bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoribbons: Potentials for Nanoscale Electrical Interconnects
Authors: Soldano Caterina , Talapatra Saikat , Kar Swastik
Published: August 2013

Carbon allotropes have generated much interest among different scientific communities due to their peculiar properties and potential applications in a variety of fields. Carbon nanotubes and more recently graphene have shown very interesting electrical properties along with the possibility of being grown and/or deposited at a desired location. In this Review, we will focus our attention on carbon-based nanostructures (in particular, carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoribbons) which could play an important role in the technological quest to replace copper/low-k for interconnect applications. We will provide the reader with a number of possible architectures, including single-wall as well as multi-wall carbon nanotubes, arranged in horizontal and vertical arrays, regarded as individual objects as well as bundles. Modification of their functional properties in order to fulfill interconnect applications requirements are also presented. Then, in the second part of the Review, recently discovered graphene and in particular graphene and few-graphene layers nanoribbons are introduced. Different architectures involving nanostructured carbon are presented and discussed in light of interconnect application in terms of length, chirality, edge configuration and more.
Physical Layer Network Coding Based on Integer Forcing Precoded Compute and Forward
Authors: Gupta Smrati , Vázquez-Castro M.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we address the implementation of physical layer network coding (PNC) based on compute and forward (CF) in relay networks. It is known that the maximum achievable rates in CF-based transmission is limited due to the channel approximations at the relay. In this work, we propose the integer forcing precoder (IFP), which bypasses this maximum rate achievability limitation. Our precoder requires channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter, but only that of the channel between the transmitter and the relay, which is a feasible assumption. The overall contributions of this paper are three-fold. Firstly, we propose an implementation of CF using IFP and prove that this implementation achieves higher rates as compared to traditional relaying schemes. Further, the probability of error from the proposed scheme is shown to have up to 2 dB of gain over the existent lattice network coding-based implementation of CF. Secondly, we analyze the two phases of transmission in the CF scheme, thereby characterizing the end-to-end behavior of the CF and not only one-phase behavior, as in previous proposals. Finally, we develop decoders for both the relay and the destination. We use a generalization of Bezout’s theorem to justify the construction of these decoders. Further, we make an analytical derivation of the end-to-end probability of error for cubic lattices using the proposed scheme.
Neurotoxicity of Acrylamide in Exposed Workers
Authors: Pennisi Manuela , Malaguarnera Giulia , Puglisi Valentina , Vinciguerra Luisa , Vacante Marco , Malaguarnera Mariano
Published: August 2013

Acrylamide (ACR) is a water-soluble chemical used in different industrial and laboratory processes. ACR monomer is neurotoxic in humans and laboratory animals. Subchronic exposure to this chemical causes neuropathies, hands and feet numbness, gait abnormalities, muscle weakness, ataxia, skin and in some cases, cerebellar alterations. ACR neurotoxicity involves mostly the peripheral but also the central nervous system, because of damage to the nerve terminal through membrane fusion mechanisms and tubulovescicular alterations. Nevertheless, the exact action mechanism is not completely elucidated. In this paper we have reviewed the current literature on its neurotoxicity connected to work-related ACR exposure. We have analyzed not only the different pathogenetic hypotheses focusing on possible neuropathological targets, but also the critical behavior of ACR poisoning. In addition we have evaluated the ACR-exposed workers case studies. Despite all the amount of work which have being carried out on this topic more studies are necessary to fully understand the pathogenetic mechanisms, in order to propose suitable therapies.
Population-Based Study of Smoking Behaviour throughout Pregnancy and Adverse Perinatal Outcomes
Authors: Murphy Deirdre , Dunney Clare , Mullally Aoife , Adnan Nita , Deane Richard
Published: August 2013

There has been limited research addressing whether behavioural change in relation to smoking is maintained throughout pregnancy and the effect on perinatal outcomes. A cohort study addressed lifestyle behaviours of 907 women who booked for antenatal care and delivered in a large urban teaching hospital in 2010–2011. Adverse perinatal outcomes were compared for “non-smokers”, “ex-smokers” and “current smokers”. Of the 907 women, 270 (30%) reported smoking in the six months prior to pregnancy, and of those 160 (59%) had stopped smoking and 110 (41%) continued to smoke at the time of the first antenatal visit. There was virtually no change in smoking behaviour between the first antenatal visit and the third trimester of pregnancy. Factors associated with continuing to smoke included unplanned pregnancy (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.3, 2.9), alcohol use (OR 3.4; 95% CI 2.1, 6.0) and previous illicit drug use (OR 3.6; 95% CI 2.1, 6.0). Ex-smokers had similar perinatal outcomes to non-smokers. Current smoking was associated with an average reduction in birth weight of 191g (95% CI −294, −88) and an increased incidence of intrauterine growth restriction (24% versus 13%, adjusted OR 1.39 (95% CI 1.06, 1.84). Public Health campaigns emphasise the health benefits of quitting smoking in pregnancy. The greatest success appears to be pre-pregnancy and during the first trimester where women are largely self-motivated to quit.
Family Process and Peer Influences on Substance Use by Adolescents
Authors: Loke Alice , Mak Yim-wah
Published: August 2013

