bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of CT(Computed Tomography) in Head Injury
Authors: Khadka Bibek , Deka Prabin Kumar , Karki Alina
Published: September 2016

Background: Head injury is considered as a major health problem that is a frequent cause of death and disability and makes considerable demands on health services. CT remains essential for detecting lesions that require immediate neurosurgical intervention as well as those that require in-hospital observation and medical management.Objectives: To evaluate the computed tomography findings in patients sustaining head injury and to emphasize the importance of computed tomography scan in head injury.Methodology: The study was conducted for the period of one year .It comprised a total number of eighty patients presenting to the emergency room(ER) with head injury and were evaluated by CT scan of head using siemens somatom dual slice spiral CT machine.Results: the study showed overall male to female ratio as 2.6:1. Head injury was most common in 31-50years of age group. Road traffic accidents (RTA) was the commonest mode of injury seen in 65% of patients. Loss of consciousness followed by vomiting and seizures were the common clinical presentations in head trauma patients respectively. According to Glasgow coma scale( GCS), most of the patients (68.8%)sustained mild head injury( GCS13-15). Most common abnormal CT findings were skull fractures 39(48.8%), extradural hematoma 31 ( 38.8%), subdural hematoma 21(26.2%) ,contusions 21(26.2%), subarachnoid hemorrhage14 ( 17.5%) and pneumocephalous 13 (16.2%) respectively. Linear skull fracture was the commonest among all other skull fractures. Patients sustaining severe head injury were mostly due to RTA (77%). The highest mortality was seen in patients with severe head injury (GCS 3-8). 5% also had cervical spine injury.Conclusion: CT is the most comprehensive diagnostic modality for accurate localization of the site of injury in craniocerebral trauma. The early and timely diagnosis of the precise lesion by CT not only had the substantial impact over instituting appropriate treatment and timely surgical intervention but also helped in predicting the ultimate outcome.Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences Vol. 2 2016 p.45-52
Media, Health & Health Promotion in Nepal
Authors: Van Teijlingen Edwin , Simkhada Padam , Luce Ann , Hundley Vanora
Published: September 2016

It has been recognised that the media can affect our perceptions, views and tastes on a wide-range of issues. The mass media in it various forms (newspapers, television & radio, the internet and Twitter) and formats, have a far reaching influence through, for example news programmes, documentaries, advertising and entertainment. At the same time the media can also be seen as a channel for agencies responsible for public health to get their messages across to the population. Public health agencies are always searching for ways to disseminate health information and messages to their intended audiences. These are, of course, global concerns, but as both public health and the media are part of the society in which they operate there will be locally specific issues and considerations. To date most of the research into the media and public health has been conducted in high-income countries, and there has been very little research in Nepal on the interaction of public health and health promotion with the media.This overview paper highlights some of the key issues that public health practitioners, media editors and journalists, health policy-makers and researchers could consider.Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health Sciences Vol. 2 2016 p.70-75
Roundabout Accident Prediction Model: Random-Parameter Negative Binomial Approach
Authors: Kamla Jwan , Parry Tony , Dawson Andrew
Published: September 2016

Roundabouts have been used widely on all road classes in the United Kingdom because they are considered safer than other types of intersections in general. The objective of this study was to examine geometric and traffic characteristics and their influences on the number of accidents. Data from each of 70 roundabouts (with 284 approaches) included all recorded vehicle accidents as well as geometric and traffic characteristics for the entire roundabout, within circulatory lanes, and at roundabout approaches. Resulting estimates were compared with those from random-parameter and fixed-parameter negative binomial count data models. The random-parameter results provided better goodness of fit than the fixed-parameter results, and more variables were found to be significant. Significant variables that influenced the number of accidents were total approach traffic, truck percentage, entry width, inscribed circle diameter, number of lanes, and presence of traffic signals.
Benefits of Metering Signals at Roundabouts with Unbalanced Flow: Patterns in Spain
Authors: Martin-Gasulla Marilo , García Alfredo , Moreno Ana Tsui
Published: September 2016

Unbalanced flow patterns may be a problem in roundabouts, even at medium demand levels. One single approach can cause queues on the downstream approaches; the average delay can increase greatly, and the roundabout can fail. This operational problem can be lessened by regulating traffic with metering signals, one of the most cost-effective measures used in Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Even though some Spanish roundabouts exceed capacity, the potential benefit to local conditions has not been studied. Traffic microsimulation was used to analyze capacity improvements and operational performance on roundabouts with metering signals. A field study characterized gap acceptance behavior on conditions close to capacity. Vissim was calibrated and validated, and a signal control logic was implemented in its VisVAP module. The capacity from traffic microsimulation represents the traffic demands observed in the field more accurately because of the variable follow-up headways. In contrast, the U.S. Highway Capacity Manual 2010 underestimates capacity for almost all observed conditions. Almost 400 combinations of design and control parameters for metering signals were required to obtain the optimal (location and timing) model with the lowest average delay. Then, traffic demand scenarios were varied with the optimal metering system. The percentage benefit, calculated as overall average delay, could be up to 60% depending on the combination of controlling traffic demand and conflicting traffic flow. Results allow users to determine the need for metering and quantify the potential benefit from its application to one-lane roundabouts.
Rollover Propensity of Heavy Vehicles at Roundabouts: Case Study on High- and Low-Speed Roads
Authors: Hall Thomas , Tarko Andrew , Romero Mario
Published: September 2016

