bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute and prolonged effect of static stretching on the passive stiffness of the human gastrocnemius muscle tendon unit in vivo
Authors: Nakamura Masatoshi , Ikezoe Tome , Takeno Yohei , Ichihashi Noriaki 
Published: April 2011

AbstractStatic stretching (SS) is commonly used to prevent or improve limited joint mobility. However, it is unclear whether the components of the muscle‐tendon unit (MTU) are affected by 5 min of SS. This study investigated the acute and prolonged effect of SS on the mechanical properties of the MTU. The subjects comprised 15 male participants (mean age: 21.5 ± 1.6 years). MTU stiffness, muscle stiffness, tendon stiffness, and fascicle length of the gastrocnemius muscle were measured by ultrasonography and a dynamometer while the ankle was passively dorsiflexed. The measurements were performed prior to the 5 min of SS, immediately after the SS, and 10 min after the SS. MTU stiffness and muscle stiffness significantly decreased at both immediately and 10 min after SS, whereas no significant differences in MTU stiffness and muscle stiffness were found between immediately and 10 min after SS. Tendon stiffness immediately after SS was significantly higher than prior to and 10 min after SS. No significant change in the fascicle length occurred after SS. These results suggest that 5 min of SS affects MTU and muscle stiffness both immediately and 10 min after SS, which may be associated with a change in the connective tissue properties. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:1759–1763, 2011
Location and agricultural practices influence spring use of harvested cornfields by cranes and geese in Nebraska
Authors: Anteau Michael J. , Sherfy Mark H. , Bishop Andrew A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMillions of ducks, geese, and sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis; hereafter cranes) stop in the Central Platte River Valley (CPRV) of Nebraska to store nutrients for migration and reproduction by consuming corn remaining in fields after harvest. We examined factors that influence use of cornfields by cranes and geese (all mid‐continent species combined; e.g., Anser, Chen, and Branta spp.) because it is a key step to efficient conservation planning aimed at ensuring that adequate food resources are available to migratory birds stopping in the CPRV. Distance to night‐time roost site, segment of the CPRV (west to east), and agricultural practices (post‐harvest treatment of cornfields: idle, grazed, mulched, mulched and grazed, and tilled) were the most important and influential variables in our models for geese and cranes. Probability of cornfield use by geese and cranes decreased with increasing distance from the closest potential roosting site. The use of cornfields by geese increased with the density of corn present there during the early migration period, but field use by cranes appeared not to be influenced by early migration corn density. However, probability of cornfield use by cranes did increase with the amount of wet grassland habitat within 4.8 km of the field. Geese were most likely to use fields that were tilled and least likely to use fields that were mulched and grazed. Cranes were most likely to use fields that were mulched and least likely to use fields that were tilled, but grazing appeared not to influence the likelihood of field use by cranes. Geese were more likely to use cornfields in western segments of the CPRV, but cranes were more likely to use cornfields in eastern segments. Our data suggest that managers could favor crane use of fields and reduce direct competition with geese by reducing fall and spring tilling and increasing mulching. Moreover, crane conservation efforts would be most beneficial if they were focused in the eastern portions of the CPRV and in fields as close as possible to both known roosting and large amounts of wet grassland habitats. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Capturing clapper rails using thermal imaging technology
Authors: Mills William E. , Harrigal Dean E. , Owen Sheldon F. , Dukes William F. , Barrineau Daniel A. , Wiggers Ernie P. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractCapturing sufficient numbers of marsh birds for telemetry studies is difficult due to the secretive nature and inaccessible habitat of the birds. We experimented with thermal imaging technology to locate clapper rails and subsequently capture them from an airboat in South Carolina tidal marshes. This method produced a capture rate of up to 19.2 rails/hr, which exceeded other capture rates in the literature. We believe this technique will improve capture efficiency for clapper rails, and potentially other secretive marsh birds, enhancing opportunities for studying these important species. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Genetic mark–recapture population estimation in black bears and issues of scale
