bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computationally Efficient Sibship and Parentage Assignment from Multilocus Marker Data
Authors: Wang Jinliang
Published: February 2012

Quite a few methods have been proposed to infer sibship and parentage among individuals from their multilocus marker genotypes. They are all based on Mendelian laws either qualitatively (exclusion methods) or quantitatively (likelihood methods), have different optimization criteria, and use different algorithms in searching for the optimal solution. The full-likelihood method assigns sibship and parentage relationships among all sampled individuals jointly. It is by far the most accurate method, but is computationally prohibitive for large data sets with many individuals and many loci. In this article I propose a new likelihood-based method that is computationally efficient enough to handle large data sets. The method uses the sum of the log likelihoods of pairwise relationships in a configuration as the score to measure its plausibility, where log likelihoods of pairwise relationships are calculated only once and stored for repeated use. By analyzing several empirical and many simulated data sets, I show that the new method is more accurate than pairwise likelihood and exclusion-based methods, but is slightly less accurate than the full-likelihood method. However, the new method is computationally much more efficient than the full-likelihood method, and for the cases of both sexes polygamous and markers with genotyping errors, it can be several orders faster. The new method can handle a large sample with thousands of individuals and the number of markers limited only by the computer memory.
Kinetic Study of Iron Dissolution from Low Grade Kaolin Using Oxalic Acid Solutions
Authors: Martínez-Luévanos A. , Serrato-Villegas L. E. , Rodríguez-Delgado M. G. , Carrillo-Pedroza F. R.
Published: February 2012

Kaolin is an important material that is used in industrial applications, including ceramics, paper, paints, fiberglass, inks, pharmaceuticals, and cement. The presence of impurities, particularly iron and titanium bearing materials, imparts color to kaolin. During weathering or hydrothermal alteration, significant levels of iron oxides can be deposited that leave a concentrated kaolinitic clay unusable for industrial application. Therefore, several chemical methods have been applied to kaolin beneficiation in order to reduce these contaminants. Ferric oxide dissolution is of particular interest for producers of industrial minerals such as kaolin. The objective of this work was to examine the kinetics of iron dissolution form low grade kaolin using oxalic acid solutions. The effects of acid concentration and reaction temperature were studied. It was determined that the iron dissolution rate increases with oxalic acid concentration, temperature. Leaching data showed that iron dissolution from low grade kaolin is due to diffusion through the product layer. The activation energy of the process was 46.32 kJ/mol.
Determination of Vanadium Valency in Roasted Stone Coal by Separate Dissolve-Potentiometric Titration Method
Authors: Shenxu Bao , Yimin Zhang , Jing Hang , Xiao Yang , Yangjia Hu
Published: February 2012

Stone coal is an important vanadium-bearing resource in China. Most vanadium exists in stone coal as V(III), which is stable and not easily to be extracted. The V(III) should be oxidized to V(IV) and/or V(V) by roasting with additives at high temperature and then extracted by acid leaching and/or water leaching. Hence, the vanadium valency in roasted stone coal can reflect the roasting efficiency and leaching rate. In traditional digestion process, the V(V) can oxidize V(III) in solution and this causes great error to the determination of vanadium valency. In this study, the V(IV) and V(V) in roasted stone coal is dissolved firstly in 5% of hydrochloric acid at room temperature for 1h because the V(III) embedded in crystal lattice can not dissolve in dilute acid. The acid solution containing V(IV) and V(V) is titrated by 0.02 M ammonium ferrous sulfate (AFS), and the jump in titration curve indicates the reducing of V(V) to V(IV) by ferrous ion. The volume of V(V) can be calculated according to the consumption of AFS. The total volume of vanadium can be determined by potassium permanganate oxidation-ammonium ferrous sulfate titrimetric method. Hence, the volume of V(IV) can be obtained by deducting the quantity of V(V) from the total vanadium. Secondly, the undissolved residue is digested in Teflon vessel by phosphoric acid and hydrofluoric acid at 90 °C for 2h. The digestion solution is also titrated by AFS under nitrogen atmosphere, and the jump in titration curve denotes the reducing of V(IV) to V(III) by ferrous ion in phosphoric acid medium. So, the volume of V(III) and V(IV) can be obtained in the same way. This method is characterized by high measuring accuracy and excellent reproducibility.
EFFECT OF FROTHER (MIBC) ADDITION ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF MICROBUBBLES GENERATED BY AIR DISSOLVED NUCLEATION
Authors: Martínez-Ramos Estrella , Pérez-Garibay Roberto , Rubio-Rojas Jorge
Published: February 2012

