bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conjugation of Thalassiosira pseudonana v3
Authors: Turnsek Jernej
Published: October 2016

This protocol was used toexpress a nourseothricin (nou/nat) resistance gene anda gene encoding a silaffin precursor TpSil3p-APEX2 fusion protein in Thalassiosira pseudonana(Tp) strain CCMP1335using conjugation by largely following Karas et al. (2015). In addition to the protocol, I am listing some of my observations working with this diatom species. Please check the 'Before start' and 'Guidelines' sections for more informationincluding a list of Tpepisomes I've constructed and which are available upon request. For additional background on my overacrching experimental aim, please refer to this document. 1.E. V. Armbrust, The Genome of the Diatom Thalassiosira Pseudonana: Ecology, Evolution, and Metabolism. Science. 306, 79–86 (2004). 2. B. J. Karas et al., Designer diatom episomes delivered by bacterial conjugation. Nat. Commun. 6, 6925 (2015). Keeping in mind that diatom episomes contain a yeast centromere, it would be very interesting to see if conjugation could be adapted to organisms beyond diatoms.
No longer 'anomalous, confusing and unjust': the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016
Authors: Harper Colin , Davidson Gavin , McClelland Roy
Published: October 2016

Since 2002 there has been a broad and extensive process to develop new legislation relating to mental health and mental capacity which is of interest as it represents a new departure in terms of such legislation. The Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 legislates a fusion approach to mental capacity/mental health law. The provisions of the Act apply in general to people who are aged 16 and over and it goes beyond a proposed ‘model law’ of the fusion type in that it incorporates criminal justice provisions.

This article provides an overview of the process of development of the Mental Capacity Act (Northern Ireland) 2016. The Act has its origins in the Recommendations of the Bamford Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability which are considered first. The publication of these recommendations was followed by an extended policy development process which is discussed next. Following an overview of the contents of the Act, key issues which emerged during the policy development and legislative processes are outlined.
¿Más escolaridad, menos informalidad? Un análisis de cohortes para México y América Latina
Authors: Levy Santiago , Székely Miguel
Published: October 2016

¿Cuál es la relación entre escolaridad e informalidad laboral? Con las encuestas de hogares de México y otros 17 países de América Latina, separamos la evolución de la tasa de informalidad laboral en tres efectos: i) diferencias en los años de escolaridad de sucesivas generaciones de trabajadores, ii) tránsitos entre formalidad e informalidad durante el ciclo de vida laboral de cada generación, y iii) características del mercado de trabajo. Encontramos que en América Latina se ha observado una ligera reducción de la informalidad, asociada fundamentalmente al primer efecto: generaciones más recientes de trabajadores con más escolaridad experimentan menores tasas de informalidad que las anteriores. En el caso de México, tambiénobservamos que generaciones más recientes de trabajadores tienen más años de escolaridad que las previas; sin embargo, este efecto ha sido contrarrestado por el mercado laboral. Así, a pesar de que en México se han observado mayores avances en años de escolaridad que en el promedio de América Latina, el progreso para reducir la informalidad laboral ha sido nulo.
Competencia y diferenciación de productos en el mercado mexicano de tarjetas de crédito
Authors: Estrada González Ernesto
Published: October 2016

Este artículo estudia la competencia en el mercado mexicano de tarjetas de crédito. Deriva funciones de demanda de un modelo de elección discreta, y de tasas de interés de un modelo de competencia imperfecta, ambos con productos diferenciados. Estas funciones se estiman utilizando un panel de datos con 23 segmentos de límite de crédito y 18 bancos emisores entre junio del 2011 y junio del 2015. Los resultados indican que hay competencia imperfecta con productos diferenciados y que las tarjetas son sustitutas más cercanas cuando pertenecen a segmentos similares. Asimismo, revelan que las tasas responden a costos, aunque también reflejan márgenessupracompetitivos. El análisis asocia el poder de mercado con la antigüedad de la cuenta, lo que muestra posibles asimetrías de información o costos de traspaso. En general, menores límites de crédito tienen mayores tasas de interés, pero también mayores costos y menores márgenes. Los resultados también permiten evaluar posibles efectos de concentraciones entre bancos emisores. Finalmente, se hacen algunas recomendaciones de política con base en esta evidencia.
Mapa y jerarquía espacial de la pobreza en México. Un nuevo procedimiento para identificar el patrón espacial de los problemas sociales
Authors: Treviño C. Jesús A.
Published: October 2016

