bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Β-Nitrostyrene in Highly Hydrophilic Ionic Liquid Media
Authors: Pavlovica S. , Gaidule A. , Zicmanis A.
Published: September 2014

The condensation reaction of benzaldehyde with nitromethane that resulted in the formation of β-nitrostyrene was studied in ionic liquid media - (2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium carboxylates (formates, lactates, acetates) without application of any other catalyst. The dependence of product yield on the ionic liquid cation and anion structure, the polarity of the ionic liquid and the pseudo-pH value of the reaction medium was investigated. The highest yield of the condensation reaction product - β-nitrostyrene was achieved in (2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium formate medium
Characterization of Humic Acids from Raised Bog Peat
Authors: Klavins M. , Purmalis O.
Published: September 2014

Humic substances form most of the organic component of soil, peat and natural waters, but their structure and properties are very much dependent on the source. The aim of this study was to characterize humic acids from raised bog peat to evaluate the homogeneity of humic acids isolated from the bog bodies and to study peat humification impact on the properties of humic acids. Peat humic acids (HA) have an intermediate position between the living organic matter and coal organic matter, with their structure formed in a process where the relatively labile moieties (carbohydrates, amino acids, etc.) are destroyed, and thermodynamically more stable aromatic and polycyclic structures emerge. Comparatively, the studied peat HAs were at the start of this transformation process. Concentrations of carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl groups changed depending on the source depth of peat from which HAs were isolated. The carboxylic acidity of peat HAs increased with depth of the source and the extent of peat humification
Strategic Noise Mapping of Herakleion: The Aircraft Noise Impact as a factor of the Int. Airport relocation
Authors: Vogiatzis Konstantinos , Remy Nicolas
Published: September 2014

In the framework of the European Directive 2002/49/EC, the city of Herakleion in Crete Island (Greece) recently completed (2013) its Strategic Noise Map (SNM) and relevant Noise Action Plan (NAP). Strategic noise mapping and action plans are important tools to define the main strategies to reduce noise exposure of residents and introduce and preserve "quite zones". Within this framework and as a part of the Herakleion city Strategic Noise Mapping general a specific analysis was introduced in the urban area of Alikarnassos (east part of the city) adjacent to the International Airport “Nikos Kazantzakis”. The 2nd biggest airport in Greece, airport is proposed to be relocated in Kastelli area (some 37 km south of the Herakleion city centre, far away from dense populated areas), within the next decade but in the mean time, air traffic (take of, taxi and landing procedures, especially during the extended spring and summer period), are affecting the city. This paper analyzes the extended acoustic measurement monitoring program and the modelling of environmental noise levels within the city’s SNM introducing - state of the art - qualitative surveys on the sound perception and noise annoyance by the residents as well as in depth analysis of the urban and architectural tissue. All these results have been transcribed in several maps introducing a very comprehensive evaluation tool towards an efficient noise action plan leading to the eventual relocation of the airport. This paper presents the main results of this research aiming to the evaluation of the inffluence at the inhabitants’ sonic comfort from aircraft operation.
Frequently updated noise threat maps created with use of supercomputing grid
Authors: Szczodrak Maciej , Czyzewski Andrzej , Kotus Józef , Kostek Bozena
Published: September 2014

An innovative supercomputing grid services devoted to noise threat evaluation were presented. The services described in this paper concern two issues, first is related to the noise mapping, while the second one focuses on assessment of the noise dose and its influence on the human hearing system. The discussed serviceswere developed within the PL-Grid Plus Infrastructure which accumulates Polish academic supercomputer centers. Selected experimental results achieved by the usage of the services proposed were presented. The assessment of the environmental noise threats includes creation of the noise maps using either ofline or online data, acquired through a grid of the monitoring stations. A concept of estimation of the source model parameters based on the measured sound level for the purpose of creating frequently updated noise maps was presented. Connecting the noise mapping grid service with a distributed sensor network enables to automatically update noise maps for a specified time period. Moreover, a unique attribute of the developed software is the estimation of the auditory effects evoked by the exposure to noise. The estimation method uses a modified psychoacoustic model of hearing and is based on the calculated noise level values and on the given exposure period. Potential use scenarios of the grid services for research or educational purpose were introduced. Presentation of the results of predicted hearing threshold shift caused by exposure to excessive noise can raise the public awareness of the noise threats.
Hepatic parasitosis in two wood mice, Apodemus sylvaticus (Rodentia: Muridae), due to Aonchotheca annulosa (Nematoda: Trichuridae), and Eucoleus bacillatus (Nematoda: Trichuridae). Erratic parasitism or post mortem migration?
Authors: Debenedetti Ángela , Sáez-Durán Sandra , Sainz-Elipe Sandra , Galán-Puchades Maria , Fuentes Màrius
Published: September 2014

