bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Noncancer Pain on Health‐Related Quality of Life
Authors: Lapane Kate L. , Quilliam Brian J. , Benson Carmela , Chow Wing , Kim Myoung S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundWhile the economic costs of pain have been documented, the impact of noncancer pain on quality of life has not been studied extensively.ObjectiveTo estimate the influence of noncancer pain on quality of life measures.DesignProspective, multicenter, observational nonrandomized patient pain registry.SettingOutpatient settings.ParticipantsPatients with acute episodes of noncancer pain requiring treatment with a prescription medication containing oxycodone immediate‐release on an as‐needed basis for at least 5 days (n = 629).MeasurementsThe modified Brief Pain Inventory and the 12‐item Short Form Health Survey (SF‐12) was measured at baseline when oxycodone immediate‐release began and days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Repeated measures mixed models provided estimates of impact of pain on the physical component summary score (PCS) and mental health component summary score (MCS) of the SF‐12.ResultsPatterns indicating pain oscillation over the 28‐day window were common (Range: 44.3% back/neck pain cohort to 61.2% postoperative cohort). After adjustment for sociodemographics, concomitant medications and gastrointestinal symptoms, worst pain in 24 hours was associated with a 13.9 point PCS reduction (adjusted PCS for pain = 10: 31.1; adjusted PCS for pain = 0: 45.0) and a 7.2 point MCS reduction (adjusted MCS for pain = 10: 44.1; adjusted MCS for pain = 0: 51.3). Similar clinically relevant differences were observed among patients with arthritis, back/neck pain, injury/trauma, postoperative pain, neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia, although statistical significance was not observed in the latter 2 groups.ConclusionAmong outpatients with various underlying causes of pain, the negative impact of pain on physical and mental health‐related quality of life is significant.
Metabolic adaptation to sugar/O2 deficiency for anaerobic germination and seedling growth in rice
Authors: LEE KUO‐WEI , CHEN PENG WEN , YU SU‐MAY 
Published: February 2014

