bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cold ischemia in microvascular breast reconstruction
Authors: Lee David T. , Lee Gordon
Published: February 2010

Introduction: A major drawback to microvascular free flap breast reconstruction is the length of operation—up to 9 hours or more for bilateral reconstruction. This takes a significant mental and physical toll on the surgical team, producing fatigue that may compromise surgical outcome. To facilitate the operation we have incorporated a period of cold ischemia of the flaps such that members of the surgical team can alternate a brief respite during the operation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed our series of microvascular free flap breast reconstructions performed over a four‐year period in which cold ischemia of the flaps were induced. Results: Seventy patients underwent free flap breast reconstruction with 104 flaps. Mean cold ischemia time for all flaps was 2 hours 36 min. Average rest time per surgeon per case was 35 min. Complications included two total flap losses (1.9%), one partial flap loss (1.0%), one anastomotic thrombosis (1.0%), two hematomas (1.9%), three fat necrosis (2.9%), and two delayed healing (1.9%). Statistical analysis revealed that the probability of complications is inversely related to cold ischemia time (P = 0.0163). Conclusion: Cold ischemia facilitates breast reconstruction by allowing the surgical team to alternate breaks during the operation. This helps reduce surgeon fatigue and is well tolerated by the flap. Thus, we believe that the use of cold ischemia is safe and advantageous in microvascular breast reconstruction. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:361–367, 2010.
Collagen nerve protector in rat sciatic nerve repair: A morphometric and histological analysis
Authors: Kim Paul D. , Hayes Austin , Amin Faiq , Akelina Yelena , Hays Arthur P. , Rosenwasser Melvin P.
Published: February 2010

Peripheral nerve repair is often complicated by fibroblastic scar formation, nerve dysfunction, and traumatic neuroma formation. Use of bio‐absorbable protective wraps may improve outcomes of these repairs. This study histologically compared the incidence of neuroma formation, connective tissue proliferation, and axonal regrowth in transected rat sciatic nerves repaired with and without tubular collagen nerve sleeves. Twenty Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent unilateral sharp sciatic nerve transection and microscopic nerve repair with four epineural sutures and were randomly treated with or without an encircling collagen nerve sleeve. Normal nerves from the contralateral sciatic nerve were also examined. At sacrifice three months later, the nerves were evaluated for traumatic neuroma formation, perineural scar formation, and morphometric analysis. Histological examination of normal and repaired nerves by a neuropathologist demonstrated healing, minimal Wallerian degeneration and no traumatic neuroma formation. Distal section analysis (nine nonwrapped, 10 wrapped), revealed no significant differences in total fascicular area, myelinated fibers per nerve, fiber density, myelin area per nerve, myelinated fiber diameter, axon diameter, myelin thickness, or G‐ratio. Significantly greater (P = 0.005) inner epineural connective tissue formation was observed in nonwrapped nerves (0.62 mm2 ± 0.2) versus wrapped nerves (0.35 mm2 ± 0.16). The ratio of connective tissue to fascicular area was larger in nonwrapped (1.08 ± 0.26) versus wrapped nerves (0.63 ± 0.22) (P < 0.001). This study demonstrated decreased inner epineural connective tissue formation with use of a collagen nerve wrap during primary repair of peripheral nerve transection in a rat sciatic nerve model. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery 30:392–396, 2010.
Heat‐solubilized curry spice curcumin inhibits antibody–antigen interaction in in vitro studies: A possible therapy to alleviate autoimmune disorders
Authors: Kurien Biji T. , D'Souza Anil , Scofield R. Hal
Published: February 2010

Chronic and complex autoimmune diseases, currently treated palliatively with immunosuppressives, require multi‐targeted therapy for greater effectiveness. The naturally occurring polyphenol curcumin has emerged as a powerful “nutraceutical” that interacts with multiple targets to regress diseases safely and inexpensively. Up to 8 g/day of curcumin for 18 months was non‐toxic to humans. However, curcumin's utility is limited by its aqueous insolubility. We have demonstrated a heat‐mediated 12‐fold increase in curcumin's aqueous solubility. Here, we show by SDS‐PAGE and surface plasmon resonance that heat‐solubilized curcumin binds to proteins. Based on this binding we hypothesized that heat‐solubilized curcumin or turmeric would prevent autoantibody targeting of cognate autoantigens. Heat‐solubilized curcumin/turmeric significantly decreased binding of autoantibodies from Sjögren's syndrome (up to 43/70%, respectively) and systemic lupus erythematosus (up to 52/70%, respectively) patients as well as an animal model of Sjögren's syndrome (up to 50/60%, respectively) to their cognate antigens. However, inhibition was not specific to autoimmunity. Heat‐solubilized curcumin/turmeric also inhibited binding of commercial polyclonal anti‐spectrin to spectrin (50/56%, respectively). Thus, we suggest that the multifaceted heat‐solubilized curcumin can ameliorate autoimmune disorders. In addition, the non‐toxic curcumin could serve as a new protein stain in SDS‐PAGE even though it is less sensitive than the Coomassie system which involves toxic chemicals.
New multigrid smoothers for the Oseen problem
Authors: Hamilton Steven , Benzi Michele , Haber Eldad
Published: February 2010

