bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and construction of the Gautrain Rapid Rail Link
Authors: Andrew Chris , Thoms Ian M.
Published: January 2012

Public transport in South Africa is being transformed with the advent of the 77 km Gautrain Rapid Rail Link in Gauteng. The first phase was opened on 8 June 2010 and, at the time of writing, the second phase was scheduled to be completed by mid-2011. In September 2006, the Gauteng Provincial Government awarded the ZAR25 billion (£1 billion) project to the Bombela Concession Company on a public–private partnership basis, with the concessionaire obliged to design, build, commission, partly finance, operate and maintain the Gautrain System for 15 years following delivery of the full system. The new railway will relieve traffic congestion on the N3 expressway linking Johannesburg and Pretoria, act as a catalyst for social regeneration of decaying urban areas, stimulate economic development and job creation along the Gautrain corridor and encourage the use of public transport. The system also provides a dedicated premium airport service between Sandton and OR Tambo International Airport, as well as feeder and distribution bus services to stations. This paper describes the scope of the project, the participants and how they interacted, as well as the engineering solutions and methodologies adopted during the design and construction processes. The main challenges of this landmark project, and how these were overcome, also feature in the paper.
Localised solutions developed to suit South African challenges
Authors: Ronny Ravi , Ptak Jonah Selman
Published: January 2012

Although road fatalities are an increasing challenge for developed nations in Europe and Asia, the developing nation of South Africa already experiences a disproportionate rate of vehicular and pedestrian deaths. It is estimated that South Africa’s 16 000 annual road deaths cost the economy ZAR60 billion (US$7·5 billion) per year. A significant source of the country’s road death toll arises from a road and transportation infrastructure developed during South Africa’s political and social climate of apartheid. This resulted in a rural landscape of separation that, close to two decades later, still contains pockets of social segregation. The unique cultural and economic climate of South Africa requires infrastructure and socio-economic stimulus specifically suited for South Africa’s needs. Unfortunately, job creation and sustainability measures developed overseas can prove irrelevant in an African context. In order to provide suitable solutions, The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) created a community development implementation model establishing best-practice methodologies for South African road infrastructure projects. These best practices address root issues of poverty, education and health in line with the South African government’s goals for poverty alleviation. An example of successful implementation of the Sanral model is the Blackburn Pedestrian Bridge and Walkway project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Aesthetic design considerations for bridges and road structures
Authors: Kruger Edwin , Alli Nazir
Published: January 2012

A major challenge facing South Africa is the growth in vehicle volumes and the need to expand road infrastructure to cater for the needs of commuters and the movement of goods. With the change in land-use patterns, and the proximity of pedestrians to the freeway system, the proposed solutions had to cater for the needs of both motorists and pedestrians. The overall aesthetic quality of the infrastructure impacts both consciously and subconsciously on individuals. The paper deals with the South African National Roads Agency Limited’s (Sanral’s) approach to provide both aesthetic and functional structures. By requiring aesthetically pleasing design solutions Sanral has contributed to the appreciation of good engineering design. Specific designs and details adopted for structures along and over the highways are dealt with. These relate to one large project, the Gauteng freeway improvement project, where there are 33 new bridges and 109 bridges which were widened.
Patterns of Treatment Utilization Before Suicide Among Male Veterans With Substance Use Disorders
Authors: Ilgen Mark A. , Conner Kenneth R. , Roeder Kathryn M. , Blow Frederic C. , Austin Karen , Valenstein Marcia
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We sought to describe the extent and nature of contact with the health care system before suicide among veterans with substance use disorders (SUDs).

Methods. We examined all male Veterans Health Administration patients who died by suicide between October 1, 1999, and September 30, 2007, and who had a documented SUD diagnosis during the 2 years before death (n = 3132).

Results. Over half (55.5%; n = 1740) of the male patients were seen during the month before suicide, and 25.4% (n = 796) were seen during the week before suicide. In examining those with a medical visit in the year before suicide (n = 2964), most of the last visits before suicide (56.6%; n = 1679) were in a general medical setting, 32.8% (n = 973) were in a specialty mental health setting, and 10.5% (n = 312) were in SUD treatment.

Conclusions. Men with SUDs who died from suicide were frequently seen in the month before their death. Most were last seen in general medical settings, although a substantial minority of those with SUDs was seen in specialty mental health settings.
Veterans and Suicide: A Reexamination of the National Death Index–Linked National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Miller Matthew , Barber Catherine , Young Melissa , Azrael Deborah , Mukamal Kenneth , Lawler Elizabeth
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We assessed the risk of suicide among veterans compared with nonveterans.

Methods. Cox proportional hazards models estimated the relative risk of suicide, by self-reported veteran status, among 500 822 adult male participants in the National Death Index (NDI)–linked National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a nationally representative cohort study.

