bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing Ant Colony Optimization and Genetic Algorithm Approaches for Solving Traffic Signal Coordination under Oversaturation Conditions
Authors: Putha Rahul , Quadrifoglio Luca , Zechman Emily
Published: February 2011

Abstract:  This article proposes to solve the oversaturated network traffic signal coordination problem using the Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm. The traffic networks used are discrete time models which use green times at all the intersections throughout the considered period of oversaturation as the decision variables. The ACO algorithm finds intelligent timing plans which take care of dissipation of queues and removal of blockages as opposed to the sole cost minimization usually performed for undersaturation conditions. Two scenarios are considered and results are rigorously compared with solutions obtained using the genetic algorithm (GA), traditionally employed to solve oversaturated conditions. ACO is shown to be consistently more effective for a larger number of trials and to provide more reliable solutions. Further, as a master‐slave parallelism is possible for the nature of ACO algorithm, its implementation is suggested to reduce the overall execution time allowing the opportunity to solve real‐time signal control systems.
Feedback on household electricity consumption: learning and social influence processes
Authors: Grønhøj Alice , Thøgersen John
Published: February 2011

In this paper, we present results from a project aiming to develop a new feedback technology to support sustainable living in private households. Against the backdrop of a review of the relevant literature and based on qualitative family interviews and registration of the households' electricity consumption, we evaluate the effects of giving households detailed feedback about their electricity consumption on a small liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. Twenty Danish households participated in the study over a 5‐month period. A new feedback system was developed in a user‐involved innovation process. The average electricity saving in participating households is estimated to 8.1%, compared with a 0.8% saving in the control group. The qualitative interviews revealed that the feedback made household electricity consumption more visible and salient, and empowered electricity consumers to take action with respect to lowering their energy consumption. In addition, the feedback stimulated social influences processes related to energy savings between spouses as well as between (teenage) children and their parents. Notably, families with teenage children appear to be particularly receptive to this type of feedback.
Potential for environmental improvements in laundering
Authors: Laitala Kirsi , Boks Casper , Klepp Ingun Grimstad
Published: February 2011

Life cycle assessment studies on clothes, detergents and washing machines show that the use period is usually the most energy‐demanding period during these products' life cycle, even higher than production or transportation phases. Laundering practices are constantly changing and influenced by social, cultural and moral norms. Even though the technologies in clothes cleaning have improved greatly, the length of time that consumers use for washing clothes has not been reduced. We own more clothing and wash it more frequently. This increased amount of washing counteracts the technological improvements in laundry. This paper discussed the options of changing consumer habits in clothing maintenance to a more environmentally friendly direction and attempts to evaluate which changes would be the most feasible and efficient. Laboratory trial results on washing were compared with earlier research on consumers' washing habits. Laboratory‐based tests measuring cleaning effect, energy and water consumption were performed in order to evaluate the consequences of changing the washing temperature, filling grade, detergent dosage or drying method. The cleaning effect tests showed that today's detergents are suitable for low temperature washing, and by selecting an efficient detergent, the cleaning result can be better at 30°C than with a less efficient detergent at 40°C. When washing only slightly soiled textiles or small loads of laundry, the detergent amount can be reduced. Many textiles changed more in colour or strength if they were washed at higher temperature (60°C) than at lower temperature (40°C or below). Tumble‐dried textiles shrank more than line dried. These facts can be used to motivate consumers to change behaviour in order to reduce the environmental impacts of textile maintenance.
If you could be in charge: student ideas for promoting sustainability in housing
Authors: Parrott Kathleen R. , Mitchell Kimberly J. , Emmel JoAnn M. , Beamish Julia O.
Published: February 2011

In the spring of 2010, 55 students at a major US university participated in a course entitled: Housing: Energy and the Environment. Over 20 different academic majors were represented in the class, including housing design, residential property management, various engineering specialties, environmental studies and architecture. The majority of the students in this class were knowledgeable about housing and planned careers in housing‐, design‐, management‐ or construction‐related fields. For the final paper/exam in the class, the students were to design a programme that would ‘promote resource conservation and management, and environmental quality in the housing and building industry’. Examples included (but were not limited to) a government policy, certification programme, training programme or municipal code. A content analysis of the student exams was conducted to give insight into how the next generation of professionals and consumers might set priorities on sustainability and how they might consider implementing these priorities. Topics in the content analysis included programme content, type of programme, funding, target audience and technology. The most frequent programme topics were energy, resource and water conservation. The most common type of programme was training or education, and programmes were more likely to be targeted at building professionals, consumers or owners of buildings. The majority of the students did not address the issue of programme funding or assumed that the government would pay for their programmes. The programmes designed by the students suggest they believe in the importance of sustainable housing and expect to be involved in energy and environmentally friendly practices as professionals and consumers. Yet, these students also see the need for greater motivation, requirements and preparation to achieve energy independence and environmental sustainability.
Review of laundry energy efficiency studies conducted by the US Department of Energy
Authors: Hustvedt Gwendolyn
Published: February 2011

