bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Specific Mechanical Pain Hypersensitivity Over Peripheral Nerve Trunks in Women With Either Unilateral Epicondylalgia or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Ortega-Santiago Ricardo , Ambite-Quesada Silvia , Jiménez-García Rodrigo , Arroyo-Morales Manuel , Cleland Joshua A.
Published: October 2010

Study Design

Case-control study with blinded examiner.

Objectives

To investigate if pressure pain sensitivity is related to specific nerve trunks in the upper extremity of patients with either unilateral lateral epicondylalgia (LE) or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Background

In the clinical setting, patients with LE tend to exhibit radial nerve trunk tenderness, whereas patients with CTS exhibit median nerve tenderness. No studies have investigated if specific nerve pressure pain hypersensitivity exists in patients with either LE or CTS.

Methods

Sixteen women with unilateral LE (mean ± SD age, 43 ± 7 years), 17 women with unilateral CTS (43 ± 6 years), and 17 healthy women (43 ± 6 years) were included in this study. Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) were bilaterally assessed over the median, ulnar, and radial nerve trunks, as well as over the C5-6 zygapophyseal joints, by an examiner blinded to the subjects' condition. A mixed-model analysis of variance was used to evaluate differences in PPT among groups (LE, CTS, or controls) and between sides (affected/nonaffected or dominant/nondominant).

Results

The individuals in both the LE and CTS groups demonstrated lower PPT bilaterally over the median (group, P<.001; side, P = .437), radial (group, P<.001; side, P = .556), and ulnar (group, P<.001; side, P = .938) nerve trunks as compared to controls. Additionally, radial (P<.001) and ulnar (P = .005) nerves were more sensitive bilaterally in patients with LE than in patients with CTS. The median nerve was more sensitive bilaterally in patients with CTS than patients with LE (P = .002). Lower PPT over the cervical spine (group, P<.001; side, P = .233) were found bilaterally in both the LE and CTS groups. Further, patients with CTS exhibited lower cervical PPT than patients with LE (P<.001). PPT was negatively correlated with both pain intensity and duration of symptoms in both the LE and CTS groups (P<.001).

Conclusions

Bilateral mechanical nerve pain hypersensitivity is related to specific and particular nerve trunks in women with either unilateral LE or CTS. Our results suggest the presence of central and peripheral sensitization mechanisms in individuals with either LE or CTS. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2010;40(11):751–760. doi:10.2519/jospt.2010.3331
Effects of Pilates-Based Exercises on Pain and Disability in Individuals With Persistent Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis
Authors: Lim Edwin Choon Wyn , Poh Ruby Li Choo , Low Ai Ying , Wong Wai Pong
Published: October 2010

Study Design

A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Objectives

To compare pain and disability in individuals with persistent nonspecific low back pain who were treated with Pilates exercises compared to minimal or other interventions.

Methods

Searches of Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane library, PEDro, and ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis databases were conducted. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected and reviewed if they compared pain and disability in individuals with persistent nonspecific low back pain who were treated with Pilates exercises compared to other treatment approaches. Quality of the trials was evaluated. Data for pain and disability scores were extracted. Narrative synthesis plus meta-analyses were performed, with either a fixed-effects or random-effects model, standardized mean differences (SMDs), and tests for heterogeneity.

Results

Seven RCTs were identified and included in the meta-analyses. Data pooling was performed using RevMan 5. When compared to minimal intervention, Pilates-based exercise provided superior pain relief (pooled SMD, −2.72; 95% CI: −5.33, −0.11; P = .04) but the pooled disability scores were not significantly different (pooled SMD, −0.74; 95% CI: −1.81, 0.33; P = .17). No significant differences were found when comparing Pilates-based exercise to other forms of exercise for pain (pooled SMD, 0.03; 95% CI: −0.52, 0.58; P = .92) or disability scores (pooled SMD, −0.41; 95% CI: −0.96,0.14; P = .14).

Conclusion

Pilates-based exercises are superior to minimal intervention for pain relief. Existing evidence does not establish superiority of Pilates-based exercise to other forms of exercise to reduce pain and disability for patients with persistent nonspecific low back pain. However, the relatively low quality of existing studies and the heterogeneity of pooled studies in this systematic review combine to suggest that these results should be interpreted with caution.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1a-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(2):70–80, Epub 22 October 2010. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3393
Inguinal rupture with herniation of the urinary bladder through the scrotal fascia in a Shetland pony foal
Authors: Cousty M. , Tricaud C. , Picandet V. , Geffroy O.
Published: October 2010

Herniation of the urinary bladder in the inguinal region has not previously been described in the horse. A case of inguinal rupture with herniation of the bladder through the scrotal fascia in a 3‐month‐old Shetland pony, diagnosed by external palpation, urinary catheterisation and external ultrasonographic examination is reported. Surgical management of the case was by dissection of the scrotal fascia, partial cystectomy and unilateral castration. During the period of hospitalisation the only complication was a slight seroma, which resolved spontaneously. Follow‐up after 6 months did not reveal any abnormality.
Haemolytic anaemia in a pony associated with a perivascular abscess caused byClostridium perfringens
Authors: Cottle H. J. , Hughes K. J.
Published: October 2010

