bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronic Health Record Identification of Nephrotoxin Exposure and Associated Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Goldstein Stuart L. , Kirkendall Eric , Nguyen Hovi , Schaffzin Joshua K. , Bucuvalas John , Bracke Tracey , Seid Michael , Ashby Marshall , Foertmeyer Natalie , Brunner Lori , Lesko Anne , Barclay Cynthia , Lannon Carole , Muething Stephen
Published: August 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Nephrotoxic medication exposure represents a common cause of acute kidney injury (nephrotoxin-AKI) in hospitalized children. Systematic serum creatinine (SCr) screening has not been routinely performed in children receiving nephrotoxins, potentially leading to underestimating nephrotoxin-AKI rates. We aimed to accurately determine nephrotoxin exposure and nephrotoxin-AKI rates to drive appropriate interventions in non–critically ill hospitalized children.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective quality improvement project implementing a systematic electronic health record (EHR) screening and decision support process (trigger) at a single quaternary pediatric hospital. Patients were all noncritically ill hospitalized children receiving an intravenous aminoglycoside for ≥3 days or ≥3 nephrotoxins simultaneously (exposure). Pharmacists recommended daily SCr monitoring in exposed patients. AKI was defined by the modified pediatric Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss and End-stage Renal Disease criteria (≥25% decrease in estimated creatinine clearance). We developed 4 novel metrics: exposure rate per 1000 patient-days, AKI rate per 1000 patient-days, AKI rate (%) per high nephrotoxin admission, and AKI days per 100 exposure days (AKI intensity).

RESULTS:

This study included 21 807 patients accounting for 27 711 admissions. A total of 726 (3.3%) unique exposed patients accounted for 945 hospital admissions (6713 patient-days). AKI occurred in 25% of unique exposed patients and 31% of exposure admissions (1974 patient-days). Our EHR-driven SCr nephrotoxin-AKI surveillance process was associated with a 42% reduction in AKI intensity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nephrotoxin-AKI rates are high in noncritically ill children; systematic screening for nephrotoxic medication exposure and AKI detection was accomplished reliably through an EHR based trigger tool.
Decreased Breastfeeding as One Factor on a Short List That Causes Pandemics of Allergic and Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Parker William , Foltz Emily , Zhang Angela Q.
Published: August 2013

Postindustrial society is plagued with pandemics of noninfectious, immune related illnesses. These diseases, which include allergic, autoimmune, and neuroinflammatory diseases, are not found in preindustrial societies, and are apparently caused by a limited number of environmental factors.
These factors, essentially incompatible with human genetics, are each associated with a wide range of immune diseases. The most influential of these factors is a loss of diversity from the ecosystem of the human body, a condition termed "biome depletion." This state affects all postindustrial
humans during and after fetal development, and remains the strongest challenge for modern medicine to overcome in the field of immunology. Fortunately, progress is being made. On the other hand, other factors associated with pandemics of allergic and autoimmune disease are within the control
of each individual rather than the medical establishment. These factors include unrequited or chronic psychological stress, vitamin D deficiency, and substitution of breast milk with infant formula. Decreased breastfeeding in particular has a profound effect on immunity, probably through multiple
mechanisms that involve increased stress levels, alterations of the human biome, and direct modulation of the immune system by mechanisms that remain largely uncharacterized. Given the synergism of these factors that adversely affect immunity in postindustrial culture, the importance of avoiding
as many of these factors as possible is emphasized.
Diabetes, Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease-An Unsolved Enigma
Authors: Chakraborty Arpita , Bhattacharyya Maitree
Published: August 2013

Diabetes is a major public health problem that is approaching epidemic
proportions globally. Worldwide the prevalence of chronic, non-communicable diseases
is increasing at an alarming rate. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major causes
of mortality in persons with diabetes, and many factors, including hypertension,
contribute to this high prevalence of CVD. Hypertension is approximately twice as
frequent in patients with diabetes compared with patients without the disease.
Conversely, recent data suggest that hypertensive persons are more predisposed to the
development of diabetes than are normotensive persons. Co-existence of diabetes
mellitus and hypertension increases the risk of macro- and micro-vascular
complications. In this review attempt has been made to explore the risk factors which
can be helpful to prevent hyperglycemia and related manifestation of Type 2 diabetes.
Both biochemical and genetic diagnostic markers identified till now have been
catalogued to describe the status of pathogenesis in hyperglycemic subjects.
Phytotherapy of Hypertension in Morocco
Authors: Eddouks Mohamed , Ali Zeggwagh Naoufel
Published: August 2013

There is an increasing interest in the health and wellness benefits of herbs and
botanicals. The reason behind this interest is the fact that herbs and botanicals might offer a
natural safeguard against the development of certain pathological conditions and are used
in several cultures as a putative treatment for some diseases. One such area may be the
lowering of blood pressure activity. Ethnopharmacological surveys in Morocco
demonstrated the use of 21 plant species belonging to different families in the treatment of
ailments related to high blood pressure. Our bibliographic review establishes the fact that
most plants used in the traditional treatment of hypertension effectively reduce blood
pressure when used with different extraction procedures and protocols. In most cases, the
hypotensive effect is accompanied by a diuretic activity or a vasorelaxant effect. This study
confirms the richness of our traditional medicine and supports the use of plants in the
treatment of hypertension in Morocco.
Plants-Derived Natural Products and Drug Discovery
Authors: Eddouks Mohamed , Ali Zeggwagh Naoufel
Published: August 2013

