bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating Improvements in Bus Rapid Transit in Mexico City, Mexico
Authors: Dodero Abel Lopez , dos Santos da Rocha Paula Manoela , Hernandez Jose Juan , Cerezo Aldo
Published: February 2015

In several cities, bus rapid transit (BRT) systems have begun to experience problems of capacity. Various solutions have been proposed to address these problems, from simple operational modifications to improvements that require modification of the existing infrastructure. Decisions about modification are a challenging undertaking for policy makers; proposals need to be evaluated on the basis of costs (monetary and qualitative or unconventional) and expected returns. For this paper, seven scenarios for Line 1 of the BRT system in Mexico City, Mexico, were structured and modeled to evaluate how operational and level of service improve as a result of (a) operational modifications, (b) investments in infrastructure, and (c) technology acquisitions. Scenarios were modeled by using the simulation tool EMBARQ SimBRT and were ranked by the relative complexity of their execution. Three criteria were used for determining the level of complexity: the cost of implementation, the required time, and the administrative process. Results of the scenarios show positive impacts on operation and level-of-service indicators. The paper also reveals that better results are obtained for implementations requiring infrastructure investment than for those involving operational modifications. However, the impact of the proposed implementation is limited; few implementations show progress on the analyzed indicators in a range of 10% variation, giving evidence of the difficulties of improving service. Finally, the paper provides important insights in the decision-making process for transport upgrading, as it describes a methodology to select a proposed improvement on the basis of tradeoff between expected benefits and required administrative process and financial costs.
Development of a Safety Assessment Tool for Long-Span Bridges
Authors: Lu Linjun , Wang Chen , Zhang Ying , Chen Wei , Du Xinyue
Published: February 2015

This paper provides a safety assessment tool (SAT) for long-span bridges in China. The authors selected the Sutong Yangtze River Bridge, one of the largest long-span bridges in China, for a case study. Currently, safety assessment of long-span bridges in China is primarily based on human judgment. No effective method exists for estimating the traffic crash risk of long-span bridges under various conditions; this situation creates difficulty in providing effective safety control strategy and developing counter-measures. In this study, the Traffic Software Integrated System was used to simulate the traffic on the Sutong Bridge. A safety assessment model (SAM) was developed from four contributing factors: traffic volume, free-flow speed, percentage of heavy vehicles, and weather conditions. SAM was used as the basis for developing an SAT that could aid policy makers and traffic professionals in better understanding of traffic safety of the Sutong Bridge: (a) a risk map was created to indicate different safety levels of the bridge under various conditions and (b) a user interface was designed to allow users to identify the safety level of the bridge quickly and easily.
Challenges of Implementing à la Mode Transport Projects
Authors: Bocarejo Juan Pablo , Velásquez Juan Miguel , Galarza Diana Carolina
Published: February 2015

Politicians, consultants, and researchers often look at successful transport and urban transformation projects in cities in developing countries and assume that these may be an appropriate solution for similar cities. In reality, customizing such projects for a city-specific context is a difficult challenge that does not always end well, for example, because of poor technical and financial capacity of transport institutions, scarce information on travel demand behavior during the planning stage, private companies operating routes with a certain degree of informality, and poor political commitment. The authors reviewed the experience of implementing bus rapid transit systems in five cities in Colombia that followed the steps of the successful Transmilenio in Bogotá. Most projects had cost overruns and lower demand and therefore performed worse than expected in ex-post assessments. Competition from traditional and private transport and institutional capacity at the local level were key problems to be addressed. The authors also reviewed the experience of cable cars, the new à la mode project, which was promoted in a number of developing cities such as Cali and Soacha after the success of the Metrocable in Medellín. Cable cars could contribute to equity in cities, but these contributions would be extremely limited if the project did not inject the urban environment with complementary investments. Transferring successful transportation projects to new areas or to other cities is an important, difficult challenge. Key success factors must be considered to implement transport solutions successfully in different contexts.
Capitalization Effects of Rail Transit and Bus Rapid Transit on Residential Property Values in a Booming Economy
Authors: Ma Liang , Ye Runing , Titheridge Helena
Published: February 2015

This research investigated the capitalization effects of proximity to rail transit and bus rapid transit (BRT) in fast-growing Beijing. Few related studies have been conducted for Chinese cities because the real estate market has only recently been established. Data were collected on apartment homes sold in the Beijing metropolitan area during 2011, and hedonic price modeling was employed to gauge the price premiums or discounts associated with proximity to transit stations. Overall, the authors identified an average price premium of around 5% for properties near rail transit stations, but no statistically significant effects were detected at BRT station areas. Moreover, the authors found that station proximity effects increased both in magnitude and spatial extent at stations located farther from the city center and those surrounded by low- and middle-income neighborhoods. For example, the price premium was as high as 10% in some suburban and low-income areas. The conclusion drawn was that rail transit investment was an effective strategy for Beijing to reshape its urban spatial structure, and local governments in China might consider a rail and property development model as a financing solution for rail transit investment. This study contributes to the evidence of capitalization effects of public transit from a booming and transitional economy.
Rewarding Safe and Environmentally Sustainable Driving
Authors: Elvik Rune
Published: February 2015

