bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spark Plasma Sintering As a Solid-State Recycling Technique: The Case of Aluminum Alloy Scrap Consolidation
Authors: Paraskevas Dimos , Vanmeensel Kim , Vleugels Jef , Dewulf Wim , Deng Yelin , Duflou Joost
Published: August 2014

Recently, “meltless” recycling techniques have been presented for the light metals category, targeting both energy and material savings by bypassing the final recycling step of remelting. In this context, the use of spark plasma sintering (SPS) is proposed in this paper as a novel solid-state recycling technique. The objective is two-fold: (I) to prove the technical feasibility of this approach; and (II) to characterize the recycled samples. Aluminum (Al) alloy scrap was selected to demonstrate the SPS effectiveness in producing fully-dense samples. For this purpose, Al alloy scrap in the form of machining chips was cold pre-compacted and sintered bellow the solidus temperature at 490 °C, under elevated pressure of 200 MPa. The dynamic scrap compaction, combined with electric current-based joule heating, achieved partial fracture of the stable surface oxides, desorption of the entrapped gases and activated the metallic surfaces, resulting in efficient solid-state chip welding eliminating residual porosity. The microhardness, the texture, the mechanical properties, the microstructure and the density of the recycled specimens have been investigated. An X-ray computed tomography (CT) analysis confirmed the density measurements, revealing a void-less bulk material with homogeneously distributed intermetallic compounds and oxides. The oxide content of the chips incorporated within the recycled material slightly increases its elastic properties. Finally, a thermal distribution simulation of the process in different segments illustrates the improved energy efficiency of this approach.
Design, Fabrication and Computational Characterization of a 3D Micro-Valve Built by Multi-Photon Polymerization
Authors: Galanopoulos Stratos , Chatzidai Nikoleta , Melissinaki Vasileia , Selimis Alexandros , Schizas Charalampos , Farsari Maria , Karalekas Dimitris
Published: August 2014

We report on the design, modeling and fabrication by multi-photon polymerization of a complex medical fluidic device. The physical dimensions of the built micro-valve prototype are compared to those of its computer-designed model. Important fabrication issues such as achieving high dimensional resolution and ability to control distortion due to shrinkage are presented and discussed. The operational performance of both multi-photon and CAD-created models under steady blood flow conditions was evaluated and compared through computational fluid dynamics analysis.
Review of Natural Compounds for Potential Skin Cancer Treatment
Authors: Chinembiri Tawona , Du Plessis Lissinda , Gerber Minja , Hamman Josias , Du Plessis Jeanetta
Published: August 2014

Most anti-cancer drugs are derived from natural resources such as marine, microbial and botanical sources. Cutaneous malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer, with a high mortality rate. Various treatments for malignant melanoma are available, but due to the development of multi-drug resistance, current or emerging chemotherapies have a relatively low success rates. This emphasizes the importance of discovering new compounds that are both safe and effective against melanoma. In vitro testing of melanoma cell lines and murine melanoma models offers the opportunity for identifying mechanisms of action of plant derived compounds and extracts. Common anti-melanoma effects of natural compounds include potentiating apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation and inhibiting metastasis. There are different mechanisms and pathways responsible for anti-melanoma actions of medicinal compounds such as promotion of caspase activity, inhibition of angiogenesis and inhibition of the effects of tumor promoting proteins such as PI3-K, Bcl-2, STAT3 and MMPs. This review thus aims at providing an overview of anti-cancer compounds, derived from natural sources, that are currently used in cancer chemotherapies, or that have been reported to show anti-melanoma, or anti-skin cancer activities. Phytochemicals that are discussed in this review include flavonoids, carotenoids, terpenoids, vitamins, sulforaphane, some polyphenols and crude plant extracts.
Synthesis of Novel Bisindolylmethane Schiff bases and Their Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Imran Syahrul , Taha Muhammad , Ismail Nor , Khan Khalid , Naz Farzana , Hussain Memona , Tauseef Saima
Published: August 2014

In an effort to develop new antibacterial drugs, some novel bisindolylmethane derivatives containing Schiff base moieties were prepared and screened for their antibacterial activity. The synthesis of the bisindolylmethane Schiff base derivatives 3–26 was carried out in three steps. First, the nitro group of 3,3'-((4-nitrophenyl)-methylene)bis(1H-indole) (1) was reduced to give the amino substituted bisindolylmethane 2 without affecting the unsaturation of the bisindolylmethane moiety using nickel boride in situ generated. Reduction of compound 1 using various catalysts showed that combination of sodium borohydride and nickel acetate provides the highest yield for compound 2. Bisindolylmethane Schiff base derivatives were synthesized by coupling various benzaldehydes with amino substituted bisindolylmethane 2. All synthesized compounds were characterized by various spectroscopic methods. The bisindolylmethane Schiff base derivatives were evaluated against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. Derivatives having halogen and nitro substituent display weak to moderate antibacterial activity against Salmonella typhi, S. paratyphi A and S. paratyphi B.
Fat Mass and Obesity-Associated (FTO) Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Physical Activity, Food Intake, Eating Behaviors, Psychological Health, and Modeled Change in Body Mass Index in Overweight/Obese Caucasian Adults
Authors: Harbron Janetta , Van der Merwe Lize , Zaahl Monique , Kotze Maritha , Senekal Marjanne
Published: August 2014

The fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is currently recognized as the most robust predictor of polygenic obesity. We investigated associations between the FTO rs1421085 and rs17817449 polymorphisms and the FTO rs1421085–rs17817449 haplotype and dietary intake, eating behavior, physical activity, and psychological health, as well as the effect of these associations on BMI. N = 133 treatment seeking overweight/obese Caucasian adults participated in this study. Genotyping was performed from whole blood samples. Weight and height was measured and a non-quantified food frequency questionnaire was completed to assess food group intake. Validated questionnaires were completed to assess physical activity (Baecke questionnaire), psychological health (General Health questionnaire, Rosenburg self-esteem scale and Beck Depression Inventory), and eating behavior (Three Factor Eating questionnaire). The risk alleles of the FTO polymorphisms were associated with poorer eating behaviors (higher hunger, internal locus for hunger, and emotional disinhibition scores), a higher intake of high fat foods and refined starches and more depressive symptoms. The modeled results indicate that interactions between the FTO polymorphisms or haplotypes and eating behavior, psychological health, and physical activity levels may be associated with BMI. The clinical significance of these results for implementation as part of weight management interventions needs further investigation.
Ursolic Acid-Regulated Energy Metabolism—Reliever or Propeller of Ultraviolet-Induced Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage?
Authors: Lee Yuan-Hao , Sun Youping , Glickman Randolph
Published: August 2014

Ultraviolet (UV) light is a leading cause of diseases, such as skin cancers and cataracts. A main process mediating UV-induced pathogenesis is the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive ROS levels induce the formation of DNA adducts (e.g., pyrimidine dimers) and result in stalled DNA replication forks. In addition, ROS promotes phosphorylation of tyrosine kinase-coupled hormone receptors and alters downstream energy metabolism. With respect to the risk of UV-induced photocarcinogenesis and photodamage, the antitumoral and antioxidant functions of natural compounds become important for reducing UV-induced adverse effects. One important question in the field is what determines the differential sensitivity of various types of cells to UV light and how exogenous molecules, such as phytochemicals, protect normal cells from UV-inflicted damage while potentiating tumor cell death, presumably via interaction with intracellular target molecules and signaling pathways. Several endogenous molecules have emerged as possible players mediating UV-triggered DNA damage responses. Specifically, UV activates the PIKK (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase) family members, which include DNA-PKcs, ATM (ataxia telangiectasia mutated) and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), whose signaling can be affected by energy metabolism; however, it remains unclear to what extent the activation of hormone receptors regulates PIKKs and whether this crosstalk occurs in all types of cells in response to UV. This review focuses on proteomic descriptions of the relationships between cellular photosensitivity and the phenotypic expression of the insulin/insulin-like growth receptor. It covers the cAMP-dependent pathways, which have recently been shown to regulate the DNA repair machinery through interactions with the PIKK family members. Finally, this review provides a strategic illustration of how UV-induced mitogenic activity is modulated by the insulin sensitizer, ursolic acid (UA), which results in the metabolic adaptation of normal cells against UV-induced ROS, and the metabolic switch of tumor cells subject to UV-induced damage. The multifaceted natural compound, UA, specifically inhibits photo-oxidative DNA damage in retinal pigment epithelial cells while enhancing that in skin melanoma. Considering the UA-mediated differential effects on cell bioenergetics, this article reviews the disparities in glucose metabolism between tumor and normal cells, along with (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α)-dependent mitochondrial metabolism and redox (reduction-oxidation) control to demonstrate UA-induced synthetic lethality in tumor cells.
Global-Scale Associations of Vegetation Phenology with Rainfall and Temperature at a High Spatio-Temporal Resolution
Authors: Clinton Nicholas , Yu Le , Fu Haohuan , He Conghui , Gong Peng
Published: August 2014

Phenology response to climatic variables is a vital indicator for understanding changes in biosphere processes as related to possible climate change. We investigated global phenology relationships to precipitation and land surface temperature (LST) at high spatial and temporal resolution for calendar years 2008–2011. We used cross-correlation between MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), MODIS LST and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) gridded rainfall to map phenology relationships at 1-km spatial resolution and weekly temporal resolution. We show these data to be rich in spatiotemporal information, illustrating distinct phenology patterns as a result of complex overlapping gradients of climate, ecosystem and land use/land cover. The data are consistent with broad-scale, coarse-resolution modeled ecosystem limitations to moisture, temperature and irradiance. We suggest that high-resolution phenology data are useful as both an input and complement to land use/land cover classifiers and for understanding climate change vulnerability in natural and anthropogenic landscapes.
Considerations When Applying Simplified LCA Approaches in the Wine Sector
Authors: Arzoumanidis Ioannis , Raggi Andrea , Petti Luigia
Published: August 2014

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been increasingly used to improve the environmental performance of food systems and simplification of LCA appears to be a vital question, especially for Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Following a literature review on simplified LCA tools and their subsequent ranking, some of the best-rated tools were implemented and the results were examined in parallel to those of a full LCA.
La politique fasciste de revendications territoriales à l'égard de la France et ses enjeux (1938-1943)
Authors: Grillère-Lacroix Diane
Published: August 2014

