bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated liver enzymes resulting from an interaction between Raltegravir and Panax ginseng: a case report and brief review
Authors: Mateo-Carrasco Héctor , Gálvez-Contreras María C. , Fernández-Ginés Francisco D. , Nguyen Timothy V. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: In the last decade, some evidence has arisen supporting the usefulness of Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng, fam. Araliaceae) as a complementary remedy in patients receiving antiretroviral therapy. However, its role in current therapeutics remains unclear.

Methods: The patient was admitted for an acute elevation of liver enzymes, marked jaundice, and significant weight loss after taking ginseng-based tablets starting approximately 39 days prior. His past medical history (PMH) was also significant for HIV+, long-term hepatitis C, an episode of mitochondrial toxicity, and several comorbidities. His outpatient medications included raltegravir 400 mg plus lopinavir/ritonavir 400/100 mg twice daily, aspirin 100 mg daily, and esomeprazole 40 mg daily as needed.

Results: The cessation of the ginseng lozenges led to a progressive improvement in the performance status and laboratory values. Both the Hansten and Horn nomogram and the Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method indicated that the association between the ginseng medicine and the liver injury was probable (six points).

Conclusions: We suggest that ginseng is involved in the episode through an interaction resulting in elevated plasma concentrations of raltegravir. As a consequence, clinicians should be alert when managing patients on other CYP3A4-metabolized drugs or previous liver-damaging conditions. However, larger studies are required to explicitly clarify these statements.
Achievable sets in ℤ
n
Authors: Sankar Krishanu Roy 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
What sets A ⊂ ℤ
n
can be written in the form
(K-K) ∩ ℤ
n
, where K is a compact subset of ℝ
n
such that K+ℤ
n
= ℝ
n
? Such sets A are called achievable, and it is known that if A is achievable, then 〈A〉 = ℤ
n
. This condition completely characterizes achievable sets for n = 1, but not much is known for n ≥ 2. We attempt to characterize achievable sets further by showing that with any finite, symmetric set A ⊂ ℤ
n
containing zero, we may associate a graph 𝒢(A). Then if A is achievable, we show that the set associated to some connected component of 𝒢(A) is achievable. In two dimensions, we can strengthen this theorem. Further generalizations and open questions are discussed. Throughout, the language and formalism of algebraic topology are useful.
Rational production of veneer by IR-heating of green wood during peeling: Modeling experiments
Authors: Dupleix Anna , Ould Ahmedou Sid’ Ahmed , Bleron Laurent , Rossi Frédéric , Hughes Mark 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Heating green wood logs by infrared (IR) radiation during peeling for veneer production has been numerically simulated, focusing on the heating kinetics of a green wood cylinder rotating with a decreasing radius. The results confirm those of previous experiments, that this kind of heating is a promising alternative to soaking wood prior to peeling. The model integrates the green wood parameters such as moisture content, density, distribution and ratios of earlywood and latewood, on the one hand, and the peeling conditions of veneer thickness and peeling speed, on the other. The following heat transfer processes were considered: conduction within the bolt, external heating by the IR source, and convection between the bolt surface and the external environment. The outputs were the temperatures of the bolt surface and of layers several millimeters deep. For maximal heat penetration, the bolt should turn in front of the IR source before cutting starts and the IR source should be positioned at the greatest angular distance ahead of the knife. Several heating scenarios could be simulated by the model, thus it is a useful decision-making tool for the design of an in-line IR heating system installed on the peeling lathe.
Nanoclusters in magnetoresistance
Authors: Tao Jing 
Published: August 2012