AbstractRice is characterized by a broad range of metabolic and morphological adaptations to flooding, such as germination and mobilization of stored nutrients under submergence until seedlings reach the water surface to carry out photosynthesis, and sustainable growth of mature plants for long durations under partial submergence. The underlying mechanisms of the molecular basis of adaptation to anaerobic germination and seedling growth in rice are being uncovered. Induction of an ensemble of hydrolases to mobilize endosperm nutrient reserves is one of the key factors for successful germination and coleoptile elongation in rice under submergence. To compensate for reduced efficiency of Tricarboxylic Acid cycle and oxidative respiration in mitochondria under O2 deficient conditions, α‐amylases play a central role in the hydrolysis of starch to provide sugar substrates for glycolysis and alcohol fermentation for generating ATP. We review the progress on the molecular mechanism regulating α‐amylase expression that involves the integration of signals generated by the hormone gibberellin (GA), sugar starvation and O2 deprivation that results in germination and sustainable seedling growth in rice under anaerobic conditions. Comparisons are also made between dicots and monocots for the molecular mechanism of induction of genes involved in alcohol fermentation and sugar/O2 deficiency sensing system.
Measuring Exposure to Solar Ultraviolet Radiation Using a Dosimetric Technique: Understanding Participant Compliance Issues
Authors: Sun Jiandong , Lucas Robyn M. , Harrison Simone L. , van der Mei Ingrid , Whiteman David C. , Mason Rebecca , Nowak Madeleine , Brodie Alison M. , Kimlin Michael G. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractPersonal ultraviolet dosimeters have been used in epidemiological studies to understand the risks and benefits of individuals' exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR). We investigated the types and determinants of noncompliance associated with a protocol for use of polysulphone UVR dosimeters. In the AusD Study, 1002 Australian adults (aged 18–75 years) were asked to wear a new dosimeter on their wrist each day for 10 consecutive days to quantify their daily exposure to solar UVR. Of the 10 020 dosimeters distributed, 296 (3%) were not returned or used (Type‐I noncompliance) and other usage errors were reported for 763 (8%) returned dosimeters (Type‐II noncompliance). Type‐I errors were more common in participants with predominantly outdoor occupations. Type‐II errors were reported more frequently on the first day of measurement; weekend days or rainy days; and among females; younger people; more educated participants or those with outdoor occupations. Half (50%) the participants reported a noncompliance error on at least 1 day during the 10‐day period. However, 92% of participants had at least 7 days of usable data without any apparent noncompliance issues. The factors identified should be considered when designing future UVR dosimetry studies.
When tonic cardiac vagal tone predicts changes in phasic vagal tone: The role of fear and perceptual load
Authors: Park Gewnhi , Vasey Michael W. , Van Bavel Jay J. , Thayer Julian F. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe examined the relationship between tonic—a correlate of self‐regulatory functioning—and phasic cardiac vagal activity (indexed by heart rate variability; HRV) during a selective attentional task with varying levels of load. Participants detected a target letter among letter strings superimposed on either fearful or neutral face distractors. Letter strings consisted of six target letters under low load and one target letter and five nontarget letters under high load. With fearful distractors, lower tonic HRV was associated with phasic HRV suppression, suggesting an autonomic stress response under both low and high load. In contrast, higher tonic HRV was associated with phasic HRV enhancement, suggesting greater self‐regulatory effort under low load and an absence of phasic HRV suppression under high load. The current research suggests that tonic cardiac vagal tone is associated with the ability to flexibly adapt autonomic responses.
Separate, Unequal, and Ignored? Interjurisdictional Competition and the Budgetary Choices of Poor and Affluent Municipalities
Authors: Jimenez Benedict S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe fundamental value underlying the design of a fragmented system of local governance is consumer sovereignty. This system functions as a market‐like arrangement providing citizen‐consumers a choice of jurisdictions that offer different bundles of public services and taxes. However, the same choice also can facilitate class‐based population sorting, creating regions where fiscally wealthy jurisdictions coexist with impoverished ones. Some argue that the public market enhances the power of all consumers, whether poor or rich. Even if the poor are concentrated in some jurisdictions, they can exercise their voice to ensure that their government responds to their service needs. But does the voice of the poor matter as much as the voice of the rich in determining service levels in the local public market? Comparing the budgetary choices in poor and affluent municipalities, this article shows that in highly fragmented regions, some municipal services are provided the least in communities where they are needed the most.
Economic evaluation of a hypothetical screening assay for alloimmunization risk among transfused patients with sickle cell disease
Authors: Kacker Seema , Ness Paul M. , Savage William J. , Frick Kevin D. , Shirey R. Sue , King Karen E. , Tobian Aaron A.R. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundProphylactic antigen‐matching can reduce alloimmunization rates among chronically transfused patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), but this matching increases costs and may only benefit 30% of patients. We assessed the clinical and financial value of a potential assay for alloimmunization risk that would allow for targeted antigen‐matching.Study Design and MethodsA Markov‐based model evaluated direct medical costs and alloimmunization events over 10 to 20 years among transfused (simple or exchange) patients with SCD. Four matching strategies were evaluated: prospective matching (for all patients), history‐based matching (only for patients with prior alloimmunization), perfectly informed matching (assay with 100% sensitivity, 100% specificity), and imperfectly informed matching (reduced accuracy). Under all matching protocols, matching included C, E, K, and any additional alloantibodies present. A hospital perspective was adopted, with costs (2012US$) and events discounted (3%).ResultsPerfectly informed antigen‐matching using a $1000 assay is expected to save $82,334 per patient over 10 years, compared to prospective matching. Perfectly informed antigen‐matching is more costly than history‐based matching, but reduces alloimmunization events by 45.6% over 10 years. Averting each alloimmunization event using this strategy would cost an additional $10,934 per patient. Imperfectly informed antigen‐matching using an assay with 75% specificity and 75% sensitivity is less costly than prospective matching, but increases alloimmunization events. Compared to history‐based matching, imperfectly informed matching would decrease alloimmunization events by 32.61%, at an additional cost of $147,915 per patient over 10 years. Cost‐effectiveness of informed antigen‐matching is largely driven by assay specificity.ConclusionsA sufficiently specific assay to inform antigen‐matching may be cost‐effective in reducing alloimmunization among transfused patients with SCD.
The role of platelets in coagulation dysfunction in xenotransplantation, and therapeutic options
Authors: Iwase Hayato , Ezzelarab Mohamed B. , Ekser Burcin , Cooper David K. C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractXenotransplantation could resolve the increasing discrepancy between the availability of deceased human donor organs and the demand for transplantation. Most advances in this field have resulted from the introduction of genetically engineered pigs, e.g., α1,3‐galactosyltransferase gene‐knockout (GTKO) pigs transgenic for one or more human complement‐regulatory proteins (e.g., CD55, CD46, CD59). Failure of these grafts has not been associated with the classical features of acute humoral xenograft rejection, but with the development of thrombotic microangiopathy in the graft and/or consumptive coagulopathy in the recipient. Although the precise mechanisms of coagulation dysregulation remain unclear, molecular incompatibilities between primate coagulation factors and pig natural anticoagulants exacerbate the thrombotic state within the xenograft vasculature. Platelets play a crucial role in thrombosis and contribute to the coagulation disorder in xenotransplantation. They are therefore important targets if this barrier is to be overcome. Further genetic manipulation of the organ‐source pigs, such as pigs that express one or more coagulation‐regulatory genes (e.g., thrombomodulin, endothelial protein C receptor, tissue factor pathway inhibitor, CD39), is anticipated to inhibit platelet activation and the generation of thrombus. In addition, adjunctive pharmacologic anti‐platelet therapy may be required. The genetic manipulations that are currently being tested are reviewed, as are the potential pharmacologic agents that may prove beneficial.
An Oil Stiction Model for Flat Armature Solenoid Switching Valves
Authors: Scheidl Rudolf , Gradl Christoph 
Published: February 2014

