bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fish from urban tributaries to the Vermelho River, upper Paraguay River Basin, Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Valdeci Antonio de , Mateus Lucia Aparecida , Loverde-Oliveira Simoni , Pietro-Souza William
Published: January 2015

The fish fauna of urban streams is still poorly known, it difficult to assess the effects of urbanization expansion on fish species composition, for this reason the aim of this study was to provide a checklist of species that compose the ichthyofauna of six urban streams, tributaries to the Vermelho River, upper Paraguay River Basin, Rondonópolis, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The samples were performed with seine nets on a spatial gradient of 75 m, and with sieves for a period of 15 minutes in each site. A total of 56 species belonging to five orders, Characiformes, Siluriformes, Gymnotiformes, Cyprinodontiformes, and Perciformes, 21 families and 44 genera were sampled. The most common species were Astyanax asuncionensis Géry, 1972, Astyanax abramis (Jenyns, 1842), Odontostilbe pequira (Steindachner, 1882), Odontostilbe paraguayensis Eigenmann & Kennedy, 1903, Characidium zebra Eigenmann, 1909 and Hypostomus sp. This checklist brings additional knowledge on fish that inhabit tributaries to the major rivers of northern Pantanal.
Platyceps largeni (Schätti , 2001) — sixth specimen and a distribution extension
Authors: Maza Erez , Feldman Anat , Meiri Shai
Published: January 2015

We describe the finding, in a museum jar, of the sixth known specimen of the Eritrean snake Platyceps largeni (Scätti, 2001) (synonym, Coluber largeni). The specimen is from Museri Island, Dahlak Archipelago in the Red Sea. This record is the first one for this island and it represents a ca. 50 km range extension of this species, hitherto known from five specimens in a tight cluster of three other islands. This find verifies Schätti’s (2001) prediction that the species might be found in the nearby archipelago islands.
New records of Picumnus subtilis (Aves: Picidae), Cnipodectes superrufus and Hemitriccus cohnhafti (Aves: Rhynchocyclidae) in Acre, Brazil
Authors: Melo Tomaz Nascimento , Olmos Fabio , Quental Joao
Published: January 2015

We report a range extension of the recently described Acre Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus cohnhafti) to a site 161 km NE from the type-locality, the third site for this species. The same site is also the fourth Brazilian locality for Fine-barred Piculet (Picumnus subtilis). The fourth Brazilian locality for Rufous Twistwing (Cnipodectes superrufus) is also described. All are endemic to southwestern Amazonia and, in Brazil, known only from Acre.
Range extension of the Giant Salamander, Pseudoeurycea gigantea (Taylor 1938) (Caudata: Pletodontidae), and some aspects of its natural history within Hidalgo state, Mexico
Authors: Badillo-Saldaña Luis Manuel , Ramírez-Bautista Aurelio , Berriozabal-Islas Christian , Beteta-Hernández Claudia I.
Published: January 2015

This study documents the most northerly known distribution of the giant salamander, Pseudoeurycea gigantea, and provides new details on aspects of its natural history based on specimens of this species collected within Hidalgo state, Mexico.
Checklist of benthic macroinvertebrates of high altitude ponds of the Tatra Mountains (Central Europe) with new records of two species for Slovakia
Authors: Novikmec Milan , Veselská Marta , Bitušík Peter , Hamerlík Ladislav , Matúšová Zuzana , Reduciendo Klementová Barbora , Svitok Marek
Published: January 2015

A checklist of benthic macroinvertebrates of ponds of Tatra Mountains is presented. The checklist comprises 122 taxa including the first records of Derotanypus cf. sibiricus (Kruglova & Chernovskii, 1940) (Diptera: Chironomidae) and Arctocorisa carinata (Sahlberg, 1918) (Heteroptera) from Slovakia. The most diverse pond site supported 28 taxa, the minimum number of recorded taxa was 2. The richest group was Chironomidae (Diptera) constituting almost half of the total diversity (58 taxa), followed by Trichoptera with 15 taxa. The other higher taxonomic groups were represented by considerably lower taxa number. Relatively high number of recorded taxa underlines important contribution of small lentic waterbodies to regional biodiversity of high-altitude ecosystems.
First record of Chrysopelea taprobanica Smith, 1943 (Squamata: Colubridae) from India
Authors: Guptha Bubesh , Prasad Nimmakayala Venkata Sivaram , Maddock Simon T. , Deepak V.
Published: January 2015

Chrysopelea taprobanica Smith, 1943 was previously considered to be endemic to the dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. However, an adult specimen of C. taprobanica was collected from Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve of Andhra Pradesh, India, being the first record of this snake species from India, significantly extending the known range of distribution of the species. The dry zones of peninsular India were connected with Sri Lanka as recently as ca. 17,000 years ago, which probably allowed movement of species between these two regions.
New record extends the northern limit of distribution of Scytalopus petrophilus (Passeriformes: Rhinocryptidae) in the Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Mafia Pedro De Oliveira
Published: January 2015