Authors: Coster Stephanie S. , Kovach Adrienne I. , Pekins Peter J. , Cooper Andrew B. , Timmins Andrew 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAbundance estimates for black bears (Ursus americanus) are important for effective management. Recently, DNA technology has resulted in widespread use of noninvasive, genetic capture–mark–recapture (CMR) approaches to estimate populations. Few studies have compared the genetic CMR methods to other estimation methods. We used genetic CMR to estimate the bear population at 2 study sites in northern New Hampshire (Pittsburg and Milan) in 2 consecutive years. We compared these estimates to those derived from traditional methods used by the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department (NHFG) using hunter harvest and mortality data. Density estimates produced with genetic CMR methods were similar both years and were comparable to those derived from traditional methods. In 2006, the estimated number of bears in Pittsburg was 79 (95% CI = 60–98) corresponding to a density of 15–24 (95% CI) bears/100 km2; the 2007 estimate was 83 (95% CI = 67–99; density = 16–24 bears/100 km2). In 2006, the estimated number of bears in Milan was 95 (95% CI = 74–117; density = 16–25 bears/100 km2); the 2007 estimate was 96 (95% CI = 77–114; density = 17–25 bears/100 km2). We found that genetic CMR methods were able to identify demographic variation at a local scale, including a strongly skewed sex ratio (2 M:1 F) in the Milan population. Genetic CMR is a useful tool for wildlife managers to monitor populations of local concern, where abundance or demographic characteristics may deviate from regional estimates. Future monitoring of the Milan population with genetic CMR is recommended to determine if the sex ratio bias continues, possibly warranting a change in local harvest regimes. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Polysulfone/Metal Nanocomposites by Simultaneous Photoinduced Crosslinking and Redox Reaction
Authors: Sangermano Marco , Roppolo Ignazio , Camara V. H. Alves , Dizman Cemil , Ates Sahin , Torun Lokman , Yagci Yusuf 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA diacrylate polysulfone oligomer is synthesized and used as the acrylic oligomer for the in situ synthesis of noble metal/PSU nanocomposites through UV‐induced simultaneous radical polymerization of acrylic functionalities and NP formation by reduction of their precursors. Thus, silver or gold NPs are formed in situ during polymer network formation. FESEM analysis of the morphology of the cured systems demonstrates that the nanoparticles of the noble metals are homogeneously distributed in the network without macroscopic agglomeration. magnified image
Nerve growth factor in bladder dysfunction: Contributing factor, biomarker, and therapeutic target
Authors: Ochodnický Peter , Cruz Célia D. , Yoshimura Naoki , Michel Martin C. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn the last two decades, nerve growth factor (NGF), initially described as a prototypical trophic factor in the development of sensory and sympathetic innervation, has emerged as a complex regulator of neural plasticity along the micturition pathways. This review aims to summarize the current experimental and clinical evidence for a role of NGF in urinary bladder. Experimental administration of NGF elicits the states of increased sensation, urgency, and bladder hyperreflexia, resembling pathologies associated with bladder overactivity and inflammatory pain, such as overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). There is strong experimental evidence, including the effective therapeutic targeting, on the direct causal role of NGF in rodent models of bladder outlet obstruction, spinal cord injury, diabetic bladder dysfunction, and interstitial inflammation. In humans, there are attempts to employ urinary NGF levels as a diagnostic marker in various forms of OAB and IC/PBS. In near future, use of novel experimental tools, such as urothelium‐specific NGF transgenic mice or more specific low‐molecular weight NGF receptor modulators, may provide better understanding of several unresolved issues in NGF‐related bladder dysfunction. Moreover, successful experimental therapeutic approaches, such as NGF sequestering proteins or modified NGF antibodies, await the translation to the clinical treatment of bladder disorders. Neurourol. Urodynam. 30:1227–1241, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clopidogrel protects from cell apoptosis and oxidative damage in a mouse model of renal ischaemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Hu Honglin , Batteux Frédéric , Chéreau Christiane , Kavian Niloufar , Marut Wioleta , Gobeaux Camille , Borderie Didier , Dinh‐Xuan Anh Tuan , Weill Bernard , Nicco Carole 
Published: April 2011

