bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cochlear implants and drug delivery: In vitro evaluation of dexamethasone release
Authors: Astolfi Laura , Guaran Valeria , Marchetti Nicola , Olivetto Elena , Simoni Edi , Cavazzini Alberto , Jolly Claude , Martini Alessandro 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAnti‐inflammatory drugs can minimize the trauma and inflammation in the inner ear caused by cochlear implantation surgery. For this reason, much effort has recently been devoted to finding the best way to administer these anti‐inflammatory drugs for a prolonged time and in a personalized dosage. One solution is constructing an electrode with a dispenser filled with anti‐inflammatory drugs with a dosage adapted to suit each new cochlear implant user. The purpose of this study was to measure in vitro, by high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry assay, the amount of dexamethasone released in 78 days in a physiological solution by a filled dispenser. The drug release continued for more than 2 months in three different phases: (1) during the first 1–5 days, (2) within about 2 weeks, and (3) from about 3 weeks until the end of experiment. This release trend is in accordance with the 3 main phases of damage caused by the cochlear implantation: (1) insertion trauma within the first 2 days, (2) inflammation within 2 weeks, and finally (3) an intracochlear chronic fibrosis reaction. Future animal model studies should consider using this dispenser in order to establish its effectiveness in preventing damage caused by cochlear implantation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 267–273, 2014.
Synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticle‐encapsulated alginate microparticles for sustained release and targeting therapy
Authors: Liao Yu‐Te , Wu Kevin C.‐W. , Yu Jiashing 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis study reports the synthesis of mesoporous silica nanoparticle‐encapsulated alginate microparticles (MSN@Alg) for sustained release and targeting therapy. The MSN@Alg was synthesized by air dynamical atomization, and the effects of several critical factors including concentration of alginate solution, flow rate of alginate solution, flow rate of air, the distance between nozzle and calcium bath, and stirring rate of calcium on the particle size of the synthesized MSN@Alg were investigated. For studying the sustained release properties of the MSN@Alg, rhodamine 6G (R6G) was used as a model drug, and we compared the release properties of R6G/MSN and R6G/MSN@Alg using different concentrations of alginate, concentrations and volumes of phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) buffer solutions. The sustained release behavior of the R6G/MSN@Alg system can be prolonged to 20 days with an optimal condition of 1 mg R6G/MSN@Alg to 2 mL PBS (10 mM). To achieve targeting therapy, an anticancer drug, doxorubicin (Dox), was loaded into MSN@Alg, and a arginine, glycine, and aspartic acid (RGD)‐based peptide was functionalized onto the surface of MSN@Alg for the purpose of specific targeting. The results showed that the intracellular drug delivery efficiency was greatly enhanced (i.e., 3.5‐folds) for the Dox/MSN@Alg‐RGD drug delivery system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 293–302, 2014.
Measurements of submicron aerosols in Houston, Texas during the 2009 SHARP field campaign
Authors: Levy Misti E. , Zhang Renyi , Khalizov Alexei F. , Zheng Jun , Collins Don R. , Glen Crystal R. , Wang Yuan , Yu Xiao‐Ying , Luke Winston , Jayne John T. , Olaguer Eduardo 
Published: August 2013

AbstractDuring the field campaign of the Study of Houston Atmospheric Radical Precursors/Surface‐Induced Oxidation of Organics in the Troposphere (SHARP/SOOT) in Houston, Texas, a suite of aerosol instruments was deployed to directly measure a comprehensive set of aerosol properties, including the particle size distribution, effective density, hygroscopicity, and light extinction and scattering coefficients. Those aerosol properties are employed to quantify the mixing state and composition of ambient particles and to gain a better understanding of the formation and transformation of fine particulate matter in this region. During the measurement period, aerosols are often internally mixed, with one peak in the effective density distribution at 1.55 ± 0.07 g cm−3, consistent with a population composed largely of sulfates and organics. Episodically, a second mode below 1.0 g cm−3 is identified in the effective density distributions, reflecting the presence of freshly emitted black carbon (BC) particles. The measured effective density demonstrates a clear diurnal cycle associated with primary emissions from transportation and photochemical aging, with a minimum during the morning rush hour, increasing from 1.4 to 1.5 g cm−3 on average over 5 h, and remaining nearly constant throughout the afternoon. The average BC concentration derived from light‐absorption measurements is 0.31 ± 0.22 µg m−3, and the average measured particle single scattering albedo is 0.94 ± 0.04. When elevated BC concentrations are observed, typically during the morning rush hours, single scattering albedo decreases, with a smallest measured value of about 0.7. Aerosol hygroscopicity measurements indicate that larger particles (e.g., 400 nm) are more hygroscopic than smaller particles (e.g., 100 nm). The measurements also reveal discernable meteorological impacts on the aerosol properties. After a frontal passage, the average particle effective density decreases, the average BC concentration increases, and the aerosol size distribution is dominated by new particle formation.
