bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Assessment for Distribution Systems Using a Developed PEM-Based Method Considering Wind and Photovoltaic Power Distribution
Authors: Gong Qingwu , Lei Jiazhi
Published: January 2017

the intermittency and variability of these permeated Distributed Generators (DGs) could critically cause many security and economy risks to distribution systems. This paper applied a certain mathematical distribution to imitate the output variability and uncertainty of DGs. And then, four risk indices EENS, PLC, EFLC and SI were established to reflect the system risk level of distribution system. For the certain mathematical distribution of the DGs' output power, a developed PEM (point estimate method)-based method was proposed to calculate these four system risk indices. In this developed PEM-based method, enumeration method was used to list the states of distribution systems, an improved PEM was presented to deal with the uncertainties of DGs and the value of load curtailment in distribution systems was calculated by an optimal power flow algorithm. Finally, the effectiveness and advantages of this proposed PEM-based method for distribution system assessment were verified by the tests of a modified IEEE 30-bus system. Simulation results have shown that this proposed PEM-based method has a high computational accuracy and highly reduced computational costs compared with other risk assessment methods and is very effective for risk assessments.
Explicit and Exact Traveling Wave Solutions of Cahn Allen Equation Using MSE Method
Authors: Roshid Harun-Or- , Ali M. Zulfikar , Islam Md. Rafiqul
Published: January 2017

By using Modified simple equation method, we study the Cahn Allen equation which arises in many scientific applications such as mathematical biology, quantum mechanics and plasma physics. As a result, the existence of solitary wave solutions of the Cahn Allen equation is obtained. Exact explicit solutions interms of hyperbolic solutions of the associated Cahn Allen equation are characterized with some free parameters. Finally, the variety of structure and graphical representation make the dynamics of the equations visible and provides the mathematical foundation in mathematical biology, quantum mechanics and plasma physics.
Reorientational Proximal Femoral Osteotomies for Arthrogrypotic Hip Contractures
Authors: van Bosse Harold Jacob Pieter , Saldana Roger E.
Published: January 2017

Background:

Severe hip contractures in arthrogrypsosis are multiplanar, which can preclude or can greatly complicate sitting and ambulation. The reorientational osteotomy at the intertrochanteric level preserves preoperative hip motion but moves it to a more functional domain. We retrospectively compared preoperative and postoperative hip motion and evaluated the ambulatory abilities of patients who underwent the procedure.

Methods:

Since 2008, 65 patients with arthrogryposis had 119 reorientational proximal femoral osteotomies with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The mean patient age at the time of the surgical procedure was 48 months. An intertrochanteric wedge osteotomy aligned the femoral shaft with the body axis, leaving the hip joint in its preexisting position. A cannulated hip blade plate was used for fixation. Hip motions were recorded preoperatively, at implant removal, and at the time of the latest follow-up, as was ambulatory ability.

Results:

Eighty-one hips had a mean flexion contracture of 52° preoperatively, which improved by 35°; 84 hips with a mean preoperative adduction of −20° improved by 42°; 101 hips with a mean preoperative internal rotation of −16° improved by 35° (p < 0.0001 for all). The flexion-extension total arc of motion for the 119 hips improved by 13° (p < 0.0001). Only 11 of 94 hips that preoperatively flexed ≥90° did not do so postoperatively, but none of the patients reported seating difficulties and one of the patients had already regained hip flexion of >90° by a soft-tissue release. At a mean follow-up of 40 months, 36 patients were independently ambulatory and 20 patients were walker-dependent.

Conclusions:

Children with arthrogryposis often have the potential for ambulation if the limb positioning can be optimized. The reorientational hip osteotomy corrects the hip contractures by altering the range of motion but not the total arc of motion.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
ORIF or Arthroplasty for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures in Patients Younger Than 65 Years Old
Authors: Swart Eric , Roulette Paulvalery , Leas Daniel , Bozic Kevin J. , Karunakar Madhav
Published: January 2017

Background:

The decision between open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and arthroplasty for a displaced femoral neck fracture in a patient ≤65 years old can be challenging. Both options have potential drawbacks; if a fracture treated with ORIF fails to heal it may require a revision operation, whereas a relatively young patient who undergoes arthroplasty may need revision within his/her lifetime. The purpose of this study was to employ decision analysis modeling techniques to generate evidence-based treatment recommendations in this clinical scenario.

Methods:

A Markov decision analytic model was created to simulate outcomes after ORIF, total hip arthroplasty (THA), or hemiarthroplasty in patients who had sustained a displaced femoral neck fracture between the ages of 40 and 65 years. The variables in the model were populated with values from studies with high-level evidence and from national registry data reported in the literature. The model was used to estimate the threshold age above which THA would be the superior strategy. Results were tested using sensitivity analysis and probabilistic statistical analysis.

