bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Model for Microencapsulation of Pancreatic Islets within a Biofunctional PEG Hydrogel
Authors: Kızılel Seda 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe results of a mathematical model for surface‐initiated polymerization of biofunctional PEG‐based hydrogels to predict gel properties prior to synthesis is reported. The mathematical model developed in this study describes microencapsulation of islets within an insulinotropic peptide (GLP‐1) functionalized PEG hydrogels. Experimental measurements of the thickness and swelling of GLP‐1 functionalized hydrogel membranes compare well with the model. The model is capable of predicting the crosslink density, thickness, and the level of GLP‐1 incorporation within the membrane. This study demonstrates the possibility of modulating the concentration of biological cues in highly permissive and biofunctional PEG hydrogels for optimizing engineered tissue function. magnified image
Regional cortical grey matter loss in Parkinson's disease without dementia is independent from visual hallucinations
Authors: Meppelink Anne Marthe , de Jong Bauke M. , Teune Laura K. , van Laar Teus 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIn our previous functional magnetic resonance imaging study, Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with visual hallucinations (VH) showed reduced activations in ventral/lateral visual association cortices preceding image recognition, compared with both PD patients without VH and healthy controls. The primary aim of the current study was to investigate whether functional deficits are associated with grey matter volume changes. In addition, possible grey matter differences between all PD patients and healthy controls were assessed. By using 3‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), we found no differences between PD patients with (n = 11) and without VH (n = 13). However, grey matter decreases of the bilateral prefrontal and parietal cortex, left anterior superior temporal, and left middle occipital gyrus were found in the total group of PD patients, compared with controls (n = 14). This indicates that previously demonstrated functional deficits in PD patients with VH are not associated with grey matter loss. The strong left parietal reduction in both nondemented patient groups was hemisphere specific and independent of the side of PD symptoms. © 2010Movement Disorder Society.
Two‐scale modeling of solute dispersion in unsaturated double‐porosity media: Homogenization and experimental validation
Authors: Tran Ngoc Tien Dung , Lewandowska Jolanta , Vauclin Michel , Bertin Henri 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA two‐scale modeling of solute transport in double‐porosity (DP) media under unsaturated water flow conditions is presented. The macroscopic model was developed by applying the asymptotic homogenization method. It is based on theoretical and empirical considerations dealing with the orders of magnitude of characteristic quantities involved in the process. For this purpose a physical model that mimics the behavior of DP medium was built. The resulting two‐equation model relies on a coupling exchange term between micro‐ and macro‐porosity subdomains associated with local non‐equilibrium solute concentrations. The model was numerically implemented (Comsol Multiphysics®) to simulate the macroscopic one‐dimensional physical process taking place into the porous medium of 3D periodic microstructure. A series of dispersion experiments of NaCl solution under unsaturated steady‐state flow conditions were performed. The experimental results were used first to calibrate the dispersion coefficient of the model, and second to validate it through two other independent experiments. The excellent agreement between the numerical simulations and the measurements of the time evolution of the non‐symmetrical breakthrough curves provides a proof of predictive capacity of the developed model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of infarcted murine heart function: comparison of prospectively triggered with self‐gated MRI
Authors: Bovens Sandra M. , te Boekhorst Bernard C.M. , Ouden Krista den , van de Kolk Kees W.A. , Nauerth Arno , Nederhoff Marcel G.J. , Pasterkamp Gerard , ten Hove Michiel , van Echteld Cees J.A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMeasurement of cardiac function is often performed in mice after, for example, a myocardial infarction. Cardiac MRI is often used because it is noninvasive and provides high temporal and spatial resolution for the left and right ventricle. In animal cardiac MRI, the quality of the required electrocardiogram signal is variable and sometimes deteriorates over time, especially with infarcted hearts or cardiac hypertrophy. Therefore, we compared the self‐gated IntraGateFLASH method with a prospectively triggered FLASH (fast low‐angle