bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Backcalculation Procedure for Bonded Concrete Overlays of Asphalt Pavement
Authors: King Daniel , Roesler Jeffery R.
Published: January 2015

Bonded concrete overlays of asphalt (BCOA), previously known as ultra-thin whitetopping, have become increasingly common in Illinois in the past 15 years. No methods exist for assessing in situ properties under loading for this type of overlay. A procedure to backcalculate layer properties from falling weight deflectometer tests does exist for concrete slabs on grade with infinite dimensions, but this method is not applicable to finite-sized BCOA slabs with multiple layers and interfaces. Based on two-dimensional finite element modeling of BCOA pavements, a backcalculation procedure was derived for a range of expected slab sizes, effective concrete pavement thicknesses, joint load transfer efficiencies, and foundation layer stiffnesses. The backcalculated effective concrete thickness quantifies the load-carrying capacity of the BCOA pavement, variation of the structural capacity as a function of distance along the roadway, and potentially the condition of the concrete–asphalt bond interface and the underlying asphalt concrete layer. Application of the BCOA backcalculation procedure to falling weight deflectometer data collected from several projects in Illinois confirmed the reasonableness of the procedure through observed performance and estimated layer thicknesses from construction.
Scaling Relationships of Dissipation-Induced Pavement–Vehicle Interactions
Authors: Louhghalam A. , Akbarian M. , Ulm F.-J.
Published: January 2015

Rolling resistance is one of the key factors that affect the fuel efficiency of the national pavement system. In addition to pavement texture and pavement roughness, the dissipation of mechanical work provided by the vehicle because of viscous deformation within the pavement structure has been recognized as a relevant factor contributing to the environmental footprint of pavement systems. This dissipation depends on material and structural parameters that can be optimized to increase the fuel efficiency of pavements. Identifying the key material and structural parameters that drive this dissipation is the focus of this paper. This identification is achieved by a combination of dimensional analysis and model-based simulations of the dissipation of a viscoelastic beam on an elastic foundation. For linear viscoelastic systems, the dissipation is found to scale with the square of the vehicle weight and with the inverse of the viscous relaxation time, in addition to distinct power relations of top-layer stiffness, thickness, and subgrade modulus. These scaling relations can be used by pavement engineers to reduce such pavement-inherent dissipation mechanisms and increase the fuel efficiency of a pavement design. An example shows the application of these scaling relations with data extracted from FHWA's Long-Term Pavement Performance database for seven road classes. The scaling relations provide a means for evaluating the performance of the various road classes in terms of the fuel efficiency related to dissipation.
Incorporating Surface Microtexture in the Prediction of Skid Resistance of Flexible Pavements
Authors: Serigos Pedro A. , De Fortier Smit Andre , Prozzi Jorge A.
Published: January 2015

Monitoring and managing the skid resistance of the highway network is necessary for controlling and reducing the number of road accidents. High-speed measurements of surface texture can be used as a surrogate parameter for controlling a pavement's surface friction on the highway network. The two components of surface texture that affect skid resistance are the macrotexture and the microtexture. However, the technologies commonly used for measuring pavement texture at highway speeds account only for the macrotexture. This study explored ways to characterize the microtexture of pavement surfaces with the main objective of quantifying the effect of accounting for both components of the texture on the prediction of skid resistance, as measured by a British pendulum tester. Various methods for characterizing the microtexture were compared to determine which one better predicted surface friction. The study used field measurements of surface texture and friction performed on various in-service flexible pavements. The surface microtexture was characterized by a series of texture parameters calculated in both the spectral and the spatial domains. The impact of incorporating the microtexture on the prediction of the British pendulum number was evaluated through analysis of a series of models specified by each of the proposed parameters. The results of the analysis showed a drastic improvement in predicting the British pendulum value when the authors accounted for both components of the surface texture, as opposed to only the macrotexture. In a comparison of the analyzed methods for characterizing the microtexture, the use of spectral parameters led to the best prediction of the pavement surface friction. A series of recommendations is provided for the calculation of microtexture parameters.
Establishment of Relationship between Pavement Surface Friction and Mixture Design Properties
Authors: Rajaei Mozhdeh , Sefidmazgi Nima Roohi , Bahia Hussain
Published: January 2015

