bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential for Utilizing Western Juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) Biomass for Oil Extraction and as a Fermentation Medium
Authors: Sichamba Kennedy , Morrell Jeffrey J. , Leavengood Scott 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
Steam-distilled essential oils from western juniper (Juniperus occidentalis) foliage and twigs were tested for activity against subterranean termites and fungi. Foliage residues were pretreated with dilute sulfuric acid and enzymatically treated to determine their digestibility. Essential oil recovery and sugar yields were higher for foliage than twigs. Foliage essential oil exhibited excellent antifungal and termiticidal activities at the concentrations tested. These results highlight the potential for integrating steam distillation of western juniper foliage to remove essential oil with enzymatic digestion of extraction residues. Additional studies to optimize distillation and pretreatment conditions for foliage are recommended.
Input–Output Modeling of Wood-Based Bioenergy Industries in Mississippi
Authors: Joshi Omkar , Grebner Donald L. , Henderson James E. , Grado Stephen C. , Munn Ian A. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
The southern region of the United States, which includes Mississippi, has abundant forest resources that provide an opportunity to establish a wood-based bioenergy industry in the region. This study estimated the direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts associated with establishment of wood-based bioenergy facilities in Mississippi. Three potential wood-based bioenergy facilities, wood pellets, bio-oil, and methanol-based gasoline, were considered. The requisite cost information pertaining to the construction and operation of selected wood-based bioenergy facilities were obtained from various secondary sources. Construction activities would impact the economy for a shorter period of time. Results showed operation of a wood pellet facility, having an annual production capacity of 75,000 dry tonnes, would contribute 8,282 full- and part-time jobs and US$12 million worth of economic output to the state economy. Likewise, operation of a bio-oil facility, having an annual production capacity of 66,224.5 dry tonnes, would provide 112 new full- and part-time jobs and an economic output of US$13 million. Similarly, an economic output of US$96 million and 795 more full- and part-time jobs would be added to the Mississippi economy by establishing a methanol-based gasoline facility. Clearly, these impacts are likely to draw the attention of policy makers and investors toward developing wood-based bioenergy opportunities in Mississippi.
Properties of Bamboo–Wood Hybrid Glulam Beams
Authors: Sinha Arijit , Clauson Milo 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
Bending and shear characteristics of bamboo–wood hybrid glulam (BWHG) beams were investigated to evaluate the possibility of using laminated bamboo lumber (LBL) as a lamstock for glulam beams in structural application. Moreover, two different resin types were also evaluated for bamboo–wood bond strength. Isocyanate-based resin performed better in terms of bond performance and resulted in higher bending strength and comparable stiffness to that of phenol-resorcinol-formaldehyde resin. The BWHGs performed better than the reported values on Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) glulam beams. Initial results indicate there is potential for LBL to be used as lamstock for glulam beams, which should be investigated further.
Latino Youths’ Sexual Values and Condom Negotiation Strategies
Authors: Deardorff Julianna , Tschann Jeanne M. , Flores Elena , de Groat Cynthia L. , Steinberg Julia R. , Ozer Emily J. 
Published: October 2013

ContextYoung Latinos in the United States are at high risk for STDs and are less likely than other youth to use condoms. To our knowledge, no studies have examined the relationship between sexual values and condom negotiation strategies among young Latinos.MethodsCross‐sectional data collected in 2003–2006 from 571 Latino women and men aged 16–22 in the San Francisco Bay Area were used to examine associations between sexual values (e.g., considering sexual talk disrespectful or female virginity important) and use of strategies to engender or avoid condom use. Linear regression analyses were used to identify such associations while adjusting for potential covariates and gender interactions.ResultsAmong women, sexual comfort and comfort with sexual communication were positively associated with frequency of direct communication to foster condom use; the importance of female premarital virginity and levels of sexual self‐acceptance were positively associated with expressing dislike of condoms to avoid using them; and levels of sexual self‐acceptance were negatively associated with expressing dislike of condoms to avoid using them. Moreover, the degrees to which women considered sexual talk disrespectful and female virginity important were positively associated with the frequency with which they shared risk information as a condom use strategy. Among both sexes, the importance that respondents placed on premarital female virginity was negatively associated with use of direct communication strategies.ConclusionResearchers designing interventions to influence Latino youths’ sexual decision making and behaviors should consider including program components that address sexual values.
