bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fetal death due to upper airway compromise complicated by thyroid storm in a mother with uncontrolled Graves' disease: a case report
Authors: Yildizhan Recep , Kurdoglu Mertihan , Adali Ertan , Kolusari Ali 
Published: June 2009

Abstract

Introduction
We report an unusual case of upper airway compromise complicated by thyroid storm in a pregnant woman with Graves' disease, ending with the in utero death of the fetus. This complication might have developed due to upper airway edema as a result of poorly controlled hyperthyroidism.

Case presentation
A 41-year-old Turkish woman at 27 weeks' gestation suffering from Graves' disease was referred to our emergency department with a diagnosis of respiratory arrest. She was unconscious and had been intubated. Her laboratory results were compatible with thyrotoxicosis. The patient had suffered from respiratory difficulty for a long time and had stopped using her antithyroid medications after the first trimester of pregnancy. One day before, she had visited an obstetrician because her respiratory distress had increased. At that time, her fetus was still alive. She was given oxygen therapy and then sent home. With a presumptive diagnosis of thyroid storm, she was admitted to the intensive care unit and treated with aggressive medical therapy. The baby was found to be no longer alive and was delivered vaginally after labor induction. The mother was discharged 10 days later with maintenance therapy.

Conclusion
Hyperthyroidism during pregnancy warrants very close attention and should almost always be treated with appropriate antithyroid medications. Maternal respiratory distress in such patients can be an early sign of impending upper airway compromise and thyroid storm, which can endanger the mother and fetus unless prompt and aggressive therapy is initiated.
High flow biphasic positive airway pressure by helmet – effects on pressurization, tidal volume, carbon dioxide accumulation and noise exposure
Authors: Moerer Onnen , Herrmann Peter , Hinz José , Severgnini Paolo , Calderini Edoardo , Quintel Michael , Pelosi Paolo 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) with a helmet device is often associated with poor patient-ventilator synchrony and impaired carbon dioxide (CO2) removal, which might lead to failure. A possible solution is to use a high free flow system in combination with a time-cycled pressure valve placed into the expiratory circuit (HF-BiPAP). This system would be independent from triggering while providing a high flow to eliminate CO2.

Methods
Conventional pressure support ventilation (PSV) and time-cycled biphasic pressure controlled ventilation (BiVent) delivered by an Intensive Care Unit ventilator were compared to HF-BiPAP in an in vitro lung model study. Variables included delta pressures of 5 and 15 cmH2O, respiratory rates of 15 and 30 breaths/min, inspiratory efforts (respiratory drive) of 2.5 and 10 cmH2O) and different lung characteristics. Additionally, CO2 removal and noise exposure were measured.

