bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability Analysis of Fatigue Life Prediction from the Viscoelastic Continuum Damage Model
Authors: Gudipudi Padmini P. , Underwood B. Shane
Published: December 2016

The fatigue resistance of asphalt concrete materials plays an important role in the service life of a pavement. Several empirical and mechanistic models and efforts are under way toward improving these models for accurate prediction of fatigue life. The reliability of predictions with these models has not received substantial attention. This study used the simplified viscoelastic continuum damage model to analyze the reliability of fatigue predictions. Modulus and fatigue tests were conducted on a standard dense graded asphalt mixture to characterize the model and create deterministic fatigue life predictions. Monte Carlo simulations were then used to calculate the reliability of the fatigue predictions, given the variation in input parameters. The analysis was conducted for combinations of three experimental failure criteria and two model failure criteria at two strain levels for a total of 12 study cases. Differences in reliability between the combinations of failure conditions are identified and discussed. There are three major findings of this study. First, depending on the selection of failure criteria, the prediction errors could range from ±22% to ±52% at a 50% level of reliability, depending on the exact combination of failure criterion and strain level. Second, with an experimental failure criterion of 50%, modulus reduction shows better reliability regardless of the model failure criterion chosen to predict fatigue life. Third, the model failure criterion based on constant pseudostiffness at failure was found to be more reliable than was the pseudostrain energy release rate criterion when characterization was performed with three tests.
Comparison of Laboratory Fatigue Characteristics with Full-Scale Pavement Cracking for Recycled and Warm-Mix Asphalts
Authors: Li Xinjun , Gibson Nelson
Published: December 2016

This paper presents the results of laboratory fatigue characterization of recycled and warm-mix asphalt (WMA), which include unaged and long-term oven-aged conditions tested with an asphalt mixture performance tester. Various choices of failure criteria and pavement structural variations were considered. The laboratory results were compared with full-scale performance data. A softer performance grade (PG) was effective at improving the performance for 40% reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) recycled binder ratio (RBR) mixes. The softer PG was ineffective at improving the performance of tear-off recycled asphalt shingles, providing 20% RBR. WMA production improved slightly in the 20% RAP RBR mixes, but was less effective in softening the 40% RAP RBR mixes. Long-term aging increased the modulus by about 24% and decreased the fatigue resistance by about 40%. Aged mixes appear to agree better with full-scale accelerated loading facility cracking. Structural differences from ordinary construction variation and the choice of failure criterion can trigger a couple of mixtures to change ranking in predicted fatigue cracking, but the overall rank order of the whole data set is fairly consistent.
Facility-Demand Models of Peak Period Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic: Comparison of Fully Specified and Reduced-Form Models
Authors: Hankey Steve , Lindsey Greg
Published: December 2016

Transportation planners and engineers need better spatial estimates of walking and cycling traffic to assess exposure to hazards, evaluate infrastructure investments, and locate facilities. Facility-demand models are potentially useful for generating spatial estimates of traffic volumes. Few facility-demand models have explored trade-offs between fully specified (i.e., exploratory) models and reduced-form models easily applied in the field. Presented are facility-demand models based on peak period (4 to 6 p.m.) counts of pedestrian and bicycle traffic in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The count database ( n = 954 observations; 471 locations) has sufficient spatial density (~3 locations km−2) to develop spatially resolved models (i.e., ~100-m resolution). The modeling approach employs a stepwise linear regression method allowing for varying the spatial scale of independent (land use and transportation) variables. Compared were fully specified (statistically optimal) models and supervised, reduced-form models that included fewer variables based on theoretical validity. Reduced-form core models had modest goodness of fit (adjusted R2: ~.5) and included independent variables with large (industrial area and population density) and small (bicycle facilities, retail area, open space, transit stops) spatial scales. Also developed were reduced-form, time-averaged models for a subset of count sites having multiple observations ( n = 84). With the use of reduced-form models (independent variables ranged from four to nine among models), block-level traffic estimates were generated ( n = 13,886). Results suggest that reduced-form models perform nearly as well as fully specified models and are easier to apply and interpret. This work could be extended by assessing model performance when estimates of annual average traffic are used in model building.
How Far Is Too Far?: Providing Safe and Comfortable Walking Environments
Authors: Ermagun Alireza , Samimi Amir , Rashidi Taha Hossein
Published: December 2016

The use of active modes of travel in school trips has sharply declined for a number of reasons, some of which are rooted in urban design, location of schools, and parental reservations. Thus, policy makers are keen to find practical ways to promote active modes of travel, particularly walking. This study was an effort to determine a tolerable walking distance for school trips and identify factors that made walking trips more reasonable for students. In the vein of understanding the tolerable walking distance, a two-step framework encompassing a random utility method and a hazard-based model was introduced. This framework was applied to a set of data that were collected from middle and high school students in the city of Tehran, Iran. The framework was intended to find a more accurate estimate of tolerable walking distance in school trips by addressing data censorship problems. The hazard-based model showed that 85% of students failed to walk when their travel distance exceeded 1,900 m. In Western countries, some studies have found this distance to be around 1,500 m. This study found girls were less likely to walk compared with boys. Furthermore, safety, time, and comfort of the trip turned out to be influential in parental objections, such that they decrease the critical walking distance by 18%, 13%, and 11%, respectively.
Cor triatriatum dextrum: A rare congenital cardiac abnormality
Authors: Haque MS , Saleh MA , Kabir SR , Muhammad A , Islam ANMM , Uddin MN , Amin MG , Khan HILR
Published: December 2016

