bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Series resistance characterization of industrial silicon solar cells with screen‐printed contacts using hotmelt paste
Authors: Mette A. , Pysch D. , Emanuel G. , Erath D. , Preu R. , Glunz S. W. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis work presents the results of a detailed series resistance characterization of silicon solar cells with screen‐printed front contacts using hotmelt silver paste. Applying the hotmelt technology energy conversion efficiencies up to 18·0% on monocrystalline wafers with a size of 12·5 cm × 12·5 cm have been achieved, an increase of 0·3% absolute compared to cells with conventional screen‐printed contacts. This is mainly due to the reduction in the finger resistance to values as low as 14 Ω/m, which reduces the series resistance of the solar cell significantly. To retrieve the lumped series resistance as accurately as possible under the operating condition, different determination methods have been analyzed. Methods under consideration were fitting of the two‐diode equation function to a dark IV‐curve, integration of the area A under an IV‐curve, comparison of ajsc–Vocwith a one‐sun IV‐curve, comparison of thejscandVocpoints of a shaded curve with the one‐sun IV‐curve as well as comparison of a dark IV‐curve with a one‐sun IV‐curve, and comparison of IV‐curves measured at different light intensities. The performed investigations have shown that the latter four methods all resulted in reliable series resistance values. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A moving screw dislocation interacting with an imperfect piezoelectric bimaterial interface
Authors: Wang X. , Pan E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractClosed‐form solutions in terms of exponential integrals are derived for a constantly moving screw dislocation in a piezoelectric bimaterial with an imperfect interface. The imperfect interface discussed here is mechanically compliant and dielectrically weakly (or highly) conducting. The electroelastic fields due to the moving dislocation, such as stresses, strains, electric displacements and electric fields, are obtained for this bimaterial. The solutions derived here are valid when the moving velocity of the screw dislocation is below the Bleustein–Gulyaev wave speeds of the two piezoelectric half‐planes. This restriction is different from that in a perfectly bonded bimaterial where the moving velocity of the screw dislocation is below the piezoelectrically stiffened bulk shear wave speeds of the two piezoelectric half‐planes. Numerical results are also presented to demonstrate the influence of the interface imperfection and the velocity of the moving dislocation on the electroelastic fields in the piezoelectric bimaterial. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Signal transduction in vestibular adaptation to microgravity – A still unsolved problem
Authors: Horn Eberhard R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn men and monkeys as well as adult and developing fish (Fundulus heteroclictus, Opsanus tau, Xiphophorus helleri), amphibian (Rana catesbeiana, Xenopus laevis) and rodents, microgravity cause significant behavioral, physiological and psychophysical sensitivity changes within the vestibular system. Some of these observations point to sensitization of the vestibular system during exposure to weightlessness. The review presents mechanisms that might contribute to vestibular sensitization during microgravity adaptation. They include (1) stimulus transduction within vestibular hair cells, (2) activation of immediate early genes within central afferent and efferent vestibular nuclei, and (3) modifications of cellular transcription factors' activity during early development.
Specificity and Evolvability in Eukaryotic Protein Interaction Networks
Authors: Beltrao Pedro , Serrano Luis 
Published: March 2007

AbstractProgress in uncovering the protein interaction networks of several species has led to questions of what underlying principles might govern their organization. Few studies have tried to determine the impact of protein interaction network evolution on the observed physiological differences between species. Using comparative genomics and structural information, we show here that eukaryotic species have rewired their interactomes at a fast rate of approximately 10?5 interactions changed per protein pair, per million years of divergence. For Homo sapiens this corresponds to 103 interactions changed per million years. Additionally we find that the specificity of binding strongly determines the interaction turnover and that different biological processes show significantly different link dynamics. In particular, human proteins involved in immune response, transport, and establishment of localization show signs of positive selection for change of interactions. Our analysis suggests that a small degree of molecular divergence can give rise to important changes at the network level. We propose that the power law distribution observed in protein interaction networks could be partly explained by the cell's requirement for different degrees of protein binding specificity.
From attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder to medical stimulant use to the diversion of prescribed stimulants to non‐medical stimulant use: connecting the dots
Authors: Poulin Christiane 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTAims  To describe the connections among the likelihood of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), medical and non‐medical methylphenidate and amphetamine use and the diversion of prescribed methylphenidate in the general adolescent population.Design  Cross‐sectional self‐reported anonymous data from the 2002 Student Drug Use Survey in the Atlantic Provinces.Setting  The Atlantic provinces of Canada.Participants  A total of 12 990 students participated.Measurements  The outcomes were a positive ADHD screening test, medical and non‐medical use of methylphenidate, medical and non‐medical use of amphetamine and the giving and selling of methylphenidate medication by students with a prescription. The Ontario Child Health Study Hyperactivity Scale was used to screen for ADHD.Findings  The prevalence of a positive ADHD screening test was 6% with no significant gender difference. The prevalence of medical and non‐medical methylphenidate use and medical and non‐medical amphetamine use was 2.0%, 6.6%, 1.2% and 8.7%, respectively. A positive ADHD screening test was independently predictive of these four patterns of use. About 26% of students with prescribed methylphenidate gave or sold some of their medication. Students in a class where at least one student had given or sold some of their prescribed pills had a 1.52‐fold increased risk of non‐medical methylphenidate use than their counterparts in classes where no giving or selling had taken place.Conclusions  Connections were demonstrated at the population level between ADHD, medical methylphenidate use, the diversion of prescribed methylphenidate and the non‐medical use of methylphenidate. The appropriate assessment and management of ADHD are essential to minimize both the risk of diversion and of substance use associated with unrecognized or untreated ADHD.
The transition from injection to non‐injection drug use: long‐term outcomes among heroin and cocaine users in New York City
Authors: Des Jarlais Don C. , Arasteh Kamyar , Perlis Theresa , Hagan Holly , Heckathorn Douglas D. , Mcknight Courtney , Bramson Heidi , Friedman Samuel R. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTAims  To characterize heroin and cocaine users in New York City who have changed from injection to non‐injection drug administration and to identify factors associated with long‐term non‐injection use.Design  Two cross‐sectional studies of heroin and cocaine users in New York City.Settings and participants  New admissions were recruited at drug abuse treatment programs (2000–04) and respondent‐driven sampling was used to recruit drug users from the community (2004). Both injecting and non‐injecting drug users participated in each study. ‘Former injectors’ were defined operationally as people who had used heroin and/or cocaine in the 6 months prior to the interview and who had injected illicit drugs in the past, but whose most recent injection was more than 6 months before the study interview. ‘Current’ injectors were defined as people who had injected heroin and/or cocaine in the 6 months prior to the interview.Measurements  A structured interview on drug use history was administered, and a serum sample was collected and tested for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).Findings  A total of 104 former injectors was recruited for the drug abuse treatment program study, and 229 current injectors were recruited for the community recruitment study; 160 former injectors and 1731 current injectors were recruited from the drug abuse treatment study. Compared with the current injectors, former injectors were older and more likely to be African American. The former injectors reported long intervals since their most recent injection, a mean of 8 years in the drug abuse treatment program study and a mean of 12 years in the community recruitment study. The most common reasons for stopping injection drug use included concerns about health, social stigmatization and self‐image, and preference for intranasal use as a route of drug administration. The results were highly consistent across the two studies.Conclusions  The transition from injection to non‐injection use appears to be relatively stable behavior change for many former injectors, who report a decade or more without injecting. Developing a greater understanding of the transition from injection to stable non‐injection drug use may provide insights into the natural histories of drug use and addiction.
Impact of contractual financial incentives on the ascertainment and management of smoking in primary care
Authors: Coleman Tim , Lewis Sarah , Hubbard Richard , Smith Christopher 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTBackground  The April 2004 contract for UK general practitioners (GPs) is an ambitious attempt to produce substantial changes in clinical practice. We investigated the impact of this on delivery of primary care smoking cessation interventions.Methods  We analysed data from patients' medical records that were held within a large database called The Health Improvement Network (THIN). We calculated for each year between 1990 and 2005 and for each quarter‐year from 2003 the incidence of recording of smoking status in medical records and, in smokers, the receipt of GPs' smoking cessation advice and prescriptions for nicotine addiction treatments.Findings  Recording of smoking status increased temporarily around 1993–4 and then rose gradually from the year 2000. This rise was more marked from 2003, with an 88% increase between the first quarters of 2003 and 2004. The latter quarter was just prior to the introduction of the GP contract and higher rates of recording smoking status were sustained for the subsequent year. In smokers, there was a broadly similar pattern for the proportion recorded as having received brief cessation advice. However, while there was a sharp increase in prescriptions for nicotine addiction treatments from 2000, no comparable acceleration in this trend from 2003 was apparent.Interpretation  The 2004 GP contract increased primary care rates of smoking status ascertainment and recording of advice against smoking. The public health impact of this contract could be maximized if it also improved GPs' prescribing of nicotine addiction treatments.
