bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ventilatory parameters and maximal respiratory pressure changes with age in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients
Authors: Gayraud Jerome , Ramonatxo Michele , Rivier François , Humberclaude Véronique , Petrof Basil , Matecki Stefan 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe aim of this longitudinal study was to precise, in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the respective functional interest of ventilatory parameters (Vital capacity, total lung capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1]) in comparison to maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax) during growth. In ten boys the mean age of 9.1 ± 1 years) to mean age of 16 ± 1.4 years followed over a period of 7 years, we found that: (1) ventilatory parameters expressed in percentage of predicted value, after a normal ascending phase, start to decrease between 11 and 12 years, (2) Pimax presented only a decreasing phase since the beginning of the study and thus was already at 67% of predicted value at 12 years while ventilatory parameters was still normal, (3) after 12 years the mean slopes of decrease per year of vital capacity and FEV1 were higher (10.7 and 10.4%) than that of Pimax (6.9%), (4) at 15 years mean values of vital capacity and FEV1 (53.3 and 49.5% of predicted values) was simlar to that of Pimax (48.3%). In conclusion, if at early stages of the disease, Pimax is a more reliable index of respiratory impaiment than ventilatory parameters, the follow‐up of ventilatory parameters, when they start to decrease, is a better indicator of disease progression and, at advanced stages they provided same information about the functional impact of disease. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:552–559. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary exacerbations in cystic fibrosis with negative bacterial cultures
Authors: Zemanick Edith T. , Wagner Brandie D. , Harris J. Kirk , Wagener Jeffery S. , Accurso Frank J. , Sagel Scott D. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary exacerbations are a major cause of morbidity in cystic fibrosis (CF) and likely contribute to lung function decline. Exacerbations are often associated with characteristic airway bacteria [CF related bacteria (CFRB)]. However, some patients do not have CFRB detected by culture during exacerbations.ObjectivesWe sought to determine the proportion of airway cultures negative for CFRB during pulmonary exacerbations, and to characterize patients who were CFRB‐negative versus CFRB‐positive.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of patients with CF admitted for a pulmonary exacerbation. Patients were classified as CFRB‐positive or CFRB‐negative based on admission airway cultures. Demographics, clinical presentation, lung function, history of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and improvement in lung function with treatment were compared between groups.Main ResultsThere were 672 admissions for exacerbation involving 211 patients over 5 years. Seventeen percent were classified as CFRB‐negative. Forty‐one percent of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), 32% of throat and 10% of sputum samples were CFRB‐negative. Among patients capable of expectorating sputum, the CFRB‐negative group was younger, less likely to have chronic P. aeruginosa, had higher lung function and body mass index (BMI), and had a lower systemic inflammatory response on admission compared to those with CFRB‐positive cultures. The two groups had similar numbers of patients with three or more signs and symptoms of a pulmonary exacerbation (88% vs. 92%). Both groups returned to baseline lung function following treatment.ConclusionsA significant number of patients with CF and pulmonary exacerbation did not have typical CFRB detected by culture. Patients without CFRB still had characteristic signs and symptoms of pulmonary exacerbation and responded to treatment. Understanding the causes of illness in these patients may improve the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary exacerbations in CF. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:569–577. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of emerging respiratory viruses in children with severe acute wheezing
