bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oncogenic microRNA‐27a is a target for anticancer agent methyl 2‐cyano‐3,11‐dioxo‐18β‐olean‐1,12‐dien‐30‐oate in colon cancer cells
Authors: Chintharlapalli Sudhakar , Papineni Sabitha , Abdelrahim Maen , Abudayyeh Ala , Jutooru Indira , Chadalapaka Gayathri , Wu Fei , Mertens‐Talcott Susanne , Vanderlaag Kathy , Cho Sung Dae , Smith Roger , Safe Stephen
Published: July 2009

Methyl 2‐cyano‐3,11‐dioxo‐18β‐olean‐1,12‐dien‐30‐oate (CDODA‐Me) is a synthetic derivative of glycyrrhetinic acid, a triterpenoid phytochemical found in licorice extracts. CDODA‐Me inhibited growth of RKO and SW480 colon cancer cells and this was accompanied by decreased expression of Sp1, Sp3 and Sp4 protein and mRNA and several Sp‐dependent genes including survivin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and VEGF receptor 1 (VEGFR1 or Flt‐1). CDODA‐Me also induced apoptosis, arrested RKO and SW480 cells at G2/M, and inhibited tumor growth in athymic nude mice bearing RKO cells as xenografts. CDODA‐Me decreased expression of microRNA‐27a (miR‐27a), and this was accompanied by increased expression of 2 miR‐27a‐regulated mRNAs, namely ZBTB10 (an Sp repressor) and Myt‐1 which catalyzes phosphorylation of cdc2 to inhibit progression of cells through G2/M. Both CDODA‐Me and antisense miR‐27a induced comparable responses in RKO and SW480 cells, suggesting that the potent anticarcinogenic activity of CDODA‐Me is due to repression of oncogenic miR‐27a. © 2009 UICC
Antibodies blocking adhesion and matrix binding domains of laminin‐332 inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in vivo
Authors: Salo Sirpa , Boutaud Ariel , Hansen Anker Jon , He Liqun , Sun Yi , Morales Sylvia , Venturini Amy , Martin Paula , Nokelainen Pasi , Betsholtz Christer , Mathiasen Ida Stenfeldt , Tryggvason Karl
Published: July 2009

Laminin‐332 (LN‐332), which is essential for epithelial cell adhesion and migration, is up‐regulated in most invasive carcinomas. Association between LN‐332 and carcinoma cell integrins and stroma collagen is thought to be important for tumor growth and metastasis. Here, we show that function blocking LN‐332 antibodies interfering with cellular adhesion and migration in vitro evoke apoptotic pathways. The antibodies also target epithelial tumors in vivo. Antibodies against the cell binding domain of the α3 chain of LN‐332 inhibited tumor growth by up to 68%, and antibodies against the matrix binding domains of the β3 and γ2 chains significantly decreased lung metastases. The LN‐332 antibodies appear to induce tumor cell anoikis and subsequent programmed cell death and reduce migration by interfering with tumor cell matrix interactions. © 2009 UICC
Prevalence and predictors of abandonment of therapy among children with cancer in El Salvador
Authors: Bonilla Miguel , Rossell Nuria , Salaverria Carmen , Gupta Sumit , Barr Ronald , Sala Alessandra , Metzger Monika L. , Sung Lillian
Published: July 2009

Abandonment of therapy is one of the most common causes of treatment failure among children with cancer in low‐income countries. Our objectives were to describe the prevalence and predictors of abandonment among such children with cancer in El Salvador. We analyzed data on patients younger than 16 years, diagnosed with any malignancy between January 2001 and December 2003 at the Benjamin Bloom National Children's Hospital, San Salvador. Among 612 patients, 353 were male (58%); the median age at diagnosis was 5.1 years; 59% of patients were diagnosed with leukemia/lymphoma, 28% with solid tumors and 13% with brain tumors. The prevalence of abandonment was 13%. Median time to abandonment was 2.0 (range 0–36) months. In univariate analyses, paternal illiteracy [odds ratio (OR) 3.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0–7.2; p = 0.001]; maternal illiteracy (OR = 5.1, 95% CI 2.5–10; p < 0.0001); increasing number of household members (OR = 1.2, 95% CI 1.1–1.3; p = 0.004); and low monthly household income (OR per $100 = 0.59, 95% CI 0.45–0.75; p < 0.0001) all significantly increased the risk of abandonment, whereas travel time to hospital did not. In multiple regression analyses, low monthly income and increased number of people in the household were independently predictive of abandonment. In conclusion, in El Salvador, despite the provision of free treatment, socioeconomic variables significantly predict increased risk of abandonment of therapy. Understanding the pathways through which socioeconomic status affects abandonment may allow the design of effective interventions. © 2009 UICC
Investment portfolio balancing: application of a generic self‐organizing fuzzy neural network (GenSoFNN)
Authors: Quek C. , Yow K. C. , Cheng Philip Y. K. , Tan C. C.
Published: July 2009

