bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Alternative Technical Concepts to Construction Manager–General Contractor Project Delivery
Authors: Gransberg Douglas D.
Published: August 2014

This paper discusses four public agency approaches to applying alternative technical concepts (ATCs) to construction manager–general contractor (CMGC) project delivery through an analysis of case study projects. The CMGC projects included a slope stabilization project in Michigan, a bridge in Oregon, the urgent, in situ foundation stabilization of a dam in Kansas, and a commuter rail project in Utah. The study results showed that ATCs provide a valuable mechanism to identify the best qualified contractor during the CMGC selection process. ATCs also permit an owner to consider innovative design solutions to constructability problems through the contractor's early involvement. The addition of ATCs to CMGC procurements permits an owner to accrue all of the savings offered by a contractor's ATCs because the contractor's preconstruction services’ contract compensates the contractor for developing the ATCs.
Indefinite Delivery–Indefinite Quantity Contracting
Authors: Rueda-Benavides Jorge A. , Gransberg Douglas D.
Published: August 2014

Indefinite delivery–indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts permit a transportation agency to award multiple job orders to a single contractor or a small group of competing contractors; this method eliminates the need to conduct a full procurement for every small construction or maintenance project. During the past few years, this procurement method has been increasingly accepted by state and municipal agencies. However, little research has been conducted to provide guidance on this powerful procurement tool. On the basis of a detailed case study analysis, this paper discusses four models for IDIQ contracting in use by three state departments of transportation and FHWA's Central Federal Lands Highway Division, Lakewood, Colorado. The analysis revealed that, regardless of the model in use, agency IDIQ project managers believed that the method accelerated the project delivery period, reduced preconstruction costs, and provided for flexible delivery scheduling. The use of multiple-award IDIQ contracts was also found to promote price competition and reduce the risk of contractor default.
New Approaches for Lock and Dam Maintenance Funding
Authors: Kruse C. James , Protopapas Annie , Ellis David R. , Norboge Nicolas D.
Published: August 2014

A crisis is developing in the maintenance of lock and dam infrastructure. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers faces a higher demand for building and maintaining its projects than available federal funding allows. This situation is raising basic questions about how the corps functions, including the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of project planning and implementation. The objective of this study was to explore the feasibility and potential advantages of transitioning the U.S. lock and dam system from the current approach of build and expand prescribed by the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 to an approach of repair and sustain. A two-part effort took place to fulfill this objective. The first part analyzed the state of the practice in policy, legislation, funding, planning, and project implementation and estimated the impacts of alternative approaches, both at the national level and to the individual shipper. The second part analyzed economic, funding, and financing issues; developed alternative revenue-generating scenarios; and compared case studies of waterway infrastructure projects in the United States and abroad to determine the potential for transitioning from the current funding approach to a bonding style (lump sum up front) approach. The study concluded that it would be possible to maintain, improve, and ensure the long-term viability of the U.S. inland waterway infrastructure through alternative approaches, but significant changes would be required in policies, funding mechanisms, programs, and procedures for project planning and implementation.
Comparing Measures and Variables in Multimodal Street Performance Calculations
Authors: Brozen Madeline , Black Timothy , Liggett Robin
Published: August 2014

Scholars, municipalities, and federal agencies have proposed new measures for evaluating street performance for nonautomobile modes, including transit service, bicycles, and walking. These changes are in response to the critique that the current street performance measure, traditional level of service (LOS), overemphasizes the free flow of automobile traffic and neglects other users of the transportation system. Although the promise of new metrics has attracted a lot of attention, there is little documented knowledge of how these measures compare with each other. This paper reports the results of an analysis of three new tools: the LOS protocol developed by the City of Charlotte, North Carolina; the Bicycle Environmental Quality and Pedestrian Environmental Quality Indexes (considered as one tool for the purposes of this study) developed by the Department of Public Health of San Francisco, California; and the Highway Capacity Manual 2010 multimodal LOS. Analysis of the scores produced by these tools enabled a comparison of these metrics and revealed that these tools can produce radically different output scores. The contribution of specific variables to the overall score for each measure and mode was examined to explain these scoring differences. Although more research is needed to understand whether these differences always hold true, this paper will help practitioners and the research community better understand the promise of these new measures and the challenges that lie ahead.
Developing a Total Peak Period Travel Time Performance Measure
Authors: Lasley Philip , Lomax Timothy J. , Eisele William L. , Schrank David L.
Published: August 2014

Transportation performance measures based on travel time quantities satisfy a range of mobility purposes. The measures can show the effect of many transportation and land use solutions, and they are relatively easy to communicate to a range of audiences. The concept of total travel time has been discussed since the early 1950s, but because of data inaccessibility, the planning community has rarely used total travel time as a measure. For the initial implementation of the total peak period travel time measure in the Urban Mobility Report, data from the report's primary data sets were combined in a new way to estimate road users’ total travel time during the peak period. Data shortcomings were addressed with simplifying assumptions to create a calculation method that would offer a more refined value than would the use of raw or incomplete data. Total peak period travel time can provide additional explanatory power to a set of mobility performance measures and bridge the gap between traditional delay-based measurement and accessibility.
Study of serum zinc level in full term women
Authors: Sultana Masuda , Jahan Nasim , Sultana Nayma , Ali Md Liakat
Published: August 2014

