bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Apparatus and Method for Torsion Test of Large-size Reinforced Concrete Beams
Authors: Jeng Chyuan-Hwan , Peng Sheng-Fu , Chiu Hao-Jan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
This paper describes a novel apparatus and method for conducting torsion tests on large-size hollow reinforced concrete (RC) beams. Previous torsion tests of concrete beams often used metal components to clamp the concrete beam specimen while exerting a twisting torque. This type of apparatus could allow gaps and slips between the clamping metal components and the concrete specimen, introducing errors into the small deformation measurement. In this study we used a monolithic transverse RC beam to convey a twisting torque without gaps to the twist end of the longitudinal test beam and constructed a monolithic RC block at the fixed end. Pre-tensioning forces were used to fasten the RC blocks of the specimens to the underlying steel seat and to the strong floor, thus producing a slippage-free mechanism for the fixed end. The test apparatus also incorporated devices to eliminate any constraints on the longitudinal elongation of the test beams. Seven quantities were experimentally determined for each of the specimens through continuous measurement, using various measurement lengths. The test results show that the test apparatus is rather efficient in determining small twists and that the initial branches of the obtained torque-twist curves exhibit a high degree of linearity. The results also demonstrate that a measurement length should be long enough to incorporate the entire failure region, but not too long, as too much length can cause the twist angles to be underestimated. Furthermore, the experimental values of the shear flow zone thickness decrease drastically around the cracking and remain relatively constant after cracking. The obtained elongation-twist curves are smooth when the measurement length covers the entire failure region, but otherwise they have abrupt turns due to drastic losses of measured twist angles.
Effect of Different Fillers on Performance Properties of Asphalt Emulsion Mixture
Authors: Du Shaowen 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of different fillers on the performance properties of asphalt emulsion mixtures (AEM). Six types of fillers were used, including limestone filler (LF), hydrated lime (HL), fly ash (FL), slag powder (SG), composite Portland cement (CPC), and ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The AEM design was conducted using a two-stage process to allow for determination of the optimum water content (OWC) and optimum emulsion content (OEC). The effect of the fillers on the mixture performance was evaluated based on moisture susceptibility as measured by the indirect tensile test and rutting resistance measured by loaded wheel testing. To better understand observed differences in performance, the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) was used to obtain the microstructure of different filler-emulsion combinations. Test results indicate that the physical and chemical properties of fillers significantly affect both mixture design and performance. Furthermore, the most effective fillers are found to be materials that include cement or hydrated lime as the reaction between these materials, and the water in the emulsion has a reinforcing effect on binding the aggregates together. Conversely, with replacement of a portion of the limestone filler with fly ash or slag powder, no effects on moisture susceptibility or rutting resistance relative to the control mix were observed. ESEM images confirmed that hydration products are formed when the water in the emulsion reacts with cement or slag, causing the increase in performance properties. The proposed mechanisms by which the hydration reaction improves performance include increasing the degree of compaction and rigidity of AEM as well as increasing the strength of the adhesive bond at the asphalt emulsion aggregate. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that filler chemical and physical properties should be used to select materials most appropriate for use in AEM.
Fracture and Viscoelastic Properties of Asphalt Binders During Fatigue and Rest Periods
Authors: Shen Shihui , Lu Xin , Zhang Yuqing , Lytton Robert 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Viscoelastic asphalt binder plays an important role in bonding individual aggregate particles and contributes to the durability and stability of asphalt pavement. When asphalt binder is subjected to cyclic loading, deformation and fracture may develop simultaneously within it, leading to the deterioration of material properties and eventually fatigue failure. Research has found that some degree of recovery may develop if rest periods are applied after fatigue deterioration. However, it is not clear whether such recovery is caused by fracture healing, viscoelastic recovery, or both. This paper presents an analysis to differentiate the contributions of fracture healing and viscoelastic recovery to the asphalt binder during rest periods. It also evaluates the damage caused by deformation and fracture during a fatigue process. It is found that viscoelastic recovery plays an important role in the instant increase in the dynamic shear modulus at the beginning of the rest period. The effect of fracture healing on dynamic shear modulus recovery is more dominant in the long term. A healing index is developed based only on the fracture healing of asphalt binder, excluding the effect of viscoelastic recovery. It can be used to evaluate the true healing properties of different asphalt binders.
