bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Craniodental mechanics and diet in Asian colobines: Morphological evidence of mature seed predation and sclerocarpy
Authors: Koyabu Daisuke B. , Endo Hideki
Published: January 2010

Folivory has been accepted as the general dietary pattern for colobines. However, recent ecological studies have revealed that extensive seed eating is found in some colobine species. The ripeness of foraged seeds is also reported to differ between seed eaters. As seeds are generally stress‐limited and may pose greater mechanical demands, seed‐eating species are predicted to exhibit morphological features adaptive for seed predation. In addition, species that feeds on seeds from unripe fruits with hard pericarp is predicted to exhibit increased leverage for anterior dentition. To test these hypotheses, we compared the craniodental morphology of seed‐eating Asian colobines (Presbytis rubicunda and Trachypithecus phayrei) with those of species that rarely exploit seeds (Presbytis comata, Trachypithecus obscurus, and Semnopithecus vetulus). The results show that the seed‐eating colobines possess a masticatory system with enhanced leverage at postcanine bite points. The sclerocarpic forager P. rubicunda also exhibits markedly greater masticatory leverage at anterior dental bite points, while the mature‐seed‐eating T. phayrei shows no such advantage for canine and incisor use. These observations suggest that P. rubicunda is well adapted to husking the resistant pericarps of unripe fruits, using the anterior dentition and to gain access to the immature seeds, whereas such sclerocarpic feeding behavior may be less important for T. phayrei. Our findings indicate that the distinctive craniodental variations of colobines may be linked to mature and/or immature seed eating and suggest the significance of seed predation for the evolution of colobine monkeys. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Bayesian analysis of the temporal change of local density of proboscis monkeys: Implications for environmental effects on a multilevel society
Authors: Matsuda Ikki , Kubo Takuya , Tuuga Augustine , Higashi Seigo
Published: January 2010

To understand the effects of environmental factors on a social system with multilevel society in proboscis monkey units, the temporal change of the local density of sleeping sites of monkeys was investigated along the Menanggul river from May 2005 to 2006 in Malaysia. Proboscis monkeys typically return to riverside trees for night sleeping. The sleeping site locations of a one‐male unit (BE‐unit) were recorded and the locations of other one‐male and all‐male units within 500 m of the BE‐unit were verified. In addition, environmental factors (food availability, the water level of the river, and the river width) and copulation frequency of BE‐unit were recorded. From the analyses of the distance from the BE‐unit to the nearest neighbor unit, no spatial clumping of the sleeping sites of monkey units on a smaller scale was detected. The results of a Bayesian analysis suggest that the conditional local density around the BE‐unit can be predicted by the spatial heterogeneity along the river and by the temporal change of food availability, that is, the local density of monkey units might increase due to better sleeping sites with regard to predator attacks and clumped food sources; proboscis monkeys might not exhibit high‐level social organization previously reported. In addition, this study shows the importance of data analysis that considers the effects of temporal autocorrelation, because the daily measurements of longitudinal data on monkeys are not independent of each other. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A western Eurasian male is found in 2000‐year‐old elite Xiongnu cemetery in Northeast Mongolia
Authors: Kim Kijeong , Brenner Charles H. , Mair Victor H. , Lee Kwang‐Ho , Kim Jae‐Hyun , Gelegdorj Eregzen , Batbold Natsag , Song Yi‐Chung , Yun Hyeung‐Won , Chang Eun‐Jeong , Lkhagvasuren Gavaachimed , Bazarragchaa Munkhtsetseg , Park Ae‐Ja , Lim Inja , Hong Yun‐Pyo , Kim Wonyong , Chung Sang‐In , Kim Dae‐Jin , Chung Yoon‐Hee , Kim Sung‐Su , Lee Won‐Bok , Kim Kyung‐Yong
Published: January 2010

We analyzed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), Y‐chromosome single nucleotide polymorphisms (Y‐SNP), and autosomal short tandem repeats (STR) of three skeletons found in a 2,000‐year‐old Xiongnu elite cemetery in Duurlig Nars of Northeast Mongolia. This study is one of the first reports of the detailed genetic analysis of ancient human remains using the three types of genetic markers. The DNA analyses revealed that one subject was an ancient male skeleton with maternal U2e1 and paternal R1a1 haplogroups. This is the first genetic evidence that a male of distinctive Indo‐European lineages (R1a1) was present in the Xiongnu of Mongolia. This might indicate an Indo‐European migration into Northeast Asia 2,000 years ago. Other specimens are a female with mtDNA haplogroup D4 and a male with Y‐SNP haplogroup C3 and mtDNA haplogroup D4. Those haplogroups are common in Northeast Asia. There was no close kinship among them. The genetic evidence of U2e1 and R1a1 may help to clarify the migration patterns of Indo‐Europeans and ancient East‐West contacts of the Xiongnu Empire. Artifacts in the tombs suggested that the Xiongnu had a system of the social stratification. The West Eurasian male might show the racial tolerance of the Xiongnu Empire and some insight into the Xiongnu society. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Allelic and haplotypic structure at the DRD2 locus among five North Indian caste populations
Authors: Saraswathy Kallur N. , Meitei S. Yaiphaba , Gupta Vipin , Murry Benrithung , Sachdeva Mohinder P. , Ghosh Pradeep K.
Published: January 2010

The dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) gene, with its known human‐specific derived alleles that can facilitate haplotype reconstruction, presents an important locus for anthropological studies. The three sites (TaqIA, TaqIB, and TaqID) of the DRD2 gene are widely studied in various world populations. However, no work has been previously published on DRD2 gene polymorphisms among North Indian populations. Thus, the present study attempts to understand the genetic structure of North Indian upper caste populations using the allele and haplotype frequencies and distribution patterns of the three TaqI sites of the DRD2 gene. Two hundred forty‐six blood samples were collected from five upper caste populations of Himachal Pradesh (Brahmin, Rajput and Jat) and Delhi (Aggarwal and Sindhi), and analysis was performed using standard protocols. All three sites were found to be polymorphic in all five of the studied populations. Uniform allele frequency distribution patterns, low heterozygosity values, the sharing of five common haplotypes, and the absence of two of the eight possible haplotypes observed in this study suggest a genetic proximity among the selected populations. The results also indicate a major genetic contribution from Eurasia to North Indian upper castes, apart from the common genetic unity of Indian populations. The study also demonstrates a greater genetic inflow among North Indian caste populations than is observed among South Indian caste and tribal populations. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Contributions of enamel‐dentine junction shape and enamel deposition to primate molar crown complexity
Authors: Skinner Matthew M. , Evans Alistair , Smith Tanya , Jernvall Jukka , Tafforeau Paul , Kupczik Kornelius , Olejniczak Anthony J. , Rosas Antonio , Radovčić Jakov , Thackeray J. Francis , Toussaint Michel , Hublin Jean‐Jacques
Published: January 2010

Molar crown morphology varies among primates from relatively simple in some taxa to more complex in others, with such variability having both functional and taxonomic significance. In addition to the primary cusps, crown surface complexity derives from the presence of crests, cuspules, and crenulations. Developmentally, this complexity results from the deposition of an enamel cap over a basement membrane (the morphology of which is preserved as the enamel‐dentine junction, or EDJ, in fully formed teeth). However, the relative contribution of the enamel cap and the EDJ to molar crown complexity is poorly characterized. In this study we examine the complexity of the EDJ and enamel surface of a broad sample of primate (including fossil hominin) lower molars through the application of micro‐computed tomography and dental topographic analysis. Surface complexity of the EDJ and outer enamel surface (OES) is quantified by first mapping, and then summing, the total number of discrete surface orientation patches. We investigate the relative contribution of the EDJ and enamel cap to crown complexity by assessing the correlation in patch counts between the EDJ and OES within taxa and within individual teeth. We identify three patterns of EDJ/OES complexity which demonstrate that both crown patterning early in development and the subsequent deposition of the enamel cap contribute to overall crown complexity in primates. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Are behavioral differences among wild chimpanzee communities genetic or cultural? An assessment using tool‐use data and phylogenetic methods
Authors: Lycett Stephen J. , Collard Mark , McGrew William C.
Published: January 2010

Over the last 30 years it has become increasingly apparent that there are many behavioral differences among wild communities of Pan troglodytes. Some researchers argue these differences are a consequence of the behaviors being socially learned, and thus may be considered cultural. Others contend that the available evidence is too weak to discount the alternative possibility that the behaviors are genetically determined. Previous phylogenetic analyses of chimpanzee behavior have not supported the predictions of the genetic hypothesis. However, the results of these studies are potentially problematic because the behavioral sample employed did not include communities from central Africa. Here, we present the results of a study designed to address this shortcoming. We carried out cladistic analyses of presence/absence data pertaining to 19 tool‐use behaviors in 10 different P. troglodytes communities plus an outgroup (P. paniscus). Genetic data indicate that chimpanzee communities in West Africa are well differentiated from those in eastern and central Africa, while the latter are not reciprocally monophyletic. Thus, we predicted that if the genetic hypothesis is correct, the tool‐use data should mirror the genetic data in terms of structure. The three measures of phylogenetic structure we employed (the Retention Index, the bootstrap, and the Permutation Tail Probability Test) did not support the genetic hypothesis. They were all lower when all 10 communities were included than when the three western African communities are excluded. Hence, our study refutes the genetic hypothesis and provides further evidence that patterns of behavior in chimpanzees are the product of social learning and therefore meet the main condition for culture. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Similarities and distinctions in Y chromosome gene pool of Western Slavs
Authors: Woźniak Marcin , Malyarchuk Boris , Derenko Miroslava , Vanecek Tomas , Lazur Jan , Gomolcak Pavol , Grzybowski Tomasz
Published: January 2010

