bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Behavior of Proteins on Reversed-Phase Supports During High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Prediction of Protein Retention Time on Ymc Columns
Authors: Rotkaja O. , Golushko J. , Mekss P.
Published: September 2014

Protein molecules present more complex analytical challenges than conventional low molecular weight pharmaceutical compounds, and thus need powerful analytical approaches for the entire pharmaceutical development and quality control process. We used high-performance liquid chromatography to investigate the reversed-phase chromatographic behavior of eleven proteins (albumin, carbonic anhydrase, cytohrome c, L-glutamic dehydrogenase, enolase, α-lactoglobulin, Lysozyme, myoglobin and ribonuclease. By using a water/organic solvent/trifluoroacetic acid system the influence of experimental parameters was examined, and chromatographic results from two C4- chain-length supports were found to be comparable. The model enables prediction of initial conditions from two experimental data points for different types of reversed-phase columns with water-acetonitrile-TFA, water-methanol-TFA, and water-2-propanol-TFA mobile phases
Magnetic properties of cobalt microwires measured by piezoresistive cantilever magnetometry
Authors: Tosolini G. , Michalik J. M. , Córdoba R. , de Teresa J. M. , Pérez-Murano F. , Bausells J.
Published: September 2014

We present the magnetic characterization of cobalt wires grown by focused electron beam-induced deposition (FEBID) and studied using static piezoresistive cantilever magnetometry. We have used previously developed high force sensitive submicron-thick silicon piezoresistive cantilevers. High quality polycrystalline cobalt microwires have been grown by FEBID onto the free end of the cantilevers using dual beam equipment. In the presence of an external magnetic field, the magnetic cobalt wires become magnetized, which leads to the magnetic field dependent static deflection of the cantilevers. We show that the piezoresistive signal from the cantilevers, corresponding to a maximum force of about 1 nN, can be measured as a function of the applied magnetic field with a good signal to noise ratio at room temperature. The results highlight the flexibility of the FEBID technique for the growth of magnetic structures on specific substrates, in this case piezoresistive cantilevers.
Label-Free Photoacoustic Cell-Tracking In Real-Time
Authors: Xiang Liangzhong , Ahmad Moiz , Hu Xiang , Cheng Zhen , Xing Lei
Published: September 2014

Cell-tracking method has an important role in detection of metastatic circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cell-based therapies. Label-free imaging techniques are desirable for cell-tracking because they enable long time observations without photobleaching in living cells or tissues where labeling is not always possible. Photoacoustic microscopy is a label-free imaging technique that offers rich contrast based on nonfluorescent cellular optical absorption associated with intrinsic chromophores and pigments. We show here that photoacoustic imaging is feasible for detecting very low numbers (x 104) of melanoma cells without labeling because of the strong instinct optical absorption of melanin in near-infrared wavelength. Flowing melanoma cells are imaged with micrometerresolution (40 μm) and penetration depths of centimeters (13 mm) in real-time. Photoacoustic imaging as a new cell-tracking method provides a novel modality for cancer screening and offers insights into the underlying biological process of cancer growth and metastasis and cell therapy.
Axenic in vitro culture and molecular characterization of Giardia duodenalis from red deer (Cervus elaphus) and Thomson’s gazelle (Gazella thomsonii)
Authors: Solarczyk Piotr , Majewska Anna , Słodkowicz-Kowalska Anna
Published: September 2014

Giardia duodenalis is an ubiquitous flagellate that infects humans and many species of animals. This species exhibits great biotypic and genetic diversity. In the present study, we established short- and long-term in vitro cultures of G. duodenalis trophozoites originating from red deer and Thomson’s gazelle (artiodactyls) and genetically characterised the isolates by their glutamate dehydrogenase and triose phosphate isomerase gene sequences. The G. duodenalis isolates from red deer and the gazelle represented assemblages A (AIII sub-assemblage) and B. In conclusion, G. duodenalis assemblages and sub-assemblages can be associated with differences in growth rate in vitro cultures.
Topography and ultrastructure of the tegument of Aphallus tubarium (Rodolphi, 1819) Poche, 1926 (Digenea: Cryptogonimidae), intestinal parasite of the common Dentex dentex (Linnaeus 1758) from Valinco Gulf
Authors: Antonelli Laetitia , Quilichini Yann , Foata Joséphine , Marchand Bernard
Published: September 2014

The tegument ultrastructure of the intestinal fluke Aphallus tubarium was studied for the first time with the use of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. New details on morphology were recorded. The ultrastructural study revealed that the tegument of A. tubarium had a syncytial organization with a distal cytoplasm lying over a basal matrix and cytons. The surface of the tegument is covered with pectinate spines arranged quincuncially. As anterior-posterior differences were observed, particular attention was given to spines. Spines decrease in size and density from the anterior part of body to posterior part. Two types of sensory structures were identified, uniciliated and dome-shaped. Type 1 sensory receptors were outgrowths bearing groups of papillae with shorter and rigid apical seta visible on the anterior part of body surface, encircling the worm. Type 2 sensory receptors was dome-shaped papillae devoid of cilia, found mainly around the oral sucker. Diagrams of spines and sensory receptors were made to help in understanding the nature of these structures. Surface morphology may prove to be useful in distinguishing Aphallus spp with other Cryptogonimidae.
A new quill mite species Neopicobia hepburni sp. nov. (Cheyletoidea: Syringophilidae) parasitizing picid birds (Piciformes: Picidae) in Peru
Authors: Glowska Eliza , Laniecka Izabella
Published: September 2014

