bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superfluorescent Pulsed Emission from Biexcitons in an Ensemble of CuCl Quantum Dots
Authors: Miyajima Kensuke , Saito Shingo , Ashida Masaaki , Itoh Tadashi 
Published: March 2010

AbstractTime-resolved photoluminescence spectra of an ensemble of CuCl quantum dots have been measured by an optical Kerr gate method. The excitation photon energy was tuned to resonant energy for two-photon excitation of biexcitons. We observed that the time profiles of biexciton bands were changed from an exponential fast decay to a pulsed shape. This result indicates a transition from amplified spontaneous emission to superfluorescence. These results will introduce a new field of coherent phenomena originating an ensemble of quantum dots.
Enhancement of Photovoltaic Device Performance in Close-Packed Nanowire Excitonic Solar Cells by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)
Authors: Shankar Karthik , Kim Sanghoon , Feng Xinjian , Mohammadpour Arash , Grimes Craig Alan 
Published: March 2010

AbstractOur ability to fabricate close-packed single crystal rutile TiO2 nanowire arrays with average inter-wire distances of 5-10 nm allows us to create and control FRET-induced coupling effects, which can occur in this distance regime, in this architecture. We explored the use of such coupling to boost the performance of nanowire excitonic solar cells. Using Ru complex triplet dye N719 as the energy acceptor and fluorescent tetra tert-butyl substituted zinc phthalocyanine as the energy donor (see Fig. 1 for molecular structures), we obtained up to a four fold improvement in the quantum yield for red photons in the 660-690 nm spectral range. Similarly, by using a carboxylated unsymmetrical squaraine dye as the energy acceptor and highly fluorescent Nile Red dye as the donor (see Fig. 1 for molecular structures), we obtained 60% increased external quantum yields for photons in the 480-580 nm spectral range. For both systems, the use of FRET broadened spectral coverage and improved light harvesting. In this report, we also develop fundamental design principles in choosing donor-acceptor combinations for high efficiency FRET-enhanced solar cells in nanowire array architectures.
A Novel and Low-Cost Disposable Device for Phototherapy of Neonatal Jaundice
Authors: Ferreira Giovana R , Vasconcelos Cláudia K. B. de , Silva Mariana M , Santos Fabrício A dos , Pires Jorge G. , Duarte André S , Bianchi Andrea Gomes Campos , Bianchi Rodrigo Fernando 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe present work details, to our knowledge, the first examination of the influence of blue-light radiation on the optical properties of organic luminescent films in attempting to develop an indicator dosimeter for phototherapy of neonatal jaundice. Jaundice is the most common problem encountered in newborns due to immature functioning in the liver. The operating principle of the device is based on the optical response of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2'-ethylhexyloxy)-p-phenylene (MEH-PPV) and tris(8-hydroxyquinolinato) aluminum (Alq3) materials dispersed in polystyrene (PS) matrix (denoted as PS/MEH-PPV/Alq3). It is observed a blue-shift on the photoluminescence of PS/MEH-PPV/Alq3 system from red to orange-yellow, and then to green as function of the blue-light radiation exposure time. The result is attributed to the spectral overlap between emission of Alq3 and absorption of MEH-PPV. The optical response of PS/MEH-PPV/Alq3 to radiation was investigated to design a low-cost (< US$ 0.05) “smart” sensor to represent easily the radiation dosage normally used in blue-light phototherapy. The basic idea behind this concept considers the sensor as a traffic light device, where red represents underdose and green the prescription dose or overdose, while orange-yellow suggests that radiation therapy is an ongoing process. This personal real-time radiation dosimeter appears here as a key requirement for successful development of innovations in effective management of the radiation dose planning before treatment of neonatal where control of dose absorption of infants is extremely important.
Advanced Sciences Convergence for Defense and Security
Authors: Vaseashta Ashok , Braman E.W. , Alvelo J. , Susmann P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe process of Advanced Science Convergence is to understand how different disciplines, focusing on discrete problems and applications, can be coalesced into a system to solve an intractable problem. It requires understanding of far-reaching end goal that is not yet defined but can be described in terms of desired actions or qualities. Institute of Advanced Sciences Convergence (IASC) provides an early monitoring and identification of emerging scientific advances across multiple disciplines that create revolutionary, integrated and cross-cutting technologies to break through existing solution paradigms. The objective of IASC is to support federal agencies by providing cutting-edge, functional, and advanced technological solutions in support of national security by employing emerging areas in nanotechnology, biotechnology, information processing, and cognitive sciences. Our team is supported by professionals with extensive background in academia, military, federal agencies and international organizations. The IASC value proposition is based on assessment derived from data collected from various resources. The IASC business model provides invaluable information in support of national security based on staff experience without the expense of laboratory infrastructure. Due to rapid developments in nanotechnology, IASC seeks to reach out to identify partners through research collaboration as SMEs to support objectives through identifying advances in NBIC areas and develop strategic investments for technology/science roadmap.
Length and Time Scales of Entanglement and Confinement Effects Constraining Polymer Chain Dynamics
Authors: Kimmich Rainer , Fatkullin Nail 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWith characteristic time constants for polymer dynamics, namely τs (the segment fluctuation time), τe (the entanglement time), and τR (the longest Rouse relaxation time), the time scales of particular interest (i) t<τs, (ii) τs<t<τe, and (iii) τe<t<τR will be discussed and compared with experimental data. These ranges correspond to the chain-mode length scales (i) l<b, (ii) b<l<d2/b, and (iii) d2/b<l<L, where b is the statistical segment length, d is the dimension of constraints by entanglements and/or confinement, and L is the chain contour length. Based on Langevin-type equations-of-motion coarse-grained predictions for the mean-squared segment displacement and the spin-lattice relaxation dispersion will be outlined for the scenarios “freely-draining”, “entangled”, and “confined”. In the discussion we will juxtapose “local” versus “global” dynamics on the one hand, and “bulk” versus “confined” systems on the other.
The Effect of Temperature on the Efficiency of Nitride-based Multi-quantum well Light-emitting Diodes
Authors: Heikkilä Oskari , Oksanen Jani , Tulkki Jukka 
Published: March 2010