Cor triatriatum dextrum is an exceptionally rare congenital heart disease, in which the right atrium is partitioned into two chambers by a membrane to form a triatrial heart. It is caused by persistence of the right valve of sinus venosus. The aim of presenting this case is to develop awareness regarding cor triatriatum dextrum , though a rare case, can be present and may contribute to right heart failure and 2D-echocardiography is an important tool in making early and accurate diagnosis. We are reporting a case of an elderly Bangladeshi male presented with the features of mitral stenosis with pulmonary hypertension with CCF with respiratory tract infection, where cor triatriatum dextrum with an atrial septal defect was an incidental finding on routine echocardiographic assessment.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31(1) : 37-40
Cyanotic complex congenital heart disease presenting with brain abscess at the age of 19: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Sabah Khandker Md Nurus , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Islam Mohammad Shahidul , Ahmed Mohsin , Amin Gaffar , Islam Kazi Nazrul , Kawser Shamima , Khan HI Lutfur Rahman , Saleh Mohammed Abaye Deen , Khan Zayed Mahbub
Published: December 2016

Introduction: Brain abscess is a complication of congenital cyanotic heart disease with or without shunt anomaly. It is more common in children. Here, we delineated a case of 19-year-old young Bangladeshi - Bengali male who presenting with brain abscess, an unusual presentation of cyanotic complex congenital heart disease. This case report focuses not only on the unusual presentation of congenital heart disease but also emphasizes the importance of early recognition of neurological complication for referal management.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31(1) : 41-45
Ebsteins anomaly with constricitve pericarditis
Authors: Thakur Apurba , Ranjan Redoy , Sunny Mohammad Samir Azam , Aftabuddin Md , Adhikary Asit Baran
Published: December 2016

Ebsteins anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac malformation that affects the tricuspid valve commonly, but its association with pericardial disease is even rarer. We report a case of 25 year old man presented with dyspnoea on exertion and fatigability. A diagnosis of Ebsteins anomaly with atrial septal defect (ASD) with constrictive pericarditis was confirmed using transthoracic echocardiography. Peroperatively pericardiotomy was done after meticulous dissection of pericardium. Under cardiopulmonary bypass tricuspid valve was replaced with 29 mm Edward life science porcine tissue heart valve with direct closure of ASD. Patient showed excellent symptomatic improvement and was discharged on 7th POD with advice and after 3 months of follow up patient was doing well post operartive day.Bangladesh Heart Journal 2016; 31(1) : 46-49
Water Productivity Improvement Using Water Saving Technologies in Boro Rice Cultivation
Authors: Hossain MB , Roy D , Paul PLC , Islam MT
Published: December 2016

An experiment was conducted at farmers' field aimed to evaluate the water saving technologies in Boro rice. The experiment involved three plots at 33 m, 65 m and 100 m distance from the water source. Each plot was divided into two parts to accommodate two management practices as research management (RM) and farmers management (FM). RM comprised of plastic pipe water distribution system to reduce conveyance loss and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) method for field water management. FM comprised of earthen canal water distribution system and conventional irrigation method. BRRI dhan28 was cultivated with recommended agronomic practices. In RM, irrigation was applied when water level went 15 cm down below the ground surface where FM included conventional practice. Result showed that conveyance loss of water in earthen canal increased with increasing the distance from water source to field. Conveyance loss found 6.1 and 0.5 l s-1 per 100 m in earthen canal and plastic pipe distribution system, respectively. Plastic pipe distribution system successfully minimized 91.6% water loss that occurred in earthen canal. AWD practice alone saved 20.2% field water over conventional practice. Combination of AWD and plastic pipe had saved 42% water, Tk 2,270 ha-1 as electricity cost and Tk 2,947 ha-1 as irrigation cost over farmers management. RM had higher yield than FM due to better performance of yield contributing parameters. Water productivity increased from 0.35 kg m-3 in FM to 0.65 kg m-3 in RM. Both the technologies in RM are environment friendly for reducing groundwater use in the irrigated ecosystem.Bangladesh Rice j. 2016, 20(1): 17-22
Comparison of Tegra and Conventional Rice Cultivation in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam AKMS , Rahman MA , Rahman ABMZ , Rahman M , Kim YJ
Published: December 2016

