bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Authors: Pashinsky Yevgenia Y. , Jaffin Barry W. , Litle Virginia R.
Published: January 2009

Gastroesophageal reflux disease occurs with a higher prevalence in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis than in matched controls. Silent reflux occurs in about a third of patients with significant gastroesophageal reflux disease; thus, objective measurements are required to evaluate gastroesophageal reflux disease in patients with advanced lung diseases. We provide here a detailed description of acid and non‐acid reflux and the diagnostic evaluation for pulmonologists and lung transplant surgeons suspecting reflux as a contributing factor in advanced lung diseases. We review the evidence for gastroesophageal reflux disease causing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and other select pulmonary diseases and the potential role of antireflux surgery in the management of advanced lung disease and transplant patients. Mt Sinai J Med 76:24–29, © 2009 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
High Resolution Computed Tomography in Idiopathic Interstitial Pneumonias
Authors: Argiriadi Pamela A. , Mendelson David S.
Published: January 2009

In June 2001, using an “international multidisciplinary consensus,” the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society classified the idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2002;165:277–304). The American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society coined the term idiopathic interstitial pneumonias because the diseases in question have both unknown etiologies and various combinations of inflammation and fibrosis within the lung parenchyma. The consensus included the development of a classification standard of the interstitial pneumonias and discussed the role of surgical lung biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage evaluation. The classification of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias is based on histologic criteria, which correlate to imaging patterns on high‐resolution computed tomography. The group of lung diseases under the umbrella of idiopathic interstitial pneumonias includes the following: usual interstitial pneumonia, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia, desquamative interstitial pneumonia, respiratory bronchiolitis interstitial lung disease, acute interstitial pneumonia, cryptogenic organizing pneumonia, and lymphoid interstitial pneumonia. Mt Sinai J Med 76:37–52, © 2009 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
“End‐stage” Pulmonary Fibrosis in Sarcoidosis
Authors: Teirstein Alvin T. , Morgenthau Adam S.
Published: January 2009

Pulmonary fibrosis is an unusual “end stage” in patients with sarcoidosis. Fibrosis occurs in a minority of patients, and presents with a unique physiologic combination of airways dysfunction (obstruction) superimposed on the more common restrictive dysfunction. Imagin techniques are essential to the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of pulmonary fibrosis. Standard chest radiographs and CT scans may reveal streaks, bullae, cephalad retraction of the hilar areas, deviation of the trachea and tented diaphragm. Positive gallium and PET scans indicate residual reversible granulomatous disease and are important guides to therapy decisions. Treatment, usually with corticosteroids, is effective in those patients with positive scans, but fibrosis does not improve with any treatment. With severe functional impariment and patient disability, pulmonary hypertension and right heart failure may supervene for which the patient will require treatment. Oxygen, careful diuresis, sildenafil and bosentan may be salutary. These patients are candidates for lung transplantation. Mt Sinai J Med 76:30–36, © 2009 Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Proton spectroscopic imaging of the human prostate at 7 T
Authors: Klomp D. W. J. , Bitz A. K. , Heerschap A. , Scheenen T. W. J.
Published: January 2009

The sensitivity of proton MR Spectroscopic Imaging (1H‐MRSI) of the prostate can be optimized by using the high magnetic field strength of 7 T in combination with an endorectal coil. In the work described in this paper we introduce an endorectal transceiver at 7 T, validate its safety for in vivo use and apply a pulse sequence, optimized for three‐dimensional (3D) 1H‐MRSI of the human prostate at 7 T. A transmit/receive endorectal RF coil was adapted from a commercially available 3 T endorectal receive‐only coil and validated to remain within safety guidelines for radiofrequency (RF) power deposition using numerical models, MR thermometry of phantoms, and in vivo temperature measurements. The 1H‐MRSI pulse sequence used adiabatic slice selective refocusing pulses and frequency‐selective water and lipid suppression to selectively obtain the relevant metabolite signals from the prostate. Quantum mechanical simulations were used to adjust the inter‐pulse timing for optimal detection of the strongly coupled spin system of citrate resulting in an echo time of 56 ms. Using this endorectal transceiver and pulse sequence with slice selective adiabatic refocusing pulses, 3D 1H‐MRSI of the human prostate is feasible at 7 T with a repetition time of 2 s. The optimized inter‐pulse timing enables the absorptive detection of resonances of spins from spermine and citrate in phase with creatine and choline. These potential tumor markers may improve the in vivo detection, localization, and assessment of prostate cancer. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“Life grows between the rocks”: Latino adolescents' and parents' perspectives on mental health stressors
Authors: Garcia Carolyn , Lindgren Sandi
Published: January 2009