In contrast to short‐term stock trading, portfolio managers are interested in the medium‐ to long‐term peaks and troughs of the stock price cycles as signals to balance their stock portfolios – the predicted trough is the signal to buy the stock and the predicted peak is the signal to sell the stock. As statistical models are generally inadequate or incapable of providing such portfolio balancing signals, we propose using the generic self‐organizing fuzzy neural network (GenSoFNN)—a fuzzy neural system – as a tool for portfolio balancing. The network adopts the supervised learning approach to detect inflection points in the stock price cycles, and a modified locally weighted regression algorithm is employed to smooth the stock cycles. The GenSoFNN‐based portfolio balancing system was evaluated with experiments conducted using 23 stocks from the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ, and the results showed an average profit return of 65.66%. The contributions of the proposed GenSoFNN intelligent portfolio balancing system are twofold: it can be used as an efficient trading solution and it can provide decision support in trading via its generated rules. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel fuzzy neural approach to data reconstruction and failure prediction
Authors: Quek C. , Zhou R. W. , Lee C. H.
Published: July 2009

Bank failure prediction is of great importance to a bank's clients, policy‐makers and regulators. Various traditional models have been employed to study bank failures. Unfortunately, their performances are unsatisfactory. In this paper, the pseudo‐outer product fuzzy neural network using the compositional rule of inference and singleton fuzzifier (POPFNN‐CRI(S))‐based bank failure prediction model is proposed. It employs computational bank failure analysis techniques coupled with reconstruction of missing financial data in financial covariates that are available from publicly available financial statements as inputs. The performance of the proposed model is assessed through the classification rate of 3636 US banks observed over a 21‐year period. The effects of missing data reconstruction are investigated. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Classification techniques for the identification of falsified financial statements: a comparative analysis
Authors: Gaganis Chrysovalantis
Published: July 2009

In this study, I develop 10 alternative classification models using logit analysis, discriminant analysis, support vector machines, artificial neural networks, probabilistic neural networks, nearest neighbours, UTADIS and MHDIS for the detection of falsified financial statements. The models are developed using financial and nonfinancial data. The sample includes 398 financial statements, half of which were assigned a qualified audit opinion. I compare these alternatives methods using out‐of‐time and out‐of‐sample tests. The results are used to derive conclusions on the performance of the methods and to investigate the potential of developing models that will assist auditors in identifying fraudulent financial statements. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of alendronate on bone formation and osteoclastic resorption after implantation of beta‐tricalcium phosphate
Authors: Tanaka Takaaki , Saito Mitsuru , Chazono Masaaki , Kumagae Yoshio , Kikuchi Takahiro , Kitasato Seiichiro , Marumo Keishi
Published: July 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of alendronate (ALN) on osteoclastic resorption of β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and bone formation. β‐TCP blocks of 75% porosity, with or without ALN treatment, were implanted into cavities drilled in rabbit femoral condyles. New bone formation, residual amount of β‐TCP, and the number of tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase‐positive cells were evaluated 2 weeks after surgery. The results show that local application of ALN at a concentration of 10−2 to 10−6M reduced the number of osteoclasts on the surface of β‐TCP. New bone formation was also inhibited by ALN in a dose‐dependent manner. Thus, inhibition of osteoclast formation resulted in reduced β‐TCP resorption and bone formation. These results suggest that osteoclast‐mediated resorption plays an important role in bone formation and a coupling‐like phenomenon could occur in β‐TCP‐filled bone defects. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
What is a “Normal” wear pattern for metal‐on‐metal hip bearings?
Authors: Bowsher J. G. , Clarke I. C. , Williams P. A. , Donaldson T. K.
Published: July 2009

In addition to classical run‐in and steady‐state wear phases, metal‐on‐metal (MOM) hip bearings have encountered “runaway wear” (RAW) trends in simulator studies. This puzzling behavior has resulted in 2‐ to 19‐fold wear increases compared with other apparently “identical” bearings. MOM bearings have shown five identifiable RAW wear patterns in joint simulators; therefore, additional descriptive terms were used here to indicate various observed patterns, for example, “breakaway wear” (BAW), which was defined as a higher wear trend that recovers to steady‐state wear. As these trends commonly occur for MOM, this raises the question of what can be considered “normal” behavior or “abnormal”? In an effort to identify possible causes for this behavior, the current study investigated six Co‐Cr bearings, which closely matched with respect to geometrical tolerances. Despite close control of design and test variables, BAW occurred in 30% of the MOM bearings, producing a threefold wear increase above otherwise identical MOM bearings within the same group. The majority of the BAW (85%) occurred on the cup side and was validated by growth of wear scars and concentrations of metal ions. One bearing that showed continuing BAW at 5 Mc revealed a cup that was 50% smoother than other cups whereas its mating head was 50% rougher, thus signifying that highly polished areas were sites of the highest MOM wear. The two BAW bearings with high wear showed the greatest conformity at 5 Mc, in apparent contradistinction to classical lubrication theory. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Angiogenic and inflammatory host response to surgical meshes of different mesh architecture and polymer composition
Authors: Laschke Matthias W. , Häufel Jörg M. , Scheuer Claudia , Menger Michael D.
Published: July 2009