Esta investigación presenta y aplica un nuevo procedimiento para jerarquizar espacialmente la pobreza. El método propuesto combina simultáneamente variables de magnitud e intensidad utilizando técnicas estadísticas recientes (remuestreo y autocorrelación espacial) y tradicionales, así como rutinas de superposición espacial de los Sistemas de Información Geográfica. Mientras magnitud e intensidad se refieren a datos absolutos y relativos, respectivamente, cada variable puede estar concentrada o aglomerada en el espacio. En este estudio, concentración es la presencia de valores globales altos, independientemente de su localización, y aglomeración es la concentración de valores locales altos espacialmente contiguos. Ambas, aglomeración y concentración, son fusionadas mediante un procedimiento de superposición geográfica para crear conglomerados de magnitud o intensidad de pobreza. Los casos al interior de estos conglomerados son clasificados por procedimientos gaussianos (discontinuidades naturales) o paretianos (puntas y colas) para crear una jerarquía espacial. Por primera vez en el estudio de la pobreza, la jerarquía espacial resultante es producto de la combinación simultánea de los procesos de concentración y aglomeración medidos en términos absolutos y relativos. Los beneficios del procedimiento en una política pública espacialmente orientada son ilustrados abordando la focalización espacial de la pobreza en los 2 456 municipios mexicanos en el 2010. La metodología propuesta en esta investigación puede adaptarse fácilmente para identificar los patrones espaciales de otros problemas sociales, tales como crimen, industria, enfermedades, contaminación o justicia ambiental en diferentes áreas o países.
Efectos de saltos inesperados en el gasto público y variables demográficas en el crecimiento económico. El caso mexicano con un enfoque GARCH con saltos (1936-2012)
Authors: Castillo-Ramírez Claudia Estrella , Venegas-Martínez Francisco , López-Herrera Francisco
Published: October 2016

Este artículo desarrolla un modelo estocástico macroeconómico útil para explicar los efectos que tienen los saltos inesperados en el gasto de gobierno per cápita y en variables demográficas en el crecimiento económico per cápita. Para ello se supone que las dinámicas estocásticas del gasto público y de la población son conducidas por procesos de difusión con saltos modulados por una cadena de Markov. Los resultados más importantes son que los saltos bruscos e inesperados en el gasto público per cápita y en el crecimiento de la población impactan negativamente la tasa de crecimiento per cápita del producto. En particular, si hay un salto brusco y repentino en la tasa de crecimiento de la población, entonces el capital per cápita disminuye repentinamente impactando con ello negativamente el producto per cápita.Por último, los resultados teóricos encontrados se complementan con evidencia empírica del caso mexicano obtenida mediante un modelo que toma en cuenta tanto la volatilidad de las tasas de crecimiento de la población y del gasto público per cápita así como las sorpresas en la intensidad de los saltos en esas variables.
Effect of canopy management techniques on the nutritional quality of Montepulciano grapevine in Puglia (Southern Italy)
Authors: Scaglione Giampiero , Graziani Giulia , Federico Rita , Di Vaio Claudio , Nadal Montse , Formato Andrea , Di Lorenzo Rosario , Ritieni Alberto
Published: October 2016

Aims: Tests were carried out to assess the effects of early defoliation, cluster thinning and cluster cutting on the basic and nutritional composition of musts and wines of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Montepulciano.

Methods and results: Both production and quality variables of the musts were evaluated. Antioxidant activity was determined on berries and on wines, as were the phenol and anthocyanin concentrations. The wines were compared by sensory evaluation. The results attested to a positive effect of the treatments on grape composition and on antioxidant activity in the berries.

Conclusions: The tested treatments (DP = early defoliation; D3 = cluster thinning 30 %; D5 = cluster thinning 50 %; T3 = cluster cutting 30 %; T5 = cluster cutting 50%) increased both the soluble solids and the pH of the musts and enhanced the nutritional quality (based on antioxidant concentration) of both the grapes and the wine.

Significance and impact of the study: The adopted techniques may be useful in cases in which yield control is required and/or the composition of the musts and wines needs to be modified based on the concentration of sugars in the berries. However, the variable response of the vines to the various techniques suggests that each cultural practice be evaluated in relation to specific oenological objectives.
First record of Drosophila suzukii in Quebec vineyards
Authors: Saguez Julien , Lasnier Jacques , Vincent Charles
Published: October 2016

Aim: Surveys conducted between July and September 2012 in Quebec vineyards revealed the presence of the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, just before harvest.

Methods and results: Red and white grapevine cultivars from four vineyards were surveyed for leafhoppers by using a tapping method. Unexpectedly, a total of 30 SWD adults were collected from red grapevine cultivars, i. e., Marechal Foch, Gamay and Seyval Noir. Furthermore, a total of 101 SWD emerged from bunches selected in these vineyards and placed under laboratory conditions. No SWD were found in white cultivars.

Conclusion: This is the first mention of SWD in grapevines grown for wine in Quebec.

Significance and impact of the study: Spreading of SDW across Quebec vineyards may lead to important yield losses. Insecticide treatments need to be adapted to address this new entomological challenge.
O ESTADO MÍNIMO DE ROBERT NOZICK
Authors: Sahd Luiz Felipe Netto de Andrade e Silva
Published: October 2016

