bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nasal Secretion Analysis in Allergic Rhinitis, Cystic Fibrosis, and Nonallergic Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Subjects
Authors: Baraniuk James N. , Clauw Daniel , Yuta Atsushi , Ali Mushtaq , Gaumond Ethan , Upadhyayula Nagendra , Fujita Kenichiro , Shimizu Takeshi
Published: May 2007

Rhinitis symptoms are present in approximately 70% of subjects with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (FM/CFS). Because only 35% to 50% have positive allergy skin tests, nonallergic mechanisms may also play a role. To better understand the mechanisms of nonallergic rhinitis in FM/CFS, nasal lavages were performed, and markers of vascular permeability, glandular secretion, and neutrophil and eosinophil infiltration measured in 27 nonallergic FM/CFS, 7 allergic rhinitis, 7 cystic fibrosis, and 9 normal subjects. Allergic rhinitis subjects had significantly increased vascular permeability (IgG) and ECP levels. Cystic fibrosis subjects had significantly higher elastase and total protein levels. There were no significant differences between FM/CFS and normal lavage fluids. Analysis of the constituents of nasal mucus provides information about ongoing secretory processes in rhinitis. There were no differences in the basal secretion of these markers of vascular permeability, submucosal gland serous cell secretion, eosinophil and neutrophil degranulation in nonallergic FM/CFS subjects. This suggests that constitutively active secretory processes that regulate continuous production of nasal secretions are not altered in FM/CFS. Future studies should examine alternative mechanisms such as inducible, irritant-activated, or reflex-mediated effects.
The Effect of Leukotriene D4 on the Patency of Nasal Passage in the Guinea Pig
Authors: Cho Joong Saeng , Cha Chang , Lee Dong Yeup , Ukai Kotaro , Sakakura Yasuo
Published: May 2007

We investigated the effect of leukotriene D4(LTD4) on the patency of the nasal passage in nonsensitized and sensitized guinea pigs (GPs). The change in nasal patency was measured by acoustic rhinomanometry (AR). The change of volume from the nostril to 2 cm into the nasal cavity showed significant reduction at 30 minutes and 6 hours after instillation of LTD4 in nonsensitized GPs. These findings were also seen in nonsensitized and sensitized GPs with systemic administration of carboxyl cellulose. However, neither nonsensitized nor sensitized GP with systemic administration of benzopyren hemihydrate(ONO-1078) showed any changes in nasal patency. These results indicated that the LT was a potent medication to induce nasal obstruction of late reaction in GP.
Responsiveness of the Movement Ability Measure: A Self-Report Instrument Proposed for Assessing the Effectiveness of Physical Therapy Intervention
Authors: Allen Diane D
Published: May 2007

Background and Purpose

Designed as a self-report assessment, the Movement Ability Measure (MAM) may contribute to effectiveness research if it proves responsive to change. The purpose of this article is to report evidence of responsiveness of the MAM.

Subjects

Thirty-five adults starting outpatient physical therapy intervention completed the MAM at the initial visit, at 2 weeks, and at 2 months or discharge. Thirty-four no-intervention volunteers completed the MAM twice.

Methods

The MAM responses were analyzed with item response theory methods; t tests were used to compare responses across test occasions.

Results

Paired t tests revealed significant changes in the intervention group at both 2 weeks and 2 months, with an effect size of 0.90 and a responsiveness index of 5.62 at discharge. At 2 weeks and at discharge, 57% and 80% of participants, respectively, showed gains greater than the minimal clinically important difference. Participants in the no-intervention group showed no significant change.

Discussion and Conclusion

The MAM responses revealed significant and clinically important changes following intervention. The MAM shows promise as a self-report measure of the effectiveness of physical therapy intervention.
Covering of the Toes During Hindfoot and Ankle Surgery: A Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Study
Authors: Goucher Nicholas R. , Coughlin Michael J.
Published: May 2007

