bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metaheuristic Approaches to Task Consolidation Problem in the Cloud
Authors: Mishra Sambit Kumar , Sahoo Bibhudatta , Sahoo Kshira Sagar , Jena Sanjay Kumar
Published: November 2016

The service (task) allocation problem in the distributed computing is one form of multidimensional knapsack problem which is one of the best examples of the combinatorial optimization problem. Nature-inspired techniques represent powerful mechanisms for addressing a large number of combinatorial optimization problems. Computation of getting an optimal solution for various industrial and scientific problems is usually intractable. The service request allocation problem in distributed computing belongs to a particular group of problems, i.e., NP-hard problem. The major portion of this chapter constitutes a survey of various mechanisms for service allocation problem with the availability of different cloud computing architecture. Here, there is a brief discussion towards the implementation issues of various metaheuristic techniques like Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), BAT algorithm, etc. with various environments for the service allocation problem in the cloud.
Challenges in Clinical Data Linkage in Australia
Authors: Moon Jane Dominique , Bohensky Megan , Galea Mary
Published: November 2016

Long term and comprehensive management of patients with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) within the Australian health system suffers from ineffective patient data co-ordination between state and federal levels, between private and public hospitals, and among the allied health sectors, all of which form multiple data custodians. Patients with SCI may require medical intervention over an average of 30-40 years thus it is challenging to keep all the information that belongs to the same person accessible over a prolonged period of time. Although Australia is leading in the data linkage program (e.g. the West Australian Data Linkage Systems, WADLS), it has a long way to go as far as SCI patients are concerned. Here, the authors present findings based on interviews with a range of data custodians for patients with SCI, showing that data are kept in different silos which are not coordinated, hence duplication exists and patient information that exists on many different databases is inconsistently updated. This paper presents information generated by SCI patients and considers the range of data custodians and issues involved in data linkage in Australia, as well as reviewing the WADLS and a new Australian Government initiative called My Health Record system.
Understanding Online Radicalisation Using Data Science
Authors: Al-Saggaf Yeslam
Published: November 2016

What characterises social media radicals? And why some people become attracted to radicalisation? To explore answers to these questions, a number of tweets posted by a group of suspected radicals tweeting in Arabic were analysed using social network analysis and machine learning. The study revealed that these suspected radicals' networks showed significant interaction with others; but this interactivity is only significant quantitatively as the interaction is not reciprocated. With regards to why these suspected radicals became attracted to radicalisation, Topic Modelling revealed these suspected radicals' tweets underpinned a perceived injustice that they believed the Secret Police and the Government inflicted upon them. Overall, the study has shown that data science tools have the potential to inform our understanding of online radicalisation. It is hoped this exploratory study will be the basis for a future study in which the research questions will be answered using a larger sample.
Vascular epiphytes in seasonal semideciduous forest in the Espírito Santo State and similarity with other seasonal forests in Eastern Brazil
Authors: Couto Dayvid Rodrigues , Fontana André Paviotti , Kollmann Ludovic Jean Charles , Manhães Vitor Da Cunha , Francisco Talitha Mayumi , Cunha Gláucio De Mello
Published: November 2016

In this study, we evaluated the floristic composition of vascular epiphytes in seasonal semideciduous forest fragments of the Itapemirim River basin, Southern State of Espírito Santo, in order to verify its similarity to other semideciduous forests studied in Brazil. Excursions were conducted every fortnight between June 2008 and May 2009, and epiphytes were collected and recorded (55 species, 34 genera and six families). Orchidaceae (21 species) was the richest family, whereas the genera presenting the greatest richness were Tillandsia (seven), Rhipsalis (four), Aechmea, Epidendrum and Peperomia (three species each). The category the most representative was characteristics holoepiphytes (84%). The riparian forests were the most important environments for the epiphytic flora. Similarity analysis and PCA supported four groups, where the study area appears disjointed from the others, supporting the hypothesis that geographical proximity, elevation and climate have a strong effect on the floristic composition, conditioning the formation of distinct floras. Detailed surveys on the floristic composition and structure of this community are important for the elaboration of studies on coherent environmental impacts, since epiphytes are typical in tropical rainforests, and they are an important floristic, structural and functional component of these ecosystems.
Potential of Silver Nanoparticles Functionalized Polyaniline as an Electrochemical Transducer
Authors: Khesuoe Malefetsane , Matoetoe Mangaka , Okumu Fredrick
Published: November 2016