Results:

THA was found to be a cost-effective option for a displaced femoral neck fracture in an otherwise healthy patient who is >54 years old, a patient with mild comorbidity who is >47 years old, and a patient with multiple comorbidities who is >44 years old. The average clinical outcomes of THA and ORIF were similar for patients 40 to 65 years old, although ORIF had a wider variability in outcomes based on the success or failure of the initial fixation. For all ages and cases, hemiarthroplasty was associated with worse outcomes and higher costs.

Conclusions:

Compared with ORIF, primary THA can be a cost-effective treatment for displaced femoral neck fractures in patients 45 to 65 years of age, with the age cutoff favoring THA decreasing as the medical comorbidity and risk of ORIF fixation failure increase. Hemiarthroplasty has worse outcomes at higher costs and is not recommended in this age group.

Level of Evidence:

Economic and decision analysis Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Promotion through Marketing Channels – The Case of Kosovo
Authors: Karaxha MSc. Hidajet , Tolaj MSc. Sejd , Kristo Dr.Sc. Ilia
Published: January 2017

In order for a product to be put in the hands of the customer, requires a mechanism which is called distribution channel and which enables the connection between the consumer and producer. One of the many strategies applied by Kosovar companies for the involvement of the members of the channel is also the promotion through distribution channels. Therefore, the strategies which involve the members of the channel have a higher probability to be positively accepted by the members of the channel, when they are part of a general program of supporting the needs of the producers. The process of realizing a marketing strategy of a company does not concise only of achieving specific goals of production during the realization of the promotion phase, but it also requires identifying the target market and achieving it. The purpose of this paper is to review the promotion strategy of distribution channels, which emphasize the support by the members of the channel, initiated by the producers through cooperative advertisements, promotional salaries, slotting taxes, incentives, promotions in markets and also special promotional agreements. The theoretical and practical side of the study are very important, especially regarding to new theoretical and practical views in the study context. Besides the theoretical contribution that will be offered by this paper, there will also be interesting findings in the practical aspect where through this paper, the owners, managers, firms will be able to understand the role and importance of promotion through distribution channels. Knowing that there are only few studies offered in this field, this paper offers help for everyone interested in this field. This paper contains empirical data collected by questionnaires and interviews.
Destruction of illegal things and devices to contrast the counterfeiting
Authors: Antinucci Dr.Sc. Mario
Published: January 2017

The movement of goods illegal and counterfeit in the circuit of the economy and the labor market, has put in place of criminal policy internal supranational and a primary need of confiscation and destruction in relation to safety issues transnational linked to all forms of counterfeiting, piracy agro-food to fraud in industrial brands of high fashion et similia: from here the major node of the procedure of destruction of goods illegal and counterfeit subject to seizure and confiscation and respect of guarantees communities of the criminal process, especially in the light of the amendment of art. 260, co. 3 bis and ter, c.p.p. with the d.l. 23-5-2008, n. 92 and subsequent amendments (so-called Safety Package). In line with the criminal policy of ''security'', in l. 23-7-2009, n. 99, the so-called Decree Development, between the ''darrangements for the development and the internationalization of enterprises, as well as in the field of energy'' and  wanted to redesign, with analytical provisions of particular edge, the perimeter of the criminal-law protection ''Dei property rights industrial'' through the introduction of four new hypothesis of offenses of counterfeiting (artt. 473, 474, 474 b and c, 517 b and c, c.p.) and related hypothesis of obligatory confiscation (art. 474 bis and 517 ter c.p.), with implications concerning the regime differentiated penitentiary (art. 4 bis, co. 1 ter, ord. penit.) in relation to the cases of belonging to criminal association aimed to commit new offenses referred to in articles 473-474 c.p. (arts. 416 bis, 6º Co., c.p. and 51, co. 3 bis, c.p.p.), as well as the regulatory body containing the so-called ''responsability of administrative entities'', within the meaning of art. 19, d.lg. 8-6-2001, n. 231.
An Approach to Identifying Bird Songs: A Key to more than 300 Songs in the Pipeline Road Area, Soberanía National Park, Panama
Authors: Livezey Kent
Published: January 2017

Background:

Identifying bird songs is an integral part of censusing, watching, and enjoying birds. However, doing so can be difficult due to the large variety of songs and, often, subtle differences among them. One way to facilitate this is to place songs into a descriptive key, thereby analyzing each song as well as identifying similarities and differences among songs.

Objective:

Here I present a key to bird songs in a bird-rich location in and adjacent to the Pipeline Road area, Soberanía National Park, Panama, to help researchers and birders in Panama identify and learn these songs, and, more importantly, to provide a model for a key to aid in the analysis and characterization of bird songs in other areas.

Methods:

After an unfruitful attempt to find a key I could use as a template, I developed an order of choices that groups similar songs, eliminates duplication, and optimizes the probability of correctly identifying them. The order is: trill or churr, slur (for songs that do not trill or churr), tempo, pitch, and other pertinent attributes. I followed a published system of descriptive units of bird songs (i.e., element, phrase, section) and gleaned from many sources how to describe various aspects of bird songs (e.g., pitch, quality, tempo). Definitions of terms and final choices are linked to recordings of songs available in www.xeno-canto.org.

