bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study to Assess Solanesol Levels in Exhaled Cigarette Smoke
Authors: Moldoveanu SC , Coleman W III
Published: July 2016

This paper describes the results obtained during the measurement of the level of solanesol in exhaled cigarette smoke from human subjects. The study was performed with three different cigarettes with U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ‘tar’ values of 5.0 mg, 10.6 mg, and 16.2 mg. The number of human subjects was ten smokers for each of the evaluated products, each subject smoking three cigarettes within one hour. The exhaled smoke was collected using a vacuum assisted procedure that avoids strain in exhaling, and the solanesol was analyzed using an original high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The cigarette butts from the smokers were collected and also analyzed for solanesol. The results obtained for the cigarette butts from the smokers were used to calculate the level of solanesol delivered to the smoker, based on calibration curves. These curves were generated separately by analyzing the solanesol in smoke and in the cigarette butts obtained by machine smoking under different puffing regimes. Knowing the levels of solanesol delivered to the smoker and the exhaled levels it was possible to calculate the retention and retention % of this compound from mainstream smoke for different cigarettes types. The amount of retained solanesol is the lowest for the 5.0 mg ‘tar’ product, and the highest for the 16.2 mg ‘tar’ product, although there is not much difference between the 10.6 mg ‘tar’ product and the 16.2 mg ‘tar’ product. For the 10.6 mg ‘tar’ cigarettes the retention % was between 60% and 72%, for the 5.0 mg product the retention % was slightly lower ranging between 53% and 70%, while for the 16.2 mg ‘tar’ product, the retention % was slightly higher ranging between 62% and 82%.

A statistical analysis of the retention % data using ANOVA single factor analysis showed that the 10.6 mg ‘tar’ cigarette is not different from the 16.2 mg ‘tar’ product while the retention % for the 5.0 mg ‘tar’ cigarette was statistically different from the other two products. The values for the retention % of solanesol by human smokers as found in this study were in very good agreement with the few reported results in the literature.
The Influence of a Humectant on the Retention by Humans of Solanesol from Cigarette Smoke (Part 1, Propylene Glycol)
Authors: Moldoveanu SC , Coleman WM III
Published: July 2016

Propylene glycol (PG) is a common humectant added to the tobacco used in cigarettes, and part of this compound is transferred to smoke. The influence of this additive on the retention of solanesol by smokers has been evaluated in the present study for two cigarettes having the same tobacco blend except for the 3% addition of PG on one of them. The cigarette with no PG was a commercial brand, and the experimental one was made using the same tobacco blend as the commercial cigarette, but adding 3% of PG. The construction of the cigarette with 3% PG allowed to match as close as possible the ‘tar’ [as measured by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regimen], pressure drop (open and closed), and nicotine level of the commercial cigarette. The number of human subjects taking the test was ten smokers for each of the two evaluated products. The sample collection was performed from three cigarettes smoked within one hour. The same human subject smoked the regular cigarette and then the one with added PG. The exhaled smoke was collected using a vacuum assisted procedure that avoids strain in exhaling, and the solanesol was analyzed using an high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The cigarette butts from the smokers were collected and also analyzed for solanesol. The results obtained for the cigarette butts from the smokers were used to calculate the level of solanesol in the smoke delivered to the human subject, based on calibration curves. These curves were generated separately by analyzing the solanesol in smoke and in the cigarette butts obtained by machine smoking under different puffing regimes. Knowing the delivered amount of solanesol and that in the exhaled smoke it was possible to calculate the retention of this compound from mainstream smoke for the two cigarette types. The levels of solanesol delivered to the smoker from Cigarette A was in the range between 350.4 ìg/cig and 504.8 ìg/cig for the cigarette with no PG, and between 401.5 ìg/cig and 614.1 ìg/cig for the cigarette with 3% PG added. The amount of solanesol retained by the smoker (per cigarette) was on an average 309 ìg/cig with 15.8% relative standard deviation for the cigarette with no PG, and an average of 348 ìg/cig with 20.4% relative standard deviation for the 3% PG cigarette. An ANOVA single factor analysis showed that the results between the two cigarettes were not statistically different for 95% confidence. The retention of solanesol from the commercial cigarette showed an average of 72.5% with 11.7% relative standard deviation, and the cigarette with 3% added PG showed an average retention of 70.8% with 14.5% relative standard deviation. ANOVA single factor analysis indicated no significant differences in the retention % of solanesol for the two cigarettes at 95% confidence. No correlation was found between the amount of solanesol delivered from the cigarette to the smoker and the solanesol retained %.
A Robust Method for Estimating Human Smoked Cigarette Yields from Filter Analysis Data
Authors: St. Charles FK , Ashley M , Shepperd CJ , Clayton P , Errington G
Published: July 2016

The analysis of spent filters from human-smoked (HS) cigarettes has been used to estimate cigarette yields for over three decades. Until recently, the whole filter was used for estimation; however a part-filter method has been shown to improve the accuracy of estimated HS yields. The part-filter method uses only the mouth-end portion of the filter, downstream of the ventilation holes, for analysis. In this portion, the filtration efficiency is relatively constant irrespective of typical puff flow rates of humans and also minimizes butt length effects (e.g. nicotine condensation) on filtration efficiency. Therefore, the estimations of HS cigarette yields are more robust to human smoking conditions than previous whole-filter methods.

