bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ordering of block copolymer/nanoparticle composite thin films
Authors: Lo Chieh‐Tsung , Lee Byeongdu , Gao Mong‐Wei , Chou Po‐Wei 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe ordering behavior of polymer nanocomposites composed of gold nanoparticles confined in the polystyrene (PS) domains of PS based block copolymers was investigated. The results reveal that the self‐assembly of nanoparticles in the PS domains improved the ordering of microdomains. This is attributed to the presence of nanoparticles that reduced the degree of segregation of the system, causing slow phase separation. This facilitates the packing of the cylindrical microdomains, leading to a well‐ordered structure of the composite. When particles were incorporated into the major domains of cylindrically ordered block copolymer, the connectivity of the domains allowed particles to move to the top of the film to gain additional entropy of the system. In contrast, when particles were organized in parallel cylinders in the block copolymer, they were confined in the cylinders which prevented them from diffusing in the depth direction. The aggregation of nanoparticles was amplified when the composite was annealed in air. We believe that the results from this study will enable more understanding of the effects of nanoparticles on the ordering of block copolymer/nanoparticle composite thin films and will provide a tool in the fabrication of composite thin films. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Relationship between prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) and characteristics of tumor aggressiveness
Authors: Augustin Herbert , Mayrhofer Katrin , Pummer Karl , Mannweiler Sebastian 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDData supporting prostate cancer gene 3 (PCA3) as prognostic marker are still inconsistent. With special emphasis to Gleason pattern specific tumor volumes (TVs) the relationships between PCA3 score and different characteristics of tumor aggressiveness were meticulously analyzed.METHODSIn 127 patients treated with radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer, urinary PCA3 score was quantified using Progensa™ PCA3 assay. Total TV and Gleason patterns' specific tumor volumes (GPTV) were assessed by computer‐assisted planimetry. Spearman's rank correlations coefficients (r) were calculated to assess relationships between PCA3 and TV as well as GPTV. Regression analyses were performed to estimate the relationship between PCA3 and TV as well as non‐organ confined disease.RESULTSMean patients' age was 60.8 years. Patients showed a mean PSA level of 8.1 ng/ml and a mean PCA3 score of 68.5. PCA3 was not significantly correlated with TV (r = 0.131, P = 0.142). Stratified by Gleason score groups ≤6, 7, and ≥8, PCA3 showed no significant correlations with TV. In a subgroup analysis of 50 patients with different primary and secondary Gleason patterns there was neither a correlation with the primary GPTV (r = 0.071, P = 0.626) nor with the secondary GPTV (r = 0.052, P = 0.722). The PCA3 score was neither an independent predictor for TV nor for non‐organ confined disease.CONCLUSIONSThe PCA3 score did not show any significant correlation with TV, primary or secondary GPTV. Moreover, the PCA3 score was not an independent predictor for TV or for non‐organ confined disease. Thus, the PCA3 score had no impact for the prediction of aggressive prostate cancers. Prostate 73: 203–210, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Impact of tricyclazole and azoxystrobin on growth, sporulation and secondary infection of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Kunova Andrea , Pizzatti Cristina , Cortesi Paolo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae B. Couch sp. nov., is one of the most destructive rice diseases worldwide, causing substantial yield losses every year. In Italy, its management is based mainly on the use of two fungicides, azoxystrobin and tricyclazole, that restrain the disease progress. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the inhibitory effects of the two fungicides on the growth, sporulation and secondary infection of M. oryzae.RESULTS: Magnaporthe oryzae mycelium growth was inhibited at low concentrations of azoxystrobin and relatively high concentrations of tricyclazole, while sporulation was more sensitive to both fungicides and was affected at similarly low doses. Furthermore, infection efficiency of conidia obtained from mycelia exposed to tricyclazole was affected to a higher extent than for conidia produced on azoxystrobin‐amended media, even though germination of such conidia was reduced after azoxystrobin treatment.CONCLUSIONS: This study presents for the first time detailed azoxystrobin and tricyclazole growth–response curves for M. oryzae mycelium growth and sporulation. Furthermore, high efficacy of tricyclazole towards inhibition of sporulation and secondary infection indicates an additional possible mode of action of this fungicide that is different from inhibition of melanin biosynthesis. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Laboratory evaluation of the effects of Manilkara subsericea (Mart.) Dubard extracts and triterpenes on the development of Dysdercus peruvianus and Oncopeltus fasciatus
Authors: Fernandes Caio P , Xavier Alexandre , Pacheco João Pedro Furtado , Santos Marcelo Guerra , Mexas Rodrigo , Ratcliffe Norman A , Gonzalez Marcelo Salabert , Mello Cícero Brasileiro , Rocha Leandro , Feder Denise 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of Manilkara subsericea extracts and triterpenes on the development of two species of agricultural pest insects, Oncopelus fasciatus and Dysdercus peruvianus.RESULTS: All treatments of insects with M. subsericea extracts induced mortality, delayed development and inhibited moulting. Some extracts assayed (FH, FB and FD in D. peruvianus, and FH, FB and FEA in O. fasciatus) also produced body deformities in the few adults that emerged. Other extracts (FH, FEA, FB, FD and LET in both insects), however, induced either permanent (overaged) or extranumerary nymphs, both of which were unable to achieve the adult stage and reproductive status. The insects were also treated with triterpenes (α‐ and β‐amyrin acetates) which showed high lethality at 30 days after treatment and delayed the intermoult period so that overaged nymphs were detected.CONCLUSION: The results indicate that extracts and triterpenes from Manilkara subsericea act as potent growth inhibitors of phytophagous hemipteran nymphs. It is also concluded that the mixture of several different molecules in the extracts used produces synergic effects that do not occur after using the triterpenes (PFT) alone. These secondary metabolites in the M. subsericea extracts can potentially be used in integrated control programmes against crop pests. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Static and dynamic characterization of AlN and nanocrystalline diamond membranes
Authors: Knöbber Fabian , Zürbig Verena , Heidrich Nicola , Hees Jakob , Sah Ram Ekwal , Baeumler Martina , Leopold Steffen , Pätz Daniel , Ambacher Oliver , Lebedev Vadim 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn this work, AlN and nanocrystalline diamond thin films as well as multi‐layer structures on their basis are characterized towards their mechanical properties. In particular, the Young's modulus E and the residual stress σ are obtained by wafer bow measurements of thin films as well as by bulge experiments and vibration measurements of freestanding membranes. Depending on the growth conditions, the AlN thin films, deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering, revealed values of σ ∼ +300 up to +400 MPa and E ∼ 370 GPa, while the diamond films, grown by microwave plasma CVD, showed values of σ ∼ −60 to +60 MPa and E ∼ 870 up to 1000 GPa. The values and the accuracy of the characterization techniques used are discussed and their limits are demonstrated.