Over the last decade, there has been a renewing interest in natural products
research. The exceptional developments in the areas of separation science,
spectroscopic techniques associated with microplate-based ultrasensitive in vitro assays
provide a novel and interesting drug design from natural products. The various available
chromatographic techniques have made possible the preisolation analyses of crude
extracts or fractions from different natural sources. This chapter presents a general
overview of the processes involved in natural product research, starting from extraction
to determination of the structures of purified products.
A precondition-based approach to workflow oriented software re-engineering
Authors: Chen Feng , Tang Da , Yang Hongji , Alawairdhi Mohammed
Published: August 2013

Workflow management systems (WfMSs) become the basic technology for
organizations to build their Information Systems. To understand the business
processes already implemented in the existing software systems and then build
the workflow oriented Information System is a time-consuming and error prone
process. This paper proposes a unified software reengineering approach from a
business process perspective. A workflow extraction method is developed to
elicit the business processes from existing systems. A precondition-based
workflow model is designed for this purpose, which is an activity-centred
method for program analysis. The calculation of the activity?s whole
condition provides powerful analysis techniques to verify the correctness of
the recovered workflow model. Through the proposed approach, the workflow
procedures can be recovered from the existing system and verified by the
precondition analysis.
Downregulation of CPPED1 Expression Improves Glucose Metabolism In Vitro in Adipocytes
Authors: Vaittinen Maija , Kaminska Dorota , Käkelä Pirjo , Eskelinen Matti , Kolehmainen Marjukka , Pihlajamäki Jussi , Uusitupa Matti , Pulkkinen Leena
Published: August 2013

We have previously demonstrated that the expression of calcineurin-like phosphoesterase domain containing 1 (CPPED1) decreases in adipose tissue (AT) after weight reduction. However, the function of CPPED1 in AT is unknown. Therefore, we investigated whether the change in CPPED1 expression is connected to changes in adipocyte glucose metabolism. First, we confirmed that the expression of CPPED1 decreased after weight loss in subcutaneous AT. Second, the expression of CPPED1 did not change during adipocyte differentiation. Third, CPPED1 knockdown with small interfering RNA increased expression of genes involved in glucose metabolism (adiponectin, adiponectin receptor 1, and GLUT4) and improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. To conclude, CPPED1 is a novel molecule involved in AT biology, and CPPED1 is involved in glucose uptake in adipocytes.
Brain Atrophy in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Moran Chris , Phan Thanh G. , Chen Jian , Blizzard Leigh , Beare Richard , Venn Alison , Münch Gerald , Wood Amanda G. , Forbes Josephine , Greenaway Timothy M. , Pearson Susan , Srikanth Velandai
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is associated with brain atrophy and cerebrovascular disease. We aimed to define the regional distribution of brain atrophy in T2DM and to examine whether atrophy or cerebrovascular lesions are feasible links between T2DM and cognitive function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and cognitive tests in 350 participants with T2DM and 363 participants without T2DM. With voxel-based morphometry, we studied the regional distribution of atrophy in T2DM. We measured cerebrovascular lesions (infarcts, microbleeds, and white matter hyperintensity [WMH] volume) and atrophy (gray matter, white matter, and hippocampal volumes) while blinded to T2DM status. With use of multivariable regression, we examined for mediation or effect modification of the association between T2DM and cognitive measures by MRI measures.

RESULTS

T2DM was associated with more cerebral infarcts and lower total gray, white, and hippocampal volumes (all P < 0.05) but not with microbleeds or WMH. T2DM-related gray matter loss was distributed mainly in medial temporal, anterior cingulate, and medial frontal lobes, and white matter loss was distributed in frontal and temporal regions. T2DM was associated with poorer visuospatial construction, planning, visual memory, and speed (P ≤ 0.05) independent of age, sex, education, and vascular risk factors. The strength of these associations was attenuated by almost one-half when adjusted for hippocampal and total gray volumes but was unchanged by adjustment for cerebrovascular lesions or white matter volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Cortical atrophy in T2DM resembles patterns seen in preclinical Alzheimer disease. Neurodegeneration rather than cerebrovascular lesions may play a key role in T2DM-related cognitive impairment.
Potential Efficiency Benefits of Nonmydriatic Ultrawide Field Retinal Imaging in an Ocular Telehealth Diabetic Retinopathy Program
Authors: Silva Paolo S. , Cavallerano Jerry D. , Tolls Dorothy , Omar Ahmed , Thakore Komal , Patel Bina , Sehizadeh Mina , Tolson Ann M. , Sun Jennifer K. , Aiello Lloyd M. , Aiello Lloyd Paul
Published: August 2013

OBJECTIVE

To compare efficiency of nonmydriatic ultrawide field retinal imaging (UWFI) and nonmydriatic fundus photography (NMFP) in a diabetic retinopathy (DR) ocular telehealth program.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients in this retrospective, comparative cohort study underwent NMFP and UWFI between 1 November 2011 and 1 November 2012. Images were evaluated for DR and diabetic macular edema (DME) by certified graders using a standard protocol at a centralized reading center. Identification of DR, image evaluation time, and rate of ungradable eyes were compared.

