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Radiative transfer in clouds is a challenging task, due to their high spatial and temporal variability which is unrivaled by any other atmospheric species. Clouds are among the main modulators of radiation along its path through the Earth’s atmosphere. The cloud feedback is the largest source of uncertainty in current climate model predictions. Cloud observation from satellites, on a global scale, with appropriate temporal and spatial sampling is therefore one of the top aims of current Earth observation missions. In this chapter three-dimensional methods for radiative transfer in cloudy atmospheres are described, which allow to study cloud-radiation interaction at the level needed to better understand the fundamental details driving climate and to better exploit remote sensing algorithms. The Monte Carlo technique is introduced which allows to handle nearly arbitrarily complex atmospheric conditions. The accuracy of the method is discussed by comparison between different models and with observations. Finally, we show some examples and discuss under which conditions three-dimensional methods are actually needed and when commonly-used one-dimensional approximations are applicable. This chapter builds upon the excellent overview of one-dimensional radiative transfer in ERCA Volume 3 [B. Pinty and M.M. Verstraete, ERCA 3, 67 (1998)].

High-field multi-THz pulses are employed to analyze the coherent nonlinear response of the narrow-gap semiconductor InSb which is driven off-resonantly. Field-resolved four-wave mixing signals manifest the onset of a non-perturbative regime of Rabi flopping at external amplitudes above 5 MV/cm per pulse. Simulations based on a two-level quantum system confirm these experimental results.

Ultraintense few-cycle THz pulses are employed to study the nonlinear response of graphite. A phase sensitive 2D spectroscopy setup is capable of detecting pump-induced transient changes as well as multi-wave mixing processes. The observed strong THz-pump THz-probe signals provide insight into ultrafast dynamics and the spectral response of the low-energy carriers. Here we report the observation of a pump-induced transmission in graphite. The relaxation dynamics shows three distinct time scales, which are assigned to carrier thermalization, phonon emission and a slow cooling down back to equilibrium.

A simplified method for determining plasma glycerol is described. This assay utilizes the fluorometric measurement of the reduced adenine dinucleotide, NADH2 which is formed when glycerol is oxidized by glycerol dehydrogenase. Only three pipettings are necessary for each reaction tube, and a large number of samples can be included in each assay.

This article describes a program through which interactions every 2–3 weeks between patients and primary care clinicians (PCCs), with recommendations based on analysis of remote glucose monitoring by computerized insulin dose adjustment algorithms, significantly improved diabetes control. Insulin doses increased by 30% in the majority of patients. A sizeable minority (36%) had a decrease or no increase in insulin doses, but still showed an improvement in diabetes control. Frequent interactions allowed PCCs the opportunity to recognize and address medication nonadherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To support teachers in enhancing ocean literacy, the Center for Microbial Oceanography: Research and Education (C-MORE) has developed a series of portable, hands-on science kits on selected topics in oceanography. This paper provides an overview of kit content, describes how the kits were developed, and evaluates their efficacy as a curriculum supplement in formal classroom environments by using two studies, a qualitative assessment of teacher experience and a quantitative assessment of student learning. The teacher surveys (n = 45) indicate the kits were used in a wide range of class types and grade levels, describe the kits as useful classroom tools that actively engaged students and resulted in meaningful learning, and strongly indicate that the teachers plan to continue to use the kits in the future. The student learning assessment (n = 1,236) employed a pretest, posttest 1, and posttest 2 methodology. The pretest and posttest 1 were given immediately before and after instruction, respectively; posttest 2 was given at least 2 weeks after instruction. Engaging with the science kits resulted in significant knowledge acquisition (pretest-posttest 1 mean differences of 0.21-0.41) and retention (pretest-posttest 2 mean differences of 0.18 to 0.39), with significance defined at the a = 0.05 level. In the 2 weeks after kit instruction, all kits showed a slight, nonsignificant loss in knowledge (mean differences of -0.01 to -0.04). Together, the teacher and student evaluations indicate that the C-MORE kits are effective classroom tools that can serve as a model for hands-on curriculum supplements.

This article discusses the use of computerized insulin dose-adjustment algorithms (CIDAAs) in primary care settings to help manage insulin-requiring patients with diabetes. The study examined the real-world results of two primary care clinicians using CIDAAs in conjunction with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices. The findings showed that the use of CIDAAs and CGM devices led to a decrease in estimated HbA1c levels and an increase in insulin doses, indicating improved glycemic control. The study suggests that this combination of technologies can effectively address the challenges faced by primary care clinicians in managing insulin therapy for their patients. [Extracted from the article]

