bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermal oxidation for crystalline silicon solar cells exceeding 19% efficiency applying industrially feasible process technology
Authors: Schultz Oliver , Mette Ansgar , Hermle Martin , Glunz Stefan W. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThermal oxides are commonly used for the surface passivation of high‐efficiency silicon solar cells from mono‐ and multicrystalline silicon and have led to the highest conversion efficiencies reported so far. In order to improve the cost‐effectiveness of the oxidation process, a wet oxidation in steam ambience is applied and experimentally compared to a standard dry oxidation. The processes yield identical physical properties of the oxide. The front contact is created using a screen‐printing process of a hotmelt silver paste in combination with light‐induced silver plating. The contact formation on the front requires a short high‐temperature firing process, therefore the thermal stability of the rear surface passivation is very important. The surface recombination velocity of the fired oxide is experimentally determined to be belowS ≤ 38 cm/s after annealing with a thin layer of evaporated aluminium on top. Monocrystalline solar cells are produced and 19·3% efficiency is obtained as best value on 4 cm2cell area. Simulations show the potential of the developed process to approach 20% efficiency. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic effects of heterocyclic ring systems as evaluated with the aid of 13C and 15N NMR chemical shifts and NBO analysis
Authors: Neuvonen H. , Fülöp F. , Neuvonen K. , Koch A. , Kleinpeter E. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe electronic effects of the 5‐ and 6‐membered heterocyclic rings on the CNN unit of five different hydrazone derivatives of pyridine‐2‐, ‐3‐ and ‐4‐carbaldehydes, pyrrole‐2‐carbaldehyde, furan‐2‐ and ‐3‐carbaldehydes and thiophene‐2‐ and ‐3‐carbaldehydes have been studied with the aid of 13C and 15N NMR measurements together with the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. As model compounds are used the corresponding substituted benzaldehyde derivatives. The polarization of the CN unit of the hydrazone functionality of the heteroaryl derivatives occurs in an analogous manner with that of phenyl derivatives. The electron‐withdrawing heteroaryl groups destabilize and the electron‐donating groups stabilize the positive charge development at the CN carbon while the effect on the negative charge development is opposite. The 15N NMR chemical shift of the CN and CNN nitrogens and the NBO charges at CNN unit can be correlated with the replacement substituent constants σ of the heteroaryl groups. 13C NMR shifts of the CN carbon of N,N‐dialkylhydrazones of the heteroarenecarbaldehydes can be correlated with a dual parameter equation possessing the polar substituent constant σ* of the heteroaryl group and the electronegativity of the heteroatom as variables. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoelectrochemistry on TiO2/Ti anodes as a tool to increase the knowledge about some photo‐oxidation mechanisms in CH3CN
Authors: Bettoni Marta , Rol Cesare , Sebastiani Giovanni V. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThrough current efficiency measurements, obtained from the photoelectrochemical oxidation at TiO2 (rutile)/Ti anodes, further mechanistic information has been obtained regarding the TiO2 photosensitized oxidation of benzylic alcohols, ethers and 1,2‐diols in CH3CN. In deaerated medium, two electrons are captured by the semiconductor from all the considered substrates (one from the substrate, the second from the intermediate benzylic radical). In contrast, in aerated CH3CN, the number of TiO2‐captured electrons can be reduced to one because, depending on its oxidizability, the benzylic radical can be competitively captured by oxygen. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Amino‐acid‐functionalized solvatochromic probes
Authors: Schreiter Katja , Spange Stefan 
Published: January 2008

