bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Water and dye sorption studies of novel semi IPNs: Acrylamide/4‐styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt/peg hydrogels
Authors: Üzüm Ömer Barış , Karadağ Erdener 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this study, it has been investigated that the incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol), (PEG) and 4‐styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt, (NaSS) into acrylamide, (AAm) hydrogel during free radical solution polymerization synthesis. Poly (ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate, (PEGDMA) was used as a multifunctional crosslinker in polymerization. The main purpose of this study was to combine both monomers and a polymer in a new polymeric system. Dye sorption properties of hydrogels and semi IPNs were investigated by using cationic dye such as Union Green B (Janus Green B, UGB). Swelling and sorption studies were carried out at 25°C. For structural characterization, FTIR analysis was made. The equilibrium percentage swelling (Seq%) ranges are 660–1330% for AAm/NaSS hydrogels and 580–1310% for AAm/NaSS/PEG semi IPNs. To determine the sorption behaviors of cationic dye UGB, some sorption parameters such as sorption capacity (q), adsorption percentage (Ads%) and partition coefficient (Kd) of the hydrogels were investigated. Binding characterization has been studied by Langmuir linearization method. The sorption capacity values of the hydrogel systems were changed between 1.24 × 10−4 and 4.05 × 10−4 mol g−1. The values of Ads% of the hydrogels were changed among 18−67%, and the values of Kd of the hydrogels were between 0.22 and 2.02. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
A review of optical and thermal transfer fluids used for optical adaptation or beam‐splitting in concentrating solar systems
Authors: Vivar Marta , Everett Vernie 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThere are a wide variety of solar thermal, photovoltaic, and hybrid photovoltaic–thermal concentrator systems and concepts that use liquids for optical adaptation and heat transfer. Depending on the functional purpose of the fluid: heat transfer, optical adaptation, spectral filtering, or a combination of these applications, different fluid properties are required. This review studies actively cooled solar concentrators and their associated requirements for liquids. The most suitable candidate fluids available in the market are assessed according to their properties and applications, with a special emphasis on fluid toxicity and long‐term performance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
RGS5 gene and therapeutic response to short acting bronchodilators in paediatric asthma patients
Authors: Labuda Malgorzata , Laberge Sophie , Brière Julie , Bérubé Denis , Krajinovic Maja 
Published: November 2012

AbstractShort‐acting β2‐adrenergic receptor agonists are commonly used bronchodilators for symptom relief in asthmatics. Recent evidence demonstrated that prolonged exposure of cultured airway smooth muscle cells to β2 agonists directly augments procontractile signaling pathways with the change in expression of regulator of G protein signaling 5 (RGS5). The aim of this study was to test whether genetic variants in RGS5 gene affect the response to short acting β2‐agonists. Bronchodilator responsiveness was assessed in 137 asthmatic children by % change in baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) after administration of albuterol. The analyses were performed in patients with FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.9 (FVC—forced vital capacity, n = 99). FEV1% change adjusted for baseline FEV1 values was significantly different between genotypes of rs10917696 C/T polymorphism (P = 0.008). The association remained significant with inclusion of age, sex, atopy, parental smoking, and controller medications into multivariate model (P = 0.005). We also identified additive effect on the treatment outcome with previously published genetic variant G/A rs1544791 in phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4D) gene. Carriers of two risk alleles (C and G) had adjusted mean % FEV1 change value 4.6 ± 1.3, while carriers of one and none of the risk alleles had 8.1 ± 0.7% and 13.5 ± 2.4%, respectively, P = 0.001. Our work identifies a new genetic variant in RGS5 demonstrating additive effect with PDE4D, both implicated in modulation of asthma treatment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:970–975. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) as putative biomarker in prostate cancer
