bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-healing of cracks in cement paste affected by additional Ca2+ ions in the healing agent
Authors: Huang Haoliang , Ye Guang
Published: March 2014

Cracks in reinforced concrete provide preferential access for aggressive substances into the concrete. Therefore, the corrosion of reinforcement bars is accelerated. Besides, carbonation, sulfate attack, and alkali–silicate reaction take place deep inside the concrete. Fortunately, from previous experiments, it was found that cracks in concrete can be healed with water and Ca is a main chemical element of the reaction products of self-healing. However, the ion concentrations in water can be various depending on the sources of water. There is still a lack of information on the effect of ion concentrations on self-healing. In this article, the effect of Ca2+ ions on self-healing was investigated experimentally. Ca(OH)2 was added into water as a healing agent. Self-healing behavior of cracks with saturated Ca(OH)2 solution was explored and compared with that with distilled water. In order to gain deeper insight into the mechanism, the reaction products of self-healing were characterized by energy-dispersive spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. In addition, the filling fraction of cracks as a function of time was determined by means of backscattered electron image analysis. The efficiency of self-healing induced by saturated Ca(OH)2 solution was evaluated and compared with that with distilled water.
Design of PZT–Pt functionally graded piezoelectric material for low-frequency actuation applications
Authors: Patel Satyanarayan , Vaish Rahul
Published: March 2014

In this article, simulation for PbZr0.516Ti0.484 (lead zirconate titanate)–Pt functionally graded piezoelectric material bimorph actuator is carried out. It consists of seven layers of lead zirconate titanate–Pt with a symmetric composition profile from the center (0% Pt, 10% Pt, 20% Pt, 30% Pt, 20% Pt, 10% Pt, and 0% Pt%). The structural parameters which include length, width, and thicknesses of piezoelectric layers and substrate layer (30% Pt) are optimized based on their first resonance frequency. The bimorph actuator based on optimized parameters shows the first resonance frequency at 960 Hz as compared to resonance frequency (7761 Hz) of original design of functionally graded piezoelectric materials. Large actuation is observed in functionally graded piezoelectric materials of proposed design. The proposed functionally graded piezoelectric material actuator can be effectively used at low frequency (960 Hz) with high tip displacement (35 µm) under 500 V. This work is helpful in fabricating functionally graded piezoelectric materials for specific applications.
Stressors and Resources of Caregivers of Patients With Incurable Progressive Illness in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Streid Jocelyn , Harding Richard , Agupio Godfrey , Dinat Natalya , Downing Julia , Gwyther Liz , Ikin Barbara , Mashao Thandi , Mmoledi Keletso , Moll Anthony P. , Sebuyira Lydia Mpanga , Higginson Irene J. , Selman Lucy
Published: March 2014

Family caregivers are central to palliative care in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet although supporting caregivers requires a comprehensive understanding of caregiver burden, there has been little research into this topic in Africa. Using the Stress Process Model to investigate the burden experienced by caregivers in South Africa and Uganda, we interviewed 37 caregivers and analyzed the data thematically. Caregivers’ primary stressors related to day-to-day patient care and emotional support; secondary stressors included financial hardship, family responsibilities, and social isolation. Caregivers’ social, relational, spiritual, and psychological resources mediated the effects of these stressors. Strengthening one resource strengthened others, but the failure of one resource hindered other resources, exacerbating burden. In providing caregiver support, policymakers and service providers should focus on enhancing caregivers’ resources as well as alleviating their stressors.
Communication With Stakeholders Through Corporate Web Sites
Authors: Ngai Cindy Sing-Bik , Singh Rita Gill
Published: March 2014

Drawing on an earlier study that views CEO communication as an important strategic tool, this study analyzes the content of CEO messages on Web sites of major corporations in Greater China to reveal their extratextual and intratextual characteristics. The study suggests that the language style employed in these messages, including the linguistic characteristics, regional themes, and interlingual themes, is associated with a corporate communication strategy that is underpinned by CEOs’ beliefs and rooted in cultural values. The findings enhance our understanding of how CEOs view their stakeholders and the content that they include in their messages to stakeholders in order to compete in this digital age.
Vandetanib for the Treatment of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Cooper Maryann R. , Yi Soo Yun , Alghamdi Wael , Shaheen Daniel J. , Steinberg Michael
Published: March 2014