shot) method in mice with myocardial infarcts (n = 16) and in control mice (n = 21). Mice with a myocardial infarct and control mice were imaged in a vertical 9.4‐T MR system. Images of contiguous 1‐mm slices were acquired from apex to base with prospective and self‐gated methods. Data were processed to calculate cardiac function parameters for the left and right ventricle. The signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios were calculated in mid‐ventricular slices. The signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios of the self‐gated data were higher than those of the prospectively gated data. Differences between the two gating methods in the cardiac function parameters for both left and right ventricle (e.g. end‐diastolic volumes) did not exceed the inter‐observer variability in control or myocardial infarcted mice. Both methods gave comparable results with regard to the cardiac function parameters in both healthy control mice and mice with myocardial infarcts. Moreover, the self‐gated method provided better signal‐to‐noise and contrast‐to‐noise ratios when the acquisition time was equal. In conclusion, the self‐gated method is suitable for routine use in cardiac MRI in mice with myocardial infarcts as well as in control mice, and obviates the need for electrocardiogram triggering and respiratory gating. In both gating methods, more than 10 frames per cardiac cycle are recommended. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Noninvasive detection of carboxypeptidase G2 activity in vivo
Authors: Jamin Yann , Smyth Lynette , Robinson Simon P. , Poon Evon S. C. , Eykyn Thomas R. , Springer Caroline J. , Leach Martin O. , Payne Geoffrey S. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe pseudomonad protein, carboxypeptidase G2 (CPG2), is a prodrug‐activating enzyme utilized in the targeted chemotherapy strategies of antibody‐ and gene‐directed enzyme prodrug therapy (ADEPT and GDEPT). We have developed a noninvasive imaging approach to monitor CPG2 activity in vivo that will facilitate the preclinical and clinical development of CPG2‐based ADEPT and GDEPT strategies. Cleavage of the novel reporter probe, 3,5‐difluorobenzoyl‐L‐glutamic acid (3,5‐DFBGlu), by CPG2, in human colon adenocarcinoma WiDr xenografts engineered to stably express CPG2, was monitored using 19F MRSI. The high signal‐to‐noise ratio afforded by the two MR‐equivalent 19F nuclei of 3,5‐DFBGlu, and the 1.4 ppm 19F chemical shift difference on CPG2‐mediated cleavage, enabled the dynamics and quantification of the apparent pharmacokinetics of 3,5‐DFBGlu and its CPG2‐mediated cleavage in the tumor to be evaluated. In addition, the apparent rate of increase of 3,5‐difluorobenzoic acid concentration could also provide a biomarker of CPG2 activity levels in tumors of patients undergoing CPG2‐based therapies, as well as a biomarker of treatment response. The addition of in vivo reporter probes, such as 3,5‐DFBGlu, to the armamentarium of prodrugs cleaved by CPG2 affords new applications for CPG2 as a gene reporter of transgene expression. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A possible case of treponemal disease from England dating to the 11th–12th century AD
Authors: Mays S. , Vincent S. , Meadows J. 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTThis short report describes a human skeleton from an archaeological site in England showing signs of treponemal disease. A radiocarbon determination indicates that it is firmly pre‐Columbian in date. The implications for recent debates concerning the origin of treponemal disease in Europe are discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Large‐scale immunohistochemical examination for lymphoreticular prion protein in tonsil specimens collected in Britain
Authors: de Marco Mar Fernandez , Linehan Jacqueline , Gill O Noel , Clewley Jonathan P , Brandner Sebastian 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThere have been 173 cases of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) in the UK, as of 5 July 2010, as a result of the bovine spongiform encephalopathy epidemic. The number of individuals subclinically infected with vCJD, and thus the eventual number of cases, remains, however, uncertain. In an attempt to address this problem, 63 007 tonsil tissue specimens were previously tested by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for the presence of disease‐related prion protein (PrPres) and found to be negative. To confirm the reliability of this result, all those in the birth cohort most at risk (1961–1985) and a few others, including controls, have now been tested by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Histological slides were prepared from 10 075 anonymized formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissues and examined for PrPres with two anti‐prion protein antibodies, ICMS35 and KG9. One specimen showed a single strongly