In Indiana, roundabout construction recently commenced on high-speed roadways (i.e., with posted speed limits of 50 mph or higher), many carrying significant truck traffic. Studies show that heavy vehicle rollovers may be an issue at roundabouts. A case study compared the safety-related behavior of truck drivers at roundabouts on low- and high-speed roads. The rollover model is more suitable for truck trailers than previous models used for design considerations because it accounts for the complex paths and vehicle tilt of semitrailers and other heavy vehicles. The model was used to determine the difference between the critical rollover speed determined from the model and the observed vehicle speed. The proximity to rollover in the roundabout circulating lane was found to be different on low- and high-speed roads. However, this difference could not be explained by actual driver approach speeds. Drivers on the high-speed approach began decelerating earlier than those on the low-speed approach, and their deceleration rates were similar. In addition, vehicle speeds on the high-speed approach were only 1 mph faster than those on the low-speed approach close to the roundabout. The average minimum proximity to rollover on the circulatory roadway was about 3 mph slower on the low-speed, one-lane roundabout than on the high-speed, two-lane roundabout, and this difference might have been the main reason for higher risk of circulatory rollover in the one-lane roundabout.
Effects of Roadway Geometric Design Features on Frequency of Truck-Related Crashes
Authors: Dong Chunjiao , Burton Mark L. , Nambisan Shashi S. , Sun Jian
Published: September 2016

Because truck-related crashes are a socioeconomic concern that can result in tremendous loss of life and property, unbiased, relatively accurate estimations of crash frequency are essential. A data set from Tennessee was used to examine the effects of roadway geometric design features and other relevant attributes on the frequency of truck-related crashes. Negative binomial (NB) and zero-inflated NB (ZINB) models were proposed to identify the risk factors that had significant effects on the frequency of crashes that involved large trucks. Differences in truck-related crashes were investigated across collision vehicle types, and three crash count models—total truck related, car–truck, and truck only—were developed under the ZINB and NB frameworks. Elasticities were estimated for these crash count models to identify the most critical variables contributing to crashes. Findings suggest that the ZINB models have most of the desirable statistical properties (i.e., better goodness of fit and more significant variables identified). Model results revealed seven factors significant for the frequency of truck-related crashes regardless of crash type: annual average daily traffic, percentage of trucks, segment length, degree of horizontal curvature, terrain type, median type, and posted speed limit. Results of elasticity estimation reveal that the percentage of trucks is the most critical variable of all explanatory variables for the frequency of truck-related crashes.
Use of Digital Tachograph Data to Provide Traffic Safety Education and Evaluate Effects on Bus Driver Behavior
Authors: Kim Do-Gyeong , Lee Chungwon , Park Byung-Jung
Published: September 2016

Traffic safety education was conducted with data from a vehicle-mounted digital tachograph device to promote bus driver awareness of safe driving behavior. The objectives were to evaluate the duration of the effects of traffic safety education on abnormal driving behaviors and to identify the differences in education effects between two driver groups: normal and dangerous. A 9-week tracing survey was conducted for 61 bus drivers. Traffic safety education was administered to individual drivers according to their daily driving behaviors. For analysis, a survival model was used to identify the effects of traffic safety education on abnormal driving behaviors. The two main results follow: ( a) the effects of safety education decreased more quickly on acceleration-related abnormal driving behaviors than on steering- and deceleration-related abnormal driving behaviors and implied that more concentrated education is required for acceleration-related behaviors and ( b) the education effects for the dangerous group lasted longer than for the normal group and implied that abnormal driving behaviors could be reduced if safety education were tailored to the dangerous group. Specialized traffic safety education that reflects individual driving behaviors is recommended for bus drivers, along with periodic traffic safety education to prevent a recurrence (yo-yo effect) in the increased frequency of abnormal driving behaviors.
Market Penetration Model for Autonomous Vehicles on the Basis of Earlier Technology Adoption Experience
Authors: Lavasani Mohammad , Jin Xia , Du Yiman
Published: September 2016

This paper presents an effort to develop a market penetration model for autonomous vehicle (AV) technology adoption on the basis of similar technologies and previous trends in the United States. Generalized Bass diffusion models are developed on the basis of data from earlier technologies, including sales and price data on conventional automobiles and hybrid electric vehicles, and the use of Internet and cell phones. On the basis of the adoption patterns of earlier technologies, two values that represented the innovation factor (i.e., risk-taking capacity) and the imitation factor (i.e., culture and lifestyle preferences) were selected for AV market penetration. In addition, external variables (e.g., price of AVs compared with price of conventional vehicles) and economic wealth were incorporated into the model. The market size for AV adoption was determined on the basis of the use of the Internet, and a household was considered as the unit. Given the uncertainties in market size and the price of AVs, sensitivity analyses were conducted to understand the possible impacts of these factors on user adoption. In general, a larger market size led to a higher adoption rate, although the initial cost of AVs compared with that of conventional vehicles did not seem to influence the diffusion process much. This paper contributes to the literature through the addition of a quantitative analysis of AV market penetration on the basis of earlier technology adoption experience. The study results provided valuable insights in terms of possible market diffusion patterns and the impacts of different factors on user adoption.
Economic Analysis of Freeway Speed Limit Policy Alternatives
Authors: Gates Timothy J. , Savolainen Peter T.
Published: September 2016