In recent years, pavement designers have been increasingly challenged to achieve ideal surface friction properties to enhance driver safety through mixture design manipulation and material selection. A clear understanding of the relationship between pavement mixture design properties and surface friction is needed. In this study, the surface laser profilometer device was used to measure surface texture by scanning the surface of laboratory-compacted and field core samples, from which a surface texture profile was derived. Surface texture data were analyzed to calculate the mean profile depth. Statistical analysis and neural networks modeling were used to find the relationship between the mean profile depth results estimated from laser profilometer measurements and mixture design properties (i.e., aggregate size, gradation curve shape, binder content, air voids, and volumetric properties). Promising trends were observed in the data that could be used as guidance by mixture designers to optimize mixture design properties, such as to achieve better pavement surface friction and hence enhanced driver safety. Relationships between field-measured friction (mainly friction number) and laboratory-measured texture parameters were developed. Friction number values measured with the locked-wheel tire test in the field were taken from the MnROAD test track database and used for analysis. The study shows a correlation between friction number and mean profile depth that is of potential applicability to pavement designers for achieving target field friction with the aid of laboratory measurement and analysis. Such relationships between laboratory measurements and field friction could lead to better control of pavement surface friction.
Surface Drainage Evaluation for Rigid Pavements Using an Inertial Measurement Unit and 1-mm Three-Dimensional Texture Data
Authors: Luo Wenting , Wang Kelvin C. P. , Li Lin , Li Qiang Joshua , Moravec Mike
Published: January 2015

During high-intensity rainfall, hydroplaning is likely and can affect driving safety. Studies have indicated that the risk of hydroplaning increases with the increase in the water film depth that is dependent on surface texture properties, flow path slope, flow path length, rainfall intensity, and pavement surface type. However, little research work has been conducted to investigate pavement surface drainage at network levels because the existing data acquisition systems cannot continuously measure related data sets at high speeds. In the presented study, texture data were continuously collected at high speeds with the emerging 1-mm three-dimensional (3-D) PaveVision3D Ultra technology. The cross slope and longitudinal grade data were acquired with an inertial measurement unit system. Data from two rigid pavements constructed with dragged and grooved surface texture were used in this study. The analysis of variance test and the multifactor treatment statistical method were used to investigate the factors that influence the calculation of water film depth. Texture properties and flow path slope were determined to be more significant for surface drainage capacity than was flow path length. The widely used PAVDRN model was used to calculate hydroplaning speed, and the potential hydroplaning performance of the test sites was evaluated. The significance of the presented data is twofold. First, it integrates the real-time 1-mm 3-D surface data and inertial measurement unit system data into a hydroplaning speed prediction model. Second, this method can identify hazardous locations where there is hydroplaning so that pavement engineers may take remedial measures, such as constructing superior grooving texture or posting appropriate traffic speed signs, to decrease hydroplaning potential and minimize traffic accidents.
Evaluation of Widely used Hydroplaning Risk Prediction Methods using Florida's past Crash Data
Authors: Jayasooriya Waruna , Gunaratne Manjriker
Published: January 2015

Reliable tools for predicting hydroplaning risk in wet weather are essential for effective highway drainage designs. For this purpose, a variety of mathematical models have been developed by numerous highway agencies in the past half century. Models that can predict the thickness of water film that develops on roadways and then the corresponding threshold hydroplaning speed can be classified into three categories: empirical, analytical, and numerical. In this research, the most commonly used methods in all three categories were evaluated by use of hydroplaned crash incidents recorded on the Interstate system in Florida from 2006 to 2011. The prediction accuracy of combinations of each of these models was evaluated and summarized. The sensitivity and the consistency of errors of each model combination were also evaluated. The evaluations were used to develop a procedure for predicting the accuracy and reliability of threshold hydroplaning speed prediction for each model combination. A computer model with a graphical user interface was developed for determining the risk of hydroplaning on a given roadway section under known wet weather conditions.
Planning Postdisaster Operations in a Highway Network
Authors: Kepaptsoglou Konstantinos L. , Konstantinidou Maria A. , Karlaftis Matthew G. , Stathopoulos Antony
Published: January 2015

Vital lifelines in the event of a disaster, transportation networks support evacuation activities, emergency logistics, and the restoration of daily activities. The rapid recovery of surviving transportation network operations immediately after a disaster is critical for the well-being of communities. The focus here is on planning highway operations in the recovery period after a disaster. A bilevel network design model with choice inter-dependencies was developed for choosing the strategies necessary to maximize the performance of a surviving highway network. A genetic algorithm was coupled with a traffic assignment procedure to solve the associated problem. Results on a real-size network in Greece under two disaster scenarios indicate both adequate computational performance and significant improvement in network performance indicators.
Generic Incident Model for Investigating Traffic Incident Impacts on Evacuation Times in Large-Scale Emergencies
Authors: Collins Andrew J. , Foytik Peter , Frydenlund Erika , Robinson R. Michael , Jordan Craig A.
Published: January 2015

Traffic incidents cause a ripple effect of reduced travel speeds, lane changes, and the pursuit of alternative routes that results in gridlock on the immediately affected and surrounding roadways. The disruptions caused by the secondary effects significantly degrade travel time reliability, which is of great concern to the emergency planners who manage evacuations. Outcomes forecast by a generic incident model embedded in a microscopic evacuation simulation, the Real-Time Evacuation Planning Model (RtePM), were examined to quantify the change in time required for an emergency evacuation that results from traffic incidents. The incident model considered vehicle miles traveled on each individual segment of the studied road network model. The two scenarios considered for this investigation were evacuations of ( a) Washington, D.C., after a simulated terrorist attack and ( b) Virginia Beach, Virginia, in response to a simulated hurricane. These results could help the emergency planning community understand and investigate the impact of traffic incidents during an evacuation.
Indicator Approach for Assessing Climate Change Vulnerability in Transportation Infrastructure
Authors: Rowan Emily , Snow Cassandra , Choate Anne , Rodehorst Beth , Asam Susan , Hyman Robert , Kafalenos Robert , Gye Aung
Published: January 2015

