bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piping plover habitat selection and nest success on natural, managed, and engineered sandbars
Authors: Catlin Daniel H. , Fraser James D. , Felio Joy H. , Cohen Jonathan B.
Published: March 2011

Loss of breeding habitat and nest predation have contributed to the decline of many shorebird species. The United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) initiated a piping plover (Charadrius melodus) habitat creation and augmentation program on the Missouri River in the summer of 2004. The USACE increased unvegetated sandbar habitat by depositing dredged material (engineered sandbars) and by clearing vegetation from existing sandbars (managed sandbars). We evaluated the effects of this increase in nesting and foraging habitat on habitat selection and nest daily survival rate (DSR) of piping plovers on Lewis and Clark Lake and the Gavins Point Reach of the Missouri River from 2005 to 2007 (n = 623 nests). Piping plovers selected engineered sandbars more often than expected based on area and selected natural and managed habitats less than expected based on area. Daily survival rate on engineered sandbars was significantly higher than on natural or managed sandbars (log odds: 2.50, 95% CI: 1.05–5.94). Thus, plovers' habitat selection may have increased their nesting success. Our results suggest that habitat augmentation may stave off declines in piping plover populations limited by insufficient habitat and low nesting success. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Trap style influences wild pig behavior and trapping success
Authors: Williams Brian L. , Holtfreter Robert W. , Ditchkoff Stephen S. , Grand James B.
Published: March 2011

Despite the efforts of many natural resource professionals, wild pig (Sus scrofa) populations are expanding in many areas of the world. Although many creative techniques for controlling pig populations are being explored, trapping has been and still is the most commonly used method of population control for many public and private land managers. We conducted an observational study to examine the efficiency of 2 frequently used trap styles: a small, portable box‐style trap and a larger, semi‐permanent, corral‐style trap. We used game cameras to examine patterns of trap entry by wild pigs around each style of trap, and we conducted a trapping session to compare trapping success between trap styles. Adult female and juvenile wild pigs entered both styles of trap more readily than did adult males, and adult males seemed particularly averse to entering box traps. Less than 10% of adult male visits to box traps resulted in entries, easily the least percentage of any class at any style of trap. Adult females entered corral traps approximately 2.2 times more often per visit than box traps and re‐entered corral traps >2 times more frequently. Juveniles entered and re‐entered both box and corral traps at similar rates. Overall (all‐class) entry‐per‐visit rates at corral traps (0.71) were nearly double that of box traps (0.37). Subsequent trapping data supported these preliminary entry data; the capture rate for corral traps was >4 times that of box traps. Our data suggest that corral traps are temporally and economically superior to box traps with respect to efficiency; that is, corral traps effectively trap more pigs per trap night at a lower cost per pig than do box traps. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Constrained estimation of the arterial input function for myocardial perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance
Authors: Fluckiger Jacob U. , Schabel Matthias C. , DiBella Edward V. R.
Published: March 2011

Accurate quantification of myocardial perfusion remains challenging due to saturation of the arterial input function at high contrast concentrations. A method for estimating the arterial input function directly from tissue curves in the myocardium that avoids these difficulties is presented. In this constrained alternating minimization with model (CAMM) algorithm, a portion of the left ventricular blood pool signal is also used to constrain the estimation process. Extensive computer simulations assessing the accuracy of kinetic parameter estimation were performed. In 5000 noise realizations, the use of the AIF given by the estimation method returned kinetic parameters with mean Ktrans error of −2% and mean kep error of 0.4%. Twenty in vivo resting perfusion datasets were also processed with this method, and pharmacokinetic parameter values derived from the blind AIF were compared with those derived from a dual‐bolus measured AIF. For 17 of the 20 datasets, there were no statistically significant differences in Ktrans estimates, and in aggregate the kinetic parameters were not significantly different from the dual‐bolus method. The cardiac constrained alternating minimization with model method presented here provides a promising approach to quantifying perfusion of myocardial tissue with a single injection of contrast agent and without a special pulse sequence though further work is needed to validate the approach in a clinical setting. Magn Reson Med, 2010. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cerebral sinus thrombosis following IV immunoglobulin therapy of immune thrombocytopenia purpura
Authors: Al‐Riyami Arwa Z. , Lee James , Connolly Mary , Shereck Evan
Published: March 2011

We present a pediatric patient treated with high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), who developed cerebral sinus thrombosis in the absence of any identifiable hypercoagulable state. This report describes the successful management of this rare complication in this challenging setting. This report shows IVIG induced cerebral sinus thrombosis in ITP. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;57:157–159. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sirolimus for the treatment of complicated vascular anomalies in children
Authors: Hammill Adrienne M. , Wentzel MarySue , Gupta Anita , Nelson Stephen , Lucky Anne , Elluru Ravi , Dasgupta Roshni , Azizkhan Richard G. , Adams Denise M.
Published: March 2011

Background

Vascular anomalies comprise a diverse group of diagnoses. While infantile hemangiomas are common, the majority of these conditions are quite rare and have not been widely studied. Some of these lesions, though benign, can impair vital structures, be deforming, or even become life‐threatening. Vascular tumors such as kaposiform hemangioendotheliomas (KHE) and complicated vascular malformations have proven particularly difficult to treat.

