bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A multi‐stream flow technique to obtain isotropic texture in extruded thermotropic liquid crystalline polymer melts
Authors: Boles D. , Cakmak M. , Yalcin B. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this article, we present a simple method toward achieving global orientation isotropy in a capillary‐extruded thermotropic liquid crystal polymer (TLCP), that is, a random copolyester of 73 mol% hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA) and 27 mol% hydroxynaphthoic acid (HNA), by passing it through porous, flow altering metal foam inserts placed in the pathway of extrusion. TLCP melt flow through foam metal inserts causes a rapid creation of large number of small streams of varying cross‐section that subjects all regions of the flowing body to intense shearing leading to high orientation in individual streams. These individual streams of varying velocity and direction interact to form a structure similar to a woven rope. As a direct result of this randomization effect of these small streams, the extruded liquid crystal polymer tends toward isotropic macro properties. The degree of orientation anisotropy is evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro beam wide angle x‐ray diffraction (WAXD) techniques and contrasted in samples extruded with and without the presence metal foam inserts. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Science, marketing and wishful thinking in quantitative proteomics
Authors: Hackett Murray 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn a recent editorial (J. Proteome Res. 2007, 6, 1633) and elsewhere questions have been raised regarding the lack of attention paid to good analytical practice with respect to the reporting of quantitative results in proteomics. Using those comments as a starting point, several issues are discussed that relate to the challenges involved in achieving adequate sampling with MS‐based methods in order to generate valid data for large‐scale studies. The discussion touches on the relationships that connect sampling depth and the power to detect protein abundance change, conflict of interest, and strategies to overcome bureaucratic obstacles that impede the use of peer‐to‐peer technologies for transfer and storage of large data files generated in such experiments.
The impact of follicular (FL) and other indolent non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) on work productivity–a preliminary analysis
Authors: Cheung Matthew C. , Imrie Kevin R. , Friedlich Jessica , Buckstein Rena , Lathia Nina , Mittmann Nicole 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIntroduction: Although much is known about the efficacy, toxicity, and direct costs of treatment for follicular lymphoma (FL), there is no data assessing the impact of this diagnosis on the work productivity of affected individuals.Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional survey study of consecutive patients attending a malignant haematology clinic at a large multi‐disciplinary cancer centre. Patients with a diagnosis of FL or other indolent non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma completed questionnaires assessing health status, work productivity, and activity impairment.Results: Eighty‐four patients completed the survey study (95% response). Patients who continued to work reported a minimal impact on their work productivity (10%±standard deviation SD 20; 0%=no effect and 100%=complete impairment of activity) and on their daily activities (13%±SD 25) attributable to their cancer. Prior to lymphoma diagnosis, over 71% of patients were working while 14% were retired. At the time of survey administration, only 41% of patients were still able to work with a significant proportion of patients having transitioned to retirement (36%), sick leave (10%), or unemployment (4%). On multivariate analysis, significant activity impairment (daily activity impairment>50%) was predicted by poor self‐rated health status (OR 32.1; 95% CI: 5.9–174.2; p<0.0001) and active chemotherapy treatment (OR 14.5; 95% CI: 0.91–230.9; p=0.059).Conclusions: Although few patients with indolent lymphoma identified significant impairment in productivity, many were unable to continue employment following diagnosis, needed to miss days from work, or imposed a significant burden on caregivers. The greatest impact on activity is apparent in patients who rate their health status as poor and in those who are currently receiving systemic therapy. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are cancer pain and depression interdependent? A systematic review
Authors: Laird Barry J.A. , Boyd Angela C. , Colvin Lesley A. , Fallon Marie T. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjective: Pain and depression are common in cancer patients. As these are both highly prevalent, the issue of a possible interdependent association has been raised. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the available literature and explore whether there is any evidence to support a causal relationship between cancer pain and depression.Methods: An extensive literature search was undertaken. The following databases were searched electronically: Medline (1950–2007), Embase (1988–2007), CINAHL (1982–2007) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Issue 2 2007). The initial literature search revealed 892 articles. Following initial screening 41 articles were independently reviewed in detail. Fourteen articles were eligible for inclusion.Results: The mean prevalence of both depression and pain was 36.5% (range 22.1–49.0). In 9 out of 14 studies a statistically significant association was demonstrated between pain and depression. Pain intensity positively correlated with depression (P<0.05). Items such as ‘worst pain’ and ‘enjoyment of life’ (on the Brief Pain Inventory) correlated significantly with depression. When using the McGill Pain Questionnaire, depressed patients used more affective pain descriptors. It was also shown that the longer the duration of pain, the higher the risk of depression.Conclusions: Pain and depression are highly prevalent in cancer patients; however, there have been no appropriately designed studies to examine a causal relationship. Although associations exist, the evidence available is not sufficient to support an interdependent relationship between pain and depression. A suitably designed longitudinal study to examine causality would be a relevant step in the research agenda. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of neuropsychological functioning in cancer survivors' return to work one year after diagnosis
