bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leishmania infection in a population of dogs: an epidemiological investigation relating to visceral leishmaniasis control
Authors: Penaforte Klauber Menezes , Belo Vinícius Silva , Teixeira-Neto Rafael Gonçalves , Ribeiro Renata Aparecida Nascimento , Oliveira Robson Bruniera de , Schettini Dante Alighieri , Silva Eduardo Sergio da
Published: February 2014

Identification of factors associated with Leishmaniainfection in dogs is essential for targeting visceral leishmaniasis control actions. Thus, the present study analyzed some of these factors in a population of dogs in a Brazilian municipality, along with the limitations of control strategies implemented there. The association between the exposure variables and occurrences of infection was analyzed through logistic regression models. The disease control interventions were treated qualitatively. Out of the 755 animals examined, 13.6% (103/755) were seropositive. Of these, 23.3% (24/103) were asymptomatic and 76.7% (79/103) presented at least one clinical sign possibly associated with visceral leishmaniasis. With weak associations, purebred, shorthaired, over 5 years of age, male and large dogs were more prone to infection. The latter two variables formed the final regression model and the association with dog size was statistically significant. The control strategies developed presented limitations and a great number of seronegative dogs was culled. The data presented contribute towards better understanding of the dynamics of infection in canine visceral leishmaniasis and indicate that actions aimed towards adequate implementation of Visceral Leishmaniasis control program in Brazilian endemic areas should be prioritized.
Molecular and parasitological detection ofLeishmania spp. in a dipteran of the speciesTabanus importunus
Authors: Coelho Willian Marinho Dourado , Bresciani Katia Denise Saraiva
Published: February 2014

Leishmaniasis is an important chronic zoonosis caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania spp. The major vectors of this protozoosis are sand flies, and Lutzomyia longipalpis is considered the main species implicated in the transmission of American Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil. The presence of the parasite's deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in ectoparasites such as ticks and fleas has prompted speculations about the existence of new vectors in the cycle of leishmaniasis. The aim of this paper is to report the molecular detection of Leishmania spp. in a horse fly of the species Tabanus importunus which parasitized an oligosymptomatic dog infected with Leishmania spp. Molecular amplification of the protozoan's DNA in the head, thoracic region and abdomen of the tabanid tested positive for Leishmania complex. This is the first report of the presence of DNA from Leishmaniaspp. in dipterous insects of the species T. importunus.
Occurrence of Clavellisa ilishae(Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae) parasitizing herrings (Actinopterygii: Clupeidae) in Brazil
Authors: Moreira Juliana , Paschoal Fabiano , Cezar Anderson Dias , Luque José Luis
Published: February 2014

The lernaeopodids are highly specialized copepods which are widely distributed worldwide. In this paper the first record of Clavellisa ilishae Pillai, 1962 in the Neotropical region is documented parasitizing Sardinella brasiliensis from coastal zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.
Vertical transmission of Toxocara canis in successive generations of mice
Authors: Schoenardie Elizandra Roselaine , Scaini Carlos James , Pepe Michele Soares , Borsuk Sibele , Avila Luciana Farias da Costa de , Villela Marcos , Berne Maria Elisabeth Aires
Published: February 2014

Visceral toxocariasis is a neglected zoonosis caused byToxocara canis larvae in unusual hosts. In dogs, the definitive host, the infection occurs mainly through transplacental and transcolostral transmission. Studies on experimental models have shown that vertical transmission may result from acute infections. Considering that toxocariasis is characterized as a chronic infection, with possible reactivation of larvae present in the brain, this study evaluated the presence of larvae in the brain of female BALB/c mice and their offspring with chronic infection during three successive pregnancies. ELISA-TES was used to evaluate the antibody levels. T. canis larvae were detected in the brain tissue of the mice during the three successive generations evaluated. The offspring's IgG level gradually decreased, and mean absorbance (ABS) above the cutoff point (0.070) was observed only at 30 (0.229) and 50 (0.096) days of age, while IgM was not detected. The infections in the offspring confirmed that vertical transmission of T. canis larvae occurred during chronic toxocariasis in three successive generations of mice.
Optimization of Dental Status Improves Long-Term Outcome after Alveolar Bone Grafting in Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Jabbari Fatima , Skoog Valdemar , Reiser Eicka , Hakelius Malin , Nowinski Daniel
Published: February 2014

Objective

To evaluate the importance of dental status for long-term outcome after alveolar bone grafting in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Design

Retrospective longitudinal study.

Setting

Cleft lip and palate-craniofacial center, Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden.

Patients

A total of 67 consecutive patients with unilateral complete cleft lip and palate.

Interventions

Secondary alveolar bone grafting, prior to the eruption of the permanent canine, was performed at the average age of 10.0 years (range, 8.5 to 12.0 years).

Main Outcome Measures

Alveolar bone height was evaluated with the modified Bergland index at 1 and 10 years after surgery.

