bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specification Limits and Pay Adjustment for Longitudinal Joint Density of Asphalt Pavements: Case Study in New Jersey
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Zilong , Bennert Thomas , Weed Richard
Published: November 2016

This paper summarizes a case study on developing specification limits and pay adjustments for the longitudinal joint density of asphalt pavements. The existing joint density specifications used by various agencies first were reviewed for the minimum joint density requirements and the corresponding pay adjustments. Laboratory tests were conducted to measure air voids of field cores taken from selected field projects with the saturated surface dry method (AASHTO T 166) and the automatic vacuum-sealing method (AASHTO T 331). Permeability measurements were conducted with a falling-head permeability device. The air voids at the joint were found to be 1.5% to 2% greater than the air voids at the mats adjacent to the joint. For conditions specific to New Jersey, individual testing of the theoretical maximum density of the cores taken at the joint is recommended because of the existence of joint adhesive. The upper limits for air voids at the longitudinal joint are recommended to be 9% for stone matrix asphalt and 10% for hot-mix asphalt, on the basis of the permeability criterion of 150 × 10−5 cm/s reported in previous studies. Furthermore, alternative pay equations for air voids at the longitudinal joint were proposed, with different triggers for retest and for rejectable quality level. A SpecRisk analysis was conducted to confirm that the effective acceptable quality level coincided with the stated acceptable quality level and that the acceptance procedures properly awarded 100% payment at the stated acceptable quality level. The study led to a draft quality assurance specification for longitudinal joint density that was proposed for future implementation.
Developing a Chained Fisher Construction Cost Index for a State Highway Agency
Authors: Nassereddine Hala , Whited Gary C. , Hanna Awad S.
Published: November 2016

Construction cost indexes (CCI) are important to state highway agencies (SHA) to provide an indicator of construction cost escalation over time and to update old bid cost information to current year pricing. The Federal Highway Administration publishes a National Highway Construction Cost Index (NHCCI) based upon cost data from several states for SHA to use. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) uses a CCI to measure the changes in purchasing power of their construction dollar from one year to the next. Currently, the Wisconsin DOT uses a fixed-weight index to compute the CCI for a fixed basket of seven construction items. However, the current Wisconsin DOT CCI is subject to considerable short-term variation and does not accurately reflect the project bid costs that the department is experiencing. This paper presents results of a study requested by the Wisconsin DOT to develop an approach for calculating a more representative, reliable, and objective CCI. The paper presents various approaches to calculating a CCI, highlighting their properties and characteristics. The paper also outlines the process used to select a representative basket of items to calculate the index and outlines the data preparation steps needed to improve data quality. The recommended methodology uses a chained, two-stage aggregation computation process. This paper compares the newly constructed Wisconsin DOT CCI to the old CCI as well as to the NHCCI. The impact from selecting different size baskets of items is also investigated; it is concluded that a basket containing a representative number of items is sufficient to calculate a reliable CCI.
Artificial Neural Network Model for Estimating Temporal and Spatial Freeway Work Zone Delay Using Probe-Vehicle Data
Authors: Du Bo , Chien Steven , Lee Joyoung , Spasovic Lazar , Mouskos Kyriacos
Published: November 2016

Highway lane closures due to road reconstruction and the resulting work zones have been a major source of nonrecurring congestion on freeways. It is extremely important to calculate the safety and cost impacts of work zones: the use of new technologies that track drivers and vehicles make that possible. A multilayer feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) model is developed in this paper to estimate work zone delay by using the probe-vehicle data. The probe data include the travel speeds under normal and work zone conditions. Unlike previous models, the proposed model estimates temporal and spatial delays, which are applied to a real world case study in New Jersey. The work zone data (i.e., starting time, duration, length, and number of closed lanes) were collected on New Jersey freeways in 2014 together with actual probe-vehicle speeds. A comparative analysis was conducted; the results indicate that the ANN model outperforms the traditional deterministic queuing model in terms of the accuracy in estimating travel delays. The ANN model can be used to calculate contractor penalty in terms of cost overruns as well as incentivize a reward schedule in case of early work competition. The model can assist work zone planners in designing optimal start and end time of work zone as function of time of day. In assessing the performance of work zones, the model can assist transportation engineers to better develop and evaluate traffic mitigation and management plans.
Seroprevalence of Hepatitis-B surface antigen among the patients reporting at tertiary care Hospital from India
Authors: Patil Satish R , Ghorpade MV , Patil Supriya Satish , Pawar SK , Mohite ST
Published: November 2016

