bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
University-employment transitions in international Performing Arts: The intern’s story
Authors: Carneiro Maria
Published: February 2013

This article reflects my journey as a performing arts student and intern both in Portugal and abroad. It is not intended as a personal journal, but rather a reflection and an aftermath comment on my experiences and learning processes. First it provides a context regarding my university education in a Southern European country, against a previous British background. It then describes my experiences interning in Wales and in Denmark. It deliberates on the challenges and opportunities one may find in an internship situation and what one can gain from it. I conclude with the idea of some future career paths and career development opportunities for young performing arts professionals.
User preferences for LED lighting in terms of light spectrum
Authors: Islam MS , Dangol R , Hyvärinen M , Bhusal P , Puolakka M , Halonen L
Published: February 2013

A study was carried out in light booths to investigate user preference for different light spectra. Twenty-one LED spectra and three fluorescent lamps, all at three different correlated colour temperatures were used for the study. Sixty observers evaluated the lit scenes under different spectra for naturalness of selected objects, colourfulness of a Macbeth Colour Checker Chart, and the visual conditions of the lighting booths. The observers preferred the spectral power distributions (SPD) under which the chroma and colourfulness values of the object colours were higher. The CIE Colour Rendering Index was not a good indicator of the observers’ preference for the LED SPDs. It seemed that light sources with a higher CQS Gamut Area Scale and CQS Colour Preference Scale values were preferred by the observers as far as LED spectra were concerned. However, the CQS Gamut Area Scale calculated with a new version of the software (version 9.2) and the Gamut Area Index were suitable as indicators of observers’ preference for both the LEDs and the fluorescent lamp spectra. Because chroma and colourfulness values of object colours influence the observers’ preference, they should be considered as important factors for the selection of a colour preference index for light sources.
Ibero-American Online News Managers’ Goals and Handicaps in Managing Social Media
Authors: Said-Hung Elias , Serrano-Tellería Ana , García-De-Torres Elvira , Calderín Mabel , Rost Alejandro , Arcila-Calderón Carlos , Yezers’ka Lyudmyla , Bólos Concha Edo , Rojano Miladys , Jerónimo Pedro , Sánchez-Badillo Jorge
Published: February 2013

This article presents the results of a study of social media uses and standards from the perspectives of online newspaper managers in Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Mexico, Venezuela, Spain, and Portugal.1 Interviews with online news managers and a content analysis of journalists’ use of Facebook and Twitter accounts show that cultural, economic, and organizational factors handicap news outlets’ adoption of social media. At the same time, evidence shows that these professionals’ drive and enthusiasm for transitioning to online and using social media have made meaningful changes in the ways news is produced in the Ibero-American region.
Infection prevention and control commissioning toolkit: guidance and information for nursing and commissioning staff in England
Authors: Allen Lisa , Gallagher Rose , King Debbie , Wakefield Kathy , Wright Debbie
Published: February 2013

Against a backdrop of system redesign in the NHS, the Infection Prevention Society and Royal College of Nursing have collaborated to produce a toolkit to support the implementation and use of infection prevention indicators as part of the quality assurance processes in the commissioning and contracting cycles. The toolkit is presented in this article.
Effects of sitagliptin beyond glycemic control: focus on quality of life
Authors: Sakamoto Yoshiko , Oyama Jun-ichi , Ikeda Hideo , Kuroki Shigetaka , Gondo Shigeki , Iwamoto Taketo , Uchida Yasufumi , Kodama Kazuhisa , Hiwatashi Atsushi , Shimomura Mitsuhiro , Taguchi Isao , Inoue Teruo , Node Koichi ,   S-DOG [Saga Challenge Anti-Diabetes Observational Study for Sitagliptin (S-DOG)] investigators
Published: February 2013

Background

Recently, incretin hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, have been found to regulate glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to elucidate the efficacy and safety of the clinical usage of DPP-4 inhibitors in Japan.

Methods

This study was designed as a prospective, open-label, multi-center trial. Patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) with poor glycemic profiles (HbA1c ≥ 6.2%) in spite of receiving a medical diet, therapeutic exercise, and/or medications were eligible for this study. The participants received 50 to 100 mg of the DPP-4 inhibitor sitagliptin once daily for 12 months.

Results

One hundred and eighty-eight subjects were enrolled. After 12 months of sitagliptin treatment, HbA1c levels decreased (7.65% ± 1.32% to 7.05% ± 1.10%, p < 0.001) as well as fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (145 ± 52 mg/dl to 129 ± 43 mg/dl, p = 0.005). The rate of glycemic control achieved (in accordance with the guidelines of the Japanese Diabetes Society) significantly increased. Blood pressure and serum levels of triglycerides and total cholesterol decreased significantly. Furthermore, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Diabetes Symptomatic Scores improved significantly. Adverse events such as hypoglycemia and loss of consciousness occurred in twenty three subjects (11%).