Ecological dynamics of Zostera marina (eelgrass) in three adjacent bays in Atlantic Canada
Authors: Wong Melisa C. , Bravo Monica A. , Dowd Michael 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
We obtained and analyzed a baseline dataset of Zostera marina (eelgrass) dynamics in three adjacent bays in Nova Scotia, Canada. The field sites were Kejimkujik National Park Seaside (Keji), Port l’Hebert (PH), and Port Joli (PJ). Measures of Z. marina growth and production, including shoot density, aboveground and belowground biomass, and shoot productivity, were sampled monthly for 1 year. Physical parameters, including water temperature, suspended solids, nutrients, ice cover, and algal presence, were also measured. Seasonal cycles in shoot density, leaf length, and aboveground biomass of Z. marina were evident at all sites. Shoots persisted throughout the winter; however, shoot density was lowest at PH and Keji due to ice cover. Belowground biomass at all sites did not show seasonal signals. Greatest differences in measured Z. marina parameters were observed at Keji compared with PH and PJ. Restricted water exchange at Keji caused high water temperatures, low flushing rates, and prolific algal growth, probably resulting in lower shoot densities and biomass than in PH and PJ. Our study provides some of the first data on Z. marina dynamics in the Atlantic Canadian region, and will provide a critical baseline for future comparisons of plant condition and estimates of variability in potential monitoring parameters.
Caffeic acid inhibits organic anion transporters OAT1 and OAT3 in rat kidney
Authors: Uwai Yuichi , Kawasaki Tatsuya , Nabekura Tomohiro 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background: Some food components influence drug elimination. Previously, we found that caffeic acid, present in coffee, fruits, and vegetables, strongly inhibited human homologs of organic anion transporters (OATs) OAT1 and OAT3, which are responsible for renal tubular secretion of anionic drugs. In this study, we examined the effect of caffeic acid on drug transport by OAT1 and OAT3 in the rat kidney.

Methods: The inhibitory effect of caffeic acid on rat OAT1 and OAT3 was assessed by drug uptake experiment using Xenopus laevis oocytes. Urinary excretion of phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP), a diagnostic agent secreted by renal OATs, was examined in rats, and the influence of caffeic acid was evaluated.

Results: Expression of rat OAT1 (rOAT1) and rOAT3 stimulated uptake of their typical substrates, p-aminohippurate and estrone sulfate, respectively, into oocytes, and caffeic acid inhibited them dose dependently. After intravenous injection of PSP in rats, 42.7% of the dose was excreted into urine up to 60 min, and the simultaneous administration of caffeic acid reduced it to 32.0%.

Conclusions: These findings show that caffeic acid inhibits OAT1 and OAT3 in the rat kidney.
Influence of Rare-Earth Yttrium on High-Temperature Oxidation Behavior of Fe-Si Alloys
Authors: Su Yong , Desong Meng , Liu Qun , Fu Guangyan , Wu Jingdong , Yu Sijie , Yu Zhenhui 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe high-temperature oxidation behavior of Fe-Si-Y alloys has been studied at 1173 and 1273 K in 0.1 MPa flowing pure O2. Results show that as the content of rare-earth yttrium raises, the grain size of Fe-Si-Y alloys decreases obviously, which increases grain boundaries in the alloys. The grain size of the oxides formed on the grain-fined alloys is also decreased. These enhance the diffusion rate of the alloying elements through the alloy matrix and oxide scales, and promotes the formation of SiO2 and Y2O3. However, a single and continuous SiO2 or Y2O3 scale still does not form on yttrium-containing alloys when being oxidized at 1173 or 1273 K, but their rapid formation and partial lateral connection due to the grain refinement can restrain the element diffusion in the alloys to some extents, and thus the oxidation resistance of the alloys is improved. The mechanism related with the effect of the grain refinement resulting from the addition of rare-earth yttrium on high-temperature oxidation behavior of Fe-Si alloys is also discussed.
