bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel Global Assessment Scale for Wilson's Disease (GAS for WD)
Authors: Aggarwal Annu , Aggarwal Nitin , Nagral Aabha , Jankharia Govindji , Bhatt Mohit
Published: December 2008

Wilson's disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of copper metabolism. Despite being treatable, patients with WD suffer severe disabilities due to delay in initiation and difficulty in monitoring treatment. We propose a two tier,Global Assessment Scale for Wilson's Disease(GAS for WD) that grades the multisystemic manifestations of the disease.Tier 1scores the global disability in four domains: Liver, Cognition and behavior, Motor, and Osseomuscular.Tier 2is multidimensional scale for a fine grained evaluation of the neurological dysfunction. We prospectively validated this scale in 30 patients with WD. Both tiers had a high inter‐rater reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient ICC (A, 2) = 0.96–1.0). Tier 2 items were internally consistent (Cronbach's α = 0.89) and factorial analysis showed that 90.3% of the Tier 2 total score variance was determined by seven factors. Scores of both tiers were commensurate with the disease burden as assessed by standard disability scales (Child Pugh, UPDRS, SS3, and CGI) and satisfied criteria for validity. Longitudinal follow‐up over 1.5 years showed that the scale was sensitive to clinical change. This suggests that GAS for WD is a practical tool with potential applications in management of patients, and in testing and comparison of treatment regimens. © 2008 Movement Disorder Society
Cloning, characterization and expression of zvep, a novel vitelline envelope‐specific gene in the zebrafish ovary
Authors: Xu Yan , Lei Yong , Liu Qian , Liu Yao , Liu Shuo , Cheng Hanhua , Deng Fengjiao
Published: December 2008

The egg envelope is a specialized extracellular matrix that surrounds and protects the oocyte and plays significant roles in animal reproductive and developmental processes. Using the NCBI digital differential display program we identified an EST sequence (XM_001340234.1) acquired from zebrafish ovary cDNA libraries in GeneBank. The full‐length cDNA of this transcript was obtained by 3′and 5′ RACE and further confirmed by PCR and sequencing. The full‐length cDNA of the novel gene is 2,720 bp and encodes a protein of 761 amino acids. RT‐PCR and Western blot analysis showed its expression in ovary and brain but not in other tissues. In situ hybridization demonstrates that the mRNA is transcribed in ooplasm of stage I, II, and III oocytes. Interestingly, immunohistochemistry on zebrafish ovarian sections showed that protein expression in the vitelline envelope was located to two thin positive lines in the stage III oocytes. These ovarian expression patterns show that this is a new component of the vitelline envelope that is synthesized during early developing oocytes. This protein was named ZVEP (zebrafish vitelline envelope protein) and it did not have any homology with other known vitelline envelope genes. Thus, we found that zvep is a novel gene related to the vitelline envelope in zebrafish. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 593–600, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mating modifies apoptosis pattern in epithelial cells of the rat uterus
Authors: Mendoza‐Rodríguez C. Adriana , Martínez Miguel A. , Vargas Omar , Nava Karina , Morimoto Sumiko , Espinosa Mirielle , Cerbón Marco
Published: December 2008

Estrous cycle in mammals includes marked epithelial changes in reproductive tract, regulated by sex steroid hormones. In the present work we studied the activation of caspases and apoptotic pattern in uterine epithelial cells during proestrus and estrus, and the effect of mating in this process. In addition, we investigated the role of seminal vesicle secretions on apoptosis of uterine epithelia. Apoptotic index was evaluated by TUNEL assay, caspases‐8, ‐9, and ‐3 activation was detected by Western blot and active caspase‐3 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry. Our results show that mating during proestrus and estrus transition induced changes in the apoptotic pattern of uterine luminal epithelium during estrus, characterized by a delay in the onset of apoptosis as compared with that observed in nonmated rats. No differences in the apoptotic pattern in the glandular epithelium between mated and nonmated rats were observed. Seminal vesicle secretions inhibited luminal epithelium apoptosis, while no changes in glandular epithelium apoptosis were observed. We also demonstrate that activation of caspases‐8, ‐9, and ‐3 occurred in both mated and nonmated rats. Active caspase‐3 was detected in the luminal and glandular epithelium in both nonmated and mated rats. The overall results indicate that mating delays but does not prevent the cellular death of the rat uterine luminal epithelium and seminal vesicle secretions are involved in this delay. Finally, the activation of both the mitochondrial and the membrane receptor pathways of cell death are implicated in the molecular mechanism of uterine apoptosis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 564–572, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Roles of protein kinase C isotypes during seawater‐versus cAMP‐induced oocyte maturation in a marine worm
Authors: Stricker Stephen A.
Published: December 2008

