bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial testing (stage 1) of the BH3 mimetic ABT‐263 by the pediatric preclinical testing program
Authors: Lock Richard , Carol Hernan , Houghton Peter J. , Morton Christopher L. , Kolb E. Anders , Gorlick Richard , Reynolds C. Patrick , Maris John M. , Keir Stephen T. , Wu Jianrong , Smith Malcolm A.
Published: December 2007

Background

ABT‐263 is a potent (Ki < 1 nM) small‐molecule BH3 mimetic that inhibits the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL and Bcl‐w. The structurally related Bcl‐2 inhibitor ABT‐737 exhibits single‐agent preclinical activity against lymphoma, small‐cell lung carcinoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia and displays synergistic cytotoxicity with chemotherapeutics and radiation.

Methods

ABT‐263 was tested at concentrations ranging from 1.0 nM to 10.0 µM using 23 cell lines from the PPTP in vitro panel and was tested in 44 xenograft models representing nine distinct histologies using daily gavage administration of ABT‐263 (100 mg/kg) or vehicle for 21 days.

Results

ABT‐263 was active against approximately one‐half of the cell lines of the PPTP in vitro panel. The median IC50 for all of the lines in the panel was 1.91 µM. ABT‐263 induced significant prolongation of the EFS distribution in 9 of 35 (26%) of the solid tumor xenografts, and in 5 of 6 (83%) of the evaluable ALL xenografts. ABT‐263 induced no objective responses in the solid tumor panels, but induced CRs in 3 of 6 evaluable xenografts in the ALL panel, including two that were maintained for an additional 3 weeks following treatment cessation.

Conclusions

ABT‐263 demonstrated in vitro activity against a range of cell lines, with the ALL cell lines showing the greatest sensitivity. ABT‐263 demonstrated limited single agent in vivo activity against the PPTP's solid tumor panels but showed significant activity against xenografts in the ALL panel. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1181–1189. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Weight No More: a randomised controlled trial for people with type 2 diabetes on insulin therapy
Authors: Cheyette C
Published: December 2007

This study investigated whether a newly developed, dietitian led, weight management programme ‘Weight No More’ was effective at helping patients with type 2 diabetes, who are established on insulin therapy, to lose weight in both the short and long term.

Forty‐nine patients were recruited to this randomised controlled trial using convenience volunteer sampling. Patients were randomised into either a control group (n = 20) or an intervention group (n = 29). The intervention group underwent the Weight No More programme consisting of eight 11/2 hour group teaching sessions. The control group received their standard diabetes care of an appointment with the dietitian on an annual basis.

Measurements of outcome variables were taken at baseline, four months (end of intervention), six months and 12 months post‐intervention. At four months the intervention group saw a significant decrease in weight of 2.2kg (p<0.01) and in HbA1c of 0.9% (p<0.01), and insulin use reduction of 10.1 units (p<0.01). The control group also had a significant decrease in HbA1c of 0.3% (p<0.01), although this was less than the intervention group; no other significant changes were seen. At six and 12 months post‐intervention there were no significant differences when compared to baseline measurements in either group.

The Weight No More programme is an effective short‐term treatment option for overweight patients with diabetes. However, when compared to standard care, the beneficial effects of the programme are lost after six months and 12 months follow up. Further research is required to establish weight maintenance strategies and cost effectiveness. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
ABCD position statement on lipid modifying drug therapy in diabetes
Authors: Feher MD , Winocour PH
Published: December 2007

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention in diabetes is a major therapeutic issue. There are currently several UK based published guidelines for the management of cardiovascular risk in diabetes. Treatment thresholds and targets for the use of lipid modifying drugs vary according to which guideline is consulted. In the light of the variations between guidelines, ABCD endorses an individual ‘tailored’ approach, underpinned by clinical and economic pragmatism. Assessment should include the presence of CVD and other risk factors as well as management of conditions which may alter the lipid profile.

Compelling reasons to use statins in adults with diabetes include: clinically manifest CVD; high or marked elevation of LDL (often from a defined genetic cause); treated hypertension, or those with persistent proteinuria (microalbuminuria or proteinuria) or reduced filtration function (eGFR <60 ml/min); and include the majority of diabetes patients above 50 years of age without additional CVD risk factors. Due to limited trial data assessing lipid lowering and clinical outcome in the 30–50 year age group, a ‘tailored’ approach to statin use rather than a ‘statin for all’ should be applied to those with type 1 diabetes. Statin therapy for younger type 2 diabetes (children and those aged up to 40) also needs further clarification and should currently be restricted to those at highest CVD risk. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Alterations of oestradiol, testosterone, gonadotrophins and SHBG by type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal women
Authors: Gooding KM , Spyer G , Tooke JE , Macleod KM
Published: December 2007

Sex hormones influence cardiovascular risk and bone mineral density. Total oestradiol is increased in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes, whereas its impact on androgens, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and gonadotrophins in postmenopausal women is not so clearly understood. This study aims to clarify the impact of type 2 diabetes on sex hormone levels in Caucasian postmenopausal women.

