bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SEEDS, simultaneous recordings of high-density EMG and finger joint angles during multiple hand movements
Authors: Matran-Fernandez Ana , Rodríguez Martínez Itzel Jared , Poli Riccardo , Cipriani Christian , Citi Luca 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe present the SurfacE Electromyographic with hanD kinematicS (SEEDS) database. It contains electromyographic (EMG) signals and hand kinematics recorded from the forearm muscles of 25 non-disabled subjects while performing 13 different movements at normal and slow-paced speeds. EMG signals were recorded with a high-density 126-channel array centered on the extrinsic flexors of the fingers and 8 further electrodes placed on the extrinsic extensor muscles. A data-glove was used to record 18 angles from the joints of the wrist and fingers. The correct synchronisation of the data-glove and the EMG was ascertained and the resulting data were further validated by implementing a simple classification of the movements. These data can be used to test experimental hypotheses regarding EMG and hand kinematics. Our database allows for the extraction of the neural drive as well as performing electrode selection from the high-density EMG signals. Moreover, the hand kinematic signals allow the development of proportional methods of control of the hand in addition to the more traditional movement classification approaches.
M1 muscarinic receptor is a key target of neuroprotection, neuroregeneration and memory recovery by i-Extract from Withania somnifera
Authors: Konar Arpita , Gupta Richa , Shukla Rajendra K. , Maloney Bryan , Khanna Vinay K. , Wadhwa Renu , Lahiri Debomoy K. , Thakur Mahendra K. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMemory loss is one of the most tragic symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Our laboratory has recently demonstrated that ‘i-Extract’ of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) restores memory loss in scopolamine (SC)-induced mice. The prime target of i-Extract is obscure. We hypothesize that i-Extract may primarily target muscarinic subtype acetylcholine receptors that regulate memory processes. The present study elucidates key target(s) of i-Extract via cellular, biochemical, and molecular techniques in a relevant amnesia mouse model and primary hippocampal neuronal cultures. Wild type Swiss albino mice were fed i-Extract, and hippocampal cells from naïve mice were treated with i-Extract, followed by muscarinic antagonist (dicyclomine) and agonist (pilocarpine) treatments. We measured dendritic formation and growth by immunocytochemistry, kallikrein 8 (KLK8) mRNA by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and levels of KLK8 and microtubule-associated protein 2, c isoform (MAP2c) proteins by western blotting. We performed muscarinic receptor radioligand binding. i-Extract stimulated an increase in dendrite growth markers, KLK8 and MAP2. Scopolamine-mediated reduction was significantly reversed by i-Extract in mouse cerebral cortex and hippocampus. Our study identified muscarinic receptor as a key target of i-Extract, providing mechanistic evidence for its clinical application in neurodegenerative cognitive disorders.
Development of an sEMG sensor composed of two-layered conductive silicone with different carbon concentrations
Authors: Togo Shunta , Murai Yuta , Jiang Yinlai , Yokoi Hiroshi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTo achieve robust sEMG measurements in an EMG prosthetic system, this study proposes a surface electromyogram (sEMG) sensor with a novel electrode structure composed of two-layered conductive silicone with different carbon concentrations. We hypothesized there is an optimal carbon concentration for achieving a large sEMG amplitude with robustness to external perturbation, and we empirically determined this optimal concentration. We produced fourteen sets of electrodes, with the weight ratio of carbon to silicone ranging from 1.7% to 4.0%. Using these electrodes, the user sEMG and electrical properties of the electrodes were measured. An external perturbation was applied on one side of the electrode to introduce a condition of unbalanced contact to the sEMG sensor. We defined an index of robustness for the sEMG sensor based on the signal-to-noise ratio in the balanced and unbalanced contact conditions. Based on the results of the robustness index, two optimal carbon concentrations, at weight ratios of 2.0%–2.1% and 2.6%–2.7%, were observed. Moreover, the double-peak property was correlated to the capacitance. Our results clearly demonstrate an optimal carbon concentration for robust sEMG measurements, and suggest that the robust measurement of sEMG is supported by the capacitance component of the sensor system.
Simple lysis of bacterial cells for DNA-based diagnostics using hydrophilic ionic liquids
Authors: Martzy Roland , Bica-Schröder Katharina , Pálvölgyi Ádám Márk , Kolm Claudia , Jakwerth Stefan , Kirschner Alexander K. T. , Sommer Regina , Krska Rudolf , Mach Robert L. , Farnleitner Andreas H. , Reischer Georg H. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe extraction of nucleic acids from microorganisms for subsequent molecular diagnostic applications is still a tedious and time-consuming procedure. We developed a method for the rapid preparation of genomic DNA from bacteria based on hydrophilic ionic liquids (ILs). First, we tested eight ILs in different buffer systems for their inhibitory effects on quantitative PCR. The cell lysis potential of different IL/buffer combinations was assessed by application on Enterococcus faecalis as a model organism for Gram-positive bacteria. The two best ILs, choline hexanoate and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, were compared with the reference enzymatic method and two commercial DNA extraction kits. All methods were evaluated on four Gram-positive and four Gram-negative bacterial species that are highly relevant for environmental, food, or clinical diagnostics. In comparison to the reference method, extraction yields of the IL-based procedure were within one order of magnitude for most of the strains. The final protocol for DNA extraction using the two ILs is very low-cost, avoids the use of hazardous chemicals and can be performed in five minutes on a simple heating block. This makes the method ideal for high sample throughput and offers the opportunity for DNA extraction from bacteria in resource-limited settings or even in the field.