Effect of Ca–Mg and MgFeSi Graphite Nodularizers on the Nodular Graphite Characteristics of Ductile Cast Irons
Authors: Atanda P. O. , Olorunniwo O. E. , Imasogie B. I. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The study investigated the effect of a series of Ca–Mg and a commercial grade MgFeSi graphite nodularizers, Fe75Si, and NiFeSi inoculants on the nodular characteristics (particle size, excursion ratio, degree of sphroidization, nodule count, and shape factor/nodularity) of ductile cast irons produced using a 100 kg diesel fired rotary furnace. This was with a view to controlling the volatile and fading effects of magnesium as a graphite nodularizer in the cast iron melt. Heats of the rotary furnace melts were pre-desulphurized with a pre-determined amount of CaC2:Fe45%Si in ratio 3:1. Subsequently, each melt was treated with different ratios of Ca–Mg based master alloys and the cast irons produced were compared with a commercial grade MgFeSi treated cast iron produced under the same conditions. Post-treatment inoculation in each case was carried out using Fe-75-Si. Microstructural characterization was carried out to determine the graphite nodularity and distribution characteristics. The results showed that the cast iron treated with 1:4 ratio of Ca:Mg combination master alloy yielded the optimum graphite nodularity with ASTM type 1 graphite nodule features, which are comparable to cast irons produced using the commercial grade MgFeSi nodularizer.
Auditor Style and Financial Statement Comparability
Authors: Francis Jere R. , Pinnuck Matthew L. , Watanabe Olena 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
The term “audit style” is used to characterize the unique set of internal working rules of each Big 4 audit firm for the implementation of auditing standards and the enforcement of GAAP within their clienteles. Audit style implies that two companies audited by the same Big 4 auditor, subject to the same audit style, are more likely to have comparable earnings than two firms audited by two different Big 4 firms with different styles. By comparable we mean that two firms in the same industry and year will have a more similar accruals and earnings structure. For a sample of U.S. companies for the period 1987 to 2011, we find evidence consistent with audit style increasing the comparability of reported earnings within a Big 4 auditor's clientele.
Data Availability: All data are publicly available from the sources identified in the text.
Mispricing of Book-Tax Differences and the Trading Behavior of Short Sellers and Insiders
Authors: Chi Sabrina S. , Pincus Morton , Teoh Siew Hong 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
We find evidence that investors misprice information contained in book-tax differences (BTDs), measured as the ratio of taxable income to book income, TI/BI. Low TI/BI predicts worse earnings growth and abnormal stock returns than high TI/BI. We find that short sellers and insiders arbitrage BTD mispricing, but the arbitrage is imperfect because of constraints on short selling and insider trading. Under SFAS No. 109 the predictability is stronger for TEMP/BI, the temporary component of TI/BI, which reflects greater managerial discretion. The results are incremental to a large set of known accruals-based anomaly predictors. We suggest that a sunshine policy of disclosing a reconciliation of book and taxable incomes can reduce mispricing of BTDs and improve capital market resource allocation.
Data Availability: Data are obtained from the public sources as indicated in the text.
Design and experimentation of a self-tuning PID control applied to the 3DOF helicopter
Authors: Boubakir Ahsene , Labiod Salim , Boudjema Fares , Plestan Franck 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The paper presents design and experimental validation of a stable self-tuning PID controller for three degrees of freedom (3-DOF) helicopter. At first, it is proposed a self-tuned proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller for a class of uncertain second order multiinput multi-output nonlinear dynamic systems to which the 3-DOF helicopter dynamic model belongs. Within this scheme, the PID controller is employed to approximate unknown ideal controller that can achieve control objectives. PID controller gains are the adjustable parameters and they are updated online with a stable adaptation mechanism designed to minimize the error between the unknown ideal controller and the used by PID controller. The stability analysis of the closed-loop system is performed using Lyapunov approach. It is proven that all signals in the closed-loop system are uniformly ultimately bounded. The proposed approach can be regarded as a simple and effective model-free control since the mathematical model of the system is assumed unknown. Experimental results are presented to verify the effectiveness of the proposed controller.