Background: Major advances in sterility over the last 140 years have dramatically reduced the rates of infection. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was benefit to covering the toes during hindfoot or ankle surgery. Methods: Forty consecutive hindfoot or ankle surgery patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups based on whether the toes were covered with a sterile glove or left uncovered. Three cultures were taken of the foot in the second web space. The first sample was taken before surgical preparation. The second sample was taken immediately after draping of the patient. The third sample was taken at the conclusion of the operation before dressing placement. The culture swab was moistened before sampling with sterile saline. The operative extremity was scrubbed with chlorhexidine gluconate and sterile water solution, followed by painting with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Before surgery, the patients were assigned to one of the two groups (covered or uncovered toes) on a random basis. A sterile size 6-1/2 glove was placed over the toes of the covered group and left in place until final wound closure. All patients received the same perioperative intravenous antibiotics. Results: Thirty-five of 40 patients (87.5%) had positive cultures before the surgical preparation. One patient had a positive culture at the conclusion of the procedure but not immediately after the surgical preparation, and the toes were covered during the operation. Cultures before and after the procedure contained coagulase negative staphylococcus species. This patient did not develop any wound infection during the followup period. A second patient had positive cultures on all three samples. The species was coagulase positive staphylococcus. This patient did not have any wound infection problems postoperatively, although he was placed on prophylactic antibiotics 8 weeks after the initial surgery for a hardware removal procedure. The toes were not covered during the initial operation in this patient. In total, 10 patients were placed on antibiotics after the initial surgery. Three patients had erythema surrounding the incision, two patients had delayed wound healing, and one patient had erythema at the knee from a proximal tibial bone graft harvest site. The other four patients who received antibiotics had a hardware removal procedure within the 90-day followup period and received prophylactic antibiotics for that procedure. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate no benefits in covering the toes in hindfoot or ankle surgery after skin preparation with chlorhexidine gluconate and isopropyl alcohol. There were only two positive postoperative cultures and neither patient showed any signs of postoperative wound infection during the followup period.
The Cobb Procedure for Treatment of Acquired Flatfoot Deformity Associated with Stage II Insufficiency of the Posterior Tibial Tendon
Authors: Knupp Markus , Hintermann Beat
Published: May 2007

Background: A supple flatfoot deformity caused by posterior tibial tendon (PTT) dysfunction may include a supination deformity of the forefoot that usually is not sufficiently corrected by the commonly suggested treatment options. The use of a partial anterior tibial tendon (ATT) graft that is rerouted through the first cuneiform to the proximal stump of the PTT may restore plantarflexion power of the first ray (Cobb procedure). Methods: Twenty-two consecutive patients with stage II PTT dysfunction and a supple supination deformity of the forefoot were included. A clinical examination, a subjective score, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Scale were evaluated. Results: The mean AOFAS score increased from preoperatively 53.2 (range 40 to 68) to 88.5 (range 78 to 94) at a followup of 24 (range 12 to 46) months. The overall clinical results were excellent in nine patients (41.0%), good in 12 (54.5%), fair in one (4.5%), and poor in none. None of the patients had decreased power of the anterior tibial tendon compared to the contralateral foot. Nineteen patients (86%) were able to wear shoes without shoe modifications. Conclusions: The Cobb procedure provided satisfactory correction of associated forefoot supination deformity in stage II PTT dysfunction. All patients had improved function because of the increased stability of the first ray. There was no evidence of loss of ATT power. The Cobb procedure may be considered an appropriate alternative to arthrodeses in selected patients with supple supination deformity in flatfeet.
Transfer of the Flexor Digitorum Longus for the Correction of Lesser-Toe Deformities
Authors: Boyer Matison L. , DeOrio James K.
Published: May 2007

Background: This study reviewed the results, complications, and patient satisfaction rates of a modified technique of flexor-to-extensor tendon transfer for correction of lesser-toe deformities. Methods: Records of 38 patients (79 toes; 46 feet) were identified and reviewed retrospectively. The mean duration of clinical followup was 33 (range 6 to 121) months. The average age of patients was 65 (range 27 to 82) years; 32 were women (84%) and six were men. Results: In 89% of the toes (70 toes; 34 patients; 42 feet) patients were satisfied with the procedure and would have it again. Conclusions: The technique described for flexor-to-extensor transfer for correction of lesser-toe deformities resulted in few complications, no “floating” toes and high patient satisfaction.
Tibiotalocalcaneal Arthrodesis with a Compressive Retrograde Intramedullary Nail: A Report of 34 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Timo Niinimäki Tuukka , Klemola Tero-Matti , Ilmari Leppilahti Juhana
Published: May 2007

Background: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis is a treatment modality for severe arthrosis and malalignment of the hind-foot. Complications, such as delayed union and nonunion, are well-known risks of the procedure. Arthrodesis can be done with a plate, screws, an external fixator, or an intramedullary nail. Compression with an intramedullary nail was the focus of this report. Methods: Thirty-four consecutive patients (23 men and 11 women) with an average age range of 57 (range 25-77) years had tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis using retrograde intramedullary compression nail fixation. Mean followup was 24 (range 6 to 43) months. One patient died of an unrelated cause, but 30 (91%) of the remaining 33 patients answered the questionnaire. Results: Bony consolidation was achieved in 26 (76%) patients, the mean time to fusion being 16 weeks. Five patients (15%) had complications and seven (20%) had repeat surgery. Of the 30 patients who responded to the questionnaire, three patients (10%) evaluated the overall result subjectively as being of no benefit and 27 (90%) as improved. The visual analog scale (VAS) score for preoperative pain was 66 at rest and 83 when walking, and the mean postoperative scores were 19 and 32, respectively ( p<0.001). Conclusions: Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a compressive retrograde intramedullary nail is an effective and safe procedure for patients with severe malalignment or arthrosis of the hindfoot. It is essentially a salvage procedure, and most patients benefit from it, but excellent results are rare.
Understanding the Superior Clear Space in the Adult Ankle
Authors: DeAngelis Joseph P. , Anderson Richard , DeAngelis Nicola A.
Published: May 2007