This study explores the association of family process and peer influences with risk behaviors of adolescents. A total of 805 students were recruited from secondary schools. The results showed that adolescents who have parents who are “authoritarian” (OR = 1.856) were more likely to smoke. Adolescents who have conflicts with their parents (OR = 1.423) were more likely to drink. Those who have parents who are “permissive” were less likely to drink (OR = 0.885). Having friends who smoked (OR = 5.446) or drank (OR = 1.894), and friends’ invitation to smoke (OR = 10.455) or drink (OR = 11.825) were the dominant contributors to adolescent smoking and drinking. Interventions are needed that recognize the strength of the parent-child relationship, as well as strengthen family functioning through improved interpersonal, parenting, and monitoring skills.
Renal Dopamine Receptors, Oxidative Stress, and Hypertension
Authors: Cuevas Santiago , Villar Van , Jose Pedro , Armando Ines
Published: August 2013

Dopamine, which is synthesized in the kidney, independent of renal nerves, plays an important role in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance and systemic blood pressure. Lack of any of the five dopamine receptor subtypes (D1R, D2R, D3R, D4R, and D5R) results in hypertension. D1R, D2R, and D5R have been reported to be important in the maintenance of a normal redox balance. In the kidney, the antioxidant effects of these receptors are caused by direct and indirect inhibition of pro-oxidant enzymes, specifically, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate, reduced form (NADPH) oxidase, and stimulation of anti-oxidant enzymes, which can also indirectly inhibit NADPH oxidase activity. Thus, stimulation of the D2R increases the expression of endogenous anti-oxidants, such as Parkinson protein 7 (PARK7 or DJ-1), paraoxonase 2 (PON2), and heme oxygenase 2 (HO-2), all of which can inhibit NADPH oxidase activity. The D5R decreases NADPH oxidase activity, via the inhibition of phospholipase D2, and increases the expression of HO-1, another antioxidant. D1R inhibits NADPH oxidase activity via protein kinase A and protein kinase C cross-talk. In this review, we provide an overview of the protective roles of a specific dopamine receptor subtype on renal oxidative stress, the different mechanisms involved in this effect, and the role of oxidative stress and impairment of dopamine receptor function in the hypertension that arises from the genetic ablation of a specific dopamine receptor gene in mice.
Nanoconfinement-Induced Structures in Chiral Liquid Crystals
Authors: Melle Michael , Theile Madlona , Hall Carol , Schoen Martin
Published: August 2013

We employ Monte Carlo simulations in a specialized isothermal-isobaric and in the grand canonical ensemble to study structure formation in chiral liquid crystals as a function of molecular chirality. Our model potential consists of a simple Lennard-Jones potential, where the attractive contribution has been modified to represent the orientation dependence of the interaction between a pair of chiral liquid-crystal molecules. The liquid crystal is confined between a pair of planar and atomically smooth substrates onto which molecules are anchored in a hybrid fashion. Hybrid anchoring allows for the formation of helical structures in the direction perpendicular to the substrate plane without exposing the helix to spurious strains. At low chirality, we observe a cholesteric phase, which is transformed into a blue phase at higher chirality. More specifically, by studying the unit cell and the spatial arrangement of disclination lines, this blue phase can be established as blue phase II. If the distance between the confining substrates and molecular chirality are chosen properly, we see a third structure, which may be thought of as a hybrid, exhibiting mixed features of a cholesteric and a blue phase.
Where Do Bone-Targeted Agents RANK in Breast Cancer Treatment?
Authors: Von Moos Roger , Haynes Ian
Published: August 2013

Breast cancer cells preferentially metastasise to the skeleton, owing, in part, to the fertile environment provided by bone. Increased bone turnover releases growth factors that promote tumour cell growth. In turn, tumour cells release factors that stimulate further bone turnover, resulting in a vicious cycle of metastasis growth and bone destruction. The RANK-RANK ligand (RANKL) pathway plays a key role in this cycle, and inhibition of RANKL using the fully-human monoclonal antibody denosumab, has demonstrated efficacy in delaying skeletal complications associated with bone metastases in three phase 3 trials. Preclinical studies suggest that the RANKL pathway also plays a role in breast cancer tumourigenesis and migration to bone. In a subgroup analysis of the negative Adjuvant Zoledronic Acid to Reduce Recurrence (AZURE) trial, the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid showed potential for improving survival in patients who were postmenopausal; however, a prospective study in this patient population is required to validate this observation. Ongoing trials are examining whether adjuvant blockade of the RANKL pathway using denosumab can prevent disease recurrence in patients with high-risk breast cancer. These are building on analogous studies that have shown that denosumab improves bone metastasis-free survival in prostate cancer and suggested that it confers an overall survival benefit in non-small-cell lung cancer.
Epoxy Cross-Linked Collagen and Collagen-Laminin Peptide Hydrogels as Corneal Substitutes
Authors: Koh Li , Islam Mohammad , Mitra Debbie , Noel Christopher , Merrett Kimberley , Odorcic Silvia , Fagerholm Per , Jackson William. , Liedberg Bo , Phopase Jaywant , Griffith May
Published: August 2013