Latino adolescents, an increasingly larger proportion of youth in the US, are at special risk for mental health problems, including depression and suicidal ideation. Little is known about the meaning of mental health stressors for Latino adolescents and their parents. We conducted a descriptive study to elicit Latino adolescents' and parents' perspectives regarding mental health stressors as a basis for future preventive interventions. Eight focus groups were conducted with 53 Latino participants, 2 per sub‐group (boys, girls, mothers, fathers). Three categories of mental health stressors included discrimination, immigration, and familial disconnection. Findings support the need for collaborative interventions and multi‐level strategies (individual, family, and community) to address stressors in Latino adolescents' experiences. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 32:148–162, 2009
Liquid crystalline polycarbosilanes and poly(di‐n‐butylsiloxane) as stationary phases in gas chromatography
Authors: Ganicz Tomasz , Stańczyk Wladyslaw Andrzej , Chmielecka Jadwiga , Kowalski Jozef
Published: January 2009

BACKGROUND: Due to their wide variety of applicable substituents and relative ease of synthesis, liquid crystalline polymers are extensively studied as stationary phases in gas–liquid chromatography (GC). Although side‐chain liquid crystalline polycarbosilanes, due to their higher thermal and chemical stability compared to polysiloxanes, seem to be natural candidates for GC stationary phases, they have not yet been tested for such applications.

RESULTS: Five stationary phases for GC, based on liquid crystalline polycarbosilanes and polysiloxanes, capable of generating nematic, smectic and condis mesophases were studied. HETP values and Kováts retention indices were calculated, using a series of probes (linear alkenes, benzene, xylene, toluene, cumene, mesitylene), and compared with those obtained for a typical stationary phase based on polydimethylsiloxane (OV‐101). The separation abilities of polycarbosilanes and poly(di‐n‐butylsiloxane) were evaluated using inverse gas chromatography.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that polycarbosilane‐based phases have similar separation properties to those of polysiloxane liquid crystals with some advantages such as higher thermal and chemical stability and good, linear dependence of retention times on temperature. The poly(di‐n‐butylsiloxane)‐based phase did not exhibit any advantages over the typical OV‐101 phase. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Predictions of peptides' retention times in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography as a new supportive tool to improve protein identification in proteomics
Authors: Bączek Tomasz , Kaliszan Roman
Published: January 2009

One of the initial steps of proteomic analysis is peptide separation. However, little information from RP‐HPLC, employed for peptides separation, is utilized in proteomics. Meanwhile, prediction of the retention time for a given peptide, combined with routine MS/MS data analysis, could help to improve the confidence of peptide identifications. Recently, a number of models has been proposed to characterize quantitatively the structure of a peptide and to predict its gradient RP‐HPLC retention at given separation conditions. The chromatographic behavior of peptides has usually been related to their amino acid composition. However, different values of retention coefficients of the same amino acid in different peptides at different neighborhoods were commonly observed. Therefore, specific retention coefficients were derived by regression analysis or by artificial neural networks (ANNs) with the use of a set of peptides retention. In the review, various approaches for peptide elution time prediction in RP‐HPLC are presented and critically discussed. The contribution of sequence dependent parameters (e.g., amphipathicity or peptide sequence) and peptide physicochemical descriptors (e.g., hydrophobicity or peptide length) that have been shown to affect the peptide retention time in LC are considered and analyzed. The predictive capability of the retention time prediction models based on quantitative structure–retention relationships (QSRRs) are discussed in details. Advantages and limitations of various retention prediction strategies are identified. It is concluded that proper processing of chromatographic data by statistical learning techniques can result in information of direct use for proteomics, which is otherwise wasted.
Water‐soluble polymers from acid‐functionalized norbornenes
Authors: Lienkamp Karen , Kins Christoph F. , Alfred Sterling F. , Madkour Ahmad E. , Tew Gregory N.
Published: January 2009

Unprotected exo,exo‐5‐norbornene‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid and exo,exo‐7‐oxa‐5‐norbornene‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid were polymerized via ring‐opening metathesis polymerization. This reaction yielded polymers with molecular weights (Mn from GPC) ranging from 31 to 242 kg/mol and polydispersity indices between 1.05 and 1.12, using Grubbs' third generation catalyst. The water solubility as a function of pH value of the polymers was investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). DLS and acid‐base titration revealed that the oxanorbornene polymer was water soluble over a wider pH range than its norbornene analog. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1266–1273, 2009
Synthesis of high‐molecular‐weight linear methacrylate copolymers with spiropyran side groups: Conformational changes of single molecules in solution and on surfaces
Authors: Adelmann Ronald , Mela Petra , Gallyamov Marat O. , Keul Helmut , Möller Martin
Published: January 2009

P(BMA‐co‐HEMA‐spiropyran) was synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization of butyl methacrylate (BMA) and 2‐(trimethylsilyloxy)‐ethyl methacrylate (HEMA‐TMS), removal of the TMS‐protective groups, and the polymer analogous esterification of the hydroxyethyl side chains with a spiropyran containing a carboxylic acid group. UV‐induced conformational changes of the synthesized macromolecules and low‐molecular‐weight spiropyran molecules were studied. Rate constants and half‐life times of the ring closure reaction from zwitterionic merocyanine to the spiropyran species were determined in the presence and absence of mica‐dispersed particles in toluene both with the free spiropyran and the polymer‐bound spiropyran. Scanning force microscopy was used to visualize the conformation of spiropyran‐decorated single macromolecular chains and agglomerated polymer‐bound merocyanine adsorbed on mica. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1274–1283, 2009
The study of electroactive block copolymer containing aniline pentamer isolated from different solvents
Authors: Hu Jun , Huang Lihong , Lang Le , Liu Yadong , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi , Wei Yen , Jing Xiabin
Published: January 2009

