bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Dispersion during Compounding and Extrusion of Polypropylene/Graphite Nanoplates Composites
Authors: Rodrigues P. , Santos R. M. , Paiva M. C. , Covas J. A.
Published: November 2017

Carbon-based nanoparticles have unique electrical, thermal, barrier and mechanical properties. When incorporated into polymer matrices, the resulting nanocomposites are potentially suitable for a wide scope of advanced applications. In practice, the properties of the nanocomposites are strongly determined by the level of dispersion achieved and by the degree of polymer/particle interfacial bonding. Production and processing of nanocomposites are often carried out in successive thermo-mechanical cycles. These may change the state of nanoparticle dispersion. This work analyzes the evolution of the dispersion of graphite nanoplates (GnP) in a polypropylene matrix during compounding in a co-rotating twin screw extruder and subsequent processing in a single screw extruder, aiming at a better understanding of the kinetics and stability of dispersion. Dispersion was evaluated along the compounding and processing stages and correlated with the composite electrical conductivity, an important engineering property. Two commercial GnP were used as received and chemically modified to graft PP-g-MA (fGnP-PP). Compositions with 2 or 10 wt.% of GnP and fGnP-PP were studied.
Fluid Elasticity in Plastic Pipe Extrusion: Loads on Die Barrel
Authors: Saengow C. , Giacomin A. J.
Published: November 2017

In large thick plastic pipe extrusion, the residence time in the cooling chamber is long, and the melt inside the pipe sags under its own weight, causing the product to thicken on the bottom (and to thin on the top). To compensate for sag, engineers normally shift the die centerpiece downward. This paper focuses on how this decentering triggers unintended consequences for elastic polymer melts. We employ eccentric cylindrical coordinates, to capture exactly the geometry of our problem, the flow between eccentric cylinders. Specifically, we arrive at an exact analytical expression for the axial and lateral forces on the die barrel using the polymer process partitioning approach, designed for elastic liquids. We choose the Oldroyd 8-constant framework due to its rich diversity of constitutive special cases. Since our main results are in a form of simple algebraic expression along with two sets of curves, they can thus be used not only by engineers, but any practitioner. We close our paper with detailed dimensional worked examples to help practitioners with their pipe die designs.
San Pablo, California, Corridor Rapid Service
Authors: Martin Peter , Landau Nathan
Published: November 2017

The San Pablo, California, Rapid bus service was planned 17 years ago and was implemented 13 years ago. The Rapid service, which did not include exclusive lanes, was an upgrade of previous limited-stop bus service linking the East Bay communities of San Pablo, Richmond, El Cerrito, Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Oakland. The 13 years of service provide some lessons for other communities that are considering moderate (or less than full) service upgrades to bus rapid transit. The service was quick to implement and low in cost, but it has not provided the anticipated ridership benefits. The upgrades apparently were not significant enough to attract ridership increases. The transit signal priority element was not well maintained and thus has not provided the desired travel time and reliability benefits. AC Transit—which operates the service—and the corridor communities are currently reexamining further upgrades to the service. This Rapid service is well used, but more pronounced improvements are needed to fulfill ridership potential in the corridor. The lessons learned are that minor upgrades can be easily implemented, but noticeable changes are required to achieve significant ridership gains.
Modeling Bus Service Time for a Curbside Stop
Authors: Ye Pengyao , Chen Zhuqing , Yang Hong
Published: November 2017

Bus queuing occurs frequently at the entry and exit areas of curbside stops. Formed queues can induce extra delays for bus operations. Conventional regression-based models to analyze bus service time cannot capture such delays because of their limitations in addressing interactions between buses and arriving passengers. To capture the extra delays, this paper proposes a new approach to estimate bus service time on the basis of the Monte Carlo method. The proposed models account for interactions between arriving buses as well as the numbers of boarding and alighting passengers. The models were established for curbside stops with both one and two berths. Case studies were implemented to show the effectiveness of the proposed approach. Archived data from the automatic vehicle location system and the automatic fare collection system were used to calibrate and validate the models. With the established models, the impact of passenger arrivals on bus service time was further demonstrated.
Optimal Deployment of Dynamic Wireless Charging Facilities for an Electric Bus System
Authors: Liu Zhaocai , Song Ziqi , He Yi
Published: November 2017

Diesel engine buses still make up the majority of the bus fleet in the United States, even with the problem of diesel exhaust and greenhouse gas emissions. Electric buses, which generate no emissions, are a promising green alternative for bus fleets. However, electric buses have a limited travel range and a time-consuming recharging process. Dynamic wireless charging, which allows electric buses to charge while traveling, could alleviate the drawbacks of electric buses. With dynamic wireless charging technology, electric buses can operate with smaller batteries, and the stationary recharging time at the base station can be shortened. The key design variables in deploying dynamic wireless charging facilities for an electric bus system are battery size and the location of the wireless charging facilities. This paper addresses the problem of simultaneously selecting the optimal locations for the wireless charging facilities and designing the battery size for an electric bus system. A mixed integer linear program was developed to minimize the total implementation cost. The model was demonstrated with a real-world bus system. The results demonstrate that the proposed model can solve the optimal deployment problem of dynamic wireless charging facilities for an electric bus system.
Estimating Ridership of Rural Demand–Response Transit Services for the General Public
Authors: Mattson Jeremy
Published: November 2017

