bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hernani Viaduct over the Urumea River. A cable stayed bridge for the high speed railway
Authors: Merino Emilio , Sacristán Miguel
Published: December 2014

Hernani Viaduct is a 1226 long viaduct with two cable stayed spans of 120 m and 67.7 m. It will become the first cable stayed bridge for HSR (High Speed Railway) in Spain. Construction started in 2013 and will be finished by the end of 2015.

Hernani Viaduct is part of the access railway line to San Sebastian in the North of Spain. This 1226 m long viaduct runs parallel to the Urumea River, crossing it three times with increasing spans (39,

67.7 and 120 m) due to skew angle. Structure depth is limited by 500 year return period flood water level to 1.10 m below railway platform. This depth restriction forces us to adopt singular U shaped deck section and to add cable stayed superstructure for the 67.7 and 120 m spans. Construction is carried out using falsework. Temporary piers are placed every 30 m in the main spans and removed after cable stayed tensioning.
Viaduct over Genil River. Granada External Bypass
Authors: Ramos Óscar Ramón , Ortega Guillermo , Pantaleón Marcos J.
Published: December 2014

The viaduct over the Genil River is a road bridge built as part of the Albolote-Santa Fe Segment (Granada) of the A44 Highway in Sierra Nevada. It consists of three spans 15 m + 80 m + 15 m long making a total length of 110 m. Three concrete tied arches are placed in the main span. The central arch, with a sag of 16,6 m, remains in a vertical position while the lateral arches at both sides are sloped towards the inside of the deck, 10 degrees with respect to the vertical. The superstructure is 41,20 m wide and consists of three longitudinal prestressed concrete beams. The exterior beams consist of a solid section 1,30 m deep while the interior beam consists of a box girder 1,50 m deep. The reinforced concrete slab is supported by transversal prestressed girders. The viaduct is placed in high risk seismic zone, being the acceleration 0,33 g.
The Memaliaj Bridge
Authors: Stathopoulos Kyriakos , Thanopoulos Pavlos , Spyropoulos Ioannis , Stathopoulos Evangelos , Farros Dimitrios , Stathopoulos Stamatios
Published: December 2014

The new Memaliaj Bridge over the Vjosa River in Southern Albania, with a total length of 123,20m, consists of a continuous, seismically isolated, three-span deck. Due to hydraulic reasons, the central span over the river should be at least 75m long, while the structure had to be economical, easily and rapidly constructible. Thus, the deck is formed by a cast in-situ prestressed concrete box girder, except the 56m of the 76m long central span, which consist of a steel-concrete composite deck, fixed to the concrete part by prestressed tendons and bars. The steel structure was assembled in-situ and erected in five segments, which were put in place by cranes, using the free cantilever method. The application of a composite deck at the central span led to a significant mitigation of the bridge’s self weight and a huge reduction of its construction time.
Construction of the Las Vegas High Roller Observation Wheel
Authors: Schwarz Daniel , Callaghan John , Greco Nicola , Smith Rob , Crowther Adrian
Published: December 2014

The Vegas High Roller is the world’s tallest observation wheel, with a maximum height above ground of 167,6m. It also is the largest, based upon passenger numbers, being able to carry 28 cabins of 40 people – 1120 in total. The paper describes the design considerations for transportation and a detailed discussion of the erection procedure. The paper should be read with the companion papers [1] and [2]
Structural design of hospitals in areas of high seismicity: projects in Chile and Nicaragua
Authors: Garcia David , de Prado Jorge , de la Cal Manuel , Gomez Javier , Bernabeu Alejandro
Published: December 2014

Hospitals are critically important buildings in case of a seism, and are therefore subject to specific structural criteria and requirements. The recent and simultaneous development of three hospitals in Chile and Nicaragua represents an excellent opportunity to apply and to assess structural design of these especially critical buildings in areas of high seismicity.

The paper presents several key aspects of the structural design of hospitals in high seismicity areas, considering both requirements and criteria related to hospitals vulnerability and seismic regulations, and the analysis undertaken and the structural performance of the different projects.

The purpose is to identify the main design criteria and recommended structural configurations related to the seismic performance of the structure in hospitals.
London 2012 Olympic Stadium Transformation: Part 1: Engineering developments for Legacy
Authors: Mccormick Fergus , Birchall Matthew
Published: December 2014

The London 2012 Olympic Stadium was a popular success. This prompted a reappraisal of Legacy plans which had involved deconstruction to a smaller venue and a brief evolved for exploration of ideas for transforming the venue into a multi-purpose stadium. Key was to extend the roof to provide full rain protection for spectators for winter sports like football as the original partial roof had been designed for wind control at track and field level accepting the high likelihood of dry summer days during the Olympics – which were realised. The engineering challenge was to convert an existing cable net of 24000m2 to one of 38000m2, approximately 58% increase, and the paper concentrates on this.

