bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid determination of biomass and polypropylene in three types of wood plastic composites (WPCs) using FTIR spectroscopy and partial least squares regression (PLSR)
Authors: Li Gaiyun , Lao Wanli , Qin Tefu , Huang Luohua 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The biomass/plastic ratio in wood plastic composites (WPCs) has been evaluated because of the great practical importance of this topic. To this purpose, FTIR spectra of 59 polypropylene (PP)-based WPCs from three biomass species (Chinese fir, poplar, and bamboo) were recorded and the spectral dates were evaluated by means of the partial least squares regression (PLSR) approach aiming at the prediction of the biomass/PP ratio in the WPCs. The results of the full cross-validation of the data showed that first derivative spectra corrected by standard normal variate (SNV) yielded the optimal model for prediction of the WPC composition. For both biomass and PP prediction, the coefficients of determination (R
2) of external validation were above 0.94. The standard errors of prediction (SEP) were between 1.38 and 1.39. And the ratios of performance to deviation (RPD) were about 4.20. The relative prediction errors in this context were lower than ±6%. FTIR combined with PLSR is a useful tool for a rapid and reliable estimation of the biomass and PP contents in different types of PP-based WPCs.
Carbothermic Reduction of Titanium-Bearing Blast Furnace Slag
Authors: Zhen Yu-Lan , Zhang Guo-Hua , Chou Kuo-Chih 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe carbothermic reduction experiments were carried out for titanium-bearing blast furnace slag in Panzhihua Iron and Steel Company in argon atmosphere at high temperatures. The effects of reduction temperature, isothermal treatment time and carbon content on the formation of TiC were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD pattern results showed that MgAl2O4 phase disappeared and the main phase of the reduced sample was TiC when the reduction temperature was higher than 1,773 K. The SEM pictures showed that the reduction rate of the titanium-bearing blast furnace slag could be increased by enhancing the temperature and the C content (carbon ratio ≤1.0). Furthermore, it was also found that TiC had the tendency of concentrating around the iron. The effects of additives such as Fe and CaCl2 on the formation of TiC were also studied in the present study.
The CytoBead assay – a novel approach of multiparametric autoantibody analysis in the diagnostics of systemic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Sowa Mandy , Großmann Kai , Scholz Juliane , Röber Nadja , Rödiger Stefan , Schierack Peter , Conrad Karsten , Roggenbuck Dirk , Hiemann Rico 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
If there is a suspicion of a systemic autoimmune disease, a two-step assessment of autoantibodies (AAb) is recommended for the serological diagnosis thereof. First, AAb will be determined using sensitive, cell-based indirect immunofluorescence. Then, a positive result must be confirmed with a more specific test due to the possibility of false-positive results. This gradual approach is necessary because there is currently no assay technique that fulfills the requirements for a one-stage procedure for sensitivity and specificity. For effective AAb analysis, simultaneous determination of several AAb with multiparametric confirmatory assays significantly shortens serological diagnosis, compared with conventional monoparametric testing. Yet, currently available multiparametric AAb detection techniques do not offer the combination of screening and confirmatory testing. Thus, a new approach based on digital fluorescence was developed by applying a novel CytoBead technology that is presented here. The aim was to combine the recommended stepwise approach consisting of sensitive screening and confirmation of specific diagnosis in a reaction environment and thereafter the possibility of adaptation to the serological diagnosis of several autoimmune diseases. Using standard microscopic glass slides and the combination of native cellular or tissue substrates with autoantigen-loaded fluorescent microparticles (beads) in a reaction environment, along with the possibility of manual and automatic evaluation by IIF and the quantitative measurement of fluorescent signals, the disadvantages of currently existing test systems could be overcome. This novel concept is applicable for the determination of various multiparametric AAb, e.g., the determination of antinuclear antibodies and the corresponding AAb in molecular cytoplasmic and nuclear autoantigenic structures. Further, this becomes the basis for the simultaneous multiparametric AAb determination for the serology of celiac disease or ANCA-associated vasculitides.
