bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Efficiency in Plastic Solar Cells via Energy Matched Solution Processed NiOx Interlayers
Authors: Steirer K. Xerxes , Ndione Paul F. , Widjonarko N. Edwin , Lloyd Matthew T. , Meyer Jens , Ratcliff Erin L. , Kahn Antoine , Armstrong Neal R. , Curtis Calvin J. , Ginley David S. , Berry Joseph J. , Olson Dana C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe show enhanced efficiency and stability of a high performance organic solar cell (OPV) when the work‐function of the hole collecting indium‐tin oxide (ITO) contact, modified with a solution‐processed nickel oxide (NiOx) hole‐transport layer (HTL), is matched to the ionization potential of the donor material in a bulk‐heterojunction solar cell. Addition of the NiOx HTL to the hole collecting contact results in a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.7%, which is a 17.3% net increase in performance over the 5.7% PCE achieved with a poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) HTL on ITO. The impact of these NiOx films is evaluated through optical and electronic measurements as well as device modeling. The valence and conduction band energies for the NiOx HTL are characterized in detail through photoelectron spectroscopy studies while spectroscopic ellipsometry is used to characterize the optical properties. Oxygen plasma treatment of the NiOx HTL is shown to provide superior contact properties by increasing the ITO/NiOx contact work‐function by 500 meV. Enhancement of device performance is attributed to reduction of the band edge energy offset at the ITO/NiOx interface with the poly(N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothidiazole) (PCDTBT):[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61 butyric acid methyl ester PCBM and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC70BM) active layer. A high work‐function hole collecting contact is therefore the appropriate choice for high ionization potential donor materials in order to maximize OPV performance.
A comparison of the home range sizes of mainland and island populations of black‐faced lion tamarins (Leontopithecus caissara) using different spatial analysis
Authors: Nascimento Alexandre T. Amaral , Schmidlin Lucia A.J. , Valladares‐Padua Claudio B. , Matushima Eliana R. , Verdade Luciano M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe critically endangered black‐faced lion tamarin,Leontopithecus caissara, has a restricted geographical distribution consisting of small mainland and island populations, each with distinct habitats in coastal southeastern Brazil. Necessary conservation management actions require an assessment of whether differences in habitats are reflected in use of space by the species. We studied two tamarin groups on the mainland at São Paulo state between August 2005 and March 2007, and compared the results with data from Superagui Island. Three home range estimators were used: minimum convex polygon (MCP), Kernel, and the new technique presented dissolved monthly polygons (DMP). These resulted, respectively, in home ranges of 345, 297, and 282ha for the 12‐month duration of the study. Spatial overlap of mainland groups was extensive, whereas temporal overlap was not, a pattern that indicates resource partitioning is an important strategy to avoid intraspecific competition.L. caissaralarge home ranges seem to be dynamic, with constant incorporation of new areas and abandonment of others through time. The main difference between mainland and island groups is the amount and variety of sleeping sites. A better understanding of the home range sizes, day range lengths, and territorial behavior of this species will aid in developing better management strategies for its protection. Additionally, the presented DMP protocol is a useful improvement over the MCP method as it results in more realistic home range sizes for wildlife species. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1114–1126, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Seasonality of group size, feeding, and breeding in wild red‐shanked douc langurs (Lao PDR)
Authors: Phiapalath Phaivanh , Borries Carola , Suwanwaree Pongthep 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn Asian colobines, small one‐male groups (OMG) seem to predominate alongside all‐male groups (AMG), while larger multimale groups (MMG) are rare, but are reported for Hanuman langurs and red‐shanked douc langurs. Recently, however, it has been speculated that the genus Pygathrix could have multilevel societies based on (1) a theoretical extension of the multilevel societies found in Rhinopithecus to all odd‐nosed colobines and (2) first data for black‐shanked douc langurs. This assumes bands composed of small OMG with a skewed adult sex ratio. Band size may vary with seasonal food availability resulting in smaller bands when feeding competition is increased. To investigate the social organization of red‐shanked douc langurs and potential seasonal influences, we observed 2 unhabituated groups at Hin Namno National Protected Area, Lao PDR from March 2007 to August 2008 for 803 hr. We recorded births and performed group counts and scan sampling of feeding behavior. Most births (79% of N = 15) occurred from June–September, indicating a 4‐month peak conception season from November to February. Group