bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential Effects of Cream, Glucose, and Orange Juice on Inflammation, Endotoxin, and the Expression of Toll-Like Receptor-4 and Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling-3
Authors: Deopurkar Rupali , Ghanim Husam , Friedman Jay , Abuaysheh Sanaa , Sia Chang Ling , Mohanty Priya , Viswanathan Prabhakar , Chaudhuri Ajay , Dandona Paresh
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

We have recently shown that a high-fat high-carbohydrate (HFHC) meal induces an increase in plasma concentrations of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) and the expression of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and suppresser of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) in mononuclear cells (MNCs) in addition to oxidative stress and cellular inflammation. Saturated fat and carbohydrates, components of the HFHC meal, known to induce oxidative stress and inflammation, also induce an increase in LPS, TLR-4, and SOCS3.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Fasting normal subjects were given 300-calorie drinks of either glucose, saturated fat as cream, orange juice, or only water to ingest. Blood samples were obtained at 0, 1, 3, and 5 h for analysis.

RESULTS

Indexes of inflammation including nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) binding, and the expression of SOCS3, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin (IL)-1β in MNCs, increased significantly after glucose and cream intake, but TLR-4 expression and plasma LPS concentrations increased only after cream intake. The intake of orange juice or water did not induce any change in any of the indexes measured.

CONCLUSIONS

Although both glucose and cream induce NF-κB binding and an increase in the expression of SOCS3, TNF-α, and IL-1β in MNCs, only cream caused an increase in LPS concentration and TLR-4 expression. Equicaloric amounts of orange juice or water did not induce a change in any of these indexes. These changes are relevant to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and insulin resistance.
A1C for Screening and Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes in Routine Clinical Practice
Authors: Lu Zhong X. , Walker Karen Z. , O'Dea Kerin , Sikaris Ken A. , Shaw Jonathan E.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate A1C for screening and diagnosis of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes defined by oral glucose tolerance testing in clinical and general populations.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A1C cut offs (≤5.5% to rule out diabetes; ≥7.0% to rule in diabetes) were derived from a clinical group (Melbourne Pathology [MP] group: n = 2,494; undiagnosed diabetes 34.6%) and then evaluated in a population-based sample (AusDiab group: n = 6,015; undiagnosed diabetes 4.6%).

RESULTS

For diabetes in the MP and AusDiab groups, A1C at 5.5% gave sensitivities of 98.7 and 83.5%, while A1C at 7.0% gave specificities of 98.2 and 100%, respectively. Many (61.9–69.3%) with impaired A1C (5.6–6.9%) in both populations had abnormal glucose status.

CONCLUSIONS

A1C ≤5.5% and ≥7.0% predicts absence or presence of type 2 diabetes, respectively, while at A1C 6.5–6.9% diabetes is highly probable in clinical and population settings. A high proportion of people with impaired A1C have abnormal glucose status requiring follow-up.
Impact of a Preconception Counseling Program for Teens With Type 1 Diabetes (READY-Girls) on Patient-Provider Interaction, Resource Utilization, and Cost
Authors: Fischl Andrea F. Rodgers , Herman William H. , Sereika Susan M. , Hannan Margaret , Becker Dorothy , Mansfield M. Joan , Freytag Linda L. , Milaszewski Kerry , Botscheller Amanda N. , Charron-Prochownik Denise
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of a preconception counseling program tailored for teens with type 1 diabetes on cognitive, psychosocial, and behavioral outcomes and to assess its cost-effectiveness.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 88 teens with type 1 diabetes from two sites were randomized into the READY-Girls (Reproductive-health Education and Awareness of Diabetes in Youth for Girls) intervention (IG) (n = 43) or standard care (SC) (n = 45) groups. During three diabetes clinic visits, IG subjects viewed a two-part CD-ROM, read a book, and met with a nurse. Program effectiveness was measured by knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and behaviors regarding diabetes, pregnancy, sexuality, and preconception counseling. Assessments occurred at baseline, before and after viewing program materials, and at 9 months. Economic analyses included an assessment of resource utilization, direct medical costs, and a break-even cost analysis.

RESULTS

Age range was 13.2–19.7 years (mean ± SD 16.7 ± 1.7 years); 6% (n = 5) were African American, and 24% (n = 21) were sexually active. Compared with baseline and SC subjects, IG subjects demonstrated a significant group-by-time interaction for benefit and knowledge of preconception counseling and reproductive health: increasing immediately after the first visit (P < 0.001) and being sustained for 9 months (P < 0.05 benefits; P < 0.001 knowledge). For IG subjects, preconception counseling barriers decreased over time (P < 0.001), and intention and initiation of preconception counseling and reproductive health discussions increased (P < 0.001). Costs of adverse reproductive outcomes are high. Direct medical costs of READY-Girls were low.

