bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmacology of perioperative 5‐Fluorouracil
Authors: Van der Speeten Kurt , Stuart O. Anthony , Mahteme Haile , Sugarbaker Paul H.
Published: November 2010

Background

The purpose of this study was to analyze our current pharmacologic data regarding the perioperative use of 5‐fluorouracil in the treatment of peritoneal surface malignancies.

Methods

Twenty‐nine patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis from appendiceal malignancy were included in this pharmacological study.

Results

In the nine patients who received early postoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy, the area under the curve for intraperitoneal 5‐fluorouracil was 43,000 (±20,300) µg/ml × min and for intravenous 5‐fluorouracil was 157 (±99) µg/ml × min. The area under the curve ratio was 422 (±360). In 20 patients who received intravenous 5‐fluorouracil in the operating room intraperitoneal 5‐fluorouracil levels maintained a higher level as compared to the intravenous drug level over the 90 min of drug sampling. The area under the curve ratio of peritoneal fluid to plasma was 2.3 (±1.3). The area under curve ratio of peritoneal fluid to tumor nodules was 9.9 (±9.8). The area under the curve ratio of plasma to tumor nodules was 5.2 (±4.7).

Conclusions

By modulating the route or timing of administration of 5‐fluorouracil, it becomes a pharmacologic advantageous molecule in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis of an appendiceal malignancy. 5‐fluorouracil remains the cornerstone of the perioperative management of peritoneal carcinomatosis of gastrointestinal origin. J. Surg. Oncol. 2010;102:730–735. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Significance of aeg‐1 expression in correlation with vegf, microvessel density and clinicopathological characteristics in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Li Cong , Li Rui , Song Hongtao , Wang Dong , Feng Tian , Yu Xiaoguang , Zhao Yulan , Liu Junjun , Yu Xiaoyu , Wang Yanbo , Geng Jingshu
Published: November 2010

Purpose

Our study is to examine astrocyte‐elevated gene‐1 (AEG‐1) expression in triple‐negative breast cancer and to determine whether it is associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), microvessel density (MVD), clinicopathological parameters and poor survival.

Methods

Specimens from 125 patients with triple‐negative breast cancers were investigated by immunohistochemistry for MVD, AEG‐1 and VEGF expression. Correlations between the expression of AEG‐1, VEGF, MVD, and various clinicopathological factors including survival status were studied.

Results

AEG‐1 and VEGF were highly expressed in 56.8% and 52.8% of triple‐negative breast cancer patients, respectively. The intensity of AEG‐1 was gradually up‐regulated from VEGF−MVD−low, VEGF−high, or MVD−high to VEGF−MVD−high tissues using Western blot analysis. Statistically significant correlation was found among AEG‐1 and VEGF, and MVD. Moreover, AEG‐1 expression was correlated with clinical stage, lymphatic venous invasion, lymph nodal metastasis, tumor size, Ki67, and recurrence. Patients with AEG‐1 high‐expression showed far lower disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates than those with AEG‐1 low‐expression. For VEGF and MVD, there were similar results in these patients. Only AEG‐1 expression and tumor size were independent prognostic factors for both DFS and OS by multivariate analysis. However, the prognostic impact of tumor size was not as strong as that of AEG‐1.

Conclusions

AEG‐1 expression may be related with tumor angiogenesis and progression and is a valuable prognostic factor in patients with triple‐negative breast cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 103:184–192. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strengthening family coping resources: The feasibility of a multifamily group intervention for families exposed to trauma
Authors: Kiser Laurel J. , Donohue April , Hodgkinson Stacy , Medoff Deborah , Black Maureen M.
Published: November 2010

Families exposed to urban poverty face a disproportionate risk of exposure to repeated trauma. Repeated exposures can lead to severe and chronic reactions in multiple family members with effects that ripple throughout the family system. Interventions for distressed families residing in traumatic contexts, such as low‐income, urban settings are desperately needed. This report presents preliminary data in support of Strengthening Family Coping Resources, a trauma‐focused, multifamily, skill‐building intervention. Strengthening Family Coping Resources is designed for families living in traumatic contexts with the goal of reducing symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and other trauma‐related disorders in children and caregivers. Results from open trials suggest Strengthening Family Coping Resources is a feasible intervention with positive effects on children's symptoms of trauma‐related distress.
Hypermethylation of apoptotic genes as independent prognostic factor in neuroblastoma disease
Authors: Grau Elena , Martinez Francisco , Orellana Carmen , Canete Adela , Yañez Yania , Oltra Silvestre , Noguera Rosa , Hernandez Miguel , Bermúdez Jose D. , Castel Victoria
Published: November 2010

Neuroblastoma (NB) is an embryonal tumour of neuroectodermal cells, and its prognosis is based on patient age at diagnosis, tumour stage and MYCN amplification, but it can also be classified according to their degree of methylation. Considering that epigenetic aberrations could influence patient survival, we studied the methylation status of a series of 17 genes functionally involved in different cellular pathways in patients with NB and their impact on survival. We studied 82 primary NB tumours and we used methylation‐specific‐PCR to perform the epigenetic analysis. We evaluated the putative association among the evidence of hypermethylation with the most important NB prognostic factors, as well as to determine the relationship among methylation, clinical classification and survival. CASP8 hypermethylation showed association with relapse susceptibility and, TMS1 and APAF1 hypermethylation are associated with bad prognosis and showed high influence on NB overall survival. Hypermethylation of apoptotic genes has been identified as a good candidate of prognostic factor. We propose the simultaneous analysis of hypermethylation of APAF1, TMS1 and CASP8 apoptotic genes on primary NB tumour as a good prognostic factor of disease progression. Mol. Carcinog. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The association ofXPCpolymorphisms and tea drinking with colorectal cancer risk in a Chinese population
Authors: Wu Yinyin , Jin Mingjuan , Liu Bing , Liang Xia , Yu Yunxian , Li Qilong , Ma Xinyuan , Yao Kaiyan , Chen Kun
Published: November 2010

The xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C (XPC) is responsible for removal of bulky helix‐distorting DNA lesions. Several polymorphisms ofXPCgene may modulate the colorectal cancer (CRC) susceptibility. We assessed the association ofXPCLys939Gln (A/C), Ala499Val (C/T), and PAT (−/+) polymorphisms with CRC risk in a population‐based case–control study which included 421 CRC patients and 845 controls. For Lys939Gln, the CC genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of CRC (odds ratio (OR) = 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.0−2.2) compared with the AA genotype. The subjects with PAT +/+ genotype had a significantly increased risk of CRC (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.0−2.3), compared with those with PAT−/− genotype. Though no significant association between Ala499Val and CRC risk was observed, we found that individuals carrying the CT + TT genotypes showed a significantly decreased risk of rectal cancer (OR = 0.7; 95% CI = 0.5−1.0). Additionally, the haplotype C + C was associated with a significantly increased CRC risk (OR = 1.3; 95% CI = 1.0−1.6), compared with the most common haplotype A‐T. Further, individuals with four or more risk alleles exhibited a significantly increased risk of CRC (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.0−2.0), with a significant gene‐dosage effect (Pfor trend = 0.038). Besides, never tea drinking was associated with a significantly increased risk of CRC (OR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.7−3.3). Our results suggest that theXPCpolymorphisms may modulate CRC susceptibility independently or jointly, and tea drinking has a protective effect on CRC. Mol. Carcinog. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The p53‐, Bax‐ and p21‐dependent inhibition of colon cancer cell growth by 5‐hydroxy polymethoxyflavones
Authors: Qiu Peiju , Guan Huashi , Dong Ping , Li Shiming , Ho Chi‐Tang , Pan Min‐Hsiung , McClements David Julian , Xiao Hang
Published: November 2010

Scope: Previously, we reported that 5‐hydroxy polymethoxyflavones (5OH‐PMFs) isolated from orange, namely 5‐hydroxy‐6,7,8,3′,4′‐pentamethoxyflavone, 5‐hydroxy‐3,6,7,8,3′,4′‐hexamethoxyflavone (5HHMF) and 5‐hydroxy‐6,7,8,4′‐tetramethoxyflavone (5HTMF), potently induced apoptosis and cell‐cycle arrest in multiple human colon cancer cells. Herein, using isogenic variants of HCT116 human colon cancer cells, we investigated the effects of p53, Bax and p21 on the apoptosis and cell‐cycle arrest induced by different 5OH‐PMFs.

Methods and results: Annexin V/PI co‐staining assay demonstrated that 5HHMF and 5HTMF significantly induced apoptosis in HCT116 (p53+/+) cells but not in HCT116 (p53−/−) cells. Furthermore, 5HHMF and 5HTMF significantly induced apoptosis in HCT116 (Bax+/−) cells, whereas their pro‐apoptotic effects on HCT116 (Bax−/−) cells were marginal. All three 5OH‐PMFs increased G0/G1 cell population of HCT116 (p53+/+) cells, and these effects were abolished in HCT116 (p53−/−) and HCT116 (p21−/−) cells. Immunoblotting analysis showed that 5HHMF and 5HTMF increased the levels of cleaved caspase‐3, cleaved PARP in both HCT116 (p53+/+) and HCT116 (Bax+/−) cells and these effects were much weaker in HCT116 (p53−/−) and HCT116 (Bax−/−) cells.

Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that 5OH‐PMFs, especially 5HHMF and 5HTMF, induce apoptosis and cell‐cycle arrest by p53‐, Bax‐ and p21‐dependent mechanism.
Perturbation analysis for the sign functions of regular matrix pairs
Authors: Chen Xiao Shan , Li Wen , Ching Wai‐Ki
Published: November 2010

This paper is devoted to the perturbation analysis for the matrix sign functions of the regular matrix pair. The first‐order perturbation bounds and the global perturbation bounds are obtained. The results are illustrated by some numerical examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNA‐200c attenuates tumour growth and metastasis of presumptive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma stem cells
Authors: Lo Wen‐Liang , Yu Cheng‐Chia , Chiou Guang‐Yuh , Chen Yi‐Wei , Huang Pin‐I , Chien Chian‐Shiu , Tseng Ling‐Ming , Chu Pen‐Yuan , Lu Kai‐Hsi , Chang Kuo‐Wei , Kao Shou‐Yen , Chiou Shih‐Hwa
Published: November 2010