We investigate the performance of smoothers based on the Hermitian/skew‐Hermitian (HSS) and augmented Lagrangian (AL) splittings applied to the Marker‐and‐Cell (MAC) discretization of the Oseen problem. Both steady and unsteady flows are considered. Local Fourier analysis and numerical experiments on a two‐dimensional lid‐driven cavity problem indicate that the proposed smoothers result inh‐independent convergence and are fairly robust with respect to the Reynolds number. A direct comparison shows that the new smoothers compare favorably to coupled smoothers of Braess–Sarazin type, especially in terms of scaling for increasing Reynolds number. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of Hall current and heat transfer on the flow of a fourth grade fluid
Authors: Hayat T. , Maqbool Khadija , Asghar S.
Published: February 2010

In this article, a mathematical model is analyzed to investigate the effects of Hall current and heat transfer on the flow of a fourth grade fluid between two heated and rotating disks. The corresponding problem of velocity and temperature are solved analytically by homotopy analysis method. Comparison is given between the results of velocity in fourth grade, third grade, second grade, and viscous fluids. The variation of pertinent parameters are graphed and discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2010
Non‐cerebellar primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET): Summary of the Milan consensus and state of the art workshop on marrow ablative chemotherapy with hematopoietic cell rescue for malignant brain tumors of childhood and adolescents
Authors: Fangusaro Jason , Massimino Maura , Rutkowski Stefan , Gururangan Sridharan
Published: February 2010

CNS non‐cerebellar primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) represent <5% of all childhood brain tumors. Despite similar therapies, these patients have had significantly worse outcomes compared to patients with medulloblastoma. Although these tumors have historically been considered analogous to medulloblastoma, there is growing evidence that they are biologically distinct. Since these tumors are relatively rare, there are few large series in the literature. Here we present the international experience treating these patients with a variety of therapies, including marrow ablative chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic cell rescue. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:638–640. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) in treatment of atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs)
Authors: Garrè Maria Luisa , Tekautz Tanya
Published: February 2010

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) of the CNS have been recently characterized as a distinct clinicopathologic entity with an unusually poor prognosis and with the highest incidence in the first 2 years of life. It often arises in the posterior fossa and its distinctive immunohistochemical (negative stain for INI‐1) and cytogenetic features (monosomy or deletion of chromosome 22) permit an adequate diagnosis in most of cases. AT/RT of the CNS is a usually fatal disease virtually unresponsive to chemotherapy (CT) and radiotherapy (RT). Rapid progression and CNS dissemination are commonly reported. Whether combined regimens including high‐dose CT are able to prolong survival or change the natural history of this tumor are under evaluation. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:647–648. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of high‐dose chemotherapy for recurrent medulloblastoma and other CNS primitive neuroectodermal tumors
Authors: Gajjar Amar , Pizer Barry
Published: February 2010

We summarize data presented on the use of high‐dose chemotherapy (HDCT) with stem cell rescue for patients with recurrent medulloblastoma and other primitive neuroectodermal tumors as presented at an international consensus and state of the art workshop held in Milan in 2006. Eight, mainly institutional, studies were presented that included 159 patients who received HDCT of whom 22% were disease‐free survivors at the time of reporting. Of those receiving HDCT and who relapsed having received previous radiotherapy, 17.3% were disease‐free survivors at the time of reporting. However, from the two national studies that reported results from the time of relapse, only 4.2% were event free survivors. The outlook for previously irradiated patients with recurrent PNETs remains extremely poor and more effective therapeutic approaches are needed. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:649–651. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The challenges of high‐dose chemotherapy in CNS tumors
Authors: Butturini Anna , Frappaz Didier
Published: February 2010

High‐dose, myeloablative chemotherapy with hematopoietic stem cell rescue is used in children and young adults with brain tumors for which conventional therapy is either excessively toxic (e.g., radiotherapy in infants) or ineffective. Thus, the aims of such strategies are to improve both quantity and quality of life. Whether high‐dose chemotherapy is less neurotoxic and more effective than other therapeutic approaches is still controversial. We will consider the difficulties in analyzing published data and the challenges of designing effective clinical trials that test high‐dose chemotherapy in patients with brain tumors. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:652–653. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differences in voriconazole trough plasma concentrations per oral dosages between children younger and older than 3 years of age
Authors: Shima Haruko , Miharu Masashi , Osumi Tomoo , Takahashi Takao , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: February 2010

The relationship between trough plasma concentrations and daily doses of voriconazole was retrospectively analyzed in ≤18‐year‐old children because optimal oral voriconazole dosages for children, especially <2 years of age, is unknown. We demonstrated that the relationship changed around the age of 3 years, and that children <3 years of age required higher optimal daily doses with greater variations compared with those for older children, resulting in complicated optimal dose adjustments. Therefore, plasma concentration monitoring and individual dose adjustments are recommended for optimal and less toxic voriconazole treatments, especially for <3‐year‐old children, although additional studies are needed to validate this approach. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:1050–1052 © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Study of the nonlinear phase‐separation behavior of a polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) blend using small‐angle light scattering
Authors: Zuo Min , Shangguan Yonggang , Zheng Qiang
Published: February 2010

