bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Both Acyl and Des-Acyl Ghrelin Regulate Adiposity and Glucose Metabolism via Central Nervous System Ghrelin Receptors
Authors: Heppner Kristy M. , Piechowski Carolin L. , Müller Anne , Ottaway Nickki , Sisley Stephanie , Smiley David L. , Habegger Kirk M. , Pfluger Paul T. , DiMarchi Richard , Biebermann Heike , Tschöp Matthias H. , Sandoval Darleen A. , Perez-Tilve Diego
Published: September 2013

Growth hormone secretagogue receptors (GHSRs) in the central nervous system (CNS) mediate hyperphagia and adiposity induced by acyl ghrelin (AG). Evidence suggests that des-AG (dAG) has biological activity through GHSR-independent mechanisms. We combined in vitro and in vivo approaches to test possible GHSR-mediated biological activity of dAG. Both AG (100 nmol/L) and dAG (100 nmol/L) significantly increased inositol triphosphate formation in human embryonic kidney-293 cells transfected with human GHSR. As expected, intracerebroventricular infusion of AG in mice increased fat mass (FM), in comparison with the saline-infused controls. Intracerebroventricular dAG also increased FM at the highest dose tested (5 nmol/day). Chronic intracerebroventricular infusion of AG or dAG increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). Subcutaneously infused AG regulated FM and GSIS in comparison with saline-infused control mice, whereas dAG failed to regulate these parameters even with doses that were efficacious when delivered intracerebroventricularly. Furthermore, intracerebroventricular dAG failed to regulate FM and induce hyperinsulinemia in GHSR-deficient (Ghsr−/−) mice. In addition, a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp suggests that intracerebroventricular dAG impairs glucose clearance without affecting endogenous glucose production. Together, these data demonstrate that dAG is an agonist of GHSR and regulates body adiposity and peripheral glucose metabolism through a CNS GHSR-dependent mechanism.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) and Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Contribute to Diabetes Resistance in Glucagon Receptor–Deficient Mice
Authors: Omar Bilal A. , Andersen Birgitte , Hald Jacob , Raun Kirsten , Nishimura Erica , Ahrén Bo
Published: September 2013

Mice genetically deficient in the glucagon receptor (Gcgr−/−) show improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and α-cell hyperplasia. In addition, Gcgr−/− mice do not develop diabetes after chemical destruction of β-cells. Since fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) has insulin-independent glucose-lowering properties, we investigated whether FGF21 was contributing to diabetes resistance in insulin-deficient Gcgr−/− mice. Plasma FGF21 was 25-fold higher in Gcgr−/− mice than in wild-type mice. FGF21 was found to be expressed in pancreatic β- and α-cells, with high expression in the hyperplastic α-cells of Gcgr−/− mice. FGF21 expression was also significantly increased in liver and adipose tissue of Gcgr−/− mice. To investigate the potential antidiabetic actions of FGF21 in insulin-deficient Gcgr−/− mice, an FGF21-neutralizing antibody was administered prior to oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs). FGF21 neutralization caused a decline in glucose tolerance in insulin-deficient Gcgr−/− mice during the OGTT. Despite this decline, insulin-deficient Gcgr−/− mice did not develop hyperglycemia. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) also has insulin-independent glucose-lowering properties, and an elevated circulating level of GLP-1 is a known characteristic of Gcgr−/− mice. Neutralization of FGF21, while concurrently blocking the GLP-1 receptor with the antagonist Exendin 9-39 (Ex9-39), resulted in significant hyperglycemia in insulin-deficient Gcgr−/− mice, while blocking with Ex9-39 alone did not. In conclusion, FGF21 acts additively with GLP-1 to prevent insulinopenic diabetes in mice lacking glucagon action.
Growth Differentiation Factor-5 Promotes Brown Adipogenesis in Systemic Energy Expenditure
Authors: Hinoi Eiichi , Nakamura Yukari , Takada Saya , Fujita Hiroyuki , Iezaki Takashi , Hashizume Syota , Takahashi Satoshi , Odaka Yoshiaki , Watanabe Takumi , Yoneda Yukio
Published: September 2013

Although growth differentiation factor-5 (GDF5) has been implicated in skeletal development and joint morphogenesis in mammals, little is known about its functionality in adipogenesis and energy homeostasis. Here, we show a critical role of GDF5 in regulating brown adipogenesis for systemic energy expenditure in mice. GDF5 expression was preferentially upregulated in brown adipose tissues from inborn and acquired obesity mice. Transgenic overexpression of GDF5 in adipose tissues led to a lean phenotype and reduced susceptibility to diet-induced obesity through increased systemic energy expenditure. Overexpression of GDF5 facilitated the development of brown fat-like cells, called brite or beige cells, along with the expression of uncoupling protein-1 in inguinal subcutaneous white adipose tissue. In mutant mice harboring the dominant-negative GDF5, marked impairment in energy expenditure and thermogenesis was seen under obesogenic conditions. Recombinant GDF5 promoted brown adipogenesis through the mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (Smad) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) pathways after activation of bone morphogenetic protein receptor (BMPR). These results suggest that brown adipogenesis and energy homeostasis are both positively regulated by the GDF5/BMPR/Smad/PGC-1α signaling pathway in adipose tissues. Modulation of these pathways might be an effective therapeutic strategy for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Carboxyl-Ester Lipase Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young Is Associated With Development of Pancreatic Cysts and Upregulated MAPK Signaling in Secretin-Stimulated Duodenal Fluid
Authors: Ræder Helge , McAllister Fiona E. , Tjora Erling , Bhatt Shweta , Haldorsen Ingfrid , Hu Jiang , Willems Stefan M. , Vesterhus Mette , El Ouaamari Abdelfattah , Liu Manway , Ræder Maria B. , Immervoll Heike , Hoem Dag , Dimcevski Georg , Njølstad Pål R. , Molven Anders , Gygi Steven P. , Kulkarni Rohit N.
Published: September 2013