AbstractWe have recently developed a self consistent light-emitting diode (LED) model that accounts for the current transport and internal heating in AlGaAs-GaAs LEDs. In this paper we extend the model to describe multi-quantum well (MQW) active regions and III-N materials, within the limits of the currently known values and temperature dependencies of the recombination parameters in these materials. The MQW description accounts for the effect of the reduced wave function overlap to the recombination. We present simulation results obtained for an InGaN MQW LED with 4 wells at selected temperatures and discuss the factors limiting the efficiency and luminescent output of LEDs.
Nanomonitor Technology for Glycosylation Analysis
Authors: Chatterjee Gaurav , Bothara Manish , Aithal Srivatsa , Nagraj Vinay J , Wiktor Peter , Eaton Seron , Prasad Shalini 
Published: March 2010

AbstractChanges in protein glycosylation have great potential as markers for the early diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. The current analytical tools for the analysis of glycan structures need expensive instrumentation, advanced expertise, is time consuming and therefore not practical for routine screening of glycan biomarkers from human samples in a clinical setting.We are developing a novel ultrasensitive diagnostic platform called ‘NanoMonitor’ to enable rapid label-free glycosylation analysis. The technology is based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy where capacitance changes are measured at the electrical double layer interface as a result of interaction of two molecules.The NanoMonitor platform consists of a printed circuit board with array of electrodes forming multiple sensor spots. Each sensor spot is overlaid with a nanoporous alumina membrane that forms a high density of nanowells. Lectins, proteins that bind to and recognize specific glycan structures, are conjugated to the surface of nanowells. When specific glycoproteins from a test sample bind to lectins in the nanowells, it produces a perturbation to the electrical double layer at the solid/liquid interface at the base of each nanowell. This perturbation results in a change in the impedance of the double layer which is dominated by the capacitance changes within the electrical double layer.The nanoscale confinement or crowding of biological macromolecules within the nanowells is likely to enhance signals from the interaction of glycoproteins with the lectins leading to a high sensitivity of detection with the NanoMonitor as compared to other electrochemical techniques.Using a panel of lectins, we were able to detect subtle changes in the glycosylation of fetuin protein as well as differentiate glycoproteins from normal versus cancerous cells. Our results indicate that NanoMonitor can be used as a cost-effective miniature electronic biosensor for the detection of glycan biomarkers.
Effect of the Look AHEAD Study Intervention on Medication Use and Related Cost to Treat Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Redmon J. Bruce , Bertoni Alain G. , Connelly Stephanie , Feeney Patricia A. , Glasser Stephen P. , Glick Henry , Greenway Frank , Hesson Louise A. , Lawlor Michael S. , Montez Maria , Montgomery Brenda ,   the Look AHEAD Research Group
Published: March 2010

OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of a lifestyle intervention to produce weight loss and increased physical fitness on use and cost of medications to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Look AHEAD is a multicenter randomized controlled trial of 5,145 overweight or obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, aged 45–76 years. An intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) involving group and individual meetings to achieve and maintain weight loss through decreased caloric intake and increased physical activity was compared with a diabetes support and education (DSE) condition. Medications prescribed to treat diabetes, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were compared at baseline and 1 year. Medication costs were conservatively estimated using prices from a national online pharmacy.

RESULTS
Participants randomized to an ILI had significantly greater improvements in CVD risk parameters and reduced medication use and cost compared with those assigned to DSE. At 1 year, average number of medications prescribed to treat CVD risk factors was 3.1 ± 1.8 for the ILI group and 3.6 ± 1.8 for the DSE group (P &lt; 0.0001), with estimated total monthly medication costs of $143 and $173, respectively (P &lt; 0.0001). DSE participants meeting optimal care goals at 1 year were taking an average of 3.8 ± 1.6 medications at an estimated cost of $194/month. ILI participants at optimal care required fewer medications (3.2 ± 1.7) at lower cost ($154/month) (P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
At 1 year, ILI significantly improved CVD risk factors, while at the same time reduced medication use and cost. Continued intervention and follow-up will determine whether these changes are maintained and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Clinical Performance of a Two-step Self-etch Adhesive with Additional Enamel Etching in Class III Cavities
Authors: Ermis R. B. , Temel U. B. , Celik E. U. , Kam O. 
Published: March 2010

Clinical Relevance
This mild, two-step self-etch adhesive system showed acceptable clinical performance in Class III cavities after three years. Additional etching of the enamel margins improved the marginal quality of restorations bonded with this adhesive system.
Changes in Degree of Conversion and Microhardness of Dental Resin Cements
Authors: Yan Y. L. , Kim Y. K. , Kim K-H. , Kwon T-Y. 
Published: March 2010

Clinical RelevanceChemical- and dual-cured resin cements, as well as light-cured resin cements, appear to be cured within the first 24 hours post-mix or post-light activation with no further significant changes in the degree of conversion or microhardness.
Bond Strength and Quality of the Hybrid Layer of One-step Self-etch Adhesives Applied with Agitation on Dentin
Authors: Amaral R. C. , Stanislawczuk R. , Zander-Grande C. , Gagler D. , Reis A. , Loguercio A. D. 
Published: March 2010

Clinical Relevance
Vigorous application on the dentin surface is an excellent tool capable of improving the immediate performance of simplified self-etch adhesive systems.
Cerebral glucose metabolism: Influence on perihematomal edema formation after intracerebral hemorrhage in cat models
Authors: Lin Xiangtao , Tang Yuchun , Sun Bo , Hou Zhongyu , Meng Haiwei , Li Zhenping , Liu Qingwei , Liu Shuwei 
Published: March 2010

