bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bond stress–slip relationship between basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars and concrete using a pull-out test
Authors: Shen Dejian , Ojha Binod , Shi Xiang , Zhang Hui , Shen Jiaxin
Published: January 2016

The basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bar is one of the newly evolved materials expected to be used as a structural reinforcement because of its non-corrosive nature and abundant tensile strength properties. The bond stress–slip relationship between fiber-reinforced polymer bars and concrete is necessary to evaluate the load carrying capacity of concrete components or structures reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars. Although the relationship between fiber-reinforced polymer bars and concrete has been studied, the bond stress–slip relationship between concrete and basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars considering the effect of bar diameter and concrete strength is still lacking. This paper presents an experimental investigation on the bond behavior between basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars with different diameters (10, 14, and 20 mm) and concrete with two different compressive strengths using a pull-out test. The test results showed that (1) the failure mode between basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars and concrete was equally contributed from crushing of concrete and failure of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer surface and mainly from delaminated resin-rich surface for the specimens with the concrete compressive strength of 43.6 and 71.8 MPa, respectively; (2) the bond strength between basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars and concrete decreased with the increase of bar diameter; (3) the slip corresponding to bond strength increased with the increase of diameter of basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars; (4) the bond strength between the basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars with diameter of 10 mm and concrete increased by 18.8% when the concrete strength increased by 64.7%; and (5) the formulas for bond stress–slip relationship between basalt fiber-reinforced polymer bars and concrete in consideration of the ratio of concrete cover depth and concrete compressive strength were proposed. The calculation results of the formulas indicated good accuracy with the experimental results.
Biochemical methane potential, biodegradability, alkali treatment and influence of chemical composition on methane yield of yard wastes
Authors: Gunaseelan Victor Nallathambi
Published: January 2016

In this study, the biochemical CH4 potential, rate, biodegradability, NaOH treatment and the influence of chemical composition on CH4 yield of yard wastes generated from seven trees were examined. All the plant parts were sampled for their chemical composition and subjected to the biochemical CH4 potential assay. The component parts exhibited significant variation in biochemical CH4 potential, which was reflected in their ultimate CH4 yields that ranged from 109 to 382 ml g-1 volatile solids added and their rate constants that ranged from 0.042 to 0.173 d-1. The biodegradability of the yard wastes ranged from 0.26 to 0.86. Variation in the biochemical CH4 potential of the yard wastes could be attributed to variation in the chemical composition of the different fractions. In the Thespesia yellow withered leaf, Tamarindus fruit pericarp and Albizia pod husk, NaOH treatment enhanced the ultimate CH4 yields by 17%, 77% and 63%, respectively, and biodegradability by 15%, 77% and 61%, respectively, compared with the untreated samples. The effectiveness of NaOH treatment varied for different yard wastes, depending on the amounts of acid detergent fibre content. Gliricidia petals, Prosopis leaf, inflorescence and immature pod, Tamarindus seeds, Albizia seeds, Cassia seeds and Delonix seeds exhibited CH4 yields higher than 300 ml g-1 volatile solids added. Multiple linear regression models for predicting the ultimate CH4 yield and biodegradability of yard wastes were designed from the results of this work.
Increased oxidative stress and plasma Hsp70 levels among gasoline filling station attendants
Authors: Xia Bing , Chen Kangcheng , Lv Yingnan , Huang Damin , Liu Jing , Liang Guiqiang , Zhang Li’e , Wang Fenfen , Su Cheng , Zou Yunfeng , Yang Xiaobo
Published: January 2016

Objectives:

Methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (MMT) is an organic derivative of manganese (Mn) and is used as an antiknock agent and octane enhancer in gasoline. In this article, we tested the oxidative stress and heat stress protein (Hsp) 70 levels of gasoline station attendants to explore potential plasma biomarkers. Furthermore, the dose–response relationship was also identified.

Methods:

A total of 144 workers, including 96 petrol fillers and 48 cashiers, participated in the study. Ambient concentrations of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and Mn were monitored at nine filling stations. During the measuring process, the individual cumulative exposure index was calculated. Plasma oxidative stress and Hsp70 levels were also analysed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