Aonchotheca annulosa and Eucoleus bacillatus are two capillariin nematodes parasitizing the intestinal and stomach mucosa, respectively, of various rodent species, and two, among others, component species of the helminth fauna of the wood mouse, Apodemus sylvaticus. A capillariin each was found in the liver parenchyma of two wood mice in a post-fire regeneration enclave in Serra Calderona Natural Park (Valencian Community, Spain). Due to their location, the preliminary identification of the helminths corresponded to Calodium hepaticum, a hepatic capillariin with rodents as its main host. So far, this species had never been found in Serra Calderona. To verify the preliminary identification, a comparative morphometric study between the specimens from Serra Calderona and a preserved individual of C. hepaticum from another enclave was carried out. Morphometric analysis revealed that the adult helminth as well as the eggs found in the liver of the first mouse belonged to A. annulosa, whereas the second one was identified as a male E. bacillatus. Moreover, the liver from both hosts showed a visible pathology, being the consequence of aberrant migration of the parasites. This is the first evidence that A. annulosa and E. bacillatus may migrate erratically and thus produce ectopic foci in other organs.
A new species of Cacatuocotyle (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) parasitizing two species of Astyanax (Ostariophysi, Characidae) in southern Brazil
Authors: Gallas Moisés , Calegaro-Marques Cláudia , Amato Suzana
Published: September 2014

A new species of Cacatuocotyle is described from the external surface of Astyanax aff. fasciatus and Astyanax jacuhiensis from Lake Guaíba, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It differs from the other three species of the genus, recorded from Mexico and the State of Paraná, Brazil, by possessing an accessory piece with a long proximal portion, a U-shaped bar with irregular posterior margin in its midportion, and a haptor containing two circular thickenings with muscular anterior margins. Only one monogenean species, Urocleidoides astyanacis (= Characithecium costaricensis) was recorded for the host Astyanax aff. fasciatus, whereas none were known for A. jacuhiensis. This paper records a new host (A. jacuhiensis) for monogeneans in southern Brazil and extends southward with the geographical distribution of the genus Cacatuocotyle to the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Two new species of the feather mite family Gabuciniidae (Acariformes: Pterolichoidea) from wrens (Passeriformes: Troglodytidae)
Authors: Mironov Sergey , Literak Ivan , Sychra Oldrich , Capek Miroslav
Published: September 2014

Two new species of the feather mite family Gabucinidae (Acari: Astigmata) are described from birds of the family Troglodytidae (Passeriformes) from Central America: Piciformobia cinnycerthiae sp. nov. from Cinnycerthia unirufa (Lafresnaye) in Ecuador, and P. henicorhinae sp. nov. from Henicorhina leucosticte (Cabanis) in Costa Rica. These are the first records of mites of the genus Piciformobia Gaud et Atyeo, 1975 from passerine hosts. A renewed diagnosis of the genus Piciformobia and key to all known species are provided.
The first report of Angiostrongylus vasorum (Nematoda; Metastrongyloidea) in Poland, in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes)
Authors: Demiaszkiewicz Aleksander , Pyziel Anna , Kuligowska Izabela , Lachowicz Jacek
Published: September 2014

Angiostrongylus vasorum belongs to the superfamily of Metastrongyloidea. This nematode occurs in foxes, dogs and other predators. The Nematode A. vasorum place themselves in the pulmonary artery and its branches, and in the right ventricle and atrium of the heart. Numerous species of land snails are the intermediate hosts of the parasite. In 2013, lungs and hearts of 76 foxes shot in the Forest District Głęboki Bród in Augustowska Primeval Forest were parasitologically necropsied. Four of the examined foxes were infected with the nematode A. vasorum, a prevalence of 5.2%. In one fox pericardium there were 6 male and 6 female nematodes. In the remaining three foxes nematodes were localized in the pulmonary artery. In two foxes 2 specimens of nematodes were detected (male and female, and two females) while 1 female was detected in the other fox. This is the first report of the presence of the nematode A. vasorum in fox in Poland.
Recovery of Anisakid larvae by means of chloro-peptic digestion and proposal of the method for the official control
Authors: Fraulo Pasquale , Morena Carmelo , Costa Antonella
Published: September 2014

Anisakidae larvae belonging to the genera Anisakis and Pseudoterranova, are the most responsible for zoonosis transmitted by fish products (anisakidosis). Acquired by the consumption of raw or undercooked marine fish or squid, the anisakid larvae may cause pathogenic diseases like gastric or intestinal anisakiasis and gastro-allergic disorders. In accordance with current EU legislation, the fresh fish products must be inspected visually in order to detect the possible presence of visible parasites. It is recognized that the visual method is not accurate enough to detect the larvae of parasites in food preparations containing raw or practically raw seafood and it clearly emerges that the official system of control needs to be able to utilise an most efficient analytical technique. In this work, the authors have drawn up and validated an analytical method, which involves artificial digestion and the use of a heated magnetic stirrer, based on the EU Regulation n. 2075/2005. The larvae isolated are then subjected to morphological identification at genus level by using optical microscope. The method, proved to be suitable for the detection of live and dead larvae of anisakidae in ready-to-eat foodstuffs containing raw fish or cephalopods and it is fast and accurate. The method showed high levels of sensitivity and specificity, and the suitability of its use in official food control was confirmed. Its use should be incorporated systematically into specific monitoring programs for the control of foodstuffs containing raw fish products.
On a new species of Aplectana (Nematoda, Cosmocercidae) from Kulti, Burdwan, West Bengal, India
Authors: Sou Sujan , Sow Kanchan , Nandi Anadi
Published: September 2014

