bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-border mythologies: The problem with traveling planning ideas
Authors: Lieto Laura
Published: December 2013

In the debate on the transnational transfer of planning ideas, many authors refer to a basic interpretive scheme of diffusion/dissemination that acknowledges an “origin” (contextualization) and a “destination” of the travel (recontextualization), with a thick “trajectory” in between (de-contextualization). This article questions such a scheme, arguing that planning ideas cannot be viewed as facts or truth statements, least of all fixed things that can be moved about. Rather, they are myths. Drawing upon Roland Barthes’ and Michel Foucault’s visions of modern mythology, the article envisages the origin narrative of a planning idea as a mythological narrative that planners may use to refresh their own knowledge and traditions each and every time an idea is put into play. An example taken from a planning event in the Middle East illustrates the practical implications of such an approach.
Evaluating handling equipment operating systems in container yard
Authors: Yang Wen-Shyan , Liang Gin-Shuh
Published: December 2013

In this article, a fuzzy analytic hierarchy process method is presented to evaluate handling equipment operated in a container yard. To begin with, there were 19 criteria established for the evaluation, and then, a factor analysis was used to extract five dimensions, namely, operating environment, reliability, productivity, storage capacity and managing costs. Furthermore, an expert questionnaire of analytic hierarchy was established based on the 5 dimensions, 19 criteria and 5 alternative solutions. Finally, the proposed fuzzy analytic hierarchy process was used to verify the evaluation model, with handling equipment operated in Container Center A of Kaohsiung Harbor taken as an illustration. The research results showed that the storage capacity was the most important factor to the evaluation. Among the 19 criteria, the first 5 were a 20-foot container ground slot, the acquisition cost of the handling equipment, annual handling capacity of the storage yard, handling methods and the equipment failure rate, in the ascending order of precedence, and the handling equipment best fits Container Center A of Kaohsiung Harbor was rail-mounted gantry cranes. It is hoped that the proposed evaluation model will help container yard operators select the most suitable handling equipment for their operations.
Wound Healing Activity of the Inflorescence of Typha elephantina (Cattail)
Authors: Panda Vandana , Thakur Tejas
Published: December 2013

Methanolic extracts of Typha elephantina inflorescence (TE) and its bandage were screened for wound healing by incision and excision wound models in Wistar rats. In the incision wound model, incision wounds were topically treated with TE gel (2.0% [w/w], 3.0% [w/w], and 5.0% [w/w]), Typha elephantina inflorescence bandage, and the reference standard 5.0% w/w povidone iodine for a period of 10 days. When the wounds healed thoroughly, sutures were removed on the 8th postwounding day, and the tensile strength of the skin was measured on the 10th day. In the excision wound model, excision wounds were treated with TE gel (3.0% [w/w] and 5.0% [w/w]), inflorescence bandage, and 5.0% w/w povidone iodine till the wounds completely healed. Epithelization time, wound contraction, hydroxyproline and hexosamine content of the scab, and ascorbic acid and malondialdehyde content of the plasma were determined in this model. In the incision wound model, high tensile strength of the skin of the healed wound was observed in rats treated with the TE gels and the inflorescence bandage when compared with wounded control rats. The increase in tensile strength indicates a promotion of collagen fibers and a firm knitting of the disrupted wound surfaces by collagen. In the excision wound model, higher rate of wound contraction, decreased period of epithelization, elevated hydroxyproline, hexosamine, and ascorbic acid levels, and a significant decrease in malondialdehyde content was observed in treated groups when compared with the wounded control animals. It may be concluded that the inflorescence of Typha elephantina possesses a potent wound healing activity, which may be due to an underlying antioxidant mechanism.
A demonstration of ABM validation techniques by applying docking to the Epstein civil violence model
Authors: Appleget Jeffrey , Burks Robert , Jaye Michael
Published: December 2013

The increased focus of the United States Department of Defense (DoD) on irregular warfare and counterinsurgency has served to identify the lack of credible models and simulations to represent the relevant civilian populations – the centers of gravity of such operations. While agent-based models (ABMs) have enjoyed widespread use in the social science community, many senior DoD officials are skeptical that agent-based models can provide useful tools to underpin DoD analysis, training, and acquisition needs mainly because of validation concerns. This paper uses docking and other forms of alignment that enable the linking of the Epstein civil violence agent-based model results to other models. These examples of model-to-model analysis could serve to assist and encourage DoD ABM human domain model validation efforts.
Teacher Dismissal for Cause
Authors: Allison Brad , Schumacher Gary , Hammonds Craig
Published: December 2013

This case presents a discussion of events that led to the dismissal of a teacher for cause. A first year high school principal is confronted with teacher behavior that creates a dangerous situation for students. The decision process to determine the appropriate organizational response involves a number of individuals and systems. The administrative recommendation ignores research on decision making and the result is a negative outcome for the school district and the career of the new principal.
Modeling transport properties of single-wall carbon nanotube between metal and graphene electrodes
Authors: Dhariwal Sandeep , Lamba Vijay K , Vijay Ritu
Published: December 2013