The paper reviews trials designed to reward safe and environmentally sustainable driving. The most common type of trial offered monetary rewards to drivers for not speeding or for reducing mileage. Seven trials were identified. The most successful incentive schemes for reducing speeding were associated with a 60% to 80% reduction of speeding. Trials designed to reduce mileage were not as successful and resulted in mileage reductions of 0% to 10%. Small samples and high attrition rates (i.e., participants dropping out of the study before it was completed) characterized most trials. There is also likely to be self-selection bias, but the size of this bias is difficult to determine. Data for Sweden and Denmark suggest that bias could be substantial. Therefore, the effects found in the trials reported so far reflect what can be accomplished in groups of highly motivated drivers.
Is Heightened Environmental Sensitivity Responsible for Drop in Young Adults’ Rates of Driver's License Acquisition?
Authors: Le Vine Scott , Jones Peter , Lee-Gosselin Martin , Polak John
Published: February 2015

Across a range of developed societies, rates of driver's license acquisition by young adults have fallen from their historic peak levels (which in Britain were in the early 1990s). A widely discussed hypothesis to explain this trend is that the heightened environmental sensitivity of the current cohort of young adults could be fully or in part responsible. The objective of this study was to establish whether empirical evidence provided support for this hypothesis. Public opinion polling data from Britain and the United States and British National Travel Survey microdata were statistically analyzed. No evidence was found, either from the United States or Britain, of the populace becoming increasingly inclined toward environmental protection. On the basis of longitudinal trends in public opinion polling, the opposite seemed to be true. Analysis of British National Travel Survey data (n = 2,820 unlicensed adults aged 17 to 29) showed that few young British adults without driver's licenses (approximately 1%) reported that environmental sensitivity was either the main reason or a contributory reason that they had not acquired a driver's license. By contrast, more than half (59%) of not fully licensed young British adults reported that they were either learning to drive (27%) or were put off mainly by the license acquisition testing requirements (2%) or by costs associated with motoring (30%). These findings are evidence contrary to the hypothesis that growing environmental sensitivity is responsible for falling rates of licensing of young adults, at least in Britain and the United States.
Antimicrobial resistance: a growing threat in clinical practice
Authors: Ahmad Mushtaq , Uddin Md Nasir
Published: February 2015

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21817 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013
Determination of manners of death: an analysis of 3012 postmortem cases
Authors: Al-Azad Md Abdus Samad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Rahman Md Zubaidur , Ali Mohammad , Islam Sk Md Jaynul
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Forensic Pathologists are often performing autopsies in death investigation. There are five legally-defined manners of death namely natural deaths, accidental deaths, homicidal deaths, suicidal deaths and undetermined deaths. Natural deaths are those that occur from natural causes such as disease or old age rather than from violence or an accident. Objectives: To determine the socio-demographic profile of postmortem cases and to evaluate information regarding manners of deaths as determined by those cases. Methods: This record based cross-sectional study of postmortems performed at the mortuary of the Department of Forensic Medicine; Dhaka Medical College (DMC) was conducted during the period of January 2006 to December 2006. Most of the victims were brought to DMC morgue from south-eastern part of Dhaka district. A total of 3012 autopsies were analyzed during the period. Morgue caters 18 police stations under Dhaka city. Data were collected using a pre-designed schedule from Post mortem registers and reports. All the data were collected in a predefined data collection sheet and necessary statistical analyses were performed by using the computer software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) for window 17.0 and were expressed in frequency and percentage. 19 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 9, No 2 (December) 2013 Results: A total of 3012 postmortems were studied. Of them 1640 (54.45%) cases were of accidents, 722 (23.97%) cases were of suicide, 542 (17.99%) cases were of homicide, 84 (2.79%) cases were of undetermined and 24 (0.80%) cases were of natural deaths. Most of the postmortem cases were in the age group of 20-40 (54.71%) years, which is the most productive period in life cycle followed by 24.90%, 15.50% and 4.89% in the age group of 0-20 years, 41-60 years and 60 years respectively. Of them 2258 (74.97%) were male and rest 754 (25.03%) cases were female. Conclusion: Accidents, mainly Road Traffic Accident (RTA) and railway accidents, comprise a major manner of death which reduces the most productive period in the life cycle causing serious effects in socio-economic development of the country. RTA can be prevented by specific preventive measures and also by taking personal precautions. Suicide is the second commonest manner of unnatural death flanked by accident and homicide. It is not feasible to draw a concrete conclusion. Homicide is a relatively rare offence than accidents or suicides but it is one of the most notifiable crimes in the country as they are widely publicised by the media due to their severity and visibility. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21820 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013
Problem evaluation of service recipient and service provider at out patient departments of a tertiary level hospital
Authors: Ali Mohammad , Ahmad Mushtaq , Rahman Latifa , Sultana Sharmeen , Al-Azad Md Abdus Samad
Published: February 2015