Authors: García‐García M.L. , Calvo C. , Falcón A. , Pozo F. , Pérez‐Breña P. , De Cea J.M. , Casas I. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBackgroundAcute wheezing episodes are frequently associated with respiratory viral infections in children. However, the role of the recently described respiratory viruses is not yet fully understood.ObjectiveThe main objective of this study was to estimate the frequency of human metapneumovirus (HMPV), human bocavirus (HBoV), and 14 other respiratory viruses in hospitalized children with acute wheezing.MethodsA prospective study was conducted on children <14 years old, admitted with an acute expiratory wheezing episode from September 2005 to June 2008. Viruses were detected in nasopharyngeal aspirates by polymerase chain reaction. Clinical data were prospectively recorded.ResultsA viral pathogen was identified in 444 (71%) out of 626 hospitalized acute wheezing episodes. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most frequently detected (27%), followed by rhinovirus (24%), adenovirus (17.8%), HBoV (16%), and HMPV (4.7%). The rate of viral detection was significantly higher in infants (77.3%), than in older children (59.8%) (P < 0.001). RSV and HBoV were more prevalent in infants (P < 0.001) than in older children.ConclusionThe most prevalent viruses found in severe acute wheezing episodes were RSV and rhinovirus not only in childhood, but also in infancy. However, other emerging viruses such as HBoV and metapneumovirus also play an important role in wheezing episodes. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:585–591. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy in adolescents and young adults
Authors: Johnson Jonathan N. , Driscoll David J. , McGregor Christopher G.A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectivesChronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) occurs in patients with recurrent or chronic pulmonary embolism, and is a rare but potentially devastating disease in adolescents and young adults. Pulmonary thromboendarterectomy (PTE) is an important curative therapy for patients with CTEPH. The importance of this treatment may be under‐appreciated and under‐utilized in adolescents and young adults.Study DesignWe performed a chart review of all patients <24 years of age who had PTE performed for CTEPH at our institution from 2003–2009 (seven patients, average age 20.2 ± 2.5 years, range 17–23 years, average BMI 34 ± 12 kg/m2). All patients had their operations performed by a single surgeon.ResultsThere were no deaths. Three of the seven patients were incorrectly diagnosed prior to the diagnosis of CTEPH. Right ventricular systolic pressure decreased from 61.3 ± 19 mmHg pre‐operatively to 31.8 ± 5 mmHg post‐operatively (P = 0.008). All patients reported symptomatic relief, and no patient has had recurrence of CTEPH.ConclusionAlthough rare in the young patient, recurrent pulmonary emboli can have devastating consequences. The potentially lethal implications of CTEPH may be under‐appreciated in adolescents and young adults. When indicated, PTE is a definitive, curative procedure with low morbidity and mortality. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:614–618. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Baseline sensitivity of lepidopteran corn pests in India to Cry1Ab insecticidal protein of Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Jalali Sushil K , Lalitha Yadavalli , Kamath Subray P , Mohan Komarlingam S , Head Graham P 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Genetically engineered corn (Bt corn) expressing Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner insecticidal protein Cry1Ab is a biotechnological option being considered for management of lepidopteran corn pests in India. As a resistance management practice it was essential to determine the sensitivity of multiple populations of the stalk borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), pink borer Sesamia inferens (Walker) and the cob borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) to Cry1Ab protein through bioassays. The insect populations were collected during growing seasons of Rabi 2005 (October 2005 to February 2006) and Kharif 2006 (May to September 2006).RESULTS: Multiple populations of the three lepidopteran corn pests were found to be susceptible to Cry1Ab. Median lethal concentrations (LC50) ranged between 0.008 and 0.068 µg Cry1Ab mL−1 diet for 18 populations of C. partellus (across two seasons), between 0.12 and 1.99 µg mL−1 for seven populations of H. armigera and between 0.46 and 0.56 µg mL−1 for two populations of S. inferens.CONCLUSION: Dose–response concentrations for lethality and growth inhibition have been determined to mark baseline sensitivity of multiple populations of key lepidopteran corn pests in India to Cry1Ab protein. These benchmark values will be referenced while monitoring resistance to Cry1Ab should Bt corn hybrids expressing Cry1Ab be approved for commercial cultivation in India. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Carrier dynamics in GaN layers overgrown on nanocolumnar structures