During routine survey for amphibian nematodes from coalfield areas of West Bengal, India 7 male and 12 female nematodes were recovered from the rectum of one out of three Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Schneider, 1899) examined for helminth infection from Kulti, Burdwan. On examination the recovered nematodes were found to belong to a new species of the genus Aplectana (Nematoda: Cosmocercidae) and the name Aplectana duttaphryni sp. nov. is proposed for them. This species is most similar to those species which possess gubernaculum but differs from all by distribution pattern of caudal papillae. Aplectana duttaphryni sp. nov. represents 49th species assigned to the genus, but only the 4th species reported from Oriental realm and second from India.
History of echinostomes (Trematoda)
Authors: Toledo Rafael , Radev Valentin , Kanev Ivan , Gardner Scott , Fried Bernard
Published: September 2014

Echinostomatidae (Trematoda) is the largest family within the class Trematoda. Members of this family have been studied for many years in relation to their utility as basic research models in biodiversity and systematics and also as experimental models in parasitology since they offer many advantages. Echinostomes have contributed significantly to numerous developments in many areas studied by parasitologists and experimental biologists. In this review, we examine the history of the echinostomebased studies from the beginnings to the present. For this purpose, we have divided the history of echinostomes into four periods (i.e. 18th and 19th centuries, first half of the 20th century, second half of the 20th century and the late 20th and 21th century) according to the types of studies performed in each of them. Moreover, we also briefly review the history of echinostome infections in humans.
A new species of coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Cordillera striped shrew-rat, Chrotomys whiteheadi (Rodentia: Muridae), from the Philippines
Authors: McAllister Chris , Seville R. , Duszynski Donald , Bush Sarah
Published: September 2014

During July 2011, a single Cordillera striped shrew-rat (Chrotomys whiteheadi) was collected from the Philippines and its faeces examined for coccidian parasites. It harboured an eimerian that we describe here as new. Oocysts of Eimeria macarthuri sp. n. were spheroidal to subspheroidal with a bi-layered wall and measured (length × width, L × W) 18.2 × 17.0 μm, with an L/W ratio of 1.1. A micropyle, oocyst residuum and polar granule were absent. Sporocysts were ovoidal, 9.0 × 6.4 μm, with an L/W ratio of 1.3. A nipple-like Stieda body was present as well as a substieda body. A granular sporocyst residuum was present. To our knowledge, E. macarthuri represents the only coccidian ever described from a rodent of the Philippines.
Gastrointestinal parasites in rural dogs and cats in Selangor and Pahang states in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Ngui Romano , Lee Soo , Yap Nan , Tan Tiong , Aidil Roslan , Chua Kek , Aziz Shafie , Sulaiman Wan , Ahmad Arine , Mahmud Rohela , Lian Yvonne
Published: September 2014

To estimate the current prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in dogs and cats, a total of 105 fresh faecal samples were collected from rural areas in Peninsular Malaysia. Each faecal sample was examined for the presence of GI parasites by microscopic examination after formalin-ether concentration technique and for protozoa, trichrome and Ziehl-Neelsen staining were employed. The overall prevalence of GI parasitic infection was 88.6% (95% CI = 82.5–94.7) in which 88.3% of dogs and 89.3% of cats were infected with at least one parasites species, respectively. There were 14 different GI parasites species (nematodes, cestodes and protozoa) detected, including Ancylostoma spp. (62.9%), Toxocara spp. (32.4%), Trichuris vulpis (21.0%), Spirometra spp. (9.5%), Toxascaris leonina (5.7%), Dipylidium caninum (4.8%), Ascaris spp. (2.9%), Hymenolepis diminuta (1.0%) and others. General prevalence of GI parasites showed a significant difference between helminth (84.4%) and protozoa (34.3%) infections. Monoparasitism (38.1%) was less frequent than polyparasitism (46.7%). As several of these GI parasites are recognized as zoonotic agents, the results of this investigation revealed that local populations may be exposed to a broad spectrum of zoonotic agents by means of environmental contamination with dogs and cats faeces and this information should be used to mitigate public health risks. Prevention and control measures have to be taken in order to reduce the prevalence rates especially in socioeconomically disadvantaged communities where animals live in close proximity to people, poor levels of hygiene and overcrowding together with a lack in veterinary attention and zoonotic awareness.
A search for antiplasmodial metabolites among fungal endophytes of terrestrial and marine plants of southern India
Authors: Kaushik Naveen , Murali Thokur , Sahal Dinkar , Suryanarayanan T.
Published: September 2014

