bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti–Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Monotherapy in the Treatment of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Where Are We Today?
Authors: Peeters Marc , Price Tim , Van Laethem Jean-Luc
Published: January 2009

Over the past 10 years there has been a significant increase in the armamentarium of agents available for use in the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Among these new agents are two monoclonal antibodies targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR): cetuximab, a mouse–human chimeric monoclonal antibody, and panitumumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody. Both are approved as monotherapy for the treatment of chemotherapy-refractory advanced CRC. Cetuximab is also indicated for use in combination with irinotecan. Here, we review 10 reports of phase II and III clinical studies of patients treated with panitumumab or cetuximab monotherapy. The clinical trials demonstrate similar efficacy profiles for advanced CRC patients treated with panitumumab and cetuximab monotherapy, with some differences in their adverse event profiles. In addition, the recent results of retrospective tumor KRAS gene mutational analyses in CRC patients treated with anti-EGFR monotherapy are reviewed. Data from the clinical trials reviewed here clearly demonstrate that anti-EGFR monotherapy is an effective treatment modality for patients with chemotherapy-refractory advanced CRC.
Sorafenib for the Treatment of Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Kane Robert C. , Farrell Ann T. , Madabushi Rajanikanth , Booth Brian , Chattopadhyay Somesh , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Justice Robert , Pazdur Richard
Published: January 2009

Learning Objectives

Evaluate the evidence of improved overall survival with the use of sorafenib for the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Recognize the potential for drug interactions for sorafenib with concurrent use of drugs that can induce or inhibit CYP3A4. Recognize side effects of sorafenib therapy including elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, fatigue, skin rash/ desquamation, hand–foot skin reaction, alopecia, and nausea, and counsel your patients about side effect management.

This article is available for continuing medical education credit at CME.TheOncologist.com.
Dehydroepiandrosterone modifies rat fatty acid composition of serum and different adipose tissue depots and lowers serum insulin levels
Authors: de Heredia Fátima Pérez , Larqué Elvira , Zamora Salvador , Garaulet Marta
Published: January 2009

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is reported to exert beneficial effects, such as protection from cardiovascular risk and lowering serum insulin levels. Adipose tissue (AT) is a target for DHEA actions, and the hormone can also affect hepatic fatty acid (FA) metabolism. FAs are involved in the development of insulin resistance; thus, there might be a relationship between DHEA, FA, and insulin. However, few data are available regarding DHEA and FA composition, especially concerning AT. Seventeen-month old female Sprague–Dawley rats (n=11; controls: n=10) were treated with DHEA (0.5% w/w in the diet) for 13 weeks, after which serum, periovarian, mesenteric, s.c., and brown AT were analyzed for FA composition. DHEA treatment resulted in significant changes in FA profiles in serum and adipose depots, like reduced 16:1n-7 (s.c. and brown AT; P<0.01), elevated n-9 monounsaturated FA (serum and s.c. AT; P<0.05), diminished n-6 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA; general; P<0.05) and increased n-3 PUFA (brown AT; P<0.01), along with lower n-6/n-3 ratios (s.c. and brown AT; P<0.05, P<0.01 respectively). DHEA modified estimates of desaturase activities, decreasing stearoyl-CoA-desaturase markers in s.c., and brown AT (P<0.05) and increasing those of delta-6-desaturase in serum and AT (P<0.05). In addition, DHEA-treated rats showed lower serum insulin levels (P<0.05). We have demonstrated for the first time that DHEA induces significant modifications in AT fatty acid composition in vivo, mainly concerning unsaturated FAs, and changes occurred in a tissue-dependent manner. We propose that these changes may be related to the capacity of DHEA to lower serum insulin levels.
Mouse model of testosterone-induced muscle fiber hypertrophy: involvement of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated Notch signaling
Authors: Brown Danielle , Hikim Amiya P Sinha , Kovacheva Ekaterina L , Sinha-Hikim Indrani
Published: January 2009

As a prerequisite for studies using mutant mice, we established a mouse model for investigating the molecular mechanisms by which testosterone (T) promotes muscle growth. Groups of six adult male mice (C57BL/6) received one of the following treatments: 1) vehicle (sterile distilled water; normal control) and 2) GnRH antagonist with empty (sham control) or 2 cm T- filled implant. Mice were killed 2, 6, and 8 weeks after treatment. T treatment for 8 weeks resulted in a significant (P<0.001) increase in fiber area of gastrocnemius muscles. T-induced fiber-hypertrophy was accompanied by up-regulation of the Notch ligand Delta 1 and activation of Notch signaling, as evidenced by increase in activated forms of Notch 1 and Notch 2. Consistent with this, we also observed an increase in the number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive nuclei in muscles of T-treated mice, indicating that activation of Notch signaling enhanced cell proliferation. T supplementation not only triggered p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation but also concurrently inhibited c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activation within 2 weeks of treatment. Concomitant administration of SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, effectively blocked T-induced activation of Notch signaling and significantly (P<0.001) suppressed PCNA levels. Together, our results indicate that T induces muscle fiber hypertrophy through activation of Notch signaling and the inactivation of JNK together with the activation of p38 MAPK may be critical for T-induced activation of Notch signaling and, as a consequence, muscle fiber hypertrophy.
Study of the pozzolanic reaction kinetics in sugar cane bagasse–clay ash/calcium hydroxide system: kinetic parameters and pozzolanic activity
Authors: Villar-Cociña E. , Frías Rojas M. , Valencia Morales E. , Savastano H.
Published: January 2009

