bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Gene Expression Signatures for Osteogenic 3D Perfusion-Bioreactor Cell Cultures Based on a Multifactorial DoE Approach
Authors: Papantoniou Ioannis , Sonnaert Maarten , Lambrechts Toon , Aerts Jean-Marie , Geris Lies , Luyten Frank , Schrooten Jan
Published: August 2014

The use of multifactorial design of experiments (DoE) in tissue engineering bioprocess development will contribute to the robust manufacturing of tissue engineered constructs by linking their quality characteristics to bioprocess operating parameters. In this work, perfusion bioreactors were used for the in vitro culture and osteogenic differentiation of human periosteum-derived cells (hPDCs) seeded on three-dimensional titanium (Ti) alloy scaffolds. A CaP-supplemented medium was used to induce differentiation of the cultured hPDCs. A two-level, three-factor fractional factorial design was employed to evaluate a range of bioreactor operating conditions by changing the levels of the following parameters: flow rate (0.5–2 mL/min), cell culture duration (7–21 days) and cell seeding density (1.5 × 103–3 × 103 cells/cm2). This approach allowed for evaluating the individual impact of the aforementioned process parameters upon a range of genes that are related to the osteogenic lineage, such as collagen type I, alkaline phosphatase, osterix, osteopontin and osteocalcin. Furthermore, by overlaying gene-specific response surfaces, an integrated operating process space was highlighted within which predetermined values of the six genes of interest (i.e., gene signature) could be minimally met over the course of the bioreactor culture time.
Colorimetric Detection of Ehrlichia Canis via Nucleic Acid Hybridization in Gold Nano-Colloids
Authors: Muangchuen Ajima , Chaumpluk Piyasak , Suriyasomboon Annop , Ekgasit Sanong
Published: August 2014

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a major thick-bone disease of dog caused by Ehrlichia canis. Detection of this causal agent outside the laboratory using conventional methods is not effective enough. Thus an assay for E. canis detection based on the p30 outer membrane protein gene was developed. It was based on the p30 gene amplification using loop-mediated isothermal DNA amplification (LAMP). The primer set specific to six areas within the target gene were designed and tested for their sensitivity and specificity. Detection of DNA signals was based on modulation of gold nanoparticles’ surface properties and performing DNA/DNA hybridization using an oligonucleotide probe. Presence of target DNA affected the gold colloid nanoparticles in terms of particle aggregation with a plasmonic color change of the gold colloids from ruby red to purple, visible by the naked eye. All the assay steps were completed within 90 min including DNA extraction without relying on standard laboratory facilities. This method was very specific to target bacteria. Its sensitivity with probe hybridization was sufficient to detect 50 copies of target DNA. This method should provide an alternative choice for point of care control and management of the disease.
Resource Optimization Scheme for Multimedia-Enabled Wireless Mesh Networks
Authors: Ali Amjad , Ahmed Muhammad , Piran Md. , Suh Doug
Published: August 2014

Wireless mesh networking is a promising technology that can support numerous multimedia applications. Multimedia applications have stringent quality of service (QoS) requirements, i.e., bandwidth, delay, jitter, and packet loss ratio. Enabling such QoS-demanding applications over wireless mesh networks (WMNs) require QoS provisioning routing protocols that lead to the network resource underutilization problem. Moreover, random topology deployment leads to have some unused network resources. Therefore, resource optimization is one of the most critical design issues in multi-hop, multi-radio WMNs enabled with multimedia applications. Resource optimization has been studied extensively in the literature for wireless Ad Hoc and sensor networks, but existing studies have not considered resource underutilization issues caused by QoS provisioning routing and random topology deployment. Finding a QoS-provisioned path in wireless mesh networks is an NP complete problem. In this paper, we propose a novel Integer Linear Programming (ILP) optimization model to reconstruct the optimal connected mesh backbone topology with a minimum number of links and relay nodes which satisfies the given end-to-end QoS demands for multimedia traffic and identification of extra resources, while maintaining redundancy. We further propose a polynomial time heuristic algorithm called Link and Node Removal Considering Residual Capacity and Traffic Demands (LNR-RCTD). Simulation studies prove that our heuristic algorithm provides near-optimal results and saves about 20% of resources from being wasted by QoS provisioning routing and random topology deployment.
On the Design of Social Media for Learning
Authors: Dron Jon , Anderson Terry
Published: August 2014

This paper presents two conceptual models that we have developed for understanding ways that social media can support learning. One model relates to the “social” aspect of social media, describing the different ways that people can learn with and from each other, in one or more of three social forms: groups, networks and sets. The other model relates to the ‘media’ side of social media, describing how technologies are constructed and the roles that people play in creating and enacting them, treating them in terms of softness and hardness. The two models are complementary: neither provides a complete picture but, in combination, they help to explain how and why different uses of social media may succeed or fail and, as importantly, are intended to help us design learning activities that make most effective use of the technologies. We offer some suggestions as to how media used to support different social forms can be softened and hardened for different kinds of learning applications.
Potential for Producing Biogas from Agricultural Waste in Rural Plants in Poland
Authors: Muradin Magdalena , Foltynowicz Zenon
Published: August 2014