The thermally induced phase‐separation behavior of a polystyrene/poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PS/PVME) blend was studied mainly using time‐resolved small‐angle light scattering, as a function of temperature and heating rate. Under a non‐isothermal field, the dependence of the critical temperature on heating rate deviated obviously from linearity, even at very low heating rates. Such a nonlinear dependence was consistent with the deviation from linearity of the temperature dependence of the isothermal phase‐separation behavior in a wider temperature range from 100 to 140 °C. It was also found that a Williams–Landel–Ferry (WLF)‐like equation could be employed to describe the temperature dependence of the apparent diffusion coefficient (Dapp) and the relaxation time (τ) of normalized scattering intensity at the early stage of spinodal decomposition (SD), as well as τ of phase behavior at the late stage of SD for the PS/PVME blend. The equilibrium phase‐separation temperature could hardly be established through the conventional linear extrapolation of heating rate or Dapp to zero at the early stage of SD. The successful use of the WLF‐like function for PS/PVME blends extends the applicability of the time–temperature superposition principle for describing the phase‐separation behavior of binary polymer mixtures over a relatively large temperature range. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Reversible airway obstruction in children with ataxia telangiectasia
Authors: Berkun Yackov , Vilozni Daphna , Levi Yonit , Borik Sheron , Waldman Dalia , Somech Raz , Nissenkorn Andreea , Efrati Ori
Published: February 2010

Introduction

Lung disease is a significant cause of the short life span of ataxia telangiectasia (A‐T) patients. Objective lung function measurements are difficult to achieve in A‐T.

Aim

To assess lung function by spirometry in relation to the clinical characteristics of A‐T patients followed up at the Israeli Ataxia Telangiectasia National Clinic.

Patients and Methods

Medical and spirometry data were collected from 27 A‐T patients during 2004–2007. Laboratory, nutritional condition, mode of treatment, pulmonary status, and malignancies were assessed. The spirometry values FVC, FEV1, FEV0.5, FEF25–75, PEF and time rise to peak flow were analyzed individually and values were compared to those of healthy age‐matched children.

Results

Eleven patients (40.7%) were found to suffer from asthma according to clinical symptoms and response to bronchodilators. We found significant reduction in FEV1 and FEV0.5 (z‐scores: −0.84 ± 0.7 SD, −0.7 ± 0.6 SD; P = 0.0014 and P = 0.003, respectively), in relation to healthy predicted values. FEF25–75 was significantly lower than that in healthy children in 5 of 11 asthmatic patients. All 27 patients showed higher than healthy FEV1/FVC and FEV0.5/FVC ratios (z‐scores 0.68 ± 0.99 SD, P < 0.0015, and 2.12 ± 1.50 SD, P < 0.0015, respectively). The rise time to peak flow was three‐fold longer than that of healthy children.

Conclusion

Obstructive lung disease is common among A‐T patients. Maximal peak flow reduction and prolonged rise time to peak flow may be the first signs of pulmonary involvement in these patients. Early treatment with anti‐asthma therapy, bronchodilators, and steroids, may prevent further pulmonary deterioration and improve the prognosis of A‐T patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:230–235. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Motivational interviewing for adherence problems in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Duff Alistair J.A. , Latchford Gary J.
Published: February 2010

This review focuses on adherence in cystic fibrosis (CF), and the factors known to influence it. In particular, it discusses the importance of effective communication in clinical settings and considers the evidence for the effectiveness of motivational interviewing (MI), to increase adaptation and adherence in physical health and CF. The review also contains an overview of the key concepts of MI, its' practice in medical settings and recommendations on how to adopt MI techniques in the routine care of people with CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:211–220. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhaled versus systemic antibiotics and airway inflammation in children with cystic fibrosis and Pseudomonas
Authors: Noah Terry L. , Ivins Sally S. , Abode Kathleen A. , Stewart Paul W. , Michelson Peter H. , Harris William T. , Henry Marianna M. , Leigh Margaret W.
Published: February 2010

Rationale

Inhaled tobramycin has been shown to transiently clear Pseudomonas from lower airways in early cystic fibrosis (CF), but does not markedly reduce lung inflammation, a key factor in disease progression.

Objective

Test the hypothesis that systemic antibiotics are more effective than inhaled antibiotics for reducing lower airways inflammation.

Methods

Clinically stable CF children with recent Pseudomonas were randomized to receive 4 weeks of inhaled tobramycin or 2 weeks of systemic antibiotics (intravenous ceftazidime and tobramycin). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was obtained just before and 4–6 weeks after treatment. The primary outcome was change in % neutrophils in lavage fluid.

Results

Fifteen subjects (inhaled = 6, systemic = 9) completed the protocol. Three Systemic Group subjects could not have central venous access established and were treated with oral ciprofloxacin (plus inhaled tobramycin) for 2 weeks as an alternative “systemic” regimen, per protocol. Groups were well matched in age, markers of disease severity, and initial % neutrophils. The Systemic Group showed a modest median change in percent neutrophils (−7%) which was not statistically significant compared to inhaled (+5.4%, P = 0.07). However, the Systemic Group had significantly greater reductions in total cells (−50% vs. −3%, P < 0.01) and neutrophils (−74% vs. −10%, P = 0.02) per ml lavage fluid. Both groups had reduced bacterial quantity after treatment, but there was no significant difference between groups.

