bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of the use of functional foods enriched with phytosterols/‐stanols on adherence to statin therapy
Authors: Eussen Simone R. B. M. , Bouvy Marcel L. , Rompelberg Cathy J. M. , van der Elst Menno E. , Garssen Johan , Oosterveld Marco H. , de Boer Anthonius , de Gier Johan J. , van Kranen Henk J. , Klungel Olaf H. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTPurposeSubjects using functional foods with approved health claims may be more likely to be non‐adherent with prescribed drug therapy. This study aimed to assess the influence of the use of phytosterol/‐stanol‐enriched functional foods on adherence to statin therapy among patients initiating treatment.MethodsWe used data from the statin intervention research project, a randomized controlled trial aimed at improving adherence to statins. In the trial, new statin users were randomized to receive either usual care or extensive pharmaceutical care consisting of five individual counseling sessions. Customary use of phytosterol/‐stanol‐enriched products was identified by questionnaires filled out by all participants. Automated pharmacy‐dispensing records were used to assess adherence in terms of discontinuation of therapy and the medication possession ratio. Analyses were performed for the overall population, as well as stratified for receiving pharmaceutical or usual care.ResultsThe use of functional foods enriched with phytosterols/‐stanols was not related to discontinuation of statin therapy, neither in the overall population (overall population adjusted hazard rate ratio (HRadj): 0.80 [95%CI: 0.59–1.08]), nor when stratified by randomization arm (pharmaceutical care HRadj: 0.77 [95%CI: 0.49–1.23]); usual care HRadj: 0.81 [95%CI: 0.54–1.21]). The median medication possession ratio was significantly lower in users of phytosterols/‐stanols in the usual care group, but the difference was not clinically relevant.ConclusionsCustomary use of phytosterol/‐stanol‐enriched functional foods did not affect adherence to statins in new users that are well informed on the beneficial effects of statin therapy. In daily medical practice, general practitioners and pharmacists should urge subjects not to take phytosterol/‐stanol‐enriched functional foods as replacement for their prescribed medication. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic methods unravel the protein quality control in Escherichia coli
Authors: Leichert Lars I. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractProtein quality control is an essential process in all living organisms. A network of folding helper proteins and proteases ushers proteins into their native conformation, safeguards their structure under adverse environmental conditions, and, if all else fails, degrades proteins at the end of their life time. Escherichia coli is a versatile model organism used in the analysis of fundamental cellular processes. Much of what we know about protein quality control has been discovered in this microorganism. In the investigation of the mode of action, regulation and substrate specificity of chaperones, thiol‐disulfide isomerases and proteases, proteomic methods have been playing a key role. Here, we provide a condensed overview about the protein quality control network in E. coli and the remarkable contributions of proteomics to our current knowledge.
New anion conducting membranes based on functionalized styrene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer for fuel cells applications
Authors: Faraj Marco , Elia Elisabetta , Boccia Massimiliano , Filpi Antonio , Pucci Andrea , Ciardelli Francesco 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this work, the functionalization of polystyrene‐b‐poly(butadiene)‐b‐polystyrene triblock copolymer (SBS) with vinylbenzyl chloride and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) or α,α′‐azo‐bis‐isobutyronitrile (AIBN) as free radical initiators was reported. The functionalization degree (FD), calculated by 1H NMR spectroscopy and confirmed by elemental analysis, was highly tunable (from 4 to 10 mol %) and positively correlated to the starting percentage of radical initiator. More specifically, at the same initiator molar percentage grafting efficiency is higher using BPO rather than AIBN. Quaternization reaction of the grafted benzyl chloride groups with the bifunctional tertiary amine 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (Dabco) led to a chemically and thermally stable homogeneous anion‐exchange membrane. Electrochemical parameters were evaluated for Dabco‐quaternized grafted copolymers having different FDs, and compared with a commercial Tokuyama benchmark membrane. Experimental data showed a positive correlation between FD and both water swelling and ionic conductivity. Best trade‐off between ionic conductivity and water swelling was found for membrane having FD 9.1 mol %, which conductivity is comparable with the Tokuyama benchmark one and water uptake is only slightly higher. The results are discussed based on the molecular parameters with particular reference to ionic content and distribution. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011
Improved Hemocompatibility Guided by Pulsed Plasma Tailoring the Surface Amino Functionalities of TiO2 Coating for Covalent Immobilization of Heparin
Authors: Yang Zhilu , Wang Jin , Luo Rifang , Li Xin , Chen Si , Sun Hong , Huang Nan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis work aims to develop a facile and effective approach to tailoring amine functional groups on the TiO2 surface by depositing a thin film of plasma polymeric allylamine which is rich in amine groups. Furthermore, the primary amine groups on the surface are used to covalently immobilize heparin. The results reveal that heparin bound to the amine functionalized TiO2 surface not only shows a good retention, but also retains biological activity. The hemocompatibility evaluation shows less platelet adhesion, platelet activation and fibrinogen activation on the heparin immobilized TiO2 surface. Amine functionalized TiO2 surface remarkably promotes endothelial cell (EC) adhesion and proliferation. On the heparin immobilized TiO2 surface, although EC adhesion and proliferation is slightly suppressed at the beginning, after cultivation for 3 d, the growth behavior of ECs is obviously improved over pure TiO2 surface.