AbstractRenal ischaemia‐reperfusion injury (IRI) is consecutive to tissue oxidative damage and cell apoptosis that lead to acute renal failure (ARF) in renal allografts. The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of a pretreatment by clopidogrel on renal IRI in mice. IRI was induced by bilateral renal ischaemia for 45 min followed by reperfusion. Sixty‐two healthy male BALB/c mice were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: PBS + ischaemia‐reperfusion (IR); clopidogrel + IR; PBS + sham IR; clopidogrel + sham IR. Clopidogrel (25 mg/kg) or PBS was administered per os to the animals via a gastric cannula 24 h before operation. All mice were given a single dose of clopidogrel or PBS. Renal function histological damage, renal cell apoptosis, renal antioxidant activities, and CD41 expression were determined 24 h after reperfusion. The survival rates were evaluated over 7 days. Animals pretreated with clopidogrel had lower plasma levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, lower histopathological scores, and improved survival rates following IR. Renal cell apoptosis induced by IR was decreased in kidneys of mice pretreated by clopidogrel, with an increase in Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐xL expression and a decrease in caspase‐3, caspase‐8, and Bax expression. Renal reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities were unmodified by the pretreatment with clopidogrel. However, clopidogrel resulted in an increased total antioxidant capacity of the kidney. Furthermore, pretreatment by clopidogrel decreased the number of CD41‐positive cells. Thus, clopidogrel exerts protective effects on renal IRI in mice by abrogating renal cell apoptosis as a consequence of improved renal antioxidant capacity and could be tried as a novel therapeutic tool in renal IRI. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of hypoxia‐associated proteins in sporadic medullary thyroid cancer is associated with desmoplastic stroma reaction and lymph node metastasis and may indicate somatic mutations in the VHL gene
Authors: Koperek Oskar , Bergner Oliver , Pichlhöfer Bettina , Oberndorfer Felicitas , Hainfellner Johannes A , Kaserer Klaus , Horvat Reinhard , Harris Adrian L , Niederle Bruno , Birner Peter 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMedullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) are mostly aggressive but slowly growing malignant tumours that metastasize early to loco‐regional lymph nodes. Desmoplastic stroma reaction is a strong risk factor associated with lymph node metastases. We evaluated immunohistochemically the expression of two hypoxia‐associated proteins, carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) and hypoxia‐induced factor 1α (HIF1α), and ki‐67, intercellular matrix adhesion molecule E‐cadherin and the stroma remodelling marker tenascin C in a series of 100 sporadic MTCs and corresponding lymph node metastases, if present. Moderate to strong expression of CAIX was seen in 53 cases, and of HIF1α in 51 cases, showing a strong correlation (p < 0.001; Spearman's coefficient of correlation, 0.59). Expression correlated with the degree of desmoplasia ($p_{\rm{CAIX}} = 0.001$ and $p_{{\rm{HIF1}}\alpha} = 0.001$), with tenascin C expression ($p_{\rm{CAIX}} = 0.001$, $p_{{\rm{HIF1}}\alpha} = 0.038$), with the ki‐67 proliferation index ($p_{\rm{CAIX}} = 0.001$, p$_{{\rm{HIF1}}\alpha} = 0.001$) and with the presence of lymph node metastases ($p_{\rm{CAIX}} < 0.001$ and p$_{{\rm{HIF1}}\alpha} = 0.007$). The absence of membranous E‐cadherin staining was significantly associated with the grade of desmoplasia, tenascin expression and lymph node metastases (p≤0.05) but not with ki67 proliferation index or expression of hypoxia‐associated factors. Expression of hypoxia‐associated proteins was in most cases identical between primary tumours and lymph node metastases. Two cases showed strong uniform expression of CAIX and HIF1α in the primary tumour as well as in the lymph node metastases, and sequencing revealed mutations in the coding regions of the Von‐Hippel–Lindau gene (VHL). Our findings suggest that despite of the fact that MTCs have only slowly growth, tumour hypoxia plays an important role in the development of loco‐regional metastases. Since traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy has only little effect on MTCs, targeting hypoxia‐associated and ‐regulated proteins might be of benefit for patients. Copyright © 2011 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene in the presence of diphenylamine with hydrogen peroxide as initiator
Authors: Haghighat Hassan Rezaei , Barikani Mehdi , Morshedian Jalil 
Published: April 2011

AbstractLiving behavior of a nitroxide‐mediated polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene in the presence of diphenyl nitroxide (DPN) as counter radical and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as initiator has been studied to elucidate the bimodal molar mass distribution of the product by four approaches such as hydrolyzation of the oligomeric product, peak separation technique, which defines the oligobutadiene molar mass dependency in relation to α as a ratio of [nitroxide] to [H2O2], variation of hydroxyl value with respect to α, and para‐substituted DPN. It is demonstrated that the synthesized DPN shows efficient control of the polymerization of 1,3‐butadiene, but because of the formation of difunctional nitroxide during the oxidation process of aromatic diphenylamine, a bimodal distribution in the final product is observed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Cu powder‐catalyzed single electron transfer‐living radical polymerization of acrylonitrile