Results

Of the patients, 97% had modified Bergland index grade I and the remaining 3% had modified Bergland index grade II at 1 year after surgery. At 10 years' follow-up, 43% showed modified Bergland index grade I; 55%, modified Bergland index grade II; and 2% (one patient), modified Bergland index grade III. The degree of dental anomalies in the cleft area, such as enamel hypoplasia, incisor rotation, incisor inclination, canine inclination, and oral hygiene registered preoperatively, all correlated negatively to the modified Bergland index at 10 years after surgery. Enamel hypoplasia (ρ = 0.70195, P < .0001), followed by canine inclination (ρ = 0.55429, P < .0001), showed the strongest correlation to reduced bone height in the cleft area.

Conclusions

In patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate, excellent results from secondary alveolar bone grafting in terms of bone height in the alveolar cleft tend to decrease with time. This seems to be correlated with factors that might to some extent be treated preoperatively through adequate planning and execution of the orthodontic treatment.
Simulating post‐wildfire forest trajectories under alternative climate and management scenarios
Authors: Tarancón Alicia Azpeleta , Fulé Peter Z. , Shive Kristen L. , Sieg Carolyn H. , Meador Andrew Sánchez , Strom Barbara
Published: February 2014

Post‐fire predictions of forest recovery under future climate change and management actions are necessary for forest managers to make decisions about treatments. We applied the Climate‐Forest Vegetation Simulator (Climate‐FVS), a new version of a widely used forest management model, to compare alternative climate and management scenarios in a severely burned multispecies forest of Arizona, USA. The incorporation of seven combinations of General Circulation Models (GCM) and emissions scenarios altered long‐term (100 years) predictions of future forest condition compared to a No Climate Change (NCC) scenario, which forecast a gradual increase to high levels of forest density and carbon stock. In contrast, emissions scenarios that included continued high greenhouse gas releases led to near‐complete deforestation by 2111. GCM‐emissions scenario combinations that were less severe reduced forest structure and carbon stock relative to NCC. Fuel reduction treatments that had been applied prior to the severe wildfire did have persistent effects, especially under NCC, but were overwhelmed by increasingly severe climate change. We tested six management strategies aimed at sustaining future forests: prescribed burning at 5, 10, or 20‐year intervals, thinning 40% or 60% of stand basal area, and no treatment. Severe climate change led to deforestation under all management regimes, but important differences emerged under the moderate scenarios: treatments that included regular prescribed burning fostered low density, wildfire‐resistant forests composed of the naturally dominant species, ponderosa pine. Non‐fire treatments under moderate climate change were forecast to become dense and susceptible to severe wildfire, with a shift to dominance by sprouting species. Current U.S. forest management requires modeling of future scenarios but does not mandate consideration of climate change effects. However, this study showed substantial differences in model outputs depending on climate and management actions. Managers should incorporate climate change into the process of analyzing the environmental effects of alternative actions.
Providing Higher Education in Post-Modern Times: What do University Mission Statements Tell Us about What They Believe and Do?
Authors: Ellis Jennifer , Miller Paul
Published: February 2014

Higher education institutions (HEIs) are critical to the delivery of education for all in any nation state. What they believe and what they do are critical components to creating societal impact. But what they believe and do is not always clear. Using a derivative of SWIFT (Structured Word Identification and Frequency Totals), the authors examined the mission statements of seven HEIs in Jamaica. Using keywords, such as quality, research, and community involvement or participation, they found that some institutions had very little in common and the mission statement of a number of these HEIs do not reflect, in broader terms, the principles and goals of Education for All, as conceptualised by UNESCO in 2013. The authors conclude that whereas the HEIs in question demonstrate some affirmation of Education for All, as a whole, their mission statements do not, and therefore they need to be re-examined, and in some cases simplified, to more closely reflect global (and local) policy goals.
Short-term outcome following partial or complete liver lobectomy with a commercially prepared self-ligating loop in companion animals: 29 cases (2009–2012)
Authors: Goodman Andrew R. , Casale Sue A.
Published: February 2014

Objective—To evaluate the clinical use of a self-ligating loop (SLL) for partial or complete liver lobectomy in a variety of companion animal species.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—22 dogs, 2 cats, 4 rabbits, and 1 ferret with partial or complete liver lobectomy performed with an SLL.

Procedures—Medical records of companion animal patients that underwent partial or complete liver lobectomy with an SLL between 2009 and 2012 at the Angell Animal Medical Center were reviewed, and signalment, intraoperative and postoperative complications, histologic diagnosis, hospital discharge (yes or no), time to hospital discharge, and short-term survival rate were recorded. Follow-up information was obtained through evaluation of medical records.

