bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rough morphology of the adsorbed fibronectin layer favors adhesion of neuronal cells
Authors: Dekeyser C. M. , Zuyderhoff E. , Giuliano R. E. , Federoff H. J. , Dupont‐Gillain Ch. C. , Rouxhet P. G.
Published: December 2007

A range of substrates made of polystyrene (PS) and poly(methyl methacrylate)–poly(methacrylic acid) copolymer (PMMA–PMAA) containing 98 and 80% PMMA (PA98, PA80) and presenting a homogeneous or a patterned surface were used to study fibronectin adsorption and neuronal cell behavior. Fibronectin adsorption showed weak differences regarding the adsorbed amount (evaluated by XPS), but large differences in adsorbed layer morphology as observed by AFM. A fine granular morphology, with dimensions up to 8 nm height and 50–150 nm width, was observed on top of a thin adsorbed layer in the case of PS, PA98, and of a surface made of nanoscale inclusions of the latter in PS. In contrast, the layer adsorbed on PA80, which carries more ionizable groups, showed a higher roughness on the PA80 zones with differences in height up to 30 nm and characteristic lateral dimensions of 400 nm. On substrates of the former category, the cells formed large clusters, revealing poor interactions with the substrate. On PA80, the cells formed large networks with only a few small clusters. The adsorbed layer roughness, resulting from aggregation of fibronectin upon adsorption and from the substrate surface chemical composition, is responsible for neuronal cell spreading and growth. Its effect is not prevented by the presence of inclusions (< 30% of the surface) responsible for smoother areas of adsorbed fibronectin and for protrusions below 40 nm. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Greater osteoblast long‐term functions on ionic plasma deposited nanostructured orthopedic implant coatings
Authors: Reising Alex , Yao Chang , Storey Dan , Webster Thomas J.
Published: December 2007

Bioactive coatings are in high demand to increase the functions of cells for numerous medical devices. The objective of this in vitro study was to characterize for the first time osteoblast (bone‐forming cell) long‐term functions (such as proliferation and deposition of calcium containing mineral) on several potential orthopedic implant polymeric materials [specifically, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)] coated with nanostructured titanium using a novel ionic plasma deposition (IPD) coating process. UHMWPE is a widely used polymer in total knee and hip replacements, while PTFE is not, but it has been used in other orthopedic applications. The IPD coating process creates a surface‐engineered nanostructure (with features usually below 100 nm) by first using a vacuum to remove all contaminants, and then guiding charged metallic ions or plasma to the surface of a medical device at ambient temperature. Results demonstrated that compared to currently used titanium and uncoated polymers, polymers coated with titanium using IPD significantly increased osteoblast proliferation and, most importantly, calcium deposition. In this manner, this study strongly suggests that IPD should be further studied for creating nanometer titanium surface feature coatings to enhance osteoblast functions necessary to increase orthopedic implant efficacy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2008
Mass spectrometry‐based survey of age‐associated protein carbonylation in rat brain mitochondria
Authors: Prokai Laszlo , Yan Liang‐Jun , Vera‐Serrano José L. , Stevens Stanley M. , Forster Michael J.
Published: December 2007

There is a body of evidence lending credence to the idea that oxidative stress may be responsible for age‐related deleterious changes in brain function, and that protein carbonylation is a potential marker for such changes. An investigation of oxidative damage to mitochondrial proteins from aged rat brains was done using gel electrophoresis coupled with carbonylation‐specific immunostaining. Six proteins that appeared to be susceptible to oxidative modification were identified by in‐gel trypsin digestion followed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and tandem mass spectrometry. Two subunits of the H+‐transporting ATP synthase, adenine nucleotide translocator, voltage‐dependent anion channel, glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, and aconitase were identified as likely targets of age‐associated carbonylation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Histopathological response after preoperative radiochemotherapy in rectal carcinoma is associated with improved overall survival
Authors: Rosenberg R. , Nekarda H. , Zimmermann F. , Becker K. , Lordick F. , Hofler H. , Molls M. , Siewert J.R.
Published: December 2007

Background

Recent studies showed improved local control after preoperative radiochemotherapy (RCTX) in patients with locally advanced rectal carcinoma, but failed to demonstrate a survival benefit. Our aims were to determine outcome and impact of histopathological response after preoperative RCTX.

Methods

One hundred four patients with uT3 rectal carcinoma were treated with preoperative RCTX of 45 Gy and continuous 5‐FU infusion between 1997 and 2001 (group I). Histopathological response was evaluated in all specimens after tumor resection. Group II consisted of 114 patients with uT3 rectal carcinoma treated with postoperative RCTX between 1988 and 1997.

Results

Group I showed a 6.1% 5‐year local recurrence rate compared to 15.3% in group II (P = 0.023). Overall survival rates did not differ significantly between both groups (P = 0.225). Histopathological responders had a significantly improved 5‐year overall survival with 89.1 (7.8)% compared to 68.7 (6.7)% of the non‐responders (P = 0.008) and were identified as an independent prognostic factor.

