bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance evaluation of interpolation methods for incorporating rain gauge measurements into NEXRAD precipitation data: a case study in the Upper Guadalupe River Basin
Authors: Xie Hongjie , Zhang Xuesong , Yu Beibei , Sharif Hatim 
Published: March 2011

AbstractHigh spatial and temporal resolution of precipitation data is critical input for hydrological budget estimation and flash flood modelling. This study evaluated four methods [Bias Adjustment (BA), Simple Kriging with varying Local Means (SKlm), Kriging with External Drift (KED), and Regression Kriging (RK)] for their performances in incorporating gauge rainfall measurements into Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) multi‐sensor precipitation estimator (MPE; hourly and 4 × 4 km2). Measurements from a network of 50 gauges at the Upper Guadalupe River Basin, central Texas and MPE data for the year 2004 were used in the study. We used three evaluation coefficients percentage bias (PB), coefficient of determination (R2), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) to examine the performance of the four methods for preserving regional‐ and local‐scale characteristics of observed precipitation data. The results show that the two Kriging‐based methods (SKlm and RK) are in general better than BA and KED and that the PB and NSE criteria are better than theR2criterion in assessing the performance of the four methods. It is also worth noting that the performance of one method at regional scale may be different from its performance at local scale. Critical evaluation of the performance of different methods at local or regional scale should be conducted according to the different purposes. The results obtained in this study are expected to contribute to the development of more accurate spatial rainfall products for hydrologic budget and flash flood modelling. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of climate change impacts on the hydrology of the Peruvian Amazon–Andes basin
Authors: Lavado Casimiro Waldo Sven , Labat David , Guyot Jean Loup , Ardoin‐Bardin Sandra 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this article, we propose an investigation of the modifications of the hydrological response of two Peruvian Amazonas–Andes basins in relationship with the modifications of the precipitation and evapotranspiration rates inferred by the IPCC. These two basins integrate around 10% of the total area of the Amazonian basin. These estimations are based on the application of two monthly hydrological models, GR2M and MWB3, and the climatic projections come from BCM2, CSMK3 and MIHR models for A1B and B1 emission scenarios (SCE A1B and SCE B1). Projections are approximated by two simple scenarios (anomalies and horizon) and annual rainfall rates, evapotranspiration rates and discharge were estimated for the 2020s (2008–2040), 2050s (2041–2070) and 2080s (2071–2099). Annual discharge shows increasing trend over Requena basin (Ucayali river), Puerto Inca basin (Pachitea river), Tambo basin (Tambo river) and Mejorada basin (Mantaro river) while discharge shows decreasing trend over the Chazuta basin (Huallaga river), the Maldonadillo basin (Urubamba river) and the Pisac basin (Vilcanota river). Monthly discharge at the outlet of Puerto Inca, Tambo and Mejorada basins shows increasing trends for all seasons. Trends to decrease are estimated in autumn discharge over the Requena basin and spring discharge over Pisac basin as well as summer and autumn discharges over both the Chazuta and the Maldonadillo basins. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and evaluation of parathyroid hormone incorporated CaP coating via a biomimetic method
Authors: Yu Xiaohua , Wei Mei 
Published: March 2011

AbstractParathyroid hormone (PTH) is a potent bone growth stimulator used for osteoporosis treatment. However, the inconvenience of daily administration and side effect of systemic exposure severely limit its use in clinical applications. Local, controlled delivery is a promising approach which can maintain therapeutic concentration locally for a long period. In this study, PTH was incorporated into a biomimetic calcium phosphate (CaP) coating via a coprecipitation process in a modified simulated body fluid (m‐SBF). It was found that PTH was successfully incorporated into biomimetic CaP coating on titanium surface with a high incorporation efficiency. The incorporation of PTH into coatings had significantly changed the coating morphology, but the composition of the coating remained unchanged. Localized release of PTH had occurred in vitro, and was accompanied with partial dissolution of CaP coatings. Cell culture study demonstrated that the PTH released from CaP coatings fully retained its bioactivity. It had improved substantially MC3T3‐E1 cell proliferation but slightly delayed the expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of the cells. In summary, our results have shown that CaP coatings incorporated with PTH may be a promising approach for osteoporosis and other bone‐related disease treatment in the future. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