Background: Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus. It is a global health problem.Objectives: To estimate the Seroprevalence of HBsAg and its age and sex wise distribution in a hospital based population.Materials and Methods: Serum samples collected over a period of 12 months from patients attending OPDs and admitted to various IPDs of Krishna Hospital and Medical Research Center Karad, were included in the study. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen among hospital based general population was determined using a third generation ELISA.Statistical analysis: Percentages, chi square test.Results: A total number of 7373 patients were screened for HBsAg, among them 3238 (43.92%) were males and 4135 (56.08%) were females. The seroprevalence of HBsAg was 166 (2.25%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg was higher in males 85 (2.63%) as compared to females 81 (1.96%). The highest seroprevalence was found to be among 51-60 years age group (5.24%).Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(3) 2016 p.455-459
Maternal Opioid Addiction Results in Permanent Memory loss of Off-springs: Are We Aware?
Authors: Ashraf Irfan , Ashraf Saima , Mohamad Nasir , Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: November 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(3) 2016 p.499-501
Cured nasopharyngeal carcinoma stage IV with Haemostatic-intent radiotherapy
Authors: Mohamad Irfan , Manan Aifaa Abdul , Rao Vengatesh , Bahavaraju Venkatesh Murali Krishna
Published: November 2016

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is known to present with nasal and aural symptoms. Sometimes neck mass and cranial nerve palsies can be the presenting symptom. Frank epistaxis is relatively rare. Advanced stage disease is usually treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. We are reporting a case of NPC patient presented complete nasal obstruction with frank epistaxis. The bleeding was stopped and the disease cured with hemostatic-intent radiotherapy.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(3) 2016 p.480-482
Comparison of the effects of L-type calcium channel antagonist Amlodipine with L/N-type calcium channel antagonist Cilnidipine on blood pressure, heart rate, proteinuria and lipid profile in hypertensive patients
Authors: Singal Kiran Kumar , Singal Neerja , Gupta Abhinav , Garg Akash , Kumar Ravi
Published: November 2016

Background: Cilnidipine is a novel and unique 1,4-dydropyridine derivative calcium antagonist that exerts potent inhibitory actions not only on L-type but also on N-type voltage dependent calcium channels. Blockade of the neural N-type calcium channel inhibits the secretion of norepinephrine from peripheral neural terminals and depresses sympathetic nervous system activity.Objective and methods: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of Cilnidipine and Amlodipine on blood pressure (BP) levels. We did BP monitoring before and after once-daily use of Cilnidipine and Amlodipine in 100 hypertensive patients.Results: Both drugs significantly reduced systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP). However, the reductions in pulse rate (PR) were significantly greater in the Cilnidipine group than the Amlodipine group. N-type calcium channel blockade by Cilnidipine may not cause reflex tachycardia, and may be useful for hypertensive treatment.Conclusion: There was significant reduction in proteinuria with Clindipine as compared to Amlodipine. However, there were no significant change in total cholesterol level in diabetes and non-diabetics in both the group.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(3) 2016 p.460-465
Aldosterone levels and the -344t/C aldosterone synthase in individuals with a family history of hypertension
Authors: Setyawati Ika , - Sunarti , Hastuti Pramudji
Published: November 2016

Background: Genetic factors play an important role in the determination of hypertensive disease in a family. The -344T/C the aldosterone synthase gene has been reported in various populations closely related to hypertension. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of the -344T/C polymorphism of the aldosterone synthase gene and the levels of plasma aldosterone in individuals with and without a family history of hypertension.Methods: This study was a case control design, with healthy individuals with a family history of hypertension as cases (n-42) and those without a family history of hypertension as controls (n=41). The subjects plasma aldosterone levels were analysed by enzyme-link immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the gene polymorphism was analysed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The data were analysed by an independent sample T-test and Chi square test, and the significance level was set at P<0.05.Result: The frequency of the TT + TC genotype was higher in cases, and this increase was significant different compared to the controls (P<0.046). The frequency of the TT + TC genotype was 2.56 higher in cases than controls. The frequency of the C allele in cases was also significantly different compared to the controls (P = 0.039) and 2.29 more frequent in cases than the controls (P = 0.039). The plasma aldosterone level was 42.35 pg/dL in cases and 34.9 pg/dL in controls (P = 0.616). Plasma aldosterone level in cases with the CC, TC and TT genotypes were 48.29, 40.8 and 35.2 pg/dL, respectively (P = 0.774). Our study concludes that individuals with a family history of hypertension are at a higher risk of developing hypertension. Follow-up studies are required to determine the incidence of hypertension in a person with a family history of hypertension and who is a carrier of genetic risk factors.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(3) 2016 p.435-440
Comparative study on specimen of Hysterectomy
Authors: Begum Amena , Khan Rokeya , Nargis Nazlima
Published: November 2016