Results
Pressurization during inspiration was more effective with pressure controlled modes compared to PSV (P < 0.001) at similar tidal volumes. During the expiratory phase, BiVent and HF-BiPAP led to an increase in pressure burden compared to PSV. This was especially true at higher upper pressures (P < 0.001). At high level of asynchrony both HF-BiPAP and BiVent were less effective. Only HF-BiPAP ventilation effectively removed CO2 (P < 0.001) during all settings. Noise exposure was higher during HF-BiPAP (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
This study demonstrates that in a lung model, the efficiency of NIV by helmet can be improved by using HF-BiPAP. However, it imposes a higher pressure during the expiratory phase. CO2 was almost completely removed with HF-BiPAP during all settings.
MAPK signaling pathways in the regulation of hematopoiesis
Authors: Geest Christian R , Coffer Paul J 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
Relevance of mitogen-activated protein kinases ERK, JNK, and p38 in the regulation of myeloid differentiation.
The MAPKs are a family of serine/threonine kinases that play an essential role in connecting cell-surface receptors to changes in transcriptional programs. MAPKs are part of a three-component kinase module consisting of a MAPK, an upstream MEK, and a MEKK that couples the signals from cell-surface receptors to trigger downstream pathways. Three major groups of MAPKs have been characterized in mammals, including ERKs, JNKs, and p38MAPKs. Over the last decade, extensive work has established that these proteins play critical roles in the regulation of a wide variety of cellular processes including cell growth, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. It has been demonstrated that ERK, JNK, and p38MAPK activity can be regulated in response to a plethora of hematopoietic cytokines and growth factors that play critical roles in hematopoiesis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of MAPK function in the regulation of hematopoiesis in general and myelopoiesis in particular. In addition, the consequences of aberrant MAPK activation in the pathogenesis of various myeloid malignancies will be discussed.
The Mediator Complex Subunit 1 Enhances Transcription of Genes Needed for Adrenal Androgen Production
Authors: Nakamura Yasuhiro , Xing Yewei , Sasano Hironobu , Rainey William E. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThere are three enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of the adrenal androgen dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate. Cholesterol side-chain cleavage (CYP11A1) and 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17) metabolize cholesterol into DHEA, whereas steroid sulfotransferase family 2A1 (SULT2A1) is responsible for conversion of DHEA to DHEA sulfate. We previously examined the mechanisms regulating CYP11A1, CYP17, and SULT2A1 transcription and found that each is regulated, in part, by the transcription factor GATA-6. Previous studies suggested that mediator complex subunit 1 (MED1, also called PPARBP or TRAP220) is a cofactor involved in not only the regulation of nuclear receptors but also the activation of GATA-6 transcription. Herein we demonstrated a role for MED1 in the regulation of CYP11A1, CYP17, and SULT2A1 transcription. Transient transfection assays with SULT2A1 deletion and mutation promoter constructs allowed the determination of specific the GATA-6 binding cis-regulatory elements necessary for transactivation of SULT2A1 transcription. Binding of MED1 and GATA-6 was confirmed by coimmunoprecipitation/Western analysis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. We demonstrated expression of MED1 mRNA and protein in the human adrenal and determined that knockdown of MED1 expression via specific small interfering RNA attenuated CYP11A1, CYP17, and SULT2A1 expression levels in H295R cells. In addition, we demonstrated that MED1 enhanced GATA-6 stimulated transcription of promoter constructs for each of these genes. Moreover, the activity of MED1 for SULT2A1 promoter was mediated by GATA-6 via the −190 GATA-binding site. These data support the hypothesis that MED1 and GATA-6 are key regulators of SULT2A1 expression, and they play important roles in adrenal androgen production.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement
Authors: Diamanti-Kandarakis Evanthia , Bourguignon Jean-Pierre , Giudice Linda C. , Hauser Russ , Prins Gail S. , Soto Ana M. , Zoeller R. Thomas , Gore Andrea C. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThere is growing interest in the possible health threat posed by endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are substances in our environment, food, and consumer products that interfere with hormone biosynthesis, metabolism, or action resulting in a deviation from normal homeostatic control or reproduction. In this first Scientific Statement of The Endocrine Society, we present the evidence that endocrine disruptors have effects on male and female reproduction, breast development and cancer, prostate cancer, neuroendocrinology, thyroid, metabolism and obesity, and cardiovascular endocrinology. Results from animal models, human clinical observations, and epidemiological studies converge to implicate EDCs as a significant concern to public health. The mechanisms of EDCs involve divergent pathways including (but not limited to) estrogenic, antiandrogenic, thyroid, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, retinoid, and actions through other nuclear receptors; steroidogenic enzymes; neurotransmitter receptors and systems; and many other pathways that are highly conserved in wildlife and humans, and which can be modeled in laboratory in vitro and in vivo models. Furthermore, EDCs represent a broad class of molecules such as organochlorinated pesticides and industrial chemicals, plastics and plasticizers, fuels, and many other chemicals that are present in the environment or are in widespread use. We make a number of recommendations to increase understanding of effects of EDCs, including enhancing increased basic and clinical research, invoking the precautionary principle, and advocating involvement of individual and scientific society stakeholders in communicating and implementing changes in public policy and awareness.
Iodine Deficiency
Authors: Zimmermann Michael B. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractIodine deficiency has multiple adverse effects in humans, termed iodine deficiency disorders, due to inadequate thyroid hormone production. Globally, it is estimated that 2 billion individuals have an insufficient iodine intake, and South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa are particularly affected. However, about 50% of Europe remains mildly iodine deficient, and iodine intakes in other industrialized countries, including the United States and Australia, have fallen in recent years. Iodine deficiency during pregnancy and infancy may impair growth and neurodevelopment of the offspring and increase infant mortality. Deficiency during childhood reduces somatic growth and cognitive and motor function. Assessment methods include urinary iodine concentration, goiter, newborn TSH, and blood thyroglobulin. But assessment of iodine status in pregnancy is difficult, and it remains unclear whether iodine intakes are sufficient in this group, leading to calls for iodine supplementation during pregnancy in several industrialized countries. In most countries, the best strategy to control iodine deficiency in populations is carefully monitored universal salt iodization, one of the most cost-effective ways to contribute to economic and social development. Achieving optimal iodine intakes from iodized salt (in the range of 150–250 μg/d for adults) may minimize the amount of thyroid dysfunction in populations. Ensuring adequate iodine status during parenteral nutrition has become important, particularly in preterm infants, as the use of povidone-iodine disinfectants has declined. Introduction of iodized salt to regions of chronic iodine deficiency may transiently increase the incidence of thyroid disorders, but overall, the relatively small risks of iodine excess are far outweighed by the substantial risks of iodine deficiency.
Frequent incidental discovery of phaeochromocytoma: data from a German cohort of 201 phaeochromocytoma
Authors: Kopetschke Robert , Slisko Mario , Kilisli Aylin , Tuschy Ulrich , Wallaschofski Henri , Fassnacht Martin , Ventz Manfred , Beuschlein Felix , Reincke Martin , Reisch Nicole , Quinkler Marcus 
Published: June 2009