Type 2 diabetic (n=42) and non‐diabetic (n=45) postmenopausal women were recruited. Venous blood samples were drawn and assayed for total oestradiol, total testosterone, luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and SHBG. Ratio of total testosterone to SHBG was used as an index of free testosterone (FT).

Total oestradiol and FT were significantly higher in diabetic subjects compared to controls— oestradiol median: 59.5(25th,75th centiles: 41.5,74.5) vs 42.5(37.0,59.8)pmol/L, p=0.009 Mann‐Whitney test; and FT: 0.038(0.021,0.070) vs 0.022(0.012,0.036), p=0.003. SHBG, FSH and LH were lower in diabetic subjects compared to controls— SHBG: 32(23.3,47.3) vs 55(37,70)nmol/L, p<0.001; FSH: 54.8(42.2,68.7) vs 71.8(55.9,98.9)iu/L, p=0.001; and LH: 27.9(20.6,39.7) vs 39.2(30.9,48.1)iu/L, p=0.011— but total testosterone was not different. The differences in oestradiol, SHBG and FSH remained when subjects were matched for BMI and age (n=29).

Preliminary sub‐group analysis suggests that these differences may be influenced by form of diabetic therapy and glycaemic control. Type 2 diabetes is associated with altered levels of total oestradiol, FT, SHBG, FSH, LH, in postmenopausal women. However, further research is required to determine the impact of diabetic therapy and glycaemic control, and also the clinical relevance of these alterations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
Recurrent diabetic ketoalkalosis in type 1 diabetes and gastroparesis
Authors: Elmalti AYM , Mansfield MW
Published: December 2007

Usually, absolute insulin deficiency in type 1 diabetes rapidly leads to hyperglycaemia and ketosis. We describe a patient who has recurrently presented with diabetic ketoalkalosis, an infrequently described metabolic derangement. He was admitted with a series of three acute presentations over a one‐year period with persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, hyperglycaemia, ketonuria and biochemical evidence of metabolic alkalosis (pH >7.68, plasma bicarbonate >36mmol/L, chloride 65–84mmol/L). There was no history of alkaline ingestion. On each occasion he was treated with intravenous insulin and 0.9% sodium chloride rehydration, which corrected his biochemical abnormality. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after the first episode showed duodenal ulceration with no pyloric obstruction, for which he was treated with a proton pump inhibitor. Because of his recurrent vomiting and clinical signs of gastric outlet obstruction he underwent gastric emptying studies after a period of in‐patient euglycaemia. These showed significant delay in solid and liquid phase gastric emptying.

We propose that his recurrent presentation with ketoalkalosis and hypochloraemia is due to gastroparesis leading to vomiting of gastric hydrochloric acid in excess of duodenal bicarbonate loss. The alkalosis is exacerbated by potassium depletion and by hypovolaemia resulting from persistent vomiting and glucose driven osmotic diuresis (contraction alkalosis). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.
The basic cognition of jealousy: an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Maner Jon K. , Shackelford Todd K.
Published: December 2007

Penke and Asendorpf (European Journal Of Personality, vol 21, this issue) argue compellingly that research on jealousy would benefit from more direct investigation of cognitive processes, and report on research providing mixed evidence for sex differences in jealousy. We identify three limitations to the empirical approach utilised by Penke and Asendorpf, and highlight novel conceptual and methodological approaches for directly examining the basic cognitive mechanisms associated with jealousy and intrasexual rivalry. Investigating the basic cognition of intrasexual rivalry will help expand the scope of jealousy‐related research. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electro‐synthesized PEDOT/glutamate chemically modified electrode: a combination of electrical and biocompatible features
Authors: Che Jianfei , Xiao Yinghong , Zhu Xufei , Sun Xiaojie
Published: December 2007

BACKGROUND: Neural prosthetic devices have been developed that can facilitate the stimulation and recording of electrical activity when implanted in the central nervous system. The key parts of the devices are metal (gold) electrodes; however, surface modification of the gold electrode is desired. Conducting polymers are promising candidates for this purpose.

RESULTS: A conducting polymer, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), was electro‐polymerized onto gold electrodes with a neural transmitter of glutamate (Glu) as dopant. A protocol of ion exchange was employed due to the difficulty of direct incorporation of Glu into PEDOT. Sodium p‐toluenesulfonate (TSNa) was chosen as the first dopant and subsequent incorporation of Glu was accomplished via ion exchange. The electrochemical properties of the resultant PEDOT/Glu were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. The purpose of incorporating Glu was to improve the biocompatibility of the coated electrode. The PEDOT/Glu‐coated electrode showed better cell attachment compared with a PEDOT/TSNa‐coated electrode in in vitro cell culture of PC12. The stability of PEDOT was studied by immersing the coated electrode in a biologically relevant reducing agent of glutathione.