Results:

This key includes 321 songs of 216 species in the intact rainforest along southern Pipeline Road and the fragmented forests and wetlands adjacent to the southern entrance to Pipeline Road. These songs include all but the most rarely heard songs of the area.

Conclusion:

This key is the first example of a descriptive key to bird songs in Central or South America, and is unique in at least the western hemisphere in its large scope, ordering of choices, and use of links to xeno-canto. It also provides a model for the construction of keys for bird songs in other areas. In addition, this work describes and utilizes many aspects of bird songs that, if employed, can improve your abilities to listen to, remember, and differentiate among songs.
CJASN: Turning the Page
Authors: Mehrotra Rajnish
Published: January 2017

Podcast

This article contains a podcast at https://www.asn-online.org/media/podcast/CJASN/2017_01_06_Mehrotra.mp3
Lucan, Reception, Counter-history
Authors: Willis Ika
Published: January 2017

This paper reads Foucault’s 1975-6 lecture series Society Must Be Defended. It argues that the notion of counter-history developed in these lectures depends on a particular construction of Rome, as that which counter-history counters. Foucault’s version of Rome in turn depends on a surprisingly conventional reading of two monumental histories (Livy’s Ab Urbe Condita and Virgil’s Aeneid) as ‘the praise of Rome’. Reading Foucault’s work instead with Lucan’s Pharsalia renders visible a counter-history within Rome itself. This reading demonstrates the ways in which reception theory can usefully illuminate and supplement Foucauldian genealogy as a critical-historical method.
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Authors: Bivar C. Campos Roberta
Published: January 2017

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Authors: Dos Anjos José Carlos Gomes
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Authors: Dos Anjos José Carlos Gomes
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Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of novel benzofuran- and thiophene-containing diketoxime derivatives
Authors: Coskun Demet , Gur Seher , Coskun Mehmet
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study was the preparation of 1,1?-(2,5-thiophenediyl) bis[1-(2-benzofuranyl)methanone] (2), the corresponding diketoxime (3), and the ether and ester derivatives (4a?e) of the diketoxime. These compounds were prepared in good yields. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the synthesized compounds 1?4 were determined against Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Among the synthesized compounds, 1 and 4e showed good activity against E. coli, S. enterica and S. aureus.
Adsorption of strontium on different sodium-enriched bentonites
Authors: Marinovic Sanja , Ajdukovic Marija , Jovic-Jovicic Natasa , Mudrinic Tihana , Nedic-Vasiljevic Bojana , Bankovic Predrag , Milutinovic-Nikolic Aleksandra
Published: January 2017

Bentonites from three different deposits (Wyoming, TX, USA and Bogovina, Serbia) with similar cation exchange capacities were sodium enriched and tested as adsorbents for Sr2+ in aqueous solutions. X-Ray diffraction analysis confirmed successful Na-exchange. The textural properties of the bentonite samples were determined using low-temperature the nitrogen physisorption method. Significant differences in the textural properties between the different sodium enriched bentonites were found. Adsorption was investigated with respect to adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time and the initial concentration of Sr2+. The adsorption capacity increased with pH. In the pH range from 4.0?8.5, the amount of adsorbed Sr2+ was almost constant but 2?3 times smaller than at pH ?11. Further experiments were performed at the unadjusted pH since extreme alkaline conditions are environmentally hostile and inapplicable in real systems. The adsorption capacity of all the investigated adsorbents toward Sr2+ was similar under the investigated conditions, regardless of significant differences in the specific surface areas. It was shown and confirmed by the Dubinin?Radushkevich model that the cation exchange mechanism was the dominant mechanism of Sr2+ adsorption. Their developed microporous structures contributed to the Sr2+ adsorption process. The adsorption kinetics obeyed the pseudo-second-order model. The isotherm data were best fitted with the Langmuir isotherm model.
Dissolution behaviour of a polyphosphate glass in simulated body fluid
Authors: Nikolic Jelena , Tosic Mihajlo , Grujic Snezana , Zivanovic Vladimir , Djosic Marija , Matijasevic Srdjan , Smiljanic Sonja
Published: January 2017

In this work, the dissolution behavior of a polyphosphate glass, with the composition 45P2O5?3SiO2?25K2O?15CaO?10MgO?ZnO?MnO (mol %), in simulated body fluid (SBF) at a temperature of 37 ?C for different times was studied. Two powder sizes of the glass (granulation: 0.1?0.3 and 0.3?0.65 mm) and the bulk glass were investigated. The dissolution experiments were conducted under stationary conditions. Changes in the normalized mass release, normalized concentration of ions, pH values, and surface morphology were determined as a function of the dissolution time. The initial rates of glass powder dissolution and leaching of ions, as well as the diffusion coefficient of cations and the releasing rate of ions, during the hydrolysis process of glass were determined. It was shown that the investigated phosphate glass dissolves in SBF incongruently, with neither precipitation nor the formation of newly potentially toxic compounds, in a dissolution period 720 h.
Molecular designing of nanoparticles and functional materials
Authors: Ignjatovic Nenad , Markovic Smilja , Jugovic Dragana , Uskokovic Dragan
Published: January 2017