A 5‐year‐old Welsh Pony mare presented with a history of dullness and inappetence and a large swelling on the left side of the neck extending to the pectoral region. Flunixin meglumine had been administered intravenously 10 days previously for treatment of laminitis. The pony was anaemic at presentation.Clostridium perfringenswas isolated from an abscess overlying the left external jugular vein. Treatment consisted of supportive treatment, drainage of the abscess and administration of sodium benzyl penicillin G intravenously. A marked improvement in the mare's demeanour and a gradual increase in packed cell volume over a period of one month were observed. The historical, clinical and clinicopathological findings were consistent with immune‐mediated haemolysis associated withC. perfringensinfection.
Paranasal sinus fibromatosis in a horse
Authors: Ahern B. J. , Engiles J. , Smith J. J. , Parente E. J.
Published: October 2010

A case of paranasal sinus fibromatosis in an 11‐year‐old Thoroughbred gelding is reported. At admission the gelding underwent a unilateral frontal sinusotomy and a paranasal sinus mass was extensively debulked. The mass was diagnosed via histopathology as a desmoid fibromatosis with bone invasion, reactive osteoclastic osteolysis and osteoproliferation. The gelding had radiographic evidence of slow recurrence of the mass 8 months post operatively. The histopathological appearance and short‐term outcome are presented for this previously undiagnosed condition of the horse. Recognition of paranasal fibromatosis and the resultant differentiation from other types of paranasal sinus neoplasia may allow for improved prognostication of equine sinus lesions.
Cryopreservation of semen from a stallion with seminal vesiculitis
Authors: Fennell L. C. , McKinnon A. O. , Savage C. J.
Published: October 2010

A 6‐year‐old Warmblood stallion was admitted for semen collection and cryopreservation. On the seventh and subsequent collection days semen samples were contaminated with purulent debris. A diagnosis of seminal vesiculitis was made following ultrasonography and endoscopy of the seminal vesicles. The stallion was treated with systemic and topical antimicrobial therapy and, although this did not cure the condition, subsequent ejaculates were suitable for cryopreservation.
Safety of multiple, submucosal inoculations of a live attenuated strangles vaccine in pregnant mares
Authors: Reinhold B. , Venner M.
Published: October 2010

A live attenuated vaccine against Streptococcus equi was administered submucosally in the upper lip to 224 pregnant and healthy mares to evaluate its safety. After a primary immunisation the mares were inoculated every 3 months until foaling. As control group, 206 mares of the same breeding farm were administered the solvent of the vaccine submucosally. None of the 430 mares presented any clinical evidence of strangles and neither local nor systemic reactions to vaccination were noticed. There was no association between abortion and vaccination. Furthermore no case of S. equi infection was revealed at post mortem examinations of aborted foals.
Idiopathic typhlocolitis in 40 aged donkeys
Authors: Du Toit N. , Burden F. A. , Getachew M. , Trawford A. F.
Published: October 2010

Typhlocolitis was diagnosed in 40 aged donkeys at routinepost mortemexaminations subjected to euthanasia for colic‐related clinical signs at The Donkey Sanctuary. Gross pathological changes included oedema, ulceration and haemorrhage involving the caecum and ventral colon. Histopathology indicated endoparasite and bacterial associated inflammation in 20 and 11 cases, respectively. Bacterial culture in 18 cases did not yield a definite aetiological agent. Other management and stress related factors were looked at to identify obvious risk factors. This report describes the clinical, biochemical and haematological parameters and pathological changes observed in 40 donkeys diagnosed with typhlocolitis.
Pedobarographic Analysis and Quality of Life After Lisfranc Fracture Dislocation
Authors: Schepers Tim , Kieboom Brenda , Diggele Peter van , Patka Peter , Lieshout Esther MM Van
Published: October 2010

Background: Few studies on tarsometatarsal fracture dislocations report on plantar pressure analysis and quality of life. The primary aim of this study was to determine the added value of plantar pressure analysis. The secondary aim was to determine quality of life and functional outcome. Materials and Methods: With a median followup of 76 months, 26 patients with an isolated Lisfrane injury participated. The Short Form 36 (SF-36) was used to determine the health related quality of life. Functional outcome was assessed with the American Orthopaedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). A Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was used to assess whether plantar pressure and foot position variables differed between the injured and uninjured foot. Correlations between outcome data were identified using Spearman Rank Correlation. Results: With respect to the plantar pressure analysis, a reduced contact time of the forefoot was found for the injured foot compared with the contralateral side ( p = 0.045). The injured side showed reduced contact surface of the forefoot ( p = 0.048) and an increased contact surface for the midfoot ( p = 0.019). The latter was paralleled by higher maximum pressures at the midfoot ( p = 0.016). Patients reported a median score of 101 for the SF-36, 72 for the AOFAS midfoot score, and 7 for the VAS. Conclusion: Plantar pressure measurements showed an adjusted walking pattern. Despite a fair outcome score, the quality for life of patients following a Lisfranc fracture dislocation returned to normal compared with normative data for the general population.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Control Series
Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Plantar Heel Pain
Authors: Chimutengwende-Gordon Mukai , O'Donnell Paul , Singh Dishan
Published: October 2010