Results—28 of 29 (97%) patients were discharged from the hospital and survived at least 5 days after discharge. Of the 29 patients, 3 underwent 2 liver lobectomies. During 4 of 32 (12.5%) lobectomies, mild intraoperative bleeding occurred on the cut surface of the liver after transection. No transection performed with ≥ 2 SLLs resulted in notable intraoperative bleeding. One of 29 (3.4%) patients had evidence of postoperative hemoabdomen, which was successfully treated with a single packed RBC transfusion. Expansion of the SLL diameter from 8 to 15 cm was accomplished to allow for resection of larger masses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Use of an SLL for partial or complete liver lobectomy in a variety of companion animal species was a safe technique and was associated with low morbidity and mortality rates. Expansion of the ligature loop diameter and use of multiple SLLs may be necessary for larger lobectomies.
Biofilm-infected wounds in a dog
Authors: Swanson Elizabeth A. , Freeman Lynetta J. , Seleem Mohamed N. , Snyder Paul W.
Published: February 2014

Case Description—A 4-year-old spayed female Mastiff was evaluated for treatment of chronic nonhealing pressure wounds over both elbow regions resulting from attempts at hypertrophic callus excision.

Clinical Findings—The wound bed granulation tissue was mottled red and yellow with hyperemic, rolled epithelial edges. The right wound communicated with a large fluid pocket along the thoracic wall. The dog had an inflammatory leukogram with a left shift.

Treatment and Outcome—The wounds were debrided, and tissue specimens were collected for histologic evaluation, microbial culture, and bacterial identification by means of molecular diagnostic techniques. The left wound was closed immediately. Calcium alginate rope with silver was packed into the right wound. Vacuum-assisted closure was applied for 6 days. Debridement was repeated, and a thoracodorsal axial pattern flap was used to cover the wound. Systemic treatment with antimicrobials was initiated, and pressure over the elbow regions was relieved. Bacterial biofilms were identified histologically in tissue specimens from both wounds. Staphylococcus intermedius, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus canis were cultured and identified by 16S rRNA fragment sequencing. Pyrosequencing identified multiple bacterial species and no fungal organisms. Both wounds healed successfully.

Clinical Relevance—Biofilms are implicated in infected orthopedic implants in veterinary patients; however, this is the first report of a bacterial biofilm in chronic wounds in a dog. In human wound care, extensive debridement is performed to disrupt the biofilm; a multimodal treatment approach is recommended to delay reformation and help clear the infection. In this case, biofilm reformation was prevented by systemic treatment with antimicrobials, by reducing local pressure on the wounds, and by wound closure.
Hemorrhage and blood loss–induced anemia associated with an acquired coagulation factor VIII inhibitor in a Thoroughbred mare
Authors: Winfield Laramie S. , Brooks Marjory B.
Published: February 2014

Case Description—A 23-year-old Thoroughbred mare was evaluated because of a coagulopathy causing hemoperitoneum, hematomas, and signs of blood loss–induced anemia.

Clinical Findings—The mare had tachycardia, pallor, hypoperfusion, and a large mass in the right flank. The mass was further characterized ultrasonographically as an extensive hematoma in the body wall with associated hemoabdomen. Coagulation testing revealed persistent, specific prolongation of the activated partial thromboplastin time (> 100 seconds; reference interval, 24 to 44 seconds) attributable to severe factor VIII deficiency (12%; reference interval, 50% to 200%). On the basis of the horse's age, lack of previous signs of a bleeding diathesis, and subsequent quantification of plasma factor VIII inhibitory activity (Bethesda assay titer, 2.7 Bethesda units/mL), acquired hemophilia A was diagnosed. The medical history did not reveal risk factors or underlying diseases; thus, the development of inhibitory antibodies against factor VIII was considered to be idiopathic.

Treatment and Outcome—The mare was treated with 2 transfusions of fresh whole blood and fresh-frozen plasma. Immunosuppressive treatment consisting of dexamethasone and azathioprine was initiated. Factor VIII deficiency and signs of coagulopathy resolved, and the inhibitory antibody titer decreased. The mare remained healthy with no relapse for at least 1 year after treatment.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Horses may develop inhibitory antibodies against factor VIII that cause acquired hemophilia A. A treatment strategy combining transfusions of whole blood and fresh-frozen plasma and administration of immunosuppressive agents was effective and induced sustained remission for at least 1 year in the mare described here.
Perception Threshold of Locomotor Symmetry While Walking on a Split-Belt Treadmill in Healthy Elderly Individuals
Authors: Lauzière Séléna , Miéville Carole , Duclos Cyril , Aissaoui Rachid , Nadeau Sylvie
Published: February 2014

Some hemiparetic patients walk asymmetrically. To better understand the mechanisms of this deficiency, the perception of locomotor symmetry was investigated in healthy elderly individuals. 16 participants (6 women, 10 men; M age = 70.9 yr., SD = 4.1) walked on a split-belt treadmill either at a self-selected or imposed gait speed. The speed of the two belts was initially similar (or different) and then gradually differed (or matched), so participants had to detect the point of perceived asymmetry (or symmetry). The results revealed that thresholds occurred when the belt speed ratios were .88 and .85. Initial gait speed did not affect the threshold. The parameter that correlated the most with belt speed asymmetry was stance time of the parameters measured. Future studies will investigate whether stroke affects gait symmetry judgments.
Myricetin blocks lipoteichoic acid-induced COX-2 expression in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Gutiérrez-Venegas Gloria , Luna Oscar , Arreguín-Cano Juan , Hernández-Bermúdez Cristina
Published: February 2014

