bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in occupational and earnings attainments of women immigrants to Canada, 1971-1996
Authors: Wanner Richard A. , Ambrose Michelle
Published: July 2017

This study examines the extent to which immigrant women arriving in Canada
between the 1960s and the early 1990s were able to attain occupations and
earnings equivalent to those of Canadian-born women using a data file created
by merging public-use microdata files from Censuses of Canada between 1971
and 1996. We study both changes in country of birth effects on the earnings and occupational status of women aged 25 to 29 immigrating prior to each of the five census years and the experience of successive female immigrant cohorts as they age to determine the extent to which the effects of birthplace on occupational status and earnings change over their careers. In both cases we find a considerable advantage associated with being educated in Canada compared to being educated abroad. For those visible minority immigrants just beginning their careers in Canada, we could find no evidence that more recent cohorts have lower attainments than earlier cohorts, though this was true for some European groups. In our analysis of aging cohorts we find evidence of a tendency for immigrant earnings to converge with those of the Canadian born and for that tendency to be stronger in more recent cohorts.
Risk society and the second demographic transition
Authors: Hall David  R.
Published: July 2017

Prominent “risk society” theorists such as Giddens and Beck have identified risk as a fundamental organizing principle of contemporary society. Importantly, a major cause of risk awareness and anxiety in modern society is individualism . . a concept Lesthaeghe linked to changes in family formation. In this regard, of the types of risk discussed in the sociological literature, “interpersonal risks” associated with cohabitation, marriage, and parenting are of obvious salience. This paper explores how the modern “risk society” thesis, and the concept of interpersonal risk could materially contribute to understanding the second demographic transition.
Studying immigrant earnings with alternative data sources and model specifications: A reply to DeVoretz’s comment
Authors: Hou Feng
Published: July 2017

Author's response.
Interactions of socioeconomic determinants, offspring sex preference, and fertility behaviour
Authors: Tang Zongli , Sharp Paul M.
Published: July 2017

Using path anaysis and the 5 per cent PUMS data of the 1990 and 2000 [US] censuses, this study examines: (1) the correlation between Chinese-American sex preference for children and their fertility behavior; and (2) the interaction between the sex preference and its socioeconomic determinants. Of the
normative and non-normative factors investigated in this study, offspring sex preference is the greatest stimulus to Chinese fertility. Of the socioeconomic variables, women’s educational attainment plays a primary role in depressing the impact of son preference, in addition to their increasing stay in the host
society. However, these two factors do not work on husbands in the same way, demonstrating men’s inflexible attitudes toward gender roles in the family and in society. Son preference exerts a positive impact on American-Chinese fertility and prevents further decline; still, this influence has been diminishing since 1990, as observed in this study.
The Consequences of Parental Divorce on the Life Course Outcomes of Canadian Children
Authors: Martin Valerie , Mills Melinda , Le Bourdais Céline
Published: July 2017

Applying the theory of the intergenerational transmission of divorce, this paper examines the consequences of parental divorce on three aspects of the life course of children: union formation, nonmarital fertility, and marital dissolution. The 1995 Canadian General Social Survey (GSS) is used to estimate various regression models (Cox proportional hazards). Results show that children of divorced parents have a significantly higher likelihood to have births outside of marriage, enter into cohabiting unions, and to experience higher levels of divorce. Throughout the paper, attention is placed on the markedly different behaviour observed in Quebec compared to elsewhere in Canada.
Epidemiologic Transition in Australia – the last hundred years
Authors: Booth Heather
Published: July 2017

Mortality change in Australia since 1907 is analysed in the light of Epidemiologic Transition theory. Trends in life expectancy by sex and the sex difference, are examined at ages 0, 50, 65 and 85 years. Trends in mortality by major cause of death are broadly related to the stages of the Epidemiologic Transition, and a decomposition of changes in life expectancy by age and cause of death is used to further elaborate on the progression through three stages, the Age of Receding Pandemics, the Age of Degenerative and Man-Made Diseases and the Age of Delayed Degenerative Diseases. A consideration of temporal changes in age patterns of mortality decline includes a focus on infant mortality, the accident hump and mortality at older ages. In the early decades of the twentieth century, Australia was a leader in the Epidemiologic Transition, but had lost this advantage by 1950. Differentials by state/territory, indigeneity and socio-economic factors identify the leaders and laggards in the transition.
Diversity and convergence of population aging: evidence from China and Canada
Authors: Mo Long , Légaré Jacques
Published: July 2017

Taking the diversity and the convergence of demographic transitions into
consideration, it is hypothesized that population aging that occurs in developed countries and developing countries will reflect diversity, but will also show some convergence. In order to test this hypothesis, the present study compares the population aging experiences of China (1971-2050) and Canada (1911-2050) and places them within the context of the demographic transition. In this paper we learn how, as population ages, these two countries will, through two distinct pathways, arrive at similar age structures by the middle of the 21st century. Both the diversity and the convergence of population aging are shown in this comparative study.
Causes and patterns of morbidity and mortality in Afghanistan: Joint estimation of multiple causes in the neonatal period
Authors: Adegboye Oyelola A , Danelle Kotze
Published: July 2017

