bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of automated acclimatization during the pre-milking phase of lactating girolando cows
Authors: Silva Irenilson M. da , Pandorfi Héliton , Almeida Gledson L. P. , Guiselini Cristiane , Henrique Hugo M.
Published: December 2011

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the automated acclimatization effects during pre-milking of cows on thermal conditioning, physiology, milk production and cost-benefit of the automated adiabatic evaporative cooling system (AECS). The treatments 20; 30; 40 min and control consisted of exposure time of pre-milking cows to the automated AECS. Sixteen cows were used with an average daily milk yield of 19 kg, distributed in a 4 x 4 Latin square design. The Tukey's test (P<0.05) was used to compare the means. The environmental variables, dry bulb temperature (DBT, ºC) and relative humidity (RH, %), were recorded every minute, which allowed the determination of the system efficiency through the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI). The respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and temperature of the coat (TC) were measured before and after the acclimatization. The 40 min treatment kept the environmental variables and the comfort indexes within recommended limits. The physiological variables (RR, RT and TC) were lower in the 40 min treatment and reflected positively on milk production, which increased 3.66% compared to the control treatment. The system was profitable, having a 43 days return on investment and a monthly revenue increase of R$ 1,992.67.
Estereótipos de gênero e sexismo ambivalente em adolescentes masculinos de 12 a 16 anos
Authors: Mesquita Filho Marcos , Eufrásio Cremilda , Batista Marcos Antônio
Published: December 2011

A discriminação e a violência contra o gênero feminino associam-se a representações distorcidas da mulher. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de mensurar a existência de preconceitos nas manifestações dos estereótipos de gênero e sexismo ambivalente, em adolescentes masculinos de 12 a 16 anos. Em um estudo transversal, aplicaram-se três questionários (sociodemográfico, Gender stereotyping, Inventário do Sexismo Ambivalente) a 787 estudantes de 11 escolas públicas. Nos resultados, detectou-se a presença de estereótipos de gênero. Houve diferença significante entre alunos de escolas estaduais e municipais e também nos alunos que estudavam em bairros de poder aquisitivo elevado em relação aos demais. O sexismo, também presente, apresentou-se significantemente mais benévolo que hostil. O escore para o componente benévolo variou conforme a escola cursada. O hostil não foi influenciado pelas variáveis estudadas. Os achados corroboram a existência de estereótipos de gênero e sexismo ambivalente nos adolescentes masculinos e a necessidade de desenvolvimento de ações e políticas para sua erradicação.
Consequências da vasectomia: experiência de homens que se submeteram à cirurgia em Campinas (São Paulo), Brasil
Authors: Marchi Nádia Maria , Alvarenga Augusta Thereza de , Osis Maria José Duarte , Godoy Helena Maria de Aguiar , Guimarães Maria Cecília Borges , Bahamondes Luis
Published: December 2011

OBJETIVO: Descrever a experiência de homens vasectomizados há pelo menos um ano em serviços públicos de saúde de Campinas, Estado de São Paulo. Procedimentos metodológicos: estudo descritivo com um componente qualitativo e outro quantitativo. Para a etapa qualitativa, realizaram-se 10 entrevistas semiestruturadas com homens selecionados de acordo com critérios propositais de escolaridade e número de filhos. Em seguida, foi aplicado um formulário estruturado a 202 homens, sorteados a partir da lista completa daqueles que haviam sido vasectomizados entre 1998 e 2004. Realizou-se análise temática do conteúdo das entrevistas semiestruturadas. Os dados quantitativos foram digitados e foi realizada análise descritiva. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que 97% dos homens estavam satisfeitos por terem feito a cirurgia e poucos referiram efeitos indesejados. Entre os poucos homens insatisfeitos, apenas um havia feito a reversão da cirurgia porque vivia com uma nova companheira e queria ter filhos; entre os demais a insatisfação devia-se à dor provocada pelo procedimento cirúrgico. A maioria dos entrevistados atribuiu à vasectomia mudanças para melhor sobre sua saúde, corpo, relacionamento em geral com a família e com a esposa, na vida sexual e na situação econômica. Prevaleceu a ideia de que a vasectomia só trouxera benefícios. A possibilidade de arrependimento foi mencionada pelos entrevistados como algo que não aconteceria com eles. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo permitiram verificar que os homens que optam pela vasectomia tendem a ver o método como fator de mudanças positivas, principalmente sobre a vida sexual e o relacionamento com a companheira e a família em geral.
Atenção primária no sistema de saúde: debates paulistas numa perspectiva histórica
Authors: Mota André , Schraiber Lilia Blima
Published: December 2011