The BTEX time-weighted average in office areas was significantly lower than in refuelling areas ( p < 0.05). In refuelling areas, the content of Mn ranged from 6.44 μg/m3 to 127.34 μg/m3, which was much higher than that in office areas (3.16–7.22 μg/m3; p < 0.05). Exposed workers had significantly different plasma oxidative stress indicators compared with the control group, respectively: superoxide dismutase (SOD), 39.18 ± 6.05 U/mL versus 52.84 ± 3.87 U/mL; glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), 186.07 ± 15.63 U versus 194.38 ± 10.42 U; and malondialdehyde (MDA), 1.68 ± 0.52 nmol/L versus 1.43 ± 0.64 nmol/L (in all comparisons, p < 0.05). Plasma Hsp70 level in the exposed group (2.77 ± 0.64 ng/mL) was significantly higher than in the control group (2.32 ± 0.87 ng/mL; p < 0.05). Furthermore, Hsp70 levels were inversely correlated with the activities of SOD ( r = −0.305) and GSH-Px ( r = −0.302) in the exposed group ( p < 0.05). Moreover, a positive correlation ( r = 0.653) was found between plasma Hsp70 levels and plasma MDA levels ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Exposure to MMT-containing gasoline may result in increasing reactive oxygen stress among filling station attendants. Plasma Hsp70 levels could be used as a sensitive responsive biomarker for exposed workers.
A Multidimensional Investigation Into the Predictors of Physical Activity in Canadian Adolescents
Authors: Spurr Shelley , Bally Jill , Trinder Krista , Williamson Linzi
Published: January 2016

Background: The percentage of overweight and obese Canadian children and youth is dramatically increasing. Approaches to reducing obesity in adolescents should include the promotion of physical activity (PA) because a continued physically active lifestyle into adulthood may lower rates of chronic diseases associated with unhealthy body weight. Purpose: The current study expands on existing assessments of PA to include predictors based in a multidimensional adolescent wellness and ecological model. Method: Canadian adolescents ( N = 603) were surveyed and the resulting data analyzed using multiple regression analysis. Findings: Overall, 57.5 and 52.9% of the unique variance in PA for females and males, respectively, were explained by the predictors. Significant predictors for females included age, recreational time, family, leadership, and social comparison (cognitive development) skills. For males, equipment at home was also associated with increased PA. Conclusions: The finding that social comparison and leadership skills are significant predictors of PA in adolescents is new. Nurses should consider a holistic approach to promoting PA whereby these developmental dimensions are included in assessment and prioritized in providing nursing care. Additionally, individualized PA intervention strategies can then be tailored to this unique population.
Does Retirement Offer a “Window of Opportunity” for Lifestyle Change? Views From English Workers on the Cusp of Retirement
Authors: Smeaton Deborah , Barnes Helen , Vegeris Sandra
Published: January 2016

Objective: Improving health behaviors can delay or prevent lifestyle diseases. Previous quantitative studies suggest that interventions at retirement may be particularly effective. This study introduces the voices of older people to explore the potential of retirement as a change point. Method: This qualitative study of current and anticipated health behaviors among 55 people approaching retirement in England reports thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews. Results: Many respondents expected improved health behaviors whether from conscious changes or simply as a beneficial side effect of retiring, while a smaller group felt retirement carried inherent health risks, with a need to guard against these. Discussion: The retirement transition can potentially establish positive health behaviors, but interventions need careful targeting to maximize their benefit. Further research is required to explore how far intentions translate into practice and the barriers and facilitators to doing so.
Economic sanctions and trade diplomacy: Sanction-busting strategies, market distortion and efficacy of China’s restrictions on Norwegian salmon imports
Authors: Chen Xianwen , Garcia Roberto Javier
Published: January 2016

This article confirms that China’s economic sanction in the form of restricting salmon imports from Norway was in retaliation for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize awarded to a Chinese dissident. By combining personal accounts of stakeholders interviewed in the Norway–China salmon trade with an examination of trade data, there is strong evidence that links changes in trade patterns of fresh/chilled whole Norwegian salmon to border measures applied in response to the peace prize. While disproportionate border measures targeting Norwegian salmon have distorted China’s market since 2011, private actors appear to have busted the sanction by circumventing these measures, including rerouting, falsifying country-of-origin certification, and smuggling. This could have long-term consequences for trade patterns and quality. Official statistics record a reduced Norwegian market share and decreased Norway–China salmon trade despite an expansion of the volume of Chinese imports. However, official data do not record Norwegian salmon entering illegally, which some stakeholders estimate at between 50 and 70 per cent of the market. Norway’s official refusal to meet the Dalai Lama in May 2014 suggests that China’s sanction has affected foreign policy. The salmon sanction demonstrates that China has become more assertive in its international relations.
Active bearing force reduction in non-commutated linear actuators
Authors: Poltschak Florian
Published: January 2016

Planar linear magnetic actuators are used in a wide range of industrial applications. Permanent magnet movers in particular allow high axial thrust forces, which result in considerable destabilizing stiffness in the direction perpendicular to the direction of motion. These forces, which can reduce bearing lifetime significantly, must therefore be stabilized with linear bearings.

This paper introduces an integrated active bearing-force compensation concept that minimizes the forces acting on the mechanical bearings. The potential and limits of bearing force compensation are analyzed based on a short-stroke linear actuator with an E-shaped stator. Further, the extent to which bearing forces can be compensated for, even with simple actuator layouts, is described. Particularly in linear oscillating drives, such compensation can (i) significantly reduce wear and thus improve lifetime and (ii) reduce the size of mechanical bearings.

