bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Korean red ginseng on cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Kyoung-Sun , Kim Jin-Woo , Jo Jun-Young , Hwang Deok-Sang , Lee Chang-Hoon , Jang Jun-Bock , Lee Kyung-Sub , Yeo Inkwon , Lee Jin-Moo 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) is one of the most common complaints among Asians, especially in women. Korean red ginseng (KRG), which is a steamed form of Panax ginseng, has vasodilating action in the peripheral vessels and increases blood flow under cold stress. However, few studies have evaluated the effect of KRG on cold hypersensitivity.

Methods/Design
This trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 80 CHHF patients. The trial will be implemented at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong in Seoul, Korea. The participants will take KRG or a placebo for eight weeks, after which they will be followed-up for four weeks. During the administration period, six capsules of 500 mg KRG or placebo will be provided twice a day. The primary outcome is change of skin temperature in the hands between baseline and after treatment. The secondary outcomes include the visual analogue scale scores of cold hypersensitivity in the hands, change of skin temperature and the VAS scores of cold hypersensitivity in the feet, the recovery rate of the skin temperature by the cold stress test of the hands, the distal-dorsal difference of the hands, power variables of heart rate variability, and the 36-item short form health survey.

Discussion
This study is the first trial to evaluate the efficacy of KRG on CHHF by using infrared thermography. Our study will provide basic evidence regarding CHHF.

Trial registration
CliniacalTrials.gov NCT01664156
Ethnobotanical survey of cooling herbal drinks from southern China
Authors: Liu Yujing , Ahmed Selena , Long Chunlin 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background

Liáng chá (“cooling tea”, “herbal tea” or “cool tisane” in Chinese) are herbal drinks widely produced in southern China and consumed by billions of people worldwide to prevent and treat internal heat as well as a range of associated health conditions. Globalization and renewed interest in botanical remedies has attracted growing attention in cooling herbal drinks by industry, scientists and consumers. However, there is a knowledge gap on the plant species used and commercialized for cooling herbal drinks in southern China and their associated ethnobotanical use, habitat and conservation status. This is the first study to document plant species used and commercialized as liáng chá in southern China’s Lingnan region and associated ethnomedical function, preparation methods, habitat and conservation status.

Methods
Three hundred market surveys were conducted between 2010-2012 in the largest herbal drink producing region of China to record plants used for liáng chá and to document knowledge on their medicinal function, habitat and conservation status. Product samples and voucher specimens were collected for taxonomic identification.

Results
All informants harvest and cultivate plants for preparing herbal drinks for their medicinal, cultural and economic values. A total of 222 ethnotaxa corresponded to 238 botanical taxa (species, varieties or subspecies) belonging to 86 families and 209 genera were recorded as liáng chá to treat health conditions in the study area. Recorded remedies consisted of one or several plant species to treat conditions classified into 27 major health conditions with clearing internal heat being the most common medicinal function. The habitat types of plants documented for use as liáng chá include 112 wild harvested species, 51 species that are either wild harvested or cultivated, 57 cultivated species, and 2 naturalized species. According to China’s Red List and CITES on conservation status, one of these species is endangered, one species is critically endangered, eight species are vulnerable, one is listed in CITES II, three are listed in Regional Red Data Book and the remaining 224 species are in the least concerned conservation category.

Conclusions
The liáng chá industry of southern China reflects the plant species richness and cultural diversity of the region. Future research on safety and efficacy of herbal drinks as well as ecological and cultural conservation efforts are needed for the sustainable growth of China’s botanical industry.
Clustering patterns of human papillomavirus infections among HIV-positive women in Kenya
Authors: Vaccarella Salvatore , De Vuyst Hugo , Mugo Nelly R , Sakr Samah R , Plummer Martyn , Heideman Daniëlle A M , Franceschi Silvia , Chung Michael 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
HIV-positive women are at increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and, especially, multiple infections compared to HIV-negative women. Whether certain HPV types have a tendency to cluster in multiple infections beyond or below what would be expected by shared risk factors (e.g., sexual behavior and the degree of immunosuppression) is unclear. We, therefore, investigated clustering patterns of 44 HPV types in HIV-positive women from Kenya.