Carboxyl-ester lipase (CEL) maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY) is a monogenic form of diabetes and pancreatic exocrine dysfunction due to mutations in the CEL gene encoding CEL. The pathogenic mechanism for diabetes development is unknown. Since CEL is expressed mainly in pancreatic acinar cells, we asked whether we could find structural pancreatic changes in CEL-MODY subjects during the course of diabetes development. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the diseased pancreas releases proteins that are detectable in pancreatic fluid and potentially reflect activation or inactivation of disease-specific pathways. We therefore investigated nondiabetic and diabetic CEL-mutation carriers by pancreatic imaging studies and secretin-stimulated duodenal juice sampling. The secretin-stimulated duodenal juice was studied using cytokine assays, mass spectrometry (MS) proteomics, and multiplexed MS-based measurement of kinase activities. We identified multiple pancreatic cysts in all eight diabetic mutation carriers but not in any of the four nondiabetic mutation carriers or the six healthy controls. Furthermore, we identified upregulated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) target proteins and MAPK-driven cytokines and increased MAPK activity in the secretin-stimulated duodenal juice. These findings show that subjects with CEL-MODY develop multiple pancreatic cysts by the time they develop diabetes and that upregulated MAPK signaling in the pancreatic secretome may reflect the pathophysiological development of pancreatic cysts and diabetes.
Effects of Adding Linagliptin to Basal Insulin Regimen for Inadequately Controlled Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Yki-Järvinen Hannele , Rosenstock Julio , Durán-Garcia Santiago , Pinnetti Sabine , Bhattacharya Sudipta , Thiemann Sandra , Patel Sanjay , Woerle Hans-Juergen
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and long-term safety of linagliptin added to basal insulins in type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on basal insulin with or without oral agents.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 1,261 patients (HbA1c ≥7.0% [53 mmol/mol] to ≤10.0% [86 mmol/mol]) on basal insulin alone or combined with metformin and/or pioglitazone were randomized (1:1) to double-blind treatment with linagliptin 5 mg once daily or placebo for ≥52 weeks. The basal insulin dose was kept unchanged for 24 weeks but could thereafter be titrated according to fasting plasma glucose levels at the investigators’ discretion. The primary end point was the mean change in HbA1c from baseline to week 24. The safety analysis incorporated data up to a maximum of 110 weeks.

RESULTS

At week 24, HbA1c changed from a baseline of 8.3% (67 mmol/mol) by −0.6% (−6.6 mmol/mol) and by 0.1% (1.1 mmol/mol) with linagliptin and placebo, respectively (treatment difference −0.65% [95% CI −0.74 to −0.55] [−7.1 mmol/mol]; P < 0.0001). Despite the option to uptitrate basal insulin, it was adjusted only slightly upward (week 52, linagliptin 2.6 IU/day, placebo 4.2 IU/day; P < 0.003), resulting in no further HbA1c improvements. Frequencies of hypoglycemia (week 24, linagliptin 22.0%, placebo 23.2%; treatment end, linagliptin 31.4%, placebo 32.9%) and adverse events (linagliptin 78.4%, placebo 81.4%) were similar between groups. Mean body weight remained unchanged (week 52, linagliptin −0.30 kg, placebo −0.04 kg).

CONCLUSIONS

Linagliptin added to basal insulin therapy significantly improved glycemic control relative to placebo without increasing hypoglycemia or body weight.
Intima-Media Thickness in Severe Obesity
Authors: Dalmas Elise , Kahn Jean-François , Giral Philippe , Abdennour Meriem , Bouillot Jean-Luc , Fellahi Soraya , Oppert Jean-Michel , Clément Karine , Guerre-Millo Michèle , Poitou Christine
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Obesity is associated with cardiovascular risk and a low-grade inflammatory state in both blood and adipose tissue (AT). Whether inflammation contributes to vascular alteration remains an open question. To test this hypothesis, we measured arterial intima-media thickness (IMT), which reflects subclinical atherosclerosis, in severely obese subjects and explored associations with systemic inflammation and AT inflammation.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

IMT of the carotid artery (C-IMT) and IMT of the femoral artery (F-IMT) were measured in 132 nonobese (control) subjects (BMI 22.3 kg/m2; mean age 44.8 years) and 232 subjects who were severely obese without diabetes (OB/ND; n = 146; BMI 48.3 kg/m2; age 38.2 years) or severely obese with type 2 diabetes (OB/D; n = 86; BMI 47.0; age 49.4 years). In 57 OB/ND subjects, circulating soluble E-selectin, matrix metalloproteinase 9, myeloperoxidase, soluble intracellular adhesion molecule 1, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, tissue plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, cystatin C, cathepsin S, and soluble CD14 were measured in serum. AT macrophages were quantified by CD68 immunochemistry.