One of the major challenges in hernia repair is the development of surgical meshes that guarantee an optimal biocompatibility and incorporation into the host tissue. For this purpose, it is necessary to study the impact of different mesh types on angiogenesis, inflammation, and tissue formation. In the present study, we analyzed the host tissue reaction to Prolene, Ultrapro, and Vicryl meshes over a 14‐day period after implantation into the hamster dorsal skinfold chamber using intravital fluorescence microscopy and histology. Our results demonstrate that compared with the Prolene and Ultrapro mesh, the Vicryl mesh induced a more pronounced angiogenic and inflammatory host tissue response with formation of a densely vascularized granulation tissue, which was infiltrated by many inflammatory cells. However, the strong foreign body reaction was not associated with a better mesh incorporation, but resulted in a significantly reduced explantation strength when compared with that of Prolene and Ultrapro meshes. Histological examinations revealed that the granulation tissue surrounding the Vicryl mesh was instable, because of low collagen content and massive infiltration of inflammatory cells. Thus, our data demonstrate that a stronger angiogenic and inflammatory response to an implanted mesh does not necessarily result in a better incorporation into the host tissue. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2009
Comparison of the response of cultured osteoblasts and osteoblasts outgrown from rat calvarial bone chips to nonfouling KRSR and FHRRIKA‐peptide modified rough titanium surfaces
Authors: Schuler Martin , Hamilton Douglas W. , Kunzler Tobias P. , Sprecher Christoph M. , de Wild Michael , Brunette Donald M. , Textor Marcus , Tosatti Samuele G. P.
Published: July 2009

Mimicking proteins found in the extracellular matrix (ECM) using specific peptide sequences is a well‐known strategy for the design of biomimetic surfaces, but has not yet been widely exploited in the field of biomedical implants. This study investigated osteoblast and, as a control, fibroblast proliferation to novel consensus heparin‐binding peptides sequences KRSR and FHRIKKA that were immobilized onto rough (particle‐blasted and chemically etched) commercially pure titanium surfaces using a poly(L‐lysine)‐graft‐poly(ethylene glycol) (PLL‐g‐PEG) molecular assembly system. This platform enabled a detailed study of specific cell–peptide interactions even in the presence of serum in the culture medium; thanks to the excellent nonfouling properties of the PLL‐g‐PEG surface. Cell‐binding peptide sequence RGD in combination with KRSR or FHRRIKA was used to examine a potentially‐enhanced or synergistic effect on osteoblast proliferation. Bare titanium and bioinactive surfaces (i.e., unfunctionalized PLL‐g‐PEG and scrambled KSSR, RFHARIK, and RDG) were used as control substrates. Additionally, in a newly developed experimental setup, freshly harvested bone chips from newborn rat calvariae were placed onto the same type of surfaces investigating size and pattern of osteoblast outgrowths. The findings of the current study demonstrated that the difference in osteoblast and fibroblast proliferation was influenced by surface topography more so than by the presence of surface‐bound KRSR and FHRRIKA. On the other hand, in comparison with the control surfaces, osteoblast outgrowths from rat calvarial bone chips covered a significantly larger area on RGD, KRSR, and FHRRIKA surfaces after 8 days and also migrated in an isotropic way unlike cells on the bioinactive substrates. Furthermore, the stimulatory effect of 0.75 pmol cm−2 RGD on osteoblast migration pattern could be enhanced when applied in combination with 2.25 pmol cm−2 KRSR. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Enzyme‐catalyzed hydrolysis of dentin adhesives containing a new urethane‐based trimethacrylate monomer
Authors: Park Jong‐Gu , Ye Qiang , Topp Elizabeth M. , Spencer Paulette
Published: July 2009

A new trimethacrylate monomer with urethane‐linked groups, 1,1,1‐tri‐[4‐(methacryloxyethylamino‐carbonyloxy)‐phenyl]ethane (MPE), was synthesized, characterized, and used as a comonomer in dentin adhesives. Dentin adhesives containing 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA, 45% w/w) and 2,2‐bis[4(2‐hydroxy‐3‐methacryloyloxy‐propyloxy)‐phenyl] propane (BisGMA, 30% w/w) in addition to MPE (25% w/w) were formulated with H2O at 0 (MPE0), 8 (MPE8), and 16 wt % water (MPE16) to simulate the wet demineralized dentin matrix and compared with controls [HEMA /BisGMA, 45/55 w/w, at 0 (C0), 8 (C8), and 16 wt % water (C16)]. The new adhesive showed a degree of double bond conversion and mechanical properties comparable with control, with good penetration into the dentin surface and a uniform adhesive/dentin interface. On exposure to porcine liver esterase, the net cumulative methacrylic acid (MAA) released from the new adhesives was dramatically (p < 0.05) decreased relative to the control, suggesting that the new monomer improves esterase resistance. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2009
Inactivation of bacterial spores and viruses in biological material using supercritical carbon dioxide with sterilant
Authors: Qiu Qing‐Qing , Leamy Patrick , Brittingham Jennie , Pomerleau Jason , Kabaria Nimesh , Connor Jerome
Published: July 2009

