bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electron–Hole Recombination in Uniaxially Aligned Semiconducting Polymers
Authors: Zaumseil Jana , Groves Chris , Winfield Jessica M. , Greenham Neil C. , Sirringhaus Henning 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA promising, general strategy for improving performance of optoelectronic devices based on conjugated polymer semiconductors is to make better use of the fast intrachain transport along the covalently bonded polymer backbone. Little is known, however, about how the recombination rate between electrons and holes would be affected in device structures in which current flow is primarily along the polymer chain. Here a light‐emitting field effect transistor (LFET) structure with a uniaxially aligned semiconducting polymer is used to show that the width and shape of the recombination zone depend strongly on polymer alignment. For alignment of the polymer parallel to the current the emission zone is 5–10 times wider than for perpendicular alignment. 2D drift‐diffusion modeling is used to show that such significant widening of the recombination zone in the case of parallel alignment implies that the recombination rate constant is more than 100 times lower than expected for standard Langevin recombination. On the basis of Monte Carlo modeling it is proposed that such unexpected weak recombination is a result of the significant mobility anisotropy of the aligned polymer. These results provide new fundamental insight into the recombination physics of polymer semiconductors.
Data linkage using probabilistic decision rules: A primer
Authors: Mason Craig Alan , Tu Shihfen 
Published: November 2008

AbstractElectronic data linkage is increasingly being used by researchers and health professionals in the birth defects field as a tool for enhancing both research and service/care. However, in many cases, a common pre‐existing ID number does not exist across different datasets, and common identifiers, such as names or dates of birth, which could be used to match records, may be known to contain errors or even legitimate differences over time. In such situations, probabilistic matching, which does not require that all identifying fields exactly agree in order for one to conclude that two records belong to the same individual, can be a valuable tool for improving data linkage. However, probabilistic matching is computationally complex and demanding, and not well understood by many who may wish to apply it in their work. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to provide an overview of one approach to probabilistic matching, including the step‐by‐step procedures involved in the calculation of indices corresponding to the likelihood that two records are a correct match. In addition, the use of multiple iterative protocols, in which several different matching strategies are used in order to maximize the number of linked records, is discussed. Finally, issues related to deduplication and verification of internal‐consistency in the linked data set are also reviewed. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in Texas, 1999–2002
Authors: Wang Jing , Waller D. Kim , Hwang Lu‐Yu , Taylor Lockwood G. , Canfield Mark A. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The cause of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is poorly understood. This descriptive study of IHPS focuses on the effect of maternal nativity, maternal Hispanic ethnicity, subtypes of maternal Asian ethnicity, and the timing of the infant's surgery, that is, pyloromyotomy. METHODS: All cases of IHPS born in Texas from 1999 through 2002 were retrieved from the Texas Birth Defects Registry. Crude prevalence ratios and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) were calculated using logistic regression. RESULTS: IHPS occurred predominantly in boys (aPR 4.21; 95% CI: 3.81, 4.65) compared with girls. Compared with Whites, there was a lower prevalence among Blacks (aPR 0.36; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.43), foreign‐born Hispanics (aPR 0.61; 95% CI: 0.54, 0.69), Chinese (aPR 0.11; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.78), Vietnamese (aPR 0.17; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.46), Asian Indians (aPR 0.33; 95% CI: 0.15, 0.75), and Filipinos (aPR 0.22; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.91). In aggregate, foreign born Asians had a decreased risk of IHPS (aPR 0.20; 95% CI: 0.11, 0.37) compared to Whites. We observed no decrease in the risk of IHPS among US‐born Asians (in aggregate) or US‐born Hispanics. The strength of these risk factors did not vary according to the timing of the pyloromyotomy. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed previous findings that female infants and Black infants have a lower rate of IHPS. Large decreases in rates of IHPS were observed among foreign‐born Hispanics and foreign‐born Asians, but not among their US‐born counterparts. These findings may be explained by differences in the frequency of behavioral risk factors for IHPS or differences in the frequency of ascertainment of mild cases of IHPS by ethnicity or nativity. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intervalent Bis(μ‐aziridinato)MIIMI Complexes (M=Rh, Ir): Delocalized Metallo‐Radicals or Delocalized Aminyl Radicals?