This article is an overview of the current situation as well as future prospects for biogas production in rural plants in Poland. Our research has focused on the management of agricultural waste. While Poland’s agriculture and its local food industry have substantial potential, many barriers persist to the development not only of biogas plants but also in every other renewable source of energy. The main obstacles have to do with politically motivated economic factors. Our interest has been in larger plants having sufficient capacities to produce in excess of 500 kW of electricity. The paper also presents a case study of a biogas plant supply by organic, agrifood waste mixed with silage.
Is Increased Susceptibility to Balkan Endemic Nephropathy in Carriers of Common GSTA1 (*A/*B) Polymorphism Linked with the Catalytic Role of GSTA1 in Ochratoxin A Biotransformation? Serbian Case Control Study and In Silico Analysis
Authors: Reljic Zorica , Zlatovic Mario , Savic-Radojevic Ana , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Djukanovic Ljubica , Matic Marija , Pljesa-Ercegovac Marija , Mimic-Oka Jasmina , Opsenica Dejan , Simic Tatjana
Published: August 2014

Although recent data suggest aristolochic acid as a putative cause of Balkan endemic nephropathy (BEN), evidence also exists in favor of ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure as risk factor for the disease. The potential role of xenobiotic metabolizing enzymes, such as the glutathione transferases (GSTs), in OTA biotransformation is based on OTA glutathione adducts (OTHQ-SG and OTB-SG) in blood and urine of BEN patients. We aimed to analyze the association between common GSTA1, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1 polymorphisms and BEN susceptibility, and thereafter performed an in silico simulation of particular GST enzymes potentially involved in OTA transformations. GSTA1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genotypes were determined in 207 BEN patients and 138 non-BEN healthy individuals from endemic regions by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Molecular modeling in silico was performed for GSTA1 protein. Among the GST polymorphisms tested, only GSTA1 was significantly associated with a higher risk of BEN. Namely, carriers of the GSTA1*B gene variant, associated with lower transcriptional activation, were at a 1.6-fold higher BEN risk than those carrying the homozygous GSTA1*A/*A genotype (OR = 1.6; p = 0.037). In in silico modeling, we found four structures, two OTB-SG and two OTHQ-SG, bound in a GSTA1 monomer. We found that GSTA1 polymorphism was associated with increased risk of BEN, and suggested, according to the in silico simulation, that GSTA1-1 might be involved in catalyzing the formation of OTHQ-SG and OTB-SG conjugates.
Open badges for education: what are the implications at the intersection of open systems and badging?
Authors: Ahn June , Pellicone Anthony , Butler Brian S.
Published: August 2014

Badges have garnered great interest among scholars of digital media and learning. In addition, widespread initiatives such as Mozilla’s Open Badge Framework expand the potential of badging into the realm of open education. In this paper, we explicate the concept of open badges. We highlight some of the ways that researchers have examined badges as part of educational practice and also highlight the different definitions of open-ness that are employed in popular and scholarly thought. By considering badges from three different perspectives (motivation, pedagogy, and credential) and the concept of openness from three different perspectives (production, access and appropriation) we develop a framework to consider the tensions where these competing conceptions meet. This explication illuminates how the ideas of open and badges intersect, and clarifies situations where these concepts come into direct conflict or mutually enhance each other. Our analysis pinpoints and elucidates particular areas where research is needed to better understand the complex phenomenon of open badges, and also offers design considerations for developers, educators, and organizations that are actively involved in open badges.Keywords: open education; gamification; learning; credentials; badges; education reform(Published: 8 August 2014)Citation: Research in Learning Technology 2014, 22: 23563 -http://dx.doi.org/10.3402/rlt.v22.23563
Cost-Effectiveness of Boceprevir Co-Administration versus Pegylated Interferon-α2b and Ribavirin Only for Patients with Hepatitis C Genotype 1 in Singapore
Authors: Dan Yock Young , Ferrante Shannon A , Elbasha Elamin H , Hsu Tun-Ying
Published: August 2014

Background

Patients infected with chronic HCV genotype 1 experience liver complications as the disease progresses. This study aims to project the long-term reduction of liver complications and cost-effectiveness of treatment strategies, including co-administrating boceprevir (BOC) with pegylated interferon-α2b (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin compared with standard of care (SOC) of PEG-IFN and ribavirin only.

Methods

A Markov model was created to estimate the expected costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) associated with treatment strategies outlined in the BOC package insert in Singapore. Patient characteristics were from pivotal trials, the transition probabilities and QALYs were estimated from publications, and the pharmaceutical and health status costs were obtained from a public hospital in Singapore. The threshold of cost-effectiveness was chosen as 65,000 SGD for this study.