Background: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is generally only indicated in patients with plantar heel pain who have atypical symptoms or who do not improve with appropriate management. Methods and Materials: This study retrospectively reviewed the MRI findings of 112 patients with heel pain divided into two groups consisting of 50 patients with persistent pain despite appropriate treatment and 62 patients with atypical heel pain. Results: Of the 50 patients with persistent heel pain, 38 (76%) of MRIs confirmed the diagnosis of plantar fasciitis. Of the 62 patients who had presented with atypical symptoms or signs, 21 patients had presented with night pain and the remaining 41 had presented with acute pain, tenderness of the lateral or medial aspect of the heel, significant swelling, neurological features or pain posterior to the insertion of the plantar fascia. Patients with night pain were shown to have plantar fasciitis associated with calcaneal marrow edema in 15 (71.4%) cases ( p < 0.05). One patient presenting with night pain was found to have a plantar arterio-venous malformation. Acute pain was associated with plantar fascia tears in 4 out of 9 ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: MRI may provide reassurance in cases of persistent heel pain but rarely changes the management. In cases of atypical heel pain, MRI may demonstrate other pathology such as plantar fascia tearing, calcaneal edema or arteriovenous malformation.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Clinical Relevance of Hindfoot Alignment View in Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Frigg Arno , Nigg Benno , Hinz Laura , Valderrabano Victor , Russell Iain
Published: October 2010

Background: Alignment is instrumental for success and long-term survival of Total Ankle Replacement (TAR). At this point in TAR, only coronal alignment in the region of the tibiotalar joint or above has been assessed because inframalleolar deformity is difficult to visualize radiographically. The Hindfoot Alignment View (HAV) allows visualization of the hindfoot position relative to the tibia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical relevance of this view in assessing patients with TAR. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with a Hintegra-TAR with an average followup of 4.1 ± 1.5 years were followed with (1) AOFAS and SF-36 scores, (2) visual judgment of the hindfoot position, (3) HAV and AP/lateral radiographs, (4) dynamic pedobarography (Novel emed m/E, Munich, Germany). Results: The HAV position correlated well with different load parameters on heel strike ( r = 0.44 to 0.62) but not with the varus-valgus load pattern of the rest of the foot. Visual judgment and TAR joint line did not correlate to radiographic hindfoot alignment or to pedobarographic load distribution. The hindfoot alignment measured by the HAV correlated significantly to the Physical Function and Role Physical of SF-36. No correlation was found to other SF36-qualities or the AOFAS-score. Conclusion: Inframalleolar alignment, as assessed by the HAV, influenced the dynamic pedobarographic load pattern and clinical outcome. Visual judgment and TAR joint line were not accurate enough to estimate the hindfoot alignment or dynamic load pattern. We believe adjusting the hindfoot correctly with HAV might improve long-term outcome and survival of TAR.

Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Location of the Sural Nerve During Posterolateral Approach to the Ankle
Authors: Jowett Andrew J. L. , Sheikh Faraz T. , Carare Roxanne O. , Goodwin Mark I.
Published: October 2010

Background: There is no consensus regarding the most appropriate surgical approach for the treatment of posterior malleolar fractures. The posterolateral approach facilitates more accurate reduction, but the sural nerve is potentially at risk during the approach. The location of this nerve in relation to this approach has not been clearly described in the literature. Materials and Methods: We performed cadaveric dissection of 12 legs using the posterolateral approach, a 10-cm incision midway between the tendo-achilles and the lateral malleolus, commencing at the tip of the lateral malleolus and extending proximally. The horizontal distances of the sural nerve and the short saphenous vein to the incision were measured at the proximal and distal ends and at the mid-point of the incision (positive towards the Achilles and negative towards the lateral malleolus). Results: In ten of the 12 cases, the sural nerve and short saphenous vein crossed the incision at an average of 56.7 mm and 61.0 mm along the incision, respectively. The median distances from the proximal end of the wound were −9.9 mm and −12.7 mm, 0.9 mm and −1.7 mm from the midpoint, and 6.3 mm and 7.7 mm from the distal end of the incision, respectively. Conclusion: The sural nerve and saphenous vein are at risk of iatrogenic injury over the whole length of the incision for the posterolateral approach for posterior malleolar fractures. Clinical Relevance: When performing a posterolateral approach to the ankle, particular care should be taken at the midpoint of the incision.
Reliability of the Maestro Radiographic Measuring Tool
Authors: Deleu Paul-André , Leemrijse Thibaut , Birch Ivan , Berg Bruno Vande , Bevernage Bernhard Devos
Published: October 2010