Conclusions

Significant improvement of overall survival was observed for histopathological tumor responders after neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Our protocol of preoperative radiochemotherapy confirms the results of the multi‐center studies in regard to local control and overall survival. J. Surg. Oncol. 2008;97:8–13. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Experimental study of a symmetrically-pumped distributed feed-back Erbium-doped fiber laser with a tunable phase shift
Authors: Barmenkov Yu O , Kir'yanov A V , Pérez-Millán P , Cruz J L , Andrés M V
Published: December 2007

We report an experimental study of a symmetrically-pumped distributed feed-back (DFB) Erbium-doped fiber laser (EFL) with a tunable phase shift induced in the center of the laser cavity. The tunable phase shift is produced using a magnetostrictive transducer. We demonstrate that lasing is observed in our experimental arrangement at any value of the phase shift that is owing to a noticeable birefringence induced by the latter. The laser wavelength is shown to periodically change with increasing pump power due to the fiber heating, which stems from the Stokes loss, the excited state absorption and Auger up-conversion in Erbium, and high thermal expansion coefficient of the magnetostrictive transducer.
1,1‐bis(3′‐indolyl)‐1‐(p‐substituted phenyl)methanes decrease mitochondrial membrane potential and induce apoptosis in endometrial and other cancer cell lines
Authors: Hong Jun , Samudio Ismael , Chintharlapalli Sudhakar , Safe Stephen
Published: December 2007

1,1‐Bis(3′‐indolyl)‐1‐(p‐substituted phenyl)methanes, containing p‐t‐butyl (DIM‐C‐pPhtBu) and phenyl (DIM‐C‐pPhC6H5) substituents, are peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) agonists; however, DIM‐C‐pPhtBu‐induced growth inhibition and cell death in human HEC1A endometrial cancer cells is PPARγ‐independent. DIM‐C‐pPhtBu decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and promoted the release of cytochrome c and caspase activation and nuclear uptake of endonuclease G leading to apoptosis of HEC1A cells. DIM‐C‐pPhtBu specifically targeted the mitochondrial permeability transition pore complex (PTPC) because the DIM‐C‐pPhtBu‐induced pro‐apoptotic responses were inhibited by atractyloside (Atra), a compound that specifically interacts with the inner mitochondrial membrane adenine nucleotide transport (ANT) proteins. At the dose of Atra used in this study (300 µM), this compound alone did not alter the PTPC but inhibited the mitochondriotoxic effects of DIM‐C‐pPhtBu. DIM‐C‐pPhtBu/DIM‐C‐pPhC6H5 and Atra also differentially affected the ability of eosin‐5‐maleimide (EMA) to alkylate Cys160 in the ANT protein and Atra, but not DIM‐C‐pPhtBu, inhibited the exchange of ATP/ADP in isolated mitochondria suggesting that these pharmacophores act on different sites on the ANT protein. Results of this study show that the receptor‐independent proapoptotic activity of DIM‐C‐pPhtBu and DIM‐C‐pPhC6H5 were related to novel mitochondriotoxic activities involving inner mitochondrial ANT proteins. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measuring fatigue among women with Sjögren's syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis: A comparison of the Profile of Fatigue (ProF) and the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI)
Authors: Goodchild C. E. , Treharne G. J. , Booth D. A. , Kitas G. D. , Bowman S. J.
Published: December 2007

Background: Fatigue is common in both Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and can restrict functioning.

Aims: We tested the convergent validity of the Profile of Fatigue (ProF) using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) in SS and RA.

Methods: The 16‐item ProF and the 20‐item MFI were completed by 82 White‐British women aged 35–79 years (mean 60.4 years). Thirty‐four had been diagnosed with SS for a mean of 7.0 years and 48 had been diagnosed with RA for a mean of 14.5 years. The ProF measures four somatic facets of fatigue and two mental facets; the MFI contains one mental and four somatic facets. The structures of the items from both measures were tested by principal component factor analysis using varimax rotation.

Results: No significant differences in fatigue were found between the women with SS or RA. Five factors explained a total of 76% of the variance of the MFI; six factors explained 94% of the variance of the ProF. Mental fatigue items from both questionnaires loaded onto separate factors from somatic fatigue items; the two original facets of mental fatigue in the ProF were replicated. The four somatic fatigue facets of the ProF were generally replicated but the somatic facets of the MFI did not replicate as clearly. Equivalent facets correlated well between the two questionnaires (r ≥ 0.65).

Conclusions: Both the ProF and the MFI distinguish between somatic and mental fatigue in SS and RA but the ProF appears better at resolving somatic facets of fatigue. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solving a fourth‐order fractional diffusion‐wave equation in a bounded domain by decomposition method
Authors: Jafari Hossein , Dehghan Mehdi , Sayevand Khosro
Published: December 2007

In this article, the Adomian decomposition method has been used to obtain solutions of fourth‐order fractional diffusion‐wave equation defined in a bounded space domain. The fractional derivative is described in the Caputo sense. Convergence of the method has been discussed with some illustrative examples. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2008
Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐5 (IGFBP‐5) suppresses the tumourigenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Hung P‐S , Kao S‐Y , Shih Y‐H , Chiou S‐H , Liu C‐J , Chang K‐W , Lin S‐C
Published: December 2007

