bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A CdS nanodipole solar cell
Authors: Huang Fang , Liu Xiangxin , Wang Wenjing 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIn this work, we report significant characteristics of nanodipole solar cells that would facilitate the understanding of the mechanism underlying the nanodipole photovoltaic effect. A CdS–CdTe pseudobinary system underwent phase segregation during high‐temperature CdCl2 treatment in a N2 atmosphere, giving convincing evidence to prove the existence of wurtzite CdS0.956Te0.044 nanodipoles embedded in zinc blende CdS0.04Te0.96. On the microscale, a strong synchronous in‐plane piezoresponse by wurtzite CdS0.956Te0.044 was observed using piezoelectric force microscopy in the vertical and lateral modes. Further, it was observed that a piezoresponse and analogous electric hysteresis existing at the grain boundaries varied with an external direct current electrical field; this phenomenon is considered to contribute significantly to the hysteresis behavior of photovoltage. In addition, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated the formation of hexagonal CdS0.956Te0.044 particles in the film. On the macroscale, the photovoltage of a CdS nanodipole device with a symmetric structure was found to be tunable and became stable after the application of a direct current field. This feature of tunable photovoltage cannot be explained by the classical theory of junction devices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pirin down‐regulates the EAF2/U19 protein and alleviates its growth inhibition in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Qiao Zhongjie , Wang Dan , Hahn Junghyun , Ai Junkui , Wang Zhou 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe tumor suppressor ELL associated factor 2 (EAF2/U19) has been reported to induce apoptosis of LNCaP cells and suppress AT6.1 xenograft prostate tumor growth. EAF2/U19 expression level is down‐regulated in advanced human prostate cancer. EAF2/U19 is also a putative transcription factor with a transactivation domain and capability of sequence‐specific DNA binding. Identification of binding partners and regulators of EAF2/U19 is essential to understand its function in regulating apoptosis/survival of prostate cancer cells.METHODSThrough a yeast two‐hybrid screening system, we identified Pirin as a binding partner of EAF2. We further determined the interaction between epitope‐tagged EAF2/U19 and Pirin by co‐immunoprecipitation in mammalian cells. The effect of Pirin on EAF2/U19 inhibition of LNCaP growth was assayed by colony formation.RESULTSPirin co‐immunoprecipitated with EAF2/U19 and the overexpressed Pirin decreased the expression level of EAF2/U19 protein in prostate cancer cell lines LNCaP and PC3. Furthermore, overexpression of EAF2/U19 suppressed LNCaP colony formation, and co‐expression of Pirin significantly blocked the growth inhibition induced by EAF2/U19 overexpression.CONCLUSIONPirin is a newly identified binding partner of EAF2/U19 capable of down‐regulating EAF2/U19 protein and alleviating its inhibition of prostate cancer cell survival/proliferation. Pirin may play an important role involved in EAF2/U19 function as an androgen‐responsive gene and tumor repressor. Prostate 74:113–120, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Periprostatic adipose tissue from obese prostate cancer patients promotes tumor and endothelial cell proliferation: A functional and MR imaging pilot study
Authors: Venkatasubramanian Palamadai N. , Brendler Charles B. , Plunkett Beth A. , Crawford Susan E. , Fitchev Philip S. , Morgan Gina , Cornwell Mona L. , McGuire Michael S. , Wyrwicz Alice M. , Doll Jennifer A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDObesity, particularly visceral adiposity, confers a worse prognosis for prostate cancer (PCa) patients, and increasing periprostatic adipose (PPA) tissue thickness or density is positively associated with more aggressive disease. However, the cellular mechanism of this activity remains unclear. Therefore, in this pilot study, we assessed the functional activity of PPA tissue secretions and established a biochemical profile of PPA as compared to subcutaneous adipose (SQA) tissues from lean, overweight and obese PCa patients.METHODSAdipose tissues were collected from PCa patients undergoing surgical prostate removal. Tissues were analyzed by histologic and magnetic resonance (MR) techniques. Explant tissue culture secretions were used in proliferation assays on PCa and endothelial cells.RESULTSPPA secretions obtained from obese patients were significantly more pro‐proliferative in both PCa and endothelial cells as compared to PPA obtained from lean or overweight men and SQA tissues. Consistent with this, PPA microvessel density was increased, and the T2 relaxation time was decreased, compared to SQA tissues, and we observed a modest, inverse correlation between the T2 and tumor stage. Moreover, the ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids, obtained using MR spectroscopy, showed a modest, inverse correlation with Gleason score.CONCLUSIONSThese pilot data show that PPA stimulates PCa cell proliferation and angiogenesis and that obesity intensifies this activity, thus generating a mechanistic hypothesis to explain the worse prognosis observed in obese PCa patients. Our pilot study also shows that MR technology may be useful in further elucidating the relationship between obesity and PCa progression. Prostate 74:326–335, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the time‐splitting errors of one‐dimensional advection schemes in numerical weather prediction models; a comparative study
Authors: Schneider W. , Bott A. 