The Influence of Thermal Exposure and Hydrogen Charging on the Notch Tensile Properties and Fracture Behaviour of Dissimilar T91/TP316H Weldments
Authors: Blach Juraj , Falat Ladislav 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The effects of ageing and hydrogen charging on the notch tensile properties and fracture behaviour of individual heat-affected zones (HAZ) and Ni-based weld metal (Ni WM) of T91/TP316H weldments were investigated. After the post-weld heat treatment at 750 °C for 1 h the weldments were annealed at 600 °C for 1000 h and 5000 h, respectively. All heat-treated states were studied in condition without as well as with hydrogen charging. Thermal expositions led to additional precipitation and microstructure coarsening but their influence on tensile strength was insignificant. In contrast, remarkable plasticity decrease and the fracture mode transition from ductile dimple tearing to transgranular cleavage were observed. The combined effects of thermal exposure and hydrogen charging were more complex. Whereas the regions of Ni WM and TP316H HAZ did not show any significant change in strength, the hydrogen effect caused the strength increase in T91 HAZ. Although the hydrogen embrittling effects were clearly manifested by decreasing plasticity, their significance was getting smaller with increasing annealing duration. The fracture behaviour of thermally exposed and hydrogen charged regions exhibited mixed fracture modes including transgranular cleavage, intergranular dimple fracture and intergranular decohesion.
Organic Montmorillonite Modified Asphalt Materials: Preparation and Characterization
Authors: Pei Jianzhong , Wen Yong , Li Yanwei , Zhang Zengping , Shi Xin , Zhang Jiupeng , Li Rui , Cao Leilei , Du Qunle 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Organic montmorillonite (OMMT) modified asphalt was prepared with the melting intercalation technology. The distribution of OMMT layers in matrix asphalt was characterized through x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the effect of OMMT on physical properties and dynamic rheology of matrix asphalt were studied as well. It was found that OMMT homogeneously dispersed in the modified asphalt and intercalated OMMT/asphalt nanocomposites were prepared by means of melt extrusion. Additionally, from the penetration, softening point, and dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) testing result, it was observed that the OMMT obviously improved the high-temperature stability, temperature serviceability, and rut resistance of the matrix asphalt. The bending beam rheometer (BBR) results indicated that the OMMT modified asphalt with OMMT dosage of 3 % exhibited the lowest stiffness and highest resistance to low temperature cracking, and had less effect on the relaxation of stress in low temperature in comparison with OMMT modified asphalt with OMMT dosage of 1 % and 5 %. Furthermore, it was found that the optimal dosage of OMMT was 3 %.
Threshold Strain for Postcyclic Shear Strength Change of Mississippi River Valley Silt Due to Cyclic Triaxial Loading
Authors: Wang Shuying , Onyejekwe Site , Yang Junsheng 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Soil microstructure is affected by cyclic loading, leading to changes in postcyclic shear strength. It is generally observed that the postcyclic shear strength of a given soil increases substantially after reconsolidation above a threshold strain for that soil. In this study, we investigated the threshold strain for change in the postcyclic shear strength of reconsolidated soil by conducting cyclic triaxial tests on reconstituted Mississippi River Valley silt with a plasticity index (PI) of 5.8. To this end, the effects of the cyclic stress ratio, overconsolidation ratio, effective consolidation pressure, and PI on the threshold cyclic axial strain were assessed. The postcyclic shear strength decreased slightly when the cyclic axial strain (εa,c) was less than 0.4 %, but it increased substantially when the cyclic axial strain was greater than 0.4 %. The threshold cyclic axial strain was determined as 0.4 %, which was close to the yield cyclic axial strain, equal to the strain at the intersection of two envelopes in εa,c versus p′ space. The threshold strain did not vary substantially with either the cyclic stress ratio or the overconsolidation ratio, but it decreased with the effective consolidation pressure. Within the PI range of 5.8 to 9.4, there was no obvious change in threshold cyclic axial strain. When we combined data from other researchers, it was found that the threshold shear strain increases from 0.1 % to 3.0 % with an increase in PI. The average line for threshold shear strain (γth) for postcyclic shear strength change was found to be almost parallel to that for cyclic pore water pressure in PI–logγth space.
