bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strengths and threats regarding the patient’s safety: nursing professionals’ opinion
Authors: Ques Ángel Alfredo Martínez , Montoro César Hueso , González María Gálvez
Published: August 2010

The aim of this research is to know the barriers and opportunities that nursing professionals detect in their clinical practice in order to develop the culture of patient safety and to identify future research lines. This qualitative study is based on the DELPHI method, with a group of 19 nursing professionals from education and care practice, involving both primary and specialized care. Weaknesses and threats revolve around five categories: profession, organization and infrastructure; indicators; communication and safety culture; and safety training. Opportunities to improve safety cover six categories: organizational change; promotion of the safety culture, professional training and development; relationship with the patients; research; and strategic planning. Work is needed to improve safety and nursing should be ready to assume this leadership.
Accidentes y lesiones por consumo de alcohol y drogas en pacientes atendidos en una sala de urgencia
Authors: Oliva Rodríguez Nora Nelly , Dalrí Maria Célia Barcellos , Alonso Castillo María Magdalena , López García Karla Selene
Published: August 2010

Los propósitos del estudio fueron describir la diferencia del consumo de alcohol por género, escolaridad y ocupación y conocer el efecto de las características sociodemográficas sobre el consumo de alcohol, en 120 pacientes. Los resultados mostraron diferencias significativas por género (t=-3,570, p<0,01) y escolaridad (t=2,636, p<0,01) en el consumo de alcohol. Además se encontraron efectos significativos del consumo de alcohol relacionados a la edad, edad de inicio de consumo de alcohol, cantidad de bebidas ingeridas, edad de inicio de consumo de marihuana, y horas transcurridas del consumo de marihuana hasta el accidente (F7, 116=15,519, p<0,00) con una varianza explicada de 40%.
Accidentes de tránsito y el consumo de alcohol en una unidad de urgencia de La Paz, Bolivia
Authors: Pelaez Mariscal Inês Magali , Silva Edilaine Cristina da
Published: August 2010

Estudio de tipo cuantitativo, descriptivo, observacional y transversal. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la distribución y características de los accidentes de tránsito relacionados con el consumo de alcohol en una unidad de urgencias de un hospital de clínicas de La Paz, en Bolivia. La muestra estuvo conformada por 62 personas, choferes y peatones, mayores de 15 años, que estuvieron involucrados en accidentes de tránsito por estado de ebriedad, los cuales acudieron a la Unidad de Urgencias. Fue aplicado una encuesta elaborado por los investigadores para recolectar datos sociodemográficos y de morbilidad de las víctimas y datos que evalúan el consumo de alcohol del conductor responsable del accidente. Los resultados evidenciaron que 71% de los accidentados eran hombres; 32,3% presentaban edades entre 21 y 30 años; 29% eran estudiantes y 25.8% eran choferes. El estudio permitió la caracterización de las personas accidentadas, del consumo de alcohol e del accidente.
Adjuvant Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Current and Future Directions
Authors: Sangha Randeep , Price Julie , Butts Charles A.
Published: August 2010

The cornerstone of treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has long been surgical resection. Over the past few years, there has been a paradigm shift to provide adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy for patients with completely resected stage II–IIIA NSCLC founded on large randomized clinical trials demonstrating longer overall survival with this treatment. Reassuringly, the National Cancer Institute of Canada Cancer Therapeutics Group JBR.10 trial recently reported a continued survival advantage for patients treated with adjuvant chemotherapy after >9 years of median follow-up. In contrast, the gains from using this approach for stage IB disease are less clear, although data from an unplanned subgroup analysis suggest benefit for patients with tumors ≥4 cm. Herein, we review the evidence supporting adjuvant therapy in early-stage NSCLC patients before discussing key mitigating factors in providing treatment, such as stage of disease and the impact of the new seventh edition of the tumor–node–metastasis classification system. Criteria such as patient age and performance status, as well as the value of appropriate chemotherapy selection, are highlighted as measures to help guide management. The role of postoperative radiotherapy and the future landscape of early-stage NSCLC research are also explored; namely, therapeutic strategies exploiting pharmacogenomic and gene-expression profiling, in an attempt to personalize care, and the integration of novel targeted therapies into adjuvant clinical trials.
Pedagogy as Influencing Nursing Students' Essentialized Understanding of Culture
Authors: Gregory David , Harrowing Jean , Lee Bonnie , Doolittle Lisa , O'Sullivan Patrick S.
Published: August 2010

In this qualitative study, we explored how students understood culture." Participants defined culture and wrote narratives regarding specific cultural encounters. The sample comprised both nursing (n=14) and non-nursing (n=8) students to allow for comparison groups. Content analysis of the narratives revealed two broad paradigms of cultural understanding: essentialist and constructivist. Essentialist narratives comprised four themes: determinism (culture defied individual resistance); relativism (the possibility of making value judgments disappeared); Othering (culture was equated to exotica, and emphasized difference); and, reductionism (personhood was eclipsed by culture). In contrast, the constructivist narratives were characterized by influence (non-determinism), dynamism (culture was dynamic and evolutionary); and, relationship-building. The unintended negative consequences of essentialist notions of culture were revealed in the nursing students narratives. Pedagogy is implicated in nursing students essentialized understanding of culture.
Advertising Competition in Retail Markets
Authors: Bagwell Kyle , Lee Gea M
Published: August 2010