A structured mathematical model of PHA biopolymer production process
Authors: Finkeová Jana , Hrnčiřík Pavel , Mareš Jan , Vovsík Jaroslav , Hudeček Ondřej , Náhlík Jan 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
The paper describes a mathematical model of PHA biopolymer production process by Pseudomonas putida KT2442 where the octanoic acid is used as a substrate. The process is modeled using mass balances for fed-batch cultivation. Proper fitting to experimental data is obtained by identification of the model parameters. The model exhibits good agreement with experiments and its possible application for control is considered in the paper.
Coronary arteries morphometry and their vascular territories
Authors: Ispas V. , Bordei P. , Iliescu D. M. , Baz R. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Our study was performed on a total of 24 angioCT’s by each coronary artery executed on a GE LightSpeed VCT64 Slice CT Scanner. To assess the type of vascularization (coronary dominance) we used also dissection on fresh and formalin preserved hearts, injection of contrast substance followed by radiography and plastic mass injection followed by corrosion. Left coronary artery from origin I found a diameter of between 4.1 to 5.8 mm, the length of the left main coronary artery until its branching (bi or trifurcation) ranging from 3 to 11.8 mm. The diameter of the anterior interventricular artery, was between 1.8 to 3.4 mm, and when the anterior interventricular artery branched off a left marginal artery, it was less voluminous than the case when the marginal artery origin by trifurcation of coronary artery, with 1.8-2.5 mm. Anterior interventricular artery detach left anterior ventricular branches with a diameter of 1.2-2.2 mm. Circumflex artery present a diameter of 2.1 to 4.2 mm at the left aspect of the heart circumflex artery has a diameter of 2.1 to 3.4 mm. On the posterior surface of left ventricle from circumflex artery branches come off with 1.2 to 2.4 mm in diameter. Left marginal artery, when originate from the left coronary artery had a diameter of 2.1 to 2.8 mm. The right coronary artery presents at origin a diameter of 3.1 to 5.4 mm, from the coronary right for the anterior aspect of the right ventricle unhooking the branches with a diameter of 2.2 to 4.2 mm. To the posterior of the right ventricle right coronary artery gave branches with a diameter of 1.6 to 2.6 mm. Right marginal artery had a diameter of 1.6-2.2 mm, and in one case (4.17% from cases) had a diameter of 3.4 mm (when the right coronary origin was 5.4 mm ). From right the coronary atrial branches detaches with a caliber of 0.6-2 mm. Regarding the coronary dominance, we found on a number of 88 hearts that in 29.54% of cases there is predominance of right coronary artery in 25% of cases there is a predominance of the left coronary artery, and in 45.46% of cases there is a balance between the territories of the vascularity of the two coronary arteries.
The role of anatomical anomalies in anterior communicating artery aneurysm rupture
Authors: Dimitriu Cr.P , Ionescu C. , Bordei P. , Bulbuc I. 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Background and purpose:limited data exist to guide proper patient selection for preventive treatment of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Cerebral aneurysms have been associated with anomalies of arterial segments that are forming the brain arterial circle of Willis but whether this association is also related to aneurysm rupture is not known. The occurrence of cerebral aneurysm rupture when a circle of Willis anomaly was present or absent was compared.
Material and methods: we have performed this study on a number of 312 cases, of which 87 were dissections, 22 dissection followed by plastic injection, 135 magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), 75 computer tomography angiography (CTA), 40 digital subtraction angiographies (DSA), 30 in vivo (intraoperatory) observation. Brain vascular imaging was reviewed for aneurysm size, morphology and presence of anterior cerebral artery anomalies.
Results: we divided the study group in 2 cohorts, one control group of 272 cases, in which we have study the anatomical variants occurrence and aneurysm occurrence in general population and another included 45 patients admitted thru emergency room for subarachnoid hemorrhage, of those 38 were ruptured aneurysm of anterior communicating artery (ACoA). Mean aneurysm size was 8.9 mm. An anterior cerebral artery anomaly was identified in 31 cases (81.5%). Multivariate analysis revealed a higher risk of aneurysm rupture when an anterior cerebral artery was present.