In this article, transport properties of a single-wall carbon nanotube having chirality (4, 0), connected to copper, gold and graphene electrodes, have been investigated. Electronic structures have been analyzed using the density functional theory calculator. Transport properties of the devices formed by interfacing of single-wall carbon nanotube and electrodes are computed using the nonequilibrium Green’s functional method coupled with density functional theory approach. Contact effects due to metal–carbon nanotube interface have significant impact on transport properties of charge carriers. Therefore, transport properties have been critically analyzed with the help of transmission spectra, differential conductance and conductance plots and I–V characteristics. From these results, it has been concluded that formulation of the electrode material is not the single-factor responsible for creating conduction problems. Along with the electrode material, interface position of metal–carbon nanotube configuration and heterostructure contacts are also responsible in influencing transport phenomenon. In this way, varying the contact geometry is found to play an important role in integrated circuit interconnect technologies for exploring the transport properties. Gold is best among all three simulated contact electrodes, and for low-power applications, graphene can be next choice over an applied bias range of −1 to +1 V. Atomistix software tool has been used to analyze transport properties of interconnect models.
Drug-Induced Liver Injury by Glatiramer Acetate Used for Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Onmez Attila , Eminler Ahmet Tarik , Ergenç Hasan , Baykara Meltem , Uslan Ihsan , Tamer Ali
Published: December 2013

Glatiramer acetate (GA, Copaxone) is an approved drug for the treatment of relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Most common side effects observed with GA are local injection site reactions, which can include pain, swelling, or redness. However, systemic adverse event such as hepatotoxicity related to GA is rarely seen. In this report, we present a case of GA-induced toxic hepatitis associated with cholestatic and hepatocellular damage.
The Emerging Role of Elastography in Cancer
Authors: Mapes-Gonnella Tia
Published: December 2013

Real-time elastography is an emerging sonographic imaging technique that provides a noninvasive method of evaluating biomechanical properties of a lesion: specifically, the elasticity, or stiffness, of the cellular composition relative to surrounding tissue. Clinical studies have demonstrated the diagnostic capability of elastography to detect specific cancers with accuracy that may substantially affect patient care and improve outcome. This literature review examines the basics of elastography, the advantages and limitations of this technique, and the results of research centered on its role in cancer detection and evaluation of tissue response to cancer therapies.
The impact of the use of antiepileptic drugs on the growth of children
Authors: Lee Herng-Sheng , Wang Shih-Yu , Salter Donald M , Wang Chih-Chien , Chen Shyi-Jou , Fan Hueng-Chuen
Published: December 2013

Background

This study investigated whether long-term treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) had negative effects on statural growth and serum calcium levels in children with epilepsy in Taiwan.

Methods

Children with epilepsy treated with one prescription of AEDs (monotherapy) for at least 1 year were selected. The AEDs included valproic acid (VPA; Deparkin) in 27 children (11 boys and 16 girls) aged 4-18 years, oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) in 30 children (15 boys and 15 girls) aged 5-18 years, topiramate (Topamax) in 19 children (10 boys and 9 girls) aged 6-18 years, and lamotrigine (Lamicta) in eight children (5 boys and 3 girls) aged 5-13 years. Patients with a history of febrile convulsions were selected as the controls.

Results

One year of VPA treatment significantly impaired the statural growth of pediatric patients with epilepsy (p < 0.005) compared with the control group. The underlying mechanism may have been due to the direct effect of VPA on the proliferation of growth plate chondrocytes rather than alterations of serum calcium.

Conclusions

These results raise serious concerns about the growth of pediatric epilepsy patients who use AEDs, and potentially the need to closely monitor growth in children with epilepsy and adolescents under AED treatment, especially VPA.
Construction of fast xylose-fermenting yeast based on industrial ethanol-producing diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiaeby rational design and adaptive evolution
Authors: Diao Liuyang , Liu Yingmiao , Qian Fenghui , Yang Junjie , Jiang Yu , Yang Sheng
Published: December 2013

Background

It remains a challenge for recombinant S. cerevisiae to convert xylose in lignocellulosic biomass hydrolysates to ethanol. Although industrial diploid strains are more robust compared to laboratory haploid strains, however, industrial diploid S. cerevisiae strains have been less pursued in previous studies. This work aims to construct fast xylose-fermenting yeast using an industrial ethanol-producing diploid S. cerevisiae strain as a host.

Results

Fast xylose-fermenting yeast was constructed by genome integration of xylose-utilizing genes and adaptive evolution, including 1) Piromyces XYLA was introduced to enable the host strain to convert xylose to xylulose; 2) endogenous genes (XKS1, RKI1, RPE1, TKL1, and TAL1) were overexpressed to accelerate conversion of xylulose to ethanol; 3) Candida intermedia GXF1, which encodes a xylose transporter, was introduced at the GRE3 locus to improve xylose uptake; 4) aerobic evolution in rich xylose media was carried out to increase growth and xylose consumption rates. The best evolved strain CIBTS0735 consumed 80 g/l glucose and 40 g/l xylose in rich media within 24 hours at an initial OD600 of 1.0 (0.63 g DCW/l) and produced 53 g/l ethanol.