A bi-functional epoxy-based cross-linker, 1,4-Butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDGE), was investigated in the fabrication of collagen based corneal substitutes. Two synthetic strategies were explored in the preparation of the cross-linked collagen scaffolds. The lysine residues of Type 1 porcine collagen were directly cross-linked using l,4-Butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDGE) under basic conditions at pH 11. Alternatively, under conventional methodology, using both BDDGE and 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC)/N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) as cross-linkers, hydrogels were fabricated under acidic conditions. In this latter strategy, Cu(BF4)2·XH2O was used to catalyze the formation of secondary amine bonds. To date, we have demonstrated that both methods of chemical cross-linking improved the elasticity and tensile strength of the collagen implants. Differential scanning calorimetry and biocompatibility studies indicate comparable, and in some cases, enhanced properties compared to that of the EDC/NHS controls. In vitro studies showed that human corneal epithelial cells and neuronal progenitor cell lines proliferated on these hydrogels. In addition, improvement of cell proliferation on the surfaces of the materials was observed when neurite promoting laminin epitope, IKVAV, and adhesion peptide, YIGSR, were incorporated. However, the elasticity decreased with peptide incorporation and will require further optimization. Nevertheless, we have shown that epoxy cross-linkers should be further explored in the fabrication of collagen-based hydrogels, as alternatives to or in conjunction with carbodiimide cross-linkers.
Active Versus Passive Investing - An Analysis of UK Equity Markets, 1991-2005
Authors: Barnes Edel , Scott M.
Published: August 2013

This study examines the pattern of active versus passive trading in UK equities over the period 1991-2005. We describe a metric to analyse trading activity and volumes in the UK FTSE350 and AIM markets, with emphasis on industrial and size-based effects. Our findings indicate that active stock picking has been consistently declining in the UK market over the period studied for all markets, size quintiles and in virtually every industrial sector. Moreover, trading patterns reveal a pronounced size effect with significantly less stock picking in larger capitalisation stocks vis-à-vis smaller stocks. Patterns of investment in the AIM suggest an increase in index trading over time but higher overall levels of stock picking relative to the FTSE350 list.
Mergers and Acquisitions (M&AS) by R&D Intensive Firms
Authors: Dutta Shantanu , Kumar Vinod
Published: August 2013

In this study, we evaluate the impact of R&D intensity on acquiring firms’ abnormal returns by examining 925 Canadian completed deals between 1993 and 2002 that have information on R&D expenditures. While examining the returns to acquiring firm shareholders in the R&D intensive firms we evaluate two competing hypotheses: ‘growth potential hypothesis’ and ‘integration failure hypothesis’. According to the ‘growth potential hypothesis’, in light of the growth potential of the targets acquired by R&D intensive firms, investors are likely to react positively. ‘Integration failure hypothesis’ focuses on integration difficulties of a target by an R&D intensive firms and suggests that investor might be skeptical of such acquisitions and react negatively. Our results show that R&D intensity (i.e. R&D expenditure by sales) has a positive and significant effect on cumulative abnormal returns of the acquiring firms around the announcement dates. This implies that market generally favors the M&A deals by R&D intensive firms. An analysis of the differentiating characteristics reveal that R&D firms have a significantly higher growth potential and undertake more stock financed deals compared to the non R&D firms. Further, our results show that there is no significant change in long-term operating performance subsequent to the M&A deals for both R&D firms and non R&D firms. In general, our results show support for ‘growth potential hypothesis’.
Corporate Risk Disclosure and Corporate Governance
Authors: Lajili Kaouthar
Published: August 2013

To date, research which integrates corporate governance and risk management has been limited. Yet, risk exposure and management are increasingly becoming the core function of modern business enterprises in various sectors and industries domestically and globally. Risk identification and management are crucial in any business strategy design and implementation. From the investors’ point of view, knowledge of the risk profile, risk appetite and risk management are key elements in making sound portfolio investment decisions. This paper examines the relationships between corporate governance mechanisms and risk disclosure behavior using a sample of Canadian publicly-traded companies (TSX 230). Results show that Canadian public companies are more likely to disclose risk management information over and above the mandatory risk disclosures, if they are larger in size and if their boards of directors have more independent members. Minority voting control ownership structures appear to negatively impact risk disclosure and CEO incentive compensation shows mixed results. The paper concludes that more research is needed to further assess the impact of various governance mechanisms on corporate risk management and disclosure behavior.
Hedging Performance and Multiscale Relationships in the German Electricity Spot and Futures Markets
Authors: Madaleno Mara , Pinho Carlos
Published: August 2013

