bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metropol Parasol, Plaza de la Encarnación – Adventures in Engineering
Authors: Koppitz Jan-Peter , de la Peña José , Schmid Volker
Published: December 2014

The Metropol Parasol is a unique hybrid structure near the center of the old quarter of Seville. This paper describes its structural design within the context of the overall architectural design and as part of the urban rejuvenation of the Plaza de la Encarnación. The project includes a museum, a fresh produce market, retail space, an elevated plaza and a high-level cafe with panoramic walkways. The parasols, the most visible part of the public square, are a free-formed timber mega-structure, constructed with a combination of timber, polyurethane, epoxy and steel. The engineering design ensured the successful realization of the Metropol Parasol, which has become an integral part of the urban fabric in the heart of Seville.

This presentation will focus mainly on the design of the 28-meter-high and 150-by-100-meter timber mega-structure, from concept stage all the way through to construction. The six blended parasols resemble mushrooms and are manufactured from laminated veneer lumber (LVL) plates.

The design team selected elastic polyurethane coating sprayed onto the LVL planks to protect the structure against weathering. Based on an epoxy-adhesive for the bonded-in steel rods, this
innovative and welresearched and tested connection detail is post-cured in order to increase its heat resistance in Seville’s hot climate.

This paper highlights the creative design process at the concept

stage, the use of various structural materials and the computational design tools necessary for the successful completion of the Metropol Parasol, Plaza de la Encarnación.
Seismic design of the bridges and the tunnel of the project “Vía Parque Rímac”, Lima (Perú)
Authors: Vaquero Javier , Torralba Eduardo , Duro José Manuel , Del Cuvillo Álvaro , Sanchez Jose Luis , De La Rosa Aerls
Published: December 2014

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Vía Parque Rímac is the name given to the new expressway concession that will help to speed up the congested traffic of Lima, the capital of Peru. The road follows the course of the Rímac River, opposite the historic centre of the city and has a total length of about 9 km, with an underground section of almost 2 km, solved with a cut and cover tunnel. This road will be one of the main transport links of the city, connecting eleven districts and shortening travelling times to El Callao, where the port and the Jorge Chávez international airport are located. Works are scheduled to be completed in 2015, with an investment of around $700 million.

This article describes the cut and cover tunnel and the viaducts on the stretch, with their main singularities. Reference is made to the construction process adopted and it’s also analysed the methodology used against the seismic actions, according AASHTO codes.
Experimental Study on Mechanical Behaviour of FRP-to-steel Adhesively- bonded Joints after Hygrothermal Aging
Authors: Jiang Xu , Qiang Xuhong , Kolstein M. H. , Bijlaard F. S. K.
Published: December 2014

The research presented in this paper is experimentally studying mechanical behaviours of the hygrothermal aged adhesively-bonded joint between FRP sandwich bridge decks and steel girders. Generally, there are three typical stress states in the adhesively-bonded joint: shear and tensile stress, and combinations of both. To realize these stress states in the adhesively-bonded joint, a specific loading device was developed to provide six different loading angles, which were 0° (tension), 18°, 36°, 54°, 72° and 90° (shear). Before experiments, adhesive joints were aged in a hot/wet environmental condition for four months. Subsequently, experiments were conducted under the six angle loading conditions. Failure modes of adhesive-bonded joints were investigated, which indicates that, for the shear loading, the failure mode is the cohesive failure in the adhesive layer. For the tensile and combined loading conditions, the failure mode is the combination of fibre breaking and FRP delamination. Depending on the failure loads of six angle loading conditions, a tensile/shear failure criterion of the hygrothermal aged adhesive-bonded joint was obtained.
Prestressed Ultra High Performance Concrete Beams From Local Materials
Authors: Giesler Andrew J. , Weldon Brad D. , Jáuregui David V. , Newtson Craig M.
Published: December 2014

Large-scale prestressed ultra high performance concrete (UHPC) girders were cast and tested under four-point bending. All materials, excluding the steel fibres, were obtained from local suppliers in the state of New Mexico, USA in order to provide a more economically feasible UHPC compared to commercially available products. Two beams were tested to investigate their structural behaviour, the contribution of steel fibres, and the elimination of all mild steel reinforcement (including shear reinforcement). The results of these tests will aid the development of design procedures and further the implementation of UHPC into infrastructure.
Villamaría Network Arch Bridge
Authors: Ramos Óscar Ramón , Sousa Ricardo , Schanack Frank , Pantaleón Marcos J.
Published: December 2014

This paper focuses on the principal engineering aspects of the Network Arch Bridge over the river Tercero, which joins the cities Villa Maria and Villa Nueva in the province of Cordoba, Argentina. This new bridge replaces the old steel structure located nearby.