The US Department of Energy has conducted research into clothes laundering for nearly 60 years. An examination of reports stored in a digital repository at the Department of Energy traces the growth of interest in energy efficiency. Prior to the mid‐1970s, this research was confined mainly to studies of decontamination of protective clothing used by agency employees. Starting in 1976, however, work at various national laboratories began to examine laundering from an energy efficiency perspective. Studies in the 1970s include exploration of methods to use solar and geothermal energy to boost washing and drying efficiency and guidance for improving energy use in the fabricare industry and hospitals. Towards the end of this decade, federally funded research began looking at standards for energy efficiency in household appliance. Progress towards implementing mandates related to appliances and communicating with consumers through labelling about these standards are outlined in reports periodically to the present date. Reports of particular interest include a large, community‐based study of laundry habits, a detailed plan for improving household energy efficiency on military bases and recommendations for home builders based on climate zones. The reports are not confined to US‐based consumers or appliances but include studies based in China and Sweden, among others. While not widely disseminated, the results outlined in these studies provide valuable information for building best practices in both developed and developing countries.
Environmental impacts of different methods of coffee preparation
Authors: Brommer Eva , Stratmann Britta , Quack Dietlinde
Published: February 2011

The environmental impacts of coffee consumption inter alia depend on the preparation method used by consumers. Preparation methods such as filter drip, pod machines and fully automatic coffee machines are the most common ones in Germany: 62% of the consumers use a filter drip machine to brew their coffee, 23% use filter pad machines and 15% use espresso machines such as fully automatic coffee machines or capsule systems. The aim of the different studies presented in this paper was to identify the critical environmental issues along the life cycle of coffee and to compare the different preparation methods of coffee regarding their influence on the environmental impacts. Within the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Pilot Project Germany, the PCF of one cup of a special type of coffee was analysed on behalf of Tchibo GmbH (Überseering, Hamburg, Germany). As the results show, the preparation by the consumer is one crucial part of the entire life cycle of coffee, making up a share of 30% of the overall emissions. Another hot spot is the cultivation of coffee beans with 55%. Concerning the use phase, research shows that environmental impacts vary significantly depending on the preparation method used by the consumer. Main drivers are differences in power consumption of the respective technologies. Furthermore, different packagings of the coffee play a decisive role. Comparing the analysed appliances and defined usage scenarios in this study, the French press and filter drip machine performed best, followed by the filter pad machine. In contrast, the environmental impacts of the analysed fully automatic coffee machine and the capsule machine were highest. The reason for this was the high power consumption, especially in the machines' sleep and standby mode. Additionally, capsule machines contribute to the environmental impacts because of the aluminium and/or plastic packaging of the capsules, automatic coffee machines because of their cleaning and rinsing programmes.

The detailed results indicate a significant savings potential in the use phase. The impacts not only depend on the specific energy efficiency of the chosen appliance but also on the usage behaviour.
Are resource savings in manual dishwashing possible? Consumers applying Best Practice Tips
Authors: Fuss Natalie , Bornkessel Sabine , Mattern Thomas , Stamminger Rainer
Published: February 2011

In the past few years, studies have been carried out to record and analyse the consumer behaviour of manual dishwashing. Manual dishwashing in households is performed in many ways that influence the use of resources. Furthermore, knowledge has been gained on the basis of experiments on how to optimize the use of resources in manual dishwashing. Optimization here means achieving the best possible cleaning performance with a minimum input of resources. This experimental knowledge, combined with the experience of everyday life, was transferred into Best Practice Tips.

The aim of this study is to verify whether it is possible to save resources while applying these Best Practice Tips in comparison with the consumers' previous behaviour.

In a laboratory study, 53 consumers from Europe (23 Germans, 30 other Europeans) were asked to apply the Best Practice Tips while washing up 12 place settings of dishes. The data gained were compared with that of previous studies recording consumers' everyday behaviour while washing up the same amount of dishes. The sample consisted of 113 European consumers and the sample of the second study consisted of 60 Europeans.

On average, the 53 test participants applying the Best Practice Tips used around 60% less water, 70% less energy and 30% less detergent compared with the average everyday behaviour the other subjects used. Additionally, they achieved a slightly better cleaning result. An evaluation questionnaire showed that the Best Practice Tips were, in general, highly accepted; however, some concerns were given about their exact application in everyday life. Because of the wide variation of washing‐up habits and resource consumption among individuals, the confidence intervals of the studies are rather large. The results should therefore be seen as tendencies on how resource savings are possible when people are trained how to optimize resources in manual dishwashing. Nevertheless, this study should be the basis for further ones in which the learning is verified in everyday life and over a longer period of time.
Usage of dishwashers: observation of consumer habits in the domestic environment
Authors: Richter Christian Paul
Published: February 2011

Over the years, appliance manufacturers have been successful in developing dishwashers that enable consumers to save time, energy and water very conveniently. Within the last 20 years the savings in energy consumption exceed 30%, and the average water consumption per cycle has been more than halved. As a result, it is very hard for the majority of people to compete with the efficiency of a dishwasher when dishes are done by hand. However, consumer habits (e.g. regarding the use of the dishwasher load capacity, programme choice and particularly the additional pretreatment of dishes with water) are influencing the overall efficiency of the dishwashing process and resource use. Still, detailed information on consumer behaviour in everyday life concerning these issues is rare.