Authors: Wang Hsiang‐Chen , Tang Tung‐Yi , Yang C. C. , Malinauskas T. , Jarašiūnas K. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe report on photoelectrical and optical properties of the GaN layers overgrown on the columnar structure with diameter of columns varying from 250 to 600 nm. Excess carriers were injected to 2‐μm thick overgrown layer by an interference pattern of two picosecond laser beams at 355 nm. Carrier recombination and diffusion was monitored by time‐resolved transient grating technique and provided 3‐4 fold increase of carrier lifetime (up to ∼500 ps) with respect to that in the GaN template. Even stronger increase of carrier lifetime at excess carrier density of ∼1019 cm‐3 was observed both in the overgrown layers and substrate and attributed to saturation of electron trapping centers by free carriers. A factor of 7‐8 stronger time‐integrated photoluminescence intensity (at 363 nm) also confirmed the increased structural quality of the overgrown layers, what correlated well with the enhanced electrical parameters (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Study of Si implantation into Mg‐doped GaN for MOSFETs
Authors: Ostermaier Clemens , Ahn Sang‐Il , Potzger Kay , Helm Manfred , Kuzmik Jan , Pogany Dionyz , Strasser Gottfried , Lee Jong‐Ho , Hahm Sung‐Ho , Lee Jung‐Hee 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn this paper we focus on activation and diffusion during annealing of silicon after implantation into Mg‐doped GaN epitaxial layers. The Si diffusion was analyzed for different capping materials and compared to an uncapped sample. Investigation of the Si concentration obtained from secondary ion mass spectroscopy (SIMS) and comparison with calculation revealed several diffusion constants. Different diffusion behaviours at the surface were detected for different Si concentrations around the solubility of Si in GaN. Further, we found similar Si activation efficiencies in GaN for high and low fluences, after taking into account the compensation of electrons by the p‐type background doping. In addition, we investigated the insulation between Si implanted islands in p‐type GaN and the effect of additional Ar+ implantation. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectra from AlN doped with Gd3+
Authors: Fukui Kazutoshi , Sawai Syun , Ito Tomoharu , Emura Shuichi , Araki Tsutomu , Suzuki Akira 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe photoluminescence (PL) spectra from Al0.98Gd0.02N and Al0.87Gd0.13N consisting of Gd3+ related 3.95 eV sharp emission lines and other bands, and the PL excitation (PLE) spectra from 3 to 7 eV have been investigated by using a highly linear polarized synchrotron radiation light source. The Gd related 3.95 eV sharp lines in the PL spectra are similar to those in other cathodoluminescence (CL) and PL research works. However, the broad emission bands around 3.95 eV lines which are normally found in other CL works are not observed. Other broad emission bands are clearly observed in the energy region of 1.5 ∼ 3.5 eV. PLE spectra monitored at both the 3.95 eV sharp line and the broad emission band of Al0.98Gd0.02N clearly indicate that these emission processes are host excitations which are reflected by an AlN‐like band structure and crystalline anisotropy. On the other hand, the PLE and optical reflectance spectra of Al0.87Gd0.13N reveal an unclear band structure with a long band tail to in the lower energy side (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A cost‐based selective maintenance decision‐making method for machining line
Authors: Zhu Haiping , Liu Fanmao , Shao Xinyu , Liu Qiong , Deng Yuhao 
Published: May 2010

AbstractMachine line is a type of manufacturing system in which machines are connected in series or in parallel. It is significant to ensure the reliability as well as to reduce the total cost of maintenance and failure losses in the maintenance programs of such systems. Cost‐based selective maintenance decision‐making, which is the best method for a selected group of machines in machine line is presented under limited maintenance durations. Fault losses and maintenance costs of a single machine under different maintenance actions i.e. minimal repair, preventive maintenance and overhaul on the fault rate of the machine are calculated. An algorithm combining the heuristic rules and tabu search is proposed to solve the presented selective maintenance model. Finally, a case study on the maintenance decision‐making problem of a connecting rod machining line in the automobile engine workshop is presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method. The end result shows that the fault losses can be further reduced by the optimization of maintenance interval and maintenance duration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining degradation and contact angle data in assessing the photocatalytic TiO2:N surface
