bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic Changes in Bone Marrow Progenitor Cells Influence the Inflammatory Phenotype and Alter Wound Healing in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Gallagher Katherine A. , Joshi Amrita , Carson William F. , Schaller Matthew , Allen Ronald , Mukerjee Sumanta , Kittan Nico , Feldman Eva L. , Henke Peter K. , Hogaboam Cory , Burant Charles F. , Kunkel Steven L.
Published: November 2014

Classically activated (M1) macrophages are known to play a role in the development of chronic inflammation associated with impaired wound healing in type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the mechanism responsible for the dominant proinflammatory (M1) macrophage phenotype in T2D wounds is unknown. Since epigenetic enzymes can direct macrophage phenotypes, we assessed the role of histone methylation in bone marrow (BM) stem/progenitor cells in the programming of macrophages toward a proinflammatory phenotype. We have found that a repressive histone methylation mark, H3K27me3, is decreased at the promoter of the IL-12 gene in BM progenitors and this epigenetic signature is passed down to wound macrophages in a murine model of glucose intolerance (diet-induced obese). These epigenetically “preprogrammed” macrophages result in poised macrophages in peripheral tissue and negatively impact wound repair. We found that in diabetic conditions the H3K27 demethylase Jmjd3 drives IL-12 production in macrophages and that IL-12 production can be modulated by inhibiting Jmjd3. Using human T2D tissue and murine models, we have identified a previously unrecognized mechanism by which macrophages are programmed toward a proinflammatory phenotype, establishing a pattern of unrestrained inflammation associated with nonhealing wounds. Hence, histone demethylase inhibitor–based therapy may represent a novel treatment option for diabetic wounds.
Unacylated Ghrelin Induces Oxidative Stress Resistance in a Glucose Intolerance and Peripheral Artery Disease Mouse Model by Restoring Endothelial Cell miR-126 Expression
Authors: Togliatto Gabriele , Trombetta Antonella , Dentelli Patrizia , Gallo Sara , Rosso Arturo , Cotogni Paolo , Granata Riccarda , Falcioni Rita , Delale Thomas , Ghigo Ezio , Brizzi Maria Felice
Published: November 2014

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are crucial in long-term diabetes complications, including peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this study, we have investigated the potential clinical impact of unacylated ghrelin (UnAG) in a glucose intolerance and PAD mouse model. We demonstrate that UnAG is able to protect skeletal muscle and endothelial cells (ECs) from ROS imbalance in hind limb ischemia–subjected ob/ob mice. This effect translates into reductions in hind limb functional impairment. We show that UnAG rescues sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity and superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD-2) expression in ECs. This leads to SIRT1-mediated p53 and histone 3 lysate 56 deacetylation and results in reduced EC senescence in vivo. We demonstrate, using small interfering RNA technology, that SIRT1 is also crucial for SOD-2 expression. UnAG also renews micro-RNA (miR)-126 expression, resulting in the posttranscriptional regulation of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 expression and a reduced number of infiltrating inflammatory cells in vivo. Loss-of-function experiments that target miR-126 demonstrate that miR-126 also controls SIRT1 and SOD-2 expression, thus confirming its role in driving UnAG-mediated EC protection against ROS imbalance. These results indicate that UnAG protects vessels from ROS imbalance in ob/ob mice by rescuing miR-126 expression, thus emphasizing its potential clinical impact in avoiding limb loss in PAD.
Global Biochemical Profiling Identifies β-Hydroxypyruvate as a Potential Mediator of Type 2 Diabetes in Mice and Humans
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Wang Songyan , Puhl Matthew D. , Jiang Xuntian , Hyrc Krzysztof L. , Laciny Erin , Wallendorf Michael J. , Pappan Kirk L. , Coyle Joseph T. , Wice Burton M.
Published: November 2014

Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 are incretins secreted by respective K and L enteroendocrine cells after eating and amplify glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). This amplification has been termed the “incretin response.” To determine the role(s) of K cells for the incretin response and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), diphtheria toxin–expressing (DT) mice that specifically lack GIP-producing cells were backcrossed five to eight times onto the diabetogenic NONcNZO10/Ltj background. As in humans with T2DM, DT mice lacked an incretin response, although GLP-1 release was maintained. With high-fat (HF) feeding, DT mice remained lean but developed T2DM, whereas wild-type mice developed obesity but not diabetes. Metabolomics identified biochemicals reflecting impaired glucose handling, insulin resistance, and diabetes complications in prediabetic DT/HF mice. β-Hydroxypyruvate and benzoate levels were increased and decreased, respectively, suggesting β-hydroxypyruvate production from d-serine. In vitro, β-hydroxypyruvate altered excitatory properties of myenteric neurons and reduced islet insulin content but not GSIS. β-Hydroxypyruvate–to–d-serine ratios were lower in humans with impaired glucose tolerance compared with normal glucose tolerance and T2DM. Earlier human studies unmasked a neural relay that amplifies GIP-mediated insulin secretion in a pattern reciprocal to β-hydroxypyruvate–to–d-serine ratios in all groups. Thus, K cells may maintain long-term function of neurons and β-cells by regulating β-hydroxypyruvate levels.
CD247, a Novel T Cell–Derived Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarker for Detecting Disease Progression and Severity in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Eldor Roy , Klieger Yair , Sade-Feldman Moshe , Vaknin Ilan , Varfolomeev Inna , Fuchs Camil , Baniyash Michal
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE

We have previously shown that chronic inflammation results in immunosuppression associated with CD247 downregulation in T lymphocytes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is known to be associated with chronic inflammation. We therefore sought to examine CD247 expression levels in patients with T2DM and to assess whether it can serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for disease complications and outcomes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Peripheral blood samples from 75 T2DM patients and 40 healthy control subjects were collected and analyzed for the expression level of CD247 in T lymphocytes. Subjects with T2DM underwent a medical interview with physical examination and were followed for an additional average of 19.2 ± 0.9 months to determine the occurrence of major adverse disease end points. The relationship between the level of CD247 expression and disease status at the time of blood draw and the ability of the marker to identify future complications was evaluated.

RESULTS

We observed a significant reduction in CD247 expression levels in T lymphocytes of T2DM patients when compared with healthy volunteers. CD247 downregulation was associated with disease severity, complications, and the occurrence of future cardiovascular events, suggesting its potential use not only as a diagnostic but also as a prognostic biomarker.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest the use of CD247 as a biomarker in diabetic patients for evaluating the state of chronic inflammation that contributes to morbidity and mortality in this disease and for the prediction of future cardiovascular events.
Glycemic Targets in the Second and Third Trimester of Pregnancy for Women With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Maresh Michael J.A. , Holmes Valerie A. , Patterson Christopher C. , Young Ian S. , Pearson Donald W.M. , Walker James D. , McCance David R.
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVE

To assess the relationship between second and third trimester glycemic control and adverse outcomes in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes, as uncertainty exists about optimum glycemic targets.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Pregnancy outcomes were assessed prospectively in 725 women with type 1 diabetes from the Diabetes and Pre-eclampsia Intervention Trial. HbA1c (A1C) values at 26 and 34 weeks’ gestation were categorized into five groups, the lowest, <6.0% (42 mmol/mol), being the reference. Average pre- and postprandial results from an eight-point capillary glucose profile the previous day were categorized into five groups, the lowest (preprandial <5.0 mmol/L and postprandial <6.0 mmol/L) being the reference.

RESULTS

An A1C of 6.0–6.4% (42–47 mmol/mol) at 26 weeks’ gestation was associated with a significantly increased risk of large for gestational age (LGA) (odds ratio 1.7 [95% CI 1.0–3.0]) and an A1C of 6.5–6.9% (48–52 mmol/mol) with a significantly increased risk of preterm delivery (odds ratio 2.5 [95% CI 1.3–4.8]), pre-eclampsia (4.3 [1.7–10.8]), need for a neonatal glucose infusion (2.9 [1.5–5.6]), and a composite adverse outcome (3.2 [1.3–8.0]). These risks increased progressively with increasing A1C. Results were similar at 34 weeks’ gestation. Glucose data showed less consistent trends, although the risk of a composite adverse outcome increased with preprandial glucose levels between 6.0 and 6.9 mmol/L at 34 weeks (3.3 [1.3–8.0]).

CONCLUSIONS

LGA increased significantly with an A1C ≥6.0 (42 mmol/mol) at 26 and 34 weeks' gestation and with other adverse outcomes with an A1C ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol). The data suggest that there is clinical utility in regular measurement of A1C during pregnancy.
Prioritization of the biomarkers to be analyzed in the French biomonitoring program
Authors: Fillol Clémence , Garnier Robert , Mullot Jean-Ulrich , Boudet Céline , Momas Isabelle , Salmi Louis Rachid , Vandentorren Stéphanie
Published: November 2014

The aim of this work was to develop a
comprehensive prioritization method to select the
biomarkers to be monitored in the French national
biomonitoring program. The first step consisted in
building an exhaustive list of biomarkers. The next step
involved prioritizing the initial list of biomarkers according
to specific scientific questions about human exposure
to chemicals in the environment, and meet logistical,
feasibility and budgetary constraints. The Delphi
consensus method was used to prioritize biomarkers and
was developed in three phases: i) the definition of relevant
criteria for selecting biomarkers; ii) the prioritization of the
biomarker list based on these criteria and iii) the validation
of the list by the stakeholders. Among the eight relevant
criteria for selecting biomarkers, hazard identification
and social perception were the highest-rated and lowestrated
criteria, respectively. After scoring each criterion
for each group of biomarkers, and discussing the relative
ranking of each group during a round table meeting, the final prioritized list obtained contained both historic (e.g.
dioxins or lead) and emerging substances (e.g. phthalates,
bisphenol A). Combining rigor and flexibility, our method
has clearly helped to build a prioritized list shared and
supported by many international actors.
Social Brand Engagement: A New Idea
Authors: Kozinets Robert V.
Published: November 2014

