bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Moderate prevalence of transmitted drug resistance and high HIV‐1 genetic diversity in patients from Mato Grosso State, Central Western Brazil
Authors: Ferreira Adriana Santarém , Cardoso Ludimila Paula Vaz , Stefani Mariane Martins de Araújo
Published: June 2011

Few reports have described the molecular characteristics of the AIDS epidemic within the interior regions of Brazil, a country of continental dimensions. To help fill this gap, the prevalence of transmitted antiretroviral drug resistance and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) diversity in Mato Grosso State, central western Brazil are reported. Drug‐naïve patients (n = 105) were recruited at a reference center in Cuiabá/Mato Grosso State located across the border with Bolivia and considered a southern gate to the Amazon forest. For 92 HIV‐1 isolates, the protease and partial reverse transcriptase fragments were amplified by nested‐PCR and sequenced. Drug resistance was analyzed by the Calibrated Population Resistance tool and the International AIDS Society‐USA database. HIV‐1 subtypes were determined by REGA and phylogenetic analyses. Recombinant viruses were analyzed by SIMPLOT. Drug resistance mutations were observed in 5.4%: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor mutations M41L (n = 1), D67N (n = 1), and K219E (n = 1), the non‐nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor mutation K103N (n = 1) and the protease inhibitor mutation L90M (n = 1). Around 20% of the isolates were recombinants: different patterns of B/F1 mosaics (n = 11), four B/C, one F1/C/B, one F1/C, and one D/F1. Subtype BPRBRT represented 71.7%, 5.4% were of subtype CPRCRT and 3.3% were of subtype F1PRF1RT. A moderate prevalence of transmitted resistance and the co‐circulation of subtypes B, F1, C, different recombinants, including the first report of subtype D, were found in Mato Grosso State, far from the epicenter of the epidemic. These results highlight the importance of monitoring transmitted drug resistance and HIV‐1 genetic diversity in the interior regions of Brazil. J. Med. Virol. 83:1301–1307, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mutations in the E2 and NS5A regions in patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1a and their correlation with response to treatment
Authors: Yahoo Neda , Sabahi Farzaneh , Shahzamani Kiana , Malboobi Mohamad Ali , Jabbari Hossain , Sharifi Houshang , Mousavi‐Fard Seyed Hossein , Merat Shahin
Published: June 2011

Heterogeneity of subgenomic regions of hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be associated with response to interferon (IFN) therapy. The amino acid sequences of the PKR/eIF‐2α phosphorylation homology domain (pePHD), IFN sensitivity determining region (ISDR), PKR binding domain (PKRBD), and variable region 3 (V3) were studied in 19 patients before and after 4 weeks of treatment. All patients were infected with HCV genotype 1a and were treated with pegylated‐IFN and ribavirin. Thirteen patients achieved sustained viral response (responders) and six failed to clear viral RNA (nonresponders). The amino acid sequences in the pePHD and ISDR were identical in responders and nonresponders. However, amino acid substitution at position 2252 of PKRBD was significantly different between responders and nonresponders (P = 0.044). A larger number of mutations were observed in the V3 region of responders (P < 0.001). In this region, the amino acid in position 2364 differed between responders and nonresponders (responders: aspartic acid and serine, nonresponders: asparagine,P = 0.018). The amino acid sequences in the regions which were studied did not change after 4 weeks of treatment. It is concluded that the presence of specific amino acids in position 2252 of PKRBD and position 2364 of V3 might be associated with clinical response to IFN. J. Med. Virol. 83:1332–1337, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human papillomavirus infection in lung and esophageal cancers: Analysis of 485 Asian cases
Authors: Goto Akiteru , Li Chih‐Ping , Ota Satoshi , Niki Toshiro , Ohtsuki Yuji , Kitajima Shinichi , Yonezawa Suguru , Koriyama Chihaya , Akiba Suminori , Uchima Hisataka , Lin Yueh‐Min , Yeh Kun‐Tu , Koh Jae‐Soo , Kim Chul‐Woo , Kwon Kun‐Yong , Nga Min En , Fukayama Masashi
Published: June 2011

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of lung and esophageal cancer remains inconclusive, which is in contrast to the established role HPV plays in the development of uterine cervical cancer. One of the reasons for this is the difference among reported HPV infection rates in these cancers. An analysis of 485 lung and esophageal cancers (176 lung squamous cell carcinoma, 128 lung adenocarcinoma, 181 esophageal carcinoma) in eight institutions in Asia (Tokyo, Kochi, Kagoshima, and Okinawa, Japan; Seoul and Daegu, Korea; Changhua, Republic of China (Taiwan); Singapore, Singapore) was carried out in order to clarify infection rates with HPV. Samples were examined in one laboratory of the Department of Pathology, the University of Tokyo, Japan in order to avoid inter‐laboratory variation using a combination of polymerase chain reaction and in situ hybridization (ISH). HPV was found in 6.3%, 7%, and 9.4% of patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and esophageal cancer, respectively. Among the geographic areas surveyed, Kagoshima exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of HPV infection in cases of esophageal carcinoma (24.1%). There was no geographical difference in the infection rates of HPV in lung carcinomas. Subtype‐specific ISH was also performed, which identified the high‐risk HPV types 16/18 in the majority (75.7%) of the patients with lung and esophageal cancer positive for HPV. J. Med. Virol. 83:1383–1390, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenatal immune challenge compromises development of upper‐layer but not deeper‐layer neurons of the mouse cerebral cortex
Authors: Soumiya Hitomi , Fukumitsu Hidefumi , Furukawa Shoei
Published: June 2011