The general objective of this study was to develop a model for estimating ridership for rural demand–response transit services for the general public. A lack of data for demand–response service characteristics and geographic coverage has limited the estimation of such models. This study developed and estimated two models. The first was estimated with data from the 2013 rural National Transit Database, and the second was estimated with more detailed service data collected from surveys of transit agencies. Results showed that in addition to total population, demographic characteristics were important. Ridership was found to increase significantly when the percentage of the population composed of older adults or people without access to a vehicle increased. Both models showed a negative effect of fares on ridership. The second model analyzed the effects of service span and reservation requirements on ridership. Results showed that providing more days of service had an expected positive effect on ridership; allowing users to reserve rides on shorter notice also had a significant positive effect. Compared with previous research, the inclusion of a greater number of variables and more specific service information improved the performance of the models.
Calculating Optimal School Bus Routing and Its Impact on Safety and the Environment
Authors: Kotoula Kornilia Maria , Morfoulaki Maria , Aifadopoulou Georgia , Tzenos Panagiotis
Published: November 2017

Traveling to school is a complex undertaking that refers to students’ daily trips from their residences to their schools and vice versa. The school bus routing problem differs from a conventional vehicle routing problem because it involves a procedure of receiving and delivering transported vulnerable objects (students). In the Greek school transportation system, this procedure is executed in complex transport networks, following a series of routes formulated with an empirical approach; not a mathematical model. Many schools design these routes by using a manual process, taking into account primarily the parents’ requirements. However, the complexities of school bus routing problems, such as local conditions, operating costs, and customer needs, make the whole procedure extremely challenging and render the adoption of a software solution a necessity. Considering this framework, this paper presents a seven-step method developed for optimizing the school bus routes of a private school in Thessaloniki, Greece. The method is based on cluster analysis and genetic algorithms while taking into account the geographic characteristics of the road network as well as the distribution of the student’s travel behavior and requirements. The results derived from the pilot testing verify initial considerations: reducing the distance and travel time by optimizing school bus routing lessens the possibility for students to be involved in road accidents and enhances the air quality through a reduction in fuel emissions.
Comparison of effect of static and dynamic core exercises on speed and agility performance in soccer players
Authors: Sever Ozan , Zorba Erdal
Published: November 2017

OBJECTIVE:

This study compared the effects of dynamic and static core training programs on soccer related speed, agility. anaerobic power tests, core stability tests and body composition measurements.

METHODS:

A Static ([Formula: see text] 14) and Dynamic ([Formula: see text] 13) training groups performed three 30 min sessions per week for 8 weeks while attending scheduled soccer training sessions.

RESULTS:

Sprint (10–30 m), agility (505 and Arrowhead), vertical and standing long jump scores did not increase in any groups. Neither group demonstrated difference in body composition measurements for repeated test scores and between group comparisons. Experiment groups improved dynamic and static core stabilization test scores while Control group did not change.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results indicate that both training types improved movement related measures of core stability which did not transfer into any anaerobic skills and body composition. Thus core stability training is not generating sufficient stimulus to improve power and strength dependent performance skills such as sprint and agility and therefore may not constitute a cardinal component in soccer conditioning programs.
Biological, Neuroimaging, and Neurophysiological Markers in Frontotemporal Dementia: Three Faces of the Same Coin
Authors: Borroni Barbara , Benussi Alberto , Premi Enrico , Alberici Antonella , Marcello Elena , Gardoni Fabrizio , Di Luca Monica , Padovani Alessandro
Published: November 2017

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a heterogeneous clinical, genetic, and neuropathological disorder. Clinical diagnosis and prediction of neuropathological substrates are hampered by heterogeneous pictures. Diagnostic markers are key in clinical trials to differentiate FTD from other neurodegenerative dementias. In the same view, identifying the neuropathological hallmarks of the disease is key in light of future disease-modifying treatments. The aim of the present review is to unravel the progress in biomarker discovery, discussing the potential applications of available biological, imaging, and neurophysiological markers.
Translational Research in Alzheimer’s and Prion Diseases
Authors: Di Fede Giuseppe , Giaccone Giorgio , Salmona Mario , Tagliavini Fabrizio
Published: November 2017

Translational neuroscience integrates the knowledge derived by basic neuroscience with the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools that may be applied to clinical practice in neurological diseases. This information can be used to improve clinical trial designs and outcomes that will accelerate drug development, and to discover novel biomarkers which can be efficiently employed to early recognize neurological disorders and provide information regarding the effects of drugs on the underlying disease biology. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and prion disease are two classes of neurodegenerative disorders characterized by incomplete knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying their occurrence and the lack of valid biomarkers and effective treatments. For these reasons, the design of therapies that prevent or delay the onset, slow the progression, or improve the symptoms associated to these disorders is urgently needed. During the last few decades, translational research provided a framework for advancing development of new diagnostic devices and promising disease-modifying therapies for patients with prion encephalopathies and AD. In this review, we provide present evidence of how supportive can be the translational approach to the study of dementias and show some results of our preclinical studies which have been translated to the clinical application following the ‘bed-to-bench-and-back’ research model.
Rasch analyses of the standardized Spanish translation of the U.S. household food security survey module
Authors: Rabbitt Matthew P. , Coleman-Jensen Alisha
Published: November 2017

