bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prasugrel (Efient): new antiplatelet to prevent atherothrombosis
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Nadra Imad , Redwood Simon
Published: April 2010

Prasugrel (Efient) is a new antiplatelet agent to prevent atherothrombotic events in patients with acute coronary syndrome or STEMI under‐ going percutaneous coronary intervention. In our New products review, Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects, and Drs Nadra and Redwood consider its potential place in treatment. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Recess gate AlGaN/GaN HEMTs using overlap gate metal structure
Authors: Ide Toshihide , Piao Guanxi , Yano Yoshiki , Shimizu Mitsuaki
Published: April 2010

Recess gate AlGaN/GaN HEMTs with the overlap gate metal structure were fabricated. The overlap gate metal structure effectively reduced the short channel effect and the drain conductance at the recess gate HEMTs with a short recess‐gate length of 0.4 μm. The drain conductance of the HEMTs with the overlap gate metal length of 2.0 μm was 1/5 lower than with the length of 0.4μm. Since the recess gate structure enhanced the tranceconductance, both the low drain conductance and the high tranceconductance were achieved by employing the overlap gate metal structure in the recess‐gate HEMTs. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth kinetics of AlxGa1–xN layers (0 < x < 1) in plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Mizerov A. M. , Jmerik V. N. , Kop'ev P. S. , Ivanov S. V.
Published: April 2010

Comparative study of growth kinetics of the AlxGa1‐xN (x = 0‐1) layers of different polarity, grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PA MBE) under different growth conditions (substrate temperature, group III to activated nitrogen and Al to Ga flux ratios) and on different buffer layers, is presented. The 60 °C higher temperature stability of N‐face AlGaN layers is detected. The strong influence of elastic stress on growth kinetics of metal‐polar AlxGa1‐xN (x > 0.2) layers is observed and discussed. It was found that two‐dimensional growth of AlGaN films of the same composition on different buffer layers at TS = 700 °C can be achieved at different group III surface enrichment, the AlGaN(0001)/c‐Al2O3 films exhibiting the atomically smooth surface at group III to activated nitrogen flux ratio FIII/FN *gradually increased from 1.3 to 2 with the x variation from 0.1 to 0.8. In this case the alloy composition is controlled by the variation of Al flux only (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Improved MOCVD growth of GaN on Si‐on‐porous‐silicon substrates
Authors: Ishikawa H. , Shimanaka K. , Azfar bin M. Amir M. , Hara Y. , Nakanishi M.
Published: April 2010

The mechanism of the poor surface morphology of MOCVD‐grown GaN on porous Si (PSi) substrates was explored. Transmission electron microscopy suggests that a vacancy growth of pores starts, which is accompanied by the migration of the top surface of the PSi layer during the initial growth stage of GaN on the AlN inter layer. This causes a lot of pits on top GaN and wavy interface between GaN of the PSi layer, deteriorating the poor surface morphology. The epitaxial Si layer on PSi is effective in suppressing the migration of the top surface of the PSi layer. The GaN film on the epitaxial‐Si/PSi shows a mirror surface with pits‐free and very few cracks. No voids at the interface between the AlN IL and Si/PSi substrate are observed. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crack formation in GaN on Si(111) substrates grown by MOCVD using HT Al‐preseeding and HT AlN buffer layers
Authors: Kim Jong Ock , Hong Song Ki , Lim Kee Young
Published: April 2010

We have investigated the crack formation in GaN layers grown on Si(111) substrates by MOCVD using an AlN buffer layers and Al‐preseeding process. With an appropriate AlN buffer thickness using optimal TMAl flow rate, we were able to counteract the crack formation usually observed in GaN layers deposited on Si(111) substrate. With a 120 nm thick AlN buffer layer, TMAl source flow rate 18 μmol/min and Al‐preseeding time 5 s, we were able to obtain nearly crack free 2.5 μm GaN surface and a (002) plane HR‐XRD rocking curve FWHM of385 arcsec is achieved. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic properties of group III‐A nitride sheets by molecular simulation
Authors: Anota Ernesto Chigo , Villanueva Martín Salazar , Cocoletzi Heriberto Hernández
Published: April 2010

We have performed first principles total energy calculations to investigate the structural and reactivity parameters of novel N12X12H12 (X=B, Al, Ga, In, Tl) nitrides, in their coronene‐like (C24H12) structure to simulate these sheets. The exchange and correlations potential energies are treated in the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA), and the Local Density Approximation (LDA) within the parameterization of Perdew‐Wang and Perdew‐Burke‐Ernzerhof (PWC, PBE) and the double Numeric plus polarization (DNP) atomic base. The chemical potential, hardness and electrophilicity index, as well as bond length are reported. The bond length of the structures is similar to the bulk. The gap between the HOMO and LUMO decreases from BN (5.18 eV) to TlN (1.76 eV). At the same time, the polarity increases except for TlN. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of period of the electron emitter MQW structure on the improvement of characteristics in nitride‐based LEDs
Authors: Su Y. K. , Chen J. J. , Lin C. L. , Kao C. C. , Lin C. T.
Published: April 2010

