bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Catfish Effect Inspired Harmony Search Algorithm for Optimization
Authors: Zhang Lipu , Xu Yinghong , Xu Guanghui , Gong Shicai
Published: September 2013

This paper describes a Catfish Effect inspired harmony search algorithm. In the algorithm, two equal size harmony memories (HM) are used to cover all the variable range, and the new harmony is generated from each history one or from the whole possible solution set, following some probability rule. After the new harmony is obtained, the worst harmony in one HM will be evaluated by the new and the best harmony in the other HM, respectively. Which means that a better harmony has the effect that causing the weak HM to better themselves. These procedures proceed on until the near-optimal solution vector is obtained. Numerical comparisons of the new algorithm with several existing harmony search algorithms are presented based on some standard benchmark optimization problems from CEC2005. The results show that the new algorithm is quite promising.
Maternal obesity disturbs the postnatal development of gonocytes in the rat without impairment of testis structure at prepubertal age
Authors: Christante Caroline Maria , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Pinto-Fochi Maria Etelvina , Góes Rejane Maira
Published: September 2013

In this study, we evaluated whether maternal obesity (MO) affects testis development and gonocyte differentiation in the rat from 0.5 to 14.5 postnatal days. Male Wistar rats were used at 0.5, 4.5, 7.5, and 14.5 days post partum (dpp). These rats were born from obese mothers, previously fed with a high-fat diet (20% saturated fat), for 15 weeks, or normal mothers that had received a balanced murine diet (4% lipids). MO did not affect testis weight or histology at birth but changed the migratory behavior of gonocytes. The density of relocated cells was higher in MO pups at 0.5 dpp, decreased at 4.5 dpp, and differed from those of control pups, where density increased exponentially from 0.5 to 7.5 dpp. The numerical density of gonocytes within seminiferous cords did not vary in MO, in relation to control neonates, for any age considered, but the testis weight was 50% lower at 4.5 dpp. A wide variation in plasmatic testosterone and estrogen levels was observed among the groups during the first week of age and MO pups exhibited higher steroid concentrations at 4.5 dpp, in comparison with controls. At this age, higher estrogen levels of MO pups impaired the gonocyte proliferation. At 7.5 dpp, the testicular size and other parameters of gonocyte development are retrieved. In conclusion, MO and saturated lipid diets disturb gonocyte development and sexual steroid levels during the first days of life, with recovery at prepubertal age.
Bullied Children and Psychosomatic Problems: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Gini Gianluca , Pozzoli Tiziana
Published: September 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

A previous meta-analysis showed that being bullied during childhood is related to psychosomatic problems, but many other studies have been published since then, including some longitudinal studies. We performed a new meta-analysis to quantify the association between peer victimization and psychosomatic complaints in the school-aged population.

METHODS:

We searched online databases up to April 2012, and bibliographies of retrieved studies and of narrative reviews, for studies that examined the association between being bullied and psychosomatic complaints in children and adolescents. The original search identified 119 nonduplicated studies, of which 30 satisfied the prestated inclusion criteria.

RESULTS:

Two separate random effects meta-analyses were performed on 6 longitudinal studies (odds ratio = 2.39, 95% confidence interval, 1.76 to 3.24) and 24 cross-sectional studies (odds ratio = 2.17, 95% confidence interval, 1.91 to 2.46), respectively. Results showed that bullied children and adolescents have a significantly higher risk for psychosomatic problems than non-bullied agemates. In the cross-sectional studies, the magnitude of effect size significantly decreased with the increase of the proportion of female participants in the study sample. No other moderators were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

The association between being bullied and psychosomatic problems was confirmed. Given that school bullying is a widespread phenomenon in many countries around the world, the present results indicate that bullying should be considered a significant international public health problem.
Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite-Based Material Already Contributes to Implant Stability After 3 Months: A Clinical and Radiologic 3-Year Follow-up Investigation
Authors: Ghanaati Shahram , Lorenz Jonas , Obreja Karina , Choukroun Joseph , Landes Constantin , Sader Robert A.
Published: September 2013