Based on immunoblotting analyses using phospho‐specific antibodies, follicle‐free oocytes of the marine nemertean wormCerebratulussp. activate protein kinase C (PKC) when induced to mature by either seawater (SW) or cAMP‐elevating drugs. In SW‐stimulated oocytes, the onset of maturation (=germinal vesicle breakdown, “GVBD”) can be inhibited by broadly acting PKC antagonists such as bisindoylmaleimide (BIM)‐I or BIM‐IX. Conversely, co‐treatment with SW solutions of BIM‐I or BIM‐IX plus a cAMP elevator (forskolin, serotonin, or a phosphodiesterase inhibitor) restores GVBD, indicating that the blockage of SW‐induced GVBD by PKC antagonists is not simply due to oocyte morbidity and that such inhibition is somehow reversible by cAMP signaling. In tests to determine which specific PKC may be involved in regulating GVBD, immunoblots fail to provide strong evidence for the presence of conventional or novel PKCs, which are characteristically activated by 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA). Moreover, inhibitors of TPA‐sensitive PKCs do not prevent SW‐induced GVBD, and TPA itself serves to downregulate, rather than stimulate, GVBD. Alternatively, maturing oocytes apparently possess phosphorylated forms of TPA‐insensitive isotypes, including an ∼67‐kDa atypical PKC and an ∼130‐kDa PKC‐related kinase (PRK). Accordingly, inhibitors of atypical PKC signaling block SW‐but not cAMP‐induced GVBD, collectively suggesting that instead of depending on a conventional or novel isotype, SW‐induced GVBD may require atypical PKC and/or PRK. In addition, such findings provide further support for the view that GVBD in nemertean oocytes can be achieved via multiple mechanisms, with SW triggering different signaling pathways than are stimulated in the presence of cAMP‐elevating drugs. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 693–707, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Frame elements with mixed formulation for singular section response
Authors: Lee C.‐L. , Filippou F. C.
Published: December 2008

Mixed formulations of frame elements offer significant advantages over more traditional displacement formulations, particularly under large cyclic inelastic deformations including the effects of shear. This paper complements the recent proposal of a consistent variational basis for the mixed formulation of frame elements by supplying the explicit definition of the stress field over the cross‐section. The paper also addresses the numerical stability of the element state determination algorithm in the presence of an ill‐conditioned or even singular section stiffness matrix. The proposed algorithm is based on the eigendecomposition of the section stiffness matrix and uses the Sherman–Morrison–Woodbury formula and the Moore–Penrose pseudoinverse to avoid the inversion of ill‐conditioned matrices in the element state determination. In the extreme case of uniform tension or uniform flexure the section flexibility matrix is split into an elastic and a plastic component before eigendecomposition. With the proposed method the inelastic response of the element under multiple perfectly plastic hinges can be successfully traced. Numerical examples demonstrate the capabilities of the approach. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An X‐FEM approach for large sliding contact along discontinuities
Authors: Nistor I. , Guiton M. L. E. , Massin P. , Moës N. , Géniaut S.
Published: December 2008

The extended finite element method (X‐FEM) has been developed to minimize requirements on the mesh design in a problem with a displacement discontinuity. This advantage, however, still remains limited to the small deformation hypothesis when considering sliding discontinuities. The approach presented in this paper proposes to couple X‐FEM with a Lagrangian large sliding frictionless contact algorithm. A new hybrid X‐FEM contact element was developed with a contact search algorithm allowing for an update of contacting surfaces pairing. The stability of the contact formulation is ensured by an algorithm for fulfilling Ladyzhenskaya‐Babuska‐Brezzi (LBB) condition. Several 2D simple examples are presented in this paper in order to prove its efficiency and stability. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model explaining the predisposition to donate blood from the social marketing perspective
Authors: Beerli‐Palacio Asunción , Martín‐Santana Josefa D.
Published: December 2008

The purpose of this research is to develop a model of the explanatory factors that determine the predisposition to donate blood in order to improve the effectiveness of donor recruitment and retention programs. A personal survey was conducted on a sample of 303 potential donors between 18 and 60 years old and from both sexes, who are resident in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (Spain) and have either never donated blood or not donated in the last 3 years. The findings lead us to say that the predisposition to donate blood is positively influenced by the information that the potential donor has about the requirements to become a donor, and by the motivations to donate blood. It is negatively influenced by the inhibiting factor of fear of the extraction procedure and its after‐effects. However, prior experience as a donor and links with reference groups who are donors do not have any direct influence on the predisposition. These findings suggest that it is necessary (1) to design communication campaigns in which information and education are the goals, and which aim to make donation a habit; (2) to clarify to society the need for blood donation and to describe the process of donation in order to eliminate those inhibitors linked to fear and the perception of risks; (3) to design advertising campaigns focused on rational messages since information exercises a greater influence on the predisposition to donate than motivations linked to altruism; (4) to recommend that no great efforts be made to recapture previous donors, since experience is not a direct antecedent of the predisposition to donate but an indirect antecedent via information and (5) to stimulate word‐of‐mouth among reference groups using member‐get‐member programs whereby current donors bring new donors to the system.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone weight: new reference values based on a modern Portuguese identified skeletal collection
Authors: Silva A. M. , Crubézy E. , Cunha E.
Published: December 2008

Skeletal weight and/or weight of the different bones of the human skeleton are currently used in a wide range of applications such as archaeological cremations and forensics. Still, few reference values are available that compare the mean weights for the different skeletal parts. In this paper we present new reference values for total skeletal weight, including the weight of the different skeletal bones based on a modern Portuguese Identified Skeletal Collection (CEI) curated in the Museum of Anthropology of the University of Coimbra (Portugal). The mean weight of the entire skeleton for the CEI pooled sample is 3323.8 ± 779.6 g. Sex and age differences were investigated. As expected, males display heavier bones, at a statistically significant level. The mean weight of the male skeletons is 3850 g, and 2797.6 g for the female sample. Age differences were found, especially for the female samples in the 29–39 versus 50–59 and/or >60 age groups, probably as a consequence of age‐related bone loss in post‐menopausal women. For the male sample, no clear age‐related trend was observed but for the unexpected result that the second highest bone weight recorded is in the oldest age group (>60 years). This could result from high mechanical loadings and thus greater bone robusticy and amount of cortical bone.

