bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Physicoelectrochemical Properties of Carbon Nanotubes: Current State of the Art
Authors: Ji Xiaobo , Kadara Rashid O. , Krussma Jaanus , Chen Qiyuan , Banks Craig E. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractCarbon nanotubes receive considerable attention in the area of electrochemistry not only due to their reported structural, mechanical or electronic properties but because they represent the world's smallest electrodes allowing electrochemistry to be performed where other electrode materials cannot penetrate. In this review, we overview recent developments in this area summarizing the fundamental advances in understanding the various factors and parameters that can significantly affect the electrochemical reactivity of carbon nanotubes, which is essential for their continual use and successful implementation in a plethora of areas and applications.
Gelsolin is required for macrophage recruitment during remyelination of the peripheral nervous system
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Filipa , Dias Nuno G. , Moransard Martijn , Correia Ricardo , Pereira Jorge A. , Witke Walter , Suter Ueli , Relvas João B. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractReorganization of the actin cytoskeleton is necessary for Schwann cell proliferation, migration and for the morphological changes associated with sorting, ensheathing and myelination of axons. Such reorganization requires regulated severing and depolymerization of actin filaments. Gelsolin is an actin filament severing protein expressed in many cell types including Schwann cells. Using Gelsolin knockout mice, we investigated the role of this protein in the myelination and remyelination of the peripheral nervous system. Our results show that although gelsolin is not necessary for developmental myelination, it is required for timely remyelination of the sciatic nerve following crush injury. Gelsolin is necessary for macrophage motility in culture, and its absence is likely to impair the recruitment of macrophages to the injury site. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantifying aquifer water balance and salinity dynamics to minimise environmental impacts of a land‐based effluent treatment system in China
Authors: Khan S. , Ahmad A. , Zhaoqing L. , Rana T. , Mu J. , Blackwell J. , Jayawardane N. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper presents a groundwater modelling framework to assess the hydraulic loading and salinity impacts on the underlying groundwater system of a large‐scale land‐based effluent treatment system for treating urban sewage of Yanggao County in the north of Shanxi Province, China. This land‐based treatment system is called “Filtration and Irrigated cropping for Land Treatment and Effluent Reuse” abbreviated as FILTER. The FILTER operations include intensive irrigation of crops with urban effluent, filtration through the soil matrix, and pumping and reuse of improved quality drainage water. Three sizes of FILTER were simulated using groundwater modelling techniques to (i) upscale the operations and benefits of an experimental FILTER site to a larger FILTER system to handle the larger volume of effluent and to (ii) assess the potential effects on the regional groundwater. The boundary flux analysis carried out to quantify the net impact of FILTER on the surrounding areas indicated that a well‐designed and managed vertical drainage system can be used in a catchment‐scale FILTER system for productive and environmentally friendly management of domestic wastewater in peri‐urban areas. Results of this innovative and cost‐effective technology from the field trials in Australia and China are promising for wider applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Designing and evaluating control systems of the Dez main canal
Authors: Isapoor S. , Montazar A. , Van Overloop P. J. , Van De Giesen N. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIn the present study, a distant downstream proportional integral (PI) feedback control with decouplers and a local upstream PI feedback control were applied to the West main canal of the Dez irrigation system in Iran. The model of the proposed canal was formulated in the SOBEK simulation package. The control system was programmed in MATLAB. To evaluate the control system potential, simulations were done for two months of the real offtake schedule. The performance criteria of the maximum absolute error (MAE), the integral of absolute magnitude of error (IAE), and the steady state error (StE) were determined for each pool of the canal. The results indicated that the applied controllers have considerable potential to closely match the discharge at the downstream check structures with those ordered by water users while maintaining the water level throughout the length of the canal. The performance indicator values showed that the distant downstream feedback (FB) control as a centralized control with decouplers is a satisfactory controller for the Dez main canal. Hence, operational water management in the canal may be improved if a centralized controller is used rather than individual local controllers. It is strongly recommended to implement the distant downstream FB control with decouplers as a control system in the proposed canal. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How does heterogeneity shape the socioeconomic gradient in health satisfaction?