For the films and powder of polymers containing conductive oligomer are usually obtained from solution, the choice of better solvents for the regular arrangement of oligomers is very important for the higher conductivity. Because of the poor solubility of the oligomers, it is difficult to study the arrangement directly in most common solvents, so, we synthesized a triblock copolymer, mPEG2k‐aniline pentamer‐mPEG2k, as the model to investigate the arrangement–solvent relationship. For the poor solubility of the AP block in common solvents, the copolymer self‐assembled into spheric micelles in toluene and into lamellar crystals in water and THF. The crystallinity (Xc) and crystallization temperature (Tc) values of mPEG blocks in powders prepared from different solvents differed obviously, which may be the effect of different self‐assembled structures. From the two‐phase model of one‐dimensional electron density correlation function of SAXS, the long period of copolymer prepared from THF was presumably equal to the long period of pure mPEG plus the chain length of AP, which demonstrates that the AP blocks arrange regularly in the noncrystalline regions. In the selected solvents, the ones with higher polarity and better solubility induced more regular arrangement of AP blocks, which may be useful for choosing solvents for preparation of higher conductivity polymers' films containing aniline oligomers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1298–1307, 2009
Synthesis and characterization of star graft copolymers with asymmetric mixed “V‐shaped” side chains via “click” chemistry on a hyperbranched polyglycerol core
Authors: Wang Guowei , Liu Chao , Pan Mugang , Huang Junlian
Published: January 2009

The star graft copolymers composed of hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) as core and well defined asymmetric mixed “V‐shaped” identical polystyrene (PS) and poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) as side chains were synthesized via the “click” chemistry. The V‐shaped side chain bearing a “clickable” alkyne group at the conjunction point of two blocks was first prepared through the combination of anionic polymerization of styrene (St) and atom transfer radical polymerization of tert‐butyl acrylate (tBA) monomer, and then “click” chemistry was conducted between the alkyne groups on the side chains and azide groups on HPG core. The obtained star graft copolymers and intermediates were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), GPC equipped with a multiangle laser‐light scattering detector (GPC‐MALLS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and fourier transform infrared. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1308–1316, 2009
Pyrene functional poly(vinyl alcohol) by “click” chemistry
Authors: Gacal Bahadir N. , Koz Banu , Gacal Burcin , Kiskan Baris , Erdogan Matem , Yagci Yusuf
Published: January 2009

Side‐chain pyrene functional poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was synthesized by using “click chemistry” strategy. First, partial tosylation of PVA with p‐toluene sulfonyl chloride were performed. The resulting PVA‐Ts polymer was then quantitatively converted into poly(vinyl alcohol)‐azide (PVA‐N3) in the presence of NaN3/DMF at 60 °C. Propargyl pyrene was prepared independently as a photoactive click component. Finally, azido functionalized PVA was coupled to propargyl pyrene with high efficiency by click chemistry. Incorporation of pyrene functionality in the resulting polymer was confirmed by spectral analysis. It is also shown that pyrene functionalized PVA (PVA‐Py) exhibited characteristic fluorescence properties and improved solubility in highly polar solvents such as water, DMSO, and DMF as well as less polar solvent such as THF compared with pristine PVA. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1317–1326, 2009
Emulsion polymerization of ethylene from mesoporous silica nanoparticles with vinyl functionalized monolayers
Authors: Wei Liangming , Zhang Yafei
Published: January 2009

Emulsion polymerization of ethylene from vinyl functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (V‐MSNs) was reported. V‐MSNs were synthesized via deposition of vinyl monolayers on the pore walls, and the relative surface coverage of the vinyl monolayers was 74%. A fluorinated P‐O‐chelated nickel catalyst coordinated to the vinyl groups. These V‐MSNs hosting catalysts were full dispersed in water assisted by ultrasonic processor in the presence of surfactants. After addition of ethylene, polyethylene (PE) chains grew from the pores of V‐MSNs, formation of stable nanocomposite latices with solid content up to 17.3%. Our method made V‐MSNs well‐dispersed in the PE matrix. Especially, because of a strong interaction between PE and nanoparticles, a stable V‐MSNs core/PE shell structure was formed upon thermal treatment above melting temperature of the PE. Samples were analyzed by a number of techniques including TEM, N2 adsorption‐desorption, FTIR, and solid state 29Si NMR, DLS, 1H NMR, GPC, and DSC. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1393–1402, 2009
Preparation of glycopolymer‐substituted gold nanoparticles and their molecular recognition
Authors: Toyoshima Masayuki , Miura Yoshiko
Published: January 2009