The percentage of weight of the different parts of the skeleton was also calculated. These new values can be quite useful in the study of very fragmentary and/or commingled human remains, recovered from historic or forensic contexts, since the complete identification, by side, of the remains is not necessary. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel organic rectorite modified bismaleimide/diallylbisphenol A system
Authors: Yuan Li , Ma Xiaoyan , Gu Aijuan , Yan Hongxia , Liang Guozheng , Wang Wei , Wu Jianyan
Published: December 2008

4,4′‐Bismaleimidodiphenylmethane (BMIPM)/O,O′‐diallylbisphenol A (BA) system was modified by organic rectorite (OREC) to develop a novel BMI/BA/OREC nanocomposite. The effect of OREC on the viscosity and reactivity of BMIPM/BA system was investigated. The mechanical properties of BMIPM/BA/OREC composites such as the flexural and impact strength were evaluated. The morphology of cured BMIPM/BA/OREC systems was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The hot water resistance of BMIPM/BA/OREC systems was discussed. The thermal property of BMIPM/BA/OREC systems was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The dynamic mechanical properties of BMIPM/BA/OREC systems were also measured. Results show that the addition of OREC has a significant influence on the reactivity of the BMIPM/BA system. Proper content of OREC can improve the flexural strength, impact strength, and hot water resistance of a BMIPM/BA system. The addition of OREC cannot decrease the thermal degradation temperature of cured BMIPM/BA system with a slight sacrifice of the glass transition temperature (Tg). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate with polyurethane shell by in situ polymerization and its flame retardance in polyurethane
Authors: Ni Jianxiong , Song Lei , Hu Yuan , Zhang Ping , Xing Weiyi
Published: December 2008

Microencapsulated ammonium polyphosphate (APP) with polyurethane (MCAPP) was prepared by in situ polymerization of pentaerythtritol (PER) and toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI) in the presence of added APP. MCAPP was then incorporated into polyurethane (PU) to obtain flame retarded PU/MCAPP. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that APP was encapsulated by a layer of PU. It found that the optimal reaction time was 8 hr and microencapsulation led to an improvement in water leaching from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and determination of water resistance. Thermal degradation of flame retarded PU was also investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). UL‐94 test and SEM were performed before and after water treatment at 75°C for seven days, and the results showed that PU loading of 30% MCAPP can maintain the V‐0 level, due to the shield effect of microencapsulation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potentially inappropriate medication for emergency department visits by elderly patients in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yu‐Chun , Hwang Shinn‐Jang , Lai Hsiu‐Yun , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Lin Ming‐Hsien , Chen Liang‐Kung , Lee Chen‐Hsen
Published: December 2008

Purpose

The potential for adverse drug events caused by potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) use in elderly patients at emergency department (ED) visits is a growing concern. The objects of this study were to determine the prevalence, characteristics and risk factors of PIM use among elderly ED visits in Taiwan.

Methods

The nationwide computerized claims database of elderly ED visits under the National Health Insurance (NHI) in Taiwan during 2001–2004 was accessed. PIM, independent of diseases diagnoses or conditions and should be generally be avoided in elderly people, was evaluated using the updated 2003 Beers criteria.

Results

Between 2001 and 2004, 14.7% of total 1 429 463 elderly ED visits with prescriptions had PIM, and 19.3% of elderly people who visited ED received at least one PIM annually. Odds ratio for PIM prescriptions to ED elderly was higher for visits at which more drugs were prescribed, visits at local community hospital, female and older physicians, patients aged 65–69 years and female patients. Common PIM categories were short acting nifedipine, muscle relaxants and anti‐spasmodics, antihistamines and ketorolac. When health care resource utilization was compared in 2004, subjects receiving PIM at ED visit had significantly more mean ambulatory care visits, ED visits and hospital admissions than subjects who did not receive PIM.

Conclusions

About one fifth of elderly people who visited ED received PIM annually in Taiwan. The public and physicians should be educated, and a computerized drug surveillance system might be needed to avoid PIM prescriptions to the ED elderly patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emergency department visits attributed to selected analgesics, United States, 2004–2005
Authors: Willy Mary , Kelly Judith P. , Nourjah Parivash , Kaufman David W. , Budnitz Daniel S. , Staffa Judy
Published: December 2008

Purpose

To estimate the rate of emergency department (ED) visits attributed to selected analgesic‐containing medications.