This paper focuses on investigating the leading cause(s) of death and preventable factors in Afghanistan, using data from verbal autopsies of infant deaths. We are of the view that the presence of a disease in a person may increase the risk of another disease that may contribute to the death process. The influence of individual- and community-level variables on infant morbidity and mortality in Afghanistan is examined. The results of this study suggest the existence of multiple causes of death in the Afghanistan Mortality Survey (AMS). In Afghanistan, complications of pregnancy are clearly a problem and must be adequately improved.
Inability to conceive and treatment-seeking behaviour in Uttar Pradesh state in India
Authors: Singh Brijesh P. , Shukla Upasana
Published: July 2017

An attempt is made to estimate the prevalence of inability to conceive (commonly referred to as infertility) and treatment-seeking behaviour in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, using the District Level Household Survey data collected in 2007–08 (DLHS-3). In Uttar Pradesh, infertility is estimated to be about 11 per cent in females aged 20–34 among the total ever-married women of reproductive age (20–49) whose marital duration is more than two years. Among infertile respondents, more than three-quarters suffer from primary infertility. Also, about 85.0 per cent of women seek treatment for lifetime infertility.
Unemployment of people of foreign origin in France: The role of discrimination
Authors: Richard Jean-Luc
Published: July 2017

This article has two primary objectives: (1) to understand the relationship between the origins of the children of immigrants and the likelihood of unemployment; and (2) to examine the possible role of discrimination in the likelihood of unemployment. The French Permanent Demographic Sample (EDP, a longitudinal database maintained by INSEE, which is the French equivalent of the English Longitudinal Survey) permits the study young foreign-born people who grew up in France and young people of foreign-origin who were born in France. The EDP is a census-based panel survey that, on average, comprises a 1 per cent sample of all immigrant groups. It contains information on a person’s nationality relative to his/her labour market position. According to most academics, it also contains valuable socio-demographic and socio-economic information on parents and their sons and daughters. The data registry was created in 1967 and includes data from the 1968, 1975, 1982, 1990, and 1999 censuses. The interest in individual trajectories requires us to consider the relations between personal labour market situations and the acquisition of French nationality. This relation must be analyzed in light of the population which consists of those children who, since childhood, have been in a position to acquire French citizenship. Although gaining citizenship is usually regarded as an important sign of civic and political assimilation among immigrants, it can also be seen as a factor in their economic assimilation. French nationality makes it easier for young immigrants to get jobs. It is better to be a young Algerian or Moroccan with French nationality than to be a young Algerian or Moroccan who does not have French nationality.
Anterior lumbar discectomy and fusion for acute cauda equina syndrome caused by recurrent disc prolapse: report of 3 cases
Authors: Tan Kimberly-Anne , Sewell Mathew D. , Markmann Yma , Clarke Andrew J. , Stokes Oliver M. , Chan Daniel
Published: July 2017

There is a lack of information and consensus regarding the optimal treatment for recurrent disc herniation previously treated by posterior discectomy, and no reports have described an anterior approach for recurrent disc herniation causing cauda equina syndrome (CES). Revision posterior decompression, irrespective of the presence of CES, has been reported to be associated with significantly higher rates of dural tears, hematomas, and iatrogenic nerve root damage. The authors describe treatment and outcomes in 3 consecutive cases of patients who underwent anterior lumbar discectomy and fusion (ALDF) for CES caused by recurrent disc herniations that had been previously treated with posterior discectomy. All 3 patients were operated on within 12 hours of presentation and were treated with an anterior retroperitoneal lumbar approach. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 24 months. Complete retrieval of herniated disc material was achieved without encountering significant epidural scar tissue in all 3 cases. No perioperative infection or neurological injury occurred, and all 3 patients had neurological recovery with restoration of bladder and bowel function and improvement in back and leg pain. ALDF is one option to treat CES caused by recurrent lumbar disc prolapse previously treated with posterior discectomy. The main advantage is that it avoids dissection around epidural scar tissue, but the procedure is associated with other risks and further evaluation of its safety in larger series is required.
Power losses and thermodynamic analysis of the solenoid fuel injector
Authors: Xie Nailiu , Zhang Zhendong , Yin Congbo
Published: July 2017

The thermal field as a vinculum between electromagnetic and fluid flow of the solenoid fuel injector (SFI) which greatly impact on its comprehensive performances. For internal combustion engines, the higher fuel temperature is beneficial to generate smaller fuel droplets and faster evaporation. In order to reveal the coupling relationship among the multi-physical fields, a SFI is designed and manufactured, and four driving strategies circuits are designed. It is found that, for the certain magnetic circuit structure, the driving strategy is one of the most important factors that impact on the power losses and thermodynamic of the SFI. The power losses are the main heat source generating high temperature for the coil. However, the high temperature of the coil is a disaster for the dynamic response and lifetime of the SFI, this phenomenon has been investigated by Finite Element Method (FEM) coupling simulation and experiments. The theoretical models of different power losses are carried out to investigate, and an experimental apparatus is designed and established to measure the temperature distribution of SFI magnetic circuit.
Inverse design of a harmonic two-phase reluctance machine
Authors: Dahlmann Martin , Sattel Thomas
Published: July 2017