Conclusions

Based on the above fermentation performance, we conclude that CIBTS0735 shows great potential for ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass.
Is adjuvant radiotherapy warranted in resected pT1-2 node-positive rectal cancer?
Authors: Peng Junjie , Li Xinxiang , Ding Ying , Shi Debing , Wu Hongbin , Cai Sanjun
Published: December 2013

Background

Stage T1-2 rectal cancers are unlikely to have lymph node metastases and neoadjuvant therapy is not routinely administered. Postoperative management is controversial if lymph node metastases are detected in the resected specimen. We studied the outcomes of patients with pT1-2 node-positive rectal cancer in order to determine whether adjuvant radiotherapy was beneficial.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 284 patients with pathological T1-2 node-positive rectal cancer from a single institution. Outcomes, including local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis (DM), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS), were studied in patients with detailed TN staging and different adjuvant treatment modalities.

Results

The overall 5-year LR, DM, DFS and OS rates for all patients were 12.5%, 32.9%, 36.4% and 76.8%, respectively. Local control was inferior among patients who received no adjuvant therapy. Patients could be divided into three risk subsets: Low-risk, T1N1; Intermediate-risk, T2N1 and T1N2; and High-risk, T2N2. The 5-year LR rates were 5.3%, 9.8% and 26.4%, respectively (p = 0.005). In High-risk patients, addition of radiotherapy achieved a 5-year LR rate of 9.1%, compared 34.8% without radiotherapy.

Conclusions

In our study, we provide the detailed outcomes and preliminary survival analysis in a relatively infrequent subset of rectal cancer. Three risk subsets could be identified based on local control for pT1-2 node positive rectal cancer. Postoperative treatment needs to be individualized for patients with pT1-2 node-positive rectal cancer.
Prognostic utility of basaloid differentiation in oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Cooper Timothy , Biron Vincent , Adam Ben , Klimowicz Alexander C , Puttagunta Lakshmi , Seikaly Hadi
Published: December 2013

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is recognized as the key risk factor for a distinct subset of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. P16 is a reliable, sensitive surrogate marker for HPV and confers a positive prognostic advantage. Basaloid differentiation on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining is anecdotally noted by some pathologists to be associated with p16 positivity. This association, however, has not been adequately quantified in the literature, nor has the prognostic implications of basaloid differentiation been described.

Objectives

1) To correlate the H&E staining feature of basaloid differentiation with p16 positivity in oropharyngeal cancer. 2) To investigate the prognostic utility of basaloid differentiation in oropharyngeal cancer survival.

Methods

Retrospective cross-sectional study of all patients diagnosed with and treated for oropharyngeal cancer at a single tertiary cancer center from 2002 to 2009. Tissue microarrays (TMAs) were generated from 208 oropharyngeal tumor specimens stained with H&E and immunohistochemical markers. These oropharyngeal TMAs were utilized in several previous publications. Samples were scored for basaloid differentiation by a pathologist blinded to the p16 result. A multivariate survival analysis with Cox-regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results

In the 208 samples, basaloid differentiation correlated with p16 positivity (Spearman's rho 0.435). Basaloid differentiation and p16 positivity were both independent predictors of improved survival. The 5 year disease specific survival (DSS) was 73% for p16 positive tumors and 35% for p16 negative tumors (p < 0.001). Similarly, the 5 year DSS of basaloid differentiated tumors was 74% compared to 41% for non-basaloid tumors (p = 0.001). Patients with p16 positive and basaloid differentiated tumors had the best survival outcomes with a 5 year DSS of 80%.

Conclusions

Basaloid differentiation is a feature on H&E which correlates with p16 positivity and is a simple, inexpensive, independent, positive prognostic indicator of comparable magnitude to p16 status. Due to the added prognostic value of basaloid differentiation, this feature should be routinely reported by qualified pathologists.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of a postoperative clinical care pathway in head and neck surgery with microvascular reconstruction
Authors: Dautremont Jonathan F , Rudmik Luke R , Yeung Justin , Asante Tiffany , Nakoneshny Steve C , Hoy Monica , Lui Amanda , Chandarana Shamir P , Matthews Thomas W , Schrag Christiaan , Dort Joseph C
Published: December 2013

Background

The objective of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a postoperative clinical care pathway for patients undergoing major head and neck oncologic surgery with microvascular reconstruction.

Methods

This is a comparative trial of a prospective treatment group managed on a postoperative clinical care pathway and a historical group managed prior to pathway implementation. Effectiveness outcomes evaluated were total hospital days, return to OR, readmission to ICU and rate of pulmonary complications. Costing perspective was from the government payer.

Results

118 patients were included in the study. All outcomes demonstrated that the postoperative pathway group was both more effective and less costly, and is therefore a dominant clinical intervention. The overall mean pre- and post-pathway costs are ․22,733 and ․16,564 per patient, respectively. The incremental cost reduction associated with the postoperative pathway was ․6,169 per patient.