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a global malignancy. The insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signalling axis plays a critical role in tumourigenesis. This study defined the clinical and functional roles of insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐5 (IGFBP‐5) in HNSCC. Down‐regulation of IGFBP‐5 mRNA expression was found during the progression from pre‐cancer to HNSCC. The down‐regulation in HNSCC was associated with a higher propensity to nodal metastasis. SAS and OECM‐1 are HNSCC cells that do, or do not, express IGFBP‐5, respectively. Recombinant IGFBP‐5 reduced the proliferation of OECM‐1 cells and this was exerted mainly through blockade of the IGF pathways. Either IGFBP‐5 or IGF‐I treatment alone promoted OECM‐1 migration, but a combination of treatments generated antagonistic effects. Overexpression of IGFBP‐5 reduced the proliferation and anchorage‐independent growth of both OECM‐1 and SAS cells. Conversely, knockdown of IGFBP‐5 expression significantly induced the proliferation and anchorage‐independent growth of SAS cells. It also induced the growth of xenografted SAS tumours. SAS transfectants that expressed mutant or truncated IGFBP‐5, which lack IGF binding activity, exhibited significantly lower anchorage‐independent growth than vector control. This suggests that IGFBP‐5 possesses an IGF‐independent suppressor function. The suppressive effects of IGFBP‐5 on the tumourigenesis of HNSCC might be invaluable to future neoplastic intervention. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The contributions of oestrogen receptor isoforms to the development of papillary and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas
Authors: Zeng Q , Chen GG , Vlantis AC , Tse GM , van Hasselt CA
Published: December 2007

Oestrogen (E2) is known to promote the proliferation of thyroid papillary carcinoma cells (KAT5). However, the molecular mechanism responsible is not well understood. In the study reported herein, the localization of ER alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) in KAT5 and anaplastic carcinoma cells (FRO) was studied by immunofluorescence staining and by immunoblotting the proteins in subcellular fractions. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were also determined together with the expression of relevant proteins. The pattern of the subcellular localization of ERα and ERβ differed between papillary and anaplastic cancer. Upon E2 treatment, the level of ERα increased in the nuclei of papillary cancer cells but ERβ remained unchanged. The level of mitochondrial ERβ surpassed that of ERα in anaplastic cancer cells. The different locations of ERα and ERβ in KAT5 and FRO agreed with the finding that E2 promoted the proliferation of KAT5 but inhibited or did not affect that of FRO cells, and with the proposed functions of these two receptors. E2 inhibited the level of Bax in the mitochondria of papillary cancer, followed by a decrease of cytochrome c and/or apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) release from the mitochondria into the cytosol. However, in anaplastic cancer, E2 promoted the expression of Bax in the mitochondria and the release of cytochrome c and/or AIF from mitochondria into the cytosol. Our results may explain the differences in epidemiology and responses to anti‐tumour therapy between papillary and anaplastic cancer in terms of the subcellular localization of ER isoforms. In conclusion, the findings provide evidence to support the observation that E2 is an important factor in the development of thyroid cancer. The subcellular localization of ERα and ERβ may account for the different pathogenesis of thyroid papillary and anaplastic cancers. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Positive predictive value of computerized records for major congenital malformations
Authors: Cooper William O. , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia , Gideon Patricia , Dyer Shannon M. , Hall Kathleen , Dudley Judith , Cevasco Marisa , Thompson Amanda B. , Ray Wayne A.
Published: December 2007

Purpose

To assess the positive predictive value of computerized records in a linked database of vital records and infant claims, with medical record confirmation to detect congenital malformations in a Medicaid population.

Methods

Study subjects were selected from cases identified for three studies of congenital malformations in the Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) population including 173 827 (studies 1 and 2) and 519 465 (study 3) mother/infant pairs. Possible malformations were identified from computerized databases of birth certificates linked with maternal and infant claims. Medical records were reviewed for all possible congenital malformations and positive predictive values were calculated for each data source and for each malformation.

Results

Among 1430 potential congenital malformations identified from either birth certificates or inpatient claims, 67.7% were confirmed by medical record review. The positive predictive value varied considerably depending on the data source and the organ system. For example, cardiac defects had a very low positive predictive value when identified from birth certificates, and somewhat higher positive predictive value when identified from inpatient claims. Orofacial defects had 90.9% positive predictive value from birth certificates and inpatient claims. Requiring evidence of a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure increased the positive predictive value to >90% for specific defects, but substantially reduced the number of included cases.