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Significant enhancement of breakdown voltage for GaN DHFETs by Si substrate removal
Authors: Srivastava Puneet , Das Jo , Visalli Domenica , Van Hove Marleen , Malinowski Pawel E. , Marcon Denis , Cheng Kai , Geens Karen , Leys Maarten , Decoutere Stefaan , Mertens Robert P. , Borghs Gustaaf 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we present a study on the substrate removal of AlGaN/GaN/AlGaN double‐heterostructure FETs (DHFETs) on Si (111) substrates by 2 different approaches: a global versus local removal route. We report on the significant enhancement of breakdown voltage (VBD) of DHFETs with only 2 µm thick AlGaN buffer in both cases. In the case of global Si removal, the Si substrate is completely removed and transferred to the sapphire carrier. However, for the local Si removal, the Si substrate is selectively etched only under the source‐to‐drain regions. Before Si removal, VBD saturates at ∼ 700 V at a gate‐drain distance (LGD) ≥ 8 µm: confirming electrical breakdown into the Si substrate. The breakdown voltage is remarkably enhanced after etching away the substrate by either of the techniques. We measure a VBD > 1100 V for devices with LGD ≥ 15 µm with a buffer thickness of only a 2 µm (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Properties of surface‐pit related emission in a ‐plane InGaN/GaN quantum wells grown on r ‐plane sapphire
Authors: Badcock T. J. , Hao R. , Moram M. A. , Dawson P. , Kappers M. J. , Humphreys C. J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractWe have investigated the optical and structural properties of non‐polar (11‐20) In0.03Ga0.97N/GaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) grown on r‐plane sapphire substrates. The emission spectrum is characterised by a peak at ∼370 nm and a blue‐green emission band (400–550 nm). The near‐UV peak at 370 nm is assigned to carrier recombination in the MQWs lying on the (11‐20) plane. On the basis of microscopy and cathodoluminescence imaging, the longer wavelength band is attributed to emission from sidewall MQWs formed on the various semi‐polar facets of structural defects which form during MQW growth at the lower temperatures and high NH3 flow in a nitrogen atmosphere. The spectral width of this band is proposed to originate from electronic disorder within individual sidewall QWs and variations between the structural properties of QWs formed on different semi‐polar facets (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Broadening of interband transitions in InGaN quantum wells
Authors: Gladysiewicz M. , Kudrawiec R. , Misiewicz J. , Siekacz M. , Cywinski G. , Skierbiszewski C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBroadening of interband transitions was calculated for inhomogeneous InGaN quantum wells (QWs) dedicated for emitters operating in green spectral range. In order to simulate inhomogeneities for InGaN QW system, it was assumed that the QW width, barrier widths and indium concentration vary with a Gaussian distribution where the nominal QW width, barrier widths and indium concentration correspond to the mean value in this distribution and their fluctuations correspond to the deviation from the main value. Calculations of QW transitions were performed within the electron effective mass approximation for a thousand of randomly generated InGaN QWs and next a histogram of the intensity of optical transitions was built from the result of these calculations. In this way the influence of the each parameter (QW width, barrier width, and indium concentration) on the broadening of interband transitions was considered independently and, finally, all the parameters were taken into account at the same time. The obtained spectrum of interband transitions was compared with experimental data for InGaN QWs (i.e., photoluminescence and contactless electroreflectance measurements). It was found that the large broadening of interband transitions in InGaN QWs results from the inhomogeneous distribution of QW sizes and indium concentration. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural and optical properties of GaN crystals grown by the ammonothermal technique
Authors: Wang Buguo , Weyburne David , Sun‐Paduano Qing , Swider Stacy , Suscavage Michael , Bliss David 
Published: June 2011

AbstractHigh quality GaN crystals grown by the ammonothermal method are reported. The grown crystals possess excellent structural and optical properties. As confirmed by X‐ray diffractions, the crystals have very low overall Bragg peak broadening and particularly low twist variance. X‐ray rocking curves indicate the ammonothermal growth is replicating or improving from the seed crystal, with as low as 65 arc‐sec FWHM on (002) when using a 1×3 mm2 unslitted X‐ray spot size. Room temperature PL indicates the material has almost no yellow‐band emission although the yellow emission peak increased after annealing of the sample at 900 °C. The availability of yellow‐band free ammonothermal wafers offers a unique opportunity to study the origin of the yellow‐band emission in GaN (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Measurement of the Intrinsic Thermal Conductivity of a Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube and Its Contact Thermal Resistance with the Substrate