I recorded an individual of Rock Tapaculo (Scytalopus petrophilus) on 15 October 2010, in a rocky outcrop (campo rupestre) formation at Sempre-Vivas National Park, at Bocaiúva municipality, northern Minas Gerais, Brazil. This record extends the northern limit of distribution of this species.
New records of Amphisbaena medemi Gans & Mathers, 1977 (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae) from the Caribbean region of northern Colombia
Authors: Meza-Joya Fabio Leonardo
Published: January 2015

This report extends the distribution range of Amphisbaena medemi to the southeast foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and western foothills of the Serranía del Perijá in La Guajira department, Colombia. These records offer a more detailed picture of the species’ distributional range along the Caribbean region of Colombia and represent the first observation of the species in a transitional zone between dry and moist tropical forest.
Career and Talent Development Self-Efficacy Scale: Adaptation and Validation in the Turkish Population
Authors: Çelik Eyüp , İskender Murat , Turan Mehmet Emin
Published: January 2015

The aim of the study is to adapt and conduct reliability and validity studies of the Career and Talent Development Self-Efficacy Scale. Participants were 1047 students in İstanbul. To assess content validity, expert consultancy was utilized and to assess construct validity confirmatory factor analysis was utilized. Reliability of the scale was examined with Cronbach’s Alpha, split-half reliability, test of upper and lower 27% of the groups in terms of item mean differences. Confirmatory factor analysis results showed that chi-square was significant (χ2 = 719.30, SD = 130, p = .00); and fit indices were as follows RMSEA = .066, GFI = .93, AGFI = .91, CFI = .93, IFI = .93, NFI = .91, RFI = .90, SRMR = .041. According to the model results provided a good fit to the data and factor structure in the Turkish form was parallel to the original factor structure. In terms of reliability, internal consistency reliability was. 92 and split-half reliability was. 86. Furthermore, corrected item total correlations were ranged between. 49 and. 67 and all the differences between upper and lower 27% groups were significant. The results of the analysis supported the conclusion that the Turkish form of Career and Talent Development Scale is a reliable and valid measurement tool.
Adiponectin as a Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and Vascular NADPH Oxidase Activity in the Human Arterial Wall: The Regulatory Role of Perivascular Adipose Tissue
Authors: Antonopoulos Alexios S. , Margaritis Marios , Coutinho Patricia , Shirodaria Cheerag , Psarros Costas , Herdman Laura , Sanna Fabio , De Silva Ravi , Petrou Mario , Sayeed Rana , Krasopoulos George , Lee Regent , Digby Janet , Reilly Svetlana , Bakogiannis Constantinos , Tousoulis Dimitris , Kessler Benedikt , Casadei Barbara , Channon Keith M. , Antoniades Charalambos
Published: January 2015

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in the vascular complications of type 2 diabetes. We examined the effect of type 2 diabetes on NADPH oxidase in human vessels and explored the mechanisms of this interaction. Segments of internal mammary arteries (IMAs) with their perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and thoracic adipose tissue were obtained from 386 patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery (127 with type 2 diabetes). Type 2 diabetes was strongly correlated with hypoadiponectinemia and increased vascular NADPH oxidase–derived superoxide anions (O2˙−). The genetic variability of the ADIPOQ gene and circulating adiponectin (but not interleukin-6) were independent predictors of NADPH oxidase–derived O2˙−. However, adiponectin expression in PVAT was positively correlated with vascular NADPH oxidase–derived O2˙−. Recombinant adiponectin directly inhibited NADPH oxidase in human arteries ex vivo by preventing the activation/membrane translocation of Rac1 and downregulating p22phox through a phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt-mediated mechanism. In ex vivo coincubation models of IMA/PVAT, the activation of arterial NADPH oxidase triggered a peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ–mediated upregulation of the adiponectin gene in the neighboring PVAT via the release of vascular oxidation products. We demonstrate for the first time in humans that reduced adiponectin levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes stimulates vascular NADPH oxidase, while PVAT “senses” the increased NADPH oxidase activity in the underlying vessel and responds by upregulating adiponectin gene expression. This PVAT-vessel interaction is identified as a novel therapeutic target for the prevention of vascular complications of type 2 diabetes.
Reactivated CD4+Tm Cells of T1D Patients and Siblings Display an Exaggerated Effector Phenotype With Heightened Sensitivity to Activation-Induced Cell Death
Authors: Bian Michael Lei , Haigh Oscar , Munster David , Harris Mark , Cotterill Andrew , Miles John J. , Vuckovic Slavica
Published: January 2015