In order to improve the understanding of dishwashing habits and to fill the lack of information about dishwashing on the household level, an in‐house consumer survey in four European countries (Germany, Italy, Sweden and the UK) was conducted between 2007 and 2008. Two hundred households with and without dishwasher were interviewed and comprehensively observed. For a period of 2 weeks, participants recorded every dishwashing process with the help of a dishwashing diary and pictures they took of their loaded dishwashers. In addition, an in‐depth observation took place in 82 households where measurements and webcam observations were recorded at the kitchen sink. Actual resource consumption data for manual dishwashing and the pretreatment for the dishwasher were obtained.

The present paper reports on findings of this investigation and concentrates on consumer habits related to the use of the dishwasher. In general, the study showed that the households with dishwasher used on average 50% less water and 28% less energy per cleaned item compared with households not owning a dishwasher. Yet, there were still consumer habits, which indicate that a higher degree of sustainable dishwashing is achievable. The researchers found that in 20% of the dishwasher cycles, baskets were only slightly filled and consumers were likely to use higher amounts of energy than stated on the energy label because they have chosen mostly in favour of high cleaning temperatures (52% used 65°C and higher). Particularly in Italy and Sweden intensive pretreatment habits have been observed, resulting in an average additional water use of 11–20 L per dishwasher cycle.
Visualizing energy consumption activities as a tool for developing effective policy
Authors: Palm Jenny , Ellegård Kajsa
Published: February 2011

Analysing and understanding energy consumption from the household activity perspective is vital for developing policy that promotes sustainable everyday life. Doing so entails learning how to connect policy with household activities and everyday life.

We use a time‐geographic visualization to analyse several dimensions of everyday life as a totality. From household members' time diaries, we can analyse and learn about when, where and what energy‐related activities occur in the household, involving what household members are engaged and in what wider social context activities are performed. We discuss the importance of relating policy analysis to everyday household activities to make policy relevant to households. Time diaries reveal differences and interdependencies in activity patterns between household members and between individuals in a population classified by factors such as gender, age and household composition. The diaries provide data to visualize activity patterns and identify individual households' use of electric appliances and need for light and heating. To capture electricity use as it occurs, we developed the VISUAL‐TimePAcTS/energy use software to track the relationship between activities, appliance use and electricity consumption. This tool helps deepen discussions of the consequences of everyday household doings for energy consumption and climate change. Time diaries also help households reflect on daily life in relation to energy consumption, giving households feedback that is direct and relevant since it refers to self‐reported activities. This is the starting point for discussions of how activities can change.

Time geographic visualizations of diaries complement policy research by recognizing the diversity of everyday life of households. Instead of analysing how habits, incremental decisions and non‐decisions are made by grassroots bureaucrats, we suggest broadening the perspective to include how individuals' everyday activities and restrictions influence policy formation.
Evaluation of domestic washing in Japan using life cycle assessment (LCA)
Authors: Yamaguchi Yoko , Seii Eriko , Itagaki Masako , Nagayama Masuzo
Published: February 2011

Changing lifestyles and family structures have changed consumer domestic washing behaviour in our country, with growing use of washer‐dryers and changing detergent preferences, including use of concentrated detergents. In particular, there has also been an increase in the number of combined washer‐dryers, which both save space and reduce the housework burden. However, power consumption for drying is extremely high compared to that for washing. This study reveals the drying performance of sweat‐absorbent, quick‐drying clothing in domestic washing, and uses the life cycle assessment method to evaluate washing and drying with heat‐pump washer‐dryers compared with the conventional washer‐dryer. In this study, it was assumed that drying was used on 99 days per year, based on the mean number of 99 days per year with rainfall in Tokyo. Both types of washer‐dryer showed high CO2eq emission levels for usage, with the highest levels for power consumption during drying. Compared with the conventional washer‐dryer, the heat‐pump washer‐dryer was able to reduce CO2eq emissions significantly through power savings and used less water as well, although it did require the use of larger amounts of detergent. However, the largest portion of CO2eq emissions was attributable to the drying process, and the use of sweat‐absorbent, quick‐drying clothing enabled these emissions to be reduced by approximately 10%. The residual moisture content of clothing after washing and spin‐drying, which significantly affects the amount of CO2eq emissions generated at the drying stage, depended on spin‐drying times and the proportion of polyester fibres in the clothing.
Applicability of surfaces containing silver in domestic refrigerators
Authors: Ilg Yvonne , Bruckner Stefanie , Kreyenschmidt Judith
Published: February 2011

