bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Patchwork to Package: Implementing Foundational Capabilities for State and Local Health Departments
Authors: Beitsch Leslie M. , Castrucci Brian C. , Dilley Abby , Leider Jonathon P. , Juliano Chrissie , Nelson Rachel , Kaiman Sherry , Sprague James B.
Published: December 2014

Daily public health responses are threatened by the inadequate capacity of public health agencies. A 2012 Institute of Medicine report defined a package of foundational capabilities that support all programs and services within a health department. Standardizing foundational capabilities may help address the increasing disparity in health department performance nationally.

During the Fall of 2013, we collected information on how much state and local health departments knew about foundational capabilities. To our knowledge, this was the first study to assess current health department infrastructure as it relates to foundational capabilities.
Element-free Method Forward Modeling for GPR Based on an Improved Sarma-type Absorbing Boundary
Authors: Wang Hong-hua , Dai Qian-wei , Feng De-shan
Published: December 2014

We improve the resolution and accuracy of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) forward modeling by applying the mesh-less algorithm element-free method (EFM), which is widely used in the electromagnetic field for numerical simulation. EFM dispenses with the concepts of elements, needs only a mass of node information, and adopts the moving least squares (MLS) method to structure a shape function. Advantages of EFM are simple preprocessing, high accuracy, and high successively independent variable solutions. We start with the GPR wave equation, and then discuss the EFM approach and how to combine an improved Sarma absorbing boundary with EFM for GPR forward modeling. We simulate two 2-D models with typical electrical properties. The results show that EFM can calculate stable geo-electric GPR models because the improved Sarma absorbing boundary can absorb incident GPR waves near the model boundary effectively.
Corn Yield Response to Managed Drainage and Polymer‐Coated Urea
Authors: Nash Patrick R. , Nelson Kelly A. , Motavalli Peter P. , Anderson Stephen H.
Published: December 2014

With poorly‐drained claypan soils in the midwestern United States, it is common to have wet soil conditions in the spring and dry soil conditions in the summer. Management practices that can improve or mitigate the effects of excessive wet and dry soil conditions are essential to obtain maximum corn (Zea mays L.) yield potential. The objective of the 4‐yr study was to determine if subsurface drainage (free drainage [FD] or managed drainage [MD]) with polymer‐coated urea (PCU) could increase corn yield compared to an application of non‐coated urea (NCU) without drainage (ND) in a claypan soil. Corn grain yields were low over the 4‐yr study due to extreme wet conditions in 2010 that delayed planting and mild to extreme summer drought conditions in 2011 to 2013. Averaged over 2010 to 2013, corn grain yields ranged from 4.76 to 5.75 Mg ha−1. Averaged over 2010 to 2013, the presence of drainage (FD or MD) increased corn yield (15–21%) compared to ND when NCU was applied. In the absence of drainage, PCU increased corn grain yields 20% compared to NCU, which indicated that PCU mitigated the high N loss potential in a wet soil environment. Managed drainage averaged a 4% increase in corn yield compared to FD. Corn yield increases with drainage compared to ND were limited over the 4 yr of this research; however, greater corn yield benefits from drainage of claypan soils might occur in years with greater overall yield potential.
Non-parametric sign test and paired samples test of effectiveness of official FX intervention
Authors: Marinkovic Srdjan
Published: December 2014

This article is an event study of the effectiveness of official foreign
exchange interventions by the National Bank of Serbia (NBS) in the RSD/EUR
market. As the NBS does not have a formally modelled response function we
assume that it intervenes as is expected according to its mandate, i.e., to
prevent excess daily fluctuations. This paper tests two alternative goals of
official intervention, marking as a success an event in which the NBS either
breaks/reverses or smooths an ongoing exchange rate movement. According to a
pre-defined time window for an intervention-clustering event, a nonparametric
sign test supported the view that the NBS has failed to reverse the trend but
is fairly effective in smoothing exchange rate return. However, even the
smoothing effect is identified as short lasting. A paired samples test leads
to similar findings, but because of weak support for the necessary conditions
of sampling distribution it remains less conclusive.
Productivity of black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) stands on chernozem in Vojvodina
Authors: Andrasev Sinisa , Roncevic Savo , Ivanisevic Petar , Pekec Sasa , Bobinac Martin
Published: December 2014

This paper presents the elements of growth of black locust trees and stands
in 15 sample plots in Vojvodina, at the age of 21-68 years. In each sample
plot, based on soil profile horizons the determined soil type was chernozem
as well as its lower systematic units (subtype, variety and form), according
to the Skoric et al. (1985) classification. On the basis of the mean stand
heights (hL), the stands on the subtype of chernozem on loess and loesslike
sediments belong to height classes I-IV, and stands on calcareous aeolian
sand to classes II-V (according to R e d e i et al. 2014), which indicates
their considerable variability with respect to productivity within the
determined subtypes of chernozem. Significant differences at the level of
chernozem subtypes were found between the mean heights (p = 0.032), but not
between the mean diameters (p = 0.083). The mean diameters at breast height
in the studied black locust stands were on average lower than the models of
diameter growth for the appropriate height classes and determined by a larger
number of trees per hectare than in the tables (R e d e i et al, 2014). The
volume per hectare is higher than in the tables also being conditioned by the
large number of trees per hectare.
Analysing ‘Migrant’ Membership Frames through Education Policy Discourse: An Example of Restrictive ‘Integration’ Policy within Europe
Authors: Dubois-Shaik Farah
Published: December 2014