The structural concept of the network arch allows to cross the Tercero riverbed with a single span of 120 m maintaining at the same tame a remarkable slenderness of the deck and the arches, which allows a significant economical solution. The idea was to provide a solution with many prefabricated elements (steel arches as well as longitudinal and transversal prestressed beams) resulting in a fast and effective construction process. The lateral stability of the arches has been ensured by the set of Vierendeel stiffeners.
Seismic Isolation System of the Djamaâ El Djazïr Mosque in Algiers
Authors: Paroil Luca
Published: December 2014

The construction of the third biggest mosque in the world - Djamaâ El Djazaïr - began in Algiers in early 2013. Due to the high specified PGA of 6.5m/s² the building, extending over an area of 145 x 145m and up to 65m height, has been isolated with 246 curved surface sliders and 80 hydraulic dampers to provide an overall 8% damping and limit the maximum seismic displacement to 500mm. The dampers display a soft response with a damping exponent of 0.4 for velocities up to 1000mm/s, whereas an integrated force limiter working between 1000 and 1200mm/s was installed in order not to overload the whole system for the maximum credible earthquake.

European Community CE marking and testing according to EN15129 [4] was performed at the University of California in San Diego and at the Eucentre in Pavia. A theoretical service life span of 500 years was proven by wear and fatigue testing.
Structural Performance of Steel Concrete Composite Columns of Non-Symmetric Cross Section
Authors: Sadasue Kazushi
Published: December 2014

We confirmed the mechanical behavior of steel-concrete composite columns with symmetrical and unsymmetrical cross section through the structural tests under the constant axial force and the cyclic lateral force. The experimental parameters were as follows, axial force level and shapes of cross section. The structural tests make it clear that ultimate strength can be evaluated to superposed strength method, in which the ultimate strength of the steel section and the concrete section. However, in the case of steel-concrete composite columns with unsymmetrical cross section under the high axial compression, it was found from the tests result that ductility after the attainment of the maximum strength was small.
Developments in Dutch FRP design guidance for FRP in infrastructure
Authors: Tromp Liesbeth , De Bore Ane
Published: December 2014

Around the world the number, size and level of complexity of FRP structures in infrastructure increases rapidly, and it is seen that also for traffic bridges and lock doors FRP is selected in commercial projects. The main challenge in design guidance is the fact that FRP can be made by many different processes with varying degrees of automation. So how can we deal with this variety? How do we take the limited experience branch wide into account? The CUR 96 [1] is the Dutch Design Guidance for FRP in Infrastructure (2003). It is currently being revised into Eurocode format and chapters are added dealing with aspects such as quality control and design verification by tests. The partial factors of the CUR96 guidance were compared to material test data on samples that have been exposed to water for 10 years. Due to the limited number of samples this cannot be considered as a full calibration but allows for a valuable assessment of the validity of the factors.
Non-destructive Structural Assessment Method using Imaging technology and Infrared Thermography
Authors: Matsumoto Masato , Mitani Koji , Catbas Necati F. , Hiasa Shuhei
Published: December 2014

Traditionally, highway bridge conditions have been monitored by visual inspection with structural deficiencies being manually identified and classified by qualified engineers and inspectors.

However, the quality of inspection results obtained through the traditional inspection approach depends on the individual inspector‟s subjective judgment based on his/her knowledge and experience, as well as varying field conditions. In addition, these traditional inspection procedures require significant investments in both time and labor cost. Under these circumstances, innovative non-destructive bridge condition assessment technologies using infrared thermography and digital concrete surface imaging have been developed and applied to the highway bridge structures in Japan. This paper describes the results of integrated high-end infrared thermography (IR) and line cameras to obtain bridge deck cracks, defects and delamination with on-site applications for sample bridges in the state of Florida.
Strengthening Existing Highway Structures in the Eurocode Environment
Authors: Bonnett Joanna , Cooper David
Published: December 2014

Assessment and the design of strengthening are important to ensure that our ageing infrastructure can continue to function. This paper examines the approaches that may be taken to the design of strengthening for a highway structure which does not meet assessment standards in its entirety.

Three case studies are described to examine the reasons that different strategies have been applied to the use of loading and design standards. A particular example is given for the Hammersmith Flyover where the change to Eurocode loading would have had significant implications for the design of strengthening of key elements. It is concluded that application of full Eurocode provisions to strengthening projects is not always appropriate and that consideration must be given to the use of standards particular to individual circumstances to ensure that existing structures can be sustained economically and practically.
Optimising selection of critical bridge components - the bearings and expansion joints of the Viaducto Puerto de Santa Maria
Authors: Spuler Thomas , Meng Niculin , O'Suilleabhain Colm
Published: December 2014

The highways serving the town of El Puerto de Santa Maria on Spain’s southern coast were recently extended and improved, with the work including the construction of an elegant new highway viaduct. That proper attention was paid, not only to aesthetics but also to ensuring functionality, durability and value for money, can be seen in relation to the structure’s critical mechanical components - its bearings and expansion joints. The care that went into the selection of these components is demonstrated by the fact that a single solution was not chosen to satisfy either the bearing or expansion joint needs of all locations. In fact, two types of bearing (spherical and elastomeric), and two types of expansion joint (modular and finger) were selected for use on the same structure – a rather uncommon degree of diversity. The resulting benefits are described, demonstrating the importance of attention to detail in this part of a bridge’s design and construction.
Rail-connection structure in Colombia
Authors: Marqués José Luis
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a singular structure that provides rail and pedestrian access to oilfield and supports the main pipeline which will transport oil to the refinery facilities. Because of the ecological relevance of the area and a sustainable structure is designed with high environmental concerns. Two key areas of the steel bridge design must be highlighted: seismic analysis and track- bridge interaction.
Lessons from development of design standards in South Africa
Authors: Wium Jan A. , Retief Johan , Viljoen Celeste
Published: December 2014

