bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notes on the first instar larvae of Ctenophora and Nephrotoma (Diptera, Tipulidae)
Authors: PODENIENE VIRGINIJA , NASEVICIENE NIJOLE , PODENAS SIGITAS
Published: February 2014

1830 egg-larvae of 7 species belonging to long palped crane flies (Tipulidae): Ctenophora guttata Meigen, Nephrotoma pratensis Linnaeus, N. dorsalis Fabricius, N. scurra Meigen, N. flavescens Linnaeus, N. submaculosa Edwards and N. crocata Linnaeus were obtained from 22 females captured in Lithuania in 2011–2012. It took from five days to more than three weeks for eggs to hatch. Crane flies have four instars of larvae. Second, third and the last instar larvae are very similar, when the first instar or egg-larvae differs radically. Descriptions and illustrations of external morphology, chaetotaxy of abdominal segments, characters of head capsules and last abdominal segments are given for the previously unknown first instar larvae of Ct. guttata, N. crocata, N. dorsalis, N. flavescens, N. pratensis, N. scurra and poorly known N. submaculosa. It was found out that difference of head capsule and last abdominal segment among the first instar larvae of above mentioned species of genus Nephrotoma are more obvious than in last instar. During this study it was found, that such characters as shape of apical teeth of mandible, shape of basal segment of antenna and number of sensillae, shape of hypostomium and arrangement of sensory structures on labrum, differ among egg-larvae of Nephrotoma. It was found, that pads on frontal part of prothorax and shape of lateral plates of egg-larvae labrum of Nephrotoma differ significantly from that of Ctenophora and could be used as genus separating characters.
A Summary of Precipitation Characteristics from the 2006–11 Northern Australian Wet Seasons as Revealed by ARM Disdrometer Research Facilities (Darwin, Australia)
Authors: Giangrande Scott E. , Bartholomew Mary Jane , Pope Mick , Collis Scott , Jensen Michael P.
Published: February 2014

The variability of rainfall and drop size distributions (DSDs) as a function of large-scale atmospheric conditions and storm characteristics is investigated using measurements from the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) facility at Darwin, Australia. Observations are obtained from an impact disdrometer with a near continuous record of operation over five consecutive wet seasons (2006–11). Bulk rainfall characteristics are partitioned according to diurnal accumulation, convective and stratiform precipitation classifications, objective monsoonal regime, and MJO phase. Findings support previous Darwin studies suggesting a significant diurnal and DSD parameter signal associated with both convective–stratiform and wet season monsoonal regime classification. Negligible MJO phase influence is determined for cumulative disdrometric statistics over the Darwin location.
Modeled Trends in Antarctic Sea Ice Thickness
Authors: Holland Paul R. , Bruneau Nicolas , Enright Clare , Losch Martin , Kurtz Nathan T. , Kwok Ron
Published: February 2014

Unlike the rapid sea ice losses reported in the Arctic, satellite observations show an overall increase in Antarctic sea ice concentration over recent decades. However, observations of decadal trends in Antarctic ice thickness, and hence ice volume, do not currently exist. In this study a model of the Southern Ocean and its sea ice, forced by atmospheric reanalyses, is used to assess 1992–2010 trends in ice thickness and volume. The model successfully reproduces observations of mean ice concentration, thickness, and drift, and decadal trends in ice concentration and drift, imparting some confidence in the hindcasted trends in ice thickness. The model suggests that overall Antarctic sea ice volume has increased by approximately 30 km3 yr−1 (0.4% yr−1) as an equal result of areal expansion (20 × 103 km2 yr−1 or 0.2% yr−1) and thickening (1.5 mm yr−1 or 0.2% yr−1). This ice volume increase is an order of magnitude smaller than the Arctic decrease, and about half the size of the increased freshwater supply from the Antarctic Ice Sheet. Similarly to the observed ice concentration trends, the small overall increase in modeled ice volume is actually the residual of much larger opposing regional trends. Thickness changes near the ice edge follow observed concentration changes, with increasing concentration corresponding to increased thickness. Ice thickness increases are also found in the inner pack in the Amundsen and Weddell Seas, where the model suggests that observed ice-drift trends directed toward the coast have caused dynamical thickening in autumn and winter. Modeled changes are predominantly dynamic in origin in the Pacific sector and thermodynamic elsewhere.
Automated Identification of Enhanced Rainfall Rates Using the Near-Storm Environment for Radar Precipitation Estimates
Authors: Grams Heather M. , Zhang Jian , Elmore Kimberly L.
Published: February 2014