Conclusions: this study shows that anterior cerebral artery anomalies are more commonly found in ruptured as opposed to unruptured ACoA aneurysms. The presence of an ACA anomaly may be an important characteristic for selecting patients for preventive aneurysm treatment.
Plant community analysis and effect of environmental factors on the diversity of woody species in the moist Afromontane forest of Wondo Genet, South Central Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Mamo , Yirdaw Eshetu , Luukkanen Olavi , Lemenih Mulugeta 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Floristic diversity and the composition of vascular plants are described for the moist Afromontane forest (MAF) of Wondo Genet, south-central Ethiopia. A total of 75 (20 x 20 m) quadrats were sampled and data on species identity, abundance, elevation, slope and aspect were recorded. Different diversity indices and ordination techniques were used to analyze the data. A total of 240 plant species including seven endemic plant species were found representing 94 families and 210 genera, of which trees constitute 23.8%, shrubs 25%, herbs 35%, lianas 11.3% and ferns 5%. Cluster and indicator species analyses revealed five plant communities described as: Teclea nobilis-Calpurnia aurea, Erythrococca trichogyne-Millettia ferruginea, Croton macrostachyus-Vernonia hochstetteri, Protea gaguedi-Rhus retinorrhoea and Dodonaea angustifolia-Hypericum quartinianum. Elevation (R2=0.48, P<0.001), slope (R2=0.14, P<0.001) and aspect (R2=0.04, P<0.01) correlated significantly and negatively with species richness, whereas only elevation (R2=0.30, P<0.001) and slope (R2=0.13, P<0.001) related significantly and negatively with abundance. Sørensen’s similarity coefficient indicates that the forest of Wondo Genet is similar to moist montane forests of southwestern and southeastern Ethiopia. Given the high diversity, coupled with the existence of endemic species, ecosystem conservation and restoration strategies with further research are warranted.
Yielding and nutritional value of Japanese bunching onion in relation to the date of planting and type of flat cover
Authors: Kołota Eugeniusz , Adamczewska-Sowińska Katarzyna , Uklańska-Pusz Cecylia 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
During a three-year field experiment, the possibilities of cultivating the ‘Performer’ cultivar of Japanese bunching onion for early harvest bunching were assessed through the use of autumn and spring planting terms. The seedlings, produced in multi-pots, were planted in the open field on 8-10 September, 9-10 October and 6-12 April, and covered with a perforated foil and agrotextile in mid-November or directly following the spring planting. The covers were removed at the end of April, and the harvest of Japanese bunching onion was conducted at the end of May. The percentage of plants that survived the winter, how many produced flowering stems and the height of the total and marketable yield of plants with a pseudostem diameter >10 mm were determined. We evaluated the content of selected components with a nutritional value in samples of edible plant parts.
The results of the study showed that it is possible to obtain a high yield of plants harvested for bunches following an early spring term seedling planting. The majority of plants planted in the autumn froze during the winter, while those that were overwintered produced flower stems, especially if planted in September. The application of flat covers increased the percentage of plants that survived the winter, though in spite of this fact, the obtained marketable yield of Japanese bunching onion planted in the autumn was very low. Plants from the spring planting were characterised by a lower content of dry matter, chlorophyll a+b and volatile oils, while their content of K, Ca and Mg showed enhanced levels. Covering plants with a perforated foil positively influenced the content of total sugars and volatile oils, while negatively influencing the amounts of vitamin C, potassium and calcium as compared to those cultivated without covers.