Periodontitis is an infectious disease caused by microorganisms present in dental bacterial plaque. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA) is a component of the external membrane of Gram-positive bacteria. It causes septic shock. Ingested flavonoids have been reported to directly affect the regulation of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression induced by bacterial toxins. In this study, we examined the effects of four flavonoids (luteolin, fisetin, morin and myricetin) on the activation of ERK1/2, p38 and AKT, and on the synthesis of COX-2 in human gingival fibroblasts treated with LTA from Streptococcus sanguinis. We found that luteolin and myricetin blocked AKT and p38 activation and that myricetin blocked LTA-induced COX-2 expression. The results of our study are important for elucidating the mechanism of action of flavonoid regulation of inflammatory responses.
Gene expression profiles of various cytokines in mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissue and bone marrow following infection with human cytomegalovirus
Authors: Li Quansheng , Yu Ping , Wang Wei , Zhang Peng , Yang Haiqing , Li Shengfu , Zhang Li
Published: February 2014

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have both multi-lineage differentiation potential and immunosuppressive properties, making them ideal candidates for regenerative medicine. However, their immunosuppressive properties potentially increase the risk of cancer progression and opportunistic infections. In this study, MSCs isolated from human umbilical cord blood (UCMSCs) and adult bone marrow (BMMSCs) were infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Cytopathic changes were observed 10 days post infection. PCR products amplified from genomic DNA and cDNA were used to confirm the HCMV infection of the UCMSCs and BMMSCs. Real-time PCR was conducted to quantify the expression of immunomodulatory molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, adhesion molecules and cancer-related genes. Our results indicate high upregulation of the majority of these molecules, including many growth factors, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-8, interleukin-6 and interferon gamma. Adhesion molecules (VCAM-1, TCAM-1 and selectin-E) were downregulated in the infected UCMSCs and BMMSCs. Antibody chip array evaluation of cell culture media indicated that the growth factor secretion by UCMSCs and BMMSCs was greatly influenced (p < 0.001) by HCMV. The stimulation of MSCs with HCMV led to the activation of downstream signaling pathways, including pSTAT3 and Wnt2. Our results show that HCMV can significantly alter the functions of both UCMSCs and BMMSCs, although not in the same way or to the same extent. In both cases, there was an increase in the expression of proangiogenic factors in the microenvironment following HMCV infection. The discrepancy between the two cell types may be explained by their different developmental origin, although further analysis is necessary. Future studies should decipher the underlying mechanism by which HCMV controls MSCs, which may lead to the development of new therapeutic treatments.
Cosmocercoides himalayanus sp. nov. (Nematoda, Cosmocercidae) in Duttaphrynus himalayanus (Amphibia, Anura) from Dehradun (Uttarakhand), India
Authors: Rizvi Anjum , Bursey Charles
Published: February 2014

Cosmocercoides himalayanus sp. nov. (Nematoda, Cosmocercidae) from the large intestine of Duttaphrynus himalayanus (Amphibia, Anura) from Dehradun, India is described and illustrated. Cosmocercoides himalayanus sp. nov. represents the 21st species assigned to the genus and the 9th species from the Oriental biogeographical region. Cosmocercoides himalayanus sp. nov. differs from the previously described Oriental species in number and position of rosette papillae; it is the only species possessing 24 or more rosette papillae to have 4 postcloacal papillae. In addition, a list of species assigned to Cosmocercoides is provided; however, C. fotedari Arya, 1992 is removed from the genus and until further study is considered a species inquirenda.
A new species of Unilatus (Platyhelminthes: Monogenoidea) from the gills of Leporacanthicus galaxias Isbrücker et Nijssen (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from Brazil
Authors: Branches Bárbara , Domingues Marcus
Published: February 2014

Unilatus irae sp. nov. (Dactylogyridae) is described from the gills of the armored catfish, Leporacanthicus galaxias Isbrücker et Nijssen (Loricariidae: Ancistrinae), from Guamá river, Pará State, Brazil. The new species can be differentiated from its cogeneners by the combination of the following features: anterior anchor with well-developed superficial root, inconspicuous deep root, shaft bent at midpoint, forming angle of approximately 60°, evenly short curved point; posterior anchor with inconspicuous roots, sclerotized cap of base with small protuberance for articulation to posterior bar; evenly curved shaft and short point; anterior bar broadly V-shaped, with small posteromedial projection; and posterior bar anteriorly expanded on it midportion, with expanded ends slightly curved in posterior direction.
Toxocariasis and lung function: Relevance of a neglected infection in an urban landscape
Authors: Walsh Michael , Haseeb M.
Published: February 2014