CONCLUSIONS

READY-Girls was beneficial and effects were sustained for at least 9 months. This low-cost self-instructional program can potentially empower young women with type 1 diabetes to make well-informed reproductive health choices, adding little time burden or cost to their diabetes management.
Changes in Prandial Glucagon Levels After a 2-Year Treatment With Vildagliptin or Glimepiride in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Inadequately Controlled With Metformin Monotherapy
Authors: Ahrén Bo , Foley James E. , Ferrannini Ele , Matthews David R. , Zinman Bernard , Dejager Sylvie , Fonseca Vivian A.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor vildagliptin more effectively inhibits glucagon levels than the sulfonylurea glimepiride during a meal.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Glucagon responses to a standard meal were measured at baseline and study end point (mean 1.8 years) in a trial evaluating add-on therapy to metformin with 50 mg vildagliptin b.i.d. compared with glimepiride up to 6 mg q.d. in type 2 diabetes (baseline A1C 7.3 ± 0.6%).

RESULTS

A1C and prandial glucose area under the curve (AUC)0–2 h were reduced similarly in both groups, whereas prandial insulin AUC0–2 h increased to a greater extent by glimepiride. Prandial glucagon AUC0–2 h (baseline 66.6 ± 2.3 pmol · h−1 · l−1) decreased by 3.4 ± 1.6 pmol · h−1 · l−1 by vildagliptin (n = 137) and increased by 3.8 ± 1.7 pmol · h−1 · l−1 by glimepiride (n = 121). The between-group difference was 7.3 ± 2.1 pmol · h−1 · l−1 (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Vildagliptin therapy but not glimepiride improves postprandial α-cell function, which persists for at least 2 years.
High Levels of Foot Ulceration and Amputation Risk in a Multiracial Cohort of Diabetic Patients on Dialysis Therapy
Authors: Ndip Agbor , Lavery Lawrence A. , LaFontaine Javier , Rutter Martin K. , Vardhan Anand , Vileikyte Loretta , Boulton Andrew J.M.
Published: January 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence of lower-limb complications in a multiracial cohort of patients with diabetes receiving dialysis.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This work was a cross-sectional study of lower-limb complications in dialysis-treated patients with diabetes in the U.K. and U.S.

RESULTS

We studied 466 patients (139 U.K.; 327 U.S.). The prevalence of lower-limb complications was high (foot ulcers 12%, neuropathy 79%, peripheral arterial disease 57%, history of foot ulceration 34%, and prior amputation 18%), with no significant ethnic variation, except that foot ulcers were more common in whites than in patients of African descent (P = 0.013). Ninety-five percent of patients were at high risk of lower-limb complications. Prior amputation was related to foot ulcer history, peripheral arterial disease, and hemodialysis modality in multivariable analysis. Prevalent ulceration showed independent associations with foot ulcer history and peripheral arterial disease, but not with ethnicity.

CONCLUSIONS

All patients with diabetes receiving dialysis are at high risk of lower-limb complications independent of ethnic background.
Airborne Fungi in Dwellings for Dairy Cows and Laying Hens
Authors: Matković Kristina , Vučemilo Marija , Vinković Bara
Published: January 2010

Airborne Fungi in Dwellings for Dairy Cows and Laying Hens

The air of animal dwellings can contain great amounts of bioaerosol composed of dust, bacteria, fungi, and endotoxins. The composition may depend on animal species, building construction, animal accommodation, and microclimate parameters, to name just a few factors. Pathogens contained may be a serious threat to animal and human health.

The aim of our study was to analyse the fungi aerosol content in a stable housing dairy cows and in a coop for laying hens over the three autumn months of 2007. The air was sampled on Petri dishes with Sabouraud glucose agar. After laboratory treatment, we identified the most common fungi. Their count in the stable ranged from 3.98×103 CFU m-3 to 5.11×104 CFU m-3 and in the coop from 6.89 ×104 CFU m-3 to 1.13×105 CFU m-3. The difference between the two animal dwellings was statistically different at the level of p<0.05. In both dwellings, the most common were the fungi Aspergillus sp., Penicillium sp., and yeasts, followed by Cladosporium sp., Fusarium sp., Mucor sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Alternaria sp., and Rhizopus sp.

Our results are entirely in line with values reported in literature and are at the lower end of the range. They call for further investigation that would eventually lead to setting air quality standards for animal dwellings and to developing reliable monitoring systems in order to ensure safe food and safe environment.
Inflammatory and Haematotoxic Potential of Indoor Stachybotrys chartarum (Ehrenb.) Hughes Metabolites
Authors: Piecková Elena , Hurbánková Marta , Černá Silvia , Lišková Aurélia , Kováčiková Zuzana , Kolláriková Zuzana , Wimmerová Soňa
Published: January 2010

Inflammatory and Haematotoxic Potential of Indoor Stachybotrys chartarum (Ehrenb.) Hughes Metabolites