Evaluation of plum cultivars grafted on ‘Wangenheim Prune’ rootstock in the northeast of Poland
Authors: Markuszewski Bogumił , Kopytowski Jan 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
The study was conducted in the years 2007-2012 at the Didactic and Experimental Station of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in order to select plum cultivars suitable for growing on ‘Wangenheim Prune’ rootstock in northeastern Poland. The study encompassed the following plum cultivars: ‘Herman’, ‘Čačanska Rana’, ‘Dąbrowicka Prune’, ‘Promis’, ‘Elena’ ‘Tolar’, ‘Bluefre’, ‘Top’, ‘President’ and ‘Valor’. The measurements taken included: trunk growth, yield, weight of one fruit, size of fruit, the content of dry matter, ascorbic acid, total and simple sugars and organic acids. We found that the ‘Valor’ and ‘Herman’ trees grew the best and ‘Top’ grew the most poorly. The highest yields were gathered from the ‘President’, ‘Valor’ and ‘Bluefre’ trees. ‘Bluefre’ had the largest fruit size. The highest content of dry matter was found in the fruit of ‘Tolar’, ‘Valor’ and ‘Promis’. The fruit of ‘Bluefre’, ‘Tolar’ and ‘Top’ had the highest concentration of ascorbic acid. The highest content of total sugars and simple sugars was detected in the fruit of ‘Tolar’, while the highest concentrations of organic acids were found in the fruit of ‘Čačanska Rana’, ‘Dąbrowicka Prune’ and ‘Top’. ‘Promis’, ‘Herman’, ‘Valor’, ‘Top’ and ‘Tolar’ had the highest sugar/acid indexes.
The influence of folate pathway polymorphisms on high-dose methotrexaterelated toxicity and survival in children with non-Hodgkin malignant lymphoma
Authors: Erculj Nina , Kotnik Barbara Faganel , Debeljak Marusa , Jazbec Janez , Dolzan Vita 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Background. We evaluated the influence of folate pathway polymorphisms on high-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX) related toxicity in paediatric patients with T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Patients and methods. In total, 30 NHL patients were genotyped for selected folate pathway polymorphisms.
Results. Carriers of at least one MTHFR 677T allele had significantly higher MTX area under the time-concentration curve levels at third MTX cycle (P = 0.003). These patients were also at higher odds of leucopoenia (P = 0.006) or thrombocytopenia (P = 0.041) and had higher number of different HD-MTX-related toxicity (P = 0.035) compared to patients with wild-type genotype.
Conclusions. Our results suggest an important role of MTHFR 677C>T polymorphism in the development of HD-MTXrelated toxicity in children with NHL.
Cation exchange capability and reactivity of low-rank coal and chars
Authors: Skodras George , Kokorotsikos Paris , Serafidou Maria 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this work the C.E.C. and its effect on the reactivity of low rank coal and chars were investigated. The C.E.C. was measured by potentiometric titration and was correlated with the solution pH, the carbonization extent and the oxygen content. Coal and chars presented permanent C.E.C. primarily derived from inorganic sites and was independent of solution pH, and variable C.E.C. derived from organic matter and was increased continuously, and reversibly, as the solution pH increased. The latter is due to the complete dissociation of the carboxylic groups of the organic matter of the coal and, thus, the C.E.C. is directly related with the oxygen content. The C.E.C. of chars decreased with the carbonization extents and its variation was described by a modified cumulative distribution function of the Weibull probability density function. A linear correlation was identified between the C.E.C. and the elemental oxygen conversion, justifying further the direct relation between the C.E.C. and the oxygen functional groups. Following the decrease of the C.E.C., the potassium chemisorption capacity of the chars also decreased. Chars of decreased C.E.C. were less reactive during CO2 gasification and reduced maximum weight loss and CO formation rates were obtained, also shifted at higher temperatures.
Enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution of N-Boc-trans-3-hydroxy-4-phenylpyrrolidine
Authors: Faigl Ferenc , Kovács Ervin , Balogh Dóra , Holczbauer Tamás , Czugler Mátyás , Simándi Béla 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe first enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution of tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-4-phenylpyrrolidine-1-carboxylate is presented. Enzyme, solvent and temperature optimization resulted in a new resolution method with E = 40 enantioselectivity. The acetate derivative of the (+)-(3S,4R) enantiomer formed while the (−)-(3R,4S) isomer remained intact. Very good enantioselectivities (E &gt; 200) were achieved in the enzyme-catalyzed alcoholysis of the racemic acetate in i-propanol and t-butanol where the (+)-(3S,4R) enantiomer was prepared in pure form (ee &gt; 99.7%). Absolute configuration of the (−)-(3R,4S)-enantiomer was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method.