Conclusion

Implementing the postoperative clinical care pathway in patients undergoing head and neck oncologic surgery with reconstruction resulted in improved clinical outcomes and reduced costs.
The role of neural precursor cells and self assembling peptides in nerve regeneration
Authors: Zhao Xiao , Yao Gordon S , Liu Yang , Wang Jian , Satkunendrarajah Kajana , Fehlings Michael
Published: December 2013

Objective

Cranial nerve injury involves loss of central neural cells in the brain stem and surrounding support matrix, leading to severe functional impairment. Therapeutically targeting cellular replacement and enhancing structural support may promote neural regeneration. We examined the combinatorial effect of neural precursor cells (NPC) and self assembling peptide (SAP) administration on nerve regeneration.

Methods

Nerve injury was induced by clip compression of the rodent spinal cord. SAPs were injected immediately into the injured cord and NPCs at 2 weeks post-injury. Behavioral analysis was done weekly and rats were sacrificed at 11 weeks post injury. LFB-H&E staining was done on cord tissue to assess cavitation volume. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) were measured at week 11 to assess nerve conduction and Kaplan meier curves were created to compare survival estimates.

Results

NPCs and SAPs were distributed both caudal and rostral to the injury site. Behavioral analysis showed that SAP + NPC transplantation significantly improved locomotor score p <0.03) and enhanced survival (log rank test, p = 0.008) compared to control. SAP + NPC treatment also improved nerve conduction velocity (p = 0.008) but did not affect cavitation volume (p = 0.73).

Conclusion

Combinatorial NPC and SAP injection into injured nerve tissue may enhance neural repair and regeneration.
Pharmaceutical supply chain risks: a systematic review
Authors: Jaberidoost Mona , Nikfar Shekoufeh , Abdollahiasl Akbar , Dinarvand Rassoul
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Supply of medicine as a strategic product in any health system is a top priority. Pharmaceutical companies, a major player of the drug supply chain, are subject to many risks. These risks disrupt the supply of medicine in many ways such as their quantity and quality and their delivery to the right place and customers and at the right time. Therefore risk identification in the supply process of pharmaceutical companies and mitigate them is highly recommended.

Objective

In this study it is attempted to investigate pharmaceutical supply chain risks with perspective of manufacturing companies.

Methods

Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science bibliographic databases and Google scholar scientific search engines were searched for pharmaceutical supply chain risk management studies with 6 different groups of keywords. All results found by keywords were reviewed and none-relevant articles were excluded by outcome of interests and researcher boundaries of study within 4 steps and through a systematic method.

Results

Nine articles were included in the systematic review and totally 50 main risks based on study outcome of interest extracted which classified in 7 categories. Most of reported risks were related to supply and supplier issues. Organization and strategy issues, financial, logistic, political, market and regulatory issues were in next level of importance.

Conclusion

It was shown that the majority of risks in pharmaceutical supply chain were internal risks due to processes, people and functions mismanagement which could be managed by suitable mitigation strategies.
Synthesis and molecular modeling of six novel monastrol analogues: evaluation of cytotoxicity and kinesin inhibitory activity against HeLa cell line
Authors: Abnous Khalil , Barati Batoul , Mehri Soghra , Masboghi Farimani Mohammad Reza , Alibolandi Mona , Mohammadpour Fatemeh , Ghandadi Morteza , Hadizadeh Farzin
Published: December 2013

Background and the purpose of the study

A common approach in cancer chemotherapy is development of drugs that interrupt the mitosis phase of cell division. Dimethylenastron is a known kinesin inhibitor. In this study, six novel dimethylenastron analogues (4a-f), in which 3-hydroxyphenyl substituent has been replaced with substituted benzylimidazolyl, were synthesized through Biginelli reaction.

Methods

Six novel Biginelli compounds (4a-f) were synthesized through one step Biginelli reaction of imidazole aldehydes (3a-c), dimedone and urea or thioura. In vitro cytotoxicities of prepared compounds were investigated using MTT assay. Furthermore the ELIPA kit was implemented to study inhibitory effects of synthesized compounds on ATPase activity of kinesin by measuring of organic phosphate.

Results

Our results indicated that analogue 4c is the most toxic and analogues 4f, 4b and dimethylenasteron were less cytotoxic in compare with other analogues. On the other hand, analogue 4a, 4b, 4c and 4e showed stronger Kinesin inhibition as compared with analogue 4f and dimethylenasteron. None of synthesized compounds were as potent kinesin inhibitor as Taxol. Docking analysis revealed that hydrogen bond formation and hydrophobic interactions were the key factors affecting inhibitory effects of these compounds.