We explore optimal hedge ratios and hedging effectiveness for the German electricity market. Given the increasing attention that wavelets received in the financial market, we concentrate on the investigation of the relationship, covariance/coherence evolution and hedge ratio analysis, on a time-frequency-scale approach (discrete and continuous), between electricity spot and futures. Simpler approaches are also used for comparison purposes like the naïve, OLS and the dynamic multivariate GARCH model in order to account for risk reduction through hedging. Results allow us to conclude that: dynamic hedging strategies provide higher variance reductions in terms of hedging effectiveness; there is poor correlation among spot and futures, not being homogeneous across scales, which condition the effectiveness of the hedging strategy; the long-horizon hedge ratio does not converge to its long run equilibrium of one. Wavelets poor fit in variance reduction is attributed to low coherence and to statistical relationships between spot and futures electricity series. The instability found in various aspects of market comovements may imply serious limitations to the investor’s ability to exploit potential benefits from hedging with futures contracts in electricity markets. Moreover, much variation in the contemporaneous relationship among spot and futures may highlight inadequacy in assuming (short-term) relationships in both markets, which might account for the difficulty in achieving profitable active trading.
Corporate Governance and Corporate Creditworthiness
Authors: Parnes Dror
Published: August 2013

We examine the relation between corporate governance and bankruptcy risk as an underlying force affecting a bond’s yield. The level of corporate governance is captured by the G-index, along with the explicit groups of governance provisions. We estimate bankruptcy risk by Z-score, by cash-flow-score, by O-score, through Merton structural model default probabilities, and by S&P credit ratings. After addressing endogeneity and while controlling for firm-specific factors, based on the four objective methodologies we find that corporate governance is inversely related to bankruptcy risk. Yet, rating agencies take a mixed approach towards this association likely because of the conflicting impact of different governance provisions.
Synthesis and Characterization of Encapsulated Nanosilica Particles with an Acrylic Copolymer by in Situ Emulsion Polymerization Using Thermoresponsive Nonionic Surfactant
Authors: Yazdimamaghani Mostafa , Pourvala Tannaz , Motamedi Elaheh , Fathi Babak , Vashaee Daryoosh , Tayebi Lobat
Published: August 2013

Nanocomposites of encapsulated silica nanoparticles were prepared by in situ emulsion polymerization of acrylate monomers. The synthesized material showed good uniformity and dispersion of the inorganic components in the base polymer, which enhances the properties of the nanocomposite material. A nonionic surfactant with lower critical solution temperature (LCST) was used to encapsulate the silica nanoparticles in the acrylic copolymer matrix. This in situ method combined the surface modification and the encapsulation in a single pot, which greatly simplified the process compared with other conventional methods requiring separate processing steps. The morphology of the encapsulated nanosilica particles was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which confirmed the uniform distribution of the nanoparticles without any agglomerations. A neat copolymer was also prepared as a control sample. Both the neat copolymer and the prepared nanocomposite were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and the flame resistance test. Due to the uniform dispersion of the non-agglomerated nanoparticles in the matrix of the polymer, TGA and flame resistance test results showed remarkably improved thermal stability. Furthermore, DMTA results demonstrated an enhanced storage modulus of the nanocomposite samples compared with that of the neat copolymer, indicating its superior mechanical properties.
Flavonoid Bioavailability and Attempts for Bioavailability Enhancement
Authors: Thilakarathna Surangi , Rupasinghe H.
Published: August 2013

Flavonoids are a group of phytochemicals that have shown numerous health effects and have therefore been studied extensively. Of the six common food flavonoid classes, flavonols are distributed ubiquitously among different plant foods whereas appreciable amounts of isoflavones are found in leguminous plant-based foods. Flavonoids have shown promising health promoting effects in human cell culture, experimental animal and human clinical studies. They have shown antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory effects as well as ability to modulate cell signaling and gene expression related disease development. Low bioavailability of flavonoids has been a concern as it can limit or even hinder their health effects. Therefore, attempts to improve their bioavailability in order to improve the efficacy of flavonoids are being studied. Further investigations on bioavailability are warranted as it is a determining factor for flavonoid biological activity.
Assessing the Sensitivity of the OMI-NO2 Product to Emission Changes across Europe
Authors: Schaap Martijn , Kranenburg Richard , Curier Lyana , Jozwicka Magdalena , Dammers Enrico , Timmermans Renske
Published: August 2013