The purpose of this study was to validate supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) as a terminal sterilization method for biological materials, specifically acellular dermal matrix. In this study, bacterial spores, Bacillus atrophaeus, were inoculated onto porcine acellular dermal matrix to serve as a “worst case” challenge device. The inactivation of the spores by SC‐CO2 with peracetic acid (PAA) sterilant was analyzed as a function of exposure times ranging from 1 to 30 min. A linear inactivation profile for the Bacillus atrophaeus spores was observed, and a SC‐CO2 exposure time of 27 min was determined to achieve a sterility assurance level of 10−6. The inactivation of viruses was also studied using Encephalomyocarditis (EMC) viruses. After 15 min of exposure to SC‐CO2 with PAA sterilant, more than a 6 log10 reduction was observed for EMC viruses. Biochemical and biomechanical evaluations showed that the SC‐CO2 treatment with PAA sterilant did not cause significant changes in porcine acellular matrix's susceptibility to collagenase digestion, tensile or tear strength, indicating limited alteration of the tissue structure following SC‐CO2 sterilization. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2009
Prolonged antibiotic delivery from anodized nanotubular titanium using a co‐precipitation drug loading method
Authors: Yao Chang , Webster Thomas J.
Published: July 2009

Advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of novel orthopedic implant materials that not only have better cytocompatibility properties but can also be used as unique drug delivery platforms. In the present study, currently used titanium was anodized to possess nanotubular surface structures (80 nm inner diameter and 200 nm deep) capable of drug delivery. Such anodized nanotubular titanium surfaces promote bone cell functions (such as adhesion and differentiation) in vitro and in vivo compared with unanodized titanium. To achieve local drug delivery, anodized titanium with nanotubular structures were loaded with penicillin‐based antibiotics using a co‐precipitation method in which drug molecules were mixed in simulated body fluid to collectively precipitate with calcium phosphate crystals. Results showed for the first time that such co‐precipitated coatings on anodized nanotubular titanium could release drug molecules for up to 3 weeks whereas previous studies have demonstrated only a 150‐minute release of antibiotics through simple physical adsorption. Furthermore, drug release using co‐precipitation from anodized nanotubular titanium was determined to be a diffusion process dependent on first‐order kinetics. In addition, contrary to conventional thinking that penicillin‐based drug release should decrease cell functions (including both bacteria and mammalian cells), results of this study showed similar osteoblast (bone‐forming cell) adhesion between non‐drug loaded and drug loaded precipitated calcium phosphate coatings on anodized titanium. Due to the above, these findings represent a promising surface treatment for titanium that could be used for local drug delivery for improving orthopedic applications and, thus, should be studied further. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 2009
Porosity and semipermeability of hemoglobin‐loaded polymeric nanoparticles as potential blood substitutes
Authors: Sheng Yan , Liu Changsheng , Yuan Yuan , Zhang Xiaolan , Shan Xiaoqian , Xu Feng
Published: July 2009

Porosity and semipermeability, allowing life‐sustaining small molecules to penetrate, but hemoglobin (Hb) and other enzymes to cut off, predominantly affect the functionalities of the Hb‐loaded polymeric nanoparticles (HbPNPs) as blood substitutes. In this article, HbPNPs formulated in the size range of 110–122 nm were prepared by a modified double‐emulsion method with poly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐based polymers. The influences of the main preparation conditions, including solvent composition, stirring speed, Hb concentration and polymer matrix, on the porosity were investigated in details. To evaluate the porosity of HbPNPs, a novel nondestructive testing method based on molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO) was developed, and an effusion approach was applied to investigate the pore size in the particle shells with poly(ethylene glycol)s (PEGs) of different molecular weights (PEG200, PEG400, PEG600) as probes. Moreover,in vitrodiffusion behaviors of ascorbic acid and reduced glutathione from HbPNPs fabricated with various polymer matrices were studied. The MWCO of HbPNPs by changing solvent composition, stirring speed, Hb concentration, and polymer composition varied from 200 to 600, especially the PEGylation of the polymer, which exhibited obvious influence on the MWCO of HbPNPs. Ascorbic acid with molecular weight 176.1 could diffuse into PEGylated nanoparticles with mPEG content of 5–30 wt % freely, while reduced glutathione with molecular weight 307.3 could not penetrate when mPEG content reached 30 wt %. These results suggest that the HbPNPs optimized with MWCO between 400 and 600 can facilitate the transport of all those life‐sustaining small molecules. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Preparation and characterization of calcium sulfate–biomimetic apatite nanocomposites for controlled release of antibiotics
Authors: Hesaraki Saeed , Moztarzadeh Fatollah , Nemati Roghayeh , Nezafati Nader
Published: July 2009

In the present study, release properties of antibiotic‐loaded cement‐type nanocomposites of biomimetic apatite and calcium sulfate were studied. Nanocrystalline component of the nanocomposite was synthesized by soaking a mixture of calcium phosphate reactants in tris‐buffered simulated body fluid (SBF). The release patterns of cephalexin and gentamicin from both pure calcium sulfate and nanocomposite cements into SBF were collected up to 144 h and fitted by Higuchi and Weibull equations. The effect of loaded antibiotics on physical properties of the cements was also evaluated. Fast release behavior of both antibiotics was obtained from calcium sulfate matrix, in which 80–85% of the loaded antibiotics were liberated during the first 10 h of elution. In contrast, an administered elution was acquired from nanonocomposite materials so that the release was controlled, in all cases, by a combined mechanism; major mechanism was drug diffusion through the matrix and the minor was matrix dissolution. The results showed that the initial setting time and injectability of cements were increased from 7 min and 71% for pure calcium sulfate cement (powder‐to‐liquid ratio = 2.5 g/mL) to 33 min and 95% for the nanocomposite cement containing 60 wt % apatite, respectively. The compressive strength of nanocomposite was about 0.9 MPa, nearly four times lower than that of pure calcium sulfate. In addition, the use of cephalexin monohydrate did not influence the setting time and compressive strength of the cements, whereas (adding) gentamicin sulfate significantly improved these properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Measurement errors related to contact angle analysis of hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses
Authors: Read Michael L. , Morgan Philip B. , Maldonado‐Codina Carole
Published: July 2009

