Transport and health in China : recent collaborative research relating to vehicle factors and pollution

The nature of the transport system contributes to public health outcomes in a range of ways. The clearest contribution to public health is in the area of traffic crashes, because of their direct impact on individual death and disability and their direct costs to the health system. Other papers in this conference address these issues. This paper outlines some collaborative research between the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety - Queensland (CARRS-Q) at QUT and Chinese researchers in areas that have indirect health impacts. Heavy vehicle dynamics: The integrity of the road surface influences crash risk, with ruts, pot-holes and other forms of road damage contributing to increased crash risks. The great majority of damage to the road surface from vehicles is caused by heavy trucks and buses, rather than cars or smaller vehicles. In some cases this damage is due to deliberate overloading, but in other cases it is due to vehicle suspension characteristics that lead to occasional high loads on particular wheels. Together with a visiting researcher and his colleagues, we have used both Queensland and Chinese data to model vehicle suspension systems that reduce the level of load, and hence the level of road damage and resulting crash risk(1-5). Toll worker exposure to vehicle emissions: The increasing construction of highways in China has also involved construction of a large number of toll roads. Tollbooth workers are potentially exposed to high levels of pollutants from vehicles, however the extent of this exposure and how it relates to standards for exposure are not well known. In a study led by a visiting researcher, we conducted a study to model these levels of exposure for a tollbooth in China(6). Noise pollution: The increasing presence of high speed roads in China has contributed to an increase in noise levels. In this collaborative study we modelled noise levels associated with a freeway widening near a university campus, and measures to reduce the noise(7). Along with these areas of research, there are many other areas of transport with health implications that are worthy of exploration. Traffic, noise and pollution contribute to a difficult environment for pedestrians, especially in an ageing society where there are health benefits to increasing physical activity. By building on collaborations such as those outlined, there is potential for a contribution to improved public health by addressing transport issues such as vehicle factors and pollution, and extending the research to other areas of travel activity. 1. Chen, Y., He, J., King, M., Chen, W. and Zhang, W. (2014). Stiffness-damping matching method of an ECAS system based on LQG control. Journal of Central South University, 21:439-446. DOI: 10.1007/s1177101419579 2. Chen, Y., He, J., King, M., Feng, Z. and Chang, W. (2013). Comparison of two suspension control strategies for multi-axle heavy truck. Journal of Central South University, 20(2): 550-562. 3. Chen, Y., He, J., King, M., Chen, W. and Zhang, W. (2013). Effect of driving conditions and suspension parameters on dynamic load-sharing of longitudinal-connected air suspensions. Science China Technological Sciences, 56(3): 666-676. DOI: 10.1007/s11431-012-5091-3 4. Chen, Y., He., J., King, M., Chen, W. and Zhang, W. (2013). Model development and dynamic load-sharing analysis of longitudinal-connected air suspensions. Strojniški Vestnik - Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 59(1):14-24. 5. Chen, Y., He, J., King, M., Liu, H. and Zhang, W. (2013). Dynamic load-sharing of longitudinal-connected air suspensions of a tri-axle semi-trailer. Proceedings of Transportation Research Board Annual Conference, Washington DC, 13-17 January 2013, paper no. 13-1117. 6. He, J., Qi, Z., Hang, W., King, M., and Zhao, C. (2011). Numerical evaluation of pollutant dispersion at a toll plaza based on system dynamics and Computational Fluid Dynamics models. Transportation Research Part C, 19(2011):510-520. 7. Zhang, C., He, J., Wang, Z., Yin, R. and King, M. (2013). Assessment of traffic noise level before and after freeway widening using traffic microsimulation and a refined classic noise prediction method. Proceedings of Transportation Research Board Annual Conference, Washington DC, 13-17 January 2013, paper no. 13-2016.

Soil Magnetism Research: State of the Art and Future Directions

Magnetic properties of soils have been highlighted as a primary detrimental environmental effect on the performance of geophysical systems for detection of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and mine targets. A recent workshop at Cranfield University, U.K., aimed to identify knowledge gaps related to soil magnetism. Eight invited speakers from multidisciplinary areas provided briefings on state‐of‐the‐art research linked to soil magnetism and geophysical sensing. Contributions from other participants provided additional insights from a range of disciplines through case studies and applications. The workshop included break‐out sessions to identify current gaps in knowledge and to determine priority areas for investment in research to further developments in UXO and mine detection in magnetic soil environments. Key recommendations for future research investments have been grouped in categories including soils, theory and modeling, instrumentation, and communication.