Analysis of Y chromosome Y‐STRs has proven to be a useful tool in the field of population genetics, especially in the case of closely related populations. We collected DNA samples from 169 males of Czech origin, 80 males of Slovakian origin, and 142 males dwelling Northern Poland. We performed Y‐STR analysis of 12 loci in the samples collected (PowerPlex Y system from Promega) and compared the Y chromosome haplotype frequencies between the populations investigated. Also, we used Y‐STR data available from the literature for comparison purposes. We observed significant differences between Y chromosome pools of Czechs and Slovaks compared to other Slavic and European populations. At the same time we were able to point to a specific group of Y‐STR haplotypes belonging to an R1a haplogroup that seems to be shared by Slavic populations dwelling in Central Europe. The observed Y chromosome diversity may be explained by taking into consideration archeological and historical data regarding early Slav migrations. Am J Phys Anthropol 142:540–548, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Early Eurasian migration traces in the Tarim Basin revealed by mtDNA polymorphisms
Authors: Cui Yinqiu , Li Chunxiang , Gao Shizhu , Xie Chengzhi , Zhou Hui
Published: January 2010

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphisms of 58 samples from the Daheyan village located in the central Taklamakan Desert of the Tarim Basin were determined in this study. Among the 58 samples, 29 haplotypes belonging to 18 different haplogroups were analyzed. Almost all the mtDNAs belong to a subset of either the defined Western or Eastern Eurasian pool. Extensive Eastern Eurasian lineages exist in the Daheyan population in which Northern‐prevalent haplogroups present higher frequencies. In the limited existing Western Eurasian lineages, two sub‐haplogroups, U3 and X2, that are rare in Central Asia were found in this study, which may be indicative of the remnants of an early immigrant population from the Near East and Caucasus regions preserved only in the Tarim Basin. The presence of U3 in modern and archeological samples in the Tarim Basin suggests that the immigration took place earlier than 2,000 years ago and points to human continuity in this area, with at least one Western lineage originating from the Near East and Caucasus regions. Am J Phys Anthropol 142:558–564, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Erythropoietin improves neurodevelopmental outcome of extremely preterm infants
Authors: Neubauer Achim‐Peter , Voss Wolfgang , Wachtendorf Michael , Jungmann Tanja
Published: January 2010

Objective

Erythropoietin has been reported to possess neuroprotective properties in animal studies. No previous studies have investigated the neurodevelopmental outcome of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rEpo) and evaluated it at school age.

Methods

Of 200 ELBW infants treated from 1993 to 1998, 171 (86%) survived, and 148 (87%) were followed up to the age of 10 to 13 years. The neurodevelopmental and school outcome of the ELBW infants receiving rEpo treatment for stimulation of erythropoiesis in the first weeks of life (n = 89) was compared to that of untreated children (n = 57). To test for a neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin therapy, analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were conducted with erythropoietin treatment and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) as independent variables and Hamburg‐Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children‐III (HAWIK‐III) intelligence quotient (IQ) scores as dependent variables.

Results

The rEpo group scored significantly better than untreated children in the overall developmental assessment (55% vs 39% normally developed, p < 0.05) as well as in the psychological examination (mean composite HAWIK‐III IQ score, 90.8 vs 81.3, p < 0.005). The results of ANOVAs show that these differences were ascribable to children with IVH. Whereas those children with IVH treated with rEpo scored significantly better than untreated children (52% vs 6% normally developed, composite HAWIK‐III IQ score, 90.3 vs 67.0), treated and untreated children without IVH did not differ in their outcome. The treatment and control groups were comparable in perinatal parameters relevant to prognosis.

Interpretation

The results of our observational study confirm the hypothesis of a neuroprotective effect of rEpo in ELBW infants with IVH. This offers a promising preventative therapeutic option for the treatment of these high‐risk infants. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:657–666
Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with cysts without MLC1 defect
Authors: van der Knaap Marjo S. , Lai Vincent , Köhler Wolfgang , Salih Mustafa A. , Fonseca Maria‐José , Benke Tim A. , Wilson Callum , Jayakar Parul , Aine Marjo‐riitta , Dom Lina , Lynch Bryan , Kálmánchey Rozalia , Pietsch Peter , Errami Ab , Scheper Gert C.
Published: January 2010

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by early infantile macrocephaly and delayed motor and cognitive deterioration. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) shows diffusely abnormal and swollen cerebral white matter and subcortical cysts. On follow‐up, atrophy ensues. Approximately 80% of MLC patients have mutations in MLC1. We report 16 MLC patients without MLC1 mutations. Eight retained the classical clinical and MRI phenotype. The other 8 showed major MRI improvement. They lacked motor decline. Five had normal intelligence; 3 displayed cognitive deficiency. In conclusion, 2 phenotypes can be distinguished among the non‐MLC1 mutated MLC patients: a classical and a benign phenotype. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:834–837
Randomized, controlled trial of insulin for acute poststroke hyperglycemia
Authors: McCormick Michael , Hadley Donald , McLean John R. , Macfarlane Jennifer A. , Condon Barrie , Muir Keith W.
Published: January 2010

Objective

Poststroke hyperglycemia is common and is associated with increased risk of death and dependence, but appropriate management remains uncertain. Glucose potassium insulin (GKI) infusion did not benefit patients with moderate poststroke hyperglycemia in a recent trial. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), previous studies identified a relationship between recruitment of ischemic tissue to the final infarct and hyperglycemia, possibly mediated by brain lactic acidosis.