This work sought to undertake a comprehensive investigation of the measurement errors associated with contact angle assessment of curved hydrogel contact lens surfaces. The contact angle coefficient of repeatability (COR) associated with three measurement conditions (image analysis COR, intralens COR, and interlens COR) was determined by measuring the contact angles (using both sessile drop and captive bubble methods) for three silicone hydrogel lenses (senofilcon A, balafilcon A, lotrafilcon A) and one conventional hydrogel lens (etafilcon A). Image analysis COR values were about 2°, whereas intralens COR values (95% confidence intervals) ranged from 4.0° (3.3°, 4.7°) (lotrafilcon A, captive bubble) to 10.2° (8.4°, 12.1°) (senofilcon A, sessile drop). Interlens COR values ranged from 4.5° (3.7°, 5.2°) (lotrafilcon A, captive bubble) to 16.5° (13.6°, 19.4°) (senofilcon A, sessile drop). Measurement error associated with image analysis was shown to be small as an absolute measure, although proportionally more significant for lenses with low contact angle. Sessile drop contact angles were typically less repeatable than captive bubble contact angles. For sessile drop measures, repeatability was poorer with the silicone hydrogel lenses when compared with the conventional hydrogel lens; this phenomenon was not observed for the captive bubble method, suggesting that methodological factors related to the sessile drop technique (such as surface dehydration and blotting) may play a role in the increased variability of contact angle measurements observed with silicone hydrogel contact lenses. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Evaluation of the efficacy of platelet‐rich plasma in delivering BMSCs into 3D porous scaffolds
Authors: Lei Hua , Xiao Ran , Tang Xiao Jun , Gui Lai
Published: July 2009

Platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), derived from autologous whole blood, is rich in fibrinogen and platelets, which release multiple active factors in response to thrombin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of PRP in delivering bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) into 3D porous scaffolds in comparison with platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) and Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM). The seeding efficacy, proliferation, and differentiation of the BMSCs seeded into poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA) porous scaffolds via PRP, PPP, and DMEM were tested. Additionally, BMSC/PLGA constructs were implanted in goat calvarial defects to radiologically and histologically detect the capability of PRP for enhancing bone regeneration. The results showed that the BMSC seeding efficacy of PRP was similar as that of PPP, and greater potential for in vitro BMSC proliferation and in vivo bone regeneration than PPP and DMEM. Therefore, PRP can potentially accomplish convenient and effective cell delivery into porous scaffolds, which is valuable in bone tissue engineering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
In vitro characterization of bioactive titanium dioxide/hydroxyapatite surfaces functionalized with BMP‐2
Authors: Piskounova Sonya , Forsgren Johan , Brohede Ulrika , Engqvist Håkan , Strømme Maria
Published: July 2009

Poor implant fixation and bone resorption are two of the major challenges in modern orthopedics and are caused by poor bone/implant integration. In this work, bioactive crystalline titanium dioxide (TiO2)/hydroxyapatite (HA) surfaces, functionalized with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP‐2), were evaluated as potential implant coatings for improved osseointegration. The outer layer consisted of HA, which is known to be osteoconductive, and may promote improved initial bone attachment when functionalized with active molecules such as BMP‐2 in a soaking process. The inner layer of crystalline TiO2 is bioactive and ensures long‐term fixation of the implant, once the hydroxyapatite has been resorbed. The in vitro response of mesenchymal stem cells on bioactive crystalline TiO2/HA surfaces functionalized with BMP‐2 was examined and compared with the cell behavior on nonfunctionalized HA layers, crystalline TiO2 surfaces, and native titanium oxide surfaces. The crystalline TiO2 and the HA surfaces showed to be more favorable than the native titanium oxide surface in terms of cell viability and cell morphology as well as initial cell differentiation. Furthermore, cell differentiation on BMP‐2‐functionalized HA surfaces was found to be significantly higher than on the other surfaces indicating that the simple soaking process can be used for incorporating active molecules, promoting fast bone osseointegration to HA layers. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Drug‐eluting stent with improved durability and controllability properties, obtained via electrocoated adhesive promotion layer
Authors: Levy Yair , Tal Noam , Tzemach Gilad , Weinberger Judah , Domb Abraham J. , Mandler Daniel
Published: July 2009

