bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Race‐related stress and smoking among pregnant African‐American women
Authors: FERNANDER ANITA , MOORMAN GEORGE , AZUORU MIRIAM
Published: January 2010

Objectives. To examine the association between the psychosocial construct of race‐related stress and smoking among pregnant African‐American women. Design. Inferential statistical analyses were performed. Setting. Participants were recruited primarily at a medical clinic as well as through word‐of‐mouth consistent with the snowball sampling technique. Population. Seventy pregnant self‐identified African‐American women (32 smokers and 38 non‐smokers) 18 years or older participated in the study. Methods. Participants completed self‐report measures of the Index of Race‐Related Stress and an investigator‐developed demographic and smoking questionnaire. Main outcome measures. Smoking status of each participant was established through self‐report. Results. Significant associations were found between the smoking status of pregnant African‐American women and the frequency and perceptions of overall race‐related stress (p < 0.03 and 0.02, respectively), the frequency and perceptions of both individual and cultural race‐related stress (p < 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.03, respectively). No associations were found between institutional race‐related stress and smoking status. Conclusions. The findings suggest that integrating race‐related stress relieving and coping activities into smoking cessation intervention programs for pregnant African‐American women may reduce smoking and subsequent smoking‐related reproductive health disparities in the population.
Conservation Facts in Nepal
Authors: Chalise Mukesh K
Published: January 2010

This short paper is critically analyzing the debate of natural resource utilization in Nepal at a new political scenario. The paper presented a view of differences against a type of intellectuals who claim the ownership of natural resources to a limited community residing in limited geography in New Nepal while neglecting majority of people who is responsible to safeguard it since ancient time. Some indigenous experiences resulted to conservation practices are also dealt as examples.   Full text of this article is in Nepali. DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2517 The Initiation Vol.3 2009 p.153-160
Conservation of Protected Areas in Federal System, How?
Authors: Nepal Santosh Mani
Published: January 2010

The formal conservation history of Nepal is relatively shorter one. The protection and conservation of National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Conservation Areas and Buffer Zone are creating a burning debate amongst all stakeholders along with the debate of the state restructuring. The federal system of Nepal is quite different compare to other countries. All the rational designed in the face of unitary governance system needs a redefinition now. We have to create a suitable road-map for the division power among different levels of governments using the general orientation of international conservation framework. Constitutional provision should be designed in such a way that there should be little political intervention on natural resources. Mostly the National Parks and Wildlife Reserves are listed under the jurisdiction of federal government in federal countries. Environment has been a matter of concurrent power among many other federal countries. In Nepal, there is a growing consensus in favor of federal responsibility for the large infrastructures based on their inter-provincial importance, impact and extent. National Parks, Wildlife Reserves, Buffer Zones and Conservation Areas should be matter of concurrent authority where the federal government makes a framework policy but works in collaboration with the provincial government and local communities when it comes of implementing it. This will be the only way where by federal government could comply with the international commitments. Similarly, provincial government can implement the conservation functions with the support of local communities, indigenous people and groups dependent on the natural resource. The framework for such mechanism should be designed through an extensive consultation with the key stakeholders during the formulation of legislation and bylaws following the promulgation of the new constitution.The full text of the article is in Nepali. DOI: 10.3126/init.v3i0.2518 The Initiation Vol.3 2009 p.161-166
Combination Therapy for Hepatitis C Virus with Heat-Shock Protein 90 Inhibitor 17-AAG and Proteasome Inhibitor MG132
Authors: Ujino Saneyuki , Yamaguchi Saori , Shimotohno Kunitada , Takaku Hiroshi
Published: January 2010

Background:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease. Here, we report a new and effective strategy for inhibiting HCV replication using an inhibitor of heat-shock protein 90, 17-AAG (17-allylamino-17demethoxygeldanamycin), and a proteasome inhibitor, MG132.

Methods:

To explore the virological basis of combination therapy, we analysed the effects of 17-AAG and MG132, singly and in combination on HCV replication in an HCV replicon cell system.

Results:

In HCV replicon cells, HCV RNA replication was suppressed by 17-AAG in a dose-dependent manner. As shown in the present study, the 50% inhibitory concentration values were 0.82 nM for 17-AAG and 0.21 nM for MG132. Low concentrations of MG132 had strong synergistic inhibitory effects with low toxicity on HCV replicon cells.