Glycopolymer‐substituted gold nanoparticles were prepared via living radical polymerization with a reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) reagent. Polyacrylamide derivatives with α‐mannose (α‐Man) and N‐acetyl‐β‐glucosamine (β‐GlcNAc) were synthesized and hydrogenated to obtain thiol‐terminated polymer. The thiol‐terminated glycopolymers were mixed with gold nanoparticles to yield the polymer substituted gold nanoparticles with various diameters, which aggregated on addition of saccharide‐recognition proteins (lectins). The aggregation properties were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy and UV spectra. Molecular recognition was studied with E. coli, which induced aggregation of the nanoparticles at the cell periphery. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 1412–1421, 2009
Pulsed i‐PVD of Dielectric Nanodot Arrays Using a Nanoporous Template
Authors: Zhong Xiaoxia , Wu Xiaochen , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: January 2009

The results of multi‐scale numerical simulations of pulsed i‐PVD template‐assisted nanofabrication of ZnO nanodot arrays on a silicon substrate are presented. The ratios and spatial distributions of the ion fluxes deposited on the lateral and bottom surfaces of the nanopores are computed as a function of the external bias and plasma parameters. The results show that the pulsed bias plays a significant role in the ion current distribution inside the nanopores. The results of numerical experiments of this work suggest that by finely adjusting the pulse voltage, the pulse duration and the duty cycle of the external pulsed bias, the nanopore clogging can be successfully avoided during the deposition and the shapes of the deposited ZnO nanodots can be effectively controlled.

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Il‐1β‐induced post‐transition effect of NF‐kappaB provides time‐dependent wave of signals for initial phase of intrapostatic inflammation
Authors: Vykhovanets Eugene V. , Shukla Sanjeev , MacLennan Gregory T. , Vykhovanets Olena V. , Bodner Donald R. , Gupta Sanjay
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE

Our previous findings have shown that systemic administration of interleukin (IL)‐1β induces up‐regulation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in mouse prostate tissue that may be responsible for leukocyte extravasation into prostate stroma. It has been hypothesized that NF‐κB plays a role in the development of prostatitis, and that NF‐κB activation might provide chemoattractive signals for leukocyte extravasation in the prostate.

METHODS

IL‐1β was administrated intravenously, alone or with dexamethasone (Dex), to separate groups of C57BL/6J mice. Expression of NF‐κB, chemoattractant receptors, and IL‐17F in the prostates of the two groups of mice at various time periods following treatment was evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

IL‐1β administration up‐regulated NF‐κB/p65 activity in the mouse prostate. IL‐1β administration promoted extravasation and accumulation of CD45+ mononuclear cells but not neutrophils in the mouse prostate stroma. IL‐1β administration provided earlier (4 hr) CXCR1/IL‐8RA receptor expression in mouse prostate as a first signal, inducing capillary homing, adhesion, and initial extravasation of mononuclear cells into the prostate tissue. IL‐1β administration also induced relatively late (24 hr) up‐regulation of VCAM1 in the endothelial cells of microvessels and of IL‐17F in prostate epithelium and in stromal infiltrating leukocytes. Concomitant administration of Dex, a known NF‐κB inhibitor, resulted in significantly down‐regulated IL‐1β‐induced NF‐κB/p65 activity, as well as reduced expression of chemokine receptors and IL‐17F in mouse prostate tissue.

CONCLUSION

Systemic IL‐1β administration induces NF‐κB‐responsive genes to promote aberrant NF‐κB/p65 activity, which may be critical in the development of prostatitis through its role in the production of chemoattractant signals that promote extravasation and stromal accumulation of mononuclear cells (mainly by CXCR1/IL‐8RA), and initiation of a new wave of pro‐inflammatory signals favorable to chronic inflammation (mainly by IL‐17F). Prostate 69:633–643, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shelling the Voronoi interface of protein–protein complexes reveals patterns of residue conservation, dynamics, and composition
Authors: Bouvier Benjamin , Grünberg Raik , Nilges Michael , Cazals Frédéric
Published: January 2009

The accurate description and analysis of protein–protein interfaces remains a challenging task. Traditional definitions, based on atomic contacts or changes in solvent accessibility, tend to over‐ or underpredict the interface itself and cannot discriminate active from less relevant parts. We here extend a fast, parameter‐free and purely geometric definition of protein interfaces and introduce the shelling order of Voronoi facets as a novel measure for an atom's depth inside the interface. Our analysis of 54 protein–protein complexes reveals a strong correlation between Voronoi Shelling Order (VSO) and water dynamics. High Voronoi Shelling Orders coincide with residues that were found shielded from bulk water fluctuations in a recent molecular dynamics study. Yet, VSO predicts such “dry” residues without consideration of forcefields or dynamics at a dramatically reduced cost. The interface center is enriched in hydrophobic residues. Yet, this hydrophobic centering is not universal and does not mirror the far stronger geometric bias of water fluxes. The seemingly complex water dynamics at protein interfaces appears thus largely controlled by geometry. Sequence analysis supports the functional relevance of dry residues and residues with high VSO, both of which tend to be more conserved. On closer inspection, the spatial distribution of conservation argues against the arbitrary dissection into core or rim and thus refines previous results. Voronoi Shelling Order reveals clear geometric patterns in protein interface composition, function and dynamics and facilitates the comparative analysis of protein–protein interactions. Proteins 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Windowed growth of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures on Silicon 〈111〉 substrates for future MOS integration
Authors: Chyurlia P. , Semond F. , Lester T. , Bardwell J. A. , Rolfe S. , Cordier Y. , Baron N. , Moreno J.‐C. , Tarr N. G.
Published: January 2009