Published: November 2013

A one‐dimensional flux‐form advection scheme with a new correction of time‐splitting errors is implemented in the numerical weather prediction (NWP) model COSMO of the German Meteorological Service. The advection scheme is applied for calculating the transport of all prognostic humidity variables in COSMO. Moreover, the advective transport of passive tracers is investigated. With the modified COSMO configuration, several realistic case‐studies are performed and compared with the operational COSMO version. The main focus of these investigations is on the behaviour of the new advection scheme in regions with strong deformational flow fields, such as steep orographical terrain and meteorological fronts.The numerical results of these case‐studies indicate that the modified COSMO model yields results similar to the operational version. The observed differences between the two model versions are minimized when the advection scheme of the operational COSMO model is applied with a numerically expensive Strang splitting approach. At the same time, the results of the new advection scheme are barely affected by the application of Strang splitting. Since, in addition to this, the new advection scheme behaves numerically more stably than the original scheme, it is an attractive alternative for calculating the transport of scalar quantities in NWP models.
Statistical approach to establish equivalence of unabbreviated mass spectra
Authors: Bodnar Willard Melissa A. , Waddell Smith Ruth , McGuffin Victoria L. 
Published: November 2013

RATIONALEIn many legal and regulatory applications, mass spectral comparison of an unknown or questioned sample to a reference standard or database is used for identification; however, no statistical confidence level or error rate is determined. Therefore, a simple and rapid method to establish the statistical equivalence of mass spectra is needed.METHODSThe standard deviation of the abundance at each m/z ratio was determined from replicate measurements or from a statistical model. These standard deviations were used in an unequal variance t‐test to compare two spectra at every m/z ratio over the entire scan range. If determined to be statistically indistinguishable at every m/z ratio, the random‐match probability (RMP) that the specific mass spectral fragmentation pattern occurred by chance was calculated.RESULTSn‐Alkane and alkylbenzene standards of varying concentrations were analyzed on the same instrument at different ionization voltages. Using the proposed method, replicate spectra were successfully associated at the 99.9% confidence level, with RMP values less than 10–29. Despite the similarity in fragmentation patterns, spectra were distinguished from others in the homologous series. Moreover, the n‐alkane spectra were appropriately associated to and discriminated from those in a standard reference database at the 99.9% confidence level.CONCLUSIONSA simple and rapid method to assign statistical significance to the comparison of mass spectra was developed and validated. This method may be useful for legal and regulatory applications, such as the identification of controlled substances, environmental pollutants, and food and drug contaminants. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Output containment analysis and design for high‐order linear time‐invariant swarm systems
Authors: Dong Xiwang , Shi Zongying , Lu Geng , Zhong Yisheng 
Published: November 2013

SummaryOutput containment analysis and design problems for high‐order linear time‐invariant swarm systems are dealt with. Firstly, output containment protocols are presented for leaders and followers, respectively, to partially assign the output motion modes of leaders and propel the outputs of followers to converge to the convex hull formed by the outputs of leaders. Then, output containment problems for swarm systems are transformed into stability problems, and sufficient conditions for swarm systems to achieve output containment are proposed. Moreover, an approach to determine the gain matrix in the protocol for swarm systems to achieve output containment is given, which has less calculation complexity. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate theoretical results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An improved three‐phase reactive power measurement algorithm using walsh functions transform
Authors: Aliyu Garba , Khalid Saifulnizam Bin Abd. , Mustafa Mohd Wazir , Shareef Hussein 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis paper proposes an improved algorithm for three‐phase power component measurement using the Walsh function (WF), which takes into account the advantages offered by the algorithm in the analysis of nonlinear load problems to improve the accuracy and reliability of measurement. In the pricing of electricity based on the value of the integral of the load active power measured using a kilowatt‐hour meter, the electric utility loses some revenue for the energy delivered to current harmonic generating customers and customers whose load causes current asymmetry. An improved algorithm based on the WF for measuring the active and reactive power of a network with linear and or nonlinear and sinusoidal or nonsinusoidal network is developed and tested, and the result compared with IEEE standard 1459–2000 which is based on fast Fourier transformation. The method does not require phase shifting of the phase current signals by π/2 with respect to the voltage signals. The proposed algorithm enables reactive power measurement for proper electricity billing to the consumer with nonlinear loads. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Early exposure of 17α‐ethynylestradiol and diethylstilbestrol induces morphological changes and alters ovarian steroidogenic pathway enzyme gene expression in catfish, Clarias gariepinus
