bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Magnetite Nanoparticles by Thermal Decomposition of Hematite Powder in the Presence of Organic Solvent
Authors: Lin Chun-Rong , Chiang Ray-Kuang , Chen Chih-Jung , Lai Hsin-Yi , Lyubutin Igor S. , Alkaev Egor A. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTMagnetite nanoparticles have been synthesized by thermal decomposition of hematite (Fe2O3) powder in the presence of high boiling point solvent. The mixture of hematite and 1- octadecene solvent was heated and stirred in nitrogen gas at the temperature of 320 °C for the desired time (∼2 to 28 hrs). The influence of the reaction time on transformation process was analyzed with X-ray diffraction (XRD), Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), and magnetic measurements. XRD patterns show that the phase of intermediate was composed of spinel phase and corundum phase (α-Fe2O3). The 57Fe Mössbauer spectra show that the spinel phase originated from the magnetite particles. The structure transformation proportion of hematite to magnetite strongly depends on reaction times. After reflux for 28 hrs the hematite-magnetite transformation was complete. The mean crystallite size of pure phase of magnetite particles is about 40 nm. The saturation magnetization increases with the reaction time, which corresponds to an increase of concentration of magnetite in the samples. A pronounced feature of the Hc and σr/σs observed in samples is the steplike change which appears at 125 K and is characteristic of the Verwey transition. The hyperfine parameters of Mössbauer spectrum measured at low temperature also indicate that the Verwey phase transition occurs. In other words, the Verwey transition is an indication that the magnetite particles exactly grew up in the synthesized compounds. This thermal decomposition process provided a method to prepare pure magnetite as well as magnetite/hematite nanocomposites useful for various magnetic applications.
Competitive Ability of Black Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) When Grown with Three Native Grasses
Authors: LaFantasie Jordana J. , Enloe Stephen F. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBlack henbane is a poisonous, invasive plant in the family Solanaceae, and is typically associated with highly disturbed environments, such as pipelines, roadsides, and mammalian burrows. Often, such disturbances require reseeding for successful restoration; thus, the potential exists for competition between henbane and perennial grasses commonly used in restoration projects. These competitive interactions have not, to our knowledge, been evaluated. We conducted a greenhouse study to compare the response of henbane when grown alone and in combination with three common, cool season, perennial, northern mixed prairie grass species. We examined both seedling and mature grass response to the presence or absence of henbane and the response of henbane to the grasses. Using the relative neighbor-effect index, black henbane was found to be a very poor competitor with mature grasses and two out of three seedling grasses tested. All measures of henbane growth were significantly lower among plants grown with a mature grass pot companion. Total biomass of henbane was up to 99% lower when grown with mature grasses. Mature grasses were not negatively affected when grown in combination with henbane. Western wheatgrass (Pascopyrum smithii) was the only seedling grass that was competitive with henbane but was also the only seedling grass negatively affected by henbane in both biomass and tiller production. These experiments suggest that henbane is not well suited for invasion of mature grass stands but may negatively influence some perennial grass seedlings in restoration situations.
An Argument for the Universal Prophylaxis of Hepatitis B Infection in Patients Receiving Rituximab: A 7-Year Institutional Experience of Hepatitis Screening
Authors: Leung Christopher , Tsoi Edward , Burns Gareth , Sievert William 
Published: April 2011

AbstractReactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in patients receiving rituximab is well described. Current international guidelines recommend HBV screening prior to the commencement of immunosuppressive therapy. However, adherence to such protocols has not previously been studied. We therefore audited screening practices and clinical outcomes in patients prescribed rituximab since its introduction in a large metropolitan health service. All patients receiving rituximab over an 88-month period were identified via pharmacy records. Medical records and laboratory results were reviewed to determine the timing and type of hepatitis screening. HBV flares were identified and correlated with clinical outcomes and any screening or prophylaxis given. Rituximab was given to 355 patients over 88 months (average age, 61 years; 51% male, 48% born overseas); 83% received rituximab for treatment of a hematological malignancy. HBV screening occurred in 31% of patients and, of these, 66% had pre-emptive screening. Five patients given cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone, and rituximab experienced HBV flares. Four died from viral reactivation. None received antiviral prophylaxis. Hepatitis screening rates in patients receiving rituximab in this study were lower than recommended in clinical guidelines. The identification of five patients with clinically important flares and four deaths in this group highlight the critical need to identify at-risk patients and provide timely prophylactic antiviral therapy to prevent serious morbidity and mortality. Even those with evidence of HBV seroconversion are at risk for fatal flares without active prophylactic antiviral therapy.
Activin A Levels Are Associated With Abnormal Glucose Regulation in Patients With Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Andersen Geir Ø. , Ueland Thor , Knudsen Eva C. , Scholz Hanne , Yndestad Arne , Sahraoui Afaf , Smith Camilla , Lekva Tove , Otterdal Kari , Halvorsen Bente , Seljeflot Ingebjørg , Aukrust Pål 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
On the basis of the role of activin A in inflammation, atherogenesis, and glucose homeostasis, we investigated whether activin A could be related to glucometabolic abnormalities in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Activin A measurement and oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) were performed in patients (n = 115) with acute MI, without previously known diabetes, and repeated after 3 months. Release of activin A and potential anti-inflammatory effects of activin A were measured in human endothelial cells. Activin A effects on insulin secretion and inflammation were tested in human pancreatic islet cells.

RESULTS
1) In patients with acute MI, serum levels of activin A were significantly higher in those with abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) compared with those with normal glucose regulation. Activin A levels were associated with the presence of AGR 3 months later (adjusted odds ratio 5.1 [95% CI 1.73–15.17], P = 0.003). 2) In endothelial cells, glucose enhanced the release of activin A, whereas activin A attenuated the release of interleukin (IL)-8 and enhanced the mRNA levels of the antioxidant metallothionein. 3) In islet cells, activin A attenuated the suppressive effect of inflammatory cytokines on insulin release, counteracted the ability of these inflammatory cytokines to induce mRNA expression of IL-8, and induced the expression of transforming growth factor-β.

CONCLUSIONS
We found a significant association between activin A and newly detected AGR in patients with acute MI. Our in vitro findings suggest that this association represents a counteracting mechanism to protect against inflammation, hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress.
Competing Demands for Time and Self-Care Behaviors, Processes of Care, and Intermediate Outcomes Among People With Diabetes
Authors: McEwen Laura N. , Kim Catherine , Ettner Susan L. , Herman William H. , Karter Andrew J. , Beckles Gloria L. , Brown Arleen F. 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVETo determine whether competing demands for time affect diabetes self-care behaviors, processes of care, and intermediate outcomes.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSWe used survey and medical record data from 5,478 participants in Translating Research Into Action for Diabetes (TRIAD) and hierarchical regression models to examine the cross-sectional associations between competing demands for time and diabetes outcomes, including self-management, processes of care, and intermediate health outcomes.RESULTSFifty-two percent of participants reported no competing demands, 7% reported caregiving responsibilities only, 36% reported employment responsibilities only, and 6% reported both caregiving and employment responsibilities. For both women and men, employment responsibilities (with or without caregiving responsibilities) were associated with lower rates of diabetes self-care behaviors, worse processes of care, and, in men, worse HbA1c.CONCLUSIONSAccommodations for competing demands for time may promote self-management and improve the processes and outcomes of care for employed adults with diabetes.
Sitting Time and Waist Circumference Are Associated With Glycemia in U.K. South Asians
Authors: Gill Jason M.R. , Bhopal Raj , Douglas Anne , Wallia Sunita , Bhopal Ruby , Sheikh Aziz , Forbes John F. , McKnight John , Sattar Naveed , Murray Gordon , Lean Michael E.J. , Wild Sarah H. 
Published: April 2011

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the independent contributions of waist circumference, physical activity, and sedentary behavior on glycemia in South Asians living in Scotland.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Participants were 1,228 (523 men and 705 women) adults of Indian or Pakistani origin screened for the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity in South Asians (PODOSA) trial. All undertook an oral glucose tolerance test, had physical activity and sitting time assessed by International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and had waist circumference measured.