Conclusions

In clinically stable children with CF, systemic antibiotics result in greater short‐term reduction in lower airways inflammation than inhaled antibiotics. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:281–290. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Short‐term effect of physiotherapy on variability of the lung clearance index in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Fuchs Susanne I. , Toussaint Sabine , Edlhaimb Barbara , Ballmann Manfred , Gappa Monika
Published: February 2010

Multiple breath washout (MBW) for measuring the lung clearance index (LCI) has been proposed as a non‐invasive tool for detecting early cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease. The LCI is highly repeatable and reproducible in healthy subjects. In patients with CF, within‐test variability is low. However, application of physiotherapy (PT) immediately preceding MBW may affect LCI variability in CF patients and thus interpretation of repeat measurements and treatment effects. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to prospectively assess the short‐term effect of PT on LCI in CF patients in order to address the question whether or not standardized timing of PT and MBW has to be considered when introducing MBW into clinical CF management. Twenty‐seven out of 32 patients (5.7–15.9 years) with CF successfully performed two technically acceptable MBW tests with the EasyOne Pro, MBW Module (ndd, Switzerland) at intervals of 1½ hr. Sixteen out of 27 received 30 min PT in between, whereas 11/27 did not.

Repeatability expressed as intraindividual coefficient of variation (CV) was 6.1% pre‐PT and 6.5% post‐PT. Mean difference (95% CI) of LCI between the two tests was −0.20 (−0.51; 0.11). Reproducibility (SD) was 4.6% (3.1). Repeatability was 4.2% and 7.1% without intervention. Mean difference (95% CI) of LCI between 1st and 2nd test was 0.07 (−0.22; 0.35). Reproducibility (SD) was 2.6% (2.1).

In conclusion, PT does not have a consistent effect on the LCI. Repeatability was slightly poorer than published for healthy subjects possibly reflecting variable mucus plugging, and, thus, variable trapped air in patients with CF. Reproducibility was good and independent on intervention. From our data, we conclude that timing of PT in relation to MBW can be ignored when designing study protocols or when interpreting longitudinal data and treatment effects. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:301–306. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory syncytial virus infection outbreak among pediatric patients with oncologic diseases and/or BMT
Authors: Anak Sema , Atay Didem , Unuvar Aysegul , Garipardic Mesut , Agaoglu Leyla , Ozturk Gulyuz , Karakas Zeynep , Devecioglu Omer
Published: February 2010

Background

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been reported to cause severe morbidity and mortality among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy with or without autologous/allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). There have been few reports describing the outcome of RSV infection specifically among pediatric oncology patients.

Methods

Two RSV infection outbreaks developed between February–April 2006 and January–March 2009 in hospitalized pediatric patients for various hemato‐oncological diseases ± HSCT. A survey of respiratory viruses was done using direct immunofluorescent antibody assay from nasopharyngeal washing aspirate.

Results

In two RSV infection outbreaks (2006 and 2009), RSV antigen was detected in 6/30 patients. Five of six patients with RSV antigen were all treated with 0.2–0.4 g/kg intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) and specific antiviral therapy, oral ribavirin (20–25 mg/kg/day in three doses). Five patients recovered fully, although two were retreated due to recurrent (+) RSV antigen and respiratory symptoms within 2 weeks. We did not give oral ribavirin to one patient with (+) RSV antigen due to mild symptoms. All patients are alive and well.

Conclusions

In contrast with the outcome of RSV infection in adult oncology patients, the mortality associated with RSV infection in pediatric oncology patients even in post bone marrow transplantation (BMT) period, is low when diagnosed and treated early enough. Oral ribavirin might be an option together with IVIG in the treatment of RSV especially when other forms of antivirals could not be obtained. This approach will make it possible to give the scheduled anti‐neoplastic therapy on time. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:307–311. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sex attractant for the banana moth, Opogona sacchari Bojer (Lepidoptera: Tineidae): provisional identification and field evaluation
Authors: Jang Eric B , Siderhurst Matthew S , Hollingsworth Robert G , Showalter David N , Troyer Elisa J
Published: February 2010

BACKGROUND: The banana moth, Opogona sacchari Bojer, is a polyphagous agricultural pest in many tropical areas of the world. The identification of an attractant for male O. sacchari could offer new methods for detection, study and control.

RESULTS: A compound extracted from female O. sacchari elicited responses from antennae of male moths. This compound was identified as a 2/3,(Z)13‐octadecadienal by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. An analog, 2/3,(Z)13‐octadecadienol, was also detected in some extracts at roughly a 1:20 ratio (alcohol:aldehyde) but did not elicit responses from antennae of male moths. Electroantennograms of synthetic candidate dienals found the strongest responses from (Z, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal and (E, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal. In field trials, (E, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal attracted more male O. sacchari than (Z, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal. Attraction was not improved for either of these compounds when the corresponding stereoisomeric alcohol was added at ratios of 1:1, 1:10 or 1:100 (alcohol:aldehyde). Jackson sticky traps containing 250 µg lures of (E, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal caught as many males as did traps holding virgin females.