Partie intégrante de la relation franco-italienne, la politique fasciste de revendications territoriales sur la France, qu’elles soient irrédentistes ou coloniales, s’exprime pleinement de la veille du second conflit mondial à la fin de l’occupation, celle, longtemps négligée par l’historiographie d’une partie du territoire métropolitain français, de 1940 à 1943, par l’Italie. Alors qu’elles ne sont jamais exposées officiellement ni définies clairement, ces revendications sont relayées essentiellement par la propagande fasciste. Elles n’en prennent pas moins une dimension politique, diplomatique et même économique pour les gouvernements italien, français mais également allemand. Ainsi se trouvent-elles au cœur du triangle italo-franco-allemand durant ces cinq années.
De la volatilité comme paradigme : la politique étrangère américaine vis-à-vis de l'Inde et du Pakistan dans les années 1970
Authors: Cavanna Thomas
Published: August 2014

Cet article décrit les contours et l’influence de la politique étrangère américaine vis-à-vis de l’Inde et du Pakistan de 1971 à 1981. Il procède en quatre temps, correspondant aux grands tournants – supposés – de cette politique : troisième conflit indo-pakistanais (1971), premier essai nucléaire de l’Inde (1974), changements de régime et/ou de leader dans les trois pays (1977), invasion soviétique de l’Afghanistan (1979). La priorité paradigmatique accordée par Washington à sa rivalité contre l’URSS évacua toute prise en compte des réalités du sous-continent indien. De cette négligence découla une politique régionale volatile, en termes de degré d’implication, d’objectifs et de positionnement vis-à-vis de la rivalité indo-pakistanaise. Cette volatilité contribua à décrédibiliser les États-Unis et, surtout, à déstabiliser la région sur le long terme.
Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 as a potential probiotic incorporated in a liquid system for vaginal delivery
Authors: Borges S. , Teixeira P.
Published: August 2014

Pediococcus pentosaceus SB83 is a bacteriocinogenic culture having potential use as a vaginal probiotic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the behaviour of P. pentosaceus SB83 incorporated in a liquid system for eventually formulating a gel for vaginal delivery. The vaginal probiotic incorporated into glycerol was able to survive in simulated vaginal fluid at normal vaginal pH (4.2) and at pH of vaginal infections (5.5 and 6.5). The probiotic can be stored at 4 °C for a longer period of time than at room temperature, however, after 13 weeks of storage at low temperature, there was a total loss of viable cells. The probiotic strain incorporated into glycerol showed bacteriocinogenic activity in simulated vaginal fluid, although the antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes declined during storage. This study showed the behaviour of P. pentosaceus SB83 in glycerol and in simulated vaginal fluid. However, it is necessary to optimise the formulation to produce an actively probiotic vaginal gel.
Assessing the effects of exposure to environmental stress on some functional properties of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis
Authors: Amund O.D. , Ouoba L.I.I. , Sutherland J.P. , Ghoddusi H.B.
Published: August 2014

This study assessed the effects of exposing a strain of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis to acid, bile and osmotic stresses on antagonistic properties, biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility/resistance profile. Exposure to each stress factor appeared to have no significant effect on the antagonism against Escherichia coli NCTC 12900 and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis PT4. No suppression in biofilm formation due to exposure to stress was observed. Bile and osmotic stresses resulted in significantly higher biofilm formation. Expression of an exopolysaccharide synthesis gene, gtf 01207, was significantly higher when the B. animalis ssp. lactis strain was exposed to osmotic stress. Susceptibility of the B. animalis ssp. lactis strain to chloramphenicol, erythromycin, ampicillin and vancomycin, and resistance to tetracycline remained unchanged when exposed to each stress. The expression of a tetracycline resistance gene, tet(W), was significantly higher when exposed to each stress. These results may suggest that the potential for the B. animalis ssp. lactis strain to provide probiotic benefit, after exposure to the stressful conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, remains intact.
Ochratoxin A in food and urine: a nationwide Portuguese two-year study
Authors: Duarte S.C. , Lino C.M. , Pena A.
Published: August 2014

Several toxic effects have been described after exposure to ochratoxin A (OTA), which can enter the human diet directly through food or through animal products via carry-over from contaminated feed. To assess the exposure of the Portuguese population to OTA, a study over a two-year period was conducted. It involved analysis of 472 morning urine samples from inhabitants of four regions, together with a survey of regional bread (738) and pork (254) samples. These foodstuffs are two staple foods in the Portuguese and Mediterranean diet that present a high and widespread consumption by the majority of the population. The bread samples analysed showed a low level of contamination, although the contamination range was broad and some of the samples exceeded the maximum level established in the European Union. Maize bread (broa), especially when made by mixing with rye, was the most contaminated, followed by whole grain-, rye- and wheat-based bread. However, the latter contributed more to OTA exposure, because they were more commonly consumed. Even though the occurrence was rather low, the average OTA amount in pork was relatively high compared to previous national and other surveys. The observed high within-subject variability of OTA in urine limited the use of this biomarker of exposure at the individual level, but not on a population or subgroup of subjects scale. Among the studied population, a widespread exposure was confirmed by the high frequency of OTA contamination in urine, although characterised by a low average contamination level. Independent of region or population, pork appears to be the main contributor to the daily OTA intake in Portugal. These data were clearly in contrast with previous studies showing that cereals and their derived products were the major contributors, while food of animal origin only contributed a small part to the total human dietary OTA exposure.
Low-Complexity Encoding in Block-Based Hybrid Video Codecs by Moving Motion Estimation to Decoder Side
Authors: Karlsson J.
Published: August 2014

