bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Effects on Zone-Level Collision Prediction Models
Authors: Karim M. Ahsanul , Wahba Mohamed M. , Sayed Tarek
Published: March 2014

A recent study developed a set of zone-level negative binomial collision prediction models to investigate the relationship between various transportation and sociodemographic characteristics and overall roadway safety. The developed models used data from Metro Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and considered the effect of Poisson variations and heterogeneity (extra variation) on collision occurrence. This study aims to evaluate spatial effects on the occurrence of collisions and to check whether the inclusion of spatial variables can improve the goodness of fit and inference capability of those previously developed prediction models. Transit-reliant and application-based collision prediction models with spatial correlations were developed by using the WinBUGS software. The convergence of the developed models was tested by trace plots of the parameter estimated, the Brooks–Gelman–Rubin statistics, and ratios of Monte Carlo errors relative to the standard deviations of the estimates. The results showed that incorporation of the spatial correlations affected the parameter estimates, the values of dispersion parameters and intercepts, and also the t-statistics. The effect of the main exposure variable on all of the models for total, severe, and property-damage-only collisions was found to be smaller under spatial models. The smaller values of the exponents of the main exposure variable confirmed the assumption that spatial effects need to be considered in collision prediction models to mitigate any potential bias associated with model misspecification.
Estimating Annual Average Daily Traffic for Local Roads for Highway Safety Analysis
Authors: Wang Tao , Gan Albert , Alluri Priyanka
Published: March 2014

Annual average daily traffic (AADT) is a required input to the newly released SafetyAnalyst software application. Further, AADT is also required to calculate crash rates. Traditionally, AADTs are estimated by using a mix of permanent and temporary traffic counts collected in the field. Because field collection of traffic counts is expensive, it is usually performed only for major roads and only a small percentage of nonstate local roads have reliable AADT data. A method is presented to estimate AADTs for local roads by using the travel demand modeling method. A major component of the method involves a parcel-level trip generation model that estimates the trips generated by each parcel. The generated trips are then distributed to existing traffic count sites by using a parcel-level trip distribution gravity model. The all-or-nothing trip assignment method is then applied to assign the trips between the parcels and the traffic count sites onto the local roadway network to yield estimates of AADTs. The estimated AADTs were compared with those from an existing regression-based method using actual traffic counts from Broward County, Florida. The results show that the proposed method produces significantly lower mean absolute percentage errors.
Calibration and Development of Safety Performance Functions for Alabama
Authors: Mehta Gaurav , Lou Yingyan
Published: March 2014

One critical component of the Highway Safety Manual (HSM) statistical methods is the safety performance function (SPF). SPFs are essentially regression models that correlate quantitatively the expected number of crashes with traffic exposure and geometric characteristics of the road. As part of a project performed by the University of Alabama to facilitate implementation of the new HSM procedures in the state, this study aims to evaluate the applicability of HSM predictive methods to Alabama data and to develop state-specific statistical models for two facility types: two-lane, two-way rural roads and four-lane divided highways. This study first calibrates HSM base SPFs by using two approaches: the method recommended by the HSM and a newly proposed approach that treats the estimation of calibration factors as a special case of a negative binomial regression. In addition, new forms of state-specific SPFs are further investigated by using Poisson-gamma regression techniques. Four new functional forms are studied in this project. The prediction capabilities of the two calibrated models and the four newly developed state-specific SPFs are evaluated with a validation data set. Five performance measures are considered for model evaluation. The study is able to identify a particular state-specific SPF that fits the Alabama data well and outperforms other models, including the calibrated SPFs. The best model describes the mean crash frequency as a function of annual average daily traffic, segment length, lane width, year, and speed limit. The study finds that the HSM-recommended method for calibration factor estimation also performs well.
Full versus Simple Safety Performance Functions
Authors: Lu Jinyan , Haleem Kirolos , Alluri Priyanka , Gan Albert
Published: March 2014

The empirical Bayes approach adopted in the Highway Safety Manual and the SafetyAnalyst software application require the use of safety performance functions (SPFs). SafetyAnalyst adopts a form of SPF, known as the simple SPF, that relates crash experience to traffic volume only. It is a flow-only model that is calibrated by using all sites irrespective of their base geometric conditions. Full SPFs, however, relate crash occurrence to roadway geometric characteristics in addition to traffic characteristics. This study compared the simple SPFs provided in SafetyAnalyst with full SPFs in two safety applications: crash prediction performance and identification of high-crash locations. To compare the prediction performance, the simple and full SPFs were estimated with data collected on urban four-lane freeway interchange influence areas in Florida. Models were estimated for both total crashes and fatal and injury crashes. The mean absolute deviance and the mean square prediction error were used to assess and compare the prediction performance of the two models, and the variation in ranking the high-crash locations with each model was also examined. The results showed that the two models yielded very similar performance of crash prediction and network screening. This empirical result supports the use of the flow-only SPF model adopted in SafetyAnalyst, whose development requires much less effort compared with that for full SPFs.
Influence of Land Use and Driveway Placement on Safety Performance of Arterial Highways
Authors: Avelar Raul E. , Dixon Karen K. , Brown Lacy S. , Mecham Megan E. , Van Schalkwyk Ida
Published: March 2014

