bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dielectric charging effect estimation to M.I.M. structured RF MEMS devices due to 1 MeV γ‐ray photons irradiation
Authors: Theonas V. , Papaioannou G. , Konstantinidis G. , Papapolumerou J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractMEMS based switches and actuators have emerged as a serious alternative to GaAs or Si based solid state devices, especially in microwave applications. SiO2 and Si3N4 and other insulating films are used in MEMS. However, their tendency for electrostatic charging diminishes the device reliability. The charging effect becomes significant when these devices are subjected to ionizing radiation. The irradiation induced charging depends on the nature of irradiation, the vicinal metal layers, and the metal‐insulator interface properties. RF MEMS sensitivity to 1 MeV photons is presented, taking into account the simulation of charge generation to device's structure with different insulating layer composition and thickness. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Fabrication of amyloid peptide micro‐arrays using laser‐induced forward transfer and avidin‐biotin mediated assembly
Authors: Dinca V. , Kasotakis E. , Mourka A. , Ranella A. , Farsari M. , Mitraki A. , Fotakis C. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPeptide‐based arrays and patterns are a powerful tool in the study of protein functionality, with a variety of applications such as the study of interactions between peptides and enzymes, proteins and DNA. One of the main and most critical issues is the generation of high density arrays which maintain the biological function of the peptides. In this study, we employ Laser‐Induced Forward Transfer for the generation of high density photosensitive biotin arrays on ORMOCER®‐coated surfaces. We then generate peptide microarrays, which assemble due to the employment of avidin‐biotin and thiol chemistry. These initial results are poised to the construction of larger peptide patterns as scaffolds for the incorporation and display of ligands critical for cell attachment and growth, or for the templating of inorganic materials. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
TEM study of c‐plane GaN layers grown on γ‐LiAlO2(100)
Authors: Mogilatenko A. , Neumann W. , Richter E. , Weyers M. , Velickov B. , Uecker R. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractFreestanding c‐plane GaN layers were grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy on γ‐LiAlO2(100) substrates. The layers appear transparent and colorless. However, they contain a large number of dodecagonal pinholes (V‐pits), which are surrounded by brownish GaN pyramids. It is shown that the V‐pit formation occurs at the top of N‐polar inversion domains, which appear in the Ga‐polar GaN matrix. The GaN layers contain threading dislocations, which are partly attracted to the V‐pit surface in order to minimize the dislocation energy. The appearance of brown GaN pyramids around the V‐shaped pinholes seems to be a direct consequence of impurity incorporation, which might stem from the LiAlO2 substrate. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Involvement of the Bcl‐2 Family Members in Pinus massoniana Bark Extract induced Apoptosis in HeLa Cells
Authors: Ma Hongling , Lai Fei , Xie Heng , Wang Jinfa , Wang Hongbin 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPinus massoniana bark extract (PMBE) contains a variety of flavonoids whose antioxidant properties have been confirmed in vitro. This study was undertaken to evaluate the cytotoxic effects and the mechanism of cell death on the PMBE‐treated human cervical cancer cell line, HeLa. PMBE treatment led to cell growth inhibition in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, and PMBE‐induced apoptosis was confirmed by DAPI staining, TUNEL assays and sub‐G1 phase accumulation. Cell cycle was also arrested in G2/M phase. Immunoblotting analysis showed that cytochrome c was released, the protein expression of Bax was increased, the protein expression of Bcl‐2 was down‐regulated and caspase‐9 and ‐3 were activated in PMBE‐treated HeLa cells. Taken together, PMBE inhibited proliferation, induces apoptosis and causes cell cycle arrest in HeLa cells, indicating that PMBE may be a potential therapeutic agent for cancer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Inhibition of Free Radical Generation by Preparations of Harpagophytum procumbens in vitro
Authors: Grant Louise , McBean Douglas E. , Fyfe Lorna , Warnock A. Mary 
Published: September 2008