An identification of the characteristics of microbbubles dispersion is presented in this paper, when frother addition (MIBC) is modified in a biphasic system (air-water). Sauter diameter (d32), gas flow rate (Jg), superficial area flow density of the microbubbles (Sb) and air holdup (εg) are the measured variables in this research work. The studied frother additions were 0, 10 and 20 ppm. Similar to conventional bubble sizes, it was observed also, that air holdup increases with the air flow rate. The linear relationship between εg and Sb permits to conclude that superficial area flow density, a variable difficult to measure directly, may be estimated if air gas holdup is known. Furthermore, the experimental results showed that frother addition (MIBC) reduced the Sauter diameter, increasing all other variables.
Effects of eutrophication and Typha domingensis Pers on methanogenesis in tropical constructed wetland
Authors: Santos Neves Joanna Maria da Cunha de Oliveira , Aragon Glauca Torres , Silva Filho Emmanoel Vieira da
Published: February 2012

AIM: Constructed wetlands (CWs) have shown to be an efficient way for removing nutrients from wastewaters. However, a negative effect is the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs). Methane (CH4) is a GHG released from the organic matter degradation under anaerobic conditions by methanogenic bacteria. In CWs, the excessive nutrient inputs may stimulate both primary production and methanogenesis and then affect the overall cost-benefit balance of this system. Here, we assessed the role of cattail stands (Typha domingensis Pers) on CH4 concentrations in eutrophic and mesotrophic constructed wetlands. METHODS: CWs were filled with water and sediment colonized by the aquatic macrophyte Typha domingensis Pers from two tropical freshwater lakes, one mesotrophic and another eutrophic. RESULTS: Our results showed consistently higher CH4 concentrations in waters and sediment in the eutrophic CWs than in the mesotrophic CWs (two times), indicating a positive influence of eutrophication on methanogenesis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, CH4 emissions from tropical CWs demand to be considered or even mitigated in any use of this system.
Controlling factors of benthic macroinvertebrates distribution in a small tropical pond, lateral to the Paranapanema River (São Paulo, Brazil)
Authors: Shimabukuro Erika Mayumi , Henry Raoul
Published: February 2012

AIM: The aim of the present study was to examine the benthic fauna in a marginal pond lateral to the Paranapanema River and to identify the main controlling factors of its distribution. Considering the small size of the lacustrine ecosystem, we expected that seasonal variations of the benthic community attributes are more important than spatial variations; METHODS: Two samplings, one in March and another in August, were carried out at nine sites in the pond. Sediment samples were obtained through a Van Veen grab for invertebrate sorting, granulometric analysis, and for quantification of organic matter in sediment. Other abiotic factors were measured, such as water transparency, dissolved oxygen, pH, electric conductivity, temperature, and depth of sediment sampling sites. Regarding the comparative analysis at spatial scale, no significant variations in density of the benthic invertebrate community were found. RESULTS: In relation to the studied abiotic factors, only depth presented significant differences among sampling sites; All the measured environmental parameters presented significant differences among sampling months, except depth and the physical and chemical characteristics of the sediment. The abundance of Chaoboridae and Chironomidae was the unique attribute with a significant difference in comparing the two months. A higher abundance of taxa occurred in August, especially for Oligochaeta, Nematoda, Chaoboridae, and Chironomidae; CONCLUSIONS: Because of the low structural complexity of the studied pond, we concluded that the changes in benthic macroinvertebrate community attributes were mainly due to seasonal effects.
Patterns of species richness and composition of fish assemblages in streams of the Ivinhema River basin, Upper Paraná River
Authors: Súarez Yzel Rondon , Souza Marcelo Maldonado de , Ferreira Fabiane Silva , Pereira Maiane Jardim , Silva Ediléia Amancio da , Ximenes Lidiani Queli Lubas , Azevedo Luciana Gonçalves de , Martins Olemar Cáceres , Lima Júnior Sidnei Eduardo
Published: February 2012

AIM: The present study analyzed the spatial variation in fish species richness and composition in streams of the Ivinhema River basin, Upper Paraná basin, determining the relationship between local and regional descriptors of the fish assemblage organization; METHOD: From 2001 to 2011 we sampled 200 stream stretches, using different sampling methods. Local species richness and composition were analyzed using univariate and multivariate methods to detect patterns of variation in the fish assemblage organization; RESULTS: We identified 111 fish species in the streams, and estimated the occurrence of 117 fish species (CIα0.05 = 111 to 123) with lower species richness in headwater streams compared to the lower parts of the basin. The fish species recorded were predominantly of small size, and the mean size increased from the headwaters to the river mouth. The four most common species are widely distributed in the basin. However, 24 species are allocthonous to the Upper Paraná basin, and two species (Chaetobranchopsis australis and Apistogramma commbrae) are recorded here for the first time in the Upper Paraná basin. Altitude was the main determinant of local fish species richness and composition, and a discontinuity in assemblage organization (richness, composition, fish size) was detected at approximately 430 m a.s.l.; CONCLUSION: Streams of the Ivinhema River basin are inhabited mainly by small-sized fishes; and longitudinal variation, interacting with local characteristics, determines the fish assemblage patterns.
Influence of urbanisation on water quality in the basin of the upper Uruguay River in western Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Ternus Raquel Zeni , Souza-Franco Gilza Maria de , Anselmini Maria Elena Krombauer , Mocellin Douglas João Carlos , Dal Magro Jacir
Published: February 2012