Measurements of a prototype system confirm the simulated results.
Safety assessment of nicotinamide riboside, a form of vitamin B3
Authors: Conze DB , Crespo-Barreto J , Kruger CL
Published: January 2016

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a naturally occurring form of vitamin B3 present in trace amounts in some foods. Like niacin, it has been shown to be a precursor in the biosynthesis of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). The safety of Niagen™, a synthetic form of NR, was determined using a bacterial reverse mutagenesis assay (Ames), an in vitro chromosome aberration assay, an in vivo micronucleus assay, and acute, 14-day and 90-day rat toxicology studies. NR was not genotoxic. There was no mortality at an oral dose of 5000 mg/kg. Based on the results of a 14-day study, a 90-day study was performed comparing NR at 300, 1000, and 3000 mg/kg/day to an equimolar dose of nicotinamide at 1260 mg/kg/day as a positive control. Results from the study show that NR had a similar toxicity profile to nicotinamide at the highest dose tested. Target organs of toxicity were liver, kidney, ovaries, and testes. The lowest observed adverse effect level for NR was 1000 mg/kg/day, and the no observed adverse effect level was 300 mg/kg/day.
Sildenafil prevents renal dysfunction in contrast media-induced nephropathy in Wistar rats
Authors: Almeida Lais Salles de , Barboza Jamila Rodrigues , Freitas Flávia Priscila Santos , Porto Marcella Leite , Vasquez Elisardo Corral , Meyrelles Silvana Santos , Gava Agata Lages , Pereira Thiago Melo Costa
Published: January 2016

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an iatrogenic medical event in stable cardiology patients that may lead to acute renal failure. There is no current successful therapy to manage CIN. Increasing evidence in experimental models and humans has suggested that this disease is associated with renal tubular and vascular injury triggered by oxidative stress. Considering the importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the pathogenesis of CIN, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sildenafil on CIN development. Male Wistar rats were divided into control, CIN, and CIN pretreated with sildenafil (50 mg/kg/day). CIN was induced by water deprivation, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester + indomethacin injections (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and intravenous iohexol administration (3 g/kg). Renal function was evaluated through glomerular filtration rate (GFR), renal blood flow (RBF), plasma creatinine, uremia, and proteinuria. Oxidative stress was assessed by flow cytometry for intracellular ROS. Treatment with sildenafil attenuated the marked reduction of GFR and RBF in the CIN group. Moreover, sildenafil treatment in CIN rats reduced plasma creatinine, uremia, and proteinuria. Flow cytometry demonstrated that sildenafil attenuated the ROS production in the CIN group. These data suggest that sildenafil may be a new therapeutic agent to prevent CIN through its ability to preserve renal function and attenuate oxidative stress.
Effect of Continuity of Care on Quality of Life in Older Adults With Chronic Diseases: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Mei , Tu Yi-Hsuan , Chen Ching-Min
Published: January 2016

As the population ages, continuity of care (CoC) has increasingly become a particular important issue. Articles published from 1994 to 2014 were identified from electronic databases. Studies with randomized controlled design and elderly adults with chronic illness were included if Short Form-36 (SF-36) was used as an outcome indicator to evaluate the effect of CoC. Seven studies were included for analysis with the sum of 1,394 participants. The results showed that CoC intervention can significantly improve physical function, physical role function, general health, social function, and vitality of QoL for elderly people with chronic disease.
Analytical evaluation of track response in the vertical direction due to a moving load
Authors: Czyczula Wlodzimierz , Koziol Piotr , Kudla Dariusz , Lisowski Sergiusz
Published: January 2016

In the literature, typical analytical track response models are composed of beams (which represent the rail) on viscoelastic or elastic foundations. The load is usually considered as a single concentrated force (constant or varying in time) moving with constant speed. Concentrated or distributed loads or multilayer track models have rarely been considered. One can find some interesting results concerning analysis of distributed loads and multilayer track structures that include both analytical and numerical approaches. However, there is a noticeable lack of sufficient comparison between track responses under concentrated or distributed load and between one and multilayer track models. One of the unique features of the present paper is a comparison of data obtained for a series of concentrated and distributed loads, which takes into account a wide range of track parameters and train speeds. One of the fundamental questions associated with the multilayer track model is the level of coupling between the rail and the vibrations of the sleepers. In this paper, it is proved that sleepers are weakly coupled with the rail if the track is without significant imperfections, and the steady-state response is analyzed for this case. In other words, sleeper vibrations do not influence the rail vibrations significantly. Therefore the track is analyzed by means of a two-stage model. The first step of this model determines rail vibration under a moving load, and then the sleeper vibration is calculated from previously obtained kinematic excitation. The model is verified by comparison of the obtained results with experimental data. Techniques based on Fourier series are applied to the solution of the steady-state track response. Another important problem associated with track response under moving loads arises from the analysis of the effect of longitudinal forces in rails on vertical displacement. It is shown that, in the case of the steady-state response, longitudinal forces do not influence rail displacements significantly and this observation remains correct for a wide range of track parameters and train speeds. The paper also analyzes the legitimacy of the statement that additional rail deflection between sleepers, compared to the continuous rail support, can be considered as a track imperfection.
Structural vibration control with the implementation of a pendulum-type nontraditional tuned mass damper system
Authors: Xiang Ping , Nishitani Akira
Published: January 2016

