bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy relaxation time of hot carriers photoexcited in InGaN
Authors: Ushiyama T. , Toizumi T. , Nakazato Y. , Tackeuchi A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe energy relaxation time of hot carriers photoexcited in bulk InGaN is measured. The time‐resolved pump and probe transmission measurements with subpicosecond time resolution show that the hot‐carrier relaxation time is 0.92 ps at 15 K. The hot‐carrier relaxation time becomes significantly shorter at higher temperatures. At temperatures higher than 150 K, there are no meaningful differences between rise times. This strong temperature dependence indicates that electron‐phonon scattering dominates the carrier relaxation process. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Negative spin polarization in AlGaAs photoluminescence
Authors: Gilinsky A. M. , Winter A. , Mejía‐García C. , Pascher H. , Zhuravlev K. S. , Efanov A. V. , Kozhemyakina E. V. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractOptical orientation of carrier spins has been studied in pure direct‐gap AlxGa1–xAs alloys (x up to 15%). It is shown that optical excitation with circularly‐polarized light with quanta energy in a narrow range (less than 1.6 meV) just above the free exciton transition results in the appearance of negative circular polarization of near‐band edge photoluminescence (PL), which indicates a reversal of the spin orientation direction. The PL polarization degree becomes negative on all the excitonic transitions in the spectrum, free as well as bound. Carrier spin kinetics observed using the Hanle technique shows insignificant modification under the resonant excitation. The resonant switching of PL polarization seen in the excitation spectrum points to a change in the dominating carrier generation channel from heavy‐hole to light‐hole. The change is attributed to the influence of mechanical stress between the ternary epitaxial film and the substrate of GaAs. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nonlinear electron transport properties and rectification effects in InAs/AlGaSb ballistic devices
Authors: Koyama M. , Inoue T. , Amano N. , Maemoto T. , Sasa S. , Inoue M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe nonlinear electron transport properties and rectification effects in InAs/AlGaSb ballistic devices are reported. We fabricated InAs/AlGaSb three‐terminal ballistic junction devices composed of three quantum wires, and characterised electron transport properties with scanning the voltage on the left branch while keeping the voltage on the right constant at 77 K and 300 K. In these structures, we observed clear nonlinearity in the output voltage measured at the central branch. The nonlinear characteristics agreed well with a theoretical prediction. When the left branch is biased to a finite voltage V and the right to a voltage of –V (push‐pull fashion), negative voltages appeared at the central branch regardless of the polarity of V. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preface: phys. stat. sol. (c) 5/1
Authors: Tarucha Seigo , Furuya Kazuhito , Hirakawa Kaz , Yamaguchi Masahito , Oiwa Akira 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis issue contains invited and contributed papers of the 15th International Conference on Nonequilibrium Carrier Dynamics in Semiconductors (HCIS15) held 23–27 July 2007 at Hongo Campus, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.The conference featured 11 invited and 55 con‐tributed talks as well as 80 posters, and an international attendance of more than 160 scientists. Following the tradition of the conference, HCIS15 provided an international forum on the latest progress in the field of physics and applications of nonequilibrium carrier dynamics in bulk semiconductors, nanostructures, and structures of molecular scales. Interesting contributions were made on transport in novel nanostructures and nanodevices, intersubband transitions and terahertz phenomena, ultrafast spectroscopy, and spintronics, which clearly indicates the importance of these topics for the next generation devices.On behalf of the organizers of HCIS15, we thank all the participants who made the conference a successful and pleasant experience. We sincerely appreciate support from the Japan Society of Applied Physics and Electronics Society, IEICE. Generous donations from foundations and companies are gratefully acknowledged. We are also indebted to Michihisa Yamamoto, Kenji Shibata, Sayoko Muta, Mari Ikushima, and Mika Tsukamoto for their invaluable contribution to the conference organization. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Combination of high‐resolution RBS and angle‐resolved XPS: accurate depth profiling of chemical states