Hygiene is an area of great concern in private households. Especially refrigerator interior surfaces are contaminated with food residues or microorganisms. Refrigerator manufacturers are attempting to improve the hygienic conditions by including antimicrobial refrigerator plastic surfaces. However, although refrigerator surfaces are already frequently compounded using, e.g. silver additives, it is still unclear whether these surfaces have the ability to decrease contamination under the special application conditions found within refrigerators. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of surfaces containing silver to decrease bacterial count in domestic refrigerators considering realistic conditions in domestic refrigerators. Laboratory investigations have been conducted concerning the rate of antimicrobial activity of different materials containing silver as regards their functioning to reduce surface contamination as related to test organisms and environmental conditions (e.g. temperature, food residues). The reduction rate on the tested plastic materials containing silver varied between log10 0.1–7.4 cfu/ml compared with the reference sheets. Thereby the rate is influenced by the plastic type, the microorganism and temperature. Further on the investigations made evident that the inhibitory effect of silver compounds is greatly reduced by the presence of protein residues. Consequently, investigations concerning the hygienic status within domestic refrigerators have been conducted and the cleaning behaviour by refrigerator users has been assessed. It became evident that, in particular, glass surfaces are often contaminated with protein residues. Furthermore, the cleaning frequency is very low as only 16% of refrigerator users clean their refrigerators monthly or more frequently. Thus, under these conditions found in practice, no additional benefit as to hygiene status can be expected by adding silver to refrigerator glass surfaces. Therefore, a careful choice of silver applications in domestic refrigerators is necessary considering the special conditions in private households. In addition, the factor of sustainability needs to be considered with regard to the unnecessary entry of silver ions into sewage.
Which type of washing machine should you choose?
Authors: Katayama Michiko , Sugihara Reiko
Published: February 2011

The authors conducted a study of washing machines in order to provide customers with more accurate information in regards to their purchases. In this research, the same laundry washing load was washed by four different types of washing machines, two with vortex systems and another two with drum systems. For each machine, the authors used the standard washing course and measured the amount of water and electricity used. Before washing, Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) soiled cloths, small‐sized modified mechanical action (MA) test cloths developed by the Danish Technological Institute (DTI) and small‐sized Eidgenossiche Materials Purufungs Anstalt 306 (EMPA 306) were stitched to the same position on the sample laundry. After washing it, the authors analysed the reflectance of the JIS soiled cloth and the difference of Kubelka‐Munk equation (K/S) values before washing and after washing (from this, the authors estimated the decreased soil amount). They also measured the MA by one‐fifth of the DTI MA values (MA/5‐value), and the number of dots removed during the washing cycle. As for washing performance, the authors detected the level of detergency and the MA from the following parameters. They compared the washing performance of the four different washing machines by the K/S‐value per unit of water consumption and per unit of electricity consumption. The results showed almost the same level of washing performance amongst the four machines. However, there were differences in the amount of soil removed per litre of water consumption [the vortex (beat) type was the most efficient]. There were also differences in the amount of soil removed per minute of washing time and per Wh of electricity consumption. Upon both of these parameters, the vortex type washing machine was the most efficient. It is expected that these results will be helpful to consumers when choosing a new washing machine.
Household appropriation of electricity monitors
Authors: Wallenborn Grégoire , Orsini Marco , Vanhaverbeke Jeremie
Published: February 2011

In the perspective of smart grids, ‘smart’ electricity metres are distributed in European households. When households possess an immediate feedback on their consumption, it is usually stated that they can save between 5 and 15% of their electricity. How households learn to reduce their consumption is hardly ever addressed. In order to know whether 15% saving is a limit or not, it is necessary to understand what people do and learn with the use of an electricity monitor. This question is related to the way the societal energy transition could be achieved. Electricity is invisible, but it is produced, transported and consumed through material devices. This paper explores the dimension of material culture in household energy consumption through the introduction of electricity monitors in different types of households. Through a social experiment, we investigate both how households appropriate an electricity monitor and what they learn when using it. The paper addresses the question of appropriation of such monitors and how it is related to different dimensions: comfort, values, knowledge, skills, material culture. On the basis of an original protocol that intends to interfere as little as possible with users, we installed different metres in 21 Belgian households (including low‐income households) and collected data on energy consumption, material culture (appliances, heating system, etc.), different representations of energy, energy‐using practices and the effects induced by the introduction of the monitor. We have observed that the metre can change electricity perception, but that only households already interested or involved in energy savings are willing to use and learn with the monitor. We suggest that these devices should accompany a deeper transformation of the ‘culture of energy’, but they have to become much ‘smarter’ if their aim is to support more sustainable energy consumption patterns.
The sustainable consumer: an in situ study of residential lighting alternatives as influenced by infield education
Authors: Stall‐Meadows Celia , Hebert Paulette R.
Published: February 2011

