bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Angiopoietin-1 variant reduces LPS-induced microvascular dysfunction in a murine model of sepsis
Authors: Alfieri Alessio , Watson Jay J , Kammerer Richard A , Tasab Mohammed , Progias Pavlos , Reeves Kimberly , Brown Nicola J , Brookes Zoe L 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Severe sepsis is characterised by intravascular or extravascular infection with microbial agents, systemic inflammation and microcirculatory dysfunction, leading to tissue damage, organ failure and death. The growth factor angiopoietin (Ang-1) has therapeutic potential but recombinant Ang-1 tends to aggregate and has a short half-life in vivo. This study aimed to investigate the acute effects of the more stable Ang-1 variant matrilin-1-angiopoietin-1 (MAT.Ang-1) on the function of the microcirculation in an experimental model of sepsis, and whether any protection by MAT-Ang-1 was associated with modulation of inflammatory cytokines, angiogenic factors or the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-Akt and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin pathways.

Methods
Aluminium window chambers were implanted into the dorsal skinfold of male C3H/HeN mice (7 to 10 weeks old) to expose the striated muscle microcirculation. Endotoxemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg/kg at 0 and 19 hours). MAT.Ang-1 was administered intravenously 20 hours after the onset of sepsis. Microcirculatory function was evaluated by intravital microscopy and Doppler fluximetry.

Results
Endotoxemia resulted in macromolecular leak, which was ameliorated by MAT.Ang-1 post-treatment. LPS induced a dramatic reduction in tissue perfusion, which was improved by MAT.Ang-1. Proteome profiler array analysis of skeletal muscle also demonstrated increased inflammatory and reduced angiogenic factors during endotoxemia. MAT.Ang-1 post-treatment reduced the level of IL-1β but did not significantly induce the expression of angiogenic factors. MAT.Ang-1 alone did not induce leak or increase angiogenic factors but did reduce vascular endothelial growth factor expression in controls.

Conclusion
Administration of MAT.Ang-1 after the onset of sepsis protects the microcirculation from endotoxemia-induced vascular dysfunction through reducing inflammation but without pro-angiogenic actions, thus representing a novel, potential pharmacotherapeutic agent for the treatment of sepsis.
Identification of sepsis subtypes in critically ill adults using gene expression profiling
Authors: Maslove David M , Tang Benjamin M , McLean Anthony S 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Sepsis is a syndromic illness that has traditionally been defined by a set of broad, highly sensitive clinical parameters. As a result, numerous distinct pathophysiologic states may meet diagnostic criteria for sepsis, leading to syndrome heterogeneity. The existence of biologically distinct sepsis subtypes may in part explain the lack of actionable evidence from clinical trials of sepsis therapies. We used microarray-based gene expression data from adult patients with sepsis in order to identify molecularly distinct sepsis subtypes.

Methods
We used partitioning around medoids (PAM) and hierarchical clustering of gene expression profiles from neutrophils taken from a cohort of septic patients in order to identify distinct subtypes. Using the medoids learned from this cohort, we then clustered a second independent cohort of septic patients, and used the resulting class labels to evaluate differences in clinical parameters, as well as the expression of relevant pharmacogenes.

Results
We identified two sepsis subtypes based on gene expression patterns. Subtype 1 was characterized by increased expression of genes involved in inflammatory and Toll receptor mediated signaling pathways, as well as a higher prevalence of severe sepsis. There were differences between subtypes in the expression of pharmacogenes related to hydrocortisone, vasopressin, norepinephrine, and drotrecogin alpha.

Conclusions
Sepsis subtypes can be identified based on different gene expression patterns. These patterns may generate hypotheses about the underlying pathophysiology of sepsis and suggest new ways of classifying septic patients both in clinical practice, and in the design of clinical trials.