Structural design standards form the basis for the provision of sustainable infrastructure. Traditionally some South African concrete design standards have been based on British Standards. However, South African reference standards seized to exist with the withdrawal of British Standards BS 8110 (concrete design for buildings) and BS 8007 (concrete water retaining structures).

A revision of South African building design standards commenced with the publication of a loading code for buildings, based on the Eurocode, but adapted for South African conditions and preferences. A revised concrete code is an adopted version of the Eurocode, with modifications only in the National Annex, whilst the standard for concrete water retaining structures is an adapted version of the Eurocode, augmented with extracts from BS8007. This paper provides background to the different approaches, and describes salient aspects of the revision of these standards.
Long-term vibration serviceability of a steel-plated stress ribbon footbridge
Authors: Díaz Iván M. , de Sebastián Jesús , Zanuy Carlos , Lorenzana Antolín , Poncela Alfonso V.
Published: December 2014

This paper describes the dynamic analysis and vibration serviceability assessment of an in-service steel-plated stress-ribbon footbridge sited in Valladolid (Spain). Because of ist slenderness and singularity, this footbridge is a typical lightweight structure sensitive to dynamic excitation produced by pedestrians. A continuous vibration monitoring system which measures the acceleration and the environmental factors has been installed. The data collected have been used to identify the dynamics of the structure and assess ist vibration serviceability under in-service pedestrian traffic. Firstly, peak-acceleration-based test for single-frequency excitations are undertaken. Secondly, standards ISO 2631 and ISO 10137, suitable for general human exposure evaluation to whole-body vibrations, are used to evaluate the long-term vibration serviceability since they take into account the duration of the vibration exposure as well as the frequency content of the excitation.
Adapting a prestressed concrete bridge for cyclists and to provide nesting sites for house martins
Authors: Hołowaty Janusz
Published: December 2014

Adjusting a bridge for cycling facilities required an extension of the sidewalk cantilevers. The parapet beams of spans and abutments were remodelled to achieve increased width for shared use by pedestrians and cyclists. New monolithic bridge span parapet beams made it possible to partially equalise deformation in the edge sections of the deck which had appeared as a result of inaccuracies in construction and time-dependent effects. The abutment parapet beams were replaced by monolithic reinforced concrete slabs with cantilevers. New balustrades were assembled, a new smooth sidewalk pavement was made, and hand-rails were assembled on the bridge barriers. All the equipment elements were adjusted to the requirements of cycle traffic. There is a house martin nesting site on the bridge deck and the birds return yearly in summer to breed. As the house martin population visiting the bridge has increased in recent years and the birds are a protected species, small timber elements were assembled on sidewalk cantilever soffits to encourage and assist the house martin colony. The paper presents the paramount issues of encouraging cycling as well as preserving the house martin colony on the bridge.
The Oporto São João Railway Bridge – major design improvements through experimental tests
Authors: de Novais Bastos Jorge
Published: December 2014

In the early 1980’s the Portuguese Government considered the possibility of replacing the aging 1877 Maria Pia railway bridge. Due to traffic constraints in the Portuguese north-south communications network a new bridge was necessary. A major competition was organized for a new railway bridge to improve the rail traffic between the twin cities of Oporto (north bank) and Gaia (south bank), where a larger traffic velocity (120km/h), higher axle loads and improved safety regarding derailment was required. This new innovative structural concrete bridge, with a strong aesthetic impact, had to use the existing network tracks but major adaptations had to be made on a 4km extension from Gaia to Oporto. The experimental tests carried out on the site laboratory were critical to guarantee a long lasting durable solution.
Damage detection in prestressed concrete bridges using moving-loads
Authors: Cavadas Filipe , Figueiras Joaquim
Published: December 2014

This paper focuses on the condition assessment and the early damage detection in bridges. The main objectives are to discuss the “in-service” behaviour of reinforced and prestressed concrete bridges under moving-loads and to assess the feasibility of detecting damage such as prestress- losses using moving-loads data. A reduced-scale laboratorial model of a reinforced and prestressed concrete frame was chosen as the case study. Firstly, the baseline condition, in which the structure is assumed to operate normally, is thoroughly characterized. The prestressing strands tensioning was monitored and the results are carefully analysed, and the structural response of the frame under moving-loads is discussed. Second, a 15% prestress loss has been prompted and the structural response recorded under moving-loads in this damaged condition is used to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting the structural condition change based on moving-loads data.
Aerodynamic Characteristics of Indent Stay Cables of Tatara Bridge
Authors: Fukunaga Susumu , Takeguchi Masahiro
Published: December 2014