Introduction: It is easier to evaluate the patients satisfaction towards the service than to evaluate the quality of medical services that they receive. Therefore, a probe into patient satisfaction can provide an important tool to improve the quality of services. Patient satisfaction is a multi-dimensional healthcare issue affected by many factors. Healthcare quality affects patient satisfaction and results in positive influences on patient behaviour such as confidence in hospital care. Objectives: The objective of the study was to evaluate the problems of recipients and service providers during service delivery at out patient departments of a tertiary level hospital. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted on the patients attending the medical out patient departments along with the service providers, administrative personnel and supportive staffs of a government hospital during the period of February 2007 to June 2007. Results: A total of 299 patients, 5 service providers, 8 administrative personnel and 11 supporting staffs were purposively selected in the study. Among 299 respondents,169 (56%) identified patient overload as the most common problem. As many as, 70(24%) patients experienced more than 4 hours delay in the hospital. Less than half 117(39%) of the patients experienced the problem of not getting proper consultancy due to absence 26 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 9, No 2 (December) 2013 of physician in their chambers. Although 117(39%) patients faced multiple problems during undergoing investigation in the hospital, 21% patients were satisfied partially with hospital staff support. Out of 5 service providers 3(60%) worked in a congested space. As many as 20% service providers reported that patients were not satisfied by the service of MOPD. Monthly pay and allowances were not sufficient (as observed by 80% of respondents). The study also revealed that lack of co-operation amongst the staffs and inadequate pay and salary were the main problems in 75% of the administrative personnel. Moreover, 55% supportive staff faced patient overload. All the service providers opined that improvement of medical outpatient service requires adequate manpower. Conclusion: Most of the service providers, administrative personnel and supportive staffs are facing hardship with the present pay and allowances leading to extra work after office hour. Most common suggestions of the patients, service providers, administrative personnel and supportive staffs were to employ more health personnel. They also suggested strengthening of supervisory system to ensure strict discipline at all levels. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21822 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013
Etiological study of acute on chronic liver failure among patients admitted in medicine ward in Chittagong Medical College Hospital
Authors: Khatun Ummay Fatema , Sayeed Abu , Hussain Sk Md Bahar , Paul Sujat , Kawsar Narjis Maliha , Al-Azad Md Abdus Samad
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is defined as acute hepatic insult manifesting as jaundice and coagulopathy complicated within 4 weeks by ascites and/or encephalopathy in a patient with previously diagnosed or undiagnosed chronic liver disease. It has various etiology and manifestations, as well as high mortality. These etiologies vary depending on geographical region - from east to west. For example, infectious etiologies predominate in the east whereas alcohol and drugs constitute the majority of acute insults in west. In Asian region, reactivation of hepatitis B virus and superinfection with hepatitis E virus are more common among the infectious etiologies. Objective: As the incidence of chronic liver disease is increasing day by day and the etiology of acute decompensation of underlying chronic liver disease varies depending on geographical location, so it may be different in Bangladesh from other Asian countries. A very few studies have been published so far showing etiological prevalence of Acute on Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) in Bangladesh. This study has been conducted to address the etiology of ACLF in our perspective. Methods: A cross sectional longitudinal study carried out in the department of Medicine, Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Thirty patients admitted with ACLF as defined by Asia Pacific Association for Study of Liver Disease (APASL) were consecutively included. Detailed history, complete physical examination and laboratory investigations were done for each patient. 77 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 9, No 2 (December) 2013 Results: From January 2009 to December 2009, among thirty patients 6 cases (20%) of ACLF was caused by HEV super infection followed by Sepsis (16.67%), variceal bleeding (13.33%) and hepatotoxic drugs (3.33%) respectively. Multiple factors were found in (16.67%) cases while no cause could be identified in (30%) cases. In our study common causes of chronic liver diseases were hepatitis B (50%), hepatitis C (26.67%) and alcohol (16.67%). Among thirty patients five died within forty eight hours of hospital admission. In hospital mortality was 16.67%. Conclusion: Acute on Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) is one of the commonest causes of mortality, morbidity and socio-economic burden particularly in Bangladesh. Early detection and proper management of acute events that lead to ACLF would alleviate mortality and morbidity. However due to high treatment cost, proper management of chronic liver diseases as well as ACLF cannot be afforded by most people in our country. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21837 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013
Rhabdomyolysis induced acute kidney injury following physical exertion and severe hypercalcaemia in recovery phase-a case report
Authors: Nessa Azizun , Hoque Md Fazlul , Fakir Md Amzad H , Rahman AKM Mijanur
Published: February 2015