Design of Tumor Biomarker–Monitoring Trials: A Proposal by the European Group on Tumor Markers
Authors: Sölétormos György , Duffy Michael J , Hayes Daniel F , Sturgeon Catharine M , Barak Vivian , Bossuyt Patrick M , Diamandis Eleftherios P , Gion Massimo , Hyltoft-Petersen Per , Lamerz Rolf M , Nielsen Dorte L , Sibley Paul , Tholander Bengt , Tuxen Malgorzata K , Bonfrer Johannes MG 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA major application of tumor biomarkers is in serial monitoring of cancer patients, but there are no published guidelines on how to evaluate biomarkers for this purpose. The European Group on Tumor Markers has convened a multidisciplinary panel of scientists to develop guidance on the design of such monitoring trials. The panel proposes a 4-phase model for biomarker-monitoring trials analogous to that in use for the investigation of new drugs. In phase I, biomarker kinetics and correlation with tumor burden are assessed. Phase II evaluates the ability of the biomarker to identify, exclude, and/or predict a change in disease status. In phase III, the effectiveness of tumor biomarker–guided intervention is assessed by measuring patient outcome in randomized trials. Phase IV consists of an audit of the long-term effects after biomarker monitoring has been included into standard patient care. Systematic well-designed evaluations of biomarkers for monitoring may provide a stronger evidence base that might enable their earlier use in evaluating responses to cancer therapy.
TEM Study on Defects in Epitaxial CdZnTe Films Deposited on (001)GaAs by Close-Spaced Sublimation
Authors: Gao Junning , Jie Wanqi , Luo Lin , Yuan Yanyan , Wang Tao , Xi Shouzhi , Yu Hui 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTA transmission electron microscopy (TEM) study on defects in a 30 μm-thick epitaxial CZT film deposited on (001)GaAs via close-spaced sublimation was performed. The epi-layer is of good quality without twins. Dislocations and stacking faults are mainly gathered near the interface. The dislocations are extrinsic either of Lomer edge or 60° type. Pseudo extrinsic stacking faults consisting of two independent and oppositely oriented extrinsic dislocations have been found both on the (111) and the $(\bar 1\bar 11)$ planes. L-shaped defects originated from the interface have been discovered. The near-interface-side of L is consisted of 3 compressed (111) planes and the lateral side is consisted of 3-4 misarranged $(\bar 1\bar 11)$ planes. This L-shaped defect is induced by the absence of a misfit dislocation at the intersection between L and the interface.
High-Irradiance Degradation Studies of Metamorphic 1eV GaInAs Solar Cells
Authors: France Ryan M. , Steiner Myles A. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTInitial tests are performed regarding the degradation of lattice-mismatched GaInAs solar cells. 1eV metamorphic GaInAs solar cells with 1-2×106 cm-2 threading dislocation density in the active region are irradiated with an 808 nm laser for 2 weeks time under a variety of temperature and illumination conditions. All devices show a small degradation in Voc that is logarithmic with time. The absolute loss in performance after 2 weeks illuminated at 1300 suns equivalent and 125°C is 7 mV Voc and 0.2% efficiency, showing these devices to be relatively stable. The dark current increases with time and is analyzed with a two-diode model. A GaAs control cell degrades at the same rate, suggesting that the observed degradation mechanism is not related to the additional dislocations in the GaInAs devices.
Assessment of Photovoltaic Junction Position in CdTe Solar Cells Using a Combined FIB-EBIC Technique
Authors: Major Jonathan D. , Bowen Leon , Treharne Robert E. , Durose Ken 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTTwo issues relating to the determination of junction position in thin film CdTe solar cells have been investigated. Firstly, the use of a focussed ion beam (FIB) milling as a method of sample preparation for electron beam induced current (EBIC) analysis is demonstrated. It is superior to fracturing methods. High quality secondary electron and combined secondary electron/EBIC images are presented and interpreted for solar cells with CdTe layers deposited by both close space sublimation (CSS) or RF sputtering. Secondly, it was shown that in an RF-sputtered CdTe device, while the photovoltaic junction was buried ~1.1 μm from the metallurgical interface, the shape of the external quantum efficiency (EQE) curve did not indicate the presence of a buried homo-junction. SCAPS modelling was used to verify that EQE curve shapes are not sensitive to junctions buried < 1.5μm from the CdTe/CdS interface.
Free standing GaN nano membrane by laser lift-off method
Authors: Tang Liang , Wang Yuefeng , Cheng Gary , Manfra Michael J. , Sands Timothy D. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTIn this work, we present a method able to fabricate thin GaN nanomembranes fit for device applications. Starting from commercial GaN on sapphire substrates, MBE was used to deposit a sacrificial layer, which comprises of a superlattice of InN/InGaN, after which thin a GaN film of hundreds of nanometers thickness was grown on top. Pulsed laser irridiation with photon energy of 2.3eV gives rise to the controlled decomposition of the sacrificial intermediate layer, which can be followed by easy separation of the top GaN membrane from the substrate. This process can be used to manufacture GaN membranes with low defect density and a wider range of thickness. We demonstrated that large area, free-standing GaN membranes, with a thickness from 200nm and up, could be made using this method, and the high crystal quality of the lift-off GaN layers is well preserved in this process.