This paper presents a study of the pozzolanic reaction kinetics between calcium hydroxide and a mixture of sugar cane bagasse with 20 and 30% of clay, burned at 800 and 1000°C (SCBCA) by electrical conductivity measurements. A kinetic–diffusive model produced in previous studies by some of the authors was used. The model was fitted to the experimental data, which allowed the computation of the kinetic parameters of the pozzolanic reaction (reaction rate constant and free energy of activation) that rigorously characterised the pozzolanic activity of the materials. The results show that SCBCA demonstrated reactivity and good pozzolanic qualities in the range 800–1000°C.
High‐contrast driving method for advanced CEL structure with magnesium oxide single‐crystal powder in ACPDP
Authors: Hashimoto Koji , Itakura Shunsuke , Sakata Kazuaki , Tokunaga Tsutomu , Ishizuka Mitsuhiro , Iwaoka Shigeru , Saegusa Nobuhiko
Published: January 2009

Abstract— A new driving method for an advanced‐CEL‐structure panel has been developed. Picture qualities have been upgraded. Discharge time lags are drastically shortened by priming electron emission from magnesium oxide (MgO) single‐crystal powder, refered to as a crystal emissive layer (CEL). The advanced‐CEL‐structure panel has CEL material on the surface of not only the surface‐discharge‐electrode side but also on the address‐electrode side. This panel structure enables a stable opposed discharge when the address electrode functions as a cathode. By utilizing the opposed discharges in the reset and LSB‐SF sustain periods, the dark‐room contrast ratio has been drastically increased to over 20,000:1, which is higher than five times that of the conventional method, and the luminance of the least‐significant‐bit sub‐field (LSB‐SF) is as low as 0.1 cd/m2, which is one‐fourth that of the conventional method. The high‐picture‐quality PDP TVs refered to as “KURO” that employs these technologies have been introduced into the marketplace.
A 3.0‐in. 308‐ppi WVGA AMOLED with a top‐emission white OLED and color filter
Authors: Kim Sangyeol , Lee Sunghun , Kim Mugyeom , Song Jeongbae , Hwang Eokchae , Tamura Shinichiro , Kang Sungkee , Kim Hyoseok , Kim Chiwoo , Lee Jinseok , Kim Jongmin , Cho Sungwoo , Cho Jaeyoung , Suh Min Chul , Kim Hyedong
Published: January 2009

Abstract— A 3.0‐in. 308‐ppi WVGA top‐emission AMOLED display with a white OLED and color filters, driven by LTPS TFTs demonstrating a color gamut of >90% and a Δ(u′,v′) of <0.02 is reported. A white‐emission source with a unique device structure was developed using all fluorescent materials and yielded efficiencies of 8.45% and 16 cd/A at 4000 nits with CIE color coordinates of (0.30, 0.32).
White stacked OLED with 38 lm/W and 100,000‐hour lifetime at 1000 cd/m2 for display and lighting applications
Authors: He Gufeng , Rothe Carsten , Murano Sven , Werner Ansgar , Zeika Olaf , Birnstock Jan
Published: January 2009

Abstract— The three critical parameters in determining the commercial success of organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs), both in display and lighting applications, are power efficiency, lifetime, and price competitiveness. PIN technology is widely considered as the preferred way to maximize power efficiency and lifetime. Here, a high‐efficiency and long‐lifetime white‐light‐emitting diode, which has been realized by stacking a blue‐fluorescent emission unit together with green‐ and red‐phosphorescent emission units, is reported. Proprietary materials have been used in transport layers of each emission unit, which significantly improves the power efficiency and stability. The power efficiency at 1000 cd/m2 is 38 lm/W with CIE color coordinates of (0.43, 0.44) and a color‐rendering index (CRI) of 90. An extrapolated lifetime at an initial luminance of 1000 cd/m2 is above 100,000 hours, which fulfils the specifications for most applications. The emission color can also be easily tuned towards the equal‐energy white for display applications by selecting emitting materials and varying the transport‐layer cavities.
12.1‐in. WXGA AMOLED display driven by InGaZnO thin‐film transistors
Authors: Jeong Jae Kyeong , Jeong Jong Han , Yang Hui Won , Ahn Tae Kyung , Kim Minkyu , Kim Kwang Suk , Gu Bon Seog , Chung Hyun‐Joong , Park Jin‐Seong , Mo Yeon‐Gon , Kim Hye Dong , Chung Ho Kyoon
Published: January 2009

