bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parking in the City
Authors: Jaller Miguel , Holguín-Veras José , Hodge Stacey Darville
Published: January 2014

This paper provides insight into the magnitude of the freight parking problem in large urban areas and the effectiveness of alternative solution strategies. The paper estimates the demand for parking through the use of freight trip generation estimates and estimates the supply of parking on the basis of curb space. The paper discusses strategies for the management of freight parking demand developed by governmental agencies and other organizations. In addition, the paper proposes an approximate methodology to quantify freight parking demand and on-street parking availability. Parking demand is expressed as a function of the freight trip generation of individual establishments, and parking availability is estimated to be a function of curb space dimensions and commercial vehicle characteristics. Empirical findings are provided. New York City is used as a case study. From the analyses and results, the paper provides a set of policy recommendations to help mitigate the identified issues.
Fostering the Use of Unassisted Off-Hour Deliveries
Authors: Holguín-Veras José , Marquis Robyn , Campbell Shama , Wojtowicz Jeff , Wang Cara , Jaller Miguel , Hodge Stacey Darville , Rothbard Sandra , Goevaers Robert
Published: January 2014

The main objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the technologies available for use in unassisted off-hour deliveries (i.e., deliveries made outside of regular business hours without the presence of receiving staff). The focus is on technologies that monitor and provide access, on some level, to the establishment and those that lessen or eliminate the noise created by delivery trucks and equipment. This paper also touches on the costs and benefits to companies that use unassisted off-hour deliveries and, ultimately, the question of who should cover the costs of the technologies. This issue is tied to the discussion of policy implications and how the public sector can help increase the adoption of these delivery programs.
Issues and Options for Improved Freight Transportation in Costa Rica
Authors: Montufar Jeannette , MacAngus Jane
Published: January 2014

As international trade grows in Central America, it becomes more critical to move freight in an effective and efficient manner. Recent trade agreements between Central American countries and the rest of the world will likely increase the freight moved in the Central American region. Additionally, the expansion of the Panama Canal will result in increases in freight as larger vessels will be able to travel through the canal. To handle this potential freight growth and maintain their competitiveness, Central American countries must prepare their infrastructure and improve their operations. The road network is essential in moving freight to international border crossings and ports in Costa Rica; therefore, the reliability of the infrastructure and key connecting links are a primary concern for freight transportation. Port and border infrastructure and operations are also essential for the throughput of freight at the international level. Although international free trade agreements have the potential to increase freight, without corresponding improvements to the freight transportation system, the overall positive impact might be small. This paper investigates the issues and options associated with improved freight movement to, from, and through Costa Rica. The issues and options are addressed in the context of physical, operational, and regulatory constraints to freight mobility. The findings from this work raise issues that should be considered in the design, development, and implementation of a modern and efficient freight transportation infrastructure that can increase the economic competitiveness of Costa Rica relative to other countries in the region.
Hazardous Driving Event Detection and Analysis System in Vehicular Networks
Authors: Oh Cheol , Jeong Eunbi , Kang Kyungpyo , Kang Younsoo
Published: January 2014

This study proposes a novel highway traffic surveillance system that is capable of detecting hazardous driving maneuvers through the use of an in-vehicle sensor and transmission of the event data detected to a traffic management center through vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure wireless communication; this system is referred to as the “hazardous driving event detection and analysis system in vehicular networks.” Compared with existing surveillance systems, the main novel feature of the proposed system lies in its ability to detect hazardous driving maneuvers that have the potential to lead to crashes. Three major components of the system are introduced in this study: an algorithm for detecting hazardous driving events, a method for deriving a new index incorporating expert judgment for evaluation of the risk level of the traffic stream on the basis of analyses of hazardous events that are detected, and field implementation of the proposed system in a test bed with real-time and historical data. Extensive field tests were conducted in the test bed to fine-tune the prototypical system. The methodology and field implementation presented in this study have potential value to help highway traffic agencies monitor and evaluate traffic streams with a focus on traffic safety. The proposed system is expected to be effective as support for the development of various traffic information control strategies to enhance traffic safety on highways.
Placement of Roadside Equipment in Connected Vehicle Environment for Travel Time Estimation
Authors: Kianfar Jalil , Edara Praveen
Published: January 2014

Vehicle-to-infrastructure (VTI) communication technology offers great potential to improve safety and mobility in transportation systems. One application of VTI communication to mobility is the measurement of travel time in an urban road network. The presence of traffic control at intersections in an urban network makes it challenging for traditional traffic-monitoring methods to provide accurate travel times. The use of several new technologies (e.g., Bluetooth) has been proposed to alleviate this problem. One of the features of the VTI communication technology is probe vehicle data collection, in which vehicles collect information on, for example, their location and speed. The speed information can be used for travel time estimation. This paper proposes a methodology for determining the optimal placement of roadside equipment (RSE) for travel time estimation in a VTI communication environment. A connected vehicle simulation test bed of Boise, Idaho, was developed in VISSIM traffic simulation software according to the SAE J2735 standard. A hybrid performance measure, the network coverage index, which combines travel time error and the number of links for which travel times are available, is proposed. A genetic algorithm-based solution method was implemented in conjunction with the simulation test bed to determine the optimal placement of different RSE deployments. The results indicate that the proposed methodology is capable of optimization of RSE locations in a VTI communication environment. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted by the use of various market penetration rates and travel time estimation intervals. The results indicate that higher penetration rates and larger estimation intervals produce better coverage index values.
Modeling of Safe Driving Distance on the Basis of Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication
Authors: Wang Hua , Quan Wei , Wang Yinhai , Liu Xiaoyue
Published: January 2014

