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Biomaterials (v.26, #35)
Calendar (I).
Special Issue of Biomaterials Dedicated to Canadian Biomaterials Research by Hasan Uludag; J. Paul Santerre; Gaetan Laroche; Mark Filiaggi (7207-7208).
Biomaterials in Canada: The first four decades by John L. Brash (7209-7220).
Biomaterials research in Canada began in the 1960s. Over the past four decades significant contributions have been made across a broad spectrum covering dental, orthopaedic, cardiovascular, neuro, and ocular biomaterials. Canadians have also been active in the derivative area of tissue engineering. Biomaterials laboratories are now established in universities and research institutes from coast to coast, supported mainly by funding from the Federal and Provincial Governments. The Canadian Biomaterials Society was formed in 1971 and has played an important role in the development of the field. The Society played host to the 5th World Biomaterials Congress in Toronto in 1996. The work of Canadian researchers over the past four decades is summarized briefly. It is concluded that biomaterials and tissue engineering is a mature, strong area of research in Canada and appears set to continue as such into the future.
Keywords: Canada; Dental biomaterials; Orthopaedic biomaterials; Cardiovascular biomaterials; Neuro biomaterials; Ocular biomaterials; Research funding in Canada; Canadian Biomaterials Society;
Impact of heat on nanocrystalline silver dressings by P.L. Taylor; A.L. Ussher; R.E. Burrell (7221-7229).
Thermal stability of heat-treated nanocrystalline silver dressings was investigated using chemical techniques and biological assays. Dressings were heat-treated for 24 h at temperatures from 23 to 110 °C. Bactericidal efficacy of heat-treated dressings was measured using a log reduction assay, while antibacterial longevity was determined via plate-to-plate transfer corrected zone of inhibition assays. Over the temperature range tested, biological activity dropped from excellent to negligible. Biological longevity results showed that controlled release properties of the dressings were significantly reduced by heat treatments above 75 °C. These data illustrate nanocrystalline silver sensitivity to heat. Further, it was clear that dressing efficacy is determined by total available soluble silver, not total silver in the dressing. It was determined that the quantity of soluble silver decreased significantly with increased heat treatment temperatures. These results should be considered in developing new nanocrystalline drug delivery systems.
Keywords: Antibacterial; Antimicrobial; Bioactivity; In vitro test; Nanocrystalline; Silver;
Impact of heat on nanocrystalline silver dressings by P.L. Taylor; O. Omotoso; J.B. Wiskel; D. Mitlin; R.E. Burrell (7230-7240).
Keywords: SEM (scanning electron microscopy); XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy); XRD (X-ray diffraction); Crystal growth; Nanocrystalline; Silver;
Fabrication and characterization of DTBP-crosslinked chitosan scaffolds for skin tissue engineering by Iyabo Adekogbe; Amyl Ghanem (7241-7250).
Chitosan, the deacetylated derivative of chitin, is a promising scaffold material for skin tissue engineering applications. It is biocompatible and biodegradable, and the degradation products are resorbable. However, the rapid degradation of chitosan and its low mechanical strength are concerns that may limit its use. In this study, chitosan with 80%, 90% and 100% degree of deacetylation (DDA) was crosslinked with dimethyl 3-3, dithio bis' propionimidate (DTBP) and compared to uncrosslinked scaffolds. The scaffolds were characterized with respect to important tissue engineering properties.The tensile strength of scaffolds made from 100% DDA chitosan was significantly higher than for scaffolds made from 80% and 90% DDA chitosan. Crosslinking of scaffolds with DTBP increased the tensile strength. Crosslinking with DTBP had no significant effect on water vapour transmission rate (WVTR) or water absorption but had significant effect on the pore size and porosity of the samples. All samples showed a WVTR and pore size distribution suitable for skin tissue engineering; however, the water absorption and porosity were lower than the optimal values for skin tissue engineering. The biodegradation rate of scaffolds crosslinked with DTBP and glutaraldehyde (GTA) were reduced while no significant effect was observed in biodegradation of the samples made from 100% DDA chitosan whether crosslinked or uncrosslinked after 24 days of degradation.
Keywords: Chitin/chitosan; Scaffold; Wound dressing;
Polymeric micelles for the solubilization and delivery of cyclosporine A: pharmacokinetics and biodistribution by Hamidreza Montazeri Aliabadi; Dion R. Brocks; Afsaneh Lavasanifar (7251-7259).
The aim of this study was to assess the potential of polymeric micelles to modify the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of cyclosporine A (CsA). Drug-loaded methoxy poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly( ε -caprolactone) (PEO-b-PCL) micellar solutions in isotonic medium were prepared and administered intravenously to healthy Sprague-Dawley rats. Blood and tissues were harvested and assayed for CsA, and resultant pharmacokinetic parameters and tissue distribution of CsA in its polymeric micellar formulation were compared to its commercially available intravenous formulation (Sandimmune®). In the pharmacokinetic assessment, a 6.1 fold increase in the area under the blood concentration versus time curve (AUC) was observed for CsA when given as polymeric micellar formulation as compared to Sandimmune®. The volume of distribution and clearance of CsA as PEO-b-PCL formulation were observed to be 10.0 and 7.6 fold lower, respectively, compared to the commercial formulation. No significant differences in t 1/2 or MRT could be detected. In the biodistribution study, analysis of tissue samples indicated that the mean AUC of CsA in polymeric micelles was lower in liver, spleen and kidney (1.5, 2.1 and 1.4-fold, respectively). Similar to the pharmacokinetic study in these rats, the polymeric micellar formulation gave rise to 5.7 and 4.9-fold increase in the AUC of CsA in blood and plasma, respectively. Our results show that PEO-b-PCL micelles can effectively solubilize CsA, at the same time confining CsA to the blood circulation and restricting its access to tissues such as kidney, perhaps limiting the onset of toxicity.
Keywords: Cyclosporine A; Block copolymer micelles; Biodistribution; Drug delivery; Polyethylene oxide; Polycaprolactone;
Therapeutic potential of nanoparticulate systems for macrophage targeting by Fatiha Chellat; Yahye Merhi; Alain Moreau; L'Hocine Yahia (7260-7275).
The use of non-viral nanoparticulate systems for the delivery of therapeutic agents is receiving considerable attention for medical and pharmaceutical applications. This increasing interest results from the fact that these systems can be designed to meet specific physicochemical requirements, and they display low toxic and immunogenic effects. Among potential cellular targets by drug-loaded nanoparticles, macrophages are considered because they play a central role in inflammation and they act as reservoirs for microorganisms that are involved with deadly infectious diseases. The most common and potent drugs used in macrophage-mediated diseases treatment often induce unwanted side effects, when applied as a free form, due to the necessity of high doses to induce a satisfactory effect. This could result in their systemic spreading, a lack of bioavailability at the desired sites, and a short half-life. Therefore, the use of drug-loaded nanoparticles represents a good alternative to avoid, or at least decrease, side effects and increase efficacy. In this manuscript, we present an overview of the usefulness of nanoparticles for macrophage-mediated therapies in particular. We discuss, though not exhaustively, the potential of therapeutic agent-loaded nanoparticles for some macrophage-mediated diseases. We also underline the most important parameters that affect the interaction mechanisms of the macrophages and the physicochemical aspects of the particulate systems that may influence their performance in macrophage-targeted therapies.
Keywords: Review; Macrophage targeting; Nanoparticles; Inflammatory diseases;
Vancomycin release behaviour from amorphous calcium polyphosphate matrices intended for osteomyelitis treatment by A. Dion; M. Langman; G. Hall; M. Filiaggi (7276-7285).
Calcium polyphosphate (CPP) antibiotic delivery matrices were prepared using a unique processing technique involving the exposure of antibiotic-loaded CPP pastes to high humidity for 0, 5, or 24 h. After the designated gelling period, samples were dried for a minimum of 24 h. At several time points out to 130 h, the elution medium was monitored for vancomycin, Ca2+ ion and ortho and poly phosphate release levels. Vancomycin activity was also assessed after 1, 24 and 130 h, while solution 31P-NMR was used to monitor changes in chain length within a 24 hr gelled VCM disc throughout the elution process. The gelling and drying process significantly reduced the rate of vancomycin release during the initial 2–4 h of elution, while extending the effective antibiotic release period by an additional 80 h. The mild conditions associated with matrix fabrication readily allowed for vancomycin incorporation within an environment that did not disrupt antibiotic activity. Throughout the elution process, all sample groups experienced considerable swelling followed by some apparent bulk erosion. Phosphate chain lysis was clearly observed by the end of the elution period. Generally, no strong or consistent correlation existed between matrix degradation and antibiotic release for the treatment groups investigated. An ability to delay antibiotic release using CPPs in conjunction with this protocol supports further investigations into the potential of this matrix as a localized drug delivery system.
Keywords: Calcium phosphate; Drug delivery; Degradation; Bone repair;
EGF-grafted PDMS surfaces in artificial cornea applications by B.J. Klenkler; M. Griffith; C. Becerril; J.A. West-Mays; H. Sheardown (7286-7296).
Lack of epithelial cell coverage has remained a persistent problem in the design of an artificial cornea. In this work, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces were modified with epidermal growth factor (EGF) to improve the growth of corneal epithelial cells. The EGF was covalently tethered to PDMS substrates aminated by plasma polymerization of allylamine via a homobifunctional polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacer. Surface modification was confirmed by contact angle and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. By varying the ratio of EGF to PEG from 1:50 to 1:5, EGF amounts from 40 to 90 ng/cm2 could be bound, as determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and 125I radiolabelling. Human corneal epithelial cells on the various modified surfaces were cultured both in the presence and absence of EGF in the culture medium to determine the effect of covalently bound EGF on the cells. The results demonstrated that covalently bound EGF on the surfaces is active with respect to promoting epithelial cell coverage. This was significant when compared to unmodified controls.
Keywords: Artificial cornea; Epidermal growth factor; PDMS; PEO; Corneal epithelial cells;
In-situ preparation of poly(propylene fumarate)—hydroxyapatite composite by Dorna Hakimimehr; Dean-Mo Liu; Tom Troczynski (7297-7303).
In-situ precipitation of hydroxyapatite (HAp) in the presence of poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) is investigated. Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) precipitates in the presence of the polymer and remains in the amorphous form for a relatively long time, e.g. even after 24 h of coexistence with the mother solution. Our observations suggest that PPF interacts with the surface of the ACP particles and prevents them from transformation to crystalline hydroxyapatite. The PPF polymer seems to be more efficient in hindering the ACP to HAp transformation at higher pH conditions. From spectroscopic observations we hypothesize that the C=O bond of the PPF molecules interact with the calcium ion of the ACP particles. In case of low molecular weight PPF this interaction may lead to the incorporation of the polymer within the growing ACP particles.
Keywords: In-situ synthesis; Amorphous calcium phosphate; Poly(propylene fumarate); Composite;
Helical rosette nanotubes: A biomimetic coating for orthopedics? by Ai Lin Chun; Jesus G. Moralez; Thomas J. Webster; Hicham Fenniri (7304-7309).
Helical rosette nanotubes (HRN) are obtained through an entropically driven self-assembly process of low-molecular-weight synthetic modules under physiological conditions. Counter-intuitively, these materials undergo extensive self-assembly under the effect of temperature, resulting in networks of very long nanotubes. We have previously shown, using an in vitro model, that titanium (Ti) coated with HRN containing a lysine side chain (HRN-K1) displayed enhanced osteoblast (OB) adhesion when compared to uncoated Ti (p<0.01). Because it has been widely known that proteins play a critical role in OB adhesion on nanophase materials, here we examine OB adhesion on heated (+T) and unheated (−T) HRN-K1-coated Ti under serum (+S, presence of proteins) and serum-free (–S, absence of proteins) conditions. The results demonstrated that (a) while proteins enhanced OB adhesion on +T HRN-K1-coated Ti, they had no effect on –T HRN-K1-coated Ti, suggesting an active role played by the rosette nanotubes in promoting OB adhesion, and (b) under –S conditions, +T HRN-K1 induced the same level of OB adhesion as uncoated Ti under +S conditions, suggesting that +T HRN-K1 acts as a protein substitute. Finally, transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy studies of +T and –T HRN-K1-coated Ti revealed a significant change in surface coverage, density and hierarchical organization of the nanotubes upon heating, which was correlated with their ability to promote cell adhesion.
Keywords: Biomimetic material; Bone tissue engineering; Cell adhesion; Osteoblast; Protein; Self-assembly; Surface treatment;
Calcium phosphate cement composites in revision hip arthroplasty by Andrew D. Speirs; Thomas R. Oxland; Bassam A. Masri; Anoush Poursartip; Clive P. Duncan (7310-7318).
Loosening of the femoral component in a total hip arthroplasty with concomitant bone loss can pose a problem for revision surgery due to inadequate structure in the remaining femur. While impaction allografting has shown promise, it has also shown serious complications, especially with moderate to severe bone loss. It may be possible to stabilize the graft layer with a bioresorbable cement to improve clinical results. This study examines the mechanical properties of a potential morsellized bone-bioresorbable composite. Morsellized bone was mixed with a commercially available bioresorbable cement (α-BSM, Etex Corp.) in compositions of 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% bone. Unconfined compression and diametral tensile and confined compression tests were performed to determine the composite mechanical properties.The composition containing 50% bone tended to exhibit the highest uniaxial strengths, as well as the highest confined compression modulus. The uniaxial compressive strength and stiffness of this composition was in the range of cancellous bone. Uniaxial compressive modulus decreased with increasing bone fraction whereas elongation exhibited the opposite trend. Bone fraction had a significant effect on compressive strength (p<0.0001), compressive modulus (p<0.0001), elongation (p<0.01), tensile strength (p<0.0001) and confined compressive modulus (p=0.04).The addition of a bioresorbable cement to the allograft layer may improve the properties of the layer, preventing early subsidence seen in some clinical studies of impaction allografting, and therefore improving the clinical results. Further testing is required to evaluate the in vitro mechanical performance, as well as in vivo remodelling characteristics.
Keywords: Impaction allografting; Composite; Strength; Stiffness; Calcium phosphate;
Three-dimensional growth of differentiating MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts on porous titanium scaffolds by Jean-Philippe St-Pierre; Maxime Gauthier; Louis-Philippe Lefebvre; Maryam Tabrizian (7319-7328).
The present work assesses the potential of three-dimensional porous titanium scaffolds produced by a novel powder metallurgy process for applications in bone engineering through in vitro experimentation. Mouse MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts were used to investigate the proliferation (DNA content), differentiation (alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin release) and mineralisation (calcium content) processes of cells on titanium scaffolds with average pore sizes ranging from 336 to 557 μm, using mirror-polished titanium as reference material. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to qualitatively corroborate the results. Cells proliferate on all materials before reaching a plateau at day 9, with proliferation rates being significantly higher on foams (ranging from 123 to 163 percent per day) than on the reference material (80% per day). Alkaline phosphatase activity is also significantly elevated on porous scaffolds following the proliferation stage. However, cells on polished titanium exhibit greater osteocalcin release toward the end of the differentiation process, resulting in earlier mineralisation of the extracellular matrix. Nevertheless, the calcium content is similar on all materials at the end of the experimental period. Average pore size of the porous structures does not have a major effect on cells as determined by the various analyses, affecting only the proliferation stage. Thus, the microstructured titanium scaffolds direct the behaviour of pre-osteoblasts toward a mature state capable of mineralising the extracellular matrix.
Keywords: Osteoblasts; Differentiation; Mineralisation; Three-dimensional scaffolds; Titanium;
RGD-grafted thermoreversible polymers to facilitate attachment of BMP-2 responsive C2C12 cells by Erin Smith; Jennifer Yang; Locksley McGann; Walter Sebald; Hasan Uludag (7329-7338).
The purpose of this study was to design thermoreversible biomaterials for enhanced adhesion of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2)-responsive cells. Peptides containing the arginine–glycine–aspartic acid (RGD) sequence were conjugated to N-isopropylacrylamide (NiPAM) polymers via amine-reactive N-acryloxysuccinimide (NASI) groups. In monolayer cultures, the adhesion of BMP-2-responsive C2C12 cells to RGD-grafted NiPAM/NASI surfaces was significantly higher than adhesion on ungrafted NiPAM/NASI surfaces. Although the morphology of cells adhered to RGD-grafted NiPAM/NASI surfaces was comparable to cells adhered on tissue culture polystyrene (TCPS), long-term cell growth was limited on the NiPAM/NASI surfaces, even for RGD-grafted surfaces. Treatment of C2C12 cells with recombinant BMP-2 induced dose-dependent osteoblastic differentiation as assessed by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. In the absence of BMP-2, cells cultured on NiPAM/NASI polymers (either grafted with RGD peptide or not) expressed significantly higher levels of ALP activity than the cells cultured on TCPS, indicating that the polymer surfaces induced some osteoblastic activity in C2C12 cells without the need for BMP-2. We conclude that NiPAM-based thermoreversible biomaterials, despite their limited ability to support cell growth, allowed an enhanced expression of the chosen osteogenic marker (ALP) by C2C12 cells in vitro.
Keywords: Thermoreversible polymers; NiPAM; RGD; Cell attachment; BMP-2;
Effectiveness of three extraction techniques in the development of a decellularized bone–anterior cruciate ligament–bone graft by Terence Woods; Paul F. Gratzer (7339-7349).
In this study, porcine bone–anterior cruciate ligament–bone (B–ACL–B) grafts were decellularized using one of three protocols incorporating surfactants lauryl sulfate (SDS), Triton X-100, and/or an organic solvent (tributyl phosphate (TnBP)). The effectiveness of Triton–SDS, Triton–Triton or Triton–TnBP treatments in removing cellular materials was determined and possible changes in biochemical composition and mechanical properties due to each treatment were investigated. Treatment with Triton–SDS was most effective at removing cell nuclei and intracellular protein (vimentin) from the ACL but affected both the collagen and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) components of the extracellular matrix while increasing the tensile stiffness of the ligament. Triton–Triton was the least effective of the three treatments in terms of cellular extraction, but did not significantly change the mechanical and biochemical properties of the ACL. Triton–TnBP matched the level of decellularization achieved by Triton–SDS in terms of visible cell nuclei; however, the extraction of intracellular vimentin was less consistent. TnBP treatment also slightly decreased the collagen content of the ACL but did not alter its mechanical properties.Overall, all three decellularization treatments maintained adequate mechanical and biochemical properties of B–ACL–B grafts to justify the further investigation of all three decellularization protocols. The selection of a superior treatment will depend on future studies of the propensity of treated tissues for repopulation by host ACL fibroblasts and, ultimately, on any immunogenic and/or remodeling host response induced in vivo.
Keywords: Decellularized; Ligament; Anterior cruciate ligament; Allograft;
Corrosion behavior of titanium in the presence of calcium phosphate and serum proteins by Xiaoliang Cheng; Sharon G. Roscoe (7350-7356).
The effect of calcium phosphate surface deposit and the surface adsorption of the serum proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibrinogen, on the corrosion resistance and electrochemical behavior of (cp)titanium in phosphate buffer saline solution (pH 7.4) was investigated at physiological temperature, 37 °C, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and dc electrochemical polarization techniques. The formation of calcium phosphate deposit on the Ti surface decreased both the corrosion rate at the open circuit potential (OCP) and the anodic reaction current in the high anodic potential range (>2.6 V). Addition of BSA significantly moved the OCP towards a more negative (cathodic) potential and inhibited the cathodic corrosion reaction, but did not significantly change the corrosion resistance at the OCP. Addition of fibrinogen showed a similar, but less pronounced effect than BSA. The possible mechanisms leading to these observed effects are discussed.
Keywords: Titanium; Calcium phosphate; Bovine serum albumin; Fibrinogen; Corrosion; Biocompatibility; Electrochemistry;
The human macrophage response during differentiation and biodegradation on polycarbonate-based polyurethanes: Dependence on hard segment chemistry by Rosalind S. Labow; Danne Sa; Loren A. Matheson; Donna Lee M. Dinnes; J. Paul Santerre (7357-7366).
Human monocytes, isolated from whole blood, were seeded onto tissue culture grade polystyrene (PS) and three polycarbonate-based polyurethanes (PCNUs) (synthesized with either 1,6-hexane diisocyanate (HDI) or 4,4′-methylene bis-phenyl diisocyanate (MDI), poly(1,6-hexyl 1,2-ethyl carbonate) diol (PCN) and 1,4-butanediol (BD) in different stoichiometric ratios (HDI:PCN:BD 4:3:1 or 3:2:1 and MDI:PCN:BD 3:2:1) (referred to as HDI431, HDI321 and MDI321, respectively). Following their differentiation to monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) the cells were trypsinized and reseeded onto each of the PCNUs synthesized with either 14C-HDI or 14C-BD and degradation was measured by radiolabel release (RR). When the differentiation surface was MDI321, there was more RR from 14C-HDI431 than from any other surface ( p < 0.0001 ) whereas the amount of esterase (identified by immunoblotting) as well as the esterase activity was the greatest in MDM differentiated on PS, reseeded on 14C-HDI431 ( p < 0.0001 ). The effect of potential degradation products (methylene dianiline (MDA) and BD) from the PCNUs was carried out to determine possible links between products and substrate-induced activation of MDM. MDA was found to inhibit RR 60% from MDM seeded on 14C-MDI321B ( p < 0.0001 ), ∼20% from 14C-HDI431 ( p = 0.002 ) and no effect from 14C-HDI321B. MDA inhibited esterase activity 30% from MDM only on 14C-MDI321B ( p = 0.003 ), but no effect on esterase activity was observed for the other two polymers. BD had no inhibitory effect on RR from any PCNU, but did inhibit esterase activity in MDM on 14C-HDI431 ( p = 0.025 ). This study indicates that the degradation of a specific material is a multi-factorial process, dictated by its susceptibility to hydrolysis, the effect of specific products generated during this course of action, and perhaps not as well appreciated, the material's inherent ability to influence enzyme synthesis and release.