Abstract— A full‐color 12.1‐in.WXGA active‐matrix organic‐light‐emitting‐diode (AMOLED) display was, for the first time, demonstrated using indium‐gallium‐zinc oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) as an active‐matrix backplane. It was found that the fabricated AMOLED display did not suffer from the well‐known pixel non‐uniformity in luminance, even though the simple structure consisting of two transistors and one capacitor was adopted as the unit pixel circuit, which was attributed to the amorphous nature of IGZO semiconductors. The n‐channel a‐IGZO TFTs exhibited a field‐effect mobility of 17 cm2/V‐sec, threshold voltage of 1.1 V, on/off ratio >109, and subthreshold gate swing of 0.28 V/dec. The AMOLED display with a‐IGZO TFT array is promising for large‐sized applications such as notebook PCs and HDTVs because the a‐IGZO semiconductor can be deposited on large glass substrates (larger than Gen 7) using the conventional sputtering system.
Comparative analysis of gene expression in brain, liver, skeletal muscles, and gills of zebrafish (Danio rerio) exposed to environmentally relevant waterborne uranium concentrations
Authors: Lerebours Adélaïde , Gonzalez Patrice , Adam Christelle , Camilleri Virginie , Bourdineaud Jean-Paul , Garnier-Laplace Jacqueline
Published: January 2009

The effects of waterborne uranium (U) exposure on gene expression were examined in four organs (brain, liver, skeletal muscles, and gills) of the zebrafish (Danio rerio). Adult male fish were exposed to three treatments: No added uranium (control), 23 ± 6 μg U/L, and 130 ± 34 μg U/L. After 3, 10, 21, and 28 d of exposure and an 8-d depuration period, gene expression and uranium bioaccumulation were analyzed. Bioaccumulation decreased significantly in liver during the depuration phase, and genes involved in detoxification, apoptotic mechanism, and immune response were strongly induced. Among these genes, abcb3l1, which belongs to the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)—binding cassette transporter family, was induced 4- and 24-fold in organisms previously exposed to 23 ± 6 and 130 ± 34 μg U/L, respectively. These results highlight the role of liver in detoxification mechanisms. In gills, at the highest uranium concentration, gpx1a, cat, sod1, and sod2 genes were up-regulated at day 21, indicating the onset of an oxidative stress. Mitochondrial metabolism and DNA integrity also were affected, because coxI, atp5f1, and rad51 genes were up-regulated at day 21 and during the depuration phase. In skeletal muscles, coxI, atp5f1, and cat were induced at day 3, suggesting an impact on the mitochondrial metabolism and production of reactive oxygen species. In brain, glsI also was induced at day 3, suggesting a need in the glutamate synthesis involved with neuron transmission. No changes in gene expression were observed in brain and skeletal muscles at days 21 and 28, although bioaccumulation increased. During the depuration phase, uranium excretion was inefficient in brain and skeletal muscles, and expression of most of the tissue-specific genes was repressed or unchanged.
Behavioral-Based Educational Intervention Directed toward Egyptian Agricultural Families to Protect Children from Pesticide Exposure
Authors: Farahat Taghreed Mohamed , Farahat Fayssal Mostafa , Michael Atef Awad
Published: January 2009

Culturally appropriate educational intervention was developed and directed toward agricultural families to improve knowledge and practice of agricultural families in order to protect their children from exposure to pesticides. Parents ( n = 297) were randomly assigned into either lecture or video training group. Ability to recall information or improve practices among parents was evaluated in three consecutive sessions (2 weeks and 1 month apart). All participating families were using pesticides inside homes and in the fields. All families were using flying insect killers inside homes (main ingredients include tetramethrin, sumithrin, pyrethrin, piperonyl butoxide) in different forms. Pesticides applied in the fields are organophosphates (57.9%), carbamates (41.4%), and pyrethroids (28.5%). In both lecture and video training groups, knowledge scores of participants improved significantly in the second and third sessions, as compared to the first session. Although practice scores of both groups improved in subsequent sessions, the changes were not significant. Using non-traditional appropriately designed educational interventions that depend more on visual memory is more likely to ensure sustainability of the gained knowledge as well as practice.
Lessons Learned from Health Sector Reform: A Four-Country Comparison
Authors: Talukder Noorunnabi , Rob Ubaidur , Mahabub-Ul-Anwar Ubaidur
Published: January 2009

Various reforms have been undertaken to improve the functioning of health systems in developing countries, but there is limited comparative analysis of reform initiatives. This article discusses health sector reform experiences of four developing countries and identifies the lessons learned. The article is based on the review of background papers on Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Tanzania prepared as part of a multi-country study on health sector reform. Findings suggest that decentralization works effectively while implementing primary and secondary health programs. Decentralization of power and authority to local authorities requires strengthening and supporting these units. Along with the public sector, the private sector plays an effective role in institutional and human resources development as well as in improving service delivery. Community participation facilitates recruitment and development of field workers, facility improvement, and service delivery. For providing financial protection to the poor, there is a need to review user fees and develop affordable health insurance with an exemption mechanism. There is no uniform health sector reform approach; therefore, the experiences of other countries will help countries undertake appropriate reforms. Here, it is important to examine the context and determine the reform measures that constitute the best means in terms of equity, efficiency, and sustainability.
A Transtheoretical Review on Smoking Cessation
Authors: Atak Nazli
Published: January 2009

