bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Comprehensive Assay for CFTR Mutational Analysis Using Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Abou Tayoun Ahmad N , Tunkey Christopher D , Pugh Trevor J , Ross Tristen , Shah Minita , Lee Clarence C , Harkins Timothy T , Wells Wendy A , Tafe Laura J , Amos Christopher I , Tsongalis Gregory J
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND

Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disorder that has been associated with mutations in the CFTR [cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (ATP-binding cassette sub-family C, member 7)] gene. Hundreds of CFTR mutations have been detected to date. Current CFTR genotyping assays target a subset of these mutations, particularly a mutation panel recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics for carrier screening of the general population. Fast sequencing of the entire coding sequence in a scalable manner could expand the detection of CFTR mutations and facilitate management of costs and turnaround times in the clinical laboratory.

METHODS

We describe a proof-of-concept CFTR assay that uses PCR target enrichment and next-generation sequencing on the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine™ (PGM™) platform.

RESULTS

The scalability of the assay was demonstrated, with an average mean depth of coverage ranging from 500× to 3500×, depending on the number of multiplexed patient samples and the Ion Torrent chip used. In a blinded study of 79 previously genotyped patient DNA samples and cell lines, our assay detected most of the mutations, including single-nucleotide variants, small insertions and deletions, and large copy-number variants. The reproducibility was 100% for detecting mutations in independent runs. Our assay demonstrated high specificity, with only 2 false-positive calls (at 2184delA) found in 2 samples caused by a sequencing error in a homopolymer stretch of sequence. The detection rate for variants of unknown significance was very low in the targeted region.

CONCLUSIONS

With continued optimization and system refinements, PGM sequencing promises to be a powerful, rapid, and scalable means of clinical diagnostic sequencing.
Poverty, Inequality, Political Instability and Property Crimes in Pakistan: A Time Series Analysis
Authors: Syed Shabib Haider , Ahmed Eatzaz
Published: June 2013

In a formal econometric analysis of crime statistics in Pakistan, this paper estimates five systems of equations determining crime rates against property, conviction rates and police and justice input using time series annual data. The study finds substantial empirical support for the model of crime, punishment and deterrence based on economic theory. The main conclusion of the study is that in the fight against crime Pakistan needs to divert resources from the provision of legal justice through various deterrence measures, like a large police force, conviction and punishment, towards the provision of social justice in the form of the fight against poverty, inequality and unemployment and maintenance of political stability. Resources also need to be diverted from punishments to apprehension of criminals.
Analyzing the Motivations of a Joint Venture to Provide High-Quality Music Download Service to Mobile Phones
Authors: Arai Koki
Published: June 2013

This article explores the motivations of a joint venture to provide a high-quality music download service for mobile phones that resulted from a case of a concerted refusal to trade; this refusal was a violation of Antimonopoly Law. We analyze 5 years of monthly compact disk (CD) singles sales in order to identify the incentive for the concerted refusal to trade. The results show that when a CD single is ranked within the top three according to national sales charts, the effect of this factor is significantly greater than can be attributed to any simple ranking proportional effect, which is a prediction of the rank based on the number of sales in the week. Furthermore, we find that the complementary relationship among major companies as expressed by a joint venture could offer benefits. Commitment to a joint venture for the purpose of conveying one’s recognition of the venture and potentially beneficial intentions are a key determinant for joint venture formation.
Asymptotics of random Betti tables
Authors: Ein Lawrence , Erman Daniel , Lazarsfeld Robert
Published: June 2013

This paper is motivated by the question of understanding the asymptotic behavior of the Betti numbers of the resolution of the ideal of a projective variety as the positivity of the embedding line bundle grows. We present a conjecture asserting that these invariants approach a Gaussian distribution, and we verify this in the case of curves. Then we work out the asymptotics of “random” Betti tables with a fixed number of rows, sampled according to a uniform choice of Boij–Söderberg coefficients. This analysis suggests that the normal distribution of Betti numbers is in any event the typical behavior from a probabilistic viewpoint.
Simple groups are characterized by their non-commuting graphs
Authors: Solomon Ronald M. , Woldar Andrew J.
Published: June 2013

The non-commuting graph of a finite group G is a highly symmetrical object (indeed, embeds in ), yet its complexity pales in comparison to that of G. Still, it is natural to seek conditions under which G can be reconstructed from . Surely some conditions are necessary, as is evidenced by the minuscule example . A conjecture made in [J. Algebra 298 (2006), 468–492], commonly referred to as the AAM Conjecture, proposes that the property of being a nonabelian simple group is sufficient. In [Sib. Math. J. 49 (2008), no. 6, 1138–1146], this conjecture is verified for all sporadic simple groups, while in [J. Algebra 357 (2012), 203–207], it is verified for the alternating groups. In this paper we verify it for the simple groups of Lie type, thereby completing the proof of the conjecture.
Voice Activity Detection Algorithm Using Zero Frequency Filter Assisted Peaking Resonator and Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Rudramurthy M.S. , Prasad V. Kamakshi , Kumaraswamy R.
Published: June 2013