Effect of renal impairment on the pharmacokinetics of bupropion and its metabolites
Authors: Turpeinen Miia , Koivuviita Niina , Tolonen Ari , Reponen Petri , Lundgren Stefan , Miettunen Jouko , Metsärinne Kaj , Rane Anders , Pelkonen Olavi , Laine Kari 
Published: March 2007

What is already known about this subject• There is an ongoing debate regarding the effect of renal impairment on CYP related metabolic activities.• The possible effect of renal impairment on hepatic CYP2B6 activity, or on bupropion pharmacokinetics in renally impaired subjects without dialysis treatment has not yet been investigated.What this study adds• Bupropion clearance was found to be significantly decreased in patients with renal impairment.• This study provides further evidence for interplay between the role of the kidney and liver in drug disposition, and opens novel lines of research with respect to the regulation of CYP2B6.AimsTo investigate the effect of kidney disease on bupropion pharmacokinetics and on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 activity as measured by bupropion hydroxylation.MethodsIn an open parallel group study, 17 healthy, nonsmoking subjects and 10 patients with impaired kidney function received a single 150 mg oral dose of sustained release bupropion. Plasma concentrations of bupropion and its metabolites were measured for up to 72 h. Subjects were genotyped for theCYP2B6SNPs 1459 C>T, 785 A>G and 516 G>T.ResultsBupropion AUC was 126% higher (P < 0.0001, 95% CI +72%, +180%),Cmax86% higher (P = 0.001, 95% CI +40%, +131%), CL/F63% lower (P = 0.001, 95% CI −29%, −96%), andt1/2140% longer (P = 0.001, 95% CI +76%, +204%) in renally impaired patients. However, only minor changes were detected in the concentrations of the metabolites. In renally impaired subjects the hydroxybupropion : bupropion AUC ratio was decreased by 66% (P = < 0.0001, 95% CI −19%, −114%) and the hydrobupropion : bupropion AUC ratio by 69% (P = 0.001, 95% CI +8%, −146%) compared with controls.ConclusionsThe CL/Fof bupropion was significantly lower in subjects with renal impairment. Because the principal metabolites of bupropion possess similar pharmacological activity to the parent compound, dosage recommendations for patients with renal impairment cannot be given. A direct effect of renal impairment on CYP2B6 activity could not be demonstrated by the present study design.
The associations between air quality and the number of hospital admissions for acute pain and sickle‐cell disease in an urban environment
Authors: Yallop Deborah , Duncan Edward R. , Norris Elizabeth , Fuller Gary W. , Thomas Nikki , Walters Joan , Dick Moira C. , Height Susan E. , Thein Swee L. , Rees David C. 
Published: March 2007

SumamryThe clinical severity of sickle‐cell disease (SCD) is dependent on genetic and environmental variables. Environmental factors have been poorly studied. We have investigated possible links between air pollution and acute pain in SCD. We retrospectively studied the numbers of daily admissions with acute sickle‐cell pain to King's College Hospital, London, in relation to local daily air quality measurements. We analysed 1047 admissions over 1400 d (1st January 1998–31st October 2001). Time series analysis was performed using the cross‐correlation function (CCF). CCF showed a significant association between increased numbers of admissions and low levels of nitric oxide (NO), low levels of carbon monoxide (CO) and high levels of ozone (O3). There was no association with sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide or PM10 (dust). The significant results were further examined using quartile analysis. This confirmed that high levels of O3 and low levels of CO were associated with increased numbers of hospital admissions. Low NO levels were also associated with increased admissions but did not reach statistical significance on quartile analysis. Our study suggests air quality has a significant effect on acute pain in SCD and that patients should be counselled accordingly. The potential beneficial effect of CO and NO is intriguing and requires further investigation.
Immune anaemias in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia treated with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab – incidence and predictors
Authors: Borthakur Gautam , O'Brien Susan , Wierda William G. , Thomas Deborah A. , Cortes Jorge E. , Giles Francis J. , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Lerner Susan , Keating Michael J. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractImmune anaemias (IA) [auto‐immune haemolytic anaemia (AIHA) and pure red cell aplasia (PRCA)] are complications of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Fludarabine has been associated with AIHA, whereas both rituximab and cyclophosphamide have been used to treat this condition. Combining these agents with fludarabine may reduce the likelihood of AIHA. We report on the incidence, outcome and pretreatment predictors of IA in 300 patients treated with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR). Nineteen patients (6·5%) developed IA [AIHA (5·8%), PRCA (0·7%)] on or after treatment with FCR. Most patients (82·4%) with AIHA had a negative direct antiglobulin test (DAT). Additional markers of haemolysis (indirect hyperbilirubinaemia, reticulocytosis, low haptoglobin and elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels) confirmed the presence of AIHA in these patients. The majority of patients responded to therapies including steroids, ciclosporin, i.v. immunoglobulin, etc. High pretreatment levels of beta‐2 microglobulin predicted for development of IA. No haemolytic crisis was observed during FCR therapy in eight patients with AIHA prior to FCR. Thus, the incidence of IA among CLL patients treated with FCR was comparable with historical rates. The diagnosis of AIHA can be considered even if the DAT is negative. Pre‐existing AIHA need not preclude front‐line FCR therapy.
Invasive alien plants and South African rivers: a proposed approach to the prioritization of control operations
Authors: VAN WILGEN B. W. , NEL J. L. , ROUGET M. 
Published: March 2007

Summary1. A number of parallel initiatives in South Africa have been addressing the prioritization and management of invasive alien plant species, the prioritization of rivers for the conservation of biodiversity, and broad‐scale planning for water resource management. This paper has combined aspects of these approaches to develop a composite index of prioritization of quaternary catchments for alien plant control purposes.2. We calculated, for each quaternary catchment, a simple composite index that combined estimates of (i) the number of invasive alien plant species present; (ii) the potential number of invasive alien plant species that would be present if they occupied the full range as determined by climatic envelope models; (iii) the degree of habitat loss in rivers; and (iv) the degree of water stress. Each of the four components contributed between one and four to the combined index, which had a range of values between four and 16.3. We used a geographic information system to map the distribution of priority catchments for invasive alien plant control. Of the 1911 quaternary catchments in South Africa and Lesotho, just over one‐third (650) were in the highest priority category with an index of 13 or more. A relatively small proportion (273, or 14%) of the catchments had the maximum scores of 15 or 16.4. The approach identified priority areas that have not currently been identified as such, and should provide decision makers with an objective and transparent method with which to prioritize areas for the control of invasive alien plants. We anticipate debate about the way in which components of the index are calculated, and the weight given to the different components, and that this will lead to the transparent evolution of the index. Improvements would also come about through the addition of a more comprehensive list of species, and through the addition of further components.
A strategy to assess river restoration success
Authors: WOOLSEY SHARON , CAPELLI FLORENCE , GONSER TOM , HOEHN EDUARD , HOSTMANN MARKUS , JUNKER BERIT , PAETZOLD ACHIM , ROULIER CHRISTIAN , SCHWEIZER STEFFEN , TIEGS SCOTT D. , TOCKNER KLEMENT , WEBER CHRISTINE , PETER ARMIN 
Published: March 2007

Summary1. Elaborate restoration attempts are underway worldwide to return human‐impacted rivers to more natural conditions. Assessing the outcome of river restoration projects is vital for adaptive management, evaluating project efficiency, optimising future programmes and gaining public acceptance. An important reason why assessment is often omitted is lack of appropriate guidelines.2. Here we present guidelines for assessing river restoration success. They are based on a total of 49 indicators and 13 specific objectives elaborated for the restoration of low‐ to mid‐order rivers in Switzerland. Most of these objectives relate to ecological attributes of rivers, but socio‐economic aspects are also considered.3. A strategy is proposed according to which a set of indicators is selected from the total of 49 indicators to ensure that indicators match restoration objectives and measures, and that the required effort for survey and analysis of indicators is appropriate to the project budget.4. Indicator values are determined according to methods described in detailed method sheets. Restoration success is evaluated by comparing indicator values before and after restoration measures have been undertaken. To this end, values are first standardised on a dimensionless scale ranging from 0 to 1, then averaged across different indicators for a given project objective, and finally assigned to one of five overall success categories.5. To illustrate the application of this scheme, a case study on the Thur River, Switzerland, is presented. Seven indicators were selected to meet a total of five project objectives. The project was successful in achieving ‘provision of high recreational value’, ‘lateral connectivity’ and ‘vertical connectivity’ but failed to meet the objectives ‘morphological and hydraulic variability’ and ‘near natural abundance and diversity of fauna’. Results from this assessment allowed us to identify potential deficits and gaps in the restoration project. To gain information on the sensitivity of the assessment scheme would require a set of complementary indicators for each restoration objective.
Exploring determinants for quality of life among older people in pain and in need of help for daily living
Authors: Jakobsson Ulf , Hallberg Ingalill Rahm , Westergren Albert 
Published: March 2007

Aims and objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate the quality of life and related factors among older people who are in pain and in need of help to manage daily living.Background. To intervene against the low quality of life in nursing care knowledge about factors affecting it is needed and this is especially important for vulnerable people such as those who suffer from pain and who are in need of help to manage daily living.Methods. Five hundred and twenty‐six people, aged 75–102 years participated in this study.Results. Those in pain reported a significantly higher degree of all complaints and lower quality of life in all measures compared with those not in pain. Overall quality of life was associated with mobility problems, sleeping problems and depressed mood, while health‐related quality of life was associated with living in special accommodations, walking problems, mobility problems and fatigue.Conclusions. Those in need of help to manage daily living and in pain seem to be at higher risk of lowered quality of life than those not in pain and the lower quality of life among those in pain is probably caused by the complex of complaints rather than painper se.Relevance to clinical practice. Daily nursing care should identify and treat the complex of complaints related to pain as well as pain itself, to improve everyday life and quality of life for older people in pain.