The interdisciplinary research team implemented the program titled ?Molecular designing of nanoparticles with controlled morphological and physicochemical characteristics and functional materials based on them? (MODENAFUNA), between 2011 and 2016, gaining new knowledge significant to the further improvement of nanomaterials and nanotechnologies. It gathered under its umbrella six main interrelated topics pertaining to the design and control of morphological and physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and functional material based on them using new methods of synthesis and processing: 1) inorganic nanoparticles, 2) cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, 3) functional ceramics with improved electrical and optical properties, 4) full density nanostructured calcium phosphate and functionally-graded materials, 5) nano-calcium phosphate in bone tissue engineering and 6) biodegradable micro- and nano-particles for the controlled delivery of medicaments.
The Financial Crisis and Corporate Credit Ratings
Authors: deHaan Ed
Published: January 2017

Credit ratings on many financial instruments failed to accurately portray default risk before the global financial crisis. I find no decline in the performance of corporate credit ratings during or after the crisis, indicating that the failures of ratings on financial instruments were due to conditions unique to the rating agencies' financial instruments divisions. Rather, the preponderance of tests indicate that corporate credit rating performance improves after the crisis, consistent with the rating agencies positively responding to public criticism and regulatory pressures. At the same time, I find evidence of sophisticated market participants decreasing their reliance on corporate credit ratings after the crisis. Consistent with theoretical models of reputation cyclicality, a likely explanation is that the rating agencies suffer spillover reputation damage from their failed ratings on financial instruments. My study informs regulators, practitioners, and academics about the performance of corporate credit ratings during and after the crisis, and provides novel empirical evidence consistent with reputation concerns affecting credit rating usage decisions.
Corporate Social Responsibility Performance and Outsourcing: The Case of the Bangladesh Tragedy
Authors: Paik Gyung H. (Daniel) , Lee Byunghwan (Brandon) , Krumwiede Kip R.
Published: January 2017

Multinational firms frequently outsource the manufacturing of their products to factories in less-developed countries to take advantage of much lower labor costs. A tragic disaster occurred in Bangladesh in April 2013 when a clothing factory building collapsed, killing more than 1,000 workers. Subsequently, textile companies in the U.S. and in Europe that outsource their manufacturing in Bangladesh had to decide whether to commit to better working conditions by signing one of two worker safety agreements (WSAs) born from the aftermath of the tragedy. Although many firms signed one of these agreements, many more did not. This study explores the relationship between an actual corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment and firm performance using a sample of companies that signed one of the WSAs after the Bangladesh disaster and those that did not. The results suggest that the decision to sign is positively associated with social visibility, prior CSR performance, and impact in stock price after the tragedy. Regarding subsequent performance, investors favorably responded to the news of firms' signing the WSA agreement.
Twitter analysis of the orthodontic patient experience with braces vs Invisalign
Authors: Noll Daniel , Mahon Brendan , Shroff Bhavna , Carrico Caroline , Lindauer Steven J.
Published: January 2017

Objective:

To examine the orthodontic patient experience having braces compared with Invisalign by means of a large-scale Twitter sentiment analysis.

Materials and Methods:

A custom data collection program was created that collected tweets containing the words “braces” or “Invisalign” for a period of 5 months. A hierarchal Naïve Bayes sentiment analysis classifier was developed to sort the tweets into five categories: positive, negative, neutral, advertisement, or not applicable. Each category was then analyzed for specific content.

Results:

A total of 419,363 tweets applicable to orthodontics were collected. Users posted significantly more positive tweets (61%) than they did negative tweets (39%; P ≤ .0001). There was no significant difference in the distribution of positive and negative sentiment between braces and Invisalign tweets (P = .4189). Positive orthodontics-related tweets often highlighted gratitude for a great smile accompanied with selfies. Negative orthodontic tweets frequently focused on pain.

Conclusion:

Twitter users expressed more positive than negative sentiment about orthodontic treatment with no significant difference in sentiment between braces and Invisalign tweets.
Neuromuscular blockade and inspiratory breath hold during stereotactic body radiation therapy for treatment of heart base tumors in four dogs
Authors: Kelsey Krista L. , Kubicek Lyndsay N. , Bacon Nicholas J. , Torres Terry , Robertson Sheilah A.
Published: January 2017

CASE DESCRIPTION 4 dogs were examined because of pleural effusion and ventricular tachycardia, coughing and supraventricular tachycardia, appendicular osteosarcoma, and syncopal episodes.