The creative solutions proposed form an interesting paper in ist own right, but also as a prelude to the second companion paper which describes in more detail the final solution adopted (see Ref 1).
Envelopes: Structures at the boundary
Authors: Roiz Adrian , Garcia Del Valle Matias
Published: December 2014

New technological boundaries have brought about a new envelope design paradigm. Modern digital tools and fabrication techniques are making possible more complex shapes and larger scales. In response, the structural engineering has to evolve into façade engineering, a new and distinct field.
Complete Structural Protection of the World's Largest Cable Stayed Bridge
Authors: Paroli Luca
Published: December 2014

With a main span of 1104m, the Russkij Bridge in Vladivostok posed as a landmark for the Asia- Pacific Economic Summit held at Russkij Island in 2012. The structural protection was tailored to fit the peculiar exigencies of the structure (the world’s longest cable stayed bridge), subject to extreme seismic and weather conditions. Additionally, the construction phase brought about a further challenge due to wind-induced vibrations occurring when the bridge cantilevers were not yet connected and 25MN longitudinal force was transmitted over a bolted temporary locking system.
Philarmonie de Paris: steel structure design in a complex-geometry building
Authors: Gonzalez Romina , Garcia David , Dominguez Leonardo , Garcia Gonzalo , López Jorge , Bernabeu Alejandro
Published: December 2014

“Philarmonie de Paris” is an important project centred in a 2,400-seat concert hall. The building presents a very complex-geometry, both externally and internally, and its structure design, combining reinforced concrete and steel structure, has had to adapt, considering several systems and elements of great singularity and complexity.

The paper focuses on the main structural singularities and complexities regarding the steel structure design of the building. In particular: Singular connection design and analysis with unusual geometries and configurations; Erection process of the “Ecran”, a singular piece with a central span of 60 meters and a cantilever of 25 meters; Dynamic performance of the structure and supervision through dynamic load tests.
San Benito Viaduct
Authors: Ramos Óscar Ramón , Ortega Guillermo , Martínez José M.
Published: December 2014

The San Benito Viaduct is a railway bridge over the Lérez River. It is in the Pontevedra – Cerponzons Section in the High Speed Atlantic Corridor, located near the city of Pontevedra, in the Northwest of Spain. The bridge is 171 m long and it consists of 3 spans: 57 m + 84 m + 30 m. It is a hyperstatic post-tensioned concrete structure: The superstructure is a variable depth single cell box girder, with a total width of 14,0 m. First, the side spans were built by means of a full shoring. After that, the central span, over the Lérez River, was erected using a segmental cantilever construction method, with cast in place segments, by means of a form traveller. Due to the presence of a tunnel following the viaduct, the last span is only 30 m long. Because of that the bearings in the abutment 2 were properly anchored to avoid uplift.
Thrust line analysis of historic bridges in Madrid Region
Authors: Mencías David , Calle Alejandro
Published: December 2014

Historic bridges have been a matter of interest for many researchers and institutions, and are deaply studied from some points of view but seldom by structural analysis. Through the use of well-known simple but effective geometric principles we will present the analysis of a historic masonry bridges from the Madrid Region, as a methodology example. This structural information, besides the fact it has an interest of its own, can provide important guidelines for the conservation of historical heritage. As the structural behaviour of arches is related to geometry, the knowledge of maximum and minimum thrust is a powerful tool to check the stability of an arched structure through simple in situ measurements such as distance between imposts, rise or abutments dimensions. As a conclusion we will propose the inclusion of structural data in patrimony catalog in order to facilitate maintenance by supplying some guidelines about how surveys should be conducted in every case.
Design of a High Speed Rail Arch Bridge over the Alcántara Reservoir (Spain)
Authors: Capellán Guillermo , Beade Hector , Jose Arenas Juan , Meana Ignacio , García Pascual
Published: December 2014

The Almonte River arch bridge over the Alcántara Reservoir, which is part of the Madrid- Portuguese Border High Speed Rail (HSR) link, is a challenge for bridge design, engineering and construction. Its 384-m main span will make this major project become the largest HSR arch in the world and the largest railway bridge in Spain. With the aim of giving response from the design stage to the specific problems of a HSR crossing with large span and length, a formally and structurally innovative design has been used: the arch, linked to the deck at the crown, has an octagonal section with variable depth and width in its central 210 m, from where it splits itself into two legs with irregular hexagonal section until its springings. The design joins together structural efficiency, out-of-plane stability (as HSR horizontal deflection limits require), improved response to wind loads (as exhaustive wind tunnel tests have proved), transparency, aesthetics and durability.
Life Cycle Costs - Any Use?
Authors: Jensen Jakob Laigaard
Published: December 2014

Jakob Laigaard, born 1961, received his civil engineering degree and Ph.D. from Aalborg University, Denmark Later he also received a Bachelor in Business Administration. He works for COWI but has previously also worked for the contractor Fugro Structural Monitoring and railway infrastructure manager Railnet Denmark His main areas of work is operation and maintenance of large bridges and development of railway

Nowadays, life cycle costs assessment is frequently carried out for all major bridge and tunnels at some stage of their service life based on net present values, an interest rate and data regarding construction costs and operation and maintenance costs. This is considered as part of an overall assessment in parallel with other important issues such as risk assessment, environmental assessment, traffic impact assessment and so forth.