The present study reports on a 3-year clinical and radiologic follow-up investigation of dental implants placed 3 and 6 months after sinus augmentation in 14 patients. Augmentation was performed with a synthetic bone substitute material composed of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite. The aim of the study was to determine how the integration period of the bone substitute material, that is, 3 months or 6 months, influences implant integration within the patient's upper jaw. Therefore, the following clinical and radiologic parameters were investigated: implant being in situ; Periotest value; and presence of peri-implant osteolysis, bleeding on probing, plaque, and soft tissue recession around the implants. At the follow-up investigation 3 years after placement, 23 of 24 implants were in situ and suitable for prosthetic rehabilitation. No implants in either study group were mobile or showed peri-implant osteolysis. Only a few implants showed plaque or soft tissue variations. Within its limits, the present study showed comparable clinical performance of dental implants placed 3 months after sinus floor augmentation to implants placed 6 months after augmentation. The results of all investigated parameters were in accordance with results found in the literature. It can be concluded that augmentation with the applied synthetic bone substitute material already forms a sufficient implantation bed 3 months after augmentation, which enables long-term, stable, implant-retained restoration. These findings might contribute to a reduced healing time after augmentation, which would be favorable for patients and clinicians.
Aerossois de queimadas e doencas respiratorias em criancas, Manaus, Brasil
Authors: Andrade Filho Valdir Soares de , Artaxo Paulo , Hacon Sandra , Carmo Cleber Nascimento do , Cirino Glauber
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: Analisar a relação entre a exposição ao material particulado fino emitido em queimadas e as internações hospitalares por doenças respiratórias em crianças. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo com delineamento ecológico de séries temporais realizado em Manaus de 2002 a 2009. Os dados de internações hospitalares foram obtidos a partir do banco de dados do Sistema Único de Saúde. Os níveis de PM2.5 foram estimados por sensoriamento remoto a partir da espessura ótica de aerossóis no comprimento de onda de 550 nm. Foram utilizadas a correlação de Pearson e a regressão linear múltipla entre as variáveis com intervalo de 95% de confiança. RESULTADOS: A região de Manaus apresentou baixas concentrações de PM2.5, quando comparada com a porção sul da região Amazônica. Os meses de agosto a novembro (período seco) apresentaram os maiores níveis médios de PM2.5 (de 18 a 23 µg/m³) e os maiores números de focos de queimadas detectados. A média do PM2.5 para a estação chuvosa foi de 12 µg/m³, 66% menor que a média da estação seca, 20,6 µg/m³. As maiores taxas de internações ocorreram durante a estação chuvosa, e o mês de abril teve a maior taxa, com 2,51/1.000 crianças. Foi observada associação positiva significativa entre as internações e a umidade relativa (R = 0,126; p = 0,005), enquanto a associação entre internações com PM2.5 mostrou-se negativa e estatisticamente significativa (R = - 0,168; p = 0,003). O R² do modelo final (Internações = 2,19*Umidade - 1,60*PM2.5 - 0,23*Precipitação) explicou em 84% as internações por doenças respiratórias em crianças, considerando as variáveis independentes estatisticamente significativas (umidade, PM2.5, e precipitação). CONCLUSÕES: As internações hospitalares de crianças por doenças respiratórias em Manaus podem estar mais associadas às condições meteorológicas, principalmente a umidade, do que à exposição dos aerossóis emitidos em focos de queimadas da região.
Efeito idade-periodo-coorte na mortalidade por cancer do colo uterino
Authors: Meira Karina Cardoso , Silva Gulnar Azevedo e , Silva Cosme Marcelo Furtado Passos da , Valente Joaquim Goncalves
Published: September 2013

OBJETIVO: Estimar o efeito da idade, período e coorte de nascimento na mortalidade por câncer do colo do útero. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados dados de mortalidade por câncer do colo do útero em mulheres ≥ 30 anos nos municípios do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, e São Paulo, SP, de 1980 a 2009. Os dados foram extraídos do Sistema de Informação Sobre Mortalidade. A variação percentual anual estimada foi calculada para os períodos de 1980-1994 e 1995-2009. O efeito da idade, período e coorte de nascimento foi calculado pelo modelo de regressão de Poisson, utilizando funções estimáveis: desvios, curvaturas e drift , por meio da biblioteca Epi do programa estatístico R versão 2.7.2. RESULTADOS: A taxa de mortalidade média do período por 100.000 mulheres foi 15,90 no Rio de Janeiro e 15,87 em São Paulo. Houve redução significativa na mortalidade por câncer do colo do útero nos dois períodos: no Rio de Janeiro, -1,20% (IC95% -2,20;-0,09) e -1,46% (IC95% -2,30;-0,61), e em São Paulo, -2,58% (IC95% -3,41;-1,76) e -3,30% (IC95% -4,30;-2,29). A análise da curvatura dos efeitos indicou tendência de redução do risco de morte nas sucessivas coortes (RR < 1 nas mulheres nascidas após a década de 1960). Observou-se redução acentuada no risco relativo (RR) a partir dos anos 2000. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo evidenciou efeito de período na redução das taxas de mortalidade por câncer do colo do útero no período analisado, tendo em vista que houve efeito de proteção (RR < 1) a partir dos anos 2000 e nas mulheres nascidas após a década de 1960.
Association between Schistosomiasis mansoni and hepatitis C: systematic review
Authors: Van-Lume Daniele Silva de Moraes , de Albuquerque Maria de Fatima Pessoa Militao , de Souza Alexandre Ignacio , Domingues Ana Lucia Coutinho , Lopes Edmundo Pessoa de Almeida , de Morais Clarice Neuenschwander Lins , Montenegro Silvia Maria Lucena
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE: To perform a systematic review of the prevalence of the HCV/ S. mansoni co-infection and associated factors in Schistosoma mansoni -infected populations. METHODS: The bibliographic search was carried out using the Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, Cochrane Library and Ibecs databases. The criteria for the studies' selection and the extraction data were based on systematic review methods. Forty five studies were found, with nine being excluded in a first screening. Thirteen articles were used for data extraction. RESULTS: The HCV infection rates in schistosomiasis populations range from 1% in Ethiopia to 50% in Egypt. Several studies had poorly defined methodologies, even in areas characterized by an association between hepatitis C and schistosomiasis, such as Brazil and Egypt, which meant conclusions were inconsistent. HCV infection rates in schistosomotic populations were heterogeneous and risk factors for acquiring the virus varied widely. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations, this review may help to identify regions with higher rates of hepatitis C and schistosomiasis association. However, more studies are necessary for the development of public health policies on prevention and control of both diseases.
Changes in Prevalence and Clinical Characteristics of Cervical Cancer in the People's Republic of China: A Study of 10,012 Cases From a Nationwide Working Group
Authors: Li Shuang , Hu Ting , Lv Weiguo , Zhou Hang , Li Xiong , Yang Ru , Jia Yao , Huang Kecheng , Chen Zhilan , Wang Shaoshuai , Tang FangXu , Zhang Qinghua , Shen Jian , Zhou Jin , Xi Ling , Deng Dongrui , Wang Hui , Wang Shixuan , Xie Xing , Ma Ding
Published: September 2013