CONCLUSION: (E, Z)‐2,13‐octadecadienal has been identified as an attractant for O. sacchari males and can be used as a monitoring lure of populations of this moth. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
The oxidative products of methionine as site and content biomarkers for peptide oxidation
Authors: Zong Wansong , Liu Rutao , Wang Meijie , Zhang Pengjun , Sun Feng , Tian Yanmin
Published: February 2010

Biomarkers for peptide/protein oxidation under oxidative stress (OS) hold both incredible application potential as well as significant challenges. In this article, liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were applied to establish a new method for evaluating the oxidation site and degree of peptide oxidized, with its oxidative product serving as biomarker. In the three model peptides, peptide FMRF (containing a methionine) was prone to undergo oxygen addition under UV/H2O2 oxidization, forming a sulfoxide (FM(O)RF) with a stable chromatographic peak separate from the model peptides. The oxidation content of FMRF, expressed as SFM(O)RF/(SFM(O)RF + SFMRF), is positively correlated with oxidation time. Based on sequence analysis of FM(O)RF, the oxidation mechanism (site and extent) of FMRF under UV/H2O2 oxidization was explicitly clarified. By comparing the specific injury to each model peptide, we found that the oxidative products of Met‐containing peptides are good biomarkers for OS. This research not only expands the range of biomarkers for OS, but also provides an efficient and accurate method for evaluating oxidation damage to peptides and even proteins. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amorphous silicon based p‐i‐i‐n photodetectors for point‐of‐care testing
Authors: Sämann Marc , Furin Dominik , Thielmann Johannes , Pfäfflin Albrecht , Proll Günther , Harendt Christine , Gauglitz Günther , Schleicher Erwin , Schubert Markus B.
Published: February 2010

Modern medical diagnostics demands point‐of‐care testing (POCT) systems for quick tests in clinical or out‐patient environments. This investigation combines the Reflectometric Interference Spectroscopy (RIfS) with thin film technology for a highly sensitive, direct optical and label‐free detection of proteins, e.g. inflammation or cardiovascular markers. Amorphous silicon (a‐Si) based thin film photodetectors replace the so far needed spectrometer and permit downsizing of the POCT system. Photodetectors with p‐i‐i‐n structure adjust their spectral sensitivity according to the applied read‐out voltage. The use of amorphous silicon carbide in the p‐type and the first intrinsic layer enhances the sensitivity through very low dark currents of the photodetectors and enables the adjustment of their absorption characteristics. Integrating the thin film photodetectors on the rear side of the RIfS substrate eliminates optical losses and distortions, as compared to the standard RIfS setup. An integrated Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip performs a current‐frequency conversion to accurately detect the photocurrent of up to eight parallel photodetector channels. In addition to the optimization of the photo‐detectors, this contribution presents first successful direct optical and label‐free RIfS measurements of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and D‐dimer in buffer solution in physiological relevant concentrations. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Amorphous to nanocrystalline transition in HWCVD Si:H films by substrate temperature variation
Authors: Gogoi Purabi , Jha Himanshu S. , Deva Dinesh , Agarwal Pratima
Published: February 2010

Thin films of hydrogenated silicon with band gap ranging from 2.0‐2.34 eV are prepared at deposition rate 8‐14 Å/sec in an indigenously fabricated HWCVD system keeping all parameters except substrate temperature fixed. The films grown at Ts ≤ 150 °C are found to be pure amorphous, whereas the formation of nanocrystalline phase starts at Ts ≥ 200 °C. With increase in Ts, crystalline fraction increases along with the increase in the band gap whereas the hydrogen content in the films and the deposition rate decreases. The variation of microstructure by varying substrate temperature without a significant decrease in deposition rate is useful for various device applications. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Uniformity study of amorphous and microcrystalline silicon thin films deposited on 10 cm × 10 cm glass substrate using hot wire CVD technique
Authors: Frigeri P. A. , Nos O. , Calvo J. D. , Carreras P. , Roldan R. , Asensi J. M. , Bertomeu J.
Published: February 2010

The scaling up of the Hot Wire Chemical Vapor Deposition (HW‐CVD) technique to large deposition area can be done using a catalytic net of equal spaced parallel filaments. The large area deposition limit is defined as the limit whenever a further increment of the catalytic net area does not affect the properties of the deposited film. This is the case when a dense catalytic net is spread on a surface considerably larger than that of the film substrate. To study this limit, a system able to hold a net of twelve wires covering a surface of about 20 cm × 20 cm was used to deposit amorphous (a‐Si:H) and microcrystalline (μ c‐Si:H) silicon over a substrate of 10 cm × 10 cm placed at a filament‐substrate distance ranging from 1 to 2 cm. The uniformity of the film thickness d and optical constants, n (x, λ) and α (x, ħω), was studied via transmission measurements. The thin film uniformity as a function of the filament‐substrate distance was studied. The experimental thickness profile was compared with the theoretical result obtained solving the diffusion equations. The optimization of the filament‐substrate distance allowed obtaining films with inhomogeneities lower than ±2.5% and deposition rates higher than 1 nm/s and 4.5 nm/s for (μ c‐Si:H) and (a‐Si:H), respectively. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Raman mapping of microcrystalline silicon thin films with high spatial resolution
Authors: Ledinský M. , Vetushka A. , Stuchlík J. , Fejfar A. , Kočka J.
Published: February 2010

