bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Medical Home Characteristics and Asthma Control: A Prospective, Observational
Cohort Study Protocol
Authors: Sills Marion R. , Kwan Bethany M. , Yawn Barbara P. , Sauer Brian C. , Fairclough Diane L. , Federico Monica J. , Juarez-Colunga Elizabeth , Schilling Lisa M. 
Published: December 2013

Background: This paper describes the methods for an observational comparative
effectiveness research study designed to test the association between practice-level
medical home characteristics and asthma control in children and adults receiving care in
safety-net primary care practices.Methods: This is a prospective, longitudinal cohort
study, utilizing survey methodologies and secondary analysis of existing structured
clinical, administrative, and claims data. The Scalable Architecture for Federated
Translational Inquiries Network (SAFTINet) is a safety net-oriented, primary care
practice-based research network, with federated databases containing electronic health
record (EHR) and Medicaid claims data. Data from approximately 20,000 patients from 50
practices in four healthcare organizations will be included. Practice-level medical home
characteristics will be correlated with patient-level asthma outcomes, controlling for
potential confounding variables, using a clustered design. Linear and non-linear mixed
models will be used for analysis. Study inception was July 1, 2012. A causal graph
theory approach was used to guide covariate selection to control for bias and
confounding.Discussion: Strengths of this design include a priori specification of
hypotheses and methods, a large sample of patients with asthma cared for in safety-net
practices, the study of real-world variations in the implementation of the medical home
concept, and the innovative use of a combination of claims data, patient-reported data,
clinical data from EHRs, and practice-level surveys. We address limitations in causal
inference using theory, design and analysis.
New Analytical Methods for a Learning Healthcare System: A Message from the Guest
Editor
Authors: Stoto Michael A. 
Published: December 2013

Whether one reads Computerworld or Institute of Medicine issue briefs, it’s clear
that most now accept the idea that existing electronic clinical data (ECD) and other
health records can be used to manage and improve the processes, outcomes, and the
quality of health care. Indeed the increasing popularity of the term “learning
healthcare system” signals the broad acceptance of the idea that routinely collected
clinical data can – indeed should – be used to advance knowledge and support continuous
learning. But despite what the big data enthusiasts say, none of this is easy without
the appropriate analytical methods.This commentary introduces the seven papers in eGEMs’
second special issue, which are the result of invitations to researchers who have
participated in EDM Forum activities as well as an open call for paper in early summer
2013. These papers offer a beginning snapshot of the ways innovative thinkers across the
country are developing methodology to advance the national dialogue on the use of ECD to
conduct CER, support QI, and generally to improve outcomes in a learning healthcare
system.
On Mixed Convection Stagnation Point Flow of Second Grade Fluid with Convective Boundary Condition and Thermal Radiation
Authors: Hayat T. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This work focuses on the mixed convection stagnation point flow subject to the convective boundary conditions. Mathematical formulation involves the constitutive equations of thermodynamic second grade fluid. Analysis has been performed when thermal radiation effect is present. Nonlinear flow analysis is computed for the homotopic solutions in the series forms. Behaviors of different arising physical parameters are examined. Numerical values of local Nusselt number are given and analyzed.
Rapid effects of Kikyo-to on sore throat pain associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection
Authors: Ishimaru Naoto , Maeno Takami , Suzuki Masatsune , Maeno Tetsuhiro 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background: Kikyo-to is used empirically for relieving sore throat pain associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in Japan. However, few studies have demonstrated its clinical effect. This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of Kikyo-to on sore throat pain associated with acute URTI. Methods: Patients with sore throat pain who were diagnosed with URTI in General Medicine Department Office, Tsukuba Medical Center Hospital from January to March 2012 were enrolled. Patients received 2.5 g of Kikyo-to diluted in a cup of hot water. The primary outcome was the change in sore throat score on the visual analog scale (VAS) 10 min after Kikyo-to administration. Secondary outcomes were change in sore throat score on VAS after 30 min and impact of sore throat pain on daily life (none, mild, moderate, and severe) after 10 and 30min. Results: Forty patients were eligible. Mean VAS score was 48.2±18.2 before treatment and reduced significantly to 35.4±18.1 after 10 min and 30.7±19.3 after 30 min (p<0.001 in both periods). The proportion of patients with moderate or more impact of sore throat pain on daily life was 67.5% and was reduced significantly to 37.5% after 10 min and 30% after 30 min (p<0.001 in both periods). The patients reported no side effects. Conclusions: Kikyo-to relieves sore throat pain associated with acute URTI.