Modeling of safe driving distances is one of the most important topics in collision prevention analysis. This paper presents an improved safe distance model (SDM) that is based on vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology. The technology enables on-time data collection as well as real-time intervehicle communication. A tube-like highway scenario in which vehicles enter at one end and exit at the other is presented to demonstrate the application of the SDM. By incorporation of both braking theory and a driver behavior prediction model, absolute and relative SDMs are developed to provide decision-making information to drivers in response to changing traffic conditions. The comparative analysis with four traditional SDMs confirmed that the proposed model describing the characteristics of vehicle-to-vehicle communication was able to improve the efficiency of vehicle collision prevention systems and increase road use, as well as ensure safe driving.
Life-Cycle Assessment of Cooperative Vehicle–Infrastructure Systems
Authors: Park Byungkyu (Brian) , Malakorn Kristin
Published: January 2014

Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a tool that quantifies the environmental impacts of products and processes and has been used in several fields, including transportation. This paper explains the fundamentals of LCA and describes the application of LCA to transportation. The paper specifically analyzes cooperative vehicle–infrastructure systems (CVISs). CVISs are the basis of connected vehicle technology applications, which promise to provide improvements in safety, mobility, and the environmental impacts of transportation. A change to a CVIS requires renovations, primarily the addition of electronics and communication hardware to vehicles and infrastructure. Electronics manufacturing has been challenged because of its strong impacts on natural resources and energy demand. These impacts create concern about the potential environmental benefits or drawbacks of CVISs. Despite the need for additional electronics, the vehicle fuel savings yielded enough reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and energy use to offset the effects of the added electronics. Over the lifetime of a vehicle, drivers could reduce energy use by 106 GJ and prevent a net 71 metric tons of CO2 emissions.
Investigating the Neighborhood Effect on Hybrid Vehicle Adoption
Authors: Zhu Xiaoyu , Liu Chao
Published: January 2014

Transportation accounts for about 33% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce petroleum consumption, vehicle air pollution, and noise emissions, the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) was introduced to the U.S. market in 1999 and offered new efficiency-improving technologies. However, the current market share and adoption rate of HEVs are still low. HEV sales are not spatially and temporally uniform. The HEV spatial diffusion process is investigated, and the influence of the neighborhood effect (NE) on HEV adoption is analyzed. A cluster analysis is conducted with Florida add-on data from the 2009 National Household Travel Survey to display the spatial clusters of the households that purchased HEVs from 2005 to 2008. More HEV clusters emerge over time. Geographic patterns demonstrate increasing numbers of clusters featuring households with hybrid vehicles and surrounding HEV adopters. Furthermore, the relationships between hybrid vehicle adoption, NEs, and sociodemographic factors are analyzed with weighted and unweighted binary logit models. NEs are confirmed to be significant in both urban and rural models, especially the factors of 1- and 5-mi neighborhood coverage. This finding indicates that potential buyers are more likely to purchase HEVs when HEV exposure is high in the surrounding areas, and this measurement of exposure is proved reasonable for NEs. Of the sociodemographic attributes, household income is the most significant variable and plays a dominant role in affecting the propensity to buy hybrid vehicles. Factors such as vehicle ownership, household structure, and education attainment level also significantly affect a household's choice to buy a hybrid car.
The Role of Threat and Economic Uncertainty in Support for Scottish Independence
Authors: Kopasker Daniel
Published: January 2014

Existing research has consistently shown that perceptions of the potential economic consequences of Scottish independence are vital to levels of support for constitutional change. This paper attempts to investigate the mechanism by which expectations of the economic consequences of independence are formed. A hypothesised causal micro-level mechanism is tested that relates constitutional preferences to the existing skill investments of the individual. Evidence is presented that larger skill investments are associated with a greater likelihood of perceiving economic threats from independence. Additionally, greater perceived threat results in lower support for independence. The impact of uncertainty on both positive and negative economic expectations is also examined. While uncertainty has little effect on negative expectations, it significantly reduces the likelihood of those with positive expectations supporting independence. Overall, it appears that a general economy-wide threat is most significant, and it is conjectured that this stems a lack of information on macroeconomic governance credentials.
Biological Control of the Weed Hemp Sesbania (Sesbania exaltata) in Rice (Oryza sativa) by the Fungus Myrothecium verrucaria
Authors: Boyette Clyde , Hoagland Robert , Stetina Kenneth
Published: January 2014

