bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The stringy E‐function of the moduli space of Higgs bundles with trivial determinant
Authors: Kiem Young‐Hoon , Yoo Sang‐Bum 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLet M be the moduli space of semistable rank 2 Higgs pairs (V, ϕ) with trivial determinant over a smooth projective curve X of genus g ≥ 2. We provide an explicit formula for the stringy E‐function of M. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Electrochemical Synthesis of Perfluorinated Ion Doped Conducting Polyaniline Films Consisting of Helical Fibers and their Reversible Switching between Superhydrophobicity and Superhydrophilicity
Authors: Xu Lianbin , Chen Zhongwei , Chen Wilfred , Mulchandani Ashok , Yan Yushan 
Published: May 2008

AbstractSuperhydrophobic conducting polyaniline (PAni) films were electrochemically deposited in acetonitrile‐H2O electrolyte containing aniline monomer and perfluorooctanesulfonic (PFOS) acid. The films exhibited an extended network structure composed of helical PAni sub‐micron fibers. The helical fibrous structure is thought to form through a supermolecular templating process. The surface of the PFOS‐doped PAni films showed a water contact angle of 153°. Reducing the PFOS‐doped PAni (in emeraldine salt form) by negative potential led to de‐doped PAni films (in leucoemeraldine base form) which were superhydrophilic (water contact angle close to 0°). By controlling the electrical potential, PAni films were changed between the doped state and de‐doped state, resulting in reversibly switchable superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic surfaces.magnified image
Polyurethanes Containing Indole‐Based Non‐Linear Optical Chromophores: from Linear Chromophore to H‐Type
Authors: Li Qianqian , Yu Gui , Huang Jing , Liu Haijie , Li Zhen , Ye Cheng , Liu Yunqi , Qin Jingui 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTwo new “H” type of indole‐based chromophores were designed and successfully introduced to the polymeric system, the resultant polymers demonstrated enhanced NLO effects, good processability, thermal stability and nearly excellent transparency, indicating the advantages of “H” type chromophore moieties. And they could be promising candidates for the practical applications as new photonic materials.magnified image
Strengthening Carbon Deposition of Polyolefin Using Combined Catalyst as a General Method for Improving Fire Retardancy
Authors: Song Rongjun , Jiang Zhiwei , Yu Haiou , Liu Jie , Zhang Zhijun , Wang Qingwen , Tang Tao 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCombination of Ni2O3 and solid acid with Brønsted acid sites and Lewis acid sites (such as HZSM‐5 and H‐beta) could dramatically improve fire retardancy of polyolefin, including polypropylene and linear low‐density polyethylene. This is mainly attributed to the formation of a large amount of residual char from degradation products of polyolefin in the intermediate stage of combustion. Thus, the amount of flammable components diffusing into the flame zone was small. The investigation on the combined effect of solid acid and Ni2O3 showed that the presence of cationic reactive intermediates, mainly originating from Brønsted acid sites on the solid acid, strongly promoted carbon deposition of the degradation products. As a general method for improving fire retardancy of polyolefin, optimizing combination of metal catalyst and solid acid will further promote efficiency of fire retardancy.magnified image
Hybrid Miniemulsion Polymerization of Acrylate/Oil and Acrylate/Fatty Acid Systems
Authors: Guo Juchen , Schork F. Joseph 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAcrylate–alkyd hybrid latex via miniemulsion polymerizations show promise as water‐borne coating systems. However, poor homogeneity of the particles caused by the immiscibility of the alkyd in polyacrylate limits monomer conversion and film formation. To resolve this problem, the hybrid miniemulsion polymerization of acrylate in the presence of linoleic acid and sunflower seed oil was carried out. Products were characterized by solvent extraction, dynamic light scattering, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results provide clear evidence that substituting a fatty acid or natural oil with smaller molecular size (weight) for a conventional alkyd improves the grafting efficiency, and enhances the homogeneity of the hybrid polymer particles in water‐borne latex systems.magnified image