A new quill mite species Neopicobia hepburni sp. nov. is described from the Ecuadorian Piculet Picumnus sclateri Taczanowski (type host) and the Olivaceous Piculet Picumnus olivaceus Lafresnaye (Piciformes: Picidae) from Peru. Females of N. hepburni are distinguishable from most similar species N. ea Skoracki et Unsoeld by the propodonotal shield divided into 3 sclerites, the pygidial shield with a vertical furrow and wing-like appendages, the presence of the genital lobes, setae f2 2.7 times longer than f1 and length ratio of ag1:ag2:ag3 equals 2:1:2. In females of N. ea, the propodonotal shield is entire, the pygidial shield is oval, without vertical furrow and appendages, the genital lobes are absent, setae f2 are 4.5–5.5 times longer than f1 and length ratios of ag1:ag2:ag3 are 2.2–2.7:1:3–3.2.
The first clinically manifested case of angiostrongylosis in a dog in Slovakia
Authors: Miterpáková Martina , Hurníková Zuzana , Zalewski Artur
Published: September 2014

The first clinical case of canine angiostrongylosis from Slovakia, previously infection-free country, is described. 18-month old male Bernese mountain dog living in south-eastern part of Slovakia showed poor health condition characterized by weight loss, irritating cough, dispnoe, intense salivation, vomiting and bilateral scleral bleeding. Two times even the acute physical collapse occurred. Blood analysis was provided and revealed increase of total protein, eosinophilia, monocytosis, and mild thrombocytopenia. Anaemia characterized by reduced number of erythrocytes and reduced levels of haemoglobin, packed cell volume and iron was also diagnosed. Larvoscopic Baermann technique revealed the presence of Angiostrongylus first stage larvae. Infected dog excreted larvae in high numbers — in 10 g of the faecal material more than 800 larvae were counted. DNA analysis using PCR confirmed the presence of Angiostrongylus vasorum species. The first clinical case of angiostrongylosis has evidenced that the new life-threatening parasitic disease of dogs has spread to the territory of Slovakia. A serious effort is therefore inevitable to increase the professional awareness and knowledge on diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Human pathogenic borreliae in Ixodes ricinus ticks in natural and urban ecosystem (Czech Republic)
Authors: Venclíková Kristýna , Betášová Lenka , Šikutová Silvie , Jedličková Petra , Hubálek Zdeněk , Rudolf Ivo
Published: September 2014

A total of 1279 field-collected Ixodes ricinus ticks were screened for Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) in a natural and an urban ecosystem of Ostrava city (Czech Republic) by using molecular methods. Minimal prevalence rate for Borrelia burgdorferi s.l. in ticks for the urban park Bělský les was found to be 13.8% (17.6% in males, 17.8% in females and 11.7% in nymphs), similarly for the natural site Proskovice was minimal prevalence 15% (12.5% in males, 20% in females and 14.9% in nymphs). Six proven human pathogenic genomic species have been recorded in the study: B. afzelii, B. garinii, B. burgdorferi s.s., B. valaisiana, B. lusitaniae, and B. spielmanii. Emerging B. spielmanii was detected for the first time in Ixodes ricinus ticks in the region. Our results highlight the need for surveillance of zoonotic tick-borne pathogens even in urban areas.
DNA vaccine encoding Haemonchus contortus Actin induces partial protection in Goats
Authors: Yan Ruofeng , Wang Jingjing , Xu Lixin , Song Xiaokai , Li Xiangrui
Published: September 2014

Actin is a globular multi-functional protein that forms microfilaments, and participates in many important cellular processes. Previous study found that Haemonchus contortus actin could be recognized by the serum of goats infected with the homology parasite. This indicated that H. contortus actin could be a potential candidate for vaccine. In this study, DNA vaccine encoding H. contortus actin was tested for protection against experimental H. contortus infections in goats. Fifteen goats were allocated into three trial groups. The animals of Actin group were vaccinated with the DNA vaccine on day 0 and 14, and challenged with 5000 infective H. contortus third stage larval (L3) on day 28. An unvaccinated positive control group was challenged with L3 at the same time. An unvaccinated negative control group was not challenged with L3. The results showed that DNA vaccine were transcribed at local injection sites and expressed in vivo post immunizations respectively. For goats in Actin vaccinated group, higher levels of serum IgG, serum IgA and mucosal IgA were produced, the percentages of CD4+ T lymphocytes, CD8+ T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes and the concentrations of TGF-β were increased significantly (P<0.05). Following L3 challenge, the mean eggs per gram feces (EPG) and worm burdens of Actin group were reduced by 34.4% and 33.1%, respectively. This study suggest that recombinant H. contortus Actin DNA vaccine induced partial immune response and has protective potential against goat haemonchosis.
A new species of parasitic copepod Nothobomolochus and redescription of Orbitacolax hapalogenyos (Yamaguti and Yamasu, 1959) (Cyclopoida: Bomolochidae) off Iraq
Authors: Maran Balu , Moon Seong , Adday Thamir , Khamees Najim , Myoung Jung-Goo
Published: September 2014