Modification of commercial platinum (Pt) and glassy carbon (GC) electrodes with polyaniline (PANI) and silver nanoparticles doped polyaniline (PANI/Ag NPs) through electropolymerization of aniline in the absence and presence of Ag NPs in 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) was interrogated. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques were used for structural, compositional and morphological elucidation. FTIR spectra for PANI and PANI/Ag NPs had the characteristic PANI functional groups as well as desired bands for the conducting emeraldine (EM) form. The predominance of the PANI pattern in the spectra is indicative of the intact PANI structure in the presence of Ag NPs while the slight band shifts are signify interfacial interactions between PANI and Ag NPs. TEM micrograms depicts different size one dimensional nanofibric tubes of the supramolecular structures of PANI. Ag NPs functionalized PANI had larger smoother tubes, suggesting organized morphology arrangement. An increased energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS)-TEM count from 256 to 277 confirms incorporation of Ag NPs in PANI. GC/PANI/Ag NPs exhibited outstanding electroactivity (higher conductivity and rate of electron transfer).This might be a result of the large surface coverage, film thickness and diffusion coefficient as a result of the large GC surface area. Possibly, the improvement might be due to the GC electrode properties. The electroactivity of the electrodes increased in the order: Pt < GC < Pt/PANI < Pt/PANI/Ag NPs < GC/PANI < GC/PANI/Ag NPs. The effect of Ag NPs in the polymer was demonstrated by ultimate band gap reduction of PANI and enhanced magnitudes of current response per electrode.
Silver Nanoparticle-Doped Poly(8-Anilino-1-Naphthalene Sulphonic Acid)/CYP2E1 Nanobiosensor for Isoniazid - A First Line Anti-Tuberculosis Drug
Authors: Ajayi Rachel Fanelwa , Nxusani Ezo , Douman Samantha F. , Jonnas Anovuyo , Ntshongontshi Nomaphelo , Feleni Usisipho , Pokpas Keagan , Wilson Lindsay , Iwuoha Emmanuel Iheanyichukwu
Published: November 2016

The Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course (DOTS) constitutes the main strategy for the control of tuberculosis (TB). However, isoniazid (INZ) one of the drugs used in the regimen is potentially hepatotoxic and may lead to drug-associated hepatitis. During TB treatment, regular follow up is essential to ensure adherence to therapy and facilitate clinical monitoring of INZ to prevent hepatic dysfunction for those patients at risk of drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Proposed herein is a sensitive and simple electrochemical method for the determination of INZ where the proposed PANSA/PVP-AgNPs/CYP2E1 modified Au electrode provides strong electrocatalytic activity toward INZ. High Resolution Transmission Microscopy (HR-TEM) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) studies of PANSA/PVP-AgNPs/CYP2E1 revealed that the nanocomposite PANSA/PVP-AgNPs is highly electroactive and biocompatible with a morphology ideal for the immobilization of CYP2E1. With the advantages of a wide linearity (2 µM – 22 µM) which covers the peak INZ serum level value of 3 µg/mL (22 µM), a good sensitivity of 1.25 µA/ µM and a low detection limit of 0.65 µM, this proposed nanobiosensor holds great potential for the determination of INZ in human samples. The practicality of the nanobiosensor has been successfully demonstrated through the determination of INZ in commercially available pharmaceutical tablets using steady state amperometry, CV and DPV. Michaelis-Menten parameters such as KM, KMapp and IMAX were calculated to be 1.9 x 10-6 A, 1.34 µM and 5.8 µM respectively thus confirming the suitability of the proposed nanobiosenors for use in human samples.
A Novel Polyaniline Nanocomposite with Doping Effects of Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) and TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Sidwaba Unathi , Feleni Usisipho , Makelane Hlamulo , Nxusani Ezo , Wilson Lindsay , Qakala Sinazo , Rassie Candice , Masikini Milua , Waryo Tesfaye , Ajayi Rachel Fanelwa , Baker Priscilla Gloria Lorraine , Iwuoha Emmanuel Iheanyichukwu
Published: November 2016

Polyaniline (PANI) is a globally investigated conductive polymer with a variety of applications in various fields due to its ease of synthesis and modification. One method of enhancing the physico-chemical properties and processability of PANI is the incorporation of polymers and nanoparticles to form composite and hybrid materials with new features. This study reports the electrochemical synthesis of a polyaniline nanocomposite that incorporates titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2) and poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). The significant effects of PMMA and TiO2 nanoparticles on structural, morphological, optical and electrochemical properties of native polyaniline were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV). The formation and deformation of relevant peaks observed from the FTIR spectra confirm the intrusion of PMMA and TiO2 into PANI while the voltammetric results show that the incorporation of both dopants significantly enhanced the electroactivity of PANI in a neutral pH medium.
Electrochemical Transduction at Modified Boron Doped Diamond Interfaces
Authors: Phelane Lisebo , Hamnca Siyabulela , Baker Priscilla Gloria Lorraine , Iwuoha Emmanuel Iheanyichukwu
Published: November 2016

Innovation in nanoscience depends fully on the ability to synthesize nanomaterials as well as to assemble them efficiently into complex architectures. The discovery of graphene and graphene polymer nanocomposites is playing a key role in modern nanoscience and nanotechnology. Graphene oxide (GO), is a derivative of graphene obtained by the use of strong oxidizing agents to obtain graphene oxide, a nonconductive hydrophilic carbon material. Synthesis of graphene oxide was performed using the Hummers method. Graphene oxide was integrated into the polysulfone (PSF) matrix to form polysulfone/graphene oxide nanocomposite. Polysulfone casting suspension was prepared by dissolving polysulfone in N,N-dimethyl acetamide. The polymer composites consisted of homogeneously blended polysulfone and graphene oxide casting solutions and drop coated onto boron-doped diamond electrodes (BDD). Interfacial electrochemical dynamics were characterised using cyclic voltammetry (CV), square wave voltammetry (SWV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy were used to study the morphology and structure of the prepared materials. Modifying with polysulfone blocks electron transfer in the redox reaction of K3Fe(CN)6. PSF /GO enhances electron transfer even when compared to bare BDD. The diffusion coefficient and sensitivity for PSF-GO/BDD electrode was calculated to be 2.660 x10-4 cm2 s-1 and 6.7587 x10-6 mV s-1 / A.
Identification of an Activating Chicken Ig-like Receptor Recognizing Avian Influenza Viruses
Authors: Jansen Christine A. , van Haarlem Daphne A. , Sperling Beatrice , van Kooten Peter J. , de Vries Erik , Viertlboeck Birgit C. , Vervelde Lonneke , Göbel Thomas W.
Published: November 2016