CLINICAL FINDINGS In all 4 dogs, a heart base tumor was identified by means of thoracic CT.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME In all 4 dogs, the heart base tumors were treated by means of stereotactic body radiation therapy. Dogs were anesthetized, and neuromuscular blockade was achieved with atracurium or vecuronium. A circle rebreathing system with 15 m (50 feet) of anesthetic tubing coursing through the vault wall was used to connect the patient to the anesthesia machine, which was located in the control room. After a brief period of hyperventilation, an inspiratory breath was held at 20 cm H2O for the duration of beam delivery. Each beam delivery lasted between 30 and 100 seconds. Immediately following the breath hold, assisted ventilation was resumed. Mean treatment delivery time for each patient was 26 minutes; mean total anesthesia time was 89 minutes. All patients recovered without complications. There was no evidence of hemoglobin desaturation or hypercapnia during the anesthetic procedure.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE The technique allowed for control of the respiration cycle from outside the radiation vault and a short overall treatment time. No adverse effects were encountered. This procedure should be considered when delivering radiation to structures within the thoracic cavity.
Povidone iodine sclerotherapy for treatment of idiopathic renal hematuria in two dogs
Authors: Adelman Lauren B. , Bartges Joseph , Whittemore Jacqueline C.
Published: January 2017

CASE DESCRIPTION A 6-year-old spayed female Great Pyrenees (dog 1) and a 2-year-old spayed female German Shepherd Dog (dog 2) were evaluated because of gross hematuria of 5 and 2 months' duration, respectively.

CLINICAL FINDINGS In both dogs, coagulation times were within reference limits, results of aerobic bacterial culture of urine samples were negative, echogenic debris could be seen within the urinary bladder ultrasonographically, and hematuric urine could be seen exiting the right ureterovesicular junction, with grossly normal urine exiting the left ureterovesicular junction, during cystoscopy. A diagnosis of idiopathic renal hematuria was made in both dogs.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Both dogs underwent retrograde ureteropyelography, unilateral povidone iodine sclerotherapy, and ureteral stent placement. The right ureter was occluded with a ureteropelvic junction balloon catheter, and a 5% povidone iodine solution was infused into the renal pelvis 3 times. A double-pigtail ureteral stent was then placed. Both dogs recovered without complications, with cessation of gross hematuria within 12 hours. Cystoscopic removal of the ureteral stent was performed in dog 1 after 4 months; at that time, the urine sediment contained 5 to 10 RBCs/hpf. In dog 2, urine sediment contained 50 to 75 RBCs/hpf 2 weeks after sclerotherapy, with continued resolution of gross hematuria 8 weeks after sclerotherapy. The owners declined removal of the stent in dog 2.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE Findings suggested that povidone iodine sclerotherapy may be an effective renal-sparing treatment for idiopathic renal hematuria in dogs. Further evaluation with longer follow-up times is warranted.
Use of a subdermal plexus flap to reconstruct an upper eyelid following radical tumor resection in a cat
Authors: Dias Filipe C. , Danielski Alan , Forster Kate , Williams David L.
Published: January 2017

CASE DESCRIPTION A 15-year-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was examined for treatment of a recurrent neoplastic mass in the left upper eyelid that had been excised 6 months earlier by the referring veterinarian.

CLINICAL FINDINGS An apparently nonpainful firm cutaneous mass (approx 2 × 2 mm) was located on the lateral third of the left upper eyelid near the scar from the previous surgical excision.

TREATMENT AND OUTCOME Approximately one-third of the left upper lip was used as a subdermal plexus (lip-to-lid) flap to cover the defect created by en bloc excision of the eyelid mass. A bridge incision between the donor and recipient sites was used so that the eyelid could be reconstructed in 1 procedure. Histologic evaluation confirmed that the mass had been completely excised. Both the donor and recipient flap sites healed well without complications. The procedure resulted in excellent functional and cosmetic results with no recurrence of the mass at 14 months after surgery.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE The described lip-to-lid technique was a simple 1-stage method for reconstructing an upper eyelid of a cat following radical tumor resection that provided excellent functional and cosmetic results.
Madhuca Longifolia Flowers for High Yields of Bio-Ethanol Feedstock Production
Authors: Gedela Ravi , Naidu Ravi Teja , Rachakonda Srinivasao , Naidu Asiri
Published: January 2017

Fermentation process, the production of bio-ethanol from Madhuca longifolia (Mahua) flowers by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Mahua flowers, collected from Eastern Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh, India). The evaluated results showed that, 1000 ml of acidic fermented media at pH-4, 5 and 5.7, produced the average quantity of bio-ethanol in test-1 (S.cerevisiae + Mahua flowers + Media), test -2 (Mahua flowers + Media) and control (media) ≈ 170.03 ml, ≈ 142.3 ml and ≈ 127.7 ml respectively. The percentage of bio-ethanol was confirmation by using Alcohol meter, the analysis results showed that in test-1, test-2 and control ≈ 46.6 %, ≈ 24.6 % and ≈ 0% respectively. The presence of bio-ethanol were verified by using Spectrophotometer at 204-240 nm.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 4(4): 525-528
Trend-Breaking Influences of Built Form on Travel in UK Cities: Evidence from New Quantifications of Within- and Between-Built-Form Variations
Authors: Jahanshahi Kaveh , Jin Ying
Published: January 2017

