bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atrial natriuretic peptides in Han Wistar, Sprague–Dawley and spontaneously Hypertensive rats
Authors: Crivellente Federica , Bocchini Nicola , Bonato Monica , Vandin Luca , Faustinelli Ivo , Cristofori Patrizia 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTThe atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and its precursor (N‐terminal fragment of atrial natriuretic peptide, NT‐proANP) are natriuretic peptides released into the circulation as a consequence of an acute atrial stretch. As for the brain natriuretic peptide and its N‐terminal fragment, the biological significance of ANP and NT‐proANP has been widely studied in humans, but the literature is lacking information about the determination of these biomarkers in veterinary medicine and, in particular, in the toxicological species used in preclinical pharmaceutical drug development. This paper describes the evaluation of ANP and NT‐proANP levels in a healthy population of Han Wistar and Sprague–Dawley rats, as well as in a rodent model of hypertension (Spontaneously Hypertensive rats). Both biomarkers were measured by mean of two commercially available enzyme immunoassays and serum levels were correlated with heart weight and histopathological findings in the heart, with the aim of building an integrated assessment of the significance of these biomarkers. Results obtained demonstrated that NT‐proANP and ANP can be accurately measured in the different rat strains, with NT‐proANP concentrations higher than those of ANP, as expected because of its longer half‐life. In addition, both correlated well with cardiac hypertrophy evaluated by means of heart weight and histopathological examination. NT‐proANP and ANP represent reliable markers of cardiac hypertrophy in the rat. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Streptavidin‐coated TiO2 surfaces are biologically inert: Protein adsorption and osteoblast adhesion studies
Authors: Lehnert Michael , Gorbahn Miriam , Klein Marcus , Al‐Nawas Bilal , Köper Ingo , Knoll Wolfgang , Veith Michael 
Published: November 2011