Authors: Kimura Kenji , Nakajima Kaoru , Zhao Ming , Nohira Hiroshi , Hattori Takeo , Kobata Masaaki , Ikenaga Eiji , Kim Jung Jin , Kobayashi Keisuke , Conard Thierry , Vandervorst Wilfried 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA new method for the combination analysis of high‐resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (HRBS) and angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AR‐XPS) is proposed for accurate depth profiling of chemical states. In this method, attenuation lengths (ALs) for the photoelectrons are first determined so that the AR‐XPS result is consistent with the HRBS result. Depth profiling of the chemical states are then performed in the AR‐XPS analysis using the composition‐depth profiles obtained by HRBS as constrained conditions. This method is successfully applied to Hf‐based gate stack structures demonstrating its feasibility. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic relationships among populations of the Argentine ant Linepithema humile introduced into Japan
Authors: Hirata Masanori , Hasegawa Osamu , Toita Takahiro , Higashi Seigo 
Published: January 2008

AbstractSince some colonies of Argentine ant Linepithema humile were discovered in Japan in 1993, populations of this invasive alien ant species have been expanding their distribution. To resolve the number of invasions and the genetic structure in the early stages of introduction, we inferred the genetic structure and relationships among colonies from eight localities, from analyses of eight nuclear microsatellite DNA markers. FST analysis, principal component analysis and assignment test showed that at least three highly genetically differentiated groups of Argentine ants are present in Japan. Populations from Hiroshima Bay were grouped together (Hiroshima, Hatsukaichi, Otake, Iwakuni Central and Iwakuni Kuroiso), while those from Kobe and Yanai were both genetically distant from each other and from the Hiroshima Bay group. Hatsukaichi and Kobe are international seaports, suggesting that the by‐ship invasion occurred at least twice. The invasion route of the Yanai population is unknown at this moment. The Aichi population was genetically distant from that of the Hiroshima Bay group by the difference in allele frequencies, and it was plausible that the Aichi population was introduced from the Hiroshima Bay group by human‐mediated jump dispersal.
Patterns of Azteca ants’ defence of Cecropia trees in a tropical rainforest: support for optimal defence theory
Authors: Gianoli Ernesto , Sendoya Sebastián , Vargas Fernando , Mejía Paula , Jaffé Rodolfo , Rodríguez Mayanín , Gutiérrez Adrián 
Published: January 2008

AbstractOptimal defence theory (ODT) predicts that, whereas high risk of herbivory should select for high constitutive levels of defence, induced defences should be more advantageous in environments with a low probability of herbivory. In the present field study, conducted on the Azteca–Cecropia ant–plant system in a Neotropical rainforest, we evaluated whether the constitutive and induced ant defence of leaves are directly and inversely related to an estimate of herbivory risk, respectively. To assess the constitutive level of Azteca defence in Cecropia obtusifolia trees, we recorded the number of ants patrolling undamaged leaves. To evaluate the induced level of Azteca defence, the same leaves were subjected to simulated herbivory by punching circular holes in them. We recorded the maximum number of ants patrolling the damaged leaves from 2 to 15 min after damage. Past herbivory (% defoliation of old leaves) was assumed to indicate a risk of herbivory. Regression analyses showed that, whereas the constitutive level of ant patrolling was positively associated with the magnitude of herbivory on old leaves, there was a negative association between the magnitude of induced ant defence and past herbivory. These preliminary results lend support to ODT.
Magnetometric Studies of Catalyst Refuses in Nanocarbon Materials
Authors: Ovsienko Irina V , Matzuy LyudmilaYu , Zakharenko Nykolai I , Babich Nykolai G , Len Tetyana A , Prylutskyy Yuriy I , Hui David , Strzhemechny Yuri M , Eklund Peter C 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
It is shown that magnetometry can be employed as an effective tool to control the content of a ferromagnetic constituent in nanocarbon materials. We propose a thermochemical treatment protocol to achieve extensive cleaning of the source nanocarbon materials from ferromagnetic refuses.