Procedure

Here we retrospectively evaluate a series of six patients with complicated, life‐threatening vascular anomalies who were treated with the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus for compassionate use at two centers after failing multiple other therapies.

Results

These patients showed significant improvement in clinical status with tolerable side effects.

Conclusions

Sirolimus appears to be effective and safe in patients with life‐threatening vascular anomalies and represents an important tool in treating these diseases. These findings are currently being further evaluated in a Phase II safety and efficacy trial. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1018–1024. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New ionic polymer–metal composite actuators based on PVDF/PSSA/PVP polymer blend membrane
Authors: Panwar Varij , Kang Bong‐Sik , Park Jong‐Oh , Park Suk‐Ho
Published: March 2011

Ionic polymer–metal composite (IPMC) actuators that display continuously large actuation displacements without back relaxation and with large blocking force at low direct current (DC) voltages are used as biomimetic sensors, actuators and biomedical devices. This article reports the preparation and actuation performance of new IPMC actuators based on the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSA)/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) polymer blend membrane, which requires low voltage DC. The performance results of the proposed IPMC actuators are compared with Nafion‐based IPMC actuators. In the blend membrane, PVDF is the hydrophobic polymer, PSSA is the polyelectrolyte, and PVP is the hydrophilic basic polymer. The proposed IPMC actuators based on the PVDF/PSSA/PVP blend membrane of polymer mixture ratios of 60/15/25 and 50/25/25 gave higher actuation displacement and higher blocking force at low DC voltages than the Nafion‐based IPMC actuator. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers
Copolymerization of styrene with an α‐olefin via atom transfer radical polymerization
Authors: Kavitha Amalin , Singh Ajay K , Singha Nikhil K
Published: March 2011

This investigation reports the preparation of styrene–α‐olefinic random copolymers, using 1‐octene as an α‐olefin, via atom transfer radical polymerization. Atom transfer radical copolymerization of styrene with 1‐octene was successfully carried out using phenylethyl bromide as initiator and CuBr as catalyst in combination with N, N, N′, N″, N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine as ligand. The copolymers had controlled molecular weight, narrow dispersity and well‐defined end groups with significant 1‐octene incorporation in the polymer. Incorporation of 1‐octene in the copolymers was confirmed using 1H NMR and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectroscopy. An increase in 1‐octene content in the monomer feed led to an increase in the level of incorporation of the α‐olefin in the copolymer. An increase in the concentration of 1‐octene led to a decrease in the rate of polymerization and an increase in dispersity. The glass transition temperature of the copolymer gradually decreased as the incorporation of 1‐octene increased. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Differences in degradation kinetics for sonolysis, microfluidization and shearing treatments of chitosan
Authors: Chen Rong Huei , Huang Jin Ru , Tsai Min Lang , Tseng Lan Zang , Hsu Chu Hsi
Published: March 2011

Solution concentration, temperature, reaction time and use or non‐use of concurrent ultrafiltration treatment for fragment removal are factors that affect the degradation rate constant in sonolysis, microfluidization and shearing treatments. The cause of these operation conditions and their effect on chitosan degradation rate constant were compared. Different operation conditions for each treatment resulted in various solution viscosities, ease of dissipation of cavitation, entanglement and stretching, in turn resulting in different rates of effectiveness of degradation by different degradation mechanisms. A rationale for applying these physical methods in practical chitosan production is proposed. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Crosslinking of polybenzimidazole membranes by divinylsulfone post‐treatment for high‐temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell applications
Authors: Aili David , Li Qingfeng , Christensen Erik , Jensen Jens Oluf , Bjerrum Niels J
Published: March 2011

Phosphoric acid‐doped polybenzimidazole (PBI) has been suggested as a promising electrolyte for proton exchange membrane fuel cells operating at temperatures up to 200 °C. This paper describes the development of a crosslinking procedure for PBI membranes by post‐treatment with divinylsulfone. The crosslinking chemistry was studied and optimized on a low‐molecular‐weight model system and the results were used to optimize the crosslinking conditions of PBI membranes. The crosslinked membranes were characterized with respect to chemical and physiochemical properties, showing improved mechanical strength and oxidative stability compared with their linear analogues. Fuel cell tests were further conducted in order to demonstrate the feasibility of the crosslinked membranes. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Low temperature‐coefficient for solar cells processed from solar‐grade silicon purified by metallurgical route
Authors: Tanay F. , Dubois S. , Enjalbert N. , Veirman J.
Published: March 2011

This study is dedicated to the temperature (T)‐variation of the photovoltaic performances of solar cells made from solar‐grade silicon directly purified by metallurgical route (SoGM‐Si). Experimental results were systematically compared with those for standard electronic‐grade silicon (EG‐Si) solar cells. We showed that the conversion efficiency (η) of SoGM‐Si cells decreases much less when T increases than the η of EG‐Si cells. This major difference is due to a strong increase with T of the short‐circuit current density (Jsc) of the SoGM‐Si solar cells. We showed that this a priori unexpected result could be described and explained by numerical simulations, by taking into account the main particularities of SoGM‐Si: dopant compensation, moderate minority carrier diffusion length and larger amount of boron–oxygen complexes. These results are significant since T of a solar module under illumination being generally higher than 25°C, modules made from low‐cost SoGM‐Si cells should have performances closer to those of standard EG‐Si solar panels. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyrotaxane derivatives. II. Preparation and characterization of ionic polyrotaxanes and ionic slide‐ring gels
Authors: Araki Jun
Published: March 2011