Introduction: Maestro et al. presented a detailed preoperative measuring and classification technique for the forefoot. The purpose of this paper was to determine if the PACS system will allow the Maestro measuring technique and classification system to be reliable and precise. Materials and Methods: This radiographic study was conducted on 73 subjects (36 females, 37 males, age 30.4 ± 9.9) who had given informed consent. The geometrical progression was measured for each foot of each subject by the two observers according to the measuring methodology of Maestro. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the 95% lower confidence limit (95% LCL) were calculated for the geometrical progression variables of the lesser metatarsals. Once the feet were classified by each observer, the accordance in classification of the feet was analyzed between the two observers. Results: The radiographic measuring technique of Maestro was a reliable method for analyzing the mathematical progression of the lesser metatarsals through the use of the PACS system. A 92.6% concordance in the classification of the radiological forefoot morphotypes was found between the two observers. Conclusion: We found Maestro et al.'s measuring technique and classification system precise and reproducible using PACS digital radiographs. It is hoped that utilization of this technique will lead to better forefoot outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Level of Evidence: IV, Case Series
Car Ownership among Young Adults
Authors: Thakuriah Piyushimita (Vonu) , Menchu Shashi , Tang Lei
Published: October 2010

An individual-level mixed longitudinal data set with three separate cohorts representing three generations in U.S. society is used to examine how car ownership trends have changed among young adults (18 to 24 years of age) over a 40-year period, from the mid-1960s to the mid-2000s. A multilevel, mixed model for binary car-ownership outcomes was estimated by using maximum likelihood. After controlling for factors relating to sociodemographics, personal life, location, and labor market, individuals in the past generation considered (who were young adults in the late 1990s and early 2000s) were found to be significantly more likely to enter the car market at an earlier age. In contrast to earlier generations, by the time individuals in the last generation cleared the 18- to 24-year window, they were found to have reached car ownership levels that had been predicted by earlier studies to be the saturation levels of car ownership in a society. Minorities made greater progress in rates of car ownership between the late 1960s and the early 1980s compared with nonminorities; however, increases in the rates of car ownership slowed for minorities in the most recent generation. Young adults in urban areas led those in rural areas in the earlier generations on car ownership rates but fell behind their rural counterparts in the last generation considered. Across all three generations, vehicle ownership was lower among the unemployed compared with the employed. The differential between employed and unemployed increased with each successive generation and was almost 30% in the last generation considered.
Probit-Based Discrete–Continuous Model of Activity Choice and Duration with History Dependency
Authors: Konduri Karthik C. , Ye Xin , Pendyala Ram M.
Published: October 2010

A probit-based discrete–continuous model of activity type and duration choices addresses three aspects of discretionary and maintenance activities. First, both in-home and out-of-home activity episodes in models of activity engagement are considered to ensure coverage of the entire range of activity episodes in activity-based model systems. Second, history dependency and scheduling of activities in explaining activity participation are accounted for to understand activity generation processes over the course of a day. Finally, the simultaneity and the potential presence of common unobserved factors that may exist across activity type choice and duration dimensions are taken into account. A contribution is made along these three lines of inquiry by presenting a joint model of activity type choice and activity duration with data from the 2008 American Time Use Survey data set. Results suggest that statistically significant endogeneity exists between activity type choice and activity duration calls for the simultaneous modeling of these two choice dimensions in model systems.
Strategic Thinking and Risk Attitudes in Route Choice
Authors: Razo Michael , Gao Song
Published: October 2010

This research investigates route choice behavior in networks with risky travel times and real-time information. A stated preference survey is conducted. In it subjects use a PC-based interactive map to choose routes link by link in various scenarios. The scenarios include two types of maps: the first map presents a choice between one stochastic route and one deterministic route, and the second contains real-time information and an available detour. The first type of map measures the basic risk attitude of the subject. The second type allows for strategic planning and measures the effect of this opportunity on subjects’ choice behavior. Results from each subject are analyzed to determine whether the subject planned strategically for the en route information or simply selected fixed paths from origin to destination. The full data set is used to estimate several choice models with expected travel times and standard deviations as explanatory variables. Estimation results are used to assess whether models that incorporate strategic behavior more accurately reflect route choice than do simpler path-based models.
Experimental Economics in Transportation
Authors: Gaker David , Zheng Yanding , Walker Joan
Published: October 2010