Unmodified silver nanoparticles for rapid analysis of the organophosphorus pesticide, dipterex, often found in different waters

A novel, uncomplicated and rapid method of analysis for organophosphorus (OP) pesticides was researched and developed using the important, common OP, dipterex, as a typical example. The basis of the method involved the citrate-capped silver nanoparticles (citrate-capped AgNPs) and Acetylthiocholine (ATCh). The latter compound can be catalyzed by Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to form thiocholine (TCh), which induces the aggregation of AgNPs. Correspondingly, the color of AgNPs in solution changes from bright yellow to pink, and the UV–vis characteristic absorption peak of AgNPs at about 400 nm decreases; simultaneously, a new absorption band appears at about 520 nm. Irreversible inhibition of AChE activity caused by dipterex, prevents the aggregation of AgNPs. Thus, a UV–vis spectrophotometric method was developed for the analysis of dipterex. The absorbance ratio A396 nm/A520 nm was found to be linearly related to the concentration of dipterex in the range of 0.25–37.5 ng mL−1 with a detection limit of 0.18 ng mL−1. This method was used successfully to analyse dipterex in spiked, different water samples.

Evaluation of intra- and extra-epithelial secretory IgA in chlamydial infections

IgA is an important mucosal antibody that can neutralize mucosal pathogens by either preventing attachment to epithelia (immune exclusion) or alternatively inhibit intraepithelial replication following transcytosis by the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR). Chlamydia trachomatis is a major human pathogen that initially targets the endocervical or urethral epithelium in women and men, respectively. As both tissues contain abundant SIgA we assessed the protection afforded by IgA targeting different chlamydial antigens expressed during the extra and intraepithelial stages of infection. We developed an in vitro model utilizing polarizing cells expressing the murine pIgR together with antigen-specific mouse IgA, and an in vivo model utilizing pIgR-/- mice. SIgA targeting the extraepithelial chlamydial antigen, the major outer membrane protein (MOMP), significantly reduced infection in vitro by 24 % and in vivo by 44 %. Conversely, pIgR-mediated delivery of IgA targeting the intraepithelial inclusion membrane protein A (IncA) bound to the inclusion but did not reduce infection in vitro or in vivo. Similarly, intraepithelial IgA targeting the secreted protease Chlamydia protease-like activity factor (CPAF) also failed to reduce infection. Together, these data suggest the importance of pIgR-mediated delivery of IgA targeting extra but not intraepithelial chlamydial antigens for protection against a genital tract infection.

Rapid detection of TNT in aqueous media by selective label free surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

We report rapid and ultra-sensitive detection system for 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) using unmodified gold nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). First, Meisenheimer complex has been formed in aqueous solution between TNT and cysteamine in less than 15 min of mixing. The complex formation is confirmed by the development of a pink colour and a new UV–vis absorption band around 520 nm. Second, the developed Meisenheimer complex is spontaneously self-assembled onto unmodified gold nanoparticles through a stable Au–S bond between the cysteamine moiety and the gold surface. The developed mono layer of cysteamine-TNT is then screened by SERS to detect and quantify TNT. Our experimental results demonstrate that the SERS-based assay provide an ultra-sensitive approach for the detection of TNT down to 22.7 ng/L. The unambiguous fingerprint identification of TNT by SERS represents a key advantage for our proposed method. The new method provides high selectivity towards TNT over 2,4 DNT and picric acid. Therefore it satisfies the practical requirements for the rapid screening of TNT in real life samples where the interim 24-h average allowable concentration of TNT in waste water is 0.04 mg/L.

Plant biology: Coding in non-coding RNAs

The discovery of peptides encoded by what were thought to be non-coding – or 'junk' – regions of precursors to microRNA sequences reveals a new layer of gene regulation. These sequences may not be junk, after all.

Use ‘4Rs’ criteria to assess papers

We propose a '4R' approach to assessing reported research, underpinned by statistical rigour (see J. T. Leek and R. D. Peng Nature 520, 612; 2015). These 4Rs denote reproduction, replication, robustness and revelation...