Este artigo traz como objetivo central a recuperação histórica, por meio de vestígios e pistas, de dimensões que trataram da organização das práticas de saúde no Brasil, tendo a "Atenção Primária em Saúde" um lugar especial nessa contenda. Para isso, atentou-se para um momento bastante rico e complexo, quando alternativas nesse campo eram propostas, sobretudo, por profissionais da saúde que trabalhavam entre experiências também marcadas em sua "dimensão regional paulista", a partir de seus lugares e vivências institucionais. Nesse sentido, olhar para o passado como ponto de apoio para essa compreensão será de extremo valor, já que essas experiências vividas não se rompem completamente, mas estarão permanentemente sendo recuperadas, quer para que se ultrapassem certos liames conjunturais, quer para utilizá-las como ponto de referência para se pensar desdobramentos futuros do pensamento e das práticas de saúde. Cobriu-se, em especial, o período entre 1970 a 1990, com destaque à proposta da Programação em Saúde como política oficial do Estado de São Paulo para a implantação da atenção primária como projeto de extensão de acesso, primeiro nível do sistema de saúde e produção de cuidados específicos. Examinaram-se complementarmente as propostas paulistas da Ação Programática e da Defesa da Vida como formulações críticas à Programação e base de debate acerca das inovações na assistência à saúde e nas práticas profissionais.
Can initial intraspecific spatial aggregation increase multi‐year coexistence by creating temporal priority?
Authors: Porensky Lauren M. , Vaughn Kurt J. , Young Truman P.
Published: December 2011

Both intraspecific spatial aggregation and temporal priority effects have the potential to increase long‐term species coexistence. Theory and models suggest that intraspecific aggregation can facilitate coexistence via limited dispersal or asymmetric interaction distances. During community assembly, intraspecific aggregation may also delay interactions between more and less competitive species, thus creating opportunities for priority effects to facilitate longer‐term coexistence. Few empirical studies have tested predictions about aggregation and coexistence, especially in the context of community assembly or ecological restoration. We investigated (1) impacts of intraspecific aggregation on the assembly of eight‐species communities over three years, (2) the scale dependence of these impacts, and (3) implications for California prairie restoration. We planted eight native species in each of 19, 5 m wide, octagonal plots. Species were either interspersed throughout the plot or aggregated into eight, 2.2‐m2, wedge‐shaped, monospecific sectors. Over three years, species diversity declined more quickly in interspersed plots than in aggregated plots. Two species had higher cover or increased more in interspersed than aggregated plots and were identified as “aggressives.” Four species had higher cover or increased more in aggregated than interspersed plots and were identified as “subordinates.” Within aggregated plots, aggressive species expanded beyond the sector in which they were originally seeded. Cover of aggressive species increased faster and reached higher values in sectors that were adjacent to the originally planted sector, compared to nonadjacent sectors. Cover of aggressive species also increased more and faster near plot centers, compared to plot edges. Areas near plot centers were representative of smaller aggregation patches since species were planted closer to heterospecific neighbors. Two subordinate species maintained higher cover near plot edges than near plot centers. Moreover, two subordinate species maintained higher cover when seeded in sectors farther away from aggressive species. These results suggest that initial intraspecific aggregation can facilitate species coexistence for at least three years, and larger aggregation patches may be more effective than smaller ones in the face of dispersing dominants. The creation of temporal priority effects may represent an underappreciated pathway by which intraspecific aggregation can increase coexistence. Restorationists may be able to maintain more diverse communities by planting in a mosaic of monospecific patches.
A "Democracy Building" Development Project Indicator for NGOs and International Organizations
Authors: Lempert David H.
Published: December 2011

The article offers an easy-to-use indicator for scholars and practitioners to measure whether non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and government policies and projects meet the criteria for “democracy” that have been established by various international treaties and that are recognized by experts in the field. Use of this indicator on more than a dozen standard interventions funded today by international development banks, United Nations organizations, country donors, and NGOs reveals that most of the major actors in the field of development are actually failing to promote democracy and good governance and points to the specific areas where they need to improve in order to fulfill democracy, governance and rights criteria. This article also offers a sample test of the indicator using the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCHR) as a case study.
Formants and Institutions: Intellectual Meeting Points between Rodolfo Sacco and Douglass North
Authors: Biglino Irene
Published: December 2011

In the present paper, I attempt to unearth what I believe to be an extremely valuable, implicit dialogue between legal and economic discourse through an analysis of the contributions by two leading figures in the fields of comparative law and institutional economics, respectively: Rodolfo Sacco and Douglass North. By closely comparing two apparently far removed intellectual trajectories, I will sketch the manner in which the two scholars come to terms with the concept of change in their respective disciplines. How is legal change, on the one hand, and economic change, on the other hand, explained? I will examine how North addresses the question “why do economies perform differently through space and time?” and review Sacco’s inquires upon convergence and divergence in legal systems with different institutional premises. Once the distinctive features of the two theses have been outlined against the backdrop of the latter questions, I will identify intellectual meeting points, common threads, and parallel tracks drawing the scholars together. In the spirit of methodological pluralism, I will conclude by suggesting that a combined reading of the theses under scrutiny may provide a practical template for thinking about questions of legal change, legal transplants, and the diffusion of legal consciousness.
Contesting Property Rights: Towards an Integrated Theory of Institutional and System Change
Authors: Pistor Katharina
Published: December 2011