A partial inverse design is introduced to derive a mutually coupled two-phase reluctance machine concept. The inverse design part begins with the torque as a function of inductance and current. For given torque characteristics the required inductance characteristics are calculated and including a magnetic circuit yields required reluctance or permeance characteristics for the air gaps. Such inverse design focuses on possibilities of reluctance machines in general, independent of any machine geometry. The derived two-phase motor concept uses self and mutual inductance independently to obtain up to four shifted harmonic torque characteristics. This allows to generate a bidirectional torque at every rotor position. Thus, there is no self-start problem and reduced torque ripple. The theoretical operation is shown with a linear magnetic circuit model and non-linear FEM calculations for a 2D and a 3D machine design.
Novel technique for the calculation of eddy current losses and Lorentz forces in foil winding transformers
Authors: Díaz Flórez Guillermo A. , Mombello Enrique E. , Voss Stephan
Published: July 2017

This paper presents a new methodology to calculate eddy current losses and Lorentz forces in foil winding transformers. This methodology is based on the equivalent winding current distribution in the foil winding and the iron core obtained by means of the Semianalytic Integral Method (SAIM) [ 1 ]. The main advantage of the calculation technique presented in this paper is that it is based on mathematical expressions which are compact and easy to evaluate, thus achieving a considerable reduction in the overall time required to determine the design parameters of the transformer. The results obtained from the proposed formulation have been compared to those obtained using the finite element method (FEM) using as a case study a 10 MVA transformer and an excellent agreement between both techniques has been obtained.
Uncertainty quantification in linear magnetostatic problems with correlated random reluctivities
Authors: Codecasa Lorenzo , Di Rienzo Luca
Published: July 2017

An approach to quantify uncertainty in linear three-dimensional magnetostatic problems with correlated random reluctivities is proposed. Such strategy is based on a reduced-order model and a spectral approximation of the deterministic parametric magnetostatic problem for accurately and efficiently estimating the statistics of the quantities of interest.
Comparison of corona degree between the stranded and the shaped wires of HVDC transmission lines
Authors: Mo Juan , Zhou Chao , Yuan Jiansheng
Published: July 2017

Most of high voltage transmission lines use the stranded wire, while the surface of the shaped wire is smoother than the stranded one. It is investigated in this paper that how much the corona can be weakened by the shaped wire, by calculating the ion flow. The steady state corona model is employed, and a local domain surrounding the wire is chosen as the field domain to simulate the corona phenomena near the wire precisely. The equation system of corona model is a multi-physics coupled problem with electric field and particle diffusion and migration. The approach of defining and applying the boundary conditions for negative and positive wires is proposed, and the solution of coupled problem is implemented by using software COMSOL. By the simulation of 500 kV transmission line, the corona current of the shaped wire is around 35% less than that of the stranded wire.
Design of an Optimized Fuzzy Classifier for the Diagnosis of Blood Pressure with a New Computational Method for Expert Rule Optimization
Authors: Guzman Juan Carlos , Melin Patricia , Prado-Arechiga German
Published: July 2017

A neuro fuzzy hybrid model (NFHM) is proposed as a new artificial intelligence method to classify blood pressure (BP). The NFHM uses techniques such as neural networks, fuzzy logic and evolutionary computation, and in the last case genetic algorithms (GAs) are used. The main goal is to model the behavior of blood pressure based on monitoring data of 24 h per patient and based on this to obtain the trend, which is classified using a fuzzy system based on rules provided by an expert, and these rules are optimized by a genetic algorithm to obtain the best possible number of rules for the classifier with the lowest classification error. Simulation results are presented to show the advantage of the proposed model.
Time Series Analysis Methods and Applications for Flight Data. By Jianye Zhang and Peng Zhang. Springer: Berlin, Heidelberg, Germany, 2017; pp. 1–240; ISBN: 978-3-662-53430-4
Authors: Mondésir Guinsly
Published: July 2017

This book [1] aims to present the best application for managing and clearly representing the massive amount of Flight Data (FD) that exists. [...]
The New Concept of Nano-Device Spectroscopy Based on Rabi–Bloch Oscillations for THz-Frequency Range
Authors: Levie Ilay , Slepyan Gregory
Published: July 2017

We considered one-dimensional quantum chains of two-level Fermi particles coupled via the tunneling driven both by ac and dc fields in the regimes of strong and ultrastrong coupling. The frequency of ac field is matched with the frequency of the quantum transition. Based on the fundamental principles of electrodynamics and quantum theory, we developed a general model of quantum dynamics for such interactions. We showed that the joint action of ac and dc fields leads to the strong mutual influence of Rabi- and Bloch oscillations, one to another. We focused on the regime of ultrastrong coupling, for which Bloch- and Rabi-frequencies are significant values of the frequency of interband transition. The Hamiltonian was solved numerically, with account of anti-resonant terms. It manifests by the appearance of a great number of narrow high-amplitude resonant lines in the spectra of tunneling current and dipole moment. We proposed the new concept of terahertz (THz) spectroscopy, which is promising for different applications in future nanoelectronics and nano-photonics.
Family Communication at the End of Life
Authors: Keeley Maureen
Published: July 2017