The advent of satellite data has provided a source of independent information to monitor trends in tropospheric nitrogen dioxide levels. To interpret these trends, one needs to know the sensitivity of the satellite retrieved NO2 column to anthropogenic emissions. We have applied a chemistry transport model to investigate the sensitivity of the modeled NO2 column, sampled at the OMI (Ozone Monitoring Instrument) overpass time and location and weighted by the OMI averaging kernel, to emission sources across Europe. The most important contribution (~35%) in Western Europe is made by road transport. Off-road transport and industrial combustion each contribute 10%–15% across continental Europe. In Eastern Europe, power plant contributions are of comparable magnitude as those of road transport. To answer the question if the OMI-NO2 trends can be translated directly into emission changes, we assessed the anticipated changes in OMI-NO2 between 2005 and 2020. Although the results indicated that for many countries, it is indeed possible, for medium- and small-sized coastal countries, the contribution of the increasing shipping emissions in adjacent sea areas may mask a significant part of national emission reductions. This study highlights the need for a combined use of models, a priori emission estimates and satellite data to verify emission trends.
Spectral-Domain Measurements of Birefringence and Sensing Characteristics of a Side-Hole Microstructured Fiber
Authors: Hlubina Petr , Martynkien Tadeusz , Olszewski Jacek , Mergo Pawel , Makara Mariusz , Poturaj Krzysztof , Urbańczyk Waclaw
Published: August 2013

We experimentally characterized a birefringent side-hole microstructured fiber in the visible wavelength region. The spectral dependence of the group and phase modal birefringence was measured using the methods of spectral interferometry. The phase modal birefringence of the investigated fiber increases with wavelength, but its positive sign is opposite to the sign of the group modal birefringence. We also measured the sensing characteristics of the fiber using a method of tandem spectral interferometry. Spectral interferograms corresponding to different values of a physical parameter were processed to retrieve the spectral phase functions and to determine the spectral dependence of polarimetric sensitivity to strain, temperature and hydrostatic pressure. A negative sign of the polarimetric sensitivity was deduced from the simulation results utilizing the known modal birefringence dispersion of the fiber. Our experimental results show that the investigated fiber has a very high polarimetric sensitivity to hydrostatic pressure, reaching –200 rad x MPa–1 x m–1 at 750 nm.
Straightforward synthesis of a tetrasaccharide repeating unit corresponding to the O-antigen of Escherichia coli O16
Authors: Jana Manas , Misra Anup Kumar
Published: August 2013

A straightforward synthesis of the tetrasaccharide repeating unit of the O-antigen of Escherichia coli O16 has been achieved following a sequential glycosylation strategy. A minimum number of steps was used for the synthesis of the target compound involving a one-pot glycosylation and a protecting group manipulation. All intermediate reactions afford their products in high yield, and the glycosylation steps are stereoselective.
RESEARCH ON THE DYNAMICS OF LITHUANIAN STATE REVENUE AND PREFERENCES FOR EXPENDITURE ALLOCATION
Authors: Skačkauskienė Ilona
Published: August 2013

The article analyses revenue and expenditure on the national budget of Lithuania and looks at their dynamics and structure. First, the paper is aimed at naming the main sources of revenue as well as the preferential areas of financing. Second, it is also sought to disclose the objective principles of allocating budget appropriation. To achieve the goal, the correlation between preferences in government activity and expenditure allocation was investigated. The conducted research employs ranging and correlational analysis. Since the formation of a bigger budget leads to an increased appropriation of all functional areas, structural data were analysed thus enabling to more soundly determine whether the distinction of a functional area, as the preferential one, has an influence on its greater significance in the overall system of the national budget. After making the study, no possibility of asserting that a distinction of the preferential functional area is related to its preferential financing exists. In order to summarize the obtained results, it could be claimed that the allocation of resources accumulated by the state would be more substantiated if we related it more with activity priorities of the Government. This would lead to higher objectivity when taking decisions on public administration.
Myristoylated Derivatives of 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (stavudine) bi-Functional Prodrugs with Potent Anti-HIV-1 Activity and Low Cytotoxicity
Authors: Singh Ramendra K , Miazga Agnieszka , Dąbrowska Aleksandra , Lipniacki Andrzej , Piasek Andrzej , Kulikowski Tadeusz , Shugar David
Published: August 2013

Background:

To improve in vitro antiviral activity and selectivity of stavudine (d4T), a range of its bi-functional prodrugs, 5′- O-myristoylated derivatives, have been synthesized.

Methods:

Stavudine 5′- O-myristoylated esters were synthesized using modified Parang's procedure. The cytotoxicity and anti-HIV activity was evaluated in the established MT-4 cell line. The level of p24 protein in culture medium was assayed, and EC50 and EC90 values were determined.