Such assessment may be carried out as part of feasibility studies to find the most cost-efficient solution, as part of detailed design to determine an in-service budget for the owner, as part of the tender to evaluate the most attractive bid proposal, or as part of the operation to evaluate the optimum operation and maintenance strategy.

The paper looks into such applications of life cycle assessment and considers the strength and weaknesses in each application together assumptions, which should be used as basis for carrying out such an assessment. Particular, it is well know that the operation and maintenance scenario for a service life may turn out very differently from expected. It will depend on construction deficiencies, operation and maintenance organization as well as the chosen inspection and maintenance strategy. These aspects should be taken into account, when providing a life cycle cost assessment.

Similarly, it is also clear that the applied unit prices and quantities for operation, inspection and maintenance may be associated with significant uncertain as well as bias. Natural this leads to the question on how detailed life cycle assessment should be carried out when considering the inherent uncertainties. Throughout this principle discussion, a number of examples are given for a number of major bridges and tunnels to illustrate the opportunities but also the limitations of life cycle assessment.
Noncontact NDE technique for Main Cables of Suspension Bridges integrating Direct Current Magnetization with a Searching Coil-based Total Flux Measurement
Authors: Kim Ju-Won , Park Seunghee , Moon Dae-Joong
Published: December 2014

 Current inspection methods for main cables of suspension bridges are mainly carried out by visually inspecting the exterior covering of the cable periodically. In spite of necessity of non-destructive examination (NDE) to detect the inner cross-sectional damage of the main cable, a suitable NDE technique for the main cable has not been existed due to its large diameter. In this study, a cross- sectional loss monitoring system that can detect the external and internal damages of main cables has been developed for the safety of long span bridges in future city This main cable NDE technique was based on the direct current (DC) magnetization technique and a searching coil-based total flux measurement. A total flux sensor head prototype was fabricated that was consisted by a magnetization part to magnetize the specimen and a sensing part to measure the total magnetic flux. The magnetic field for magnetizing the main cable was generated by applying the low frequency DC voltage to the winded coil. The sensing part was configured by two semi-circular search coils, and it measures the electromotive force that pass through the search coil by using the faraday’s law of induction. Total flux was calculated by integrating the measured magnetic flux. Then, B-H curve was extracted using the total flux, and cross-sectional loss can be detected using variation of features from the B-H curve.
Evaluating Structural Steel for Reuse through Field Monitoring
Authors: McConnell Jennifer , Schumacher Thomas , Thostenson Erik T. , Wennick Tayler , Keller Philipp
Published: December 2014

 While reuse of structural steel would greatly reduce the environmental impact associated with civil construction, this practice is rare. The research described in this paper is aimed at addressing one of the primary reasons for this: uncertainty regarding the structural integrity of reused members.

 Specifically, in addition to providing an overview of the environmental benefits of reusing structural steel, this paper will review the components of a wireless instrumentation plan of a steel- framed building, which includes traditional strain gauges as well as innovative carbon nanotube- based sensing skins with the intended capability of recording the full strain history of a member from its arrival at the construction site through a significant portion of its service life. The design of the instrumentation plan is motivated by the premise that the greatest concerns regarding future structural integrity in a reuse application are during construction and in the vicinity of connections.
The Philosophy behind the North American Railway Fatigue Life Recommendations for steel bridge evaluation
Authors: Sweeney Robert A. P.
Published: December 2014

As a result of some unexpected fatigue induced failures, it became necessary to develop a way to predict when such failures might occur and then to prioritize structures for repair, retrofit or replacement. In addition, the methodology should enable the estimation of needed future budgets to ensure long term uninterrupted railway service.
Medical marijuana for cancer
Authors: Kramer Joan L.
Published: December 2014

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Marijuana has been used for centuries, and interest in its medicinal properties has been increasing in recent years. Investigations into these medicinal properties has led to the development of cannabinoid pharmaceuticals such as dronabinol, nabilone, and nabiximols. Dronabinol is best studied in the treatment of nausea secondary to cancer chemotherapy and anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for those indications. Nabilone has been best studied for the treatment of nausea secondary to cancer chemotherapy. There are also limited studies of these drugs for other conditions. Nabiximols is only available in the United States through clinical trials, but is used in Canada and the United Kingdom for the treatment of spasticity secondary to multiple sclerosis and pain. Studies of marijuana have concentrated on nausea, appetite, and pain. This article will review the literature regarding the medical use of marijuana and these cannabinoid pharmaceuticals (with emphasis on indications relevant to oncology), as well as available information regarding adverse effects of marijuana use. CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65: 109–122. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
Optimizing Power Heterogeneous Functional Units for Dynamic and Static Power Reduction
Authors: Sato Toshinori , Shibata Yoshimi
Published: December 2014