In this article, a new adaptive data-driven strategy for voice activity detection (VAD) using empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is proposed. Speech data are decomposed using an a posteriori, adaptive, data-driven EMD in the time domain to yield a set of physically meaningful intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). Each IMF preserves the nonlinear and nonstationary property of the speech utterance. Among a set of IMFs, the IMF that contains source information dominantly called characteristic IMF (CIMF) can be identified and extracted by designing a zero-frequency filter-assisted peaking resonator. The detected CIMF is used to compute energy using short-term processing. Choosing proper threshold, voiced regions in speech utterances are detected using frame energy. The proposed framework has been studied on both clean speech utterance and noisy speech utterance (0-dB white noise). The proposed method is used for voice activity detection (VAD) in the presence of white noise and shows encouraging result in the presence of white noise up to 0 dB.
Low-power tunnel field effect transistors using mixed As and Sb based heterostructures
Authors: Zhu Yan , Hudait Mantu K.
Published: June 2013

Reducing supply voltage is a promising way to address the power dissipation in nano-electronic circuits. However, the fundamental lower limit of subthreshold slope (SS) within metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) is a major obstacle to further scaling the operation voltage without degrading ON/OFF ratio in current integrated circuits. Tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) benefit from steep switching characteristics due to the quantum-mechanical tunneling injection of carriers from source to channel, rather than by conventional thermionic emission in MOSFETs. TFETs based on group III-V compound semiconductor materials further improve the ON-state current and reduce SS due to the low band gap energies and smaller carrier tunneling mass. The mixed arsenide/antimonide (As/Sb) InxGa1-xAs/GaAsySb1-y heterostructures allow a wide range of band gap energies and various staggered band alignments depending on the alloy compositions in the source and channel materials. Band alignments at source/channel heterointerface can be well modulated by carefully controlling the compositions of the mixed As/Sb material system. In particular, this review introduces and summarizes the progress in the development and optimization of low-power TFETs using mixed As/Sb based heterostructures including basic working principles, design considerations, material growth, interface engineering, material characterization, device fabrication, device performance investigation, band alignment determination, and high temperature reliability. A review of TFETs using mixed As/Sb based heterostructures shows superior structural properties and distinguished device performance, both of which indicate the mixed As/Sb staggered gap TFET as a promising option for high-performance, low-standby power, and energy-efficient logic circuit application.
Investigation on light-assisted preventive effects on dentin erosion
Authors: de-Melo Mary A.S. , Silva Francisco F.C. , Passos Vanara F. , Santiago Sérgio L. , Rodrigues Lidiany K.A.
Published: June 2013

Dental erosion is now recognized as an important cause of tooth tissue loss. This

Human root dentin slabs were randomly assigned to eight groups (n=10), as follows: G1 – control, G2 – fluoride (5 min), G3 – LED (455 nm), G4 – laser (660 nm), G5 – laser (808 nm), G6 – fluoride+LED, G7 – fluoride+laser (660 nm) and G8 – fluoride+laser (808 nm). After being submitted to a 2-h-acquired pellicle formation, the slabs were treated according to the groups (1× per day) and subsequently exposed to cyclic erosive challenges (0.01

For all irradiated groups, temperature changes were below 1.6°C and were not statistically significant different (

All treatments were able to reduce the loss of hardness of dentin submitted to a slight erosive challenge. However, no synergic effect was found when fluoride application was combined with light irradiation.
Electrospinning of poly(methyl methacrylate) nanofibers in a pump-free process
Authors: Bedi Jasbir S. , Lester Daniel W. , Fang Yuan X. , Turner John F.C. , Zhou John , Alfadul Sulaiman M. , Perry Christopher , Chen Qiao
Published: June 2013

The effects of processing parameters, including solution concentration, viscosity, nozzle diameter, voltage bias and the nozzle to collector distance, on the morphology and diameters of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) fibers have been systematically investigated, using a unique pump-free electrospinning method. For PMMA solution concentrations less than the critical entanglement concentration, ce, prolate spheroid-shaped droplets or beads with fibers were formed, whereas at concentrations above ce, good quality bead-free fibers were formed. Quantitative analysis revealed a linear dependence between the solution viscosity and fiber diameter. Larger fiber diameters were achieved by increasing the nozzle diameter and voltage bias. Increasing the bias voltage has the additional effect of broadening the diameter distribution, as a result of splaying and splitting. By contrast, when the strength of the electrical field was reduced by increasing the distance between the nozzle and collector, the overall fiber diameter was reduced.
Modification and improvement of acrylic emulsion paints by reducing organic raw materials and using silica nanocomposite
Authors: Dashtizadeh Ahmad , Abdouss Majid , Mahdavi Hossein , Khorassani Manuchehr , Hosseini Javad
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a specific emulsion polymerization of acrylic monomers, in the presence of silica particles, is developed to improve the physical properties of the base polymers and add proper functions to them. With this technique, nanocomposites were made by using two types of nonionic and anionic surfactants. To apply resins as water-based paints, the properties of two nanocomposite latexes were measured and the results were reported. The basic properties of nanocomposite acrylic paints, adhesion, surface hardness, wet scrub, scratch, flammability, gloss and solvent resistance, were evaluated and compared with acrylic paint before adding silica nanoparticles. The nanocomposite acrylic paints especially showed improvement in the reduction of flammability, organic raw materials content, wet scrub resistance, hardness and organic solvents resistance.
A convenient method for preparation of polystyrene-single-walled carbon nanotubes by metal-catalyzed living radical polymerization method
Authors: Abbasian Mojtaba , Fathi Saeed Yeganeh
Published: June 2013