Authors: Ma Jing , Chen Hou , Zhang Min , Chen Lingfang 
Published: April 2011

AbstractSingle electron transfer‐living radical polymerization (SET‐LRP) has been used as a new technique for the synthesis of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) catalyzed by Cu(0) powder with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) as the initiator and hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) as the ligand in N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) or mixed solvent. Well‐controlled polymerization has been achieved as evidenced by a linear increase of molecular weight with respect to monomer conversion as well as narrow molecular weight distribution. Kinetics data of the polymerizations at both ambient temperature and elevated temperature demonstrate living/controlled feature. An increase in the concentration of ligand yields a higher monomer conversion within the same time frame and almost no polymerization occurs in the absence of ligand due to the poor disproportionation reaction of Cu(I). The reaction rate exhibits an increase with the increase of the amount of catalyst Cu(0)/HMTA. Better control on the molecular weight distribution has been produced with the addition of CuCl2. In the presence of more polar solvent water, it is observed that there is a rapid increase in the polymerization rate. The effect of initiator on the polymerization is also preliminarily investigated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Similarities between the discovery and regulation of pharmaceuticals and pesticides: in support of a better understanding of the risks and benefits of each
Authors: Swanton Clarence J , Mashhadi Hamid R , Solomon Keith R , Afifi Maha M , Duke Stephen O 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAn argument is presented by which the role of pharmaceuticals and pesticides can both be viewed in terms of contributing to human health. Comparisons are made in terms of discovery and development, regulatory policies and environmental and human impacts. Both technologies target particular biological functions, and in many cases they target similar molecular sites of action. Pharmaceuticals and pesticides undergo a similar registration process; however, both can enter the environment where they can have adverse effects on non‐target organisms and, if misused, will have detrimental effects on human health or the environment. It is suggested that the risks associated with the two technologies are similar. The rejection of pesticides by the general public is based primarily on personal value systems and the uncertainty of risk management. It is concluded that plant and animal health are vital to maintaining human health, and that pesticides used in food production are, as with pharmaceuticals, a vital tool used to maintain human health. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Insecticidal compounds from the essential oil of Chinese medicinal herb Atractylodes chinensis
Authors: Chu Sha Sha , Jiang Guo Hua , Liu Zhi Long 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: In a screening programme for new agrochemicals from Chinese medicinal herbs, the essential oil of Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz was found to possess strong insecticidal activity against the common vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster L. The essential oil was extracted via hydrodistillation, and its constituents were determined by GC‐MS analysis.RESULTS: The main components of A. chinensis essential oil were β‐eudesmol (21.05%), β‐selinene (11.75%), γ‐elemene (7.16%) and isopetasam (5.36%). Bioactivity‐directed chromatographic separation on repeated silica gel columns led to the isolation of five compounds, namely atractylon, α‐elemol, β‐eudesmol, hinesol and β‐selinene. β‐Selinene, α‐elemol and hinesol showed pronounced contact toxicity against D. melanogaster adults, with LD50 values of 0.55, 0.65 and 0.71 µg adult−1 respectively. Atractylon and β‐eudesmol were also toxic to the fruit flies (LD50 = 1.63 and 2.65 µg adult−1 respectively), while the crude oil had an LD50 value of 2.44 µg adult−1.CONCLUSION: The findings suggested that the essential oil of Atractylodes chinensis and its active constituents may be explored as natural potential insecticides. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Ab initio investigation of magnetism in Cr‐doped diamond‐like carbon
Authors: Komelj Matej 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe constructed supercells for modeling diamond‐like carbon (DLC) structures and doped them with Cr atoms in order to investigate the presence of magnetism, which was recently observed experimentally. The total energies for the magnetic and non‐magnetic (NM) states were calculated ab initio within the framework of the density‐functional theory (DFT). We found that an external strain is required for the ferromagnetic state to be energetically the most favorable.