In this paper the authors present an approach to provide efficient low-complexity encoding for the block-based video coding scheme. The authors present a method based on removing the most time-consuming task, that is motion estimation, from the encoder. Instead the decoder will perform motion prediction based on the available decoded frame and send the predicted motion vectors to the encoder. The results presented are based on a modified H.264 implementation. The results show that this approach can provide rather good coding efficiency even for relatively high network delays.
An Acoustic-Visual Collaborative Hybrid Architecture for Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks
Authors: Alaei Mohammad , Barcelo-Ordinas Jose M.
Published: August 2014

Prolongation of the lifetime has become a key challenge in design and implementation of Wireless Multimedia Sensor Networks (WMSNs). The energy consumed in multimedia sensor nodes is much more than in the scalar sensors; a multimedia sensor captures images or acoustic signals containing a huge amount of data while in the scalar sensors a scalar value is measured (e.g., temperature). On the other hand, given the large amount of data generated by the visual nodes, both processing and transmitting image data are quite costly in terms of energy in comparison with other types of sensor networks. Therefore, energy efficiency is a main concern in WMSNs. In this paper an energy efficient collaborative mechanism for monitoring is proposed. The proposed scheme employs a mixed random deployment of acoustic and visual sensor nodes. Acoustic sensors detect and localize the occurred event/object(s) in a duty-cycled manner by sampling the received signals and then trigger the visual sensor nodes covering the objects to monitor them. Hence, visual sensors are warily scheduled to be awakened just for monitoring the object(s) detected in their domain, otherwise they save their energy.
Age-Related, Sport-Specific Adaptions of the Shoulder Girdle in Elite Adolescent Tennis Players
Authors: Cools Ann M. , Palmans Tanneke , Johansson Fredrik R.
Published: August 2014

Context

Tennis requires repetitive overhead movements that can lead to upper extremity injury. The scapula and the shoulder play a vital role in injury-free playing. Scapular dysfunction and glenohumeral changes in strength and range of motion (ROM) have been associated with shoulder injury in the overhead athlete.

Objective

To compare scapular position and strength and shoulder ROM and strength between Swedish elite tennis players of 3 age categories (<14, 14–16, and >16 years).

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Tennis training sports facilities.

Patients or Other Participants

Fifty-nine adolescent Swedish elite tennis players (ages 10–20 years) selected based on their national ranking.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

We used a clinical screening protocol with a digital inclinometer and a handheld dynamometer to measure scapular upward rotation at several angles of arm elevation, isometric scapular muscle strength, glenohumeral ROM, and isometric rotator cuff strength.

Results

Players older than 16 years showed less scapular upward rotation on the dominant side at 90° and 180° (P < .05). Although all absolute scapular muscle strength values increased with age, there was no change in the body-weight–normalized strength of the middle (P = .9) and lower (P = .81) trapezius or serratus anterior (P = .17). Glenohumeral internal-rotation ROM and total ROM tended to decrease, but this finding was not statistically significant (P = .052 and P = .06, respectively). Whereas normalized internal-rotator strength increased from 14 to 16 years to older than 16 years (P = .009), normalized external-rotator and supraspinatus strength remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Age-related changes in shoulder and scapular strength and ROM were apparent in elite adolescent tennis players. Future authors should examine the association of these adaptations with performance data and injury incidence.
Benefits of and Barriers to Using Patient-Rated Outcome Measures in Athletic Training
Authors: Valier Alison R. Snyder , Jennings Amy L. , Parsons John T. , Vela Luzita I.
Published: August 2014

Context:

Patient-rated outcome measures (PROMs) are important for driving treatment decisions and determining treatment effectiveness. However, athletic trainers (ATs) rarely use them; understanding why may facilitate strategies for collection of these outcomes.

Objective:

To identify the benefits of and barriers to using PROMs in athletic training.

Design:

Cross-sectional study.

Setting:

Web-based survey.

Patients or Other Participants:

A total of 1469 randomly sampled ATs (age = 36.8 ± 9.8 years; 48% female) working in the college/university, 2-year institution, secondary school, clinic, hospital, or industrial/occupational setting.

Intervention(s):

An e-mail was sent to ATs inviting them to complete a survey regarding the use, benefits, and barriers of PROMs. Athletic trainers who indicated they used PROMs (AT-PRs) completed 65 questions about the benefits of and barriers to their use. Athletic trainers who indicated no use of PROMs (AT-NONs) completed 21 questions about barriers of use.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Dependent variables were the endorsements for the benefits of and barriers to the use of PROMs.