In this article we examine whether the implementation of a standardized Spanish-language Household Food Security Survey Module (HFSSM) affects comparisons of food insecurity measures between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White households. We find that some of the food insecurity items are measuring different levels of the severity of (latent) food insecurity between these groups, but that these differences are small. While differences in the measured severity of food insecurity between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White households were small, implementation of the standardized Spanish-HFSSM improved the reliability and performance of the food insecurity items. Concerns about the bias associated with differences in the measured severity of food insecurity between these groups were assessed and found to be negligible, suggesting the Spanish- and English-language HFSSMs produce comparable measures of food insecurity.
Family matters: Development of new family interrelationship variables for US IPUMS data projects
Authors: Gorsuch Marina Mileo , Williams Kari Charlotte Wigness
Published: November 2017

In demographic datasets, researchers frequently want to identify how members of a household are related. In this paper, we develop a new method of estimating parental and spousal relationships using data on fertility patterns and family interrelationships. The improved method includes cohabiting and same-sex couples and is comparable across all modern US IPUMS data projects. A detailed variable indicates how the relationship was inferred and the level of ambiguity around that inference. The new IPUMS family interrelationship variables are very accurate, matching self-reported spouse/partner for 99.99% and parent for over 99.00% of respondents. Among those identified as same-sex couples, we match self-reported spouse/partner for 100% of respondents, 87.57% of whom self-identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. We further demonstrate that the new family interrelationship variables closely track temporal variation in teenage fertility.
Cytokine Profiling of Serum Allows Monitoring of Disease Progression in Inclusion Body Myositis
Authors: Badrising Umesh A. , Tsonaka Roula , Hiller Monika , Niks Erik H. , Evangelista Teresinha , Lochmüller Hanns , Verschuuren Jan JGM. , Aartsma-Rus Annemieke , Spitali Pietro
Published: November 2017

Background:

Inclusion body myositis is a late onset inflammatory myopathy lacking reliable serum biomarkers for diagnosis and for disease progression.

Objective:

To identify diagnostic and predictive biomarkers, cytokine profiling is used to assess the potential of cytokines to discriminate between cases and controls and to assess whether treatment with methotrexate can influence biomarkers associated with disease progression.

Methods:

The diagnostic and follow-up potential of 48 cytokines was tested using Bioplex-assay and ELISA in sera of healthy individuals, IBM patients and patients with other neuromuscular disorders.

Results:

Ten cytokines (TRAIL, IL-8, MIF, MCP-1, LIF, IP-10, IFN- α2, MIG, bNGF and IL-3) were identified to be good to excellent markers to discern IBM patients from healthy controls. Three cytokines (IP-10, Eotaxin and SDF1A) changed significantly upon methotrexate treatment as compared with the natural clinical course. Muscle strength loss was associated with changes in IL-8 and SDF1A levels. IFN- γ levels were only associated with survival of IBM patients before correction for multiple comparisons.

Discussion:

Cytokine profiling can discriminate IBM patients from healthy controls and other neuromuscular disorders. Immunosuppression with methotrexate affects cytokine levels in IBM. IL-8 and SDF1A could serve as biomarkers for disease progression.
Using online data sources to make query suggestions for children
Authors: Pera Maria Soledad , Ng Yiu-Kai
Published: November 2017

Existing popular web search engines have been widely used for retrieving information of interests by their users and offer query suggestions (QS) to assist them in exploring the wealth of information online. These search tools, however, are designed without any specific group of users in mind and thus are not tailored towards the specific needs of children, which can diminish their usability and design objectives when they are employed by children. Given the increasing use of the Web for educational and entertainment purposes by children, there is an urgent need to help them search the Web effectively. In this paper, we present a QS module, denoted CQS, which assists children in finding appropriate query keywords to capture their information needs by (i) analyzing content written for/by children, (ii) examining phrases and other metadata extracted from reputable (children’s) websites, and (iii) using a supervised learning approach to rank suggestions that are appealing to children. CQS offers suggestions with vocabulary that can be comprehended by children and with topics of interest to them. We conducted a number of empirical studies using keyword queries initiated by children, besides gathering feedback on the usefulness of CQS-generated suggestions through crowdsourcing. The performance evaluation of CQS revealed the effectiveness of the methodology of CQS. In addition, it demonstrated that CQS-generated suggestions were preferred over suggestions provided by Bing and Yahoo! and at least as comparable to queries suggested by Google.
Glaucoma in U.S. Civil Aviation: 2005–2014
Authors: DeJohn Charles A. , Mills William D.
Published: November 2017