Authors: Nieuwenhuijsen Karen , de Boer Angela , Spelten Evelien , Sprangers Mirjam A.G. , Verbeek Jos H. A. M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between neuropsychological functioning and the ability to work in cancer survivors.Methods: The study involved a consecutive cohort of 45 patients who had received a primary diagnosis of cancer, were gainfully employed at baseline, and had been treated with curative intent. Twelve months after the first day of sick leave, they underwent a neuropsychological assessment that included executive function and verbal memory tests. Other clinical, person‐related, and work‐related factors were also assessed by questionnaire at this time. Ability to work was measured as perceived workability (0–10) and work status at 12 months of sick leave.Results: Fifteen participants (33%) showed neuropsychological impairments covering various domains. The mean workability score of cancer survivors with neuropsychological impairment was 4.9, whereas those without impairments had a mean score of 6.0 (raw β = −0.19: 95% CI = −2.9 to 0.7; adjusted β = −0.15; 95% CI = −2.5 to 0.8). More cancer survivors with neuropsychological impairments (7/15, 47%) than without (9/30, 30%) had not yet returned to work (raw OR 0.5: 95% CI: 0.1–1.8; adjusted OR 0.5; 95% CI: 0.1–2.1).Conclusions: To date, this is the largest study to assess neuropsychological functioning objectively in combination with perceived workability and work status. Impaired neuropsychological functioning was found in one‐third of the cancer survivors and was related to a lower vocational functioning, but the relationship was not statistically significant. More research is needed to test the relevance of neuropsychological impairments for vocational functioning. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of proteomic techniques to the study of urine and renal tissue
Authors: Vilasi Annalisa , Cutillas Pedro R. , Unwin Robert J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe increasing application of proteomic methods to biomedical research is providing us with important new information; it holds particular promise in advancing basic and clinical renal research, but whether proteomics can ever become a routine diagnostic tool in nephrology is still uncertain. Currently, proteomic techniques are used by many groups in the search for “biomarkers” of disease, especially kidney disease, because of the ready availability of urine as an “end‐product” of renal function. However, the question as to whether any disease‐specific biomarkers exist or can be identified by proteomics is also uncertain. A growing application of proteomics in biomedical research is to understand the mechanism(s) of disease. This brief review is selective; in it we consider examples of proteomic studies of human urine for biomarkers, others that have explored renal physiology, and still others that have begun to probe the proteome of organelles. No single approach is sufficiently comprehensive, and the pooled application of proteomics to renal research will undoubtedly improve our understanding of renal function and enable us to explore in more detail subcellular structures, and to characterize cellular processes at the molecular level. When combined with other techniques in renal research, proteomics, and related analytical methods could prove indispensable in modeling renal function, and perhaps also in diagnosis and management of renal disease.
Holographic quark gluon plasma with flavor
Authors: Kaminski M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn this work I explore theoretical and phenomenological implications of chemical potentials and charge densities inside a strongly coupled thermal plasma, using the gauge/gravity correspondence. Strong coupling effects discovered in this model theory are interpreted geometrically and may be taken as qualitative predictions for heavy ion collisions at RHIC and LHC. In particular I examine the thermodynamics, spectral functions, transport coefficients and the phase diagram of the strongly coupled plasma. For example stable mesons, which are the analogs of the QCD Rho‐mesons, are found to survive beyond the deconfinement transition. A phase transition resembling 2‐flavor QCD is discovered. The momentum diffusion rate of charmonium at strong coupling is significantly reduced compared to the weak coupling result, in reminiscence of the universal viscosity bound. This paper is based on partly unpublished work performed in the context of my PhD thesis. New results and ideas extending significantly beyond those published until now are stressed.
The HLA‐A2‐restricted PSMA peptide LLHETDSAV is poorly immunogenic in patients with metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Knight David , Peterson Amy C. , Rini Brian I. , Harlin Helena , Gajewski Thomas F. , Stadler Walter M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing evidence suggests that prostate cancer is visible to the immune system and is potentially responsive to immunotherapeutic interventions. Previous work has identified prostate‐specific membrane antigen (PSMA) as a potential antigen for T‐cell recognition, and specific PSMA epitopes presented by HLA‐A2 have been described. One vaccination strategy that is being pursued in the clinic utilizes peptide‐pulsed peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) + IL‐12.MethodsHLA‐A2+ patients with castrate‐resistant prostate cancer and normal organ function were considered. Vaccines were prepared using autologous PBMC loaded with a PSMA peptide previously reported to be immunogenic (LLHETDSAV) administered subcutaneously every 3 weeks. T‐cell responses and tumor activity were assessed.ResultsAlthough the vaccine was well tolerated, no clinical responses were observed in 12 enrolled patients and no immune responses were detected based on an ex vivo IFN‐γ ELISPOT assay. To examine immunogenicity of this PSMA peptide in more detail, an in vitro priming assay was utilized with normal donor PBMC, and no detectable reactivity was observed.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the PSMA peptide LLHETDSAV is poorly immunogenic in humans and that alternative prostate cancer antigens should be pursued. Prostate 69: 142–148, 2009. © 2008 Wiley–Liss, Inc.
