bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
AlInGaN UV‐C photodetectors with an insertion layer of high work function metal
Authors: Lee Han Cheng , Su Yan Kuin , Lin Jia Ching , Huang Chun Yuan , Cheng Yi Cheng , Chang Kuo Jen 
Published: December 2009

AbstractAluminum indium gallium nitride (AlInGaN) metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (MIS) UV‐C photodetectors (PDs) were fabricated using a Ni/Pd/Au contact and a Ni/Au contact. With the inserting of the high work function metal (palladium, Pd), compared with the conventional Ni/Au contact, the multilayer Ni/Pd/Au contact can significantly reduce the dark current. The dark current of UV‐C AlInGaN PDs with a multilayer Ni/Pd/Au contact can be relatively improved by 59.5%. Under the 5 V applied bias, the photo/dark current ratio of PDs with a conventional Ni/Au contact and a multilayer Ni/Pd/Au contact were 9.2 and 4.2×102, respectively. Furthermore, the responsivity of UV‐C AlInGaN PDs (280 nm) with a multilayer Ni/Pd/Au contact can be achieved to the value of 12.7 mA/W under a bias of 5 V. The UV‐C AlInGaN PDs with a multilayer Ni/Pd/Au contact have a better responsivity and rejection ratio than those of PDs with a conventional Ni/Au contact. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dissociative and molecular adsorption of water on α ‐Al2O3(0001)
Authors: Wippermann S. , Schmidt W. G. , Thissen P. , Grundmeier G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractA systematic analysis of the adsorption of water monomers, small water clusters and water thin films on α ‐Al2O3(0001) surfaces on the basis of density functional theory calculations is performed. In agreement with most existing studies, our calculations favor the dissociative adsorption for low coverages.For water‐rich conditions, however, the formation of hexagons of alternating dissociatively and molecularly adsorbed water monomers is predicted. Accordingly, the adsorption energy per water molecule decreases from about 1.5 eV for single adsorbed molecules to about 1.2 eV for thin films. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of dispersion interactions on the adsorption of PTCDA on Ag(110)
Authors: Scholz Reinhard , Abbasi Afshin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe interaction of PTCDA with Ag(110) is analysed with second order Møller‐Plesset perturbation theory (MP2), including the main part of the dispersion interactions at an ab initio level. On rigid substrate clusters, the optimized adsorbate geometry consists of a nearly flat perylene core, surrounded by carboxylic oxygens closer to the substrate, but with anhydride atoms at a larger height. The average height of the carbon core is found at 2.68 Å, in excellent agreement with the value of 2.59 Ädetermined in recent X‐ray standing wave measurements. In sharp contrast to the rather flat MP2 geometry, the lack of dispersion interactions in density functional theory (DFT) results in an unrealistic bent adsorbate geometry. The calculated core level shifts and the vibrational fingerprint reproduce the observed trends. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Protection of human HepG2 cells against oxidative stress by the flavonoid epicatechin
Authors: Martín María Angeles , Ramos Sonia , Mateos Raquel , Izquierdo‐Pulido María , Bravo Laura , Goya Luis 
Published: December 2009

AbstractFlavanols, such as epicatechin (EC), constitute an important part of the human diet; they can be found in green tea, grapes and cocoa and possess different biological activities such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anticarcinogenic. This study investigated the potential chemo‐protective effect of EC against oxidative stress induced by tert‐butylhydroperoxide (t‐BOOH) on human HepG2 cells. Cell viability by lactate dehydrogenase assay and markers of oxidative status: reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) were evaluated. Pretreatment of cells with EC for 20 h prevented the enhanced cell damage and GPx and GR activities as well as the decrease in GSH induced by t‐BOOH. The increased ROS generation induced by t‐BOOH was also partly prevented by a pretreatment for 20 h with EC. In addition, pretreatment of cells with EC for 20 h recovered the t‐BOOH‐induced MDA concentration to control values. A pretreatment for 2 h with EC did not reduce cell damage but partly recovered GSH, reduced ROS levels and muffled the increase of GPx and GR after exposure to t‐BOOH. Treatment of HepG2 cells with concentrations of EC in the micromolar range confers a significant protection against oxidative stress. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use ofZanthoxylum armatumin gut, airways and cardiovascular disorders