INTRODUCTION: Until recently, glaucoma requiring treatment was disqualifying for U.S. pilots and required an aeromedical special issuance waiver. Since 2013 Aerospace Medical Examiners (AMEs) have been authorized to evaluate third-class pilots with mild glaucoma using similar
protocols and issue medical certificates without a waiver if these criteria specified in the AME Guide are met.METHODS: The FAA’s medical database was searched for pilots with glaucoma between 2005 and 2014. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) accident database
was then searched to determine which pilots with glaucoma had aircraft accidents during that period. The odds of accidents in the glaucoma pilots were compared with the overall pilot accident odds.RESULTS: Of 5000 pilots being treated for glaucoma, 78 were involved in aircraft accidents;
however, glaucoma was not cited as the probable cause or contributing factor in any of the accidents. A logistic regression model adjusted for age showed that glaucoma had a protective effect on accident odds. The crude accident rate for third-class pilots with glaucoma was estimated to be
7.2 per 100,000 flight hours, with a fatal accident rate of 1.8 per 100,000. Although these point estimates were slightly higher than the estimated general aviation accident rates, the differences were not statistically significant.DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that third-class
pilots with glaucoma are not at significantly greater risk of an accident than the U.S. general aviation community. It also indicates that FAA certification protocols for certifying and following pilots with glaucoma provide an adequate level of flight safety.DeJohn CA, Mills WD. Glaucoma in U.S. civil aviation: 2005–2014. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(12):1117–1122.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Commonly Prescribed Medications in Military Aviation
Authors: Ropp Lincoln G. , Haight Sean P. , Prudhomme Michael B. , Ropp Elizabeth L.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND: Medication use by naval aviators, either prescription or over-the-counter, is not always relayed to the flight surgeon, resulting in unsafe flying environments. Many medications have debilitating effects that prohibit their use during aviation. Education and availability
of resources on approved medications for flight status personnel is lacking.METHODS: A retrospective search of the Department of Defense Composite Health Care System (DoD CHCS) was conducted from five geographic locations. Basic epidemiological information was obtained to determine
the most common medications (N = 70) prescribed to active-duty flight status personnel. Analysis determined their medication category, flight status designation, and a generalized location comparison. A similar control medication list for nonflight status personnel was generated from
one location.RESULTS: Analysis found that many medications prescribed to aviators are not approved for use in aviation and are similar to those of nonflight status personnel. There were 8 of the top 15 (53%) and 40 of the 70 (57%) most commonly prescribed medications of flight status
personnel which were not approved. Similarly, 49% of total prescriptions (N = 15,652) were not approved. Little difference was found in medications among nonflight and flight status personnel, as 11 of the top 15 prescription medications (73%) were identical.DISCUSSION: This
research demonstrates the need for education regarding certain medications and their prohibited use during flight. Results will provide the Flight Surgeon common medications prescribed to aviators to aid them in providing a safer flying environment.Ropp LG, Haight SP, Prudhomme MB, Ropp
EL. Cross-sectional analysis of commonly prescribed medications in military aviation. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(12):1129–1133.
One-Year Mission on ISS Is a Step Towards Interplanetary Missions
Authors: Fomina Elena V. , Lysova Nataliya Yu. , Kukoba Tatyana B. , Grishin Alexey P. , Kornienko Mikhail B.
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND: in the 1990s Russian cosmonauts performed six long-duration missions on Mir that went from 312 to 438 d. In 2015 a mission on the International Space Station that continued for 340 d, 8 h, and 47 min was successfully accomplished. It was a joint U.S./Russian mission
completed by Scott Kelly and Mikhail Kornienko (KM).METHODS: The intensity of in-flight physical exercises and postflight motor changes were measured in KM and in the six cosmonauts who made shorter flights (173.3 ± 13.8 d) on ISS while using similar countermeasures against
the adverse effects of microgravity.RESULTS: It was found that both parameters varied similarly in spite of the difference in the duration of ISS missions. KM maintained adequate physical performance throughout the entire flight; moreover, the level of postflight changes he displayed
was comparable to that recorded in the group of cosmonauts who completed 6-mo missions on ISS.DISCUSSION: In summary, the 1-yr mission has clearly demonstrated the high efficacy of the countermeasures used by KM.Fomina EV, Lysova NYu, Kukoba TB, Grishin AP, Kornienko MB. One-year mission on ISS is a step towards interplanetary missions. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(12):1094–1099.
Mindful Application of Aviation Practices in Healthcare
Authors: Powell-Dunford Nicole , Brennan Peter A. , Peerally Mohammad Farhad , Kapur Narinder , Hynes Jonny M. , Hodkinson Peter D.
Published: November 2017

