bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmaceutical supply chain risks: a systematic review
Authors: Jaberidoost Mona , Nikfar Shekoufeh , Abdollahiasl Akbar , Dinarvand Rassoul 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Supply of medicine as a strategic product in any health system is a top priority. Pharmaceutical companies, a major player of the drug supply chain, are subject to many risks. These risks disrupt the supply of medicine in many ways such as their quantity and quality and their delivery to the right place and customers and at the right time. Therefore risk identification in the supply process of pharmaceutical companies and mitigate them is highly recommended.

Objective
In this study it is attempted to investigate pharmaceutical supply chain risks with perspective of manufacturing companies.

Methods
Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science bibliographic databases and Google scholar scientific search engines were searched for pharmaceutical supply chain risk management studies with 6 different groups of keywords. All results found by keywords were reviewed and none-relevant articles were excluded by outcome of interests and researcher boundaries of study within 4 steps and through a systematic method.

Results
Nine articles were included in the systematic review and totally 50 main risks based on study outcome of interest extracted which classified in 7 categories. Most of reported risks were related to supply and supplier issues. Organization and strategy issues, financial, logistic, political, market and regulatory issues were in next level of importance.

Conclusion
It was shown that the majority of risks in pharmaceutical supply chain were internal risks due to processes, people and functions mismanagement which could be managed by suitable mitigation strategies.
Synthesis and molecular modeling of six novel monastrol analogues: evaluation of cytotoxicity and kinesin inhibitory activity against HeLa cell line
Authors: Abnous Khalil , Barati Batoul , Mehri Soghra , Masboghi Farimani Mohammad Reza , Alibolandi Mona , Mohammadpour Fatemeh , Ghandadi Morteza , Hadizadeh Farzin 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background and the purpose of the study
A common approach in cancer chemotherapy is development of drugs that interrupt the mitosis phase of cell division. Dimethylenastron is a known kinesin inhibitor. In this study, six novel dimethylenastron analogues (4a-f), in which 3-hydroxyphenyl substituent has been replaced with substituted benzylimidazolyl, were synthesized through Biginelli reaction.

Methods
Six novel Biginelli compounds (4a-f) were synthesized through one step Biginelli reaction of imidazole aldehydes (3a-c), dimedone and urea or thioura. In vitro cytotoxicities of prepared compounds were investigated using MTT assay. Furthermore the ELIPA kit was implemented to study inhibitory effects of synthesized compounds on ATPase activity of kinesin by measuring of organic phosphate.

Results
Our results indicated that analogue 4c is the most toxic and analogues 4f, 4b and dimethylenasteron were less cytotoxic in compare with other analogues. On the other hand, analogue 4a, 4b, 4c and 4e showed stronger Kinesin inhibition as compared with analogue 4f and dimethylenasteron. None of synthesized compounds were as potent kinesin inhibitor as Taxol. Docking analysis revealed that hydrogen bond formation and hydrophobic interactions were the key factors affecting inhibitory effects of these compounds.