Since the longest stay cables of the Tatara Bridge are about 460 m, various wind tunnel tests were carried out. As a result of the tests, it was found that an indent cable is very effective against rain vibration and the indent cables were applied to the bridge for the first time in the world. It was also found that smooth wind flow without rain is possible to generate large amplitude vibration. As it was thought that this vibration was rarely generated due to actual wind condition, it was decided that countermeasures against this vibration were studied based on monitoring results, if necessary. Monitoring of the cables has been conducted with measurement of wind and rain fall. Although medium amplitude vibration, which was not rain vibration, was observed on the short indent stay cables, harmful vibration such as rain vibration has not been observed until now. Therefore, it was confirmed that the indent cable is effective against rain vibration.
Management of road bridges under overweight vehicle transit
Authors: Zandonini Riccardo , Debiasi Emiliano , Zonta Daniele
Published: December 2014

Bridges in service in most Western Countries were built according to codes with design loads that are now inconsistent with today’s traffic demands. Currently, transportation agencies do not know how to respond to transit applications on their bridges. This contribution focuses on the legal issues entailed by overweight/oversize load permits issued by transportation agencies. Indeed, correct decision-making should consider the legal liabilities involved in possible catastrophic events. In this paper we illustrate how this problem is addressed by the Department of Transportation of the Italian Autonomous Province of Trento (APT), a medium-sized agency managing approximately one thousand bridges across its territory. In their basic approach, APT does not authorize movement of overweight loads unless it is demonstrated that their effect is less than that of the nominal design load. When this condition is not satisfied, a formal evaluation is carried out in an attempt to assess a higher load rating for the bridge. If, after the reassessment, the rating is still insufficient, the bridge is classified as sub-standard and a formal evaluation of the operational risk is performed to define a priority ranking for future reinforcement or replacement. To classify those bridges that have not been assessed, an estimate of their lack of capacity is needed. For this, we introduce an indexαdefined as the ratio of excess live load, over the design capacity, with respect to the bridge dead load.
Developing the UHS and Comparison with Iranian Standard Design Spectrum (ISDS) for one Important Hospital in Iran
Authors: Firoozi Nezamabadi Maryam , Yaghoobi Vayeghan Fariborz
Published: December 2014

A site investigation as well as a Seismic Hazard Analysis (SHA) has been carried out for one important hospital in Iran. The aim has been estimating the level of seismic hazard for the site and developing the Uniform Hazard Spectra (UHS) for horizontal component to verify the performed seismic design of the building and preparing seismic rehabilitation process. At first, it was tried to recognize all the active faults around the sites. Secondly, by using the appropriate attenuation relationships and two methods for calculating seismicity parameter, direct and Kijko methods, the horizontal PGA values on the sites were estimated. These values obtained vary between 0.350g and 0.995g for 2%, 0.251g and 0.661g for 10%, 0.212g and 0.533g for 20% and 0.169g/0.381g for 50% probability of exceedence in 50 years ground motions depending on the applied attenuation laws such as Ambraseys, Ambraseys and Bommer and Zare and Ashtiany. The more exact horizontal PGA values, obtained from mean of two mentioned methods (direct and Kijko methods), for 2%, 10%, 20% and 50% probability of exceedence in 50 years ground motions were 0.614g, 0.412g, 0.337g and 0.256g. Finally, the UHS, which are more reliable for design purposes, were constructed for the 2%, 10%, 20% and 50% probability of exceedence in 50 years ground motions. The 10% and 2% spectra (first and second hazard level) compared with Iranian Standard Design Spectrum (SDS) and 1.5 times of this spectrum respectively. This comparison showed that the values of UHS for short and medium periods are more and for long periods are less than values of Iranian Standard Design Spectra.
Mechanical Properties of Concrete Obtained from Existing Buildings
Authors: Araki Hideo , Hoshikawa Tomotaka
Published: December 2014

The mechanical properties of concrete obtained from existing reinforced concrete buildings constructed many years ago were investigated. Concrete strength is used in seismic evaluations in Japan, however the concrete strengths obtained from the compressive tests were sometimes much lower than the specified concrete strength in the structural draft. It is investigated whether those properties of concrete were affected by deteriorations over long time periods, uncertainty of construction, or by other similar means. An improved method to estimate modulus of elasticity was also proposed and verified.
Kronecker-Based Fusion Rule for Cooperative Spectrum Sensingwith Multi-Antenna Receivers
Authors: Ali Sadiq , Jansson Magnus , Seco-Granados Gonzalo , López-Salcedo José
Published: December 2014