AbstractElectronic phase separation is one of the most exciting findings during the study of strongly correlated electron systems in past decades. Inhomogeneities at the nanoscale have been proven to not only play a key role in the material properties but also challenge the fundamental concepts of condensed matter physics. In rare earth doped manganites, a nanoscale phase with unique structural modulations has attracted particular attention because of its relationship with the renowned behavior of the material, colossal magnetoresistance (CMR). Direct observations of the nanoscale phases are usually difficult but necessary to unravel the controversies and unveil the underlying physics in this case. In this review paper, recent achievements of direct imaging of the nanoscale phase are shown by using advanced transmission electron microscopic techniques correlated with the material property measurements. Based on those results, the relationship between the nanoscale phase and the CMR effect was established, and unexpected magnetic and physical properties of the nanoscale phase were found. Although the microscopic origin of the nanoscale phase is not fully interpreted yet, the findings here shed light on the pathway to a deeper understanding of the mechanism of CMR and other properties in these materials.
Effect of ultrashort laser microstructuring of enamel and dentin surfaces on bond strengths in orthodontics and conservative dentistry
Authors: Lorenzo María de la Cruz , Portillo María , Albaladejo Alberto , García Ana , de Aldana Javier R. Vázquez , Moreno Pablo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe improvement of adhesion properties in orthodontics and conservative dentistry still remains an open issue. In this work, dentin and enamel surfaces have been totally conditioned by means of ultrashort pulsed laser microstructuring (wavelength: 795 nm, pulse duration: 120 fs, repetition rate: 1 kHz, maximum mean power: 1 W) in order to assess the procedure as an alternative to conventional techniques (acid etching and Er:YAG processing) for clinical practice. Molar dentin surfaces and premolar specimens were used for the study. Adhesive bond strengths were evaluated by means of microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and shear bond strength (SBS) tests of a total etch adhesive system to microstructured dentin and enamel, respectively. The results were related to scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations of the processed and failure surfaces. Bonding strengths were found to be comparable to other conditioning techniques and sometimes even higher. This makes femtosecond laser conditioning of dental tissues a suitable procedure for clinical practice of orthodontics and conservative dentistry.
Was ist Religion? Kulturwissenschaftliche Überlegungen zum Gegenstand der Religionswissenschaft
Authors: Bergunder Michael 
Published: August 2012