AbstractN‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐L‐proline (2) has been obtained by a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction of 4‐fluoronitrobenzene with L‐proline. The corresponding amide derivatives 3–5 have been synthesized by peptide coupling of 2 with different amino acid derivatives and chiral amines. Solvatochromism of the long‐wavelength UV/Vis band in the electronic absorption spectra of the compounds 2–5 has been studied and analyzed using the empirical Kamlet–Taft solvent polarity parameters π* (dipolarity/polarizability), α (hydrogen bond donating ability), and β (hydrogen bond accepting ability). Reasonable Kamlet–Taft solvatochromic correlations (r > 0.95) were established for the three amide derivatives 3–5 in a range of common solvents and three room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). The UV/Vis absorption of the 4‐nitroaniline derivative 2 showed a hypsochromic shift with increasing concentration due to intermolecular hydrogen bonded aggregate formation in protic solvents, which is not observed for compounds 3–5. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and ion‐sensing phenomena of two new helical conjugated oligomers containing 1,10‐phenanthroline and oligo‐alkylthiophene
Authors: Wu Chun‐Guey , Lu Hung‐Chieh , Chen Liang‐Nien , Lin Yung‐Chou 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTwo new 1,10‐phenanthroline (Phen) containing conjugated oligomers, oligo‐3,8‐bis(4‐octylthiophene‐2‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline) (PDTPh) and oligo‐3,8‐bis‐(4‐octyl‐5‐(4‐ctylthiophene‐2‐yl)thiophene‐2‐yl)‐1,10‐phenanthroline) (PTTPh), as well as their corresponding monomers (OTPhOT and OTOTPhOTOT) were prepared and their metal ion‐sensing properties were investigated. The oligomers showed high thermal stability, good proccessibility, and gave varied color when reacted with different metal ions. Oligomers also showed distinct responses toward metal ions when compared with their corresponding monomers, suggesting that the ionochromic responses were determined by not only the coordinating ability of Phen unit but also the conformation of oligomer chains. Moreover, the differences in the ion‐sensing behaviors between OTPhOT and OTOTPhOTOT also suggested that the coordination ability of Phen depends on its substituents. The oligo‐alkylthiophene moieties in PDTPh and PTTPh acted as spacers to reorganize the conformation of the oligomer chains, as well as the electron donating groups to adjust the coordination ability of the Phen. These findings provide a clue for designing Phen‐containing ion‐sensors for specified ion‐sensing applications. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1586–1597, 2008
The interaction of post‐traumatic growth and post‐traumatic stress symptoms in predicting depressive symptoms and quality of life
Authors: Morrill E. Forrest , Brewer Noel T. , O'Neill Suzanne C. , Lillie Sarah E. , Dees E. Claire , Carey Lisa A. , Rimer Barbara K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjective: We sought to explore whether post‐traumatic growth (PTG) (positive change or benefit finding resulting from trauma) moderates relationships between post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and both depression and quality of life (QOL) among breast cancer survivors.Methods: We interviewed 161 women previously treated for early stage breast cancer. We assessed PTG using the Post‐traumatic Growth Inventory, PTSS using the PTSD Checklist, depressive symptoms using the CES‐D and QOL using the FACT‐B.Results: Higher PTSS was associated with greater depressive symptoms and lower QOL (p<0.01). The relationship between PTSS and depression was attenuated among women with higher levels of PTG (PTSS × PTG interaction,p<0.05). The same pattern of results was found for QOL (interactionp<0.01).Conclusions: We report the novel finding that PTG moderated relationships between PTSS and both depression and QOL. We speculate that finding positive meaning in response to a distressing event, such as diagnosis of cancer, may be psychologically protective and could indirectly influence the long‐term occurrence of depressive symptoms and impaired QOL. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening cancer patients' families with the distress thermometer (DT): a validation study
Authors: Zwahlen Diana , Hagenbuch Niels , Carley Margaret I. , Recklitis Christopher J. , Buchi Stefan 
Published: January 2008