INTRODUCTION: Evidence supports the efficacy of incorporating select recognized aviation practices and procedures into healthcare. Incident analysis, debrief, safety brief, and crew resource management (CRM) have all been assessed for implementation within the UK healthcare system,
a world leader in aviation-based patient safety initiatives. Mindful application, in which aviation practices are specifically tailored to the unique healthcare setting, show promise in terms of acceptance and long-term sustainment.METHODS: In order to establish British healthcare
applications of aviation practices, a PubMed search of UK authored manuscripts published between 2005–2016 was undertaken using search terms ‘aviation,’ ‘healthcare,’ ‘checklist,’ and ‘CRM.’ A convenience sample of UK-authored aviation
medical conference presentations and UK-authored patient safety manuscripts were also reviewed.RESULTS: A total of 11 of 94 papers with UK academic affiliations published between 2005–2016 and relevant to aviation modeled healthcare delivery were found. The debrief process,
incident analysis, and CRM are the primary practices incorporated into UK healthcare, with success dependent on cultural acceptance and mindful application. CRM training has gained significant acceptance in UK healthcare environments.DISCUSSION: Aviation modeled incident analysis,
debrief, safety brief, and CRM training are increasingly undertaken within the UK healthcare system. Nuanced application, in which the unique aspects of the healthcare setting are addressed as part of a comprehensive safety approach, shows promise for long-term success. The patient safety
brief and aviation modeled incident analysis are in earlier phases of implementation, and warrant further analysis.Powell-Dunford N, Brennan PA, Peerally MF, Kapur N, Hynes JM, Hodkinson PD. Mindful application of aviation practices in healthcare. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2017; 88(12):1107–1116.
Idiomatic Images: Derrida and the Forgotten Japanese Film Irezumi
Authors: Martell James
Published: November 2017

In a footnote of Monolingualism of the Other Derrida describes the plot of a ‘Japanese film whose name [he does] not know,’ but which presents a familial history of incest, violence and tattoos, and which relates to the dream of his style, his ‘ductus,’ what he wants to make arrive to language. By analysing this film together with other instances of tattooing in Derrida's body of work, this essay will show how, if Derrida's dreamt style is a colourful tattoo, this is because his texts are an undecidable inscription, a violent penetration and loving transfusion, between images and words.
Optical Properties of Biomass Burning Aerosols: Comparison of Experimental Measurements and T-Matrix Calculations
Authors: Poudel Samin , Fiddler Marc , Smith Damon , Flurchick K. , Bililign Solomon
Published: November 2017

The refractive index (RI) is an important parameter in describing the radiative impacts of aerosols. It is important to constrain the RI of aerosol components, since there is still significant uncertainty regarding the RI of biomass burning aerosols. Experimentally measured extinction cross-sections, scattering cross-sections, and single scattering albedos for white pine biomass burning (BB) aerosols under two different burning and sampling conditions were modeled using T-matrix theory. The refractive indices were extracted from these calculations. Experimental measurements were conducted using a cavity ring-down spectrometer to measure the extinction, and a nephelometer to measure the scattering of size-selected aerosols. BB aerosols were obtained by burning white pine using (1) an open fire in a burn drum, where the aerosols were collected in distilled water using an impinger, and then re-aerosolized after several days, and (2) a tube furnace to directly introduce the BB aerosols into an indoor smog chamber, where BB aerosols were then sampled directly. In both cases, filter samples were also collected, and electron microscopy images were used to obtain the morphology and size information used in the T-matrix calculations. The effective radius of the particles collected on filter media from the open fire was approximately 245 nm, whereas it was approximately 76 nm for particles from the tube furnace burns. For samples collected in distilled water, the real part of the RI increased with increasing particle size, and the imaginary part decreased. The imaginary part of the RI was also significantly larger than the reported values for fresh BB aerosol samples. For the particles generated in the tube furnace, the real part of the RI decreased with particle size, and the imaginary part was much smaller and nearly constant. The RI is sensitive to particle size and sampling method, but there was no wavelength dependence over the range considered (500–680 nm). Our values for the RI of fresh (white pine) biomass burning aerosols ranged from 1.33 + i0.008 to 1.74 + i0.008 for 200-nm, 300-nm, and 400-nm diameter particles. These are within the range of RI values in the most recent study conducted during the Fire Laboratory at Missoula Experiments (FLAME I and II), which were 1.55 to 1.80 for the real part, and 0.01–0.50 for the imaginary part, for fresh BB aerosols with diameters of 200–570 nm. There is no clear trend on the dependence of the RI values on particle size. The RI values derived from measurements of aerosols produced from the combustion of hydrocarbons and diesel cannot be used for BB aerosols.
Atmospheric Processing and Variability of Biological Ice Nucleating Particles in Precipitation at Opme, France
Authors: Pouzet Glwadys , Peghaire Elodie , Aguès Maxime , Baray Jean-Luc , Conen Franz , Amato Pierre
Published: November 2017

Atmospheric ice nucleating particles (INPs) contribute to initiate precipitation. In particular, biological INPs act at warmer temperatures than other types of particles (>−10 °C) therefore potentially defining precipitation distribution. Here, in order to identify potential environmental drivers in the distribution and fate of biological INPs in the atmosphere, we conducted a mid-term study of the freezing characteristics of precipitation. A total of 121 samples were collected during a period of >1.5 years at the rural site of Opme (680 m a.s.l. (above sea level), France). INP concentration ranged over two orders of magnitude at a given temperature depending on the sample; there were <1 INPs mL−1 at ≥−5 °C, ~0.1 to 10 mL−1 between −5 °C and −8 °C, and ~1 to 100 mL−1 at colder temperatures. The data support the existence of an intimate natural link between biological INPs and hydrological cycles. In addition, acidification was strongly correlated with a decrease of the freezing characteristics of the samples, suggesting that human activities impact the role of INPs as triggers of precipitation. Water isotope ratio measurements and statistical comparison with aerosol and cloud water data confirmed some extent of INP partitioning in the atmosphere, with the INPs active at the warmest temperatures tending to be more efficiently precipitated.
Facile One-Pot Synthesis of Amidoalkyl Naphthols and Benzopyrans Using Magnetic Nanoparticle-Supported Acidic Ionic Liquid as a Highly Efficient and Reusable Catalyst
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Gao Yin-Hong , Qin Shan-Lin , Wei Huai-Xin
Published: November 2017