Authors: Manole Alina , Dǎscǎleanu V. , Dobromir M. , Luca D. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIncreasing the oxidative efficiency of titania by a better use of photoactivation energy from visible solar light has been the subject of major interest during the last decades. Doping titania materials with metals and nonmetals has been demonstrated as a means to enhancing the photocatalytic and hydrophilicity performances by shifting the optical absorption edge of the materials towards visible range. However, when using plasma vapor deposition techniques for film synthesis, incorporating higher amounts of certain dopants (such as nitrogen), in the films from the gas phase is less effective due to low affinity of Ti for them. Alternative means for trimming the N/O content ratio in the films remained an open issue till now.We propose here, a versatile new approach to synthesize TiO2:N thin films of controllable elemental composition by using a sintered TiN target as material source in a reactive RF discharge within the ArO2 gas mixture. By adjusting the O2 partial pressure between 4.2 × 10−6 mbar and 1.3 × 10−3 mbar, RF sputtered thin films have been prepared with N atomic concentration varying between 1.2–1.8 at.%. Film surface morphology, crystallinity, elemental composition and oxidation state data were inferred from AFM, XRD and XPS measurements. Large differences of atomic concentrations of the main elements in the surface have been found between the as‐deposited and sputter‐cleaned films, due to the effect of Ar+ ion bombardment. The rate constants of photoinduced hydrophilic conversion of the TiO2:N surface was inferred from water contact angle data taken during both surface activation and back‐reaction time. The oxidative performance of the photocatalytic films was investigated using oleic acid (C18H34O2) as a test material. The results were discussed in terms of the effects of elemental composition, surface morphology and electronic structure of the films. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Selective Chemical Modification of Graphene Surfaces: Distinction Between Single‐ and Bilayer Graphene
Authors: Koehler Fabian M. , Jacobsen Arnhild , Ensslin Klaus , Stampfer Christoph , Stark Wendelin J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractGraphene modifications with oxygen or hydrogen are well known in contrast to carbon attachment to the graphene lattice. The chemical modification of graphene sheets with aromatic diazonium ions (carbon attachment) is analyzed by confocal Raman spectroscopy. The temporal and spatial evolution of surface‐adsorbed species allows accurate tracking of the chemical reaction and identification of intermediates. The controlled transformation of sp2 to sp3 carbon proceeds in two separate steps. The presented derivatization is faster for single‐layer graphene and allows controlled transformation of adsorbed diazonium reagents into covalently bound surface derivatives with enhanced reactivity at the edge of single‐layer graphene. On bilayer graphene the derivatization proceeds to an adsorbed intermediate, which reacts slower to a covalently attached species on the carbon surface.
Tearing Graphene Sheets From Adhesive Substrates Produces Tapered Nanoribbons
Authors: Sen Dipanjan , Novoselov Kostya S. , Reis Pedro M. , Buehler Markus J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractGraphene is a truly two‐dimensional atomic crystal with exceptional electronic and mechanical properties. Whereas conventional bulk and thin‐film materials have been studied extensively, the key mechanical properties of graphene, such as tearing and cracking, remain unknown, partly due to its two‐dimensional nature and ultimate single‐atom‐layer thickness, which result in the breakdown of conventional material models. By combining first‐principles ReaxFF molecular dynamics and experimental studies, a bottom‐up investigation of the tearing of graphene sheets from adhesive substrates is reported, including the discovery of the formation of tapered graphene nanoribbons. Through a careful analysis of the underlying molecular rupture mechanisms, it is shown that the resulting nanoribbon geometry is controlled by both the graphene–substrate adhesion energy and by the number of torn graphene layers. By considering graphene as a model material for a broader class of two‐dimensional atomic crystals, these results provide fundamental insights into the tearing and cracking mechanisms of highly confined nanomaterials.