Conclusions

These results suggest that the actions of DPP-4 inhibitors improve not only glycemic control, but also blood pressure, lipid profiles, and quality of life (QOL). Sitagliptin is a sound agent for use in the comprehensive treatment of patients with T2DM.
Persistent foci of falciparum malaria among tribes over two decades in Koraput district of Odisha State, India
Authors: Sahu Sudhansu Sekhar , Gunasekaran Kasinathan , Vanamail Perumal , Jambulingam Purusothaman
Published: February 2013

Background

Koraput, a predominantly tribe-inhabited and one of the highly endemic districts of Odisha State that contributes a substantial number of malaria cases to the India’s total. Control of malaria in such districts would contribute to change the national scenario on malaria situation. Hence, a study was carried out to measure the magnitude of malaria prevalence in the district to strengthen the malaria control activities.

Methods

Prevalence of malaria was assessed through a sample blood survey (SBS) in seven randomly selected community health centres (CHCs). Individuals of all age groups in the villages selected (one in each subcentre) were screened for malaria infection. Both thick and thin smears were prepared from blood samples collected by finger prick, stained and examined for malaria parasites searching 100 fields in each smear. The results of a blood survey (n = 10,733) carried out, as a part of another study, during 1986–87 covering a population of 17,722 spread in 37 villages of Koraput district were compared with the current survey results. Software SPSS version 16.0 was used for data analysis.

Result

During the current study, blood survey was done in 135 villages screening 12,045 individuals (16.1% of the total population) and among them, 1,983 (16.5%) were found positive for malaria parasites. Plasmodium falciparum was the major malaria parasite species accounted for 89.1% (1,767) of the total positives; Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium malariae accounted for 9.3% (184) and 0.2% (5), respectively. Gametocytes were found in 7.7% (n = 152) of the positive cases. The majority of parasite carriers (78.9%) were afebrile. The 1986–87 blood survey showed that of 10,733 people screened, 833 (7.8%) were positive for malaria parasites, 714 (85.7%) with P. falciparum, 86 (10.3%) with P. vivax, 12 (1.4%) with P. malariae and 21 (2.5%) with mixed infections.

Conclusion

The results of the current study indicated a rising trend in transmission of malaria in Koraput district compared to the situation during 1986–87 and indicated the necessity for a focused and reinforced approach for the control of the disease by improving people’s access to diagnosis and treatment and ensuring implementation of the intervention measures with adequate coverage and compliance.
DNA damage enhances integration of HIV-1 into macrophages by overcoming integrase inhibition
Authors: Koyama Takayoshi , Sun Binlian , Tokunaga Kenzo , Tatsumi Masashi , Ishizaka Yukihito
Published: February 2013

Background

The prevention of persistent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection requires the clarification of the mode of viral transduction into resting macrophages. Recently, DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) were shown to enhance infection by D64A virus, which has a defective integrase catalytic activity (IN-CA). However, the mechanism by which DSBs upregulate viral transduction was unclear. Here we analyzed the roles of DSBs during IN-CA–independent viral transduction into macrophages.

Results

We used cellular systems with rare-cutting endonucleases and found that D64A virus integrated efficiently into the sites of artificially induced DSBs. This IN-CA-independent viral transduction was blocked by an inhibitor of ataxia telangiectasia mutated protein (ATM) but was resistant to raltegravir (RAL), an inhibitor of integrase activity during strand transfer. Moreover, Vpr, an accessory gene product of HIV-1, induced DSBs in resting macrophages and significantly enhanced the rate of IN-CA-independent viral transduction into macrophages with concomitant production of secondary viruses.

Conclusion

DSBs contribute to the IN-CA–independent viral infection of macrophages, which is resistant to RAL. Thus, the ATM-dependent cellular pathway and Vpr-induced DNA damage are novel targets for preventing persistent HIV-1 infection.
Comparing Predictive Abilities of Three Visible-Near Infrared Spectrophotometers for Soil Organic Carbon and Clay Determination
Authors: Knadel Maria , Stenberg Bo , Deng Fan , Thomsen Anton , Greve Mogens Humlekrog
Published: February 2013

Due to advances in optical technology, a wide range of spectrometers is available. Recent interests in soil global libraries and sensor fusion presents a challenge with respect to combining data from different instrumentation. Little research, however, has been done on the comparison of visible-near infrared (vis-NIR) spectrometers for soil characterisation. There is a need for more work on the effects of scanning strategies and use of different soil instrumentation. We compared three vis-NIR spectrometers with varying resolution, signal-to-noise ratios and spectral range. Their performance was evaluated based on spectra collected from 194 Danish top soils and used to determine soil organic carbon (SOC) and clay content. Scanning procedures for the three spectrophotometers where done according to uniform laboratory protocols. Soil organic carbon and clay calibrations were performed using PLS regression. One third of the data set was used as an independent test set. A range of spectral preprocessing methods was applied in search of model improvement. Validation for SOC content using an independent data set derived from all three spectrophotometers provided values of RMSEP between 0.45% and 0.52%, r2=0.42–0.59 and RPD = 1.2–1.4. Clay content was predicted with a higher precision resulting in RMSEP values between 2.6% and 2.9%, r2 = 0.71–0.77 and RPD values in the range from 2.2 to 2.5. No substantial differences in the prediction accuracy were found for the three spectrometers, although there was a tendency that, in the tradeoff between noise and resolution, low noise was the more important for SOC and clay predictions. The application of different spectral preprocessing procedures did not generate important improvements of the calibration models either. Additionally, data simulation analysis, including resampling to a coarser resolution and addition of noise, was performed. No, or very little, effect of sampling resolution and additional noise on the performance of the spectrophotometers was reported. The results from this study showed that, as long as strict laboratory scanning protocols were followed, no significant differences in constituent determination were found, despite differences in spectral range, spectral resolution, spectral sampling intervals and sample presentation methods. The differences in predictive abilities between the spectrometers were mostly due to differences in spectral range.
A Comprehensive near Infrared Spectroscopic Study of the Limits of Quantitative Analysis of Sulfathiazole Polymorphism
Authors: MacFhionnghaile Pól , Hu Yun , McArdle Patrick , Erxleben Andrea
Published: February 2013