The effect of period of electron emitter multiple‐quantum well (EE‐MQW) structure on the structural, electrical, and optical characteristics of nitride‐based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) were investigated. From the lattice constant results of InGaN/GaN multiple‐quantum well (MQW) by the high resolution X‐ray diffraction, the compressive strain of InGaN/GaN MQW could be released gradually when the period of EE‐MQW structure increases. Therefore, the leakage current reduces and the ESD endurance ability enhances with increasing period of EE‐MQW structure. On the other hand, the electron injection efficiency will also be improved by inserting EE‐MQW structure. When the period of EE‐MQW structure increases, the forward voltage and series resistance both decrease. Due to the improved electron injection efficiency and crystalline quality, the luminance intensity increases with increasing period of EE‐MQW structure. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of semipolar (11$ \bar 2 $2) GaN on c ‐plane sapphire sidewall of patterned r ‐plane sapphire substrate without SiO2 mask
Authors: Kurisu Akihiro , Murakami Kazuma , Abe Yuki , Okada Narihito , Tadatomo Kazuyuki
Published: April 2010

We succeeded in growing a semipolar (11$ \bar 2 $2) GaN layer on a patterned r ‐plane sapphire substrate (r ‐PSS) without a SiO2 mask by metal‐organic vapor phase epitaxy. Under various growth conditions, the semipolar (11$ \bar 2 $2) GaN layer was only grown on the c ‐plane‐like sapphire sidewall of the r ‐PSS without a SiO2 mask which shows r ‐PSS is useful to obtain (11$ \bar 2 $2) GaN. The specific characteristics of the (11$ \bar 2 $2) GaN on the r ‐PSS were investigated by X‐ray diffraction measurement, atomic force microscopy (AFM), transmission electron microscopy and photoluminescence. The full width at half maximum of X‐ray rocking curve of coalesced sample were 722 and 319 arcsec along the azimuths parallel and perpendicular to the c ‐direction, respectively. The macrosteps were observed by AFM observation. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Strain effect on optical polarization properties of a ‐plane GaN on r ‐plane sapphire
Authors: Wu Chao , Yu Tongjun , Tao Renchun , Jia Chuanyu , Yang Zhijian , Zhang Guoyi
Published: April 2010

In this study, the optical polarization properties under varying strains in a‐plane GaN were investigated. The valence band (VB) structure for a‐plane GaN is derived from the effective‐mass Hamiltonian based on k·p perturbation theory. The relative oscillator strength (ROS) calculations of the transitions related to the top three VBs near Γ point are applied to analyzing the optical polarized properties. For a‐plane GaN, the main components of the first, the second and the third VBs are |Y 〉‐like (y‐axis // [1$ \bar 1 $00]), |Z 〉‐like (z‐axis // [0001]) and |X 〉‐like (x‐axis // [11$ \bar 2 $0]) states, respectively. Under small compressive strain along c‐axis, the polarization degree increases with compressive strain increasing. According to X‐ray diffraction (XRD) scans and Raman backscattering spectra, both the in‐plane and out‐plane strains were evaluated. Polarized photoluminescence (PL) is employed to obtain the polarization degree. The experimental results of a‐plane GaN samples under different strains showed good accordance with our theoretical calculations (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Light‐emitting diodes fabricated on nanopatterned sapphire substrates by thermal lithography
Authors: Shinagawa Taku , Abe Yuki , Matsumoto Hiroyuki , Li BoCheng , Murakami Kazuma , Okada Narihito , Tadatomo Kazuyuki , Kannaka Masato , Fujii Hideo
Published: April 2010

GaN‐based light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) were fabricated on nanopatterned sapphire substrates (nano‐PSSs) by thermal lithography with laser irradiation. The characteristics of the LEDs were measured by X‐ray diffraction analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The crystalline qualities of the LEDs deteriorated with the shortening of the nanopattern periods. The nucleation of GaN was initiated from the nanopatterns, which increased the number of grain boundaries. The output power of the LEDs on the nano‐PSSs with a diameter of 200 nm and 500 nm periods was 70% higher than that on flat sapphire substrate. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Light extraction enhancement from GaN‐based thin‐film LEDs grown on silicon after substrate removal using HNA solution
Authors: Zou Xin Bo , Liang Hu , Lau Kei May
Published: April 2010

One of the promising methods to obtain high optical output power from LEDs grown on Si is to eliminate the absorptive Si substrate. In this paper, we report how GaN‐based thin‐film LEDs grown on silicon (111) substrates by MOCVD were successfully transferred to a copper substrate by room‐temperature electroplating and how the original Si substrate was removed by HNA solution. After fabrication, the III‐nitride LED thin films showed no cracks or degradation. And the light output power of LEDs after Si removal increased by ∼ 30% compared with conventional ones before the Si removal. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An ultraviolet micro‐LED array and its application for microlens fabrication
Authors: Zhu L. , Lai P. T. , Choi H. W.
Published: April 2010