This paper considers a novel fusion rule for spectrum sensing scheme for a cognitive radio network with multi-antenna receivers. The proposed scheme exploits the fact that when any primary signal is present, measurements are spatially correlated due to presence of inter-antenna and inter-receiver spatial correlation. In order to exploit this spatial structure, the generalized likelihood ratio test (GLRT) operates with the determinant of the sample covariance matrix. Therefore, it depends on the sample size N and the dimensionality of the received data (i.e., the number of receivers K and antennas L). However, when the dimensionality fK; Lg is on the order, or larger than the sample size N, the GLRT degenerates due to the ill-conditioning of the sample covariance matrix. In order to circumvent this issue, we propose two techniques that exploit the inner spatial structure of the received observations by using single pair and multi-pairs Kronecker products. The performance of the proposed detectors is evaluated by means of numerical simulations, showing important advantages with respect to the traditional (i.e., unstructured) GLRT approach.
Inside Technology: Opening the Black Box of Health-Website Configuration and Content Management
Authors: Brainin Esther , Neter Efrat
Published: December 2014

Given the existing divide related to Internet skills and types of Internet use, it is safe to assume that a large proportion of the population uses the Internet for health purposes in a partially productive fashion. We suggest that in addition to user characteristics, another factor that inhibits productive Internet use, and thus contributes to the existing gap, is related to the ways in which the technology is configured. The goal of this study was to explore the processes that webmasters and content managers use for constructing and producing, or selecting content, for health websites. Interviews conducted with 23 website builders and managers of websites that represent public and non-public health organizations revealed that they do not plan or conduct activities for content needs elicitation, either in the design stage or on an ongoing basis. Rather, these professionals rely on a “self-embodiment” standard, whereby their and their cohorts’ expectations determine the quality and functionality of the websites’ structure and content. Hence, target groups beyond their social sphere are disregarded, and instead of new opportunities, new cleavages are created. We recommended that government, public and non-public stakeholders work to establish construction standards, to ensure that health websites meet the needs of varied end-user populations.
Molecular Genetic Variability of Commercial and Wild Accessions of Passion Fruit (Passiflora spp.) Targeting ex Situ Conservation and Breeding
Authors: Cerqueira-Silva Carlos , Santos Elisa , Jesus Onildo , Vieira João , Mori Gustavo , Corrêa Ronan , Souza Anete
Published: December 2014

Passiflora species are distributed throughout Latin America, and Brazil and Colombia serve as the centers of diversity for this genus. We performed cross-species amplification to evaluate 109 microsatellite loci in 14 Passiflora species and estimated the diversity and genetic structure of Passiflora cincinnata, Passiflora setaceae and Passiflora edulis. A total of 127 accessions, including 85 accessions of P. edulis, a commercial species, and 42 accessions of 13 wild species, were examined. The cross-species amplification was effective for obtaining microsatellite loci (average cross-amplification of 70%). The average number of alleles per locus (five) was relatively low, and the average diversity ranged from 0.52 in P. cincinnata to 0.32 in P. setacea. The Bayesian analyses indicated that the P. cincinnata and P. setacea accessions were distributed into two groups, and the P. edulis accessions were distributed into five groups. Private alleles were identified, and suggestions for core collections are presented. Further collections are necessary, and the information generated may be useful for breeding and conservation.
Advances in Silicon Based Millimeter-Wave Monolithic Integrated Circuits
Authors: Yeh Han-Chih , Chiong Ching-Chau , Chen Ming-Tang , Wang Huei
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the advances of the silicon-based millimeter-wave (MMW) monolithic integrated circuits (MMICs) are reported. The silicon-based technologies for MMW MMICs are briefly introduced. In addition, the current status of the MMW MMICs is surveyed and novel circuit topologies are summarized. Some representative MMW MMICs are illustrated as design examples in the categories of their functions in a MMW system. Finally, there is a conclusion and description of the future trend of the development of the MMW ICs.
Vapour Phase Hydrogenation of Phenol over Rhodium on SBA-15 and SBA-16
Authors: Giraldo Liliana , Bastidas-Barranco Marlon , Moreno-Piraján Juan
Published: December 2014

In the present work, mesoporous SBA-15 and SBA-16 were synthesised using classical methods, and their physicochemical properties were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, TEM and N2 adsorption–desorption. Rhodium (Rh, 1 wt %) was loaded on the mesoporous SBA-15 and SBA-16 by an impregnation method. The Rh surface coverage, dispersion and crystallite size were determined by room temperature H2 chemisorption on reduced samples. The catalytic activity of Rh supported on mesoporous SBA-15 and SBA-16 was evaluated for the first time in the hydrogenation of phenol in vapour phase in a temperature range between 130 and 270 °C at atmospheric pressure. The reaction over Rh/SBA-15 at 180 °C produced cyclohexanone as the major product (about 60%) along with lower amounts of cyclohexanol (about 35%) and cyclohexane (about 15%). The influences of temperature, H2/phenol ratio, contact time and the nature of the solvent on the catalytic performance were systematically investigated. The Rh/SBA-16 system offered lower phenol conversion compared to Rh/SBA-15, but both have a very high selectivity for cyclohexanone (above 60%).
Taking a Low Glycemic Index Multi-Nutrient Supplement as Breakfast Improves Glycemic Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Li Di , Zhang Peiwen , Guo Honghui , Ling Wenhua
Published: December 2014