Background: The width of the medial clear space often is used to determine the integrity of the deltoid ligament, the primary medial stabilizer of the ankle joint. The normal clinical relationship of the superior clear space to the medial clear space is not well described. This investigation sought to determine if the superior clear space constitutes an accurate point of comparison for the medial clear space and a means for assessing ligamentous stability in an adult ankle. Methods: A retrospective review of consecutive ankle radiographs for a 4-month period of time was completed using a university-based radiology database. Using a digitally calibrated ruler, the widths of the medial and superior clear spaces were measured on the mortise view. These values were compared using a Student's t-test. Results: Digital radiographs of 564 consecutive ankles were reviewed retrospectively and 94 cases were without evidence of trauma, surgery, or degenerative disease. The medial and superior clear spaces were measured on the mortise view and found to be 2.7 mm (standard deviation 0.5; range 1.3 mm to 4.3 mm; 95% confidence interval 1.7 mm to 3.8 mm) and 3.6 mm (standard deviation 0.6; 2.0 to 5.3; CI 2.4 mm to 4.7 mm), respectively. The average absolute difference was 0.9 mm (standard deviation 0.5; −0.7 to 1.5; CI −0.1 mm to 1.8 mm) and in 92 of 94 ankles (98%), the superior clear space was greater than or equal to the medial clear space. Conclusions: Understanding the normal radiographic relationship of the superior and medial clear spaces may help in the diagnosis of ligamentous instability in the ankle and may obviate the need for additional diagnostic tests.
Psychiatric Illness in Relation to Frailty in Community-Dwelling Elderly People without Dementia: A Report from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging
Authors: Andrew Melissa K. , Rockwood Kenneth
Published: May 2007

We investigated whether frailty, defined as the accumulation of multiple, interacting illnesses, impairments and disabilities, is associated with psychiatric illness in older adults. Five-thousand-six-hundred-and-seventy-six community dwellers without dementia were identified within the Canadian Study of Health and Aging, and self-reported psychiatric illness was compared by levels of frailty (defined by an index of deficits that excluded mental illnesses). People with psychiatric illness (12.6% of those surveyed, who chiefly reported depression) had a higher mean frailty index value than those who did not. Older age was not associated with higher odds of psychiatric illness. Taking sex, frailty, and education into account, the odds of psychiatric illness decreased with each increasing year of age (OR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.94–0.97). Frailty was associated with psychiatric illness; for each additional deficit-defining frailty, odds of psychiatric illness increased (OR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.19–1.26). Similarly, psychiatric illness was associated with much higher odds of being among the most frail. These findings lend support to a multidimensional conceptualization of frailty. Our data also suggest that health care professionals who work with older adults with psychiatric illness should expect frailty to be common, and that those working with frail seniors should consider the possible co-existence of depression and psychiatric illness.
Community-Based Interventions for At-Risk Youth in Ontario under Canada's Youth Criminal Justice Act: A Case Study of a “Runaway” Girl
Authors: Mann Ruth M , Senn Charlene Y , Girard April , Ackbar Salma
Published: May 2007

This article presents findings from ongoing research on interventions for violent and at-risk youth in Ontario through partnerships authorized under Canada's 2003 Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA). After briefly describing and theoretically situating the YCJA's “preventative partnership” ( Garland 2000 ) strategy, we analyse an interview with a 16-year-old Ontario high school student (one of 85 interviews with female and male youth recruited through high schools, community agencies, youth advocacy networks, and correctional facilities between 2002 and 2006). In this interview, “Connie” describes her experiences with family and peer violence and her efforts to deal with these experiences through a range of escape and help-seeking behaviours. Drawing broadly upon governmentality discourses on advanced liberal governance, our analysis focuses on the ways in which victimization, running away, child protection involvement, criminal activity, and social exclusion are linked. We also discuss the promises and challenges of efforts to address the needs of youth caught up in this trajectory through community partnership strategies.
Simulated Travel Impacts of High-Occupancy Vehicle Lane Conversion Alternatives
Authors: McDonald Noreen C. , Noland Robert B.
Published: May 2007