Power consumption is the major constraint for modern microprocessor designs. In particular, static power consumption becomes a serious problem as the transistor size shrinks via semiconductor technology improvement. This paper proposes a technique that reduces the static power consumed by functional units. It exploits the activity rate of functional units and utilizes the power heterogeneous functional units. From detailed simulations, we investigate the conditions in which the proposed technique works effectively for simultaneous dynamic and static power reduction and find that we can reduce the total power by 11.2% if two out of four leaky functional units are replaced by leakless ones in the situation where the static power occupies half of the total power.
International Diffusion of Renewable Energy Innovations: Lessons from the Lead Markets for Wind Power in China, Germany and USA
Authors: Lacerda Juliana , Van den Bergh Jeroen
Published: December 2014

The international diffusion of environmental innovations is getting increasing attention as an opportunity to improve competitiveness. Especially in the energy sector, countries use policy support to this end. A recent goal in this context is the formation of “lead markets”, which represents the idea that countries can build up first-mover advantages that will increase their competitiveness. Taking the lead in international diffusion of a particular innovation benefits a country’s industry through creating increasing returns of technological development and stimulating exports to expanding international markets. Interaction between national and international forces affecting renewable energy innovation and its diffusion has received fairly little attention so far. Here, we investigate the formation of lead markets for wind power technologies in China, Germany and the USA to see whether policy support of renewable energy innovation is capable of improving competitiveness. An extension of the current lead market framework is developed to include supply side factors and technology policy issues. The comparative analysis of lead market potential for wind power indicates a high level of internationalization of the industry with countries holding lead positions in specific parts the supply chain. Competitive advantages were built upon policy support but tended to shift among countries.
Associations of NR5A2 Gene Polymorphisms with the Clinicopathological Characteristics and Survival of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xunlei , Gu Dongying , Du Mulong , Wang Meilin , Cao Chunxiang , Shen Lili , Kuang Meng , Tan Yongfei , Huo Xinying , Gong Weida , Xu Zhi , Chen Jinfei , Zhang Zhengdong , Tang Cuiju
Published: December 2014

The orphan nuclear receptor (NR5A2), which belongs to the NR5A subfamily of nuclear receptors, is expressed in developing and adult tissues of endodermal origin, and can contribute to the development of several cancers through regulating cell proliferation. NR5A2 (rs3790843 and rs3790844) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyping were examined in DNA samples, extracted from paraffin-embedded cancer tissue. Clinicopathologic and follow-up data were collected from 944 patients with gastric cancer (GC). Associations of the 2 SNPs with the progression and prognosis in gastric cancer patients were analyzed using the SPSS version 18.0. We found that NR5A2 rs3790843 polymorphism was significantly associated with the risk of GC which had regional lymph node metastasis (p = 0.044) or distant metastasis (p = 0.020). Our results also indicated that rs3790844 polymorphism was associated with the increased overall survival (OS) of GC patients in the dominant model (GG vs. GA/AA, HR (hazard ratio) = 0.823, 95% CI (confidence interval) = 0.679–0.997), suggesting a potential protective role of the variant A allele. Additionally, in the stratified analysis, both NR5A2 rs3790843 and rs3790844 polymorphism were associated with significantly lower risk of death in the groups of female, tumor size >5 cm in a dominant model. Our results represent the first demonstration that the NR5A2 rs3790844 polymorphism is associated with increased OS of GC patients in the dominant model, and similar results were found among the female group and tumor size >5 cm group for NR5A2 rs3790843 polymorphism. Further validation in other larger studies with different ethnic populations and functional evaluations are needed.
Numerical Investigation of Pileup Process in Metal Microdroplet Deposition Manufacture
Authors: Du Jun , Wei Zhengying , Chen Zhen , Li Suli , Tang Yiping
Published: December 2014

This paper presents a systematic numerical investigation of the transient transport phenomenon during the pileup of molten metal droplets on the substrate. The physical mechanisms of the pileup process, including the bulk liquid, capillarity effects at the liquid-solid interface, heat transfer, and solidification, are identified and quantified numerically. The droplet diameter is 100 μm, and the impact velocities are 1–3 m/s. These conditions correspond to Re = O(100), We = O(1). The initial substrate temperature is 350 K. The initial droplet temperature of aluminum alloy molten droplets is 960 K. The numerical models are validated with experiments. The comparison between numerical simulations and experimental findings shows a good agreement. The effects of impacting velocity and relative distances between two successive molten droplets on the end-shapes of impact regime are examined. This investigation is essential to implement effective process control in metal microdroplet deposition manufacture.
Expanding Current Knowledge on the Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of the Genus Lactarius
Authors: Vieira Vanessa , Barros Lillian , Martins Anabela , Ferreira Isabel
Published: December 2014