size averaged 24.5 individuals (range 17–45) with 2.45 adult males (range 1–4). Although the smaller group remained at a stable size (about 18 individuals), the larger group reduced from about 45 to 25 individuals during the 7‐months long lean season, when less than 50% of the feeding time was spent on fruits. This suggests feeding competition as a potential cause of seasonal variation in group size. With 1.9 females per male the skew in adult sex ratio was much lower compared with Rhinopithecus, indicating MMG rather than multilevel societies. However, data on the spacing and interaction patterns between recognized individuals need to be collected and analyzed before the social organization can be determined. Detailed ecological data are furthermore required to investigate the basis for the seasonal changes in group size found. Am. J. Primatol. 73:1134–1144, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The role of TRAIL in mediating autophagy in myositis skeletal muscle: A potential nonimmune mechanism of muscle damage
Authors: Alger Heather M. , Raben Nina , Pistilli Emidio , Francia Dwight L. , Rawat Rashmi , Getnet Derese , Ghimbovschi Svetlana , Chen Yi‐Wen , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Nagaraju Kanneboyina 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveMultinucleated cells are relatively resistant to classic apoptosis, and the factors initiating cell death and damage in myositis are not well defined. We hypothesized that nonimmune autophagic cell death may play a role in muscle fiber damage. Recent reports indicate that TRAIL may induce both NF‐κB activation and autophagic cell death in other systems. We undertook this study to investigate the role of TRAIL in cell death and pathogenesis in vitro and in vivo, using myositis muscle tissues from humans and mice.MethodsGene expression profiling was performed in myositis patient and control muscle specimens. Immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to confirm the gene array findings. We also analyzed TRAIL‐induced cell death (apoptosis and autophagy) and NF‐κB activation in vitro in cultured cells.ResultsTRAIL was expressed predominantly in myositis muscle fibers, but not in biopsy specimens from normal or other dystrophic‐diseased muscle. Autophagy markers were up‐regulated in humans with myositis and in mouse models of myositis. TRAIL expression was restricted to regenerating/atrophic areas of muscle fascicles, blood vessels, and infiltrating lymphocytes. TRAIL induced NF‐κB activation and IκB degradation in cultured cells that are resistant to TRAIL‐induced apoptosis but that undergo autophagic cell death.ConclusionOur data demonstrate that TRAIL is expressed in myositis muscle and may mediate both activation of NF‐κB and autophagic cell death in myositis. Thus, this nonimmune pathway may be an attractive target for therapeutic intervention in myositis.
A one‐year, phase I/IIa, open‐label pilot trial of imatinib mesylate in the treatment of systemic sclerosis–associated active interstitial lung disease
Authors: Khanna Dinesh , Saggar Rajeev , Mayes Maureen D. , Abtin Fereidoun , Clements Philip J. , Maranian Paul , Assassi Shervin , Saggar Rajan , Singh Ram R. , Furst Daniel E. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveTransforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) may play a critical role in systemic sclerosis (SSc)–related interstitial lung disease (ILD), and imatinib is a potent inhibitor of TGFβ and PDGF production. In this 1‐year, phase I/IIa open‐label pilot study of imatinib in patients with SSc‐related active ILD, our primary aim was to assess the safety of imatinib; we also explored its efficacy.MethodsWe recruited 20 SSc patients with a forced vital capacity (FVC) of <85% predicted, dyspnea on exertion, and presence of a ground‐glass appearance on high‐resolution computed tomography. Patients received oral therapy with imatinib (up to 600 mg/day) for a period of 1 year. Adverse events were recorded, pulmonary function was tested, and the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) was assessed every 3 months. The course of changes in lung function, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index (DI), and the MRSS were modeled over the period of study to explore treatment efficacy.ResultsThe majority of patients were female (65%), Caucasian (75%), and had diffuse cutaneous SSc (70%). At baseline, the mean ± SD FVC % predicted was 65.2 ± 14.0 and the mean ± SD MRSS was 18.7 ± 10.1. The mean ± SD dosage of imatinib was 445 ± 125 mg/day. Of the 20 SSc patients, 12 completed the study, 7 discontinued because of adverse events (AEs), and 1 patient was lost to followup. Common AEs (≥20%) included fatigue, facial/lower extremity edema, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, generalized rash, and new‐onset proteinuria. Treatment with imatinib showed a trend toward improvement in the FVC % predicted (1.74%; P not significant) and the MRSS (3.9 units; P < 0.001).ConclusionUse of high‐dose daily therapy with imatinib (600 mg/day) in SSc patients with ILD was associated with a large number of AEs. Our experience with AEs suggests that dosages of imatinib lower than 600 mg/day may be appropriate and that further dose ranging analysis is needed in order to understand the therapeutic index of imatinib in SSc.