Authors: Sridevi P. , Chaitanya R. K. , Prathibha Y. , Balakrishna S. L. , Dutta‐Gupta A. , Senthilkumaran B. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTEnvironmental estrogens are major cause of endocrine disruption in vertebrates, including aquatic organisms. Teleosts are valuable and popular models for studying the effects of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in the environment. In the present study, we investigated the changes caused by exposure to the synthetic estrogens 17α‐ethynylestradiol (EE2) and diethylstilbesterol (DES) during early stages of growth and sex differentiation of air‐breathing catfish, Clarias gariepinus, at the morphological, histological, and molecular levels. Catfish hatchlings, 0 day post hatch (dph) were exposed continuously to sublethal doses of EE2 (50 ng/L) and DES (10 ng/L) until 50 dph and subsequently monitored for ovarian structural changes and alteration in the gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes till adulthood. Treated fish exhibited morphological deformities such as spinal curvature, stunted growth, and yolk‐sac fluid retention. In addition to ovarian atrophy, DES‐treated fish showed either rudimentary or malformed ovaries. Detailed histological studies revealed precocious oocyte development as well as follicular atresia. Further, transcript levels of various steroidogenic enzyme and transcription factor genes were altered in response to EE2 and DES. Activity of the rate‐limiting enzyme of estrogen biosynthesis, aromatase, in the ovary as well as the brain of treated fish was in accordance with transcript level changes. These developmental and molecular effects imparted by EE2 and DES during early life stages of catfish could demonstrate the deleterious effects of estrogen exposure and provide reliable markers for estrogenic EDCs exposure in the environment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 439–451, 2015.
High intraguild predator density induces thinning effects on and increases temporal overlap with prey populations
Authors: Anderson Thomas L. , Semlitsch Raymond D. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractIntraguild (IG) predator density can alter its effects on intraguild prey populations through several mechanisms, including density‐dependent processes that affect IG predator traits such as size or growth that enhance or limit its predatory abilities. We examined whether intraspecific density‐dependence altered IG predator traits, as well as the subsequent interspecific effects among its intraguild prey within a larval salamander guild. Four densities of ringed salamanders (Ambystoma annulatum), the IG predator, were combined with the presence/absence of spotted salamanders (A. maculatum), the IG prey, within experimental mesocosms. We modeled the effects of A. annulatum density on both conspecific and heterospecific responses that would be indicative of density‐dependent competition and predation, respectively. We also modeled the reciprocal interspecific effects of A. maculatum on A. annulatum. We found that increasing intraspecific density negatively affected morphological traits but not survival of A. annulatum. No interspecific effects of A. maculatum on A. annulatum were observed. Alternatively, traits of A. maculatum showed nonlinear relationships with increasing A. annulatum density. Thinning effects of A. annulatum on A. maculatum were observed, as survival was positively and size negatively related for A. maculatum with IG predator density. The temporal overlap of the IG predator and prey also increased nonlinearly with IG predator density, intensifying the potential encounter rate of the two species. Overall, this study shows that density‐dependent processes in IG predators can significantly affect traits of both themselves, as well as IG prey, which could ultimately change whether competition or predation occurs between the two groups.
A Pilot Randomized Trial of Community‐Based Parent Training for Immigrant Latina Mothers
Authors: Williamson Ariel A. , Knox Lyndee , Guerra Nancy G. , Williams Kirk R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThis paper reports on the development and piloting of the Madres a Madres (Mothers to Mothers) program, a new, community‐based parent training program designed for immigrant Latina mothers and their children. Promotoras, or female community health workers of Latina background, delivered the program in a home visitation format. A total of 194 mothers and 194 focal children (87 male, 107 female) ages 7–12 were randomized to the intervention (113 mother–child dyads) or wait‐list control condition (81 mother–child dyads) over the study period. Outcomes of interest were mother‐reported parenting skills, broad family functioning, and child externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Data collection occurred at pretest, 3‐month posttest, and 9‐month follow‐up periods. Multilevel growth models revealed increases in intervention mothers’ reported parenting skills, family support, and family organization, and reductions in child internalizing behavior from pretest to follow‐up, relative to the control condition. Outcomes did not vary by focal child age, gender, nativity status, or mother acculturative status (years in the United States). Findings are discussed in the context of future directions for research on the Madres a Madres program and on the implementation and dissemination of empirically‐supported parent training practices to culturally diverse families.
Breast cancer brain metastases: a review of the literature and a current multidisciplinary management guideline
Authors: Gil-Gil M. J. , Martinez-Garcia M. , Sierra A. , Conesa G. , del Barco S. , González-Jimenez S. , Villà S. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Breast cancer represents the second most frequent etiology of brain metastasis (BM). It is estimated that 10–30 % of patients with breast cancer are diagnosed with BM. Breast cancer BM are increasing due to the aging population, detection of subclinical disease, and better control of systemic disease. BM is a major cause of morbidity and mortality affecting neurocognition, speech, coordination, behavior, and quality of life. The therapy of BM remains controversial regarding use and timing of surgical resection, application of whole-brain radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery and systemic drugs in patients with particular tumor subtypes. Despite numerous trials, the range of interpretation of these has resulted in differing treatment perspectives. This paper is a review of the state of the art and a multidisciplinary guideline on strategies to improve the therapeutic index in this situation.