Conclusions:

The results of this study suggest that the different effects and synergistic actions of 17-AAG and MG132 could provide a new therapeutic approach to HCV infection.
Contribución a la caracterización de los espacios agrarios castreños: documentación y análisis palinológico de una posible terraza de cultivo en el castro de Follente (Caldas de Reis, Pontevedra)
Authors: López Sáez José Antonio , López Merino Lourdes , Pérez Díaz Sebastián , Parcero-Oubiña César , Criado-Boado Felipe
Published: January 2010

Se presentan los resultados de una caracterización palinológica realizada en un perfil en el cual se ha identificado una probable estructura de cultivo artificial (terraza) de finales de la Edad del Hierro, asociada a un castro en Galicia. El análisis combinado de las evidencias estratigráficas y palinológicas permite proponer una secuencia de transformación del paisaje en la que, de forma poco esperable, la mayor intensificación en el uso de la zona, correspondiente a la ocupación del castro y el desarrollo de estructuras agrarias, coincide con un episodio de incremento de los espacios forestales en el entorno. Sin embargo, el análisis realizado permite documentar la progresiva construcción de un paisaje cada vez más antropizado y donde los efectos de la acción humana se van haciendo más visibles.
La perduración del poder en un espacio arquitectónico simbólico. La torre T-3 del asentamiento protohistórico de L’Assut (Tivenys, Baix Ebre, Tarragona)
Authors: Diloli Fons Jordi
Published: January 2010

Los trabajos arqueológicos efectuados en el asentamiento protohistórico de L’Assut (Tivenys, Baix Ebre, Tarragona) han permitido localizar una torre fortificada de planta circular (T3), construida durante el siglo VI a.n.e. Este tipo de estructuras se ha relacionado en áreas vecinas con una intencionalidad elitista ejercida por un grupo de poder emergente mediante el simbolismo arquitectónico, desapareciendo el modelo a inicios del Ibérico Pleno. En el caso de la torre T3, por el contrario, el edificio se integra en el sistema defensivo de un poblado de nueva planta fundado a mediados del siglo V a.n.e., subsistiendo su representatividad al convertirse en la residencia del estamento dirigente del oppidum. A finales del siglo III a.n.e., la residencia fortificada es destruida intencionadamente, posiblemente como una demostración del poder de Roma sobre las élites indígenas, en un momento de convulsión provocado por la presencia romana en el nordeste de la Península Ibérica, mientras que el poblado continuará ocupado hasta finales del siglo II-inicios del I a.n.e.

[fr] Les fouilles effectués dans le site protohistorique de L’Assut (Tivenys, Tarragone) ont permis de localiser une tour fortifiée de plante circulaire (T3) construite durant le VIe siècle a.n.e. Ce type de structures s’est rattaché dans des aires voisines avec une intentionnalité élitiste exercée par un groupe de pouvoir émergent à travers du symbolisme architectonique, en disparaissant le modèle aux commencements de le periode Ibérique Pleine. Dans le cas de la tour T3, au contraire, l’édifice est intégré dans le système défensif d’un lieu habité de nouvelle plante, fondé au milieu du Ve siècle a.n.e., en subsistant sa représentativité après s’être converti en résidence de la classe dirigeante de l’oppidum. À la fin du IIIe siècle a.n.e., la résidence fortifiée est détruite intentionnellement, possiblement comme une démonstration du pouvoir de Rome sur les élites indigènes, dans un moment de convulsion provoqué par la présence romaine dans le nord-est de la Péninsule Ibérique, alors que le lieu habité restera occupé jusqu’aux fins du IIe siècle a.n.e.
El enterramiento múltiple, calcolítico, de Camino del Molino (Caravaca, Murcia). Metodología y primeros resultados de un yacimiento excepcional
Authors: Lomba Maurandi Joaquín , López Martínez Mariano , Ramos Martínez Francisco , Avilés Fernández Azucena
Published: January 2010

Se presentan los resultados preliminares de la excavación de un enterramiento múltiple en cueva que contiene restos de más de 1300 individuos, en lo que parece ser la representación completa de una población calcolítica de la segunda mitad del III milenio a.C. depositada durante un período continuado de unos 350-400 años. Una pequeña parte de esa población se acompaña de un ajuar que incluye, entre otros elementos, algunos elementos metálicos característicos del horizonte campaniforme. También se documenta el enterramiento de cánidos acompañando a diversos inhumados. El carácter excepcional del hallazgo y las circunstancias de la excavación han obligado a un desarrollo metodológico novedoso para este tipo de actuaciones.
Feminismo, teoría y práctica de una arqueología científica
Authors: Cruz Berrocal María
Published: January 2010

Este artículo revisa la arqueología feminista, fundamentalmente norteamericana, y su contribución a la comprensión de la arqueología como ciencia. Se sintetiza brevemente el origen y desarrollo de la arqueología feminista, su relación con la arqueología de género y la arqueología posprocesual, y su valor como crítica epistemológica de la disciplina. Se observa también el desarrollo de la arqueología feminista en España y su relación con la arqueología materialista histórica.
¿Qué hace un micénico como tú en un sitio como éste? Andalucía entre el colapso de los palacios y la presencia semita
Authors: Ruiz-Gálvez Priego Marisa
Published: January 2010