Results:

Excellent anti-HIV activity was obtained for stavudine derivatives 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(11-thioethylundecanoyl) thymidine, 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(12-thioethyldodecanoyl) thymidine and 5′- O-(12-azidododecanoyl)-2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine with C10 and C11 alkyl chains bearing thioethyl- and azido- substituents. These prodrugs were more potent than the parent stavudine, as is clear from their EC50 values: 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(11-thioethylundecanoyl) thymidine (R=CO(CH2)10SC2H5, EC50 0.06 μM), 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(12-thioethyldodecanoyl) thymidine (R=CO(CH2)11SC2H5, EC50 0.09 μM) and 5′- O-(12-azidododecanoyl)-2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine (R=CO(CH2)11N3, EC50 0.06 μM), while 50% cytotoxic concentration was >16.65 μM, >7.5 μM and >18.53 μM, respectively.

Conclusions:

Overall data demonstrate that compounds 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(11-thioethylundecanoyl) thymidine, 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy-5′- O-(12-thioethyldodecanoyl) thymidine and 5′- O-(12-azidododecanoyl)-2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxythymidine are very potent and selective anti-HIV agents and could be useful in treatment of HIV infections of the central nervous system.
AUTOMATED INTELLIGENT DIAGNOSTIC OF ALZHEIMER DISEASE BASED ON NEURO-FUZZY SYSTEM AND DISCRETE WAVELET TRANSFORM
Authors: Al-Naami Bassam , Abu Mallouh Mohammed , Kheshman Abed AlRazzaq
Published: August 2013

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the deterioration of cognitive functions such as problem-solving, memory and reasoning that interferes with an individual's daily functioning. Symptoms are exhibited in accordance to the affected brain area (e.g. language and learning). Magnetic Resonance Imaging is the best diagnostic method to monitor the damage in brain tissues. Therefore, this paper proposed a hybrid method to segregate between the MRIs of healthy subjects and those diagnosed with AD. In this combined method, around 70 MRIs collected from local hospitals of Jordan are analyzed based on the use of Low-pass morphological filters and equalizer filter. Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) described as mathematical functions that discriminate data into different frequency components, and then each component is considered as resolution — scale matching. In this work, we used the best DWT type namely Haar because it is satisfactory for most of applications of image processing. The DWT then applied on the same MRIs where the entropies and energy values were extracted from each sub-band of the third-level wavelet coefficients to be fed into adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) classifier. The ANFIS was trained with the back-propagation gradient descent method in combination with least squares method. The combined method has demonstrated the best classification accuracy of 93% which can be reliably used for diagnosis purposes.
Collaboration is the Answer – What’s the Question?
Authors: Kymes Angel , Gillean Alicia
Published: August 2013

This chapter describes the models of collaboration, presents technological resources and avenues through which collaborative interactions can occur, the establishment of procedures, and steps around a set of question phrases and ideas, which can be used as a collaborative structure. It showcases the successful collaborative planning efforts and products of a practicing school librarian, her faculty, and their students.
Voices at the Table
Authors: Kimmel Sue C.
Published: August 2013

While we often associate reading aloud with children and particularly younger children, the practice of reading aloud has historically been a way for a community to share texts for information and enjoyment. Findings from a year-long study of a school librarian collaborating with a team of second grade teachers demonstrates the value of reading aloud in building background knowledge and vocabulary, modeling, understanding curriculum, creating common texts, and reading for enjoyment. Reading aloud brought other voices to the table in a clear example of intertextuality. Implications are shared for school librarians interested in similar practices as well as future research related to the impact of the school librarian on classroom instruction and student learning.
Collaborative Learning Design in Librarian and Teacher Partnerships
Authors: Kowalsky Michelle
Published: August 2013

This chapter details some of the different learning design models and collaboration styles that promote effective partnerships between classroom teachers and school librarians. It evaluates types of lesson designs that lend themselves most easily to teacher-librarian collaborative partnerships. It reviews partner and student activities that reflect on design elements of delivery and internalization of concepts and skills by students. The decision makers behind the technologies, those who engineer, program, record, demonstrate, and design the computing resources that are ubiquitous in learning today, are the architects for student learning. In these ways, collaborative partnerships between librarians and teachers of all grades and subjects can result in improved student performance.
“Need to Know”
Authors: Huisman Rhonda
Published: August 2013

This chapter outlines, defines, and illustrates examples of project-based learning, while focusing on how librarians can offer support to teachers when creating and leading project-based learning programs. Various disciplines and grade level (K-12 and higher education) examples of projects are discussed, pointing to strategic methods of intervention from school librarians, as well as ideas on how to collaborate and build relationships through project-based learning opportunities.
Building Literacy through Media-Rich Projects
Authors: Lange Joan
Published: August 2013