Results. A total of 482 male veterans died by suicide during 1 837 886 person-years of follow-up (76% by firearm); 835 male nonveterans died by suicide during 4 438 515 person-years of follow-up (62% by firearm). Crude suicide rates for veterans and nonveterans were, respectively, 26.2 and 18.8 per 100 000 person-years. The risk of suicide was not significantly higher among veterans, compared with nonveterans, after adjustment for differences in age, race, and survey year (hazard ratio = 1.11; 95% confidence interval = 0.96, 1.29).

Conclusions. Consistent with most studies of suicide risk among veterans of conflicts before Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom, but in contrast to a previous study using the NDI-linked NHIS data, we found that male veterans responding to the NHIS were modestly, but not significantly, at higher risk for suicide compared with male nonveterans.
Sleep Disturbance Preceding Suicide Among Veterans
Authors: Pigeon Wilfred R. , Britton Peter C. , Ilgen Mark A. , Chapman Ben , Conner Kenneth R.
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We examined the role of sleep disturbance in time to suicide since the last treatment visit among veterans receiving Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services.

Methods. Among 423 veteran suicide decedents from 2 geographic areas, systematic chart reviews were conducted on the 381 (90.1%) who had a VHA visit in the last year of life. Veteran suicides with a documented sleep disturbance (45.4%) were compared with those without sleep disturbance (54.6%) on time to death since their last VHA visit using an accelerated failure time model.

Results. Veterans with sleep disturbance died sooner after their last visit than did those without sleep disturbance, after we adjusted for the presence of mental health or substance use symptoms, age, and region.

Conclusions. Findings indicated that sleep disturbance was associated with time to suicide in this sample of veterans who died by suicide. The findings had implications for using the presence of sleep disturbance to detect near-term risk for suicide and suggested that sleep disturbance might provide an important intervention target for a subgroup of at-risk veterans.
Suicide Among Veterans in 16 States, 2005 to 2008: Comparisons Between Utilizers and Nonutilizers of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Services Based on Data From the National Death Index, the National Violent Death Reporting System, and VHA Administrative Records
Authors: Katz Ira R. , McCarthy John F. , Ignacio Rosalinda V. , Kemp Janet
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We sought to compare suicide rates among veterans utilizing Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services versus those who did not.

Methods. Suicide rates from 2005 to 2008 were estimated for veterans in the 16 states that fully participated in the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), using data from the National Death Index, NVDRS, and VHA records.

Results. Between 2005 and 2008, veteran suicide rates differed by age and VHA utilization status. Among men aged 30 years and older, suicide rates were consistently higher among VHA utilizers. However, among men younger than 30 years, rates declined significantly among VHA utilizers while increasing among nonutilizers. Over these years, an increasing proportion of male veterans younger than 30 years received VHA services, and these individuals had a rising prevalence of diagnosed mental health conditions.

Conclusions.The higher rates of suicide for utilizers of VHA among veteran men aged 30 and older were consistent with previous reports about which veterans utilize VHA services. The increasing rates of mental health conditions in utilizers younger than 30 years suggested that the decreasing relative rates in this group were related to the care provided, rather than to selective enrollment of those at lower risk for suicide.
Suicidal Ideation Among Sexual Minority Veterans: Results From the 2005–2010 Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey
Authors: Blosnich John R. , Bossarte Robert M. , Silenzio Vincent M. B.
Published: January 2012

Suicide is a public health problem disproportionately associated with some demographic characteristics (e.g., sexual orientation, veteran status). Analyses of the Massachusetts Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey data revealed that more lesbian, gay, and bisexual (i.e., sexual minority) veterans reported suicidal ideation compared with heterosexual veterans. Decreased social and emotional support contributed to explaining the association between sexual minority status and suicidal ideation. More research is needed about suicide risk among sexual minority veterans; they might be a population for outreach and intervention by the Veterans Health Administration.
Use of the Air Force Post-Deployment Health Reassessment for the Identification of Depression and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Public Health Implications for Suicide Prevention
Authors: McCarthy Michael D. , Thompson Sanna J. , Knox Kerry L.
Published: January 2012

Objectives. Military members are required to complete the Post-Deployment Health Assessment on return from deployment and the Post-Deployment Health Reassessment (PHDRA) 90 to 180 days later, and we assessed the PDHRA’s sensitivity and specificity in identifying posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression after a military deployment among US Air Force personnel.

Methods. We computed the PDHRA’s sensitivity and specificity for depression and PTSD and developed a structural model to suggest possible improvements to it.