Self-centering systems, such as base-rocking-wall systems, have been studied and demonstrated to be capable of achieving enhanced seismic-resisting performance. For these rocking-wall systems, unbonded post-tensioning strands and damage-permitted energy-dissipating fuses are usually implemented along the full height of the walls. Structural damage and residual deformation of main structures can be mitigated through deformation of the fuses which are replaceable after strong earthquakes. An innovative self-centering system referred to as a pendulum-type nontraditional tuned mass damper system is newly proposed in this paper, which can be deemed to be an inverted rocking system. Pendulum components can automatically return to their original position due to the effect of gravity, without any post-tensioning strands being required. Energy dissipators are only implemented between the bottom end of the pendulum component and the ground, and they can be easily fabricated and replaced. Both experimental and numerical studies have been carried out to examine seismic performance of the pendulum-type nontraditional tuned mass damper system, and it is found that satisfactory control of interstory drift and floor absolute acceleration can be achieved, while small movement space is required.
Vibrations in a spatial K-shaped metallic frame: an exact analytical study with experimental validation
Authors: Mei C
Published: January 2016

In a spatial K-shaped metallic frame, there exist in- and out-of-plane bending, axial, and torsional vibrations. A wave-based vibration analysis approach is applied to obtain free and forced vibration responses in a space frame. In order to validate the analytical approach, a steel K-shaped space frame was built by welding four beam elements of rectangular and square cross-section together. Bending vibrations are modeled using both the classical Euler–Bernoulli theory and the advanced Timoshenko theory. This allows the effects of rotary inertia and shear distortion, which were neglected in the classical Euler–Bernoulli theory, to be studied. In addition, the effect of torsional rigidity adjustment for structures of rotationally non-symmetric cross-section is also examined.
Fault detection of gearboxes using synchro-squeezing transform
Authors: Hazra B , Sadhu A , Narasimhan S
Published: January 2016

This paper presents a novel fault detection method for gearbox vibration signatures using the synchro-squeezing transform (SST). Premised upon the concept of time-frequency (TF) reassignment, the SST provides a sharp representation of signals in the TF plane compared to many popular TF methods. Additionally, it can also extract the individual components, called intrinsic mode functions or IMFs, of a nonstationary multi-component signal, akin to empirical mode decomposition. The rich mathematical structure based on the continuous wavelet transform makes synchro-squeezing a promising candidate for gearbox diagnosis, as such signals are frequently constituted out of multiple amplitude and frequency modulated signals embedded in noise. This work utilizes the decomposing power of the SST to extract the IMFs from gearbox signals, followed by the application of both condition indicators and fault detection to gearbox vibration data. For robust detection of faults in gear-motors, a fault detection technique based on time-varying auto-regressive coefficients of IMFs as features is utilized. The sequential Karhunen–Loeve transform is employed on the condition indicators to select the appropriate window sizes on which the SST can be applied. This approach promises improved fault detection capability compared to applying condition indicators directly to the raw data. Laboratory experimental data obtained from a drivetrain diagnostics simulator and seeded fault tests from a helicopter gearbox provide test beds to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed algorithm.
Glycemic Status and Infection Risk in Nondiabetic Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Hammer Marilyn J. , Melkus Gail D’Eramo , Knobf M. Tish , Casper Corey , Fletcher Jason , Cleland Charles M.
Published: January 2016

Background:

Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) for hematological malignancies experience a number of challenges during treatment. There is growing evidence that malglycemia (hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and/or increased glycemic variability) contributes to HCT-related complications, even in patients without preexisting diabetes. The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate factors influencing glycemic status and associated infection occurrences in nondiabetic autologous HCT recipients.

Methods:

Oncology patients without preexisting diabetes treated with autologous HCT at a National Cancer Institute–designated cancer center were followed from admission through discharge or 28 days post-HCT. Patients had morning fasting laboratory tests. Descriptive statistics and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine associations between BG levels and risk for infection while adjusting for baseline covariates including age, body mass index (BMI), cumulative glucocorticoid dose, and diagnosis.