Imatinib in active diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis: Results of a six‐month, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, proof‐of‐concept pilot study at a single center
Authors: Pope Janet , McBain Donna , Petrlich Lisa , Watson Sharon , Vanderhoek Louise , de Leon Faye , Seney Shannon , Summers Kelly 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo better understand the feasibility of using imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, to treat active diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).MethodsWe performed a 6‐month, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, proof‐of‐concept pilot study of imatinib in patients with active dcSSc. Data on safety, modified Rodnan skin thickness scores (MRSS), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) scores, patient's and physician's global assessments (100‐mm visual analog scale), and biomarkers in serum and skin biopsy samples were collected. We used a 4:1 randomization strategy (imatinib 200 mg administered twice a day versus placebo), stratifying according to current use of methotrexate. The plan was to enroll 20 dcSSc patients.ResultsAfter enrolling 10 patients (9 receiving active drug and 1 receiving placebo), we found poor tolerability and high rates of adverse events with imatinib, and study enrollment was discontinued. There was no significant difference in the mean MRSS in all patients who took imatinib (31.1 at baseline versus 29.4 at 6 months) or in only those who completed 6 months of imatinib (31.0 at baseline versus 30.3 at 6 months), and there was no difference in the C‐reactive protein level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, physician's global assessment, patient's global assessment, response to the Health Transition query, or the HAQ scores between those who did and those who did not complete 6 months of therapy. Side effects were edema, fluid retention, fatigue, nausea, cramps/myalgias, diarrhea, alopecia, and anemia. Most side effects occurred within the first week of treatment, and even when imatinib was reintroduced at a lower dosage (200 mg daily), it was poorly tolerated. Two patients were hospitalized because of side effects of the medication. In general, biomarker levels in plasma and skin did not change.ConclusionImatinib was poorly tolerated, and this could limit its application in SSc. The study was too small to form conclusions about the efficacy of imatinib in SSc.
MicroRNA gene expression signatures in the developing neural tube
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Partha , Brock Guy , Appana Savitri , Webb Cynthia , Greene Robert M. , Pisano M. Michele 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Neurulation requires precise, spatio‐temporal expression of numerous genes and coordinated interaction of signal transduction and gene regulatory networks, disruption of which may contribute to the etiology of neural tube defects (NTDs). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key modulators of cell and tissue differentiation. To define potential roles of miRNAs in development of the murine neural tube (NT), miRNA microarray analysis was conducted to establish expression profiles, and identify miRNA target genes and functional gene networks. METHODS:The miRNA expression profiles in murine embryonic NTs derived from gestational days 8.5, 9.0, and 9.5 were defined and compared utilizing miRXplore microarrays from Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. Gene expression changes were verified by TaqMan quantitative Real‐Time PCR. The clValid R package and the UPGMA (hierarchical) clustering method were utilized for cluster analysis of the microarray data. Functional associations among selected miRNAs were examined via Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. RESULTS:The miRXplore chips enabled examination of 609 murine miRNAs. Expression of approximately 12% of these was detected in murine embryonic NTs. Clustering analysis revealed several developmentally regulated expression clusters among these expressed genes. Target analysis of differentially expressed miRNAs enabled identification of numerous target genes associated with cellular processes essential for normal NT development. Utilization of Ingenuity Pathway Analysis revealed interactive biologic networks which connected differentially expressed miRNAs with their target genes, and highlighted functional relationships. CONCLUSIONS: The present study defined unique gene expression signatures of a range of miRNAs in the developing NT during the critical period of NT morphogenesis. Analysis of miRNA target genes and gene interaction pathways revealed that specific miRNAs might direct expression of numerous genes encoding proteins, which have been shown to be indispensable for normal neurulation. This study is the first to identify miRNA expression profiles and their potential regulatory networks in the developing mammalian NT. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal one‐carbon metabolism, MTHFR and TCN2 genotypes and neural tube defects in India
Authors: Godbole Koumudi , Gayathri Panjalingam , Ghule Smita , Sasirekha Batchu Venkatanaga , Kanitkar‐Damle Amruta , Memane Nilam , Suresh Seshadri , Sheth Jayesh , Chandak Giriraj Ratan , Yajnik Chittaranjan S. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUNDNeural tube defects (NTDs) are among the most common severe congenital malformations, representing a long‐term public health burden in India. A deranged one‐carbon metabolism and genes regulating this metabolism have been linked to NTDs. Vitamin B12 deficiency is reported to be more prevalent than folate deficiency in the Indian population. We investigated the role of maternal nutritional and genetic markers related to one‐carbon metabolism in the etiology of NTDs.METHODSWe conducted a multicenter case‐control study to compare plasma folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine and holo‐transcobalamin levels, and polymorphisms in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR, 677C>T, 1298A>C, 1781G>A and 236+724A>G) and transcobalamin (TCN2, 776C>G) genes, in 318 women with NTD‐affected offspring (cases) and 702 women with apparently healthy offspring (controls). The samples were collected at diagnosis in cases and at delivery in controls.RESULTSWe observed a significant association of high maternal plasma homocysteine concentrations with NTDs in the offspring (p = 0.026). There was no association of maternal folate or B12 levels with NTDs (p > 0.05) but low maternal holo‐transcobalamin predicted strong risk of NTDs in the offspring (p = 0.003). The commonly associated maternal polymorphism 677C>T in the MTHFR gene did not predict risk of NTDs in the offspring (p > 0.05) and 1298A>C and 1781G>A polymorphisms in MTHFR were protective (p = 0.024 and 0.0004 respectively). Maternal 776C>G polymorphism in TCN2 was strongly predictive of NTD in the offspring (p = 0.006).CONCLUSIONOur study has demonstrated a possible role for maternal B12 deficiency in the etiology of NTDs in India over and above the well‐established role of folate deficiency. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Overview: developmental toxicology—new directions