Authors: Tejel Cristina , Ciriano Miguel A. , Passarelli Vincenzo , López José A. , de Bruin Bas 
Published: October 2008

AbstractReactions of the methoxo complexes [{M(μ‐OMe)(cod)}2] (cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, M=Rh, Ir) with 2,2‐dimethylaziridine (Haz) give the mixed‐bridged complexes [{M2(μ‐az)(μ‐OMe)(cod)2}] [(M=Rh, 1; M=Ir, 2). These compounds are isolated intermediates in the stereospecific synthesis of the amido‐bridged complexes [{M(μ‐az)(cod)}2] (M=Rh, 3; M=Ir, 4). The electrochemical behavior of 3 and 4 in CH2Cl2 and CH3CN is greatly influenced by the solvent. On a preparative scale, the chemical oxidation of 3 and 4 with [FeCp2]+ gives the paramagnetic cationic species [{M(μ‐az)(cod)}2]+ (M=Rh, [3]+; M=Ir, [4]+). The Rh complex [3]+ is stable in dichloromethane, whereas the Ir complex [4]+ transforms slowly, but quantitatively, into a 1:1 mixture of the allyl compound [(η3,η2‐C8H11)Ir(μ‐az)2Ir(cod)] ([5]+) and the hydride compound [(cod)(H)Ir(μ‐az)2Ir(cod)] ([6]+). Addition of small amounts of acetonitrile to dichloromethane solutions of [3]+ and [4]+ triggers a fast disproportionation reaction in both cases to produce equimolecular amounts of the starting materials 3 and 4 and metalmetal bonded MIIMII species. These new compounds are isolated by oxidation of 3 and 4 with [FeCp2]+ in acetonitrile as the mixed‐ligand complexes [(MeCN)3M(μ‐az)2M(NCMe)(cod)](PF6)2 (M=Rh, [8]2+; M=Ir, [9]2+). The electronic structures of [3]+ and [4]+ have been elucidated through EPR measurements and DFT calculations showing that their unpaired electron is primarily delocalized over the two metal centers, with minor spin densities at the two bridging amido nitrogen groups. The HOMO of 3 and 4 and the SOMO of [3]+ and [4]+ are essentially MM d–d σ*‐antibonding orbitals, explaining the formation of a net bonding interaction between the metals upon oxidation of 3 and 4. Mechanisms for the observed allylic H‐atom abstraction reactions from the paramagnetic (radical) complexes are proposed.
Can NK cells be a therapeutic target in human type 1 diabetes?
Authors: Dotta Francesco , Fondelli Cecilia , Falorni Alberto 
Published: October 2008

AbstractType 1 diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of insulin‐producing cells with consequent hyperglycemia and serious chronic complications. Both innate and adaptive immune responses participate in disease pathogenesis. Studies in animal models and in man have shown that NK cells are involved both in disease progression and in disease protection, thus suggesting that NK cells can represent a potential therapeutic target in type 1 diabetes, once the contribution of these cells to islet autoimmunity has been fully elucidated.
Effect of Reaction Conditions and Catalyst Design on the Rheological Properties of Polyolefins Produced in Gas‐Phase Olefin Polymerization Reactors
Authors: Pladis P. , Kanellopoulos V. , Chatzidoukas C. , Kiparissides C. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA model is developed to predict the viscoelastic behavior of polyolefins produced in catalytic polymerization reactors. The approach is based on the solution of different sub‐models (e.g., a kinetic model, a single particle model, a macroscopic reactor model and a rheological model). From the calculated rheological curve, the polymer melt index is determined. The ability of the proposed model to predict the viscoelastic behavior of linear polymer melts quantitatively is examined for the operation of a catalytic olefin polymerization cascade‐loop reactor process. In addition, the transient rheological properties of polyolefins produced in a Ziegler‐Natta gas‐phase olefin polymerization fluidized‐bed reactor are calculated.magnified image
Three‐Dimensional Measurement of Particle Shape
Authors: Bujak Beate , Bottlinger Michael 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA system for simultaneous three‐dimensional measurement of particle shape has been developed. The system is based on a free‐fall analysis. Free‐falling particles are captured from three orthogonal directions and reconstructed in the three‐dimensional sense. The three‐dimensional information can be used for particle characterization as well as for simulations of particle behavior.