Reliable and timely flash flood warnings are critically dependent on the accuracy of real-time rainfall estimates. Precipitation is not only the most vital input for basin-scale accumulation algorithms such as the Flash Flood Monitoring and Prediction (FFMP) program used operationally by the U.S. National Weather Service, but it is the primary forcing for hydrologic models at all scales. Quantitative precipitation estimates (QPE) from radar are widely used for such a purpose because of their high spatial and temporal resolution. However, converting the native radar variables into an instantaneous rain rate is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. This study addresses the challenge of identifying environments conducive for tropical rain rates, or rain rates that are enhanced by highly productive warm rain growth processes. Model analysis fields of various thermodynamic and moisture parameters were used as predictors in a decision tree–based ensemble to generate probabilities of warm rain–dominated drop growth. Variable importance analysis from the ensemble training showed that the probability accuracy was most dependent on two parameters in particular: freezing-level height and lapse rates of temperature. The probabilities were used to assign a tropical rain rate for hourly QPE and were evaluated against existing Z–R–based QPE products available to forecasters. The probability-based delineations showed improvement in QPE over the existing methods, but the two predictands tested had varying levels of performance for the storm types evaluated and require further study.
Party Responsiveness to the Collective Judgment of the Electorate
Authors: Lee Seonghui
Published: February 2014

Studies on retrospective voting argue that voters under presidentialism tend to assign co-responsibility for the president’s performance to her party in congressional elections. However, it is not uncommon for presidential parties to distance themselves from an unpopular president or for opposition parties to cooperate with a popular president. In doing so, parties can signal to voters that they side with a popular (or against an unpopular) president. Yet little is known about whether this strategic behavior has electoral payoffs. This study proposes a popularity-response model, where parties’ electoral outcomes are a product of how they respond to public opinion on the president. I hypothesize that parties defecting from an unpopular president (or cooperating with a popular president) minimize electoral losses and obtain a further electoral boost. Analysis using an original dataset coding issue congruence between presidents and parties prior to 35 elections in 18 Latin American countries supports this claim.
Relation between Trade Openness, Capital Openness and Government Size in India
Authors: Dixit Vikas
Published: February 2014

It is generally argued that when an economy opens up, it is exposed to external risk and therefore, more government expenditure is demanded to compensate that risk and the increasing level of economic inequalities associated with openness. On the other hand, there is an opposite view which says that with higher capital openness, it would become difficult for national governments to tax and to issue public debt to finance public expenditures, as capital may easily move abroad. An attempt is, therefore, made in this article to understand the nature of relationship between trade openness, capital openness and government size in India over the period from 1980–1981 to 2009–2010. The empirical results of this study seems to challenge in general the validity of the compensation hypothesis, but finds support for Wagner’s law for most of the measures of government size. We also find evidences to favour efficiency hypothesis for some measures of government size, according to which, there exists a negative relationship between capital openness and government size. We have also been able to establish causal links between trade openness, capital openness and government size using TYDL non-causality test, which, indeed, not only complements the findings of autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) estimation, but also indicates the causal nexus in those cases where no long-run or short-run relationship is observed.
Does Anti-dumping Enforcement Generate Threat?
Authors: Bagchi Sagnik , Bhattacharyya Surajit , Narayanan K.
Published: February 2014

The last two decades have witnessed that countries across the world are guided by the rules and regulations of multilateral trading institutions (for example, World Trade Organization [WTO], International Monetary Fund [IMF]) in order to promote free and fair trade through gradual reduction in trade barriers. The world economy has noticed significant reduction in tariffs, yet we find a rise in non-tariff barriers (NTBs). However, we still find dumping and few other trade strategies of the exporting countries as a major hindrance to free and fair trade. Such behaviour has led to ‘contingent protection’ as a tool of new-protectionism. Among the contingent protection measures, anti-dumping (AD) has evolved as the most popular choice of strategy for the trading nations. The AD policy invokes a threat to the exporter and thereby can change its strategic behaviour. We describe the phenomenon of dumping through a price-leadership model and thereby compute the optimal level of AD duty that can offset dumping. Using a sequential game, we conclude that the credible threat of an AD duty restricts dumping and thereby leads to a win-win situation for both the foreign and domestic firms.
India’s Import Tariff Evaluation during Recent Financial Crisis
Authors: Sinha Priyanka , Bharti Nalin
Published: February 2014

There are two different opinions about India’s import liberalization surfaced in the recent global financial crisis era. Some expressed India to be one of the highest trade restrictive economies and others appreciated India for lowering import tariffs and making trade free. This empirical exercise compares import tariff in pre- and post-crisis. Trade Liberalization Evaluation (TLE) methodology is being used to see the dynamic and general equilibrium analysis of pre- and post-crisis of India’s import tariff liberalization through a set of indexes and graphs. India’s applied average tariff rates are collected from Integrated Data Base (IDB), World Trade Organization (WTO). As per the requirement of TLE, four sectors were evaluated. Service sector is not included in this work since India is one of the services exporting economy. In total, 200 import items were collected which includes 50 items in each sector namely agriculture, heavy industry, light industry and allied areas. As a result of sectoral compression between pre- and post-crisis, agriculture shows expansion, while heavy industry and light industry shows contraction and allied shows stagnation. The overall comparison of Trade Liberalization Stage (TLS) Index shows a developed stage of India’s trade liberalization. This article may be imperative for importers and business community of India and the world.
From Subsistence Marketplaces Up, from General Macromarketing Theories Down
Authors: Ingenbleek Paul T.M.
Published: February 2014