Impact of nongeminate recombination on the performance of pristine and annealed P3HT:PCBM solar cells
Authors: Gluecker Markus , Foertig Alexander , Dyakonov Vladimir , Deibel Carsten 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTransient photovoltage (TPV) and voltage dependent charge extraction (CE) measurements were applied to poly(3‐hexyl‐thiophene) (P3HT):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61 butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction solar cells to analyze the limitations of solar cell performance in pristine and annealed devices. From the determined charge carrier decay rate under open circuit conditions and the voltage dependent charge carrier densities n (V), the nongeminate loss current jloss of the device is accessible. We found that jloss alone is sufficient to describe the j –V characteristics across the whole operational range, for annealed and, not yet shown before, also for the lower performing pristine solar cells. Even in a temperature range from 300 K to 200 K nongeminate recombination is found to be the dominant and, therefore, performance limiting loss process. Consequently, charge photogeneration is voltage independent in the voltage range studied. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the mechanism of potential‐induced degradation in crystalline silicon solar cells
Authors: Bauer J. , Naumann V. , Großer S. , Hagendorf C. , Schütze M. , Breitenstein O. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMulticrystalline standard p‐type silicon solar cells, which undergo a potential induced degradation, are investigated by different methods to reveal the cause of the degradation. Microscopic local ohmic shunts are detected by electron‐beam‐induced current measurements, which correlate with the sodium distribution in the nitride layer close to the Si surface imaged by time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The results are compatible with a model of the formation of a charge double layer on or in the nitride, which inverts the emitter. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Computational study of tautomerism and aromaticity in mono‐ and dithio‐substituted tropolone
Authors: Paine S. W. , Salam A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractKeto‐enol tautomerism in mono‐ and dithio‐substituted analogs of tropolone was investigated using electronic structure computations. Seven structural isomers of C7H6OS and four of C7H6S2 were optimized fully in gas phase at HF and B3LYP theoretical levels in combination with the 6‐311++g** basis set, as well as with the CBS‐QB3 and G3 methods. To examine the effects of an aqueous solvent on tautomeric equilibrium constants, each species was optimized in water using the self‐consistent reaction field polarizable continuum model at HF/6‐311++g** and B3LYP/6‐311++g** model chemistries. In both phases it was found that the enol forms were significantly more stable with respect to electronic energy and Gibbs free energy compared to the keto isomers, and outnumbered the keto species by several orders of magnitude. This was understood on the basis of elementary Hückel theory and the 4n + 2 rule, and supported by nucleus independent chemical shifts computations of NMR chemical shifts in these seven membered cyclic systems. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Determination of hazardous volatile organic compounds in the Hoffmann list by ion‐molecule reaction mass spectrometry
Authors: Wang Haoyang , Xie Wenyan , Chen Min , Liu Baizhan , Guo Yinlong 
Published: July 2012

RATIONALEOff‐line gas or liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry techniques are the most widely used method for analysis of hazardous, carcinogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in mainstream cigarette smoke. However, these conventional techniques can lead to modification of VOCs during sample preparation due to the high reactivity of VOCs. Thus, the development of on‐line mass spectrometric methods for analysis of VOCs is desirable to circumvent this problem.METHODSThe accurate identification of VOCs is a critical step in the analysis of cigarette smoke. Here, we use ion‐molecule reaction mass spectrometry (IMR‐MS) to study the behavior of standard VOCs in the Hoffmann list during this analytical procedure, and then to profile the VOCs in mainstream cigarette smoke using this on‐line mass spectrometric method.RESULTSWe first discuss and summarize the charge transfer (CT) ionization and further fragmentation of 20 standard VOCs in the Hoffmann list with the ion reagents Hg+, Xe+, and Kr+. The IMR‐MS instrument was then connected to a Borgwaldt‐RM20H rotary smoking machine in order to study VOCs in mainstream cigarette smoke on‐line. Using this procedure, more than 20 VOCs were identified by IMR‐MS by comparison with experimental results obtained on standard VOCs.CONCLUSIONSThe IMR‐MS technique can potentially result in reduced molecular fragmentation during analysis of VOCs. However, significant fragmentation still occurs during IMR‐MS when the ionization energy (IE) of the ion reagent is much higher than the IE of the VOC, given that excess energy is stored in the newly formed ion during CT ionization. Given that IMR‐MS cannot distinguish between isobaric compounds or isomers, we summarize the possible overlapping mass peaks from these isobaric species that may be present in analyses of VOCs. Selection of the ion reagent for IMR‐MS should be based on the need to ensure CT ionization of the analytes, as well as avoiding their severe fragmentation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prevalence of cases of Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum and Chlamydia trachomatis in women with no gynecologic complaints
Authors: Christofolini Denise Maria , Leuzzi Luciana , Mafra Fernanda Abani , Rodart Itatiana , Kayaki Erika Azuma , Bianco Bianca , Barbosa Caio Parente 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the prevalence of Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in women with no gynecologic complaints screened in the Human Reproduction outpatient clinic of Faculdade de Medicina of ABC, Brazil.MethodsA total of 106 women without gynecologic complaints and in reproductive age were evaluated. DNA was extracted from cells of the genitourinary tract with bacteria for the detection of six types of bacteria by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsWe found that 11.3 % of women had infection with M. hominis and 2.83 % for C. trachomatis. The other bacteria investigated occurred in 2.83 % of women. The percentage of infections identified was 15 %.ConclusionThe data showed a low percentage of women with genitourinary tract bacteria without symptoms. However, these infections can be sexually transmitted, and relate to infertility and other serious illnesses. The identification and treatment of infection in asymptomatic woman can avoid transmission and future genitourinary trait complications.