Characterizing driveway safety is a relevant and relatively complex topic in transportation safety research. This research studied the safety link of driveways abutting Oregon highways and considered various factors proposed in the current literature for design and evaluation of the safety performance of roadside elements. On the basis of two probability samples from rural and urban arterial state highways, this research developed alternative safety performance functions to evaluate the safety impacts of various driveway configurations. These safety performance functions were intended to explore driveway safety beyond the average driveway density treatment commonly encountered in the literature. The statistical models and methodologies in this research are comparable with those in the Highway Safety Manual. The proposed models exhibited different ranges of effects for urban and rural conditions, but type of land use proved a prominent factor for both the urban and the rural models. The analysis showed that roadside safety is influenced mainly by driveways associated with commercial and industrial land uses in the urban environment. Similarly, industrial driveways are more influential for safety than other types in rural environments. In addition, the rural model uncovered a safety connection to clusters of driveways rather than to driveways alone. This research indicated that after driveway land use in rural environments was accounted for, clustered driveways tended to have fewer crashes compared with isolated driveways.
Simultaneous subependymomas in monozygotic female twins: further evidence for a common genetic or developmental disorder background
Authors: Noell Susan , Beschorner Rudi , Bisdas Sotirios , Beyer Ulrike , Weber Ruthild G. , Fallier-Becker Petra , Ritz Rainer
Published: March 2014

In this paper, a rare case of subependymoma of the fourth ventricle in identical female twins is reported. Magnetic resonance imaging and CT showed nearly identical locations of the tumors in the fourth ventricle and similar growth patterns of the tumors in both sisters. Likewise, postoperative histopathological analysis of both tumors revealed the typical histological appearance of subependymomas. Subependymoma is a rare, low-grade glioma of the CNS, slowly growing and usually asymptomatic. If symptomatic, a subependymoma can in some cases lead to sudden death caused by pressure on the brainstem or decompensated secondary hydrocephalus. This case demonstrates the importance of detecting tumors early and thereby preventing symptoms arising from increasing intracranial pressure, and optimizing therapy options.
The characteristic clinical symptoms of C-4 radiculopathy caused by ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Katsumi Keiichi , Yamazaki Akiyoshi , Watanabe Kei , Hirano Toru , Ohashi Masayuki , Endo Naoto
Published: March 2014

Cervical radiculopathy of the C2–4 spinal nerves is a rare condition and is poorly documented in terms of clinical symptoms, hindering its detection during initial patient screening based on imaging diagnostics. The authors describe in detail the clinical symptoms and successful surgical treatment of a patient diagnosed with isolated C-4 radiculopathy. This 41-year-old man suffered from sleep disturbance because of pain behind the right ear, along the right clavicle, and at the back of his neck on the right side. The Jackson and Spurling tests were positive, with pain radiating to the area behind the patient's ear. Unlike in cases of radiculopathy involving the C5–8 spinal nerves, no loss of upper-extremity motor function was seen. Magnetic resonance imaging showed foraminal stenosis at the C3–4 level on the right side, and multiplanar reconstruction CT revealed a beak-type ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the foraminal region at the same level. In the absence of intracranial lesions or spinal cord compressive lesions, the positive Jackson and Spurling tests and the C3–4 foraminal stenosis were indicative of isolated C-4 radiculopathy. Microscopic foraminotomy was performed at the C3–4 vertebral level and the ossified lesion was resected. The patient's symptoms completely resolved immediately after surgery. To the authors' knowledge, this report is the first to describe the symptomatic features of isolated C-4 radiculopathy, in a case in which the diagnosis has been confirmed by both radiological findings and surgical outcome. Based on this case study, the authors conclude that the characteristic symptoms of C-4 radiculopathy are the presence of pain behind the ear and in the clavicular region in the absence of upper-limb involvement.
Incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury after spine surgery using the RIFLE classification
Authors: Naik Bhiken I. , Colquhoun Douglas A. , McKinney William E. , Smith Andrew Bryant , Titus Brian , McMurry Timothy L. , Raphael Jacob , Durieux Marcel E.
Published: March 2014

Object

Earlier definitions of acute renal failure are not sensitive in identifying milder forms of acute kidney injury (AKI). The authors hypothesized that by applying the RIFLE criteria for acute renal failure (Risk of renal dysfunction, Injury to the kidney, Failure of kidney function, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage kidney disease) to thoracic and lumbar spine surgery, there would be a higher incidence of AKI. They also developed a model to predict the postoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

Methods

A hospital data repository was used to identify patients undergoing thoracic and/or lumbar spine surgery over a 5-year period (2006–2011). The lowest GFR in the first week after surgery was used to identify and categorize kidney injury if present. Risk factors were identified and a model was developed to predict postoperative GFR based on the defined risk factors.