Conclusion
Newly synthesized compounds were found to have moderate to good cytotoxicity against HeLa cancer cell. Our results may be helpful in further design of dihydropyrimidine as potential anticancer agents.
Harmful metals concentration in sediments and fishes of biologically important estuary, Bay of Bengal
Authors: Lakshmanasenthil Shanmugaasokan , Vinothkumar Thirumalairaj , AjithKumar Thipramalai Thankappan , Marudhupandi Thangapandi , Veettil Dhaneesh Kottila , Ganeshamurthy Raghunathan , Ghosh Swagat , Balasubramanian Thangavel 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Study on the accumulation level of heavy metals was conducted on sediment and fishes from estuaries of Bay of Bengal. Heavy metals were determined by using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) and the results were compared to permissible limits of WHO/USEPA. The accumulation patterns of Fe and Cd were found predominantly in all samples tested when correlated with other metals. It was found that the concentration of metals such as Cd (3.90 ± 0.25 μg/g), Cr (0.44 ± 0.05 μg/g), Ni (0.33 ± 0.01 μg/g), and Mn (1.1 ± 0.11 μg/g) were exceeding the permissible limit, whereas Fe, Co, Pb, and Zn were found within the limit of WHO/USEPA at station 1. In station 2, Cd (16.5 ± 0.4 μg/g), Mn (0.67 ± 0.11 μg/g), and Cr (0.80 ± 0.01 μg/g) were exceeding the permissible limit, whereas Fe, Co, Pb, Ni, and Zn were found within the limit. This study emphasizes that Cd and Mn levels in both stations, are far higher than the acceptable values set by WHO/USEPA and may therefore present human health hazards. It is therefore mandatory to carry out extensive research to evaluate the possible environmental risk factors in the vicinity of both estuaries with respect to heavy metals.
Biological nitrate removal processes from drinking water supply-a review
Authors: Mohseni-Bandpi Anoushiravan , Elliott David Jack , Zazouli Mohammad Ali 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This paper reviews both heterotrophic and autotrophic processes for the removal of nitrate from water supplies. The most commonly used carbon sources in heterotrophic denitrification are methanol, ethanol and acetic acid. Process performance for each feed stock is compared with particular reference nitrate and nitrite residual and to toxicity potential. Autotrophic nitrate removal has the advantages of not requiring an organic carbon source; however the slow growth rate of autotrophic bacteria and low nitrate removal rate have contributed to the fact that relatively few full scale plants are in operation at the present time.
Implementation of contingency management in probation agencies using a case controlled longitudinal design: a PDSA study protocol
Authors: Taxman Faye S , Rudes Danielle S 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Moving evidence-based practices (EBPs) from clinical research settings to real world work environments is challenging. Grounded in the work of Proctor and colleagues on “bench-trench” partnerships, quality improvement studies use a bench (academic)-trench (practitioner) model that incorporates “practice knowledge” while building a feedback process throughout the various change phases (Social Work Research, 27, 67-69). Yet, few implementation studies give adequate attention to longitudinal collection of key organizational and individual level-information.

Method/Design
The Justice Steps (JSTEPS) project uses a PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) quasi-experimental design that combines active and engaged researcher and practitioner learning collaborations about EBP adoption and implementation. The academic researchers and practitioners (Federal probation and judicial staff) work together to implement contingency management (CM) into routine practice. Each site participates in two learning collaborative meetings, receives six feedback reports, and accesses telephone consultation on the design and implementation of the CM procedure. The study protocol allows examination of the implementation of CM over 24 months in five settings. Each setting proceeds based on the sites’ own pace of adopting CM. This study uses a case controlled pre-post design to measure individual level data and a pre-post design for staff level outcomes. The outcomes of interest are reduced substance use and increased time on probation. The project data collection includes individual-level client data and organizational and staff data to assess the implementation of the CM in five probation agencies through three periods: inception, implementation and sustainability. Qualitative methods include observations and interviews combined with data gathering during learning sessions. Individual level client data includes attendance, status at required events, and arrests.

Discussion
This project contributes to the current understanding of how contextual factors affect implementation decisions. The protocol allows each site to develop their own tailored CM protocol and a process for implementing CM, compatible with the local socio-political environment. Feedback loops are important for fostering attention to CM implementation issues.
Relation between carotid intima media thickness and oxidative stress markers in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents
Authors: El Samahy Mona H , Matter Randa M , Youssef Omneya I , Shams El Din El Telbany Manal A , Kamal Nermeen A 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Background
Carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is a non invasive marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Hyperglycemia, oxidatively modified atherogenic lipoproteins and advanced glycation end products are linked to increased oxidative stress in diabetes. We aimed to find out the relation between carotid intima media thickness in type 1 diabetic children and adolescents and plasma nitric oxide and total antioxidant capacity levels as markers of oxidative stress.