AbstractNon‐fouling TiO2 surfaces are attractive for a wide range of applications such as biosensors and medical devices, where biologically inert surfaces are needed. Typically, this is achieved by controlled surface modifications which prevent protein adsorption. For example, polyethylene glycol (PEG) or PEG‐derived polymers have been widely applied to render TiO2 surfaces biologically inert. These surfaces have been further modified in order to achieve specific bio‐activation. Therefore, there have been efforts to specifically functionalize TiO2 surfaces with polymers with embedded biotin motives, which can be used to couple streptavidin for further functionalization. As an alternative, here a streptavidin layer was immobilized by self‐assembly directly on a biotinylated TiO2 surface, thus forming an anti‐adhesive matrix, which can be selectively bio‐activated. The anti‐adhesive properties of these substrates were analyzed by studying the interaction of the surface coating with fibronectin, lysozym, and osteoblast cells using surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and light microscopy. In contrast to non‐modified TiO2 surfaces, streptavidin‐coated TiO2 surfaces led to a very biologically inert substrate, making this type of surface coating a promising alternative to polymer coatings of TiO2 surfaces. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2012.
The effect of acetylation on the crystallinity of BC/CNTs nanocomposite
Authors: Adnan Sharmeen , Radiah Awang Biak Dayang 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND: Bacterial cellulose (BC) synthesized by Acetobacter xylinum has been shown to be a potential matrix for impregnating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to produce bacterial cellulose/carbon nanotubes (BC/CNTs) nanocomposite. The objective of this study was to investigate the crystal structure of BC/CNTs nanocomposite after acetylation treatment. Approximately 0.05 w/v% CNTs were added onto continuously developed BC. Then, the BC/CNTs nanocomposite was acetylated heterogeneously.RESULTS: The crystallinity characteristic of formed BC/CNTs acetate was analyzed using an X‐ray diffractometer (XRD). The crystallization index (CrI) of BC/CNTs acetate was better than BC acetate, i.e. 97:3 and 93:7, respectively. The crystallite size of BC microfibrils in BC/CNTs sheet was reduced because of the impregnated CNTs. However, the reduction of crystallite size for BC/CNTs acetate was lower than that of BC acetate showing that the existence of CNTs within BC micofibrils had protected the BC crystal structure from further destruction by acetylating agent.CONCLUSION: CNTs is a powerful substance that acted as a void filler between BC crystalline structure and protected the nano‐biocomposite from total degradation by the acetylation process. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Biological responses of human mesenchymal stem cells to titanium wear debris particles
Authors: Haleem‐Smith Hana , Argintar Evan , Bush Curtis , Hampton Daniel , Postma William F. , Chen Faye H. , Rimington Todd , Lamb Joshua , Tuan Rocky S. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractWear debris‐induced osteolysis is a major cause of orthopedic implant aseptic loosening, and various cell types, including macrophages, monocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts, are involved. We recently showed that mesenchymal stem/osteoprogenitor cells (MSCs) are another target, and that endocytosis of titanium (Ti) particles causes reduced MSC proliferation and osteogenic differentiation. Here we investigated the mechanistic aspects of the endocytosis‐mediated responses of MSCs to Ti particulates. Dose‐dependent effects were observed on cell viability, with doses >300 Ti particles/cell resulting in drastic cell death. To maintain cell viability and analyze particle‐induced effects, doses <300 particles/cell were used. Increased production of interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), but not IL‐6, was observed in treated MSCs, while levels of TGF‐β, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α were undetectable in treated or control cells, suggesting MSCs as a likely major producer of IL‐8 in the periprosthetic zone. Disruptions in cytoskeletal and adherens junction organization were also observed in Ti particles‐treated MSCs. However, neither IL‐8 and IL‐6 treatment nor conditioned medium from Ti particle‐treated MSCs failed to affect MSC osteogenic differentiation. Among other Ti particle‐induced cytokines, only GM‐CSF appeared to mimic the effects of reduced cell viability and osteogenesis. Taken together, these results strongly suggest that MSCs play both responder and initiator roles in mediating the osteolytic effects of the presence of wear debris particles in periprosthetic zones. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:853–863, 2012
Recruitment and enrollment of caregivers for a lifestyle physical activity clinical trial
Authors: Etkin Caryn D. , Farran Carol J. , Barnes Lisa L. , Shah Raj C. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThis article presents the efficacy of the recruitment framework used for a clinical trial with sedentary family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's disease. An integrated social marketing approach with principles of community‐based participatory research provided the theoretical framework for organizing recruitment activities. This multi‐pronged approach meant that caregivers were identified from a range of geographic locations and numerous sources including a federally funded Alzheimer's disease center, health care providers, community based and senior organizations, and broad‐based media. Study enrollment projections were exceeded by 11% and resulted in enrolling n = 211 caregivers into this clinical trial. We conclude that social marketing and community‐based approaches provide a solid foundation for organizing recruitment activities for clinical trials with older adults. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 35:70–81, 2012
Yield of routine molecular analyses in colorectal cancer patients ≤70 years to detect underlying Lynch syndrome
Authors: van Lier Margot GF , Leenen Celine HM , Wagner Anja , Ramsoekh Dewkoemar , Dubbink Hendrikus J , van den Ouweland Ans MW , Westenend Pieter J , de Graaf Eelco JR , Wolters Leonieke MM , Vrijland Wietske W , Kuipers Ernst J , van Leerdam Monique E , Steyerberg Ewout W , Dinjens Winand NM ,   on behalf of the LIMO Study Group
Published: November 2011