Determining a critical nitrogen dilution curve for sugarcane
Authors: de Oliveira Emídio Cantídio Almeida , de Castro Gava Glauber José , Trivelin Paulo Cesar Ocheuze , Otto Rafael , Franco Henrique Coutinho Junqueira 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAdequate measurements of the nitrogen (N) concentration in the aboveground biomass of sugarcane throughout the growth cycle can be obtained using the critical N dilution curve (CNDC) concept, which provides an N‐nutrition index (NNI). The aim of this work was to determine the CNDC value for Brazilian sugarcane variety SP81‐3250, establish the critical concentration of N, and determine the NNI in the aboveground biomass throughout the cane plant and first ratoon crop cycles. The study was performed in three experimental areas located in São Paulo, Brazil, during the crop cycles of 2005/2006 (18‐month cane plant) and 2006/2007 (first ratoon). The plant cane crop was fertilized with treatments of 40, 80, or 120 kg N ha–1 and a control treatment without N. After the plant cane harvest, rates of 0, 50, 100, or 150 kg N ha–1 were applied to the control plot and the 120 kg N ha–1–treatment plot in a split‐plot experimental design with four repetitions. Throughout both sugarcane cycles, measurements of aboveground biomass were used to determine the dry‐mass (DM) production and N concentration for each treatment. CNDC varied between the growth cycles, with a higher N concentration observed in the initial stages of the first ratoon and a lower N dilution observed throughout the plant cane cycle. The NNI value indicated excessive N storage in the initial stages and limiting concentrations at the end of the growth cycle. CNDC and NNI allow for the identification of the N‐nutrition variation rate and the period in which the nutrient concentration limits the production of aboveground biomass. The equations for the critical N (Ncr) level obtained in this study for plant cane (Ncr = 19.0 DM–0.369) and ratoons (Ncr = 20.3 DM–0.469) can potentially be used as N‐nutritional diagnostic parameters for sugarcane N nutrition.
Ranges of nutrient concentrations in Quercus ilex leaves at natural and urban sites
Authors: Maisto Giulia , Baldantoni Daniela , De Marco Anna , Alfani Anna , Virzo De Santo Amalia 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe leaf nutrient concentrations and the N‐to‐nutrient ratios were analyzed to evaluate the nutritional status of holm oaks (Quercus ilex L.) experiencing various anthropogenic pressures. Leaves (1 year old) of Q. ilex and surface soil (0–5 cm) surrounding the trees were collected at seven natural and seven urban sites in Campania Region (Southern Italy) and analyzed for the concentrations of macro (C, N, P, S) and micronutrients (Mn, K, Na, Cu, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn). The available soil fraction of micronutrients was also evaluated. The nutrients showed different concentration ranges for the natural and the urban sites in the soil (total and available) and in the leaves, that we reported separately. Organic‐matter content and macronutrient concentrations were higher in the natural soils, while the highest leaf N, S, and P concentrations were found at some urban sites. Concentrations of Cu, Na and Zn both in leaves and soil, and Mg and Fe in leaves from the urban sites appeared to be affected by air depositions. Manganese was the only micronutrient to show higher concentrations at the natural than at the urban sites, both in soil and leaves. For this nutrient, in addition, a relationship between leaf and available soil concentrations was found at the natural sites. The ratios between the concentrations of N and each studied nutrient in the leaves highlighted a different nutritional status between the plants from the natural and urban sites.