Objective: To review the place in therapy of vandetanib for medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Data Sources: Literature searches were performed in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using the search terms ZD6474 OR vandetanib OR Caprelsa combined with medullary thyroid carcinoma. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Two phase 2 trials and 1 phase 3 trial were identified. Data Synthesis: Vandetanib is approved for the treatment of unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic MTC in patients with symptomatic or progressive disease. In the phase 3 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, vandetanib 300 mg daily (n = 231) was compared with placebo (n = 100). Vandetanib-treated patients experienced a significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS; hazard ratio [HR] = 0.46; 95% CI = 0.31-0.69; P < .001). No difference in overall survival (OS) was seen at the time of publication. Most adverse effects were grade 1 or 2 and managed by dose interruptions or reductions. The most common grade 3/4 adverse effects were diarrhea, hypertension, QT prolongation, fatigue, and rash. Because of the potential for QT prolongation, torsades de pointes, and sudden death, vandetanib is restricted via a Risk Evaluations and Mitigation Strategy program. Conclusions: Vandetanib prolongs PFS but has not been shown to improve OS. Vandetanib can be considered for patients with unresectable locoregional disease. It is a first-line option for patients with unresectable symptomatic distant metastases as well as an option for advanced disseminated symptomatic metastatic disease. Vandetanib is expected to be an important addition to the formulary of health plans that provide prescription drug benefits.
Dolutegravir, a Second-Generation Integrase Inhibitor for the Treatment of HIV-1 Infection
Authors: Rathbun R. Chris , Lockhart Staci M. , Miller Misty M. , Liedtke Michelle D.
Published: March 2014

Objective: To review the pharmacology, safety, and efficacy of dolutegravir, an integrase strand-transfer inhibitor (INSTI), and to discuss its role in the treatment of HIV-1-infected patients. Data Sources: PubMed articles indexed through August 2013 were identified using the search terms S/GSK1349572, dolutegravir, and integrase inhibitor. Information was also identified from the package insert, cited publication references, professional meeting abstracts, and the ClinicalTrials.gov registry. Study Selection and Data Extraction: English language articleswere selected for evaluation, with preference given to safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetic studies conducted in HIV-1-infected patients. Data Synthesis: Dolutegravir is a new INSTI approved for combination treatment in HIV-1-infected adults and adolescent children. Four phase 3 studies provide the basis for current labeling in antiretroviral-naïve and antiretroviral-experienced adults. Results from these studies demonstrate that dolutegravir is noninferior in efficacy to raltegravir in antiretroviral-naïve patients and superior in antiretroviral-experienced patients. Superiority to efavirenz and darunavir/ritonavir was also demonstrated in antiretroviral-naïve patients. Dolutegravir is well tolerated, exhibits low potential for drug-drug interactions, and has a long serum half-life, allowing it to be administered once-daily in patients without preexisting INSTI resistance. Twice-daily administration is recommended in patients with known or suspected resistance mutations to first-generation INSTIs. Mild elevations in serum creatinine occur following dolutegravir initiation from inhibition of renal organic cation transporter 2 but do not reflect changes in glomerular filtration. Conclusions: Dolutegravir is the first second-generation INSTI and exhibits several advantages over current integrase inhibitors and other preferred antiretrovirals. Long-term efficacy and safety are needed to define dolutegravir's role in treatment.
Early Pharmacological Treatment of Delirium May Reduce Physical Restraint Use
Authors: Michaud Christopher J. , Thomas Wendy L. , McAllen Karen J.
Published: March 2014

Introduction: Evidence surrounding pharmacological treatment of delirium is limited. The negative impact of physical restraints on patient outcomes in the intensive care unit (ICU), however, is well published. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether initiating pharmacologic delirium treatment within 24 hours of a positive screen reduces the number of days in physical restraints and improves patient outcomes compared with delayed or no treatment. Methods: Patients from a mixed ICU with a documented positive delirium score using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist were retrospectively grouped based on having received pharmacologic treatment within 24 hours of the first positive screen or not. Primary end points were number of days spent in physical restraints and time to extubation after delirium onset. Secondary end points included hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS) and survival to discharge. Results: Two hundred intubated patients were either pharmacologically treated (n = 98) or not treated (n = 102) within 24 hours of the first positive delirium score. Patients receiving treatment spent a shorter median time in restraints compared with patients who were not treated (3 vs 6 days; P < .001), and had a shorter median time to extubation (3 vs 6.5 days; P < .001). The treatment group also experienced a shorter ICU LOS (9.5 vs 16 days; P < .001) and hospital LOS (14.5 vs 22 days; P < .001) compared with the no-treatment group. Conclusions: Delirious patients who received pharmacological treatment within 24 hours of the first positive screen spent fewer days in physical restraints and less time receiving mechanical ventilation compared with those who did not. Although delirium management is multifactorial, early pharmacological therapy may benefit patients diagnosed with delirium.
Evaluation of Dabigatran Utilization and Risk Among Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Sidman Eric , Probst Luke A. , Darko William , Miller Christopher D.
Published: March 2014