A comprehensive study on the quantification of sulfathiazole polymorphs by near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis is reported. Calibration models were developed for each of the sulfathiazole polymorphs that can be obtained as polymorphically pure samples, sulfathiazole forms I, III and V, in binary mixtures in the 0–15% concentration range. Partial least squares regression (PLS) was employed and different spectral pre-treatment algorithms including, multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), standard normal variate (SNV) transformation, 1st derivative calculations and SNV combined with 1st derivative were applied to the data. The NIR method was compared with X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and was found to give more accurate results in all cases except one where XPRD was more accurate. For the NIR method, limits of detection were <0.5% except for form V in l/V mixtures where the limit of detection was 1.5%. Limits of quantification ranged from 1.1% to 4.6%. When quantities of forms II and IV were added to samples which were analysed using the model developed for form III in I, their presence was detected by very large prediction errors. A comparison of multivariate and univariate analysis of the NIR data demonstrated that, in general, multivariate methods were superior.
Diagnosis of a Myeloproliferative Disorder in Late Pregnancy
Authors: Okoli S , Wilkins B , Robinson S , Harrison C
Published: February 2013

A 38-year-old primiparous woman presented with pre-eclampsia at 36 weeks gestation with an abnormal full blood count and leukoerythroblastic blood film. JAK2 V617F was negative and splenomegaly was noted on abdominal ultrasound. Delivery was at 37 weeks gestation by emergency caesarean section due to abnormal cardiotocography. Bone marrow aspirate and trephine confirmed a diagnosis of myelofibrosis. The case highlights a rare presentation of primary myelofibrosis in pregnancy, the difficulties in management, and the UK Obstetric Surveillance System who are collecting epidemiological data on uncommon disorders in pregnancy.
Granite plates as slabs in social housing in Brazil
Authors: Moreiras Sérgio Trajano Franco , Paraguassú Antenor Braga , Ribeiro Rogério Pinto
Published: February 2013

Granites slabs are largely used for paving. The most common way to settle the slabs is using a thin layer of industrialised mortar. More recently, there has been interest focused on setting the stone with non-adherent systems – without mortar. However, there is a lack of information concerning these methods. The present study evaluated the mechanical properties of three types of granites with great commercial acceptance for non-adherent paving uses and also determined the stone thickness for this type of use. The slabs are 200 cm wide and 300 cm long and are supported on the four edges by a concrete frame. To evaluate the performance of the slabs according to the use and the environmental conditions, the following tests were performed: abrasion resistance, slip resistance, index gravity and petrography analysis. The properties tested for the structural design of the granite plates were compressive strength, flexural strength and ultrasonic wave velocity. The results indicate that charnockite should be assembled using a thickness of 30 mm, only for indoor uses. The syenogranite and the monzogranite could be used for both interior and exterior uses. The thicknesses of monzogranite and syenogranite slabs should be 20 mm and 30 mm respectively.
Briefing: Microscopic study into biodeterioration of joint sealant
Authors: Hughes Peter , Fairhurst Don , Sherrington Ian , Renevier Nathalie , Morton Glyn , Robery Peter C. , Cunningham Lee
Published: February 2013

This research presents an exploratory study into the biodeterioration of joint sealants used in concrete coastal structures. Monocular, inverted-light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray analyser were used to observe colonisation of site specimens, enabling the further understanding of this interaction. Algal filaments have been observed growing within the matrix of a polymer sealant. Growth has been observed tunnelling within and adhered to the surface of the sealant. This degradation mechanism will weaken the material bond as a direct result of the physical activity of an organism, resulting from its growth. Loss of material, either through biodeterioration or through other mechanical means, such as tidal action, is not the primary cause of degradation, but it should be considered with associated environmental conditions, to exacerbate the condition.
Symmetry breaking in ecological systems through different energy efficiencies of juveniles and adults
Authors: Persson Lennart , de Roos André M.
Published: February 2013