Authors: Jones Andrew M. , Schurer Stefanie 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIndividual heterogeneity plays a key role in explaining variation in self‐reported health and its socioeconomic gradient. It is hypothesised that the influence of this heterogeneity varies over levels of health and increases over the life cycle. These hypotheses are tested by applying a threshold‐specific alternative to the conditional fixed‐effects logit and longitudinal data from Germany. Our results suggest that income influences health at the lower end, but not at the higher end of the health distribution, once unobservable factors are controlled for. The underlying assumptions of the statistical model matter for this conclusion, in particular for the older age groups. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macrophage and osteoblast responses to biphasic calcium phosphate microparticles
Authors: Fellah Borhane Hakim , Delorme Bruno , Sohier Jérôme , Magne David , Hardouin Pierre , Layrolle Pierre 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThe aim of this work was to investigate in vitro the biological events leading to ectopic bone formation in contact with microporous biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramics. After implantation, microparticles may arise from their degradation and induce an inflammatory response involving macrophages. The secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines may affect the differentiation of osteoblasts. Mouse macrophage‐like (J774) and osteoblast‐like (MC3T3‐E1) cells were cultured in the presence of BCP microparticles of different sizes (<20, 40–80, or 80–200 μm). The smallest microparticles decreased the viability of both cell types as measured with LDH and methyl tetrazolium salt assays, and enhanced the secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and TNF‐α) by macrophages after 24 h, as revealed by ELISA. Osteoblastic cells were then cultured for 96 h in the presence of these pro‐inflammatory cytokines and their differentiation studied by RT‐PCR. MC3T3‐E1 cells cultured with TNF‐α showed a decrease in osterix, PTH receptor (PTHR1), and osteocalcin gene expression. On the contrary, IL‐6 enhanced the expression of osterix, Runx2, alkaline phosphatase, and osteocalcin compared with plastic. In conclusion, this study shows that the inflammatory response initiated by BCP microparticles may have both detrimental and beneficial effects on osteogenesis. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 2010
Strontium ranelate treatment enhances hydroxyapatite‐coated titanium screws fixation in osteoporotic rats
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Feng Ge , Gao Yuan , Luo En , Liu Xiaoguang , Hu Jing 
Published: December 2009

AbstractIncreased bone turnover with excessive bone resorption and decreased bone formation is known to impair implant fixation. Strontium ranelate is well known as an effective antiosteoporotic agent by its dual effect of antiresorbing and bone‐forming activity. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of systemic strontium ranelate (SR) treatment on fixation of hydroxyapatite (HA)‐coated titanium screws in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Twelve weeks after being OVX (n = 30) or sham (n = 10) operated, 40 female Sprague–Dawley rats received unilateral implants in the proximal tibiae. The OVX rats were randomly divided into the following groups: OVX, OVX + SRL (“L” refers to low SR dose of 500 mg/kg/day), OVX + SRH (“H” refers to high SR dose of 1000 mg/kg/day).Twelve weeks after treatment, bone blocks with implants were evaluated with micro‐CT and biomechanical push‐out tests. Compared to OVX animals, SR treatment increased the bone volume ratio by 51.5% and 1.1‐fold, the percentage osteointegration by 1.0‐fold and 1.9‐fold in micro‐CT evaluation, and the maximal force by 1.9‐fold and 3.3‐fold in biomechanical push‐out test, for the low and high dose of SR, respectively. Significant correlation between micro‐CT and biomechanical properties demonstrated that trabecular parameters played an important role in predicting the biomechanical properties of implant fixation. Our findings suggest that SR treatment can dose‐dependently improve HA‐coated screw fixation in OVX rats and facilitate the stability of the implant in the osteoporotic bone. © 2009 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:578–582, 2010
Steering nitrogen fertilisation by means of portable chlorophyll meter reduces nitrogen input and improves quality of fertigated cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L. var. cantalupensis Naud.)