Tegra practice (healthy seedling, mechanical transplanting, herbicide application and advisory services), as a new concept in commercial rice cultivation, needs to be evaluated with farmers practices in our country. This study was conducted in the farmers field during Aman 2013 and Boro 2013-14 seasons in Bogra district. In each season, six farmers within one kilometer radius were selected to conduct this study. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two treatments namely farmers practices (FP) and Tegra practices (TP) were used in the experiment. Self-propelled four rows walking-type rice transplanter was used to transplant seedling in TP. Seedlings were raised in plastic tray to use in mechanical transplanter. The mat seedlings were ready to transplant when attained 3-4 leaves and 10-12 cm height. Mechanical transplanting found faster than manual transplanting. Missing/floating hill observed insignificant in mechanically transplanted field. Fuel consumption of mechanical transplanter obtained 4.5 L/ha. Tender aged seedling was used in TP and seedling age was higher in FP than TP. Plant height followed the similar trend in both the practices. Tillering ability obtained the highest in TP than FP. TP produced significantly higher (14-23%) grain yield in both seasons. The total cost of production, gross return, gross margin and BCR obtained the highest in TP. BCR showed 5-13% higher in TP than FP in both the seasons due to higher grain and straw yield. The economic analysis clearly revealed the profitability of TP over FP in both the seasons.Bangladesh Rice j. 2016, 20(1): 33-43
Sex-Specific Effects of Childhood Poverty on Neurocircuitry of Processing of Emotional Cues: A Neuroimaging Study
Authors: Javanbakht Arash , Kim Pilyoung , Swain James , Evans Gary , Phan K. , Liberzon Israel
Published: December 2016

Background: There is accumulating evidence on the negative impacts of childhood poverty on physical and mental health. Previous work has suggested hyperactive neural response to social fear cues, as well as impairment in neural regulatory functions. However, despite differences found between males and females in stress-related and anxiety disorders, possible sex-specific effects of poverty on emotional processing have not been explored. Methods: We analyzed data from three previously reported experiments of childhood poverty effects on emotional processing and regulation, for sex-specific effects. Participants were 52 healthy Caucasian males and females, from a longitudinal cohort of poverty development study, who were recruited for examining the long-term effects of childhood poverty and stress. The three functional MRI studies included emotion regulation task, emotional face assessment task, and shifted attention emotion appraisal task. Brain activations that associated with childhood poverty previously were entered into a regression analysis with interaction of gender by childhood income-to-need ratio as the independent variable, and age and current income-to-need ratio as variables of no interest, separately for males and females. Results: Amygdala reactivity to implicitly processed fearful faces was positively correlated with childhood income-to-need in adult females but not males. On the other hand, activation in dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal regions during emotion regulation by reappraisal was positively correlated with childhood income-to-need in males. Conclusion: Childhood poverty may exert sex-specific effects in adulthood as presented by hypersensitive emotional reactivity of the amygdala in females, and impaired emotion regulatory function of the prefrontal cortex in males. Results suggest further focus on sex-specific effects of childhood poverty.
Chronic Pain in Children and Adolescents: Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Pain Disorders in Head, Abdomen, Muscles and Joints
Authors: Friedrichsdorf Stefan , Giordano James , Desai Dakoji Kavita , Warmuth Andrew , Daughtry Cyndee , Schulz Craig
Published: December 2016

Primary pain disorders (formerly “functional pain syndromes”) are common, under-diagnosed and under-treated in children and teenagers. This manuscript reviews key aspects which support understanding the development of pediatric chronic pain, points to the current pediatric chronic pain terminology, addresses effective treatment strategies, and discusses the evidence-based use of pharmacology. Common symptoms of an underlying pain vulnerability present in the three most common chronic pain disorders in pediatrics: primary headaches, centrally mediated abdominal pain syndromes, and/or chronic/recurrent musculoskeletal and joint pain. A significant number of children with repeated acute nociceptive pain episodes develop chronic pain in addition to or as a result of their underlying medical condition “chronic-on-acute pain.” We provide description of the structure and process of our interdisciplinary, rehabilitative pain clinic in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA with accompanying data in the treatment of chronic pain symptoms that persist beyond the expected time of healing. An interdisciplinary approach combining (1) rehabilitation; (2) integrative medicine/active mind-body techniques; (3) psychology; and (4) normalizing daily school attendance, sports, social life and sleep will be presented. As a result of restored function, pain improves and commonly resolves. Opioids are not indicated for primary pain disorders, and other medications, with few exceptions, are usually not first-line therapy.
Citric Acid Injections: An Accessible and Efficient Method for Controlling Outbreaks of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Acanthaster cf. solaris
Authors: Buck Alexander , Gardiner Naomi , Boström-Einarsson Lisa
Published: December 2016

Outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish (Acanthaster cf. solaris, COTS) are one of the primary causes of coral decline in the Indo-Pacific region. Effective methods to control COTS outbreaks may therefore be one of the most direct and immediate ways to reduce coral loss. However, the cost and logistical challenges associated with current control methods have undermined the effectiveness of many control efforts. In this study, we tested the feasibility of using powdered citric acid, which is widely available and low-cost, as an injection chemical for COTS control. We tested what combination of concentration, number of injections, volume, and water type were most efficient at killing COTS. All COTS injected in two or four sites died, irrespectively of the concentration of citric acid used, while single injections failed at reaching 100% mortality. The fastest combination was the injection of 150 g·L−1 citric acid solution in four injection sites (5 mL per site), which killed the starfish in 26.4 ± 4 h. These results suggest that injections of powdered citric acid are an effective, economical, and widely available alternative to current COTS control methods.
Determining the Optimum Inner Diameter of Condenser Tubes Based on Thermodynamic Objective Functions and an Economic Analysis
Authors: Laskowski Rafał , Smyk Adam , Rusowicz Artur , Grzebielec Andrzej
Published: December 2016

The diameter and configuration of tubes are important design parameters of power condensers. If a proper tube diameter is applied during the design of a power unit, a high energy efficiency of the condenser itself can be achieved and the performance of the whole power generation unit can be improved. If a tube assembly is to be replaced, one should verify whether the chosen condenser tube diameter is correct. Using a diameter that is too large increases the heat transfer area, leading to over-dimensioning and higher costs of building the condenser. On the other hand, if the diameter is too small, water flows faster through the tubes, which results in larger flow resistance and larger pumping power of the cooling-water pump. Both simple and complex methods can be applied to determine the condenser tube diameter. The paper proposes a method of technical and economic optimisation taking into account the performance of a condenser, the low-pressure (LP) part of a turbine, and a cooling-water pump as well as the profit from electric power generation and costs of building the condenser and pumping cooling water. The results obtained by this method were compared with those provided by the following simpler methods: minimization of the entropy generation rate per unit length of a condenser tube (considering entropy generation due to heat transfer and resistance of cooling-water flow), minimization of the total entropy generation rate (considering entropy generation for the system comprising the LP part of the turbine, the condenser, and the cooling-water pump), and maximization of the power unit’s output. The proposed methods were used to verify diameters of tubes in power condensers in a200-MW and a 500-MW power units.
A Flexible Ramping Capacity Model for Generation Scheduling with High Levels of Wind Energy Penetration
Authors: Kwon Hungyu , Park Jong-Keun , Kim Dam , Yi Jihyun , Park Hyeongon
Published: December 2016

The penetration level of renewable generation has increased significantly in recent years, which has led to operational concerns associated with the system ramping capability. Here, we propose the flexible ramping capacity (FRC) model, which considers the practical ramping capability of generation resources as well as the uncertainty in net load. The FRC model also incorporates the demand curve of the ramping capacity, which represents the hourly economic value of the ramping capacity. The model is formulated mathematically using ramp constraints, which are incorporated into unit commitment (UC) and economic dispatch (ED) processes. Simulations are carried out using a 10-unit system to compare the FRC model with conventional methods. We show that the FRC method can improve reliability and reduce expected operating costs. The simulation results also show that, by using the FRC model, system reliability can be satisfied at high wind power generation levels while achieving economic efficiency.
Cold Storage for a Single-Family House in Italy
Authors: Mongibello Luigi , Graditi Giorgio
Published: December 2016

This work deals with the operation, modeling, simulation, and cost evaluation of two different cold storage systems for a single-family house in Italy, that differ from one another on the cold storage material. The two materials used to perform the numerical simulations of the cold storage systems are represented by cold water and a phase change material (PCM), and the numerical simulations have been realized by means of numerical codes written in Matlab environment. The main finding of the present work is represented by the fact that, for the considered user characteristics, and under the Italian electricity tariff policy, the use of a proper designed cold storage system characterized by an effective operation strategy could represent a viable solution from an economical point of view.
Modeling and Mitigation for High Frequency Switching Transients Due to Energization in Offshore Wind Farms
Authors: Xin Yanli , Liu Bo , Tang Wenhu , Wu Qinghua
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a comprehensive investigation on high frequency (HF) switching transients due to energization of vacuum circuit breakers (VCBs) in offshore wind farms (OWFs). This research not only concerns the modeling of main components in collector grids of an OWF for transient analysis (including VCBs, wind turbine transformers (WTTs), submarine cables), but also compares the effectiveness between several mainstream switching overvoltage (SOV) protection methods and a new mitigation method called smart choke. In order to accurately reproduce such HF switching transients considering the current chopping, dielectric strength (DS) recovery capability and HF quenching capability of VCBs, three models are developed, i.e., a user–defined VCB model, a HF transformer terminal model and a three-core (TC) frequency dependent model of submarine cables, which are validated through simulations and compared with measurements. Based on the above models and a real OWF configuration, a simulation model is built and several typical switching transient cases are investigated to analyze the switching transient process and phenomena. Subsequently, according to the characteristics of overvoltages, appropriate parameters of SOV mitigation methods are determined to improve their effectiveness. Simulation results indicate that the user–defined VCB model can satisfactorily simulate prestrikes and the proposed component models display HF characteristics, which are consistent with onsite measurement behaviors. Moreover, the employed protection methods can suppress induced SOVs, which have a steep front, a high oscillation frequency and a high amplitude, among which the smart choke presents a preferable HF damping effect.
A New Method of Environmental Assessment and Monitoring of Cu, Zn, As, and Pb Pollution in Surface Soil Using Terricolous Fruticose Lichens
Authors: Sueoka Yuri , Sakakibara Masayuki , Sano Sakae , Yamamoto Yoshikazu
Published: December 2016