Using a consistent time series of 11 years (1,137,259 sample trips, 2002 to 2012) and all main variables from the UK National Travel Survey, this paper develops a novel structural equation model (SEM) with random intercepts to gain new insights into the influences of built-form characteristics on travel behavior. With simultaneous modeling of car ownership as an endogenous variable in determining influences on travel outcomes and allowing SEM intercepts to vary across built-form categories, one controls for car ownership endogeneity while measuring within- and between-built-form variations through incorporating random intercepts in the model. The new models unambiguously decompose the self-selection and spatial sorting of household effects from the influence of the built-form characteristics. This research further investigates trend-breaking influences by generating pre-2007 and post-2007 model outputs with a multi-time-period structure. The new quantifications are built on more-robust statistical theories than hitherto and, thus, imply significant implications on how to interpret the effect of recent transformations in UK inner cities. The method can also be used to produce a regular and timely update on any shifts in the influences on travel and provide feedback for land use planning and integrated built-form and transport interventions.
Travel Plans for New Residential Developments: Measuring Self-Selection Effects to Better Understand Travel Behavior Impacts
Authors: De Gruyter Chris , Rose Geoffrey , Currie Graham
Published: January 2017

Travel plans can be required for new residential developments as part of the land use planning and approvals process. The aim is to manage car use of residents by providing a package of tailored initiatives and facilities that support the use of more sustainable forms of transport. However, there is a limited understanding of the extent to which such packages have influenced travel behavior or simply attracted residents who were already making travel choices to reduce car use; the latter effect is commonly referred to as residential self-selection. In this study, a survey of residents in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, was conducted at developments with and without travel plans. Propensity score matching (PSM)—based on a set of attitudinal, preference, and demographic variables—was then used to explore how residential self-selection could be analyzed in the context of travel plans. Results suggest that residents living in developments with travel plans have lower car ownership and higher levels of walking and cycling compared with residents living in developments without travel plans. PSM was deemed to be a suitable method for analyzing residential self-selection effects, yet a sufficient sample size is required to appropriately quantify these effects.
Assumptions Inherent in Assessing Traffic Forecast Accuracy
Authors: Miller John S. , Anam Salwa , Amanin Jasmine , Matteo Raleigh , Barkley Deven
Published: January 2017

A dozen approaches such as extrapolation of previous traffic counts, trip rates based on expected future land development, and application of regional travel demand models can be used to forecast traffic volumes. Because of Virginia’s interest in knowing the accuracy of forecasting approaches, the researchers compared previous Virginia forecasts with observed volumes. These comparisons revealed five observations affecting how accuracy is evaluated. First, the statistic used to aggregate individual link forecast errors may influence the perception of accuracy; for one study, two percentage-based statistics—the median percentage error and the mean absolute percentage error—yielded errors of 2% and 43%, respectively. (An implication is that the appropriate error statistic depends on the forecast’s purpose.) Second, the accuracy of different types of traffic forecasts varies by magnitude; the median absolute percentage error for Virginia studies ranged from 12% (for a site-specific land development study) to 72% (for statewide forecasts based on historic traffic volumes). Third, because of differences in geometry and the frequency of counts, there may not be a direct relationship between a link’s forecast and its observed volume; in one study, the error ranged from almost 0% to 36%, depending on how the forecast and observed volumes were compared. Fourth, some methods require input data that must be forecast, and different indications of accuracy result (e.g., mean absolute percentage errors of 13% versus 34% for the Fratar method) depending on whether the input data are forecast with or without error. Fifth, depending on the chosen decision criterion, large errors may not necessarily affect the actions taken.
Modeling Bicycling to Elementary and Junior High Schools with Bike Rack Counts
Authors: Fitch Dillon T. , Thigpen Calvin G. , Handy Susan L.
Published: January 2017