If “consumer brand engagement” is what happens in isolation, in a consumer’s own individual mind and thoughts, then “social brand engagement” is the diametrical opposite of this. Social brand engagement is a social act full of culture, meaning, language, and values. With social brand engagement, relationships widen from person-brand to person-person-brand.
This can take different forms. While some consumers remain passive, others act more or less creatively in favor of or against brands. Some marketers are happy with the forms of evangelizing in which consumers simply spread brand messages. But the most authentic and believable form of endorsement, and therefore the optimal state, is marked by the creative expression and use of the brand. Here, people play positively and socially with the brand. They view it as a valued and valuable cultural resource and such social brand engagement has meaningful social, creative and productive outcomes.
In successful social brand engagement, both consumers and producers play active roles, but one party has to take the lead. Companies have historically had major problems letting consumers take over some of their former responsibilities. For successful authentication to happen, however, putting consumers in the driver’s seat is sometimes—but certainly not always—necessary.
Creating Sustainable Digital Experiences
Authors: Kozinets Robert V.
Published: November 2014

Is the social media hype about being cool or about making money? For Adam Froman, the answer is easy: Marketers need to be very clear about how social media activity supports overall business strategy. Only if the digital experience fi ts into the whole customer journey will consumers become engaged and add value to the company … and only then will the social brand become cool.
Dynamic Positioning System for a Ship on Harbour Manoeuvring with Different Observers. Experimental Results
Authors: Tomera Mirosław
Published: November 2014

In cases when the navigational space of the manoeuvre performed by the ship is severely limited, the procedures making use of the rudder blade, propeller screw, and thrusters are very complicated. Such situations take place when the ship manoeuvres inside the harbour area and in those cases the structure of the control system is very complex. Te article describes the algorithm of multivariable control of ship motion over the water surface, which makes use of the state vector consisting of 6 variables. Tree of them, which are the position coordinates (x, y) measured by the DGPS system and the ship heading y measured by gyro-compass, were obtained experimentally. Te three remaining variables, which are the velocities in surge u, sway v, and yaw r directions, were estimated by Kalman filter, Kalman-Bucy filter and extended Kalman flter, respectively.

The control algorithms making use of these observers were examined using the training ship “Blue Lady” which was navigated on the lake Silm in Ilawa/Kamionka in the Ship Handling Research and Training Centre owned by the Foundation for Safety of Navigation and Environment Protection. Te experimental results obtained using control systems with three observers were finally compared between each other.
Numerical Simulation of Tonal and Broadband Hydrodynamic Noises of Non-Cavitating Underwater Propeller
Authors: Mousavi B. , Rahrovi A. , Kheradmand S.
Published: November 2014

The objective of the study was to carry out numerical simulation of the hydrodynamic noise generated by the flow around a non-cavitating underwater propeller. To achieve this goal, hydrodynamic simulation of flow around the propeller was initially done. Te unsteady 3-D flow was modelled numerically along with the LES turbulence model. Te hydrodynamic parameters calculated for different advance coefficients are visibly in line with the previous experimental works. Te turbulent quantities of the hydrodynamic study and the FWH model were used to find spectral distributions of flow noise for different advance coefficients. Te results of the acoustic investigation were compared against other numerical results. An array of 100 hydrophones was used to find the directional distribution of the noise around the propeller. Te obtained results indicate that, for different advance coefficients, the highest intensity of the noise recorded by different receivers around the propeller occurs in BPF. Furthermore, it has been found that the noise is directionally as well as intensively distributed around the propeller. Noise distributions of noise are presented and discussed for different regimes of propeller rotation. Te analysis of the expanded spectrum (broadband analysis) of noise on the propellers has also been done and the contribution of all parts of the propeller to hydrodynamic noise generation are presented.
Comments on Linear Summation Hypothesis of Fatigue Failures
Authors: Szala Grzegorz
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a comparative analysis of results of fatigue life calculations with the u se of the linear summation hypothesis of fatigue failures (LHSUZ), confronted with experimental test results. Te calculations and fatigue tests were performed for variable amplitude(VA), two-step and ten-step loading conditions, both in the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) and high-cycle fatigue (HCF) range, for the case of C45 steel as an example. Experimental verification of the hypothesis LHSUZ did not revealed any significant influence of load level and form of load spectrum on conformity of results of the calculation by using the LHSUZ, to results of fatigue tests on C45 steel. However, it enabled to assess magnitude of a correction factor which appears in the considered linear hypothesis.
Modeling Demand for Bikesharing Systems
Authors: Rudloff Christian , Lackner Bettina
Published: November 2014