Dysfunction in effector memory has been proposed to contribute to autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes (T1D). Using a unique cohort of age- and sex-matched T1D patients, nonaffected siblings, and unrelated control children, we undertook a detailed analysis of proliferation, activation, effector responses, and apoptosis in reactivated CD4+Tm cells during T-cell receptor stimulation. Across cohorts, there was no difference in the proliferation of reactivated CD4+Tm cells. In T1D patients and siblings, CD4+Tm cells easily acquired the activated CD25+ phenotype and effectively transitioned from a central (CD62L+Tcm) to an effector memory (CD62L−Tem) phenotype with an elevated cytokine “signature” comprising interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin-10 in T1D patients and IFN-γ in siblings. This amplified Tem phenotype also exhibited an exaggerated immune shutdown with heightened sensitivity to activation-induced cell death and Fas-independent apoptosis. Apoptosis resulted in the elimination of one-half of the effector memory in T1D patients and siblings compared with one-third of the effector memory in control subjects. These data suggest genetic/environment-driven immune alteration in T1D patients and siblings that manifests in an exaggerated CD4+Tem response and shutdown by apoptosis. Further immunological studies are required to understand how this exaggerated CD4+Tem response fits within the pathomechanisms of T1D and how the effector memory can be modulated for disease treatment and/or prevention.
Metformin Inhibits Monocyte-to-Macrophage Differentiation via AMPK-Mediated Inhibition of STAT3 Activation: Potential Role in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Vasamsetti Sathish Babu , Karnewar Santosh , Kanugula Anantha Koteswararao , Thatipalli Avinash Raj , Kumar Jerald Mahesh , Kotamraju Srigiridhar
Published: January 2015

Monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation is a critical event that accentuates atherosclerosis by promoting an inflammatory environment within the vessel wall. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms responsible for monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and, subsequently, the effect of metformin in regressing angiotensin II (Ang-II)-mediated atheromatous plaque formation in ApoE−/− mice. AMPK activity was dose and time dependently downregulated during phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)-induced monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation, which was accompanied by an upregulation of proinflammatory cytokine production. Of note, AMPK activators metformin and AICAR significantly attenuated PMA-induced monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and proinflammatory cytokine production. However, inhibition of AMPK activity alone by compound C was ineffective in promoting monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation in the absence of PMA. On the other hand, inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal kinase activity inhibited PMA-induced inflammation but not differentiation, suggesting that inflammation and differentiation are independent events. In contrast, inhibition of STAT3 activity inhibited both inflammation and monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. By decreasing STAT3 phosphorylation, metformin and AICAR through increased AMPK activation caused inhibition of monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. Metformin attenuated Ang-II–induced atheromatous plaque formation and aortic aneurysm in ApoE−/− mice partly by reducing monocyte infiltration. We conclude that the AMPK-STAT3 axis plays a pivotal role in regulating monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation and that by decreasing STAT3 phosphorylation through increased AMPK activity, AMPK activators inhibit monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation.
Prior AICAR Stimulation Increases Insulin Sensitivity in Mouse Skeletal Muscle in an AMPK-Dependent Manner
Authors: Kjøbsted Rasmus , Treebak Jonas T. , Fentz Joachim , Lantier Louise , Viollet Benoit , Birk Jesper B. , Schjerling Peter , Björnholm Marie , Zierath Juleen R. , Wojtaszewski Jørgen F.P.
Published: January 2015

An acute bout of exercise increases glucose uptake in skeletal muscle by an insulin-independent mechanism. In the period after exercise, insulin sensitivity to increased glucose uptake is enhanced. The molecular mechanisms underpinning this phenomenon are poorly understood but appear to involve an increased cell surface abundance of GLUT4. While increased proximal insulin signaling does not seem to mediate this effect, elevated phosphorylation of TBC1D4, a downstream target of both insulin (Akt) and exercise (AMPK) signaling, appears to play a role. The main purpose of this study was to determine whether AMPK activation increases skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. We found that prior AICAR stimulation of wild-type mouse muscle increases insulin sensitivity to stimulate glucose uptake. However, this was not observed in mice with reduced or ablated AMPK activity in skeletal muscle. Furthermore, prior AICAR stimulation enhanced insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of TBC1D4 at Thr649 and Ser711 in wild-type muscle only. These phosphorylation events were positively correlated with glucose uptake. Our results provide evidence to support that AMPK activation is sufficient to increase skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. Moreover, TBC1D4 phosphorylation may facilitate the effect of prior AMPK activation to enhance glucose uptake in response to insulin.
The Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Associations With Treatment Stage and Obesity
Authors: Peeters Paul J.H.L. , Bazelier Marloes T. , Leufkens Hubert G.M. , de Vries Frank , De Bruin Marie L.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

To assess the risk of colorectal cancer associated with type 2 diabetes, as compared with a nondiabetic reference population, and to study additional associations between treatment stage and duration of obesity and colorectal cancer risk.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted an observational population-based cohort study within the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (1987–2012). All patients (≥18 years) with at least one prescription for an antidiabetic drug (n = 300,039) were matched (1:1) by birth year, sex, and practice to a comparison cohort without diabetes. Cox proportional hazards models were used to derive adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for colorectal cancer associated with type 2 diabetes. Within the diabetic cohort, associations of colorectal cancer with treatment stages and duration of obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m2) were studied.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 2,759 cases of colorectal cancer were observed among the diabetic study population. Type 2 diabetes was associated with a 1.3-fold increased risk of colorectal cancer (HR 1.26 [95% CI 1.18–1.33]). Among diabetic patients, no association was found with treatment stages. A trend of increased colorectal cancer risk was observed with longer duration of obesity. Risk of colorectal cancer was significantly increased for patients with recorded duration of obesity of 4–8 years (HR 1.19 [1.06–1.34]) and >8 years (1.28 [1.11–1.49]).