Findings
HPV status was assessed on cervical scrapings from 498 women using GP5+/6+ PCR and reverse line blot. Logistic regression was used to model type-specific HPV positivity, adjusted for age, specific HPV type prevalence, CD4, combination antiretroviral therapy, and, in the Full Model, individual-level random effects that represent unobservable risk factors common to all HPV types. We found a modest excess of women with co-infections with 2 HPV types (1.12; 95% credible intervals: 1.03-1.21) in the Full Model but no significant associations of individual types. No significant deviations of observed/expected counts were observed for any 2-way combination of HPV types at either the chosen level of significance, p = 0.00005, or at p = 0.01. Findings were substantially similar when women with CIN2/3 were excluded and when they were stratified by use of anti-retroviral therapy or CD4 count.

Conclusions
HPV co-infections occurred at random in the cervix of HIV-positive women as previously found in HIV-negative women. The removal of HPV types through vaccination should not result, therefore, in an increase or decrease in the prevalence of HPV types not targeted by vaccination in immunosuppressed women.
Investigating GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotype as the risk factor of diabetes type 2 retinopathy
Authors: Dadbinpour Alamdar , Sheikhha Mohammad Hasan , Darbouy Mojtaba , Afkhami-Ardekani Mohammad 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Background
Diabetes is one of the multifactorial disorders with genetics and environmental factors playing important role in its cause. In diabetes, the defects in cellular metabolism results in increasing free radicals. These radicals react with other vital cellular molecules which are responsible in diabetes side effects. Human glutathione S-transferases (GST) are a family of enzymes that catalyses conjugation of electrophilic substances with glutathione. In this research the deletion of two of the most important genes of this family; GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes was investigated as the risk factor for diabetes mellitus type II and one of its most important complications; retinopathy.

Material and methods
In this study deletion of GSTT1 and GSTM1 genes in 57 diabetics’ patients with retinopathy and 58 diabetic peoples without retinopathy was examined. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and then multiplex PCR was performed following agarose gel electrophoresis to detect GSTT1 and GSTM1 null genotypes. Data were analyzed with SPSS v16 software.

Results
The results indicated that there was significant relationship between GSTM1 null genotype with retinopathy side effect of diabetes type 2. While there was no significant relationship between GSTT1 null genotypes with retinopathy in diabetes type 2.

Conclusion
Significant correlation between GSTM1 null genotype and retinopathy in this and other studies could indicate this fact that impair cellular metabolism result in increase free radicals and oxidative pressure. Therefore, GST null genotypes may result in decrease antioxidant capacity which causes side effects of diabetes. Considering the performance of different classes of GST null genotypes additional studies are required to confirm this study.
Acylated ghrelin and leptin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, people with prediabetes and first degree relatives of patients with diabetes, a comparative study
Authors: Sharifi Faranak , Yamini Mahdi , Esmaeilzadeh Abdolreza , Mousavinasab Nouraddin , Shajari Zahra 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Background
Ghrelin is known as a new endocrine component supposed to have an influence in control of feeding behavior and energy balance. Recent studies have shown that ghrelin concentration in the subjects with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM 2) is lower than normal. To clarify the relationship between ghrelin and insulin resistance and also DM 2, a cross-sectional study was designed.

Methods
In a cross-sectional study, 87 subjects were enrolled in three groups, 29 with DM2, 29 pre-diabetes state and 29 normoglycemic subjects of first-degree relatives of diabetic group. After clinical examination, blood samples were taken to measure fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, lipids, insulin, leptin and acylated ghrelin concentrations.

Results
Mean serum concentrations of acylated ghrelin in all groups (47.4 ± 27.9 pg/ml) were lower than normal values (150.3 ± 56.4 pg/ml) (P: 0.006) without significant difference within groups comparison(P: 0.1). A significant correlation was found between ghrelin concentration with body mass index (BMI) (r: -0.23, p <0.02) and abdominal circumference (AC) (r: -0.28, P < 0.008). Also inverse relationship between ghrelin level and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (r: -.032, p: 0.002) was seen in all subjects. Leptin level has a significant correlation with abdominal circumference (AC) and BMI (P < 0.0001) but not with ghrelin.