Ultrasound lung comets for the differential diagnosis of acute cardiogenic dyspnoea: A comparison with natriuretic peptides☆
Authors: Gargani L. , Frassi F. , Soldati G. , Tesorio P. , Gheorghiade M. , Picano E. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackground:Acute dyspnoea as a presenting symptom is a frequent diagnostic challenge for physicians. The main differential diagnosis is between dyspnoea of cardiac and non‐cardiac origin. Natriuretic peptides have been shown to be useful in this setting. Ultrasound lung comets (ULCs) are a simple, echographic method which can be used to assess pulmonary congestion.Aim:To evaluate the accuracy of ULCs for predicting dyspnoea of cardiac origin compared to natriuretic peptides.Methods:We evaluated 149 patients admitted with acute dyspnoea. Chest sonography and NT‐proBNP assessments were performed a maximum of 4 h apart and independently analyzed. ULCs were evaluated via cardiac probes placed on the anterior and lateral chest. Two independent physicians, blinded to ULCs and NT‐proBNP findings, reviewed all the medical records to establish the aetiologic diagnosis of dyspnoea.Results:Cardiogenic dyspnoea was confirmed in 122 patients and ruled‐out in 27 patients. The number of ULCs was significantly correlated to NT‐proBNP values (r=.69, p<.0001). Receiver operating characteristic analysis, showed an area under the curve of .893 for ULCs and .978 (p=.001) for NT‐proBNP, in predicting the cardiac origin of dyspnoea.Conclusions:In patients admitted with acute dyspnoea, pulmonary congestion, sonographically imaged as ULCs, is significantly correlated to NT‐proBNP values. The accuracy of ULCs in predicting the cardiac origin of dyspnoea is high.
Combining the ventilatory response to exercise and peak oxygen consumption is no better than peak oxygen consumption alone in predicting mortality in chronic heart failure
Authors: Ingle Lee , Witte Klaus K. , Cleland John G.F. , Clark Andrew L. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackground:A low peak oxygen uptake (pVO2) and steep VE/VCO2 slope are independently associated with a worse prognosis in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). We wished to confirm whether combining these variables as a ratio would lead to a more accurate predictor of prognosis than using either alone.Methods:388 CHF patients completed a treadmill‐based cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to volitional exhaustion using a modified Bruce protocol.Results:212 CHF patients completed the CPET with a peak RER ≥1.0. Of these, 48 patients died and one was transplanted during follow‐up. In surviving patients, the median follow‐up period was 42 months (IQR 34–49 months). The ratio VE/VCO2 slope/pVO2 was calculated for each individual and its ability to predict outcome compared with other variables. The Cox multivariable survival analysis showed that pVO2 was the strongest independent predictor of mortality in CHF patients.Conclusion:Our study shows that the composite variable VE/VCO2 slope/pVO2 is a less effective prognosticator than pVO2 alone in patients with CHF.
A randomised trial of a pre‐synaptic stimulator of DA2‐dopaminergic and α2‐adrenergic receptors on morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure
Authors: Torp‐Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Carlsen Jan E. , Akkan Dilek , Bruun Niels E. , Dacoronias Dimitri , Dickstein Kenneth , Haghfelt Torben , Öhlin Hans , McMurray John JV 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackground:By pre‐synaptic stimulation of DA2‐dopaminergic and α2‐adrenergic receptors, nolomirole inhibits norepinephrine secretion from sympathetic nerve endings. We performed a clinical study with nolomirole in patients with heart failure (HF).Methods:The study was designed as a multicentre, double blind, parallel group trial of 5 mg b.i.d. of nolomirole (n=501) versus placebo (n=499) in patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, recently in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III/IV. The primary endpoint was time to all cause death or hospitalisation for HF, whichever came first. The study was event driven and required 420 primary events. The study was completed as scheduled.Results:Mean age of patients was 70 years, and 73% were male. Heart rate and blood pressure were not different in the two treatment groups. There were no changes in blood pressure. There were 233 primary events in the nolomirole group versus 208 in the placebo group (p=0.1). There were 142/145 deaths and 369/374 all cause hospitalisations in the nolomirole/placebo groups. There were no differences in walking distance, quality of life or NYHA class.Conclusion:A dose of 5 mg b.i.d. of nolomirole was not beneficial (or harmful) in patients with heart failure.