New data on Abrawayaomys chebezi (Rodentia, Cricetidae), a poorly known South American sylvan rodent
Authors: Pardiñas Ulyses F.J. , Teta Pablo , Lareschi Marcela , Galliari Carlos A. 
Published: April 2015

Abstractis a spiny sigmodontine believed endemic to the Atlantic Forest of Misiones Province, Argentina. The available knowledge is largely restricted to the holotype, the only fully vouchered specimen. Here, we detail a second specimen, a subadult male obtained in the Parque Provincial Urugua-í (Misiones). The morphology of this animal confirms several diagnostic traits of
Homography estimation for low-contrast IR image sequences utilizing GPS control points
Authors: Dunau Patrick , Fitz Daniel , Beyerer Jürgen 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Estimating the homographies for IR sequences of approaching objects in the infrared spectrum is a special problem. Due to the approaching movement of a helicopter towards measurement items, the objects are represented with few pixels in the beginning of the sequence and they are represented with a lot more pixels when reaching the destination area. This fact results in an assignment problem of finding point correspondences. This difficulty has led to drifting phenomena when using sophisticated methods for estimating the homographies. In this article a method is described which eliminates both the problem of finding point correspondences as well as the drifting issue. The presented procedure exploits information gathered by additional sensors (i. e., a GPS receiver, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and a compass) for the computation of camera projections for each frame. The camera mappings are used to project GPS control points into the frames. The use of the same GPS points for each frame results in naturally given point correspondences. Using these correspondences the homographies can be estimated. The results are compared to the state of the art.
Decomposition Studies of Isopropanol in a  Variable Pressure Flow Reactor
Authors: Heyne Joshua S. , Dooley Stephen , Serinyel Zeynep , Dryer Frederick L. , Curran Henry 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Alternatives to traditional petroleum derived transportation fuels,
particularly alcohols, have been investigated increasingly over the
last 5 years. Isopropanol has received little attention
despite bridging the gap between smaller alcohols (methanol and
ethanol) and the next generation alcohols (butyl alcohols) to be used
in transportation fuels. Previous studies have shown that
decomposition reactions that dehydrate are important in the
high-temperature oxidation of alcohols. Here we report new data on the
dehydration reaction for isopropanol
(iC3H7OH → C3H6 + H2O)
in a Variable Pressure Flow Reactor at 12.5 atm pressure
and temperatures from 976–1000 K. Pyrolysis experiments
are performed in the presence of a radical trapper (1,3,5
trimethyl benzene or toluene) to inhibit secondary reactions of
radicals with the fuel and product species. The recommended rate
constant for the dehydration reaction is determined using an indirect
method along with Latin Hypercube sampling to estimate uncertainties.
Comparison of the rate constant data to previous works show that the
reaction is considerably more rapid than the high level theoretical
predictions of Bui et al. (Bui et al., J. Chem. Phys., 2002). The
dehydration reaction rate for isopropanol is well described by
k = 8.52 × 106
T
2.12 exp (− 30, 667/T) with an estimated
uncertainty of σ
ln

A

2 = 0.0195.
The C–C bond fission reaction is also investigated, but
the insensitivity of the decomposition data to this reaction results
in an uncertainty in the determined rate constants to approximately
2 orders of magnitude. Theoretical estimates lie within these
experimental uncertainties.
Consequences of Colloidal Nanosilica Specific Surface on Its Performance in Concrete
Authors: Bolhassani Mohammad , Samani Mohammadreza 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Many results on performance of nanosilica in concrete have been reported by researchers in the domain of strength enhancement to reduction. A possible reason could be the vastly different specific surfaces of nanosilica materials used by different researchers. In this research, the effects of two colloidal nanosilicas, with specific surface areas of 80 m2/g and 500 m2/g on properties of concrete are investigated. The performance of these nanosilicas, which are specifically produced for use in concrete, are compared to that of microsilica. Additionally, for having a better understanding of the behavior of concrete in the presence of high specific surface area nanosilica, mortar specimens containing nanosilica with 500 m2/g specific surface area were also prepared and tested. Results show that the use of nanosilica particles causes a more severe reduction in workability of mixes compared to micro. The reduction in workability increased with increasing dosage and specific surface area of nanosilica. Compared to micro, the nanosilica materials resulted in higher strength enhancements relative to control at the age of 3 and 7 d. However, at 28 d the difference became small, and at 56 d the nanosilicas and micro had similar performances. Results of transverse electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the state of nanosilica agglomeration with 80 m2/g is almost the same as microsilica; however, nanosilica particles with 500 m2/g are highly agglomerated compare with the other two materials because of the presence of large amounts of nanosilica. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results at 28 d also showed high levels of heterogeneity in the distribution of hydration products, which is the result of poor nanosilica dispersion; this phenomenon consequently decreased the compressive strength of specimens.