Temperature Dependent Characterization of Imbedded InAs Quantum Dots in GaAs Superlattice Solar Cell Structures by High Resolution X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Sheng Josephine J. , Chapman David. C. , Wilt David M. , Polly Stephen J. , Bailey Christopher G. , Kerestes Christopher , Hubbard Seth M. , Han Sang M. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThe insertion of nanostructured materials (such as quantum wells, wires, and dots) into the intrinsic region of p-i-n solar cells introduces an intermediate band within the bandgap of the host material. It has been shown that the sub-bandgap conversion provided by the nanostructured materials, enhances the short circuit current as well as the overall efficiency of InAs quantum dots (QD) imbedded in GaAs superlattice (SL) solar cells [1]. As a contender for space applications, it is necessary to subject these solar cell structures to temperatures encountered in the Low Earth Orbit (LEO), probing for any material degradation. Herein, we focus on temperature dependent characterization using high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) of InAs QD enhanced GaAs solar cell structures with varying growth parameters. The structures characterized can be classified into three groups: (1) GaP strain compensation coverage, (2) GaAs barrier coverage, and (3) InAs coverage for QD formation. HRXRD rocking curves of each structure focusing around the GaAs peak are analyzed at a range of temperatures up to 200˚C. Although no noticeable shifts in the SL peaks are detected, interfacial diffusion decreased the resolution of fringes produced by reflections at the SL interfaces in test structures with varying InAs QD coverage. Unbalanced strain in the same structures shows a distortion in the GaAs peaks.
Enhanced Light Absorption in Textured Metal Organic Chemical Vapour Deposited (MOCVD) CdO Thin Films
Authors: Adekoya Sunday O. , Eleruja Marcus A. , Olofinjana Bolutife , Akinwunmi Olumide O. , Taleatu Bidini A. , Ajayi Ezekiel O. B. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTThe Single Solid Source precursor Cadmium Acetylacetonate, Cd[C5H7O2]2 was prepared and Cadmium Oxide thin films were deposited on Sodalime glass substrate using Metal Organic Chemical Vapour Deposition (MOCVD) technique at deposition temperature of 420 oC The films were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive XRay (EDX) facility attached to it, X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and UV-visible spectrometry. SEM micrographs showed the formation of textured surface with identifiable cubic and hexagonal structures, having average grain size greater than 1 μm. XRD studies indicated the formation of polycrystalline cubic CdO phase with preferred orientation in (111) plane. A direct optical band gap of 2.10 eV was obtained from the analysis of the UV-visible spectrum with an enhanced light absorption in 750 – 1000 nm spectrum range. This enhancement is as a result of light trapping by the textured crystalline structure.
Feedback and Inflation Mechanism in Successive Multiphonon Carrier Captures at Deep-level Defects
Authors: Suzuki Kei , Wakita Masaki , Shinozuka Yuzo 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTPossibility of feedback and inflation mechanism among carrier captures by a deep-level defect and transient induced lattice vibrations is discussed using proper configuration coordinate diagrams for many carriers. Treating the lattice motion classically we selfconsistently simulate the time evolution of the interaction mode and a series of athermal captures of electron(s) and hole(s). When both the activation energies Eacte and Eacth are small, a series of successive athermal captures is enhanced and probable for high carrier densities, however, we find that the possibility of inflation in the amplitude of the lattice vibration critically depends on the minority capture rate and the relative width of the phonon frequency distribution.
Recent Reliability Progress of GaN HEMT Power Amplifiers
Authors: Ohki Toshihiro , Kanamura Masahito , Kamada Yoichi , Makiyama Kozo , Inoue Yusuke , Okamoto Naoya , Imanishi Kenji , Joshin Kazukiyo , Kikkawa Toshihide 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we describe highly reliable GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) for high-power and high-efficiency amplifiers. First, we present the reliability mechanisms and progress on the previously reported GaN HEMTs. Next, we introduce our specific device structure of GaN HEMTs for improving reliability. An n-GaN cap and optimized buffer layer were used to suppress the trap-related phenomena, such as a current collapse. Gate edge oxidation is effective for reducing the gate leakage current. A Ta-based barrier metal was inserted between an ohmic electrode and interconnection metal for preventing increase in contact resistance. SiN of passivation film was optimized for reducing the current collapse of short-gatelength HEMTs.