Eighty four different fungal endophytes isolated from sea grasses (5), marine algae (36) and leaves or barks of forest trees (43) were grown in vitro and the secondary metabolites secreted by them were harvested by immobilizing them on XAD beads. These metabolites were eluted with methanol and screened using SYBR Green I assay for their antiplasmodial activity against blood stage Plasmodium falciparum in human red blood cell culture. Our results revealed that fungal endophytes belonging to diverse genera elaborate antiplasmodial metabolites. A Fusarium sp. (580, IC50: 1.94 μg ml−1) endophytic in a marine alga and a Nigrospora sp. (151, IC50: 2.88 μg ml−1) endophytic in a tree species were subjected to antiplasmodial activity-guided reversed phase high performance liquid chromatography separation. Purification led to potentiation as reflected in IC50 values of 0.12 μg ml-1 and 0.15 μg ml−1 for two of the fractions obtained from 580. Our study adds further credence to the notion that fungal endophytes are a potential storehouse for a variety of novel secondary metabolites vested with different bioactivities including some that can stall the growth of the malaria parasite.
First detection and molecular characterization of Echinococcus equinus in a Mule in Turkey
Authors: Simsek Sami , Cevik Aydin
Published: September 2014

Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic disease with a cosmopolital distribution. It is caused by the larval stages (metacestodes) of the parasite Echinococcus granulosus which infects different animal species. In this report, we present a case of E. granulosus infection in a mule and molecular characterization of the cyst. For this purpose parasite material was collected from the liver of a necropsied mule. DNA was isolated and PCR amplification of mitochondrial 12S rRNA as well as partial sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) genes were performed. Six unilocular cysts, filled with clear fluid were found in the liver and spleen. All cysts were found to be fertile. The 12S rRNA-PCR did not yield any band while mt-CO1-PCR yielded a 446 bp sized amplification product. Sequence corresponding to mt-CO1 gene was identical to a sequence reported for E. equinus (formerly G4) (Genbank accession number: KC953029). This is the first record of E. equinus as a cause of cystic echinococcosis in a mule in Turkey.
Characterization and properties of (Pσ, Q) symmetric and co-symmetric matrices
Authors: Trench William F.
Published: September 2014

Let P ∈ ℂmxm and Q ∈ ℂn×n be invertible matrices partitioned as P = [P0 P1 · · · Pk−1] and Q = [Q0 Q1 · · · Qk−1], with P ℓ ∈ ℂm×mℓ and Qℓ ∈ ℂn×nℓ , 0 ≤ ℓ ≤ k − 1. Partition P−1 and Q−1 as

where P̂ℓ ∈ ℂmℓ ×m, Q̂ℓ ∈ ℂnℓ×n , P̂ℓPm = δℓmImℓ , and Q̂ℓQm = δℓmInℓ , 0 ≤ ℓ, m ≤ k − 1. Let Zk = {0, 1, . . . , k − 1}. We study matrices A =

Pσ(ℓ)FℓQℓ and B =

QℓGℓPσ(ℓ), where σ : Zk → Zk. Special cases: A =

and B =

, where Aℓ ∈ ℂd1×d2 and Bℓ ∈ ℂd2×d1, 0 ≤ ℓ ≤ k − 1.
Short-term Cortical Plasticity Associated With Feedback-Error Learning After Locomotor Training in a Patient With Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Chisholm Amanda E. , Peters Sue , Borich Michael R. , Boyd Lara A. , Lam Tania
Published: September 2014

Background and Purpose

For rehabilitation strategies to be effective, training should be based on principles of motor learning, such as feedback-error learning, that facilitate adaptive processes in the nervous system by inducing errors and recalibration of sensory and motor systems. This case report suggests that locomotor resistance training can enhance somatosensory and corticospinal excitability and modulate resting-state brain functional connectivity in a patient with motor-incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI).

Case Description

The short-term cortical plasticity of a 31-year-old man who had sustained an incomplete SCI 9.5 years previously was explored in response to body-weight–supported treadmill training with velocity-dependent resistance applied with a robotic gait orthosis. The following neurophysiological and neuroimaging measures were recorded before and after training. Sensory evoked potentials were elicited by electrical stimulation of the tibial nerve and recorded from the somatosensory cortex. Motor evoked potentials were generated with transcranial magnetic stimulation applied over the tibialis anterior muscle representation in the primary motor cortex. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed to evaluate short-term changes in patterns of brain activity associated with locomotor training.

Outcomes

Somatosensory excitability and corticospinal excitability were observed to increase after locomotor resistance training. Motor evoked potentials increased (particularly at higher stimulation intensities), and seed-based resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging analyses revealed increased functional connectivity strength in the motor cortex associated with the less affected side after training.