Methods
This study included 50 children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus with mean age (9.7 ± 3.4 years) and 50 healthy age and sex matched controls. They were subjected to assessment of hemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol and triglycerides, serum total antioxidant capacity, serum nitric oxide (NO) by colorimetric method and carotid intima media thickness by B-mode ultrasound.

Results
There was significant elevation in serum nitric oxide (17.07 ± 6.4 vs 12.6 ± 4.7 μmol/L; p < 0.001), CIMT (0.47 ± 0.04 vs 0.39 ± 0.02 mm; p < 0.001) and significant reduction in serum total antioxidant capacity (0.41 ± 0.29 vs 0.87 ± 0.23 mmol/L; p < 0.001) in diabetic patients compared to controls. Carotid intima media thickness was correlated positively with nitric oxide (r = 0.402, p = 0.01) and negatively with total antioxidant capacity (r = -0.341, p = 0.02). Carotid intima media thickness was also correlated positively with age, duration of diabetes but not correlated with glycemic control or lipid profile.

Conclusion
The significant elevation in nitric oxide and reduction in total antioxidant capacity in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus with their correlation with carotid intima media thickness may reflect the role of oxidative stress in the development of atherosclerosis in young type 1 diabetic subjects.
Quality of life in people with diabetes: a systematic review of studies in Iran
Authors: Kiadaliri Aliasghar A , Najafi Baharak , Mirmalek-Sani Maryam 
Published: December 2013

AbstractEvaluation of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among people with diabetes has been growing in Iran over the last decade. The main aim of the current study was to systematically review the characteristics of these studies and examine quality of their findings. Persian (SID, Magiran) and English (Pubmed, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, PsycINFO and ERIC) databases were systematically searched using the search terms: “diabetes” AND “quality of life” AND “Iran”. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. A total of 46 studies passed the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The included studies were conducted in 20 out of 30 provinces of the country. Most studies investigated HRQoL among people with type 2 diabetes. The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and WHO quality of life instruments (WHOQOL) were the main instruments used in these studies. Studies showed that people with diabetes had lower HRQoL than people without diabetes. Better socioeconomic status and better control of cardiovascular risk factors were associated with better HRQoL among the patients with diabetes. In general, the predictors of HRQoL among Iranian patients were similar to their international counterparts implying that diabetes patients share many common features. The reviewed studies suffer from major methodological and reporting flaws which limit validity and generalizability of their findings.
Internal waves and mixing in the epilimnion of a lake affects spatial patterns of zooplankton in a body‐size dependent manner
Authors: Pernica Patricia , Wells Mathew G. , Sprules W. Gary 
Published: December 2013

Lay AbstractWind‐driven internal gravity waves, oscillations of a fluid density surface, are a common feature within the strongly stratified thermocline region of mid‐latitude lakes. We demonstrate that internal waves can propagate within the surface waters, or epilimnion, of Lake Opeongo, Ontario, during periods of weak stratification. We also note that within the epilimnion, zooplankton are not uniformly distributed spatially but are often distributed in patches as a result of the combination of their own movements and the effect of water currents. Using field data from July and August 2009 and 2010 we report observations of the relationship between enhanced heterogeneity of distribution in zooplankton and the presence of internal waves in the epilimnion. To quantify this relationship we compare measurements of small‐scale spatial distributions of zooplankton with a measure of wave activity. For the smallest size ranges of zooplankton (284–450 μm) we find that spatial variability is statistically greatest when internal waves are most active, whereas no such relationship exists for the two larger zooplankton size classes. The vertical velocities associated with the movement of internal waves are estimated to be faster than the swimming speeds of small zooplankton, essentially rendering them passive. This supports our assertion that the movement of internal waves contributes to the increased spatial variability of zooplankton in lakes.
Can Analysts Analyze Mergers?
Authors: Tehranian Hassan , Zhao Mengxing , Zhu Julie L. 
Published: December 2013