RESULTS
Mean ± SD age and waist circumference were 49.8 ± 10.1 years and 99.2 ± 10.2 cm, respectively. One hundred ninety-one participants had impaired fasting glycemia or impaired glucose tolerance, and 97 had possible type 2 diabetes. In multivariate regression analysis, age (0.012 mmol ⋅ L−1 ⋅ year−1 [95% CI 0.006–0.017]) and waist circumference (0.018 mmol ⋅ L−1 ⋅ cm−1 [0.012–0.024]) were significantly independently associated with fasting glucose concentration, and age (0.032 mmol ⋅ L−1 ⋅ year−1 [0.016–0.049]), waist (0.057 mmol ⋅ L−1 ⋅ cm−1 [0.040–0.074]), and sitting time (0.097 mmol ⋅ L−1 ⋅ h−1 ⋅ day−1 [0.036–0.158]) were significantly independently associated with 2-h glucose concentration. Vigorous activity time had a borderline significant association with 2-h glucose concentration (−0.819 mmol ⋅ L−1 ⋅ h−1 ⋅ day−1 [−1.672 to 0.034]) in the multivariate model.

CONCLUSIONS
These data highlight an important relationship between sitting time and 2-h glucose levels in U.K. South Asians, independent of physical activity and waist circumference. Although the data are cross-sectional and thus do not permit firm conclusions about causality to be drawn, the results suggest that further study investigating the effects of sitting time on glycemia and other aspects of metabolic risk in South Asian populations is warranted.
On the applicability of in situ soil probings to geological analyses
Authors: Radaszewski Robert , Wierzbicki Jędrzej 
Published: April 2011

On the applicability of in situ soil probings to geological analyses
Examples of geoengineering methods (static and dynamic probings) that can be applied to analyses of geological environments are presented. The potential is shown by the results of the determination of the values of the soil-density index (ID), the soil-behaviour index (Ic), the constrained modulus (M), the overconsolidation ratio (OCR) and their vertical changes. The values obtained for ID and Ic facilitate the determination of layers with a specific character. This is demonstrated for several aeolian and glacial deposits in Poland. The application of static probings to the analyses of changes in OCR and M made it possible to identify several depositional phases and the effect of postdepositional processes. Usages of the probings can significantly contribute to the interpretation of palaeo-environments (e.g. in the context of geostatistical models), but the results obtained should be handled cautiously.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion: 18-month Results of a Prospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Algvere Peep V. , Epstein David , von Wendt Gunvor , Seregard Stefan , Kvanta Anders 
Published: April 2011

Purpose. To evaluate the long-term visual results in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) following repeated intravitreal injections of bevacizumab (IVB). Methods. Thirteen patients (aged 34 to 79 years) with a duration of CRVO of 2 weeks to 6 months (mean 2.5 months) had a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) 0.05 to 0.4 (mean 0.13) as determined by Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart. Clinical examination was carried out at baseline and every 6 to 8 weeks. Intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25 mg) was given every 6 weeks during the first 6 months, and after that at the discretion of the attending physician. Results. In total, 96 IVB (average 7.4/patient) were given: 50 IVB during the first 6 months, 28 from 6 to 12 months, and 18 from 12 to 18 months. Average BCVA had improved 15 ETDRS letters at 3 months, 24 letters at 6 months, 24 letters at 12 months, and 18 letters at 18 months (p<0.05). Eight patients (62%) had gained >15 ETDRS letters at 12 months, and 7 subjects (54%) >15 ETDRS letters at 18 months. Foveal thickness decreased from 596 μm at baseline to 294 μm at 18 months (p<0.05) and mean IOP from 15.2 mmHg to 15.8 mmHg. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions. Following repeated IVB, there was a significant gain of BCVA during the follow-up of 18 months. To maintain visual gain, regular ophthalmologic examinations and repeated injections seem to be necessary as long as the disease is active.
Functional and Radiological Evaluation of a Simple Intra Operative Technique to Avoid Limb Length Discrepancy in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Desai Aravind S , Connors Liz , Board Timothy N. 
Published: April 2011