A novel windowed growth technique that allows for the exposure of a smooth silicon surface for MOS circuitry between AlGaN/GaN HEMT layers has been developed. A sacrificial oxide based dielectric stack is used to protect regions of the silicon surface before growth by ammonia‐MBE. SIMS analysis shows elevated oxygen impurity incorporation in the stress‐relief layer, but controllable levels in the C‐doped GaN buffer. A Hall mobility of 1.37 × 103 cm2/Vs is measured in the AlGaN/GaN regions. AFM results show a RMS roughness of 0.12 nm on the silicon surface. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cell micro‐arrays from surface‐attached peptide‐polymer monolayers
Authors: Petersen Sönke , Loschonsky Sidar , Prucker Oswald , Rühe Jürgen , Biesalski Markus
Published: January 2009

We introduce the design of a chip for the controlled adhesion of anchorage‐dependent cells. A hybrid copolymer, comprising the peptide cell‐recognition motif RGD, attached to a protein‐repellent poly(dimethylacrylamide) PDMAA polymer is used in a lithography process to implement a chemical microstructure on planar surfaces. The characterization of the surface‐attached film along with a first study of its performance in cell adhesion assays is presented. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Raman linewidths calculated as a function of temperature in NaNO2
Authors: Karacali H. , Yurtseven H. , Kiraci Ali
Published: January 2009

The temperature dependence of the damping constant is calculated for some Raman modes in NaNO2 using the soft mode–hard mode coupling model and the energy fluctuation model. The damping constant is fitted to the measured Raman bandwidths of those modes, which is well described by the soft mode–hard mode coupling model. The values of the activation energy are extracted from the damping constant for the Raman modes, which are much greater than kBTC = 0.04 eV for NaNO2 close to the transition temperature (TC = 436 K). This is an indication that NaNO2 undergoes an order–disorder phase transition. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electronic structure of diluted magnetic semiconductors Pb1–x –yGex Cry Te under pressure
Authors: Skipetrov E. P. , Kovalev B. B. , Skipetrova L. A. , Pichugin N. A. , Slyn'ko E. I. , Slyn'ko V. E.
Published: January 2009

The galvanomagnetic properties of Pb1–x –y Gex Cry Te in the temperature range 4.2–300 K under variation of the alloy composition (x ≤ 0.13, y ≤ 0.05) and under hydrostatic compression (P ≤ 17 kbar) have been investigated. Pressure dependences of the electron concentration and Fermi energy were obtained. In the frame of the Kane dispersion relation theoretical dependences of electron concentration and Fermi energy were calculated and parameters of chromium impurity band were estimated. Magnetic field dependences of the Hall coefficient under variation of germanium content and under pressure were measured. It is shown, that existence of two conductivity mechanisms should be taken into account: conduction band conductivity and electron‐type conductivity via chromium impurity band states. In terms of the two‐band conduction model the main parameters of charge carriers were obtained. Experimental results are discussed taking into account the diagram of the electronic structure reconstruction under pressure, assuming finite capacity, electron filling and widening of the impurity band. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In vitroinhibition of CYP3A4 by herbal remedies frequently used by cancer patients
Authors: Engdal Silje , Nilsen Odd Georg
Published: January 2009

The herbal remedies Natto K2,Agaricus, mistletoe, noni juice, green tea and garlic, frequently used by cancer patients, were investigated for theirin vitroinhibition potential of cytochrome P‐450 3A4 (CYP3A4) metabolism. To our knowledge, only garlic and green tea had available data on the possible inhibition of CYP3A4 metabolism. Metabolic studies were performed with human c‐DNA baculovirus expressed CYP3A4. Testosterone was used as a substrate and ketoconazole as a positive quantitative inhibition control. The formation of 6‐β‐OH‐testosterone was quantified by a validated HPLC methodology. Green tea was the most potent inhibitor of CYP3A4 metabolism (IC50: 73 µg/mL), followed byAgaricus,mistletoe and noni juice (1324, 3594, >10 000 µg/mL, respectively). All IC50values were high compared with those determined for crude extracts of other herbal remedies. The IC50/IC25ratios for the inhibiting herbal remedies ranged from 2.15 to 2.67, indicating similar inhibition profiles of the herbal inhibitors of CYP3A4. Garlic and Natto K2 were classified as non‐inhibitors. AlthoughAgaricus, noni juice, mistletoe and green tea inhibited CYP3A4 metabolismin vitro, clinically relevant systemic or intestinal interactions with CYP3A4 were considered unlikely, except for a probable inhibition of intestinal CYP3A4 by the green tea product. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The influence of adaptogens on ultraweak biophoton emission: a pilot‐experiment
Authors: Schutgens F. W. G. , Neogi P. , van Wijk E. P. A. , van Wijk R. , Wikman G. , Wiegant F. A. C.
Published: January 2009

In the present study, the effect of plant adaptogens (Rhodiola rosea and ADAPT‐232) on human photon emission has been determined. In a randomized double blind placebo‐controlled study, 30 subjects were randomly assigned to three groups: one group (n = 10) taking placebo pills, one group (n = 10) taking Rhodiola rosea (SHR‐5) pills and one group (n = 10) taking ADAPT‐232 supplements (the latter being a fixed combination of the following three adaptogens: Eleutherococcus senticosus, Rhodiola rosea and Schisandra chinensis). All subjects underwent measurements to determine ultra‐weak photon emission (UPE) of the dorsal side of their hands using a photon‐counting device, both before and after a week of taking the supplements. In addition, the experienced levels of stress and fatigue (tiredness) were evaluated. After 1 week of supplementation, the Rhodiola group showed a significant decrease (p = 0.027) in photon emission in comparison with the placebo group. Furthermore, after supplementation, a significant decrease (p = 0.049) concerning the experienced level of fatigue in the Rhodiola group was observed compared with the placebo group. No significant changes were observed between the ADAPT‐232 and the placebo group. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiproliferative activity of Hungarian Asteraceae species against human cancer cell lines. Part II
Authors: Csupor‐Löffler Boglárka , Hajdú Zsuzsanna , Réthy Borbála , Zupkó István , Máthé Imre , Rédei Tamás , Falkay George , Hohmann Judit
Published: January 2009

The antiproliferative activities of aqueous and organic extracts prepared from 26 Hungarian species of the tribes Cynereae and Lactuceae (Asteraceae) were tested in vitro against HeLa (cervix epithelial adenocarcinoma), A431 (skin epidermoid carcinoma) and MCF7 (breast epithelial adenocarcinoma) cells by using the MTT assay. Of the tested 200 extracts of different plant parts obtained with n‐hexane, chloroform, 50% methanol and water, 16 extracts displayed noteworthy cell growth inhibitory activity (>50% inhibition at a concentration of 10 µg/mL). The IC50 values of these extracts were determined, and their direct cytotoxic effects were measured. High differences between the antiproliferative and cytotoxic activities, demonstrating a real cell proliferation inhibitory activity rather than direct killing effects, were found for some Centaurea, Cirsium, Cichorium, Lactuca, Onopordum and Scorsonera extracts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amelioration of metformin‐induced hypothyroidism by Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea extracts in Type 2 diabetic mice
Authors: Jatwa Rameshwar , Kar Anand
Published: January 2009

An investigation was carried out to reveal the possible ameliorative role of two plant extracts on an antidiabetic drug‐induced hypothyroidism in Type 2 diabetic animals. Dexamethasone (1.0 mg/kg, i.m.) administration caused hyperglycemia with a parallel increase in renal lipid peroxidation (LPO), relative risk ratio (RR), and the concentrations of serum insulin; total cholesterol (TC); low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C); very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C) and triglycerides (TG). It decreased serum triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) levels as well as renal superoxide dismutase (SOD); catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Administration with metformin (150 mg/kg, orally) to diabetic animals further reduced circulating T4 level and caused severe hypothyroidism. It also reduced renal LPO, RR, serum concentrations of insulin; glucose and LDL‐C with a parallel increase in cellular antioxidants. While oral administration with either Withania somnifera (1.4 g/kg) or Bauhinia purpurea (2.5 mg/kg) extract along with dexamethasone and metformin elevated the concentrations of circulating T3 and T4 to euthyroid level. The plant extracts also corrected RR ratio and serum concentration of lipids. The findings of the present study, for the first time, reveal that the evaluated plant extracts have a potential to ameliorate metformin‐induced hypothyroidism in Type 2 diabetic subjects. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The potential of variational retrieval of temperature and humidity profiles from Meteosat Second Generation observations
Authors: Di Giuseppe F. , Elementi M. , Cesari D. , Paccagnella T.
Published: January 2009

The quality of temperature and humidity retrievals from the infrared Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (SEVIRI) sensors on the geostationary Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellites is assessed by means of a one‐dimensional variational algorithm. The study is performed with the aim of improving the spatial and temporal resolution of available observations to feed analysis systems designed for high‐resolution regional‐scale numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. The non‐hydrostatic forecast model COSMO in the ARPA‐SIMC operational configuration is used to provide background fields. Only clear‐sky observations over sea are processed.

An optimized one‐dimensional variational set‐up comprised of two water‐vapour and three window channels is selected. It maximizes the reduction of errors in the model backgrounds while ensuring ease of operational implementation through accurate bias correction procedures and correct radiative transfer simulations.

The 1Dvar retrieval quality is first quantified in relative terms, employing statistics to estimate the reduction in the background model errors. Additionally the absolute retrieval accuracy is assessed by comparing the analysis with independent radiosonde observations. The inclusion of satellite data brings a substantial reduction in the warm and dry biases present in the forecast model. Moreover it is shown that the use of the retrieved profiles generated by the 1Dvar in the COSMO nudging scheme can locally reduce forecast errors. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
G‐SIMS: relative effectiveness of different monatomic primary ion source combinations
Authors: Seah Martin P. , Gilmore Ian S. , Green Felicia M.
Published: January 2009

An analysis is made of the characteristics of monatomic primary ion sources to generate G‐SIMS (gentle SIMS) spectra. In previous studies, this is resolved into the parameter β that describes the relative intensities of ions in the series CnHn+2−i as i changes. For this, data from polystyrene are most extensive. It is found that the experimental β values, which relate to the emitted secondary ion fragment surface plasma temperatures, are accurately described by an empirical fit involving the ratio of the sputtering yield and the mass of the primary ion. This description covers data for Ar+, Bi+, Cs+, Ga+, Mn+ and Xe+ monatomic primary ions with energies in the range 4 to 25 keV, placing them in a coherent framework, and permits the performance of any other monatomic primary ion to be predicted. This shows that, of all monatomic primary ions, Bi will yield the highest β values and Mn the lowest. Since the G‐SIMS spectra are ratios, a ratio involving spectra using these primary ions gives the maximum signal quality possible and these are therefore recommended for use. The previous choice of these ions for a combined G‐SIMS source, based on practical considerations, is thus shown to be optimum. © Crown copyright 2009. Reproduced with the permission of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative and qualitative profiling of endocannabinoids in human plasma using a triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometer with liquid chromatography
Authors: Thomas Aurélien , Hopfgartner Gérard , Giroud Christian , Staub Christian
Published: January 2009

Owing to the large implication of endocannabinoids (ECs) in many physiological and pathophysiological processes, a rapid liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometric assay (LC/ESI‐QqQLIT) was developed for the detection and characterization of anandamide (AEA), 2‐arachidonoyl glycerol (2‐AG), virodhamine (VA), noladin ether (2‐AGE), and N‐arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA) in human plasma. The ECs were extracted from 500 µL of plasma by liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) and separated by using an XTerra C18 MS column (50 × 3.0 mm i.d., 3.5 µm) with gradient elution. The mobile phase was composed of a mixture of acetonitrile, water, and formic acid (0.1%). For confirmatory analysis, an information‐dependent acquisition (IDA) experiment was performed with selected reaction monitoring (SRM) as survey scan and enhanced product ion (EPI) as dependent scan. The assay was found to be linear in the concentration range of 0.1–5 ng/mL for AEA, 0.3–5 ng/mL for VA, 2‐AGE, and NADA and 1–20 ng/mL for 2‐AG using a 0.5 mL aliquot of plasma. Repeatability and intermediate precision were found less than 15% over the tested concentration ranges. The developed method thus provided the rapid, highly sensitive and highly selective requirement for assess quantitation, and identification of ECs in plasma. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conception of a navigation system controlling diaphyseal fracture reduction treated with external fixation
Authors: Leloup T. , Kazzi W. El , Schuind F. , Warzée N.
Published: January 2009

Background

The reduction of long bone fractures treated with external fixation is usually performed with fluoroscopic images, which include several disadvantages: 2D information, distortions, and irradiation to the patient and the surgical team. This article presents a new navigation technique to control the reduction of such fractures while minimizing the irradiation.

Methods

Optically tracked markers are fixed to pins inserted into the bone fragments. These last are modelled using two initial calibrated radiographs. The models can be improved with several types of anatomical data and are displayed in real time.

Results

This navigation system was tested on dry bones and an anatomical specimen leg.

Conclusions

This new technique allows the visualization of the fracture in real time and from any viewpoint during the reduction. Irradiation is minimized using only two X‐ray images. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Return of adult anadromous allis shad (Alosa alosa L.) in the river Seine, France: A sign of river recovery?
Authors: Belliard J. , Marchal J. , Ditche J.‐M. , Tales E. , Sabatié R. , Baglinière J.‐L.
Published: January 2009

In the past, the diadromous fish fauna of the river Seine comprised 11 native species. From the second part of the 19th century, the progressive modification of the river for navigation purposes and the increase of domestic and industrial pollution led to a general decline of migratory stocks and the extinction of several species. Among them, allis shad (Alosa alosa) was previously widespread in the Seine basin, but disappeared at the beginning of the 20th century. In July 2004, several individuals of shad were observed in the river Seine upstream of Paris (410 km from the sea), one of them was identified as an allis shad that had clearly spawned (thin fish and large scale erosion). A second allis shad was caught in a more downstream location (180 km from the sea) in November 2007 and a spawning mark was found on scales demonstrating clear evidence of reproduction. Recent occurrences of this species are discussed in relation to the present conditions of water quality and migration in the Seine watershed and recent evolution of the species' distribution in the northwestern part of France. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Understanding reference processes: linkages between river flows, sediment dynamics and vegetated landforms along the Tagliamento River, Italy
Authors: Bertoldi Walter , Gurnell Angela , Surian Nicola , Tockner Klement , Zanoni Luca , Ziliani Luca , Zolezzi Guido
Published: January 2009

The Tagliamento River, Northeast Italy, represents an important Alpine to Mediterranean braided system, where interactions between river flows, sediment dynamics and vegetated landforms can be investigated within a relatively unconfined setting.