A simulation model of a hypothetical highway corridor was used to analyze the effects of converting an existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane to either a high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane or a mixedflow lane. The simulation model, which uses a nested logit structure with a synthetic sample of individuals, estimates vehicle miles of travel (VMT), vehicle hours of travel, and person hours of travel in the corridor. The analysis suggests that mobility needs can best be served by using excess HOV lane capacity as an HOT lane facility. Capacity expansion alternatives are also analyzed, including adding mixed-flow travel lanes or converting existing lanes to HOV or HOT lanes. Alternative toll levels are also simulated. Results show that managing capacity as an HOT or HOV lane could provide superior mobility benefits with a net decrease in VMT if capacity must be expanded.
Innovations in Long-Range Transportation Planning: Observations and Suggestions
Authors: Kramer Jeff , Mierzejewski Edward A.
Published: May 2007

In 1997, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the issues and concerns facing metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) in Florida, the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) thoroughly reviewed the long-range transportation plans of each of the state’s 25 MPOs. The study made some substantial recommendations about technical approach and structure for improvements to MPO long-range plans. In 2002, CUTR again reviewed the state’s 25 MPO long-range transportation plans, following completion of the subsequent update cycle. The recent updates of Florida’s 25 MPO long-range plans are compared with the versions completed 3 to 5 years earlier. There has been much innovation and change in long-range transportation-planning practice across the state. These findings will be of interest to MPOs nationwide.
Development of Operational Performance and Decision Models for Arterial Bus Lanes
Authors: Gan Albert , Yue Huanyu , Ubaka Ike , Zhao Fang
Published: May 2007

Bus lanes are a form of exclusive bus facility typically found along busy arterial streets. The use of bus lanes is justified because buses can carry more passengers than automobiles. However, a lane taken away from general-purpose traffic and designated as a bus-only lane can create congestion in other lanes, causing protests by motorists. An effort was undertaken to develop operational performance and decision models that can be used to justify and design bus lanes on arterial streets. The model considers the overall average person travel time under two treatments: with and without a bus-only lane. The CORSIM simulation model was used to estimate the bus and nonbus travel speeds under various scenarios of prevailing conditions, including bus volume, nonbus volume, right-turn volume, bus stop location, bus stop density, presence of bus bay, number of bus berths, mean dwell time, green ratio, cycle length, signal offset, and number of lanes. The simulated data were used as a substitute for field data in an empirical modeling of relationships between travel speeds and the prevailing conditions. The speed models allow person travel times to be estimated under different bus-lane designs and prevailing conditions. The models were found to produce speeds that closely approximate those reported in the literature for the given input conditions.
Development of Parking Choice Models for Special Events
Authors: Sattayhatewa Phansak , Smith Robert L.
Published: May 2007

Research was conducted to evaluate parking lot choice in the context of special events. Three major factors—driving time, parking cost, and walking time—are considered as the principal components of utility associated with the choice of a parking lot. The lot choice model is derived by using the logit function, while the joint parking lot destination choice and assignment model is formulated from the concepts of user equilibrium traffic assignment and entropy maximization for trip distribution. Parking lot choices by University of Wisconsin men’s basketball game attendees at the Kohl Center in Madison are used as a case study for model calibration and application. The parameter calibration was conducted both for all lots and for public and private lots separately. Parking lot choice was also analyzed by direction of approach. Two distinct assignment scenarios were evaluated by using the user equilibrium assignment methodology. The impact of the system optimal and minimum-cost assignments on total network costs was evaluated. The parking lot choice model was applied to estimate the impact of opening a new private parking lot to season permit parking.
Exploring the Use of E-Shopping and Its Impact on Personal Travel Behavior in the Netherlands
Authors: Farag Sendy , Dijst Martin , Lanzendorf Martin
Published: May 2007

The Internet makes it possible to conduct activities such as working and shopping without traveling to activity places. As e-shopping becomes popular, it can fundamentally change travel behavior. The presented study uses a literature review, an Internet survey of e-shoppers, and the Netherlands National Travel Survey to analyze the possible impact of e-shopping on travel behavior. The findings indicate that people living in areas with relatively many shopping opportunities buy online as often as do people who live in areas with relatively few shopping opportunities. People who spend a lot of time on in-store shopping typically are women, are more than 60 years old, have a low level of education, are on a low income, and live in a more urbanized area. Online buyers can be characterized as men between ages 25 and 40 who are highly educated, have a high income, and live in a less urbanized area. Four hypotheses were derived to describe the future impact of e-shopping on travel. First, some shopping time will be saved and used for other maintenance or leisure activities instead. Second, the enlargement and fragmentation of an individual’s action spaces will be fostered and so lead to increased travel distances. Third, e-shopping will affect travel behavior most in the urbanized western part and in the less urbanized parts of the Netherlands. Finally, a reduction in car travel in the less urbanized areas of the Netherlands and a reduction in walking and cycling in the more urbanized areas of the Netherlands are expected.
Missed Opportunity: Use of Driver License Manuals to Educate Drivers About Roundabouts in Small- and Medium-Sized Communities
Authors: Sarkar Sheila
Published: May 2007