AbstractHarpagophytum procumbens (Hp), commonly known as Devil's Claw has been used as a traditional treatment for a variety of illnesses for centuries. Since the early twentieth century, it has become a popular antiinflammatory and analgesic preparation amongst European herbalists for supportive or adjuvant treatment of degenerative joint diseases. Extracts of Hp tubers have demonstrated antiinflammatory and analgesic effects in animal models of inflammation and in human trials. The mechanism(s) of action responsible for these attributes, however, remain to be elucidated. Reactive oxygen species generated in acute and chronic inflammatory diseases are known to be cytotoxic and can cause tissue damage. In this study, a root tuber extract (Hp extract) and commercially available tincture (Hp tincture) were investigated for antioxidant characteristics using in vitro test systems. Both preparations were found to effectively scavenge DPPH radical, inhibit nitrite levels in supernatants harvested from LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, and cause dose‐dependent suppressions in the detection of fMLP‐ and AA‐induced neutrophil MPO. The antioxidant effects demonstrated for both preparations of Hp may contribute to the antiinflammatory and analgesic properties observed for the plant. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genotoxicity of Achillea millefolium essential oil in diploid cells of Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: Sant'Anna Juliane Rocha de , Franco Claudinéia Conationi da Silva , Miyamoto Claudia Tiemi , Cunico Miriam Machado , Miguel Obdulio Gomes , Côcco Lílian Cristina , Yamamoto Carlos Itsuo , Junior Cirino Corrêa , Castro‐Prado Marialba Avezum Alves de 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe essential oil of Achillea millefolium is commonly used in folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases and has been demonstrated previously to exert an in vitro antimicrobial activity against human pathogens. Current study investigates the genotoxic activity of A. millefolium oil. The oil's major constituents are: chamazulene (42.15%), sabinene (19.72%), terpin‐4‐ol (5.22%), β‐caryophyllene (4.44%) and eucalyptol (3.10%), comprising 74.63% of the total. The oil's genotoxic evaluation was performed at concentrations of 0.13 µL/mL, 0.19 µL/mL and 0.25 µL/mL with a heterozygous diploid strain of Aspergillus nidulans, named A757//UT448, with green conidia. A statistically significant increasing number of yellow and white mitotic recombinants, per colony, of the diploid strain was reported after oil treatment with 0.19 µL/mL and 0.25 µL/mL concentrations. The genotoxicity of the oil was associated with the induction of mitotic non‐disjunction or crossing‐over by oil. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balanced boundary layers used in hurricane models
Authors: Smith Roger K. , Montgomery Michael T. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWe examine the formulation and accuracy of various approximations made in representing the boundary layer in simple axisymmetric hurricane models, especially those that assume strict gradient wind balance in the radial direction. Approximate solutions for a steady axisymmetric slab boundary‐layer model are compared with a full model solution. It is shown that the approximate solutions are generally poor in the inner core region of the vortex, where the radial advection term in the radial momentum equation is important and cannot be neglected. These results affirm some prior work and have implications for a range of theoretical studies of hurricane dynamics, including theories of potential intensity, that employ balanced boundary‐layer formulations. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
A cirrus cloud scheme for general circulation models
Authors: Kärcher B. , Burkhardt U. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractA statistical cloud scheme for non‐convective cirrus formed by homogeneous freezing of supercooled aerosols is presented. As large‐scale cirrus clouds exhibit metastable thermodynamic states and have long lifetimes, a fully prognostic approach is developed. The scheme is based on separate probability distribution functions of total water representing clear‐sky and in‐cloud conditions. These distributions are based on in situ observations and have few degrees of freedom so that they can be used in forecast and climate models. Predictive equations are derived for horizontal cloud fraction and mixing ratios of grid‐mean water vapour and ice water, in‐cloud water vapour and ice crystal number. The scheme allows sub‐ and supersaturations with respect to ice to occur in cloud‐free air and inside cirrus, and produces nucleated ice crystal concentrations and sizes in good agreement with observations, an important prerequisite for an improved treatment of cirrus cloud radiative properties. Implementation in general circulation models, open issues and future research avenues are discussed. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Non‐normal growth in symmetric shear flow