positive follicle with both antibodies, on two slides from adjacent sections. As this specimen was negative when it was further investigated by EIA, IHC, and immunoblotting, it is unclear whether the patient from whom the tonsil came will go on to develop vCJD. If, however, this is the case, then a finding of 1 out of 9160 gives a prevalence of disease‐related prion protein in the British population of 109 per million, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 3–608 per million, which is not statistically different (exact p = 0.63) from population prevalence estimates based on finding three positives out of 10 278 in a previous IHC study of appendix tissue. If this is not the case, a finding of 0 out of 9160 gives a prevalence of 0–403 per million (95% CI) for the 1961‐1985 cohort, which is also not different (exact p = 0.25) from previous population prevalence estimates. Therefore, the results of this work could be summarized as finding, by IHC, no or one vCJD‐positive individual. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical complications in severe pediatric sickle cell disease and the impact of hydroxyurea
Authors: Tripathi Avnish , Jerrell Jeanette M. , Stallworth James R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBackgroundMore evidence of the safety and effectiveness of hydroxyurea (HU) in community‐based cohorts of pediatric patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are needed. The association of HU with organ‐specific clinical complications and adverse events is examined herein.MethodsMedicaid medical and pharmacy claims for the calendar years January 1996 through December 2006 were used to identify a cohort of children and adolescent patients (ages 17 and under) with a diagnosis of SCD (homozygous) who were treated with HU and developed disparate complications or adverse side effects. Of the 2,194 pediatric SCD patients identified, 175 (8%) were treated with HU. Incidence density matching (1 case: 2 controls) was used to select the control group on age, gender, ethnicity, time in the Medicaid data set, and baseline severity resulting in a total study cohort of 523 cases.ResultsOrgan‐specific complications were more likely in the HU‐treated group compared to non‐HU‐treated group: cardiovascular complications (odds ratio [OR] = 3.15; confidence interval [CI] = 1.97–5.03); hepatic complications (OR 5.41; CI = 3.54–8.27); renal complications (OR 5.09; CI 3.37–7.67); and pulmonary complications (OR 4.07; CI 1.88–8.79). Many of these conditions began developing before HU was prescribed. Developing three or more complications was also more likely in the HU group (27.4% vs. 7.0%, P < 0.0001).ConclusionsExtending previous findings to routine practice settings, HU is being administered to the most severely ill children with SCD, many of whom had already started to develop organ‐specific complications, but it is not associated with development of serious adverse events. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:90–94. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of hospitalizations for intentional self‐harm when E‐codes are incompletely recorded
Authors: Patrick Amanda R. , Miller Matthew , Barber Catherine W. , Wang Philip S. , Canning Claire F. , Schneeweiss Sebastian 
Published: October 2010

AbstractContextSuicidal behavior has gained attention as an adverse outcome of prescription drug use. Hospitalizations for intentional self‐harm, including suicide, can be identified in administrative claims databases using external cause of injury codes (E‐codes). However, rates of E‐code completeness in US government and commercial claims databases are low due to issues with hospital billing software.ObjectiveTo develop an algorithm to identify intentional self‐harm hospitalizations using recorded injury and psychiatric diagnosis codes in the absence of E‐code reporting.MethodsWe sampled hospitalizations with an injury diagnosis (ICD‐9 800–995) from two databases with high rates of E‐coding completeness: 1999–2001 British Columbia, Canada data and the 2004 US Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Our gold standard for intentional self‐harm was a diagnosis of E950‐E958. We constructed algorithms to identify these hospitalizations using information on type of injury and presence of specific psychiatric diagnoses.ResultsThe algorithm that identified intentional self‐harm hospitalizations with high sensitivity and specificity was a diagnosis of poisoning, toxic effects, open wound to elbow, wrist, or forearm, or asphyxiation; plus a diagnosis of depression, mania, personality disorder, psychotic disorder, or adjustment reaction. This had a sensitivity of 63%, specificity of 99% and positive predictive value (PPV) of 86% in the Canadian database. Values in the US data were 74, 98, and 73%. PPV was highest (80%) in patients under 25 and lowest those over 65 (44%).ConclusionsThe proposed algorithm may be useful for researchers attempting to study intentional self‐harm in claims databases with incomplete E‐code reporting, especially among younger populations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of the use of phytosterol/‐stanol‐enriched margarines on adherence to statin therapy