In military profession, acute kidney injury (AKI) due to rhabdomyolysis is not uncommon because of its nature of job. This life threatening condition needs early aggressive management in a specialized centre to restore normal renal function. Here we report a case of rhabdomyolysis due to physical exertion who developed acute kidney injury and required haemodialysis. Patient developed hypercalcaemia in his recovery phase which was successfully managed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21849 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013
Survivability and ejection injury pattern in Bangladesh Air Force fighter crew: a 30 years study from 1982-2012
Authors: Al-Mamun AKM , Ahmad Mushtaq , Rahman Farial Naima , Ahsan Mohammad Ahmed , Rahman Mahbubur , Ali Mohammad
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Fighter flying is one of the most hazardous occupations known to man. Emergency escape from the aircraft is an important issue to ensure the safety and survivability of aircrew. In spite of advancement of ejection system, both rate and severity of injuries sustained during ejection remain a cause for concern. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess the number of survivability, causes of death in fatal cases, patterns of ejection injuries among the aircrews of Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) and to find out the ways to minimize the fatality and injuries during escape from disabled aircraft. Methods: This descriptive case series study was conducted at the BAF flight safety directorate and Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Dhaka among the aircrews of Bangladesh Air Force fighter planes which were crashed during the period of 1982 to 2012. The records of injuries, medical documents during admission at hospital, radiological and laboratory investigations reports, clinical analysis of pilots were utilized for this paper. Post mortem reports of fatal cases were also carefully considered. Results: Out of 23 ejection cases 10(43.48 %) were fatal and 13(56.52%) cases were non fatal. All the pilots (100%) had multiple abrasions, bruises, lacerations in their body. Penetrating injury was observed in one case (10%), one (10%) body was totally mutilated and 06(60%) showed burn injury. All the pilots had thoracic spine compression fracture (100%), 8(80%) had cervical hangmans fracture and lumbar spine fracture. Seven victims (70%) had ruptured diaphragm, 6(60%) had ruptured liver, 5(50%) had ruptured spleen, 2(20%) pilots had ruptured kidneys and urinary bladder. All the pilots (100%) had fracture of lower limbs, 8(80%) had fractured upper limbs. Among the non fatal cases all the pilots (100%) had multiple abrasions, bruises, 6 (46.15%) had laceration, 01 (7.69%) each sustained anterior cruciate ligament tear of knee joint (Lt) and fracture middle of the shaft of the humerus (Lt). The mean age of the pilots was 31yrs (24  41 yrs). Conclusion: Protective measures and training among aircrews should be updated, so that less injury occurs in survivors. Thorough medical diagnosis and psychological treatment are required for the injured aircrews.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i2.21861 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(2) 2013
Effects of Albedo Addition on Pomegranate Juice Physicochemical, Volatile and Chemical Markers
Authors: Vázquez-Araújo Laura , IV Edgar , Carbonell-Barrachina Ángel
Published: February 2015

Five commercial juices, representing the five clusters of this juice, were characterized before and after maceration with 10% pomegranate albedo (control- and albedo treated (AT)-juices, respectively). Commercial juices were macerated with albedo homogenate for 24 h, and then the albedo was removed. Total soluble solids, titratable acidity, maturity index (MI), total phenolic content (TPC), volatile composition, and flavor profile were evaluate in control- and AT-juices. From all physico-chemical characteristics, only the TPC was significantly affected by the treatment and ranged from 846 to 3784 mg gallic acid L−1 and from 2163 to 5072 mg gallic acid L−1 in control- and AT-juices, respectively; the increment in TPC was more than 1.3-fold in all AT-juices. No clear pattern was found when studying the volatile composition; only significant increases were observed in the contents of hexanal, 2-hexenal, and 3-hexenal in all AT-samples. The flavor profile study indicated that three of the five samples increased their bitterness and/or astringency. In addition, new attributes, which were not present in the control juices, appeared after maceration with albedo in some samples: green-bean, brown-sweet, and green-viney. This information will be useful in developing and promoting new “healthy” products based on pomegranate.
Developing the PTSD Checklist-I/F for the DSM-IV (PCL-I/F): Assessing PTSD Symptom Frequency and Intensity in a Pilot Study of Male Veterans with Combat-Related PTSD
Authors: Holliday Ryan , Smith Julia , North Carol , Surís Alina
Published: February 2015

The widely used posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL) has established reliability and validity, but it does not differentiate posttraumatic symptom frequency from intensity as elements of posttraumatic symptom severity. Thus, the PCL in its existing form may not provide a comprehensive appraisal of posttraumatic symptomatology. Because of this, we modified the PCL to create the PCL-I/F that measures both frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms via brief self-report. To establish validity and internal consistency of the PCL-I/F, we conducted a pilot study comparing PCL-I/F scores to structured diagnostic interview for PTSD (the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale [CAPS]) in a male combat veteran sample of 92 participants. Statistically significant correlations between the PCL-I/F and the CAPS were found, suggesting initial validation of the PCL-I/F to screen and assess frequency and intensity of combat-related PTSD symptoms. Implications are discussed for screening and assessment of PTSD related to combat and non-combat trauma.
Fatty Acid Characteristics of Isochrysis galbana Lipids Extracted Using a Microwave-Assisted Method
Authors: Lin Cherng-Yuan , Lin Bo-Yu
Published: February 2015