El trabajo revisa el contexto de las cerámicas micénicas a torno de Montoro y otros sitios andaluces, así como el contexto y la cronología de las primeras importaciones mediterráneas en la Península Ibérica, y plantea las coyunturas, técnicas, políticas y sociales que harían posible la existencia de rutas comerciales hacia los confines ibéricos. Asimismo, plantea el papel que pudo jugar la escritura alfabética en la aparición de un comercio privado entre fines del II milenio y los inicios del I milenio a.C. y su importancia en la llegada de productos mediterráneos a Occidente.
Mapping Lineage Using BAC‐Cre Reporter Lines
Authors: Xu Qing , Anderson Stewart A.
Published: January 2010

As the brain develops, progenitor cells acquire the features of specific neuronal or glial subtypes through dynamic expression of the fate‐determining signaling molecules and their targeting transcription factors. An effective and versatile approach for tracing lineage of progenitors into adult cell types is to target the promoter of an interested gene with Cre (a phage DNA recombinase) to achieve simultaneous activation during neurogenesis. The bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) is an efficient Cre carrier. Not only the targeted gene remains diploidy in BAC‐Cre transgenic mice, but also the large portions of the gene's regulatory elements to be incorporated in the BAC allow Cre to sufficiently and reliably reproduce the endogenous gene expression pattern. When the BAC‐Cre mouse is crossed to a Cre reporter mouse, even Cre is transiently expressed. Cre‐loxP mediated recombination can permanently activate a reporter gene, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) in all lineage cells of the gene. Experimental designs and procedures for RecA‐based BAC DNA modification and preparation for pronuclear injection are highlighted. Suggestions for the use of BAC‐Cre transgenic mice in fate‐mapping analyses are also provided. Curr. Protoc. Neurosci. 50:1.19.1‐1.19.29. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Apoptosis: Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Cairrão Fátima , Domingos Pedro M
Published: January 2010

Apoptosis is an intrinsic cell‐suicide programme, which ensures tissue homeostasis and safeguards the organism by eliminating unnecessary and unwanted cells, or cells that may constitute some form of danger to the organism, for example, tumour cells. Both during embryonic development and in the adult life of organisms, there is a need for a perfect balance between cell proliferation, differentiation and death. This balance is achieved, in part, through the precise regulation of apoptosis, which involves complex molecular events that ultimately activate, or prevent the activation of
caspases
(
cysteine‐aspartic acid proteases
). The activation of
caspases
is, in most cases, irreversible and represents the commitment to the cell death fate.

Key concepts:

Apoptosis is a genetically determined process, by which unwanted or unnecessary cells are eliminated from organisms.

Apoptosis is important in many biological contexts and deregulation of apoptosis may cause diseases, either in the case of insufficient apoptosis, which may contribute to excessive cell proliferation and cancer, or excessive apoptosis, which may cause degenerative and other disorders.

Many molecules and several signalling pathways contribute to the regulation of apoptosis; both intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to the regulation of apoptosis in a cell.
Light Microscopy – Brightfield and Darkfield Illumination
Authors: Oldfield Ronald J
Published: January 2010

From the one specimen, more than one type of image can be obtained in the microscope. Worrying though this may seem, this knowledge can be used to great advantage by the discerning microscopist. Resolving power (minimum resolved distance) always remains a major consideration, but for the biologist, poor contrast is often a detriment to satisfactory observation, and contrast improvement has been a major source of development in microscope technique. At its simplest, contrast, is profoundly influenced by the way that light is directed on to the specimen, an advantage that is made use of in darkfield illumination.

In general, the illumination for the microscope should have an adequate intensity, provided through a separate intensity control. The observed field should be completely and evenly illuminated. Controls for the area of illumination and the angle of illumination should be learned to maximize microscope performance.

Key concepts:

A research microscope usually has at least two iris diaphragms in the light path. Their separate functions must be recognized.

Light intensity should be controlled by a transformer, not the condenser iris diaphragm.

For measurement, a scale inserted in the eyepiece can be superimposed on the microscope image.

No one set of instructions will explain the workings of all models of microscopes.

For many biological applications poor contrast of the image is limiting to satisfactory observation.

Brightfield (Köhler) Illumination – Theory.
EF‐hand Calcium‐binding Proteins
Authors: Nelson Melanie R , Chagot Benjamin , Chazin Walter J
Published: January 2010

Calcium and the proteins that bind to it play important roles in normal physiological processes and have been implicated in a variety of diseases. The importance of calcium is due mainly to its role as a second messenger in signal transduction. The calcium signal is mediated and controlled by many proteins in the cell, the majority of which belong to the EF‐hand super‐family of calcium‐binding proteins. EF‐hand proteins are classified into calcium signal sensors and modulators. The calcium modulators fine‐tune the shape and duration of calcium signals. The sensors undergo significant conformational changes when they bind calcium, which exposes new surfaces that interact with target proteins. Together, EF‐hand calcium‐binding proteins serve in the critical process of converting the ionic signal into activation of signalling pathways in cells.

Key Concepts:

The EF‐hand is a helix–loop–helix structural motif.