A major aspect of transportation planning is understanding behavior: how to predict it and how to influence it over the long term. Behavioral models in transportation are predominantly rooted in the classic microeconomic paradigm of rationality. However, there is a long history in behavioral economics of raising serious questions about rationality. Behavioral economics has made inroads in transportation in the areas of survey design, prospect theory, and attitudinal variables. Further infusion into transportation could lead to significant benefits in terms of increased ability to both predict and influence behavior. The aim of this research is to investigate the transferability of findings in behavioral economics to transportation, with a focus on lessons regarding personalized information and social influences. Three computer experiments were designed and conducted by using University of California, Berkeley, students: one on personalized information and route choice, one on social influences and auto ownership, and one combining information and social influences and pedestrian safety. The findings suggest high transferability of lessons from behavioral economics and great potential for influencing transport behavior. It was found that person- and trip-specific information regarding greenhouse gas emissions has significant potential for increasing sustainable behavior, and it was possible to quantify this value of green at around $0.24/lb of greenhouse gas avoided. Congruent with lessons from behavioral economics, information on peer compliance with pedestrian laws was found to have a stronger influence on pedestrian safety behavior than information on the law, citation rates, or accident statistics. It was also found that social influences positively affect the decision to buy a hybrid car over a conventional car or to forgo a car altogether.
Data-Mining Approach to Work Trip Mode Choice Analysis in Chicago, Illinois, Area
Authors: Lu Yandan , Kawamura Kazuya
Published: October 2010

Discrete choice methods have focused attention on the study of travel mode choice behavior in both theoretical and practical areas of transportation planning and modeling. Unlike discrete choice models that impose predefined probability distributions on choice probabilities, data-mining approaches view the travel mode choice as a pattern recognition problem whereby travel choices can be identified by a combination of explanatory variables. As such, data-mining techniques have enjoyed increasing application in agent-based modeling. The capability of a promising machine learning algorithm, class association rules (CARs), for the estimation of work trip modal choice is examined in the case of the Chicago (Illinois) Area Transportation Studies 1990 Household Travel Survey. The purpose of the study is to investigate the advantages, disadvantages, and applicability of CARs for the study of mode choice behavior. Study results reveal that CARs are useful for building a powerful mode choice model, with the overall accuracy reaching up to 93% for the data set used in this study. Unlike some other mining methods, the rules extracted by CARs are easy to interpret and provide insights into travel behavior from a perspective that is different from that of statistical models. The example presented also illustrates one of the key advantages of CARs over discrete choice models, which is the flexibility of the model specification.
Spatiotemporal Changes of Traffic Demand Price Elasticities in Japan Throughout 2008
Authors: Chikaraishi Makoto , Fujiwara Akimasa , Zhang Junyi , Lee BackJin
Published: October 2010

This study attempts to examine spatiotemporal changes of traffic demand elasticities regarding gasoline prices and economic conditions and focusing on the substantial fluctuations that occurred throughout 2008 in Japan. This research is aimed at a better understanding of the spatial and temporal instability of the elasticities and possible reasons for changes in the elasticities. First, a random coefficient model is built to represent spatial heterogeneity in the elasticities and is estimated by using a hierarchical Bayesian method. Next, a sequential Bayesian updating method is applied to examine monthly changes in the elasticities. The data used in the empirical analysis were monthly traffic volume data collected on 53 expressways. The results showed that although the monthly changes in the average elasticities over all routes were mainly observed before August 2008, different directions of change across routes were observed after September 2008, when gasoline prices began to fall. The results also indicated that responses to gasoline price changes might be dependent on the causes of price changes. Furthermore, on urban expressways, it was found that once a reduction in traffic demand was attained because of rising gasoline prices, the demand did not fully recover even after the actual prices fell again to the original level.
Analyzing Travelers’ Intention to Accept Travel Information
Authors: Xu Chengcheng , Wang Wei , Chen Jun , Wang Weijie , Yang Chen , Li Zhibin
Published: October 2010

Advanced traveler information systems (ATIS) cannot improve the traffic environment if travelers do not accept the travel information provided by the system. To understand better why travelers accept or refuse travel information and to explain, predict, and increase travelers’ acceptance of travel information, a research framework based on the technology acceptance model is developed to establish the relationship between travelers’ intention to accept travel information, trust in travel information, perceived usefulness of travel information, perceived ease of its use, and other related variables. Then structural equation modeling is used to examine and analyze the relationship among these variables. The results show that the factors that significantly determine travelers’ intention to accept travel information are trust in travel information, its perceived usefulness, its perceived ease of use, and information attributes. Through an examination of the direct, indirect, and total effects in the model system, it is discovered that perceived ease of use has the largest total effect on intention to accept by a standardized coefficient of 0.522, followed by trust in information (0.348), perceived usefulness (0.199), and information attributes (0.079). These results indicate the practical value of the estimated model for guiding recommendations aimed at increasing travelers’ intention to accept travel information and at improving the service quality of travel information in China.
Exploring Variation Properties of Time Use Behavior on the Basis of a Multilevel Multiple Discrete–Continuous Extreme Value Model
Authors: Chikaraishi Makoto , Zhang Junyi , Fujiwara Akimasa , Axhausen Kay W.
Published: October 2010