A new species of bomolochid copepod Nothobomolochus ilhoikimi sp. n., (Cyclopoida), is described based on adult females collected from the gills of hilsa shad Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton) (Actinopterygii, Clupeidae) captured in waters off Iraq. The new species differs from its congeners by having the following combination of characters in the adult female: 1) anal somite not spinulate; 2) paragnath blunt and robust; 3) maxilla with slender proximal segment and distal segment with 2 accessory processes terminally; 4) the distal exopodal segment of leg 1 with 3 small spines; and 5) the terminal endopodal segment of leg 4 carrying one long and one short spine. It closely resembles N. triceros (Bassett-Smith, 1898) but prominently differs in above features and also in host specificity. In addition, another bomolochid Orbitacolax hapalogenyos (Yamaguti and Yamasu, 1959) is redescribed based on material collected from Japanese threadfin bream Nemipterus japonicus (Bloch) (Perciformes, Nemipteridae) captured in waters off Iraq. Two species clusters, the hapalogenyos and the analogus groups are recognized in this genus.
Molecular identification larvae of Onchobothrium antarcticum (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) from marbled rockcod, Notothenia rossii, in Admiralty Bay (King George Island, Antarctica)
Authors: Laskowski Zdzislaw , Rocka Anna
Published: September 2014

Antarctic bony fishes are infected with cestode larvae belonging to the order Tetraphyllidea (parasites as adults in chondrichthyans). Larvae of the Tetraphyllidea differ from each other in the morphology of their scoleces and represent five forms. There are larvae with bothridia subdivided into one, two and three loculi, bothridia sac-like in shape and bothridia undivided with hook-like projections. Only one species of the family Onchobothriidae, Onchobothrium antarcticum, has been described from Antarctica and larvae with trilocular bothridia were assigned to this cestode species. In this study, ten larvae obtained from Notothenia rossii and three adult specimens of Onchobothrium antarcticum isolated from Bathyraja eatonii were examined. A partial sequence of cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 of three adult specimens and four larvae was identical. The remaining six larval sequences differed from the sequences obtained from adult cestodes. Partial sequences of lsrDNA of all analyzed larvae were identical. These results confirm the taxonomic affiliation of the larvae with trilocular bothridia parasitizing marbled rockcod in Antarctica as Onchobothrium antarcticum.
Morphological and molecular characterization of Cucullanus hainanensis sp. nov. (Ascaridida: Cucullanidae) from Muraenichthys gymnopterus (Bleeker) (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) in the South China Sea
Authors: Xu Zhen , Zhang Lu-Ping , Li Liang
Published: September 2014

Cucullanus hainanensis sp. nov., collected from Muraenichthys gymnopterus (Bleeker) (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) in the South China Sea, was described using both light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species can be readily distinguished from its congeners by the large pseudobuccal capsule, the position of excretory pore and deirids, the length of spicules (0.64–0.76 mm, 5.84–6.67% of body length) and gubernaculum (0.21–0.24 mm), the number and arrangement of caudal papillae and the particular morphology of cloacal region in male. The new species was also characterized using molecular methods by sequencing and analysing the small subunit (18S) and the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA). In addition, Cucullanus muraenesocis (Yin et Zhang, 1983) was regarded a homonym of C. muraenesocis Yamaguti, 1961, and a new name, Cucullanus wangi nom. nov. was given to it.
A New Characterization of Generalized Complementary Basic Matrices
Authors: Fiedler Miroslav , Hall Frank J.
Published: September 2014

In this paper, a new characterization of previously studied generalized complementary basic matrices is obtained. It is in terms of ranks and structure ranks of submatrices defined by certain diagonal positions. The results concern both the irreducible and general cases
Postsurgical wound infections due to rapidly growing mycobacteria in Swiss medical tourists following cosmetic surgery in Latin America between 2012 and 2014
Authors: Maurer F P , Castelberg C , von Braun A , Wolfensberger A , Bloemberg G V , Böttger E C , Somoskovi A
Published: September 2014

Between October 2012 and August 2014, several Swiss patients developed severe soft tissue infections due to rapidly growing mycobacteria following cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Mexico. Infections were caused by Mycobacterium abscessus (n=5), Mycobacterium sp. JAN1 (n=1) and M. conceptionense (n=1). Similar cases may have remained unrecognised due to a lack of notification requirements. Microbiological work-up of medical tourists with infections following cosmetic surgery should include rapidly growing mycobacteria.
Hepatitis A outbreak in Italy, 2013: a matched case–control study
Authors: Montaño-Remacha C , Ricotta L , Alfonsi V , Bella A , Tosti M E , Ciccaglione A R , Bruni R , Taffon S , Equestre M , Losio M N , Carraro V , Franchini S , Natter B , Augschiller M , Foppa A , Gualanduzzi C , Massimiliani E , Finarelli A C , Borrini B M , Gallo T , Cozza V , Chironna M , Prato R , Rizzo C , Central Task Force on Hepatitis Collective
Published: September 2014