This article proposes combining discourse theory and perspectives on political membership developments in Western European societies. It combines theories and examples of policy discourses about ‘migrant integration’ in the Swiss national context in the sphere of education. This examination aims to deconstruct specific membership framing within Europe and boundary setting between inclusion and exclusion of certain groups in policy sectors such as education. Analysing discourse through understandings within language enables us to see the way categories and frames are constructed and contribute to the signifying of membership. Bounded problematisations, in this case about ‘migrants’, framed by political orientations and discourses, require policy ‘solutions’. Actors then make sense of this policy and interpret ‘solutions’ in distinctive ways. This article aims at disclosing how membership practices in Western European countries such as Switzerland may remain restrictive because ‘migration’ is problematised.
Six Decades of Research, Teaching, and Participation in the AAA
Authors: Beaver William H.
Published: December 2014

These remarks provide some perspective on my six decades of research, teaching, and participation in the AAA. A recurring theme is that my career took several unexpected turns and that my research often had unexpected outcomes. Several areas of research are discussed, including the prediction of financial distress, the information content of earnings announcements, the information content of prices, accounting and market measures of risk, discretion in financial reporting, conservatism, and value relevance of financial statements. Included is a brief summary of some of what I have learned from six decades of teaching. I review some of the major benefits of AAA participation.
Metformin Treatment in the Period After Stroke Prevents Nitrative Stress and Restores Angiogenic Signaling in the Brain in Diabetes
Authors: Abdelsaid Mohammed , Prakash Roshini , Li Weiguo , Coucha Maha , Hafez Sherif , Johnson Maribeth H. , Fagan Susan C. , Ergul Adviye
Published: December 2014

Diabetes impedes vascular repair and causes vasoregression in the brain after stroke, but mechanisms underlying this response are still unclear. We hypothesized that excess peroxynitrite formation in diabetic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury inactivates the p85 subunit of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) by nitration and diverts the PI3K–Akt survival signal to the p38–mitogen-activated protein kinase apoptosis pathway. Nitrotyrosine (NY), Akt and p38 activity, p85 nitration, and caspase-3 cleavage were measured in brains from control, diabetic (GK), or metformin-treated GK rats subjected to sham or stroke surgery and in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) from Wistar and GK rats subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. GK rat brains showed increased NY, caspase-3 cleavage, and p38 activation and decreased Akt activation. Metformin attenuated stroke-induced nitrative signaling in GK rats. GK rat BMVECs showed increased basal nitrative stress compared with controls. A second hit by hypoxia/reoxygenation injury dramatically increased the nitration of p85 and activation of p38 but decreased Akt. These effects were associated with impairment of angiogenic response and were restored by treatment with the peroxynitrite scavenger 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrinato iron III chloride or the nitration inhibitor epicatechin. Our results provide evidence that I/R-induced peroxynitrite inhibits survival, induces apoptosis, and promotes peroxynitrite as a novel therapeutic target for the improvement of reparative angiogenesis after stroke in diabetes.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Insulin Glargine Given in the Evening as Compared With in the Morning in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Porcellati Francesca , Lucidi Paola , Cioli Patrizia , Candeloro Paola , Marinelli Andreoli Anna , Marzotti Stefania , Ambrogi Maura , Bolli Geremia B. , Fanelli Carmine G.
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVE

To compare pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of insulin glargine in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after evening versus morning administration.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Ten T2DM insulin-treated persons were studied during 24-h euglycemic glucose clamp, after glargine injection (0.4 units/kg s.c.), either in the evening (2200 h) or the morning (1000 h).

RESULTS

The 24-h glucose infusion rate area under the curve (AUC0–24h) was similar in the evening and morning studies (1,058 ± 571 and 995 ± 691 mg/kg × 24 h, P = 0.503), but the first 12 h (AUC0–12h) was lower with evening versus morning glargine (357 ± 244 vs. 593 ± 374 mg/kg × 12 h, P = 0.004), whereas the opposite occurred for the second 12 h (AUC12–24h 700 ± 396 vs. 403 ± 343 mg/kg × 24 h, P = 0.002). The glucose infusion rate differences were totally accounted for by different rates of endogenous glucose production, not utilization. Plasma insulin and C-peptide levels did not differ in evening versus morning studies. Plasma glucagon levels (AUC0–24h 1,533 ± 656 vs. 1,120 ± 344 ng/L/h, P = 0.027) and lipolysis (free fatty acid AUC0–24h 7.5 ± 1.6 vs. 8.9 ± 1.9 mmol/L/h, P = 0.005; β-OH-butyrate AUC0–24h 6.8 ± 4.7 vs. 17.0 ± 11.9 mmol/L/h, P = 0.005; glycerol, P < 0.020) were overall more suppressed after evening versus morning glargine administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The PD of insulin glargine differs depending on time of administration. With morning administration insulin activity is greater in the first 0–12 h, while with evening administration the activity is greater in the 12–24 h period following dosing. However, glargine PK and plasma C-peptide levels were similar, as well as glargine PD when analyzed by 24-h clock time independent of the time of administration. Thus, the results reflect the impact of circadian changes in insulin sensitivity in T2DM (lower in the night-early morning vs. afternoon hours) rather than glargine per se.
Finite sections of truncated Toeplitz operators
Authors: Roch Steffen
Published: December 2014