ContextAdrenal and extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma are chromaffin cell-derived tumours that are discovered due to classical symptom triad with headache, sweating and palpitations combined with persistent or paroxysmal hypertension. However, an increasing proportion of phaeochromocytoma seems to be discovered incidentally upon abdominal imaging.ObjectiveTo specify the exact circumstances of discovery of adrenal and extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma.Design and patientsFour German endocrine centres participated in this retrospective study. Medical records of 201 patients with adrenal and extra-adrenal phaeochromocytoma who were diagnosed between 1973 and 2007 were analyzed.ResultsThe typical triad of symptoms was found only in 10% of cases. Ten percent of patients presented were without clinical symptoms and 6.1% were normotensive. Documented blood pressure peaks occurred in 44.1% of cases. In 24 patients (12.2%), phaeochromocytoma was malignant. Before 1985, <10% of cases were incidentally discovered, whereas thereafter the frequency was >25% (29.4% of the total study population). Patients with incidentally detected phaeochromocytoma were significantly older (53.1±1.9 vs 47.0±1.3 years; P<0.05) and often had less blood pressure peaks (37.0 vs 70.7%; P<0.001) than patients in whom the diagnosis was suspected on clinical grounds. Of phaeochromocytomas 94.4% were intra-adrenal tumours, of which 12.9% were bilateral. Bilateral tumours were significantly smaller than unilateral tumours (36.6±14.7 vs 52.5±34.3 mm; P<0.05), whereas extra-adrenal tumours had a mean diameter of 52.6±28.7 mm.ConclusionsOwing to better availability and accessibility of imaging procedures, the number of incidentally discovered phaeochromocytoma is increasing and reaches nearly 30% in our study population. Every adrenal incidentaloma should be investigated for the presence of phaeochromocytoma.
Tuning the Threshold Voltage in Organic Field Effect Transistors by Space Charge Polarization of Gate Dielectrics
Authors: Sakai Heisuke , Konno Koudai , Murata Hideyuki 
Published: June 2009