Raman maps, i.e., grids of individual spectra of Raman scattering from excitation laser beam focused by optical microscope, were used to characterize mixed phase silicon thin films. Raman maps measured with 442 nm and 785 nm lasers were compared with topography or local current maps recorded by conductive atomic force microscope (C‐AFM) in the same field of view. The Raman measurement may irreversibly influence the thin film surface by thermal oxidation, as proved by the change of local conductivity observed in C‐AFM. Resolution limit of individual grains in Raman mapping with 442 nm excitation was 350 nm, however, we were able to detect much smaller individual grains (down to ∼160 nm diameter measured by AFM) if they were isolated in amorphous matrix. Polarized Raman spectroscopy is able to detect the crystallographic orientation of the single microcrystalline grain. Resolution of the Raman mapping may be significantly improved by tip enhanced Raman measurement. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Window layer development for microcrystalline silicon solar cells in n‐i‐p configuration
Authors: Böttler Wanjiao , Smirnov Vladimir , Lambertz Andreas , Hüpkes Jürgen , Finger Friedhelm
Published: February 2010

The development of p‐type and front ZnO layers, being window layers in n‐i‐p solar cells, is considered in this work. Electrical and optical properties of these layers were investigated on glass substrates, subject to thickness and doping variations. Subsequently, the effects of p‐layer thickness and doping and front ZnO thickness on solar cell performance were studied. The optimal conditions for concerned layers are obtained, and discussed in terms of the built‐in voltage, potential barriers and total reflection. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanocrystallites formation in a‐SiC by low power plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition
Authors: Bhaduri Ayana , Kole Arindam , Chaudhuri Partha
Published: February 2010

Formation of nanocrystallites in the amorphous silicon carbide thin films deposited from silane methane mixture diluted in argon by plasma enhanced CVD has been studied under different levels of rf power density and Ar dilution. Systematic transformations between different polymorphic phases of SiC have been observed with changes in rf power and Ar dilution. At low Ar dilution no H‐SiC (α‐SiC) nanocrystallites was observed. Only traces of β‐SiC of Si were observed. With increase in Ar dilution formation of α‐SiC nanocrystallites was observed. Increase of rf power density at this dilution enhanced α‐SiC nanocrystallites but reduced β‐SiC slightly. Variation of SiC peak in the infra red absorption corresponds closely with the changes in β‐SiC nanocrystallites in the layers. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of As alloying on the valence band tail states in a‐Se
Authors: Benkhedir Mohammed L. , Djefaflia Fahima , Mansour Mohammed , Qamhieh Naser
Published: February 2010

Transient photocurrent (TPC) measurements have been carried out on evaporated a‐Se doped with either 0.2% or 0.5% of As and compared with analogous measurements on undoped and Cl doped a‐Se. These measurements show that As doping of a‐Se suppresses the shallow defects linked to the dihedral angle variations in a‐Se chains, and makes the valence band tail states distribution steeper. These changes in the a‐Se density of states increase the relative importance of the deep defect levels in As‐doped a‐Se and thus explain the widely reported hole lifetime shortening with As addition. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Highly conductive boron‐doped hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon films obtained by hot wire deposition
Authors: Beyer W. , Carius R. , Einsele F. , Lennartz D. , Niessen L. , Pennartz F.
Published: February 2010

The growth of highly conductive boron doped microcrystalline silicon by the hot wire method was studied. Various series of films were deposited to investigate the influence of the deposition parameters on conductivity, crystallinity and (void‐related) microstructure. Maximum (room temperature) conductivities > 200 S/cm with carrier mobilities > 2.5 cm2/Vs were achieved. While a high crystallinity is the major requirement for achieving high conductivities, the microstructure is also of influence. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Multi‐scale analysis of the 25–27 July 2006 convective period over Niamey: Comparison between Doppler radar observations and simulations
Authors: Barthe Christelle , Asencio Nicole , Lafore Jean‐Philippe , Chong Michel , Campistron Bernard , Cazenave Frédéric
Published: February 2010

