Start-up Lost Time and its Effect on Signalized Intersections in Turkey

Start-up lost time is an important parameter in performance of signalized intersections which may in turn depict the effect of behaviour of different drivers for different countries. In this study the parameters affecting the startup lost time in Turkey will be defined and a model will be established to present the relationship between start-up lost time, saturation flow as well as start response time with the behaviour of Turkish drivers. For this purpose, observations were carried out at eight intersections in Turkey. Analyses have shown that saturation headways decrease with the increase in time in start response since the drivers in the 2nd and higher rows of a queue have a longer time to get prepared to discharge. Results also indicated that start-up lost time increases rapidly as cycle time increases, and lower start-up lost time values can be observed in left or right turning lanes.</p

The monoclonal antibody nBT062 conjugated to maytansinoids has potent and selective cytotoxicity against CD138 positive multiple myeloma cells _in vitro_ and _in vivo_

CD138 (Syndecan1) is highly expressed on multiple myeloma (MM) cells. In this study, we examined the anti-MM effect of murine/human chimeric CD138-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) nBT062 conjugated with highly cytotoxic maytansinoid derivatives _in vitro_ and _in vivo_. These agents significantly inhibited growth of CD138-positive MM cell lines and primary tumor cells from MM patients, without cytotoxicity against peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers. In MM cells, they induced G2/M cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis associated with cleavage of PARP and caspase-3, -8 and -9. Non-conjugated nBT062 completely blocked cytotoxicity induced by nBT062-maytansinoid conjugate, confirming that binding is required for inducing cytotoxicity. Moreover, nBT062-maytansinoid conjugates blocked adhesion of MM cells to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Co-culture of MM cells with BMSCs, which protects against dexamethasone-induced death, had no impact on the cytotoxicity of the immunoconjugates. Importantly, nBT062-SPDB-DM4 and nBT062-SPP-DM1 significantly inhibited MM tumor growth _in vivo_ in both human multiple myeloma xenograft mouse models and in SCID-human bone grafts (SCID-hu mouse model). These studies provide the preclinical framework supporting evaluation of nBT062-maytansinoid derivatives in clinical trials to improve patient outcome in MM

Association and Haplotype Analyses of Positional Candidate Genes in Five Genomic Regions Linked to Scrotal Hernia in Commercial Pig Lines

Scrotal hernia in pigs is a complex trait likely affected by genetic and environmental factors. A large-scale association analysis of positional and functional candidate genes was conducted in four previously identified genomic regions linked to hernia susceptibility on Sus scrofa chromosomes 2 and 12, as well as the fifth region around 67 cM on chromosome 2, respectively. In total, 151 out of 416 SNPs discovered were genotyped successfully. Using a family-based analysis we found that four regions surrounding ELF5, KIF18A, COL23A1 on chromosome 2, and NPTX1 on chromosome 12, respectively, may contain the genetic variants important for the development of the scrotal hernia in pigs. These findings were replicated in another case-control dataset. The SNPs around the ELF5 region were in high linkage disequilibrium with each other, and a haplotype containing SNPs from ELF5 and CAT was highly significantly associated with hernia development. Extensive re-sequencing work focused on the KIF18A gene did not detect any further SNPs with extensive association signals. These genes may be involved in the estrogen receptor signaling pathway (KIF18A and NPTX1), the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (ELF5) and the collagen metabolism pathway (COL23A1), which are associated with the important molecular characteristics of hernia pathophysiology. Further investigation on the molecular mechanisms of these genes may provide more molecular clues on hernia development in pigs

The effect of drivers' behavior on performance of signalized intersections [Sürücü Davranişlarinin Sinyalize Kavşak Başarimi Üzerindeki Etkisi]

In this study investigating the effect of driver behavior on performance of signalized intersections is aimed. For this purpose, a questionnaire is drawn up to assess simultaneously queue length and start response time data at three signalized intersections in Izmir city center. Especially start response times of drivers are tried to be modeled using various physiological scales which explain drivers' behavior. Analyses have shown that, as the age and experience of drivers increase, their perception of safety also increases. It is found that perception of safety changes between 39-50 years of age and with respect to this, start response times are extended and average delay values increase by approximately 20% at signalized intersections. © 2018 Turkish Chamber of Civil Engineers.All right reserved

The Effect of Drivers’ Behavior on Performance of Signalized Intersections

Çalışmada, kentiçi sinyalize kavşaklardaki sürücü davranışlarının, kavşak başarımı üzerindeki etkilerinin incelenmesi hedeflenmiştir. Bu amaçla, İzmir kent merkezinde yer alan üç sinyalize kavşakta sürücü anketleri ile eş zamanlı tepki süresi ve kuyruk uzunluğu verileri toplanmıştır. Anketlerden elde edilen sürücü davranışlarını açıklayıcı çeşitli ölçeklerden yararlanarak özellikle sürücü tepki sürelerinin modellenmesine çalışılmıştır. Analizler sonucunda, sürücülerin yaş ve tecrübeleri arttıkça güvenlik algılarının da arttığı görülmüştür. Güvenlik ölçeği değerinin 39~50 arasında değiştiği; buna bağlı olarak, başlangıç tepki sürelerinin uzadığı ve sinyalize kavşaklardaki ortalama taşıt gecikmelerinin de yaklaşık %20 oranında arttığı bulunmuştur.In this study investigating the effect of driver behavior on performance of signalized intersections is aimed. For this purpose, a questionnaire is drawn up to assess simultaneously queue length and start response time data at three signalized intersections in İzmir city center. Especially start response times of drivers are tried to be modeled using various physiological scales which explain drivers’ behavior. Analyses have shown that, as the age and experience of drivers increase, their perception of safety also increases. It is found that perception of safety changes between 39~50 years of age and with respect to this, start response times are extended and average delay values increase by approximately 20% at signalized intersections