Chicken Ig-like receptors (CHIRs) represent a multigene family encoded by the leukocyte receptor complex that encodes a variety of receptors that are subdivided into activating CHIR-A, inhibitory CHIR-B, and bifunctional CHIR-AB. Apart from CHIR-AB, which functions as an Fc receptor, CHIR ligands are unknown. In the current study, we used a panel of different BWZ.36 CHIR reporter cells to identify an interaction between specific CHIRs and avian influenza virus (AIV). The specificity of the CHIR–AIV interaction was further demonstrated using CHIR fusion proteins that bound to AIV-coated plates and were able to reduce the interaction of reporter cells with AIV. There was no difference in binding of CHIR to different AIV strains. Furthermore, CHIR fusion proteins reduced AIV-induced in vitro activation of NK cells obtained from lungs of AIV-infected animals, as judged by the lower frequency of CD107+ cells. Because the original CHIR reporter lines were generated based on sequence information about extracellular CHIR domains, we next identified a full-length CHIR that displayed similar binding to AIV. The sequence analysis identified this CHIR as a CHIR-A. Neuraminidase treatment of coated CHIR–human Ig proteins reduced binding of trimeric H5 proteins to CHIR. This suggests that the interaction is dependent on sialic acid moieties on the receptor. In conclusion, this article identifies AIV as a ligand of CHIR-A and describes the functional consequences of this interaction.
A ~150-year record of human impact in the Lake Wuliangsu (China) watershed: evidence from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and organochlorine pesticide distributions in sediments
Authors: Shen Beibei , Wu Jinglu , Zhao Zhonghua
Published: November 2016

Human activities in and around Lake Wuliangsu, in the upper reaches of the Yellow River, triggered environmental changes for which evidence is preserved in the lake sediments. We investigated the past ~150 years of human impacts on Lake Wuliangsu using high-resolution records of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the sediments. Prior to the 1950s, there were very low concentrations of contaminants in the lake deposits. In the 1950s, relatively higher OCP concentrations and proportions of low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs were related to the intensification of agricultural activity. Since the 1990s, increases in high molecular weight (HMW) PAH concentrations and their proportions, and decreases in OCP concentrations and proportions of LMW PAHs, indicated human impacts on the lake were dominated by industry and urban development. Thus, there have been three periods of human-mediated environmental change in the Lake Wuliangsu basin, inferred from the PAH and OCP records (pre-1950s, 1950s-1990s, and 1990s to present). The inferred changes are consistent with the local socioeconomic data. The agreement between paleolimnologic records from Lake Wuliangsu and socioeconomic data suggests that the lake sediments provide a reliable archive for investigating the environmental history of human impacts on the lake.
Themes in Southern African linguistics
Authors: Breed Adri , Combrink Annette
Published: November 2016

No abstract available.
Toxic effect of khat (Catha edulis) on memory: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Berihu Birhane Alem , Asfeha Gebrekidan Gebregzabher , Welderufael Abadi Leul , Debeb Yared Godefa , Zelelow Yibrah Berhe , Beyene Hafte Assefa
Published: November 2016

Background: People use khat (Catha edulis) for its pleasant stimulant effect of physical activity, consciousness, motor, and mental functions. Although there are reports assessing the effect of khat on memory, there was no study based on formal systematic review and meta-analysis. Objective: We have therefore conducted this meta-analysis to determine the level of evidence for the effect of khat (C. edulis Forsk) on memory discrepancy. Methods: MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Academic Search Complete, SPORTDiscus, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched to retrieve the papers for this review. Keywords utilized across database search were khat, cat, chat, long-term memory, short-term memory, memory deficit, randomized control trial, and cross-sectional survey. The search was limited to studies in humans and rodents; published in English language. Result: Finding of various studies included in our meta-analysis showed that the effect of acute, and subchronic exposure to khat showed that short-term memory appears to be affected depending on the duration of exposure. However, does not have any effect on long-term memory. Conclusion: Although a number of studies regarding the current topic are limited, the evidenced showed that khat (C. edulis) induced memory discrepancy.
Bilateral ptosis without upward gaze palsy: Unusual presentation of midbrain tuberculoma
Authors: Sarkar Shatanik , Patra Chaitali , Dasgupta Malay Kumar
Published: November 2016