Modern roundabouts have become increasingly popular in small and medium cities in the United States because of their success in reducing speeds and collisions. According to many traffic engineers, modern roundabouts are an attractive and cost-effective speed-control device for intersections. They have been constructed in small and medium communities in California, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin. Geometric designs and right-of-way rules at roundabouts and traffic circles are distinct, and student drivers must be educated and informed of the correct way to use them. State driver manuals could be used to ensure fast dissemination of information to residents in small and medium communities. Review of the manuals of 32 states and the District of Columbia in 1998 and 2002 indicated that very little information is provided and by very few states. Between 1998 and 2002, only three states of those studied updated the information on roundabouts and traffic circles in the driver manuals. The manual of the state of Oregon is best for both traffic circles and roundabouts. The information in most of the manuals is covered in one sentence, and some states have used the term “traffic circle” to mean both circle and roundabout. It is imperative that the manuals be revised with adequate information on the correct way to use roundabouts so that the drivers in small and medium communities are better informed and less resistant to these devices.
Comprehensive Performance Evaluation of Multiscale Transportation Strategies: Large Metropolitan Planning Organization Methodology
Authors: Fineman Brian J. , DeJohn Anthony J. , Miller Keith E. , Goldman Lois M.
Published: May 2007

Innovative structuring of the decision-making process has allowed a large metropolitan planning organization, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), to face the challenge of cooperatively developing a long-range transportation investment agenda in a complex and diverse region. The wide range of applicable geographic scales is a problem when exploring alternative strategies in such a region, so a single, multiscaled, technically based planning analysis was designed and conducted to unify decision makers around a comprehensive set of performance goals and the estimated potential effects of all reasonable actions. The analysis, built within an accelerated 10-month time frame under federal scrutiny, relied on participation by elected officials, planners, engineers, and regional stakeholders. It produced a full regionwide identification of long-term performance needs and an exhaustive assessment and prioritization of location-specific strategies. NJTPA applied this prioritization to select strategies to update its long-range transportation plan and to develop specific immediate guidance for implementation agencies.
Accomplishing Access Management on the Florida Intrastate Highway System: US-19 Highway Corridor Experience
Authors: Kramer Jeffrey H. , Williams Kristine M.
Published: May 2007

The Florida intrastate highway system (FIHS) is the network of state roads intended to carry the bulk of the state’s high-speed and high-volume traffic movements. Comprising only 3% of the state’s roads, the FIHS carries 32% of all traffic and 70% of truck traffic on the state highway system. However, the safe and efficient operation of the FIHS is in jeopardy. The system faces ever increasing levels of congestion and delay and a projected 20-year shortfall of $ 29 billion for needed capacity improvements. Given the lack of funding for needed capacity improvements, the Florida Department of Transportation (DOT) is turning to alternative strategies to preserve the operational integrity and safety of the system. Among these strategies is access management. The application of access management techniques on the FIHS is complicated, and sometimes undermined, by the separation of land use decision-making authority (controlled by local governments) and roadway decision-making authority (controlled by Florida DOT). To improve access management decision making on the FIHS, Florida DOT has begun to explain the overall benefits of access management to local governments and to coordinate the land development and road-way decision-making processes. Summarized is an effort to improve access management decision-making practices on a 10-mi corridor of US-19 in rural Levy County, an important north–south component of the FIHS.
Deriving Traffic-Performance Measures and Levels of Service from Second-Order Statistical Features of Spatiotemporal Traffic Contour Maps
Authors: Ishak Sherif
Published: May 2007

Little information has been successfully extracted from the wealth of data collected by intelligent transportation systems. Such information is needed for the efficiency of operations and management functions of traffic-management centers. A new set of second-order statistical measures derived from texture characterization techniques in the field of digital image analysis is presented. The main objective is to improve the data-analysis tools used in performance-monitoring systems and assessment of level of service. The new measures can extract properties such as smoothness, homogeneity, regularity, and randomness in traffic operations directly from constructed spatiotemporal traffic contour maps. To avoid information redundancy, a correlation matrix was examined for nearly 14,000 15-min speed contour maps generated for a 3.4-mi freeway section over a period of 5 weekdays. The result was a set of three second-order measures: angular second moment, contrast, and entropy. Each measure was analyzed to examine its sensitivity to various traffic conditions, expressed by the overall speed mean of each contour map. The study also presented a tentative approach, similar to the conventional one used in the Highway Capacity Manual, to evaluate the level of service for each contour map. The new set of level-of-service criteria can be applied in real time by using a stand-alone module that was developed in the study. The module can be readily implemented online and allows traffic-management center operators to tune a large set of related parameters.
Measuring Environmental Performance at State Transportation Agencies
Authors: Venner Marie
Published: May 2007