Methods

We undertook a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial of GKI infusion in patients with blood glucose >126mg/dl (7mmol/l) within 24 hours of ischemic stroke. The primary endpoint was infarct growth on MRI between baseline and day 7. Brain lactate concentrations were measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

Results

Forty patients were randomized, 15 to saline and 25 to GKI infusions of different durations. Capillary blood glucose concentrations were lowered significantly from 6 to 12 hours after GKI initiation. There was no significant difference on any measure of infarct growth between the GKI and saline groups. In a secondary analysis, GKI was associated with significantly greater infarct growth in patients with complete intracranial vessel occlusion compared with controls (p = 0.011 for group–vessel status interaction). Brain lactate levels increased in control subjects, but were significantly lower with GKI infusion. Predominantly asymptomatic hypoglycemia occurred in 76% of GKI‐treated subjects.

Interpretation

GKI infusion within 24 hours of stroke lowered blood glucose and attenuated an increase in brain lactate, but did not affect cerebral infarct growth. Exploratory analysis found that GKI infusion was associated with greater infarct growth in patients with persistent arterial occlusion, and with a high incidence of asymptomatic hypoglycemia. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:570–578
Halbsynthetische DNA‐Protein‐Konjugate für Biosensorik und Nanofabrikation
Authors: Niemeyer Christof M.
Published: January 2010

Durch Konjugation mit artifiziellen Nucleinsäuren lassen sich Proteine mit einem leicht herstellbaren, robusten Etikett versehen. Dieses Anhängsel ist durch hochspezifische, molekulare Erkennungsmechanismen wie die Watson‐Crick‐Basenpaarung selektiv adressierbar. Solche DNA‐Protein‐Konjugate mit kombinierten Eigenschaften haben vielfältige Verwendungsmöglichkeiten, z. B. in hochempfindlichen biomedizinischen Analyseverfahren, der Grundlagenforschung zur molekularen Erkennung oder dem Aufbau von DNA‐Nanostrukturen. Dieser Aufsatz fasst die aktuellen Methoden zur Synthese dieser Konjugate zusammen und präsentiert den aktuellen Stand ihrer Anwendungen. So wurden DNA‐Protein‐Konjugate zu Modellsystemen zusammengesetzt, die die Untersuchung von katalytischen Kaskadenreaktionen oder von Lichtsammelkomplexen ermöglichen. Außerdem finden diese Hybridkonjugate Verwendung bei der Biofunktionalisierung planarer Oberflächen bei Mikro‐ und Nanoarrays oder zur Funktionalisierung anorganischer Nanopartikel. Entsprechend finden sich mögliche Anwendungen im Bereich der Detektion, der Materialwissenschaften und der Katalyse.
Thermal properties and chemical changes in blend melt spinning of cellulose acetate butyrate and a novel cationic dyeable copolyester
Authors: Chen Bin , Zhong Leilan , Gu Lixia
Published: January 2010

A novel cationic dyeable copolyester (MCDP) containing purified terephthalate acid (PTA), ethylene glycol (EG), 2‐methyl‐1,3‐propanediol (MPD), and sodium‐5‐sulfo‐isophthalate (SIP) was synthesized via direct esterification method. The chemical structure of modified cationic dyeable polyester (MCPD) was confirmed by FTIR and 1H‐NMR. The thermal properties of MCDP and cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB) blends with different blend ratios were investigated by DSC. The results revealed that MCDP and CAB were immiscible polymer blends, and the glass transition temperature of CAB in blend fibers was higher than that of CAB in blend chips because of the strengthening hydrogen bonding. The chemical changes of MCDP and CAB in blend melt spinning were analyzed. It was found that the thermal hydrolysis reaction of ester side groups of CAB occurred in blend melt spinning, which resulted in that the acid gas was produced and the hydroxyl group content of CAB was increased. Furthermore, the moisture absorption of blend fibers was improved about three times than pure MCDP fiber even after washing 30 times. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Wheat gluten nanocomposite films as food‐contact materials: Migration tests and impact of a novel food stabilization technology (high pressure)
Authors: Mauricio‐Iglesias M. , Peyron S. , Guillard V. , Gontard N.
Published: January 2010

The aptitude of a novel biodegradable material [wheat gluten/montmorillonite (MMT)] to be used as a food‐contact material was assessed with a focus on mass transfer from the film into foodstuff (migration). Special attention was paid to the impact of high‐pressure treatments and subsequent storage. Several aspects were treated: the migration of a model molecule (Uvitex OB), MMT migration, protein migration, and overall migration. The results showed that overall migration and protein migration were high; on the contrary, MMT and Uvitex OB migration was low or not detectable. No difference was found between the high‐pressure‐treated samples and the control, except for the migration of MMT. Two solid simulants (agar gel and Tenax) were also tested to emphasize the need of new migration tests adapted to water‐sensitive materials. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis of novel optically active pyrrolidine‐containing polyaniline: A new heterogeneous organo polymeric‐base catalyst for direct Aldol reaction
Authors: Saravanan C. , Palaniappan S.
Published: January 2010