We consider non-price advertising by retail firms that are privately informed as to their respective production costs. We construct an advertising equilibrium in which informed consumers use an advertising search rule whereby they buy from the highest-advertising firm. Consumers are rational in using the advertising search rule since the lowest-cost firm advertises the most and also selects the lowest price. Even though the advertising equilibrium facilitates productive efficiency, we establish conditions under which firms enjoy higher expected profit when advertising is banned. Consumer welfare falls in this case, however. Under free entry, social surplus is higher when advertising is allowed. In addition, we consider a benchmark model of price competition; we provide comparative-statics results with respect to the number of informed consumers, the number of firms and the distribution of costs; and we consider the possibility of sequential search.
Assessment of toxic elements' content in swine kidneys: Pathomorphological analysis
Authors: Milicevic Dragan , Jovanovic Milijan , Juric Verica , Petrovic Zoran , Vukovic Dubravka
Published: August 2010

Background: In order to ensure the safety of consumers in Serbia, the toxic elements' (Cd, Hg, As, Pb) content in swine kidneys collected from three different sites in Serbia (n=90), were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Also, in order to find information on the effects of accumulation of toxic elements in swine kidneys, histopathological examination of kidneys was carried out. Methods: Determination of toxic elements (Cd, Hg, As, Pb) in swine kidneys was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry. For microscopic examination, kidney samples were fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and absolute alcohol for 5 to 7 days, processed by routine methods, sectioned at 5-8 ?m, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) for light microscopy. Results: The presence of mercury was found in 33.3% of kidney samples in the range of 0.005-0.055 mg/kg, while presence of cadmium was found in less degree (27.7%) but in higher content (0.05-1,23 mg/kg). The presence of arsenic was found only in one sample, while presence of lead was not found. The metal-to-metal correlation analysis supported the theory that there were different sources of contamination. Histopathological examination of kidneys confirms tubulopathies with edema and cell vacuolization. In addition, hemorrhages and necrosis of proximal kidney tubules' cells were found. Conclusion: This study shows the presence of toxic elements in pigs butchered in Serbia at levels comparable to those reported in other countries., and consequently do not represent any concern from a consumer safety point of view. The lack of strong correlation between histopathological changes and incidence of toxic elements found in our trial may explain the possible synergism among toxic elements and other nephrotoxic compounds, which enhances the toxicity, especially in cases of low contamination.
Sacral metastases in an endometrial cancer patient after treatment with sequential chemo-radiotherapy: A case report
Authors: Bryant Christopher , Shah Jay , Kumar Sanjeev , Munkarah Adnan , Morris Robert , Deppe Gunter
Published: August 2010

The incidence of bone metastases in endometrial cancer is reported to occur in less than 15% of patients with metastatic disease. The medical literature is limited to only case reports, although none describing a sacral recurrence after adjuvant chemo-radiation therapy. We present the case of a 64-year-old woman who underwent surgery for endometrial adenocarcinoma followed by 'sandwich' chemoradiation therapy at our institution, July 2006 (FIGO stage IB grade 3). In spite of adjuvant therapy, which was delivered in August 2008 the patient, developed an isolated sacral recurrence. The optimal therapeutic modality for endometrial cancer patients with high-risk disease remains controversial. The increasing use of combined modality therapy for early stage, high-risk patients may produce different recurrence patterns than described in historical controls.
Effects of the LiFePO4 content and the preparation method on the properties of (LiFePO4+AC)/Li4Ti5O12 hybrid batterycapacitors
Authors: Hu Xue , Lin Zi , Liu Li , Huai Jian , Deng Hua
Published: August 2010

Two composite cathode materials containing LiFePO4 and activated carbon (AC) were synthesized by an in-situ method and a direct mixing technique, which are abbreviated as LAC and DMLAC, respectively. Hybrid battery-capacitors LAC/Li4Ti5O12 and DMLAC/Li4Ti5O12 were then assembled. The effects of the content of LiFePO4 and the preparation method on the cyclic voltammograms, the rate of charge-discharge and the cycle performance of the hybrid batterycapacitors were investigated. The results showed the overall electrochemical performance of the hybrid battery-capacitors was the best when the content of LiFePO4 in the composite cathode materials was in the range from 11.8 to 28.5 wt. %, while the preparation method had almost no impact on the electrochemical performance of the composite cathodes and hybrid battery-capacitors. Moreover, the hybrid batterycapacitor devices had a good cycle life performance at high rates. After 1000 cycles, the capacity loss of the DMLAC/Li4Ti5O12 hybrid batterycapacitor device at 4 C was no more than 4.8 %. Moreover, the capacity loss would be no more than 9.6 % after 2000 cycles at 8?C.
The effect of temporary filling materials on the microleakage in endodontically treated teeth
Authors: Djeri Aleksandra , Gajic Natasa , Sukara Slava , Veselinovic Valentina , Ilic Sanja
Published: August 2010