Recently, nationwide speed limit policy modifications have resulted in a general upward trend in many states, including Michigan. In Michigan legislation has been proposed to raise posted speed limits on limited access freeways for passenger vehicles and for trucks and buses. In response, research was performed to assess the economic impacts associated with speed limit policy alternatives under consideration. The economic assessment included estimation of the agency costs and user benefits and disbenefits for each proposed policy alternative, including those related to infrastructure modifications, fuel consumption, travel time, and fatal crash occurrence. Calculation of the benefit–cost ratios indicated several findings. First, scenarios that increased only the freeway truck and bus speed limit from 60 mph to 65 or 70 mph had favorable benefit–cost ratios (i.e., greater than 1) as long as diesel prices remained below approximately $3 per gallon and fatal crashes did not increase by more than one per year systemwide. However, implementation of the 75 or 80 mph maximum freeway speed limit for passenger vehicles (70 mph for trucks and buses) in general resulted in unfavorable benefit–cost ratios. The reasons in large part were the expected increase in fatal crash occurrence, coupled with substantial infrastructure costs associated with geometric modifications that ultimately would be necessary to achieve compliance with state and federal design speed requirements. Therefore, freeway speed limit increases should be considered only for segments that have low historical crash rates and where design speed compliance can be maintained in general without costly geometric upgrades.
Activity-Based Computation of Marginal Noise Exposure Costs: Implications for Traffic Management
Authors: Kaddoura Ihab , Nagel Kai
Published: September 2016

In this paper, an innovative simulation-based approach is presented to calculate optimal dynamic, road- and vehicle-specific tolls on the basis of marginal traffic noise exposures. The proposed approach combines the advantages of an activity-based simulation with the economically optimal way of price setting. Temporal and spatial differences of traffic noise levels and population densities are considered. Moreover, noise exposures at work and educational activities are accounted for. The results of a case study for the area of Berlin showed that transport users avoided marginal noise cost payments by shifting to road stretches in areas with lower population densities, typically major roads. The simulation experiments indicated that the marginal cost approach could be used to improve the overall system welfare and to derive traffic control strategies.
Theorietage der Gesellschaft für Informatik in Speyer 2015—Special Issue
Authors: Fernau Henning
Published: September 2016

We briefly report on the national workshops on Formal Languages and Automata Theory as well as on Algorithms and Complexity Theory held in early Autumn, 2015.
Fabrication and Photo-Detecting Performance of 2D ZnO Inverse Opal Films
Authors: Lin Xin , Chen Min
Published: September 2016

Two-dimensional (2D) ZnO inverse opal (IO) films were fabricated by co-assembly of sacrificed polystyrene (PS) microspheres and citric acid/zinc acetate (CA/ZA) aqueous solution at an oil–water interface followed by calcination. Their morphologies could be controlled by the surface property of polymer templates and CA/ZA molar ratio. Moreover, photo-detecting devices based on such films were constructed, which showed high photocurrent (up to 4.6 μA), excellent spectral selectivity, and reversible response to optical switch.
Passive Guaranteed Simulation of Analog Audio Circuits: A Port-Hamiltonian Approach
Authors: Falaize Antoine , Hélie Thomas
Published: September 2016

We present a method that generates passive-guaranteed stable simulations of analog audio circuits from electronic schematics for real-time issues. On one hand, this method is based on a continuous-time power-balanced state-space representation structured into its energy-storing parts, dissipative parts, and external sources. On the other hand, a numerical scheme is especially designed to preserve this structure and the power balance. These state-space structures define the class of port-Hamiltonian systems. The derivation of this structured system associated with the electronic circuit is achieved by an automated analysis of the interconnection network combined with a dictionary of models for each elementary component. The numerical scheme is based on the combination of finite differences applied on the state (with respect to the time variable) and on the total energy (with respect to the state). This combination provides a discrete-time version of the power balance. This set of algorithms is valid for both the linear and nonlinear case. Finally, three applications of increasing complexities are given: a diode clipper, a common-emitter bipolar-junction transistor amplifier, and a wah pedal. The results are compared to offline simulations obtained from a popular circuit simulator.
Preparation of Pt–Ru/C as an Oxygen-Reduction Electrocatalyst in Microbial Fuel Cells for Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Yang Gaixiu , Sun Yongming , Lv Pengmei , Zhen Feng , Cao Xinyue , Chen Xiaojie , Wang Zhongming , Yuan Zhenhong , Kong Xiaoying
Published: September 2016