O presente artigo tem como objetivo reconstruir argumentos centrais desenvolvidos por Robert Nozick, acerca das posições extremas que não diferenciam Estado-providência e  Estado totalitário na política dos libertarianos norte-americanos, isto é, sobre as afinidades percebidas por Nozick com as teses desta corrente de pensamento, embora se afastando num ponto essencial: a questão do Estado. Ao contrário da teoria anarquista, o Estado mínimo é preferível ao estado de natureza, tal como John Locke o descreve. De fato, o estado de natureza expõe, segundo Nozick, os indivíduos a todo tipo de violência que nenhum “sistema de proteção privado” bastaria para evitar. O remédio para as violações dos contratos consiste na criação de um sistema de proteção público dotado oficialmente do monopólio do uso da força.Abstract: The present article aims at reconstructing Robert Nozick’s central arguments about the extreme positions held by North American libertarians who do not distinguish between Welfare State and Totalitarian State. Despite divergences on a pivotal question, that of the State, there are some affinities between Nozick and this current of thought. Contrary to the anarchist theory, the Minimal State is preferable to the state of nature as described by John Locke. According to Nozick, the state of nature exposes individuals to all kinds of violence from which no “private assurance system” whatsoever can protect them. The remedy for the breach of contracts resides in the creation of a public system of protection that officially holds the monopoly of the use of force.
SOBRE O LIVRE JOGO DA IMAGINAÇÃO COM O ENTENDIMENTO NO JUÍZO DE GOSTO, EM KANT
Authors: Filho Edgard José Jorge
Published: October 2016

Na Crítica da Faculdade do Juízo, Kant põe como fundamento do juízo de gosto o livre jogo da imaginação com o entendimento, que, ao produzir o acordo da liberdade da imaginação com a legalidade do entendimento, engendra o prazer sobre o qual se funda esse juízo. O objetivo deste estudo é procurar esclarecer em que consiste a liberdade desse jogo e acordo, considerando, inicialmente, que o princípio da faculdade de juízo reflexiva tem a forma do dever e que, portanto, a imaginação e o entendimento, atuantes nessa faculdade, estariam submetidos a deveres incondicionais, podendo-se atribuir-lhes a liberdade num sentido genuíno e não apenas num sentido psicológico, comparativo. Essa tese é sustentada face às objeções que apelam ao desinteresse do juízo de gosto e ao caráter psicológico da liberdade da imaginação.Abstract: In the Critique of Judgment, Kant lays the foundation of the judgment of taste, namely the free play between imagination and understanding, which, in so far as it produces the accord of the freedom of the imagination with the lawfulness of the understanding, originates the pleasure on which this judgment is based. This study aims at throwing light on what the freedom of this play and accord consists of, considering first that the principle of the faculty of reflective judgment has the ‘ought’ form and, therefore, that the imagination and the understanding, which are active in that faculty, are under unconditional duties, so that freedom in its proper sense, not only in its psychological, comparative sense, may be ascribed to them. We maintain this thesis facing objections relating to the disinterestedness of the judgment of taste and to the psychological character of the freedom of the imagination.
Simulation Analysis of Capacitance Method in Two-Phase Flow Concentration Measurement by Coupled Fields
Authors: Wang Xiaoxin , Hu Hongli , Li Lin , Wang Bo
Published: October 2016

This paper proposed three-dimensional numerical simulation method by coupling of electrostatic and fluid fields to evaluating the performance of electrical sensor in the concentration measurement of gas/solid two-phase flow. Compared with the static numerical simulation, this real-time dynamic 3-D simulation method can research on a designed capacitance sensor combining the dynamic characteristics of the two-phase flows for concentration measurement. Several fluid-electrostatic models of transmission pipes with different sensor structures are built. Under different test positions and different particle concentrations, the flow characteristics and the corresponding electric signals can be obtained, and the correlation coefficient between the concentration values and the capacitance values are used for performance evaluation of the sensors. The effects of flow regimes on concentration measurement are also been investigated in this paper. To validate the results of simulation, an experimental platform with horizontal straight pipe for phase volume concentration measurement of solid/air two-phase flow is built, and the experimental results agree well with simulation conclusions. The simulation and test results show that the coupling models can give constructive reference opinions for the sensor design and collection of installation position in different transmission pipelines, which are very important for the practical process of pneumatic conveying system.
Views and Preferences for Nicotine Products as an Alternative to Smoking: A Focus Group Study of People Living with Mental Disorders
Authors: Meurk Carla , Ford Pauline , Sharma Ratika , Fitzgerald Lisa , Gartner Coral
Published: October 2016

Aims and Background: People living with mental disorders experience a disproportionately higher burden of tobacco-related disease than the general population. Long-term substitution with less harmful nicotine products could reduce the tobacco-related harm among this population. This study investigated the views and preferences of people with mental health disorders about different nicotine products and their use as long-term substitutes for cigarettes. Methods: Semi-structured focus group discussion followed by a brief questionnaire. The discussion transcripts were analysed for content and themes and quantitative data summarised with descriptive statistics. Results: Twenty-nine participants took part in four focus groups. Vaping devices were the most acceptable nicotine products discussed, however preferences for nicotine products were idiosyncratic and varied along aesthetic, pragmatic, sensory and symbolic dimensions. The concept of tobacco harm reduction was unfamiliar to participants, however they generally agreed with the logic of replacing cigarettes with less harmful nicotine products. Barriers to activating tobacco harm reduction included the symbolism of smoking and quitting; the importance placed on health; the consumer appeal of alternatives; and cost implications. Discussion and Conclusion: Engaging this population in tobacco harm reduction options will require communication that challenges black and white thinking (a conceptual framework in which smoking cigarettes or quitting all nicotine are the only legitimate options) as in practice this serves to support the continuance of smoking. Consumers should be encouraged to trial a range of nicotine products to find the most acceptable alternative to smoking that reduces health harms. Providing incentives to switch to nicotine products could help overcome barriers to using less harmful nicotine products among mental health consumers.
Feature Extraction for Excavator Operation Skill Using CMAC
Authors: Koiwai Kazushige ,   Institute of Engineering, Hiroshima University, Liao Yuntao , Yamamoto Toru , Nanjo Takao , Yamazaki Yoichiro , Fujimoto Yoshiaki ,   Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University,   Global Engineering Center, Kobelco Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.
Published: October 2016