This study attempts to examine the variation properties of time use behavior on the basis of a multilevel multiple discrete–continuous extreme value model, which describes both activity participation and time allocation behavior by incorporating various variance components. Five major variation components are dealt with, including interindividual, interhousehold, temporal, spatial, and intraindividual variations. The MobiDrive data, continuous 6-week daily travel data, allow identification of these variations simultaneously. Two types of models are empirically examined: the model without consideration of the influence of explanatory variables (null model) and the model that introduces explanatory variables (full model). Estimation results of the null model confirm that intraindividual variation still accounts for more than 50% of the total variation (except for mandatory activities) even after incorporation of the aforementioned four other types of variations jointly. In contrast, the results from the full model reveal that most types of unobserved variations (especially the intraindividual variation) still dominate in the total variation even after the relevant observed information is introduced. These findings provide useful insights into both model development and data collection methods as well as to the understanding of the mechanisms of time use decisions.
Traveler Behavior and Values Analysis in the Context of Vacation Destination and Travel Mode Choices
Authors: LaMondia Jeffrey , Snell Tara , Bhat Chandra R.
Published: October 2010

The tourism industry has a dramatic impact on the world's economy and development. For this reason, it is important to study vacation traveler behavior, including where individuals travel on vacation and what travel mode they use to get there. This study uses the unique Eurobarometer vacation travel survey to model jointly travelers’ choice of holiday destination and travel mode while also considering an extensive array of stated motivation-based preference and value factors. The study further builds on the existing literature by applying the model to a large-scale travel market characterized by multiple origins and destinations within the European Union. The empirical results indicate the important effects of nationality, traveler demographics, travel companionship arrangement, traveler preferences and values, and trip and destination characteristics on holiday destination and travel mode choice. These results have important policy implications not only for each country within the European Union but also for countries and regions around the world.
Black Hole Entropy for Two Higher Derivative Theories of Gravity
Authors: Bellini Emilio , Criscienzo Roberto Di , Sebastiani Lorenzo , Zerbini Sergio
Published: October 2010

The dark energy issue is attracting the attention of an increasing number of physicists all over the world. Among the possible alternatives to explain what as been named the “Mystery of the Millennium” are the so-called Modified Theories of Gravity. A crucial test for such models is represented by the existence and (if this is the case) the properties of their black hole solutions. Nowadays, to our knowledge, only two non-trivial, static, spherically symmetric, solutions with vanishing cosmological constant are known by Barrow & Clifton (2005) and Deser, Sarioglu & Tekin (2008). The aim of the paper is to discuss some features of such solutions, with emphasis on their thermodynamic properties such as entropy and temperature.
An Intrinsic TE Approach for End-to-End QoS Provisioning in OBS Networks Using Static Load-Balanced Routing Strategies
Authors: Barradas Alvaro L. , Medeiros Maria do Carmo R.
Published: October 2010

Optical burst switching provides a feasible paradigm for the next IP over optical backbones. However its burst loss performance can be highly affected by burst contention. In this paper we discuss traffic engineering approaches for path selection with the objective tominimize contention using only topological information. The discussed strategies are based on balancing the traffic across the network in order to reduce congestion without incurring into link state protocol penalties. The routing strategies are evaluated by simulation on an optical burst switching model specifically developed for the purpose with OMNeT++. Results show that our strategies outperform the traditionally used shortest path routing to an extent that depends on the network connectivity.
Bayesian Social Learning with Local Interactions
Authors: Guarino Antonio , Ianni Antonella
Published: October 2010

We study social learning in a large population of agents who only observe the actions taken by their neighbours. Agents have to choose one, out of two, reversible actions, each optimal in one, out of two, unknown states of the world. Each agent chooses rationally, on the basis of private information and of the observation of his neighbours’ actions. Agents can repeatedly update their choices at revision opportunities that they receive in a random sequential order. We show that if agents receive equally informative signals and observe both neighbours, then actions converge exponentially fast to a configuration where some agents are permanently wrong. In contrast, if agents are unequally informed (in that some agents receive a perfectly informative signal and others are uninformed) and observe one neighbour only, then everyone will eventually choose the correct action. Convergence, however, obtains very slowly, at rate √t.
Inequality Aversion and Reciprocity in Moonlighting Games
Authors: Engelmann Dirk , Strobel Martin
Published: October 2010

We study behavior in a moonlighting game with unequal initial endowments. In this game, predictions for second-mover behavior based on inequality aversion are in contrast to reciprocity. We find that inequality aversion explains only few observations. The comparison to a treatment with equal endowments supports the conclusion that behavior is better captured by intuitive notions of reciprocity than by inequality aversion. Extending the model by allowing for alternative reference points promises better performance, but leads to other problems. We conclude that the fact that inequality aversion often works as a good short-hand for reciprocity is driven by biased design choices.
Effects of Changed Aircraft Noise Exposure on Experiential Qualities of Outdoor Recreational Areas
Authors: Krog Norun Hjertager , Engdahl Bo , Tambs Kristian
Published: October 2010