AbstractAlthough early detection of Lynch syndrome (LS) is important, a considerable proportion of patients with LS remains unrecognized. We aimed to study the yield of LS detection by routine molecular analyses in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients until 70 years of age. We prospectively included consecutive CRC patients ≤70 years. Tumour specimens were analysed for microsatellite instability (MSI), immunohistochemical mismatch‐repair protein expression and MLH1‐promoter methylation. Tumours were classified as either: (a) likely caused by LS; (b) sporadic microsatellite‐unstable (MSI‐H); or (c) microsatellite‐stable (MSS). Predictors of LS were determined by multivariable logistic regression. A total of 1117 CRC patients (57% males, median age 61 years) were included. Fifty patients (4.5%, 95% CI 3.4–5.9) were likely to have LS, and 71 had a sporadic MSI‐H tumour (6.4%, 95% CI 5.1–8.0). Thirty‐five patients likely to have LS (70%) were aged > 50 years. A molecular profile compatible with LS was detected in 10% (15/144) of patients aged ≤50, in 4% (15/377) of those aged 51–60 and in 3% (20/596) of patients > 61 years. Compared to MSS cases, patients likely to have LS were significantly younger (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.7–8.7) and more often had right‐sided CRCs (OR 14, 95% CI 6.0–34). In conclusion, molecular screening for LS in CRC patients ≤70 years leads to identification of a molecular profile compatible with LS in 4.5% of patients, with most of them not fulfilling the age criterion (≤50 years) routinely used for LS assessment. Routine use of MSI testing may be considered in CRC patients up to the age of 70 years, with a central role for the pathologist in the selection of patients. Copyright © 2012 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stress photo‐oxidative aging behaviour of polyamide 6
Authors: Li Xiaohe , Zhao Xiaowen , Ye Lin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe long‐term stress accelerating aging behaviour of polyamide 6 (PA6) was studied by exposure to UV irradiation. The aging behaviour and mechanism were investigated in terms of creep behaviour, mechanical properties, chemical structure, crystallization and orientation behaviour. It was found that the creep deformation of PA6 under stress/UV irradiation was lower than that of the sample aging only under stress, resulting from crosslinking and low mobility of molecules under UV irradiation. The tensile strength of PA6 under stress and stress/UV irradiation substantially increased at the primary aging stage due to stress‐induced molecular orientation. The oxidation of PA6 may also be inhibited by orientation, leading to a relatively low content of carboxylic groups. Under UV irradiation, stress accelerates the degradation of PA6, resulting in strengthening UV absorption due to formation of isolated carbonyl groups. The melt temperature and crystallinity both showed an increase with time, which were much higher for the sample aged under stress/UV irradiation than for that aged only under UV irradiation. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analysis also showed that the orientation factor and crystallinity of PA6 increased with aging time before 16 days, indicating a clear orientation and crystallization of molecules induced by stress. The UV‐induced crosslinking reduced the mobility of PA6 chains, resulting in a lower crystallinity and orientation factor of the sample aged under stress/UV irradiation compared with that under stress aging only. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
A new floating model level scheme for the assimilation of boundary‐layer top inversions: the univariate assimilation of temperature
Authors: Fowler Alison , Bannister Ross , Eyre John 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe assimilation of observations with a forecast is often heavily influenced by the description of the error covariances associated with the forecast. When a temperature inversion is present at the top of the boundary layer (BL), a significant part of the forecast error may be described as a vertical positional error (as opposed to amplitude error normally dealt with in data assimilation). In these cases, failing to account for positional error explicitly is shown to result in an analysis for which the inversion structure is erroneously weakened and degraded.In this article, a new assimilation scheme is proposed to explicitly include the positional error associated with an inversion. This is done through the introduction of an extra control variable to allow position errors in the a priori to be treated simultaneously with the usual amplitude errors. This new scheme, referred to as the ‘floating BL scheme’, is applied to the one‐dimensional (vertical) variational assimilation of temperature. The floating BL scheme is tested with a series of idealised experiments and with real data from radiosondes.For each idealised experiment, the floating BL scheme gives an analysis which has the inversion structure and position in agreement with the truth, and outperforms the assimilation which accounts only for forecast amplitude error. When the floating BL scheme is used to assimilate a large sample of radiosonde data, its ability to give an analysis with an inversion height in better agreement with that observed is confirmed. However, it is found that the use of Gaussian statistics is an inappropriate description of the error statistics of the extra control variable. This problem is alleviated by incorporating a non‐Gaussian description of the new control variable in the new scheme. Anticipated challenges in implementing the scheme operationally are discussed towards the end of the article. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Horizontal grids for global weather and climate prediction models: a review
Authors: Staniforth Andrew , Thuburn John 
Published: November 2011

