bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Legal Issues of Intellectual Property Rights and Licensing for E-Learning Content in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mehrpouyan Azadeh , Razavi Ghassem Khadem
Published: June 2014

This article focuses on the legal rules of intellectual property rights (IPR) in networked e-learning. Its purpose is to act as an awareness-raising device about IPR, especially in the public-sector e-learning community in the UK, by describing the relevant aspects of IPR, providing legal guidance on IPR in e-learning, especially on the use of third-party materials, and, finally, persuading developers about the potential benefits of including IPR management in their project planning and management activities. Also, the authors discuss the IPR knowledge gap in e-learning in UK educational institutions. Licensing and agreements that cover the transfer of copyright from one owner to another are discussed. In the end, the authors recommend providing an educationally sound guide to networked learning within the higher education structure based on the legal issues that the present article intends to deal with for people who are going to enter the e-learning environment.
Myths and Realities of E-Learning: Exploratory Survey of Higher Education Students
Authors: Morais Eduardo , Morais Carla , Paiva João
Published: June 2014

The present study seeks to become a positive contribution to the research and development of e-learning systems by conducting an exploratory evaluation of the opinions of the academic community of the University of Porto about various technical and social dimensions present in the conception and deployment of learning management systems, both in the context of supporting face-to-face education and as technical infrastructure to blended and distance learning programmes. A survey by questionnaire was applied to 504 members of the academic community at the university, and it was found that among the participants there is still great scepticism towards e-learning and technologically mediated education, especially among younger students. Participants also considered that learning management systems presenting a plethora of features are not as desirable as systems focused on providing a pleasant and consistent user experience.
Better Accounting Transforms Health Care Delivery
Authors: Kaplan Robert S. , Witkowski Mary L.
Published: June 2014

SYNOPSIS

The paper describes the theory and preliminary results for an action research program that explores the implications from better measurements of health care outcomes and costs. After summarizing Porter's outcome taxonomy (Porter 2010), we illustrate how to use process mapping and time-driven activity-based costing to measure the costs of treating patients over a complete cycle of care for a specific medical condition. With valid outcome and cost information, managers and clinicians can standardize clinical and administrative processes, eliminate non-value added and redundant steps, improve resource utilization, and redesign care so that appropriate medical resources perform each process step. These actions enable costs to be reduced while maintaining or improving medical outcomes. Better measurements also allow payers to offer bundled payments, based on the costs of using efficient processes and contingent on achieving superior outcomes. The end result will be a more effective and more productive health care sector. The paper concludes with suggestions for accounting research opportunities in the sector.
The Neuroscience Behind the Stock Market's Reaction to Corporate Earnings News
Authors: Barton Jan , Berns Gregory S. , Brooks Andrew M.
Published: June 2014

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, we capture neural activity in the ventral striatum—a key area in the human brain's reward processing circuit—of 35 adult investors learning the earnings per share disclosed by 60 publicly traded companies. Before imaging, investors forecasted each company's earnings and took either a long or a short position in its stock. Consistent with prospect theory, we find strong neurobiological evidence of an asymmetric reaction to positive and negative earnings surprises. Moreover, investors' personality traits and investment positions, as well as firms' earnings predictability, modulate the brain's reaction to earnings news. We also find a strong association between the magnitude of the brain's reaction and risk-adjusted stock returns and abnormal share trading around earnings announcements for our sample firms; these findings evince the brain's reaction to earnings news as an alternative, biological measure of the information content of earnings.

Data Availability: Data are available from the authors.
Trends in Incidence of Type 1 Diabetes Among Non-Hispanic White Youth in the U.S., 2002–2009
Authors: Lawrence Jean M. , Imperatore Giuseppina , Dabelea Dana , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Linder Barbara , Saydah Sharon , Klingensmith Georgeanna J. , Dolan Lawrence , Standiford Debra A. , Pihoker Catherine , Pettitt David J. , Talton Jennifer W. , Thomas Joan , Bell Ronny A. , D’Agostino Ralph B. ,   for the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study Group
Published: June 2014

The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study prospectively identified youth aged <20 years with physician-diagnosed diabetes. Annual type 1 diabetes (T1D) incidence per 100,000 person-years (95% CI) overall, by age-group, and by sex were calculated for at-risk non-Hispanic white (NHW) youth from 2002 through 2009. Joinpoint and Poisson regression models were used to test for temporal trends. The age- and sex-adjusted incidence of T1D increased from 24.4/100,000 (95% CI 23.9–24.8) in 2002 to 27.4/100,000 (26.9–27.9) in 2009 (P for trend = 0.0008). The relative annual increase in T1D incidence was 2.72% (1.18–4.28) per year; 2.84% (1.12–4.58) per year for males and 2.57% (0.68–4.51) per year for females. After adjustment for sex, significant increases were found for youth aged 5–9 years (P = 0.0023), 10–14 years (P = 0.0008), and 15–19 years (P = 0.004) but not among 0–4-year-olds (P = 0.1862). Mean age at diagnosis did not change. The SEARCH study demonstrated a significant increase in the incidence of T1D among NHW youth from 2002 through 2009 overall and in all but the youngest age-group. Continued surveillance of T1D in U.S. youth to identify future trends in T1D incidence and to plan for health care delivery is warranted.
Effect of Guanylate Cyclase-C Activity on Energy and Glucose Homeostasis
Authors: Begg Denovan P. , Steinbrecher Kris A. , Mul Joram D. , Chambers Adam P. , Kohli Rohit , Haller April , Cohen Mitchell B. , Woods Stephen C. , Seeley Randy J.
Published: June 2014