The literature indicates that sound and visual stimuli interact in the impression of landscapes. This paper examines the relationship between annoyance with sound from aircraft and annoyance with other area problems (e.g., careless bicycle riding, crowding, etc.), and how changes in noise exposure influence the perceived overall recreational quality of outdoor recreational areas. A panel study (telephone interviews) conducted before and after the relocation of Norway’s main airport in 1998 examined effects of decreased or increased noise exposure in nearby recreational areas (n = 591/455). Sound from aircraft annoyed the largest proportion of recreationists, except near the old airport after the change. The decrease in annoyance with sound from aircraft was accompanied by significant decreases in annoyance with most of the other area problems. Near the new airport annoyance with most factors beside sound from aircraft increased slightly, but not significantly. A relationship between aircraft noise annoyance and perceived overall recreational quality of the areas was found.
Characteristics of Lignin from Flax Shives as Affected by Extraction Conditions
Authors: Ross Kelly , Mazza Giuseppe
Published: October 2010

Lignin, a polyphenolic molecule, is a major constituent of flax shives. This polyphenolic molecular structure renders lignin a potential source of a variety of commercially viable products such as fine chemicals. This work compares the performance of different lignin isolation methods. Lignin from flax shive was isolated using both conventional alkaline extraction method and a novel experimental pressurized low polarity water (PLPW) extraction process. The lignin yields and chemical composition of the lignin fractions were determined. The conventional alkali treatment with 1.25 M NaOH, heated at 80 °C for 5 h, extracted 92 g lignin per kg flax shives, while lignin yields from the PLPW extracts ranged from 27 to 241 g lignin per kg flax shives. The purity and monomeric composition of the lignins obtained from the different extraction conditions was assessed via UV spectroscopy and alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation. Lignin obtained from conventional alkali treatment with 1.25 M NaOH, heated at 80 °C for 5 h was of low purity and exhibited the lowest yields of nitrobenzene oxidation products. With respect to alkali assisted PLPW extractions, temperature created an opposing effect on lignin yield and nitrobenzene oxidation products. More lignin was extracted as temperature increased, yet the yield of nitrobenzene oxidation products decreased. The low yield of nitrobenzene oxidation products may be attributed to either the formation of condensed structures or the selective dissolution of condensed structures of lignin during the pressurized alkaline high temperature treatment. Analytical pyrolysis, using pyroprobe GC-MS, was used to investigate the molecular composition of the lignin samples. The total yield of pyrolysis lignin products was 13.3, 64.7, and 30.5% for the 1.25 M NaOH extracted lignin, alkaline assisted PLPW extracted lignin, and the unprocessed flax shives, respectively. Key lignin derived compounds such as guaiacol, 4-vinyl guaiacol, 4-methyl guaiacol, syringol, eugenol, isoeugenol, catechol, homocatechol, and vanillin were detected in all of the samples.
Carbonic Anhydrase I Is Recognized by an SOD1 Antibody upon Biotinylation of Human Spinal Cord Extracts
Authors: Liu Jian , Akhavan Armin , Lu Mengde , Gruzman Arie , Lingappa Vishwanath R. , An Jiyan , Bowser Robert
Published: October 2010

We recently reported the presence of a novel 32 kDa protein immunoreactive to a copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1) antibody within the spinal cord of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This unique protein species was generated by biotinylation of spinal cord tissue extracts to detect conformational changes of SOD1 specific to ALS patients. To further characterize this protein, we enriched the protein by column chromatography and determined its protein identity by mass spectrometry. The protein that gave rise to the 32 kDa species upon biotinylation was identified as carbonic anhydrase I (CA I). Biotinylation of CA I from ALS spinal cord resulted in the generation of a novel epitope recognized by the SOD1 antibody. This epitope could also be generated by biotinylation of extracts from cultured cells expressing human CA I. Peptide competition assays identified the amino acid sequence in carbonic anhydrase I responsible for binding the SOD1 antibody. We conclude that chemical modifications used to identify pathogenic protein conformations can lead to the identification of unanticipated proteins that may participate in disease pathogenesis.
In Vitro Efficacy of Myxococcus fulvus ANSM068 to Biotransform Aflatoxin B1
Authors: Guan Shu , Zhao Lihong , Ma Qiugang , Zhou Ting , Wang Ning , Hu Xinxu , Ji Cheng
Published: October 2010

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is commonly found in cereals and animal feeds and causes a significant threat to the food industry and animal production. Several microbial isolates with high AFB1 transformation ability have been identified in our previous studies. The aim of this research was to characterize one of those isolates, Myxococcus fulvus ANSM068, and to explore its biotransformation mechanism. The bacterial isolate of M. fulvus ANSM068, isolated from deer feces, was able to transform AFB1 by 80.7% in liquid VY/2 medium after incubation at 30 °C for 72 h. The supernatant of the bacterial culture was more effective in transforming AFB1 as compared to the cells alone and the cell extract. The transformation activity was significantly reduced and eradicated after the culture supernatant was treated with proteinase K, proteinase K plus SDS and heating. Culture conditions, including nitrogen source, initial pH and incubation temperature were evaluated for an optimal AFB1 transformation. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) analyses showed that AFB1 was transformed to a structurally different compound. Infrared analysis (IR) indicated that the lactone ring on the AFB1 molecule was modified by the culture supernatant. Chromatographies on DEAE-Ion exchange and Sephadex-Molecular sieve and SDS-PAGE electrophoresis were used to determine active components from the culture supernatant, indicating that enzyme(s) were responsible for the AFB1 biotransformation. This is the first report on AFB1 transformation by a strain of myxobacteria through enzymatic reaction(s).
COMBO-FISH Enables High Precision Localization Microscopy as a Prerequisite for Nanostructure Analysis of Genome Loci
Authors: Müller Patrick , Schmitt Eberhard , Jacob Anette , Hoheisel Jörg , Kaufmann Rainer , Cremer Christoph , Hausmann Michael
Published: October 2010