Despite the presence of toxic compounds in inedible mushrooms, the question whether the chemical nutrients and non-nutrients compositions in edible and inedible Lactarius species are similar remains unanswered. To answer this question, Lactarius citriolens Pouzar and Lactarius turpis (Weinm.) Fr., two inedible species, were studied in order to obtain information about their chemical composition and bioactivity. Free sugars, fatty acids, tocopherols, organic and phenolic acids were analysed by chromatographic techniques coupled to different detectors. L. citriolens and L. turpis methanolic extracts were tested regarding antioxidant potential (reducing power, radical scavenging activity and lipid peroxidation inhibition). The composition of macronutrients varied among the two species, but the profiles were similar between them and among other Lactarius species; L. citriolens gave the highest energy contribution, saturated fatty acids and organic acids, while the L. turpis sample was richer in free sugars, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols and phenolic compounds. L. turpis methanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activity. The absence of hepatoxicity of the methanolic extracts was confirmed in porcine liver primary cells (in vitro conditions). The present study provided new information about wild L. citriolens and L. turpis, comparing their chemical composition and antioxidant properties with other Lactarius species, and expanding the knowledge about this genus.
Editorial: Special Issue — Enzyme Immobilization
Authors: Fernandez-Lafuente Roberto
Published: December 2014

Immobilization of enzymes and proteins is a requirement for many industrial enzyme applications, as this facilitates enzyme recovery and reuse. Bearing in mind this necessity, the coupling of immobilization to the improvement of other enzyme features has been pursued by many researchers, and nowadays immobilization is recognized as a tool to improve not only stability, but also enzyme selectivity, specificity, resistance to inhibition or chemical modifiers, etc. To achieve these overall improvements of enzymes’ properties via immobilization, it is necessary to both develop new immobilization systems suitable for these purposes, and to achieve a deeper knowledge of the mechanisms of interaction between enzymes and activated solids. That way, immobilization of enzymes, far being an old-fashioned methodology to just reuse these expensive biocatalysts, is a tool of continuous interest that requires a continuous effort to be exploited in all its potential. This special issue collects 23 papers reporting advances in the field of immobilization of enzymes.[...]
Application of Coenzyme Q10 for Accelerating Soft Tissue Wound Healing after Tooth Extraction in Rats
Authors: Yoneda Toshiki , Tomofuji Takaaki , Kawabata Yuya , Ekuni Daisuke , Azuma Tetsuji , Kataoka Kota , Kunitomo Muneyoshi , Morita Manabu
Published: December 2014

Accelerating wound healing after tooth extraction is beneficial in dental treatment. Application of antioxidants, such as reduced coenzyme Q10 (rCoQ10), may promote wound healing after tooth extraction. In this study, we examined the effects of topical application of rCoQ10 on wound healing after tooth extraction in rats. After maxillary first molars were extracted, male Fischer 344 rats (8 weeks old) (n = 27) received topical application of ointment containing 5% rCoQ10 (experimental group) or control ointment (control group) to the sockets for 3 or 8 days (n = 6–7/group). At 3 days after extraction, the experimental group showed higher collagen density and lower numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the upper part of socket, as compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Gene expression of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α and nuclear factor-κB were also lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). At 8 days after tooth extraction, there were no significant differences in collagen density, number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and bone fill between the groups. Our results suggest that topical application of rCoQ10 promotes wound healing in the soft tissue of the alveolar socket, but that rCoQ10 has a limited effect on bone remodeling in rats.
Correction: Bougma, K., et al. Iodine and Mental Development of Children 5 Years Old and Under: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2013, 5, 1384–1416
Authors: Bougma Karim , Aboud Frances , Harding Kimberly , Marquis Grace
Published: December 2014

We have found an inadvertent error in our paper published in Nutrients [1]. One standard error was not converted into standard deviation and this affected the following effect sizes and intelligence quotient (IQ):[...]
Mapping Forest Height in Alaska Using GLAS, Landsat Composites, and Airborne LiDAR
Authors: Peterson Birgit , Nelson Kurtis
Published: December 2014

Vegetation structure, including forest canopy height, is an important input variable to fire behavior modeling systems for simulating wildfire behavior. As such, forest canopy height is one of a nationwide suite of products generated by the LANDFIRE program. In the past, LANDFIRE has relied on a combination of field observations and Landsat imagery to develop existing vegetation structure products. The paucity of field data in the remote Alaskan forests has led to a very simple forest canopy height classification for the original LANDFIRE forest height map. To better meet the needs of data users and refine the map legend, LANDFIRE incorporated ICESat Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) data into the updating process when developing the LANDFIRE 2010 product. The high latitude of this region enabled dense coverage of discrete GLAS samples, from which forest height was calculated. Different methods for deriving height from the GLAS waveform data were applied, including an attempt to correct for slope. These methods were then evaluated and integrated into the final map according to predefined criteria. The resulting map of forest canopy height includes more height classes than the original map, thereby better depicting the heterogeneity of the landscape, and provides seamless data for fire behavior analysts and other users of LANDFIRE data.
Mobile Phone Middleware Architecture for Energy and Context Awareness in Location-Based Services
Authors: Galeana-Zapién Hiram , Torres-Huitzil César , Rubio-Loyola Javier
Published: December 2014