This research examined consumers' barriers to adoption of sustainable residential lighting alternatives and explored the impact of infield education on attitudes towards three lighting alternatives: incandescent, compact fluorescent light and light‐emitting diode. The study measured the effectiveness of hands‐on activities and an interactive educational presentation regarding sustainable residential lighting sources. Research objectives included the following: (1) to examine the changes in consumers' intentions to purchase sustainable lighting alternatives before and after residential field tests and educational sessions and (2) to examine consumers' attitudes towards sustainable lighting alternatives. Consumers' attitudes were investigated in relation to their willingness to buy sustainable lighting alternatives. A pre‐test survey was administered to examine the respondents' knowledge of sustainable lighting, their level of satisfaction with their existing home lighting choices and their willingness to consider sustainable lighting alternatives. Participants (n = 105) then performed reading and writing tasks under the three lighting types. Next, the participants were exposed to interactive education sessions explaining the benefits and detriments of the lighting alternatives. The educational area displayed fact sheets, sample bulb packaging and actual lighting fixtures lamped with sustainable and unsustainable sources. The educational presenter encouraged participants to ask questions about sustainable lighting and suggested ways that consumers can reduce their carbon footprint by choosing more efficient technologies for residential lighting. Participants were informed about the initial costs, return on investment, lamp life and lamp waste. The presenter directed the consumers how to properly dispose of bulbs. The findings revealed an increased understanding of the energy efficiency, sustainability and associated costs of the three lighting types. Consumers indicated preferences towards adopting the initially higher priced sustainable lighting particularly compact fluorescent lighting.
Sodium and ready meals: a survey of Irish consumer awareness
Authors: Mitchell Michelle , Brunton Nigel P. , Wilkinson Martin G.
Published: February 2011

The aim of the study was to gain an understanding of Irish consumer attitudes towards ready meals and current sodium issues in Ireland. A questionnaire was distributed to 357 consumers via convenience quota sampling to a range of nationalities in both rural and urban/city areas of Ireland. The survey revealed that a high proportion of respondents (45%; n = 161) were worried about the amount of salt they consumed. Despite this, 58% (n = 207) stated they never look at the sodium/salt contents on nutritional labels with 68% (n = 244) claiming that sodium/salt contents would never affect their buying choice. The survey also uncovered that 76% (n = 270) of the Irish consumers surveyed consider ready meals to be high in sodium and 80% (n = 285) consider them to be an unhealthy option. Despite this, 50% (n = 179) of the respondents consumed a ready meal at least once a week with a further 17% (n = 59) consuming them two to three times a week. Of those who did consume ready meals, 78% (n = 191) chose them due to their convenience. A total of 75% (n = 269) of all the respondents said they would choose a chilled ready meal over its frozen counterpart. The reason for this being attributed to the fact that chilled ready meals were perceived to be healthier (44%; n = 158) and of better quality (54%; n = 194) than their frozen counterparts. Results from this study highlight the need for concerted actions involving consumers, manufacturers and retailers to reduce sodium levels in Irish ready meals, as despite being reasonably aware of the sodium issue consumers were not making informed choices to reduce sodium/salt consumption.
Sciatic Nerve Regeneration by Microporous Nerve Conduits Seeded With Glial Cell Line‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor or Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor Gene Transfected Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Fu Keng‐Yen , Dai Lien‐Guo , Chiu Ing‐Ming , Chen Jeng‐Rung , Hsu Shan‐hui
Published: February 2011

Neurotrophic factors such as the glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promote nerve cell survival and regeneration, but their efficacy in repairing a longer gap defect of rat sciatic nerve (15 mm) has not been established. In this study, two recombinant mammalian vectors containing either rat GDNF gene or BDNF gene were constructed and each was transfected into neural stem cells (NSCs). It was found that the transfection of GDNF or BDNF gene into NSCs led to significantly enhanced expression of GDNF or BDNF mRNA. The amount of GDNF or BDNF protein secreted from the transfected NSCs showed a 3.3‐fold or 2.5‐fold increase than that from nontransfected NSCs, respectively. The regeneration capacity of rat sciatic nerve in a poly(D,L‐lactide) conduit seeded with GDNF or BDNF‐transfected NSCs was evaluated by the histology, functional gait, and electrophysiology after 8 weeks of implantation. It was observed that the degree of myelination and the size of regenerated tissue in the conduits seeded with GDNF‐ and BDNF‐transfected NSCs were higher than those seeded with the nontransfected NSCs. Conduits seeded with GDNF‐transfected NSCs had the greatest number of blood vessels. The functional recovery assessed by the functional gait and electrophysiology was significantly improved for conduits seeded with GDNF or BDNF‐transfected NSCs. It was concluded that the genetically modified NSCs may have potential applications in promoting nerve regeneration and functional recovery.
Influence of Albumin Dialysis on Pharmacokinetics of Amphotericin B Colloidal Dispersion and Amphotericin B Lipid Complex
Authors: Weiler Stefan , Vogelsinger Helene , Joannidis Michael , Dunzendorfer Stefan , Bellmann Romuald
Published: February 2011