An optically active pyrrolidine containing polyaniline, poly‐(2‐anilinomethylpyrrolidine) (PANiMp) is synthesized for the first time. PANiMp material is synthesized by simple one‐pot synthetic route and is characterized by circular dichroism, NMR, FTIR, and electronic absoroption spectral techniques. This novel polyaniline base is evaluated as new heterogeneous organo polymeric‐base catalyst for direct Aldol reaction in water medium. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
S‐Allyl‐L‐Cysteine Sulfoxide Inhibits Tumor Necrosis Factor‐Alpha Induced Monocyte Adhesion and Intercellular Cell Adhesion Molecule‐1 Expression in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells
Authors: Hui Chai , Like Wo , Yan Fu , Tian Xie , Qiuyan Wang , Lifeng Huang
Published: January 2010

Garlic and its water‐soluble allyl sulfur‐containing compound, S‐Allyl‐L‐cysteine Sulfoxide (ACSO), have shown antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities, inhibiting the development of atherosclerosis. However, little is known about the mechanism(s) underlying the therapeutic effect of ACSO in inhibiting the formation of atherosclerostic lesion. This study aimed to investigate whether ACSO could modulate tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐induced expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1, monocyte adhesion and TNF‐α‐mediated signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. While TNF‐α promoted the intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 mRNA transcription in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, ACSO treatment significantly reduced the levels of TNF‐α‐induced intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 mRNA transcripts (P < 0.01). Furthermore, ACSO dramatically inhibited TNF‐α triggered adhesion of THP‐1 monocytes to endothelial cells and porcine coronary artery rings. Moreover, ACSO mitigated TNF‐α induced depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential and overproduction of superoxide anion, associated with the inhibition of NOX4, a subunit of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate‐oxidase, mRNA transcription. In addition, ACSO also inhibited TNF‐α‐induced phosphorylation of JNK, ERK1/2 and IκB, but not p38. Apparently, ACSO inhibited proinflammatory cytokine‐induced adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells by inhibiting the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling and related intercellular cell adhesion molecule‐1 expression, maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential, and suppressing the overproduction of superoxide anion in endothelial cells. Therefore, our findings may provide new insights into ACSO on controlling TNF‐α‐mediated inflammation and vascular disease. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Atypical Fetal Prostate Development is Associated with Ipsilateral Hypoplasia of the Wolffian Ducts in the ACI Rat
Authors: Hofkamp Luke E. , Bradley Sarahann , Geliebter Jan , Timms Barry G.
Published: January 2010

For over a half century, the ACI (August × Copenhagen) rat has been a primary model for studying renal agenesis and ipsilateral hypoplasia (IHP) of the Wolffian‐derived structures (WDS). Because the ACI rat is also used as a model for prostate research, it is important to examine the relationship of IHP and urogenital sinus (UGS) development. The prostate is dependent on androgens for proper growth and differentiation. Alteration in androgen production and/or delivery to the UGS has the potential to perturbate normal development. In this study, we investigate whether the ipsilateral loss of the WDS is associated with altered prostate development. Digital images of serial‐sectioned fetal ACI rat UGS were used to create three‐dimensional (3‐D) surface‐rendered models of the developing prostate, seminal vesicle, vas deferens, and utricle on gestational day 21. The number and volume of prostate ducts developing from the UGS were calculated from the 3‐D model data. Animals exhibiting IHP had a significant decrease in total fetal prostate volume (40%; P < 0.005) with significant regional specific differences when compared with normal male ACI rats. Anatomical and histological differences in the utricle, abnormal histology of the ipsilateral testes, and a truncation of the ipsilateral Wolffian ductal mesenchyme were also seen in the animals with IHP. Additional research is needed to further understand the mechanisms and consequences of IHP on prostate growth and development. Alterations to normal prenatal development of the male accessory sex organs can have important consequences for the growth and morphology of the adult gland. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photoreceptor Development in Premetamorphic and Metamorphic Xenopus laevis
Authors: Parker Ryan O. , Mccarragher Brent , Crouch Rosalie , Darden Alix G
Published: January 2010

Transgenic Xenopus laevis are commonly used to study gene expression in photoreceptors, but only red rods and red cones are known to exist in the pre‐metamorphic stages commonly used in transgenic studies. Using RT‐PCR, this study shows that violet cones develop in early pre‐metamorphic stages (Stage 35) with the red rods and red cones. Green rod development began in Stage 53 with the onset of metamorphosis. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of Maternal Protein Restriction During Pregnancy and Lactation on the Number of Cardiomyocytes in the Postproliferative Weanling Rat Heart
Authors: Lim Kyungjoon , Zimanyi Monika A. , Black M. Jane
Published: January 2010