Results:

The sample included 28 female and 25 male predominately non-Hispanic White patients (mean age 55.7 years, SD = 11.32). Blood glucose (BG) range was 35–325 mg/dl. Twenty-three patients incurred at least one infection. BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 was associated with high BG and infections. In the multivariate Cox model, an increase of 1 interquartile range in BG 2 days before infection was associated with a moderately increased risk of infection (hazard ratio = 1.44, p = .008).

Conclusions:

Understanding the contributors to and consequences of malglycemic events can lead to better protocols for identifying patients at greater risk for infection. Further investigation is warranted for interventions to mitigate BG events for improved outcomes.
Advanced Small Animal Conformal Radiation Therapy Device
Authors: Sharma Sunil , Narayanasamy Ganesh , Przybyla Beata , Webber Jessica , Boerma Marjan , Clarkson Richard , Moros Eduardo G. , Corry Peter M. , Griffin Robert J.
Published: January 2016

We have developed a small animal conformal radiation therapy device that provides a degree of geometrical/anatomical targeting comparable to what is achievable in a commercial animal irradiator. small animal conformal radiation therapy device is capable of producing precise and accurate conformal delivery of radiation to target as well as for imaging small animals. The small animal conformal radiation therapy device uses an X-ray tube, a robotic animal position system, and a digital imager. The system is in a steel enclosure with adequate lead shielding following National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements 49 guidelines and verified with Geiger-Mueller survey meter. The X-ray source is calibrated following AAPM TG-61 specifications and mounted at 101.6 cm from the floor, which is a primary barrier. The X-ray tube is mounted on a custom-made “gantry” and has a special collimating assembly system that allows field size between 0.5 mm and 20 cm at isocenter. Three-dimensional imaging can be performed to aid target localization using the same X-ray source at custom settings and an in-house reconstruction software. The small animal conformal radiation therapy device thus provides an excellent integrated system to promote translational research in radiation oncology in an academic laboratory. The purpose of this article is to review shielding and dosimetric measurement and highlight a few successful studies that have been performed to date with our system. In addition, an example of new data from an in vivo rat model of breast cancer is presented in which spatially fractionated radiation alone and in combination with thermal ablation was applied and the therapeutic benefit examined.
Macrostructural and Microstructural Brain Lesions Relate to Gait Pathology in Children With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Meyns Pieter , Van Gestel Leen , Leunissen Inge , De Cock Paul , Sunaert Stefan , Feys Hilde , Duysens Jacques , Desloovere Kaat , Ortibus Els
Published: January 2016

Background. Even though lower-limb motor disorders are core features of spastic cerebral palsy (sCP), the relationship with brain lesions remains unclear. Unraveling the relation between gait pathology, lower-limb function, and brain lesions in sCP is complex for several reasons; wide heterogeneity in brain lesions, ongoing brain maturation, and gait depends on a number of primary motor functions/deficits (eg, muscle strength, spasticity). Objective. To use a comprehensive approach combining conventional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in children with sCP above 3 years old to relate quantitative parameters of brain lesions in multiple brain areas to gait performance. Methods. A total of 50 children with sCP (25 bilateral, 25 unilateral involvement) were enrolled. The investigated neuroradiological parameters included the following: (1) volumetric measures of the corpus callosum (CC) and lateral ventricles (LVs), and (2) DTI parameters of the corticospinal tract (CST). Gait pathology and primary motor deficits, including muscle strength and spasticity, were evaluated by 3D gait analysis and clinical examination. Results. In bilateral sCP (n = 25), volume of the LV and the subparts of the CC connecting frontal, (pre)motor, and sensory areas were most related to lower-limb functioning and gait pathology. DTI measures of the CST revealed additional relations with the primary motor deficits (n = 13). In contrast, in unilateral sCP, volumetric (n = 25) and diffusion measures (n = 14) were only correlated to lower-limb strength. Conclusions. These results indicate that the combined influence of multiple brain lesions and their impact on the primary motor deficits might explain a large part of the gait pathology in sCP.
The impact research of control modes in steam turbine control system (digital electric hydraulic) to the low-frequency oscillation of grid
Authors: Li Yanghai , Huang Shuhong , Pan Jian , Yang Tao , Gao Wei
Published: January 2016

Through the analysis of the control theory for steam turbine, the transfer function of the steam turbine control modes in the parallel operation was obtained. The frequency domain analysis indicated that different control modes of turbine control system have different influence on the damping characteristics of the power system. The comparative analysis shows the direction and the degree of the influence under the different oscillation frequency range. This can provide the theory for the suppression of the low-frequency oscillation from turbine side and has a guiding significance for the stability of power system. The results of simulation tests are consistent with the theoretic analysis.
Limiting Law: Art in the Street and Street in the Art
Authors: Flessas Tatiana , Mulcahy Linda
Published: January 2016

