bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inducing puberty
Authors: Delemarre Eveline M , Felius Bram , Delemarre-van de Waal Henriette A
Published: September 2008

Puberty is the result of increasing pulsatile secretion of the hypothalamic gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the release of gonadotropins and in turn gonadal activity.

In general in females, development of secondary sex characteristics due to the activity of the gonadal axis, i.e., the growth of breasts, is the result of exposure to estrogens, while in boys testicular growth is dependent on gonadotropins and virilization on androgens.

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a rare disease. More common is the clinical picture of delayed puberty, often associated with a delay of growth and more often familial occurring. Especially, boys are referred because of the delay of growth and puberty. A short course (3–6 months) of androgens may help these boys to overcome the psychosocial repercussions, and during this period an increase in the velocity of height growth and some virilization will occur.

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may present in a congenital form caused by developmental disorders, some of which are related to a genetic disorder, or secondary to hypothalamic–pituitary dysfunction due to, among others, a cerebral tumor.

In hypogonadotropic hypogonadism puberty can be initiated by the use of pulsatile GnRH, gonadotropins, and sex steroids. Sex steroids will induce development of the secondary sex characteristics alone, while combined administration of gonadotropins and GnRH may induce gonadal development including fertility.
Hypercholesterolemia, eligibility for lipid-lowering therapy and therapeutic success: population-based study in a Portuguese urban population
Authors: Alves Luis , Azevedo Ana
Published: September 2008

Background

We aimed to estimate i) the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, ii) the proportion of individuals eligible for treatment with lipid-lowering drugs, and iii) therapeutic success, according to the European guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional study.

Methods

We surveyed a representative sample of the population of Porto aged 40–65 years. Trained interviewers collected data from 1215 subjects (789 women) on demographic variables, medical history, and medication using structured questionnaires. A fasting venous blood sample was withdrawn. Subjects were considered low risk or high risk as indicated in the European guidelines. Hypercholesterolemia was defined as total cholesterol (TC) ≥5 mmol/l or low-density-cholesterol (LDL-C) ≥3 mmol/l in low-risk subjects, TC ≥4.5 mmol/l or LDL-C ≥2.5 mmol/l in high-risk subjects or being medicated with lipid-lowering drugs. Eligibility for treatment was defined as being high risk and having TC ≥4.5 mmol/l, LDL-C ≥2.5 mmol/l or being on treatment. We defined therapeutic success as having TC <4.5 mmol/l and LDL-C<2.5 mmol/l among medicated subjects.

Results

Overall, 84.9% (95% confidence interval (95% CI): 82.7–86.8) of subjects had hypercholesterolemia and 9.1% (95% CI: 7.5–10.8) were medicated with lipid-lowering drugs. Men were more likely to be eligible for treatment (42.4%) than women (22.4%; OR=2.69, 95% CI 2.07–3.52). Therapeutic success was less frequent in men (46.8%) than in women (66.7%), (OR=0.39, 95% CI 0.17–0.87).

Conclusion

Strict interpretation of the European guidelines would label 85% of the general population in this age group as hypercholesterolemic and a third eligible for drug treatment. Questions arise regarding medicalization, resource allocation, and sustainability within the healthcare system.
Leukemia inhibitory factor as a regulator of steroidogenesis in human NCI-H295R adrenocortical cells
Authors: Mikhaylova Irina V , Jääskeläinen Tiina , Jääskeläinen Jarmo , Palvimo Jorma J , Voutilainen Raimo
Published: September 2008

Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is a multiple function cytokine regulating the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis at the pituitary level. LIF and its receptor are expressed in the adrenal glands, suggesting their potential regulatory role also at the adrenal level. Our aim was to clarify the effects of LIF on adrenal steroidogenesis using cell culture conditions. NCI-H295R human adrenocortical cells were treated with LIF (0.01–100 ng/ml) for 3–48 h with or without 8-bromo-cAMP (8-Br-cAMP; 1 mM). LIF treatment augmented cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, androstenedione, and aldosterone production (up to 224, 211, 149, 229, and 170% of control respectively, P<0.05 for all). It increased basal steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR) and 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1) mRNAs (up to 142 and 170% of control respectively, P<0.05) and the respective proteins, but decreased 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD3B2) mRNA (down to 72% of control, P<0.05), and protein. LIF also increased 8-Br-cAMP-induced cortisol and DHEA production and STAR mRNA accumulation, while it attenuated 8-Br-cAMP-induced HSD3B2 expression and androstenedione production. It had an additive effect on tumour necrosis factor-induced cortisol production. LIF had no effect on apoptosis, but it increased slightly the number of metabolically active cells (up to 120% of control, P<0.05). These findings indicate that LIF is a potential physiological and/or pathophysiological regulator of steroidogenesis at the adrenal level.
Modeling bioaccumulation using characteristic times
Authors: Powell Adrian , Mackay Don , Webster Eva , Arnot Jon A.
Published: September 2008

