A validated thermal model of bead-on-plate welding

In this paper, finite element model is used to carry out thermal analysis of bead-on-plate welding. The model followed the proposed five step strategies which were then built into a model to obtain temperature history at the positions of thermocouples. Temperature field was also evaluated by comparing predicted weld bead with the actual weld bead. Using these proposed strategies, well matched temperature histories and temperature field have been obtained

Friction and asperity contact in strip rolling

This paper reviews different aspects of friction and asperity contacts in strip rolling. The mixed film lubrication model considers the effect of asperity flattening and the lubrication within the working zone. The oil concentration of the emulsion at entry and throughout the roll bite is considered together with the thermal effects of the contacts. The actual area of contact due to asperity deformation can be determined from a 3-wavelength FEM model. The deformation of a randomly generated surface of the hot strip with oxide scale can also be modeled by an FEM method. The friction variation in the roll bite can be determined by a sensor roll, and the average friction determined from the forward slip by the marking method or laser Doppler method. The friction models in FEM modeling are also discussed

Agency in Transport Service: Implications of Traveller Mode Choice Objective and Latent Attributes Using Random Parameter Logit Model

Abstract: This paper explains how principal-agent theory (PAT) can be used as an analytical tool to understand the traveller-Transport for NSW (TfNSW) relationship and minimise the agency problem in the relationship by examining traveller preferences for mode choices. The paper emphasises latent variables (LVs) and traditional objective attributes (TOAs) together during the choice process within the agency relationship, as a method by which the utility of the principal (traveller) can be maximised and evaluated using a discrete choice experiment, i.e. random parameter logit (RPL) model. The probability of car use is significantly higher than public transport, which indicates that an agency problem exists in the relationship and incorporating traveller preferences in the transport projects may minimise this problem. Citation: Anwar, A.H.M., Tieu, K., Gibson, P., Win, K.T. & Berryman, M.J. (2014). Agency in Transport Service: Implications of Traveller Mode Choice Objective and Latent Attributes Using Ransom Parameter Logit Model. In: Campbell P. and Perez P. (Eds), Proceedings of the International Symposium of Next Generation Infrastructure, 1-4 October 2013, SMART Infrastructure Facility, University of Wollongong, Australia

Micromechanics of thin oxide scale and surface roughness transfer in hot metal rolling

The deformation micromechanics of the thin oxide scale formed in hot metal rolling and surface roughness transfer characterization are very important for the quality of the finished product. Finite element simulation of the thin oxide scale deformation and surface roughness transfer is carried out. Surface asperity deformation of the thin oxide scale and strip is focused. Surface characterisation and micromechanics of the thin oxide scale deformation are obtained from the finite element simulation and experimental measurements. Simulation results are close to the measured values. The forming features of surface roughness transfer during hot metal rolling with lubrication are also discussed

Asymmetric Cold Rolling of Thin Strip with Roll Edge Kiss

Asymmetric rolling can reduce the thickness of rolled strip and rolling load significantly. In this paper, the asymmetric cold rolling of thin strip with roll edge kiss was analysed theoretically and the rolling pressure, intermediate force between the work roll and backup roll, the work roll edge kiss force, the strip profile after rolling are obtained for this special asymmetric rolling. The rolling pressure, intermediate force, roll edge kiss force and the strip profile are compared for various roll speed ratios, reduction and friction coefficients. Simulation result shows that the roll speed ratio and reduction have significant influence on the profile of rolled strip, and the calculated rolling forces are consistent with the measured values. The effect of friction in the roll bite on mechanics of the asymmetric cold rolling of thin strip with roll edge kiss is also discussed

Tetraspanin (TSP-17) Protects Dopaminergic Neurons against 6-OHDA-Induced Neurodegeneration in <i>C. elegans</i>

Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease, is linked to the gradual loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Disease loci causing hereditary forms of PD are known, but most cases are attributable to a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors. Increased incidence of PD is associated with rural living and pesticide exposure, and dopaminergic neurodegeneration can be triggered by neurotoxins such as 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). In C. elegans, this drug is taken up by the presynaptic dopamine reuptake transporter (DAT-1) and causes selective death of the eight dopaminergic neurons of the adult hermaphrodite. Using a forward genetic approach to find genes that protect against 6-OHDA-mediated neurodegeneration, we identified tsp-17, which encodes a member of the tetraspanin family of membrane proteins. We show that TSP-17 is expressed in dopaminergic neurons and provide genetic, pharmacological and biochemical evidence that it inhibits DAT-1, thus leading to increased 6-OHDA uptake in tsp-17 loss-of-function mutants. TSP-17 also protects against toxicity conferred by excessive intracellular dopamine. We provide genetic and biochemical evidence that TSP-17 acts partly via the DOP-2 dopamine receptor to negatively regulate DAT-1. tsp-17 mutants also have subtle behavioral phenotypes, some of which are conferred by aberrant dopamine signaling. Incubating mutant worms in liquid medium leads to swimming-induced paralysis. In the L1 larval stage, this phenotype is linked to lethality and cannot be rescued by a dop-3 null mutant. In contrast, mild paralysis occurring in the L4 larval stage is suppressed by dop-3, suggesting defects in dopaminergic signaling. In summary, we show that TSP-17 protects against neurodegeneration and has a role in modulating behaviors linked to dopamine signaling

Sodium Phenylbutyrate Controls Neuroinflammatory and Antioxidant Activities and Protects Dopaminergic Neurons in Mouse Models of Parkinson’s Disease

Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress underlie the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative disorders. Here we demonstrate that sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPB), an FDA-approved therapy for reducing plasma ammonia and glutamine in urea cycle disorders, can suppress both proinflammatory molecules and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in activated glial cells. Interestingly, NaPB also decreased the level of cholesterol but involved only intermediates, not the end product of cholesterol biosynthesis pathway for these functions. While inhibitors of both geranylgeranyl transferase (GGTI) and farnesyl transferase (FTI) inhibited the activation of NF-κB, inhibitor of GGTI, but not FTI, suppressed the production of ROS. Accordingly, a dominant-negative mutant of p21rac, but not p21ras, attenuated the production of ROS from activated microglia. Inhibition of both p21ras and p21rac activation by NaPB in microglial cells suggests that NaPB exerts anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects via inhibition of these small G proteins. Consistently, we found activation of both p21ras and p21rac in vivo in the substantia nigra of acute 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Oral administration of NaPB reduced nigral activation of p21ras and p21rac, protected nigral reduced glutathione, attenuated nigral activation of NF-κB, inhibited nigral expression of proinflammatory molecules, and suppressed nigral activation of glial cells. These findings paralleled dopaminergic neuronal protection, normalized striatal neurotransmitters, and improved motor functions in MPTP-intoxicated mice. Consistently, FTI and GGTI also protected nigrostriata in MPTP-intoxicated mice. Furthermore, NaPB also halted the disease progression in a chronic MPTP mouse model. These results identify novel mode of action of NaPB and suggest that NaPB may be of therapeutic benefit for neurodegenerative disorders