In vivo brain viscoelastic properties measured by magnetic resonance elastography
Authors: Green Michael A. , Bilston Lynne E. , Sinkus Ralph 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMagnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a non‐invasive imaging technique used to visualise and quantify mechanical properties of tissue, providing information beyond what can be currently achieved with standard MR sequences and could, for instance, provide new insight into pathological processes in the brain. This study uses the MRE technique at 3 T to extract the complex shear modulus for in vivo brain tissue utilizing a full three‐dimensional approach to reconstruction, removing contributions of the dilatational wave by application of the curl operator. A calibrated phantom is used to benchmark the MRE measurements, and in vivo results are presented for healthy volunteers. The results provide data for in vivo brain storage modulus (G′), finding grey matter (3.1 kPa) to be significantly stiffer than white matter (2.7 kPa). The first in vivo loss modulus (G″) measurements show no significant difference between grey matter (2.5 kPa) and white matter (2.5 kPa). Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EXTL3 promoter methylation down‐regulates EXTL3 and heparan sulphate expression in mucinous colorectal cancers
Authors: Karibe T , Fukui H , Sekikawa A , Shiratori K , Fujimori T 
Published: May 2008

AbstractExostoses like‐3 (EXTL3) is a putative tumour suppressor gene but its involvement in colorectal cancer (CRC) is unclear. We have investigated the role of methylation of the EXTL3 promoter as a mechanism for EXTL3 regulation and tested the hypothesis that loss of EXTL3 expression is associated with mucinous differentiation and alteration of glycoprotein expression in CRC cells. The methylation status of the EXTL3 gene promoter was analysed by methylation‐specific PCR following bisulphite modification in CRC cell lines and microdissected primary CRC tissues and their corresponding adjacent normal colorectal mucosa. EXTL3 promoter methylation was detected in seven of 11 mucinous CRCs (63.6%) but in none of 26 non‐mucinous CRCs examined. EXTL3 promoter methylation was also detected in the normal colonic mucosa of three patients with mucinous CRC but not in the normal colonic mucosa of any patients with non‐mucinous CRC. The presence of EXTL3 methylation was significantly associated with the partial loss of HS expression in mucinous CRC lesions. The mucinous CRC cell lines, Colo201 and Colo205, showed EXTL3 promoter methylation and loss of EXTL3 mRNA expression. However 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine treatment demethylated the EXTL3 gene promoter and restored its mRNA expression. Furthermore, the basal expression of HS in CRC cells was abolished by treatment with EXTL3‐siRNA. We conclude that EXTL3 promoter methylation and its related loss of EXTL3 expression are involved in the loss of HS expression in mucinous CRCs. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stem cell factor as a novel diagnostic marker for early malignant germ cells
Authors: Stoop H , Honecker F , van de Geijn GJM , Gillis AJM , Cools MC , de Boer M , Bokemeyer C , Wolffenbuttel KP , Drop SLS , de Krijger RR , Dennis N , Summersgill B , McIntyre A , Shipley J , Oosterhuis JW , Looijenga LHJ 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCarcinoma in situ (CIS) of the testis is the pre‐invasive stage of type II testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs) of adolescents and adults. These tumours are the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Caucasian adolescents and young adults. In dysgenetic gonads, the precursor of type II GCTs can be either CIS or a lesion known as gonadoblastoma (GB). CIS/GB originates from a primordial germ cell (PGC)/gonocyte, ie an embryonic cell. CIS can be cured by local low‐dose irradiation, with limited side effects on hormonal function. Therefore, strategies for early diagnosis of CIS are essential. Various markers are informative to diagnose CIS in adult testis by immunohistochemistry, including c‐KIT, PLAP, AP‐2γ, NANOG, and POU5F1 (OCT3/4). OCT3/4 is the most informative and consistent in presence and expression level, resulting in