CONCLUSION: The charge capacity of the coated electrode had an initial slight decrease and then remained unchanged. Good electro‐activity was conserved, indicating the superior stability of PEDOT in the biological environment. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteome analysis of Streptococcus suis serotype 2
Authors: Jing Hong‐Bo , Yuan Jing , Wang Jie , Yuan Yuan , Zhu Li , Liu Xian‐Kai , Zheng Yu‐Ling , Wei Kai‐Hua , Zhang Xue‐Min , Geng Hong‐Ran , Duan Qing , Feng Shu‐Zhang , Yang Rui‐Fu , Cao Wu‐Chun , Wang Heng‐Liang , Jiang Yong‐Qiang
Published: December 2007

Outbreaks in humans, caused by Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2), were reported in 1998 and 2005 in China. However, the mechanism of SS2‐associated infection remains unclear. For the first time, a 2‐D gel approach combined with MS was used to establish a comprehensive 2‐D reference map for aiding our understanding of the pathogenicity of SS2. The identification of 694 out of 834 processed spots revealed 373 proteins. Most of the identified proteins were located in the cytoplasm and were involved in energy metabolism, protein synthesis, and cellular processes. Proteins that were abundant in the 2‐DE gels could be linked mainly to housekeeping functions in carbohydrate metabolism, protein quality control and translation. 2‐DE of secretory proteins was performed using IPG strips of pH 4–7. Among the 102 protein spots processed, 87 spots representing 77 proteins were successfully identified. Some virulence‐associated proteins of SS2 were found, including arginine deiminase, ornithine carbamoyl‐transferase, carbamate kinase, muramidase‐released protein precursor, extracellur factor, and suilysin. Enolase and endopeptidase have been proposed as putative virulence‐associated factors in this study. The 2‐D reference map might provide a powerful tool for analyzing the virulence factor and the regulatory network involved in the pathogenicity of this microorganism.
Comparison of human platelet membrane‐cytoskeletal proteins with the plasma proteome: Towards understanding the platelet‐plasma nexus
Authors: Greening David W. , Glenister Kristen M. , Kapp Eugene A. , Moritz Robert L. , Sparrow Rosemary L. , Lynch Garry W. , Simpson Richard J.
Published: December 2007

Platelets are essential for maintaining vascular integrity. Given the anucleate nature of platelets, definition of their proteome is essential for understanding platelet pathophysiology. We describe here a detailed MS‐based proteomic analysis of the platelet membrane/cytoskeletal sub‐proteome from purified, normal, non‐activated human platelets. In contrast to previous platelet proteomic purification strategies, the buffy‐coat method was utilized in this study to isolate and purify minimally activated platelets, yielding significantly reduced contaminants for leukocytes (0.02 ± 0.007×106/L) and erythrocytes (0.21 ± 0.02%). Using a false discovery rate of 1%, 203 proteins were identified and characterized with respect to their subcellular localization, biological function, and cellular processes. Of these, 16 have not been identified in previous human platelet proteome studies. As a first approach towards understanding the dynamic platelet‐plasma protein composition nexus, we re‐analysed the entire HUPO plasma proteome project dataset (647 plasma proteins identified) and compared these data with our platelet proteome dataset. Co‐identified proteins (41) were further analysed with respect to their relative abundances (exponentially modified protein abundance index) and functional enrichment in these two proteomes, as well as their correlation with the platelet transcriptome. Both platelet membrane/cytoskeletal and plasma proteome reference datasets, comprising both processed and unprocessed MS/MS spectra, are publicly accessible (http://www.ludwig.edu.au/archive/).
Using nuclear morphometry to predict the need for treatment among men with low grade, low stage prostate cancer enrolled in a program of expectant management with curative intent
Authors: Makarov Danil V. , Marlow Cameron , Epstein Jonathan I. , Miller M. Craig , Landis Patricia , Partin Alan W. , Carter H. Ballentine , Veltri Robert W.
Published: December 2007

PURPOSE

We assessed the use of quantitative clinical and pathologic information to predict which patients would eventually require treatment for prostate cancer (CaP) in an expectant management (EM) cohort.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We identified 75 men having prostate cancer with favorable initial biopsy characteristics; 30 developed an unfavorable biopsy (Gleason grade > 6, >2 cores with cancer, >50% of a core with cancer, or a palpable nodule) requiring treatment and 45 maintained favorable biopsies throughout a median follow‐up of 2.7years. Demographic, clinical data and quantitative tissue histomorphometry determined by digital image analysis were analyzed.

RESULTS

Logistic regression (LR) modeling generated a quantitative nuclear grade (QNG) signature based on the enrollment biopsy for differentiation of Favorable and Unfavorable groups using a variable LR selection criteria of Pz < 0.05. The QNG signature utilized 12 nuclear morphometric descriptors (NMDs) and had an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC‐AUC) of 87% with a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 70% and accuracy of 75%. A multivariable LR model combining QNG signature with clinical and pathological variables yielded an AUC‐ROC of 88% and a sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 78% and accuracy of 79%. A LR model using prostate volume, PSA density, and number of pre‐diagnosis biopsies resulted in an AUC‐ROC of 68% and a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 37% and accuracy of 56%.