Bikesharing systems are becoming popular all over the world. One of the remaining problems is that the rides are not uniformly distributed between stations and that certain stations fill up or empty over time. These empty and full stations lead to demand for bikes and return boxes (docks) that cannot be fulfilled; the situation leads to unsatisfied and possibly even lost customers. To avoid this situation, the provider redistributes bikes in the system. Although redistribution of bikes in such systems is well studied, the underlying demand has not yet been modeled to serve as an input to improve the redistribution. For this gap to be closed, demand for bikes and return boxes was modeled with data from the bikesharing system Citybike Wien in Vienna, Austria. In particular, the influence of weather and full or empty neighboring stations on demand was studied by using different count models. Furthermore, historic demand was used to show that forecasts from the model had improved. Last, the influence of new stations on the model parameters of a station and resultant structural breaks in the model were discussed.
Enhanced Imputation of GPS Traces Forcing Full or Partial Consistency in Activity Travel Sequences
Authors: Feng Tao , Timmermans Harry J. P.
Published: November 2014

Imputation of activity travel sequences from GPS data is dominantly based on epoch-level characteristics and land use data. This study showed that the accuracy of GPS data imputation can be improved by enforcing consistencies in transportation mode use across the day. In particular, a new algorithm was proposed to reduce misclassification error in imputed activity travel diaries. The suggested algorithm identified a hierarchical set of tours and superimposed logically consistent transportation modes at the tour level. Three methods, which maintain some degree of consistency while allowing different transportation modes within a tour, were examined. Method 1 identified the most probable transportation mode for each trip episode separately and then compared the modes across all segments of the tour. Method 2 selected the most probable mode across the whole travel episode. Method 3 selected the most likely main mode in the intermediate portion of a tour as the mode in all trip segments. All methods imputed transportation mode based on the highest number of epochs for which the predicted probability of that mode was the highest. The algorithm was examined by using GPS data recently collected in the Netherlands. Results showed that the new algorithm significantly improved the imputation accuracy of transportation modes. The enhanced algorithm, which partly relaxed the strict assumption of consistency, yielded results even closer to reality.
Safety and Security in Discretionary Travel Decision Making
Authors: Singleton Patrick A. , Wang Liming
Published: November 2014

Considerations of whether a travel alternative (e.g., mode, destination) affords a traveler an acceptable level of safety from traffic collisions and personal security from crime may be especially important for active modes of walking and bicycling. Although theory suggests that safety and security influence nonmotorized travel decision making, empirical evidence to support these hypotheses is inconclusive. In addition to measurement limitations and data constraints, safety and security concerns are often inadequately distinguished. This study advances knowledge in this area by analyzing objective safety and security measures within a mode–destination choice context. Discretionary trips from a Portland, Oregon, household travel survey were analyzed with a joint mode–destination choice multinomial logit model. Some measures of traffic safety—more comfortable facilities, sidewalks, traffic signals, and traffic calming installations—were positively associated with walking and bicycling. Measures of a lack of personal security (higher levels of crime) were negatively associated with walking, but this effect was countered by a positive interaction of origin–destination crime on walking. Age and gender rarely moderated these safety and security relationships. Although results provide tentative support of hypotheses on the relationship between safety and security and travel mode choice, more work is needed in this area. Measuring safety and security perceptions and applying more flexible structures for discrete choice modeling might be the most promising avenues for future research on the effects of safety and security in discretionary decision making of active travel. This analysis informs interventions to promote active travel and provides one way to include safety and security concerns in travel demand models.
Location-Based Social Networking Data
Authors: Jin Peter J. , Cebelak Meredith , Yang Fan , Zhang Jian , Walton C. Michael , Ran Bin
Published: November 2014

Trip distribution is an invaluable portion of the transportation planning process; this distribution leads to the creation of origin–destination (O-D) matrices. Location-based social networking (LBSN) has increased in popularity and sophistication and has emerged as a new travel demand data source. Users of LBSN provide location-sensitive data interactively with mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets. These data can provide O-D estimates with significantly higher temporal resolution at a much lower cost in comparison with traditional methods. An LBSN O-D estimation model based on the doubly constrained gravity model was proposed to improve a previously proposed model based on the singly constrained gravity model. The proposed methodology was calibrated and comparatively evaluated against the O-D matrix generated by the method based on the singly constrained gravity model as well as a reference matrix from the local metropolitan planning organization. The results of this method illustrate significant improvement in reducing the O-D estimation errors caused by the sampling bias from the method based on the singly constrained gravity model.
Multidimensional Indicator Analysis for Transport Policy Evaluation
Authors: Efthymiou Dimitrios , Farooq Bilal , Bierlaire Michel , Antoniou Constantinos
Published: November 2014