Background: Micronutrient deficiency is a major problem in many developing countries. Micronutrient especially Zn deficiency may affect pregnancies, delivery, and outcome of pregnancy.Objectives: To study serum Zn level in full term mother and non pregnant women in order to compare with those of non pregnant women as reference value. Method: This cross sectional study was carried out in the Department of Physiology, Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, during the period of 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2009. A total number of 55 subjects were included in this study, among them 27 were full term delivery mothers (group B), treated as study group. Age range of full term mother was from 20-40 years. Again, 28 non pregnant women with age range from 20-30 years were taken as a control group. Statistical analysis was done by using appropriate method as applicable.Results: Mean serum Zn level were significantly lower (p<0.001) in full term pregnant mother in comparison to those of non pregnant women.Conclusions: The present study revealed a lower level of zinc in full term mother than non pregnant women. The decreased serum Zn level may be due to poor nutritional status during pregnancy as serum total protein and albumin levels were also lower in this group of subjects. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v26i1-2.19960 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2010; 26(1&2) : 17-20
Study to assess the status of bupivacaine hydrochloride in the management of essential trigeminal neuralgia
Authors: Khatun Shohda , Biswas Ashis Kumar , Karmakar Rajan , Dhar Sojeeb , Parvin Mst. Mahbuba Kafia
Published: August 2014

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a rare form of neuropathic facial pain characterized by severe paroxysmal pain in the face. The treatment of trigeminal neuropathic pain disorder is a major therapeutic challenge. Medical therapy often fails either due to poor responses to drugs or to unacceptable side effects and for those cases local anesthesia should be considered. Twenty patients (nine men and eleven women) who were diagnosed with TN previously and were not responsive to further medical treatment were selected for treatment. For this study, the affected nerve was blocked with 1.5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine HCl. Patients visual analogue scores (VAS) were recorded on preoperative day and on post operative at day 3, 7days, 15 days. There was a significant difference between mean preoperative and postoperative VAS value. Preoperative value was 83.10± 6.06, at postoperative 3 days was 39.60 ± 7.86, at postoperative 7 days was 16.25 ± 6.46 and at postoperative 15 days was 3.30 ± 3.19. So it can be concluded that administration of 1.5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine HCl nerve block at regular interval can be used as treatment for patients who are affected by the side effects from high-dose antiepileptic drugs. http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpp.v26i1-2.19965 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2010; 26(1&2) : 30-33
What Does It Take to Establish that a World Is Uninhabited Prior to Exploitation? A Question of Ethics as well as Science
Authors: Persson Erik
Published: August 2014

If we find life on another world, it will be an extremely important discovery and we will have to take great care not to do anything that might endanger that life. If the life we find is sentient we will have moral obligations to that life. Whether it is sentient or not, we have a duty to ourselves to preserve it as a study object, and also because it would be commonly seen as valuable in its own right. In addition to this we would also have a duty to our fellow humans and other earthly life forms not to expose them to danger by advertently or inadvertently exposing them to potentially harmful space organisms. When space exploration turns into exploitation it will therefore be important to be able to show that a world that is up for exploitation is uninhabited before the exploitation starts. Showing that a world is uninhabited is, however, a different kind of task than showing that it is inhabited. The latter task can be accomplished through one positive finding but it is not clear how to go about the former task. In this paper I suggest that it is a gradual process asymptotically approaching certainty rather than a discovery in the traditional sense of the word. It has to be handled in two steps. The first is to connect degree of certainty with research setup. The second is to decide how certain we need to be. The first step is about the number, diversity and quality of observations. The second step is a decision we have to make based on the purpose of the investigation. The purpose and therefore the degree of certainty needed to establish that a world is uninhabited will be different for a world that is up for exploitation than for a world that is not. In the latter case it is only a matter of epistemic values. In the former case also ethical values have to be considered.
Clinical Hypnosis with Children and Adolescents—What? Why? How?: Origins, Applications, and Efficacy
Authors: Kohen Daniel , Kaiser Pamela
Published: August 2014

This review article addresses the process, intention, and therapeutic value of clinical hypnosis with children and adolescents. A brief historical perspective is followed by a digest of the published laboratory and clinical research that has accelerated substantially over the past two decades. This review lends appropriate credence to the benefits and integration to clinical practice of this powerful tool for teaching young people self-regulation skills. The breadth of application is described, and several clinical vignettes are provided as examples of what is possible. In addition to the provision of the most relevant citations in the pediatric, psychological, and neuroscience literature, this synopsis concludes with information regarding availability of skill development training in pediatric clinical hypnosis.
Fractal Structure and Entropy Production within the Central Nervous System
Authors: Seely Andrew , Newman Kimberley , Herry Christophe
Published: August 2014