[abstFig src='/00280005/14.jpg' width='300' text='Feature extraction for excavator operation' ] In recent years, technology that includes informatization and automation has been introduced in the construction field. On the other hand, those field still require human operation technology based on experience and skills because various environmental conditions vary from hour to hour. Seasoned technicians have made such operation technology effective at various sites and established skillful techniques. However, the decreasing number and aging of skilled technicians are a social issue, making the skill tradition and development of younger technicians difficult at operation sites that require skillful techniques. This study assumed that the operation of machines by an operator was synonymous with the control of systems by a controller; human operation techniques were considered from the viewpoint of control engineering by regarding an operator as a controller. The control system used to represent the operator consisted of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller and a cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) that adjusted the PID gains. A CMAC which is a type of neural network learns human skills as variations in the PID gains and expresses them based on the variations. This study applies the proposed method to a hydraulic excavator swing operation to evaluate skills. Moreover, the difference in the operation skills for the excavator is clarified by obtaining operation data for skilled and younger technicians and examining the variation tendency of PID gains.
FRIT of Internal Model Controllers for Poorly Damped Linear Time Invariant Systems: Kautz Expansion Approach
Authors: Si Hnin ,   Graduate School of Natural Science and Technology, Kanazawa University, Kaneko Osamu ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering and Intelligent Systems, The University of Electro-Communications
Published: October 2016

[abstFig src='/00280005/18.jpg' width='300' text='Data-driven approach to internal model controller with tunable parameters' ] This paper addresses the tuning of data-driven controllers for poorly damped linear time-invariant systems in the internal model control (IMC) architecture. In this study, fictitious reference iterative tuning (FRIT), which is one of the controller parameter tuning methods with the data obtained from a one-shot experiment, is used for tuning the controller. The Kautz expansion method in which the coefficients are tunable parameters is introduced to approximate the dynamics of linear time-invariant systems, which have poor damping characteristics. Such an approximated model with tunable parameters is implemented in the IMC architecture. A model and a controller can be realized simultaneously with a one-shot experiment by tuning the IMC with the parameterized Kautz expansion model and by using FRIT. The validity of the proposed method is examined with a numerical example.
Primary Linked Semiconstrained Total Elbow Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin , Baghdadi Yaser M.K. , Morrey Bernard F.
Published: October 2016

Background:

Elbow arthroplasty is the treatment of choice for end-stage rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term outcome of a linked semiconstrained elbow arthroplasty implant design in patients with RA.

Methods:

Between 1982 and 2006, 461 primary total elbow arthroplasties using the Coonrad-Morrey prosthesis were performed in 387 patients with RA. Fifty-five of the arthroplasties were performed to treat concurrent traumatic or posttraumatic conditions. There were 305 women (365 elbows, 79%) and 82 men (96 elbows, 21%). Ten patients (10 elbows) were lost to follow-up, 9 patients (10 elbows) died, and 6 patients (6 elbows) underwent revision surgery within the first 2 years. For the 435 elbows (362 patients, 94%) with a minimum of 2 years of follow-up, the median follow-up was 10 years (range, 2 to 30 years).

Results:

At the most recent follow-up, 49 (11%) of the elbows had undergone component revision or removal (deep infection, 10 elbows; and mechanical failure, 39 elbows). Eight additional elbows were considered to have radiographic evidence of loosening. For surviving implants followed for a minimum of 2 years, the median Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was 90 points. Bushing wear was identified in 71 (23%) of the surviving elbows with a minimum of 2 years of radiographic follow-up; however, only 2% of the elbows had been revised for isolated bushing wear. The rate of survivorship free of implant revision or removal for any reason was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 88% to 94%) at 10 years, 83% (95% CI = 77% to 88%) at 15 years, and 68% (95% CI = 56% to 78%) at 20 years. The survivorship at 20 years was 88% (95% CI = 83% to 92%) with revision due to aseptic loosening as the end point and 89% (95% CI = 77% to 95%) with isolated bushing exchange as the end point. Risk factors for implant revision for any cause included male sex, a history of concomitant traumatic pathology, and implantation of an ulnar component with a polymethylmethacrylate surface finish.