Results. For depression, sensitivity and specificity were 0.704 and 0.651, respectively; for PTSD, they were 0.774 and 0.650, respectively. Several variables produced significant direct effects on depression and trauma, suggesting that modifications could increase its sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions. The PDHRA was moderately effective in identifying airmen with depression and PTSD. It identified behavioral health concerns in many airmen who did not develop a diagnostic mental health condition. Its low level of specificity may result in reduced barriers to care and increased support services, key components of a public health approach to suicide prevention, for airmen experiencing subacute levels of distress after deployment, which may, in part, account for lower suicide rates among airmen after deployment.
Mental and Physical Health Status and Alcohol and Drug Use Following Return From Deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan
Authors: Eisen Susan V. , Schultz Mark R. , Vogt Dawne , Glickman Mark E. , Elwy A. Rani , Drainoni Mari-Lynn , Osei-Bonsu Princess E. , Martin James
Published: January 2012

Objectives. We examined (1) mental and physical health symptoms and functioning in US veterans within 1 year of returning from deployment, and (2) differences by gender, service component (Active, National Guard, other Reserve), service branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines), and deployment operation (Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom [OEF/OIF]).

Methods. We surveyed a national sample of 596 OEF/OIF veterans, oversampling women to make up 50% of the total, and National Guard and Reserve components to each make up 25%. Weights were applied to account for stratification and nonresponse bias.

Results. Mental health functioning was significantly worse compared with the general population; 13.9% screened positive for probable posttraumatic stress disorder, 39% for probable alcohol abuse, and 3% for probable drug abuse. Men reported more alcohol and drug use than did women, but there were no gender differences in posttraumatic stress disorder or other mental health domains. OIF veterans reported more depression or functioning problems and alcohol and drug use than did OEF veterans. Army and Marine veterans reported worse mental and physical health than did Air Force or Navy veterans.