Toxocariasis has been highlighted as a potentially important neglected infection of poverty in developed countries that experience substantive health disparities such as the United States. An association between Toxocara infection and lung function, in concert with a relatively high prevalence of infection, may mark an important mechanism by which this infection could contribute significantly to the differential morbidity across different socioeconomic groups and landscapes. To assess the potential relevance of this infection in a dense urban environment, we measured the association between forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and serology diagnosed Toxocara infection in a sample of US-born New York City residents. We identified a significant independent association between Toxocara infection and lung function, wherein those with previous Toxocara infection had a 236.9 mL reduced FEV1 compared to those without Toxocara infection even after adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, level of education, smoking status, body mass index, and pet ownership. These findings from New York City corroborate similar findings in a national sample and, while the cross-sectional data preclude a direct causal relationship, this study identifies a potentially important neglected infection in a dense urban landscape.
A novel approach to control brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus using sustained release poly-ɛ-caprolactone-pheromone microspheres
Authors: Bhoopathy Dhivya , Latha Bhaskaran , Uma T. , Sreekumar C. , Leela V.
Published: February 2014

Control of brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus was attempted by utilizing sustained release preparations of synthetic analogues of assembly pheromones. The assembly pheromone, in defined ratio, was encapsulated using poly-ɛ-caprolactone by water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. In the in vitro bioassay, percent mortality with test microspheres was 95.6, 64 and 44 among the unfed larvae, unfed nymph and unfed adults respectively, 24 hours post-exposure. Field trials were carried out to evaluate the efficacy of microspheres in luring and killing environmental stages of R. sanguineus in dog houses/kennels. Engorged and unfed stages in the environment were found adhered and dead on the specially designed lure.
Ecology and seasonal variation of parasites in wild Aequidens tetramerus, a Cichlidae from the Amazon
Authors: Tavares-Dias Marcos , Oliveira Marcos , Gonçalves Raissa , Silva Luis
Published: February 2014

This study is the first investigation on seasonal dynamics of parasites component community of the Aequidens tetramerus from an Amazon River tributary, in Northern Brazil. A total of 239,2407 parasites were recovered from 92 hosts examined from February to October 2011. Such parasites included Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Tripartiella tetramerii and Trichodina nobilis (Protozoa), Dolops longicauda (Argulidae), Gussevia alioides, Gussevia disparoides (Monogenoidea), Digenea metacercarie, Pseudoproleptus larvae, Anisakidae larvae (Nematoda), Proteocephalidea plerocercoid (Eucestoda) and Gorytocephalus spectabilis (Acanthocephala). Ciliates were the most dominant and abundant taxon, while cestodes were the least prevalent. The parasites showed seasonal variation in their infection dynamics associated with environmental changes during the Amazonian drainage season, except the infection with I. multifiliis. The parasites community in A. tetramerus was also characterized by higher diversity, species richness and uniformity during the drainage season when compared to Amazon flood season. With the exception of T. tetramerii, these parasite species are new records for A. tetramerus.
Benefits of Real-Time Transit Information and Impacts of Data Accuracy on Rider Experience
Authors: Gooze Aaron , Watkins Kari Edison , Borning Alan
Published: February 2014

When presented in a practical format, real-time transit information can improve sustainable travel methods by enhancing the transit experience. This paper identifies the positive shift realized by the continued development of the OneBusAway set of real-time transit information tools. In addition, the paper analyzes real-time prediction errors and their effects on the rider experience. In 2012, three years after the development of location-aware mobile applications, a survey of current OneBusAway users was conducted to compare the results with the previous 2009 study. Results show significant positive shifts in satisfaction with transit, perceptions of safety, and ridership frequency as a result of the increased use of real-time arrival information. However, this paper also provides a perspective of the margin of error riders come to expect and the negative effects resulting from inaccuracies with the real-time data. Although riders on average will ride less when they have experienced errors, a robust issue-reporting system as well as the resolution of the error can mitigate the initial negative effects. With this understanding, the paper provides transit agencies and developers with guidance to realize the full potential of real-time information and error-reporting systems.
Calibration of a Public Transport Performance Measurement System for Switzerland
Authors: Orth Hermann , Carrasco Nelson , Schwertner Michael , Weidmann Ulrich
Published: February 2014

Performance evaluation is fundamental to transport analysis and operations. This paper describes a quality evaluation framework based on level of service (LOS) developed for urban public transport in Switzerland. The framework focuses on four key indicators: on-time performance, headway adherence, speed, and passenger loads. The framework allows users to assess service quality at different levels by measuring the indicators at the single element level and aggregating scores over larger sets of elements. Because the number of indicators is relatively small compared with other frameworks, application of the method is easier, but the method also provides less detailed results. An earlier paper presented a conceptual approach for the framework. This paper extends that work by describing the approach in more detail and focusing on calibration of the LOS framework and application of the framework to a real example in Zurich, Switzerland. The research is part of a larger effort designed to develop a consistent multimodal LOS evaluation system for Switzerland. This system would include nonmotorized traffic, public transport, and road-based transport.
Doing Business around Transit Corridors
Authors: Fan Yingling , Guthrie Andrew
Published: February 2014

