bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of Earlier Initiation of Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer Complicated with Primary or Secondary Nephrotic Syndrome following Its Appropriate Differential Diagnosis
Authors: Ota Shuji , Fujigaki Yoshihide , Tamura Yoshifuru , Kojima Kenichiro , Ochiai Ryosuke , Haruyama Terunobu , Ishihara Masashi , Natsume Maika , Fukasawa Yoko , Sakamoto Takahiko , Tanzawa Shigeru , Usui Ryo , Honda Takeshi , Ichikawa Yasuko , Watanabe Kiyotaka , Seki Nobuhiko
Published: January 2019

We encountered a case of primary lung cancer complicated with membranous nephropathy as primary nephrotic syndrome. Because treatment approaches vary greatly for primary and secondary nephrotic syndrome, a renal biopsy was performed for diagnosis. Much time was required to make a definitive diagnosis of primary nephrotic syndrome, as opposed to paraneoplastic nephrotic syndrome. Consequently, the subsequent chemotherapy was ineffective and caused significant toxicity due to reduced performance status (PS) and progression of hypoalbuminemia. Therefore, it is imperative that a diagnosis be made and treatment be initiated without delay before PS declines and hypoalbuminemia progresses.
A não-pertença no fluxo de consciência de Os meus sentimentos, de Dulce Maria Cardoso
Authors: Bozzo Gabriela Cristina Borborema
Published: January 2019

A investigação proposta busca compreender de que forma o fluxo de consciência constrói, no romance de Cardoso, a não-pertença que o tematiza. A baliza teórica utilizada concerne a psicologia social e o fluxo de consciência, constiuída, respectivamente, por Mente, Self e Sociedade, organizado por Charles W. Morris com as proposições de George H. Mead; e “A meia marrom” (2002, p. 471-498), de Auerbach.
Incidence and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcium in South Asians Compared With 4 Race/Ethnic Groups
Authors: Kanaya Alka M. , Vittinghoff Eric , Lin Feng , Kandula Namratha R. , Herrington David , Liu Kiang , Blaha Michael , Budoff Matthew J.
Published: January 2019

Background

South Asians have a relatively high prevalence of coronary artery calcium (
CAC
) compared with other race/ethnic groups. We determined
CAC
incidence and progression among South Asians, and compared them with 4 race/ethnic groups.

Methods and Results

Data from the
MASALA
(Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America) study were used to calculate
CAC
incidence and progression rates and any
CAC
change. Data from the
MESA
(Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) were used to compare the
CAC
incidence and progression rates. A total of 698 South Asians had repeat
CAC
measurements after 4.8±0.8 years. Among those with no
CAC
at baseline, the age‐adjusted
CAC
incidence was 8.8% (95% CI, 6.8–10.8%) in men and 3.6% (2.5–4.8%) in women. The median annual
CAC
progression was 26 (interquartile range, 11–62) for men and 13 (interquartile range, 4–34) for women. Compared with
MESA
, age‐adjusted
CAC
incidence was similar in South Asian men compared with white, black, and Latino men, but significantly higher than Chinese men (11.1% versus 5.7%,
P
=0.008). After adjusting for age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and statin medication use, Chinese, black, and Latino men had significantly less
CAC
change compared with South Asian men, but there were no differences between South Asian and white men. There was no difference in
CAC
incidence or progression between South Asian women and women in
MESA
.

Conclusions

South Asian men had greater
CAC
change than Chinese, black, and Latino men but similar change to that of whites after adjusting for traditional risk factors.
First record of the squat lobster genus Sternostylus Baba, Ahyong & Schnabel, 2018 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Sternostylidae) in Taiwan
Authors: LIN CHIA-WEI , CHAN TIN-YAM
Published: January 2019

The deep sea squat lobster, Sternostylus hendersoni (Alcock & Anderson, 1899a), is reported for the first time from Taiwan, also representing the first record of the genus from the area. Two specimens of S. hendersoni were collected near a cold-seep area off southwestern Taiwan. Both specimens are females and have similar morphology but different body coloration, with one specimen being reddish orange and the other is pinkish orange. The differences in coloration are illustrated.
Uncertainty Assessment of the ERA-20C Reanalysis Based on the Monthly In Situ Precipitation Analysis of the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre
Authors: Rustemeier Elke , Ziese Markus , Meyer-Christoffer Anja , Schneider Udo , Finger Peter , Becker Andreas
Published: January 2019