The disruptive innovation of smartphone technology has enabled the development of mobile sensing applications leveraged on specialized sensors embedded in the device. These novel mobile phone applications rely on advanced sensor information processes, which mainly involve raw data acquisition, feature extraction, data interpretation and transmission. However, the continuous accessing of sensing resources to acquire sensor data in smartphones is still very expensive in terms of energy, particularly due to the periodic use of power-intensive sensors, such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The key underlying idea to design energy-efficient schemes is to control the duty cycle of the GPS receiver. However, adapting the sensing rate based on dynamic context changes through a flexible middleware has received little attention in the literature. In this paper, we propose a novel modular middleware architecture and runtime environment to directly interface with application programming interfaces (APIs) and embedded sensors in order to manage the duty cycle process based on energy and context aspects. The proposed solution has been implemented in the Android software stack. It allows continuous location tracking in a timely manner and in a transparent way to the user. It also enables the deployment of sensing policies to appropriately control the sampling rate based on both energy and perceived context. We validate the proposed solution taking into account a reference location-based service (LBS) architecture. A cloud-based storage service along with online mobility analysis tools have been used to store and access sensed data. Experimental measurements demonstrate the feasibility and efficiency of our middleware, in terms of energy and location resolution.
Deployment-Based Lifetime Optimization Model for Homogeneous Wireless Sensor Network under Retransmission
Authors: Li Ruiying , Liu Xiaoxi , Xie Wei , Huang Ning
Published: December 2014

Sensor-deployment-based lifetime optimization is one of the most effective methods used to prolong the lifetime of Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) by reducing the distance-sensitive energy consumption. In this paper, data retransmission, a major consumption factor that is usually neglected in the previous work, is considered. For a homogeneous WSN, monitoring a circular target area with a centered base station, a sensor deployment model based on regular hexagonal grids is analyzed. To maximize the WSN lifetime, optimization models for both uniform and non-uniform deployment schemes are proposed by constraining on coverage, connectivity and success transmission rate. Based on the data transmission analysis in a data gathering cycle, the WSN lifetime in the model can be obtained through quantifying the energy consumption at each sensor location. The results of case studies show that it is meaningful to consider data retransmission in the lifetime optimization. In particular, our investigations indicate that, with the same lifetime requirement, the number of sensors needed in a non-uniform topology is much less than that in a uniform one. Finally, compared with a random scheme, simulation results further verify the advantage of our deployment model.
Freshness-Preserving Non-Interactive Hierarchical Key Agreement Protocol over WHMS
Authors: Kim Hyunsung
Published: December 2014

The digitization of patient health information (PHI) for wireless health monitoring systems (WHMSs) has brought many benefits and challenges for both patients and physicians. However, security, privacy and robustness have remained important challenges for WHMSs. Since the patient’s PHI is sensitive and the communication channel, i.e., the Internet, is insecure, it is important to protect them against unauthorized entities, i.e., attackers. Otherwise, failure to do so will not only lead to the compromise of a patient’s privacy, but will also put his/her life at risk. This paper proposes a freshness-preserving non-interactive hierarchical key agreement protocol (FNKAP) for WHMSs. The FNKAP is based on the concept of the non-interactive identity-based key agreement for communication efficiency. It achieves patient anonymity between a patient and physician, session key secrecy and resistance against various security attacks, especially including replay attacks.
A Bio-Hybrid Tactile Sensor Incorporating Living Artificial Skin and an Impedance Sensing Array
Authors: Cheneler David , Buselli Elisa , Camboni Domenico , Anthony Carl , Grover Liam , Adams Michael , Oddo Calogero
Published: December 2014

The development of a bio-hybrid tactile sensor array that incorporates a skin analogue comprised of alginate encapsulated fibroblasts is described. The electrical properties are modulated by mechanical stress induced during contact, and changes are detected by a ten-channel dual-electrode impedance sensing array. By continuously monitoring the impedance of the sensor array at a fixed frequency, whilst normal and tangential loads are applied to the skin surface, transient mechanotransduction has been observed. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the preliminary prototype bio-hybrid tactile sensor.
Effects of Hydrogen Peroxide and Ultrasound on Biomass Reduction and Toxin Release in the Cyanobacterium, Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Lürling Miquel , Meng Debin , Faassen Elisabeth
Published: December 2014