Authors: Pértega‐Gomes Nelma , Vizcaíno José R. , Gouveia Carlos , Jerónimo Carmen , Henrique Rui M. , Lopes Carlos , Baltazar Fátima 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDMonocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) is a transmembrane protein involved in the transport of monocarboxylates such as pyruvate and lactate. In a previous study we described overexpression of MCT2 in prostate carcinoma raising the hypothesis of using MCT2 as a possible biomarker in prostate cancer.With the present study we aimed to compare the pattern of expression of MCT2 and alpha‐methylacyl‐CoA racemase (AMACR), in prostate carcinoma, PIN lesions, non‐neoplastic prostate tissue, and normal prostate and compare their sensitivity and specificity. Also, we wanted to evaluate the value of using MCT2 in combination with AMACR and the negative markers 34βE12 or p63 to detect prostate cancer.METHODSA total of 349 cases, including prostate carcinoma, non‐neoplastic prostate tissue and PIN lesions, from radical prostatectomies were examined by immunohistochemistry for AMACR, MCT2, p63, and 34βE12, using tissue microarrays (TMAs). Normal prostate from radical cystoprostatectomy was also studied.RESULTSOur study revealed that MCT2, similarly to AMACR, was consistently expressed in prostate cancer regardless of the Gleason score. In combination with AMACR and p63 or 34βE12, MCT2 helped to improve the diagnosis of prostate carcinoma. Also, overexpression of MCT2 as well as AMACR in PIN lesions may indicate the involvement of these two proteins in prostate cancer initiation.CONCLUSIONSWe provided evidence for the presence of MCT2 in prostate cancer, selectively labeling malignant glands. Importantly, assessment of MCT2 together with AMACR, along with the negative markers, highly increases the accuracy in prostate cancer diagnosis. Prostate 73: 763–769, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fat boosts, while androgen receptor activation counteracts, BPH‐associated prostate inflammation
Authors: Vignozzi Linda , Gacci Mauro , Cellai Ilaria , Santi Raffaella , Corona Giovanni , Morelli Annamaria , Rastrelli Giulia , Comeglio Paolo , Sebastanelli Arcangelo , Maneschi Elena , Nesi Gabriella , De Nunzio Cosimo , Tubaro Andrea , Mannucci Edoardo , Carini Marco , Maggi Mario 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDMetabolic syndrome (MetS) and benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) are often comorbid. Chronic inflammation, a determinant pathogenic factor for BPH, is a putative link between the two conditions.METHODSIn a multi‐center cohort of BPH patients (n = 244) who underwent prostatectomy, we evaluated whether MetS is associated with prostatic inflammation in BPH specimens. In addition, we investigated the in vitro inflammatory effects of metabolic insults on human prostatic myofibroblastic cells (hBPH).RESULTSInflammatory infiltrates score (IS) in prostatectomy specimens showed a step‐wise association with the number of MetS factors present (P = 0.001). After adjusting for age, reduced HDL cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides were the only factors significantly associated with IS. Increased IS was also significantly associated with hypogonadism. In an age‐ and testosterone (T)‐adjusted model, dyslipidemia was still associated with IS. To investigate whether metabolic factors could directly trigger prostate inflammation, we performed preliminary studies in myofibroblastic hBPH. Among the different factors, oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) showed the highest secretion of IL‐8 (>10‐fold)—a surrogate marker of prostate inflammation—as well as IL‐6, and bFGF. Co‐treatment with DHT significantly inhibited oxLDL‐induced secretion of IL‐8, whilst an AR‐antagonist, bicalutamide, reversed DHT effects. DHT suppresses oxLDL receptor (LOX‐1) expression.CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that fats and insulin could have a detrimental effect on prostate health, boosting inflammation, a key pathogenic factor in BPH. Conversely, beneficial effects of DHT in counteracting lipid‐ and insulin‐induced prostatic alterations, suggest that T—via its conversion into DHT—may have unexpected beneficial effects on prostate health. Prostate 73: 789–800, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Wet chemically prepared silicon nanowire arrays on low‐cost substrates for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Jia Guobin , Höger Ingmar , Gawlik Annett , Dellith Jan , Bailey Louise R. , Ulyashin Alexander , Falk Fritz 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSilicon nanowire (SiNW) based solar cells are a promising candidate for third generation solar cells with high efficiency, which will further reduce the cost of the PV modules, making it competitive with conventional energy sources. In this paper the wet chemical etching process for generating silicon nanowires is investigated on different low‐cost substrate materials. These nanowires are useful for a radial pn‐junction solar cell with core–shell configuration, which allows for using absorber materials with low‐carrier lifetime. In this work, wet chemical nanowire etching is applied to edge‐defined film‐fed growth (EFG) mc‐Si wafers, mc‐Si wafers made from metallurgical grade Si, multicrystalline (mc‐Si) thin films deposited on glass, and thin crystallized films deposited on mc‐Si wafers produced from metallurgical grade Si. A proof of concept for using low‐cost materials in PV is demonstrated for SiNWs prepared on mc‐Si wafer produced from highly doped MG‐Si.