A randomized controlled trial comparing ceftriaxone with cefazolin for antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy
Authors: Phoolcharoen Natacha , Nilgate Sumanee , Rattanapuntamanee Orapin , Limpongsanurak Sompop , Chaithongwongwatthana Surasith 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of ceftriaxone versus cefazolin for the prevention of febrile morbidity and postoperative infections among patients after abdominal hysterectomy.MethodsIn a double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial in Bangkok, Thailand, 320 patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy between July 2008 and July 2009 were randomly assigned to receive 1 g of either ceftriaxone or cefazolin intravenously in a single dose before surgery. The participants were evaluated for postoperative fever and infection for up to 4 weeks. χ2or Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the ceftriaxone and cefazolin groups in incidence of febrile morbidity (9.4% versus 11.2%), wound infection (3.8% versus 1.9%), vaginal cuff infection (3.8% versus 1.9%), or urinary tract infection (1.9% versus 1.9%).ConclusionThere was no difference between the use of single‐dose preoperative ceftriaxone and cefazolin in preventing infectious morbidity among patients undergoing hysterectomy.
Possible mechanism of phthalates‐induced tumorigenesis
Authors: Wang Yu‐Chih , Chen Hung‐Sheng , Long Cheng‐Yu , Tsai Cheng‐Fang , Hsieh Tsung‐Hua , Hsu Chia‐Yi , Tsai Eing‐Mei 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPhthalates—substances used in the manufacture of plastics—are considered as possible human carcinogens and tumor‐promoting agents. The worldwide annual production of plastics surpassed 300 million tons in 2010. Plastics are an indispensable material in modern society, and many products manufactured from plastics are a boon to public health; however, plastics also pose health risks. Animal studies have indicated that phthalates are carcinogenic, but human epidemiological data confirming this carcinogenicity in humans are limited. The activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α (PPARα), which has been observed in rodent carcinogenesis, has not been observed in humans. Here, we review the hypothesis that the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and its downstream signaling cascade promote phthalate‐induced tumorigenesis.
Role of oxidative stress and apoptosis in the cellular response of murine macrophages uponLeishmaniainfection
Authors: DESCHACHT MAARTJE , VAN ASSCHE TIM , HENDRICKX SARAH , BULT HIDDE , MAES LOUIS , COS PAUL 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYLeishmaniaparasites are able to survive in the macrophage, one of the most hostile environments of the vertebrate host. The present study investigated howLeishmaniainfection influences these host cell defence mechanisms. Macrophages were infected with antimony-susceptible and -resistantLeishmaniastrains. Free radical production inLeishmania-infected macrophages was measured by electron paramagnetic resonance. Apoptosis was detected with fluorescence microscopy using Annexin-V FITC labelling and with Western blotting to detect caspase-3 cleavage. Independent of their drug susceptibility profile or species background, all studiedLeishmaniastrains induced a similar increase in free radical production in macrophages. O2●−production was significantly elevated during phagocytosis of the stationary phase promastigotes. Conversely, NO levels increased later in the infection and none of the strains induced capsase-3 cleavage.Leishmania donovaniinfection led to phosphatidylserine externalization only in RAW 264.7 cells. After an initial burst of O2●−during phagocytosis of promastigotes, amastigotes protect themselves by decreasing the O2●−production to the basal level. An increased NO production was observed 6 h after infection. Finally, induction of cell death is probably not essential in the survival of the parasite within the macrophage.