Keywords: Macrophages; Polyurethanes; Enzymes; Hard segment; Biodegradation;
Fibrinogen surface distribution correlates to platelet adhesion pattern on fluorinated surface-modified polyetherurethane by T.M. Massa; M.L. Yang; J.Y.C. Ho; J.L. Brash; J.P. Santerre (7367-7376).
In previous work, it had been shown that platelet adhesion could be reduced by fluorinating surfaces with oligomeric fluoropolymers, referred to as surface-modifying macromolecules (SMMs). In the current study, two in vitro blood-contacting experiments were carried out on a polyetherurethane modified with three different SMMs in order to determine if altered platelet adhesion levels could be related to the pattern of adsorbed protein and more specifically to the manner in which fibrinogen (Fg) distribution occurs at the surface. In the first experiment, the materials were placed in whole human blood and the adherent platelets were viewed with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In a second experiment, the materials were incubated with human plasma with the absence of platelets. The plasma contained 5% fluorescent-Fg. The materials were then viewed with a fluorescence microscope and images were collected to define the distribution of high-density fluorescent-Fg areas. The SEM and fluorescent-Fg images were imported to Image Pro Plus™ imaging software to measure the area, length and circularity and a bivariate correlation test was conducted between the two sets of data. For area and length morphology parameters, there were high and significant correlations ( r > 0.9 , p < 0.05 ) between the platelets and Fg aggregates. The data suggest that the Fg distribution may serve as a predictor of platelet morphology/activation and provides insight into the non-thrombogenic character of biomaterials containing the fluorinated SMMs.
Keywords: Polyetherurethane; Fluoropolymers; Surface modification; Platelets morphology; Fibrinogen adsorption;
Polyurethane films seeded with embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes for use in cardiac tissue engineering applications by C. Alperin; P.W. Zandstra; K.A. Woodhouse (7377-7386).
Cardiomyocytes are terminally differentiated cells and therefore unable to regenerate heart tissue after infarction. The successful engraftment of various cell types resulting in improved cardiac function has been reported, however methods for improving the delivery of donor cells to the infarct site still need to be developed. The use of bioengineered cardiac grafts has been suggested to replace infarcted myocardium and enhance cardiac function. In this study, we cultured embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived cardiomyocytes on thin polyurethane (PU) films. The films were coated with gelatin, laminin or collagen IV in order to encourage cell adhesion. Constructs were examined for 30 days after seeding. Cells cultured on laminin and collagen IV, exhibited preferential attachment, as assessed by cellular counts, and viability assays. These surfaces also resulted in a greater number of contracting films compared to controls. A degradable elastomer seeded with embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes may hold potential for the repair of damaged heart tissue.
Keywords: Embryonic stem cells; Cardiomyocytes; Biodegradable polyurethane; ECM; Cardiac tissue engineering;
Evaluation of biodegradable synthetic scaffold coated on arterial prostheses implanted in rat subcutaneous tissue by Zhaoxu Wang; Shengguo Wang; Yves Marois; Robert Guidoin; Ze Zhang (7387-7401).
Polyester arterial prostheses impregnated with various synthetic biodegradable materials and with gelatin were implanted subcutaneously in rats for 3–180 days. The inflammation was assessed by quantifying the activity of alkaline phosphatase and by histology. The degradation of the scaffold materials was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), size exclusion chromatography (SEC), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The alkaline phosphatase activity induced by the polymer-impregnated grafts was similar to that induced by the non-impregnated controls during most of the post-implantation periods. Histological studies revealed that the acute inflammatory response was moderate to mild and was similar for all types of specimens, except for the gelatin-impregnated grafts that induced a severe acute inflammation during the first 2 weeks post-implantation. At 4 and 6 months, significant disintegration of the scaffold was observed, accompanied by enhanced tissue infiltration and a reactivation of the acute inflammatory phase. Linear and exponential degradation rates of the synthetic polymers were described. The relative degradation rates of the biodegradable polymers were ranked as following: PLLACL>PDLLA>PLLA>PCEL. In conclusion, biodegradable polymers may provide an option as sealant/scaffolding materials for vascular prosthesis. It is suggested that the degradation rate of the polymer scaffolding materials should be higher to achieve early healing while without inducing strong inflammation.
Keywords: Biodegradable polymers; Vascular prostheses; Scaffold; Sealant; Implant;
Improving arterial prosthesis neo-endothelialization: Application of a proactive VEGF construct onto PTFE surfaces by M. Crombez; P. Chevallier; R.C. -Gaudreault; E. Petitclerc; D. Mantovani; G. Laroche (7402-7409).
The formation of a confluent endothelium on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vascular prostheses has never been observed. This lack of endothelialization is known to be one of the main reasons leading to the development of thromboses and/or intimal hyperplasia. In this context, several efforts were put forward to promote endothelial cell coverage on the internal surface of synthetic vascular prostheses. The goal of the present study was to immobilize the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) onto Teflon® PTFE surfaces to generate a proactive polymer construct favoring interaction with endothelial cells. An ammonia plasma treatment was first used to graft amino groups on PTFE films. Subsequent reactions were performed to covalently bind human serum albumin (HSA) on the polymer surface and to load this protein with negative charges, which allows adsorbtion of VEGF onto HSA via strong electrostatic interactions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) experiments along with surface derivatization strategies were performed between each synthesis step to ascertain the occurrence of the various molecules surface immobilization. Finally, the electrostatic binding of VEGF to the negatively charged HSA matrix was performed and validated by ELISA. Endothelial cell adhesion and migration experiments were carried out to validate the potential of this VEGF-containing biological construct to act as a proactive media toward the development of endothelial cells.
Keywords: Vascular endothelial growth factor; Surface modification; Endothelial cells; Plasma treatment;
Biological performances of collagen-based scaffolds for vascular tissue engineering by F. Boccafoschi; J. Habermehl; S. Vesentini; D. Mantovani (7410-7417).
Collagen is widely used for biomedical applications and it could represent a valid alternative scaffold material for vascular tissue engineering. In this work, reconstituted collagen films were prepared from neutralized acid-soluble solutions for subsequent haemocompatibility and cell viability performance assays. First, haemoglobin-free, thrombelastography and platelet adhesion tests were performed in order to investigate the blood contact performance. Secondly, specimens were seeded with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells, and cell viability tests were carried out by MTT and SEM. Results show that neutralized acid-soluble type I collagen films do not enhance blood coagulation, do not alter normal viscoelastic properties of blood and slightly activate platelet adhesion and aggregation. Cell culture shows that the samples are adequate substrates to support the adhesion and proliferation of endothelial and smooth muscle cells.
Keywords: Collagen; Blood compatibility; Endothelial cells; Smooth muscle cells; Platelet adhesion;
Immobilization of heparin on a silicone surface through a heterobifunctional PEG spacer by Hong Chen; Yang Chen; Heather Sheardown; Michael A. Brook (7418-7424).
A novel method of immobilizing heparin on a silicone surface through a heterobifunctional PEG spacer was used yield well defined surfaces with highly active surface immobilized heparin and low non-specific protein adsorption. The heparin surface density achieved using this technique was 0.68 μg/cm2. Sessile drop water contact angles showed increased hydrophilicity of the silicone surface after PEG modification and a further decrease in the contact angles following the grafting of heparin. High specificity for ATIII with little fibrinogen adsorption was noted in plasma adsorption studies. This ATIII adsorption was mediated by the heparin layer, since surfaces modified with PEG only did not adsorb significant quantities of AT. The thrombin resistance of the heparin modified surfaces was demonstrably greater as measured by a chromogenic thrombin generation assay. The results suggest that the heterbifunctional PEG linker results in a high density of active heparin on the surfaces.
Keywords: Silicone; PEG spacer; Heparin; Thrombogenic; Fibrinogen; Antithrombin III;
Semi-synthetic collagen/poloxamine matrices for tissue engineering by Alejandro Sosnik; Michael V. Sefton (7425-7435).
Collagen-containing poloxamine hydrogels were produced with the aim of overcoming the low stiffness displayed by collagen gels that are not otherwise chemically crosslinked. Matrices were obtained by functionalization of a four-arm PEO-PPO block copolymer (poloxamine, Tetronic™) with methcrylate groups and subsequent free radical polymerization of water solutions of the modified polymer in the presence of collagen. The resulting matrices had a sharp increase in stiffness, when compared to pure collagen gels. For example, whereas collagen had a storage modulus (G′) around 70 Pa and a loss modulus (G″) of 10 Pa, a crosslinked collagen/poloxamine system containing 8.3% crosslinked poloxamine had G′ and G″ values of 7400 and 1000 Pa, respectively. HepG2 cells were seeded within the gels before the crosslinking and the viability levels estimated by AlamarBlue™ assay were between 65% and 91% for systems containing 0.04–0.09 wt% photoinitiator. HepG2 and endothelial cells also adhered to and spread on the surface of the collagen-containing specimens, suggesting their potential utility in tissue engineering.
Keywords: Collagen; Crosslinked poloxamine hydrogels; Rheology; Cytocompatibility; HepG2 cells; Endothelial cells;
Macroporous interconnected dextran scaffolds of controlled porosity for tissue-engineering applications by Stéphane G. Lévesque; Ryan M. Lim; Molly S. Shoichet (7436-7446).
Dextran hydrogels have been studied as drug delivery vehicles but not as scaffolds for tissue-engineering likely because previously synthesized dextran hydrogels had pores too small for cell penetration. Our goal was to create macroporous, interconnected dextran scaffolds. To this end, we took advantage of the liquid–liquid immiscibility of poly(ethylene glycol) and methacrylated dextran during radical crosslinking of the methacrylated moieties. By controlling the degree of methacrylate substitution on dextran, dextran molar mass and PEG concentration, macroporous hydrogels were created. The presence of PEG in solution had a significant effect on the final morphology of the dextran hydrogel leading to the formation of different types of structures, from microporous gel to macroporous gel-wall to a macroporous interconnected-beaded structure. A series of formulation diagrams were prepared which allowed us to determine which conditions led to the formation of macroporous interconnected-beaded scaffolds. Dextran macroporous interconnected-beaded gels had a high water content, between 89% and 94%, a homogeneous morphology, determined by scanning electron microscopy, with interconnected macroporous pores, as determined by protein diffusivity where the effective diffusion coefficients of BSA were calculated to be 3.1×10−7 cm2/s for Dex-MA 40 kDa DS 5 and 1×10−7 cm2/s for Dex-MA 6 kDa DS10, which are similar to that of BSA in water, 5.9×10−7 cm2/s. Mercury intrusion porosimetry showed that the macroporous interconnected-beaded scaffolds had a bimodal distribution of macropores, with a median diameter of 41 μm, interconnected by throats, which had a median diameter of 11 μm. Together, these data suggest that the dextran scaffolds will be advantageous in applications that require an interconnected macroporous geometry, such as those of tissue engineering where cell penetration and nutrient diffusion are necessary for tissue regeneration.
Keywords: Hydrogel; Macroporous structure; Methacrylated dextran; Phase diagram; Biomaterials;
A PLGA membrane controlling cell behaviour for promoting tissue regeneration by G. Rh. Owen; J. Jackson; B. Chehroudi; H. Burt; D.M. Brunette (7447-7456).
Barrier membranes are used in periodontal applications with the aim of supporting bone regeneration by physically blocking migrating epithelial cells. We report a membrane design that has a surface topography that can inhibit epithelial cell migration and proliferation on one side and a topography that guides osteoblast migration to a desired area. A PLGA copolymer (85:15) blended with MePEG, was cast to have surfaces with smooth, grooved or sandblasted-acid-etched topographies. Epithelial cells spread on smooth surfaces after 24 h, and cell numbers increased after 5 days. Cells on the smooth surface exhibited no preferred direction of migration. On the sandblasted-acid-etched topography epithelial cells spread but the cell number did not significantly increase after 5 days. Cell migration was inhibited on this surface. Osteoblasts spread on both grooved and smooth surfaces and cell number increased after 5 days on all surfaces. The cells that adhered in the grooves migrated preferentially in the direction of the grooves. Positive alkaline phosphatase staining was seen on all surfaces within 4 weeks and positive Von Kossa nodule staining within 6 weeks. These results suggest that surface topographies replicated on opposite sides of a biodegradable polymers membrane can inhibit proliferation and migration of the epithelial cells, and promote proliferation and directional migration of osteoblasts. Addition of appropriate surface topographies to membranes used in guided tissue regeneration has the possibility of improving clinical performance in periodontal tissue regeneration procedures.
Keywords: Polglycolic acid; Polylactic acid; Epithelial cell; Osteoblast; Cell culture; Surface topography;
Understanding the biodegradation of polyurethanes: From classical implants to tissue engineering materials by J.P. Santerre; K. Woodhouse; G. Laroche; R.S. Labow (7457-7470).
After almost half a century of use in the health field, polyurethanes (PUs) remain one of the most popular group of biomaterials applied for medical devices. Their popularity has been sustained as a direct result of their segmented block copolymeric character, which endows them with a wide range of versatility in terms of tailoring their physical properties, blood and tissue compatibility, and more recently their biodegradation character. While they became recognized in the 1970s and 1980s as the blood contacting material of choice in a wide range of cardiovascular devices their application in long-term implants fell under scrutiny with the failure of pacemaker leads and breast implant coatings containing PUs in the late 1980s. During the next decade PUs became extensively researched for their relative sensitivity to biodegradation and the desire to further understand the biological mechanisms for in vivo biodegradation. The advent of molecular biology into mainstream biomedical engineering permitted the probing of molecular pathways leading to the biodegradation of these materials. Knowledge gained throughout the 1990s has not only yielded novel PUs that contribute to the enhancement of biostability for in vivo long-term applications, but has also been translated to form a new class of bioresorbable materials with all the versatility of PUs in terms of physical properties but now with a more integrative nature in terms of biocompatibility. The current review will briefly survey the literature, which initially identified the problem of PU degradation in vivo and the subsequent studies that have led to the field's further understanding of the biological processes mediating the breakdown. An overview of research emerging on PUs sought for use in combination (drug+polymer) products and tissue regeneration applications will then be presented.
Keywords: Degradation; Biodegradation; Polyurethanes; Oxidation; Hydrolysis; Enzymes; Implants; Polymers; Macrophages; Bioresorbable; Biostability; Tissue regeneration; Scaffolds;
Characterization and evaluation of whey protein-based biofilms as substrates for in vitro cell cultures by Vanessa Gilbert; Mahmoud Rouabhia; Hongxum Wang; Anne-Lise Arnould; Gabriel Remondetto; Muriel Subirade (7471-7480).
Whey proteins-based biofilms were prepared using different plasticizers in order to obtain a biomaterial for the human keratinocytes and fibroblasts in vitro culture. The film properties were evaluated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique and mechanical tests. A relationship was found between the decrease of intermolecular hydrogen bond strength and film mechanical behavior changes, expressed by a breaking stress and Young modulus values diminishing. These results allow stating that the film molecular configuration could induce dissimilarities in its mechanical properties. The films toxicity was assessed by evaluating the cutaneous cells adherence, growth, proliferation and structural stratification. Microscopic observation demonstrated that both keratinocytes and fibroblasts adhered to the biofilms. The trypan blue exclusion test showed that keratinocytes grew at a significantly high rate on all the biofilms. Structural analysis demonstrated that keratinocytes stratified when cultured on the whey protein-based biofilms and gave rise to multi-layered epidermal structures. The most organized epidermis was obtained with whey protein isolate/DEG biofilm. This structure had a well-organized basal layer under supra-basal and corneous layers. This study demonstrated that whey proteins, an inexpensive renewable resource which can be obtained readily, were non-toxic to cutaneous cells and thus they could be useful substrates for a variety of biomedical applications, including tissue engineering.
Keywords: Whey proteins; Biofilms; Cell culture;
Bioreactors for tissue mass culture: Design, characterization, and recent advances by Yves Martin; Patrick Vermette (7481-7503).
This paper reviews reports on three-dimensional mammalian tissue growth in bioreactors and the corresponding mammalian tissue growth requirements. The needs for nutrient and waste removal of several mammalian tissues are reviewed and compared with the environment of many reactors currently in use such as the continuous stirred tank, the hollow fiber, the Couette–Taylor, the airlift, and the rotating-wall reactors developed by NASA. Many studies conclude that oxygen supply appears to be one of the most important factors limiting tissue growth. Various correlations to describe oxygen mass transfer are presented and discussed with the aim to provide some guidance to design, construct, and test reactors for tissue mass culture. To obtain tissue thickness clinically valuable, dimensionless and other types of analysis tend to point out that diffusive transport will have to be matched with an important convection to bring sufficient oxygen molecular flux to the growing cells located within a tissue mass. As learned from solid-state fermentation and hairy root culture, during the growth of large biomass, heterogeneity (i.e., channeling, temperature gradients, non-uniform cell growth, transfer gradients, etc.) can cause some important problems and these should be addressed in tissue engineering as well. Reactors (along with the scaffolds) should be designed to minimize these issues. The role of the uterus, the reactor built by Nature, is examined, and the environment provided to a growing embryo is reported, yielding possible paths for further reactor developments. Finally, the importance of cell seeding methods is also addressed.
Keywords: Bioreactors; Tissue engineering; Oxygenation; Organ culture; 3-D growth; Cell culture;
Effect of sample geometry on the apparent biaxial mechanical behaviour of planar connective tissues by Stephen D. Waldman; J. Michael Lee (7504-7513).
Mechanical testing methodologies developed for engineering materials may result in artifactual material properties if applied to soft planar connective tissues. The use of uniaxial tissue samples with high aspect ratios or biaxial samples with slender cruciform arms could lead to preferential loading of only the discrete subset of extracellular fibres that fully extend between the grips. To test this hypothesis, cruciform biaxial connective tissue samples that display distinctly different material properties (bovine pericardium, fish skin), as well as model textile laminates with predefined fibrous orientations, were repeatedly tested with decreasing sample arm lengths. With mechanical properties determined at the sample centre, results demonstrated that the materials appeared to become stiffer and less extensible with less slender sample geometries, suggesting that fibre recruitment increases with decreasing sample arm length. Alterations in the observed shear behaviour and rigid body rotation were also noted. The only truly reliable method to determine material properties is through in vivo testing, but this is not always convenient and is typically experimentally demanding. For the in vitro determination of the biaxial material properties, appropriate sample geometry should be employed in which all of the fibres contribute to the mechanical response.
Keywords: Biaxial; Mechanical testing; Sample geometry; Pericardium; Skin; Artifacts;
Rapid three-dimensional biointerfaces for real-time immunoassay using hIL-18BPa as a model antigen by Shawn D. Carrigan; George Scott; Maryam Tabrizian (7514-7523).
With the goal of designing a rapid and affordable system of real-time immune monitoring for future diagnostic applications in sepsis, we have developed a biointerface composed of polyethyleneimine (PEI) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) to provide a means of prompt and facile immunoassay. Biointerface assembly is complete within 30 min, with all preparation performed and monitored within the measurement chamber of a quartz crystal microgravimetry with dissipation (QCM-D) sensor. Optimised biointerface composition, as determined by the mass of antibody immobilised, the level of antigen detection, and the amount of non-specific binding of human serum albumin, was determined to consist of a 4.0 mg/mL CMC hydrogel layer cross-linked to a 0.5 mg/mL PEI sub-layer. Tapping mode atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquid demonstrates highly uniform and smooth surfaces using these hydrogels. Sensitivity of the biointerface for rhIL-18BPa is 400 ng/mL, with detection of 1 μg/mL achievable following 25 surface regenerations. Performance of the biointerface is verified using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), demonstrating the ability of the biointerface to be applied across platforms.
Keywords: QCM; SPR; AFM; Immunoassay; Real-time; Sepsis;


