bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel 3D collagen scaffolds fabricated by indirect printing technique for tissue engineering
Authors: Liu C. Z. , Xia Z. D. , Han Z. W. , Hulley P. A. , Triffitt J. T. , Czernuszka J. T. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThis article reports the mechanical properties and in vitro evaluation of a collagen scaffold fabricated using an indirect 3D printing technique. Collagen scaffolds, featuring predefined internal channels and capillary networks, were manufactured using phase change printing. It was observed that the collagen scaffolds featured internal channels and a hierarchical structure that varied over length scales of 10–400 μm. In vitro evaluation using hMSCs demonstrated that the resultant collagen based scaffolds have the ability to support hMSC cell attachment and proliferation; cells can migrate and survive deep within the structure of the scaffold. The cell numbers increased 2.4 times over 28 days in culture for the lysine treated scaffolds. The cells were spread along the collagen fibers to form a 3D structure and extracellular matrix was detected on the surface of the scaffolds after 4 weeks in culture. The crosslinking treatment enhanced the biostability and dynamic properties of the collagen scaffolds significantly. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Effects of compaction pressure and particle shape on the porosity and compression mechanical properties of sintered Ti6Al4V powder compacts for hard tissue implantation
Authors: Güden Mustafa , Çelik Emrah , Hızal Alpay , Altındiş Mustafa , Çetiner Sinan 
Published: December 2007

AbstractSintered Ti6Al4V powder compacts potentially to be used in implant applications were prepared using commercially available spherical and angular powders (100–200 μm) within the porosity range of 34–54%. Cylindrical green powder compacts were cold compacted at various pressures and then sintered at 1200°C for 2 h. The final percent porosity and mean pore sizes were determined as functions of the applied compaction pressure and powder type. The mechanical properties were investigated through compression testing. Results have shown that yield strength of the powder compacts of 40–42% porosity was comparable with that of human cortical bone. As compared with previously investigated Ti powder compacts, Ti6Al4V powder compacts showed higher strength at similar porosity range. Microscopic observations on the failed compact samples revealed that failure occurred primarily by the separation of interparticle bond regions in the planes 45° to the loading axis. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Evaluation of the biocompatibility and osteoproductive activity of ostrich eggshell powder in experimentally induced calvarial defects in rabbits
Authors: Durmuş Ercan , Çelik İlhami , Aydın M. Faruk , Yıldırım Gülsün , Sur Emrah 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the beneficial effects of particulate ostrich eggshell grafting on the healing of experimentally induced skull defects. The clinical, radiological, histological, and histomorphometrical findings of this material were compared with the results of commercially available demineralized bone matrix (DBM). The study was conducted on 18 adult New Zealand rabbits. One defect served as a control and the remaining ones either were filled with different sized eggshell particles or DBM, in each animal. Clinical and radiological inspections and histologic investigations of the animals were done at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months of postoperative period. Radiologically, minimal bone regeneration was observed at the empty, control defect sites. The most advanced bone regeneration was in the DBM grafted defects. The eggshell particle grafted defect sites displayed weak bone regeneration at earlier stages, at 1st and 3rd months after operation when compared with demineralized bone matrix. Nevertheless, ossification was satisfactory at 6th month after operation when compared with the control defects. Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that Ostrich eggshell powder (OSP) is a worth‐while bone substitute because it is a safe, cheap, and easily available material. Long‐term studies will clarify its possible role in maxillofacial surgery. Further sophisticated experiments should be undertaken before human implantation concerning its osteoproductive activity alone or in combination with other materials. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008