Neuropsychological function and suicidal behavior: attention control, memory and executive dysfunction in suicide attempt
Authors: Keilp J. G. , Gorlyn M. , Russell M. , Oquendo M. A. , Burke A. K. , Harkavy-Friedman J. , Mann J. J. 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundExecutive dysfunction, distinct from other cognitive deficits in depression, has been associated with suicidal behavior. However, this dysfunction is not found consistently across samples.MethodMedication-free subjects with DSM-IV major depressive episode (major depressive disorder and bipolar type I disorder) and a past history of suicidal behavior (n = 72) were compared to medication-free depressed subjects with no history of suicidal behavior (n = 80) and healthy volunteers (n = 56) on a battery of tests assessing neuropsychological functions typically affected by depression (motor and psychomotor speed, attention, memory) and executive functions reportedly impaired in suicide attempters (abstract/contingent learning, working memory, language fluency, impulse control).ResultsAll of the depressed subjects performed worse than healthy volunteers on motor, psychomotor and language fluency tasks. Past suicide attempters, in turn, performed worse than depressed non-attempters on attention and memory/working memory tasks [a computerized Stroop task, the Buschke Selective Reminding Task (SRT), the Benton Visual Retention Test (VRT) and an N-back task] but not on other executive function measures, including a task associated with ventral prefrontal function (Object Alternation). Deficits were not accounted for by current suicidal ideation or the lethality of past attempts. A small subsample of those using a violent method in their most lethal attempt showed a pattern of poor executive performance.ConclusionsDeficits in specific components of attention control, memory and working memory were associated with suicidal behavior in a sample where non-violent attempt predominated. Broader executive dysfunction in depression may be associated with specific forms of suicidal behavior, rather than suicidal behaviorper se.
Global prevalence of anxiety disorders: a systematic review and meta-regression
Authors: Baxter A. J. , Scott K. M. , Vos T. , Whiteford H. A. 
Published: July 2012

BackgroundThe literature describing the global prevalence of anxiety disorders is highly variable. A systematic review and meta-regression were undertaken to estimate the prevalence of anxiety disorders and to identify factors that may influence these estimates. The findings will inform the new Global Burden of Disease study.MethodA systematic review identified prevalence studies of anxiety disorders published between 1980 and 2009. Electronic databases, reference lists, review articles and monographs were searched and experts then contacted to identify missing studies. Substantive and methodological factors associated with inter-study variability were identified through meta-regression analyses and the global prevalence of anxiety disorders was calculated adjusting for study methodology.ResultsThe prevalence of anxiety disorders was obtained from 87 studies across 44 countries. Estimates of current prevalence ranged between 0.9% and 28.3% and past-year prevalence between 2.4% and 29.8%. Substantive factors including gender, age, culture, conflict and economic status, and urbanicity accounted for the greatest proportion of variability. Methodological factors in the final multivariate model (prevalence period, number of disorders and diagnostic instrument) explained an additional 13% of variance between studies. The global current prevalence of anxiety disorders adjusted for methodological differences was 7.3% (4.8–10.9%) and ranged from 5.3% (3.5–8.1%) in African cultures to 10.4% (7.0–15.5%) in Euro/Anglo cultures.ConclusionsAnxiety disorders are common and the substantive and methodological factors identified here explain much of the variability in prevalence estimates. Specific attention should be paid to cultural differences in responses to survey instruments for anxiety disorders.
The Reduceron reconfigured and re-evaluated
Authors: NAYLOR MATTHEW , RUNCIMAN COLIN 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA new version of a special-purpose processor for running lazy functional programs is presented. This processor – the Reduceron – exploits parallel memories and dynamic analyses to increase evaluation speed, and is implemented using reconfigurable hardware. Compared to a more conventional functional language implementation targeting a standard RISC processor running on the same reconfigurable hardware, the Reduceron offers a significant improvement in run-time performance.