First investigation of spider silk as a braided microsurgical suture
Authors: Kuhbier Joern W. , Reimers Kerstin , Kasper Cornelia , Allmeling Christina , Hillmer Anja , Menger Björn , Vogt Peter M. , Radtke Christine 
Published: March 2011

AbstractInhibition of axonal outgrowth accompanied by neuroma formation appears in microsurgical nerve repair as reaction to common microsuture materials like silk, nylon, or polyglycolic acid. In contrast, recent findings revealed advantages of spider silk fibers in guiding Schwann cells in nerve regeneration. Here, we asked if we could braid microsutures from native spider silk fibers. Microsutures braided of native spider dragline silk were manufactured, containing either 2 × 15 or 3 × 10 single fibres strands. Morphologic appearance was studied and tensile strength and stress‐strain ratio (SSR) were calculated. The constructed spider silk sutures showed a median thickness of 25 μm, matching the USP definition of 10‐0. Maximum load and tensile strength for both spider silk microsutures were significantly more than 2‐fold higher than for nylon suture; SSR was 1.5‐fold higher. All values except elasticity were higher in 3 × 10 strand sutures compared to 2 × 15 strand sutures, but not significantly. In this pilot study, we demonstrate the successful manufacture of microsutures from spider silk. With regards to the mechanical properties, these sutures were superior to nylon sutures. As spider silk displays high biocompatibility in nerve regeneration, its usage in microsurgical nerve repair should be considered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Polymers and drugs suitable for the development of a drug delivery drainage system in glaucoma surgery
Authors: Löbler Marian , Sternberg Katrin , Stachs Oliver , Allemann Reto , Grabow Niels , Roock Anne , Kreiner Christine F. , Streufert Detlef , Neffe Axel T. , Hanh Bui Duc , Lendlein Andreas , Schmitz Klaus‐Peter , Guthoff Rudolf 
Published: March 2011

AbstractImplantation of a glaucoma drainage system is an appropriate therapeutic intervention in some glaucoma patients. However, one drawback with this approach is the fibrotic tissue response to the implant material, leading to reduced flow of aqueous liquid or complete blockage of the drainage system. As a basis for developing an aqueous shunt we report here investigations with poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) and poly(4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(4HB)) as polymer matrices and with paclitaxel (PTX) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) as drugs that might, in combination, delay or prevent the process of fibrosis by reducing fibroblast activity. P(3HB) and P(4HB) were fabricated into test prototypes with 500 μm outer and 200 μm inner diameter and ∼1 cm length. The antiproliferative agent PTX and the anti‐inflammatory agent TA were incorporated into the polymer matrices and were released by diffusion. In vitro cell assays demonstrated that the polymers have the potential to reduce fibroblast viability, while TA showed differential inhibition of Tenon fibroblasts, but not cornea keratocytes. Implantation of polymer disks and prototype devices into rabbit eyes confirmed the good biocompatibility of the materials. The combined use of a poly(hydroxybutyrate) polymer with PTX or TA has the potential to reduce the fibrosis associated with conventional glaucoma drainage systems. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Optimization of electrical stimulation parameters for enhanced cell proliferation on biomaterial surfaces
Authors: Dubey Ashutosh Kumar , Gupta Shourya Dutta , Basu Bikramjit 
Published: March 2011

AbstractFrom the point of view of biocompatibility of bone analog materials, cell–material interaction is of fundamental importance. In this article, we report the effect of pulse electric field stimulation on cell–material interaction by analyzing cellular functionality and viability. An in‐house fabricated pulse electric field setup was used for the application of electric field during cell culture experiments. To optimize voltage/electric field, the first set of exploratory experiments was conducted with varying field strength at fixed frequency, and subsequently, the frequency of the electrical stimulation was varied to study its influence on the proliferation of L929 mouse fibroblast cells on gelatin‐coated control disc. Subsequently, L929 cells were cultured on hydroxyapatite (HA) and HA‐40 wt % BaTiO3 composite. Cell‐cultured samples were analyzed