Levels of trace element pollution in surface soil can be estimated using soil analyses and leaching tests. These methods may reveal different results due to the effect of soil properties, such as grain size and mineral composition, on elemental availability. Therefore, this study advocates an alternative method for monitoring and assessment of trace element pollution in surface soil using terricolous fruticose lichens. Lichens growing at abandoned mine sites and unpolluted areas in southwest Japan and their substrata were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry to clarify the relationships between Cu, Zn, As, and Pb concentrations in lichens and soils, including their absorption properties. Concentrations of these elements in the lichens were positively correlated with those in the soils regardless of lichen species, location, habitat, or conditions of soils. The analyzed lichens had neither competitive nor antagonistic properties in their elemental absorption, which made them good biomonitors of trace element pollution in surface soil. The distribution maps of average Cu, Zn, As, and Pb concentrations at each sampling region detected almost all of the Cu, Zn, and As pollution of the soils. Therefore, lichens could be used in practical applications to monitor Cu, Zn, and As pollution in surface soils.
Lessons from Research for Sustainable Development and Conservation in Borneo
Authors: Laurance William
Published: December 2016

I present a brief synopsis of six key lessons provided by research on forest ecology and conservation, focusing particularly on the Malaysian state of Sabah in northeastern Borneo. These lessons are generalizable to other contexts, especially for tropical developing nations, where surviving forests are under growing pressures from a range of human activities.
Facilitators and Barriers of Smokers’ Compliance with Smoking Bans in Public Places: A Systematic Review of Quantitative and Qualitative Literature
Authors: Zhou Li , Niu Lu , Jiang Hui , Jiang Caixiao , Xiao Shuiyuan
Published: December 2016

Background: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure is associated with an increased risk of many diseases. Many countries have ratified a national smoking ban in public places, but studies on factors related to smoking issues in public places post-ban are lacking. Aim: To identify facilitators and barriers that influenced smokers’ compliance with smoking bans in public places. Methods: Using PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Web of Science database, we conducted a systematic search of English articles published before June 2015 on factors of smokers’ compliance with the smoking bans in public places. Results: A total of 390 references were identified, among which seventeen articles (twelve quantitative studies, two qualitative studies, three mixed-method studies) were included in this review. These studies focused on four types of public places including recreational venues (n = 7), hospital (n = 5), school (n = 4), and workplace (n = 1). Factors at the individual-, interpersonal-, and organizational-level were identified: at the individual level, nicotine dependence, insufficiency of tobacco-related knowledge, and the negative attitudes towards smoking bans were the most commonly identified barriers; at the interpersonal level, the smoking behaviors of people around, close relatives, and friends’ approval were the main barriers; and at the organizational level, the main barriers were inefficient implementation of the bans and the inconvenience of the designative smoking areas. Conclusions: This synthesis of the literature provided evidence of the identified barriers and facilitators of smokers’ compliance with the smoking bans. It will be beneficial for the policy-maker to consider interventions on multiple levels of factors to overcome the barriers and enhance smokers’ compliance with the smoking bans in public places.
The Role of Soundscape in Nature-Based Rehabilitation: A Patient Perspective
Authors: Cerwén Gunnar , Pedersen Eja , Pálsdóttir Anna-María
Published: December 2016

Nature-based rehabilitation (NBR) has convincing support in research, yet the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The present study sought to increase understanding of the role of soundscapes in NBR, an aspect paid little attention thus far. Transcribed interviews with 59 patients suffering from stress-related mental disorders and undergoing a 12-week therapy programme in the rehabilitation garden in Alnarp, Sweden, were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenology Analysis (IPA). Described sounds were categorised as natural, technological or human. The results showed that patients frequently referred to natural sounds as being part of a pleasant and “quiet” experience that supported recovery and induced “soft fascination”. Technological sounds were experienced as disturbing, while perception of human sounds varied depending on loudness and the social context. The study further uncovered how sound influenced patients’ behaviour and experiences in the garden, through examination of three cross-theme dimensions that materialised in the study; sound in relation to overall perception, sound in relation to garden usage, and increased susceptibility to sound. The findings are discussed in relation to NBR; the need for a more nuanced understanding of susceptibility to sound among people suffering from mental fatigue was identified and design considerations for future rehabilitation gardens were formulated.
Disadvantaged Social Groups and the Cigarette Epidemic: Limits of the Diffusion of Innovations Vision
Authors: Khlat Myriam , Pampel Fred , Bricard Damien , Legleye Stéphane
Published: December 2016