This chapter details a case study of a librarian and high school English teacher who collaborated on Shakespeare projects to improve students’ critical reading of sonnets and soliloquies. The literary analysis goal expanded as students developed media-rich products that reflected media literacy skills: performing advanced searches, locating research to inform image selection of primary sources, and evaluating images to communicate analysis of Shakespeare works. Students also modeled digital citizenship skills by respecting the copyright of images, and exploring contemporary images from creative commons sites. Following fair use guidelines, students created transformative works, adding value to and repurposing copyrighted materials. Text, images, and music were combined into a movie using the free digital software Animoto. The school librarian and teacher successfully collaborated, supporting goals of improving literacy and helping students to become 21st century learners.
Data Mining Models as a Tool for Churn Reduction and Custom Product Development in Telecommunication Industries
Authors: Klepac Goran
Published: August 2013

This chapter represents the business case in the telecommunication company called Veza, in domain of churn prediction and churn mitigation. The churn project was divided into few stages. Due to limited budget and cost optimization, stage one was concentrated on prospective customer value calculation model based on fuzzy expert system. This helps Veza company to find most valuable telecom subscribers. It also helped company to better understand subscriber portfolio structure. Developed fuzzy expert system also helped Veza company in detection of soft churn. Stage two is profiling and customer segmentation based on time series analysis which provided potential predictors for predictive churn model. The central stage was concentrated on developing traditional predictive churn model based on logistic regression. This calculated probability that subscribers will make churn in next few months. The final stage was dedicated to SNA (Social Network Analysis) model development which found out the most valuable customers from the perspective of existing subscriber network. This model gave the answer that subscribers have the greatest influence on other subscribers in a way what is dangerous if they leave Veza company because they will motivate other subscribers to do the same thing. All three stages made complete churn detection/mitigation solution which take into consideration past behaviour of subscribers, their prospective value, and their strength of influence on other subscribers. This project helped Veza company to decrease churn rate and it gave directions for better understanding customer needs and behaviour which were the base for new product development.
Multiscale Filtering and Applications to Chemical and Biological Systems
Authors: Nounou Mohamed N. , Nounou Hazem N. , Madakyaru Muddu
Published: August 2013

Measured process data are a valuable source of information about the processes they are collected from. Unfortunately, measurements are usually contaminated with errors that mask the important features in the data and degrade the quality of any related operation. Wavelet-based multiscale filtering is known to provide effective noise-feature separation. Here, the effectiveness of multiscale filtering over conventional low pass filters is illustrated though their application to chemical and biological systems. For biological systems, various online and batch multiscale filtering techniques are used to enhance the quality of metabolic and copy number data. Dynamic metabolic data are usually used to develop genetic regulatory network models that can describe the interactions among different genes inside the cell in order to design intervention techniques to cure/manage certain diseases. Copy number data, however, are usually used in the diagnosis of diseases by determining the locations and extent of variations in DNA sequences. Two case studies are presented, one involving simulated metabolic data and the other using real copy number data. For chemical processes it is shown that multiscale filtering can greatly enhance the prediction accuracy of inferential models, which are commonly used to estimate key process variables that are hard to measure. In this chapter, we present a multiscale inferential modeling technique that integrates the advantages of latent variable regression methods with the advantages of multiscale filtering, and is called Integrated Multiscale Latent Variable Regression (IMSLVR). IMSLVR performance is illustrated via a case study using synthetic data and another using simulated distillation column data.
Widely Applicable Multi-Variate Decision Support Model for Market Trend Analysis and Prediction with Case Study in Retail
Authors: Mršić Leo
Published: August 2013

Chapter explains efficient ways of dealing with business problems of analyzing market environment and market trends under complex circumstances using heterogeneous data source. Under the assumption that used data can be expressed as time series, widely applicable multi variate model is explained together with case study in textile retail. This Chapter includes an overview of research conducted with a brief explanation of approaches and models available today. A widely applicable multi-variate decision support model is presented with advantages, limitations, and several variations for development. The explanation is based on textile retail case study with model wide range of possible applications in perspective. Complex business environment issues are simulated with explanation of several important global trends in textile retail in past seasons. Non-traditional approaches are revised as tools for a better understanding of modern market trends as well as references in relevant literature. A widely applicable multi-variate decision support model and its usage is presented through built stages and simulated. Model concept is based on specific time series transformation method in combination with Bayesian logic and Bayesian network as final business logic layer with front end interface built with open source Bayesian network tool. Explained case study provides one of the most challenging issue in textile retail: market trends seasonal/weather dependence. Separate outcomes for different scenario analysis approaches are presented on real life data from a textile retail chain located in Zagreb, Croatia. Chapter ends with a discussion about similar research’s, wide applicability of presented model with references for future research.
Challenges in Representing Local Image Collections
Authors: Clark Rhonda L.
Published: August 2013