The present study investigates the multi‐scale processes associated with a sequence of convective events that occurred over Niamey during the period 25–26 July 2006. This period corresponds to the active stage of the first intense monsoon surge over Sahel for 2006. During this two‐day period, two successive sequences of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) were located ahead of and in phase with the trough of an African Easterly Wave (AEW). They were followed by suppressed or isolated convection behind the trough and in the vicinity of the ridge. The large AMMA‐SOP dataset, in particular the UHF radar and the MIT Doppler radar in Niamey, are used in combination with a low‐resolution (5 km) cloud‐resolving model to understand the convection organization and its interaction with the environment. Several initial and boundary conditions have been tested, but only the simulation starting with the ECMWF AMMA reanalysis succeeds in reproducing the observed features; this emphasizes the importance of the initial state. From the simulated MCSs, the along‐line component of the apparent source of momentum due to the convection is found to be up to 1 m s−1h−1. It seems that MCSs globally reduce the monsoon flow and generate southerlies at mid levels which can reinforce the rotation of the wind at the passage of the trough. During the afternoon of 26 July, the local convection over Niamey resulted from some favourable factors (humidity, CAPE, CIN) that triggered convection, while inhibiting factors (mid‐level dry layer, weaker low‐level wind shear pointing to the north, anticyclonic curvature of the streamlines at 700 hPa) prevented it organizing itself and propagating. In particular, the low‐level wind shear seems of critical importance. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Flow dependence of background errors and their vertical correlations for radiance‐data assimilation
Authors: Hess Reinhold
Published: February 2010

This article examines the dependence of background‐error statistics on synoptic conditions and flow patterns. Error variances and vertical correlations of background temperatures as used for variational radiance‐data assimilation are estimated for two different weather regimes over Europe using the NMC method. The results are validated with real observations, i.e. radiosonde data and microwave satellite radiances and generalised with half a year of global data from the ECMWF forecasting system, where weather conditions are distinguished using model fields of wind speed, mean sea level pressure, and relative vorticity. Strong winds, low pressure, and cyclonic flow generally induce larger background errors of 500 hPa temperature than calm winds, high pressure, and anticyclonic flow, and also broader temperature correlations in the vertical with other tropospheric levels. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Factors governing the interannual variation and the long‐term trend of the 850 hPa temperature over Israel
Authors: Saaroni H. , Ziv B. , Osetinsky I. , Alpert P.
Published: February 2010

This study examines the ability of the interannual variability in the occurrence of synoptic types, intensity of large‐scale circulations and global temperature to explain that of the 850 hPa temperature in Israel for the summer and the winter. The synoptic factor was represented by 19 types defined by Alpert et al(2004b). For the summer, the deep and the weak Persian Trough explained 35% of the interannual temperature variance. For the winter, the lows to the east and to the north explained 44% of the interannual temperature variance. Two additional factors were incorporated: large‐scale circulations, the North Atlantic Oscillation for the summer and the Arctic Oscillation for the winter; and global radiative forcing, represented by the global temperature. Both of them were found to be significant, and the variance explained by all of them is 56% for the summer and 64% for the winter. In the summer the variation is dominated by warm and cool types whereas in the winter the cold systems dominate.

The individual contribution of each factor to the long‐term temperature trend was estimated. While the global radiative forcing contribution was positive and large in both seasons, the synoptic contribution was positive, four times larger in the summer. The large‐scale contribution was negative, three times larger in the winter. The considerable warming in the summer results from a rapid increase in the occurrence of the weak Persian Trough, which is a warm type. The study approach may be useful for predicting future temperature regimes, based on predicted synoptic features in climatic models. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Adjustment of the atmospheric circulation to tropical Pacific SST anomalies: Variability of transient eddy propagation in the Pacific–North America sector
Authors: Seager R. , Naik N. , Ting M. , Cane M. A. , Harnik N. , Kushnir Y.
Published: February 2010

El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) related precipitation anomalies in North America are related to changes in the paths of storm systems across the Pacific Ocean, with a more southern route into southwestern North America during El Niños and a more northern route into the Pacific Northwest during La Niñas. Daily reanalysis data are analyzed to confirm these changes. Seasonal mean upper tropospheric eddy statistics show, for El Niños (La Niñas), a pattern that is shifted southward (northward) compared with climatology. Paths of coherent phase propagation of transient eddies and of the propagation of wave packets are analyzed. A coherent path of propagation across the Pacific towards North America is identified that is more zonal during El Niño winters and, during La Niñas, has a dominant path heading northeastward to the Pacific Northwest. A second path heading southeastward from the central Pacific to the tropical east Pacific is more accentuated during La Niñas than El Niños. These changes in wave propagation are reproduced in an ensemble of seasonal integrations of a general circulation model forced by a tropical Pacific sea‐surface temperature pattern, confirming that the changes are forced by changes in the mean atmospheric state arising from changes in tropical sea‐surface temperature. A simplified model with a specified basic state is used to model the storm tracks for El Niño and La Niña winters. The results suggest that the changes in transient eddy propagation and the eddy statistics can be understood in terms of the refraction of transient eddies within different basic states. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Theoretical study on the mechanism of the DNA repair protein Fpg
Authors: Zheng Jun‐Hua , Tan Hong‐Wei , Chen Guang‐Ju
Published: February 2010

In this article, theoretical and calculational study at the DFT and ONIOM level are carried out on the Fpg glycosylase catalytic mechanism, to answer some mechanistic questions unclear yet. Representative SN2 mechanism has been confirmed for all the models. The value 21.35 kcal/mol of the intrinsic activation barrier computed by the ONIOM (BP86/6‐311G**:AM1) approach agrees quite well with the experimental result of 20.66 kcal/mol. It has been found out that the electrostatic interaction between the positively charged Arg222 residue and the electronegative oxoG base is the most important influence on the excision process. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
Spectroscopic investigations on BH+(X2Σ+) ion using MRCI method and correlation‐consistent sextuple basis set augmented with diffuse functions
Authors: Shi De‐Heng , Liu Hui , Zhang Jin‐Ping , Sun Jin‐Feng , Liu Yu‐Fang , Zhu Zun‐Lue
Published: February 2010