In greenhouse and field experiments, a mycelial formulation of the fungus Myrothecium verrucaria (IMI 361690) containing 0.20% Silwet L-77 surfactant exhibited high bioherbicidal efficacy against the problematic weed hemp sesbania. Infection and mortality levels of 100% of hemp sesbania seedlings occurred within 48 h after fungal application in the greenhouse. In rice field tests conducted over a three year period, M. verrucaria at an inoculum concentration of 50 g L−1 (dry mycelium equivalent) controlled 95% of ≤20 cm tall hemp sesbania plants. M. verrucaria also controlled larger plants (≥60 cm tall) using this high inoculum concentration. This level of weed control, as well as rice yields from plots where weeds were effectively controlled, were similar to those which occurred with the herbicide acifluorfen. These results suggest that a mycelial formulation of M. verrucaria has potential as a bioherbicide for controlling hemp sesbania in rice.
Design and Potential of Non-Integrating Lentiviral Vectors
Authors: Shaw Aaron , Cornetta Kenneth
Published: January 2014

Lentiviral vectors have demonstrated promising results in clinical trials that target cells of the hematopoietic system. For these applications, they are the vectors of choice since they provide stable integration into cells that will undergo extensive expansion in vivo. Unfortunately, integration can have unintended consequences including dysregulated cell growth. Therefore, lentiviral vectors that do not integrate are predicted to have a safer profile compared to integrating vectors and should be considered for applications where transient expression is required or for sustained episomal expression such as in quiescent cells. In this review, the system for generating lentiviral vectors will be described and used to illustrate how alterations in the viral integrase or vector Long Terminal Repeats have been used to generate vectors that lack the ability to integrate. In addition to their safety advantages, these non-integrating lentiviral vectors can be used when persistent expression would have adverse consequences. Vectors are currently in development for use in vaccinations, cancer therapy, site-directed gene insertions, gene disruption strategies, and cell reprogramming. Preclinical work will be described that illustrates the potential of this unique vector system in human gene therapy.
Combined Effects of Circulating Levels of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Th1 and Th2 Cytokines on Breast Cancer Estrogen Receptor Status
Authors: Yao Song , Hong Chi-Chen , McCann Susan , Zirpoli Gary , Quan Lei , Gong Zhihong , Johnson Candace , Trump Donald , Ambrosone Christine
Published: January 2014

Vitamin D has been recognized for its immune-modulating properties. We have previously found that levels of 25OHD, and cytokines including IL5, IFNα2, and TNFα, are also associated with estrogen receptor (ER) negative breast cancer in younger women. Thus, we hypothesized that there may be interactions between vitamin D and the immune system in influencing breast cancer ER status, which was tested in 490 women with incident breast cancer. There was no correlation of the levels of 25OHD with any cytokine, and their associations with tumor ER negative status were independent of each other. However, premenopausal women with low 25OHD and high TNFα levels had the highest likelihood of having ER negative cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 7.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.44−21.98), with evidence of synergy between the two (relative excess risk due to interaction [RERI] = 5.46, p for additive interaction = 0.14, and p for multiplicative interaction = 0.09). There were similar synergistic associations between 25OHD and IL5, and several IFNα2 to Th2 cytokine ratios. This is the first study to provide evidence of interactions between vitamin D and the immune system in relation to breast cancer ER status, which may inform combinational use of vitamin D and anti-inflammatory drugs for cancer prevention and therapy.
When Good Turns Bad: Regulation of Invasion and Metastasis by ErbB2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase
Authors: Brix Ditte , Clemmensen Knut , Kallunki Tuula
Published: January 2014

Overexpression and activation of ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase in breast cancer is strongly linked to an aggressive disease with high potential for invasion and metastasis. In addition to inducing very aggressive, metastatic cancer, ErbB2 activation mediates processes such as increased cancer cell proliferation and survival and is needed for normal physiological activities, such as heart function and development of the nervous system. How does ErbB2 activation make cancer cells invasive and when? Comprehensive understanding of the cellular mechanisms leading to ErbB2-induced malignant processes is necessary for answering these questions. Here we present current knowledge about the invasion-promoting function of ErbB2 and the mechanisms involved in it. Obtaining detailed information about the “bad” behavior of ErbB2 can facilitate development of novel treatments against ErbB2-positive cancers.
A Method for Integrating ZnO Coated Nanosprings into a Low Cost Redox-Based Chemical Sensor and Catalytic Tool for Determining Gas Phase Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Bakharev Pavel , Dobrokhotov Vladimir , McIlroy David
Published: January 2014

A chemical sensor (chemiresistor) was constructed from a xenon light bulb by coating it with a 3-D zinc oxide coated silica nanospring mat, where the xenon light bulb serves as the sensor heater. The sensor response to toluene as a function of xenon light bulb sensor temperature (TLB) and vapor temperature (TV) was observed and analyzed. The optimum operational parameters in terms of TLB and TV were determined to be 435 °C and 250 °C, respectively. The activation energy of toluene oxidation (Ed) on the ZnO surface was determined to be 87 kJ·mol−1, while the activation energy of oxidation (Ea) of the depleted ZnO surface was determined to be 83 kJ·mol−1. This study serves as proof of principle for integrating nanomaterials into an inexpensive sensor platform, which can also be used to characterize gas-solid, or vapor-solid, redox processes.
MeCP2-Related Diseases and Animal Models
Authors: Ezeonwuka Chinelo , Rastegar Mojgan
Published: January 2014