Results

For treatment-naive patients, BOC is highly cost-effective compared with SOC (179 SGD/QALY) and cost-saving for patients who have failed prior treatment, due to higher QALYs from better sustained virological response (SVR) and lower costs from avoidance of complications. Sub-group analyses show that BOC is cost-effective for non-cirrhotic treatment-experienced patients and null responders. It out-performs SOC for treatment-naive non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients who have failed prior treatment. Even after adjusting for higher prevalence of favourable IL28B genotype in Asians, BOC is cost-effective compared with SOC. Only untreated cirrhotic patients showed inconclusive cost-effectiveness for BOC.

Conclusions

Compared with SOC, BOC prevents more HCV liver complications from HCV genotype 1, particularly in patients who have failed previous SOC. Improved SVR and shortened duration of treatment result in BOC being potentially cost-saving or cost-effective in an Asian population.
Safety, Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of the Oral Toll-Like Receptor 7 Agonist GS-9620 in Treatment-Naive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C
Authors: Lawitz Eric , Gruener Daniel , Marbury Thomas , Hill John , Webster Lynn , Hassman David , Nguyen Anh-Hoa , Pflanz Stefan , Mogalian Erik , Gaggar Anuj , Massetto Benedetta , Subramanian G Mani , McHutchison John G , Jacobson Ira M , Freilich Bradley , Rodriguez-Torres Maribel
Published: August 2014

Background

GS-9620 is a potent oral agonist of toll-like receptor 7, a key modulator of the innate immune response. In healthy volunteers, low doses of GS-9620 (2, 4 and 6 mg) induced significant expression of peripheral interferon-stimulated-gene (ISG) mRNA in the absence of detectable serum interferon-α and systemic adverse events (AEs). We evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GS-9620 in treatment-naive patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1.

Methods

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 51 patients were randomized 5:1 (active:placebo) to receive either a single dose or two once-weekly doses of GS-9620 at four dose levels (0.3, 1, 2 and 4 mg) or placebo. Pharmacodynamic assessments included peripheral ISG15 mRNA expression, serum interferon-α and interferon-γ-inducible protein (IP)-10 levels and HCV RNA quantification.

Results

GS-9620 was well-tolerated at all doses. Most AEs were mild or moderate in severity. GS-9620 exhibited dose-linear pharmacokinetics with a median half-life in plasma of 18 h. Transient, dose-dependent ISG15 induction was observed at 1, 2 and 4 mg, with peak mean fold change within 48 h followed by a decline to baseline levels within 7 days of dosing. Serum interferon-α induction post-baseline was detected in 16.7% (8/48) of patients. No clinically significant reductions in HCV RNA were observed.

Conclusions

GS-9620 was safe, well-tolerated and biologically active in patients with HCV infection. Induction of ISG15 occurred in the absence of detectable serum interferon-α or systemic AEs in most patients, supporting a pre-systemic mechanism of action. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01591668.
Liver Transplantation in Older Adults
Authors: Hansen Lissi
Published: August 2014

Liver transplantation is the only definitive treatment therapy for end-stage liver disease. In the United States, approximately 15% of annual liver transplant recipients are 65 or older. The most common postoperative complications are infection, acute graft rejection, and acute renal failure. To prevent complications, recipients are treated with immunosuppressive medications and anti-infective agents. The long-term complications of liver transplantation are a consequence of long-term use of immunosuppressive medications and recurrence of the original disease in the liver. Nurses play a critical role in supporting and educating recipients and their primary support persons about post-transplant follow-up care, including laboratory test schedules, medication management, and infection prevention. Strict compliance with follow-up care provides the greatest possibility of avoiding complications or organ rejection. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 40(9), 8–13.]

Dr. Hansen is Associate Professor, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.

The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Address correspondence to Lissi Hansen, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Oregon Health & Science University, SN-ORD, 3455 S.W. U.S. Veterans Hospital Road, Portland, OR 97239-2941; e-mail:
hansenli@ohsu.edu.
Data Privacy vs. Data Security
Authors: Milton Sue
Published: August 2014

This chapter assumes data is a key asset that, if lost or damaged, severely disrupts business capability and reputation. The chapter has one core purpose, to provide leaders with sufficient understanding of two data management fundamentals, data privacy and data security. Without that understanding, Information Technology (IT) security will always be seen as a cost on, not an investment towards, quality and performance. The chapter reviews the relationship between data privacy and data security. It argues that data security cannot be achieved until data privacy issues have been addressed. Simply put, data privacy is fundamental to any data usage policy and data security to the data access policy. The topic is then discussed in broader terms, in the context of data and information management, covering various themes such as cyber-crime, governance, and innovations in identity management. The chapter's intended outcome is to clarify the relationship between data privacy and security and how this understanding helps reduce data abuse. The link between privacy and security will also demystify the reason for high costs in implementing and maintaining security policies and explain why leaders need to provide stronger IT strategic leadership to ensure IT investment is defined and implemented wisely.
Epilogue
Authors: Smith Peter A. C. , Cockburn Tom
Published: August 2014