Central nervous system tuberculoma can have variable presentations depending on the site and number of tuberculomas. We are reporting a rare case of an 11-year-old male child presenting with ptosis and ataxia. Clinical examination revealed bilateral partial 3rd cranial nerve palsy (ptosis without any upward gaze palsy) associated with dysdiadochokinesia and ataxia on the right side. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a single ring-enhancing lesion in the dorsal midbrain with perifocal edema. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy provided the etiological information as tuberculoma.
Magnetic resonance imaging findings of isolated abducent nerve palsy induced by vascular compression of vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia
Authors: Arishima Hidetaka , Kikuta Ken-ichiro
Published: November 2016

If the origin of isolated abducent nerve palsy cannot be found on neuroradiological examinations, diabetes mellitus is known as a probable cause; however, some cases show no potential causes of isolated abducent nerve palsy. Here, we report a 74-year-old male who suffered from diplopia due to isolated left abducent nerve palsy. Magnetic resonance angiography and fast imaging employing steady-state acquisition imaging clearly showed a dolichoectasic vertebrobasilar artery compressing the left abducent nerve upward and outward. There were no abnormal lesions in the brain stem, cavernous sinus, or orbital cavity. Laboratory data showed no abnormal findings. We concluded that neurovascular compression of the left abducent nerve might cause isolated left abducent nerve palsy. We observed him without surgical treatment considering his general condition with angina pectoris and old age. His symptom due to the left abducent nerve palsy persisted. From previous reports, conservative treatment could not improve abducent nerve palsy. Microvascular decompression should be considered for abducent nerve palsy due to vascular compression if patients are young, and their general condition is good. We also discuss interesting characteristics with a review of the literature.
Motor cognitive processing speed estimation among the primary schoolchildren by deriving prediction formula: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Aranha Vencita Priyanka , Moitra Monika , Saxena Shikha , Narkeesh Kanimozhi , Arumugam Narkeesh , Samuel Asir John
Published: November 2016

Objectives: Motor cognitive processing speed (MCPS) is often reported in terms of reaction time. In spite of being a significant indicator of function, behavior, and performance, MCPS is rarely used in clinics and schools to identify kids with slowed motor cognitive processing. The reason behind this is the lack of availability of convenient formula to estimate MCPS. Thereby, the aim of this study is to estimate the MCPS in the primary schoolchildren. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and four primary schoolchildren, aged 6–12 years, were recruited by the cluster sampling method for this cross-sectional study. MCPS was estimated by the ruler drop method (RDM). By this method, a metallic stainless steel ruler was suspended vertically such that 5 cm graduation of the lower was aligned between the web space of the child's hand, and the child was asked to catch the moving ruler as quickly as possible, once released from the examiner's hand. Distance the ruler traveled was recorded and converted into time, which is the MCPS. Multiple regression analysis of variables was performed to determine the influence of independent variables on MCPS. Results: Mean MCPS of the entire sample of 204 primary schoolchildren is 230.01 ms ± 26.5 standard deviation (95% confidence interval; 226.4–233.7 ms) that ranged from 162.9 to 321.6 ms. By stepwise regression analysis, we derived the regression equation, MCPS (ms) = 279.625–5.495 × age, with 41.3% (R = 0.413) predictability and 17.1% (R 2 = 0.171 and adjusted R 2 = 0.166) variability. Conclusion: MCPS prediction formula through RDM in the primary schoolchildren has been established.
Autonomic dysfunction: A comparative study of patients with Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal
dementia – A pilot study
Authors: Issac Thomas Gregor , Chandra Sadanandavalli Retnaswami , Gupta Neelesh , Rukmani Malligurki Raghurama , Deepika S. , Sathyaprabha T. N.
Published: November 2016

Introduction: In frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), central autonomic structures get affected early. An insight into autonomic functions in these patients is likely to be of diagnostic importance and thus help in prognosticating and also probably explain unexplained sudden death in some of these patients. Objectives: The objective of this study is to identify autonomic dysfunction prevailing in patients. Then, if there is dysfunction, is the pattern same or different in these two conditions. And if different it will serve as an additional biomarker for specific diagnosis. Patients and Methods: There were 25 patients and 25 controls and six patients and three controls in AD and FTD groups, respectively. The participants who were recruited were assessed for heart rate variability and conventional cardiac autonomic function testing. The parameters were analyzed using LabChart version 7 software and compared with control population using appropriate statistical methods using SPSS version 22 software. Results: The mean overall total power was low in the FTD group (P < 0.001), and there was significant reduction in the standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals and root mean square of successive differences (P < 0.001) with elevated sympathovagal balance in the FTD group (P = 0.04). Patients with AD also showed sympathetic dominance, but there was in addition parasympathetic suppression unlike in the FTD group. Conclusion: This study reveals autonomic dysfunction in patients with FTD and AD. Both conditions show sympathetic dominance, probably consecutive to the involvement of central autonomic regulatory structures as a shared domain. It remains to be confirmed if these findings are the cause or effect of neurodegeneration and might open up newer territories of research based on the causal role of neurotransmitters in these regions and thus lead to novel therapeutic options such as yoga. The presence of parasympathetic suppression in AD in addition helps differentiate these two conditions.
Urodynamic profile in acute transverse myelitis patients: Its correlation with neurological outcome
Authors: Gupta Anupam , Kumar Sushruth Nagesh , Taly Arun B.
Published: November 2016