Authors: Yang Juekuan , Yang Yang , Waltermire Scott W. , Gutu Timothy , Zinn Alfred A. , Xu Terry T. , Chen Yunfei , Li Deyu 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe intrinsic thermal conductivity of an individual carbon nanotube and its contact thermal resistance with the heat source/sink can be extracted simultaneously through multiple measurements with different lengths of the tube between the heat source and the heat sink. Experimental results on a 66‐nm‐diameter multiwalled carbon nanotube show that above 100 K, contact thermal resistance can contribute up to 50% of the total measured thermal resistance; therefore, the intrinsic thermal conductivity of the nanotube can be significantly higher than the effective thermal conductivity derived from a single measurement without eliminating the contact thermal resistance. At 300 K, the contact thermal resistance between the tube and the substrate for a unit area is 2.2 × 10−8 m2 K W−1, which is on the lower end among several published data. Results also indicate that for nanotubes of relatively high thermal conductance, electron‐beam‐induced gold deposition at the tube–substrate contacts may not reduce the contact thermal resistance to a negligible level. These results provide insights into the long‐lasting issue of the contact thermal resistance in nanotube/nanowire thermal conductity measurements and have important implications for further understanding thermal transport through carbon nanotubes and using carbon nanotube arrays as thermal interface materials.
Glycine receptor internalization by protein kinases activation
Authors: Velázquez‐Flores Miguel ángel , Salceda Rocío 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAlthough glycine‐induced currents in the central nervous system have been proven to be modulated by protein kinases A (PKA) and C (PKC), the mechanism is not well understood. In order to better comprehend the mechanism involved in this phenomenon, we tested the PKA and PKC activation effect on the specific [3H]glycine and [3H]strychnine binding to postsynaptic glycine receptor (GlyR) in intact rat retina. The specific binding constituted about 20% of the total radioligand binding. Kinetic analysis of the specific binding exhibited a sigmoidal behavior with three glycine and two strychnine binding sites and affinities of 212 nM for [3H]glycine and 50 nM for [3H]strychnine. Specific radioligand binding was decreased (60–85%) by PKA and PKC activation, an effect that was blocked by specific kinases inhibitors, as well as by cytochalasin D. GlyR expressed in the plasma membrane decreased about 50% in response to kinases activation, which was consistent with an increase of the receptor in the microsomal fraction when PKA was activated. Moreover, immunoprecipitation studies indicated that these kinases lead to a time‐dependent receptor phosphorylation. Our results suggest that in retina, GlyR is cross‐regulated by G protein‐coupled receptors, activating PKA and PKC. Synapse 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Adverse influence of coumestrol on secretory function of bovine luteal cells in the first trimester of pregnancy
Authors: Młynarczuk J. , Wróbel M. H. , Kotwica J. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractCoumestrol is one of a few biologically active substances present in leguminous plants, which are widely used as fodder for ruminants. Depending on the doses, coumestrol acts on the reproductive processes as an estrogen‐like factor or antiestrogen to evoke a decrease in ovulation frequency, elongation of estrous cycle duration. The aim of the current investigations was to study the influence of coumestrol on secretory function of luteal cells obtained from first trimester of pregnant cows. Luteal cells (2.5 × 105/mL) from 3rd to 5th, 6th to 8th, and 9th to 12th week of pregnancy were preincubated for 24 h and incubated with coumestrol (1 × 10−6 M) for successive 48 h and the medium concentrations of progesterone (P4), oxytocin (OT), prostaglandin (PG) E2 and F2α were determined. Moreover, the expression of mRNA for neurophysin‐I/oxytocin (NP‐I/OT; precursor of OT) and peptidyl‐glycine‐α‐amidating mono‐oxygenase (PGA, an enzyme responsible for post‐translational OT synthesis) was determined after 8 h of treatment. Coumestrol did not affect P4 secretion but increased the secretion of OT from the cells collected at all stages of gestation studied. Hence, the ratio of P4 to OT was markedly decreased. Simultaneously, coumestrol increased the expression of NP‐I/OT mRNA during 9th to 12th weeks of pregnancy, and mRNA for PGA during 3rd to 5th and 9th to 12th weeks of gestation. Furthermore, coumestrol decreased PGE2 secretion from luteal cells in all studied stages of pregnancy, while it affected PGF2α metabolite (PGFM) concentration only from week 3 to 5 of pregnancy. Obtained results suggest that coumestrol impairs secretory function of the corpus luteum (CL) and this way it can affect the maintenance of pregnancy in the cow. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2013.