The role of epigenetics in human disease has become an area of increased research interest. Collaborative efforts from scientists and clinicians have led to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which epigenetic regulation is involved in the pathogenesis of many human diseases. Several neurological and non-neurological disorders are associated with mutations in genes that encode for epigenetic factors. One of the most studied proteins that impacts human disease and is associated with deregulation of epigenetic processes is Methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2). MeCP2 is an epigenetic regulator that modulates gene expression by translating epigenetic DNA methylation marks into appropriate cellular responses. In order to highlight the importance of epigenetics to development and disease, we will discuss how MeCP2 emerges as a key epigenetic player in human neurodevelopmental, neurological, and non-neurological disorders. We will review our current knowledge on MeCP2-related diseases, including Rett Syndrome, Angelman Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Hirschsprung disease, and Cancer. Additionally, we will briefly discuss about the existing MeCP2 animal models that have been generated for a better understanding of how MeCP2 impacts certain human diseases.
Factors Affecting Alkaline Sodium Silicate Gelation for In-Depth Reservoir Profile Modification
Authors: Hamouda Aly , Amiri Hossien
Published: January 2014

Alkaline sodium silicate (Na-silicate) is environment-friendly and possesses water-like viscosity during the injection stage for in-depth reservoir treatment to enhance sweep efficiency. Gel setting time (tg) and gel strength are interrelated. Factors that accelerate tg are Na-silicate content (wt%), low pH, presence of divalent ions and temperature. Pressure drop across the gel accelerates syneresis; however, the gel appeared to remain intact. Presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions is shown to increase gel strength. With a Na-silicate content of 4.5 wt%, for example, at a pH of 10.3 and a temperature of 20 °C, gel strength almost tripled and was reached about eight times faster at the combined tested concentration of 0.009 M, based on the average effect from the coexistence of both ions. Low-salinity water (LSW) has an ion composition of 25-fold diluted seawater, did not show precipitation, and could accordingly be a candidate for a pre-flush before the injection of a Na-silicate solution in the event of a field application. This is important since LSW for enhancing oil recovery is a popular method in oil industry. A suggested predictive tool (simple graphical method) to estimate the effect of different factors on gelation time and gel strength is presented.
Hierarchically Self-Assembled Nanofiber Films from Amylose-Grafted Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Authors: Hatanaka Daisuke , Takemoto Yasutaka , Yamamoto Kazuya , Kadokawa Jun-ichi
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we report the formation of hierarchically self-assembled nanofiber films from amylose-grafted sodium carboxymethyl celluloses (NaCMCs) that were synthesized by a chemoenzymatic approach. First, maltooligosaccharide primer-grafted NaCMCs were prepared by a chemical reaction using two kinds of NaCMCs with different degrees of polymerization (DPs) from Avicel and cotton sources. Then, phosphorylase-catalyzed enzymatic polymerization of α-d-glucose 1-phosphate from the nonreducing ends of the primer chains on the products was conducted to produce the prescribed amylose-grafted NaCMCs. The films were obtained by drying aqueous alkaline solutions of the amylose-grafted NaCMCs. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the film fabricated from the material with the higher DP from the cotton source showed a clear, self-assembled, highly condensed tangle of nanofibers. The SEM image of the material with the lower DP from the Avicel source, on the other hand, showed an unclear nanofiber morphology. These results indicate that the DPs of the main chains in the materials strongly affected the hierarchically self-assembled nanofiber formation. The SEM images of the films after washing out the alkali, furthermore, showed that the fibers partially merged with each other at the interfacial area owing to the double helix formation between the amylose-grafted chains. The mechanical properties of the films under tensile mode also depended on the self-assembled morphologies of the amylose-grafted NaCMCs from the different sources.
Characterization of Botanical and Geographical Origin of Corsican “Spring” Honeys by Melissopalynological and Volatile Analysis
Authors: Yang Yin , Battesti Marie-José , Costa Jean , Paolini Julien
Published: January 2014