The uncertainty of the precipitation parameter in the ECMWF twentieth-century (ERA-20C) centennial reanalysis is assessed by means of a comparison with the GPCC in situ product Full Data Monthly Version 7 (FDM-V7). For the spatial and temporal validation of ERA-20C, global temporal scores were calculated on monthly, seasonal, and annual time scales. These include contingency table scores, correlations, and differences in the trend, along with time series analyses. Not surprisingly, the regions with the strongest deviations correspond to regions with data scarcity, such as mountainous regions with their upwind and downwind effects, and monsoon regions. They all show a strong systematic bias (ERA-20C minus FDM-V7) and significant breaks in the time series. The mean annual global bias is about 37 mm, and the median is about 8 mm yr−1. Among the largest mean annual biases are, for example, 3361 mm in the southern Andes, 2603 mm in the Western Ghats, and 2682 mm in Papua New Guinea. However, if there is high station density, the precipitation distribution is correctly reproduced, even in orographically demanding regions such as the Alps.
Spontaneous Resolution of Cholesteatoma in a Patient on Long-Term Infliximab
Authors: Chao Janet , Dewyer Nicholas , McKenna Michael John
Published: January 2019

Objective:

To describe an observed case of spontaneous regression of cholesteatoma in a patient on chronic anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) therapy and inspire further research into the role of TNF-a in cholesteatoma.

Methods:

Clinical assessment of disease in a single-patient case report.

Results:

A 49-year-old woman suffered a severe case of Stevens-Johnson syndrome when she was 12 years old, leaving her with bilateral corneal opacification and tympanic membrane perforations with extensive cholesteatoma. For her corneal opacification, a corneal prosthesis was placed, which was complicated by a foreign body reaction necessitating long-term therapy with infliximab, a monoclonal antibody against TNF-a that is therapeutic in some chronic inflammatory diseases. She was otherwise healthy and took no other medications. While on infliximab, the patient had spontaneous and complete resolution of her cholesteatoma without any surgical intervention.

Conclusions:

This surprising case suggests that there may be a prominent role of TNF-a in cholesteatoma pathophysiology and that TNF-a may be an effective target for nonsurgical therapy.
Social welfare maximization with thyristor-controlled series compensator using grey wolf optimization algorithm
Authors: Kumari Behera Saswati , Kant Mohanty Nalin
Published: January 2019

The present day power scenario is to improve the deregulated structure of power pool so as maximize the overall welfare of the electricity market. Hence, this paper presents a novel methodology to maximize the social welfare (i.e. the surplus of market participants) with thyristor-controlled series compensator using grey wolf optimization algorithm. Thyristor-controlled series compensator can redistribute the power flow in the network thereby aids mitigating congestion and improves the social welfare of the system. Optimal placement and sizing of thyristor-controlled series compensator is a complex combinatorial analysis, hence grey wolf optimization algorithm, which is a typical metaheuristic algorithm based on leadership and hunting of grey wolves in nature is applied to solve the test cases. An optimal power flow problem is proposed to maximize the social welfare using grey wolf optimization with and without thyristor-controlled series compensator. This model is tested with a modified IEEE 14 and IEEE 30 bus test systems. The results obtained using grey wolf optimization is compared with that obtained using genetic algorithm. Results indicate that grey wolf optimization outperforms genetic algorithm in maximizing social welfare either with thyristor-controlled series compensator or without thyristor-controlled series compensator.
A Question of Costliness: Time Horizons and Interstate Signaling
Authors: Haynes Kyle
Published: January 2019

This article examines how interstate signaling processes operate under multiple dimensions of uncertainty. The existing signaling literature largely assumes that states communicate and infer one another’s intentions in a simplified context where they are only uncertain about one component of the other’s preferences. Relaxing this unrealistic assumption, I develop a model of interstate reassurance in which the receiver is uncertain of both the compatibility of the sender’s goals and its time horizons. If a receiving state is unsure of the sending state’s time horizons, it is more difficult to determine the costliness of a given signal, and thus how credible it is as an indicator of the sender’s preferences. I show that under certain conditions, shorter time horizons lead to more credible signaling as states become less willing to incur the short-term costs of misrepresentation. Under other conditions, however, shortened time horizons can incentivize hedging behavior, thus undermining a benign state’s ability to credibly signal its intentions. Finally, the model reveals that multidimensional uncertainty can actually facilitate cooperation across a wider range of conditions than one-dimensional uncertainty. I present two brief case illustrations and discuss the model’s implications for contemporary US–China relations.
Impact of a Social Network Messaging App on Team Cohesiveness and Quality of Completed Team Projects in an Undergraduate Team Project
Authors: Matt Graham C. , Jones Nory
Published: January 2019