CONCLUSIONS

QNG using EM prostate biopsies improves the predictive accuracy of LR models based on traditional clinicopathologic variables in determining which patients will ultimately develop an unfavorable biopsy. Our QNG‐based model must be rigorously, prospectively validated prior to use in the clinical arena. Prostate 68: 183–189, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fuscopeptins, antimicrobial lipodepsipeptides from Pseudomonas fuscovaginae, are channel forming peptides active on biological and model membranes
Authors: Coraiola M. , Paletti R. , Fiore A. , Fogliano V. , Serra M. Dalla
Published: December 2007

FP‐A and FP‐B are LDPs produced by the plant pathogen Pseudomonas fuscovaginae. As expected from their primary structure, they shared a similar mechanism of action with the better characterized SPs, synthesized by strains of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae. Indeed, they displayed hemolytic activity on human erythrocytes and were able to induce calcein release from LUVs: the effect was dependent on the concentration of the FPs and the lipid composition of the liposome and, in particular, it increased with the SM content of the membrane. The permeabilizing activity was further investigated on PLMs. FPs were able to open pores on pure POPC membranes. Pore opening was strongly voltage dependent: by switching the potential from negative to positive values, an increase in the absolute amplitude of transmembrane current was induced with simultaneous closure of pores. In 0.1 M KCl both FPs' pores had a conductance of 4 and 9 pS at − 140 mV and + 140 mV, respectively. Studies on ion selectivity indicated that FPs formed cation‐selective channels. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solid‐phase synthesis of tailed cyclic RGD peptides using glutamic acid: unexpected glutarimide formation
Authors: Zhu Junmin , Marchant Roger E.
Published: December 2007

To provide multiple conjugating sites on cyclic peptides for their increasing biomedical applications, a tailed cyclic RGD peptide, c[RGDfE(GGGKK‐NH2)] was designed with c(RGDfE) linked through Glu to a tail consisting of a spacer of three Gly residues and a linker of two Lys residues. The spacer is used to increase the mobility and binding ability of the c(RGDfE) ligand, and the linker is used to proved multiple active sites for conjugating other molecules or biomaterials. We found that the sequence of Glu(Gly)‐OAll leads to glutarimide formation, which disrupts the formation of cyclic RGD peptides. However, our results show that glutarimide formation is sequence dependent and can be inhibited by incorporating an amino acid like Lys(Boc) with steric hindrance from the protecting group. To prevent glutarimide formation, Ser(tBu) was used to replace the glycine in the GGG spacer adjacent to the residue of Glu, and a tailed cyclic RGD peptide, c[RGDfE(SGGKK‐NH2)] was successfully obtained. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structuring and interactions of human β‐defensins 2 and 3 with model membranes
Authors: Morgera Francesca , Antcheva Nikolinka , Pacor Sabrina , Quaroni Luca , Berti Federico , Vaccari Lisa , Tossi Alessandro
Published: December 2007

β‐Defensins play an important role in both innate and adaptive immunity, displaying a direct anti‐microbial activity against a wide variety of micro‐organisms as well as interesting immuno‐modulatory effects on host cells. Interaction with biological membranes appears to be a central theme in modulating these activities, leading to different consequences such as membrane lysis, translocation into the cytoplasm or transfer to a receptor. We have investigated the structuring of human β‐defensins (hBD2 and hBD3) and rationally designed variants, in relation to their interactions with real and model membranes. Biophysical methods, such as circular dichroism (CD), transmission or reflection IR and dye release were used to probe their structure/activity in the presence of model membranes, while fluorimetric and flow cytometric assays were used to investigate the effects on prokaryotic cells. Our results indicate that structural features, such as the helical N‐terminal domains and oligomerisation at the membrane surface, may modulate the efficiency of membrane insertion and selectivity for microbial or host‐cell membranes. We propose that both peptides interact with membranes as extended β‐sheet platforms that present amphipathic helices for insertion into the lipid bilayer. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal and electrical transport properties of a single nickel nanowire
Authors: Ou M. N. , Harutyunyan S. R. , Lai S. J. , Chen C. D. , Yang T. J. , Chen Y. Y.
Published: December 2007

The thermal conductivity (κ), specific heat (Cp) and the resistivity (ρ) of a single nickel nanowire have been measured in the temperature range from 4 to 300 K by means of the “self heating 3ω” technique. Starting with a 100 nm nickel film grown on a Si/Si3N4 substrate by thermal evaporation, a suspended nickel nanowire was then fabricated through e‐beam lithography and etching processes. The width and length of the wire were determined by scanning electron microscope (SEM) as 180 nm and 35 μm re‐spectively. At 300 K the thermal conductivity of nanowire is ∼ 20% of the bulk, it diminishes to lower value as temperature decreases. The consequence is opposite to that of the bulk and might be explained by the ristriction of mean free paths of electron/phonon–phonon interactions due to the grain boundaries. An enhancement of specific heat ∼250% of the bulk is also observed. In addition, the resistivity of nanowire at room temperature is about four times larger than that of the bulk. The small relative resistiv‐ity ratio (RRR) confirms the polycrystalline characteristic of the nanowire. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Vortex dynamics in submicron exchange‐biased disks
Authors: Moon Jung Hwan , Kim Woo Jin , Lee Taek Dong , Lee Kyung‐Jin
Published: December 2007