B‐type natriuretic peptide levels in patients with functionally univentricular hearts after total cavopulmonary connection
Authors: Koch Andreas M.E. , Zink Stefan , Singer Helmut , Dittrich Sven 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAims:To assess plasma B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with univentricular hearts late after volume unloading by total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC).Methods:Plasma BNP was measured by sandwich immunoassay in 67 patients after a modified Fontan procedure. BNP levels were compared with age and sex‐specific normal values, clinical and echocardiographic data, and results of exercise testing.Results:BNP had a wide range of 5–290 pg/ml, but was normal in 81% of patients, and median BNP was only 13pg/ml. There was no difference between males and females, between patients with left or right ventricular morphology, and no correlation was found between BNP and age, post‐operative follow‐up period, maximum exercise capability, peak oxygen uptake, or blood oxygen saturation. New York Heart Association class I patients had lower BNP than class II patients (p=0.04). Plasma BNP concentration was positively correlated to the number of specific sequelae (r=0.59, p<0.001), and to severity of atrioventricular regurgitation (r=0.38, p=0.002). 5/13 patients with elevated BNP died during follow‐up.Conclusion:BNP plasma concentration was normal in the majority of patients up to 15 years after TCPC. Elevated and increasing BNP levels were associated with increased morbidity and late mortality.
Clinical trials update from the American Heart Association 2007: CORONA, RethinQ, MASCOT, AF‐CHF, HART, MASTER, POISE and stem cell therapy
Authors: Cleland John G.F. , Coletta Alison P. , Abdellah Ahmed Tageldien , Cullington Damien , Clark Andrew L. , Rigby Alan S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis article provides information and a commentary on trials relevant to the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of heart failure, presented at the American Heart Association 2007. These should be considered as preliminary data, as analyses may change in the final publication.Rosuvastatin did not reduce mortality compared to placebo in patients with heart failure and left ventricular systolic dysfunction due to ischaemic heart disease in the CORONA study. Results of RethinQ provide equivocal evidence of benefit from CRT in patients with heart failure, echocardiographic dyssynchrony and QRS interval <130 ms. In the MASCOT study, the addition of atrial overdrive pacing did not reduce the incidence of permanent atrial fibrillation in patients receiving CRT. The AF‐CHF study failed to show a benefit of rhythm control over rate control in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Self‐management skills training and education had no benefit on the combined outcome of death or heart failure hospitalisation, compared with education alone in heart failure patients in the HART study. Microvolt T‐wave alternans testing failed to identify patients at increased risk of life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmias in the MASTER study. POISE suggests that initiating metoprolol therapy shortly prior to non‐cardiac surgery increases the risk of hypotension, stroke and death, despite reducing the risk of myocardial infarction. Three trials of stem cell therapy in post‐MI patients gave conflicting results.
Interactions between glutamate and capsaicin in inducing muscle pain and sensitization in humans
Authors: Arendt‐Nielsen L. , Svensson P. , Sessle B.J. , Cairns B.E. , Wang K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the interaction between glutamate and capsaicin in inducing muscle pain and sensitization in humans. Fifteen male volunteers participated. Glutamate or capsaicin or isotonic saline, in a paired‐sequence order, was injected randomly into the right or left masseter muscle. Two injections were given in a double‐blinded design 25min apart in 1session/week over 4 weeks: saline (A1) followed by glutamate (A2), capsaicin (B1) followed by glutamate (B2), saline (C1) followed by capsaicin (C2), and glutamate (D1) followed by capsaicin (D2). The subjects drew the area of perceived pain and scored pain intensity on a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS). Pressure pain threshold (PPT) at the injection site, at a site 2‐cm away, and on the contralateral side, as well as pressure pain tolerance (PPTol) at the injection site and contralateral site, were also measured before and after injection and subsequently at 5‐min intervals. Paired t‐test analyses showed that the pain drawing area was significantly smaller in the B2 compared to the A2 condition (P=0.028), and significantly larger in the D2 compared to the C2 condition (P=0.027). It also revealed significantly lower VAS peak pain intensity (P=0.008) and smaller VAS area under the curve (P=0.003) for the B2 compared to the A2 condition, and significantly higher VAS peak pain (P=0.015) and larger VAS area under the curve (P=0.037) for the D2 compared to the C2 condition. There was a significant PPT and PPTol decrease at the injection site after glutamate or capsaicin injection (ANOVA: P<0.028). The percentage decrease in PPT or PPTol (at the injection site) was not significantly different for the B2 compared to the A2 condition (Paired t‐test: P>0.682) or for the D2 compared to the C2 condition (P>0.133). Significant PPT changes were also observed at the site 2cm away, but not on the contralateral side. In conclusion, these findings indicate that intramuscular administrations of glutamate and capsaicin interact and influence pain and sensitization of muscle nociceptors: glutamate causes a sensitization to subsequent administration of capsaicin, whereas capsaicin is associated with a desensitization to subsequent injection of glutamate. These findings support previous animal data.