Calcium binds to oxygen atoms from the backbone and side‐chain atoms of specific amino acids in EF‐hand calcium‐binding proteins.

The basic structural and functional unit of EF‐hand calcium‐binding proteins is a pair of EF‐hand motifs.

EF‐hand calcium‐binding proteins can be classified as sensors or modulators of calcium signals.

EF‐hand calcium senor proteins need to transition from an ‘off ’ state at the resting level of calcium in the cell, to an ‘on’ (activated) state when calcium signals increase the concentration of calcium.

The activation of EF‐hand calcium sensor proteins results from changes in structure induced by the binding of calcium ions.

The binding of calcium activates EF‐hand calcium sensor proteins, triggering their interaction with target proteins.
Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
Authors: Butcher James N.
Published: January 2010

The original Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) was developed in the 1940s to assess mental health problems in psychiatric and medical settings, and it rapidly became a standard personality instrument (Hathaway & McKinley, 1940). The popularity of this true‐false personality inventory was due in large part to its easy‐to‐use format and to the fact that the scales have well‐established validity in assessing clinical symptoms and syndromes (Butcher, 2005). The MMPI underwent a major revision in the 1980s, resulting in two forms of the test: an adult version, the MMPI‐2 (Butcher, Dahlstrom, Graham, Tellegen, & Kaemmer, 1989), and an adolescent form, MMPI‐A (Butcher et al., 1992). The MMPI‐2 is a 567‐item inventory comprised of symptoms, beliefs, and attitudes in adults above age 18. The MMPI‐A is a 478‐item version that is used for assessing young people, age 14–18. This article addresses only the MMPI‐2. Together, the MMPI‐2 and MMPI‐A have become the most widely researched and used clinical assessment instruments in the field of personality assessment.
The development of metasuggestibility in children
Authors: London Kamala , Bruck Maggie , Poole Debra Ann , Melnyk Laura
Published: January 2010

One component of metasuggestibility is the understanding that a person's statements can influence another person's reports. The purpose of the present study was to examine the development of this understanding in school‐aged children. We produced a short video in which a boy makes a false allegation about being hit following an adult's suggestive interview. Children aged 6–13 years (N = 196) watched the video and answered open‐ended and forced‐choice questions about why the boy made a false allegation. The 6‐ and 7‐year‐olds performed poorly on all question types, whereas the 12‐ and 13‐year‐olds were at ceiling. There were developmental increases in metasuggestibility between 8 and 11 years. Our findings indicate that metasuggestibility undergoes prolonged development well into the school years. Implications for child witness training programs are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hierarchical Composites of Single/Double‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Interlinked Flakes from Direct Carbon Deposition on Layered Double Hydroxides
Authors: Zhao Meng‐Qiang , Zhang Qiang , Jia Xi‐Lai , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Ying‐Hao , Wei Fei
Published: January 2010

Three‐dimensional hierarchical nanocomposites consisting of one‐dimensional carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and two‐dimensional lamellar flakes (such as clay, layered double hydroxides) show unexpected properties for unique applications. To achieve a well‐designed structure with a specific function, the uniform distribution of CNTs into the used matrix is a key issue. Here, it is shown that a hierarchical composite of single/double‐walled CNTs interlinked with two‐dimensional flakes can be constructed via in‐situ CNT growth onto layered double hydroxide (LDH) flakes. Both the wall number and diameter of the CNTs and the composition of the flakes can be easily tuned by changing the proportion of the transition metal in the LDH flakes. Furthermore, a structure with continuously interlinked CNT layers alternating with lamellar flakes is obtained after compression. The hierarchical composite is demonstrated to be an excellent filler for strong polyimide films. This study indicates that LDH is an extraordinary catalyst for the fabrication of hierarchical composites with high‐quality single/double‐walled CNTs. The as‐obtained CNTs/calcined LDHs nanocomposite is a novel structural platform for the design of mechanically robust materials, catalysts, ion‐transportation, energy‐conversion, and other applications.
Molecular Auxetic Behavior of Epitaxial Co‐Ferrite Spinel Thin Film
Authors: Valant Matjaz , Axelsson Anna‐Karin , Aguesse Frederic , Alford Neil M.
Published: January 2010

In functional oxide materials so‐called molecular auxetic behavior is extremely rare. Here, it is reported in the CoFe2O4 spinel structure. A CoFe2O4 epitaxial thin film under compressive axial strain also reduces its cell dimensions in the transverse direction with a Poisson's ratio of −0.85. A hinge‐like honeycomb network in the spinel structure is identified as being responsible for the negative Poisson's ratio. This phenomenon has a substantial effect on the functional properties of CoFe2O4 and enables the construction of a new class of nano‐devices.
Silica‐Based, Organically Modified Host Material for Waveguide Structuring by Two‐Photon‐Induced Photopolymerization
Authors: Krivec Stefan , Matsko Nadejda , Satzinger Valentin , Pucher Niklas , Galler Nicole , Koch Thomas , Schmidt Volker , Grogger Werner , Liska Robert , Lichtenegger Helga C.
Published: January 2010