Four types of ionic polyrotaxane (PR) derivatives, that is, carboxymethylated, sulfoethylated, diethylaminoethylated, and trimethylammoniohydroxypropylated PRs, were successfully prepared starting from the same PR consisting of poly(ethylene glycol) as an axis and α‐cyclodextrins as ring molecules. The structures of the ionic PR derivatives were analyzed by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), attenuated‐total reflection Fourier transform‐infrared, and colloidal titration. Degrees of substitution of the ionic PRs were calculated from results of 1H NMR and colloidal titrations; both sets of results satisfactorily agreed. Cross‐linking of sulfoethylated and quaternized PRs yielded ionic slide‐ring gels carrying sulfoethyl and quaternary ammonium groups on the mobile cross‐links, respectively. The former gel showed intriguing phenomena, including a large degree of swelling of up to 1147, drastic change in its swelling ratio by the presence of electrolyte and bending under a moderate applied electric field (7 V/cm). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Polyterephthalates made from Ethylene glycol, 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol, and isosorbide
Authors: Quintana Robert , de Ilarduya Antxon martínez , Alla Abdelilah , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián
Published: March 2011

Three series of terephthalate polyesters (copolyesters and terpolyesters) containing 70, 80, and 90 mol % of ethylene glycol respectively, 1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol (CHDM) and isosorbide in varying ratios, were synthesized by melt polycondensation. It was found that only ∼75 mol % of the feeding isosorbide was incorporated in the resulting polyesters and that their content in diethylene glycol oscillated between 2 and 4 mol %. The polyesters had weight‐average molecular weights in the 25,000–33,000 g mol−1 range and polydispersities between 2 and 2.5. The combined 1H and 13C NMR analysis revealed that the microstructure of all these polyesters was at random. They showed good thermal stability with decomposition temperatures above 400 °C. Their glass‐transition temperatures were observed to increase with the content in cyclic diols, this effect being more pronounced when isosorbide was the replacing comonomer. Only the series containing 90 mol % of ethylene terephthalate units was able to crystallize upon cooling from the melt. Compared isothermal crystallizations revealed that isosorbide was more effective than CHDM in repressing the crystallizability of PET. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Antitumor effects of carnertinib in castration resistant prostate cancer models: A comparative study with erlotinib
Authors: Gravina Giovanni Luca , Marampon Francesco , Piccolella Margherita , Biordi Leda , Ficorella Corrado , Motta Marcella , Jannini Emmanuele A. , Tombolini Vincenzo , Festuccia Claudio
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although preclinical results suggest that the inhibition of erb‐B1 or erb‐B2 can be an useful tool to castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), neither inhibitor demonstrated to provide benefit in this category of patient. Here, we compared the effects of erlotinib, a specific EGFR inhibitor, with those observed with Carnertinib, an orally available pan‐erbB receptor inhibitor, in a wide panel of hormone sensitive and independent prostate cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Variation in proliferation rate, cell cycle, and apoptosis after erlotinib and carnertinib treatments will be evaluated in vitro. In vivo experiments were performed using two models of CRPC, 22rv1 (AR expressing), and PC3 (AR negative) cell lines grown in nude mice. Intact nude mice bearing 22rv1 cells also received bicalutamide (BCLT) in combination with anti‐target agents.

RESULTS

Here, we found that Erlotinib and carnertinib effectiveness was positively related to expression and activation levels of Her2, whereas erlotinib effectiveness was influenced to the EGFR/Her2 ratio resulting more effective when EGFR levels were significantly higher of Her2. Overall, in vitro carnertinib efficacy was higher than those observed with erlotinib. The combination between erlotinib and androgen deprivation therapy or BCLT showed no significant effects when compared to single treatments whereas carnertinib was active in presence of any anti‐hormone manipulation.

CONCLUSIONS

Erlotinib efficacy was higher in androgen‐sensitive PCa cells when we compare to the effects evident in CRPC cells, whereas the carnertinib efficacy may have therapeutical significance in Her2 overexpressing AR+ CRPC models in combination with hormone manipulation. Prostate 71:1481–1491, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
FGFR1 abrogates inhibitory effect of androgen receptor concurrent with induction of androgen‐receptor variants in androgen receptor‐negative prostate tumor epithelial cells
Authors: Kobayashi Masashi , Huang Yanqing , Jin Chengliu , Luo Yongde , Okamoto Tetsuji , Wang Fen , McKeehan Wallace L.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND

Despite dramatic positive effects, there is evidence that the androgen receptor (AR) may negatively influence prostate tumor progression. Understanding the AR repressor function and how it is subverted is of particular importance in anti‐androgen and AR intervention strategies.

METHODS

AR, resident FGFR2IIIb, and ectopic FGFR1 were expressed by transfection in the AR‐negative epithelial cell line DTE that predominates in cell culture of AR‐positive androgen‐responsive model Dunning R3327 rat prostate tumors. Androgen‐responsiveness at transcription was measured by a luciferase reporter. Cell population growth rates were assessed by cell counts, DNA synthesis, and expression of cell cycle genes. AR variants (ARVs) were assessed by immunochemistry and nuclease protection of mRNA.