It is widely recognized that institutions are embedded in social systems and that institutions as well as social systems change over time. Several implications follow: First, institutions cannot be described and analyzed without referring to the system in which they operate; conversely, a system cannot be described without reference to its core institutions. Second, systems foster institutional change and can breed new institutions. Third, institutional change can have systemic implications and may even engender the formation of new systems. In short, the relation between institutions and systems is characterized by complex interactions. A better understanding of the dynamics of institutional change therefore necessitates a synthesis of social system and institutional theories and a re-direction of attention from institutions or systems to interdependencies between them. This paper seeks to develop the building blocks for an integrated theory of social and institutional change. Thematically it focuses on contested property rights. The paper argues that the scope and limits of property rights are determined by the manner in which contests for control can be resolved within a broader system, which may, but does not have to, be that of a nation state. A comparative analysis of transnational property rights cases shall help shed light on the relation between property rights institutions and the system that determines if and how they are realized. These case studies serve as heuristics for generating insights about the dynamics of institutional and systemic change.
Reversibility of the Effects of Aliskiren in the Renal Versus Systemic Circulation
Authors: Schneider Markus P. , Janka Rolf , Ziegler Thomas , Raff Ulrike , Ritt Martin , Ott Christian , Veelken Roland , Uder Michael , Schmieder Roland E.
Published: December 2011

Background and objectives

Renal hemodynamic effects of inhibitors of the renin-angiotensin system can increase the risk of acute kidney injury under certain conditions. The BP-lowering effects of the renin inhibitor aliskiren are sustained 3–4 weeks after withdrawal. In this study, the reversibility of the renal hemodynamic effects of aliskiren was tested.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

In this open-label study, renal perfusion was measured by 1.5-T magnetic resonance imaging–arterial spin labeling in 34 subjects with arterial hypertension before aliskiren (pre-aliskiren), after 4 weeks of aliskiren treatment (300 mg), and 4–5 days (∼2.5–3.0× plasma half-life) after withdrawal (post-aliskiren).

Results

Aliskiren reduced systolic BP from 152 ± 14 to 139 ± 16 mmHg (P<0.0001), which was sustained post-aliskiren (136 ± 13 mmHg, P=1.00 versus aliskiren). Aliskiren significantly altered renal perfusion (P=0.005), increasing from 272 ± 25 pre-aliskiren to 287 ± 29 ml/min per 100 g during aliskiren (P=0.03). This increase in renal perfusion was completely reversed post-aliskiren (272 ± 26 ml/min per 100 g, P=0.03 versus aliskiren, P=0.63 versus pre-aliskiren). No changes were noted in urinary angiotensinogen levels. Plasma renin activity was reduced by aliskiren, which was sustained post-aliskiren. Angiotensin II and aldosterone were reduced by aliskiren but recovered post-aliskiren to pre-aliskiren levels.

Conclusions

After withdrawal of aliskiren, the effects on BP were sustained, whereas increase in renal perfusion was reversed, which was associated with recovery of angiotensin II and aldosterone to pretreatment levels. Renal hemodynamic effects are more readily reversible than systemic effects of aliskiren.
A Perspective on the Joint IASB/FASB Exposure Draft on Accounting for Leases
Authors: Biondi Yuri , Bloomfield Robert J. , Glover Jonathan C. , Jamal Karim , Ohlson James A. , Penman Stephen H. , Tsujiyama Eiko , Wilks T. Jeffrey
Published: December 2011

SYNOPSIS

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) recently issued a joint exposure draft on accounting for leases. This exposure draft seeks to shift lease accounting from an “ownership” model to a “right-of-use” model. Under the current ownership model, leases can be reported on balance sheet (finance leases) if certain tests are met, or off balance sheet (operating leases) if those tests are not met. The new model seeks to report all leases on the balance sheet based on the present value of lease obligations without any bright line tests, and no sharp on or off the balance sheet classifications.

We are sympathetic to the standard setters' concern that the current lease standard is being manipulated improperly by managers, resulting in large amounts of debt being reported off balance sheet. We provide a discussion of current lease accounting and the proposed exposure draft. We also comment on five key issues covered by the exposure draft: the definition of a lease, the initial measurement and eventual reassessment at fair values, the accounting for lessors, the impact of lease accounting on recognition and income measurement, and classification of lease accounting elements and their impact on accounting ratios.