Pollen spectrum, physicochemical parameters and volatile fraction of Corsican “spring” honeys were investigated with the aim of developing a multidisciplinary method for the qualification of honeys in which nectar resources are under-represented in the pollen spectrum. Forty-one Corsican “spring” honeys were certified by melissopalynological analysis using directory and biogeographical origin of 50 representative taxa. Two groups of honeys were distinguished according to the botanical origin of samples: “clementine” honeys characterized by the association of cultivated species from oriental plain and other “spring” honeys dominated by wild herbaceous taxa from the ruderal and/or maquis area. The main compounds of the “spring” honey volatile fraction were phenylacetaldehyde, benzaldehyde and methyl-benzene. The volatile composition of “clementine” honeys was also characterized by three lilac aldehyde isomers. Statistical analysis of melissopalynological, physicochemical and volatile data showed that the presence of Citrus pollen in “clementine” honeys was positively correlated with the amount of linalool derivatives and methyl anthranilate. Otherwise, the other “spring” honeys were characterized by complex nectariferous species associations and the content of phenylacetaldehyde and methyl syringate.
How do People in Rural India Perceive Improved Stoves and Clean Fuel? Evidence from Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
Authors: Bhojvaid Vasundhara , Jeuland Marc , Kar Abhishek , Lewis Jessica , Pattanayak Subhrendu , Ramanathan Nithya , Ramanathan Veerabhadran , Rehman Ibrahim
Published: January 2014

Improved cook stoves (ICS) have been widely touted for their potential to deliver the triple benefits of improved household health and time savings, reduced deforestation and local environmental degradation, and reduced emissions of black carbon, a significant short-term contributor to global climate change. Yet diffusion of ICS technologies among potential users in many low-income settings, including India, remains slow, despite decades of promotion. This paper explores the variation in perceptions of and preferences for ICS in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as revealed through a series of semi-structured focus groups and interviews from 11 rural villages or hamlets. We find cautious interest in new ICS technologies, and observe that preferences for ICS are positively related to perceptions of health and time savings. Other respondent and community characteristics, e.g., gender, education, prior experience with clean stoves and institutions promoting similar technologies, and social norms as perceived through the actions of neighbours, also appear important. Though they cannot be considered representative, our results suggest that efforts to increase adoption and use of ICS in rural India will likely require a combination of supply-chain improvements and carefully designed social marketing and promotion campaigns, and possibly incentives, to reduce the up-front cost of stoves.
The Health Heterogeneity of and Health Care Utilization by the Elderly in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Li-Fan
Published: January 2014

A good understanding of the health heterogeneity of elderly people, their characteristics, patterns of health care utilization and subsequent expenditures is necessary to adequately evaluate the policy options and interventions aimed at improving quality and efficiency of care for older people. This article reviews studies that used Latent Class Analysis to identify four health profiles among elderly people in Taiwan: High Comorbidity (HC), Functional Impairment (FI), Frail (FR), and Relatively Healthy (RH). Variables associated with increased likelihood of being in the FR group were older age, female gender, and living with one’s family, and these also correlated with ethnicity and level of education. The HC group tended to use more ambulatory care services compared with those in the RH group. The HC group tended to be younger, better educated, and was more likely to live in urban areas than were people in the FI group. The FI group, apart from age and gender, was less likely be of Hakka ethnicity and more likely to live with others than were individuals in the RH group. The FI group had relatively high probabilities of needing assistance, and the FR group had higher healthcare expenditures. A person-centered approach would better satisfy current healthcare needs of elderly people and help forecast future expenditures.
Arylesterase Phenotype-Specific Positive Association Between Arylesterase Activity and Cholinesterase Specific Activity in Human Serum
Authors: Aoki Yutaka , Helzlsouer Kathy , Strickland Paul
Published: January 2014

Context: Cholinesterase (ChE) specific activity is the ratio of ChE activity to ChE mass and, as a biomarker of exposure to cholinesterase inhibitors, has a potential advantage over simple ChE activity. Objective: To examine the association of several potential correlates (serum arylesterase/paraoxonase activity, serum albumin, sex, age, month of blood collection, and smoking) with plasma ChE specific activity. Methods: We analyzed data from 195 cancer-free controls from a nested case-control study, accounting for potential confounding. Results: Arylesterase activity had an independent, statistically significant positive association with ChE specific activity, and its magnitude was the greatest for the arylesterase phenotype corresponding to the QQ PON1192 genotype followed by phenotypes corresponding to QR and RR genotypes. Serum albumin was positively associated with ChE specific activity. Conclusions: Plasma arylesterase activity was positively associated with plasma ChE specific activity. This observation is consistent with protection conferred by a metabolic phenotype resulting in reduced internal dose.
Cancer Cluster Investigations: Review of the Past and Proposals for the Future
Authors: Goodman Michael , LaKind Judy , Fagliano Jerald , Lash Timothy , Wiemels Joseph , Winn Deborah , Patel Chirag , Eenwyk Juliet , Kohler Betsy , Schisterman Enrique , Albert Paul , Mattison Donald
Published: January 2014