RESULTS

Expression of AR inhibited cell population growth of AR‐negative DTE cells at the G1–S phase of the cell cycle. Ectopic FGFR1, but not resident FGFR2IIIb abrogated the growth inhibitory effects of AR. Appearance of ARVs was coincident with co‐expression of FGFR1 and AR and abrogation of the AR‐dependent inhibition of cell growth.

CONCLUSIONS

DTE cells may represent non‐malignant AR‐negative progenitors whose population is restricted by activation of AR in vivo. Ectopic expression of epithelial FGFR1, a common observation in tumors, overrides the inhibition of AR and thus may contribute to evolution of androgen and AR independent tumors. These results are consistent with the notion that some tumor cells are negatively restricted by AR and are unleased by androgen‐deprivation or ectopic expression of FGFR1. ARV's may play a role in the bypass of the negative restrictions of AR. Prostate 71:1691–1700, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biomarkers for the diagnosis of prostatic inflammation in benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Robert Grégoire , Smit Frank , Hessels Daphne , Jannink Sander , Karthaus Herbert F.M. , Aalders Tilly , Jansen Kees , de la Taille Alexandre , Mulders Peter F. , Schalken Jack A.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND

Chronic prostatic inflammation could be a central mechanism in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) progression. Currently, the histological examination of prostate biopsies remains the only way to diagnose prostatic inflammation. Our objective was to find new noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of prostatic inflammation.

METHODS

Ninety BPH samples were investigated in two steps. First, a hypothesis was generated using a profiling procedure with a panel of 96 genes on an initial set of 30 samples. Then, the candidate biomarkers were validated on a large number of samples (n = 90). Gene expression was compared with the histological prostatic inflammation score based on the density and the confluence of lymphoid nodules. Finally, protein transcripts of the candidate biomarkers were investigated in urine samples and compared with clinical data.

RESULTS

Of the 96 genes, nine were significantly correlated with the inflammation score on the initial set of patients. Four of them were validated on the complete set of patients: CCR7, CD40LG, CTLA4, and ICOS. ICOS and CTLA4 protein levels were readily measured in urine samples using a conventional ELISA procedure. High‐ICOS expression in urine was associated with a higher post‐void residual and a lower maximum urinary flow rate.

CONCLUSIONS

Four genes were significantly upregulated at the mRNA level in the prostate tissue of patients with severe inflammation score. Two proteins were measured in urine samples, and were associated with maximum uroflowmetry and post‐void residual. A prospective clinical study is needed to confirm their clinical relevance. Prostate 71:1701–1709, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mechanisms and functional consequences of PDEF protein expression loss during prostate cancer progression
Authors: Turner David P. , Findlay Victoria J. , Moussa Omar , Semenchenko Victor I. , Watson Patricia M. , LaRue Amanda C. , Desouki Mohamed M. , Fraig Mostafa , Watson Dennis K.
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND

Ets is a large family of transcriptional regulators with functions in most biological processes. While the Ets family gene, prostate‐derived epithelial factor (PDEF), is expressed in epithelial tissues, PDEF protein expression has been found to be reduced or lost during cancer progression. The goal of this study was to examine the mechanism for and biologic impact of altered PDEF expression in prostate cancer.

METHODS

PDEF protein expression of prostate specimens was examined by immunohistochemistry. RNA and protein expression in cell lines were measured by q‐PCR and Western blot, respectively. Cellular growth was determined by quantifying viable and apoptotic cells over time. Cell cycle was measured by flow cytometry. Migration and invasion were determined by transwell assays. PDEF promoter occupancy was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP).

RESULTS

While normal prostate epithelium expresses PDEF mRNA and protein, tumors show no or decreased PDEF protein expression. Re‐expression of PDEF in prostate cancer cells inhibits cell growth. PDEF expression is inversely correlated with survivin, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) and slug expression and ChIP studies identify survivin and uPA as direct transcriptional targets of PDEF. This study also shows that PDEF expression is regulated via a functional microRNA‐204 (miR‐204) binding site within the 3′UTR. Furthermore, we demonstrate the biologic significance of miR‐204 expression and that miR‐204 is over‐expressed in human prostate cancer specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, the reported studies demonstrate that PDEF is a negative regulator of tumor progression and that the miR‐204‐PDEF regulatory axis contributes to PDEF protein loss and resultant cancer progression. Prostate 71:1723–1735, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of collectors of airborne spray drift. Experiments in a wind tunnel and field measurements
Authors: Arvidsson Tommy , Bergström Lars , Kreuger Jenny
Published: March 2011

BACKGROUND: In this study, the collecting efficiency of different samplers of airborne drift was compared both in wind tunnel and in field experiments. The aim was to select an appropriate sampler for collecting airborne spray drift under field conditions.

RESULTS: The wind tunnel study examined three static samplers and one dynamic sampler. The dynamic sampler had the highest overall collecting efficiency. Among the static samplers, the pipe cleaner collector had the highest efficiency. These two samplers were selected for evaluation in the subsequent field study. Results from 29 individual field experiments showed that the pipe cleaner collector on average had a 10% lower collecting efficiency than the dynamic sampler. However, the deposits on the pipe cleaners generally were highest at the 0.5 m level, and for the dynamic sampler at the 1 m level.

CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded from the wind tunnel part of the study that the amount of drift collected on the static collectors had a more strongly positive correlation with increasing wind speed compared with the dynamic sampler. In the field study, the difference in efficiency between the two types of collector was fairly small. As the difference in collecting efficiency between the different types of sampler was small, the dynamic sampler was selected for further measurements of airborne drift under field conditions owing to its more well‐defined collecting area. This study of collecting efficiency of airborne spray drift of static and dynamic samplers under field conditions contributes to increasing knowledge in this field of research. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Current treatments for lower respiratory tract infections
Authors: Meisner Sarah
Published: March 2011

Lower respiratory tract infections are caused by a wide range of organisms and the appropriate choice of antibiotics is important. Our Drug review discusses the current recommended management of LRTIs in the community, followed by sources of further information in Resources. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Interface Ltd
Reduction in threshold current density of 355 nm UV laser diodes
Authors: Nagata Kengo , Takeda Kenichiro , Nonaka Kentaro , Ichikawa Tomoki , Iwaya Motoaki , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Akasaki Isamu , Amano Hiroshi , Yoshida Harumasa , Kuwabara Masakazu , Yamashita Yoji , Kan Hirofumi
Published: March 2011

We have investigated the characteristics of 355 nm UV laser diodes. Two laser diode structures were prepared on a grooved AlGaN template as well as on a flat AlGaN template. The threading dislocation densities on the grooved and flat AlGaN were 2.5×108 cm‐2 and 6.5×109 cm‐2, respectively. The threshold current density of the laser diode on the grooved AlGaN was 6 kA/cm2, while no lasing was observed from the laser diode on the flat AlGaN. We also estimated the internal quantum efficiency as well as the injection efficiency in the UV laser diode structures by considering internal quantum efficiency of both optical and electrical excitation. At a carrier density of 1.2×1019 cm‐3, the internal quantum efficiency of the laser diode structure on the grooved AlGaN was about 50%. This is twice that of the laser diode on the flat AlGaN. At the same time, the internal quantum efficiency estimated from the optical excitation also reached about 50%, even at a carrier density of 3×1018 cm‐3. This implies that the injection efficiency in our UV laser diode structure was only 25%. Improving the injection efficiency should be effective for significantly reducing the threshold current density. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evidence for moving of threading dislocations during the VPE growth in GaN thin layers
Authors: Kuwano Noriyuki , Miyake Hideto , Hiramatsu Kazumasa , Amano Hiroshi , Akasaki Isamu
Published: March 2011

Cross‐sectional transmission electron microscope (TEM) observation was performed in detail to analyze the morphology of threading dislocations (TDs) in GaN thin layers with various thicknesses. The GaN layers were overgrown on an Al0.28Ga0.72N layer by the metal‐organic vapor‐phase epitaxy (MOVPE) method. In a GaN layer about 50 nm in thickness, TDs running up in the AlGaN layer pass into the GaN layer and most of them reach the top surface without bending. In thicker GaN layers, on the other hand, many of TDs form a hairpin‐configuration on or above the interface of GaN and AlGaN to be annihilated. This difference in morphology of TDs indicates that the TDs have moved down inside the GaN layer. Since the formation of hairpins is attributed to a stress‐relief, there should be an extra half‐plane between the paired TDs. Therefore, the movement of TDs should be of “climb motion”. Another example of possible TD movement inside a GaN layer is also described. It is emphasized that the possibility of TD‐movements inside the thin film crystal during the growth should be taken into account in analysis of thin‐layer growth through the behavior of TDs (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
HVPE growth of thick AlN on trench‐patterned substrate
Authors: Fujita Kohei , Okuura Kazuteru , Miyake Hideto , Hiramatsu Kazumasa , Hirayama Hideki
Published: March 2011

We have fabricated low threading dislocation density (TDD) and crack‐free thick AlN films on trench‐patterned AlN templates for application to deep‐ultraviolet (DUV) light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) by employing an epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELO) process. Using AlN templates with various stripe structures formed along the <10‐10> direction, We systematically investigated mechanism of void structure formed by the ELO process. It was found that the height of void‐tops was proportional to the groove width and the growth rate ratio of vertical to lateral. And, the height of void‐bottoms was proportional to the parameter defined as the square of groove‐width divided by the groove‐depth. Furthermore, the growth rate ratio of vertical to lateral lowered with increasing growth temperature, and heightened with decreasing V/III ratio (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Curcumin and a Morus alba Extract Reduce Pro‐Inflammatory Effects of Resistin in Human Endothelial Cells
Authors: Pirvulescu Monica Madalina , Gan Ana‐Maria , Stan Daniela , Simion Viorel , Calin Manuela , Butoi Elena , Tirgoviste Constantin Ionescu , Manduteanu Ileana
Published: March 2011