Background: Hysterectomy is by far most common gynecological procedure. It is performed in our country for more or less similar indication as those performed in advanced countries. Sometimes clinical diagnosis does not correlate with histopathological findings.Objective: To find out the common indication of hysterectomy in tertiary level hospital; to detect the patterns of clinical presentation and to find out the correlation between pre and per operative findings with histopathology reports of specimen.Method: This is a cross sectional type of comparative study which was carried out on 150 cases from January 2013 to October 2013 in inpatient department of CMH Dhaka. Cases were randomly selected who were admitted for operative treatment.Result: The incidence of total abdominal hysterectomy was 73.33% and vaginal hysterectomy 26.67%. Highest incidence observed among the age group 35-40 year which was 46.66% in the study. The commonest indication of abdominal hysterectomy was Leiomyoma uterus 42.73% and most common symptom was Menorrhagia which was about 44.67% in the study. Leiomyoma uterus histopathologically correlated about 91.49% with clinical diagnosis. During examination it was found that least correlated diagnosis were DUB and PID respectively 70.83% and 73.33%. Ovarian tumor, CIN and chronic cervicitis correlated 100%. In this study, clinical diagnosis, pre-operative finding was similar with histopathology finding in 86.36%.Conclusion: The indication of hysterectomy in any case must be clearly defined and should be done for which conservative treatment is not likely to be efficacious. But advent of conservative treatment like ablation, Mirena IUS are as effective as hysterectomy which can offer the young age group of 35-40 year.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(3) 2016 p.352-356
Study of Antihypertensive effects of Ocimum sanctum
Authors: Borhanuddin Md
Published: November 2016

Background: Ocimum sanctum is a well reputed medicinal herb being used in the treatment of various ailments in this Indo Pak Subcontinents since ancient time.Methods: In this study the Antihypertensive effects of water extract of Ocimum sanctum and Water soluble fraction of methanol extract of Ocimum sanctum were tried for its antihypertensive effects on albino rats. Extracts were administered via vein and BP was recorded in the carotid artery by direct invasive method.Result: Normal blood pressure was 81/71 mm of Hg (mean blood pressure was 75 mm of Hg. Water extract of Ocimum sanctum has got significant antihypertensive effect (19-30 %). Water soluble fraction of methanol extract of Ocimum sanctum has also got significant antihypertensive effect (15-27 %).Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(3) 2016 p.357-361
12-Weeks programmed aerobics dance reduced body mass index and waist circumference of young women
Authors: Sulistyoningrum Evy , Candrawati Susiana
Published: November 2016

Background: Body composition is one of the parameters to evaluate the level of physical fitness. Body composition can be assessed by simple tools like body mass index and waist circumference. This tools are useful also to predict risks for cardiovascular diseases such as metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia in which the prevalence continues to increase worldwide. Programmed aerobic dance is one of the physical exercises that is quite popular these days that is expected can reduce body mass index and waist circumference.Objective: To determine the effect of programmed aerobic dance on body mass index and waist circumference.Method: This pre and post-test experimental study was conducted on 33 female individuals aged 15-30 years of Jenderal Soedirman University Purwokerto, Central Java. Programmed aerobic dance as intervention was given for twelve weeks in Siscas Gymnasium. Health status and PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire) were assessed before enrolling this study. Body mass index and waist circumference were measured before and after intervention. For statistical analyses, basic descriptive statistics and paired t-test or Wilcoxon analyses were applied for dependent variables.Result: Programmed aerobic dance significantly reduced body mass index from 22, 89 (before intervention) to 22, 34 (after intervention), p < 0,05. Subjects had lower waist circumference after intervention (75 cm compared with 72 cm, p < 0,001).Conclusion: Twelve weeks programmed aerobic dance reduce body mass index and waist circumference.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.15(3) 2016 p.376-380
The Effect of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivations on Academics’ Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: Antonioli Davide , Nicolli Francesco , Ramaciotti Laura , Rizzo Ugo
Published: November 2016

This work investigates entrepreneurial intentions among academic scientists. Drawing from the literature on entrepreneurial behavior, it contributes to delineate the differences in motivations that are correlated with entrepreneurial intention to those that are considered to be linked to entrepreneurial behaviors. By disentangling the concept of motivations in its ultimately basic constructs of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, we investigate how these two different types of motivations are related to the formation of entrepreneurial intention at the level of academic scientists. Through a survey conducted at the University of Ferrara—one of the leading universities in Italy in terms of technology transfer and scientific production—findings reveal that while academic entrepreneurial intention seems to be mostly driven by intrinsic motivations, the effect of extrinsic motivations, which are regarded as a main antecedent of entrepreneurial behavior among scientists, are largely mediated by academic positions, work environment and different combinations of these two factors. This work therefore highlights the importance of social norms in the investigation of entrepreneurial intention in academia.
Owners’ Perceptions of Their Animal’s Behavioural Response to the Loss of an Animal Companion
Authors: Walker Jessica , Waran Natalie , Phillips Clive
Published: November 2016

The loss of a companion animal is recognised as being associated with experiences of grief by the owner, but it is unclear how other animals in the household may be affected by such a loss. Our aim was to investigate companion animals’ behavioural responses to the loss of a companion through owner-report. A questionnaire was distributed via, and advertised within, publications produced by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) across Australia and New Zealand, and through a selection of veterinary clinics within New Zealand. A total of 279 viable surveys were returned pertaining to 159 dogs and 152 cats. The two most common classes of behavioural changes reported for both dogs and cats were affectionate behaviours (74% of dogs and 78% of cats) and territorial behaviours (60% of dogs and 63% of cats). Both dogs and cats were reported to demand more attention from their owners and/or display affiliative behaviour, as well as spend time seeking out the deceased’s favourite spot. Dogs were reported to reduce the volume (35%) and speed (31%) of food consumption and increase the amount of time spent sleeping (34%). Cats were reported to increase the frequency (43%) and volume (32%) of vocalisations following the death of a companion. The median duration of reported behavioural changes in both species was less than 6 months. There was consensus that the behaviour of companion animals changed in response to the loss of an animal companion. These behavioural changes suggest the loss had an impact on the remaining animal.
Drink Red: Phenolic Composition of Red Fruit Juices and Their Sensorial Acceptance
Authors: Vilela Alice , Cosme Fernanda
Published: November 2016