A new formulation of existing mass balance models for bioaccumulation is derived and applied to organisms that respire either water or air. This model employs characteristic time parameters and equations that are mathematically equivalent to those used in existing concentration-rate constant and fugacity models. The equivalence of these traditional formulations and the novel formulation is demonstrated. In all three formulations, the required information includes various physiological and dietary parameters as well as chemical concentrations in food and in the respired medium of water or air. Chemical properties are described by the octanol–water or octanol–air partition coefficient and a metabolic biotransformation half-life. Bioaccumulation, biomagnification, and all uptake and loss rates are expressed using characteristic times that have readily identifiable chemical or biological significance. The ability of the characteristic time formulation to provide an evaluation of the bioenergetic consistency of organism properties is briefly discussed. The model is applied illustratively to a trout as a water-respiring organism and to a wolf as an air-respiring organism, and the results are discussed. It is concluded that the use of characteristic time parameters and equations provides valuable additional insights regarding the relative importance of the various uptake and loss processes and, thus, is complementary to the conventional approaches for modeling bioaccumulation phenomena in a variety of organisms.
Effect of a Low–Resource-Intensive Lifestyle Modification Program Incorporating Gymnasium-Based and Home-Based Resistance Training on Type 2 Diabetes Risk in Australian Adults
Authors: Payne Warren R. , Walsh Kerry J. , Harvey Jack T. , Livy Michelle F. , McKenzie Kylie J. , Donaldson Alex , Atkinson Meredith G. , Keogh Jennifer B. , Moss Robert S. , Dunstan David W. , Hubbard Wendy A.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE—The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a low–resource-intensive lifestyle modification program incorporating resistance training and to compare a gymnasium-based with a home-based resistance training program on diabetes diagnosis status and risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—A quasi-experimental two-group study was undertaken with 122 participants with diabetes risk factors; 36.9% had impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glucose (IFG) at baseline. The intervention included a 6-week group self-management education program, a gymnasium-based or home-based 12-week resistance training program, and a 34-week maintenance program. Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-h plasma glucose, blood lipids, blood pressure, body composition, physical activity, and diet were assessed at baseline and week 52.

RESULTS—Mean 2-h plasma glucose and FPG fell by 0.34 mmol/l (95% CI −0.60 to −0.08) and 0.15 mmol/l (−0.23 to −0.07), respectively. The proportion of participants with IFG or IGT decreased from 36.9 to 23.0% (P = 0.006). Mean weight loss was 4.07 kg (−4.99 to −3.15). The only significant difference between resistance training groups was a greater reduction in systolic blood pressure for the gymnasium-based group (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS—This intervention significantly improved diabetes diagnostic status and reduced diabetes risk to a degree comparable to that of other low–resource-intensive lifestyle modification programs and more intensive interventions applied to individuals with IGT. The effects of home-based and gymnasium-based resistance training did not differ significantly.
Combined Task Delegation, Computerized Decision Support, and Feedback Improve Cardiovascular Risk for Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Cleveringa Frits G.W. , Gorter Kees J. , van den Donk Maureen , Rutten Guy E.H.M.
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE—The Diabetes Care Protocol combines task delegation (a practice nurse), computerized decision support, and feedback every 3 months. We studied the effect of the Diabetes Care Protocol on A1C and cardiovascular risk factors in type 2 diabetic patients in primary care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—In a cluster randomized trial, mean changes in cardiovascular risk factors between the intervention and control groups after 1 year were calculated by generalized linear models.

RESULTS—Throughout the Netherlands, 26 intervention practices included 1,699 patients and 29 control practices 1,692 patients. The difference in A1C change was not significant, whereas total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and blood pressure improved significantly more in the intervention group. The 10-year coronary heart disease risk estimate of the UK Prospective Diabetes Study improved 1.4% more in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS—Delegation of routine diabetes care to a practice nurse combined with computerized decision support and feedback did not improve A1C but reduced cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes patients.
C-Reactive Protein, Insulin Resistance, and Metabolic Syndrome in a Population With a High Burden of Subclinical Infection
Authors: Howard Barbara V. , Best Lyle , Comuzzie Anthony , Ebbesson Sven O. E. , Epstein Stephen E. , Fabsitz Richard R. , Howard Wm. James , Silverman Angela , Wang Hong , Zhu Jianhui , Umans Jason
Published: September 2008

OBJECTIVE—To explore relationships between C-reactive protein (CRP), subclinical infection, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Data from 1,174 Eskimos, aged ≥18 years, from the Genetics of Coronary Artery Disease in Alaska Natives (GOCADAN) study were analyzed; 40 participants with diabetes were eliminated. Baseline assessment included interviews, physical exam, and blood and urine sampling. Metabolic syndrome was assessed using Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. CRP and antibodies to common pathogens were measured.

RESULTS—Although CRP was related in univariate analyses to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, relations were attenuated or eliminated after adjustment for relevant covariates. CRP was not higher among those with impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and pathogen burden was not related to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or IFG.