Results

A total of 726 patients were identified over the study period. The incidence of AKI was 3.9% (n = 28) based on the RIFLE classification with 23 patients in the risk category and 5 in the injury category. No patient was classified into the failure category or required renal replacement therapy. The baseline GFR in the non-AKI and AKI groups was 80 and 79.8 ml/min, respectively. After univariate analysis, only hypertension was associated with postoperative AKI (p = 0.02). A model was developed to predict the postoperative GFR. This model accounted for 64.4% of the variation in the postoperative GFRs (r2= 0.644).

Conclusions

The incidence of AKI in spine surgery is higher than previously reported, with all of the patients classified into either the risk or injury RIFLE categories. Because these categories have previously been shown to be associated with poor long-term outcomes, early recognition, management, and follow-up of these patients is important.
Selection Criteria, Yield Relationship with Component Traits and Grouping of Tropical Japonica, Indica Lines and Derived Hybrids of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Soni Sandeep Kumar , Yadav VK , Pratap N , Bhadana VP , Ram T
Published: March 2014

Forty-five rice lines comprising of thirty derived hybrid lines obtained from ten tropical Japonica, three Indica and two national checks viz. Pusa Basmati 1121 and Sarjoo-52 were evaluated for selection parameters, yield contributing components and genetic divergence. Fifteen quantitative and three qualitative traits were studied from experimentation with randomized block design during Kharif 2011. The phenotypic coefficient of variability was higher than genotypic coefficient of variability for all of the traits. The highest estimates of broad sense heritability coupled with genetic advance in per cent of mean was recorded for spikelets per panicle, plant height followed by L:B ratio, spikelets per panicle, grains per panicle, biological yield per plant, flag leaf area, days to 50% flowering, plant height which might be due to the additive nature of gene action. Such results indicated that these traits will be reliable for the effective selection. Highly positive and significant correlation was observed at both phenotypic and genotypic level between grain yield per plant and biological yield per plant, followed by panicle bearing tillers per plant, spikelet fertility, panicle length, 1000- grain weight, grains per panicle, panicle weight, flag leaf length, spikelet per panicle, flag leaf area, kernel length, flag leaf width, days to 50% flowering, and harvest index. This relationship reflected that grain yield and aforesaid economic traits can be increased simultaneously in breeding programme to develop high yielding Indica as well as Tropical Japonica rice varieties. Whole genotypes grouped in 8 non-overlapping clusters exhibited maximum genetic diversity between clusters III i.e., TJ- 64897 × NDR-359, TJ-64897 × CSR36, TJ-64897 × PB-1 and VIII i.e., TJ-11010 × NDR359, TJ-11010 × PB-1, TJ-16081 × NDR-359, TJ-16081 × PB-1. These clusters also stand for early days to flowering, short slender, second highest harvest index and panicle bearing tillers per plant, spikelets per panicle, grains per panicle, spikelet fertility, 1000- grain weight, long bold slender, biological yield per plant, and grain yield per plant. These genotypes showing higher mean performance for aforesaid traits can be exploited for enhancing hybrid vigour of desired New Plant Type with higher number of panicle bearing tillers per plant, spikelet per panicle and grains per spike in Indica as well as Tropical Japonica rice varieties for achieving higher yield. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18399 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 17-32 (2013)
Identification and Distribution of Sugarcane Stem Borer in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Ataur , Noman Md Shibly , Maleque Md Abdul , Alam Md Zinnatul , Afroz Sultana , Chowdhury MKA
Published: March 2014

Field surveys were conducted during the cropping season of 2010-2011 to assess the distribution of Sugarcane stem borer species in 12 AEZs of Bangladesh. These surveys documented abundance and their distribution and results clearly showed the existence of the stem borer at all locations surveyed, but with a higher incidence in the Atwary (36%) and initiation of infestation was observed on 20 May. Stem borer incidence and distribution varied significantly among the different locations. Second highest rate of infestation (32%) was recorded in Bashudebpur followed by Dinajpur (31%), Pabna and Akandabaria farm (30%). The lower infestation was recorded in Kaliganj. The percentage of stems attacked at the Kaliganj has never exceeded 23% followed by Rajshahi (28%), Thakurgaon and Faridpur (29%). The rate of infestation of stem borer (Chilo tumidicostalis) in different locations varied from 23-36%. While morphological characteristics of stem borer species were identified with standard keys and species composition was only predominated by Chilo tumidicostalis Hampson, though previous workers found other borers in addition to this species. The sex ratio of adult moth Chilo tumidicostalis was 1:1.42 after emergence from the reared collected pupae from different locations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18406 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 103-116 (2013)
Nutrient Budgeting, Economics and Energetics of Cowpea under Potassium and Phosphorus Management
Authors: Choudhary VK , Kumar P Suresh
Published: March 2014