This research sought to determine what impact a social network messaging app could have on student’s team project performance. The app allowed students to self-select teams based on user profiles within the app. The study investigated three hypotheses that measured the apps impact on the quality of completed team projects, the team’s sense of shared goals, and team cohesiveness. The findings suggested that social network messaging apps that provide a sense of common ground between team members may better engage students in project teamwork which could lead to improved learning and better team cohesiveness.
Does Designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Influence Tourist Evaluation of a Local Destination?
Authors: Mariani Marcello M. , Guizzardi Andrea
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this study is to explore whether the UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) designation affects tourists’ evaluation of the local destination hosting the site, building on a large sample of about 0.8 million tourists who visited Italy over the period 1997–2015. We find that the inscription onto the UNESCO World Heritage List exerts surprisingly a negative effect on the overall evaluation of the destination and also on the evaluation of its artistic assets though the magnitude of the latter is lower. The effect is heterogeneous across visitors, depending on evaluation levels, as well as origin/destinations and demographics. Nonetheless, the presence of multiple WHSs in the same destination tends to increase evaluation, suggesting that destination stakeholders with previous experience in dealing with WHS designations are better equipped to manage the complicated relationship between tourism and preservation. Managerial and policy-making implications are discussed.
Reducing Public Masturbation in Individuals With ASD: An Assessment of Response Interruption Procedures
Authors: Cividini-Motta Catia , Moore Keira , Fish Lauren M. , Priehs Jonathan C. , Ahearn William H.
Published: January 2019

Individuals with autism may engage in sexual behavior at inappropriate times and/or in inappropriate places. The current study investigated the effects of response interruption and redirection (RIRD) and response interruption (RI) on public masturbation (PM) of children and adolescents with autism. Initial assessments showed that PM was maintained by automatic reinforcement. During the treatment evaluation phase, we compared RIRD and RI to determine whether either procedure was successful in decreasing the duration of PM. In the RIRD condition, contingent on the occurrence of any PM the participant completed physical activities involving both hands (e.g., moving chairs, touching toes). In the RI condition, the therapist interrupted all instances of PM using physical and verbal prompts (e.g., saying in a neutral tone, “Stop that” and moving hands away from genitals). Both procedures were effective in decreasing the duration of PM but RI required fewer resources and less time. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are reviewed.
Napping Improves HRV in Older Patients With Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Nakayama Natsuki , Hayashi Toshio , Miyachi Masahiko , Negi Koji , Watanabe Koji , Hirai Makoto
Published: January 2019

Heart rate variability (HRV), especially increased high frequency (HF), has been reported to provide clinically useful prognostic information regarding cardiovascular disease. Napping is an excellent sleep management strategy in older adults. This study was conducted to clarify the effect of napping on HRV in older adult patients with cardiovascular risk factors. The patients were divided into two groups: one group of 32 patients who reported napping (nap group) and another group of 45 patients who did not report napping (nonnap group). The HRV was calculated in terms of the HF component over 24 hr during wakefulness, sleep, and 1 hr after sleep onset. The HF in the nap group was significantly higher than that in the nonnap group during all times measured. In addition, napping was a significant predictor of increased HF. This study shows the effectiveness of napping in the daily lives of patients with cardiovascular risk factors.
Rural Employment Generation In India: A Critical View From Rajasthan
Authors: Saha Atrayee
Published: January 2019

Rural employment generation was initiated in India through the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in 2005 and related NREGS schemes, to provide better social and food security to socially and economically depressed rural workers. By now, the implementation of this scheme is known to be not equally satisfactory throughout India, with significant variations in different states and localities. This article, based on intensive fieldwork over 1 year in remote villages of Deogarh and Bhim blocks of Rajasamand district, explores the functioning of the scheme in rural Rajasthan. It identifies three important roadblocks to effective NREGA implementation and analyses their impact: persistence of caste-based inequalities and social interactions among different groups of rural people, differential occupational interests of potential workers and lack of initiative of the respective panchayats.
Hunger In Jharkhand: Dimensions Of Poverty And Food Security In Palamu District
Authors: Sharma Kiran
Published: January 2019

The realities of starvation and hunger in South Asia are only partially addressed by larger discourses on food security. At the local level, many Indians continue to experience hunger, semi-starvation and malnutrition. While the age of mass starvation seems over, starvation deaths are reported from time to time, and hunger remains a lurking threat. This ethnographic study analyses patterns of poverty and food (in)security among tribal and other social groups in seven villages of the Manatu block in Palamu district of Jharkhand. The empirical findings present the main factors influencing the dynamics of household food (in)security and examine, through some case studies, how poor rural/tribal communities cope with threats of starvation and hunger. The article also critically analyses the implementation of social policies in addressing food security in Jharkhand and finds that more needs to be done to assist the most vulnerable individuals, including many women, to escape the precarities of hunger.
Tribal Land Alienation, Agricultural Changes and Food Culture Transition in Attappady
Authors: Edison Elizabeth , Devi Rugmini
Published: January 2019