Maternal protein restriction leads to a reduction in the number of cardiomyocytes in the rat heart at birth. However, in rats, cardiomyocytes continue to proliferate until about 2 weeks after birth. Hence, this study aimed to examine the effect of maternal protein restriction, on the number of cardiomyocytes in the young rat heart at a time point when the cardiomyocytes have ceased proliferating and are terminally differentiated. Female Wistar Kyoto rats were fed either a normal protein diet (NPD; 20% casein) or a low protein diet (LPD; 8.7% casein) during pregnancy and lactation. Offspring (seven males and seven females per group) were perfusion fixed at 4 weeks of age. Heart volume and total cardiomyocyte number were determined using stereological techniques. At 4 weeks of age, body weights in both male and female LPD offspring were significantly reduced compared with NPD controls whereas relative heart volumes were significantly increased in LPD offspring. Total number of cardiomyocytes was not significantly different between groups. In both groups, there was a significant linear correlation between cardiomyocyte number and heart volume. In conclusion, total cardiomyocyte number in the postproliferative rat heart does not appear to be affected by maternal protein restriction per se but is directly related to heart size. Anat Rec, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An investigation of passenger interchange and train standing time at LRT stations: (ii) Estimation of standing time
Authors: Wirasinghe S. C. , Szplett D.
Published: January 2010

The standing‐time of trains at urban rail stations is pertinent to determining the line capacity and fleet size. The assumption of uniform boarding and alighting leads to under‐estimation of the standing time. It is shown that the train standing‐time is related to the fraction of boarders and the maximum demand for boarding and alighting at a door. It is further shown that the probability distribution of passengers at a door depends on the platform entrance locations. A methodology that takes into account the above factors is proposed for estimating the train standing‐time.
Travel demand (modal split) estimation by hierarchical measurement
Authors: Banai‐Kashani Alireza
Published: January 2010

This paper develops a procedure for travel demand estimation via the Saaty method of Analytic Hierarchy. A stratification of the travel demand by trip‐making and trip attributes has been represented more inclusively in a hierarchy system. Various elements and dimensions of the hierarchy have been hypothesized as different levels of decisions made by trip‐makers. The elements contained in a set of specified matrices of travel attributes have been weighed utilizing a ratio scale, in a process of mapping transportation systems (modal) attributes with the characteristic trip‐making behavior in a hierarchical demand structure.

The principal output of this procedure is an estimate of the trip distribution by mode, or modal split. The estimate closely approximates the observed modal split pattern for the inter city travel problem simulated. This procedure is proposed for travel demand forecasting and planning.
Optimization of transit‐system characteristics
Authors: Anderson J. Edward
Published: January 2010

The transit industry is facing declining ridership and increasing costs with with no apparent end in sight. This paper takes the view that totally new solutions are needed. The approach is to examine the equation for total cost of a transit system per passenger‐mile to determine how to configure a new system to minimize this quantity. Term‐by‐term analysis leads to derivation of a consistent set of optimum characteristics. Guideway costs are minimized by distributing the load in very small capsules. The fleet cost is minimized by increasing the average speed without increasing the cruising speed by use of off‐line stations, which in turn minimize energy use by permitting nonstop trips. Maintenance costs are minimized by designing a very light‐weight, automated vehicle with very few moving parts. While this general configuration has been known for several decades, it has not been generally recognized that it can be derived by minimization of system costs, and that cost minimization is obtained simultaneously with service maximization. While a great deal of controversy surrounded this concept a decade ago, advances in technology make it fully practical now.
The metropolitan planning organization role in the 1980s
Authors: Mcdowell Bruce D.
Published: January 2010

A new study by the U.S. Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations focuses on the adaptions in transit services, finances, institutions, and policy processes occasioned by current financial stress at all levels of government and by the devolution of national responsibilities to the state and local governments. This study found, in part, that (1) most metropolitan transportation planning organizations now are locally governed and staffed. (2) their planning is becoming increasingly isolated, less comprehensive, and shorter range. (3) some such organizations are experiencing strong pressure to decentralize or subregionalize, and (4) the desire for these organizations to exercise more effective areawide leadership is not matched with local approval of greater powers for them. The study concludes that informal coordination techniques or new powers granted by state legislatures are the two most likely facilitators of improved metropolitan transportation leadership in the 1980s.
Evaluation of a public transportation level of service concept
Authors: Polus Abishai , Shefer Daniel
Published: January 2010

The level of service of a bus line is evaluated by its operational characteristics, particularly by the ratio between average bus travel time on a given route and the average passenger car travel time on the shortest distance between the origin and the destination of the bus in question. It is shown that the level‐of‐service measure may be predicted by such independent variables as route length, average distance between bus stations, number of signalized and unsignalized intersections, and the ratio between such intersections. It is hypothesized that use of other independent variables such as boarding and alighting passengers, or volume to capacity ratio on the route concerned, could improve the predictive power of the suggested models. Further research is recommended on the effect of these latter variables and other operational variables which might influence bus level of service, and also on the comparison between direct bus lines and lines which use transfer points.
High‐speed rail service: Issues for the Detroit‐Chicago corridor
Authors: Taylor William C. , Lyles Richard W.
Published: January 2010