The three‐dimensional fabrication of optical waveguides has gained increasing interest in recent years to establish interconnections between electrical components on a very small scale where copper circuits encounter severe limitations. In this work the application of optically clear, organically modified porous silica monoliths and thin films as a host material for polymeric waveguides to be inscribed into the solid host structure by two‐photon‐induced photopolymerization is investigated. Porosity is generated using a lyotropic liquid crystalline surfactant/solvent system as a template for the solid silica material obtained by a sol–gel transition of a liquid precursor. In order to reduce the brittleness of the purely inorganic material, organic–inorganic co‐precursor molecules that contain poly(ethylene glycol) chains are synthesized and added to the mixture, which successfully suppresses macroscopic cracking and leads to flexible thin films. The structure of the thus‐obtained porous organic–inorganic hybrid material is investigated by atomic force microscopy. It is shown that the modified material is suitable for infiltration with photocurable monomers and functional polymeric waveguides can be inscribed by selective two‐photon‐induced photopolymerization.
Approximate procedures for planning public transit systems: A review and some examples
Authors: Szplett David B.
Published: January 2010

The approximate analytical models of public transit systems are reviewed. First, the derivation and formation of the standard model form is presented. Once the model is explained in general terms some practical planning applications are considered and evaluated. The model type presents an invaluable tool to the transit planner but a few operational problems need to be considered. Further benefits to the planning professionals would be realized if researchers were to devote more effort to sensitivity analysis as a means of determining which system parameters have the greatest impact upon the operation of the transit system.
The future of transit technology: Lessons from EXPO 86
Authors: Rice R. G.
Published: January 2010

Expo 86, the World Exposition held last year in Vancouver, Canada, was the largest, special‐category world's fair ever staged, with 54 international participants. Given the designated theme of transportation and communications, it is interesting to interpret the statements made by the participants in regard to particular sub‐theme areas such as urban transit. This paper reviews the presentations (exhibits, demonstrations, conferences, and seminars) developed by all participants in Expo 86 in regard to urban transit technology, and assesses the significance and direction of technological developments in the areas of vehicle and terminal design, network and system operation and control, and planning and management systems.
The taxi 2000 personal rapid transit system
Authors: Anderson J. Edward
Published: January 2010

TAXI 2000 is the result of a comprehensive process of “top‐down” design optimization beginning “from scratch” and subject to a variety of practical constraints. It builds on over two decades of work on automated transit in virtually every industrialized country and on a comprehensive theory of transit economics and technology developed by the author. The system's low cost is a result of discovery of optimum configurations and of technology advances not available a decade ago. The paper includes a description of the system and the process of and basis for its development; discussions of technical areas of dependability, safety, evacuation and rescue, power requirements, and performance; discussions of the state of development, development plans, process of certification, and problems in implementation of the PRT concept.
Monorail development and application in Japan
Authors: Kikuchi Shinya , Onaka Akira
Published: January 2010

The monorail has emerged recently as a serious mode for transit use in Japan. Three monorail lines are operational, and three more are being constructed. Approximately thirty other cities in Japan are considering the introduction of the monorail. This paper reviews the recent development of the monorail in Japan, examines its components, compares its performance with other transit modes, and assesses its potential in the context of the family of urban transit modes. This examination and comparison will be based on the features of the monorail designs recently adopted in Japan.
Making people movers affordable through land use decisions
Authors: Kulash Walter
Published: January 2010

People mover systems are frequently proposed to serve the internal circulation needs of suburban activity centers, and to form cohesive central business districts from the numerous unconnected buildings that comprise these centers. However, even a cursory financial analysis generally reveals that people mover systems in suburban activity centers are unaffordable.

This paper proposes that the affordability of people mover systems in suburban activity centers is determined by the intensity and characteristics of the land use in the center. These characteristics, in turn, are determined by decisions largely within the control of the individual site owners.

This paper identifies the land use decisions that are most important to the financial feasibility of people movers and suggests guidelines for planning land use in suburban activity centers in a manner that enhances people mover feasibility.
Railroading in the nineties
Authors: Lawless Ronald E.
Published: January 2010

Railways have been a factor on the industrial scene for so long that it is easy to ignore the fundamental advantages they offer in the transportation of massive volumes of goods over long distances. The author contends that the original strengths of the railway concept may prove to be even greater strengths in the context of emerging social, environmental, and economic conditions. But to capitalize fully on these strengths, legislators and regulators, the public at large, and railway people themselves must recognize that the railways' role has changed and that short‐sighted regulation based on misconception could rob society of a transportation mode vital to its prosperity in the future.
Automobiles and the “Greenhouse” effect
Authors: Prakash Chandra B.
Published: January 2010

Human activities such as industrial development, burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and even agriculture practices are changing the composition of Earth's atmosphere. There is a growing concern that greenhouse gases released by these activities, such as carbon dioxide, may cause global warming which, in turn, would have dramatic social, economic and political impacts.