The objective of this review is to draw attention to smoking cessation in view of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM). A large body of literature published in the last 15 years was screened by searching the keywords of “Smoking” and “Transtheoretical Model.” The Transtheoretical model consists of stages of change and is used to explain addictive behaviors such as smoking. It addresses behavioral change by taking into consideration factors such as planning and decision-making. This article examines this theory and sets forth the processes of change, according to the positive and negative evaluations and strength of the smoking habit. Although the stages of change and the transitions between these stages have not been clearly defined, it still helps in understanding the nature of some addictive behaviors, particularly smoking.
An Exceptional Election: Performance, Values, and Crisis in the 2008 Presidential Election
Authors: Campbell James E.
Published: January 2009

This article examines the influences on the 2008 presidential election that led to the election of Barack Obama. There were many reasons why observers expected 2008 to be a strong year for the Democrats. The poor retrospective evaluations of the Bush presidency were thought to be too much of a burden for any Republican presidential candidate to bear successfully. On the other hand, open seat elections have been historically close, in part because successor candidates receive neither the full credit nor the full blame of incumbents. Moreover, in a period of partisan parity and ideological polarization, tight contests are to be expected. Add to these factors the fact that neither party's nominee faced an easy time winning his party's nomination and the fact that McCain was unusually moderate for a Republican presidential candidate and Obama was a northern liberal as well as the first African-American presidential candidate of a major party and there was every reason to suspect a closely decided election. That was the way that the election was shaping up in the polls until the Wall Street meltdown hit in mid-September. It was the "game changer" that tipped the election to Obama.
Interest Groups in the 2008 Presidential Election: The Barking Dog That Didn't Bite
Authors: Kimball David C
Published: January 2009

Where were interest groups in the 2008 presidential election? In previous elections interest groups have played a crucial, often attacking, role in presidential campaigns. This essay compares the influence of interest groups in the 2004 and 2008 presidential campaigns in terms of financing election activities, shaping the campaign agenda, influencing candidate images and mobilizing voters. Interest groups represented the barking dog that didn't bite in the 2008 presidential election. I offer some explanations involving lessons learned from previous campaigns, strategic calculations by groups, and the challenging issue environment for many interest groups. Despite the muted impact of interest groups in the 2008 presidential campaign, the long-term prognosis is that interest groups will continue to be important in American elections.
Association of mesenteric portovenographic findings with outcome in cats receiving surgical treatment for single congenital portosystemic shunts
Authors: Lipscomb Victoria J. , Lee Karla C. , Lamb Christopher R. , Brockman Daniel J.
Published: January 2009

Objective—To determine whether hepatic portal vascularity assessed via intraoperative mesenteric portovenography (IMP) is related to outcome in cats undergoing surgical attenuation of a congenital portosystemic shunt (CPSS).

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—25 cats, each with 1 CPSS, in which IMP was performed before and after temporary complete occlusion of the shunting vessel to provide complete (n = 9) or partial (16) shunt attenuation.

Procedures—Medical records were reviewed for signalment, clinical history, postoperative complications, clinical outcome, and results of bile acids stimulation testing. Portovenograms obtained before and after shunt occlusion were graded to determine whether degree of intrahepatic portal branching was correlated with degree of shunt attenuation, clinical or biochemical factors, postoperative complications, or outcome. In 12 of the 16 cats that had partial CPSS attenuation, procedures were later repeated to achieve complete (n = 9) and additional partial (1) CPSS attenuation.

Results—Degree of opacification of the intrahepatic portal vessels increased significantly (higher portovenogram grade) after CPSS attenuation. The median portovenogram grade assigned after temporary shunt occlusion at the first surgery was significantly higher in cats that did not have postattenuation neurologic complications or neurologic signs at follow-up than in cats that did. It was also higher in cats that had a better clinical response to surgery versus those that had a poor response and in cats with reduced preprandial and postprandial serum bile acids concentrations at follow-up versus those that did not.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—IMP may be used to help predict complications and outcome following surgical treatment of CPSS in cats.
Use of a balloon-expandable metallic stent to relieve malignant urethral obstruction in a cat
Authors: Newman Rebecca G. , Mehler Stephen J. , Kitchell Barbara E. , Beal Matthew W.
Published: January 2009

Case Description—A 19-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was evaluated because of signs of urinary tract obstruction.

Clinical Findings—Physical examination findings were consistent with urethral obstruction, and a mass could be palpated in the region of the bladder neck. Abdominal ultrasonography and thoracic radiography revealed a mass in the trigone of the urinary bladder and a solitary mass in the left caudal lung lobe. Cytologic examination of the urine sediment, samples obtained by means of traumatic urethral catheterization, and fine-needle aspirates of the bladder mass did not result in a diagnosis.

Treatment and Outcome—A balloon-expandable metallic stent was placed in the proximal portion of the urethra to relieve the malignant obstruction. After stent placement, the cat had signs of urinary incontinence and detrusor atony, both of which resolved with medical treatment. The cat was euthanized 1 month after stent placement because of progressive azotemia. Histologic examination of necropsy samples revealed grade III urothelial carcinoma and papillary pulmonary adenocarcinoma.