We aimed to assess the radiological and functional outcome of total hip arthroplasty performed using a simple technique for intra-operative leg length assessment. The comparative group was made up of patients receiving total hip arthroplasty prior to introduction of the technique. Fifty patients were studied in each group. The pre- and 3 month post-operative leg length difference (LLD) was measured radiologically along with pre- and 12 months post-operative Oxford hip scores (OHS) and University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) activity scores. There were no statistically significant differences in pre-operative parameters between the two groups. The mean LLD in the new technique group was 0.46mm which was significantly less than in the control group (p< 0.001). Post operative OHS values were worse when shortening or lengthening was >5mm in both groups. UCLA activity scores were significantly better in the new technique group than in the control group (p< 0.001). The overall radiological and functional outcome of the patients was better in the new technique group. Functional outcome is related to small differences in leg length and our simple new technique can be used to control leg length intraoperatively.
Sexual Activity and Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Survey of Patients' and Surgeons' Perspectives
Authors: Wall Peter D.H. , Hossain Munier , Ganapathi Muthu , Andrew John G. 
Published: April 2011

It is not clear if regaining sexual activity is important for patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) or whether hip surgeons are aware of and manage the concerns of their patients in this context. A questionnaire survey was conducted on 100 patients undergoing THA immediately before and six months after surgery. All members of the British Hip Society with a valid email address were surveyed. 86 patients responded. 71 were sexually active and of these, 55 (77%) believed their hip pathology had been limiting their sex lives. 39 (55%) would have preferred further information than was provided. 51 (72%) patients had recommenced sexual activity by six months post operation. 83 of 140 surgeons responded. 30 (36%) surgeons enquired preoperatively if symptoms were interfering with patients' sex lives and 32 (39%) provided written information about sexual activity following THA. 55 (66%) surgeons believed four weeks after surgery patients could resume sexual activity but only 21 (25%) surgeons regularly advised patients about an appropriate time to resume sexual activity. Sexual activity is adversely affected in many patients awaiting THA and regaining sexual function is important to these patients. Most surgeons do not discuss this with their patients and may not be aware of their patients' expectations in this respect.
Biomimetic Materials for Bone Tissue Engineering – State of the Art and Future Trends
Authors: Cordonnier Thomas , Sohier Jérôme , Rosset Philippe , Layrolle Pierre 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBone tissue engineering is extremely promising for regenerating large bone defects in orthopedic or maxillofacial surgery. It consists of harvesting, culturing and differentiating human mesenchymal stem cells in combination with scaffolds. Different cell sources, such as bone marrow or adipose tissue, have been studied. Biomaterials resembling bone extracellular matrix have been used for scaffolding cells. However, these macroporous calcium phosphate ceramics or biodegradable polymers are two dimensional structures at the cellular level and have low osteogenesis properties in vivo. In this paper, several biomimetic approaches involving hydrogels or particles for 3‐dimensional (3D) cell cultures are reviewed. High numbers of cells for low amounts of material induced abundant extracellular matrix formation in vitro and relatively large amounts of bone tissue formation in vivo. In addition, the 3D culture of several cell populations should make it easier for bone tissue constructs to vascularize, thus lifting the limits of current clinical applications.
A Printable Photopolymerizable Thermosensitive p(HPMAm‐lactate)‐PEG Hydrogel for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Censi Roberta , Schuurman Wouter , Malda Jos , di Dato Giorgio , Burgisser Petra E. , Dhert Wouter J. A. , van Nostrum Cornelus F. , di Martino Piera , Vermonden Tina , Hennink Wim E. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBioprinting is a new technology in regenerative medicine that allows the engineering of tissues by specific placement of cells in biomaterials. Importantly, the porosity and the relatively small dimensions of the fibers allow rapid diffusion of nutrients and metabolites. This technology requires the availability of hydrogels that ensure viability of encapsulated cells and have adequate mechanical properties for the preparation of structurally stable and well‐defined three‐dimensional constructs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the suitability of a biodegradable, photopolymerizable and thermosensitive A–B–A triblock copolymer hydrogel as a synthetic extracellular matrix for engineering tissues by means of three dimensional fiber deposition. The polymer is composed of poly(N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide lactate) A‐blocks, partly derivatized with methacrylate groups, and hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) B‐blocks of a molecular weight of 10 kDa. Gels are obtained by thermal gelation and stabilized with additional chemical cross‐links by photopolymerization of the methacrylate groups coupled to the polymer. A power law dependence of the storage plateau modulus of the studied hydrogels on polymer concentration is observed for both thermally and chemically cross‐linked hydrogels. The hydrogels demonstrated mechanical characteristics similar to natural semi‐flexible polymers, including collagen. Moreover, the hydrogel shows suitable mechanical properties for bioprinting, allowing subsequent layer‐by‐layer deposition of gel fibers to form stable constructs up to at least 0.6 cm (height) with different patterns and strand spacing. The resulting constructs have reproducible vertical porosity and the ability to maintain separate localization of encapsulated fluorescent microspheres. Moreover, the constructs show an elastic modulus of 119 kPa (25 wt% polymer content) and a degradation time of approximately 190 days. Furthermore, high viability is observed for encapsulated chondrocytes after 1 and 3 days of culture. In summary, we conclude that the evaluated hydrogel is an interesting candidate for bioprinting applications.
An Emerging Pore‐Making Strategy: Confined Swelling‐Induced Pore Generation in Block Copolymer Materials
Authors: Wang Yong , Li Fengbin 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBlock copolymers (BCPs) composed of two or more thermodynamically incompatible homopolymers self‐assemble into periodic microdomains. Exposing self‐assembled BCPs with solvents selective to one block causes a swelling of the domains composed of this block. Strong swelling in the confinement imposed by the matrix of the other glassy block leads to well‐defined porous structures via morphology reconstruction. This confined swelling‐induced pore‐making process has emerged recently as a new strategy to produce porous materials due to synergic advantages that include extreme simplicity, high pore regularity, involvement of no chemical reactions, no weight loss, reversibility of the pore forming process, etc. The mechanism, kinetics, morphology, and governing parameters of the confined swelling‐induced pore‐making process in BCP thin films are discussed, and the main applications of nanoporous thin films in the fields of template synthesis, surface patterning, and guidance for the areal arrangements of nanomaterials and biomolecules are summarized. Recent, promising results of extending this mechanism to produce BCP nanofibers or nanotubes and bulk materials with well‐defined porosity, which makes this strategy also attractive to researchers outside the nanocommunity, are also presented.
Investigating regional mobility in the southern hinterland of the Wari empire: Biogeochemistry at the site of Beringa, Peru
Authors: Knudson Kelly J. , Tung Tiffiny A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractEmpires have transformed political, social, and environmental landscapes in the past and present. Although much research on archaeological empires focuses on large‐scale imperial processes, we use biogeochemistry and bioarchaeology to investigate how imperialism may have reshaped regional political organization and regional migration patterns in the Wari Empire of the Andean Middle Horizon (ca. AD 600–1000). Radiogenic strontium isotope analysis of human remains from the site of Beringa in the Majes Valley of southern Peru identified the geographic origins of individuals impacted by the Wari Empire. At Beringa, the combined archaeological human enamel and bone values range from 87Sr/86Sr = 0.70802 − 0.70960, with a mean 87Sr/86Sr = 0.70842 ± 0.00027 (1σ, n = 52). These data are consistent with radiogenic strontium isotope data from the local fauna in the Majes Valley and imply that most individuals were local inhabitants, rather than migrants from the Wari heartland or some other locale. There were two outliers at Beringa, and these “non‐local” individuals may have derived from other parts of the South Central Andes. This is consistent with our understanding of expansive trade networks and population movement in the Andean Middle Horizon, likely influenced by the policies of the Wari Empire. Although not a Wari colony, the incorporation of small sites like Beringa into the vast social and political networks of the Middle Horizon resulted in small numbers of migrants at Beringa. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.