Results:

A total of 458 ATs initiated the survey and 421 (AT-PR = 26%, AT-NON = 74%) completed it (response rate = 28.7%). The most frequently endorsed benefits by AT-PRs were enhancing communication with patients (90%) and other health care professionals (80%), directing patient care (87%), and increasing examination efficiency (80%). The most frequently endorsed barriers by AT-PRs were that PROMs are time consuming (44%), difficult (36%), and confusing (31%) for patients and time consuming for clinicians to score and interpret (29%). The most frequently endorsed problems by AT-NONs were that PROMs are time consuming for clinicians to score and interpret (31%), time consuming (46%) and irrelevant to patients (28%), and lacking a support structure for clinicians (29%).

Conclusions:

These results suggest that, although benefits to using PROMs exist, there are also barriers. Barriers are similar for AT-PRs and AT-NONs. Strategies to decrease barriers and facilitate the use of PROMs warrant investigation.
Biomechanical Comparison of 3 Ankle Braces With and Without Free Rotation in the Sagittal Plane
Authors: Alfuth Martin , Klein Dieter , Koch Raphael , Rosenbaum Dieter
Published: August 2014

Context:

Various designs of braces including hinged and nonhinged models are used to provide external support of the ankle. Hinged ankle braces supposedly allow almost free dorsiflexion and plantar flexion of the foot in the sagittal plane. It is unclear, however, whether this additional degree of freedom affects the stabilizing effect of the brace in the other planes of motion.

Objective:

To investigate the dynamic and passive stabilizing effects of 3 ankle braces, 2 hinged models that provide free plantar flexion–dorsiflexion in the sagittal plane and 1 ankle brace without a hinge.

Design:

Crossover study.

Setting:

University Movement Analysis Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:

Seventeen healthy volunteers (5 women, 12 men; age = 25.4 ± 4.8 years; height = 180.3 ± 6.5 cm; body mass = 75.5 ± 10.4 kg).

Intervention(s):

We dynamically induced foot inversion on a tilting platform and passively induced foot movements in 6 directions via a custom-built apparatus in 3 brace conditions and a control condition (no brace).

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Maximum inversion was determined dynamically using an in-shoe electrogoniometer. Passively induced maximal joint angles were measured using a torque and angle sensor. We analyzed differences among the 4 ankle-brace conditions (3 braces, 1 control) for each of the dependent variables with Friedman and post hoc tests (P < .05).

Results:

Each ankle brace restricted dynamic foot-inversion movements on the tilting platform as compared with the control condition, whereas only the 2 hinged ankle braces differed from each other, with greater movement restriction caused by the Ankle X model. Passive foot inversion was reduced with all ankle braces. Passive plantar flexion was greater in the hinged models as compared with the nonhinged brace.

Conclusions:

All ankle braces showed stabilizing effects against dynamic and passive foot inversion. Differences between the hinged braces and the nonhinged brace did not appear to be clinically relevant.
Drinking to Thirst Versus Drinking Ad Libitum During Road Cycling
Authors: Armstrong Lawrence E. , Johnson Evan C. , Kunces Laura J. , Ganio Matthew S. , Judelson Daniel A. , Kupchak Brian R. , Vingren Jakob L. , Munoz Colleen X. , Huggins Robert A. , Hydren Jay R. , Moyen Nicole E. , Williamson Keith H.
Published: August 2014

Context:

The sensation of thirst is different from the complex behavior of drinking ad libitum. Rehydration recommendations to athletes differ, depending on the source, yet no previous researchers have systematically compared drinking to thirst (DTT) versus ad libitum drinking behavior (DAL).

Objective:

To compare 2 groups of trained cyclists (DTT and DAL) who had similar physical characteristics and training programs (P > .05). The DTT group (n = 12, age = 47 ± 7 years) drank only when thirsty, whereas the DAL group (n = 12, age = 44 ± 7 years) consumed fluid ad libitum (ie, whenever and in whatever volume desired).

Design:

Cohort study.

Setting:

Road cycling (164 km) in the heat (36.1°C ± 6.5°C).

Patients or Other Participants:

Ultraendurance cyclists (4 women, 20 men).

Intervention(s):

We recorded measurements 1 day before the event, on event day before the start, at 3 roadside aid stations, at the finish line, and 1 day after the event.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Body mass, urinary hydration indices, and food and fluids consumed.

Results:

No between-groups differences were seen on event day for total exercise time (DTT = 6.69 ± 0.89 hours, DAL = 6.66 ± 0.77 hours), urinary indices (specific gravity, color), body mass change (DTT = −2.22% ± 1.73%, DAL = −2.29% ± 1.62%), fluid intake (DTT = 5.63 ± 2.59 L/6.7 h, DAL = 6.04 ± 2.37 L/6.7 h), dietary energy intake, macronutrient intake, ratings of thirst (DTT start = 2 ± 1, DTT finish = 6 ± 1, DAL start = 2 ± 1, DAL finish = 6 ± 1), pain, perceived exertion, or thermal sensation. Total fluid intake on recovery day +1 was the primary significant difference (DAL = 5.13 ± 1.87 L/24 h, DTT = 3.13 ± 1.53 L/24 h, t18 = 2.59, P = .02).