CONCLUSIONS—Pathogen burden and inflammation do not seem to be related to insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or IFG in this population. The inflammatory process may reflect insulin resistance or its correlates but most likely is not causative.
Determination of Total Polyphenol Content in Food with the Flow-Injection Method
Authors: Berend Suzana , Grabarić Zorana
Published: September 2008

Odredivanje polifenola u namirnicama metodom ubrizgavanja u protok

U ovom radu predložena je modificirana automatizirana metoda ubrizgavanja u protok za odredivanje sadržaja ukupnih polifenola u namirnicama bazirana na Folin-Ciocalteauovoj reakciji u 0,5 mol L-1NaOH. Metoda omogućuje automatiziranu analizu različitih uzoraka brzinom protoka 55 uzoraka na sat uz upotrebu galne kiseline kao standarda. Primjenom predložene metode na konkretne uzorke (bijelo i crno vino, zeleni, indijski te čaj od lipe, metvice i kamilice i bistri voćni sokovi od crnog ribiza i višnje), odreden je njihov "indeks ukupnih polifenola" s većom repetibilnošću za razliku od ranije objavljenih metoda, manje ovisno o razrjedenju uzorka. U odnosu na "batch" metodu, ova je metoda visoko tolerantna prema najčešćim interferentima (SO2, reducirajući šećeri i askorbinska kiselina). Rezultati dobiveni predloženom metodom pokazali su relativno slaganje s onima dobivenim referentnom Folin-Ciocalteauovom metodom.
Acute Toxicity and Cholinesterase Inhibition in Chicks Dosed Orally with Organophosphate Insecticides
Authors: Mohammad Fouad , Al-Badrany Yasser , Al-Jobory Mohammed
Published: September 2008

Acute Toxicity and Cholinesterase Inhibition in Chicks Dosed Orally with Organophosphate Insecticides

Acute toxic effects of three commonly used insecticidal preparations of the organophosphates chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and dichlorvos were examined in mixed breed broiler chicks, and cholinesterase activity in plasma and brain were measured. The acute (24 h) oral median lethal doses (LD50) of chlorpyrifos, diazinon, and dichlorvos were 10.79 mg kg-1, 6.32 mg kg-1, and 6.30 mg kg-1, respectively, as determined by the up-and-down method in chicks. Signs of cholinergic toxicosis in the chicks appeared within two hours after dosing, and they included salivation, lacrimation, gasping, frequent defecation, drooping of wings, tremors, convulsions, and recumbency before death. Halving the oral LD50 of chlorpyrifos (5 mg kg-1), diazinon (3 mg kg-1), and dichlorvos (3 mg kg-1) caused immobility and wing drooping, but not the clinical signs of cholinergic toxicity. However, at full LD50 doses of these insecticides, chicks showed clinical signs of cholinergic toxicity similar to those seen in the LD50 experiments. Two out of six chicks died within two hours after treatment with LD50 doses of chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos, whereas LD50 dosing with diazinon caused death in three out of six chicks. Compared to control values, the insecticides reduced plasma and whole brain cholinesterase activities by 29 % to 84 % and 18 % to 77 %, respectively, depending on the dose. The decrease in plasma cholinesterase correlated well (r = 0.82) with that of the brain. These data suggest that organophosphate insecticides administered orally at LD50 doses induce clinical signs of cholinergic poisoning and concurrently reduce brain and plasma cholinesterase activities in chicks.
Profiles of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Aquatic Biota
Authors: Roots Ott , Zitko Vladimir , Kiviranta Hannu , Rantakokko Panu
Published: September 2008

Profiles of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Aquatic Biota

The profiles (concentrations scaled to a sum of 100) of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in aquatic fauna differ from those of the commercial PBDE formulations, particularly by a much higher proportion of the congener 47. At the same time, the profiles reported by different authors vary a great deal and no patterns related to species, localities, etc. are obvious. It seems that there are systematic differences among the reporting laboratories, and measurement errors within the same laboratory may also play a role. However, the profiles of PBDEs in fish from the Baltic are very similar and form a tight "cluster". PBDE profiles in crustaceans appear different from those in fish.
First Midwives in the Town of Bjelovar, Croatia 1756-1856
Authors: Habek Dubravko
Published: September 2008

Primaljstvo i prve primalje u Bjelovaru 1756.-1856

Prve izučene (aprobirane) primalje dolaze u novoosnovani Bjelovar, jako vojno središte Vojne krajine početkom druge polovice XVIII. stoljeća zajedno s vojnim liječnicima, kirurzima i ljekarnicima, a većina njih je germanskoga podrijetla. U do sada neistraženom arhivskom materijalu za razdoblje 1756.-1856. pronadeni su podaci o 23 izučene primalje, od kojih je 14 bilo pukovnijskih i 9 gradskih primalja. Visok perinatalni pomor djece i majki i kriminalni pobačaji karakteristike su toga razdoblja. Uz model domicilnoga primaljstva: skrb za trudnice, rodilje, babinjače, novorodenčad i dojenčad, primalje u teškim porodima obavljaju krštenje iz nužde ugroženoj novorodenčadi ili su pak krsne kume zdravoj dojenčadi. Premda je u samom gradu Bjelovaru ustrojeno stručno primaljstvo, u okolici grada i dalje se porodi obavljaju bez stručne pomoći. Za razliku od većine tadašnjih gradova kontinentalne Hrvatske, pa i Dalmacije, u Bjelovaru postoji kontinuirano izučeno primaljstvo i zaštita materinstva od polovice XVIII. stoljeća.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Air Near Gas Field Molve
Authors: Godec Ranka , Šišović Anica , Bešlić Ivan , Vadić Vladimira
Published: September 2008