Ontogenetic development is a fundamental aspect of the life history of all organisms and has major effects on population and community dynamics. We postulate a general conceptual framework for understanding these effects and claim that two potential energetics bottlenecks at the level of the individual organism—the rate by which it develops and the rate by which it reproduces—form a fundamental route to symmetry‐breaking in ecological systems, leading to ontogenetic asymmetry in energetics. Unstructured ecological theory, which ignores ontogenetic development, corresponds to a limiting case only, in which mass‐specific rates of biomass production through somatic growth and reproduction, and biomass loss through mortality, are independent of body size (ontogenetic symmetry). Ontogenetic symmetry results in development and reproduction being limited to the same extent by food density. In all other cases, symmetry‐breaking occurs. Ontogenetic asymmetry results in increases in juvenile, adult, or even total biomass in response to mortality. At the community level, this gives rise to alternative stable states via predator‐induced shifts in prey size distributions. Ontogenetic asymmetry furthermore leads to two distinct types of cycles in population dynamics, depending on whether development or reproduction is most energy limited. We discuss the mechanisms giving rise to these phenomena and the empirical support for them. We conclude that the concepts of ontogenetic symmetry and ontogenetic asymmetry form a novel and general organizing principle on which future ecological theory should be developed.
Theology, Hermeneutics and Philosophical Poetics
Authors: Kačerauskas Tomas
Published: February 2013

The article deals with Heidegger’s attitudes towards theology. Heidegger, stating that existential philosophy and theology are incompatible, advances a thesis of not objectivating poetic thinking. Whereas, Ricoeur’s biblical hermeneutics is based on his theory of metaphor. The lingual act here means the destruction of the old outlook for the sake of the new one. In this dramatic way cognition occurs as a meeting. The poetica thinking of the late Heidegger is also based on a meeting that covers both horizontal coexistence and vertical direction. The author raises the question whether the poetica thinking of the late Heidegger is not theological?
Effects of Sleeve Gastrectomy Versus Gastric Bypass on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Remission in Obese Patients
Authors: Moanţă Mihaela Lavinia , Moţa Maria , Copăescu Cătălin , Dumitrache Constantin
Published: February 2013

Objectives: To determine and compare the efficacy of two weight-reducing surgicalinterventions, gastric bypass (GBP) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), in inducingremission/improvement of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods:Data were collected from 162 obese T2DM subjects who underwent SG (96) or GBP(66) between 2009 and 2011. The following parameters were recorded: body massindex, waist-hip-ratio, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile,hypoglycemic drugs used. Results: Remission of T2DM was achieved in 83% ofpatients who underwent SG and in 81% of patients who underwent GBP. For bothprocedures, T2DM remission rate was higher for patients with a shorter duration ofT2DM, with better preoperative glycemic control and for those not requiringpharmacological agents before surgery. Conclusions: SG and GBP are effective ininducing T2DM remission in obese patients. The clinical features of T2DM areimportant predictors for the remission of the disease after bariatric surgery.
Trends in the Seriousness of Youth Crime in Canada, 1984–2011
Authors: Carrington Peter J.
Published: February 2013

Trends in the seriousness of youth crime in Canada from 1984 to 2011 are assessed by analysing changes over time in the mix of offences for which young people have been reported by police as chargeable. Four indicators of seriousness are used: Statistics Canada crime seriousness weights, the proportion of youth accused of an indictable offence, a fivefold classification of offences; and a selection of high volume offences. All four analyses clearly indicate a substantial downward trend over the period in the overall seriousness of police-reported youth crime. The decline in seriousness is mainly due to a very large decrease in the proportion of youth accused of the serious offence of break and enter and a correspondingly large increase in the proportion accused of the minor offences of common assault, cannabis possession, and offences against the administration of justice. The proportion of chargeable youth accused of major offences against the person has increased substantially relative to its level in 1984, but it remains low compared to property and other offenders. Thus, reported youth crime in Canada has become proportionally more violent but less serious overall.
Recent Advances in Cellular Glycomic Analyses
Authors: Furukawa Jun-ichi , Fujitani Naoki , Shinohara Yasuro
Published: February 2013

A large variety of glycans is intricately located on the cell surface, and the overall profile (the glycome, given the entire repertoire of glycoconjugate-associated sugars in cells and tissues) is believed to be crucial for the diverse roles of glycans, which are mediated by specific interactions that control cell-cell adhesion, immune response, microbial pathogenesis and other cellular events. The glycomic profile also reflects cellular alterations, such as development, differentiation and cancerous change. A glycoconjugate-based approach would therefore be expected to streamline discovery of novel cellular biomarkers. Development of such an approach has proven challenging, due to the technical difficulties associated with the analysis of various types of cellular glycomes; however, recent progress in the development of analytical methodologies and strategies has begun to clarify the cellular glycomics of various classes of glycoconjugates. This review focuses on recent advances in the technical aspects of cellular glycomic analyses of major classes of glycoconjugates, including N- and O-linked glycans, derived from glycoproteins, proteoglycans and glycosphingolipids. Articles that unveil the glycomics of various biologically important cells, including embryonic and somatic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells and cancer cells, are discussed.
The Eco-Refurbishment of a 19th Century Terraced House: Energy and Cost Performance for Current and Future UK Climates
Authors: Mohammadpourkarbasi Haniyeh , Sharples Steve
Published: February 2013

