bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
History and Accomplishments of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) Monitoring and Measurement Technology (MMT) Program
Authors: Billets Stephen , Dindal Amy 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This manuscript presents a detailed narrative of the history, accomplishments, and evolution of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Superfund Innovative Technology Evaluation (SITE) Monitoring and Measurement Technology (MMT) Verification Program. This includes a discussion of how fundamental concepts of a performance testing/verification program were developed in response to the 1986 Congressional legislation that was enacted to bring together technology developers, users, and EPA’s credibility in a national testing program. One impetus for the program was the technology developers’ need for a cost effective and technically credible program for showcasing the performance of their technologies to EPA regions, other federal agencies, and other clients. The SITE Program was EPA’s first technology verification program and it has served as a model for subsequent evaluation programs. The performance characteristics of 70 technologies have been verified by the SITE MMT Program. A survey of developers that have participated in the program indicated their overall satisfaction and a summary of their observations is presented. The outcome of the program and its legacy represents an important contribution to the EPA Superfund Program and the use of field analytical technologies.
A New Methodology for Whole-Package Microbial Challenge Testing for Medical Device Trays
Authors: Severin Jane , Bix Laura , Linz John , Gilliland Dennis , Lockhart Hugh 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
It is critical that packages containing sterile medical devices maintain a sterile barrier until the device is used. In 1995, a study conducted by the Health Industry Manufacturers Association (HIMA) compared a whole-package microbial challenge test to physical integrity testing [1]; published results indicated the superiority of physical tests. This paper discusses the problems with the classic approach to whole-package microbial challenge, outlines a new whole-package microbial challenge test, and details the work done to begin to illustrate its effectiveness. The project aim is the creation of a new methodology for microbial challenge testing of medical device packages that reduces the chance of false positives that were commonly observed with the previous technique. The proposed method involves aseptically filling sterile, sealed packages with growth media, challenging them with microbes, incubating the package, and then conducting colony counts to determine package contamination. Results suggest that the proposed technique does not have the false positives that were associated with historical microbial challenge testing. False positives are a serious problem, as they indicate that a package has not maintained its sterile barrier when, indeed, it has. This can lead manufacturers to false assumptions about production and the package, potentially resulting in increased costs for healthcare providers and patients. Research presented here represents the first step in creating a standardized methodology for whole-package microbial challenge testing. Currently, such a test does not exist. While there are numerous physical integrity tests that a manufacturer of medical devices can employ to verify the integrity of packages before release to the market, a need exists for a standardized whole-package microbial challenge test that overcomes the difficulties associated with those of the past.
Verification and Calibration of VESYS5W Fatigue Cracking Model Using Results from Accelerated Pavement Testing
Authors: Chen Dar Hao , Zhou Fujie , Yuan Jianbo 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Cost effective design methodology demands accurate performance modeling. Fatigue cracking is one of the major performance indicators in flexible pavement systems. Through literature review, a decision was made to modify the fatigue cracking model in the original VESYS5 program. The revised model in VESYS5W has the same basic form as suggested by the Asphalt Institute (AI) and the 2002 Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). The main challenge in modeling fatigue cracking is to determine appropriate input parameters. Efforts were made to compare the experimental results of full-scale accelerated pavement testing (APT) to the VESY5W predictions using the material parameters suggested by AI and the 2002 MEPDG. The test data employed in this paper are obtained from the full-scale APT conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under a national pooled fund study TPF-5(019). Test results from five lanes at testing temperatures of 19°C were utilized in the comparisons. It was found that the VESYS5W prediction using the material parameters from 2002 MEPDG yielded a much better fit to the experimental results than those using AI material parameters. The VESYS5W predictions using the AI material parameters always underestimated the fatigue cracking life. To match experimental results, shift factors were applied. The shift factors ranged from 0.48 to 3.1 for the predictions using the material parameters from the 2002 MEPDG. However, the shift factors for the AI material parameters ranged from 3.6 to 14.4. In summary, VESYS5W predictions using 2002 MEPDG material parameters provided satisfactory fits to the experimental results with relatively small (⩽3.1) shift factors. Based on the FHWA’s APT test results and the VESYS5W analyses, two equations are recommended for prediction of fatigue cracking in pavements with conventional mix and with asphalt modifier.