Conclusion

Newly synthesized compounds were found to have moderate to good cytotoxicity against HeLa cancer cell. Our results may be helpful in further design of dihydropyrimidine as potential anticancer agents.
Harmful metals concentration in sediments and fishes of biologically important estuary, Bay of Bengal
Authors: Lakshmanasenthil Shanmugaasokan , Vinothkumar Thirumalairaj , AjithKumar Thipramalai Thankappan , Marudhupandi Thangapandi , Veettil Dhaneesh Kottila , Ganeshamurthy Raghunathan , Ghosh Swagat , Balasubramanian Thangavel
Published: December 2013

Study on the accumulation level of heavy metals was conducted on sediment and fishes from estuaries of Bay of Bengal. Heavy metals were determined by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) and the results were compared to permissible limits of WHO/USEPA. The accumulation patterns of Fe and Cd were found predominantly in all samples tested when correlated with other metals. It was found that the concentration of metals such as Cd (3.90 ± 0.25 μg/g), Cr (0.44 ± 0.05 μg/g), Ni (0.33 ± 0.01 μg/g), and Mn (1.1 ± 0.11 μg/g) were exceeding the permissible limit, whereas Fe, Co, Pb, and Zn were found within the limit of WHO/USEPA at station 1. In station 2, Cd (16.5 ± 0.4 μg/g), Mn (0.67 ± 0.11 μg/g), and Cr (0.80 ± 0.01 μg/g) were exceeding the permissible limit, whereas Fe, Co, Pb, Ni, and Zn were found within the limit. This study emphasizes that Cd and Mn levels in both stations, are far higher than the acceptable values set by WHO/USEPA and may therefore present human health hazards. It is therefore mandatory to carry out extensive research to evaluate the possible environmental risk factors in the vicinity of both estuaries with respect to heavy metals.
Biological nitrate removal processes from drinking water supply-a review
Authors: Mohseni-Bandpi Anoushiravan , Elliott David Jack , Zazouli Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2013

This paper reviews both heterotrophic and autotrophic processes for the removal of nitrate from water supplies. The most commonly used carbon sources in heterotrophic denitrification are methanol, ethanol and acetic acid. Process performance for each feed stock is compared with particular reference nitrate and nitrite residual and to toxicity potential. Autotrophic nitrate removal has the advantages of not requiring an organic carbon source; however the slow growth rate of autotrophic bacteria and low nitrate removal rate have contributed to the fact that relatively few full scale plants are in operation at the present time.
Implementation of contingency management in probation agencies using a case controlled longitudinal design: a PDSA study protocol
Authors: Taxman Faye S , Rudes Danielle S
Published: December 2013

Background

Moving evidence-based practices (EBPs) from clinical research settings to real world work environments is challenging. Grounded in the work of Proctor and colleagues on “bench-trench” partnerships, quality improvement studies use a bench (academic)-trench (practitioner) model that incorporates “practice knowledge” while building a feedback process throughout the various change phases (Social Work Research, 27, 67-69). Yet, few implementation studies give adequate attention to longitudinal collection of key organizational and individual level-information.

Method/Design

The Justice Steps (JSTEPS) project uses a PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) quasi-experimental design that combines active and engaged researcher and practitioner learning collaborations about EBP adoption and implementation. The academic researchers and practitioners (Federal probation and judicial staff) work together to implement contingency management (CM) into routine practice. Each site participates in two learning collaborative meetings, receives six feedback reports, and accesses telephone consultation on the design and implementation of the CM procedure. The study protocol allows examination of the implementation of CM over 24 months in five settings. Each setting proceeds based on the sites’ own pace of adopting CM. This study uses a case controlled pre-post design to measure individual level data and a pre-post design for staff level outcomes. The outcomes of interest are reduced substance use and increased time on probation. The project data collection includes individual-level client data and organizational and staff data to assess the implementation of the CM in five probation agencies through three periods: inception, implementation and sustainability. Qualitative methods include observations and interviews combined with data gathering during learning sessions. Individual level client data includes attendance, status at required events, and arrests.

Discussion

This project contributes to the current understanding of how contextual factors affect implementation decisions. The protocol allows each site to develop their own tailored CM protocol and a process for implementing CM, compatible with the local socio-political environment. Feedback loops are important for fostering attention to CM implementation issues.
Relation between carotid intima media thickness and oxidative stress markers in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents
Authors: El Samahy Mona H , Matter Randa M , Youssef Omneya I , Shams El Din El Telbany Manal A , Kamal Nermeen A
Published: December 2013

Background

Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is a non invasive marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Hyperglycemia, oxidatively modified atherogenic lipoproteins and advanced glycation end products are linked to increased oxidative stress in diabetes. We aimed to find out the relation between carotid intima media thickness in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents and plasma nitric oxide and total antioxidant capacity levels as markers of oxidative stress.

Methods

This study included 50 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus with mean age (9.7 ± 3.4 years) and 50 healthy age and sex matched controls. They were subjected to assessment of hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol and triglycerides, serum total antioxidant capacity, serum nitric oxide (NO) by colorimetric method and carotid intima media thickness by B-mode ultrasound.

Results

There was significant elevation in serum nitric oxide (17.07 ± 6.4 vs 12.6 ± 4.7 μmol/L; p < 0.001), CIMT (0.47 ± 0.04 vs 0.39 ± 0.02 mm; p < 0.001) and significant reduction in serum total antioxidant capacity (0.41 ± 0.29 vs 0.87 ± 0.23 mmol/L; p < 0.001) in diabetic patients compared to controls. Carotid intima media thickness was correlated positively with nitric oxide (r = 0.402, p = 0.01) and negatively with total antioxidant capacity (r = -0.341, p = 0.02). Carotid intima media thickness was also correlated positively with age, duration of diabetes but not correlated with glycemic control or lipid profile.