Conclusions:

Elbow arthroplasty using a cemented linked semiconstrained elbow arthroplasty provides satisfactory clinical results in the treatment of RA with a reasonable rate of survivorship free of mechanical failure at 20 years. Although bushing wear was identified on radiographs in approximately one-fourth of the patients, revision for isolated bushing wear was uncommon.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
ACL Deficiency Increases Forces on the Medial Femoral Condyle and the Lateral Meniscus with Applied Rotatory Loads
Authors: McDonald Lucas S. , Boorman-Padgett James , Kent Robert , Stone Kyle , Wickiewicz Thomas L. , Pearle Andrew D. , Imhauser Carl W.
Published: October 2016

Background:

The articular surfaces and menisci act with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to stabilize the knee joint. Their role in resisting applied rotatory loads characteristic of instability events is unclear despite commonly observed damage to these intra-articular structures in the acute and chronic ACL injury settings.

Methods:

Ten fresh-frozen human cadaveric knees were mounted to a robotic manipulator. Combined valgus and internal rotation torques were applied in the presence and absence of a 300-N compressive load. Forces carried by the individual menisci and via cartilage-to-cartilage contact on each femoral condyle in ACL-intact and ACL-sectioned states were measured using the principle of superposition.

Results:

In response to applied valgus and internal rotation torques in the absence of compression, sectioning of the ACL increased the net force carried by the lateral meniscus by at most 65.8 N (p < 0.001). Moreover, the anterior shear force carried by the lateral meniscus increased by 25.7 N (p < 0.001) and 36.5 N (p = 0.042) in the absence and presence of compression, respectively. In response to applied valgus and internal rotation torques, sectioning of the ACL increased the net force carried by cartilage-to-cartilage contact on the medial femoral condyle by at most 38.9 N (p = 0.006) and 46.7 N (p = 0.040) in the absence and presence of compression, respectively. Additionally, the lateral shear force carried by cartilage-to-cartilage contact on the medial femoral condyle increased by at most 21.0 N (p = 0.005) and by 28.0 N (p = 0.025) in the absence and presence of compression, respectively. Forces carried by the medial meniscus and by cartilage-to-cartilage contact on the lateral femoral condyle changed by <5 N as a result of ACL sectioning.

Conclusions:

ACL sectioning increased the net forces carried by the lateral meniscus and medial femoral condyle—and the anterior shear and lateral shear forces, respectively—in response to multiplanar valgus and internal rotation torque.

Clinical Relevance:

These loading patterns provide a biomechanical rationale for clinical patterns of intra-articular derangement such as lateral meniscal injury and osseous remodeling of the medial compartment seen with ACL insufficiency.
Ponseti Treatment of Rigid Residual Deformity in Congenital Clubfoot After Walking Age
Authors: Dragoni Massimiliano , Farsetti Pasquale , Vena Giuseppe , Bellini Diego , Maglione Pierluigi , Ippolito Ernesto
Published: October 2016

Background:

There is no established treatment for rigid residual deformity of congenital clubfoot (CCF) after walking age. Soft-tissue procedures, osseous procedures, and external fixation have been performed with unpredictable results. We applied the Ponseti method to patients with this condition in order to improve the outcomes of treatment.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the cases of 44 patients (68 feet) with congenital clubfoot whose mean age (and standard deviation) at treatment was 4.8 ± 1.6 years. All patients had been previously treated in other institutions by various conservative and surgical protocols. Residual deformity was evaluated using the International Clubfoot Study Group Score (ICFSGS), and stiffness was rated by the number of casts needed for deformity correction. Ponseti manipulation and cast application was performed. Equinus was usually treated with percutaneous heel-cord surgery, while the cavus deformity was treated with percutaneous fasciotomy when needed. Tibialis anterior tendon transfer (TATT) was performed in patients over 3 years old. At the time of follow-up, the results were evaluated using the ICFSGS.

Results:

Before treatment, 12 feet were graded as fair and 56, as poor. Two to 4 casts were applied, with each cast worn for 4 weeks. Stiffness was moderate (2 casts) in 23 feet, severe (3 casts) in 30 feet, and very severe (4 casts) in 15 feet. Percutaneous heel-cord surgery was performed in 28 feet; open posterior release, in 5 feet; plantar fasciotomy, in 30 feet; and TATT, in 60 feet. The mean length of follow-up was 4.9 ± 1.8 years. Eight feet had an excellent result; 49 feet, a good result; and 11 feet, a fair result. No patient had pain. All of the feet showed significant improvement.

Conclusions:

Ponseti treatment with TATT, which was performed in 88% of the feet, was effective, and satisfactory results were achieved in 84% of the feet. At the time of follow-up, no patient showed an abnormal gait, all feet were plantigrade and flexible, but 2 feet (2.9%) had relapsed.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Crusting of Stored Dairy Slurry to Abate Ammonia Emissions
Authors: Misselbrook Tom H. , Brookman Siobhan K. E. , Smith Ken A. , Cumby Trevor , Williams Adrian G. , McCrory Dan F.
Published: October 2016