Discussion

The observations suggest evidence of short-term cortical plasticity in 3 complementary neurophysiological measures after one session of locomotor resistance training. Future investigation in a sample of people with incomplete SCI will enhance the understanding of potential neural mechanisms underlying the behavioral response to locomotor resistance training.
Burden of influenza B virus infections in Scotland in 2012/13 and epidemiological investigations between 2000 and 2012
Authors: Harvala H , Smith D , Salvatierra K , Gunson R , von Wissmann B , Reynolds A , Frew C , MacLean A , Hunt A , Yirrell D , Simmonds P , McMenamin J , Templeton K
Published: September 2014

We describe the burden of influenza B infections in Scotland during a 13-year study period. Influenza A and B viruses cocirculated throughout the period, with numbers of influenza B cases approaching or exceeding those of influenza A during six influenza seasons. Influenza B viruses of both Victoria and Yamagata lineage were detected in two of six seasons investigated. For the 2012/13 season, influenza B accounted for 44.4% of all influenzas, with the highest incidence in those under the age of five years. Influenza B virus infections led to fewer admissions to an intensive care unit (ICU) and a lower mortality rate than influenza A (37 vs 81 ICU admissions and three vs 29 deaths) during the 2012/13 season. However, a quarter of those admitted to ICU with influenza B had not been immunised and 60% had not received specific influenza antiviral therapy. This highlights the need for consistent influenza vaccination and prompt usage of antiviral treatment for identified risk groups. Combining the newly introduced vaccination programme for children with the use of a tetravalent vaccine may provide the opportunity to improve the control of influenza B in those with the highest influenza B burden, children and young adolescents.
Critical Rural Freight Corridors Designation
Authors: Marach Alex J. , Adams Teresa M. , Perry Ernest B.
Published: September 2014

The creation of the National Freight Network as part of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) requires states to designate critical rural freight corridors (CRFCs). The MAP-21 act lists the criteria for designating CRFCs but does not specify the method. This paper proposes mileage-based, segment-based, and weighted average approaches to determine whether a corridor meets one of the CRFC criteria: a rural principal arterial that has a minimum 25% of truck traffic. The three approaches are explained, assessed, and mapped for the reader to compare the resulting networks. The paper then uses policy analysis techniques to assess the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. The analysis compares the approaches on the basis of network connectivity of the resulting CRFCs, the mileage of non-Interstate rural principal arterials, and robustness. Results indicate that state departments of transportation should use the mileage-based approach for computing truck traffic percentages when determining whether a corridor meets the minimum threshold of 25% truck traffic. The mileage approach combines the highest network connectivity, designates the highest number of non-Interstate rural principal arterial miles, and is a robust technique that controls for variable segment lengths.
GPS and Driver Log–Based Survey of Grocery Trucks in Chicago, Illinois
Authors: Sturm Karl , Pourabdollahi Zahra , Mohammadian Abolfazl K. , Kawamura Kazuya
Published: September 2014

Freight demand modeling lags in comparison with passenger demand modeling, largely because of the limited selection of available data. Commercial firms tend to approach inquiries into the operations and finances of their businesses with suspicion or at least impatience. The risk of losing company time or a competitive edge limits potential cooperation. Thus with each advance in data collection, valuable insights into the inner decision making of capitalist industry can be gained. This paper introduces a GPS freight survey conducted in the Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan area in the spring of 2012. The GPS data were augmented by driver diaries and warehouse and distribution center data records that were designed and used for minimizing respondent burden. Data collection focused on and was made possible through the cooperation of a major grocery chain in the region. In total, 108 trip days of GPS traces were obtained and allowed for the examination of lengthy tours between warehouses, distribution centers, and stores. A descriptive analysis of these tours is included with a focus on the spatial and temporal distributions of activities. From these data, approximately 89% of all activities were major work-based activities, and the number of activities per trip had a local maximum of three, by which 32% of all tours abided. The information gathered and presented will be used to supplement future disaggregate modeling exercises.
Predictive Analytics to Improve Pricing and Sourcing in Third-Party Logistics Operations
Authors: Lindsey Christopher , Frei Andreas , Mahmassani Hani S. , Park Young W. , Klabjan Diego , Reed Michael , Langheim Gregory , Keating Todd
Published: September 2014

Pricing shipments and sourcing capacity for a third-party logistics (3PL) provider operating in a spot market requires real-time decision making that is ripe for computer-based support driven by analytics. A decision support system outlined here leverages the 3PL provider's historical shipment data along with its knowledge of both sides of the shipping process to increase profits and to better perform the pricing and sourcing tasks. At the core of the system are discrete choice models for shippers and carriers along with a profit maximization model. The discrete choice models predict the acceptance or rejection of an offer for a shipment to shippers and a bid for capacity to carriers. The profit maximization model determines the shipper price that maximizes the 3PL provider's expected profit. In addition to those models are procedures for determining a list of potential carriers for an incoming shipment and also for ranking those carriers. As its main outputs, the system produces a shipper price and a ranked carrier list. The system is applied to real-world data provided by a 3PL company, with excellent results. The system is able to produce competitive yet profitable prices and to select potential carriers that would increase the 3PL provider's profits.
Current State of Estimation of Multimodal Freight Project Impacts
Authors: Wygonik Erica , Holder Daniel , McMullen B. Starr , Goodchild Anne
Published: September 2014