Consumers’ food quality perception and sensorial experience are important in food consumption behavior and food choice. Red fruit juices are appreciated fruit juices for almost all consumers, due to their flavor and intense red color. Studies have also shown that their phytochemical composition, which is associated with their antioxidant activity, shows a protective effect against many chronic diseases. Nevertheless, the profile and concentration of anthocyanins are different in function of the fruit used; therefore, the color and health benefits of the juices also show differences. Some red fruit juices have lower concentrations of anthocyanins, for example strawberry, and others have higher concentrations, such as elderberry and black currant juices. High correlation was observed between antioxidant activity and red fruit juices’ total anthocyanins concentration. Therefore, this review will addresses red fruit juices phenolic composition, with a special focus on the challenges for future, and some ideas on the sensory impact.
Preparation and Biocompatible Surface Modification of Redox Altered Cerium Oxide Nanoparticle Promising for Nanobiology and Medicine
Authors: Nanda Himansu
Published: November 2016

The biocompatible surface modification of metal oxide nanoparticles via surface functionalization technique has been used as an important tool in nanotechnology and medicine. In this report, we have prepared aqueous dispersible, trivalent metal ion (samarium)-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles (SmCNPs) as model redox altered CNPs of biological relevance. SmCNP surface modified with hydrophilic biocompatible (6-{2-[2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)-ethoxy]-ethoxy}-hexyl) triethoxysilane (MEEETES) were prepared using ammonia-induced ethylene glycol-assisted precipitation method and were characterized using a variety of complementary characterization techniques. The chemical interaction of functional moieties with the surface of doped nanoparticle was studied using powerful 13C cross polarization magic angle sample spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results demonstrated the production of the extremely small size MEEETES surface modified doped nanoparticles with significant reduction in aggregation compared to their unmodified state. Moreover, the functional moieties had strong chemical interaction with the surface of the doped nanoparticles. The biocompatible surface modification using MEEETES should also be extended to several other transition metal ion doped and co-doped CNPs for the production of aqueous dispersible redox altered CNPs that are promising for nanobiology and medicine.
Determination of the Projected Atomic Potential by Deconvolution of the Auto-Correlation Function of TEM Electron Nano-Diffraction Patterns
Authors: De Caro Liberato , Scattarella Francesco , Carlino Elvio
Published: November 2016

We present a novel method to determine the projected atomic potential of a specimen directly from transmission electron microscopy coherent electron nano-diffraction patterns, overcoming common limitations encountered so far due to the dynamical nature of electron-matter interaction. The projected potential is obtained by deconvolution of the inverse Fourier transform of experimental diffraction patterns rescaled in intensity by using theoretical values of the kinematical atomic scattering factors. This novelty enables the compensation of dynamical effects typical of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments on standard specimens with thicknesses up to a few tens of nm. The projected atomic potentials so obtained are averaged on sample regions illuminated by nano-sized electron probes and are in good quantitative agreement with theoretical expectations. Contrary to lens-based microscopy, here the spatial resolution in the retrieved projected atomic potential profiles is related to the finer lattice spacing measured in the electron diffraction pattern. The method has been successfully applied to experimental nano-diffraction data of crystalline centrosymmetric and non-centrosymmetric specimens achieving a resolution of 65 pm.
A Possible Ethical Imperative Based on the Entropy Law
Authors: Massoudi Mehrdad
Published: November 2016

Lindsay in an article titled, “Entropy consumption and values in physical science,” (Am. Sci. 1959, 47, 678–696) proposed a Thermodynamic Imperative similar to Kant’s Ethical Categorical Imperative. In this paper, after describing the concept of ethical imperative as elaborated by Kant, we provide a brief discussion of the role of science and its relationship to the classical thermodynamics and the physical implications of the first and the second laws of thermodynamics. We finally attempt to extend and supplement Lindsay’s Thermodynamic Imperative (TI), by another Imperative suggesting simplicity, conservation, and harmony.
Thermal Cracking of Jatropha Oil with Hydrogen to Produce Bio-Fuel Oil
Authors: Wang Yi-Yu , Chang Chia-Chi , Chang Ching-Yuan , Chen Yi-Hung , Shie Je-Lueng , Yuan Min-Hao , Chen Yen-Hau , Huang Li-Xuan , Andrade-Tacca Cesar , Manh Do , Tsai Min-Yi , Huang Michael
Published: November 2016