Recombination dynamics of localized excitons in AlxGa1‐xN (0.37<x<0.81) ternary alloys
Authors: Murotani Hideaki , Kittaka Ryo , Kurai Satoshi , Yamada Yoichi , Miyake Hideto , Hiramatsu Kazumasa 
Published: April 2011

AbstractRecombination dynamics of localized excitons in AlxGa1‐xN ternary alloy epitaxial layers (0.37<x <0.81) has been studied by means of time‐resolved photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. An emission energy dependence of the PL lifetime was analyzed to estimate the degree of localization (E0) and the radiative recombination lifetime of localized excitons (τrad). The E0 increased with increasing Al composition from x =0.37 to 0.61, and decreased with further increasing Al composition. The value of τrad increased slightly from 903 to 958 ps for x =0.37 to 0.61, and then the rapid decrease occurred at the Al compositions above 0.61 (τrad=484 ps for x =0.81). The rapid decrease was well explained by considering the increase in the oscillator strength of excitons with increasing Al composition in addition to the decrease in the effect of exciton localization. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Measurement of the tuneable absorption in GaN‐based multi‐section laser diodes
Authors: Scheibenzuber W. , Schwarz U. , Sulmoni L. , Carlin J.‐F. , Castiglia A. , Grandjean N. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe present an experimental technique to measure the absorption spectra of the absorber section of GaNbased multi‐section laser diodes using optical gain spectroscopy. We find that the absorption of the examined laser diodes decreases with increasing negative bias, which results from a reduction of the internal field in the quantum wells by the external voltage. A maximum modal absorption as high as 250 cm–1 at the laser wavelength of 413 nm is measured at 1 V absorber voltage. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Towards nanorod LEDs: Numerical predictions and controlled growth
Authors: Kölper Christopher , Bergbauer Werner , Drechsel Philipp , Sabathil Matthias , Straßburg Martin , Lugauer Hans‐Jürgen , Witzigmann Bernd , Fündling Sönke , Li Shunfeng , Wehmann Hergo‐Heinrich , Waag Andreas 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe present a numerical optimization of nanorod geometries with respect to the optical properties of an electrically driven LED emitting in the green spectral range. It is shown that an overall Purcell enhancement as well as directional emission can be achieved at an emission wavelength of 550 nm with nanorods of 110 nm radius. Position‐controlled growth on patterned substrates demonstrates that the required dimensions are accessible by varying growth parameters and growth time in a large volume MOVPE reactor. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
InGaN mini‐laser diode arrays with cw output power of 500 mW
Authors: Holc Katarzyna , Sarzyńska Agnieszka , Boćkowski Michał , Czernecki Robert , Leszczyński Michał , Suski Tadeusz , Kucharski Robert , Perlin Piotr 
Published: April 2011

AbstractOne of the required features of nitride‐based laser diodes is the possibility to obtain high output powers from devices, which is essential in e.g. RGB displays, lithography and high speed printing. This can be realized by means of multi emitter structures. We report on fabrication of a mini laser array, integrated on one laser chip and consisting of three emitters of the dimensions of 700 μm x 3 μm. The emitters structures was fabricated by MOVPE on top of the low defect density bulk GaN crystal obtained by ammonothermal method. We tested devices characterized by various pitches from 12 to 80 μm obtaining very similar results. Contrary to our previous study showing strong inter‐emitter coupling we obtained independent emission from each stripe. This fact is a result of better vertical mode confinement and the suppression of substrate mode leakage. These latter effects were the reason for emitters coupling, as we reported previously. The new devices produced up to 500 mW of optical power, this value was limited by the thermal resistance of the whole package. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)