Clinical Relevance—Findings suggested that stent placement may be a viable palliative treatment in cats with malignant urinary obstruction.
Echinococcus multilocularis is a frequent parasite of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Latvia
Authors: Bagrade G. , Šnábel V. , Romig T. , Ozoliņš J. , Hüttner M. , Miterpáková M. , Ševcová D. , Dubinský P.
Published: January 2009

45 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from various regions of Latvia were examined by necropsy between 2003 and 2008 for the presence and infection intensity of Echinococcus multilocularis. The overall prevalence was 35.6 %, with the intensity of infection ranging from 1 to 1438. Although a limited number of foxes were examined, the prevalence was high and infected animals were found throughout the country. Considering the increasing number of humans infected with echinococcosis in Latvia since 2002, the situation is highly suggestive of a recent emergence of E. multilocularis. DNA sequences of four fox isolates were examined by multilocus analysis of mitochondrial and nuclear genes (cox1, nad1, rrnS, atp6, actII). All isolates were allocated to the predominant genetic form in Europe, with partial affinity of one isolate to a genotype that had previously been reported from southern Germany.
Policy Effects on Decisions under Uncertain Conditions
Authors: Senbil Metin , Kitamura Ryuichi
Published: January 2009

The aim of this study is to assess the effects of incentives, in the form of toll reductions, introduced to entice commuters to use a toll expressway. Two market segments were targeted: everyday users, for whom the intended effect is to reduce peak-hour congestion by spreading entrances to expressways to off-peak hours, and low-frequency users, for whom the intended effect is to increase their expressway use over surface streets or public transit. To evaluate the effectiveness of toll reductions, an experiment was conducted on an expressway in Osaka, Japan, in which participants received a toll reduction at each expressway use. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks with toll discounts offered during the middle 4 weeks according to certain schedules. Data on the participants’ first trips of the day were collected over the 6-week period. Mixed logit models were developed to describe everyday users’ departure time choice and low-frequency users’ route choice, respectively, in accounting for preference heterogeneity across travelers. Simulation analyses were carried out with various policy options. The results underscore the significance of developing policy measures based on users’ time constraints and work-hour arrangements.
Impact of Route Choice Set on Route Choice Probabilities
Authors: Bliemer Michiel C. J. , Bovy Piet H. L.
Published: January 2009

Predictions of route flows in networks are sensitive to the route choice model applied as well as to the route choice sets on which the choice models operate. Studies have shown that there is a significant impact of size and composition of route sets on estimation performance of route choice models in terms of estimated parameter values and model quality. These studies have looked at an aggregate level of modeling quality, but a better insight into the causes of the impacts requires a more detailed analysis of modeling quality at the level of choice prediction of individual routes. This paper addresses the issue of prediction quality of route choice in networks at a very detailed level in dependence of the size and composition of predefined route sets. For better control of experimental conditions, a small hypothetical network and generated trip data were used in combination with a systematic variation of size and composition of route sets so that all relevant properties of routes and route sets are known. A range of well-known route choice models was applied to study in a comparative way their sensitivity in predicting route choice probabilities as a function of the choice set properties. Most route choice models do not appear to have sufficient robustness of choice prediction at the level of individual routes.
Joint Models of Home-Based Tour Mode and Destination Choices
Authors: Yagi Sadayuki , Mohammadian Abolfazl (Kouros)
Published: January 2009

This paper presents joint models of mode and destination choices for home-based tours within an activity-based modeling framework for Jakarta, Indonesia, one of the largest metropolitan areas in Asia. Nested logit models were developed separately with four different activity types: work, school, maintenance, and discretionary. Mode and destination choices of all household members were specifically modeled, including children, who were usually overlooked in previous studies. Different models were estimated for school and work tours, usually combined in previous studies. Eight of the most commonly used combinations of travel modes in the region were considered: drive alone, shared ride, motorcycle, taxi, motorcycle taxi, transit with motorized access, transit with nonmotorized access, and nonmotorized transportation. Eleven representative tour destinations were sampled by a stratified importance sampling method designed on the basis of distance and size variables. Size variables were defined for different activity types to reflect the magnitude of attraction of destination zones for that activity. These variables include total number of jobs, students, or households in each zone. A wide variety of different types of variables contributed significantly to the models, including those related to trips, activities and tours, households, individuals, destination zones, and a composite variable of generalized travel time. The modeling results suggest that choice alternatives, structure of the model, and key variables differ from those in the developed world. This study is part of a larger effort to develop a comprehensive activity-based microsimulation modeling system for developing countries.
Integration of Activity-Based Modeling and Dynamic Traffic Assignment
Authors: Lin Dung-Ying , Eluru Naveen , Waller S. Travis , Bhat Chandra R.
Published: January 2009