Measuring environmental performance presents a new set of challenges for state transportation agencies, many of which have been using measures for years to track transportation-related characteristics of the system. Challenges associated with environmental performance measures and the roles of performance measurement in the environmental area were reviewed, highlighting the key role of stakeholder satisfaction. Some of the attempts to measure environmental performance at state transportation agencies around the country, the different areas of focus, and actual environmental performance measures in use were examined.
Florida’s Efficient Transportation Decision-Making Process: Laying the Technology Foundation
Authors: Bejleri Ilir , Roaza Ruth , Thomas Alexis , Turton Tom , Zwick Paul
Published: May 2007

In response to “environmental streamlining” legislation passed by the U.S. Congress as part of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, Florida has undertaken efforts to implement more efficient transportation planning and environmental review. These efforts have led to the development of the Efficient Transportation Decision-Making Process (ETDM Process), which redefines how Florida will accomplish planning and project development. A rather unique aspect of Florida’s streamlining approach is the integration of information technology as a vital foundation for the process. The development of Florida’s ETDM Process is described and evaluated, focusing on the information technology component. This component was developed as an interactive Internet-accessible geographic information system database. It integrates resource and project data from multiple sources into one standard format, provides quick and standardized analysis of the effects of the proposed projects on the human and natural environment, and supports the effective communication of results among all stakeholders, including the public. The use of technology is expected to reduce the cost of agency participation in the process and produce better, timely transportation decisions that reflect the proper balance among land use, mobility, and environment. Main topics include application design and development methodology, its integration in the ETDM Process, and how it has been received by the user community to date. Its benefits are evaluated, and recommendations for developing integrated technologies in support of streamlining efforts are provided.
Traffic Noise Model vs. Extreme Topography
Authors: Staiano Michael A.
Published: May 2007

Traffic noise exposures were measured at various locations adjacent to an Interstate highway and compared with sound levels predicted by the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM). The prediction procedure underestimated the measured sound attenuation by 6 to 12 A-weighted decibels. Various TNM site model configurations were evaluated in an effort to improve agreement between measurements and predictions. For the site tested—a severe case with relatively distant receptors and extreme topography—variations in ground impedance (including a median ground zone) had little benefit or were counterproductive, while adding topographic detail via terrain lines helped somewhat. The best agreement resulted from the incorporation of a tree zone for the wooded site. However, this benefit is thought to be chance, because the site was not only relatively lightly wooded but also thinly foliaged at the time of the on-site measurements.
Florida Noise Barrier Evaluation and Computer Model Validation
Authors: Wayson Roger , MacDonald John , EI-Assar Ahmed , Lindeman Win , Berrios Mariano
Published: May 2007

The results of a project that investigated the effectiveness of in situ noise barriers in Florida are presented. The prediction accuracy of the FHWA Traffic Noise Model (TNM) is compared with STAMINA 2.0 and 2.1 (Florida-specific). A total of 20 barrier sites were visited during a 3-year period that resulted in 844 discrete 20-min equivalent sound level (Leq) measurements behind the barriers. Barrier insertion loss was determined using the ANSI indirect barrier method. A methodology was developed to estimate shadow zone length created behind highway noise barriers. All of the barriers tested were effective (>5 dB:LAeq insertion loss at distances equivalent to the first row of homes, where LAeq is the A-weighted Leq) except one site because of marginal additional shielding from a berm–barrier combination. Only three sites had an insertion loss of less than 5 dB at distances representative of the second row of homes. Overall, measurements indicate that the barriers provide substantial sound level reduction for residents along the highway. TNM was the best prediction model when considering all test sites; however, the STAMINA models were more accurate at predicting source level. TNM predictions using the Average pavement input overpredicted the reference sound levels measured at these sites. TNM predictions using the OGAC (open-graded asphalt concrete) input were improved (under 2 dB:LAeq of error) over those using the Average pavement type input. This result is expected because Florida uses an open-graded asphalt friction mix.
Equity Analysis of the Houston, Texas, QuickRide Project
Authors: Burris Mark W. , Hannay Robert L.
Published: May 2007

