bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regenerative potential of TGFβ3 + Dex and notochordal cell conditioned media on degenerated human intervertebral disc cells
Authors: Abbott Rosalyn Delia , Purmessur Devina , Monsey Robert Daniel , Iatridis James Christopher 
Published: January 2012

AbstractInjection of soluble cell signaling factors into degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs) offers a minimally invasive treatment that could limit the processes of degeneration by stimulating native matrix repair. This study evaluated the regenerative capacity of degenerated nucleus pulposus (NP) cells obtained from patients undergoing anterior interbody fusions by measuring metabolic activity, DNA content, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) content, and cellular phenotype using qRT‐PCR profiling with a custom array of 42 genes. NP cells were cultured in alginate for 7 days with 4 treatment groups: transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFβ3) + dexamethasone (Dex), soluble factors released from notochordal cells (NCs) cultured in alginate (NCA), soluble factors released from NCs in their native tissue environment (NCT), and basal media. TGFβ3 + Dex stimulated degenerated human NP cells to proliferate and exhibit an anti‐catabolic gene expression profile (with a decrease in ADAMTS5 and MMP1 compared to basal, and an increase in SOX9, decrease in ADAMTS5, MMP1, collagen I and collagen III compared to day 0), while NCA stimulated the greatest GAG per cell. We conclude that degenerated human NP cells exhibit regenerative potential, and that an optimal treatment will likely require treatments, such as TGFβ3 + Dex, which were able to increase cell metabolism and reduce catabolism, as well as treatments with factors found in NC conditioned medium, that were able to produce high amounts of GAG per cell. Additional studies to optimize NC culture conditions are required to determine if NC conditioned medium can be made with the capacity to enhance NP cell proliferation and metabolism. © 2011 Orthopaedic Research Society Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 30:482–488, 2012
Vascularized tendon incorporated in reverse homodigital and heterodigital island flaps for the reconstruction of dorsal digital defects
Authors: Rahmanian‐Schwarz Afshin , Schiefer Jennifer , Amr Amro , Schaller Hans‐Eberhard , Hirt Bernhard 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground: An adequate range of motion (ROM) of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint is indispensable for fine motor skills of the hand. Reconstruction of extended skin and tendon loss of the distal phalanx is often challenging for surgeons and may lead to functional impairment of the injured finger. This article presents an option for a one‐step functional and esthetical reconstruction of dorsal digital defects using combined island flaps. Methods: Vascularized tendons were harvested incorporated in reverse homodigital and heterodigital island flaps to treat skin and extensor tendon loss of patients over their DIP joints. In a 6‐month follow‐up, we evaluated the active ROM and fine motor skills of the involved fingers as well as the patients' satisfaction. Results: Six months postoperatively satisfactory functional and sensory results of the donor site finger have been reported. The mean ROM for the recipient finger was 0°/25° for the DIP joint. All flaps remained viable and full finger length was preserved. Patients stated adequate till high satisfaction with respect to operation time, pain, and finger appearance. Conclusion: The vascularized tendon incorporated in reverse island flaps provides a sufficient method to restore function of the DIP joint after complex injury and prevents finger deformity, arthrodesis, or amputation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery, 2012.
Novel topology of compact coplanar waveguide resonant cell low‐pass filter
Authors: Kurgan P. , Bekasiewicz A. , Pietras M. , Kitlinski M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this study, a novel pseudoelliptic function low‐pass filter (LPF) constituted by a compact coplanar waveguide resonant cell has been designed and manufactured. The lumped‐element seven‐pole prototype has been adequately realized by using complementary perturbations located both in signal line and ground plane metallization. The fabricated uniplanar LPF offers a compact size of 5.6 × 9.8 mm2, return loss better than −26 dB over the passband, stop‐band rejection better than 27 dB up to 8 GHz and a narrow transition band. The experimental results are in agreement with theoretical characteristics. The solution proposed is superior to the classic semilumped element counterpart in the level of length reduction (67% of abbreviation). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:732–735, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26594
Miniaturized coaxial cavity resonator based on anisotropic negative permeability metamaterial loading
Authors: Esfahani Nasrin Nasr , Rezaee Payman , Schünemann Klaus , Knöchel Reinhard 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this letter, a miniaturized coaxial cylindrical cavity resonator was presented, in which a combination of an ordinary dielectric material and a metamaterial layer has been inserted. First, the general dispersion relation was formulated for such a resonator in three different cases in which the metamaterial layer is: (i) an isotropic μ and ε negative (double negative or DNG) medium; (ii) an isotropic μ negative (MNG) medium; or (iii) an anisotropic MNG (AMNG) medium. Extracting the approximate dispersion relation in the subwavelength scenario, it is shown that this configuration may in principal exhibit an arbitrary low resonant frequency for a fixed dimension, not only in the case of isotropic DNG or isotropic MNG layers but also in the case of a much less complex AMNG layer, which is of importance from the practical realization point of view. In comparison with miniaturized rectangular cavities and also miniaturized one‐dimensional resonators, the aforementioned resonator provides the possibility of selecting a distinct mode and also provides a further degree of freedom in the approximate dispersion relation, which brings more flexibility in designing miniaturized resonators. As an example, design and simulation of a miniaturized coaxial cavity resonator together with the complete design of the AMNG layer are presented. The resultant cavity diameter is shortened by ∼ 60% in comparison with theoretical minimum dimensions of a cylindrical cavity resonator of the same height. Finally, the designed cavity has been fabricated and tested. The measured and simulated responses are in close agreement with each other. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:595–599, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26600
Internal coupled‐fed loop antenna integrated with notched ground plane for wireless wide area network operation in the mobile handset
Authors: Chu Fang‐Hsien , Wong Kin‐Lu 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAn internal wireless wide area network (824–960/1710–2170 MHz) antenna suitable to be disposed at a notched region (size 10 × 40 mm2) of the system ground plane of the handset to achieve compact integration therein is presented.The notched system ground plane, compared to the traditional rectangular system ground plane at which the internal antenna is generally disposed at the entire top or bottom edge of the ground plane, can lead to more compact layout design of the internal antenna and associated electronic elements in the handset. The proposed antenna has a simple structure occupying a small volume of 10 × 40 × 5 mm3 and comprising a monopole feed and a coupled strip. The latter is coupled‐fed by the monopole feed to provide a 0.25‐wavelength loop path, which generates a 0.25‐wavelength loop mode at about 850 MHz and a higher‐order loop mode at about 1.7 GHz. The monopole feed also contributes a 0.25‐wavelength mode at about 2.1 GHz to combine with the higher‐order loop mode to form the antenna's upper band. The bandwidth enhancement of the 0.25‐wavelength loop mode is obtained by adding an external bandstop circuit, which makes the desired antenna's lower band achieved. The antenna also meets the specific absorption rate and hearing‐aid compatibility requirements for practical applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:553–555, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26620
Very compact ultra‐wideband antenna with CPW‐FED monopole
Authors: Koohestani Mohsen , Naser‐Moghadasi Mohammad 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis article presents a very compact printed antenna for various ultra‐wideband (UWB) applications.The antenna structure comprises of a loop‐shaped radiating element with a trapezium shaped ground plane, and it uses a tapered coplanar waveguide feed line for excitation. The antenna exhibits a 10 dB impedance bandwidth from 3.34 to 16.3 GHz, which constitutes about 132%. The antenna radiates omnidirectionally in the H‐plane over the UWB band defined by Federal Communication Commission. The antenna dimensions are restricted to 10 mm × 18 mm × 1.6 mm. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:560–564, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26622
Analysis on dynamic characteristics of reflective semiconductor optical amplifier based on a memory polynomial model
Authors: Liu Zhansheng , Violas Manuel Alberto , Carvalho Nuno Borges 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis article presents the AM–AM and AM–PM characteristics of a bulk reflective semiconductor optical amplifier (RSOA) based on a memory polynomial model. The coefficients of the behavioral model are extracted and validated by experimental results. The nonlinearity and memory effects of RSOA are demonstrated by its dynamic AM‐AM and AM‐PM characteristics. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:805–808, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26636
Dual‐band slim inverted‐F antenna with enhanced operational bandwidth
Authors: Razali Ahmad R. , Bialkowski Marek E. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn this article, the design of a dual‐band slim inverted‐F antenna with an enhanced operational bandwidth is presented. Initially, a slim inverted‐F antenna for operation in 850 and 1900 MHz bands supported by a large ground plane of 120 × 40 mm is introduced. This antenna offers dual band operation but with narrow bandwidth around each desired frequency. To reduce its ground plane length to 90 mm as well as to improve its operational bandwidth, a ground slot and a strip are introduced. By the proper placing of the slot and the strip, the lower frequency bandwidth is improved, while the good performance at the upper band is maintained. The designed antenna is fabricated and experimentally tested showing operational bandwidths covering GSM850 and PCS1900, with reference to the 6 dB return loss (VSWR 3:1). Its radiation patterns are omnidirectional at the lower band and become directional at higher frequencies, with the gain varying between −1 and 3 dBi. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:684–689, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26643
Slow‐wave high‐Q coplanar striplines in CMOS technology and their RLCG model
Authors: Aziz M. Abdel , Podevin F. , Safwat A. M. E. , Vilcot A. , Ferrari P. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSlow‐wave coplanar striplines (S‐CPS) have been implemented in the standard AMS 0.35 μm CMOS technology. Compared to conventional coplanar striplines (CPS), at 20 GHz, the proposed S‐CPS line has more than 675% increase in quality factor, 54% improvement in the attenuation constant and 72% reduction in the electrical length. The RLCG model has also been extracted and the sources of losses have been identified. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:650–654, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26645