This study used thermal cracking with hydrogen (HTC) to produce bio-fuel oil (BFO) from jatropha oil (JO) and to improve its quality. We conducted HTC with different hydrogen pressures (PH2; 0–2.07 MPa or 0–300 psig), retention times (tr; 40–780 min), and set temperatures (TC; 623–683 K). By applying HTC, the oil molecules can be hydrogenated and broken down into smaller molecules. The acid value (AV), iodine value, kinematic viscosity (KV), density, and heating value (HV) of the BFO produced were measured and compared with the prevailing standards for oil to assess its suitability as a substitute for fossil fuels or biofuels. The results indicate that an increase in PH2 tends to increase the AV and KV while decreasing the HV of the BFO. The BFO yield (YBFO) increases with PH2 and tr. The above properties decrease with increasing TC. Upon HTC at 0.69 MPa (100 psig) H2 pressure, 60 min time, and 683 K temperature, the YBFO was found to be 86 wt%. The resulting BFO possesses simulated distillation characteristics superior to those of boat oil and heavy oil while being similar to those of diesel oil. The BFO contains 15.48% light naphtha, 35.73% heavy naphtha, 21.79% light gas oil, and 27% heavy gas oil and vacuum residue. These constituents can be further refined to produce gasoline, diesel, lubricants, and other fuel products.
Solar Resource for Urban Communities in the Baja California Peninsula, Mexico
Authors: Perea-Moreno Alberto-Jesús , Hernandez-Escobedo Quetzalcoatl
Published: November 2016

Several studies have determined that Mexico has great renewable energy potential, and one of its most abundant resources is solar energy, a source that could be exploited to provide development opportunities to its population, however it is necessary to calculate the amount of this source available. The aim of this study was to assess solar irradiance at urban communities in the Baja California Peninsula. For this purpose data recorded every 10 min during 6 years (2010–2015) by the Automatic Meteorological Stations (AMSs) and Synoptic Automatic Meteorological Stations (SAMSs) of the National Meteorological System of Mexico (NMS) were analyzed. Satellite data from the Surface and Meteorology Energy System (SMSE) were also used, and a linear regression was performed to compare the measured and satellite data. The highest R-square value found was 0.97 and the lowest was 0.82. Daily patterns show that Cabo San Lucas had the highest average solar irradiation/day, with 1000 W/m2. Considering the urban areas, total solar irradiation reaching the Peninsula is about 447 × 106 kWh, which represents around 447 times the total Baja California Peninsula yearly energy consumption. Geographic Information System (GIS) helped to identify the zones and months with higher solar resources. May is the month registering the highest irradiation, more than 8.1 kWh/m2/day, while the average solar resource for the whole Peninsula is 5.7 kWh/m2/day.
A Comparative Study of Dog- and Cat-Induced Injury on Incidence and Risk Factors among Children
Authors: Chen Ying , Gao Yang , Zhou Li , Tan Yafei , Li Liping
Published: November 2016

Background: Millions of people are bitten by animals each year, with approximately 90% of the injuries being caused by dogs and cats. However, few studies focus on risk factors of dog- and cat-induced injury in China. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the rate of dog- and cat-induced injury and its potential risk factors. Methods: The data were from a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in 2015, with a sample of 9380 children 6–19 years of age from two cities, Shenzhen (large city) and Shantou (mid-sized city), in southern China. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors of injury by dogs and cats. Results: The total rates of dog and cat-induced injury were 15.1% and 8.7% during the lifetime, and 3.4% and 1.7% during the past year, respectively. Dog bites mostly occurred in the dog’s residence (49.4%). Cat scratches were more likely to be inflicted by one’s own cat (47.5%). Children living in suburban and island county had 2.83 times and 2.53 times more dog-related injuries than central urban children, respectively. After stratification by cities, injuries in Shantou were correlated with non-single child families (OR (odds ratios), 1.46; 95% CI (95% confidence interval), 1.09–1.96) and raising cats (OR, 5.34; 95% CI, 3.88–7.35). Those who disliked animals (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.45–0.88) or had good academic performance (OR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.35–0.60) had lower risk for injury. Injuries in Shenzhen were related to the mother’s educational level (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.11–2.07) and mother being a migrant worker (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.12–3.94). Conclusions: Family factors were important to predict dog- and cat-induced injury among children from Shenzhen, and personal factors were closely associated with injury among children form Shantou.
Dietary Patterns in Relation to General and Central Obesity among Adults in Southwest China
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Chen Xinguang , Liu Zhitao , Varma Deepthi , Wan Rong , Wan Qingqing , Zhao Shiwen
Published: November 2016