Learning Objective

Evaluate the changes in prevalence and clinical characteristics of cervical cancer in China.
EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Treatment of Panic Disorder: A Comparison
Authors: Faretta Elisa
Published: September 2013

A pilot comparison was made between two treatments for panic disorder, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Treatment was provided in the private practice settings of 7 credentialed therapists, whose treatment fidelity was monitored throughout the study. Five outcome measures were administered at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 1-year follow-up. There was significant improvement for participants in both groups (N = 19) after 12 sessions of treatment. No significant differences in outcome were seen between the 2 therapies, except for lower frequency of panic attacks reported by those in the EMDR group. The current study reanalyzed the data previously reported in Faretta (2012). Further research in this area is suggested.
EMDR and Parenting: A Clinical Case
Authors: Zaccagnino Maria , Cussino Martina
Published: September 2013

The theory of attachment underlines how traumatic experiences from the parent’s past—when stored in a dysfunctional way—can be reactivated in the parent caregiving system, emerging from an internal working model (IWM) of attachment that holds the memory traces of such traumatic events. This article presents a clinical case report of a mother who was referred to treatment because she presented strong depressive symptoms. Forty sessions were provided, consisting of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to address maternal trauma issues and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for parenting skill development, debriefing, cognitive restructuring, and psychoeducation. The positive treatment results included distinct evidence of changes in the mother’s relationship with her child, and her mental representation of her caregiving system as measured with the Parent Development Interview (Slade et al., 1993).
Characterization of Waste Density in a Bioreactor Landfill via Microgravity and Settlement Analysis
Authors: Harris Kyle , Samson Claire , van Geel Paul
Published: September 2013

Optimizing the utilization of landfill airspace and production of biogas for use as an energy source relies on an understanding of the compaction, settlement, and stabilization of waste over time. A higher degree of compaction reduces the landfill footprint; however, it may not provide the optimal conditions for bacteria development and waste stabilization. This article reports on a research project piloting the use of repeated microgravity surveys to characterize variations in waste density in space and time in a bioreactor landfill.

Over the duration of three years, four microgravity surveys were conducted on a new cell at a bioreactor landfill in Sainte-Sophie, Quebec, Canada, as it was gradually filled with waste up to a height of 25 m. After each survey, waste density values were extracted by comparing current gravity data with previous data from lower elevations. For accurate density computations, a settlement model was applied to estimate the degree to which waste had settled over time. This model was derived from settlement data recorded by two gauges buried in the waste column.

The density values obtained from the microgravity surveys were 1.35 ± 0.31 g/cm3 in the first waste slab (between surveys 1 and 2), 1.44 ± 0.22 g/cm3 and 1.20 ± 0.25 g/cm3 in the second waste slab in the northeast and southwest ends of the cell, respectively (between surveys 1 and 3). In these cases, the microgravity and conventional air utilization factor (AUF) waste densities agreed within 3% when settlement gauges were within 90 m from the survey area. For the third waste slab (between surveys 1 and 4), the densities derived from microgravity decreased to 1.15 ± 0.28 g/cm3 and 1.12 ± 0.15 g/cm3 in the northeast and southwest ends of the cell, respectively. This decrease might be associated with water drainage.
Is There a Place for High-Reliability Organizations in Drilling?
Authors: Thorogood J.L.. L.
Published: September 2013

Research on high-reliability organizations was originally carried out with aircraft carriers and nuclear submarines. Essentially, this involved relatively closed communities, with a high operational tempo at which mistakes could have extremely serious and direct consequences. In these cases, rapid learning was a byproduct of personnel rotation and the need to train successors.

Recent research suggests that high-reliability organizations have five important characteristics: a preoccupation with failure, a reluctance to simplify, sensitivity to operations, resilience, and a respect for expertise. It is not immediately obvious that these qualities are an inherent part of the culture of the organizations that manage drilling operations today. The thesis of this paper is that these five traits taken together can prevent drilling operations from drifting into failures caused by the complexity of the organizations involved in conceptualizing, planning, and executing drilling operations, including the management environment in which they are set.