RESULTS

Both C-IMT and F-IMT increased in OB/ND and OB/D patients. In OB/ND patients, age was the sole independent determinant of IMT. No significant association was found with circulating inflammation-related molecules, number of CD68+ cells, or the presence of crown-like structures in visceral or subcutaneous AT of OB/ND patients.

CONCLUSIONS

IMT increased with severe obesity but was not influenced by the degree of systemic inflammation or AT macrophage accumulation.
Quarterly Visits With Glycated Hemoglobin Monitoring: The Sweet Spot for Glycemic Control in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Phan Thao-Ly , Hossain Jobayer , Lawless Stephen , Werk Lloyd Neil
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between the frequency of visits and glycated hemoglobin (GHb) measurements on glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective longitudinal cohort study of 1,449 youth with type 1 diabetes (mean age 11.4 years, 50% female, 74% Caucasian, 24% with Medicaid) followed at five pediatric endocrinology clinics from the years 2008–2011 was conducted. By hierarchical cluster analysis, three homogeneous groups of patients were generated: those with a relative increase in GHb (worsened [n = 237]), no change in GHb (stable [n = 842]), and a decrease in GHb (improved [n = 370]) over the study period. The number of visits and GHb measurements per year were compared among the three groups by multinomial logistic regression analysis using one visit or GHb test per year as a reference and controlling for patient demographic and baseline characteristics.

RESULTS

Patients with quarterly visits were least likely to have worsened glycemic control (odds ratio 0.33, P < 0.05) and were most likely to have improved glycemic control (3.48, P < 0.01). Patients with four GHb tests a year (0.53, P < 0.05) were least likely to have worsened glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Quarterly visits and GHb testing are associated with glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes.
Co-occurrence of Risk Alleles in or Near Genes Modulating Insulin Secretion Predisposes Obese Youth to Prediabetes
Authors: Giannini Cosimo , Dalla Man Chiara , Groop Leif , Cobelli Claudio , Zhao Hongyu , Shaw Melissa M. , Duran Elvira , Pierpont Bridget , Bale Allen E. , Caprio Sonia , Santoro Nicola
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

Paralleling the rise of pediatric obesity, the prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) is increasing among youth. In this study, we asked whether the co-occurrence of risk alleles in or near five genes modulating insulin secretion (TCF7L2 rs7903146, IGF2BP2 rs4402960, CDKAL1 rs7754840, HHEX rs1111875, and HNF1A rs1169288) is associated with a higher risk of IGT/T2D in obese children and adolescents.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We studied 714 obese subjects (290 boys and 424 girls; mean age 13.6 ± 3.1 years; mean z score BMI 2.2 ± 0.4) and evaluated the insulin secretion by using the oral minimal model and, in a subgroup of 37 subjects, the hyperglycemic clamp. Also, 203 subjects were followed up for a mean of 2.1 years.

RESULTS

We observed that the increase of risk alleles was associated with a progressive worsening of insulin secretion (P < 0.001) mainly due to an impairment of the dynamic phase of insulin secretion (P = 0.004); the higher the number of the risk alleles, the higher the chance of progression from normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to IGT/T2D (P = 0.022). Also, for those who were IGT at baseline, a higher risk score was associated with a lower odds to revert to NGT (P = 0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Obese children and adolescents developing IGT/T2D have a higher genetic predisposition than those who do not show these diseases, and this predisposition is mainly related to gene variants modulating the early phase of insulin secretion. Although these data are very interesting, they need to be replicated in other cohorts.
Cardiopulmonary effects of three concentrations of isoflurane with or without mechanical ventilation and supramaximal noxious stimulation in New Zealand white rabbits
Authors: Barter Linda S. , Epstein Steven E.
Published: September 2013

Objective—To determine the cardiopulmonary effects of 3 doses of isoflurane, with and without controlled mechanical ventilation and noxious stimulation, in healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits.

Animals—6 adult female rabbits.

Procedures—Each rabbit was administered isoflurane in oxygen at each of 3 anesthetic doses (1.0, 1.5, or 2.0 times the published minimum alveolar concentration of 2.07%). At each anesthetic dose, blood gas and cardiopulmonary measurements were obtained before and during application of a supramaximal noxious stimulus. Effects of spontaneous and mechanical ventilation were assessed during separate anesthetic episodes.

