bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein labeling and biotinylation of peptides during spot synthesis using biotin p‐nitrophenyl ester (biotin‐ONp)
Authors: Winkler Dirk F. H. , McGeer Patrick L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBiotin‐labeled peptides are used for numerous biochemical and microbiological applications. Due to the strong affinity of biotin to streptavidin, the detection of biotinylated molecules is very sensitive. A powerful technique for parallel synthesis and high‐throughput screening of peptides is the spot synthesis. One example for the use of spot synthesis is the screening of biotinylated peptides synthesized on cellulose membranes, which is particularly favorable for the investigation of protease cleavage sites. Additionally, in combination with biotinylated protein samples, the spot technique can be used for investigations of peptide–protein and protein–protein interactions. Here, we present our results of the use biotin p‐nitrophenyl ester (biotin‐ONp) in spot synthesis and as a reagent for biotin‐labeling of protein samples.
A mass spectrometric strategy for profiling glycoproteinoses, Pompe disease, and sialic acid storage diseases
Authors: Faid Valegh , Michalski Jean‐Claude , Morelle Willy 
Published: March 2008

AbstractGlycoproteinoses, Pompe disease, and sialic acid storage diseases are characterized by a massive accumulation of unprocessed oligosaccharides and/or glycoconjugates in urine. The identification of these glycocompounds is essential for a proper diagnosis. In this study, we investigated the potential of MALDI‐TOF‐MS to identify glycocompounds present in urine from patients with different inborn errors of glycan metabolism. Urinary glycocompounds were permethylated, and analyzed using GC‐MS and MALDI‐TOF‐MS. In order to confirm tentative assignments, a second aliquot of urine was purified on a C18 Sep‐Pak cartridge and glycocompounds were desalted on a column of nonporous graphitized carbon. The glycocompounds were then sequentially on‐plate digested using an array of exoglycosidases. A range of disease‐specific oligosaccharides as well as glycopeptides was identified for all oligosacchariduria models. In addition, free sialic acid accumulated in urine from a patient suffering from French‐type sialuria, has been detected by a GC‐MS approach, which could be applied to other sialic acid storage diseases. This procedure is simple, and can be performed in few simple steps in less than 24 h. This current method can be applied for newborn screening for other inherited metabolic diseases as well as for assessing treatments in clinical trials.
Proteomics cataloging analysis of human expressed prostatic secretions reveals rich source of biomarker candidates
Authors: Li Runsheng , Guo Yan , Han Bang Ming , Yan Xiaowei , Utleg Angelita G. , Li Wei , Tu Lan Chun , Wang Jian , Hood Leroy , Xia Shujie , Lin Biaoyang 
Published: March 2008

AbstractExpressed prostatic secretions (EPS) contain proteins of prostate origin that may reflect the health status of the prostate and be used as diagnostic markers for prostate diseases including prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer. Despite their importance and potential applications, a complete catalog of EPS proteins is not yet available. We, therefore, undertook a comprehensive analysis of the EPS proteome using 2‐D micro‐LC combined with MS/MS. Using stringent filtering criteria, we identified a list of 114 proteins with at least two unique‐peptide hits and an additional 75 proteins with only a single unique‐peptide hit. The proteins identified include kallikrein 2 (KLK2), KLK3 (prostate‐specific antigen), KLK11, and nine cluster of differentiation (CD) molecules including CD10, CD13, CD14, CD26, CD66a, CD66c, CD 143, CD177, and CD224. To our knowledge, this list represents the first comprehensive characterization of the EPS proteome, and it provides a candidate biomarker list for targeted quantitative proteomics analysis using a multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) approach. To help prioritize candidate biomarkers, we constructed a protein–protein interaction network of the EPS proteins using Cytoscape (www.cytoscape.org), and overlaid the expression level changes from the Oncomine database onto the network.