Laser interstitial thermal therapy as a novel treatment modality for brain tumors in the thalamus and basal ganglia
Authors: Schroeder Jason L. , Missios Symeon , Barnett Gene H. , Mohammadi Alireza Mohammad 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroduction:Deep-seated hemispheric brain tumors pose unique challenges for surgical treatment. These tumors are often considered inoperable and when surgery is undertaken significant, serious, morbidity and even mortality may complicate the outcome. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery that affects tumor cell death by producing a zone of thermal tissue damage that can be monitored and controlled with the aid of real-time magnetic resonance thermography.Subjects and methods:A retrospective review of six patients treated with LITT at the Cleveland Clinic between 5/2011 and 8/2013 was performed. We evaluated clinical patient data and pre-, intra-, and post-operative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data for correlation.Results:Six patients were treated with a total of eight separate LITT procedures for their thalamic (n=5) or basal ganglia (n=1) tumors. All tumors were histologically malignant and five were primary tumors. Pre- and post-operative neurological deficits were recorded. The two patients that underwent multiple procedures were retreated for different reasons – one due to insufficient coverage and the other due to tumor recurrence. Sustained post-operative neurological deficits were observed after three procedures and one patient died within 2 days of surgery from a thalamic hemorrhage.Conclusions:LITT is a minimally invasive surgical treatment that can lead to successful ablation of tumors of the thalamus or basal ganglia. However, this treatment has the potential for neurological morbidity or even mortality and as such further studies are needed to evaluate the true risk vs. reward potential for LITT with regard to treating deep-seated tumors.
Systemic immune response and peripheral blood cell count in patients with a history of breast cancer
Authors: Šrámek Vlastislav , Melichar Bohuslav , Študentová Hana , Kalábová Hana , Vrána David , Lukešová Lucie , Adam Tomáš , Hlídková Eva , Juráňová Jarmila , Krčmová Lenka Kujovská , Solichová Dagmar 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between changes in peripheral blood cell count and neopterin concentrations in patients with a history of breast cancer. Peripheral blood cell count, serum ferritin, serum neopterin and urinary neopterin concentrations were determined in 61 patients with a history of breast cancer and 74 control subjects. Hemoglobin, relative lymphocyte count and absolute lymphocyte count were lower, and relative neutrophil count, ferritin and serum neopterin concentrations were significantly higher in breast cancer patients than in controls. Compared to controls, the difference in hemoglobin concentration was statistically significant only in patients with active disease. Significant negative correlations were observed between urinary neopterin and hemoglobin as well as between serum neopterin and relative lymphocyte counts in breast cancer patients. Increased ferritin concentrations were associated with a history of hypertension, but higher absolute lymphocyte counts were associated with hypertension only in subjects without history of cancer. In conclusion, in patients with a history of breast cancer, anemia is associated with disease activity and systemic immune activation. Ferritin concentrations are increased in subjects with hypertension.
Modulation of phenylalanine and tyrosine concentrations by ischemia and guanosine in neuronal PC12 cells
Authors: Thauerer Bettina , Geisler Simon , Fuchs Dietmar , Baier-Bitterlich Gabriele 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Survival of neurons is dependent on the presence of trophic and non-trophic factors. We have previously observed the protective capacity of purine nucleosides in hypoxic neuronal cell cultures. Guanosine appeared especially interesting with respect to its remarkable neurite-stimulating aptitude. Here we report the effect of ischemic stress and guanosine on the concentration of the essential amino acids phenylalanine and tyrosine, in culture supernatants of PC12 cells. In ischemic neuronal cultures, a substantial rise of phenylalanine and tyrosine levels was observed, indicating inhibition of cellular metabolism due to neuronal stress. Elevated phenylalanine and tyrosine concentrations were reduced by the addition of guanosine. Guanosine even down-regulated the ratio of phenylalanine to tyrosine. Results may support current efforts to propagate guanosine as a neuroprotective and neuroregenerative substance.
Strength Evaluation and Energy-Dissipation Behavior of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Concrete
Authors: Toufigh Vahid , Toufigh Vahab , Saadatmanesh Hamid , Ahmari Saeed 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
There is a growing demand in finding a replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC) because of inherent weakness in mechanical properties and durability of the OPC. In this study, polymer concrete (PC) is investigated as a potential replacement for OPC-based concrete. PC contains a mixture of epoxy resin and aggregates for which the epoxy resin serves as the cementing agent. Processes of forming PC and FRPC (fiber-reinforced polymer concrete) have been developed and are presented in detail. Behavior of PC and FRPC under compressive, tensile, and impact loadings are determined through experiments. The studies are conducted in three phases with objectives of optimizing the bulk density and strength of the medium. Our experimental results indicate that the PC and FRPC specimens exhibit significantly higher compressive and tensile strength and impact toughness as compared to OPC. However, FRPC specimens have higher tensile strength and toughness relative to PC specimens, but the two sets are comparable in compressive strength. Furthermore, PC, as well as FRPC, have a faster curing rate as compared to OPC (less than 5 days for full curing).
Ungekühlte Thermoelement-Luftbrückenstruktur für
Anwendungen im THz-Bereich
Authors: Schinkel U. , Keßler E. , Ihring A. , Dillner U. , Hänschke F. , May T. , Meyer H.-G. 
Published: December 2013

Zusammenfassung
Eine Luftbrückenstruktur wurde entwickelt, auf der ein
Dünnschicht-Thermoelement angeordnet ist. Dieses Thermoelement
dient als Abschlusswiderstand einer Antenne und gleichzeitig als
Temperatursensor [1]. Die Brückenstruktur wurde
mittels Oberflächenmikromechanik hergestellt. Die thermischen
Eigenschaften der Luftbrückenstruktur wurden durch
Computersimulationen untersucht, und basierend auf diesen
Ergebnissen wurde eine geeignete Technologie entwickelt, um eine
hochleistungsfähige thermoelektrische Terahertz-Sensorstruktur
herzustellen. Die Messung der elektrischen Empfindlichkeit dieser
Thermoelement-Luftbrückenstruktur ergab eine NEP von
18 pW/Hz1/2 unter Vakuumbedingungen und von
67 pW/Hz1/2 an Luft.
Development of a Microfluidic GHz Impedance Cytometer
Authors: Haandbæk Niels , Bürgel Sebastian C. , Heer Flavio , Hierlemann Andreas 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This article presents a novel microfluidic impedance cytometer
enabling dielectric characterization of single cells at
frequencies up to 500 MHz. The dielectric properties of cells at
lower frequencies contain information about their size and
membrane capacitance. The increased frequency range of the
presented cytometer potentially allows for characterization of
intracellular components, such as vacuoles or the cell nuclei. We
demonstrate the overall capabilities of the cytometer through
discrimination of polystyrene beads from Chinese hamster ovary
(CHO) cells. The discrimination is based on the difference in
dielectric properties at frequencies up to 500 MHz.
New Perturbation Method for Predicting Solute Segregation Energies for Symmetric Tilt Grain Boundaries
Authors: Lu Shijing , Brenner Donald W. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTSolute atoms in dilute alloys have been shown to segregate at grain boundaries and stabilize them against grain growth. At present, most theories of the stabilization of nanostructured alloys do not account for the detailed atomic structure of the interfaces, but instead rely on averaged segregation energies. One of the reasons for this is the daunting task of determining segregation energies for a large number of possible sites in a given microstructure. We have developed a new approach to predicting and organizing interface structures in alloys that takes advantage of perturbation techniques and a disclination structural units model (DSUM) developed previously to describe grain boundary structure and properties in pure systems. The fundamental idea is to treat dilute alloys as a perturbed form of the pure metal systems whose energy can be determined by the DSUM. This paper introduces this method and gives a preliminary validation by comparing segregation energies for zirconium solute segregating to a grain boundary in copper calculated via the perturbation method and full atomistic simulations.