With the completeness of genome databases, it has become possible to develop a novel FISH (Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization) technique called COMBO-FISH (COMBinatorial Oligo FISH). In contrast to other FISH techniques, COMBO-FISH makes use of a bioinformatics approach for probe set design. By means of computer genome database searching, several oligonucleotide stretches of typical lengths of 15–30 nucleotides are selected in such a way that all uniquely colocalize at the given genome target. The probes applied here were Peptide Nucleic Acids (PNAs)—synthetic DNA analogues with a neutral backbone—which were synthesized under high purity conditions. For a probe repetitively highlighted in centromere 9, PNAs labeled with different dyes were tested, among which Alexa 488Ò showed reversible photobleaching (blinking between dark and bright state) a prerequisite for the application of SPDM (Spectral Precision Distance/Position Determination Microscopy) a novel technique of high resolution fluorescence localization microscopy. Although COMBO-FISH labeled cell nuclei under SPDM conditions sometimes revealed fluorescent background, the specific locus was clearly discriminated by the signal intensity and the resulting localization accuracy in the range of 10–20 nm for a detected oligonucleotide stretch. The results indicate that COMBO-FISH probes with blinking dyes are well suited for SPDM, which will open new perspectives on molecular nanostructural analysis of the genome.
Efficacy of Intra-Articular Injection of Celecoxib in a Rabbit Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Jiang Dinghua , Zou Jun , Huang Lixin , Shi Qin , Zhu Xuesong , Wang Genlin , Yang Huilin
Published: October 2010

Introduction: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a slowly progressive joint disease typically seen in middle-age to elderly people. Intra-articular injection of hyaluronic acid is a well-documented treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Celebrex® (celecoxib) is a novel nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which could help to reduce inflammation and to reduce pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intra-articular injection of celecoxib in a rabbit osteoarthritis model. Methods: Thirty New Zealand white rabbits underwent unilateral knee joint surgery using the Hulth technique. Six weeks post-surgery, the animals were randomly divided into three groups, and each group was respectively given weekly intra-articular injections with Celebrex®, hyaluronic acid and saline. On the sixth week, the results were assessed in rabbit models by gross observation, histological evaluation, and expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-3. Results: In the group given Celebrex® and hyaluronic acid, the pathological changes in the rabbit articular cartilage improved significantly, much more than in the saline group. The statistically significant suppression of IL-1β, TNF-α, MMP-3 was shown in the Celebrex group. No significant differences were detected between two treatment groups. Conclusions: Intra-articular injection of celecoxib is beneficial for knee osteoarthritis. It might repair and protect early osteoarthritis cartilage by delaying cartilage degeneration and impairing the function of inflammatory mediators, therefore, intra-articular injection of celecoxib can be used as an alternative to the current treatment of osteoarthritis.
Efficient Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of 5-Deazaflavine Derivatives
Authors: Trilleras Jorge , López Luis Gabriel , Pacheco Dency José , Quiroga Jairo , Nogueras Manuel , Torre José M. de la , Cobo Justo
Published: October 2010

A series of pyrimido[4,5-b]quinolines (5-deazaflavines), were synthesized by microwave assisted intramolecular cyclization. The N4-substituted-2,4-diamino-6-chloro-pyrimidine-5-carbaldehydes, were prepared by selective monoamination of 2-amino-4,6-dichloropyrimidine-5-carbaldehyde with aliphatic and aromatic amines.
Chemometric Studies on Natural Products as Potential Inhibitors of the NADH Oxidase from Trypanosoma cruzi Using the VolSurf Approach
Authors: Scotti Luciana , Ferreira Elizabeth Igne , Silva Marcelo Sobral da , Scotti Marcus Tullius
Published: October 2010

Natural products have widespread biological activities, including inhibition of mitochondrial enzyme systems. Some of these activities, for example cytotoxicity, may be the result of alteration of cellular bioenergetics. Based on previous computer-aided drug design (CADD) studies and considering reported data on structure-activity relationships (SAR), an assumption regarding the mechanism of action of natural products against parasitic infections involves the NADH-oxidase inhibition. In this study, chemometric tools, such as: Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Consensus PCA (CPCA), and partial least squares regression (PLS), were applied to a set of forty natural compounds, acting as NADH-oxidase inhibitors. The calculations were performed using the VolSurf+ program. The formalisms employed generated good exploratory and predictive results. The independent variables or descriptors having a hydrophobic profile were strongly correlated to the biological data.