British American Tobacco has adopted this method to obtain better understanding of how smokers actually use their products in their everyday environment. This can give information to help understand approaches to harm reduction. Since adopting this method, modifications and quality control features have been added to improve the accuracy of the estimation. This paper will describe in detail the methodology currently in use, along with sources of error, storage studies, quality control, repeatability and reproducibility.
The Chemical Components Identified in Tobacco and Tobacco Smoke Prior to 1954: A Chronology of Classical Chemistry
Authors: Rodgman A , Perfetti TA
Published: July 2016

Because of the excellent fractionation and identification technologies developed during the early-1950s, the compositions of tobacco and tobacco smoke, both classified as highly complex mixtures, have been defined more completely than the composition of any other highly complex commercial product such as coffee. By year-end 1953, the many years of research by scientists using classical chemical techniques to define the composition of tobacco and its smoke provided meaningful information on the nature of over 300 tobacco components and fewer than 100 tobacco smoke components. Those involved in the pre-1954 research not only provided the cornerstone of our knowledge of the two compositions but also deserve the gratitude of their successors for the early information generated on tobacco and its smoke. This article is our tribute to those researchers who generated much meaningful knowledge on the composition of tobacco and tobacco smoke prior to 1954 despite the now known fractionation and analytical limitations of the so-called classical chemical techniques. It also notes the similarity of some of the early and more recent research results obtained on the chemical and biological properties of smoke condensate and several of its components from tobacco with those obtained by Roffo in the 1930s on a destructive distillate of tobacco.
A Study of the Reaction Between Quinone and 2R4F Cigarette Smoke Condensate
Authors: Coleman WM
Published: July 2016

A study using atomic emission detection (AED) as an approach to explore the fate of quinone added into 2R4F cigarette smoke condensate (CSC) have been performed. Both natural isotope quinone and 13C labeled quinone were used in the study. When coupled with a gas chromatographic separation (GC/AED), the AED provided informative new data on 13C isotope enriched products generated following reactions between 2R4F CSC and the quinone. Two 13C containing species were detected by GC/AED. Matching chromatographic separation using gas chromatography/mass selective detection (GC/MSD) allowed for a structural assignment of a relatively minor CSC 13C 6quinone reaction product as nitrohydroquinone (13C6NO2HQ). The chemical mechanism accounting for the formation of 13C6NO2HQ in the CSC was envisioned to be a reaction product between HONO and 13C 6Quinone (13C6Q) to form 13C6NO2Q, followed by reduction of 13C6NO2Q to 13C6NO2HQ. The amount of 13C6NO2HQ accounted for ~6% of the added 13C6Q. Identical trends in reaction chemistries were found for experiments with 12C6Q. The major reaction product detected upon addition of 13C6Q to the 2R4F CSC sample was 13C6HQ. 13C6HQ accounted for, on average, ~47% of the initial 13C6Q concentration. Identical trends in reaction chemistries were found for experiments with 12C6Q. No additional 13C containing species were detected. A 13C AED compound independent calibration (CIC) approach under the operating conditions was not possible. This work further expands the knowledge regarding possible reactions of quinone and hydroquinone in CSC.
The Influence of a Humectant on the Retention by Humans of Solanesol from Cigarette Smoke (Part 2, Glycerin)
Authors: Moldoveanu SC , Coleman WM III
Published: July 2016

Two common humectants are used as additives in the cigarette manufacturing process, propylene glycol (PG) and glycerin. The humectants may influence the deposition of cigarette smoke in the human respiratory tract by affecting the hygroscopic properties and growth of smoke particles. This study examines the influence of glycerin addition on the retention of solanesol by smokers. The influence of PG addition has been previously reported (7). The first cigarette used in the study (control) was a commercially available brand containing no additives in the blend (with a measured level of glycerin of 0.19%). The other cigarette (test) had an identical tobacco blend to the control, but had 2.3% added glycerin. The construction of the cigarette with 2.3% glycerin (test) was selected to match as closely as possible the ‘tar’ (as measured by Federal Trade Commission regimen), pressure drop (open and closed), and nicotine level of the commercial cigarette (control). Twelve smokers evaluated both products. The sample collection was performed using three cigarettes smoked within one hour. Each human subject smoked the control cigarette and then the test cigarette in two separate sessions. The exhaled smoke was collected using a vacuum assisted procedure designed to avoid strain in exhaling, and solanesol was analyzed using an high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. The cigarette butts from the smokers were collected and also analyzed for solanesol. The results obtained for the cigarette butts from the smokers were used to calculate the level of solanesol in the smoke delivered to the human subject, based on calibration curves. These curves were generated separately by analyzing the solanesol in smoke and in the cigarette butts obtained by machine smoking under different puffing regimes. Knowing the levels of delivered amount of solanesol and that in the exhaled smoke it was possible to calculate the retention of this compound from mainstream smoke for the two cigarette types. The amount of solanesol retained by the smoker (per cigarette) was on average 314.8 µg/cig with 18.9% relative standard deviation for the commercial cigarette, and 302.6 µg/cig with 20.3% relative standard deviation for the cigarette with 2.3% added glycerin. The retention % of solanesol from the commercial cigarette showed an average of 69.5% with 9.4% relative standard deviation, and the cigarette with 2.3% added glycerin showed an average retention of 69.4% with 10.5% relative standard deviation. Applying the paired t-test to the data it was found that there were no significant differences in the retention amount of solanesol, or in the retention % of solanesol for the two cigarettes. No correlation was found between the amount of solanesol delivered to the smoker (in µg/cig) and the solanesol retention % by the smoker.
Active soldering of aluminum–graphite composite to aluminum using Sn3.5Ag4Ti0.5Cu active filler
Authors: Tsao Lung-Chuan , Hsieh Ming-Jer , Chen Ting-Yu , Cheng Shih-Ying , Chen Chih-Wei
Published: July 2016