Thermal Conditioning to Improve Geotechnical Properties of Recycled Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Soleimanbeigi Ali , Edil Tuncer 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
A procedure for thermal conditioning was introduced to accelerate the compression and improve geotechnical properties of recycled asphalt pavements (RAP) including resilient modulus, compressibility, shear strength, and creep response. Temperature-controlled resilient modulus, one-dimensional compression, and triaxial compression tests were conducted to evaluate the use of RAP as base course or embankment fill. For base course application, increasing temperature increased the plastic strain and reduced the resilient modulus of the RAP specimens that were compacted at room temperature. However, when the specimens were compacted at elevated temperatures and tested at room temperature, significant reduction in plastic strain and increase in resilient modulus were attained. For embankment fill applications, compaction and compression at elevated temperatures increased the shear strength and reduced the compressibility and creep strain of the RAP specimens tested at room temperature. Compaction and compression of the RAP specimens at elevated temperatures induced thermal conditioning and improved geotechnical properties. To improve performance of structural fills containing RAP, construction is recommended during warmest months of the year.
Measuring the Soil Water–Retention Curve Under Positive and Negative Matric Suction Regimes
Authors: Alsherif Nahed , Wayllace Alexandra , Lu Ning 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
The soil water–retention curve (SWRC) is commonly theorized and measured in the positive matric suction or negative pore water pressure domain. However, all soils do not reach full saturation when matric suction decreases to zero. To date, few methods or theories have been developed to understand the SWRC in the negative matric suction domain, which could play important roles in field mechanical stability conditions, such as slopes under heavy rainfall or levees under rapidly rising water table conditions. A method employing both the transient water release and imbibition method (TRIM) and a constant flow method (CFM) is devised to measure a soil’s complete loop of the SWRC under both wetting and drying, and positive and negative matric suction conditions. Although the TRIM is used to measure both drying and wetting paths of the SWRC in the positive matric suction domain, the CFM is used to quantify the soil water–retention behavior in the negative matric suction domain. The TRIM method has been previously validated and extensively tested. The novel feature is the cyclic application of the CFM in the negative matric suction domain. The head loss in the high air entry ceramic stone because of the application of the CFM is calibrated in the range of the applied flow rates. Similar sets of flow rates are used to validate the repeatability of the measured SWRC behavior in the negative matric suction domain. Three different soils, sandy, silty, and clayey soils, are used to demonstrate the applicability of the methodology for various soil types. It is shown that, for the sandy soil, a few kPa of negative matric suction are needed to fully saturate the specimen, whereas for the clayey soil, over 10 kPa of negative matric suction are needed to fully saturate the specimen.
