bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of porosity on drug release kinetics from vancomycin microsphere/calcium phosphate cement composites
Authors: Schnieders Julia , Gbureck Uwe , Vorndran Elke , Schossig Michael , Kissel Thomas 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe influence of porosity on release profiles of antibiotics from calcium phosphate composites was investigated to optimize the duration of treatment. We hypothesized, that by the encapsulation of vancomycin‐HCl into biodegradable microspheres prior admixing to calcium phosphate bone cement, the influence of porosity of the cement matrix on vancomycin release could be reduced. Encapsulation of vancomycin into a biodegradable poly(lactic co‐glycolic acid) copolymer (PLGA) was performed by spray drying; drug‐loaded microparticles were added to calcium phosphate cement (CPC) at different powder to liquid ratios (P/L), resulting in different porosities of the cement composites. The effect of differences in P/L ratio on drug release kinetics was compared for both the direct addition of vancomycin‐HCl to the cement liquid and for cement composites modified with vancomycin‐HCl‐loaded microspheres. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to visualize surface and cross section morphology of the different composites. Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller‐plots (BET) was used to determine the specific surface area and pore size distribution of these matrices. It could be clearly shown, that variations in P/L ratio influenced both the porosity of cement and vancomycin release profiles. Antibiotic activity during release study was successfully measured using an agar diffusion assay. However, vancomycin‐HCl encapsulation into PLGA polymer microspheres decreased porosity influence of cement on drug release while maintaining antibiotic activity of the embedded substance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2011.
Isorhamnetin inhibits H2O2‐induced activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in H9c2 cardiomyocytes through scavenging reactive oxygen species and ERK inactivation
Authors: Sun Bing , Sun Gui‐Bo , Xiao Jing , Chen Rong‐Chang , Wang Xin , Wu Ying , Cao Li , Yang Zhi‐Hong , Sun Xiao‐Bo 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAs a traditional Chinese medicine, the sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has a long history in the treatment of ischemic heart disease and circulatory disorders. However, the active compounds responsible for and the underlying mechanisms of these effects are not fully understood. In this article, isorhamnetin pretreatment counteracted H2O2‐induced apoptotic damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Isorhamnetin did not inhibit the death receptor‐dependent or extrinsic apoptotic pathways, as characterized by its absence in both caspase‐8 inactivation and tBid downregulation along with unchanged Fas and TNFR1 mRNA levels. Instead, isorhamnetin specifically suppressed the mitochondria‐dependent or intrinsic apoptotic pathways, as characterized by inactivation of caspase‐9 and ‐3, maintenance of the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and regulation of a series of Bcl‐2 family genes upstream of ΔΨm. The anti‐apoptotic effects of isorhamnetin were linked to decreased ROS generation. H2O2 activated ERK and p53, whereas isorhamnetin inhibited their activation. ERK overexpression overrode the isorhamnetin‐induced inhibition of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, which indicated that an ERK‐dependent pathway was involved. Furthermore, N‐acetyl cysteine (a potent ROS scavenger) could attenuate the H2O2‐induced apoptosis. However, PD98059 (an ERK‐specific inhibitor) could not effectively antagonize ROS generation, which indicates that ROS may be an upstream inducer of ERK. In conclusion, isorhamnetin inhibits the H2O2‐induced activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway via ROS scavenging and ERK inactivation. Therefore, isorhamnetin is a promising reagent for the treatment of ROS‐induced cardiomyopathy. J. Cell. Biochem. 113: 473–485, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Broadband compact planar monopole
Authors: Monti Giuseppina , Corchia Laura , Tarricone Luciano , Idda Tonio , Coccetti Fabio , Plana Robert 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA planar antenna with compact dimensions and broadband performance is presented here. It consists of a proximity fed monopole with a coplanar ground plane. By using a low‐cost FR4 substrate with a thickness of 1.6 mm, a realization for 2.4‐GHz WLAN systems is proposed and investigated both numerically and experimentally. Results demonstrate that a bandwidth up to 76% and a very compact area (46.5 × 75 mm2) can be obtained. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2838–2842, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26378
A CPW‐fed antenna with the circular shaped form with the slots for UWB application
Authors: Moosazadeh M. , Esmati Z. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA novel ultra wideband (UWB) antenna with coplanar waveguide (CPW) feed, consisting of a circular patch and a ground plane truncated with two mirror T–shaped notches is designed for UWB applications. The design has been used as a circular patch with circular slots which produces a semi fractal hexagonal shaped patch. Proposed antenna operates in the adopted bandwidth (3.1–10.6 GHz) with S11 < −10 dB, and covers it very well. Experimental and simulated antenna results show that the proposed antenna has a desirable S11 level and radiation pattern characteristics for the UWB frequency band range. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2945–2949, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26390
Compact, harmonic suppressed power divider using open complementary split‐ring resonator