Oil stiction forces significantly influence the performance of fast switching valves. These forces stem from the significant lowering of the pressures between two oil filled plates relative to the surrounding pressure when the plates are quickly separated. If the pressure in the gap stays above the vapor pressure the stiction force can be derived from a solution of the Reynolds equation.
However, for very fast motions — as occur in fast switching valves with a flat armature solenoid — cavitation is most likely to occur. The cavitation zone starts in central parts of the gap and extends as long as the gap volume increase cannot be fully compensated by the flow in the gap. Cavitation reduces the stiction force significantly. In many valves this stiction force reduction is decisive for a proper functioning of the valve.
An important measure for stiction force control are flushing channels, in particular flushing bores. In this paper analytical models and Finite Volume method models are used to study the stiction force problems with and without cavitation and design measures for their mastering.
Effect of Cetane Improver on Autoignition Characteristics of Low Cetane Sasol IPK Using Ignition Quality Tester (IQT)
Authors: Zheng Ziliang , Badawy Tamer , Henein Naeim , Sattler Eric , Johnson Nicholas 
Published: February 2014

This paper investigates the effect of a cetane improver on the autoignition characteristics of Sasol IPK in the combustion chamber of the Ignition Quality Tester (IQT). The fuel tested was Sasol IPK with a Derived Cetane Number (DCN) of 31, treated with different percentages of Lubrizol 8090 cetane improver ranging from 0.1% to 0.4%. Tests were conducted under steady state conditions at a constant charging pressure of 21 bar. The charge air temperature before fuel injection varied from 778 to 848 K. Accordingly, all the tests were conducted under a constant charge density. The rate of heat release was calculated and analyzed in details, particularly during the autoignition period.
In addition, the physical and chemical delay periods were determined by comparing the results of two tests. The first was conducted with fuel injection into air according to ASTM standards where combustion occurred. In the second test, the fuel was injected into the chamber charged with nitrogen. The physical delay is defined as the period of time from start of injection (SOI) to point of inflection (POI), and the chemical delay is defined as the period of time from POI to start of combustion (SOC). Both the physical and chemical delay periods were determined under different charge temperatures. The cetane improver was found to have an effect only on the chemical ID period. In addition, the effect of the cetane improver on the apparent activation energy of the global combustion reactions was determined. The results showed a linear drop in the apparent activation energy with the increase in the percentage of the cetane improver. Moreover, the low temperature (LT) regimes were investigated and found to be presented in base fuel, as well as cetane improver treated fuels.
Modeling of Ion Current Signal in Diesel Combustion
Authors: Estefanous Fadi 
Published: February 2014

Ionization in internal combustion engines produces a signal indicative of in-cylinder conditions that can be used for the feedback electronic control of the engine, to meet production goals in performance, fuel economy and emissions. Most of the research has been conducted on carbureted and port injection spark ignition engines where the ionization mechanisms are well defined. A limited number of investigations have been conducted on ionization in diesel engines because of its complex combustion process.
In this study, a detailed ionization mechanism is developed and introduced in a 3-D diesel cycle simulation computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code to determine the contribution of different species in the ionization process at different engine operating conditions. The CFD code is coupled with DARS-CFD, another module used to allow chemical kinetics calculations. The three-dimensional model accounts for the heterogeneity of the charge and the resulting variations in the combustion products. Furthermore, the model shows the effects of varying fuel injection pressure and engine load on the ion current signal characteristics. Ion current traces obtained experimentally from a heavy duty diesel engine were compared to the 3-D model results. The results of the simulation indicate that some heavy hydrocarbons, soot precursors play a major role, in addition to the role of NOx in ionization in diesel combustion.
Development of a Lean Burn Methane Number Measurement Technique for Alternative Gaseous Fuel Evaluation
Authors: Wise Daniel M. , Olsen Daniel B. , Kim Myoungjin 
Published: February 2014