AIM: The main objective of the study was to evaluate the limnological characteristics of rivers flowing through urban and rural areas in the upper Uruguay River basin in western Santa Catarina (SC), Brazil. METHODS: Sampling sites in the tributaries were selected along the longitudinal gradient and the different use of the soil in adjacent areas. Samples were collected bimonthly from March 2005 to August 2006. The following were analysed: depth, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen concentration (DO), water temperature, chemical oxygen demand (COD), total alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and phosphorus were analysed. RESULTS: In most of the rivers analysed, we found a continuum from the spring to the river mouth that was characterised by a gradual increase in electrical conductivity, COD, phosphorus, alkalinity, nitrite and nitrate. However, an alteration from this pattern was found in rivers passing through urban areas. This deviation was due to high organic matter input poured into the rivers from these areas. CONCLUSIONS: Degraded riparian forest was observed along most of the bodies of water, which facilitates the entry of pollutants. Although the studied area suffers from intense farming activity (agriculture and livestock) and has the highest concentration of swine livestock in the country, the rivers that were most altered from their natural state were those that were influenced by sewage and industrial effluents from urban development.
Population and feeding structure of Steindachnerina notonota Miranda-Ribeiro, 1937 (Actinopterygii, Characiformes, Curimatidae) in Taperoá II dam, semi-arid region of Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Montenegro Ana Karla Araujo , Torelli Jane Enisa Ribeiro , Crispim Maria Cristina , Medeiros Ana Maria Alves
Published: February 2012

AIM: The present study investigated population structure, weight-length relationships, sex ratio and associations between feeding activity and reproductive period, diet and alimentary regime of Steindachnerina notonota at Taperoá II dam, semi-arid region of Paraíba State. METHODS: The region has the lowest pluviometric rates of Brazil. Fishes were collected during six sampling periods (October and December/2005, and March, June, August and October of 2006) encompassing two dry periods, and one rainy period. Cast, seine and gill nets were used to collect the individuals. RESULTS: Throughout the study period 120 individuals were collected, with total length ranging between 2.2 and 10.7 cm and weight between 0.31 and 43.1 g. A recruitment period, identified due to a higher abundance of small individuals in the population, was observed in the beginning of the rainy period of 2006, lasting until the beginning of the dry season. S. notonota showed a negative allometric growth type, i.e., individuals 'elongate' during their development. A significantly higher proportion of females were observed throughout the study period. The relationship between feeding and reproductive activities were not significant, given that individuals showed high feeding rates regardless of the intensity of their reproductive activities. Although the diet of S. notonota comprised several items such as plant debris, eggs, organic matter, phytoplankton, zooplankton, Nematoda, Ostracada, Conchostraca, among others, the most important feeding item was detritus, suggesting a predominant detritivirous feeding habit. CONCLUSIONS: Biological aspects of S. notonota observed in the present study suggest that this species has potential to attain great population sizes, as consequence of both diet and feeding dynamics, as well as its reproductive characteristics and growth type.
Effect of previous cyclic axial loads on pile groups
Authors: Li Zheming , Haigh Stuart K. , Bolton Malcolm D.
Published: February 2012

Numerous piles are often subjected to the combination of cyclic axial and cyclic lateral loads in service, such as piled foundations for offshore platforms which may suffer swaying and rocking motions owing to wind and wave actions. In this research, centrifuge tests were conducted to investigate the effect of previous cyclic axial loads on the performance of pile groups subjected to subsequent cyclic lateral loads. Different pile installation methods were also applied to study the different behaviour of bored and jacked pile groups subjected to cyclic loads. During lateral load cycling, it is seen that cyclic axial loads to which pile groups were previously subjected could reduce the pile cap permanent lateral displacement in the first lateral load cycle but do not influence the incremental rate of permanent displacement in the following lateral load cycles. Moreover, it is found that previous cyclic axial loads could improve the pile cap cyclic lateral secant stiffness, especially for the pre-jacked pile group. When rocking motions were induced by cyclic lateral loads, pile groups subjected to cyclic axial loads before have smaller permanent settlement than those without the cyclic axial loading effect. The designers of piles that are intended to resist significant lateral loads without excessive deformations in service may wish to deploy cyclic axial preloading, accordingly.
Preparation of fully saturated models for liquefaction study
Authors: Okamura Mitsu , Inoue Toshiyuki
Published: February 2012

The degree of saturation significantly influences the liquefaction resistance of sandy soils. In preparation of models for dynamic centrifuge tests and 1g shaking table tests, however, the degree of saturation has not been accurately controlled. A technique to prepare fully saturated model ground for liquefaction study is summarised in this paper, focusing on how vacuum pressure and centrifugal acceleration during the saturation process affect the degree of saturation. A method to evaluate degree of saturation of models accurately is developed first. Then, a total of ten experiments were conducted in which water was introduced to dry sand deposits at different atmospheric pressures at different centrifugal accelerations. It is confirmed that increased acceleration contributes to enhance degree of saturation and reduces time for the saturation process. Two dynamic centrifuge tests on models with different degrees of saturation, one almost fully saturated and the other slightly unsaturated, with the difference in degree of saturation between the two models being 1·5%, were conducted. Differences in excess pore pressure responses between the two models became more significant as the depth increased. It is concluded that a precise control of degree of saturation on the order of 0·1% is important in model tests related to liquefaction problems.
The evolution of dispersal in random environments and the principle of partial control
Authors: Altenberg Lee
Published: February 2012