We describe the C*-algebra associated with the finite sections discretization of truncated Toeplitz operators on the model space K
ER stress protection in cancer cells: the multifaceted role of the heat shock protein TRAP1
Authors: Swann Matassa Danilo , Arzeni Diana , Landriscina Matteo , Esposito Franca
Published: December 2014

TRAP1 is an HSP90 chaperone, upregulated in human cancers and involved in organelles’ homeostasis and tumor cell metabolism. Indeed, TRAP1 is a key regulator of adaptive responses used by highly proliferative tumors to face the metabolic stress induced by increased demand of protein synthesis and hostile environments. Besides well-characterized roles in prevention of mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and in regulating mitochondrial respiration, TRAP1 is involved in novel regulatory mechanisms: i) the attenuation of global protein synthesis, ii) the co-translational regulation of protein synthesis and ubiquitination of specific client proteins, and iii) the protection from Endoplasmic Reticulum stress. This provides a crucial role to TRAP1 in maintaining cellular homeostasis through protein quality control, by avoiding the accumulation of damaged or misfolded proteins and, likely, facilitating the synthesis of selective cancer-related proteins. Herein, we summarize how these regulatory mechanisms are part of an integrated network, which enables cancer cells to modulate their metabolism and to face, at the same time, oxidative and metabolic stress, oxygen and nutrient deprivation, increased demand of energy production and macromolecule biosynthesis. The possibility to undertake a new strategy to disrupt such networks of integrated control in cancer cells holds great promise for treatment of human malignancies.
Identifying the crossover between growth regimes via in-situ conductance measurements in focused electron beam induced deposition
Authors: Winhold M. , Weirich P. M. , Schwalb C. H. , Huth M.
Published: December 2014

Focused electron beam induced deposition presents a promising technique for the fabrication of nanostructures. However, due to the dissociation of mostly organometallic precursor molecules employed for the deposition process, prepared nanostructures contain organic residues leading to rather low conductance of the deposits. Post-growth treatment of the structures by electron irradiation or in reactive atmospheres at elevated temperatures can be applied to purify the samples. Recently, an in-situ conductance optimization process involving evolutionary genetic algorithm techniques has been introduced leading to an increase of conductance by one order of magnitude for tungsten-based deposits using the precursor W(CO)6. This method even allows for the optimization of conductance of nano-structures for which post-growth treatment is not possible or desirable. However, the mechanisms responsible for the observed enhancement have not been studied in depth. In this work, we identified the dwell-time dependent change of conductivity of the samples to be the major contributor to the change of conductance. Specifically, the chemical composition drastically changes with a variation of dwelltime resulting in an increase of the metal content by 15 at% for short dwell-times. The relative change of growth rate amounts to less than 25 % and has a negligible influence on conductance. We anticipate the in-situ genetic algorithm optimization procedure to be of high relevance for new developments regarding binary or ternary systems prepared by focused electron or ion beam induced deposition.
Nanofabrication techniques of highly organized monolayers sandwiched between two electrodes for molecular electronics
Authors: Cea Pilar , Ballesteros Luz Marina , Martín Santiago
Published: December 2014

It is expected that molecular electronics, i.e., the use of molecules as critical functional elements in electronic devices, will lead in the near future to an industrial exploitable novel technology, which will open new routes to high value-added electronic products. However, despite the enormous advances in this field several scientific and technological challenges should be surmounted before molecular electronics can be implemented in the market. Among these challenges are the fabrication of reliable, robust and uniform contacts between molecules and electrodes, the deposition of the second (top) contact electrode, and development of assembly strategies for precise placement of molecular materials within device structures. This review covers advances in nanofabrication techniques used for the assembly of monomolecular films onto conducting or semiconducting substrates as well as recent methods developed for the deposition of the top contact electrode highlighting the advantages and limitations of the several approaches used in the literature. This contribution also aims to define areas of outstanding challenges in the nanofabrication of monomolecular layers sandwiched between two electrodes and opportunities for future research and applications.
The structure and optical properties of lead-free transparent KNLTN-La0.01 ceramics prepared by conventional sintering technique
Authors: Yang W. , Xiu H. , Xiong Y. , Wang J. , Yuan C. , Wei J. , Zhou Z.
Published: December 2014