Conclusion

The significant elevation in nitric oxide and reduction in total antioxidant capacity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus with their correlation with carotid intima media thickness may reflect the role of oxidative stress in the development of atherosclerosis in young type 1 diabetic subjects.
Quality of life in people with diabetes: a systematic review of studies in Iran
Authors: Kiadaliri Aliasghar A , Najafi Baharak , Mirmalek-Sani Maryam
Published: December 2013

Evaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people with diabetes has been growing in Iran over the last decade. The main aim of the current study was to systematically review the characteristics of these studies and examine quality of their findings. Persian (SID, Magiran) and English (Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO and ERIC) databases were systematically searched using the search terms: “diabetes” AND “quality of life” AND “Iran”. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A total of 46 studies passed the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The included studies were conducted in 20 out of 30 provinces of the country. Most studies investigated HRQoL among people with type 2 diabetes. The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and WHO quality of life instruments (WHOQOL) were the main instruments used in these studies. Studies showed that people with diabetes had lower HRQoL than people without diabetes. Better socioeconomic status and better control of cardiovascular risk factors were associated with better HRQoL among the patients with diabetes. In general, the predictors of HRQoL among Iranian patients were similar to their international counterparts implying that diabetes patients share many common features. The reviewed studies suffer from major methodological and reporting flaws which limit validity and generalizability of their findings.
Internal waves and mixing in the epilimnion of a lake affects spatial patterns of zooplankton in a body‐size dependent manner
Authors: Pernica Patricia , Wells Mathew G. , Sprules W. Gary
Published: December 2013

Lay Abstract

Wind‐driven internal gravity waves, oscillations of a fluid density surface, are a common feature within the strongly stratified thermocline region of mid‐latitude lakes. We demonstrate that internal waves can propagate within the surface waters, or epilimnion, of Lake Opeongo, Ontario, during periods of weak stratification. We also note that within the epilimnion, zooplankton are not uniformly distributed spatially but are often distributed in patches as a result of the combination of their own movements and the effect of water currents. Using field data from July and August 2009 and 2010 we report observations of the relationship between enhanced heterogeneity of distribution in zooplankton and the presence of internal waves in the epilimnion. To quantify this relationship we compare measurements of small‐scale spatial distributions of zooplankton with a measure of wave activity. For the smallest size ranges of zooplankton (284–450 μm) we find that spatial variability is statistically greatest when internal waves are most active, whereas no such relationship exists for the two larger zooplankton size classes. The vertical velocities associated with the movement of internal waves are estimated to be faster than the swimming speeds of small zooplankton, essentially rendering them passive. This supports our assertion that the movement of internal waves contributes to the increased spatial variability of zooplankton in lakes.
Can Analysts Analyze Mergers?
Authors: Tehranian Hassan , Zhao Mengxing , Zhu Julie L.
Published: December 2013

After the completion of a merger and acquisition (M&A) transaction, the target firm is delisted, but some analysts who covered it retain coverage of the merged firm. We hypothesize that this decision is based on two factors: the analyst's ability to cover the merged firm and his or her assessment of the M&A deal. Consistent with these hypotheses, we find that the remaining target analysts provide more accurate earnings forecasts and more optimistic stock recommendations and growth forecasts for the merged firms than do the remaining acquirer analysts. We also find that a higher percentage of target analysts choosing to cover the merged firm is associated with better operating and long-term stock performance of that firm, but we do not find this relation with acquirer analysts. Our results extend the literature by showing that target analysts' coverage decisions reveal valuable information about a merged firm's future performance.

This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Effective Correctional Intervention Programmes for Juveniles: Review and Synthesis of Meta-Analytic Evidence
Authors: Kim Bitna , Merlo Alida V. , Benekos Peter J.
Published: December 2013

In juvenile justice, there has been an increasing demand for evidence-based research which has resulted in more meta-analyses of juvenile correctional interventions. Although these meta-analyses have made significant contributions to our understanding of ‘what works' with juvenile offenders, researchers often find considerable variation in outcomes among studies and, as a consequence, fail to reach firm conclusions about the overall effectiveness of the interventions. Lipsey and Cullen (2007) found the positive effects of rehabilitation interventions by synthesising extant meta-analytic findings across diverse correctional intervention programmes [Lipsey, M. W., & Cullen, F. T. (2007). The effectiveness of correctional rehabilitation: a review of systematic reviews. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 3, 297–320]. Using the effect sizes from 85 previous meta-analytic studies of correctional interventions for juveniles during the last 30 years (1980–2010), this paper carried out a partial replication of the Lipsey and Cullen study. We view it as a partial replication because it included only correctional intervention programmes for juveniles (ie, there were no correctional intervention programmes for adults). This study moves to a more extended assessment of the effects of interventions by adding more meta-analyses of intervention programmes for juveniles in prison, jail, probation or parole settings. Specifically, it is of interest to examine and compare effect sizes across differing intervention programmes in order to determine how interventions have performed across populations. The study reports findings that are highly concordant with the earlier study. Some interventions are not effective in reducing recidivism rates among juvenile offenders, while overall mean effect size across diverse samples of studies of different correctional interventions reveals less recidivism for the intervention condition. The authors explore possible explanations for this finding. Implications for policy and research are discussed.
Neopterin suppresses the activity of tryptophan-degrading enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Schroecksnadel Sebastian , Ledjeff Elena-Sophia , Gostner Johanna , Winkler Christiana , Kurz Katharina , Schennach Harald , Fuchs Dietmar
Published: December 2013