Binary file ES_Abstracts_Final_ECDC.txt matches
Impact of Introducing Longer and Heavier Vehicles on Regional Consumer Price Index and Spanish Road Freight Transport System
Authors: Guzman Andres Felipe , Vassallo Jose Manuel
Published: September 2014

This paper applies an integrated modeling approach to the case of Spain; the approach is based on a random utility-based multiregional input–output model and a road transport network model for assessing the effect of introducing longer and heavier vehicles (LHVs) on the regional consumer price index (CPI) and on the transportation system. The approach strongly supports the concept that changes in transport costs derived from the LHV allowance as well as the economic structure of regions have direct and indirect effects on the economy and on the transportation system. Results show that the introduction of LHVs might reduce prices paid by consumers for a representative basket of goods and services in the regions of Spain and would also lead to a reduction in the regional CPI. In addition, the magnitude and extent of changes in the transportation system are estimated by using the commodity-based structure of the approach to identify the effect of traffic changes on traffic flows and on pollutant emissions over the whole network.
Shipping Chain Choices in Long-Distance Supply Chains
Authors: Pourabdollahi Zahra , Karimi Behzad , Mohammadian Abolfazl K. , Kawamura Kazuya
Published: September 2014

Shipping chain configuration is one of the key logistics choices that have been ignored or treated insufficiently in the current freight transportation models. This study focuses on the shipping chain configuration and the modeling of its relevant logistics choices, including number of stops and stop types. A brief descriptive analysis of the results of an online establishment survey to explore different shipping chain configurations used by decision makers (business establishments) was done. Also, a system of hierarchical database models of shipping chain choice for freight transportation was presented. A system of decision tree models was proposed to determine the shipping chain configuration of freight transportation by identifying number of stops and type of stops per chain. The results of the survey were used for analysis and model estimation. The proposed decision tree models were developed by using 80% of the observations in the data, and the remaining 20% were used to validate the models. The results of model estimation indicated that shipments’ attributes were the most significant variables in predicting the configuration of the shipping chain. The results of the validation showed that the estimated trees could predict the shipping chain configuration for the test data with an acceptable precision, which confirmed that decision tree models were powerful tools that could be used to predict shipping chain configurations of freight flows.
Modeling Courier Vehicles’ Travel Behavior
Authors: Kim Sijin , Park Dongjoo , Kim Seheon , Park Hyeongjun
Published: September 2014

In this study, tour-based travel demand models were developed to describe the travel pattern of courier vehicles; the models overcome the limitations of four-step freight demand modeling. This study used a microsimulation-based modeling framework. The study area, Seoul, South Korea, was divided into block-based smaller traffic analysis zones, and the travel data from real-world courier service companies were used for model development and validation. The developed tour-based urban freight demand models were composed of eight steps: tour start, departure time choice, next-stop destination choice, vehicle movement, stop duration, next-stop purpose choice, return, and tour termination. After specific models were developed for each of the eight modules, the proposed modeling framework was applied, and the results were compared with the data observed in regard to average trip distance, trip length distribution, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, number of stops, and average travel distance of the tours. Overall, results of the proposed models were reasonable from the perspective of urban freight demand modeling.
City Logistics
Authors: Jiang Lan , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: September 2014

This paper addresses freight management in large, congested urban settings. Congestion creates a substantial variation in travel time (speeds) during morning peak and evening peak periods. Besides the day-to-day dynamics of traffic conditions, traffic incidents contribute significantly to urban congestion, resulting in unplanned travel delays. Urban route designs that ignore such significant variations are often found to be inefficient or even infeasible (in regard to delivery or pickup time windows) in a congested traffic environment. This limitation may lead to delays, higher operational costs, and inferior customer service. To take the dynamics of traffic conditions into account, the proposed modeling framework includes an underlying dynamic network traffic simulation-assignment model that is able to compute time-dependent shortest paths (TDSPs) and simulate individual vehicles on a realistic representation of urban road network elements, including signalization, ramp metering, and other operational controls. A two-phase set-partitioning–based heuristic approach is proposed to construct freight vehicle routes. No parameter tuning is required. The integrated modeling framework was first tested on a small network, and then the application was demonstrated on a real-world urban network, the Chicago, Illinois, area network, with problem instances of up to 500 customers with TDSPs updated at 10-min intervals.
Impacts of Extended Interstate Closures on Regional Freight Logistics
Authors: Troutner Tracy , Gkritza Konstantina
Published: September 2014