People often feel awkward and ill at ease when faced with the opportunity for communication at the end of life, thus the overall theme for the articles in this special issue is the creation of more awareness and knowledge regarding the depth, breadth, and importance of current research exploring family communication at the end of life. This introductory essay attempts to accomplish the following: (1) discuss the importance of talk regarding death; (2) highlight the formative role of family interactions on the death and dying process; and (3) outline the articles in this special issue. Scholars contributing to this special issue on “Family Communication at the End of Life” have provided evidence that communication is important between and for terminally ill individuals, family members, and healthcare/palliative care specialists. Overall, research exploring communication at the end of life is especially relevant because every person experiences the death and loss of loved ones, and ultimately faces the reality of their own death.
One Size Does Not Fit All: Contextualising Family Physical Activity Using a Write, Draw, Show and Tell Approach
Authors: Noonan Robert , Fairclough Stuart , Knowles Zoe , Boddy Lynne
Published: July 2017

Understanding family physical activity (PA) behaviour is essential for designing effective family-based PA interventions. However, effective approaches to capture the perceptions and “lived experiences” of families are not yet well established. The aims of the study were to: (1) demonstrate how a “write, draw, show and tell” (WDST) methodological approach can be appropriate to family-based PA research, and (2) present two distinct family case studies to provide insights into the habitual PA behaviour and experiences of a nuclear and single-parent family. Six participants (including two “target” children aged 9–11 years, two mothers and two siblings aged 6–8 years) from two families were purposefully selected to take part in the study, based on their family structure. Participants completed a paper-based PA diary and wore an ActiGraph GT9X accelerometer on their left wrist for up to 10 weekdays and 16 weekend days. A range of WDST tasks were then undertaken by each family to offer contextual insight into their family-based PA. The selected families participated in different levels and modes of PA, and reported contrasting leisure opportunities and experiences. These novel findings encourage researchers to tailor family-based PA intervention programmes to the characteristics of the family.
Analysis of Diffracted Intensities from Finite Protein Crystals with Incomplete Unit Cells
Authors: Williams Sophie , Dilanian Ruben , Quiney Harry , Martin Andrew
Published: July 2017

Developments in experimental techniques in micro electron diffraction and serial X-ray crystallography provide the opportunity to collect diffraction data from protein nanocrystals. Incomplete unit cells on the surfaces of protein crystals can affect the distribution of diffracted intensities for crystals with very high surface-to-volume ratios. The extraction of structure factors from diffraction data for such finite protein crystals sizes is considered here. A theoretical model for the continuous diffracted intensity distribution for data merged from finite crystals with two symmetry-related sub-units of the conventional unit cell is presented. This is used to extend a whole-pattern fitting technique to account for incomplete unit cells in the extraction of structure factor amplitudes. The accuracy of structure factor amplitudes found from this whole-pattern fitting technique and from an integration approach are evaluated.
Non-Linear Stability Analysis of Real Signals from Nuclear Power Plants (Boiling Water Reactors) Based on Noise Assisted Empirical Mode Decomposition Variants and the Shannon Entropy
Authors: Olvera-Guerrero Omar , Prieto-Guerrero Alfonso , Espinosa-Paredes Gilberto
Published: July 2017

There are currently around 78 nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the world based on Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs). The current parameter to assess BWR instability issues is the linear Decay Ratio (DR). However, it is well known that BWRs are complex non-linear dynamical systems that may even exhibit chaotic dynamics that normally preclude the use of the DR when the BWR is working at a specific operating point during instability. In this work a novel methodology based on an adaptive Shannon Entropy estimator and on Noise Assisted Empirical Mode Decomposition variants is presented. This methodology was developed for real-time implementation of a stability monitor. This methodology was applied to a set of signals stemming from several NPPs reactors (Ringhals-Sweden, Forsmark-Sweden and Laguna Verde-Mexico) under commercial operating conditions, that experienced instabilities events, each one of a different nature.
A Survey on Robust Interference Management in Wireless Networks
Authors: Kakar Jaber , Sezgin Aydin
Published: July 2017