Maternal infection during pregnancy is an environmental risk factor for the offspring to develop severe brain disorders, including schizophrenia. However, little is known about the neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying the association between prenatal exposure to infection and emergence of cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions later in life. By injecting the viral mimetic polyriboinosinic‐polyribocytidylic acid (Poly I:C) into mice, we investigated the influence of maternal immune challenge during pregnancy on the development of the cerebral cortex, a responsive organ for cognition. Stimulation of the maternal immune system did not influence the cell number or density of the cortical neurons of postnatal 10‐day‐old and 8‐week‐old offspring, whereas gene expressions of upper‐layer‐specific transcription factors were significantly reduced, without affecting those of the deeper‐layer ones. Moreover, the prenatal Poly I:C injection impaired synaptic development of the upper‐layer neurons at a later stage, and there was a decrease in the synaptophysin‐ and glutamic acid decarboxylase‐67‐positive puncta surrounding the neuronal cell bodies and an increase in the dendritic spine density in postnatal 8‐week‐old offspring. Considering their importance for cognitive function, the specific abnormalities in the development of upper‐layer neuronal phenotypes may underlie the development of psychiatric brain and behavioral dysfunctions emerging after in utero exposure to an infection. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Organic matter dynamics in a temperate forest as influenced by soil frost
Authors: Schmitt Andrea , Glaser Bruno
Published: June 2011

In the future, climate models predict an increase in global surface temperature and during winter a changing of precipitation from less snowfall to more raining. Without protective snow cover, freezing can be more intensive and can enter noticeably deeper into the soil with effects on C cycling and soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics. We removed the natural snow cover in a Norway spruce forest in the Fichtelgebirge Mts. during winter from late December 2005 until middle of February 2006 on three replicate plots. Hence, we induced soil frost to 15 cm depth (at a depth of 5 cm below surface up to –5°C) from January to April 2006, while the snow‐covered control plots never reached temperatures < 0°C. Quantity and quality of SOM was followed by total organic C and biomarker analysis. While soil frost did not influence total organic‐C and lignin concentrations, the decomposition of vanillyl monomers (Ac/Ad)V and the microbial‐sugar concentrations decreased at the end of the frost period, these results confirm reduced SOM mineralization under frost. Soil microbial biomass was not affected by the frost event or recovered more quickly than the accumulation of microbial residues such as microbial sugars directly after the experiment. However, in the subsequent autumn, soil microbial biomass was significantly higher at the snow‐removal (SR) treatments compared to the control despite lower CO2 respiration. In addition, the water‐stress indicator (PLFA [cy17:0 + cy19:0] / [16:1ω7c + 18:1ω7c]) increased. These results suggest that soil microbial respiration and therefore the activity was not closely related to soil microbial biomass but more strongly controlled by substrate availability and quality. The PLFA pattern indicates that fungi are more susceptible to soil frost than bacteria.
Tropical cyclones, global climate change and the role of Quaternary studies
Authors: Nott Jonathan
Published: June 2011

The number and types of late Quaternary records of tropical cyclones (TCs) and temperate storms have been increasing globally over the past 10 years. There are now numerous such records for the Atlantic Ocean (USA) and Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, South Pacific Ocean, and a fewer number from the northwest Pacific and Indian Ocean regions. The most obvious characteristic of these records is that many reveal extended alternating periods of greater and lesser TC activity over the past 6000 years. The length of these phases of relative inactivity and greater activity depends on the chronological resolution of the record, with the coarser‐resolution ones displaying multi‐century to millennial‐scale episodes and the high‐resolution records displaying decadal to centennial‐scale oscillations. In several instances the likely causes of these alternating periods of TC behaviour have been attributed to different phases of climate when El Niños and La Niñas dominated or to longer‐term variations in sea surface temperatures and possibly solar forcing. The picture emerging from these records is that TC behaviour is not entirely stochastic over the long term and that any simulations of long‐term TC behaviour need to account for these climatic influences. Incorporation of these observations, and the many more needed, is important for understanding the future behaviour of TCs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water mobility within arabinoxylan and β‐glucan films studied by NMR and dynamic vapour sorption
Authors: Ying Ruifeng , Barron Cécile , Saulnier Luc , Rondeau‐Mouro Corinne
Published: June 2011

BACKGROUND: The main purpose of this research was to determine the impact of the structure and organisation of polysaccharides on the hydration properties of the cell walls of cereal grains. In order to remodel the lamellar assembly of arabinoxylan (AX) and (1 → 3)(1 → 4)‐β‐D‐glucan (BG) within the endosperm cell walls, films were prepared and analysed using dynamic vapour sorption and time domain nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

RESULTS: The water diffusivities within the AX and BG films were measured at 20 °C by observing the water sorption kinetics within a mathematical model based on Fick's second law. The evolution of spin–spin relaxation times of water protons measured by increasing the temperature is explained by the additional contributions of motion of the protons of polysaccharides and/or rapid chemical exchanges of protons between water and hydroxyl groups of polysaccharides.