Decoupled syndecan 1 mRNA and protein expression is differentially regulated by angiotensin II in macrophages
Authors: Wang Wenli , Haller Carolyn A. , Wen Jing , Wang Peiyi , Chaikof Elliot L. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIt has been established that syndecan‐1 is an important modulator of events relevant to acute tissue repair and chronic injury responses. The current studies were designed to examine syndecan‐1 expression during atherosclerotic lesion formation and whether angiotensin II influences syndecan‐1 expression in macrophages. ApoE knockout mice maintained on an atherogenic diet were treated for 8 weeks with an infusion of angiotensin II to induce atherosclerosis. Immunohistochemistry was employed to characterize the expression of syndecan‐1 in atherosclerotic lesions. Quantitative real‐time PCR (QRTPCR) was used to define the role of angiotensin II and responsible signaling pathways involved syndecan‐1 expression in RAW264.7 murine macrophages. Protein expression and shedding were characterized by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and slot blot analysis. Syndecan‐1 was abundantly expressed in macrophages located within early atherosclerotic lesions. Accordingly, we hypothesized that angiotensin II regulates syndecan‐1 expression in macrophages. A time‐ and dose‐dependent study was performed in RAW264.7 macrophages. QRTPCR demonstrated maximum syndecan‐1 mRNA up‐regulation at 6 h after 500 nM AgII stimulation (threefold; P < 0.05). Through administration of specific inhibitors, we established that ERK/MAPK, PI3K and JNK signaling pathways mediated this effect. FACS and slot blot analyses demonstrated that cAMP induced posttranscriptional syndecan‐1 protein expression in a dose‐dependent manner with or without initial angiotensin II stimulation. In particular, angiotensin II induced an increase in cell surface syndecan‐1 (mean fluorescence intensity: 147 ± 5.7 vs. 176 ± 4.8; P < 0.05; n = 3) and accelerated syndecan‐1 shedding. Angiotensin II is a potent regulator of syndecan‐1 expression in atherosclerotic lesions via a specific effect on macrophages that is mediated by ERK/MAPK, PI3K, and JNK signaling pathways. J. Cell. Physiol. 214: 750–756, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Drug‐induced readthrough of premature stop codons leads to the stabilization of laminin α2 chain mRNA in CMD myotubes
Authors: Allamand Valérie , Bidou Laure , Arakawa Masayuki , Floquet Célia , Shiozuka Masataka , Paturneau‐Jouas Marion , Gartioux Corine , Butler‐Browne Gillian S. , Mouly Vincent , Rousset Jean‐Pierre , Matsuda Ryoichi , Ikeda Daishiro , Guicheney Pascale 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe most common form of congenital muscular dystrophy is caused by a deficiency in the α2 chain of laminin‐211, a protein of the extracellular matrix. A wide variety of mutations, including 20 to 30% of nonsense mutations, have been identified in the corresponding gene, LAMA2. A promising approach for the treatment of genetic disorders due to premature termination codons (PTCs) is the use of drugs to force stop codon readthrough.MethodsHere, we analyzed the effects of two compounds on a PTC in the LAMA2 gene that targets the mRNA to nonsense‐mediated RNA decay, in vitro using a dual reporter assay, as well as ex vivo in patient‐derived myotubes.ResultsWe first showed that both gentamicin and negamycin promote significant readthrough of this PTC. We then demonstrated that the mutant mRNAs were strongly stabilized in patient‐derived myotubes after administration of negamycin, but not gentamicin. Nevertheless, neither treatment allowed re‐expression of the laminin α2‐chain protein, pointing to problems that may have arisen at the translational or post‐translational levels.ConclusionsTaken together, our results emphasize that achievement of a clinical benefit upon treatment with novel readthrough‐inducing agents would require several favourable conditions including PTC nucleotide context, intrinsic and induced stability of mRNA and correct synthesis of a full‐length active protein. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient targeted transduction of primary human endothelial cells with dual‐targeted lentiviral vectors