A wide range of fuels are used in industrial gas fueled engines. Fuels include well-head gas, pipeline natural gas, producer gas, coal gas, digester gas, landfill gas, and liquefied petroleum gas. Many industrial gas fueled engines operate at high power density and at ultra-lean air-fuel ratios for low NOx emissions. Engines operate in a narrow air-fuel ratio band between misfire and knock limits. To utilize this wide range of fuels effectively it is important to understand knock properties. Methane number determination for natural gas blends is traditionally performed with research engines at stoichiometric conditions where the onset of knock is identified through subjective audible indication. The objective of this paper is to develop a process to determine knock onset through direct indication from pressure transducer data at lean operating conditions characteristic of lean-burn industrial gas engines. Validation of the method is provided with methane number determination and comparison of pipeline natural gas.
A Waukesha F2 Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engine is modified to incorporate piezoelectric pressure transducers at the cylinder head and conversion from natural aspiration to boosted intake and variable exhaust back pressures (to simulate turbocharger operation). The new pressure sensors enable Fast Fourier Transform calculation of pressure data to calculate amplitude at characteristic knock frequency.
Test Requirements of Locomotive Fuel Tank Blunt Impact Tests
Authors: Jacobsen Karina , Carolan Michael , Llana Patricia 
Published: February 2014

The Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Research and Development is conducting research into passenger locomotive fuel tank crashworthiness. A series of impact tests are planned to measure fuel tank deformation under two types of dynamic loading conditions. This paper describes the test requirements for the preliminary tests in this series — a blunt impact of conventional locomotive fuel tanks.
Current design practice requires that Tier 1 locomotive fuel tanks have minimum properties adequate to sustain a prescribed set of static load conditions [1]. In accidents, fuel tanks are subjected to dynamic loading, often including a blunt or raking impact from various components of the rolling stock or trackbed. Current research is intended to increase understanding of the impact response of fuel tanks under dynamic loading. Utilizing an approach that has been effective in increasing the structural crashworthiness of passenger railcars, improved strategies can be developed that will address the types of loading conditions which have been observed to occur in a collision or derailment event. The improvement strategies developed by this research program can then be applied to alternative fuel tank designs, such as diesel multiple unit (DMU) tanks.
This paper describes test requirements for conducting two preliminary tests. These tests are referred to as preliminary because they will be used to evaluate the loading setup and instrumentation planned for the larger series of tests. These preliminary tests will evaluate a blunt impact on the bottom surface of two conventional passenger locomotive fuel tanks. The test articles chosen for the preliminary tests are fuel tanks removed from two retired EMD F-40 locomotives. While these fuel tanks do not reflect the current state of locomotive fuel tank manufacturing or design, they are suitable for means of these tests.
Each fuel tank will be mounted to a crash wall and impacted on its bottom face by an impact cart with a rigid impactor at a prescribed velocity. The first set of tests is designed to measure the deformation behavior of the fuel tanks. These tests are planned to result in puncture of the bottom surface of each fuel tank. The preliminary tests are targeted for October 2013 at the Transportation Technology Center (TTC) in Pueblo, Colorado.
Following this first series of impact tests, a second set of dynamic impact tests is planned to be conducted. This second set will include both blunt and raking impact conditions on conventional fuel tanks, DMU fuel tanks and fuel tanks incorporating improved strategies for impact protection. Lessons learned during the preliminary two tests will be applied during the second set of tests to improve the performance of those tests. Fuel tank research is being performed to determine strategies for increasing the fuel tank impact resistance to mitigate the threat of a post-collision or post-derailment fire.
Double Rail Model and Turnout Simulation
Authors: Shu Xinggao , Wilson Nicholas , Davis David D. 
Published: February 2014

Transportation Technology Center, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads, has developed a double rail model for special trackwork simulation in the NUCARS® vehicle/track interaction multibody dynamic simulation program. The double rail model consists of a primary rail and a secondary rail on each side of the track. it It permits one wheel to contact two rails so that the effects of their relative movements on wheel/rail contact can be investigated. It also allows rail profile and track suspension stiffness and damping to vary on the track.
This paper presents simulation results of a freight car running on a No. 20 turnout. Simulation results showed that the double rail model improved the integration stability and simulation accuracy for high frequency wheel/rail (W/R) impacts by capturing the simultaneous multiple W/R contact point situations and transitions under various discontinuous track running surface conditions.
Parametric studies of W/R impacts on frog points showed the frog point geometry designs have conflicting requirements for dynamic performance for vehicles equipped with with new wheels and hollow-worn wheels; the NUCARS double rail model provides a useful tool for frog and switch point geometry optimization.