The need for forecasting the direct and indirect effects of land use and transport policies on society, the environment, and the local economy has led to the development of integrated land use and transport (LUTI) models. The land use and transport policy evaluation is based on point estimators of economic sustainability indicators, usually computed at an aggregate level (e.g., social welfare) despite the fact that the models and simulation are based on the individual. A methodology based on the strength of microsimulation in three dimensions (space, time, and agents) is presented. By multiple simulation runs of the LUTI model UrbanSim, the distributions of inequality and accessibility indicators in space and time were generated, and their variance was measured. The methodology was first applied in a base case scenario (in which the then current trend existed) of the Limmattal region including Zurich, Switzerland, and then on a public transport investment scenario. The results of the two scenarios were then compared on the basis of actual distributions rather than the mean point values of the indicators. The proposed methodology differed from the point-based policy evaluation frameworks in terms of details and insightfulness that could better support the process of informed decision making.
Characterizing the Composition of Economic Activities in Central Locations
Authors: Ravulaparthy Srinath K. , Goulias Konstadinos G.
Published: November 2014

This research draws on advances in spatial networks by representing a city as a weighted primal graph of a street network; this format takes into account the context of the location and its importance. The link-based multiple centrality indexes (L-MCIs) are introduced to represent location properties in terms of closeness, intermediacy, straightness, and accessibility to all other locations. The proposed methodology was built on concepts of the multiple centrality assessment model. Results from the L-MCIs clearly identified the major city centers in Santa Barbara County, California, on the basis of the geometric configuration of the network. Moreover, these centrality indexes also exhibited some unique properties that could be observed across other network structures. A clustering technique accounted for spatial dependence in centrality values across multiple spatial scales; this technique aided in classifying the region into locations of high centrality and low centrality. The novelty of this approach was further demonstrated in examining the relationship between the structural properties of the street network and spatial organization of economic activities in Santa Barbara County. Results from this study confirm that link-based network centrality indexes are important determinants of the spatial distribution of economic activities. Professional services and retail trade form a major proportion of economic activities in locations with very high centrality values, for example, downtown areas. Locations with high betweenness centrality values are especially attractive to retail trade activities, because they generate a greater potential for business opportunities. The results clearly revealed the presence of a core–periphery type of city model in Santa Barbara County.
Wildfire Evacuation Scenario in Colorado
Authors: de Araujo Maureen Paz , Lupa Mary R. , Casper Craig T. , Waters Bret
Published: November 2014

In late 2010, the City of Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments in Colorado completed a cooperative wildfire evacuation planning process. The process was supported by the simulation of wildfire evacuation scenarios with an adaptation of the Council of Governments’ four-step travel model. The adapted model was used to assess times to evacuate, identify choke points, and develop traffic control plans for identified at-risk neighborhoods. Evacuation simulations used a worst-case scenario in which the wildfire event took place during the p.m. peak traffic hour, and affected households were included in both background commuter traffic and neighborhood evacuation traffic. Link-based hourly volume-to-capacity ratios were used as a metric to estimate times to evacuate and to identify egress bottlenecks. Route closures, route restrictions, no-entry restrictions, and contraflow operations were evaluated as measures for inclusion in neighborhood-level traffic control plans. On Tuesday, June 26, 2012, the simulated worst case became reality. More than 34,000 persons were evacuated during the event, including 26,000 during the 6-h period between 15:30 and 21:30. Before the wildfire was fully contained, 18,247 acres had burned, 347 homes and other structures had been destroyed, and two people had died. That the no-notice, mandatory evacuation was as successful as it was can be attributed to extensive advance planning, the accuracy of modeled evacuation simulations, and the effectiveness of the final traffic control plans. This study examined how the model results were borne out by actual experience. Recommendations to improve no-notice evacuation planning from the perspective of lessons learned are presented.
Assessing the Impact of Transportation Policies on Fuel Consumption and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Using a Household Vehicle Fleet Simulator
Authors: Paleti Rajesh , Bhat Chandra R. , Pendyala Ram M. , Goulias Konstadinos G. , Adler Thomas J. , Bahreinian Aniss
Published: November 2014

The application of a comprehensive model system of vehicle fleet composition and evolution is described; this model system is capable of taking a base-year vehicle fleet and making it evolve over time in annual time steps through the events of vehicle disposal, replacement, and acquisition. The model system is sensitive to a host of socioeconomic, demographic, built environment, and vehicle technology and price variables; this sensitivity makes it ideally suited for such an application. Coupled with a demographic forecasting model system that causes the population to evolve over time, the vehicle evolution simulator is able to predict changes in vehicle fleet composition, miles of travel, fuel consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions under a wide range of scenarios. On the basis of the findings from this study, future technological innovations (e.g., increase of driving range) and pricing levels (doubling of gas cost) will have greater impacts on vehicle fleet composition, utilization, energy consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions than more incentive-based approaches such as free access to high-occupancy vehicle lanes for alternative-fuel vehicles.
Empirical Models of Demand Levels and Turn-In Rates at Roadside Rest Areas
Authors: Kay Jonathan , Gates Timothy J. , Savolainen Peter T. , McArthur Adam , Russo Brendan J.
Published: November 2014