In a recent paper, J. M. McNamara and S. R. Dall identified novel relationships between (1) the abundance of a species in different environments, (2) the temporal properties of environmental change, and (3) selection for or against dispersal. Here, the mathematics underlying these relationships in their two‐environment model are investigated for arbitrary numbers of environments. A population statistic, the fitness–abundance covariance, is introduced, which quantifies the property they describe. It is the covariance between growth rates and the excess abundance of the population over what it would be without heterogeneous growth rates. Its value depends on the phase in the life cycle when the population is censused, and the pre‐dispersal and post‐dispersal values differ as an example of Fisher's Fundamental Theorem. The fitness–abundance covariance is shown to involve the Reduction Principle from the population genetics literature on the evolution of genetic systems and migration, which is reviewed. Conditions that produce selection for increased unconditional dispersal are new instances of the Principle of Partial Control proposed to explain departures from reduction in the evolution of modifier genes. According to this principle, variation that only partially controls the processes that transform the transmitted information of organisms may be selected to increase the rates of these processes. The model's behavior is shown to depend on the harmonic mean of the durations of the environments, causal connection between successive environments, and the eigenvalues of the environmental change matrix. Analysis of the adaptive landscape in the model shows that the evolution of conditional dispersal is very sensitive to the spectrum of phenotypic variation produced by the population, and suggests that empirical study of a particular species will require an evaluation of its variational properties.
Male care in mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata palliata)
Authors: Zandonà Eugenia
Published: February 2012

No abstract
A preliminary study of the genetic diversity of pygmy marmoset Callithrix pygmaea (Primates: Cebidae: Callithrichinae) using Short Sequence Repeats (SSR)
Authors: Monteros Diego Alejandro Nieto , De la Torre Stella , Zuleta Ana María Troya , Arahana Venancio , Torres María Lourdes
Published: February 2012

No abstract
Observations of a fight between two adult male mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata)
Authors: Meyer Christopher , Young Orrey P.
Published: February 2012

No abstract
Use of Electronic Results Reporting to Diagnose and Monitor AKI in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Selby Nicholas M. , Crowley Lisa , Fluck Richard J. , McIntyre Christopher W. , Monaghan John , Lawson Nigel , Kolhe Nitin V.
Published: February 2012

Background and objectives

Many patients with AKI are cared for by non-nephrologists. This can result in variable standards of care that contribute to poor outcomes.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

To improve AKI recognition, a real-time, hospital-wide, electronic reporting system was designed based on current Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria. This system allowed prospective data collection on AKI incidence and outcomes such as mortality rate, length of hospital stay, and renal recovery. The setting was a 1139-bed teaching hospital with a tertiary referral nephrology unit.

Results

An electronic reporting system was successfully introduced into clinical practice (false positive rate, 1.7%; false negative rate, 0.2%). The results showed that there were 3202 AKI episodes in 2619 patients during the 9-month study period (5.4% of hospital admissions). The in-hospital mortality rate was 23.8% and increased with more severe AKI (16.1% for stage 1 AKI versus 36.1% for stage 3) (P<0.001). More severe AKI was associated with longer length of hospital stay for stage 1 (8 days; interquartile range, 13) versus 11 days for stage 3 (interquartile range, 16) (P<0.001) and reduced chance of renal recovery (80.0% in stage 1 AKI versus 58.8% in stage 3) (P<0.001). Utility of the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria was reduced in those with pre-existing CKD.

Conclusions

AKI is common in hospitalized patients and is associated with very poor outcomes. The successful implementation of electronic alert systems to aid early recognition of AKI across all acute specialties is one strategy that may help raise standards of care.
Hyperthermia With Mild Electrical Stimulation Protects Pancreatic β-Cells From Cell Stresses and Apoptosis
Authors: Kondo Tatsuya , Sasaki Kazunari , Matsuyama Rina , Morino-Koga Saori , Adachi Hironori , Suico Mary Ann , Kawashima Junji , Motoshima Hiroyuki , Furukawa Noboru , Kai Hirofumi , Araki Eiichi
Published: February 2012