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Air Near Gas Field Molve

Small-volume air samples (~7 m3 per 24 h) of airborne PM10 particle fraction were collected on quartz fibre filters at two measuring sites in the vicinity of the gas field Molve in April and July 2006. It took five to seven days for each sample to collect and one month to collect five to seven samples. Mass concentrations of PM10 fractions were determined by gravimetry while PAHs were analysed using a HPLC with a fluorescent detector. The analysis included fluoranthene (Flu), pyrene (Pyr), benzo(a)anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Cry), benzo(b)fluoranthene (BbF), benzo(k)fluoranthene (BkF), benzo(a)pyrene (BaP), benzo(ghi)perylene (BghiP) and indene(1,2,3-cd)pyrene (Ind). Average concentrations of all PAHs in April at site A were slightly higher than at site B while in July they were lower and similar on both sites. Average BaP concentration measured at site A in April was 0.156 ng m-3 and at site B 0.129 ng m-3, while July BaP averages were 0.022 ng m-3 at both sites. In both months, the mass concentration of BaP was lower than the limit value (1 ng m-3) and well below the tolerant value (2 ng m-3) set by a Croatian regulation of 2005. This suggests that the air near gas field Molve was of acceptable quality in respect to BaP at the time of the measurement.
Evaluation and Comparison of Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Capacities in Tile and Ceramic Factory Workers of Yazd
Authors: Halvani Gholam , Zare Mohsen , Halvani Abolhasan , Barkhordari Abolfazl
Published: September 2008

Evaluation and Comparison of Respiratory Symptoms and Lung Capacities in Tile and Ceramic Factory Workers of Yazd

Tile workers are exposed to dust particles and are susceptible to multiple pulmonary complications. Problems like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary symptoms, and silicosis are more common among them. As there are many tile factories in Yazd, we decided to evaluate the respiratory symptoms and lung capacities in these workers and compare them with controls.

This study included 176 tile and ceramic factory workers occupationally exposed to dust and 115 unexposed workers as controls. We recorded the respiratory symptoms using the British Medical Research Council questionnaire and measured lung capacities of the two groups.

All study subjects were male, and the two groups were comparable in age and smoking. The exposed group had frequent respiratory symptoms and a significant relationship between them and duration of employment. In addition, lung capacities in ceramic workers with symptoms were lower than in workers without the symptoms.

Even though the respiratory symptoms were more frequent in the exposed group than in controls, lung capacities of the two groups were similar.
Human Health Risk Assessment Approach for Urban Park Development
Authors: Bharadwaj Lalita , Machibroda Ray
Published: September 2008

Human Health Risk Assessment Approach for Urban Park Development

A Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) was undertaken for a proposed park development "River Landing", to be constructed along the north bank of the South Saskatchewan River in the City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The purpose of the HHRA was to determine whether chemical constituents identified at the site, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs), and toxic and heavy metals, would adversely affect the health of construction workers and potential park users. Although more traditional remediation options were considered, the risk assessment approach was chosen since it represented the best available technology. The HHRA was undertaken using protocols and methodologies proposed and readily accepted by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME), Health Canada, and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Results of the risk assessment revealed that the magnitude and distribution of the chemicals at the site were such that extensive remediation was not required, and that the site could be developed without any significant restrictions on the proposed use. The assessment revealed that potential exposure to soil constituents would not result in adverse health risk to construction workers involved in park development or future park users.
Oxidative Stress in Painters Exposed to Low Lead Levels
Authors: Mohammad Imran , Mahdi Abbas , Raviraja Aryapu , Najmul Islam , Iqbal Ahmad , Thuppil Venkatesh
Published: September 2008

Oxidative Stress in Painters Exposed to Low Lead Levels

Lead toxicity is a public health problem particularly to the children and to occupationally exposed adults. Evidence is mounting successively regarding the adverse health effects of lead at low levels. This study was undertaken to assess the antioxidant status of lead-exposed residential and commercial painters of Lucknow city in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Thirty-five painters aged 20 to 50 years who had blood lead levels ≤400 μg L-1were selected for the study from a population of 56 male painters initially screened for blood lead. The control group included an equal number of subjects of the same age group without any occupational exposure to lead.