Our goal is to explore the relationship between two traditionally unrelated concepts, fractal structure and entropy production, evaluating both within the central nervous system (CNS). Fractals are temporal or spatial structures with self-similarity across scales of measurement; whereas entropy production represents the necessary exportation of entropy to our environment that comes with metabolism and life. Fractals may be measured by their fractal dimension; and human entropy production may be estimated by oxygen and glucose metabolism. In this paper, we observe fractal structures ubiquitously present in the CNS, and explore a hypothetical and unexplored link between fractal structure and entropy production, as measured by oxygen and glucose metabolism. Rapid increase in both fractal structures and metabolism occur with childhood and adolescent growth, followed by slow decrease during aging. Concomitant increases and decreases in fractal structure and metabolism occur with cancer vs. Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis, respectively. In addition to fractals being related to entropy production, we hypothesize that the emergence of fractal structures spontaneously occurs because a fractal is more efficient at dissipating energy gradients, thus maximizing entropy production. Experimental evaluation and further understanding of limitations and necessary conditions are indicated to address broad scientific and clinical implications of this work.
Koszul Information Geometry and Souriau Geometric Temperature/Capacity of Lie Group Thermodynamics
Authors: Barbaresco Frédéric
Published: August 2014

The François Massieu 1869 idea to derive some mechanical and thermal properties of physical systems from “Characteristic Functions”, was developed by Gibbs and Duhem in thermodynamics with the concept of potentials, and introduced by Poincaré in probability. This paper deals with generalization of this Characteristic Function concept by Jean-Louis Koszul in Mathematics and by Jean-Marie Souriau in Statistical Physics. The Koszul-Vinberg Characteristic Function (KVCF) on convex cones will be presented as cornerstone of “Information Geometry” theory, defining Koszul Entropy as Legendre transform of minus the logarithm of KVCF, and Fisher Information Metrics as hessian of these dual functions, invariant by their automorphisms. In parallel, Souriau has extended the Characteristic Function in Statistical Physics looking for other kinds of invariances through co-adjoint action of a group on its momentum space, defining physical observables like energy, heat and momentum as pure geometrical objects. In covariant Souriau model, Gibbs equilibriums states are indexed by a geometric parameter, the Geometric (Planck) Temperature, with values in the Lie algebra of the dynamical Galileo/Poincaré groups, interpreted as a space-time vector, giving to the metric tensor a null Lie derivative. Fisher Information metric appears as the opposite of the derivative of Mean “Moment map” by geometric temperature, equivalent to a Geometric Capacity or Specific Heat. We will synthetize the analogies between both Koszul and Souriau models, and will reduce their definitions to the exclusive Cartan “Inner Product”. Interpreting Legendre transform as Fourier transform in (Min,+) algebra, we conclude with a definition of Entropy given by a relation mixing Fourier/Laplace transforms: Entropy = (minus) Fourier(Min,+) o Log o Laplace(+,X).
Application of US and EU Sustainability Criteria to Analysis of Biofuels-Induced Land Use Change
Authors: Treesilvattanakul Krissana , Taheripour Farzad , Tyner Wallace
Published: August 2014

This research asks and answers a question that had been avoided by all the previous research on biofuels impacts. That is, to what extent are the US and EU biofuels sustainability criteria binding in the sense that if applied, sufficient land would be available to implement the programs? In answering the question, we simulate the global land by agro-ecological zone that would be needed to supply feedstocks for the US and EU biofuel programs using an advanced version of the GTAP-BIO model. Then we estimate the global area of land that would not be available due to sustainability criteria restrictions, again by agro-ecological zone. Finally, we determine the extent to which the US and EU sustainability criteria are binding and find that they are not binding at the biofuel levels currently targeted by the US and EU. In addition, we evaluate the same question, but this time freezing global food consumption, and get the same answer—plenty of land is available to meet the targets and supply food demands.
Shadow Replication: An Energy-Aware, Fault-Tolerant Computational Model for Green Cloud Computing
Authors: Cui Xiaolong , Mills Bryan , Znati Taieb , Melhem Rami
Published: August 2014

As the demand for cloud computing continues to increase, cloud service providers face the daunting challenge to meet the negotiated SLA agreement, in terms of reliability and timely performance, while achieving cost-effectiveness. This challenge is increasingly compounded by the increasing likelihood of failure in large-scale clouds and the rising impact of energy consumption and CO2 emission on the environment. This paper proposes Shadow Replication, a novel fault-tolerance model for cloud computing, which seamlessly addresses failure at scale, while minimizing energy consumption and reducing its impact on the environment. The basic tenet of the model is to associate a suite of shadow processes to execute concurrently with the main process, but initially at a much reduced execution speed, to overcome failures as they occur. Two computationally-feasible schemes are proposed to achieve Shadow Replication. A performance evaluation framework is developed to analyze these schemes and compare their performance to traditional replication-based fault tolerance methods, focusing on the inherent tradeoff between fault tolerance, the specified SLA and profit maximization. The results show that Shadow Replication leads to significant energy reduction, and is better suited for compute-intensive execution models, where up to 30% more profit increase can be achieved due to reduced energy consumption.
Prevalence and Antibiogram Profiling of Escherichia coli Pathotypes Isolated from the Kat River and the Fort Beaufort Abstraction Water
Authors: Nontongana Nolonwabo , Sibanda Timothy , Ngwenya Elvis , Okoh Anthony
Published: August 2014