The Brazier effect in wind turbine blades and its influence on design
Authors: Jensen F.M. , Weaver P.M. , Cecchini L.S. , Stang H. , Nielsen R.F. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTCritical failure was observed in the shear web of a wind turbine blade during a full‐scale testing. This failure occurred immediately before the ultimate failure and was partly caused by buckling and non‐linear cross‐sectional strain.Experimental values had been used to compare and validate both numerical and semi‐analytical results in the analysis of the shear webs in the reinforced wind turbine blade. Only elastic material behaviour was analysed, and attention was primarily focused on the Brazier effect. The complex, geometrically non‐linear and elastic stress–strain behaviour of the shear webs and the cap in compression were analysed using a balance of experimental, numerical and analytical approaches. It was noted that the non‐linear distortion was caused by the crushing pressure derived from the Brazier effect. This Brazier pressure may have a significant impact on the design of new blades, and an optimized box girder had been studied to show the importance of including Brazier pressure in the design process for future wind turbine blades. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cancer nanotechnology research in the United States and China: cooperation to promote innovation
Authors: Schneider Julie A. , Grodzinski Piotr , Liang Xing‐Jie 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe application of nanotechnology to cancer research is a promising area for US–China cooperation. Cancer is a major public health burden in both countries, and progress in cancer nanotechnology research is increasing in several fields, including imaging, biomarker detection, and targeted drug delivery. The United States and China are international leaders in nanotechnology research, and have both launched national programs to support nanotechnology efforts in the recent past. The accelerating trend of co‐authorship among US and Chinese nanotechnology researchers demonstrates that individual scientists already recognize the potential for cooperation, providing a strong platform for creating additional partnerships in pre‐competitive research areas. Mechanisms that could help to enhance US–China cancer nanotechnology partnerships include: developing new programs for bi‐directional training and exchange; convening workshops focused on specific scientific topics of high priority to both countries; and joint support of collaborative research projects by US and Chinese funders. In addition to the accelerating scientific progress, expanded cooperation will stimulate important dialog on regulatory, policy, and technical issues needed to lay the groundwork for US and Chinese scientists to move greater numbers of cancer nanotechnology applications into the clinic. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 441–448 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.149This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease
Toxicology and Regulatory Issues in Nanomedicine > Regulatory and Policy Issues in Nanomedicine
Evidence for Tetrahedral Zinc in Amorphous In2–2xZnxSnxO3 (a‐ZITO)
Authors: Hoel Cathleen A. , Xie Sujing , Benmore Chris , Malliakas Christos D. , Gaillard Jean‐François , Poeppelmeier Kenneth R. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe structure of amorphous In2–2xZnxSnxO3 (a‐ZITO, x = 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) was investigated with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the total scattering pair‐distribution function (PDF) and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS), which revealed a well‐defined short‐range structure that differed from the crystalline bixbyite and corundum ZITO polymorphs. The X‐ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) were used to detect InO6 and SnO6 octahedra and ZnO4 tetrahedra in a‐ZITO, which differ from the InO6, SnO6 and ZnO6 pseudo‐octahedra that are observed in the bixbyite and corundum ZITO polymorphs. The formation of the ZnO4 tetrahedron likely inhibits the crystallization of ZITO when synthesized under mild conditions. in situ XRD showed a gradual transition from a‐ZITO to a mixture of the bixbyite and corundum ZITO polymorphs as the temperature was raised from 300 °C to 568 °C.