Background: Few data exist to evaluate the use of dabigatran among hospitalized patients and this population that may be at increased risk for toxicity or reduced efficacy. As such, the objectives of this study were to describe the characteristics of hospitalized patients prescribed dabigatran and to compare select characteristics with patients included in the Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation (RE-LY) phase III clinical trial. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed at Upstate University Hospital. Select patient characteristics, including age, renal function, and drug interaction exposure, were compared with those for patients in the RE-LY trial. Results: The study included 140 patients. Mean age was 69.7 years (SD = 13.8) and 72 (51.4%) were male. The mean CHADS2 score was 2.48 as compared with 2.2 in RE-LY. Significantly more patients in our study had moderate to severe renal dysfunction (creatinine clearance [CrCl] < 50 mL/min) as compared with the RE-LY trial (27.5% vs 19.4%, P = .0207) when analyzing our study patients’ worst recorded CrCl. Among the 29 patients prescribed dose-adjusted dabigatran, 3 were correctly dose adjusted, 2 were overdosed, and 26 were underdosed. At least 1 pharmacokinetic drug interaction with dabigatran occurred in 110 study patients (78.6%). Use of proton pump inhibitors was more predominant in our study population when compared with RE-LY (64.3% vs 13.9%, P < .0001). Conclusions: Hospitalized patients exhibit multiple characteristics that place them at heightened risk for altered dabigatran drug concentrations and may have a heightened risk for clinical sequelae related to dabigatran use.
Association of Fentanyl With Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants
Authors: Lammers Erin M. , Johnson Peter N. , Ernst Kimberly D. , Hagemann Tracy M. , Lawrence Shelley M. , Williams Patricia K. , Anderson Michael P. , Miller Jamie L.
Published: March 2014

Background: Opioids are commonly used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Negative neurodevelopmental effects in the short-term setting have been associated with opioids ; however, long-term studies have been limited. Objective: The primary objective was to determine if there is a dose relationship between fentanyl and neurodevelopmental outcomes, as measured by Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III) composite scores for language, cognition, and motor skills. Secondary objectives included comparison of Bayley-III scores and neurodevelopmental impairment classification based on fentanyl exposure. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 147 very-low-birth-weight infants with Bayley-III scores obtained at a chronological age of 6 months to 2 years at clinic follow-up was conducted. Univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to determine if there was a dose-related association between fentanyl and neurodevelopmental outcomes. To evaluate secondary outcomes, patients were divided based on cumulative fentanyl dose (“high-dose” versus “low/no-dose”). Results: The univariate analysis found a statistically significant decrease in cognition ( P = .034) and motor skills scores ( P = .006). No association was found in the multi-variable regression between fentanyl cumulative dose and Bayley-III scores. There was a significant decrease in the motor skills score between the high-dose versus low/no-dose group, 94 ± 20 versus 102 ± 15, respectively ( P = .026); however, no statistical differences were noted for language or cognition scores or neurological impairment classification. Conclusions: When controlling for other variables, the cumulative fentanyl dose did not correlate with neurodevelopmental outcomes. Further evaluation of benefits and risks of opioids in premature infants are needed.
Pediatric Exclusivity
Authors: Rivera Donna R. , Hartzema Abraham G.
Published: March 2014

Objective: To review the successes and omissions of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pediatric exclusivity incentive. Data Sources: Pediatric drug development receives less attention and funding than drug development targeting adults resulting in fewer appropriately labeled pediatric drugs. Newly introduced legislation aims to correct this deficit using market exclusivity incentives. Under the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act (FDAMA, 1997), the FDA established the exclusivity principle. This legislation was renewed and amended in 2007 under Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act (FDAAA) allowing drug companies to receive a 6-month patent extension for initiating clinical investigation in pediatric populations. Fostering improved knowledge in pediatric indications and dosing is the motivating force behind this program. Study Selection and Data Extraction: We examined drugs granted exclusivity through FDA published database as well as relevant drug labeling and postmarket safety studies. Our examination shows that studies conducted in support of patent protection are often not designed to meet current pediatric needs. Conclusion: Amendments to FDAAA are needed to ensure that studies approved for exclusivity strive to meet the following requirements: relevant pediatric clinical indication ; disease addressed should represent a significant disease burden to the appropriate population; important age ranges should be covered; studies should not be allowed when a safety signal is identified prior to initiation of the study; and trials where endpoints are successfully achieved providing considerable contribution to pediatric dosing knowledge or result in labeling changes may gain an additional incentive.
Early Symptom Improvement and Discontinuation of 5-α-Reductase Inhibitor (5ARI) Therapy in Patients With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Authors: Kruep Eric J. , Phillips Emily , Hogue Susan , Eaddy Michael
Published: March 2014

