bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Applications of Nanoscale Materials in the Fields of Electrochemistry and Photoelectrochemistry
Authors: Campet G. , Deshayes A. , Frison J. C. , Treuil N. , Portier J. 
Published: April 2008

We have illustrated the important role played by the nanoscale materials in three‐up‐to‐date
energy topics.1/The solar‐to‐electrical energy conversion in photoelectrochemical cells: we have shown
two favorable situations for which photoelectrochemical cells using porous nanocrystalline
films have high efficiencies.2/The electrical energy storage in rechargeable rocking‐chair lithium batteries: these systems,
which use nanocrystalline materials, might be the next generation of rechargeable batteries
showing higher capacity, cyclability, and safety than conventional lithium ion batteries.3/The energy saving with efficient electrochromic windows using nanocrystalline materials.
An Algorithm to Develop Lumped Model for Gunn‐Diode Dynamics
Authors: Kumar Umesh 
Published: April 2008

A nonlinear lumped model can be developed for Gunn‐Diodes to describe the diffusion
effects as the domain travels from cathode to anode of a Gunn‐Diode. The model
describes the domain extinction and nucleation phenomena. It allows the user to specify
arbitrary nonlinear drift velocity V(E) and nonlinear diffusion D(E).The model simulates arbitrary Gunn‐Diode circuits operating in any matured high
field domain or in the LSA mode.Here we have constructed an algorithm to lead to development of this model
Three‐Dimensional Modelling and Simulation Theory of Field Effect Devices
Authors: Doja M. N. , Moinuddin  , Kumar Umesh 
Published: April 2008

In recent years, semiconductor manufacturers have been able to steadily reduce the physical area required by devices, thus allowing an increasing number of circuit functions on a single chip. Smaller semiconductor devices require more detailed and accurate analysis because minor errors can degrade their performance substantially.A new, completely numerical three‐dimensional model of a MOSFET allows a unified treatment of small devices. Preliminary results show that device size effects the surface potential and threshold voltage. Classical theory does not predict these effects. Although the model currently converges slowly, it can still be useful in analysing new small geometry devices.
Imaging Bone and Soft Tissue Tumors with the Proliferation Marker [18F]Fluorodeoxythymidine
Authors: Buck Andreas K. , Herrmann Ken , Büschenfelde Christian Meyer zum , Juweid Malik E. , Bischoff Mark , Glatting Gerhard , Weirich Gregor , Möller Peter , Wester Hans-Jürgen , Scheidhauer Klemens , Dechow Tobias , Peschel Christian , Schwaiger Markus , Reske Sven N. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPurpose: We have determined the ability of positron emission tomography (PET) with the thymidine analogue 3`-deoxy-3′[18F]fluorothymidine (FLT) to detect manifestation sites of bone and soft tissue tumors, to assess tumor grading, and to differentiate malignant from benign tumors.Materials and Methods: In this prospective bicenter trial, FLT-PET was done in 22 patients with established or suspected soft or bone tissue lesions. Routine diagnostic procedures included incisional biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging, and/or contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography in all patients and [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET in 15 patients. Forty-five to 