Results—Mean ± SEM isoflurane concentrations used were 2.11 ± 0.04%, 3.14 ± 0.07%, and 4.15 ± 0.06%. During spontaneous ventilation, the rabbits’ Paco2 and mixed venous Pco2 significantly increased with concomitant reductions in both arterial and mixed venous pH as isoflurane concentration increased. Cardiac output and vascular resistance did not change significantly. Noxious stimulation minimally affected measured cardiopulmonary variables. During mechanical ventilation, significant reductions in arterial blood pressures and cardiac output occurred with increasing isoflurane dose. Systemic vascular resistance index at the highest anesthetic dose was significantly lower than the value at the lowest anesthetic dose. During noxious stimulation, systolic arterial blood pressure and cardiac output significantly increased at the 2 lower isoflurane concentrations, but not at the highest concentration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In rabbits, isoflurane-induced dose-dependent cardiopulmonary depression was attributable to vasodilation and negative inotropy. At an isoflurane concentration of 4.15% with mechanical ventilation, cardiovascular depression was severe; use of unnecessarily high isoflurane concentrations in this species should be avoided.
Composition hyperrings
Authors: Cristea Irina , Jančić-Rašović Sanja
Published: September 2013

In this paper we introduce the notion of composition hyperring. We show that the composition structure of a composition hyperring is determined by a class of its strong multiendomorphisms. Finally, the three isomorphism theorems of ring theory are derived in the context of com- position hyperrings.
λ-statistical convergence in n-normed spaces
Authors: Hazarika Bipan , Savaş Ekrem
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we introduce the concept of λ-statistical convergence in n-normed spaces. Some inclusion relations between the sets of statistically convergent and λ-statistically convergent sequences are established. We find its relations to statistical convergence, (C,1)-summability and strong (V, λ)-summability in n-normed spaces
Coefficients estimates of some subclasses of analytic functions related with conic domain
Authors: Malik Sarfraz Nawaz , Raza Mohsan , Arif Muhammad , Hussain Saqib
Published: September 2013

In this paper, the authors determine the coefficient bounds for functions in certain subclasses of analytic functions related with the conic regions, which are introduced by using the concept of bounded boundary and bounded radius rotations. The effect of certain integral operator on these classes has also been examined.
Three solutions to a p(x)-Laplacian problem in weighted-variable-exponent Sobolev space
Authors: Pan Wen-Wu , Afrouzi Ghasem Alizadeh , Li Lin
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we verify that a general p(x)-Laplacian Neumann problem has at least three weak solutions, which generalizes the corresponding result of the reference [R. A. Mashiyev, Three Solutions to a Neumann Problem for Elliptic Equations with Variable Exponent, Arab. J. Sci. Eng. 36 (2011) 1559-1567].
Altering distances, some generalizations of Meir - Keeler theorems and applications
Authors: Patriciu Alina-Mihaela , Popa Valeriu
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this paper is to prove a general theorem of Meir - Keeler type using the notion of altering distance for occasionally weakly compatible mappings satisfying an implicit relation. As application, a problem of Meir - Keeler type satisfying a condition of integral type becomes a special case of a problem of Meir - Keeler type with an altering distance.
Combining Local and Global Direct Derivative-Free Optimization for Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Leonetti Matteo , Kormushev Petar , Sagratella Simone
Published: September 2013

We consider the problem of optimization in policy space for reinforcement learning. While a plethora of methods have been applied to this problem, only a narrow category of them proved feasible in robotics. We consider the peculiar characteristics of reinforcement learning in robotics, and devise a combination of two algorithms from the literature of derivative-free optimization. The proposed combination is well suited for robotics, as it involves both off-line learning in simulation and on-line learning in the real environment. We demonstrate our approach on a real-world task, where an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle has to survey a target area under potentially unknown environment conditions. We start from a given controller, which can perform the task under foreseeable conditions, and make it adaptive to the actual environment.
Learning Fast Quadruped Robot Gaits with the RL PoWER Spline Parameterization
Authors: Shen Haocheng , Yosinski Jason , Kormushev Petar , Caldwell Darwin G. , Lipson Hod
Published: September 2013

Legged robots are uniquely privileged over their wheeled counterparts in their potential to access rugged terrain. However, designing walking gaits by hand for legged robots is a difficult and time-consuming process, so we seek algorithms for learning such gaits to automatically using real world experimentation. Numerous previous studies have examined a variety of algorithms for learning gaits, using an assortment of different robots. It is often difficult to compare the algorithmic results from one study to the next, because the conditions and robots used vary. With this in mind, we have used an open-source, 3D printed quadruped robot called QuadraTot, so the results may be verified, and hopefully improved upon, by any group so desiring. Because many robots do not have accurate simulators, we test gait-learning algorithms entirely on the physical robot. Previous studies using the QuadraTot have compared parameterized splines, the HyperNEAT generative encoding and genetic algorithm. Among these, the research on the genetic algorithm was conducted by (G l e t t e et al., 2012) in a simulator and tested on a real robot. Here we compare these results to an algorithm called Policy learning by Weighting Exploration with the Returns, or RL PoWER. We report that this algorithm has learned the fastest gait through only physical experiments yet reported in the literature, 16.3% faster than reported for HyperNEAT. In addition, the learned gaits are less taxing on the robot and more repeatable than previous record-breaking gaits.
Predicting Student Performance by Using Data Mining Methods for Classification
Authors: Kabakchieva Dorina
Published: September 2013