This paper uses freight performance measure (FPM) data to assess quantitatively the local effects of an Interstate closure. The use of FPM data allows for an empirical analysis beyond traditional theoretical modeling, simulations, user surveys, windshield surveys, and manual traffic counts. Specifically, this paper presents a case study of the localized changes in regional freight flows with origins and destinations in Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, and in Omaha, Nebraska, and Council Bluffs, Iowa, during the Missouri River flooding of 2011, which caused 49 mi of Interstate 29 to be closed for 115 days. Analysis results show that most of the regional truck traffic did not adhere to the detour routes designated by the state department of transportation, which aimed to keep the trucks on Interstates or four-lane divided facilities. Other routes used were found to be advantageous for driver costs, vehicle operating costs, travel time, and vehicle miles traveled. On average, as a result of the closure, vehicle and driver costs increased by an estimated 10.1%, travel time increased by 21%, and vehicle miles traveled increased by 12%. Finally, analysis of the progression of route selection during the 4-month period of the Interstate closure concluded that regional truck route selection progressed during the 4 months to the most efficient alternate routes between Kansas City and Omaha–Council Bluffs.
Measuring Bus Drivers’ Occupational Stress under Changing Working Conditions
Authors: Hlotova Yevheniia , Cats Oded , Meijer Sebastiaan
Published: September 2014

Stress is an immense problem in modern society; approximately half of all occupational illnesses are directly or indirectly related to stress. The work of a bus driver is typically associated with high stress levels that negatively influence individual well-being as well as workforce management. The current study examined the impact of newly proposed working conditions on bus drivers’ occupational stress by monitoring heart rate and by collecting data on mental workload with a questionnaire in operational driving conditions. The main determinants of stress levels were identified through multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that bus drivers experienced considerably lower stress levels under a new control strategy that shifts the performance objective from schedule adherence to service regularity. Higher stress levels were recorded during extreme weather conditions and peak hours and among inexperienced drivers. The measurements were performed with low-cost sports devices that can easily be used by practitioners.
Designing New York City Subways’ Key Performance Indicators to Improve Service Delivery and Operations
Authors: Reddy Alla , Lu Alex , Boguslavsky Mikhail , Levine Brian
Published: September 2014

A balanced scorecard (BSC) is widely used in private industry and the public sector to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and to help achieve strategic outcomes. This concept is widely used in the transit industry for carrier–regulator contractual relationships and performance monitoring. After a fact-finding mission to Southeast Asia, New York City Transit (NYCT) adopted KPIs for continuous improvement of service delivery performance. Subway line-level KPIs based on BSC concepts were introduced in conjunction with a line general manager program and numerous initiatives for incremental performance management. After a reorganization that re-created functional departments—car equipment, stations, and rapid transit operations—BSC was applied at departmental levels and resulted in maintenance-oriented passenger environment survey (PES)-KPIs and operations-oriented service (S)-KPIs. Weightings of indicator sub components were assigned as a result of surveys of customer priorities. KPIs provided one number that represented overall performance, and they also made it possible to identify each subcomponent's contribution. The KPI design processes generated public feedback; this feedback prompted NYCT to tighten underlying performance standards. Today, PES-KPIs and S-KPIs are reported monthly to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board's NYCT Committee. Advantages of these indicators include high-level visibility and ease of communication, timely report availability, and detailed diagnostics. These factors, together with a reinvigorated competitive spirit between divisions triggered by reorganizations, resulted in a much more proactive organization focused on using performance scores to take corrective action. Wait assessment, the principal component of the S-KPI, improved 2.5% on the heavily crowded 1 through 6 lines in 2012 compared with 2011, even as ridership increased steadily systemwide.
Measuring Route-Level Passenger Perceived Transit Service Reliability with an Agent-Based Simulation Approach
Authors: An Jian , Liu Yue , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: September 2014

This research presents an agent-based method to simulate the day-today bus service process and effectively capture the perception and cognition of passengers under various operational and information conditions. Two indicators, the perceived waiting time and the reliability index, were developed to measure transit service reliability on the basis of the simulation results. Case studies revealed the promising properties of the proposed method for use in measuring transit service reliability from the perspective of passengers. The proposed method was also shown to outperform most traditional models in reflecting passengers’ perception as well as their responses to transit services under information conditions.
Public Transport Pricing Policy
Authors: Cats Oded , Reimal Triin , Susilo Yusak
Published: September 2014

Cities worldwide are looking for new policies to attract travelers to shift from cars to public transport. Policies focused on reducing public transport fares are aimed at improving social inclusion and leading to a modal shift. The City of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, has recently introduced a fare-free public transport (FFPT) service in an effort to improve accessibility and mobility for its residents. The case of Tallinn is a full-scale, real-world experiment that provides a unique opportunity for investigating the impacts of FFPT policy. A macrolevel empirical evaluation of FFPT impacts on service performance, passenger demand, and accessibility for various groups of travelers is presented. In contrast to previous studies, the influence of FFPT on passenger demand was estimated while changes in supply were controlled. The results indicate that the FFPT measure accounts for an increase of 1.2% in passenger demand, with the remaining increase attributed to an extended network of public transport priority lanes and increased service frequency. The relatively small effect could be attributed to the previous price level and public transport share as well as analysis of the short-term impact. The evidence-based policy evaluation in this paper is instrumental in supporting policy making and facilitating the design of public transport pricing strategies.
Transitory Optimism
Authors: Diab Ehab I. , El-Geneidy Ahmed M.
Published: September 2014