Major transit projects can have profound effects on nearby businesses. Although much research has investigated physical neighborhood changes and neighborhood demographic changes driven by transit projects, little is known about the perceived effects of transit projects in business communities. In a direct response to this knowledge gap, a random-sampled survey of 160 businesses was conducted along four existing and planned transit corridors in the Twin Cities region in Minnesota. With the survey responses, ordered logistic regression models of business perceptions of transit corridor projects were estimated. It was found that responding businesses generally expect positive effects from transit corridors in the future, but the likelihood of positive perceptions differs significantly according to business location, size, and sector, as well as employees’ and customers’ demographics and customers’ travel behavior. These findings provide insights into the types of businesses to target for special outreach efforts as well as strategies for mitigating negative effects and maximizing positive effects perceived by station area businesses.
Constitutive Modeling of Cyclic Viscoplastic Response of Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Darabi Masoud K. , Al-Rub Rashid K. Abu , Masad Eyad A. , Little Dallas N.
Published: February 2014

Rutting (permanent deformation) is the most important distress that asphalt concrete pavements are prone to at high temperatures. However, available classical viscoplastic (VP) theories are incapable of properly predicting permanent deformation of asphalt concrete materials at high temperatures subjected to cyclic loading conditions. A physically based VP hardening relaxation model is proposed to overcome this issue. This model considers the changes in the microstructure that occur during the rest period and cause the induced hardening stress to relax and recover. This mechanism affects the VP properties of asphalt concrete before and after the rest period is applied. A memory surface is introduced as the general criterion for the evolution of the hardening relaxation mechanism. The memory surface possesses a state variable memorizing the history of the VP deformation during the loading history. The proposed VP hardening relaxation model is coupled with Schapery's viscoelastic model and the classical Perzyna's VP model and is validated against extensive experimental data, including repeated creep and recovery tests at different stress levels, loading times, and rest periods. It is shown that the proposed model reasonably predicts the cyclic VP response of asphalt concrete materials at high temperatures.
Development of Calibration Testing Protocol for Permanent Deformation Model of Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Choi Yeong-Tae , Kim Y. Richard
Published: February 2014

Recent permanent deformation modeling research at North Carolina State University has resulted in the shift model, which is capable of expressing the permanent strain growth of asphalt concrete as a function of deviatoric stress, load time, and temperature on the basis of the time–temperature superposition and time–stress superposition principles. This paper presents an efficient calibration test protocol for the shift model as well as verification of the model. The proposed test protocol is comprised of triaxial stress sweep (TSS) tests and a reference test. The TSS test is suggested to reduce the number of tests required by applying three deviatoric stresses within one test. Each TSS test was performed at three temperatures: high (TH), intermediate (TI), and low (TL). The reference test was a triaxial repeated load permanent deformation test conducted at TH only. The shift model was calibrated for the polymer-modified dense-graded NY9.5B mix, and the calibrated model was applied successfully to predict strain growth for the composite tests at the three study temperatures and for random load tests at TH. The calibration testing procedure was optimized for the asphalt mixture performance tester. The TSS tests take approximately 2.9 h at TH and 1.5 h at TI and TL. Thus, about a day was required to complete one set of calibration tests under the proposed test protocol. Within 2 to 3 days of testing, depending on the number of replicates, the calibrated shift model is capable of predicting permanent strain growth for different temperatures, load times, and deviatoric stresses.
Approach for Quantifying the Effect of Binder Oxidative Aging on the Viscoelastic Properties of Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Alavi Mohammad Zia , Hajj Elie Y. , Morian Nathan E.
Published: February 2014

Because of the noted influence of oxidative aging on mixture properties and pavement performance, it is becoming imperative to have a more complete understanding of the influence of asphalt binder aging on the viscoelastic behavior of asphalt mixtures. This study proposes a new approach to correlating the oxidative aging of asphalt binder for carbonyl functional groups with the viscoelastic behavior of asphalt mixtures for a continuous relaxation spectrum. The asphalt mixture complex modulus and the carbonyl area for the recovered asphalt binder were measured for mixtures subjected to varying durations of long-term aging in the laboratory. The continuous relaxation spectrum was obtained analytically from the 2S2P1D model of complex modulus of asphalt mixture through the inverse Fourier–Laplace transform approach. A consistent horizontal shift in the continuous relaxation spectrum was observed for all mixtures with the increase in aging duration. However, the shape and the amount of shifting of the spectra were mixture dependent. In particular, mixtures with higher asphalt binder absorption exhibited the greatest shift in the continuous spectra for both unmodified and polymer-modified asphalt mixtures. Good correlations were observed between the carbonyl in asphalt binder and the continuous relaxation spectrum parameters of the asphalt mixture. Such relationships should permit the incorporation of long-term oxidative aging directly into the constitutive equation used in pavement response analyses.
Emissions Estimation at Multilane Roundabouts
Authors: Salamati Katayoun , Coelho Margarida C. , Fernandes Paulo J. , Rouphail Nagui M. , Frey H. Christopher , Bandeira Jorge
Published: February 2014