In vitro, large amounts of neopterin are released from human monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells primarily upon stimulation with Th1-type cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ). IFN-γ also induces the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which degrades tryptophan (TRP) to form kynurenine (KYN). IDO-mediated TRP catabolism is very effective in suppressing the proliferation of T lymphocytes as well as of pathogens in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether exogenously added neopterin may influence IDO activity in resting and in stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC were isolated from healthy donors, and neopterin was added in a concentration range from 0.01 to 50 μmol/L. After 30 min, PBMC were stimulated or not with 10 μg/mL of mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA). After 48 h, culture supernatants were collected, KYN and TRP concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the ratio of KYN vs. TRP was calculated as an estimate of IDO activity. Spontaneous as well as PHA-induced TRP breakdown was suppressed by exogenously added neopterin in a dose-dependent way; the lowest active concentration of neopterin was <100 nmol/L. As neopterin concentrations in the nanomolar range are commonly observed in patients suffering from infections, sepsis, or uremia, our results suggest that neopterin formation might also serve as a feedback mechanism to slow down TRP degradation in vivo.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Nano-Composites Using Vibration Modal Analysis: Application to Aluminum Piston Alloys
Authors: El-Labban Hashem F. , Abdelaziz M. , Yakout Mostafa , Elkhatib A.
Published: December 2013

In this work, aluminum piston alloy-based nano-composites of high strength and ductility with large damping capacity were produced. Ni particles and Al2O3 particles were used as reinforcing agents to produce three nano-composites by adding three mixtures of these particles to the melt of Al-Si piston alloy at 700°C and application of stirring and squeeze casting. In addition, three micro-composites were produced by adding Ni particles of different percentages to the melt of the same matrix alloy and application of mechanical stirring and squeeze casting with the same conditions. The microstructures of the different materials were investigated using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis was carried out to analyze the elements of the reinforcing and matrix materials. Ultimate tensile strengths and engineering strains of the unreinforced and reinforced materials were evaluated by carrying out tension tests at room temperature. Modal tests were also carried out to evaluate the dynamic characteristics: natural frequency and damping ratio. The tests showed that the ultimate tensile strengths, ductility, and damping capacity of these composites were improved by the increase of both Ni and/or Al2O3 contents. A dynamic life indicator (damping ratio divided by natural frequency) is calculated for each material and showed a significant increase with the increase of nano-particles and/or micro-particles. By carrying out the experiments at different conditions, the mechanical properties, modal characteristics (such as natural frequency and damping ratio), and life indicator can be correlated. By constructing relationships between these properties and dynamic characteristics, the vibration modal analysis can be used for prediction of these properties and characteristics non-destructively.
LGR4 acts as a link between the peripheral circadian clock and lipid metabolism in liver
Authors: Wang Feng , Zhang Xianfeng , Wang Jiqiu , Chen Maopei , Fan Nengguang , Ma Qinyun , Liu Ruixin , Wang Rui , Li Xiaoying , Liu Mingyao , Ning Guang
Published: December 2013

The circadian clock plays an important role in the liver by regulating the major aspects of energy metabolism. Currently, it is assumed that the circadian clock regulates metabolism mostly by regulating the expression of liver enzymes at the transcriptional level, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. In this study, we showed that Lgr4 homozygous mutant (Lgr4m/m) mice showed alteration in the rhythms of the respiratory exchange ratio. We further detected impaired plasma triglyceride rhythms in Lgr4m/m mice. Although no significant changes in plasma cholesterol rhythms were observed in the Lgr4m/m mice, their cholesterol levels were obviously lower. This phenotype was further confirmed in the context of ob/ob mice, in which lack of LGR4 dampened circadian rhythms of triglyceride. We next demonstrated that Lgr4 expression exhibited circadian rhythms in the liver tissue and primary hepatocytes in mice, but we did not detect changes in the expression levels or circadian rhythms of classic clock genes, such as Clock, Bmal1 (Arntl), Pers, Rev-erbs, and Crys, in Lgr4m/m mice compared with their littermates. Among the genes related to the lipid metabolism, we found that the diurnal expression pattern of the Mttp gene, which plays an important role in the regulation of plasma lipid levels, was impaired in Lgr4m/m mice and primary Lgr4m/m hepatocytes. Taken together, our results demonstrate that LGR4 plays an important role in the regulation of plasma lipid rhythms, partially through regulating the expression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein. These data provide a possible link between the peripheral circadian clock and lipid metabolism.
Computational studies investigating the effect of sequencing and environment on the conductance of DNA nanowires
Authors: Jones Gareth , Elias Watheq , Elliott M. , Matthai C. C.
Published: December 2013