Marketing researchers have recently begun exploring the specific context of subsistence marketplaces in developing and emerging economies using a bottom-up approach. Such literature offers an increasing number of conceptual frameworks and theoretical approaches derived from or inspired by a sound understanding of the real-life contexts of subsistence marketplaces. This article draws attention to a complementary top-down approach that begins from basic thinking on marketing’s contribution to development and, through midrange theories, eventually connects with bottom-up insights into subsistence marketplaces. The top-down approach helps create a unique theoretical midrange for development-oriented research in marketing that is complementary to other disciplines in the development debate. A bottom-up and top-down shaped theoretical midrange promises transformative interventions that can attend to the specific context at hand, while connecting with basic marketing principles on development.
Malignant Uveal Schwannoma With Peripheral Nerve Extension in a 12-Week-Old Color-Dilute Labrador Retriever
Authors: Duke F. D. , Teixeira L. B. C. , Galle L. E. , Green N. , Dubielzig R. R.
Published: February 2014

The formalin-fixed, amber-colored right globe from a 12-week-old female silver Labrador Retriever dog was submitted to the Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin for light microscopic evaluation. The clinical history described a collapsed anterior chamber and multifocal nodular lesions in the peripheral iris. Histologically, immunohistochemically, and ultrastructurally, the uveal mass was consistent with a malignant schwannoma; there was extension along peripheral nerves within the sclera. The signalment and behavior of the neoplasm distinguish it from the uveal schwannoma of blue-eyed dogs and bear some resemblance to the ocular lesions in human neurofibromatosis. The dilute color mutation may contribute to the cause. Six weeks later, the dog did not develop any additional masses.
On a hybrid particle swarm optimization method and its application in mechanism design
Authors: Lee Chun-Te , Lee Chun-Che
Published: February 2014

In this article, we propose a hybrid particle swarm optimization method and obtain the optimal solutions of the synthesis of mechanism. We study the mathematics on the four-bar linkage and its objective function on the optimization process and conduct the numerical experiment for four cases of movement of mechanical linkage bars (coupler curves). The result of synthesis of mechanism is not only shown to be in better accuracy but also properly matches the designated mechanical coupler bar curve.
Study on the twin-pilot-injection strategies for the reduction in the exhaust emissions in a low-compression-ratio engine
Authors: Suh Hyun Kyu
Published: February 2014

An investigation of twin-pilot-injection strategies was performed in a low-compression-ratio engine in order to improve the combustion performance and to reduce the exhaust emissions. All tests were conducted on a modified four-cylinder test engine running on only one cylinder with a reduced compression ratio (15.3:1), and analyses of the combustion pressure, the heat release rate and the net work output in the cylinder were performed. At the same time, the reduction in the exhaust emissions such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and soot under different twin-pilot-injection strategies was compared with other combustion cases (single-injection strategy and one-pilot-injection strategy). Higher combustion pressures, lower heat release rates, shorter ignition delay times, higher indicated mean effective pressures (about 2.1%) and lower coefficients of variation in the indicated mean effective pressure (approximately 29.4%) in all multiple-injection (one-pilot-injection or twin-pilot-injection) cases, which indicated improved operation of the low-compression-ratio engine, were observed. Retarded injection timing ( tp,SOE = 20–10° crank angle before top dead centre) in the twin-pilot-injection case proved to the best timing for reduction in the carbon monoxide emissions because the relatively short ignition delay with the high in-cylinder temperature enhanced the carbon monoxide oxidation rate. Twin-pilot-injection strategies formed higher hydrocarbon emissions because of the rich fuel mixture during the ignition delay time than one-pilot-injection combustion did. As more multiple injections were applied, lower nitrogen oxide emissions (up to 45.7%) were observed because the early termination of the first injection event and the restart of injection created a time interval between injections in which freshly charged air could be entrained into the flame.
Quantification of past plant abundances based on the R-value model: Exemplified by an impact assessment of pre-historic iron production and summer farming in Budalen, central Norway
Authors: Sjögren Per , Solem Thyra , Stenvik Lars F , Tretvik Aud M , Daverdin Marc , Speed James DM , Austrheim Gunnar
Published: February 2014

Quantification of vegetation cover based on fossil pollen assemblages is valuable for proper assessment of past landscape dynamics. In the present investigation, the past vegetation cover around a pre-historic iron production site in the Budalen valley in central Norway was quantified using direction of vegetation change models. A set of fixed rules based on normal succession, the present vegetation and the ‘intuitively’ interpreted fossil pollen record was used to model spatially explicit changes in the vegetation of past landscapes. By comparing modelled pollen percentages with empirical fossil pollen percentages, it was possible to determine absolute plausible vegetation. According to the applied models, the pine forest within at least 1 km of the sampling site (>100 ha) was temporarily replaced with birch forest around ad 300, 800 and 1750 as a consequence of iron and charcoal production. The birch forest later re-succeeded to pine forest as pine harvest decreased at intermediate time stages.
Counter narratives and controversial crimes: The Wikipedia article for the ‘Murder of Meredith Kercher’
Authors: Page Ruth
Published: February 2014