Conclusion
This study showed that obesity has a strong association with the reduced level of ghrelin concentration. It seems that the process of ghrelin reduction is initiated in earlier stages of insulin resistance prior to the onset of overt DM.
Effects of Tomato and Soy on Serum Adipokine Concentrations in Postmenopausal Women at Increased Breast Cancer Risk: A Cross-Over Dietary Intervention Trial
Authors: Llanos Adana A. , Peng Juan , Pennell Michael L. , Krok Jessica L. , Vitolins Mara Z. , Degraffinreid Cecilia R. , Paskett Electra D. 
Published: December 2013

Context:
Breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women increases as body mass index increases. Practical preventive methods to reduce risk of breast cancer are lacking. Few studies have investigated the effects of carotenoids and isoflavones on circulating adipokines in postmenopausal women.

Objective:
The aim was to examine the effects of lycopene- and isoflavone-rich diets on serum adipokines.

Design:
This was a 26-week, two-arm, longitudinal crossover trial.

Setting:
Participants were recruited from clinics at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Participants:
Seventy postmenopausal women at increased breast cancer risk participated in the study. The mean age and body mass index of participants was 57.2 years and 30.0 kg/m2, respectively; the study was comprised of 81.4% whites.

Interventions:
The interventions included 10 weeks of consumption of a tomato-based diet (≥25 mg lycopene daily) and 10 weeks of consumption of a soy-based diet (≥40 g of soy protein daily), with a 2-week washout in between.

Main Outcome Measures:
Changes in serum adiponectin, leptin, and the adiponectin to leptin ratio were examined for each intervention through linear mixed models, with ratio estimates corresponding to postintervention adipokine concentrations relative to preintervention concentrations.

Results:
After the tomato intervention, among all women, adiponectin concentration increased (ratio 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00–1.18), with a stronger effect observed among nonobese women (ratio 1.13, 95% CI 1.02–1.25). After the soy intervention, adiponectin decreased overall (ratio 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.97), with a larger reduction observed among nonobese women (ratio 0.89, 95% CI 0.81–0.98). Overall, no significant changes in leptin or the adiponectin to leptin ratio were observed after either intervention.

Conclusions:
Increasing dietary consumption of tomato-based foods may beneficially increase serum adiponectin concentrations among postmenopausal women at increased breast cancer risk, especially those who are not obese. Additional studies are essential to confirm these effects and to elucidate the specific mechanisms that may make phytonutrients found in tomatoes practical as breast cancer chemopreventive agents.
Demographic factors and associated anomalies in fetuses with neural tube defects
Authors: Kitova Tanya , Milkov Denis , Kitov Borislav , Kilova Kristina , Gaigi Soumeya 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the types of abnormalities associated with neural tube defects (NTDs) and the magnitude of the risk for their expression under the influence of the following factors: maternal age >35 years, consanguinity and season of conception. One hundred and fifty fetuses were autopsied during the period 2006–2009 at the Center for Maternity and Neonatology, Tunisia. A mother’s age of >35 years increases the probability of intrauterine growth retardation by two-fold [odds ratio (OR) 2.043, confidence interval (CI) 0.880–4.741]. Consanguinity increases the relative risk for abnormalities in the facial shape (OR 3.031, CI 1.279–7.183) and adrenal hypoplasia (OR=2.787, CI 1.140–6.814). The autumn-winter period of conception increases the relative risk for the expression of cleft palate by more than nine times (OR 9.035, CI 1.161–70.258) and by about three times for abnormalities of the excretory tract (OR 2.935, CI 0.954–9.141). The prenatal ultrasound diagnosis of NTDs with risk factors such as maternal age >35 years, consanguinity and conception during the autumn-winter period should be targeted to the search for lower-than-normal fetal weight and abnormalities of the excretory tract and the adrenal glands. The head should be examined with special care for deviations in the cranial perimeter and cleft palate.
Investigating a Natural Plant-Based Bio Binder and Cement Dust Mix as a Bitumen Substitute in Flexible Pavements
Authors: Abdel Warith Karim A. , Khedr Safwan A. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Bitumen use in flexible pavements is energy intensive and is associated with many environmental concerns. A natural organic binder, Agmin, which is both renewable and cheap, was investigated in combination with cement dust as a substitute for bitumen. This paper highlights the preliminary results of this investigation. An experimental program was set up that included Marshall and Superpave testing procedures. Marshall stability and flow, rutting susceptibility, and resilient modulus were among the parameters measured for Agmin–cement dust mixes. Samples were subjected to heat cycles as part of their durability assessment. The results of this investigation indicate that Agmin–cement dust road mix displays greater stability than unmodified asphalt mixes and is less susceptible to rutting. It is also relatively unaffected by temperature changes.
Schnelle optische Drallmessung
Authors: Hertzsch Albrecht , Kröger Knut , Großmann Marko 
Published: December 2013