Data mining methods are often implemented at advanced universities today for analyzing available data and extracting information and knowledge to support decision-making. This paper presents the initial results from a data mining research project implemented at a Bulgarian university, aimed at revealing the high potential of data mining applications for university management.
Using Decision Trees for Identification of Most Relevant Indicators for Effective ICT Utilization
Authors: Tomic Rotim Silvana , Dobsa Jasminka , Krakar Zdravko
Published: September 2013

This paper offers a brief overview of the research of ICT utilization and benefits of its usage. The results of several important studies conducted worldwide are presented. One of them is a study by the World Economic Forum that we use as the basis of our research. This study covers 134 countries, NRI (Network Readiness Index) is used as a parameter to distinguish the readiness of different countries to adopt ICT. NRI consists of 68 indicators that are organized into three groups. Each group describes one of the three main factors crucial for effective utilization of ICT: Environment, Readiness and Usage. The observed countries are divided into four groups (leaders, followers, league III and league IV) and classification by a decision tree is conducted. The decision tree method is applied to each of the three main factors and the results are presented by means of F1 measure.
Fixed Point Theorem for Converse Commuting Mapping in Symmetric Spaces
Authors: Samanta T. K. , Mohinta Sumit
Published: September 2013

Using the concept of converse commuting mappings, our target is to prove some common fixed point theorems with respect to a contractive condition under implicit function relations and an integral type contractive condition in fuzzy symmetric spaces.
An Efficient Data Structure for Representing Trilateral/Quadrilateral Subdivision Surfaces
Authors: Zhu Jianning , Wang Minjie , Wei Zhaocheng , Cao Bin
Published: September 2013

With the increase of subdivision depths, some problems of common data structures for representing the subdivision surfaces appear, such as excessive computer memory consumption and low efficiency of the data query which restrict the popularization and application of subdivision surfaces in more fields. By utilizing the topological characteristics of the subdivision surface, a two-layer data structure named CELL is presented in order to better realize the piecewise representation of trilateral/quadrilateral subdivision surfaces. The inner structure of CELL represents the subdivision surface patch by using arrays, and the outer structure of CELL represents the topological relations between the subdivision surface patches. Based on Catmull-Clark subdivision scheme, the structural compositions of CELL and the realization mechanism of the subdivision algorithm are proposed. Additionally, sharp and semi-sharp features are constructed, and a primary study on amalgamation of the image/Z-map model and subdivision surface is presented. The results of the experimental and theoretical analysis show the superior performance of CELL with relation to computer memory consumption, data query, subdivision surface computation and algorithm development.
An Efficient Access Control Scheme for Cloud Environment
Authors: Tu Shan-Shan , Niu Shao-Zhang , Li Meng-Jiao
Published: September 2013

In order to keep the confidential data in the cloud against unauthorized parties, a cryptographic access control solution based on Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) and Identity-Based Signature (IBS) is introduced in this paper. Under the premise that cloud service provider is untrustful, the proposed scheme can ensure the data security of the cloud storage system in an open environment, as well as reduce the complexity of management. Analysis and experimental results show that the scheme can be semantically secure against adaptive chosen ciphertext attacks under the random oracle model. Our concrete access control scheme can enhance the efficiency of the cloud to a certain extent.
Acyclic Real-Time Traffic Signal Control Based on a Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Yang Hairong , Luo Dayong
Published: September 2013

This paper presents an acyclic real-time traffic signal control model with transit priority based on a rolling horizon process for isolated intersections. The developed model consists of two components, including: an Improved Genetic Algorithm (IGA)-based signal optimization module and a microscopic traffic simulation module. The acyclic real-time traffic signal control model optimizes the phase sequence and the phase length with the aim to minimize the total delay of both transit vehicles and general vehicles for the next decision horizon. Numerical results show that the proposed IGA signal optimization module could provide a more efficient search for optimal solutions. The results also show that the acyclic real-time traffic signal control model outperforms the fixed-time control model. It prioritizes transit vehicles while minimizing the impact on the general vehicles.
Enhancing a Traditional Health Care System of an Organization for Better Service with Agent Technology by Ensuring Confidentiality of Patients’ Medical Information
Authors: Subalakshmi R. Jaya ,   Haleema, Iyengar N. C. S. N.
Published: September 2013

Agent technology is one of the widely adapted technologies for developing applications that deliver e-Services. Ensuring confidentiality of the patients’ data in e-health care systems remains a serious challenge. Many large enterprises provide in-house health care services free of cost for their employees and their dependents as a competitive benefit to prevent employees turnover and also to maintain healthy and productive human resource. This paper proposes enhancements to the traditional health care system of an organization so that it provides better services with respect to users’ satisfaction. The requirements identification of the system proposed and the evaluation of the new system are done using a feedback model. The new system proved to be mutually beneficial to employees and employers in terms of saving time and cost and thus it enhances productivity.
Silver selenide modification of polyamide fabric
Authors: Milašienė Daiva , Ivanauskas Remigijus
Published: September 2013