Dietary therapy is the mainstay of treatment for diabetes. This study examined the effect of a low glycemic index (GI) multi-nutrient supplement, consumed in place of breakfast, on glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 71 participants were randomized at a 2:1 ratio into either a breakfast replacement group or a normal breakfast group for a 12-week interventional study. The primary outcome measure was change in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Nutrition status and somatometry were studied as secondary outcomes. The breakfast replacement group displayed a −0.2% absolute reduction in HbA1c (95% CI (confidence interval), −0.38% to −0.07%, p = 0.004), while the HbA1c of the control group increased 0.3% (95% CI, 0.1% to 0.5%, p = 0.005). The baseline Mini Nutritional Assessment score for both groups was 26.0 and no significant changes occurred following intervention. However, there was a statistically significant difference in body mass index between the treatment and control groups (p = 0.032) due to the weight gain in the control group (increased 0.5 kg, 95% CI was 0.2 to 0.9, p = 0.007). These data suggest that breakfast replacement with a low GI multi-nutrient supplement can improve glycemic and weight control in T2DM.
Kinetic Modelling for Flavonoid Recovery from Red Grape (Vitis vinifera) Pomace with Aqueous Lactic Acid
Authors: Tzima Katerina , Kallithraka Stamatina , Kotseridis Yorgos , Makris Dimitris
Published: December 2014

This study was undertaken with the aim of establishing a correlation between the extraction yield in total flavonoids from red grape pomace and the extraction temperature, using 0.5% (w/v) aqueous lactic acid as the solvent system. Extraction of flavonoids was found to obey second-order kinetics, and on such a basis, the yield in total flavonoids at saturation could be very effectively determined and correlated with temperature using non-linear regression. The results indicated that the extraction yield at saturation is highly correlated with temperature, following a quadratic function. The extract obtained at 40 °C had an optimal predicted total flavonoid yield of 13.27 mg rutin equivalents per gram of dry weight, and it was further analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to characterize its major constituents. The polyphenols detected were flavanols, flavonols and an anthocyanin. The outcome of this study outlined that temperatures above 40 °C are rather unfavorable for flavonoid extraction from red grape pomace, as suggested by the model established through kinetics.
Eating Animals to Build Rapport: Conducting Research as Vegans or Vegetarians
Authors: MacDonald Katie , Montford Kelly
Published: December 2014

Notions of hospitality, community, and the fostering of rapport and connection are foundational concerns for conducting research across difference. Drawing on methodological literature, this paper considers how access to various communities and “good” data is structured by the notion that in order to develop rapport researchers accept the “food”, specifically “meat” offered by their hosts. When researchers are vegetarians or vegans, this can entail a conflict in which questions of hospitality, relationships, and responsibility to ethical commitments come to the fore. As such, we analyze methodological literature in which the logic of nonhuman animal sacrifice is considered a means to the ends of research through the development of “rapport”—often coded as an ethical relationship of respect to the participant. We draw on experiences of veg*n researchers to explore how this assumption functions to position the consumption of meat as a necessary undertaking when conducting research, and in turn, denies nonhuman animal subjecthood. We interrogate the assumption that culture and communities are static inasmuch as this literature suggests ways to enter and exit spaces leaving minimal impact, and that posits participants will not trust researchers nor understand their decisions against eating nonhuman animals. We argue that because food consumption is figured as a private and individual choice, animals are not considered subjects in research. Thus, we articulate a means to consider vegan and/or vegetarians politics, not as a marker of difference, but as an attempt to engage in ethical relationships with nonhuman animals. In so doing, we call for the inclusion of nonhuman animals in relationships of hospitality, and thereby attempt to politicize the practice of food consumption while conducting research.
Commercialization Development of Crop Straw Gasification Technologies in China
Authors: Zhang Zhengfeng , Zhao Wei , Zhao Wenwu
Published: December 2014

Crop straw gasification technologies are the most promising biomass gasification technologies and have great potential to be further developed in China. However, the commercialization development of gasification technology in China is slow. In this paper, the technical reliability and practicability of crop straw gasification technologies, the economic feasibility of gas supply stations, the economic feasibility of crop straw gasification equipment manufacture enterprises and the social acceptability of crop straw gasification technologies are analyzed. The results show that presently both the atmospheric oxidation gasification technology and the carbonization pyrolysis gasification technology in China are mature and practical, and can provide fuel gas for households. However, there are still a series of problems associated with these technologies that need to be solved for the commercialization development, such as the high tar and CO content of the fuel gas. The economic feasibility of the gas supply stations is different in China. Parts of gas supply stations are unprofitable due to high initial investment, the low fuel gas price and the small numbers of consumers. In addition, the commercialization development of crop straw gasification equipment manufacture enterprises is hindered for the low market demand for gasification equipment which is related to the fund support from the government. The acceptance of the crop straw gasification technologies from both the government and the farmers in China may be a driving force of further commercialization development of the gasification technologies. Then, the crop straw gasification technologies in China have reached at the stage of pre-commercialization. At this stage, the gasification technologies are basically mature and have met many requirements of commercialization, however, some incentives are needed to encourage their further development.
Biosynthetic Pathways of Ergot Alkaloids
Authors: Gerhards Nina , Neubauer Lisa , Tudzynski Paul , Li Shu-Ming
Published: December 2014