text:
Know your market
About 94% of MN and 91% of WI homeowners currently have equity in their homes.1
Four full years
of price gains.2
Highest home prices
since 2007.3
Learn what's happening
in your local market.
The "right market" is right now
In fact, about 94 percent of Minnesota and 91 percent of Wisconsin homeowners currently have equity in their homes1 – and some don't even know it. Find out what yours is worth. Get started today.
- 1 CoreLogic Q4 2015 Negative Equity by State
- 2,3 Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors Annual Report 2015
We'll show you the numbers
When you sell your home with Edina Realty, you'll get online access to the latest information on your property's market performance:
- How often your property appears on edinarealty.com's search results
- How many times your property's detailed web page is viewed
- Your total number of property showings
- Direct feedback from agents who view your home

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Thursday, July 09, 2009
St. Francis de Sales on love
God desires that we love each other as we have been loved. We don't have two hearts, one that loves God and one that loves others. We have only one heart that loves in varying ways. - St. Francis de Sales
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League of Women Voters holding state questions forum on Oct. 4
Twitter status: League of Women Voters presenting state questions forum at the #stwok #PublicLibrary on Oct. 4.
(STILLWATER, OKLA. / Sept. 17, 2012) – The League of Women Voters will present a forum about the upcoming state questions on Thursday, Oct. 4, at the Stillwater Public Library. The forum, which begins at 7 p.m., will give citizens a chance to learn more about the measures included on Nov. 6 general election ballot.
"The state questions on the ballot are often complicated and confusing," League of Women Voters President Kirsten Tautfest said. "Sometimes voters bypass that section on the ballot and choose not to vote on the questions. We want to help the public understand what the questions mean and give them the information to feel confident enough to vote."
Tautfest will give the presentation introducing the state questions that will be on the ballot and what each question means. She will also include common pros and cons associated with the passage of each question. Participants are encouraged to ask questions about the information throughout the presentation; however, the session will not include debate on the merits of the state questions.
Candidates on the ballot will not be covered at this session.
The program is free and open to the public. Participants will also be able to register to vote at the presentation.
Library programs are co-sponsored the Friends of the Library and KOSU.
For more information, visit the library's web site at library.stillwater.org or contact the library Help Desk at (405) 372-3633, ext. 106 or e-mail email@example.com.
The Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. (the corner of Duck and 12th Ave.). Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.