MicroRNA‐200c (miR200c) is emerging as an important regulator of tumourigenicity and cancer metastasis with a strong capacity for inducing epithelial–mesenchymal transitions. However, the role of miR200c in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and HNSCC‐associated cancer stem cells (HNSCC‐CSCs) is unknown. In this study, the expression of miR200c in the regional metastatic lymph node of HNSCC tissues was significantly decreased, but BMI1 expression was increased as compared to parental tumours. Importantly, site‐directed mutagenesis with a luciferase reporter assay showed that miR200c targeted the 3′ UTR of BMI1 in HNSCC cells. Isolated HNSCC‐derived ALDH1+/CD44+ cells displayed CSC‐like tumour initiating and radio‐resistant properties. The expression levels of miR200c were significantly down‐regulated while BMI1 was increased in HNSCC‐ALDH1+/CD44+ compared to the other subsets of HNSCC cells. Furthermore, increased miR200c expression or knockdown of BMI1 could significantly inhibit the malignant CSC‐like properties of ALDH1+/CD44+ cells. miR200c over‐expression further down‐regulated the expressions of ZEB1, Snail and N‐cadherin, but up‐regulated E‐cadherin expression in ALDH1+/CD44+ cells. Finally, a xenotransplantion study confirmed that over‐expression of miR200c or BMI1 knockdown effectively inhibited the lung metastatic ability and prolonged the survival rate of ALDH1+/CD44+‐transplanted mice. In summary, miR200c negatively modulates the expression of BMI1 but also significantly inhibits the metastatic capability of epithelial–mesenchymal transitions in malignant HNSCC by reducing the expression of BMI1/ZEB1. Restoration of miR200c in HNSCC and CSCs may be a promising therapeutic approach. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of OCT4 pseudogenes in human tumours: lessons from glioma and breast carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Shidou , Yuan Qiuhuan , Hao Hongbo , Guo Yuji , Liu Shangming , Zhang Yanmin , Wang Jianli , Liu Huijuan , Wang Fuwu , Liu Kai , Ling Eng‐Ang , Hao Aijun
Published: November 2010

The POU family transcription factor OCT4 is required for maintaining the pluripotency of embryonic stem cells and for generating induced pluripotent stem cells. Although OCT4 is clearly shown to be expressed in some pluripotent germ cell tumours, its expression in human somatic tumours remains controversial. Some studies have shown that OCT4 is expressed in adult stem cells, somatic cancers and, further, cancer stem cells, while other studies failed to make such an observation. It is thus important to ascertain whether OCT4 is expressed in human somatic tumours. By using RT‐PCR and sequencing analysis, three OCT4 pseudogenes, viz. OCT4‐pg1, OCT4‐pg3 and OCT4‐pg4 but excluding the OCT4 gene, were found to be expressed in two types of human solid tumours, glioma and breast carcinoma, from which cancer stem cells had earlier been isolated. The protein expression of these pseudogenes was further demonstrated by immunochemistry and western blotting. Along with this, it was shown that OCT4 pseudogenes lacked OCT4‐like activities. The expression of OCT4 splicing variant and various pseudogenes at both the mRNA and protein levels in human somatic tumours might call into question the reliability of the results regarding OCT4 expression and function in tumourigenesis. Hence, in investigations of OCT4 expression in cancers and stem cells, different approaches with appropriate controls would be desirable to exclude possibility of false‐positive results. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pelvic pseudotumor and pseudoaneurysm in a pediatric patient with moderate hemophilia B: Successful management with arterial embolization and surgical excision
Authors: Kumar Riten , Pruthi Rajiv K. , Kobrinsky Nathan , Shaughnessy William J. , McKusick Michael A. , Rodriguez Vilmarie
Published: November 2010

Development of pseudotumors is an unusual complication of hemophilia. Treatment is controversial, especially in patients with large proximal lesions. Surgery, while curative, can be associated with massive intra‐operative bleeding, infection and amputation. Arterial embolization of blood vessels supplying the pseudotumor may reduce these complications. Herein, we report a 14‐year‐old patient with moderate hemophilia B with a pelvic pseudotumor and pseudoaneurysm that failed conservative management with factor replacement alone. He was successfully treated with Bead Block and coil embolization followed by surgical extirpation of the lesion 24 hr later. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:484–487. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Syntheses and characterization of carbazole based new low‐band gap copolymers containing highly soluble benzimidazole derivatives for solar cell application
Authors: Kim Jaehong , Park Sung Heum , Kim Jinwoo , Cho Shinuk , Jin Youngeup , Shim Joo Young , Shin Hyunmin , Kwon Sooncheol , Kim Il , Lee Kwanghee , Heeger Alan J. , Suh Hongsuk
Published: November 2010

Newly designed 2H‐benzimidazole derivatives which have solubility groups at 2‐position have been synthesized and incorporated into two highly soluble carbazole based alternating copolymers, poly[2,7‐(9‐(1′‐octylnonyl)‐9H‐carbazole)‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di(thien‐2‐yl)‐2H‐benzimidazole‐2′‐spirocyclohexane)] (PCDTCHBI) and poly[2,7‐(9‐(1′‐octylnonyl)‐9H‐carbazole)‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di(thien‐2‐yl)‐2H‐benzimidazole‐2′‐spiro‐4′′‐((2′′′‐ethylhexyl)oxy)‐cyclohexane)] (PCDTEHOCHBI) for photovoltaic application. These alternating copolymers show low‐band gap properties caused by internal charge transfer from an electron‐rich unit to an electron‐deficient moiety. HOMO and LUMO levels are –5.53 and –3.86 eV for PCDTCHBI, and –5.49 and –3.84 eV for PCDTEHOCHBI, respectively. Optical band gaps of PCDTCHBI and PCDTEHOCHBI are 1.67 and 1.65 eV, respectively. The new carbazole based the 2H‐benzimidazole polymers show 0.11–0.13 eV lower values of band gaps as compared to that of carbazole based benzothiadiazole polymer, poly[N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole)] (PCDTBT), while keeping nearly the same deep HOMO levels. The power conversion efficiencies of PCDTCHBI and PCDTEHOCHBI blended with [6,6]phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) are 1.03 and 1.15%, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
New polymers derived from 4‐vinylsilylbenzocyclobutene monomer with good thermal stability, excellent film‐forming property, and low‐dielectric constant
Authors: Yang Junxiao , Liu Shangchun , Zhu Fanghua , Huang Yawen , Li Bo , Zhang Lin
Published: November 2010