Passengers’ perception and satisfaction have long been seen and used as important measures of transit service quality and attractiveness. This research tried to understand better transit passengers’ perception of the implementation of various improvement strategies in bus service over time. The study analyzed three surveys of bus user perceptions conducted over a period of 3 years. The study also used stop-level data collected from the Société de Transport de Montréal's automated vehicle location and automatic passenger count systems and bus schedules in Montreal, Canada, to measure the actual changes in service. Descriptive statistics and regression models were used for a better understanding of the differences between perceptions and reality. The implementation of various strategies had a limited impact on the short-term overestimation by users of their waiting time benefits, whereas the implementation had a long-term impact on their travel time overestimation. This study can be of interest to marketing and planning departments at transit agencies, because it provides them with new insights into passengers’ perception and satisfaction.
Accessibility of Communication Technology and the Rider Experience
Authors: Windmiller Sarah , Hennessy Todd , Watkins Kari Edison
Published: September 2014

Real-time information (RTI) informing transit riders about transit schedules, next bus or train arrivals, and service alerts is increasingly available, particularly through Internet-enabled smartphone applications. Alternative technologies, such as interactive voice response and mobile-based websites, can also provide this information. Currently, the extent of communication technology use by transit riders is largely unknown. Paired with an investigation of cellular phone use by transit riders and the general American population, an analysis of Saint Louis, Missouri, Metro's onboard survey data was conducted to examine riders’ communication technology use and to determine how this use may affect rider experience and ridership-generating potential. Additional analyses identified specific demographic groups that would benefit from supplemental technology methods more conducive to their particular information accessibility. Results showed that communication technology use had risen substantially in recent years and that Metro riders who used smart-phones or text messaging reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction with service factors, such as the ability to make transfer connections and personal security at transit centers. Specific demographic groups (e.g., riders older than 40 years of age) were less likely to own smartphones, and therefore computer-based websites and inter active voice responses might be the best supplementary alternatives for those groups. The current study emphasizes the growing need for RTI applications in the transit industry and suggests that development of enhanced communication methodologies can positively affect the rider experience. Furthermore, differences in individual technology accessibility call for RTI application development that mirrors the unique characteristics of its ridership.
Number and location of draining veins in pediatric arteriovenous malformations: association with hemorrhage
Authors: Kellner Christopher P. , McDowell Michael M. , Phan Michelle Q. , Connolly E. Sander , Lavine Sean D. , Meyers Philip M. , Sahlein Daniel , Solomon Robert A. , Feldstein Neil A. , Anderson Richard C.E.
Published: September 2014

Object

The significance of draining vein anatomy is poorly defined in pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). In adult cohorts, the presence of fewer veins has been shown to lead to an increased rate of hemorrhage, but this phenomenon has not yet been studied in pediatric AVMs. This report analyzes the impact of draining vein anatomy on presentation and outcome in a large series of pediatric AVMs.

Methods

Eighty-five pediatric patients with AVMs were treated at the Columbia University Medical Center between 1991 and 2012. Charts were retrospectively reviewed for patient characteristics, clinical course, neurological outcome, and AVM angioarchitectural features identified on the angiogram performed at presentation. Univariate analyses were performed using chi-square test and ANOVA when appropriate; multivariate analysis was performed using logistic regression.

Results

Four patients were excluded due to incomplete records. Twenty-seven patients had 2 or 3 draining veins; 12 (44.4%) of these patients suffered from hemorrhage prior to surgery. Fifty-four patients had 1 draining vein; 39 (72.2%) of these 54 suffered from hemorrhage. Independent predictors of hemorrhage included the presence of a single draining vein (p = 0.04) and deep venous drainage (p = 0.02). Good outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score < 3) on discharge was found to be associated with higher admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores (p = 0.0001, OR 0.638, 95% CI 0.40–0.93). Poor outcome (mRS score > 2) on discharge was found to be associated with deep venous drainage (p = 0.04, OR 4.68, 95% CI 1.1–19.98). A higher admission GCS score was associated with a lower discharge mRS score (p = 0.0003, OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.46–0.79), and the presence of a single draining vein was associated with a lower mRS score on long-term follow-up (p = 0.04, OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.032–0.99).

Conclusions

The authors' data suggest that the presence of a single draining vein or deep venous drainage plays a role in hemorrhage risk and ultimate outcome in pediatric AVMs. Small AVMs with a single or deep draining vein may have the highest risk of hemorrhage.
Superficial siderosis: bleeding from the bone marrow after laminectomy for spinal tumor removal
Authors: Yokosuka Junichi , Takai Keisuke , Komori Takashi , Taniguchi Makoto
Published: September 2014