Using micromagnetic simulation we have investigated the vortex dynamics in an exchange‐biased permalloy nanodisk with 500 nm‐radius and 10 nm‐thickness. We found the exchange bias plays an important role in the vortex dynamics. The exchange bias results in the elliptical trajectory. The vortex dynamics in the exchange‐biased nanodisk is strongly affected by the angle between the exchange bias field and the external field. We found that it is possible to selectively transform the vortex state into the single domain state with a pulsed magnetic field by controlling the magnitude and the angle of the external magnetic field. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of aspect ratio of nanostrip on transformation of transverse domain wall due to adiabatic spin torque
Authors: Seo S. M. , Kim W. J. , Lee T. D. , Lee K. J.
Published: December 2007

We have studied the current‐induced dynamics of the transverse domain wall in the adiabatic limit. Above the threshold current density for the continuous domain wall motion, the transverse wall is transformed by the injection of the antivortex. In general, the wall velocity increases and the wall width decreases as the antivortex is injected. However, detailed time‐dependent profiles of the wall velocity and the wall width are significantly affected by the aspect ratio of the nanostrip. The mean velocity of the TW decreases as the aspect ratio increases. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Inhomogeneous surface electronic properties and charge ordering in epitaxial Fe3O4 films on MgO(001)
Authors: Subagyo A. , Sasaki Y. , Oka H. , Sueoka K.
Published: December 2007

We report scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) study of surface electronic properties and charge ordering of epitaxially grown magnetite, Fe3O4, (001) films exhibiting high density of antiphase domain boundaries (APBs). STM measurements using a W tip reveal surface termination at B‐sites. Fe ions with a 0.3 nm periodicity, i.e., a single atomic distance are observed. Current imaging tunneling spectroscopy reveals the alternation of two kinds of current peaks with a 0.6 nm periodicty indicating the presence of charge ordering consisted of Fe dimers with different charge states. STM measurements using a magnetic Ni tip provide higher contrast of the charge ordering. The APBs can modify the charge ordering as ordered and disordered areas are observed on adjacent domains separated by an APB. These strongly indicate that APBs can induce inhomogeneous properties on the surface of Fe3O4(001) films. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Half metallic ferromagnetism of Mn doped AlSb: A first principles study
Authors: Rahman Gul. , Cho Sungle , Hong Soon Cheol
Published: December 2007

We employ the spin‐polarized, full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) method within generalized gradient approximation (GGA) to study the electriconic and magnetic properties of Al1–xMnxSb (x = 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.0). We find that Al1–xMnxSb is a half metal ferromagnet. The Fermi level shifts toward high energy with the increase of Mn concentration. At the end composition (i.e. MnSb) the Fermi level touches the conduction band edge and MnSb is nearly a half met al. The minority spin gap (∼1.0 eV) is robust to the change of Mn concentration. The total magnetic moment per Mn of Al1–xMnxSb is also (4.0 µB) independent of the Mn concentration due to its half‐metallicity. The induced magnetic polarization of the nearest Sb atom is antiparallel to that of Mn atom whereas parallel magnetic polarization is found at the Al site. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Ferromagnetic resonance spectra in patterned and unpatterned NiFe/Pt films
Authors: Ando K. , Sasage K. , Harii K. , Saitoh E.
Published: December 2007

The ferromagnetic resonance in nanostructured Ni81Fe19 films comprising flim parts and wire parts covered with Pt has been investigated. In contrast to the systematic variation of the FMR linewidth for the film parts, the linewidth for the nanostructured wire parts shows an irregular change with changing the thickness of Pt. This irregular change indicates that the spin current absorption in the Pt layer cannot fully account for the linewidth change in the wire parts. This FMR‐linewidth variation can be argued in terms of the competition between the spin pumping and the roughness effect. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spin accumulation from the spin Hall effect and the anisotropic effect studied using the effective mean‐free‐path model
Authors: Chen S.‐P. , Chang C.‐R.
Published: December 2007

A thin film system with the spin Hall effect and the anisotropic effect is investigated by use of the effective mean‐free‐path model. Its spin accumulation from the spin Hall effect is supressed by the the anisotropic effect. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microstructure and magnetic properties of Fe/X (X = Au, Ag, Cu) multilayer films grown on MgO(001) substrates
Authors: Ohtake Mitsuru , Yasui Yusuke , Kirino Fumiyoshi , Futamoto Masaaki
Published: December 2007

Fe/X (X = Au, Ag, Cu) epitaxial multilayer films were prepared on MgO(001) substrates at a substrate temperature of 300 °C by alternate deposition of Fe and X atomic layers. The composition of Fe/X multilayer was varied from the ratio around the L 10 phase stoichiometry (Fe:X = 50:50) to X ‐rich region. The effects of X atom on the microstructure, magnetic properties, and formation of L 10 ordered phase were investigated. X‐ray analysis has shown that L 10 ordered phase is formed in the Fe/Au system and that a stronger intensity of L 10 phase is observed in an Au‐rich compositional region. No evidence of L 10 ordered phase formation is recognized for the Fe/Ag and the Fe/Cu systems. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Room‐temperature magnetic entropy change in La0.7Sr0.3Mn1‐xMxO3 (M = Al, Ti)
Authors: Dai N. V. , Son D. V. , Yu S. C. , Bau L. V. , Hong L. V. , Phuc N. X. , Nam D. N. H.
Published: December 2007