From installing culverts with larger safety margins to instituting more frequent training for weather emergencies, transportation agencies around the world are adapting to extreme weather and climate change. An understanding of when and how to adapt (i.e., improve infrastructure preparedness) requires evaluating existing and future vulnerabilities to climate change and prioritizing adaptation efforts. A successful vulnerability assessment lays the groundwork for adaptation by building stakeholder relationships, spurring data collection, and prioritizing needs. One barrier faced by transportation agencies in conducting vulnerability assessments is a lack of financial and staff resources. The process of collecting climate and asset data can be particularly onerous for agencies struggling to meet daily operational needs. Two recent projects piloted a cost-effective screening method for highly vulnerable assets that used indicators developed from data already being collected by many state departments of transportation and metropolitan planning organizations. The indicator that libraries developed during the course of these two studies is described. The results of the data-driven vulnerability screen provide transportation managers with a low-cost starting point toward understanding their system's vulnerabilities. Future research should focus on testing the indicators to identify and eliminate areas of overlap and on evaluating the prediction accuracy for exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity.
Mobility Benefits of Intermediate Crossovers on Contraflow Facilities during Hurricane Evacuation
Authors: Fang Lei , Edara Praveen
Published: January 2015

A contraflow facility, in which the direction of traffic on one or more travel lanes is reversed to increase outbound capacity, is a major component of hurricane evacuation plans in many coastal states. Contraflow facilities typically are implemented when significant evacuation demand is expected (e.g., during a severe hurricane). Typical contraflow plans have one upstream crossover that routes vehicles into the contraflow lanes and one downstream crossover that routes vehicles back into the regular lanes. How can contraflow facilities best be used to optimize evacuation performance? The impact on mobility of additional intermediate crossovers between the beginning and termination points of contraflow is investigated. The proposed heuristic algorithm is the first attempt in the literature to provide a systematic approach–-with iterative elimination–-to determine the critical intermediate crossover locations that provide maximum improvement in evacuation performance. Results of a case study of I-64 in Hampton Roads, Virginia, indicate that adding intermediate crossovers improves network performance for medium-and high-demand evacuation situations. For low-demand situations, the addition of intermediate crossovers does not improve network performance. Therefore, any consideration of intermediate crossovers for low-demand evacuations must be solely to provide access to roadside facilities such as gas, food, and emergency services. For medium- and high-demand situations, the average travel time improved 28% when four intermediate crossovers of the 44 potential crossover locations were deployed in the I-64 corridor.
Mathematical Modeling of Command-and-Control Strategies in Crowd Movement
Authors: Feng Lei , Miller-Hooks Elise , Brannigan Vincent
Published: January 2015

Mathematical models and solution frameworks are described for the assessment of command-and-control strategies in the centralized coordination of crowd movement. The effectiveness of several strategies–-from providing only information to reconfiguring the built environment through architectural design changes and forcing pedestrians to follow system-optimal evacuation routes–-is investigated and compared with the use of proposed mathematical formulations and computational solutions. These formulations and solutions are tested on an example network as an illustration. Differences in system performance under these strategies are assessed, and performance (as total travel time) is compared. Efficiency gains obtained with command-and-control strategies in crowd movement are investigated.
Effect of Phased Evacuations in Megaregion Highway Networks
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Spansel Katherine , Wolshon Brian
Published: January 2015

Evacuation phasing or staging is a technique used to disperse traffic so that sudden, wide-ranging surges in travel demand do not overwhelm the available capacity of a road network during an emergency. Despite their many benefits, phased evacuations are not an appropriate strategy for all locations and conditions. Even though researchers have evaluated various aspects of their use, little, if any, systematic study of staged evacuations has been conducted over large multiregional areas. A research effort to simulate staged evacuations in a megaregion addresses this information gap. Megaregions are thought to be particularly vulnerable to evacuation problems because of their enormous populations, wide geographic expanses, and common locations along oceanic coasts or major inland waterways. A range of demand levels was used to investigate the effects of phased evacuation under different scenarios of road network congestion. Because mass evacuations are infrequent and a full megaregion evacuation never has been conducted, this simulation-based framework offered an opportunity to create and assess a megaregion mass evacuation in microlevel detail. Simulation results revealed that the effectiveness of phased evacuations could vary widely according to the level of demand and congestion in the network. In general, no significant improvements could be gained by phasing when the network was only marginally congested or in the absence of congestion. The methods presented can be used for other locations and for other types of hazards, but whether similar levels of effectiveness would be experienced in other locations or for other events is unknown.
Urban Ferries and Catastrophic Floods
Authors: Burke Matthew I. , Sipe Neil
Published: January 2015