This paper considers how apparently successful organizations can "drift into failure," in part, as a result of the consequences of organizational complexity. These ideas set the scene for a review of high-reliability-organization theory and suggest ways in which the principles might be applied to the management of drilling operations.
An Integrated Model for History Matching and Predicting Reservoir Performance of Gas/Condensate Wells
Authors: Farid A.M.. M. , El-Banbi Ahmed H. , Abdelwaly A.A.. A.
Published: September 2013

The depletion performance of gas/condensate reservoirs is highly influenced by changes in fluid composition below the dewpoint. The long-term prediction of condensate/gas reservoir behavior is therefore difficult because of the complexity of both composition variation and two-phase-flow effects. In this paper, an integrated model was developed to simulate gas-condensate reservoir/well behavior. The model couples the compositional material balance or the generalized material-balance equations for reservoir behavior, the two-phase pseudo integral pressure for near-wellbore behavior, and outflow correlations for wellbore behavior.

An optimization algorithm was also used with the integrated model so it can be used in history-matching mode to estimate original gas in place (OGIP), original oil in place (OOIP), and productivity-index (PI) parameters for gas/condensate wells. The model also can be used to predict the production performance for variable tubinghead pressure (THP) and variable production rate. The model runs fast and requires minimal input.

The developed model was validated by use of different simulation cases generated with a commercial compositional reservoir simulator for a variety of reservoir and well conditions. The results show a good agreement between the simulation cases and the integrated model. After validating the integrated model against the simulated cases, the model was used to analyze production data for a rich-gas/condensate field (initial condensate/gas ratio of 180 bbl/ MMscf). THP data for four wells were used along with basic reservoir and production data to obtain original fluids in place and PIs of the wells. The estimated parameters were then used to forecast the gas and condensate production above and below the dewpoint. The model is also capable of predicting reservoir pressure, bottomhole flowing pressure, and THP and can account for completion changes when they occur.
The Use of Electromagnetic Mixing Rules for Petrophysical Evaluation of Dual- and Triple-Porosity Reservoirs
Authors: Olusola Bukola K. , Yu Guang , Aguilera Roberto
Published: September 2013

Electromagnetic mixing rules such as the Maxwell-Gamett rule, the Bruggeman equation, and the coherent-potential formula, are shown to be useful for the evaluation of the porosity exponent m in naturally fractured reservoirs represented by dual- and tripleporosity models. Comparisons are made with core data from limestone, dolomite, and tight gas reservoirs to corroborate results from the theoretical models.

Rigorous values of m reduce the uncertainty in the calculated values of water saturation and, thus, improve the estimates of hydrocarbons in place and recoveries, particularly in situations in which sufficient data are not available to use the material-balance approach.

The main advantage of the new method developed in this paper for petrophysical analysis is that it can handle, with the use of a single equation, the individual mixing rules previously mentioned, and at the same time, depending on the availability of data, it can quantify the values of matrix, fracture, and nonconnected-vug porosity, and the porosity exponent of the total porosity system.

It is concluded that electromagnetic mixing rules provide a useful methodology for the petrophysical evaluation of complex dual- and triple-porosity reservoirs.
Unique Solution to Repair Casing Failure in a HP/HT Wellbore Allows for Successful Multistage Stimulation Treatment in an Unconventional Reservoir
Authors: Wellhoefer B.. , Stegent N.. , Tunstall M.. , Veillette C.. , Frazier G..
Published: September 2013

Horizontal shale completions require multistage high-pressure hydraulic-fracturing stimulation treatments to deliver commercially viable production in low-permeability reservoirs. Unconventional shale plays, such as the Eagle Ford shale and Haynesville shale, often can require stimulation treatments that must be implemented in high-pressure, high-temperature (HP/HT) conditions. Typically, these wells are completed with long casing strings, and it is critical that these monobore casing strings withstand high injection pressures as well as maintain mechanical integrity during thermal contraction/expansion. So, what happens when the prefracturing casing-pressure-integrity pressure test fails? What is the "fix" that will allow treatments to be pumped at high pressure and rate? How will fracturing stages be isolated during the completion? Typically, remediation techniques have included everything from casing patches and expandable casing to coiled-tubing completions. Unfortunately, these solutions can have pressure limitations and can also be expensive.

The authors of this paper will discuss how design of a 4-in. tie-back string with flush joint connections equal to the properties of the casing was capable of repairing a 5½-in. monobore production casing that experienced extensive casing failure. The extremely small annular tolerance did not allow a conventional packer assembly or cementing for pressure isolation; thus, swellable-packer technology was used to anchor the casing in place. A special flow-through fracturing plug was designed so that it could be pumped through the 4-in. tieback casing and set in the 4½-in. lateral, allowing a plug-and-perforate fracture completion to be performed. The stimulation treatments were pumped to completion and demonstrated that the pressure isolation integrity of the casing system was satisfactory and that the flow-through fracturing plugs could maintain isolation between stimulation treatments. This wellbore was in the Eagle Ford shale. True vertical depth was approximately 13,000 ft, bottomhole temperature was approximately 325°F with a 0.95-psi/ft fracture gradient, and surface pressures exceeded 10,000 psi during the stimulation treatments.
Adipose Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Isolated From Type 2 Diabetic Patients Display Reduced Fibrinolytic Activity
Authors: Acosta Lourdes , Hmadcha Abdelkrim , Escacena Natalia , Pérez-Camacho Inmaculada , de la Cuesta Antonio , Ruiz-Salmeron Rafael , Gauthier Benoit R. , Soria Bernat
Published: September 2013

