Bone tissue engineering is an alternative approach to bone grafts. In our study we aim to develop a composite scaffold for bone regeneration made of doped zirconium oxide (ZrO2) conjugated with poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) particles for the delivery of growth factors. In this composite, the PLGA microspheres are designed to release a crucial growth factor for bone formation, bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2). We found that by changing the polymer's molecular weight and composition, we could control microsphere loading, release and size. The BMP2 released from PLGA microspheres retained its biological activity and increased osteoblastic marker expression in human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Uncapped PLGA microspheres were conjugated to ZrO2 scaffolds using carbodiimide chemistry, and the composite scaffold was shown to support hMSCs growth. We also demonstrated that human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) can be co-cultured with hMSCs on the ZrO2 scaffold for future vascularization of the scaffold. The ZrO2 composite scaffold could serve as a bone substitute for bone grafting applications with the added ability of releasing different growth factors needed for bone regeneration.
It is proposed to describe multiple air-to-air combat having a moderate number of participants with the aid of a stochastic process based on end-game duels. A simple model describing the dominant features of air combat leads to a continuous time discrete-state Markov process. Solution of the forward Kolmogorov equations enables one to investigate the influence of initial force levels and Performance parameters on the outcome probabilities of the multiple engagement. As is illustrated, such results may be useful in the decision-making process for aircraft and weapon system development planning. Some comparisons are made with Lanchester models as well as with a semi-Markov model.
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