As available data have increased and as the national transportation funding bills have moved toward objective evaluation, departments of transportation (DOTs) throughout the United States have begun to develop tools to attempt to measure the effects of different projects. Increasingly, DOTs recognize that the freight transportation system is necessarily multimodal. However, no DOTs have clearly stated objective tools with which to evaluate multimodal freight project comparisons. This paper informs that gap by summarizing the existing academic literature on the state of the science for the estimation of freight project impacts and by reviewing methods currently used by selected DOTs nationwide. These methods are analyzed to identify common themes to determine potential avenues for multimodal project evaluation.
Measuring the Effects of Economic Crisis on Users’ Perceptions of Public Transport Quality
Authors: Efthymiou Dimitrios , Kaziales Michail , Antoniou Constantinos , Tyrinopoulos Yannis
Published: September 2014

Research was conducted to measure the effects of the economic crisis on public transport quality, user satisfaction, and transit demand. The survey used in this research extended a research effort that began in 2008; the survey aimed to analyze the variability of users’ satisfaction within different public transport systems. The survey was conducted in Athens, Greece, from November 2012 to January 2013, during the peak of the country's economic recession. The content of the questionnaire that was used for the needs of the survey was similar to that of 2008 so that the results would be comparable. Passengers were asked to rate how important a series of metro and bus attributes were, their level of satisfaction with those attributes, their overall satisfaction with the main public transport operator they used, and the increase or decrease of their individual demand for public transport. A factor analysis was first performed to identify potential common patterns between the individual importance attributes. Ordered logit models were then estimated with the overall satisfaction as a response variable. Results of the analysis were then compared with the findings of the earlier (precrisis) research; this comparison revealed interesting adaptations in users’ perceptions of the public transport operators’ quality. Moreover, a hybrid choice and latent variable model was estimated to explore the overall satisfaction of the respondents. Finally, a demand model was developed; this model revealed the characteristics that led to the increase (or decrease) of public transit demand in the past 5 years.
Dynamic Dispatch with Advanced Train Control System Data
Authors: Hickey April M. , Nuworsoo Cornelius , Pangilinan Christopher A.
Published: September 2014

Transit service reliability, measured by such performance measures as schedule deviation and headway distribution, is a priority for transit agencies. The successful implementation of strategies to keep transit fleets as close to schedule as possible aims to improve customer service and to operate a more efficient system. Common strategies to recover time lost in day-to-day operations include switchbacks, fallbacks, route changes, and reconfigurations. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, operator of intracity bus and light rail transit in San Francisco, California, uses all of these strategies to remedy unacceptably large headway deviances. Analysis was conducted to determine the potential effects on service reliability of an application of real-time route changes of light rail vehicles at the Embarcadero turnaround. Historical advanced train control system data are applied to a calculator that reassigns the trains on the basis of average headway lengths. The calculator simulates a scenario if such an automatic reassignment system is in place and reports the new schedule deviation and headway distribution. Weekday data for 1 month were applied to the calculator and analyzed to determine whether the reassignment methodology could save significant time in the average headways. The calculator was meant as the first step in the development of a more thorough operational algorithm that would reassign vehicles on the basis of multiple independent variables, to establish better on-time reliability and performance. In preliminary results, the automatic reassignment system showed time savings. Also discussed are current physical and operational constraints to implementation and next steps in model development.
Benefit–Cost Evaluation Method for Transit Stop Removal
Authors: Wagner Zef , Bertini Robert L.
Published: September 2014

The introduction of wider stop spacing through the removal or the consolidation of existing stops is one method that transit agencies can use to reduce travel time and to increase reliability on many transit lines. Much research has been conducted to provide tools for determining optimal stop spacing, but tools are still needed to help service planners determine the optimal stops to remove. Stop-level bus performance data provide the information needed to develop a method for assessing the total benefits and costs to riders of removing individual stops. This tool compares the benefit to through-riders in regard to travel time savings, with the additional access cost to riders who use the stop. The tool was applied to a bus route in Portland, Oregon, with stop-level ridership data from TriMet, the regional transit agency. The case study identified three stops with high benefit–cost ratios. The effects of removing those stops are discussed. A sensitivity analysis was performed to show the effect of changing the value of the time factor or the assumed time savings from each stop removal. Further research needs are identified. Trade-offs are discussed in regard to the use of this tool. Overall, the assessment tool provides a relatively simple way for transit service planners to identify ideal stops for removal or consolidation.
Improving Energy Efficiency of Public Transport Bus Services by Using Multiple Vehicle Types
Authors: Hassold Stephan , Ceder Avishai (Avi)
Published: September 2014

Public transport can provide an environmentally friendly transportation alternative to private cars. However, resources are not always used optimally, and the efficiency of operation might be improved by altering timetables and vehicle schedules. A case in which multiple vehicle types were inserted into even-headway timetables was developed and examined for better balancing of the fluctuations of passenger loads. This examination focused on the benefits derived in energy efficiency on top of other advantages. A multiobjective optimization was used to determine timetables that would minimize both total passengers’ waiting time and total empty-seat minutes on the vehicles. Sets of these Pareto-optimal timetables were then used to determine optimal vehicle schedules for the vehicle types used. The methodology was applied to a real-life case study from Auckland, New Zealand. Results showed that timetables with multiple vehicle types could increase passenger occupancy of the vehicles by 19% and thus could reduce total energy consumption. These results were attained without any increase of the total passenger waiting time and fleet size.
Dissecting the Role of Transit Service Attributes in Attracting Commuters
Authors: Idris Ahmed Osman , Habib Khandker M. Nurul , Shalaby Amer
Published: September 2014