BMP Signaling in the Human Fetal Ovary is Developmentally Regulated and Promotes Primordial Germ Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Childs Andrew J. , Kinnell Hazel L. , Collins Craig S. , Hogg Kirsten , Bayne Rosemary A.L. , Green Samira J. , McNeilly Alan S. , Anderson Richard A. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are the embryonic precursors of gametes in the adult organism, and their development, differentiation, and survival are regulated by a combination of growth factors collectively known as the germ cell niche. Although many candidate niche components have been identified through studies on mouse PGCs, the growth factor composition of the human PGC niche has not been studied extensively. Here we report a detailed analysis of the expression of components of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling apparatus in the human fetal ovary, from postmigratory PGC proliferation to the onset of primordial follicle formation. We find developmentally regulated and reciprocal patterns of expression of BMP2 and BMP4 and identify germ cells to be the exclusive targets of ovarian BMP signaling. By establishing long-term cultures of human fetal ovaries in which PGCs are retained within their physiological niche, we find that BMP4 negatively regulates postmigratory PGC numbers in the human fetal ovary by promoting PGC apoptosis. Finally, we report expression of both muscle segment homeobox (MSX)1 and MSX2 in the human fetal ovary and reveal a selective upregulation of MSX2 expression in human fetal ovary in response to BMP4, suggesting this gene may act as a downstream effector of BMP-induced apoptosis in the ovary, as in other systems. These data reveal for the first time growth factor regulation of human PGC development in a physiologically relevant context and have significant implications for the development of cultures systems for the in vitro maturation of germ cells, and their derivation from pluripotent stem cells.
Efficient and rational spectrum utilization in opportunistic OFDMA networks with imperfect CSI: a utility‐based top‐down approach
Authors: Bogucka Hanna 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn this paper, we consider the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)‐based Opportunistic Radio (OR) networks, in which the nodes are able to adopt a subset of subcarriers (SCs) available in the considered network area, as well as the transmission rate and power associated with these SCs either for their uplink or downlink transmission. The idea of our top‐down approach to the efficient and rational spectrum utilization is to allow each node to first optimize the resources acquisition at OSI‐layer 2 (top), where the competition of nodes for available common resources is observed, and then to autonomously optimize the transmission parameters accounting for the radio channel conditions at the physical (down) layer. We assume that the nodes act independently based on their local channel quality information, which contains an error. In these optimization tasks, the efficiency and rationality mechanisms have been introduced in the objective (utility) functions, which reflect the throughput achieved, the network potential to serve multiple nodes, as well as pricing of resources and the power economy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collaborative spectrum sensing in the presence of secondary user interferences for lognormal shadowing
Authors: Chen Yunfei 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe performance of collaborative spectrum sensing is examined for lognormal shadowing channels when secondary user interferences (SUIs) occur. Both soft decision rule and hard decision rule are considered. Computer simulation shows that the SUIs can be ignored in some cases, depending on the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), the signal‐to‐interference ratio, the number of secondary users, the sample correlation, and the decision rule. Thus, by choosing appropriate system parameters, one may conduct collaborative spectrum sensing at the same time as secondary data transmission to save overheads. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Posttranscriptional control and the role of RNA‐binding proteins in gene regulation in trypanosomatid protozoan parasites
Authors: Fernández‐Moya Sandra M. , Estévez Antonio M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractTrypanosomatids are unicellular eukaryotes responsible for severe diseases in humans. They exhibit a number of remarkable biological phenomena, especially at the RNA level. During their life cycles, they alternate between a mammalian host and an insect vector and undergo profound biochemical and morphological transformations in order to adapt to the different environments they find within one or the other host species. These changes are orchestrated by specific gene expression programs. In contrast to other organisms, trypanosomatids do not regulate RNA polymerase II‐dependent transcription initiation. Evidence so far indicates that the main control points in gene expression are mRNA degradation and translation. Recent studies have shown that RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) play a critical role in the developmental regulation of mRNA and protein abundance. RBPs seem to bind to specific subsets of mRNAs encoding functionally related proteins. These ribonucleoprotein complexes may represent posttranscriptional operons or regulons that are able to control the fate of multiple mRNAs simultaneously. We suggest that trypanosomatids transduce environmental signals into mRNA and protein abundance through posttranslational modification of RBPs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease