bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on glucose control in diabetes
Authors: Poolsup Nalinee , Suksomboon Naeti , Kyaw Aye Mon 
Published: July 2013

AbstractDiabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that necessitates continuing treatment and patient self-care education. Monitoring of blood glucose to near normal level without hypoglycemia becomes a challenge in the management of diabetes. Although self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) can provide daily monitoring of blood glucose level and help to adjust therapy, it cannot detect hypoglycemic unawareness and nocturnal hypoglycemia which occurred mostly in T1DM pediatrics. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) offers continuous glucose data every 5 minutes to adjust insulin therapy especially for T1DM patients and to monitor lifestyle intervention especially for T2DM patients by care providers or even patients themselves. The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) on glycemic control in Type 1 diabetic pediatrics and Type 2 diabetic adults by collecting randomized controlled trials from MEDLINE (pubmed), SCOPUS, CINAHL, Web of Science and The Cochrane Library up to May 2013 and historical search through the reference lists of relevant articles. There are two types of CGM device: real-time CGM and retrospective CGM and both types of the device were included in the analysis. In T1DM pediatrics, CGM use was no more effective than SMBG in reducing HbA1c [mean difference – 0.13% (95% CI -0.38% to 0.11%,]. This effect was independent of HbA1c level at baseline. Subgroup analysis indicated that retrospective CGM was not superior to SMBG [mean difference -0.05% (95% CI -0.46% to 0.35%)]. In contrast, real-time CGM revealed better effect in lowering HbA1c level compared with SMBG [mean difference -0.18% (95% CI -0.35% to -0.02%, p = 0.02)]. In T2DM adults, significant reduction in HbA1c level was detected with CGM compared with SMBG [mean difference – 0.31% (95% CI -0.6% to -0.02%, p = 0.04)].This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested that real-time CGM can be more effective than SMBG in T1DM pediatrics, though retrospective CGM was not. CGM provided better glycemic control in T2DM adults compared with SMBG.
Bottom-up Synthesis of Titania and Zirconia Nanosheets and Their Composites with Graphene
Authors: Takenaka Sakae , Uwai Shunsuke , Ida Shintaro , Matsune Hideki , Kishida Masahiro 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Simple impregnation of graphene oxide (GO) in cyclohexane containing Ti(OC4H9)4 or Zr(OC4H9)4, followed by a solvothermal reaction, resulted in the deposition of nanosheets of TiO2 or ZrO2 a few nanometers thick on the reduced GO. In addition, free-standing nanosheets of TiO2 or ZrO2 were formed by calcination of these composites in air.
Systematic assessment of benefits and risks: study protocol for a multi-criteria decision analysis using the Analytic Hierarchy Process for comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Maruthur Nisa M , Joy Susan , Dolan James , Segal Jodi B , Shihab Hasan M , Singh Sonal 
Published: July 2013

Background: Regulatory decision-making involves assessment of risks and benefits of medications at the time of approval or when relevant safety concerns arise with a medication. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) facilitates decision-making in complex situations involving tradeoffs by considering risks and benefits of alternatives. The AHP allows a more structured method of synthesizing and understanding evidence in the context of importance assigned to outcomes. Our objective is to evaluate the use of an AHP in a simulated committee setting selecting oral medications for type 2 diabetes. Methods:This study protocol describes the AHP in five sequential steps using a small group of diabetes experts representing various clinical disciplines. The first step will involve defining the goal of the decision and developing the AHP model. In the next step, we will collect information about how well alternatives are expected to fulfill the decision criteria. In the third step, we will compare the ability of the alternatives to fulfill the criteria and judge the importance of eight criteria relative to the decision goal of the optimal medication choice for type 2 diabetes. We will use pairwise comparisons to sequentially compare the pairs of alternative options regarding their ability to fulfill the criteria. In the fourth step, the scales created in the third step will be combined to create a summary score indicating how well the alternatives met the decision goal. The resulting scores will be expressed as percentages and will indicate the alternative medications' relative abilities to fulfill the decision goal. The fifth step will consist of sensitivity analyses to explore the effects of changing the estimates. We will also conduct a cognitive interview and process evaluation. Discussion: Multi-criteria decision analysis using the AHP will aid, support and enhance the ability of decision makers to make evidence-based informed decisions consistent with their values and preferences.
Work Flow Analysis of Around-the-clock Processing of Blood Culture Samples and Integrated MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry Analysis for the Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Schneiderhan Wilhelm , Grundt Alexander , Wörner Stefan , Findeisen Peter , Neumaier Michael 
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND
Because sepsis has a high mortality rate, rapid microbiological diagnosis is required to enable efficient therapy. The effectiveness of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis in reducing turnaround times (TATs) for blood culture (BC) pathogen identification when available in a 24-h hospital setting has not been determined.