Magnetic entropy change in and above the room‐temperature region has been measured for La0.7Sr0.3Mn1‐x Mx O3 (M = Al, Ti) by means of magnetization measurements in magnetic fields up to 6 T. The magnetocaloric effect (MCE) becomes strongest at the Curie temperature Tc that is tuned to ∼300 K by the substitution of Al or Ti for Mn. While the substitution of Al for Mn drastically reduces the entropy change, it extends considerably the working temperature span and improves the relative cooling power (RCP). The MCE and RCP seem to be only lightly affected by Ti substitution. Although manganites are considered potential for magnetic refrigerants, the limitations for achieving strong MCE in the materials are also discussed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of A‐site ionic size variation on the magnetic and transport properties of (PrxSm1–x)2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1)
Authors: Asthana Saket , Dho Joonghoe , Bahadur D.
Published: December 2007

The effects of average A‐site ionic size on magnetic and transport properties have been studied in (PrxSm1–x)2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) manganites with fixed carrier concentration. An effect of average A‐site ionic radius () with the Pr substitution has been clearly observed in the continuous changes of ferromagnetic transition temperature and metal–insulator transition temperature. The change of the resistivity with the x was explained by a variation in the hopping integral between Mn3+ and Mn4+, which is dependent on the Mn‐O‐Mn bond angle affected by the average A‐site ionic size. Remarkably, the Sm‐doped manganites showed an antiferromagnetic transition by the rare‐earth moments below 50 K as well as the ferromagnetic transition by Mn moments at a higher temperature. A phase diagram of (PrxSm1–x)2/3Sr1/3MnO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) was successfully constructed on the basis of magnetic and transport studies. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical properties of Zn0.5(Ni,Co)0.5Fe2O4 mixed spinel ferrite thin films
Authors: Mathe T. G. , Moyo T. , Msomi J. Z.
Published: December 2007

Mixed spinel ferrites Zn0.5Co0.5Fe2O4 (Zn‐Co) and Zn0.5Ni0.5Fe2O4 (Zn‐Ni) thin films were prepared on silicon (100) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique, operating at 248 nm. Single phase formation of spinel structure was confirmed by X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD). Optical measurements were obtained by Fourier Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy. Optical absorption spectra at room temperature (RT) show broad absorption bands. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Extraction of device parameters from dark current‐voltage characteristics of PV devices
Authors: Macabebe Erees Q. B. , van Dyk E. Ernest
Published: December 2007

Solar cells are p‐n junction diodes and are prone to parasitic resistances. High series resistances of a few ohms degrade the device performance, as do low shunt resistances. It is therefore necessary to determine these parameters since they are useful in analyzing performance losses. A method to extract these and other device parameters of solar cells from the dark current‐voltage (I‐V) characteristics is presented in this paper. The following parameters were determined using the proposed method: saturation current, series resistance, shunt resistance and the ideality factor. A program was created to implement the method which utilized the one‐diode equivalent circuit model. Curve‐fitting was also employed to provide a graphical representation of the results. Evaluation of the method was done using simulated data and actual dark I‐V data obtained from monocrystalline and multicrystalline silicon solar cells. The program algorithm is discussed and results are presented. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Monte Carlo reliability model for microwave monolithic integrated circuits
Authors: Christou Aris
Published: December 2007

A Monte Carlo simulation is reported for analog integrated circuits and is based on the modification of the failure rate of each component due to interaction effects of the failed components. The Monte Carlo technique is the methodology used to treat such circuits, since they are independent of the number of components and the degree of system complexity. The reliability model is applicable over a wide temperature and bias range and may be used to predict reliability of microwave systems. The model is compared with accelerated test results of two analog microwave circuits. Excellent agreement has been obtained for a low noise amplifier as well as for a transimpedence amplifier. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for characterization of enzymatic degradation of 2,2′‐bis(2‐oxazoline)‐linked poly‐ε‐caprolactone
Authors: Pulkkinen Mika , Palmgrén Joni J. , Auriola Seppo , Malin Minna , Seppälä Jukka , Järvinen Kristiina
Published: December 2007

This paper describes a straightforward and rapid on‐line characterization using high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐MSn) of the enzymatic degradation products of 2,2′‐bis(2‐oxazoline)‐linked poly‐ε‐caprolactone (PCL‐O). These new PCL‐O polymers are expected to be used in a variety of pharmaceutical and biomedical applications since they are degraded enzymatically by surface erosion. PCL‐O was polymerized in a three‐step reaction and characterized by 1H‐NMR and size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC). Solvent cast polymer films were exposed to enzymatic degradation in phosphate buffer (pH 7.5, 1% pancreatin). The enzymatic degradation of the polymer produced a wide variety of water‐soluble oligomers which were separated and identified by HPLC/ESI‐MSn. Optimization of the gradient HPLC method resulted in effective separation of the oligomers. Furthermore, specific structures of the oligomers were clearly identified by tandem mass spectrometry. According to these results, ester bonds seem to be most sensitive to enzymatic degradation and, correspondingly, pancreatic lipase seems to be mainly responsible for the enzymatic erosion of the PCL‐O films. This novel mass spectrometric method provides important knowledge about the enzymatic degradation process and structure of the polymer which is difficult to ascertain by other conventional methods. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The N‐domain of angiotensin‐converting enzyme specifically hydrolyzes the Arg‐5‐His‐6 bond of Alzheimer's Aβ‐(1‐16) peptide and its isoAsp‐7 analogue with different efficiency as evidenced by quantitative matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Toropygin Ilya Yu. , Kugaevskaya Elena V. , Mirgorodskaya Olga A. , Elisseeva Yulia E. , Kozmin Yuri P. , Popov Igor A. , Nikolaev Eugene N. , Makarov Alexander A. , Kozin Sergey A.
Published: December 2007