Superficial siderosis of the CNS is a rare disease characterized by the deposition of hemosiderin in the subpial layers of the CNS as the result of chronic subarachnoid bleeding. The arrest of bleeding is important for preventing the progression of this disease; however, the exact source of bleeding remains unknown in most cases because of a lack of objective surgical data. The authors of this report have described a unique case of superficial siderosis following cervical laminectomy and autograft fusion for the removal of a spinal schwannoma; the bleeding source was verified by intraoperative and histopathological findings. The patient exhibited no obvious neurological deficits, such as hearing loss or cerebellar ataxia, when the superficial siderosis was diagnosed, although there were the social impairments associated with schizophrenia. During repair surgery, the bleeding source was revealed as the bone marrow vasculature of the remaining vertebral arch, and not the fragile vessels at the dural defect or the residual tumor. Chronic bleeding was stopped before the onset of irreversible neurological deficits in this case. Bone marrow exposed to the intrathecal space may represent a chronic bleeding source in patients with superficial siderosis following CNS surgery including laminectomy or craniotomy. The following recommendations have been proposed for superficial siderosis of the CNS from both a preventative and a therapeutic perspective: 1) During CNS surgery, neurosurgeons should make every effort to prevent exposing bone marrow to the intrathecal space to avoid the risk of chronic subarachnoid bleeding. 2) In the case of a large dural defect and pseudomeningocele following CNS surgery, bone marrow around the dural defect should be considered as the bleeding source of superficial siderosis, and such cases should undergo revision surgery before the progression of this disease.
Spinal cord herniation as a complication of en bloc, multilevel, anterior thoracic vertebrectomy for a giant cell tumor: success of posterior cord reduction and dural repair
Authors: Kawsar Khandkar A. , Bhatia Robin , Casey Adrian C. T. H.
Published: September 2014

Iatrogenic spinal cord herniation is a rare complication following spinal stabilization surgery. The authors present a case of circumferential thoracic tumor decompression and fixation by anterior instrumentation complicated by delayed anterior spinal cord herniation. This complication resulted in progressive paraparesis 5 years after the original procedure. The patient underwent reexploration and repair of the dural defect, resulting in the reduction of the spinal cord to its normal position. The patient's paraparesis improved significantly after dural repair. Although progression of neurological deficit can be very slow, repair of the dural defect can restore normal spinal cord alignment and improve neurological deficit. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first reported case of spinal cord herniation following an anterior thoracic vertebrectomy.
Correction: Cecotti, H. and Rivet, B. Subject Combination and Electrode Selection in Cooperative Brain-Computer Interface Based on Event Related Potentials. Brain Sci. 2014, 4, 335–355
Authors: Cecotti Hubert , Rivet Bertrand
Published: September 2014

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper (Cecotti, H.; Rivet, B. Subject Combination and Electrode Selection in Cooperative Brain-Computer Interface Based on Event Related Potentials. Brain Sci. 2014, 4, 335–355): Due to an internal error, the reference numbers in the original published paper were not shown, and the error was not due to the authors. The former main text should be replaced as below.
Governing and Delivering a Biome-Wide Restoration Initiative: The Case of Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact in Brazil
Authors: Pinto Severino , Melo Felipe , Tabarelli Marcelo , Padovesi Aurélio , Mesquita Carlos , De Mattos Scaramuzza Carlos , Castro Pedro , Carrascosa Helena , Calmon Miguel , Rodrigues Ricardo , César Ricardo , Brancalion Pedro
Published: September 2014

In many human-modified tropical landscapes, biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services require large-scale restoration initiatives. Such initiatives must be able to augment the amount and the quality of remaining natural habitats. There is thus a growing need for long-term, multi-stakeholder and multi-purpose initiatives that result in multiple ecological and socioeconomic benefits at the biome scale. The Atlantic Forest Restoration Pact (AFRP) is a coalition of 260+ stakeholders, including governmental agencies, private sector, NGOs and research institutions, aimed at restoring 15 million ha of degraded and deforested lands by 2050. By articulating, and then integrating common interests, this initiative has allowed different sectors of society to implement an ambitious vision and create a forum for public and private concerns regarding forest restoration. The AFRP adopts a set of governance tools so multiple actors can implement key processes to achieve long-term and visionary restoration goals. Having overcome some initial challenges, AFRP now has to incorporate underrepresented stakeholders and enhance its efforts to make forest restoration more economically viable, including cases where restoration could be less expensive and profitable. The AFRP experience has resulted in many lessons learned, which can be shared to foster similar initiatives across tropical regions.
Social and Physical Environmental Correlates of Adults’ Weekend Sitting Time and Moderating Effects of Retirement Status and Physical Health
Authors: Van Holle Veerle , McNaughton Sarah , Teychenne Megan , Timperio Anna , Van Dyck Delfien , De Bourdeaudhuij Ilse , Salmon Jo
Published: September 2014

Emerging research suggests that prolonged sedentary behaviour (SB) is detrimental to health. Changes in SB patterns are likely to occur during particular life stages, for example at retirement age (55–65-year-old). Evidence on socio-ecological SB correlates is scarce and inconsistent in this age group. Moreover, the influence of socio-ecological correlates may vary depending on health and retirement status. This study examined social and environment correlates of overall weekend day sitting among adults at or approaching retirement age, and moderating effects of perceived physical health and retirement status. Baseline data from the Wellbeing, Eating and Exercise for a Long Life study in 2839 Australian adults (55–65-year-old) were analysed. Participants self-reported proximal social factors, neighbourhood social and physical environment, physical health and retirement status. MLwiN multilevel regression analyses were conducted. In the multivariable model, only social support from friends/colleagues to discourage sitting (B = −0.891; p = 0.036) was associated with overall weekend day sitting. No moderation of retirement status, nor physical health were found in the multivariable results. Results from this study suggest the importance of social factors in relation to weekend day sitting among 55–65-year-old adults. Health promotion initiatives in this age group should pay special attention to enhancing social interaction opportunities. Moreover, findings suggest that SB-specific correlates may need to be examined in future research.
Evaluation of Immunomagnetic Separation for the Detection of Salmonella in Surface Waters by Polymerase Chain Reaction
Authors: Hsu Chao-Yu , Hsu Bing-Mu , Chang Tien-Yu , Hsu Tsui-Kang , Shen Shu-Min , Chiu Yi-Chou , Wang Hung-Jen , Ji Wen-Tsai , Fan Cheng-Wei , Chen Jyh-Larng
Published: September 2014