Authors: Gilani Syed Naeemuddin , Khan Arif‐ullah , Gilani Anwarul Hassan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis study describes the gut, airways and cardiovascular modulatory activities ofZanthoxylum armatumDC. (Rutaceae) to rationalize some of its medicinal uses. The crude extract ofZanthoxylum armatum(Za.Cr) caused concentration‐dependent relaxation of spontaneous and high K+(80 mM)‐induced contractions in isolated rabbit jejunum, being more effective against K+and suggestive of Ca++antagonist effect, which was confirmed when pretreatment of the tissues with Za.Cr shifted Ca++concentration‐response curves to the right, like that caused by verapamil. Za.Cr inhibited the castor‐oil‐induced diarrhea in mice at 300–1000 mg/kg. In rabbit tracheal preparations, Za.Cr relaxed the carbachol (1 μM) and high K+‐induced contractions, in a pattern similar to that of verapamil. In isolated rabbit aortic rings, Za.Cr exhibited vasodilator effect against phenylephrine (1 μM) and K+‐induced contractions. When tested in guinea pig atria, Za.Cr caused inhibition of both atrial force and rate of spontaneous contractions, like that caused by verapamil. These results indicate thatZanthoxylum armatumexhibits spasmolytic effects, mediated possibly through Ca++antagonist mechanism, which provides pharmacological base for its medicinal use in the gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Echinacea extracts on macrophage antiviral activities
Authors: Senchina David S. , Martin Aisha E. , Buss Janice E. , Kohut Marian L. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractType I interferons are a class of cytokines synthesized by leukocytes such as macrophages that limit viral replication. We hypothesized that one mechanism whereby Echinacea spp. extracts may enhance immunity is through modulating interferon‐associated macrophage pathways. We used herpes simplex viral infection in the murine macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and monitored virus‐induced cell death, interferon secretion, and two intracellular proteins that indicate activation of interferon pathways. Cells were incubated with control media or extracts from four different species (E. angustifolia, E. purpurea, E. tennesseensis, E. pallida). Cells incubated with extracts prior to infection showed very modest enhancement of viability, and no increase in the secretion of interferons α or β as compared to control cells. Virus‐infected macrophages treated with extracts from E. purpurea showed a small (<2‐fold) induction of guanylate binding protein (GBP) production, but no effect of extracts from other species was observed. In virus‐infected cells, all the extracts increased the amount of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein, and this effect varied by type of extraction preparation. Together, these results suggest that any potential antiviral activities of Echinacea spp. extracts are likely not mediated through large inductions of Type I interferon, but may involve iNOS. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pycnogenol® treatment of acute hemorrhoidal episodes
Authors: Belcaro Gianni , Cesarone Maria Rosaria , Errichi Bruno , Di Renzo Andrea , Grossi Maria Giovanna , Ricci Andrea , Dugall Mark , Cornelli Umberto , Cacchio Marisa , Rohdewald Peter 
Published: December 2009

AbstractWe investigated the efficacy of orally and topically applied Pycnogenol® for the management of acute hemorrhoidal attacks in a controlled, randomized study with 84 subjects. Within less than 48 h of onset of an acute attack, patients were enrolled and signs and symptoms were scored. This evaluation was repeated after seven days' treatment and again seven days following treatment cessation. The decrease in scores was significantly more pronounced in the Pycnogenol®‐treated groups than in the control group given placebo (p < 0.05), showing the efficacy of Pycnogenol® for relieving signs and symptoms of acute external hemorrhoids. In a group of patients given topical (0.5%) Pycnogenol® in addition to oral Pycnogenol® the improvement in symptoms set in significantly faster and was more pronounced. The most prominent symptom, hemorrhoidal bleeding, was completely absent in all patients treated with Pycnogenol® for seven days and also at the 14 days follow‐up. In contrast, bleedings were still observed in the control group during the two weeks follow‐up. This study indicates that Pycnogenol®, both in oral and in topical form, is effective for controlling this common, disabling health problem. The application of Pycnogenol® eases the management of acute hemorrhoidal attacks and help avoid bleedings. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro antiviral activity of neem (Azardirachta indica L.) bark extract against herpes simplex virus type‐1 infection
Authors: Tiwari Vaibhav , Darmani Nissar A , Yue Beatrice Y. J. T. , Shukla Deepak 
Published: December 2009

AbstractHerpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) causes significant health problems from periodical skin and corneal lesions to encephalitis. We report here that an aqueous extract preparation from the barks of neem plant Azardirachta indica acts as a potent entry inhibitor against HSV‐1 infection into natural target cells. The neem bark extract (NBE) significantly blocked HSV‐1 entry into cells at concentrations ranging from 50 to 100 μg/ml. The blocking activity of NBE was observed when the extract was pre‐incubated with the virus but not with the target cells, suggesting a direct antiHSV‐1 property of the neem bark. Further, virions treated with NBE failed to bind the cells which implicate a role of NBE as an attachment step blocker. Cells treated with NBE also inhibited HSV‐1 glycoprotein‐mediated cell–cell fusion and polykaryocytes formation suggesting an additional role of NBE at the viral fusion step. These findings open a potential new avenue for the development of NBE as a novel antiherpetic microbicide. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Propolis immunomodulatory action in vivo on Toll‐like receptors 2 and 4 expression and on pro‐inflammatory cytokines production in mice
Authors: Orsatti C. L. , Missima F. , Pagliarone A. C. , Bachiega T. F. , Búfalo M. C. , Araújo J. P. , Sforcin J. M. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPropolis is a bee product and its immunomodulatory action has been the subject of intense investigation lately. The recent discovery and characterization of the family of Toll‐like receptors (TLR) have triggered a great deal of interest in the field of innate immunity due to their crucial role in microbial recognition and development of the adaptive immune response. This work aimed to evaluate propolis's effect on TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 expression and on the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β and IL‐6). Male BALB/c mice were treated with propolis (200 mg/kg) for three consecutive days, and TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 expression as well as IL‐1β and IL‐6 production were assessed in peritoneal macrophages and spleen cells. Basal IL‐1β production and TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 expression were increased in peritoneal macrophages of propolis‐treated mice. TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 expression and IL‐1β and IL‐6 production were also upregulated in the spleen cells of propolis‐treated mice. One may conclude that propolis activated the initial steps of the immune response by upregulating TLRs expression and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in mice, modulating the mechanisms of the innate immunity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulatory effects of curcumin and resveratrol on lung carcinogenesis in mice
Authors: Malhotra Anshoo , Nair Praveen , Dhawan D. K. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe aim of the present study is to explore the chemopreventive potential of curcumin and resveratrol during promotional phase of benzo(a)pyrene (BP) induced lung carcinogenesis in mice. The mice were segregated into five groups which included normal control, BP‐treated, BP+curcumin‐treated, BP+resveratrol‐treated and BP+curcumin+resveratrol‐treated groups. The BP treatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO). On the other hand, reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were found to be significantly decreased following BP treatment. Administration of curcumin to BP‐treated mice decreased the levels of LPO significantly. Further, treatment of resveratrol to BP‐treated mice significantly elevated the activities of SOD. Combined treatment of curcumin and resveratrol, kowever, showed significant improvement in LPO and GSH levels as well as in the activities of SOD. Histo‐architectural studies showed well‐differentiated signs of lung carcinogenesis following BP administration to mice. Although treatments with resveratrol and curcumin given separately to BP‐treated mice showed appreciable improvement in the histo‐architecture of the lung, combined treatment resulted in a noticeable improvement in the lung histo‐architecture. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of blackcurrant oil soft capsule, a Chinese herbal drug, in hyperlipidemia treatment