Conclusions

Depending on the defect, computerized claims data linked to vital records offer opportunities for identifying birth defects in populations of vulnerable persons. However, for many defects, medical record confirmation is likely to be required to provide valid identification of malformation occurrence. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Explanation for the dark I–V curve of III–V concentrator solar cells
Authors: Galiana Beatriz , Algora Carlos , Rey‐Stolle Ignacio
Published: December 2007

The measurement of the dark I–V curve is one of the most straightforward methods for characterizing solar cells. Consequently, an accurate knowledge of its meaning is of high relevance for the comprehension and technological feedback of these devices. In this paper, an explanation of the dark I–V curve for concentrator III–V solar cells is presented using a 3D (three‐dimensional) model in order to provide a proper data fit that provides meaningful physical parameters that are also compatible and coherent with a data fit from illumination curves. The influence on the dark I–V curve of the most significant series resistance components of concentrator solar cells is also analysed concluding that only the vertical component as well as the front contact‐specific resistance can be assessable by means of this characterization method while both emitter and metal sheet resistances cannot be detected. For comparison purposes, the same experimental data have been fitted by means of a traditional two‐diode model showing that, although an accurate dark I–V curve fitting can be achieved, the extracted parameters are unable to reproduce illumination data since lumped models assume the same ohmic losses distribution for both dark and illumination conditions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alpha‐1‐antitrypsin and complement component C7 are involved in asthma exacerbation
Authors: Nishioka Tatsuji , Uchida Kazuhiko , Meno Kohji , Ishii Takashi , Aoki Takeshi , Imada Yoshiko , Makino Yuka , Hirata Kenji , Matsumoto Yuri , Arinami Tadao , Noguchi Emiko
Published: December 2007

Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in childhood and asthma exacerbation is an important cause of childhood morbidity and hospitalization. Allergic responses are known to be biased toward T‐helper type 2 in asthmatics; however, the pathogenesis of asthma is not simple, and our understanding of the disease mechanism remains incomplete. The aim of the present study was to identify protein expression signatures that reflect acute exacerbation of asthma. Plasma was taken twice from pediatric asthmatic patients, once during asthma exacerbation and once during a stable period. Plasma was also taken from healthy children as a control. The protein profiles of plasma during asthma exacerbation were analyzed by 2‐DE and 49 spots were differentially expressed during asthma exacerbation. Thirty‐eight of the spots were successfully identified by MALDI‐TOF MS. Proteins up‐ or down‐regulated during asthma exacerbation were involved in responses to stress and pathogens, in the complement and coagulation cascades, and in acute‐phase responses. Among the differentially expressed proteins, up‐regulation of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin and complement component C7 was confirmed by nephelometry and ELISA. Our present results suggest that protease inhibitors and complement components may be involved in asthma exacerbation, and plasma level of alpha‐1‐antitrypsin may be a potential biomarker for asthma.
Rainfall variation as a factor in child survival in rural Burkina Faso: the benefit of an event‐history analysis
Authors: Dos Santos Stéphanie , Henry Sabine
Published: December 2007

Apart from the classical determinants of child survival, ecological factors can have a strong influence on child survival in rural subsistence societies, particularly by their impact on malnutrition and on the reduction of income. Persistence of unfavourable climatic conditions may lead to a sharp reduction of food production, and children under five are particularly sensitive to food shortage. This study combines exceptionally reliable multi‐source data in event‐history models, to understand how rainfall variations may influence child survival in Burkina Faso, which experiences high levels of child mortality and high rainfall disparities. The results highlight the necessity of measuring the rainfall variations with accuracy at fine spatial and temporal resolutions. Child survival in Burkina Faso depends on rainfall conditions, but there are specific patterns of rainfall variations and children's mortality relationships in each agro‐climatic region. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Migrants as transnational development agents: an inquiry into the newest round of the migration–development nexus
Authors: Faist Thomas
Published: December 2007

Migrant networks and organisations have emerged as development agents. They interact with state institutions in flows of financial remittances, knowledge, and political ideas. In the discursive dimension, the new enthusiasm on the part of OECD states and international organisations, such as the World Bank, for migrant remittances, migrant associations and their role in development, is a sign of two trends which have coincided. Firstly, community as a principle of development has come to supplement principles of social order such as the market and the state. Secondly, in the current round of the migration–development nexus, migrants in general and transnational collective actors in particular have been constituted by states and international organisations as a significant agent. In the institutional dimension, agents such as hometown associations, networks of businesspersons, epistemic networks and political diasporas have emerged as collective actors. These formations are not unitary actors, and they are frequently in conflict with states and communities of origin. The analysis concludes with reflections of how national states structure the transnational spaces in which non‐state actors are engaged in cross‐border flows, leading towards a tight linkage between migration control, immigrant incorporation and development cooperation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Atomistic models of ultrafast reversal
Authors: Kazantseva N. , Hinzke D. , Nowak U. , Chantrell R. W. , Chubykalo‐Fesenko O.
Published: December 2007

It is shown that the physics of reversal on a picosecond timescale requires the use of atomistic models. The basis of atomistic models is outlined. The model is applied to studies of fast laser heating of magnetic materials. In particular it is demonstrated that the magnetisation vanishes in a timescale of picoseconds, whereas the recovery of the magnetisation can take of the order of 1 ns because of the necessity for the magnetisation to grow from a large number of small nuclei. Finally we review the progress in linking atomistic and micromagnetic models in a step toward creating macroscopic models of magnetic materials at temperatures approaching the Curie temperature. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic states of ultrathin Co layers on Cu
Authors: Lee Hangil , Lee Dohyun , Kim W. , le Hung N. , Kim Hyojin , Hwang Chanyong
Published: December 2007