Recent advances in the characterization of fundamental limits on interference management in wireless networks and the discovery of new communication schemes on how to handle interference led to a better understanding towards the capacity of such networks. The benefits in terms of achievable rates of powerful schemes handling interference, such as interference alignment, are substantial. However, the main issue behind most of these results is the assumption of perfect channel state information at the transmitters (CSIT). In the absence of channel knowledge the performance of various interference networks collapses to what is achievable by time division multiple access (TDMA). Robustinterference management techniques are promising solutions to maintain high achievable rates at various levels of CSIT, ranging from delayed to imperfect CSIT. In this survey, we outline and study two main research perspectives of how to robustly handle interference for cases where CSIT is imprecise on examples for non-distributed and distributed networks, namely broadcast and X-channel. To quantify the performance of these schemes, we use the well-known (generalized) degrees of freedom (GDoF) metric as the pre-log factor of achievable rates. These perspectives maintain the capacity benefits at similar levels as for perfect channel knowledge. These two perspectives are: First,scheme-adaptationthat explicitly accounts for the level of channel knowledge and, second,relay-aided infrastructure enlargementto decrease channel knowledge dependency. The relaxation on CSIT requirements through these perspectives will ultimately lead to practical realizations of robust interference management techniques. The survey concludes with a discussion of open problems.
Impact of Stress-Dependent Matrix and Fracture Properties on Shale Gas Production
Authors: Tang Huiying , Di Yuan , Zhang Yongbin , Li Hangyu
Published: July 2017

Unconventional shale gas production is often characterized by a short period of high production followed by a rapid decline in the production rate. Given the high costs of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, it is critical to identify the mechanisms behind the production loss. The existing shale gas production models often assume constant matrix permeability. However, laboratory observations show that matrix permeability can decrease significantly with increasing effective stress, which highlights the necessity of considering the stress-dependent properties of shale matrix in production analysis. Moreover, the compaction of pore space will also increase the matrix permeability by enhancing the gas-slippage effect. In this paper, a matrix permeability model which couples the effect of pore volume compaction and non-Darcy slip flow is derived. Numerical simulations are conducted to understand the role of matrix permeability evolution during production. Changes of fractures’ permeability and contact area during depletion process are also taken into account. The results indicate that the loss of fracture permeability has a greater impact at the early stage of the depletion process, while matrix permeability evolution is more important for the long-term production.
A Phase-Shifted Control for Wireless Power Transfer System by Using Dual Excitation Units
Authors: Dai Xin , Jiang Jincheng , Li Yanling , Yang Ting
Published: July 2017

Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology can provide intelligent robots with a flexible, robust, and safe power supply, especially in very harsh environments including high humidity and high temperature. To meet increasing power requirement for robotic applications, this paper proposes a novel method to increase system power transfer capability without increasing voltage and current stress, realized by using dual excitation units at the primary side. On this basis, this paper proposes a phase-shifted control method for output power regulation which can keep efficiency high. At the same time, the system is proved to have a better output robust characteristic by analysis under the condition of parameter variation. Finally, experimental results show the proposed dual excitation units (DEU)-WPT system can increase output power by at least three times compared to classical WPT system, and the efficiency is improved by 9%.
Evolutionary Origins of Cancer Driver Genes and Implications for Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Chu Xin-Yi , Jiang Ling-Han , Zhou Xiong-Hui , Cui Ze-Jia , Zhang Hong-Yu
Published: July 2017

The cancer atavistic theory suggests that carcinogenesis is a reverse evolution process. It is thus of great interest to explore the evolutionary origins of cancer driver genes and the relevant mechanisms underlying the carcinogenesis. Moreover, the evolutionary features of cancer driver genes could be helpful in selecting cancer biomarkers from high-throughput data. In this study, through analyzing the cancer endogenous molecular networks, we revealed that the subnetwork originating from eukaryota could control the unlimited proliferation of cancer cells, and the subnetwork originating from eumetazoa could recapitulate the other hallmarks of cancer. In addition, investigations based on multiple datasets revealed that cancer driver genes were enriched in genes originating from eukaryota, opisthokonta, and eumetazoa. These results have important implications for enhancing the robustness of cancer prognosis models through selecting the gene signatures by the gene age information.
Health-Related Characteristics of Older Adults Who Attend Congregate Meal Sites in the United States
Authors: Huffman Fatma , Vaccaro Joan , Vieira Edgar , Zarini Gustavo
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this study was to determine health-related characteristics of a representative sample of older adults who attend congregate meal sites in the United States, and compare races/ethnicities and sexes. Participants were adults, aged 60 years and older, (N = 901) of the 2015 Tenth Annual National Survey of Older American Act Participants (NSOAAP). Difficulties with mobility and Activities of Daily Living were common among older adults who attended congregate meals. Health-related characteristics differed by race/ethnicity and sex. Higher percentages of men reported eating more than half their calories from the site: 61.0% (53, 68), compared to women: 41.2% (33,50); while twice the number of women reported exercising at the site: 42.7% (36, 50), compared to 21.8% (16, 29) for men. Hispanics reported poor/fair health, food insecurity, diabetes, and poverty more often than White non-Hispanics. The odds of reporting that meals helped maintain independence were higher for persons with food insecurity: OR = 2.67 (1.05, 6.80) and those who reported eating half or more of their calories from the site: OR = 5.78 (2.36, 14.30). Strategies that consider preferences by sex and race/ethnicity are required at congregate meal sites to encourage mobility and healthy eating.
Spatial Variation of Soil Organic Carbon and Total Nitrogen in the Coastal Area of Mid-Eastern China
Authors: Xu Yan , Pu Lijie , Liao Qilin , Zhu Ming , Yu Xue , Mao Tianying , Xu Chenxing
Published: July 2017