In this chapter, the editors present a brief summary commentary and reflective overview of the emergent themes, issues, and problematic areas the chapter authors have drawn to readers' attention in this book, and the editors tentatively indicate some potential or possible future directions for research and development of global business. They recognize that there are rapidly changing social mores and culture is a fluid but deep river running through diverse channels in the Lifeworlds and Workworlds of leaders today. They point to the perceived gap in leadership in reference to the uptake and understanding of these digital technologies and suggest that the implications include new ways of thinking as well as new competences for changing ways of working in the networked world of business. Crucially, the editors also reiterate that these are deeply human endeavors, and as such, the complexity of the technology does not negate or overwhelm the interactive dynamic complexity of human relations between leaders and others who inhabit and who view these conjoined worlds through many cultural windows.
Use Cases and Application Purposes of Social Media in Healthcare
Authors: Denecke Kerstin
Published: August 2014

This chapter presents the current state and outlines future directions in the possibilities of applying and exploiting social media in supporting healthcare processes. Starting from the abstracts of the Medicine 2.0 conference in 2012, the authors identify categories of application purposes for social media-based healthcare applications. The applications of social media tools and data are categorized into five groups: 1) supporting the treatment process, 2) for information gathering and prevention, 3) for networking and information exchange, 4) for knowledge management, and 5) for research and monitoring. Use of social media for information gathering and disease prevention is most prevalent. Existing applications mainly concentrate on supporting treatment of chronic and mental diseases. Technology is ready for supporting such applications. To go further in that direction, organizational and legal issues need to be addressed, including developing concepts for integrating with clinical information settings, establishing financing models, and ensuring security and trust.
The Past, the Present, and the Future
Authors: Cummings Elizabeth , Ellis Leonie , Turner Paul
Published: August 2014

This chapter examines how the rapid diffusion of social media and Mobile Web is impacting personal healthcare management amongst those living with chronic disease. Despite a recent increase in research in this area (Moorhead, et al., 2013), evaluating the “social” still poses challenges to conventional notions of the “Internet empowered” patient and the best ways to support the management of chronic disease (Østbye, et al., 2005). The chapter argues that there is a need for advancing conceptual thinking on how health and IT are now interacting at the level of individual patients/citizens and how this is continuing to transform health professional-patient interactions (Glasgow, et al., 2008). By drawing on examples of e-health research, the chapter illustrates how notions of the “social” and “technology” have evolved over time from medically centred e-health through to patient-centred e-health. The chapter considers how this evolution may lead to a future focus on community-centred personal healthcare of chronic disease supported by “social” e-health tools, applications, and services that continue to blur the more conventional boundaries between health professionals, patients, and their social networks.
Synopsis for Health Apps
Authors: Albrecht Urs-Vito , Pramann Oliver , von Jan Ute
Published: August 2014

Unfortunately, many users are unaware of the risks and limits that arise from the use of health-related and medical apps in a medical context. Often, problems arise from insufficient, misleading, or false information, but they also arise from errors within the app or inappropriate hardware that is used for running the app. Provided information is often inadequate to enable users to assess whether a medical or health app is reliable and safe. Laws and regulations that are meant to provide consumer safety (for patients and medical professionals alike) only apply to a limited number of apps with a specific medical purpose. For non-regulated apps used in a health context, there are various projects and initiatives, for example relating to app certification, but not all of these provide the information they collect about an app in a comprehensible and verifiable manner. The app synopsis presented in this chapter aims at alleviating the situation. The authors propose that manufacturers and developers use its clear structure for providing users with information about an app, ideally in a place where they commonly look (e.g. the app stores).
Social Media for Health Communication
Authors: Cioni Elisabetta , Lovari Alessandro
Published: August 2014

The aim of this chapter is to highlight the current issues and the challenging process of the adoption of social media by Italian local health authorities (ASL). After a literature review of the role of social media for health organizations, the authors focus their attention on how social network sites are modifying health communication and relations with citizens in Italy. They conduct an exploratory study articulated in three stages: after mapping the presence of local health authorities on the most popular social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube), they carry out a content analysis to describe the prevalent kinds of messages published in the official Facebook timelines; in the third phase, using several interviews with healthcare directors and communications managers, the authors investigate implementation issues, managerial implications, and constraints that influence proper use of these participative platforms by Italian public health organizations. Limitations and further steps of the research are discussed.
Social Media in Promoting HIV/AIDS Prevention Behaviour among Young People in Botswana
Authors: Batane Tshepo
Published: August 2014

This chapter explores the effects of social media in influencing the behavior of young people in relation to HIV/AIDS. The platform used for the project is an online discussion forum. The study is a One Group Pretest and Posttest inquiry. Formative evaluation is performed at the beginning of the study to establish participants behaviour, the intervention is introduced, then a summative evaluation is done to find out whether the intervention had any effect on the behaviour of the participants. The findings of the study indicate that there is a significant change in the behaviour of participants in relation to HIV/AIDS due to the use of the online forum. The study recommends that more efforts need to be directed to the use of various technologies that young people have at their disposal in the fight against HIV/AIDS as this can be very economical and effective.
A Generalized Graph Strict Strong Coloring Algorithm
Authors: Bensouyad Meriem , Bouzenada Mourad , Guidoum Nousseiba , Saïdouni Djamel-Eddine
Published: August 2014