Methods

We used a nationally representative public health surveillance system to provide estimates of adverse events identified in EDs, and a national telephone survey to provide estimates of selected analgesic‐containing medication usage in the US population, 2004–2005. Analysis was restricted to products containing acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen. Types of adverse events and outcomes were compared. Estimated numbers and rates of ED visits were calculated by analgesic groupings and patient age groups.

Results

The estimated overall rate of ED visits attributed to analgesic‐containing medications was 1.6 visits /100 000 users per week. The very old and very young had the highest rates; there were minimal differences in rates by patient gender. Acetaminophen was the attributed drug with the most estimated ED visits and generally had the highest rates of ED visits. The highest estimated rate for a specific product group was among subjects 18–64 years of age taking narcotic‐acetaminophen products (8.9 ED visits /100 000 users per week). Overall, 12% of patients presenting to EDs with analgesic‐attributed events were hospitalized.

Conclusions

Rates of ED visits due to analgesics vary depending on the age of the patient and the product; most do not result in hospitalization. Although the rate of emergency visits is relatively low, because of the wide use of the analgesics, public health impact is considerable. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A computerized system for signal detection in spontaneous reporting system of Shanghai China
Authors: Ye Xiaofei , Fu Zheng , Wang Hainan , Du Wenmin , Wang Rui , Sun Yalin , Gao Qingbin , He Jia
Published: December 2008

Purpose

We developed a computerized system for signal detection in spontaneous reporting system (SRS) of Shanghai. Data acquisition, data mining could be carried out automatically and the process of data preprocessing and cleaning could be facilitated. This system was expected to detect signals from SRS after drug licensing with minimum patient exposure.

Methods

This system was developed by Microsoft visual basic (VB) 6.0. Data preprocessing, data cleaning, and data mining were based upon visual basic for application (VBA) in Microsoft Excel 2003. Database of drug generic name and adverse drug reaction (ADR) standard dictionary were set up initially for data cleaning and coding. Algorithms including reporting odds ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio (PRR), measure used by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) were employed in this system. Crude ADR reports submitted to Shanghai ADR SRS from December 2003 to April 2007 were used as a material in this study to test the feasibility and flexibility of this system.

Results

Thirty two thousand seven hundred and fourty six crude ADR reports were acquired from the SRS automatically. Two thousand one hundred and fourty seven drug generic name and 621 ADR name were kept in the database after data preprocessing and cleaning. A total of 1430, 1419, 868 and 997 possible drug‐ADR signals were generated by ROR, PRR, BCPNN and MHRA, respectively.

Conclusions

The results indicate that this computerized system is a flexible one that can help to detect possible drug‐ADR signals intelligently in SRS of Shanghai now. It is a promising system for post‐marketing surveillance on both chemical medicine and Chinese traditional medicine. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing the dynamic behaviour of several rubbers filled with silanized silica nanofiller
Authors: Movahed Saeed Ostad , Ansarifar Ali , Song Mo
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND: The effect of the same amount of precipitated silica nanofiller on the curing and dynamic properties of different rubbers, including natural rubber (NR) without and with the addition of elemental sulfur (NR with S), synthetic polyisoprene (IR), polybutadiene (BR) and poly(styrene‐co‐butadiene) copolymer (SBR), was investigated. The silica surfaces were pre‐treated with bis(3‐triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfane (TESPT) to chemically bond the silica to the rubber. The rubbers were primarily cured by using sulfur in TESPT with the addition of optimum accelerator (TBBS) and activator (ZnO), which helped to form sulfur chemical bonds between the rubber and filler.

RESULTS: Cure properties, Mooney viscosity, glass transition temperature, bound rubber and crosslink density along with dynamic properties of the filled rubbers, including tan δ, loss modulus (G″) and storage modulus (G′), were measured as a function of double oscillation amplitude (DSA) from 15 to 1000 µm, temperature from −130 to 100 °C and frequency from 1 to 100 Hz. The results with emphasis on potential for tyre tread applications are discussed. It emerged that SBR along with BR filled rubbers had the highest rolling resistance while IR filled rubber had the least. Moreover, it was found that SBR filled rubber had the best skid resistance and BR filled rubber the worst.

CONCLUSION: Interestingly, the variation of G′ with DSA showed a complicated behaviour for different filled rubbers. It emerged that in some DSA ranges the Payne effect was observed, and in the remaining ranges increments of G′ with DSA were seen. Because the bound rubber of most of the filled rubbers was more than 92%, there should be another predominant mechanism in the systems studied rather than simply de‐agglomeration or filler network breakdown, which is proposed by the Payne model. In addition, the nanoscale of the filler may be effective for this behaviour. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Comparative proteomic analysis of mesenchymal stem cells derived from human bone marrow, umbilical cord, and placenta: Implication in the migration
Authors: Li Guo , Zhang Xiao‐ai , Wang Hua , Wang Xin , Meng Chun‐ling , Chan Chu‐yan , Yew David Tai Wai , Tsang Kam Sze , Li Karen , Tsai Sau‐na , Ngai Sai‐ming , Han Zhong Chao , Lin Marie Chia‐mi , He Ming‐liang , Kung Hsiang‐fu
Published: December 2008