CONCLUSION: The difference between patterns of water behaviour within the AX and BG films can be related to the difference in their nanostructures. The smaller nanopores of the BG films cause their nanostructure to be more compact. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
The status of EGFR‐associated genes could predict the outcome and tumor response of chemo‐refractory metastatic colorectal patients using cetuximab and chemotherapy
Authors: Lin Jen‐Kou , Lin An‐Jen , Lin Chun‐Chi , Lan Yuan‐Tzu , Yang Shung‐Haur , Li Anna Fen‐Yau , Chang Shih‐Ching
Published: June 2011

Purpose

This study was designed to analyze the impacts of status of EGFR‐associated genes on the outcome of chemo‐refractory mCRC patients using cetuximab.

Materials and Methods

We collected samples from 42 metastatic CRC patients refractory to FOLFOX or FOLFIRI. Mutation profiles of KRAS, BRAF, PTEN, and PI3KCA and the copy numbers of EGFR and PTEN were analyzed. Overall survival and tumor response between various statuses of EGFR‐associated genes were compared.

Results

Eleven patients had a partial response to cetuximab with chemotherapy. Sixteen (38.1%) tumors had KRAS mutations. Three (7.1%) had BRAF mutations (V600E) and three (7.1%) had PTEN mutations. No PIK3CA mutation was found. Of 26 wild‐KRAS tumors, nine (34.6%) had a partial response to cetuximab: this was higher than that of KRAS‐mutated tumors (12.5%). Five patients with BRAF or PTEN mutations did not response to cetuximab. Response rate increased to 45% in patients with all wild‐type KRAS, BRAF, and PTEN tumors. Of 16 tumors with high EGFR copy number, eight (50%) responded to cetuximab, a higher response rate than that of tumors with normal EGFR copy number (3/26, P = 0.011). Overall survival of patients was associated with high EGFR copy number and all wild‐type tumors.

Conclusion

EFGR copy number and mutation in EGFR‐associated genes could be selective markers in mCRC patients using cetuximab. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011; 104:661–666. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dual Effect of low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) on the acute lung inflammation induced by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion: Action on anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory cytokines
Authors: de Lima F. Mafra , Villaverde A.B. , Albertini R. , Corrêa J.C. , Carvalho R.L.P. , Munin E. , Araújo T. , Silva J.A. , Aimbire F.
Published: June 2011

Background and Objective

It is unknown if pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory mediators in acute lung inflammation induced by intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (i‐I/R) can be modulated by low‐level laser therapy (LLLT).

Study Design/Material and Methods

A controlled ex vivo study was developed in which rats were irradiated (660 nm, 30 mW, 0.08 cm2 of spot size) on the skin over the right upper bronchus 1 hour post‐mesenteric artery occlusion and euthanized 4 hours later. For pretreatment with anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or IL‐10 antibodies, the rats received either one of the agents 15 minutes before the beginning of reperfusion.

Methods

Lung edema was measured by the Evans blue extravasation and pulmonary neutrophils influx was determined by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Both TNF and IL‐10 expression and protein in lung were evaluated by RT‐PCR and ELISA, respectively.

Results

LLLT reduced the edema (80.1 ± 41.8 µg g−1 dry weight), neutrophils influx (0.83 ± 0.02 × 106 cells ml−1), MPO activity (2.91 ± 0.60), and TNF (153.0 ± 21.0 pg mg−1 tissue) in lung when compared with respective control groups. Surprisingly, the LLLT increased the IL‐10 (0.65 ± 0.13) in lung from animals subjected to i‐I/R. Moreover, LLLT (0.32 ± 0.07 pg ml−1) reduced the TNF‐α level in RPAECs when compared with i‐I/R group. The presence of anti‐TNF or IL‐10 antibodies did not alter the LLLT effect on IL‐10 (465.1 ± 21.0 pg mg−1 tissue) or TNF (223.5 ± 21.0 pg mg−1 tissue) in lung from animals submitted to i‐I/R.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the LLLT attenuates the i‐I/R‐induced acute lung inflammation which favor the IL‐10 production and reduce TNF generation. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:410–420, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interstitial PDT for vascular anomalies
Authors: Jerjes Waseem , Upile Tahwinder , Hamdoon Zaid , Mosse Charles Alexander , Akram Sarah , Morley Simon , Hopper Colin
Published: June 2011

Introduction

Photodynamic therapy is a proven therapeutic modality in the management of variety of pathologies involving the human body. Our aim in this clinical study is to prospectively evaluate the outcome following interstitial photodynamic therapy for patients with vascular anomalies. Patients' reports on quality of life with clinical and radiological evaluation were the main end point parameters used to assess the outcome.

Materials and methods

Forty‐three patients were referred to the UCLH Head and Neck Centre for treatment of vascular anomalies of the head and neck, including: infantile and congenital haemangiomas, venous, lymphatic and arteriovenous malformations. After multidisciplinary discussion, all patients underwent interstitial photodynamic therapy under general anaesthesia, using 0.15 mg/kg mTHPC as the photosensitising agent. Following treatment, patients were followed‐up for a mean of 21 months.