A randomized controlled trial of exposure in vivo for patients with spinal pain reporting fear of work‐related activities
Authors: Linton Steven J. , Boersma Katja , Jansson Markus , Overmeer Thomas , Lindblom Karin , Vlaeyen Johan W.S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackground:Pain‐related fear is related to disability in persistent pain conditions. Exposure treatment has been reported to be of great benefit in replicated single case experiments.Aim:To evaluate the effects of exposure in vivo on fear and function in patients with persistent pain and work disability.Method:We recruited 46 patients suffering from long‐term back pain and reduced function, who also were deemed fearful according to standardized measures. Participants were randomized into either an exposure plus usual treatment or waiting list control plus usual treatment group. After the waiting period the control group crossed over and received the exposure treatment.Results:Between group comparisons showed a significantly better result for the exposure group on function, but not for fear or pain and effect sizes were modest (function=.6; fear=.4; pain=.1). When the control group crossed over to treatment significant treatment effects were noted for fear and function. For all patients treated, the pre to post‐treatment effect sizes were large (function=.7; fear=1.1; pain=.9). There were 12 dropouts (8 in exposure and 4 in the control) during the first treatment phase and an additional 4 when the control group crossed over to exposure.Conclusions:Compared to a group receiving usual treatment and waiting for exposure, the exposure in vivo group demonstrated a significantly larger improvement on function. Overall exposure had moderate effects on function, fear and pain intensity. We conclude that exposure may be important in treatment, but is not recommended as a “stand alone” adjunct to usual treatment.
Maternal caffeine intake affects acetylcholinesterase in hippocampus of neonate rats
Authors: da Silva Rosane Souza , Richetti Stefânia Konrad , Silveira Vanessa Gass da , Battastini Ana Maria Oliveira , Bogo Mauricio Reis , Lara Diogo R. , Bonan Carla Denise 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTranscriptional factors and signalling molecules from intracellular metabolism modulate a complex set of events during brain development. Neurotransmitter and neuromodulator synthesis and their receptor expressions vary according to different stages of brain development. The dynamics of signalling systems is often accompanied by alterations in enzyme expression and activity. Adenosine is a neuromodulator that controls the release of several neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, which is an important neurotransmitter during brain development. Caffeine is a non‐specific antagonist of adenosine receptors and can reach the immature brain. We evaluated the effects of rat maternal caffeine intake (1 g/L) on acetylcholine degradation and acetylcholinesterase expression from hippocampus of 7‐, 14‐ and 21‐day‐old neonates in caffeine‐treated and control groups. Caffeine was not able to change the age‐dependent increase of acetylcholinesterase activity or the age‐dependent decrease of acetylcholinesterase expression. However, caffeine promoted an increase of acetylcholinesterase activity (42%) without modifications on the level of acetylcholinesterase mRNA transcripts in 21‐day‐old rats. Considering the high score of phosphorylatable residues on acetylcholinesterase, this profile can be associated with a possible regulation by specific phosphorylation sites. These results highlight the ability of maternal caffeine intake to interfere on cholinergic neurotransmission during brain development.