This chapter examines the graph coloring problem. A graph strict strong coloring algorithm has been proposed for trees in Haddad and Kheddouci (2009). In this chapter, the authors recall the heuristic-based algorithm for general graphs named GGSSCA (for Generalized Graph Strict Strong Coloring Algorithm) proposed in Bouzenada, Bensouyad, Guidoum, Reghioua, and Saidouni (2012). The complexity of this algorithm is polynomial with considering the number of vertices. Later, in Guidoum, Bensouyad, and Saidouni (2013), GGSSCA was applied to solve the graph distribution problem.
Precordial Vibrations
Authors: Paukkunen Mikko , Linnavuo Matti
Published: August 2014

In the era of medicine, the heart and cardiovascular system has become one of the standard observation targets. Palpation and auscultation in the precordial area is performed as part of the regular physical examination to detect possible cardiovascular and pulmonary problems. However, due to the large number of people suffering from cardiovascular problems, labor-intensive methods such as auscultation might be inefficient in preventive cardiovascular condition screening. Seismocardiography (SCG) could have the potential to be a part of the solution to this problem. SCG is one of many modalities of cardiac-induced vibration measurements, and it has been shown to be of use in detecting coronary artery disease and assessing myocardial contractility. Lately, due to advances in sensor technologies, the SCG measurement is being developed by introducing three-dimensional measurements. Three-dimensional approach is considered to yield more information about the cardiovascular system than any single uniaxial approach. In conclusion, SCG seems to have the potential to offer a complementary view to cardiovascular function and a cost-effective method for screening of cardiovascular diseases. SCG is explored in this chapter.
Caregivers' Knowledge, Concerns and Management of Pediatric Febrile Convulsions.
Authors: Kwak Ae Ree , Kim Jin Sun
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate caregivers' knowledge, concerns, and management of children with febrile convulsions (FC).METHODS: A descriptive correlation study was conducted with 133 caregivers whose children had been diagnosed with a FC.A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way analysis of variance and Pearson's correlation were used for data analysis.RESULTS: The mean percent of correct answers related to knowledge was 48.5%. Many caregivers believed that FC causes brain damage and did not know that risk of subsequent epilepsy in FC is rare. Levels of concern about FC were high. Caregivers were highly concerned about further FC attacks in the night and tended to worry that Febrile children were apt to get a fever. Many caregivers used management practices which are not recommended for FC in children. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between caregivers' knowledge and concerns about FC. There was also a positive correlation between caregivers' knowledge and management of FC.CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that improvements are needed in caregivers' knowledge and management of FC. Caregivers' concerns related to misconception need to be addressed.Development and evaluation of educational interventions on changing caregivers' management of FC are recommended.
Factors Associated with Sexual Debut among Korean Middle School Students.
Authors: Yu Jung Ok , Kim Hyun Hee , Kim Jung Soon
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with sexual debut among Korean middle school students.METHODS: From the database of the Eighth Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBS), the researchers selected 37,297 middle school students aged 12-15 years. Data were analyzed using chi2 test and multiple logistic regression with the SPSS WIN 18.0 program.RESULTS: The proportion of middle school students who had a sexual debut was 2.1% of boys and 1.5% of girls. In multiple regression analysis, economic status, experience of part time work, smoking, drug use and depression were associated with an increased proportion of sexual intercourse for both boys and girls. Living with parents, drinking alcohol and suicidal ideation were associated with sexual debut for boys only. By contrast, formal sexual education was associated with a reduced risk of sexual debut.CONCLUSION: The results of this study show the factors associated with sexual debut among Korean middle school students. Gender-related interventions should be taken into consideration in school sexual education programmes, because of differences in related factors according to gender.
Effect of Self-care Education at a Diabetes Camp on Diabetes Management Behaviors, Knowledge and Self-efficacy in Children with Type 1 Diabetes.
Authors: Kang Narae , Ahn Young Mee , Lee Ji Eun , Sohn Min
Published: August 2014

PURPOSE: Study purposes were to exam effects of self-care education for children with type 1 diabetes on their diabetes management behaviors and to explore the relationship among diabetes management behaviors, knowledge, self-efficacy and clinical variables.METHODS: This study was a one group quasi-experimental study. Study participants were children with type 1 diabetes and attended a four hour self-care education of a diabetes camp. Data were collected using structured questionnaires including Diabetes Management Behavior Scale (DMBS), Michigan Diabetes Research and Training Center's Brief Diabetes Knowledge Test and Self-Efficacy for Diabetes Self-Management.RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 12 (+/-2.3) years. After the education, their DMBS and knowledge improved, but the improvement was not statistically significant (t=1.758, p=.101; t=0.528, p=.606). Two areas of DMBS, daily prevention behaviors and modification of care plan, were associated with study variables. Daily prevention behaviors were associated with duration of diabetes (r=.653, p=.008), HbA1c (r=.563, p=.038) and having a complication (r=-2.788, p=.015). Modification of care plan was associated with age at diagnosis (r=-.552, p=.033).CONCLUSION: Children with type 1 diabetes could improve some parts of their diabetes management behaviors even after a short diabetes camp.
Assessment of the repellent effect of citronella and lemon eucalyptus oil against South African Culicoides species
Authors: Venter Gert J. , Labuschagne Karien , Boikanyo Solomon N.B. , Morey Liesl
Published: August 2014