AbstractAlthough family members of cancer patients are at great risk of experiencing psychological distress, clinical tools to assist with recognizing and intervening with appropriate psychosocial care are sparse. This study reports on the first validation of the distress thermometer (DT) as a screening instrument for symptoms of depression and anxiety in family members of cancer patients. The DT was administered with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in a sample of 321 family members. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) demonstrated that the DT has good diagnostic utility relative to the HADS (area under the curve= 0.88 relative to the HADS anxiety scale; 0.84 relative to the HADS depression scale, respectively). The ROC curves indicate that using a cut‐off of 4/5 maximizes sensitivity (86.2% HADS anxiety scale; 88.2% HADS depression scale) and specificity (71.2% HADS anxiety scale; 67.6% HADS depression scale); however, the alternative lower cut‐off of 3/4 increases sensitivity (94.1% for both scales) and hence reduces the risk of missing distressed family members (specificity is 62.9% for HADS anxiety scale; 59.1% for HADS depression scale). The results offer validation of the DT for screening family members of cancer patients and support its use for clinical assessment. Distress screening with DT for family members of cancer patients is a promising and efficient approach to integrating family members in the program of care and provides the first step toward meeting their unmet needs with referral for supportive services. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Degradation kinetics and safety evaluation of tetraconazole and difenoconazole residues in grape
Authors: Banerjee Kaushik , Oulkar Dasharath P , Patil Sangram H , Dasgupta Soma , Adsule Pandurang G 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Tetraconazole and difenoconazole are triazole fungicides with proven bioefficacy against grapevine powdery mildew disease. In the present work, the authors explored the residue dynamics of these two compounds in grapes and determined their preharvest intervals (PHIs) corresponding to multiple field applications at recommended and double rates considering the most critical use pattern in Indian viticulture. A confirmatory residue analysis method was validated for trace‐level determination of both the compounds.RESULTS: Dissipation of both the fungicides followed non‐linear two‐compartment first + first‐order rate kinetics. Tetraconazole and difenoconazole dissipated with PHIs of 12.5 and 25.5 days at recommended rates and of 28.5 and 38.5 days at double application rates respectively. On all the sampling days, the residues were below the maximum permissible intake, indicating consumer safety. The residues in the grape samples drawn from the farms where these two fungicides were applied, maintaining the above PHIs, were below their respective MRLs.CONCLUSION: The rate of degradation of tetraconazole was faster than that of difenoconazole. Thus, the growers will have the choice of using these new chemicals for the management of powdery mildews in succession, difenoconazole at early growth stages, followed by tetraconazole during the last month before harvest. The recommendations of PHIs proved to be effective in minimizing residues in farm grape samples. Thus, this work is of high significance to the grape industry of India, and will support the registration of these new fungicides for effective management of powdery mildews with minimum residue problems. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Improving the affinity of antigens for mutated antibodies by use of statistical molecular design
Authors: Mandrika Ilona , Prusis Peteris , Bergström Jakob , Yahorava Sviatlana , Wikberg Jarl E. S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe demonstrate the use of statistical molecular design (SMD) in the selection of peptide libraries aimed to systematically investigate antigen‐antibody binding spaces. Earlier, we derived two novel antibodies by mutating the complementarity‐determining region of the anti‐p24 (HIV‐1) single chain Fv antibody, CB4‐1 that had lost their affinity for a p24 epitope‐homologous peptide by 8‐ and 60‐fold. The present study was devoted to explore how peptide libraries can be designed under experimental design criteria for effective screening of peptide antigens. Several small peptide–antigen libraries were selected using SMD principles and their activities were evaluated by their binding to SPOT‐synthesized peptide membranes and by fluorescence polarization (FP). The approach was able to reveal the most critical residues required for antigen binding, and finally to increase the binding activity by proper modifications of amino acids in the peptide antigen. A model of the active peptide binding pocket formed by the mutated scFv and the antigen was compatible with the information gained from the experimental data. Our results suggest that SMD approaches can be used to explore peptide antigen features essential for their interactions with antibodies. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study of the HS (v′,j′ = 1) + O2(v″ = 0, j″ = 1) reaction
