyzed for four monsoonal seasons (northeast monsoon, pre-monsoon, southwest monsoon, and post-monsoon) based on data from the AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) from February 2012 to November 2013. The aerosol distribution patterns in Penang for each monsoonal period were quantitatively identified according to the scattering plots of the Ångström exponent against the AOD. A new empirical algorithm was proposed to predict the AOD data. Ground-based measurements (i.e., visibility and air pollutant index) were used in the model as predictor data to retrieve the missing AOD data from AERONET due to frequent cloud formation in the equatorial region. The model coefficients were determined through multiple regression analysis using selected data set from in situ data. The calibrated model coefficients have a coefficient of determination, R2, of 0.72. The predicted AOD of the model was generated based on these calibrated coefficients and compared against the measured data through standard statistical tests, yielding a R2 of 0.68 as validation accuracy. The error in weighted mean absolute percentage error (wMAPE) was less than 0.40% compared with the real data. The results revealed that the proposed model efficiently predicted the AOD data. Performance of our model was compared against selected LIDAR data to yield good correspondence. The predicted AOD can enhance measured short- and long-term AOD and provide supplementary information for climatological studies and monitoring aerosol variation.
Quality assessment of chronologies in Latin American pollen records: a contribution to centennial to millennial scale studies of environmental change
Authors: Flantua S. G. A. , Hooghiemstra H. , Blaauw M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The newly updated inventory of the Latin American Pollen Database (LAPD) offers an important overview of data available for multi-proxy and multi-site purposes. However, heterogeneous paleoecological databases are not suitable to be integrated without an uncertainty assessment of existing chronologies. Therefore, we collected all chronological control points and age model metadata from the LAPD literature to create a complementary chronological database of 5116 dates from 1097 pollen records. We start with an overview on chronological dating and reporting in Central and South America. Specific problems and recommendations for chronology reporting are discussed. Subsequently, we implement a temporal quality assessment of pollen records from northwest South-America to support research on climate forcers and responses at a centennial-millennial time-scale. New chronologies are generated for 233 pollen records based on updated calibration curves. Different time windows are discussed on sample resolution and temporal uncertainty. Approximately one in four pollen diagrams depicts < 500 years resolution data at the Younger Dryas/Holocene transition. Overall, our analyses suggest that the temporal resolution of multi-site syntheses of late Pleistocene fossil pollen records in the northwest South-America is ca. 240 years, a resolution which allows analysis of ecological responses to centennial-millennial-scale climate change during the last deglaciation.
The impact of land cover generated by a dynamic vegetation model on climate over east Asia in present and possible future climate
Authors: Cho M.-H. , Boo K.-O. , Martin G. M. , Lee J. , Lim G.-H.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This study investigates the impacts of land cover change, as simulated by a dynamic vegetation model, on the summertime climatology over Asia. The climate model used in this study has systematic biases of underestimated rainfall around Korea and overestimation over the South China Sea. When coupled to a dynamic vegetation model, the resulting change in land cover is accompanied by an additional direct radiative effect over dust-producing regions. Both the change in land surface conditions directly and the effect of increased bare-soil fraction on dust loading affect the climate in the region and are examined separately in this study. The direct radiative effect of the additional dust contributes to increasing the rainfall biases, while the land surface physical processes are related to local temperature biases such as warm biases over North China. In time slice runs for future climate, as the dust loading changes, anomalous anticyclonic flows are simulated over South China Sea, resulting in reduced rainfall over the South China Sea and more rainfall near Korea and south China. In contrast with the rainfall changes, the influence of land cover change and the associated dust radiative effects are very small for a future projection of temperature, which is dominated by atmospheric CO2 increase. The results in this study suggest that the land cover simulated by a dynamic vegetation model can affect, and be affected by, model systematic biases on regional scales over dust emission source regions such as Asia. In particular, the analysis of the radiative effects of dust changes associated with land cover change is important in order to understand future changes in regional precipitation in global warming.
Twelve-month, 12 km resolution North American WRF-Chem v3.4 air quality simulation: performance evaluation