Carbon-supported Pt–Ru alloys with a Pt/Ru ratio of 1:1 were prepared by NaBH4 reduction at room temperature. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements indicate that the as-prepared Pt–Ru nanoparticles had a face-centered cubic (fcc) structure. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses demonstrate that alloying with Ru can decrease the 4f electron density of Pt, which results in a positive binding energy shift of 0.2 eV for the Pt 4f peaks. The catalytic properties of the synthesized Pt–Ru alloy catalysts were compared with those of commercial Pt/C catalysts by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The results show that the mass activity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is enhanced by 2.3 times as much mass activity of Pt relative to the commercial Pt/C catalyst. Single-chambered microbial fuel cell tests also confirm that the Pt–Ru alloys as cathode catalysts have better performance than that of commercial Pt/C catalysts.
A Wearable System for the Evaluation of the Human-Horse Interaction: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Guidi Andrea , Lanata Antonio , Baragli Paolo , Valenza Gaetano , Scilingo Enzo
Published: September 2016

This study reports on a preliminary estimation of the human-horse interaction through the analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) in both human and animal by using the dynamic time warping (DTW) algorithm. Here, we present a wearable system for HRV monitoring in horses. Specifically, we first present a validation of a wearable electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring system for horses in terms of comfort and robustness, then we introduce a preliminary objective estimation of the human-horse interaction. The performance of the proposed wearable system for horses was compared with a standard system in terms of movement artifact (MA) percentage. Seven healthy horses were monitored without any movement constraints. As a result, the lower amount of MA% of the wearable system suggests that it could be profitably used for reliable measurement of physiological parameters related to the autonomic nervous system (ANS) activity in horses, such as the HRV. Human-horse interaction estimation was achieved through the analysis of their HRV time series. Specifically, DTW was applied to estimate dynamic coupling between human and horse in a group of fourteen human subjects and one horse. Moreover, a support vector machine (SVM) classifier was able to recognize the three classes of interaction with an accuracy greater than 78%. Preliminary significant results showed the discrimination of three distinct real human-animal interaction levels. These results open the measurement and characterization of the already empirically-proven relationship between human and horse.
A Comparative Study of Novel Topologies of Magnetic Gears
Authors: Niu Shuangxia , Mao Yuan
Published: September 2016

The magnetic gear (MG) is an emerging technology that has been proved to possess superior performance over the conventional mechanical gear in many aspects. However, the existing markets of traditional mechanical gears have not yet been replaced by MGs. One of the major reasons is that MGs are susceptible to the permanent magnet (PM) materials, which are scarce and expensive, while mechanical counterparts are impervious to that. To solve such issues, the comparative studies of various designs of triple-layer PM-excited MGs are carried out to find out the optimal torque per unit PM volume design. The methodology of the Tabu algorithm is coupled with the finite element method (FEM) to search out the optimal solution of MGs.
Loblolly Pine Productivity and Water Relations in Response to Throughfall Reduction and Fertilizer Application on a Poorly Drained Site in Northern Florida
Authors: Wightman Maxwell , Martin Timothy , Gonzalez-Benecke Carlos , Jokela Eric , Cropper Wendell , Ward Eric
Published: September 2016

Loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) forests are of great ecological and economic value in the southeastern United States, where nutrient availability frequently limits productivity. The impact of fertilizer application on the growth and water relations of loblolly pine has been investigated by numerous studies; however, few field experiments have examined the effects of drought. Drought is of particular interest due to the potential for climate change to alter soil water availability. In this study, we investigated the impact of fertilizer application and a 30% reduction in throughfall on loblolly pine productivity, transpiration, hydraulic conductance, and stomatal conductance. The study was installed in a ten-year-old loblolly pine plantation on a somewhat poorly drained site in northern Florida. Throughfall reduction did not impact tree productivity or water relations of the trees. This lack of response was attributed to abundant rainfall and the ability of trees to access the shallow water table at this site. Fertilizer application increased basal area production by 20% and maximum leaf area index by 0.5 m2∙m−2, but it did not affect whole-tree hydraulic conductance or the sensitivity of stomatal conductance to vapor pressure deficit. During the spring, when leaf area and vapor pressure deficit were high, the fertilizer-only treatment increased monthly transpiration by 17% when compared to the control. This relationship, however, was not significant during the rest of the year.
Boundary Layer Flow and Heat Transfer of FMWCNT/Water Nanofluids over a Flat Plate
Authors: Safaei Mohammad , Ahmadi Goodarz , Goodarzi Mohammad , Kamyar Amin , Kazi S.
Published: September 2016

In the present study, the heat transfer and flow of water/FMWCNT (functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotube) nanofluids over a flat plate was investigated using a finite volume method. Simulations were performed for velocity ranging from 0.17 mm/s to 1.7 mm/s under laminar regime and nanotube concentrations up to 0.2%. The 2-D governing equations were solved using an in-house FORTRAN code. For a specific free stream velocity, the presented results showed that increasing the weight percentage of nanotubes increased the Nusselt number. However, an increase in the solid weight percentage had a negligible effect on the wall shear stress. The results also indicated that increasing the free stream velocity for all cases leads to thinner boundary layer thickness, while increasing the FMWCNT concentration causes an increase in the boundary layer thickness.
The Health, Enlightenment, Awareness, and Living (HEAL) Intervention: Outcome of an HIV and Hepatitis B and C Risk Reduction Intervention
Authors: Henry-Akintobi Tabia , Laster Nastassia , Trotter Jennie , Jacobs DeBran , Johnson Tarita , King Gordon Tandeca , Miller Assia
Published: September 2016