MouldStachybotrys chartarum(Ehrenb.) Hughes is known to pose a health risk in indoor environments. Most of its strains can produce several intra- and extracellular trichothecene mycotoxins. Complex secondary metabolites of stachybotrys isolates from mouldy dwellings/public buildings in Slovakia were intratracheally instilled in Wistar male rats (4 μg in 0.2 mL of 0.2 % dimethylsulphoxide; diacetoxyscirpenol as the positive control). After three days, haematological parameters were measured in peripheral blood and inflammatory response biomarkers in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the results were statistically analysed. Exometabolites proved to suppress red blood cell (RBC), decreasing the total RBC count, haemoglobin, and haematocrit. The exposed rats showed significantly higher total BALF cell count, indicating inflammation, lower alveolar macrophage counts, and increased granulocyte count related to the BALF cells. Due to haematotoxic and inflammation-inducing properties, metabolites ofS. chartarumcan cause damage to the airways and haematological disorders in occupants of mouldy buildings.
Ochratoxin A and Aristolochic Acid Involvement in Nephropathies and Associated Urothelial Tract Tumours
Authors: Pfohl-Leszkowicz Annie
Published: January 2010

Ochratoxin A and Aristolochic Acid Involvement in Nephropathies and Associated Urothelial Tract Tumours

This review addresses the unresolved aetiology of several nephropathies and associated upper tract tumours diagnosed all over the world, but especially in the Balkan regions. Studies conducted over the last 35 years point to mycotoxins, mainly ochratoxin A (OTA) as the main culprit. Recent theories however have implicated aristolochic acids (AA). The aim of this review is to put forward arguments in favour of the mycotoxin theory and to show the incoherence of the AA theory. It discusses the differences between the epidemiology of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN) and aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN); OTA and AA carcinogenicity; clinical and pathological effects induced by OTA and AA; sources of OTA contamination (food, air, drinking water); OTA- and AA-DNA adduct formation; the role of genetic polymorphisms; and the risk for young children.
Application of central composite design for the optimization of photo-destruction of a textile dye using UV/S2O8
2- process
Authors: Khataee A.
Published: January 2010

Application of central composite design for the optimization of photo-destruction of a textile dye using UV/S2O8
2- process

The photooxidative destruction of C. I. Basic Red 46 (BR46) by UV/S2O8
2- process is presented. Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to optimize the effects of operational parameters on the photooxidative destruction efficiency. The variables investigated were the initial dye and S2O8
2- concentrations, reaction time and distance of the solution from UV lamp. The predicted values of the photodestruction efficiency were found to be in good agreement with the experimental values (R2 = 0.9810, Adjusted R2 = 0.9643). The results of the optimization predicted by the model showed that the maximum decolorization efficiency (>98%) was achieved at the optimum conditions of the reaction time 10 min, initial dye concentration 10 mg/l, initial peroxydisulfate concentration 1.5 mmol/l and distance of UV lamp from the solution 6 cm. The figure-of-merit electrical energy per order (EEo) was employed to estimate the electrical energy consumption and related treatment costs.
Effect of Increased Copper Concentrations on Deformations of the Regenerates of Carrot Obtained from Androgenetic Embryos
Authors: Kowalska Urszula , Górecki Ryszard , Janas Krystyna , Górecka Krystyna
Published: January 2010

Effect of Increased Copper Concentrations on Deformations of the Regenerates of Carrot Obtained from Androgenetic Embryos

The experiment aimed at determining the effect of high copper concentrations on the process of regeneration of carrot plants cv. Feria F1 from androgenetic embryos. The starting material consisted of green embryos obtained in anther cultures on a medium for the induction of androgenesis. Five B5 regeneration media of Gamborg et al. (1968) containing 0.1 (control), 1, 10, 100, and 1000 μM·L-1 CuSO4·5H2O were used. The plant material was passaged onto fresh media 3 times after 4, 9, and 15 weeks from culture set-up date. During the passages, the regenerated structures were examined and categorized according to their growth, development and the course of regeneration in the in vitro culture.

The B5 regeneration medium that contained 1000 μM·L-1 CuSO4 was highly toxic for the growth and development of androgenetic embryos of carrot. The other concentrations of CuSO4 that were higher than the level of the control medium, i.e. 1, 10, and 100 μM·L-1, had a negative effect on the regeneration from androgenetic embryos of carrot in the second and third passages (after 9 and 15 weeks). They caused deformations of the leaves and the formation of an abnormal callus heel between the above-ground part and the root.
The Influence of Seedlings Age and Pots Size on Growth and Yielding of Chinese Cabbage in Spring and Autumn Cultivation
Authors: Krężel Jan , Kołota Eugeniusz
Published: January 2010

The Influence of Seedlings Age and Pots Size on Growth and Yielding of Chinese Cabbage in Spring and Autumn Cultivation

Two parallel experiments in two factorial design using the method of random sub-blocks in four replications were conducted in 2002-2004 at the Experimental Station of the Horticulture Department of University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Wrocław. The effect of seedlings age (3, 4, 5-weekly) and diameter of pots (25, 32, 44, 55 mm) on the yield of Chinese cabbage cultivar Optiko grown in spring and autumn was evaluated. The highest marketable yield in spring and autumn during the harvest from all objects at the same time was obtained from 5-weekly seedlings grown in pots with a diameter of 55 mm. The use of younger seedlings from pots with smaller diameters was decreased the yielding of cabbage and influenced on forming the smaller heads. Spring cultivation period in comparison to autumn was allowed to obtain a higher marketable yield of Chinese cabbage with a smaller share of not fully grown head cabbage in total yield but a greater share of decay head.
The Effects of Chemical Weed Control on Quality of Transplants Produced in the Plastic Tunnel and Final Yield of Leeks
Authors: Adamczewska-Sowińska Katarzyna , Kołota Eugeniusz
Published: January 2010