(Na0.52K0.44Li0.04)0.97La0.01Ta0.20Nb0.80O3 (KNLTN-La0.01) lead-free subtransparent ceramics was prepared by a conventional sintering technique. The structure and the optical properties of the ceramics were investigated. The room temperature crystallographic indexing revealed the ABO3 perovskite type, tetragonal phase and P4mm point group in the ceramics. The surface and fractured surface SEM micrographs showed a dense microstructure with few micropores in KNLTN-La0.01 ceramics, which was obviously better than for the pure KNLTN ceramics. The refractive indexes of the films were investigated by an ellipsometer and the results show that the KNLTN-La0.01 subtransparent ceramics reveals significant wavelength dependent dispersion. The refractive index ranges from 2.14 to 2.06 with the wavelength increase from 380 nm to 900 nm. The dispersive behavior was analyzed by three parameters of Cauchy dispersion model and the values of the parameters A, B and C are 2.0610±0.0005, 0.0054±0.0003 and 0.00069±0.00004, respectively.
DBSA doped polypyrrole blended with Poly(4-styrenesulfonic acid) by mechanical mixing
Authors: Jayamurugan P. , Ponnuswamy V. , Ashokan S. , Jayaprakash R. , Ashok N. , Guna K. , Mariappan R.
Published: December 2014

DBSA doped polypyrrole was prepared by In-situ chemical oxidative polymerization method. The reaction temperature was 0 to 20 °C. Different weight percentages of PSS (40 wt.%, 60 wt.% and 80 wt.%) were mechanically blended with a pestle in an agate mortar for 25 minutes by solid state mixing. The investigation of the blend focused on the optical, structural and morphological properties. SEM micrographs indicated that PSS was homogeneously distributed within DBSA doped PPy. FT-IR study confirmed the doped and blended dopants in the composite structure. UV-study revealed the π → π* transition in benzenoid rings of DBSA and presence of PSS. The semi-crystalline nature of the composites improved with increasing the weight percentage of PSS.
Optimization of growth temperature of multi-walled carbon nanotubes fabricated by chemical vapour deposition and their application for arsenic removal
Authors: Mageswari S. , Kalaiselvan S. , Syed Shabudeen P. , Sivakumar N. , Karthikeyan S.
Published: December 2014

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes have been synthesized at different temperatures ranging from 550 °C to 750 °C on silica supported Fe-Mo catalyst by chemical vapour deposition technique using Cymbopogen flexuous oil under nitrogen atmosphere. The as-grown MWNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) and Raman spectral studies. The HRTEM and Raman spectroscopic studies confirmed the evolution of MWNTs with the outer diameter between 20 and 40 nm. The possibility of using as-grown MWNTs as an adsorbent for removal of As (V) ions from drinking water was studied. Adsorption isotherm data were interpreted by the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. Kinetic data were studied using Elovich, pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order equations in order to elucidate the reaction mechanism.
Network model for thermal conductivities of unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites
Authors: Wang Yang , Peng Chaoyi , Zhang Weihua
Published: December 2014

An empirical network model has been developed to predict the in-plane thermal conductivities along arbitrary directions for unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites lamina. Measurements of thermal conductivities along different orientations were carried out. Good agreement was observed between values predicted by the network model and the experimental data; compared with the established analytical models, the newly proposed network model could give values with higher precision. Therefore, this network model is helpful to get a wider and more comprehensive understanding of heat transmission characteristics of fiber-reinforced composites and can be utilized as guidance to design and fabricate laminated composites with specific directional or specific locational thermal conductivities for structures that simultaneously perform mechanical and thermal functions, i.e. multifunctional structures (MFS).
Theoretical prediction of physical parameters of GexSb20−x
Te80 (x = 11, 13, 15, 17, 19) bulk glassy alloys
Authors: Sharma Ishu , Maheshwari Monisha
Published: December 2014

Physical properties of GexSb20−x
Te80 (x = 11, 13, 15, 17, 19) bulk glassy alloys are examined theoretically. Lone pair electrons are calculated using an average coordination number (〈r〉) and the number of valence electrons, and are found to decrease with an addition of Ge. Mean bond energy (〈E〉) is proportional to glass transition temperature (Tg) and shows maxima near the chemical threshold. Cohesive energy of the system is calculated using chemical bond approach. A linear relation is found between cohesive energy, band gap (calculated theoretically and confirmed experimentally) and average heat of atomization. All these parameters are increasing with an increase in Ge content. A relation between average single bond energy and photon energy is discussed. Compactness of the structure is measured from the calculated density of the glass. An attempt is made to discuss the results in terms of structure of the glass or equivalently with average coordination number.
Life Sciences Start-ups in Switzerland: CTI and its Support for Young Entrepreneurs
Authors: Sekanina Klara
Published: December 2014

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2013, perceived opportunities to start a business in Switzerland are high and rank above average compared to other innovation-based countries. 2013 was a record year for start-ups in Switzerland. Around 40,000 new businesses were recorded
in the commercial register and the trend is set to continue. There are two main criteria that lead to success, particularly for science- or technology- based start-ups: first of all, it is the business or product idea itself, and secondly it is the entrepreneurial team. CTI is supporting innovation in a manner that responds to a need in the market identified by industry.
The Future of Emerging Spanish Scientific Communication Journals
Authors: Baladrón Pazos Antonio J. , Correyero Ruiz Beatriz
Published: December 2014