Authors: Heifetz Eyal , Farrell Brian F. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAn analysis of symmetric instability from the perspective of Generalized Stability Theory is presented. For Richardson number smaller than one, the optimal growth exceeds that predicted by normal mode analysis yielding potentially a much faster generation of slantwise convection. In both normal and non‐normal evolution, the parcel trajectory remains close to the isentropes and energy growth results primarily from the vertical Reynolds stress term in the energy equation. The large non‐normal growth obtained results from the optimal perturbations having parcel trajectories in the mean shear plane, in the initial stage, that maximize the growth by Reynolds stress. This plane is perpendicular to the plane of the isentropes and the absolute momentum isolines, usually associated with slantwise convection. For Richardson number larger than unity, transient growth results primarily from the meridional heat flux term in the energy equation, however this growth is relatively small. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Analysis of additive risk model with high‐dimensional covariates using partial least squares
Authors: Zhao Yichuan , Zhou Yue , Zhao Meng 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn this paper, we construct a partial additive regression (PAR) model to predict the survival times of cancer patients based on microarray gene expression data with right censoring. The area under time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic curve is used as a model evaluation criterion. We conduct a simulation study to compare the proposed method with other methods, i.e. partial Cox regression and supervised principal component analysis. Two data sets of breast cancer and diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma are analyzed to illustrate our procedure. The outcome indicates great predictive performance on both dimension reduction and predictive performance of the proposed PAR model. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approaches to handling data when a phase II trial deviates from the pre‐specified Simon's two‐stage design
Authors: Wu Yujun , Shih Weichung J. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSimon's ‘optimal’ and ‘minimax’ two‐stage designs are common methods for conducting phase IIA studies investigating new cancer therapies. However, these designs are rather rigid in their settings because of the pre‐specified rejection rules and fixed sample sizes at each stage. In practice, we often encounter the problem that a study is unable to adhere to the event number and sample sizes of the original two‐stage design. In this paper, we consider some approaches in handling situations where deviations or interruptions from the original Simon's two‐stage design occur because recruitment of patients is slower than expected. We consider four scenarios and use conditional probabilities to address the issues commonly inquired by the scientific review board. We also discuss how to report p‐values in these situations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multivariate modelling of infectious disease surveillance data
Authors: Paul M. , Held L. , Toschke A. M. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper describes a model‐based approach to analyse multivariate time series data on counts of infectious diseases. It extends a method previously described in the literature to deal with possible dependence between disease counts from different pathogens. In a spatio‐temporal context it is proposed to include additional information on global dispersal of the pathogen in the model. Two examples are given: the first describes an analysis of weekly influenza and meningococcal disease counts from Germany. The second gives an analysis of the spatio‐temporal spread of influenza in the U.S.A., 1996–2006, using air traffic information. Maximum likelihood estimates in this non‐standard model class are obtained using general optimization routines, which are integrated in the R packagesurveillance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Outside directors' industry‐specific experience and firms' liability of newness
Authors: Kor Yasemin Y. , Misangyi Vilmos F. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis study makes a contribution to the growing literature on the board's resource provision role by examining a specific type of resource provision (i.e., industry experience supplementing) and demonstrating the criticality of the liabilities of newness to this particular role. In this study, we find that among younger entrepreneurial firms, a dearth of top management industry experience is offset by the presence of outside directors with significant managerial industry experience, providing evidence of experience supplementing by outside directors. Our study highlights that the notion of experience supplementing at the upper echelons prevails in young firms as they try to alleviate the burdens of the liability of newness. Experience supplementing underscores board‐management collaboration during early years of firm development. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does it pay to be different? An analysis of the relationship between corporate social and financial performance