Both Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, and New York City have experienced catastrophic weather events in recent years. In January 2011, the Brisbane River flooded, inundating more than 20,000 houses; in October 2012, superstorm Hurricane Sandy hit New York City and produced a major storm surge that flooded much of the city. Ferry systems in both cities were badly affected. Comparative research was used to explore how each city's ferry operators and managers addressed the impacts before, during, and after those events. A review of published materials related to the two systems during and after the disasters was supplemented by interviews with key agency personnel in each city, conducted in mid-2013. Results suggest that how ferries are affected by floods and other disasters and how ferries may be used to rapidly respond to and provide for post-flood transport needs depend entirely on context. The linear river ferry operations of Brisbane suffered much terminal damage, and operations were unable to recommence service as a result of debris and the swollen nature of the river for many weeks after the flood. In contrast, within 2 days, New York City ferries were reintroduced on key routes and were introduced to new emergency locations to provide mobility for citizens who were unable to use other transport modes because of storm damage. The lessons learned by the operators include essential areas that authorities must address before a disaster: infrastructure design and resilience, disaster planning, insurance and legal requirements, staff management, and coordination during the reconstruction phase. Findings suggest that authorities can significantly reduce damage and improve recovery times if they plan and prepare for such events well ahead of time.
A Qm/Mm Study of No Oxidation on the Nanocrystalline Surface of Tungsten Oxide
Authors: Izadyar Mohammad , Balgerdi Rahim
Published: January 2015

The kinetics and mechanism of nitrogen monoxide (NO) adsorption and oxidation on a tungsten oxide nanocrystalline surface have been studied. First principle calculations were performed within the framework of density functional theory with the ONIOM method at the (B3LYP/LANL2DZ:UFF) level. The activation energy for the rate-determining step of the reaction was determined as 0.45 eV. NBO analysis confirmed that charge transfer has occurred from the adsorbate to the surface. Density of state spectral analysis showed that the Fermi level was shifted to higher values and confirmed the effective interaction between the nanocrystal and adsorbate. HOMO–LUMO analysis showed that crystal band gap was reduced after adsorption. Quantum reactivity indices showed that the chemical hardness was reduced after adsorption which corresponded to the band gap reduction. The electronic chemical potential was shifted to more positive values while the electrophilicity of the surface was reduced after adsorption. These parameters predict that charge transfer has occurred to the surface.
Moraine-dammed lake distribution and outburst flood risk in the Chinese Himalaya
Authors: Shijin Wang , Dahe Qin , Cunde Xiao
Published: January 2015

To better understand the risk of disasters due to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), we synthetically analyze the spatial distribution and evolution of moraine-dammed lakes and potentially dangerous glacial lakes (PDGLs) in the Chinese Himalaya. Our county-based assessment of GLOF disaster risk combines PDGL outburst hazard, regional exposure, vulnerability of exposed elements and adaptation capability (risk management) using the analytic hierarchy process. We synthetically analyze the disaster risk using the weighted comprehensive method. Remote-sensing data show there are 329 moraine-dammed lakes (>0.02 km2; total area 125.43 km2) in the Chinese Himalaya, of which 116 (total area 49.49 km2) are identified as PDGLs. The zones at highest risk of GLOF disaster are mainly located in Nyalam, Tingri, Dinggyê, Lhozhag, Kangmar and Zhongba, in the mid-eastern Himalaya. Lowest-risk zones are located in the eastern Himalaya. On the county scale, Lhozhag and Lhunze have the highest hazard degrees and exposure, while Zhongba and Zando have the highest degree of vulnerability and lowest adaptation capacity. Our regionalization results for GLOF disaster risk are consistent with the distribution of historical disaster sites across the Chinese Himalaya.
Constraints on snow accumulation and firn density in Greenland using GPS receivers
Authors: Larson Kristine M. , Wahr John , Munneke Peter Kuipers
Published: January 2015

Data from three continuously operating GPS sites located in the interior of the Greenland ice sheet are analyzed. Traditionally these kinds of GPS installations (where the GPS antenna is placed on a pole deployed into the firn) are used to estimate the local horizontal speed and direction of the ice sheet. However, these data are also sensitive to the vertical displacement of the pole as it moves through the firn layer. A new method developed to measure snow depth variations with reflected GPS signals is applied to these GPS data from Greenland. This method provides a constraint on the vertical distance between the GPS antenna and the surface snow layer. The vertical positions and snow surface heights are then used to assess output from surface accumulation and firn densification models, showing agreement better than 10% at the sites with the longest records. Comparisons between the GPS reflection method and in situ snow sensors at the Dye-2 site show good agreement, capturing the dramatic changes observed in Greenland during the 2012 summer melt season. The geocentric elevation of the snow surface can be inferred by subtracting the snow surface height estimates from the vertical position measurements. It should be possible to use those surface elevation estimates to help validate elevation results obtained from satellite altimetry.
College News Vol 4(3)
Authors: Editor The
Published: January 2015