The highly accurate valence internally contracted multireference configuration interaction (MRCI) approach in combination with a series of correlation‐consistent basis sets, cc‐pVnZ and aug‐cc‐pVnZ (n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6), in the valence range is employed to investigate the equilibrium internuclear separations, harmonic frequencies and potential energy curves (PECs) of the BH+(X2Σ+) ion. The PECs are all fitted to the Murrell–Sorbie function, which are used to reproduce the spectroscopic parameters, such as De, ωeχe, αe, Be, and D0. By comparison with the available experiments, The PEC, which is determined at the sextuple basis set augmented with diffuse functions, aug‐cc‐pV6Z, is found to most suitably determine the spectroscopic properties of the ground‐state BH+ ion. The D0, De, Re, ωe, ωeχe, αe, and Be at this basis set are of 1.9823 eV, 2.1364 eV, 0.12041 nm, 2520.81 cm−1, 61.80 cm−1, 0.4824 cm−1, and 12.5932 cm−1, respectively, which are in excellent agreement with the available measurements. With the interaction potential determined at the MRCI/aug‐cc‐pV6Z level of theory, by numerically solving the radial Schrödinger equation of nuclear motion using the Numerov method, the total of 16 vibrational states is predicted when the rotational quantum number J is equal to zero (J = 0). The complete vibrational levels, classical turning points, inertial rotation and centrifugal distortion constants are determined when J = 0 for the first time, which agree well with the available experiments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2011
DVB‐RCS goes mobile: Challenges and technical solutions
Authors: Bolea Alamanac Ana , Chan Pauline ML , Duquerroy Laurence , Hu Y. Fun , Gallinaro Gennaro , Guo Wei , Mignolo Domenico
Published: February 2010

This article presents an overview of the DVB‐RCS system addressing mobile scenarios (DVB‐RCS+M). It analyses the challenges linked to the mobility support and it summarizes some of the techniques to cope with those challenges. The focus of this article will be on the technical solutions analyzed within the framework of ESA studies and contracts. In particular, this article will address in detail the proactive retransmission technique and the seamless handover mechanisms including beam, satellite, gateway and gap‐filler handovers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A copula‐based mixed Poisson model for bivariate recurrent events under event‐dependent censoring
Authors: Cook Richard J. , Lawless Jerald F. , Lee Ker‐Ai
Published: February 2010

In many chronic disease processes subjects are at risk of two or more types of events. We describe a bivariate mixed Poisson model in which a copula function is used to model the association between two gamma distributed random effects. The resulting model is a bivariate negative binomial process in which each type of event arises from a negative binomial process. Methods for parameter estimation are described for parametric and semiparametric models based on an EM algorithm. We also consider the issue of event‐dependent censoring based on one type of event, which arises when one event is sufficiently serious that its occurence may influence the decision of whether to withdraw a patient from a study. The asymptotic biases of estimators of rate and mean functions from naive marginal analyses are discussed, as well as associated treatment effects. Because the joint model is fit based on a likelihood, consistent estimates are obtained. Simulation studies are carried out to evaluate the empirical performance of the proposed estimators with independent and event‐dependent censoring and applications to a trial of breast cancer patients with skeletal metastases and a study of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease illustrate the approach. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On form dictating function: shape and structural effects in silica‐based funtional materials
Authors: Pagliaro Mario , Ciriminna Rosaria , Palmisano Giovanni
Published: February 2010

Along with basic physicochemical properties, the morphology of sol‐gel materials, both on the macro‐, meso‐, and nanoscale, controls function and utility. Referring to recent achievements, we focus on the relation between form and activity for functional silica‐based materials to elucidate a few general concepts of usefulness in guiding research in this burgeoning field. © 2010 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 10: 000–000; 2010: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.200900023
Teacher use of evidence to customize inquiry science instruction
Authors: Gerard Libby F. , Spitulnik Michele , Linn Marcia C.
Published: February 2010

This study investigated how professional development featuring evidence‐based customization of technology‐enhanced curriculum projects can improve inquiry science teaching and student knowledge integration in earth science. Participants included three middle school sixth‐grade teachers and their classes of students (N = 787) for three consecutive years. Teachers used evidence from their student work to revise the curriculum projects and rethink their teaching strategies. Data were collected through teacher interviews, written reflections, classroom observations, curriculum artifacts, and student assessments. Results suggest that the detailed information about the learning activities of students provided by the assessments embedded in the online curriculum motivated curricular and pedagogical customizations that resulted in both teacher and student learning. Customizations initiated by teachers included revisions of embedded questions, additions of hands‐on investigations, and modifications of teaching strategies. Student performance improved across the three cohorts of students with each year of instructional customization. Coupling evidence from student work with revisions of curriculum and instruction has promise for strengthening professional development and improving science learning. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 47: 1037–1063, 2010