Results

Fifteen out of nineteen patients who presented with long‐term pain reported improvement after treatment. Also, 7/8 reported significant reduction of bleeding related to their vascular anomaly. Improvement of swelling was reported by 28/35 patients; while reduction of infection episodes was evident in 8/11 patients and 31/36 reported reduction in the disfigurement caused by their pathology. Significant reduction of swallowing problems was reported in 9/12 patients, and breathing problems in 7/9 patients.

Clinical assessment showed that half of the patients had ‘good response’ to the treatment. Moderate clinical response was reported by 13 (30.2%) patients. Radiological assessment comparing imaging 6‐week post‐PDT to the baseline showed moderate response in 11 (25.6%) patients and significant response in 15 (34.9%) patients.

Conclusion

This study on 43 patients with vascular anomalies undergoing interstitial photodynamic therapy provided evidence that PDT is a successful modality in the management of these pathologies that are resistant to conventional modalities, with minimal side effects. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:357–365, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Induction of autologous mesenchymal stem cells in the bone marrow by low‐level laser therapy has profound beneficial effects on the infarcted rat heart
Authors: Tuby Hana , Maltz Lidya , Oron Uri
Published: June 2011

Background and Objectives

The adult mammalian heart is known to have a very limited regenerative capacity following acute ischemia. In this study we investigated the hypothesis that photobiostimulation of autologous bone‐marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) by low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) applied to the bone marrow (BM), may migrate to the infarcted area and thus attenuate the scarring processes following myocardial infarction (MI).

Materials and Methods

Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent experimental MI. LLLT (Ga‐Al‐As diode laser, power density 10 mW/cm2, for 100 seconds) was then applied to the BM of the exposed tibia at different time intervals post‐MI (20 minutes and 4 hours). Sham‐operated infarcted rats served as control.

Results

Infarct size and ventricular dilatation were significantly reduced (76% and 75%, respectively) in the laser‐treated rats 20 minutes post‐MI as compared to the control‐non‐treated rats at 3 weeks post‐MI. There was also a significant 25‐fold increase in cell density of c‐kit+ cells in the infarcted area of the laser‐treated rats (20 minutes post‐MI) as compared to the non‐laser‐treated controls.

Conclusion

The application of LLLT to autologous BM of rats post‐MI offers a novel approach to induce BM‐derived MSCs, which are consequently recruited from the circulation to the infarcted heart and markedly attenuate the scarring process post‐MI. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:401–409, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Safety study of transcutaneous focused ultrasound for non‐invasive skin tightening in Asians
Authors: Chan Nicola P.Y. , Shek Samantha Y.N. , Yu Carol S. , Ho Stephanie G.Y. , Yeung Chi K. , Chan Henry H.L.
Published: June 2011

Background and Objectives

Transcutaneous intense focused ultrasound has emerged as a novel technology for non‐invasive skin tightening. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety profile of a transcutaneous focused ultrasound device for the treatment of facial skin laxity in Asians.

Materials and Methods

The patients received one to three full‐face treatments with the transcutaneous focused ultrasound device. Three transducers (7.0 MHz, 3.0 mm focal depth; 7.0 MHz, 4.5 mm focal depth; 4.0 MHz, 4.5 mm focal depth) were used to deliver a single pass of microthermal coagulation zones without any topical anesthetics. Standardized photos were taken at baseline and at each follow‐up with the Canfield Visia CR system® and were assessed by two independent physicians. Adverse effects were assessed up to 6 months post treatment. Subjective assessments in terms of pain and tolerability were also evaluated with patient questionnaires.

Results

Forty nine Chinese patients (skin types III–IV, mean age 53.3) completed a total of 68 treatment sessions. Transient erythema and edema were seen in the majority of patients. Focal bruising was present in up to 25% of treatment sessions. Two cases of post‐inflammatory hyperpigmentation were seen on the forehead at 1‐month post‐treatment. One patient experienced focal twitching over the lower eyelid at 1‐month follow‐up, which was clinically consistent with hemifacial spasm and was unrelated to the ultrasound device. The degree of pain during treatment was recorded as severe in 54.4% of treatment sessions.

Conclusions

Transcutaneous intense focused ultrasound appeared to be safe for non‐invasive facial skin tightening in Asians. Adverse events were mild and transient. Pain control during treatment should be optimized. No serious permanent or delayed side effects were noted up to 6 months post treatment. Lasers Surg. Med. 43:366–375, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Effects of a Separation of Ownership from Control on UK Listed Firms: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Crossan Kenny
Published: June 2011

There has been a wide‐ranging debate concerning the effects of the separation of management and ownership of large firms. Given recent issues concerning corporate remuneration, this debate is as relevant and possibly more so today as it has ever been. Theoretically, as the ownership of a firm becomes more diverse, the management of the firm will have more discretion and opportunity to act in accordance with their own interests at the expense of those of the shareholders.