Zusammenfassung
Die Religionswissenschaft kann sich nicht auf einen gemeinsamenGegenstand einigen. Bei genauerem Hinsehen zeigt sich jedoch, dass inder bisherigen Diskussion ein konsensfähiges zeitgenössisches Alltagsverständnisvon „Religion“ vorausgesetzt wird, das aber unerklärt und unreflektiert blieb.Im Rahmen eines kulturwissenschaftlichen Ansatzes ist es möglich, dieses Alltagsverständnisso zu konzeptualisieren, dass es als historischer Gegenstand derReligionswissenschaft etabliert werden kann. Dazu wird insbesondere auf dietheoretischen Ansätze von Ernesto Laclau, Judith Butler und Michel Foucaultzurückgegriffen. Die vorgestellten Überlegungen sind unmittelbar anschlussfähigan die postkolonialen Debatten und ermöglichen dadurch zugleich, dasKonzept eines „europäischen Religionsbegriffs“ zugunsten eines globalen Verständnisseszu überwinden.
Radionuclide behaviour in the near-field of a geological repository for spent nuclear fuel
Authors: Metz V. , Geckeis H. , González-Robles E. , Loida A. , Bube C. , Kienzler B. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Even though chemical processes related to the corrosion of spent nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository are of complex nature, knowledge on underlying mechanisms has very much improved over the last years. As a major result of numerous studies it turns out that alteration of irradiated fuel is significantly inhibited under the strongly reducing conditions induced by container corrosion and consecutive H2 production. In contrast to earlier results, radiolysis driven fuel corrosion and oxidative dissolution appears to be less relevant for most repository concepts. The protective hydrogen effect on corrosion of irradiated fuel has been evidenced in many experiments. Still, open questions remain related to the exact mechanism and the impact of potentially interfering naturally occurring groundwater trace components. Container corrosion products are known to offer considerable reactive surface area in addition to engineered buffer and backfill material. In combination, waste form, container corrosion products and backfill material represent strong barriers for radionuclide retention and retardation and thus attenuate radionuclide release from the repository near-field.
Dense TiO2 films grown by sol–gel dip coating on glass, F-doped SnO2, and silicon substrates
Authors: Prochazka Jan , Kavan Ladislav , Zukalova Marketa , Janda Pavel , Jirkovsky Jaromir , Zivcova Zuzana Vlckova , Poruba Ales , Bedu Mélanie , Döbbelin Markus , Tena-Zaera Ramón 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Understanding the Impact of Porosity and Pore Structure in Ultra Low Dielectric Constant Organosilicate Glasses
Authors: Hsu Irene J. , Vrtis Raymond N. , Al-Rashid Jennifer E. , Mallikarjunan Anupama , Theodorou Kathleen E. , Zielinski John M. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTRecently there have been a number of reports indicating concern relating to the effect of porosity, pore size distribution, and pore interconnectivity on the integration of highly porous ultra low-k organosilicate glasses (OSGs) as back-end-of-line (BEOL) interconnect dielectrics. In an effort to address these concerns a number of options to control the skeleton and pore structure of OSGs have been proposed, from adding alternative OSG precursors to alternative porogen precursors. In all these options there is a need to balance pore structure modification with critical film properties such as dielectric constant and mechanical strength. In this context, this paper examines porosity and its impact on film properties for highly porous ultra low dielectric constant films. A series of PDEMS® porous OSG films were deposited by plasma enchanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) from DEMS® precursor (diethoxymethylsilane) and porogen ATRP (alpha-terpenine). The percent porosity and pore interconnectivity of these films relative to the dielectric constant were measured by ellipsometric porosimetry (EP) and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PALS) respectively. Porosity and pore-size distribution for films deposited using several different species (structure former or porogen precursors) were examined using EP in an effort to understand the impact of the chemical nature of the precursor on pore morphology. Results from these depositions show that it is possible to deposit films with smaller pores using alternative structure formers (ASFs) with bulky organic groups, although there are tradeoffs with respect to other film characteristics. The addition of a separate porogen (ATRP) to the ASF lowered the dielectric constant and the addition of DEMS® precursor to the ASF/ATRP mix gave the films added structural integrity and mechanical strength. Such a fundamental understanding of structure-property relationships will help support successful integration of these porous OSG films.
A novel polymer technology for underfill
Authors: Suzuki Osamu , Sato Toshiyuki , Czubarow Paul , Son David 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCapillary type underfill is still the mainstream underfill for mass production flip chip applications. Flip chip packages are migrating to ultra low-k, Pb-free, 3D and fine pitch packages. Underfill selection is becoming more critical. This paper discusses the performance and potential of underfills using a novel organic-inorganic hybrid polymer technology.Compared to eutectic and high lead solder, tin-silver-copper solder has lower C.T.E., higher elasticity and greater brittleness. In light of these properties, it is generally better to select high Tg and lower CTE underfill in order to prevent bump fatigue during reliability testing. Given the brittleness of low-k dielectric layers of flip chips, the destruction of low-k layers by stress inside the flip chip packages has become a major issue. Underfills for low-k packages should have low stress, and the warpage should be small. It is expected that as the low-k trend expands, the underfill is required to provide less stress. Low Tg underfill shows lower warpage. New chemical technologies have been developed to address the needs of underfills for low-k/Pb-free flip chip packages, specifically organic-inorganic hybrid polymer compounds. The organic-inorganic hybrid polymer provides excellent cure properties which enable a balanced combination of low stress and good bump protection. The material properties of the underfill were characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermo-Mechanical Analysis (TMA), and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). A daisy-chained test vehicle was used for reliability testing. A detailed study is presented on the underfill properties, reliability data, as well as finite element modeling results.
Systematic investigation of the aqueous processing of CdSe quantum dots and CuS nanoparticles for potential bio-medical applications.
Authors: Crespo Raquel Feliciano , Perales-Perez Oscar , Bailon-Ruiz Sonia J. , Guinel Maxime J-F 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTSemiconductor quantum dots are considered very promising candidates for bio-imaging and diagnosis applications because of their tunable optical properties and good optical stability in aqueous phase. Any practical application of these materials will rely on the viability of their simple and direct synthesis in aqueous phase with no need for toxic and unstable organic media. The optical properties of CdSe quantum dots and CuS nanoparticles are desirable in bio-imaging and cell sorting applications because of their tunable photoluminescence at the visible range. The present work addresses the synthesis of CdSe quantum dots and CuS nanoparticles via an optimized, simple and scalable aqueous processing route at low temperatures. The tunability of the optical properties was achieved by a suitable control of the citrate/Cd mole ratio, temperature of synthesis (20-90°C) and reaction time (0-1 hour). In the case of CuS, the strong plasmonic absorption offers the opportunity to investigate this material as a photothermal coupling agent for photothermal therapy. The intensity of the plasmonic absorption was enhanced by selecting an appropriate sulfide precursor (Na2S, Thioglycolic acid), temperature of synthesis (90-120°C) and reaction time. Nanocrystals were characterized by x-ray diffraction, UV-VIS, photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy techniques and electron microscopy. The effects of the synthesis conditions on the crystal size and the corresponding functional properties of synthesized quantum dots are presented and discussed.
The Relation between CEO Compensation and Past Performance
Authors: Banker Rajiv D. , Darrough Masako N. , Huang Rong , Plehn-Dujowich Jose M. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT:
This study focuses on the relation between current compensation and past performance measures as signals of a chief executive officer's (CEO's) ability. We develop a simple two-period principal-agent model with moral hazard and adverse selection and test theoretical predictions using CEO compensation data from 1993–2006. Consistent with the predictions, we find that salary (bonus) is positively (negatively) associated with past performance for both continuing and newly hired CEOs. We also find that while current salary is positively associated with future performance, current bonus is not. As the model suggests, salary is adjusted to meet the reservation utility and information rent, and is positively correlated over time to reflect ability. Bonus serves to address moral hazard and adverse selection by separating high-ability agents into riskier contracts. Our results indicate that it is important to disaggregate cash compensation into salary and bonus components to understand the dynamic interaction between incentives and performance.
Data Availability: Data are available from public sources indicated in the text.
Interleukin-18 Gene Polymorphisms in Egyptian Patients with Allergic Diseases
Authors: Ibrahim Gehan H. , ElTabbakh Mohammed T. , Gomaa Amal H.A. , Mohamed Eman A. 
Published: July 2012