Resistin is a cytokine which plays an important role in cardiovascular disease by influencing systemic inflammation and endothelial activation. In human endothelial cells (HEC) it increases the expression of P‐selectin and fractalkine, and enhances monocyte adhesion by antioxidant mechanisms. This study investigated whether the natural antioxidants curcumin (CC) and an extract of Morus alba leaves (MA) have protective effects in resistin‐activated HEC. HEC were exposed to 100 ng/mL resistin for 6 and 18 h in the absence or presence of MA or CC and the expression of fractalkine and P‐selectin was determined by RT‐PCR and western blot. Intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was monitored by fluorimetry and NADPH oxidase activity by a lucigenin‐enhanced chemiluminescence assay. In addition, adhesion assays using the monocytic U937 cells were performed. The results showed that treatment of HEC exposed to resistin with MA and CC: (1) inhibited significantly P‐selectin and fractalkine expression, (2) inhibited the increase in the intracellular ROS level, (3) reduced NADPH activation and (4) reduced monocytes adhesion to HEC. The results indicate that MA and curcumin target resistin‐induced human endothelial activation partly via antioxidant mechanisms and suggest that they may represent therapeutic agents in vascular disease mediated by resistin. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kava and Kava Hepatotoxicity: Requirements for Novel Experimental, Ethnobotanical and Clinical Studies Based on a Review of the Evidence
Authors: Teschke Rolf , Qiu Samuel X. , Xuan Tran Dang , Lebot Vincent
Published: March 2011

Kava hepatotoxicity is a well described disease entity, yet there is uncertainty as to the culprit(s). In particular, there is so far no clear evidence for a causative role of kavalactones and non‐kavalactone constituents, such as pipermethystine and flavokavain B, identified from kava. Therefore, novel enzymatic, analytical, toxicological, ethnobotanical and clinical studies are now required. Studies should focus on the identification of further potential hepatotoxic constituents, considering in particular possible adulterants and impurities with special reference to ochratoxin A and aflatoxins (AFs) producing Aspergillus varieties, which should be urgently assessed and published. At present, Aspergillus and other fungus species producing hepatotoxic mycotoxins have not yet been examined thoroughly as possible contaminants of some kava raw materials. Its occurence may be facilitated by high humidity, poor methods for drying procedures and insufficient storage facilities during the time after harvest. Various experimental studies are recommended using aqueous, acetonic and ethanolic kava extracts derived from different plant parts, such as peeled rhizomes and peeled roots including their peelings, and considering both noble and non‐noble kava cultivars. In addition, ethnobotanical studies associated with local expertise and surveillance are required to achieve a good quality of kava as the raw material. In clinical trials of patients with anxiety disorders seeking herbal anxiolytic treatment with kava extracts, long‐term safety and efficacy should be tested using traditional aqueous extracts obtained from peeled rhizomes and peeled roots of a noble kava cultivar, such as Borogu, to evaluate the risk: benefit ratio. Concomitantly, more research should be conducted on the bioavailability of kavalactones and non‐kavalactones derived from aqueous kava extracts. To be on the side of caution and to ensure lack of liver injury, kava consuming inhabitants of the kava producing or importing South Pacific islands should undergo assessment of their liver function values and serum aflatoxin levels. The primary aim is to achieve a good quality of kava raw material, without the risk of adulterants and impurities including ochratoxin A and AFs, which represent the sum of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2. Although it is known that kava may naturally be contaminated with AFs, there is at present no evidence that kava hepatotoxicity might be due to aflatoxicosis. However, appropriate studies have yet to be done and should be extended to other mould hepatotoxins, with the aim of publishing the obtained results. It is hoped that with the proposed qualifying measures, the safety of individuals consuming kava will substantially be improved. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antigenotoxic Activity of Watercress Extract in an In Vitro Mammalian System using Comet Assay
Authors: Casanova Natalia A. , Carballo Marta A.
Published: March 2011

Watercress (Cruciferae), an integral part of Mediterranean diets, is a nutritive food which is used in the treatment of several diseases. Oxidative DNA damage seems to play a crucial role in chronic, aging‐related diseases and it is considered an important and probably carcinogenic factor. The aim of this work was to determine the impact of watercress extract on cell viability and its potential antigenotoxic properties against induced oxidative damage, using a comet assay and peripheral blood cells as an in vitro model. An aqueous extract of the leaves was prepared using a juice processor, centrifuged, filtered and preserved at −20 °C. Two concentrations of the aqueous extract (13.2 and 26.4 mg/mL) were assayed. No differences were found in cell viability between the control and treated groups at any time. Significant antigenotoxic effects were observed for both concentrations, expressed as the damage index (p = 0.005 at 30 min; p < 0.001 at 60 and 90 min), the percentage reductions in damage being similar between them (67.1–75.2% respectively). These results suggest that the consumption watercress in the diet is a powerful tool for improving health and the quality of life. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of Experimental Atopic Dermatitis by Rhubarb (Rhizomes of Rheum tanguticum) and 5‐Lipoxygenase Inhibition of its Major Constituent, Emodin
Authors: Jin Jeong Ho , Ngoc Tran Minh , Bae KiHwan , Kim Yeong Shik , Kim Hyun Pyo
Published: March 2011