Umbilical cord (UC) and placenta (P) have been suggested as alternatives to bone marrow (BM) as sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) for cell therapy, with both UC‐ and P‐MSC possess immunophenotypic and functional characteristics similar to BM‐MSC. However, their migration capacity, which is indispensable during tissue regeneration process, is unclear. Under defined conditions, the migration capacity of BM‐ and P‐MSC was found 5.9‐ and 3.2‐folds higher than that of UC‐MSC, respectively. By the use of 2‐DE and combined MS and MS/MS analysis, six differentially expressed proteins were identified among these MSC samples, with five of them known to be involved in cell migration as migration enhancing or inhibiting proteins. Consistent with their migration capacity, the levels of migration enhancing proteins including cathepsin B, cathepsin D and prohibitin,were significantly lower in UC‐MSC when compared with those in BM‐ and P‐MSC. For the migration inhibiting proteins such as plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) and manganese superoxide dismutase, higher expression was found in the UC‐MSC. We also showed that the overexpression of the PAI‐1 impaired the migration capacity of BM‐ and P‐MSC while silencing of PAI‐1 enhanced the migration capacity of UC‐MSC. Our study indicates that PAI‐1 and other migration‐related proteins are pivotal in governing the migration capacity of MSC.
The role of reaction energy and hydrogen bonding in the reaction path of enzymatic proton transfers
Authors: Barroso Monica , Arnaut Luis G. , Formosinho Sebastião J.
Published: December 2008

The reaction path of the Interacting‐State Model is used with the Transition‐State Theory and the semiclassical correction for tunneling (ISM/scTST) to calculate proton transfer rates in rate‐determining CH bond breaking by enzymes such as mandelate racemase, triose‐phosphate isomerase, methylamine dehydrogenase (MADH), and aromatic amine dehydrogenase (AADH), as well as of the analogous uncatalyzed proton transfers in aqueous solution. This method employs the reaction energy, the bond distances in reactants and products, and properties of the reactive bonds to calculate the proton transfer rates. The comparison between the molecular factors that control reactivity in solution and in the enzymes reveals the following salient features of enzyme catalysis: (1) the change from a bimolecular reaction in solution to an intramolecular reaction with negligible activation entropy in the enzyme; (2) energetic stabilization of the intermediates; and (3) extreme tunneling corrections when hydrogen bonding to a carbon atom is present in the reaction path. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactivity of the insecticide chlorpyrifos‐methyl toward hydroxyl and perhydroxyl ion. Effect of cyclodextrins
Authors: Vico Raquel V. , de Rossi Rita H. , Buján Elba I.
Published: December 2008

The reactivity of Chlorpyrifos‐Methyl (1) toward hydroxyl ion and the α‐nucleophile, perhydroxyl ion was investigated in aqueous basic media. The hydrolysis of 1 was studied at 25 °C in water containing 10% ACN or 7% 1,4‐dioxane at NaOH concentrations between 0.01 and 0.6 M; the second‐order rate constant is 1.88 × 10−2 M−1 s−1 in 10% ACN and 1.70 × 10−2 M−1 s−1 in 7% 1,4‐dioxane. The reaction with H2O2 was studied in a pH range from 9.14 to 12.40 in 7% 1,4‐dioxane/H2O; the second‐order rate constant for the reaction of HOO− ion is 7.9 M−1 s−1 whereas neutral H2O2 does not compete as nucleophile. In all cases quantitative formation of 3,5,6‐trichloro‐2‐pyridinol (3) was observed indicating an SN2(P) pathway. The hydrolysis reaction is inhibited by α‐, β‐, and γ‐cyclodextrin showing saturation kinetics; the greater inhibition is produced by γ‐cyclodextrin. The reaction with hydrogen peroxide is weakly inhibited by α‐ and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD), whereas γ‐cyclodextrin produces a greater inhibition and saturation kinetics. The kinetic data obtained in the presence of β‐ or γ‐cyclodextrin for the reaction with hydroxyl or perhydroxyl ion indicate that the main reaction pathway for the cyclodextrin‐mediated reaction is the reaction of HO− or HOO− ion with the substrate complexed with the anion of the cyclodextrin. The inhibition is attributed to the inclusion of the substrate with the reaction center far from the ionized secondary OH groups of the cyclodextrin and protected from external attack of the nucleophile. Sucrose also inhibits the hydrolysis reaction but the effect is independent of its concentration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma Polymerization of Acrylic Acid Revisited
Authors: Hegemann Dirk , Körner Enrico , Guimond Sébastien
Published: December 2008

To perform a systematic study over a broad parameter range of acrylic acid discharges, we varied the energy input W/F over a wide range. Five different regimes could be identified (from low to high energy input): regime I, where oligomerization takes place; regime II, the radical‐dominated plasma polymerization of acrylic acid; regime III, a transition regime showing etching/oxidation effects; regime IV, where the plasma polymerization resembles the one observed for CO2/C2H4 discharges; and regime V, where etching effects yield a reduction in deposition rate. These results show that the polymerization mechanism can be described as a function of the energy input W/F. Specifically, a parameter range where acrylic acid can be replaced by CO2/C2H4 discharges has been identified.