Authors: Ballester M. Y. , Guerrero Y. O. , Garrido J. D. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe report a theoretical study of the title four‐atom reaction for a wide range of translational energies, considering the reactants in the ground vibrational state and also in some vibrationally excited levels of the HS radical. All calculations have employed the quasi‐classical trajectory (QCT) method and a reported double many‐body expansion potential energy surface for ground electronic state of HSO2. Cross sections as well as specific rate constants for HS elimination are reported and compared with literature data for such processes. To account the zero‐point energy problem in QCT calculations, an internal energy quantum mechanics threshold (IEQMT) criteria is used. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Minimally invasive surgical approaches to retrovesical structures
Authors: Passerotti Carlo , Cendron Marc , Gargollo Patricio , Diamond David A. , Borer Joseph G. , Cilento Bartley , Bauers Stuart , Retik Alan B. , Peters Craig A. , Nguyen Hiep T. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundWith open surgery, it is difficult to access structures posterior to the bladder. The advent of laparoscopy provides a more direct approach to these structures. In this study, we report on our experience in treating these structures using minimally invasive techniques.MethodsBetween 1998 and 2006, 11 patients underwent conventional or robotic‐assisted laparoscopic (RAL) surgeries to treat various anomalies posterior to the bladder; 5/11 procedures were performed with conventional laparoscopy and the others utilized robotic‐assistance.ResultsThere were no complications. Average EBL was 49.1 ml. Mean operative time was 233.3 min. Median total i.v. analgesic use was 0.9 mg/kg MSO4. Median hospital stay was 2.0 days.ConclusionsOur study confirms the safety and feasibility of conventional and RAL surgery posterior to the urinary bladder. This minimally invasive procedure allows the retrovesical structures to be approach more directly, allows for excellent visualization of these structures and avoids the morbidity associated with open surgery. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The height of increasing trees
Authors: Broutin N. , Devroye L. , McLeish E. , de la Salle M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe extend results about heights of random trees (Devroye, JACM33 (1986) 489–498, SIAM J COMP28 (1998) 409–432). In this paper, a general split tree model is considered in which the normalized subtree sizes of nodes converge in distribution. The height of these trees is shown to be in probability asymptotic toclognfor some constantc. We apply our results to obtain a law of large numbers for the height of all polynomial varieties of increasing trees (Bergeron et al. Lect Notes Comput Sci(1992) 24–48).© 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2008
An Adenoviral Platform for Selective Self‐Assembly and Targeted Delivery of Nanoparticles
Authors: Saini Vaibhav , Martyshkin Dmitri V. , Mirov Sergei B. , Perez Alex , Perkins Guy , Ellisman Mark H. , Towner Victoria D. , Wu Hongju , Pereboeva Larisa , Borovjagin Anton , Curiel David T. , Everts Maaike 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMetallic nanoparticles (NPs) can be used for the diagnosis, imaging, and therapy of tumors and cardiovascular disease. However, targeted delivery of NPs to specific cells remains a major limitation for clinical realization of these potential treatment options. Herein, a novel strategy for the specific coupling of NPs to a targeted adenoviral (Ad) platform to deliver NPs to specific cells is defined. Genetic manipulation of the gene‐therapy vector is combined with a specific chemical coupling strategy. In particular, a high‐affinity interaction between a sequence of six‐histidine amino acid residues genetically incorporated into Ad capsid proteins and nickel(II) nitrilotriacetic acid on the surface of gold NPs is employed. The selective self‐assembly of gold NPs and Ad vectors into multifunctional platforms does not negatively affect the targeting of Ad to specific cells. This opens the possibility of using Ad vectors for targeted NP delivery, thereby providing a new type of combinatorial approach for the treatment of diseases that involves both nanotechnology and gene therapy.