This paper considers the effect of a separation of ownership from control on 406 UK listed firms. Simultaneous equations are used to test for a relationship between the percentage of shares owned by significant outsiders and insiders and the performance of the firm. A number of authors have suggested that there may be a significant relationship between these variables. The analysis conducted in this study supports the view that there is a relationship between ownership structure and firm performance. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regional and temporal variations in tissue sodium concentration during the acute stroke phase
Authors: Wetterling Friedrich , Gallagher Lindsay , Macrae I. Mhairi , Junge Sven , Fagan Andrew J.
Published: June 2011

A technique for noninvasively quantifying the concentration of sodium (23Na) ions was applied to the study of ischemic stroke. 23Na‐magnetic resonance imaging techniques have shown considerable potential for measuring subtle changes in ischemic tissue, although studies to date have suffered primarily from poor signal/noise ratio. In this study, accurate quantification of tissue sodium concentration (TSC) was achieved in 23Na images with voxel sizes of 1.2 μL acquired in 10 min. The evolution of TSC was investigated from 0.5 to 8 h in focal cortical and subcortical ischemic tissue following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat (n = 5). Infarct volumes determined from TSC measurements correlated significantly with histology (P = 0.0006). A delayed linear model was fitted to the TSC time course data in each voxel, which revealed that the TSC increase was more immediate (0.2 ± 0.1 h delay time) in subcortical ischemic tissue, whereas it was delayed by 1.6 ± 0.5 h in ischemic cortex (P = 0.0002). No significant differences (P = 0.5) were measured between TSC slope rates in cortical (10.2 ± 1.1 mM/h) and subcortical (9.7 ± 1.1 mM/h) ischemic tissue. The data suggest that any TSC increase measured in ischemic tissue indicates infarction (core) and regions exhibiting a delay to TSC increase indicate potentially salvageable tissue (penumbra). Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dominant and recessive RYR1 mutations in adults with core lesions and mild muscle symptoms
Authors: Duarte Sofia T. , Oliveira Jorge , Santos Rośrio , Pereira Pedro , Barroso Cândida , Conceição Isabel , Evangelista Teresinha
Published: June 2011

Introduction:

Ryanodine receptor gene (RYR1) mutations have been associated with central core disease (CCD), multiminicore/minicore/multicore disease (MmD), and susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia (MH).

Methods:

Patients with muscle symptoms in adulthood, who had features compatible with CCD/MmD, underwent clinical, histological, and genetic (RYR1 and SEPN1 genes) evaluations. Published cases of CCD and MmD with adult onset were also reviewed.

Results:

Eight patients fulfilled the criteria for further analysis. Five RYR1 mutations, 4 of them unreported, were detected in 3 patients. Compound heterozygosity was proven in 1 case.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the only report of adult onset associated with recessive RYR1 mutations and central core/multiminicores on muscle biopsy. Although adult patients with CCD, MmD, and minimally symptomatic MH with abnormal muscle biopsy findings usually have a mild clinical course, differential diagnosis and carrier screening is crucial for prevention of potentially life‐threatening reactions to general anesthesia. Muscle Nerve 44: 102–108, 2011
An Eulerian‐Lagrangian control volume scheme for two‐dimensional unsteady advection‐diffusion problems
Authors: Al‐Lawatia Mohamed
Published: June 2011

We develop a mass conservative Eulerian‐Lagrangian control volume scheme (ELCVS) for the solution of the transient advection‐diffusion equations in two space dimensions. This method uses finite volume test functions over the space‐time domain defined by the characteristics within the framework of the class of Eulerian‐Lagrangian localized adjoint characteristic methods (ELLAM). It, therefore, maintains the advantages of characteristic methods in general, and of this class in particular, which include global mass conservation as well as a natural treatment of all types of boundary conditions. However, it differs from other methods in that class in the treatment of the mass storage integrals at the previous time step defined on deformed Lagrangian regions. This treatment is especially attractive for orthogonal rectangular Eulerian grids composed of block elements. In the algorithm, each deformed region is approximated by an eight‐node region with sides drawn parallel to the Eulerian grid, which significantly simplifies the integration compared with the approach used in finite volume ELLAM methods, based on backward tracking, while retaining local mass conservation at no additional expenses in terms of accuracy or CPU consumption. This is verified by numerical tests which show that ELCVS performs as well as standard finite volume ELLAM methods, which have previously been shown to outperform many other well‐received classes of numerical methods for the equations considered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 2012
Contribution of fibrinolytic tests to the differential diagnosis of veno‐occlusive disease complicating pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Sartori Maria Teresa , Cesaro Simone , Peruzzo Mattia , Messina Chiara , Saggiorato Graziella , Calore Elisabetta , Pillon Marta , Varotto Stefania , Spiezia Luca , Cella Giuseppe
Published: June 2011

Background

Veno‐occlusive disease (VOD) is a major complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Its diagnosis is based on clinical criteria, which have a limited sensitivity. Increased plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) levels have been suggested as a marker of VOD. We aimed to prospectively evaluate how the fibrinolytic parameters behaved to discriminate VOD from other liver disorders occurring after HSCT in a pediatric population.

Procedures

A total of 195 HSCT were performed on 161 children and VOD complicated 11 cases (6.8%). Alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, PAI‐1 antigen (PAI‐1:Ag) and activity, t‐PA antigen, D‐dimer, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, antithrombin, fibrinogen, and platelet counts were measured in 105 HSCT before and then weekly for 1 month after HSCT.