CONCLUSIONS

Type 2 diabetes is associated with a moderately increased risk of colorectal cancer. Among diabetic patients, an increased risk was observed for patients who suffered from obesity for a total duration of 4 years or more.
Trends in Diabetes Incidence: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Abraham Tobin M. , Pencina Karol M. , Pencina Michael J. , Fox Caroline S.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

Obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to increase in prevalence in the U.S. Whether diabetes incidence continues to increase in recent times is less well documented. We examined trends in diabetes incidence over the previous four decades.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Framingham Heart Study participants ages 40–55 years and free of diabetes at baseline (n = 4,795; mean age 45.3 years; 51.6% women) were followed for the development of diabetes in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Diabetes was defined as either fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL or use of antidiabetes medication. Poisson regression was used to calculate sex-specific diabetes incidence rates for a 47-year-old individual in each decade. Rates were also calculated among obese, overweight, and normal weight individuals.

RESULTS

The annualized rates of diabetes per 1,000 individuals were 2.6, 3.8, 4.7, and 3.0 (women) and 3.4, 4.5, 7.4, and 7.3 (men) in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, respectively. Compared with the 1970s, the age- and sex-adjusted relative risks of diabetes were 1.37 (95% CI 0.87–2.16; P = 0.17), 1.99 (95% CI 1.30–3.03; P = 0.001), and 1.81 (95% CI 1.16–2.82; P = 0.01) in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, respectively. Compared with the 1990s, the relative risk of diabetes in the 2000s was 0.85 (95% CI 0.61–1.20; P = 0.36).

CONCLUSIONS

In our community-based sample, the risk of new-onset diabetes continued to be higher in the 2000s compared with the 1970s. In the past decade, diabetes incidence remained steady despite the ongoing trend of rising adiposity.
Life Years Lost and Lifetime Health Care Expenditures Associated With Diabetes in the U.S., National Health Interview Survey, 1997–2000
Authors: Leung Man-Yee Mallory , Pollack Lisa M. , Colditz Graham A. , Chang Su-Hsin
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed the lifetime health care expenditures and life years lost associated with diabetes in the U.S.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey from 1997 to 2000, and the NHIS Linked Mortality Public-use Files with a mortality follow-up to 2006 were used to estimate age-, race-, sex-, and BMI-specific risk of diabetes, mortality, and annual health care expenditures for both patients with diabetes and those without diabetes. A Markov model populated by the risk and cost estimates was used to compute life years and total lifetime health care expenditures by age, race, sex, and BMI classifications for patients with diabetes and without diabetes.

RESULTS

Predicted life expectancy for patients with diabetes and without diabetes demonstrated an inverted U shape across most BMI classifications, with highest life expectancy being for the overweight. Lifetime health care expenditures were higher for whites than blacks and for females than males. Using U.S. adults aged 50 years as an example, we found that diabetic white females with a BMI >40 kg/m2 had 17.9 remaining life years and lifetime health expenditures of $185,609, whereas diabetic white females with normal weight had 22.2 remaining life years and lifetime health expenditures of $183,704.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that diabetes is associated with large decreases in life expectancy and large increases in lifetime health care expenditures. In addition to decreasing life expectancy by 3.3 to 18.7 years, diabetes increased lifetime health care expenditures by $8,946 to $159,380 depending on age-race-sex-BMI classification groups.
Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring in Type 1 Diabetes: A Qualitative Framework Analysis of Patient Narratives
Authors: Pickup John C. , Ford Holloway Melissa , Samsi Kritika
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVE

This study analyzed narratives about experiences of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in people with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

People with type 1 diabetes using CGM and caregivers completed an online survey. Questions included duration of CGM, frequency of sensor wear, funding, and a free narrative about experiences or views about CGM. We used qualitative framework analysis to analyze 100 responses; 50% of participants were aged ≥18 years.

RESULTS

Most participants (87%) used CGM with insulin pump therapy, 71% used sensors ≥75% of the time, and 66% received funding for CGM from the National Health Service. Four themes were identified: 1) metabolic control, 2) living with CGM (work and school, sleep, exercise, nutrition, frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose [SMBG]), 3) psychological issues and patient/caregiver attitudes, and 4) barriers to CGM use (technical issues, financial issues, attitudes of healthcare professionals toward CGM). Despite some hassles, experiences were overwhelmingly positive, with improved glycemic control, diet and exercise management, quality of life, and physical and psychological well-being, as well as reduced frequency of SMBG. Technical problems included sensor inaccuracy and unreliability, and “alarm fatigue.” The advantages of CGM used with an insulin pump with automatic suspension of insulin delivery during hypoglycemia were recorded by several participants, noting reduced hypoglycemia frequency and fear of nocturnal hypoglycemia.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient and caregiver narratives indicate that CGM is a valuable addition to diabetes care for many with type 1 diabetes.
JOSPT: Plus Ultra—Further Beyond
Authors: Simoneau Guy G. , Holmes Edith
Published: January 2015