The use of insect repellents to reduce the attack rate of Culicoides species (Diptera:Ceratopogonidae) should form part of an integrated control programme to combat Africanhorse sickness and other diseases transmitted by these blood-feeding midges. In the presentstudy the repellent effects of a commercially available mosquito repellent, a combinationof citronella and lemon eucalyptus oils, on Culicoides midges was determined. The numberof midges collected with two 220 V Onderstepoort traps fitted with 8 W 23 cm white lighttubes and baited with peel-stick patches, each containing 40 mg of active ingredient, wascompared with that of two unbaited traps. Two trials were conducted and in each trial thefour traps were rotated in two replicates of a 4 x 4 randomised Latin square design. Althoughmore midges were collected in the baited traps, the mean number in the baited and unbaitedtraps was not significantly different. This mosquito repellent did not influence either thespecies composition or the physiological groups of Culicoides imicola Kieffer. The highermean numbers in the baited traps, although not statistically significant, may indicate that thismosquito repellent might even attract Culicoides midges under certain conditions.
Condemning or liberating the twelve tribes of Israel?: Judging the meaning of κρίνοντες in Q 22:28, 30
Authors: Howes Llewellyn
Published: August 2014

At the turn of the second millennium AD, Tuckett dubbed Q 22:28�30 an �exegetical stepchild�,given that it has traditionally and commonly received very little attention in Q research. Thisarticle addresses this shortcoming. Specific attention is devoted to the refutation of Horsley�sinfluential claim that, in Q 22:28�30, the verb κρίνοντες actually means �liberate� and not�judge�. The discoveries made along the way have significant implications not only for ourunderstanding of this specific Q text, but also for our understanding of the Sayings GospelQ and its people in general. The latter pertains especially to their particular view of the finaljudgement, as well as their relationship to greater Israel.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article refutes the popularclaim that κρίνοντες in Q 22:28�30 actually means �liberate� and not �judge�. The latter hasimplications not only for the interpretation of Q 22:28�30, but also for our understanding ofthe Sayings Gospel Q, its people, the historical Jesus, and the ancient concept of �judgement�.
Influence of cloud processing on CCN activation behaviour in the Thuringian Forest, Germany during HCCT-2010
Authors: Henning S. , Dieckmann K. , Ignatius K. , Schäfer M. , Zedler P. , Harris E. , Sinha B. , van Pinxteren D. , Mertes S. , Birmili W. , Merkel M. , Wu Z. , Wiedensohler A. , Wex H. , Herrmann H. , Stratmann F.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Within the framework of the "Hill Cap Cloud Thuringia 2010" (HCCT-2010) international cloud experiment, the influence of cloud processing on the activation properties of ambient aerosol particles was investigated. Particles were probed upwind and downwind of an orographic cap cloud on Mt Schmücke, which is part of a large mountain ridge in Thuringia, Germany. The activation properties of the particles were investigated by means of size-segregated cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) measurements at 3 to 4 different supersaturations. The observed CCN spectra together with the total particle spectra were used to calculate the hygroscopicity parameter κ for the upwind and downwind stations. The upwind and downwind critical diameters and κ values were then compared for defined cloud events (FCE) and non-cloud events (NCE). Cloud processing was found to increase the hygroscopicity of the aerosol particles significantly, with an average increase in κ of 50%. Mass spectrometry analysis and isotopic analysis of the particles suggest that the observed increase in the hygroscopicity of the cloud-processed particles is due to an enrichment of sulfate and possibly also nitrate in the particle phase.
Acidic reaction products of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in atmospheric fine particles in a boreal forest
Authors: Vestenius M. , Hellén H. , Levula J. , Kuronen P. , Helminen K.J. , Nieminen T. , Kulmala M. , Hakola H.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Biogenic acids were measured in aerosols at the SMEAR II (Station for Measuring Forest Ecosystem-Atmosphere Relations II) station in Finland from June 2010 until October 2011. The analysed organic acids were pinic, pinonic, caric, limonic and caryophyllinic acids from oxidation of α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, Δ3-carene and β-caryophyllene, respectively. Due to a lack of authentic standards, the caric, limonic and caryophyllinic acids were synthesised for this study. The mean, median, maximum and minimum concentrations (ng m−3) were as follows: limonic acid (1.26, 0.80, 16.5, below detection limit (< LOD)), pinic acid (5.53, 3.25, 31.4, 0.15), pinonic acid (9.87, 5.07, 80.1, < LOD), caric acid (5.52, 3.58, 49.8, < LOD), and caryophyllinic acid (7.87, 6.07, 86.1, < LOD). The highest terpenoic acid concentrations were measured during the summer. Of the acids, β-caryophyllinic acid showed the highest concentrations in summer, but during other times of the year pinonic acid was the most abundant. The β-caryophyllinic acid contribution was higher than expected, based on the emission calculations of the precursor compounds and yields from oxidation experiments in smog chambers, implying that the β-caryophyllene emissions or β-caryophyllinic acid yields were underestimated. The concentration ratios between terpenoic acids and their precursors were clearly lower in summer than in winter, indicating stronger partitioning to the aerosol phase during the cold winter season. The β-caryophyllinic and caric acids were weakly correlated with the accumulation-mode particle number concentrations.