Objective: The objective of this study was to observe urodynamic profile of acute transverse myelitis (ATM) patients and its correlation with neurological outcome. Patients and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in the neurorehabilitation unit of a tertiary university research hospital from July 2012 to June 2014. Forty-three patients (19 men) with ATM with bladder dysfunction, admitted in the rehabilitation unit, were included in this study. Urodynamic study (UDS) was performed in all the patients. Their neurological status was assessed using ASIA impairment scale and functional status was assessed using spinal cord independence measure. Bladder management was based on UDS findings. Results: In total, 17 patients had tetraplegia and 26 had paraplegia. Thirty-six patients (83.7%) had complaints of increased frequency and urgency of urine with 26 patients reported at least one episode of urge incontinence. Seven patients reported obstructive urinary complaints in the form of straining to void with 13 patients reported both urgency and straining to void and 3 also had stress incontinence. Thirty-seven (86.1%) patients had neurogenic overactive detrusor with or without sphincter dyssynergia and five patients had acontractile detrusor on UDS. No definitive pattern was observed between neurological status and bladder characteristics. All patients showed significant neurological and functional recovery with inpatient rehabilitation (P< 0.05 and P< 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: The problem of neurogenic bladder dysfunction is integral to ATM. Bladder management in these patients should be based on UDS findings. Bladder characteristics have no definitive pattern consistent with the neurological status.
Corpus Callosum and Neglect Syndrome: Clinical Findings After Meningioma Removal and Anatomical Review
Authors: Gomes David , Fonseca Madalena , Garrotes Maria , Lima Maria Rita , Mendonça Marta , Pereira Mariana , Lourenço Miguel , Oliveira Edson , Lavrador José Pedro
Published: November 2016

Two types of neglect are described: hemispatial and motivational neglect syndromes. Neglect syndrome is a neurophysiologic condition characterized by a malfunction in one hemisphere of the brain, resulting in contralateral hemispatial neglect in the absence of sensory loss and the right parietal lobe lesion being the most common anatomical site leading to it. In motivational neglect, the less emotional input is considered from the neglected side where anterior cingulate cortex harbors the most frequent lesions. Nevertheless, there are reports of injuries in the corpus callosum (CC) causing hemispatial neglect syndrome, particularly located in the splenium. It is essential for a neurosurgeon to recognize this clinical syndrome as it can be either a primary manifestation of neurosurgical pathology (tumor, vascular lesion) or as a postoperative iatrogenic clinical finding. The authors report a postoperative hemispatial neglect syndrome after a falcotentorial meningioma removal that recovered 10 months after surgery and performs a clinical, anatomical, and histological review centered in CC as key agent in neglect syndrome.
Knock and Drill Technique: A Simple Tips for the Instrumentation in Complex Craniovertebral Junction Anomalies without using Fluoroscopy
Authors: Srivastava Arun , Sardhara Jayesh , Behari Sanjay , Pavaman Sindgikar , Joseph Jeena , Das Kuntal , Mehrotra Anant , Jaiswal Awadhesh K. , Bhaishora Kamlesh
Published: November 2016

Context: Existence of complex variable bony and vertebral artery (VA) anomalies at craniovertebral junction (CVJ) in subset of complex CVJ anomalies demands individualized instrumentation policy and placing screws in each bone requires strategic preoperative planning and intraoperative skills. Aim: To evaluate the clinical accuracy of knock and drill (K and D) technique for the screw placement in complex CVJ anomalies. Settings and Design: Prospective study and operative technical note. Materials and Methods: Totally 36 consecutive patients (16 - pediatrics, 20 - adult patients) of complex CVJ: Complete/partial occipitalized C1 vertebra; at least one hypoplastic (C1/C2) articular mass, rotational component, and variations in the third part of VA were included in this study. Preoperative detail computed tomography (CT) CT CVJ with three-dimensional reconstruction was done for the assessment of CVJ anatomy and facet joint orientation. The accuracy of novel technique was assessed with postoperative CT to evaluate cortical breach in between 5th and 7th postoperative day in all the patients. All patients were underwent clinico-radiological evaluation at 6-month follow-up. Results: Totally 144 screws were placed using K and D technique (pediatric group - 64 screws, adult patients - 80 screws). Total of 12 screws were placed in C1 lateral mass in both age group without any bony cortical breach and complication. Sixteen C2 pedicle screws and 12 C2 pars screw in pediatrics and 18 C2 pedicle screws in adult patients were placed without any bony breach or VA injury. Out of thirty subaxial lateral mass screws in pediatric group, the bony breach was encountered with one screw (3.3%). Total of 38 C2 pars screws was placed in adult group in which bony breach along with VA injury was encounter with 1screw (2.6%). Conclusion: A simple technique of K and D for placing a screw increases the accuracy and spectrum of bony purchase and has the potential to reduce the complication in patients with complex CVJ anomalies.
Neurocognitive Treatment for a Patient with Alzheimer's Disease Using a Virtual Reality Navigational Environment
Authors: White Paul J.F. , Moussavi Zahra
Published: November 2016