The original four-stage model of the cigarette epidemic has been extended with diffusion of innovations theory to reflect socio-economic differences in cigarette use. Recently, two revisions of the model have been proposed: (1) separate analysis of the epidemic stages for men and women, in order to improve generalization to developing countries, and; (2) addition of a fifth stage to the smoking epidemic, in order to account for the persistence of smoking in disadvantaged social groups. By developing a cohort perspective spanning a 35-year time period in France and the USA, we uncover distinctive features which challenge the currently held vision on the evolution of smoking inequalities within the framework of the cigarette epidemic. We argue that the reason for which the model may not be fit to the lower educated is that the imitation mechanism underlying the diffusion of innovations works well with regard to adoption of the habit, but is much less relevant with regard to its rejection. Based on those observations, we support the idea that the nature and timing of the epidemic differs enough to treat the stages separately for high and low education groups, and discuss policy implications.
Abnormal Mitochondrial cAMP/PKA Signaling Is Involved in Sepsis-Induced Mitochondrial and Myocardial Dysfunction
Authors: Neviere Remi , Delguste Florian , Durand Arthur , Inamo Jocelyn , Boulanger Eric , Preau Sebastien
Published: December 2016

Adrenergic receptors couple to Gs-proteins leading to transmembrane adenylyl cyclase activation and cytosolic cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) production. Cyclic AMP is also produced in the mitochondrial matrix, where it regulates respiration through protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation of respiratory chain complexes. We hypothesized that a blunted mitochondrial cAMP-PKA pathway would participate in sepsis-induced heart dysfunction. Adult male mice were subjected to intra-abdominal sepsis. Mitochondrial respiration of cardiac fibers and myocardial contractile performance were evaluated in response to 8Br-cAMP, PKA inhibition (H89), soluble adenylyl cyclase inhibition (KH7), and phosphodiesterase inhibition (IBMX; BAY60-7550). Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-stimulated respiratory rates of cardiac fibers were reduced in septic mice. Compared with controls, stimulatory effects of 8Br-cAMP on respiration rates were enhanced in septic fibers, whereas inhibitory effects of H89 were reduced. Ser-58 phosphorylation of cytochrome c oxidase subunit IV-1 was reduced in septic hearts. In vitro, incubation of septic cardiac fibers with BAY60-7550 increased respiratory control ratio and improved cardiac MVO2 efficiency in isolated septic heart. In vivo, BAY60-7550 pre-treatment of septic mice have limited impact on myocardial function. Mitochondrial cAMP-PKA signaling is impaired in the septic myocardium. PDE2 phosphodiesterase inhibition by BAY60-7550 improves mitochondrial respiration and cardiac MVO2 efficiency in septic mice.
Development of Cell-SELEX Technology and Its Application in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Chen Man , Yu Yuanyuan , Jiang Feng , Zhou Junwei , Li Yongshu , Liang Chao , Dang Lei , Lu Aiping , Zhang Ge
Published: December 2016

SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment) is a process involving the progressive isolation of high selective ssDNA/RNA from a combinatorial single-stranded oligonucleotide library through repeated rounds of binding, partitioning and amplification. SELEX-derived single-stranded DNA/RNA molecules, called aptamers, are selected against a wide range of targets, including purified proteins, live cells, tissues, microorganisms, small molecules and so on. With the development of SELEX technology over the last two decades, various modified SELEX processes have been arisen. A majority of aptamers are selected against purified proteins through traditional SELEX. Unfortunately, more and more evidence showed aptamers selected against purified membrane proteins failed to recognize their targets in live cells. Cell-SELEX could develop aptamers against a particular target cell line to discriminate this cell line from others. Therefore, cell-SELEX has been widely used to select aptamers for the application of both diagnosis and therapy of various diseases, especially for cancer. In this review, the advantages and limitations of cell-SELEX and SELEX against purified protein will be compared. Various modified cell-SELEX techniques will be summarized, and application of cell-SELEX in cancer diagnosis and therapy will be discussed.
Therapeutic Resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: The Role of Non-Coding RNAs
Authors: Zebisch Armin , Hatzl Stefan , Pichler Martin , Wölfler Albert , Sill Heinz
Published: December 2016

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is caused by malignant transformation of hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells and displays the most frequent acute leukemia in adults. Although some patients can be cured with high dose chemotherapy and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, the majority still succumbs to chemoresistant disease. Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are non-coding RNA fragments and act as key players in the regulation of both physiologic and pathologic gene expression profiles. Aberrant expression of various non-coding RNAs proved to be of seminal importance in the pathogenesis of AML, as well in the development of resistance to chemotherapy. In this review, we discuss the role of miRNAs and lncRNAs with respect to sensitivity and resistance to treatment regimens currently used in AML and provide an outlook on potential therapeutic targets emerging thereof.
Antithymocyte Globulin Induces a Tolerogenic Phenotype in Human Dendritic Cells
Authors: Roider Tobias , Katzfuß Michael , Matos Carina , Singer Katrin , Renner Kathrin , Oefner Peter , Dettmer-Wilde Katja , Herr Wolfgang , Holler Ernst , Kreutz Marina , Peter Katrin
Published: December 2016

Antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is used in the prevention of graft-versus-host disease during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. It is generally accepted that ATG mediates its immunosuppressive effect primarily via depletion of T cells. Here, we analyzed the impact of ATG-Fresenius (now Grafalon®) on human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC). ATG induced a semi-mature phenotype in DC with significantly reduced expression of CD14, increased expression of HLA-DR, and intermediate expression of CD54, CD80, CD83, and CD86. ATG-DC showed an increase in IL-10 secretion but no IL-12 production. In line with this tolerogenic phenotype, ATG caused a significant induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase expression and a concomitant increase in levels of tryptophan metabolites in the supernatants of DC. Further, ATG-DC did not induce the proliferation of allogeneic T cells in a mixed lymphocyte reaction but actively suppressed the T cell proliferation induced by mature DC. These data suggest that besides its well-known effect on T cells, ATG modulates the phenotype of DC in a tolerogenic way, which might constitute an essential part of its immunosuppressive action in vivo.
Mechanical Circulatory Support for Advanced Heart Failure: Are We about to Witness a New “Gold Standard”?
Authors: Capoccia Massimo
Published: December 2016

The impact of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) for the treatment of advanced heart failure has played a significant role as a bridge to transplant and more recently as a long-term solution for non-eligible candidates. Continuous flow left ventricular assist devices (CF-LVADs), based on axial and centrifugal design, are currently the most popular devices in view of their smaller size, increased reliability and higher durability compared to pulsatile flow left ventricular assist devices (PF-LVADs). The trend towards their use is increasing. Therefore, it has become mandatory to understand the physics and the mathematics behind their mode of operation for appropriate device selection and simulation set up. For this purpose, this review covers some of these aspects. Although very successful and technologically advanced, they have been associated with complications such as pump thrombosis, haemolysis, aortic regurgitation, gastro-intestinal bleeding and arterio-venous malformations. There is perception that the reduced arterial pulsatility may be responsible for these complications. A flow modulation control approach is currently being investigated in order to generate pulsatility in rotary blood pumps. Thrombus formation remains the most feared complication that can affect clinical outcome. The development of a preoperative strategy aimed at the reduction of complications and patient-device suitability may be appropriate. Patient-specific modelling based on 3D reconstruction from CT-scan combined with computational fluid dynamic studies is an attractive solution in order to identify potential areas of stagnation or challenging anatomy that could be addressed to achieve the desired outcome. The HeartMate II (axial) and the HeartWare HVAD (centrifugal) rotary blood pumps have been now used worldwide with proven outcome. The HeartMate III (centrifugal) is now emerging as the new promising device with encouraging preliminary results. There are now enough pumps on the market: it is time to focus on the complications in order to achieve the full potential and selling-point of this type of technology for the treatment of the increasing heart failure patient population.
Proposal for the Formalization of Dialectical Logic
Authors: Usó-Doménech José , Nescolarde-Selva Josué , Segura-Abad Lorena
Published: December 2016

Classical logic is typically concerned with abstract analysis. The problem for a synthetic logic is to transcend and unify available data to reconstruct the object as a totality. Three rules are proposed to pass from classic logic to synthetic logic. We present the category logic of qualitative opposition using examples from various sciences. This logic has been defined to include the neuter as part of qualitative opposition. The application of these rules to qualitative opposition, and, in particular, its neuter, demonstrated that a synthetic logic allows the truth of some contradictions. This synthetic logic is dialectical with a multi-valued logic, which gives every proposition a truth value in the interval [0,1] that is the square of the modulus of a complex number. In this dialectical logic, contradictions of the neuter of an opposition may be true.
Polymer Microfluidics: Simple, Low-Cost Fabrication Process Bridging Academic Lab Research to Commercialized Production
Authors: Tsao Chia-Wen
Published: December 2016

Using polymer materials to fabricate microfluidic devices provides simple, cost effective, and disposal advantages for both lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices and micro total analysis systems (μTAS). Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer and thermoplastics are the two major polymer materials used in microfluidics. The fabrication of PDMS and thermoplastic microfluidic device can be categorized as front-end polymer microchannel fabrication and post-end microfluidic bonding procedures, respectively. PDMS and thermoplastic materials each have unique advantages and their use is indispensable in polymer microfluidics. Therefore, the proper selection of polymer microfabrication is necessary for the successful application of microfluidics. In this paper, we give a short overview of polymer microfabrication methods for microfluidics and discuss current challenges and future opportunities for research in polymer microfluidics fabrication. We summarize standard approaches, as well as state-of-art polymer microfluidic fabrication methods. Currently, the polymer microfluidic device is at the stage of technology transition from research labs to commercial production. Thus, critical consideration is also required with respect to the commercialization aspects of fabricating polymer microfluidics. This article provides easy-to-understand illustrations and targets to assist the research community in selecting proper polymer microfabrication strategies in microfluidics.
A Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Cortex Periplocae
Authors: Li Yang , Li Jin , Zhou Kun , He Jun , Cao Jun , An Mingrui , Chang Yan-Xu
Published: December 2016