Authors: Brammer Stephen , Millington Andrew 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis study explores the relationship between corporate social performance (CSP) and corporate financial performance (CFP) within the context of a specific component of CSP: corporate charitable giving. A model of the determinants of the extent of corporate charitable giving is estimated and used as the basis of a classification that groups firms according to the difference between their actual and their predicted intensity of gift giving. The financial performance attributes of the classification are explored. We found that firms with both unusually high and low CSP have higher financial performance than other firms, with unusually poor social performers doing best in the short run and unusually good social performers doing best over longer time horizons. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conceptual model for designing adaptive human–computer interfaces using the living systems theory
Authors: Letsu‐Dake E. , Ntuen C. A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper discusses the application of the living systems theory (LST) to human–computer interface (HCI) design. It introduces LST as a paradigm for HCI design that can produce interfaces with self‐learning and adaptive capabilities. From a biological system perspective, LST framework provides an emergence property to HCI, an attribute required to encourage self‐organized behaviours during user interaction with computers. A sample interface in the domain of power systems information management is used to demonstrate the efficacy of LST as an adaptive HCI design tool. It is shown that the application of LST will not only provide a robust framework for designing HCI, but can also allow for real‐time performance of the adaptive processes of the interface agents. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design load definition by LEXPOL
Authors: von Collani Elart , Binder A. , Sans W. , Heitmann A. , Al‐Ghazali K. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe predicted long‐term loads for wind turbines determine turbine cost and reliability; and therefore, the definition of the maximum loads, which might realistically occur during the turbine's lifetime, are of considerable importance. The difficulty with predicting the extreme loads derives from the involved uncertainties. Uncertainty refers to the wind and materializes in variability in the sense that the wind speed and the load magnitude varying in time, even if the meteorologic conditions do not change. Therefore, the problem is to describe the variability of the loads in a way that allows reliable, and at the same time accurate, predictions of the maximum loads that the turbines have to withstand. The predictions must have a specified reliability, as otherwise the inherent risks would be unknown, and they should be accurate, as otherwise the cost of manufacturing the turbines would become excessive.LEXPOL® is based on recent results concerning the stochastic handling of uncertainty, resulting in sets of probability distributions for each considered wind bin. These sets of probability distributions cover the unknown true distribution rather than approximate it by a fitted distribution as it is the case in conventional approaches. The coverage refers to uncertainty measured by entropy and some characteristic distributional properties. Thus, the stochastic models allow reliable and – with respect to the available knowledge – most accurate predictions. Based on the models for specified values of the mean wind speed and the turbulence, prediction procedures for the extreme loads are developed in the unconditional case as well as for long periods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peritoneal dialysis prescription in children: bedside principles for optimal practice
Authors: Fischbach Michel , Warady Bradley A. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThere is no unique optimal peritoneal dialysis prescription for all children, although the goals of ultrafiltration and blood purification are universal. In turn, a better understanding of the physiology of the peritoneal membrane, as a dynamic dialysis membrane with an exchange surface area recruitment capacity and unique permeability characteristics, results in the transition from an empirical prescription process based on clinical experience alone to the potential for a personalized prescription with individually adapted fill volumes and dwell times. In all cases, the prescribed exchange fill volume should be scaled for body surface area (ml/m2), and volume enhancement should be conducted based on clinical tolerance and intraperitoneal pressure measurements (IPP; cmH2O). The exchange dwell times should be determined individually and adapted to the needs of the patient, with particular attention to phosphate clearance and ultrafiltration capacity. The evolution of residual kidney function and the availability of new, more physiologic, peritoneal dialysis fluids (PDFs) also influence the prescription process. An understanding of all of these principles is integral to the provision of clinically optimal PD.