Introduction. Besides anatomo-morphological characteristics of the root canal system, instrumentation techniques, obturation materials as well as temporary filling materials can influence the coronal microleakage. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro coronal microleakage of temporary filling materials in endodontically treated teeth by the method of colored solutions. Material and Methods. Forty extracted human teeth (single-rooted and multi-rooted) divided into two groups of (intact and caries affected) were used. The root canals were instrumented by step-back preparation technique and 2.5% NaOCl as irigant solution. Obturation was performed by lateral condensation technique with Apexit paste and gutta-percha. Cavit and Glass Ionomer Cement were used as temporary filling materials. The solution of 50% AgNO3 was used for microleakage assessment. The penetration of the color was evaluated using Light Microscope. Results. Of intact teeth, 60% temporarily filled by Cavit showed the color penetration, while only 25% of the teeth temporarily filled by combination of GIC and Cavit. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). In caries affected teeth, the penetration of the color was observed in 55% of the samples when Cavit was used and in 32% when combination of GIC and Cavit was used as temporary filling material. The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Less color penetration occured in single-rooted than in multi-rooted teeth in both groups, but the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusion. Glass Ionomer Cements in combination with Cavit provide better sealing of endodontically treated teeth. The least color penetration was observed in intact single-rooted teeth.
Cost of primary health care in the Republic of Serbia for the period 2006-2008
Authors: Gajic-Stevanovic Milena , Vuksa Ana , Zivkovic Slavoljub , Teodorovic Nevenka
Published: August 2010

Introduction. Primary health care in the Republic of Serbia is predominantly funded by the Republic Health Insurance Fund (RHIF). From the total income of health centers and institutes at the primary level, with no pharmacy and pharmacies (Kosovo excluded), 84% in 2008 was paid by RHIF. Frequency of participation ranged from 63-95% and it was stable in all observed years. The aim of this study was to determine the expenditures for primary health care for each insured person in statistically defined districts in the Republic of Serbia, with an emphasis on prevention participation. Material and Methods. Retrospective and comparative analysis of health statistics from the database of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia (IPHS) and financial data from the RHIF for the period 2006-2008 was done. Results. Observed by the districts in 2008, in Vojvodina, the lowest expenditure for primary health care had North Backa District (5,207 RSD) and greatest was in West Backa District (6,632 RSD) per capita. In the central Serbia territorial difference was much greater, ranging from 3,574 RSD in the District Morava to 6,701 RSD per capita in the District Toplica and Nisava. Expenditures for direct health care of RHIF per capita in the reporting period continuously have grown. Conclusion. The results showed that the largest cost for primary care for the insured person in the districts of Serbia was registered in the Nisava and Toplica (6,701 RSD) and lowest in the district of Morava (3,574 RSD) per capita.
Treatment of localized lesion of the tooth and surrounding tissue caused by dental disharmony: Case report
Authors: Andjelkovic Slobodan , Divnic-Resnik Tihana , Cicic Snezana
Published: August 2010

The loss of proper contact of the adjacent teeth, which usually occurs as a result of caries or tooth extraction, can lead to serious consequences on oral tissues health as well as on the function of complete oral system, unless timely repaired. It often happens that the irregular contact of the tooth due to inadequate filling remains unnoticed by the patient and dentist. Also, if the loss of contact caused by caries or after tooth extraction is not treated, it often leads to inclination of adjacent teeth and their traumatic contact in relation to the antagonists. If this situation remains for a long time, it can cause significant disorder for which rehabilitation, complex therapy and long period of time are required. The aim of this study was to point out the proper procedure for the treatment of complex lesions of teeth and adjacent tissues, caused by extraction of the second lower right premolar and impaired contact between the first molar and first premolar.
INS-1 Cells Undergoing Caspase-Dependent Apoptosis Enhance the Regenerative Capacity of Neighboring Cells
Authors: Bonner Caroline , Bacon Siobhán , Concannon Caoimhín G. , Rizvi Syed R. , Baquié Mathurin , Farrelly Angela M. , Kilbride Seán M. , Dussmann Heiko , Ward Manus W. , Boulanger Chantal M. , Wollheim Claes B. , Graf Rolf , Byrne Maria M. , Prehn Jochen H.M.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

In diabetes, β-cell mass is not static but in a constant process of cell death and renewal. Inactivating mutations in transcription factor 1 (tcf-1)/hepatocyte nuclear factor1a (hnf1a) result in decreased β-cell mass and HNF1A–maturity onset diabetes of the young (HNF1A-MODY). Here, we investigated the effect of a dominant-negative HNF1A mutant (DN-HNF1A) induced apoptosis on the regenerative capacity of INS-1 cells.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