Background: Pharmacological treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) commonly include α-blocker (AB) and 5-α-reductase inhibitor (5ARI) agents, which have separate but important attributes that carry clinical implications in terms of improvement of lower–urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and clinical disease progression. Objectives: This study hypothesized that administering AB therapy concomitantly with newly started 5ARI treatment would reduce the likelihood of 5ARI discontinuation through early symptom improvement. Methods: This retrospective analysis of the PharMetrics Integrated Medical and Pharmaceutical Database included men aged ≥50 years with ≥1 medical claim of BPH diagnosis and ≥1 prescription claim of a 5ARI with or without an AB. Patients initiating 5ARI monotherapy were propensity score matched with patients initiating combination AB + 5ARI therapy (1:1), with 5ARI time to discontinuation (30-day gap in treatment) compared between groups utilizing survival analysis techniques. The percentage of patients adherent to 5ARI therapy based on medication possession ratio (MPR) was assessed. Results: After 180 days of follow-up, 61.7% of the combination therapy arm versus 59.2% of the monotherapy arm remained on therapy. Combination therapy patients were 10% less likely to discontinue 5ARI treatment (hazard ratio = 0.904; P = .006) and were more likely to be adherent when adherence was defined as MPR ≥70% and ≥75%. Conclusions: Based on an assessment of claims data, initiating AB with 5ARI therapy is associated with a lower rate of 5ARI discontinuation compared with 5ARI monotherapy. Early symptom relief from AB therapy may contribute to a lower discontinuation rate for concomitant 5ARI therapy.
Collaborative Practice Model Between Cardiologists and Clinical Pharmacists for Management of Patients With Cardiovascular Disease in an Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Ripley Toni L. , Adamson Philip B. , Hennebry Thomas A. , Van Tuyl Joseph S. , Harrison Donald L. , Rathbun R. Chris
Published: March 2014

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has prompted leading cardiovascular organizations to advocate utilization of a team approach to patient care that includes nonphysician providers. In spite of that, the American College of Cardiology reported that nonphysician providers are underutilized in the management of patients with CVD. A survey of cardiologists revealed that the underutilization is a result of lack of understanding of how best to involve nonphysician providers in the health care team. Clinical pharmacists are one category of nonphysician providers that have recognized effectiveness in managing patients with CVD. No example of a comprehensive model of collaboration between cardiologists and clinical pharmacists is described in the literature that could serve to close this gap in understanding. The objective of this report is to describe a model of cardiologist–clinical pharmacist collaboration in the longitudinal management of patients with CVD that has been successfully implemented in 2 diverse settings. The implementation, evolution, scope of practice, required pharmacist training, logistical elements needed for success, and implementation barriers are reviewed. A summary of the patients referred to the clinic are examined as well.
Successful Treatment of Infective Panniculitis With Daptomycin in a Pregnant, Morbidly Obese Patient
Authors: Klibanov Olga M. , Vickery Stephen , Nortey Cynthia
Published: March 2014

Objective: To report a case of infective panniculitis in a morbidly obese, pregnant woman, which was successfully treated with daptomycin. Case Summary: A 34-year-old, 27-week pregnant, morbidly obese woman with a history of skin/soft-tissue infections and diabetes mellitus, presented with panniculitis. Initial treatment with β-lactam antibiotics did not result in clinical improvement. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was suspected, and 14 days of daptomycin 4 mg/kg (using total body weight) resulted in a clinical cure, without any adverse effects on the mother or the neonate. Discussion: Panniculitis is a type of skin/soft-tissue infection that is often caused by Gram-positive microorganisms. Daptomycin is one of the recommended agents for the treatment of skin/soft-tissue infections in hospitalized patients; however, it has not been extensively studied in pregnancy or morbid obesity. Some data suggest that exposure to daptomycin is significantly increased in morbidly obese persons because of the higher total dose received in this patient population. Animal data suggest that this drug is safe in pregnancy (category B), and at the time of publication, 3 prior cases of safe use of daptomycin in pregnancy have been reported. Conclusions: This case provides additional evidence for the use of daptomycin in pregnancy as well as morbid obesity.
Wagner-Meissner–Like Corpuscles in Gastric Mucosa
Authors: Reale Domenico , Ballotta Maria R. , Borghi Laura , Lisato Laura C. , Rasi Annalisa , Menegatti Maria T.
Published: March 2014

Wagner-Meissner corpuscles are touch receptors that are located in dermal papillae and are usually absent in gastrointestinal mucosa. Wagner-Meissner–like corpuscles have been reported in association with benign neural neoplasm. A case of Wagner-Meissner–like corpuscles in endoscopically normal gastric mucosa biopsy of a 48-year-old woman is presented here. The corpuscles were positive for S-100 and clinical evidence of neurofibromatosis was negative. From a review of the literature, only 2 cases of tactile corpuscle-like structures in gastric mucosa are available.
Invasive Paget Disease of the Nipple
Authors: Ozerdem Ugur , Swistel Alexander , Antonio Lilian B. , Hoda Syed A.
Published: March 2014

Although Paget disease of the nipple (PDN) is a well-established clinical and pathological neoplastic process, invasive PDN (IPDN) is a relatively newly described disease. The latter entity is characterized by invasive carcinoma that is localized to the nipple and is associated with PDN as well as with either intraductal and/or invasive carcinoma in the underlying breast. To our knowledge, only 17 cases of IPDN, all node negative, have been reported. Here, we report the case of a 68-year-old woman with invasive Paget disease of the left nipple. The patient had a history of intraductal carcinoma, treated by lumpectomy alone. She presented 6 years later with “eczematous” lesion of the ipsilateral nipple, a punch biopsy of which showed a superficially IPDN as well as conventional PDN. The subsequently performed wide excision of the nipple, areola, and underlying breast tissue showed the invasive carcinoma to span 0.6 cm. Then, 3 months later, the patient presented with ipsilateral palpable axillary lymphadenopathy. Axillary dissection revealed metastatic carcinoma in 7 of 19 lymph nodes. This case of IPDN not only represents the deepest extent of invasion reported thus far but also the only one known to be node positive.
The Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Inpatient Outcomes After Isolated Ankle Fractures
Authors: Menendez Mariano E. , Neuhaus Valentin , Bot Arjan G. J. , Ring David , Johnson A. Holly
Published: March 2014

Background:

Metabolic syndrome has been associated with increased morbidity following surgical procedures, yet its impact in acute orthopaedic trauma remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of metabolic syndrome on in-hospital (1) complications, (2) length of stay, and (3) nonroutine discharge in patients sustaining an isolated ankle fracture.