Narrative theorists have long recognised that narrative is a selective mode of representation. There is always more than one way to tell a story, which may alter according to its teller, audience and the social or historical context in which the story is told. But multiple versions of the ‘same’ events are not always valued in the same way: some versions may become established as dominant accounts, whilst others may be marginalised or resist hegemony as counter narratives (Bamberg and Andrews, 2004). This essay explores the potential of Wikipedia as a site for positioning counter and dominant narratives. Through the analysis of linearity and tellership (Ochs and Capps, 2001) as exemplified through revisions of a particular article (‘Murder of Meredith Kercher’), I show how structural choices (open versus closed sequences) and tellership (single versus multiple narrators) function as mechanisms to prioritise different dominant narratives over time and across different cultural contexts. The case study points to the dynamic and relative nature of dominant and counter narratives. In the ‘Murder of Meredith Kercher’ article the counter narratives of the suspects’ guilt or innocence and their position as villains or victims depended on national context, and changed over time. The changes in the macro-social narratives are charted in the micro-linguistic analysis of structure, citations and quoted speech in four selected versions of the article, taken from the English and Italian Wikipedias.
Narrative, text and time: Telling the same story twice in the oral narrative reporting of 7/7
Authors: Lambrou Marina
Published: February 2014

The question of whether it is possible to ‘tell the same story twice’ has been explored in work on conversational narratives, which has set out to understand the existence of some kind of ‘underlying semantic structure’ and ‘script’ (Polanyi, 1981). In conversational narratives, ‘local occasioning’ and ‘recipient design’ (Sacks et al., 1974) are factors that determine the form and function of the story. Here, ongoing talk frames the narrative while other participants provide a ready made audience, all of which, form part of the storytelling process. What happens, however, when a survivor of 7/7 (the date in 2005 of the co-ordinated terrorist bomb attacks on the London transport system in the morning rush hour, which killed 52 and injured hundreds of people), whose personal narrative was reported globally on the day of the event, is again interviewed two and a half years later for their experience of that morning? Is the ‘same story’ retold? Specifically, how far does the latest story replicate the experience and events of the first and which of the prototypical features of a personal narrative – at the level of both the macrostructure and microstructure – remain constant? By comparing both interviews and using Labov and Waletzky’s (1967) narrative framework as the central model for analysis, it is possible to see whether events within the complicating action or features of evaluation remain the most memorable, that is, they are recalled in the second telling as important aspects of the experience, and may be seen to be core narrative categories. While findings show that both narratives are comparable in form, a closer investigation finds compelling differences as well as unexpected linguistic choices. Not only has the second narrative become informed by other, external narratives to become part of a broader, mediated narrative but various discourse strategies of ‘dissociation’ in both interviews have resulted in a retelling of a traumatic experience that appears to have features of an eye witness report rather than a personal narrative. Moreover, this blurring of two distinct genres of storytelling provides a true insight of how the narrator positions himself inside this terrible experience.
Determinants of Board Structure in Microfinance Institutions: Evidence from East Africa
Authors: Mori Neema , Randøy Trond , Golesorkhi Sougand
Published: February 2014

This study investigates the association between the unique characteristics of microfinance institutions and board structure. The agency and resource dependence theories provided theoretical guidance for this study. Using a panel dataset of 63 microfinance institutions in East Africa, we found that the presence of regulations and international influence is associated with larger boards, while the presence of founders is associated with small boards and less board independence. There is a higher level of board gender diversity in microfinance institutions managed by founders. There is greater diversity of nationalities in microfinance institutions that are internationally influenced. The implications for practice and theory from this study are further discussed.

JEL Classification: G21, G34
The Cunningham Dax Collection: a unique mental health resource
Authors: Koh Eugen
Published: February 2014

Objectives:

This paper compares the Cunningham Dax Collection with other, similar collections around the world, of art by people with an experience of mental illness.