DN-HNF1A was expressed in INS-1 cells using a reverse tetracycline-dependent transactivator system. Gene(s)/protein(s) involved in β-cell regeneration were investigated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Pancreatic stone protein/regenerating protein (PSP/reg) serum levels in human subjects were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

We detected a prominent induction of PSP/reg at the gene and protein level during DN-HNF1A–induced apoptosis. Elevated PSP/reg levels were also detected in islets of transgenic HNF1A-MODY mice and in the serum of HNF1A-MODY patients. The induction of PSP/reg was glucose dependent and mediated by caspase activation during apoptosis. Interestingly, the supernatant from DN-HNF1A–expressing cells, but not DN-HNF1A–expressing cells treated with zVAD.fmk, was sufficient to induce PSP/reg gene expression and increase cell proliferation in naïve, untreated INS-1 cells. Further experiments demonstrated that annexin-V–positive microparticles originating from apoptosing INS-1 cells mediated the induction of PSP/reg. Treatment with recombinant PSP/reg reversed the phenotype of DN-HNF1A–induced cells by stimulating cell proliferation and increasing insulin gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that apoptosing INS-1 cells shed microparticles that may stimulate PSP/reg induction in neighboring cells, a mechanism that may facilitate the recovery of β-cell mass in HNF1A-MODY.
Antiobesity Effect of Eicosapentaenoic Acid in High-Fat/High-Sucrose Diet–Induced Obesity
Authors: Sato Ayumi , Kawano Hiroyuki , Notsu Tatsuto , Ohta Masahiko , Nakakuki Masanori , Mizuguchi Kiyoshi , Itoh Michiko , Suganami Takayoshi , Ogawa Yoshihiro
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Given the pleiotropic effect of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), it is interesting to know whether EPA is capable of improving obesity. Here we examined the anti-obesity effect of EPA in mice with two distinct models of obesity.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat/high-sucrose diet (25.0% [w/w] fat, 32.5% [w/w] sucrose) (HF/HS group) or a high-fat diet (38.1% [w/w] fat, 8.5% [w/w] sucrose) (HF group) for 4–20 weeks. A total of 5% EPA was administered by partially substituting EPA for fat in the HF/HS + EPA and HF + EPA groups.

RESULTS

Both the HF/HS and HF groups similarly developed obesity. EPA treatment strongly suppresses body weight gain and obesity-related hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia in HF/HS-fed mice (HF/HS + EPA group), where hepatic triglyceride content and lipogenic enzymes are increased. There is no appreciable effect of EPA on body weight in HF-fed mice (HF + EPA group) without enhanced expression of hepatic lipogenic enzymes. Moreover, EPA is capable of reducing hepatic triglyceride secretion and changing VLDL fatty acid composition in the HF/HS group. By indirect calorimetry analysis, we also found that EPA is capable of increasing energy consumption in the HF/HS + EPA group.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first demonstration that the anti-obesity effect of EPA in HF/HS-induced obesity is associated with the suppression of hepatic lipogenesis and steatosis. Because the metabolic syndrome is often associated with hepatic lipogenesis and steatosis, the data suggest that EPA is suited for treatment of the metabolic syndrome.
Identification of a Serum-Induced Transcriptional Signature Associated With Type 1 Diabetes in the BioBreeding Rat
Authors: Kaldunski Mary , Jia Shuang , Geoffrey Rhonda , Basken Joel , Prosser Simon , Kansra Sanjay , Mordes John P. , Lernmark Åke , Wang Xujing , Hessner Martin J.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Inflammatory mediators associated with type 1 diabetes are dilute and difficult to measure in the periphery, necessitating development of more sensitive and informative biomarkers for studying diabetogenic mechanisms, assessing preonset risk, and monitoring therapeutic interventions.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We previously utilized a novel bioassay in which human type 1 diabetes sera were used to induce a disease-specific transcriptional signature in unrelated, healthy peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Here, we apply this strategy to investigate the inflammatory state associated with type 1 diabetes in biobreeding (BB) rats.

RESULTS

Consistent with their common susceptibility, sera of both spontaneously diabetic BB DRlyp/lyp and diabetes inducible BB DR+/+ rats induced transcription of cytokines, immune receptors, and signaling molecules in PBMCs of healthy donor rats compared with control sera. Like the human type 1 diabetes signature, the DRlyp/lyp signature, which is associated with progression to diabetes, was differentiated from that of the DR+/+ by induction of many interleukin (IL)-1–regulated genes. Supplementing cultures with an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) modulated the DRlyp/lyp signature (P < 10−6), while administration of IL-1Ra to DRlyp/lyp rats delayed onset (P = 0.007), and sera of treated animals did not induce the characteristic signature. Consistent with the presence of immunoregulatory cells in DR+/+ rats was induction of a signature possessing negative regulators of transcription and inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Paralleling our human studies, serum signatures in BB rats reflect processes associated with progression to type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, these studies support the potential utility of this approach to detect changes in the inflammatory state during therapeutic intervention.
Femoral Adipose Tissue May Accumulate the Fat That Has Been Recycled as VLDL and Nonesterified Fatty Acids
Authors: McQuaid Siobhán E. , Humphreys Sandy M. , Hodson Leanne , Fielding Barbara A. , Karpe Fredrik , Frayn Keith N.
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

Gluteo-femoral, in contrast to abdominal, fat accumulation appears protective against diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to test the hypothesis that this reflects differences in the ability of the two depots to sequester fatty acids, with gluteo-femoral fat acting as a longer-term “sink.”