The Effects of Chemical Weed Control on Quality of Transplants Produced in the Plastic Tunnel and Final Yield of Leeks

In 2006-2008 there was conducted a study to determine the suitability of pendimethalin (Stomp 330 EC), glyphosate (Roundup 360 SL) and mixture of propachlor and glyphosate (Ramrod Flo 480 SC and Roundup 360 SL) as pre emergence herbicides in leek seedlings raising, and supplementary use of propachlor at the flag stage. The subject of evaluation was the efficiency of weed control, quality of transplants and finally the yield of leeks.

Results of the study indicate that the efficient method of weed control during seedlings raising of leek was pre emergence use of pendimethalin at the rate of 990 g·ha-1 after seed sowing or mixture of propachlor (3840 g·ha-1) and glyphosate (720 g·ha-1) before seed emergence. Supplementary application of propachlor at the flag stage slightly increased the efficiency of chemical weed control but did not influence on the quality of transplants and yield of the crop.

Chemical weed control did not adversely affect on the quality of seedling and yield of leek, except glyphosate which efficiency in weed control was not satisfactory. Heavy weed infestation during seedlings production diminished the quality parameters of transplants and yield of leek by 34.3%.
Effect of Nitrogen Form and Type of Polyethylene Film Covering Tunnel on Nutrient Content of Hydroponically Grown Sweet Pepper
Authors: Kowalska Iwona , Sady Włodzimierz , Leja Maria
Published: January 2010

Effect of Nitrogen Form and Type of Polyethylene Film Covering Tunnel on Nutrient Content of Hydroponically Grown Sweet Pepper

The effect of nitrogen form (nitrate or nitrate-ammonia-amide) and a type of polyethylene film (two types, differing light transmission, light dispersion and PAR) covering a tunnel on the content of macroelements in the leaves of sweet pepper being in different stages of growth were studied. The plants were grown in rockwool slabs, using a drip fertigation system without recirculation. In each part of the tunnel there were two sets of cultivation gutters independently supplied with nutrient solution containing different forms of nitrogen: nitrate (100% N-NO3), nitrate-ammonia-amide (50% N-NO3, 13% N-NH4, 37% N-NH2).

Dry matter and mineral composition were determined in the leaves with petioles. The leaves were collected in three stages of growth, e.g. intensive vegetative growth, flowering and full fruiting.

The plants fed with nitrate N form contained more Ca and Mg, irrespective of a type of polyethylene film and stage of growth. N form had no effect on K content, except in plants being in flowering. In all stages of growth, irrespective of a type of polyethylene film, the plants fed with nitrate-ammonia-amide N form accumulated more N.

The effect of a type of polyethylene film covering a tunnel on nutritional status of the plants being in stage of intensive vegetative growth or flowering was not univocal. However, in fruiting chemical composition, except N content in year 2007, did not depend on a tunnel part.
Determination of the Optimal Nitrogen Content in a Fertigation Medium for the Greenhouse Cucumber Grown on Slabs of Compressed Straw
Authors: Babik Józef , Kowalczyk Waldemar
Published: January 2010

Determination of the Optimal Nitrogen Content in a Fertigation Medium for the Greenhouse Cucumber Grown on Slabs of Compressed Straw

In the years 2004-2008, research work was carried out whose aim was to determine the optimal nitrogen fertilization dose for greenhouse cucumbers grown on mats made of compressed, finely shredded straw. In the experiments, the short-fruited variety of the greenhouse cucumber, Milenium F1, was used. The level of nitrogen in the nutrient solution was varied in the range of 200-350 mg·dm-3. The nitrogen content in the solution in the amount of 200 mg·dm-3 was not sufficient and caused the cucumber yield to fall. The increasing N concentrations in the medium were found to have a significant effect on the nitrogen content in the indicator parts of cucumber plants. The highest nitrogen content was found in the plants fertilized with a nutrient solution containing the highest concentration of N-NO3, which was 350 mg·dm-3. Cucumber plants grown on straw need to be more intensely fertilized with nitrogen for about 1/3 of the growing season, and then to have its level in the fertigation medium reduced for the remaining part of the cultivation period.
The Comparison of Yielding and Nutritive Value of Organic and Conventional Pepper Fruits
Authors: Szafirowska Anna , Elkner Krystyna
Published: January 2010

The Comparison of Yielding and Nutritive Value of Organic and Conventional Pepper Fruits

During 2006-2008 in Research Institute of Vegetable Crops at Skierniewice the studies were conducted on yielding and fruit quality of pepper cultivated by organic and conventional method. Two experiments were set on the nearby organic and conventional fields. The first one was conducted on the certified organic experimental field having red clover mixed with grasses as a fore-crop. Pest and disease control was provided according to organic standards. In conventionally managed field a mineral fertilization and chemical weed, pest and disease control was used. A fore crop for conventional pepper was a mixture of cereals with papilionaceous. In both experiments two kinds of field mulching was examined using fresh cut red clover and black polypropylene flees with no mulching for the control. The contents of vitamin C, β-carotene, soluble phenols and total flavonoides in matured fruits were examined.