Albumin dialysis (AD) is a therapeutic option in severe cholestatic liver failure. However, it can significantly enhance drug elimination. Pharmacokinetic data on antimicrobial agents—in particular on antimycotics—administered under this clinical condition are very sparse. Therefore, amphotericin B (AMB) plasma concentrations were measured in two critically ill patients who were treated with AD because of severe cholestatic liver failure and were prescribed lipid formulated AMB—either AMB colloidal dispersion (ABCD) or AMB lipid complex (ABLC)—for suspected invasive fungal infection. AD was performed with the molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS). Lipid‐associated and liberated AMB were separately quantified on and off AD. The clearance of the liberated AMB fraction was not essentially affected (ABLC) or moderately enhanced during AD by a factor of 2.5 (ABCD). The clearance of the lipid‐formulated fraction was increased by a factor of 4 during AD (ABCD) or was similar (ABLC) on and off AD. Despite the fact that there was a four‐fold higher clearance of the lipid‐formulated fraction of ABCD, the clinically relevant area under the concentration time curve of the liberated AMB fraction was only moderately changed (by 37% in ABCD, 70% in ABLC) during AD. Thus, the effect of AD on lipid formulated AMB appears to be moderate. A daily dose of 5 mg/kg will probably lead to adequate plasma levels in patients on AD.
Characterization of Insulin Adsorption Behavior of Dialyzer Membranes Used in Hemodialysis
Authors: Abe Masanori , Okada Kazuyoshi , Ikeda Kazuya , Matsumoto Shiro , Soma Masayoshi , Matsumoto Koichi
Published: February 2011

Although it has been reported that plasma insulin is removed by hemodialysis (HD), the mechanism for this has not been elucidated. We investigated the mechanism of insulin removal during HD treatment and the characteristics of insulin removal with three high‐flux membranes. In our in vivo study, 20 stable diabetic patients on HD were randomly selected for three HD sessions with three different membranes: polysulfone (PS), cellulose triacetate (CTA), and polyester polymer alloy (PEPA). Blood samples were obtained from the blood tubing at the arterial (A) site at the beginning and end of the sixth HD session to investigate insulin reduction in patients. At 1 h after the initiation of dialysis, blood samples were obtained from both the A and venous sites of the dialyzer to investigate the insulin clearance with the different membranes. There was a significant reduction in patients' plasma insulin at each time point with each of the three membranes. The insulin clearance with the PS membrane was significantly higher than that with the CTA and PEPA membranes. Although no difference was observed in the plasma insulin reduction rate between the three membranes in the total subject group, there was a significantly higher reduction rate with the PS membrane in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus subjects. The clearance of insulin in in vitro tests was significantly higher with the PS and PEPA membranes than with the CTA membrane in both new and clinically used dialyzers. Insulin was not detected in the dialysate or ultrafiltration fluids in either the in vivo or in vitro studies. The mechanism of plasma insulin clearance by HD is mainly by adsorption, and the amount of insulin adsorbed differed depending on the dialyzer membrane used.
Norepinephrine and Hospital Mortality in Critically Ill Patients Undergoing Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Chou Che‐Yi , Yeh Hung‐Chieh , Chen Wei , Liu Jiung‐Hsiun , Lin Hsin‐Hung , Liu Yao‐Lung , Yang Ya‐Fei , Wang Shu‐Ming , Huang Chiu‐Ching
Published: February 2011

High‐dose vasopressor use is associated with increasing mortality in patients with septic shock. We conducted this study to determine if the high‐dose of vasopressor used before the initiation of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is associated with increasing mortality in critically ill patients. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent CRRT in the medical intensive care unit of China Medical University Hospital between 2003 and 2007. The association between mortality and highest vasopressors (dopamine and norepinephrine [NE]) dose used were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariate Cox regression. A total of 279 patients (170 men and 109 women) treated with CRRT in medical intensive care were reviewed and 237 (84.9%) died. In Kaplan–Meier analysis with log‐rank test, dopamine dose of ≥20 µg/kg/min and NE dose of ≥0.3 µg/kg/min were significantly linked to mortality (P = 0.007 and <0.001). In multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, NE dose of ≥0.3 µg/kg/min, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II score, and low platelet count were independently linked to mortality. The hazard ratios and 95% confidence interval (CI) were 1.771 (95% CI: 1.247–2.516, P = 0.001), 1.035 (95% CI: 1.012–1.058, P = 0.003), and 0.997 (95% CI: 0.996–0.999, P = 0.003), respectively. Critically ill patients treated with very high dose of NE before the initiation of CRRT have a very high mortality rate regardless of the acute kidney injury stage.
Effects of Spermidine and p‐Cresol on Polymorphonuclear Cell Apoptosis and Function
Authors: de Carvalho Jr Jose Tarcisio G. , Dalboni Maria A. , Watanabe Renato , Peres Alines T. , Goes Miguel A. , Manfredi Silvia R. , Canziani Maria E. , Cendoroglo Gabriel S. , Guimarães‐Souza Nadia , Batista Marcelo C. , Cendoroglo Miguel
Published: February 2011