The antiallergic activity of rhubarb and its constituents, anthraquinones, has been reported previously. For further evaluation of the antiallergic activity, a 70% ethanol extract of the rhizomes of Rheum tanguticum (RTE) was prepared and its inhibitory activity on an animal model of atopic dermatitis (AD) was examined for the first time. Oral administration of RTE (30–300 mg/kg/day) for 5 weeks significantly inhibited hapten‐induced dermatitis in NC/Nga mice based on the skin severity score. In addition, treatment with RTE at 100 mg/kg/day also reduced the numbers of white blood cells, neutrophils and eosinophils in the blood, and led to a significant reduction in the IgE concentration in the serum. In rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)‐1 cells, RTE inhibited 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LOX)‐catalysed leukotriene production (IC50 = 43.6 µg/mL). Among the anthraquinone derivatives isolated, emodin strongly inhibited this parameter (IC50 = 4.3 µm). Taken together, these findings suggest that rhubarb exerts inhibitory activity against AD, and that the 5‐LOX inhibitory activity of its major constituent, emodin, may contribute to this inhibitory action. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ensuring Quality of Regulatory Clinical Documents
Authors: Li Henry , Hanna Kim , Petteway Steve
Published: March 2011

A large number of clinical documents are generated during the clinical stage of drug development. These documents are used to obtain regulatory permission for clinical trial initiation, to execute clinical trials, and eventually to get regulatory approval for new products or indications. The types of clinical documents required are numerous and complex and include study protocols, informed consent forms, investigator brochures, investigational new drug annual reports, and clinical study reports. In addition, clinical documents that summarize clinical study results are part of a new drug application or biological license application. Because clinical documents are critical for drug development and business, they must be of the highest quality. Towards that end, we have developed a comprehensive QC program and implemented a QC step in the clinical document preparation process. This program is process driven with an SOP for QC review and a QC step is formalized in each document‐specific SOP. We also applied quality audit principles in the QC review. Independent reviewers perform each QC review using checklists to provide a consistent and objective evaluation of clinical documents. The document author addresses each QC finding and subsequent QC changes are verified. The scope of a QC review is tailored to each document. The QC review is an inherent step of the clinical document preparation process, providing necessary assurance that clinical documents generated are of the highest quality possible. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE INFLUENCE OF WASTEWATER SUBSIDY, FLOOD DISTURBANCE AND NEIGHBOURING LAND USE ON CURRENT AND HISTORICAL PATTERNS OF RIPARIAN VEGETATION IN A SEMI‐ARID WATERSHED
Authors: Villarreal M. L. , Drake S. , Marsh S. E. , McCoy A. L.
Published: March 2011

Riparian systems are among the most diverse and most threatened ecosystems in the western USA and consequently the focus of much conservation and restoration effort. Detailed mapping of existing riparian vegetation and quantitative description of historical riparian dynamics can inform and direct ecosystem conservation and restoration efforts. Using historical aerial photography, satellite imagery and field methods, we examine and compare historical riparian vegetation dynamics within catchments of varying land‐use/water‐use intensity along a 51‐km stretch of the Santa Cruz River in Arizona, USA. We mapped current (2006–2007) vegetation to a formation class level (dominant life form) through aerial photo‐interpretation and refined the map to an alliance level (dominant species) with extensive field data. We mapped historical vegetation to the formation level using six dates of aerial photography (1936–2004) and quantified rates of land‐use and vegetation change over the 70‐year period with spatial analysis techniques. Our results indicate that the current amount, distribution and diversity of vegetation alliances are linked to effluent supply. Sites receiving effluent since 1972 experienced a rapid increase in area of riparian forest and woodland from 1984 to 2004, followed by retrogression to herbaceous‐dominated types from 2004 to 2006, the result of an extensive cottonwood tree die‐off. Sites with no effluent subsidy are currently dominated by a mixture of riparian shrub and non‐native herbaceous alliances but tend to have higher overall alliance diversity and exhibit more stability over time. These results suggest that the use of effluent for riparian restoration may have variable long‐term effects depending on catchment land‐use history. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CEO Dismissal: The role of investment analysts
Authors: Wiersema Margarethe F. , Zhang Yan
Published: March 2011

While poor firm performance has been shown to be a predictor of CEO dismissal, little is known about the role of external constituents on the board's decision to dismiss the firm's CEO. In this study, we propose that investment analysts, as legitimate third‐party evaluators of the firm and its leadership, provide certification as to the CEO's ability, or lack thereof, and thus help reduce the ambiguity associated with the board's evaluation of the CEO's efficacy. In addition, the board tends to respond to investment analysts because their stock recommendations influence investors, whom the board wants to appease. Using panel data on the S&P 500 companies for the 2000–2005 period, we find that negative analyst recommendations result in a higher probability of CEO dismissal. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proton Conductivity of SO3H‐Functionalized Benzene–Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica
Authors: Sharifi Monir , Köhler Christof , Tölle Pia , Frauenheim Thomas , Wark Michael
Published: March 2011

The proton conductivity of benzene–periodic mesoporous silica (PMO) materials functionalized with sulfonic acid groups is investigated using experimental and theoretical techniques. The SO3H functionalization of pristine benzene–PMO is realized by three different pathways based on a grafting method in which surface silanol groups and/or benzene rings are used to anchor SO3H groups for enhanced proton conductivity. The functionalized material is experimentally characterized using X‐ray diffraction, small‐angle neutron scattering, and argon adsorption isotherms. After pressing the functionalized benzene–PMOs into pellets, the proton conductivity is deduced from Bode plots of impedance spectra taken in the temperature range of 333–413 K at 100% relative humidity. Using quantum mechanical approaches for selected proton‐conduction mechanisms, the free energy barriers for proton transport as well as the local water environment at the surface are calculated. These calculations indicate that different mechanisms from purely bulk water transport are important for the benzene–PMO proton conduction, in agreement with experimental data.
Cocaine increases ryanodine receptors via dopamine D1 receptors
Authors: Kurokawa Kazuhiro , Mizuno Koji , Shibasaki Masahiro , Kiyokage Emi , Toida Kazunori , Ohkuma Seito
Published: March 2011