Lipids were extracted from Isochrysis galbana using a microwave-assisted method accompanied by various types of organic solvents. The effects of organic solvent type and microwave input energy on the fatty acid characteristics of the extracted lipids and their biodiesel product were investigated. Variations in the characteristics of the lipids extracted using a combination of n-hexane and iso-propanol solvents in both emulsion and direct mixtures were also compared. The experimental results showed that greater quantities of Isochrysis galbana lipids, and fatty acid methyl esters transesterified from those lipids, were extracted when using microwave irradiation with an organic solvent mixture of n-hexane and isopropanol in a 2:1 volumetric ratio than when using either n-hexane or isopropanol as the sole solvent. A greater quantity of Isochrysis galbana lipids was extracted when an emulsion of isopropanol solvent evenly dispersed in the continuous phase of n-hexane solvent was used than when a direct mixture of the two solvents was used. In addition, the quantity of lipids extracted from the dried Isochrysis galbana powder with the assistance of microwave irradiation was 9.08 wt% greater than when using traditional Soxhlet extraction without microwave irradiation.
Energy Management of a Hybrid AC–DC Micro-Grid Based on a Battery Testing System
Authors: Long Bo , Jeong Taek , Deuk Lee Jong , Jung Yoo , Chong Kil
Published: February 2015

Energy Recovery Battery Testing Systems (ERBTS) plays an important role in battery manufacture. The conventional ERBTS configuration contains a fundamental transformer, and a bidirectional Direct Current (DC)–DC and Alternating Current (AC)–DC converter. All ERBTS are connected in parallel, thus constituting a special and complicated AC micro-grid system. Aiming at addressing their low energy recovery efficiency, complex grid-connected control algorithm issues for islanded detection, and complicated power circuit topology issues, a hierarchical DC-link voltage hybrid AC–DC micro-grid that contains composite energy storing devices is proposed. Moreover, an energy management optimal scheme for the proposed scheme is put forward. The system configuration of the proposed scheme is described in detail. Compared to the conventional scheme, the proposed scheme has the merits of simplified power circuit topology, no need for phase synchronous control, and much higher energy recovery efficiency and reliability. The validity and effectiveness of the proposed technique is verified through numerous experimental results.
Numerical Evaluation of the Use of Aluminum Particles for Enhancing Solid Rocket Motor Combustion Stability
Authors: Greatrix David
Published: February 2015

The ability to predict the expected internal behaviour of a given solid-propellant rocket motor under transient conditions is important. Research towards predicting and quantifying undesirable transient axial combustion instability symptoms typically necessitates a comprehensive numerical model for internal ballistic simulation under dynamic flow and combustion conditions. On the mitigation side, one in practice sees the use of inert or reactive particles for the suppression of pressure wave development in the motor chamber flow. With the focus of the present study placed on reactive particles, a numerical internal ballistic model incorporating relevant elements, such as a transient, frequency-dependent combustion response to axial pressure wave activity above the burning propellant surface, is applied to the investigation of using aluminum particles within the central internal flow (particles whose surfaces nominally regress with time, as a function of current particle size, as they move downstream) as a means of suppressing instability-related symptoms in a cylindrical-grain motor. The results of this investigation reveal that the loading percentage and starting size of the aluminum particles have a significant influence on reducing the resulting transient pressure wave magnitude.
Aspects to Be Considered when Implementing Technology-Enhanced Learning Approaches: A Literature Review
Authors: Schweighofer Patrick , Ebner Martin
Published: February 2015

The significance of approaches to technology-enhanced learning (TEL) has increased rapidly during the last few years. Nowadays in education different approaches such as game-based learning, web-based learning, video-based online courses, and many others are used on a daily basis. However, what defines the success of technology-enhanced learning approaches and how can such approaches be developed in a structured way? Furthermore, what different aspects have to be considered while doing so? To answer these questions, 4567 publications were analyzed in this present literature review in order to recognize the different aspects of implementing technology-enhanced learning approaches. Finally, 20 categories are defined in four main areas that summarize all the aspects in the field of technology-enhanced learning. Moreover, the study also reveals research areas that are important but hardly investigated in the observed journals of this study.
The Legacy of Uranium Development on or Near Indian Reservations and Health Implications Rekindling Public Awareness
Authors: Moore-Nall Anita
Published: February 2015