Comparison of different capacity models for traffic circles

Traffic circles have been used in many countries all over the world. Traffic circles can be defined as intersections where traffic circulates around a center island where priority is given to the vehicles entering from branches and are designed considering weaving movements as the basic goal. There are two most common capacity analysis methods for traffic circles: the method of critical gap acceptance and the method of regression analysis. This study explains the methods of gap acceptance and regression analysis. Ashworth and Field method is investigated and the applicability of these capacity models in Turkey is discussed. The obtained results have shown that both methodologies give satisfactory results; however, the existing methods should be improved (modified) considering conditions

Capacity prediction for traffic circles: applicability of ANN

The traffic circle is a common solution which is widely used in urban and rural areas of Turkey. Although, most of the traffic circles are designed to be signal-controlled, some of them are still being used as unsignalised intersections in order to provide higher capacity and better performance particularly in rural areas. Regression analysis and gap acceptance-based models are the most used estimation methods for capacity prediction of unsignalised traffic circles. In this study, an artificial neural network model (ANN) was investigated as a new approach as ANN models have been successfully applied in various other traffic studies. The entry capacity was predicted by using exponential and multiple linear regressions, gap acceptance theory and the feed forward backpropagation algorithm type of ANN. The results were compared with well known models. The ANN model including the geometric parameters was found to be the most reliable estimator with 71.6% of proper predictions when the discrepancy percentages of the predicted versus observed entry flows were examined for the models. The multiple linear regression and gap acceptance models followed the ANN model with proper prediction proportions of 63.3 and 51.6%, respectively. On the other hand, models that included only circulating flow parameters were only found to be acceptable for limited geometric data conditions

Cryptosporidiosis in newborn calves in Ankara region: clinical, haematological findings and treatment with Lasalocid-Na

WOS: 000231365600001PubMed: 16028484In the first part of the present study, a total of 109 faeces samples collected from calves suffering from diarrhoea were examined for Cryptosporidium parvum oocytes and 39 (35,8 %) of them were found to be positive. On the basis of oocyte counts, 14 (36 %) samples were assessed as mildly infected and 25 (64 %) samples as heavily infected. The occurrence of the disease was more common in winter (56,4 %) than during other seasons (autumn 0 %, summer 15,4 %, spring 28,2 %). In the second part of the present study, the ionophore polyetherantibiotic Lasalocid-Na, that is licensed as a feed additive (Bovatec (R), 15 % Lasalocid-Na, Roche AG) in Turkey, was administered to 11 calves naturally infected with Cryptosporidium and its therapeutic effect was evaluated. Lasalocid-Na (8 mg/ kg BW) was given once daily for 3 days added to the milk. The clinical parameters of infected calves were evaluated before and 3 days after the treatment in 24 hour intervals. The oocyst counts of faeces of calves with cryptosporidiosis were between 15 x 10(6) and 96 x 10(6)/mL before treatment. No oocystes were found in faecal samples of 3 calves (27,3 %) after 48 hours and 4 (40 %) calves after 72 hours of treatment, respectively. The number of oocytes in the faeces of the remaining calves varied between 90 and 1,2 x 106/mL during the respective period. The number of oocystes before treatment was significantly higher than the number of oocytes after treatment. One of the calves died 56 h after the first treatment despite the treatment. The pH of venous blood was decreased prior to treatment as expected. The lowest pH was 6,83, the lowest bicarbonate concentration was 3,80 mmol/l and the lowest base excess was -31,2 mmol/l. After the treatment, pH, pCO(2), HCO3- and BE values of the venous blood increased significantly and reached physiological values before discharge. The differences between the values assessed before the treatment and at the 2(nd), 3(rd), and 4(th) sampling time were statistically significant. Number of leucocyte and haemoglobin concentration before the treatment were significantly higher than the values after treatment (p < 0,01). These values returned back to physiological ranges 72 hours after first treatment. Lasalocid-Na was rather well tolerated. Side effects such as the decline of the suckling reflex and intoxication symptoms in respect to present administration form and dosage were found only in one calf (9 %). Treatment procedure in the present study with Lasalocid-Na was found to be suitable in combination with an adequate infusion therapy for the treatment of calves on farms with problems related to cryptosporidiosis. Although the use of Lasolacid-Na for the treatment of Cryptosporidium infection in the EU is banned, it might be used as an alternative drug outside of the EU since it has a successful effect for preventing reinfections

Evaluation Of The Removal Reasons Of Totally Implantable Venous Devices In Children: A Retrospective Study

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