Methods:

Using the National Health Discharge Survey (NHDS) database for the years 2001 through 2007, an estimated 669 841 patients with isolated ankle fractures treated operatively were identified and separated into groups with and without metabolic syndrome. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed for each of the outcome variables.

Results:

Metabolic syndrome was an independent risk factor for increased nonroutine discharge (OR = 1.8) and the development of in-hospital complications (OR = 2.1). The presence of metabolic syndrome was not an independent risk factor for prolonged hospital stay.

Conclusion:

Patients with metabolic syndrome sustaining an isolated ankle fracture are at increased risk for in-hospital complications and a less rapid return of independent functional mobility, as evidenced by the higher need for posthospitalization care.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, epidemiologic study.
Cross-Measure Equivalence and Communicability in the Assessment of Depression
Authors: González David Andrés , Jenkins Sharon Rae
Published: March 2014

All measures of depression yield a global summary scale indicating the severity of depressive symptoms, implicitly conceptualized as a homogeneous construct. However, depression is a heterogeneous construct, with different presentations, subtypes, correlates, and responses to interventions. In response, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has suggested changes in the way depression is assessed, moving the focus to specific factors, such as cognitive, somatic, or affective symptoms. Still, there is little factor overlap between measures, and shared factors are weighted differently. To help fulfill NIMH’s strategic plan, this study used canonical correlation analysis (CCA) to explore shared latent variables and redundancy across the measures. It also analyzed the psychometric properties of factor-based subscales in the Beck Depression Inventory–2nd edition (BDI-II), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D), Inventory for Depression and Anxiety Symptoms (IDAS), and Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS). Using a diverse sample of 218 students who reported at least mild depressive symptoms, this study found that the IDAS was best aligned with NIMH’s strategic plan; it has complete DSM-IV/ DSM-5 symptom coverage and content-valid, psychometrically sound subscales. The BDI-II, CES-D, and IDS did not have consistent subscales, nor had incomplete or incongruent coverage of DSM criteria. Furthermore, CCA revealed low redundancy across measures (23% to 41% shared variance). These results suggest that different measures of depression do not measure the same construct. As a partial solution, empirical conversion tables were provided for researchers and clinicians to empirically compare total scores from different measures.
Baby With the Bath Water
Authors: Hecker Jeffrey E.
Published: March 2014

Fanniff and Letourneau concluded that neither their review of the published literature nor their own investigation supported the use of Scale 1 of the Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol–II (J-SOAP-II). I argue that empirical findings on Scale 1 are mixed and that there is more support in the literature than one might conclude from reading Fanniff and Letourneau. Their negative conclusions about Scale 1 are based on a flawed literature review as well as problematic methods in their own investigation.
Sequential inoculation versus co-inoculation in Cabernet Franc wine fermentation
Authors: Cañas Pedro Miguel Izquierdo , Romero Esteban García , Pérez-Martín Fátima , Seseña Susana , Palop María Llanos
Published: March 2014

A study has been carried out in order to determine the effect of the lactic acid bacteria inoculation time on the kinetic of vinification and on chemical and sensory characteristics of Cabernet Franc wines. Traditional vinifications, with lactic acid bacteria inoculated after completion of alcoholic fermentation were compared with vinifications where yeast and bacteria were co-inoculated at the beginning of vinification. One commercial yeast strain and an autochthonous Oenococcus oeni strain (C22L9), previously identified and selected at our laboratory, were used. Monitoring of alcoholic and malolactic fermentations was carried out by yeast and lactic acid bacteria counts and by measuring l-malic acid concentration. Wines were chemically characterized and analysed for volatile compounds content. A sensory analysis, consisting of a descriptive and a triangular test, was also carried out. Results from this study showed that the concurrent yeast/bacteria inoculation of musts at the beginning of vinification produced a reduction in duration of the process without an excessive increase in volatile acidity. Differences in volatile compounds content and the corresponding impact on the sensorial profile of wines were also displayed. These results suggest that co-inoculation is a worthwhile alternative for winemaking of Cabernet Franc wines, if compared with traditional post-alcoholic fermentation lactic acid bacteria inoculation.
Using the Intel Many Integrated Core to accelerate graph traversal
Authors: Gao Tao , Lu Yutong , Zhang Baida , Suo Guang
Published: March 2014