In this research, a new direction for functionalizing of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) via the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method was utilized. SWCNTs were grafted with polystyrene (PSt) by the in situ ATRP method, in the presence of α-phenyl chloro acetylated SWCNT. This functional SWCNT was synthesized by the reaction between α-phenyl chloro acetyl chloride and a hydroxylated SWCNT that was obtained by reduction of a carboxylated SWCNT by lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4). Oxidation, reduction and coupling reactions of SWCNTs were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and polymerization of styrene from SWCNTs surfaces was illustrated by transfer electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal properties of attached polymers onto SWCNTs surfaces were investigated by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis.
A “Biography Not” of General Trần Độ
Authors: Maclean Ken
Published: June 2013

This article explores the controversial life, writings, and death of Lieutenant General Trần Độ, a decorated war hero who became Vietnam’s leading political dissident during the final decade of his life. The general made use of his biography to author “open letters” that circulated via elite social networks and later the internet. In them, he called on the Vietnamese Communist Party to democratize itself in order to foster just and equitable development for all. The details illustrate the critical importance of an individual’s biography in shaping not only dissent, but official efforts to censor it as well.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Chronic Daily Headache in Young Adolescents: A School Cohort Study
Authors: Lu Shiang-Ru , Fuh Jong-Ling , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Juang Kai-Dih , Chen Shih-Pin , Liao Yi-Chu , Wang Yen-Feng
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVES:

This study investigated the incidence and risk factors of chronic daily headache (CDH) and its major subtypes in young adolescents.

METHODS:

A field cohort of 3342 adolescents aged 13 to 14 was established in 3 middle schools in Taitung, Taiwan, from 2005 to 2007. Participants without CDH at baseline were annually followed up for 1 to 2 years using the same questionnaires, including the Adolescent Depression Inventory and Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment. The neurologists made the headache diagnoses based on clinical interviews and headache diaries. The person-time incidence rates and risk factors of incident CDH and its subtypes (ie, chronic migraine [CM] and chronic tension-type headache [CTTH]) were calculated by using Cox proportional hazards models.

RESULTS:

The cohort completed 5586 person-years (PYs) of follow-up. Sixty-three subjects (21 boys/42 girls) developed incident CDH with an incidence rate of 1.13 per 100 PYs, including 37 with CM (0.66 per 100 PYs) and 22 with CTTH (0.39 per 100 PYs). Thirty-three subjects (52%) had a baseline diagnosis of migraine. The independent risk factors for incident CDH included female gender, acute family financial distress, obesity, higher headache frequency, and a baseline diagnosis of migraine. A higher headache frequency was the only identical risk factor for CDH, CM, and CTTH. A baseline diagnosis of migraine and obesity were significant predictors for both CM and CDH. Female gender was a significant predictor for both CTTH and CDH.

CONCLUSIONS:

Incident CDH was common in young adolescents. Some risk factors for incident CM and CTTH were different.
“Eczema Coxsackium” and Unusual Cutaneous Findings in an Enterovirus Outbreak
Authors: Mathes Erin F. , Oza Vikash , Frieden Ilona J. , Cordoro Kelly M. , Yagi Shigeo , Howard Renee , Kristal Leonard , Ginocchio Christine C. , Schaffer Julie , Maguiness Sheilagh , Bayliss Susan , Lara-Corrales Irene , Garcia-Romero Maria Teresa , Kelly Dan , Salas Maria , Oberste M. Steven , Nix W. Allan , Glaser Carol , Antaya Richard
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE:

To characterize the atypical cutaneous presentations in the coxsackievirus A6 (CVA6)–associated North American enterovirus outbreak of 2011–2012.

METHODS:

We performed a retrospective case series of pediatric patients who presented with atypical cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) from July 2011 to June 2012 at 7 academic pediatric dermatology centers. Patients were included if they tested positive for CVA6 or if they met clinical criteria for atypical HFMD (an enanthem or exanthem characteristic of HFMD with unusual morphology or extent of cutaneous findings). We collected demographic, epidemiologic, and clinical data including history of skin conditions, morphology and extent of exanthem, systemic symptoms, and diagnostic test results.

RESULTS:

Eighty patients were included in this study (median age 1.5 years, range 4 months–16 years). Seventeen patients were CVA6-positive, and 63 met clinical inclusion criteria. Ninety-nine percent of patients exhibited a vesiculobullous and erosive eruption; 61% of patients had rash involving >10% body surface area. The exanthem had a perioral, extremity, and truncal distribution in addition to involving classic HFMD areas such as palms, soles, and buttocks. In 55% of patients, the eruption was accentuated in areas of eczematous dermatitis, termed “eczema coxsackium.” Other morphologies included Gianotti-Crosti–like (37%), petechial/purpuric (17%) eruptions, and delayed onychomadesis and palm and sole desquamation. There were no patients with serious systemic complications.