The traditional trip-based approach to transportation modeling has been used for the past 30 years. Because of limitations of traditional planning for short-term policy analysis, researchers have explored alternative paradigms for incorporating more behavioral realism in planning methodologies. On the demand side, activity-based approaches have evolved as an alternative to traditional trip-based transportation demand forecasting. On the supply side, dynamic traffic assignment models have been developed as an alternative to static assignment procedures. Much of the research effort in activity-based approaches (the demand side) and dynamic traffic assignment techniques (the supply side) has been undertaken relatively independently. To maximize benefits from these advanced methodologies, it is essential to combine them through a unified framework. The objective of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework and explore practical integration issues for combining the two streams of research. Technical, computational, and practical issues involved in this demand–supply integration problem are discussed. The framework is general, but specific technical details related to the integration are explored by using CEMDAP for activity-based modeling and VISTA for dynamic traffic assignment modeling. Solution convergence properties of the integrated system, specifically examining different criteria for convergence, different methods of accommodating time of day, and the influence of step size on convergence are studied. The integrated system developed is empirically applied to two sample networks selected from the Dallas–Fort Worth system in Texas.
Modeling Daily Activity–Travel Tour Patterns Incorporating Activity Scheduling Decision Rules
Authors: Yagi Sadayuki , Mohammadian Abolfazl (Kouros)
Published: January 2009

The study develops a unique and practical model that can simulate daily patterns of activity travel for all household members including children and homemakers as well as workers and students. The activity–travel pattern model primarily adopts a tour-based structure in which tour is used as the base unit of modeling to preserve consistency in destination, mode, and time-of-day choices across trips. The unique feature of the model over other tour-based models in the literature is the incorporation of behavioral rules in the microsimulation process. These rules are derived from observed probabilities of activity scheduling behavior and are used to govern and modify generated activities by controlling for activity rescheduling, joint activity–tour generation, and household maintenance tour restriction. Data from a 4-day activity diary survey of nearly 4,000 individuals were used to develop models of weekday daily activity–travel patterns in the Jakarta, Indonesia, metropolitan area. Activity–travel patterns are defined by primary activity, primary tour type, and number and type of secondary tours. The model has a two-tier nested logit structure, with a choice of whether to go out of home to travel or stay at home all day in the upper tier and a choice of daily activity–travel pattern alternatives in the lower tier under the out-of-home choice. In addition to logsum from the time-of-day choice model, a variety of explanatory variables are included in the model. The effects of the explanatory variables are quite different from the effects of those models developed for the United States.
Nonlinear, Secondary Impacts of Large Urban-Edge Developments as Evidence of Path Dependency in an Integrated Land Use and Transportation Model
Authors: Clay Michael J.
Published: January 2009

The practice of integrated land use and transportation modeling has improved in the past decade. Use of these models has steadily increased among U.S. metropolitan planning organizations and recently among state departments of transportation. This paper examines the secondary growth impacts of large, urban-edge developments in an integrated model to determine the existence and characteristics of induced land development (also called path dependency in the modeled land development process). The Sacramento, California, MEPLAN model is used to simulate the impact of large, urban-edge, basic sector developments on overall and industry-specific employment in the subject zone over a modeled 25-year period. Four types of basic sector development are considered: office and service, industrial and manufacturing, retail, and government. Ten sizes of each type were modeled, and each simulated development shares a common location and year of construction or occupancy. The study found that secondary employment draw was substantial for all sizes and types of projects, certain industries produced much larger secondary draws than did others, secondary growth increased with the size of the development and continued to have an impact in all future modeled years, and the relationship between initial development size and secondary growth is nonlinear in each development type. This significant, persistent secondary draw suggests that this model manifests a key characteristic of path dependency in the location and building decisions in the model (i.e., a relatively small shift in basic employment can create new development “paths”). These findings yield recommendations for incorporating this work into integrated modeling research and practice.
A Profibrotic Effect of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type-1 (PAI-1) in the Heart
Authors: Zaman A. K. M. Tarikuz , French Christopher J. , Schneider David J. , Sobel Burton E.
Published: January 2009

Increased expression of PAI-1 is profibrotic in several organs. However, its potentially profibrotic effects in the heart subjected to infarction have not been elucidated. Accordingly, we induced coronary occlusion in 10-week-old mice congenic on a C57BL6 background and in mice overexpressing PAI-1 (PTG) in multiple tissues. Compared with C57BL6 control mice without myocardial infarction (MI), PTG mice exhibited consistently elevated PAI-1 in plasma at 16 weeks of age but virtually identical PAI-1 content in left ventricular (LV) myocardium. However, they exhibited a 2-fold increase in LV PAI-1 content 6 weeks after induction of MI (4.21 ± 1.0 ng/ml tissue protein) compared with that in C57BL6 mice (2.04 ± 0.5, P < 0.05). In 16-week-old mice, ultrasonically delineated LV fractional shortening (FS) was comparable in normal PTG and normal C57BL6 controls. However, 6 weeks after MI, PTG ( n = 21) compared with C57BL6 ( n = 14) mice exhibited markedly thinner LV posterior walls in both diastole (C57BL6 0.79 ± 0.05 mm, PTG 0.55 ± 0.06, P < 0.05) and systole (0.97 ± 0.05 mm, 0.75 ± 0.06, P < 0.05); increased end systolic LV dimensions (4.54 ± 0.2 mm, 5.17 ± 0.2, P < 0.05); and significantly depressed FS, more impaired LV segmental function, and greater mitral E wave amplitude. Compared with fibrosis assessed by Masson staining of sections from apex to base in C57BL6 mice (10.85 ± 0.43% LV area), PTG mice exhibited 33% more LV fibrosis after MI ( P < 0.05). Thus, PAI-1 is profibrotic in the heart subjected to infarction. Accordingly, overexpression of PAI-1 is a promising target for attenuation of heart failure after MI that may be exacerbated by fibrosis.
Anatomical variation in Cactaceae and relatives: Trait lability and evolutionary innovation
Authors: Ogburn R. Matthew , Edwards Erika J.
Published: January 2009