New scientific journals in communication have recently appeared in Spain, particularly within the last five years, and these specialized publications have come to play an increasingly important role in the dissemination of research results. In an effort to understand the future evolution of these journals, the authors used the Delphi technique with a panel of experts composed of communication journal editors. The results give some insight into the main trends of the role that these journals will play, including the measures they will take to be competitive, thereby overcoming their current limitations while enhancing their strengths.
Vehicle Detector Evaluation Based on Concepts of Traceability and Confidence Interval
Authors: Jang Jinhwan , Nakatsuji Takashi
Published: December 2014

Vehicle detectors are essential devices for advanced traffic management and information systems. Hence, the accuracy of traffic data from detectors is fundamentally important. When evaluating detectors, one uses a baseline data source that generates reference data. However, reference data also contain errors and uncertainties, albeit small ones. Nevertheless, little research has been performed to address the errors and uncertainties of reference data. This study proposed a new detector evaluation scheme to resolve that problem. The scheme takes errors and uncertainties of reference data into account for reliable detector evaluation. Moreover, the scheme applies the interval estimation technique, instead of the traditional point estimation, to present detector evaluation results. The suggested scheme was thoroughly verified by using the South Korea detector test bed, a verification that the scheme produced reliable detector evaluation results.
Hybrid Prediction Approach Based on Weekly Similarities of Traffic Flow for Different Temporal Scales
Authors: Tang Jinjun , Wang Hua , Wang Yinhai , Liu Xiaoyue , Liu Fang
Published: December 2014

Traffic flow prediction is considered a key technology of intelligent transportation systems. This paper presents a hybrid model that combines double exponential smoothing (DES) and a support vector machine (SVM) to predict traffic flow patterns on the basis of weekly similarities in traffic flow. First, in the hybrid model, DES is applied to predict the future data, and its smoothing parameters are determined by the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. Second, the SVM is employed to estimate the residual series between the prediction results by the DES model and actual measured data. In the SVM model, the cross-correlation rule is used to optimize its parameters. Third, a case study to test the proposed model with the data at different temporal scales is presented. Furthermore, data-smoothing strategies, including difference and ratio schemes based on weekly similarities, are applied as data processes before prediction. The proposed hybrid model along with the processing scheme demonstrates superiority in prediction accuracy compared with autoregressive integrated moving average, DES, and DES-SVM models.
Process to Determine Locations for Motorcycle Counts
Authors: Middleton Dan , Geedipally Srinivas , Scopatz Robert
Published: December 2014

Increasing rates of motorcyclist fatalities and registrations but decreasing reported vehicle miles traveled (VMT) resulted in suspicions that motorcycle monitoring programs need improvement. Better detection of motorcycles (FHWA Class 1 vehicles) is needed as is guidance on locations to capture representative counts of motorcycles. This study investigated a method to help states determine where to locate sites for motorcycle counts. The research team hoped to find one or more states whose data collection methodology (especially the methods used to identify count sites) could provide an example to guide other states but did not find any. The alternative approach investigated by this research project was the use of motorcycle crashes to determine whether a correlation existed between crash locations and motorcycle counts. Analysis of crashes in four states indicated that locations of motorcycle crashes were reasonably good predictors of where to count motorcycles.
Exploring Bias in Traffic Data Aggregation Resulting from Transition of Traffic States
Authors: Son Sanghoon , Cetin Mecit , Khattak Asad
Published: December 2014

Transportation engineers and researchers heavily use traffic data, which are generally aggregated by predetermined time intervals (e.g., 5 to 15 min). The aggregation process often discards essential information of traffic state transition (e.g., breakdowns). However, the transition of traffic conditions within an aggregation interval is not well understood. This study explored traffic state transition from uncongested to congested regimes that occurred within a predetermined time interval. From two urban freeway locations in Norfolk, Virginia, traffic data archived at 15-min intervals were obtained. A heuristic method based on a Gaussian mixture model was developed to detect the aggregate traffic data that exhibit the transition of traffic states as well as to partition the data statistically into uncongested and congested traffic states. Results show a substantial difference in travel speed (approximately 20 mph) between the two states. In addition, these results illustrate that aggregating these different traffic conditions can cause substantial traffic data aggregation bias by lowering travel speed and flow rates, especially in high traffic flow situations. Finally, new insights into valid traffic data aggregation and speed–flow–concentration relationship development are discussed.
Evaluation of Production, Construction, and Properties of High Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Mixture
Authors: Diefenderfer Stacey , Nair Harikrishnan
Published: December 2014

In 2007, the Virginia Department of Transportation (DOT) introduced specifications to allow reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) percentages of up to 30% in asphalt surface mixtures without a change in the virgin binder grade. Since 2007, increasing material costs and a growing awareness of the quantity of RAP available for use have sparked interest in asphalt mixtures having a higher percentage of RAP. Recently, the Virginia DOT began to consider the feasibility of allowing the use of surface mixtures with RAP contents of up to 45%, and in June 2013 a trial was constructed containing mixtures with 20%, 30%, 40%, and 45% RAP for evaluation. The initial construction and laboratory data (including volumetric, modulus, and flow number results) and a discussion of the lessons learned from this experience are presented. In general, mixtures containing up to 45% RAP can be successfully designed, produced, and constructed if proper procedures are followed and if attention to detail is paid during design, production, and construction. In addition, dynamic modulus and flow number test results indicated that no significant difference in performance should be expected between the mixtures evaluated, despite slight differences in volumetric properties.
Laboratory Performance of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Shingles
Authors: Cooper Samuel B. , Mohammad Louay N. , Elseifi Mostafa A.
Published: December 2014