This paper reports on research that explored how multilane roundabouts located on urban corridors have affected traffic performance and pollutant emissions generated from vehicles. The research also compared the emissions of vehicles moving through the roundabouts as they used either the left or right entry lanes. The methodology can be generalized to measure the emissions of any multilane roundabout. The paper identified a representative speed profile for each speed trajectory type, no stop, one stop, and multiple stops, from field data collected at four multilane roundabouts in Aveiro, Portugal. The vehicle-specific power emissions methodology was employed to estimate the second-by-second emissions generated from a vehicle during different acceleration–deceleration cycles. Congestion-specific vehicle speed profiles for two-lane roundabout approaches were used to develop regression models to predict the percentage of vehicles that would experience different speed trajectory types in the roundabout. The analysis tested hypotheses about how differences in the following characteristics have affected the amount of emissions generated from vehicles in each lane: (a) the speed profiles in each lane (left versus right), (b) the conflicting flows for the left and right lanes, (c) the lane flow, and (d) the overall congestion levels. Under low congestion levels, vehicles in the right lane emitted more pollutant because they had on average higher speed and sharper acceleration and deceleration rates. For high congestion levels, given equal flow rates for the left and right lanes, vehicles in the left lane produced more emissions because vehicles in the left lane experienced longer stop-and-go cycles and had different speed profiles than did vehicles in the right lane.
Safety Effects of Converting Intersections to Roundabouts
Authors: Jensen Søren Underlien
Published: February 2014

A before–after crash study of converting intersections to roundabouts was carried out in Denmark. Correction factors were estimated on the basis of 32 general comparison groups in this nonexperimental observational study. The correction factors were used to account for general crash trends and regression-to-the-mean effects. The study included 332 converted sites, 57 fatalities, 1,271 other injuries, and 2,497 crashes. Conversions resulted in decreases in the numbers of crashes and injuries of 27% and 60%, respectively. Crashes became less severe—fatalities decreased by 87% and property damage–only crashes decreased by 16%. Safety effects varied between sites. The safety effects were better when the speed limit on the roundabout arms was higher. As the share of left-turn and angle crashes at intersections increased, the safety effects improved. As the share of bicycle crashes at intersections decreased, the safety effects improved. Central islands more than 6.6 ft (2 m) high produced better safety effects compared with lower central islands. Triangle or trumpet splitter islands produced better effects than no or parallel splitter islands. The numbers of bicycle crashes and injured cyclists increased by 65% and 40%, respectively, because of the conversions. Cycle lanes next to the circulating lane produced the worst safety effects for cyclists, whereas cycle paths without priority to cyclists resulted in the best effects. Colored cycle lanes and blue cycle crossings produced worse safety effects for cyclists than comparable bicycle facilities in lanes without color.
Use of Computer Vision Data for Detailed Driver Behavior Analysis and Trajectory Interpretation at Roundabouts
Authors: St-Aubin Paul , Saunier Nicolas , Miranda-Moreno Luis F. , Ismail Karim
Published: February 2014

With recent important upgrades to North American intersection design guides, roundabouts are gaining popularity as a method of reducing road conflicts, streamlining flow, and curbing excessive speeding at busy intersections. The current design approach, however, makes use of mean spot speed measures and design criteria that do not take into account yielding behavior and acceleration and deceleration, all of which may be affected by regional driving culture and local roundabout design. This research paper introduces the methodology being developed for the detailed analysis of driving behavior, trajectory interpretation, and conflict measures in modern North American roundabouts, based on video data extracted by means of computer vision. The analysis explores the methods used to prepare microscopic speed maps, compiled speed profiles, lane-change counts, and gap time measures. The paper introduces and discusses the interpretation of trajectories at the scale of roundabout merge sections instead of looking at safety from the point of view of a roundabout as a unified system. The research found significant variation in distributions of speed across five case study roundabouts in the province of Quebec, Canada; this result may be explained by regional differences in design and road use. The paper also found aggressive gap times and uneven traffic flow as contributing factors to speed.
Prediction of Individual Travel Mode with Evidential Neural Network Model
Authors: Omrani Hichem , Charif Omar , Gerber Philippe , Awasthi Anjali , Trigano Philippe
Published: February 2014