Background Allergic diseases, such as allergic rhinitis (AR) and atopic dermatitis (AD), affect a large proportion of people worldwide. Both have environmental and genetic predisposing factors. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in interleukin (IL)-18, may play a direct role in the disease pathogenesis. This study was designed to investigate the association of the IL-18 gene SNPs (-137 G/C [rs187238], and −140 C/G [rs360721]) with AR and AD, as well as their relations to the diseases’ severity. Methods Seventy-five individuals were enrolled in the study including, 25 AD children, 25 AR patients, and 25 unrelated healthy adult volunteers who served as controls. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Results AR and AD patients showed no significant differences in the genotype distribution and allele frequencies of −137 G/C and −140 C/G SNPs when compared independently with the control group. However, the −140 GG genotype and the −140 G allele were more often associated with severe AD compared with mild and moderate phenotypes (p = 0.01 and 0.001, respectively; odds ratios [ORs], 14.25 [95% CI, 1.48–143.2] and 16 [95% CI, 2.8–90.46], respectively). Moreover, the −137 G allele was associated with moderate/severe AR (p = 0.019; OR, 6.1 [95% CI, 1.34–28.1]). Conclusion This preliminary study indicates that the studied polymorphisms do not confer susceptibility to allergy in Egyptian patients but may be related to the disease phenotype. However, the role of IL-18 in allergy may be too complex to be reflected in a simple association study.
Efficacy of sutureless and glue free limbal conjunctival autograft for primary pterygium surgery
Authors: Malik K P S , Goel R , Gupta A , Gupta S K , Kamal S , Malik V K , Singh S 
Published: July 2012