Conclusions. Continuing identification of veterans at risk for mental health and substance use problems is important for evidence-based interventions intended to increase resilience and enhance treatment.
Varicocelectomy Does Not Impact Pregnancy Outcomes Following Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Procedures
Authors: Pasqualotto Fabio F. , Braga Daniela P. A. F. , Figueira Rita C. S. , Setti Amanda S. , Iaconelli Assumpto , Borges Edson
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT: There are many studies in the literature suggesting an acquired, apparently progressive infertility due to varicocele. In fact, varicocelectomy has become the most commonly performed male infertility surgery. Assisted reproductive technologies such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are also important for couples with male factor infertility associated with varicocele. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of varicocelectomy on sperm quality and pregnancy rate with ICSI. Data were analyzed from 248 patients who had varicocele or underwent a previous varicocelectomy and were treated with ICSI between 2000 and 2008. Patients with varicocele were divided into two groups: men with clinical varicocele (group 1, n = 79) and men who underwent varicocelectomy before ICSI (group 2, n = 169). In all cases, female infertility was not detected. We evaluated and compared the two groups' semen characteristics as defined by the World Health Organization and Tygerberg's strict criteria: the female partner's age; the number of oocytes retrieved; and the fertilization, implantation, pregnancy, and miscarriage rates. We used the Wilcoxon signed rank test or the Mann‐Whitney test for these analyses. No differences were detected in the age of the female partners between group 1 (33.0 ± 0.46 years) and group 2 (33.8 ± 0.38 years; P = .1872). Semen volume was higher in group 1 (3.3 ± 0.3 mL) than it was in group 2 (2.5 ± 0.14; P = .0043). No differences were detected between groups 1 and 2 with regard to sperm concentration (30.08 ± 4.01 million/mL and 24.1 ± 2.42 million/mL, respectively; P = .138), sperm motility (38.2% ± 2.69% and 38.7% ± 2.08%, respectively; P = .881), and morphology according to Tygerberg's strict criteria (2.6% ± 0.44% and 2.4% ± 0.37%, respectively; P = .7202). Also, no differences were detected in the number of oocytes retrieved between group 1 (14.8 ± 1.74) and group 2 (14.9 ± 1.04; P = .9515). The fertilization rate was higher in group 1 (73.2%) than it was in group 2 (64.9%; P = .0377); however, no differences were detected in the pregnancy rates (31.1% vs 30.9%; P = .9806), implantation rates (22.1% vs 17.3%; P = .5882), or miscarriage rates (21.7% vs 23.9%; P = .8401) between groups 1 and 2. Although a varicocelectomy should always be performed before assisted reproduction is pursued, this surgery does not increase pregnancy rates or decrease miscarriage rates following ICSI.
Restricted Expression of Ovol2/MOVO in XY Body of Mouse Spermatocytes at the Pachytene Stage
Authors: Chizaki Ryusuke , Yao Ikuko , Katano Tayo , Matsuda Tadashi , Ito Seiji
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT: The development of multicellular organisms is controlled by sequential activation of a hierarchy of regulatory genes, which encode transcription factors having DNA‐binding motifs. We previously identified a testis‐specific zinc finger transcriptional factor, Ovol2/MOVO, as a mouse homologue of Drosophila Ovo. Because mice deficient in Ovol2/Movo die during early embryogenesis, its function in male germ cells has remained unknown. We have recently succeeded in preparing anti‐Ovol2/MOVO antiserum for immunohistochemical use. In the present study, we demonstrated that Ovol2/MOVO protein started to be expressed in male germ cells at 2 weeks after birth and that Ovol2/MOVO expression was restricted to the XY body in spermatocytes at the pachytene stage. In a reporter assay, Ovol2/MOVO repressed the histone H1t promoter activity in the spermatogenic cell line GC‐2spd. These results suggest that Ovol2/MOVO may play an important role in the XY body during spermatogenesis, possibly in the processes of XY body formation and meiotic sex chromosome inactivation.
Trajectory Variance and Autocorrelations Within Single‐Sperm Tracks as Population‐Level Descriptors of Sperm Track Complexity, Predictability, and Energy‐Generating Ability
Authors: Abaigar Teresa , Barbero Javier , Holt William V.
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT: The objectives of the present study were to develop an alternative theoretical approach to the analysis of sperm motility and to develop motility parameters that would complement those more commonly used in current computer‐assisted semen analysis procedures. We have defined a set of parameters and have tested them using boar spermatozoa undergoing bicarbonate‐induced motility activation. The new parameters were calculated for a series of (x,y) coordinates of sperm head positions recorded at each move along the trajectory. The parameters were: mean velocity (MV), immobility ratio, fractal dimension (FD), the variance of the steplengths (VAR), and 2 autocorrelation function coefficients of the step‐length time series for lags 1 and 2 (C1 and C2). MV measures the average speed along the trajectory, and VAR is a measure of displacement variability that can be related to the specific mean (per step) kinetic energy of the spermatozoon. All of the parameters except MV and FD were affected by the sampling frequency (25 vs 50 Hz); inappropriately high sampling frequency in relation to magnification resulted in step‐lengths between successive frames that were below the resolution threshold of the imaging system. The autocorrelation functions were especially informative; discrimination between sperm subpopulations was obvious within simple histogram formats, and complex statistical analyses were not needed for their identification.
Reexamination of Pharmacokinetics of Oral Testosterone Undecanoate in Hypogonadal Men With a New Self‐Emulsifying Formulation
Authors: Yin Anthony Y. , Htun Michelle , Swerdloff Ronald S. , Diaz‐Arjonilla Maruja , Dudley Robert E. , Faulkner Sandra , Bross Rachelle , Leung Andrew , Baravarian Sima , Hull Laura , Longstreth James A. , Kulback Steven , Flippo Gregory , Wang Christina
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT: Many hypogonadal men prefer oral testosterone (T) treatment. Oral T undecanoate (TU) is available in many countries, but not in the United States. We aimed to assess the pharmacokinetics of oral TU in a new self‐emulsifying drug delivery system formulation. Pharmacokinetics studies were conducted in 3 parts: 12 hypogonadal men were enrolled in 2 centers for a 1‐day dosing study; 29 participants were enrolled from 3 centers for a 7‐day dosing study; and 15 participants were enrolled from 1 center for a 28‐day dosing study. Serial blood samples for serum sex hormone measurements by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry were drawn for up to 36 hours after oral TU administration. Mean serum T levels (Cavg) after oral dosing of T 200 mg as TU twice daily with food were within the adult male range in most participants in the 1‐, 7‐, and 28‐day dosing studies but were much lower in the fasting state. The dose‐proportional increase in Cavg of serum T after oral T 300 mg twice daily resulted in more participants with supraphysiologic serum T levels. In the 28‐day study, trough serum T reached a steady state at day 7. Serum dihydrotestosterone and estradiol levels tracked serum T concentration. Dihydrotestosterone‐testosterone ratios increased 3‐fold after oral TU administration. Oral T 200 mg twice daily as TU in a new SEDDS formulation may be a viable therapy for hypogonadal men.
Endothelial Antioxidant Compound Prolonged the Endothelial Antiapoptotic Effects Registered After Tadalafil Treatment in Patients With Arterial Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: La Vignera Sandro , Condorelli Rosita , Vicari Enzo , D'Agata Rosario , Calogero Aldo E.
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effects of a chronic treatment with tadalafil, a specific phosphodiesterase V inhibitor, on endothelial apoptosis through changes in the serum concentration of endothelial microparticles (EMP). EMPs were arbitrarily chosen as a marker of endothelial apoptosis, and the changes in their concentration were monitored before and after treatment. Additionally, administration of endothelial antioxidant compound (EAC) during the follow‐up, after discontinuation of tadalafil, was evaluated to determine whether this treatment improved the potential effects of tadalafil on the endothelium. Seventy‐five patients with arterial erectile dysfunction were evaluated at baseline and after administration of tadalafil (5 mg once daily for 90 days). The International Index of Erectile Function questionnaire was administered, and penile dynamic Doppler and flow‐cytometric (serum concentrations of EMPs) analyses were performed before (T0) and after treatment. Time points after tadalafil discontinuation: T1, after 1 week; T2, after 3 months; and T3, after 6 months. Three different schemes of follow‐up were evaluated: group A, follow‐up with EAC administration, after tadalafil discontinuation, for 6 months; group B, follow‐up without other treatment; and group C, follow‐up with placebo during the follow‐up, after tadalafil cessation. The events CD45neg/CD144pos/annexinVpos were defined EMPs. Patients treated with tadalafil showed a significant decrease in serum EMPs 1 week after discontinuing tadalafil (16.4% ± 3.6% vs 7.1% ± 3.3%). This effect was maintained for up to 3 months in the group without other treatment during follow‐up and was maintained for up to 6 months in the group treated with EAC during follow‐up. Chronic treatment with tadalafil reduces endothelial apoptosis in patients with arterial erectile dysfunction. Further, EAC treatment prolongs and stabilizes the duration of antiapoptotic effects on the endothelium that are initially promoted by tadalafil treatment.
Daily Use of Sildenafil Improves Endothelial Function in Men With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Deyoung Ling , Chung Eric , Kovac Jason R. , Romano Walter , Brock Gerald B.
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACT: Diminished vascular endothelial function results in decreased vasodilator capacity and is associated with erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients afflicted with type 2 diabetes. The current study was designed to evaluate whether daily use of sildenafil could alter endothelial function and improve penile rigidity in a group of patients with diabetic ED. A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, prospective trial was conducted with 24 men with type 2 diabetes who were randomized into 2 groups: one receiving daily sildenafil (50 mg, n = 12) and the other placebo (n = 12) for 10 weeks. Erectile function was captured subjectively using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5), and endothelial function was objectively monitored via brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation. Among the placebo and sildenafil groups, there were no significant differences in average patient age, time from type 2 diabetes diagnosis, duration of ED, or baseline IIEF‐5 scores. Past medical histories, including smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, were also similar. At the conclusion of the 10‐week trial, patients who received daily sildenafil had significantly improved erectile rigidity as captured by IIEF‐5 (P < .001) and increased endothelial function via brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation (P < .01). Endothelial function in men with type 2 diabetes was enhanced with daily sildenafil. Improved erectile rigidity and enhanced vascular circulation was noted after 10 weeks of daily sildenafil use.
Cost–benefit and water resources policy: a survey
Authors: Ward Frank A.
Published: January 2012