The results revealed an impact of cultivation method and mulching on the yield and fruit quality of sweet pepper. In the first two years the conventional method was superior in respect of the total and marketable fruit yield. In the third year significantly better yielding was obtained from organic cultivation. The plants of conventional pepper suffered from soil borne diseases while organic plants showed good health conditions. Flees mulching increased the total yield of organic pepper, but the differences were significant in the last year only. Organic fruits distinguished themselves with the higher mean fruit weight, less wastes and more intensive redness as compared to conventional fruits. Chemical analysis revealed higher content of ascorbic acid, beta carotene, soluble phenols and total flavonoides in organic pepper as compared to conventional ones. Some beneficial effect of clover mulching on the content of ascorbic acid, β-carotene and soluble phenols irrespectively on the cultivation method was observed.

However the concentration of flavonoides was higher in fruits cultivated without mulching. Both examined mulching materials decreased amount of flavonoides in fruits irrespectively on cultivation method.
The Proliferation of Charitable Meal Programs in Toronto
Authors: Tarasuk Valerie , Dachner Naomi
Published: January 2010

In the absence of effective federal or provincial policies to address homelessness, community groups have initiated numerous programs to help people meet subsistence needs. In 2004, we undertook a study of food-provisioning efforts in Toronto, documenting 490 programs serving as many as 128,000 meals and snacks per week to homeless and housed individuals. Many programs struggled to manage demand. Program operators maintained that they were feeding people who otherwise would not eat, yet the assistance provided was limited, intermittent, and uncoordinated. The needs that underlie demands for food assistance reflect serious flaws in our current system of income assistance.
Older Workers in the New Economy: The Role of Wage Insurance and the Rethinking of Employment Insurance
Authors: Jones Stephen R.G.
Published: January 2010

I consider the recommendations of the Expert Panel on Older Workers (2008) with regard to Wage Insurance (WI) and Employment Insurance (EI). I argue that there is scope for a limited demonstration project of WI to further assess feasibility and effectiveness, but note that a number of design issues remain open. I assess the fundamental review of EI proposed in the Panel report, concluding that many of the proposals amount to a form of experience rating and an expanded conditioning of policy on individual characteristics. I evaluate such proposals in light of theoretical work on optimal unemployment insurance.
Instrumented Rollers to Assess Construction Quality on Texas Projects
Authors: Sebesta Stephen , Liu Wenting , Scullion Tom
Published: January 2010

The concept of using a vibratory compactor as a tool for assessing construction quality by measuring the drum displacement with an accelerometer began decades ago. Initiated in Europe and correlated with plate bearing tests, this technology has advanced to “intelligent” compaction, in which feedback from the instrumentation can control the amplitude of vibration. With the national push to implement such methods in the United States, researchers at the Texas Transportation Institute sought to examine the relationship between the vibration amplitude of the roller drum and pavement layer properties on several Texas construction projects. Testing revealed that although the roller drum vibration amplitudes did relate to pavement layer properties, the correlation was with the stiffness of foundation layers, typically at least 12 in. below the surface. This finding presents at least one significant hurdle to implementing the instrumented–intelligent compaction concept: a change from density-based to stiffness-based specifications would be necessary. In addition, valid approaches to extracting properties of the surface layer are needed. The results from projects tested indicate that the most promising approaches to using this technology are for evaluating uniformity, compaction monitoring (determining when to stop rolling), and proof rolling. The proof rolling application requires validation to determine the depth of the weak spot.
Automation of Pavement Sublayer Moisture Content Determination Using Long-Term Pavement Performance Time Domain Reflectometry Data and Micromechanics
Authors: Lee Sang Ick , Zollinger Dan G. , Lytton Robert L. , Jackson Newton C.
Published: January 2010

Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is one of the reliable methods to measure in situ moisture content of unbound base and subgrade materials. However, the waveform data obtained from the TDR device do not provide in situ moisture content directly. Rather, the data must be analyzed to determine volumetric moisture content, which is the final product of TDR-related technology; that is, a TDR trace is analyzed to determine the value of the associated dielectric constant, which depends on the soil surrounding the TDR probe affecting the moisture content determination. However, because existing methods to determine the dielectric constant and moisture content are immersed in systematic errors, a new approach was developed; it used the transmission line equation and a three-phase micromechanics approach to improve the accuracy of the interpretation of TDR data for calculating the dielectric constant and the moisture content. Because the system identification method used to calculate parameters in the new approach was an iterative solution scheme, a computational program was required to provide rapid, accurate, and repeatable calculation of parameters. To address this need, a program was developed to facilitate the calculation of dielectric constant, dry density, and moisture content using the micromechanics approach. Details regarding the feature, algorithm, and results of the program are provided.
Stiffness-Based Assessment of Pavement Foundation Materials Using Portable Tools
Authors: Jersey Sarah R. , Edwards Lulu
Published: January 2010