Chronic imbalance between production and degradation of the human amyloid‐beta peptide (Aβ) is assumed to play an important role in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Post‐translational modifications of Aβ could influence its interactions with specifically cleaving proteases and, therefore, perturb the Aβ homeostasis. The angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) was previously shown to degrade non‐modified Aβ in vitro and in cells. In the presented work, we investigated the effect of isomerization of Asp‐7, a common non‐enzymatic age‐related modification found in AD‐associated Aβ species, on hydrolysis of Aβ by ACE. Two synthetic peptides corresponding to the Aβ region 1‐16 with either Asp or isoAsp residues in position 7 were examined as monomeric soluble substrates for the N‐ as well as for the C‐domain of ACE. The use of matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) coupled with the 18O‐labeled internal standard approach has allowed us to show that (i) the N‐domain of ACE (N‐ACE), but not the C‐domain, selectively cleaves the Arg‐5‐His‐6 bond in both peptides, and that (ii) N‐ACE hydrolyzes the isoAsp‐7 analogue more efficiently than the non‐modified one. Our results demonstrate a new endopeptidase activity of N‐ACE as well as high preference of the domain to recognize and hydrolyze the isomerized Aβ species that were earlier suggested to promote AD pathogenesis. The results suggest the need for further analysis of biological effects of isomerized Aβ and its interaction with ACE in AD pathogenesis. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement error in the explanatory variable of a binary regression: Regression calibration and integrated conditional likelihood in studies of residential radon and lung cancer
Authors: Fearn T. , Hill D. C. , Darby S. C.
Published: December 2007

In epidemiology, one approach to investigating the dependence of disease risk on an explanatory variable in the presence of several confounding variables is by fitting a binary regression using a conditional likelihood, thus eliminating the nuisance parameters. When the explanatory variable is measured with error, the estimated regression coefficient is biased usually towards zero. Motivated by the need to correct for this bias in analyses that combine data from a number of case–control studies of lung cancer risk associated with exposure to residential radon, two approaches are investigated. Both employ the conditional distribution of the true explanatory variable given the measured one. The method of regression calibration uses the expected value of the true given measured variable as the covariate. The second approach integrates the conditional likelihood numerically by sampling from the distribution of the true given measured explanatory variable. The two approaches give very similar point estimates and confidence intervals not only for the motivating example but also for an artificial data set with known properties. These results and some further simulations that demonstrate correct coverage for the confidence intervals suggest that for studies of residential radon and lung cancer the regression calibration approach will perform very well, so that nothing more sophisticated is needed to correct for measurement error. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intranasal dopamine application increases dopaminergic activity in the neostriatum and nucleus accumbens and enhances motor activity in the open field
Authors: De Souza Silva M.A. , Topic B. , Huston J.P. , Mattern C.
Published: December 2007

Dopamine (DA) plays an important role in a number of behavioral processes and neurological disorders. The intranasal administration of DA provides improved brain penetrability in comparison to systemic administration. We investigated the effects of intranasal administration of DA on the activity of dopaminergic neurons of the mesostriatal and mesolimbic systems and on motor activity. Rats previously implanted with guide‐cannulae in the neostriatum (NS) and nucleus accumbens (NAc) were submitted to microdialysis procedure under urethane anesthesia. Vehicle or DA (0.03, 0.3, or 3.0 mg/kg) was administered bilaterally into the nostrils. In a separate study, animals received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of vehicle or DA (0.03, 0.3, 3.0, or 30.0 mg/kg). Samples were collected every 10 min and analyzed for the content of DA and metabolites using high‐performance liquid chromatography. For the open field study, rats were given intranasal vehicle or DA (0.03, 0.3, or 3.0 mg/kg) and placed into the field for 30 min. Motor activity (locomotion and rearing) and grooming were analyzed in blocks of 10 min using Ethovision. Intranasal DA (3.0 mg/kg) significantly increased DA levels in the NS and NAc immediately after administration. A comparable effect was obtained only after i.p. administration of 30 mg/kg DA. In the open field, the 3.0 mg/kg dose significantly decreased grooming behavior in the second 10 min interval and significantly increased locomotor activity in the third 10 min interval. The data indicate that intranasal administration of DA can influence dopaminergic functions and motor activity, and has a potential application in the therapy of diseases affecting the dopaminergic system. Synapse 62:176–184, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic Matrix Algorithm; Simultaneous Optimization of Structure and Numerical Parameters
Authors: Fujishima Wataru , Nagao Tomoharu
Published: December 2007