We studied ultrathin Co overlayers on top of vicinal Cu(100) and Cu(111) surface using high resolution photoemission spectroscopy to clarify the phenomena of surface alloying at low coverage. The valence band spectrum of Co/Cu(100) clearly shows the change in its electronic structure. A peak at the binding energy of 0.3 eV represents the mixing of Co and Cu at the surface, as has been reported by STM. This state becomes more enhanced upon annealing. Mixing the Co overlayer with Cu atoms on top of Cu (111) surface is relatively small at room temperature. Instead, wetting along the step edge has been found for low coverage. Interesting state responsive to the electric field of the incident photon has been found and a possible origin has been discussed. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetotransport of lateral Py/Pt/Py spin valve device
Authors: Han Giju , Chang Joonyeon , Eom Jonghwa , Kim Hyungjun , Kim Young Keun , Han Suk‐Hee
Published: December 2007

Spin injection and accumulation have been investigated for Py/Pt/Py lateral spin valves with various channel length. Clear spin valve effects were found at antiparallel magnetic configuration of two ferromagnetic electrodes. The observation of memory effect suggests the spin valve effect observed in Pt channel is resulted from effective spin injection and detection. The magnitude of spin valve signal decreases as the channel length increases. The measurement yields that spin diffusion length and spin injection polarization of Pt channel is 120 nm and 18% at 5K. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and magnetic characteristics of bismuth substituted holmium iron garnet
Authors: Park Il Jin , Kim Chul Sung
Published: December 2007

We present the results of X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer(VSM), and the Mössbauer experiments on the bismuth substituted holmium iron garnet. In zero field cooled magnetization of Ho2Bi1Fe5O12 shows typical compensation phenomenon and its temperature is 80 K. But, in field cooled magnetization of Ho2Bi1Fe5O12 shows negative magnetization below compensation temperature. From the analysis of VSM hysteresis loop at room temperature, the saturation magnetization and coercivity of the sample are 15.54 emu/g and 33.33 Oe, respectively. The Néel temperature (TN) was determined to be 650 K by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Compare with results of Tb2Bi1Fe5O12, Ho2Bi1Fe5O12 has larger saturation magnetization, higher TN, and lower coercivity than Tb2Bi1Fe5O12. These phenomena can be explained by influence of the Bi ions on the superexchange interaction between a ‐d sublattices. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic properties and photoinduced magnetism on Y0.25Sr0.75CoO3–δ
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Sasaki Sho , Izumi Mitsuru
Published: December 2007

Magnetic properties and light‐induced magnetism on Y0.25Sr0.75CoO3–δ under different sintered temperatures have been investigated. A magnetization jump around 179 K (TJ) with a thermal hysteresis was found out in Y0.25Sr0.75CoO2.688 sintered at 1250 °C. Whereas, there is a hysteresis at the onset of 145 K without magnetization jump appears in Y0.25Sr0.75CoO2.626 sintered at 1100 °C together with the larger magnetization and lower Curie temperature. The large magnetization may come from the contribution of the surface/volume ferromagnetism in Co3+ ions. A light‐induced spin‐state transition of Co3+ ions from the nonmagnetic low‐spin state ($ {\rm t}^{6}_{\rm 2g} {\rm e}^{0}_{\rm g} $); S = 0) to magnetic intermediate‐spin state ($ {\rm t}^{5}_{\rm 2g} {\rm e}^{1}_{\rm g} $; S = 1) was observed in Y0.25Sr0.75CoO2.688, which increases the magnetization below TJ. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Some physical properties of sputtered Ni0.8Fe0.2–O films
Authors: Kohmoto O. , Takahashi H. , Kimoto K.
Published: December 2007

By reactive sputtering with changing oxygen partial‐pressure O2/(Ar+O2) during sputtering, both ferromagnetic Ni0.8Fe0.2 and antiferromagnetic (Ni0.8Fe0.2)1‐γ O single‐phase films are obtained from one sputtering target. The crystallographic, electric and magnetic properties of Ni0.8Fe0.2 –O films are similar to those of Ni‐O films studied previously. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic and electronic properties of CeCo2 studied by synchrotron radiation
Authors: Dong C. L. , Chen C. L. , Asokan K. , Chen Y. Y. , Chen P. C. , Liu Y. S. , Chen J. L. , Chang C. L. , Lin H. J. , Lee J. F. , Guo J.‐H.
Published: December 2007

The magnetic and electronic properties of CeCo2 bulk and nanoparticles have been investigated using element‐specific techniques, X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X‐ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). The results of Ce L3‐edge XAS spectra shows a higher spectral weight of 4f1 configuration in nanoparticles with respect to the bulk, which indicates that the valence of Ce is decreased in nanoparticles. In addition, spectroscopic results from the XMCD at Co L2, 3‐edges and Ce M4, 5‐edges indicate that CeCo2 undergoes a nonmagnetic to magnetic transition with size reduction. The variations in electronic and magnetic properties of nanoparticles were attributed to the charge transfer related to the sample dimension. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic properties of Co/Ge(111) films: effects of growth temperatures
Authors: Tsay J. S. , Chen Y. T. , Cheng W. C. , Wang K. C. , Yao Y. D.
Published: December 2007