A series of benzocyclobutene (BCB) polymers derived from a new readily available monomer, 4‐(1′,1′‐dimethyl‐1′‐vinyl) silylbenzocyclobutene (4‐DMVSBCB), were conveniently prepared by radical and anionic polymerization. The homo‐ and co‐polymerization results show that the reactivity of 4‐DMVSBCB in anionic polymerization is relatively higher compared with radical polymerization. The molecular weight of 4‐DMVSBCB polymers and content of 4‐DMVSBCB can be controlled by anionic copolymerization. The introduction of rigid and crosslinkable BCB building blocks in side chains and carbosilanes in molecule gives rise to insulating materials with good film‐forming property, smooth and flat film surface, and low‐dielectric constants of 2.41–2.45, as preserving good thermal stability. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Fluorine‐containing linear block terpolymers: Synthesis and self‐assembly in solution
Authors: He Lihong , Hinestrosa Juan Pablo , Pickel Joseph M. , Zhang Shanju , Bucknall David G. , Kilbey II S. Michael , Mays Jimmy W. , Hong Kunlun
Published: November 2010

Linear triblock terpolymers of poly(n‐butyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(methyl methacrylate)‐b‐poly(2‐fluoroethyl methacrylate) (PnBMA‐PMMA‐P2FEMA) were synthesized by sequential reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. Kinetic studies of the homopolymerization of 2FEMA by RAFT polymerization demonstrated controllable characteristics with fairly narrow polydispersities (∼1.30). The resultant PnBMA‐PMMA‐P2FEMA triblock terpolymers were characterized via 1H NMR, 19F NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. These polymers formed micellar aggregates in a selective solvent mixture. The as‐formed micelles were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. It was found that these terpolymers could directly self‐organize into complex micelles in a tetrahydrofuran/methanol mixture with diameters that depended on polymer composition. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
High‐flow nasal cannula: Impact on oxygenation and ventilation in an acute lung injury model
Authors: Frizzola Meg , Miller Thomas L. , Rodriguez Maria Elena , Zhu Yan , Rojas Jorge , Hesek Anne , Stump Angela , Shaffer Thomas H. , Dysart Kevin
Published: November 2010

Introduction

High‐flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) has been shown to be more effective than continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in reducing intubations and ventilator days. HFNC likely provides mechanisms to support respiratory efficiency beyond application of distending pressure. We reason that HFNC washout of nasopharyngeal dead space impacts CO2 removal along with oxygenation. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the flow dependence of CO2 reduction and improved oxygenation during HFNC and the dependence on leak around the nasal prongs.

Materials and Methods

Neonatal piglets (n = 13; 2–6 kg) were injured with IV oleic acid and supported with HFNC at 2 through 8 L/min. High and low leak around the nasal prongs was accomplished by using single and double prong cannulae, respectively. Measurement of hemodynamic, respiratory and blood gas parameters were made at each setting following 10 min for physiologic equilibration. Tracheal pressures were recorded by transmural catheters.

Results

With HFNC, CO2 trended downward in a flow‐dependent manner independent of leak. Oxygenation and tracheal pressures increased in a flow‐dependent manner with the greatest effect during double prong. At 8 L/min, tracheal pressures did not exceed 6 ± 1 cmH2O.

Conclusions

HFNC improves gas exchange in a flow‐dependent manner; double prong had greater impact on O2; single prong had greater impact on CO2 elimination. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2011; 46:67–74. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of high‐throughput phosphorylation profiling method for identification of Ser/Thr kinase specificity
Authors: Kim Eun‐Mi , Kim Jaehi , Kim Yun‐Gon , Lee Peter , Shin Dong‐Sik , Kim Mira , Hahn Ji‐Sook , Lee Yoon‐Sik , Kim Byung‐Gee
Published: November 2010

Identification of substrate specificity of kinases is crucial to understand the roles of the kinases in cellular signal transduction pathways. Here, we present an approach applicable for the discovery of substrate specificity of Ser/Thr kinases. The method, which is named as the ‘high‐throughput phosphorylation profiling (HTPP)’ method was developed on the basis of a fully randomized one‐bead one‐compound (OBOC) combinatorial ladder type peptide library and MALDI‐TOF MS. The OBOC ladder peptide library was constructed by the ‘split and pool’ method on a HiCore resin. The peptide library sequence was Ac‐Ala‐X‐X‐X‐Ser‐X‐X‐Ala‐BEBE‐PLL resin. The substrate specificity of murine PKA (cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A) and yeast Yak1 kinase was identified using this method. On the basis of the result, we identified Ifh1, which is a co‐activator for the transcription of ribosomal protein genes, as a novel substrate of Yak1 kinase. The putative Yak1‐dependent phosphorylation site of Ifh1 was verified by in vitro kinase assay. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new family of peptide–nucleic acid nanostructures with potent transfection activities
Authors: Bechinger Burkhard , Vidovic Verica , Bertani Philippe , Kichler Antoine
Published: November 2010