An investigation on the influence of transit service attributes on mode switching toward local transit for home-based commuting trips involved the design, implementation, and analysis of a Commuting Survey for Mode Shift. This survey exploits revealed preference mode choice information to build the stated preference mode switching experiments. The collected data set was used for estimating econometric choice models of mode switching toward transit. Separate models were estimated for car drivers and shared ride users. The empirical models showed that travel cost and in-vehicle travel time were of lower importance compared with other transit level-of-service attributes such as crowding level and number of transfers. That commuters prefer rail-based transit modes (e.g., subway and light rail transit) to other transit options (e.g., bus rapid transit) was evident. The developed models can enrich the transit service planning toolbox for delivering more efficient and attractive services that maximize transit ridership along with other objectives.
Determining Appropriate Fare Levels for Distance-Based Fare Structure
Authors: Yook Donghyung , Heaslip Kevin
Published: September 2014

This research investigated the potential of a distance-based fare structure with a case study of the Utah Transit Authority system in northern Utah. The metrics of evaluation were viewed through demand maximization within a modeling scheme for a distance-based fare structure for all fixed route transit modes. Transit users’ route choices were explicitly modeled in the transit system on the time-expanded network. This modeling scheme was integrated into the lower level of the bi-level programming framework, where the upper level uncovered the optimized fare levels for the distance-based fare structure with a genetic algorithm. Through implementation of the methodology, the distance-based fare levels were evaluated for their effect on increasing transit demand. Using the market segmentation analysis, the study found that a distance-based fare with a no-base fare had the highest potential for increasing the transit demand. A $0.50 base fare was examined and was shown to be feasible in the case that a base fare was not necessary because of agency policy.
Role of Gender and Attitudes on Public Transportation Use
Authors: Namgung Mi , Akar Gulsah
Published: September 2014

This study aimed to evaluate gender differences in public transportation–related attitudes and their effects on transit use. How did attitudes affect people's transit use? Did public transit–related attitudes differ by gender in general and by status group (faculty, staff, and students)? This research aimed to address these questions. The analysis was based on data collected from the 2012 campus transportation survey at Ohio State University. The survey questionnaire covered individuals’ sociodemographic characteristics, commute mode choices, and attitudes toward driving and taking public transit, including reliability, safety, flexibility, convenience, accessibility, and comfort. After the descriptive analysis of perceptions that were segmented on the basis of gender and status (faculty, staff, undergraduates, and graduate students), binary logit models were estimated to assess the influences of individuals’ attitudes on transit use while controlling for other factors. First a binary logit model measuring the effects of respondents’ status (student, staff, or faculty), car ownership, ethnicity, proximity to bus stops, and distance to campus was estimated. Then respondents’ attitudes were added to the existing model. Results indicated that including attitudes significantly increased the explanatory power of the model, and the results revealed the significant connections between attitudes related to public transportation and public transit use. The findings of this study can help transportation planners understand the ways attitudes affect transit use and the differences across genders. Although the study used data from Ohio State University, the findings can help in developing plans for increasing alternative transportation use on other campuses, as well as in surrounding areas.
Spinal extradural en plaque meningiomas: clinical features and long-term outcomes of 12 cases
Authors: Wu Liang , Yang Tao , Deng Xiaofeng , Yang Chenlong , Zhao Lei , Yao Ning , Fang Jingyi , Wang Guihuai , Yang Jun , Xu Yulun
Published: September 2014

Object

Extradural en plaque meningiomas are very rare tumors in the spinal canal. Most studies on these lesions have been case reports with literature reviews. In this paper, the authors review their experience in a surgical series of 12 patients with histologically proven, purely extradural en plaque meningiomas and discuss their clinical features, radiological findings, and long-term outcomes.

Methods

Clinical and imaging data of 12 patients with spinal extradural en plaque meningiomas treated at a single institution were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

There were 5 male and 7 female patients, with a mean age of 39.9 years. The mean follow-up period was 74.8 months. Nine tumors were located in the cervical spine, 1 in the cervicothoracic spine, and 2 in the thoracic spine. All the tumors were confirmed as extradural en plaque meningiomas with sheetlike growth along the dura mater. Gross-total resection of the tumor with a well-demarcated dissection plane was achieved in 4 cases. Subtotal resection was achieved in 8 cases, 2 of whom underwent postoperative low-dose radiation therapy. The symptoms present before the surgery were improved in all cases at the last follow-up evaluation. The postoperative follow-up MRI showed no recurrence or regrowth in 4 cases with gross-total removal and 7 cases with subtotal removal during the mean follow-up periods of 58.0 months and 71.1 months, respectively. One patient experienced recurrence at 88 months after his initial subtotal removal and improved following a revision operation.