Conclusion:

The Cunningham Dax Collection is one of the largest collections of art by people with an experience of mental illness and psychological trauma in the world. Unlike most other collections, which focus on artworks by people with psychosis, mania and depression, the Cunningham Dax Collection covers a broad range of experiences, including anxiety disorders, dementia, autism and psychological trauma, as well as works by children made during their treatment for emotional problems. While most other collections emphasize the artistic qualities of the works, the Cunningham Dax Collection emphasizes both their artistic and psychological dimensions. Its educational program is recognized for its approach against stigma, by simultaneously promoting mental health literacy and highlighting the creativity of people with mental illness through art. It also distinguishes itself from others by its assertive touring program to rural and regional centres, and internationally. This program aims to build capacity for mental health promotion and suicide prevention by encouraging local communities to come together and use the visiting exhibitions to launch local mental health awareness activities.
Fingolimod-associated amenorrhea: a report of three cases
Authors: Alroughani R
Published: February 2014

Amenorrhea has not been reported as an adverse event in fingolimod phase III clinical trials in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) with either 0.5 mg or 1.25 mg dosages. Here we report three cases of young women with MS who developed amenorrhea within 6 months of initiation of fingolimod. They experienced irregularities in their menstrual cycles in the first 3 months, which progressed to amenorrhea by 5th or 6th month. Gynecology evaluations showed no other etiologies. Menses returned to baseline after discontinuation of fingolimod for 2–3 months. Amenorrhea could be associated with fingolimod in the first year. Future surveillance is advised to determine the incidence rate of this adverse event.
An integration of social capital and tourism technology adoption—A case of convention and visitors bureaus
Authors: Lee Byeong Cheol , Cho Jimin , Hwang Doohyun
Published: February 2014

The purpose of the present study is to examine the impact of social capital on tourism technology adoption process. Four main components of social capital were chosen: social networks including network size, tie strength, bridging and bonding tie; trust; norms; and associational activity. Based on their relationships with technology adoption, the research model that integrates social capital into the technology acceptance model (TAM) was built. As key informants for this study, Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) managers in the USA were surveyed. As results, bridging tie, trust, associational activity, and norms exerted significant effects on perception-related variables regarding technology adoption. In particular, this study found that the unique effect of trust with different types of DMO managers’ social networks on the technology adoption process. Based on the findings, this study also presents a discussion of practical and theoretical implications on the facilitation of DMOs’ tourism technology adoption.
Process Evaluation of a Food Marketing and Environmental Change Intervention in Tiendas That Serve Latino Immigrants in North Carolina
Authors: Baquero Barbara , Linnan Laura , Laraia Barbara A. , Ayala Guadalupe X.
Published: February 2014

This article describes a comprehensive process evaluation of an efficacious store-based intervention that increased store customers’ fruit and vegetable consumption. The process evaluation plan was designed at study inception and implemented at baseline, during the intervention, and at immediate postintervention. Four Latino food stores were randomly assigned either to an intervention or to a control condition. Data were collected from store managers, employees, and 139 Latino customers. Researchers used manager, employee, and customer interviews; weekly observations of the store environment; and implementation logs to assess reach, dose delivered, dose received, and fidelity. Results indicated that it is possible to reach customers in a store-based intervention. Indicators of dose delivered demonstrated that the intervention was implemented as planned, and in the case of employee training, it exceeded the plan. Dose received data indicated that customers moderately engaged with the intervention activities. Together these suggest that the intervention was delivered with good fidelity. Comprehensive process evaluation efforts can facilitate the identification and elimination of barriers to implementation. This approach can serve as a model for future store-based interventions. The study demonstrated that it is feasible to implement Latino food store–based interventions to increase access to and consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Numerical characterisation of the mechanical behaviour of a vertical spacer yarn in thick warp knitted spacer fabrics
Authors: Brisa Vicente Jaime Dura , Helbig Frank , Kroll Lothar
Published: February 2014

Warp knitted spacer fabrics (WKSF) are technical textile structures that present special compression-elastic, air permeability, heat resistance and acoustic damping properties and because of that they are winning more application fields every day. In many of these fields, like the application for cushion structures in car seats and mattresses, the thick WKSF are of special interest and the mechanical behaviour of these structures needs to be known in detail but, although direct relationships exist between the textile technical and technological parameters and the mechanical behaviour of the mentioned structures, this characterisation is still being carried out experimentally. Analytical and numerical models have already been developed to study WKSF structures offering interesting contributions to a better knowledge of their behaviour and providing further research directions but there are some phenomena causing the particular and characteristic mechanical behaviour of these structures that have not been described yet. The aim of this paper is to give a better understanding of the mechanical behaviour of a single vertical spacer yarn of a thick WKSF under compression load by studying, with help of the finite elements method, the variations of the bending moment acting on the yarn during the compression process. In this article it has been found that these variations of the mentioned bending moment are the phenomena responsible for the characteristic mechanical behaviour of the WKSF structures.
Using Patient-Generated Health Data From Mobile Technologies for Diabetes Self-Management Support
Authors: Nundy Shantanu , Lu Chen-Yuan E. , Hogan Patrick , Mishra Anjuli , Peek Monica E.
Published: February 2014

Background:

Mobile health and patient-generated health data are promising health IT tools for delivering self-management support in diabetes, but little is known about provider perspectives on how best to integrate these programs into routine care. We explored provider perceptions of a patient-generated health data report from a text-message-based diabetes self-management program. The report was designed to relay clinically relevant data obtained from participants’ responses to self-assessment questions delivered over text message.