RESULTS

NMFP and UWFI were performed in 1,633 and 2,170 consecutive patients, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between groups regarding age, diabetes duration, sex, ethnicity, or insulin use. The ungradable rate per patient for DR (2.9 vs. 9.9%, P < 0.0001) and DME (3.8 vs. 8.8%, P < 0.0001) was lower with UWFI than with NMFP. With UWFI, the median image evaluation time per patient was reduced from 12.8 to 9.2 min (P < 0.0001). The identification of patients with DR (38.4 vs. 33.8%) and vision-threatening DR (14.5 vs. 11.9%) was increased with UWFI versus NMFP. In a consecutive subgroup of 502 eyes of 301 patients with DR, the distribution of peripheral retinal lesions outside Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study fields suggested a more severe DR level in 9.0% (45 eyes).

CONCLUSIONS

In a standardized DR ocular telehealth program, nonmydriatic UWFI reduced the ungradable rate by 71% (to <3%) and reduced image evaluation time by 28%. DR was identified 17% more frequently after UWFI, and DR peripheral lesions suggested a more severe DR level in 9%. These data suggest that UWFI may improve efficiency of ocular telehealth programs evaluating DR and DME.
Message from Editorial Desk 3(2)
Authors: Neupane Harish Chandra
Published: August 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i2.8432 Journal of Chitwan Medical College Vol.3(2) 2013
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease
Authors: Deep JP , Sedhai LB , Napit J , Pariyar J
Published: August 2013

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD) is a group of tumors that arise from placental tissue and secrete β-hCG. GTD is a combination of benign or invasive mole and malignant known as Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia (GTN). Prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of GTD have drastically changed in recent years. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i2.8434 Journal of Chitwan Medical College Vol.3(2) 2013 4-11
Post Partum Care Practices among Postnatal Mothers in Tharu Community, Kailali District, Nepal
Authors: Gana G
Published: August 2013

Postnatal mothers are in high risk because most of the deaths occur in this period as compared to pregnancy and childbirth. The objectives of the research was to assess & find out the factors associated with post partum care practices among post­natal mothers and to suggest the measures for the utilization of post partum care services. A total of 175 respondents (all mothers having children below one year) were selected by using multi stage sampling technique from different wards of Dhangadi municipality, and Beladevipur, Geta, Phulbari, & Sripur VDCs of Kailali district from January to June, 2009. The data were statistically analyzed by using chi square test & Pearsons’ correlation test. Family income plays a significant role in Nutritious diet within 24 hours. Occupation had no effect on the frequency of postnatal visits. Education plays a signifi­cant role in changing perineal pad. Only 49.7% of respondents had done postnatal visit. Education plays significant role on colostrum feeding practices. Odds ratio = 4.09 (CI=32.06-55.34) at 95% confidence limit. Literate respondents have 4 times more practice of colostrum feeding as compared to illiterate. Distance plays a significant role in health facilities. Education of mothers play major role in postpartum care practices. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i2.8438 Journal of Chitwan Medical College Vol.3(2) 2013 24-26
Patient Demographics and Drug Prescription Pattern among Hypertensive Patients of Pokhara Valley
Authors: Khan GM , Thapa RK , Khakurel A , Shrestha G , Katila N , Bhurtel S , Thapa P , Parajuli K
Published: August 2013

Hypertension is a common disease of the present world. Patient characteristics and use of anti-hypertensive agents directly affect the development and control of hypertension respectively. So, the objective of this study was to determine the patient demographics and drug prescription pattern among hypertensive patients of Pokhara valley. A community based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in different places of Pokhara valley. Performa was used for the collection of data and analysis was done using MS-excel and SPSS (version 17.0). The study showed that majority of the hypertensive patients were males of Brahmin and Newar community with susceptible age group of 60-69 years. Majority of the patients were non-vegeterian, non-alcoholic and non-smoker. The anti-hypertensive prescription pattern revealed that 80% of the patients were on monotherapy and calcium channel blockers were the mostly prescribed medication. Prescription of anti-hyperten­sive agents along with other medications for concomitant diseases was also observed. The prescription pattern was found to be rational and should be regularly monitored. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i2.8440 Journal of Chitwan Medical College Vol.3(2) 2013 32-35
Biochemical Profile of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Patients in Various Age and Gender Group Subjects Visiting Kist Medical College & Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu
Authors: Paudel YP , Dahal S , Acharya T , Joshi AP , Shrestha B , Khanal M , Kafle D
Published: August 2013