The equity considerations involved with the QuickRide program along the Katy Freeway in Houston, Texas, are examined. QuickRide allows two-person carpools to use the Katy Freeway high-occupancy vehicle lane during peak periods for a $2 fee. Survey data gathered on QuickRide enrollees, along with 1998 QuickRide usage data, were analyzed for potential equity issues that might exist with the QuickRide program. QuickRide usage did not vary significantly by respondent income, occupation, age, or household size. Additionally, the difference between respondents’ stated and actual use of QuickRide did not vary significantly by the respondents’ income, occupation, age, or household size. However, QuickRide enrollees had significantly higher incomes and were significantly younger than drivers on the Katy Freeway main lanes. Therefore, although income was not an indicator of the amount of QuickRide use among enrollees, it was a significant indicator of whether an individual enrolled in the program. This result raises some equity concerns about the ability or interest of low-income individuals to enroll in the program. However, no drivers were made worse off as a result of the program. Additionally, once enrolled, the QuickRide program is a benefit to most travelers, as long as the occupants of the vehicle value their travel time at a rate that exceeds $3 per hour each.
Coordinated Transportation and Land Use Planning in the Developing World: Case of Mexico City
Authors: Gilat Michael , Sussman Joseph
Published: May 2007

Much of the research on coordinated transportation and land use methods such as transit-oriented development (TOD) has focused on the developed world, particularly the United States. The opportunities and challenges for such policies in the developing world were examined, and it is argued that these policies might have greater benefits in the developing world than in the developed world. Mexico City, Mexico, was used as a case study. In the developing world, where cities are growing rapidly and rates of automobile ownership are still low, TOD provides an opportunity to design a transit-oriented urban form. Low-income people can thus be served by cheap, high-capacity transit; spend less of their income on transportation; and have better access to jobs. They will make fewer and shorter trips by informal low-capacity transit, thereby reducing congestion and pollution. In the long term, TOD may slow down motorization and mitigate its effects. Mexico City faces a crisis of mobility, environment, and equity. However, it has many of the prerequisites for TOD: the densities, an extensive metro system, and metropolitan planning organizations. Opportunities for coordinated transportation and land use planning include station area development, downtown redevelopment, real estate development along a proposed suburban rail line, and a policy of building new affordable housing within walking distance of high-capacity transit. The greater the geographical scope of each option, the more government involvement is required, and the larger its potential positive impact. An estimate of environmental benefits is presented.
Availability of Travel Forecasting Methods and Data for Air Quality Planning in Developing Countries
Authors: McDonald Noreen C. , Porter Christopher D. , Gorham Roger
Published: May 2007

Many developing-country cities are experiencing severe air quality problems as a result of rapidly increasing vehicle use and highly polluting vehicles. Yet, data availability and modeling capabilities to support travel and emissions forecasting in developing countries are limited. One result is that policies that affect travel demand cannot be properly evaluated or are overlooked as solutions to air quality problems. Exploratory research to determine the need for and feasibility of developing a “sketch plan” travel forecasting method that can be applied in developing-country cities is described. Outreach to practitioners and researchers was undertaken to identify the extent of existing transportation data availability and forecasting capabilities. The research revealed a broad range of capabilities. Less-developed countries—including most countries in Africa and some in Asia and Latin America—often have no formalized forecasting approach, little data (which may be of suspect quality), and no institutional structure to support data collection or forecasting. Some of the more developed countries—especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America—have capabilities approaching or equal to those of western countries. The results suggest that, in many developing countries, there is a need for as well as interest in a simple tool for forecasting travel demand that minimizes data inputs and user requirements. Existing sketch-plan methods used in developed countries were also reviewed for potential application to developing countries. Because of significant differences between developed- and developing-country contexts and issues, however, a tool appropriate for developing-country cities probably would need to be developed from scratch.
Time Domain Reflectometry for Compaction Control of Stabilized Soils
Authors: Yu Xiong , Drnevich Vincent P.
Published: May 2007

Chemical stabilization is widely used in geotechnical engineering to improve the engineering properties of geomaterials. The interaction between the stabilizers and soil particles changes the physicochemical structure of these materials and increases their performance. Water content and density are the indicators used in field practice for construction quality control of the stabilized soils. The nuclear method is currently the preferred technology for field measurement of water content and dry density in geotechnical engineering. However, the nuclear method has been found to give inaccurate results when used on stabilized soils. Researchers at Purdue University developed a procedure to measure soil water content and dry density using time domain reflectometry (TDR). Tests performed on conventional soils indicate that this procedure is accurate and fast. The feasibility of this technology on the stabilized soils was investigated; the preliminary conclusion was that TDR achieves satisfactory accuracy. In addition, the electrical properties measured by TDR are strong indicators of the physicochemical reactions taking place in the stabilized soils, which show that TDR technology can be a useful tool for monitoring these reactions.
Laboratory Evaluation of Mixing Energy Consumption and Its Influence on Soil-Cement Strength
Authors: Shen Shui-Long , Han Jie , Miura Norihiko
Published: May 2007