This article, based on fieldwork, discusses the negative impacts of land alienation suffered by Adivasis in Attappady, a tribal block of Kerala in South India. Experiencing multiple alienations that have fundamentally affected their way of life, agricultural practices and food culture, tribals not only continue to suffer discriminatory treatment by non-tribal settlers, but also by state authorities’ restrictions of access to local forests and forest produce. These problems assume added significance as this ecologically important location in the Western Ghats of India is one of the eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity in the world, while the traditional guardians of this environment have been completely disempowered. The article traces abuses of power in land alienation processes, analyses unequal power structures and argues that better appreciation of traditional tribal culture and its ecologically holistic approaches ought to inform policies for local sustainable development. This would help the tribals to safeguard their identity within the constraints of current conditions and enhance the prospects for sustainable preservation of the precious local natural resources and biodiversity.
Latin American academic and research Think Tanks: Characterization of a model and its presence in the region
Authors: Tarango Javier , Delgado Rene-Manuel , Machin-Mastromatteo Juan D.
Published: January 2019

This article presents a general overview of the Think Tank model, including its conceptualization and main types. Then, it focuses on the academic and research Think Tanks that are located in Latin America, by identifying the existing ones per country, presenting their tendencies and by analyzing them from the perspective of their organizational, financial, informational, educational, technical, human capital and knowledge generation resources. This contribution also identifies Latin American academic and research Think Tanks’ competitive advantages and their differences from traditional educational models.
Sufentanil pharmacokinetics in a full-term neonate treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: a case report
Authors: Pokorná Pavla , Šíma Martin , Vobruba Václav , Bašková Martina , Posch Lenka , Slanař Ondřej
Published: January 2019

Introduction:

Sufentanil is a potent analgesic drug used for pain management. A few studies describe the pharmacokinetics of sufentanil in neonates; however, no pharmacokinetic data about sufentanil during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation have been published yet.

Case report:

A 1-day-old neonate with moderate hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy received veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support for refractory respiratory and circulatory failure. Sufentanil plasma concentrations were determined during both extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 14) and non–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 17) period. Based on these measurements, individual sufentanil pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated.

Discussion:

We observed increased sufentanil volume of distribution (11.6 vs 5.6 L/kg) and decreased sufentanil clearance (0.535 vs 0.746 L/h/kg) in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation period. The increment of volume of distribution was attributed to ECMO influence, while difference in clearance was probably due to drug interaction.

Conclusions:

This is the first description of sufentanil pharmacokinetics in neonate treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. We observed considerably larger volume of distribution during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation period in comparison with non–extracorporeal membrane oxygenation period.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation–induced fibrinolysis detected by rotational thromboelastometry and treated by oxygenator exchange
Authors: Durila Miroslav , Smetak Tomas , Hedvicak Pavel , Berousek Jan
Published: January 2019

Coagulopathy and bleeding is a frequent phenomenon in patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The cause may be multifactorial and it may change over time. We present a case when bleeding was caused by hyperfibrinolysis induced by oxygenator. The diagnosis was established by comparing thromboelastometry result from blood obtained before and after oxygenator. Hyperfibrinolysis and bleeding could be successfully treated merely by oxygenator exchange.
Visual Representations of Risk Enhance Long-Term Retention of Risk Information: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Arrick Bradley A. , Bloch Katarzyna J. , Colello Laura Stein , Woloshin Steven , Schwartz Lisa M.
Published: January 2019

Background. People often overestimate their risk of developing cancer, which can cause undue worry and unwarranted risk-reducing actions. Standard counseling has a limited and short-lived effect on correcting these misperceptions. We conducted a randomized study to evaluate whether incorporation of visual depictions of risk improves the efficacy and durability of cancer risk counseling. Methods. Sixty-six individuals seen in the Familial Cancer Program were randomized to receive standard counseling or counseling supplemented with 2 interactive visual representations of their 10-year risk of developing the cancer type of greatest concern (enhanced counseling). The primary outcome was accuracy of self-perceived risk (ratio of perceived to objective risk) 2 weeks and 6 months after counseling. Results. Prior to counseling, 80% of participants overestimated their risk. Improvement in self-perception of risk was greater among those individuals randomized to receive enhanced counseling. At the 2-week follow-up, the percentage of participants who continued to overestimate their risk by 5-fold or more was 3 to 4 times lower in those who received enhanced counseling, compared to the standard counseling group. At the 6-month follow-up, sustained improvement in risk perception was most evident among those exposed to visual depictions of their risk. Statistical significance was achieved in chi-square analysis at P < 0.05, grouping participants’ risk estimate as approximately accurate (<2-fold) or different from objective risk to varying degrees. Conclusions. Overestimation of cancer risk among people with a family history of cancer is common. Counseling can improve risk perception, but individuals tend to revert back to their prior misperception 6 months after counseling. By including visual representations of risk during counseling, correction of risk perception was of greater magnitude and more durable.
Reversal effect of Zhigancao decoction on myocardial fibrosis in a rapid pacing-induced atrial fibrillation model in New Zealand rabbits
Authors: Sun Juan , Wugeti Najina , Mahemuti Aliman
Published: January 2019

Objective

To evaluate the effect of Zhigancao decoction on reversal of right atrial myocardial fibrosis after rapid atrial pacing (RAP)-induced atrial fibrillation (AF).