CONCLUSIONS:

The CVA6-associated enterovirus outbreak was responsible for an exanthem potentially more widespread, severe, and varied than classic HFMD that could be confused with bullous impetigo, eczema herpeticum, vasculitis, and primary immunobullous disease.
Impact of Neonatal Growth on IQ and Behavior at Early School Age
Authors: Smithers Lisa G. , Lynch John W. , Yang Seungmi , Dahhou Mourad , Kramer Michael S.
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVES:

The objective was to examine associations of neonatal weight gain (NWG) and head circumference gain (HCG) with IQ scores and behavior at early school age.

METHODS:

We used data from the Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial, involving Belarusian infants born full term and weighing ≥2500 g. NWG and HCG were measured as the percentage gain in weight and head circumference over the first 4 weeks relative to birth size. IQ and behavior were measured at 6.5 years of age by using the Wechsler Abbreviated Scales of Intelligence and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), respectively, with SDQ collected from parents and teachers. The associations between the exposures (NWG, HCG) and children’s IQ and SDQ were examined by using mixed models to account for clustering of measurements, and adjustment for potentially confounding perinatal and socioeconomic factors.

RESULTS:

Mean NWG was 26% (SD 10%) of birth weight. In fully adjusted models, infants in the highest versus lowest quartile of NWG had 1.5-point (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.8 to 2.2) higher IQ scores (n = 13 840). A weak negative (protective) association between NWG and SDQ total difficulties scores was observed for the teacher-reported (β = −0.39, 95% CI −0.71 to −0.08, n = 12 016), but not the parent-reported (β = −0.12, 95% CI −0.39 to 0.15, n = 13 815), SDQ. Similar associations were observed with HCG and IQ and behavior.

CONCLUSIONS:

Faster gains in weight or head circumference in the 4 weeks after birth may contribute to children’s IQ, but reverse causality (brain function affects neonatal growth) cannot be excluded.
Implementing Recommended Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Martin Gerard R. , Beekman Robert H. , Mikula Elizabeth Bradshaw , Fasules James , Garg Lorraine F. , Kemper Alex R. , Morrow W. Robert , Pearson Gail D. , Mahle William T.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) is endorsed by the US Secretary of Health and Human Services as part of the recommended uniform screening panel for newborns. Although initial recommendations for implementation exist, as states and hospitals have moved forward with implementation of screening, new challenges and areas for additional focus have been identified. The objective of this study was to develop recommendations to address current challenges and areas of focus surrounding CCHD newborn screening.

METHODS:

A workgroup of experts and stakeholders was convened in Washington, District of Columbia, for a 1-day meeting in February 2012. At the beginning of the meeting, the stakeholders held a brainstorming session to identify areas of main priority based on their experience. After this, stakeholders broke into small groups to refine recommendations, which were then finalized by consensus.

RESULTS:

Recommendations to address selection of screening equipment, standards for reporting of screening outcomes to stakeholders, training of health care providers and educating families, future research priorities, payment for screening, follow-up diagnostic testing, and public health oversight, and advocacy to facilitate effective and comprehensive screening were proposed. Suggestions for future work were developed.

CONCLUSIONS:

Screening for CCHD presents novel challenges and opportunities; however, addressing these will strengthen newborn screening and newborn care networks, and ultimately improve health outcomes.
Serum Uric Acid and Blood Pressure in Children at Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Viazzi Francesca , Antolini Laura , Giussani Marco , Brambilla Paolo , Galbiati Sara , Mastriani Silvana , Stella Andrea , Pontremoli Roberto , Valsecchi Maria Grazia , Genovesi Simonetta
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVES:

Hyperuricemia has been shown to be a strong correlate of hypertension in children. However, the complex interaction between serum uric acid (UA), systemic blood pressure (BP), and possibly confounding factors has been elucidated only in part.

METHODS:

We evaluated office BP as well as clinical and biohumoral parameters in a cross-sectional cohort of 501 children (280 boys and 221 girls) aged between 6 and 18 years (mean = 10.8 years) consecutively referred for cardiovascular risk assessment.

RESULTS:

Overall, 156 (31.1%) were normotensive, 122 (24.4%) showed transient hypertension, 87 (17.4%) had prehypertension, and 136 (27.1%) had hypertension. Altogether 33.3% and 40.5% of the study group were overweight or obese, respectively. There was a trend toward greater weight and waist circumference and higher BMI, Homeostasis Model Assessment index, and UA levels as the BP categories rose. Moreover, the prevalence of pubertal children, obesity, and waist-to-height ratio above 0.50 progressively increased from lower to upper BP categories. After adjusting for puberty, gender, BMI (z-score), Homeostasis Model Assessment index, and renal function, UA was found to be directly related to systolic and diastolic BP values (P = .03). Using normotensive children for comparison, the risk of showing prehypertension or hypertension increased by at least 50% for each 1 mg/dL UA increase (P < .01), whereas it doubled for children in the top gender-specific UA quartile (P < .03).