This paper reviews recent developments in cost–benefit analysis for water policy researchers who wish to understand the applications of economic principles to inform emerging water policy debates. The cost–benefit framework can provide a comparison of total economic gains and losses resulting from a proposed water policy. Cost–benefit analysis can provide decision-makers with a comparison of the impacts of two or more water policy options using methods that are grounded in time-tested economic principles. Economic efficiency, measured as the difference between added benefits and added costs, can inform water managers and the public of the economic impacts of water programs to address peace, development, health, the environment, climate and poverty. Faced by limited resources, cost–benefit analysis can inform policy choices by summarizing trade-offs involved in designing, applying, or reviewing a wide range of water programs. The data required to conduct a cost–benefit analysis are often poor but the steps needed to carry out that analysis require posing the right questions.
A policy development perspective on drinking water policy
Authors: Jenkins James O.
Published: January 2012

This paper seeks to address the lack of knowledge in the water industry of how policy development can be understood to have shaped the development and application of European Union (EU) drinking water policy. In particular, the paper develops a comparative understanding of how policy development can be viewed as having affected the development and application of the Drinking Water Directive (80/778/EEC) in England/Wales and the Republic of Ireland. As a result of this focus, the paper explores policy development issues relating to conflicting interests, invalid causal theories, political symbolism, lack of attention to detail by policy makers, and the allocation of duties and resources. It is subsequently established that consideration of these issues is useful in fostering a focused understanding of how policy development may have affected policy application. Despite the significant changes which took place with regard to the development of the current Drinking Water Directive (98/883/EC), the paper concludes by arguing that greater attention should be accorded the conflicting interests and abilities of Member States during the development of EU water policy, particularly if attempts are to be made to identify measures targeted at improving the application of EU water policy in a diverse political and economic union of member states.
Regulating the land application of manure from animal production facilities in the USA
Authors: Centner Terence J.
Published: January 2012

Water pollution from the land application of manure has been cited as an issue that needs to be addressed. Judicial challenges have forced the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt additional controls governing concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). State agencies have also been directed to do more to minimize the risk of pollution from animal production. In developing appropriate controls, regulatory agencies have distinguished animal production facilities based on size and on whether they discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Four categories of animal producers have been identified based on different requirements addressing the land application of manure. The expenses of regulatory requirements for agriculture suggest that other avenues should be explored to enhance sustainable production and reduce water pollution. The identification of polluters, implementation efforts, enforcement issues and educational endeavors could be augmented to address contamination problems. Finding ways for agricultural groups to cooperate with the EPA and for states to implement total maximum daily load requirements might also be effective in improving water quality. To address the land application of manure, the goal should be to eliminate substandard land application practices that cause too many pollutants to enter surface waters rather than simply imposing additional regulations.
System dynamics analysis of water supply and demand in the North China Plain
Authors: Qin Huanhuan , Cha-tien Sun Amy , Liu Jie , Zheng Chunmiao
Published: January 2012