JOSPT enters its 36th year of publishing guided by a new 3-year strategic plan, its third since 2008. This plan, created last September with the generous participation of JOSPT's many stakeholders, could be said to have as its motto “plus ultra,” Latin for “further beyond.” JOSPT's vision is to go further beyond where it is today to become the pre-eminent source of scientific evidence to optimize movement and health for the global community. Its mission, grounded in the past but driving toward the future, is to disseminate scientifically rigorous, clinically relevant content for physical therapists and others in the health care community to advance musculoskeletal and sports-related rehabilitation and movement. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(1):1–3. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0101
January 2015 Letter to the Editor-in-Chief
Authors: Xavier de Araujo Francisco , Macagnan Fabricio Edler , Della Méa Plentz Rodrigo , Silva Marcelo Faria
Published: January 2015

Letter to the Editor-in-Chief of JOSPT as follows: “Autonomic Effects After Anterior-to-Posterior Cervical Mobilization” with Authors' Response

J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(1):46–48. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0201
Heterotopic Ossification in a Recreational Soccer Player
Authors: Hando Ben , Flottmann Jay , Tuli Raj
Published: January 2015

The patient was a 44-year-old man who was evaluated by a physical therapist in a direct-access capacity for a chief complaint of intermittent right hip pain that began 6 months prior while playing soccer. After discussing the patient's presentation with an orthopaedic surgeon, the physical therapist ordered magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed an avulsion tear of rectus femoris tendon from the anterior inferior iliac spine, with surrounding soft tissue edema and heterotopic ossification. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2015;45(1):45. doi:10.2519/jospt.2015.0401
Stopping Sight Distance and Horizontal Sight Line Offsets at Horizontal Curves
Authors: Wood Jonathan S. , Donnell Eric T.
Published: January 2015

Criteria for the design of horizontal curves implicitly rely on design speed to produce safe and efficient designs, particularly for horizontal sight line offsets and stopping sight distances. Current design guidance provides a method for calculating minimum horizontal sight line offsets that is accurate and valid only when both driver and object are within the limits of the curve. Other methods are available to estimate minimum horizontal sight line offsets when the driver, object, or both are not within the curve limits. However, design guidance recommends using the calculated value for offsets as a conservative estimate near the ends of curves. In this study, speed prediction models and reliability theory were used to estimate the probability that drivers would not have enough sight distance to see, react to, and stop before reaching an object in the roadway if horizontal sight line offset criteria were applied when the driver or object was outside the limits of a horizontal curve. Six scenarios at the curve approach and inside the curve were analyzed. Reliability estimates (based on minimum horizontal sight line offsets from current minimum design criteria) and stopping sight distance distributions (based on individual driver characteristics) indicated that the probability of drivers not having enough stopping sight distance was much greater on the approach to than inside the horizontal curves. For improvement of design consistency, the use of calculated horizontal sight line offsets beyond the limits of the curve (approach and departure tangents) is suggested to provide extra sight distance to drivers near the curve.
Geometric and Operational Improvements at Continuous Flow Intersections to Enhance Pedestrian Safety
Authors: Coates Angela , Yi Ping , Liu Peng , Ma Xinlu
Published: January 2015

Traditional four-phase, four-legged intersections may operate inefficiently under high traffic demand. Innovative geometric design con-figurations for intersections allow more efficient traffic operations and can significantly increase vehicle throughput. Continuous flow intersections (CFIs), also referred to as displaced left-turn inter sections, use an unconventional lane arrangement to maximize the vehicular throughput. This arrangement involves displacing left-turn lanes across opposing through traffic before reaching the main intersection. Such an alteration allows left-turning and through vehicles to proceed simultaneously, and both intersection capacity and delay are improved as a result. Numerous studies have validated these operational improvements, but pedestrian accommodation often is low because of the unconventional configuration. Both pedestrian crossing time and distance are longer than desired, and the unfamiliar geometry makes intersection navigation difficult and possibly unsafe for pedestrians. An enhanced CFI configuration is proposed and tested to improve the pedestrian experience. Because pedestrian crossing activity often resulted in heightened intersection delay, a flexible signal control program was developed, specifically for this intersection to reduce vehicle delay while prioritizing pedestrian crossing. The signal control procedure dynamically chooses the appropriate phase and green time combination to minimize delay by considering pedestrian wait time and existing queue length. A simulation analysis was performed with this advanced control method, and results show how its implementation can improve pedestrian accommodation while minimizing vehicle delay at CFIs.
Reliability-Based Geometric Design Approach for Selecting Basic Number of Freeway Lanes
Authors: Musunuru Anusha , Porter Richard J.
Published: January 2015