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 12 healthy volunteers were studied after an overnight fast and after ingestion of a mixed meal. Blood samples were taken from veins draining subcutaneous femoral and abdominal fat and compared with arterialized blood samples. Stable isotope-labeled fatty acids were used to trace specific lipid fractions. In 36 subjects, adipose tissue blood flow in the two depots was monitored with 133Xe.

RESULTS

Blood flow increased in response to the meal in both depots, and these responses were correlated (rs = 0.44, P < 0.01). Nonesterified fatty acid (NEFA) release was suppressed after the meal in both depots; it was lower in femoral fat than in abdominal fat (P < 0.01). Plasma triacylglycerol (TG) extraction by femoral fat was also lower than that by abdominal fat (P = 0.05). Isotopic tracers showed that the difference was in chylomicron-TG extraction. VLDL-TG extraction and direct NEFA uptake were similar in the two depots.

CONCLUSIONS

Femoral fat shows lower metabolic fluxes than subcutaneous abdominal fat, but differs in its relative preference for extracting fatty acids directly from the plasma NEFA and VLDL-TG pools compared with chylomicron-TG.
A 1-Year Lifestyle Intervention for Weight Loss in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Reduces High C-Reactive Protein Levels and Identifies Metabolic Predictors of Change
Authors: Belalcazar L. Maria , Reboussin David M. , Haffner Steven M. , Hoogeveen Ron C. , Kriska Andrea M. , Schwenke Dawn C. , Tracy Russell P. , Pi-Sunyer F. Xavier , Ballantyne Christie M. ,   for the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE

We examined whether a 1-year intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) for weight loss reduced elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels in obese individuals with diabetes and identified metabolic and fitness predictors of hs-CRP change.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) is an ongoing multicenter clinical trial examining the effects of weight loss achieved through ILI on cardiovascular events and overall mortality in obese/overweight adults with type 2 diabetes. We report on 1,759 Look AHEAD participants who had hs-CRP and fitness data at baseline and 1 year. Subjects were randomly assigned to ILI or to usual care (diabetes support and education [DSE]). ILI involved frequent counseling to increase moderate-intensity exercise to 175 min/week, reduce caloric and saturated fat intake, and change macronutrient composition to improve glycemic control.

RESULTS

ILI reduced median hs-CRP by 43.6% from baseline to 1 year, compared with a 16.7% reduction with DSE (P < 0.001). ILI decreased weight (8.8%), A1C (0.7%), and triglycerides (17%) and increased fitness (19%) and HDL cholesterol (7.5%) (P < 0.0001 vs. changes with DSE). Changes in adiposity and glucose control with ILI remained independent predictors of hs-CRP change at 1 year (P < 0.0001 for each) after adjustment for demographics, smoking, cardiovascular history, statin and thiazolidinedione use, and changes in fitness and lipid control. Neither statin nor insulin therapy modified the association between ILI and hs-CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

A 1-year lifestyle intervention for weight loss in obese individuals with diabetes was associated with substantial reductions in hs-CRP. Improved glycemic control and reduced adiposity had comparable effects on hs-CRP change.
Inclusive Planning Process for Citywide Bus Network Restructuring: Experience and Impacts
Authors: Currie Graham , Tivendale Knowles
Published: August 2010

Despite an overwhelming case for the redevelopment of historically based bus networks, reviews are difficult to implement because of limited funding, equity concerns, complex technical challenges, difficulty in communicating technical issues to stakeholders, and potential displacement of existing users. This paper describes a bus network review process designed in Melbourne, Australia, to address these issues. The process adopts evidence-based planning and achieves a consensus of outcomes by using an inclusive design process with advanced analysis tools to communicate technical issues effectively to a nontechnical audience. Previous research does not directly address the practical implementation of bus review processes and tends either to focus on short-term bus planning approaches or to consider theoretical applications with limited practical value. The bus network review process developed is based on strategic studies aimed at opportunities to grow bus markets. The process is highly consultative to build stakeholder buy-in and adopts a two-stage program of (a) problem identification inputs and (b) draft network review inputs using nominal group techniques to ensure inclusive participation and quantification of outputs. The review process uses a simple-to-understand hierarchy approach to review services including assessment of access, time factors, ease of use, safety, and awareness. Graphical techniques including geographic information systems are adopted for clear and simple presentation of technical outputs. The process has been powerful in building buy-in and has resulted in A$1.4 billion (US$1.3 billion) of investment in improved services with high ridership growth outcomes. Experience and effects, including areas for future research, are outlined.
Developing an Information Management System for Public and Specialized Transportation Providers of Illinois: A Web-Based, Interactive System
Authors: Sriraj P. S. , Dirks Lise , Singh Hersh
Published: August 2010