qualitatively as well as quantitatively using fluorescence microscope and scanning electron microscope. It has been demonstrated that due to the application of electric field during the cell culture experiment, the cell proliferation and the cell spreading on the surface of the biomaterials were enhanced within a narrow window of voltage/frequency of electrical stimulation. At lower field intensities, the energy density is quite low and increases parabolically with field strength. There is no significant increase in the temperature (ΔT ∼ 10−5 K) of the medium due to the application of short duration pulse electric field. This led us to believe that electric field with appropriate strength and duration can enhance the cell–material interaction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
On the hyperthermostability of lipolytic enzymes from Thermus aquaticus YT‐1: exploring their application to polymer degradation
Authors: López Elena , Alonso Beatriz , Deive Francisco J. , Sanromán M. Ángeles , Longo María A. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: The investigation of enzymes from extremophilic microorganisms has generated great scientific interest in recent decades owing to their ability to operate in harsh conditions. Since lipolytic enzymes are one of the three groups most commercially demanded, the study of novel thermostable lipolytic enzymes is of much interest.RESULTS: Lipolytic enzymes produced by Thermus aquaticus YT1 have been investigated. Very interesting properties against thermal inactivation, with a half‐life time of 1 h at 95 °C were found. The use of compounds such as polyols is a strategy used to further improve the thermostability of these enzymes, and the modelling of the deactivation process with a series‐type equation, allows one to quantitatively ascertain the free energy of deactivation. Finally, the application to dibutyl adipate hydrolysis was investigated, as an indicator of the potential usefulness of the enzymes in polymer biodegradation.CONCLUSION: The crude lipolytic enzymes possess outstanding properties of thermostability (high lipolytic activity after 12 days at 80 °C, and a half‐life time of 1 h at 95 °C), and they can be significantly improved by adding polyols (addition of glycerol entailed activity losses of just 3% after 1 h at 95 °C). These enzymes are able to catalyze ester cleavage, showing a zero‐order kinetics. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Photocatalytic decomposition of gaseous HCHO over a titanium dioxide film formed on a hydrophobic PET sheet
Authors: Shiraishi Fumihide , Kamikariya Naoya , Shibata Yuichiro 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: The authors (Chem Eng J 148, 234 (2009)) previously demonstrated the excellent performance of a photocatalytic reactor with a parallel array of nine light sources. To enhance the possibility of practical application of this reactor, the present work explores the use of a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) sheet as a new cheap material to support TiO2, as an alternative to glass tubes. A method of coating the hydrophobic PET sheet with a TiO2 film using an aqueous coating solution is investigated and the performance of the TiO2‐PET sheet prepared evaluated.RESULTS: The affinity of the coating solution for the PET sheet is greatly enhanced by addition of 0.01% (w/w) nonionic surfactant (polyoxyethylene lauryl ether). A relatively uniform thin TiO2 film is formed on the entire surface of the PET sheet by applying the coating solution to the PET sheet and drying it at 100 °C. Decomposition experiments of gaseous HCHO indicate that the photocatalytic activity, although initially low, is increased with repeated use. This is because surfactant molecules added interfere initially with the decomposition of HCHO. After their decomposition, the TiO2–PET sheet decomposes HCHO at almost the same rate as does the TiO2–glass tube.CONCLUSION: The photocatalytic reactor with a parallel array of nine light sources can utilize a PET sheet as TiO2 support with a reduction in material cost. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Meniscectomy causes significant in vivo kinematic changes and mechanically induced focal chondral lesions in a sheep model