Authors: Karthikeyan S. S. , Kshetrimayum R.S. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAn open complementary split‐ring resonator (OCSRR) based T‐junction power divider working at 900 MHz frequency is proposed in this paper. By embedding the OCSRR in the microstrip transmission line, slow wave effect is introduced to achieve size reduction. The proposed power divider size is 47% smaller than the conventional power divider. Besides, the proposed power divider provides better third harmonic suppression. The simulated results are verified with the experimental results. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2897–2899, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26393
Microstrip antenna array for multiband dedicated short range communication systems
Authors: Varum Tiago , Matos João , Pinho Pedro , Abreu Ricardo , Oliveira Arnaldo , Lopes Jorge 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) is the key enabling technology for the present and future vehicular communication for various applications, such as safety improvement and traffic jam mitigation.This paper describes the development of a microstrip antenna array for the roadside equipment of a DSRC system, whose characteristics are according with the vehicular communications standards. The proposed antenna, with circular polarization, has a wide bandwidth, enough to cover the current European DSRC 5.8 GHz band and the future 5.9 GHz band for next generation DSRC communications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 53:2794–2796, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26394
A Retrospective Multicenter Study of the Artelon® Carpometacarpal Joint Implant
Authors: Bell Robert , Desai Sanjay , House Hugh , O'Donovan Terrence , Palmer Andrew K. 
Published: September 2011

Background This study aims to evaluate patient outcomes associated with use of the Artelon® Spacer for the treatment of arthritis of the carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) of the thumb. Methods Patients with Eaton stage I, II, or III carpometacarpal (CMC) joint arthritis and disabling pain that had failed conservative treatment were evaluated at 12, 36, and 48 months postsurgery for changes in pinch, patient satisfaction, pain, range of motion, grip strength, grind test, operative time, and X-ray evidence of subsidence. Results Complete data was available for 46 subjects and 49 thumbs. A statistically significant improvement in pain when subjected to a first CMC joint grind test, CMCJ stability and patient perception of hand and wrist function following implant insertion was seen. Patient-oriented outcomes showed statistically significant improvement in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; pain; pinch and grip strength; and range of motion. X-ray analysis revealed that none of the distributions of measures of osteophytes, subluxation, and joint space narrowing showed statistically significant change. Bone erosion/remodeling changes of the first metacarpal were statistically significant. Conclusions At a follow-up period of 4 years, patients had measured improvement as well as positive self-reported functional improvements following Artelon® implant insertion for the treatment of arthritis of the thumb CMCJ.
The role of adolescents’ morality and identity in volunteering. Age and gender differences in a process model
Authors: van Goethem Anne A.J. , van Hoof Anne , van Aken Marcel A.G. , Raaijmakers Quinten A.W. , Boom Jan , de Castro Bram Orobio 
Published: September 2011

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to explain adolescents’ volunteering in terms of their morality and identity and to examine the moderation effect of gender and age in this process. Data were collected among 698 Dutch adolescents aged 12 to 20 (M = 15.19;SD = 1.43). Adolescents’ moral reasoning was positively associated with understanding moral issues and thinking about public responsibility towards these issues. In turn, moral understanding, along with being personally committed to act upon moral issues, were positively associated with identity. Extending the number of identity contexts tended to be related to being more likely to volunteer and to more volunteering involvement. Adolescents’ identity integration was not related to how likely they were to volunteer, and was negatively related to their volunteering involvement. Clearer effects were found when differentiating between adolescent gender and age groups. Future research could examine this process over time, along with additional factors that may further explain adolescents’ volunteering, and examine their age and gender specific effects.
The rheology and microstructure of concentrated non-colloidal suspensions of deformable capsules
Authors: Clausen Jonathan R. , Reasor Daniel A. , Aidun Cyrus K. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA detailed study into the rheology and microstructure of dense suspensions of initially spherical capsules is presented, where capsules are composed of a fluid-filled interior surrounded by an elastic membrane. This study couples a lattice-Boltzmann fluid solver to a finite-element membrane model creating a robust and scalable method for the simulation of these suspensions. A Lees–Edwards boundary condition is used to simulate periodic simple shear to obtain bulk rheological properties, and three-dimensional results are presented for capsules in the regime of negligible inertia, Brownian motion and colloidal interparticle forces. The simulation results focus on describing the suspension rheology as a function of the particle concentration and deformability, and relating these macroscopic rheological findings to changes at the particle level, i.e. the suspension microstructure. Several important findings are made: suspensions of deformable capsules are found to be shear thinning, and the initially compressive normal stresses associated with rigid spherical suspensions undergo rapid changes with moderate levels of particle deformation. These normal stress changes are particularly evident in the first normal stress difference, which undergoes a sign change at fairly minor levels of deformation, and the particle pressure, which decreases rapidly with increasing particle deformability. Changes in the microstructure as quantified by the single-body microstructure and the pair distribution function are reported. Also, results calculating particle self-diffusion are presented and related to changes in the normal stresses.