Induction of heat shock protein (HSP) 72 improves metabolic profiles in diabetic model mice. However, its effect on pancreatic β-cells is not known. The current study investigated whether HSP72 induction can reduce β-cell stress signaling and apoptosis and preserve β-cell mass. MIN6 cells and db/db mice were sham-treated or treated with heat shock (HS) and mild electrical stimulation (MES) (HS+MES) to induce HSP72. Several cellular markers, metabolic parameters, and β-cell mass were evaluated. HS+MES treatment or HSP72 overexpression increased HSP72 protein levels and decreased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α–induced Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and proapoptotic signal in MIN6 cells. In db/db mice, HS+MES treatment for 12 weeks significantly improved insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. Upon glucose challenge, a significant increase in insulin secretion was observed in vivo. Compared with sham treatment, levels of HSP72, insulin, pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1, GLUT2, and insulin receptor substrate-2 were upregulated in the pancreatic islets of HS+MES-treated mice, whereas JNK phosphorylation, nuclear translocation of forkhead box class O-1, and nuclear factor-κB p65 were reduced. Apoptotic signals, ER stress, and oxidative stress markers were attenuated. Thus, HSP72 induction by HS+MES treatment protects β-cells from apoptosis by attenuating JNK activation and cell stresses. HS+MES combination therapy may preserve pancreatic β-cell volume to ameliorate glucose homeostasis in diabetes.
Adhesion of Indirect MOD Resin Composite Inlays Luted With Self-adhesive and Self-etching Resin Cements
Authors: Inukai T , Abe T , Ito Y , Pilecki P , Wilson RF , Watson TF , Foxton RM
Published: February 2012

This study investigated the effect of loading on the bond strength to dentin and microleakage of MOD indirect composite restorations bonded with self-adhesive and self-etching resin cements with or without acid etching of the proximal enamel margins. Class II MOD cavities were prepared in 48 molar teeth into dentin and divided into three groups of 16 teeth. Impressions were taken and indirect composite inlays fabricated (Estenia C & B). The enamel margins of the proximal boxes of half the specimens were phosphoric acid etched, and the inlays were cemented with one of three cements (Panavia F 2.0, SA Cement, or Rely X Unicem). After luting, eight teeth in each cement group were mechanically loaded at 2.5 cycles/s for 250,000 cycles. Unloaded teeth acted as controls. Teeth were stored in Rhodamine B solution for 24 hours, sectioned buccolingually at the proximal boxes to examine microleakage using confocal microscopy, and further sectioned for μTBS testing of the resin-dentin interface. Analysis of variance was performed to assess the effect of loading and acid etching on microleakage and bond strength. Acid etching had no effect on microleakage. No significant difference in the dentin bond strengths between the three cements existed after loading. Panavia F 2.0 exhibited a significant reduction in bond strength. With regard to microleakage at the proximal boxes, loading had no effect on dye penetration at the cavity floor. However, at the axial walls, loading had a significant deleterious effect on Panavia F 2.0. No difference in microleakage existed between the three cements at both sites before and after loading. In conclusion, the two tested self-adhesive cements exhibited similar bond strengths before and after loading to the self-etching resin cement. Loading reduced dentin bond strengths and increased microleakage at the resin-dentin interface. However, acid etching of the enamel margins had no significant effect on microleakage in the approximal regions of the bonded inlays.
Preliminary experiments on use of zebrafish as a laboratory model for Giardia duodenalis infection
Authors: Tysnes Kristoffer , Jørgensen Anders , Poppe Trygve , Midtlyng Paul , Robertson Lucy
Published: February 2012

Although Giardia duodenalis is considered a parasite of mammals, different genotypes have been identified as infecting several species of freshwater and marine fish in Australia. Establishment of G. duodenalis infection in common laboratory zebrafish (Danio rerio), could provide an excellent tool for a range of studies on Giardia. We conducted preliminary experiments to investigate this possibility. Zebrafish were inoculated with viable G. duodenalis cysts from two different Assemblages (A and D) using a modified oro-gastric tube. Direct microscopy and immunofluorescent antibody test were used to check for Giardia cysts/trophozoites in the intestine, and histology was performed on intestinal mucosa to evaluate possible pathological changes. Giardia cysts were successfully deposited in the zebrafish alimentary tract using a modified oro-gastric tube, and were maintained in the fish gut for at least 8 days. Although a single trophozoite was observed in one fish three days post-exposure, we were unable to demonstrate established, propagative infection under the conditions tested.
A new species of Hammerschmidtiella Chitwood, 1932 (Nematoda, Thelastomatidae) parasite of the brown cockroach Periplaneta brunnea Burmeister, 1838 (Blattodea, Blattidae) from Argentina
Authors: Camino Nora , Villalobos Cristina
Published: February 2012

A new species of the genus Hammerschmidtiella, H. eltalaensis sp. nov. parasitizing a brown cockroach Periplaneta brunnea Burmeister from El Tala river, Catamarca, Argentina, is described and illustrated. It is characterized by having the cuticle striated, without lateral alae, mouth with three toothed lips and eight labial papillae, amphids small and pore shaped, buccal capsule short, wide, with four mobile teeth, oesophagus with metacorpus valvate, isthmus cylindrical and thin surrounded by nerve ring, and a rounded basal bulb heavily muscled and valvate, the vulva is slightly protruding and lies in the anterior third of the body, didelphic, prodelphic, eggs small and elongate, the male with one spicule, without gubernaculum, the genital papillae arranged in one pair of small preanal papillae, and two postanal papillae, one pair is the base of the tail appendage. Tail appendage very long, thin, and reaching almost one third of the length of the body in the female. In the male the posterior end of the body abruptly truncated posterior to anus with spine-like long tail appendage.
Digenean parasites of Cariama cristata (Aves, Gruiformes) from Formosa Province, Argentina, with the description of a new species of the genus Strigea
Authors: Lunaschi Lía , Drago Fabiana
Published: February 2012