intense nuclear staining. In the case of maturational delay of germ cells, frequently present in gonads of individuals at risk for type II (T)GCTs, use of these markers can result in overdiagnosis of malignant germ cells. This demonstrates the need for a more specific diagnostic marker to distinguish malignant germ cells from germ cells showing maturation delay. Here we report the novel finding that immunohistochemical detection of stem cell factor (SCF), the c‐KIT ligand, is informative in this context. This was demonstrated in over 400 cases of normal (fetal, neonatal, infantile, and adult) and pathological gonads, as well as TGCT‐derived cell lines, specifically in cases of CIS and GB. Both membrane‐bound and soluble SCF were expressed, suggestive of an autocrine loop. SCF immunohistochemistry can be a valuable diagnostic tool, in addition to OCT3/4, to screen for precursor lesions of TGCTs, especially in patients with germ cell maturation delay. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human tumour clonality assessment—flawed but necessary
Authors: Leedham SJ , Wright NA 
Published: May 2008

AbstractOne of the premises of the somatic mutation theory of carcinogenesis is that tumours are clonal lesions derived from a single mutated stem cell progenitor. This theory spawned a proliferation of clonality studies, using a variety of different molecular markers to try to determine tumour clonality in multiple organs. In order to establish true clonality, it is necessary to identify the original founding mutation that occurred at the initiation of the progenitor clone. Use of other lesions may only serve to identify sub‐clones. As founding mutations have not been properly established in many organ systems, human clonality assessments carry this caveat. However it is only through clonality and mutation burden assessments that phylogenetic tress become established. Here, we review the advantages, disadvantages and use of different clonality markers. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic loss of Gas6 induces plaque stability in experimental atherosclerosis
Authors: Lutgens E , Tjwa M , de Frutos P Garcia , Wijnands E , Beckers L , Dahlbäck B , Daemen MJAP , Carmeliet P , Moons L 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe growth arrest‐specific gene 6 (Gas6) plays a role in pro‐atherogenic processes such as endothelial and leukocyte activation, smooth muscle cell migration and thrombosis, but its role in atherosclerosis remains uninvestigated. Here, we report that Gas6 is expressed in all stages of human and mouse atherosclerosis, in plaque endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells and macrophages. Gas6 expression is most abundant in lesions containing high amounts of macrophages, ie thin fibrous cap atheroma and ruptured plaque. Genetic loss of Gas6 does not affect the number and size of initial and advanced plaques in ApoE−/− mice, but alters its plaque composition. Compared to Gas6+/+: ApoE−/− mice, initial and advanced plaques of Gas6−/−: ApoE−/− mice contained more smooth muscle cells and more collagen and developed smaller lipid cores, while the expression of TGFβ was increased. In addition, fewer macrophages were found in advanced plaques of Gas6−/−: ApoE−/− mice. Hence, loss of Gas6 promotes the formation of more stable atherosclerotic lesions by increasing plaque fibrosis and by attenuating plaque inflammation. These findings identify a role for Gas6 in plaque composition and stability. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The report of posttraumatic growth in Malaysian cancer patients: relationships with psychological distress and coping strategies
Authors: Schroevers Maya J. , Teo Irene 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective: The challenge of a cancer diagnosis may eventually lead to the experience of positive psychological changes, also referred to as posttraumatic growth. As most research on posttraumatic growth in cancer patients has been conducted in Western countries, little is known about the experience of such positive psychological changes in non‐Western countries. Therefore, the purpose of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of posttraumatic growth in a Malaysian sample of cancer patients. Secondly, we examined the association of posttraumatic growth with patients' report of psychological distress and their