A family of His‐rich peptides has been shown to complex DNA and efficiently deliver these nucleic acids into eukaryotic cells. Therefore, these nanoscale complexes have potential applications in gene therapy. Here, we review a number of spectroscopic and biophysical investigations aimed at characterizing the supramolecular interactions of the peptides with the nucleic acids and when overcoming the membrane barriers of the cell. Furthermore, solid‐state NMR distance measurements for the first time reveal close interatomic distances between the amino acid side chains and the DNA phosphates within the transfection complex. A recent study indicates that the peptides are also potent transfectants of siRNAs and they could thereby be of potential interest for gene silencing therapies using these compounds. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and analysis of the membrane proximal external region epitopes of HIV‐1
Authors: Ingale Sampat , Gach Johannes S. , Zwick Michael B. , Dawson Philip E.
Published: November 2010

The membrane proximal external region (MPER) of gp41 abuts the viral membrane at the base of HIV‐1 envelope glycoprotein spikes. The MPER is highly conserved and is rich in Trp and other lipophilic residues. The MPER is also required for the infection of host cells by HIV‐1 and is the target of the broadly neutralizing antibodies, 4E10, 2F5, and Z13e1. These neutralizing antibodies are valuable tools for understanding relevant conformations of the MPER and for studying HIV‐1 neutralization, but multiple approaches used to elicit MPER binding antibodies with similar neutralization properties have failed. Here we report our efforts to mimic the MPER using linear as well as constrained peptides. Unnatural amino acids were also introduced into the core epitope of 4E10 to probe requirements of antibody binding. Peptide analogs with C‐terminal Api or Aib residues designed to be helical transmembrane (TM) domain surrogates exhibit enhanced binding to the 4E10 and Z13e1 antibodies. However, we find that placement of constrained amino acids at nonbinding sites within the core epitope significantly reduce binding. These results are relevant to an understanding of native MPER structure on HIV‐1, and form a basis for a chemical synthesis approach to mimic MPER stricture and to construct an MPER‐based vaccine. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigations of PbSe layers after anodic electrochemical etching by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Zimin Sergey , Vasin Vladimir , Gorlachev Egor , Buchin Eduard , Naumov Viktor
Published: November 2010

Investigations of the morphology of the surface of PbSe/CaF2/Si(111) epitaxial structures after anodic electrochemical etching in a Norr electrolyte with anodizing current density of 2‐8 mA/cm2 and duration of 10‐20 min were performed. Two possible morphology types of PbSe nanostructured surficial porous layers were distinguished. Agglomerated nanoislands with 80‐400 nm lateral sizes and 70 nm average separating gaps were observed for the anodized films with initial flat terraced surface. It is shown that in this case it is possible to fabricate PbSe agglomerated nanoisland structures directly on silicon substrate. A double‐layered porous structure was obtained for epitaxial PbSe films with initial granular surface. Top porous layer with a thickness of 75‐100 nm presents a developed hierarchical porous network. Bottom layer is characterized with a presence of mesopores with 7‐18 nm diameter propagating into the layer. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of low temperature and concentration KOH etching on high aspect ratio silicon structures
Authors: Defforge Thomas , Coudron Loïc , Gautier Gaël , Kouassi Sébastien , Vervisch Wilfried , Tran Van François , Ventura Laurent
Published: November 2010

In this paper, the effect of low concentrated alkaline solutions etching on texturized silicon structures at low temperatures has been studied. The silicon samples have been previously etched either from regular arrays by HF anodization on prepatterned substrates or by Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE). After immersion in a low concentrated potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution mixed with isopropyl alcohol (IPA), the quality of the silicon sidewalls has been improved by an anisotropic etching. Thus, the trenches wall surface has been smoothed and planed. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure formation at the nanometric scale during current oscillations at the Si/electrolyte contact
Authors: Grzanna Jürgen , Notz Thilo , Stempel Thomas , Lewerenz Hans‐J.
Published: November 2010

The oxide structure formation process at the Si/electrolyte contact is considered during the anodic oxidation of n‐type silicon in fluoride containing solution. The morphological model is characterized by stress, cracks, nanopores and assumes two types of silicon oxide with different nanopore density which induces synchronization and leads to temporarily extended current oscillations. The Thickness Oscillator Model in a macroscopic and microscopic form is presented. For the macroscopic version a relation between the used integral equation (recurrence relation for the synchronization states) and the Helmholtz differential equation is presented in the case of sustained oscillations. Measurements and the microscopic model in the form of a spatio‐temporarily resolved two‐dimensional cellular automate visualize the oxide structure during current oscillations (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electron irradiation induced defects in germanium‐doped Czochralski silicon substrates and diodes
Authors: Chen Jiahe , Vanhellemont Jan , Simoen Eddy , Lauwaert Johan , Vrielinck Henk , Rafi Joan Marc , Ohyama Hidenori , Weber Jörg , Yang Deren
Published: November 2010