African American women have among the highest HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C incidence rates in the United States, especially among those homeless or incarcerated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Health Enlightenment, Awareness and Living Intervention, designed to decrease HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and related risky behaviors. The thirteen-session intervention was implemented among homeless and formerly incarcerated low-income African American women, ages 18 to 55, in Atlanta, Georgia from 2006 to 2010. A single group repeated measures study design was employed and consisted of a pre-test (n = 355) group, an immediate post-test (n = 228) group with a response rate of 64%, and a six-month follow up (n = 110) group with response rate of 48%, completing a 135-item survey. Paired-sample t-tests, McNemar tests, and repeated measures ANOVA were applied to compare survey results. Participants demonstrated statistically significant increases in hepatitis B and C knowledge over time (p < 0.001). Statistically significant decreases were also reported for unprotected sex in exchange for money, drugs or shelter (p = 0.008), and sex under the influence of drugs or alcohol (p < 0.001). Reported substance use decreased with statistical significance for alcohol (p = 0.011), marijuana (p = 0.011), illegal drugs (p = 0.002), and crack/cocaine (p = 0.003). Findings broaden the evidence base related to the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis risk reduction interventions designed for homeless and previously incarcerated African American women.
Dynamic Monitoring of Agricultural Fires in China from 2010 to 2014 Using MODIS and GlobeLand30 Data
Authors: Xie Huan , Du Li , Liu Sicong , Chen Lei , Gao Sa , Liu Shuang , Pan Haiyan , Tong Xiaohua
Published: September 2016

In the summer and autumn, which is the primary cropland planting preparation and harvest time, cropland burning is very common in China. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra active fire product (MOD14) and GlobeLand30-2010 data are used here to analyze the fire activity of the predominant land cover types. A total of 44,852 scenes of MOD14 images and MOD03 images are used, covering the whole of China from 20 May to 31 October during 2010 to 2014. Agricultural burning is a significant contributor to fire activity in China, and accounts for 60% on average of all the fire activity over the last five years. The spatial and temporal distribution of agricultural burning in seven different geographical regions is analyzed in detail. The experiments showed that the Central and Eastern China regions are the largest contributors to agricultural burning, producing 59%–80% of all the agricultural fires. At the national scale, the number of agricultural fire counts peak in June, which is associated primarily with winter burning of wheat croplands.
Direct LAMP Assay without Prior DNA Purification for Sex Determination of Papaya
Authors: Tsai Chi-Chu , Shih Huei-Chuan , Ko Ya-Zhu , Wang Ren-Huang , Li Shu-Ju , Chiang Yu-Chung
Published: September 2016

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is an economically important tropical fruit tree with hermaphrodite, male and female sex types. Hermaphroditic plants are the major type used for papaya production because their fruits have more commercial advantages than those of female plants. Sex determination of the seedlings, or during the early growth stages, is very important for the papaya seedling industry. Thus far, the only method for determining the sex type of a papaya at the seedling stage has been DNA analysis. In this study, a molecular technique—based on DNA analysis—was developed for detecting male-hermaphrodite-specific markers to examine the papaya’s sex type. This method is based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and does not require prior DNA purification. The results show that the method is an easy, efficient, and inexpensive way to determine a papaya’s sex. This is the first report on the LAMP assay, using intact plant materials-without DNA purification-as samples for the analysis of sex determination of papaya. We found that using high-efficiency DNA polymerase was essential for successful DNA amplification, using trace intact plant material as a template DNA source.
Disruption of Membranes of Extracellular Vesicles Is Necessary for ELISA Determination of Urine AQP2: Proof of Disruption and Epitopes of AQP2 Antibodies
Authors: Nameta Masaaki , Saijo Yoko , Ohmoto Yasukazu , Katsuragi Kiyonori , Yamamoto Keiko , Yamamoto Tadashi , Ishibashi Kenichi , Sasaki Sei
Published: September 2016