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Identification of extracellular δ‐catenin accumulation for prostate cancer detection
Authors: Lu Qun , Zhang Jiao , Allison Ron , Gay Hiram , Yang Wan‐Xi , Bhowmick Neil A. , Frelix Gloria , Shappell Scott , Chen Yan‐Hua
Published: December 2008

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, and early detection is essential to reduce mortality and increase survival. δ‐Catenin is a unique β‐catenin superfamily protein primarily expressed in the brain but is upregulated in human prostatic adenocarcinomas. Despite its close correlation with the disease, it is unclear whether δ‐catenin presents the potential in prostate cancer screening because it is an intracellular protein. In this study, we investigated the hypothesis of δ‐catenin accumulation in the urine of prostate cancer patients and its potential pathways of excretion into extracellular milieu.

METHODS

Prostate cancer cell cultures, human tissue biopsies, and voided urines were characterized to determine extracellular δ‐catenin accumulation and co‐isolation with exosomes/prostasomes.

RESULTS

We identified δ‐catenin in culture media and in the stroma of human prostate cancer tissues. In PC‐3 cells in culture, δ‐catenin was partially co‐localized and co‐isolated with raft‐associated membrane protein caveolin‐1 and glycosylphosphatidylinositol‐anchored protein CD59, suggesting its potential excretion into extracellular milieu through exosome/prostasome associated pathways. Interference with endocytic pathway using wortmannin did not block prostasome excretion, but δ‐catenin overexpression promoted the extracellular accumulation of caveolin‐1. δ‐Catenin, caveolin‐1, and CD59 were all detected in cell‐free human voided urine prostasomes. δ‐Catenin immunoreactivity was significantly increased in the urine of prostate cancer patients (P < 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated, for the first time, the extracellular accumulation of δ‐catenin in urine supporting its potential utility for non‐invasive prostate cancer detection. Prostate 69:411–418, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Strigolactones: ecological significance and use as a target for parasitic plant control
Authors: López‐Ráez Juan A , Matusova Radoslava , Cardoso Catarina , Jamil Muhammad , Charnikhova Tatsiana , Kohlen Wouter , Ruyter‐Spira Carolien , Verstappen Francel , Bouwmeester Harro
Published: December 2008

Parasitic weeds cause severe damage to important agricultural crops. Although some promising control methods against these parasitic plants have been developed, new strategies continue to be relevant in integrated approaches. The life cycle for root parasitic weeds is intimately associated with their host and is a suitable target for such new control strategies, particularly when directed at the early stages of the host–parasite interaction. Here, the authors focus on knowledge of the germination stimulants—strigolactones—for the root parasitic plants Striga and Orobanche spp. and discuss their biosynthetic origin, ecological significance and physiological and biochemical regulation. In addition, the existing and possible new control strategies that are based on this knowledge, and that could lead to more efficient control methods against these root parasitic weeds, are reviewed. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced red emission in CaTiO3:Pr3+,Bi3+,B3+ phosphors
Authors: Tang Wanjun , Chen Donghua
Published: December 2008

CaTiO3:Pr3+,Bi3+,B3+ red phosphor particles were prepared by a peroxide‐based route. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and photoluminescence (PL) were utilized to characterize the resulting phosphors. Bi3+ codoping improves the excitation properties, especially under near‐UV (370–400 nm) light excitation. A small amount of B2O3 can act as a flux to accelerate the formation of CaTiO3 host lattice and improve the PL properties of CaTiO3:Pr3+,Bi3+ phosphor. Under UV excitation, the strongest red emission is obtained from CaTiO3:0.05%Pr3+, 1.0%Bi3+,0.3B3+. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Temperature and external‐cavity tuning of high‐power GaAsP laser diode
Authors: Bercha A. , Trzeciakowski W. , Opachko I. I.
Published: December 2008

Wide‐range temperature tuning of 733 nm GaAsP laser diode has been combined with tuning by external grating. Temperature tuning (down to 87 K) yields the 40 nm range (from 733 nm to 693 nm) with reduced threshold currents and external efficiencies above 1 W/A. High power up to 2 W is achieved in the full tuning range. Fine tuning with grating allows for narrower linewidth but the tuning range decreases from 9 nm at 293 K to zero at 130 K. The wavelength range covered by temperature tuning fills the gap between GaAsP quantum‐well lasers and InGaP/AlGaInP red lasers. High power lasers operating between 690 nm and 730 nm could be useful in medical applications involving photo‐dynamic therapy. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Rapid thermal annealing effects on electrical and structural properties of Pd/Au Schottky contacts to n‐type InP(111)
Authors: Reddy M. Bhaskar , Janardhanam V. , Kumar A. Ashok , Reddy V. Rajagopal , Reddy P. Narasimha
Published: December 2008