Nanoimprint lithography of textures for light trapping in thin film silicon solar cells
Authors: Soppe Wim , Dörenkämper Maarten , Notta Jean‐Baptiste , Pex Paul , Schipper Wilfried , Wilde Rene 
Published: November 2012

AbstractNanoimprint lithography (NIL) is a versatile and commercially viable technology for fabrication of structures for light trapping in solar cells. We demonstrate the applicability of NIL in thin film silicon solar cells in substrate configuration, where NIL is used to fabricate a textured rear contact of the solar cells. We applied random structures, based on the natural texture of SnO/F grown by APCVD, and designed 2D periodic structures and show that for single junction µc‐Si cells these textured rear contacts lead to an increase of Jsc of more than 40% in comparison to cells with flat rear contacts. Cells on optimized periodic textures showed higher fill factors which can be attributed to reduced microcrack formation, leading to less shunting in comparison to cells on random textures.
How to describe concentration quenching in rare earth doped semiconductors
Authors: Benz Felix , Guerra J. Andrés , Weng Ye , Weingärtner Roland , Strunk Horst P. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe report on two approaches to describe concentration quenching of rare earth doped semiconductors. The examples used are terbium doped aluminium nitride and silicon carbide. The aim of the presented work is to introduce a frame of description that can be used to analyse experimental results. The first approach, a rate equation based model, uses mean values for both the transition probabilities and the centre interdistance.The second approach, an atomistic Monte‐Carlo simulation, is capable of describing single centres and thus can handle different spatial distributions of the centres. Both models describe the experimentally observed concentration quenching effects. The Monte‐Carlo simulation is more appropriate since it can handle microstructural influences like clustering or precipitation of the rare earth ions. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrical characteristics of ALD‐deposited Al2O3 thin films on p‐type germanium substrates
Authors: Botzakaki M. , Kerasidou A. , Xanthopoulos N. , Skarlatos D. , Kennou S. , Ladas S. , Georga S. N. , Krontiras C. A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe electrical behaviour of Al/Al2O3/p‐Ge MOS capacitors, with 10 nm oxide thickness, has been studied in the temperature range between 130 K and 330 K. The ALD method for the Al2O3 deposition has been used. C‐V and G‐f measurements reveal high values of the density of interfacial traps Dit, suggesting the presence of leakage currents. Conductivity mechanisms for the leakage currents have been studied, on the basis of J‐V characteristics of the structure as a function of temperature. In the measured voltage region (0‐2.5 V), tunneling is proposed as the dominant mechanism. Specifically, as the applied field increases, Fowler‐Nordheim mechanism gradually contributes to the, observed at low fields, Ohmic conduction (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Transient performance for discrete‐time singular systems with actuators saturation via composite nonlinear feedback control
Authors: Feng Yu , Ho Daniel W.C. 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYThis paper is concerned with the transient performance improvement in tracking control problems for linear multivariable discrete‐time singular systems subject to actuators saturation. A composite nonlinear feedback control strategy is considered, and the resulting controller consists of a linear feedback law and a nonlinear feedback law without any switching element. The nonlinear term leads to a varying damping ratio of the closed‐loop system and yields a small overshoot as the output approaches the target reference, whereas the linear component is designed to achieve a quick response of the closed‐loop system. Two composite nonlinear feedback control laws by both state feedback and measurement output feedback are addressed. An illustrative example is included to show the validity of the obtained results. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ceramide-1-Phosphate Regulates Migration of Multipotent Stromal Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells—Implications for Tissue Regeneration
Authors: Kim Chihwa , Schneider Gabriela , Abdel-Latif Ahmed , Mierzejewska Kasia , Sunkara Manjula , Borkowska Sylwia , Ratajczak Janina , Morris Andrew J. , Kucia Magda , Ratajczak Mariusz Z. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Ceramide-1-phosphate (C1P) is a bioactive lipid that, in contrast to ceramide, is an antiapoptotic molecule released from cells that are damaged and “leaky.” As reported recently, C1P promotes migration of hematopoietic cells. In this article, we tested the hypothesis that C1P released upon tissue damage may play an underappreciated role in chemoattraction of various types of stem cells and endothelial cells involved in tissue/organ regeneration. We show for the first time that C1P is upregulated in damaged tissues and chemoattracts bone marrow (BM)-derived multipotent stromal cells, endothelial progenitor cells, and very small embryonic-like stem cells. Furthermore, compared to other bioactive lipids, C1P more potently chemoattracted human umbilical vein endothelial cells and stimulated tube formation by these cells. C1P also promoted in vivo vascularization of Matrigel implants and stimulated secretion of stromal cell-derived factor-1 from BM-derived fibroblasts. Thus, our data demonstrate, for the first time, that C1P is a potent bioactive lipid released from damaged cells that potentially plays an important and novel role in recruitment of stem/progenitor cells to damaged organs and may promote their vascularization.