AbstractA latitude–longitude grid is used by almost all operational atmospheric forecast models, and many research models. However, it is expected that the advantages of a latitude–longitude grid will become outweighed on massively parallel computers by data‐communication bottlenecks. There is therefore renewed interest in quasi‐uniform alternatives. This review surveys and assesses previously proposed horizontal grids for modelling the atmosphere over the sphere. Aspects of numerical accuracy likely to be affected by grid structure are discussed; particular attention is paid to computational modes and grid imprinting. Computational modes are potentially very serious, since they may be excited in realistic applications by boundary conditions, nonlinearity, physical forcing, and data assimilation. The geometry of polyhedra is reviewed due to its relation to numerical degrees of freedom, and hence to numerical wave dispersion and the possible existence of computational modes.All grids proposed to date have known problems or issues that merit further investigation. Orthogonal logically rectangular grids may be generated using conformal maps, but these suffer from singularities and resolution clustering. Resolution clustering may be avoided by using overset grids, but there are potential issues associated with the overlap regions. Alternatively, resolution clustering may be avoided, whilst retaining a logically rectangular grid, by giving up orthogonality; however, existing numerical schemes exploit orthogonality to obtain various properties thought to be important for accuracy, and it is not yet known whether these can also be obtained on non‐orthogonal grids. Quasi‐uniformity and orthogonality can be obtained without resolution clustering or overlaps by using non‐quadrilateral grid cells, such as triangles, or pentagons and hexagons. However, when a staggered placement of variables is used to minimise dispersion errors for fast waves, non‐quadrilateral grids support computational modes.In view of the lack of a single ideal grid, several topics meriting further investigation are identified. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society and British Crown Copyright, the Met Office
Multi‐site evaluation of an urban land‐surface model: intra‐urban heterogeneity, seasonality and parameter complexity requirements
Authors: Loridan Thomas , Grimmond C.S.B. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractAn extensive off‐line evaluation of the Noah/Single Layer Urban Canopy Model (Noah/SLUCM) urban land‐surface model is presented using data from 15 sites to assess (1) the ability of the scheme to reproduce the surface energy balance observed in a range of urban environments, including seasonal changes, and (2) the impact of increasing complexity of input parameter information. Model performance is found to be most dependent on representation of vegetated surface area cover; refinement of other parameter values leads to smaller improvements. Model biases in net all‐wave radiation and trade‐offs between turbulent heat fluxes are highlighted using an optimization algorithm. Here we use the Urban Zones to characterize Energy partitioning (UZE) as the basis to assign default SLUCM parameter values. A methodology (FRAISE) to assign sites (or areas) to one of these categories based on surface characteristics is evaluated. Using three urban sites from the Basel Urban Boundary Layer Experiment (BUBBLE) dataset, an independent evaluation of the model performance with the parameter values representative of each class is performed. The scheme copes well with both seasonal changes in the surface characteristics and intra‐urban heterogeneities in energy flux partitioning, with RMSE performance comparable to similar state‐of‐the‐art models for all fluxes, sites and seasons. The potential of the methodology for high‐resolution atmospheric modelling application using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is highlighted. This analysis supports the recommendations that (1) three classes are appropriate to characterize the urban environment, and (2) that the parameter values identified should be adopted as default values in WRF. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Techniques of biliary reconstruction following bile duct resection (with video)
Authors: Hirano Satoshi , Tanaka Eiichi , Tsuchikawa Takahiro , Matsumoto Joe , Shichinohe Toshiaki , Kato Kentaro 
Published: November 2011