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jemc.v4i3.21683 J Enam Med Col 2014; 4(3): 193-194
Pediatric Hospital: The Paradigms of Play in Brazil
Authors: De Macedo Lino , Da Silva Gláucia , Setúbal Sandra
Published: January 2015

The role of play in Brazilian children’s hospitals is highlighted, as well as the perspective of humanization in Brazil. Some aspects of our culture are crucial to understanding the importance of play considering our society. Sabara Children’s Hospital (“Hospital Infantil Sabará”) in Brazil is used particularly to discuss humanization. To understand the issue of play in Brazil, it is important to discuss hospitals in their social context, their history, current roles in children’s care, humanization history and child development, according to the approaches of Piaget and Winnicott that are used in our culture.
Symbolic Entropy of the Amplitude rather than the Instantaneous Frequency of EEG Varies in Dementia
Authors: Lin Pei-Feng , Tsao Jenho , Lo Men-Tzung , Lin Chen , Chang Yi-Chung
Published: January 2015

The dynamics of human electroencephalography (EEG) have been proved to be related to cognitive activities. This study separately assessed the two EEG components, amplitude and rhythm, aiming to capture their individual contributions to cognitive functions. We extracted the local peaks of EEGs under rest or photic stimulation and calculated the symbolic dynamics of their voltages (amplitude) and interpeak intervals (instantaneous frequency), individually. The sample consisted of 89 geriatric outpatients in three patient groups: 38 fresh cases of vascular dementia (VD), 22 fresh cases of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and 29 controls. Both sample entropy and number of forbidden words revealed significantly less regular symbolic dynamics in the whole EEG tracings of the VD than the AD and control groups. We found consistent results between groups with the symbolic dynamics in the local-peak voltage sequence rather than the interpeak interval sequence. Photic stimulation amplified the differences between groups. These results suggest that the EEG dynamics which relates to either cognitive functions or the underlying pathologies of dementia are embedded within the dynamics of the amount of but not the interval between each synchronized firing of adjacent cerebral neurons.
On the Interpretation of Instrumental Variables in the Presence of Specification Errors
Authors: Swamy P.A.V.B. , Tavlas George , Hall Stephen
Published: January 2015

The method of instrumental variables (IV) and the generalized method of moments (GMM), and their applications to the estimation of errors-in-variables and simultaneous equations models in econometrics, require data on a sufficient number of instrumental variables that are both exogenous and relevant. We argue that, in general, such instruments (weak or strong) cannot exist.
A Study to Improve the Quality of Street Lighting in Spain
Authors: Gutierrez-Escolar Alberto , Castillo-Martinez Ana , Gomez-Pulido Jose , Gutierrez-Martinez Jose-Maria , Stapic Zlatko , Medina-Merodio Jose-Amelio
Published: January 2015

Street lighting has a big impact on the energy consumption of Spanish municipalities. To decrease this consumption, the Spanish government has developed two different regulations to improve energy savings and efficiency, and consequently, reduce greenhouse-effect gas emissions. However, after these efforts, they have not obtained the expected results. To improve the effectiveness of these regulations and therefore to optimize energy consumption, a study has been done to analyze the different devices which influence energy consumption with the intention of better understanding their behavior and performance. The devices analyzed were lamps, ballasts, street lamp globes, control systems and dimmable lighting systems. To improve their performance, they have been analyzed from three points of view: changes in technology, use patterns and standards. Thanks to this study, some aspects have been found that could be taken into account if we really wanted to use energy efficiently.
New Formulations of Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels for Drug Release and Tissue Engineering
Authors: Camponeschi Francesca , Atrei Andrea , Rocchigiani Giulia , Mencuccini Lorenzo , Uva Marianna , Barbucci Rolando
Published: January 2015

Polysaccharide-based hydrogels are very promising materials for a wide range of medical applications, ranging from tissue engineering to controlled drug delivery for local therapy. The most interesting property of this class of materials is the ability to be injected without any alteration of their chemical, mechanical and biological properties, by taking advantage of their thixotropic behavior. It is possible to modulate the rheological and chemical-physical properties of polysaccharide hydrogels by varying the cross-linking agents and exploiting their thixotropic behavior. We present here an overview of our synthetic strategies and applications of innovative polysaccharide-based hydrogels: hyaluronan-based hydrogel and new derivatives of carboxymethylcellulose have been used as matrices in the field of tissue engineering; while guar gum-based hydrogel and hybrid magnetic hydrogels, have been used as promising systems for targeted controlled drug release. Moreover, a new class of materials, interpenetrating hydrogels (IPH), have been obtained by mixing various native thixotropic hydrogels.
Minimally Disruptive Medicine: A Pragmatically Comprehensive Model for Delivering Care to Patients with Multiple Chronic Conditions
Authors: Leppin Aaron , Montori Victor , Gionfriddo Michael
Published: January 2015