An Efficient Nonviral Method to Generate Integration-Free Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Cord Blood and Peripheral Blood Cells
Authors: Okita Keisuke , Yamakawa Tatsuya , Matsumura Yasuko , Sato Yoshiko , Amano Naoki , Watanabe Akira , Goshima Naoki , Yamanaka Shinya 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provides the opportunity to use patient-specific somatic cells, which are a valuable source for disease modeling and drug discovery. To promote research involving these cells, it is important to make iPSCs from easily accessible and less invasive tissues, like blood. We have recently reported the efficient generation of human iPSCs from adult fibroblasts using a combination of plasmids encoding OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, L-MYC, LIN28, and shRNA for TP53. We herein report a modified protocol enabling efficient iPSC induction from CD34+ cord blood cells and from peripheral blood isolated from healthy donors using these plasmid vectors. The original plasmid mixture could induce iPSCs; however, the efficiency was low. The addition of EBNA1, an essential factor for episomal amplification of the vectors, by an extra plasmid greatly increased the efficiency of iPSC induction, especially when the induction was performed from αβT cells. This improvement enabled the establishment of blood-derived iPSCs from seven healthy donors ranging in age from their 20s to their 60s. This induction method will be useful for the derivation of patient-specific integration-free iPSCs and would also be applicable to the generation of clinical-grade iPSCs in the future.
Brighter‐ and Longer‐Burning Barium‐Free Illuminants for Military and Civilian Pyrotechnics
Authors: Sabatini Jesse J. , Raab James M. , Hann Ronald K. , Freeman Cathleen T. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe development of barium‐free pyrotechnic illuminants is described. Heavy metal barium nitrate oxidizer and strontium nitrate oxidizer were replaced with sodium nitrate to adequately address environmental concerns while providing the brightest possible illuminant. The new formulations further address environmental concerns and mitigate single‐point‐of‐failure through the replacement of polyester‐based Laminac 4116/Lupersol binder system with the epoxy‐based Epon 813/Versamid 140 binder system. The new formulations were found to burn longer and brighter than the control with a low sensitivity to various ignition stimuli.
Reoperative Surgery After Repair of Postcholecystectomy Bile Duct Injuries: Is it Worthwhile?
Authors: Addeo Pietro , Oussoultzoglou Elie , Fuchshuber Pascal , Rosso Edoardo , Nobili Cinzia , Souche Regis , Jaeck Daniel , Bachellier Philippe 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundRepeat repair of bile duct injuries (BDIs) after cholecystectomy is technically challenging, and its success remains uncertain. We retrospectively evaluated the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of patients requiring reoperative surgery for BDI at a major referral center for hepatobiliary surgery.MethodsBetween January 1991 and May 2011, we performed surgical BDI repairs in 46 patients. Among them, 22 patients had undergone a previous surgical repair elsewhere (group 1), and 24 patients had no previous repair (group 2). We compared the early and late outcomes in the two groups.ResultsThe patients in group 1 were younger (48.6 vs. 54.8 years, p = 0.0001) and were referred after a longer interval (>1 month) from BDI (72.7 vs. 41.7 %, p = 0.042). Intraoperative diagnosis of BDI (59.1 vs. 12.5 %, p = 0.001), ongoing cholangitis (45.4 vs. 12.5 %; p = 0.02), and delay of repair after referral to our institution (116 ± 34 days vs. 23 ± 9 days; p = 0.001) were significantly more frequent in group 1 than in group 2. No significant differences were found for postoperative mortality, morbidity, or length of stay between the groups. Patients with associated vascular injuries had a higher postoperative morbidity rate (p = 0.01) and associated hepatectomy rate (p = 0.045). After a mean follow‐up of 96.6 ± 9.7 months (range 5–237.2 months, median 96 months), the rate of recurrent cholangitis (6.5 %) was comparable in the two groups.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that short‐ and long‐term outcomes after surgical repair of BDI are comparable regardless of whether the patient requires reoperative surgery for a failed primary repair. Associated vascular injuries increase postoperative morbidity and the need for liver resection.