Dietary patterns represent a broader picture of food consumption, and are better correlated with a variety of health outcomes. However, few studies have been conducted to explore the associations between dietary patterns and obesity in Southwest China. Data from the 2010–2012 National Nutrition Survey in the province of Yunnan, Southwest China, were analyzed (n = 1604, aged 18–80 years). Dietary data were collected using the 24 h dietary recall over three consecutive days. Height, weight, and waist circumference were measured following standard methods. Exploratory factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between dietary patterns and obesity. Three distinct dietary patterns were identified, which were labeled as traditional, modern, and tuber according to their key components. With potential confounders adjusted, adults in the highest quartile of the modern pattern were at higher risk of general and central obesity (odds ratio (OR) 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15–3.48; OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.37–2.93). In contrast, adults in the highest quartile of the tuber pattern were at lower risk of general and central obesity (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.15–0.61; OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43–0.95) but at higher risk of underweight (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.20–6.45). No significant association was found between the traditional pattern and obesity. Moreover, dietary pattern differences occurred due to the differences in socio-demographic characteristics. In conclusion, the modern dietary pattern was positively, and the tuber pattern negatively, associated with general and central obesity among adults in Southwest China.
Comparative Analysis of Toxic Responses of Organic Extracts from Diesel and Selected Alternative Fuels Engine Emissions in Human Lung BEAS-2B Cells
Authors: Libalova Helena , Rossner, Pavel , Vrbova Kristyna , Brzicova Tana , Sikorova Jitka , Vojtisek-Lom Michal , Beranek Vit , Klema Jiri , Ciganek Miroslav , Neca Jiri , Pencikova Katerina , Machala Miroslav , Topinka Jan
Published: November 2016

This study used toxicogenomics to identify the complex biological response of human lung BEAS-2B cells treated with organic components of particulate matter in the exhaust of a diesel engine. First, we characterized particles from standard diesel (B0), biodiesel (methylesters of rapeseed oil) in its neat form (B100) and 30% by volume blend with diesel fuel (B30), and neat hydrotreated vegetable oil (NEXBTL100). The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their derivatives in organic extracts was the lowest for NEXBTL100 and higher for biodiesel. We further analyzed global gene expression changes in BEAS-2B cells following 4 h and 24 h treatment with extracts. The concentrations of 50 µg extract/mL induced a similar molecular response. The common processes induced after 4 h treatment included antioxidant defense, metabolism of xenobiotics and lipids, suppression of pro-apoptotic stimuli, or induction of plasminogen activating cascade; 24 h treatment affected fewer processes, particularly those involved in detoxification of xenobiotics, including PAHs. The majority of distinctively deregulated genes detected after both 4 h and 24 h treatment were induced by NEXBTL100; the deregulated genes included, e.g., those involved in antioxidant defense and cell cycle regulation and proliferation. B100 extract, with the highest PAH concentrations, additionally affected several cell cycle regulatory genes and p38 signaling.
Factors Affecting the Baseline and Post-Treatment Scores on the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised Japanese Version before and after Whole-Brain Radiation Therapy
Authors: Saito Hirotake , Tanaka Kensuke , Kanemoto Ayae , Nakano Toshimichi , Abe Eisuke , Aoyama Hidefumi
Published: November 2016

Our objectives were to (1) investigate the feasibility of the use of the Japanese version of the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R); (2) identify the clinical factors influencing the HVLT-R scores of patients undergoing whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT); and (3) compare the neurocognitive function (NCF) after WBRT in different dose fractionation schedules. We administered the HVLT-R (Japanese version) before (baseline) and at four and eight months after WBRT in 45 patients who received either therapeutic (35Gy-in-14, n = 16; 30Gy-in-10, n = 18) or prophylactic (25Gy-in-10, n = 11) WBRT. Sixteen patients dropped out before the eight-month examination, due mostly to death from cancer. The Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) 80–100 group had significantly higher baseline total recall (TR) scores (p = 0.0053), delayed recall (DR) scores (p = 0.012), and delayed recognition (DRecog) scores (p = 0.0078). The patients aged ≤65 years also had significantly higher TR scores (p = 0.030) and DRecog scores (p = 0.031). The patients who underwent two examinations (worse-prognosis group) had significantly decreased DR scores four months after WBRT compared to the baseline (p = 0.0073), and they were significantly more likely to have declined individual TR scores (p = 0.0017) and DR scores (p = 0.035) at four months. The eight-month HVLT-R scores did not significantly decline regardless of the WBRT dose fractionation. The baseline NCF was determined by age and KPS, and the early decline in NCF is characteristic of the worse-prognosis group.
Salvianolic Acid B (Sal B) Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells from Oxidative Stress-Induced Cell Death by Activating Glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1)
Authors: Liu Xiaobin , Xavier Christy , Jann Jamieson , Wu Hongli
Published: November 2016