Stem cells have been successfully used for the treatment of critical limb ischemia (CLI). We conducted a clinical trial to determine the feasibility of using autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (AdMSCs) for the treatment of CLI. Unexpectedly, two diabetic patients developed peripheral microthrombosis. This adverse effect, which contrasts with the reported antithrombotic properties of MSCs, may stem from the diabetic environment that alters the fibrinolytic activity of AdMSCs, thereby increasing the probability of developing thrombosis. Here, we confirm this premise by demonstrating that diabetic AdMSCs cultured in the presence of blood sera expressed and released higher levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1, reduced levels of tissue plasminogen activator, and lower d-dimer formation compared with nondiabetic AdMSCs. Thus, to establish an appropriate cell therapy for diabetic patients, we recommend including new preclinical safety tests, such as the d-dimer and/or the tissue plasminogen activator-to-plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 ratio tests, to assess fibrinolytic activity of cells before implantation.
Effect of Moderate-Intensity Exercise Versus Activities of Daily Living on 24-Hour Blood Glucose Homeostasis in Male Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: van Dijk Jan-Willem , Venema Maarten , van Mechelen Willem , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Hartgens Fred , van Loon Luc J.C.
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the impact of activities of daily living (ADL) versus moderate-intensity endurance-type exercise on 24-h glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty males with type 2 diabetes participated in a randomized crossover study consisting of three experimental periods of 3 days each. Subjects were studied under sedentary control conditions, and under conditions in which prolonged sedentary time was reduced either by three 15-min bouts of ADL (postmeal strolling, ∼3 METs) or by a single 45-min bout of moderate-intensity endurance-type exercise (∼6 METs). Blood glucose concentrations were assessed by continuous glucose monitoring, and plasma insulin concentrations were determined in frequently sampled venous blood samples.

RESULTS

Hyperglycemia (glucose >10 mmol/L) was experienced for 6 h 51 min ±1 h 4 min per day during the sedentary control condition and was significantly reduced by exercise (4 h 47 min ± 1 h 2 min; P < 0.001), but not by ADL (6 h 2 min ± 1 h 16 min; P = 0.67). The cumulative glucose incremental areas under the curve (AUCs) of breakfast, lunch, and dinner were, respectively, 35 ± 5% (P < 0.001) and 17 ± 6% (P < 0.05) lower during the exercise and ADL conditions compared with the sedentary condition. The insulin incremental AUCs were, respectively, 33 ± 4% (P < 0.001) and 17 ± 5% (P < 0.05) lower during the exercise and ADL conditions compared with the sedentary condition.

CONCLUSIONS

When matched for total duration, moderate-intensity endurance-type exercise represents a more effective strategy to improve daily blood glucose homeostasis than repeated bouts of ADL. Nevertheless, the introduction of repeated bouts of ADL during prolonged sedentary behavior forms a valuable strategy to improve postprandial glucose handling in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Prevalence of Diabetes in U.S. Youth in 2009: The SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study
Authors: Pettitt David J. , Talton Jennifer , Dabelea Dana , Divers Jasmin , Imperatore Giuseppina , Lawrence Jean M. , Liese Angela D. , Linder Barbara , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Pihoker Catherine , Saydah Sharon H. , Standiford Debra A. , Hamman Richard F. ,   for the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study Group
Published: September 2013

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of diabetes in U.S. youth aged <20 years in 2009 and to estimate the total number of youth with diabetes in the U.S. by age, race/ethnicity, and diabetes type.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To address one of its primary aims, the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth Study identified youth aged <20 years on 31 December 2009 with physician-diagnosed diabetes in selected areas of Colorado, Ohio, South Carolina, and Washington, among health plan members of Kaiser Permanente Southern California and among American Indians living on reservations in Arizona and New Mexico. Diabetes was classified as type 1, type 2, or other. Race/ethnicity was by self-report.

RESULTS

From a population of 3,458,974 youth aged <20 years, 7,695 youth with diabetes were identified (2.22/1,000): 6,668 with type 1 diabetes (1.93/1,000), 837 with type 2 diabetes (0.24/1,000), and 190 (0.05/1,000) with other diabetes types. Prevalence increased with age, was slightly higher in females than males, and was most prevalent in non-Hispanic White and least prevalent in Asian/Pacific Islanders, with Native American and black youth having the highest prevalence of type 2 diabetes. An estimated 191,986 U.S. youth aged <20 years have diabetes; 166,984 type 1 diabetes, 20,262 type 2 diabetes, and 4,740 other types.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes, one of the leading chronic diseases in childhood, affects >190,000 (1 of 433) youth aged <20 years in the U.S., with racial and ethnic disparities seen in diabetes prevalence, overall and by diabetes type.
Promoting Peer Interactions in Inclusive Classrooms for Students Who Use Speech-Generating Devices
Authors: Chung Yun-Ching , Carter Erik W.
Published: September 2013