Residential clusters of non-communicable diseases are a source of enduring public concern, and at times, controversy. Many clusters reported to public health agencies by concerned citizens are accompanied by expectations that investigations will uncover a cause of disease. While goals, methods and conclusions of cluster studies are debated in the scientific literature and popular press, investigations of reported residential clusters rarely provide definitive answers about disease etiology. Further, it is inherently difficult to study a cluster for diseases with complex etiology and long latency (e.g., most cancers). Regardless, cluster investigations remain an important function of local, state and federal public health agencies. Challenges limiting the ability of cluster investigations to uncover causes for disease include the need to consider long latency, low statistical power of most analyses, uncertain definitions of cluster boundaries and population of interest, and in- and out-migration. A multi-disciplinary Workshop was held to discuss innovative and/or under-explored approaches to investigate cancer clusters. Several potentially fruitful paths forward are described, including modern methods of reconstructing residential history, improved approaches to analyzing spatial data, improved utilization of electronic data sources, advances using biomarkers of carcinogenesis, novel concepts for grouping cases, investigations of infectious etiology of cancer, and “omics” approaches.
Investigating Environmental Determinants of Injury and Trauma in the Canadian North
Authors: Durkalec Agata , Furgal Chris , Skinner Mark , Sheldon Tom
Published: January 2014

Unintentional injury and trauma rates are disproportionately high in Inuit regions, and environmental changes are predicted to exacerbate injury rates. However, there is a major gap in our understanding of the risk factors contributing to land-based injury and trauma in the Arctic. We investigated the role of environmental and other factors in search and rescue (SAR) incidents in a remote Inuit community in northern Canada using a collaborative mixed methods approach. We analyzed SAR records from 1995 to 2010 and conducted key consultant interviews in 2010 and 2011. Data showed an estimated annual SAR incidence rate of 19 individuals per 1,000. Weather and ice conditions were the most frequent contributing factor for cases. In contrast with other studies, intoxication was the least common factor associated with SAR incidents. The incidence rate was six times higher for males than females, while land-users aged 26–35 had the highest incidence rate among age groups. Thirty-four percent of individuals sustained physical health impacts. Results demonstrate that environmental conditions are critical factors contributing to physical health risk in Inuit communities, particularly related to travel on sea ice during winter. Age and gender are important risk factors. This knowledge is vital for informing management of land-based physical health risk given rapidly changing environmental conditions in the Arctic.
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Multispectral Scanner (MSS) Studies Examine Coastal Environments Influenced by Mining
Authors: Kerfoot W. , Hobmeier Martin , Yousef Foad , Green Sarah , Regis Robert , Brooks Colin , Shuchman Robert , Anderson Jamey , Reif Molly
Published: January 2014

There are numerous examples of past and present mine disposal into freshwater and marine coastal bays and riverine environments. Due to its high spatial resolution and extended water penetration, coastal light detection and ranging (LiDAR), coupled with multispectral scanning (MSS), has great promise for resolving disturbed shoreline features in low turbidity environments. Migrating mine tailings present serious issues for Lake Superior and coastal marine environments. Previous investigations in Lake Superior uncovered a metal-rich “halo” around the Keweenaw Peninsula, related to past copper mining practices. For over a century, waste rock migrating from shoreline tailing piles has moved along extensive stretches of coastline, compromising critical fish breeding grounds, damming stream outlets, transgressing into wetlands and along recreational beaches and suppressing benthic invertebrate communities. In Grand (Big) Traverse Bay, Buffalo Reef is an important spawning area for lake trout and whitefish threatened by drifting tailings. The movement of tailings into Buffalo Reef cobble fields may interfere with the hatching of fish eggs and fry survival, either by filling in crevices where eggs are deposited or by toxic effects on eggs, newly hatched larvae or benthic communities. Here, we show that the coastal tailing migration is not “out of sight, out of mind”, but clearly revealed by using a combination of LiDAR and MSS techniques.
Assessing the Seasonal Dynamics of the Java’s Paddy Field Using MODIS Satellite Images
Authors: Setiawan Yudi , Rustiadi Ernan , Yoshino Kunihiko , Liyantono  , Effendi Hefni
Published: January 2014

Accurate information of paddy fields over wide areas is essential to support sustainable agricultural and a food security program. Monitoring of these lands continuously, using remote sensing technology, will provide information related to the cropping intensity in the field, as well as its dynamics change. We characterized seasonal vegetation dynamics from long-term multi-temporal MODIS satellite datasets in order to determine cropping intensity and to analyze the dynamics change in paddy field of Java. The results indicate that the methodology employed in this research distinguished many specific uses in paddy fields as means of their cropping intensity. Moreover, the seasons were the most important factor affected the dynamics change in the agricultural system. Extreme climate variability caused many paddy fields, especially in non-irrigated land, to remain barren as well the planting time was postponed. Indeed, characterizing the long-term vegetation dynamics of paddy field provides information about the characteristics and trends in these land use types, either caused by natural factors or human activities.
Structural and Optical Properties of Nanoscale Galinobisuitite Thin Films
Authors: Abd-Elkader Omar , Deraz N.
Published: January 2014