Transportation coordination involves service coordination, planning coordination, and financial coordination. A scan of the literature indicates that transportation coordination efforts are hampered by a lack of understanding about existing services, turf issues, and inadequate funding. One solution to address this problem is by providing comprehensive information management systems (IMS) to all stakeholder groups that are part of the regional and state transportation arena. Various federal programs acknowledge the importance of coordination and make it a mandatory precursor to applying for funding. The level of coordination required for successful application for funding from these programs makes the need for such information systems extremely important. The Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago is developing a web-based interactive IMS (TRANPRO) for the public and specialized transportation services in Illinois; the IMS features a provider inventory and other service-related information along with the requisite demographic information. The TRANPRO IMS includes public and specialized transportation data in the form of projects funded by Sections 5307, 5311, and 5310; the Downstate Operating Assistance Program; Job Access and Reverse Commute; New Freedom grants; and Title IIIB and Title XX programs for seniors as well as other known human-service transportation providers operating within the state. This paper explains the development of the IMS, the data assimilated, and the various uses of the system to facilitate coordinated planning, mobility management, and help with the grant application process. TRANPRO will benefit different stakeholder groups, including the administrators of funding programs (for example, the department of transportation), human-service transportation coordinators, mobility managers, and other stakeholders in coordination of services.
Revisiting Variability of Dispersion Parameter of Safety Performance for Two-Lane Rural Roads
Authors: Cafiso Salvatore , Di Silvestro Giacomo , Persaud Bhagwant , Begum Morjina Ara
Published: August 2010

Safety performance functions (SPFs) are commonly calibrated with negative binomial regression in which a dispersion parameter that represents extra-Poisson variation is estimated. The primary use of this parameter is in empirical Bayes estimation for safety management applications such as treatment evaluation and network screening. It stands to reason that the importance of precise estimation of the dispersion parameter should be established. Recent research has suggested that the dispersion parameter is not constant but actually varies from site to site, depending on site characteristics such as segment length. In revisiting the dispersion parameter issue in this empirical investigation, previous research on this issue is reinforced by filling a number of knowledge gaps. First, light is cast on the dispersion parameter variation for SPFs for two-lane rural roads, an important entity type for which there is little or no knowledge in this regard. In this study, more precise model forms are investigated to represent the variation with respect to the key variable, segment length. This investigation confirms that the dispersion parameter is inversely related to segment length but reveals that it is not inversely proportional to segment length, as suggested in other research. Second, it was found that the dispersion parameter is smaller and the variation less pronounced with better-specified models. Finally, additional evidence is provided to suggest that dispersion parameter variation matters more for shorter segment lengths.
Evaluating Trauma Management Performance in Europe: A Multiple-Layer Data Envelopment Analysis Model
Authors: Shen Yongjun , Hermans Elke , Ruan Da , Wets Geert , Brijs Tom , Vanhoof Koen
Published: August 2010

Trauma management (TM) concerned with the medical treatment of injuries resulting from road crashes is considered key in avoiding preventable death and disability and in reducing the severity and suffering caused by the injury. To understand the concept of TM better and to evaluate the level of overall performance in different countries, a hierarchical set of TM indicators is developed and subsequently combined into an overall index. Data envelopment analysis (DEA) is explored, and a multiple-layer DEA model is developed to reflect the hierarchical structure of the indicators. With 17 TM performance indicators related to emergency medical services and permanent medical facilities, the most optimal TM index score is computed for 21 European countries. The weights assigned to the indicators of each layer of the hierarchy are deduced, to provide insight into the critical aspects of the prevalent TM system. In addition, country groups in accordance with the index score are evaluated, and a particular set of benchmark countries is identified for those countries with relatively poor performance.
Property Damage Crash Equivalency Factors to Solve Crash Frequency–Severity Dilemma: Case Study on South Korean Rural Roads
Authors: Oh Jutaek , Washington Simon , Lee Dongmin
Published: August 2010

Safety interventions (e.g., median barriers, photo enforcement) and road features (e.g., median type and width) can influence crash severity, crash frequency, or both. Both dimensions—crash frequency and crash severity—are needed to obtain a full accounting of road safety. Extensive literature and common sense both dictate that crashes are not created equal, with fatalities costing society more than 1,000 times the cost of property damage crashes on average. Despite this glaring disparity, the profession has not unanimously embraced or successfully defended a nonarbitrary severity weighting approach for analyzing safety data and conducting safety analyses. It is argued here that the two dimensions (frequency and severity) are made available by intelligently and reliably weighting crash frequencies and converting all crashes to property-damage-only crash equivalents (PDOEs) by using comprehensive societal unit crash costs. This approach is analogous to calculating axle load equivalents in the prediction of pavement damage: for instance, a 40,000-lb truck causes 4,025 times more stress than does a 4,000-lb car and so simply counting axles is not sufficient. Calculating PDOEs using unit crash costs is the most defensible and nonarbitrary weighting scheme, allows for the simple incorporation of severity and frequency, and leads to crash models that are sensitive to factors that affect crash severity. Moreover, using PDOEs diminishes the errors introduced by underreporting of less severe crashes—an added benefit of the PDOE analysis approach. The method is illustrated with rural road segment data from South Korea (which in practice would develop PDOEs with Korean crash cost data).
Fatality Risk of Intersection Crashes on Rural Undivided Highways in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Barua Upal , Azad Abul Kalam , Tay Richard
Published: August 2010