The use of recycled asphalt shingles (RAS) as a partial replacement for petroleum-based virgin asphalt binder has received considerable attention in recent years. The objective of this study was to conduct a comprehensive laboratory evaluation of asphalt mixtures containing RAS, including stone mastic asphalt. Mixes were designed to meet Superpave® design criteria. A suite of laboratory tests was conducted to capture the mechanistic behavior of the mixtures against major distresses. Laboratory testing evaluated rutting performance, moisture resistance, and fracture resistance of laboratory produced mixtures by using the Hamburg loaded wheel-tracking test, semicircular bending test, and thermal stress restrained specimen tensile strength test. Results of the experimental program indicated that the draft revision of AASHTO PP 53, Standard Practice for Design Considerations When Using Reclaimed Asphalt Shingles (RAS) in New Hot-Mix Asphalt, overestimated the shingle asphalt binder availability factor. In addition, asphalt mixtures containing 5% RAS performed as well as the control asphalt mixture containing no RAS at high, intermediate, and low temperatures. Furthermore, the inclusion of RAS showed an improvement in rutting performance by resulting in a lower rut depth as compared with the control mixture containing no RAS.
Prospective randomized study comparing clinical, functional, and aesthetic results of minipterional and classic pterional craniotomies
Authors: Welling Leonardo C. , Figueiredo Eberval G. , Wen Hung T. , Gomes Marcos Q. T. , Bor-Seng-Shu Edson , Casarolli Cesar , Guirado Vinicius M. P. , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

The object of this study was to compare the clinical, functional, and aesthetic results of 2 surgical techniques, pterional (PT) and minipterional (MPT) craniotomies, for microsurgical clipping of anterior circulation aneurysms.

METHODS

Fifty-eight patients with ruptured and unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms were enrolled into a prospective randomized study. The first group included 28 patients who underwent the MPT technique, and the second group comprised 30 patients who underwent the classic PT craniotomy. To evaluate the aesthetic effects, patients were asked to grade on a rule from 0 to 100 the best and the worst aesthetic result. Photographs were also taken, assessed by 2 independent observers, and classified as showing excellent, good, regular, or poor aesthetic results. Furthermore, quantitative radiological assessment (percentage reduction in thickness and volumetric analysis) of the temporal muscle, subcutaneous tissue, and skin was performed. Functional outcomes were compared using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Frontal facial palsy, postoperative hemorrhage, cerebrospinal fistula, hydrocephalus, and mortality were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Demographic and preoperative characteristics were similar in both groups. Satisfaction in terms of aesthetic result was observed in 19 patients (79%) in the MPT group and 13 (52%) in the PT group (p = 0.07). The mean score on the aesthetic rule was 27 in the MPT group and 45.8 in the PT group (p = 0.03). Two independent observers analyzed the patient photos, and the kappa coefficient for the aesthetic results was 0.73. According to these observers, excellent and good results were seen in 21 patients (87%) in the MPT and 12 (48%) in the PT groups. The degree of temporal muscle, subcutaneous tissue, and skin atrophy was 14.9% in the MPT group and 24.3% in the PT group (p = 0.01). Measurements of the temporal muscle revealed 12.7% atrophy in the MPT group and 22% atrophy in the PT group (p = 0.005). The volumetric reduction was 14.6% in the MPT and 24.5% in the PT groups (p = 0.012). Mortality and mRS score were similar in both groups at the 6-month evaluation (p = 0.99).

CONCLUSIONS

Minipterional craniotomy provides clinical results similar to those of the PT technique. Moreover, it provides better cosmetic results. It can be used safely and effectively to surgically treat aneurysms of the anterior circulation instead of the PT approach.
Effect of preservation of the C-6 spinous process and its paraspinal muscular attachment on the prevention of postoperative axial neck pain in C3–6 laminoplasty
Authors: Mori Eiji , Ueta Takayoshi , Maeda Takeshi , Yugué Itaru , Kawano Osamu , Shiba Keiichiro
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

Axial neck pain after C3–6 laminoplasty has been reported to be significantly lesser than that after C3–7 laminoplasty because of the preservation of the C-7 spinous process and the attachment of nuchal muscles such as the trapezius and rhomboideus minor, which are connected to the scapula. The C-6 spinous process is the second longest spinous process after that of C-7, and it serves as an attachment point for these muscles. The effect of preserving the C-6 spinous process and its muscular attachment, in addition to preservation of the C-7 spinous process, on the prevention of axial neck pain is not well understood. The purpose of the current study was to clarify whether preservation of the paraspinal muscles of the C-6 spinous process reduces postoperative axial neck pain compared to that after using nonpreservation techniques.