An Integrative Meta-Analysis of MicroRNAs in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: ElHefnawi Mahmoud , Soliman Bangli , Abu-Shahba Nourhan , Amer Marwa 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
We aimed to shed new light on the roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in liver cancer using an integrative in silico bioinformatics analysis. A new protocol for target prediction and functional analysis is presented and applied to the 26 highly differentially deregulated miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma. This framework comprises: (1) the overlap of prediction results by four out of five target prediction tools, including TargetScan, PicTar, miRanda, DIANA-microT and miRDB (combining machine-learning, alignment, interaction energy and statistical tests in order to minimize false positives), (2) evidence from previous microarray analysis on the expression of these targets, (3) gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analysis of the miRNA targets and their pathways and (4) linking these results to oncogenesis and cancer hallmarks. This yielded new insights into the roles of miRNAs in cancer hallmarks. Here we presented several key targets and hundreds of new targets that are significantly enriched in many new cancer-related hallmarks. In addition, we also revealed some known and new oncogenic pathways for liver cancer. These included the famous MAPK, TGFβ and cell cycle pathways. New insights were also provided into Wnt signaling, prostate cancer, axon guidance and oocyte meiosis pathways. These signaling and developmental pathways crosstalk to regulate stem cell transformation and implicate a role of miRNAs in hepatic stem cell deregulation and cancer development. By analyzing their complete interactome, we proposed new categorization for some of these miRNAs as either tumor-suppressors or oncomiRs with dual roles. Therefore some of these miRNAs may be addressed as therapeutic targets or used as therapeutic agents. Such dual roles thus expand the view of miRNAs as active maintainers of cellular homeostasis.
Evaluating regional workshops on strengthening the capacity of healthcare professional associations to achieve Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5
Authors: Rabbani Fauziah , Perveen Shagufta , Wasim Saba , Toure Kadi , Nurse‐Findlay Stephen , Mobeen Naushaba 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveIn 2007–2008, the Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (PMNCH), Geneva, organized capacity‐building workshops in Malawi, Burkina Faso, and Bangladesh. Their aim was to strengthen the role of healthcare professional associations (HCPAs) in national reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH) planning and programs. The present cross‐sectional study evaluated the outcomes of these regional workshops.MethodsIn 2010, a structured survey, telephone interviews of workshop participants, and a document review were used to analyze the impact of these workshops.ResultsOverall, HCPAs in only 2 of the 17 participating countries (11.8%) were able to increase their impact on RMNCH planning. Although all countries developed action plans, 15 (88.2%) were unable to fully implement them despite increased interactions among HCPAs and with the Ministry of Health (MOH). Nine countries (52.9%) implemented their action plans partly. Engagement of the MOH emerged as a strong indicator of HCPA contribution toward RMNCH planning.ConclusionStrong and sustained follow‐up by PMNCH, a clear sense of ownership by HCPAs, designated staff, and financial resources emerged as important determinants for the implementation of action plans. These workshops were generally successful in both encouraging HCPA collaboration and marching toward Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5.
Efficacy of continuous wound infiltration of local anesthetic for pain relief after gynecologic laparoscopy
Authors: Kong Tae‐Wook , Park Hyogyeong , Cheong Ji‐Yoon , Min Sang‐Ki , Ryu Hee‐Sug 
Published: November 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of analgesia provided by continuous ropivacaine wound infiltration after gynecologic laparoscopy.MethodsSixty patients who underwent gynecologic laparoscopy at Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea, between March and May 2012 were randomized to receive either intravenous fentanyl and ketorolac infusion on demand by patient‐controlled analgesia (IV PCA group, n = 31) or continuous wound infiltration of local ropivacaine (CWI group, n = 29). Postoperative pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were assessed via a visual analog scale. The number of patients who requested rescue analgesia was recorded.ResultsThere was no significant difference in postoperative pain between the 2 groups, but more patients requested rescue analgesia in the CWI group than in the IV PCA group in 24 hours (18 versus 9 patients, respectively; P = 0.010). The PONV scores at 12 and 24 hours were, respectively, 0.28 and 0.27 in the CWI group, and 0.71 and 0.73 in the IV PCA group (P = 0.004). Nine patients requested cessation of IV PCA because of severe nausea or vomiting.ConclusionContinuous ropivacaine wound infiltration was found to be as effective as patient‐controlled analgesia for postoperative pain relief after gynecologic laparoscopy. This technique provides good analgesia with less opioid analgesic requirement and few adverse effects.