Uroguanylin is a gastrointestinal hormone primarily involved in fluid and electrolyte handling. It has recently been reported that prouroguanylin, secreted postprandially, is converted to uroguanylin in the brain and activates the receptor guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) to reduce food intake and prevent obesity. We tested central nervous system administration of two GC-C agonists and found no significant reduction of food intake. We also carefully phenotyped mice lacking the GC-C receptor and found them to have normal body weight, adiposity, and glucose tolerance. Interestingly, uroguanylin knockout mice had a small but significant increase in body weight and adiposity that was accompanied by glucose intolerance. Our data indicate that the modest effects of uroguanylin on energy and glucose homeostasis are not mediated by central GC-C receptors.
Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated Gene (FTO) Is Linked to Higher Plasma Levels of the Hunger Hormone Ghrelin and Lower Serum Levels of the Satiety Hormone Leptin in Older Adults
Authors: Benedict Christian , Axelsson Tomas , Söderberg Stefan , Larsson Anders , Ingelsson Erik , Lind Lars , Schiöth Helgi B.
Published: June 2014

The mechanisms through which common polymorphisms in the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) drive the development of obesity in humans are poorly understood. Using cross-sectional data from 985 older people (50% females) who participated at age 70 years in the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS), circulating levels of ghrelin and leptin were measured after an overnight fast. In addition, subjects were genotyped for FTO rs17817449 (AA, n = 345 [35%]; AC/CA, n = 481 [48.8%]; CC, n = 159 [16.1%]). Linear regression analyses controlling for sex, self-reported physical activity level, fasting plasma glucose, and BMI were used. A positive relationship between the number of FTO C risk alleles and plasma ghrelin levels was found (P = 0.005; relative plasma ghrelin difference between CC and AA carriers = ∼9%). In contrast, serum levels of the satiety-enhancing hormone leptin were inversely linked to the number of FTO C risk alleles (P = 0.001; relative serum leptin difference between CC and AA carriers = ∼11%). These associations were also found when controlling for waist circumference. The present findings suggest that FTO may facilitate weight gain in humans by shifting the endocrine balance from the satiety hormone leptin toward the hunger-promoting hormone ghrelin.
Individual Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Treating Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Diabetes: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tovote K. Annika , Fleer Joke , Snippe Evelien , Peeters Anita C.T.M. , Emmelkamp Paul M.G. , Sanderman Robbert , Links Thera P. , Schroevers Maya J.
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

Depression is a common comorbidity of diabetes, undesirably affecting patients’ physical and mental functioning. Psychological interventions are effective treatments for depression in the general population as well as in patients with a chronic disease. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of individual mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and individual cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) in comparison with a waiting-list control condition for treating depressive symptoms in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, 94 outpatients with diabetes and comorbid depressive symptoms (i.e., Beck Depression Inventory-II [BDI-II] ≥14) were randomized to MBCT (n = 31), CBT (n = 32), or waiting list (n = 31). All participants completed written questionnaires and interviews at pre- and postmeasurement (3 months later). Primary outcome measure was severity of depressive symptoms (BDI-II and Toronto Hamilton Depression Rating Scale). Anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7), well-being (Well-Being Index), diabetes-related distress (Problem Areas In Diabetes), and HbA1c levels were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Results showed that participants receiving MBCT and CBT reported significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms compared with patients in the waiting-list control condition (respectively, P = 0.004 and P < 0.001; d = 0.80 and 1.00; clinically relevant improvement 26% and 29% vs. 4%). Both interventions also had significant positive effects on anxiety, well-being, and diabetes-related distress. No significant effect was found on HbA1c values.

CONCLUSIONS

Both individual MBCT and CBT are effective in improving a range of psychological symptoms in individuals with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
HARMONY 3: 104-Week Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- and Active-Controlled Trial Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Albiglutide Compared With Placebo, Sitagliptin, and Glimepiride in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Taking Metformin
Authors: Ahrén Bo , Johnson Susan L. , Stewart Murray , Cirkel Deborah T. , Yang Fred , Perry Caroline , Feinglos Mark N.
Published: June 2014

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of weekly albiglutide with daily sitagliptin, daily glimepiride, and placebo.