The UK government, responding to concerns over climate change impacts, has undertaken to reduce CO2 emissions to 80% of 1990 levels by 2050. This scale of reduction will require major improvements in the energy efficiency of the existing UK building stock, which is the dominant consumer of fossil fuel-generated energy. Housing is a key sector, and since 70% of all current homes in the UK will still exist in 2050 then low carbon refurbishment is critical if CO2 reduction goals are to be met. This paper uses computer modeling to examine the annual operational energy performance, long term energy cost savings and internal thermal conditions for a 19th century terraced house that was eco-refurbished to near a Passivhaus standard. The dwelling was modeled for three locations (Edinburgh, Manchester and London) using current and future climate scenarios (2020s and 2050s under high carbon emission scenarios). Simulation results suggest that there would be very little diminution in heating demand in the future for the house with no refurbishment, whilst the eco-refurbishment produced a significant reduction in energy demand and CO2 emissions. Analysis of the payback period and net present value indicate that the economic optimum varies according to energy prices and that the high construction costs incurred for an eco-refurbishment to a near Passivhaus standard could not be justified in terms of a cost/benefit analysis.
The Increasing Complexity of the Oncofetal H19 Gene Locus: Functional Dissection and Therapeutic Intervention
Authors: Matouk Imad , Raveh Eli , Ohana Patricia , Lail Rasha , Gershtain Eitan , Gilon Michal , De Groot Nathan , Czerniak Abraham , Hochberg Abraham
Published: February 2013

The field of the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is advancing rapidly. Currently, it is one of the most popular fields in the biological and medical sciences. It is becoming increasingly obvious that the majority of the human transcriptome has little or no-protein coding capacity. Historically, H19 was the first imprinted non-coding RNA (ncRNA) transcript identified, and the H19/IGF2 locus has served as a paradigm for the study of genomic imprinting since its discovery. In recent years, we have extensively investigated the expression of the H19 gene in a number of human cancers and explored the role of H19 RNA in tumor development. Here, we discuss recently published data from our group and others that provide further support for a central role of H19 RNA in the process of tumorigenesis. Furthermore, we focus on major transcriptional modulators of the H19 gene and discuss them in the context of the tumor-promoting activity of the H19 RNA. Based on the pivotal role of the H19 gene in human cancers, we have developed a DNA-based therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancers that have upregulated levels of H19 expression. This approach uses a diphtheria toxin A (DTA) protein expressed under the regulation of the H19 promoter to treat tumors with significant expression of H19 RNA. In this review, we discuss the treatment of four cancer indications in human subjects using this approach, which is currently under development. This represents perhaps one of the very few examples of an existing DNA-based therapy centered on an lncRNA system. Apart from cancer, H19 expression has been reported also in other conditions, syndromes and diseases, where deregulated imprinting at the H19 locus was obvious in some cases and will be summarized below. Moreover, the H19 locus proved to be much more complicated than initially thought. It houses a genomic sequence that can transcribe, yielding various transcriptional outputs, both in sense and antisense directions. The major transcriptional outputs of the H19 locus are presented here.
Prevention of Tendon Adhesions by ERK2 Small Interfering RNAs
Authors: Ruan Hongjiang , Liu Shen , Li Fengfeng , Li Xujun , Fan Cunyi
Published: February 2013

Tendon adhesions are one of the most concerning complications after surgical repair of flexor tendon injury. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 2 plays crucial roles in fibroblast proliferation and collagen expression which contributes to the formation of tendon adhesions after flexor tendon surgery. Using a chicken model, we have examined the effects of a small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting ERK2 delivered by a lentiviral system on tendon adhesion formation with an adhesion scoring system, histological assessment, and biomechanical evaluation. It was found that ERK2 siRNA effectively suppressed the increase of fibroblasts and the formation of tendon adhesions (p < 0.05 compared with the control group). Moreover, no statistically significant reduction in breaking force was detected between the ERK2 siRNA group and the control group. These results show that the lentiviral-mediated siRNA system is effective in preventing tendon adhesion formation but not to tendon healing, and may be used for tendon repair after confirmation and improvement by future detailed studies.
A Framework for Green Computing
Authors: Philipson Graeme
Published: February 2013

Many organizations attempt to implement Green ICT. Some adopt a deliberate and holistic policy, but most approach it piecemeal. The formal definition and approach to implementing Green ICT remains elusive, because most organizations are unable to properly identify what areas to address. A comprehensive and practical Green ICT framework helps overcome this problem. Measurement is important because it enables benchmarking and comparisons by quantifying the degree of implementation of Green ICT. User organizations can then be compared to each other, or to themselves over time, to determine the extent and effectiveness of their Green ICT strategies. This paper outlines a research-based yet highly practical Green Computing framework. It is based on a 4 x 5 matrix with four vertical “pillars”: Lifecycle, End User IT, Enterprise and Data Center IT, and IT as a Low-Carbon Enabler. Applied against each pillar is a five-level Capability Maturity Model metric which can be based on a detailed survey of the organization’s policies and practices in each area. The five horizontal dimensions, or “actions” are applied across the four pillars: Attitude, Policies, Practices, Technologies and Metrics.
Innovative Human Capital as a Core Strategy towards an Innovation-Led Economy
Authors: Halim Hasliza Abdul , Ahmad Noor Hazlina , Ramayah T.
Published: February 2013