An increasing proportion of healthcare resources in the United States are directed toward an expanding group of complex and multimorbid patients. Federal stakeholders have called for new models of care to meet the needs of these patients. Minimally Disruptive Medicine (MDM) is a theory-based, patient-centered, and context-sensitive approach to care that focuses on achieving patient goals for life and health while imposing the smallest possible treatment burden on patients’ lives. The MDM Care Model is designed to be pragmatically comprehensive, meaning that it aims to address any and all factors that impact the implementation and effectiveness of care for patients with multiple chronic conditions. It comprises core activities that map to an underlying and testable theoretical framework. This encourages refinement and future study. Here, we present the conceptual rationale for and a practical approach to minimally disruptive care for patients with multiple chronic conditions. We introduce some of the specific tools and strategies that can be used to identify the right care for these patients and to put it into practice.
Numerical Study of the Simultaneous Oxidation of NO and SO2 by Ozone
Authors: Li Bo , Zhao Jinyang , Lu Junfu
Published: January 2015

This study used two kinetic mechanisms to evaluate the oxidation processes of NO and SO2 by ozone. The performance of the two models was assessed by comparisons with experimental results from previous studies. The first kinetic mechanism was a combined model developed by the author that consisted of 50 species and 172 reactions. The second mechanism consisted of 23 species and 63 reactions. Simulation results of both of the two models show under predictions compared with experimental data. The results showed that the optimized reaction temperature for NO with O3 ranged from 100~200 °C. At higher temperatures, O3 decomposed to O2 and O, which resulted in a decrease of the NO conversion rate. When the mole ratio of O3/NO was greater than 1, products with a higher oxidation state (such as NO3, N2O5) were formed. The reactions between O3 and SO2 were weak; as such, it was difficult for O3 to oxidize SO2.
Expression and Diagnostic Value of HE4 in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Tianhe , Jiang Shi-Wen , Qin Liangyi , Senkowski Christopher , Lyle Christian , Terry Karen , Brower Steven , Chen Haibin , Glasgow Wayne , Wei Yongchang , Li Jinping
Published: January 2015

Human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) is a recognized biomarker in ovarian and endometrial cancer and over-expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The diagnostic value of HE4 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma remains unknown. Here we elucidate mRNA, protein and serum level of HE4 in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. HE4 mRNA level in tumor adjacent tissues and pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues were tested by real time-PCR. Tissue microarray containing normal, adenocarcinoma, and adjacent pancreatic tissue was tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Serum level of HE4, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) and carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) were detected by ELISA assay in control and tumor patients. Further we compared the sensitivity and specificity of determining HE4, CA19-9, CA15-3, and CA125 for diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and assessed the complementary diagnostic value of HE4, CA19-9, CA15-3 and CA125. Real time PCR showed significantly increased HE4 mRNA level in pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared with control. Result of IHC showed that HE4 significantly higher expressed in the human pancreatic carcinoma tissues than in both normal and adjacent non-tumorous pancreatic tissues, and the staining intensity is inversely correlated with the clinical stage. HE4 was highly expressed in early stage of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Serum HE4 level is higher in cases with pancreatic adenocarcinoma than in the controls. Serum HE4 levels could research to a sensitivity of 45.83% and specificity of 93.75% when the Cutoff was set at 4.59 ng/mL. The Combined HE4 and CA19-9 increased the sensitivity to 83.33%; and interestingly, the combination of HE4 with CA15-3 led to the most powerful sensitivity of 87.5%. Combined with CA19-9 and CA15-3, HE4 could be a potential biomarker to improve the diagnostic power for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Transcriptome Analysis of Methyl Jasmonate-Elicited Panax ginseng Adventitious Roots to Discover Putative Ginsenoside Biosynthesis and Transport Genes
Authors: Cao Hongzhe , Nuruzzaman Mohammed , Xiu Hao , Huang Jingjia , Wu Kunlu , Chen Xianghui , Li Jijia , Wang Li , Jeong Ji-Hak , Park Sun-Jin , Yang Fang , Luo Junli , Luo Zhiyong
Published: January 2015

The Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer belonging to the Araliaceae has long been used as an herbal medicine. Although public databases are presently available for this family, no methyl jasmonate (MeJA) elicited transcriptomic information was previously reported on this species, with the exception of a few expressed sequence tags (ESTs) using the traditional Sanger method. Here, approximately 53 million clean reads of adventitious root transcriptome were separately filtered via Illumina HiSeq™2000 from two samples treated with MeJA (Pg-MeJA) and equal volumes of solvent, ethanol (Pg-Con). Jointly, a total of 71,095 all-unigenes from both samples were assembled and annotated, and based on sequence similarity search with known proteins, a total of 56,668 unigenes was obtained. Out of these annotated unigenes, 54,920 were assigned to the NCBI non-redundant protein (Nr) database, 35,448 to the Swiss-prot database, 43,051 to gene ontology (GO), and 19,986 to clusters of orthologous groups (COG). Searching in the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway database indicated that 32,200 unigenes were mapped to 128 KEGG pathways. Moreover, we obtained several genes showing a wide range of expression levels. We also identified a total of 749 ginsenoside biosynthetic enzyme genes and 12 promising pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) genes related to ginsenoside transport.
A Ribosomal Protein AgRPS3aE from Halophilic Aspergillus glaucus Confers Salt Tolerance in Heterologous Organisms
Authors: Liang Xilong , Liu Yiling , Xie Lixia , Liu Xiaodan , Wei Yi , Zhou Xiaoyang , Zhang Shihong
Published: January 2015

High salt in soils is one of the abiotic stresses that significantly reduces crop yield, although saline lands are considered potential resources arable for agriculture. Currently, genetic engineering for enhancing salt tolerance is being tested as an efficient and viable strategy for crop improvement. We previously characterized a large subunit of the ribosomal protein RPL44, which is involved in osmotic stress in the extremely halophilic fungus Aspergillus glaucus. Here, we screened another ribosomal protein (AgRPS3aE) that also produced high-salt tolerance in yeast. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that AgRPS3aE encodes a 29.2 kDa small subunit of a ribosomal protein belonging to the RPS3Ae family in eukaryotes. To further confirm its protective function against salinity, we expressed AgRPS3aE in three heterologous systems, the filamentous fungus Magnaporthe oryzae and two model plants Arabidopsis and tobacco. Overexpression of AgRPS3aE in all tested transformants significantly alleviated stress symptoms compared with controls, suggesting that AgRPS3aE functions not only in fungi but also in plants. Considering that ribosomal proteins are housekeeping components in organisms from prokaryotes to eukaryotes, we propose that AgRPS3aE is one of the optimal genes for improving high-salt tolerance in crops.
Microstructural Study of 17-4PH Stainless Steel after Plasma-Transferred Arc Welding
Authors: Deng Dewei , Chen Rui , Sun Qi , Li Xiaona
Published: January 2015

The improvement of the surface qualities and surface hardening of precipitation hardened martensitic stainless steel 17-4PH was achieved by the plasma-transferred arc welding (PTAW) process deposited with Co-based alloy. The microstructure of the heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal were characterized by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The results show that there are obvious microstructural differences between the base metal and HAZ. For example, base material is transformed from lath martensite to austenite due to the heateffect of the welding process. On the other hand, the precipitate in the matrix (bar-like shape Cr7C3 phase with a width of about one hundred nanometres and a length of hundreds of nanometres) grows to a rectangular appearance with a width of about two hundred nanometres and a length of about one micron. Stacking fault could also be observed in the Cr7C3 after PTAW. The above means that welding can obviously improve the surface qualities.
Modeling and Measurement of Sustained Loading and Temperature-Dependent Deformation of Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Bonded to Concrete
Authors: Jeong Yoseok , Lee Jaeha , Kim WooSeok
Published: January 2015

This paper aims at presenting the effects of short-term sustained load and temperature on time-dependent deformation of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) bonded to concrete and pull-off strength at room temperature after the sustained loading period. The approach involves experimental and numerical analysis. Single-lap shear specimens were used to evaluate temperature and short-term sustained loading effects on time-dependent behavior under sustained loading and debonding behavior under pull-off loading after a sustained loading period. The numerical model was parameterized with experiments on the concrete, FRP, and epoxy. Good correlation was seen between the numerical results and single-lap shear experiments. Sensitivity studies shed light on the influence of temperature, epoxy modulus, and epoxy thickness on the redistribution of interfacial shear stress during sustained loading. This investigation confirms the hypothesis that interfacial stress redistribution can occur due to sustained load and elevated temperature and its effect can be significant.
Human Lectins and Their Roles in Viral Infections
Authors: Mason Christopher , Tarr Alexander
Published: January 2015

Innate recognition of virus proteins is an important component of the immune response to viral pathogens. A component of this immune recognition is the family of lectins; pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that recognise viral pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) including viral glycoproteins. In this review we discuss the contribution of soluble and membrane-associated PRRs to immunity against virus pathogens, and the potential role of these molecules in facilitating virus replication. These processes are illustrated with examples of viruses including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Ebola virus (EBOV). We focus on the structure, function and genetics of the well-characterised C-type lectin mannose-binding lectin, the ficolins, and the membrane-bound CD209 proteins expressed on dendritic cells. The potential for lectin-based antiviral therapies is also discussed.
Monitoring of the 2011 Super Algal Bloom in Indian River Lagoon, FL, USA, Using MERIS
Authors: Kamerosky Andrew , Cho Hyun , Morris Lori
Published: January 2015