Methods

New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: sham operation group (Group A: implanted electrodes, no RAP), pacing group (Group B: RAP-induced AF), Zhigancao soup water decoction Yin group (Group C: RAP-induced AF followed by Zhigancao soup Yin prescription twice a day for 30 days), and Zhigancao soup group (Group D: RAP-induced AF followed by Zhigancao water decoction twice a day for 30 days). The atrial myocardium was then examined for myocardial fibrosis by Masson staining, and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) was immunohistochemically assessed. The right atrial appendage tissue field action potential duration (fAPD) was measured by microelectrode arrays.

Results

RAP successfully induced AF. Myocardial fibrosis was more severe in Groups B and C and less severe in Group D. Protein expression of MMP-9 was strongly positive in Groups B and C and weakly positive in Group D. The fAPD was significantly decreased in Groups B and C, but the decrease in Group D was not significant.

Conclusion

Zhigancao decoction can reverse AF-induced myocardial fibrosis in rabbits and shorten the fAPD.
Fecal microbiota transplantation in refractory ulcerative colitis – a case report
Authors: Moutinho B. D. , Baima J. P. , Rigo F. F. , Saad-Hossne R. , Rodrigues J. , Romeiro F. G. , Sassaki L. Y.
Published: January 2019

Studies comparing gut microbiota profiles of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients have shown several changes in microbiota composition, with marked reduction of local biodiversity relative to that of healthy controls. Modulation of the bacterial community is a promising strategy to reduce the proportion of harmful microorganisms and increase the proportion of beneficial bacteria; this is expected to prevent or treat IBD. The exact mechanism of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) remains unknown; however, replacing the host microbiota can reestablish gut microbial composition and function in IBD patients. The present report describes an ulcerative colitis patient who underwent FMT. A 17-year-old male with moderate to severe clinical activity, which was refractory to mesalazine, azathioprine, and infliximab, underwent FMT as alternative therapy. The patient exhibited clinical improvement after the procedure; however, the symptoms returned. A second FMT was performed 8 months after the first procedure, but the patient did not improve. In conclusion, despite the FMT failure observed in this patient, the procedure is a promising therapeutic option for IBD patients, and more in-depth studies of this method are needed.
Percutaneous ultrasound-guided laser ablation for the treatment of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis: a pilot study
Authors: Yang Gaoyi , Fang Jianhua , Yu Tianzhuo , Zhang Ying , Zhang Wenzhi , Zhao Dan , Xu Jianping , Wang Caifen
Published: January 2019

Objective

This study was performed to assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of percutaneous ultrasound (US)-guided laser ablation (LA) for the treatment of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (CTBL).

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with CTBL (mean age, 32.0 ± 8.6 years; range, 18–47 years) who underwent percutaneous US-guided LA from June 2014 to December 2016 with a subsequent 12-month follow-up. We assessed the mean volume reduction and contrast-enhanced US (CEUS) changes of the target lymph nodes as well as the tolerability and adverse effects of LA.

Results

The mean ablation energy was 522 ± 312 J (range, 204–1317 J). All 17 enrolled target lymph nodes were completely non-enhanced after LA treatment as detected by CEUS, indicating complete ablation of all lymph nodes (100%). The target lymph nodes significantly decreased in volume by a mean of 74.0% ± 15.6% from baseline to 12 months after LA. The LA procedure was well tolerated, and none of the 11 patients developed severe complications during the 12-month follow-up.

Conclusion

Percutaneous US-guided LA for the treatment of CTBL exhibits good tolerability, minimal invasiveness, and few adverse effects. Further investigations with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted to confirm these findings.
Who Says Backcalculation Is Only about Layer Moduli?
Authors: Lee Hyung Suk , Steele Douglas , Von Quintus Harold
Published: January 2019