Fourteen model soil-cement columns were installed in two containers in the laboratory to investigate the influence of mixing energy consumption on the unconfined compressive strength of soil-cement mixtures by varying mixing conditions. The variables of mixing conditions included cement content, speed of installation (mixing down and up), rate of mixer rotation, number of mixing cycles, and column length. Electric power was measured during the installation of all the model columns. The factors that influenced the mixing energy consumption during the installation were evaluated, and a relationship between the mixing energy consumption and the unconfined compressive strength of soil-cement mixtures was developed. This relationship was compared with that obtained in the laboratory soil-quicklime mixing tests from another study. The test results show that the unconfined compressive strength increases with an increase of mixing energy consumption, up to a threshold value. Any further increase of the energy does not provide a significant contribution to the strength of soil-cement mixtures.
New Zealand Experience with Foam Bitumen Stabilization
Authors: Saleh Mofreh F.
Published: May 2007

Foamed bitumen stabilization is burgeoning steadfastly and internationally. Although it involves higher initial material costs than cement or lime stabilization, it offers the advantages of being free from transverse shrinkage cracking and of being a fast technique that minimizes traffic delays. This work forms part of a larger project aimed at investigating the feasibility and potential applications of the foamed bitumen stabilization technique to speed its adoption in New Zealand. In this research, the foaming characteristics of two sources each of two grades of bitumen currently in use in New Zealand are presented. The effect of bitumen source and grade and the type of fines were studied. Fly ash Type C was used to modify the aggregate gradation to adjust the percentage of the fine fraction (passing the 75μm sieve). Portland cement was used at 2% by the dry weight of aggregates as a partial replacement for the fly ash. The foamability results for each source were quite different. For each source, the softer grade provided better quality foam than the harder grade. Two groups of mixes were prepared. The two groups were identical except that the first group contained 2% portland cement as a partial replacement of the fly ash. Optimum foam and water contents were determined for the two groups. The effect of curing time on the resilient modulus of foam-stabilized mixes was investigated. Both groups showed high resilient modulus values and rapid rates of increase of the moduli with curing time.
Development of a Wireless Monitoring System for Pile Driving
Authors: McVay Michael , Putcha Sastry , Consolazio Gary , Alvarez Victor
Published: May 2007

Over the past 5 years, the Florida Department of Transportation has been moving toward increased use of design-build, warranty, and contractor-recorded quality assurance and control information. With the additional desire to lower factors of safety in design, the industry is under pressure to monitor and record capacities, stresses, velocities, and the like for a greater percentage of piles driven on a site. The development of a disposable wireless pile monitoring system, which can be cast inside prestressed concrete piles, is described. The nonrecoverable portion of the system, which costs less than $350, consists of multiple pairs of accelerometers, strain gauges, analog-to-digital conversion circuitry, and a switchable wireless transmitter. A receiver located within 500 ft of the pile recovers strain and accelerometer data and sends it to a laptop computer, which then displays and analyzes the data in real time. The system has been tested both in the laboratory and in the field. Field testing consisted of monitoring two 0.61-m-diameter piles instrumented at the top and bottom with the wireless system as well as with externally attached instrumentation (current practice). Comparisons of capacities and stresses at the top of the piles for the new and existing systems were favorable. In addition, the new wireless system reported stresses and capacities at the bottom of the piles.
Stress and Strain Monitoring of Reinforced Soil Test Wall
Authors: Farrag Khalid , Abu-Farsakh Murad , Morvant Mark
Published: May 2007

Stresses and strains were measured in a full-scale reinforced test wall constructed to evaluate the design procedure and performance of geosynthetic-reinforced walls constructed with silty-clay backfill over a soft foundation. The measurements consisted of monitoring wall deformation, setlement, strains along the reinforcement, vertical and horizontal stresses, and pore water pressure under the wall. The instrumentations and measurements of wall deformation, soil stresses, and reinforcement strains during and after construction are presented. The wall consisted of three sections reinforced with various geogrid types and spacing. The first section was built with closely spaced, low-strength geogrid. The second section was constructed by using higher strength geogrid at a maximum vertical spacing. The reinforcement and spacing of the third section were based on standard design procedures. Deformations along the reinforcement were monitored with strain gauges. The magnitudes and distributions of the strains varied in the three wall sections. The strains were used to predict the reinforcement loads and stresses in the reinforced soil system. The concept of normalizing reinforcement stress was useful in defining the relative "rigidity" of the wall and in determining the horizontal stress coefficient of the wall. The locus of maximum stresses in the reinforcement did not correspond to the (45 + ϕ/2) line and varied according to the reinforcement rigidity. A comparison was made between the measured and predicted maximum tensile loads in the reinforcements. The results indicated that the loads predicted by the Ko-stiffness method were closer to the measured loads than those predicted by the AASHTO simplified method.