Conclusions:

Observations on event day indicated that drinking to thirst and drinking ad libitum resulted in similar physiologic and perceptual outcomes. This suggests that specific instructions to “drink to thirst” were unnecessary. Indeed, if athletes drink ad libitum, they can focus on training and competition rather than being distracted by ongoing evaluation of thirst sensations.
God bestuurt: De rol van de spiritualiteit in de constructie van betekenis in het kader van de militaire uitzending
Authors: Demasure Karlijn J.
Published: August 2014

God rules: The role of spirituality in the construction of meaning in the context of military peacekeeping. The author analysed the interview with a soldier who worked for 12 years as a nurse with the Dutch Military. The Netherlands contributed to the peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan between March 2006 and August 2010. The interview took place after his mission which lasted for 5 months. The qualitative analysis found its roots in the hermeneutics of Paul Ric�ur and the social constructionism as presented by Kenneth Gergen. As a practical theological research the focus was on the role of spirituality in the life story of the nurse. The analysis brought the entrenchment of life and faith to light. Faith has been an important source of support for this nurse. He is of the opinion that God is the ultimate governor and that he rules everything. Although his faith came sometimes under pressure because of the increasing number of shocking experiences, most of the times it was very helpful to him in order to assuage fear.
Love: A philosophy of pastoral care and counselling
Authors: Streets Frederick J.
Published: August 2014

This article explored the meaning of love as an ethical principle and the aim of providing pastoral counselling and care. The author, inspired by the work of Professor Julian M�ller, applied Paul Tillich�s notion of love to affirm the value of pastoral counselling as a constituent practice and research focus of practical theology. The focus of the discussion was upon love as the primary witness of the church and motivating factor for offering pastoral counselling and care to those who seek it. Distinctions were drawn between psychotherapeutic counselling and pastoral counselling. M�ller�s postfoundationalist approach to listening and reflecting upon the work of pastoral counselling and valuing the counselee or co-researcher role as teacher was supported.
Reading Robert and beyond: Narrative analysis of the story of a sexually abused Catholic man
Authors: Ganzevoort R. Ruard , Nadeau Jean-Guy
Published: August 2014

This article seeks to contribute to the understanding of what is at stake in counselling religious male victims of sexual abuse. We analyse the narrative of �Robert�, a sexually abused Roman Catholic man who later committed suicide. We focus on issues that concern many sexually abused males, such as talking and relationships, agency and responsibility, emotions of guilt, shame and anger, sexual identity, God-talk and God-images. In terms of a triangulating case study, we then confront this narrative analysis with some biographical elements gathered from other sources, from which we complement and critique the analysis.
Evaluation of a User Guidance Reminder to Improve the Quality of Electronic Prescription Messages
Authors: Corley S.T. , Rupp M.T. , Ruiz J. , Smith J. , Gill R. , Sow M. , Dhavle A.A.
Published: August 2014

Background: Prescribers’ inappropriate use of the free-text Notes field in new electronic prescriptions can create confusion and workflow disruptions at receiving pharmacies that often necessitates contact with prescribers for clarification. The inclusion of inappropriate patient direction (Sig) information in the Notes field is particularly problematic.

Objective: We evaluated the effect of a targeted watermark, an embedded overlay, reminder statement in the Notes field of an EHR-based e-prescribing application on the incidence of inappropriate patient directions (Sig) in the Notes field.

Methods: E-prescriptions issued by the same exact cohort of 97 prescribers were collected over three time periods: baseline, three months after implementation of the reminder, and 15 months post implementation. Three certified and experienced pharmacy technicians independently reviewed all e-prescriptions for inappropriate Sig-related information in the Notes field. A physician reviewer served as the final adjudicator for e-prescriptions where the three reviewers could not reach a consensus. ANOVA and post hoc Tukey HSD tests were performed on group comparisons where statistical significance was evaluated at p<0.05

Results: The incidence of inappropriate Sig-related information in the Notes field decreased from a baseline of 2.8% to 1.8% three months post-implementation and remained stable after 15 months. In addition, prescribers’ use of the Notes decreased by 22% after 3 months and had stabilized at 18.7% below baseline after 15 months.

Conclusion: Insertion of a targeted watermark reminder statement in the Notes field of an e-prescribing application significantly reduced the incidence of inappropriate Sig-related information in Notes and decreased prescribers’ use of this field.

Citation: Dhavle AA, Corley ST, Rupp MT, Ruiz J, Smith J, Gill R, Sow M. Evaluation of a user guidance reminder to improve the quality of electronic prescription messages. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 699–707

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2014-03-CR-0022
Atmospheric measurements of ratios between CO2 and co-emitted species from traffic: a tunnel study in the Paris megacity
Authors: Ammoura L. , Xueref-Remy I. , Gros V. , Baudic A. , Bonsang B. , Petit J.-E. , Perrussel O. , Bonnaire N. , Sciare J. , Chevallier F.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Measurements of CO2, CO, NOx and selected Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) concentrations have been performed continuously during ten days in the Guy Môquet tunnel in Thiais, in a peri-urban area about 15 km south from the centre of Paris, between 28 September and 8 October 2012. This dataset is used here to identify the characteristics of traffic-emitted CO2 by evaluating its ratios to co-emitted species, for the first time in the Paris region. High coefficients of determination (r2 > 0.7) are observed between CO2 and some compounds which are characteristic of the traffic source (CO, NOx, benzene, xylenes and acetylene). Weak correlations (r2 < 0.2) are found with species such as propane, n-butane, i-butane, that are associated with fuel evaporation, an insignificant source for CO2. To better characterize the traffic signal, we focus only on species that are well correlated with CO2 and rush hour periods characterized by the highest traffic-related concentrations. To those concentrations, we remove the nighttime averaged weekday concentration obtained for each species that we infer to be the most appropriate background signal for our study. Then, we calculate observed Δspecies ΔCO2 ratios that we compare with the ones provided by the 2010 bottom-up high resolved regional emission inventory from Airparif, the association in charge of monitoring the air quality in Île-de-France, focusing on local emission data for the specific road of the tunnel. We find an excellent agreement (2%) between the local inventory emission CO/CO2 ratio with our observed ΔCO / ΔCO2 ratio. Former tunnel experiments carried out elsewhere in the world provided observed ΔCO / ΔCO2 ratios that differ from 49% to 592% to ours. This variability can be related to technological improvement of vehicles, differences in driving conditions and fleet compositions. We also find a satisfactory agreement with the Airparif inventory for n-propylbenzene, n-pentane and xylenes to CO2 ratios. For most of the other species, the ratios obtained from the local emission inventory overestimate the observed ratios to CO2, by 36% to more than 300%. However, the emission ratios of NOx, o-xylene and i-pentane are underestimated by 39% to 79%. One main cause of such high differences between the inventory and our observations is likely the obsolete feature of the VOCs speciation matrix of the inventory that was not updated since 1998, although law regulations on some VOCs occurred since that time. Our study bears important consequences for the characterisation of the urban CO2 plume and for atmospheric inverse modelling of urban CO2 emissions that are discussed in the conclusion.
Analysis of the ozone profile specifications in the WRF-ARW model and their impact on the simulation of direct solar radiation
Authors: Montornès A. , Codina B. , Zack J. W.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Although ozone is an atmospheric gas with high spatial and temporal variability, mesoscale numerical weather prediction (NWP) models simplify the specification of ozone concentrations used in their shortwave schemes by using a few ozone profiles. In this paper, a two-part study is presented: (i) an assessment of the quality of the ozone profiles provided for use with the shortwave schemes in the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) model and (ii) the impact of deficiencies in those profiles on the performance of model simulations of direct solar radiation. The first part compares simplified datasets used to specify the total ozone column in five schemes (i.e. Goddard, New Goddard, RRTMG, CAM and Fu–Liou–Gu) with the Multi-Sensor Reanalysis dataset during the period 1979–2008 examining the latitudinal, longitudinal and seasonal limitations in the ozone modeling of each parameterization. The results indicate that the maximum deviations are over the poles due to the Brewer–Dobson circulation and there are prominent longitudinal patterns in the departures due to quasi-stationary features forced by the land–sea distribution. In the second part, the bias in the simulated direct solar radiation due to these deviations from the simplified spatial and temporal representation of the ozone distribution is analyzed for the New Goddard and CAM schemes using the Beer–Lambert–Bouger law. For radiative applications those simplifications introduce spatial and temporal biases with near-zero departures over the tropics during all the year and increasing poleward with a maximum in the high middle latitudes during the winter of each hemisphere.
Determination and analysis of in situ spectral aerosol optical properties by a multi-instrumental approach
Authors: Segura S. , Estellés V. , Titos G. , Lyamani H. , Utrillas M. P. , Zotter P. , Prévôt A. S. H. , Močnik G. , Alados-Arboledas L. , Martínez-Lozano J. A.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Continuous in situ measurements of aerosol optical properties were conducted from 29 June to 29 July 2012 in Granada (Spain) with a seven-wavelength Aethalometer, a Multi-Angle Absorption Photometer, and a three-wavelength integrating nephelometer. The aim of this work is to describe a methodology to obtain the absorption coefficients (babs) for the different Aethalometer wavelengths. In this way, data have been compensated using algorithms which best estimate the compensation factors needed. Two empirical factors are used to infer the absorption coefficients from the Aethalometer measurements: C – the parameter describing the enhancement of absorption by particles in the filter matrix due to multiple scattering of light in the filter matrix – and f, the parameter compensating for non-linear loading effects in the filter matrix. Spectral dependence of f found in this study is not very strong. Values for the campaign lie in the range from 1.15 at 370 nm to 1.11 at 950 nm. Wavelength dependence in C proves to be more important, and also more difficult to calculate. The values obtained span from 3.42 at 370 nm to 4.59 at 950 nm. Furthermore, the temporal evolution of the Ångström exponent of absorption (αabs) and the single-scattering albedo (ω0) is presented. On average αabs is around 1.1 ± 0.3, and ω0 is 0.78 ± 0.08 and 0.74 ± 0.09 at 370 and 950 nm, respectively. These are typical values for sites with a predominance of absorbing particles, and the urban measurement site in this study is such. The babs average values are of 16 ± 10 Mm−1 (at 370 nm) and 5 ± 3 Mm−1 (at 950 nm), respectively. Finally, differences between workdays and Sundays have been further analysed, obtaining higher babs and lower ω0 during the workdays than on Sundays as a consequence of the diesel traffic influence.
Investigating uptake of N2O in agricultural soils using a high-precision dynamic chamber method
Authors: Cowan N. J. , Famulari D. , Levy P. E. , Anderson M. , Reay D. S. , Skiba U. M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Uptake (or negative flux) of nitrous oxide (N2O) in agricultural soils is a controversial issue which has proven difficult to investigate in the past due to constraints such as instrumental precision and unknown methodological uncertainties. Using a recently developed high-precision quantum cascade laser (QCL) gas analyser combined with a closed dynamic chamber, a well defined detection limit of 4 μg N2O-N m−2 h−1 could be achieved for individual soil flux measurements. 1220 measurements of N2O flux were made from a variety of UK soils using this method, of which 115 indicated uptake by the soil (i.e. a negative flux in the micrometeorological sign convention). Only 4 of these apparently negative fluxes were greater than the detection limit of the method, which suggests that the vast majority of reported negative fluxes from such measurements are actually due to instrument noise. As such, we suggest that the bulk of negative N2O fluxes reported for agricultural fields are most likely due to limits in detection of a particular flux measurement methodology and not as a result of microbiological activity consuming atmospheric N2O.
Solar irradiances measured using SPN1 radiometers: uncertainties and clues for development
Authors: Badosa J. , Wood J. , Blanc P. , Long C. N. , Vuilleumier L. , Demengel D. , Haeffelin M.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The fast development of solar radiation and energy applications, such as photovoltaic and solar thermodynamic systems, has increased the need for solar radiation measurement and monitoring, not only for the global component but also for the diffuse and direct. End users look for the best compromise between getting close to state-of-the-art measurements and keeping low capital, maintenance and operating costs. Among the existing commercial options, SPN1 is a relatively low cost solar radiometer that estimates global and diffuse solar irradiances from seven thermopile sensors under a shading mask and without moving parts. This work presents a comprehensive study of SPN1 accuracy and sources of uncertainty, which results from laboratory experiments, numerical modeling and comparison studies between measurements from this sensor and state-of-the art instruments for six diverse sites. Several clues are provided for improving the SPN1 accuracy and agreement with state-of-the art measurements.
Nitrogen and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) losses from an artificially drained grassland on organic soils
Authors: Tiemeyer B. , Kahle P.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Nitrate–nitrogen (NO3–N) as well as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrogen (DON) concentrations and losses were studied for three and two years, respectively, in a small catchment dominated by a degraded peatland used as intensive grassland. Concentrations in the shallow groundwater were spatially and temporally very variable, with NO3–N being the most dynamic component (7.3 ± 12.5 mg L−1) and ranging from 0 to 79.4 mg L−1. Average NO3–N concentrations of 10.3 ± 5.4 mg L−1 (0 to 25.5 mg L−1) in the ditch draining the catchment and annual NO3–N losses of 19, 35 and 26 kg ha−1 confirmed drained peatlands as an important source of diffuse N pollution. The highest NO3–N losses occurred during the wettest year. Resulting from concentration of 2.4 ± 0.8 mg L−1 (0.7 to 6.2 mg L−1), DON added a further 4.5 to 6.4 kg ha−1 to the N losses and thus formed a relevant (15%) component of the total N losses. Ditch DOC concentrations of 24.9 ± 5.9 mg L−1 (13.1 to 47.7 mg L−1) resulted in DOC losses of 66 kg ha−1 in the wet year of 2006/2007 and 39 kg ha−1 in the dry year of 2007/2008. Ditch DOC concentration were lower than the groundwater DOC concentration of 50.6 ± 15.2 mg L−1 (14.9 to 88.5 mg L−1). Both DOC and N concentrations were governed by hydrological conditions, but NO3–N reacted much faster and clearer on rising discharge rates than DOC, which tended to be higher under drier conditions. In the third year of the study, the superposition of a very wet summer and land use changes from grassland to arable land in a part of the catchment suggests that, under re-wetting conditions with a high groundwater table in summer, NO3–N would diminish quickly, while DOC would remain on a similar level. Further intensification of the land use, on the other hand, would increase N losses to receiving water bodies.
Seasonal response of air-water CO2 exchange along the land-ocean aquatic continuum of the North East American coast
Authors: Laruelle G. G. , Lauerwald R. , Rotschi J. , Raymond P. A. , Hartmann J. , Regnier P.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. This regional study quantifies the CO2 exchange at the air–water interface along the land-ocean aquatic continuum (LOAC) of the North East American coast, from streams to the shelf break. Our analysis explicitly accounts for spatial and seasonal variability in the CO2 fluxes. The yearly integrated budget reveals the gradual change in the intensity of the CO2 exchange at the air–water interface, from a strong source towards the atmosphere in streams and rivers (3.0 ± 0.5 Tg C yr−1) and estuaries (0.8 ± 0.5 Tg C yr−1) to a net sink in continental shelf waters (−1.7 ± 0.3 Tg C yr−1). Significant differences in flux intensity and their seasonal response to climate variations is observed between the North and South sections of the study area, both in rivers and coastal waters. Ice cover, snow melt and estuarine surface area are identified as important control factors of the observed spatio-temporal variability in CO2 exchange along the LOAC.