Data-intensive applications have drawn more and more attention in the last few years. The basic graph traversal algorithm, the breadth-first search (BFS), a typical data-intensive application, is widely used and the Graph 500 benchmark uses it to rank the performance of supercomputers. The Intel Many Integrated Core (MIC) architecture, which is designed for highly parallel computing, has not been fully evaluated for graph traversal. In this paper, we discuss how to use the MIC to accelerate the BFS. We present some optimizations for native BFS algorithms and develop a heterogeneous BFS algorithm. For the native BFS algorithm, we mainly discuss how to exploit many cores and wide-vector processing units. The performance of our optimized native BFS implementation is 5.3 times that of the highest published performance for graphics processing units (GPU). For the heterogeneous BFS algorithm, the performance of the general processing unit (CPU) and MIC cooperative computing can gain an increase in speed of approximately 1.4 times than that of a CPU for graphs with 2M vertices. This work is valuable for using a MIC to accelerate the BFS. It is also a general guidance for a MIC used for data-intensive applications.
Multilevel Growth Modeling
Authors: Gee Kevin A.
Published: March 2014

The growth in the availability of longitudinal data—data collected over time on the same individuals—as part of program evaluations has opened up exciting possibilities for evaluators to ask more nuanced questions about how individuals’ outcomes change over time. However, in order to leverage longitudinal data to glean these important insights, evaluators responsible for analyzing longitudinal data face a new set of concepts and analytic techniques that may not be part of their current methodological tool kit. In this article, I provide an applied introduction to one method of longitudinal data analysis known as multilevel growth modeling. I ground the introductory concepts and illustrate the method of multilevel growth modeling in the context of a well-known longitudinal evaluation of an early childhood care program, the Carolina Abecedarian Project.
The politics of transparency and the calibration of knowledge in the digital age
Authors: Hansen Hans Krause , Flyverbom Mikkel
Published: March 2014

This article analyses the complex work of human actors and technologies that goes into producing that which appears to us as ‘transparent’. Drawing on studies of governance and surveillance, affordance theory, actor-network theory and sociological work on numbers, we analyse the role played by mediating technologies in the production of transparency and relate it to the question of how knowledge is created, recycled and modified in organizational settings. This perspective is largely absent from existing research on transparency, which construes transparency as unmediated or fails to investigate the organizing properties of specific mediating technologies. We argue that mediating technologies, conceptualized here as disclosure devices, have distinctive organizing properties that are important to scrutinize. They play a central role in attempts to shed light on objects, subjects and practices, and to help build or break up relationships within and across sites and organizations. We focus on three disclosure devices and their respective knowledge creation processes: (a) due diligence, whose emphasis is on qualitative knowledge production; (b) rankings, which is about quantitative knowledge production; (c) big data analysis, which underscores algorithmic knowledge production. We conceptualize the distinct features of these disclosure devices, indicate ways in which they shape organizational processes and discuss some of the ethical and political challenges they pose.
Validity of a simple Internet-based outcome-prediction tool in patients with total hip replacement: a pilot study
Authors: Stöckli Cornel , Theiler Robert , Sidelnikov Eduard , Balsiger Maria , Ferrari Stephen M , Buchzig Beatus , Uehlinger Kurt , Riniker Christoph , Bischoff-Ferrari Heike A
Published: March 2014

Summary

We developed a user-friendly Internet-based tool for patients undergoing total hip replacement (THR) due to osteoarthritis to predict their pain and function after surgery. In the first step, the key questions were identified by statistical modelling in a data set of 375 patients undergoing THR. Based on multiple regression, we identified the two most predictive WOMAC questions for pain and the three most predictive WOMAC questions for functional outcome, while controlling for comorbidity, body mass index, age, gender and specific comorbidities relevant to the outcome. In the second step, a pilot study was performed to validate the resulting tool against the full WOMAC questionnaire among 108 patients undergoing THR. The mean difference between observed (WOMAC) and model-predicted value was −1.1 points (95% confidence interval, CI −3.8, 1.5) for pain and −2.5 points (95% CI −5.3, 0.3) for function. The model-predicted value was within 20% of the observed value in 48% of cases for pain and in 57% of cases for function. The tool demonstrated moderate validity, but performed weakly for patients with extreme levels of pain and extreme functional limitations at 3 months post surgery. This may have been partly due to early complications after surgery. However, the outcome-prediction tool may be useful in helping patients to become better informed about the realistic outcome of their THR.
Advantages and applications of transforming empirical model input space with dimensional models
Authors: Brahma Indranil
Published: March 2014