Storage of cattle slurry is a significant source of ammonia (NH3) emissions. Emissions can be reduced by covering slurry stores, but this can incur significant costs, as well as practical and technical difficulties. In this pilot‐scale study, slurry was stored in small tanks (500 L) and the effectiveness of natural crust development for reducing NH3 emissions was assessed in a series of experiments. Also, factors important in crust development were investigated. Measurements were made of crust thickness and specially adapted tank lids were used to measure NH3 emissions. Slurry dry matter (DM) content was the most important factor influencing crust formation, with no crust formation on slurries with a DM content of <1%. Generally, crusts began to form within the first 10 to 20 d of storage, at which time NH3 emission rates would decrease. The formation of a natural crust reduced NH3 emissions by approximately 50%. The type of bedding used in the free stall barn did not influence crust formation, nor did ambient temperature or air‐flow rate across the slurry surface. There was a large difference in crust formation between slurries from cattle fed a corn (Zea mays L.) silage–based diet and those fed a grass silage–based diet, although dietary differences were confounded with bedding differences. The inclusion of a corn starch and glucose additive promoted crust formation and reduced NH3 emission. The maintenance of a manageable crust on cattle slurry stores is recommended as a cost‐effective means of abating NH3 emissions from this phase of slurry management.
Comparative analysis of water rights entitlements in India and China
Authors: Jia Shaofeng , Sun Yuanyuan , Svensson Jesper , Mukherjee Maitreyee
Published: October 2016

Water rights are widely regarded as a crucial component to enhance efficient water use and for meeting a country's water resource challenges. This article presents a framework for analyzing and comparing the similarities as well as differences of the water rights systems between India and China. The article relies on the method of document research and comparative analysis to compare general characteristics of India and China's water rights systems based on six evaluation indicators and evaluation principles. Using this analytical framework, this paper compares the implementation effects of the water rights systems in terms of the degree of meeting water resources demand, conflict-resolution means and the protection of water resources. Our findings provide insights for the reformation of the water rights systems and bring out lessons that other developing countries can learn from India and China's experiences.
Beyond Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: Novel Cholinergic Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kamkwalala Asante R. , Newhouse Paul A.
Published: October 2016

The major components of the cholinergic receptor system of the human brain include projections
from the basal forebrain nuclei, and utilize the two types of receptors that they synapse on, nicotinic
and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. With the widespread cortical and subcortical projections of
the basal forebrain, activity of these two receptor systems provide modulation of neurotransmitter activity
underlying normal cognitive processes, such as attention, episodic memory, and working memory.
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) targets and damages cholinergic neurons in the basal forebrain, and as these
projections are lost, cognitive performance progressively declines. Currently, the most widely prescribed
treatment for AD is acetylcholinesterase inhibitor medications, which work by partially blocking the
degradation of acetylcholine in the synapse and enabling more of the neurotransmitter to reach and activate
cholinergic receptors. However since these medications have limited effectiveness, alternate treatments
that focus on augmenting the activity of the receptors themselves, independent of acetylcholinesterase
inhibition, are being explored. This review will discuss: 1) the role of the cholinergic system
in modulating cognition, 2) novel cholinergic treatment strategies for AD-related cognitive decline, in
particular treatments intended to increase cholinergic system activity by selectively targeting muscarinic
and nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors to improve cognitive performance, 3) risks, and additional considerations
for cholinergic cognitive treatments for AD.
The Educational Benefits of Attending Higher Performing Schools: Evidence From Chicago High Schools
Authors: Allensworth Elaine M. , Moore Paul T. , Sartain Lauren , de la Torre Marisa
Published: October 2016

Policymakers are implementing reforms with the assumption that students do better when attending high-achieving schools. In this article, we use longitudinal data from Chicago Public Schools to test that assumption. We find that the effects of attending a higher performing school depend on the school’s performance level. At elite public schools with admission criteria, there are no academic benefits—test scores are not better, grades are lower—but students report better environments. In contrast, forgoing a very low-performing school for a nonselective school with high test scores and graduation rates improves a range of academic and nonacademic outcomes.
Resurgence of Extra Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Bag S. , Deep N , Padhy S
Published: October 2016

Introduction: Pulmonary tuberculosis is a public health challenge in the developing Nations. Extra pulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) is still more challenging. EPTB with co-infection with human deficiencies virus (HIV) and malnutrition further aggravate the problems, the worst human health scenario in 3rd world’s nation. The objective of the study was to explore the magnitude of Extra tuberculosis and to assess the challenge faced in encountering the patient with malnutrition, HIV infection etc.Method: All cases of tuberculosis registered under RNTCP in between 2009 - 2012 in MKCG Medical College, Berhampur, Odisha, India were scrutinized, 2596 case of EPTB were fished out. Details clinical, socio-economic, demographic, HIV status & treatment outcome of these patients were subjected to critical analysis.Results: Even though high prevalence of EPTB is encounter in poor socio-economic, rural back ground and people living with HIV and AIDS, upper and middle classes are not exempted complexities of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges are more often then not observed. Outcome is grim in immune weakened cases.Conclusion: This study emphasized the resurgence of extra pulmonary tuberculosis involving all classes of people in Indian sub-continent. Challenges faced are delineated and determinant of clinical outcome in developing Nations have been highlighted.SAARC J TUBER LUNG DIS HIV/AIDS, 2015; 12(1), Page: 20-24
Surveillance of HIV Infection among Patients with Tuberculosis in Nepal
Authors: Sah S K , Verma S C , Bhattarai R , Bhandari K , Bhatta G K
Published: October 2016