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) from chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients display accelerated apoptosis and dysfunction, which may predispose CKD patients to infections. In this study, we investigated the effect of spermidine and p‐cresol on apoptosis and function on PMN from healthy subjects. We measured the effect of spermidine and p‐cresol on apoptosis, ROS production unstimulated and stimulated (S. aureus and PMA) and expression of CD95, caspase 3, and CD11b on PMN. After incubation with p‐cresol and spermidine, we did not observe any changes in apoptosis, viability or expression of caspase 3 and CD95 in PMN from healthy subjects. PMN incubated for 10 minutes with spermidine demonstrated a significant reduction in spontaneous, S. aureus and PMA‐stimulated ROS production. p‐cresol induced a decrease in PMA‐stimulated ROS production. Spermidine and p‐cresol also induced a decrease in the expression of CD11b on PMN. Spermidine and p‐cresol decreased the expression of CD11b and oxidative burst of PMN from healthy subjects and had no effect on PMN apoptosis and viability.
Molecular Biology‐Based Assessment of Vitamin E‐Coated Dialyzer Effects on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Vascular Remodeling
Authors: Calò Lorenzo A. , Naso Agostino , D'Angelo Angela , Pagnin Elisa , Zanardo Marco , Puato Massimo , Rebeschini Mirka , Landini Silvano , Feriani Mariano , Perego Angelo , Malagoli Andrea , Zagatti Riccardo , Calzavara Piergianni , Cascone Carmelo , Davis Paul A.
Published: February 2011

Cardiovascular disease represents the most common cause for the excess of morbidity and mortality found in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and has prompted the exploration of multiple approaches to improve outcomes in these patients. Cardiovascular risk factors such as increased oxidative stress (OxSt) and inflammation are found in ESRD patients. A vitamin E‐coated dialyzer using polysulfone membranes has been suggested to have positive effects on these factors. This 1‐year study evaluated in 25 ESRD patients under chronic dialysis, the effects of a vitamin E‐coated membrane (VitabranE ViE) “ex vivo” on mononuclear cells, OxSt, and inflammation‐related biochemical and molecular biology markers using a molecular biology approach. p22phox, heme oxygenase (HO)‐1, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)‐1 protein level, and phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK)1/2 status were evaluated at the beginning of the study, after 6 months and after 12 months by Western blot analysis and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (OxLDL) plasma level by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, alongside vascular remodeling assessment as measured by carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) in a subgroup of nine randomly selected patients. p22phox, PAI‐1, OxLDL, and pERK all decreased with VitabranE use, while HO‐1 increased. Carotid IMT did not increase. Treatment with VitabranE significantly decreases the expression of proteins and markers relevant to OxSt and inflammation tightly associated with cardiovascular disease, and it appears highly likely that VitabranE use will provide a benefit in terms of cardiovascular protection.
Rescue Extracorporeal Life Support for Acute Verapamil and Propranolol Toxicity in a Neonate
Authors: De Rita Fabrizio , Barozzi Luca , Franchi Gianluigi , Faggian Giuseppe , Mazzucco Alessandro , Luciani Giovanni Battista
Published: February 2011

Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) to manage acute antiarrhythmic drugs toxicity in neonates has never been reported. Here presented is a case of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in a newborn with refractory low cardiac output as a result of acute Ca‐channel and β‐receptor antagonist toxicity for treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Shortly after onset of ECLS, the baby recovered sinus rhythm and subsequent bouts of SVT were controlled by amiodarone infusion and repeated DC shocks. Weaning was possible on the 5th day after implant, once recovery of the left ventricular function and optimization of the antiarrhythmic medication were achieved. In neonates with severe but potentially reversible cardiac dysfunction caused by drug toxicity, ECLS can maintain cardiac output and vital organ perfusion while allowing time for drug redistribution, metabolism, and clearance.
Modularity in Developmental Biology and Artificial Organs: A Missing Concept in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Lenas Petros , Luyten Frank P. , Doblare Manuel , Nicodemou‐Lena Eleni , Lanzara Andreina Elena
Published: February 2011