CONCLUSIONS:

Increased UA levels showed an independent predictive power for the presence of higher BP levels among a cohort of children at relatively high cardiovascular risk.
A Randomized Trial of Exothermic Mattresses for Preterm Newborns in Polyethylene Bags
Authors: McCarthy Lisa K. , Molloy Eleanor J. , Twomey Anne R. , Murphy John F.A. , O’Donnell Colm P.F.
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Hypothermia on admission to the NICU is associated with increased mortality in preterm infants. Many newborns are hypothermic on admission despite using polyethylene bags (PBs). Using exothermic mattresses (EMs) in addition to PBs may reduce hypothermia but increase hyperthermia. We wished to determine whether placing preterm newborns in PBs on EMs in the DR results in more infants with rectal temperature outside the range 36.5 to 37.5°C on NICU admission.

METHODS:

Infants <31 weeks were randomly assigned before birth to treatment with or without an EM. All infants were placed in a PB and under radiant heat immediately after birth and brought to NICU in a transport incubator. Infants randomly assigned to EM were placed on a mattress immediately after delivery and remained on it until admission. Randomization was stratified by gestational age. Rectal temperature was measured with a digital thermometer on NICU admission.

RESULTS:

The data safety monitoring committee recommended stopping for efficacy after analyzing data from half the planned sample. We report data for 72 infants enrolled at this time. Fewer infants in PBs on EMs had temperatures within the target range (15/37 [41%] vs 27/35 [77%], P = .002) and more had temperatures >37.5°C (17/37 [46%] vs 6/35 [17%], P = .009).

CONCLUSIONS:

In very preterm newborns, using EMs in addition to PBs in the DR resulted in more infants with temperatures outside the normal range and more hyperthermia on NICU admission.
Utilization of physiotherapy services in case of trauma disorders of the lower extremity in the outpatient care
Authors: Molics Bálint , Kránicz János , Schmidt Béla , Sebestyén Andor , Nyárády József , Boncz Imre
Published: June 2013

Introduction: Limited information is available on physiotherapy treatment of lower extremity injuries. Aim: The purpose of this study included analysis of the utilization of outpatient physiotherapy services in case of injuries of the lower extremity. Method: Data derived from the database of the National Health Insurance Fund Administration, Hungary. The number of cases undergoing physiotherapy activities after lower extremity injuries were determined. Results: In 2009 the average number of cases undergoing physiotherapy activities following lower extremity injuries per 10,000 persons were the following: „hip and thigh injuries” 249.75 male cases and 443.7 female cases; „knee and leg injuries” 927.64 male cases and 668.25 female cases, and „ankle and foot injuries” 307.58 male cases and 245.75 female cases. Conclusions: According to this study, the number of physiotherapy activities for patients with injuries of the lower extremity showed significant differences between genders. Orv. Hetil., 2013, 154, 985–992.
Thin Film Nanoelectronic Probe for Protein Detection
Authors: Esfandyarpour Rahim , Javanmard Mehdi , Koochak Zahra , Esfandyarpour Hesaam , Harris James S. , Davis Ronald W.
Published: June 2013

There are many biological macro-molecules such as nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates and proteins. While each of them plays a vital (and interesting) part in life but there is something special about the proteins. Proteins are the key link between the processes of information and replication that take place on a genetic level and the infrastructure of living features. Understanding the properties of proteins is the key to understanding the spark of the life. In this paper we describe our study of various electrical properties of protein when performing measurements at the nanoscale. To achieve this goal we designed and fabricated a nanoelectronic probe. This nano structure consists of four thin film layers. There are two conductive layers and an insulative layer in between. There is also a protective oxide layer as the top most layer. This layer is to prevent the exposure of conductive electrodes to the solution. Underneath the bottom electrode, there is another oxide layer, which can be a thermally grown oxide. This layer insulates the first electrode from the substrate. In this study, while we use non-specific detection of streptavidin protein as a proof of concept, we emphasize that the findings of this study can be extended to specific detection of target proteins, where in this case a specific probe molecule would also be immobilized on the sensor surface.
Detecting H2S oscillatory response using surface plasmon spectroscopy
Authors: Della Gaspera Enrico , Martucci Alessandro
Published: June 2013

The oscillatory change in the optical absorbance of NiO-TiO2 film containing Au nanoparticles in the presence of H2S gas are investigated. The oscillatory phenomena could be monitored by looking at the variation of the surface plasmon resonance peak of the Au nanoparticles embedded in the TiO2-NiO matrix. Au nanoparticles act as optical probes in the detection of H2S, while the oxide matrix is responsible for the catalytic oxidation of H2S. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that oscillatory phenomena are monitored by optical spectroscopy.
Cyborgs Structured with Carbon Nanotubes and Plant or Fungal Cells: Artificial Tissue Engineering for Mechanical and Electronic Uses
Authors: Di Giacomo Raffaele , Maresca Bruno , Angelillo Maurizio , Porta Amalia , Leone Antonietta , Carapella Giovani , Neitzert Heinz C.
Published: June 2013

Here we present new materials obtained using, either fungal or isolated tobacco cells in association with different percentages of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). As a proof of concept, we used eitherCandida albicansor a non-green Tobacco BY-2 cell line combined with multi-walled CNTs. The electrical, mechanical, and conductivity vs temperature properties for some of these materials have been determined.C. albicans-based tissues have high conductivity and are stable at elevated temperatures. By lowering the CNTs content, we obtained a stable, electrically conductive optical transparent film, though with a relatively high sheet resistance. Further, we produced, using tobacco cells, a material that exhibits good electrical as well as mechanical properties.
Properties of normal-strength concrete and mortar with multi-walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Rhee Inkyu , Roh Young-Sook
Published: June 2013