Soils play an important role in sequestrating atmospheric CO2. Coastal tidal flats have been intensively reclaimed for food security and living spaces worldwide. We aimed to identify the changes of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) following coastal reclamation and their spatial variation in the coastal area of mid-Eastern China to provide information for coastal cropland management. We measured SOC and TN of 463 soil samples in the coastal plain of mid-Eastern China. The results showed that SOC and TN increased highly from the uncultivated coastal tidal flat (2.49 g·kg−1 and 0.21 g·kg−1, respectively) to the cropland (10.73 g·kg−1 and 1.3 g·kg−1, respectively). After long-term cultivation, SOC and TN in the old farmland (12.98 g·kg−1 and 1.49 g·kg−1, respectively) were greater than those in the young farmland (5.76 g·kg−1 and 0.86 g·kg−1, respectively). The density of SOC in the uncultivated coastal tidal flat, young farmland, and old farmland were 0.68 kg·C·m−2, 1.52 kg·C·m−2, and 3.31 kg·C·m−2, respectively. The density of TN in the uncultivated coastal tidal flat, young farmland and old farmland were 0.05 kg·N·m−2, 0.23 kg·N·m−2, and 0.38 kg·N·m−2, respectively. The C/N (11.17) in the uncultivated coastal tidal flat was highest comparing to that in the young and old farmland due to lower nitrogen. The C/N increased from 6.78 to 8.71 following cultivation. Reclaimed coastal tidal flats had high carbon and nitrogen sequestration potential that not only mitigated the threat of global warming, but also improved soil fertility for crop production. Coastal management of cropland should consider the spatial distribution of SOC and TN to improve ecosystem services of coastal soils.
Heat Propagation in Anisotropic Heterogeneous Polymer-CNT Composites
Authors: Vorobyeva Ekaterina , Chechenin Nikolay , Makarenko Irina , Kepman Alexey
Published: July 2017

A weak thermal conductivity (TC) of a polymer can be modified by inclusion of nanoparticles with high TC. Here we study the TC enhancement in epoxy resin (ER) based composites by incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and demonstrate that the enhancement depends critically on the alignment of CNTs. The highest effect in TC enhancement (18.9) was obtained in ER with vertically aligned multiwall CNTs (VANTs) and in ER with horizontally aligned nanotubes (HANTs) (6.5). We analyze the influence of intrinsic structural factors of CNTs as well as extrinsic factors limiting the enhancement of the composite TC. The dynamics of heat propagation in ER/VANT, a strongly anisotropic and heterogeneous system, was studied experimentally, using laser flash apparatus (LFA), and by computer simulation, applying a coaxial cylinder model. It was found that the thermal resistivity CNT-ER interface to be a key extrinsic factor limiting the dynamics of the heat propagation. We show that these dynamics and the interface resistivity can be efficiently studied using the LFA technique.
The Feasibility and Functional Performance of Ternary Borate-Filled Hydrophilic Bone Cements: Targeting Therapeutic Release Thresholds for Strontium
Authors: MacDonald Kathleen , Price Richard , Boyd Daniel
Published: July 2017

We examine the feasibility and functionality of hydrophilic modifications to a borate glass reinforced resin composite; with the objective of meeting and maintaining therapeutic thresholds for Sr release over time, as a potential method of incorporating antiosteoporotic therapy into a vertebroplasty material. Fifteen composites were formulated with the hydrophilic agent hydroxyl ethyl methacrylate (HEMA, 15, 22.5, 30, 37.5 or 45 wt% of resin phase) and filled with a borate glass (55, 60 or 65 wt% of total cement) with known Sr release characteristics. Cements were examined with respect to degree of cure, water sorption, Sr release, and biaxial flexural strength over 60 days of incubation in phosphate buffered saline. While water sorption and glass degradation increased with increasing HEMA content, Sr release peaked with the 30% HEMA compositions, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging confirmed the surface precipitation of a Sr phosphate compound. Biaxial flexural strengths ranged between 16 and 44 MPa, decreasing with increased HEMA content. Degree of cure increased with HEMA content (42 to 81%), while no significant effect was seen on setting times (209 to 263 s). High HEMA content may provide a method of increasing monomer conversion without effect on setting reaction, providing sustained mechanical strength over 60 days.
Spatial and Temporal Clustering Analysis of Extreme Wave Events around the UK Coastline
Authors: Malagon Santos Victor , Haigh Ivan , Wahl Thomas
Published: July 2017