Results

An early, significant increase in the fibrinolytic parameters was seen in patients who developed VOD, even before VOD was diagnosed clinically, by comparison with patients without complications or those with non‐VOD liver disorders. The combined increase in bilirubin, D‐dimer, and PAI‐1:Ag levels beyond the normal range distinguished VOD cases from other liver complications with a high sensitivity and specificity.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that fibrinolytic tests can help diagnose VOD after HSCT in the pediatric population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012; 58: 791–797. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Assessing personal resiliency in the context of school settings: Using the resiliency scales for children and adolescents
Authors: Prince‐Embury Sandra
Published: June 2011

This article addresses measurement issues in the examination of resiliency within school settings. The Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents is described as an example of an instrument developed specifically for this purpose. This description identifies developmentally sound factors of personal resiliency that are relevant for youth in school settings. Also addressed are criteria of psychometric soundness required for universal screening and impact tracking, norm‐based profiles of personal resiliency, and summary indices of resource and vulnerability for use in screening. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A contextual approach to understanding breast cancer survivorship among Latinas
Authors: Lopez‐Class Maria , Gomez‐Duarte Jessika , Graves Kristi , Ashing‐Giwa Kimlin
Published: June 2011

Objectives

The purpose of this review is to describe the empirical literature on the health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in Latina breast cancer survivors by exploring the social determinants of health. In framing the key domains of survivors' quality of life within a ecological‐contextual model that evaluates individual and societal contributions to health outcomes, we provide a comprehensive landscape of the diverse factors constituting Latina survivors' lived experiences and their resultant quality of life outcomes.

Methods

We retrieved 244 studies via search engines and reference lists, of which 37 studies met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Findings document the importance of the social determinants of HRQOL, with studies documenting ecological and contextual factors accounting for significant variance in HRQOL outcomes. Our review identifies a dearth of research examining community‐, institutional‐, and policy‐level factors, such as health care access, legal and immigration factors, physical and built environments, and health care affordability and policies affecting Latina breast cancer survivors' HRQOL.

Conclusions

Overall research on Latina breast cancer survivorship is sparse, with even greater underrepresentation within longitudinal and intervention studies. Results highlight a need for clear documentation of the comprehensive care needs of underserved cancer survivors and interventions considering integrated systems of care to address the medical and ecological factors known to impact the HRQOL of breast cancer survivors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gravitino dark matter and R‐violating SUSY searches
Authors: Lola S.
Published: June 2011

We study gravitino dark matter and slow gravitino decays in supersymmetric theories with broken R‐parity. For the model parameters that may give rise to viable radiative neutrino masses and visible R‐violating signatures in colliders, gravitinos are cosmologically stable and can be good dark matter candidates. For the range of parameters of interest, observable lepton flavour violation is to be expected, both at low energy rare processes but also at the LHC. The rates strongly depend on the flavour structure of R‐violating operators, and have distinct correlations that should be distinguishable in the coming generation of experiments.
Structure and magnetic properties of nanostructured GdTb thin films
Authors: Svalov A. V. , Vas'kovskiy V. O. , Barandiarán J. M. , Balymov K. G. , Orue I. , Kurlyandskaya G. V.
Published: June 2011

Various series of Gd100−xTbx films and multilayers with a different thickness of rare earth (RE) layers were prepared by rf‐sputtering. The increase of Gd content leads to an increase of the magnetic ordering temperature (Tord). At the same time substitution of the low anisotropic gadolinium by high anisotropic terbium causes an increase of the coercivity of the samples. The decrease of the RE layer thickness (LRE) results in the change of the RE films structure: the crystalline grain size goes down and for LRE < 3 nm an amorphous phase appears. For LRE < 5 nm all compositions show a significant decrease of the ordering temperature. In contrast with bulk Gd100−xTbx alloys, in case of thin films, the value of Tord can be tailored, not only by the change of the composition, but also by the variation of the thickness of Gd100−xTbx films.
Secondary relaxations of orientationally disordered mixed crystals at temperatures lower than the glass transition temperature
Authors: Martinez‐Garcia J. C. , Tamarit J. Ll. , Pardo L. C. , Barrio M. , Rzoska S. J. , Drozd‐Rzoska A.
Published: June 2011

Low‐molecular weight cyclic alcohols as cycloheptanol (C7H14O, hereinafter referred to as cC7‐ol) and cyclooctanol (C8H16O, cC8‐ol) are prototypical materials displaying OD phases which, under fast cooling give rise to orientational glasses (OG). In addition to the ubiquitous α‐relaxation of canonical glasses, several secondary relaxations appear for the mentioned systems (β and γ for cC8‐ol and β for cC7‐ol). The intramolecular character of these secondary relaxations for these materials as well as their mixed crystals was highlighted at temperatures close but above the glass transition. For lower temperatures the low values of dielectric strength makes difficult to account for the relaxation times obtained from the permittivity losses and, thus in this work we present a data analysis based on the Kramers–Kronig relations which connect the real and imaginary parts of dielectric permittivity and shows up a new method to make evident the existence of such secondary relaxations as well as to avoid phenomenological equations for determining the relaxation time.
Off‐diagonal magnetoimpedance effect in field quenched Co69Fe4Si15B12 amorphous ribbons
Authors: Sánchez T. , Vega V. , Santos J. D. , Pérez M. J. , Prida V. M. , Sánchez M. L. , Escoda Ll. , Suñol J. J. , Hernando B.
Published: June 2011