Roadside rest areas provide valuable and convenient services to road users as well as tangible safety benefits. However, these benefits are not always enough to warrant the costs, and therefore these facilities are not always economically justified. As such, understanding the factors that affect rest area demand is important for transportation agencies to design and maintain these facilities efficiently within their jurisdictions. The effects of nearby comparable facilities and rest areas on the demand characteristics of roadside rest areas have not been well analyzed in previous literature. This paper presents the results of binary logistic regression and negative binomial regression models on the demand characteristics of 47 roadside rest areas in Michigan. These models were developed separately for passenger cars and commercial trucks because the decision-making processes for these types of road users were likely different. Key results include the finding that greater distances between rest areas and nearest upstream rest areas or comparable facilities lead to increases in both the number and proportion of vehicles entering roadside rest areas. In addition, as volumes increase on the adjacent roadway, the proportion of vehicles entering roadside rest areas decreases despite a greater number of entering vehicles.
Impact of Proposed Land Use and Transportation Investments on Future Travel Patterns in California
Authors: McFadden Andrew , Circella Giovanni , Haydu Brandon , Linesch Nicholas
Published: November 2014

This study investigated the potential changes in transportation patterns in California associated with the development of smart growth–inspired transportation and land use policies through the application of the California Statewide Travel Demand Model (CSTDM). California's SB (Senate Bill) 375 requires the state's metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to develop sustainable community strategies (SCS) in their regional transportation plans (RTPs) in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, among other environmental goals, through the integration of land use and transportation planning. Although some SCS were still under development at the time this study was conducted, some concerns had already been raised about whether these proposed policies would be able to achieve the proposed environmental targets. In this study, future transportation demand in California in 2035 was simulated through the application of the CSTDM and the simulation of policy scenarios inspired by the SCS developed before February 2014 by local MPOs. The study provides insights into how proposed land use changes and planned transportation investments would affect both regional and interregional mobility patterns in California. The expected impacts of the proposed policies were compared with a more conservative control scenario based on the previous RTPs developed by MPOs before the introduction of the SCS. Reductions of vehicle miles traveled per capita were predicted for all regions that had developed SCS, with greater reductions in larger metropolitan areas.
Considering the Feasibility of Semantic Model Design in the Built-Environment
Authors: Grzybek Hubert , Xu Shen , Gulliver Stephen , Fillingham Victoria
Published: November 2014

Building Information Modeling (BIM) is the process of structuring, capturing, creating, and managing a digital representation of physical and/or functional characteristics of a built space [1]. Current BIM has limited ability to represent dynamic semantics, social information, often failing to consider building activity, behavior and context; thus limiting integration with intelligent, built-environment management systems. Research, such as the development of Semantic Exchange Modules, and/or the linking of IFC with semantic web structures, demonstrates the need for building models to better support complex semantic functionality. To implement model semantics effectively, however, it is critical that model designers consider semantic information constructs. This paper discusses semantic models with relation to determining the most suitable information structure. We demonstrate how semantic rigidity can lead to significant long-term problems that can contribute to model failure. A sufficiently detailed feasibility study is advised to maximize the value from the semantic model. In addition we propose a set of questions, to be used during a model’s feasibility study, and guidelines to help assess the most suitable method for managing semantics in a built environment.
Multiscale Compression Entropy of Microvascular Blood FlowSignals: Comparison of Results from Laser Speckle Contrastand Laser Doppler Flowmetry Data in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Humeau-Heurtier Anne , Baumert Mathias , Mahé Guillaume , Abraham Pierre
Published: November 2014

Microvascular perfusion is commonly used to study the peripheral cardiovascular system. Microvascular blood flow can be continuously and non-invasively monitored with laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) or with laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF). These two optical-based techniques give perfusion values in arbitrary units. Our goal is to better understand the perfusion time series given by each technique. For this purpose, we propose a nonlinear complexity analysis of LSCI and LDF time series recorded simultaneously in nine healthy subjects. This is performed through the computation of their multiscale compression entropy. The results obtained with LSCI time series computed from different regions of interest (ROI) sizes are examined. Our findings show that, for LSCI and LDF time series, compression entropy values are less than one for all of the scales analyzed. This suggests that, for all scales, there are repetitive structures within the data fluctuations. Moreover, at the largest scales studied, LDF signals seem to have structures that are different from those Entropy 2014, 16 5778 of Gaussian white noise. By opposition, this is not observed for LSCI time series computed from small ROI sizes
Choked Flow Characteristics of Subcritical Refrigerant Flowing Through Converging-Diverging Nozzles
Authors: Zhang Zhenying , Tian Lili , Tong Lirui , Chen Yanhua
Published: November 2014