This investigation studied the strength and performance of cementitious materials, such as concrete and mortar, with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). One hundred cylindrical specimens 10 cm in diameter and 20 cm in height were used to investigate strength variation and changes in the durability of concrete and mortar as a function of the weight percent (0∼1·5 wt%) of MWNTs and the effectiveness of a dispersion method that used a sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde solution. Industrial-grade MWNTs (purity: >90%, diameter: >50 nm) were used for the test. Ball milling with 1·5 wt% MWNT was processed for 7 h, followed by a dilution process with 0·25, 0·5, 0·75, 1·0, 1·25 and 1·5 wt% dispersive solutions. Ultrasonication treatments were then applied to each diluted solution for 20 min. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, permeability, electrical conductivity and the relative dynamic modulus of the concrete cylinders were tested under a 24 MPa mix design by increasing the wt% MWNT using standard ASTM guidelines. In parallel, MWNT mortar tests were performed for compressive strength, flexural bending and shrinkage with 50 prismatic specimens (4 × 4 × 16 cm in size).
Variable Length Reconfigurable Algorithms and Architectures for DCT/IDCT Based on Modified Unfolded Cordic
Authors: Huang Hai , Xiao Liyi
Published: June 2013

A coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) based variable length reconfigurable DCT/IDCT algorithm
and corresponding architecture are proposed. The proposed algorithm is easily to extend to the 2n-point DCT/IDCT. Furthermore,
we can easily construct the N-point DCT/IDCT with two N/2-pt DCTs/IDCTs based the proposed algorithm.
The architecture based on the proposed algorithm can support several power-of-two transform sizes. To speed up the
computation of DCT/IDCT without losing accuracy, we develop the modified unfolded CORDIC with the efficient carry
save adder (CSA). The rotation angles of CORDIC used in proposed algorithm are arithmetic sequence. For convenience,
we develop the architecture of N-point IDCT with the orthogonal property of DCT and IDCT transforms. The proposed
architecture are modeled with MATLAB language and performed in DCT-based JPEG process, the experimental results
show that the peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) values of proposed architectures are higher than the existing CORDIC
based architectures at both different quantization factors and different test images. Furthermore, the proposed architectures
have higher regularity, modularity, computation accuracy and suitable for VLSI implementation.
Enhancing Inquiry, Evidence-Based Reflection, and Integrative Learning with the Lifelong ePortfolio Process: The Implementation of Integrative ePortfolios at Stony Brook University
Authors: Wozniak Nancy McCoy
Published: June 2013

Reflection plays a critical role in moving learning to the next level of inquiry. Stony Brook University has adopted an approach to using ePortfolios within the curriculum that emphasizes reflection. Stony Brook University successfully piloted eportfolios in the Fall 2010 Semester and discovered their use facilitated the inquiry process for the students. Integrative ePortfolios have been used successfully over the past 3 years in colleges and programs such as Writing and Rhetoric, Engineering, Business, Leadership and Service, and Technology Systems Management. Within these programs, the process of inquiry takes center stage as educators embrace learner-centered course delivery and curriculum design in which the student is an active participant in the instruction. The learner-centered educator partners with the students, encouraging them to continue their quest for discovery while building knowledge connections to the next levels of learning. This inquiry process is the foundation for high impact learning practices such as 1st-year experiences, learning communities, capstone projects, internships, and service learning that research has shown to increase student engagement and retention. The main outcome for learner-centered instruction is to engage students in the inquiry process and integrate their learning in all areas of their lives. The inquiry process and integrative learning need to become a habit of thought and connection that ignites learning and the construction of knowledge throughout a lifetime. The Lifelong ePortfolio Process is becoming a recognized method to facilitate inquiry, evidence-based reflection, and integrative learning. This process helps the student to connect learning with knowledge and develop the habit of lifelong learning.
ACE Project—Advocating for Clinical Excellence: Creating Change in the Delivery of Palliative Care
Authors: Otis-Green Shirley , Yang Eunice , Lynne Lisa
Published: June 2013

Background:

Psychologists, social workers, and spiritual care professionals report inadequate preparation to maximize their effectiveness in advocating for institutional reform to meet oncology patients' diverse bio-psychosocial-spiritual and cultural needs. This article provides an overview of the ACE Project, a National Cancer Institute, 5 year, R25-funded transdisciplinary palliative care education program designed to enhance the advocacy and leadership skills of 301 competitively selected psycho-oncology professionals.

Methods:

ACE Project participants identified an institutional goal, refined their goals during the course and received mentorship and support throughout the subsequent year. Participants were invited to return to a Reunion Conference in year five to report on their activities, network, and share the results of their change efforts. A subset of 28 ACE Project participants contributed to this OMEGA special issue.

Results:

Participants' goals primarily focused on strategies to improve clinical care through program development and improvements in palliative care education within their institutions.