Operative Technique of Two Parallel Compression Screws and Autologous Bone Graft for Ankle Arthrodesis after Failed Total Ankle Replacement
Authors: Jehan Shah , Hill Simon O. 
Published: October 2012

Background: The management of failed total ankle replacement (TAR) depends on the primary indication, presence of infection, condition of adjacent joints, and available bone stock. In addition, the patient's expectations, age, and general health should also be taken into account. Methods: This article describes a technique of arthrodesis in failed TAR with two parallel screws inserted in opposite directions and autologous cancellous bone graft. Four patients were managed using this technique. The subtalar joint and both malleoli were preserved. Results: The average time for radiological union was 14.8 weeks. There were no hardware-related complications or infections. One patient developed subsequent subtalar arthritis and is waiting for subtalar joint fusion. Conclusion: The results from this small series of patients suggest that arthrodesis following failed total ankle replacement with two parallel screws and bone graft may be an effective technique. Level of Evidence: IV, Retrospective Case Series
Sodium-iodide symporter positive cells after intracellular uptake of 99mTc versus α-emitter 211At
Authors: Wendisch M. , Freudenberg R. , Runge R. , Oehme L. , Meyer G.J. , Kunz-Schughart L. A. , Wunderlich G. , Kotzerke J. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryPurpose: We evaluated the DNA damaging potential of Auger electrons emitted in the decay of 99mTc compared to α-particles of 211At. Material and methods: The impact of 99mTc and 211At was monitored in a NIS-expressing rat thyroid cell model PC Cl3 with varying, yet defined intra- and extracellular radionuclide distribution (using ± perchlorate). The radiotoxicity of 99mTc and 211At was studied by the comet assay under neutral and alkaline conditions and colony formation. Results: In the presence of perchlorate, the radioactivity yielding 37 % cellular survival, A37, was estimated to be (0.27 ± 0.02) MBq/ml and (450 ± 30) MBq/ml for 211At and 99mTc, respectively. In absence of perchlorate, cellular radiotracer uptake was similar for both radionuclides (2.2 %, 2.7 %), yet the A37 was reduced by 82% for the α-emitter and by 95 % for 99mTc. Cellular dose increased by a factor of 5 (211At) and 38 (99mTc). Comet assays revealed an increased DNA damage after intracellular uptake of both radiotracers. Conclusions: The data indicate damage to the cell to occur from absorbed dose without recognizable contribution from intracellular heterogeneity of radionuclide distribution. Comet assay under alkaline and neutral conditions did not reveal any shift to more complex DNA damage after radionuclide uptake. Cellular uptake of 99mTc and 211At increased cellular dose and reduced clonogenic survival.
Mouse CD11b+Gr-1+ Myeloid Cells Can Promote Th17 Cell Differentiation and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis
Authors: Yi Huanfa , Guo Chunqing , Yu Xiaofei , Zuo Daming , Wang Xiang-Yang 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been a focus of recent study on tumor-mediated immune suppression. However, its role in Th17 cell differentiation and the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis) has not been determined. We show in this study that development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice is associated with a profound expansion of CD11b+Gr-1+ MDSCs, which display efficient T cell inhibitory functions in vitro. Unexpectedly, these MDSCs enhance the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cell precursors into Th17 cells in a highly efficient manner under Th17-polarizing conditions, as indicated by significantly increased number of Th17 cells, elevation of IL-17A production, and upregulation of the orphan nuclear receptor RORA and RORC. Mechanistic studies show that IL-1β represents a major mediator of MDSC-facilitated Th17 differentiation, which depends on the IL-1 receptor on CD4+ T cells but not MDSCs. Selective depletion of MDSCs using gemcitabine results in a marked reduction in the severity of EAE (e.g., decreased clinical scores and myelin injury), which correlates with reduced Th17 cells and inflammatory cytokines (IL-17A and IL-1β) in the lymphoid tissues and spinal cord. Adoptive transfer of MDSCs after gemcitabine treatment restores EAE disease progression. Together, we demonstrate for the first time, to our knowledge, that excessive and prolonged presence of MDSCs can drive a Th17 response and consequently contributes to the pathogenesis of EAE. These new findings provide unique insights into the pleiotropic functions of MDSCs and may help explain the failure of immunosuppressive MDSCs to control Th17/IL-17–dependent autoimmune disorders.