Multiple informants in the assessment of psychological, behavioral, and academic correlates of bullying and victimization in middle school
Authors: Wienke Totura Christine M. , Green Amy E. , Karver Marc S. , Gesten Ellis L. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThe present study assessed agreement between student self‐report and teacher ratings of bullying and victimization relative to psychological, behavioral, and academic correlates. Middle school students (N = 1442) and teachers completed surveys evaluating peer relationships and psychosocial adjustment. Analyses of variance and logistic regressions were used to examine rater agreement on bullying/victimization and adjustment among groups (bullies, victims, bully/victims, and uninvolved) identified by rater (student self‐report only, teacher‐report only, concordant reports, and controversial reports). Concordant and controversial groups had among the greatest psychosocial and academic difficulties. Student learning difficulties and moodiness interacted with teacher reports of bullying and victimization, respectively, with agreement between teacher and student self reports of bullying greater at higher levels of learning problems and agreement for victimization lower at higher levels of moodiness. The results indicate biases in rater perspective of student behavior and continue to support the need for multiple raters of student functioning.
Urinary neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), a marker of tubular damage, is increased in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Damman Kevin , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Navis Gerjan , Voors Adriaan A. , Hillege Hans L. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractRenal impairment, as measured by reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and increased urinary albumin excretion (UAE), is prevalent in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and is associated with reduced survival. The prevalence of structural tubular damage in CHF is unknown. We investigated 90 CHF patients and 20 age and sex matched healthy controls, and determined estimated GFR, UAE, N terminal‐pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) and urinary neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) as a marker for tubular damage. CHF patients had significantly lower averaged estimated GFR (64 ± 17 vs 90 ± 12 mL/min/1.73 m2, P<0.0001), but higher NT‐proBNP and UAE levels (both P<0.0001). Median urinary NGAL levels were markedly increased in CHF patients compared to controls (175 (70–346) vs 37 (6–58) μg/gCr, P<0.0001). Both serum creatinine (r=0.26, P=0.006) and eGFR (r=−0.29, P=0.002) were significantly associated with urinary NGAL levels as were NT‐proBNP and UAE but to a lesser extent. In conclusion, renal impairment in CHF patients is not only characterised by decreased eGFR and increased UAE, but also by the presence of tubular damage, as measured by increased urinary NGAL concentrations.
Synergistic interaction of gabapentin with tiagabine in the formalin test in mice: An isobolographic analysis
Authors: Luszczki Jarogniew J. , Kolacz Agnieszka , Czuczwar Miroslaw , Przesmycki Krzysztof , Czuczwar Stanislaw J. 
Published: September 2008

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to determine the analgesic effect of gabapentin and tiagabine – two antiepileptic drugs, administered alone and in combination at the fixed‐ratio of 1:1, in two phases of the formalin test in mice. Log‐probit analysis was used to evaluate dose–response effects and calculate the ED50values for gabapentin, tiagabine, and their combination at the fixed‐ratio of 1:1 in the phases I and II of the formalin test in mice. The types of interactions between both antiepileptic drugs were characterized using the isobolographic analysis.Results indicated that gabapentin and tiagabine produced the antinociceptive effect in both phases of the formalin test. The ED50values for gabapentin and tiagabine, administered singly, in the phase I of the formalin test were 29.59 and 2mg/kg, whereas in the phase II of the formalin test were 8.22 and 0.50mg/kg, respectively. With isobolography, the ED50mixvalues at the fixed‐ratio combination of 1:1 were 7.30mg/kg (phase I) and 0.48mg/kg (phase II), indicating both additive and supra‐additive (synergistic) interactions between gabapentin and tiagabine in the formalin test in mice.In conclusion, the combination of gabapentin with tiagabine at the fixed‐ratio of 1:1 exerted additive interaction in the phase I and synergistic interaction in the phase II of the formalin test in mice. If the results from this study could be extrapolated to clinical settings, the combination of tiagabine with gabapentin might be beneficial in the pain relief in humans.