Traditional pavement quality assurance has focused on soil density and moisture content. Implementation of new mechanistic design methods calls for measuring the resilient modulus of constructed layers to determine whether it matches the modulus used during the pavement design process. Several tools have been marketed for this purpose in recent years. Eleven soil test beds were constructed at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center to evaluate three of these tools. The study showed that the tools were simple to use and generally obtained repeatable results, but additional information regarding the true nature of the modulus measured by these tools was required to implement their use.
Geogrid Base Reinforcement with Aggregate Interlock and Modeling of Associated Stiffness Enhancement in Mechanistic Pavement Analysis
Authors: Kwon Jayhyun , Tutumluer Erol
Published: January 2010

The main mechanism by which geogrids reinforce unbound aggregate base and subbase layers of flexible pavements is the geogrid aggregate interlock. Geogrids prevent aggregate material from moving laterally under applied wheel loading; this enhances local strengthening and stiffness in the base layer. This higher stiffness zone essentially benefits the geogrid's pavement response by better bridging over the weak subgrade soil and transmitting reduced critical stresses and strains on top of sub-grade. The University of Illinois developed a mechanistic model for the analysis of geogrid reinforced flexible pavements based on the finite element approach. This approach was used to model successfully the development of a stiffer layer associated with aggregate interlock around the geogrid reinforcement by considering compaction-induced residual stresses as the initial condition in the mechanistic analysis. The predicted critical pavement responses matched with the measured values from full-scale pavement test studies. Further, field-observed stiffening and strengthening of the geogrid-reinforced base courses were documented from dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) test results. Significant reductions in measured pavement responses, especially in base course lateral movements caused by geogrid inclusion, were apparent in the University of Illinois full-scale test sections. Therefore, the longer traffic lives observed established the pavement performance benefits. When the same DCP evaluations were conducted on geogrid base reinforced in-service pavements in California, similar trends were observed in increased base course strength, and stiffness properties were successfully linked to immediate (enhanced compaction) and long-term (retained–improved stiffness) benefits.
Identification of Parameters Related to Moisture Conditioning that Cause Variability in Modified Lottman Test
Authors: Kringos Niki , Azari Haleh , Scarpas Anthanassios (Tom)
Published: January 2010

The modified Lottman (AASHTO T283) test method is frequently used for the evaluation of moisture susceptibility of asphalt concrete mixtures. Unfortunately, the test is known to be extremely variable, and it sometimes provides erroneous results. In NCHRP 9-26A, precision estimates of various AASHTO tests, including AASHTO T283, are being investigated. In this paper, the numerous variables introduced in the T283 test method due to the moisture-conditioning procedure are investigated via microscale finite element analyses. For the finite element meshes, X-ray tomography scans are made of two gyratory- and Marshall-compacted mixtures. These mixtures are computationally analyzed for their outside and inside pore-space distribution; the moisture infiltration is simulated via finite element analyses; and the resulting moisture fronts are discussed. The paper focuses on the importance of knowing the actual moisture concentrations inside the material and the relevance of the time frame over which moisture damage may occur in the field. The results of the project are intended to give a fundamental explanation as to why the AASHTO T283 test may give erroneous conclusions and will define the boundaries under which the test could be used. This research shows that the two different compactions and geometries can result in entirely different moisture concentrations inside the specimen. This observation can have a significant impact on the variability of the test results.
Low Design Temperatures of Asphalt Pavements in Dry–Freeze Regions
Authors: Ho Chun-Hsing , Romero Pedro
Published: January 2010

This paper proposes three mathematical models that use solar radiation theory, transient heat transfer theory, and the finite element method to compute daily solar radiation, determine a thermal-penetration depth as a boundary condition, and eventually estimate pavement temperatures. The objective of this paper is to predict low design temperatures of asphalt pavements in dry–freeze regions. These step-by-step numerical analysis efforts provide pavement engineers and researchers with a method for prediction of low design temperatures of asphalt pavements. Daily solar radiation is calculated as input for determination of the thermal-penetration depth in a semi-infinite asphalt pavement system. Through use of the determined thermal-penetration depth as the prescribed temperature in the process of finite element analysis, the pavement temperature profile, including surface temperatures, can be better calculated. The finite element analysis results are verified with the SHRP, Canadian SHRP, and Superpave® models and are validated with three sets of temperature data exported from the Long-Term Pavement Performance program in southern Utah. Comparison results present close agreement with the three predicted models and field temperatures with reasonable accuracy.
Bicyclist Intersection Crossing Times
Authors: Shladover Steven E. , Kim ZuWhan , Cao Meng , Sharafsaleh Ashkan , Li Jing-Quan
Published: January 2010