Evaluation of Nonnuclear Density Tests on Hot Mix Asphalt Segregation
Authors: Chang Chieh-Min , Chen Jian-Shiuh , Fang Chien-Cheng , Chang Meng-Kung 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Since the identification of segregation on asphalt pavements has been based on visual observations around the world, it is essential to develop a quantitative method to detect the presence and severity of segregation. The nonnuclear density device was selected for the field measurements at nine test sites, and cores were taken for laboratory testing. The nonnuclear density difference between segregated and control areas was found to increase with increasing the segregation severity. For medium or heavy segregated areas, the nonnuclear density difference was more than 90 kg/m3. In medium or heavy segregated areas, the air voids increased by 20 % and the indirect tensile strength decreased by 8 % as compared to the control areas. The criterion to detect segregation was based on the statistical differences in nonnuclear measured density values with a p-value 0.05. If a statistical difference in nonnuclear density between segregated and control areas existed, the chance of aggregate gradation difference in percent passing the 3/8 in., No. 4 and No. 8 sieves for medium and heavy segregation was 78 and 64 %, respectively. In addition to the field nonnuclear density readings, the material properties of asphalt mixtures obtained from 108 cores, including texture depth and percent air voids were selected as independent variables to develop a model to predict the calibrated nonnuclear density difference between the segregated and control areas. This quantitative model holds a great promise as a tool to identify potential areas of segregation using both lab data and field nonnuclear density measurements for quality assurance purposes.
Testing and evaluation of water hydraulic components by acoustic emission and wavelet analysis
Authors: Chen H. X. , Chua Patrick S. K. , Lim G. H. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
In condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of machinery, vibration analysis is the major method and wavelet analysis is widely implemented. The acoustic emission (AE) method is another important and effective signal in fault diagnosis of mechanical systems. In this paper, the AE signal is applied to diagnose the piston condition of the water hydraulic motor in a water hydraulic system. The AE signal is obtained under different flow rates and torques. The wavelet-based signal processing technique is used to analyze the fluid-borne vibration and structure-borne vibration (acoustic signal). The spectrum based on wavelet analysis is effective in analyzing the acoustic signals under specific frequency ranges, compared with the conventional power spectrum density (PSD). The results show root mean square (RMS) of the wavelet-based acoustic signal analysis is very effective for the fault diagnosis of piston cracks under the different flow rates and torques.
Effect of Portland Cement Fineness on ASTM C1260 Expansion
Authors: Bektas Fatih , Wang Kejin , Ceylan Halil 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The present study is aimed at investigating the effect of portland cement fineness on the results of ASTM C1260 tests—Standard Test Method for Potential Alkali Reactivity of Aggregates (Mortar-Bar Method). The effects of clinker alkali content, aggregate reactivity, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution concentration on the mortar expansion test results were also studied. In this study, high and low alkali portland cement clinkers were selected and ground with gypsum in a laboratory ball mill to three fineness levels: 300, 400, and 500 m2/kg (Blaine). Moderately- and highly-reactive aggregates were tested with these cements according to ASTM C1260. In addition to the standard 1 N NaOH solution, a 0.5 N NaOH soak solution was also used. The results show that mortar-bar expansion was promoted with increased cement fineness regardless of clinker alkali, aggregate reactivity, or soak solution normality. Clinker alkali had no or little effect on moderately reactive aggregate; whereas it had considerable effect on highly reactive aggregate. Highly reactive aggregate tended to be more sensitive to cement fineness and alkalinity. Although cement fineness and clinker alkali content did not affect the classification in terms of potential reactivity of the aggregates used in this study, they might change the classification for the aggregates near the boundary between reactive and nonreactive aggregates. Specification of fineness and alkali content of cement, or both, might be beneficial to further improve the reliability and reproducibility of ASTM C1260.