After the completion of a merger and acquisition (M&A) transaction, the target firm is delisted, but some analysts who covered it retain coverage of the merged firm. We hypothesize that this decision is based on two factors: the analyst's ability to cover the merged firm and his or her assessment of the M&A deal. Consistent with these hypotheses, we find that the remaining target analysts provide more accurate earnings forecasts and more optimistic stock recommendations and growth forecasts for the merged firms than do the remaining acquirer analysts. We also find that a higher percentage of target analysts choosing to cover the merged firm is associated with better operating and long-term stock performance of that firm, but we do not find this relation with acquirer analysts. Our results extend the literature by showing that target analysts' coverage decisions reveal valuable information about a merged firm's future performance. This paper was accepted by Wei Jiang, finance.
Neopterin suppresses the activity of tryptophan-degrading enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Schroecksnadel Sebastian , Ledjeff Elena-Sophia , Gostner Johanna , Winkler Christiana , Kurz Katharina , Schennach Harald , Fuchs Dietmar 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

In vitro, large amounts of neopterin are released from human monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells primarily upon stimulation with Th1-type cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ). IFN-γ also induces the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which degrades tryptophan (TRP) to form kynurenine (KYN). IDO-mediated TRP catabolism is very effective in suppressing the proliferation of T lymphocytes as well as of pathogens in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we investigated whether exogenously added neopterin may influence IDO activity in resting and in stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). PBMC were isolated from healthy donors, and neopterin was added in a concentration range from 0.01 to 50 μmol/L. After 30 min, PBMC were stimulated or not with 10 μg/mL of mitogen phytohemagglutinin (PHA). After 48 h, culture supernatants were collected, KYN and TRP concentrations were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the ratio of KYN vs. TRP was calculated as an estimate of IDO activity. Spontaneous as well as PHA-induced TRP breakdown was suppressed by exogenously added neopterin in a dose-dependent way; the lowest active concentration of neopterin was <100 nmol/L. As neopterin concentrations in the nanomolar range are commonly observed in patients suffering from infections, sepsis, or uremia, our results suggest that neopterin formation might also serve as a feedback mechanism to slow down TRP degradation in vivo.
Prediction of Mechanical Properties of Nano-Composites Using Vibration Modal Analysis: Application to Aluminum Piston Alloys
Authors: El-Labban Hashem F. , Abdelaziz M. , Yakout Mostafa , Elkhatib A. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
In this work, aluminum piston alloy-based nano-composites of high strength and ductility with large damping capacity were produced. Ni particles and Al2O3 particles were used as reinforcing agents to produce three nano-composites by adding three mixtures of these particles to the melt of Al-Si piston alloy at 700°C and application of stirring and squeeze casting. In addition, three micro-composites were produced by adding Ni particles of different percentages to the melt of the same matrix alloy and application of mechanical stirring and squeeze casting with the same conditions. The microstructures of the different materials were investigated using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis was carried out to analyze the elements of the reinforcing and matrix materials. Ultimate tensile strengths and engineering strains of the unreinforced and reinforced materials were evaluated by carrying out tension tests at room temperature. Modal tests were also carried out to evaluate the dynamic characteristics: natural frequency and damping ratio. The tests showed that the ultimate tensile strengths, ductility, and damping capacity of these composites were improved by the increase of both Ni and/or Al2O3 contents. A dynamic life indicator (damping ratio divided by natural frequency) is calculated for each material and showed a significant increase with the increase of nano-particles and/or micro-particles. By carrying out the experiments at different conditions, the mechanical properties, modal characteristics (such as natural frequency and damping ratio), and life indicator can be correlated. By constructing relationships between these properties and dynamic characteristics, the vibration modal analysis can be used for prediction of these properties and characteristics non-destructively.