use of coping strategies.Methods: The study was conducted in 113 cancer patients. Posttraumatic growth was measured by the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, coping strategies by the brief COPE, and psychological distress by the Symptom Check List (SCL‐90‐R).Results: Results showed that many patients reported posttraumatic growth, mostly in the domain of appreciation of life. As hypothesized, the experience of posttraumatic growth was not significantly related to the level of psychological distress. Findings indicated that greater use of the coping strategies instrumental support, positive reframing, and humor was associated with more posttraumatic growth.Conclusion: Overall, this study suggests that posttraumatic growth is not only a Western phenomenon. Malaysian cancer patients show similar trends in the report of growth as well as in its correlates as their Western counterparts. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depression screening using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 administered on a touch screen computer
Authors: Fann Jesse R. , Berry Donna L. , Wolpin Seth , Austin‐Seymour Mary , Bush Nigel , Halpenny Barbara , Lober William B. , McCorkle Ruth 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective: To (1) evaluate the feasibility of touch screen depression screening in cancer patients using the Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), (2) evaluate the construct validity of the PHQ‐9 using the touch screen modality, and (3) examine the prevalence and severity of depression using this screening modality.Methods: The PHQ‐9 was placed in a web‐based survey within a study of the clinical impact of computerized symptom and quality of life screening. Patients in medical oncology, radiation oncology, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) clinics used the program on a touch screen computer in waiting rooms prior to therapy (T1) and during therapy (T2). Responses of depressed mood or anhedonia (PHQ‐2 cardinal depression symptoms) triggered additional items. PHQ‐9 scores were provided to the oncology team in real time.Results: Among 342 patients enrolled, 33 (9.6%) at T1 and 69 (20.2%) at T2 triggered the full PHQ‐9 by endorsing at least one cardinal symptom. Feasibility was high, with at least 97% completing the PHQ‐2 and at least 96% completing the PHQ‐9 when triggered and a mean completion time of about 2 min. The PHQ‐9 had good construct validity. Medical oncology patients had the highest percent of positive screens (12.9%) at T1, while HSCT patients had the highest percent (30.5%) at T2. Using this method, 21 (6.1%) at T1 and 54 (15.8%) at T2 of the total sample had moderate to severe depression.Conclusions: The PHQ‐9 administered on a touch screen computer is feasible and provides valid depression data in a diverse cancer population. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redox signalling in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Charles Rebecca L. , Eaton Philip 
Published: May 2008

AbstractOxidative stress has almost universally and unequivocally been implicated in the pathogenesis of all major diseases, including those of the cardiovascular system. Oxidative stress in cells and cardiovascular biology was once considered only in terms of injury, disease and dysfunction. However, it is now appreciated that oxidants are also produced in healthy tissues, and they function as signalling molecules transmitting information throughout the cell. Conversely, when cells move to a more reduced state, as can occur when oxygen is limiting, this can also result in alterations in the function of biomolecules and subsequently cells. At the centre of this ‘redox signalling’ are oxidoreductive chemical reactions involving oxidants or reductants post translationally modifying proteins. These structural alterations allow changes in cellular redox state to be coupled to alterations in cell function. In this review, we consider aspects of redox signalling in the cardiovascular system, focusing on the molecular basis of redox sensing by proteins and the array of post‐translational oxidative modifications that can occur. In addition, we discuss studies utilising proteomic methods to identify redox‐sensitive cardiac proteins, as well as those using this technology more broadly to assess redox signalling in cardiovascular disease.