Ultraviolet and visible complex refractive indices of secondary organic material produced by photooxidation of the aromatic compounds toluene and m-Xylene
Authors: Liu P. F. , Abdelmalki N. , Hung H.-M. , Wang Y. , Brune W. H. , Martin S. T.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Secondary organic material (SOM) produced by the oxidation of anthropogenic volatile organic compounds is light-absorbing (i.e., brown carbon). Spectral data of the optical properties, however, are scarce. The present study obtained the continuous spectra of the real and imaginary refractive indices (m = n − i k) in the ultraviolet (UV)-visible region using spectroscopic ellipsometry for n and UV-visible spectrometry for k. Several different types of SOM were produced in an oxidation flow reactor by photooxidation of toluene and m-xylene for variable concentrations of nitrogen oxides (NOx). The results show that the k values of the anthropogenically derived material were at least ten times greater than those of biogenically derived material. The presence of NOx produced organonitrogen compounds, such as nitro-aromatics and organonitrates, which enhanced light absorption. Compared with the SOM derived from m-xylene, the toluene-derived SOM had larger k values, as well as greater NOx induced enhancement, suggesting different brown-carbon-forming potentials of different aromatic precursor compounds. The results imply that anthropogenic SOM produced around urban environments can have an important influence in affecting ultraviolet irradiance, which might consequently influence photochemical cycles of urban pollution.
EARLINET: towards an advanced sustainable European aerosol lidar network
Authors: Pappalardo G. , Amodeo A. , Apituley A. , Comeron A. , Freudenthaler V. , Linné H. , Ansmann A. , Bösenberg J. , D'Amico G. , Mattis I. , Mona L. , Wandinger U. , Amiridis V. , Alados-Arboledas L. , Nicolae D. , Wiegner M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The European Aerosol Research Lidar Network, EARLINET, was founded in 2000 as a research project for establishing a quantitative, comprehensive, and statistically significant database for the horizontal, vertical, and temporal distribution of aerosols on a continental scale. Since then EARLINET has continued to provide the most extensive collection of ground-based data for the aerosol vertical distribution over Europe. This paper gives an overview of the network's main developments since 2000 and introduces the dedicated EARLINET special issue, which reports on the present innovative and comprehensive technical solutions and scientific results related to the use of advanced lidar remote sensing techniques for the study of aerosol properties as developed within the network in the last 13 years. Since 2000, EARLINET has developed greatly in terms of number of stations and spatial distribution: from 17 stations in 10 countries in 2000 to 27 stations in 16 countries in 2013. EARLINET has developed greatly also in terms of technological advances with the spread of advanced multiwavelength Raman lidar stations in Europe. The developments for the quality assurance strategy, the optimization of instruments and data processing, and the dissemination of data have contributed to a significant improvement of the network towards a more sustainable observing system, with an increase in the observing capability and a reduction of operational costs. Consequently, EARLINET data have already been extensively used for many climatological studies, long-range transport events, Saharan dust outbreaks, plumes from volcanic eruptions, and for model evaluation and satellite data validation and integration. Future plans are aimed at continuous measurements and near-real-time data delivery in close cooperation with other ground-based networks, such as in the ACTRIS (Aerosols, Clouds, and Trace gases Research InfraStructure Network) www.actris.net, and with the modeling and satellite community, linking the research community with the operational world, with the aim of establishing of the atmospheric part of the European component of the integrated global observing system.
Calibrated high-precision 17O-excess measurements using cavity ring-down spectroscopy with laser-current-tuned cavity resonance
Authors: Steig E. J. , Gkinis V. , Schauer A. J. , Schoenemann S. W. , Samek K. , Hoffnagle J. , Dennis K. J. , Tan S. M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. High-precision analysis of the 17O / 16O isotope ratio in water and water vapor is of interest in hydrological, paleoclimate, and atmospheric science applications. Of specific interest is the parameter 17O excess (Δ17O), a measure of the deviation from a~linear relationship between 17O / 16O and 18O / 16O ratios. Conventional analyses of Δ17O of water are obtained by fluorination of H2O to O2 that is analyzed by dual-inlet isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). We describe a new laser spectroscopy instrument for high-precision Δ17O measurements. The new instrument uses cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) with laser-current-tuned cavity resonance to achieve reduced measurement drift compared with previous-generation instruments. Liquid water and water-vapor samples can be analyzed with a better than 8 per meg precision for Δ17O using integration times of less than 30 min. Calibration with respect to accepted water standards demonstrates that both the precision and the accuracy of Δ17O are competitive with conventional IRMS methods. The new instrument also achieves simultaneous analysis of δ18O, Δ17O and δD with precision of < 0.03‰, < 0.02 and < 0.2‰, respectively, based on repeated calibrated measurements.