Reliability-based geometric design analysis is more suitable for explicitly addressing the level of variability and randomness associated with design inputs than is a more deterministic design approach. Reliability analysis was used to estimate the probability distribution of operational performance that might result from basic decisions made to achieve a design level of service (LOS) for number of lanes on a freeway. The concept was demonstrated with data from I-15 and I-80 in Utah. To account for uncertainty in the design inputs, statistical distributions were developed, and reliability analysis was carried out with Monte Carlo simulation. The outcome of this probabilistic analysis was a distribution of vehicle density for a given number of lanes during the design hour. The main benefit of reliability analysis is that it enables designers to explicitly consider uncertainties in their decision making and to illustrate specific values of the distributions that correspond with the target LOS (e.g., the 65th through 85th percentile density levels correspond to those in the design LOS). The results demonstrate how uncertainty in estimates of the percentage of daily traffic in the design hour, the directional distribution, the percentage of heavy vehicles, and the free-flow speed significantly contribute to variation in vehicle density on a freeway.
Assessing Suitability of Nontraditional Development in Roadside Right-of-Way
Authors: Gates Timothy J. , Savolainen Peter T. , McArthur Adam , Andridge Patrick , Kirsch Trevor , McElmurry Shawn P.
Published: January 2015

A decision framework was developed for context-sensitive planning in the roadside right-of-way (ROW). The primary component of this framework was a roadside suitability assessment model that supported decisions related to ROW use and development, particularly those that were nontraditional in nature. The model accommodated a broad range of potential types of development while a diverse range of roadside contextual features, including land use (current and future), land cover, environment, natural resources, and plant and animal habitats was considered. The primary function of the model was to identify the areas along a highway corridor that were most (or least) suitable for development in the roadside ROW. After the model parameters were calibrated to satisfy local conditions, a roadside suitability index was computed for each area along the selected corridor with available geospatial data as the primary model inputs. The roadside suitability index provided a relative indication of the overall suitability for a particular development in the roadside ROW. The model was demonstrated with a 20-mile pilot section of I-94 in southwest Michigan. Four types of nontraditional ROW development were considered for implementation along the corridor, including solar panels, wind turbines, agriculture and farming, and green infrastructure (e.g., stream or wetland mitigation). The resultant roadside suitability scores for the pilot corridor generally were consistent with standard considerations for planning land use.
Application of Conflict Scoping Process to Transportation Projects
Authors: Moates Christopher
Published: January 2015

The conflict scoping process (CSP) is a formalized, proactive project management tool for identifying, predicting, assessing, managing, and resolving conflict that has been introduced to project managers at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (DOT) over the course of the past year. In a transportation project, conflict escalation can cost an agency and project valuable time and money and thus potentially lead to cancellation. The CSP tool is designed to increase accountability, transparency, and trust with stakeholders while reducing project cost and time delays. The CSP approach has been applied to 25 first-phase implementation projects at the Minnesota DOT, which ranged from early planning, predesign, and environmental impact to final design and construction stages. The CSP tool brings visibility to the importance of managing interpersonal relationships, the potential and real effects of conflict, and the value of earlier conflict resolution. Project managers are trained in CSP techniques, work through many of the nine steps, and then use their training and skills and resources in the agency to work toward conflict resolution. Key preliminary findings indicate that project managers are establishing more robust internal and external stakeholder lists, have raised their awareness of elected officials and the value of establishing good relationships, have realized instances when relationships must be improved, and have discovered opportunities for using key alliances to reduce future workload. Five implementation projects are discussed in this paper for process illustration. A second CSP implementation phase is being conducted, and application to all projects at the Minnesota DOT is planned to occur in a scalable manner by 2015.
Strategies to Optimize the Management of Right-of-Way Parcel and Utility Information
Authors: Kraus Edgar , Quiroga Cesar , Le Jerry
Published: January 2015

State departments of transportation (DOTs) in the United States are responsible for the safe operation and management of vast assets. Core management processes include determining right-of-way boundaries; inventorying roadside features; preparing right-of-way maps; acquiring, selling, and leasing assets; and regulating the accommodation of utilities in the right-of-way. Ready access to related information is a key requirement for streamlining project delivery and asset management throughout the life cycle of transportation infrastructure facilities. The results of research conducted to assist the Florida DOT in developing a strategic implementation plan for the management of right-of-way parcel and utility data at the department are summarized. For support of this effort, current Florida DOT systems were assessed, Florida DOT management practices were reviewed, and recommendations for a long-term vision and strategies to manage right-of-way parcel and utility data were developed. Research included a comprehensive review of Florida DOT MicroStation design libraries and a determination of the way to apply this information to the development of a data model and a protocol for the extraction of parcel and utility data from MicroStation into a geographic information system (GIS) environment. The research team evaluated both expanded and compact versions of the data model that included linkages to other business processes in the department. Recommendations include implementing the systematic use of existing survey and GEOPAK data to generate parcel shapes in MicroStation for later use in other applications, including the GIS environment, and a systematic database approach to managing utility-related levels in MicroStation.
Removal of Dissolved Heavy Metals in Highway Runoff
Authors: Barrett Michael , Katz Lynn , Taylor Scott
Published: January 2015