JEL Classifications: M40.
A larger GL
2 large sieve in the level aspect
Authors: Djanković Goran
Published: December 2011

In this paper we study the orthogonality of Fourier coefficients of holomorphic cusp forms in the sense of large sieve inequality. We investigate the family of GL
2 cusp forms modular with respect to the congruence subgroups Γ1(q), with additional averaging over the levels q ∼ Q. We obtain the orthogonality in the range N ≪ Q
2−δ
for any δ > 0, where N is the length of linear forms in the large sieve.
Demographic Analysis of Route Choice for Public Transit
Authors: Nazem Mohsen , Trépanier Martin , Morency Catherine
Published: December 2011

The objective of this study was to understand the behavioral differences between various demographic categories in their choice of public transit route. Until now, almost all models have been done for the population as a whole, but this study attempted categorical choice models. The origin-destination survey in the greater Montreal, Quebec, Canada, area was used. For each trip declared, a route choice set was made and then a descriptive analysis was performed. A discrete choice model was applied for six demographic profiles, made up of two genders and three age cohorts. The results showed different coefficients for various profiles. The categorical models could better predict the behavior of individuals compared with the complete model that treated the whole population. Given the issues of aging populations in developed countries, the findings provide a new and vast insight into the future of modeling route choice for public transit.
Mobile Transit Information from Universal Design and Crowdsourcing
Authors: Steinfeld Aaron , Zimmerman John , Tomasic Anthony , Yoo Daisy , Aziz Rafae Dar
Published: December 2011

Extensive interviews with riders of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, bus system revealed that, as the top priority, riders wanted to know the actual arrival time of buses. Following a universal design approach, a system called Tiramisu was created to foster a greater sense of community between riders and transit bus service providers. The design focused on acquisition of crowdsourced information for bus location and bus fullness. On the basis of that input, the system predicted the arrival time of buses and provided a convenient platform for reporting problems and positive experiences within the transit system. The intention was to create a community of riders that materially participated in the delivery of the transit service. Tiramisu also supported specific information and reporting needs for riders with disabilities and thereby provided greater independent mobility around the community. An early field trial of Tiramisu suggested that the approach was both feasible and potentially viable.
Panel Data Analysis to Identify Covariates of Longevity and Patronage of Community Shuttles in New Jersey
Authors: Deka Devajyoti , Carnegie Jon , Kabak Matthew
Published: December 2011

Shuttle services connecting passengers’ origins and destinations to transit stations and terminals can play a crucial role in enhancing system ridership. Partially because of federal funding through the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program, such services have become popular in parts of the country. However, studies on the success of community shuttles have been rare. Almost all past studies were stated-preference studies, or case studies without statistical analysis of actual performance of shuttle services. To provide researchers and practitioners with crucial information on the factors potentially influencing the success of shuttle services, this study examined the longevity, level of service, and passenger volumes of the shuttle services introduced in New Jersey between 2002 and 2004. By using panel data analysis, the authors examined how local financial condition, station lot parking, parking cost, bus connections, and socioeconomic and land use characteristics of service areas influence the performance of shuttle services. The study used different types of data, including quarterly panel data on 31 shuttle services for a 7-year period, data from stated-preference surveys of six New Jersey Transit commuter rail lines, and municipal finance data. Results indicated that local financial condition was important for the longevity and level of service of shuttles. Evidence was also found that ease of access to station by alternative modes–whether by walking, local buses, or driving–reduced the attractiveness of shuttle services. Results of the study showed that the success of shuttle services may depend on factors far beyond stated preferences of potential users.
Measuring Service Gaps
Authors: Mamun Sha Al , Lownes Nicholas E.
Published: December 2011

The integration of transit needs into transit accessibility indexing is important for evaluating existing transportation systems and service gaps and for identifying priority areas for investments in transportation infrastructure. This study detailed an indexing model for accessibility of transit need and focused on the necessity of evaluating transit needs and transit accessibility simultaneously. A need index was developed to identify areas in high need of public transit services from economic and sociodemographic information, and a composite accessibility index was developed to identify levels of access to transit services and shortcomings in providing service. The need for transit service was then modeled as the lack of transit accessibility, and the model correlated different access indicators with their ability to predict transit service need. This model mapped areas with different levels of transit accessibility and transit needs by using a single score, which may be easily interpreted by planners who examine transit equity. The model was applied to the city of Meriden, Connecticut, and results were compared with a general approach for consistency and effectiveness. The usefulness of the model was also highlighted through a representative example of the model's application.
Comparative Evaluation of Public–Private Partnerships in Roadway Preservation
Authors: Anastasopoulos Panagiotis Ch. , Islam Mouyid Bin , Volovski Matthew , Powell Jarrett , Labi Samuel
Published: December 2011

In a bid to reduce overall costs, manage risks, and attract private capital, highway agencies worldwide strive to increase private-sector participation in road infrastructure development, particularly at the developmental phases of construction and preservation. A common mechanism for private-sector participation is the concept of a public–private partnership (PPP). As agencies grapple with the decision about whether to adopt a specific PPP or the traditional contracting approach for a specific project, they lack a rational decision-support structure. In addressing this major gap in PPP-related literature, this paper presents a framework by which an agency may assess the performance (relative benefits) of different PPP contracting approaches for highway preservation. For the purposes of this paper, performance is expressed in relation to the likelihood and intensity of cost savings calculated with data from domestic (U.S.) and international projects. In addition, the influence of project and contract attributes (such as the expected project duration, work type, and project size) on PPP project performance is investigated. The framework can be used or duplicated by highway-related agencies and international organizations for identifying the superior contracting option for a given road preservation project on the basis of project characteristics and for quantifying the consequences of such choices for cost savings or other performance criteria.
Pacific Highway Commercial Vehicle Operations
Authors: Klein Matthew , Goodchild Anne
Published: December 2011