Escherichia coli is a widespread bacterium encompassing a variety of strains, ranging from highly pathogenic strains, causing worldwide outbreaks of severe diseases to avirulent, well characterized safe laboratory strains. This study evaluated the prevalence and antibiogram profiles of E. coli pathotypes isolated from the Kat River and Fort Beaufort abstraction water. A total of 171 out of 278 confirmed E. coli isolates were positive for at least one pathogenic determinant and these included enteropathogenic E. coli (6%), enterotoxigenic E. coli (47%), uropathogenic E. coli (2%), neonatal meningitis E. coli (5%), diffusely adherent E. coli (1%) and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (1%). Interestingly, enteroinvasive and enteroaggregative E. coli were not detected. The phenotypic antibiogram profiles of the isolates revealed that all were resistant to penicillin G, while 98% and 38% of the pathotypes were resistant to ampicillin and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole, respectively. About 8% of the isolates were resistant to streptomycin. More than half of the isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistance with 44% being resistant to three antibiotics and 8% resistant to four antibiotics. We conclude that the Kat River is a reservoir of potentially virulent antibiotic resistant E. coli strains that can cause serious health risks to humans who drink raw water from this river, or in the case that consumption of treated drinking water coincides with failed drinking water processes.
Effect of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) on Hormones of Energy Balance in a TCDD-Sensitive and a TCDD-Resistant Rat Strain
Authors: Lindén Jere , Lensu Sanna , Pohjanvirta Raimo
Published: August 2014

One of the hallmarks of the acute toxicity of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a drastically reduced feed intake by an unknown mechanism. To further elucidate this wasting syndrome, we followed the effects of a single large dose (100 μg/kg) of TCDD on the serum levels of several energy balance-influencing hormones, clinical chemistry variables, and hepatic aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) expression in two rat strains that differ widely in their TCDD sensitivities, for up to 10 days. TCDD affected most of the analytes in sensitive Long-Evans rats, while there were few alterations in the resistant Han/Wistar strain. However, analyses of feed-restricted unexposed Long-Evans rats indicated several of the perturbations to be secondary to energy deficiency. Notable increases in ghrelin and glucagon occurred in TCDD-treated Long-Evans rats alone, which links these hormones to the wasting syndrome. The newly found energy balance regulators, insulin-like growth factor 1 and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21), appeared to function in concert in body weight loss-induced metabolic state, and FGF-21 was putatively linked to increased lipolysis induced by TCDD. Finally, we demonstrate a reverse set of changes in the AHR protein and mRNA response to TCDD and feed restriction, suggesting that AHR might function also as a physiological regulator, possibly involved in the maintenance of energy balance.
Current Status of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Human Cancer with Specific Focus on Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Smolle Maria , Uranitsch Stefan , Gerger Armin , Pichler Martin , Haybaeck Johannes
Published: August 2014

The latest investigations of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have revealed their important role in human cancers. LncRNAs are larger than 200 nucleotides in length and fulfill their cellular purpose without being translated into proteins. Though the molecular functions of some lncRNAs have been elucidated, there is still a high number of lncRNAs with unknown or controversial functions. In this review, we provide an overview of different lncRNAs and their role in human cancers. In particular, we emphasize their importance in tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer, the third most common cancer worldwide.
Long-Term Soft Denture Lining Materials
Authors: Chladek Grzegorz , Żmudzki Jarosław , Kasperski Jacek
Published: August 2014

Long-term soft denture lining (LTSDL) materials are used to alleviate the trauma associated with wearing complete dentures. Despite their established clinical efficacy, the use of LTSDLs has been limited due to the unfavorable effects of the oral environment on some of their mechanical and performance characteristics. The unresolved issue of LTSDL colonization by Candida albicans is particularly problematic. Silicone-based LTSDL (SLTSDL) materials, which are characterized by more stable hardness, sorption and solubility than acrylic-based LTSDLs (ALTSDLs), are currently the most commonly used LTSDLs. However, SLTSDLs are more prone to debonding from the denture base. Moreover, due to their limitations, the available methods for determining bond strength do not fully reflect the actual stability of these materials under clinical conditions. SLTSDL materials exhibit favorable viscoelastic properties compared with ALTSDLs. Furthermore, all of the lining materials exhibit an aging solution-specific tendency toward discoloration, and the available cleansers are not fully effective and can alter the mechanical properties of LTSDLs. Future studies are needed to improve the microbiological resistance of LTSDLs, as well as some of their performance characteristics.
Bioevaluation of Novel Anti-Biofilm Coatings Based on PVP/Fe3O4 Nanostructures and 2-((4-Ethylphenoxy)methyl)-N- (arylcarbamothioyl)benzamides
Authors: Limban Carmen , Missir Alexandru , Grumezescu Alexandru , Oprea Alexandra , Grumezescu Valentina , Vasile Bogdan , Socol Gabriel , Trușcă Roxana , Caproiu Miron , Chifiriuc Mariana , Gălățeanu Bianca , Costache Marieta , Morușciag Laurențiu , Pîrcălăbioru Grațiela , Nuță Diana
Published: August 2014