Nowadays it is observed that the chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing health problem worldwide and the most com­mon illness associated with this is hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM). This study tries to find out illness associ­ated with CKD and assess the renal parameters according to age and sex group. This is a cross sectional descriptive study. Diagnosed cases of Chronic Kidney Disease patients visiting at KIST Medical College from September to November 2011 are included in this study. SPSS-17 version is used for data analysis and appropriate statistical tests are done. Among 150 patients, 57% are male and 43% are female. Mean age of the study population is 48.62±18.09 years. Level of urine protein for male is higher than female. Mean urea, creatinine, potassium, uric acid, phosphorus and protein creatinine ratio (PCR) are higher in younger age group. The result also depicts hypertension is the leading illness associated with CKD (50%). Only 8% diabetes mellitus cases are associated with CKD followed by both of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (26%) and 16% others. This study provides an overview of routine biochemical parameters with CKD. Hypertension is found as leading ill­ness associated with CKD. Differences in renal parameters are found in gender and different age groups. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i2.8441 Journal of Chitwan Medical College Vol.3(2) 2013 36-39
A Clinico-Histopathological Study of Orbital and Ocular Lesions; a Multicenter Study
Authors: Bastola P , Koirala S , Pokhrel G , Ghimire P , Adhikari RK
Published: August 2013

The study aimed at finding out the morphological and clinico-pathological correlation of Orbital and Ophthalmic lesions in various eye institutes of Nepal. The study also aimed at finding out the prevalence of Ophthalmic lesions needing histo­pathological examination. This cross sectional descriptive study was carried out in various tertiary eye hospitals of Nepal from 2008 – 2012. The department of pathology was also incorporated in giving the correct histopathological findings in time. All the relevant data were entered in a specifically designed proforma for the study and analyzed. One hundred Oph­thalmic and Orbital lesions were studied in various age groups. Ophthalmic and Orbital lesions were highest (18%) in 31-40 year age group patients. Eyelid (57%) was the most commonly involved site. Clinical diagnosis was consistent with histo­pathological diagnosis in more than 60% of the cases. Among eyelid lesions, incidence of dermoid cyst (21%) was highest. While in Conjunctival lesions, granuloma pyogenicum (22.5%) was highest followed by other lesions. A clinico-patho­logical diagnosis of malignant orbital tumors or ocular tumors was made in 30% of cases. While 70% cases of Ophthalmic or orbital lesions were benign in nature. All Ophthalmic lesions removed surgically should always (without exception) be subjected to histopathological examination to establish correct diagnosis for further management. However this study has shown that a good clinical examination and diagnosis before subjecting the patient for histopathological examination gives the patient and the treating surgeon a better outcome. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i2.8442 Journal of Chitwan Medical College Vol.3(2) 2013 40-44
Study of Psychiatric Morbidity of Patients Attending Free Mental Health Check Up Camp, Simara, Bara District of Nepal
Authors: Sedain CP
Published: August 2013

Maryknoll Nepal has been running community mental health clinics in different parts of the country. The aim of the study was to find out psychiatric morbidity of patients attending Maryknoll free check up clinic Simara, Bara district of Nepal. A prospective cross-sectional study comprising of all consecutive patients attending Maryknoll free check up clinic Simara, Bara district, Nepal. All the patients attending the free clinics were taken as case. The study was performed in the month January 2009. Demographic data and disease profile of 87 patients attending the clinic were analyzed. The ratios and pro­portions were used for statistical analysis. Data in Simara free mental health clinic shows that the male to female ratio was 0.55:0.44. The age group 30-39(N-25, 28.74%) followed by age group 20-29 (N-19, 21.84%) was the most common. The farmer were (N-49, 56.31 %) the most common visitor. The highest number of cases were depressive disorder (N-16, 18.93 %) followed by mania/BPAD (N-14, 16.09 %) and Schizophrenia (N-12, 13.73 %). Most of patients attending Simara free mental health clinic were farmers of age group 20-40. The most common incidence of psychiatric illness attending the free clinic were depressive disorder and mania/BPAD. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmc.v3i2.8443 Journal of Chitwan Medical College Vol.3(2) 2013 45-48
Modeling In-Use Construction Equipment Emissions for Highway Projects
Authors: Bai Song , Eisinger Douglas , Niemeier Deb , Benson Paul , Reid Stephen , Chenausky Beverly
Published: August 2013