METHODS

The authors studied 60 patients who underwent C3–6 double-door laminoplasty for the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy or cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament; the minimum follow-up period was 1 year. Twenty-five patients underwent a C-6 paraspinal muscle preservation technique, and 35 underwent a C-6 nonpreservation technique. A visual analog scale (VAS) and VAS grading (Grades I–IV) were used to assess axial neck pain 1–3 months after surgery and at the final follow-up examination. Axial neck pain was classified as being 1 of 5 types, and its location was divided into 5 areas. The potential correlation between the C-6/C-7 spinous process length ratio and axial neck pain was examined.

RESULTS

The mean VAS scores (± SD) for axial neck pain were comparable between the C6-preservation group and the C6-nonpreservation group in both the early and late postoperative stages (4.1 ± 3.1 vs 4.0 ± 3.2 and 3.8 ± 2.9 vs 3.6 ± 3.0, respectively). The distribution of VAS grades was comparable in the 2 groups in both postoperative stages. Stiffness was the most prevalent complaint in both groups (64.0% and 54.5%, respectively), and the suprascapular region was the most common site in both groups (60.0% and 57.1%, respectively). The types and locations of axial neck pain were also similar between the groups. The C-6/C-7 spinous process length ratios were similar in the groups, and they did not correlate with axial neck pain. The reductions of range of motion and changes in sagittal alignment after surgery were also similar.

CONCLUSIONS

The C-6 paraspinal muscle preservation technique was not superior to the C6-nonpreservation technique for preventing postoperative axial neck pain.
Treatment of pediatric Grade II spinal ependymomas: a population-based study
Authors: Lin Yimo , Jea Andrew , Melkonian Stephanie C. , Lam Sandi
Published: December 2014

OBJECT

Grade II spinal cord ependymomas occurring in pediatric patients are exceptionally rare neoplasms. In this paper the authors use a national cancer database to determine patient demographics, treatment patterns, and associated outcomes of this cohort.

METHODS

The Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database was used to analyze subjects younger than 18 years with histologically confirmed diagnoses of Grade II spinal cord ependymoma from the years 1973 to 2008. Descriptive data on the demographic characteristics of this cohort and the associated treatment patterns are shown. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years.

RESULTS

This cohort comprised 64 pediatric subjects with Grade II spinal ependymoma. The median age was 13 years, nearly half of the patients were male, and most were white (84%). The median follow-up was 9.2 years. Overall survival at 5 and 10 years was 86% and 83%, respectively. Gross-total resection was achieved in 57% of subjects, and radiation therapy was administered to 36%. Radiation therapy was administered to 78% of subjects after subtotal resection but only to 19% of patients after gross-total resection; this difference was significant (p < 0.001). In a multivariate regression model analyzing sex, age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, radiotherapy, and extent of resection, female sex was found to be an independent predictor of decreased mortality (HR 0.15 [95% CI 0.02–0.94], p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

These data show long-term outcomes for pediatric patients with Grade II spinal ependymoma. Radiotherapy was more likely to be administered in cases of subtotal resection than in cases of gross-total resection. Female sex is associated with decreased mortality, while other demographic or treatment modalities are not.
The SUBGLACIOR drilling probe: concept and design
Authors: Alemany O. , Chappellaz J. , Triest J. , Calzas M. , Cattani O. , Chemin J.F. , Desbois Q. , Desbois T. , Duphil R. , Falourd S. , Grilli R. , Guillerme C. , Kerstel E. , Laurent B. , Lefebvre E. , Marrocco N. , Pascual O. , Piard L. , Possenti P. , Romanini D. , Thiebaut V. , Yamani R.
Published: December 2014

In response to the ‘oldest ice’ challenge initiated by the International Partnerships in Ice Core Sciences (IPICS), new rapid-access drilling technologies through glacier ice need to be developed. These will provide the information needed to qualify potential sites on the Antarctic ice sheet where the deepest section could include ice that is >1Ma old and still in good stratigraphic order. Identifying a suitable site will be a prerequisite for deploying a multi-year deep ice-core drilling operation to elucidate the cause and mechanisms of the mid-Pleistocene transition from 40 ka glacial–interglacial cycles to 100 ka cycles. As part of the ICE&LASERS/SUBGLACIOR projects, we have designed an innovative probe, SUBGLACIOR, with the aim of perforating the ice sheet down to the bedrock in a single season and continuously measuring in situ the isotopic composition of the melted water and the methane concentration in trapped gases. Here we present the general concept of the probe, as well as the various technological solutions that we have favored so far to reach this goal.
The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Microvascular Remodeling
Authors: Staiculescu Marius , Foote Christopher , Meininger Gerald , Martinez-Lemus Luis
Published: December 2014

The microcirculation is a portion of the vascular circulatory system that consists of resistance arteries, arterioles, capillaries and venules. It is the place where gases and nutrients are exchanged between blood and tissues. In addition the microcirculation is the major contributor to blood flow resistance and consequently to regulation of blood pressure. Therefore, structural remodeling of this section of the vascular tree has profound implications on cardiovascular pathophysiology. This review is focused on the role that reactive oxygen species (ROS) play on changing the structural characteristics of vessels within the microcirculation. Particular attention is given to the resistance arteries and the functional pathways that are affected by ROS in these vessels and subsequently induce vascular remodeling. The primary sources of ROS in the microcirculation are identified and the effects of ROS on other microcirculatory remodeling phenomena such as rarefaction and collateralization are briefly reviewed.
The Place of RNA in the Origin and Early Evolution of the Genetic Machinery
Authors: Wächtershäuser Günter
Published: December 2014