Radial Growth Model for Conical Nanobridge in Resistive Switching Memory Devices
Authors: Liu Tong , Kang Yuhong , El-Helw Sarah , Potnis Tanmay , Orlowski Marius 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTA phenomenological model has been proposed for the radial growth of the copper or silver nanobridge in the conductive bridge random access memory devices. In this model, the growth rate of the bridge is proportional to the local ion flux based on the hopping mechanism. Due to the differences of the local electric field, the growth rate is different along a conical shape nanobridge. The model accounts for the growth rate difference by introducing a geometrical form factor. Based on the model, the top and bottom radii are predicted for truncated conical copper nanobridge. The model is validated with data obtained on Cu/TaOx/Pt resistive devices.
Structural Analysis of Pore Seal Layer Fabricated by Wet-process on Porous Low-k Films
Authors: Ono Shoko S. , Kayaba Yasuhisa , Suzuki Tsuneji , Kohmura Kazuo , Tanaka Hirofumi 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTPore sealing has become a critical issue for the implementation of porous low-k dielectrics and for realizing acceptable reliability performance of the interconnect. This study focuses on fabrication of ultra-thin, conformal and plasma resistant pore seal layer and on understanding parameters playing a role in sealing the surfaces of porous low-k films. It was found that 2.5 nm-thick pore seal layer shows a perfect toluene seal property for the porous low-k film whose pore radius is 1.48 nm. The pore seal layer still show a good toluene seal property after irradiation of He plasma at 250°C for 10 sec. The increments of dielectric constant by applying the pore seal layer and by the He plasma irradiation for 10 sec are 0.04 and 0.03, respectively. Interestingly, all of toluene seal property, refractive index of the bottom part of the film and dielectric constant started to deteriorate after irradiation of He plasma for 20 sec. It was suggested that when toluene seal property degrades, plasma would start diffusing into pores and both refractive index of the bottom part of the film and k value start to increase.
Self-learning kinetic Monte Carlo model for arbitrary surface orientations
Authors: Latz Andreas , Brendel Lothar , Wolf Dietrich E. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWhile the self-learning kinetic Monte Carlo (SLKMC) method enables the calculation of transition rates from a realistic potential, implementations of it were usually limited to one specific surface orientation. An example is the fcc (111) surface in Latz et al. 2012, J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 24, 485005. This work provides an extension by means of detecting the local orientation, and thus allows for the accurate simulation of arbitrarily shaped surfaces. We applied the model to the diffusion of Ag monolayer islands and voids on a Ag(111) and Ag(001) surface, as well as the relaxation of a three-dimensional spherical particle.
Reactivity Analysis of the AunAgm (6 ≤ n + m ≤ 12) Bimetallic Clusters with Selected Proportions
Authors: Molina Bertha , Soto Jorge R. , Rojas Francisco E. , Castro Jorge J. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIt is well known that Au-Ag bimetallic nanoparticles have better performance in catalytic processes compared to their counterpart pure clusters. The improvement in their catalytic properties has been attributed to a kind of synergy between the gold and silver atoms that has not been fully understood. Unlike pure clusters, there are very few studies on the catalytic behavior of the Au-Ag binary nanoparticles. From the theoretical point of view, in the subnanometer regimen, the bimetallic Au-Ag clusters present a challenging problem, since by combining the different gold and silver relativistic effects, a variety of skeletal geometric structures and homotopic distributions are obtained. In particular, pure gold has favorable planar structure even up to 16 atoms, while silver begins to favor 3D arrangements from 5-7 atoms. This dissimilar behavior produces a diverse population of 2D and 3D coexisting binary clusters, whose properties strongly depend of the Au/Ag mixing ratio. In this work we use the relativistic approach ZORA-DFT to model the AunAgm (with 4 ≤ (n + m) ≤ 12) binary nanoclusters in selected proportions (1:1, 3:1, 5:1) in the gas-phase and we study their reactivity from the descriptors based in the condensed Fukui indexes obtained from an NBO electronic population analysis.