Short and Long‐Term Mortality After Appendectomy in Sweden 1987 to 2006. Influence of Appendectomy Diagnosis, Sex, Age, Co‐morbidity, Surgical Method, Hospital Volume, and Time Period. A National Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Andersson Roland E. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundAvoiding mortality is the ultimate goal when managing patients with suspected appendicitis. Previous studies have shown high mortality after negative appendectomy. This national cohort study analyzes short‐ and long‐term mortality after appendectomy in relation to appendectomy diagnosis, age, co‐morbidity, surgical method, hospital volume, and time period.MethodA total of 223,543 appendectomy patients treated from 1987 to 2006 were identified from the Swedish National Patient Register and followed up via the Swedish Cause of Death Register. Analysis of mortality was conducted as Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) and by Cox multivariate regression.ResultsNegative appendectomy was followed by a higher mortality in the short term (30‐day Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR30d) 8.95, confidence interval (CI) 6.68–12.61) than after perforated appendicitis (SMR30d 6.39, CI 5.44–7.48), and remained increased for up to 5 years (SMR5yr 1.31, CI 1.16–1.47). Non‐perforated appendicitis had a lower than expected long‐term mortality (SMR5yr 0.72, CI 0.68–0.76). These differences remained after adjustment for covariates. Laparoscopic appendectomy had similar short‐term mortality as open appendectomy but lower than expected long‐term morality (SMR5yr 0.70, CI 0.62–0.78). Mortality was decreasing during the study period. Hospital volume had no influence on mortality.ConclusionsNegative appendectomy is associated with excess short‐ and long‐term mortality that remains after adjustment for known confounders, suggesting an association with underlying undetected morbidity. This motivates an improved preoperative diagnosis to avoid the additional trauma from unnecessary surgical interventions, but further studies are needed to investigate the cause of the increased long‐term mortality and if this can be prevented by an improved follow‐up of patients with negative appendectomy. Laparoscopic and open appendectomy have similar short‐term mortality. The lower long‐term mortality after non‐perforated appendicitis and laparoscopic appendectomy suggest selection of healthier patients for these interventions. This possibility should be taken into account when comparing mortality after open and laparoscopic appendectomy.
Low Expression of PAI‐2 as a Novel Marker of Portal Vein Tumor Thrombosis and Poor Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Li , Jin Ye , Cui Quan‐Cai , Jin Ke‐Min , Zhou Wei‐Xun , Xing Bao‐Cai 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundPlasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)‐2 was previously shown to be less frequently expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The present study was designed to investigate the clinical, pathological, and prognostic significance of PAI‐2 expression in HCC.MethodsExpression of PAI‐2 was detected immunohistochemically for specimens from 78 patients with HCC after hepatic resection and correlated with clinicopathological features and patient survival. Risk factors of portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) were also analyzed.ResultsPositive PAI‐2 staining was observed in tumor and non‐tumor tissues from 21 (26.9 %) and 56 (71.8 %) patients, respectively. Plasminogen activator inhibitor‐2 negativity in tumor tissues was significantly associated with PVTT, with a high sensitivity not only in univariate analysis but also in multivariate analysis. In addition, positive PAI‐2 staining was related to smaller tumor size and prolonged patient survival. The Cox regression model identified intratumoral PAI‐2 staining as an independent prognosticator in patients with HCC after resection.ConclusionsOur data demonstrated that low expression of PAI‐2 serves as a novel marker of PVTT and poor prognosis in HCC.