Sublethal effects of four insecticides on the reproduction and wing formation of brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Bao Haibo , Liu Shuhua , Gu Jianhua , Wang Xizhen , Liang Xiaolong , Liu Zewen 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål, is a major rice pest in many parts of Asia. Neonicotinoids such as imidacloprid and dinotefuran are widely used for control of this pest, and resistance to these insecticides has developed in recent years. This pest has also been widely exposed to triazophos and fenvalerate, although these insecticides are not used for the control of the pest directly. Here, the effects of sublethal doses of these four insecticides on the reproduction and wing formation in BPH were examined.RESULTS: Imidacloprid and dinotefuran reduced the fecundity of BPH to 68.8% and 52.4% in macropterous families, and to 57.9% and 43.1% in brachypterous families, when compared with the untreated controls. By contrast, triazophos and fenvalerate increased fecundity. In both macropterous and brachypterous families, sublethal doses of imidacloprid and dinotefuran showed significant induction of macropterous adults.CONCLUSION: Imidacloprid and dinotefuran could reduce the fecundity of BPH to a significant extent, demonstrating further activity against this pest in addition to their direct toxicity. The significant induction of macropterous adults by sublethal doses of imidacloprid and dinotefuran is of importance in the management of this pest, particularly in the areas of predicting the size of emigrating populations and the numbers of insects likely to occur in newly colonized areas. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Local optimization strategy based on first principles of thermoelectrics
Authors: Seifert W. , Müller E. , Walczak S. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA central target of theoretical studies on thermoelectric (TE) functionally graded materials (FGM) is to elaborate recipes for optimum design of TE elements, i.e. to identify optimum spatial profiles of the functional material parameters Seebeck coefficientS, electrical conductivityσ, and thermal conductivityκfor TE elements operating in a temperature difference. For long, clear guidelines for optimum spatial profiles have not been available yet. Meanwhile, parameter studies on graded TE elements have shown that gradual performance improvement is feasible for preferable combinations of parameter profiles. These studies have been based on an unified 1D model for both TE generator (TEG) and Peltier cooler (TEC) single elements.This paper presents a new, analytically based optimization strategy by taking into consideration that both concentration and temperature profiles are governed by a differential equation which can be derived from first principles of the phenomenological theory of thermoelectricity. Furthermore, the compatibility approach introduced by Snyder and Ursell is taken into account. This concept enables the description of both TEG and TEC in terms of the relative current densityuas a new, intensive state variable of a TE system.The consequences of these basic assumptions will be discussed theoretically, leading to a one‐parameter optimization strategy and to different optimum material gradients for performance parameters of practical interest like COP for a Peltier device and efficiency or electrical power output for a TE generator. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formation of hydrophilic and photocatalytically active TiO2 thin films by plasma based ion implantation and deposition
Authors: Manova Darina , Gjevori Altin , Haberkorn Frank , Lutz Johanna , Dimitrov Slavcho , Gerlach Jürgen W. , Valcheva Evgenia , Mändl Stephan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTitanium dioxide thin films were deposited near room temperature by plasma based ion implantation and deposition with the voltage pulses, accelerating the ions towards the substrate, ranging from 0 kV to 10 kV. Correspondingly, an increase of average energy per deposited particle from 2.5 eV to 450 eV was obtained. Even for the highest energy, a mixture of anatase and rutile is present. The increase in deposited energy was closely correlated with an increased sensitivity towards UV‐A radiation with the surface energy increasing from 25 up to 100 mN/m after illumination at 1 mW/cm2, corresponding to a hydrophilic and photocatalytically active phase. Additional influences of the substrate type – Si(100), fused silica and thermal oxide on silicon – were found, despite a layer thickness of about 300 nm. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A comparative study of La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 composites with different secondary phases
Authors: Ren Guang Ming , Yuan Song Liu 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTwo kinds of composites with the nominal composition of (1 – x)La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LCMO)/x MgO and (1 – x)LCMO/ x SrO were investigated. Different electrical and magnetic transport properties were observed between the two kinds of composites. For the LCMO/MgO composites, the insulator–metal transition temperature (Tp) decreases rapidly with the increase of MgO content and a remarkably enhanced magnetoresistance (MR) peak is observed near Tp. However, for the LCMO/SrO composites, the SrO content has little effect on Tp and the low‐field MR is enhanced over almost the whole temperature range. Moreover, a two‐step magnetization behavior was observed in the LCMO/MgO composites. By calculating in terms of a ferromagnetic grain coupling model, we attribute this difference to the different effects of the secondary phases on the ferromagnetic coupling between the neighboring LCMO grains, which results from the formation of the different interfacial phases at the grain boundary in the two kinds of composites. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Gliding dislocations in Bi2Te3 materials
Authors: Peranio N. , Eibl O. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractIn Bi2Te3, dislocations were found with an uniquely high mobility at room temperature. The gliding dislocations were analysed and their effect on the thermoelectric properties is discussed. The glide of dislocations was induced by heating with a focused electron beam at 120 keV, external stresses were not applied. The dislocations were bowed out in the glide direction and were only pinned at the surface of the samples. Stereomicroscopy combined with image simulations yielded basal plane dislocations with a density of 109 cm–2 and Burgers vectors of type 〈110〉. Video sequences showing the glide of single dislocations and groups of dislocations were recorded. Isolated dislocations showed a high mobility in ±〈110〉 direction at a velocity of 10–100 nm s–1. Dislocation dipoles were pinned and did not glide. Dislocations equidistantly arranged within the same glide plane showed a collective movement. Dislocations piled up in different glide planes were fixed and acted as barriers for gliding dislocations. The motion of dislocations was attributed to residual shear stresses of about 10 MPa, and their glide directions depended on the sign of the Burgers vector. Attractive and repulsive forces of dislocations directly visualise the forces due to the elastic strain fields of other dislocations. The relevance of phonon scattering on dislocations in Bi2Te3, particularly due to their high mobility and density, was confirmed by two inspections: (i) Dislocations decrease the lattice thermal conductivity due to phonon scattering on the elastic strain field. The phonon mean free path was estimated to about 800 µm at 3 K and agreed with published data. (ii) The dislocation resonance theory of Granato and Lücke predicts an interaction between phonons and dislocations acting as oscillating strings. The attenuation of ultrasound was estimated and was compared with published data. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Spin‐density‐wave gap in (TMTSF)2PF6 probed by reflection‐type terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy
Authors: Watanabe Shinichi , Kondo Ryusuke , Kagoshima Seiichi , Shimano Ryo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe report on a development of the reflection‐type terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy system and apply it to determine the conductivity spectra of the spin density wave (SDW) ground states in (TMTSF)2PF6. We take special care over optimizing the spatial resolution of the measurement system in order to investigate the tiny sample and also for correcting the phase error of the measurement. We observe a distinct reduction of the optical conductivity below ∼65 cm–1, which is a clear indication of SDW gap formation with metal–insulator transition. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cooling and spin‐relaxation dynamics of spin‐polarized excitons in a diluted magnetic semiconductor quantum well
Authors: Murayama A. , Saito K. , Souma I. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe show a systematic study on cooling and spin‐relaxation dynamics of spin‐polarized excitons in a diluted magnetic semiconductor quantum well of Cd0.95Mn0.05Te, by means of pump‐probe absorption spectroscopy under magnetic fields. Time dependences of circularly polarized saturation absorption intensities after optical pumping showed the dynamics of carrier cooling and spin relaxation at spin‐split exciton sublevels at various magnetic fields. Spin‐polarized electrons at a higher‐energy up‐spin state relax to a lower‐energy down‐spin one with time constants ranging from 6 to 20 ps, depending on the magnetic field. Roles of phonon scattering and emission in the electron‐spin relaxation are pointed out, in addition to a spin‐flip process induced by local Mn spins via s‐d exchange interaction. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Strong exciton‐photon coupling and its polarization dependence in a metal‐mirror microcavity with oriented PIC J‐aggregates
Authors: Oda Masaru , Hirata Kazuyuki , Inoue Tokiko , Obara Yuki , Fujimura Tomoko , Tani Toshiro 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe present a study of strong exciton‐photon coupling and its dependence on incident light polarization in a metal‐metal mirror microcavity containing PIC J‐aggregates. Rabi‐splitting energies between upper and lower polariton branches are estimated as 94 meV and 69 meV for s‐ and p‐polarized incident light, respectively. These large values are due to large oscillator strength of Frenkel excitons in the PIC J‐aggregates and strong confinement of light attributed to the metallic microcavity as well. As for the effective thickness of the active layer for s‐polarized light, a good agreement is obtained between Lfiteff = 201 nm deduced from the experimental data and Lcalceff = 207 nm calculated from the summation of the measured thickness of active layer with the estimated penetration depths into silver mirrors. We also discuss the difference in the polarization dependences of Rabi‐splitting energy, quantitatively. It is concluded that the polarization dependence is mainly due to an alignment of the J‐aggregates in the active layer and is not affected so much by anisotropy of the penetration depths into the silver mirrors. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)