AbstractStudies of gate dielectrics in organic field effect transistors (OFETs) have been attractive because the electric properties of OFETs are susceptibly affected by the choice of the gate dielectrics. Here, we demonstrate a tunable threshold voltage in an organic field effect transistor (OFET) using an ion-dispersed gate dielectrics. By applying external electric field (Vex) to the gate dielectrics, the dispersed ions in the gate dielectrics are separated by electrophoresis and form space charge polarization. The drain current of the OFET increased over 1.9 times and the threshold voltage (Vth) decreased 22 V (from -35.1 V to -13.1 V).The shift direction of Vth was easily tuned by the polarity of the external voltage. The dielectric permittivity of the gate dielectrics and mobility of the active layer were unchanged after the polarization of the gate dielectrics. The UV-VIS differential absorption spectra of the OFETs indicate that there is no chemical doping in the active layer of the OFETs. These results indicated the shifts of threshold voltages were originated from the polarization of gate dielectrics.
Enhanced Efficiency of CIGS Thin Film Solar Cells on Polyimide Substrates
Authors: Caballero Raquel , Kaufmann Christian A. , Eisenbarth Tobias , Eicke Axel , Unold Thomas , Klenk Reiner , Schock H.W. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe effect of the amount of Na present during the 3-stage growth of CIGS at very low temperature T2 on polyimide (PI) foils is studied. While at higher growth temperatures Na seems to impede In-Ga interdifussion, at very low temperatures it appears to further the process. An increase in Voc for a higher Na concentration can be explained by a higher net carrier concentration as measured by drive level capacitance profiling. Admittance spectroscopy measurements show shallow defects when the Na concentration increases. These results suggest that the main role of Na could be the passivation of InCu donor deep defect, in agreement with Wei's theory. Efficiencies of up to 15.1 % (0.5 cm2 active area with antireflection coating) and 13.6%, 14.1% (1 cm2 total and active area respectively without antireflection coating) for nominal T2=420° C were achieved on PI substrates so far.
Nucleation and Grain Boundaries in Thin Film CdTe/CdS Solar Cells
Authors: Major Jon D , Proskuryakov Yuri Y , Durose Ken 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe early stage formation mechanisms operating during the sublimation growth of CdTe films on CdS has been evaluated using a growth interrupt methodology for deposition under 100 Torr of N2. Key stages of the growth were identified and are discussed in terms of the processes of island nucleation, island growth/coalescence, channel formation and secondary nucleation that have been reported for other materials systems. It was demonstrated that the grain size could be manipulated by means of controlling the gas pressure in the range 2 – 200 Torr, with the grain diameter increasing with pressure linearly as D (μm) = 0.027(± 0.011) × P (Torr) + 0.90(± 0.31). For a series of solar cells made using such material, the performance parameters were seen to increase with grain size up to a plateau corresponding to grains of ∼4 μm in this case. Equivalent circuit parameters for resistive components arising from grain boundaries, and the contact to the CdTe, were measured. It is considered that grain boundary barriers in CdTe are harmful to PV performance, and that the plateau in performance occurs when the grain size is increased to the level where the contact resistance is greater than that due to grain boundaries.
Preliminary Evaluation of Conductive Adhesive Tapes as Potential Interleafing Connects for Flexible Thin-Film PV Applications
Authors: Pern Fu-Jann , Jones Ryan A. , Gedvilas Lynn M. , Gessert Tim A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTwo types of commercial electrically conductive adhesive (CA) tapes, one isotropic and the other anisotropic, were investigated for their potential application as interleafing connects for flexible thin-film photovoltaic modules. The performance stability of their vacuum-laminated sample constructs between two 50-μm stainless steel (SS) foils and between the SS foil and bilayer ZnO/Mo-coated SS foil was evaluated upon damp-heat and dry-heat exposure. Preliminary results indicated that the isotropic CA tape was more stable than the anisotropic tape.
Preparation of Delafossite CuYO2 by Metal-citric Acid Complex Decomposition Method
Authors: Nishio Keishi , Okada Tomomi , Kikuchi Naoto , Mikusu Satoshi , Iida Tsutomu , Tokiwa Kazuyasu , Watanabe Tsuneo , Kineri Tohru 
Published: June 2009