Common genetic variants influence human subcortical brain structures

The highly complex structure of the human brain is strongly shaped by genetic influences. Subcortical brain regions form circuits with cortical areas to coordinate movement, learning, memory and motivation, and altered circuits can lead to abnormal behaviour and disease. To investigate how common genetic variants affect the structure of these brain regions, here we conduct genome-wide association studies of the volumes of seven subcortical regions and the intracranial volume derived from magnetic resonance images of 30,717 individuals from 50 cohorts. We identify five novel genetic variants influencing the volumes of the putamen and caudate nucleus. We also find stronger evidence for three loci with previously established influences on hippocampal volume and intracranial volume. These variants show specific volumetric effects on brain structures rather than global effects across structures. The strongest effects were found for the putamen, where a novel intergenic locus with replicable influence on volume (rs945270; P = 1.08×10 -33; 0.52% variance explained) showed evidence of altering the expression of the KTN1 gene in both brain and blood tissue. Variants influencing putamen volume clustered near developmental genes that regulate apoptosis, axon guidance and vesicle transport. Identification of these genetic variants provides insight into the causes of variability in human brain development, and may help to determine mechanisms of neuropsychiatric dysfunction.

Polarized Ethylenes: Structure of 2-Benzoyl-3-dimethylamino-3-methylthlo-2-propenenitrile

C13H14N2OS, M r = 246, is monoclinic, P21/c, with a = 7.214(1), b = 8.935(5), c = 20.243 (6) A, fl =99.42 (2) °, V = 1304.83 ,~3, Z = 4, D m = 1.23, D x =1.25 Mg m -3, p(Mo Ka, 2 = 0.7107 A) = 0.232 mm -~,F(000) = 520. The structure was solved by direct methods and refined to an R value of 0.042 using 1127 intensity measurements. The C=C and C-N bond distances differ considerably from their normal values. An appreciable rotation [38.3(4) °] about the C=C bond is observed, the bond length being 1.414(5)A.This is due to the combination of push-pull and steric effects.

Fluidity of mica particle dispersed aluminium alloy

Cast aluminium alloy-mica particle composites were made by dispersing mica particles in a vortex produced by stirring the liquid Al-4 wt% Cu-1.5 wt% Mg alloy and then casting the melt containing the suspended particles into permanent moulds. Spiral fluidity and casting fluidity of the alloy containing mica particles in suspension were determined. Both the spiral fluidity and the casting fluidity of the base alloy were found to decrease with an increase in volume or weight percent of mica particles (of a given size), and with a decrease in particle size (for a given amount of particles). The fluidities of Al-4 wt% Cu-1.5 wt% Mg alloys containing suspended mica particles were found to correlate very well with the surface area of suspended mica particles. The regression equation for spiral fluidity Y (cm) as a function of surface area of mica particles per gram of spiral X (cm2 g–1) at 700° C was found to be Y=42.62–0.42X with a correlation coefficient of 0.9634. The regression equations for casting fluidity Yprime (cm) as a functiono of surface area of mica particles per gram of fluidity test piece Xprime (cm2 g–1) at 710 and 670° C were found to be Yprime=19.71–0.17Xprime and Yprime=13.52–0.105Xprime with correlation coefficients of 0.9194 and 0.9612 respectively. The percentage decrease in casting fluidity of composite melts containing up to 2.5 wt% mica with a drop in temperature is quite similar to the corresponding decrease in the casting fluidity of base alloy melts (without mica). The change in fluidity due to mica dispersions has been discussed in terms of changes in viscosity of the composite melts. However, the fluidities of these composite alloys containing up to 2.5 wt% mica are adequate for making a variety of simple castings including bearings for which these alloys have been developed.