Water resource carrying capacity (WRCC) is an important metric for regional sustainable development in China. It is defined as the difference between the total water supply and demand. The North China Plain (NCP) currently faces a serious water shortage if the WRCC is not managed at a sustainable level. This study focuses on applying system dynamics (SD) methodology to evaluate different water use scenarios and their associated WRCC for the NCP. System characteristics of local water resources and demand in the NCP are captured and simulated using VENSIM® software. A SD model of the WRCC is constructed which consists of five sub-systems: agricultural irrigation, population growth, urbanization level, water recycle and industrial output. The impact on the WRCC is tested through three growth scenarios: keeping the status quo, aggressive industrial growth and modest growth combined with wastewater recycle. Based on the simulation results, the WRCC that can most likely sustain economic growth without overly stressing the water supply is the one with modest growth combined with wastewater recycle.
Accessing water through a rights-based approach: problems and prospects regarding children
Authors: Singh Nandita , Wickenberg Per , Åström Karsten , Hydén Håkan
Published: January 2012

The right to water has been recently recognized as a fundamental human right by the United Nations, thereby clarifying its status as ‘legally binding’, making it ‘justiciable’ and enforceable. This development has been heralded as a key that holds great potential to change the lives of the billions who still lack access to clean water. Many of those deprived of enjoyment of the right are children, who constitute up to a third of the population in the developing world. What is the value added of the rights-based approach for access to water, especially for children? Would recognition of the right to water as legally binding deliver real benefits to children in improving their access to water? Does it really offer anything new that can help them realize their right to water more effectively? These questions will be explored in this paper using empirical evidence from India, where water has been legally interpreted as a fundamental right, and as a welfare state, where there has been consistent effort on part of the state to improve children's access to water.
Impact of institutions on flood policy learning
Authors: Rouillard J. J. , Heal K. V. , Reeves A. D. , Ball T.
Published: January 2012

Improving flood management is of fundamental importance to reduce human vulnerability to natural hazards, yet, policy reforms have been slow in many countries. To overcome inertia in our societies, the adaptive governance literature prescribes learning and collaboration. In this article, we examine how national institutions have influenced initiatives to improve flood policies in Scotland between the 1950s and 2000s. We use thematic analysis and historical process tracing to explore these relationships in parliamentary debates, policy documents and 16 interviews with national policy actors. Results suggest that the creation of an inclusive and deliberative national policy venue supported policy learning. The locus, nature and success of policy learning were highly dependent on rules regarding the allocation of resources within and between policy venues and political venues. Rules governing political venues have a significant influence on policy learning by allocating resources for policy learning and by opening or closing access to powerful decision-making processes such as the development of statutes. Therefore, improving policy learning and the adaptability of flood policies, requires attention to be given to the characteristics of policy venues, but also of political venues and to the relationship between policy and political venues.
The laminar/turbulent transition in a sludge pipeline
Authors: Eshtiaghi Nicky , Markis Flora , Slatter Paul
Published: January 2012

Globally, wastewater treatment plants are under pressure to handle high concentration sludge in a sludge treatment line. Unawareness of the non-Newtonian behaviour of the thickened sludge has the potential to cause unexpected problems when the fluid behaviour changes from turbulent to laminar flow. In this study, sludge apparent viscosity was plotted as a function of total suspended solids concentration (TSS) and shear rate. Then, the transition velocity based on several predictive models in the literature was determined. This analysis provides a practical basis for the prediction of the pipe flow behaviour of thickened sludge in troubleshooting and engineering design.
Case study of odor and indoor air quality assessment in the dewatering building at the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant
Authors: Sharma Manju , O'Connell Susan , Garelli Brett , Sattayatewa Chakkrid , Moschandreas Demetrios , Pagilla Krishna
Published: January 2012

Indoor air quality (IAQ) and odors were determined using sampling/monitoring, measurement, and modeling methods in a large dewatering building at a very large water reclamation plant. The ultimate goal was to determine control strategies to reduce the sensory impacts on the workforce and achieve odor reduction within the building. Study approaches included: (1) investigation of air mixing by using CO2 as an indicator, (2) measurement of airflow capacity of ventilation fans, (3) measurement of odors and odorants, (4) development of statistical and IAQ models, and (5) recommendation of control strategies. The results showed that air quality in the building complies with occupational safety and health guidelines; however, nuisance odors that can increase stress and productivity loss still persist. Excess roof fan capacity induced odor dispersion to the upper levels. Lack of a local air exhaust system of sufficient capacity and optimum design was found to be the contributor to occasional less than adequate indoor air quality and odors. Overall, air ventilation rate in the building has less effect on persistence of odors in the building. Odor/odorant emission rates from centrifuge drops were approximately 100 times higher than those from the open conveyors. Based on measurements and modeling, the key control strategies recommended include increasing local air exhaust system capacity and relocation of exhaust hoods closer to the centrifuge drops.
Impact of water source management practices in residential areas on sewer networks – a review
Authors: Marleni N. , Gray S. , Sharma A. , Burn S. , Muttil N.
Published: January 2012