AbstractDelafossite CuYO2 and Ca doped CuYO2 were prepared by thermal decomposition of a metal-citric acid complex. The starting solution consisted of Cu acetate, Y acetate and Ca acetate as the raw materials. Citric acid was used as the chelating agent, and acetic acid and distilled water were mixed as a solvent. The starting solutions were heated at 723 K for 5 h after drying at 353 K. The obtained powders were amorphous and single phase of orthorhombic Cu2Y2O5 was obtained by heat-treated the amorphous powder at a temperature range between 1073 and 1373 K for 3 h in air. Furthermore, Heat-treating the obtained orthorhombic Cu2Y2O5 at above 1373 K in air caused it to decompose into Y2O3, CuO and Cu2O. On the other hand, the sample powder prepared from a starting solution without citric acid, i.e., single phase of orthorhombic Cu2Y2O5 could not be obtained under the same synthesis conditions as that for a solution with citric acid. We were able to obtain delafossite CuYO2 and Ca doped CuYO2 from orthorhombic Cu2Y2O5 under a low O2 pressure atmosphere at above 1223 K. The obtained delafossite CuYO2 composed hexagonal and rhombohedral phases. The color of the CuYO2 powder was light brown and that of Ca-doped CuYO2 was light green. Diffraction peaks in the XRD pattern were slightly shifted by doping Ca for CuYO2, and these peaks shifted toward to a high diffraction angle with an increasing amount of doped Ca. From these results, we concluded that Ca doped delafossite CuYO2 could be obtained by thermal decomposition of a metal-citric acid complex.
Thermal Transport in Rough Silicon Nanowires for Thermoelectric Applications
Authors: Sinha Sanjiv , Budhaev Bair , Majumdar Arun 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe coefficient of merit, ZT of nanostructured thermoelectric materials increases with reduction in thermal conductivity through phonon scattering. The ideal thermoelectric is considered to be an electron crystal and a phonon glass. This paper explores such a material concept by developing a theory for phonon localization in rough nanowires with crystalline cores. Results based on this theory suggest that the reported hundredfold decrease in thermal conductivity of rough silicon nanowires arises due to multiply scattered and localized phonons. Phonon localization presents a new direction to further enhance ZT through nanostructuring.
Surfactant-mediated Synthesis of Functional Metal Oxide Nanostructures via Microwave Irradiation-assisted Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Brahma Sanjaya , Shivashankar S. A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractNanostructured materials have attracted considerable interest in recent years due to their properties which differ strongly from their bulk phase and potential applications in nanoscale electronic and optoelectronic devices. Metal oxide nanostructures can be synthesized by variety of different synthesis techniques developed in recent years such as thermal decomposition, sol-gel technique, chemical coprecipitation, hydrothermal process, solvothermal process, spray pyrolysis, polyol process etc. All the above processes go through a tedious synthesis procedure followed by prolonged heat treatment at elevated temperature and are time consuming. In the present work we describe a rapid microwave irradiation-assisted chemical synthesis technique for the growth of nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanotubes of a variety of metal oxides in the presence of an appropriate surfactant, without the use of any templates The method is simple, inexpensive, and helps one to prepare nanostructures in a very simple way, and in a very short time, measured in minutes. The synthesis procedure employs high quality metalorganic complexes (typically -diketonates) featuring a direct metal-to-oxygen bond in its molecular structure. The complex is dissolved in a suitable solvent, often with a surfactant added, and the solution then subjected to microwave irradiation in a domestic microwave oven operating at 2.45 GHz frequency with power varying from 160-800 W, from a few seconds to a few minutes, leading to the formation of corresponding metal oxides. This method has been used successfully to synthesize nanostructures of a variety of binary and ternary metal oxides such as ZnO, CdO, Fe2O3, CuO, Ga2O3, Gd2O3, ZnFe2O4, etc. There is an observed variation in the morphology of the nanostructures with the change of different parameters such as microwave power, irradiation time, appropriate solvent, surfactant type and concentration. Cationic, anionic, nonionic and polymeric surfactants have been used to generate a variety of nanostructures. Even so, to remove the surfactant, there is either no need of heat treatment or a very brief exposure to heat suffices, to yield highly pure and crystalline oxide materials as prepared. By adducting the metal complexes, the shape of the nanostructures can be controlled further. In this manner, very well formed, single-crystalline, hexagonal nanorods and nanotubes of ZnO have been formed. Adducting the zinc complex leads to the formation of tapered ZnO nanorods with a very fine tip, suitable for electron emission applications. Particle size and their monodispersity can be controlled by a suitable choice of a precursor complex, the surfactant, and its concentration. The resulting metal oxide nanostructures have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, photoluminescence, and electron emission measurements.