Conventional legal responses to street art have tended to characterize it as a problem that is best dealt with through criminal or property law. This is not necessarily perceived of as a problem by street artists who have actively sought to situate understandings of their work outside of the law. But attitudes are changing. Street art is increasingly seen as having commercial value, enhancing the cityscape, creating new local art markets, attracting tourists, and contributing to the gentrification of impoverished areas. The result is that conventional ways of conceiving of street art have begun to pose new challenges to concepts of crime and property. Drawing on an observational study in London, this article proposes a new theorization of the legal problems posed by street art that pays close attention to the sensual experience of encountering it in the city and to street art as performance rather than artefact.
Zero energy and carbon buildings based on climate-specific passive building standards for North America
Authors: Klingenberg Katrin , Kernagis Mike , Knezovich Mike
Published: January 2016

In 2015, Passive House Institute US released a new, climate-specific passive building standard for North America. The new standard was the product of a three year research project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, and performed in collaboration with Building Science Corporation. PHIUS’ work was spurred by its experience in attempting to implement the German standard, developed by Passivhaus Institut in Germany, to projects across North America’s various climate zones. In summary, the German standard led designers to some design errors, and was found not cost effective in much of North America. This paper describes why and how the new standard was developed, how it differs from the German metric and how it constitutes a cost optimized envelope design baseline for reaching zero energy and carbon in North America.
Investigation of the proposed solar-driven moisture phenomenon in asphalt shingle roofs
Authors: Boudreaux Philip , Pallin Simon , Jackson Roderick
Published: January 2016

Unvented attics are an energy-efficiency measure to reduce the thermal load of the conditioned space and decrease the space conditioning energy consumption by about 10%. This retrofit is usually done by spraying polyurethane foam underneath the roof sheathing, and on the gables and soffits of an attic to provide an air barrier and a thermal control layer. Unvented attics perform well from this perspective, but from a moisture perspective sometimes homes with unvented attics have high interior humidity or moisture damage to the roof. As homes become more air tight and energy efficient, a better understanding of the hygrothermal dynamics of homes with energy-efficient envelopes becomes more important. One proposed reason for high unvented attic humidity has been that moisture can come through the asphalt shingle roof system and increase the moisture content of the roof sheathing and attic air. This has been called “solar-driven moisture.” Oak Ridge National Laboratory investigated this proposed phenomenon by examining the physical properties of a roof and the physics required for the phenomenon. Results showed that there are not favorable conditions for solar-driven moisture to occur. Oak Ridge National Laboratory also conducted an experimental study in a home with an unvented attic and compared the humidity below the roof sheathing before and after a vapor impermeable underlayment was installed. There was no statistically significant difference in absolute humidity before and after the impermeable underlayment was installed. The outcomes of the theoretical and experimental studies suggest that solar-driven moisture does not occur in any significant amount.
An adaptive support vector regression method for structural system reliability assessment and its application to a cable-stayed bridge
Authors: Liu Yang , Lu Naiwei , Yin Xinfeng , Noori Mohammad
Published: January 2016

Engineering structures are most statically indeterminate structures consisting of various types of components and their failure modes exhibit randomness under random loads. A new adaptive support vector regression method is proposed for structural system reliability assessment. Compared with traditional support vector regression, the proposed adaptive support vector regression method involves two updating procedures to estimate structural limit state functions. Three verification examples involving a nonlinear limit state function, a truss bridge structure, and a geometrically nonlinear suspended structure are provided to illustrate the accuracy and the efficiency of the adaptive support vector regression method. A pre-stressed concrete cable-stayed bridge is utilized to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The verification studies show that the proposed adaptive support vector regression method is an efficient method with reasonable accuracy for problems where closed-form failure functions are not available and the failure sequences exist in the structural system. The main failure sequences of the cable-stayed bridge are identified. The application studies of the cable-stayed bridge indicate that (a) the foremost failure sequence is the strength failure of side-span cables followed by the bending failure of towers and (b) the secondary failure sequence is the strength failure of mid-span cables followed by bending failure of mid-span girders.
Qualitative Descriptive Methods in Health Science Research
Authors: Colorafi Karen Jiggins , Evans Bronwynne
Published: January 2016

Objective:

The purpose of this methodology paper is to describe an approach to qualitative design known as qualitative descriptive that is well suited to junior health sciences researchers because it can be used with a variety of theoretical approaches, sampling techniques, and data collection strategies.

Background:

It is often difficult for junior qualitative researchers to pull together the tools and resources they need to embark on a high-quality qualitative research study and to manage the volumes of data they collect during qualitative studies. This paper seeks to pull together much needed resources and provide an overview of methods.

Methods:

A step-by-step guide to planning a qualitative descriptive study and analyzing the data is provided, utilizing exemplars from the authors’ research.

Results:

This paper presents steps to conducting a qualitative descriptive study under the following headings: describing the qualitative descriptive approach, designing a qualitative descriptive study, steps to data analysis, and ensuring rigor of findings.