We report on a direct‐write lithographic technique for the fabrication of micro‐lens arrays with an ultraviolet (UV) micro‐light‐emitting diode (LED) array, serving as an exposure source. Owing to the Lambertian emission distribution of LEDs, the exposed UV sensitive coating (UV epoxy) adopts the same profile, resulting in spherical lenses being formed naturally, without further reflow. This technique is distinctive from conventional UV curing method and possesses many advantages, including simplicity of processing, allows control of the dimensions of micro‐lenses through process parameters, and is readily scalable. Micro‐lens arrays of high optical quality have been fabricated by this method. The properties of the lenses are evaluated by optical microscopy and atomic force microscope. The determined focal length is close to the predicted value. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Design of near lattice‐matched AlGaInN‐barriers for highly‐scalable GaN‐based transistor structures
Authors: Lim Taek , Aidam Rolf , Kirste Lutz , Waltereit Patrick , Müller Stefan , Ambacher Oliver
Published: April 2010

AlGaInN layers at compositions near lattice‐matched to GaN have been grown by molecular beam epitaxy. X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy show single‐phase quaternary layers with smooth morphology. Heterostructures with thin nearly strain‐free AlGaInN‐barriers exhibit high values for sheet electron density and mobility ranging up to 2.1×1013 cm‐2 and 1240 cm2/Vs, respectively. The epitaxial design of the structures comprises a multi‐layer spacer which enables a wider separation between channel and barrier compared to a single AlN interlayer and serves as a protection during growth. A series of wafers with varied composition in the barrier reveals that the electron mobility increases with Ga‐content in AlGaInN as expected considering the miscibility of quaternary nitrides. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Translation initiation of viral mRNAs
Authors: López‐Lastra Marcelo , Ramdohr Pablo , Letelier Alejandro , Vallejos Maricarmen , Vera‐Otarola Jorge , Valiente‐Echeverría Fernando
Published: April 2010

Viruses depend on cells for their replication but have evolved mechanisms to achieve this in an efficient and, in some instances, a cell‐type‐specific manner. The expression of viral proteins is frequently subject to translational control. The dominant target of such control is the initiation step of protein synthesis. Indeed, during the early stages of infection, viral mRNAs must compete with their host counterparts for the protein synthetic machinery, especially for the limited pool of eukaryotic translation initiation factors (eIFs) that mediate the recruitment of ribosomes to both viral and cellular mRNAs. To circumvent this competition viruses use diverse strategies so that ribosomes can be recruited selectively to viral mRNAs. In this review we focus on the initiation of protein synthesis and outline some of the strategies used by viruses to ensure efficient translation initiation of their mRNAs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ni and Ni alloy coatings electrodeposited from choline chloride‐based ionic liquids—electrochemical synthesis and characterization
Authors: Florea A. , Anicai L. , Costovici S. , Golgovici F. , Visan T.
Published: April 2010

This study deals with some preliminary experimental results regarding the electrodeposition and characterization of Ni and Ni alloy coatings, respectively, NiMo and NiSn, from some choline chloride‐based ionic liquids. The obtained Ni deposits are adherent, uniform onto Cu substrate. According to X‐ray diffraction investigations, average sizes of the crystallites have been in the range of 9.2–14.4 nm, higher for increased applied current densities, maybe as a result of the increase in temperature during electrodeposition. In addition, an amorphous phase was evidenced. NiMo alloy coatings have been obtained for the first time from ionic liquids containing 0.42 M NiCl2·6H20 and 0.016 M ammonium heptamolybdate in choline chloride‐urea‐citric acid or chloline chloride–ethylene glycol–citric acid mixtures. NiSn alloys were formed in choline chloride–urea and choline chloride–ethylene glycol solvents, with various additions of Ni and Sn salts. The obtained alloy deposits are adherent, uniform onto Cu substrate. To obtain information on the deposits' morphology and composition, atomic force microscopy, SEM and energy‐dispersive X‐ray techniques were used and the results are discussed taking into account the ionic liquid type, composition and conductivity in close correlation with electrochemical conditions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and preliminary molecular modeling studies of SnO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Ionita Mariana , Branzoi Ioan Viorel , Popa Laurentiu
Published: April 2010

The aim of this work is to provide reliable and accurate experimental and modeling studies for the design and investigation of tin dioxide nanoparticles. SnO2 particles were prepared by following a sol–gel preparative route using tin (IV) alkoxide as the starting compound. The xerogels were thermally treated at 300, 500 and 700 °C, in different gaseous environments (oxygen, air, He). The powders were characterized for phase composition‐crystallinity, specific surface area and surface composition. Computational models of SnO2 were implemented, total energy of the systems was minimized by using COMPASS force field and further lattice parameters were assessed. The conditions adopted in the preparative route played an important role on the physicochemical properties of SnO2 nanoparticles. The size of the crystallites was found to increase with the heating temperature and to depend on the gassing atmosphere adopted during the thermal treatment. Computational and experimental lattice parameters are not appreciably affected by the variables of the synthesis and are in good agreement with structural data for the cassiterite lattice. Overall, the agreement between experimental data and simulation results is satisfactory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemical fabrication and capacitance of composite films of carbon nanotubes and polyaniline
Authors: Branzoi Viorel , Branzoi Florina , Pilan Luisa
Published: April 2010