Polynomial inversion of the single transparent layer problem in ellipsometry in case of multiple measurements
Authors: Tsutsumanova G. G. , Tzonev A. N. , Russev S. C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn a previous paper (J. P. Drolet et al., J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 11, 3284 (1994) [1]) it has been shown that for a single transparent layer the dielectric constant satisfies a fifth degree polynomial and the problem of extracting the layer refractive index and the thickness from a single ellipsometric measurement is then reduced to finding the roots of this polynomial. Here we extend this result in the case of multiple ellipsometric measurements, taken, e.g., at a different incidence angle, layer thickness, ambient and/or different wavelengths. It is shown that in these cases the minimization procedure for determining the layer thickness and the layer dielectric constant can also be reduced to a much simpler and stable procedure of finding the polynomial roots. This approach to the problem directly gives all possible solutions (global minima) without the need for initial guesses and parameter's ranges, thus avoiding inherent problems of the general minimization procedure. In addition, it is faster than the minimization procedure and is time deterministic, which makes it suitable for in‐situ and real time ellipsometric data reduction. Several methods based on this approach are considered and their performance and error propagation robustness evaluated and compared. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Surface solidification in liquid Ga‐Tl alloys
Authors: Bartel Kai , Freyland Werner , Nattland Detlef 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA surface solidification transition in Ga‐rich Ga‐Tl alloys is observed employing spectroscopic and single wavelength kinetic ellipsometry. This transition occurs a few Kelvin above the liquidus line extending from the eutectic to the monotectic point. Between the respective temperatures (Teut=29.70 °C, Tmono=287 °C) solid Tl undergoes its α‐β‐transition in the alloy at a metatectic temperature of 223 °C. In this brief communication the peculiarities of the solid surface film formation associated with this α‐β‐transition is reported. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A multi‐sensor study of Cl2 etching of polycrystalline Si
Authors: Klimecky Pete I. , Terry Fred L. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractCl2 chemistries are the basis for etching of polycrystalline Si and other conductive gate materials in Si CMOS integrated circuit fabrication. It is now well‐known that recombination of atomic Cl neutrals on the chamber walls influences the etch rate and thus leads to manufacturing reproducibility problems. In this work, we make use of multiple real‐time measurements to improve the understanding of the physical mechanisms for this effect. In particular, real‐time spectroscopic ellipsometry is used as both a poly‐Si etch rate monitor and as a virtual SiCl4 flow rate sensor. This aids in the quantitative interpretation of the optical emission spectroscopy data. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The water‐like film on water
Authors: Greef R. , Frey J. G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe have used wavelength scanning close to the Brewster angle of water to determine the relative index of refraction between the surface film and the bulk liquid. The result is clearly that contrary to expectation, the surface film has a higher index than the bulk. This runs counter to molecular dynamics calculations which propose a tapering off of density, and by implication of refractive index. The finding may be more in line with recent suggestions that clusters of hydronium ions may dominate the structure close to the surface. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
In‐situ and real‐time monitoring of high barrier layers growth onto polymeric substrates
Authors: Georgiou D. , Logothetidis S. , Koidis C. , Laskarakis A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this work, in‐situ and real‐time Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE) has been implemented for the monitoring of the growth mechanisms of silicon oxide (SiOx) thin films onto flexible polymeric substrates. SiOx thin films are used as protective layers on flexible electronic devices in order to protect them from permeation of atmospheric O2 and H2O that induce corrosion effects to the active layers of these devices. The ellipsometric data were collected with an ultra‐fast Multiwavelength Spectroscopic Ellipsometer with 32 different wave lengths in the Vis‐fUV (3‐6.5 eV) energy range. The analysis of the real‐time SE measurements revealed significant information about the growth mechanism and showed different growth and deposition rates of SiOx onto Poly‐Ethylene Terephthalate, Poly‐Ethylene Naphthalate and organic‐inorganic substrates. Also, SE provided information about the time‐dependence of the optical parameters (energy gap, absorption peaks) and of SiOx stoichiometry and moreover about the effect of the substrate. Finally, the homogeneity of the SiOx thickness and optical properties gas been determined by mapping SE measurements. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chemical analysis of functionalized polymer surfaces