Local history and genealogical collections provide valuable information to the public, when adequate reference services and access to the collection are provided. Arranging such access presents numerous challenges for small historical societies and local public libraries that often lack the staffing, training, and resources available to larger organizations. The evolution of digitized records to represent photographic and other records presents even greater obstacles to the staff of small repositories. The Titusville Historical Society presents a useful case study of the decision-making process utilized in determining what directions are most desirable and feasible for small, local repositories. The organization’s makeup, staffing, and resources are overviewed and the digital environment described for similar organizations within its own and five surrounding counties. The Historical Society membership’s goals and abilities are utilized in making a final judgment as to the best process for providing access to collections.
A Case of Redeemer’s University Adoption of Institutional Repository Using the Principles of Electronic Information Management Systems
Authors: Utulu Samuel C. Avemaria , Akadri Adebayo A.
Published: August 2013

This case is about the influence of the Internet on scholarly communication and the emergence of various access-to-knowledge initiatives. Major emphasis was placed on Institutional Repositories (IRs) using a practical example of its evolution at the Redeemer’s University (RUN), Nigeria. RUN was established in 2005 by the Redeemed Christian Church of God with the mission to develop into a global university that is able to contribute to the amelioration of the problems facing Nigeria, Africa, and the world. To achieve its mission, RUN created a development hexagon, which resulted in the need to deploy its RUN Institutional Repository (RUNIR). Consequently, RUNIR deployment, which began in 2008, formed the major theme of the case reported in this chapter. As a result of the advantages provided by the institutional repository, Redeemer’s University is in a strong position to meet its mission goals and objectives.
Guidelines for the Creation of the Electronic Protocol Register in an Electronic Records Management System
Authors: Simonini Daniela
Published: August 2013

In the last twenty years, the organization of the administrative divisions of the Italian state has been deeply modified to improve the provision of services to citizens and companies. The process of computerization of the Italian public administration, called e-government, changed the ways and tools for the management of records. Paper records have been increasingly replaced by electronic ones, and tools for records management are electronic systems. Citizens and firms can write from their computer to the government and receive answers directly at their homes. In addition, the protocol register, one of the vital records of the government, which certifies the acquisition and production of records, has become a database connected with the records management system. The protocol register plays the important role of certification and identification of records in a digital environment. It is a reliable tool, which controls all the records and preserves the institutional memory, public or private. The aim of this chapter is to identify the elements that compose the electronic protocol register in an Electronic Records Management System (ERMS) that must be kept unaltered over time.
Wearing Different Listening Hats
Authors: Mascarenhas Mridula
Published: August 2013

This chapter reports two case studies done in a teacher training university (SRTTU) in Iran to find the effects of two technology-based learning environments on EFL pre-service teachers’ learning and technology acceptance. In the first case, a learning management system (LMS) was used to support EFL learners’ writing ability in a writing course. In the second case, the effect of an educational blog on increasing students’ phonological awareness was probed into. Both studies adopted a pretest-posttest control and experimental group design. The results revealed that, while controlling for students’ entry-level ability, the experimental group out-performed the control group in their final assessment. Perceptions of students who experienced technology-based environments were assessed by a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. It was found that most students enjoyed using both technologies for learning, accepted them as valuable educational sources, and preferred to extend using them into other university courses.
Technology Use and Acceptance among Pre-Service Teachers of English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Rahimi Mehrak , Miri Seyed Shahab
Published: August 2013

This chapter reports two case studies done in a teacher training university to find the effects of two technology-based learning environments on learning and technology acceptance of pre-service teachers of English as a foreign language. In the first case, a learning management system was used to support writing ability in a writing course. In the second case, the effect of an educational blog on increasing phonological awareness was probed into. Both studies adopted a pretest-posttest control and experimental group design. The results revealed that, while controlling for the participants’ entry-level ability, the experimental group outperformed the control group in their final assessment. Perceptions of those who experienced technology-based environments were assessed by a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. It was found that most participants enjoyed using both technologies for learning, accepted them as valuable educational sources, and preferred to extend using them into other university courses.
The Use and Uptake of Information and Communication Technology
Authors: Kırkgöz Yasemin
Published: August 2013

In common with many countries, teacher education in Turkey has been facing a period of rapidly changing demands with respect to the use of information and communication technology. This chapter presents a case study of an initial teacher education department in Turkey. The study focuses on prospective English language teachers’ views concerning various types of information and communication technology deployed by their teacher educators, their views of the information and communication technology-related course, their subsequent engagement of the information and communication technology, its emerging challenges, and their expectations to utilize information and communication technology in their future teaching. Data were collected using a questionnaire, interviews, and portraits of three teacher candidates. The results of the study reveal that the majority of the teacher candidates have positive perceptions towards integration of technology in their courses; however, they are aware of the lack of the pedagogical use of information and communication technology within their courses, and see the need for more use of such tools in their preservice teacher education programs.