Some findings of the recently completed NCHRP Project 25–32, Measuring and Removing Dissolved Metals from Storm Water in Highly Urbanized Areas, are highlighted. One objective of the project was to assess the potential for adsorption to reduce the concentration of dissolved heavy metals in highway runoff. One of the major difficulties of this type of work is capturing the impacts of background organic matter and other complexing ions on adsorption behavior in multicomponent systems. To address this difficulty, the synthetic stormwater used in this evaluation included natural organic matter (extracted from actual highway runoff) as well as the typical inorganic constituents. A series of column experiments was run with iron oxide, manganese oxide, portland cement concrete, and crab shell waste as adsorbents. Factors that were evaluated included organic matter concentration, competition between metal ion species, pH, ionic strength, and alkalinity. Results of the column experiments indicated that iron oxide removed dissolved metals substantially better than did manganese. Both portland cement concrete and crab shell waste were effective at controlling pH, which was the largest factor in determining the removal of dissolved metals; adsorption capacity declined by more than an order of magnitude at elevated concentrations of organic matter and elevated alkalinity. These experiments indicate that the addition of iron oxide plus concrete or crab shell may be a cost-effective way to remove dissolved metals in highway runoff.
Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model for Analysis of Flows, Concentrations, and Loads of Highway Runoff Constituents
Authors: Granato Gregory E. , Jones Susan Cheung
Published: January 2015

In cooperation with FHWA, the U.S. Geological Survey developed the stochastic empirical loading and dilution model (SELDM) to supersede the 1990 FHWA runoff quality model. The SELDM tool is designed to transform disparate and complex scientific data into meaningful information about the adverse risks of runoff on receiving waters, the potential need for mitigation measures, and the potential effectiveness of such measures for reducing such risks. The SELDM tool is easy to use because much of the information and data needed to run it are embedded in the model and obtained by defining the site location and five simple basin properties. Information and data from thousands of sites across the country were compiled to facilitate the use of the SELDM tool. A case study illustrates how to use the SELDM tool for conducting the types of sensitivity analyses needed to properly assess water quality risks. For example, the use of deterministic values to model upstream stormflows instead of representative variations in prestorm flow and runoff may substantially overestimate the proportion of highway runoff in downstream flows. Also, the risks for total phosphorus excursions are substantially affected by the selected criteria and the modeling methods used. For example, if a single deterministic concentration is used rather than a stochastic population of values to model upstream concentrations, then the percentage of water quality excursions in the downstream receiving waters may depend entirely on the selected upstream concentration.
Wave-Induced Scour at Cylindrical Piles
Authors: Webb Bret M. , Matthews Miyuki T.
Published: January 2015

The dynamics of wave-induced scour at the base of vertical piles are not well defined for some realistic combinations of wave-induced flow and pile diameter. Scour development at marine structures depends strongly on the Keulegan–Carpenter (KC) number, a ratio of flow to structure length scale. Observations and descriptions of scour development in the range 1 < KC < 6 are mostly absent from existing literature. Even though there is little to no vorticity for KC < 6 at a cylindrical pile, a continuum of sediment transport initiated by steady streaming of fluid must exist. Analysis of wave-induced flow and pile characteristics representative of field conditions reveal that sediment mobilization—also referred to as live bed conditions—occurs in the range 1 < KC < 6, even though sediment mobilization is not evident in most laboratory experiments. A comprehensive evaluation of published field and laboratory data for equilibrium wave scour depth at the base of cylindrical piles revealed a marked discontinuity in scour development over the range 1 < KC < 6 that might have been the result of laboratory scaling or capabilities. A new empirical model for estimating wave-induced scour at the base of cylindrical piles was derived by using available laboratory data in such a way as to minimize error over a broad range of flow and pile characteristics. The new equation reduces error by 31% compared with an existing predictive equation and, more important, estimates the equilibrium wave scour depth over a transitional range of KC values not considered previously.
Survival and low-grade glioma: the emergence of genetic information
Authors: Claus Elizabeth B. , Walsh Kyle M. , Wiencke John K. , Molinaro Annette M. , Wiemels Joseph L. , Schildkraut Joellen M. , Bondy Melissa L. , Berger Mitchel , Jenkins Robert , Wrensch Margaret
Published: January 2015

Significant gaps exist in our understanding of the causes and clinical management of glioma. One of the biggest gaps is how best to manage low-grade (World Health Organization [WHO] Grade II) glioma. Low-grade glioma (LGG) is a uniformly fatal disease of young adults (mean age 41 years), with survival averaging approximately 7 years. Although LGG patients have better survival than patients with high-grade (WHO Grade III or IV) glioma, all LGGs eventually progress to high-grade glioma and death. Data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute suggest that for the majority of LGG patients, overall survival has not significantly improved over the past 3 decades, highlighting the need for intensified study of this tumor. Recently published research suggests that historically used clinical variables are not sufficient (and are likely inferior) prognostic and predictive indicators relative to information provided by recently discovered tumor markers (e.g., 1p/19q deletion and IDH1 or IDH2 mutation status), tumor expression profiles (e.g., the proneural profile) and/or constitutive genotype (e.g., rs55705857 on 8q24.21). Discovery of such tumor and constitutive variation may identify variables needed to improve randomization in clinical trials as well as identify patients more sensitive to current treatments and targets for improved treatment in the future. This article reports on survival trends for patients diagnosed with LGG within the United States from 1973 through 2011 and reviews the emerging role of tumor and constitutive genetics in refining risk stratification, defining targeted therapy, and improving survival for this group of relatively young patients.
Functional preoperative and intraoperative mapping and monitoring: increasing safety and efficacy in glioma surgery
Authors: Ottenhausen Malte , Krieg Sandro M. , Meyer Bernhard , Ringel Florian
Published: January 2015