Authors: Holländer Andreas , Kröpke Stefan , Pippig Falko 
Published: March 2008

AbstractOver the last 40 years we have witnessed an impressive development of the tools for the analysis of polymer surfaces. However, there still are questions, which are very challenging and the quest of answering these questions means working at the frontier of current science. We discuss some general features of the surfaces of synthetic polymeric materials and the new features formed in surface treatments. It is extremely difficult and in many cases virtually impossible to determine the concentration of all the chemical species present in such complex materials. The determination of their vertical distribution, i.e. the depth profile of these concentrations, is even more complicated. A new situation has arose since more and more surface functionalization techniques have gone from the laboratory to the production line. Microarrays are a good example. The quality control of the production is a challenging and sometimes expensive task.The combination of surface chemical reactions with instrumental techniques has been proven to be a valuable tool for surface analysis. After discussing some recent progress in that field we present examples that demonstrate a continuous progress in that field. The fluorescence dye Fluram can be used to determine the concentration of NH2 groups at a surface and their local density. Nitric oxide can be used to determine radicals in polymer surfaces, also in the presence of oxygen. The trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) derivatization of hydroxyl groups provides reliable data. The diffusion of fluoresceine isothiocyanate (FITC) labelled globuline was used to characterize the network density of surface coupled hydrogels. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Failure mechanisms in adhesively bonded aluminium: an XPS and PEELS study
Authors: Bland David J. , Kinloch Anthony J. , Stolojan Vlad , Watts John F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe morphology and chemistry of the failure of adhesively bonded phosphoric acid anodising (PAA)‐treated aluminium alloy (2014A) has been investigated by XPS and transmission electron microscopy/parallel electron energy‐loss spectroscopy (TEM/PEELS). Cyclic fatigue tests were undertaken using tapered double cantilever beam joints in water. Specimens were prepared for analysis from the crack‐tip region and from areas ahead and behind the crack‐tip (i.e. the unfractured and the fatigue‐fractured and water‐exposed regions). A failure at the crack‐tip is shown by both XPS and energy‐filtered TEM (EFTEM) to be very close to the oxide/adhesive interface, but in the adhesive phase. Behind the crack‐tip, a failure surface devoid of adhesive residues, oxide hydration is observed. An observation made at regions well behind (10–15 mm) the crack‐tip indicates that mechanical damage of the hydrated layer occurs as a result of the cyclic‐fatigue displacement. These results indicate that hydration is a post‐failure event for the system under study in this work. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ex situ scanning tunneling microscopy study of Cu nanowires formed by electroless deposition at atomic‐step edges of flat Si(111) surfaces
Authors: Yoshimatsu Akina , Shigetoshi Takushi , Uchikoshi Junichi , Morita Mizuho , Arima Kenta 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWe immerse flattened H‐terminated Si(111) surfaces into Cu‐containing ultralow‐dissolved‐oxygen water. We confirm, by atomic force microscopy (AFM) observations, that Cu wires with the width of about 10 nm are formed at atomic‐step edges of the Si(111) surfaces. On the contrary, ex situ scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images show grooves at step edges on this surface. Both XPS spectra of Cu signals and possible chemical reactions during the electroless deposition of Cu atoms at the step edges suggest that Si oxides underneath the Cu nanowires are the origin of the grooves in the STM images. Furthermore, we present the possibility of controlling the width of one‐dimensional Si oxides along the Cu nanowires at step edges by subsequent processes using oxidants. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetics corrosion process of carbon steel in hydrochloric acid in absence and presence of 2‐(cyclohexylaminomercapto) benzothiazole