In this study, an existing finite layer algorithm for dynamic analysis of pavement structure was enhanced to incorporate the nonlinear behavior of unbound pavement materials. The nonlinear (stress-dependent) modulus was approximated in the vertical direction, which is similar to the approach used with multi-layered elastic and viscoelastic analysis methods for incorporating material nonlinearity. First, the enhanced finite layer algorithm was used to backcalculate the layer thickness, unit weight, Poisson’s ratio, and damping ratio in addition to the linear (viscoelastic and elastic) modulus of all layers. Then, the parameters backcalculated from the linear analysis were used to estimate the seed values for the subsequent nonlinear analysis in which the stress-dependent moduli of the unbound layers were backcalculated. Deflection data from two field sections (with thick and thin asphalt concrete layer) were used for demonstration. The results showed excellent agreement between the measured and backcalculated deflection time histories. In addition, it was found that the use of backcalculated parameters for the thickness, unit weight, Poisson’s ratio, and damping resulted in lower errors for both the linear and nonlinear analyses. Furthermore, the results of the backcalculation indicated that the material nonlinearity was more pronounced for the thin pavement, in which case the backcalculation error may be reduced further by incorporating the stress-dependent modulus.
Development of Benefit Cost Analysis Tools for Evaluating Transportation Research Projects
Authors: Greer Nikolai , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: January 2019

Transportation research projects are a vital element for transportation agencies to accumulate new technology and knowledge to improve the efficiency and safety of transportation infrastructure. The purpose of this paper is to develop benefit cost analysis (BCA) tools to assist transportation agencies in evaluating transportation research projects. The BCA tools provide analysis methods for estimating the benefits for changes in the level of service (LOS) of a roadway, reductions in the vehicle travel time, changes in vehicle operating costs and reductions in the number of crashes. Three case studies were investigated to illustrate the usage of the BCA tools. The first case study evaluated the effectiveness of variable speed limit systems implemented along I-80 in southern Wyoming. The BCA tools estimated a benefit cost ratio of 6.64 indicating that the implementation of the project was economically justifiable. The second case study was a recent study investigating and developing mitigation strategies for the effects of truck traffic along the I-80 in southern Wyoming resulting in a benefit cost ratio of a 9.23 indicating that the project had the potential to be economically viable upon implementation. The final case study evaluated the effect of wildlife overpass and underpass crossings on the migrations of pronghorn and mule deer. The benefit cost ratio for the research project was 0.42 indicating that the project was not economically beneficial after the first year of implementation. The case studies indicated that the BCA tools are a beneficial tool for quantifying the economic benefits of a transportation research project.
Quantifying the Impact of Climate Change on Flexible Pavement Performance and Lifetime in the United States
Authors: Stoner Anne M. K. , Daniel Jo Sias , Jacobs Jennifer M. , Hayhoe Katharine , Scott-Fleming Ian
Published: January 2019

Flexible pavement design requires considering a variety of factors including the materials used, variations in water tables, traffic levels, and the climatic conditions the road will experience over its lifetime. Most pavement designs are based on historical climate variables such as temperature and precipitation that are already changing across much of the United States, and do not reflect projected trends. As pavements are typically designed to last 20 years or more, designs that do not account for current and future trends can result in reduced performance. However, incorporating climate projections into pavement design is not a trivial exercise. Significant mismatches in both spatial and temporal scale challenge the integration of the latest global climate model simulations into pavement models. This study provides a national-level overview of what the impact of climate change to flexible pavement could look like, and where regional focus should be placed. It also demonstrates a new approach to developing high-resolution spatial and temporal projections that generates hourly information at the scale of individual weather stations, and applies this as input to the AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design™ model. The impact of three different future climates on pavement performance and time to reach failure thresholds in 24 locations across the United States are quantified. Changes to projected pavement performance differ by location, but nearly all result in decreased performance under current design standards. The largest increases in distress are observed for permanent deformation measures, especially toward the end of the century under greater increases in temperature.
Substitution of Ride-Hailing Services for More Sustainable Travel Options in the Greater Boston Region
Authors: Gehrke Steven R. , Felix Alison , Reardon Timothy G.
Published: January 2019

The recent and dramatic growth in ride-hailing activity is a bellwether of a coming transportation revolution driven by on-demand services. The impacts of ride-hailing services on the transportation system have been immediate and major. Yet, public agencies are only beginning to understand their magnitude because the private ride-hailing industry has provided limited amounts of meaningful data. Consequently, public agencies responsible for managing congestion and providing transit services are unable to clearly determine who uses ride-hailing services and how their adoption influences established travel modes, or forecast the potential growth of this emergent mode in the future. To address these pressing questions, an intercept survey of ride-hailing passengers was conducted in the Greater Boston region in fall 2017. Ten ride-hailing drivers, recruited and trained by the authors, asked passengers to complete surveys during their ride-hailing trip. The tablet-based survey instrument recorded nearly 1,000 passenger responses with regard to socioeconomic background, mobility options, and trip context. These responses, which enabled a robust description of ride-hailing passengers for the region, were used to analyze how new on-demand mobility services such as Uber and Lyft may be substituting travel by other modes. The study substantiates previous findings and advances knowledge of who is utilizing this new mobility option and what factors influence its adoption over public and active transportation modes. The results are intended to inform public policies ensuring that shared mobility technologies will complement existing multimodal landscapes and not worsen existing environmental concerns or equity gaps related to individual mobility.
Technical Approaches to Developing a Highway Noise Programmatic Agreement
Authors: Alexander Adam , El-Aassar Ahmed , MacDonald John , Martin Anjoli
Published: January 2019