Prolonged drought which has occurred everywhere around the world has caused water shortages, leading many countries to consider more sustainable practices, which are called source management practices (SMPs) to ensure water availability for the future. SMPs include the practices of water use reduction, potable water substitution and wastewater volume reduction such as water demand management, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling and sewer mining. Besides the well known advantages from SMPs, they also contribute to the alteration of wastewater characteristics which finally affect the process in downstream infrastructure such as sewerage networks. Several studies have shown that the implementation of SMPs decreases the wastewater flow, whilst increasing its strength. High-strength wastewater can cause sewer problems such as sewer blockage, odour and corrosion. Yet, not all SMPs and their impact on existing sewer networks have been investigated. Therefore, this study reviews some examples of four common SMPs, the wastewater characteristics and the physical and biochemical transformation processes in sewers and the problems that might caused by them, and finally the potential impacts of those SMPs on wastewater characteristics and sewer networks are discussed. This paper provides sewer system managers with an overview of potential impacts on the sewer network due to the implementation of some SMPs. Potential research opportunities for the impact of SMPs on existing sewers are also identified.
Onsite wastewater nitrogen reduction with expanded media and elemental sulfur biofiltration
Authors: Smith D. P.
Published: January 2012

A passive biofiltration process has been developed to enhance nitrogen removal from onsite sanitation water. The system employs an initial unsaturated vertical flow biofilter with expanded clay media (nitrification), followed in series by a horizontal saturated biofilter for denitrification containing elemental sulfur media as electron donor. A small-scale prototype was operated continuously over eight months on primary wastewater effluent with total nitrogen (TN) of 72.2 mg/L. The average hydraulic loading to the unsaturated biofilter surface was 11.9 cm/day, applied at a 30 min dosing cycle. Average effluent TN was 2.6 mg/L and average TN reduction efficiency was 96.2%. Effluent nitrogen was 1.7 mg/L as organic N, 0.93 mg/L as ammonium (NH4-N), and 0.03 as oxidized (NO3 + NO2) N. There was no surface clogging of unsaturated media, nitrate breakthrough, or replenishment of sulfur media over eight months. Visual and microscopic examinations revealed substantially open pores with limited material accumulation on the upper surface of the unsaturated media. Material accumulation was observed at the inlet zone of the denitrification biofilter, and sulfur media exhibited surface cavities consistent with oxidative dissolution. Two-stage biofiltration is a simple and resilient system for achieving high nitrogen reductions in onsite wastewater.
How to achieve and prove performance improvement – 15 years of experience in German wastewater benchmarking
Authors: Bertzbach F. , Franz T. , Möller K.
Published: January 2012

This paper shows the results of performance improvement, which have been achieved in benchmarking projects in the wastewater industry in Germany over the last 15 years. A huge number of changes in operational practice and also in achieved annual savings can be shown, induced in particular by benchmarking at process level. Investigation of this question produces some general findings for the inclusion of performance improvement in a benchmarking project and for the communication of its results. Thus, we elaborate on the concept of benchmarking at both utility and process level, which is still a necessary distinction for the integration of performance improvement into our benchmarking approach. To achieve performance improvement via benchmarking it should be made quite clear that this outcome depends, on one hand, on a well conducted benchmarking programme and, on the other, on the individual situation within each participating utility.
Electron density-based transformation of trimethoprim during biological wastewater treatment
Authors: Yi Taewoo , Barr William , Harper W. F.
Published: January 2012

This research investigated the biological transformation of trimethoprim (TMP). Partial TMP removal was observed in the presence of ammonia and toluene, and increasing the solids retention time from 20 days to 60 days improved TMP removal in both the nitrifying and heterotrophic bioreactors. Two TMP-related metabolites were identified, the first (5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl) pyrimidine-2,4-diamine, 5-hydroxyl) showing that a hydroxylation reaction took place, and the second (5-(1-carboxyl, 1-methoxy, 5-methoxy 1-,4-pentene) pyrimidine-2,4-diamine, 5-hydroxyl) showing that the trimethoxybenzyl ring was cleaved. This research is the first that we are aware of to report these two TMP-related byproducts. TMP metabolites show that initiating reactions take place where the electron density is highest, and that these initiating reactions shift the electron density of TMP, likely affecting the course of transformation.
A Novel TCIRG1 Gene Mutation Leads to Severe Osteopetrosis with Altered Content of Monocytes/Macrophages in Several Organs
Authors: Gheorghe Gabriela , Galambos Csaba , Jain Shilpa , Krishnamurti Lakshmanan , Jaffe Ronald
Published: January 2012