Research on the Relation Between Magnetic Barkhausen Noise and Ferromagnetic Materials with Different Heat Treatments
Authors: Qi Xin , Wang Wei , Zheng Xingye , Chen Juan 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Because the continuous reorientation of magnetic moment induces magnetic domain wall irreversible jumps, a ferromagnetic material emits Barkhausen noise when it is in an alternating magnetic field. Because the Barkhausen noise size depends on the resistance when the magnetic domain wall moves, which means it depends on pinning site distribution and magnitude of pinning in the ferromagnetic material, so the material structure change will influence the wall’s structure and movement, thereby changing the coercive field and other magnetic parameters of the material. We have treated 45# steel and 35CrMo steel by different heat treatments, and investigated the Barkhausen noise character given off by these samples in different magnetic fields, and we have found the relationship between different heat treatment conditions and Barkhausen noise released by different microstructures.
Flexural Strength of Ceramic and Glass Rods
Authors: Quinn George D. , Sparenberg Brian T. , Koshy Philip , Ives Lewis K. , Jahanmir Said , Arola Dwayne D. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Flexural testing is the most common method used to measure the uniaxial tensile strength of ceramics and glasses. Although standard test methods have been developed for rectangular specimens, cylindrical rod specimens may be preferred in many cases. This paper summarizes how rods have been tested in the past, identifies key experimental errors and remedies, and serves as the foundation for a new standard test method for ceramics and glasses.
Modal Analysis, Experimental Validation, and Calibration of a Historical Masonry Minaret
Authors: Bayraktar Alemdar , Altunişik Ahmet Can , Sevim Barış , Türker Temel , Akköse Mehmet , Çoşkun Nart 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This paper describes a historical masonry minaret, its finite element modeling, modal testing, and finite element model calibration. İskenderpaşa historical masonry minaret located in Trabzon City Center, Turkey, is selected as an application. Modal analysis is performed on the developed 3-D finite element model of the minaret to obtain the analytical frequencies and mode shapes. The ambient vibration tests on the minaret under environmental excitations, such as traffic loads and wind, are conducted. The output-only modal parameter identification is carried out by using peak picking of the average normalized power spectral densities in the frequency domain and stochastic subspace identification in the time domain. Dynamic characteristics such as natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios are determined. The finite element model of the minaret is calibrated to minimize the differences between analytically and experimentally estimated modal properties by changing some uncertain modeling parameters such as material properties and boundary conditions. At the end of the study, maximum differences in the natural frequencies are reduced on an average from 27 % to 5 %. A good agreement is also found between analytical and experimental natural frequencies and mode shapes after model calibration.
Fault Degradation Assessment of Water Hydraulic Components by Noise Signal with Wavelet Packet Analysis
Authors: Chen H. X. , Chua Patrick S. K. , Lim G. H. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Vibration analysis contains the important information for the working condition of the mechanical system. It is the major method used in condition monitoring and fault diagnosis of machinery. However, noise is widely recognized as one of the more characteristic aspects of hydraulic power system. The flow ripple generated primarily by motor/pump is the main source of acoustic signal. The characteristics of the noise from water hydraulic system have a close relation to the fault degradation of the pistons inside the water hydraulic motor. This paper studies the fault degradation of the piston in the water hydraulic motor by noise in the vibration signal. The fault degradation of the piston in the water hydraulic motor is introduced to acquire the vibration signal of the water hydraulic motor under different pressures. Wavelet packet analysis is applied to analyze the vibration signal to obtain the noise from the vibration signal of the water hydraulic motor. Continuous wavelet transform is used to analyze the noise within the specific frequencies. The results show that the noise of the water hydraulic motor has the different feature values under different fault degradations.