For review there are little available data on regulatory mechanisms of ryanodine receptor (RyR) expression with cocaine treatment, though methamphetamine was reported to up‐regulate RyRs in mouse brain. This study attempted to investigate regulatory mechanisms of RyR expression using the cerebral cortical neurons in primary culture intermittently exposed to a psychostimulant, cocaine. Intermittent exposure to cocaine (10 μM) significantly enhanced RyR 1 and 2 proteins and their mRNA, but not RyR 3 expression in the neurons. These cocaine‐induced increases of RyR proteins and their mRNA were dose‐dependently blocked by a dopamine D1 receptor antagonist (SCH23390), but not by a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist (sulpiride). These results indicate a regulatory role of dopamine D1 receptors in RyR expression bycocaine. Synapse, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transparente Elektroden auf Kunststofffolien
Authors: Fahland Matthias
Published: March 2011

Transparente Elektroden spielen bereits heute in einer Vielzahl von Anwendungen eine große Rolle und werden in ihrer Bedeutung noch zunehmen. Künftige Anwendungen werden anspruchsvoller sein in Bezug auf bessere elektrische Eigenschaften der Elektroden bei gleichzeitig niedrigeren Kosten. Heute bestehen transparente Elektroden meist aus leitfähigen Oxiden wie zum Beispiel Indium‐Zinn Oxid (ITO). Diese Materialien können von leitfähigen keramischen Targets gesputtert werden. Dazu werden die Substrate als Rollenware ins Vakuum gebracht und dort während eines kontinuierlich laufenden Umwickelvorgangs beschichtet. Auf diese Weise lassen sich Elektroden bis etwa 20 Ωsqu herstellen. Für niedrigere Widerstände sind neue Ansätze notwendig. Meist wird die leitfähige Oxidschicht durch ein metallisches Gitter verstärkt. Dadurch lassen sich niedrigere Schichtwiderstände erreichen. Aber auch Lösungen, die völlig ohne Vakuumbeschichtung auskommen, rücken immer mehr in den Fokus des Interesses. Diese profitieren vor allem von technologischen Fortschritten bei organischen Polymeren. Neben dem niedrigen Schichtwiderstand spielt vor allem die hohe mechanische Flexibilität der Baugruppen eine große Rolle.
Untersuchung von Grenzflächen in Chalkopyrit‐Dünnschichtsolarzellen
Authors: Lauermann Iver
Published: March 2011

Anhand von zwei Beispielen aus der aktuellen Forschung im Bereich Solarenergieforschung am Helmholtz‐Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie (HZB) wird gezeigt, wie Synchrotronstrahlung zur Analyse von Grenzflächenreaktionen in Dünnschichtsolarzellen eingesetzt werden kann und somit zum Verständnis ihrer Funktionsweise beiträgt. Erst mit diesem Wissen können Dünnschichtsolarzellen im Hinblick auf Wirkungsgrad und Stabilität verbessert werden. Dargestellt wird der Einsatz der Röntgenemissionsspektroskopie zum Nachweis der Oxidation von Sulfid zu Sulfat an der Grenzfläche zwischen Chalkopyrit‐Solarzellenabsorbern und Zinkoxid‐Fensterschicht. Im zweiten Beispiel wird gezeigt, wie Hochenergie‐Röntgenphotoelektronenspektroskopie eingesetzt wird, um die Diffusion von Kupfer aus einem Chalkopyrit‐Absorber in eine Indiumsulfid‐Pufferschicht in‐situ zu verfolgen.
Biomarkers in the diagnosis of lysosomal storage disorders: proteins, lipids, and inhibodies
Authors: Aerts Johannes M. F. G. , Kallemeijn Wouter W. , Wegdam Wouter , Joao Ferraz Maria , van Breemen Marielle J. , Dekker Nick , Kramer Gertjan , Poorthuis Ben J. , Groener Johanna E. M. , Cox‐Brinkman Josanne , Rombach Saskia M. , Hollak Carla E. M. , Linthorst Gabor E. , Witte Martin D. , Gold Henrik , van der Marel Gijs A. , Overkleeft Herman S. , Boot Rolf G.
Published: March 2011

A biomarker is an analyte indicating the presence of a biological process linked to the clinical manifestations and outcome of a particular disease. In the case of lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), primary and secondary accumulating metabolites or proteins specifically secreted by storage cells are good candidates for biomarkers. Clinical applications of biomarkers are found in improved diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and assessing therapeutic correction. These are illustrated by reviewing the discovery and use of biomarkers for Gaucher disease and Fabry disease. In addition, recently developed chemical tools allowing specific visualization of enzymatically active lysosomal glucocerebrosidase are described. Such probes, coined inhibodies, offer entirely new possibilities for more sophisticated molecular diagnosis, enzyme replacement therapy monitoring, and fundamental research.