Osteopetrosis (OP) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease. Defects in the TCIRG1 gene are most frequently implicated in the osteoclast-rich form of OP. Little is known about the content and/or function of monocytes and macrophages of various organs rich in those cells in patients with OP. We report a patient with a novel TCIRG1 gene mutation that led to an osteoclast-rich OP. A bone marrow transplant failed to engraft, and the patient developed pulmonary hypertension. At autopsy he was found to have abnormal remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature and alveolar proteinosis. Alveolar macrophages were decreased. Pulmonary findings in this patient could be at least partially explained by abnormal surfactant metabolism due to depleted or defective alveolar macrophages.
Comparison of two methods for analyzing kinetic gait data in dogs
Authors: Al-Nadaf Sami , Torres Bryan T. , Budsberg Steven C.
Published: January 2012

Objective—To compare results of single-point kinetic gait analysis (peak and impulse) with those of complete gait waveform analysis.

Animals—15 healthy adult mixed-breed dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were trotted across 2 force platforms (velocity, 1.7 to 2.1 m/s; acceleration and deceleration, 0.5 m/s2). Five valid trials were recorded on each testing day. Testing days 1 and 2 were separated by 1 week, as were days 3 and 4. Testing days 1 and 2 were separated from days 3 and 4 by 1 year. A paired t test was performed to evaluate interday and interyear differences for vertical and craniocaudal propulsion peak forces and impulses. Vertical and craniocaudal propulsion force-time waveforms were similarly compared by use of generalized indicator function analysis (GIFA).

Results—Vertical and craniocaudal propulsion peak forces and impulses did not differ significantly between days 1 and 2 or days 3 and 4. When data were compared between years, no significant differences were found for vertical impulse and craniocaudal propulsion peak force and impulse, but differences were detected for vertical peak force. The GIFA of the vertical and craniocaudal force-time waveforms identified significant interday and interyear differences. These results were identical for both hind limbs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings indicated that when comparing kinetic data overtime, additional insight may be gleaned from GIFA of the complete waveform, particularly when subtle waveform differences are present.
Comparison of gel column, card, and cartridge techniques for dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 blood typing
Authors: Seth Mayank , Jackson Karen V. , Winzelberg Sarah , Giger Urs
Published: January 2012

Objective—To compare accuracy and ease of use of a card agglutination assay, an immunochromatographic cartridge method, and a gel-based method for canine blood typing.

Sample—Blood samples from 52 healthy blood donor dogs, 10 dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA), and 29 dogs with other diseases.

Procedures—Blood samples were tested in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Samples with low PCVs were created by the addition of autologous plasma to separately assess the effects of anemia on test results.

Results—Compared with a composite reference standard of agreement between 2 methods, the gel-based method was found to be 100% accurate. The card agglutination assay was 89% to 91% accurate, depending on test interpretation, and the immunochromatographic cartridge method was 93% accurate but 100% specific. Errors were observed more frequently in samples from diseased dogs, particularly those with IMHA. In the presence of persistent autoagglutination, dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 typing was not possible, except with the immunochromatographic cartridge method.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The card agglutination assay and immunochromatographic cartridge method, performed by trained personnel, were suitable for in-clinic emergency DEA 1.1 blood typing. There may be errors, particularly for samples from dogs with IMHA, and the immunochromatographic cartridge method may have an advantage of allowing typing of samples with persistent autoagglutination. The laboratory gel-based method would be preferred for routine DEA 1.1 typing of donors and patients if it is available and time permits. Current DEA 1.1 typing techniques appear to be appropriately standardized and easy to use.
Micro-computed tomography of the head and dentition in cadavers of clinically normal rabbits
Authors: De Rycke Lieve M. , Boone Matthieu N. , Van Caelenberg Annemie I. , Dierick Manuel , Van Hoorebeke Luc , van Bree Henri , Gielen Ingrid M.
Published: January 2012

Objective—To describe the anatomic features of dentition and surrounding structures of the head in rabbits assessed by use of a newly developed micro-computed tomography (CT) device.

Sample—Cadavers of 7 clinically normal adult Dendermonde White domestic rabbits raised for human consumption.

Procedures—The rabbits were slaughtered in a slaughterhouse, flayed, and decapitated; the rabbit heads were frozen for micro-CT examination. Transverse images were obtained from the nares to the occipital condyles with a custom-designed micro-CT scanner built at the Ghent University Centre for X-ray Tomography. Scan settings were chosen to highlight bony structures on the basis of the designers' experience. The micro-CT images were reviewed, and all recognizable anatomic features were labeled. Afterward, micro-CT images were used to create 3-D reconstructions by use of a custom-developed reconstruction package and 3-D rendering with dedicated software.

Results—Microstructures of the bones and teeth were clearly visible on micro-CT images. Conversely, soft tissue contrast was relatively poor on these images.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Micro-CT appeared to be a promising technique for appropriate diagnosis of dental disease in rabbits. Further research is needed to determine the clinical applications of micro-CT imaging.