Authors: Shuey Dana , Kim James H. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSince regulatory agencies began implementing the use of standardized developmental toxicology protocols in the mid‐1960s, our knowledge base of embryo‐fetal development and technologies for experimentation has grown exponentially. These developmental toxicology protocols were a direct result of the thalidomide tragedy from earlier that decade, when large numbers of women were exposed to the drug and over 10,000 cases of phocomelia resulted. In preventing a recurrence of such tragedies, the testing protocols are immensely successful and the field of toxicology has been dedicated to using them to advance safety and risk assessment of chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Recently, our perspectives on toxicity testing have been challenged by a growing awareness that while we have excelled in hazard identification, we are in dire need of improved methodologies for human health risk assessment, particularly with respect to the large numbers of environmental chemicals for which we have little toxicology data and to the growing sentiment that better alternatives to whole animals tests are needed. To provide a forum for scientists, researchers, and regulators, the Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Technical Committee of the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute organized a 2‐day workshop titled “Developmental Toxicology—New Directions” to evaluate lessons learned over the past 30 years and discuss the future of toxicology testing. The following four articles describe different presentations and discussions that were held over the course of those 2 days. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92:381–383, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Developmental toxicity testing for safety assessment: new approaches and technologies
Authors: Knudsen Thomas B. , Kavlock Robert J. , Daston George P. , Stedman Donald , Hixon Mary , Kim James H. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe ILSI Health and Environmental Sciences Institute's Developmental and Reproductive Toxicology Technical Committee held a 2‐day workshop entitled “Developmental Toxicology—New Directions” in April 2009. The fourth session of this workshop focused on new approaches and technologies for the assessment of developmental toxicology. This session provided an overview of the application of genomics technologies for developmental safety assessment, the use of mouse embryonic stem cells to capture data on developmental toxicity pathways, dynamical cell imaging of zebrafish embryos, the use of computation models of development pathways and systems, and finally, high‐throughput in vitro approaches being utilized by the EPA ToxCast program. Issues discussed include the challenges of anchoring in vitro predictions to relevant in vivo endpoints and the need to validate pathway‐based predictions with targeted studies in whole animals. Currently, there are 10,000 to 30,000 chemicals in world‐wide commerce in need of hazard data for assessing potential health risks. The traditional animal study designs for assessing developmental toxicity cannot accommodate the evaluation of this large number of chemicals, requiring that alternative technologies be utilized. Though a daunting task, technologies are being developed and utilized to make that goal reachable. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92:413–420, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Lack of teratological effects in rats exposed to 20 or 60 kHz magnetic fields
Authors: Nishimura Izumi , Oshima Atsushi , Shibuya Kazumoto , Negishi Tadashi 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: A risk assessment of magnetic field (MF) exposure conducted by the World Health Organization indicated the need for biological studies on primary hazard identification and quantitative risk evaluation of intermediate frequency (300 Hz–100 kHz) MFs. Because induction heating cookers generate such MFs for cooking, reproductive and developmental effects are a concern due to the close proximity of the fields' source to a cook's abdomen. METHODS: Pregnant Crl:CD(SD) rats (25/group) were exposed to a 20 kHz, 0.2 mT(rms) or 60 kHz, 0.1 mT(rms) sinusoidal MF or sham‐exposed for 22 hr/day during organogenesis, and their fetuses were examined for malformations on gestation day 20. All teratological evaluations were conducted in a blind fashion, and experiments were duplicated for each frequency to confirm consistency of experimental outcomes. RESULTS: No exposure‐related changes were found in clinical signs, gross pathology, or number of implantation losses. The number of live fetuses and low‐body‐weight fetuses as well as the incidence of external, visceral, and skeletal malformations in the fetuses did not indicate significant differences between MF‐exposed and sham‐exposed groups. Although some fetuses showed isolated changes in sex ratio and skeletal variation and ossification, such changes were neither reproduced in duplicate experiments nor were they common to specific field frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of rats to MFs during organogenesis did not show significant reproducible teratogenicity under experimental conditions. Present findings do not support the hypothesis that intermediate frequency MF exposure after implantation carries a significant risk for developing mammalian fetuses. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92:469–477, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.