Bayesian algorithm using spatial priors for multiexponential T2 relaxometry from multiecho spin echo MRI
Authors: Kumar Dushyant , Nguyen Thanh D. , Gauthier Susan A. , Raj Ashish 
Published: January 2012

AbstractMultiexponential T2 relaxometry is a powerful research tool for detecting brain structural changes due to demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis. However, because of unusually high signal‐to‐noise ratio requirement compared with other MR modalities and ill‐posedness of the underlying inverse problem, the T2 distributions obtained with conventional approaches are frequently prone to noise effects. In this article, a novel multivoxel Bayesian algorithm using spatial prior information is proposed. This prior takes into account the expectation that volume fractions and T2 relaxation times of tissue compartments change smoothly within coherent brain regions. Three‐dimensional multiecho spin echo MRI data were collected from five healthy volunteers at 1.5 T and myelin water fraction maps were obtained using the conventional and proposed algorithms. Compared with the conventional method, the proposed method provides myelin water fraction maps with improved depiction of brain structures and significantly lower coefficients of variance in white matter. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quality aspects for component‐based systems: A metrics based approach
Authors: Kumar Vijai , Sharma Arun , Kumar Rajesh , Grover P.S. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYIn component‐based development, software systems are built by assembling components already developed and prepared for integration. To estimate the quality of components, complexity, reusability, dependability, and maintainability are the key aspects. The quality of an individual component influences the quality of the overall system. Therefore, there is a strong need to select the best quality component, both from functional and nonfunctional aspects. The present paper produces a critical analysis of metrics for various quality aspects for components and component‐based systems. These aspects include four main quality factors: complexity, dependency, reusability, and maintainability. A systematic study is applied to find as much literature as possible. A total of 49 papers were found suitable after a defined search criteria. The analysis provided in this paper has a different objective as we focused on efficiency and practical ability of the proposed approach in the selected papers. The various key attributes from these two are defined. Each paper is evaluated based on the various key parameters viz. metrics definition, implementation technique, validation, usability, data source, comparative analysis, practicability, and extendibility. The paper critically examines various quality aspects and their metrics for component‐based systems. In some papers, authors have also compared the results with other techniques. For characteristics like complexity and dependency, most of the proposed metrics are analytical. Soft computing and evolutionary approaches are either not being used or much less explored so far for these aspects, which may be the future concern for the researchers. In addition, hybrid approaches like neuro‐fuzzy, neuro‐genetic, etc., may also be examined for evaluation of these aspects. However, to conclude that one particular technique is better than others may not be appropriate. It may be true for one characteristic by considering different set of inputs and dataset but may not be true for the same with different inputs. The intension in the proposed work is to give a score for each metric proposed by the researchers based on the selected parameters, but certainly not to criticize any research contribution by authors. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of bias in crown–rump length measurement at first‐trimester screening for trisomy 21
Authors: Kagan K. O. , Hoopmann M. , Baker A. , Huebner M. , Abele H. , Wright D. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the repeatability of crown–rump length (CRL) measurement and examine the effect of its over‐ and underestimation on first‐trimester combined screening.MethodsIntra‐ and interoperator repeatability of CRL measurement at 11–13 weeks of gestation was assessed in 124 cases by two operators. Raw data were transformed into gestational age and intra‐ and interoperator repeatability was evaluated by within‐operator standard deviation (SD) and the SD of differences in measurements between both operators. Modeling techniques were used to assess the impact of CRL measurement error on general population screening and on the operator‐specific screening performance. The impact of errors in CRL measurement were investigated by simulating fetal nuchal translucency (NT) measurements and multiple of the median (MoM) values for pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) and free β‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) for 500 000 euploid and 500 000 trisomy 21 pregnancies at 12 weeks and 9 weeks of gestation, and adding to or subtracting from each CRL value up to 10 mm and recalculating patient‐specific risks.ResultsWithin‐operator SD of the CRL measurement was 1.27 days of gestation. The SD of the differences in CRL measurement between operators was 1.37 days of gestation. Both intra‐ and interoperator 95% limits of agreement were around ± 5 mm. In general population‐based screening, a CRL measurement error SD of 5 mm accounts for an estimated 5% of the SD of log MoM PAPP‐A and less than 1% of the SD of log MoM free β‐hCG. Modeling the effect of removing this measurement error on overall screening performance showed a minimal impact. For a risk cut‐off of 1 in 100, the benefit in terms of overall screening performance would be an increase in detection rate of about 1% and a reduction in false‐positive rate of less than 0.1%. With regard to the operator‐specific screening performance, a consistent 5‐mm underestimation of CRL reduces the detection rate from 84% to 79% and the false‐positive rate from 2.4% to 1.2%. With a consistent 5‐mm overestimation the rates would be 88% and 5.6%, respectively.ConclusionThe impact of the interoperator variability in CRL measurement on patient‐specific risk needs to be taken into account when interpreting first‐trimester screening results. A systematic under‐ or overestimation of CRL should be avoided. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional transvaginal sonography in third‐trimester evaluation of placenta previa