Generation of a Bending Angle Radio Occultation Climatology (BAROCLIM) and its use in radio occultation retrievals
Authors: Scherllin-Pirscher B. , Syndergaard S. , Foelsche U. , Lauritsen K. B.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. In this paper, we introduce a bending angle radio occultation climatology (BAROCLIM) based on Formosat-3/COSMIC (F3C) data. This climatology represents the monthly-mean atmospheric state from 2006 to 2012. Bending angles from radio occultation (RO) measurements are obtained from the accumulation of the change in the raypath direction of Global Positioning System (GPS) signals. Best quality of these near-vertical profiles is found from the middle troposphere up to the mesosphere. Beside RO bending angles we also use data from the Mass Spectrometer and Incoherent Scatter Radar (MSIS) model to expand BAROCLIM in a spectral model, which (theoretically) reaches from the surface up to infinity. Due to the very high quality of BAROCLIM up to the mesosphere, it can be used to detect deficiencies in current state-of-the-art analysis and reanalysis products from numerical weather prediction (NWP) centers. For bending angles derived from European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) analysis fields from 2006 to 2012, e.g., we find a positive bias of 0.5% to % at 40 km, which increases to more than 2% at 50 km. BAROCLIM can also be used as a priori information in RO profile retrievals. In contrast to other a priori information (i.e., MSIS) we find that the use of BAROCLIM better preserves the mean of raw RO measurements. Global statistics of statistically optimized bending angle and refractivity profiles also confirm that BAROCLIM outperforms MSIS. These results clearly demonstrate the utility of BAROCLIM.
A stabilized finite element method for calculating balance velocities in ice sheets
Authors: Brinkerhoff D. , Johnson J.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. We present a numerical method for calculating vertically averaged velocity fields using a mass conservation approach, commonly known as balance velocities. This allows for an unstructured grid, is not dependent of a heuristic flow routing algorithm, and is both parallelizable and efficient. We apply the method to calculating depth-averaged velocities of the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Implementation and comparison of a suite of heat stress metrics within the Community Land Model version 4.5
Authors: Buzan J. R. , Oleson K. , Huber M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. We implement and analyze 13 different metrics (4 moist thermodynamic quantities and 9 heat stress metrics) in the Community Land Model (CLM4.5), the land surface component of the Community Earth System Model (CESM). We call these routines the HumanIndexMod. These heat stress metrics embody three philosophical approaches: comfort, physiology, and empirically based algorithms. The metrics are directly connected to CLM4.5 BareGroundFuxesMod, CanopyFluxesMod, SlakeFluxesMod, and UrbanMod modules in order to differentiate between the distinct regimes even within one gridcell. This allows CLM4.5 to calculate the instantaneous heat stress at every model time step, for every land surface type, capturing all aspects of non-linearity in moisture-temperature covariance. Secondary modules for initialization and archiving are modified to generate the metrics as standard output. All of the metrics implemented depend on the covariance of near surface atmospheric variables: temperature, pressure, and humidity. Accurate wet bulb temperatures are critical for quantifying heat stress (used by 5 of the 9 heat stress metrics). Unfortunately, moist thermodynamic calculations for calculating accurate wet bulb temperatures are not in CLM4.5. To remedy this, we incorporated comprehensive water vapor calculations into CLM4.5. The three advantages of adding these metrics to CLM4.5 are (1) improved thermodynamic calculations within climate models, (2) quantifying human heat stress, and (3) that these metrics may be applied to other animals as well as industrial applications. Additionally, an offline version of the HumanIndexMod is available for applications with weather and climate datasets. Examples of such applications are the high temporal resolution CMIP5 archived data, weather and research forecasting models, CLM4.5 flux tower simulations (or other land surface model validation studies), and local weather station data analysis. To demonstrate the capabilities of the HumanIndexMod, we analyze the top 1% of heat stress events from 1901–2010 at a 4 × daily resolution from a global CLM4.5 simulation. We cross compare these events to the input moisture and temperature conditions, and with each metric. Our results show that heat stress may be divided into two regimes: arid and non-arid. The highest heat stress values are in areas with strong convection (±30° latitude). Equatorial regions have low variability in heat stress values (±20° latitude). Arid regions have large variability in extreme heat stress as compared to the low latitudes.