Nanoporous composite films of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polyaniline (PANI) were grown electrochemically on a platinum electrode with the aim to investigate the influence of the forming process, and thus the influence of the microstructure, on the capacitive performance of the composites. The constituents of the composite were deposited either simultaneously from acidic aqueous solutions containing both the CNTs and the monomer, or by PANI electrodeposition on an electrode already modified by adsorbed CNT coating. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) were used to investigate the electrochemical properties of the composite films. The electrochemical response is significantly increased for the composite films in comparison with the pure polymer film. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the composite films consisted of nanoporous networks of CNTs coated with PANI. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of interval‐censored disease progression data via multi‐state models under a nonignorable inspection process
Authors: Chen Baojiang , Yi Grace Y. , Cook Richard J.
Published: April 2010

Irreversible multi‐state models provide a convenient framework for characterizing disease processes that arise when the states represent the degree of organ or tissue damage incurred by a progressive disease. In many settings, however, individuals are only observed at periodic clinic visits and so the precise times of the transitions are not observed. If the life history and observation processes are not independent, the observation process contains information about the life history process, and more importantly, likelihoods based on the disease process alone are invalid. With interval‐censored failure time data, joint models are nonidentifiable and data analysts must rely on sensitivity analyses to assess the effect of the dependent observation times. This paper is concerned, however, with the analysis of data from progressive multi‐state disease processes in which individuals are scheduled to be seen at periodic pre‐scheduled assessment times. We cast the problem in the framework used for incomplete longitudinal data problems. Maximum likelihood estimation via an EM algorithm is advocated for parameter estimation. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed method works well under a variety of situations. Data from a cohort of patients with psoriatic arthritis are analyzed for illustration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐state Markov models for disease progression in the presence of informative examination times: An application to hepatitis C
Authors: Sweeting M. J. , Farewell V. T. , De Angelis D.
Published: April 2010

In many chronic diseases it is important to understand the rate at which patients progress from infection through a series of defined disease states to a clinical outcome, e.g. cirrhosis in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected individuals or AIDS in HIV‐infected individuals. Typically data are obtained from longitudinal studies, which often are observational in nature, and where disease state is observed only at selected examinations throughout follow‐up. Transition times between disease states are therefore interval censored. Multi‐state Markov models are commonly used to analyze such data, but rely on the assumption that the examination times are non‐informative, and hence the examination process is ignorable in a likelihood‐based analysis. In this paper we develop a Markov model that relaxes this assumption through the premise that the examination process is ignorable only after conditioning on a more regularly observed auxiliary variable. This situation arises in a study of HCV disease progression, where liver biopsies (the examinations) are sparse, irregular, and potentially informative with respect to the transition times. We use additional information on liver function tests (LFTs), commonly collected throughout follow‐up, to inform current disease state and to assume an ignorable examination process. The model developed has a similar structure to a hidden Markov model and accommodates both the series of LFT measurements and the partially latent series of disease states. We show through simulation how this model compares with the commonly used ignorable Markov model, and a Markov model that assumes the examination process is non‐ignorable. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Causal loop diagrams between structure and behaviour: A critical analysis of the relationship between polarity, behaviour and events
Authors: Schaffernicht Martin
Published: April 2010

Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are a qualitative diagramming language for representing feedback‐driven systems. One of their conceptual cornerstones—polarity—has been critiqued for some shortcomings. However, their use has not diminished, and polarity, as well as the relationship between behaviour and events continues to be used in a pragmatic way. A definition of how events relate to behaviour is proposed for a world of continuous behaviour. Then, several previously unconsidered limitations of CLDs are discussed, which prove to be closer to the event‐related thinking and therefore provide little help in avoiding faulty thinking about the behavioural consequences of causal structure. Also, the reasons underlying previously discussed limitations of CLDs become clear. Polarity is shown to be an interface between behaviour and structure. Inexperienced users need external help to use polarity in going from behaviour to structure and back. Such help could come from incorporating behaviour‐over‐time (BOT) graphs into the diagrams. Several areas of further research are identified. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The deletion of YLR042c improves ethanolic xylose fermentation by recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Parachin Nádia S. , Bengtsson Oskar , Hahn‐Hägerdal Bärbel , Gorwa‐Grauslund Marie‐F.
Published: April 2010

In a recent study combining transcriptome analyses of a number of recombinant laboratory and industrial S. cerevisiae strains with improved xylose utilization and their respective control strains, the ORF YLR042c was identified as a downregulated gene and it was shown that the gene deletion improved aerobic growth on xylose in the tested strain background. In the present study, the influence of deleting YLR042c on xylose fermentation was investigated in two different xylose‐fermenting strains: TMB3001, which expresses genes from the initial xylose catabolizing pathway, including heterologous xylose reductase (XR) and xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) and endogenous xylulokinase (XK); and TMB3057, which, in addition to the initial xylose catabolizing pathway, overexpresses the endogenous genes encoding the non‐oxidative pentose phosphate pathway enzymes. The deletion of YLR042c led to improved aerobic growth on xylose in both strain backgrounds. However, the effect was more significant in the strain with the poorer growth rate on xylose (TMB3001). Under anaerobic conditions, the deletion of YLR042c increased the specific xylose consumption rate and the ethanol and xylitol yields. In strain TMB3057, xylose consumption was also improved at low concentrations and during co‐fermentation of xylose and glucose. The effect of the gene deletion and overexpression was also tested for different carbon sources. Altogether, these results suggest that YLR042c influences xylose and the assimilation of carbon sources other than glucose, and that the effect could be at the level of sugar transport or sugar signalling. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional characterization of the PP2C phosphatase CaPtc2p in the human fungal pathogen Candida albicans
Authors: Feng Jinrong , Zhao Jingwen , Li Jing , Zhang Lilin , Jiang Linghuo
Published: April 2010