The effects of rapid thermal annealing on the electrical and structural properties of Pd/Au Schottky contacts to n‐type InP(111) have been investigated by current–voltage (I–V), capacitance–voltage (C–V) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The barrier height of the as‐deposited Pd/Au Schottky contact was found to be 0.46 eV (I–V) and 0.70 eV (C–V) respectively. It is observed that the Schottky barrier height increases with annealing temperature and found maximum values of 0.51 eV (I–V) and 0.92 eV (C–V) annealed at 400 °C for 1 min in the nitrogen atmosphere. However, after annealing the sample at 500 °C resulted in the decrease of barrier height and values are 0.40 eV (I–V) and 0.60 eV (C–V). The AFM results showed that the surface morphology of the contact annealed at 500 °C is fairly smooth with a RMS roughness 1.9 nm. Based on the XRD results, the formation of indium phases at the Pd/Au/n‐InP interface could be the reason for the increase in the Schottky barrier height at 400 °C. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Large effect of the deformation on magnetoresistance of stretched and compressed thin polycrystalline Bi films
Authors: Tolutis Rimantas Aleksandras , Balevičius Saulius
Published: December 2008

Substantial influence of uniaxial stretch S and compression P on resistivity ρ and magnetoresistance (MR) of high‐quality polycrystalline Bi films consisting of up to 200 μm length crystallites was observed. The investigated 1.5 μm thick films were deposited on non‐crystalline substrate and annealed at critical temperature close to the film melting temperature. The experimental results are interpreted on the basis of improved polycrystalline Bi thin film model, including the electron intervalley repopulation in deformed film crystallites. It was found that S and P cause different dependence of ρ and MR on the magnetic field strength. The effect of P on ρ and MR is of opposite sign as compared to S and is larger than that for S. In a strong non‐quantizing magnetic field region the transverse ρ appeared to be independent of the deformation. The calculations show that in n‐Bi films the effect of P on ρ at 77 K can be many times larger because the T‐holes in Bi films significantly reduce the effect of deformation. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of loaded TiO2 nanofiller on heteropolyacid‐impregnated PVDF polymer electrolyte for the performance of dye‐sensitized solar cells
Authors: Anandan Sambandam , Sivakumar Radhakrishnan
Published: December 2008

In order to improve the performance of the dye‐sensitized solar cells based on polymer electrolytes, heteropolyacid impregnated polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) with loaded TiO2 nanofiller were prepared to mainly impede the back electron transfer processes. The prepared polymer electrolytes were well characterized before using them in solar cells. The SEM image confirms that the prepared polymer electrolytes have extended porosity with intersecting cavities of few nanometer in size. The functioning of the solar cells fabricated was monitored and the current–voltage characteristics were measured. The observed long term stability of the fabricated solar cells may be due to the redox couple mobility of the polymer chain increases upon addition of titania nanofiller. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In‐situ boron doping of chemical‐bath deposited CdS thin films
Authors: Khallaf Hani , Chai Guangyu , Lupan Oleg , Chow Lee , Heinrich Helge , Park S. , Schulte Alfons
Published: December 2008

In‐situ boron doping of CdS using chemical‐bath deposition (CBD) is reported. The effect of B doping on optical properties, as well as electrical properties, crystal structure, chemistry, and morphology of CdS films is studied. We present a successful approach towards B doping of CdS using CBD, where a resistivity as low as 1.7 × 10–2 Ω cm and a carrier density as high as 1.91 × 1019 cm–3 were achieved. The bandgap of B‐doped films was found to slightly decrease as the [B]/[Cd] ratio in the solution increases. X‐ray diffraction studies showed B3+ ions likely enter the lattice substitutionally. A phase transition, due to annealing, as well as induced lattice defects, due to B doping, were detected by micro‐Raman spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The chemistry and morphology of films were unaffected by B doping. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Concentrating PV system based on spectral separation of solar radiation
Authors: Vincenzi Donato , Busato Alessandro , Stefancich Marco , Martinelli Giuliano
Published: December 2008

In this paper we will describe a concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) system featuring spectral separation of the solar radiation. The newly designed concentrator structure provides both the spectral separation and the solar light concentration. The two caustics generated by the CPV system are spaced apart in such a way to illuminate two dense arrays of single junction Si and InGaP cells. Each of these PV receivers operate in a spectral region where its solar cells best perform, and thus they can be optimized independently of each other. Tuning the cutoff wavelength of the spectral separation system, the overall system efficiency is expected to reach 29.5% even with simple single‐junctions PV receivers. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Injection current‐dependent quantum efficiency of InGaN‐based light‐emitting diodes on sapphire and GaN substrates
Authors: Yang Y. , Cao X. A. , Yan C. H.
Published: December 2008

We studied the nonthermal mechanism of quantum efficiency (QE) roll‐off in InGaN‐based multiple‐quantum‐well LEDs on sapphire and bulk GaN substrates with In content ranging from 1% to 28%. Both the efficiency evolution and peak energy shift appear to be strongly dependent on the In content, but nearly independent of the dislocation density in the active region. The QE of the green LED peaks at a current density as low as 1.4 A/cm2, and decreases dramatically as current is increased, whereas the UV LED has a nearly constant QE at currents up to 1 kA/cm2. In contrast to minimal current‐induced peak shift and spectral broadening in the near‐UV and UV LED, the green LED has a monotonic peak blueshift of a total amount of ∼110 meV and a spectral broadening by a factor of 2. These results lead to a conclusion that carrier delocalization followed by nonradiative recombination at misfit defects is the major nonthermal mechanism of the efficiency roll‐off in InGaN‐based visible LEDs. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A micron‐sized nanoporous multifunction sensing device
Authors: Codinachs L. Moreno i , Birkenstock C. , Garma T. , Zierold R. , Bachmann J. , Nielsch K. , Schöning M. J. , Morral A. Fontcuberta i
Published: December 2008