In this work, 6061–Al alloy–graphite (Al–Gr) composites were fabricated via the squeeze casting method. Al/Al–Gr joints were formed by direct active soldering with Sn3.5Ag4Ti0.5Cu active filler. The joint microstructures were examined using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectrometry. The Sn3.5Ag4Ti0.5Cu active filler can successfully join Al–Gr composite to 6061–Al alloy at a temperature of 250°C. During direct active soldering, Al dissolves into the active filler zone to form a coarse Al–Ag–Sn solid solution around the active filler. The shear-tested bonding strengths were 14.30 ± 1.57 MPa for Al/Al, 8.45 ± 1.37 MPa for Al–Gr/Al, and 8.15 ± 1.43 MPa for Al–Gr/Al–Gr joints. In the Al/Al–Gr joints, the fractures occurred through the active filler/Al–Gr interface.
Assessment of the contact behavior of a soft hemispherical finger tip in curved profile grasping
Authors: Yuvaraj S. , Malayalamurthi R. , Raja K. Venkatesh
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a finite element study on the contact parameters of a soft hemispherical finger tip pressed against curved surface. The variation in magnitudes of contact radius, contact pressure and vertical displacement are estimated using two-dimensional finite element models. The special effects of geometry using a wide range of normal force on soft finger tips are presented with the aid of a dimensionless parameter, curve factor (R/a). It addresses the effects of the load–contact relationship for ten different fingertip combinations. From close observations it can be concluded that a higher magnitude of contact radius can be obtained with a lower curve factor and vice-versa. Also, it is evident that the radius of contact is higher for a curved object when compared with a flat one for a particular combination. However, there is a significant reduction in the magnitudes of vertical depression and contact pressure.
Spheroidal graphite cast iron property enhancement by heat treatment
Authors: Pullan Thankachan T.
Published: July 2016

Ductile iron, popularly known as spherodized graphite iron (SGI), is a special variety of cast iron having carbon content more than 3 wt.% and has graphite present in compact, spherical shapes. These compact spheroids hamper the continuity of the matrix much less than graphite flakes, which results in higher strength and toughness with a structure that resembles gray cast iron, thus imparting superior mechanical properties. The high ratio of performance to cost which they offer to the designer and end user makes them used extensively for industrial applications. The basic chemical elements such as carbon, silicon, manganese, magnesium, copper etc. play an important role in the SGI casting process. The behavior of these elements in molten metal of the ductile iron varies because of their different mechanical and chemical properties. However, to extend the consistency and range of properties of SGI castings beyond its properties in the as-cast condition, heat treatment is a necessary operation. In this research specimens are prepared with different combinations of alloying elements. On these specimens studies are performed with various tests to understand the effect of heat treatment operations such as tempering and austempering to transform the brittle behavior to ductile behavior.
Structures in Sound: Analysis of Classical Music Using the Information Length
Authors: Nicholson Schuyler , Kim Eun-jin
Published: July 2016

We show that music is represented by fluctuations away from the minimum path through statistical space. Our key idea is to envision music as the evolution of a non-equilibrium system and to construct probability distribution functions (PDFs) from musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) files of classical compositions. Classical music is then viewed through the lens of generalized position and velocity, based on the Fisher metric. Through these statistical tools we discuss a way to quantitatively discriminate between music and noise.
Optimal Coordinated Management of a Plug-In Electric Vehicle Charging Station under a Flexible Penalty Contract for Voltage Security
Authors: Kim Jip , Kim Seung , Jin Young , Park Jong-Keun , Yoon Yong
Published: July 2016