Endoscopic double‐metallic stenting for malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions
Authors: Moon Jong Ho , Choi Hyun Jong 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic metallic stenting is a safe, effective treatment for malignant biliary obstructions, but can be technically difficult when combined malignant biliary and duodenal obstructions exist. Available duodenal metallic stents feature a tight mesh unsuitable for transpapillary biliary stenting. We evaluated the feasibility and usefulness of new endoscopic procedures for endoscopic double‐stent placement in managing such obstructions.MethodsThe through‐the‐scope duodenal metallic stent has a central cross‐wired, unfixed structure that allows insertion of the biliary stent through the mesh wall of a duodenal stent. Transpapillary endoscopic placement of a biliary stent was performed through the lumen of this duodenal stent. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided biliary drainage was performed successfully through the duodenal bulb after puncturing with a 19G needle. Biliary metallic stenting through the choledochoduodenal tract and effective drainage were achieved.ConclusionsUse of a combined endoscopic biliary and duodenal stent inserted through the mesh of the new duodenal metallic stent is feasible and effective in managing the aforementioned obstructions. EUS‐guided biliary metal stenting is a therapeutic option for endoscopic management when a failed transpapillary approach through the lumen of the duodenal stent occurs. The continued development of endoscopic procedures and devices should resolve issues associated with complicated strictures.
Antioxidant micronutrient supplementation increases erythrocyte membrane fluidity in adults from a rural Chinese community
Authors: Han Xiu-Xia , Zhang Ming , Ma Ai-Guo , Ge Sheng , Shi Xue-Xiang , Sun Yong-Ye , Wang Qiu-Zhen , Liang Hui 
Published: June 2011

The objective of the present study was to investigate age-related differences in erythrocyte membrane fluidity (EMF) and changes in antioxidant capacity following supplementation. A total of seventy-four children were randomly divided into two groups: group A1 was the placebo-controlled group and group A2 was supplemented daily with 600 μg retinol, 1·0 mg β-carotene, 100 mg tocopherol, 300 mg ascorbic acid and 200 μg Se. A total of ninety young people were randomly divided into B1 and B2 groups, and ninety-one elderly subjects were divided into C1 and C2 groups. Groups B1 and C1 were placebo-controlled groups, and groups B2 and C2 were daily supplemented with 900 μg retinol, 1·5 mg β-carotene, 200 mg tocopherol, 500 mg ascorbic acid and 400 μg Se. Results showed that plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) was 5·35 μmol/l in children, which was lower than in young and elderly people. The MDA levels of the young and elderly individuals in the treated groups were significantly lower compared with the control groups, but the supplementation did not alter MDA levels in children. At baseline, there was a lower value of polarisation (ρ) and microviscosity (η) in children, indicating a higher EMF, than in both the young and elderly subjects. After the 2-month trial, the ρ and η values of young and elderly subjects in the treated groups decreased significantly in comparison with the placebo groups, indicating an increase in EMF. In conclusion, there was a background of higher MDA levels and lower EMF in young and elderly people than in children, which could be improved by antioxidant supplementation.