Lessons from the professionals: diabetes and pro cycling
Authors: Fisher Miles , Jensen Troels M , Castol Rafael 
Published: August 2013

AbstractProfessional cycling is one of the most physically demanding endurance sports. While literature exists on the needs of people with diabetes during exercise and sport of low to medium levels of intensity, there is less information around specific needs during endurance sports, and little published information on professional endurance sports. The approach to diabetes management taken by a professional cycling team comprised solely of people with type 1 diabetes provides useful insight for health care professionals with patients wanting to take up competitive sport or exercise at more intense levels. A systematic approach to achieving tight glycaemic control is taken that includes monitoring and analysis of blood glucose levels before, during and after training and competition, and a structured and balanced nutrition and race management plan. With support from experienced health care professionals, intense physical activity and endurance sports can be an option for individuals with diabetes, as long as they are educated about their condition and disciplined and committed to achieving glycaemic control. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons.
The evolution of psychological distress trajectories in women diagnosed with advanced breast cancer: a longitudinal study
Authors: Lam W. W. T. , Soong I. , Yau T. K. , Wong K. Y. , Tsang J. , Yeo W. , Suen J. , Ho W. M. , Sze W. K. , Ng A. W. Y. , Kwong A. , Suen D. , Fielding R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety and depression (distress) over the first year following the initial adjuvant therapy for advanced breast cancer (ABC) remain poorly documented in non‐Caucasian populations. This study describes trajectories of distress and their determinants in Chinese women with ABC.MethodsOf the 228 Chinese women newly diagnosed with ABC recruited from six oncology units, 192 completed an interview before their first course of chemotherapy (baseline) and follow‐up interviews at 1.5, 3, 6, and 12 months thereafter. At baseline, participants were assessed for supportive care needs, psychological distress, physical symptom distress, optimism, and cancer‐related rumination. At follow‐up, participants completed the measure of psychological distress. Latent growth mixture modeling was used to identify trajectory patterns of distress. Multinominal logistic regression was used to identify predictors of trajectory patterns adjusted for demographic and medical characteristics.ResultsFour distinct trajectories of anxiety and depression were identified. Most women showed low‐stable levels of anxiety (68%) and depression (68%), but one in 11 women were chronically anxious (9%) and depressed (9%). Optimism, negative cancer‐related rumination, and physical symptom distress predicted both anxiety and depression trajectories. Psychological needs predicted anxiety trajectories. Women in the low‐stable distress group reported high optimism, low psychological supportive care needs, low physical symptom distress, and low negative cancer‐related rumination.ConclusionMost women with ABC did not experience psychological distress over 12 months following diagnosis of ABC. Preventive interventions should focus on women at risk of high persistent distress and reducing rumination, providing emotional support, and managing physical symptoms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Pilot Evaluation on a Stress Management Programme Using a Combined Approach of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) for Elementary School Teachers
Authors: Tsang Hector W. H. , Cheung W. M. , Chan Alan H. L. , Fung Kelvin M. T. , Leung Ada Y. , Au Doreen W.H. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe aim of this study is to explore the efficacy of implementing a stress management programme based on a combined approach using cognitive behavioural therapy and complementary and alternative medicine for elementary school teachers who experienced mild level of stress, anxiety and/or depressive symptoms in Hong Kong. A 12‐h programme involving cognitive behavioural therapy, self‐management, relaxation techniques (diaphragmatic breathing and progressive muscle relaxation), mindful exercises (qigong and yoga), aromatherapy and acupressure was conducted. A quasi‐experimental design was used to compare the intervention groups (n = 47) with the wait‐list control groups (n = 46). The primary outcome measures were depression, anxiety and stress. Results indicated that the intervention group had significant reduction in depression [(F = 3.93; degrees of freedom (df) = 2.90;p = 0.023)], anxiety (F = 3.37;df = 2.90;p = 0.039) and stress (F = 3.63;df = 2.89;p = 0.031) when compared with the control group. Participants in both groups demonstrated lowered level of salivary cortisol at the post‐assessment. The pilot results provided preliminary support to the multi‐component stress management programme in relieving affective symptoms of teachers. The programme may be considered as an initial strategy to empower teachers with the abilities to cope with their affective symptoms. Further evaluation using a better designed randomized study with a larger sample size is warranted. (word: 198; max.: 200). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxicity of thallium on isolated rat liver mitochondria: The role of oxidative stress and MPT pore opening
Authors: Eskandari M R , Mashayekhi Vida , Aslani Majid , Hosseini Mir‐Jamal 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThallium(I) is a highly toxic heavy metal; however, up to now, its mechanisms are poorly understood. The authors' previous studies showed that this compound could induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, reduced glutathione (GSH) oxidation, membrane lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) collapse in isolated rat hepatocyte. Because the liver is the storage site of thallium, it seems that the liver mitochondria are one of the important targets for hepatotoxicity. In this investigation, the effects of thallium on mitochondria were studied to investigate its mechanisms of toxicity. Mitochondria were isolated from rat liver and incubated with different concentrations of thallium (25–200 µM). Thallium(I)‐treated mitochondria showed a marked elevation in oxidative stress parameters accompanied by MMP collapse when compared with the control group. These results showed that different concentrations of thallium (25–200 µM) induced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in mitochondrial ROS formation, ATP depletion, GSH oxidation, mitochondrial outer membrane rupture, mitochondrial swelling, MMP collapse, and cytochrome c release. In general, these data strongly supported that the thallium(I)‐induced liver toxicity is a result of the disruptive effect of this metal on the mitochondrial respiratory complexes (I, II, and IV), which are the obvious causes of metal‐induced ROS formation and ATP depletion. The latter two events, in turn, trigger cell death signaling via opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and cytochrome c expulsion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 30: 232–241, 2015.