60 minutes after i.v. injection of 350 to 425 MBq FLT, emission and transmission scanning was done. Tracer uptake in the tumor was evaluated semiquantitatively by calculation of mean and maximum standardized uptake values (FLT-SUV) and compared with respective values of FDG. Results were correlated to histopathology and tumor grading.Results: FLT-PET detected all malignant bone or soft tissue tumors (17 of 17). Mean FLT-SUV in benign lesions was 0.7 (range, 0.3-1.3), and 1.3 in low-grade sarcoma (grade 1; range, 1.0-1.6), 4.1 (range, 2.2-6.0; P = 0.002) and 6.1 (range, 2.5-8.3; P = 0.001) in grade 2 and grade 3 tumors, respectively. FLT but not FDG uptake correlated significantly with tumor grading (r = 0.71 versus r = 0.01), and a cutoff value of 2.0 for FLT-SUV discriminated between low- and high-grade tumors.Conclusion: In this clinical study, the proliferation marker FLT was suitable for imaging malignant bone or soft tissue tumors. FLT but not FDG uptake correlated significantly with the tumor grade, suggesting FLT as superior PET tracer for noninvasive grading of sarcomas.
Loss of Heterozygosity at the BRCA2 Locus Detected by Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification is Common in Prostate Cancers from Men with a Germline BRCA2 Mutation
Authors: Willems Amber J. , Dawson Sarah-Jane , Samaratunga Hema , De Luca Alessandro , Antill Yoland C. , Hopper John L. , Thorne Heather J. ,   and kConFab Investigators
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Purpose: Prostate cancer risk is increased for men carrying a pathogenic germline mutation in BRCA2, and perhaps BRCA1. Our primary aim was to test for loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at the locus of the mutation in prostate cancers from men who a carry pathogenic germline mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2, and to assess clinical and pathologic features of these tumors.
Experimental Design: From 1,243 kConFab families: (a) 215 families carried a pathogenic BRCA1 mutation, whereas 188 families carried a pathogenic BRCA2 mutation; (b) of the 158 men diagnosed with prostate cancer (from 137 families), 8 were confirmed to carry the family-specific BRCA1 mutation, whereas 20 were confirmed to carry the family-specific BRCA2 mutation; and (c) 10 cases were eliminated from analysis because no archival material was available. The final cohort comprised 4 and 14 men with a BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation, respectively. We examined LOH at the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification of DNA from microdissected tumor.
Results: LOH at BRCA2 was observed in 10 of 14 tumors from BRCA2 mutation carriers (71%), whereas no LOH at BRCA1 was observed in four tumors from BRCA1 mutation carriers (P = 0.02). Under the assumption that LOH occurs only because the cancer was caused by the germline mutation, carriers of BRCA2 mutations are at 3.5-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.8-12) increased risk of prostate cancer. A high Gleason was the only distinct clinical feature.
Conclusions: These observations are consistent with the idea that BRCA2, but not BRCA1, is a tumor suppressor of prostate cancer.
MRP7/ABCC10expression is a predictive biomarker for the resistance to paclitaxel in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Oguri Tetsuya , Ozasa Hiroaki , Uemura Takehiro , Bessho Yuji , Miyazaki Mikinori , Maeno Ken , Maeda Hiroyoshi , Sato Shigeki , Ueda Ryuzo 
Published: April 2008