This paper presents the experimental results the choked flow characteristics of a subcritical refrigerant through a converging-diverging nozzle. A test nozzle with a throat diameter of 2 mm was designed and developed. The influence of operating conditions on the choked flow characteristics, i.e., the pressure profile and mass flow rate under choked flow conditions are investigated. The results indicate that the choked flow occurs in the flow of subcritical refrigerant through nozzles under the normal working conditions of air-conditioners or heat pumps. The pressure drop near the throat is about 80% of the total pressure drop through the nozzle. The critical mass flux is about 19,800 ~ 24,000 kg/(s·m2). The critical mass flow rate increases with increasing the upstream pressure and subcooling. Furthermore, the relative errors between the model predictions and the experimental results for the critical mass flux are also presented. It is found that the deviations of the predictions for homogeneous equilibrium model and Henry-Fauske model from the experimental values are −35% ~ 5% and 15% ~ 35%, respectively
Experimental Investigation of Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop Characteristics of H-type Finned Tube Banks
Authors: Chen Heng , Wang Yungang , Zhao Qinxin , Ma Haidong , Li Yuxin , Chen Zhongya
Published: November 2014

H-type finned tube heat exchanger elements maintain a high capacity for heat transfer, possess superior self-cleaning properties and retain the ability to effect flue gas waste heat recovery in boiler renovations. In this paper, the heat transfer and pressure drop characteristics of H-type finned tube banks are studied via an experimental open high-temperature wind tunnel system. The effects of fin width, fin height, fin pitch and air velocity on fin efficiency, convective heat transfer coefficient, integrated heat transfer capacity and pressure drop are examined. The results indicate that as air velocity, fin height and fin width increase, fin efficiency decreases. Convective heat transfer coefficient is proportional to fin pitch, but inversely proportional to fin height and fin width. Integrated heat transfer capacity is related to fin efficiency, convective heat transfer coefficient and finned ratio. Pressure drop increases with the increase of fin height and fin width. Finally, predictive correlations of fin efficiency, Nusselt number and Euler Number are developed based on the experimental data.
Design of High Performance Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Wind Generators
Authors: Hsiao Chun-Yu , Yeh Sheng-Nian , Hwang Jonq-Chin
Published: November 2014

This paper is devoted to the analysis and design of high performance permanent-magnet synchronous wind generators (PSWGs). A systematic and sequential methodology for the design of PMSGs is proposed with a high performance wind generator as a design model. Aiming at high induced voltage, low harmonic distortion as well as high generator efficiency, optimal generator parameters such as pole-arc to pole-pitch ratio and stator-slot-shoes dimension, etc. are determined with the proposed technique using Maxwell 2-D, Matlab software and the Taguchi method. The proposed double three-phase and six-phase winding configurations, which consist of six windings in the stator, can provide evenly distributed current for versatile applications regarding the voltage and current demands for practical consideration. Specifically, windings are connected in series to increase the output voltage at low wind speed, and in parallel during high wind speed to generate electricity even when either one winding fails, thereby enhancing the reliability as well. A PMSG is designed and implemented based on the proposed method. When the simulation is performed with a 6 Ω load, the output power for the double three-phase winding and six-phase winding are correspondingly 10.64 and 11.13 kW. In addition, 24 Ω load experiments show that the efficiencies of double three-phase winding and six-phase winding are 96.56% and 98.54%, respectively, verifying the proposed high performance operation.
The Encounter of Nursing and the Clinical Humanities: Nursing Education and the Spirit of Healing
Authors: Yu An-bang
Published: November 2014

Practicing the clinical humanities requires throwing oneself into the unpredictable locus of suffering, where one is unable to infer the actual situation of the other, a process which fosters self-disclosure. By using the term “clinical humanities” we are attempting to free the humanities and social sciences from their self-imposed boundaries which have brought them to their current dispirited condition. Bringing the depth of the humanities and social sciences into the clinical field in the service of relieving suffering and setting up a humanities support network will help the humanities renew itself by listening attentively to the great amount of suffering in the world. Conceived in this way, the clinical humanities has its own methodology and way of generating insight, and also has a unique contribution to make to the amelioration of suffering in all its forms. In moving beyond their current condition and into the clinical field, the humanities and social sciences take on a new conceptual framework and a distinctive rhythm. From this perspective, the encounter between nursing and the clinical humanities might be seen as the unlikely meeting of fundamentally different and incompatible fields. Indeed, the humanities and social sciences may seem quite alien to nursing and clinical practice. In this paper I explore diverse aspects of the clinical humanities and how they can be applied to nursing and nursing education. I also investigate some innovative perspectives on healing and the clinical humanities and the implications they have for nursing and nursing education.
Effects of Bofu-Tsusho-San on Diabetes and Hyperlipidemia Associated with AMP-Activated Protein Kinase and Glucose Transporter 4 in High-Fat-Fed Mice
Authors: Lin Cheng-Hsiu , Kuo Yueh-Hsiung , Shih Chun-Ching
Published: November 2014