Reliable and valid assessment of ultrasound operator competence in obstetrics and gynecology
Authors: Tolsgaard M. G. , Ringsted C. , Dreisler E. , Klemmensen A. , Loft A. , Sorensen J. L. , Ottesen B. , Tabor A. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTObjectivesTo explore the reliability and validity of a recently developed instrument for assessment of ultrasound operator competence, the Objective Structured Assessment of Ultrasound Skills (OSAUS).MethodsThree groups of 10 doctors with different levels of ultrasound experience in obstetrics and gynecology were included. The novices had less than 1 month of experience, the intermediate group had 12–60 months of experience and the senior participants were all consultants. Fifteen participants performed transabdominal fetal biometry and the other 15 participants performed systematic transvaginal gynecological ultrasound scans. All scans were video‐recorded and assessed by two blinded consultants using the OSAUS scale. The OSAUS scores were compared between the groups using the Kruskal–Wallis test, and pass/fail scores were determined using the contrasting‐groups method of standard setting.ResultsFor the transabdominal fetal biometry examinations, the mean ± SD OSAUS scores of the novices, intermediates and senior participants were 1.5 ± 0.4, 3.3 ± 0.6 and 4.4 ± 0.4, respectively (P = 0.003). For the systematic transvaginal scans, the mean ± SD OSAUS scores of the novices, intermediates and senior participants were 1.8 ± 0.2, 3.1 ± 0.1 and 3.9 ± 0.5, respectively (P = 0.003). Post‐hoc comparisons showed significant differences between each of the groups for both types of scans. The pass/fail score was 2.5 for the transvaginal scan and 3.0 for the transabdominal biometry examinations. The inter‐rater reliability was 0.89.ConclusionsUltrasound competence can be assessed in a reliable and valid way using the OSAUS scale. The pass/fail scores may be used to help determine when trainees are qualified for independent practice. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Triammine Pentafluorido Tantalum(V) [TaF5(NH3)3]
Authors: Baer Sebastian A. , Lozinšek Matic , Kraus Florian 
Published: August 2013

Abstract[Sr(HF)3(TaF6)2] reacts with liquid ammonia under the formation of colorless crystals of triammine pentafluorido tantalum(V) [TaF5(NH3)3] (1). The structure was elucidated by low‐temperature X‐ray structure analysis. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 5.1525(6), b = 11.736(1), c = 10.171(1) Å, β = 94.843(9)°, V = 612.8(1) Å3 at 123 K with Z = 4. Its structure displays discrete TaF5(NH3)3 molecules, which are interconnected by N–H···F hydrogen bonds to form a complex three‐dimensional network. The title compound is a rare example of a neutral, molecular, eight‐coordinate tantalum species.