Activities of commercial vehicles just before or just following international border crossings are not well understood. Logistical responses to border crossings are believed to increase miles traveled empty, total travel times, and total vehicle emissions. Analysis of observational data and surveys taken by commercial carriers at the Cascade Gateway border crossings (between Whatcom County, Washington, in the United States and lower British Columbia in Canada) improves understanding of how the border and associated policies and regulations affect logistics operations, both in manner and in scope. Findings suggest that the border creates logistical incentives for trucks to deadhead (cross the border without carrying goods as part of a cross-border round-trip journey) and to make staging stops near the border for border-related transloading. The Free and Secure Trade program, as observed in the Cascade Gateway region, unintentionally amplifies the existing negative logistical incentives created by the border.
Impact of Transportation Policies on Competitiveness of Brazilian and U.S. Soybeans
Authors: Friend J. Daniel , Lima Renato da Silva
Published: December 2011

Because of increased international consumption, soybeans have become one of the world's top commodities. Brazil and the United States, the world's two largest soybean exporters, possess unique agricultural commodity infrastructure schemes for production and transportation. The goal of this paper is to examine the differences between transportation systems and infrastructure of the two countries, and look at how these differences affect their respective commodity transportation policies. A theoretical overview of the essential role transportation plays in business logistics is followed by an analysis and comparison of the Brazilian and U.S. transportation systems. Drawing on previous U.S. Department of Agriculture studies of U.S. and Brazilian commodity transportation, landed cost price formation analyses are performed, taking into account production, internal transportation, and freight tariffs. Examples of landed cost price formation are also given to enrich the information provided. It is shown that in certain cases Brazilian internal soybean transportation costs can represent 230% more than those of the United States. On the basis of the literature review, the effect of transportation policies on the total landed cost of soybeans on the world marketplace are examined, as are reasons for why Brazilian soybeans suffer a competitive disadvantage from field to port. The current situation and what could be done to potentially improve Brazilian internal transportation policies is also discussed.
Toward a Better State Climate Action Plan
Authors: Gallivan Frank , Ang-Olson Jeff , Turchetta Diane
Published: December 2011

A major body of transportation greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction strategies is contained in state-level climate action plans (CAPs). There has been some concern among major stakeholder groups that CAPs are not rigorously developed documents and that the reductions estimated in CAPs are unrealistic given real constraints on funding and implementation authority. This paper analyzes a subset of 84 strategies in nine states’ CAPs to determine how reliable reduction estimates are and where significant sources of uncertainty arise. Measures from these CAPs are evaluated according to requirements for enactment, external factors that play a role in implementation, quantification methods, and variables used in the quantification. For enactment of strategies, nearly all of the transportation GHG reductions estimated in state CAPs would require new state legislation or state agency rulemaking. Half of the reductions would require major new funding. For implementation factors, one-third of state CAP GHG reductions relies heavily on assumptions about the future price of transportation. A relatively small portion (10%) of the estimated GHG reductions depends on changes in land use. Some of the greatest uncertainty stems from strategies that are quantified with goals rather than empirical data and are not supported by a feasibility study. The authors judge that if state CAP transportation strategies are enacted as stated, roughly one-third of the estimated reductions in GHG emissions is highly uncertain. As states develop and revise CAPs in the future, they can focus on developing and quantifying strategies in a way that increases the likelihood that strategies will achieve at least the reductions estimated.
Operating a Metropolitan Planning Organization
Authors: Bond Alexander , Kramer Jeff , Seggerman Karen
Published: December 2011

The nation's 385 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) are required to maintain a comprehensive, continuing, and coordinated transportation planning and programming process. To perform these required tasks, operational funding is required to pay staff and other costs. This paper explores the sources of MPO funding and the disposal of those funds. The information contained was collected as a part of a larger survey that obtained responses from 133 MPOs from around the country. Federal assistance received through four different programs dominates the budgets of MPOs; however, all federal funds require a 20% match. Some states meet this match, but for many MPOs, funds must be raised locally. Seventy-eight percent of responding MPOs receive local money, which can be used to match federal funds, to pay for prohibited expenses, or to supplement the agency's budget. Methods for raising and expending local funds are discussed in detail. The requirements and characteristics of the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP) are discussed. Responding MPOs expend 25% of their collective budget on consultants, while informational or pass-through funds account for about 17% of the UPWP.
Data Collection Methodology for Container Truck Traffic in Inland Port Cities
Authors: Rempel Garreth , Baumgartner Thomas , Montufar Jeannette
Published: December 2011