Modular 12 Gauge Shotgun Beanbag Accuracy Study
Authors: Mesloh Charlie , Thompson Frank , Wargo Brandon , Collie Komaal , Berry Christopher 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
As with all less-than-lethal weapons, the user is frequently left to estimate the optimum effective range of their weapon. Factory literature often exaggerates effective ranges and other features, which can be misleading and potentially dangerous in the deployment of the weapon. Using a modular combat shotgun and its three barrels, this study examined the accuracy of 12 gauge bean bag rounds in relation to barrel length. Accuracy was measured by point of impact and projectile spread in relation to the deviation from the point of aim. Our observations for the selected shotgun and bean bag rounds show that, at distances under 12 m (40 ft), the projectile was both accurate and reliable. At greater distances, both accuracy and reliability decreased. The 25 cm (10 in), 36 cm (14 in), and 46 cm (18 in) barrels can be used in close proximity from 3 m (10 ft)—15 m (50 ft) without a considerable loss of accuracy. This is of major significance as the use of shotguns during tactical room clearing is often limited by the length of barrel. These findings suggest that even the shortest length barrel tested would perform well if the targets are not engaged beyond 15 m (50 ft). Beyond this distance, the 46 cm (18 in) barrel is the most accurate performer and will reliably engage targets out to the maximum tested range of 24 m (80 ft).
Influence of Intermittent Hypoxia on Myocardial and Hepatic P‐glycoprotein Expression in a Rodent Model
Authors: Dopp John M. , Moran John J. , Abel Nicole J. , Wiegert Nicholas A. , Cowgill John B. , Olson E. Burt , Sims J. Jason 
Published: March 2009

Study Objective. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea who receive drug therapy for cardiovascular disease may experience resistant hypertension, arrhythmias, or more severe heart failure, and many of the drugs used to treat these conditions are substrates for P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) transporters. Therefore, we sought to determine if intermittent hypoxia, which mimics obstructive sleep apnea, would upregulate myocardial and hepatic P‐gp expression and Abcb1a and Abcb1b messenger RNA (mRNA) expression (genes that encode for P‐gp) in an animal model.Design. Prospective, randomized, blinded, parallel‐design animal study.Setting. University research laboratory.Animals. Thirty adult, male Sprague‐Dawley rats.Intervention. Rats were assigned to either 2 weeks of intermittent hypoxia exposure similar to sleep apnea (12 rats) or no hypoxia exposure (controls, 18 rats).Measurements and Main Results. After intermittent hypoxia or normoxia exposure, the rats were anesthetized. Heart and liver were harvested, and small samples were taken from the left ventricle (heart) and the liver for analysis. Expression of P‐gp was measured by Western blotting, whereas Abcb1a and Abcb1b mRNA expression was assessed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Band density of myocardial (but not hepatic) P‐gp expression (standardized by β‐actin) was significantly higher in hypoxic rats than in control rats (p=0.03). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that myocardial and hepatic Abcb1a and myocardial Abcb1b mRNA expression were significantly increased in hypoxic rats compared with controls (p<0.05).Conclusion. Myocardial P‐gp expression and myocardial and hepatic Abcb1a mRNA expression were significantly increased after 2 weeks of intermittent hypoxia. Hypoxia‐induced increases in P‐gp expression may partially explain drug‐resistant cardiovascular disease in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
Oviposition Patterns of Creontiades signatus (Hemiptera: Miridae) on Okra-Leaf and Normal-Leaf Cotton
Authors: Armstrong J Scott , Coleman Randy J , Sétamou Mamoudou 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We investigated the oviposition behavior of Creontiades signatus Distant (Hemiptera: Miridae), a relatively new plant bug pest of south Texas cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L, on okra-leaf and normal-leaf genotypes that differed significantly in their leaf morphology and trichome densities. In a no-choice study, the site preference and numbers of eggs oviposited by C. signatus were identical for the okra-leaf and normal-leaf. In a free-choice test, C. signatus showed a significant preference for the normal-leaf by ovipositing 3 times the number of eggs than on okra-leaf, but the site locations and percentages of egg distributions were similar for the two cotton types. The leaf petiole was the most preferred site for oviposition, followed by the main stem, and fruiting structures (squares and small bolls). The majority of eggs were oviposited in the leaf petioles associated with the mid-portion (nodes 4–8) of the plant. Trichome densities on the leaf petioles, main stem, and leaf veins were similar for node 3, but they were significantly higher on these structures for nodes 5 and 8 for the okra-leaf compared with the normal-leaf. The strong selection of oviposition sites in the normal-leaf cotton in this study may be due to some factor other than trichome density. This information should increase the knowledge for scouting for the presence of eggs and young nymphs and serve as a starting point for the selection of nonpreferred cotton varieties for oviposition by this mirid.