Low availability of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in acidic soil is a major constraint for crop production. Cowpea was grown under split-plot design with three levels of K and P (viz., 100%, 75% and 50% of recommended dose). Green pod and stover yield was 20.9 and 16.9% higher with 100% K over 50% K application. Similarly, 100% P had 20.2% higher green pod and 16.6% higher stover yield over 50% P. Production efficiency was found higher with 100% K and P (48.6 and 49.0 kg ha-1 day-1 respectively) followed by 75% K. The actual gain of N, P and K, and balance were higher with the increase of K and P levels but reverse in case of gross and net return, and BCR. The energy productivity and energy use efficiency were higher on 100% K and P. Cowpea on acid soil along with 100% recommended dose of 40 kg K and 60 kg P ha-1 showed highest yield along with soil fertility restoration as well as reduced the cost of inorganic fertilizer, higher BCR (1.89) and energy requirement. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18408 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 129-140(2013)
Effect of Azotobacter on Growth and Yield of Maize
Authors: Baral Bandhu Raj , Adhikari Parbati
Published: March 2014

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of Azotobacter on growth and yield of maize (variety Rampur composite) at farmland of National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal during the winter season of 2007-08 and 2008-09. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with eight treatments each replicated three times. The treatments were control, 120:60:40 kg NP2O5K2O ha-1, Azotobacter seed inoculation, Azotobacter soil application, Azotobacter +10 t FYM ha-1, 10 t FYM ha-1, 120:60:40 kg NP2O5K2O ha-1 + Azotobacter, 120:60:40 kg NP2O5K2O ha-1 + Azotobacter + 10 t FYM ha-1. Analysis of variance showed that grain yield, plant height, ear height, ear length, kernel per rows and 1000 grain weight were significantly affected with treatments. Only inoculation of Azotobacter increased 15 to 35% grain yield over non inoculated treatments. The benefit of Azotobacter inoculation was higher in the absence of chemical fertilizer application. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18409 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 141-147 (2013)
Hydro-Priming of Seed Improves the Water Use Efficiency, Grain Yield and Net Economic Return of Wheat under Different Moisture Regimes
Authors: Meena Raj Pal , Sendhil R , Tripathi SC , Chander Subhash , Chhokar RS , Sharma RK
Published: March 2014

Wheat is the second most important staple food crop of India and contributes a major share to food basket of the country. Since majority of the area under wheat is irrigated, it consumes huge quantity of fresh water for its cultivation. The availability of good quality water for irrigation is decreasing over a period of time due to vagaries of monsoon, urbanization and industrialization. The biggest challenge on this front is to improve the efficiency and productivity of water being used in existing cropping system. Therefore, it is the need of hour to improve water use efficiency for wheat production. In the milieu, the present investigation was taken with an objective of studying the effect of pre-germinated seed in crop establishment under sub-optimal soil moisture conditions by using the residual soil moisture after harvesting of rice in Indo-Gangetic plains, so that pre sowing irrigation requirement for crop establishment may be cut and reduced in time period which require from pre-sowing irrigation to field preparation. This experiment was conducted for two consecutive years 2010-11 and 2011-12 to evaluate the influence of hydropriming on the water use efficiency and grain yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under moisture stress. The experiment was conducted in split plot design with three replications keeping moisture stress treatments (optimum moisture, sub-optimal moisture and dry soil followed by irrigation) in main plots and seed priming treatments (dry seed, hydropriming, and pre-germinated seeds) in subplots. Pregerminated seed produced significantly higher grain yield (5.49 t ha-1), which was statistically similar to hydropriming (5.30 t ha-1). Various seeding methods were statistically at par. The hydro-primed and pregerminated seeds established earlier than dry seeds leading to better crop establishment under optimum, sub optimum soil moisture as well as dry soil conditions leading to higher tillering and grain yield. The results of experiment showed that priming with plain water and pre-germinated seeds improved germination indices, seedling growth and crop establishment. Since priming with plain water and to have pregerminated seeds is simple and cheap method, which can increase germination percentage and homogeneity of seedling emergence under water stress conditions and it can be easily used by farmers. Interactive effect of different seed priming techniques along with seeding at sub optimal soil moisture level proved to be an efficient technique for enhancing water productivity of wheat crop. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18410 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 149-159 (2013)
Integrated Nutrient Management on Productivity of Carrot and Fertility of Soil
Authors: Vithwel Dr , Kanaujia SP
Published: March 2014

No Abstract AvailableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18412 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 173-181 (2013)
Morphological Characterization of Cauliflower Varieties/Cultivars using DUS Characters
Authors: Singh B , Chaubey T , Jhan Aastik , Upadhyay DK , Pandey SD
Published: March 2014

No Abstract AvailableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sja.v11i2.18413 SAARC J. Agri., 11(2): 182-191 (2013)
Characterization Analysis of Human Anti-Ferritin Autoantibodies
Authors: Higashi Shusaku , Nagasawa Kosei , Yoshikawa Yasunaga , Watanabe Kiyotaka , Orino Koichi
Published: March 2014