Ergot alkaloids are nitrogen-containing natural products belonging to indole alkaloids. The best known producers are fungi of the phylum Ascomycota, e.g., Claviceps, Epichloë, Penicillium and Aspergillus species. According to their structures, ergot alkaloids can be divided into three groups: clavines, lysergic acid amides and peptides (ergopeptines). All of them share the first biosynthetic steps, which lead to the formation of the tetracyclic ergoline ring system (except the simplest, tricyclic compound: chanoclavine). Different modifications on the ergoline ring by specific enzymes result in an abundance of bioactive natural products, which are used as pharmaceutical drugs or precursors thereof. From the 1950s through to recent years, most of the biosynthetic pathways have been elucidated. Gene clusters from several ergot alkaloid producers have been identified by genome mining and the functions of many of those genes have been demonstrated by knock-out experiments or biochemical investigations of the overproduced enzymes.
Learning Experiences with Sunitinib Continuous Daily Dosing in Patients with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours
Authors: Raymond E. , Faivre S.
Published: December 2014

Molecular strategies to improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (nets) have focused on targeting vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and mtor (the mammalian target of rapamycin). This approach has led to the regulatory approval of two molecularly targeted agents for advanced pancreatic nets: sunitinib, a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and everolimus, an mtor inhibitor. Initial experience with sunitinib in advanced pancreatic net was gained from the phase iii registration trial, which used a continuous daily dosing (cdd) schedule instead of daily drug administration for 4 consecutive weeks every 6 weeks (schedule 4/2), the approved schedule for advanced renal cell carcinoma (rcc) and gastrointestinal stromal tumour (gist). Clinical experience gained with schedule 4/2 in rcc and gist shows that, using a therapy management approach, patients can start and be maintained on the recommended dose and schedule, thus optimizing treatment outcomes. Here, we discuss challenges that can potentially be faced by physicians who use sunitinib on the cdd schedule, and we use clinical data and real-life clinical experience to present therapy management approaches that support cdd in advanced pancreatic net.
Screening Histories and Contact with Physicians as Determinants of Cervical Cancer Risk in Montreal, Quebec
Authors: Spence A.R. , Alobaid A. , Drouin P. , Goggin P. , Gilbert L. , Provencher D. , Tousignant P. , Hanley J.A. , Franco E.L.
Published: December 2014

Background: Cervical cancer (cca) is largely a preventable disease if women receive regular screening, which allows for the detection and treatment of preinvasive lesions before they become invasive. Having been inadequately screened is a common finding among women who develop cca. Our primary objective was to determine the Pap screening histories of women diagnosed with cca in Montreal, Quebec. Secondary objectives were to determine the characteristics of women at greatest risk of cca and to characterize the level of physician contact those women had before developing cca. Methods: The Invasive Cervical Cancer Study, a population-based case–control study, consisted of Greater Montreal residents diagnosed with histologically confirmed cca between 1998 and 2004. Respondents to the 2003 Canadian Community Health Survey and a sample of women without cca obtained from Quebec medical billing records served as controls. Results: During the period of interest, 568 women were diagnosed with cca. Immigrants and women speaking neither French nor English were at greatest risk of cca. Most of the women in the case group had been screened at least once during their lifetime (84.8%–90.4%), but they were less likely to have been screened within 3 years of diagnosis. Having received care from a family physician or a medical specialist other than a gynecologist within the 5 years before diagnosis was associated with a greater risk of cca development. Conclusions: Our findings provide evidence of the need for an organized population-based screening program. They also underscore the need for provider education to prevent missed opportunities for cca screening when at-risk women seek medical attention.
Gemcitabine-Based Regimen for Primary Ovarian Angiosarcoma with MYC Amplification
Authors: Yonezawa I. , Waki M. , Tamura Y. , Onoda R. , Narushima M. , Ishizuka T. , Tajima S.
Published: December 2014

Angiosarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of sarcoma, and primary angiosarcoma of the ovary is extremely rare. We report the case of a 29-year-old woman who was diagnosed with ovarian angiosarcoma and possible bone metastases. We treated this patient with a gemcitabine-based regimen as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, after which she achieved at least 7 years of progression-free survival, an extremely long duration given the aggressive features of this tumour. We retrospectively performed immunohistochemical analyses and fluorescence in situ hybridization to make a pathology diagnosis and to investigate the tumour features. MYC amplification and c-Myc protein overexpression were positively detected. It might be possible to correlate the effectiveness of the gemcitabine-based chemotherapeutic regimen with MYC gene amplification and c-Myc protein overexpression.
Successful Use of Metronomic Vinblastine and Fluorothymidine pet Imaging for the Management of Intramedullary Spinal Cord Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma in a Child
Authors: Demlova R. , Melicharkova K. , Rehak Z. , Kren L. , Oslejskova H. , Sterba J.
Published: December 2014