Electric field measurement for quantum‐dot cellular automata clocking circuits
Authors: Yan Minjun 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBistable molecules under electric field are being investigated for the concept of quantum‐dot cellular automata (QCA). Different configurations of molecular arrays implement various logic devices and circuits. The electric field emitted from underlying metal wires, which are applied with clock signal, not only enables power gain, but also fulfills pipelining computation. It might be convenient to measure the electric field distribution directly from these metal wires. A pseudo‐quantitative method was developed to map the electric field distribution with electrostatic force microscopy. This method converts the phase signal into the electric field intensity, by which we demonstrated how to use a particular electric field distribution to drive the computation of QCA molecules. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of the 5′ untranslated region of the human α‐galactosidase gene on enzyme activity, and their frequencies in Portuguese caucasians
Authors: Oliveira J. P. , Ferreira S. , Barceló J. , Gaspar P. , Carvalho F. , Sá Miranda M. C. , Månsson J.‐E. 
Published: November 2008

SummaryBackground:The α‐galactosidase gene (GLA) has three single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the 5′ untranslated region of exon 1, respectively g.1150G>A, g.1168G>A, g.1170C>T. The g.1150A allele is associated with increased plasma α‐galactosidase (α‐Gal) activity in hemizygotes, while the others are regarded as biologically neutral. The primary goal of this investigation was to test the hypothesis, raised by a clinical observation and results of a family study, that the g.1170T allele polymorphism is associated with lower α‐Gal expression.Subjects and methods:Plasma and leukocyte α‐Gal activities were assayed in unrelated healthy young adults of both sexes, who had been genotyped for GLA exon 1, and enzyme activity values in carriers of any of the polymorphisms were compared to those of individuals with the standard genotype; GLA exon 1 was genotyped in males who had α‐Gal activity in dried blood spots lower than 2 SD below the cohort average.Results and conclusions:Mean α‐Gal leukocyte activity was ∼25% higher in subjects with the g.1170C or CC genotype than in those with the alternative genotypes (p < 0.05). The frequency of the g.1170T allele in subjects with low α‐Gal activity in dried blood spots was 4‐fold higher (p < 0.05) than in the general population. As in hemizygotes, the g.1150A heterozygote identified in this study had plasma α‐Gal activity more than 2‐fold above the normal mean. The g.1168A allele did not affect enzyme activity. Surprisingly, females with the standard GLA exon 1 genotype had significantly higher plasma α‐Gal activity than genetically comparable males.
Conflict negotiation and autonomy processes in adolescent romantic relationships: An observational study of interdependency in boyfriend and girlfriend effects
Authors: McIsaac Caroline , Connolly Jennifer , McKenney Katherine S. , Pepler Debra , Craig Wendy 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThis study examined the association between conflict negotiation and the expression of autonomy in adolescent romantic partners. Thirty‐seven couples participated in a globally coded conflict interaction task. Actor‐partner interdependence models (APIM) were used to quantify the extent to which boys’ and girls’ autonomy was linked solely to their own negotiation of the conflict or whether it was linked conjointly to their own and their partners’ negotiation style. Combining agentic autonomy theories and peer socialization models, it was expected that boys’ and girls’ autonomy would be associated only with their own conflict behaviors when they employed conflict styles reflective of their same gender repertoire, and associated conjointly with self and partner behaviors when they employed gender‐atypical conflict styles. Instead of an equal, albeit distinct, positioning in the autonomy dynamic, the results suggested that girls’ autonomy is associated solely with their own conflict behaviors, whereas boys’ autonomy is jointly associated with their own and their partners’ conflict behaviors. We discuss the relative power of boys and girls in emergent dyadic contexts, emphasizing how romantic dynamics shape salient abilities.