Quasi-steady capillarity-driven flows in slender containers with interior edges
Authors: Weislogel Mark M. , Baker J. Alex , Jenson Ryan M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn the absence of significant body forces the passive manipulation of fluid interfacial flows is naturally achieved by control of the specific geometry and wetting properties of the system. Numerous ‘microfluidic’ systems on Earth and ‘macrofluidic’ systems aboard spacecraft routinely exploit such methods and the term ‘capillary fluidics’ is used to describe both length-scale limits. In this work a collection of analytic solutions is offered for passive and weakly forced flows where a bulk capillary liquid is slowly drained or supplied by a faster capillary flow along at least one interior edge of the container. The solutions are enabled by an assumed known pressure (or known height) dynamical boundary condition. Following a series of assumptions this boundary condition can be in part determined a priori from the container dimensions and further quantitative experimental evidence, but not proof, is provided in support of its expanded use herein. In general, a small parameter arises in the scaling of the problems permitting a decoupling of the edge flow from the global bulk meniscus flow. The quasi-steady asymptotic system of equations that results may then be easily solved in closed form for a useful variety of geometries including uniform and tapered sections possessing at least one critically wetted interior edge. Draining, filling, bubble displacement and other imbibing flows are studied. Cursory terrestrial and drop tower experiments agree well with the solutions. The solutions are valued for the facility they provide in computing designs for selected capillary fluidics problems by way of passive transport rates and meniscus displacement. Because geometric permutations of any given design are myriad, such analytic tools are capable of efficiently identifying and comparing critical design criteria (i.e. shape and size) and the impact of various wetting conditions resulting from the fluid properties and surface conditions. Sample optimizations are performed to demonstrate the utility of the method.
Association between covariates and disease occurrence in the presence of diagnostic error
Authors: LEWIS F. , SANCHEZ-VAZQUEZ M. J. , TORGERSON P. R. 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYIdentification of covariates associated with disease is a key part of epidemiological research. Yet, while adjustment for imperfect diagnostic accuracy is well established when estimating disease prevalence, similar adjustment when estimating covariate effects is far less common, although of important practical relevance due to the sensitivity of such analyses to misclassification error. Case-study data exploring evidence for seasonal differences in Salmonella prevalence using serological testing is presented, in addition simulated data with known properties are analysed. It is demonstrated that: (i) adjusting for misclassification error in models comprising continuous covariates can have a very substantial impact on the resulting conclusions which can then be drawn from any analyses; and (ii) incorporating prior knowledge through Bayesian estimation can provide potentially more informative assessments of covariates while removing the assumption of perfect diagnostic accuracy. The method presented is widely applicable and easily generalized to many types of epidemiological studies.
Chemical limnology in coastal East Antarctic lakes: monitoring future climate change in centres of endemism and biodiversity
Authors: Verleyen Elie , Hodgson Dominic A. , Gibson John , Imura Satoshi , Kaup Enn , Kudoh Sakae , De Wever Aaike , Hoshino Tamotsu , McMinn Andrew , Obbels Dagmar , Roberts Donna , Roberts Steve , Sabbe Koen , Souffreau Caroline , Tavernier Ines , van Nieuwenhuyze Wim , van Ranst Eric , Vindevogel Nicole , Vyverman Wim 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPolar lakes respond quickly to climate-induced environmental changes. We studied the chemical limnological variability in 127 lakes and ponds from eight ice-free regions along the East Antarctic coastline, and compared repeat specific conductance measurements from lakes in the Larsemann Hills and Skarvsnes covering the periods 1987–2009 and 1997–2008, respectively. Specific conductance, the concentration of the major ions, pH and the concentration of the major nutrients underlie the variation in limnology between and within the regions. This limnological variability is probably related to differences in the time of deglaciation, lake origin and evolution, geology and geomorphology of the lake basins and their catchment areas, sub-regional climate patterns, the distance of the lakes and the lake districts to the ice sheet and the Southern Ocean, and the presence of particular biota in the lakes and their catchment areas. In regions where repeat surveys were available, inter-annual and inter-decadal variability in specific conductance was relatively large and most pronounced in the non-dilute lakes with a low lake depth to surface area ratio. We conclude that long-term specific conductance measurements in these lakes are complementary to snow accumulation data from ice cores, inexpensive, easy to obtain, and should thus be part of long-term limnological and biological monitoring programmes.