Introduction: Tuberculosis is one of the most prevalent infectious disease and significant public health problem in Nepal. The importance of HIV surveillance among tuberculosis (TB) patients is increasingly being recognized as the HIV epidemic continues to fuel the global TB epidemic. In many countries the HIV prevalence in TB patients is a sensitive indicator of the spread of HIV into the general population. The aim of this study is to find out the HIV epidemic among TB patients.Methodology: This was a periodic sentinel survey, i.e. cross-sectional HIV Sero-prevalence survey of all newly registered TB cases above 15 year old to provide point estimate. This survey was carried out in six major diagnostic centres of tuberculosis of Nepal from July 2012 to February 2013. The calculated sample size for the surveillance study was 1000. The findings were processed/analyzed using SPSS (version 16) computer software. Descriptive statistics was used to observe the pattern in each variable.Results: The study revealed that four-fifth (80.9%) TB patients investigated were pulmonary positive and one-fifth (19.1%) extra pulmonary. Prevalence of HIV among tested TB patients was 2.4% and prevalence was comparatively more (2.8%) in Male than Female (1.4%). Sentinel site wise prevalence of HIV was higher (6.7%) in United Mission to Nepal (UMN), Palpa followed by 3.1%, 2.9% and 2.7% in District Public Health Office (DPHO), Kanchanpur, International Nepal Fellowship (INF), Nepalgunj and Regional tuberculosis Centre (RTC), Pokhara respectively. Comparatively prevalence was low (1.3%) in National Tuberculosis Centre (NTC), Thimi and not a single case of HIV among tested TB patients was found in Nepal Anti-TB Association (NATA), Biratnagar. Significant proportion (7.8%) of HIV prevalence was found in the age group of 35-39 years followed by 4.6%, 3.6% and 2.8% among the age group of 40-44 years, 50-54 years and 30-34 years age group respectively.Conclusion: Among all TB/HIV co-infected, significant proportion is found in 35-39 years and lowest in 20-24 age groups. Therefore, it is important to implement targeted interventions in the age group between 30-55 years age group. Provider Initiated Testing and Counseling (PITC) in TB clinical setting plays important role to enroll more TB patients for HIV test.SAARC J TUBER LUNG DIS HIV/AIDS, 2015; 12(1), Page: 25-30
Study on Understanding, Awareness and Perceived Behavior of HIV/AIDS among Returnee Seasonal Migrant Workers from India to Far Western Region of Nepal
Authors: Paudel D P , Ayre R
Published: October 2016

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is an emerging challenge to public health, social development and modern human civilization. Thousands of Nepalese people are migrating to India and other countries every year in order to seek employment. Migrants are often a medically underserved population and are getting more exposed to unsafe sexual activities, increasing their risk for HIV/AIDS. Awareness is a powerful weapon to combat such problems like HIV/AIDS. Hence this study was conducted to explore the understanding, awareness and perceived behavior of migrant workers on HIV/AIDS.Methodology: This Population based cross-sectional study was carried out in the border area of Far- Western region of Nepal. Altogether 372 returnee migrants who were selected randomly were interviewed after obtaining their written consent. Aggregation of correct knowledge on HIV/AIDS was considered as good understanding, positive perception as good perceived behavior and good understanding with positive perceived behavior as good awareness. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 applying appropriate statistics. Criterion for statistical significance was set at test value P < 0.05.Results: Total, 372 male migrant workers (mean age ± SD: 29.6 ± 1.9 years; range: 18-47 years) participated in the study. Majority (29.84%) were 28-32 years. Half (50.81%) were from primary and informal educational background and 74.20 percent were Hindus. About 41.94 percent of the participants’ earning was < 3000 NRs. /month and 53.22 percent were scheduled caste. About 46.77 percent were porters followed by 29.84 percent who work as construction workers. Almost 81percent had heard about the HIV/AIDS with 45.9 percent reporting virus as an etiology. Similarly 65 percent reported that unsafe sexual contact is the major mode of HIV transmission and one–quarter had the idea that HIV cannot be transmitted through hugging/kissing or shaking hands. Almost 80.0% reported that condom use is the most important preventive measure. Nearly half (49.20%) were found to be aware of HIV/AIDS. Age of participants (χ2= 13.09, p <0.001), educational background (χ2=10.65, p <0.001), religion (χ2= 8.03, p <0.02), monthly income (χ2= 12.38, p <0.001) and nature of job/work performed (χ2 = 7, p<0.02) during staying in India were found to be significant factors affecting the level of awareness.Conclusion: Nearly half of the participants were found to be aware on HIV/AIDS. The level of awareness was significantly affected by the age of participants, educational background, religion, monthly income and nature of job/work performed during staying in India. Awareness creating package programs like behavior change communication (BCC) on HIV/AIDS are supportive to decrease the vulnerability of HIV/ AIDS among migrant workers.SAARC J TUBER LUNG DIS HIV/AIDS, 2015; 12(1), page: 31-38
Trade-Offs Between Bus and Private Vehicle Delays at Signalized Intersections: Case Study of a Multiobjective Model
Authors: Liu Gang , Qiu Tony Z.
Published: October 2016