An efficient and eco-friendly procedure for the synthesis of 1-amidoalkyl-2-naphthol and tetrahydrobenzo[b]pyran derivatives has been developed through a one-pot three-component condensation of aldehydes with 2-naphthol and amides, or with malononitrile and dimedone in the presence of magnetic nanoparticle supported acidic ionic liquid (AIL@MNP) as a novel heterogeneous catalyst under solvent-free conditions. This new procedure offers several advantages such as short reaction time, excellent yields, operational simplicity and without any tedious work-up for catalyst recovery or product purification. Moreover, the catalyst could be simply separated by an external magnet and reused six times without significant loss of catalytic activity.
Polyelectrolyte Complex Beads by Novel Two-Step Process for Improved Performance of Viable Whole-Cell Baeyer-Villiger Monoxygenase by Immobilization
Authors: Krajčovič Tomáš , Bučko Marek , Vikartovská Alica , Lacík Igor , Uhelská Lucia , Chorvát Dušan , Neděla Vilém , Tihlaříková Eva , Gericke Martin , Heinze Thomas , Gemeiner Peter
Published: November 2017

A novel immobilization matrix for the entrapment of viable whole-cell Baeyer–Villiger monooxygenase was developed. Viable recombinant Escherichia coli cells overexpressing cyclohexanone monooxygenase were entrapped in polyelectrolyte complex beads prepared by a two-step reaction of oppositely-charged polymers including highly defined cellulose sulphate. Immobilized cells exhibited higher operational stability than free cells during 10 repeated cycles of Baeyer–Villiger biooxidations of rac-bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-6-one to the corresponding lactones (1R,5S)-3-oxabicyclo-[3.3.0]oct-6-en-3-one and (1S,5R)-2-oxabicyclo-[3.3.0]oct-6-en-3-one. The morphology of polyelectrolyte complex beads was characterised by environmental scanning electron microscopy; the spatial distribution of polymers in the beads and cell viability were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the texture was characterised by the mechanical resistance measurements.
Analysis of the Potential of Low-Temperature Heat Pump Energy Sources
Authors: Neuberger Pavel , Adamovský Radomír
Published: November 2017

The paper deals with an analysis of temperatures of ground masses in the proximities of linear and slinky-type HGHE (horizontal ground heat exchanger). It evaluates and compares the potentials of HGHEs and ambient air. The reason and aim of the verification was to gain knowledge of the temperature course of the monitored low-temperature heat pump energy sources during heating periods and periods of stagnation and to analyse the knowledge in terms of the potential to use those sources for heat pumps. The study was conducted in the years 2012–2015 during three heating periods and three periods of HGHEs stagnation. The results revealed that linear HGHE had the highest temperature potential of the observed low-temperature heat pump energy sources. The average daily temperatures of the ground mass surrounding the linear HGHE were the highest ranging from 7.08 °C to 9.20 °C during the heating periods, and having the lowest temperature variation range of 12.62–15.14 K, the relative frequency of the average daily temperatures of the ground mass being the highest at 22.64% in the temperature range containing the mode of all monitored temperatures in a recorded interval of [4.10, 6.00] °C. Ambient air had lower temperature potential than the monitored HGHEs.
Altered Aconitase 2 Activity in Huntington’s Disease Peripheral Blood Cells and Mouse Model Striatum
Authors: Chen Chiung-Mei , Wu Yih-Ru , Chang Kuo-Hsuan
Published: November 2017

Huntington’s disease (HD) is caused by an unstable cytosine adenine guanine (CAG) trinucleotide repeat expansion encoding a polyglutamine tract in the huntingtin protein. Previously, we identified several up- and down-regulated protein molecules in the striatum of the Hdh(CAG)150 knock-in mice at 16 months of age, a mouse model which is modeling the early human HD stage. Among those molecules, aconitase 2 (Aco2) located in the mitochondrial matrix is involved in the energy generation and susceptible to increased oxidative stress that would lead to inactivation of Aco2 activity. In this study, we demonstrate decreased Aco2 protein level and activity in the brain of both Hdh(CAG)150 and R6/2 mice. Aco2 activity was decreased in striatum of Hdh(CAG)150 mice at 16 months of age as well as R6/2 mice at 7 to 13 weeks of age. Aco2 activity in the striatum of R6/2 mice could be restored by the anti-oxidant, N-acetyl-l-cysteine, supporting that decreased Aco2 activity in HD is probably caused by increased oxidative damage. Decreased Aco2 activity was further found in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of both HD patients and pre-symptomatic HD mutation (PreHD) carriers, while the decreased Aco2 protein level of PBMC was only present in HD patients. Aco2 activity correlated significantly with motor score, independence scale, and functional capacity of the Unified Huntington’s Disease Rating Scale as well as disease duration. Our study provides a potential biomarker to assess the disease status of HD patients and PreHD carriers.
Dehydrogenation of Surface-Oxidized Mixtures of 2LiBH4 + Al/Additives (TiF3 or CeO2)
Authors: Carrillo-Bucio Juan , Tena-García Juan , Suárez-Alcántara Karina
Published: November 2017