Formation of a silver selenide layer on silicone coated polyamide cloth was investigated. Fabric samples were selenized in potassium selenotrithionate (K2SeS2O6) solution then treated with AgNO3 solution. Formation of a silver selenide particle layer on the surface was confirmed by a change in appearance, X-ray diffraction, and EDX analysis. XRD revealed two phases: orthorhombic naumannite (Ag2Se) and monoclinic selenium (Se8). SEM showed that the fabric macrostructure and the multifilament yarn microstructure was preserved. The silver selenide particles ranged from 100 nm to more than 20 µm.
Research in Academic Sector: Prospect and Challenges
Authors: Editor The
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i1.8718 Health Prospect: Journal of Public Health Vol.12(1) 2013
Bleeding time and Clotting Time in Healthy Male and Female College Students of Karukutty Village, Kerala
Authors: Kumar SS , VK JM , George J , Mukkadan JK
Published: September 2013

Background It was reported that females are having high Bleeding time and clotting time than males. The reason for prolonged bleeding and clotting time in females is not clear. The studies on Bleeding time and Clotting time in healthy male and female college students of Kerala are inadequate. Therefore the present study was undertaken to measure and compare bleeding time and clotting time in male and female college students. Methodology Two hundred and twenty two healthy male and female college students, were enrolled in the present study. Bleeding time was estimated by Duke Method and clotting time was estimated by capillary tube method. Results Mean age of the participants of present study is 19±1. We have observed higher bleeding time (BT) and clotting time (CT) in females (155.45±34.91 seconds and 318.18±64.40 seconds) than males (96.06±55.05 seconds and 223.01±50.74 seconds) which is statistically significant (p value <0.001). Minimum and Maximum bleeding time observed in females is 2minutes and 4 minutes respectively while in males, it is 30 seconds and 3 minutes 30 seconds respectively. Minimum and maximum clotting time observed in females is 3minutes 30 seconds and 10 minutes respectively while in males, it is 2 minutes 30 seconds and 5 minutes respsectively. Conclusion Our study suggests that bleeding and clotting time are slightly higher in females. We recommend further detailed study in this area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hprospect.v12i1.8720    Health Prospect: Journal of Public Health Vol.12(1) 2013: 7-9
The Relationship between Legal Gambling and Crime in Alberta
Authors: Arthur Jennifer N. , Williams Robert J. , Belanger Yale D.
Published: September 2013

One of the main justifications used for the expansion of legal gambling is that gambling provides increased revenue to governments and community groups. However, critics argue that the social costs of legal gambling offset these benefits. One particularly controversial social cost of gambling is the impact that gambling has on crime. The academic literature is split with as many studies showing an increase in crime due to gambling as those that show no impact. The current study investigated how increased legal gambling availability has affected crime in Alberta. Four sources of data were examined: self-reports of gambling-related crime among problem gamblers in population surveys; gambling-related crime in police incident reports; uniform crime statistics from Statistics Canada; and criminal offences as recorded by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC). The most unambiguous findings of this study are that gambling-related crime constitutes a very small percentage of all crime; crime that is gambling related tends to be non-violent property crime; and increased legal gambling availability has significantly decreased rates of illegal gambling. In terms of the impact of legalized gambling on overall crime in Alberta, the evidence would suggest that legalized gambling likely has a minor or negligible impact.
Multiculturalism as Second Reconstruction: The Continuing Quest for Fraternal Membership in North American Liberal Democracies
Authors: Foster Cecil
Published: September 2013

Abstract:

Even though, historically, the black population of Canada has been small, blackness has always been at the forefront of the Canadian imagination of who belongs. First, there was the ideal that Canada was to be a white man’s country, but that shattered in the wake of two major hemispheric developments. The first was the Haitian Revolution and the second was the American Civil War. To this day, the latter continues to cast a shadow over Canada’s ethno-racial relations and provincial affairs. I argue that official multiculturalism in Canada is neo-mythic blackness—the pragmatic realization that blacks and blackness are intrinsic to the Canadian imagination. I argue official multiculturalism results from a second “reconstruction” in North America, this time with Canada setting, as its ideal, the attainment of “a just society” marked by multicultural citizenship. Genuine multiculturalism as an ideal is the attempt by societies to incorporate ethnic and racial difference in a climate of freedom where no group is racialized as dominant and no group is positioned as inferior. Canadian multiculturalism is ethical and ontological blackness.
Less Money, Better Policy
Authors: Lorenz Julie , Douglas Lindsey
Published: September 2013