Authors: Eussen Simone R. B. M. , de Jong Nynke , Rompelberg Cathy J. M. , Garssen Johan , Verschuren W. M. Monique , Klungel Olaf H. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPurposeThe use of margarines enriched with phytosterols or phytostanols is recommended as an appropriate adjunctive therapy for patients with certain lipid profiles, but may result in a behavioral modification leading to a change in person's adherence to lipid‐lowering drug treatment. This study aimed to examine the influence of the use of margarines enriched with phytosterols/‐stanols on adherence to statin therapy.MethodsRetrospective data from food frequency questionnaires were used to assess phytosterol/‐stanol‐enriched margarine intake from a population based, longitudinal cohort between 1998 and 2007. Intake data were linked to pharmacy‐dispensing records. Multivariate Cox proportional‐hazards models were used to calculate hazard ratios for discontinuation of statin therapy. Drug‐taking compliance was compared between users and non‐users of enriched margarine using the Mann–Whitney U‐test. Pre‐defined subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate differences in adherence between prevalent statin users and starters of statins.ResultsAmong 4848 subjects, 522 used statins only and 60 combined these drugs with phytosterol/‐stanol‐enriched margarine. Overall statin discontinuation rates were not significantly different between the users and non‐users of enriched margarine, but more combination users discontinued statin therapy within 12 months in the subgroup of starters (HRadj: 2.52 [95%CI: 1.06–6.00]). Drug‐taking compliance was high in both users and non‐users of enriched margarine and was slightly lower in combination users (P < 0.10).ConclusionsThese results imply that persons who combine enriched margarines with statins may neglect taking their drug according to the prescription. Further investigations in larger populations are important, especially among patients susceptible to a low adherence to drug therapy. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing multifunctional chemical sensors using Ni and Cu doped carbon nanotubes
Authors: Mowbray D. J. , Garca‐Lastra J. M. , Thygesen K. S. , Rubio A. , Jacobsen K. W. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractWe demonstrate a “bottom up” approach to the computational design of a multifunctional chemical sensor. General techniques are employed for describing the adsorption coverage and resistance properties of the sensor based on density functional theory and non‐equilibrium Green's function methodologies, respectively. Specifically, we show how Ni and Cu doped metallic (6,6) single‐walled carbon nanotubes may work as effective multifunctional sensors for both CO and NH3.
Field effect transistors on graphitized polymer surfaces
Authors: Koval Y. , Lazareva I. , Müller P. , Müller K. , Henkel K. , Friedrich D. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractConducting properties of several polymers after low‐energy ion irradiation were investigated. The enhancement of conductance induced by the ions is discussed in terms of graphitization. Field effect transistors (FET) on the graphitized polymer surfaces were studied. We found that the field effect mobility depends on the conductivity of the graphitized surfaces according to the power relation σ ∼ µ0.82. Such behavior is typical for disordered organic semiconductors with a variable range hopping mechanism of conductance. In contrast, the graphitized surfaces with a semimetallic type of conductance demonstrate a high carrier mobility ∼1 cm2/Vs, which is almost independent on the conductance. These semimetallic materials consist of 2 and 3 nm graphene patches and are characterized by a significantly smaller disorder level. However, for a feasible FET application the carrier concentration in the graphitized surfaces must be reduced. Possibilities to improve the performance of the FETs are discussed.
Thermal expansion studies of indium–iron oxide
Authors: Qadri S. B. , Fahed C. , Kim H. , Piqué A. , Mahadik N. A. , Rao M. V. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractLinear thermal expansion coefficients for the cubic bixbyite phase of bulk In2−xFexO3 have been determined using high resolution X‐ray diffraction. The addition of Fe2O3 to In2O3 results in the formation of solid solutions in the body centered cubic phase with a decreasing lattice parameters as a function of increasing Fe content. The thermal expansion coefficients for solid solutions showed increased values in comparison to the values for pure In2O3 phase.