Background: Most intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) imaging studies focus on structural brain changes. Stereotactic neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) are helpful in the diagnosis of ICH, monitoring the subsequent recovery and investigating its functional mechanisms. Purpose: To explore the influence of the changes in cerebral glucose metabolism on perihematomal edema formation in an experimental cat model of ICH. Material and Methods: Forty-eight cats were divided into 1 sham operation group (6 cats) and 7 ICH model groups (42 cats)”. The ICH model groups were injected with 1.0 ml autologous nonheparinized blood into their thalami using accurate stereotactic guidance apparatus. MRI and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT scans were acquired at 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, and 120 h following the intervention. Pearson's correlation test was used to evaluate the association between T2-weighted signal intensity and the edema volume. Student's t test and q test were used to identify the times of significant temporal changes. Results: The volume of perilesional edema did not significantly increase from 2 h to 12 h after ICH, but then increased by 229.4% at 24 h, peaked (by 273.5%), and steadily decreased by 72 h. The FDG intensity in perihematomal edema tissues was markedly reduced 2 h after ICH on PET images, reached its lowest level at 12 h, and then steadily increased at 24 h and 48 h. The changes of standard absorption value (SUV) in perihematomal edema were consistent with those of FDG intensity. Conclusion: Perihematomal glucose metabolism abnormalities have a close relationship with the formation of vasogenic edema. Furthermore, abnormal glucose metabolism may impair capillary integrity and increase blood–brain barrier permeability.
Flat-detector computed tomography with intravenous contrast material application in experimental aneurysms: Comparison with multislice CT and conventional angiography
Authors: Struffert Tobias , Doelken Marc , Adamek Edyta , Schwarz Marc , Engelhorn Tobias , Kloska Stephan , Ott Sabine , Doerfler Arnd 
Published: March 2010

Background: Despite limited soft tissue resolution flat-detector computed tomography (FD-CT) provides substantial superior spatial resolution in comparison with multislice computed tomography (MS-CT). This may add value in the visualization of small vascular structures if intravenous contrast application leads to substantial opacification and visibility of intracranial vessels or aneurysms. Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility of visualization of vascular structures by FD-CT angiography (FD-CTA) after intravenous contrast injection compared with MS-CTA and intra-arterial digital subtracted angiography (IADSA) in an animal model. Material and Methods: Aneurysms were created in the right common carotid artery in six New Zealand White Rabbits using the elastase technique. Imaging was performed using FD-CTA, MS-CTA (injection of 1 ml/kg body weight) and IADSA. Anonymized volume rendering reconstruction (VRT), maximum intensity projection (MIP), and multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) images were reconstructed and evaluated by two experienced reviewers for aneurysm geometry and vascular structure anatomy using standard tools of a dedicated workstation. Results: Aneurysms could be successfully created in all animals. Measurements of aneurysm geometry (aneurysm height, width, neck width) and vascular structures (brachiocephalic trunk, carotid artery diameter and plane) were nearly identical in all three modalities. Intra- and inter-observer correlations of the different parameters showed high r values between 0.83 and 0.99. Conclusion: Our results show the feasibility of FD-CTA in comparison with MS-CTA and IADSA in an animal model. Despite limited soft tissue resolution, opacification of vascular structures with sufficient contrast to the surrounding structures was possible in all animals. Vascular structures appeared better delineated in FD-CTA than in MS-CTA, probably due to the superior spatial resolution.
The Impact of Formal Education on Computer Literacy
Authors: Milić Melita , Škorić Igor 
Published: March 2010