As transportation agencies across the country are forced to deal with declining funding levels, much attention is paid to what will be lost as a result of these reductions. However, not enough attention is given to what agencies can do, not only to manage under tight budgets but also to make tremendous advancements in how projects are delivered in a way that is more accountable and transparent to citizens. Although this may be an era of smaller transportation programs, it can also be a time of greater leadership and public policy. With this in mind, the Kansas Department of Transportation embarked on a multiyear experiment to reinvent transportation planning and project selection processes. The effort would achieve greater support through stakeholder consultation, collaboration, and adoption of improved and expanded methods for ranking and selecting projects that appeal to broader issues of public concern (such as job creation) instead of merely engineering measures of need, such as pavement condition, congestion, and shoulder width. Eight years of experimentation in consultation, collaboration, and revision of processes provide many lessons for the transportation community; these lessons may be applicable in whole or part for other state or regional transportation agencies. The following methods and tools used by the Kansas Department of Transportation were critically examined: surveys, collaborative planning efforts, social media outreach, economic impact analysis, and expanded project selection processes. The results of this effort led to both the passage of a new 10-year transportation program by the Kansas Legislature in 2010 and its successful implementation in 2011.
Federal Role in State Transportation Finance
Authors: Schank Joshua , Lewis Paul
Published: September 2013

The federal contribution to surface transportation funding has stagnated, and this situation is likely to continue or worsen as a result of continuing fiscal and political problems. The federal government remains the biggest single contributor to transportation capital investment on federal-aid projects, and stagnation or cuts will have a substantial impact on cities, states, and the entire country. Because of their own challenges with respect to raising revenue for transportation, federal grantees may not be able to replace lost federal funds. Therefore, new ways for the federal government to incentivize existing grantees to develop new sources of revenue must be considered. This issue was approached by first analyzing the existing programs the federal government had in place that were intended to leverage or permit additional revenue sources. These programs included the Transportation Investment Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA), private activity bonds, grant anticipation revenue vehicles, tolling pilot programs, and discretionary grant programs. The analysis demonstrated that some of these programs, particularly TIFIA and the discretionary grant programs, leveraged substantial revenues, but they were all limited in their ability to leverage additional funding by a lack of incentives as well as regulatory barriers. Then implementation of these incentives and what types of revenue should be incentivized were explored. Options were examined from a political, national, and revenue-generating perspective to understand their relative trade-offs better.
Ex Post Facto Evaluation of Indiana's Highway Investment Program
Authors: Everett Stephanie , Xiong Yingge , Sinha Kumares C. , Fricker Jon D.
Published: September 2013

In response to the federal requirements of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Act: A Legacy for Users, nearly all state departments of transportation (DOTs) have started to use performance measurement in the planning or programming process. Although these performance measures are routinely monitored, they are generally completed during the project development process on a project-by-project basis for anticipated future conditions. No state has a fully developed postimplementation tool to monitor and evaluate capital investment programs at a system (statewide) level. Historical highway expenditure and performance data from the Indiana DOT capital program were used in an ex post facto assessment to illustrate a program evaluation methodology that can be transferred to other agencies. The relationships between investment and performance were characterized for the condition of pavements and bridges as well as the operation of safety and mobility assets. In addition, the short-term economic development impacts, for jobs created and earnings added, were estimated for the total investment each year. The most recent surface transportation reauthorization, Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, sets a precedent for performance-based management of the nation's transportation network. The present study demonstrates an ex post facto assessment of impacts of the Indiana DOT's highway program and highlights lessons learned to be used when the agency and other state DOTs move forward in validating the effectiveness of investment to legislative bodies responsible for funding decisions. Finally, the study provides a mechanism to communicate the impacts of transportation investment to the general public.
Emerging Strategies in Mileage-Based User Fees
Authors: Sorensen Paul , Ecola Liisa , Wachs Martin
Published: September 2013

Inflation and improved fuel economy have undermined revenue from federal and state excise taxes on gasoline and diesel; this situation has made it challenging to maintain and expand the nation's road network. With more stringent federal fuel economy standards and the emergence of alternative fuels threatening to accelerate this problem in future years, policymakers have begun to explore mileage-based user fees as a long-term replacement for fuel taxes. Unaffected by fuel type or fuel economy, mileage fees would provide more sustainable revenue, and the system could be structured to promote more efficient use of the roads, offer value-added motorist services, and collect travel data to support better network planning and operations. Mileage fees will likely cost more to administer than will fuel taxes, however, and the concept faces acceptance challenges related to privacy protection and other concerns. These obstacles in turn have spurred great innovation. On the basis of recent studies, trials, and implementation efforts, this paper presents a review of promising mileage-fee design and implementation strategies intended to reduce system costs and foster greater public acceptance.
Minnesota Task Force for Mileage-Based User Fee Policy
Authors: Munnich Lee W. , Doan John Q. , Johnson Cory J.
Published: September 2013

Two national commissions have encouraged the development of a mileage-based charging system as a future alternative to the fuel tax. A 2012 Government Accountability Office report recommends a federal pilot program for evaluating mileage-based user fees. The state of Oregon has taken the lead in testing and moving toward a limited application of mileage-based user fees, and several states have initiated demonstrations, surveys, and policy studies. The findings and recommendations are presented from a 2011 policy task force study in Minnesota, and the lessons learned from this effort are discussed. The task force concluded that fairness was a primary reason for considering a mileage-based user fee system; the system is not just a means of raising revenue to fund future transportation infrastructure. As vehicles become more fuel efficient, some vehicle users are paying less per mile through the gas tax for transportation services than are others, and some are paying nothing at all if they drive electric vehicles.
Implementing Marginal-Cost Vehicle Mileage Fees on the Maryland Statewide Road Network
Authors: Zhang Lei , Lu Yijing
Published: September 2013

