bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rheology, electrical conductivity, and the phase behavior of cocontinuous PA6/ABS blends with MWNT: Correlating the aspect ratio of MWNT with the percolation threshold
Authors: Bose Suryasarathi , Bhattacharyya Arup R. , Bondre Ameya P. , Kulkarni Ajit R. , Pötschke Petra 
Published: June 2008

AbstractMultiwalled carbon nanotubes (purified, p‐MWNT and ∼ NH2 functionalized, f‐MWNT) were melt‐mixed with 50/50 cocontinuous blends of polyamide 6 (PA6) and acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene in a conical twin‐screw microcompounder to obtain conductive polymer blends utilizing the conceptual approach of double‐percolation. The state of dispersion of the tubes was assessed using AC electrical conductivity measurements and melt‐rheology. The rheological and the electrical percolation threshold was observed to be ∼ 1–2 wt % and ∼ 3–4 wt %, respectively, for blends with p‐MWNT. In case of blends with f‐MWNT, the rheological percolation threshold was observed to be higher (2–3 wt %) than p‐MWNT but the electrical percolation threshold remained almost same. However, the absolute values were significantly lower than blends with p‐MWNT. In addition, significant refinement in the cocontinuous morphology of the blends with increasing concentration of MWNT was observed in both the cases. Further, an attempt was made to understand the underlying concepts in relation to cocontinuous morphologies that how the geometrical percolation threshold which adversely suffered because of the attrition of tubes under prolonged shear contributed further in retaining the rheological percolation threshold. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1619–1631, 2008
The effects of monophenol chain terminators on the structure–property relationships of controlled epoxy networks
Authors: Marks Maurice J. , Verghese Nikhil E. , Hrovat K. James , Laboy‐Bollinger Anamari , Buck James C. , Rabon James A. , O'connell Carol L. , Allen Lisa 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFive families of new controlled epoxy thermosets (CENs) using three monophenol chain terminators were prepared to study systematic changes in the structure and amount of the monophenol and the initial molecular weight between crosslinks (Mc,i) on the properties of epoxy thermosets. Glass transition temperature (Tg) decreases with monophenol mole fraction (χ) in proportion to both the concentration and flexibility of the chain terminator. Distinct serial relations forTgdepression were observed for the threeMc,ifamilies. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) shows significant perturbations of the relaxation behavior with added terminator as evidenced by decrease in peak tan δ and in postTgdamping. The rubbery coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) increases with monophenol concentration only at χ > 0.05 and shows distinct curvature versus temperature, but is largely invariant with monophenol flexibility. The thermal stability of terminated CENs decreases only slightly with χ and little difference was found with monophenol structure. Most surprisingly, fracture toughness decreases markedly and discontinuously with χ depending onMc,i. The values of the critical monophenol concentration at which fracture toughness markedly decreases (χc) are inversely proportional toMc,ibut are independent of monophenol flexibility. No correlation of χcwith any of the calculated network structure parameters was apparent. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 1632–1640, 2008
The urine proteome as a biomarker of radiation injury
Authors: Sharma Mukut , Halligan Brian D. , Wakim Bassam T. , Savin Virginia J. , Cohen Eric P. , Moulder John E. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTerrorist attacks or nuclear accidents could expose large numbers of people to ionizing radiation, and early biomarkers of radiation injury would be critical for triage, treatment, and follow‐up of such individuals. However, no such biomarkers have yet been proven to exist. We tested the potential of high throughput proteomics to identify protein biomarkers of radiation injury after total body X‐ray irradiation (TBI) in a rat model. Subtle functional changes in the kidney are suggested by increased glomerular permeability for macromolecules measured within 24 h after TBI. Ultrastructural changes in glomerular podocytes included partial loss of the interdigitating organization of foot processes. Analysis of urine by LC‐MS/MS and 2‐DE showed significant changes in the urine proteome within 24 h after TBI. Tissue kallikrein 1‐related peptidase, cysteine proteinase inhibitor cystatin C and oxidized histidine were found to be increased while a number of proteinase inhibitors including kallikrein‐binding protein and albumin were found to be decreased postirradiation. Thus, TBI causes immediately detectable changes in renal structure and function and in the urinary protein profile. This suggests that both systemic and renal changes are induced by radiation and it may be possible to identify a set of biomarkers unique to radiation injury.
Proteins and protein fragments in nephrotic syndrome: Clusters, specificity and mechanisms
Authors: Candiano Giovanni , Bruschi Maurizio , Petretto Andrea , Santucci Laura , Del Boccio Piero , Urbani Andrea , Bertoni Elisabetta , Gusmano Rosanna , Salvadori Maurizio , Scolari Francesco , Ghiggeri Gian Marco 
Published: June 2008

AbstractProteinuria is the hallmark of renal diseases and the characterization of the urinary protein composition may become an important source of information for diagnosis and research. So far, protein analysis in urine has been utilized for a generic individuation of site‐specific defects (glomerular vs. tubular) but there is a need for an extension of proteomics to specific urinary biomarkers in selected clinical conditions. The identification of fragments of proteins in plasma and urine may increase the spectrum of urinary biomarkers. The unique speculative application so far proposed for protein fragments is nephrotic syndrome, and specifically focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, in which case they reflect intrinsic proteolysis occurring in plasma and represent surrogate biomarkers of the disease activity. Albumin is probably the most studied protein. Several of the albumin fragments present a peculiar distribution of the fingerprint peptide pattern containing both the N‐terminal region and the C‐terminal domain with a complete lack of any MS signals for the internal sequence region. Their characterization utilizing new strategies based on 2‐D nondenaturing electrophoresis is now in progress. Studies on a direct characterization of proteases in plasma and urine will also define the participation of proteases to the genesis of renal diseases.
Axin2 expression identifies progenitor cells in the murine prostate
Authors: Ontiveros Christopher S. , Salm Sarah N. , Wilson E. Lynette 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDWe previously reported that prostatic stem/progenitor cells are concentrated in the proximal region of prostatic ducts and express stem cell antigen 1 (Sca‐1). As Wnt signaling is important for the maintenance of stem cells, we determined whether Sca‐1 expressing cells also express Axin2, as Axin2 expression is highly suggestive of active Wnt signaling.METHODSAxin2 promoter reporter mice were used for whole mount and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis to determine its expression in the prostate. Axin2 expressing cells were also examined for the co‐expression of Sca‐1. We also used a chemical activator of Wnt signaling, BIO, to determine the effects of Wnt signaling on the growth of primary prostate cells in vitro.RESULTSWe show that Axin2 expression is present in all lobes and is regulated by androgens with the highest Axin2 expression in the lateral and dorsal prostate. Furthermore, a fraction of Axin2 expressing cells co‐express Sca‐1, suggesting that some progenitor cells have active Wnt signaling. Lastly, we demonstrate that activation of the Wnt pathway may result in increased growth, consistent with a role for Wnt signaling in maintenance and/or expansion of the progenitor cell population.CONCLUSIONAxin2 expressing cells that co‐express Sca‐1 are present in all prostate lobes suggesting that progenitor cells reside within the Wnt active population. An understanding of the basic biology of signaling pathways mediating growth in the prostate may lead to rational therapies to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Prostate 68:1263–1272, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ERAP75 functions as a coactivator to enhance estrogen receptor α transactivation in prostate stromal cells
Authors: Chen Ming , Ni Jing , Zhang Yong , Muyan Mesut , Yeh Shuyuan 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBACKGROUNDEstrogen receptor α (ERα) has been reported to be expressed and function in the prostate stromal cells, and numerous evidences indicated that the stromal ERα signal pathway plays critical roles in prostate development and cancer. ERα requires distinct coregulators for efficient transcriptional regulation. The goal of this study is to examine physical and functional interaction between ERα and ERAP75 in the context of prostate stromal cells.METHODYeast two‐hybrid assays were used to screen novel ERα interaction proteins. The interaction between ERα and ERAP75 was confirmed by mammalian two‐hybrid, GST pull‐down, and co‐immunoprecipitation methods. The interaction motif was examined by site‐directed mutagenesis. The effect of ERAP75 on ERα transactivation and the expression of ERα target genes were determined by luciferase assay and real‐time PCR, respectively.RESULTERα can interact with the C terminus of ERAP75 via its ligand binding domain both in vivo and in vitro. The conserved LXXLL motif within the C terminus of ERAP75 is required for the interaction between ERα and ERAP75. ERAP75 can enhance ERα transactivation in a dose‐dependent manner and up‐regulate the expression of the endogenous ERα target gene, stromal‐derived factor‐1 (SDF‐1), in the prostate stromal cells.CONCLUSIONERAP75 functions as a novel coactivator that can modulate ERα function in the prostate stromal cells. The understanding of the mechanism of ERα transactivation in prostate stromal cells could possibly help in the development of new strategies to control or treat prostate cancer by targeting its transactivation protein complex. Prostate 68:1273–1282, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Opioid use in palliative care: available options and concerns
Authors: Gishen Faye , Tookman Adrian , Kurowska Anna 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe correct use of opioids is the mainstay of effective management of pain in palliative care. The authors describe the available analgesic options and explore patient and doctor concerns associated with their use. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Beta‐blockers in the treatment of cardiovascular disease
Authors: Cullington Damien , Yassin Ashraf , Cleland John 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBeta‐blockers are widely used drugs in the treatment of angina, heart failure and atrial fibrillation and following MI. Our Drug review considers their properties and current place in therapy, followed by sources of further information and a review of prescription data. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Zoledronic acid: a once‐yearly injection for osteoporosis
Authors: Chaplin Steve , Dennison Elaine 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAclasta is a once‐yearly injection of the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid that offers much improved adherence compared with oral bisphosphonates. In our New products review Steve Chaplin presents the clinical data relating to its efficacy and adverse effects, and Dr Elaine Dennison comments on its place in therapy. Copyright © 2008 Wiley Interface Ltd
Structural characterization of a neurotoxic threonine‐rich peptide corresponding to the human prion protein α2‐helical 180–195 segment, and comparison with full‐length α2‐helix‐derived peptides
Authors: Ronga Luisa , Palladino Pasquale , Saviano Gabriella , Tancredi Teodorico , Benedetti Ettore , Ragone Raffaele , Rossi Filomena 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe 173–195 segment corresponding to the helix 2 of the globular PrP domain is a good candidate to be one of the several ‘spots’ of intrinsic structural flexibility, which might induce local destabilization and concur to protein transformation, leading to aggregation‐prone conformations. Here, we report CD and NMR studies on the α2‐helix‐derived peptide of maximal length (hPrP[180–195]) that is able to exhibit a regular structure different from the prevalently random arrangement of other α2‐helix‐derived peptides. This peptide, which has previously been shown to be affected by buffer composition via the ion charge density dependence typical of Hofmeister effects, corresponds to the C‐terminal sequence of the PrPC full‐length α2‐helix and includes the highly conserved threonine‐rich 188–195 segment. At neutral pH, its conformation is dominated by β‐type contributions, which only very strong environmental modifications are able to modify. On TFE addition, an increase of α‐helical content can be observed, but a fully helical conformation is only obtained in neat TFE. However, linking of the 173–179 segment, as occurring in wild‐type and mutant peptides corresponding to the full‐length α2‐helix, perturbs these intrinsic structural propensities in a manner that depends on whether the environment is water or TFE. Overall, these results confirm that the 180–195 parental region in hPrPC makes a strong contribution to the chameleon conformational behavior of the segment corresponding to the full‐length α2‐helix, and could play a role in determining structural rearrangements of the entire globular domain. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cathodic electrodeposition of ZnCoO thin films
Authors: Tortosa M. , Mollar M. , Manjón F. J. , Marí B. , Sánchez‐Royo J. F. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe report on the characterization of ternary Zn1–xCoxO alloy crystalline films grown by electrodeposition onto FTO‐coated substrates. The Zn1–xCoxO films have hexagonal wurtzite structure as shown by X‐ray diffraction measurements. The Co incorporation into the ZnO lattice is confirmed by the presence of absorption peaks assigned to Co in trigonal crystal field. X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy indicates that as‐grown films have a considerable concentration of not‐fully oxidized metallic Co in the surface that correlates with the O concentration in the surface. Finally, Raman measurements of as‐grown films indicate that they are polycrystalline with grains of nanometric size showing short‐range order but no long‐range order. The Raman spectra show no trace of first‐order phonons and resemble the one‐and two‐phonon density of states of ZnO (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of pentacene based organic thin film transistor using conductive carbon electrode
Authors: Park Yong Seob , Kim Kyo Hyeok , Kim Hyung Jin , Chung Ilsub , Hong Byungyou 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAmorphous carbon films prepared by our experiments exhibited very low resistivity (< 1 mΩ·cm) and good conductivity without any dopant. So, we applied to the gate electrodes for organic thin film transistor (OTFTs). The conductive carbon film used as the electrodes has properties such as good adhesion to glass and plastic substrate, good physical properties for the lifetime of electrodes, good electrical properties, thermal stability and high transparency. In this work, we have fabricated organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) of a back gate structure using the pentacene active region on polyvinylphenol (PVP) as gate dielectric. We fabricated three different types of transistors using pentacene film grown on PVP gate dielectric with gate electrodes of N++Si, Au, and conductive carbon (a‐C) films. We investigated the current image property of two structures by using the SPM method and compared the topology with its current images, which were simultaneously obtained by scanning a 3 μm × 3 (m region. The current images of OTFT with the different gate electrodes have shown that the vertical leakage current flows along the pentacene grain edges. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of solution concentration and temperature on the aqueous chemical growth of zinc oxide structures
Authors: Vernardou D. , Kenanakis G. , Vlachou K. , Koudoumas E. , Kiriakidis G. , Vairis A. , Katsarakis N. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractZnO was deposited on Corning glass using an equimolar aqueous solution of zinc nitrate hexahydrate and hexamethylenetetramine by Aqueous Chemical Growth. The morphological characteristics of the as‐grown ZnO structures can be varied by adjusting the precursor solution concentration and solution temperature. An increase in the precursor solution concentration induces a modification in the ZnO morphology from sub‐microrod to flower‐like and microrod structures. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Correlation between the stress in ZnO thin films and the Urbach band tail width
Authors: Dimova‐Malinovska D. , Nichev H. , Angelov O. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA comparison of the changes in the optical and structural properties of ZnO thin films, undoped and doped with Al, Er and Ta, deposited by magnetron co‐sputtering in Ar is performed in this work. A set of ZnO samples deposited by sputtering in Ar+H2 is studied, as well. The films are deposited at different substrate temperatures and with different concentrations of the doping elements. The band gap energy and the Urbach band tail parameter are calculated from the spectral dependence of the coefficient of absorption. The stresses in the films are calculated from X‐ray diffraction patterns. A correlation between the band tail widths and the stress in the ZnO thin films is observed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Low temperature Al doped ZnO films on a flexible substrate by DC sputtering
Authors: Lee Kyu‐Il , Kim Eung Kwon , Kim Hyun‐Duk , Kang Hyun‐Il , Song Joon‐Tae 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe target of Al doped ZnO was prepared. AZO thin films were deposited on PolyCarbonate (PC) by the DC sputtering method. The thickness of films was controlled to within about 400 nm. Thin films fabricated on a PC substrate were compared to those fabricated on glass and quartz. The resistivity of Al doped ZnO (AZO) films deposited on a PC substrate was 4.5×10–3 Ω‐cm. The transmittance of all films exceeded 80% across the visible spectrum. AZO deposited on PC was compared to AZO deposited on a rigid substrate and Ga doped ZnO (GZO) deposited on PC, to identify characteristic differences such as the substrate, and characteristic differences with respect to the atomic radius of impurity atoms. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Enhanced co‐solubilities of Ca and Si in YAG (Y3Al5O12)
Authors: Kuru Yener , Onur Savasir Erdem , Zeynep Nergiz Saide , Oncel Cinar , Ali Gulgun Mehmet 
Published: June 2008

AbstractGeneral garnet structure (Ia3d) is a forgiving host and can accommodate cations of varying sizes and valence states. Studies on highly yttrium doped alumina ceramics with Ca and Si contamination indicated that YAG precipitates in the ceramic had a propensity to allow simultaneous incorporation of small amounts of Ca and Si impurities in their structure. In this study, using chemical synthesis techniques it was shown that YAG can accommodate up to approximately 8 cation% Ca+2 and Si+4 (i.e. Ca+2/Y+3 and Si+4/Y+3) if they are incorporated together. Equilibrium conditions are established by calcining samples at 900 °C for 2 hours and cooling the samples to room temperature in the furnace. Disappearing‐phase method and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy were used to determine solubility and co‐solubility limits. Beyond the solubility limit phase separation occurred and three crystalline yttrium aluminate phases (YAG, YAP (yttrium aluminate perovskite, YAlO3), YAM (yttrium aluminate monoclinic, Y4Al2O9)) were observed. It is believed that the excess Ca and Si above co‐solubility limit precipitate out in the form of an x‐ray amorphous anorthite‐like glass in the system. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Post annealing effects on the properties of sputtered nano‐crystallite indium tin oxide thin films on flexible polyimide substrate
Authors: Mohammadi Gheidari A. , Hadad Dabaghi H. , Kalhor D. , Iraj M. , Kazemzad M. , Behafarid F. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIndium tin oxide (ITO) thin films were deposited onto flexible polyimide substrates using RF sputtering system at room temperature. The deposited films were then heat treated at different temperatures in air and vacuum atmospheres. The structural variations and as consequence the electro‐optical characteristic variations of the films were systematically investigated as a function of post annealing temperature and atmosphere. The structure of the films was studied by means of XRD and SEM techniques and the electro‐optical characteristics were measured by four point probe and spectrophotometer, respectively. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effect of strain and alloy composition inhomogeneity on the electronic and optical properties of III‐nitride semiconductors
Authors: Skoulidis Nikos , Polatoglou Hariton 
Published: June 2008

AbstractUsing the empirical tight binding method with a sp3s* basis for the first neighbour interactions and only p–p interactions for the second neighbours, we calculated the optical properties near the fundamental gap of cubic GaxAl1–xN alloys for x<0.33 grown on a substrate whose lattice constant varies from the lattice constant of cubic AlN to GaN. We found that the spectra of the fully relaxed alloy have a tail with onset energy at the indirect gap of AlN and an edge at the direct gap of the alloy which follows the Vegard's law within 0.1 eV. The maximum of band gap for each alloy composition is found for a substrate with the lattice constant of the fully relaxed alloy. When the substrate composition is such that induces negative tetragonal strain on the alloy (εxx<0) the energy band gap is mainly affected by the alloy composition while for εxx>0 the alloy composition has a limited effect. The total effect of substrate and alloy composition in the calculated range on the band gap can be as much as 0.4 eV and is mainly due to the valence band shift as the conduction band is only slightly affected by the substrate or the alloy composition. This band gap change is adequate to explain the experimentally observed double photoluminescence peak of open quantum dots. The energy separation of the double peak is 0.1 eV and one peak can be attributed to the tetragonically strained wetting layer and the other to the fully relaxed quantum dots. Furthermore the present results can be used to estimate any possible stoichiometric inhomogeneity and help design structures with specific energies for the pair of peaks. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of different phosphorus precursors on the electrical properties of the SiO2‐P2O5 films obtained by sol‐gel
Authors: Vasiliu Cristina , Vancea Cosmin , Latia Adina , Anastasescu Mihai , Todan Ligia , Predoana Luminita , Zaharescu Maria , Pavelescu Gabriela , Grigorescu Cristiana 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis work aims at establishing the influence of different phosphor‐precursors on the electrical properties of 90%SiO2‐10%P2O5 (%mol) thin films prepared by sol‐gel method from triethylphosphate, triethylphosphite and phosphoric acid precursors. Glass and respectively ITO‐coated glass were used as substrates. The films were annealed at 200 °C and respectively 500 °C. For all selected precursors the results show that the conduction in the phosphate glass films decreases with increasing annealing temperature, giving thus evidence of a reduced release‐ and transfer‐activity of protons within the films. The activation energy of the conduction process takes values in the range 0.033‐0.04 eV. The correlation between the electrical properties and optical and structural data is also discussed. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)