Even when enrolled in general education classes, students with complex communication challenges may remain socially isolated from their classmates when receiving one-to-one paraprofessional support. We evaluated the efficacy and social validity of an intervention package incorporating paraprofessional facilitation, peer initiation, and increased availability of speech-generating devices (SGDs) for early adolescents with disabilities attending inclusive classrooms. Two students with an intellectual disability, their parents, peers without disabilities, paraprofessionals, and classroom teachers participated in this study. We used a multiple baseline design across participants and classrooms to evaluate the intervention package's impact on social interaction among students with and without disabilities. In addition, we conducted individual interviews to explore the acceptability of the multicomponent package. Following the intervention, students' interactions with peers increased in three classrooms and SGD use increased in all four classrooms. Participants perceived the intervention to be important, appropriate, and beneficial. We discuss implications and recommendations for improving the social participation of students with complex communication challenges.
From Different to Differentiated: Using “Ecological Framework” to Support Personally Relevant Access to General Curriculum for Students with Significant Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Trela Katherine , Jimenez Bree A.
Published: September 2013

Language used in the field of special education is important; it can serve to influence both curriculum and placement decisions for students with intellectual disability. Historically, “Functional Curriculum” was used to describe curriculum adaptations necessary for students to access their environment (school and community). However, the term has evolved to mean a separate set of curriculum standards primarily addressing daily life skills for individuals with significant disabilities. An unintended consequence of this term has been to suggest a “different” rather than “differentiated” curriculum for students and, by doing so, suggest the need for separate settings in which to deliver this differently focused curriculum. A recent paper by Hunt, McDonnell, and Crockett (2012) suggests the use of an ecological framework to guide stakeholders to maintain a clear focus on individual student needs as they provide access to general curriculum for this population of students. The authors suggest the term, “Personally Relevant,” as a reference to curriculum adaptations made within the ecological framework to both access grade-appropriate curriculum and receive individualized support. This change—from Functional to Personally Relevant—promotes inclusive practices by signalling common curriculum that is differentiated, not different, for students with significant intellectual disability.
Developing Inclusive College Opportunities for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Papay Clare , Griffin Megan
Published: September 2013

Over the past decade, inclusive postsecondary opportunities have become more available to students with intellectual and developmental disabilities than ever before. With greater demand for such opportunities as well as greater awareness of the possibilities for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities, developing new programs on college campuses is increasingly attainable. To promote increased opportunities for students with severe disabilities after high school, we present strategies for developing inclusive postsecondary education programs. We discuss the importance of understanding and documenting a community's needs, identifying model programs, working with a broad range of stakeholders, developing a shared vision, and making an effective pitch to an institution of higher education. Finally, we address logistical considerations for developing effective programs for including students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
T-Cell Receptor-Like Antibodies: Targeting the Intracellular Proteome Therapeutic Potential and Clinical Applications
Authors: Cohen Maya , Reiter Yoram
Published: September 2013

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules are key in the immune response against malignant cells by shaping the T-cell repertoire and presenting peptides from endogenous antigens to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Because of their unique specificity, MHC-peptide complexes are a desirable target for novel immunotherapeutic approaches. These complexes can be targeted by recombinant T-cell receptors (TCRs). However, most TCRs produced thus far have affinities which are too low for target detection under normal assay conditions, and limited stability (due to their generation in a single-chain version). Developing high-affinity soluble antibody molecules endowed with a TCR-like specificity toward tumor epitopes, termed TCR-like antibodies, addresses the low affinity of TCRs. These TCR-like antibodies are being developed as a new immunotherapeutic class for targeting tumor cells and mediating their specific killing. In addition, these antibodies are valuable research reagents enabling the study of human class I peptide-MHC ligand-presentation and TCR–peptide–MHC interactions.
Microbial Anaerobic Digestion (Bio-Digesters) as an Approach to the Decontamination of Animal Wastes in Pollution Control and the Generation of Renewable Energy
Authors: Manyi-Loh Christy , Mamphweli Sampson , Meyer Edson , Okoh Anthony , Makaka Golden , Simon Michael
Published: September 2013

With an ever increasing population rate; a vast array of biomass wastes rich in organic and inorganic nutrients as well as pathogenic microorganisms will result from the diversified human, industrial and agricultural activities. Anaerobic digestion is applauded as one of the best ways to properly handle and manage these wastes. Animal wastes have been recognized as suitable substrates for anaerobic digestion process, a natural biological process in which complex organic materials are broken down into simpler molecules in the absence of oxygen by the concerted activities of four sets of metabolically linked microorganisms. This process occurs in an airtight chamber (biodigester) via four stages represented by hydrolytic, acidogenic, acetogenic and methanogenic microorganisms. The microbial population and structure can be identified by the combined use of culture-based, microscopic and molecular techniques. Overall, the process is affected by bio-digester design, operational factors and manure characteristics. The purpose of anaerobic digestion is the production of a renewable energy source (biogas) and an odor free nutrient-rich fertilizer. Conversely, if animal wastes are accidentally found in the environment, it can cause a drastic chain of environmental and public health complications.
Probing Antigen-Antibody Interaction Using Fluorescence Coupled Capillary Electrophoresis
Authors: Wang Jianhao , Qiu Lin , Wang Cheli , Zhang Yue , Li Jingyan , Xia Jiang , Jiang Pengju
Published: September 2013