Salmonella spp. is associated with fecal pollution and capable of surviving for long periods in aquatic environments. Instead of the traditional, time-consuming biochemical detection, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) allows rapid identification of Salmonella directly concentrated from water samples. However, prevalence of Salmonella may be underestimated because of the vulnerability of PCR to various environmental chemicals like humic acid, compounded by the fact that various DNA polymerases have different susceptibility to humic acid. Because immunomagnetic separation (IMS) theoretically could isolate Salmonella from other microbes and facilitate removal of aquatic PCR inhibitors of different sizes, this study aims to compare the efficiency of conventional PCR combined with immunomagnetic separation (IMS) for Salmonella detection within a moderately polluted watershed. In our study, the positive rate was increased from 17.6% to 47% with nearly ten-fold improvement in the detection limit. These results suggest the sensitivity of Salmonella detection could be enhanced by IMS, particularly in low quality surface waters. Due to its effects on clearance of aquatic pollutants, IMS may be suitable for most DNA polymerases for Salmonella detection.
A Concept for Uncertainty-Aware Analysis of Land Cover Change Using Geovisual Analytics
Authors: Kinkeldey Christoph
Published: September 2014

Analysis of land cover change is one of the major challenges in the remote sensing and GIS domain, especially when multi-temporal or multi-sensor analyses are conducted. One of the reasons is that errors and inaccuracies from multiple datasets (for instance caused by sensor bias or spatial misregistration) accumulate and can lead to a high amount of erroneous change. A promising approach to counter this challenge is to quantify and visualize uncertainty, i.e., to deal with imperfection instead of ignoring it. Currently, in GIS the incorporation of uncertainty into change analysis is not easily possible. We present a concept for uncertainty-aware change analysis using a geovisual analytics (GVA) approach. It is based on two main elements: first, closer integration of change detection and analysis steps; and second, visual communication of uncertainty during analysis. Potential benefits include better-informed change analysis, support for choosing change detection parameters and reduction of erroneous change by filtering. In a case study with a change scenario in an area near Hamburg, Germany, we demonstrate how erroneous change can be filtered out using uncertainty. For this, we implemented a software prototype according to the concept presented. We discuss the potential and limitations of the concept and provide recommendations for future work.
Applicability of Vacuum Impregnation to Modify Physico-Chemical, Sensory and Nutritive Characteristics of Plant Origin Products—A Review
Authors: Radziejewska-Kubzdela Elżbieta , Biegańska-Marecik Róża , Kidoń Marcin
Published: September 2014

Vacuum impregnation is a non-destructive method of introducing a solution with a specific composition to the porous matrices of fruit and vegetables. Mass transfer in this process is a result of mechanically induced differences in pressure. Vacuum impregnation makes it possible to fill large volumes of intercellular spaces in tissues of fruit and vegetables, thus modifying physico-chemical properties and sensory attributes of products. This method may be used, e.g., to reduce pH and water activity of the product, change its thermal properties, improve texture, color, taste and aroma. Additionally, bioactive compounds may be introduced together with impregnating solutions, thus improving health-promoting properties of the product or facilitating production of functional food.
A Novel Poly-Naphthol Compound ST104P Suppresses Angiogenesis by Attenuating Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Expression in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Ma Yi-Ling , Lin Shih-Wei , Fang Hua-Chang , Chou Kang-Ju , Bee Youn-Shen , Chu Tian-Huei , Chang Ming-Chi , Weng Wen-Tsan , Wu Chang-Yi , Cho Chung-Lung , Tai Ming-Hong
Published: September 2014

Angiogenesis, the process of neovascularization, plays an important role in physiological and pathological conditions. ST104P is a soluble polysulfated-cyclo-tetrachromotropylene compound with anti-viral and anti-thrombotic activities. However, the functions of ST104P in angiogenesis have never been explored. In this study, we investigated the effects of ST104P in angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Application of ST104P potently suppressed the microvessels sprouting in aortic rings ex vivo. Furthermore, ST104P treatment significantly disrupted the vessels’ development in transgenic zebrafish in vivo. Above all, repeated administration of ST104P resulted in delayed tumor growth and prolonged the life span of mice bearing Lewis lung carcinoma. Mechanistic studies revealed that ST104P potently inhibited the migration, tube formation and wound closure of human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs). Moreover, ST104P treatment inhibited the secretion and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in a dose-dependent manner. Together, these results suggest that ST104P is a potent angiogenesis inhibitor and may hold potential for treatment of diseases due to excessive angiogenesis including cancer.