We analysed data from contemporary and historical sources, including stage records, photographs and topographic surveys. From these we identified river stages at which thresholds in surface hydrological connectivity and biogeomorphological adjustment appeared to occur, contributing to a shifting habitat mosaic.

Significant adjustments in landscape elements within the active tract commence at river stages well below bankfull with return periods of a few months. Flow pulse events with return periods from a few months to 2 years support a dynamic inundation pattern, ranging from a patchwork of isolated water bodies within a predominantly terrestrial landscape at low river stages to isolated vegetated islands within a fully connected aquatic landscape as the river approaches bankfull. Across this range, interactions between flow, sediment and vegetation lead to gradual and abrupt transitions in persistence, form and connectedness of different landscape elements. Bankfull flows (return period over 2.5 years) topple and disperse significant numbers of large trees, seeding the next generation of vegetated patches, and larger floods (return period around 10 years) induce significant turnover of established islands and floodplain surfaces.

The results reported in this paper illustrate how extensive interdisciplinary research on a single river system can provide useful insights concerning the time scales and thresholds that characterize water–sediment–vegetation interactions in piedmont reaches of Alpine to Mediterranean braided systems. Anthropogenic effects on river systems are ubiquitous throughout Europe. However, systems such as the Tagliamento River that retain significant process dynamism and morphological integrity, provide a laboratory within which reference processes and process–form interactions can be investigated, understood and then incorporated into innovative restoration design on more impacted systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization and modelling of time diversity statistics for satellite communications from 12 to 50 GHz
Authors: Fabbro Vincent , Castanet Laurent , Croce Simone , Riva Carlo
Published: January 2009

To compensate propagation impairments on Earth–space communication links, a specific fade mitigation technique to make up for rain propagation impairments is studied in this paper: the time diversity. This process consists in sending the information when the propagation channel allows to get it through. Here the time diversity technique is applied to different experimental attenuation time series collected in Europe: Spino d'Adda (Italy), Louvain‐la‐Neuve and Lessive (Belgium). These propagation measurements have been collected from 12 to 50 GHz and the performance of time diversity technique is assessed from the generation of time diversity statistics conditioned to the time delay. A prediction method of these statistics is also described. The proposed model relies on the time correlation of the attenuation time series. The model is validated and its accuracy analysed in terms of prediction error calculated using the different databases. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recommended tests for association in 2×2 tables
Authors: Lydersen Stian , Fagerland Morten W. , Laake Petter
Published: January 2009

The asymptotic Pearson's chi‐squared test and Fisher's exact test have long been the most used for testing association in 2×2 tables. Unconditional tests preserve the significance level and generally are more powerful than Fisher's exact test for moderate to small samples, but previously were disadvantaged by being computationally demanding. This disadvantage is now moot, as software to facilitate unconditional tests has been available for years. Moreover, Fisher's exact test with mid‐p adjustment gives about the same results as an unconditional test. Consequently, several better tests are available, and the choice of a test should depend only on its merits for the application involved. Unconditional tests and the mid‐p approach ought to be used more than they now are. The traditional Fisher's exact test should practically never be used. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Derivation of Primordial Germ Cells from Human Embryonic and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Is Significantly Improved by Coculture with Human Fetal Gonadal Cells
Authors: Park Tae Sub , Galic Zoran , Conway Anne E. , Lindgren Anne , van Handel Benjamin J. , Magnusson Mattias , Richter Laura , Teitell Michael A. , Mikkola Hanna K. A. , Lowry William E. , Plath Kathrin , Clark Amander T.
Published: January 2009

The derivation of germ cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) or human induced pluripotent stem (hIPS) cells represents a desirable experimental model and potential strategy for treating infertility. In the current study, we developed a triple biomarker assay for identifying and isolating human primordial germ cells (PGCs) by first evaluating human PGC formation during the first trimester in vivo. Next, we applied this technology to characterizing in vitro derived PGCs (iPGCs) from pluripotent cells. Our results show that codifferentiation of hESCs on human fetal gonadal stromal cells significantly improves the efficiency of generating iPGCs. Furthermore, the efficiency was comparable between various pluripotent cell lines regardless of origin from the inner cell mass of human blastocysts (hESCs), or reprogramming of human skin fibroblasts (hIPS). To better characterize the iPGCs, we performed Real-time polymerase chain reaction, microarray, and bisulfite sequencing. Our results show that iPGCs at day 7 of differentiation are transcriptionally distinct from the somatic cells, expressing genes associated with pluripotency and germ cell development while repressing genes associated with somatic differentiation (specifically multiple HOX genes). Using bisulfite sequencing, we show that iPGCs initiate imprint erasure from differentially methylated imprinted regions by day 7 of differentiation. However, iPGCs derived from hIPS cells do not initiate imprint erasure as efficiently. In conclusion, our results indicate that triple positive iPGCs derived from pluripotent cells differentiated on hFGS cells correspond to committed first trimester germ cells (before 9 weeks) that have initiated the process of imprint erasure.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.