During the spring of 2011 an unprecedented “Super” algal bloom formed in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL), with Chlorophyll a (Chl a) concentrations over eight times the historical mean in some areas and lasted for seven months across the IRL. The European Space Agency’s MEdium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) platform provided multispectral data at 665 and 708 nm, which was used to quantify the phytoplankton Chl a by fluorescence while minimizing the effects of other water column constituents. The three objectives were to: (1) calibrate and validate two Chl a algorithms using all available MERIS data of the IRL from 2002 to 2012; (2) determine the accuracy of the algorithms estimation of Chl a before, during, and after the 2011 super bloom; and (3) map the 2011 algal bloom using the Chl a algorithm that was proven to be effective in other similar estuaries. The chosen algorithm, Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI), was positively correlated with the in-situ measurements, with an R2 value of 0.798. While there was a significant (62.9 ± 25%) underestimation of Chl a using MERIS NDCI, the underestimation appears to be consistent across the data and mostly in the estimations of lower concentrations, suggesting that a qualitative or ratio analysis is still valid. Analysis of the application of the NDCI processed MERIS data provided additional insights that the in-situ measurements were unable to record. The time series MERIS Chl a maps along with in-situ water quality monitoring data depicted that the 2011 IRL bloom started after a heavy rainfall in March 2011 and peaked in October 2011 after a decrease in temperature. The bloom collapse also coincided with heavy rainfall and rapidly decreasing temperatures and salinity through October to November 2011.
Detection of Cyanotoxins, β-N-methylamino-L-alanine and Microcystins, from a Lake Surrounded by Cases of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Banack Sandra , Caller Tracie , Henegan Patricia , Haney James , Murby Amanda , Metcalf James , Powell James , Cox Paul , Stommel Elijah
Published: January 2015

A cluster of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has been previously described to border Lake Mascoma in Enfield, NH, with an incidence of ALS approximating 25 times expected. We hypothesize a possible association with cyanobacterial blooms that can produce β-N-methylamino-L-alanine (BMAA), a neurotoxic amino acid implicated as a possible cause of ALS/PDC in Guam. Muscle, liver, and brain tissue samples from a Lake Mascoma carp, as well as filtered aerosol samples, were analyzed for microcystins (MC), free and protein-bound BMAA, and the BMAA isomers 2,4-diaminobutyric acid (DAB) and N-(2-aminoethyl)glycine (AEG). In carp brain, BMAA and DAB concentrations were 0.043 μg/g ± 0.02 SD and 0.01 μg/g ± 0.002 SD respectively. In carp liver and muscle, the BMAA concentrations were 1.28 μg/g and 1.27 μg/g respectively, and DAB was not detected. BMAA was detected in the air filters, as were the isomers DAB and AEG. These results demonstrate that a putative cause for ALS, BMAA, exists in an environment that has a documented cluster of ALS. Although cause and effect have not been demonstrated, our observations and measurements strengthen the association.
Une contribution des diplômés du supérieur à leurs études est-elle envisageable ?
Authors: Courtioux Pierre
Published: January 2015

Cet article montre que la mise en place conjointe de droits d’inscription en lien avec les dépenses publiques par tête d’étudiant et de prêts à remboursement conditionnel au revenu, inspiré de l’expérience australienne en la matière, est possible en France. A partir d’un modèle de microsimulation dynamique permettant de prendre en compte l’hétérogénéité des carrières pour un diplôme donné, on montre que ce type de dispositif (i) affecte très peu le rendement des diplômes du supérieur et (ii) ne modifie pas leur hiérarchie. Ceci indique que la mise en place de ce dispositif ne devrait pas se traduire par un changement sensible des choix d’éducation.
Opportunisme ou équité ? Le cas des contrats d’approvisionnement de défense
Authors: Oudot Jean-Michel , Ménard Claude
Published: January 2015

How are extra costs resulting from the occurrence of unanticipated risks allocated in a procurement setting ? This paper develops a theoretical framework combining transaction cost economics with equity theory in order to explain why parties endorse cooperative strategies, basically a 50-50 sharing rule, that prevail over their propensity to behave opportunistically. We derive two propositions that we test on a dataset of 48 contracts in the French defense procurement. We find that perception of equity turns out to be a key factor in the contractual relationship. This interpretation challenges the prevailing interpretation of a key assumption in transaction cost economics.
La datation du cycle français : une approche probabiliste
Authors: Damette Olivier , Rabah Zohra
Published: January 2015

Dating the French Business Cycle : a Probabilistic Reading

This article uses a «Markov-switching» model to date the French cycle. It reproduces in fine a satisfying periodicity which detects effectively the recessions of the French economy. Furthermore, the chronology derived by the model corresponds closely to the dates of recessions as established by «Bry-Boshan».
La vie pour l’épargnant ne se réduit pas à un exercice de calcul. 1) Les impasses des approches du cycle de vie standard et psycho-économique
Authors: Masson André
Published: January 2015

understanding some saving behaviour puzzles.