Egg Stage of Homalodisca vitripennis and Homalodisca liturata (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae): Ovometrics, Embryonic Development, and Nonparasitic Mortality
Authors: Al-Wahaibi Ali K , Morse Joseph G 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Morphometric and developmental aspects of the egg stage of glassy-winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar), and Homalodisca liturata Ball were investigated. Considerable overlap exists between the two species with respect to egg length, width, and clutch size, making these variables unreliable in identifying their eggs to species. Embryonic development of the two species was observed at constant temperatures ranging from 8.7 to 40.4°C. No signs of development were observed at 8.7°C, development was aborted early in development at 11.5°C, and egg masses were desiccated at 40.4°C. For both species, rates of embryonic development increased linearly with increasing temperatures from 16.7 to 25.6°C, peaked at 31.2°C, and decreased between 32.9 and 35.0°C. Based on linear regression, the minimum thresholds for embryonic development were 12.0 and 12.6°C, and heat unit requirements were 111.4 and 104.5 degree-days for H. vitripennis and H. liturata, respectively. We quantified four physiological states of embryonic development, based on eye spots being normally developed, centrally developed, reversed, or undeveloped. The prevalence of these states did not differ significantly between the two species and comparing data from the laboratory versus the field. However, higher experimental temperatures tended to increase the prevalence of abnormally developed eye spots. Nonparasitic mortality of Homalodisca eggs in five field host plants was attributed to undeveloped-abnormally developed embryos and to the inability of first-instar nymphs to emerge from eggs. These causes of mortality varied among host plants. Eggs on mule fat tended to have a higher proportion of undeveloped-abnormally developed eggs, whereas on jojoba, Simmondsia chinensis (Link) Schneider, a higher prevalence of dead but fully developed embryos was observed inside eggs.
Effects of Cypermethrin Exposed to Host on the Developmental Biology of Pimpla turionellae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae)
Authors: Sak Olga , Gülgönül Emine Esra , Uçkan Fevzi 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We investigated egg-to-adult developmental time, adult longevity, adult body size, and wing and antenna length of Pimpla turionellae (L.) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) reared on Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) last instars that were fed various doses of cypermethrin in diet. The impacts of cypermethrin on larval behavior, pupal weight, and last instar-to-adult developmental time of host species also were examined. Percentage of pupation at doses &gt;20 ppm and pupal weight of G. mellonella decreased, whereas last instar-to-adult developmental time prolonged gradually with increasing doses of cypermethrin. Cypermethrin treatment increased the intensity of abnormal behavior and the number of host larvae on diet at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h posttreatments at doses &gt;50 ppm. The differences in egg to adult developmental time, adult body size, wing, and antenna length of P. turionellae were not significant. However, cypermethrin exposure significantly affected the adult longevity of female wasps. Mean longevity of cypermethrin-treated females increased significantly at all doses of insecticide tested with respect to controls except for 100 ppm. This work suggests that parasitoid species as well as its host are susceptible to cypermethrin in terms of remarkable adverse effects on biological characteristics possibly due to metabolic, hormonal, and nutritional deficiencies.