text:
Single Article Purchase:
The Story Behind the Word.
Bean WB.
AMA Arch Intern Med. 1959;103(5):842-842.
Published online May 1, 1959
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text:
About 140 residents packed a community meeting Thursday to grill Army Corps of Engineers representatives about concerns in two major areas: the use of substandard material in a lakefront levee built a decade ago, and concern that construction of a new Kenner floodwall over the next two years will damage their homes and increase flooding.
Agency officials tried to assure residents on all counts, saying that more stringent building procedures being enforced since Hurricane Katrina will eliminate the use of any deficient levee-building materials, as happened during the 2000-2001 raising of levee between the Duncan and Elmwood pump stations.
But many were not assuaged.
"I find this scandalous, and I want our (legislators) to pursue this aggressively and make sure the people responsible be held accountable," Kenner resident Al Morella said of the tax money the corps is now spending to degrade that levee section to remove rocks and construction debris.
Corps supervisor Brett Herr said one of the Katrina lessons learned is that the method corps inspectors and project managers previously used to determine unacceptable levels of debris were not adequate and have been replaced with far more rigorous procedures.
"It happened. It shouldn't have," said Herr, who wasn't involved in the old levee. "I live behind the Reach 2 levee, and my house flooded in Katrina. The last thing I wants is to go through this again either."
Herr and floodwall manager Gary Brouse also told residents that drainage would be added to help handle the additional rainwater that will be trapped when the new West Return Canal floodwall is built 35 feet west of the existing wall that separates Kenner from the LaBranche Wetlands in St. Charles Parish.
But there was no calming those residents who said their homes are already being damaged by vibrations coming from preconstruction pile-driving west of the existing floodwall, as well as the ongoing levee enlargements now under way on all five reaches that make up this lakefront levee.
Not only does the corps not plan to videotape or otherwise document the condition of homes in neighborhoods adjacent to the floodwall, the corps cannot be held liable for vibration damage.
Instead, residents must turn to contractors who do the work and the state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, which is the corps' "local partner" on all hurricane flood reduction system projects.
The corps was asked to rethink that process.
"I would ask that you enhance your program to document structural problems with homes before construction begins," said Lake Vista resident Debbie Settoon, an engineer and former member of the East Jefferson Levee District. "I don't think (individuals) should be told they have to go forward with litigation against contractors or the state."
In other news Thursday, Brouse said new tests show that a section of the new West Return Canal floodwall will have to be built even deeper than first thought, which will delay awarding the first of two construction contracts by at least a month.
Just completed pile tests show soils so soft just west of the existing wall in the area of Parish Line Pump Station north of I-10 that steel foundation pilings will have to be driven some 110 feet deep, which is 15 feet deeper than tentatively planned for and substantially deeper than 70-foot concrete pilings that currently underpin the wall that is being replaced.
Brouse said the need to amend the solicitation of construction bids to reflect those changes will push a contract award back at least a month.
The 3.5-mile long floodwall, expected to cost from $200 million to $500 million, will be built under two separate contracts. The first, the one now being amended, is for construction of floodwall from Lake Pontchartrain to just north of I-10. The second contract will complete the wall south to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
The planned floodwall is to better protect Kenner's western flank and adjacent, interior East Jefferson neighborhoods, from storm surges and hurricane-driven waves out of Lake Pontchartrain.
Although floodwall construction is many months behind schedule, Brouse said it is still possible to finish enough of the floodwall that it does provide extra protection by the corps' much-publicized June 1, 2011, deadline.
Corps spokesman Rene Poche told residents that if requested, the agency would send representatives to meet any civic or community group to discuss specific issues in their neighborhoods.
Sheila Grissett can be reached at email@example.com or 504.467.1746.


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hmm, brawl...midnight release............sounds.......good
Well recently, as we all know, Halo 3 had a midnight realease. This thread is about the discussion of a midnight release for Brawl.
Do you think it's a good idea? Bad one? And do you think Nintedo will even think about the possibility?
I'm not sure if Brawl would be "hardcore" enough to have one, but it's an idea anyway.
hmm, brawl...midnight release............sounds.......good
PSN ID: zapasant93
If I'm not mistaken, its not up to Nintendo. Nintendo doesn't sell the copies directly, the retail store does, so it'd be up to them.
I'm pretty sure that EB/GS base it on pre-order sales. If it has a certain number of preorders, then they have a midnight release. MSC and MP3 did not have one, I dont think, but surely Brawl will.
Not to fit a mold,Not to join a trend,Not to follow a crowd
thansk for the info LK
PSN ID: zapasant93
^Don't quote me on that, its strictly my interpretation.
Not to fit a mold,Not to join a trend,Not to follow a crowd
It depends on the amount of Wii owners in certain cities, and how many pre-orders for Brawl are token. Halo 3 was a much bigger series/trilogy then brawl is, so it's hard to say.
Join -No External Links.
If you wish to add me as a "Wii Friend" PM me
D S ~~Since 1992
was there a midnight release for melee
Send PM before addingXD.
Currently Playing: COD4, (Spot Reserved for SSBB)
Recently Beat:
Currently Watching: Naruto, Bleach
^ I don't think so, and 12/3 is a monday. I'd have to stay up until 12:00 on a school night. I don't stay up late, because if I stay up past 11, I fall asleep on the couch anyway. It would be hard to stay awake, lol.
I don't think there will be too big of a rush to get brawl. It comes out December 3rd which is really close to christmas. I'm waiting until then to get it. I bet that's what a lot of people are going to do.
Nothing Nintendo has put out in recent years has had the publicity and notariety of Halo 2, which lead to the huge demand for Halo 3. There won't be a midnight release of any Wii game for a couple years at least.


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''Majokko Tickle'' is an early MagicalGirl series created by Creator/GoNagai, airing from 1978 to 1979.
Tiko, a shy Japanese schoolgirl, receives a book as a gift from her father on her eleventh birthday. When Tiko opens the book, she releases Tickle, a mischievous fairy who was imprisoned inside the book for [[ThePrankster playing pranks]] on people. Tickle spends the series living with Tiko (having cast a spell so that the family believes she's Tiko's sister), using her powers to solve everyday problems, and of course playing tricks on people, particularly Tiko's annoying kid sister, Hina.
* AnnoyingYoungerSibling: Hina
* ButtMonkey: Hina
* CassandraTruth: Nobody believes Hina when she claims to have seen Tickle using magic.
* CuteWitch: Tickle
* FishOutOfWater: Living in the human world and having a family are both new experiences for Tickle.
* GirlishPigtails: Tickle
* MagicalIncantation: "Maharu Tamara Furanpa" is Tickle's.
* MuggleBestFriend: Tiko
* MuggleFosterParents: Complete with the "hypnotism of family" subtrope that's common in MagicalGirl shows.
* ThePrankster: Tickle
* RichBitch: Satomi
* [[SealedIndexInACan Sealed Mischief In A Can]]: Tickle
* SecretChaser: Hina is constantly trying to expose Tickle as a magic-user, but it never works.
* ShrinkingViolet: Tiko


text:
please post fc down below
mine is :1292-7617-0885
Last edited by rock0; 03-05-2013 at 04:36 PM.
I would give you mine but.... I'm a hacker.
Originally Posted by Koshi
I'm a hacker.
Wiichat ain't a fan of hackers, so keep that information t' yourself.
And personally, I hate MKW hackers.
The Vermilion City Guru
Spoiler Alert!
Originally Posted by Neosquid
one of these days I'll manage to stop being an obnoxious fanboy...
Originally Posted by Mr. MR
Maybe I should do a couple of PotW
how do you hack i find it impossible
Originally Posted by Splash_King
Wiichat ain't a fan of hackers, so keep that information t' yourself.
Again, this forum ain't hacker-friendly. Don't go askin' 'bout hacks and such, 'cause you'll only receive trouble rather than answers.
Forum Rules


text:
Hey everybody have you heard, the Staten Island Ferry terminal has a mockingbird.
Check out this post from the blog Staten Island Dreams about a bird that has taken up residence in the bushes outside the St. George's terminal.
Have any of you other ferry riders heard this bird? Comment below.


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LOWELL Yesterday morning, while most of their peers were still fast asleep, more than 20 UMass Lowell students were helping to give back to the city.
They were participating in the kickoff of Lowell's Great American Cleanup, by sprucing up the north bank of the Merrimack River at the University Avenue bridge.
The effort was sponsored by Keep America Beautiful and its local affiliate, Keep Lowell Beautiful.
The cleanup took place at various bridge intersections around the city, including the Aiken Street bridge and others.
Henri Marchand of the Lowell Plan feels particularly attached to the north bank of the Merrimack.
"This is my neighborhood," Marchand said. "There is a tremendous amount of unrealized potential."
Marchand said yesterday's goal was for the groups to work at each bridge, and to work their way down the riverbank to eventually meet.
Paul Marion, assistant director for community relations at UMass Lowell, recruited students from the football team, the Phi Sigma Rho sorority and the Delta Kappa Phi fraternity.
"The university wanted to get involved, because we particularly had an interest in the part of the riverbank adjoining the campus," Marion said.
"This is a lost piece of the riverbank, and we're hoping to improve it and make it safe so one day we'll have a continuous look, an asset to the campus, and part of the riverscape."
Marion said UMass Lowell students contribute thousands of hours each year to community service. He believes it helps them to become leaders in the community.
UMass Lowell Assistant football coach Corey Wenger encouraged his players to participate in the cleanup.
"They go to school here in Lowell, and with all the things they do in Lowell, the more they put into the community, the better they feel," Wenger said. "The more roots they put down, the better."
Wenger said that since the entire football coaching staff has only been together a year, they are trying to get themselves and the players involved in the community.
"We want the community to know we're here, and we also want to have roots," he said.
"Our coach told us this was available today, and we're always involved in helping the community," said Jim Dineen of Ashford, Conn., a freshman football player. "You walk by here and it's disgusting, and you always think someone should do something, and this opportunity came up."
Charlie Ferlauto, a junior football player from Haverhill, was the only commuter student who came to Lowell for the cleanup; the rest live on campus.
"I knew I had a good reason to be here, once I got here to see it," Ferlauto said.
Michelle Watson, a sophomore Phi Sigma Rho sister from Tewksbury, is her sorority's community-service representative.
She brought some of her sorority sisters with her. The girls wanted to give back to the university, even though they are not recognized by the school as an organization.
"It helps us to help the school, and it makes my walk home nicer," Watson said. "It directly affects us to help the campus, and maybe people driving by on a Saturday morning will see us, and they might come out next time."
Kelvin Juarbe, a freshman football player from Boston, summed up the effort perfectly.
"Every little bit helps," he said.
University Relations - Cumnock Hall, 31 University Ave., Lowell, MA 01854
Phone: 978-934-3224 Fax: 978-934-3033 Contact Us


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Maui artist Noble Richardson has won over the crowds at the Schaefer Portrait Challenge 2009, earning him the Marian Freeman People's Choice Award and $5,000 prize.
Richardson is one of 53 artists in the statewide juried exhibit showing now at the gallery. More than 2,000 exhibit visitors cast their votes since the exhibit opened Jan. 6 to select the winner of the prize. Other artists with the top votes were Karen Mortenson, Kirk Kurokawa, Charlie Lyon and Edwin Kayton.
Richardson's "A?Noble Simulacrum" is a self-portrait that finds inspiration in the harsh realities of growing up on Maui.
Article Photos
Artist Noble Richardson (right) joins Marian
Freeman to celebrate his Marian Freeman People's Choice Award.
Recycled art at a past "Art of Trash" exhibit
"Eject Illusion"
by Carla Crow
"Bon Vivant Gilmore"
by Steven Lee Smeltzer
"It becomes a portrait of hope for victims of hard times, and justice that turns its cheek to the frost that blights the valley of Wailuku known as 'Happy,' " he writes in his artist's statement.
An award reception was held on Monday at the gallery. The Marian Freeman People's Choice Award is made possible by the generosity of Gage Schubert, given in the name of Marian Freeman, who has been an exhibiting artist on Maui for over 30 years. Freeman was also one of the founders of Art Maui.
The exhibit is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday, and also before and during performances at the Castle Theater, through Sunday.
Portions of the exhibit will be displayed at The Contemporary Museum at First Hawaiian Center in Honolulu from May 29 to Sept. 8.
* * *
One person's trash is another person's art. That's the idea behind the upcoming "Art of Trash, Maui 2009" exhibit set to open in May at Maui Mall. Presented by Community Work Day and SharingAloha, the show will feature discarded objects that have been brought back to life.
Founder and creator of several trash shows, Ira Ono, will be the juror for this popular exhibition. Ono started "The Trash Show" in Hilo in 1991 and on Maui in 1996. The last "Art of Trash" was in 2003.
"I have heard from so many Maui artists encouraging us to do another recycled materials trash show," reports Ono. "We are looking forward to a celebration that has been in the making for many years!"
Artists may submit their work no later than May 16, 2009. Entry forms will be available at all public libraries in March. For details, contact exhibit coordinator Wilma Nakamura at 573-3911.
* * *
Maui Hands Gallery will present the work of Carla Crow beginning Friday to March 19. Join the artist for an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the gallery, 84 Hana Highway in Paia.
Crow has lived and painted on Maui since 1984 and has developed statewide recognition for her unique personal vision expressed through acrylic on bark paper. iKONS is a new series of paintings on bark paper and canvas. Crow describes them as "Tribal Techno" and explains that they evolved after getting her first computer one year ago. These pieces weren't produced using digital methods, but instead were inspired by her journey into cyberspace.
For details, call the gallery at 579-9245.
* * *
Artist Steven Lee Smeltzer will be the featured artist this week from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Images Fine Art Gallery in Lahaina.
Smeltzer, who has lived on Maui for more than 30 years, creates whimsical sculptures that convey a sense of personality and aliveness. His humorous sculptures are made primarily of clay but he does work with bronze and "dabbles" in painting.
Images Gallery is located on Front Street directly behind the Hard Rock Cafe. For details, call 214-0885 or visit www.imagesinc.com.


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LOCK HAVEN - Keystone Community Network Inc. has expanded the reach and quality of its high-speed wireless Internet service to the benefit of residents and businesses in McElhattan.
KCnet introduced high-speed wireless Internet service to the Lock Haven area more than seven years ago at an economical cost to residents of $35 per month for connection speeds near 1 Mbps. Now, for the same rate, customers will get connection speeds near 3 Mbps, and they have the option to purchase even faster speeds if needed.
"KCnet is a membership-driven, not-for-profit organization proudly serving Clinton County and the surrounding region," said KCnet Executive Director Sue Foust. "KCnet's mission is to improve the quality of life and quality of business in the communities we serve by offering our members access to a wide range of quality, high-value, communications and information technology resources."
This most recent KCnet network expansion and improvement project gives residents and businesses in the McElhattan area an alternative to traditional wired Internet service options, such as cable or DSL, without the requirement to purchase other services.
"Our new high-speed wireless Internet service offers a local, friendly company alternative to traditional providers at a very economical price with no strings attached," Foust said.
KCnet has been able to keep the area on technology's cutting-edge over the years through financial contributions from its members, and a variety of federal, state, and local grants.
Grants for community projects are provided by the Clinton County United Way, Clinton County Community Foundation and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, with support from legislators such as state Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Lock Haven, and Sen. John Wozniak, D-Johnstown.
Those interested should call KCnet's offices at 893-8111, or visit the office at 18 E. Main St.
Keystone Community Network is a nonprofit community technology center located in downtown Lock Haven, an equal opportunity service provider and an agency of the Clinton County United Way.


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SHATTUCK, Okla. — Evelyn M. Meier, 90, of Shattuck died Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, in Oklahoma City.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday in Mason Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Rick Trobaugh of First United Methodist Church of Shattuck officiating. Arrangements are by Mason Funeral Home of Shattuck.
Mrs. Meier was born Oct. 13, 1922, to Henry and Katie Kraft Oblander. She married Henry J. Meier in 1941.
Survivors include a son, Dale Meier of Oklahoma City; two daughters, Jean Barker of Edmond and Diana Burk of Newcastle; five grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
Amarillo Globe-News, Feb. 12, 2013


text:
Dreamland selects general contractor
By Jason Graziadei
I&M Senior Writer
(Sept. 23 , 2010 ) The Nantucket Dreamland Foundation has selected a general contractor to build the new downtown theater and performing arts center, and is aiming to begin construction before the year is over.
The construction will bring jobs to the island, and the Dreamland board said that a condition of the contract with the general contractor is that a majority of the subcontractors on the project be based on Nantucket. Those details are still being ironed out and when finalized the board said it will make pubic the name of the general contractor.
While the downtown building moratorium came to an end on Sept. 15 with the Dreamland lot still showing no signs that the start of construction was imminent, the president of the Dreamland Foundation's board, Wendy Schmidt, said definitively that work would begin before the year is out.
To read the entire story, pick up this week's Inquirer and Mirror or register for the I&M's online edition by clicking here.
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on January 13, 2013 - 7:13 PM
ATTICA – A 40-by-80-foot barn was destroyed in a Sunday afternoon fire blamed on an electrical malfunction, Attica Fire Department Chief Robert Willard said.
Willard said the wood-frame barn contained two horses. They escaped unhurt, but a baler and a chopper were destroyed by the fire. No injuries were reported. Damage was estimated at $200,000.
The blaze, in a barn owned by Gene Redding at 69 High St., was reported at 3:14 p.m. and took about two hours to bring under control. Seven fire companies – Alexander, Town of Batavia, Bennington, Darien, North Java, Varysburg and the Wyoming Correctional Facility fire brigade – helped Attica firefighters. Willard said the crew from the prison included officers and about six inmates.


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PRIMARY malignant tumor of the pancreas is extremely rare in infancy and childhood. An extensive review of the literature disclosed only two primary sarcomas1 and six primary carcinomas2 with histological diagnostic confirmation. In all reported cases the disease has been fatal.
The lymphosarcomas were located only in the pancreas and occurred in a 4-year-old boy and a 9-day-old girl. In the latter the disease was discovered at autopsy, after death had resulted from peritonitis and liver abscess secondary to an omphalitis and phlebitis of the umbilical vein.
Of the six adenocarcinomas, three were described as cylindrical-cell, one was medullary, and two were not further classified. Three originated in the head of the pancreas, one in the head and body, one in the tail, and one was not localized. The tumor mass was palpated in two instances, jaundice was evident in two cases, diarrhea was striking in two cases,
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10.00 to 17.45 daily10.00 to 22.00 Fridays
'Charles V'Shell cameoItalyAbout 1550Cowrie shell (Cypraea)Museum no. 1433-1855
Charles V (1500-58) was Holy Roman Emperor from the age of 19. Around his neck, he wears the chivalric emblem of the Order of the Golden Fleece. The image was probably taken from an engraving.


text: Sciacca, on the south west coast of Sicily, has beautiful views across the Mediterranean Sea. With the main industry of the area being fishing, be sure to visit the port early one morning and watch the boats moving in and out of the harbour. Car hire in Sciacca allows you to head to one of the local restaurants for lunch. You''ll most definitely be served the catch of the day. Hiring a car in Sciacca gives you the freedom to explore the city as if it was your own hometown. Our branch is conveniently located close to the city centre meaning you fit in as much sight-seeing as you like with no trouble.


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Balloon Park
Balloon Park Full Description
Help children to go into the incredible balloon flight
Full Description
14, February 2005
1873 Kb
$14.95 -
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In this exciting game you will become an assistant in Balloon Park. In order to send the next kid into the incredible balloon flight, it is necessary to deliver some helium into the balloons via the interconnected tubes. So your objective is to connect the tubes properly, and as fast as you can. The more kids will be sent into the balloon flight by you, and the more tubes you will use to achieve that, the more points you will receive. Be careful, as the time is limited and you have to hurry. Each level will be more and more difficult, and there will be more and more kids who want to take balloon flight, so do your best! We are positive that you will be pleased by nice relaxing music, funny sound effects, the bonuses system and of course, the happy children laughter.
Pentium II or better 128 Mb RAM or better 800x600 display resolution or better
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Balloon Clock ScreenSaver
Time goes, you say? Ah, no! Time flies! It flies like a balloon. Watch a Big Clock Balloon flying up in the sky and dancing in the wind in the crowd of silky soft clouds. Green, blue and red balloons are going up into the sky too.
Balloon Tooltips .NET
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tssBalloonTip 2.0
tssBalloonTip 2.0 is the balloon style tooltip ActiveX component that makes it easy to give your applications a more modern, polished look.
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iCoins releases unique pay it forward-style free-to-play lottery Facebook game Hotcoins
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Nikon D3 Review
Latest Camera Reviews
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80 Review
The Nikon D3 digital SLR is Nikon's first ever full-frame camera, offering a 12.1 megapixel, FX format CMOS sensor. The 9fps continuous mode, even when shooting RAW images, should appeal to all the sports photographers out there, supported by Nikon's next-generation 51-point AF system. The Nikon D3 has an incredibly versatile ISO range of 100-25,800 (yes, ISO 25,800!), new EXPEED image processing engine with 14-bit A/D conversion and 16-bit image processing, and a high resolution 3 inch LCD screen with 920,000 pixels. Other standout features include Live View with Autofocus, support for the DX-format crop mode, which means that DX lenses can be used with the D3, and HDMI video output for connection to high-definition video systems. All of this and more is housed in an environmentally-sealed magnesium alloy body. With a street price of over £3,000 / $5,000, the Nikon D3 certainly doesn't come cheap, but even if you can't afford it, the D3 does give a tantalising glimpse of what the future might hold for Nikon's more affordable DSLR models. Gavin Stoker got to grips with the Nikon D3 to find out if this is the ultimate DSLR - let's just say that he didn't want to send it back…
Website: Nikon D3 Review
Your Comments
5 Comments | Newest Oldest First | Post a Comment
Page "sample images" should show crucial exif data below each image: ISO Speed, Focal length, Exposure time.
There should be also sample images using higher ISO speeds. Currently the highest ISO is 400.
In the second paragraph under Ease of Use, you wrote that the Canon 1D Mark III was 16MP. Actually it is 10.1MP. The 1Ds Mark II is Canon's only 16MP camera that I'm aware of.
I got two D3 five days ago and started to take images immediately, I have owned every Pro-Digital camera that nikon makes and update my equipment every year and I am used to cameras not living up to their statements, and for the exception for the D1H & D1X this camera arrive with zero flaws.
I was very impress with the construction and the feel and this camera have the best viewfinder of any camera that I have owned including Canon with I have owned several models. It is so clear it is hard to belive, and I don't need my digital wallets any more since I use two 12 GIG extreme III on each camera and it backs up itself.
One of the most impresive feature of the camera is the ISO, I shot several images at ISO 4000 and they are great, I also shot several at ISO 6400 and 12000 and ran them on Noise Ninja and the 6400 turn out exelent and the 12000 had as much noise as my D2Hs at ISO 1000.
One thing you have to get used to is the new 51 point focusing because Nikon never used this before it takes some time to adjust to it. Another feature is the new retouching menu, YES you can retouch images on the camera and it have a very useful picture control for monochome, standard, neutral & vivid images.
At a Wedding I had one camera with the 70-200 VR and a second camera with the new 14-24 and this is a very impressive lens, these machines look like two very mean sports car and they are not taking second place. It is the first time that I had more people interested in my gear than the Bride that I was shooting.
I higly recommend this camera, it brings back the fun in shooting weddings and my exposures are extremely accurate.
Here are some video reviews: Nikon D3 video reviews
How did you find the tendency to change the AEL exposure because the dial is so close to your finger when switching between portrait and landscape orientation?