Authors: Beveridge Jillian E. , Shrive Nigel G. , Frank Cyril B. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractSignificant meniscal loss with progression to osteoarthritis is common in humans. In vitro work suggests that meniscectomy causes increased joint contact stress, but what other alterations in dynamic joint actions actually occur remains unknown. In a sheep model, we tested the hypothesis that complete lateral meniscectomy increases joint abduction, shifting the in vivo locations of tibiofemoral contact to regions that qualitatively correspond to locations of chondral damage. Nine sheep underwent unilateral arthrotomy (n = 4) or arthrotomy plus complete lateral meniscectomy (n = 5). Kinematics were collected prior to surgery and serially up to 20 weeks post‐surgery. Gross cartilage damage was mapped in each joint, graded using a published scoring scheme used in goats, and compared to the locations of minimum tibiofemoral distance. Over the 20 weeks, meniscectomy caused increased stifle abduction and medial tibial translation, shifting the points of minimum tibiofemoral distance 7.5 ± 2.1 mm laterally and 3.3 ± 1.1 mm anteriorly (mean ± SEM), which corresponded to the locations of focal chondral damage. Locations of new tibiofemoral contact in the meniscectomized compartment qualitatively correspond to subject‐specific locations of early chondral damage in an ovine model. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1397–1405, 2011
Effects of antithrombotic drugs fondaparinux and tinzaparin on in vitro proliferation and osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of bone‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Papathanasopoulos Argiris , Kouroupis Dimitrios , Henshaw Karen , McGonagle Dennis , Jones Elena A. , Giannoudis Peter V. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractAn unexpected side effect of some classes of anticoagulants has been osteoporosis which may be, at least in part, related to deranged mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) function. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of fondaparinux (FDP), a novel antithrombotic with a traditional widely used low molecular weight heparin, tinzaparin (TZP) on MSC proliferation and differentiation. MSCs were isolated from trabecular bone of 14 trauma patients by a collagenase‐based digestion procedure and expanded in standard conditions until passage 3. Proliferation and differentiation of MSCs to chondrocytes and osteoblasts was assessed with or without the addition of FDP and TZP using standard in vitro assays and a broad range of drug concentrations. Flow cytometry was used for MSC phenotyping. In the age studied group (17–74 years old) the MSC frequency in collagenase‐released fractions was 641/106 cells (range 110–2,158) and their growth characteristics were ∼4 days/population doubling. Cultures had a standard MSC phenotype (CD73+, CD105+, CD146+, CD106+, and CD166+). Cell proliferation was assessed by both colony‐forming unit‐fibroblast (CFU‐F) and colorimetric tetrazolium salt XTT assays. In both assays, MSC proliferation was inhibited by the addition of TZP, particularly at high concentrations. In contrast, FDP had no effect on MSC proliferation. Osteogenic differentiation and chondrogenic differentiation were not affected by the addition of either TZP or FDP. Whilst MSC proliferation, but not differentiation, is negatively affected by TZP, there was no evidence for adverse effects of FDP in this in vitro model system which argues well for its use in the orthopedic setting. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29: 1327–1335, 2011
Purification, cloning, expression and immunological analysis of Scylla serrata arginine kinase, the crab allergen
Authors: Shen Yuan , Cao Min‐Jie , Cai Qiu‐Feng , Su Wen‐Jin , Yu Hui‐Lin , Ruan Wei‐Wei , Liu Guang‐Ming 
Published: March 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Although crustaceans have been reported to be one of the most common causes of IgE‐mediated allergic reactions, there are no reports about the characterization and identification of arginine kinase (AK) from the mud crab (Scylla serrata) as allergen. In the present study, the purification, molecular cloning, expression and immunological analyses of the IgE allergen AK from the mud crab were investigated.RESULTS: The results showed that cloned DNA fragments of AK from the mud crab had open reading frames of 1021 bp, predicted to encode proteins with 356 amino acid residues. Sequence alignment revealed that mud crab AK shares high homology with other crustacean species. Mud crab AK gene was further recombined with the vector of pGEX‐4T‐3 and expressed in Escherichia coli BL 21. 2‐D electrophoresis suggested that native AK (nAK) and recombinant AK (rAK) shared the same molecular weight of 40 kDa, and the pI is 6.5 and 6.3, respectively. The nAK and rAK were further confirmed by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. Immunoblotting analysis and colloidal gold immunochromatographic assay (GICA) using sera from subjects with crustacean allergy confirmed that the nAK and rAK reacted positively with these sera, indicating AK is a specific allergen of mud crab.CONCLUSION: Both of purified nAK and rAK reacted positively with sera from subjects with crustacean allergy in immunoblotting and GICA analysis, indicating AK is a common allergen of mud crab. In vitro expressed AK is proposed as a source of the protein for immunological or clinical studies. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Applying a New Model of Customer Value on International Air Passengers' Market in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Wen‐Yu 