There are many instances in which noise studies were completed for projects that were not likely to result in noise impacts. In this paper, the authors provide an analysis from their conducted study, validating a programmatic agreement (PA) intended to reduce the need for unnecessary noise analyses. The technical study considered a range of average daily traffic volumes between 500 and 28,000. The parameters of the PA rely solely on calculated noise levels at specified traffic volume, mix, speed, and roadway designs using the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM®) version 2.5 to develop a series of TNM cases, testing impact thresholds at various speed and slope conditions. Using this data, the authors developed a regression model to enable the PA expansion and provide answers for a finer grid of traffic volume. Using the regression model results, the authors will develop a graphical user interface to assess project eligibility for the PA.
Ventricular assist device in a patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and situs inversus totalis
Authors: Wieloch Radi , Sipahi Nihat Firat , Boeken Udo , Albert Alexander , Akhyari Payam , Westenfeld Ralf , Lichtenberg Artur , Saeed Diyar
Published: January 2019

Congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and situs inversus totalis are rare congenital anomalies. While congenital heart diseases affect about 0.75%–0.9% of newborns, less than 1% of them have congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries. Meanwhile, the incidence of situs inversus totalis is about 0.01%. This is a case report of a patient with congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries and situs inversus totalis who was supported with a ventricular assist device, resulting in a challenging clinical scenario.
Textile recycling processes, state of the art and current developments: A mini review
Authors: Piribauer Benjamin , Bartl Andreas
Published: January 2019

World fibre production has been rising continuously over last decades and a tremendous increase is expected in the near future. The major portion of fibres goes to the textile industry whose main output streams are apparel and home textiles. With the transformation of these textile products from a basic human need to fashion items, their lifetime before disposal is steadily declining, while at the same time the complexity of their material composition is increasing. As a matter of fact, the amount of disposed items is increasing distinctively and the issue of a proper handling of end-of-life textiles is becoming more important. The objective of this mini review is, first to give a brief overview of the already available textile recycling methods, and subsequently it will discuss innovative developments of new recycling processes in the textile recycling sector. A special focus of this review lies on the emerging field of biochemical fibre recycling processes, which could become a major step on the way to a circular economy in the textile processing chain. Owing to the high selectivity of bio-catalysts, enzymes, these processes could be used to remove a specific fibre material from multi-component textiles. As the complexity of textiles is reduced, the recyclability is increased.
Comparative life cycle assessment of ornamental stone processing waste recycling, sand, clay and limestone filler
Authors: Rebello Thais Ayres , Zulcão Robson , Calmon João Luiz , Gonçalves Ricardo Franci
Published: January 2019

Owing to the cost of destination and transportation of ornamental stone processing waste, many studies focused on the reuse and recycling of this product. However, there is a scarcity of articles addressing the environmental viability of the recycling of ornamental stone. In this context, this study comprehends a comparative life cycle assessment of ornamental stone processing waste and conventional materials: sand, clay and limestone filler. The modelling software used was SimaPro 8.3.0.0 with Ecoinvent 3.2 database, employing the ReCiPe H/H methodology for impact assessment. The results show that the recycling of ornamental stone processing waste is environmentally preferable, and the artificial drying alternatives, such as flash dryer and rotary dryer, have lower environmental impact than extracting and processing clay through atomisation methods and limestone filler production. The sensitivity analysis indicated that it is possible to transport the ornamental stone processing waste 37 km after processing, so it reaches the same environmental impact as sand extracted by dredging. On the other hand, an increase of 25% in the energy consumption incremented only 7% of the environmental impact owing to the Brazilian energy mix.
The Soul: Discipleship that Fosters an Integrated Soul
Authors: Lanker Jason
Published: January 2019

Most often when the soul is mentioned, the Church’s only concern seems to be in “saving” it. Yet, the scriptures regularly refer to the care of the soul in much broader, and more holistic ways. So if we are ever going to help the Church to see regularly the soul’s transformation, we must first have a clearer conception of it and the general process of its change. This article attempts to clarify those foundations and to draw meaningful applications for its ongoing discipleship.
Promoting Influenza Vaccination Among an ACA Health Plan Subscriber Population: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Nehme Eileen K. , Delphia Michelle , Cha Eun Me , Thomas Milton , Lakey David
Published: January 2019

Purpose:

To assess the effectiveness of an intervention to promote influenza vaccination among members of an Affordable Care Act (ACA) insurance plan.