Authors: Pariente Nonia , Mao Si‐Hua , Morizono Kouki , Chen Irvin S. Y. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractAngiogenesis is a rate‐limiting factor for numerous human diseases. Angiogenic vessels and also the endothelium of certain organs such as the lung display molecular addresses that can be exploited for the selective delivery of gene therapeutics. Lentiviral vectors (LVs) are powerful tools for stable gene delivery but their integration and expression in undesired cell types poses a serious safety concern. We have developed a dual‐targeted LV that can specifically target primary endothelial cells (ECs). Cell selectivity is achieved during entry, using a modified Sindbis virus envelope, and during transcription, with an EC‐specific promoter. We evaluated four surface markers for EC targeting and seven promoter sequences from genes preferentially expressed in ECs. The efficiency and specificity of the double targeted vector were assayed in a panel of human primary cultures and tumor cell lines. A vector targeted to CD146, an endothelial adhesion molecule, and carrying a derivative of the EC tyrosine kinase Tie2 promoter, increased specificity of transduction up to 50 times and was also effective at selectively transducing ECs in a mixed coculture with human fibroblasts. The vector presented here is a potentially powerful tool that could be used in a variety of human diseases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cleavage of the human thyrotropin receptor by ADAM10 is regulated by thyrotropin
Authors: Kaczur Viktoria , Puskas Laszlo. G. , Nagy Zsuzsanna U. , Miled Nabil , Rebai Ahmed , Juhasz Ferenc , Kupihar Zoltan , Zvara Agnes , Hackler Laszlo , Farid Nadir R. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) has a unique 50 residue (317–366) ectodomain insertion that sets it apart from other glycoprotein hormone receptors (GPHRs). Other ancient members of the leucine‐rich repeat G protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) (LGR) family do exhibit ectodomain insertions of variable lengths and sequences. The TSHR‐specific insert is digested, apparently spontaneously, to release the ectodomain (A‐subunit) leaving the balance of the ectodomain attached to the serpentine (B‐subunit). Despite concerted efforts for the last 12 years by many laboratories, the enzyme involved in TSHR cleavage has not been identified and a physiologic role for this process remains unclear. Several lines of evidence had suggested that the TSHR protease is likely a member of the a disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) family of metalloproteases. We show here that the expression of ADAM10 was specific to the thyroid by specially designed DNA microarrays. We also show that TSH increases TSHR cleavage in a dose‐dependent manner. To prove that ADAM10 is indeed the TSHR cleavage enzyme, we investigated the effect of TSH‐induced cleavage by a peptide based on a motif (TSHR residues 334–349), shared with known ADAM10 substrates. TSH increased dose dependently TSHR ectodomain cleavage in the presence of wild‐type peptide but not a scrambled control peptide. Interestingly, TSH increased the abundance of non‐cleaved single chain receptor, as well higher molecular forms of the A‐subunit, despite their enhancement of the appearance of the fully digested A‐subunit. This TSH‐related increase in TSHR digested forms was further increased by wild‐type peptide. We have identified for the first time ADAM10 as the TSHR cleavage enzyme and shown that TSH regulates its activation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Different factors promote axonal regeneration of adult rat retinal ganglion cells after lens injury and intravitreal peripheral nerve grafting
Authors: Lorber Barbara , Berry Martin , Logan Ann 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe have investigated the differential mediators of the neurotrophic effects of intravitreal peripheral nerve grafting and lens injury on adult rat retinal ganglion cells (RGC). Lens injury and intravitreal peripheral nerve grafting both stimulated RGC neurite growth in vitro and axon regeneration past the optic nerve lesion site in vivo concomitant with activation of retinal glia and invasion of macrophages into the eye. These observations, together with the results of coculture studies using a macrophage‐free intact peripheral nerve segment, a macrophage‐free intact lens, a macrophage‐rich peripheral nerve segment, or a macrophage‐rich injured lens in retinal cultures suggest that the stimulation of RGC axon regeneration by lens injury and intravitreal peripheral nerve grafting share a common macrophage‐derived component overlain by distinct lens‐derived and peripheral nerve‐derived neurotrophic factors, respectively. RGC axon regeneration following lens injury and intravitreal peripheral nerve grafting was similar in vivo, correlating with similar retinal glia activation whereas, in vitro, the level of RGC neurite outgrowth was significantly higher following intravitreal peripheral nerve grafting compared with lens injury, concomitant with the presence of increased numbers of activated retinal glia. This suggests that in vivo RGC axon regeneration induced by lens injury and peripheral nerve grafting may be limited, in part, by factors derived from activated retinal glia. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neuroprotective effects of prostaglandin A1in rat models of permanent focal cerebral ischemia are associated with nuclear factor‐κB inhibition and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ up‐regulation