We studied the association between low lead level exposure and antioxidant status and found that blood lead levels in painters were approximately seven times as high as in controls [(219.2 ± 61.9) μg L-1vs. (30.6±10.1) μg L-1, respectively]. Among the biomarkers of lead toxicity a significant decrease in the level of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase [(9.13±4.62) UL-1vs. (39.38±5.05) UL-1] and an increase in the level of zinc protoporphyrin [(187.9±49.8) μg L-1vs. (26.4±5.5) μg L-1] were observed in painters compared to controls. Among antioxidant enzymes, painters showed a significant decrease in catalase [(56.77±11.11) UL-1vs. (230.30±42.55) UL-1] and superoxide dismutase [(0.64±0.19) UL-1 vs. (2.68±0.62) UL-1] compared to controls. Lipid peroxidation was monitored by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) that were expressed in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents. Concentration of MDA in plasma was higher in painters than in controls [(7.48±1.31) nmol mL-1vs. (3.08±0.56) nmol mL-1]. Significant changes were also observed in reduced and oxidised glutathione levels. The strong association between blood lead levels and oxidative stress markers in this population suggests that oxidative stress should be considered in the pathogenesis of lead-related diseases among people with low level environmental exposure to lead.
Surveying the Landscape of Teacher Education in New York City: Constrained Variation and the Challenge of Innovation
Authors: Boyd Donald , Grossman Pam L. , Hammerness Karen , Lankford R. Hamilton , Loeb Susanna , McDonald Morva , Reininger Michelle , Ronfeldt Matthew , Wyckoff James
Published: September 2008

In this article, the authors describe the state of teacher education in and around the large and diverse school district of New York City. Using multiple data sources, including program documents, interviews, and surveys of teachers, this study attempts to explore the characteristics of programs that prepare elementary teachers of New York City public schools, including the kinds of programs that exist, who enters these different programs, who teaches in the programs, and what characterizes the core curriculum. A central question concerns the amount of variation that exists in the preparation of elementary teachers for a single, large school district. Despite the number and variety of programs that exist to prepare elementary teachers, the authors found the overall curriculum and structure of teacher education to be more similar than different. To understand this lack of variation, the authors draw on organizational theory, particularly, the concept of institutional isomorphism, to examine the case of teacher education. The authors conclude with recommendations for what it might take to change the landscape of teacher education in the context of a large urban district.
Toward Sustainable Mobility in Urban India
Authors: Agarwal Om Prakash , Zimmerman Samuel L.
Published: September 2008

With rapid growth in the number of personal motor vehicles, Indian cities have been facing increasing congestion and worsening air quality. Yet until early 2005 little attention was paid to this problem, and remedial measures were focused largely on overpasses and new roadway capacity. Only Delhi, Calcutta, and Chennai had built functioning metro rail systems. However, by the second half of 2006, barely a year and a half later, the situation changed considerably, and public transport became the focus of attention in most large and medium-sized cities. This paper looks at the national initiatives that helped bring about those changes. The adoption of a national urban transport policy along with the launching of a national urban renewal mission with a sizable commitment of funds helped focus attention on improving public transportation. These were supplemented by a series of well-conceived and -planned initiatives, again led by the national government, to generate more widespread awareness of urban mobility problems and how they could be successfully addressed. The results were visible in a mere 18 months, by which time several cities had already formulated plans for significantly improved public transport and the first incremental phase of what will be India's first bus rapid transit system had become operational.
Limitation of Competition in and for the Public Transportation Market in Developing Countries
Authors: Ardila Arturo
Published: September 2008

This paper analyzes the limitations of providing public transit service because of competition in the market. Evidence from seven cities in Latin America is used to show how this service arrangement leads to inflated fares, oversupply of buses, and low-quality service. The paper then analyzes the solution advocated by the literature—competition for the market as a means to properly arrange public transit service. Next, four cities that have implemented public transit service in this competitive market are analyzed. It is found that competition for the market offers a solution but needs to be complemented by solid barriers to market entry, centralized fare collection, and the creation of a bus rapid transit (BRT) line, if demand justifies it. BRT creates a system in which competition for the market blossoms and demands for much-needed institutional capacity in operators and government agencies are met. Finally, after implementing these measures, cities should create integrated transit networks to complete the reform and institutionalize strong government service planning and supervision. The provision of actual service should remain in private hands.
Multicriteria Fuzzy Methodology for Feasibility Study of Transport Projects
Authors: Tangari Lucia , Ottomanelli Michele , Sassanelli Domenico
Published: September 2008

This paper presents a multicriteria fuzzy methodology for evaluating the transport network that could better connect the Balkans to the European Union (EU). The Balkan countries have not yet solved the problems related to poverty, unemployment, and development. To address their problems, a comparison study conducted the implementation of Egnatia Way Corridor VIII, and of the Durrës, Albania–Skopje, Macedonia–Thessaloniki, Greece–Kipi, Greece, route as an intermediate solution between the two. A functional comparison is made of the routes not only as physical transport systems, but also as instruments of economic and political development. The proposed approach is a multicriteria fuzzy analysis as developed by G. Munda, the so-called NAIADE (novel approach to imprecise assessment and decision environments) method, to study the possible integration of the Balkan countries (Albania, FYR Macedonia, and Bulgaria) into the EU. This method can be charted on an impact matrix, which contains different numerical values and therefore allows the use of information and data with various degrees of accuracy to determine the most efficient solution among the project alternatives. An equity analysis can also be performed to evaluate the alternative infrastructures the groups involved in the decision-making process will consider. The fuzzy multicriteria methodology will be used to determine whether the more efficient solution among the alternatives is also the fairest.
Walking Behavior and Pedestrian Flow Characteristics for Different Types of Walking Facilities
Authors: Ye Jianhong , Chen Xiaohong , Yang Chao , Wu Jiaorong
Published: September 2008