Interest in estimating the air pollutant emissions that occur during highway project construction is increasing. This paper describes a construction emissions modeling framework with companion calculation methodologies. On the basis of bid data and field data collected from a range of highway construction projects, the modeling framework builds linkages between material quantities, equipment in-use hours, and pollutant emissions. The data calculation and processing methodologies can assist project analysts in creating emissions estimates across various construction operations at early environmental assessment stages when, typically, limited data are available for characterizing equipment activity for the future project. A hypothetical freeway-widening case study was used to demonstrate the application of the modeling framework and calculation methodologies. The example illustrates the framework's ability to disaggregate emissions by construction operation; in the case analysis, hours of equipment use and emissions were greatest during roadway excavation and foundation work. Project analysts can also vary individual equipment characteristics that affect emissions, such as tier group (emissions certification standards), horsepower rating, equipment deterioration, and other factors in construction emissions analyses. For example, the emissions reduction benefits of shifting the equipment fleet to more stringent (Tier 4) emissions standards, especially as a strategy for reducing particulate emissions, can be quantified.
Meta-Analysis of Transit Bus Exhaust Emissions
Authors: Cooper Erin , Arioli Magdala , Carrigan Aileen , Jain Umang
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a comparative analysis of bus emissions associated with a variety of fuel types, specifically for developing countries. A large data set of in-use transit bus tests is compiled for commonly regulated transportation emissions including carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. Carbon dioxide is included to help in understanding greenhouse gas emissions. A meta-analysis technique is used with 25 studies to find a range of emissions values for various fuel and exhaust aftertreatment combinations to determine which combinations provide the greatest emissions reduction. The fuels considered are diesel with various concentrations of sulfur, biodiesel (100% and 20% blend with diesel), compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, and ethanol. The standard internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine–electric hybrid, and a variety of exhaust aftertreatment technologies are considered. The analysis shows that no single fuel is best for reducing all emissions if the appropriate exhaust aftertreatment technologies are used. The technologies showing the lowest emissions in important categories (nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon dioxide equivalents) are compressed natural gas with a three-way catalyst, 100% biodiesel, and ultralow sulfur diesel with selective catalyst reduction. Other factors, such as altitude, drive cycle, and mileage, also affect emissions values. A wide range of emissions values is found, even for the same fuel and technology. The variations and factors should be understood for accurate evaluation of results from further emissions testing.
Developing Operating Mode Distribution Inputs for MOVES with a Computer Vision–Based Vehicle Data Collector
Authors: Yao Zhuo , Wei Heng , Li Zhixia , Ma Tao , Liu Hao , Yang Y. Jeffrey
Published: August 2013

Acquisition of reliable vehicle activity inputs to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's MOVES (Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator) model is necessary for maximizing modeling capacity and helping federal and state officials improve the quality of transportation management. For this purpose, rapid and low-cost collection of the operating mode distribution and other traffic activity data for the MOVES model is necessary. In this study, a computer vision–based software tool, Rapid Traffic Emission and Energy Consumption Analysis (REMCAN), is developed to enable a rapid operating mode distribution profiling for the MOVES model. The video-based system provides traffic activity inputs, including vehicle speeds and acceleration and deceleration rates covering the entire vehicle fleet; these may be difficult to extract from traffic data collected by traditional methods. The REMCAN system architecture and vehicle parameter extraction methods are presented. The speed measurement, which is the most critical factor for operating mode profiling, is calibrated with a coefficient that converts screen space to real-world space. Three case studies with different traffic operation scenarios are tested to demonstrate the capability of the REMCAN system. The integration of REMCAN traffic activity data collection and MOVES operating mode distribution generation provides timely, low-cost, and accurate environmental impact assessment compared with traditional data sources for emission estimation analysis.
Multimodal Freight Transportation Network Design Problem for Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Kim Suhyeon , Park Minchoul , Lee Chungwon
Published: August 2013

At the strategic level, multimodal freight network design problems are limited in that they reflect the costs and constraints associated with emissions. The network design problem (NDP) addressed in this study determines investment alternatives for minimizing total system cost, including costs related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, while satisfying the emissions constraint. The NDP can accommodate improvement alternatives in transfer terminals as well as in road and railroad links. In this study, mode-specific travel time functions were used to represent the differences between the modes explicitly, even for the transfer facility. Emission factors were calculated by link travel speed and level of facilities. The empirical application to a container freight network from the Port of Pusan in southeastern South Korea showed the optimal investment strategy for meeting emissions reduction policy objectives. The conclusion is that investment should concentrate on railroad and terminal facilities to induce modal shift. In contrast, investment in congested roads might be a better option for corridors in which the level of railroad service is low and short-distance freight demands are dominant. These results indicate that the proposed network design problem can provide the appropriate investment strategy for reducing GHG emissions and therefore can be a useful approach with regard to GHG emissions reduction policy.
Physico-Chemical Properties and Phase Behavior of the Ionic Liquid-β-Cyclodextrin Complexes
Authors: Rogalski Marek , Modaressi Ali , Magri Pierre , Mutelet Fabrice , Grydziuszko Aleksandra , Wlazło Michał , Domańska Urszula
Published: August 2013

The solubility of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in ionic liquids (ILs) and the activity coefficients at infinite dilution () of more than 20 solutes (alkanes, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols) were measured in four chosen ionic liquids, their mixtures with β-CD, and in the β-CD at high temperatures from 338 to 398 K using the inverse gas chromatography. The intermolecular interactions, inclusion complexes and the possible increasing of the solubility of β-CD in water using the IL are presented. The solubility of β-CD in ten chosen hydrophobic ILs at the temperature T = 423 K was detected. The solid-liquid phase diagrams (SLE) of {IL (1) + β-CD (2)} binary systems at the high mole fraction of the IL were measured for three systems (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [EMIM][Cl], 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide, [EMIM][Br]; and for 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, [BMIM][Cl]). The eutectic points were determined at the high IL concentration for all binary systems. The intermolecular interaction and the possibility of inclusion complexes of the IL and/or solvents with β-CD were discussed. The infrared spectroscopy, IR was used for the description of the intermolecular interactions in the (β-CD + IL) systems. It was shown via the activity coefficients at infinite dilution results that the inclusion complexes are dependent on the temperature. The addition of β-CD to the IL does not improve the selectivity of the separation of the aliphatics from aromatics.
Delinquency and Crime among Immigrant Youth—An Integrative Review of Theoretical Explanations
Authors: Chen Xi , Zhong Hua
Published: August 2013