In this report, the use of fluorescence detection coupled capillary electrophoresis (CE-FL) allowed us to fully characterize the antigen-antibody interaction. CE-FL allowed separation of unbound quantum dots (QDs) and ligand bound QDs and also revealed an ordered assembly of biomolecules on QDs. Further, we observed FRET from QDs donor to DyLight acceptor, which were covalently conjugated with human IgG and goat anti-human IgG, respectively. The immunocomplex was formed and the mutual affinity of the antigen and antibody brought QDs and DyLight close enough to allow FRET to occur. This novel CE-based technique can be easily extended to other FRET systems based on QDs and may have potential application in the detection of antibodies.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Apigenin Derivatives as Antibacterial and Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhang Hongchi , Yuan Maosen , Zhou Jiao , Tu Qin , Liu Jian-Jun , Wang Jinyi
Published: September 2013

Two series of apigenin [5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-chromen-4-one] derivatives, 3a–3j and 4a–4j, were synthesized. The apigenin and alkyl amines moieties of these compounds were separated by C2 or C3 spacers, respectively. The chemical structures of the apigenin derivatives were confirmed using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy. The in vitro antibacterial and antiproliferative activities of all synthesized compounds were determined. Among the tested compounds, 4a–4j displayed significant antibacterial activity against the tested strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Additionally, 4i showed the best inhibitory activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 1.95, 3.91, 3.91, and 3.91 μg/mL against S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa, respectively. The antiproliferative activity of the apigenin derivatives was evaluated by an MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay. We determined that 4a–4j displayed better growth inhibition activity against four human cancer cell lines, namely, human lung (A549), human cervical (HeLa), human hepatocellular liver (HepG2), and human breast (MCF-7) cancer cells, than the parent apigenin. Compound 4j was found to be the most active antiproliferative compound against the selected cancer cells. Structure-activity relationships were also discussed based on the obtained experimental data.
Click Reactions as a Key Step for an Efficient and Selective Synthesis of D-Xylose-Based ILs
Authors: Ferlin Nadège , Gatard Sylvain , Van Nhien Albert , Courty Matthieu , Bouquillon Sandrine
Published: September 2013

D-Xylose-based ionic liquids have been prepared from D-xylose following a five steps reaction sequence, the key step being a click cycloaddition. These ionic liquids (ILs) have been characterized through classical analytical methods (IR, NMR, mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis) and their stability constants, Tg and Tdec, were also determined. Considering their properties and their hydrophilicity, these compounds could be alternative solvents for chemical applications under mild conditions.
Analysis of Biotinylated Generation 4 Poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) Dendrimer Distribution in the Rat Brain and Toxicity in a Cellular Model of the Blood-Brain Barrier
Authors: Hemmer Ruth , Hall Andrew , Spaulding Robert , Rossow Brett , Hester Michael , Caroway Megan , Haskamp Anthony , Wall Steven , Bullen Heather , Morris Celeste , Haik Kristi
Published: September 2013

Dendrimers are highly customizable nanopolymers with qualities that make them ideal for drug delivery. The high binding affinity of biotin/avidin provides a useful approach to fluorescently label synthesized dendrimer-conjugates in cells and tissues. In addition, biotin may facilitate delivery of dendrimers through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) via carrier-mediated endocytosis. The purpose of this research was to: (1) measure toxicity using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays of generation (G)4 biotinylated and non-biotinylated poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimers in a co-culture model of the BBB, (2) determine distribution of dendrimers in the rat brain, kidney, and liver following systemic administration of dendrimers, and (3) conduct atomic force microscopy (AFM) on rat brain sections following systemic administration of dendrimers. LDH measurements showed that biotinylated dendrimers were toxic to cell co-culture after 48 h of treatment. Distribution studies showed evidence of biotinylated and non-biotinylated PAMAM dendrimers in brain. AFM studies showed evidence of dendrimers only in brain tissue of treated rats. These results indicate that biotinylation does not decrease toxicity associated with PAMAM dendrimers and that biotinylated PAMAM dendrimers distribute in the brain. Furthermore, this article provides evidence of nanoparticles in brain tissue following systemic administration of nanoparticles supported by both fluorescence microscopy and AFM.
Synthesis of a Novel Carbocyclic Analog of Bredinin
Authors: Nair Vasu , Zhang Fan
Published: September 2013