Cyanobacterial blooms are expected to increase, and the toxins they produce threaten human health and impair ecosystem services. The reduction of the nutrient load of surface waters is the preferred way to prevent these blooms; however, this is not always feasible. Quick curative measures are therefore preferred in some cases. Two of these proposed measures, peroxide and ultrasound, were tested for their efficiency in reducing cyanobacterial biomass and potential release of cyanotoxins. Hereto, laboratory assays with a microcystin (MC)-producing cyanobacterium (Microcystis aeruginosa) were conducted. Peroxide effectively reduced M. aeruginosa biomass when dosed at 4 or 8 mg L−1, but not at 1 and 2 mg L−1. Peroxide dosed at 4 or 8 mg L−1 lowered total MC concentrations by 23%, yet led to a significant release of MCs into the water. Dissolved MC concentrations were nine-times (4 mg L−1) and 12-times (8 mg L−1 H2O2) higher than in the control. Cell lysis moreover increased the proportion of the dissolved hydrophobic variants, MC-LW and MC-LF (where L = Leucine, W = tryptophan, F = phenylalanine). Ultrasound treatment with commercial transducers sold for clearing ponds and lakes only caused minimal growth inhibition and some release of MCs into the water. Commercial ultrasound transducers are therefore ineffective at controlling cyanobacteria.
Health System Costs for Stage-Specific Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Approach
Authors: Mittmann N. , Porter J.M. , Rangrej J. , Seung S.J. , Liu N. , Saskin R. , Cheung M.C. , Leighl N.B. , Hoch J.S. , Trudeau M. , Evans W.K. , Dainty K.N. , DeAngelis C. , Earle C.C.
Published: December 2014

Objective: The objective of the present analysis was to determine the publicly funded health care costs associated with the care of breast cancer (BCa) patients by disease stage. Methods: Incident cases of female invasive BCa (2005–2009) were extracted from the Ontario Cancer Registry and linked to administrative datasets from the publicly funded system. The type and use of health care services were stratified by disease stage over the first 2 years after diagnosis. Mean costs and costs by type of clinical resource used in the care of BCa patients were compared with costs for a matched control group. The attributable cost for the 2-year time horizon was determined in 2008 Canadian dollars. Results: This cohort study involved 39,655 patients with BCa and 190,520 control subjects. The average age in those groups was 61.1 and 60.9 years respectively. Most BCa patients were classified as either stage I (34.4%) or stage II (31.8%). Of the BCa cohort, 8% died within the first 2 years after diagnosis. The overall mean cost per BCa case from a public payer perspective in the first 2 years after diagnosis was $41,686. Over the 2-year time horizon, the mean cost increased by stage: I, $29,938; II, $46,893; III, $65,369; and IV, $66,627. The attributable cost of BCa was $31,732. Cost drivers were cancer clinic visits, physician billings, and hospitalizations. Conclusions: Costs of care increased by stage of BCa. Cost drivers were cancer clinic visits, physician billings, and hospitalizations. These data will assist planning and decision-making for the use of limited health care resources.
Strategies of Sequential Therapies in Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Asmis T. , Berry S. , Cosby R. , Chan K. , Coburn N. , Rother M.
Published: December 2014

Background: Before the emergence of first-line combination chemotherapy, the standard of care for unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) was first-line monotherapy with modulated 5-fluorouracil. Several large phase III randomized controlled trials, now completed, have assessed whether a planned sequential chemotherapy strategy—beginning with fluoropyrimidine monotherapy until treatment failure, followed by another regimen (either monotherapy or combination chemotherapy) until treatment failure—could result in the same survival benefit produced with an upfront combination chemotherapy strategy, but with less toxicity for patients. Methods: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, and abstracts from meetings of the American Society for Clinical Oncology and the European Society for Medical Oncology, were searched for reports comparing a sequential strategy of chemotherapy with an upfront combination chemotherapy in adult patients with mcrc. Publications that reported efficacy or toxicity data (or both) were included. Results: The five eligible trials that were identified included 4532 patients. A meta-analysis of those trials demonstrates a statistically significant survival advantage for combination chemotherapy (hazard ratio: 0.92; 95% confidence interval: 0.86 to 0.99). However, the median survival advantage (3–6 weeks in most trials) is small and of questionable clinical significance. Three trials reported first-line toxicities. Upfront combination chemotherapy results in significantly more neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and sensory neuropathy. Sequential chemotherapy results in significantly more hand–foot syndrome. Conclusions: Given the small survival advantage associated with upfront combination chemotherapy, planned sequential chemotherapy and upfront combination chemotherapy can both be considered treatment strategies. Treatment should be chosen on an individual basis considering patient and tumour characteristics, toxicity of each strategy, and patient preference.
Need to Minimize Bias When Surveying Patient Attitudes to Stopping cml Treatment
Authors: Villemagne–Sanchez Lucia A. , Ross David M. , Schofield Penelope
Published: December 2014

Sanford et al. reported results from an interviewassisted survey of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients, which indicated that neither treatment compliance nor the occurrence of side effects significantly affected patient willingness to stop tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment1.[...]
Response to “Need to Minimize Bias When Surveying Patient Attitudes to Stopping cml Treatment”
Authors: Sanford David , Kyle Rachel , Lazo–Langner Alejandro , Xenocostas Anargyros , Chin–Yee Ian , Howson–Jan Kang , Hsia Cyrus C.
Published: December 2014