Although classical theorists tend to believe that immigrant youth are more delinquent than native-born adolescents, the existing empirical studies have shown the opposite. The current paper first gives a comprehensive overview of major theoretical explanations for the relatively lower level of delinquency among immigrant youth, including cultural perspectives, strain theories, social control theory, social learning theory, and social disorganization theory. The main argument is that immigrant youth who have not yet acculturated to the youth subculture of the host society are more law-abiding due to protections from their traditional traits (i.e., being more realistic, stronger ties with family/schools, less access to delinquent friends, and higher level of collective efficacy in homogeneous neighborhoods). All these theories are also applied to explain the generational differences in terms of delinquency: compared to earlier generations, later generations of immigrant youth are often more delinquent because they are more acculturated and the protective factors from their origins wear off over time. The continuing public and political bias toward immigrant youth has been explained by social constructionists. We further discuss the necessity of a synthesis of these theoretical approaches and the importance to examine both internal and international migration under similar theoretical frameworks in the modern era.
Manufacturing and Characterization of 18Ni Marage 300 Lattice Components by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Contuzzi Nicola , Campanelli Sabina , Casavola Caterina , Lamberti Luciano
Published: August 2013

The spreading use of cellular structures brings the need to speed up manufacturing processes without deteriorating mechanical properties. By using Selective Laser Melting (SLM) to produce cellular structures, the designer has total freedom in defining part geometry and manufacturing is simplified. The paper investigates the suitability of Selective Laser Melting for manufacturing steel cellular lattice structures with characteristic dimensions in the micrometer range. Alternative lattice topologies including reinforcing bars in the vertical direction also are considered. The selected lattice structure topology is shown to be superior over other lattice structure designs considered in literature. Compression tests are carried out in order to evaluate mechanical strength of lattice strut specimens made via SLM. Compressive behavior of samples also is simulated by finite element analysis and numerical results are compared with experimental data in order to assess the constitutive behavior of the lattice structure designs considered in this study. Experimental data show that it is possible to build samples of relative density in the 0.2456–0.4367 range. Compressive strength changes almost linearly with respect to relative density, which in turns depends linearly on the number of vertical reinforces. Specific strength increases with cell and strut edge size. Numerical simulations confirm the plastic nature of the instability phenomena that leads the cellular structures to collapse under compression loading.
Separacenes A–D, Novel Polyene Polyols from the Marine Actinomycete, Streptomyces sp.
Authors: Bae Munhyung , Kim Heegyu , Shin Yoonho , Kim Byung , Lee Sang , Oh Ki-Bong , Shin Jongheon , Oh Dong-Chan
Published: August 2013

Separacenes A–D (1–4), novel polyene polyols, were isolated from Streptomyces sp. collected from the southern area of Jeju Island, Korea. The chemical structures of 1–4 were established by NMR, mass, UV, and IR spectroscopy as well as the modified Mosher’s method. Separacenes A–B (1–2), which share an identical planar structure but possess different relative configurations, bear tetraene units flanked by two diol moieties, whereas the stereoisomeric separacenes C–D (3–4) possess a triene moiety between two diol substructures. Separacenes A–D each contain a terminal olefinic methylene. Separacene A displayed inhibitory activity against Candida albicans isocitrate lyase and weak cytotoxicity against both the colon carcinoma cell line HCT-116 and the lung cancer cell line A549.
Electrospray Quadrupole Travelling Wave Ion Mobility Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry for the Detection of Plasma Metabolome Changes Caused by Xanthohumol in Obese Zucker (fa/fa) Rats
Authors: Wickramasekara Samanthi , Zandkarimi Fereshteh , Morré Jeff , Kirkwood Jay , Legette LeeCole , Jiang Yuan , Gombart Adrian , Stevens Jan , Maier Claudia
Published: August 2013

This study reports on the use of traveling wave ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight (ToF) mass spectrometry for plasma metabolomics. Plasma metabolite profiles of obese Zucker fa/fa rats were obtained after the administration of different oral doses of Xanthohumol; a hop-derived dietary supplement. Liquid chromatography coupled data independent tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSE) and LC-ion mobility spectrometry (IMS)-MSE acquisitions were conducted in both positive and negative modes using a Synapt G2 High Definition Mass Spectrometry (HDMS) instrument. This method provides identification of metabolite classes in rat plasma using parallel alternating low energy and high energy collision spectral acquisition modes. Data sets were analyzed using pattern recognition methods. Statistically significant (p < 0.05 and fold change (FC) threshold > 1.5) features were selected to identify the up-/down-regulated metabolite classes. Ion mobility data visualized using drift scope software provided a graphical read-out of differences in metabolite classes.
Three Novel Xanthones from Garcinia paucinervis and Their Anti-TMV Activity
Authors: Wu Yu-Ping , Zhao Wei , Xia Zhen-Yuan , Kong Guang-Hui , Lu Xiu-Ping , Hu Qiu-Fen , Gao Xue-Mei
Published: August 2013