Uranium occurrence and development has left a legacy of long-lived health effects for many Native Americans and Alaska Natives in the United States. Some Native American communities have been impacted by processing and development while others are living with naturally occurring sources of uranium. The uranium production peak spanned from approximately 1948 to the 1980s. Thousands of mines, mainly on the Colorado Plateau, were developed in the western U.S. during the uranium boom. Many of these mines were abandoned and have not been reclaimed. Native Americans in the Colorado Plateau area including the Navajo, Southern Ute, Ute Mountain, Hopi, Zuni, Laguna, Acoma, and several other Pueblo nations, with their intimate knowledge of the land, often led miners to uranium resources during this exploration boom. As a result of the mining activity many Indian Nations residing near areas of mining or milling have had and continue to have their health compromised. This short review aims to rekindle the public awareness of the plight of Native American communities living with the legacy of uranium procurement, including mining, milling, down winders, nuclear weapon development and long term nuclear waste storage.
Growth and Heavy Metal Accumulation of Koelreuteria Paniculata Seedlings and Their Potential for Restoring Manganese Mine Wastelands in Hunan, China
Authors: Huang Zhihong , Xiang Wenhua , Ma Yu'e , Lei Pifeng , Tian Dalun , Deng Xiangwen , Yan Wende , Fang Xi
Published: February 2015

The planting of trees on mine wastelands is an effective, long-term technique for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated wastes. In this study, a pot experiment with seedlings of Koelreuteria paniculata under six treatments of local mine wastes was designed to determine the major constraints on tree establishment and to evaluate the feasibility of planting K. paniculata on manganese mine wastelands. Results showed that K. paniculata grew well in mine tailings, and also under a regime of equal amounts of mine tailings and soil provided in adjacent halves of pots. In contrast, mine sludge did not favor survival and growth because its clay texture limited fine root development. The bio-concentration factor and the translocation factor were mostly less than 1, indicating a low phytoextraction potential for K. paniculata. K. paniculata is suited to restore manganese mine sludge by mixing the mine sludge with local mine tailings or soil.
Access Disparity and Health Inequality of the Elderly: Unmet Needs and Delayed Healthcare
Authors: Yamada Tetsuji , Chen Chia-Ching , Murata Chiyoe , Hirai Hiroshi , Ojima Toshiyuki , Kondo Katsunori , III Joseph
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate healthcare access disparity that will cause delayed and unmet healthcare needs for the elderly, and to examine health inequality and healthcare cost burden for the elderly. To produce clear policy applications, this study adapts a modified PRECEDE-PROCEED model for framing theoretical and experimental approaches. Data were collected from a large collection of the Community Tracking Study Household Survey 2003–2004 of the USA. Reliability and construct validity are examined for internal consistency and estimation of disparity and inequality are analyzed by using probit/ols regressions. The results show that predisposing factors (e.g., attitude, beliefs, and perception by socio-demographic differences) are negatively associated with delayed healthcare. A 10% increase in enabling factors (e.g., availability of health insurance coverage, and usual sources of healthcare providers) are significantly associated with a 1% increase in healthcare financing factors. In addition, information through a socio-economic network and support system has a 5% impact on an access disparity. Income, health status, and health inequality are exogenously determined. Designing and implementing easy healthcare accessibility (healthcare system) and healthcare financing methods, and developing a socio-economic support network (including public health information) are essential in reducing delayed healthcare and health inequality.
Field Testing of Alternative Cookstove Performance in a Rural Setting of Western India
Authors: Muralidharan Veena , Sussan Thomas , Limaye Sneha , Koehler Kirsten , Williams D'Ann , Rule Ana , Juvekar Sanjay , Breysse Patrick , Salvi Sundeep , Biswal Shyam
Published: February 2015

Nearly three billion people use solid fuels for cooking and heating, which leads to extremely high levels of household air pollution and is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Many stove manufacturers have developed alternative cookstoves (ACSs) that are aimed at reducing emissions and fuel consumption. Here, we tested a traditional clay chulha cookstove (TCS) and five commercially available ACSs, including both natural draft (Greenway Smart Stove, Envirofit PCS-1) and forced draft stoves (BioLite HomeStove, Philips Woodstove HD4012, and Eco-Chulha XXL), in a test kitchen in a rural village of western India. Compared to the TCS, the ACSs produced significant reductions in particulate matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) and CO concentrations (Envirofit: 22%/16%, Greenway: 24%/42%, BioLite: 40%/35%, Philips: 66%/55% and Eco-Chulha: 61%/42%), which persisted after normalization for fuel consumption or useful energy. PM2.5 and CO concentrations were lower for forced draft stoves than natural draft stoves. Furthermore, the Philips and Eco-Chulha units exhibited higher cooking efficiency than the TCS. Despite significant reductions in concentrations, all ACSs failed to achieve PM2.5 levels that are considered safe by the World Health Organization (ACSs: 277–714 μg/m3 or 11–28 fold higher than the WHO recommendation of 25 μg/m3).
mTOR Inhibition Induces EGFR Feedback Activation in Association with Its Resistance to Human Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wei Feng , Zhang Yandong , Geng Li , Zhang Ping , Wang Guangyi , Liu Yan
Published: February 2015