The increasing penetration of plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) may cause a low-voltage problem in the distribution network. In particular, the introduction of charging stations where multiple PEVs are simultaneously charged at the same bus can aggravate the low-voltage problem. Unlike a distribution network operator (DNO) who has the overall responsibility for stable and reliable network operation, a charging station operator (CSO) may schedule PEV charging without consideration for the resulting severe voltage drop. Therefore, there is a need for the DNO to impose a coordination measure to induce the CSO to adjust its charging schedule to help mitigate the voltage problem. Although the current time-of-use (TOU) tariff is an indirect coordination measure that can motivate the CSO to shift its charging demand to off-peak time by imposing a high rate at the peak time, it is limited by its rigidity in that the network voltage condition cannot be flexibly reflected in the tariff. Therefore, a flexible penalty contract (FPC) for voltage security to be used as a direct coordination measure is proposed. In addition, the optimal coordinated management is formulated. Using the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) 69-bus test distribution network, the effectiveness of the coordination was verified by comparison with the current TOU tariff.
An Experimental Study of Pile-Supported OWC-Type Breakwaters: Energy Extraction and Vortex-Induced Energy Loss
Authors: He Fang , Li Mingjia , Huang Zhenhua
Published: July 2016

Integrating wave energy converters with breakwaters is a promising concept for wave energy utilization. On the basis of fulfilling the wave protection demands, pile-supported Oscillating Water Column (OWC)-type breakwaters can also meet the local needs of electricity far from the lands. In the present study, the wave energy extraction and vortex-induced energy loss of pile-supported OWC-type breakwaters were analyzed based on a two-point measurement method. The importance of energy extraction and vortex-induced energy loss on the wave energy dissipation of pile-supported OWC-type breakwaters were experimentally investigated. It was found that the trends of energy extraction and vortex-induced energy loss were generally correlated. The effects of the pneumatic damping induced by top opening affected the vortex-induced energy loss more than the energy extraction. Results showed that a larger pneumatic damping was preferable for the purpose of increasing energy extraction, whereas for a smaller pneumatic damping the vortex-induced energy loss was more important to the energy dissipation. With increasing draft, the energy extraction decreased, but the vortex-induced energy loss complementally contributed to the total energy dissipation and made the energy dissipation at the same level as that for a shallower draft.
Automatic Airport Recognition Based on Saliency Detection and Semantic Information
Authors: Wang Yetianjian , Pan Li
Published: July 2016

Effectively identifying an airport from satellite and aerial imagery is a challenging task. Traditional methods mainly focus on the use of multiple features for the detection of runways and some also adapt knowledge of airports, but the results are unsatisfactory and the usage limited. A new method is proposed to recognize airports from high-resolution optical images. This method involves the analysis of the saliency distribution and the use of fuzzy rule-based classification. First, a number of images with and without airports are segmented into multiple scales to obtain a saliency distribution map that best highlights the saliency distinction between airports and other objects. Then, on the basis of the segmentation result and the structural information of airports, we analyze the segmentation result to extract and represent the semantic information of each image via the bag-of-visual-words (BOVW) model. The image correlation degree is combined with the BOVW model and fractal dimension calculation to make a more complete description of the airports and to carry out preliminary classification. Finally, the support vector machine (SVM) is adopted for detailed classification to classify the remaining imagery. The experiment shows that the proposed method achieves a precision of 89.47% and a recall of 90.67% and performs better than other state of the art methods on precision and recall.
Interspecies and Intraspecies Analysis of Trehalose Contents and the Biosynthesis Pathway Gene Family Reveals Crucial Roles of Trehalose in Osmotic-Stress Tolerance in Cassava
Authors: Han Bingying , Fu Lili , Zhang Dan , He Xiuquan , Chen Qiang , Peng Ming , Zhang Jiaming
Published: July 2016

Trehalose is a nonreducing α,α-1,1-disaccharide in a wide range of organisms, and has diverse biological functions that range from serving as an energy source to acting as a protective/signal sugar. However, significant amounts of trehalose have rarely been detected in higher plants, and the function of trehalose in the drought-tolerant crop cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is unclear. We measured soluble sugar concentrations of nine plant species with differing levels of drought tolerance and 41 cassava varieties using high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light-scattering detector (HPLC-ELSD). Significantly high amounts of trehalose were identified in drought-tolerant crops cassava, Jatropha curcas, and castor bean (Ricinus communis). All cassava varieties tested contained high amounts of trehalose, although their concentrations varied from 0.23 to 1.29 mg·g−1 fresh weight (FW), and the trehalose level was highly correlated with dehydration stress tolerance of detached leaves of the varieties. Moreover, the trehalose concentrations in cassava leaves increased 2.3–5.5 folds in response to osmotic stress simulated by 20% PEG 6000. Through database mining, 24 trehalose pathway genes, including 12 trehalose-6-phosphate synthases (TPS), 10 trehalose-6-phosphate phosphatases (TPP), and two trehalases were identified in cassava. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that there were four cassava TPS genes (MeTPS1–4) that were orthologous to the solely active TPS gene (AtTPS1 and OsTPS1) in Arabidopsis and rice, and a new TPP subfamily was identified in cassava, suggesting that the trehalose biosynthesis activities in cassava had potentially been enhanced in evolutionary history. RNA-seq analysis indicated that MeTPS1 was expressed at constitutionally high level before and after osmotic stress, while other trehalose pathway genes were either up-regulated or down-regulated, which may explain why cassava accumulated high level of trehalose under normal conditions. MeTPS1 was then transformed into tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana). Results indicated that transgenic tobacco lines accumulated significant level of trehalose and possessed improved drought stress tolerance. In conclusion, cassava accumulated significantly high amount of trehalose under normal conditions due to multiplied trehalose biosynthesis gene families and constant expression of the active MeTPS1 gene. High levels of trehalose subsequently contributed to high drought stress tolerance.
Cytoskeletal Regulation of Inflammation and Its Impact on Skin Blistering Disease Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita
Authors: Kopecki Zlatko , Ludwig Ralf , Cowin Allison
Published: July 2016