The cacti have undergone extensive specialization in their evolutionary history, providing an excellent system in which to address large‐scale questions of morphological and physiological adaptation. Recent molecular phylogenetic studies suggest that (1) Pereskia, the leafy genus long interpreted as the sister group of all other cacti, is likely paraphyletic, and (2) Cactaceae are nested within a paraphyletic Portulacaceae as a member of the “ACPT” clade (Anacampseroteae, Cactaceae, Portulaca, and Talinum). We collected new data on the vegetative anatomy of the ACPT clade and relatives to evaluate whether patterns in the distributions of traits may provide insight into early events in the evolutionary transition to the cactus life form. Many traits had high levels of homoplasy and were mostly equivocal with regard to infraclade relationships of ACPT, although several characters do lend further support to a paraphyletic Pereskia. These include a thick stem cuticle, prominent stem mucilage cells, and hypodermal calcium oxalate druses, all of which are likely to be important traits for stem water storage and photosynthesis. We hypothesize that high lability of many putative “precursor” traits may have been critical in generating the organismal context necessary for the evolution of an efficient and integrated photosynthetic stem.
Ephemeral clonal integration in Calathea marantifolia (Marantaceae): Evidence of diminished integration over time
Authors: Matlaga David P. , da S. L. Sternberg Leonel
Published: January 2009

A major advantage of clonal growth forms is the intergenerational transfer of resources through vascular connections (clonal integration). Connections linking ramets can be persistent or ephemeral. For species with ephemeral connections, whether the extent of clonal integration changes over time is unclear. To address this issue, we tracked water movement using an isotopic label and assessed the demographic performance of parent and offspring ramets over time in a severing experiment. Our study system was the understory herb Calathea marantifolia, which has parent ramets that produce vegetative bulbils (clonal offspring) that pass through distinct pre‐ and post‐rooting stages. Little water was transported between parents and offspring, and the direction of movement was primarily from parent to pre‐rooting offspring. Anatomical observations of inter‐ramet connections showed that vascular bundles were twice as abundant in parent stems compared to inter‐ramet connections. Severing inter‐ramet connections reduced the growth of offspring ramets but not parents. Survival of pre‐rooting offspring was reduced by 10% due to severing, but post‐rooting offspring were not affected. Our results suggest that offspring ramets of C. marantifolia are weaned from their parent as they progress from pre‐ to post‐rooting stages.
Flow pattern in horizontal and vertical two phase flow in small diameter pipes
Authors: Barnea D. , Luninski Y. , Taitel Y.
Published: January 2009

New data on flow pattern transition for gas liquid flow in small diameter tubes (4 to 12 mm) is presented. The experimental results are compared with previously published models for horizontal and vertical flows considered to be valid for medium and large diameter pipes. The effect of surface tension which might be expected to be important in small diameter pipe flow has been found to affect only the stratified‐slug transition in horizontal flow. A modification to the model to include this effect is proposed.
Numerical modelling of heat transfer processes with supplementary data
Authors: Kolenda Zygmunt , Szmyd Janusz , Slupek Stanislaw , Baez Luis Martinez
Published: January 2009

Mathematical models of heat transfer processes are usually studied using formulation that is unique in the mathematical sense. For example, in solving initial‐boundary value problems in conduction heat transfer, the mathematical model consists of the governing equation and initial and boundary conditions. An extension of such an approach by introducing the supplementary information (or data) concerning the process has been proposed here as a method for verifying the accuracy of the model equations. This means that the mathematical model consists of more equations than unknowns which leads in consequence to a finite set of probable solutions. A criterion for choosing the most probable solution has been proposed. Special attention has been paid to numerical formulation. Computational methods have been derived using the Lagrange multipliers. Theoretical considerations have been illustrated by computing the temperature distribution inside a laboratory combustion chamber.
Zinc hydrosulphite by three‐phase fluidization: Experiments and model
Authors: Sastri N. V. S. , Epstein N. , Hirata A. , Koshijima I. , Izumi M.
Published: January 2009

A cocurrent flow of pure gaseous SO2 and liquid H2O was used to fluidize particulate zinc in order to produce industrial concentrations of zinc hydrosulphite, ZnS2O4. Based on transport phenomena and reaction kinetics, measured concentration profiles of both absorbed SO2 and reacted Zn, as well as mean solid holdups, were best predicted by a combined bubble‐wake and axially dispersed plug flow model.
Prediction of residual capacity in thin adsorbers
Authors: Sacco Albert , Bac Nurcan , Hammarstrom Janet L. , Chung Bin
Published: January 2009