Authors: Gianquinto Giorgio , Fecondini Marco , Mezzetti Mirco , Orsini Francesco 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Farming is considered one of the main causes of land degradation and underground water pollution. The increased availability of agricultural inputs has led to a dramatic rise in yields, which has resulted in soil fertility spoilage and overuse of fertilisers. Therefore horticultural practice improvement must consider appropriate nitrogen (N) management. This paper reports results on the application of an optical diagnostic system (N‐tester) to guide N fertilisation in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) over a 3 year trial. Results on fresh and postharvest quality are also presented.RESULTS: Fertilisation events mirrored increases in N‐tester values during the season, and a significant linear relationship (R2 = 0.628) was observed between N‐tester readings and leaf chlorophyll content. The N‐tester‐guided fertilisation treatments were characterised by yields comparable to the control, but with significantly lower applications of N (down to 17–66% of the N distributed in the control). Moreover, the N‐tester treatments yielded fruits with higher sugar content. This was also true after storage, when N‐tester fruits also showed reduced weight loss associated with lower transpiration and ethylene emission rates.CONCLUSION: Through the use of ‘spy plots’ kept at optimal nutritional status and the adoption of a threshold for N application throughout the growing cycle of muskmelon, the N supply was significantly reduced. Therefore a correct application of N‐tester allowed the plant N requirement to be reduced and the fruit sugar content and storability to be increased without adversely affecting the yield. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Discussion of laser‐assisted liposuction
Authors: Zelickson Brian D. , Dressel Thomas D. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThere has been a significant advancement in the use of lasers for body contouring over the past several years. This article will review the recent past and discuss the future of this trend.IntroductionThere is much confusion over the definition of procedures using lasers for lipolysis and liposuction. This review article discusses the definitions of suction‐assisted liposuction, laser lipolysis, and laser‐assisted liposuction in detail. The development of these procedures is then discussed and pertinent articles are reviewed.Materials and MethodsPubmed and FDA.gov web sites were searched for published articles and FDA approved devices employing lasers for targeting fat for body contouring. This information along with the authors' personal experience was used to review and discuss this topic.DiscussionThere is a specific difference between suction‐assisted liposuction, laser‐assisted liposuction, and laser lipolysis. This review article clarifies these definitions and highlights the recent articles employing lasers for minimally invasive fat reduction. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:709–713, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A comparison of three separate clinical studies evaluating the safety and efficacy of laser‐assisted lipolysis using 1,064, 1,320 nm, and a combined 1,064/1,320 nm multiplex device
Authors: Woodhall Katrina E. , Saluja Raminder , Khoury Jane , Goldman Mitchel P. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackgroundLaser‐assisted lipolysis has been suggested to augment traditional liposculpture by improving skin laxity and providing hemostasis. Previous studies have reported improved hemostasis and smoother post‐operative appearance with the 1,064 Nd:YAG laser‐assisted lipolysis system.MethodsThree separate pilot studies were performed. In the first study, both arms were treated with tumescent liposculpture. One arm was randomized to treatment with a subcutaneous 1,064 nm Nd:YAG laser. The second study treated multiple sites with half of the area randomized to receive the 1,064 nm versus the 1,320 nm system followed by aspiration at equal power. The third study treated patients using a combined 1,064/1,320 nm multiplex laser system at multiple sites. The endpoint of laser treatment was determined by an external skin surface temperature of 40°C. In all three studies, photographs were compared at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post‐operatively.ResultsIn the first study, no significant improvement over tumescent liposculpture alone was noted using the 10 W, 1,064 nm laser. The second study showed no difference using the 10 W, 1,320 nm versus the 10 W, 1,064 nm laser‐assisted lipolysis system. Finally, the multiplex 1,064/1,320 nm system appeared to show improvement in skin laxity and fat reduction. Complications included intra‐operative thermal burns in 2 of 20 patients using the multiplex system. No complications were noted using the 1,064 or 1,320 nm 10 W systems.ConclusionsLaser‐assisted lipolysis provides an innovative way to address the problem of skin laxity and fat reduction. Clinical results increased dramatically with the combined 1,064/1,320 nm multiplex system. However, caution should be used when exceeding external skin temperatures of 40°C to avoid unwanted thermal burns. Future studies comparing the end temperature and wavelengths independently may help to conclusively delineate the optimal system. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:774–778, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Three‐dimensional surface imaging for clinical trials: Improved precision and reproducibility in circumference measurements of thighs and abdomens
Authors: Weiss Elliot T. , Barzilai Ori , Brightman Lori , Chapas Anne , Hale Elizabeth , Karen Julie , Bernstein Leonard , Geronemus Roy G. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesNumerous body contouring and laser‐assisted liposuction devices have recently obtained or are seeking FDA clearance, and assessment of efficacy of these devices is largely based upon qualitative comparisons of before and after photographs and measurable changes in patient circumference. The current standard for measuring body circumference in clinical trials involves the use of a standard measuring tape. These manual measurements introduce human error and may incorrectly support or refute a device or procedure's efficacy. A promising alternative to manual measurements is three‐dimensional (3D) photography. This technology allows circumference measurements to be performed on 3D digital models. Our objective is to compare the precision and reproducibility of manual versus 3D photographic measurement of body circumference.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThirty subjects completed this IRB approved study. Each subject's thighs and abdomen were measured twice by each of two blinded investigators and twice by the 3D system.ResultsFor right and left thigh circumference, the variance of the replication errors [measurement 1−measurement 2] for the human investigators was 20.5% larger than the variance for the 3D photography system. For abdominal circumference, the variance for the human investigators was 231.3% larger than the variance for the 3D system.Conclusions3D photography is a valuable tool that enables investigators to reliably detect minute changes in body shape; consequently, 3D photography reduces the number of subjects needed to sufficiently power a clinical study. For studies involving abdominal circumference, utilizing 3D photography reduces the number of subjects needed by 1/2 to 2/3. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:767–773, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cryolipolysis™ for subcutaneous fat layer reduction