METHODS
On the basis of data from a total number of 912 positive BCs collected within 140 consecutive days and work flow analyses of laboratory diagnostics, we evaluated different models to assess the TATs for batch-wise and for immediate response (real-time) MALDI-TOF MS pathogen identification of positive BC results during the night shifts. The results were compared to TATs from routine BC processing and biochemical identification performed during regular working hours.

RESULTS
Continuous BC incubation together with batch-wise MALDI-TOF MS analysis enabled significant reductions of up to 58.7 h in the mean TATs for the reporting of the bacterial species. The TAT of batch-wise MALDI-TOF MS analysis was inferior by a mean of 4.9 h when compared to the model of the immediate work flow under ideal conditions with no constraints in staff availability.

CONCLUSIONS
Together with continuous cultivation of BC, the 24-h availability of MALDI-TOF MS can reduce the TAT for microbial pathogen identification within a routine clinical laboratory setting. Batch-wise testing of positive BC loses a few hours compared to real-time identification but is still far superior to classical BC processing. Larger prospective studies are required to evaluate the contribution of rapid around-the-clock pathogen identification to medical decision-making for septicemic patients.
Prediction of Egyptian 500-kV Overhead Transmission Line’s Radio Interference by Using the Excitation Function
Authors: El Dein Adel Z. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This article presents applications of the excitation function on the prediction of the radio interference (RI) of overhead transmission line (OHTL), due to corona effect. These applications are done under different weather conditions such as heavy rain, wet conductor, and fair weather.Also, this article investigates the factors influencing the RI level, namely, the height of conductors, phase spacing, number of subconductors in the bundle, diameter of subconductor, and subconductor spacing in the bundle.In this article, it is shown that the RI level is dependent on the weather conditions. Where the RI level under heavy rain has the maximum level, hence, it should be considered as a basic level of any OHTL.
Power Management Based Current Control Technique for Photovoltaic-Battery Assisted Wind–Hydro Hybrid System
Authors: Ram Prabhakar J. , Ragavan K. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
This article proposes new power management based current control strategy for integrated wind–solar–hydro system equipped with battery storage mechanism. In this control technique, an indirect estimation of load current is done, through energy balance model, DC-link voltage control and droop control. This system features simpler energy management strategy and necessitates few power electronic converters, thereby minimizing the cost of the system. The generation–demand (G–D) management diagram is formulated based on the stochastic weather conditions and demand, which would likely moderate the gap between both. The features of management strategy deploying energy balance model include (1) regulating DC-link voltage within specified tolerances, (2) isolated operation without relying on external electric power transmission network, (3) indirect current control of hydro turbine driven induction generator and (4) seamless transition between grid-connected and off-grid operation modes. Furthermore, structuring of the hybrid system with appropriate selection of control variables enables power sharing among each energy conversion systems and battery storage mechanism. By addressing these intricacies, it is viable to regulate the frequency and voltage of the remote network at load end. The performance of the proposed composite scheme is demonstrated through time-domain simulation in MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Zur Stellung des Antisemitismus im Denken Carl Schmitts
Authors: Egner David 
Published: July 2013

Vorspann
Die Zeiten, in denen Bewunderer Carl Schmitts dessen antisemitische Äußerungen und Handlungen unter dem NS-Regime als Opportunismus oder gar als überlebensnotwendige Anpassung verharmlosen konnten, sind längst vorbei, enthalten doch seine mittlerweile veröffentlichten Tagebücher aus der Zeit vor der NS-Diktatur ebenso wie seine Nachkriegsaufzeichnungen zahlreiche antijüdische Statements. Doch welche Bedeutung hat der Antisemitismus für Schmitts wissenschaftliches Werk? In die anhaltende Debatte darüber greift David Egner mit seinem folgenden Beitrag ein, bei dem es ihm besonders um die Präzisierung der Analyse Schmitt’scher Denkfiguren geht.
How “Discover the COSMOS” and “PATHWAY” are changing the science education in European high schools.
Authors: Kourkoumelis Christine 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTIt has been noted by various reports that during recent years, there has been an alarming decline in young people’s interest for science studies and mathematics. Since it is believed that the traditional teaching methods often fail to foster positive attitudes towards learning science, the European Commission has made intensive efforts to promote science education in schools though new methods based on the inquiry based techniques: questions, search and answers. This is coupled to hands-on experience, playful learning accompanied by laboratory exercises and examples.“Discover the COSMOS” is such a project which brings into synergy resources from high energy, astronomy and space physics to promote e-Science in Europe. Event analysis tools from the ATLAS experiments at the Large Hadron Collider of CERN -such as the “hunt for the Higgs” application- as well as time slices in various robotic telescopes around the world and the related software to process the images, are all available as educational scenaria for both the students and the educators. Moreover, the best practices are presented in a more theoretical for the teachers in the “Pathway” project. Examples of the available resources as well as first results from the evaluation of the programs are presented.
