bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prescribing of anti‐osteoporotic therapies following the use of proton pump inhibitors in general practice
Authors: McGowan B. , Bennett K. , Barry M.
Published: May 2010

Purpose

To determine the association, if any, between the prescribing of proton pump inhibitors and drugs for the management of osteoporosis.

Methods

The study employed a retrospective cohort design using the Irish Health Services Executive (HSE) Primary Care Reimbursement Services (PCRS) pharmacy database, which contains prescription information for 1.2 million people (30% of the population). Those aged 55 years and over were included. Individuals were classified as new PPI users if they initiated PPI therapy after 2003, and those not receiving PPI therapy after 2003 as the comparison group. Subsequent prescribing of anti‐osteoporotic therapy was considered from 2004 to 2007 in both groups. Adjusted odds ratios (OR and 95%CIs) were determined by logistic regression, adjusting for age, gender and medications, which potentially affect bone mineral density.

Results

442 341 patients were identified, 209 175 were PPI users and the 233 166 were used as the comparison group. The odds ratio (95%CI) for the prescribing of anti‐osteoporotic therapies following the prescribing of PPIs was OR = 1.69 (95%CI 1.66 1.72) compared to not receiving any PPI therapy, when adjusted for age and sex. When adjustments were made for other confounders, the OR decreased to OR = 1.26 (95%CI 1.23–1.28). The strength of the association increased with increasing duration of PPI therapy 6–12 months OR = 1.19 (95%CI 1.15–1.23) and for >24 months, OR= 2.09 (95%CI 2.04, 2.13) compared to < 3 months. The OR also increased with increase in dose of therapy.

Conclusion

The results of the study indicate the association between the prescribing of bisphosphonates following the use of proton pump inhibitors may be clinically relevant. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photopolymerization of biocompatible phosphorus‐containing vinyl esters and vinyl carbamates
Authors: Dworak Claudia , Koch Thomas , Varga Franz , Liska Robert
Published: May 2010

Phosphorus‐containing vinyl esters and vinyl carbamates were synthesized as new biocompatible and degradable photopolymers. Reactivity of the monomers with one, two, and three polymerizable double bonds was evaluated by photo‐differential scanning calorimetry. With respect to their potential application in the biomedical field, studies on cytotoxicity, mechanical stability, and hydrolytic erosion behavior of the poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based derivatives were performed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 2916–2924, 2010
Small strain behavior of polyethylene: In situ SAXS measurements
Authors: Humbert Séverine , Lame Olivier , Chenal Jean‐Marc , Rochas Cyrille , Vigier Gérard
Published: May 2010

Stack lamella deformation depends on their orientation with respect to the loading axis, the intrinsic properties of the lamellae, and the mechanical coupling between crystalline and amorphous phases. The aim of this work is to investigate the influence of the stress transmitter (ST) density and the crystallinity Xc on the local deformation. A wide experimental campaign has been undertaken on several polyethylenes with controlled molecular parameters and subjected to different thermal treatments. The ST density has been evaluated by the natural draw ratio and calculated by the Brown's model. The local deformation was measured by SAXS along a tensile test by using the long period stretching of the equatorial lamella stacks. The ratio εlocal/εmacro was found to be a constant close to 0.5. This surprising low value has highlighted that the equatorial regions could be either the stiffest zone of the spherulite or submitted to a lower stress. It is proposed that the stability of the ratio εlocal/εmacro is the result of two opposite phenomena: On one hand, the increase of Xc leads to unload the equatorial regions due to partial percolation of the crystalline phase and so decreases the stresses. On the other hand, when increasing Xc, the ST density decreases which causes the decrease in the local equatorial modulus. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1535–1542, 2010
An experimental investigation of fracture by cavitation of model elastomeric networks
Authors: Cristiano Antonella , Marcellan Alba , Long Rong , Hui Chung‐Yuen , Stolk Jan , Creton Costantino
Published: May 2010

A new methodology to investigate the failure of elastomers in a confined geometry has been developed and applied to model end‐linked polyurethane elastomers. The experimental in situ observations show that the elastomers fail by the growth of a single cavity nucleated in the region of maximum hydrostatic stress. Tests carried out at different temperatures for the same elastomer show that the critical stress at which this crack grows is not proportional to the Young's modulus E but depends mainly on the ratio between the mode I fracture energy GIC and E. A reasonable fit of the data can be obtained with a model of cavity expansion by irreversible fracture calculating the energy release rate by finite elements with a strain hardening constitutive equation. Comparison between different elastomers shows that the material containing both entanglements and crosslinks is both tougher in mode I and more resistant to cavitation relative to its elastic modulus. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48:1409–1422, 2010
Large deformations in oriented polymer glasses: Experimental study and a new glass‐melt constitutive model
Authors: De Focatiis Davide S. A. , Embery John , Buckley C. Paul
Published: May 2010

An experimental study was made of the effects of prior molecular orientation on large tensile deformations of polystyrene in the glassy state. A new hybrid glass‐melt constitutive model is proposed for describing and understanding the results, achieved by parallel coupling of the ROLIEPOLY molecularly‐based melt model with a model previously proposed for polymer glasses. Monodisperse and polydisperse grades of polystyrene are considered. Comparisons between experimental results and simulations illustrate that the model captures characteristic features of both the melt and glassy states. Polystyrene was stretched in the melt state and quenched to below Tg, and then tensile tested parallel to the orientation direction near the glass transition. The degree of strain‐hardening was observed to increase with increasing prior stretch of molecules within their entanglement tubes, as predicted by the constitutive model. This was explored for varying temperature of stretching, degree of stretching, and dwell time before quenching. The model in its current form, however, lacks awareness of processes of subentanglement chain orientation. Therefore, it under‐predicts the orientation‐direction strain hardening and yield stress increase, when stretching occurs at the lowest temperatures and shortest times, where it is dominated by subentanglement orientation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1449–1463, 2010
Damage of semicrystalline polyamide 6 assessed by 3D X‐ray tomography: From microstructural evolution to constitutive modeling
Authors: Laiarinandrasana L. , Morgeneyer T. F. , Proudhon H. , Regrain C.
Published: May 2010

In this study an attempt is made to link the damage and microstructural evolution of semicrystalline polymers, in particular polyamide 6, to the macroscopic material behavior during tensile and creep tests. Tensile specimens, removed before failure were seen to have undergone striction. They were examined using synchrotron radiation tomography. These samples showed elongated axisymmetric columns of voids separated by thin ligaments of material. These observations were confirmed and refined through a cryofractography experiment of a different tensile sample, stopped before failure. An attempt was made to obtain quantitative data about void volume fraction and morphology through image analysis. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1516–1525, 2010
Unique plastic and recovery behavior of nanofilled elastomers and thermoplastic elastomers (Payne and Mullins effects)
Authors: Merabia Samy , Sotta Paul , Long Didier R.
Published: May 2010

We have proposed recently that the mechanical properties of nano‐filled elastomers are governed by the kinetics of rupture and re‐birth of glassy bridges which link neighboring nanoparticles and allow for building large rigid clusters of finite life‐times. The latter depend on parameters such as the temperature, the nanoparticle‐matrix interaction, and the distance between neighboring fillers. Most importantly these life‐times depend on the history of deformation of the samples. We show that this death and re‐birth process allows for predicting unusual non‐linear and plastic behavior for these systems. We study in particular the behavior after large deformation amplitude cycles. At some point we put the systems at rest under large deformation, and let the stress relax in this new deformed state. During this relaxation process the life‐time of glassy bridges increases progressively, even for large deformation states. The systems thus acquire a new reference state, which corresponds to a plastic deformation. The stretching energy of the polymer strands of the rubbery matrix is larger than in the initial undeformed state, but this effect is compensated by a new configuration of glassy bridges, which are much stiffer. For plastic deformations of less than about 10%, the new system acquires mechanical properties around this new reference state which are very close to those of the initial system. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1495–1508, 2010
Effect of molecular orientation on the fracture behavior of carbon black‐filled natural rubber compounds
Authors: Marano Claudia , Calabrò Roberto , Rink Marta
Published: May 2010

The fracture behavior of carbon black‐filled natural rubber compounds, differing in filler content, was studied performing tensile tests in biaxial loading conditions, using a central notched cross‐shaped specimen. The test consisted of two steps: a drawing step was initially performed loading the specimen in the direction parallel to the notch plane, up to different draw ratios, and then the specimen was loaded in the direction normal to the notch plane up to fracture. Using a fracture mechanics approach, the fracture toughness was evaluated as a function of the draw ratio applied in the drawing step. A correlation between the fracture phenomenology observed and molecular orientability and orientation was attempted. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 48: 1509–1515, 2010
A pilot investigation of a multidisciplinary quality of life intervention for men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer
Authors: Ames Steven C. , Tan Winston W. , Ames Gretchen E. , Stone Ronald L. , Rizzo Thomas D. , Crook Julia E. , Williams Christopher R. , Werch Chudley E. , Clark Matthew M. , Rummans Teresa A.
Published: May 2010

Objective: This pilot project evaluated the acceptability and estimated the effect size of a tailored multidisciplinary quality of life (MQOL) intervention for men who have biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.

Methods: Participants included 57 men with localized prostate cancer with biochemical recurrence (Median=76 years; 89% White). Participants were randomized to wait list control which offered the intervention upon conclusion of the study (n=27) or to an eight‐session group‐based, MQOL (n=30) intervention. Assessments were completed at baseline, end of treatment, and 6 months post‐treatment.

Results: MQOL was acceptable as indicated by favorable participant retention (100% retained), treatment compliance (97% attended > 6 treatment sessions), and high ratings of helpfulness (80% rated helpfulness > 4 on 5‐point scale). MQOL had a favorable impact on the mental health composite score of the Short Form‐36 at the end of treatment but not at 6 months (effect size=0.52 and −0.04); health‐related QOL as measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Prostate at the end of treatment and 6 months (effect size=0.14 and 0.10); and prostate cancer specific anxiety as measured by the Memorial Anxiety Scale for Prostate Cancer at the end of treatment and 6 months (effect size=0.45 and 0.23).

Conclusions: This pilot project provides preliminary data supporting the premise that a tailored behaviorally based MQOL intervention for men with biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer is acceptable to men and might reduce prostate cancer specific anxiety and enhance QOL. Further research examining the efficacy of this intervention in a larger randomized trial is warranted.Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Perceived threat and PTSD symptoms in women undergoing surgery for gynecologic cancer or benign conditions
Authors: Posluszny Donna M. , Edwards Robert P. , Dew Mary Amanda , Baum Andrew
Published: May 2010

Objective: We sought to examine levels of perceived threat and traumatic stress symptoms both before and in the short‐ and long‐term period after surgery and associated care in women diagnosed with gynecologic cancer or benign conditions.

Methods: Women with advanced‐stage cancer (n=22), early‐stage cancer (n=31), benign gynecologic disease (n=33), and no disease (n=25; post‐annual pelvic examination) completed questionnaires (Perceived Threat, Impact of Event Scale (IES), and Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD Checklist (PCL)) on three occasions: 1 week before surgery (Time 1), 7 weeks after surgery or comparable time (Time 2), and 16 months after surgery (Time 3).

Results: Perceived threat did not differ across disease groups at Time 1, but there were differences at both later times (F(2, 93.1)=11.83; p<0.001; group×time interaction); women with advanced cancer reported the highest levels. IES scores were consistently higher for the disease groups compared with the no‐disease group (F(3,104.2)=11.19; p<0.001), but were not significantly different from one another. IES scores declined over time, most markedly for the three disease groups (group×time interaction (F(6,163.8)=2.60; p=0.02). Survival analysis indicated significant differences across the groups in risk of estimated PTSD [Wilcoxon χ2 (3, N=96)=7.83, p=0.050] with 34% of advanced cancer, 16% of early cancer, and 15% of benign disease groups reaching estimated PTSD criteria.

Conclusions: Women with gynecologic cancer, regardless of stage, and women with benign conditions experience heightened traumatic stress at the time of diagnosis, and some continue to be distressed many months afterwards. Broad‐based screening and intervention for traumatic stress symptoms may be warranted. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Individual and dyadic relations between spiritual well‐being and quality of life among cancer survivors and their spousal caregivers
Authors: Kim Youngmee , Carver Charles S. , Spillers Rachel L. , Crammer Corinne , Zhou Eric S.
Published: May 2010

Objectives: There is evidence that cancer generates existential and spiritual concerns for both survivors and caregivers, and that the survivor's spiritual well‐being (SWB) is related to his/her own quality of life (QOL). Yet the degree to which the SWB of each member of the couple has an independent association with the partner's QOL is unknown. Thus, this study examined individual and dyadic associations of SWB with the QOL of couples dealing with cancer.

Methods: A total of 361 married survivor–caregiver dyads participating in the American Cancer Society's Study of Cancer Survivors‐I and Quality of Life Survey for Caregivers provided complete data for the study variables. SWB was measured using 12‐item Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy‐Spiritual Well‐Being (assessing faith, meaning, and peace) and QOL was measured using Medical Outcomes Study 36‐Item Short Form Health Survey.

Results: Actor and Partner Interdependence Model analyses revealed that each person's SWB was the strongest correlate of his or her own mental health (higher SWB, better mental health). Each person's SWB was also positively related to his or her partner's physical health.

Conclusions: Results suggest that the ability to find meaning and peace may be an important part of overall well‐being during the cancer experience for both survivors and caregivers. Interventions designed to assist survivors and caregivers to enhance their ability to find meaning and peace in the cancer experience may help them improve mental health of their own and the physical health of partners when they are dealing with cancer beyond the initial phase of the illness trajectory. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The preferences and experiences of different bisphosphonate treatments in women with breast cancer
Authors: Fallowfield L. , Stebbing J. , Braybrooke J. , Langridge C. , Jenkins V.
Published: May 2010

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine women's experiences with oral and intravenous (i.v.) bisphosphonate therapy, the impact that treatment had on bone pain and Quality of Life (QoL), and their preferences if choice were available between oral and i.v. administration.

Methods: This was a prospective study of women with metastatic breast cancer receiving either oral or i.v. bisphosphonate therapy. Semi‐structured interview techniques and QoL questionnaires were employed. Participants in the study were interviewed three times, once in person and twice by telephone.

Results: A total of 79 patients from eight UK hospitals participated in the study; 35 were receiving oral bisphosphonate medication and 44 i.v. treatments. Self‐reported adherence to oral therapy was good although 21% had chosen not to take their drugs at some time. Most had adapted their lifestyle to accommodate oral therapy with 29/37(74%) completely satisfied. However 9/37(24%) expressed dissatisfaction with constraints especially the time required to stand upright after taking their tablets. By 6 months 23/25 (91%) of patients receiving (i.v.) therapies were generally satisfied with the frequency and 22/25 (88%) with the convenience especially if given concurrently with chemotherapy. Overall 25/54 (46%) patients reported improved bone pain scores on the validated FACT‐BP scale from baseline to 6 months.

Conclusions: Both oral and i.v. therapies have disadvantages but were acceptable to most patients some of whom had reduced bone pain over time. More data regarding acceptability, adherence, and patients' preference for bisphosphonate therapies are required. Until randomised trials demonstrate superior efficacy for one mode of bisphosphonate therapy over another, we suggest offering patients a choice of bisphosphonate therapy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Satisfaction with follow‐up consultations among younger adults treated for cancer: the role of quality of life and psychological variables
Authors: Michel Gisela , Greenfield Diana , Absolom Kate , Eiser Christine ,   on behalf of the Late Effects Group Sheffield
Published: May 2010

Objective: Given increased survival rates and treatment‐related late effects, follow‐up for cancer survivors is increasingly recommended. However, information about adverse events (e.g. possibility of late effects) may be distressing for the cancer survivor and lead to poor clinic attendance. Survivor satisfaction with appointments and the information provided are important. The Monitoring Process Model provides a theoretical framework to understand how survivors cope with threatening information, and consequences for follow‐up care. Our aims were to describe satisfaction with routine follow‐up and association between monitoring/blunting and satisfaction with care.

Methods: Three hundred and forty‐nine patients [aged 18–45 years with a history of haematological, germ cell, breast or childhood cancer, >5 years from diagnosis without relapse (>2 years for germ cell survivors) and with a follow‐up appointment during the study period] were identified from hospital databases. Participants completed questionnaires before (T1) and after a routine appointment (T2).

Results: Two hundred and seventy‐nine (79.9%) questionnaires were completed at T1 and 198 (56.7%) at T2. Clinic satisfaction was higher with shorter waiting time, longer consultation and more topics discussed, but not associated with monitoring. High monitors reported more psychological problems, more importance of clinic attendance and greater value of support groups and professional counselling.

Conclusions: Satisfaction with follow‐up is high among young adult cancer survivors. Follow‐up was rated more highly by higher monitors, supporting previous findings that monitors seek out health care information. Provision of additional support services might increase satisfaction among survivors with psychological and social problems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Physical Characteristics and Ingredients on the Minimum Burning Pressure of Ammonium Nitrate Emulsions
Authors: Turcotte Richard , Goldthorp Sandra , Badeen Christopher M. , Feng Hongtu , Chan Sek Kwan
Published: May 2010

It has been well established that sustained combustion in ammonium nitrate water‐based emulsions (AWEs) can only occur if the ambient pressure is held above some threshold value, usually referred to as the ‘minimum burning pressure’ (MBP). For the commercial explosives industry, a good knowledge of the MBP for particular AWE formulations is essential to estimate safe operating pressures for the associated manufacturing and handling processes. In these processes, AWE products are most often pumped in closed systems and at elevated temperature. While previous studies have established that the MBP can depend critically on major ingredients, its dependence on physical characteristics such as temperature and viscosity had never been investigated. Moreover, the consequences of alterations in measurement methodologies on the resulting measured MBP values had not been studied.
Intensive Training of Subjects with Chronic Hemiparesis on a Motorized Cycle Combined with Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES): A Feasibility and Safety Study
Authors: Alon Gad , Conroy Vincent M. , Donner Thomas W.
Published: May 2010

Background and Purpose. This study tested the safety and ability of subjects with chronic hemiplegia to tolerate intensive training using a motorized cycle combined with functional electrical stimulation (FES) system. Methods. A case series of 10 subjects with chronic stroke participated in 30‐minute three times per week cycling on a stationary motorized cycling system combined with FES (RT300TM). The stimulation activated the dorsal and plantar flexors, the quadriceps and the hamstrings using four channels and a stimulation pattern that assisted cycling motion of the paretic lower limb. Patients were instructed to cycle as close as possible to 60 rpm and the resistance to cycling was gradually increased using a computer‐based algorism. The training lasted eight weeks. Results. All 10 participants completed the training without adverse reactions to the training or the FES. The kcal utilized during the training increased significantly (p = 0.0003) between session 1 (2.2 ± 0.47), session 12 (4.3 ± 1.2) and session 24 (7.5 ± 1.8). Peak pedaling power increased from 6.5 ± 0.5 W pre‐training to 18.0 ± 5.4 W post‐training. Locomotion variables that improved significantly were time to complete the get up and go test (45.4 ± 54.9 seconds vs. 34.0 ± 31.8 seconds) a 24.6% improvement (p = 0.03) and gait velocity, which increased 25.0% from 0.4 ± 0.3 m/sec to 0.5 ± 0.4 m/sec (p = 0.01). Conclusion. Using a motorized cycle combined with FES intensive training appears safe and can be tolerated by patients with chronic stroke of wide age range, diverse severity of cardio‐pulmonary deconditioning, motor loss and locomotor deficits. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A cytochrome c fusion protein domain for convenient detection, quantification, and enhanced production of membrane proteins in Escherichia coli—Expression and characterization of cytochrome‐tagged Complex I subunits
Authors: Gustavsson Tobias , Trane Maria , Moparthi Vamsi K. , Miklovyte Egle , Moparthi Lavanya , Górecki Kamil , Leiding Thom , Årsköld Sindra Peterson , Hägerhäll Cecilia
Published: May 2010

Overproduction of membrane proteins can be a cumbersome task, particularly if high yields are desirable. NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Complex I) contains several very large membrane‐spanning protein subunits that hitherto have been impossible to express individually in any appreciable amounts in Escherichia coli. The polypeptides contain no prosthetic groups and are poorly antigenic, making optimization of protein production a challenging task. In this work, the C‐terminal ends of the Complex I subunits NuoH, NuoL, NuoM, and NuoN from E. coli Complex I and the bona fide antiporters MrpA and MrpD were genetically fused to the cytochrome c domain of Bacillus subtilis cytochrome c550. Compared with other available fusion‐protein tagging systems, the cytochrome c has several advantages. The heme is covalently bound, renders the proteins visible by optical spectroscopy, and can be used to monitor, quantify, and determine the orientation of the polypeptides in a plethora of experiments. For the antiporter‐like subunits NuoL, NuoM, and NuoN and the real antiporters MrpA and MrpD, unprecedented amounts of holo‐cytochrome fusion proteins could be obtained in E. coli. The NuoHcyt polypeptide was also efficiently produced, but heme insertion was less effective in this construct. The cytochrome c550 domain in all the fusion proteins exhibited normal spectra and redox properties, with an Em of about +170 mV. The MrpA and MrpD antiporters remained functional after being fused to the cytochrome c‐tag. Finally, a his‐tag could be added to the cytochrome domain, without any perturbations to the cytochrome properties, allowing efficient purification of the overexpressed fusion proteins.
High resolution X‐ray structures of mouse major urinary protein nasal isoform in complex with pheromones
Authors: Perez‐Miller Samantha , Zou Qin , Novotny Milos V. , Hurley Thomas D.
Published: May 2010

In mice, the major urinary proteins (MUP) play a key role in pheromonal communication by binding and transporting semiochemicals. MUP‐IV is the only isoform known to be expressed in the vomeronasal mucosa. In comparison with the MUP isoforms that are abundantly excreted in the urine, MUP‐IV is highly specific for the male mouse pheromone 2‐sec‐butyl‐4,5‐dihydrothiazole (SBT). To examine the structural basis of this ligand preference, we determined the X‐ray crystal structure of MUP‐IV bound to three mouse pheromones: SBT, 2,5‐dimethylpyrazine, and 2‐heptanone. We also obtained the structure of MUP‐IV with 2‐ethylhexanol bound in the cavity. These four structures show that relative to the major excreted MUP isoforms, three amino acid substitutions within the binding calyx impact ligand coordination. The F103 for A along with F54 for L result in a smaller cavity, potentially creating a more closely packed environment for the ligand. The E118 for G substitution introduces a charged group into a hydrophobic environment. The sidechain of E118 is observed to hydrogen bond to polar groups on all four ligands with nearly the same geometry as seen for the water‐mediated hydrogen bond network in the MUP‐I and MUP‐II crystal structures. These differences in cavity size and interactions between the protein and ligand are likely to contribute to the observed specificity of MUP‐IV.
The disintegrin contortrostatin in combination with docetaxel is a potent inhibitor of prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lin Edwin , Wang Qingcai , Swenson Stephen , Jadvar Hossein , Groshen Susan , Ye Wei , Markland Francis S. , Pinski Jacek
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND

There are few available treatments for hormone refractory prostate cancer. Through the inhibition of integrins, contortrostatin (CN) effects tumor cell growth directly as well as through the inhibition of angiogenesis. The effect of CN in combination with docetaxel on prostate cancer cell lines in vitro and in vivo is evaluated in the present study.

METHODS

FACS analysis of integrin expression, assessment of CN and docetaxel exposure on viability of plated cancer cells, and scratch test migration analysis were performed on PC‐3 prostate cancer cells. CN and docetaxel inhibition of both PC‐3 and CWR‐22 prostate cancer cell lines were evaluated in a mouse xenograft bone model. Angiogenic activity in tumors were assessed using IHC with antibodies to CD31.

RESULTS

Cell culture experiments indicate that the combination of docetaxel and CN inhibits growth in an additive fashion. FACS analysis of PC‐3 cells shows expression of α5β1 and αvβ5 integrins, but little expression of the αvβ3. CN showed complete inhibition of PC‐3 migration in cultures grown on matrigel plates. In mice xenograft bone models, CN with docetaxel showed increased inhibition of both PC‐3 and CWR‐22 derived tumors. Analysis of treated xenograft tumors showed significantly decreased expression of CD31 indicating suppression of angiogenesis. Prostate 70:1359–1370, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Improved therapeutic responses for liposomal doxorubicin targeted via thrombospondin peptidomimetics versus untargeted doxorubicin
Authors: Rivera‐Fillat M. P. , Reig F. , Martínez E. M. , Grau‐Oliete M. R.
Published: May 2010

New therapies in cancer treatment are focusing on multifaceted approaches to starve and kill tumors utilizing both antiangiogenic and chemotherapeutic compounds. In this work, we searched for a peptide vector that would home liposomes both to endothelial and tumor cells. [Abu6]TSPB and [Abu6]TSPA, aspartimide analogs of natural sequences of TSP‐1 and TSP‐2, respectively, were tested for adhesion of tumor and endothelial cells, in vivo and in vitro antiangiogenic effects, and in vivo antitumor action. Both peptides support the adhesion of both types of cells, but only [Abu6]TSPA inhibits the angiogenesis in vivo, and [Abu6]TSPA‐targeted L‐DOX decreases by 58% (P < 0.008) the HT29 tumor growth in nude mice. The improvement in the doxorubicin antitumor effect should be attributed to the antiangiogenic effect of [Abu6]TSPA, since [Abu6]TSPB, despite being a good ligand for both cell types, had no effect on tumor growth. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The human male reproductive tract antimicrobial peptides of the HE2 family exhibit potent synergy with standard antibiotics
Authors: Yenugu Suresh , Narmadha Ganapathy
Published: May 2010

Reproductive tract infections pose a serious threat to health and fertility. Due to the emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens, antimicrobial proteins and peptides of the reproductive tract are extensively characterized in recent years toward developing newer strategies to treat genital tract infections. Pathogen growth inhibition using a combination of naturally occurring male reproductive tract antimicrobial peptides and commonly used antibiotics has not been reported. Checker board analyses were carried out to determine the nature of interaction (synergistic, additive and antagonistic) between HE2α and HE2β2 peptides and the commonly used antibiotics. Using Escherichia coli as the target organism, the minimal inhibitory concentration and fractional inhibitory concentration indices were determined. We demonstrate for the first time that the human male reproductive tract antimicrobial peptides HE2α and HE2β2 act synergistically with the commonly used antibiotics to inhibit E. coli growth. A combination of HE2α and HE2β2 peptides resulted in an additive effect. Interestingly, the synergistic effects of HE2 peptides were highest with doxycycline and ciprofloxacin, antibiotics generally used to treat epididymitis. Results of this study demonstrate the potential of endogenous HE2 peptides to be pharmacologically important in designing novel strategies to treat reproductive tract infections. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects on in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis induced by small peptides carrying adhesion sequences
Authors: Conconi Maria Teresa , Ghezzo Francesca , Dettin Monica , Urbani Luca , Grandi Claudio , Guidolin Diego , Nico Beatrice , Di Bello Carlo , Ribatti Domenico , Parnigotto Pier Paolo
Published: May 2010

It is well known that tumor growth is strictly dependent on neo‐vessel formation inside the tumor mass and that cell adhesion is required to allow EC proliferation and migration inside the tumor. In this work, we have evaluated the in vitro and in vivo effects on angiogenesis of some peptides, originally designed to promote cell adhesion on biomaterials, containing RGD motif mediating cell adhesion via integrin receptors [RGD, GRGDSPK, and (GRGDSP)4K] or the heparin‐binding sequence of human vitronectin that interacts with HSPGs [HVP(351–359)]. Cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and capillary‐like tube formation in Matrigel were determined on HUVECs, whereas the effects on in vivo angiogenesis were evaluated using the CAM assay. (GRGDSP)4K linear sequence inhibited cell adhesion, decreased cell proliferation, migration and morphogenesis in Matrigel, and induced anti‐angiogenic responses on CAM at higher degree than that determined after incubation with RGD or GRGDSPK. Moreover, it counteracted both in vitro and in vivo the pro‐angiogenic effects induced by the Fibroblast growth factor (FGF‐2). On the other hand, HVP was not able to affect cell adhesion and appeared less effective than (GRGDSP)4K. Our data indicate that the activity of RGD‐containing peptides is related to their adhesive properties, and their effects are modulated by the number of cell adhesion motifs and the aminoacidic residues next to these sequences. The anti‐angiogenic properties of (GRGDSP)4K seem to depend on its interaction with integrins, whereas the effects of HVP may be partially due to an impairment of HSPGs/FGF‐2. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of pathological and nonpathological human exon 1 huntingtin
Authors: Singer David , Zauner Thomas , Genz Maika , Hoffmann Ralf , Zuchner Thole
Published: May 2010

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10 000 individuals. The underlying gene mutation was identified as a CAG‐triplet repeat expansion in the gene huntingtin. The CAG sequence codes for glutamine, and in HD, an expansion of the polyglutamine (poly‐Q) stretch above 35 glutamine residues results in pathogenicity. It has been demonstrated in various animal models that only the expression of exon 1 huntingtin, a 67‐amino acid‐long polypeptide plus a variable poly‐Q stretch, is sufficient to cause full HD‐like pathology. Therefore, a deeper understanding of exon 1 huntingtin, its structure, aggregation mechanism and interaction with other proteins is crucial for a better understanding of the disease. Here, we describe the synthesis of a 109‐amino acid‐long exon 1 huntingtin peptide including a poly‐Q stretch of 42 glutamines. This microwave‐assisted solid phase peptide synthesis resulted in milligram amounts of peptide with high purity. We also synthesized a nonpathogenic version of exon 1 huntingtin (90‐amino acid long including a poly‐Q stretch of 23 glutamine residues) using the same strategy. In circular dichroism spectroscopy, both polypeptides showed weak alpha‐helical properties with the longer peptide showing a higher helical degree. These model peptides have great potential for further biomedical analyses, e.g. for large‐scale pre‐screenings for aggregation inhibitors, further structural analyses as well as protein–protein interaction studies. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of GaN crystals by Na flux LPE method
Authors: Mori Y. , Kitaoka Y. , Imade M. , Kawamura F. , Miyoshi N. , Yoshimura M. , Sasaki T.
Published: May 2010

High‐quality and low‐cost bulk crystals are needed in the field of group III nitride semiconductors in order to develop optical and electrical devices. Controlling the nucleation phenomenon and solution condition during growth is important for growth of bulk GaN crystal by the Na flux method. The carbon doping into the solution and the forced induction of solution flow are effective to control them. We also present some attempts for improving the quality of seed substrate for fabrication of boule‐sized bulk GaN crystals.
Optical gain and gain saturation of blue‐green InGaN quantum wells
Authors: Sizov Dmitry , Bhat Rajaram , Napierala Jerome , Gallinat Chad , Song Kechang , Allen Donald , Zah Chung‐en
Published: May 2010

Using varied stripe length method we systematically studied optical gain properties of blue‐green 3 nm InGaN QWs grown on c‐plane and (11−22) semipolar substrates. We determined that for such structures when the product of modal net gain at peak and stripe length exceeds factor 5 the gain saturation occurs due to depletion of pumped carriers. We then focused our attention on the gain in unsaturated conditions. We observed strong gain peak position blue shift with increase of pumping power for both substrate orientations due to quantum well state filling and for c‐plane due to piezoelectric field screening. Thus in order to increase lasing wavelength, minimizing optical losses, and maximizing modal gain are essential. We then found that for the semipolar QWs the gain at ∼500 nm was 2× higher with the stripe along [−1−123] direction despite the fact that at low pumping level the polarization switching of spontaneous emission resulted predominant E||[−1−123]. Finally we compared the semipolar and c‐plane QWs and found that the gain increase with pumping power of c‐plane QW is slower than that for semipolar QW in high gain direction while the transparency pumping power is lower for c‐plane.
GaN‐based nanowires: From nanometric‐scale characterization to light emitting diodes
Authors: Bavencove A.‐L. , Tourbot G. , Pougeoise E. , Garcia J. , Gilet P. , Levy F. , André B. , Feuillet G. , Gayral B. , Daudin B. , Dang Le Si
Published: May 2010

We studied and improved gallium nitride (GaN) nanowire (NW) based light emitting diodes (LEDs). PIN nanodiodes with and without InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) were grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) under N‐rich conditions on n‐doped Si(111) substrates. Thanks to the coalescence of the p‐type region of the NWs grown at low temperature, an autoplanarization process has been performed to obtain LEDs. Ni/Au top contacts have been deposited and patterned in order to bias the devices. A multiple‐scale characterization approach has been carried out through the comparison of localized cathodoluminescence (CL) and macroscopic electroluminescence (EL) spectra. It shows that the EL emission of PIN‐based LED at room temperature is related to defects in the p‐type region of the NWs. In order to enhance the radiative recombinations of NW‐based LEDs, we have first added InGaN/GaN MQWs, and secondly an electron blocking layer (EBL) has been inserted between the MQWs and the p‐type zone of the NWs. The LED with EBL exhibited an emission band at 420 nm. The blue‐shift of this emission band with increasing injected current is attributed to quantum confined Stark effect (QCSE) and evidences the radiative emission of InGaN/GaN MQWs. At 50 mA dc current, this improved NW‐based LED emits about 500 times more light than the heterostructure without EBL.
Growth of free‐standing non‐polar GaN on (100) γ‐LiAlO2 substrates by hydride vapor phase epitaxy
Authors: Chou Mitch M.C. , Hang D. R. , Chen Chenlong , Li Chu‐An , Lu Jin‐Wei , Lee Chun‐Yu , Tsay Jenq‐Dar , Hsu Chuck W. C. , Liu Calvin
Published: May 2010

Nonpolar free‐standing m‐plane GaN substrates were fabricated by hydride vapor phase epitaxy on (100) γ‐LiAlO2 substrates. The surface morphlogies were characterized by conventional optical microscopy. Structural properties of the GaN epilayers are investigated by X‐ray diffraction. Optical properties examined by photo‐luminescence spectroscopy exhibited a strong and sharp near near‐band‐edge emission peak at 3.43 eV, as well as a defect‐related yellow emission (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
“Step‐graded interlayers” for the improvement of MOVPE InxGa1‐xN (x ∼ 0.4) epi‐layer quality
Authors: Islam Md Rafiqul , Ohmura Y. , Hashimoto A. , Yamamoto A. , Kinoshita K. , Koji Y.
Published: May 2010

This paper reports the effect of step‐graded interlayers on MOVPE InGaN epi‐layer quality. Multilayer epitaxial structures consisting of Inx Ga1–xN layers with various compositions have been successfully grown. HRXRD measurements reveal that the insertion of step‐graded interlayers significantly reduces the twist while little effects are observed on tilt. Decreasing of twist with increasing the number of interlayers is found to be remarkable up to a certain value and then maintain nearly the same even with increasing the In composition. Different types of dislocation density have also been studied using the X‐ray diffraction analysis. Dislocation densities, particularly the edge dislocation density, decrease considerably with the insertion of interlayers for higher In composition. An edge dislocation of 3 × 1010 cm–2 is obtained for a smple with 0.25 In composition, that seems to come from the GaN layer beneath the step‐graded interlayers (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sublimation growth of nonpolar AlN single crystals and defect characterization
Authors: Satoh Issei , Arakawa Satoshi , Tanizaki Keisuke , Miyanaga Michimasa , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki
Published: May 2010