Type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2C) are monomeric enzymes and their activities require the presence of magnesium or manganese ion. There are seven PP2C‐like genes in Candida albicans. In this study, we demonstrate that CaPtc2p is a PP2C phosphatase. Surprisingly, in addition to the cytoplasmic localization, CaPtc2p is partially associated with mitochondria in yeast‐form and filamentous cells of C. albicans. Expression of CaPTC2 is developmentally regulated during the serum‐induced filamentation. Deletion of CaPTC2 renders C. albicans cells sensitive to SDS and azole antifungals, as well as the DNA methylation agent methylmethane sulphonate and the DNA synthesis inhibitor hydroxyurea. Therefore, CaPtc2p might fulfil multiple functions, including the regulation of mitochondrial physiology and checkpoint recovery from DNA damage in C. albicans cells. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Evaluation of Thoracoscopy Versus Thoracotomy in the Management of Lung Hydatid Disease
Authors: Mehta Ketan D. , Gundappa Rashmi , Contractor Rajiv , Sangani Viral , Pathak Ashit , Chawda Priti
Published: April 2010

Background

Lung hydatid disease is an endemic problem in Mediterranean countries, and the ideal surgical management for it is still debated. In this prospective study, we aimed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopy in patients with lung hydatid disease. We studied the advantages of thoracoscopic procedure over posterolateral thoracotomy.

Methods

A total of 32 patients with an uncomplicated, unilateral lung hydatid cyst were subjected to surgical treatment over a period of 5 years. Of the 32 patients, 18 were treated with thoracotomy and 14 with thoracoscopy. Observations were made with regard to duration and ease of operation, complications, hospital stay, return to activity, and recurrence.

Results

The mean operative duration in the thoracoscopy group was 95.21 min compared to 137.77 min in thoracotomy group (P < 0.0001). Postoperative analgesia requirement was less in the thoracoscopic group (mean 4.92 days) compared to that in the thoracotomy group (mean 13.94 days; P < 0.0001). The intercostal drain was removed earlier in the thoracoscopic group (mean 5 days) than in the thoracotomy group (mean 8.83 days; P < 0.0001). The postoperative hospital stay was 8.35 days (mean) in thoracoscopic group and 18.77 days in the thoracotomy group (P < 0.0001). The most serious morbidity was wound infection, with three cases (16.66%) in the thoracotomy group and one (7.11%) in the thoracoscopy group. There was no operative mortality and no recurrence during the follow‐up period.

Conclusions

We strongly recommend the use of thoracoscopy as a primary tool for the management of uncomplicated, unilateral lung hydatid disease. Thoracoscopy offers a great advantage over open thoracotomy in terms of very low morbidity.
Surgical Treatment of Giant Liver Hemangiomas: Enucleation with Continuous Occlusion of Hepatic Artery Proper and Intermittent Pringle Maneuver
Authors: Xia Feng , Lau Wan‐Yee , Qian Cheng , Wang Shuguang , Ma Kuansheng , Bie Ping
Published: April 2010

Background

The present study was designed to investigate the efficacy and safety of continuous occlusion of the hepatic artery proper combined with intermittent use of the Pringle maneuver for reduction of blood loss during enucleation of giant liver hemangiomas.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed on 115 patients who underwent enucleation of giant liver hemangiomas with or without continuous occlusion of the hepatic artery proper at a tertiary care university hospital. The characteristics of patients and perioperative parameters including intraoperative blood loss, the degree of ischemia–reperfusion injury, the incidence and severity of postoperative complications, and the length of hospital stay were summarized and compared in the two groups.

Results

Seventy‐three and 42 patients underwent enucleation of hepatic hemangiomas with and without continuous occlusion of the hepatic artery proper, respectively. The Pringle maneuver was routinely used in all patients in cycles of 15/5 min of clamp/unclamp times. Patient characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion in the continuous occlusion group were significantly lower than in the non‐occlusion group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively). In a comparison of the two groups, there were no significant differences in the changes of the perioperative serum aspartate transaminase and total bilirubin levels (P = 0.086, P = 0.829, respectively), and in the postoperative hospital stay and surgical complications according to Clavien’s classification (P = 0.378, P = 0.227, respectively).

Conclusions

Continuous occlusion of the hepatic artery proper when added to intermittent use of the Pringle maneuver significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss when compared with intermittent Pringle maneuver alone. Enucleation of giant hepatic hemangiomas using continuous occlusion of the hepatic artery proper in addition to intermittent application of the Pringle maneuver for up to 1 h was safe.
Laparoscopic Evaluation Shows Deficiencies in Memory Ring Deployment During Small Ventral Hernia Repair
Authors: Berrevoet Frederik , Van den Bossche Bert , de Baerdemaeker Luc , de Hemptinne Bernard
Published: April 2010

Background

With the introduction of a self‐expanding, memory‐containing, circular hernia patch, surgeons have been enthusiastic about its use to repair ventral hernias smaller than 3 cm in diameter. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency, reliability, and safety of the device laparoscopically with respect to adequate deployment of the patch.