In support of efforts to improve traffic signal timing to accommodate bicyclists’ needs, observations were made of the timing of bicyclists’ intersection crossing maneuvers. Video recordings were made of bicyclists’ crossings and the video images were processed to extract the bicyclists’ trajectories. These trajectories were synchronized with video images of the traffic signals so that the timing of the bicyclists’ maneuvers could be determined relative to the signal phases. The processed data yielded cumulative distributions of the crossing speeds of bicyclists who did not have to stop at the intersection and the start-up times and final crossing speeds of the bicyclists who had to cross from a standing start. A unique feature of these data is the timing information relative to the traffic signal, which is used to define recommended signal times to permit most bicyclists to cross wide arterial intersections safely.
Optimizing Traffic Control to Reduce Fuel Consumption and Vehicular Emissions
Authors: Stevanovic Aleksandar , Stevanovic Jelka , Zhang Kai , Batterman Stuart
Published: January 2010

One way to reduce excessive fuel consumption and vehicular emissions on urban streets is to optimize signal timings. Historically, signal timing optimization tools were used to reduce traffic delay and stops. The concept of optimizing signal timings to reduce fuel consumption and emissions was addressed decades ago with tools that are now considered outdated. This study advocates a fresh approach to integrating existing state-of-the-art tools for reassessing and ultimately minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. VISSIM, CMEM, and VISGAOST were linked to optimize signal timings and minimize fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. As a case study, a 14-intersection network in Park City, Utah, was used. Signal timings were optimized for seven optimization objective functions to find the lowest fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Findings show that a formula commonly used to estimate fuel consumption in traffic simulation tools inadequately estimates fuel consumption and cannot be used as a reliable objective function in signal timing optimizations. Some of the performance measures used as objective functions in the optimization process were proved to be ineffective. When CMEM-estimated fuel consumption is used as an objective function, estimated fuel savings are around 1.5%, a statistically significant decrease. Further research is needed to find an effective way to minimize fuel consumption and emissions by using the proposed approach.
Spatial Equity Analysis on Expressway Network Development in Japan
Authors: Koike Atsushi , Tavasszy Lori , Sato Keisuke
Published: January 2010

The authors apply the RAEM-Light model to analyze the distribution of social benefits from expressway network projects from the viewpoint of spatial equity. The RAEM-Light model has some innovative features. The spatial behavior of producers and consumers is explicitly described and is endogenously determined by using econometric production and consumption functions. This model applies a slightly different concept than the traditional spatial computable general equilibrium model that does not depend on the input–output data. It is therefore well suited for analyzing detailed areas for which official input–output data are not available (i.e., its zones are subdivided into a neighborhood area level). In this paper, the authors analyze two expressway network scenarios. In Scenario 1, the regional economic impacts from the present expressway network are simulated. In this base case simulation, it is concluded that the present expressway network has a low score on spatial equity, in particular because of negative impacts on rural areas. In Scenario 2, the authors analyze the present and future expressway network case in rural areas. As compared with Scenario 1, negative impacts from the implementation of the expressway network are reduced, especially in rural areas. This comparative analysis quantified the effectiveness of the two network structures from the viewpoint of spatial equity. Theoretically and quantitatively comprehensive studies from the viewpoint of spatial equity on the effects of infrastructure development have not yet been sufficiently conducted; however, the results of the comparative analysis are promising for an economic assessment of the expressway networks from the point of spatial equity.
Reference-Dependent Residential Location Choice Model within a Relocation Context
Authors: Habib Muhammad Ahsanul , Miller Eric J.
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a reference-dependent model for residential location choice. The key contribution of the model is its incorporation of reference dependence that explicitly recognizes the role of the status quo and captures asymmetric responses toward gains and losses in making location choice decisions. The study uses a retrospective residential search survey and a dwelling supply data set from the Toronto Real Estate Board in Ontario, Canada, to estimate the model at the elemental level of individual dwelling units. The study applies a mixed logit formulation that captures unobserved heterogeneity and avoids imposing independence of irrelevant alternatives restrictions on the choice probabilities. Several types of variables, including dwelling characteristics, land uses and other zonal attributes, accessibility measures, and household socio-demographics, are tested in the model. Although the current dwelling is assumed to be the reference point in framing evaluation of alternative dwellings, all gains and losses are measured by a comparison of current and prospective dwellings in the modeling framework. The results reveal that households prefer gains in the number of bedrooms, but they are more sensitive to the equal amounts of losses. A similar loss aversion attitude is observed for the percentage of open areas and unemployment rate. It is also found that decision makers are sensitive only to the losses for the level of service attributes. The reference-dependent model performs better than a conventional location choice model in terms of model fit and provides important behavioral insights.
Driving Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles
Authors: Heffner Reid R. , Kurani Kenneth S. , Turrentine Thomas S.
Published: January 2010