Selection of Minimum Sample Size Tightened-Normal-Tightened Sampling Inspection Schemes
Authors: Vijayaraghavan R. , Loganathan A. , Rajalakshmi D. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Acceptance sampling schemes are frequently used when finished products or materials are supplied by the producer for making decisions about individual lots or group of lots by examining sample information of such products or material. A sampling scheme is a set of plans that are usually specified by certain parameters such as sample size(s) and acceptance number(s). The tightened-normal-tightened (TNT) sampling scheme is a scheme that incorporates two single sampling plans called normal and tightened sampling plans, having the same sample size, but with different acceptance numbers along with the rules for switching between the plans. The determination of parameters of a sampling scheme for specified requirements on its operating characteristic curve providing protection to the producer and consumer is termed as designing of the scheme. This paper presents an iterative procedure for designing TNT schemes for two specified points on the operating characteristic curve, namely, acceptable quality level and limiting quality level associated with the producer's risk and the consumer's risk, respectively. Tables providing the parameters of the schemes for various values of acceptable quality level and limiting quality level under the conditions of binomial and Poisson distributions are developed and presented. The efficiency of such schemes over the schemes developed by the unity value approach is demonstrated with illustrations.
Computer-Automated Triaxial Testing System for Assessing and Mitigating Sample Disturbance in a Natural Clay in the Laboratory
Authors: Karademir Tanay 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
A computer automation for a manual triaxial cell involved in designing new test instrumentation components and connections and in developing new controller software and supportive hardware for accurate functioning of the system during long test durations was undertaken to run high-quality, sophisticated triaxial tests for measuring the stress-strain properties of clays. For validation and further evaluation of the developed computer-automated triaxial testing system, a laboratory testing program was performed to investigate the effects of sample disturbance on laboratory-measured clay soil behavior and the mitigation of disturbance effects in the laboratory using two reconsolidation methods, the stress history and normalized soil properties (SHANSEP) method and the recompression method. Computer-automated triaxial tests were performed on specimens of Boston blue clay (BBC) from a test site (Newbury, MA) sampled using a Sherbrooke-type block sampler. The test results from the laboratory testing program are presented, including for (i) one-dimensionally consolidated undrained compression (CKoUC) tests on both normally consolidated (NC) and mechanically overconsolidated (OC) specimens using the SHANSEP method and (ii) anisotropically consolidated undrained compression (CAUC) tests using the recompression method. The CKoUC(NC) tests were performed to provide baseline SHANSEP data, and results were compared between CKoUC(OC) SHANSEP and CAUC recompression tests.
Improving Belleville Washer Spring Characteristics Using Elastomer Filling
Authors: Manđuka Abas , Gubeljak Nenad , Predan Jožef , Pinterić Marko 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Belleville washer steel springs are characterized by a long fatigue life, better space utilization, low creep tendency, and high force bearing capacity with a small spring deflection. In the case of thicker springs, a greater force bearing and greater stiffness are obtained, but the deflection of the spring is reduced. In such a case, the fatigue life is reduced and there is a very high probability that a Belleville washer spring may fail in a brittle manner, causing additional damage to machinery. In order to prevent such a fracture of a Belleville washer, an elastomeric filling was used on both free surfaces of the spring. Experimental testing and numerical analyses show that enhanced loading characteristics were obtained when the elastomer filling was increasingly involved in the force bearing process. When the elastomer filling is compressed, the stresses in the Belleville washer steel are reduced, because the majority of the deflection stress is shared by the elastomer instead of the steel.