Methods

During 1 year all patients with small ventral hernias were treated with this memory‐containing patch and were inspected by laparoscopy. Just prior to insertion of the patch, remaining adhesions on top of the peritoneum were analyzed, as was the interference of the umbilical ligament. The final position of the patch was monitored, identifying the cupping phenomenon, exposure of the polypropylene to the viscera, and the amount of tension on the straps. All patients were followed for 2 years and postoperative complications and recurrence rate were monitored.

Results

Twenty‐eight patients were operated on for repair of a small ventral hernia with laparoscopic control. Adhesions, not digitally palpable, that interfered with adequate patch deployment were observed in more than 80% of the cases. After a median follow‐up of 25 months a 14.8% recurrence rate was observed.

Conclusions

The patch, consisting of both polypropylene and ePTFE, leads to unacceptable morbidity and a high rate of recurrences. By laparoscopic evaluation, these recurrences are probably based on a combination of material characteristics and unavoidable technical errors.
Comparative Study of Sterol Ester Synthesis using Thermomyces Lanuginosus Lipase in Stirred Tank and Packed‐Bed Bioreactors
Authors: Sengupta Avery , Pal Moumita , SilRoy Sumita , Ghosh Mahua
Published: April 2010

A comparative study was done on the production of different sterol esters using a stirred tank batch reactor (STBR) and packed bed reactor (PBR) using Thermomyces lanuginosus (Lipozyme TLIM) enzyme, a commercially immobilized lipase. Different oils were used as the sources of particular fatty acids, e.g., fish oil for n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA), linseed oil for alpha linolenic acid (ALnA) and mustard oil for erucic acid. Reaction parameters, such as substrate molar ratio, reaction temperature and enzyme concentration, were standardized in the STBR and maintained in the PBR. To provide equal time of residence between the substrate and enzyme in both the reactors for the same amount of substrates, the substrate flow rate in the PBR was maintained at 0.27 ml/min. Thin layer chromatography was used to monitor the reaction, and column chromatography was used to determine the product yields. Fatty acid compositions of the esters were determined by gas chromatography. The study showed that the packed bed bioreactor was more efficient than the batch reactor in sterol‐ester synthesis with less migration of acyl groups.
The First Step in the Validation of a new Screen for Violence Risk in Acute Psychiatry: The Inpatient Context
Authors: Hartvig P. , Roaldset J.O. , Moger T.A. , Østberg B. , Bjørkly S.
Published: April 2010

Background

Instruments for evaluating the risk of violence towards others have mostly been developed for assessment of risk for recidivism into violent crime in forensic psychiatry. In general psychiatry there is a considerable need for specialised, brief and structured assessment tools to inform risk decisions.

Method

The study aimed to validate a brief structured clinical risk assessment screen of inpatient violence (V-RISK-10), a 10-item structured clinical checklist with a good vignette-based interrater reliability (ICC=0.87). In this study it was used for risk assessment of a one-year sample of patients (N = 1.017) admitted to two acute psychiatric units. Risk assessments at admission were compared to prospective records of aggressive and violent acts during the hospital stay.

Results

Results showed a base rate for aggression of 9%. The predictive validity of the V-RISK-10 was estimated by Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC). It yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83, with sensitivity/specificity of 0.81/0.73 and corresponding positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) of 0.24/0.97. The screen was easy-to-use and showed a short completion time.

Conclusion

Despite promising results further validation studies are required before the V-RISK-10 is adopted into routine clinical practise.
Evidence for a positive role of PtdIns5P in T‐cell signal transduction pathways
Authors: Guittard Geoffrey , Mortier Eva , Tronchère Hélène , Firaguay Guylène , Gérard Audrey , Zimmermann Pascale , Payrastre Bernard , Nunès Jacques A.
Published: April 2010

Phosphatidylinositol 5‐phosphate (PtdIns5P) is emerging as a potential lipid messenger involved in several cell types, from plants to mammals. Expression of IpgD, a PtdIns(4, 5)P2 4‐phosphatase induces Src kinase and Akt, but not ERK activation and enhances interleukin II promoter activity in T‐cells. Expression of a new PtdIns5P interacting domain blocks IpgD‐induced T‐cell activation and selective signaling molecules downstream of TCR triggering. Altogether, these data suggest that PtdIns5P may play a sensor function in setting the threshold of T‐cell activation and contributing to maintain T‐cell homeostasis.
Identification of residues critical for the cell‐membrane‐penetrating activity of zebrafish neuroglobin
Authors: Watanabe Seiji , Wakasugi Keisuke
Published: April 2010

Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a globin found in the vertebrate brain. Recently, we found that zebrafish Ngb can translocate into cells and clarified that module M1 of zebrafish Ngb is important for protein transduction. In the present study, we used site‐directed mutagenesis to identify residues of module M1 that are important for protein transduction. We show that Lys7, Lys9, Lys21, and Lys23 of zebrafish Ngb are crucial for its activity. Since these residues are conserved among fishes, but not among mammals, birds, or amphibians, the ability to penetrate cell membranes may be a unique characteristic of fish Ngb proteins.
The pre‐B cell receptor checkpoint
Authors: Mårtensson Inga-Lill , Almqvist Nina , Grimsholm Ola , Bernardi Angelina I.
Published: April 2010

B lymphocytes are essential antibody‐producing cells of the immune system. During the development of progenitor B cells to mature B cells that express a membrane‐bound antibody, the B cell receptor (BCR), the cells undergo selection at several checkpoints, which ensures that a diverse antibody repertoire is generated and that the BCRs recognise foreign‐, but not self‐, antigens. In this review, we consider the pre‐BCR checkpoint. Mutations or alterations that affect this checkpoint underpin the development of pre‐B cell leukemias, primary immunodeficiency, and possibly, systemic autoimmunity.
Opportunities for Innovation in the Delivery of Interactive Retail Services
Authors: Berry Leonard L. , Bolton Ruth N. , Bridges Cheryl H. , Meyer Jeffrey , Parasuraman A. , Seiders Kathleen
Published: April 2010

In today's volatile economy, innovation in providing interactive services to consumers through a variety of channels is critical in retailing. Interactive service innovations offer opportunities for retailers by creating new markets or offering new benefits in existing markets. They also pose threats as existing customers encounter new alternatives offered by competitors. This article explores some of the most promising opportunities in interactive retail services; namely, the increasing power of consumers, channel synergies, pre- and post-transaction service, optimal use of resources, and consumer heterogeneity. In discussing these areas of opportunity we identify knowledge gaps and suggest research questions relevant to these gaps that warrant attention. Collectively, these questions offer a research agenda for the topic of interactive retail service innovation.
Consumer Behavior in a Multichannel, Multimedia Retailing Environment
Authors: Dholakia Utpal M. , Kahn Barbara E. , Reeves Randy , Rindfleisch Aric , Stewart David , Taylor Earl
Published: April 2010

Over the past decade, multichannel, multimedia retailing environments have grown in variety, scope, and sophistication. However, research regarding the implications of this trend for consumer behavior is rather scarce. We seek to address this need by providing a comprehensive yet flexible approach for formulating promising consumer behavior-related research questions based in multichannel, multimedia retailing environments. This approach adopts a consumer-centric view of multichannel, multimedia retailing and identifies a number of important dimensions of this environment. We then illustrate how this approach could be applied via specific examples involving consumer memory, product assortment, and information acquisition. We conclude by considering the managerial implications of our proposed approach.
The role of frequency of experience with a product category and temporal orientation in self‐referent advertising
Authors: Dimofte Claudiu V. , Yalch Richard F.
Published: April 2010

Previous research conceptualized consumers' evaluations of self‐referent advertisements as discrete episodic processing instances requiring the ad‐hoc matching of ad and personal knowledge detail. The present research proposes that consumers with frequent (infrequent) experiences in a product category are primarily semantic (episodic) processors. Consequently, consumers with frequent experiences have an illusion of detail matching in retrospective self‐referencing resulting from schema‐driven memory intrusions induced by highly detailed ads. Alternatively, consumers with infrequent experiences exhibit intrusions in anticipatory self‐referencing due to imagination inflation prompted by these ads. Two experiments demonstrate how consumer knowledge‐based details interact with message details in retrospective and anticipatory self‐referencing situations to alter ad evaluations depending on the extent of prior experience.
In vitro analysis of radiation‐induced dermal wounds
Authors: Goessler Ulrich Reinhart , Bugert Peter , Kassner Stefan , Stern‐Straeter Jens , Bran Gregor , Sadick Haneen , Hörmann Karl , Riedel Frank
Published: April 2010

Objective

To investigate the pathophysiology of radiation‐induced wounds of the head and neck at a molecular level.

Study Design

Basic science, prospective study.

Setting

The study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, Ruprecht Karls‐University Heidelberg, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.

Subjects and Methods

Keratinocytes from chronic nonhealing ulcers in irradiated areas as well as from healthy skin areas in the same patients (n = 3) were harvested during surgical procedures and isolated in cell culture. First, a proliferation assay was performed. Gene expression was analyzed by microarray, protein expression by immunohistochemistry.

Results

Keratinocytes from radiogenic wounds showed a shift from the high molecular keratins 1 and 10 to the low molecular keratins 5 and 14 compared to normal control skin. Keratinocytes from nonhealing wounds showed a decreased expression of transforming growth factor alpha and beta 1, fibroblast growth factor 1 and 2, keratinocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and hepatocyte growth factor. The matrix metalloproteinases 2, 12, and 13 showed increased expression in irradiated keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Conclusion

Our data showed a change of keratinocytes to a less differentiated state due to radiation. Additionally, it seems that radiation‐induced dermal injuries often fail to heal because of decreased proliferation, impaired angiogenesis, and persistently high concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases.
Neuropathic pain and quality of life
Authors: Rowbotham David J.
Published: April 2010