Protein glutathionylation, defined as the formation of protein mixed disulfides (PSSG) between cysteine residues and glutathione (GSH), can lead to cell death. Glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1) is a thiol repair enzyme which catalyzes the reduction of PSSG. Therefore, Grx1 exerts strong anti-apoptotic effects by improving the redox state, especially in times of oxidative stress. However, there is currently no compound that is identified as a Grx1 activator. In this study, we identified and characterized Salvianolic acid B (Sal B), a natural compound, as a Grx1 inducer, which potently protected retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells from oxidative injury. Our results showed that treatment with Sal B protected primary human RPE cells from H2O2-induced cell damage. Interestingly, we found Sal B pretreatment upregulated Grx1 expression in RPE cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), the key transcription factor that regulates the expression of Grx1, was activated in Sal B treated RPE cells. Further investigation showed that knockdown of Grx1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly reduced the protective effects of Sal B. We conclude that Sal B protects RPE cells against H2O2-induced cell injury through Grx1 induction by activating Nrf2 pathway, thus preventing lethal accumulation of PSSG and reversing oxidative damage.
Reaching Citizens’ Engagement by Services: Swiss Use Case
Authors: Sokhn Maria , Evequoz Florian , Zufferey Arnaud
Published: November 2016

Collaboration with citizens and users plays an increasing role in the transformation of public services towards new forms of production and delivery. Thus there is a need to modernize the civil service to accelerate innovation in governments, as civil servants will also have an important role to play. Digital civic engagement platforms can provide a more attractive and accessible means for participation. We believe that neither an exclusive top-down approach nor a bottom-up approach can address the current needs. Instead a hybrid approach should be designed. This paper presents a novel approach to address the issue of current civic disengagement. This approach is illustrated through four different use cases in the Swiss context.
Metal-Free Reduction of Phosphine Oxides Using Polymethylhydrosiloxane
Authors: Nicolas Emmanuel , Guerriero Antonella , Lyaskovskyy Volodymyr , Peruzzini Maurizio , Lammertsma Koop , Gonsalvi Luca , Slootweg J.
Published: November 2016

A simple protocol is presented here for the use of inexpensive polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS), a waste product of the silicon industry, as stoichiometric reducing agent for phosphine oxides to phosphines, a highly desirable reaction to recover P-based ligands from their spent form. The reactions were studied by screening parameters, such as substrate to reductant ratio, temperature and reaction time, achieving good conversions and selectivities.
Impacts of Antibiotic and Bacteriophage Treatments on the Gut-Symbiont-Associated Blissus insularis (Hemiptera: Blissidae)
Authors: Xu Yao , Buss Eileen , Boucias Drion
Published: November 2016

The Southern chinch bug, Blissus insularis, possesses specialized midgut crypts that harbor dense populations of the exocellular symbiont Burkholderia. Oral administration of antibiotics suppressed the gut symbionts in B. insularis and negatively impacted insect host fitness, as reflected by retarded development, smaller body size, and higher susceptibility to an insecticide, bifenthrin. Considering that the antibiotics probably had non-lethal but toxic effects on host fitness, attempts were conducted to reduce gut symbionts using bacteriophage treatment. Soil-lytic phages active against the cultures of specific Burkholderia ribotypes were successfully isolated using a soil enrichment protocol. Characterization of the BiBurk16MC_R phage determined its specificity to the Bi16MC_R_vitro ribotype and placed it within the family Podoviridae. Oral administration of phages to fifth-instar B. insularis, inoculated with Bi16MC_R_vitro as neonates had no deleterious effects on host fitness. However, the ingested phages failed to impact the crypt-associated Burkholderia. The observed inactivity of the phage was likely due to the blockage of the connection between the anterior and posterior midgut regions. These findings suggest that the initial colonization by Burkholderia programs the ontogeny of the midgut, providing a sheltered residence protected from microbial antagonists.
Asxl2−/− Mice Exhibit De Novo Cardiomyocyte Production during Adulthood
Authors: Brunner Rachel , Lai Hsiao-Lei , Deliu Zane , Melman Elan , Geenen David , Wang Q.
Published: November 2016

Heart attacks affect more than seven million people worldwide each year. A heart attack, or myocardial infarction, may result in the death of a billion cardiomyocytes within hours. The adult mammalian heart does not have an effective mechanism to replace lost cardiomyocytes. Instead, lost muscle is replaced with scar tissue, which decreases blood pumping ability and leads to heart failure over time. Here, we report that the loss of the chromatin factor ASXL2 results in spontaneous proliferation and cardiogenic differentiation of a subset of interstitial non-cardiomyocytes. The adult Asxl2−/− heart displays spontaneous overgrowth without cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Thymidine analog labeling and Ki67 staining of 12-week-old hearts revealed 3- and 5-fold increases of proliferation rate for vimentin+ non-cardiomyocytes in Asxl2−/− over age- and sex-matched wildtype controls, respectively. Approximately 10% of proliferating non-cardiomyocytes in the Asxl2−/− heart express the cardiogenic marker NKX2-5, a frequency that is ~7-fold higher than that observed in the wildtype. EdU lineage tracing experiments showed that ~6% of pulsed-labeled non-cardiomyocytes in Asxl2−/− hearts differentiate into mature cardiomyocytes after a four-week chase, a phenomenon not observed for similarly pulse-chased wildtype controls. Taken together, these data indicate de novo cardiomyocyte production in the Asxl2−/− heart due to activation of a population of proliferative cardiogenic non-cardiomyocytes. Our study suggests the existence of an epigenetic barrier to cardiogenicity in the adult heart and raises the intriguing possibility of unlocking regenerative potential via transient modulation of epigenetic activity.
X-ray Computed Tomography Imaging of the Microstructure of Sand Particles Subjected to High Pressure One-Dimensional Compression
Authors: Al Mahbub Asheque , Haque Asadul
Published: November 2016