AbstractWe used the paclitaxel-resistant human small cell lung cancer subline PC-6/TAX1-1, selected from PC-6 cells by paclitaxel, to test whether MRP7/ABCC10 (ABCC10) confers paclitaxel resistance. We found that gene expression of both ABCB1/MDR1 (ABCB1) and ABCC10 was higher in PC-6/TAX1-1 cells than in PC-6 cells. The expression levels of ABCC10 showed a significant inverse correlation with paclitaxel sensitivity (r = 0.574; P &lt; 0.05) in 17 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells unlike the expression levels of ABCB1. Pretreatment with the ABCC10 inhibitor sulfinpyrazone altered the sensitivity to paclitaxel in ABCC10-expressing NSCLC cells, concomitant with increased intracellular paclitaxel accumulation. These findings suggest that expression of the ABCC10 gene is induced by paclitaxel and that ABCC10 confers paclitaxel resistance by enhancing the efflux for paclitaxel. To confirm this hypothesis, we tested the effect on paclitaxel cytotoxicity of decreasing the expression of ABCC10 by small interfering RNA and found that this enhanced paclitaxel cytotoxicity in NCI-H23 cells concomitant with increased intracellular paclitaxel accumulation. These data indicate that ABCC10 may be one of the biomarkers for paclitaxel resistance in NSCLC. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(5):1150–5]
Medullary thyroid cancer: targeting the RET kinase pathway with sorafenib/tipifarnib
Authors: Hong David , Ye Lei , Gagel Robert , Chintala Lakshmi , El Naggar Adel K. , Wright John , Kurzrock Razelle 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an uncommon malignancy of hereditary and sporadic presentation. Mutations in the RET proto-oncogene are involved in the pathogenesis of familial MTC and &gt;50% of the sporadic cases. Currently, there is no effective treatment for recurrent or metastatic MTC. We report here a rapid response to a sorafenib (RET and RAF kinase and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitor)–based regimen in a patient with sporadic MTC who had advanced, progressive disease and a novel RET kinase aberration at exon 11 shown in tumor tissue. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(5):1001–6]
Socio-Economic Inequality and Cultural Fragmentation in Western Societies
Authors: Janmaat Jan Germen 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis article examines the relation between socio-economic inequality and disparities of democratic values in Western societies. It discusses three perspectives on democratic attitudes and values – rising inequality, social capital, and postmaterialism – and explores to what extent cross-national patterns and trends in value disparities are in agreement with the predicted outcomes of these perspectives. Use is made of the World Value Survey and the European Value Study to explore these value disparities. The results do not provide unequivocal support for any of the three perspectives. The patterns on some values are in line with the rising inequality perspective, while those on others are consistent with the other two perspectives. Low and high incomes have come to drift apart on democratic values, which is what the rising inequalities perspective would expect. But these widening disparities are unrelated to socio-economic inequalities. It is proposed that socio-economic inequalities primarily affect mean levels of democratic values while individualism is the key factor producing value divergence.
Mesenchymal stem cells exert differential effects on alloantigen and virus-specific T-cell responses
Authors: Karlsson Helen , Samarasinghe Sujith , Ball Lynne M. , Sundberg Berit , Lankester Arjan C. , Dazzi Francesco , Uzunel Mehmet , Rao Kanchan , Veys Paul , Le Blanc Katarina , Ringdén Olle , Amrolia Persis J. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) suppress alloantigen-induced T-cell functions in vitro and infusion of third-party MSCs seems to be a promising therapy for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Little is known about the specificity of immunosuppression by MSCs, in particular the effect on immunity to pathogens. We have studied how MSCs affect T-cell responses specific to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). We found that EBV- and CMV-induced proliferation and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was less affected by third-party MSCs than the response to alloantigen and that MSCs had no effect on expansion of EBV and CMV pentamer-specific T cells. Established EBV-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTL) or CMV-CTL cultured with MSCs retained the ability to proliferate and produce IFN-γ in response to their cognate antigen and to kill virally infected targets. Finally, PBMCs from 2 patients who received MSCs for acute GVHD showed persistence of CMV-specific T cells and retained IFN-γ response to CMV after MSC infusion. In summary, MSCs have little effect on T-cell responses to EBV and CMV, which contrasts to their strong immunosuppressive effects on alloreactive T cells. These data have major implications for immunotherapy of GVHD with MSCs and suggest that the effector functions of virus-specific T cells may be retained after MSC infusion.
Molecular and functional characterization of a Rho GDP dissociation inhibitor in the filamentous fungus Tuber borchii
Authors: Menotta Michele , Amicucci Antonella , Basili Giorgio , Polidori Emanuela , Stocchi Vilberto , Rivero Francisco 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
Small GTPases of the Rho family function as tightly regulated molecular switches that govern important cellular functions in eukaryotes. Several families of regulatory proteins control their activation cycle and subcellular localization. Members of the guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI) family sequester Rho GTPases from the plasma membrane and keep them in an inactive form.