Genetic Algorithm is often used to optimize numerical parameters, and Genetic Programming is used to optimize structure. However, optimizing both structure and numerical parameters simultaneously is quite difficult. Many different algorithms have been developed with the goal of optimizing both structure and numerical parameters simultaneously. However, those algorithms are not satisfactory in the sight of simultaneous optimization. We developed a new algorithm namedGenetic Matrix Algorithm(GMA), which can evolve structure and numerical parameters simultaneously. The new algorithm, GMA, can evolve tree‐structured programs, which include numerical parameters in each of the nonterminal nodes. In this paper, we apply GMA to evolve image processing algorithms. Experimental results show that we can construct new useful image processing algorithms, which cannot be constructed using only fixed thresholds. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Pattern Classification of Nevus with Texture Analysis
Authors: Tanaka Toshiyuki , Torii Satoru , Kabuta Iukei , Shimizu Kunio , Tanaka Masaru
Published: December 2007

Melanoma is a skin tumor with high malignancy. Cases of melanoma have recently been reported from many hospitals around the world. Since melanoma is analogous with benign nevus, discriminating between melanoma and benign nevus is difficult for nonspecialists. A screening system for melanoma and benign nevus is desired. Melanoma is mainly diagnosed by features of specific shape and color. However, texture patterns within the tumor region can be diagnostically important. The purpose of this research was to classify patterns on the tumor surface. Digital images of a tumor were classified into 3 patterns by texture analysis: homogeneous pattern; globular pattern; and reticular pattern. The tumor part in the image was specified first, and the specified tumor part was divided into sub‐images. Texture features of each sub‐image were then calculated. Patterns were classified by discriminant analysis based on the number of texture features. As a result, patterns could be classified correctly into the three categories at a ratio of 94%. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Mexico and the United States: Common border, common negotiating orientations
Authors: Metcalf Lynn , Bird Allan , Dewar Dídimo
Published: December 2007

With a growing cadre of people conducting business across the U.S.–Mexico border, there is a need for information about the negotiation orientations they are likely to encounter. While information on negotiating orientations is available, it is often anecdotal, stereotyped, and contradictory. Empirical work that systematically compares Mexico and the United States across a range of negotiating dimensions is scarce. We have clarified, refined, and operationalized 12 negotiation dimensions in a comprehensive conceptual framework proposed over 20 years ago by Weiss and Stripp (1985). Our findings suggest that U.S. and Mexican negotiators may have more in common than they think and that negotiation orientations in both countries may run counter to conventional wisdom. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sustainable development vs. sustainable redevelopment
Authors: Unruh Gregory
Published: December 2007

Attentive managers will find that sustainable development presents two distinct challenges depending upon where in the world they are operating. The business of sustainable development is quite different in the industrialized and developing worlds. The industrial north, for example, has a well‐developed and prosperous economic infrastructure that provides its citizens with a level of wealth that was unimaginable a century ago. But those economic gains have come at a high environmental cost. The industrial world's economic system is proving to be ecologically unsustainable and is threatening to undo the planet's biological balance. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A conceptual framework for developing‐country transnationals: PROTON Malaysia
Authors: Ahmed Zafar U. , Humphreys John H.
Published: December 2007

In this article, we offer guidance for the potential advance of developing‐country transnational corporations (TNCs), often referred to as third‐world multinational corporations. After reviewing the topical literature and establishing the soundness of the case approach for model construction, we examine the case of Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Berhad (PROTON), the Malaysian National Car project. We find insights emanating from the experiences of this firm that are applicable to other developing transnationals, particularly those involved in complex manufacturing. Based upon the theoretical foundation of the literature, in conjunction with the real‐world successes, challenges, and failures of PROTON, we offer a conceptual framework for effective developing‐country TNC emergence and, more important, eventual global competitiveness. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Choroid plexus cyst, intracardiac echogenic focus, hyperechogenic bowel and hydronephrosis in screening for trisomy 21 at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks
Authors: Dagklis T. , Plasencia W. , Maiz N. , Duarte L. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: December 2007

Objectives

To investigate the potential value of choroid plexus cyst, intracardiac echogenic focus, hydronephrosis and hyperechogenic bowel as markers of trisomy 21 at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks.

Methods

We examined three‐dimensional volumes from 228 fetuses with trisomy 21 and 797 chromosomally normal fetuses at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation. We looked for choroid plexus cysts with a minimum diameter of 1.5 mm, intracardiac echogenic focus, hydronephrosis with a minimum anteroposterior diameter of the pelvis of 1.5 mm and hyperechogenic bowel.

Results

The prevalence of intracardiac echogenic focus, hydronephrosis and hyperechogenic bowel was significantly higher in trisomy 21 than in normal fetuses (9.6% vs. 1.5%, 17.1% vs. 5.3% and 11.4% vs. 2.4%, respectively). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the prevalence of choroid plexus cysts (7.5% vs. 5.0%). There were no significant differences in crown–rump length or nuchal translucency thickness in either chromosomally normal or trisomy 21 fetuses between those with and those without any one of the markers.

Conclusions

At 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks the prevalence of intracardiac echogenic focus, hydronephrosis and hyperechogenic bowel is higher in trisomy 21 than in chromosomally normal fetuses. As there is no significant association between the presence of these markers and nuchal translucency thickness, they could be included in the assessment of risk to improve accuracy of screening. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.