Effects of growth temperatures to the magnetic properties of Co/Ge(111) ultrathin films have been studied. For 22 monolayers Co/Ge(111) deposited at 200 and 300 K, the difference of the temperatures where ferromagnetism disappears upon annealing treatment is about 75 K. The Co/Ge interface shows a more ordered structure for films deposited at 200 K as revealed by low‐energy electron diffraction measurements. The responses of magneto‐optic signals could be explained by the different morphologies at the interfaces. A Co/Ge(111) system exhibits a strong in‐plane anisotropy that is not altered by the interfacial conditions. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Performance comparison of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells fabricated using RF and DC sputtered ZnO:Al transparent conducting oxides
Authors: Nsimama P. D. , Samiji M. E , Mbise G. W. , Niklasson G. A. , Wennerberg J. , Edoff M.
Published: December 2007

We compare the cell efficiency, fill factor and quantum efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 based solar cells fabricated using two types of transparent conducting oxide (TCO) top layers. In the first case, Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells have been fabricated using the RF sputtered ZnO:Al TCO of the established baseline process. Secondly, while maintaining all other layers the same, DC reactively sputtered ZnO:Al replaced the RF sputtered TCO in the solar cell fabrication process. The DC reactive process was controlled by a plasma emission monitoring (PEM) system. The performance of both cells has been studied. The results show that Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells fabricated using DC sputtered ZnO:Al layers have comparable efficiencies as compared to cells produced using RF sputtered ZnO:Al films. Scanning electron microscopy pictures show that the ZnO:Al layers in both cases have different thickness but similar columnar structure. The highest cell efficiency obtained using the DC and RF sputtered ZnO:Al were 5.6% and 5.5% respectively. The fill factor and maximum quantum efficiency for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells fabricated using DC sputtered ZnO:Al layers were 50.5% and 86% respectively. Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells made‐up using RF sputtered ZnO:Al layers had the fill factor of 46.2% and the maximum quantum efficiency of 83%. The Cu(In,Ga)Se2 absorber layers used in the fabrication of these cells were not representing the best absorber layers produced by the Angstrom solar centre. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The influence of doping with donor type impurities on the properties of CuInSe2
Authors: Kauk M. , Altosaar M. , Raudoja J. , Timmo K. , Varema T. , Danilson M. , Grossberg M. , Mellikov E.
Published: December 2007

The effects of Cl doping on the properties of CuInSe2 monograin powder have been investigated. The capacitance‐voltage (C–V) characteristics were measured in the dark at 0.1–100 kHz frequencies and the carrier concentrations were estimated from the slope of C−2‐V plots. The carrier concentration in undoped CuInSe2 was 2 x 1016 cm–3, it increased with increasing the Cl concentration up to 9 x 1016 cm–3. The photoluminescence spectra of undoped and Cl‐doped CuInSe2 showed one asymmetrical band originated from the band‐tail recombination. The band maximum shifted towards higher energies with increasing Cl concentration but the shape remained the same. We assume that with the incorporation of chloride into the materials the concentration of probably shallower complex defects [VIn + 2ClSe] increases since chloride atoms preferably occupy VSe sites. Therefore the overall acceptor concentration increases slightly. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Local photo‐response measurements of photovoltaic devices
Authors: Gxasheka A. R. , van Dyk E. E. , Vorster F. J.
Published: December 2007

Local photo‐response measurements based on the Light Beam Induced Current (LBIC) were performed on photovoltaic (PV) cells. LBIC is a technique that is used routinely for detecting and mapping local defects in photovoltaic devices [1–4]. A 5.0 mW, 655 nm laser diode focussed to less than 100 µm on a sample surface was used. In this paper we report measurements of photo‐response and relative reflection at various cells biases, looking amongst other aspects on the vicinity of grain boundaries in multi‐crystalline silicon solar cells. LBIC investigation on single crystalline silicon technology was also conducted. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simultaneous determination of blood glucose and isoleucine levels in rats after chronic alcohol exposure by microwave‐assisted derivatization and isotope dilution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
Authors: Xue Ruyi , Zhang Si , Deng Chunhui , Dong Ling , Liu Taotao , Wang Jiyao , Wu Hongyi , Gu Jianxin , Shen Xizhong
Published: December 2007

Blood glucose and isoleucine are two biomarkers of chronic alcohol exposure. Simultaneous determination of blood glucose and isoleucine levels helps to illuminate the influence of alcohol on the metabolism of glucose and amino acids. The most accurate method for the detection of serum glucose is isotope dilution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (ID GC/MS). In this study, a rapid, simple and sensitive technique was developed for the quantitative analysis of glucose and isoleucine in rats after chronic alcohol exposure by microwave‐assisted derivatization (MAD) and ID GC/MS. Serum glucose and isoleucine were rapidly derivatized by N‐methyl‐N‐trimethylsilyltrifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) with microwave irradiation, and the trimethylsilyl derivatives were analyzed by GC/MS. This technique was used to demonstrate that pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a non‐covalently bound prosthetic group in some quinoproteins involved in the metabolism of some sugar or alcohol, could reverse alcohol exposure induced glucose elevation. On the other hand, it did not affect the metabolism of isoleucine whose level was elevated along with serum glucose. The combination of MAD and ID GC/MS has been shown to be an accurate, rapid, simple and sensitive method for the quantification of glucose and isoleucine in serum samples. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitation of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) in human plasma by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Kosovec Juliann E. , Egorin Merrill J. , Gjurich Susanna , Beumer Jan H.
Published: December 2007