Results
We report on the characterization the RhoGDI homolog of Tuber borchii Vittad., an ascomycetous ectomycorrhizal fungus. The Tbgdi gene is present in two copies in the T. borchii genome. The predicted amino acid sequence shows high similarity to other known RhoGDIs. Real time PCR analyses revealed an increased expression of Tbgdi during the phase preparative to the symbiosis instauration, in particular after stimulation with root exudates extracts, that correlates with expression of Tbcdc42. In a translocation assay TbRhoGDI was able to solubilize TbCdc42 from membranes. Surprisingly, TbRhoGDI appeared not to interact with S. cerevisiae Cdc42, precluding the use of yeast as a surrogate model for functional studies. To study the role of TbRhoGDI we performed complementation experiments using a RhoGDI null strain of Dictyostelium discoideum, a model organism where the roles of Rho signaling pathways are well established. For comparison, complementation with mammalian RhoGDI1 and LyGDI was also studied in the null strain. Although interacting with Rac1 isoforms, TbRhoGDI was not able to revert the defects of the D. discoideum RhoGDI null strain, but displayed an additional negative effect on the cAMP-stimulated actin polymerization response.

Conclusion
T. borchii expresses a functional RhoGDI homolog that appears as an important modulator of cytoskeleton reorganization during polarized apical growth that antecedes symbiosis instauration. The specificity of TbRhoGDI actions was underscored by its inability to elicit a growth defect in S. cerevisiae or to compensate the loss of a D. discoideum RhoGDI. Knowledge of the cell signaling at the basis of cytoskeleton reorganization of ectomycorrhizal fungi is essential for improvements in the production of mycorrhized plant seedlings used in timberland extension programs and fruit body production.
Acute-phase reactants after paediatric cardiac arrest. Procalcitonin as marker of immediate outcome
Authors: Los Arcos Marta , Rey Corsino , Concha Andrés , Medina Alberto , Prieto Belen 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Objective
Procalcitonin (PCT) and C reactive protein (CRP) have been used as infection parameters. PCT increase correlates with the infection's severity, course, and mortality. Post-cardiocirculatory arrest syndrome may be related to an early systemic inflammatory response, and may possibly be associated with an endotoxin tolerance. Our objective was to report the time profile of PCT and CRP levels after paediatric cardiac arrest and to assess if they could be use as markers of immediate survival.

Materials and methods
A retrospective observational study set in an eight-bed PICU of a university hospital was performed during a period of two years. Eleven children younger than 14 years were admitted in the PICU after a cardiac arrest. PCT and CRP plasma concentrations were measured within the first 12 and 24 hours of admission.

Results
In survivors, PCT values increased 12 hours after cardiac arrest without further increase between 12 and 24 hours. In non survivors, PCT values increased 12 hours after cardiac arrest with further increase between 12 and 24 hours. Median PCT values (range) at 24 hours after cardiac arrest were 22.7 ng/mL (0.2 – 41.0) in survivors vs. 205.5 ng/mL (116.6 – 600.0) in non survivors (p < 0.05). CRP levels were elevated in all patients, survivors and non-survivors, at 12 and 24 hours without differences between both groups.

Conclusion
Measurement of PCT during the first 24 hours after paediatric cardiac arrest could serve as marker of mortality.
Predictive factors for beneficial application of high-frequency electromagnetics for tumour vaporization and coagulation in neurosurgery
Authors: Ritz Rainer , Heckl Stefan , Safavi-Abbasi Sam , Feigl Guenther C , Krischek Boris , Lüdemann Wolf , Mirzayan Javed M , Koerbel Andrei , Samii Madjid , Tatagiba Marcos , Gharabaghi Alireza 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Objective
To identify preoperative and intraoperative factors and conditions that predicts the beneficial application of a high-frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) system for tumor vaporization and coagulation.

Methods
One hundred three subsequent patients with brain tumors were microsurgically treated using the EMF system in addition to the standard neurosurgical instrumentarium. A multivariate analysis was performed regarding the usefulness (ineffective/useful/very helpful/essential) of the new technology for tumor vaporization and coagulation, with respect to tumor histology and location, tissue consistency and texture, patients' age and sex.

Results
The EMF system could be used effectively during tumor surgery in 83 cases with an essential contribution to the overall success in 14 cases. In the advanced category of effectiveness (very helpful/essential), there was a significant difference between hard and soft tissue consistency (50 of 66 cases vs. 3 of 37 cases). The coagulation function worked well (very helpful/essential) for surface (73 of 103 cases) and spot (46 of 103 cases) coagulation when vessels with a diameter of less than one millimeter were involved. The light-weight bayonet hand piece and long malleable electrodes made the system especially suited for the resection of deep-seated lesions (34 of 52 cases) compared to superficial tumors (19 of 50 cases).
The EMF system was less effective than traditional electrosurgical devices in reducing soft glial tumors. Standard methods where also required for coagulation of larger vessels.