Conclusions:

The results of this transdisciplinary leadership skills-building program for psycho-oncology professionals affirm the feasibility and perceived need for the program. See the ACE Project website ( http://www.cityofhope.org/education/health-professional-education/nursing-education/ACE-project/Pages/default.aspx ) for additional program information.
The Development of a Sustainable, Community-Supported Children's Bereavement Camp
Authors: Bachman Betty
Published: June 2013

This article describes the creation and development of a sustainable, community-supported children's bereavement camp. Numerous grief camps were examined prior to the project development. The project development was guided by the S.M.A.R.T. (S—Strategic/specific; M—Measurable; A—Achievable/attainable; R—Realistic; and T—Time-framed) stratagem to direct steps toward the development of the bereavement camp. Outcome measures included program participation, as well as evaluations completed by campers, family members, and volunteers. Camp attendance continues to grow, with 48 children the first year and an average of 65 the following 3 years. According to post-evaluation surveys, campers were able to integrate back into school with a decrease in stress and an increase in their ability to verbalize their grief, share feelings and begin to trust others. One child “got her sparkle back” according to her grandmother. Several campers commented that camp allowed them to see themselves as normal children. The goal of Camp Healing Hearts was that campers would laugh again, and they are.
Facilitating the Provision of Quality Spiritual Care in Palliative Care
Authors: Bodek Hillel
Published: June 2013

In 1948, Dame Cicely Saunders, the founder of the modern hospice movement, established a core principle of palliative care, Total Pain, which is defined as physical, spiritual, psychological, and social suffering. In 2009, a consensus panel (Puchalski, Ferrell, Virani, Otis-Green, Baird, Bull, et al., 2009) was convened to address the important issue of integrating spirituality in palliative care, which led to renewed efforts to focus on spiritual care as a critical component of quality palliative care. This project is a combination of advocacy for the importance of spiritual care, training chaplains, seminarians, community clergy, and healthcare professionals in palliative care, and creating a spiritual care curriculum which can be self-taught or taught to members of transdisciplinary teams.
Building a Transdisciplinary Approach to Palliative Care in an Acute Care Setting
Authors: Daly Donnelle , Matzel Stephen Chavez
Published: June 2013

A transdisciplinary team is an essential component of palliative and end-of-life care. This article will demonstrate how to develop a transdisciplinary approach to palliative care, incorporating nursing, social work, spiritual care, and pharmacy in an acute care setting. Objectives included: identifying transdisciplinary roles contributing to care in the acute care setting; defining the palliative care model and mission; identifying patient/ family and institutional needs; and developing palliative care tools. Methods included a needs assessment and the development of assessment tools, an education program, community resources, and a patient satisfaction survey. After 1 year of implementation, the transdisciplinary palliative care team consisted of seven palliative care physicians, two social workers, two chaplains, a pharmacist, and End-of-Life Nursing Consortium (ELNEC) trained nurses. Palomar Health now has a palliative care service with a consistent process for transdisciplinary communication and intervention for adult critical care patients with advanced, chronic illness.
Intentional Anticipatory Mourning, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Program for Terminally Ill Veterans, Their Families & Caregivers in the VA Contract Home Hospice Program
Authors: Flanagan-Kaminsky Donnamarie
Published: June 2013

As a response to the increasing numbers of Veterans utilizing the Veterans Affairs (VA) Contract Home Hospice Program, and with growing awareness of the increased stress at end-of-life, the social work leadership of the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center implemented a unique approach to support Veterans and their families. The role of a grief/bereavement counselor was added to enhance the VA Contract Home Hospice Program, to assess the needs of the Veterans and family caregivers, and to create a program in response to these findings. A three-prong module evolved encompassing: Anticipatory Mourning Support for both the Veteran and caregiver/family; Caregiver Support; and Bereavement Support. The components of this module are described along with findings in each module.
Bridging the Communication Gap in Hospice and Palliative Care for Hispanics and Latinos
Authors: Quinones-Gonzalez Sonia
Published: June 2013

The Hispanic and Latino populations have increased nationwide. Hispanics are now the largest minority group in the United States. This increase in population will have an impact on all service areas, including hospice and palliative care. The goal as service providers is to remove barriers to care in order to increase opportunities for all the people residing in the communities. This project addresses the impact of the Hispanic and Latino populations in Pasco County, Florida, and the need to develop Latino outreach programs that will inform, educate, and provide culturally sensitive services which will decrease the barriers of communication and accessibility for Hispanics and Latinos who are in need of hospice and palliative care. The new outreach program, named Nuestro, which means “ours” in Spanish, is designed with this purpose in mind. The project's goal was to increase service by 200%; the outcome after 2 years was an increase of services by 900%.
Weaving Interdisciplinary and Discipline-Specific Content into Palliative Care Education: One Successful Model for Teaching End-of-Life Care
Authors: Supiano Katherine P.
Published: June 2013

While palliative care is best delivered in an interdisciplinary format, courses teaching the interdisciplinary approach to palliative care are rare in healthcare education. This article describes a graduate-level course in palliative care for students in nursing, pharmacy, social work, and gerontology taught by faculty from each discipline. The overarching goals of this course are to convey core palliative care knowledge across disciplines, articulate the essential contribution of each discipline in collaborative care, and to define interdisciplinary processes learners need to understand and navigate interdisciplinary palliative care. Learning outcomes included increased knowledge in palliative care, enhanced attitudes in practice and application of skills to clinical practice settings, increased ability to contribute discipline-specific knowledge to their teams' discussions, and a sense of increasing confidence in participating in the care of complex patients, communicating with families, and contributing to the team as a member of their own discipline.
Striving for Wholeness and Transdisciplinary Teamwork at a Pacific Basin's Pain and Palliative Care Department
Authors: Terashita-Tan Stacy
Published: June 2013