Distance bounding protocols for RFID enhanced by using void‐challenges and analysis in noisy channels
Authors: Munilla Jorge , Peinado Alberto 
Published: January 2008

AbstractRFID systems are vulnerable to different attacks related to the location; distance fraud attack, relay attack and terrorist attack. The main countermeasure against these attacks is the use of protocols capable of measuring the round trip time of single challenge‐response bit. In this paper, we consider a modification of these protocols applying a new feature; the ‘void challenges’. This way, the success probability for an adversary to access to the system decreases. We use as reference‐point the most popular of this kind of protocols, the Hancke and Kuhn's protocol, to show the improvements achieved when different cases are analysed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Unilateral Adrenalectomy in ACTH‐Independent Macronodular Adrenal Hyperplasia (AIMAH)
Authors: Iacobone Maurizio , Albiger Nora , Scaroni Carla , Mantero Franco , Fassina Ambrogio , Viel Giovanni , Frego Mauro , Favia Gennaro 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundACTH‐independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (AIMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing’s syndrome. Bilateral adrenalectomy is considered the treatment of choice, with subsequent lifetime steroid replacement, but unilateral adrenalectomy has been recently proposed to reduce the secreting tissue. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the long‐term results of unilateral adrenalectomy in AIMAH concerning the main laboratory and clinical abnormalities and the patient’s quality of life.MethodsSeven consecutive patients with confirmed AIMAH underwent unilateral adrenalectomy of the largest gland. ACTH and cortisol levels, arterial blood pressure (BP), glycometabolic parameters, and patient’s subjective perception of health‐related quality of life (by the SF‐36 questionnaire) were measured preoperatively and postoperatively.ResultsNo surgery‐related morbidity occurred. One patient with a large contralateral adrenal enlargement required a completion adrenalectomy after 7 months because of persistent hypercortisolism. At a median follow‐up of 53 (range, 27–68) months, the remaining six patients were cured, because serum and urinary free cortisol levels significantly decreased and ACTH increased, thus regaining the normal range. Both systolic and diastolic BP levels significantly reduced: 50% of patients definitively became normotensive, and the remaining patients reduced the need for antihypertensive treatment; 40% of patients suffering from preoperative diabetes were cured, whereas 40% reduced the need for hypoglycemizing drug. SF‐36 evaluation of the health‐related quality of life confirmed a significant amelioration.ConclusionsUnilateral adrenalectomy of the largest gland can be an effective and safe treatment for AIMAH in case of asymmetric involvement. It may achieve long‐term remission of Cushing’s syndrome and improve BP values, glycemic control, and patient’s quality of life.
Surgical Management of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in 2007: What is New?
Authors: Brown Morgan L. , Schaff Hartzell V. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) has a variable clinical presentation and penetrance. Many patients will have a benign course, but others will become symptomatic and develop left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Echocardiograph remains the standard for diagnosis and assessment of obstruction, but gains are being made in the our understanding of the genetic basis of this condition. Pharmacologic therapy remains the first‐line therapy in the majority of patients, but alcohol septal ablation and surgical septal myectomy may be considered in many patients. Patients should assess both the benefits and risks of each procedure based on the best available current evidence. This paper summarizes important recent developments in HCM diagnosis and therapy.
A Perspective on the Surgical Management of Congestive Heart Failure
Authors: Massad Malek G. , Prasad Sunil M. , Chedrawy Edgar G. , Lele Himalaya 
Published: January 2008

AbstractSurgical treatment of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) has steadily advanced from rescue procedures such as aneurysmectomy, rupture repair, ventricular assist devices (VADs), and transplantation to procedures that can prevent or delay the progression of cardiac dysfunction and failure. The latter include operations such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and mitral valve repair for patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICMP) and mitral annular dilatation, ventricular restoration and remodeling, and cardiac resynchronization therapy. As the number of heart transplants reported worldwide continues to decline over the past decade (by over 30%), newer surgical therapies have emerged. A need arises for clinical registries such as the NIH‐sponsored LVAD registry and registries for biventricular pacing and AICD implantation, for total artificial heart implants, and for mitral valve repair in patients with ICMP. Prospective trials comparing sole ventricular restoration therapy (SVR) to SVR with concomitant CABG/MVR, coronary sinus versus epicardial LV pacing for ventricular resynchronization therapy, trials comparing LVAD as destination therapy to AICD implants, mitral valve repair versus chordal‐sparing valve replacement for ischemic and valvular cardiomyopathy, and off‐pump versus on‐pump CABG for patients with ICMP are urgently needed. Future research should also be directed toward drugs targeting “B‐cell mediated” humeral vascular rejection—the Achilles heel of cardiac transplantation, xenotransplantation, permanently implantable VADs, gene therapy, and myocardial cell regeneration therapy.