Anti-ferritin autoantibodies are found in many animals. Human ferritin-binding proteins (FBPs) were partially purified from human serum by ion-exchange chromatography and immobilized metal affinity chromatography with Zn2+. Crude FBPs were immunocoprecipitated with canine liver ferritin followed by the addition of anti-ferritin antibodies. Immunoglobulins in the immunocoprecipitate were detected with antibodies specific for human IgG, IgM or IgA heavy chains, and immunoglobulins IgG, IgM and IgA to bind to expressed recombinant human H and L chain homopolymers were also found. A portion of human serum proteins bound to zinc ions immobilized on beads were released upon the addition of canine liver ferritin, and the released protein was identified as IgM antibody. Additionally, the released proteins recognized peptide sequence (DPHLCDF) commonly found in amino acid sequences of mammalian ferritin H and L subunits. These results suggest that human serum contains anti-ferritin autoantibodies (IgG, IgM and IgA) which bind zinc ions and preferentially bind ferritin over both the H and L subunits, and that a portion of, but not all, the IgM antibodies bound to ferritin with higher affinity than to zinc ions and may recognize the common sequence found in mammalian ferritin H and L subunits.
Moving Towards Sustainable and Resilient Smart Water Grids
Authors: Mutchek Michele , Williams Eric
Published: March 2014

Urban water systems face sustainability and resiliency challenges including water leaks, over-use, quality issues, and response to drought and natural disasters. Information and communications technology (ICT) could help address these challenges through the development of smart water grids that network and automate monitoring and control devices. While progress is being made on technology elements, as a system, the smart water grid has received scant attention. This article aims to raise awareness of the systems-level idea of smart water grids by reviewing the technology elements and their integration into smart water systems, discussing potential sustainability and resiliency benefits, and challenges relating to the adoption of smart water grids. Water losses and inefficient use stand out as promising areas for applications of smart water grids. Potential barriers to the adoption of smart water grids include lack of funding for research and development, economic disincentives as well as institutional and political structures that favor the current system. It is our hope that future work can clarify the benefits of smart water grids and address challenges to their further development.
How Do Life, Economy and Other Complex Systems Escape the Heat Death?
Authors: Solomon Sorin , Golo Natasa
Published: March 2014

The primordial confrontation underlying the existence of our Universe can be conceived as the battle between entropy and complexity. The law of ever-increasing entropy (Boltzmann H-theorem) evokes an irreversible, one-directional evolution (or rather involution) going uniformly and monotonically from birth to death. Since the 19th century, this concept is one of the cornerstones and in the same time puzzles of statistical mechanics. On the other hand, there is the empirical experience where one witnesses the emergence, growth and diversification of new self-organized objects with ever-increasing complexity. When modeling them in terms of simple discrete elements one finds that the emergence of collective complex adaptive objects is a rather generic phenomenon governed by a new type of laws. These “emergence” laws, not connected directly with the fundamental laws of the physical reality, nor acting “in addition” to them but acting through them were called “More is Different” by Phil Anderson, “das Maass” by Hegel etc. Even though the “emergence laws” act through the intermediary of the fundamental laws that govern the individual elementary agents, it turns out that different systems apparently governed by very different fundamental laws: gravity, chemistry, biology, economics, social psychology, end up often with similar emergence laws and outcomes. In particular the emergence of adaptive collective objects endows the system with a granular structure which in turn causes specific macroscopic cycles of intermittent fluctuations.
Reliable Lifetime Prediction for Passivated Fiber Bragg Gratings for Telecommunication Applications
Authors: Lancry Matthieu , Poumellec Bertrand , Costes Sylvain , Magné Julien
Published: March 2014

This paper is dedicated to the lifetime prediction of Type I Fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) and to problems that happen when stabilization (also called passivation) conditions or the industrial conditioning procedure depart from ageing ones (e.g., presence of hydrogen during the passivation process). For the first time, a reliable procedure to certify the predicted lifetime based on a “restricted” master curve built on real components (i.e., passivated FBG) is presented. It is worth noting that both procedures (master curve built on non-passivated or on passivated components) are based on the same model (demarcation energy approximation and the existence of a master curve) fed with ageing data (reflectivity decay vs. time and temperature). If the Master Curve (MC) build on passivated components can be derived from the original one, we can certify the lifetime prediction in a reliable manner.
Utilization of Norway’s Emergency Wards: The Second 5 Years after the Introduction of the Patient List System
Authors: Goth Ursula , Hammer Hugo , Claussen Bjørgulf
Published: March 2014

Utilization of services is an important indicator for estimating access to healthcare. In Norway, the General Practitioner Scheme, a patient list system, was established in 2001 to enable a stable doctor-patient relationship. Although satisfaction with the system is generally high, people often choose a more accessible but inferior solution for routine care: emergency wards. The aim of the article is to investigate contact patterns in primary health care situations for the total population in urban and remote areas of Norway and for major immigrant groups in Oslo. The primary regression model had a cross-sectional study design analyzing 2,609,107 consultations in representative municipalities across Norway, estimating the probability of choosing the emergency ward in substitution to a general practitioner. In a second regression model comprising 625,590 consultations in Oslo, we calculated this likelihood for immigrants from the 14 largest groups. We noted substantial differences in emergency ward utilization between ethnic Norwegians both in rural and remote areas and among the various immigrant groups residing in Oslo. Oslo utilization of emergency ward services for the whole population declined, and so did this use among all immigrant groups after 2009. Other municipalities, while overwhelmingly ethnically Norwegian, showed diverse patterns including an increase in some and a decrease in others, results which we were unable to explain.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in Adult Obesity Prevalence in South Africa: A Decomposition Analysis
Authors: Alaba Olufunke , Chola Lumbwe
Published: March 2014