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is dysregulated in diverse cancers and contributes to tumor progression and drug resistance. The first generation of mTOR inhibitors have failed to show clinical efficiency in treating pancreatic cancers due in part to the feedback relief of the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R)-AKT signaling pathway. The second generation of mTOR inhibitors, such as AZD8055, could inhibit AKT activation upon mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) inhibition. However, whether this generation of mTOR inhibitors can obtain satisfactory activities in pancreatic cancer therapy remains unclear. In this study, we found AZD8055 did not show great improvement compared with everolimus, AZD8055 induced a temporal inhibition of AKT kinase activities and AKT was then rephosphorylated. Additionally, we found that AZD8055-induced transient AKT inhibition increased the expression and activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by releasing its transcriptional factors Fork-head box O 1/3a (FoxO1/3a), which might contribute to cell resistance to AZD8055. The in vitro and in vivo experiments further indicated the combination of AZD8055 and erlotinib synergistically inhibited the mTORC1/C2 signaling pathway, EGFR/AKT feedback activation, and cell growth, as well as suppressed the progression of pancreatic cancer in a xenograft model. This study provides a rationale and strategy for overcoming AZD8055 resistance by a combined treatment with the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib in pancreatic cancer therapy.
The Possible Physical Barrier and Coastal Dispersal Strategy for Japanese Grenadier Anchovy, Coilia nasus in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea: Evidence from AFLP Markers
Authors: Han Zhi-Qiang , Han Gang , Wang Zhi-Yong , Gao Tian-Xiang
Published: February 2015

In order to ascertain the taxonomic status of the Ariake Sea population of Japanese grenadier anchovy, Coilia nasus, and assess the contemporary possible genetic barrier between the west and east coastal waters of the East China Sea, we used amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers to detect the genetic structure of C. nasus, in the East China Sea and Yellow Sea. Eighty-one individuals of C. nasus were collected from five locations and 12 individuals of Coilia mystus were sampled from the Yangtze River Estuary. A total of 371 loci were detected by five primer combinations, 310 of which were polymorphic (83.56%). Analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) and pairwise fixation index (FST) revealed significant genetic differentiation among five samples, indicating limited gene flow among populations. The dendrogram for populations by neighbor-joining (NJ) cluster analysis provided evidence of a clear relationship between genetic and geographic patterns, supporting significant genetic differentiation between China coastal populations and Ariake Sea populations. Compared to the genetic divergence between C. nasus and C. mystus, the level of genetic differentiation between China and the Ariake Sea populations of C. nasus is obvious below the species level, indicating isolated populations of C. nasus in the Ariake Sea. Isolation by distance analysis revealed that direct ocean distance with deep-water at the continental slope and high salinity between west and east coastal waters of the East China Sea served as major physical barrier to C. nasus, supporting the coastal dispersal pattern in this estuarine species, and rejecting offshore dispersal strategy.
Significant Roles of Regulatory T Cells and Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells in Hepatitis B Virus Persistent Infection and Hepatitis B Virus-Related HCCs
Authors: Kondo Yasuteru , Shimosegawa Tooru
Published: February 2015

The adaptive immune system, including type1 helper T cells (Th1 cells), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and dendritic cells (DCs), plays an important role in the control of hepatitis B virus (HBV). On the other hand, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) suppress the immune reaction in HBV and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Excessive activation of immune suppressive cells could contribute to the persistent infection of HBV and the progression of HCC. The frequency and/or function of Tregs could affect the natural course in chronic hepatitis B patients and the treatment response. In addition to the suppressive function of MDSCs, MDSCs could affect the induction and function of Tregs. Therefore, we should understand in detail the mechanism by which Tregs and MDSCs are induced to control HBV persistent infection and HBV-related HCC. Immune suppressive cells, including Tregs and MDSCs, contribute to the difficulty in inducing an effective immune response for HBV persistent infection and HBV-related HCC. In this review, we focus on the Tregs and MDSCs that could be potential targets for immune therapy of chronic hepatitis B and HBV-related HCC.
Ecdysone Receptor (EcR) Is Involved in the Transcription of Cell Cycle Genes in the Silkworm
Authors: Qian Wenliang , Kang Lixia , Zhang Tianlei , Meng Meng , Wang Yonghu , Li Zhiqing , Xia Qingyou , Cheng Daojun
Published: February 2015

EcR (ecdysone receptor)-mediated ecdysone signaling pathway contributes to regulate the transcription of genes involved in various processes during insect development. In this work, we detected the expression of EcR gene in silkworm ovary-derived BmN4 cells and found that EcR RNAi result in an alteration of cell shape, indicating that EcR may orchestrate cell cycle progression. EcR RNAi and EcR overexpression analysis revealed that in the cultured BmN4 cells, EcR respectively promoted and suppressed the transcription of E2F-1 and CycE, two genes controlling cell cycle progression. Further examination demonstrated that ecdysone application in BmN4 cells not only changed the transcription of these two cell cycle genes like that under EcR overexpression, but also induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. In vivo analysis confirmed that E2F-1 expression was elevated in silk gland of silkworm larvae after ecdysone application, which is same as its response to ecdysone in BmN4 cells. However, ecdysone also promotes CycE transcription in silk gland, and this is converse with the observation in BmN4 cells. These results provide new insights into understanding the roles of EcR-mediated ecdysone signaling in the regulation of cell cycle.
Dietary Polyphenols in Prevention and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Lall Rahul , Syed Deeba , Adhami Vaqar , Khan Mohammad , Mukhtar Hasan
Published: February 2015