Actin remodelling proteins regulate cytoskeletal cell responses and are important in both innate and adaptive immunity. These responses play a major role in providing a fine balance in a cascade of biological events that results in either protective acute inflammation or chronic inflammation that leads to a host of diseases including autoimmune inflammation mediated epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA). This review describes the role of the actin cytoskeleton and in particular the actin remodelling protein called Flightless I (Flii) in regulating cellular inflammatory responses and its subsequent effect on the autoimmune skin blistering disease EBA. It also outlines the potential of an antibody based therapy for decreasing Flii expression in vivo to ameliorate the symptoms associated with EBA.
Human Aquaporin-4 and Molecular Modeling: Historical Perspective and View to the Future
Authors: Mangiatordi Giuseppe , Alberga Domenico , Trisciuzzi Daniela , Lattanzi Gianluca , Nicolotti Orazio
Published: July 2016

Among the different aquaporins (AQPs), human aquaporin-4 (hAQP4) has attracted the greatest interest in recent years as a new promising therapeutic target. Such a membrane protein is, in fact, involved in a multiple sclerosis-like immunopathology called Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) and in several disorders resulting from imbalanced water homeostasis such as deafness and cerebral edema. The gap of knowledge in its functioning and dynamics at the atomistic level of detail has hindered the development of rational strategies for designing hAQP4 modulators. The application, lately, of molecular modeling has proved able to fill this gap providing a breeding ground to rationally address compounds targeting hAQP4. In this review, we give an overview of the important advances obtained in this field through the application of Molecular Dynamics (MD) and other complementary modeling techniques. The case studies presented herein are discussed with the aim of providing important clues for computational chemists and biophysicists interested in this field and looking for new challenges.
Constructive Approaches for Understanding the Origin of Self-Replication and Evolution
Authors: Ichihashi Norikazu , Yomo Tetsuya
Published: July 2016

The mystery of the origin of life can be divided into two parts. The first part is the origin of biomolecules: under what physicochemical conditions did biomolecules such as amino acids, nucleotides, and their polymers arise? The second part of the mystery is the origin of life-specific functions such as the replication of genetic information, the reproduction of cellular structures, metabolism, and evolution. These functions require the coordination of many different kinds of biological molecules. A direct strategy to approach the second part of the mystery is the constructive approach, in which life-specific functions are recreated in a test tube from specific biological molecules. Using this approach, we are able to employ design principles to reproduce life-specific functions, and the knowledge gained through the reproduction process provides clues as to their origins. In this mini-review, we introduce recent insights gained using this approach, and propose important future directions for advancing our understanding of the origins of life.
An Experimental Study on Micro Clinching of Metal Foils with Cutting by Laser Shock Forming
Authors: Wang Xiao , Li Cong , Ma Youjuan , Shen Zongbao , Sun Xianqing , Sha Chaofei , Gao Shuai , Li Liyin , Liu Huixia
Published: July 2016

This paper describes a novel technique for joining similar and dissimilar metal foils, namely micro clinching with cutting by laser shock forming. A series of experiments were conducted to study the deformation behavior of single layer material, during which many important process parameters were determined. The process window of the 1060 pure aluminum foils and annealed copper foils produced by micro clinching with cutting was analyzed. Moreover, similar material combination (annealed copper foils) and dissimilar material combination (1060 pure aluminum foils and 304 stainless steel foils) were successfully achieved. The effect of laser energy on the interlock and minimum thickness of upper foils was investigated. In addition, the mechanical strength of different material combinations joined by micro clinching with cutting was measured in single lap shearing tests. According to the achieved results, this novel technique is more suitable for material combinations where the upper foil is thicker than lower foil. With the increase of laser energy, the interlock increased while the minimum thickness of upper foil decreased gradually. The shear strength of 1060 pure aluminum foils and 304 stainless steel foils combination was three times as large as that of 1060 pure aluminum foils and annealed copper foils combination.
Constitutive Model Based on Dynamic Recrystallization Behavior during Thermal Deformation of a Nickel-Based Superalloy
Authors: Zhang Peng , Yi Cen , Chen Gang , Qin Heyong , Wang Chuanjie
Published: July 2016