Effects of Smelter Sulfur Dioxide Emissions
Authors: Savard Martine M. , Bégin Christian , Parent Michel , Smirnoff Anna , Marion Joëlle 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTWe wanted to test the hypothesis that forest exposure to phytotoxic gases indirectly affects their carbon uptake. We estimated that the reduction of photosynthesis may have reached 20 to 30% at a site located 9 km (test site) from the Horne copper smelter in Rouyn–Noranda, which is a point source of SO2 Twenty‐one spruce trees older than 100 yr were selected from seven sites at various distances from the smelter to evaluate conditions prior to and during the periods of smelter operation. The carbon isotope results obtained from spruce tree rings at our test site reveal an unprecedented and abrupt shift of +4‰ after the onset of smelter operations. This large and permanent shift exceeds natural variations in regional pre‐smelter series or in the series at a remote control site. All trees up to 116 km downwind from the smelter show δ13C positive shifts following the onset of operations. There is also a clear inverse relationship between the amplitude of the first‐order trends and distance from the smelter. Those δ13C trends indicate that trees exposed to high levels of SO2 decrease their level of CO2 uptake through activation of stomatal closure. This is strongly supported by the significant departure of the Rouyn–Noranda trends from those measured for trees from non‐industrialized areas of the Northern Hemisphere, or calculated using global atmospheric conditions. Considering the large number of SO2 point sources in North America, our results imply that CO2 uptake by the boreal forest in the vicinity of these sources may be lower than previously thought.
Lead Reduction and Redistribution in the Forest Floor in New Hampshire Northern Hardwoods
Authors: Yanai Ruth D. , Ray David G. , Siccama Thomas G. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTBecause of the affinity of organic matter for lead, atmospheric loadings of this pollutant have been strongly retained in the forest floor. With the regulation of Pb emissions, loadings have decreased. We measured changes in Pb in forest floor horizons at a variety of northern hardwood sites in New Hampshire from the late 1970s to the 1990s. In all seven of the sites in which horizons were distinguished within the forest floor, Pb was found to be declining in the upper (Oie) horizon, but not in the underlying Oa and A horizons. At the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest (HBEF), this loss from the Oie resulted in a 36% loss of Pb from the forest floor as a whole between 1976 and 1997 (p < 0.001). In contrast, in six stands in the Bartlett Experimental Forest (BEF), losses of Pb averaging >50% from the Oi and Oe horizons (p = 0.01) between 1979 and 1994 were compensated by gains in the Oa and A horizons. Similarly, at seven additional stands in the White Mountain National Forest, changes in the forest floor as a whole from 1980 to 1995 were not statistically significant (redistribution within the forest floor was not evaluated at these sites). Lead concentrations were highest in the Oe or Oie in the 1970s, but were highest in the Oa horizon in the 1990s. There was no significant pattern of Pb loss or retention as a function of stand age across all the sites.
Heavy Metals in an Urban Watershed in Southeastern Michigan
Authors: Murray Kent S. , Rogers Daniel T. , Kaufman Martin M. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe occurrence of heavy metals in the soil was measured over a period of several years to determine background concentrations in a heavily urbanized watershed in southeastern Michigan. A spatially dispersed sample was collected to capture the inherent variability of the soils and historic land use. The analysis focused on 14 metals (antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, thallium, and zinc) that are part of the USEPA's list of the 129 most common pollutants. Metal concentrations were measured at three depths: near‐surface (<0.5 m), shallow subsurface (0.5–10 m), and depths greater than 10 m across six soil units in glacial terrain. Additional analyses assessed the metal concentrations in each depth profile across three general land use categories: residential, commercial, and industrial. Metal concentrations were the highest in the near‐surface with Pb present at concentrations averaging 15.5 times that of background in industrial areas and approximately 16 times background in residential areas. Cadmium, Hg, and Zn were also present in surface soils at levels of several times that of background. The highest concentrations of each of these metals were present in the clay‐rich soils located in the eastern, more urbanized and industrialized part of the watershed. Metals detected at elevated concentrations decreased in concentration with increasing depth and distance from the urbanized and industrialized center of the watershed. Statistically significant differences in the concentrations of heavy metals were also noted between the land use categories, with Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn observed within industrial areas at mean concentrations several times greater than background levels.