A Performance Evaluation Model Using FAHP/DEA and the Malmquist Productivity Index to Assess the Photovoltaics Industry in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Amy H. I. , Kang He-Yau , Lin Chun-Yu 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
With the depletion of fossil fuels and public consciousness of environmental degradation, the use of renewable energy resources has become a must in order to meet consistently increasing global energy demands. Solar energy is a promising renewable energy source that can be generated from the infinite sunlight resource with environmental sustainability and high safety standards. Nevertheless, the development of the photovoltaics (PV) industry still faces some obstacles, such as a versatile market cycle in response to economic conditions and high production costs with low conversion efficiency. Therefore, finding ways to strengthen their competitiveness is important in order for PV companies to survive and acquire decent profits in this new market. This research proposes a performance evaluation framework of firms in the PV industry. A fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) is applied to set the assurance region of the factors, and then data envelopment analysis (DEA) is carried out to assess the business performance of the PV firms. Next, the Malmquist productivity index (MPI) is applied to evaluate the changes in efficiency of each firm over time. Based on the analysis, the firms can understand their current positions in the market and can gain a clear idea of how to improve their business.
Non-Stick and Scratch Resistant Sol-Gel Coating for Aluminum
Authors: Y.L. Wu Linda , Nemeth Sandor 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPTFE-based coatings have been widely used, for example, on aluminum molds for molding of polyolefin packaging materials for its non-stick property. However, these coatings do not meet the users' scratch resistance and durability requirements. This paper describes a preliminary study on the synthesis and characterization of a PTFE/sol-gel composite coating material which combines the required non-stick and low friction properties of PTFE filler with the high scratch resistance and durability of a silica-based sol-gel matrix. The non-stick and low friction properties were achieved by using both the PTFE filler and the lubricious compound resulting from the reaction of a solvent with siloxane. The high scratch resistance was attributed to the enhanced adhesion to the electro-chemically pre-treated surface and the optimized silica and alumina filler contents in the sol-gel material. FE-SEM/EDX, FTIR, contact angle goniometry, scratch testing and a pin-on-disc tribometry were used to evaluate the coating properties.
The Furlow Palatoplasty for Velopharyngeal Dysfunction: Velopharyngeal Changes, Speech Improvements, and Where They Intersect
Authors: Pet Mitchell A. , Marty-Grames Lynn , Blount-Stahl Mary , Saltzman Babette S. , Molter David W. , Woo Albert S. 
Published: October 2013

Objective We investigated how Furlow palatoplasty changes velopharyngeal morphology and speech characteristics, as well as how the anatomical and clinical results might be related. We hypothesized that Furlow palatoplasty would result in measurable velar elongation, tightening of the genu angle, and retropositioning of the levator sling and that the achievement of these modifications might be associated with clinical speech improvement. Design Retrospective analysis of preoperative and postoperative videofluoroscopic and speech data. Setting Tertiary care center. Patients/Participants A total of 29 patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency in the setting of previous cleft palate repair or submucous cleft palate. Interventions Furlow palatoplasty for treatment of velopharyngeal insufficiency. Outcome Measures Lateral videofluoroscopy and perceptual speech examination were conducted preoperatively and postoperatively in order to measure velopharyngeal dimensions and speech quality. We describe anatomical and speech changes associated with the Furlow palatoplasty and undertake an exploratory analysis of the relationship between surgical changes to the velopharynx and clinical outcomes. Results Furlow palatoplasty results in significant velar elongation, increased acuity of the genu angle, and retropositioning of the levator sling. Postoperative speech improvement was identified on the three subscales of resonance, nasal emission, and stops/plosives. Speech improvement and the absence of need for reoperation were most consistently associated with tightening of the genu angle. Conclusions Furlow palatoplasty lengthens the palate, while both tightening and retropositioning the levator sling. These changes reflect transverse recruitment of lateral velar tissues, along with transverse tightening and anterior release of the muscle fibers, respectively. Levator tightening is most consistently associated with improved speech outcomes.