Quantifying the Association Between Self‐Reported Diabetes and Periodontitis in the New Zealand Population
Authors: Knight Ellie T. , Leichter Jonathan W. , Tawse‐Smith Andrew , Thomson W. Murray 
Published: April 2015

Background: This study aims to investigate the association between diabetes and periodontitis in the New Zealand (NZ) adult population.Methods: Data from two NZ national surveys (N = 2,048) were analyzed to compare estimates of the strength of the association between diabetes and periodontitis using two multivariate epidemiologic approaches (cohort and matched case‐control studies). This was possible because the first survey provided participants for the second survey. Periodontitis cases were identified using 14 case definitions, including six severe definitions. The cohort study identified those with diabetes in 2006/07 and those with periodontitis in 2009 to determine the patients with diabetes odds of having periodontitis, using logistic regression modeling (adjusting for smoking status, sociodemographic, and dental characteristics). The matched case‐control study identified cases of severe periodontitis in 2009 and compared their 2006/07 diabetic status with that of controls (individually matched on age group, sex, and socioeconomic status). Conditional logistic regression modeling was used for the case‐control study, adjusting for ethnicity, smoking status, and dental characteristics.Results: Overall, 3.6% of the periodontally examined adults reported having diabetes. There was no sex difference in diabetes prevalence, but it was greater in older age groups. Depending on the definition of periodontitis used, there were different estimates of risk for periodontitis, with odds ratios ranging from 1.91 (P = 0.01) to 3.51 (P = 0.22) using the cohort study approach. Diabetes was associated with a greater risk of having periodontitis using only two of the 14 periodontitis case definitions. No association was observed using the matched case‐control study.Conclusions: The diabetes‐periodontitis association in the NZ population remains unclear. This study demonstrates that the determination of the strength of a putative association is method dependent.
Differential HIV Risk for Racial/Ethnic Minority Trans*female Youths and Socioeconomic Disparities in Housing, Residential Stability, and Education
Authors: Wilson Erin C. , Chen Yea-Hung , Arayasirikul Sean , Fisher Marla , Pomart W. Andres , Le Victory , Raymond H. Fisher , McFarland Willi 
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We examined HIV prevalence and risk behaviors of 282 trans*female youths aged 16 to 24 years participating in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, SHINE study from 2012 to 2013 to determine differences between racial/ethnic minority and White youths. Methods. We conducted the χ2 test to determine distributional differences between racial/ethnic minority and White participants in sociodemographic factors, HIV-related risk behaviors, and syndemic factors. Results. Of the trans*female youths, 4.8% were HIV positive. Racial/ethnic minority and White trans*female youths differed significantly in gender identity and sexual orientation. Racial/ethnic minority youths also had significantly lower educational attainment, were less likely to have lived with their parents of origin as a child, and were significantly more likely to engage in recent condomless anal intercourse than were Whites. Conclusions. Efforts to assess the impact of multiple-minority stress on racial/minority trans*female youths are needed imminently, and prevention efforts must address macrolevel disparities for trans*female youths, especially those from racial/ethnic minority groups, to reduce these disparities and prevent incident cases of HIV.
Spatial Clustering of Occupational Injuries in Communities
Authors: Forst Linda , Friedman Lee , Chin Brian , Madigan Dana 
Published: April 2015

Objectives. Using the social-ecological model, we hypothesized that the home residences of injured workers would be clustered predictably and geographically. Methods. We linked health care and publicly available datasets by home zip code for traumatically injured workers in Illinois from 2000 to 2009. We calculated numbers and rates of injuries, determined the spatial relationships, and developed 3 models. Results. Among the 23 200 occupational injuries, 80% of cases were located in 20% of zip codes and clustered in 10 locations. After component analysis, numbers and clusters of injuries correlated directly with immigrants; injury rates inversely correlated with urban poverty. Conclusions. Traumatic occupational injuries were clustered spatially by home location of the affected workers and in a predictable way. This put an inequitable burden on communities and provided evidence for the possible value of community-based interventions for prevention of occupational injuries. Work should be included in health disparities research. Stakeholders should determine whether and how to intervene at the community level to prevent occupational injuries.