Authors: Fa‐lin Zhao , Zhen‐yu Wu , Yan Hou , Tao Zhang , Kang Li 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBlackcurrant oil soft capsule (BOSC) is an effective and safe herbal medicine for the treatment of hyperlipidemia and has been approved for the market in China. No studies have been performed, however, to confirm whether BOSC is effective in reducing the serum lipid level in a large‐scale ordinary or special patient population. In this study, we conducted an observational study at five investigative sites that was designed to further investigate the efficacy of BOSC on serum lipid level lowering in a large‐scale target patient population and include a relative factors analysis for the serum lipid decrease. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TGs) and high density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) were measured before and after drug administration. TC and TGs were detected by enzymatic analysis, while HDL‐C was detected by PTA‐Mg2+ precipitation. A total of 2,154 dyslipidemic patients were recruited and took BOSC 1.8 g b.i.d. every day for 6 weeks. In terms of serum lipid lowering, the overall curative rate was 37.19%, the marked effective rate was 52.28% and the effective rate was 79.06%. The corresponding effective rate of TC, TGs and HDL‐C was 80.98%, 78.28% and 67.07%, respectively. Multivariate analyses with adjustment for centers, gender and age indicated that BOSC was almost ineffective in patients with a disease course <36 months (OR: 0.467, 95% CI: 0.359–0.607) and was effective in mild hyperlipidemia (OR: 3.176, 2.535–3.978) and in subjects with lower BMIs (BMI <24: 3.472, 2.171–5.552; BMI between 24 and 28: 2.310, 1.832–2.911 compared with BMI ≥ 28). No serious adverse events were reported during the study period. Therefore, we conclude that BOSC is effective in decreasing TC and TG levels and in increasing the serum HDL‐C level, especially in mildly hyperlipidemic patients and those with a lower BMI. Moreover, because it is a natural raw material, BOSC may be safer and more effective in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recognition of viral nucleic acids in innate immunity
Authors: Yoneyama Mitsutoshi , Fujita Takashi 
Published: December 2009

AbstractViral infections are detected by sensor molecules, which initiate innate antiviral responses, including the activation of type I interferons (IFNs) and proinflammatory cytokines. These cytokines are responsible for not only inhibiting viral replication in infected cells but also regulating the induction of adaptive immunity, leading to the swift eradication of viruses. Recent advances in the identification of pathogen receptors in the innate immune system have revealed that distinct types of sensors play a role in the detection of viral nucleic acids in different ways; Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), which detect viral DNA or RNA in endosomal compartments in immune cells, retinoic acid inducible gene‐I (RIG‐I)‐like receptors (RLRs), which recognise viral RNA in the cytoplasm, and DNA sensors, which detect cytoplasmic viral DNA. Since these sensors have to exclusively recognise viral infections, it is intriguing to understand how they distinguish self nucleic acids from foreign viral ones. Here, we review the current knowledge of the recognition of viral nucleic acids by these sensor molecules and the signal transduction machinery. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Defective interfering viruses and their potential as antiviral agents
Authors: Marriott A. C. , Dimmock N. J. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractDefective interfering (DI) virus is simply defined as a spontaneously generated virus mutant from which a critical portion of the virus genome has been deleted. At least one essential gene of the virus is deleted, either in its entirety, or sufficiently to make it non‐functional. The resulting DI genome is then defective for replication in the absence of the product(s) of the deleted gene(s), and its replication requires the presence of the complete functional virus genome to provide the missing functions. In addition to being defective DI virus suppresses production of the helper virus in co‐infected cells, and this process of interference can readily be observed in cultured cells. In some cases, DI virus has been observed to attenuate disease in virus‐infected animals. In this article, we review the properties of DI virus, potential mechanisms of interference and progress in using DI virus (in particular that derived from influenza A virus) as a novel type of antiviral agent. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Singular ℋ︁2 control of discrete‐time systems: From frequency to time domain
Authors: Stefanovski Jovan 
Published: December 2009

AbstractNecessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a minimizing discrete‐time ℋ︁2 control, when assumptions are the internal stabilizability and left‐ and right‐invertibility of transfer matrices G12 and G21, are presented. Unlike the existing approach with a transformation into a disturbance decoupling problem with a measurement feedback and internal stability, we use a direct approach: from frequency to time domain. The first main result gives a necessary and sufficient existence condition for ℋ︁2 control: that a minimal realization of the infimal controller is stabilizing. The second main result presents a realization of an optimal controller that has a state observer form, identical to the form of the regular case, except that the state‐feedback gain matrix and the observer gain matrix are replaced by some stabilizing matrices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Angioarchitecture of squamous cell carcinoma from hamster buccal pouch: a scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: De Oliveira Laura Beatriz Oliveira , Bampi Vinícius Faccin , Gomes Carolina Ferreira , De Souza Maria Antonieta Lopes 
Published: December 2009

AbstractTumoral angiogenesis has been widely studied by histochemical analysis but little has been done regarding morphology of these new vessels. The objective of this study was to perform a qualitative analysis of the angiogenic response to chemical induction with dimethylbenzanthracene (DMBA) and carbamide peroxide of squamous cell carcinoma in pouches of Syrian hamsters after different periods of treatment. Twenty‐four Syrian golden hamsters, divided into three groups of eight animals each, had their right jugal pouches treated with a 5% DMBA solution three times a week and a 10% carbamide peroxide two times a week for 55, 70 and 90 days. The left pouch was considered the control. After tumor induction, five animals in each group had their pouches prepared for analysis under scanning electron microscopy and three animals for analysis under light microscopy. The control pouches showed a vascular system composed by few main vessels running parallel to the longest axis of the pouch with some branches. In the pouches submitted to tumor induction, a well‐differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was present since 55 days induction in all samples. The new vascular system showed the presence of many tortuous vessels and the majority of them were veins and capillaries. Terminal loops were extremely sinuous adopting a glomerular or corkscrew shape. These tumor vessels are different from normal vessels, presenting irregular diameters, outpouchings and constrictions. Angiogenesis of sprouting and intussusceptive kind could be identified in the tumor pouches, and they were more frequent as the tumor developed. SCANNING 31: 188–194, 2009. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Erneuerung des Innenkorrosionsschutzes der Triebwasserleitungen im Pumpspeicherkraftwerk Markersbach
Authors: Gelhaar Andreas , Schneider Andreas , Lang Ingo 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIm Pumpspeicherwerk Markersbach der Vattenfall Europe Generation AG wurde 2007 und 2008 der Korrosionsschutz der beiden Triebwasserleitungen (Durchmesser ca. 6 m) und Niederdruck‐ Verteilerrohrleitungen (Durchmesser bis zu 8,7 m) erneuert. Die zu bearbeitende Stahloberfläche betrug ca. 50000 m2. Die Korrosionsschutzmaßnahme beinhaltete das Abstrahlen der Altbeschichtung mit Herstellung des Oberflächenvorbereitungsgrades Sa 2 1/2 und den Neuaufbau eines 4‐schichtigen Beschichtungssystems. Durch die objektspezifischen Verhältnisse mit einem Gefälle der ca. 1000 m langen Triebwasserleitung von bis zu 58 % war für die Durchführung der Arbeiten der Einsatz eines speziellen Befahrwagens erforderlich. Die Herstellung von für Korrosionsschutzarbeiten geeigneten klimatischen Bedingungen erfolgte durch das Einleiten von entfeuchteter und erwärmter Luft. Der folgende Beitrag beschreibt die Durchführung der Korrosionsschutzarbeiten sowie deren Qualitätssicherung und geht auf bei der Bauausführung aufgetretene Besonderheiten ein.Refreshment of the inner corrosion protection of the works water pipelines of the hydro storage pump power plant Markersbach.The corrosion protection of the works water pipelines (diameter approx. 6 m) and the low pressure distributor pipeline (diameter up to 8,7 m) of the hydro storage pump power plant Markersbach of Vattenfall Europe Generation AG was modernised in 2007 and 2008. The steel surface to be worked on constituted approx. 50000 m2. The corrosion protection measure comprised the blasting of the old coating and the creation of the surface preparation level of Sa 2 1/2 and the rebuilding of a 4‐layer coating system. Due to the object‐specific conditions of approx. 1000 m long works water pipeline with an incline of up to 58 %, the use of a special carriage was necessary for the accomplishment of the works. The creation of suitable climatic conditions for the corrosion protection works was achieved via the intake of dehumidified and pre‐heated air. This article describes the accomplishment of the corrosion protection works as well as their quality assurance and discusses the particularities that occurred during the execution of the construction work.