Gastrointestinal symptoms under opioid therapy: A prospective comparison of oral sustained‐release hydromorphone, transdermal fentanyl, and transdermal buprenorphine
Authors: Wirz Stefan , Wittmann Maria , Schenk Michael , Schroeck Andreas , Schaefer Nico , Mueller Marcus , Standop Jens , Kloecker Norbert , Nadstawek Joachim 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The purpose of this trial was to evaluate the effect of long‐term treatment with oral sustained‐release hydromorphone, transdermal fentanyl, and transdermal buprenorphine on nausea, emesis and constipation.Patients and methods: Randomly selected outpatients with cancer pain receiving one of the study medications were enrolled in a prospective, open‐labeled, controlled trial (n=174). Mobility, pain, and gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed directly and per selected item on the ECOG (Eastern Cancer Oncology Group), EORTC (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer) questionnaires, NRS (Numerical Rating Scales), and analyzed statistically.Results: Demographic and medical data were comparable in all groups. Only 15% of patients suffered from constipation. 59% took the prescribed laxatives. The incidence of stool free periods >72h was significantly higher with transdermal opioids (transdermal fentanyl: 22%; transdermal buprenorphine: 21%; oral hydromorphone: 2%; p=0.003). 21% of patients revealed nausea and emesis. The mean NRS for nausea (transdermal fentanyl:1.3; transdermal buprenorphine: 1.2; oral hydromorphone: 1.5; p=0.6), the consumption of antiemetics (transdermal fentanyl: 42%; transdermal buprenorphine: 33%; oral hydromorphone: 36%; p=0.6) and laxatives (transdermal fentanyl:53%; transdermal buprenorphine:66%; oral hydromorphone: 61%; p=0.2) did not differ significantly, in contrast to the score for emesis (transdermal fentanyl: 16%; transdermal buprenorphine:13%; oral hydromorphone: 33%; p=0.02). Morphine equivalent opioid doses differed (mg/d transdermal fentanyl: 183; transdermal buprenorphine: 89; oral hydromorphone: 143; p=0.001), because of obvious tolerance varying after long‐term treatment.Conclusions: Gastrointestinal symptoms of cancer pain patients undergoing an opioid therapy are related to multifactorial causes. Transdermal opioids showed no benefit over oral controlled‐release hydromorphone with regard to gastrointestinal symptoms. The conversion ratios for transdermal fentanyl, transdermal buprenorphine, and oral hydromorphone did not accord to the literature, because of differing occurrences of opioid tolerance after long‐term therapy.
Myopathy in CRPS‐I: Disuse or neurogenic?
Authors: Hulsman Natalie M. , Geertzen Jan H.B. , Dijkstra Pieter U. , van den Dungen Jan J.A.M. , den Dunnen Wilfred F.A. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTThe diagnosis Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type I (CRPS‐I) is based on clinical symptoms, including motor symptoms. Histological changes in muscle tissue may be present in the chronic phase of CRPS‐I. Aim of this study was to analyze skeletal muscle tissue from amputated limbs of patients with CRPS‐I, in order to gain more insight in factors that may play a role in changes in muscles in CRPS‐I. These changes may be helpful in clarifying the pathophysiology of CRPS‐I. Fourteen patients with therapy resistant and longstanding CRPS‐I, underwent an amputation of the affected limb. In all patients histological analysis showed extensive changes in muscle tissue, such as fatty degeneration, fibre atrophy and nuclear clumping, which was not related to duration of CRPS‐I prior to amputation. In all muscles affected, both type 1 and type 2 fibre atrophy was found, without selective type 2 fibre atrophy. In four patients, type grouping was observed, indicating a sequence of denervation and reinnervation of muscle tissue. In two patients even large group atrophy was present, suggesting new denervation after reinnervation. Comparison between subgroups in arms and legs showed no difference in the number of changes in muscle tissue. Intrinsic and extrinsic muscles were affected equally. Our findings show that in the chronic phase of CRPS‐I extensive changes can be seen in muscle tissue, not related to duration of CRPS‐I symptoms. Signs of neurogenic myopathy were present in five patients.