A new strigeid digenean, Strigea inflecta sp. nov., is described from the small intestine of the Red-legged Seriema, Cariama cristata (L.) (Gruiformes, Cariamidae) from Formosa Province, Argentina. This species is characterized by having a body plump, a cup-shaped forebody with a large opening, a sacciform hindbody, without a neck region and strongly curved dorsally, a poorly delimited copulatory bursa, wider than longer, a shallow and asymmetrical genital atrium, and a genital cone well delimited from body parenchyma, strongly muscular, inclined towards the surface ventral of the body. Another digenean species collected from Red-legged Seriema, Brachylaima yupanquii Freitas, Kohn et Ibáñez, 1967 (Brachylaimidae) is described with the addition of new morphological characters and morphometrical data. This species is reported for the first time in Argentina and C. cristata represents a new host record.
Detection and molecular characterization of ascarid nematode infection (Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara cati) in captive Asiatic lions (Panthera leo persica)
Authors: Pawar Rahul , Lakshmikantan Uthandaraman , Hasan Shakir , Poornachandar Anantula , Shivaji Sisinthy
Published: February 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate the ascarid infection in Asiatic lions using scat samples, based on microscopic analysis, PCR amplification of the ITS-2 region of ribosomal DNA and sequence analysis of the amplicons. Microscopic analysis indicated the presence of eggs of Toxascaris leonina in eleven of the sixteen scat samples analysed and in one of these eleven scats eggs of Toxocara cati were also detected. In five of the scats eggs were not detectable. The presence of T. leonina in all the infected samples was also confirmed by PCR amplification of the ITS-2 of ribosomal RNA gene and five of these also showed amplicons corresponding to T. cati, respectively. Toxocara canis infection was not observed in any of the scat samples. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the ITS-2 region indicated 97% to 99% similarity with T. leonina and T. cati, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular characterization of ascarid infection in captive Asiatic lions from a zoological garden of India. This study also indicates that Asiatic lions are more prone to infection either with T. leonina or T. cati and the parasite is not host specific.
Growth responses of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) to the climate in the south-eastern part of the Českomoravská Upland (Czech Republic)
Authors: Rybníček Michal , Čermák Petr , Kolář Tomáš , Žid Tomáš
Published: February 2012

The research was conducted in selected 80- to 110-year-old spruce stands in the south-eastern part of the Českomoravská Upland at altitudes from 350 m a.s.l. to 465 m a.s.l. The regional standard tree-ring chronology shows very low increments for years 1974, 1976 and 1992. After 1992, there is a sharp rise in increments with a climax in 1997. Afterwards, increments gradually decrease, reaching minima in 2003 and 2008. The years with low increments were also confirmed by the analysis of negative pointer years when over 80% of the analysed trees responded by a sharp decrease in increment, mainly in years 1976 and 1992. We can usually find values of monthly precipitation or monthly temperature average which can explain or help explain these falls in the radial growth. The correlations of diameter increments with average monthly precipitation gain only positive statistically significant values, namely for the months of May, June, July and August of the particular year. The correlations of diameter increments with average monthly temperatures gain only negative statistically significant values, namely for the months of June, July and September of the previous year and January and August of the particular year. In the examined area there is a significant negative correlation between average temperatures and monthly precipitation in July, August and September. The results of the habitual diagnostics show that with respect to the climatic conditions the health condition of the monitored stands is relatively good. On average, the defoliation does not exceed the values ascertained in different territories of the Czech Republic.
Composition and origin of nodules from the ≈20 ka Pomici di Base (PB)-Sarno eruption of Mt. Somma — Vesuvius, Italy
Authors: Klébesz Rita , Bodnar Robert , Vivo Benedetto , Török Kálmán , Lima Annamaria , Petrosino Paola
Published: February 2012

Nodules (coarse-grain “plutonic” rocks) were collected from the ca. 20 ka Pomici di Base (PB)-Sarno eruption of Mt. Somma-Vesuvius, Italy. The nodules are classified as monzonite-monzogabbro based on their modal composition. The nodules have porphyrogranular texture, and consist of An-rich plagioclase, K-feldspar, clinopyroxene (ferroan-diopside), mica (phlogopite-biotite) ± olivine and amphibole. Aggregates of irregular intergrowths of mostly alkali feldspar and plagioclase, along with mica, Fe-Ti-oxides and clinopyroxene, in the nodules are interpreted as crystallized melt pockets.