This study was undertaken to examine the effect and mechanism of Bofu-tsusho-san formula (BO) on hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and in mice fed with a high-fat (HF) diet. The C57BL/6J mice were received control/HF diet for 12 weeks, and oral administration of BO (at three doses) or rosiglitazone (Rosi) or vehicle for the last 4 weeks. Blood, skeletal muscle and tissues were examined by means of measuring glycaemia and dyslipidaemia-associated events. BO treatment effectively prevented HF diet-induced increases in the levels of triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA) and leptin (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively). BO treatment exhibited reduced both visceral fat mass and hepatic triacylglycerol content; moreover, BO treatment displayed significantly decreased both the average area of the cut of adipocytes and ballooning of hepatocytes. BO treatment exerted increased the protein contents of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) in skeletal muscle, and caused lowered blood glucose levels. BO treatment displayed increased levels of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in both skeletal muscle and liver tissue. Furthermore, BO reduced the hepatic expression of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) and phosphenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose production. Therefore, it is possible that the activation of AMPK by BO leads to diminished gluconeogenesis in liver tissue. BO increased hepatic expressions of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), whereas down-regulating decreasing expressions of fatty acid synthesis, including sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c (SREBP1c) and fatty acid synthase (FAS), resulting in a decrease in circulating triglycerides. This study originally provides the evidence that amelioration of dyslipidemic and diabetic state by BO in HF-fed mice occurred by regulation of GLUT4, SREBP1c, FAS, PPARα, adiponectin and AMPK phosphorylation.
Cytotoxic Sesterterpenoids Isolated from the Marine Sponge Scalarispongia sp.
Authors: Lee Yeon-Ju , Lee Jeong-Woo , Lee Dong-Geun , Lee Hyi-Seung , Kang Jong , Yun Jieun
Published: November 2014

Eight scalarane sesterterpenoids, including four new compounds, were isolated from the marine sponge Scalarispongia sp. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by 2D-NMR and HRMS analyses. All of the isolated compounds, with the exception of 16-O-deacetyl-12,16-epi-scalarolbutanolide, showed significant in vitro cytotoxicity (GI50 values down to 5.2 μM) against six human cancer cell lines.
Molecular Science for Drug Development and Biomedicine
Authors: Zhong Wei-Zhu , Zhou Shu-Feng
Published: November 2014

With the avalanche of biological sequences generated in the postgenomic age, molecular science is facing an unprecedented challenge, i.e., how to timely utilize the huge amount of data to benefit human beings. Stimulated by such a challenge, a rapid development has taken place in molecular science, particularly in the areas associated with drug development and biomedicine, both experimental and theoretical. The current thematic issue was launched with the focus on the topic of “Molecular Science for Drug Development and Biomedicine”, in hopes to further stimulate more useful techniques and findings from various approaches of molecular science for drug development and biomedicine.[...]
Spectrum-Effect Relationships as a Systematic Approach to Traditional Chinese Medicine Research: Current Status and Future Perspectives
Authors: Xu Guan-Ling , Xie Meng , Yang Xiao-Yan , Song Yan , Yan Cheng , Yang Yue , Zhang Xia , Liu Zi-Zhen , Tian Yu-Xin , Wang Yan , Jiang Rui , Liu Wei-Rui , Wang Xiao-Hong , She Gai-Mei
Published: November 2014

Component fingerprints are a recognized method used worldwide to evaluate the quality of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). To foster the strengths and circumvent the weaknesses of the fingerprint technique in TCM, spectrum-effect relationships would complementarily clarify the nature of pharmacodynamic effects in the practice of TCM. The application of the spectrum-effect relationship method is crucial for understanding and interpreting TCM development, especially in the view of the trends towards TCM modernization and standardization. The basic requirement for using this method is in-depth knowledge of the active material basis and mechanisms of action. It is a novel and effective approach to study TCMs and great progress has been made, but to make it more accurate for TCM research purposes, more efforts are needed. In this review, the authors summarize the current knowledge about the spectrum-effect relationship method, including the fingerprint methods, pharmacodynamics studies and the methods of establishing relationships between the fingerprints and pharmacodynamics. Some speculation regarding future perspectives for spectrum-effect relationship approaches in TCM modernization and standardization are also proposed.