Gabapentin reverses microglial activation in the spinal cord of streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Wodarski Rachel , Clark Anna K. , Grist John , Marchand Fabien , Malcangio Marzia 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTDiabetes mellitus is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy worldwide. Despite this high level of incidence, underlying mechanisms of the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain are still poorly understood. Evidence supports a prominent role of glial cells in neuropathic pain states. Gabapentin is used clinically and shows some efficacy in the treatment of neuropathic pain. Here we investigate the distribution and activation of spinal microglia and astrocytes in streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic rats and the effect of the gold standard analgesic, Gabapentin, on these cells. Mechanical allodynia was observed in four week‐diabetic rats. Oral administration of Gabapentin significantly attenuated mechanical allodynia. Quantification of cell markers Iba‐1 for microglia and GFAP for astrocytes revealed extensive activation of microglia in the dorsal horn of diabetic rats, whereas a reduction in the number of astrocytes could be observed. In addition, an attenuation of microglial activation correlated with reduced allodynia following Gabapentin treatment, while Gabapentin had no effect on the number of astrocytes. Here we show a role of microglia in STZ‐induced mechanical allodynia and furthermore, that the anti‐allodynic effect of Gabapentin may be linked to a reduction of spinal microglial activation. Astrocytic activation in this model appears to be limited and is unaffected by Gabapentin treatment. Consequently, spinal microglial activation is a key mechanism underlying diabetic neuropathy. Furthermore, we suggest that Gabapentin may exert its anti‐allodynic actions partially through alterations of microglial cell function.
Participation of peripheral tachykinin NK1 receptors in the carrageenan‐induced inflammation of the rat temporomandibular joint
Authors: Denadai‐Souza Alexandre , Camargo Livia de Lucca , Ribela Maria T.C.P. , Keeble Julie E. , Costa Soraia K.P. , Muscará Marcelo N. 
Published: November 2008

ABSTRACTTemporomandibular disorders represent one of the major challenges in dentistry therapeutics. This study was undertaken to evaluate the time course of carrageenan‐induced inflammation in the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and to investigate the role of tachykinin NK1 receptors. Inflammation was induced by a single intra‐articular (i.art.) injection of carrageenan into the left TMJ (control group received sterile saline). Inflammatory parameters such as plasma extravasation, leukocyte influx and mechanical allodynia (measured as the head‐withdrawal force threshold) and TNFα and IL‐1β concentrations were measured in the TMJ lavages at selected time‐points. The carrageenan‐induced responses were also evaluated after treatment with the NK1 receptor antagonist SR140333. The i.art. injection of carrageenan into the TMJ caused a time‐dependent plasma extravasation associated with mechanical allodynia, and a marked neutrophil accumulation between 4 and 24h. Treatment with SR140333 substantially inhibited the increase in plasma extravasation and leukocyte influx at 4 and 24h, as well as the production of TNFα and IL‐1β into the joint cavity, but failed to affect changes in head‐withdrawal threshold. The results obtained from the present TMJ‐arthritis model provide, for the first time, information regarding the time course of this experimental inflammatory process. In addition, our data show that peripheral NK1 receptors mediate the production of both TNFα and IL‐1β in the TMJ as well as some of the inflammatory signs, such as plasma extravasation and leukocyte influx, but not the nociceptive component.
Sex and ethnic differences among South Tirolean suicides: A psychological autopsy study
Authors: Pycha Roger , Pompili Maurizio , Innamorati Marco , Schwitzer Josef , Lester David , Sani Gabriele , Tatarelli Roberto , Giupponi Giancarlo 
Published: November 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the research is to study whether any differences exist in the rates and characteristics of suicide by ethnicity and sex in South Tirol, Italy.MethodsPsychological autopsy interviews were conducted for suicides who died between March 1997 and July 2006.Results332 individuals belonging to the three major South Tirolean ethnic groups (Germans, Italians, Ladins [Ladin is a Rhaeto-Romance language related to the Venetian and Swiss Romansh languages]) died by suicide. Around 23% of the victims had experienced suicidal behaviour among family members, and more than 31% of them had experienced trauma during their childhood. Germans were 1.37 times more at risk to commit suicide than Italians (95% CI: 1.04/1.80;z= 2.26,p< .05). 69% of the suicides had attended school for less than 8 years: Germans (OR = 4.62; 95% CI: 2.52/8.47;p< .001) and Ladins (OR = 11.24; 95% CI: 2.99/42.30;p< .001) were more likely to have lower education than Italians. There were several differences by ethnicity and sex but no sex-by-ethnicity interactions.ConclusionsThe study indicated that suicide, an alarming health and social problem in South Tirol, may require different preventive interventions for men and women and for those of different ethnicities.