Published: March 2011

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a new model to discover customer value of air passengers by using data mining technologies. The results of this research can be applied in database marketing systems. The procedure applies See5/C5.0 (RuleQuest Research Pty Ltd, St Ives, New South Wales, Australia) decision tree; transaction records; Frequency, Price Discount, Destination and No‐Show (FPDN model; Recency, Frequency and Monetary model based) model variables; and socio‐economic variables to create decision rules for airline business. An empirical case of air passengers' market in Taiwan is implemented for the identification of this procedure and the Frequency, Price Discount, Destination and No‐Show model. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kinetic studies of the interaction between organotin(IV)chlorides and tetraaza Schiff bases: Synthesis and characterization of some novel tin(IV) Schiff base complexes
Authors: Asadi Zahra 
Published: March 2011

AbstractIn this article the kinetics of the interaction between the teteraaza Schiff bases as donor with organotin(IV)chlorides as acceptor was studied in acetonitrile. Teteraaza Schiff bases are (Me4‐Bzo2[14]tetraeneN4) (tmtaa), (Me4‐4‐CH3Bzo2[14]tetraeneN4) (Metmtaa), (Me4‐4‐ClBzo2[14]tetraeneN4) (Cltmtaa), i.e., [(Me4‐Bzo2[14]tetraeneN4)] means that (5,7,12,14‐tetramethyldibenzo[b,i][1,4,8,11] tetraazacyclotetradecine) (tmtaa) and organotin(IV)chlorides are methyltin(IV) trichloride, phenyltin(IV)trichloride, dimethyltin (IV)dichloride, diphenyltin(IV) dichloride, and dibutyltin(IV)dichloride. The kinetic parameters and the second‐order k2 rate constants show the donor properties of tetraaza Schiff bases as Me4‐4‐CH3Bzo2[14]tetraeneN4 > Me4‐Bzo2[14]tetraeneN4 >  Me4‐4‐ClBzo2[14]tetraeneN4 and also the acceptor properties of organotin(IV)chlorides as PhSnCl3 > MeSnCl3 > Ph2SnCl2 > Me2SnCl2 > Bu2SnCl2. An excellent linearity of kobs vs. the molar concentration of the acceptor, the high span of k2 values, the large negative values of ΔS≠, and the low ΔH≠ values suggest an associative (A) mechanism for the acceptor–donor interaction. © 2011 Wiley Peiodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 43: 247–254, 2011
Socioeconomic disparities for hearing‐impaired children in the united states
Authors: Boss Emily F. , Niparko John K. , Gaskin Darrell J. , Levinson Kimberly L. 
Published: March 2011

AbstractObjectives:This study aims to evaluate disparities in socioeconomic status and healthcare utilization in hearing‐impaired children using a nationally representative sample.Study Design:Cross‐sectional analysis of stacked data from the 1997 to 2003 National Health Interview Survey, a voluntary U.S. household survey of the National Center for Health Statistics.Methods:Children were grouped according to three levels of hearing ability based on parental response to perceived hearing status. χ2 and analysis of variance (ANOVA) models tested the association of individual sociodemographic variables with hearing status. Multivariate regression analyses examined the association of hearing impairment with family income, poverty status, and utilization of routine and specialty health services.Results:The total sample consisted of 76,012 children, of whom 2.6% had some hearing loss and 0.43% had marked hearing loss. Families of hearing‐impaired children were more likely to report poorer health status, have Medicaid, live in single‐mother households, and live below the poverty level (P < .01). After adjusting for confounders, children with mild and marked hearing impairment were less likely to afford prescription medications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.89, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.44–2.48 [mild]; OR = 2.72, 95% CI, 1.73–4.29 [marked]) and less likely to have access to mental health services (OR = 3.26, 95% CI, 2.41–4.69 [mild]; OR = 2.62, 95% CI, 1.34–5.12 [marked]) or dental services (OR = 1.65, 95% CI, 1.36–2.02 [mild]; OR = 1.62, 95% CI, 1.09–2.41 [marked]). No difference was identified for access to routine/sick health services.Conclusions:Compared with families of children without hearing loss, families of hearing‐impaired children live closer to the poverty level and utilize some medical services with less frequency. Further identification of causal relationships between familial socioeconomic status and childhood hearing loss may help direct policy initiatives designed to mitigate healthcare disparities and improve access to services for hearing‐impaired children. Laryngoscope, 121:860–866, 2011