AbstractIn several clinical situations, including resection of malignant or benign biliary lesions, reconstruction of the biliary system using the Roux‐en‐Y jejunum limb has been adopted as the standard procedure. The basic technique and the procedural knowledge essential for most gastroenterological surgeons are described in this article, along with a video supplement. Low complication rates involving anastomotic insufficiency or stricture can be achieved by using proper surgical techniques, even following small bile duct reconstruction. Using the ropeway method to stabilize the bile duct and jejunal limb allows precise mucosa‐to‐mucosa anastomosis with interrupted sutures of the posterior row of the anastomosis. Placement of a transanastomotic stent tube is the second step. The final step involves suturing the anterior row of the anastomosis. In contrast to the lower extrahepatic bile duct, the wall of the hilar or intrahepatic bile duct can be recognized within the fibrous connective tissue in the Glissonean pedicle. The portal side of the duct should be selected for the posterior wall during anastomosis owing to its thickness. Meticulous inspection to avoid overlooking small bile ducts could decrease the chance of postoperative intractable bile leakage. In reconstruction of small or fragile branches, a transanastomotic stent tube could work as an anchor for the anastomosis.
Ultrasound of a distended pediatric abdomen in a limited resource setting
Authors: Das Devjani , Lema Penelope Chun , Datta Anita 
Published: November 2011

Abstract

Background
Abdominal distension among the pediatric population is a frequently encountered diagnostic dilemma. In rural areas, the lack of resources limits the physician’s ability to make a definitive diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment. The use of point-of-care ultrasound as a diagnostic tool has become more widespread due to its safety, portability and relatively low costs.

Case report
We present a case of an emergency medicine where physician performed an ultrasound to diagnose the etiology of a child’s distended abdomen in a remote area of Tanzania.
Grainsize dynamics of polydisperse granular segregation down inclined planes
Authors: Marks Benjy , Rognon Pierre , Einav Itai 
Published: November 2011

AbstractGranular materials segregate by size when sheared, which increases the destructive power in avalanches and causes demixing in industrial flows. Here we present a concise theory to describe this phenomenon for systems that for the first time include particles of arbitrary size. The evolution of the grainsize distribution during flow is described based on mass and momentum conservation. The theory is derived in a five-dimensional space, which besides position and time, includes a grainsize coordinate. By coupling the theory with a simple constitutive law we predict the kinematics of the flow, which depends on the grainsize dynamics. We show that the underpinning mechanism controlling segregation is a stress variation with grainsize. The theory, solved by a finite difference scheme, is found to predict the dynamics of segregation consistent with results obtained from discrete element simulations of polydisperse granular flow down inclined planes. Moreover, when applied to bimixtures, the general polydisperse theory reveals the role of grainsize contrast.
Warfare, Taxation, and Political Change: Evidence from the Italian Risorgimento
Authors: DINCECCO MARK , FEDERICO GIOVANNI , VINDIGNI ANDREA 
Published: November 2011

We examine the relationships between warfare, taxation, and political change in the context of the political unification of the Italian peninsula. Using a comprehensive new database, we argue that external and internal threat environments had significant implications for the demand for military strength, which in turn had important ramifications for fiscal policy and the likelihood of constitutional reform and related improvements in the provision of nonmilitary public services. Our analytic narrative complements recent theoretical and econometric works about state capacity. By emphasizing public finances, we also uncover novel insights about the forces underlying state formation in Italy.“The budget is the skeleton of the state, stripped of any misleading ideologies.”Sociologist Rudolf Goldscheid, 19261
Depth to Bedrock and the Formation of the Manhattan Skyline, 1890–1915
Authors: BARR JASON , TASSIER TROY , TRENDAFILOV ROSSEN 
Published: November 2011

New York City historiography holds that Manhattan developed two business centers—downtown and midtown—because the bedrock is close to the surface at these locations, with a bedrock “valley” in between. This article is the first effort to measure the effect of depth to bedrock on construction costs and the location of skyscrapers. We find that while depth to bedrock had a modest effect on costs (up to 7 percent), it had relatively little influence on the location of skyscrapers.
“Hour by hour the caissons reach down to the rock of the earth and hold the building to a turning planet.”Carl Sandburg, Skyscraper