We thank Villemagne et al. for their comments, and we will address some of the issues that they raised.[...]
Management of Diarrhea Induced by Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Hirsh V. , Blais N. , Burkes R. , Verma S. , Croitoru K.
Published: December 2014

Treatment for non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc) is moving away from traditional chemotherapy toward personalized medicine. The reversible tyrosine kinase inhibitors (tkis) erlotinib and gefitinib were developed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (egfr). Afatinib, an irreversible ErbB family blocker, was developed to block egfr (ErbB1), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ErbB2), and ErbB4 signalling, and transphosphorylation of ErbB3. All of the foregoing agents are efficacious in treating nsclc, and their adverse event profile is different from that of chemotherapy. Two of the most common adverse events with egfr tkis are rash and diarrhea. Here, we focus on diarrhea. The key to successful management of diarrhea is to treat early and aggressively using patient education, diet, and antidiarrheal medications such as loperamide. We also present strategies for the effective assessment and management of egfr tki–induced diarrhea.
Erratum: Salpingectomy to Prevent Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Narod S.A.
Published: December 2014

In the first paragraph of the article, the author mentions that “Pamela Fayerman received a grant of $20,000 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research in 2012 to pursue health journalism research” as part of his introduction to the hypotheses of B.C. pathologist Dr. David Huntsman concerning preventive salpingectomy in women at risk of ovarian cancer. [...]
Come-back of phenanthridine and phenanthridinium derivatives in the 21st century
Authors: Tumir Lidija-Marija , Radić Stojković Marijana , Piantanida Ivo
Published: December 2014

Phenanthridine derivatives are one of the most intensively studied families of biologically active compounds with efficient DNA binding capability. Attracting attention since DNA structure discovery (1960s), they were early recognized as a symbol of DNA intercalative binding, for many decades applied as gold-standard DNA- and RNA-fluorescent markers (ethidium bromide), probes for cell viability (propidium iodide), but also “ill-famed” for various toxic (genotoxic) and mutagenic effects. After two decades of low interest, the discovery of phenanthridine alkaloids and new studies of antiparasitic/antitumor properties of phenanthridine derivatives resulted in the strong increase of the scientific interest about the turn of this century. Here are summarized phenanthridine-related advances in the 21st century (2000-present period) with emphasis on the supramolecular interactions and bioorganic chemistry, as well as novel or improved synthetic approaches.
Le narcissisme de l'enfant : nécessaire illusion ou inévitable imposture
Authors: Brun Danièle
Published: December 2014

Conçu dans le contexte d’une querelle théorique avec deux de ses plus proches disciples, Adler et Jung, le concept de narcissisme porte la trace de la blessure vécue par Freud à cette occasion. Dans quelle mesure est-il l’expression de l’illusion de maintenir une unité perdue, voire de l’affirmation d’une unité jamais advenue ? Le narcissisme de l’enfant ou des parents projeté sur l’enfant jouerait alors le même rôle d’illusion de l’unité du moi masquant ses inévitables clivages.
L'histoire d'une phobie : l'enfant dans la psychanalyse
Authors: Houzel Didier
Published: December 2014

L’histoire de la psychanalyse de l’enfant commence véritablement avec les deux pionnières que furent Melanie Klein et Anna Freud, même si avant leurs travaux Freud lui-même et quelques psychanalystes s’étaient intéressés à l’exploration psychanalytique de l’âme enfantine. Les découvertes apportées par cette exploration ont été essentielles pour la théorie et la pratique psychanalytiques, mais elles ont parfois remis en cause profondément les modèles antérieurs. Une réaction phobique tend toujours à se faire face aux apports de la psychanalyse de l’enfant. Est-ce une des raisons pour lesquelles la psychanalyse de l’enfant reste le parent pauvre de la psychanalyse ?
Destruction des processus de la pensée et négatif de la sublimation
Authors: Aisenstein Marilia
Published: December 2014

L’auteur examine une forme de destructivité psychique particulière qui attaque de l’intérieur le fonctionnement mental du sujet visant à détruire ce qui est d’humain. À partir de la lecture des Bienveillantes de Jonathan Littell, l’auteur avance l’hypothèse d’une dimension négative et mortifère de la sublimation.
Sublimation : du corps mortel à la pensée immortelle
Authors: Aloupis Panos
Published: December 2014

L’auteur, à l’aide de deux vignettes cliniques, aborde la sublimation, en tant que déviation pulsionnelle prompte à contourner la castration, dans ses rapports avec le narcissisme et l’objectalité. Il propose une réflexion selon laquelle la sublimation parcourt, par l’intermédiaire de l’idéal et du surmoi, une trajectoire pulsionnelle qui relie dans son évolution les assises sensorielles du corps singulier aux manifestations culturelles sociales.