The thermal deformation and dynamic recrystallization (DRX) behavior of a nickel-based superalloy were investigated by the thermal compression test. The experimental results show that the process parameters have great influence on the flow stress of the superalloy. In addition, there is an inflection point on the DRX softening stage of the work-hardening rate versus stress curve. DRX under the conditions of higher temperatures and lower strain rates easily occurs when the strain reaches a critical level. Based on the classical dislocation density theory and the DRX kinetics models, a two-stage constitutive model considering the effect of work hardening-dynamic recovery and DRX is developed for the superalloy. Comparisons between the predicted and experimental data indicate that the values predicted by the proposed constitutive model are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Failure Analysis of High Strength Galvanized Bolts Used in Steel Towers
Authors: Álvarez Jose , Lacalle Roberto , Arroyo Borja , Cicero Sergio , Gutiérrez-Solana Federico
Published: July 2016

This paper analyses the failure of three bolts used in the structural connections of a number of steel towers located in northern Europe. The analysis comprises optical and scanning electron microscopy, microstructural and hardness analysis, mechanical testing and structural integrity assessments. The three bolts present very similar failure processes, with a circumferential external crack that led to the final failure. The morphology of the crack propagation is typical of Hydrogen-Induced Stress Corrosion Cracking (HISCC), with mixed intergranular-transgranular micromechanisms, tearing processes and secondary cracking. The cracks then grew subcritically until they reached their critical size. Quench cracking or fatigue processes have been ruled out.
Assessment of Excavation Broken Zone around Gateways under Various Geological Conditions: A Case Study in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Yang Hongyun , Cao Shugang , Li Yong , Fan Yingchong , Wang Shuai , Chen Xianzhe
Published: July 2016

To study common failure characteristics of gateways, a total of 55 typical gateways at coal mines, in Sichuan Province, China, were selected for investigating the rules of broken widths based on the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technique and numerical model. Results indicated that the broken width values around the gateways were larger than 1.5 m, and those in the roof and high side wall were larger than those in the low side wall, as a whole. The width values had close relationships with the thickness of the coal seam and immediate roof, angle of the coal seam, and depth of the gateways. Furthermore, combined with the plastic zone of numerical models in 3-Dimensional Distinct Element Code (3DEC) and the broken width, we obtained the excavation broken zone (EBZ) cross-section diagram for each gateway and determined that the EBZ appeared to have a basically elliptical shape—with the long axis along the seam inclination direction and the short axis along the vertical direction of the rock layer—and that this elliptical shape was only slightly affected by the gateway cross-section shape. It was observed that the failure extent was greater in the seam inclination direction than in the vertical direction of the rock layer. Obviously, the gateways presented asymmetric failure characteristics and implied that an asymmetric support system should be provided when using bolts, cables, and shotcrete combined with steel mesh and steel belts. Such a support system could improve material parameters and form a combined arch structure in surrounding rocks, with arch crown and arch springing thicknesses that are larger in the roof and high side wall.
Bacterial Suppression of RNA Polymerase II-Dependent Host Gene Expression
Authors: Ambite Ines , Lutay Nataliya , Stork Christoph , Dobrindt Ulrich , Wullt Björn , Svanborg Catharina
Published: July 2016

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) is a bacterial carrier state in the urinary tract that resembles commensalism at other mucosal sites. ABU strains often lack the virulence factors that characterize uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains and therefore elicit weak innate immune responses in the urinary tract. In addition, ABU strains are active modifiers of the host environment, which they influence by suppressing RNA polymerase II (Pol II)-dependent host gene expression. In patients inoculated with the ABU strain E. coli 83972, gene expression was markedly reduced after 24 h (>60% of all regulated genes). Specific repressors and activators of Pol II-dependent transcription were modified, and Pol II Serine 2 phosphorylation was significantly inhibited, indicating reduced activity of the polymerase. This active inhibition included disease–associated innate immune response pathways, defined by TLR4, IRF-3 and IRF-7, suggesting that ABU strains persist in human hosts by active suppression of the antibacterial defense. In a search for the mechanism of inhibition, we compared the whole genome sequences of E. coli 83972 and the uropathogenic strain E. coli CFT073. In addition to the known loss of virulence genes, we observed that the ABU strain has acquired several phages and identified the lytic Prophage 3 as a candidate Pol II inhibitor. Intact phage particles were released by ABU during in vitro growth in human urine. To address if Prophage 3 affects Pol II activity, we constructed a Prophage 3 negative deletion mutant in E. coli 83972 and compared the effect on Pol II phosphorylation between the mutant and the E. coli 83972 wild type (WT) strains. No difference was detected, suggesting that the Pol II inhibitor is not encoded by the phage. The review summarizes the evidence that the ABU strain E. coli 83972 modifies host gene expression by inhibition of Pol II phosphorylation, and discusses the ability of ABU strains to actively create an environment that enhances their persistence.
An Operational Framework for Land Cover Classification in the Context of REDD+ Mechanisms. A Case Study from Costa Rica
Authors: Fernández-Landa Alfredo , Algeet-Abarquero Nur , Fernández-Moya Jesús , Guillén-Climent María , Pedroni Lucio , García Felipe , Espejo Andrés , Villegas Juan , Marchamalo Miguel , Bonatti Javier , Escamochero Iñigo , Rodríguez-Noriega Pablo , Papageorgiou Stavros , Fernandes Erick
Published: July 2016