Design:

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting:

Messages were delivered by a community-based, nonprofit health insurance provider to its members in Central Texas.

Participants:

Adult subscribers for whom either a phone number or an e-mail address was available (n = 25 649).

Intervention:

Participants were randomly assigned to be sent (1) no messages, (2) messages encouraging influenza vaccination via e-mails and texts, and (3) messages encouraging influenza vaccination through e-mails, texts, and postal mail. Messages were sent between September 12, 2017 and November 17, 2017.

Measures:

Influenza vaccination was determined using medical and pharmacy claims.

Analysis:

Rate differences and 95% confidence intervals between each exposure condition were calculated for the overall population and by subgroups.

Results:

The vaccination rate by December 31, 2017 was 16.9%. Those sent both electronic messages and postal mail were significantly more likely to be vaccinated than those who were not sent messages (rate difference: 2.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.4-3.6) and those who were sent electronic messages only (rate difference: 1.6%; 95% CI: 0.5-2.8).

Conclusion:

A combination of messages delivered via text, e-mail, and postal mail generated a modest but significant positive effect on influenza vaccine rates in an ACA plan population. The postal mail component was essential for achieving this effect.
Suicidal Thoughts and Contexts in Black African Stroke Survivors
Authors: Ojagbemi Akin , Bello Toyin , Elugbadebo Fisayo
Published: January 2019

Objectives:

Poststroke suicide has not been studied in Black Africans. We assessed the characteristics and contexts of serious suicidal thoughts after first-ever stroke in Nigerians.

Methods:

Using a comparative cross-sectional design, we consecutively recruited 130 stroke survivors attending rehabilitation in a large university hospital. Also included were 130 age-, sex-, and education-matched caregivers who were unrelated to stroke survivors. Along with clinical and historical details, cognitive functions, experience of serious suicidal thoughts, and major depressive disorder (MDD) were independently assessed using validated semi-structured interviews.

Results:

Serious suicidal thoughts were present in 20 (15.4%) stroke survivors and 19 (14.6%) controls. Poststroke suicidal thoughts occurred in the contexts of MDD ( P < .001), marital separation ( P = .019), and cognitive dysfunction ( P = .037). In a multivariate logistic regression model including age, gender, MDD, marital separation, and cognitive dysfunction as covariates, poststroke MDD and marital separation led to 5.6-fold (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.5-21.0) and 4-fold (95% CI: 1.2-14.0) increases, respectively, in the odds of serious suicidal thoughts.

Conclusions:

Serious suicidal thoughts after stroke in this African sample were more common than the reported average prevalence in the global literature. Poststroke major depression was the key reversible risk factor for suicidal thoughts. Depression is treatable and prompt treatment may prevent suicidal deaths and reduce the burden of stroke in black Africans.
Middle School Language Classification Effects on High School Achievement and Behavioral Outcomes
Authors: Reyes Marcela , Hwang NaYoung
Published: January 2019

Researchers are concerned that English language learners (ELL) may remain classified too long and, therefore, may not receive appropriate mainstream educational services. In this study, we investigate the effects of language classification on student outcomes in one California school district. Our ordinary least squares regression estimates demonstrate that students who become reclassified fluent English proficient (RFEP) in middle school have higher achievement scores and better behavioral outcomes. However, regression discontinuity models show that reclassification has no effects on students’ outcomes. The findings of this study suggest that selection bias accounts for the positive associations between RFEP and desirable student outcomes. ELL and RFEP students have unmeasured characteristics that highly correlate with their language classification, therefore, their educational outcomes differ.
Chaotic vibrations of a harmonically excited carbon nanotube with consideration of thermomagnetic filed and surface effects
Authors: Ramezannejad Azarboni H , Edalatpanah SA
Published: January 2019

In the studies of the dynamic response of carbon nanotubes, the stability, predictable, and unpredictable chaotic vibrations are fundamental characteristics. In this paper, we investigate the chaotic and periodic vibrations of a single-walled carbon nanotube resting on the viscoelastic foundation, based on the nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli beam model. It is assumed that the single-walled carbon nanotube is subjected to an external harmonic excitation. The axial thermomagnetic field and the surface effect on the governing equation of single-walled carbon nanotube are taken into account. We also solve the nonlinear governing equation by using the Galerkin decomposition method along with the fourth-order Rung–Kutta numerical integration scheme. Furthermore, we analyze the effects of amplitude and frequency of excitation on the formation of chaotic and periodic regions using bifurcation diagrams and largest Lyapunov exponents. Moreover, we present the phase portrait, Poincare maps, and time history to observe the periodic and chaotic responses of the system. The results show that the nonlinear dynamic response of single-walled carbon nanotube is much more sensitive to both amplitude and frequency of excitation.