Authors: Simon E. G. , Fouche C. J. , Perrotin F. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTIn cases of placenta previa, the distance from the placental edge to the internal os is determinant in deciding on the mode of delivery that will minimize the risk of hemorrhage. The reproducibility and interobserver reliability of this measure are unknown. The internal os is not a point, as two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasonography might suggest, but an oval patch that has a measurable width, which may be as wide as the distance separating it from the placenta. It is therefore difficult to determine the exact location of the os using a 2D sectional plane. We report the case of a nulliparous woman admitted for vaginal bleeding at 37 weeks' gestation in whom transvaginal ultrasound examination showed placenta previa, but for which two sonographers reported different measurements for the distance between the placental edge and the internal os. We describe a technique to measure this distance using multiplanar three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound imaging, which allows the smallest distance between the middle of the os and the edge of the placenta, which appears as a line, to be determined. In this case, measurement using 3D ultrasound showed a shorter distance than was suggested by 2D examination. This led us to schedule a Cesarean section delivery, during which there was minimal bleeding. Standardization of 3D measurements should make it possible to define more relevant cut‐offs for determining the management of cases of placenta previa. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term Results with the Modified Sugiura Procedure for the Management of Variceal Bleeding: Standing the Test of Time in the Treatment of Bleeding Esophageal Varices
Authors: Voros D. , Polydorou A. , Polymeneas G. , Vassiliou I. , Melemeni A. , Chondrogiannis K. , Arapoglou V. , Fragulidis G. P. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe surgical approaches to the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices in cirrhotic patients have been reduced since the clinical development of endoscopic sclerotherapy, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and liver transplantation. However, when acute sclerotherapy fails, and in cases where no further treatment is accessible, emergency surgery may be life saving. In the present study we retrospectively analyzed the results of the modified Sugiura procedure, performed as emergency and semi‐elective treatment in the patient with bleeding esophageal varices.MethodsNinety patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension were managed in our department for variceal esophageal bleeding between January 1985 and December 1992. The modified Sugiura procedure was performed in 46 patients on an emergency (25 patients) or semi‐elective (21 patients) basis. Liver cirrhosis stage according to Child classification was A in 4 patients, B in 16 patients, and C in 26 patients.ResultsAcute bleeding was controlled in all patients. Postoperative mortality was 23.9% (11 of 46 patients). The mortality rate was 34.6% in Child class C patients (9 of 26 patients), and 12.5% in Child class B patients (2 of 16 patients). Twenty‐four patients had long‐term follow‐up extending from 14 months to 22 years (mean 83.1 months). Ten of 24 patients (41.6%) did not develop rebleeding for 5–22 years (mean 10.3 years). Overall 5‐year survival in these 24 patients was 62.5%.ConclusionsThe modified Sugiura procedure remains an effective rescue therapy for patients with bleeding esophageal varices when alternative treatments fail or are not indicated. Moreover, it can be a life‐saving procedure in patients with anatomy unsuitable for shunt surgery or for patients treated in nonspecialized centers where surgical expertise for a shunt operation is not available.
The Use of a Family History Risk Assessment Tool within a Community Health Care System: Views of Primary Care Providers
Authors: Christianson Carol A. , Powell Karen Potter , Hahn Susan Estabrooks , Blanton Susan H. , Bogacik Jessica , Henrich Vincent C. ,   The Genomedical Connection
Published: January 2012

AbstractPrimary care providers (PCPs) offered input regarding the incorporation of a family health history (FHH) risk assessment tool into a community health care system (CHCS). Sixteen PCPs participated in one of three focus groups. Perceived impediments included the lack of standard screening guidelines, effective screening tests, genetic counseling resources, and services for high‐risk patients. The PCPs were concerned about their level of expertise, the cost of preventive health care, and genetic discrimination. They also were concerned about the use of a FHH tool by oncologists within the CHCS because of communication gaps between oncologists and PCPs, lack of clarity regarding follow‐up and legal liability, and reimbursement issues. To integrate a FHH tool into a CHCS, PCPs will need consultation and referral services, evidence‐based recommendations, and “just‐in‐time” educational resources. Oncologists who use the tool will need to develop a streamlined communication system with PCPs, establish clearly defined roles, and ensure patient follow‐up.