Mixed road users on most urban arterials are controlled by the same set of signals and must compete for shared road space. Transit signal priority (TSP) systems have been established to improve transit service operations in mixed traffic. To balance the benefits of priority control with the negative effects, most existing adaptive TSP strategies normally use an integrated performance index, a weighted sum of all types of delays, for evaluation and optimization. In a previous study, the authors formulated the TSP optimization into a quadratic programming problem with an enhanced delay-based performance index to obtain global optimization. In this study, the problem was formulated into a multiobjective optimization model, which was solved with a nondominated sorting genetic algorithm. Pareto-optimal front results were presented to evaluate the trade-offs between two objectives: minimization of private vehicle delay and of bus delay. Then the most appropriate solution was chosen with high-level information. A simulation study was conducted along 7.4 km of a bus corridor, with an adaptive TSP simulation platform, by using a full-scale signal simulator, ASC/3, in Vissim. The results show that the Pareto-optimal solutions provided more interesting practical options for decision makers.
Optimization Model for Transit Signal Priority Under Conflicting Priority Requests
Authors: Xu Mingtao , Ye Zhirui , Sun Huaqiang , Wang Wei
Published: October 2016

This study proposed an optimization model to resolve conflicting transit signal priority (TSP) requests. Bus travel delay was selected as the index to measure the priority level of a TSP request. Meanwhile, weighting expressions for priority strategy, transit route level, and transit mode were introduced to this model. Here, requests calling for different priority strategies and coming from different transit route levels and transit modes were granted different levels of importance. This model grants priority to the buses with the largest weighted delay. Vissim and its COM interface were then used to conduct a case study and to demonstrate the performance of the proposed model. Results indicate that the proposed model significantly outperformed the baseline model (no priority), Model 1 (using a first-in, first-service policy), and Model 2 (a typical previous optimization method) in average bus delay and associated impacts on other vehicles and systemwide. More specifically, average bus delay was reduced by more than 20.47% versus the baseline model, 16.52% versus Model 1, and 11.70% versus Model 2; the delay of other vehicles was 4.34%, 12.1%, and 8.69% lower than for the other three models, respectively. Average systemwide delay was improved 4.08%, 15.16%, and 7.28%, respectively, versus the other three models separately. When the proposed model was compared with Models 1 and 2, the benefits to transit vehicles provided by the proposed model increased as traffic demand increased.
Optimizing Stability and Stiffness Through Aggregate Base Gradation
Authors: Wilde W. James , Tutumluer Erol , Xiao Yuanjie , Beaudry Terry , Siekmeier John
Published: October 2016

Pavement base layer quality is vital for long-term performance. Low stiffness and shear strength can result in a loss of support and increased tensile stresses under loads. To maintain uniform support under concrete pavements and ensure satisfactory performance, a stable, nonerodible, drainable base layer is necessary. The primary objective of this paper is to present the analysis and evaluations conducted as part of the associated research and to recommend improvements to base layer aggregate gradations for the Class 5 and permeable aggregate base specifications used by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Improved aggregate classes are presented, considering gradation and aggregate shape properties. An analytical gradation analysis was introduced to establish an effective level of gravel-to-sand ratio of 1.4. Other analyses presented in this paper include the use of a revised resilient modulus model that was used in a Monte Carlo simulation to develop probabilities for resilient modulus values depending on gradation and season in Minnesota and the use of the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide for comparing gradation and gravel-to-sand ratio with expected pavement performance. The gravel-to-sand ratio of 1.4 was identified with the following analysis methods: a coordination number and packing analysis, a discrete element model for load-carrying capacity, and a pavement performance analysis using the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide software.
Influence of Unbound Material Type and Input Level on Pavement Performance Using Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide
Authors: Abd El-Hakim Ragaa , El-Badawy Sherif M. , Gabr Alaa R. , Azam Abdelhalim M.
Published: October 2016

For material characterization, the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) has three input levels. Level 1 input values must be obtained through direct laboratory testing. Level 2 inputs are determined through correlations with other material properties. Level 3 inputs are simply typical default values. The level chosen for each design input parameter, however, may have a significant effect on project design, cost, performance, and reliability. The influence of the unbound granular base material type and material characterization input level on pavement performance, as predicted by MEPDG, was investigated for a typical flexible pavement section in climatic conditions in Egypt. Researchers analyzed seven types of virgin and recycled base materials at three weather stations representing climatic regions in Egypt: Alexandria, Cairo, and Aswan. For the typical pavement system, Level 1 data for the resilient modulus from measured laboratory values ( k1, k2, and k3 elastic response coefficients) were used for the first set of MEPDG simulation runs. The second set of computer simulation runs was conducted with Level 2 data—values of the California bearing ratio—for the investigated materials. The final set of runs used default resilient modulus values for the investigated materials on the basis of the AASHTO class (Level 3). MEPDG-predicted pavement distresses and roughness for the three input levels and seven base materials were compared, and the results showed significant variation in predicted performance as a result of the change in the input level and material type.