This paper describes a data collection methodology to address insufficient data sources for estimation of urban container truck traffic (drayage) volumes. The methodology is sensitive to the characteristics of drayage and offers a systematic approach for acquiring container truck traffic data for constructing models to estimate drayage volumes. The methodology consists of (a) acquiring urban truck traffic estimates and national and provincial- or state-level container traffic databases, (b) characterizing shippers and carriers through field investigations and surveys, and (c) designing a container truck data collection program. Short-term manual truck classification intersection turning movement counts were conducted to obtain body style and axle configuration data for articulated trucks. Temporal expansion factors were developed and applied to short-term count data to produce average daily container truck traffic volume estimates and reveal temporal, physical, and spatial distribution differences between container trucks and other articulated trucks. The paper provides a rationale for selecting count station locations and their temporal characteristics, choosing the number of counts and their duration, determining the types of data to collect, and identifying container generators. The methodology is generally applicable to North American inland port cities. The data feed a model that is intended to assist transportation engineers in understanding urban drayage operations and quantifying the exposure of these trucks.
Correlated Parameters in Driving Behavior Models
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: December 2011

Behavioral parameters in car following and other models of driving behavior are expected to be correlated. An investigation is conducted into the effect of ignoring correlations in three parameters of car-following models on the resulting movement and properties of a simulated heterogeneous vehicle traffic stream. For each model specification, parameters are calibrated for the entire sample of individual drivers with Next Generation Simulation trajectory data. Factor analysis is performed to understand the pattern of relationships between parameters on the basis of calibrated data. Correlation coefficients have been used to show statistically significant correlation between the parameters. Simulation experiments are performed with vehicle parameter sets generated with and without considering such correlation. First, parameter values are sampled from the empirical mass functions, and simulated results show significant difference in output measures when parameter correlation is captured (versus ignored). Next, parameters are sampled under the assumption that they follow the multivariate normal distribution. Results suggest that the use of parametric distribution with known correlation structure may not sufficiently reduce the error due to ignoring correlation if the underlying assumption does not hold for both marginal and joint distributions.
Probabilistic Graphical Models of Fundamental Diagram Parameters for Simulations of Freeway Traffic
Authors: Muralidharan Ajith , Dervisoglu Gunes , Horowitz Roberto
Published: December 2011

Freeway traffic simulations must account for the probabilistic nature of model parameters to capture observed variations in traffic behavior. Fundamental diagrams specify freeway section parameters describing the flow–density relationship in macroscopic simulation models. A triangular fundamental diagram—specified with the free-flow speed, congestion wave speed, and capacity—is commonly adopted in first-order cell transmission models. Capacity (defined as the maximum flow observed in a given freeway section over a particular day) exhibits significant day-today variation, and capacity variations across different sections of the freeway are significantly correlated. Free-flow speeds do not exhibit significant variation, but congestion wave speeds exhibit variation uncorrelated with section capacities or parameters from other sections. A probabilistic graphical approach is presented to model the probabilistic distribution of fundamental diagram parameters of an entire freeway section chosen for simulation. More than 1 year of data from dozens of loop detectors along a 25-mi section of the I-210 freeway westbound in Los Angeles, California, are used for demonstration. The parameters of the distribution are estimated with the expectation–maximization algorithm to account for missing observations. Model selection from among plausible models indicates that a first-order spatial Markov model is appropriate to capture the capacity distribution, which is the joint probability distribution of freeway section capacities. Stochastic simulations with sampled parameters demonstrate that capacity variations can lead to significant variations in congestion patterns and freeway performance.
Field Evaluation of In-Lane Pavement Markings in Advance of Freeway Interchanges
Authors: Finley Melisa D. , Ullman Brooke R.
Published: December 2011

Freeway interchanges with lane drops, double-lane exits with optional lanes, and other unusual geometries violate driver expectations and may result in late lane changes and erratic movements near the exit gore. In-lane pavement markings can reiterate the information provided on overhead signs that depict the geometry of the upcoming interchange. Researchers at the Texas Transportation Institute designed and conducted field studies at freeway interchanges to evaluate the operational impacts of route shield and directional arrow in-lane pavement markings. The addition of route shields resulted in better utilization of optional and inside exit-only lanes. In addition, motorists made lane changes farther upstream of the exit and made fewer unnecessary lane changes after the installation of the route shields. The addition of directional arrows also positively affected the lane distributions and lane change rate, but the effect on unnecessary lane changes was not as evident. Researchers concluded that the installation of in-lane pavement markings (either route shields or directional arrows) improved operations and, potentially, safety at the interchanges studied. There is evidence to suggest that a combination of route shields and directional arrows may be more beneficial to motorists than directional arrows alone.
Treatment of patients with traumatic subdural effusion and concomitant hydrocephalus
Authors: Tsuang Fon-Yih , Huang Abel Po-Hao , Tsai Yi-Hsin , Chen Jo-Yu , Lee Jing-Er , Tu Yong-Kwang , Wang Kuo-Chuan
Published: December 2011

Object

Traumatic subdural effusion (TSE) is a common sequela of traumatic brain injury. Surgical intervention is suggested only when TSE exerts mass effect. The authors have found that many patients with TSE exerting mass effect have concomitant hydrocephalus. Patient experiencing this occurrence were studied, and the pathogenesis of this phenomenon was discussed in the context of recent advances in the understanding of CSF circulation.