A simple reliable method to measure Residual Adsorption Capacity (RAC) of charcoal adsorbers on which a gas is physisorbed has been developed. The method consists of passing a pulse of weakly adsorbed gas(es) through the adsorption filter(s) and measuring the retention time. This retention time is then correlated to the residual adsorption capacity. In order to predict the retention time‐RAC relationship for filters with various configurations and bulk densities, this pulse test was mathematically modeled. The numerical solution of the model involved estimating the transport rate parameters, using existing correlations and the moment technique. A perturbation analysis indicated that the accuracy of the model is closely associated with the estimates of adsorption equilibrium constant and the intraparticle diffusion coefficient of the test gas. The model is shown to be accurate in predicting the RAC of an adsorber under dry and humid conditions from a limited data set.
Effect of ultrasonic energy on coal extraction by specific solvents
Authors: Cooke N. E. , Gaikwad R. P.
Published: January 2009

Coals of three different ranks have been extracted by four different solvents, namely, pyridine, quinoline, tetralin and tetrahydroquinoline while being irradiated with ultrasonic energy in the 60 kHz range.

The effect of initial particle size, coal rank and time of irradiation has been investigated.

The effect of temperature on the highest yield systems for a particular coal has also been studied at 30°, 45° and 65°C.
Flotation of uranium from uranium ores in canada: Part I‐flotation results with elliot lake uranium ores using chelating agents as collectors
Authors: Muthuswami S. V. , Vijayan S. , Woods D. R. , Banerjee S.
Published: January 2009

About 150 flotation tests were done on Elliot Lake ore with 15 reagents as collectors in order to screen and choose an attractive collector for uranium flotation. Several variables were studied including pH, conditioning time and mode of collector addition. The tests were done in a Denver or Agitair subacration cell. The particle size of the ore was kept at 85% below‐325 mesh. Three reagents (Kelex 100, TOPO, and cupferron) were identified as having the most promise. The best results were obtained with cupferron, where 93‐95% of the uranium was recovered in 25‐30% of the mass of original ore. Radium in the tails varied between 15 and 30 pCi/g depending on the mass of uranium floated. Radium was recovered in proportion to uranium in the tests done at neutral pH. The preconcentration results obtained by flotation alone were comparable to those obtained by Raicevic of CANMET using pyrite flotation and wet high intensity magnetic separation of uranium. The consumption of cupferron was 4 kg/Mg ore for each flotation stage. This was 10‐15 times larger than the collector usage in conventional oxide flotation. This scheme did not require other reagents as depressants, activators or modifiers. Reproducibility was good and similar recoveries were obtained with fresh or old ores, and with distilled or mine water. The selectivity of cupferron for uranium in the ore studied was outstanding.
Modified predominance area diagrams for the Fe‐S‐O system
Authors: Chakraborti N.
Published: January 2009

Using existing thermodynamic information predominance area diagrams were reconstructed for the Fe‐S‐O system. Isobar lines of constant total pressures of species in the vapor phase and the isopleths of constant O/S atomic ratios were added to the diagrams by solving multi‐component equilibria. The diagrams were constructed at temperatures typical of pyrometallurgical roasting operations and the present roasting practice was examined critically using these modified diagrams.
Effectiveness of detergent solutions
Authors: Bradacs L. K. , Schetelig W.
Published: January 2009

A laboratory method was developed to evaluate quantitatively the effectiveness of various detergent solutions in the removal of different types of soil from flat glass surfaces. The influence of temperature and detergent concentration on the cleaning process was studied.
Evaluation of butyl stearate, butyl oleate, butyl ricmoleate, and methyl lmoleate as poly(vinyl chloride) plasticizers
Authors: Riser G. R. , Bloom F. W. , Witnauer L. P.
Published: January 2009

An investigation of butyl stearate, butyl oleate, butyl rieinoleate, and methyl lmoleate was made to determine the extent of their compatibility with poly(vinyl chloride) and their plasticizing effects on the physical, properties of the resulting molded sheets. These monoesters were evaluated as the sole plasticizer and in combination with DOP. The results showed the materials to have limited compatibility in general, being less than 10% of the total mix. In combination with DOP these compounds were found to improve the plasticizer efficiency, color, low temperature flexibility, and heat stability of the molded poly (vinyl chloride) sheets over those containing DOP as the sole plasticizer. Tensile strength, per cent elongation, and light stability properties were essentially comparable to those found for pure DOP.
Measurement of solids in triglycerides using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Taylor J. R. , Pohle W. D. , Gregory R. L.
Published: January 2009

A rapid and accurate method using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is presented for determining the percentage of solids in fats and shortenings conditioned at selected temperatures or as received in the laboratory. This method provides more reliable information on the solids content of fatty materials than the empirical dilatometric solid fat index, and is applicable in the range of 50舑100% solids which is beyond the limit of the official solid fat index method.

The relationship between instrument response and actual solids present was determined on known mixtures of liquid and solid triglycerides. NMR and solid fat index (SFI) measurements were made on a series of commercial margarine oils of varying composition and consistency. Comparisons are presented giving the precision of the two techniques and the relationship between percentage of solids by the NMR technique and the solids fat index.