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A very tidy little pleated skirt or a sensually silky one? Joly is both. Her versatile nature makes her a metamorphoses-maker. Who do you want to be today? Prim schoolgirl or seventies jet set woman?
colour: black magic
In a size small the length is 43 cm and the waist width is 66 cm.


text:
Top Definition
What Scradam is for thinking he can get away with messing with the definitions for wonderfuls and luckies. He got it backwards, and that is BAYAD. Bayad is more or less a strongly distorted and slightly retarded pronunciation of the word "bad". Unlike the word "bad", bayad ALWAYS refers to something not good.
Antonym: Grood
Antonym: Grood
BAYAD SCRADAM! ShawShaw is lucky. You are wonderfuls! Bayad bayad bayad!
από ShawShaw 6 Απρίλιος 2005
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
A greek root defined by lantin boucles often used as slang for cats named Buns.bayad
Bunsy keelin was bayad so she had to go to bayed.
από Joey Crist 22 Δεκέμβριος 2007
A Latin root defined by greek boucles often used as slang for cats named Buns.
Buns was being very bayad so she had to go to bied.
από Joey Crist 29 Νοέμβριος 2007


text:
Cardiovascular medicine has seen numerous advances, fueled by data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). A particularly important example has been in the care of patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction (MI). Data supporting either prompt mechanical or pharmacologic reperfusion are now abundant. A limitation to the potential application of this new knowledge, however, has been lack of optimal implementation of these reperfusion strategies in real-world patients. This inability to translate RCT data into practice is attributable to several factors. Physicians may be unaware of trial results, especially soon after new findings are published or incorporated into clinical guidelines, although this is an unlikely explanation with respect to care for acute MI in the current era. Physicians may be skeptical about the relevance of RCT findings to their patient population. This may be particularly true in groups such as older patients, who remain underrepresented in RCTs, or in patients with multiple comorbid conditions, who typically are excluded from RCTs. Furthermore, not every clinical question is amenable to RCT design. Because of these limitations to extrapolation of RCT results to actual practice, large regional databases and registries are vital to round out the knowledge basis for clinical decision making.
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Hong Kong, Atlanta, November 8, 2007 — CDC Software, a wholly owned subsidiary of CDC Corporation and a provider of industry-specific enterprise software applications and business services, announced today that its customer, Berner Foods, has won a Ventana Research 2007 Performance Management Leadership Award based on measured performance improvements in manufacturing achieved with CDC Factory, the first packaged manufacturing operations management solution that integrates finite factory scheduling, manufacturing execution systems (MES), real-time performance management, quality, maintenance and analytics. Berner Foods, a leading supplier of quality food products including natural cheese, specialty performance cheese, processed cheese and soy beverages, won in the Technology Leadership Award – Operational Intelligence category.
Approaching full capacity and with an ambitious five year growth plan, Berner Foods wanted to improve throughput efficiencies and reduce performance variances -- cutting changeover times, unplanned downtime and minor stoppages, as well as reducing re-work and waste. However, with no efficient or reliable system for collecting data, Berner was unable to identify the specific areas for performance opportunities. Berner fully implemented CDC Factory in less than 10 weeks and immediately identified the potential for a 20 percent improvement, or the equivalent to four million jars of its products.
"The CDC Factory applications helped us immediately identify bottlenecks within some of our processes," said Gary Gold, vice president, Berner Foods. "Thus, we were able to analyze the data in CDC Factory and put fixes in place. We got an immediate return of potential capacity of 50 percent and increased OEE by 40 percent, With CDC Factory, it allowed the operators to make real time process adjustments in a pro-active rather than re-active state. Using CDC Factory, we are able to inform our Sales Department of capacity potential by product in order to take on new customers, adding millions of dollars to our revenues."
"Ventana Research is proud to honor such a forward thinking company as Berner Foods with our Performance Management Leadership Award," said Mark Smith, CEO and executive vice president of Research, Ventana Research. "The winners were chosen by an expert research team of Ventana Research, by scoring the submissions based on overall best practices plus alignment of people, process, information and technology and business impact. The winners were those organizations that have demonstrated these to the highest degree, such as Berner Foods."
"We are delighted with this recognition for our client Berner Foods, who has demonstrated how CDC Factory can be used to deliver real and tangible benefits to a food manufacturer and make a direct and immediate impact to the bottom line," said Eric Musser, president and CEO of CDC Software.
CDC Factory is the first packaged manufacturing operations management system that transforms manufacturing performance by empowering people to make real-time actionable decisions. By standardizing the best practices of lean manufacturing, OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and continuous improvement, CDC Factory provides a real-time framework that integrates scheduling, operations, quality and maintenance. Specifically designed for food and beverage, pharmaceutical packaging and consumer packaged goods manufacturers, CDC Factory enables real-time decision making to support a demand-driven strategy at all levels in the organization, from factory floor operators to executive management. Leading manufacturers are using CDC Factory to reduce operating costs and waste, unlock hidden capacity, improve customer service and employee satisfaction, while minimizing risk by assuring regulatory compliance. For more information, visit: www.cdcfactory.com.
CDC Software, The Customer-Driven Company™, is a provider of enterprise software applications designed to help organizations deliver a superior customer experience while increasing efficiencies and profitability. CDC Software's product suite includes: CDC Factory (manufacturing operations management), Ross ERP (enterprise resource planning) and SCM (supply chain management), IMI (warehouse management and order management), Pivotal CRM and Saratoga CRM (customer relationship management), MarketFirst (marketing automation and lead management), Respond (customer complaint and feedback management), c360 CRM add-on products, industry solutions and development tools for the Microsoft Dynamics CRM platform, Platinum HRM (human resources) and business analytics solutions.
These industry-specific solutions are used by more than 6,000 customers worldwide within the manufacturing, financial services, health care, home building, real estate, and wholesale and retail distribution industries. The company completes its offerings with a full continuum of services that span the life cycle of technology and software applications, including implementation, project consulting, outsourced business services, application management and offshore development. CDC Software is the enterprise software unit of CDC Corporation and is ranked number 12 on the Manufacturing Business Technology 2007 Global 100 List of Enterprise and Supply Chain Management Application vendors. For more information, please visit: www.cdcsoftware.com.
The CDC family of companies includes CDC Software focused on enterprise software applications and services, CDC Mobile focused on mobile applications, CDC Games focused on online games, and China.com focused on portals for the greater China markets. For more information about CDC Corporation (NASDAQ: CHINA), please visit www.cdccorporation.net.
This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to CDC Factory, increasing throughput, increasing overall equipment effectiveness, and increasing efficiency and other statements that are not historical fact, the achievement of which involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties and changes in circumstances. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward looking statements including, among others: the conditions of the process manufacturing industry; the continued ability of CDC Factory solutions to address industry-specific requirements of companies in the process manufacturing industry; demand for and market acceptance of new and existing CDC Factory solutions; development of new functionalities which would allow process manufacturers to compete more effectively and changes in the type of information required to compete in the process manufacturing industry. Further information on risks or other factors that could cause results to differ is detailed in filings or submissions with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission made by CDC Corporation in its Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2006 on Form 20-F filed on July 2, 2007. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based upon information available to management as of the date of the press release, and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statements which speak only as of the date of this press release. The company assumes no obligation to update or alter the forward looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Kate CorcoranArticulate Communications Inc. (212) 255-0080, ext. firstname.lastname@example.com
Monish BahlCDC Corporation (678) 259-8510 email@example.com


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Sonys VAIO Z and VAIO Y line-up laptop the first out-of-the-box laptops that serves as an individual mobile hotspot. The company is releasing new designs of these series that characteristic the new Sony Share My Connection (SMC) fixed wireless sharing technology.
Thanks to the SMC, VAIO Z and VAIO Y laptop can be utilized as a mobile wireless access point that can link up to five other WiFi-capable devices.