Nuevo Amanecer: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial of a Community-Based, Peer-Delivered Stress Management Intervention to Improve Quality of Life in Latinas With Breast Cancer
Authors: Nápoles Anna María , Ortíz Carmen , Santoyo-Olsson Jasmine , Stewart Anita L. , Gregorich Steven , Lee Howard E. , Durón Ysabel , McGuire Peggy , Luce Judith 
Published: April 2015

Objectives. We evaluated a community-based, translational stress management program to improve health-related quality of life in Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer. Methods. We adapted a cognitive–behavioral stress management program integrating evidence-based and community best practices to address the needs of Latinas with breast cancer. Spanish-speaking Latinas with breast cancer were randomly assigned to an intervention or usual-care control group. Trained peers delivered the 8-week intervention between February 2011 and February 2014. Primary outcomes were breast cancer–specific quality of life and distress, and general symptoms of distress. Results. Of 151 participants, 95% were retained at 6 months (between May 2011 and May 2014). Improvements in quality of life from baseline to 6 months were greater for the intervention than the control group on physical well-being, emotional well-being, breast cancer concerns, and overall quality of life. Decreases from baseline to 6 months were greater for the intervention group on depression and somatization. Conclusions. Results suggest that translation of evidence-based programs can reduce psychosocial health disparities in Latinas with breast cancer. Integration of this program into community-based organizations enhances its dissemination potential.
Upscaling Kinetics for Field-Scale In-Situ-Combustion Simulation
Authors: Nissen Anna , Zhu Zhouyuan , Kovscek Anthony , Castanier Louis , Gerritsen Margot 
Published: April 2015

Summary
We demonstrate the effectiveness of a non-Arrhenius kinetic upscaling approach for in-situ-combustion processes, first discussed by Kovscek et al. (2013). Arrhenius reaction terms are replaced with equivalent source terms that are determined by a work flow integrating both laboratory experiments and high-fidelity numerical simulations. The new formulation alleviates both stiffness and grid dependencies of the traditional Arrhenius approach. Consequently, the computational efficiency and robustness of simulations are improved significantly. In this paper, we thoroughly investigate the performance of the non-Arrhenius upscaling method compared with Arrhenius kinetics. We investigate robustness by considering grid effects and sensitivity to heterogeneity. Performance improvements of the new kinetic upscaling approach compared with traditional Arrhenius kinetics are demonstrated through numerical experiments in one and two dimensions for both homogeneous- and heterogeneous-permeability fields.
Effects of the thickness on the microstructure and corrosion behavior of a TiAlN film on 4140 steel
Authors: Wongpanya Pornwasa , Wongpinij Thipusa , Photongkam Pat , Euaruksakul Chanan , Witit-anun Nirun 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
TiAlN films with thicknesses of 250, 500 and 750 nm were deposited on 4140 steel using the reactive direct current co-unbalanced magnetron sputtering method. The effects of the film thickness on the microstructure were revealed using a field emission scanning electron microscope, an image analyzer and X-ray diffraction. The results showed that grain size apparently increased when the film was at greater thicknesses whereas porosity, lattice strain and dislocation density decreased. Meanwhile, the results of anodic polarization tests in air-saturated 3.5 wt.-% NaCl solution at pH levels of 2, 7 and 10 and at 25 °C showed lower corrosion potential in thicker film, attributed to a lower ratio of grain boundary area to individual grain area. However, a more stable passive film with higher pitting potential was formed. By analyzing using X-ray absorption spectromicroscopy, oxidation of Ti into TiO2 was found on the corroded surface of TiAlN film.
Corrosion resistance of nanosilicasilicate conversion coatings on aluminum prepared by the dip immersion method
Authors: Bahri Hamed , Danaee Iman , Rashed Gholam Reza 
Published: April 2015

Abstract
Nanosilica modified potassium silicate conversion coatings were deposited on the surface of 2024 aluminum alloy by the dip immersion method, and the effect of the immersion time was studied on anticorrosion behavior of coatings. The corrosion behavior of coatings was examined by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, potentiodynamic polarization and surface analyzing techniques. The coated samples showed a significant decrease in corrosion rate. The experimental results indicated that the increase in silica ratio led to an increasing in the corrosion resistance of aluminum. Immersion time in potassium silicate solution showed a significant effect on silicate conversion coating and higher corrosion resistance was obtained with 400 s immersion. This behavior can be related to increasing the silicate coating continuity which formed on the surface. The coating performance evaluated in acidic and basic NaCl solution as well as the results showed the corresponding stability of nanosilica modified silicate conversion coating in these solutions.