Methods:

Likert-type scale response surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted with primary care physicians and endocrinologists who pilot tested the patient-generated health data report in an actual clinical encounter. Interview guides were designed to assess providers’ perceptions of the feasibility and utility of patient-generated health data in routine clinical practice. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using the constant comparative method.

Results:

Twelve providers successfully piloted the summary report in clinic. Although only a minority of providers felt the report changed the care they provided (3 of 12 or 25%), most were willing to use the summary report in a future clinical encounter (9 of 12 or 75%). Perceived benefits of patient-generated health data included agenda setting, assessment of self-care, and identification of patient barriers. Major themes discussed included patient selection, reliability of patient-generated health information, and integration into clinical workflow.

Conclusion:

Providers perceived multiple benefits of patient-generated health data in overcoming common barriers to self-management support in clinical practice and found the summary report feasible and usable in a clinical context.
A Disposable Tear Glucose Biosensor—Part 4
Authors: La Belle Jeffrey T. , Engelschall Erica , Lan Kenneth , Shah Pankti , Saez Neil , Maxwell Stephanie , Adamson Teagan , Abou-Eid Michelle , McAferty Kenyon , Patel Dharmendra R. , Cook Curtiss B.
Published: February 2014

Objective:

A prototype tear glucose (TG) sensor was tested in New Zealand white rabbits to assess eye irritation, blood glucose (BG) and TG lag time, and correlation with BG.

Methods:

A total of 4 animals were used. Eye irritation was monitored by Lissamine green dye and analyzed using image analysis software. Lag time was correlated with an oral glucose load while recording TG and BG readings. Correlation between TG and BG were plotted against one another to form a correlation diagram, using a Yellow Springs Instrument (YSI) and self-monitoring of blood glucose as the reference measurements. Finally, TG levels were calculated using analytically derived expressions.

Results:

From repeated testing carried over the course of 12 months, little to no eye irritation was detected. TG fluctuations over time visually appeared to trace the same pattern as BG with an average lag times of 13 minutes. TG levels calculated from the device current measurements ranged from 4 to 20 mg/dL and correlated linearly with BG levels of 75-160 mg/dL (TG = 0.1723 BG = 7.9448 mg/dL; R2 = .7544).

Conclusion:

The first steps were taken toward preliminary development of a sensor for self-monitoring of tear glucose (SMTG). No conjunctival irritation in any of the animals was noted. Lag time between TG and BG was found to be noticeable, but a quantitative modeling to correlate lag time in this study is unnecessary. Measured currents from the sensors and the calculated TG showed promising correlation to BG levels. Previous analytical bench marking showed BG and TG levels consistent with other literature.
Numeracy and Health Numeracy Among Chinese and Kenyan Immigrants to Canada
Authors: Gatobu S. , Arocha J. F. , Hoffman-Goetz L.
Published: February 2014

Mathematics self-efficacy plays an important role in the performance of quantitative tasks. The objective of this study was to examine the role of mathematics self-efficacy in numeracy and health numeracy among immigrants (60 Mandarin-speaking and 60 Kikuyu-speaking immigrants to Canada) for whom English was a second language (ESL). Two French Kit numeracy tasks (the addition, and the addition and subtraction correction tasks) constituted objective measures of numeracy, and the numeracy component of a health literacy instrument (The Short Test of Functional Health Literacy for Adults [S-TOFHLA]) constituted the health numeracy measure. We measured math self-efficacy using the Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES) and the Subjective Numeracy Scale (SNS). All measures were presented in English. Kikuyu speakers had lower math self-efficacy ( p < .05) compared with Mandarin speakers ( p < .05). Mandarin speakers outperformed Kikuyu speakers in numeracy ( p < .001) and health numeracy ( p < .023) skills. In multiple regression analyses, 32% to 57 % of the variance in objective numeracy was explained by language, residency in Canada, and self-efficacy, adjusting for the other predictor variables; self-efficacy and format of numeric health information (numbers only vs. numbers with detailed text) consistently predicted health numeracy. Mathematics self-efficacy may be an important factor in numeracy, but not as important in health numeracy for Kikuyu- and Mandarin-speaking immigrants for whom English is a second language. Factors contributing to low numeracy may differ from those explaining low health numeracy in ESL immigrants.
Role of surface textures on tribological behaviour of HSS
Authors: Senthilkumar V. , Hari Prasath M. G. , Lomesh Chilamwar V.
Published: February 2014

Surface contact area is one of the most influential factors for increase in friction that leads to wear. Reducing surface contact area by producing textures on the surface leads to a drastic reduction in wear rate. This method is very effective in high speed steel which is used for machining in dry conditions while its effectiveness can be further increased by the application of lubricants. This research paper presents the investigation on wear behaviour of HSS using pin-on-disc dry sliding wear test method under different textured conditions. The tribological parameters like wear rate, wear resistance, material loss and co-efficient of friction were evaluated for textured and non-textured conditions. Micro dimple areal texture and micro linear grinding texture were produced on the HSS surface and the results obtained were compared with non-textured HSS surface to study the influence of surface texture on tribological properties.
Regulation of Trib2 by an E2F1-C/EBPα feedback loop in AML cell proliferation
Authors: Rishi Loveena , Hannon Maura , Salomè Mara , Hasemann Marie , Frank Anne-Katrine , Campos Joana , Timoney Jennifer , O’Connor Caitriona , Cahill Mary R. , Porse Bo , Keeshan Karen
Published: February 2014