Based on a literature review of pedestrian traffic flow, this paper focuses on pedestrian flow characteristics for four different types of walking facilities in Shanghai, China, metro stations: one-way passageway, two-way passageway, ascending stairway, and descending stairway. Data on three pedestrian flow parameters, namely, pedestrian flow, density, and speed, were collected separately through recorded tapes. Pedestrian flow–density–speed relationships for each kind of walking facility were developed. Combined with the investigation of walking behavior, pedestrian flow characteristics on various walking facilities are compared with each other, particularly for the flow–density and speed–density relationships. The collected data and the established relationships could be used as a basis for modifying the design criteria of walking facilities in Chinese metro stations and could be helpful in improving research on the pedestrian flow theory.
Comparison Study on Operating Speeds of Electric Bicycles and Bicycles
Authors: Lin Sen , He Min , Tan Yonglu , He Mingwei
Published: September 2008

Electric bicycles, or e-bicycles, and bicycles share the nonmotorized lanes along both sides of avenues in many Chinese cities. With the help of an electromotor, the former usually have a higher dynamic performance than the latter; hence their operating speeds are quite different. As one of the most important parameters, operating speed and its distribution provide the basic knowledge for traffic flow theory and safety studies. However, as e-bicycles are a new private motorized travel mode, their operating speed has rarely been reported until now. This paper surveys the operating speeds of e-bicycles and bicycles on nonmotorized lanes on eight avenues in Kunming, China. A comparison study of the operating speed and its distribution between e-bicycles and bicycles is presented. Statistical analysis indicates that the mean operating speed of e-bicycles is 21.86 km/h, which is 7.05 km/h faster, or 47.6% higher, than that of bicycles. The influence of riders’ gender and age on operating speed distribution is also discussed. This paper presents a subjective evaluation of safety from the riders’ perspective by surveying 552 e-bicycle riders and 232 bicycle riders.
Examining Exposure of Motorcycles at Signalized Intersections
Authors: Haque M. Mazharul , Chin Hoong Chor , Huang Helai
Published: September 2008

Crash statistics in Singapore from 2001 to 2005 have shown that motorcycles were involved in about 54% of intersection crashes. The overall involvement of motorcycles in crashes as the not-at-fault party was about 43%, but at intersections the corresponding percentage is increased to 57%. Quasi-induced exposure estimates have shown that the motorcycle exposure rate at signalized intersections was 41.7% even though motorcycles accounted for only 19% of the vehicle population. This study seeks to examine, in greater detail, the problem of motorcycle exposure at signalized intersections—in particular, the exposure caused by potential crashes with red-light-running vehicles from the conflicting stream. For that purpose, four signalized intersections are investigated. Results show that motorcycles are more exposed because they tend to accumulate near the stop line during the red phase to facilitate an earlier discharge during the initial period of the green, which is the more vulnerable period. At sites in which there are more weaving opportunities because the lanes are wider or there are exclusive right-turn lanes, the accumulation is higher and hence exposure is increased. The analysis also shows that the presence of heavy vehicles tends to decrease motorcycle exposure because motorcyclists’ weaving opportunities become restricted and they are more reluctant to weave past or queue alongside the heavy vehicles; effects intensify for narrower lane widths.
Helmet Use and Effectiveness in Reducing the Severity of Head Injuries in Thailand
Authors: Kanitpong Kunnawee , Boontob Nuttapong , Tanaboriboon Yordphol
Published: September 2008

Head injuries due to motorcycle accidents are the main cause of death and disability among motorcycle users in Thailand. It is well known that wearing a helmet is one of the most effective ways to reduce the severity of head injuries due to motorcycle crashes. Although the helmet act for motorcyclists was enacted in Thailand in 1994, the rate of helmet use has not increased, and the rate of head injuries and fatalities due to motorcycle accidents has not been reduced. In this study, a field survey was conducted to observe helmet use in Bangkok and three other major regional provinces. The observation shows that the rate of helmet use is significantly low across the study areas. Age, location, time of day, and seating position significantly affect helmet use, whereas gender and the day of the week do not show any effect. The logit model was also used to evaluate the factors affecting helmet use on the basis of the injury surveillance data of motorcycle accident victims. Results indicate that the victims in the pillion, or passenger, position are less likely to use a helmet and those who ride during the nighttime, regardless of seating position, tend not to wear a helmet. To evaluate the effectiveness of helmet use and other related ways to reduce the severity of head injuries, the ordered logit regression technique was applied to the hospital-based data, using the data on patients suffering from head injuries due to road crashes. It is found that helmet use can reduce the severity of head injuries for motorcycle crash victims. The probability of fatality due to head injuries is reduced by 38% for motorcyclists wearing helmets. For motorcycle riders, helmets are found to be effective in protecting against head injuries, particularly for those riding under the influence of alcohol; the probability of death could be reduced by 43%. Those in the passenger position without helmets are more likely to sustain either serious or fatal head injuries than are riders without helmets. Results also indicate that a 58% reduction in the probability of fatality from head injuries is associated with the use of helmets by motorcycle passengers.
Progress of automatic drug delivery in anaesthesia—The ‘Rostock assistant system for anaesthesia control (RAN)’
Authors: Simanski O. , Janda M. , Schubert A. , Bajorat J. , Hofmockel R. , Lampe B.
Published: September 2008