Several issues concerning the implementation and operation of high‐speed rail service in the Detroit‐Chicago corridor are identified and discussed in this paper. The primary concern is whether such a service is likely to be attractive enough to induce the private sector to provide it. While the outlook for private operation appears pessimistic, consideration of a broader range of potential benefits (e.g., direct and indirect employment) may justify public involvement and investment.
A linear programming approach to conjoint measurment and trade‐off analysis
Authors: Benjamin Julian
Published: January 2010

There has been increasing attention placed on decomposition techniques such as conjoint measurement and trade‐off analysis. Existing algorithms for both approaches use non‐linear estimation techniques. In this paper, a linear integration rule is proposed along with a linear programming algorithm which is used to estimate part‐utilities by minimizing the sum of the absolute deviations subject to monotonicity constraints.

The algorithm was tested on simulated data and empirically. It was found that the algorithm performed well, especially when data are consistent with initial assumptions.
The design of tram priority at traffic signals
Authors: McGinley F. J. , Stolz D. R.
Published: January 2010

This paper outlines the guidelines being used to introduce tram priority at traffic signals in Melbourne. Where techniques being used to meet the guidelines are of interest they are briefly outlined. Similarly, where it has been found that it is not possible to meet the full requirements of the guidelines, the deficiencies of current techniques are outlined and areas for further investigation put forward.
Boarding and alighting times for elderly persons using special bus service
Authors: Alfa Attahiru Sule , Heads Jonathan
Published: January 2010

This technical note examines the boarding and alighting times for elderly persons with respect to buses. The study was conducted with the assistance of Special Transport Service, a small‐scale operation consisting of two buses. The main findings of the research are estimates for the boarding and alighting times for one ambulatory person: 2.328 minutes for boarding the bus and 1.002 minutes for alighting from the bus.
A model for urban commuting in a multicenter city
Authors: Andersson Roland , Samartin Avelino
Published: January 2010

A model for simulating and calculating cost consequences due to urban commuting in a multicenter city is presented in this paper. The model is applied to two alternative city master plans for a Swedish city, Västerås. Illustrative results are reported.
Bus journey times in medium size urban areas
Authors: Seneviratne P. N. , Loo Chu Chai
Published: January 2010

The predictive accuracy of the models based on the fundamental relation between journey time and passenger demand can be improved through data disaggregation or route segmentation. Primary reason for this is the improvement in the estimates of stopping delays and delays due to passenger boarding and/or alighting (dwell time). Both Poisson and Negative Binomial model estimates of stoppings for passenger boarding and alighting are shown to improve with disaggregation. These improvements, however, contribute little to the overall predictability of the fundamental models which are useful for gaining insight into the significance and variability of the stopping delays and dwell time, or testing sensitivity to changes in the long term. Site or route specific models of journey times which have better predictive capability exist, and may be used for short‐run planning. However, the interchangeability and performance over time of the latter, have to be evaluated before making definitive conclusions.
It is time to give the “true PRT” concept a fair test
Authors: Floyd Thomas H.
Published: January 2010

True Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), in concept and technology, is considerably advanced over PRT as proposed in the 1960s and 1970s. It is one of the few advanced transit concepts—perhaps the only one—that offers a prospect of overcoming the continued serious deficiencies of conventional transit systems. Past criticisms of PRT were often invalid, but even those questions that deserved to be taken seriously then no longer justify a postponement of serious PRT testing. Conventional transit, in spite of over two decades of considerable governmental support, is proving unable to satisfy major transportation needs of American urban areas, which are increasingly dispersed and multi‐centered. There is no indication that conventional transit can overcome sufficiently its performance and economic deficiencies. If PRT is not given a chance to be tested, local public officials will continue to be faced with too limited options as between auto‐dominated transportation services and high subsidies for inadequate transit solutions.
Highway impacts on regional employment
Authors: Stephanedes Yorgos J. , Eagle David
Published: January 2010

Economic development is increasingly used by state DOT's as a criterion in arriving at highway funding decisions. However, there exists little evidence in the literature justifying the use of such a criterion, especially since existing techniques only determine correlations between highways and development. In this paper a time‐series methodology is developed to differentiate the effects of highways on development from the effects of development on highways. This methodology includes structural plot analysis and causality tests and is based on pooled time‐series and cross‐sectional data on highway construction expenditures and county employment. The results indicate that increases in highway expenditures do not, in general, lead to statewide increases in employment other than temporary increases in the year of construction. However, in counties that are economic centers of the state, highway expenditures do have a positive long‐term effect, i.e. employment increases above the normal trend of the economy. Such gains are apparently counterbalanced by employment losses in counties adjacent to the economic centers.
A note on fare policy in personal rapid transit
Authors: Anderson J. Edward
Published: January 2010