Novel derivatives were prepared by reaction of aromatic amines with 2-(4-ethylphenoxymethyl)benzoyl isothiocyanate, affording the N-[2-(4-ethylphenoxymethyl) benzoyl]-Nꞌ-(substituted phenyl)thiourea. Structural elucidation of these compounds was performed by IR, NMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The new compounds were used in combination with Fe3O4 and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) for the coating of medical surfaces. In our experiments, catheter pieces were coated by Matrix Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The microbial adherence ability was investigated in 6 multi-well plates by using culture based methods. The obtained surfaces were also assessed for their cytotoxicity with respect to osteoblast cells, by using fluorescence microscopy and MTT assay. The prepared surfaces by advanced laser processing inhibited the adherence and biofilm development ability of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa tested strains while cytotoxic effects on the 3T3-E1 preosteoblasts embedded in layer shaped alginate hydrogels were not observed. These results suggest that the obtained medical surfaces, based on the novel thiourea derivatives and magnetic nanoparticles with a polymeric shell could represent a promising alternative for the development of new and effective anti-infective strategies.
New Limonoids from Hortia oreadica and Unexpected Coumarin from H. superba Using Chromatography over Cleaning Sephadex with Sodium Hypochlorite
Authors: Severino Vanessa , De Freitas Sâmya , Braga Patrícia , Forim Moacir , Da Silva M. , Fernandes João , Vieira Paulo , Venâncio Tiago
Published: August 2014

Previous investigations of H. oreadica reported the presence of a wide spectrum of complex limonoids and dihydrocinnamic acids. Our interest in the Rutaceae motivated a reinvestigation of H. oreadica, H. brasiliana and H. superba searching for other secondary metabolites present in substantial amounts for taxonomic analysis. In a continuation of the investigation of the H. oreadica, three new limonoids have now been isolated 9α-hydroxyhortiolide A, 11β-hydroxyhortiolide C and 1(S*)-acetoxy-7(R*)-hydroxy-7-deoxoinchangin. All the isolated compounds from the Hortia species reinforce its position in the Rutaceae. With regard to limonoids the genus produces highly specialized compounds, whose structural variations do not occur in any other member of the Rutaceae, thus, it is evident from limonoid data that Hortia takes an isolated position within the family. In addition, H. superba afforded the unexpected coumarin 5-chloro-8-methoxy-psoralen, which may not be a genuine natural product. Solid-state cross-polarisation/magic-angle-spinning 13C nuclear magnetic resonance, X-Ray fluorescence and Field-emission gun scanning electron microscopy experiments show that the Sephadex LH-20 was modified after treatment with NaOCl, suggesting that when xanthotoxin (8-methoxy-psoralen) was extracted from cleaning of the gel column, chlorination of the aromatic system occurred.
A Group Neighborhood Average Clock Synchronization Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Lin Lin , Ma Shiwei , Ma Maode
Published: August 2014

Clock synchronization is a very important issue for the applications of wireless sensor networks. The sensors need to keep a strict clock so that users can know exactly what happens in the monitoring area at the same time. This paper proposes a novel internal distributed clock synchronization solution using group neighborhood average. Each sensor node collects the offset and skew rate of the neighbors. Group averaging of offset and skew rate value are calculated instead of conventional point-to-point averaging method. The sensor node then returns compensated value back to the neighbors. The propagation delay is considered and compensated. The analytical analysis of offset and skew compensation is presented. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the protocol and reveal that the protocol allows sensor networks to quickly establish a consensus clock and maintain a small deviation from the consensus clock.
The Relationship between “Protection of” and “Violence Against” Infants and Young Children: The U.S. Experience, 1940–2005
Authors: Riggs Jack , Hobbs Gerald
Published: August 2014

Between 1940 and 2005, in the United States, the rate of unnatural death declined about 75 percent in infant and young child boys and girls; a remarkable indicator of successful child protection. During this same period, the rate of reported homicide in infant boys increased 64.0 percent, in infant girls increased 43.5 percent, in young child boys increased 333.3 percent, and in young child girls increased 300.0 percent, a dismal and disturbing indicator of failed child protection. Can these simultaneously encouraging and discouraging observations be reconciled? The four categories of unnatural death, homicide, suicide, motor vehicle accident (MVA), and non-MVA, are mutually exclusive classifications. Correlations between the four categories of unnatural death among U.S. men and woman in all age groups for the years 1940 through 2005 were calculated. A negative correlation between homicide and non-MVA death rates was shown for all age groups, encompassing the entire human lifespan, in both genders. This consistently observed negative correlation was only observed between homicide and non-MVA death rates, and was not demonstrated between other causes of unnatural deaths. Moreover, this negative correlation was strongest (less than −0.7) in infants and young children. These observations are consistent with the suggestion that as the rate of unnatural death in infants and young children dramatically declined, society gave greater scrutiny to those fewer occurring unnatural deaths and demonstrated an increasing propensity to assign blame for those fewer deaths.
Sustainable Living in Africa: Case of Water, Sanitation, Air Pollution and Energy
Authors: Omole David , Ndambuki Julius
Published: August 2014