An evidential neural network (ENN) for predicting individual travel mode is presented. This model can be used to support management decision making and to build predictions under uncertainty related to changes in people's behavior, the economic context, or the environment and policy. The presented model uses individuals’ characteristics, transportation mode specifications, and data related to places of work and residence. The data set analyzed was taken from a survey conducted in 2007 and contains information on the daily mobility (e.g., from home to work) of individuals who either lived or worked in Luxembourg. Individual characteristics were extracted to relate daily mobility (journeys between home and work, in particular) to the characteristics of working individuals. Information about public transportation specification and some geographical particularities of residential areas and workplaces were used. Rates of successful prediction obtained by the ENN and several alternative approaches were compared by cross-validation. The results showed that the ENN was superior to the studied alternatives.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Administrative Sciences in 2013
Authors: Administrative Sciences Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Administrative Sciences would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Antibodies in 2013
Authors: Antibodies Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Antibodies would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Atmosphere in 2013
Authors: Atmosphere Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Atmosphere would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Canonical Coordinates for Retino-Cortical Magnification
Authors: Florack Luc
Published: February 2014

A geometric model for a biologically-inspired visual front-end is proposed, based on an isotropic, scale-invariant two-form field. The model incorporates a foveal property typical of biological visual systems, with an approximately linear decrease of resolution as a function of eccentricity, and by a physical size constant that measures the radius of the geometric foveola, the central region characterized by maximal resolving power. It admits a description in singularity-free canonical coordinates generalizing the familiar log-polar coordinates and reducing to these in the asymptotic case of negligibly-sized geometric foveola or, equivalently, at peripheral locations in the visual field. It has predictive power to the extent that quantitative geometric relationships pertaining to retino-cortical magnification along the primary visual pathway, such as receptive field size distribution and spatial arrangement in retina and striate cortex, can be deduced in a principled manner. The biological plausibility of the model is demonstrated by comparison with known facts of human vision.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Axioms in 2013
Authors: Axioms Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Axioms would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Increasing Personal Value Congruence in Computerized Decision Support Using System Feedback
Authors: Hosack Bryan , Paradice David
Published: February 2014

The Theory of Universals in Values (TUV), a reliable and validated conceptualization of personal values used in psychology, is used to examine the effect of system feedback delivered by a Decision Support System (DSS) on personal values. The results indicate that value-based decision-making behavior can be influenced by DSS feedback to address value congruence in decision-making. User behavior was shown to follow the outcomes expected by operant theory when feedback was supportive and to follow the outcomes of reactance theory when feedback was challenging. This result suggests that practitioners and Information System (IS) researchers should consider user values when designing computerized decision feedback to adjust a system’s design such that the potential user backlash is avoided or congruence between organizational and personal values is achieved.
Heavy Metals and Metalloids As a Cause for Protein Misfolding and Aggregation
Authors: Tamás Markus , Sharma Sandeep , Ibstedt Sebastian , Jacobson Therese , Christen Philipp
Published: February 2014

While the toxicity of metals and metalloids, like arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead and chromium, is undisputed, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not entirely clear. General consensus holds that proteins are the prime targets; heavy metals interfere with the physiological activity of specific, particularly susceptible proteins, either by forming a complex with functional side chain groups or by displacing essential metal ions in metalloproteins. Recent studies have revealed an additional mode of metal action targeted at proteins in a non-native state; certain heavy metals and metalloids have been found to inhibit the in vitro refolding of chemically denatured proteins, to interfere with protein folding in vivo and to cause aggregation of nascent proteins in living cells. Apparently, unfolded proteins with motile backbone and side chains are considerably more prone to engage in stable, pluridentate metal complexes than native proteins with their well-defined 3D structure. By interfering with the folding process, heavy metal ions and metalloids profoundly affect protein homeostasis and cell viability. This review describes how heavy metals impede protein folding and promote protein aggregation, how cells regulate quality control systems to protect themselves from metal toxicity and how metals might contribute to protein misfolding disorders.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Buildings in 2013
Authors: Buildings Editorial Office
Published: February 2014

The editors of Buildings would like to express their sincere gratitude to the following reviewers for assessing manuscripts in 2013. [...]
Chromatography is Alive and Well
Authors: Dorman Frank
Published: February 2014

It is my great pleasure to serve as the first editor-in-chief for Chromatography, and welcome you all to the readership. This journal will enable us to communicate our findings in “open access” while maintaining the very high scientific requirements of the few other journals that are focused on the type of science that we all find so very interesting. It is safe to say that chromatographic separations are the single most heavily used techniques in the larger field of analytical chemistry, whether applied or fundamental. Without chromatography, we would struggle to answer many of the pressing scientific questions of our time, and without improvements and advancements we will still struggle to probe more deeply into the challenges of the future. Whether it is for better understanding and characterization of starting materials and products, qualitative determination of unknowns in important matrices, quantification of the materials that impact our lives, or the discovery of the emerging compounds of the future, chromatography is the science that ties our various research fields together. [...]