Model-based calibration of steady-state engine operation is commonly performed with highly parameterized empirical models that are accurate but not very robust, particularly when predicting highly nonlinear responses such as diesel smoke emissions. To address this problem, and to boost the accuracy of more robust non-parametric methods to the same level, GT-Power was used to transform the empirical model input space into multiple input spaces that simplified the input-output relationship and improved the accuracy and robustness of smoke predictions made by three commonly used empirical modeling methods: Multivariate Regression, Neural Networks and the k-Nearest Neighbor method. The availability of multiple input spaces allowed the development of two committee techniques: a ‘Simple Committee’ technique that used averaged predictions from a set of 10 pre-selected input spaces chosen by the training data and the “Minimum Variance Committee” technique where the input spaces for each prediction were chosen on the basis of disagreement between the three modeling methods. This latter technique equalized the performance of the three modeling methods. The successively increasing improvements resulting from the use of a single best transformed input space (Best Combination Technique), Simple Committee Technique and Minimum Variance Committee Technique were verified with hypothesis testing. The transformed input spaces were also shown to improve outlier detection and to improve k-Nearest Neighbor performance when predicting dynamic emissions with steady-state training data. An unexpected finding was that the benefits of input space transformation were unaffected by changes in the hardware or the calibration of the underlying GT-Power model.
Morgan Freeman is dead and other big data stories
Authors: Wilson Matthew W.
Published: March 2014

In the context of the feverish pace in which the social sciences are grappling with the implications for a turn toward ‘big data’, I suggest a different starting point: that big data are not necessarily social science data. In this somewhat speculative provocation, I argue that we should lean more on the notion that social media are phenomena and less on the notion that social media are evidence of phenomena. In doing so, I sketch four areas of potential criticality for an emerging big data studies.
Isn’t She Adorkable! Cuteness as Political Neutralization in the Star Text of Zooey Deschanel
Authors: McIntyre Anthony P.
Published: March 2014

It has been argued that cuteness is emerging as one of the dominant aesthetic categories of the twenty-first century. In this essay, I analyze the star text of actress and singer Zooey Deschanel to trace the impact of cuteness on the political energies of “Millenials,” the generational cohort arguably most affected by the deleterious aftershocks of the 2008 financial crisis. Deschanel is a particularly multi-mediated celebrity with an extensive presence in new media, a hit sitcom, and a number of commercial endorsements. I analyze how cuteness facilitates Deschanel’s appeal to both mainstream and alternative modalities, and trace the affective power of a cute aesthetic to harness commercial imperatives and aid in the creation of a juxtapolitical intimate public that utilizes a “restorative nostalgia” to neutralize political energies amid straitened economic and social conditions.
d-limonene suppresses doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation via repression of COX-2, iNOS, and NFκB in kidneys of Wistar rats
Authors: Rehman Muneeb U , Tahir Mir , Khan Abdul Quaiyoom , Khan Rehan , Oday-O-Hamiza  , Lateef Abdul , Hassan Syed Kazim , Rashid Sumaya , Ali Nemat , Zeeshan Mirza , Sultana Sarwat
Published: March 2014

d-limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene and has been found to posses numerous therapeutic properties. In this study, we used d-limonene as a protective agent against the nephrotoxic effects of anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox). Rats were given d-limonene at doses of 5% and 10% mixed with diet for 20 consecutive days. Dox was give at the dose of 20 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. The protective effects of d-limonene on Dox-induced oxidative stress and inflammation were investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation, serum toxicity markers, proinflammatory cytokines, and expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Nitrite levels. Administration of Dox (20 mg/kg body weight) in rats enhanced renal lipid peroxidation; depleted glutathione content and anti-oxidant enzymes; elevated levels of kidney toxicity markers viz. kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine; enhanced expression of NFκB, COX-2, and iNOS and nitric oxide. Treatment with d-limonene prevented oxidative stress by restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes, further both doses of 5% and 10% showed significant decrease in inflammatory response. Both the doses of d-limonene significantly decreased the levels of kidney toxicity markers KIM-1, BUN, and creatinine. d-limonene also effectively decreased the Dox induced overexpression of NF-κB, COX-2, and iNOS and nitric oxide. Data from the present study indicate the protective role of d-limonene against Dox-induced renal damage.
Exenatide protects against hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis by improving mitochondrial function in H9c2 cells
Authors: Chang Guanglei , Zhang Dongying , Liu Jian , Zhang Peng , Ye Lin , Lu Kai , Duan Qin , Zheng Aihua , Qin Shu
Published: March 2014

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues might exert the cardioprotective effects via attenuating apoptosis. This study aimed to determine the protective effects and mechanism of exenatide, a GLP-1 analogue, on cardiomyocyte apoptosis using an in vitro model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). H9c2 cells were employed to establish an in vitro model of H/R. 200 nM exenatide pretreatment significantly reduced apoptosis measured by flow cytometry. To further study the antiapoptotic mechanism of exenatide, we used flow cytometry in combination with laser confocal microscopy to determine the interaction between exenatide and the process of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. We found that exenatide pretreatment reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and decreased the mitochondrial calcium overload caused by H/R. Furthermore, an increase of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) levels, a decrease of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, a preservation of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), a reduction of cytochrome-c release, a decline of cleaved caspase-3 expression, and caspase-3 activation were observed in exenatide-pretreated cultures. These results suggest that exenatide exerts a protective effect on preventing against H/R-induced apoptosis. Importantly, the protective effects of exenatide may be attributed to its role in improving mitochondrial function in H9c2 cells subjected to H/R.
Featured Article: Inhibition of glutathione synthesis distinctly alters mitochondrial and cytosolic redox poise
Authors: Kolossov Vladimir L , Hanafin William P , Beaudoin Jessica N , Bica Denisa E , DiLiberto Stephen J , Kenis Paul JA , Gaskins H Rex
Published: March 2014