The overarching reason that pain patients seek medical attention is because their pain interferes with some or all aspects of their quality of life (QOL). Interventions are considered successful by the patient if QOL is improved. Simple pain scores, although providing important information, do not capture the patient's total pain experience, which includes the effect on QOL. A focus on patient QOL should be adopted by all clinicians treating patients with neuropathic pain to work toward successful outcomes. © 2002 European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.
High dietary intake of prebiotic inulin-type fructans in the prehistoric Chihuahuan Desert
Authors: Leach Jeff D. , Sobolik Kristin D.
Published: April 2010

Archaeological evidence from dry cave deposits in the northern Chihuahuan Desert reveal intensive utilisation of desert plants that store prebiotic inulin-type fructans as the primary carbohydrate. In this semi-arid region limited rainfall and poor soil conditions prevented the adoption of agriculture and thus provides a unique glimpse into a pure hunter–forager economy spanning over 10 000 years. Ancient cooking features, stable carbon isotope analysis of human skeletons, and well-preserved coprolites and macrobotanical remains reveal a plant-based diet that included a dietary intake of about 135 g prebiotic inulin-type fructans per d by the average adult male hunter–forager. These data reveal that man is well adapted to daily intakes of prebiotics well above those currently consumed in the modern diet.
Does stress induce salt intake?
Authors: Torres Susan J. , Turner Anne I. , Nowson Caryl A.
Published: April 2010

Psychological stress is a common feature of modern day societies, and contributes to the global burden of disease. It was proposed by Henry over 20 years ago that the salt intake of a society reflects the level of stress, and that stress, through its effect on increasing salt intake, is an important factor in the development of hypertension. This review evaluates the evidence from animal and human studies to determine if stress does induce a salt appetite and increase salt consumption in human subjects. Findings from animal studies suggest that stress may drive salt intake, with evidence for a potential mechanism via the sympatho-adrenal medullary system and/or the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis. In contrast, in the few laboratory studies conducted in human subjects, none has found that acute stress affects salt intake. However, one study demonstrated that life stress (chronic stress) was associated with increased consumption of snack foods, which included, but not specifically, highly salty snacks. Studies investigating the influence of chronic stress on eating behaviours are required, including consumption of salty foods. From the available evidence, we can conclude that in free-living, Na-replete individuals, consuming Na in excess of physiological requirements, stress is unlikely to be a major contributor to salt intake.
Response of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) to graded levels of methionine (total sulfur amino acids) in soya protein-based semi-purified diets
Authors: Tulli Francesca , Messina Maria , Calligaris Matteo , Tibaldi Emilio
Published: April 2010

The dietary methionine (Met) and total sulfur amino acid (TSAA) requirements of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) (initial body weight 13·4 (sd0·2) g) were estimated in a 12-week dose–response experiment. Seven isonitrogenous (7·6 % DM) and isoenergetic (gross energy, 21·2 MJ/kg DM) diets, based on soya protein and crystallinel-amino acids containing graded levels ofl-Met (1·6–16·2 g/kg) at a constant cysteine (4 g/kg) level and a fish meal-based diet, were fed each to triplicate groups of fifty fish kept in 250 litre tanks in a thermoregulated (23 ± 0·5°C) seawater system. The Met and TSAA-deficient diet resulted in higher mortality, impaired feed intake and growth relative to the other treatments (P < 0·01). No signs of lens opacity due to limiting Met intake were observed and no feed intake or growth depression occurred at the highest level of dietary TSAA. Met and TSAA requirements for optimal N deposition or weight gain as fitted with the broken-line model resulted in estimated values of 8·0 and 12·0 g/kg diet (for example, 1·8 and 2·7 % dietary protein) and 9·1 and 13·1 g/kg diet (for example, 2·0 and 3·0 % dietary protein), respectively. Plasma levels of Met, homocysteine and cysteine increased in response to excess dietary TSAA, corroborating requirement estimates from growth data. N gain resulted in a linear function of TSAA consumption at marginal Met (TSAA) intake. The TSAA intake needed to maintain N balance resulted in a value of 20·0 mg TSAA/kg average body weight0·75per d, which represents 23 % of the total (maintenance+accretion) requirement.
Temporal reproducibility of taurine measurements in frozen serum of healthy postmenopausal women
Authors: Wójcik Oktawia P. , Koenig Karen L. , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne , Costa Max , Chen Yu
Published: April 2010

Animal studies and small clinical trials have shown that taurine (2-aminoethanesulphonic acid), a sulphur-containing molecule mainly obtained from the diet in human subjects, has a variety of biological actions that are related to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular functions. However, epidemiological studies of taurine and CHD risk are lacking. We evaluated whether a single measurement of serum taurine could serve as an estimate for long-term serum levels. Serum taurine was measured using HPLC in three annual samples from thirty postmenopausal women selected from the New York University Women's Health Study. Overall, serum taurine values ranged from 62·8 to 245·3 nmol/ml, with a mean of 140 nmol/ml. The intraclass correlation coefficient of a single measurement of serum taurine was 0·48 (95 % CI 0·26, 0·68), which can be improved to 0·65 by using the mean of two annual measurements. The CV was 7 %. These results indicate that the mean of two or more annual measurements of serum taurine is a sufficiently reliable measure of long-term serum levels that can be used in epidemiological studies.