Background: Children with high-grade glioma still have a poor prognosis despite the use of multimodal therapy including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. New therapeutic strategies and methods evaluating such therapies are needed. Observation: Here we describe a child with anaplastic oligodendroglioma of the spinal cord who was unable to tolerate standard chemoradiotherapy and who had still-vital residual tumour during therapy. A good response was obtained with low-dose metronomic treatment containing vinblastine. The treatment was guided according to gradual response assessed using various positron-emission tomography tracers. Conclusions: Metronomic treatment guided by positron-emission tomography could be a reasonable option in some high-risk pediatric tumours.
Systemic Treatment Safety Symposium 2014: Oral Chemotherapy
Authors: Simanovski V. , Kaizer L. , Wright M. , Rae E. , Ahmad N. , Creber K. , Green E. , Vu K. , Kukreti V. , Krzyzanowska M.K.
Published: December 2014

The second Systemic Treatment Safety Symposium, which took place February 21, 2014, in Toronto, aimed to identify opportunities for improving the delivery of systemic cancer treatment in Ontario based on regional needs, while providing a venue for collaboration and knowledgesharing. The agenda included a series of panel sessions followed by discussions, presentations of regional improvement projects and results, and breakout sessions. Based on the discussion that took place at the symposium, a provincial goal of zero handwritten or verbal oral chemotherapy orders by June 30, 2015, has now been established, and regions will be provided with funding for safe prescribing initiatives to support achievement of that aim. Building on the lessons learned from the 2014 System Treatment Safety Symposium, a common measurement strategy will be identified, and Cancer Care Ontario (cco) will also support the work by identifying the recommended key elements of a safe oral chemotherapy prescription. Additionally, cco will identify areas for improving systemic treatment computerized prescriber order entry systems to better enable prescribing of oral agents within such systems. Among the most prominent of the lessons learned during the symposium was the importance of having a focused topic (such as oral chemotherapy) while maintaining a province-wide scope. Another significant takeaway was that attendees appreciate the opportunity to hear from colleagues across the province about the work underway in various regions. Future safety symposia will also explore opportunities for enhanced engagement with participants through greater use of technology.
Reflets du travail analytique avec l'enfant dans le miroir de Narcisse
Authors: Guillaume Jean-Claude
Published: December 2014

Revisiter le narcissisme grâce aux apports de l’analyse d’enfants, nous amène à penser que l’objet, dans sa conception classique, est le fruit d’une transformation complexe prenant source dans les perceptions intégrées au soma de la vie fœtale, émergence combinée de la vie et de sa permanence. La fonction de pensée parentale permet d’accéder à des objets d’investissement extérieurs de natures différentes, en lien avec le modèle originaire. Quand ce lien est impossible, l’énergie libidinale se retourne en direction des formes antérieures de l’objet qui a garanti la survie. Le narcissisme apparaît alors comme un mécanisme d’oscillation entre dehors et dedans, garant du maintien des enveloppes psychiques.
Limites de la sublimation dans des conditions extrêmes : La Maison de Nina de Richard Dembo
Authors: Gagnebin Murielle
Published: December 2014

À la faveur d’un exemple cinématographique ( La Maison de Nina , 2004) de Richard Dembo, on interrogera les modes de sublimation dans des situations extrêmes, comme celle d’une « maison d’accueil » en France pendant et après la Seconde Guerre mondiale. Au cœur de situations aussi tragiques, peut-il y avoir encore des élans sublimatoires ? Ou la sublimation trouve-t-elle, là, ses propres limites ?
Frontières de la sublimation entre créativité et création
Authors: Castellano-Maury Eloísa
Published: December 2014

Tout en faisant référence à des artistes (A. Daudet, C. Pozzi, F. Khalo, P. Klee, C. Angot, etc.) ayant pu exprimer par leurs œuvres les souffrances vécues dans leurs corps, l’article est centré sur le cas d’une patiente atteinte d’hypertension avec risque cardiaque majeur, victime dans l’enfance d’un viol incestueux. Le travail analytique, dont les principales étapes et enjeux sont décrits, a permis le réinvestissement d’activités et de réalisations sublimatoires longtemps gelées : écriture d’un journal, jeu théâtral et dessin.
Large-Scale Land Acquisitions, Livelihoods, and Gender Configurations in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mutopo Patience , Chiweshe Manase Kudzai , Mubaya Chipo Plaxedes
Published: December 2014

The notion of large-scale land acquisitions has been topical in recent years in Zimbabwe; it has even created more nuanced debates, since 70% of rural women in Zimbabwe are the majority of food producers. Foreign and locally orchestrated land deals have presented new challenges and threats to the livelihoods of women in rural Zimbabwe, at a time of land redistributive programs that have been viewed nationally and internationally as chaotic, affecting the food security, economic prowess, and international relations of Zimbabwe. The main aim of this chapter is to examine how women are particularly affected by the investments, based on three case studies. An analysis of the Zimbabwean scenario is presented with regards to participatory methodologies that reflect women's rural livelihoods and land loss.