Research Design And Methods

Patients with type 2 diabetes receiving metformin were randomized to albiglutide (30 mg), sitagliptin (100 mg), glimepiride (2 mg), or placebo. Blinded dose titration for albiglutide (to 50 mg) and glimepiride (to 4 mg) was based on predefined hyperglycemia criteria. The primary end point was change in HbA1c from baseline at week 104. Secondary end points included fasting plasma glucose (FPG), weight, and time to hyperglycemic rescue.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar among the albiglutide (n = 302), glimepiride (n = 307), sitagliptin (n = 302), and placebo (n = 101) groups. Baseline HbA1c was 8.1% (65.0 mmol/mol); mean age was 54.5 years. The mean doses for albiglutide and glimepiride at week 104 were 40.5 and 3.1 mg, respectively. At week 104, albiglutide significantly reduced HbA1c compared with placebo (−0.9% [−9.8 mmol/mol]; P < 0.0001), sitagliptin (−0.4% [−4.4 mmol/mol]; P = 0.0001), and glimepiride (−0.3% [−3.3 mmol/mol]; P = 0.0033). Outcomes for FPG and HbA1c were similar. Weight change from baseline for each were as follows: albiglutide −1.21 kg (95% CI −1.68 to −0.74), placebo −1.00 kg (95% CI −1.81 to −0.20), sitagliptin −0.86 kg (95% CI −1.32 to −0.39), glimepiride 1.17 kg (95% CI 0.70–1.63). The difference between albiglutide and glimepiride was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Hyperglycemic rescue rate at week 104 was 25.8% for albiglutide compared with 59.2% (P < 0.0001), 36.4% (P = 0.0118), and 32.7% (P = 0.1504) for placebo, sitagliptin, and glimepiride, respectively. Rates of serious adverse events in the albiglutide group were similar to comparison groups. Diarrhea (albiglutide 12.9%, other groups 8.6–10.9%) and nausea (albiglutide 10.3%, other groups 6.2–10.9%) were generally the most frequently reported gastrointestinal events.

CONCLUSIONS

Added to metformin, albiglutide was well tolerated; produced superior reductions in HbA1c and FPG at week 104 compared with placebo, sitagliptin, and glimepiride; and resulted in weight loss compared with glimepiride.
Effects of the Good Behavior Game on Challenging Behaviors in School Settings
Authors: Flower Andrea , McKenna John W. , Bunuan Rommel L. , Muething Colin S. , Vega Ramon
Published: June 2014

Challenging behavior at school remains a concern for teachers and administrators. Thus classroom management practices to prevent challenging behavior are sorely needed. The Good Behavior Game (GBG) has been found to be useful to positively change student behavior. However, previous reviews of the GBG have not quantified effects, have not focused solely on school and classroom behaviors, and have not examined study features that facilitate greater outcomes. Twenty-two peer-reviewed journal articles were reviewed. Study data were analyzed using effect sizes, percent of nonoverlapping data, percent of all nonoverlapping data, and hierarchical linear modeling to determine intervention effectiveness as well as study features that facilitated greater outcomes. Findings suggested that (a) moderate to large effects were found on challenging behaviors and these effects were immediate; (b) the GBG was most commonly used for disruptive behavior, off-task behavior, aggression, talking out, and out-of-seat behaviors; (c) the GBG has been implemented primarily in general education elementary school settings; and (d) correct application of reward procedures are important for intervention effectiveness. Study limitations, implications for practice, and areas for future research are presented.
Ethical challenges while conducting tobacco research among adolescents at community level and ways to handle them
Authors: Aryal UR
Published: June 2014

Not available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i1.10511Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 1, Issue 3, Jan.-Mar., 2013Page: 1-2
Disparties in fruit and vegetable intake by Socio-demographic characteristics in peri-urban Nepalese adults: findings from the Heart-health Associated Research and Dissemination in the Community (HARDIC) Study, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Authors: Vaidya A , Oli N , Aryal UR , Karki DB , Krettek A
Published: June 2014

Background: Inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and other adverse dietary habits – along with tobacco and alcoholabuse and sub-optimal physical activity - make up the four most important behavioural risk factors of non-communicablediseases. Low fruit and vegetable intake is particularly associated with burden of high cardiovascular disease. It hasreceived more attention in the last decade, with studies that explore disparities and determinants in their intake, as wellas interventions that attempt to improve the intake.Objectives: Our study aimed to determine fruit and vegetable consumption in a peri-urban community of Nepal and tocompare this intake in relation to various socio-demographic variables.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as a part of the HARDIC (Heart-Health Associated Research andDissemination in the Community) study in the Jhaukhel-Duwakot Health Demographic Surveillance Site in the Bhaktapurdistrict of Nepal during September-December 2011. Adults from six randomly selected clusters were interviewed by 12trained interviewers after taking informed consent. WHO-STEPS questions were used to elicit information on fruit andvegetable intake.Results: Fruit and vegetable intake in the community was low with 2.1 percent of the study population consumingthe WHO-recommended fi ve servings per day. There were differences in the intake according to the various sociodemographicfactors.Conclusions: Our study reaffi rms low fruit and vegetable intake as a public health problem in the Nepalese context.Health-promotional activities aimed at specifi c target groups are essential. Multi-sectoral coordination of health andother health-related sectors is therefore vital in addressing the issue.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i1.10512Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 1, Issue 3, Jan.-Mar., 2013, Page: 3-11
Comparison of Bier's block with Lidocaine versus Lidocaine plus Verapamil
Authors: Tabdar S , Lama S , Kadariya ER
Published: June 2014