In this work, the off‐diagonal magnetoimpedance (MI) effect in two types of Co69Fe4Si15B12 amorphous ribbons was measured. One type of ribbons was obtained by means of the conventional melt spinning technique. The other type of ribbons was obtained by the same procedure but with an applied transverse bias magnetic field, in order to induce a transverse anisotropy across the ribbon plane. According to our results, this field quenching procedure induces a small and homogeneously distributed anisotropy that improves the off‐diagonal impedance response in all the frequency range here measured. In the as‐quenched ribbon without field, slightly asymmetric two‐peak behaviour of the field depending off‐diagonal impedance at a frequency higher than its corresponding relaxation frequency has been observed. This can be related to the coupling among ribbon layers with different magnitude and/or orientation of the anisotropy induced by the developed stresses during the fabrication process.
Structure of rapidly quenched Ga‐free Heusler alloys
Authors: Suñol J. J. , Escoda L. , Hernando B. , Rosa W. O. , Sánchez T. , Santos J. D. , Prida V. M. , Shavrov V. G.
Published: June 2011

The development of magnetic shape memory alloys in ribbon form is a new field with interesting thermo‐elastic and thermo‐magnetic properties. In this work, two Ga‐free Heusler alloys were obtained. It is found that is possible to obtain these materials with an austenite structure or with a martensite structure at room temperature. The lattice parameters are a = 0.5985(4) nm for the cubic L21 austenite and a = 1.2604(5) nm, b = 0.4925(2) nm and c = 0.4775(9) nm for the orthorhombic martensite. Furthermore, the microstructure followed by scanning electron microscopy confirms the coexistence of equiaxial and columnar grains with an inhomogeneous distribution. The composition of each alloy is homogeneous. The control of different parameters, as the composition and the processing conditions can be a good option in order to obtain a material with the crystalline structure and the microstructure desired at room or near room temperature. This fact, can favours the applicability of this materials.
AlGaN/GaN FET for DNA hybridization detection
Authors: Wang Yuji , Lu Wu
Published: June 2011

We present the application of AlGaN/GaN field effect transistor (FET) for detection of biomolecular interactions, demonstrated by a DNA hybridization process. We immobilized a monolayer of single strand probe DNAs on the active gate surface of an AlGaN/GaN FET device and monitored the drain current during the affinity binding process with the presence of both matched and mismatched DNA molecules. The immobilization quality was first studied by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and fluorescence images. We then observed from the time‐resolved electrical measurement that significant and specific signals were solely upon the hybridization between the probe DNAs and the matched DNAs. The IDS–VDS characteristics of devices before and after hybridization were compared with a notable shift indicating the binding of DNA molecules.
Effects of high‐pressure H2O‐annealing on amorphous IGZO thin‐film transistors
Authors: Shin Hyun Soo , Rim You Seung , Mo Yeon‐Gon , Choi Chaun Gi , Kim Hyun Jae
Published: June 2011

The effects of high‐pressure annealing were investigated using amorphous InGaZnO (a‐IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs). The fabricated device annealed at 5 atm in H2O ambient showed the best electrical characteristics and stability under positive bias temperature stress (PBTS). This was attributed to mainly a reduction in the band bending at the overlap between the source–drain (S/D) electrodes and the etch stop layer (ESL). This is originated from the recovery of charge‐trapping sites at in‐ and bottom‐ESLs due to defect passivation with the aid of high‐pressure thermal annealing at 5 atm in H2O ambient.
Optical properties of ferromagnetic ytterbium‐doped III‐nitride epilayers
Authors: Jadwisienczak W. , Palai R. , Wang J. , Tanaka H. , Wu J. , Rivera A. , Huhtinen H. , Anders A.
Published: June 2011

We have studied the optical and magnetic properties of ytterbium (Yb) implanted GaN epilayers grown on (0001) sapphire by different epitaxial growth methods. Samples were implanted at room temperature with Yb ions and subsequently thermally annealed at 1000 °C in N2 at atmospheric pressure. The characteristic Yb3+ ion photoluminescence (PL) spectra were observed in the spectral range between 970 nm and 1050 nm. Analysis of the PL temperature quenching and PL kinetics suggest that Yb3+ ions are involved in at least two major luminescence centers. The magnetizations versus magnetic field curves show an enhancement of magnetic order for Yb‐implanted GaN epilayer containing intrinsic impurities and structural defects. The hysteretic behavior with a weak coercivity is enhanced when the magnetic field is out‐of‐plane indicating magnetic anisotropy of the Yb‐implanted GaN epilayers (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High‐low temperature performance of GaN 600 V Schottky rectifiers
Authors: Naik Harsh , Marron Tom , Chow T. Paul
Published: June 2011