Intersections are recognized as the most hazardous locations on roads since conflict possibilities are high at intersections and often result in a high frequency of fatal crashes. A significant share of fatal crashes in Canada occur at intersections on rural undivided highways. Nevertheless, few studies have examined the factors contributing to the fatality risk of intersection crashes in Canada. In this study, a logistic regression model was applied to a sample of crash data at intersections on the rural undivided highways of Alberta, Canada, to investigate 18 factors and 71 variables. Of the significant factors, the major ones affecting the likelihood of fatality are the type of intersection, horizontal and vertical alignment of the highway at the intersection, signalization at the intersection, type of collision, impairment of drivers, and age of drivers involved in crashes. The fatality risk of intersection crashes tends to increase when crashes occur at offset intersections or at cross or T-intersections on horizontal curves. The likelihood of fatality tends to increase if the intersection is on a sag curve or at a constant grade. However, signalization at intersections tends to reduce the likelihood of fatality. Pedestrian-involved collisions, head-on collisions, right-angle collisions, and run-off-road collisions that involve hitting a fixed object and overturning of vehicles are associated with higher fatality risk. An intersection crash also tends to have a higher likelihood of fatality when it involves an older driver (>70 years) or impaired (by alcohol or drugs) or fatigued drivers.
Evaluating Innovative Ideas in Pedestrian Signing for Temporary Traffic Control
Authors: Ullman Brooke R. , Ullman Gerald L.
Published: August 2010

A laboratory study of human factors was conducted to evaluate enhanced signing options that provide pedestrians in temporary traffic control areas with improved information on sidewalk closures. Researchers believed that improving the pedestrian information provided at work zones could result in better public compliance with signing. However, there were concerns that some pedestrian signing alternatives might be interpreted incorrectly by drivers as pertaining to their travel. As a result of these concerns, researchers conducted a human factors study from the perspectives of a pedestrian and a driver. The following are several key issues identified during this research: (a) none of the pedestrian signing alternatives affected driver understanding that the signs were intended only for pedestrians; (b) from the pedestrian perspective, the use of an orange background with black text for signs resulted in a higher level of participants indicating that they would react to the sign information (i.e., cross the street to a different sidewalk) without adversely affecting their comprehension of the sign meaning; (c) the action phrase “Use Other Side” was more intuitively understood by pedestrians than “Cross Here”; and (d) the inclusion of a distance reference to the closure is recommended for advance warning signs for pedestrians.
Assessing Benefits of Chevrons with Full Retroreflective Signposts on Rural Horizontal Curves
Authors: Ré Jonathan M. , Hawkins H. Gene , Chrysler Susan T.
Published: August 2010

Driving a horizontal curve requires a change in vehicle alignment and a potential reduction in speed. Curves may present a challenging situation during adverse conditions or to inattentive drivers. Chevron signs provide advance warning and positive guidance through the curve. Some agencies place supplemental retroreflective material on chevron signposts to enhance the signs’ conspicuity and visibility. The objective of this study was to determine any incremental benefits in vehicle speed and lateral lane position when retroreflective material was applied to chevron signposts. This study evaluated three scenarios in a before-and-after experimental design. The before evaluation presented no vertical delineation (baseline). The two after evaluations consisted of a series of standard chevrons (chevrons) and chevrons with fully retroreflective posts (full-post chevrons). Traffic counters measured vehicle speed and lateral lane position at the point of curvature and midpoint of the curve at two separate study sites. Findings showed that chevrons and full-post chevrons moved vehicles away from oncoming traffic by about 15 in. Overall, there was little difference between the lateral position findings of the two chevron treatment scenarios. Chevrons achieved a 1.28-mph reduction in mean vehicle speed from the baseline evaluation, and full-post chevrons obtained a 2.20-mph reduction. The findings determined that the benefits of full-post chevrons were not substantial. Researchers recommend that the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) should continue to present full-post chevrons as an optional delineation tool. On the basis of this research, the researchers do not recommend any changes to the MUTCD.
Protected–Permissive Left-Turn Signal Control Mode: New Analytical Approach to Estimate Operational Benefit and Safety Cost
Authors: Qi Yi (Grace) , Chen Xin , Guo Aohan , Yu Lei
Published: August 2010