Authors: Tessum C. W. , Hill J. D. , Marshall J. D.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. We present results from and evaluate the performance of a 12-month, 12 km horizontal resolution year 2005 air pollution simulation for the contiguous United States using the WRF-Chem (Weather Research and Forecasting with Chemistry) meteorology and chemical transport model (CTM). We employ the 2005 US National Emissions Inventory, the Regional Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism (RACM), and the Modal Aerosol Dynamics Model for Europe (MADE) with a volatility basis set (VBS) secondary aerosol module. Overall, model performance is comparable to contemporary modeling efforts used for regulatory and health-effects analysis, with an annual average daytime ozone (O3) mean fractional bias (MFB) of 12% and an annual average fine particulate matter (PM2.5) MFB of −1%. WRF-Chem, as configured here, tends to overpredict total PM2.5 at some high concentration locations and generally overpredicts average 24 h O3 concentrations. Performance is better at predicting daytime-average and daily peak O3 concentrations, which are more relevant for regulatory and health effects analyses relative to annual average values. Predictive performance for PM2.5 subspecies is mixed: the model overpredicts particulate sulfate (MFB = 36%), underpredicts particulate nitrate (MFB = −110%) and organic carbon (MFB = −29%), and relatively accurately predicts particulate ammonium (MFB = 3%) and elemental carbon (MFB = 3%), so that the accuracy in total PM2.5 predictions is to some extent a function of offsetting over- and underpredictions of PM2.5 subspecies. Model predictive performance for PM2.5 and its subspecies is in general worse in winter and in the western US than in other seasons and regions, suggesting spatial and temporal opportunities for future WRF-Chem model development and evaluation.
Groundwater surface mapping informs sources of catchment baseflow
Authors: Costelloe J. F. , Peterson T. J. , Halbert K. , Western A. W. , McDonnell J. J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Groundwater discharge is a major contributor to stream baseflow. Quantifying this flux is difficult, despite its considerable importance to water resource management and evaluation of the effects of groundwater extraction on streamflow. It is important to be able to differentiate between contributions to streamflow from regional groundwater discharge (more susceptible to groundwater extraction) compared to interflow processes (arguably less susceptible to groundwater extraction). Here we explore the use of groundwater surface mapping as an independent data set to constrain estimates of groundwater discharge to streamflow using traditional digital filter and tracer techniques. We developed groundwater surfaces from 88 monitoring bores using Kriging with external drift and for a subset of 33 bores with shallow screen depths. Baseflow estimates at the catchment outlet were made using the Eckhardt digital filter approach and tracer data mixing analysis using major ion signatures. Our groundwater mapping approach yielded two measures (percentage area intersecting the land surface and monthly change in saturated volume) that indicated that digital filter-derived baseflow significantly exceeded probable groundwater discharge during most months. Tracer analysis was not able to resolve contributions from ungauged tributary flows (sourced from either shallow flow paths, i.e. interflow and perched aquifer discharge, or regional groundwater discharge) and regional groundwater. Groundwater mapping was able to identify ungauged sub-catchments where regional groundwater discharge was too deep to contribute to tributary flow and thus where shallow flow paths dominated the tributary flow. Our results suggest that kriged groundwater surfaces provide a useful, empirical and independent data set for investigating sources of fluxes contributing to baseflow and identifying periods where baseflow analysis may overestimate groundwater discharge to streamflow.
Modelling of the response of acoustic piezoelectric resonators in biosensor applications – Part 1: The general theoretical analysis
Authors: Voinova M. V.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Acoustic piezoelectric resonators are widely used as precise analytical chemistry tools for the real-time monitoring of a negligibly small amount of surface-attached mass of biological components, in particular, in environmental biosensor measurements. The surface acoustic wave (SAW)-based sensors and the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) compared in our work belong to the leading group due to their considerable advantages. These piezoelectric resonators are considered now as high-resolution analytical tools allowing researchers to discriminate between components due to the selective polymer coating on the resonator surface. The gravimetrical measurements performed with the SAW-based or QCM sensors provide the experimental data with high precision for the detection of surface mass for the thin adsorbed layer rigidly attached to the oscillator surface. The new challenge is the analysis of soft and biological materials, where the viscous losses of energy can essentially influence measured characteristics. Modelling is the important part of the analysis allowing researchers to quantify the results of the experiments. The present work provides a general theory of SH-SAW devices probing soft and biological materials. The results are compared with QCM-D operated in liquid media.
Familial aggregation of phenotypic expression of premature hair hypopigmentation in the craniofacial region
Authors: Black Corey
Published: April 2015