Transition from thin gold layers to nano‐islands on TCO for catalyzing the growth of one‐dimensional nanostructures
Authors: Alet Pierre‐Jean , Eude Laurent , Palacin Serge , Cabarrocas Pere Roca i 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe formation of gold islands on a transparent conductive oxide by annealing a thin evaporated layer is studied by SEM. The droplets of metal formed this way may catalyze the growth of nanowires or nanotubes to be used in opto‐electronic devices. The effect of the initial thickness (between 1 nm and 4 nm) and the annealing temperature (between 70 °C and 650 °C) is investigated. A qualitative description of the evolution is given and quantitative data are obtained by automated image analysis. Number density, area and effective diameter of the aggregates depend heavily on the initial thickness but very slightly on the annealing temperature. Three phenomena are considered to explain the evolution: interfacial stress due to mismatch in the linear expansion coefficient, Ostwald ripening and kinetic aggregation. By comparing the experimental size distributions to the theoretical ones, the relevance of the last two is discussed. As an application, the gold catalyzed CVD growth of silicon nanowires on zinc oxide is demonstrated. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Longitudinal patterns in flathead catfish relative abundance and length at age within a large river: effects of an urban gradient
Authors: Paukert Craig P. , Makinster Andrew S. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe investigated the spatial variation of flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) relative abundance and growth in the 274 km long Kansas River to determine if population dynamics of catfish are related to urbanization. Electrofishing was conducted at 462 random sites throughout the river in summer, 2005–2006 to collect fish. Relative abundance of age 1 fish (≤200 mm), subadult (>200–400 mm) and adult fish (>400 mm) ranged from 0.34 to 14.67 fish h−1, mean length at age 1 was 165 (range: 128–195) mm total length (TL) and mean length at age 3 was 376 mm TL (range: 293–419 mm TL). The proportion of land use within 200 m of the river edge was between 0 and 0.54 urban. River reaches with high relative abundance of age 1 flathead catfish had high relative abundance of subadult and adult catfish. River reaches with fast flathead catfish growth to age 1 had fast growth to age 3. High urban land use and riprap in the riparian area were evident in river reaches near the heavily populated Kansas City and Topeka, Kansas, USA. Reaches with increased number of log jams and islands had decreased riparian agriculture. Areas of low urbanization had faster flathead catfish growth (r = 0.67, p = 0.005). Relative abundance of flathead catfish was higher in more agricultural areas (r = −0.57, p = 0.02). Changes in land use in riverine environments may alter population dynamics of a fish species within a river. Spatial differences in population dynamics need to be considered when evaluating riverine fish populations. Published in 2008 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The adoption of radical manufacturing technologies and firm survival
Authors: Sinha Rajiv K. , Noble Charles H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe emergence of dramatically innovative, or radical, new manufacturing technologies can force pivotal and life‐threatening decisions for industry competitors. These technologies can represent a huge cost for adopting firms, but may also offer the chance to achieve competitive advantage through superior manufacturing. While prior research has considered a range of production process decisions (e.g., JIT, mass customization) and outcomes for end‐product technologies, little attention has been given to adoption decisions relative to core manufacturing technologies. This study examines an industry's adoption of major manufacturing technologies over several decades and demonstrates that two groups of contingencies related to adoption (e.g., timing and cumulative effects) have a significant impact on firm performance. Based on a sample of over 1,000 firms, the results provide insights into the effects of adoption timing and ‘manufacturing technology bundles’ on firm survival. We also find that adoption of manufacturing technologies prior to the inflection point of the estimated Bass diffusion curve for each technology leads to significant reduction in firm mortality. Thus, we are able to demonstrate the ability of the Bass model to predict the survival outcomes of firms facing manufacturing technology adoption decisions. The strategic implications of these pivotal decisions are considered. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioconcentrations of metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb) in earthworms (Eisenia fetida), inoculated in municipal sewage sludge: Do earthworms pose a possible risk of terrestrial food chain contamination?
Authors: Suthar Surindra , Singh Sushma 
Published: May 2008

AbstractEfforts have been made to evaluate the possible risks of metal bioaccumulation in composting earthworms during vermicomposting of hazardous wastes, e.g., sewage sludge. The sewage sludge was diluted by mixing cow dung in different proportions, and vermicomposted sludge as well as inoculated earthworms were analyzed for metal (Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb) contents. The sludge processed by worms showed a significant reduction in concentration of metals, Cu (29.4–51.6%), Fe (13.1–19.9%), Zn (15.2–25.8%), and Pb (4.6–46.9%), at the end. A considerable concentration of metals, total Cu (16.7–27.6 mg kg−1), total Fe (42.9–89.8 mg kg−1), total Zn (5.85–75.0 mg kg−1), and total Pb (1.79–12.4 mg kg−1), in composting earthworms was also recorded. The greater values of bioconcentration factors for metals suggested the possible risk of entering contaminants in higher food chains; since, earthworms are near to the terrestrial food chain, they can potentially mediate metal transfer from soil to a range of predators, including birds. Therefore, feasibility of vermitechnology in hazardous waste recycling needs close attention in respect to possible risk of environmental contamination. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.