Drug‐eluting stents (DES) have become an accepted technology in intravascular intervention. Manufacturing methodologies of DES are based mainly on mechanical processes, which tend to generate coatings that have poor stability properties; these were recently related as a potential hazard. A novel approach for significantly increasing the adhesion of polymer coatings onto DES is presented. The method is based on the electrochemistry of diazonium salts. These substances are organic compounds with the characteristic structure of R‐N X−, where R is an organic residue and X− is an anion. The objective of this article is to study the properties of a selected diazonium salt 4‐(1‐dodecyloxy)‐phenyldiazonium tetrafluoroborate, referred as C12‐phenyldiazonium. This material was found to be a superior adhesive promoter for polymeric coatings applied onto metallic stents. C12‐phenyldiazonium was synthesized and electrocoated on metallic stents and plates. The multilayer films of C12‐phenyldiazonium were further characterized through electrochemical (cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy), physical (light and scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, peeling tests), and chemical methodology (high pressure liquid chromatography). Further biocompatibility properties of the electrocoated basecoat were evaluated using in vitro and in vivo models. Synthesized C12‐phenyldiazonium was successfully electrocoated onto metallic surfaces. Electrochemical tests demonstrated its efficient and controllable electrocoating. C12‐phenyldiazonium was found to increase polymeric coating stability as was reflected by a standard adhesion test. Electrocoated metallic stents spray‐coated with a second polymeric film showed improved durability following incubation in physiological buffer. Furthermore, this improvement in durability exhibits stabilized drug release. In addition, biocompatibility evaluations have demonstrated basecoat's inert properties. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
A loading device suitable for studying mechanical response of bone cells in hard scaffolds
Authors: Zhang Chunqiu , Zhang Xizheng , Dong Xin , Wu Han , Li Guodong
Published: July 2009

Bone cells live in an environment heavily influenced by mechanical forces. Systematic study of cell's mechanical responses has relied greatly on the in‐vitro experiments due to complexity of internal environment of bone cells in vivo. A loading device suitable to hard scaffolds for studying mechanical responses of bone cells was made by using a kind of long‐travel, high‐load piezoelectric actuator. The device, which was precisely controlled by computer, and designed to work in an incubator at 37°C and 100% humidity, can cause hard scaffolds with directly compressive strains with more magnitudes, frequency components, and waveforms, including bone physiologically mechanical state. The experiment using hard scaffolds indicates the device validity. The device represents a versatile model that will provide conditions for investigating the effects of mechanical responses on bone cells in 3D hard scaffolds in vitro. In addition, the preliminary biological test was performed by the application of the device. The results showed that the dynamic compression with the amplitude of 1000 microstrain, the frequency of 3 Hz, the duration of 3 min/day enhanced the osteoblastic proliferation and extracellular matrix compared with static conditions, and improved the cell distribution within scaffolds. The researches of 3D mechanical effects on bone cells just in hard scaffolds similar to that in cancellous bone can enhance the understanding of bone physiology in vivo. The direct, dynamic contact‐loading of the device may provide an appropriate mechanical condition in bone tissue engineering culture. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Biodegradable inflatable balloon for reducing radiation adverse effects in prostate cancer
Authors: Levy Yair , Paz Adrian , Yosef Rami Ben , Corn Benjamin W. , Vaisman Boris , Shuhat Shaul , Domb Abraham J.
Published: July 2009

Carcinoma of the prostate is one of the most abundant killers for men in the western world, and it is frequently treated via Radiation therapy. Unfortunately, radiotherapy side effects include rectal irritation and bleeding, erectile dysfunction and urinary frequency. Because radiation intensity decays rapidly as a function of distance, displacing irradiated prostate away from normal tissues would reduce damage and therefore side effects. The objective of this study is to develop an inflatable balloon that is implanted via a minimal invasive procedure. The balloon is made of a biodegradable polymer called poly(lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone). The implant is inserted rolled throughout the perineum; inflated in situ with a physiological saline; sealed and placed between the rectum wall, and the prostate gland. Balloon's mechanical and chemical properties were extensively characterized both in vitro and in vivo. The balloon's preparation ensures no bonding across surfaces as these may endanger the implant mechanical stability. Moreover, the coating method does not alter the polymer's molecular weight and therefore preserve its mechanical properties. Balloon's sterilization was carried out using ethylene oxide which, as our results show and in comparison with γ‐irradiation, doesn't damage the mechanical stability of the implant. The proper functionality of the insertion‐mounting device as well as the balloon capability to retain its inflated form during patients' radiation session was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Can technology stocks lead the S&P 500 higher?
Authors: Tokic Damir
Published: July 2009

The author suggests that the stock market might approach the bottom of its decline during the first half of 2009. And he believes that technology stocks, which have held their price better than the rest of the market, are likely to lead the market higher. But several developments may squelch that recovery—including the geopolitical situation and rising protectionism. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new look at telecommuting and teleworking
Authors: Raiborn Cecily , Butler Janet B.
Published: July 2009

Remember telecommuting? During the current economic crisis, many companies are taking a new look at letting employees work at home, using a PC to connect to company data. Although layoffs are becoming commonplace, companies must keep an eye on the future by retaining those employees who are keys to business success and hold organizational memory. Also, laying off too many employees will increase future training costs when the economy rebounds. Telecommuting (and the broader concept, teleworking) is one way to balance the need to cut costs while retaining talented people. But there is also a downside to this practice, and the authors take an honest look at both the pros and cons. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The bad economy: Why you need more IT security now
Authors: Burnett Royce D. , Freidel Alan , Friedman Mark
Published: July 2009