The main goals of general anaesthesia should include (not exclusively) adequate hypnosis, analgesia and maintenance of vital functions. In addition, neuromuscular blockade (NMB) may be needed for a number of surgical procedures. Patient safety and cost reductions via the minimization of drug consumption and the shortening of post‐operative recovery represent some of the main issues and motivations of automation of anaesthesia.

Since the early eighties engineers and physicians joined efforts towards the development of sophisticated closed‐loop control systems for drug delivery in the operating theatre and post‐operatively.

First, this paper should be seen as a review about the automatic drug delivery in anaesthesia. A summary is given about the methods of measurement, modelling and general progress of closed‐loop control systems in anaesthesia. In particular, the development of the ‘Rostock assistant system for anaesthesia control (RAN)’ is also described. This system has been developed during the last 15 years at the University of Rostock and various systems and control‐based ideas have been integrated since. With this system the multiple‐input–multiple‐output (MIMO) control of the depth of hypnosis and NMB has been shown to be possible as well as the closed‐loop control of a deep arterial hypotension. Promising results have already been obtained from a first study, which has so far included as many as 22 patients using MIMO control. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carotid plaque computed tomography imaging in stroke and nonstroke patients
Authors: Wintermark Max , Arora Sandeep , Tong Elizabeth , Vittinghoff Eric , Lau Benison C. , Chien Jeffrey D. , Dillon William P. , Saloner David
Published: September 2008

Objective

To identify a set of computed tomographic (CT) features of carotid atherosclerotic plaques that is significantly associated with ischemic stroke.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, we retrospectively identified 136 consecutive patients admitted to our emergency department with suspected stroke who underwent a CT‐angiogram of the carotid arteries. CT‐angiographic studies of the carotid arteries were processed automatically using automated computer classifier algorithm that quantitatively assesses a battery of carotid CT features. Acute stroke patients were categorized into “acute carotid stroke patients” and “nonacute carotid stroke patients” independent of carotid wall CT features, using the Causative Classification System for Ischemic Stroke, which includes the neuroradiologist's review of the imaging studies of the brain parenchyma and of the degree of carotid stenosis, and charted test results (such as electrocardiogram). Univariate followed by multivariate analyses were used to build models to differentiate between these patient groups and to differentiate between the infarct and unaffected sides in the “acute carotid stroke patients.”

Results

Forty “acute carotid stroke” patients and 50 “nonacute carotid stroke” patients were identified. Multivariate modeling identified a small number of the carotid wall CT features that were significantly associated with acute carotid stroke, including wall volume, fibrous cap thickness, number and location of lipid clusters, and number of calcium clusters.

Interpretation

Patients with acute carotid stroke demonstrate significant differences in the appearance of their carotid wall ipsilateral to the side of their infarct, when compared with either nonacute carotid stroke patients or the carotid wall contralateral with the infarct side. Ann Neurol 2008;64:149–157
Studies on the effect of curing agent concentration and type of phenol on various physico‐chemical properties of resole and epoxy blends
Authors: Srivastava Kavita , Srivastava Deepak , Tripathi S. K.
Published: September 2008

Resoles were prepared with different phenols, separately, with formaldehyde having phenol‐to‐formaldehyde molar ratio of 1 : 2 in basic medium at 70°C. These resoles were physically blended with different weight percentages of diglycidyl ether bisphenol‐A (DGEBA)‐epoxy resin. The blends were cured with 40, 50, and 60 wt % polyamide based on the total weight of the blend resin at 100°C. It was found that the blend system containing equal weight ratio of resole, prepared from p‐cresol, and epoxy resins showed the least cure time with 40 wt % polyamide among all other blend systems. Also, the cured films of such blend systems showed the best chemical resistance, thermal stability, and hardness as compared to their other blend systems and blend counterparts. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation of poly(AA‐AM) water superabsorbent by inverse microemulsion polymerization
Authors: Wan Tao , Yao Jie , Ma XiaoLing
Published: September 2008