There are many patients who experience premature hypopigmentation of hair, but do not understand the underlying causes and potential dangers associated with them. The causes range from genetic predisposition to environmental influences such as tobacco use. Premature hypopigmentation of the hair shaft can also be associated with many syndromes; some which cause dental anomalies. Today, treatment options are limited for patients, although various studies are being done on mice to target the underlying mechanism of action. Understanding the differences between all of the possible causes of this particular phenotype can help clinicians better identify the symptoms, educate patients, and possibly modify treatment to suit the needs of each patient on an individual basis.
Recalibrating O'Neill's Modern Tragedy:
Authors: Callens Johan
Published: April 2015

Theater audiences in the Low Countries in the fall of 2013 had the opportunity to see two concurrent productions of Eugene O'Neill's Long Day's Journey Into Night: a condensed adaptation directed by Peter Monsaert for Theater Antigone, Kortrijk, and a more traditional one directed by Ivo van Hove for Toneelgroep Amsterdam. Starting from the directorial concepts and scenographies of both productions, for which respectively Giovanni Vanhoenacker and Jan Versweyveld designed, this article explores earlier theater historical models and contemporary influences (Irving, Yeats, and Ibsen) in order to elucidate these productions' readjustments of O'Neill's tragic dramaturgy.
Global O'Neill:
Authors: Downing Pat Bromilow , MacPherson Fiona , King William Davies
Published: April 2015

Production and rehearsal photographs from the 2014 Baxter Theatre Centre's Cape Town production of Desire under the Elms suggest the rich possibilities of an intercultural translation of Eugene O'Neill's play in a South African context. The Eugene O'Neill Review editor issues a call for studies of O'Neill's plays in a global context.
The Realism and Ecology of Augmented Reality
Authors: Simonetta Giovanni ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: April 2015

Unlike in the phrase “Virtual Reality,” in the phrase “Augmented Reality” (AR) the stress is put on the word “reality.” It seems, though, that we still lack a concept of reality which can fit the world of both humans and computers. In connection with this philosophical issue, this paper aims to provide the background for a better insight into the meaning of Augmented Reality and its impact on human behavior. My thesis is that an ecological version of direct perception’s realism constitutes the most natural framework from which to start. The ecological approach to perception – namely, the Gibsonian theory of affordances – together with a non-dualistic, pragmatist and evolutionist notion of reality, perfectly fits this purpose. Thus, after a brief survey of the present state of AR technologies, it should become natural to interpret AR digital contents as implementations of affordances.
Bioengineering a Human Plasma-Based Epidermal Substitute With Efficient Grafting Capacity and High Content in Clonogenic Cells
Authors: Alexaline Maia M. , Trouillas Marina , Nivet Muriel , Bourreau Emilie , Leclerc Thomas , Duhamel Patrick , Martin Michele T. , Doucet Christelle , Fortunel Nicolas O. , Lataillade Jean-Jacques
Published: April 2015

Cultured epithelial autografts (CEAs) produced from a small, healthy skin biopsy represent a lifesaving surgical technique in cases of full-thickness skin burn covering >50% of total body surface area. CEAs also present numerous drawbacks, among them the use of animal proteins and cells, the high fragility of keratinocyte sheets, and the immaturity of the dermal-epidermal junction, leading to heavy cosmetic and functional sequelae. To overcome these weaknesses, we developed a human plasma-based epidermal substitute (hPBES) for epidermal coverage in cases of massive burn, as an alternative to traditional CEA, and set up critical quality controls for preclinical and clinical studies. In this study, phenotypical analyses in conjunction with functional assays (clonal analysis, long-term culture, or in vivo graft) showed that our new substitute fulfills the biological requirements for epidermal regeneration. hPBES keratinocytes showed high potential for cell proliferation and subsequent differentiation similar to healthy skin compared with a well-known reference material, as ascertained by a combination of quality controls. This work highlights the importance of integrating relevant multiparameter quality controls into the bioengineering of new skin substitutes before they reach clinical development.

Significance

This work involves the development of a new bioengineered epidermal substitute with pertinent functional quality controls. The novelty of this work is based on this quality approach.