We're in uncertain economic times. But more employee layoffs will mean increasing headaches for IT security. What should your firm's IT department do now to avoid future disasters? © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surgeons and scientists: Working together in embryo research
Authors: Murdoch Alison P.
Published: July 2009

Most surgeons in academic hospitals will have had a request from an enthusiastic research scientist to take samples of tissue during an operation. It seems reasonable and most patients will respond positively. But of course it is not quite that simple. The regulation of donation of human tissue for basic research is clearly defined but usually less rigorous than that which covers translational research and clinical trials. An exception has been the donation of embryos for embryonic stem cell derivation. The specific issues related to obtaining cells from patients for this work has resulted in a different relationship between scientist and clinician. This will be considered. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1–2, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transforming growth factor‐β1 regulation of ATF‐3 and identification of ATF‐3 target genes in breast cancer cells
Authors: Kwok Sukyee , Rittling Susan R. , Partridge Nicola C. , Benson Chellakkan S. , Thiyagaraj Mayuranathan , Srinivasan Narasimhan , Selvamurugan Nagarajan
Published: July 2009

Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) is a crucial molecule for stimulation of breast cancer invasion and formation of bone metastases. The molecular mechanisms of how TGF‐β1 mediates these effects have yet to be completely determined. We have found that activating transcription factor‐3 (ATF‐3) is strongly stimulated and its level is sustained by TGF‐β1 in highly invasive and metastatic human breast cancer (MDA‐MB231) and in mouse mammary pad tumor cells (r3T). ATF‐3 is also overexpressed in human primary breast cancer tissue. Overexpression of ATF‐3 increased normal human mammary epithelial cell number and DNA synthesis suggesting a role for ATF‐3 in cell proliferation. The functional role of ATF‐3 in breast cancer progression was determined by the RNA interference technique. Knockdown of ATF‐3 by ATF‐3 shRNA in MDA‐MB231 cells decreased expression of cell cycle gene, cyclin A1 in MDA‐MB231 cells. ATF‐3 shRNA also decreased expression of an invasive and metastatic gene, matrix metalloproteinase‐13 (MMP‐13; collagenase‐3) in these cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments identified the direct physical interaction of ATF‐3 protein on the human MMP‐13 promoter. Thus, the dysregulation of ATF‐3 by TGF‐β1 is likely to activate cyclin A1 and MMP‐13 genes in breast cancer cells and that would be key to the subsequent cancer cell invasion and metastasis. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 408–414, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum mimicking a suspicious thyroid nodule: Sonographic diagnosis
Authors: Pang Jae Choon , Chong Semin , Na Hyoung Il , Kim Young Seok , Park Sung Jun , Kwon Gui Young
Published: July 2009

Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum is a rare form of pharyngoesophageal diverticula emerging in the anterolateral wall of the cervical esophagus. We present a case of Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum that mimicked a thyroid nodule on sonography (US), and for which a US‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) was performed. The possibility of Killian‐Jamieson diverticulum should be considered when a thyroid nodule is seen adjacent to the esophagus even without US change during/after swallowing. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Safety and diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous ultrasound‐guided biopsy of the spleen: A multicenter study
Authors: Gómez‐Rubio Mariano , López‐Cano Antonio , Rendón Paloma , Muñoz‐Benvenuty Agustín , Macías Manuel , Garre Carmen , Segura‐Cabral Jose María
Published: July 2009

Purpose.

To analyze the safety and accuracy of ultrasound‐guided (USG) percutaneous needle biopsy of the spleen.

Methods.

Sixty‐two USG needle biopsies performed in 52 patients were retrospectively analyzed: there were 53 biopsies of local lesions and 9 biopsies of diffuse lesions. Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) was performed in 37 cases and core‐needle biopsy (CNB) in 25 cases. The complications and diagnostic accuracy of the 2 types of biopsy were compared.

Results.

Two patients (3.8%) had postprocedural hemorrhage after CNB; one was minor, and the other severe, requiring splenectomy. No bleeding occurred with FNA. The diagnostic accuracy was similar with FNA (86.5%) and CNB (92%), whereas in patients with lymphoma, accuracy of FNA (80%) tended to be lower than that of CNB (100%), although the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion.

USG needle biopsy is safe and effective for diagnosing both focal and diffuse splenic lesions. The risk of bleeding may be lower with FNA than with CNB. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity and ductus venosus velocity in the investigation of nonimmune hydrops
Authors: Borna Sedigheh , Mirzaie Fatemeh , Hanthoush‐Zadeh Sedigheh , Khazardoost Soghra , Rahimi‐Sharbaf Fatemeh
Published: July 2009

Purpose.

This study was performed to investigate the cause of nonimmune hydrops fetalis by measuring the peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and velocity waveforms of the ductus venosus (DV) with Doppler.

Methods.

This cross‐sectional study was done on 19 pregnancies referred to three university teaching hospitals for further investigation of nonimmune hydrops fetalis in 2007 and 2008. The MCA‐PSV and DV velocity waveforms were recorded in all fetuses. Anemia was investigated in cases with MCA‐PSV values greater than 1.50 MoM (multiple of the median). Cardiovascular causes and chromosomal abnormalities were investigated in fetuses with abnormal DV velocity.