Cortex Periplocae, as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used for autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis. Due to its potential pharmaceutical values, more studies about the biological activities of Cortex Periplocae have been conducted recently. Meanwhile, the adverse reaction of Cortex Periplocae is not a negligible problem in clinic. In this article, we reviewed a series of articles and summarized the recent studies of Cortex Periplocae in the areas of phytochemistry and pharmacology. More than 100 constituents have been isolated and identified from Cortex Periplocae, including steroids, cardiac glycosides, terpenoids, and fatty acid compounds. The crude extracts of Cortex Periplocae and its active compounds exhibit various biological activities, such as cardiotonic effect, anticancer action, and anti-inflammatory effect. This paper aims to provide an overall review on the bioactive ingredients, pharmacological effect, and toxicity of this plant. Furthermore, this review suggests investigating and developing new clinical usages according to the above pharmacological effects.
Potential Links between Impaired One-Carbon Metabolism Due to Polymorphisms, Inadequate B-Vitamin Status, and the Development of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Troesch Barbara , Weber Peter , Mohajeri M.
Published: December 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the major cause of dementia and no preventive or effective treatment has been established to date. The etiology of AD is poorly understood, but genetic and environmental factors seem to play a role in its onset and progression. In particular, factors affecting the one-carbon metabolism (OCM) are thought to be important and elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels, indicating impaired OCM, have been associated with AD. We aimed at evaluating the role of polymorphisms of key OCM enzymes in the etiology of AD, particularly when intakes of relevant B-vitamins are inadequate. Our review indicates that a range of compensatory mechanisms exist to maintain a metabolic balance. However, these become overwhelmed if the activity of more than one enzyme is reduced due to genetic factors or insufficient folate, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and/or vitamin B12 levels. Consequences include increased Hcy levels and reduced capacity to synthetize, methylate and repair DNA, and/or modulated neurotransmission. This seems to favor the development of hallmarks of AD particularly when combined with increased oxidative stress e.g., in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 carriers. However, as these effects can be compensated at least partially by adequate intakes of B-vitamins, achieving optimal B-vitamin status for the general population should be a public health priority.
Real-Time Packing Behavior of Core-Shell Silica@Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Microspheres as Photonic Crystals for Visualizing in Thermal Sensing
Authors: Manivannan Karthikeyan , Huang Yi-Shen , Huang Bohr-Ran , Huang Chih-Feng , Chen Jem-Kun
Published: December 2016

We grafted thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) brushes from monodisperse SiO2 microspheres through surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI ATRP) to generate core-shell structured SiO2@PNIPAM microspheres (SPMs). Regular-sized SPMs dispersed in aqueous solution and packed as photonic crystals (PCs) in dry state. Because of the microscale of the SPMs, the packing behavior of the PCs in water can be observed by optical microscopy. By increasing the temperature above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of PNIPAM, the reversible swelling and shrinking of the PNIPAM shell resulted in dispersion and precipitation (three-dimensional aggregation) of the SPM in aqueous solution. The SPMs were microdispersed in a water layer to accommodate the aggregation along two dimensions. In the microdispersion, the SPMs are packed as PCs with microscale spacing between SPMs below the LCST. When the temperature is increased above the LCST, the microdispersed PCs exhibited a close-packed arrangement along two dimensions with decreased spacing between SPMs. The change in spacing with increasing temperature above the LCST resulted in a color change from red to blue, which could be observed by the naked eye at an incident angle. Thus, the SPM array could be applied as a visual temperature sensor.
An IMU-to-Body Alignment Method Applied to Human Gait Analysis
Authors: Vargas-Valencia Laura , Elias Arlindo , Rocon Eduardo , Bastos-Filho Teodiano , Frizera Anselmo
Published: December 2016

This paper presents a novel calibration procedure as a simple, yet powerful, method to place and align inertial sensors with body segments. The calibration can be easily replicated without the need of any additional tools. The proposed method is validated in three different applications: a computer mathematical simulation; a simplified joint composed of two semi-spheres interconnected by a universal goniometer; and a real gait test with five able-bodied subjects. Simulation results demonstrate that, after the calibration method is applied, the joint angles are correctly measured independently of previous sensor placement on the joint, thus validating the proposed procedure. In the cases of a simplified joint and a real gait test with human volunteers, the method also performs correctly, although secondary plane errors appear when compared with the simulation results. We believe that such errors are caused by limitations of the current inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology and fusion algorithms. In conclusion, the presented calibration procedure is an interesting option to solve the alignment problem when using IMUs for gait analysis.