In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in low and middle income countries. However, there is limited research in these countries showing the prevalence and determinants of obesity. In this study, we examine the socioeconomic inequalities in obesity among South African adults. We use nationally representative data from the South Africa National Income Dynamic Survey of 2008 to: (1) construct an asset index using multiple correspondence analyses (MCA) as a proxy for socioeconomic status; (2) estimate concentration indices (CI) to measure socioeconomic inequalities in obesity; and (3) perform a decomposition analysis to determine the factors that contribute to socioeconomic related inequalities. Consistent with other studies, we find that women are more obese than men. The findings show that obesity inequalities exist in South Africa. Rich men are more likely to be obese than their poorer counterparts with a concentration index of 0.27. Women on the other hand have similar obesity patterns, regardless of socioeconomic status with CI of 0.07. The results of the decomposition analysis suggest that asset index contributes positively and highly to socio-economic inequality in obesity among females; physical exercise contributes negatively to the socio-economic inequality. In the case of males, educational attainment and asset index contributed more to socio-economic inequalities in obesity. Our findings suggest that focusing on economically well-off men and all women across socioeconomic status is one way to address the obesity problem in South Africa.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 2-Aminobenzamide Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents: Opening/Closing Pharmacophore Site
Authors: Mabkhot Yahia , Al-Majid Abdullah , Barakat Assem , Al-Showiman Salim , Al-Har Munirah , Radi Smaail , Naseer Muhammad , Hadda Taibi
Published: March 2014

A series of new 2-aminobenzamide derivatives (1–10) has been synthesized in good to excellent yields by adopting both conventional and/or a time-efficient microwave assisted methodologies starting from isatoic anhydride (ISA) and characterized on the basis of their physical, spectral and microanalytical data. Selected compounds of this series were then tested against various bacterial (Bacillus subtilis (RCMB 000107) and Staphylococcus aureus (RCMB 000106). Pseudomonas aeruginosa (RCMB 000102) and Escherichia coli (RCMB 000103) and fungal strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae (RCMB 006002), Aspergillus fumigatus (RCMB 002003) and Candida albicans (RCMB 005002) to explore their potential as antimicrobial agents. Compound 5 was found to be the most active compound among those tested, which showed excellent antifungal activity against Aspergillus fumigatus (RCMB 002003) more potent than standard Clotrimazole, and moderate to good antibacterial and antifungal activity against most of the other strains of bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, potential pharmacophore sites were identified and their activity was related with the structures in the solution.
Syntheses of Macromolecular Ruthenium Compounds: A New Approach for the Search of Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Valente Andreia , Garcia M.
Published: March 2014

The continuous rising of the cancer patient death rate undoubtedly shows the pressure to find more potent and efficient drugs than those in clinical use. These agents only treat a narrow range of cancer conditions with limited success and are associated with serious side effects caused by the lack of selectivity. In this frame, innovative syntheses approaches can decisively contribute to the success of “smart compounds” that might be only selective and/or active towards the cancer cells, sparing the healthy ones. In this scope, ruthenium chemistry is a rising field for the search of proficient metallodrugs by the use of macromolecular ruthenium complexes (dendrimers and dendronized polymers, coordination-cage and protein conjugates, nanoparticles and polymer-“ruthenium-cyclopentadienyl” conjugates) that can take advantage of the singularities of tumor cells (vs. healthy cells).
Diarylplatinum(II) Compounds as Versatile Metallating Agents in the Synthesis of Cyclometallated Platinum Compounds with N-Donor Ligands
Authors: Crespo Margarita
Published: March 2014

This review deals with the reactions of diarylplatinum(II) complexes with N-donor ligands to produce a variety of cycloplatinated compounds including endo-five-, endo-seven-, endo-six- or exo-five-membered platinacycles. The observed reactions result from a series of oxidative addition/reductive elimination processes taking place at platinum(II)/platinum(IV) species and involving C–X (X = H, Cl, Br) bond activation, arene elimination, and, in some cases, Caryl–Caryl bond formation.
Densities of Agrilus auroguttatus and Other Borers in California and Arizona Oaks
Authors: Haavik Laurel , Coleman Tom , Flint Mary , Venette Robert , Seybold Steven
Published: March 2014