Efficient blue luminescence from colloidal CdSe quantum-dot quantum-well nanocrystals
Authors: Lu Y. , Cao X. A. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTCdS/CdSe/ZnS quantum dot quantum well (QDQW) nanocrystals were synthesized using the successive ion layer adsorption and reaction technique. CdSe QWs with a well width of 1.05 nm emitted blue light at 467 nm with a spectral full-width-at-half-maximum of ∼30 nm. It was found that a 3-monolayer ZnS outer cladding layer can effectively passivate the QDQW structures, leading to a ∼35% quantum yield (QY) of the QW photoluminescence. QDQW light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with blue QW electroluminescence (EL) were fabricated. The devices with an emitting layer comprising QDQWs embedded in a poly(N-vinylcarbazole) host were five times brighter than LEDs based on closely-packed QDQWs. However, the overall EL of the devices was dominated by interface state emission due to poor charge injection into the QDQWs.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Carbon Nanotubes for Interconnections in Microelectronics
Authors: Lim Chiew Keat , Wang Yadong , Wu Shixin 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been considered as a promising interconnect material to replace the solder bump used in the flip chip package because of their special electrical, mechanical and thermal properties, which may promote both the performance and reliability of the flip chip packaging. In this paper, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of CNTs on substrates has been demonstrated for the interconnect application. EPD is a simple, low cost and high throughput process that is capable to produce densely packed film with good homogeneity at low temperature. By altering the electric fields and deposition time during the EPD process, the thickness of the CNTs film could be controlled. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were successfully coated on the various substrates using the EPD method. A highly uniform CNTs microstructure film with thickness over 5 µm was achieved. In addition, the selective depositions of CNTs on the pre-defined bond pads to form CNTs bumps were also accomplished. By employing typical flip-chip bonding technique, high density CNTs bumps were aligned to form a test chip/host substrate interconnects. The electrical conductivity of the CNTs interconnects was carried out using four-point probe measurement. Reliable electrical contacts with linear relationship in the current-voltage (I-V) characteristic suggesting ohmic behaviour were attained. The overall resistances extracted were also relatively low. These superior electrical properties have demonstrated that the CNTs bumps deposited using EPD method is a viable way to serve as an alternative to current metal solder interconnects material such as Sn-Pb alloys. Hence, it offers a promising interconnect application in the quest for device miniaturization in microelectronic industry.
ZnO Nanostructured Diodes - Enhancing Energy Generation through Scavenging Vibration
Authors: Briscoe Joe , Jalali Nimra , Loh Leonard , Shoaee Safa , Wooliams Peter , Stewart Mark , Cain Markys , Weaver Paul M. , Durrant James R. , Dunn Steve 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTRecent developments on the use of the piezoelectric effect in ZnO nanorod-based p-n junctions for energy harvesting applications are presented. Two types of junctions are used. The first is a hybrid p-n device combining the semiconducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene) poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) with ZnO nanorods. The second type of junction is an all-inorganic junction between n-type ZnO nanorods and p-type CuSCN. It is shown that both these diodes can be produced on flexible plastic substrates, which generate a voltage output when bent. The voltage output of the ZnO/PEDOT:PSS diodes are measured across a range of resistive loads while bending to find a maximum power point of 12 μWcm-2 at 4 kΩ. It is shown that a voltage output is also generated when this structure is vibrated acoustically. The ZnO/CuSCN diode is sensitized to sunlight with a Ru-based dye to form a photovoltaic device. It is shown that the device efficiency can be increased by application of acoustic vibrations. This is attributed to the electric field generated by the piezoelectric effect in ZnO affecting the charge-carrier recombination at the ZnO surface.