This paper presents the results of X-ray CT imaging of the microstructure of sand particles subjected to high pressure one-dimensional compression leading to particle crushing. A high resolution X-ray CT machine capable of in situ imaging was employed to capture images of the whole volume of a sand sample subjected to compressive stresses up to 79.3 MPa. Images of the whole sample obtained at different load stages were analysed using a commercial image processing software (Avizo) to reveal various microstructural properties, such as pore and particle volume distributions, spatial distribution of void ratios, relative breakage, and anisotropy of particles.
Design of Boiler Welding for Improvement of Lifetime and Cost Control
Authors: Thong-On Atcharawadi , Boonruang Chatdanai
Published: November 2016

Fe-2.25Cr-1Mo a widely used material for headers and steam tubes of boilers. Welding of steam tube to header is required for production of boiler. Heat affected zone of the weld can have poor mechanical properties and poor corrosion behavior leading to weld failure. The cost of material used for steam tube and header of boiler should be controlled. This study propose a new materials design for boiler welding to improve the lifetime and cost control, using tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding of Fe-2.25Cr-1Mo tube to carbon steel pipe with chromium-containing filler. The cost of production could be reduced by the use of low cost material such as carbon steel pipe for boiler header. The effect of chromium content on corrosion behavior of the weld was greater than that of the microstructure. The lifetime of the welded boiler can be increased by improvement of mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of the heat affected zone.
Additive Manufacturing of Patient-Customizable Scaffolds for Tubular Tissues Using the Melt-Drawing Method
Authors: Tan Yu , Tan Xipeng , Yeong Wai , Tor Shu
Published: November 2016

Polymeric fibrous scaffolds for guiding cell growth are designed to be potentially used for the tissue engineering (TE) of tubular organs including esophagi, blood vessels, tracheas, etc. Tubular scaffolds were fabricated via melt-drawing of highly elastic poly(l-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLC) fibers layer-by-layer on a cylindrical mandrel. The diameter and length of the scaffolds are customizable via 3D printing of the mandrel. Thickness of the scaffolds was varied by changing the number of layers of the melt-drawing process. The morphology and tensile properties of the PLC fibers were investigated. The fibers were highly aligned with a uniform diameter. Their diameters and tensile properties were tunable by varying the melt-drawing speeds. These tailorable topographies and tensile properties show that the additive-based scaffold fabrication technique is customizable at the micro- and macro-scale for different tubular tissues. The merits of these scaffolds in TE were further shown by the finding that myoblast and fibroblast cells seeded onto the scaffolds in vitro showed appropriate cell proliferation and distribution. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) differentiated to smooth muscle lineage on the microfibrous scaffolds in the absence of soluble induction factors, showing cellular shape modulation and scaffold elasticity may encourage the myogenic differentiation of stem cells.
Ceramide as a Target of Marine Triterpene Glycosides for Treatment of Human Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Yun Seong-Hoon , Shin Sung-Won , Stonik Valentin , Park Joo-In
Published: November 2016

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous myeloid clonal disorder exhibiting the accumulation of immature myeloid progenitors in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. Standard AML therapy requires intensive combination chemotherapy, which leads to significant treatment-related toxicity. The search for new, low toxic marine agents, inducing the generation of ceramide in leukemic cells is a new approach to improve the therapy of leukemia. This review focuses on the metabolism of sphingolipids, the role of ceramide in treating leukemia, and the antitumor activity, related to ceramide metabolism, of some marine metabolites, particularly stichoposides, triterpene glycosides extracted from sea cucumbers of the family Stichopodiidae.
Antifungal and Anticancer Potential of Argemone mexicana L.
Authors: More Nilesh , Kharat Arun
Published: November 2016

Background: Medicinal plants are widely used to treat infectious diseases, metabolic disorders and cancer. Argemone mexicana L. (A. mexicana), commonly found on desolate land of Marathwada (Maharashtra, India) has been used to treat oral cavity infections. Methods: In this study, cold aqueous and methanolic extracts were prepared from A. mexicana stem and leaves. These extracts were tested for their antifungal and anticancer activities. The antifungal activity was tested using the agar well diffusion method, while the anticancer activity against immortalized cell lines was assessed by trypan blue assay. Results: It was observed that both cold aqueous and methanolic extracts of A. mexicana stem and leaves inhibited the growth of Mucor indicus, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Penicillum notatum. Antifungal activity of the extract was comparable to that of Amphoterecin-B. A. mexicana extracts had a cytotoxic effect on A549, SiHa and KB immortalized cell lines that were similar to that of berberine. Conclusion: The A. mexicana leaf and stems exhibit strong antifungal and anticancer potential.