The natural nucleoside antibiotic, bredinin, exhibits antiviral and other biological activities. While various nucleosides related to bredinin have been synthesized, its carbocyclic analog has remained unknown. Synthesis of this heretofore unknown analog of bredinin is described. The key precursor, (3aS,4R,6R,6aR)-6-((methoxy-methoxy)methyl)-2,2-dimethyltetrahydro-3aH-cyclopenta[d][1,3]dioxol-4-amine (5), was prepared from the commercially available compound, (1R,4S)-2-azabicyclo[2.2.1] hept-5-en-3-one (4). Our initial approach used intermediate 6, derived in three transformations from 5, for the key photolytic step to produce the desired ring-opened precursor to the target compound. This photochemical transformation was unsuccessful. However, an appropriately protected and related precursor was synthesized from 5 through the following side-chain functional group transformations: elaboration of the amino group through malonyl ester formation, oximation at the central carbon, conversion of ester to amide and catalytic reduction of the oxime group. This precursor, on treatment with triethylorthoformate and catalytic acetic acid in ethanol, underwent cyclization to produce the desired 4-carbamoyl-imidazolium-5-olate ring. Deprotection of the latter product proceeded smoothly to give the carbocyclic analog of bredinin. This target molecule exhibits antiviral activity, albeit low, against a number of RNA viruses. Further biological evaluations are in progress.
A Welfare Analysis of Capital Insurance
Authors: Panttser Ekaterina , Tian Weidong
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a welfare analysis of several capital insurance programs in a rational expectation equilibrium setting. We first explicitly characterize the equilibrium of each capital insurance program. Then, we demonstrate that a capital insurance program based on aggregate loss is better than classical insurance, when big financial institutions have similar expected loss exposures. By contrast, classical insurance is more desirable when the bank’s individual risk is consistent with the expected loss in a precise way. Our analysis shows that a capital insurance program is a useful tool to hedge systemic risk from the regulatory perspective.
NO and NO2 Sensing Properties of WO3 and Co3O4 Based Gas Sensors
Authors: Akamatsu Takafumi , Itoh Toshio , Izu Noriya , Shin Woosuck
Published: September 2013

Semiconductor-based gas sensors that use n-type WO3 or p-type Co3O4 powder were fabricated and their gas sensing properties toward NO2 or NO (0.5–5 ppm in air) were investigated at 100 °C or 200 °C. The resistance of the WO3-based sensor increased on exposure to NO2 and NO. On the other hand, the resistance of the Co3O4-based sensor varied depending on the operating temperature and the gas species. The chemical states of the surface of WO3 or those of the Co3O4 powder on exposure to 1 ppm NO2 and NO were investigated by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy. No clear differences between the chemical states of the metal oxide surface exposed to NO2 or NO could be detected from the DRIFT spectra.
Model-Based Spike Detection of Epileptic EEG Data
Authors: Liu Yung-Chun , Lin Chou-Ching , Tsai Jing-Jane , Sun Yung-Nien
Published: September 2013

Accurate automatic spike detection is highly beneficial to clinical assessment of epileptic electroencephalogram (EEG) data. In this paper, a new two-stage approach is proposed for epileptic spike detection. First, the k-point nonlinear energy operator (k-NEO) is adopted to detect all possible spike candidates, then a newly proposed spike model with slow wave features is applied to these candidates for spike classification. Experimental results show that the proposed system, using the AdaBoost classifier, outperforms the conventional method in both two- and three-class EEG pattern classification problems. The proposed system not only achieves better accuracy for spike detection, but also provides new ability to differentiate between spikes and spikes with slow waves. Though spikes with slow waves occur frequently in epileptic EEGs, they are not used in conventional spike detection. Identifying spikes with slow waves allows the proposed system to have better capability for assisting clinical neurologists in routine EEG examinations and epileptic diagnosis.
Producers and Important Dietary Sources of Ochratoxin A and Citrinin
Authors: Ostry Vladimir , Malir Frantisek , Ruprich Jiri
Published: September 2013

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a very important mycotoxin, and its research is focused right now on the new findings of OTA, like being a complete carcinogen, information about OTA producers and new exposure sources of OTA. Citrinin (CIT) is another important mycotoxin, too, and its research turns towards nephrotoxicity. Both additive and synergistic effects have been described in combination with OTA. OTA is produced in foodstuffs by Aspergillus Section Circumdati (Aspergillus ochraceus, A. westerdijkiae, A. steynii) and Aspergillus Section Nigri (Aspergillus carbonarius, A. foetidus, A. lacticoffeatus, A. niger, A. sclerotioniger, A. tubingensis), mostly in subtropical and tropical areas. OTA is produced in foodstuffs by Penicillium verrucosum and P. nordicum, notably in temperate and colder zones. CIT is produced in foodstuffs by Monascus species (Monascus purpureus, M. ruber) and Penicillium species (Penicillium citrinum, P. expansum, P. radicicola, P. verrucosum). OTA was frequently found in foodstuffs of both plant origin (e.g., cereal products, coffee, vegetable, liquorice, raisins, wine) and animal origin (e.g., pork/poultry). CIT was also found in foodstuffs of vegetable origin (e.g., cereals, pomaceous fruits, black olive, roasted nuts, spices), food supplements based on rice fermented with red microfungi Monascus purpureus and in foodstuffs of animal origin (e.g., cheese).