Phytochemical investigations of the leaves of Garcinia paucinervis resulted in the isolation of three new xanthones 1–3 and five known analogues 4–8. Structural elucidations of 1–3 were performed by spectral methods such as 1D and 2D (HMQC, HMBC, and ROESY) NMR spectroscopy, in addition to high resolution mass spectrometry. Compounds 1–3 showed anti-TMV activities, with inhibition rates above 20%, especially for 1, which had a lower IC50 value of 21.4 µM.
The Emerging Role of Ferumoxytol-Enhanced MRI in the Management of Cerebrovascular Lesions
Authors: Chalouhi Nohra , Jabbour Pascal , Magnotta Vincent , Hasan David
Published: August 2013

Inflammation is increasingly being understood to be a key component to the pathophysiology of cerebrovascular lesions. Ferumoxytol, an iron oxide nanoparticle coated by a carbohydrate shell, has been used in MRI studies as an inflammatory marker because it is cleared by macrophages. Ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI has emerged as an important tool for noninvasive assessment of the inflammatory status of cerebrovascular lesions, namely aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations. Moreover, preliminary evidence suggests that ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI could be applied as a non-invasive tool to differentiate “unstable” lesions that require early intervention from “stable” lesions in which observation may be safe. Assessment of the effects of anti-inflammatory pharmacological interventions on cerebrovascular lesions is also a potentially crucial application of the technique. Future improvements in technique and MRI signal quantification will certainly pave the way for widespread and efficient use of ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI in clinical practice. In this paper, we review current data regarding ferumoxytol-enhanced MRI and discuss its current/potential applications and future perspectives.
Impact of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Gene Expression during Osteoclastogenesis in Vitro—A Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Akiyama Masako , Nakahama Ken-ichi , Morita Ikuo
Published: August 2013

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are known to protect against inflammation-induced bone loss in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis and osteoporosis. We previously reported that DHA, not EPA, inhibited osteoclastogenesis induced by the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (sRANKL) in vitro. In this study, we performed gene expression analysis using microarrays to identify genes affected by the DHA treatment during osteoclastogenesis. DHA strongly inhibited osteoclastogenesis at the late stage. Among the genes upregulated by the sRANKL treatment, 4779 genes were downregulated by DHA and upregulated by the EPA treatment. Gene ontology analysis identified sets of genes related to cell motility, cell adhesion, cell-cell signaling and cell morphogenesis. Quantitative PCR analysis confirmed that DC-STAMP, an essential gene for the cell fusion process in osteoclastogenesis, and other osteoclast-related genes, such as Siglec-15, Tspan7 and Mst1r, were inhibited by DHA.
NASA Goddard’s LiDAR, Hyperspectral and Thermal (G-LiHT) Airborne Imager
Authors: Cook Bruce , Corp Lawrence , Nelson Ross , Middleton Elizabeth , Morton Douglas , McCorkel Joel , Masek Jeffrey , Ranson Kenneth , Ly Vuong , Montesano Paul
Published: August 2013

The combination of LiDAR and optical remotely sensed data provides unique information about ecosystem structure and function. Here, we describe the development, validation and application of a new airborne system that integrates commercial off the shelf LiDAR hyperspectral and thermal components in a compact, lightweight and portable system. Goddard’s LiDAR, Hyperspectral and Thermal (G-LiHT) airborne imager is a unique system that permits simultaneous measurements of vegetation structure, foliar spectra and surface temperatures at very high spatial resolution (~1 m) on a wide range of airborne platforms. The complementary nature of LiDAR, optical and thermal data provide an analytical framework for the development of new algorithms to map plant species composition, plant functional types, biodiversity, biomass and carbon stocks, and plant growth. In addition, G-LiHT data enhance our ability to validate data from existing satellite missions and support NASA Earth Science research. G-LiHT’s data processing and distribution system is designed to give scientists open access to both low- and high-level data products (http://gliht.gsfc.nasa.gov), which will stimulate the community development of synergistic data fusion algorithms. G-LiHT has been used to collect more than 6,500 km2 of data for NASA-sponsored studies across a broad range of ecoregions in the USA and Mexico. In this paper, we document G-LiHT design considerations, physical specifications, instrument performance and calibration and acquisition parameters. In addition, we describe the data processing system and higher-level data products that are freely distributed under NASA’s Data and Information policy.
Unravelling Eastern Pacific and Central Pacific ENSO Contributions in South Pacific Chlorophyll-a Variability through Remote Sensing
Authors: Couto André , Holbrook Neil , Maharaj Angela
Published: August 2013