The performance of a 600 V gallium nitride Schottky rectifier at high temperatures up to 125 °C and cryogenic operation has been reported. A 600 V, 4 A GaN Schottky rectifier from Velox semiconductors has been used for the characterization. Forward conduction and reverse blocking performance was measured down to 77 K. Two Schottky barrier heights have been noticed at low temperatures and a tunnelling limited reverse leakage current was observed. The SPICE model parameters are also extracted for circuit simulation purposes (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optimization of initial MOVPE growth of non‐polar m‐ and a‐plane GaN on Na flux grown LPE‐GaN substrates
Authors: Isobe Yasuhiro , Iida Daisuke , Sakakibara Tatsuyuki , Iwaya Motoaki , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Akasaki Isamu , Amano Hiroshi , Imade Mamoru , Kitaoka Yasuo , Mori Yusuke
Published: June 2011

We optimized the initial GaN growths of nonpolar m‐ and a‐plane GaN grown on liquid phase epitaxy (LPE‐) GaN substrates. Such nonpolar LPE‐GaN substrates were produced by cutting slices from c‐plane LPE‐GaN bulk single crystals grown by the Na‐flux method. We investigated the qualities of epitaxially grown GaN layers on the LPE‐GaN substrates, with different polishing methods, which are chemical mechanical polishing and plasma dry etch polishing. We found that the crystalline quality of epitaxial GaN on m‐plane GaN is very sensitive to the surface polishing even the minute unevenness in GaN substrate. Our experiments also indicated that a low initial growth rate was necessary to obtain high‐crystalline‐quality epitaxial m‐plane GaN. In contrast, high‐crystalline‐quality a‐plane GaN was obtained even with a high initial growth rate, indicating that the crystalline quality of a‐plane GaN is not sensitive to surface roughness. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of periodically poled AlN with sub‐micron periods
Authors: Wright Jonathan , Moe Craig , Sampath Anand V. , Garrett Gregory A. , Wraback Michael
Published: June 2011

We report on the fabrication of periodically poled AlN structures using inductive coupled plasma (ICP) etching and plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE). Periodically poled AlN structures are fabricated by first depositing Al polar material on c‐plane sapphire substrates and then inverting the polarity through Mg overdoping. Subsequently, a grating with periods between 250 and 750 nm is defined by e‐beam lithography and etched into the film by inductive coupled plasma etching to expose stripes of Al‐polar material. ICP etching was optimized to produce vertical sidewalls and smooth Al‐polar regions. Finally, the patterned substrate is regrown by PAMBE to realize a periodically poled AlN structure. The sharpness of the interface between the Al and N polar regions is found to be dependent upon ICP etch conditions and III‐V flux during regrowth. Under III‐rich conditions, the alignment of the grating with crystallographic orientation has an important role in the final surface morphology. While lower III‐V flux ratios prevent faceting, regrowth of Al‐polar material is inhibited near the sidewalls of trenches with high aspect ratios. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Improvements in the compositional uniformity of In‐rich InxGa1‐xN films grown at low temperatures by ENABLE
Authors: Williamson Todd L. , Salazar Alicia L. , Williams Joshua J. , Hoffbauer Mark A.
Published: June 2011

InGaN films have been grown over an In‐rich composition range using a novel growth technique utilizing energetic N‐atoms as the active growth species. A series of In‐rich InGaN films grown over a wide range of substrate temperatures show how the film properties improve as the growth temperature is lowered. Under optimized conditions, In‐rich InGaN films showing excellent compositional uniformity, a high degree of crystallinity, bright band edge photoluminescence, and smooth surface morphologies spanning a wide range of In compositions can be obtained. The results emphasize the importance of energetic N atoms and lower substrate temperatures for overcoming difficulties associated with growing high‐quality In‐rich InxGa1–xN thin film materials (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Inhibitory Effects of Costunolide Isolated from Laurus nobilis on IgE‐induced Degranulation of Mast Cell‐like RBL‐2H3 Cells and the Growth of Y16 pro‐B Cells
Authors: Kim Tae Joon , Nam Kung‐Woo , Kim Bora , Lee Sung‐Jin , Oh Ki‐Bong , Kim Kyeong Ho , Mar Woongchon , Shin Jongheon
Published: June 2011

This study investigated the inhibitory effects of costunolide isolated from the leaves of Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae) on basophil‐mediated allergic reactions and interleukin (IL)‐5‐mediated B cell growth. The effects of costunolide on β‐hexosaminidase (a key parameter of degranulation) release and IL‐4 expression in rat basophilic leukemia (RBL‐2H3) cells were determined by measuring β‐hexosaminidase activity and by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR, respectively. The effects of costunolide on Y16 pro‐B cell viability and growth were determined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Costunolide was found significantly to inhibit β‐hexosaminidase activity (p < 0.01) and IL‐4 transcription in RBL‐2H3 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Its 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 34 µm, while that of the positive control, ketotifen, was 24 µm (IL‐4 mRNA transcription). Moreover, costunolide dose‐dependently suppressed pro‐B cell growth in IL‐5‐stimulated Y16 cells.

These results provide evidence that costunolide stabilizes mast cells by inhibiting IgE‐mediated degranulation and inhibits IL‐5‐stimulated B cell growth. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.