Authors: Avram Mathew M. , Harry Rosemary S. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveCryolipolysis is a unique non‐invasive method for the selective reduction of fat cells with controlled, localized cooling. It is important, therefore, to understand the potential efficacy and safety of this new procedure for fat layer reduction.Materials and MethodsA review of the literature associated with cryolipolysis was performed to evaluate the findings from pre‐clinical and clinical studies with respect to the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety.ResultsCryolipolysis has demonstrated efficacy in both human and animal studies. Histology findings also confirm the selective reduction of fat in both humans and animals, with evidence of a gradual thinning of the fat layer over a period of two to four months. Importantly, cryolipolysis has not produced any significant adverse side effects in studies to date and any noted effects have been minor and temporary.ConclusionAlthough the mechanism of action for cryolipolysis is not yet completely understood, the efficacy and safety of this non‐invasive procedure for fat layer reduction has been demonstrated in the studies available to data. Further studies willl assist in identifying the mechanism and elucidate the full potential of this technology to perform safe, non‐invasive fat reduction for areas of local fat accumulation. Lasers Surg. Med. 41:703–708, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alcohol, unemployment rates and advertising bans: international panel evidence, 1975–2000
Authors: Nelson Jon P. 
Published: December 2009

AbstractThis paper presents empirical evidence on the relationship between alcohol consumption and unemployment for an international panel of countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). I find a significant negative or pro‐cyclical relationship between unemployment and alcohol consumption, which agrees closely with prior estimates for the United States. This finding indicates that economic factors tend to dominate possible stress‐induced changes in alcohol use. Model specifications control for non‐stationary panel data and for a variety of other economic and cultural factors, including prices, income, wine sentiment, tourism, population ageing and restrictive policies pertaining to alcohol use and marketing. The effects of advertising bans are statistically insignificant or have contrary coefficient signs, while a composite index for other alcohol control policies is negative.Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of pimelic acid treatment on the crystallization, morphology, and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene/mica composites
Authors: Dou Qiang , Meng Ming‐Rui , Li Lin 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPimelic acid (PA) is used as a new surface modifier for mica (MC). The effects of PA treatment on the crystallization, morphology, and mechanical properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/MC composites have been investigated. FTIR analysis reveals that PA reacted with phlogopite MC, and pimelates are formed during the treatment. The results of wide angle X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized light microscopy prove that PA‐treated MC induces a large amount of β‐iPP and decreases the spherulite size of iPP. The results of SEM show that PA treatment improves the orientation and dispersion of MC plates in the matrix. The notched impact strength of the composites is improved dramatically by PA‐treated MC. The superior toughness is ascribed to the more ductile β spherulites, preferential orientation of MC plates, small spherulite size, and improved dispersion of MC plates in the matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 31:1572–1584, 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Muscle toxicity with statins
Authors: Hedenmalm Karin , Alvan Gunnar , Öhagen Patrik , Dahl Marja‐Liisa 
Published: December 2009

AbstractPurposeStatins rarely cause serious muscle toxicity and rhabdomyolysis. The aim of our investigation was to identify and quantify potential risk factors for statin‐induced rhabdomyolysis.MethodsAll cases of suspected adverse reactions to statins reported to the Swedish Adverse Drug Reactions Advisory Committee until 15 September 2006 containing the codes myalgia, myopathy, increased serum creatine kinase (CK), myoglobinuria or rhabdomyolysis were included in the study. Cases were classified into different CK categories, where cases with CK levels >10 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) laboratory range were compared with cases with normal CK levels (in some analyses cases with CK not measured were also included as controls). Fisher's test and multiple logistic regression were used to test the degree of association.ResultsA total of 338 cases with muscle toxicity were identified. CK had not been measured in 148 cases. Of the remaining 190 cases, 59 were classified as rhabdomyolysis, 62 had CK increases below the level of rhabdomyolysis, 69 had normal CK and 2 contained insufficient information to classify the degree of CK increase. A high statin dose and concomitant interacting drug treatment were over‐represented among cases with rhabdomyolysis compared with cases with normal CK. Renal disease and unusual strenuous muscular activity were also associated with an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis when the control group included cases with CK not measured.ConclusionResults from our study support previous studies indicating that the risk of rhabdomyolysis with statin treatment increases with increase in systemic exposure to the statin. Renal disease and unusual strenuous muscular activity may also contribute to an increased risk of rhabdomyolysis. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.