Collaborations in palliative care have helped to create a framework and identify preferred practices so the field of palliative care can grow. Teamwork designed in a transdisciplinary style is desired and provides whole-person, sensitive, and comprehensive care. In applying the basic key concepts and evidenced-based knowledge of palliative care, this article details one palliative care department's effort to create change, enhance the delivery of care, and build their palliative care practice. Creating collaborations and building partnerships were fundamental outcomes to improve the palliative care practice, increase transdisciplinary teamwork activities, and enhance the delivery of care in this organization.
Rheological behavior of castor oil mixed with different pyromellitic esters
Authors: Boran Sorina , Tamas Andra
Published: June 2013

The paper presents the rheological behavior study of castor oil mixed with
different pyromellitic esters. The pyromellitic tetraesters used were
obtained through the esterification of pyromellitic anhydride with a special
alcohol of a complex alkyl-aryl structure (2-phenoxy-ethanol) in conjunction
with a linear aliphatic alcohol with variable length (n-butanol, n-decanol).
The influence of pyromellitic esters? structure and concentration was
determined, as well as that of temperature, on the rheological behavior, by
setting the dependence between the shear stress ? and the shear rate ?. The
analysis of dependence between ? and ? demonstrates that the studied
solutions have Newtonian behavior. The evolution of samples' viscosity with
temperature was characterized by Arrhenius type equations, being established
the values of viscous flow activation energy, Ea. This constant can be
correlated with the effect of reducing friction in the presence of additives.
It was also realized a characterization of annulus fluids flow under the
effect of rotational motion, calculating the values of Taylor-Reynolds number
(TaRe).
Inverse Agonist of Nuclear Receptor ERRγ Mediates Antidiabetic Effect Through Inhibition of Hepatic Gluconeogenesis
Authors: Kim Don-Kyu , Gang Gil-Tae , Ryu Dongryeol , Koh Minseob , Kim Yo-Na , Kim Su Sung , Park Jinyoung , Kim Yong-Hoon , Sim Taebo , Lee In-Kyu , Choi Cheol Soo , Park Seung Bum , Lee Chul-Ho , Koo Seung-Hoi , Choi Hueng-Sik
Published: June 2013

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive metabolic disorder with diverse pathological manifestations and is often associated with abnormal regulation of hepatic glucose production. Many nuclear receptors known to control the hepatic gluconeogenic program are potential targets for the treatment of T2DM and its complications. Nevertheless, the therapeutic potential of the estrogen-related receptor γ (ERRγ) in T2DM remains unknown. In this study, we show that the nuclear receptor ERRγ is a major contributor to hyperglycemia under diabetic conditions by controlling hepatic glucose production. Hepatic ERRγ expression induced by fasting and diabetic conditions resulted in elevated levels of gluconeogenic gene expression and blood glucose in wild-type mice. Conversely, ablation of hepatic ERRγ gene expression reduced the expression of gluconeogenic genes and normalized blood glucose levels in mouse models of T2DM: db/db and diet-induced obesity (DIO) mice. In addition, a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp study and long-term studies of the antidiabetic effects of GSK5182, the ERRγ-specific inverse agonist, in db/db and DIO mice demonstrated that GSK5182 normalizes hyperglycemia mainly through inhibition of hepatic glucose production. Our findings suggest that the ability of GSK5182 to control hepatic glucose production can be used as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of T2DM.
PDX1 in Ducts Is Not Required for Postnatal Formation of β-Cells but Is Necessary for Their Subsequent Maturation
Authors: Guo Lili , Inada Akari , Aguayo-Mazzucato Cristina , Hollister-Lock Jennifer , Fujitani Yoshio , Weir Gordon C. , Wright Christopher V.E. , Sharma Arun , Bonner-Weir Susan
Published: June 2013

Pancreatic duodenal homeobox-1 (Pdx1), a transcription factor required for pancreatic development and maintenance of β-cell function, was assessed for a possible role in postnatal β-cell formation from progenitors in the pancreatic ducts by selectively deleting Pdx1 from the ducts. Carbonic anhydrase II (CAII)Cre;Pdx1Fl mice were euglycemic for the first 2 postnatal weeks but showed moderate hyperglycemia from 3 to 7 weeks of age. By 10 weeks, they had near-normal morning fed glucose levels but showed severely impaired glucose tolerance and insulin secretion. Yet the loss of Pdx1 did not result in decreased islet and β-cell mass at 4 and 10 weeks of age. Within the same pancreas, there was a mixed population of islets, with PDX1 and MAFA protein expression normal in some cells and severely diminished in others. Even at 10 weeks, islets expressed immaturity markers. Thus, we conclude that Pdx1 is not necessary for the postnatal formation of β-cells but is essential for their full maturation to glucose-responsive β-cells.