A copolymer superabsorbent was prepared by inverse microemulsion polymerization, using cyclohexane as the continuous phase, water as the dispersed phase, N,N‐methylene bisacrylamide as the crosslinking agent, ammonium persulfate (APS) as the initiator and OP‐10 and SDS as complex surfactants. The synthetic variables (amount of crosslinking agent and initiator, water/oil ratio, monomer/surfactant ratio, and AA/AM ratio), and their effects on the absorbencies of the synthesized superabsorbents were studied. The relationships between the water absorbency and absorption time as well as the water retention capacity of the water superabsorbent were studied. The experimental results of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) showed the maximum water absorbency of 1432 g/g, and the water absorbency of 722 g/g within 15 min. The water retention in the soil was greatly enhanced using the above superabsorbents. SEM indicated an irregular, undulant, and microporous surface of the superabsorbent, which was convenient for the penetration of water into the polymeric network. SAPs can be considered for water‐managing materials for agriculture and horticulture purposes in desert and drought‐prone areas. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Changes in crystalline morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties with hydrolytic degradation of immiscible biodegradable PPDX/PCL blends
Authors: Brito Y. , Sabino M. A. , Ronca G. , Müller A. J.
Published: September 2008

Immiscible blends of high molecular weight commercial poly(p‐dioxanone) (PPDX) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) were prepared by melt mixing in a wide composition range. The materials were exposed to a hydrolysis medium (phosphate buffer kept at a constant pH of 7.2) at 37°C during 36 weeks. The change in weight of the samples as well as their thermal properties, morphology, spherulitic crystallization kinetics, and tensile properties were studied as a function of degradation time. As PCL does not experience weight loss during the entire degradation period explored here, weight loss was indicative of PPDX degradation only. The combined results of calorimetry, spherulitic texture, and spherulite growth kinetics allowed us to establish that the PPDX component in the blends experiences a much faster degradation rate than in neat PPDX. Such increase in degradation rate could be due to the larger surface area of PPDX component when it is dispersed in immiscible PCL. Nevertheless, the presence of PCL in the blends can extend the physical integrity of the samples in the degradation medium as well as their mechanical properties for longer periods of time as compared with neat PPDX. Therefore, the blends may be good candidates for replacing neat PPDX in specific applications requiring longer life time of the material. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Inverse gas chromatography for determining the dispersive surface free energy and acid–base interactions of sheet molding compound—Part II 14 Ligno‐cellulosic fiber types for possible composite reinforcement
Authors: Mills Ryan H. , Gardner Douglas J. , Wimmer Rupert
Published: September 2008

Composites reinforced with natural plant fibers are currently actively researched. Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) is a technique that is used to characterize the surface energy and polar characteristics of materials. The theoretical approaches used with IGC are reviewed and applied to the study of 14 ligno‐cellulosic fiber types including grass fibers, bast fibers, leaf fibers, seed fibers, and fruit fibers. This was done to provide insight into the impact of fiber composition on the surface characteristics of the different fiber types and explore possible correlations among the data. The dispersive surface energy, andKa,Kbconstants are reported for the 14 fiber types and compared with values reported in the literature. The dispersive energies ranged from 35.5 mJ/m2to 44.2 mJ/m2at 20°C withKafrom 0.01 to 0.38 andKbfrom 0 to 1.05. A correlation was found at 40°C for surface energy related to fiber composition and fiber type where the surface energy decreases with increasing lignin and hemicellulose composition but increased with increasing cellulose concentration. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Thermal, catalytic, antimicrobial, and chelating aspects of phenolic resin and its polychelates with f‐block elements
Authors: Patel M. M. , Kapadia M. A. , Joshi J. D.
Published: September 2008

The polymeric ligand (resin) was synthesized by condensation of 2‐hydroxy‐4‐ethoxybenzophenone with ethane diol in the presence of polyphosphoric acid as a catalyst at 145°C for 10 h. The synthesized resin was used to study its ion exchange efficiency and to synthesize its polychelates with 4f‐block elements. The resin and its polychelates were characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibilities, IR, NMR, and thermogravimetric analyses. The molecular weight was determined using number–average molecular weight (Mn) by a vapor pressure osmometry (VPO) method. Ion‐exchange studies at various concentrations of different electrolytes, pH, and rate have been carried out for f‐block elements. Antimicrobial activity of all polychelates and catalytic activity of selected polychelates in organic synthesis have been studied. It is observed that resin can be used as an ion‐exchanger and polychelates are found to be an efficient catalysts and antimicrobial agents. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
HotMap: Supporting visual exploration of Web search results
Authors: Hoeber Orland , Yang Xue Dong
Published: September 2008

Although information retrieval techniques used by Web search engines have improved substantially over the years, the results of Web searches have continued to be represented in simple list‐based formats. Although the list‐based representation makes it easy to evaluate a single document for relevance, it does not support the users in the broader tasks of manipulating or exploring the search results as they attempt to find a collection of relevant documents. HotMap is a meta‐search system that provides a compact visual representation of Web search results at two levels of detail, and it supports interactive exploration via nested sorting of Web search results based on query term frequencies. An evaluation of the search results for a set of vague queries has shown that the re‐sorted search results can provide a higher portion of relevant documents among the top search results. User studies show an increase in speed and effectiveness and a reduction in missed documents when comparing HotMap to the list‐based representation used by Google. Subjective measures were positive, and users showed a preference for the HotMap interface. These results provide evidence for the utility of next‐generation Web search results interfaces that promote interactive search results exploration.