Cranioplasty (CP) after decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) is a common neurosurgical procedure with a high complication rate. The best material for the repair of large cranial defects is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate different implant materials regarding surgery related complications after CP. Type of materials include the autologous bone flap (ABF), polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), calcium phosphate reinforced with titanium mesh (CaP-Ti), polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and hydroxyapatite (HA). A retrospective, descriptive, observational bicenter study was performed, medical data of all patients who underwent CP after DHC between January 1st, 2016 and December 31st, 2022 were analyzed. Follow-up was until December 31st, 2023. 139 consecutive patients with a median age of 54 years who received either PMMA (56/139; 40.3%), PEEK (35/139; 25.2%), CaP-Ti (21/139; 15.1%), ABF (25/139; 18.0%) or HA (2/139; 1.4%) cranial implant after DHC were included in the study. Median time from DHC to CP was 117 days and median follow-up period was 43 months. Surgical site infection was the most frequent surgery-related complication (13.7%; 19/139). PEEK implants were mostly affected (28.6%; 10/35), followed by ABF (20%; 5/25), CaP-Ti implants (9.5%; 2/21) and PMMA implants (1.7%, 1/56). Explantation was necessary for 9 PEEK implants (25.7%; 9/35), 6 ABFs (24.0%; 6/25), 3 CaP-Ti implants (14.3%; 3/21) and 4 PMMA implants (7.1%; 4/56). Besides infection, a postoperative hematoma was the most common cause. Median surgical time was 106 min, neither longer surgical time nor use of anticoagulation were significantly related to higher infection rates (p = 0.547; p = 0.152 respectively). Ventriculoperitoneal shunt implantation prior to CP was noted in 33.8% (47/139) and not significantly associated with surgical related complications. Perioperative lumbar drainage, due to bulging brain, inserted in 38 patients (27.3%; 38/139) before surgery was protective when it comes to explantation of the implant (p = 0.035). Based on our results, CP is still related to a relatively high number of infections and further complications. Implant material seems to have a high effect on postoperative infections, since surgical time, anticoagulation therapy and hydrocephalus did not show a statistically significant effect on postoperative complications in this study. PEEK implants and ABFs seem to possess higher risk of postoperative infection. More biocompatible implants such as CaP-Ti might be beneficial. Further, prospective studies are necessary to answer this question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite an increased likelihood of experiencing traumatic events and increased vulnerability, there are only few publications on trauma therapy for persons with intellectual disabilities (IDs). This pilot study for the first time investigates the feasibility and effectiveness of Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) within this target group modified by Plain Language. Methods: A group of n = 10 participants with ID dual diagnoses and another group of n = 5 participants with severe and chronic mental disorders were separately stratified and randomised, then forming together an intervention group (n = 7) and a waiting list control group (n = 8). All participants were treated with NET attuned to their communication abilities by using Plain Language. Primary outcome was the post‐traumatic stress measured with the Post‐Traumatic Symptom Scale‐10 before and after the intervention. In addition, the Adverse Childhood Experience Index was used for diagnostic purposes. Data were analysed using t‐test for repeated measures and analysis of covariance. Results: Narrative Exposure Therapy and the randomised controlled trial study proved to be successfully conductible with participants with IDs in a congregated residential service. Although the corresponding effect size was high (partial eta square = 0.188), the between‐group difference was not significant (P = 0.12). Analysis of the observational study resulted in a highly significant improvement for participants with IDs (P < 0.001; Hedges' g = 2.36) and in a significant improvement in participants with severe and chronic mental disorders (P < 0.013; Hedges' g = 1.52). Additionally, the participants with IDs show a significantly better reduction of symptom burden (P = 0.03; partial eta square = 0.327). Conclusions: The results provide a first evidence for a possible and successful implementation of NET modified in Plain Language for persons with IDs and complex mental health support needs. Completeness in responding to the items of Post‐Traumatic Symptom Scale‐10 and Adverse Childhood Experience Index indicates the suitability of these instruments for both groups of participants. Although the group difference in the randomised controlled trial failed to achieve statistical significance mainly due to the small sample size, the results of the embedded observational study are promising for the conduct of further studies with the modified NET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study published in the journal Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism compared two treatment approaches for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes: triple therapy (TCT) and a stepwise approach (SAT). The study found that TCT was more effective in achieving glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels of less than 6.5% without hypoglycemia, weight gain, or discontinuation of drugs due to adverse events. However, the study's primary outcome was biased towards TCT because of the drugs chosen for each group. The study suggests that the use of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors instead of sulphonylureas could eliminate hypoglycemia and weight gain. Additionally, the study's author recommends starting treatment with metformin and adding a second non-insulin drug if necessary. The study also highlights some limitations, such as infrequent dose escalations and drug changes in the SAT arm, and a potential misstatement regarding the inclusion criterion for estimated glomerular rate. Overall, the study raises questions about the use of triple therapy as an initial treatment for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses the high cost of insulin is a serious problem for many people with diabetes. It mentions analog insulins are more expensive than human insulins, but there is no evidence that they are more effective. It highlights multiple studies have shown that human insulins are just as effective as analog insulins.