Properly structured vehicle mileage fee systems may help transportation professionals and officials at all levels address prominent issues such as funding gaps, traffic congestion, and emissions. In theory, vehicles should be assessed a user fee equivalent to the full marginal cost not borne by users. The full marginal cost of auto and truck travel in different time periods on all roadways in Maryland was estimated. The study evaluated the impacts of such marginal-cost vehicle miles traveled (VMT) fees on travel behavior, revenue generation, equity, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland and the surrounding states of Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Results showed that with consideration of all driving externalities, the marginal-cost VMT fee for travel in Maryland during peak periods ranged from 0.20 to about 12.16 cents/mi and from 3.91 to about 45.33 cents/mi for cars and trucks, respectively. Compared with existing revenue policy, the marginal-cost VMT fee could reduce overall VMT by 7.65% in the multistate region covered by the quantitative model and by 7.81% just in Maryland. Also, air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland could be reduced by 7.62% to 9.42% by pollutant type. Total revenue generation would increase by about 168% (including fuel taxes and bridge and roadway tolls). In regard to income equity, the middle-income group would be hurt most (largest consumer surplus decrease), while the highest-income group would be hurt least. Results also indicated that the proposed marginal-cost VMT fee in Maryland could affect neighboring states to varying degrees.
Traveler Response to Coexisting Multiple Pricing Schemes
Authors: Khademi Elaheh , Timmermans Harry , Borgers Aloys
Published: September 2013

Many academics and transportation planners seem convinced that pricing schemes may be one of the most effective policy instruments to change travelers’ behavior, to minimize congestion and emissions, or to optimize system use otherwise. Consequently, much empirical work has been conducted, although it is primarily about single pricing policies. Travelers’ adaptive behavior toward accumulated transport charges has not yet received much attention; therefore, this study addressed this underresearched issue. This paper documents the construction, implementation, and analysis of a mixture-amount experiment involving three mixtures of pricing schemes—toll road, congestion pricing, and parking price—and three travel budget levels per day. Basic mixed-amount design applications were extended to include an attribute associated with each pricing policy to capture different levels of travel time savings. With seven mixtures of the simplex–lattice design, a second-degree polynomial model was estimated to predict choice of amount and mixture of expenditures to different pricing schemes. This procedure captured the trade-off with level of travel time savings. In February 2012 in the Netherlands, an Internet-based stated choice experiment was conducted with 304 respondents to collect data for the model. A mixed logit model was estimated to model behavioral response. Results indicate the negative attitude of the sample toward their willingness to pay for pricing policies. Respondents seemed more sensitive to congestion pricing than to the two other policies. Furthermore, the effect of sociodemographic variables on choice probabilities was investigated. Income and public transport accessibility for conducting the peak hour trip were the variables that produced the most effect on respondents’ preference.
Managing Transportation Facilities in Design–Build–Finance–Operate Partnerships
Authors: Wu Hui , Zhang Zhanmin
Published: September 2013

In recent years, transportation planning has been challenged by an increasing need for infrastructure development, a shortfall of revenue from the public sector, and political trending toward deregulation of transportation infrastructure development. These factors have led to increased interest in privatization of transportation infrastructure and the development of public–private partnerships, such as design–build–finance–operate. Although the overall goal of a transportation infrastructure project is to provide safe, reliable transportation systems for the public, parties involved in public–private partnerships take different roles and responsibilities. The public sector leads in laying out the terms and standards to regulate the obligations between the state departments of transportation and private entities. The private sector makes capital investment to provide agreed-upon services as well as to assume various investment risks, including project operational and financial risks. Toll-pricing strategies are a key component for the public sector in regulating the operation of a public–private partnership facility and for the private sector in controlling investment risks. This study investigated the applicability of deterministic dynamic optimization models for determining toll-pricing strategies that can help improve mobility, secure the public interest, and attract investment from the private sector. A case study of a design–build–finance–operate project was completed. Results showed that the proposed model provides a useful tool to assist both the public and private sectors in making more informed decisions, including study of optimal strategies to seek investment return and determination of the predefined contract regulations.
Transportation Infrastructure, Industrial Productivity, and Return on Investment
Authors: Eloff Jeffrey J. , Smirnov Oleg A. , Lindquist Peter S.
Published: September 2013

This study examined the North American Industrial Classification System–based manufacturing industry (NAICS 31-33) from 1997 to 2010 in a cost-based framework. First, both profit and production function models were constructed and estimated for the U.S. manufacturing industry at the state level to allow for spatial spillovers and interactions. A model based on profit and production provided an alternative approach to the dual-cost function. Elasticities associated with infrastructure investment and industry total costs were determined by the inclusion of data on transportation infrastructure spending. Results of the spatial econometric models and the computed elasticities were then delivered in a geographic information system.