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent disease affecting males in many Western countries, with an estimated 29,480 deaths in 2014 in the US alone. Incidence rates for prostate cancer deaths have been decreasing since the early 1990s in men of all races/ethnicities, though they remain about 60% higher in African Americans than in any other group. The relationship between dietary polyphenols and the prevention of prostate cancer has been examined previously. Although results are sometimes inconsistent and variable, there is a general agreement that polyphenols hold great promise for the future management of prostate cancer. Various dietary components, including polyphenols, have been shown to possess anti-cancer properties. Generally considered as non-toxic, dietary polyphenols act as key modulators of signaling pathways and are therefore considered ideal chemopreventive agents. Besides possessing various anti-tumor properties, dietary polyphenols also contribute to epigenetic changes associated with the fate of cancer cells and have emerged as potential drugs for therapeutic intervention. Polyphenols have also been shown to affect post-translational modifications and microRNA expressions. This article provides a systematic review of the health benefits of selected dietary polyphenols in prostate cancer, especially focusing on the subclasses of polyphenols, which have a great effect on disease prevention and treatment.
A New Nanometer-Sized Ga(III)-Oxyhydroxide Cation
Authors: Casey William , Olmstead Marilyn , Hazlett Caitlyn , Lamar Chelsey , Forbes Tori
Published: February 2015

A new 30-center Ga(III)-oxy-hydroxide cation cluster was synthesized by hydrolysis of an aqueous GaCl3 solution near pH = 2.5 and crystallized using 2,6-napthalene disulfonate (NDS). The cluster has 30 metal centers and a nominal stoichiometry: [Ga30(μ4-O)12(μ3-O)4(μ3-OH)4(μ2-OH)42(H2O)16](2,6-NDS)6, where 2,6-NDS = 2,6-napthalene disulfonate This cluster augments the very small library of Group 13 clusters that have been isolated from aqueous solution and closely resembles one other Ga(III) cluster with 32 metal centers that had been isolated using curcurbit ligands. These clusters have uncommon linked Ga(O)4 centers and sets of both protonated and unprotonated μ3-oxo.
Are Fit Indices Biased in Favor of Bi-Factor Models in Cognitive Ability Research?: A Comparison of Fit in Correlated Factors, Higher-Order, and Bi-Factor Models via Monte Carlo Simulations
Authors: Morgan Grant , Hodge Kari , Wells Kevin , Watkins Marley
Published: February 2015

Bi-factor confirmatory factor models have been influential in research on cognitive abilities because they often better fit the data than correlated factors and higher-order models. They also instantiate a perspective that differs from that offered by other models. Motivated by previous work that hypothesized an inherent statistical bias of fit indices favoring the bi-factor model, we compared the fit of correlated factors, higher-order, and bi-factor models via Monte Carlo methods. When data were sampled from a true bi-factor structure, each of the approximate fit indices was more likely than not to identify the bi-factor solution as the best fitting. When samples were selected from a true multiple correlated factors structure, approximate fit indices were more likely overall to identify the correlated factors solution as the best fitting. In contrast, when samples were generated from a true higher-order structure, approximate fit indices tended to identify the bi-factor solution as best fitting. There was extensive overlap of fit values across the models regardless of true structure. Although one model may fit a given dataset best relative to the other models, each of the models tended to fit the data well in absolute terms. Given this variability, models must also be judged on substantive and conceptual grounds.
Effect of Strain Localization on Pitting Corrosion of an AlMgSi0.5 Alloy
Authors: Nickel Daniela , Dietrich Dagmar , Mehner Thomas , Frint Philipp , Spieler Dagobert , Lampke Thomas
Published: February 2015

The corrosion susceptibility of an age-hardened aluminum alloy in different processing conditions, especially after a single pass of equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP), is examined. The main question addressed is how corrosive attack is changed by strain localization. For that purpose, an AlMgSi0.5 alloy with a strain localized microstructure containing alternating shear bands was subjected to potentiodynamic polarization on a macro-scale and micro-scale using the micro-capillary technique. Pitting potentials and the corrosion appearance (pit depth, corroded area fractions and volumes) are discussed with respect to microstructural evolution due to casting, extrusion and ECAP. Size, shape and orientation of grains, constituent particle fragmentation, cell size and microstrain were analyzed. Stable pitting of shear bands results in less positive potentials compared to adjacent microstructure. More pits emerge in the shear bands, but the pit depth is reduced significantly. This is attributed to higher microstrains influencing the stability of the passivation layer and the reduced size of grains and constituent particles. The size of the crystallographic pits is associated with the deformation-induced cell size of the aluminum alloy.