REDD+ implementation requires robust, consistent, accurate and transparent national land cover historical data and monitoring systems. Satellite imagery is the only data source with enough periodicity to provide consistent land cover information in a cost-effective way. The main aim of this paper is the creation of an operational framework for monitoring land cover dynamics based on Landsat imagery and open-source software. The methodology integrates the entire land cover and land cover change mapping processes to produce a consistent series of Land Cover maps. The consistency of the time series is achieved through the application of a single trained machine learning algorithm to radiometrically normalized imagery using iteratively re-weighted multivariate alteration detection (IR-MAD) across all dates of the historical period. As a result, seven individual Land Cover maps of Costa Rica were produced from 1985/1986 to 2013/2014. Post-classification land cover change detection was performed to evaluate the land cover dynamics in Costa Rica. The validation of the land cover maps showed an overall accuracy of 87% for the 2013/2014 map, 93% for the 2000/2001 map and 89% for the 1985/1986 map. Land cover changes between forest and non-forest classes were validated for the period between 2001 and 2011, obtaining an overall accuracy of 86%. Forest age-classes were generated through a multi-temporal analysis of the maps. By linking deforestation dynamics with forest age, a more accurate discussion of the carbon emissions along the time series can be presented.
Valid Probabilistic Predictions for Ginseng with Venn Machines Using Electronic Nose
Authors: Wang You , Miao Jiacheng , Lyu Xiaofeng , Liu Linfeng , Luo Zhiyuan , Li Guang
Published: July 2016

In the application of electronic noses (E-noses), probabilistic prediction is a good way to estimate how confident we are about our prediction. In this work, a homemade E-nose system embedded with 16 metal-oxide semi-conductive gas sensors was used to discriminate nine kinds of ginsengs of different species or production places. A flexible machine learning framework, Venn machine (VM) was introduced to make probabilistic predictions for each prediction. Three Venn predictors were developed based on three classical probabilistic prediction methods (Platt’s method, Softmax regression and Naive Bayes). Three Venn predictors and three classical probabilistic prediction methods were compared in aspect of classification rate and especially the validity of estimated probability. A best classification rate of 88.57% was achieved with Platt’s method in offline mode, and the classification rate of VM-SVM (Venn machine based on Support Vector Machine) was 86.35%, just 2.22% lower. The validity of Venn predictors performed better than that of corresponding classical probabilistic prediction methods. The validity of VM-SVM was superior to the other methods. The results demonstrated that Venn machine is a flexible tool to make precise and valid probabilistic prediction in the application of E-nose, and VM-SVM achieved the best performance for the probabilistic prediction of ginseng samples.
In Pursuit of Child and Family Well-Being: Initial Steps to Advocacy
Authors: Moeller Mary , McKillip Angela , Wienk Ruth , Cutler Kay
Published: July 2016

Communities across the United States, in both urban and rural areas, are seeking ways to promote well-being for their citizens in sustainable ways. This paper provides a descriptive case study of one rural community that used an inquiry-based approach to ask, “How can we engage our citizens to improve child and family well-being in our community?” The group also wondered “What if Brookings had one place for families to access all family resources that support well-being?” “What if all families had a place where their needs were heard?” and “What if all resources for families looked at the well-being of children and families in a holistic way?” This paper describes the initial journey of a community of practice advocating on several different community levels, including the role of university students, the process of the community of practice formation, its growing connections to community agencies and its initial efforts to build calls to action through participatory research and grassroots community efforts. While conveying a linear narrative, the authors also maintain a focus on the organic processes of knowledge construction and the evolution of a community of practice. Data collection, using the Delphi approach, is underway to access initial ground-up definitions of well-being and to identify areas of focus.
Between Participation and Collective Action—From Occasional Liaisons towards Long-Term Co-Management for Urban Resilience
Authors: Schauppenlehner-Kloyber Elisabeth , Penker Marianne
Published: July 2016

For resilience building, cities need to foster learning and innovation processes among all actors in order to develop transformative capacities of urban governance regimes to manage extraordinary situations as well as continuous change. A close collaboration of urban governmental actors and citizens is, therefore, of high importance. This paper explores two different discourses on urban governance: participation and self-organized collective action for the management of the commons. Both address the involvement of citizens into governance, albeit from different perspectives: on the one hand from the viewpoint of the government, selectively handing some of its power over to citizens, on the other hand from the perspective of citizens who self-organize for a collective management of urban commons. Based on experiences in the Austrian city of Korneuburg, it is argued that the collective action literature may help overcome some of the self-criticisms and shortcomings of the participation discourse. More specifically, Elinor Ostrom’s design principles for the management of the commons provide valuable input to overcome restrictions in thinking about citizen participation and to effectively design institutions for long-term urban co-management.
Household Air Pollution: Sources and Exposure Levels to Fine Particulate Matter in Nairobi Slums
Authors: Muindi Kanyiva , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth , Egondi Thaddaeus , Rocklov Joacim , Ng Nawi
Published: July 2016