Methods

During a 2-year period, the authors' institution treated 14 patients with TSE who developed hydrocephalus, after 1 of the patients suffered subdural drainage and other 13 received subdural peritoneal shunt (SPSs). Thirteen of those who had SPSs received programmable ventriculoperitoneal shunts (VPSs) for the hydrocephalus. The clinical characteristics as well as the imaging and operative findings of these patients were reviewed.

Results

All patients with symptomatic TSE exerting mass effect received SPSs. All of these patients had a modified Frontal Horn Index of more than 0.33 at presentation, and high opening pressure on durotomy. Following a brief period (4–7 days) of clinical improvement, the condition of all patients deteriorated due to hydrocephalus. Programmable VPSs were inserted with the initial pressure set at approximately 8–10 cm H2O according to opening pressure at ventriculostomy. Shunt valve pressure was gradually decreased to 5–7 cm H2O, according to clinical and radiological follow-up.

Conclusions

Elevated modified Frontal Horn Index in patients with TSE is suggestive of concomitant hydrocephalus. The authors propose that tearing of the dura-arachnoid plane following trauma contributes to TSE and may also impede CSF circulation, causing hydrocephalus. Shunt pressure was adjusted to relative low pressure, indicating the old age of the patients and poor reexpansion of brain parenchyma after the mass effect. Subdural peritoneal shunts and VPSs are indicated in those patients with TSE exerting mass effect with concomitant hydrocephalus.
Neurosurgical management of symptomatic thoracic spinal ossification in a patient with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva
Authors: Grobelny Bartosz T. , Rubin David , Fleischut Peter , Rubens Elayna , Mack Patricia Fogarty , Fink Matthew , Placantonakis Dimitris G. , Elowitz Eric H.
Published: December 2011

Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by heterotopic ossification of soft connective and muscle tissues, often as the result of minor trauma. The sequelae include joint fusion, accumulation of calcified foci within soft tissues, thoracic insufficiency syndrome, and progressive immobility. The authors report on a patient with FOP who developed severe spinal canal stenosis in the thoracic spine causing substantial myelopathy. He underwent a thoracic laminectomy and resection of a large posterior osteophyte. Unique considerations are required in treating patients with FOP, including steroid administration to prevent ossification and anesthetic technique. The nuances of neurosurgical and medical management as they pertain to this disease are discussed.
Molecular Aspects of Dopaminergic Neurodegeneration: Gene-Environment Interaction in Parkin Dysfunction
Authors: Ali Syed F. , Binienda Zbigniew K. , Imam Syed Z.
Published: December 2011

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative movement disorder that is characterized pathologically by a progressive loss of midbrain dopaminergic neurons and by protein inclusions, designated Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites. PD is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, affecting almost 1% of the population over 60 years old. Although the symptoms and neuropathology of PD have been well characterized, the underlying mechanisms and causes of the disease are still not clear. Genetic mutations can provide important clues to disease mechanism, but most PD cases are sporadic rather than familial; environmental factors have long been suspected to contribute to the disease. Although more than 90% of PD cases occur sporadically and are thought to be due, in part, to oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, the study of genetic mutations has provided great insight into the molecular mechanisms of PD. Furthermore, rotenone, a widely used pesticide, and paraquat and maneb cause a syndrome in rats and mice that mimics, both behaviorally and neurologically, the symptoms of PD. In the current review, we will discuss various aspects of gene-environment interaction that lead to progressive dopaminergic neurodegenration, mainly focusing on our current finding based on stress-mediated parkin dysfunction.
A Cost Effective Block Framing Scheme for Underwater Communication
Authors: Shin Soo-Young , Park Soo-Hyun
Published: December 2011

In this paper, the Selective Multiple Acknowledgement (SMA) method, based on Multiple Acknowledgement (MA), is proposed to efficiently reduce the amount of data transmission by redesigning the transmission frame structure and taking into consideration underwater transmission characteristics. The method is suited to integrated underwater system models, as the proposed method can handle the same amount of data in a much more compact frame structure without any appreciable loss of reliability. Herein, the performance of the proposed SMA method was analyzed and compared to those of the conventional Automatic Repeat-reQuest (ARQ), Block Acknowledgement (BA), block response, and MA methods. The efficiency of the underwater sensor network, which forms a large cluster and mostly contains uplink data, is expected to be improved by the proposed method.
Prognosis of 2009 A(H1N1) Influenza in Hospitalized Pregnant Women in a Context of Early Diagnosis and Antiviral Therapy
Authors: Paño-Pardo José Ramón , Rodríguez-Baño Jesús , Martínez-Sánchez Nuria , Viasus Diego , Fariñas M Carmen , Leyes María , López-Medrano Francisco , Pachón Jerónimo , Torre-Cisneros Julián , Oteo José Antonio , Pumarola Tomás , García-Gasalla Mercedes , Ortega Lucía , Segura Ferrán , Carratalá Jordi ,   the Novel Influenza A(H1N1) Study Group of the Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI)
Published: December 2011