The study reviewed developmental challenges confronting African countries with specific reference to the availability of potable water, sanitation, energy, water and ambient air. It showed the conflict between the need to exploit environmental capital in order to keep up with the pace of human development activities and the need to utilize resources sustainably. Hitherto, the cost of this development has been at the expense of public health and cleaner environment. The outcome demonstrates the need for a change of approach in the way and manner that environmental resources are exploited for developmental purposes. Two concepts for addressing these problems were discussed. These are the “soft path” approach and the trialog model. The former places high priority on the proper use and management of existing infrastructure or resources rather than acquisition or exploitation of more infrastructure or resources. The latter concept addresses the principle of resource governance through the application of an understanding of the complex relationship between the main stakeholders—government, science, and society. Case studies on the practicality of these concepts were also highlighted and discussed.
Emergy Synthesis and Regional Sustainability Assessment: Case Study of Pan-Pearl River Delta in China
Authors: Li Guomin , Kuang Yaoqiu , Huang Ningsheng , Chang Xiangyang
Published: August 2014

In this paper, emergy analysis is used in association with the ternary diagrams and geographic information system (GIS) tools to improve the evaluation of sustainability for the Pan-Pearl River Delta (PPRD) region. Emergy accounting of PPRD is estimated, and various emergy-based indicators are reported. Ternary diagrams are drawn to provide a graphical representation of the emergy accounting data. Finally, the GIS tools are employed to assist in the emergy-based spatial analysis, and emergy density based on flat land area is mapped to reflect the intensity of emergy use in human activity areas. Results show the following: (1) the current development path of the PPRD region, with the value of emergy sustainability index (ESI = 0.227) significantly lower than one, is unsustainable in the long run; (2) Guangdong has the lowest ESI value (0.071), and the ESI values of Fujian, Guangxi, Hunan and Jiangxi are lower than 0.5, indicating that the economy in these provinces overly relies on non-renewable and imported resources; (3) Guizhou has a high emergy yield rate and is thus the main energy supplier in PPRD; and (4) among the nine provinces in PPRD, only Hainan has an ESI value (2.145) higher than one.
Locally-Delivered T-Cell-Derived Cellular Vehicles Efficiently Track and Deliver Adenovirus Delta24-RGD to Infiltrating Glioma
Authors: Balvers Rutger , Belcaid Zineb , Van den Hengel Sanne , Kloezeman Jenneke , De Vrij Jeroen , Wakimoto Hiroaki , Hoeben Rob , Debets Reno , Leenstra Sieger , Dirven Clemens , Lamfers Martine
Published: August 2014

Oncolytic adenoviral vectors are a promising alternative for the treatment of glioblastoma. Recent publications have demonstrated the advantages of shielding viral particles within cellular vehicles (CVs), which can be targeted towards the tumor microenvironment. Here, we studied T-cells, often having a natural capacity to target tumors, for their feasibility as a CV to deliver the oncolytic adenovirus, Delta24-RGD, to glioblastoma. The Jurkat T-cell line was assessed in co-culture with the glioblastoma stem cell (GSC) line, MGG8, for the optimal transfer conditions of Delta24-RGD in vitro. The effect of intraparenchymal and tail vein injections on intratumoral virus distribution and overall survival was addressed in an orthotopic glioma stem cell (GSC)-based xenograft model. Jurkat T-cells were demonstrated to facilitate the amplification and transfer of Delta24-RGD onto GSCs. Delta24-RGD dosing and incubation time were found to influence the migratory ability of T-cells towards GSCs. Injection of Delta24-RGD-loaded T-cells into the brains of GSC-bearing mice led to migration towards the tumor and dispersion of the virus within the tumor core and infiltrative zones. This occurred after injection into the ipsilateral hemisphere, as well as into the non-tumor-bearing hemisphere. We found that T-cell-mediated delivery of Delta24-RGD led to the inhibition of tumor growth compared to non-treated controls, resulting in prolonged survival (p = 0.007). Systemic administration of virus-loaded T-cells resulted in intratumoral viral delivery, albeit at low levels. Based on these findings, we conclude that T-cell-based CVs are a feasible approach to local Delta24-RGD delivery in glioblastoma, although efficient systemic targeting requires further improvement.
Principal Component and Multiple Regression Analyses for the Estimation of Suspended Sediment Yield in Ungauged Basins of Northern Thailand
Authors: Wuttichaikitcharoen Piyawat , Babel Mukand
Published: August 2014