Influence of surface structure on the performance of black‐silicon solar cell
Authors: Lin Ching‐Hsi , Dimitrov Dimitre Z. , Du Chen‐Hsun , Lan Chung‐Wen 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe nanotextured silicon surface appears black due to almost complete light trapping in a broad spectral range, which will give rise to high‐energy conversion efficiency. However, the complexity of the nanotextured silicon surface enhances the surface recombination and thus usually diminishes the strengths of low light reflection. Nanoscale texturing surface structure is susceptible to changes and such a property allows better opportunities to modify the structure to maximize the advantages of low light reflection, while minimizing the disadvantages of surface recombination. Through the adjustment of nanotextured surface, the performance of a black solar cell can be improved. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of various nanoscale surface structures on the performance of solar cells (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Elastic moduli of hard c‐Zr3N4 from laser ultrasonic measurements
Authors: Zerr Andreas , Chigarev Nikolay , Brenner Renald , Dzivenko Dmytro A. , Gusev Vitalyi 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe bulk and shear moduli of dense polycrystalline oxygen‐bearing c‐Zr3N4 were determined to be B0 = 217(20) GPa and G0 = 163(9) GPa, respectively, using laser ultrasonic technique combined with a numerical analysis of the sample porosity. While the obtained B0 is in excellent agreement with the earlier high‐pressure compression measurements, the G0 value is 70% higher than the previous estimate. Since both G0 and hardness of the dense c‐Zr3N4 exceed those of γ‐Si3N4, c‐Zr3N4 vies for the rank of the third hardest material after diamond and cubic BN. Our results also support the suggestion that shear modulus is a robust predictor of hardness. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mechanical and lattice dynamical properties of the Re2C compound
Authors: Ozisik Haci , Deligoz Engin , Colakoglu Kemal , Surucu Gokhan 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIn this work, density functional theory calculations on the structural, mechanical, and lattice dynamical properties of Re2C within ReB2‐type structure are reported. The generalized gradient approximation has been used for modeling exchange–correlation effects. We have predicted the lattice constants, bulk modulus, bond distances, elastic constants, shear modulus, Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, hardness, Debye temperature, and sound velocities of this compound. Furthermore, the band structure, phonon dispersion curves and corresponding density of states are computed. The obtained results are in good agreement with the available experimental and other theoretical data. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Die Ausführung und CE‐Kennzeichnungvon Stahltragwerken nach DIN EN 1090
Authors: Ummenhofer Thomas , Volz Michael 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIn Kürze wird die europäische Norm DIN EN 1090‐1 “Ausführung von Stahltragwerken und Aluminiumtragwerken” in Verbindung mit DIN EN 1090‐2 in Deutschland und in Europa eingeführt. Die bisherigen nationalen Regelungen der DIN 18800‐7 werden nach einer Übergangsfrist zurückgezogen. Bauteile für Stahltragwerke werden dann CE‐kennzeichnungspflichtig. DIN EN 1090‐1 “Konformitätsnachweisverfahren für tragende Stahlbauteile” enthält die Regelungen, die ein Hersteller umsetzen muss, wenn er seine Bauteile mit dem CE‐Zeichen versehen will. Dazu gehören im Wesentlichen die Einrichtung einer werkseigenen Produktionskontrolle sowie eine Zertifizierung durch eine notifizierte Stelle. Die technischen Anforderungen an Stahltragwerke sind in DIN EN 1090‐2 “Technische Regeln für die Ausführung von Stahltragwerken” geregelt. Stahlbauten werden in vier verschiedene Ausführungsklassen unterteilt, die von möglichen Schadensfolgen, von der Beanspruchung und von der Schwierigkeit der Fertigung abhängen. Von der Zuordnung in diese Ausführungsklassen hängen die Anforderungen an Betriebe bezüglich Personal, Einrichtungen und Abläufen ab.he execution and CE marking of steel structures according to DIN EN 1090. The European standard for the execution of steel structures DIN EN 1090‐1 in connection with DIN EN 1090‐2 will soon be introduced in Germany and Europe. The national regulations of DIN 18800‐7 will be withdrawn after a co‐existing period. Components for steel structures are then subject to mandatory CE marking. DIN EN 1090‐1 provides the regulations, which a producer has to implement, if he wants to label his components with the CE marking. This includes an establishment of a factory production control and a certification by a notified body. The technical requirements for the execution of steel structures can be found in DIN EN 1090‐2. Steel structures are divided into four different execution classes which depend on possible consequences, type of load and the difficulty of the production. The requirements concerning factories regarding personal, facility and procedure depend on the execution class.