Background: General anaesthesia and regional anaesthesia both are used for upper extremity surgeries. Bier’s Blockusing local anaesthetic alone or in combination with other adjuvants provides effective analgesia intraoperatively as wellas postoperatively with fewer complications as compared to general anaesthesia.Objective: This study was designed to compare effectiveness, haemodynamic alterations and total duration of analgesiawith Lidocaine versus Lidocaine plus Verapamil in Bier’s Block.Methods: This is a prospective randomised double blind trial conducted in Kathmandu Medical College TeachingHospital from February 2012 to December 2012 after approval from the ethical committee and informed consent fromthe participants. Total 40 adult patients of age 20 to 50 years, weight 50 to 70 kg, of both gender, belonging to AmericanSociety of Anaesthesiologists Physical Status I and II undergoing elective distal upper extrimity surgery lasting at one toone and half hours with Bier’s Block were included in this study. They were randomly divided into two groups of twentyeach to receive either 40 ml of 0.5% Lidocaine alone (Group A) or 40 ml of 0.5% Lidocaine plus 2.5 mg Verapamil (GroupB). The two groups were compared in terms of onset and recovery from sensory and motor blockade, tourniquet paintolerance time, duration of analgesia, alteration of haemodynamics and major side effects. Data analysis was done byMicrosoft Offi ce Excel 2007 [Polystat, Microsoft Offi ce Excel worksheet.XLS] using student’s two tailed t test. Categoricalparamatres were tested by Fisher Exact test and p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically signifi cant.Result: Onset of sensory blockade was faster in group B (Mean± SD: 3.07± 0.25 minutes) as compared to group A (Mean±SD: 5.59 ± 0.41 minutes). The onset of motor block in group B was 10.4 ± 0.77 minutes versus 13.17 ± 1.45 minutes ingroup A. Recovery of sensory block in group B occurred at 29.95 ± 6.96 minutes versus 11.45 ± 2.16 minutes in groupA. Similarly recovery of motor block in group B occurred in 13.6 ± 1.79 minutes versus 7.65 ± 1.04 minutes in group A.Tolerance of fi rst tourniquet pain in group B was long 41.15 ± 3.82 minutes versus 22.00 ± 2.9) minutes in group A. Secondtourniquet pain tolerance time was again longer (48.25 ± 3.96 minutes) in group B versus 28.05 ± 4.84 minutes in groupA. Total duration of analgesia was more in group B (207.25 ± 21.1 minutes) versus 32.2 ± 5.78 minutes in group A. Totalconsumption of analgesic (Tramadol) in 24 hours in group B was lesser than group A (47.5 ± 38.0 mg versus 112.5 ± 35.8mg). All these differences were signifi cant statistically (p value <0.05). Both of the groups showed stable haemodynamicparameters intraoperatively as well as postoperatively without any signifi cant adverse effects.Conclusion: Addition of Verapamil to Lidocaine was more effective than Lidocaine alone in Bier’s block.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i1.10513Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 1, Issue 3, Jan.-Mar., 2013, Page: 12-17
Impact of educational interventions on nurses' knowledge regarding care of patient with central venous line
Authors: Shrestha R
Published: June 2014

Background: Central Venous Line is widely used in critically ill patients for continuous assessment of the cardiovascularsystem. Adequate knowledge of nurses in taking care of central venous pressure line plays vital role to minimizecomplications and to accurately recognize catheter-related problems, thus securing safer and improved outcome forthe patient. This study was performed to fi nd out the effectiveness of educational intervention in increasing nurses’ knowledge regarding care of patients with Central Venous Line among nurses.Methods: This is a pre-experimental study design (pre-intervention---intervention---post-intervention). After institutionalapproval, 40 nurses were taken from Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital for study adopted with SimpleRandom Sampling (Lottery) method. A structured, self-administered questionnaire was used for pre- intervention datacollection After two weeks of educational intervention, post- intervention test was taken. The data was analysed andcalculated by using descriptive Statistics and Paired “t” test was applied to assess the differences between pre-interventionand post- intervention results.Results: Overall, mean knowledge score was 14.75 with SD 2.37 in the pre intervention. After educational interventionthe score was changed to 16.80 with SD 5.51. There was signifi cant difference between the pre -intervention and postinterventionknowledge score (p value =0.039).While assessing the overall existing knowledge level of the participants, most of the participants had moderate knowledgelevel (50% to 75%). After intervention knowledge level signifi cantly increased (p value=0.001).Conclusion: The study showed that educational intervention programme considerably improved the nurses’ level ofknowledge about care of patient with central line. Overall mean knowledge score between pre-intervention and postinterventionwas found to be significant.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i1.10553Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 1, Issue 3, Jan.-Mar., 2013, page: 28-30
Academic Language Socialization in High School Writing Conferences
Authors: Gilliland Betsy
Published: June 2014

Abstract:

This study examines multilingual high school writers’ individual talk with their teachers in two advanced English language development classes to observe how such talk shapes linguistically diverse adolescents’ writing. Addressing adolescent writers’ language socialization through microethnographic discourse analysis, the author argues that teachers’ oral responses during writing conferences can either scaffold or deter students’ socialization into valued ways of using academic language for school writing. She suggests what forms of oral response provide scaffolding and what forms might limit multilingual adolescent learners’ academic literacy. Constructive interactions engaged students in dialogue about their writing, and students included content or phrasing from the interaction in their texts. Unhelpful interactions failed to foster students’ language development in observable ways. Although teachers attempted to scaffold ideas and language, they often did not guide students’ discovery of appropriate forms or points. These interactions represent restrictive academic language socialization: while some students did create academic texts, they learned little about academic language use.
The Predictive Effects of L1 and L2 Early Literacy Indicators on Reading in French Immersion
Authors: Bourgoin Renée
Published: June 2014

Abstract:

This study explored the predictive effects of within- and cross-language early literacy indicators with regard to second language (L2) reading achievement in a Grade 3 entry-point French immersion (FI) program. Kindergarten students (N = 83) in a regular English program were administered English early literacy measures. Three years later, once students entered the FI, 56 students from the original cohort were reassessed using French literacy measures. This allowed for an examination of the long-term connections between first language (L1) early literacy indicators and L2 reading outcomes. Regression analysis revealed that L1 early literacy skills relating to aspects of phonological awareness and, more importantly, alphabetic knowledge were significant predictors of L2 reading even when school-based L2 learning was delayed several years. With respect to the French literacy indicators, knowledge of the alphabet and related measures were again significant predictors of L2 reading performance. The predictive effects of French indicators were significant even in the first few months of FI. These results provide additional information about the predictive effects of within- and cross-language early literacy indicators and the extent to which they can be used to identify students who may be at risk for reading difficulties in their L2.
Pleistocene Paleoart of Europe
Authors: Bednarik Robert
Published: June 2014

As in Australia, Pleistocene rock art is relatively abundant in Europe, but it has so far received much more attention than the combined Ice Age paleoart of the rest of the world. Since archaeology initially rejected its authenticity for several decades, the cave art of France and Spain and the portable paleoart from various regions of Europe have been the subjects of thousands of studies. It is shown, however, that much of the published information is unreliable and subjective, and that fundamental trends in the evidence have been misunderstood. In particular, the data implies that the paleoart of the Early Upper Paleolithic, the work of robust humans such as Neanderthals, is considerably more sophisticated and developed that that of more recent times. Thus, the European paleoart demonstrates that the teleological model of cultural “evolution” is false, which is to be expected because evolution is purely dysteleological. This is confirmed by the extensive record of pre-Upper Paleolithic European paleoart, which is comprehensively reviewed in this paper.
Data Pre-Processing for Label-Free Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) Experiments
Authors: Chung Lisa , Colangelo Christopher , Zhao Hongyu
Published: June 2014

Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) conducted on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer allows researchers to quantify the expression levels of a set of target proteins. Each protein is often characterized by several unique peptides that can be detected by monitoring predetermined fragment ions, called transitions, for each peptide. Concatenating large numbers of MRM transitions into a single assay enables simultaneous quantification of hundreds of peptides and proteins. In recognition of the important role that MRM can play in hypothesis-driven research and its increasing impact on clinical proteomics, targeted proteomics such as MRM was recently selected as the Nature Method of the Year. However, there are many challenges in MRM applications, especially data pre‑processing where many steps still rely on manual inspection of each observation in practice. In this paper, we discuss an analysis pipeline to automate MRM data pre‑processing. This pipeline includes data quality assessment across replicated samples, outlier detection, identification of inaccurate transitions, and data normalization. We demonstrate the utility of our pipeline through its applications to several real MRM data sets.
The Age Factor in the Cosmetic Management of Biophysical Skin Parameters
Authors: Cartigliani Claudia , Bonfigli Adriana , Brancato Sara , Rigano Luigi
Published: June 2014

In this study we investigated the correlation between the basal skin hydration data, elasticity and surface roughness and the age of volunteers. Then, we analyzed the variations obtained at the end of the treatments with anti-age cosmetic products for the face. The aim was to investigate the susceptibility to improvement of volunteers from different age groups. Data were collected in our testing laboratory based in Milan over a 6-year long activity. We only considered measurements performed on the face of a female population aged between 18 and 70 years of age. Values were subdivided in age groups for each considered parameter and were statistically compared. As expected, skin roughness increased and R2 elasticity parameter decreased with ageing, while hydration values resulted to be higher in older women. Apparently, this unaccountable result is probably due to the fact that elderly women living in urban areas tend to take appropriate care of their skin, thus improving skin hydration effectively. Interestingly, as for skin hydration, the analysis showed that women aged 61–70 were the most susceptible to improvement induced by several types of cosmetic treatments. However, when considering the skin roughness values, women over 50 years old seemed to react better to cosmetic treatment. As for skin elasticity, the highest improvement values were found with women between 31 and 50 years of age.
Correction: Carrozzi, L.; et al. Life Gain in Italian Smokers Who Quit. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11, 2395–2406
Authors: Carrozzi Laura , Falcone Franco , Carreras Giulia , Pistelli Francesco , Gorini Giuseppe , Martini Andrea , Viegi Giovanni
Published: June 2014