In this case study, a man at the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was enrolled in a cognitive treatment program based upon spatial navigation in a virtual reality (VR) environment. We trained him to navigate to targets in a symmetric, landmark-less virtual building. Our research goals were to determine whether an individual with AD could learn to navigate in a simple VR navigation (VRN) environment and whether that training could also bring real-life cognitive benefits. The results show that our participant learned to perfectly navigate to desired targets in the VRN environment over the course of the training program. Furthermore, subjective feedback from his primary caregiver (his wife) indicated that his skill at navigating while driving improved noticeably and that he enjoyed cognitive improvement in his daily life at home. These results suggest that VRN treatments might benefit other people with AD.
Combining Footwear with Public Health Iconography to Prevent Soil-Transmitted Helminth Infections
Authors: Paige Sarah B. , Friant Sagan , Clech Lucie , Malavé Carly , Kemigabo Catherine , Obeti Richard , Goldberg Tony L.
Published: November 2016

Shoes are effective for blocking soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) that penetrate the skin. Unfortunately, shoe-wearing is uncommon in many areas where STHs are prevalent, in part because local populations are unaware of the health benefits of wearing shoes. This is especially true in low-literacy populations, where information dissemination through written messages is not possible. We launched a public health intervention that combines a public health image with sandals. The image is a “lenticular image” that combines two alternating pictures to depict the efficacy of shoes for preventing STH infection. This image is adhered to the shoe, such that the message is linked directly to the primary means of prevention. To create a culturally appropriate image, we conducted five focus group discussions, each with a different gender and age combination. Results of focus group discussions reinforced the importance of refining public health messages well in advance of distribution so that cultural acceptability is strong. After the image was finalized, we deployed shoes with the image in communities in western Uganda where hookworm is prevalent. We found that the frequency of shoe-wearing was 25% higher in communities receiving the shoes than in control communities. Microscopic analyses of fecal samples for parasites showed a sustained reduction in infection intensity for parasites transmitted directly through the feet when people received shoes with a public health image. Our results show that combining culturally appropriate images with public health interventions can be effective in low-literacy populations.
Nonnative Cattle Ownership, Diet, and Child Height-for-Age: Evidence from the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Fierstein Jamie L. , Eliasziw Misha , Rogers Beatrice Lorge , Forrester Janet E.
Published: November 2016