Zusammenfassung
Um die Dichtheit einer drehenden Welle ohne Leckage oder Trockenlaufen
sicherzustellen, muss die Wellenoberfläche im Dichtungsbereich
drallfrei sein. Drall ist eine Oberflächenstruktur, die die Rauheit
der Wellenoberfläche wie eine mikroskopische Schraubenstruktur
überlagert und somit zu einem Öltransport führt. Schneidet man die
Drallstruktur in axialer Richtung, so besitzt sie die Form einer
periodischen Welligkeit. Durch angepasste kohärente Beleuchtung der
Wellenoberfläche kann die Drallstruktur im reflektierten Licht
deutlich visualisiert werden. Der angepasste Beleuchtungsprozess wirkt
wie ein optischer Filter, der das optische Rauschen der
Rauheitsstrukturen im reflektierten Streulicht reduziert und die
Lichtbeugung an der Drallstruktur verstärkt anregt. Es entsteht
innerhalb der reflektierten Streulichtverteilung ein deutliches
Beugungsmuster. Mit Hilfe eines rigorosen Beugungsmodells berechnen
wir die gemessenen Beugungseffizienzen in bester Näherung und
bestimmen somit die Periodenlänge und Dralltiefe der
Drallstruktur. Wir stellen ein Streulichtmessgerät vor, das schnell
und reproduzierbar Drallstrukturen auf Wellenoberflächen
ermittelt. Anhand von produktionstypischen Wellenoberflächen mit
unterschiedlichen Drallstrukturen testen wir diese optische
Drallmessung und vergleichen die Ergebnisse mit taktilen Messungen. Es
werden die Grenzen des optischen Messverfahrens diskutiert und die
zukünftigen Entwicklungsschritte aufgezeigt.
Multi-Scale Simulation of Transport via a Mo/n+-GaAs Schottky Contact
Authors: Aldegunde Manuel , Hepplestone Steven P. , Sushko Peter V. , Kalna Karol 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTA multi-scale modeling of electron transport via a metal-semiconductor interface is carried out by coupling ab initio calculations with three-dimensional finite element ensemble Monte Carlo simulations. The results for the Mo/GaAs (001) interface show that variations of the electronic properties with the distance from the interface have a strong impact on the transport characteristics. In particular, the calculated tunneling barrier differs dramatically from that of the ideal Schottky model of an abrupt metal-semiconductor interface. The band gap narrowing near the interface lowers resistivity by more than one order of magnitude: from 2.1×10-8 Ωcm² to 4.7×10-10 Ωcm². The dependence of the electron effective mass from the distance to the interface also plays an important role bringing resistivity to 7.9×10-10 Ωcm².
Mott-memories Based on the Narrow Gap Mott Insulators AM4Q8 (A=Ga, Ge ; M = V, Nb, Ta ; Q = S, Se)
Authors: Cario L. , Janod E. , Tranchant J. , Stoliar P. , Rozenberg M. , Besland M.-P. , Corraze B. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThe narrow gap Mott insulators AM4Q8 (A = Ga, Ge; M= V, Nb, Ta; Q = S, Se) exhibit very interesting electronic properties when pressurized or chemically doped. We have recently discovered that the application of short electrical pulses on these compounds induces a new phenomenon of volatile or nonvolatile resistive switching. The volatile transition appears above threshold electric fields of a few kV/cm, while for higher electric fields, the resistive switching becomes non-volatile. The application of successive very short electric pulses enables to go back and forth between the high and low resistance states. All our results indicate that the resistive switching discovered in the GaM4Q8 compounds does not match with any previously described mechanisms. Conversely, our recent work shows that the volatile resistive switching is related to a purely electronic mechanism which suggests that the AM4Q8 compounds belong to a new class of Mott-memories for which Joule heating, thermochemical or electrochemical effects are not involved. Finally, it is possible to deposit a thin layer of GaV4S8 and to retrieve the reversible resistive switching on a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) device which proves the potential of this new class of Mott-memories for applications.
Effects of VUV and EUV Radiation on Ultra Low-k Materials Damage