We investigated within-tree population density of a new invasive species in southern California, the goldspotted oak borer, Agrilus auroguttatus Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), with respect to host species and the community of other borers present. We measured emergence hole densities of A. auroguttatus and other borers on the lower stem (bole) of naïve oaks at 18 sites in southern California and on co-evolved oaks at seven sites in southeastern Arizona. We sampled recently dead oaks in an effort to quantify the community of primary and secondary borers associated with mortality—species that were likely to interact with A. auroguttatus. Red oaks (Section Lobatae) produced greater densities of A. auroguttatus than white oaks (Section Quercus). On red oaks, A. auroguttatus significantly outnumbered native borers in California (mean ± SE of 9.6 ± 0.7 versus 4.5 ± 0.6 emergence holes per 0.09 m2 of bark surface), yet this was not the case in Arizona (0.9 ± 0.2 versus 1.1 ± 0.2 emergence holes per 0.09 m2). In California, a species that is taxonomically intermediate between red and white oaks, Quercus chrysolepis (Section Protobalanus), exhibited similar A. auroguttatus emergence densities compared with a co-occurring red oak, Q. kelloggii. As an invasive species in California, A. auroguttatus may affect the community of native borers (mainly Buprestidae and Cerambycidae) that feed on the lower boles of oaks, although it remains unclear whether its impact will be positive or negative.
Acidic Microenvironments in Waste Rock Characterized by Neutral Drainage: Bacteria–Mineral Interactions at Sulfide Surfaces
Authors: Dockrey John , Lindsay Matthew , Mayer K. , Beckie Roger , Norlund Kelsey , Warren Lesley , Southam Gordon
Published: March 2014

Microbial populations and microbe-mineral interactions were examined in waste rock characterized by neutral rock drainage (NRD). Samples of three primary sulfide-bearing waste rock types (i.e., marble-hornfels, intrusive, exoskarn) were collected from field-scale experiments at the Antamina Cu–Zn–Mo mine, Peru. Microbial communities within all samples were dominated by neutrophilic thiosulfate oxidizing bacteria. However, acidophilic iron and sulfur oxidizers were present within intrusive waste rock characterized by bulk circumneutral pH drainage. The extensive development of microbially colonized porous Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxide and Fe(III) (oxy)hydroxysulfate precipitates was observed at sulfide-mineral surfaces during examination by field emission-scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FE-SEM-EDS). Linear combination fitting of bulk extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra for these precipitates indicated they were composed of schwertmannite [Fe8O8(OH)6–4.5(SO4)1–1.75], lepidocrocite [γ-FeO(OH)] and K-jarosite [KFe3(OH)6(SO4)2]. The presence of schwertmannite and K-jarosite is indicative of the development of localized acidic microenvironments at sulfide-mineral surfaces. Extensive bacterial colonization of this porous layer and pitting of underlying sulfide-mineral surfaces suggests that acidic microenvironments can play an important role in sulfide-mineral oxidation under bulk circumneutral pH conditions. These findings have important implications for water quality management in NRD settings.
Celastrol Induces Apoptosis in Gefitinib-Resistant Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells via Caspases-Dependent Pathways and Hsp90 Client Protein Degradation
Authors: Fan Xing-Xing , Li Na , Wu Jian-Lin , Zhou Yan-Ling , He Jian-Xing , Liu Liang , Leung Elaine
Published: March 2014

Celastrol, a triterpene extracted from the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii, has been shown to have multiple bioactivities. Although among these activities, its anti-cancer effects have attracted the most attention, the effect of celastrol on gefitinib-resistant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells is not clearly known. Here, we examined the potency of celastrol in three different NSCLC cell lines. We explored its treatment mechanism in two gefitinib-resistant NSCLC cell lines (H1650 and H1975). Our data demonstrated that celastrol exerted its apoptotic effect in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Also, the mitochondria membrane potential was gradually lost and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 increased after the treatment of celastrol, both of which are indicators of mitochondria membrane integrity. Although the caspases were activated, the treatment with pan-caspase inhibitor could partially inhibit the level of apoptosis. Moreover, the protein level of Hsp90 client proteins, EGFR and AKT, was measured. Interestingly, both client proteins were remarkably down-regulated after the treatment of celastrol. Taken together, our data showed that celastrol may be developed as a promising agent for treating gefitinib-resistant NSCLCs by inducing apoptosis through caspase-dependent pathways and Hsp90 client protein degradation.
Vitamin D Intake and Status in 12-Month-Old Infants at 63–66° N
Authors: Thorisdottir Birna , Gunnarsdottir Ingibjorg , Steingrimsdottir Laufey , Palsson Gestur , Thorsdottir Inga
Published: March 2014