Understanding electron transfer in molecular systems is important, especially in the context of molecular electronics. With the desire to incorporate biological molecules in molecular electronic devices, there is a need to establish the relative importance of the various factors like the environment and the molecular structure (DNA sequence) on the electrical conduction. There has been much debate about mechanisms of electron transfer in biological molecules. We have conducted a systematic study of electron conduction across DNA molecular segments using the non-equilibrium Green function (NEGF) method. The Hamiltonian matrix elements were determined within the framework of the Extended Hückel Approximation. In considering (CG) base pair sequences, we find that the conductance decreases with segment length and that the substitution of (AT) base-pairs also reduces the conductance. When the DNA segments are in aqueous solution, the conductance is found to almost double in magnitude.
New Resistive Switching Phenomena in Devices with Limited Active Metal Source
Authors: Verma Mohini , Kang Yuhong , Potnis Tanmay , Khadka Sushil , Liu Tong , Orlowski Marius
Published: December 2013

To better understand the mechanisms of creation and rupture of conductive filaments in resistive switching devices such as Cu/TaOx/Pt, with Cu and Pt being the active and inert electrodes, respectively, a device with limited supply of active metal electrode has been manufactured and electrically characterized. The limited supply of active metal has been realized by depositing a thin (delta) Cu layer (δ-Cu), 6 nm and 12 nm thick, on TaOx, resulting in a Pt/δ-Cu/TaOx/Pt device structure. The limited active metal supply i) has a direct impact on the onresistance (Ron) of the Cu bridge, and leads, after several conventional set-reset cycles, to ii) pulsating behavior, when device turns on and off repeatedly, to iii) symmetric switching behavior with respect to applied voltage polarity, when the device can be set and reset both at positive and negative bias, and to iv) volatile switching behavior.
Silicon photonics transceivers with InP on Si lasers
Authors: Fedeli JM. , Duan G.H. , Vivien L. , Hartmann JM. , Marris-Morini D. , Le Liepvre A. , Messaoudene S. , Bordel D. , Jany C. , Virot L , Lelarge F.
Published: December 2013

Under the FP7 HELIOS project a 16 channel 10G transceiver based on a separate integrated transmitter incorporating hybrid lasers and modulators on silicon and a separate receiver both for 1550nm wavelength range has been demonstrated. An MZM (ITLMZ) chip consisting of a single mode hybrid III-V/silicon laser, a silicon Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulator and an optical output coupler exhibited 10G operation with high BER. A 200GHz 16 channel receiver with polarization management was obtained with a 2D grating coupler, 2xAWGs and 16 Ge photodiodes. Polarization Dispersion Loss (PDL) was below 1dB, Bandwidth (BW) above 20GHz, receiver sensitivity in the order of 0.08 A/W
Understanding the Fundamentals for Package Induced Failure in BEOL Interconnect at 20nm Node
Authors: Ryan Vivian , Gao Shan , Shah Chirag , Geisler Holm , Breuer Dirk , Kuechenmeister Frank , Paul Jens , Kutlu Zafer , Machani Kashi Vishwanath , Lehr Matthias U.
Published: December 2013

Package-induced failures for BEOL interconnects in sub-45nm technology nodes have drawn attention to the great silicon and packaging integration challenges introduced by the weak mechanical properties of ULK-containing metallization elements. Empirical data and modeling studies for a range of silicon and packaging factors at 20nm node reveal fundamental insights into susceptibility to damage and approaches for recovery. Analysis of increase in degradation as BEOL layouts evolve to finer dimensions points to understanding of changes that will enable continued device scaling.
Package Reliability Analysis with Coupled Electro-Thermal and Mechanical Modeling
Authors: Yun Chan-Su , Xu Xiaopeng , Terterian Arsen , Cilento Tommaso
Published: December 2013

Power consumption and dissipation during electrical operation lead to a temperature rise in the package. Elevated temperature in the package structure induces thermo-mechanical stresses which may increase reliability risks. Robust and reliable package design for power systems requires comprehensive analysis of system electrical, thermal, and mechanical behavior. This paper presents a self-consistent approach for package reliability analysis with coupled electro-thermal and thermo-mechanical modeling using TCAD tools.
Strain-Induced Phononic and Structural Response in Wurtzite-Gallium Nitride Nanowires
Authors: Loh Jarvis , Baillargeat Dominique
Published: December 2013

Gallium nitride (GaN) nanowires exist in a myriad of cross-sectional shapes. In this study, a series of classical molecular dynamics simulations is performed to investigate the strain-phononics-structure relationship in rectangular and triangular wurtzite (Wz) - GaN nanowires. The thermal conductivity of the nanowires is linearly dependent on the uniaxial strain in both compressive and tensile regimes, and shows no significant dissimilitude for the same amount of strain exerted on the two types of nanowire. This is coherent with an analytical approach using the Boltzmann transport theory. However, the thermomechanical behaviour at the vertex regions shows palpable differences between the two subfamilies, relative to the non-vertex faceted regions, as the structural morphology is most disparate at the vertices.