The choice of fare policy is more flexible in personal rapid transit than in conventional transit and has some unique aspects. The implementation of fare policies as a function of distance are discussed, and, following a discussion of how the fare would be collected in a PRT system, consideration is given to whether the fare should be per person or per vehicle.
Land requirements for public transport facilities in urban areas—A statistical approach
Authors: Ceder Avishai , Shefer Daniel
Published: January 2010

The major aim of this work is to develop a primary tool for the quantitative determination of land areas needed to fulfil the diverse functions of public transport. The need for such a tool is obvious; worldwide there is a lack of criteria for determining the types of areas needed, their size, and relative location in the urban system. Moreover, there is a lack of awareness regarding land allocation during the various planning stages, both by urban planners and decision makers.

This work attempts to identify various types of facilities to be allocated within the urban framework, and to determine quantitative guidelines for the land needed for them. A statistical analysis is performed in order (i) to identify major transit facilities and operational data functions for which land must be allocated, and (ii) to forecast areas for types of facilities not dealt with by the statistical analysis.

The statistical forecast is based on fitting a regression model to the input data. The outcome of this work is presented in terms of three statistical relationships and an indirect relationship: between socio‐economic and demographic variables (independent) to the dependent variables, either operating variables or land area variables, and between operating variables (independent) and land area variables (dependent), where for the latter there is also an indirect relationship while using standards.
Today's people movers
Authors: Jakes Andrew
Published: January 2010

After two decades of people mover operations at over 50 locations worldwide and 1.1 million passengers per day, the question remains the same: does automated guideway transit hold the best promise for urban transportation needs?
An actuary method for the estimation and comparison of urban bus transit cost of services
Authors: Tomazinis Anthony R. , Takyi Isaac K.
Published: January 2010

This paper presents a new cost allocation method developed for estimating the fully‐allocated costs of the excess peak hour bus transit service provided by two public transit systems. The estimates were produced for the explicit purpose of carrying out a realistic comparison of these costs and the costs of the potential provision of the same service by private operators. The method utilizes the same service data for the analysis. The pragmatic estimation of the fully allocated costs of service by the public and private sectors enables a more accurate estimation of potential cost savings. Sensitivity analysis was also performed using the same costing procedure to determine the range of cost savings that are feasible in a competitive contract arrangement of private sector providers. The new method separates costs of the direct provision of service from other indirect costs and thus facilitates the identification of each cost item and its significance in comparative cost estimates.
A study of container berth allocation
Authors: Lai K. K. , Shih Katharine
Published: January 2010

This study is based on a major container terminal operator in Hong Kong. Container terminals form a link in the transport chain for transhipment and temporary storage of containers. The service time for vessels including waiting time for berthing must be minimal in order to reduce costs for shipping lines. The use of heuristics and computer simulation to measure different allocation strategies is demonstrated. The existing performance measures of allocation are evaluated and prioritized. Three sets of allocation policies are developed to tackle the day‐to‐day allocation problems with a view to increasing operational efficiency and enhancing customer service levels. Results show that all three proposed allocation policies have substantial improvements over the existing policy.
Very‐high‐speed tests on the french railway track
Authors: Delfosse Pierre
Published: January 2010

The campaigns conducted by SNCF at very high speeds allowed improvement in the knowledge of the actual TGV vehicle/track system and, in particular of the dynamical behavior of numerous components, which were obtained under very hard working conditions, for instance:

— mechanical components (axle boxes, transmissions, etc.)

— suspensions, damper particularly,

— bogies,

— pantograph,

— electrical traction equipments (transformer of power, electric motors, power electronics, cooling systems),

— signalling equipment.

Made with a TGV Atlantic series train set equipped with series components, it allowed demonstration to our passengers the very large safety margin of the whole system, track and vehicle as well, for revenue speeds of 300 km/h.

At last, the tests allowed dramatically to raise the limit of the wheel and rail system, up to the mythic figure of 500 km/h, thus demonstrating that railways will reamin the first guided transport system during the 21st century.
An artificial neural network approach for evaluating transportation network improvements
Authors: Wei Chien‐Hung , Schonfeld Paul M.
Published: January 2010

As demand increases over time, new links or improvements in existing links may be considered for increasing a network's capacity. The selection and timing of improvement projects is an especially challenging problem when the benefits or costs of those projects are interdependent. Most existing models neglect the interdependence of projects and their impacts during intermediate periods of a planning horizon, thus failing to identify the optimal improvement program. A multiperiod network design model is proposed to select the best combination of improvement projects and schedules. This model requires the evaluation of numerous network improvement alternatives in several time periods. To facilitate efficient solution methods for the network design model, an artificial neural network approach is proposed for estimating total travel times corresponding to various project selection and scheduling decisions. Efficient procedures for preparing an appropriate training data set and an artificial neural network for this application are discussed. The Calvert County highway system in southern Maryland is used to illustrate these procedures and the resulting performance.