5‐Fluorouracil (5‐FU) has long had a place in the treatment of many malignancies. 5‐FU plasma concentrations have been correlated with toxicity and efficacy, and therapeutic drug monitoring has been reported to result in an improved response/toxicity balance. We report validation, according to FDA guidelines, of a hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) assay for the sensitive, accurate and precise quantitation of 5‐FU in human plasma. The assay employed an isotopically labeled 5‐FU internal standard and ethyl acetate extraction. Separation was achieved with an amino column and an isocratic mobile phase of 0.1% formic acid in acetonitrile/water (97:3, v/v), followed by a wash. Detection consisted of electrospray, negative‐mode ionization tandem mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. The accuracy was 96.0–102.2%, and precision was 2.1–7.5% in the concentration range of 10–10 000 ng/mL. Recovery from plasma was 46.0–72.6%, and ion suppression was 9.8–25.7%. Plasma freeze/thaw stability was 87.5–104.3%, and stability for 4 h at room temperature was 98.7–100.0%. This assay is currently being used to quantitate 5‐FU in human plasma samples. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracking and robustness analysis for controlled microelectromechanical relays
Authors: Malisoff Michael , Mazenc Frédéric , de Queiroz Marcio
Published: December 2007

The feedback control problem for microelectromechanical (MEM) relays is complicated by a quadratic nonlinearity in the dynamic model. We show that this nonlinearity imposes constraints on the reference trajectories that can be tracked and on the global convergence rate of the tracking error. Using a dynamic model that is applicable to both electrostatic and electromagnetic MEM relays, we introduce a new class of nonlinear tracking controls. In particular, we use Lyapunov theory to construct a state feedback that yields uniform global asymptotic stability and arbitrarily fast local exponential convergence of the tracking error. We then show how our control can be redesigned with partial‐state feedback under the assumption that only the movable electrode position and the electrical state (i.e. charge or flux) are fed back. Finally, we utilize input‐to‐state stability theory to quantify the robustness of our state feedback controller to parametric uncertainties. Our simulation results illustrate the good stability and tracking performance of the proposed control. They also illustrate how to craft a reference trajectory that satisfies the aforementioned constraints while being compatible with a typical relay operation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a Peristaltic Crawling Robot Using Planar Link Mechanisms
Authors: Saga Norihiko , Seto Taichi , Takanashi Hiroyuki , Saito Naoki
Published: December 2007

The field of bio‐mechanisms, which develops new machines that use motion and control of organisms as a model, is attracting attention. We examined the peristaltic crawling of an earthworm as a transport function in place of wheels or ambulation, and have developed a robot running inside a tube. In this robot, a joint corresponding to the earthworm's segment is driven by a DC motor. This paper presents the experimental result of the peristaltic crawling of an actual earthworm and the evaluation result of the transport mechanism of a prototype robot. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Kola real's low‐cost international expansion strategy
Authors: Robertson Christopher J. , van der Hoek Anthony , Kallman Rhonda
Published: December 2007

This case provides an interesting and relevant scenario of a family‐owned firm entering the low end of the cola market in Peru and expanding into other Latin American countries. For a family business owner, or for an entrepreneur looking for business pathways in Latin America, this look into Ajegroup's strategic planning to take advantage of expansion opportunities in the region can serve as either a cautionary tale, or an avenue toward future growth. The case is accompanied by comments from practitioner experts. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Should I send now or send later? A decision‐theoretic approach to transmission scheduling in sensor networks with mobile sinks
Authors: Bölöni Ladislau , Turgut Damla
Published: December 2007

Mobile sinks can significantly extend the lifetime of a sensor network by eliminating the need for expensive hop‐by‐hop routing. However, a sensor node might not always have a mobile sink in transmission range, or the mobile sink might be so far that the data transmission would be very expensive. In the latter case, the sensor node needs to make a decision whether it should send the data now, or take the risk to wait for a more favorable occasion. Making the right decisions in thistransmission scheduling problemhas significant impact on the performance and lifetime of the node. In this paper, we investigate the fundamentals of the transmission scheduling problem for sensor networks with mobile sinks. We first develop a dynamic programming‐based optimal algorithm for the case when the mobility of the sinks is known in advance. Then, we describe two decision theoretic algorithms which use only probabilistic models learned from the history of interaction with the mobile sinks, and do not require knowledge about their future mobility patterns. The first algorithm uses Markov Decision Processes with states without history information, while the second algorithm encodes some elements of the history into the state. Through a series of experiments, we show that the decision theoretic approaches significantly outperform naive heuristics, and can have a performance close to that of the optimal approach, without requiring an advance knowledge of the mobility. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regulation of angiopoietin-like protein 4/fasting-induced adipose factor (Angptl4/FIAF) expression in mouse white adipose tissue and 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: Dutton Sarah , Trayhurn Paul
Published: December 2007

Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (Angptl4)/FIAF (fasting-induced adipose factor) was first identified as a target for PPAR and to be strongly induced in white adipose tissue (WAT) by fasting. Here we have examined the regulation of the expression and release of this adipokine in mouse WAT and in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Angptl4/FIAF expression was measured by RT-PCR and real-time PCR; plasma Angptl4/FIAF and release of the protein in cell culture was determined by western blotting. The Angptl4/FIAF gene was expressed in each of the major WAT depots of mice, the mRNA level in WAT being similar to the liver and much higher (>50-fold) than skeletal muscle. Fasting mice (18 h) resulted in a substantial increase in Angptl4/FIAF mRNA in liver and muscle (9·5- and 21-fold, respectively); however, there was no effect of fasting on Angptl4/FIAF mRNA in WAT and the plasma level of Angptl4/FIAF was unchanged. The Angptl4/FIAF gene was expressed in 3T3-L1 adipocytes before and after differentiation, the level increasing post-differentiation; Angptl4/FIAF was released into the culture medium. Insulin, leptin, dexamethasone, noradrenaline, TNFα and several IL (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-18) had little effect on Angptl4/FIAF mRNA levels in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. However, a major stimulation of Angptl4/FIAF expression was observed with rosiglitazone and the inflammatory prostaglandins PGD2and PGJ2. Angptl4/FIAF does not act as an adipose tissue signal of nutritional status, but is markedly induced by fasting in liver and skeletal muscle.
ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF PARTICIPATORY RESEARCH IN RICE BREEDING ON WOMEN FARMERS: A CASE STUDY IN EASTERN UTTAR PRADESH, INDIA
Authors: PARIS THELMA R. , SINGH ABHA , CUENO AMELIA D. , SINGH V. N.
Published: December 2007

This paper assesses farmer adoption of rice varieties and new genotypes introduced through participatory varietal selection (PVS) in villages which represent submergence- and drought/submergence-prone villages in eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. It focuses on the involvement of women farmers in participatory research for screening improved varieties for areas which suffer from abiotic stresses. It further assesses the impact on the decision-making authority (or women's empowerment) on rice varietal choice, seed acquisition and disposal, and crop management after participating in PVS trials. It suggests strategies to empower women farmers in making sound and timely decisions on farm-related matters and to enhance their roles in accelerating the adoption of new varieties.
Animal innovation defined and operationalized
Authors: Ramsey Grant , Bastian Meredith L. , van Schaik Carel
Published: December 2007

Innovation is a key component of most definitions of culture and intelligence. Additionally, innovations may affect a species' ecology and evolution. Nonetheless, conceptual and empirical work on innovation has only recently begun. In particular, largely because the existing operational definition (first occurrence in a population) requires long-term studies of populations, there has been no systematic study of innovation in wild animals. To facilitate such study, we have produced a new definition of innovation: Innovation is the process that generates in an individual a novel learned behavior that is not simply a consequence of social learning or environmental induction. Using this definition, we propose a new operational approach for distinguishing innovations in the field. The operational criteria employ information from the following sources: (1) the behavior's geographic and local prevalence and individual frequency; (2) properties of the behavior, such as the social role of the behavior, the context in which the behavior is exhibited, and its similarity to other behaviors; (3) changes in the occurrence of the behavior over time; and (4) knowledge of spontaneous or experimentally induced behavior in captivity. These criteria do not require long-term studies at a single site, but information from multiple populations of a species will generally be needed. These criteria are systematized into a dichotomous key that can be used to assess whether a behavior observed in the field is likely to be an innovation.
Numerical modeling of heavy ion induced stress waves in solid targets
Authors: Tahir N. A. , Kim V. , Matvechev A. , Ostrik A. , Lomonosov I. V. , Piriz A. R. , Cela J.J. Lopez , Hoffmann D.H.H.
Published: December 2007

This paper presents numerical simulations of thermodynamic and hydrodynamic response for solid targets that are irradiated with strongly bunched, highly focused, intense beams of energetic uranium ions. The main purpose of this work is to study the behavior of thermal stress waves induced in such targets by the incident ion beam. These theoretical studies will complement the experimental investigations that will be carried out in the near future at the Gesellschaft für Schwerionenforschung (GSI) plasma physics experimental area. These experiments will be performed using the existing heavy ion synchrotron, SIS18, which delivers 4 × 109 uranium ions in a single bunch with a length of about 125 ns. Other time structures, for example, a pulse that consists of a series of bunches, are also possible. The particle energy is on the order of 400 MeV/u and the beam can be focused to sub millimeter radius. This information concerning material response under intense beam loading will have important implications on designing a viable production target for the superconducting fragment separator, Super-FRS, which is going to be constructed at the future facility for antiproton and ion research (FAIR), Darmstadt, Germany, for the production and separation of exotic nuclei.