Research for suitable hydrogen storage materials is an important ongoing subject. LiBH4–Al mixtures could be attractive; however, several issues must be solved. Here, the dehydrogenation reactions of surface-oxidized 2LiBH4 + Al mixtures plus an additive (TiF3 or CeO2) at two different pressures are presented. The mixtures were produced by mechanical milling and handled under welding-grade argon. The dehydrogenation reactions were studied by means of temperature programmed desorption (TPD) at 400 °C and at 3 or 5 bar initial hydrogen pressure. The milled and dehydrogenated materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) The additives and the surface oxidation, promoted by the impurities in the welding-grade argon, induced a reduction in the dehydrogenation temperature and an increase in the reaction kinetics, as compared to pure (reported) LiBH4. The dehydrogenation reactions were observed to take place in two main steps, with onsets at 100 °C and 200–300 °C. The maximum released hydrogen was 9.3 wt % in the 2LiBH4 + Al/TiF3 material, and 7.9 wt % in the 2LiBH4 + Al/CeO2 material. Formation of CeB6 after dehydrogenation of 2LiBH4 + Al/CeO2 was confirmed.
Communication or Toxicity: What Is the Effect of Cycloheximide on Leaf-Cutting Ant Workers?
Authors: Andrade Sousa Kátia , Da Silva Camargo Roberto , Forti Luiz
Published: November 2017

Leaf-cutting ants are insects that use plant material to grow fungus from which they feed. These fungus-growing ants perform various behavioral activities to establish an environment conducive to the fungus. Among these behaviors are activities that can serve to detect materials harmful to the colony, such as licking, scraping, chopping, etc. However, there are substances that may not be detected as harmful to the fungus on first contact. Cycloheximide (CHX) is one such substance, described as a fungicide that inhibits the synthesis of proteins in eukaryotes, although its mechanism of action remains unclear. The present study aimed at evaluating the behavioral changes of worker ants, time carrying orange pellets, waste deposition and mortality, when subjected to seven days of CHX-incorporated pellets and another seven days of CHX-free pellets. The fungicide adversely and structurally affected the leaf-cutter ant colonies. Their behavior went through changes, such as an increase in pellet-licking frequencies and cleaning among the ants from the third day onward. Moreover, there was an increase in time carrying orange pellets, as well as in the mortality of workers during CHX incorporation.
Adaptive Immunity to Cryptococcus neoformans Infections
Authors: Mukaremera Liliane , Nielsen Kirsten
Published: November 2017

The Cryptococcus neoformans/Cryptococcus gattii species complex is a group of fungal pathogens with different phenotypic and genotypic diversity that cause disease in immunocompromised patients as well as in healthy individuals. The immune response resulting from the interaction between Cryptococcus and the host immune system is a key determinant of the disease outcome. The species C. neoformans causes the majority of human infections, and therefore almost all immunological studies focused on C. neoformans infections. Thus, this review presents current understanding on the role of adaptive immunity during C. neoformans infections both in humans and in animal models of disease.
Multifunctional Carbon Aerogels Derived by Sol–Gel Process of Natural Polysaccharides of Different Botanical Origin
Authors: Bakierska Monika , Chojnacka Agnieszka , Świętosławski Michał , Natkański Piotr , Gajewska Marta , Rutkowska Małgorzata , Molenda Marcin
Published: November 2017

In this manuscript, we describe the results of our recent studies on carbon aerogels derived from natural starches. A facile method for the fabrication of carbon aerogels is presented. Moreover, the complete analysis of the carbonization process of different starch aerogels (potato, maize, and rice) was performed using thermogravimetric studies combined with a detailed analysis of evolved decomposition products. The prepared carbon aerogels were studied in terms of their morphology and electrical properties to relate the origin of starch precursor with final properties of carbon materials. The obtained results confirmed the differences in carbon aerogels’ morphology, especially in materials’ specific surface areas, depending on the botanical origin of precursors. The electrical conductivity measurements suggest that carbon aerogels with the best electrical properties can be obtained from potato starch.
Utilizing Sequential Action Control Method in GaN-Based High-Speed Drive for BLDC Motor
Authors: Niknejad Payam , Agarwal Tanushree , Barzegaran M.
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a hybrid model–based control algorithm that combines Model Predictive Control (MPC) and Sequential Action Control (SAC) deployed in a high-speed drive for Brushless DC (BLDC) motor by using a DC-DC converter with Gallium Nitride (GaN) switches. GaN FETs are selected because of their higher speed and lower power loss as compared with traditional Si switches. In the proposed framework, SAC processes the initial values of the control variables as well as their time of application and their duration in MPC loop. After receiving the underlying estimation of future contribution from SAC, MPC consolidates it with current input and predicts future control values by using the system state space model. This hybrid control conserves control effort and reduces sensitivity to initial conditions. In this way, converter’s output voltage is controlled to produce the reference speed at the motor output. National Instrument PXIe-6356 module is utilized as the interface between software and hardware that is a multi-function, LabVIEW-compatible data acquisition device. The viability of the proposed hybrid optimization for the high-speed drive is confirmed numerically by utilizing MATLAB/Simulink and approved experimentally using a Gallium Nitride (GaN) half-bridge DC-DC converter.
Optimization of Thermo-Mechanical Processing for Forging of Newly Developed Creep-Resistant Magnesium Alloy ABaX633
Authors: Rao Kamineni , Dharmendra Chalasani , Prasad Yellapregada , Hort Norbert , Dieringa Hajo
Published: November 2017