Tissue engineering is reviving itself, adopting the concept of biomimetics of in vivo tissue development. A basic concept of developmental biology is the modularity of the tissue architecture according to which intermediates in tissue development constitute semiautonomous entities. Both engineering and nature have chosen the modular architecture to optimize the product or organism development and evolution. Bioartificial tissues do not have a modular architecture. On the contrary, artificial organs of modular architecture have been already developed in the field of artificial organs. Therefore the conceptual support of tissue engineering by the field of artificial organs becomes critical in its new endeavor of recapitulating in vitro the in vivo tissue development.
Donation After Cardiac Death: Dynamic Graft Reconditioning During or After Ischemic Preservation?
Authors: Koetting Martina , Minor Thomas
Published: February 2011

The benefit of gaseous oxygenation during storage of liver grafts from donors after cardiac death should be investigated as applied either during the whole period of preservation or only for the last 2 h prior to reperfusion. Rat livers were explanted 30 min after cardiac arrest of the donor and cold‐stored (CS) for 20 h. Some grafts were subjected to venous systemic oxygen persufflation (VSOP) either for 20 h or for only 2 h subsequent to 18 h of CS. Viability of the livers was assessed thereafter by warm reperfusion in vitro. Twenty hours VSOP and 18 h CS + 2 h VSOP prevented mitochondrial protein breakdown of mitochondrial heat shock protein 70 and promoted a significant and approximately twofold increase in hepatic oxygen consumption, bile production, and energetic recovery upon warm reperfusion. No differences were seen whether VSOP was performed for 20 h or for only 2 h prior to reperfusion. Both techniques significantly abrogated parenchymal enzyme loss (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) upon reperfusion compared with simple 20 h CS. An increase in perfusate levels of the mitochondrial enzyme glutamate dehydrogenase was observed only in the 20 h VSOP group. In conclusion, viability of donation after cardiac death liver grafts can still be augmented, similarly to continuous aerobic storage, by only endischemic reconditioning, both protocols preventing initial mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent tissue injury.
Novel Approach for Designing a Low Weight Hip Implant Used in Total Hip Arthroplasty Adopting Skeletal Design Techniques
Authors: Sivarasu Sudesh , Beulah Pearline , Mathew Lazar
Published: February 2011

Aseptic loosening is the major cause of failure of hip implants after total hip arthroplasty. Stress shielding of the femur is known to be the principal factor involved in the aseptic loosening of hip implants. Solid stems are found to have a greater rigidity; therefore, they transfer less load proximally, which results in greater stress shielding of the proximal femur. A stem of low stiffness alone would not suffice in achieving a reduced or optimal stress shielding. The femoral stem of the light weight hip implant has a skeletal design with a hexagonal base and neck cross‐section. This novel design would ameliorate the implant fixation, aid in optimal rigidity, enhance the medullary revascularization, and offer better mobility to the patient.
What Blood Temperature for an Ex Vivo Extracorporeal Circuit?
Authors: Rimmelé Thomas , Bishop Jeffrey , Simon Peter , Carter Melinda , Kong Lan , Lee Minjae , Singbartl Kai , Kellum John A.
Published: February 2011

Ex vivo circuits are commonly used to evaluate biomaterials or devices used for extracorporeal blood purification. However, various aspects of the ex vivo circuit, apart from the circuit materials, may affect inflammation and coagulation. One such aspect is temperature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different blood temperature conditions on inflammation parameters in an ex vivo circuit. Blood was collected from 20 healthy volunteers and run through three different experimental conditions for 4 h: a miniaturized ex vivo extracorporeal circuit equipped with a blood warmer set to 37°C, the same circuit without the warmer (23°C), and a tube placed in an incubator at 37°C (no circuit). We measured the granulocyte macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, the tumor necrosis factor, and the interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 concentrations at baseline, 15, 60, 120, and 240 min. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR, CD11b, CD11a, CD62L, tumor necrosis factor alpha converting enzyme, annexin V expression, and NFkB DNA binding were measured in monocytes and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) using flow cytometry at baseline, 120 min, and 240 min. While cytokine production over time was very slight at room temperature, levels increased by more than 100‐fold in the two heated conditions. Differences in the expression of some surface markers were also observed between the room temperature circuit and the two heated conditions (CD11b PMN, P < 0.0001; HLA‐DR Mono, P = 0.0019; and CD11a PMN, P < 0.0001). Evolution of annexin V expression was also different over time between the three groups (P = 0.0178 for monocytes and P = 0.0011 for PMNs). A trend for a greater NFkB DNA binding was observed in the heated conditions. Thus, for ex vivo studies using extracorporeal circuits, heating blood to maintain body temperature results in significant activation of inflammatory cells while hypothermia (room temperature) seems to suppress the leukocyte response. Both strategies may lead to erroneous conclusions, possibly masking some specific effects of the device being studied. Investigators in this field must be aware of the fact that blood temperature is a crucial confounding parameter and the type of “background noise” they will face depending on the strategy adopted.