The paper examines the global warming contribution of automobiles in Canada and compares various alternative transportation fuels in terms of their emissions of greenhouse gases and global warming potential.

Energy conservation, improved fuel economy, and the use of certain alternative transportation fuels can significantly reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases from automobiles. Although automobiles in Canada make a rather small contribution to overall emissions of greenhouse gases in the global context, reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases seems to be a step in the right direction. Many individual measures, each having a modest impact on greenhouse gas emissions, can have a dramatic impact on the rate of climatic change when combined.
Radial bus networks with multi‐period and many‐to‐many demand
Authors: Chang Shyue Koong
Published: January 2010

Mathematical models are developed for optimizing radial bus networks with time dependent demand and supply characteristics. These models can deal with many‐to‐many demand distribution in heterogeneous rather than idealized geographic environments. With some approximations, closed‐form solutions for the optimal route angle, headways for different time periods, and stop spacings for various locations are obtained for a total cost minimization objective. The relations between the decision variables and system parameters are identified analytically. The optimality of a constant ratio between headways and route angle is found to hold with a time related factor. The optimized wait cost, operator cost, and lateral access cost are found to be equal. A numerical example is given for a case with three service periods. It illustrates the applicability of the analytic model to irregular demand patterns that may be directionally imbalanced during some periods.
Selection of expert system shells for traffic signal design
Authors: Chang Gang‐Len , Chin Ching‐Sung , Kartam Nabil
Published: January 2010

Although the use of expert systems (ESs) as a problem‐solving tool is relatively new in the transportation profession, it has been recognized that a well‐designed ES can contribute in areas where the knowledge domain requires an integration of expertise from various disciplines or is very complex and difficult to quantify. To minimize the effort involved in developing essential ES mechanisms, researchers often prefer to use ES shells which provide a standard inference procedure, knowledge representation, and a user‐friendly design environment. However, commercial ES shells tend to be designed for only certain classes of problems, and are not as general and flexible as programming languages. More than 150 commercial ES shells are available in the microcomputer market. Most ES shells are usually claimed by their vendors to be usable for almost any conceivable applications, but such claims have often proved to be extravagant. Hence, the selection of an efficient yet costeffective commercial shell is one of the most critical tasks in ES development. In reviewing the vital task of ES shell selection, this paper presents our experience in evaluating more than 30 ES shells for developing an ES for signal design. The proposed ES includes signal settings, phasing plans, controllers, and detector locations.
ARTEMIS: French‐German project for railway movements command and control
Authors: Lancien Daniel
Published: January 2010

The development of railway transportation, especially through the gradual implementation of high‐speed European network, is inciting railway companies to design railway movements command and control systems to enhance technical performance in terms of throughput and control of disturbances while simultaneously minimizing operational costs.

The new command‐control systems must be modular, adaptable and evolutive structures from both functional and geographical viewpoints if they are to satisfy all operational needs.

Concurrent research into performance enhancement and cost reduction prescribes a system in which the majority of the “real time” components are aboards the locomotives. This is particularly true for those components used by the train to indicate its own position on the network as well as those enabling it to converse with operational control centers.

The initial task is to design a global architecture of the command‐control system that satisfies modularity and availability criteria followed by the development of numerous technical components including radar self‐location systems and cellular radio transmission networks.

The French (SNCF) and German (DB) national railways have implemented a vast program of co‐operation aimed at providing valid, proven answers to these problems so as to allow their trains to travel freely on either network.
Simulation model for transit network ‐ modeling
Authors: Dhingra S. L. , Marwah B. R. , Palaniswamy S. P.
Published: January 2010

The trip distribution of passengers in various major urban areas possessing different road networks require a large number of overlapping routes. In the analysis of these networks it is desirable to simulate the flow of passengers and vehicles on all the routes simultaneously thereby accounting for the interaction of the routes rather than dealing with individual routes. The model developed in this study simulates at a micro level the flow of passengers and vehicles in a given network. In order to incorporate the interaction of the overlapping routes in the network, the station scanning technique has been developed and used. The Kanpur metropolis (population: 1.6 million) bus service is taken as the case study for the purpose of modeling the route network and for the complimentary problem of scheduling, the case study has been presented in a separate paper to follow.
A model of an urban transportation system formulated as a multiobjective mathematical programming problem under uncertainty
Authors: Czyzak P. , Zak J.
Published: January 2010

An urban transportation system formulated in terms of a multiobjective mixed integer linear fractional programming (MOMILFP) problem under uncertainty is considered. The system is based on two means of public transportation i.e., trams and buses. One takes into account the factors of both passengers' and operator's concern, whose objectives are, generally, in conflict. The real uncertainty and imprecision of data is modeled by L‐R type fuzzy numbers. To solve the fuzzy MOMILFP problem an interactive method is utilized. As an illustration of that approach an application to Poznan's urban transportation system is presented.
Capacitated maximum covering location models: Formulations and solution procedures
Authors: Haghani Ali
Published: January 2010

This paper presents two formulations and two solution procedures for a capacitated maximum covering location problem. In the first formulation, the problem is presented as a mixed‐interger linear programming model which maximizes covered demand. In the second model, the objective function maximizes the weighted covered demand while at the same time minimizing the average distance from the uncovered demands to the located facilities.