With 2.8 billion biomass users globally, household air pollution remains a public health threat in many low- and middle-income countries. However, little evidence on pollution levels and health effects exists in low-income settings, especially slums. This study assesses the levels and sources of household air pollution in the urban slums of Nairobi. This cross-sectional study was embedded in a prospective cohort of pregnant women living in two slum areas—Korogocho and Viwandani—in Nairobi. Data on fuel and stove types and ventilation use come from 1058 households, while air quality data based on the particulate matters (PM2.5) level were collected in a sub-sample of 72 households using the DustTrak™ II Model 8532 monitor. We measured PM2.5 levels mainly during daytime and using sources of indoor air pollutions. The majority of the households used kerosene (69.7%) as a cooking fuel. In households where air quality was monitored, the mean PM2.5 levels were high and varied widely, especially during the evenings (124.6 µg/m3 SD: 372.7 in Korogocho and 82.2 µg/m3 SD: 249.9 in Viwandani), and in households using charcoal (126.5 µg/m3 SD: 434.7 in Korogocho and 75.7 µg/m3 SD: 323.0 in Viwandani). Overall, the mean PM2.5 levels measured within homes at both sites (Korogocho = 108.9 µg/m3 SD: 371.2; Viwandani = 59.3 µg/m3 SD: 234.1) were high. Residents of the two slums are exposed to high levels of PM2.5 in their homes. We recommend interventions, especially those focusing on clean cookstoves and lighting fuels to mitigate indoor levels of fine particles.
Malaria Death in an Isolated Island Garrison on New Guinea 1915
Authors: Shanks G.
Published: July 2016

Most military cemeteries overwhelm one with the vast number of markers that represent once living soldiers now buried far from home.[...]
Nanoparticle analysis sheds budding insights into genetic drivers of extracellular vesicle biogenesis
Authors: Hurwitz Stephanie N. , Conlon Meghan M. , Rider Mark A. , Brownstein Naomi C. , Meckes David G.
Published: July 2016

Background

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important mediators of cell‐to‐cell communication in healthy and pathological environments. Because EVs are present in a variety of biological fluids and contain molecular signatures of their cell or tissue of origin, they have great diagnostic and prognostic value. The ability of EVs to deliver biologically active proteins, RNAs and lipids to cells has generated interest in developing novel therapeutics. Despite their potential medical use, many of the mechanisms underlying EV biogenesis and secretion remain unknown.

Methods

Here, we characterized vesicle secretion across the NCI‐60 panel of human cancer cells by nanoparticle tracking analysis. Using CellMiner, the quantity of EVs secreted by each cell line was compared to reference transcriptomics data to identify gene products associated with vesicle secretion.

Results

Gene products positively associated with the quantity of exosomal‐sized vesicles included vesicular trafficking classes of proteins with Rab GTPase function and sphingolipid metabolism. Positive correlates of larger microvesicle‐sized vesicle secretion included gene products involved in cytoskeletal dynamics and exocytosis, as well as Rab GTPase activation. One of the identified targets, CD63, was further evaluated for its role in vesicle secretion. Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)/Cas9 knockout of the CD63 gene in HEK293 cells resulted in a decrease in small vesicle secretion, suggesting the importance of CD63 in exosome biogenesis.

Conclusion

These observations reveal new insights into genes involved in exosome and microvesicle formation, and may provide a means to distinguish EV sub‐populations. This study offers a foundation for further exploration of targets involved in EV biogenesis and secretion.
Rome and Agriculture in Africa Proconsularis : Land and Hydraulic Development
Authors: Hilali Arbia
Published: July 2016

Avec la conquête romaine, l’ensemble du sol africain est devenu propriété du peuple romain (ager publicus populi romani). Les Romains ont marqué le paysage africain pour des siècles par des opérations d’arpentage et de centuriations plus intenses en Afrique Proconsulaire que partout ailleurs en Afrique du Nord. L’empereur a organisé l’exploitation du sol africain par des règlements tels que la lex Manciana et la lex Hadriana. La maîtrise du milieu et le développement de l’agriculture passent par la construction des ouvrages hydrauliques. Ces aménagements ont permis de conquérir de nouvelles terres fertiles et d’augmenter les propriétés de l’empereur et des grands propriétaires. De nouveaux circuits économiques apparaissent pour l’Africa Proconsularis, de mieux en mieux intégrée dans l’économie romaine, afin de répondre aux besoins de Rome et des provinces en blé et en huile.
Roman Money and Numerical Practice
Authors: Bailey Melissa
Published: July 2016

This paper addresses the intersection of money and number in the Roman Empire. I trace two main contexts of numerical practice, using material evidence from the Roman town of Pompeii as well as literary sources. These two kinds of practice were linked the different physical forms in which money was expressed, specifically coins or written units of account. Uses of number related to coins tended to foreground singular amounts and lack of numerical manipulation, suggesting a simple numeracy based on low, round, or repetitive numbers. Amounts in written money of account,

sestertii, could be quite round as well, but a different set of numerical practices also took shape here, centered on forms of calculation such as the abacus or finger numbers, and on the use of written tables and fractions. Money in written units of account was conceived as a mass and a single number to be divided or manipulated, and was conceptually related to specific categories of transactions, such as inheritance, property, and loans.