Protected–permissive left-turn (PPLT) and protected only (PO) left-turn signal control modes have been widely used at signalized intersections. The selection between these two control modes is a complicated process in which practitioners need to consider safety and operational impacts. In this study researchers developed analytical models for estimating the operational benefits and the safety risks associated with the use of the PPLT control mode. Evaluation results demonstrated that the proposed models could provide accurate and reliable estimates for the delay reduction and the potential conflicts caused by the use of the PPLT mode. Results of this study will be useful for developing quantitative criteria for the selection between the PO and PPLT modes.
Study on Exothermic Oxidation of Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) Resin Powder with Application to ABS Processing Safety
Authors: Duh Yih-Shing , Ho Ta-Cheng , Chen Jenq-Renn , Kao Chen-Shan
Published: August 2010

Oxidative degradation of commercial grade ABS (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resin powders was studied by thermal analysis. The instabilities of ABS containing different polybutadiene (PB) contents with respect to temperature were studied by Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). Thermograms of isothermal test and dynamic scanning were performed. Three exothermic peaks were observed and related to auto-oxidation, degradation and oxidative decomposition, respectively. Onset temperature of the auto-oxidation was determined to be around 193 °C. However, threshold temperature of oxidation was found to be as low as 140 °C by DSC isothermal testing. Another scan of the powder after degeneration in air showed an onset temperature of 127 °C. Reactive hazards of ABS powders were verified to be the exothermic oxidation of unsaturated PB domains, not the SAN (poly(styrene-acrylonitrile)) matrix. Heat of oxidation was first determined to be 2,800 ± 40 J per gram of ABS or 4,720 ± 20 J per gram of PB. Thermal hazards of processing ABS powder are assessed by adiabatic temperature rise at process conditions. IR spectroscopy associated with heat of oxidation verified the oxidative mechanism, and these evidences excluded the heat source from the degradation of SAN. A specially prepared powder of ABS without adding anti-oxidant was analyzed by DSC for comparing the exothermic behaviors. Exothermic onset temperatures were determined to be 120 °C and 80 °C by dynamic scanning and isothermal test, respectively. The assessment successfully explained fires and explosions in an ABS powder dryer and an ABS extruder.
Multifunctional Urban Agriculture for Sustainable Land Use Planning in the United States
Authors: Lovell Sarah Taylor
Published: August 2010

Urban agriculture offers an alternative land use for integrating multiple functions in densely populated areas. While urban agriculture has historically been an important element of cities in many developing countries, recent concerns about economic and food security have resulted in a growing movement to produce food in cities of developed countries including the United States. In these regions, urban agriculture offers a new frontier for land use planners and landscape designers to become involved in the development and transformation of cities to support community farms, allotment gardens, rooftop gardening, edible landscaping, urban forests, and other productive features of the urban environment. Despite the growing interest in urban agriculture, urban planners and landscape designers are often ill-equipped to integrate food-systems thinking into future plans for cities. The challenge (and opportunity) is to design urban agriculture spaces to be multifunctional, matching the specific needs and preferences of local residents, while also protecting the environment. This paper provides a review of the literature on urban agriculture as it applies to land use planning in the United States. The background includes a brief historical perspective of urban agriculture around the world, as well as more recent examples in the United States. Land use applications are considered for multiple scales, from efforts that consider an entire city, to those that impact a single building or garden. Barriers and constraints to urban agriculture are discussed, followed by research opportunities and methodological approaches that might be used to address them. This work has implications for urban planners, landscape designers, and extension agents, as opportunities to integrate urban agriculture into the fabric of our cities expand.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Heat-Shock Protein 90 Inhibitors: Geldanamycin Derivatives with Broad Antiviral Activities
Authors: Li Yan-Ping , Shan Guang-Zhi , Peng Zong-Gen , Zhu Jian-Hua , Meng Shuai , Zhang Tian , Gao Lin-Yan , Tao Pei-Zhen , Gao Rong-Mei , Li Yu-Huan , Jiang Jian-Dong , Li Zhuo-Rong
Published: August 2010

Background:

Previous studies have suggested that geldanamycin (GA) inhibits the replication of several viruses in vitro. Here, we aimed to synthesize and evaluate the antiviral activity of 17-amino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin derivatives.

Methods:

A series of 17-substituted and 17-,19-disubstituted GA derivatives were screened for antiviral activities against eight different viral strains, including herpesvirus, hepatitis virus, retrovirus and picornavirus.

Results:

Most of the tested compounds showed inhibitory activity against the viruses and showed reduced cytotoxicity in vitro as compared with the parent compound GA. In vivo efficacy evaluation results showed that compound 6 noticeably inhibited duckling hepatitis B virus DNA replication in duckling serum after oral administration. Viral rebound did not occur after termination of the treatment. The modified GA derivatives also showed median lethal dose values that were higher than that of the parent GA in mice intraperitoneally treated with the study compounds.

Conclusions:

Targeting heat-shock protein 90 could be a new antiviral approach that is not prone to the development of drug resistance. The 17-amino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin derivatives could be novel agents with potential antiviral activity.