Aquaporin-2 (AQP2) is present in urine extracellular vesicles (EVs) and is a useful biomarker for water balance disorders. We previously found that pre-treatment of urine with alkali/detergent or storage at −25 °C is required for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measurement. We speculated that disruptions of EVs membranes are necessary to allow for the direct contact of antibodies with their epitopes. Human urine EVs were prepared using an ultracentrifugation method. Urine EV samples were stored at different temperatures for a week. Electron microscopy showed abundant EVs with diameters of 20–100 nm, consistent with those of exosomes, in normal urine, whereas samples from alkali/detergent pre-treated urine showed fewer EVs with large swollen shapes and frequent membrane disruptions. The abundance and structures of EVs were maintained during storage at −80 °C, but were severely damaged at −25 °C. Binding and competitive inhibition assays showed that epitopes of monoclonal antibody and polyclonal antibody were the hydrophilic Loop D and C-terminus of AQP2, respectively, both of which are present on the inner surface of EVs. Thus, urine storage at −25 °C or pre-treatment with alkali/detergent disrupt EVs membranes and allow AQP2 antibodies to bind to their epitopes located inside EVs.
Interactions between Two Different G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Reproductive Hormone-Producing Cells: The Role of PACAP and Its Receptor PAC1R
Authors: Kanasaki Haruhiko , Oride Aki , Hara Tomomi , Mijiddorj Tselmeg , Sukhbaatar Unurjargal , Kyo Satoru
Published: September 2016

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotropins are indispensable hormones for maintaining female reproductive functions. In a similar manner to other endocrine hormones, GnRH and gonadotropins are controlled by their principle regulators. Although it has been previously established that GnRH regulates the synthesis and secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)—both gonadotropins—from pituitary gonadotrophs, it has recently become clear that hypothalamic GnRH is under the control of hypothalamic kisspeptin. Prolactin, which is also known as luteotropic hormone and is released from pituitary lactotrophs, stimulates milk production in mammals. Prolactin is also regulated by hypothalamic factors, and it is thought that prolactin synthesis and release are principally under inhibitory control by dopamine through the dopamine D2 receptor. In addition, although it remains unknown whether it is a physiological regulator, thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is a strong secretagogue for prolactin. Thus, GnRH, LH and FSH, and prolactin are mainly regulated by hypothalamic kisspeptin, GnRH, and TRH, respectively. However, the synthesis and release of these hormones is also modulated by other neuropeptides in the hypothalamus. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) is a hypothalamic peptide that was first isolated from sheep hypothalamic extracts based on its ability to stimulate cAMP production in anterior pituitary cells. PACAP acts on GnRH neurons and pituitary gonadotrophs and lactotrophs, resulting in the modulation of their hormone producing/secreting functions. Furthermore, the presence of the PACAP type 1 receptor (PAC1R) has been demonstrated in these cells. We have examined how PACAP and PAC1R affect GnRH- and pituitary hormone-secreting cells and interact with their principle regulators. In this review, we describe our understanding of the role of PACAP and PAC1R in the regulation of GnRH neurons, gonadotrophs, and lactotrophs, which are regulated mainly by kisspeptin, GnRH, and TRH, respectively.
The Dorsal Mesenchymal Protrusion and the Pathogenesis of Atrioventricular Septal Defects
Authors: Burns Tara , Yang Yanping , Hiriart Emilye , Wessels Andy
Published: September 2016

Congenital heart malformations are the most common type of defects found at birth. About 1% of infants are born with one or more heart defect on a yearly basis. Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) causes more deaths in the first year of life than any other congenital abnormality, and each year, nearly twice as many children die in the United States from CHD as from all forms of childhood cancers combined. Atrioventricular septal defects (AVSD) are congenital heart malformations affecting approximately 1 in 2000 live births. Babies born with an AVSD often require surgical intervention shortly after birth. However, even after successful surgery, these individuals typically have to deal with lifelong complications with the most common being a leaky mitral valve. In recent years the understanding of the molecular etiology and morphological mechanisms associated with the pathogenesis of AVSDs has significantly changed. Specifically, these studies have linked abnormal development of the Dorsal Mesenchymal Protrusion (DMP), a Second Heart Field-derived structure, to the development of this congenital defect. In this review we will be discuss some of the latest insights into the role of the DMP in the normal formation of the atrioventricular septal complex and in the pathogenesis of AVSDs.
Harmonisation and Cross-Fertilisation of Socio-Economic Rights in the Human Rights Treaty Bodies: Disability and the Reasonableness Review Case Study
Authors: Broderick Andrea
Published: September 2016

In light of the recent adoption of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (OP-ICESCR) and the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (OP-CRPD), there is a necessity for harmonisation among the treaty bodies, particularly in the area of socio-economic rights. The equality norm in the CRPD, including the duty to reasonably accommodate, is an important facilitator of socio-economic rights. This article sets forth the opportunities for cross-fertilisation of socio-economic rights, and disability rights in particular, at the level of international human rights law and beyond, as well as the potential that exists for social change at the domestic level. The CRPD Committee and the United Nations Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (UNCESCR) will undertake the task of assessing measures adopted by States related to alleged violations under the optional protocols and will determine compliance with treaty obligations under the State reporting procedure. In that regard, a framework of “reasonableness review” is proposed, which could provide the opportunity to merge individual rights’ violations with broader issues of socio-economic inequalities and could also lead to coherent implementation of the normative content of socio-economic rights at the domestic level.
Correlation Factor Study of Small Punch Creep Test and Its Life Prediction
Authors: Wen Cheng , Xu Tong , Guan Kaishu
Published: September 2016