Greater extent of resection (EOR) of low-grade gliomas is associated with improved survival. Proximity to eloquent cortical regions often limits resectability and elevates the risk of surgery-related deficits. Therefore, functional localization of eloquent cortex or subcortical fiber tracts can enhance the EOR and functional outcome. Imaging techniques such as functional MRI and diffusion tensor imaging fiber tracking, and neurophysiological methods like navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation and magnetoencephalography, make it possible to identify eloquent areas prior to resective surgery and to tailor indication and surgical approach but also to assess the surgical risk. Intraoperative monitoring with direct cortical stimulation and subcortical stimulation enables surgeons to preserve essential functional tissue during surgery. Through tailored pre- and intraoperative mapping and monitoring the EOR can be maximized, with reduced rates of surgery-related deficits.
Resection of cerebral gangliogliomas causing drug-resistant epilepsy: short- and long-term outcomes using intraoperative MRI and neuronavigation
Authors: Sommer Björn , Wimmer Cornelia , Coras Roland , Blumcke Ingmar , Lorber Bogdan , Hamer Hajo M. , Stefan Hermann , Buchfelder Michael , Roessler Karl
Published: January 2015

OBJECT

Cerebral gangliogliomas (GGs) are highly associated with intractable epilepsy. Incomplete resection due to proximity to eloquent brain regions or misinterpretation of the resection amount is a strong negative predictor for local tumor recurrence and persisting seizures. A potential method for dealing with this obstacle could be the application of intraoperative high-field MRI (iopMRI) combined with neuronavigation.

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients (31 female, 38 male; median age 28.5 ± 15.4 years) suffering from cerebral GGs were included in this retrospective study. Five patients received surgery twice in the observation period. In 48 of the 69 patients, 1.5-T iopMRI combined with neuronavigational guidance was used. Lesions close to eloquent brain areas were resected with the implementation of preoperative diffusion tensor imaging tractography and blood oxygenation level–dependent functional MRI (15 patients).

RESULTS

Overall, complete resection was accomplished in 60 of 69 surgical procedures (87%). Two patients underwent biopsy only, and in 7 patients, subtotal resection was accomplished because of proximity to critical brain areas. Excluding the 2 biopsies, complete resection using neuronavigation/iopMRI was documented in 33 of 46 cases (72%) by intraoperative imaging. Remnant tumor mass was identified intraoperatively in 13 of 46 patients (28%). After intraoperative second-look surgery, the authors improved the total resection rate by 9 patients (up to 91% [42 of 46]). Of 21 patients undergoing conventional surgery, 14 (67%) had complete resection without the use of iopMRI. Regarding epilepsy outcome, 42 of 60 patients with seizures (70%) became completely seizure free (Engel Class IA) after a median follow-up time of 55.5 ± 36.2 months. Neurological deficits were found temporarily in 1 (1.4%) patient and permanently in 4 (5.8%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Using iopMRI combined with neuronavigation in cerebral GG surgery, the authors raised the rate of complete resection in this series by 19%. Given the fact that total resection is a strong predictor of long-term seizure control, this technique may contribute to improved seizure outcome and reduced neurological morbidity.
Body Temperature and Mortality in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Schell-Chaple Hildy M. , Puntillo Kathleen A. , Matthay Michael A. , Liu Kathleen D. ,   the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network
Published: January 2015

Background

Little is known about the relationship between body temperature and outcomes in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A better understanding of this relationship may provide evidence for fever suppression or warming interventions, which are commonly applied in practice.

Objective

To examine the relationship between body temperature and mortality in patients with ARDS.

Methods

Secondary analysis of body temperature and mortality using data from the ARDS Network Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (n = 969). Body temperature at baseline and on study day 2, primary cause of ARDS, severity of illness, and 90-day mortality were analyzed by using multiple logistic regression.

Results

Mean baseline temperature was 37.5°C (SD, 1.1°C; range, 27.2°C–40.7°C). At baseline, fever (≥ 38.3°C) was present in 23% and hypothermia (< 36°C) in 5% of the patients. Body temperature was a significant predictor of 90-day mortality after primary cause of ARDS and score on the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation III were adjusted for. Higher temperature was associated with decreased mortality: for every 1°C increase in baseline temperature, the odds of death decreased by 15% (odds ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73–0.98, P = .03). When patients were divided into 5 temperature groups, mortality was lower with higher temperature (P for trend = .02).

Conclusions

Early in ARDS, fever is associated with improved survival rates. Fever in the acute phase response to lung injury and its relationship to recovery may be an important factor in determining patients’ outcome and warrants further study.