Ge doping in Czochralski silicon (Cz‐Si) crystal has been proposed as a successful application of the so‐called “impurity engineering” leading to improved properties of Si wafers and/or devices. In an attempt to understand the beneficial effect of Ge doping on irradiation hardness for actual devices, substrates and p‐on‐n diodes, both with and without Ge doping, were exposed to electron irradiation and characterized using deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS). Our results suggest a concentration of 1019 cm–3 Ge doping has only a limited effect on the total density of vacancy related deep levels in silicon (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dopant profiles in silicon created by MeV hydrogen implantation: Influence of annealing parameters
Authors: Laven J.G. , Schulze H.‐J. , Häublein V. , Niedernostheide F.‐J. , Schulze H. , Ryssel H. , Frey L.
Published: November 2010

Dopant profiles created by MeV proton implantation in float zone and Czochralski silicon are examined with spreading resistance probe measurements after annealing in the temperature range of 300–500 °C. For the description of the profile shape, two species are used, one being the implanted and mobile hydrogen and the other being an immobile irradiation induced point defect complex. The diffusion of the implanted hydrogen through the radiation damaged layer is found to be of great relevance for the resulting depth distribution of the hydrogen related donors. An effective diffusion coefficient is given for implantation into float zone silicon. Furthermore, the profile shape varies significantly with the annealing temperature. It is proposed that two donor species are generated which each exhibit a different thermal stability, and that these two species have individual depth distributions. Profiles created in Czochralski silicon seem to be additionally affected by an enhanced generation of oxygen thermal donor species. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Integrated demultiplexer and photodetector for short range transmission in the visible range
Authors: Louro P. , Vieira M. A. , Amaral S. , Fernandes M. , Costa J. , Vieira M.
Published: November 2010

We present results on the use of multilayered a‐SiC:H heterostructures as an integrated device for simultaneous measurement and wavelength‐division demultiplexing of optical signals. These devices are useful in optical communications applications that use the wavelength division multiplexing technique to encode multiple signals into the same transmission medium. The device is composed of two stacked p‐i‐n photodiodes, both optimized for the selective collection of the photo generated carriers. Band gap engineering was used to adjust the photogeneration and recombination rates profiles of the intrinsic absorber regions of each photodiode to short and long wavelength absorption and carrier collection in the visible spectrum. The generated photocurrent signal was analyzed at reverse and forward bias and under steady state illumination. A demux algorithm based on the voltage controlled sensitivity of the device was proposed and tested. An electrical model of the WDM device is presented and supported by the solution of the respective circuit equations. Short range optical communications constitute the major application field. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Si and SiC nanocrystals in an amorphous SiC matrix: Formation and electrical properties
Authors: Gradmann Rena , Loeper Philipp , Künle Matthias , Rothfelder Marcel , Janz Stefan , Hermle Martin , Glunz Stefan
Published: November 2010

Layers of Si nanocrystals in a dielectric matrix have promising properties to be implemented as the absorber layer in a top cell of a Si‐based tandem solar cell. Si nanocrystals in SiC are produced by plasma deposition of Si rich a‐SiC:H and subsequent solid phase crystallization by thermal annealing at temperatures between 800°C and 1000°C. The Si rich a‐SiC:H films were doped with boron by addition of diluted diborane (B2H6 in H2) to the plasma process. The microstructure was investigated for different gas fluxes and annealing procedures and the films were found to consist of amorphous or polycrystalline SiC with embedded Si nanocrystals. The microstructural results are then correlated with the electrical and optoelectronic properties. By choosing appropriate deposition parameters, the films micro‐structure could be modified such that the crystallization of both Si and SiC nanocrystals is favoured and the conductivity is enhanced. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns show the formation of both Si and SiC nanocrystals after annealing at 900 °C, if the hydrogen flux in the plasma is large enough. The formation of SiC nanocrystals is confirmed by Fourier Transformed IR (FTIR) spectra where a transition from a Gaussian shaped peak of the amorphous SiC‐phase to a blueshifted Lorentzian peak of nanocrystalline SiC is observed. Dark dc IV measurements reveal the increase of conductivity with diluted diborane flux from 9.32 10–6 Ω–1cm–1 to 1.98 10–2 Ω–1cm–1 for a 1000 °C anneal. Increase of annealing temperature at constant doping also increases conductivity by about two orders of magnitude. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Stabilization of hydroxyl‐terminated silanes in porous silicon for in‐situ DNA synthesis
Authors: Lawrie Jenifer L. , Weiss Sharon M.
Published: November 2010

Passivation of porous silicon sensors is a critical issue for achieving high sensitivity and selectivity toward biomolecule targets that may be detected in complex physiologic solution. Without appropriate passivation, degradation of the porous silicon matrix inhibits the repeatability of optical measurements and limits applications in complex media. In this work, we present a method for stabilizing TEOS‐HBA monolayers in porous silicon. Annealing of the silane at 200°C for 16 hours, followed by a deionized water wash for a minimum of one hour, results in a porous silicon surface that is highly stable in a number of solvents. Annealing improves cross‐linking of surface‐attached silane molecules for added stability, and hydrolyzing facilitates removal of weakly bound multilayers. This surface treatment procedure is of considerable interest in applications such as DNA synthesis where hydroxyl functionality is critical and a thick silane surface coating is not desired. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of precipitates on the kinetics of iron gettering from the Si wafers by the Al layers
Authors: Sarikov Andrey , Naseka Victor , Litovchenko Vladimir
Published: November 2010