The decline in active travel to school and the concomitant rise in numbers of children being driven to school in the United States over recent decades have affected the health of school-age children and contributed to environmental problems. In response, communities throughout the country are stepping up efforts to increase active travel, including bicycling, but they have few tools available to them to assess the potential effectiveness of proposed strategies. The purpose of this study was to develop a model with aggregated school-level data of the factors associated with bicycling to elementary and junior high schools and to examine the effectiveness of this model in predicting bicycling to school. With the use of repeated observations of bike rack counts at 11 public schools in Davis, California, binomial multilevel regression models that included factors thought to influence bicycling to school were specified. The models indicated that comfortable bicycling routes, the racial and economic makeup of the student population, and various factors that represented the daily context (e.g., day of week, season, weather) all were likely to influence rates of bicycling to school. The results indicated that models based on aggregated school-level data were not sufficient to predict the amount of bicycling to a given school on a given day but were sufficient to predict mean bicycling to a given school over a period of time. Thus this method may be sufficient for policy analysis whose aim is to increase average bicycling to school.
Modeling the Impacts of Facility Type, Trip Characteristics, and Trip Stressors on Cyclists’ Comfort Levels Utilizing Crowdsourced Data
Authors: Blanc Bryan , Figliozzi Miguel
Published: January 2017

Transportation agencies are striving to increase the comfort of their bicycle networks in an effort to improve the experience of existing cyclists and to attract new cyclists. To increase bicycle mode share is challenging and has motivated research to understand where and what types of bicycle improvements yield the maximum net benefit in terms of increased ridership, comfort, and safety. Data sets related to cyclists’ comfort levels as a function of bicycle infrastructure are nonexistent at the state or local level. To fill this data gap, the Oregon Department of Transportation sponsored the development of ORcycle, a smartphone application designed to collect cyclist travel, comfort, and safety information. The research reported in this paper utilized ORcycle data to model cyclists’ comfort levels as a function of bicycle facility types, sources of stress along the trip, and trip characteristics (e.g., purpose, length, frequency, and day of the week). Ordinal logistic regression models were estimated, and the results indicated that facility types such as bicycle boulevards and separated paths did have a significant positive impact on cyclists’ comfort levels. Other variables (e.g., sources of stress along the trip, trip purpose, and trip distance) also were found to have significant impacts on comfort levels. A sensitivity analysis and a policy discussion highlight how important it is to reduce sources of stress along bicycle routes to increase bicycle ridership and attract new cyclists.
Sulforaphane suppresses the growth of glioblastoma cells, glioblastoma stem cell–like spheroids, and tumor xenografts through multiple cell signaling pathways
Authors: Bijangi-Vishehsaraei Khadijeh , Reza Saadatzadeh M. , Wang Haiyan , Nguyen Angie , Kamocka Malgorzata M. , Cai Wenjing , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A. , Halum Stacey L. , Sarkaria Jann N. , Pollok Karen E. , Safa Ahmad R.
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

Defects in the apoptotic machinery and augmented survival signals contribute to drug resistance in glioblastoma (GBM). Moreover, another complexity related to GBM treatment is the concept that GBM development and recurrence may arise from the expression of GBM stem cells (GSCs). Therefore, the use of a multifaceted approach or multitargeted agents that affect specific tumor cell characteristics will likely be necessary to successfully eradicate GBM. The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of sulforaphane (SFN)—a constituent of cruciferous vegetables with a multitargeted effect—as a therapeutic agent for GBM.

METHODS

The inhibitory effects of SFN on established cell lines, early primary cultures, CD133-positive GSCs, GSC-derived spheroids, and GBM xenografts were evaluated using various methods, including GSC isolation and the sphere-forming assay, analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis, cell growth inhibition assay, comet assays for assessing SFN-triggered DNA damage, confocal microscopy, Western blot analysis, and the determination of in vivo efficacy as assessed in human GBM xenograft models.

RESULTS

SFN triggered the significant inhibition of cell survival and induced apoptotic cell death, which was associated with caspase 3 and caspase 7 activation. Moreover, SFN triggered the formation of mitochondrial ROS, and SFN-triggered cell death was ROS dependent. Comet assays revealed that SFN increased single- and double-strand DNA breaks in GBM. Compared with the vehicle control cells, a significantly higher amount of γ-H2AX foci correlated with an increase in DNA double-strand breaks in the SFN-treated samples. Furthermore, SFN robustly inhibited the growth of GBM cell–induced cell death in established cell cultures and early-passage primary cultures and, most importantly, was effective in eliminating GSCs, which play a major role in drug resistance and disease recurrence. In vivo studies revealed that SFN administration at 100 mg/kg for 5-day cycles repeated for 3 weeks significantly decreased the growth of ectopic xenografts that were established from the early passage of primary cultures of GBM10.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that SFN is a potent anti-GBM agent that targets several apoptosis and cell survival pathways and further preclinical and clinical studies may prove that SFN alone or in combination with other therapies may be potentially useful for GBM therapy.
Intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stem cells inhibits intracranial hemorrhage after recombinant tissue plasminogen activator therapy for transient middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats
Authors: Nakazaki Masahito , Sasaki Masanori , Kataoka-Sasaki Yuko , Oka Shinichi , Namioka Takahiro , Namioka Ai , Onodera Rie , Suzuki Junpei , Sasaki Yuichi , Nagahama Hiroshi , Mikami Takeshi , Wanibuchi Masahiko , Kocsis Jeffery D. , Honmou Osamu
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

Reperfusion therapy with intravenous recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the standard of care for acute ischemic stroke. However, hemorrhagic complications can result. Intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reduces stroke volume and improves behavioral function in experimental stroke models. One suggested therapeutic mechanism is inhibition of vascular endothelial dysfunction. The objective of this study was to determine whether MSCs suppress hemorrhagic events after rtPA therapy in the acute phase of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) in rats.