Background

Initial reports suggested that novel A(H1N1) influenza virus (2009 A[H1N1]v) infection was significantly more severe in pregnant than in non-pregnant women. In Spain, antiviral therapy was recommended for pregnant women from the beginning of the 2009 pandemic.

Methods

The prospective cohort study included consecutive pregnant and non-pregnant women of reproductive age with a proven diagnosis of 2009 A(H1N1)v admitted to any of the 13 participating Spanish hospitals between 12 June and 10 November 2009.

Results

In total, 98 pregnant and 112 non-pregnant women with proven 2009 A(H1N1)v hospitalized during the study period were included. Influenza was more severe among non-pregnant patients than pregnant patients with respect to outcomes of both intensive care unit admission (18% versus 2%; P<0.001) and death (5 versus 0; P=0.06). Pregnant women had fewer associated comorbid conditions other than pregnancy (18% versus 44%; P<0.001); they were also admitted earlier than non-pregnant women (median days since onset of symptoms: 2 versus 3; P<0.001) and a higher percentage received early antiviral therapy (41% versus 28%; P=0.03). Neither a multivariate nor a matched cohort analysis found pregnancy to be associated with greater severity than that associated with hospitalized, seriously ill non-pregnant women.

Conclusions

2009 A(H1N1)v influenza was not associated with worse outcomes in hospitalized pregnant women compared with non-pregnant ones of reproductive age in a context of early diagnosis and antiviral therapy.
Reactive Hemophagocytic Syndrome in Adult Korean Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Case-Control Study and Literature Review
Authors: KIM JI-MIN , KWOK SEUNG-KI , JU JI HYEON , KIM HO-YOUN , PARK SUNG-HWAN
Published: December 2011

Objective.

To determine the characteristics of hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) in adult Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods.

We reviewed the medical records of 1033 adult patients with SLE for a recent 14-year period and identified 15 patients who had developed HPS. Forty-two age- and sex-matched patients with SLE admitted for other manifestations were included as disease controls. Features of HPS in these patients were analyzed.

Results.

Reactive HPS occurred from some distinct causes during the course of SLE. HPS was associated with SLE in 11 patients (4 at onset of SLE and 7 at SLE flare), infection in 3 patients (2 bacterial infection; 1 viral infection), and drug use (azathioprine) in 1 patient. Common clinical features included fever (93.3%), hepatomegaly (60.0%), and splenomegaly (60.0%). Steroid pulse therapy (46.7%), immunosuppressants (46.7%), and intravenous immunoglobulin (46.7%) were frequently used for treatment of HPS. One patient (6.7%) died. Compared with SLE patients without HPS, those with HPS showed a higher SLEDAI score (p = 0.003) and lower levels of plasma leukocytes (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p = 0.013), and platelets (p < 0.001) as well as a higher serum C-reactive protein level (p = 0.039) and a lower serum albumin level (p = 0.004).

Conclusion.

HPS was observed in 1.5% of adult Korean patients with SLE. The occurrence of HPS was most frequently associated with the SLE disease activity. Profound pancytopenia, a high SLEDAI score, and notable changes in the level of acute-phase reactants can be the characteristics of SLE patients with HPS.
Simultaneous Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Diabetes Mellitus Type 1 — A Finnish Nationwide Study
Authors: POHJANKOSKI HEINI , KAUTIAINEN HANNU , KORPPI MATTI , SAVOLAINEN ANNELI
Published: December 2011

Objective.

To describe the occurrence and main clinical and laboratory findings of patients having both juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM-1) in a period of 30 years.

Methods.

Eighty-two patients having simultaneous JIA and DM-1 were identified in the reimbursement registers of the Finnish National Institute of Insurance during the period 1976–2005. Data on their clinical histories were collected from patient files.

Results.

Occurrence of simultaneous JIA and DM-1 increased 4.5-fold between the first (1976-85) and the last (1996–2005) decade. Prevalence of uveitis was 7%, of rheumatoid factor seropositivity 15%; 22% of patients had a third autoimmune disease [autoimmune disease (AID)], and 16% had serious psychiatric problems.

Conclusion.

The occurrence of patients with the 2 diseases, JIA and DM-1, increased over 3 decades. The prevalence of uveitis was low, the number of seropositive patients was high, and further cases of AID were frequent. Patients had multiple additional problems necessitating multiprofessional care.