In this work, a capacitive sensor based on Anodic Aluminium Oxide (AAO) porous structures has been developed. In some cases, the pores have been also conformally coated with a high chemical pure SiO2by means of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). Temperature measurements have been done in DI water obtaining a response of 5 nF/°C. pH measurements have been performed and the responses obtained are between 0.2 and 1 nF/pH. The reproducibility of the sensors has been found to be high and a larger hysteresis effect has been observed in the samples with alumina pores rather than in the SiO2ones. The hysteresis seems to be related to the charging of the oxide upon application of a voltage. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Long‐term results of quality of life after standard laparoscopic vs. robot‐assisted laparoscopic fundoplications for gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease. A comparative clinical trial
Authors: Hartmann Jens , Menenakos Charalambos , Ordemann Juergen , Nocon Marc , Raue Wieland , Braumann Chris
Published: December 2008

Background

The role of telematic surgical approach in gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is still unclear.

Methods

The aim of the study is to assess disease specific symptoms and quality of life in patients with GERD treated with either traditional laparoscopic (TL) or robot‐assisted fundoplication using the Da Vinci™ system (DV) in long‐term follow‐up.

Results

Eighty patients underwent a fundoplication in 2003. Four years later all patients were given a standardized questionnaire and 59 (74%) replied. The TL group included 44 patients (18 male/26 female) and the DV group 15 patients (9 male/6 female); the mean operating time was 116 min for the TL group and 207 min for the DV group (p < 0.001). The mean GIQLI score was 106 points for TL and 107 points in the DV (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Although a safe and feasible procedure, high functional costs of the Da Vinci system and longer operating time prevent this operation from being the standard surgical procedure for GERD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Computer‐assisted surgery for dynamic hip screw, using Surgix©, a novel intraoperative guiding system
Authors: Herman Amir , Dekel Assaf , Botser Itamar B. , Steinberg Ely L.
Published: December 2008

Background

We present Surgix©, a new computer‐assisted surgery system (CASS). This system uses image analysis technology in order to measure three‐dimensional (3D) distances, visualize implant templates and view the guided trajectory on standard fluoroscopy. Our purpose was to compare surgery results and technique with and without the Surgix CASS.

Methods

The study included 61 dynamic hip screw (DHS) procedures. The Surgix system was used in 41 procedures. We compared the number of guide wire insertion trials and the time needed for each trial, the number of X‐ray pulses, tip–apex index, nine‐quadrant position and shaft–neck angle.

Results

The procedures were carried out by experienced users (≥ five operations, using the system) and had a first‐trial guide wire insertion success rate of 77.8%, compared to a rate of 10% for the control group (p = 0.001) and fewer insertion trials (1.33 vs. 3.05, respectively; p = 0.001). The mean number of fluoroscopy pulses was 41.5% lower for the experienced group than for the control (17.6 vs. 30.1; p = 0.009). There were no significant differences in tip–apex distance, favourable quadrant screw placement or neck–shaft angle.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that the Surgix CASS significantly improves the accuracy of hardware positioning and reduces radiation exposure time, thus enhancing patient outcome. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey of anonymity in wireless communication systems
Authors: Chen Hui , Xiao Yang , Hong Xiaoyan , Hu Fei , Xie Jiang (Linda)
Published: December 2008

Anonymity is an important security aspect of wireless communications and has continuously attracted significant attention. Implementing anonymity of mobile users not only protects their privacy but also reduces the chances of attacks based on impersonation; therefore security can be improved. Untraceability is a related issue to anonymity. If a user is traceable, its hidden identity can be revealed through profiling the activities associated to a user. In this paper, we conduct a survey on anonymity issues of wireless communication systems. We first discuss general issues of anonymity in wireless communication systems. Then we survey some protocols in the literature, which are designed for wireless mobile systems as well as wirelessad hocnetworks. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unbundling competitive heterogeneity: incentive structures and capability influences on technological innovation
Authors: Leiblein Michael J. , Madsen Tammy L.
Published: December 2008

Many studies argue that the continual creation of new ideas by small and young firms steadily destroys the competitive positions of their larger, more established rivals. Despite this attention, empirical results relating firm size to innovation remain exceedingly fragile. This study proposes three reasons for the empirical inconsistencies in the literature: that small and large firms differ in their: (1) stock of technological experiences, (2) use of own‐ and partner‐firm experiences, and (3) abilities to translate own‐ and partner‐firm experiences into innovation activity. Results from a 10‐year study of 463 semiconductor firms demonstrate that the mixed findings generated from prior work are partially attributed to these three general propositions. In particular, resource flows, in the form of operating experience developed internally and accessed through codevelopment partners, positively affect innovation activity; but these benefits diminish as a firm increases in size. The findings broadly support the notion that differences in the incentives and abilities of small and large firms give rise to heterogeneity in the firms' innovation activity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.