Arsenic Availability from Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)–Treated Wood
Authors: Rahman Farhana Alamgir , Allan Deborah L. , Rosen Carl J. , Sadowsky Michael J. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTLumber used to construct raised garden beds is often treated with chromated copper arsenate (CCA). This project aimed to determine (i) how far As, Cu, and Cr had diffused away from CCA‐treated wood surfaces in raised garden beds under realistic conditions, (ii) the uptake of these elements by crops, and (iii) the effect of CCA solution on soil bacteria. This study showed that As, Cu, and Cr diffuse into soil from CCA‐treated wood used to construct raised garden beds. To determine crop uptake of these elements, contaminated soil 0 to 2 cm from the treated wood was obtained from two different beds (40–50 mg kg−1 As); control soil was collected 1.5 m away from the treated wood (<3–10 mg kg−1 As). Four replicates of carrot (Daucus carota var. sativus Hoffm. cv. Thumbelina), spinach (Spinacia oleracea L. cv. Indian Summer), bush bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Provider), and buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench cv. Common) were grown in pots containing these soils in a greenhouse. After harvest, plant materials were dried, ground, digested, and analyzed for As by inductively coupled plasma–hydride generation (ICP–HG). Concentrations of As in all crops grown in contaminated soils were higher than those from control soils. The levels of As in the crops remained well below the recommended limit for As set by the United States Public Health Service (2.6 mg kg−1 fresh wt.). To determine if bacteria in soils 0 to 2 cm from the treated wood had higher resistance to Type C chromated copper arsenate (CCA‐C) solution than those from reference soils, dilution plates were set up using quarter‐strength tryptic soy agar (TSA) media and 0 to 22.94 g L−1 (0–1.25% v/v) CCA‐C working solution. The microorganisms from soils adjacent to treated wood had greater growth on the CCA‐amended media than those from reference soils outside the bed.
Dissolved Organic Nitrogen Regulation in Freshwaters
Authors: Willett V. B. , Reynolds B. A. , Stevens P. A. , Ormerod S. J. , Jones D. L. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTDissolved organic nitrogen (DON) has been hypothesized to play a major role in N cycling in a variety of ecosystems. Our aim was to assess the seasonal and concentration relationships between dissolved organic carbon (DOC), DON, and NO−3 within 102 streams and 16 lakes within catchments of differing complexity situated in Wales. Further, we aimed to assess whether patterns of land use, soil type, and vegetation gave consistent trends in DON and dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) relationships over a diverse range of catchments. Our results reinforce that DON constitutes a significant component of the total dissolved N pool typically representing 40 to 50% of the total N in streams and lakes but sometimes representing greater than 85% of the total dissolved N. Generally, the levels of DON were inversely correlated with the concentration of DIN. In contrast to DIN concentrations, which showed distinct seasonality, DON showed no consistent seasonal trend. We hypothesize that this reflects differences in the bioavailability of these two N types. The amount of DON, DOC, and DIN was significantly related to soil type with higher DON export from Histosol‐dominated catchments in comparison with Spodosol‐dominated watersheds. Vegetation cover also had a significant effect on DON concentrations independent of soil type with a nearly twofold decrease in DON export from forested catchments in comparison with nonforested watersheds. Due to the diversity in catchment DON behavior, we speculate that this will limit the adoption of DON as a broad‐scale indicator of catchment condition for use in monitoring and assessment programs.
Degradation and Mobility of Linear Alkylbenzene Sulfonate and Nonylphenol in Sludge‐Amended Soil
Authors: Jacobsen Anne Marie , Mortensen Gerda Krog , Hansen Hans Christian Bruun 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTDegradation and mobility of the surfactants linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and nonylphenol (NP) were investigated in a lysimeter study using a sandy loam soil and 45‐cm soil columns. Anaerobically digested sewage sludge was incorporated in the top‐15‐cm soil layer to an initial content of 38 mg LAS and 0.56 mg NP kg−1dry wt., respectively. Spring barley (Hordeum vulgareL.) was sown onto the columns. The lysimeters were placed outdoors and therefore received natural precipitation, but were also irrigated to a total amount of water equivalent to 700 mm of precipitation. Leachate and soil samples from three soil layers were collected continuously during a growth period of 110 d. Leachate samples and soil extracts were concentrated by solid‐phase extraction (SPE) and analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The concentrations in the top‐15‐cm soil layer declined to 25 and 45% of the initial contents for LAS and NP, respectively, within the first 10 d of the study. At the end of the study, less than 1% LAS was left, while the NP content was below the detection limit. Assuming first‐order degradation kinetics, half‐lives of 20 and 37 d were estimated for LAS and NP, respectively. The surfactants were not measured in leachate samples in concentrations above the analytical detection limits of 4.0 and 0.5 μg L−1for LAS and NP, respectively. In addition, neither LAS nor NP were measured in concentrations above the detection limits of 150 and 50 μg kg−1dry wt., respectively, in soil layers below the 15 cm of sludge incorporation, indicating negligible downward transport of the surfactants in the lysimeters.