Crystallized silicate melt inclusions (MI) are common in the nodules, especially in clinopyroxenes. Two types of MI have been identified. Type I consists of mica, Fe-Ti-oxides and/or dark green spinel, clinopyroxene, feldspar and a vapor bubble. Volatiles (CO2, H2O) could not be detected in the vapor bubbles by Raman spectroscopy. Type II inclusions are generally lighter in color and contain subhedral feldspar and/or glass and several opaque phases, most of which are confirmed to be oxide minerals by SEM analysis. Some of the opaque-appearing phases that are below the surface may be tiny vapor bubbles. The two types of MI have different chemical compositions. Type I MI are classified as phono-tephrite — tephri-phonolite — basaltic trachy-andesite, while Type II MI have basaltic composition. The petrography and MI geochemistry led us to conclude that the nodules represent samples of the crystal mush zone in the active plumbing system of Mt. Somma-Vesuvius that were entrained into the upwelling magma during the PB-Sarno eruption.
Design Features of Activity-Based Models in Practice
Authors: Vovsha Peter , Freedman Joel , Livshits Vladimir , Sun Wu
Published: February 2012

This paper describes design features of several different regional activity-based models (ABMs) that share the coordinated travel–regional activity modeling platform (CT-RAMP) design and software platform. The CT-RAMP models are characterized by features such as a full simulation of travel decisions for discrete households and persons, explicit tracking of time in half-hourly increments, the use of time constraints on the generation of travel, and explicitly modeled intrahousehold interactions across a range of activity and travel dimensions. These important features allow for greater behavioral realism in representing the response to numerous transportation policies. Each implementation of the CT-RAMP system, as for many ABM systems used in practice over the years, shares certain common features with others. However, each implementation is tailored to address specific regional conditions and includes additional advanced features to provide increased policy sensitivity and greater behavioral realism. These features are explained in the paper and analyzed in the context of model applications for different transportation projects and policies. Some of these features stem from ongoing intensive research and development in the field, including cross-pollination of ideas between the CT-RAMP family and other ABMs developed elsewhere, but many other features are unique and were driven by practical needs. The main conclusion of this paper is that it is too early to establish a completely generic and standard approach to an ABM design in practice. The evolution of features in ABMs still continues and is driven by theoretical achievements in behavior research and practical considerations.
Investigation of Underlying Distributional Assumption in Nested Logit Model Using Copula-Based Simulation and Numerical Approximation
Authors: Ye Xin
Published: February 2012

This paper proposes a practical approach for drawing random samples that satisfy the underlying distributional assumptions in the nested logit model. This approach is a combined application of a series of statistical and numerical techniques including copula-based characterization of joint distributions, quasi-Monte Carlo integration, coordinate conversion, dichotomous approximation, and linear interpolation. With this approach, one may efficiently sample from and directly observe the distribution of common random components that result in correlation between random utilities in the nested logit model. Monte Carlo studies are conducted for two- and three-level nested logit models to evaluate the performance of random samples to recover model coefficients in nested logit models. Simulation experiments show that the relative differences are no more than 3% between mean values of estimators and their true values, indicating the proposed approach's high level of accuracy in reproducing random components in nested logit models.
Design of Comprehensive Microsimulator of Household Vehicle Fleet Composition, Utilization, and Evolution
Authors: Paleti Rajesh , Eluru Naveen , Bhat Chandra R. , Pendyala Ram M. , Adler Thomas J. , Goulias Konstadinos G.
Published: February 2012

This paper describes a comprehensive vehicle fleet composition, utilization, and evolution simulator that can be used to forecast household vehicle ownership and mileage by type of vehicle over time. The components of the simulator are developed in this research effort by using detailed revealed and stated preference data on household vehicle fleet composition, utilization, and planned transactions collected for a large sample of households in California. Results of the model development effort show that the simulator holds promise as a tool for simulating vehicular choice processes in the context of activity-based travel microsimulation model systems.
Goodness-of-Fit Evaluation Method for Agent-Based Household Microdata Sets Composed of Generalized Attributes
Authors: Otani Noriko , Sugiki Nao , Miyamoto Kazuaki
Published: February 2012

Microsimulation models of land use characterize attributes of a household and its location, referred to as microdata in this study. However, methods for evaluating the goodness of fit between estimated and observed sets of agent-based microdata have not been investigated extensively. Although the attributes of a household include various items, such as the relationship with the household head and ages of the members, housing type and spatial location, number of cars owned, and income, the attributes can be classified into general categories. The objective of the present study is to develop a goodness-of-fit evaluation method for agent-based household microdata sets composed of generalized attributes. First, a distance measure between the estimated and observed microdata for each household is defined. In this definition a generalized scheme is introduced, whereby attributes are structured by the household composition, attributes of the member, and attributes of the household as a whole. The goodness of fit is measured on the basis of the minimum sum of distances for all households in the study area. The calculation cannot be carried out with just a conventional algorithm for microdata of a typical size because the number of calculations increases in proportion to the factorial (N!) of the number (N) of agents. Therefore, a genetic algorithm, especially one using symbiotic evolution, is developed to solve the problem. The effectiveness of the method in regard to accuracy and calculation feasibility is confirmed by using person trip survey data for the Sapporo metropolitan area in Japan.
Analytic Relationships between Travel Time Reliability Measures
Authors: Pu Wenjing
Published: February 2012