Conclusions

Spinal extradural en plaque meningiomas are amenable to surgery if complete removal can be achieved. Because of the encirclement of the dura that is characteristic of the tumors, complete resection is usually difficult, subtotal removal for spinal cord decompression is advised, and follow-up imaging is needed. The risk of long-term recurrence/regrowth of the lesions is low, and a good clinical outcome after total or subtotal removal can be expected.
Magnetoencephalography-guided resection of epileptogenic foci in children
Authors: Albert Gregory W. , Ibrahim George M. , Otsubo Hiroshi , Ochi Ayako , Go Cristina Y. , Snead O. Carter , Drake James M. , Rutka James T.
Published: September 2014

Object

Resective surgery is increasingly used in the management of pediatric epilepsy. Frequently, invasive monitoring with subdural electrodes is required to adequately map the epileptogenic focus. The risks of invasive monitoring include the need for 2 operations, infection, and CSF leak. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of resective epilepsy surgery guided by magnetoencephalography (MEG) in children who would have otherwise been candidates for electrode implantation.

Methods

The authors reviewed the records of patients undergoing resective epilepsy surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children between 2001 and 2010. They identified cases in which resections were based on MEG data and no intracranial recordings were performed. Each patient's chart was reviewed for presentation, MRI findings, MEG findings, surgical procedure, pathology, and surgical outcome.

Results

Sixteen patients qualified for the study. All patients had localized spike clusters on MEG and most had abnormal findings on MRI. Resection was carried out in each case based on the MEG data linked to neuronavigation and supplemented with intraoperative neuromonitoring. Overall, 62.5% of patients were seizure free following surgery, and 20% of patients experienced an improvement in seizures without attaining seizure freedom. In 2 cases, additional surgery was performed subsequently with intracranial monitoring in attempts to obtain seizure control.

Conclusions

MEG is a viable alternative to invasive monitoring with intracranial electrodes for planning of resective surgery in carefully selected pediatric patients with localization-related epilepsy. Good candidates for this approach include patients who have a well-delineated, localized spike cluster on MEG that is concordant with findings of other preoperative evaluations and patients with prior brain pathologies that make the implantation of subdural and depth electrodes somewhat problematic.
Pediatric endoscopic third ventriculostomy: a population-based study
Authors: Lam Sandi , Harris Dominic , Rocque Brandon G. , Ham Sandra A.
Published: September 2014

Object

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is an alternative to ventriculoperitoneal shunting for hydrocephalus treatment. Choice of treatment options raises questions about which patients are likely to benefit from ETV. The authors performed a population-based analysis using an administrative claims database, examining current practice and outcomes for pediatric patients in the US.

Methods

The authors queried the MarketScan (Truven Health Analytics) database for Current Procedural Terminology codes corresponding to ETV and ventriculoperitoneal shunting from 2003 to 2011; they included patients 19 years or younger and extracted data from initial and subsequent hospitalizations. Hydrocephalus etiology was classified with ICD-9-CM coding. ETV failure was defined as any subsequent ETV or shunt procedure.

Results

Five hundred one patients underwent ETV. Of these, 46% were female. The mean age was 8.7 ± 6.4 years (± SD). The mean follow-up was 1.9 ± 1.8 years. Etiology of hydrocephalus was primarily tumor (41.7%) and congenital/aqueductal stenosis (24.4%). ETV was successful in 354 patients (71%). The mean time to failure was 109.9 ± 233 days. Of the 147 patients with ETV failure, 35 (24%) underwent repeat ETV and 112 (76%) had shunt placement. Patients in age groups 0 to < 6 months and 6 months to < 1 year had a significantly higher rate of ETV failure than those 10–19 years (HR 2.9, p = 0.05; and HR 2.3, p = 0.001, respectively). History of prior shunt was associated with higher risk of failure (HR 2.5, p < 0.001). There were no significant associations between hydrocephalus etiology and risk of failure. A second wave of failures occurred at 2.5–3.5 years postoperative in tumor and congenital/aqueductal stenosis patients; this was not observed in other etiology groups.

Conclusions

This study represents a cross-section of nationwide ETV practice over 9 years. ETV success was more likely among children 1 year and older and those with no history of prior shunt.
Towards Laser Driven Hadron Cancer Radiotherapy: A Review of Progress
Authors: Ledingham Ken , Bolton Paul , Shikazono Naoya , Ma C.-M.
Published: September 2014

It has been known for about sixty years that proton and heavy ion therapy is a very powerful radiation procedure for treating tumors. It has an innate ability to irradiate tumors with greater doses and spatial selectivity compared with electron and photon therapy and, hence, is a tissue sparing procedure. For more than twenty years, powerful lasers have generated high energy beams of protons and heavy ions and it has, therefore, frequently been speculated that lasers could be used as an alternative to radiofrequency (RF) accelerators to produce the particle beams necessary for cancer therapy. The present paper reviews the progress made towards laser driven hadron cancer therapy and what has still to be accomplished to realize its inherent enormous potential.