In underresourced settings where domestic animals and children often cohabitate, there is limited evidence about the net impact of domestic animal ownership on child health. We analyzed the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey to determine whether household ownership of native cattle, goats, sheep, chickens, pigs, and nonnative cattle was associated with child height-for-age z-scores (HAZ), and to assess the influence of diet on this association in rural and urban environments. Using weighted multivariable linear regression, we found that nonnative cattle ownership was positively associated with HAZ in rural children 0 to < 2 years of age (+1.32 standard deviations [SD], 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.2–2.5) and 2 to < 5 years of age (+0.58 SD, 95% CI = 0.003–1.2), and urban children 2 to < 5 years of age (+1.08 SD, 95% CI = 0.38–1.8). Sheep ownership was positively associated with HAZ in rural children 2 to < 5 years of age (+0.29 SD, 95% CI = 0.002–0.58) and goat ownership was positively associated with HAZ in rural children 0 to < 2 years of age (+0.27 SD, 95% CI = 0.003–0.55). We observed no other significant associations. Children who lived in households that owned nonnative cattle consumed dairy more frequently; however, the relationship between child HAZ and nonnative cattle ownership was not mediated by child dairy consumption. These findings suggest that domestic animal ownership may not be detrimental to child HAZ, and that nonnative cattle ownership is beneficial for child HAZ through pathways other than dairy consumption.
Effect of the glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1) mutation on performance traits in 169 Noriker draft horse stallions – a retrospective study
Authors: Druml Thomas , Grilz-Seger Gertrud , Brem Gottfried
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of glycogen synthase 1 (GYS1) mutation on performance traits in Noriker draft horse stallions. Individual scores of 32 performance traits and the final performance score were obtained from 169 stallions that took part in the standardized stationary 30-day performance test throughout the years 2002 to 2014. In 2014 the stallions have been genotyped for the GYS1 mutation resulting in 105 non-mutation-carriers, 57 heterozygous, and 7 homozygous animals. The mean frequency of animals carrying the mutation was 38 % (64 of 169). The final performance score and 32 single performance traits were analyzed using a linear model including the GYS1 mutation genotype, the testing year and age as fixed effects. For the final performance score no effect of the GYS1 mutation was found. In three single traits – driving ability, drafting manner, and kindness in the discipline heavy-load lodging – significantly lower scores for heterozygous horses than for non-carrier animals were obtained. Homozygous animals did not differ significantly from both groups. Our results from this retrospective study suggest no effect of the GYS1 mutation on performance traits and on the final performance score.
Speciated atmospheric mercury on haze and non-haze days in an inland city in China
Authors: Hong Qianqian , Xie Zhouqing , Liu Cheng , Wang Feiyue , Xie Pinhua , Kang Hui , Xu Jin , Wang Jiancheng , Wu Fengcheng , He Pengzhen , Mou Fusheng , Fan Shidong , Dong Yunsheng , Zhan Haicong , Yu Xiawei , Chi Xiyuan , Liu Jianguo
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Long-term continuous measurements of speciated atmospheric mercury were conducted from July 2013 to June 2014 in Hefei, a midlatitude inland city in eastern central China that experiences frequent haze pollution. The mean concentrations (±standard deviation) of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particle-bound mercury (PBM) were 3.95 ± 1.93 ng m−3, 2.49 ± 2.41 and 23.3 ± 90.8 pg m−3, respectively, on non-haze days, and 4.74 ± 1.62 ng m−3, 4.32 ± 8.36 and 60.2 ± 131.4 pg m−3, respectively, on haze days. Potential source contribution function (PSCF) analysis suggested that atmospheric mercury pollution on haze days was caused primarily by local emissions, instead of via long-range transport. The poorer mixing conditions on haze days also favored the accumulation of atmospheric mercury. Compared to GEM and GOM, PBM was especially sensitive to haze pollution. The mean PBM concentration on haze days was 2.5 times that on non-haze days due to elevated concentrations of particulate matter. PBM also showed a clear seasonal trend; its concentration was the highest in fall and winter, decreased rapidly in spring and was the lowest in summer, following the same order in the frequency of haze days in different seasons. On both non-haze and haze days, GOM concentrations remained low at night, but increased rapidly just before sunrise, which could be due to diurnal variation in air exchange between the boundary layer and free troposphere. However, non-haze and haze days showed different trends in daytime GEM and GOM concentrations. On non-haze days, GEM and GOM declined synchronously through the afternoon, probably due to the retreat of the free tropospheric air as the height of the atmospheric boundary layer increases. In contrast, on haze days, GOM and GEM showed opposite trends with the highest GOM and lowest GEM observed in the afternoon, suggesting the occurrence of photochemical oxidation. This is supported by simple box-model calculations, which showed that oxidation of GEM to GOM does occur and that the transport of free tropospheric GOM alone is not large enough to account for the observed increase in daytime GOM. Our results further postulate that NO2 aggregation with the HgOH intermediate may be a potential mechanism for the enhanced production of GOM during daytime.
Direct radiative effect of carbonaceous aerosols from crop residue burning during the summer harvest season in East China
Authors: Yao Huan , Song Yu , Liu Mingxu , Xu Tingting , Du Pin , Li Jianfeng , Wu Yusheng , Hu Min , Zhu Tong
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The East China experiences extensive crop residue burning in fields during harvest seasons. The direct radiative effect (DRE) of carbonaceous aerosols from crop residue burning in June 2013 in East China was investigated using the Weather Research and Forecasting Model coupled with Chemistry (WRF-Chem). Absorption of organic aerosol (OA) in the presence of brown carbon (BrC) was considered using the parameterization of Saleh et al. (2014), in which the imaginary part of BrC refractive index was a function of the ratio of the black carbon (BC) and OA and wavelengths. The carbonaceous emissions from crop fires were estimated using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) fire radiative power products with a localized crop burning-sourced BC-to-organic carbon (OC) ratio emission ratio of 0.27. The simulation results were evaluated with in situ measurements of fine particle (PM2.5) chemical components and meteorological observations. The aerosol optical depths were comparable with MODIS detections. The BC and OC peak concentrations reached 34.3 µg m−3 and 121.1 µg m−3, of which the crop residue burning contributed 86 % and 90 %, respectively. Correspondingly, the DREs of crop residue burning-sourced BC and BrC (due to absorption) reached +20.16 W m−2 and +7.17 W m−2, respectively. On average, during the harvest season, crop residue burning introduced a DRE of +0.39 W m−2 throughout East China. We found that BrC absorption and BC introduced significant positive DREs, +0.85 W m−2 and +1.05 W m−2, respectively. The BrC DRE due to scattering was stronger (−1.1 W m−2) than its DRE due to absorption. The sensitivity test showed that the BrC DRE strongly depended on the absorptivity and BC-to-OA ratio emission ratio from crop residue burning, and the volume mixing treatment could result in a higher positive DRE compared to the core/shell treatment.
Transport of regional pollutants through a remote trans-Himalayan valley in Nepal
Authors: Dhungel Shradda , Kathayat Bhogendra , Mahata Khadak , Panday Arnico
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Anthropogenic emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels and biomass in Asia have increased in recent years. High concentrations of reactive trace gases and absorbing and light-scattering particles from these sources over the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) of southern Asia form persistent haze layers, also known as atmospheric brown clouds, from December through early June. Models and satellite imagery suggest that strong wind systems within deep trans-Himalayan valleys are major pathways by which pollutants over the IGP are transported to the high Tibetan Plateau (TP). To evaluate this pathway, we measured black carbon (BC), ozone (O3), and associated meteorological conditions within the Kali-Gandaki Valley, Nepal, from January 2013 to August 2015. BC and O3 varied over both diurnal and seasonal cycles. Relative to nighttime, mean BC and O3 concentrations within the valley were higher during daytime when the up-valley flow (average velocity of 17 ms−1) dominated. Minimal BC and O3 concentrations occurred during the monsoon season (July to September). Concentrations of both species subsequently increased post monsoon and peaked during March to May. We recorded average concentration for O3 during April, July, and November were 41.7 ppbv, 24.5 ppbv, and 29.4 ppbv, respectively, while the corresponding BC concentrations were 1.17 µg m−3, 0.24 µg m−3, and 1.01 µg m−3, respectively. Frequent episodes of concentrations two to three fold higher than average persisted from several days to a week during non-monsoon months. Our observations of increases in BC concentration in the valley – especially during pre-monsoon season (April) – support the hypothesis that trans-Himalayan valleys are important conduits for transport of pollutants from the IGP to TP. In addition, the increase in BC concentration in the KGV during high fire activity in Northern India and southern Nepal corroborates the role of trans-Himalayan valleys as vital pollutant transport pathways.
Testing chemistry-climate models' regulation of tropical
lower-stratospheric water vapor
Authors: Smalley Kevin M. , Dessler Andrew E. , Bekki Slimane , Deushi Makoto , Marchand Marion , Morgenstern Olaf , Plummer David A. , Shibata Kiyotaka , Yamashita Yousuke , Zeng Guang
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Climate models predict that tropical lower stratospheric humidity will increase as the climate warms, with important implications for the chemistry and climate of the atmosphere. We analyze the trend in 21st-century simulations from 12 state-of-the-art chemistry-climate models (CCMs) using a linear regression model to determine the factors driving the trends. Within CCMs, the long-term trend in humidity is primarily driven by warming of the troposphere. This is partially offset in most CCMs by an increase in the strength of the Brewer-Dobson circulation, which tends to cool the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). We also apply the regression model to individual decades from the 21st century CCM runs and compare them to observations. Many of the CCMs, but not all, compare well with observations, lending credibility to their predictions. One notable deficiency in most CCMs is that they underestimate the impact of the quasi-biennial oscillation on lower stratospheric humidity. Our analysis provides a new and potentially superior way to evaluate model trends in lower stratospheric humidity.
Retrievals of Aerosol Optical and Microphysical Properties from
Imaging Polar Nephelometer Scattering Measurements
Authors: Espinosa W. Reed , Remer Lorraine , Dubovik Oleg , Ziemba Luke , Beyersdorf Andreas , Orozco F. Daniel , Schuster Gregory , Lapyonok Tatyana , Fuertes David , Martins J. Vanderlei
Published: November 2016