The authors wish to add the following amendments and corrections on their paper published in IJERPH [1]. [...]
The Public Health Impacts of Climate Change in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Kendrovski Vladimir , Spasenovska Margarita , Menne Bettina
Published: June 2014

Projected climatic changes for the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the period 2025–2100 will be most intense in the warmest period of the year with more frequent and more intense heat-waves, droughts and flood events compared with the period 1961–1990. The country has examined their vulnerabilities to climate change and many public health impacts have been projected. A variety of qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used in the assessment: literature reviews, interviews, focus groups, time series and regression analysis, damage and adaptation cost estimation, and scenario-based assessment. Policies and interventions to minimize the risks and development of long-term adaptation strategies have been explored. The generation of a robust evidence base and the development of stakeholder engagement have been used to support the development of an adaptation strategy and to promote adaptive capacity by improving the resilience of public health systems to climate change. Climate change adaptation has been established as a priority within existing national policy instruments. The lessons learnt from the process are applicable to countries considering how best to improve adaptive capacity and resilience of health systems to climate variability and its associated impacts.
A Global, Multi-Disciplinary, Multi-Sectorial Initiative to Combat Leptospirosis: Global Leptospirosis Environmental Action Network (GLEAN)
Authors: Durski Kara , Jancloes Michel , Chowdhary Tej , Bertherat Eric
Published: June 2014

Leptospirosis has emerged as a major public health problem in both animals and humans. The true burden of this epidemic and endemic disease is likely to be grossly under-estimated due to the non-specific clinical presentations of the disease and the difficulty of laboratory confirmation. The complexity that surrounds the transmission dynamics, particularly in epidemic situations, requires a coordinated, multi-disciplinary effort. Therefore, the Global Leptospirosis Environmental Action Network (GLEAN) was developed to improve global and local strategies of how to predict, prevent, detect, and intervene in leptospirosis outbreaks in order to prevent and control leptospirosis in high-risk populations.
Systemic Injection of Low-Dose Lipopolysaccharide Fails to Break down the Blood–Brain Barrier or Activate the TLR4-MyD88 Pathway in Neonatal Rat Brain
Authors: Wang Peng , You Si-Wei , Yang Yin-Jie , Wei Xiao-Yan , Wang Ya-Zhou , Wang Xin , Hao Ding-Jun , Kuang Fang , Shang Li-Xin
Published: June 2014

We aimed to investigate whether peripheral low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces the breakdown of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and/or the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the neonatal rat brain. Neonatal rats received intraperitoneal injections of low-dose LPS (0.3 mg/kg∙bw), and the BBB compromise was detected by Evans Blue extravasation and electron microscopy. Meanwhile, TLR4, adaptin myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB) p50 and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the neonatal rat brain were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Western Blot. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the distribution and activation of microglia in the brain after LPS administration. It was demonstrated that Evans Blue extravasation was not observed in the brain parenchyma, and that tight junctions of cerebral endothelial cells remained intact after systemic injections of LPS in neonatal rats. Although intracerebroventricular injections of LPS activated microglia and up-regulated the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB p50 and TNFα in the neonatal rat brain, systemic LPS did not induce these responses. These findings indicate that while the neonatal rat brain responds to the direct intra-cerebral administration of LPS through robust TLR4 activation, systemic low-dose LPS does not induce the innate immune reaction or compromise the BBB in neonatal rats.
The Role of AhR in Autoimmune Regulation and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target against CD4 T Cell Mediated Inflammatory Disorder
Authors: Zhu Conghui , Xie Qunhui , Zhao Bin
Published: June 2014

AhR has recently emerged as a critical physiological regulator of immune responses affecting both innate and adaptive systems. Since the AhR signaling pathway represents an important link between environmental stimulators and immune-mediated inflammatory disorder, it has become the object of great interest among researchers recently. The current review discusses new insights into the mechanisms of action of a select group of inflammatory autoimmune diseases and the ligand-activated AhR signaling pathway. Representative ligands of AhR, both exogenous and endogenous, are also reviewed relative to their potential use as tools for understanding the role of AhR and as potential therapeutics for the treatment of various inflammatory autoimmune diseases, with a focus on CD4 helper T cells, which play important roles both in self-immune tolerance and in inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Evidence indicating the potential use of these ligands in regulating inflammation in various diseases is highlighted, and potential mechanisms of action causing immune system effects mediated by AhR signaling are also discussed. The current review will contribute to a better understanding of the role of AhR and its signaling pathway in CD4 helper T cell mediated inflammatory disorder. Considering the established importance of AhR in immune regulation and its potential as a therapeutic target, we also think that both further investigation into the molecular mechanisms of immune regulation that are mediated by the ligand-specific AhR signaling pathway, and integrated research and development of new therapeutic drug candidates targeting the AhR signaling pathway should be pursued urgently.
Managing Urban Wellbeing in Rural Areas: The Potential Role of Online Communities to Improve the Financing and Governance of Highly Valued Nature Areas
Authors: Bijker Rixt , Mehnen Nora , Sijtsma Frans , Daams Michiel
Published: June 2014