In this paper we will present the survey conducted on 149 students in Croatia. This research includes eight grade students of elementary schools, fourth-grade students of secondary schools and second year university students, as the relevant age groups.
Given that these age groups through the course of their schooling to some extent pass some form of IT training, we wanted to explore how it affected their overcoming of computer literacy. The main goal was to investigate how and how much formal education affect the knowledge of computer literacy in diffrent age groups.
The Effector T Cell Response to Ryegrass Pollen Is Counterregulated by Simultaneous Induction of Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Mittag Diana , Scholzen Anja , Varese Nirupama , Baxter Lorraine , Paukovics Geza , Harrison Leonard C. , Rolland Jennifer M. , O’Hehir Robyn E. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Allergy is associated with pathological Th2 responses to otherwise harmless environmental Ags. In contrast, nonallergic individuals mount nonpathological immune responses to allergens, partly attributed to regulatory T cell (Treg) activity. Although thymus-derived natural Tregs have been shown to maintain tolerance to self-Ags and prevent autoimmunity, the generation of Tregs specific to non–self-Ags is less well understood. We investigated the potential for induction of Tregs from PBMCs of ryegrass pollen-allergic or healthy subjects by stimulation in vitro with ryegrass pollen extract in the absence of additional exogenous stimuli. We found that two subsets of proliferating CD4+ T cells were induced, one expressing intermediate levels of Foxp3 (and IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, or IL-2) and the other expressing high levels of Foxp3 (and no effector cytokines). After enrichment based on CD39 expression, the Foxp3hi subset suppressed CD4+ T cell proliferation and IFN-γ production. The Foxp3hi Treg originated from both conversion of dividing non-Tregs (CD4+CD25−CD127hi) and expansion of natural Tregs (CD4+CD25+CD127lo). Stable functional Tregs expressing high levels of Foxp3 were induced simultaneously with effector T cells by allergen stimulation. Induction of Foxp3hi Tregs was reduced in allergic subjects. These results indicate that the cogeneration of Foxp3hi Tregs in response to allergen may be a mechanism for controlling allergic reactions in healthy individuals, which is impaired in those with allergies.
IFN Regulatory Factor-1 Bypasses IFN-Mediated Antiviral Effects through Viperin Gene Induction
Authors: Stirnweiss Anja , Ksienzyk Antje , Klages Katjana , Rand Ulfert , Grashoff Martina , Hauser Hansjörg , Kröger Andrea 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Viperin is an antiviral protein whose expression is highly upregulated during viral infections via IFN-dependent and/or IFN-independent pathways. We examined the molecular alterations induced by the transcriptional activator IFN regulatory factor (IRF)-1 and found viperin to be among the group of IRF-1 regulated genes. From these data, it was not possible to distinguish genes that are primary targets of IRF-1 and those that are targets of IRF-1–induced proteins, like IFN-β. In this study, we show that IRF-1 directly binds to the murine viperin promoter to the two proximal IRF elements and thereby induces viperin expression. Infection studies with embryonal fibroblasts from different gene knock-out mice demonstrate that IRF-1 is essential, whereas the type I IFN system is dispensable for vesicular stomatitis virus induced viperin gene transcription. Further, IRF-1, but not IFN type I, mediates the induction of viperin transcription after IFN-γ treatment. In contrast, IRF-1 is not required for IFN-independent viperin induction by Newcastle disease virus infection and by infection with a vesicular stomatitis virus mutant that is unable to block IFN expression and secretion. We conclude that the IRF-1 mediated type I IFN independent mechanism of enhanced viperin expression provides a redundant mechanism to protect cells from viral infections. This mechanism becomes important when viruses evade innate immunity by antagonizing the induction and function of the IFN system.
Treatment Failure of a TLR-7 Agonist Occurs Due to Self-Regulation of Acute Inflammation and Can Be Overcome by IL-10 Blockade
Authors: Lu Hailing , Wagner Wolfgang M. , Gad Ekram , Yang Yi , Duan Hangjun , Amon Lynn M. , Van Denend Nathaniel , Larson Emily R. , Chang Amy , Tufvesson Helena , Disis Mary L. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractMultiple TLR agonists have been shown to have antitumor effects in animal models. However, the therapeutic efficacy of TLR agonist monotherapy in cancer treatment has been limited, and the mechanisms of failure remain unknown. We demonstrate that topical treatment with a TLR-7 agonist, imiquimod, can elicit significant regression of spontaneous breast cancers in neu transgenic mice, a model of human HER-2/neu+ breast cancer. However, tumor growth progressed once imiquimod therapy was ended. Gene expression analysis using tumor-derived RNA demonstrated that imiquimod induced high levels of IL-10 in addition to TNF-α and IFN-γ. Elevated levels of circulating IL-10 were also detected in sera from imiquimod-treated mice. Elevated serum IL-10 appeared to be derived from IL-10 and dual cytokine secreting (IFN-γ+ and IL-10+) CD4+ T cells rather than CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells, which were also induced by imiquimod treatment. Blockade of IL-10, but not TGF-β, enhanced the antitumor effect of imiquimod by significantly prolonging survival in treated mice. These data suggest that the excessive inflammation induced by TLR agonists may result in a self-regulatory immunosuppression via IL-10 induction and that blocking IL-10 could enhance the therapeutic efficacy of these agents.