Authors: Patru Samide Adriana , Bibicu Ion 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe corrosion and inhibition behavior of carbon steel in 1 M HCl in the presence of 2‐(cyclohexylaminomercapto) benzothiazole (CMB) was investigated using weight‐loss measurements, galvanostatic polarization studies and UV‐VIS spectrophotometry. The morphology of a surface was analyzed by using Mössbauer spectroscopy. Some samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The inhibition efficiency increased with increasing CMB concentration and decreased with increasing temperature of the corrosion medium. The activation energy (Ea) was determined from Arrhenius equation. The activation enthalpy (ΔH0) and the activation entropy (ΔS0) were calculated from the diagram of the transition state. The experimental results suggest that the presence of CMB in the solution increases the surface coverage (θ) and therefore, indicates the adsorption of CMB. The adsorption of this compound on the metal surface is found to obey Langmuir's adsorption isotherm. The UV‐VIS spectrophotometry shows a decrease of the concentration of CMB in HCl solution after corrosion, indicating that an adsorption process occurs between an organic compound from aqueous phase and the electrode surface. From the Mössbauerspectroscopy studied at this stage, it is expected that the main product of corrosion is a nonstoichiometric amorphous Fe3+ oxyhydroxide, consisting of a mixture of α, β and γ‐FeOOH, where γ‐FeOOH is the main phase. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐circuit diffusion of ultrasonic bonding interfaces in microelectronic packaging
Authors: Li Junhui , Han Lei , Zhong Jue 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTo enhance the development of ultrasonic bonding, an improved understanding of the process taking place at the bond interface is needed. In this article, cross‐section features of an ultrasonic bonding area were inspected using a high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM). Results show that ultrasonic vibration activates dislocations inside the metal crystalline lattice, which are the fast diffusion channels. Diffusion mechanism of dislocation channels in ultrasonic bonding is more prominent than crystal diffusion when the temperature is relatively low. For the given ultrasonic bonding parameters, depth of atom diffusion at interface of ultrasonic bonding was about 200 nm, and it is an intermetallic compound of AuAl2 at AuAl diffusing interface. These will be helpful for further analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grain size, stress and surface roughness
Authors: Perron A. , Politano O. , Vignal V. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn this article, we report molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on the formation of roughness at the surface of strained polycrystalline aluminum samples at 300 K. The computed roughness increases as a function of applied strain but does not follow a linear law for all applied strains. A linear relationship with a small slope is obtained in the elastic domain. Then, the roughness increases rapidly with the applied strain in the plastic domain studied. Moreover, the surface roughness increases as a function of grain size (between 5 and 20 nm) in the plastic domain (<6%). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What is the Evidence for Endoscopic Thyroidectomy in the Management of Benign Thyroid Disease?
Authors: Slotema E. Th. , Sebag F. , Henry J. F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) is a demanding surgical technique in which dissection of the gland is entirely performed with an endoscope, in a closed area maintained by insufflation or mechanical retraction. ET by direct cervical approach (anterior or lateral) is minimally invasive, but ET using an extracervical access (chest wall, breast, or axillary) is not. No technique seems to be universally accepted yet. This review was designed to clarify the existing evidence for performing endoscopic thyroid resections in the management of benign thyroid nodules.MethodsA database search was conducted in PubMed and Embase from which summaries and abstracts were screened for relevant data, matching our definition. Publications were further assessed and assigned their respective levels of evidence. Additional data derived from our own unit’s experience with endoscopic thyroidectomy were included.ResultsThirty mainly retrospective cohort studies have been published in which morbidity, such as unilateral vocal cord palsy, is poorly evaluated. ET takes from 90 to 280 minutes for lobectomy by cervical access and total thyroidectomy by chest wall approach, respectively. Cosmetic outcome in extracervical approach is less troubled by size of the resected specimen compared with direct cervical approach. Extracervical approach avoids a neck scar but implies invasiveness in terms of dissection and postoperative discomfort. Long‐term cosmetic outcome comparisons with conventional thyroidectomy have not been published.ConclusionsCurrently it is not possible to recommend the application of ET based on evidence. Reported complications stress the importance of advanced endoscopic skills. ET should only be offered to carefully selected patients and, therefore, a high volume of patients requiring thyroid surgery is needed. Superiority of endoscopic to conventional thyroidectomy has yet to be demonstrated. Possible advantages of endoscopic thyroid techniques and our patient’s desire for the highest cosmetic outcome possible justify further development of ET in expert hands of endocrine surgeons.