For the past decade, Malaysia has transformed considerably in its landscape, politics, outlook, economics, and social progress. It has developed from a country that focused on mining and agriculture towards an industrialized country, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors. According to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, as proliferated in the New Economic Model Agenda, moving towards this economy is fundamental especially in efforts to integrate the economy with the global economic network. Malaysia needs to continue to bring changes to the economy in order to move towards innovation-centred economy. The three main features are creativity, innovation value, and high skills. To achieve such a noble endeavour, Malaysia has no option but to nurture and configure the innovative human capital—simply put, Malaysia is in dire need of human capital that is innovative, creative, and proactive. In tandem with this scenario, the National Economic Advisory 2010 has outlined several strategic plans to transform Malaysia’s economy by focusing on strengthening and intensifying human capital development. Human capital needs to be equipped with necessary competencies and entrepreneurial activities to ensure that the private sector is the vanguard of economic development. Therefore, human capital approach could be leveraged by certain dimensions that could create new knowledge and information. Although human capital may be the origin of all knowledge, learning requires that individuals exchange and share insights and knowledge, which represent social embeddedness. Additionally, organisational architecture that is pro-innovativeness should be designed in promoting the development of human capital. The dimensions such as management support, work discretion, rewards, time availability, and risk taking could foster human capital to induce innovativeness. As such, it is imperative to understand the ingredients that could form and shape the innovative human capital by leveraging the social embeddedness and pro-innovativeness organisational architecture that lead to innovative performance and excellent organisational performance.
Developing a Web Application for the Integration of Real-World, Scientific, Problem-Solving into the Secondary Classroom
Authors: Gill Susan E. , Marcum-Dietrich Nanette I. , Fraser John
Published: February 2013

In the 21st century, digital natives, born into a world of omnipresent technology, spend much of their lives online. However, many teachers still see the use of educational technologies as a challenge (e.g., Ertmer, 2005; Li, 2007). The authors propose that the familiarity and ubiquity of these media offer a valuable way to engage students in meaningful learning. In the last decade, the National Science Foundation has invested heavily in bringing technology into the K-12 classroom by funding an array of cyberlearning applications to investigate how they can transform student learning. Model My Watershed is one of those experimental platforms that integrates online learning with an understanding of the physical world within an interdisciplinary framework. This case study documents the development of this application from concept through implementation and beyond. It provides insights into the challenges of application design and deployment for those entering the world of cyberlearning design.
Nascent Endothelium Initiates Th2 Polarization of Asthma
Authors: Asosingh Kewal , Cheng Georgiana , Xu Weiling , Savasky Benjamin M. , Aronica Mark A. , Li Xiaoxia , Erzurum Serpil C.
Published: February 2013

Asthma airway remodeling is linked to Th2 inflammation. Angiogenesis is a consistent feature of airway remodeling, but its contribution to pathophysiology remains unclear. We hypothesized that nascent endothelial cells in newly forming vessels are sufficient to initiate Th2-inflammation. Vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin is a constitutively expressed endothelial cell adhesion molecule that is exposed in its monomer form on endothelial tip cells prior to adherens junction formation. Abs targeted to VE-cadherin monomers inhibit angiogenesis by blocking this adherens junction formation. In this study, VE-cadherin monomer Ab reduced angiogenesis in the lungs of the allergen-induced murine asthma model. Strikingly, Th2 responses including, IgE production, eosinophil infiltration of the airway, subepithelial fibrosis, mucus metaplasia, and airway-hyperreactivity were also attenuated by VE-cadherin blockade, via mechanisms that blunted endothelial IL-25 and proangiogenic progenitor cell thymic stromal lymphopoietin production. The results identify angiogenic responses in the origins of atopic inflammation.
Blocking Properdin, the Alternative Pathway, and Anaphylatoxin Receptors Ameliorates Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Decay-Accelerating Factor and CD59 Double-Knockout Mice
Authors: Miwa Takashi , Sato Sayaka , Gullipalli Damodar , Nangaku Masaomi , Song Wen-Chao
Published: February 2013

Complement is implicated in the pathogenesis of ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI). The activation pathway(s) and effector(s) of complement in IRI may be organ specific and remain to be fully characterized. We previously developed a renal IRI model in decay-accelerating factor (DAF) and CD59 double-knockout (DAF−/−CD59−/−) mice. In this study, we used this model to dissect the pathway(s) by which complement is activated in renal IRI and to evaluate whether C3aR- or C5aR-mediated inflammation or the membrane attack complex was pathogenic. We crossed DAF−/−CD59−/− mice with mice deficient in various complement components or receptors including C3, C4, factor B (fB), factor properdin (fP), mannose-binding lectin, C3aR, C5aR, or Ig and assessed renal IRI in the resulting mutant strains. We found that deletion of C3, fB, fP, C3aR, or C5aR significantly ameliorated renal IRI in DAF−/−CD59−/− mice, whereas deficiency of C4, Ig, or mannose-binding lectin had no effect. Treatment of DAF−/−CD59−/− mice with an anti-C5 mAb reduced renal IRI to a greater degree than did C5aR deficiency. We also generated and tested a function-blocking anti-mouse fP mAb and showed it to ameliorate renal IRI when given to DAF−/−CD59−/− mice 24 h before, but not 4 or 8 h after, ischemia/reperfusion. These results suggest that complement is activated via the alternative pathway during the early phase of reperfusion, and both anaphylatoxin-mediated inflammation and the membrane attack complex contribute to tissue injury. Further, they demonstrate a critical role for properdin and support its therapeutic targeting in renal IRI.
Acute Aortic Valve Rupture from Infective Endocarditis after Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Call to Revise the AHA Guidelines for Prevention of Infective Endocarditis
Authors: Ansari Julia , Garcha Gurkaran Singh , Huang Henry , Bakaeen Faisal G. , Virani Salim S. , Jneid Hani
Published: February 2013

We describe the case of a 63-year-old man with a known murmur who presented with a 4-month history of intermittent fever and a progressive reduction in energy level after a transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB). He subsequently presented with acute heart failure secondary to aortic valve cusp rupture caused by endocarditis and underwent urgent aortic valve surgery. The 2008 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline update on infective endocarditis has narrowed the use of antibiotic prophylaxis before most accepted dental procedures and continues to recommend against prophylaxis before genitourinary or gastrointestinal procedures. In contrast, the American Urological Association recommends the use of fluoroquinolones for the prevention of transrectal ultrasound–derived infectious complications. Notably, TRPB is associated with a high frequency of bacteremia and bacteriuria. In our case, an antibiotic course before the procedure and a more meticulous medical work-up after febrile illness might have mitigated the patient's catastrophic medical presentation.
Security of the person, peace of mind: a precautionary approach to environmental uncertainty
Authors: Collins Lynda M
Published: February 2013