Authors: Zhang Hui‐Ling , Gu Zhen‐Lun , Savitz Sean I. , Han Feng , Fukunaga Kohji , Qin Zheng‐Hong 
Published: December 2007

AbstractWe have previously reported that prostaglandin A1(PGA1) reduces infarct size in rodent models of focal ischemia. This study seeks to elucidate the possible molecular mechanisms underlying PGA1's neuroprotective effects against ischemic injury. Rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) by intraluminal suture blockade. PGA1was injected intracerebroventricularly (icv) immediately after ischemic onset. Western blot analysis was employed to determine alterations in IκBα, pIKKα, and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ). Immunohistochemistry was used to confirm the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 and the expression of PPAR‐γ. RT‐PCR was used to detect levels of c‐Myc mRNA. The contribution of PPAR‐γ to PGA1's neuroprotection was evaluated by pretreatment with the PPAR‐γ irreversible antagonist GW9662. A brief increase in pIKKα levels and rapid reduction in IκBα were observed after ischemia. PGA1blocked ischemia‐induced increases in pIKKα levels and reversed the decline in IκBα levels. Ischemia‐induced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 was attenuated by PGA1. PGA1also repressed the ischemia‐induced increase in expression of NF‐κB target gene c‐Myc mRNA. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increase in PPAR‐γ immunoreactivity in the nucleus of striatal cells at 3 hr after pMCAO. Western blot analysis revealed that the expression of PPAR‐γ protein significantly increased at 12 hr and peaked at 24 hr. PGA1enhanced the ischemia‐triggered induction of PPAR‐γ protein. Pretreatment with the irreversible PPAR‐γ antagonist GW9662 attenuated PGA1's neuroprotection against ischemia. These findings suggest that PGA1‐mediated neuroprotective effect against ischemia appears to be associated with blocking NF‐κB activation and likely with up‐regulating PPAR‐γ expression. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Real options and real strategies
Authors: Zarkos Stefanos , Morgan Robert E. , Kouropalatis Yiannis 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The formulation of strategic plans within the real options framework promotes flexibility and provides an answer to critics of conventional strategic planning who argue that the deterministic and inflexible nature of that process might leave managers ill‐prepared to cope with uncertainty.
Although the merits of adopting real options as a way of thinking on a theoretical level are well documented, little, if any, guidance is given on how the proposed theoretical framework can actually be put into action by management to produce more flexible strategic plans.
This paper attempts to incorporate the real options framework into existing strategic tools that are widely used by managers such as SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis.
Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facilitating change: the role of educators as change agents
Authors: Dexter Barbara , Prince Christopher 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Derby City Council and the Derbyshire Business School have worked closely together in the creation and evolution of a management and leadership development programme entitled the Leading Manager Programme. This followed the aim of the Council to improve middle manager leadership, to promote change across the Council and to gain ‘excellent’ status at its next audit. Recent research has shown that the Leading Managers are making an impact at organizational level, but that there are identified barriers that limit the level and extent of change within the organization. This paper explores the role of the educator as an agent of change in seeking to unlock the potential of the individual and so enhance and support organizational change.
Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Skills Evaluator: a multicriteria decision support system for the evaluation of qualifications and skills in Information and Communication Technologies
Authors: Anestis George , Grigoroudis Evangelos , Krassadaki Evangelia , Matsatsinis Nikolaos F. , Siskos Yannis 
Published: December 2007

AbstractEmployees need to acquire new qualifications throughout their lives in order to deal with the multiple changes in the labour market. This knowledge and competences (formally or non‐formally acquired) must be identified and evaluated. For that reason, an integrated approach to the evaluation of Information and Communication Technology knowledge and skills is proposed. The multicriteria method that has been developed refers to professionals who wish to be accredited in a particular specialization through the evaluation of their professional experience, studies and vocational training. The aim of this paper is to present the multicriteria decision support system, Skills Evaluator, which brings into effect the aforementioned method. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐criteria evaluation of climate policy interactions
Authors: Konidari Popi , Mavrakis Dimitrios 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe effectiveness of a national climate policy instrument is affected by the presence of policy interactions with other instruments that were not forecasted before its implementation. The problem can be confronted during the design of the instrument by determining forms, types and size of emerging interactions. This paper presents a systematic approach for evaluating the aggregate effect of interactions using a combination of three multi‐criteria methods, the analytical hierarchy process, the multi‐attribute utility theory and the Simple Multi‐Attribute Ranking Technique. The first is used for determining the weight coefficients for interaction forms and sub‐criteria. The other two are used for grading policy interactions under a set of three criteria and their sub‐criteria. The method is tested for two pairs of interactive instruments, IPPC and EU‐ETS, EU‐ETS and policies for the promotion of RES, within the Hellenic climate policy framework. Consistency and robustness tests are performed. Results are commented. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A multiple‐criteria decision‐making approach for the evaluation of retail location
Authors: Burnaz Sebnem , Topcu Y. Ilker 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThis study proposes an ANP‐based evaluation of retail locations. Authors acted as decision analysts and interacted with professionals in Turkish apparel retailing sector for acquiring their knowledge and expertise. As a result, evaluation criteria of the study were identified. These criteria are clustered into five groups: store, other retailers, shopping centre/business district, accessibility, and environmental. The relationship among criteria were assessed and a network was formed. ANP approach was then utilized in order to evaluate possible retail locations for the apparel stores. Besides global preferences of these alternatives, relative importance of the criteria was also revealed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Combining scenario planning and multi‐criteria decision analysis in practice
Authors: Montibeller Gilberto , Gummer Haidee , Tumidei Daniele 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe integrated use of scenario planning and multi‐criteria decision analysis (MCDA) has been advocated as a powerful combination for providing decision support in strategic decisions. Scenario planning helps decision makers in devising strategies and thinking about possible future scenarios; while MCDA can support an in‐depth performance evaluation of each strategy, as well as in the design of more robust and better options. One of the frameworks proposed recently, by Goodwin & Wright, suggests the use of scenario planning with multi‐attribute value theory, a mathematically simple, yet extensively researched and widely employed multi‐criteria method. However, so far, such framework has been presented only using hypothetical problems. In this paper, we describe two case studies where this approach was used to support real‐world strategic decisions. We discuss the challenges and limitations we encountered in applying it and suggest some possible improvements that could be made to such framework. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Planning a reader‐oriented strategy for a publishing company: a case study
Authors: Alexopoulos S. , Siskos Y. , Tsotsolas N. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractScientific research in the sector of press readability and specifically magazines is not particularly extensive. This paper suggests a framework for the development of strategic decisions based on reader satisfaction measurements. The methodology is illustrated through a real‐world application, i.e. customer‐oriented strategy planning for the leading monthly IT magazine in Greece. This study implements the MUSA (Multicriteria Satisfaction Analysis) method to evaluate reader satisfaction, in order to support the editor in making decisions while planning his editorial strategy. Reader satisfaction was analysed based on a tree containing seven main criteria and 32 sub‐criteria. Readers proved to be very satisfied and non‐demanding, which results in narrower margins for efficient improvement suggestions. However, the evaluation of the MUSA results led to putting forward suggestions that could support the editor in making amendment decisions. Some of these suggestions were successfully implemented within the scope of a new strategy. This revealed the need for two separate editions, an IT magazine for pupils and students as well as an IT magazine focused on women. The decision maker received suggestions on what these new publications' features should be, deriving from the study's quantitative results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.