The compressive strength and creep resistance of cast Mg-6Al-3Ba-3Ca (ABaX633) alloy has been measured in the temperature range of 25 to 250 °C, and compared with that of its predecessor ABaX422. The alloy is stronger and more creep-resistant than ABaX422, and exhibits only a small decrease of yield stress with temperature. The higher strength of ABaX633 is attributed to a larger volume fraction of intermetallic particles (Al, Mg)2Ca and Mg21Al3Ba2 in its microstructure. Hot deformation mechanisms in ABaX633 have been characterized by developing a processing map in the temperature and strain rate ranges of 300 to 500 °C and 0.0003 to 10 s−1. The processing map exhibits two workability domains in the temperature and strain rate ranges of: (1) 380 to 475 °C and 0.0003 to 0.003 s−1, and (2) 480–500 °C and 0.003 to 0.5 s−1. The apparent activation energy values estimated in the above two domains (204 and 216 kJ/mol) are higher than that for lattice self-diffusion of Mg, which is attributed to the large back-stress that is caused by the intermetallic particles. Optimum condition for bulk working is 500 °C and 0.01 s−1 at which hot workability will be maximum. Flow instability is exhibited at lower temperatures and higher strain rates, as well as at higher temperatures and higher strain rates. The predictions of the processing map on the workability domains, as well as the instability regimes are fully validated by the forging of a rib-web (cup) shaped component under optimized conditions.
The Biological Responses to Magnesium-Based Biodegradable Medical Devices
Authors: Liu Lumei , Wang Juan , Russell Teal , Sankar Jagannathan , Yun Yeoheung
Published: November 2017

The biocompatibility of Magnesium-based materials (MBMs) is critical to the safety of biodegradable medical devices. As a promising metallic biomaterial for medical devices, the issue of greatest concern is devices’ safety as degrading products are possibly interacting with local tissue during complete degradation. The aim of this review is to summarize the biological responses to MBMs at the cellular/molecular level, including cell adhesion, transportation signaling, immune response, and tissue growth during the complex degradation process. We review the influence of MBMs on gene/protein biosynthesis and expression at the site of implantation, as well as throughout the body. This paper provides a systematic review of the cellular/molecular behavior of local tissue on the response to Mg degradation, which may facilitate a better prediction of long-term degradation and the safe use of magnesium-based implants through metal innovation.
Recent Progress toward Microfluidic Quality Control Testing of Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Ha Noel , Sadeghi Saman , Van Dam R.
Published: November 2017

Radiopharmaceuticals labeled with short-lived positron-emitting or gamma-emitting isotopes are injected into patients just prior to performing positron emission tomography (PET) or single photon emission tomography (SPECT) scans, respectively. These imaging modalities are widely used in clinical care, as well as in the development and evaluation of new therapies in clinical research. Prior to injection, these radiopharmaceuticals (tracers) must undergo quality control (QC) testing to ensure product purity, identity, and safety for human use. Quality tests can be broadly categorized as (i) pharmaceutical tests, needed to ensure molecular identity, physiological compatibility and that no microbiological, pyrogenic, chemical, or particulate contamination is present in the final preparation; and (ii) radioactive tests, needed to ensure proper dosing and that there are no radiochemical and radionuclidic impurities that could interfere with the biodistribution or imaging. Performing the required QC tests is cumbersome and time-consuming, and requires an array of expensive analytical chemistry equipment and significant dedicated lab space. Calibrations, day of use tests, and documentation create an additional burden. Furthermore, in contrast to ordinary pharmaceuticals, each batch of short-lived radiopharmaceuticals must be manufactured and tested within a short period of time to avoid significant losses due to radioactive decay. To meet these challenges, several efforts are underway to develop integrated QC testing instruments that automatically perform and document all of the required tests. More recently, microfluidic quality control systems have been gaining increasing attention due to vastly reduced sample and reagent consumption, shorter analysis times, higher detection sensitivity, increased multiplexing, and reduced instrumentation size. In this review, we describe each of the required QC tests and conventional testing methods, followed by a discussion of efforts to directly miniaturize the test or examples in the literature that could be implemented for miniaturized QC testing.