The urban and the rural are increasingly interconnected. Rural areas have become places of consumption, as leisure and recreation have become important functions of rural areas. There are also indications that increased urbanisation even leads to a stronger appreciation of green areas situated far beyond city limits. Rural areas with their highly valued natural amenities nowadays seem increasingly to host urban wellbeing, given the positive relation found between green areas and human wellbeing. We provide empirical evidence for this urban–rural interconnection, using results from a survey in the Netherlands. In addition to their attachment to local and regional green places, survey results show that residents of the capital city of Amsterdam have a high appreciation of a wide range of natural, rural places throughout the country. We argue that these (until now invisible) urban–rural ties should be made more visible because these natural areas enjoyed by urban residents can no longer be taken for granted. Financial and other support for nature conservation are therefore needed. However, to organise support for nature can often be problematic because nature is a public good and collective action is often difficult to launch. The invisible and distant ties of urban dwellers for rural areas complicate the task even more. Nevertheless, it is increasingly recognised that the Internet opens many doors for community building and may help to overcome the “illogic” of collective action. In the research project “Sympathy for the Commons”, we aim to investigate the possibilities provided by the internet by building online communities around nature areas and enquiring into the available support and funding that these communities can provide.
Towards Enhanced Resilience in City Design: A Proposition
Authors: Roggema Rob
Published: June 2014

When we use the urban metabolism model for urban development, the input in the model is often valuable landscape, being the resource of the development, and output in the form of urban sprawl, as a result of city transformations. The resilience of these “output” areas is low. The lack of resilience is mainly caused by the inflexibility in these areas where existing buildings, infrastructure, and public space cannot be moved when deemed necessary. In this article, a new vision for the city is proposed in which the locations of these objects are flexible and, as a result, the resilience is higher: a Dismantable City. Currently, the development of this sort of city is constrained by technical, social, and regulatory practice. However, the perspective of a Dismantable City is worthwhile because it is able to deal with sudden, surprising, and unprecedented climate impacts. Through self-organizing processes the city becomes adjustable and its objects mobile. This allows the city to configure itself according to environmental demands. The city is then able to withstand or even anticipate floods, heat waves, droughts, or bushfires. Adjustability can be found in several directions: creating multiple layers for urban activities (multi-layer urbanism), easing the way objects are constructed (light urbanism), or re-using abandoned spaces (transformable urbanism).
Inhibition of Mild Steel Corrosion in Hydrochloric Acid Solution by New Coumarin
Authors: Kadhum Abdul , Mohamad Abu , Hammed Leiqaa , Al-Amiery Ahmed , San Ng , Musa Ahmed
Published: June 2014

A new coumarin derivative, N,N′-((2E,2′E)-2,2′-(1,4-phenylenebis (methanylylidene))bis(hydrazinecarbonothioyl))bis(2-oxo-2H-chromene-3-carboxamide) PMBH, was synthesized and its chemical structure was elucidated and confirmed using spectroscopic techniques (Infrared spectroscopy IR, Proton nuclear magnetic resonance, 1H-NMR and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance 13C-NMR). The corrosion inhibition effect of PMBH on mild steel in 1.0 M HCl was investigated using corrosion potential (ECORR), potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and electrochemical frequency modulation (EFM) measurements. The obtained results indicated that PMBH has promising inhibitive effects on the corrosion of mild steel in 1.0 M HCl across all of the conditions examined. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphology of the mild steel before and after immersion in 1.0 M HCl solution containing 0.5 mM of PMBH. Surface analysis revealed improvement of corrosion resistance in presence of PMBH.
Wafer-Level Hybrid Integration of Complex Micro-Optical Modules
Authors: Dannberg Peter , Wippermann Frank , Brückner Andreas , Matthes Andre , Schreiber Peter , Bräuer Andreas
Published: June 2014

A series of technological steps concentrating around photolithography and UV polymer on glass replication in a mask-aligner that allow for the cost-effective generation of rather complex micro-optical systems on the wafer level are discussed. In this approach, optical functional surfaces are aligned to each other and stacked on top of each other at a desired axial distance. They can consist of lenses, achromatic doublets, regular or chirped lens arrays, diffractive elements, apertures, filter structures, reflecting layers, polarizers, etc. The suitability of the separated modules in certain imaging and non-imaging applications will be shown.
Fabrication of Implantable, Enzyme-Immobilized Glutamate Sensors for the Monitoring of Glutamate Concentration Changes in Vitro and in Vivo
Authors: Tseng Tina , Chang Cheng-Fu , Chan Wen-Chin
Published: June 2014

Glutamate sensors based on the immobilization of glutamate oxidase (GlutOx) were prepared by adsorption on electrodeposited chitosan (Method 1) and by crosslinking with glutaraldehyde (Method 2) on micromachined platinum microelectrodes. It was observed that glutamate sensors prepared by Method 1 have faster response time (<2 s) and lower detection limit (2.5 ± 1.1 μM) compared to that prepared by Method 2 (response time: <5 sec and detection limit: 6.5 ± 1.7 μM); glutamate sensors prepared by Method 2 have a larger linear detection range (20–352 μM) and higher sensitivity (86.8 ± 8.8 nA·μM−1·cm−2, N = 12) compared to those prepared by Method 1 (linear detection range: 20–217 μM and sensitivity: 34.9 ± 4.8 nA·μM−1·cm−2, N = 8). The applicability of the glutamate sensors in vivo was also demonstrated. The glutamate sensors were implanted into the rat brain to monitor the stress-induced extracellular glutamate release in the hypothalamus of the awake, freely moving rat.
Oligo-Carrageenan Kappa-Induced Reducing Redox Status and Increase in TRR/TRX Activities Promote Activation and Reprogramming of Terpenoid Metabolism in Eucalyptus Trees
Authors: González Alberto , Gutiérrez-Cutiño Marlen , Moenne Alejandra
Published: June 2014