Gettering of heavy metal impurities that cause unwanted recombination of minority carriers in the bulk of crystalline Si is one of the key requirements for the technology of wafer based Si solar cells. The impurity gettering leads to the increase of minority carrier life time and thus of solar cell efficiency. Aluminium layers are traditionally used for the extraction of heavy metal impurities from crystalline Si due to the enhanced solubility of metal atoms in Al comparing to that in Si. This work is devoted to the theoretical study of the kinetics of the gettering of precipitated iron from the Si wafers by the Al layers during thermal anneals. A kinetic model is developed that takes into account both the precipitate dissolution and the iron atom diffusion in Si bulk that influence on the iron gettering kinetics. The kinetics of the decrease of iron concentration in Si wafers resulted from the gettering treatments is studied as a function of the concentration and the initial size of precipitates, as well as on the temperature of gettering anneals. The suggestion on the temperature regimes is proposed to achieve high gettering efficiency of precipitated iron from the Si wafers (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Hybrid structures of porous silicon and conjugated polymers for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Nahor Amit , Berger Oren , Bardavid Yosef , Toker Gil , Tamar Yair , Reiss Leah , Asscher Micha , Yitzchaik Shlomo , Sa'ar Amir
Published: November 2010

We report on a novel approach to synthesize hybrid nanostructures of meso porous silicon and conjugated organic polymers that are suitable for solar cell applications. Meso‐porous silicon substrates with relatively large pores (∼100 nm) have been exploited for electrochemical polymerization of organic monomers, which were introduced into the porous silicon matrices and electro‐polymerized to create poly‐vinyl‐carbazole (PVK). We present electrical characteristics of a device having relatively thin films of the hybrid medium, which exhibits a photovoltaic mode of operation (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Catalytic nanopores for electroless deposition of adhesive metal films on silicon: Applications to various silicon substrates including multi‐ and micro‐crystalline
Authors: Yae Shinji , Sakabe Keisuke , Hirano Tatsuya , Fukumuro Naoki , Matsuda Hitoshi
Published: November 2010

Metal‐particle‐assisted hydrofluoric acid etching of silicon (Si) is a unique method of preparing Si nanopores with metal nanoparticles at the bottom of each nanopore. Autocatalytic electroless deposition, which is the conventional method to metalize nonmetallic substrates, requires catalyzation of the substrates before deposition. For Si substrates, obtaining adhesive metal films with conventional catalyzation pretreatments is difficult. We recently developed a new method to produce adhesive metal films on Si substrates using catalytic nanopores that consists of three steps: 1) displacement deposition of metal nanoparticles; 2) Si nanopore formation by metal‐particle‐assisted hydrofluoric acid etching; and 3) autocatalytic electroless deposition of metal films. In this study, the new method is applied not only to previously reported p‐Si (100) 1 Ω cm substrates but also to various Si substrates, such as low and high resistibility, p‐ and n‐types, (100), (111), and (110) planes, and single‐, multi‐ and micro‐crystalline substrates. Adhesive and bright metal films were formed on all Si substrates. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relationship between net doping density and resistivity of compensated mc‐Si ingots
Authors: Modanese Chiara , Di Sabatino Marisa , Søiland Anne‐Karin , Arnberg Lars
Published: November 2010

The total concentration of doping species in both p‐ and n‐type crystalline Si materials can be easily estimated by resistivity measurements. However, to use this relation for estimating the net doping density for compensated materials can be questioned due to the interaction between doping species. This study was undertaken in order to elucidate if resistivity measurements can be used to estimate the net doping density in materials with dopant densities characteristic for compensated solar cell silicon. The net doping density, NA‐ND, of several p‐type compensated mc‐Si ingots with different contents of B and P has been independently measured by chemical analyses (GDMS) and resistivity measurements (FPP). NA is assumed to be equal to the sum of B and Al atomic concentrations, whereas ND is assumed to be equal to the P concentration. The net doping densities obtained by the two methods are in agreement within the uncertainty limits for the GDMS measurements, indicating that resistivity measurements give a good estimate of the net doping densities investigated here. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural properties of porous 6H silicon carbide
Authors: Newby Pascal , Bluet Jean‐Marie , Aimez Vincent , Fréchette Luc G. , Lysenko Vladimir
Published: November 2010

In this work we have studied the effect of current density and UV illumination on the morphology of porous SiC formed by electrochemical etching. Raman spectroscopy was also carried out, in order to correlate the porous SiC structure with the obtained spectra. We show that current density is important in controlling the type of structure, whereas UV illumination plays a role in pore nucleation at lower current densities. The shape of the Raman spectra, in particular the longitudinal optical (LO) peak, also depends strongly on the SiC nanoscale morphology. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effectiveness and safety of topical capsaicin cream in the treatment of chronic soft tissue pain
Authors: Chrubasik S. , Weiser T. , Beime B.
Published: November 2010