Key Points

E2F1 regulates Trib2 expression and C/EBPα modulates E2F1-induced Trib2 activity at the granulocyte macrophage progenitor stage. Pharmacological inhibition of the cell cycle resulting in a block in E2F1 or Trib2 knockdown abrogates AML cell proliferation.
Identification of a novel Parkinson’s disease locus via stratified genome-wide association study
Authors: Hill-Burns Erin M , Wissemann William T , Hamza Taye H , Factor Stewart A , Zabetian Cyrus P , Payami Haydeh
Published: February 2014

Background

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is complex and heterogeneous. The numerous susceptibility loci that have been identified reaffirm the complexity of PD but do not fully explain it; e.g., it is not known if any given PD susceptibility gene is associated with all PD or a disease subtype. We also suspect that important disease genes may have escaped detection because of this heterogeneity. We used presence/absence of family history to subdivide the cases and performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in Sporadic-PD and Familial-PD separately. The aim was to uncover new genes and gain insight into the genetic architecture of PD.

Results

Employing GWAS on the NeuroGenetics Research Consortium (NGRC) dataset stratified by family history (1565 Sporadic-PD, 435 Familial-PD, 1986 controls), we identified a novel locus on chromosome 1p21 in Sporadic-PD (PNGRC = 4×10-8) and replicated the finding (PReplication = 6×10-3; PPooled = 4×10-10) in 1528 Sporadic-PD and 796 controls from the National Institutes of Neurologic Disease and Stroke (NINDS) Repository. This is the fifth PD locus to be mapped to the short arm of chromosome 1. It is flanked by S1PR1 and OLFM3 genes, and is 200 kb from a multiple sclerosis susceptibility gene. The second aim of the study was to extend the stratified GWAS to the well-established PD genes. SNCA_ rs356220 was associated with both Sporadic-PD (OR = 1.37, P = 1×10-9) and Familial-PD (OR = 1.40, P = 2×10-5). HLA _rs3129882 was more strongly associated with Sporadic-PD (OR = 1.38, P = 5×10-10) than Familial-PD (OR = 1.12, P = 0.15). In the MAPT region, virtually every single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) had a stronger effect-size and lower P-value in Familial-PD (peak P = 8×10-7) than in Sporadic-PD (peak P = 2×10-5).

Conclusions

We discovered and replicated a new locus for Sporadic-PD which had escaped detection in un-stratified GWAS. This demonstrates that by stratifying on a key variable the power gained due to diminished heterogeneity can sometimes outweigh the power lost to reduced sample size. We also detected distinct patterns of disease associations for previously established PD susceptibility genes, which gives an insight to the genetic architecture of the disease and could aid in the selection of appropriate study population for future studies.
Validation of a portable nitric oxide analyzer for screening in primary ciliary dyskinesias
Authors: Harris Amanda , Bhullar Esther , Gove Kerry , Joslin Rhiannon , Pelling Jennifer , Evans Hazel J , Walker Woolf T , Lucas Jane S
Published: February 2014

Background

Nasal nitric oxide (nNO) levels are very low in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and it is used as a screening test.

Methods

We assessed the reliability and usability of a hand-held analyser in comparison to a stationary nitric oxide (NO) analyser in 50 participants (15 healthy, 13 PCD, 22 other respiratory diseases; age 6–79 years). Nasal NO was measured using a stationary NO analyser during a breath-holding maneuver, and using a hand-held analyser during tidal breathing, sampling at 2 ml/sec or 5 ml/sec. The three methods were compared for their specificity and sensitivity as a screen for PCD, their success rate in different age groups, within subject repeatability and acceptability. Correlation between methods was assessed.

Results

Valid nNO measurements were obtained in 94% of participants using the stationary analyser, 96% using the hand-held analyser at 5 ml/sec and 76% at 2 ml/sec. The hand-held device at 5 ml/sec had excellent sensitivity and specificity as a screening test for PCD during tidal breathing (cut-off of 30 nL/min,100% sensitivity, >95% specificity). The cut-off using the stationary analyser during breath-hold was 38 nL/min (100% sensitivity, 95% specificity). The stationary and hand-held analyser (5 ml/sec) showed reasonable within-subject repeatability(% coefficient of variation = 15).