In order to analyze whether the reducing redox status and activation of thioredoxin reductase (TRR)/thioredoxin(TRX) system induced by oligo-carrageenan (OC) kappa in Eucalyptus globulus activate secondary metabolism increasing terpenoid synthesis, trees were sprayed on the leaves with water, with OC kappa, or with inhibitors of NAD(P)H, ascorbate (ASC) and (GSH) synthesis and TRR activity, CHS-828, lycorine, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and auranofine, respectively, and with OC kappa and cultivated for four months. The main terpenoids in control Eucalyptus trees were eucalyptol (76%), α-pinene (7.4%), aromadendrene (3.6%), silvestrene (2.8%), sabinene (2%) and α-terpineol (0.9%). Treated trees showed a 22% increase in total essential oils as well as a decrease in eucalyptol (65%) and sabinene (0.8%) and an increase in aromadendrene (5%), silvestrene (7.8%) and other ten terpenoids. In addition, treated Eucalyptus showed seven de novo synthesized terpenoids corresponding to carene, α-terpinene, α-fenchene, γ-maaliene, spathulenol and α-camphenolic aldehyde. Most increased and de novo synthesized terpenoids have potential insecticidal and antimicrobial activities. Trees treated with CHS-828, lycorine, BSO and auranofine and with OC kappa showed an inhibition of increased and de novo synthesized terpenoids. Thus, OC kappa-induced reducing redox status and activation of TRR/TRX system enhance secondary metabolism increasing the synthesis of terpenoids and reprogramming of terpenoid metabolism in Eucalyptus trees.
The Fruits of Wampee Inhibit H2O2-Induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells via the NF-κB Pathway and Regulation of Cellular Redox Status
Authors: Zeng Xiaobin , Zhou Xin , Cui Liao , Liu Decheng , Wu Kefeng , Li Wende , Huang Ren
Published: June 2014

Wampee (Clausena lansium) fruits (CLS), whose pulp can be used to prepare fruit cups, desserts, jam, or jelly, can be eaten along with the peel. In this study, a PC12 cell model was built to observe the protective effect of CLS against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. We found that pretreatment with CLS increased cell viability and inhibited cytotoxicity, caspase-3 activity and DNA condensation. CLS also attenuated the increase in ROS production and MMP reduction. Moreover, we attempted to determine whether CLS suppressed the expression and phosphorylation of NF-κB. Western blot and immunostaining assay revealed that CLS inhibited H2O2-induced up-regulation of NF-κB p65 and pNF-κB p65. And CLS significantly suppressed the translocation of NF-κB p65 and pNF-κB p65 from cytoplasm to nuclear. Also, seven major compounds including a new flavanoid, luteolin-4'-O-β-d-gluco-pyranoside (3) and six known compounds 1,2, 4–7 were isolated and identified from CLS. Their antioxidative and H2O2-induced PC12 cell apoptosis-reversing activity were determined. These findings suggest that CLS and its major constituents (flavanoids) may be potential antioxidant agents and should encourage further research into their use as a functional food for neurodegenerative diseases.
Sasa borealis Stem Extract Attenuates Hepatic Steatosis in High-Fat Diet-induced Obese Rats
Authors: Song Yuno , Lee Soo-Jung , Jang Sun-Hee , Ha Ji , Song Young , Ko Yeoung-Gyu , Kim Hong-Duck , Min Wongi , Kang Suk , Cho Jae-Hyeon
Published: June 2014

The aim of the current study is to examine the improving effect of Sasa borealis stem (SBS) extract extracts on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hepatic steatosis in rats. To determine the hepatoprotective effect of SBS, we fed rats a normal regular diet (ND), HFD, and HFD supplemented with 150 mg/kg body weight (BW) SBS extracts for five weeks. We found that the body weight and liver weight of rats in the HFD + SBS group were significantly lower than those in the HFD group. Significantly lower serum total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) concentrations were observed in the SBS-supplemented group compared with the HFD group. We also found that the HFD supplemented with SBS group showed dramatically reduced hepatic lipid accumulation compared to the HFD alone group, and administration of SBS resulted in dramatic suppression of TG, TC in the HFD-induced fatty liver. In liver gene expression within the SBS treated group, PPARα was significantly increased and SREBP-1c was significantly suppressed. SBS induced a significant decrease in the hepatic mRNA levels of PPARγ, FAS, ACC1, and DGAT2. In conclusion, SBS improved cholesterol metabolism, decreased lipogenesis, and increased lipid oxidation in HFD-induced hepatic steatosis in rats, implying a potential application in treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.