Computational studies investigating the effect of sequencing and environment on the conductance of DNA nanowires
Authors: Jones Gareth , Elias Watheq , Elliott M. , Matthai C. C. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTUnderstanding electron transfer in molecular systems is important, especially in the context of molecular electronics. With the desire to incorporate biological molecules in molecular electronic devices, there is a need to establish the relative importance of the various factors like the environment and the molecular structure (DNA sequence) on the electrical conduction. There has been much debate about mechanisms of electron transfer in biological molecules. We have conducted a systematic study of electron conduction across DNA molecular segments using the non-equilibrium Green function (NEGF) method. The Hamiltonian matrix elements were determined within the framework of the Extended Hückel Approximation. In considering (CG) base pair sequences, we find that the conductance decreases with segment length and that the substitution of (AT) base-pairs also reduces the conductance. When the DNA segments are in aqueous solution, the conductance is found to almost double in magnitude.
New Resistive Switching Phenomena in Devices with Limited Active Metal Source
Authors: Verma Mohini , Kang Yuhong , Potnis Tanmay , Khadka Sushil , Liu Tong , Orlowski Marius 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTTo better understand the mechanisms of creation and rupture of conductive filaments in resistive switching devices such as Cu/TaOx/Pt, with Cu and Pt being the active and inert electrodes, respectively, a device with limited supply of active metal electrode has been manufactured and electrically characterized. The limited supply of active metal has been realized by depositing a thin (delta) Cu layer (δ-Cu), 6 nm and 12 nm thick, on TaOx, resulting in a Pt/δ-Cu/TaOx/Pt device structure. The limited active metal supply i) has a direct impact on the onresistance (Ron) of the Cu bridge, and leads, after several conventional set-reset cycles, to ii) pulsating behavior, when device turns on and off repeatedly, to iii) symmetric switching behavior with respect to applied voltage polarity, when the device can be set and reset both at positive and negative bias, and to iv) volatile switching behavior.
Silicon photonics transceivers with InP on Si lasers
Authors: Fedeli JM. , Duan G.H. , Vivien L. , Hartmann JM. , Marris-Morini D. , Le Liepvre A. , Messaoudene S. , Bordel D. , Jany C. , Virot L , Lelarge F. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTUnder the FP7 HELIOS project a 16 channel 10G transceiver based on a separate integrated transmitter incorporating hybrid lasers and modulators on silicon and a separate receiver both for 1550nm wavelength range has been demonstrated. An MZM (ITLMZ) chip consisting of a single mode hybrid III-V/silicon laser, a silicon Mach-Zehnder (MZ) modulator and an optical output coupler exhibited 10G operation with high BER. A 200GHz 16 channel receiver with polarization management was obtained with a 2D grating coupler, 2xAWGs and 16 Ge photodiodes. Polarization Dispersion Loss (PDL) was below 1dB, Bandwidth (BW) above 20GHz, receiver sensitivity in the order of 0.08 A/W
Understanding the Fundamentals for Package Induced Failure in BEOL Interconnect at 20nm Node
Authors: Ryan Vivian , Gao Shan , Shah Chirag , Geisler Holm , Breuer Dirk , Kuechenmeister Frank , Paul Jens , Kutlu Zafer , Machani Kashi Vishwanath , Lehr Matthias U. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTPackage-induced failures for BEOL interconnects in sub-45nm technology nodes have drawn attention to the great silicon and packaging integration challenges introduced by the weak mechanical properties of ULK-containing metallization elements. Empirical data and modeling studies for a range of silicon and packaging factors at 20nm node reveal fundamental insights into susceptibility to damage and approaches for recovery. Analysis of increase in degradation as BEOL layouts evolve to finer dimensions points to understanding of changes that will enable continued device scaling.
Package Reliability Analysis with Coupled Electro-Thermal and Mechanical Modeling
Authors: Yun Chan-Su , Xu Xiaopeng , Terterian Arsen , Cilento Tommaso 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTPower consumption and dissipation during electrical operation lead to a temperature rise in the package. Elevated temperature in the package structure induces thermo-mechanical stresses which may increase reliability risks. Robust and reliable package design for power systems requires comprehensive analysis of system electrical, thermal, and mechanical behavior. This paper presents a self-consistent approach for package reliability analysis with coupled electro-thermal and thermo-mechanical modeling using TCAD tools.