Statistical modelling and power analysis for detecting trends in total suspended sediment loads

The export of sediments from coastal catchments can have detrimental impacts on estuaries and near shore reef ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef. Catchment management approaches aimed at reducing sediment loads require monitoring to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing loads over time. However, load estimation is not a trivial task due to the complex behaviour of constituents in natural streams, the variability of water flows and often a limited amount of data. Regression is commonly used for load estimation and provides a fundamental tool for trend estimation by standardising the other time specific covariates such as flow. This study investigates whether load estimates and resultant power to detect trends can be enhanced by (i) modelling the error structure so that temporal correlation can be better quantified, (ii) making use of predictive variables, and (iii) by identifying an efficient and feasible sampling strategy that may be used to reduce sampling error. To achieve this, we propose a new regression model that includes an innovative compounding errors model structure and uses two additional predictive variables (average discounted flow and turbidity). By combining this modelling approach with a new, regularly optimised, sampling strategy, which adds uniformity to the event sampling strategy, the predictive power was increased to 90%. Using the enhanced regression model proposed here, it was possible to detect a trend of 20% over 20 years. This result is in stark contrast to previous conclusions presented in the literature. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Dynamics of plant populations in Heteropogon contortus(black speargrass) pastures on a granite landscape in southern Queensland. 2. Seed production and soil seed banks of H. contortus

Seed production and soil seed hanks of H. contortus were studied in a subset of treatments within an extensive grazing study conducted in H. contortus pasture in southern Queensland between 1990 and 1996. Seed production of H. contortus in autumn ranged from 260 to 1800 seeds/m2 with much of this variation due to differences in rainfall between years. Seed production was generally higher in the silver-leaved ironbark than in the narrow-leaved ironbark land class and was also influenced by a consistent stocking rate x pasture type interaction. Inflorescence density was the main factor contributing to the variable seed production and was related to the rainfall received during February. The number of seeds per inflorescence was unaffected by seasonal rainfall, landscape position, stocking rate or legume oversowing. Seed viability was related to the rainfall received during March. Soil seed banks in spring varied from 130 to 520 seeds/m2 between 1990 and 1995 with generally more seed present in the silver-leaved ironbark than in the narrow-leaved ironbark land class. There were poor relationships between viable seed production and the size of the soil seed bank, and between the size of the soil seed bank and seedling recruitment. This study indicates that H. contortus has the potential to produce relatively large amounts of seed and showed that the seasonal pattern of rainfall plays a major role in achieving this potential

Redescription of adult and larva of Colasposoma sellaturn Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Eumolpinae): a pest of sweet potato in Australia

The genus Colasposorna Laporte is shown to be represented in Australia by a single species, C. sellaturn Baly (= C. barbaturn Harold, syn. conf.; = C. regulare Jacoby, syn. nov.). The adult and larva are described and lectotypes designated for C. sellaturn and C. regulare. Colasposoma sellaturn is recorded from the Northern Territory, northern Queensland and New Guinea. This species is a pest of Ipomoea batatas (sweet potato) in northern Queensland, where the adults damage stems and foliage and larvae may cause considerable damage to tubers. Its pest status is assessed and control measures discussed.

Studies in Nonlinear Optical Materials: Structure of Methyl 2-(4-Ethyl-5-methyl- 2-thioxo-2,3-dihydro-l,3-thiazol- 3-yl) propionate

CIoH15NO282, Mr=245"0, orthorhombic, P21212 ~, a = 6.639 (2), b = 8.205 (2), c = 22.528(6)A, V= I227.2(6)A 3, z=4, Dm= 1.315, Dx= 1.326gem -3, MoKa, 2=0.7107A, 12= 3.63 cm -1, F(000) = 520, T= 293 K, R = 0.037 for 1115 significant reflections. The second-harmonicgeneration (SHG) efficiency of this compound is only 1/10th of the urea standard. The observed low second-order nonlinear response may be attributed to the unfavourable packing of the molecules in the crystal lattice.

The social supply of cannabis among young people in Australia

Cannabis is the most prolifically used illicit drug in Australia, however, there is a gap in our understanding concerning the social interactions and friendships formed around its supply and use. The authors recruited cannabis users aged between 18 and 30 years throughout Australia, to explore the impact of supply routes on young users and their perceived notions of drug dealing in order to provide valuable insight into the influence that reciprocal relationships have on young people’s access to cannabis. Findings reveal that the supply of cannabis revolves around pre-existing connections and relationships formed through associates known to be able to readily source cannabis. It was found that motivations for proffering cannabis in a shared environment were related more to developing social capital than to generating financial gain. Given this, often those involved in supply do not perceive that they are breaking the law or that they are ‘dealers’. This social supply market appears to be built on trust and social interactions and, as such, presents several challenges to law enforcement. It is suggested that there would be benefit in providing targeted education campaigns to combat social supply dealing among young adults.