Reconstitution of Protective Immune Responses against Cytomegalovirus and Varicella Zoster Virus Does Not Require Disease Development in Pediatric Recipients of Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation
Authors: Merindol Natacha , Salem Fourati Insaf , Brito Rose-Marie , Grenier Anne-Julie , Charrier Emily , Cordeiro Paulo , Caty Martine , Mezziani Samira , Malette Brigitte , Duval Michel , Alfieri Carolina , Ovetchkine Philippe , Le Deist Françoise , Soudeyns Hugo 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
CMV and varicella zoster virus (VZV) are significant causes of morbidity and mortality following umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT). However, the kinetics of reconstitution and protective potential of antiviral cell-mediated immune responses following UCBT remain poorly characterized. In this study, the reconstitution of CMV- and VZV-specific T cell responses was assessed using IFN-γ ELISPOT in 28 children who underwent UCBT to treat hematological or inherited disorders. Barely detectable in the first 3 mo posttransplantation, CMV- and VZV-specific T cell responses were observed in 30.4% and 40.3% of study subjects after 36 mo of follow-up. Four of five CMV-seropositive subjects developed detectable levels of circulating CMV DNA (DNAemia), and 5 of 17 VZV-seropositive patients experienced herpes zoster during the posttransplant period. Four CMV-seronegative subjects developed IFN-γ responses against CMV, and four subjects developed a VZV-specific IFN-γ response without clinical signs of infection. No CMV- or VZV-related events were observed in study subjects following the development of CMV- or VZV-specific responses &gt; 150 spot-forming units/106 PBMCs, consistent with T cell-mediated protection. Finally, famciclovir prophylaxis did not strictly prevent the reconstitution of the VZV-specific T cell repertoire, because the frequency of T cells producing IFN-γ in response to VZV Ags reached levels consistent with protection in two nonzoster subjects. Monitoring of CMV- and VZV-specific cell-mediated immunity could inform immunocompetence and guide the initiation and cessation of antiherpetic prophylaxis in UCBT recipients.
IFN-α in the Treatment of Melanoma
Authors: Tarhini Ahmad A. , Gogas Helen , Kirkwood John M. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Among the IFNs, IFN-α2 has been the most broadly evaluated clinically. At the molecular level, IFN-α has multiple effects in a variety of malignancies that range from antiangiogenic to potent immunoregulatory, differentiation-inducing, antiproliferative, and proapoptotic effects. A multitude of IFN-α2 regimens that may be classified as low dose, intermediate dose, and high dose have been evaluated as adjuvant therapy in melanoma. A durable impact on both relapse-free and overall survival was seen only with the regimen utilizing high-dose IFN-α2b tested in the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and intergroup trials E1684, E1690, and E1694 as adjuvant therapy for high-risk surgically resected melanoma (stage IIB or III). Adjuvant pegylated IFN-α2b has also been evaluated at maximally tolerable doses compared with the observation group in the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer trial 18991 and has shown relapse-free survival benefits in patients with microscopic nodal disease.
Skill-Biased Labor Market Reforms and International Competitiveness
Authors: Schmerer Hans-Jörg 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis paper proposes a multi-industry trade model with integrated capital and goods markets. Labor market imperfections in line with Mortensen and Pissarides (Job Creation and Job Destruction in the Theory of Unemployment, 1994) give rise to unemployment and a channel for the government to influence markets through institutional changes. Labor market interventions feedback into the product market through changes in a country’s competitiveness. Moreover, the distinction between high- and low-skill workers facilitates the analysis of skillbiased institutional changes that have stronger impact on certain skill groups. The comparative static exercise in this paper shows that high-skilled benefit from low-skill biased labor market reforms through higher wages. Lower labor costs reduce unemployment of the low-skilled and increases the reforming country’s competitiveness. One-sided labor market interventions have feedback effects through adjustments at the extensive margin, which affect all workers at home and abroad irrespective of their level of skill. Governments in the non-reforming countries may react to this loss in competitiveness by initiating cooperative labor market reforms instead.