Introduction: There are numerous adjunctive measures described to reduce the recurrence rates after pterygium excision. Objective: To study the efficacy and complications of sutureless and glue free limbal conjunctival autograft for the management of primary pterygium over a period of one year. Materials and methods: A prospective interventional case series was carried out in 40 consecutive eyes with primary nasal pterygium requiring surgical excision. Pterygium excision with limbal conjunctival autografting without using glue or sutures was performed in all the patients followed by bandaging for 48 hours. The patients were followed up post operatively on 2nd day, 1 week, 6 weeks, 6 months and 12 months. They were examined for haemorrhage, wound gape, graft shrinkage, chemosis, graft dehiscence, recurrence or any other complication. Results: The mean age of the patients was 42.8 years (range 23-61), 75% of which were males. Total graft dehiscence occurred in 2 eyes (5%), graft retraction in 3 eyes (7.5%) and recurrence was seen in 1 eye (2.5%). At 6 weeks postoperatively, the gain in uncorrected visual acuity ranged from 0.18 to 0.5 log MAR in 7 eyes. No other complication was noted. Conclusions: Sutureless and glue free limbal conjunctival autografting following pterygium excision is a safe, effective and economical option for the management of primary pterygium.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6537 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 230-235
Outcome of conjunctival autograft transplantation in pterygium surgery in a community based hospital in Nepal
Authors: Sharma R , Marasini S , Nepal B P 
Published: July 2012

Introduction: The mainstay of treatment for pterygium is surgical excision with or without a graft. The most common problem with this intervention is recurrence, for which a multitude of factors have been described. Objective: To evaluate the recurrence rate of pterygium in conjunctival autologous graft transplantation after its excision in people living in a hilly region of Nepal Materials and methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted in patients undergoing pterygium excision with conjunctival autologous graft transplantation. The patients were followed up for 20 months. Any recurrence of pterygium was noted during this period. Results: Thirty four patients with an age range of 29 to 65 years (mean 43.88±9.19 years) were included. Female predominated (n=21, 61.8%) in the study. Service holders formed a majority of the cases (n=14, 41.2%) followed by farmers (n=10, 29.4%, OR 0.019, 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.209). Ocular discomfort was the main presenting complaint. Dry eye was seen in 30 patients (88.23%). Most of the patients (26, 76.5%) had a grade II pterygium. Graft displacement was the main complication in two (5.88%) patients and recurrence of pterygium was found in three (8.82%). Conclusion: Conjunctival autologous transplantation is a safe and effective method for the treatment of pterygium with a minimal recurrence rate.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6539 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 242-247
Phacoemulsification surgery by a nationally-trained cataract surgeon of Nepal
Authors: Bajimaya S , Sharma B R , Shrestha J B , Maharjan I M , Matsushima H , Akura J 
Published: July 2012

Introduction: A one month phacoemulsification training course had been implemented by the Nepal Netra Jyoti Sangh (NNJS) in collaboration with Association for Ophthalmic Cooperation to Asia, Japan (AOCA). Objective: To evaluate the visual outcomes of phacoemulsification surgery by a nationally trained surgeon in Nepal. Materials and methods: A retrospective study of patients that underwent phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation during a period of 18 months was carried out. Cases that had a six-week follow-up period were included. Effective phaco time (EPT), intra-operative and postoperative complications were noted. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at day 1 and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at week 6 were noted. The data were analyzed using SPSS 11.5. Results: A total of172 patients that had completed a 6 week follow-up evaluation were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 57.12±10.19 years. The mean effective phaco time (EPT) was 9.74±7.41 seconds. Posterior capsule rupture (PCR) with vitreous loss occurred in 2 eyes (1.2%), Descemet’s membrane detachment in 1 eye (0.6%), capsulorhexis extension in 1 eye (0.6%) and wound site thermal injury (WSTI) occurred in 3 eyes (1.7%). Postoperative complications were mild to moderate striate keratopathy (9/ 172), corneal edema (1/172), corneal epithelial defect (1/172) and uveitis (1/172). At 6 weeks post-operatively, 165 eyes (95.9%) had a BCVA better than 6/18 and 7 eyes (4.1%) had a BCVA of 6/18 to 6/60.Conclusion: Patients undergoing phacoemulsification had a good visual outcome as a result of the procedure performed by cataract surgeon trained from AOCA/NNJS national phacoemulsification training program of Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nepjoph.v4i2.6540 Nepal J Ophthalmol 2012; 4 (2): 248-255