Sublimation growth of nonpolar AlN single crystals was investigated. The crystals were prepared in two methods: By slicing along the m ‐plane from c ‐plane‐grown thick crystals, and by heteroepitaxial growth on m ‐plane SiC substrates. Defects of the crystals were observed by high‐resolution transmission electron microscope. Dislocation density in AlN/SiC (0001) decreased significantly at about 1.5 μm above the interface, while stacking faults initiated from the interface toward the growth surface in AlN/SiC (1–100). With increasing crystal thickness, the dislocation density decreases up to 5 × 104/cm2 at the thickness of 10 mm. In the AlN single crystal grown on SiC (0001), it is noteworthy that the dislocations are localized around the AlN/SiC interface and that far fewer dislocations occur near the growth surface. High‐crystallinity AlN thick single crystals could be grown on SiC (0001) substrates. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Excitonic binding energies in non‐polar GaN quantum wells
Authors: Schulz Stefan , O'Reilly Eoin P.
Published: May 2010

We use a fractional dimensional space approach to calculate the excitonic binding energies in non‐polar GaN/AlGaN quantum wells (QWs) as a function of well width. We investigate the influence of the conduction band to valence band offset ratio on the excitonic binding energies. Because the exciton energy is mainly dominated by he eectron sngle‐particle staes, the calculated binding energies increase strongly with increasing conduction band offset, but the fractional increase in energy remains smaller than that found in previous studies of GaAs/AlGaAs structures, and is also smaller than binding energies deduced from recent experimental analysis of a ‐plane GaN/Al0.18Ga0.82N QWs. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
AlInN/InN metal oxide semiconductor heterostructure field effect transistor
Authors: Islam Md. Sherajul , Muhtadi Sakib M. , Hasan Md. Tanvir , Bhuiyan Ashraful G. , Islam Md. Rafiqul , Hashimoto A. , Yamamoto A.
Published: May 2010

This paper describes a novel AlInN/InN metal‐oxide‐semiconductor heterojunction field effect transistor (MOSHFET) as a promising candidate for future high performance microwave devices. The transport properties such as channel mobility and velocity‐field characteristics of the proposed AlInN/InN MOSHFET are calculated using Monte Carlo simulation. The DC and high frequency performances are assessed using an analytical model. The highest mobility is found to be 8.1×104 cm2V–1s–1 at a sheet carrier concentration of 8.79×1012cm–2. The peak drift velocity obtained for the device is 8.3×107 cm/s at the field of 66 kV/cm. The maximum cut‐off frequency, transconductance and drain current have been found 160 GHz, 280 mS/mm, and 879 mA/mm, respectively, for a gate length of 0.25 μm. The calculated results are in good agreement with the published results of GaN MOSHFET (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical band gap of h‐BN epitaxial film grown on c ‐plane sapphire substrate
Authors: Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Tsai Chiun‐Lung , Akasaka Tetsuya
Published: May 2010

The optical band gap of hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) epitaxial film is investigated by means of transmittance and reflectance measurements. We grew the h‐BN epitaxial film on c‐plane sapphire substrate by metalorganic vaper phase epitaxy. X‐ray diffraction and reflection high‐energy electron diffraction reveal that the h‐BN epitaxial film has a smooth surface, and the epitaxial relationship is found to be (0001)h‐BN|| (0001)sapphire with an in‐plane orientation relationship of [11$ \bar 2 $0]h‐BN|| [1$ \bar 1 $00]sapphire. The photon energy dependence of the squared absorption coefficient is linear, indicating a direct band gap in the h‐BN, and the optical band gap is determined to be 5.9 eV. The single‐phase h‐BN epitaxial film provides a more intrinsic value of the optical band gap than the values estimated for polycrystalline or pyrolytic BN. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Analysis of the energy‐based swing‐up control for the double pendulum on a cart
Authors: Xin X.
Published: May 2010

Designing and analyzing controllers for mechanical systems with underactuation degree (difference between the number of degrees of freedom and that of inputs) greater than one is a challenging problem. In this paper, for the double pendulum on a cart, which has three degrees of freedom and only one control input, we study an unsolved problem of analyzing the energy‐based swing‐up control which aims at controlling the total mechanical energy of the cart‐double‐pendulum system, the velocity and displacement of the cart. Under the energy‐based controller, we show that for all initial states of the cart‐double‐pendulum system, the velocity and displacement of the cart converge to their desired values. Then, by using a property of the mechanical parameters of the double pendulum, we show that if the convergent value of the total mechanical energy is not equal to the potential energy at the up–up equilibrium point, where two links are in the upright position, then the system remains at the up–down, down–up, and down–down equilibrium points, where two links are in the upright–down, down–upright, and down–down positions, respectively. Moreover, we show that each of these three equilibrium points is strictly unstable in the closed‐loop system by showing that the Jacobian matrix valued at each equilibrium point has at least one eigenvalue in the open right half plane. This shows that for all initial states with the exception of a set of Lebesgue measure zero, the total mechanical energy converges to the potential energy at the up–up equilibrium point. This paper provides insight into the energy‐based control approach to mechanical systems with underactuation degree greater than one. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.