METHODS

After induction of tMCAO, 4 groups were studied: 1) normal saline [NS]+vehicle, 2) rtPA+vehicle, 3) NS+MSCs, and 4) rtPA+MSCs. The incidence rate of intracerebral hemorrhage, both hemorrhagic and ischemic volume, and behavioral performance were examined. Matrix metalloproteinase–9 (MMP-9) levels in the brain were assessed with zymography. Quantitative analysis of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was performed to assess hemodynamic change in the ischemic lesion.

RESULTS

The MSC-treated groups (Groups 3 and 4) experienced a greater reduction in the incidence rate of intracerebral hemorrhage and hemorrhagic volume 1 day after tMCAO even if rtPA was received. The application of rtPA enhanced activation of MMP-9, but MSCs inhibited MMP-9 activation. Behavioral testing indicated that both MSC-infused groups had greater improvement than non-MSC groups had, but rtPA+MSCs provided greater improvement than MSCs alone. The rCBF ratio of rtPA groups (Groups 2 and 4) was similar at 2 hours after reperfusion of tMCAO, but both were greater than that in non-rtPA groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Infused MSCs may inhibit endothelial dysfunction to suppress hemorrhagic events and facilitate functional outcome. Combined therapy of infused MSCs after rtPA therapy facilitated early behavioral recovery.
Congenital hypoplasia of the lumbar pedicle with spondylolisthesis: report of 2 cases
Authors: Hsieh Chang-Sheng , Lee Sang-Ho , Lee Hyung Chang , Oh Hyeong-Seok , Hwang Byeong-Wook , Park Sang-Joon , Chen Jian-Han
Published: January 2017

Congenital hypoplasia of the spinal pedicle is a rare condition. Previously reported cases were treated conservatively or with posterior instrumented fusion. However, the absence or hypoplasia of the lumbar pedicle may increase the difficulty of pedicle screw fixation and fusion. Herein, the authors describe 2 cases of rare adult congenital hypoplasia of the right lumbar pedicles associated with spondylolisthesis. The patients underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion with a stand-alone cage as well as percutaneous pedicle screw fixation. This method was used to avoid the difficulties associated with pedicle screw fixation and to attain solid fusion. Both patients achieved satisfactory outcomes after a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. This method may be an alternative for patients with congenital hypoplasia of the lumbar spinal pedicle.
Effects of decompressive craniectomy on functional outcomes and death in poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alotaibi Naif M. , Elkarim Ghassan Awad , Samuel Nardin , Ayling Oliver G. S. , Guha Daipayan , Fallah Aria , Aldakkan Abdulrahman , Jaja Blessing N. R. , de Oliveira Manoel Airton Leonardo , Ibrahim George M. , Macdonald R. Loch
Published: January 2017

OBJECTIVE

Patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies Grade IV or V) are often considered for decompressive craniectomy (DC) as a rescue therapy for refractory intracranial hypertension. The authors performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of DC on functional outcome and death in patients after poor-grade aSAH.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Articles were identified through the Ovid Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to October 2015. Only studies dedicated to patients with poor-grade aSAH were included. Primary outcomes were death and functional outcome assessed at any time period. Patients were grouped as having a favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] Scores 1–3, Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] Scores 4 and 5, extended Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOSE] Scores 5–8) or unfavorable outcome (mRS Scores 4–6, GOS Scores 1–3, GOSE Scores 1–4). Pooled estimates of event rates and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies encompassing 407 patients were included in the meta-analysis (all observational cohorts). The pooled event rate for poor outcome across all studies was 61.2% (95% CI 52%–69%) and for death was 27.8% (95% CI 21%–35%) at a median of 12 months after aSAH. Primary (or early) DC resulted in a lower overall event rate for unfavorable outcome than secondary (or delayed) DC (47.5% [95% CI 31%–64%] vs 74.4% [95% CI 43%–91%], respectively). Among studies with comparison groups, there was a trend toward a reduced mortality rate 1–3 months after discharge among patients who underwent DC (OR 0.58 [95% CI 0.27–1.25]; p = 0.168). However, this trend was not sustained at the 1-year follow-up (OR 1.09 [95% CI 0.55–2.13]; p = 0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this study summarize the best evidence available in the literature for DC in patients with poor-grade aSAH. DC is associated with high rates of unfavorable outcome and death. Because of the lack of robust control groups in a majority of the studies, the effect of DC on functional outcomes versus that of other interventions for refractory intracranial hypertension is still unknown. A randomized trial is needed.