A small punch test is one of the innovative methods that can be used to evaluate the properties of a material without destructive harm to the in-service component. Conventionally identifying material properties by a uniaxial test is widely applied to engineering. How the properties obtained from a small punch test can be applied with the same utility has been a goal. In 2006, European Code of Practice (CoP) of small punch tests was first released, in which the correlation factor, ksp, was introduced to bridge the gap between the above methods. The author investigates the relationship between a uniaxial creep text and a small punch creep test by exploring the correlation factor ksp. Various sets of experiments and a comparative study of the conventional uniaxial creep test and small punch creep test were carried out. Methods including Norton, Larson-Miller and Time versus Stress relation were employed to identify the value of ksp. Different ksp values were found in different materials, which indicate that ksp values of materials need to be identified separately. In addition, the life prediction of a small punch creep test was carried out and the results of the life prediction predict a reasonable accuracy, which indicates that the small punch creep test is a reliable method for life prediction.
Improvement in Fatigue Performance of Aluminium Alloy Welded Joints by Laser Shock Peening in a Dynamic Strain Aging Temperature Regime
Authors: Su Chun , Zhou Jianzhong , Meng Xiankai , Huang Shu
Published: September 2016

As a new treatment process after welding, the process parameters of laser shock peening (LSP) in dynamic strain aging (DSA) temperature regimes can be precisely controlled, and the process is a non-contact one. The effects of LSP at elevated temperatures on the distribution of the surface residual stress of AA6061-T6 welded joints were investigated by using X-ray diffraction technology with the sin2ϕ method and Abaqus software. The fatigue life of the welded joints was estimated by performing tensile fatigue tests. The microstructural evolution in surface and fatigue fractures of the welded joints was presented by means of surface integrity and fracture surface testing. In the DSA temperature regime of AA6061-T6 welded joints, the residual compressive stress was distributed more stably than that of LSP at room temperature. The thermal corrosion resistance and fatigue properties of the welded joints were also improved. The experimental results and numerical analysis were in mutual agreement.
Inclined Fiber Pullout from a Cementitious Matrix: A Numerical Study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yu Rena
Published: September 2016

It is well known that fibers improve the performance of cementitious composites by acting as bridging ligaments in cracks. Such bridging behavior is often studied through fiber pullout tests. The relation between the pullout force vs. slip end displacement is characteristic of the fiber-matrix interface. However, such a relation varies significantly with the fiber inclination angle. In the current work, we establish a numerical model to simulate the entire pullout process by explicitly representing the fiber, matrix and the interface for arbitrary fiber orientations. Cohesive elements endorsed with mixed-mode fracture capacities are implemented to represent the bond-slip behavior at the interface. Contact elements with Coulomb’s friction are placed at the interface to simulate frictional contact. The bond-slip behavior is first calibrated through pull-out curves for fibers aligned with the loading direction, then validated against experimental results for steel fibers oriented at 30 ∘ and 60 ∘ . Parametric studies are then performed to explore the influences of both material properties (fiber yield strength, matrix tensile strength, interfacial bond) and geometric factors (fiber diameter, embedment length and inclination angle) on the overall pullout behavior, in particular on the maximum pullout load. The proposed methodology provides the necessary pull-out curves for a fiber oriented at a given angle for multi-scale models to study fracture in fiber-reinforced cementitious materials. The novelty lies in its capacity to capture the entire pullout process for a fiber with an arbitrary inclination angle.
Finite-Time Stabilization of Homogeneous Non-Lipschitz Systems
Authors: Khelil Nawel , Otis Martin
Published: September 2016

This paper focuses on the problem of finite-time stabilization of homogeneous, non-Lipschitz systems with dilations. A key contribution of this paper is the design of a virtual recursive Hölder, non-Lipschitz state feedback, which renders the non-Lipschitz systems in the special case dominated by a lower-triangular nonlinear system finite-time stable. The proof is based on a recursive design algorithm developed recently to construct the virtual Hölder continuous, finite-time stabilizer as well as a C1 positive definite and proper Lyapunov function that guarantees finite-time stability of the non-Lipschitz nonlinear systems.
Study of the Extraction Kinetics of Lithium by Leaching β-Spodumene with Hydrofluoric Acid
Authors: Rosales Gustavo , Ruiz María , Rodriguez Mario
Published: September 2016

Parameters affecting the kinetics of the dissolution of β-spodumene with hydrofluoric acid have been investigated. The experimental tests were carried out in a closed vessel. The influence of several parameters, such as stirring speed, temperature, and reaction time were studied in order to deduce the kinetics of the dissolution reaction. The other parameters, particle size −45 μm; HF concentration 4% v/v, and the solid–liquid ratio 0.95% w/v were kept constant. The results indicate that the stirring speed does not have an important effect on the dissolution of the mineral above 330 rpm. The extent of the leaching of β-spodumene increases with temperature and reaction time augmentations. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses of some residues in which the conversion was lower than 30% indicated a selective attack on certain zones of the particle. The treatment of the experimental data was carried out using the Modelado software. The model that best represents the dissolution of the mineral is the following: ln(1 − X) = −b1 [ln(1 + b2t) − b2t/(1 + b2t)]. This model is based on “nucleation and growth of nuclei” theory, and describes the style of attack physically observed by SEM on the residues.
Development of an Innovative Intradermal siRNA Delivery System Using a Combination of a Functional Stearylated Cytoplasm-Responsive Peptide and a Tight Junction-Opening Peptide
Authors: Ibaraki Hisako , Kanazawa Takanori , Takashima Yuuki , Okada Hiroaki , Seta Yasuo
Published: September 2016