Galinobisuitite thin films of (Bi2S3)(PbS) were prepared using the chemical bath deposition technique (CBD). Thin films were prepared by a modified chemical deposition process by allowing the triethanolamine (TEA) complex of Bi3+ and Pb2+ to react with S2− ions, which are released slowly by the dissociation of the thiourea (TU) solution. The films are polycrystalline and the average crystallite size is 35 nm. The composition of the films was measured using the atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) technique. The films are very adherent to the substrates. The crystal structure of Galinobisuitite thin films was calculated by using the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The surface morphology and roughness of the films were studied using scanning electron microscopes (SEM), transmission electron microscopes (TEM) and stylus profilers respectively. The optical band gaps of the films were estimated from optical measurements.
Antioxidant Drug Therapy Approaches for Neuroprotection in Chronic Diseases of the Retina
Authors: Payne Andrew , Kaja Simon , Naumchuk Yuliya , Kunjukunju Nancy , Koulen Peter
Published: January 2014

The molecular pathways contributing to visual signal transduction in the retina generate a high energy demand that has functional and structural consequences such as vascularization and high metabolic rates contributing to oxidative stress. Multiple signaling cascades are involved to actively regulate the redox state of the retina. Age-related processes increase the oxidative load, resulting in chronically elevated levels of oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species, which in the retina ultimately result in pathologies such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, as well as the neuropathic complications of diabetes in the eye. Specifically, oxidative stress results in deleterious changes to the retina through dysregulation of its intracellular physiology, ultimately leading to neurodegenerative and potentially also vascular dysfunction. Herein we will review the evidence for oxidative stress-induced contributions to each of the three major ocular pathologies, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. The premise for neuroprotective strategies for these ocular disorders will be discussed in the context of recent clinical and preclinical research pursuing novel therapy development approaches.
Proteomic Profiling of Cytosolic Glutathione Transferases from Three Bivalve Species: Corbicula fluminea, Mytilus galloprovincialis and Anodonta cygnea
Authors: Martins José , Campos Alexandre , Osório Hugo , Da Fonseca Rute , Vasconcelos Vítor
Published: January 2014

Suspension-feeding bivalves are considered efficient toxin vectors with a relative insensitivity to toxicants compared to other aquatic organisms. This fact highlights the potential role of detoxiﬁcation enzymes, such as glutathione transferases (GSTs), in this bivalve resistance. Nevertheless, the GST system has not been extensively described in these organisms. In the present study, cytosolic GSTs isoforms (cGST) were surveyed in three bivalves with different habitats and life strategies: Corbicula fluminea, Anodonta cygnea and Mytilus galloprovincialis. GSTs were purified by glutathione-agarose afﬁnity chromatography, and the collection of expressed cGST classes of each bivalve were identified using a proteomic approach. All the purified extracts were also characterized kinetically. Results reveal variations in cGST subunits collection (diversity and properties) between the three tested bivalves. Using proteomics, four pi-class and two sigma-class GST subunits were identified in M. galloprovincialis. C. fluminea also yielded four pi-class and one sigma-class GST subunits. For A. cygnea, two mu-class and one pi-class GST subunits were identified, these being the first record of GSTs from these freshwater mussels. The affinity purified extracts also show differences regarding enzymatic behavior among species. The variations found in cGST collection and kinetics might justify diverse selective advantages for each bivalve organism.
β-Conglycinin Reduces the Tight Junction Occludin and ZO-1 Expression in IPEC-J2
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Qin Guixin , Han Rui , Wang Jun , Zhang Xiaodong , Liu Dandan
Published: January 2014

Soybean allergy presents a health threat to humans and animals. The mechanism by which food/feed allergen β-conglycinin injures the intestinal barrier has not been well understood. In this study, the changes of epithelial permeability, integrity, metabolic activity, the tight junction (TJ) distribution and expression induced by β-conglycinin were evaluated using IPEC-J2 model. The results showed a significant decrease of trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER) (p < 0.001) and metabolic activity (p < 0.001) and a remarkable increase of alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity (p < 0.001) in a dose-dependent manner. The expression levels of tight junction occludin and ZO-1 were decreased (p < 0.05). The reduced fluorescence of targets and change of cellular morphology were recorded. The tight junction occludin and ZO-1 mRNA expression linearly declined with increasing β-conglycinin (p < 0.001).
Identification and Molecular Characterization of a Chitin Deacetylase from Bombyx mori Peritrophic Membrane
Authors: Zhong Xiao-Wu , Wang Xiao-Huan , Tan Xiang , Xia Qing-You , Xiang Zhong-Huai , Zhao Ping
Published: January 2014

The insect midgut epithelium is generally lined with a unique chitin and protein structure, the peritrophic membrane (PM), which facilitates food digestion and protects the gut epithelium. PM proteins are important determinants for PM structure and formation. In this study, the silkworm Bombyx mori midgut PM protein BmCDA7 was identified by proteomic tools. The full-length BmCDA7 cDNA is 1357 bp; the deduced protein is composed of 379 amino acid residues and includes a 16 amino acid residue signal peptide, a putative polysaccharide deacetylase-like domain and 15 cysteine residues present in three clusters. The heterologously expressed proteins of the BmCDA7 gene in yeast displayed chitin deacetylase activity. Expression of B. mori BmCDA7 was detected in the midgut at both the transcriptional and translational levels. The BmCDA7 gene was expressed by the newly hatched silkworm larvae until day seven of the fifth instar and was expressed at a high level in the newly exuviated larvae of different instars. The functions and regulatory mechanism of BmCDA7, however, need further investigation.
Genistein in 1:1 Inclusion Complexes with Ramified Cyclodextrins: Theoretical, Physicochemical and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Danciu Corina , Soica Codruta , Oltean Mircea , Avram Stefana , Borcan Florin , Csanyi Erzsebet , Ambrus Rita , Zupko Istvan , Muntean Delia , Dehelean Cristina , Craina Marius , Popovici Ramona
Published: January 2014