The second formulation attempts to account for the assignment of the demand which is not “covered” to located facilities which have excess capacity. This assignment is very important, especially for locating emergency service facilities. Two heuristic procedures are proposed to solve these models. These are based on greedy adding technique and Lagrangian relaxation. At each iteration, the demands are allocated to the facilities using an out‐of‐kilter method. The performance of the solution techniques are compared to the optimal solutions in a variety of test problems.
Efficient planning of berth allocation for container terminals in Asia
Authors: Imai Akio , Nagaiwa Ken'Ichiro , Tat Chan Weng
Published: January 2010

Berth allocation is essential for efficient terminal utilization in container ports, especially those in Asia. This paper is concerned with a berth allocation problem(BAP) that minimizes the sum of port staying times of ships and that minimizes dissatisfaction of the ships in terms of the berthing order. In general there exist tradeoffs between these objectives. An algorithm is presented to identify noninferior solutions to the BAP. The algorithm is demonstrated with some sample problems and the results indicate the importance of the problem in efficient terminal utilization.
Longitudinal control of a vehicle
Authors: Anderson J. Edward
Published: January 2010

Generally applicable formulae for the gain constants in a proportional plus integral controller required for stable control of the speed of any vehicle in terms of natural frequency, damping ratio, vehicle mass, and thruster time constant are derived. An example, based on a simulation of the controller and vehicle, is given. The theory shows that only speed and position feedback are needed. Acceleration feedback is unnecessary.
Acceleration noise and level of service of urban roads ‐ A case study
Authors: Babu Y. Sudheer , Pattnaik S. B.
Published: January 2010

Capacity measurement of roads under mixed traffic conditions as prevailing in India is ambiguous as it varies with time, composition of traffic and roadway encroachments. High incidence of slow moving vehicles and tricycles adds to the problem. Volume ‐ capacity ratio appears to be an inadequate measure of defining level of service under mixed traffic situations. An attempt is made in this paper to explore the possibility of presenting unconventional parameters like standard deviation of speed, co‐efficient of variation of speed and acceleration noise as possible measures of level of service. Tentative ranges of acceleration noise are proposed in association with flow and speed to explain level of service of urban roads catering to mixed traffic. The results are based on a study conducted in Madras, a major metropolitan city of India.
An introduction to airport APM systems
Authors: Elliott Dennis M. , Norton Jack
Published: January 2010

The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to the nature and purpose of airport automated people mover (APM) systems. Our objective is to provide a convenient research tool for persons seeking an introduction to the airport APM industry. Included are illustrations of typical system designs; a listing of existing airport APM systems, including a tabular presentation of selected data; an organization and discussion of the history and evolution of the existing systems; and a status report on current developments in the APM industry.
A study of passenger discomfort measures at the Hong Kong mass transit railway system
Authors: Lam William H. K. , Cheung C. Y. , Poon Y. F.
Published: January 2010

This note investigates the important attributes relating to the crowding effects at the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations in Hong Kong. Data was collected at two sets of three MTR stations to study the responses of the passengers due to the discomfort at crowded vehicles and platforms. Stated preference surveys were used to study the effects of passenger discomfort measures.
Impact of ITS measures on public transport: A Case study
Authors: Luk J. Y. K. , Yang C.
Published: January 2010

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have a wide range of applications. They range from the more traditional signal coordination system to concepts such as smart cars and smart roads. This paper describes transit‐based ITS measures in Singapore. The island‐state has plans to double the current 90 km rail network over the next ten years and has also implemented or committed to implement many ITS initiatives that impact upon the public transport systems. The aim of these investments is to achieve a high transit modal share using a comprehensive transit network. ITS measures that can promote this aim include: automatic vehicle location systems for buses and taxis, integrated transit fare systems using contactless smart cards, rail information systems, multi‐modal travel guides on Internet and electronic road pricing. The potential impacts of these measures are delay reduction, more comfort, productivity gain and better network accessibility. ITS measures do not necessarily add physical capacity to a public transport system but are excellent supporting measures to encourage the modal shift to transit, particularly if a quality transit system is already in place.
Deploying the advanced public transportation systems (APTS) technologies in Los Angeles: A summary and analysis
Authors: Cashin Robert D. , Liu Peter , Chen Jimmy Xueming
Published: January 2010