El Niño—Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is regarded as the main driver of phytoplankton inter-annual variability. Remotely sensed surface chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), has made it possible to examine phytoplankton variability at a resolution and scale that allows for the investigation of climate signals such as ENSO. We provide empirical evidence of an immediate and lagged influence of ENSO on SeaWiFS and MODIS-Aqua derived global Chl-a concentrations. We use 13 years of Chl-a remotely sensed observations along with sea surface temperature (SST) observations across the Tropical and South Pacific to isolate and examine the spatial development of Chl-a anomalies during ENSO: its canonical or eastern Pacific (EP) mode, and El Niño Modoki or central Pacific (CP) mode, using the extended empirical orthogonal function (EEOF) technique. We describe how an EP ENSO phase transition affects Chl-a, and identify an interannual CP mode of variability induced spatial pattern. We argue that when ENSO is analysed as a propagating signal by the EEOF, CP ENSO is found to be more influential on Chl-a interannual to decadal variability than the canonical EP ENSO. Our results cannot confirm the independence of the two ENSO modes but clearly demonstrate that both ENSO flavors manifest a distinct biological response.
Ultra High Temperature Ceramics
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Amartya , Raju G. B. , Basu Bikramjit
Published: August 2013

Most engineering applications concerned with exposure to extremely high temperatures, (>2000°C), and harsh environmental conditions require the use of ceramic materials possessing melting points in excess of ~ 3000°C. Such ceramics, more commonly referred to as ultra high temperature ceramics (UHTCs), are required to possess a desired combination of mechanical and physical properties, which are retained despite the extremely high temperatures as demanded by their applications. However, there are some drawbacks of such materials, with respect to both their processing as well as their properties, which limit their applications to a considerable extent and demand careful engineering of their composition and microstructure to circumvent those limitations. Continuing research efforts have been focused on addressing such issues. Against this backdrop, the present review summarizes the various properties possessed by the UHTCs and critically analyzes the issues concerned with such materials. Through such analysis, an overview of the more recent research efforts that have been conducted to solve the various issues related to this material class is presented. This also highlights the difficulties associated with experimental assessments of the various properties of such materials. Lastly, the various existing applications and potential future applications for such materials are mentioned, with an outlook towards the issues that need to be addressed in the near future.
Processing Methods for Ultra High Temperature Ceramics
Authors: Sonber J.K. , Ch. Murthy T.S.R. , Subramanian C. , Hubli R.C. , Suri A.K.
Published: August 2013

Ultra-high-temperature ceramics (UHTCs) are a group of materials that can withstand ultra high temperatures (1600-3000 oC) which will be encountered by future hypersonic re-entry vehicles. Future re-entry vehicles will have sharp edges to improve flight performance. The sharp leading edges result in higher surface temperature than that of the actual blunt edged vehicles that could not be withstood by the conventional thermal protection system materials. To withstand the intense heat generated when these vehicles dip in and out of the upper atmosphere, UHTC materials are needed. UHTC materials are composed of borides of early transition metals. From the larger list of borides, ZrB2 and HfB2 have received the most attention as potential candidates for leading edge materials because their oxidation resistance is superior to that of other borides due to the stability of the ZrO2 and HfO2 scales that form on these materials at elevated temperatures in oxidizing environments. Processing of these materials is very difficult as these materials are very refractory in nature. In this chapter, processes available for powder synthesis, fabrication of dense bodies, and coating processes is discussed.
Production of UHTC Complex Shapes and Architectures
Authors: Medri Valentina , Sciti Diletta , Landi Elena
Published: August 2013

In spite of the difficult sinterability of Zr and Hf borides and carbides, recent results highlight that these ceramics can be produced with full density, fine microstructure, and controlled mechanical and thermal properties, through different procedures: pressureless sintering and hot pressing with proper sintering aids, reactive synthesis/sintering procedures starting from precursors, and field assisted technologies like spark plasma sintering. More recently, the use of near net shaping techniques and the development of UHTC porous components open the way to further and innovative applications, where the performances, fixed the material, are linked to 2D or 3D architectures and the high ratio of specific surface area to volume of the component and to the features of the porosity itself. Structural lightweight parts, insulator panels, filters, radiant burners, and solar absorbers are some of the possible applications.
Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS) and Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) of Zr-, Hf-, and Ta-Based Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics
Authors: Orrù Roberto , Cao Giacomo
Published: August 2013

The identification of efficient techniques for the fabrication of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) is very crucial in view of their rapid and wider development. Along these lines, the use of the self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) technique in combination with the SPS technology is examined in this chapter for the obtainment of fully dense MB2-SiC and MB2-MC-SiC (M=Zr, Hf, Ta) ceramics. The starting reactants are first processed by SHS to successfully form the desired composites. The resulting powders are subsequently consolidated by spark-plasma sintering (SPS). Bulk products with relative densities = 96% can be obtained within 30 minutes, when the dwell temperature is 1800 °C and P=20 MPa. Hardness, fracture toughness, and oxidation resistance of the obtained dense bodies are comparable to, and in some cases superior than, those reported for analogous products synthesized using alternative routes. Possible future developments of this approach with the final purpose of obtaining whiskers/fibers reinforced UHTCs are finally discussed.