As a new category of therapeutics for skin diseases including atopic dermatitis (AD), nucleic acids are gaining importance in the clinical setting. Intradermal administration is noninvasive and improves patients′ quality of life. However, intradermal small interfering RNA (siRNA) delivery is difficult because of two barriers encountered in the skin: intercellular lipids in the stratum corneum and tight junctions in the stratum granulosum. Tight junctions are the major barrier in AD; therefore, we focused on functional peptides to devise an intradermal siRNA delivery system for topical skin application. In this study, we examined intradermal siRNA permeability in the tape-stripped (20 times) back skin of mice or AD-like skin of auricles treated with 6-carboxyfluorescein-aminohexyl phosphoramidite (FAM)-labeled siRNA, the tight junction modulator AT1002, and the functional cytoplasm-responsive stearylated peptide STR-CH2R4H2C by using confocal laser microscopy. We found that strong fluorescence was observed deep and wide in the epidermis and dermis of back skin and AD-like ears after siRNA with STR-CH2R4H2C and AT1002 treatment. After 10 h from administration, brightness of FAM-siRNA was significantly higher for STR-CH2R4H2C + AT1002, compared to other groups. In addition, we confirmed the nontoxicity of STR-CH2R4H2C as a siRNA carrier using PAM212 cells. Thus, our results demonstrate the applicability of the combination of STR-CH2R4H2C and AT1002 for effective intradermal siRNA delivery.
Novel Diterpenoids from the Twigs of Podocarpus nagi
Authors: Zheng Yuan-Dong , Guan Xing-Chen , Li Dan , Wang An-Qi , Ke Chang-Qiang , Tang Chun- Ping , Lin Li-Gen , Ye Yang , Wang Zheng-Liang , Yao Sheng
Published: September 2016

Phytochemical investigation of the twigs of Podocarpus nagi (Podocarpaceae) led to the isolation of two new abietane-type diterpenoids, named 1β,16-dihydroxylambertic acid (1) and 3β,16-dihydroxylambertic acid (2), along with two new ent-pimarane-type diterpenoids, named ent-2β,15,16,18-tetrahydroxypimar-8(14)-ene (3) and ent-15-oxo-2β,16,18-trihydroxypimar-8(14)-ene (4). Their respective structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses, including 1D- and 2D-NMR, IR, CD, and HR-ESI-MS. This is the first time ent-pimarane-type diterpenoids from the genus Podocarpus has been reported. All four new compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity. The MTT assay results showed that compounds 3 and 4 significantly inhibited the proliferation of human cervical cancer Hela cells, human lung cancer A549 cells, and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells at a concentration of 10 μM. Furthermore, using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, compounds 2 and 4 were found to significantly inhibit nitrogen oxide (NO) production with IC50 values of 26.5 ± 6.1 and 17.1 ± 1.5 μM, respectively.
Terminamines K–S, Antimetastatic Pregnane Alkaloids from the Whole Herb of Pachysandra terminalis
Authors: Li Xiang-Yu , Yu Yang , Jia Miao , Jin Mei-Na , Qin Nan , Zhao Chuan , Duan Hong-Quan
Published: September 2016

Nine new pregnane alkaloids (1–9), together with eight known alkaloids (10–17), were isolated from the whole herb of Pachysandra terminalis. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. In addition, the isolates were examined for their ability to inhibit the migration of MDA-MB-231 cells induced by the chemokine epidermal growth factor (EGF). Alkaloids 1, 5, 7, 9, 12, and 17 presented significant anti-metastasis activities compared with the positive reagent, LY294002.
The Role of Bioactive Dietary Components in Modulating miRNA Expression in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Gavrilas Laura , Ionescu Corina , Tudoran Oana , Lisencu Cosmin , Balacescu Ovidiu , Miere Doina
Published: September 2016

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the world and considered to be one of the most diet-related types of cancer. Extensive research has been conducted but still the link between diet and colorectal cancer is complex. Recent studies have highlight microRNAs (miRNAs) as key players in cancer-related pathways in the context of dietary modulation. MicroRNAs are involved in most biological processes related to tumor development and progression; therefore, it is of great interest to understand the underlying mechanisms by which dietary patterns and components influence the expression of these powerful molecules in colorectal cancer. In this review, we discuss relevant dietary patterns in terms of miRNAs modulation in colorectal cancer, as well as bioactive dietary components able to modify gene expression through changes in miRNA expression. Furthermore, we emphasize on protective components such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, α-mangostin, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and dietary fiber, with a focus on the molecular mechanisms in the context of prevention and even treatment. In addition, several bioactive dietary components that have the ability to re-sensitize treatment resistant cells are described.