This paper first introduces the key players involved in the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The paper then reports the local deployment status of major Advanced Public Transportation Systems (APTS) projects, with a particular emphasis placed on the burgeoning Los Angeles Smart Shuttle Demonstration Project. In addition, the paper analyzes some technical, political, financial and other issues centering around the deployment of APTS technologies in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Lane‐based optimization of traffic equilibrium settings for area traffic control
Authors: Wong C. K. , Wong S. C.
Published: January 2010

Area traffic control is an important element in Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). This paper extends the lane‐based optimization method to a traffic equilibrium network, which improves the operational performance of signal‐controlled network. We formulate a decomposition approach to simultaneously optimize the lane markings and signal settings for a signal‐controlled network that comprises two levels of optimization. At the junction level, the lane markings, control sequence, and other aspects of the signal settings are optimized for individual junctions, whereas at the network level, the group‐based signal settings are optimized to take into account the re‐routing characteristics of travelers and signal coordination effects that are based on a TRANSYT traffic model, which is a well‐known procedure for evaluating the performance of signal‐controlled networks. We use a numerical example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Functional role of KLF10 in multiple disease processes
Authors: Subramaniam Malayannan , Hawse John R. , Rajamannan Nalini M. , Ingle James N. , Spelsberg Thomas C.
Published: January 2010

Since the discovery by this laboratory of the zinc finger transcription factor, KLF10, a member of the Krüppel‐like family of transcription factors, there have been multiple publications regarding its functions and its immediate family members, in numerous cell types. KLF10 has been shown to be rapidly induced by TGFβ1, 2, 3, E2, epidermal growth factor, and bone morphogenetic protein‐2. TGFβ inducible early gene‐1 activates the TGFβ‐Smad signaling pathway via repression of Smad 7 expression and activation of Smad 2 expression and activity. Overall, KLF10 has been implicated in cell differentiation, as a target gene for a variety of signaling pathways, and in serving as a potential marker for human diseases such as breast cancer, cardiac hypertrophy, and osteoporosis. Like other KLF members, KLF10 is expressed in specific cell types in numerous tissues and is known to be involved in repressing cell proliferation and inflammation as well as inducing apoptosis similar to that of TGFβ. KLF10 binds to Sp‐1‐GC rich DNA sequences and can activate or repress the transcription of a number of genes. Overall, KLF10 has been shown to play a major role in the TGFβ inhibition of cell proliferation and inflammation and induction of apoptosis, and its overexpression in human osteoblasts and pancreatic carcinoma cells mimics the actions of TGFβ.
Safe composition levels of transgenic crops assessed via a clinical medicine model
Authors: Herman Rod A. , Scherer Peter N. , Phillips Amy M. , Storer Nicholas P. , Krieger Mark
Published: January 2010

Substantial equivalence has become established as a foundation concept in the safety evaluation of transgenic crops. In the case of a food and feed crop, no single variety is considered the standard for safety or nutrition, so the substantial equivalence of transgenic crops is investigated relative to the array of commercial crop varieties with a history of safe consumption. Although used extensively in clinical medicine to compare new generic drugs with brand‐name drugs, equivalence limits are shown to be a poor model for comparing transgenic crops with an array of reference crop varieties. We suggest an alternate model, also analogous to that used in clinical medicine, where reference intervals are constructed for a healthy heterogeneous population. Specifically, we advocate the use of distribution‐free tolerance intervals calculated across a large amount of publicly available compositional data such as is found in the International Life Sciences Institute Crop Composition Database.
Iron metabolism markers and haptoglobin phenotypes in susceptibility to HSV‐1 or/and HSV‐2 lesion relapses
Authors: Gennero Luisa , Roos Maria Augusta , D'Amelio Patrizia , Denysenko Tetyana , Morra Emanuella , Sperber Kirk , Ceroni Vincenzo , Panzone Michele , Lesca Franco , De Vivo Enrico , Grimaldi Anastasia , Gabetti Maria Luisa , Ponzetto Antonio , Pescarmona Gian Piero , Pugliese Agostino
Published: January 2010

Different haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes play a role in several pathologic processes including infectious diseases. In order to evaluate the role of iron storage and metabolism in susceptibility to herpetic manifestations, we studied the frequency of the Hp phenotypes and iron metabolism in patients affected by H. Simplex virus 1 or 2 (HSV‐1 or HSV‐2), compared with controls. Hp phenotype and iron metabolism were determined in 100 patients with recurrent HSV‐1 or HSV‐2 manifestations during the relapses, and in 110 healthy subjects. The frequencies of the three Hp phenotypes in the patient group compared to the control group were 18% versus 14.5% p = NS for Hp 1.1, 25% versus 40% p = 0.03 for Hp 2.2 and 57% versus 45.5% p = NS for Hp 2.1. All iron metabolism parameters tested showed significant differences between patients and controls; haemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and serum iron were lower, while transferrin was higher in the patients than in controls. Reductions in iron availability may be a risk factor for relapsing lesions of HSV‐1 or HSV‐2. Hp 2.2 phenotype may offer some protection against the recurrence of Herpes labialis or genitalis manifestations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.