Conclusion

The hand-held NO analyser provides a promising screening tool for PCD.
Rheoreversible hydrogels in paper restoration processes: a versatile tool
Authors: Mazzuca Claudia , Micheli Laura , Marini Federico , Bevilacqua Marta , Bocchinfuso Gianfranco , Palleschi Giuseppe , Palleschi Antonio
Published: February 2014

Background

Paper based artworks are probably ones of the most difficult materials to restore, because of their complexity and fragile structure. Cleaning of paper artifacts, one of the process commonly carried out during restoration, usually involves the use of solvents (organic or not), that may cause several troubles, like swelling and dissolution of some components, and may also be harmful to the users.

Results

Innovative procedure for cleaning paper artworks is reported in this paper. It is based on the use of rheoreversible, biocompatible hydrogels containing poly(ethylene oxide) or poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) and α-cyclodextrin. We have studied two types of polymer with different hydrophobic properties in order to obtain two different hydrogels with slightly different cleaning capabilities. Our overall strategy has been to develop innovative systems based on these hydrogels so as to better confront the problems that a restorer faces during the cleaning of paper samples. Rheoreversible hydrogels are intriguing materials because their application and removal is not invasive and does not require a liquid treatment that could induce damage to the paper.

Conclusions

These hydrogels have been applied in the cleaning of both new and aged paper samples and their cleaning efficiency has been established. Moreover, by comparison with traditional methods, the greater efficacy of the proposed procedure has been demonstrated.

To assess the cleaning efficacy of these hydrogels, a multidisciplinary approach, combining non-invasive spectroscopic infrared techniques together with scanning electron microscopy, chromatographic (HPLC) analysis and pH investigations has been used. Near infrared spectroscopy spectra were coupled with a chemometric analysis to achieve a better interpretation of data.

This work constitutes a preliminary step towards focused study in the development of α-cyclodextrin/polymer hydrogel family which will allow cleaning of paper artifacts with peculiar characteristics.
Translational medicine as a new clinical tool and application which improves metabolic diseases: perspectives from 2012 Sino‐American symposium on clinical and translational medicine
Authors: Shi Lin , López Villar Elena , Chen Chengshui
Published: February 2014

Because of the economic growth and changes in lifestyle, metabolic diseases have become a major public health problem, which impose heavy economic burdens on individuals, families and health systems. However, its precise mediators and mechanisms remain to be fully understood. Clinical translational medicine (CTM) is an emerging area comprising multidisciplinary research from basic science to medical applications and as a new tool to improve human health by reducing disease incidence, morbidity and mortality. It can bridge knowledge of metabolic diseases processes, gained by in vitro and experimental animal models, with the disease pathways found in humans, further to identify their susceptibility genes and enable patients to achieve personalized medicament treatment. Thus, we have the reasons to believe that CTM will play even more roles in the development of new diagnostics, therapies, healthcare, and policies and the Sino‐American Symposium on Clinical and Translational Medicine (SAS‐CTM) will become a more and more important platform for exchanging ideas on clinical and translational research and entails a close collaboration among hospital, academia and industry.
Volume and outcome relation in German liver transplant centers: what lessons can be learned?
Authors: Nijboer Annemarie , Ulrich Frank , Bechstein Wolf O , Schnitzbauer Andreas A
Published: February 2014

Background

The volume and outcome relationship for transplant procedures has become one of the major topics during discussions about consequences following the organ transplantation scandal of wait-list manipulations in Germany during the past year. Proponents of reducing the number of centers argue in favor of increasing quality at highly specialized transplant centers while disregarding the wish of patients for regionally available medical service.

Methods

The homepage of the German Organ Procurement Organization (DSO) was screened for the annual reports of transplant programs for the years 2007 to 2010. Results were extracted from these reports. Additionally, an analysis of volume per million people per number of transplant centers for each German federal state was made to give an overview of the density of transplant programs for the years 2009 to 2011.

Results

In-house mortality (R2 = 0.005, P = 0.518), 3-year survival (R2 = 0.068, P = 0.085), and a ROC analysis for in-house mortality (AUC 0.55, CI: 0.41; 0.68, P = 0.53), did not show volume-outcome relation. Definition of a threshold for good centers was impossible. One-year survival indicated better outcome in high volume centers. R2 = 0.106, P = 0.009. Outcome data in Germany, as provided by Institute für angewandte Qualitätsförderung und Forschung im Gesundheitswesen (AQUA) or the DSO, are not risk adapted for the investigated time period. The factor of transplants per year per million people per transplant centers is 0.6 for Germany. Some Federal States (for example, Bavaria and Northrhine Westfalia) have an oversupply of transplant centers, which means that the average number transplanted per center and year is very low.

Discussion and conclusion

We propose a risk-adapted prospective analysis of outcome and definition of a quality catalogue for liver transplant centers. Volume and outcome relation is not conclusive for liver transplantation in Germany. Data should be collected, for example, for a time period of 3 to 5 years, and decisions influencing the regulation of numbers of transplant centers should be based upon the findings, weighing federal state sovereignty and regional medical requirements against an optimal patient supply while respecting a plausible risk adaption for each center.