The glutathione couple GSH/GSSG is the most abundant cellular redox buffer and is not at equilibrium among intracellular compartments. Perturbation of glutathione poise has been associated with tumorigenesis; however, due to analytical limitations, the underlying mechanisms behind this relationship are poorly understood. In this regard, we have implemented a ratiometric, genetically encoded redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein fused to human glutaredoxin (Grx1-roGFP2) to monitor real-time glutathione redox potentials in the cytosol and mitochondrial matrix of tumorigenic and non-tumorigenic cells. First, we demonstrated that recovery time in both compartments depended upon the length of exposure to oxidative challenge with diamide, a thiol-oxidizing agent. We then monitored changes in glutathione poise in cytosolic and mitochondrial matrices following inhibition of glutathione (GSH) synthesis with L-buthionine sulphoximine (BSO). The mitochondrial matrix showed higher oxidation in the BSO-treated cells indicating distinct compartmental alterations in redox poise. Finally, the contributory role of the p53 protein in supporting cytosolic redox poise was demonstrated. Inactivation of the p53 pathway by expression of a dominant-negative p53 protein sensitized the cytosol to oxidation in BSO-treated tumor cells. As a result, both compartments of PF161-T+p53DD cells were equally oxidized ≈20 mV by inhibition of GSH synthesis. Conversely, mitochondrial oxidation was independent of p53 status in GSH-deficient tumor cells. Taken together, these findings indicate different redox requirements for the glutathione thiol/disulfide redox couple within the cytosol and mitochondria of resting cells and reveal distinct regulation of their redox poise in response to inhibition of glutathione biosynthesis.
An International Age- and Gender-Controlled Model for the Spinal Cord Injury Ability Realization Measurement Index (SCI-ARMI)
Authors: Scivoletto Giorgio , Glass Clive , Anderson Kim D. , Galili Tal , Benjamin Yoav , Front Lilach , Aidinoff Elena , Bluvshtein Vadim , Itzkovich Malka , Aito Sergio , Baroncini Ilaria , Benito-Penalva Jesùs , Castellano Simona , Osman Aheed , Silva Pedro , Catz Amiram
Published: March 2014

Background. A quadratic formula of the Spinal Cord Injury Ability Realization Measurement Index (SCI-ARMI) has previously been published. This formula was based on a model of Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM95), the 95th percentile of the SCIM III values, which correspond with the American Spinal Injury Association Motor Scores (AMS) of SCI patients. Objective. To further develop the original formula. Setting. Spinal cord injury centers from 6 countries and the Statistical Laboratory, Tel-Aviv University, Israel. Methods. SCIM95 of 661 SCI patients was modeled, using a quantile regression with or without adjustment for age and gender, to calculate SCI-ARMI values. SCI-ARMI gain during rehabilitation and its correlations were examined. Results. A new quadratic SCIM95 model was created. This resembled the previously published model, which yielded similar SCIM95 values in all the countries, after adjustment for age and gender. Without this adjustment, however, only 86% of the non-Israeli SCIM III observations were lower than those SCIM95 values ( P < .0001). Adding the variables age and gender to the new model affected the SCIM95 value significantly ( P < .04). Adding country information did not add a significant effect ( P > .1). SCI-ARMI gain was positive (38.8 ± 22 points, P < .0001) and correlated weakly with admission age and AMS. Conclusions. The original quadratic SCI-ARMI formula is valid for an international population after adjustment for age and gender. The new formula considers more factors that affect functional ability following SCI.
Application of a Whole-Building Hygrothermal model in energy, durability, and indoor humidity retrofit design
Authors: Tariku Fitsum , Kumaran Kumar , Fazio Paul
Published: March 2014

A building shall be classified as high performance building if it is energy efficient and durable and at the same time provides comfortable and healthy indoor environment for occupants. To achieve this objective, the hygrothermal performance of alternative building designs should be evaluated based on the simultaneous analysis of these three functional requirements rather than separately. In this article, a Whole-Building Hygrothermal model is used for evaluation of various retrofit design parameters that potentially enhance the overall performance of an existing residential house. The retrofit options considered in this study include changes to the reference house’s ventilation rate and operation, windows, insulation level, and various combinations of these options. Energy efficiency, building envelope and moisture management potential, indoor humidity control, and window condensation potentials are considered to be the four performance indicators in searching for a retrofit option that delivers an optimal performance. The hygrothermal simulation results indicate that changing a design parameter to improve one of the design goals may result in less optimal results in the other one or both goals, or even in some cases result in severe negative consequences.