Antioxidation Behavior of Milkweed Oil 4‐Hydroxy‐3‐methoxycinnamate Esters in Phospholipid Bilayers
Authors: Evans Kervin O. , Harry‐O'kuru Rogers E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractMilkweed (Asclepia syriaca) has seed oil that is rich in polyunsaturated triacylglycerides that contain olefinic groups. The olefinic groups can be chemically oxidized to form either epoxy or polyhydroxy triacylglycerides that can be esterified with trans‐4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxycinnamic acid, commonly known as ferulic acid. Thin layer chromatography experiments demonstrated that these novel lipids incorporated well into phospholipid vesicles, did not form independent micelles, and their incorporation was not limited by the attached ferulic moiety. Leakage experiments showed that both epoxy derived and polyhydroxy ferulated triacylglycerides reduced leakage of vesicles. Lipid peroxidation measurements demonstrated that both epoxy derived and polyhydroxy forms of ferulated milkweed oil are capable of preventing lipid peroxidation with the polyhydroxy form having the greater capability.
On the scaling of air entrainment from a ventilated partial cavity
Authors: Mäkiharju Simo A. , Elbing Brian R. , Wiggins Andrew , Schinasi Sarah , Vanden-Broeck Jean-Marc , Perlin Marc , Dowling David R. , Ceccio Steven L. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe behaviour of a nominally two-dimensional ventilated partial cavity was examined over a wide range of size scales and flow speeds to determine the influence of Froude, Reynolds, and Weber number on the cavity shape, dynamics, and gas entrainment rate. Two geometrically similar experiments were conducted with a 14:1 length scale ratio. The results were compared to a two-dimensional semi-analytical model of the cavity flow, and Froude scaling was found to be sufficient to match basic cavity shapes. However, the air flux required to maintain a stable cavity did not scale with Froude number alone, as the dynamics of the cavity closure changed with increasing Reynolds number. The required air flux differed over one order of magnitude between the lowest and highest Reynolds number flows. But, for sufficiently high Reynolds numbers, the rate of scaled entrainment appeared to approach Reynolds number independence. Modest changes in surface tension of the small-scale experiment suggested that the Weber number was important only at the lowest speeds and smaller length scale. Otherwise, the Weber numbers of the flows were sufficiently high to make the effects of interfacial tension negligible. We also observed that modest unsteadiness in the inflow to the large-scale cavity led to a significant increase in the required air flux needed to maintain a stable cavity, with the required excess gas flux nominally proportional to the flow’s perturbation amplitude. Finally, discussion is provided on how these results relate to model testing of partial cavity drag reduction (PCDR) systems for surface ships.
Seven New Inscriptions from Tripolitania
Authors: Brogan Olwen , Reynolds Joyce 
Published: August 2013

The seven inscriptions described below were recorded by O. Brogan during journeys made in the Tripolitanian hinterland in 1958, 1959 and 1960, and are published here with the kind permission of Dr. E. Vergara-Caffarelli of the Department of Antiquities in Tripoli.Brown limestone block, broken away at the right side (0·94 × 0·56 × 0·17) inscribed on one face within a moulded border (panel, 0·88 × 0·47); as a result of re-use the face is badly damaged and in part obscured by mortar which it has proved impossible to remove without danger to the surface. Found in 1958, south of the Jefren-Zintan road (map 1/100,000, sheet Giado, 1672, U788719) midway up the hillside above the wells; now in Tripoli Museum.
Exploring gender in prehistoric Italy
Authors: Whitehouse Ruth D. 
Published: August 2013

INDAGINI SULL'IDENTITá DI GENERE NELL'ITALIA PREISTORICAGli studi sull'identitá di genere in archeologia, sviluppatisi in maniera significativa solo negli anni '90, non hanno ancora avuto un grande impatto sull'archeologia italiana. Questo articolo propone un'apertura a piu largo raggio sul tema. L'autore non si propone di dare alcuna interpretazione definitiva, ma fornisce invece un apparato critico sugli studi in materia esistenti e discute il potenziale di alcuni specifici approcci all'archeologia ed identita di genere nell'Italia preistorica. Viene presentata una ricognizione cronologica dell'Italia preistorica e protostorica, dall'Alto Paleolitico all'Età del Ferro, in cui vengono discussi alcuni tipi di informazioni promettenti per lo studio dell'identità di genere e vengono inoltre indicati possibili argomenti da svilupparsi in futuro. L'autore si auspica che studi archeologici che tengano in considerazione l'identità di genere possano contribuire ad una comprensione maggiore delle società del passato, in Italia cosi come altrove.