PXRF, μ-XRF, Vacuum μ-XRF, and EPMA Analysis of Email Champlevé Objects Present in Belgian Museums
Authors: Van der Linden Veerle , Meesdom Eva , Devos Annemie , Van Dooren Rita , Nieuwdorp Hans , Janssen Elsje , Balace Sophie , Vekemans Bart , Vincze Laszlo , Janssens Koen 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe enamel of 20 Email Champlevé objects dating between the 12th and 19th centuries was investigated by means of microscopic and portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (μ-XRF and PXRF). Seven of these objects were microsampled and the fragments were analyzed with electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and vacuum μ-XRF to obtain quantitative data about the composition of the glass used to produce these enameled objects. As a result of the evolution of the raw materials employed to produce the base glass, three different compositional groups could be discriminated. The first group consisted of soda-lime-silica glass with a sodium source of mineral origin (with low K content) that was opacified by addition of calcium antimonate crystals. This type of glass was only used in objects made in the 12th century. Email Champlevé objects from the beginning of the 13th century onward were enameled with soda-lime-silica glass with a sodium source of vegetal origin. This type of glass, which has a higher potassium content, was opacified with SnO2 crystals. The glass used for 19th century Email Champlevé artifacts was produced with synthetic and purified components resulting in a different chemical composition compared to the other groups. Although the four analytical techniques employed in this study have their own specific characteristics, they were all found to be suitable for classifying the objects into the different chronological categories.
Probing the connectivity of neural circuits at single-neuron resolution using high-throughput DNA sequencing
Authors: Zador Anthony , Oyibo Hassana , Cao Gang , Zhan Huiqing , Koulakov Alex , Enquist Lynn , Dubnau Joshua 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThere is growing excitement in determining the complete connectivity diagram of the brain—the "connectome". So far, the complete connectome has been established for only one organism, C. elegans, with 302 neurons connected by about 7000 synapses—and even this was a heroic task, requiring over 50 person-years of labor. Like all current approaches, this reconstruction was based on microscopy. Unfortunately, microscopy is poorly suited to the study of neural connectivity because brains are macroscopic structures, whereas synapses are microscopic. Nevertheless, there are several large-scale projects underway to scale up high-throughput microscopic approaches to the connectome.Here we present a completely novel method for determining the brain's wiring diagram based on high-throughput DNA sequencing technology, which has not previously been applied in the context of neural connectivity. The appeal of using sequencing is that it is getting faster and cheaper exponentially: it will soon be routine to sequence an entire human genome (~3B nucleotides) within one day for $1000.Our approach has three main components. First, we express a unique sequence of nucleotides—a DNA "barcode"—in individual neurons. A barcode consisting of a random string of even 30 nucleotides can uniquely label 10^{18} neurons, far more than the number of neurons in a mouse brain (fewer than 100 million). Second, we use a specially engineered transsynaptic virus to transport “host” barcodes from one neuron to synaptically coupled partners; after transsynaptic spread, each neuron contains copies of "invader" barcodes from other synaptically coupled neurons, as well its own "host" barcode. Third, we join pairs of host and invader barcodes into single pieces of DNA suitable for high-throughput sequencing.Modern sequencing technology could in principle yield the connectivity diagram of the entire mouse brain. Similar approaches can be applied to Drosophila and C. elegans.
Production of canine mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue and their application in dogs with chronic osteoarthritis of the humeroradial joints
Authors: Guercio Annalisa , Di Marco Patrizia , Casella Stefania , Cannella Vincenza , Russotto Laura , Purpari Giuseppa , Di Bella Santina , Piccione Giuseppe 
Published: September 2011

AbstractAutologous AD‐MSC [adipose‐derived MSC (mesenchymal stem cell)] therapy involves harvesting fat from the patient by isolating the stem and regenerative cells and administering the cells back to the patient. This study evaluated the production of canine AD‐MSCs and their possible application in cellular therapy for dogs. To assess whether cellular therapy can replace drug therapy, the clinical effect of a single intra‐articular injection of AD‐MSCs was evaluated on 4 dogs with lameness associated with OA (osteoarthritis) of the humeroradial joints. MSCs were readily isolated from adult dog adipose tissue, and their ability to form colony and differentiate into various phenotypes was confirmed. AD‐MSCs expressedOCT4,NANOGandSOX2at the mRNA level, pluripotency markers usually ascribed to embryonic stem cells. The results suggest the stemness of the cells isolated from canine fat, and good quality control made them available for both experimental and clinical use. Follow‐up studies to evaluate the effects of AD‐MSC therapy showed that OA of the elbow joints improved with time, indicating significant potential for clinical use in the treatment of lameness, particularly when administered before the injury becomes severe.