Predicting sediment yield is necessary for good land and water management in any river basin. However, sometimes, the sediment data is either not available or is sparse, which renders estimating sediment yield a daunting task. The present study investigates the factors influencing suspended sediment yield using the principal component analysis (PCA). Additionally, the regression relationships for estimating suspended sediment yield, based on the selected key factors from the PCA, are developed. The PCA shows six components of key factors that can explain at least up to 86.7% of the variation of all variables. The regression models show that basin size, channel network characteristics, land use, basin steepness and rainfall distribution are the key factors affecting sediment yield. The validation of regression relationships for estimating suspended sediment yield shows the error of estimation ranging from −55% to +315% and −59% to +259% for suspended sediment yield and for area-specific suspended sediment yield, respectively. The proposed relationships may be considered useful for predicting suspended sediment yield in ungauged basins of Northern Thailand that have geologic, climatic and hydrologic conditions similar to the study area.
The Evolution of Boosting Algorithms
Authors: Binder H. , Gefeller O. , Schmid M. , Mayr A.
Published: August 2014

Background: The concept of boosting emerged from the field of machine learning. The basic idea is to boost the accuracy of a weak classifying tool by combining various instances into a more accurate prediction. This general concept was later adapted to the field of statistical modelling. Nowadays, boosting algorithms are often applied to estimate and select predictor effects in statistical regression models.

Objectives: This review article attempts to highlight the evolution of boosting algorithms from machine learning to statistical modelling.

Methods: We describe the AdaBoost algorithm for classification as well as the two most prominent statistical boosting approaches, gradient boosting and likelihood-based boosting for statistical modelling. We highlight the methodological background and present the most common software implementations.

Results: Although gradient boosting and likelihood-based boosting are typically treated separately in the literature, they share the same methodological roots and follow the same fundamental concepts. Compared to the initial machine learning algorithms, which must be seen as black-box prediction schemes, they result in statistical models with a straight-forward interpretation.

Conclusions: Statistical boosting algorithms have gained substantial interest during the last decade and offer a variety of options to address important research questions in modern biomedicine.
Structure/affinity studies in the bicyclo-DNA series: Synthesis and properties of oligonucleotides containing bcen-T and iso-tricyclo-T nucleosides
Authors: Dugovic Branislav , Wagner Michael , Leumann Christian J
Published: August 2014

We present the synthesis of the two novel nucleosides iso-tc-T and bcen-T, belonging to the bicyclo-/tricyclo-DNA molecular platform. In both modifications the torsion around C6’–C7’ within the carbocyclic ring is planarized by either the presence of a C6’–C7’ double bond or a cyclopropane ring. Structural analysis of these two nucleosides by X-ray analysis reveals a clear preference of torsion angle γ for the gauche orientation with the furanose ring in a near perfect 2’-endo conformation. Both modifications were incorporated into oligodeoxynucleotides and their thermal melting behavior with DNA and RNA as complements was assessed. We found that the iso-tc-T modification was significantly more destabilizing in duplex formation compared to the bcen-T modification. In addition, duplexes with complementary RNA were less stable as compared to duplexes with DNA as complement. A structure/affinity analysis, including the already known bc-T and tc-T modifications, does not lead to a clear correlation of the orientation of torsion angle γ with DNA or RNA affinity. There is, however, some correlation between furanose conformation (N- or S-type) and affinity in the sense that a preference for a 3’-endo like conformation is associated with a preference for RNA as complement. As a general rule it appears that Tm data of single modifications with nucleosides of the bicyclo-/tricyclo-DNA platform within deoxyoligonucleotides are not predictive for the stability of fully modified oligonucleotides.
Lipolytic activity of Staphylococcus aureus from human wounds, animals, foods, and food-contact surfaces in Brazil
Authors: Dos Santos Rodrigues Jessica Bezerra , Pinto Taiz Siqueira , De Oliveira Cybelle Pereira , De Sousa Freitas Francisca Inês , Vieira Pereira Maria do Socorro , De Souza Evandro Leite , De Siqueria-Júnior Jose Pinto
Published: August 2014

Introduction: S. aureus is of great importance to public health due to its pathogenicity. This study aimed to evaluate lipase production by S. aureus isolates from different sources. Methodology: Lipolytic activity was determined using Tween-Calcium agar (48 hours; 35°C). Results: Eighty-six percent of the isolates from human wounds were positive for lipase production. The frequencies of isolates positive for lipase production were 33.3% from cow udders, 15.4% from the nasal cavities of cattle, 82.9% from ricotta cheeses, and 100% and 91.7% from meat- and vegetable-contact surfaces, respectively. Conclusion: The production of lipase varied among the isolates according to their source.
Antimicrobial and molecular analysis of Salmonella serovar Livingstone strains isolated from humans in Tunisia and Belgium
Authors: Guedda Intissar , Taminiau Bernard , Ferjani Asma , Boukadida Jalel , Bertrand Sophie , Daube Georges
Published: August 2014