This article examines early users’ experiences with plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). At the time that this study was conducted, in the winter and spring of 2007, PHEVs were not yet commercialized. Still, Americans were becoming aware of PHEVs and 25 to 30 vehicles converted from hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) to PHEVs were on the road. In interviews with 23 drivers of these vehicles, the present study explored their motivations for converting an HEV to PHEV operation, how they used and recharged their vehicles, and their visions for future PHEV designs. What drivers think about PHEVs, including the benefits and drawbacks that they perceive, was also investigated. Although today's PHEV drivers may not represent either present mainstream American car buyers or future buyers of PHEVs, their behavior and viewpoints offer hypotheses about what ideas might motivate other consumers and clues about how PHEVs will be used by other consumers and may shape both the PHEV technologies offered in the future and the reasons why future consumers will value PHEVs. For example, the group of PHEV pioneers evaluated in the present study is primarily interested in a greater all-electric driving range and performance; they are secondarily interested in high gasoline fuel economy, which they typically report without accounting for electricity from the grid. Which of these two ideas–-all-electric driving and high miles per gallon–-will motivate more consumers? The desirability of feedback to drivers on their on-road energy use and their total gasoline plus electric energy use is also highlighted.
Rethinking Hydrogen Fueling
Authors: Mintz Marianne , Elgowainy Amgad , Gardiner Monterey
Published: January 2010

Over the past century gasoline fueling has evolved from being performed by a variety of informal, diverse methods to being performed through the use of a standardized, highly automated system that exploits the fuel's benefits and mitigates its hazards. Any effort to transition to another fuel with different properties–-with both advantages and disadvantages–- must make similar adjustments. This paper discusses the existing gasoline refueling infrastructure and its evolution. It then describes the hydrogen delivery scenario analysis model, an Excel-based tool that calculates the levelized cost of delivering hydrogen from a central production facility to a vehicle by the use of currently available technologies and a typical profile of vehicle use and fueling demand. The results are shown for a status quo, or gasoline-centric case, in which demand reflects the current gasoline-based system and supply responds accordingly, and a hydrogen-centric case, in which some of those patterns are altered. The paper highlights fueling requirements that are particularly problematic for hydrogen and concludes with a discussion of alternative fueling paradigms.
Can Information Technology Help Rail Play a Greater Role in Preventing Climate Change?
Authors: Nash Andrew , Weidmann Ulrich , Luethi Marco
Published: January 2010

Increasing rail's passenger and freight transportation market share would reduce energy use and thereby reduce pollution and climate change. Unfortunately, many railroads have capacity constraints and are institutionally skeptical of introducing new products, operating strategies, and technologies that could help them better meet the needs of today's passenger and freight customers and ultimately help railways increase their market share. One solution to these problems is the clever implementation of new information technology (IT) strategies. IT can help in several ways. First, IT can help maximize the use of existing capacity. Second, IT can be used to help improve service quality by providing improved reliability and information to passengers. Finally, IT can help identify and prioritize the infrastructure investments and institutional changes needed to improve rail service. IT-based applications can help communicate the need for change to public and private decision makers. However, ultimate success will not come by simply adding IT to existing systems; rather, it will come by using IT to reinvent the railroad to provide new products and services oriented toward today's customers. The paper outlines how IT can be used to improve railway capacity and quality.
Rising Gas Price and Transit Ridership
Authors: Maley Donald W. , Weinberger Rachel
Published: January 2010

In July 2008, gas prices peaked at unprecedented levels in both nominal and real dollars. Americans also took more transit trips in 2008 than in any year since 1956. Past research has demonstrated a correlation between increases in gas price and increases in transit ridership. Using the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, metropolitan area as a case study, this research confirms and provides new insight into this relationship. Multivariate linear regressions were developed both to demonstrate and to measure the correlation while accounting for seasonal differences and to provide insight into what future gas price scenarios could mean for a transit system in a city like Philadelphia. One set of models was developed for the Regional Rail system and another was developed for the City Transit system. Both models demonstrated correlations of statistical significance. Comparison of the models showed that the price of gas had both a more significant correlation with and a higher impact on Regional Rail rider-ship than on City Transit ridership. The models were also used to explore the cross elasticity for transit demand. The results suggest various cross elasticities of between 0.15 and 0.23 for City Transit services and between 0.27 and 0.38 for Regional Rail services. The problems with attempting to isolate a value for cross elasticity are discussed. This analysis also explores the possibilities of a nonlinear relationship that explains past trends and discusses the difficulties in using these models to predict future transit demand.
Ginkgo biloba Extract in Alzheimer’s Disease: From Action Mechanisms to Medical Practice
Authors: Shi Chun , Liu Jun , Wu Fengming , Yew David
Published: January 2010

Standardized extract from the leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree, labeled EGb761, is one of the most popular herbal supplements. Numerous preclinical studies have shown the neuroprotective effects of EGb761 and support the notion that it may be effective in the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Despite the preclinical promise, the clinical efficacy of this drug remains elusive. In this review, possible mechanisms underlying neuroprotective actions of EGb761 are described in detail, together with a brief discussion of the problem of studying this herb clinically to verify its efficacy in the treatment and prevention of AD. Moreover, various parameters e.g., the dosage and the permeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB), impacting the outcome of the clinical effectiveness of the extract are also discussed. Overall, the findings summarized in this review suggest that, a better understanding of the neuroprotective mechanisms of EGb761 may contribute to better understanding of the effectiveness and complexity of this herb and may also be helpful for design of therapeutic strategies in future clinical practice. Therefore, in future clinical studies, different factors that could interfere with the effect of EGb761 should be considered.