Outpatient intravenous diuretic therapy; potential for marked reduction in hospitalisations for acute decompensated heart failure
Authors: Ryder Mary , Murphy Niamh F. , McCaffrey Dermot , O'Loughlin Christina , Ledwidge Mark , McDonald Kenneth 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:Heart failure patients have frequent readmissions for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF).Aims:To examine the feasibility, safety and outcomes of outpatient intravenous (IV) diuretic therapy in treating ADHF.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients included in a hospital‐based heart failure disease management programme, who received outpatient IV diuretic therapy for the management of ADHF between 2002 and 2006. Changes in clinical and biochemical parameters from time of therapy to stability were measured.Results:One hundred and seven patients (mean age 71 ± 11 years) received outpatient IV diuretic therapy for ADHF IV diuretic administration reduced weight (p <0.001), blood pressure (p<0.01) and BNP (p=0.01). It increased urea (p=0.01) and creatinine (p=0.07). Seventy‐two percent of patients stabilised following IV diuretics and did not require admission. No patients were hospitalised for hypotension or hypokalaemia. One patient was hospitalised for renal failure. Two patients died post admission.Conclusion:Outpatient IV diuretic administration for ADHF is safe, cost effective and reduces hospitalisations. This service may expand the potential of a disease management programme to manage ADHF out of hospital and thereby reduce the hospital dependency of this condition.
A clinician's experience of using the Cardiac Reader NT‐proBNP point‐of‐care assay in a clinical setting
Authors: Alehagen U. , Janzon M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe evaluation of natriuretic peptides has become increasingly valuable in a clinical setting, where information is often needed promptly.Objectives:To compare the usefulness of the recently released Roche Cardiac Reader® NT‐proBNP assay against the Roche Elecsys® NT‐proBNP laboratory system in a clinical setting.Design and results:Blood samples from 440 patients, who were either admitted with acute coronary syndromes or worsening heart failure, or who were heart failure outpatients, were evaluated. The relation between the two assays was analysed and the diagnostic concordance calculated. A good correlation was found between the assays (r = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94–0.97) with a diagnostic concordance of 93%. A separate analysis was performed in the range where most clinical decisions are made (60–3000ng/L), with a diagnostic concordance of 88%. The usefulness in a clinical setting where time is important was high.Conclusion:The Roche Cardiac Reader® NT‐proBNP assay has been evaluated in a clinical setting. The point‐of‐care method shows good results, although with a restricted analytical range, compared with the reference.
Long‐term outcome in diabetic heart failure patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Fantoni Cecilia , Regoli François , Ghanem Ali , Raffa Santi , Klersy Catherine , Sorgente Antonio , Faletra Francesco , Baravelli Massimo , Inglese Luigi , Salerno‐Uriarte Jorge A. , Klein Helmut U. , Moccetti Tiziano , Auricchio Angelo 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBackground:Diabetes mellitus is an independent risk factor for increased morbidity and mortality in heart failure (HF) patients.Aims:To compare functional and structural improvement, as well as long‐term outcome, between diabetic and non‐diabetic HF patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT).Methods:We compared response to CRT in 141 diabetic and 214 non‐diabetic consecutive patients. Major events were; death from any cause, urgent heart transplantation and implantation of a left ventricular (LV) assist device. Frequencies of hospitalisation and defibrillator (CRT‐D) discharges were also analyzed.Results:CRT was able to significantly improve functional capacity, ventricular geometry and neurohumoral imbalance in both diabetic and non‐diabetic patients over a median follow‐up time of 34 months. Overall event‐free survival was similar in diabetic and non‐diabetic patients (HR 1.23, p=0.363), as was survival free from CRT‐D interventions (HR 1.72; p=0.115) and hospitalisations (HR 1.12; p=0.500). On multivariable analysis, NYHA class IV (p=0.002), low LV ejection fraction (p=0.002), absence of beta‐blocker therapy (p<0.001), impaired renal function (p=0.003), presence of an epicardial lead (p=0.025), but not diabetes (p=0.821) were associated with a poor outcome after CRT.Conclusions:Diabetic HF patients treated with CRT had a very favourable functional and survival outcome, which was comparable to non‐diabetic patients.