Results.

Four of 19 fetuses had MCA‐PSV values greater than 1.50 MoM. The causes of anemia were cytomegalovirus, parvovirus B19 infections, congenital heart disease, and Turner syndrome. Four cases had reversed flow in the DV; three of them had congenital heart disease on echocardiography; and one had a normal echocardiogram, but an abnormal karyotype was detected.

Conclusion.

Assessment of the MCA‐PSV and DV velocity waveforms during sonographic examination of fetuses with nonimmune hydrops fetalis may improve our knowledge about the etiology of this condition. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009
Structural modeling and biochemical studies reveal insights into the molecular basis of the recognition of β‐2‐microglobulin by antibody BBM.1
Authors: Du Jiamu , Yang Hui , Peng Baozhen , Ding Jianping
Published: July 2009

Human β‐2‐microglobulin (β2m) is the light chain of human leucocyte antigen‐I (HLA‐I). It can disassociate from HLA‐I and accumulate to cause serious dialysis‐related amyloidosis (DRA) in long‐term hemodialysis patients. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) BBM.1 can recognize both free‐form and HLA‐I associated β2m. It can be used for specific elimination of β2m from serum and can induce apoptosis of several types of tumor cells, and thus has great therapeutic potential. In this study, we constructed structural models of the BBM.1 Fv (fragment of the variable domain) and the BBM.1 Fv‐β2m complex, followed by biochemical evaluation. Analysis of the optimal complex model reveals that the previously identified immunodominant residues Glu44 and Arg45 of β2m have direct interactions with BBM.1, while Asp38 exerts its function mainly via stabilization of Arg45. In addition, Arg81 of β2m is a newly identified immunodominant residue to have direct interaction with BBM.1. Further modeling study shows no steric conflict between the antibody and the HLA‐I heavy chain. These results provide insights into the molecular basis of the recognition of β2m by BBM.1 and explain why BBM.1 can bind both free‐form and HLA‐1 associated β2m. This information could be exploited in the engineering and improvement of BBM.1 and the development of other β2m‐targeting mAbs for therapeutic purposes. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SPICE‐aided modelling of dc characteristics of power bipolar transistors with self‐heating taken into account
Authors: Zarębski Janusz , Górecki Krzysztof
Published: July 2009

This paper deals with the problem of calculations of the dc characteristics of power bipolar transistors (BJTs) with self‐heating taken into account. The electrothermal model of the considered devices dedicated for PSPICE is presented. The correctness of the model was verified experimentally in all ranges of the BJT operation. Two transistors—BD285 and 2N3055—were arbitrarily selected for investigation. A good agreement between the measured and calculated characteristics of these transistors was observed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in carrier‐envelope phase stabilization of grating‐based chirped‐pulse amplifiers
Authors: Moon E. , Wang H. , Gilbertson S. , Mashiko H. , Chini M. , Chang Z.
Published: July 2009

Grating‐based chirped pulse amplifiers are the cornerstone of high‐power femtosecond lasers. The amplification of carrier‐envelope phase stable pulses in such lasers has only been realized within the last few years. Currently, the state‐of‐the‐art in this endeavor is utilizing the change in grating separation in the stretcher or compressor. The carrier‐envelope phase drift can be reduced to the 160 mrad RMS level and the carrier‐envelope phase can be swept in a 2 π range. The effects of laser pulse energy stability on the f‐to‐2f measurement of the carrier‐envelope phase were found to be significant, with a 1% change in laser energy leading to 160 mrad phase error, showing the need for power‐stable amplified laser systems. The phase‐stabilized pulses from grating‐based chirped amplifiers have been successfully used in attosecond pulse generation with subcycle gating techniques.
MSH6 G39E polymorphism and CpG island methylator phenotype in colon cancer
Authors: Curtin Karen , Samowitz Wade S. , Wolff Roger K. , Caan Bette J. , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Potter John D. , Slattery Martha L.
Published: July 2009

The MSH6 G39E germline polymorphism is not associated with an increased risk of either microsatellite stable or unstable sporadic colorectal cancer. Other than microsatellite instability, however, most genetic and epigenetic changes of tumors associated with this common variant have not been studied. The objective of our investigation was to evaluate associations between the MSH6 G39E (116G>A) polymorphism and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) and BRAF V600E mutations in tumors from a sample of 1048 individuals with colon cancer and 1964 controls from Utah, Northern California, and Minnesota. The G39E polymorphism (rs1042821) was determined by the five prime nuclease assay. CIMP was determined by methylation‐specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of CpG islands in MLH1, methylated in tumors (MINT)1, MINT2, MINT31, and CDKN2A. The BRAF V600E mutation was determined by sequencing exon 15. In microsatellite stable tumors, homozygous carriers of the G39E polymorphism had an increased risk of CIMP+ colon cancer (odds ratio (OR) 2.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1, 4.2) and BRAF V600E mutation (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.01, 9.7) in a case–control comparison. This finding was not observed in unstable tumors; however, power may have been low to detect an association. Age at diagnosis, family history, and alcohol use did not interact with MSH6 G39E and CIMP. The MSH6 G39E germline polymorphism may be associated with CIMP+ colon cancer. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.