Conclusions:

The qualitative descriptive approach results in a summary in everyday, factual language that facilitates understanding of a selected phenomenon across disciplines of health science researchers.
Field-scale testing and numerical investigation of soil-boulder interaction under vehicular impact using FEM and coupled FEM-SPH formulations
Authors: Reese Lynsey , Qiu Tong , Linzell Daniel , Rado Zoltan
Published: January 2016

A computational approach that couples the Finite Element Method and the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics method may be advantageous for simulating the response of complex, physical systems involving large deformations. However, comparisons of this modeling technique against field-scale test data are remarkably sparse in literature. This study presents three field-scale tests involving vehicular impact into three landscape vehicular anti-ram barriers. Each barrier consisted of a single boulder embedded in compacted American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials soil and physical testing resulted in one of the following outcomes: minimal boulder/soil movement (Test 1), moderate boulder/soil movement (Test 2), and severe boulder/soil movement and vehicle override (Test 3). For each test, two LS-DYNA models were developed: a model using a traditional finite element method approach for the entire soil region along with a model using a hybrid finite element method-smoothed particle hydrodynamics approach where the near-field soil region was simulated using smoothed particle hydrodynamics. For Tests 1 and 2, both the traditional finite element method approach and the hybrid finite element method-smoothed particle hydrodynamics approach were able to accurately match data collected from the field tests. However, for Test 3, the finite element method-only approach was not able to accurately predict the global response of the system under vehicular impact. On the other hand, the hybrid finite element method-smoothed particle hydrodynamics approach was able to capture global response of the system including boulder rotation, soil upheaval, and vehicle override.
Under the same umbrella: A model for knowledge and practice development
Authors: Olsen Pia Riis , Hølge-Hazelton Bibi
Published: January 2016

This article describes the development, organisation and significant elements of an Umbrella Model, which has been demonstrated to support knowledge and practice development in a large Danish hospital department. The aim is to inspire, support and guide implementation of the Umbrella Model in other settings. A shared theme overarching several minor projects is the core of the model and is exemplified in three completed programmes: Young people with cancer, Relatives and the cancer patient’s social network and Future cancer care – short but high quality. Commitment is achieved through close dialogue, supervision and programmes dealing with local needs and complex problems in clinical practice. The model unites clinical and academic competencies, has produced new knowledge and developed nursing care, and it has directed nurse leaders’ attention to the pivotal role they play in supporting a learning environment.
Explaining the Presence of “Heterosexual” Female Clients of a Rapid HIV Testing Site Located in the Gay Village of Montreal, Quebec
Authors: Engler Kim , Rollet Kathleen , Lessard David , Thomas Réjean , Lebouché Bertrand
Published: January 2016

Background: Increasing access and uptake of HIV testing among at-risk women is needed. Examining women’s motives for visiting a community-based rapid HIV testing site (Actuel sur Rue–AsR) oriented to men who have sex with men (MSM) could offer suggestions. Objective: To compare the “heterosexual” female and male clients of AsR, located in Montreal’s (Canada) gay village, to better understand the women’s particular HIV prevention and sexual health service needs. Methods: This cross-sectional pilot study analyzed questionnaire data provided by AsR clients and staff (nurse and community agent teams) between July 2012 and November 2013. Women and men reporting only opposite-sex partners were compared with chi-square, Fisher’s exact, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, as appropriate, on sociodemographics, HIV-related behaviors, motives for visiting AsR, and health service provision. Results: AsR received 1901 clients. Among these, 55 women and 147 men reported only opposite-sex partners. Women were significantly younger. Significantly greater proportions of women visited AsR because no appointment was necessary (67% vs 48%), sought testing for condom failure (18% vs 5%), and had no regular doctor (44% vs 27%). Both groups mainly chose AsR for the rapid test results (80% and 77%), visited it to receive the rapid HIV test (71% and 76%), and sought testing due to unprotected vaginal sex (44% and 43%). Similar proportions saw the nurse (91% and 89%), received the rapid HIV test (44% and 35%), and were linked to a medical clinic (49% and 52%), especially, to receive complete sexually transmitted infection testing (50% and 44%). Conclusions: The results of this innovative study highlight the draw of rapid HIV testing for “heterosexual” users of a site mainly targeting MSM. They also suggest that further research is warranted into the importance for this group of women clients of drop-in and linkage services, particularly given their possible lesser access to regular care.
Individualizing Student Instruction in Reading
Authors: Connor Carol McDonald , Morrison Frederick J.
Published: January 2016