The objective was to assess the vitamin D status in healthy 12-month-old infants in relation to quantity and sources of dietary vitamin D, breastfeeding and seasons. Subjects were 76 12-month-old infants. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) ≥ 50 nmol/L were considered indicative of vitamin D sufficiency and 25(OH)D < 27.5 nmol/L as being indicative of increased risk for rickets. Additionally, 25(OH)D > 125 nmol/L was considered possibly adversely high. Total vitamin D at 9–12 months (eight data collection days) included intake from diet and supplements. The mean ± SD of vitamin D intake was 8.8 ± 5.2 μg/day and serum 25(OH)D 98.1 ± 32.2 nmol/L (range 39.3–165.5). Ninety-two percent of infants were vitamin D sufficient and none at increased risk for rickets. The 26% infants using fortified products and supplements never/irregularly or in small amounts had lower 25(OH)D (76.8 ± 27.1 nmol/L) than the 22% using fortified products (100.0 ± 31.4 nmol/L), 18% using supplements (104.6 ± 37.0 nmol/L) and 33% using both (110.3 ± 26.6 nmol/L). Five of six infants with 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L had no intake of supplements or fortified products from 0 to 12 months. Supplement use increased the odds of 25(OH)D > 125 nmol/L. Breastfeeding and season did not affect vitamin D status. The majority of infants were vitamin D sufficient. Our findings highlight the need for vitamin D supplements or fortified products all year round, regardless of breastfeeding.
Curcumin Protects against Cadmium-Induced Vascular Dysfunction, Hypertension and Tissue Cadmium Accumulation in Mice
Authors: Kukongviriyapan Upa , Pannangpetch Patchareewan , Kukongviriyapan Veerapol , Donpunha Wanida , Sompamit Kwanjit , Surawattanawan Praphassorn
Published: March 2014

Curcumin from turmeric is commonly used worldwide as a spice and has been demonstrated to possess various biological activities. This study investigated the protective effect of curcumin on a mouse model of cadmium (Cd)—induced hypertension, vascular dysfunction and oxidative stress. Male ICR mice were exposed to Cd (100 mg/L) in drinking water for eight weeks. Curcumin (50 or 100 mg/kg) was intragastrically administered in mice every other day concurrently with Cd. Cd induced hypertension and impaired vascular responses to phenylephrine, acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. Curcumin reduced the toxic effects of Cd and protected vascular dysfunction by increasing vascular responsiveness and normalizing the blood pressure levels. The vascular protective effect of curcumin in Cd exposed mice is associated with up-regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) protein, restoration of glutathione redox ratio and alleviation of oxidative stress as indicated by decreasing superoxide production in the aortic tissues and reducing plasma malondialdehyde, plasma protein carbonyls, and urinary nitrate/nitrite levels. Curcumin also decreased Cd accumulation in the blood and various organs of Cd-intoxicated mice. These findings suggest that curcumin, due to its antioxidant and chelating properties, is a promising protective agent against hypertension and vascular dysfunction induced by Cd.
An Evaluation of Intranasal Sufentanil and Dexmedetomidine for Pediatric Dental Sedation
Authors: Hitt James , Corcoran Toby , Michienzi Kelly , Creighton Paul , Heard Christopher
Published: March 2014

Conscious or moderate sedation is routinely used to facilitate the dental care of the pre- or un-cooperative child. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has little respiratory depressant effect, possibly making it a safer option when used as an adjunct to either opioids or benzodiazepines. Unlike intranasal (IN) midazolam, IN application of DEX and sufentanil (SUF) does not appear to cause much discomfort. Further, although DEX lacks respiratory depressive effects, it is an α2-agonist that can cause hypotension and bradycardia when given in high doses or during prolonged periods of administration. The aim of this feasibility study was to prospectively assess IN DEX/SUF as a potential sedation regimen for pediatric dental procedures. After IRB approval and informed consent, children (aged 3–7 years; n = 20) from our dental clinic were recruited. All patients received 2 μg/kg (max 40 μg) of IN DEX 45 min before the procedure, followed 30 min later by 1 μg/kg (max 20 μg) of IN SUF. An independent observer rated the effects of sedation using the Ohio State University Behavior Rating Scale (OSUBRS) and University of Michigan Sedation Scale (UMSS). The dentist and the parent also assessed the efficacy of sedation. Dental procedures were well tolerated and none were aborted. The mean OSUBRS procedure score was 2.1, the UMSS procedure score was 1.6, and all scores returned to baseline after the procedure. The average dentist rated quality of sedation was 7.6 across the 20 subjects. After discharge, parents reported one child with prolonged drowsiness and one child who vomited at home. The use of IN DEX supplemented with IN SUF provided both an effective and tolerable form of moderate sedation. Although onset and recovery are slower than with oral (PO) midazolam and transmucosal fentanyl, the quality of the sedation may be better with less risk of respiratory depression. Results from this preliminary study showed no major complications from IN delivery of these agents.
Voltage Effect in Holograms of Polyvinyl Alcohol with FeCl3
Authors: Olivares-Pérez Arturo , Hernández-Garay Mary , Toxqui-López Santa , Fuentes-Tapia Israel , Ordóez-Padilla Manuel
Published: March 2014

We show experimentally that the metallic salt, FeCl3, at different concentrations, provides photosensitivity and conductivity characteristics with poly(vinyl alcohol) material. The holographic recording in this photosensitive material was made in real time. The effect of applied voltage on holographic diffraction gratings in the recording process and the changes in their diffraction efficiency, depending on their composition, are shown. In addition, we describe the photo-mechanism, physicochemical processes, and water condensations involved in changes of the formation of images due to applied voltage. The results suggest that polymers doped with metallic salts may have potential as inexpensive photosensitive materials that are easy to work under normal laboratory condition.