Genistein is one of the most studied phytocompound in the class of isoflavones, presenting a notable estrogenic activity and in vitro and/or in vivo benefits in different types of cancer such as those of the bladder, kidney, lung, pancreatic, skin and endometrial cancer. A big inconvenience for drug development is low water solubility, which can be solved by using hydrophilic cyclodextrins. The aim of this study is to theoretically analyze, based on the interaction energy, the possibility of a complex formation between genistein (Gen) and three different ramified cyclodextrins (CD), using a 1:1 molar ratio Gen:CD. Theoretical data were correlated with a screening of both in vitro and in vivo activity. Proliferation of different human cancer cell lines, antimicrobial activity and angiogenesis behavior was analyzed in order to see if complexation has a beneficial effect for any of the above mentioned activities and if so, which of the three CDs is the most suitable for the incorporation of genistein, and which may lead to future improved pharmaceutical formulations. Results showed antiproliferative activity with different IC50 values for all tested cell lines, remarkable antimicrobial activity on Bacillus subtilis and antiangiogenic activity as revealed by CAM assay. Differences regarding the intensity of the activity for pure and the three Gen complexes were noticed as explained in the text. The data represent a proof that the three CDs can be used for furtherer research towards practical use in the pharmaceutical and medical field.
Adenosine Receptors: Expression, Function and Regulation
Authors: Sheth Sandeep , Brito Rafael , Mukherjea Debashree , Rybak Leonard , Ramkumar Vickram
Published: January 2014

Adenosine receptors (ARs) comprise a group of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) which mediate the physiological actions of adenosine. To date, four AR subtypes have been cloned and identified in different tissues. These receptors have distinct localization, signal transduction pathways and different means of regulation upon exposure to agonists. This review will describe the biochemical characteristics and signaling cascade associated with each receptor and provide insight into how these receptors are regulated in response to agonists. A key property of some of these receptors is their ability to serve as sensors of cellular oxidative stress, which is transmitted by transcription factors, such as nuclear factor (NF)-κB, to regulate the expression of ARs. Recent observations of oligomerization of these receptors into homo- and heterodimers will be discussed. In addition, the importance of these receptors in the regulation of normal and pathological processes such as sleep, the development of cancers and in protection against hearing loss will be examined.
A Molecular Genetic Linkage Map of Eucommia ulmoides and Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Analysis for Growth Traits
Authors: Li Yu , Wang Dawei , Li Zhouqi , Wei Junkun , Jin Cangfu , Liu Minhao
Published: January 2014

Eucommia ulmoides is an economically important tree species for both herbal medicine and organic chemical industry. Effort to breed varieties with improved yield and quality is limited by the lack of knowledge on the genetic basis of the traits. A genetic linkage map of E. ulmoides was constructed from a full-sib family using sequence-related amplified polymorphism, amplified fragment length polymorphism, inter-simple sequence repeat and simple sequence repeat markers. In total, 706 markers were mapped in 25 linkage groups covering 2133 cM. The genetic linkage map covered approximately 89% of the estimated E. ulmoides genome with an average of 3.1 cM between adjacent markers. The present genetic linkage map was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting growth-related traits. Eighteen QTLs were found to explain 12.4%–33.3% of the phenotypic variance. This genetic linkage map provides a tool for marker-assisted selection and for studies of genome in E. ulmoides.
Cellular Behavior of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells on Wettable Gradient Polyethylene Surfaces
Authors: Ahn Hyun , Lee Il , Lee Hai , Kim Moon
Published: January 2014

Appropriate surface wettability and roughness of biomaterials is an important factor in cell attachment and proliferation. In this study, we investigated the correlation between surface wettability and roughness, and biological response in human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs). We prepared wettable and rough gradient polyethylene (PE) surfaces by increasing the power of a radio frequency corona discharge apparatus with knife-type electrodes over a moving sample bed. The PE changed gradually from hydrophobic and smooth surfaces to hydrophilic (water contact angle, 90° to ~50°) and rough (80 to ~120 nm) surfaces as the power increased. We found that hADSCs adhered better to highly hydrophilic and rough surfaces and showed broadly stretched morphology compared with that on hydrophobic and smooth surfaces. The proliferation of hADSCs on hydrophilic and rough surfaces was also higher than that on hydrophobic and smooth surfaces. Furthermore, integrin beta 1 gene expression, an indicator of attachment, and heat shock protein 70 gene expression were high on hydrophobic and smooth surfaces. These results indicate that the cellular behavior of hADSCs on gradient surface depends on surface properties, wettability and roughness.