Topical capsaicin is an established treatment option for various pain conditions. In a randomized double‐blind multi‐centre study, 281 patients suffering from chronic soft tissue pain were treated either with a cream containing capsaicin 0.05% (‘Finalgon® CPD Wärmecreme’, n = 140) or placebo (n = 141). Of these, 151 were excluded from the ITT analysis, as they had in addition to their soft‐tissue pain, pain of other origin. The primary outcome measure was a positive treatment response, defined as a pain sum score reduction of 30% or more. After 3 weeks of treatment, the median pain sum score had decreased by 49% (capsicum group) and 23% (placebo group) (ITT analysis, p = 0.0006). The odds ratio of the responders in favour for capsaicin was 4.3 (CI 97.5% lower limit 1.9, p < 0.0001). Improvements in the secondary efficacy measures confirmed the results. Likewise, all outcome measures had significantly more improved in the capsaicin‐treated compared with the placebo‐treated chronic back pain sufferers. All patients were included in the safety assessments. More adverse events occurred in the capsicum group (n = 13) than in the placebo group (n = 6). The capsaicin cream was generally well tolerated. The results indicate that capsaicin cream is useful in patients with chronic soft tissue pain and is also efficacious in patients with chronic back pain for which effectiveness was already demonstrated in earlier clinical trials.
Baekjeolyusin‐tang and its active component berberine block the release of collagen and proteoglycan from IL‐1β‐stimulated rabbit cartilage and down‐regulate matrix metalloproteinases in rabbit chondrocytes
Authors: Moon Phil‐Dong , Jeong Hyeon Seok , Chun Chang Sun , Kim Hyung‐Min
Published: November 2010

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a major degenerative disease affecting millions of individuals. The ability of articular cartilage to self‐repair is limited due to a low tissue turnover rate and the avascular nature of the cartilage, making OA an irreversible disease. In Korea, however, many traditional Korean medical doctors have treated joint disease with a prescription of traditional Korean medicine, BaekJeolYuSin‐tang (BYT). Thus, the chondroprotective effects of BYT and its active component, berberine (Ber) were investigated in an experimental model. Here it is shown that BYT or Ber significantly inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs‐5 as well as increasing the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1, aggrecan and collagen in rabbit articular chondrocytes (p < 0.05). BYT or Ber significantly inhibited the secretion and activity of MMP‐3 (p < 0.05). In addition, BYT or Ber significantly inhibited the release of collagen and glycosaminoglycan into the culture media from rabbit articular cartilage explants (p < 0.05). The data suggest that BYT or Ber has a therapeutic potential for the treatment of cartilage damage in osteoarthritis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanogap Ring Antennae as Plasmonically Coupled SERRS Substrates
Authors: Clark Alasdair W. , Cooper Jonathan M.
Published: November 2010

The fabrication, optical characterization, and application of a new generation of ultrasmall multiple‐split nanoring antennae is reported. Using electron‐beam lithography, splits of ≈6 nm are engineered into silver nanophotonic ring structures to create concentrated areas of localized field coupling, which can be exploited for enhanced plasmonic applications. The plasmonic properties of three devices, containing 3, 4, and 5 splits, which have been spectrally tuned to 532 nm, are compared. Using finite‐element analysis, the distinct plasmonic characteristics of each structure are explored and a description is given of how variations in the surface charge distribution affect intersegmental coupling at different polarization angles. The impact these changes have on the sensory functionality of each device was determined by a competitive DNA‐hybridization assay measured using surface‐enhanced resonance Raman spectroscopy. The geometry of these novel, circular, multiple‐split rings leads to unique plasmon hybridization between the numerous segments of a single structure. This phenomenon is demonstrated to be applicable to extreme Raman sensitivity and may also find use in metamaterial applications.
Distinct Roles for Wnt-4 and Wnt-11 During Retinoic Acid-Induced Neuronal Differentiation
Authors: Elizalde Carina , Campa Victor M. , Caro Mercedes , Schlangen Karin , María Aransay Ana , dM Vivanco Maria , Kypta Robert M.
Published: November 2010

Retinoic acid and Wnt/β-catenin signals play important roles during neuronal differentiation but less is known about noncanonical Wnt signals in this context. We examined retinoic acid and Wnt signaling in two human embryonal carcinoma cell lines, NTERA-2 (clone D1), which undergoes neuronal differentiation in response to retinoic acid, and 2102Ep, which does not. Retinoic acid treatment inhibited β-catenin/Tcf activity in NTERA-2 cells but not in 2102Ep cells. Inhibition occurred downstream of β-catenin but did not involve competition between retinoic acid receptors and β-catenin for binding to p300 or Tcf-4. Ectopic expression of FZD1 partially restored inhibition in 2102Ep cells, suggesting the involvement of Wnt ligands. Retinoic acid treatment of NTERA-2 cells induced the expression of Wnt-4 and Wnt-11, both of which were able to inhibit β-catenin/Tcf activity. Wnt-4 and Wnt-11 were found at cell borders in islands of cells that expressed OCT4 and GFAP and were predominantly negative for Nestin, PAX6, and GATA6. Gene silencing of Wnt-4, but not Wnt-11, reduced retinoic acid downregulation of OCT4 and Nanog and upregulation of PAX6, ASCL1, HOXC5, and NEUROD1, suggesting that Wnt-4 promotes early neuronal differentiation. Gene expression analysis of NTERA-2 cells stably overexpressing Wnt-11 suggested that Wnt-11 potentiates retinoic acid induction of early neurogenesis. Consistent with this, overexpression of Wnt-11 maintained a population of proliferating progenitor cells in cultures treated with retinoic acid for several weeks. These observations highlight the distinct roles of two noncanonical Wnts during the early stages of retinoic acid-induced neuronal differentiation.