Conclusion
It is possible to identify factors and conditions that predict a beneficial application of high-frequency electromagnetics for tumor vaporization and coagulation. This allows focusing the use of this technology on selective indications.
Assessing midwives' breastfeeding knowledge: Properties of the Newborn Feeding Ability questionnaire and Breastfeeding Initiation Practices scale
Authors: Creedy Debra K , Cantrill Ruth M , Cooke Marie 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Background
There are few reliable and valid tools to assess lactation and infant feeding knowledge and practices. This study tested the psychometric properties of two new scales, the Newborn Feeding Ability (NFA) questionnaire and Breastfeeding Initiation Practices (BIP) scale to assess midwives' breastfeeding knowledge and practices specific to breastfeeding initiation.

Methods
A national postal survey of Australian midwives (n = 3500) was conducted in October 2001. Reliability was determined through Cronbach's alpha coefficient and stability determined by a test-retest. Content validity was established through a critical review of literature and review by an expert panel. Construct validity was informed by an exploratory factor analysis and principle component analysis with varimax rotation. Correlations between NFA and BKQ knowledge subscale scores and BIP and BKQ practice subscale scores assessed criterion validity. A multiple hierarchical regression analysis determined predictive validity of the NFA and BIP.

Results
A response rate of 31.6% (n = 1107) was achieved. Adequate internal consistency was established for both instruments. Five factors on the NFA questionnaire were congruent with knowledge about effects of skin-to-skin contact, physiological stability, newborn innate abilities, work practices and effective breastfeeding. The BIP revealed three factors related to observing pre-feeding behavior, mother/baby care and attachment and positioning practices. Predictive validity of knowledge was moderate (r = 0.481, p < 0.01) and contributed to 31.5% of variance in reported practice. Midwives with high knowledge scores were more likely to report best practice when assisting mothers to initiate breastfeeding. Midwives with more personal breastfeeding experience scored higher on all scales.

Conclusion
The Newborn Feeding Ability questionnaire and the Breastfeeding Initiation Practices scale can contribute to practice development by assessing lactation and infant feeding knowledge and practice deficits. Individual learning needs can be identified, and effectiveness of education interventions evaluated using these tools. Further testing is required with other samples of midwives and health professionals involved in the promotion of breastfeeding.
Splenic rupture as the presenting manifestation of primary splenic angiosarcoma in a teenage woman: a case report
Authors: Manouras Andreas , Giannopoulos Panagiotis , Toufektzian Levon , Markogiannakis Haridimos , Lagoudianakis Emmanuel E , Papadima Artemisia , Papanikolaou Dimitrios , Filis Konstantinos , Kekis Panagiotis 
Published: April 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Primary splenic angiosarcoma is a rare neoplasm of vascular origin carrying a very poor prognosis, partly due to its high metastatic potential. This disease presents frequently with splenic rupture and hemorrhage. We report the case of a 17-year-old woman who presented with rupture of a primary splenic angiosarcoma.

Case presentation
The patient presented with diffuse abdominal pain and distention. Clinical examination revealed severe tenderness in the left upper abdominal quadrant, a palpable abdominal mass, and hemodynamic instability with a systolic arterial blood pressure of 75 mmHg and heart rate of 135 beats per minute. Blood tests revealed anemia (hemoglobin 7.0 g/dl) and thrombocytopenia (platelets 70 × 109/liter). After initial fluid resuscitation and stabilization, abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography were performed, revealing a large quantity of intraperitoneal free fluid, an enlarged spleen, and a heterogeneous low-density signal within the splenic parenchyma, which showed varying degrees of contrast enhancement. At laparotomy a huge (weight 1530 g, diameter 19 cm) actively bleeding spleen was identified and splenectomy was performed. Histopathology showed a primary splenic angiosarcoma. After an uneventful recovery, the patient was discharged on the sixth postoperative day.

Conclusion
Primary splenic angiosarcoma is rare. Although this malignancy is usually encountered in advanced age, there have been a few reported cases among younger patients. The case reported here presented with splenic rupture, was treated by laparotomy and splenectomy, and the patient is disease free 16 months after surgery.