Densely populated coastal regions are vulnerable to extreme wave events, which can cause loss of life and considerable damage to coastal infrastructure and ecological assets. Here, an event-based analysis approach, across multiple sites, has been used to assess the spatial footprint and temporal clustering of extreme storm-wave events around the coast of the United Kingdom (UK). The correlated spatial and temporal characteristics of wave events are often ignored even though they amplify flood consequences. Waves that exceeded the 1 in 1-year return level were analysed from 18 different buoy records and declustered into distinct storm events. In total, 92 extreme wave events are identified for the period from 2002 (when buoys began to record) to mid-2016. The tracks of the storms of these events were also captured. Six main spatial footprints were identified in terms of extreme wave events occurrence along stretches of coastline. The majority of events were observed between November and March, with large inter-annual differences in the number of events per season associated with the West Europe Pressure Anomaly (WEPA). The 2013/14 storm season was an outlier regarding the number of wave events, their temporal clustering and return levels. The presented spatial and temporal analysis framework for extreme wave events can be applied to any coastal region with sufficient observational data and highlights the importance of developing statistical tools to accurately predict such processes.
Failure Behavior of Granite Affected by Confinement and Water Pressure and Its Influence on the Seepage Behavior by Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Li Xiao , Li Shouding , Zheng Bo
Published: July 2017

Failure behavior of granite material is paramount for host rock stability of geological repositories for high-level waste (HLW) disposal. Failure behavior also affects the seepage behavior related to transportation of radionuclide. Few of the published studies gave a consistent analysis on how confinement and water pressure affect the failure behavior, which in turn influences the seepage behavior of the rock during the damage process. Based on a series of laboratory experiments on NRG01 granite samples cored from Alxa area, a candidate area for China’s HLW disposal, this paper presents some detailed observations and analyses for a better understanding on the failure mechanism and seepage behavior of the samples under different confinements and water pressure. The main findings of this study are as follows: (1) Strength reduction properties were found for the granite under water pressure. Besides, the complete axial stress–strain curves show more obvious yielding process in the pre-peak region and a more gradual stress drop in the post-peak region; (2) Shear fracturing pattern is more likely to form in the granite samples with the effect of water pressure, even under much lower confinements, than the predictions from the conventional triaxial compressive results; (3) Four stages of inflow rate curves are divided and the seepage behaviors are found to depend on the failure behavior affected by the confinement and water pressure.
Effect of Isothermal Temperature on Growth Behavior of Nanostructured Bainite in Laser Cladded Coatings
Authors: Guo Yanbing , Yao Chengwu , Feng Kai , Li Zhuguo , Chu Paul , Wu Yixiong
Published: July 2017

The growth and propagation behavior of austenite-to-bainite isothermal transformation in laser-cladded, Si-rich, and Fe-based coatings is investigated. The crystallographic features, orientation relationship at different isothermal temperatures, and the morphology of the nanostructured bainite are determined. The Nishiyama-Wassermann type orientation relationship is observed at a high temperature and at a low temperature, and mixed Nishiyama-Wassermann and Kurdjumov-Sach mechanisms are seen. The growth direction is investigated by the partial dislocation theory and an extrapolated model based on the repeated formation of lenticular-shaped subunits and pile-up along the close-packed directions of the close-packed planes. The variants of the bainite growth directions would be more selective at the high transformation temperature.
Metal-Free Regiodivergent Addition of Carbon Nucleophiles to α,β-Unsaturated Electrophiles
Authors: Spitz Cédric , Giuglio-Tonolo Alain , Terme Thierry , Vanelle Patrice
Published: July 2017

A mild and metal-free regiodivergent addition of carbon nucleophiles to α,β-unsaturated electrophiles was developed. Total 1,2-regioselectivity was observed in the addition of nitrobenzyl chloride derivative 1 to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes 2 in the presence of TDAE. Moreover, the reaction between p-nitrobenzyl chloride 1a and α,β-unsaturated iminium salts 4 led to the formation of the 1,4-adduct with total regioselectivity.
Resveratrol Improves Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetic Obese Mice by Regulating Glucose Transporter Expression in Skeletal Muscle and Liver
Authors: Yonamine Caio , Pinheiro-Machado Erika , Michalani Maria , Alves-Wagner Ana , Esteves João , Freitas Helayne , Machado Ubiratan
Published: July 2017

Insulin resistance participates in the glycaemic control disruption in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), by reducing muscle glucose influx and increasing liver glucose efflux. GLUT4 (Slc2a4 gene) and GLUT2 (Slc2a2 gene) proteins play a fundamental role in the muscle and liver glucose fluxes, respectively. Resveratrol is a polyphenol suggested to have an insulin sensitizer effect; however, this effect, and related mechanisms, have not been clearly demonstrated in T2DM. We hypothesized that resveratrol can improve glycaemic control by restoring GLUT4 and GLUT2 expression in muscle and liver. Mice were rendered obese T2DM in adult life by neonatal injection of monosodium glutamate. Then, T2DM mice were treated with resveratrol for 60 days or not. Glycaemic homeostasis, GLUT4, GLUT2, and SIRT1 (sirtuin 1) proteins (Western blotting); Slc2a4, Slc2a2, and Pck1 (key gluconeogenic enzyme codifier) mRNAs (RT-qPCR); and hepatic glucose efflux were analysed. T2DM mice revealed: high plasma concentration of glucose, fructosamine, and insulin; insulin resistance (insulin tolerance test); decreased Slc2a4/GLUT4 content in gastrocnemius and increased Slc2a2/GLUT2 content in liver; and increased Pck1 mRNA and gluconeogenic activity (pyruvate tolerance test) in liver. All alterations were restored by resveratrol treatment. Additionally, in both muscle and liver, resveratrol increased SIRT1 nuclear content, which must participate in gene expression regulations. In sum, the results indisputably reveals that resveratrol improves glycaemic control in T2DM, and that involves an increase in muscle Slc2a4/GLUT4 and a decrease in liver Slc2a2/GLUT2 expression. This study contributes to our understanding how resveratrol might be prescribed for T2DM according to the principles of evidence-based medicine.
Comparison of Erosion Behavior and Particle Contamination in Mass-Production CF4/O2 Plasma Chambers Using Y2O3 and YF3 Protective Coatings
Authors: Lin Tzu-Ken , Wang Wei-Kai , Huang Shih-Yung , Tasi Chi-Tsung , Wuu Dong-Sing
Published: July 2017

Yttrium fluoride (YF3) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3) protective coatings prepared using an atmospheric plasma spraying technique were used to investigate the relationship between surface erosion behaviors and their nanoparticle generation under high-density plasma (1012–1013 cm−3) etching. As examined by transmission electron microscopy, the Y2O3 and YF3 coatings become oxyfluorinated after exposure to the plasma, wherein the yttrium oxyfluoride film formation was observed on the surface with a thickness of 5.2 and 6.8 nm, respectively. The difference in the oxyfluorination of Y2O3 and YF3 coatings could be attributed to Y–F and Y–O bonding energies. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses revealed that a strongly fluorinated bonding (Y–F bond) was obtained on the etched surface of the YF3 coating. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the nanoparticles on the 12-inch wafer are composed of etchant gases and Y2O3. These results indicate that the YF3 coating is a more erosion-resistant material, resulting in fewer contamination particles compared with the Y2O3 coating.
Nano-Silica Sol-Gel and Carbon Nanotube Coupling Effect on the Performance of Cement-Based Materials
Authors: Li Weiwen , Ji Weiming , Torabian Isfahani Forood , Wang Yaocheng , Li Gengying , Liu Yi , Xing Feng
Published: July 2017

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have shown promise for improving the mechanical performance of cement composites through crack-bridging and frictional pull-out. The interactive behaviors between CNTs and cement matrix act are crucial in optimizing the reinforcement of CNTs in cement composites. This study investigates the effects of nano-silica (NS) sol-gel on the interactive behaviors of CNTs and the cement matrix through a series of experiments and analyses. UV-visible spectrometer results show that CNTs are well-dispersed in suspension and the addition of NS has a negligible effect on the stability of CNT dispersion. Calorimetry tests and dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrate the nucleation and frictional performance of CNTs in cement matrix, respectively. The paper shows that the physical adsorption of NS on the CNT surface could result in the acceleration of cement hydration. Morphology observation confirms that a denser interface between CNTs and cement hydrates is formed. Finally, the improved interaction between CNTs and cement hydrates leads to a substantial increase in friction between CNTs and the cement matrix under periodic loading. NS may act as an ideal admixture for improving both the interactive behaviors between CNTs and cement matrix and the damping properties of cement composite.
Low Energy Turnover of Physically Inactive Participants as a Determinant of Insufficient Mineral and Vitamin Intake in NHANES
Authors: Heydenreich Juliane , Melzer Katarina , Flury Céline , Kayser Bengt
Published: July 2017

Micronutrient requirements do not scale linearly with physical activity-related energy expenditure (AEE). Inactive persons may have insufficient micronutrient intake because of low energy intake (EI). We extracted data from NHANES 2003–2006 on 4015 adults (53 ± 18 years (mean ± SD), 29 ± 6 kg/m2, 48% women) with valid physical activity (accelerometry) and food intake (2 × 24 h-dietary recall) measures. Total energy expenditure (TEE) was estimated by summing the basal metabolic rate (BMR, Harris-Benedict), AEE, and 10% of TEE for the thermic effect of food, to calculate the physical activity levels (PAL = TEE/BMR). Energy intake (EI) was scaled to match TEE assuming energy balance. Adjusted food intake was then analyzed for energy and micronutrient content and compared to estimated average requirements. The NHANES population was physically insufficiently active. There were 2440 inactive (PAL < 1.4), 1469 lightly to moderately active (PAL1.4 < 1.7), 94 sufficiently active (PAL1.7 < 2.0), and 12 very active participants (PAL ≥ 2.0). The inactive vs. active had significantly lower intake for all micronutrients apart from vitamin A, B12, C, K, and copper (p < 0.05). The inactive participants had insufficient intake for 6/19 micronutrients, while the active participants had insufficient intake for 5/19 (p < 0.05) micronutrients. Multiple linear regression indicated a lower risk for insufficient micronutrient intake for participants with higher PAL and BMI (p < 0.001). Symmetrical up-scaling of PAL and EI to recommended physical activity levels reduced the frequency of micronutrient insufficiencies. It follows that prevalence of insufficient micronutrient intake from food in NHANES might be partly determined by low energy turnover from insufficient PAL.