Abstract. A method for the retrieval of optical and microphysical properties from in situ light scattering measurements is presented and the results are compared with existing measurement techniques. The Generalized Retrieval of Aerosol and Surface Properties (GRASP) is applied to airborne and laboratory measurements made by a novel polar nephelometer. This instrument, the Polarized Imaging Nephelometer (PI-Neph), is capable of making high accuracy field measurements of phase function and degree of linear polarization, at three visible wavelengths, over a wide angular range of 3° to 177°. The resulting retrieval produces particle size distributions (PSD) that agree, to within experimental error, with measurements made by commercial optical particle counters (OPCs). Additionally, the retrieved real part of the refractive index is generally found to be within the predicted error of 0.02 from the expected values for three species of humidified salts particles, whose refractive index is well established. The airborne measurements used in this work were made aboard the NASA DC-8 aircraft during the Studies of Emissions and Atmospheric Composition, Clouds and Climate Coupling by Regional Surveys (SEAC4RS) field campaign, and the inversion of this data represent the first aerosol retrievals of airborne polar nephelometer data. The results provide confidence in the refractive index product, as well as in the retrieval's ability to accurately determine PSD, without assumptions about refractive index that are required by the majority of OPCs.
Review of the state of the art and future prospects of the ground-based GNSS meteorology in Europe
Authors: Guerova Guergana , Jones Jonathan , Douša Jan , Dick Galina , de Haan Siebren , Pottiaux Eric , Bock Olivier , Pacione Rosa , Elgered Gunnar , Vedel Henrik , Bender Michael
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) have revolutionised positioning, navigation, and timing, becoming a common part of our everyday life. Aside from these well-known civilian and commercial applications, GNSS is now an established atmospheric observing system, which can accurately sense water vapour, the most abundant greenhouse gas, accounting for 60–70 % of atmospheric warming. In Europe, the application of GNSS in meteorology started roughly two decades ago, and today it is a well-established field in both research and operation. This review covers the state of the art in GNSS meteorology in Europe. The advances in GNSS processing for derivation of tropospheric products, application of GNSS tropospheric products in operational weather prediction and application of GNSS tropospheric products for climate monitoring are discussed. The GNSS processing techniques and tropospheric products are reviewed. A summary of the use of the products for validation and impact studies with operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) models as well as very short weather prediction (nowcasting) case studies is given. Climate research with GNSSs is an emerging field of research, but the studies so far have been limited to comparison with climate models and derivation of trends. More than 15 years of GNSS meteorology in Europe has already achieved outstanding cooperation between the atmospheric and geodetic communities. It is now feasible to develop next-generation GNSS tropospheric products and applications that can enhance the quality of weather forecasts and climate monitoring. This work is carried out within COST Action ES1206 advanced global navigation satellite systems tropospheric products for monitoring severe weather events and climate (GNSS4SWEC, http://gnss4swec.knmi.nl).