Despite three decades of scientific and public attention on efforts to improve literacy in America, little progress has been made in closing achievement gaps across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. This article argues that one major reason is failure to take into account the mosaic of strengths and weaknesses individual children bring to school. With this comes the failure to develop personalized instruction for each child. We briefly review the research available and then describe how research, ours and others, supports the efficacy of individualizing student instruction (ISI) and illustrates how society might close achievement gaps. ISI, and other regimes, offer a systematic instructional program, incorporate child assessment, and present personalized small-group instruction. In ISI, this is aided by computer-generated recommendations and planning tools in the A2i online technology, coupled with extensive, ongoing professional development (PD). ISI has been shown to be highly effective from preschool through third grade in improving children’s literacy skills. The practical and policy implications of implementing effective instruction are discussed.
Podoplanin-positive periarteriolar stromal cells promote megakaryocyte growth and proplatelet formation in mice by CLEC-2
Authors: Tamura Shogo , Suzuki-Inoue Katsue , Tsukiji Nagaharu , Shirai Toshiaki , Sasaki Tomoyuki , Osada Makoto , Satoh Kaneo , Ozaki Yukio
Published: January 2016

Key Points

BM FRC-like cells regulate megakaryocytic clonal expansion via CLEC-2/PDPN interactions. CLEC-2/PDPN binding stimulates BM FRC-like cells to secrete the proplatelet formation-promoting factor, CCL5.
The molecular basis of hypertrophic scars
Authors: Zhu Zhensen , Ding Jie , Tredget Edward E.
Published: January 2016

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) are caused by dermal injuries such as trauma and burns to the deep dermis, which are red, raised, itchy and painful. They can cause cosmetic disfigurement or contractures if craniofacial areas or mobile region of the skin are affected. Abnormal wound healing with more extracellular matrix deposition than degradation will result in HTS formation. This review will introduce the physiology of wound healing, dermal HTS formation, treatment and difference with keloids in the skin, and it also review the current advance of molecular basis of HTS including the involvement of cytokines, growth factors, and macrophages via chemokine pathway, to bring insights for future prevention and treatment of HTS.
Pheo-Type: A Diagnostic Gene-expression Assay for the Classification of Pheochromocytoma and Paraganglioma
Authors: Flynn Aidan , Dwight Trisha , Harris Jessica , Benn Diana , Zhou Li , Hogg Annette , Catchpoole Daniel , James Paul , Duncan Emma L. , Trainer Alison , Gill Anthony J. , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Hicks Rodney J. , Tothill Richard W.
Published: January 2016

Context:

Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are heritable neoplasms that can be classified into gene-expression subtypes corresponding to their underlying specific genetic drivers.

Objective:

This study aimed to develop a diagnostic and research tool (Pheo-type) capable of classifying PPGL tumors into gene-expression subtypes that could be used to guide and interpret genetic testing, determine surveillance programs, and aid in elucidation of PPGL biology.

Design:

A compendium of published microarray data representing 205 PPGL tumors was used for the selection of subtype-specific genes that were then translated to the Nanostring gene-expression platform. A support vector machine was trained on the microarray dataset and then tested on an independent Nanostring dataset representing 38 familial and sporadic cases of PPGL of known genotype (RET, NF1, TMEM127, MAX, HRAS, VHL, and SDHx). Different classifier models involving between three and six subtypes were compared for their discrimination potential.

Results:

A gene set of 46 genes and six endogenous controls was selected representing six known PPGL subtypes; RTK1–3 (RET, NF1, TMEM127, and HRAS), MAX-like, VHL, and SDHx. Of 38 test cases, 34 (90%) were correctly predicted to six subtypes based on the known genotype to gene-expression subtype association. Removal of the RTK2 subtype from training, characterized by an admixture of tumor and normal adrenal cortex, improved the classification accuracy (35/38). Consolidation of RTK and pseudohypoxic PPGL subtypes to four- and then three-class architectures improved the classification accuracy for clinical application.

Conclusions:

The Pheo-type gene-expression assay is a reliable method for predicting PPGL genotype using routine diagnostic tumor samples.
A Simple Alternative Model for the Estimation of the Carbon Dioxide Effect on the Earth's Energy Balance
Authors: Kissin Yury V.
Published: January 2016

A simple model for the evaluation of the CO2 concentration effect on the radiative component of the Earth's energy balance is described. The model calculates a single parameter, an expected increase of the average temperature at the Earth surface caused by doubling the CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. The model is based on the spectrum of Planck radiation leaving the Earth's surface and on IR spectral characteristics of the air column above the surface. The principal distinction of the model with respect to comprehensive global general-circulation models is the representation of the atmosphere as a combination of narrow-range IR filters. Within the approximations used in the model, a doubling the CO2 concentration in the Earth's atmosphere would lead to an increase of the surface temperature by about +0.5 to 0.7 °C, hardly an effect calling for immediate drastic changes in the planet's energy policies. An increase in the absolute air humidity caused by doubling the CO2 concentration and the resulting decrease of the outgoing IR flux would produce a relatively small additional effect due to a strong overlap of IR spectral bands of CO2 and H2O, the two compounds primarily responsible for the greenhouse properties of the atmosphere.