Authors: Braginsky Oleg , Kovalev Alexander , Lopaev Dmitry , Mankelevich Yury , Proshina Olga , Rakhimova Tatyana , Rakhimov Alexander , Vasilieva Anna , Zyryanov Sergey , Baklanov Mikhail 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTLow-k dielectric films can be substantially damaged during plasma processing. High energy UV and VUV photons emitted by plasma play the key role in damaging the porous low-k films directly or indirectly by stimulating chemical reactions with radicals in plasma and plasma afterglow. The different ULK samples (k: 2.0-2.2, porosity: 30-50%, pore radius: 1-2 nm) were studied by exposing to five radiation sources at various wavelengths (VUV: 193 nm, 147 nm, 104-106 nm, 58.3 nm, and EUV: 13.5 nm). Time-spatial behavior of the ULK damage as a function of photons fluence was studied by FTIR spectroscopy and XRF analysis. It is shown that the degree of damage depends on wavelength of UV light. The major UV damage was observed at the wavelengths below 193 nm. The maximum damage corresponds to 147 nm while the degree of damage at 58.3 nm was much smaller. In the case of organosilicate (OSG) based ULK materials, the degree of damage, as a rule, increases with porosity. Organic low-k materials are damaged more than OSG at 193 nm, but at shorter wavelengths (147, 106, 58.3 and 13.5 nm) they are more stable than OSG. One-dimensional model for radiation absorption and dynamics of CH3 group destruction in ULK films was developed. The cross-sections of photons absorption and photo-stimulated Si-CH3 bond breaking in ULK films for 13.5 -147 nm wavelength range were derived from a combined experimental and modeling study. The obtained values allow to simulate the VUV/EUV induced modifications of low-k materials with different composition, to understand better the mechanisms of plasma damage and to generate ideas for controllable modifications of low-k materials.
Performance and Reliability of Thick Cu Interconnects for RF and Analog/Mixed Signal Technology
Authors: Cooney E. , Gambino J.P. , Anderson F. , He J. , Lee T. , White E. , Liu X. , Cabral C. , Shaw T. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWireless communications such as those in cell phones are utilizing increasing chip design complexity. For example analog mixed-signal chips can contain RF capability which requires integrated inductors [1,2]. High performance RF designs are enabled by the use of thick Copper (Cu) and Aluminum (Al) wires (>3um). In particular, the quality factor of the inductor, which is the ratio of magnetic stored energy over average dissipation, is dependent on the metal thickness. High quality factors, can be achieved by using thick Cu inductors. In some applications, the total thickness of Cu in the inductor can be as much as 12 um.The fabrication of thick Cu layers is in many ways easier than that of thin Cu layers. For example, there are no limitations in terms of lithography or liner and seed layer thickness. However, there are still challenges with fabrication due to stress. Cracking of the dielectric can occur, due to the mismatch in coefficient of thermal expansion between Cu and SiO2, and due to the thick Cu layers in the inductor stack. Both the layout and the processing must be optimized to ensure that cracking does not occur.This paper will discuss current applications, inductor design, and the reliability challenges and solutions associated with thick Cu interconnects.
Sealing of low-k dielectric (k=2.0) with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) for the atomic layer deposition (ALD) of TiN
Authors: Sun Yiting , Levrau Elisabeth , Blauw Michiel , Meersschaut Johan , Verdonck Patrick , Struyf Herbert , Detavernier Christophe , Baklanov Mikhail , De Feyter Steven , Armini Silvia 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn this work, a novel low dielectric constant (low-k) pore sealing approach was engineered by depositing firstly a sub-2 nm SAMs and then a 3 nm TiN barrier film. The low-k film was pretreated by plasma to introduce hydroxyl groups onto the surface, followed by SAMs deposition. Then a TiN film was deposited from tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium (TDMAT) via ALD as a dielectric barrier. Penetration of Ti atoms into low-k was measured and used to evaluate the sealing ability of SAMs. For the samples covered with SAMs, around 90% reduction of Ti atoms penetration was achieved. The pore radius was reduced to below 0.5 nm after the barrier deposition. The ∆k after pretreatment and after SAMs are 0.1 and 0.16, respectively.