The extant genetic machinery revolves around three interrelated polymers: RNA, DNA and proteins. Two evolutionary views approach this vital connection from opposite perspectives. The RNA World theory posits that life began in a cold prebiotic broth of monomers with the de novo emergence of replicating RNA as functionally self-contained polymer and that subsequent evolution is characterized by RNA → DNA memory takeover and ribozyme → enzyme catalyst takeover. The FeS World theory posits that life began as an autotrophic metabolism in hot volcanic-hydrothermal fluids and evolved with organic products turning into ligands for transition metal catalysts thereby eliciting feedback and feed-forward effects. In this latter context it is posited that the three polymers of the genetic machinery essentially coevolved from monomers through oligomers to polymers, operating functionally first as ligands for ligand-accelerated transition metal catalysis with later addition of base stacking and base pairing, whereby the functional dichotomy between hereditary DNA with stability on geologic time scales and transient, catalytic RNA with stability on metabolic time scales existed since the dawn of the genetic machinery. Both approaches are assessed comparatively for chemical soundness.
Towards the Fecal Metabolome Derived from Moderate Red Wine Intake
Authors: Jiménez-Girón Ana , Muñoz-González Irene , Martínlvarez Pedro , Moreno-Arribas María , Bartolomé Begoña
Published: December 2014

Dietary polyphenols, including red wine phenolic compounds, are extensively metabolized during their passage through the gastrointestinal tract; and their biological effects at the gut level (i.e., anti-inflammatory activity, microbiota modulation, interaction with cells, among others) seem to be due more to their microbial-derived metabolites rather than to the original forms found in food. In an effort to improve our understanding of the biological effects that phenolic compounds exert at the gut level, this paper summarizes the changes observed in the human fecal metabolome after an intervention study consisting of a daily consumption of 250 mL of wine during four weeks by healthy volunteers (n = 33). It assembles data from two analytical approaches: (1) UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of phenolic metabolites in fecal solutions (targeted analysis); and (2) UHPLC-TOF MS analysis of the fecal solutions (non-targeted analysis). Both approaches revealed statistically-significant changes in the concentration of several metabolites as a consequence of the wine intake. Similarity and complementarity between targeted and non-targeted approaches in the analysis of the fecal metabolome are discussed. Both strategies allowed the definition of a complex metabolic profile derived from wine intake. Likewise, the identification of endogenous markers could lead to new hypotheses to unravel the relationship between moderate wine consumption and the metabolic functionality of gut microbiota.
Effects of Platycodin D on Proliferation, Apoptosis and PI3K/Akt Signal Pathway of Human Glioma U251 Cells
Authors: Xu Chong , Sun Guibo , Yuan Guangxin , Wang Rui , Sun Xiaobo
Published: December 2014

Effects of platycodin D (PD) on the proliferation, apoptosis and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway of human glioma U251 cells were investigated. Glioma U251 cells were treated with PD at final concentrations of 0, 16.3, 40.8, 81.6, 163.2 μM, and inhibition rate, early and late apoptotic rate, apoptotic index, expression of apoptosis-related proteins and phosphorylation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were evaluated. The results showed that compared with the control group, PD could increase the proliferation inhibition rate of U251 cells in a dose- and time -dependent manner; PD could also elevate the early and late apoptotic rate, apoptotic index and the level of pro-apoptotic proteins of glioma U251 cells, such as Bax and cleaved caspase-3, but lower the level of apoptosis inhibitory protein, such as Bcl-2; PD could increase the ratio of G0/G1 phase U251 cells, and lower the proportion of Sphase U251 cells and the ratio of G2/M phase U251 cells; PD could reduce the ratio of p-Akt/Akt. The results indicate that PD can inhibit the proliferation, induce the apoptosis and cause the cell cycle arrest in human glioma U251 cells, which may be related to the inhibition of PD on the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Environmental Sustainability of the Alumina Industry in Western Europe
Authors: Dentoni Valentina , Grosso Battista , Massacci Giorgio
Published: December 2014

The implementation of European policies on environmental protection is enforcing some substantial modifications in the processing methods and technologies traditionally adopted in the alumina industry and, in particular, in the management of the alumina residue produced. The article analyses the evolution of the alumina production and the residue disposal practices in Western Europe. Some critical aspects regarding the legal implementation of the EU Directive on the landfill of waste are highlighted and discussed. With reference to the requirements established for the landfill of non-hazardous waste, a key point is represented by the possibility of reducing the deposit protection measures if the collection and treatment of leachate is not necessary. The flexibility introduced by the Directive is not incorporated into the Italian law; this fact may represent a major issue in the prospect of disposal conversion from wet to dry methods for companies operating in Italy, as it may endanger the economic sustainability of the plants’ upgrade, as well as the opportunity to attract outside investments.