This article assesses the evolution of precautionary environmental human rights in the twenty years since Rio, with a focus on security of the person. In particular, the author argues that where there is evidence of a significant environmental threat to human health, coupled with scientific uncertainty regarding the existence, mechanism, or scope of the risk involved, the security of the person of exposed individuals is violated. Taking a precautionary approach to security of the person, and recognizing the integral role of psychology in human wellbeing, the author argues that the requirement to live daily with uncertainty regarding the safety of such fundamentals as air, water and soil violates the psychological integrity of affected communities, and amounts to an infringement of security of the person as protected in both national constitutions and international human rights instruments.
Evaluation of HOx sources and cycling using measurement-constrained model calculations in a 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol (MBO) and monoterpene (MT) dominated ecosystem
Authors: Kim S. , Wolfe G. M. , Mauldin L. , Cantrell C. , Guenther A. , Karl T. , Turnipseed A. , Greenberg J. , Hall S. R. , Ullmann K. , Apel E. , Hornbrook R. , Kajii Y. , Nakashima Y. , Keutsch F. N. , DiGangi J. P. , Henry S. B. , Kaser L. , Schnitzhofer R. , Graus M. , Hansel A. , Zheng W. , Flocke F. F.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. We present a detailed analysis of OH observations from the BEACHON (Bio-hydro-atmosphere interactions of Energy, Aerosols, Carbon, H2O, Organics and Nitrogen)-ROCS (Rocky Mountain Organic Carbon Study) 2010 field campaign at the Manitou Forest Observatory (MFO), which is a 2-methyl-3-butene-2-ol (MBO) and monoterpene (MT) dominated forest environment. A comprehensive suite of measurements was used to constrain primary production of OH via ozone photolysis, OH recycling from HO2, and OH chemical loss rates, in order to estimate the steady-state concentration of OH. In addition, the University of Washington Chemical Model (UWCM) was used to evaluate the performance of a near-explicit chemical mechanism. The diurnal cycle in OH from the steady-state calculations is in good agreement with measurement. A comparison between the photolytic production rates and the recycling rates from the HO2 + NO reaction shows that recycling rates are ~20 times faster than the photolytic OH production rates from ozone. Thus, we find that direct measurement of the recycling rates and the OH loss rates can provide accurate predictions of OH concentrations. More importantly, we also conclude that a conventional OH recycling pathway (HO2 + NO) can explain the observed OH levels in this non-isoprene environment. This is in contrast to observations in isoprene-dominated regions, where investigators have observed significant underestimation of OH and have speculated that unknown sources of OH are responsible. The highly-constrained UWCM calculation under-predicts observed HO2 by as much as a factor of 8. As HO2 maintains oxidation capacity by recycling to OH, UWCM underestimates observed OH by as much as a factor of 4. When the UWCM calculation is constrained by measured HO2, model calculated OH is in better agreement with the observed OH levels. Conversely, constraining the model to observed OH only slightly reduces the model-measurement HO2 discrepancy, implying unknown HO2 sources. These findings demonstrate the importance of constraining the inputs to, and recycling within, the ROx radical pool (OH + HO2 + RO2).
A description of the global land-surface precipitation data products of the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre with sample applications including centennial (trend) analysis from 1901–present
Authors: Becker A. , Finger P. , Meyer-Christoffer A. , Rudolf B. , Schamm K. , Schneider U. , Ziese M.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The availability of highly accessible and reliable monthly gridded data sets of global land-surface precipitation is a need that was already identified in the mid-1980s when there was a complete lack of globally homogeneous gauge-based precipitation analyses. Since 1989, the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) has built up its unique capacity to assemble, quality assure, and analyse rain gauge data gathered from all over the world. The resulting database has exceeded 200 yr in temporal coverage and has acquired data from more than 85 000 stations worldwide. Based on this database, this paper provides the reference publication for the four globally gridded monthly precipitation products of the GPCC, covering a 111-yr analysis period from 1901–present. As required for a reference publication, the content of the product portfolio, as well as the underlying methodologies to process and interpolate are detailed. Moreover, we provide information on the systematic and statistical errors associated with the data products. Finally, sample applications provide potential users of GPCC data products with suitable advice on capabilities and constraints of the gridded data sets. In doing so, the capabilities to access El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) sensitive precipitation regions and to perform trend analyses across the past 110 yr are demonstrated. The four gridded products, i.e. the Climatology (CLIM) V2011, the Full Data Reanalysis (FD) V6, the Monitoring Product (MP) V4, and the First Guess Product (FG), are publicly available on easily accessible latitude/longitude grids encoded in zipped clear text ASCII files for subsequent visualization and download through the GPCC download gate hosted on ftp://ftp.dwd.de/pub/data/gpcc/html/download_gate.html by the Deutscher Wetterdienst (DWD), Offenbach, Germany. Depending on the product, four (0.25°, 0.5°, 1.0°, 2.5° for CLIM), three (0.5°, 1.0°, 2.5°, for FD), two (1.0°, 2.5° for MP) or one (1.0° for FG) resolution is provided, and for each product a DOI reference is provided allowing for public user access to the products. A preliminary description of the scope of a fifth product – the Homogenized Precipitation Analysis (HOMPRA) – is also provided. Its comprehensive description will be submitted later in an extra paper upon completion of this data product. DOIs of the gridded data sets examined are as follows: doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/CLIM_M_V2011_025, doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/CLIM_M_V2011_050, doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/CLIM_M_V2011_100, doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/CLIM_M_V2011_250, doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/FD_M_V6_050, doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/FD_M_V6_100, doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/FD_M_V6_250, doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/MP_M_V4_100, doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/MP_M_V4_250, doi:10.5676/DWD_GPCC/FG_M_100.
The AmeriFlux data activity and data system: an evolving collection of data management techniques, tools, products and services
Authors: Boden T. A. , Krassovski M. , Yang B.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. The Carbon Dioxide Information Analysis Center (CDIAC) at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), USA has provided scientific data management support for the US Department of Energy and international climate change science since 1982. Among the many data archived and available from CDIAC are collections from long-term measurement projects. One current example is the AmeriFlux measurement network. AmeriFlux provides continuous measurements from forests, grasslands, wetlands, and croplands in North, Central, and South America and offers important insight about carbon cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. To successfully manage AmeriFlux data and support climate change research, CDIAC has designed flexible data systems using proven technologies and standards blended with new, evolving technologies and standards. The AmeriFlux data system, comprised primarily of a relational database, a PHP based data-interface and a FTP server, offers a broad suite of AmeriFlux data. The data interface allows users to query the AmeriFlux collection in a variety of ways and then subset, visualize and download the data. From the perspective of data stewardship, on the other hand, this system is designed for CDIAC to easily control database content, automate data movement, track data provenance, manage metadata content, and handle frequent additions and corrections. CDIAC and researchers in the flux community developed data submission guidelines to enhance the AmeriFlux data collection, enable automated data processing, and promote standardization across regional networks. Both continuous flux and meteorological data and irregular biological data collected at AmeriFlux sites are carefully scrutinized by CDIAC using established quality-control algorithms before the data are ingested into the AmeriFlux data system. Other tasks at CDIAC include reformatting and standardizing the diverse and heterogeneous datasets received from individual sites into a uniform and consistent network database, generating high-level derived products to meet the current demands from a broad user group, and developing new products in anticipation of future needs. In this paper, we share our approaches to meet the challenges of standardizing, archiving and delivering quality, well-documented AmeriFlux data worldwide to benefit others with similar challenges of handling diverse climate change data, to further heighten awareness and use of an outstanding ecological data resource, and to highlight expanded software engineering applications being used for climate change measurement data.