Introduction: Salmonella Livingstone is one of the most common serotypes responsible for nosocomial outbreaks in Tunisia. In this study, 42 isolates of Salmonella Livingstone were analyzed. Most of these were isolated from humans (31 strains from Tunisia and 9 strains from Belgium) and 2 isolates came from food products (beef and pork). Methodology: All strains were characterized by antibiogram, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and virulotyping. This last technique was carried out by simple PCR of five chromosomal genes (agfA, hin/H2, iroB, phoP/Q, and slyA) and two plasmid genes (spvA and spvC). Results: All Tunisian strains were resistant to amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ticarcillin, cefalotin, gentamicin, and kanamycin. They were also resistant to third-generation cephalosporin antibiotics (cefotaxim and ceftazidim). Belgian isolates were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. Further to MLST analyses, Tunisian strains belonged to the same sequence type, ST543. For Belgian isolates, eight strains had a ST543 profile, two strains had a ST638 profile, and one strain had a ST457 profile. Analyses of the virulence gene contents showed that strains isolated in different years and from different origins had the same virulence profile. These carried all five chromosomal genes and lacked plasmid-located virulence genes spvA and spvC. Conclusions: A combination of different typing methods showed that the majority of Belgian strains and all Tunisian strains were closely related; they belonged to the same sequence type (ST543) and had the same virulence profile, but different antibiotic resistance profiles depended on the country of origin.
Antiretroviral drug resistance and HIV-1 subtypes among treatment-naive prisoners in Kelantan, Malaysia
Authors: Ariffin Tengku Ahmad Akram Tengku Mohd , Mohamad Suharni , Yusuf Wan Nazirah Wan , Shueb Rafidah Hanim
Published: August 2014

Introduction: The widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and continuous reports of HIV-1 strains developing resistance to these drugs is rather alarming, as transmission of resistant viruses to newly infected persons is possible. This study aimed to determine HIV-1 subtypes and the prevalence of primary mutations associated with antiretroviral (ARV) resistance among treatment-naive prisoners on the east coast of Malaysia. Methodology: Viral RNA was extracted from plasma samples of 21 treatment-naive prisoners. Protease (PR) and reverse transcriptase (RT) regions were amplified and sequenced. Stanford HIV database algorithms were used for interpretation of resistance, and phylogenetic analysis was performed for subtype assignment. Results: In the PR gene, no antiviral resistance-associated mutation was detected. For RT-associated mutations, K103N was the most prevalent in sequenced samples (14.3%). Genetic subtyping on the pol gene revealed that the majority of the prisoners were infected with subtype CRF33_01B (52.4%). Conclusion: Continuous surveillance of newly infected individuals is required to help strategize the best antiviral treatment for these patients.
Detection of the novel IMP-38 among carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a university hospital, China
Authors: Jian Zijuan , Li Yanming , Liu Wenen , Li Hongling , Zhang Yunli , Li Yanbing , Gu Xiumei , Peng Wanchan
Published: August 2014

Introduction: This study set out to investigate the molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae isolates collected from Xiang Ya Hospital, Hunan, China. Methodology: The carbapenemase genes from Enterobacteriaceae isolates were determined by PCR and sequencing. Relatedness of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates was evaluated by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Results: Twenty-four out of 738 non-repetitive Enterobacteriaceae isolates harbored carbapenemase genes including IMP-38, a novel IMP-type metallo-enzyme. Nine IMP-38-producing isolates were shown to originate from the same clone and caused a small outbreak in the neonatal ward. Conclusions: IMP-38, a novel IMP-type metallo-enzyme, was one of the predominant types of carbapenemase in the clinical carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae isolates in our hospital.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of infections caused by Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in a hospital in northwest China
Authors: Xun Meng , Zhang Yi , Li Bo-Ling , Wu Min , Zong Yuan , Yin Yi-Ming
Published: August 2014

Introduction: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections have recently increased in importance in China, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of S. maltophilia infection in ICU of a hospital in northwest China. Methodology: The characteristics and outcomes of patients with any type of S. maltophilia infection at Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Shaanxi, China, over a two-year period (from July 2011 to June 2013) were studied. S. maltophilia antimicrobial susceptibility was tested with the agar dilution method. The risk factors for all-cause in-hospital mortality were assessed with multivariate logistic regression. Results: Forty patients (median age, 72 years; 77.5% males) with S. maltophilia infection were identified. The main type of infection was lower respiratory tract infection (97.5%); one patient had a bloodstream infection. A total of 97.5% patients were infected with two or more organisms at the same time. The main characteristics of the patients were prolonged use of mechanical ventilation, urethral catheter, and central venous catheter before the infections occurred. The case number of infection was not different in the four seasons. High in vitro sensitivity was observed to minocycline (91.2%), levofloxacin (85.3%), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (79.4%). Most patients received therapy with a combination of agents. The crude mortality was 50%. By multivariate analysis, low albumin content and hypotension were the independent prognostic factors for mortality. Conclusions: Appropriate antimicrobial treatment had no positive impact on mortality. The impacts of  albumin supplements and increasing blood pressure on mortality require further clinical studies.