Travel time reliability is measured in various ways. Measures used in the transportation engineering field include the 90th or 95th percentile travel time, standard deviation, coefficient of variation, percent of variation, buffer index, planning time index, travel time index, skew statistic, misery index, frequency of congestion, and on-time arrival. Correlations and inconsistencies between these measures were observed on a case-by-case basis in past studies, without a full explanation or examination of the fundamental causes of such differing relationships. This paper analytically examines a number of reliability measures and explores their mathematical relationships and interdependencies. With the assumption of lognormal distributed travel times and the use of percent point function, a subset of reliability measures is expressed in relation to the shape parameter or the scale parameter of the lognormal distribution or to both. This process enables a clear understanding of the quantitative relationships and variation tendencies of different measures. Contrary to some previous studies and recommendations, this paper finds that the coefficient of variation, instead of the standard deviation, is a good proxy for several other reliability measures. The use of the average-based buffer index or average-based failure rate is not always appropriate, especially when travel time distributions are heavily skewed, in which case the median-based buffer index or failure rate is recommended.
Network User Equilibrium Model for Scheduling Daily Activity Travel Patterns in Congested Networks
Authors: Ouyang L. Q. , Lam William H. K. , Li Z. C. , Huang D.
Published: February 2012

Travel demands are derived from the needs and the desires for participating in various activities, such as work, eating, and shopping. An understanding of the interaction between people's activity and travel choice behavior can serve as a base for long-term transport service planning and policy evaluation purposes. This paper proposes an activity-based network user equilibrium model for dealing with daily activity travel pattern (DATP) scheduling problems in congested networks, in which interdependency between people's activity and travel choices is comprehensively investigated. A diagonalization solution algorithm is developed to solve the scheduling problems. A remarkable merit of the developed solution algorithm is that it enables an automatic generation of individuals’ DATPs, implying obviation of an explicit enumeration of those patterns that often were required in many previous related studies. A numerical example is provided to illustrate the application of the proposed model and solution algorithm.
Joint Model of Participation in Nonwork Activities and Time-of-Day Choice Set Formation for Workers
Authors: Castro Marisol , Eluru Naveen , Bhat Chandra R. , Pendyala Ram M.
Published: February 2012

Nonwork activity and travel participation, an important component of overall travel demand, is complex to model because the greater degree of flexibility associated with such travel induces larger variability and randomness in the behavior. This paper aims to offer a framework for modeling workers’ participation in and travel mileage allocated to non-work activities during various time periods of the day. Five time-of-day blocks are defined for workers on the basis of the period of the day in relation to the work schedule. Individuals can choose to pursue nonwork activities in one or multiple time blocks and travel miles to accomplish the activities. A multiple discrete-continuous extreme value modeling approach is used to model this phenomenon. A unique element of the paper is the addition of a latent choice set generation model as a first component in the model system. This choice set generation model can be used to determine the set of time-of-day periods that each individual will consider for the pursuit of nonwork activities, while recognizing that the consideration choice set is not explicitly observed (and is therefore latent) by the analyst. Thus, the model system presented in this paper is capable of modeling nonwork activity engagement and associated travel mileage by time-of-day period while incorporating varying choice sets across individuals. The two-component model system is applied to a survey sample drawn from the San Francisco area in California and shown to perform substantially better than a pure multiple discrete-continuous extreme value model that assumes a constant choice set across the sample.
Variability of Travel Time, Users’ Uncertainty, and Trip Information
Authors: Zerguini Seghir , Khademi Navid , Shahi Jalil
Published: February 2012

Travel time saving plays an important role in the socioeconomic studies of the profitability of transport projects. This paper presents some parts of the studies performed in collaboration with SETRA, a department of the French Ministry of Transport, on the economic evaluation of operating roads. The paper includes four main parts. The first includes a description of how travelers’ decisions are influenced by the variability of travel time. The statistical analysis of the recorded travel time on a motorway in île-de-France, France, is developed to quantify the variability of travel time and to measure its magnitude. The second section is devoted to developing the methodological framework to capture the safety margin considered by travelers in their trip-making behaviors. A model is formulated to reflect the behavior of the traveler before making a trip. This model highlights the effect of each travel component, the mean of the travel time, the level of variability, and the safety margin chosen by the traveler before traveling. The third section extracts the optimal safety margin that minimizes the cost of the total time allocated to travel. The last section of the paper is devoted to some algebraic manipulation to characterize the features of the output if the variability of travel time in the economic evaluation of transport projects is incorporated. An expression is also given for the gain that operators bring when they reduce the variability of travel time or reduce the uncertainty that travelers feel by providing them with information.