Yield-strength prediction of flattened steel pipes by competing Bauschinger effect and strain hardening during pipe-forming
Authors: Kim Dae Woong , Kim Wan-Keun , Bae Jin-ho , Choi Won-Doo , Kim Hyoung Seop , Lee Sunghak 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSince flattened steel sheets often show the unexpectedly lower or higher yield strength than leveled sheets, unceasing efforts have been made to accurately predict the yield strength in pipe-forming industries. In the present investigation, the yield strength of line-pipe or casing-pipe steels was predicted by competing Bauschinger effect and strain hardening occurred during the pipe-forming. Yield drop (YD) and yield rise (YR) parameters were newly defined from cyclic simulation analyses of outer and inner walls of pipes to express more reasonably the Bauschinger effect and strain hardening. The YD increased abruptly until the pre-strain of about 1%, and then saturated, while the YR increased linearly with increasing pre-strain. By combining the YD and YR, the variation in yield strength (Δσ) showed a down-and-up behavior as the Bauschinger effect and strain hardening were dominant at low and high pre-strains, respectively, and plausibly explained the relationship of Δσ and piping strain used in pipe-forming industries. According to the microstructural analyses related to the down-and-up Δσ behavior, the polygonal ferrite reduced the yield-strength reduction in the low pre-strain range, whereas the granular bainite or pearlite expanded it. This yield strength prediction coupled with microstructural analyses provide a good idea for designing and reliably predicting the yield strength of in various steel pipes.
Corticosteroid-Binding Globulin is expressed in the adrenal gland and its absence impairs corticosterone synthesis and secretion in a sex-dependent manner
Authors: Gulfo José , Castel Ricard , Ledda Angelo , Romero María del Mar , Esteve Montserrat , Grasa Mar 
Published: September 2019

AbstractCorticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG) is synthesized by the liver and secreted into the bloodstream where binds to glucocorticoids. Thus CBG has the role of glucocorticoid transport and free hormone control. In addition, CBG has been detected in some extrahepatic tissues without a known role. CBG-deficient mice show decreased total corticosterone levels with missing of classical sexual dimorphism, increased free corticosterone, higher adrenal gland size and altered HPA axis response to stress. Our aim was to ascertain whether CBG deficiency could affect the endocrine synthetic activity of adrenal gland and if the adrenal gland produces CBG. We determined the expression in adrenal gland of proteins involved in the cholesterol uptake and its transport to mitochondria and the main enzymes involved in the corticosterone, aldosterone and catecholamine synthesis. The results showed that CBG is synthesized in the adrenal gland. CBG-deficiency reduced the expression of ACTH receptor, SRB1 and the main genes involved in the adrenal hormones synthesis, stronger in females resulting in the loss of sexual dimorphism in corticosteroid adrenal synthesis, despite corticosterone content in adrenal glands from CBG-deficient females was similar to wildtype ones. In conclusion, these results point to an unexplored and relevant role of CBG in the adrenal gland functionality related to corticosterone production and release.
Predicting DNA damage foci and their experimental readout with 2D microscopy: a unified approach applied to photon and neutron exposures
Authors: Barbieri Sofia , Babini Gabriele , Morini Jacopo , Friedland Werner , Buonanno Manuela , Grilj Veljko , Brenner David J. , Ottolenghi Andrea , Baiocco Giorgio 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe consideration of how a given technique affects results of experimental measurements is a must to achieve correct data interpretation. This might be challenging when it comes to measurements on biological systems, where it is unrealistic to have full control (e.g. through a software replica) of all steps in the measurement chain. In this work we address how the effectiveness of different radiation qualities in inducing biological damage can be assessed measuring DNA damage foci yields, only provided that artefacts related to the scoring technique are adequately considered. To this aim, we developed a unified stochastic modelling approach that, starting from radiation tracks, predicts both the induction, spatial distribution and complexity of DNA damage, and the experimental readout of foci when immunocytochemistry coupled to 2D fluorescence microscopy is used. The approach is used to interpret γ-H2AX data for photon and neutron exposures. When foci are reconstructed in the whole cell nucleus, we obtain information on damage characteristics “behind” experimental observations, as the average damage content of a focus. We reproduce how the detection technique affects experimental findings, e.g. contributing to the saturation of foci yields scored at 30 minutes after exposure with increasing dose and to the lack of dose dependence for yields at 24 hours.
Investigation of the core binding regions of human Werner syndrome and Fanconi anemia group J helicases on replication protein A
Authors: Yeom Gyuho , Kim Jinwoo , Park Chin-Ju 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWerner syndrome protein (WRN) and Fanconi anemia group J protein (FANCJ) are human DNA helicases that contribute to genome maintenance. They interact with replication protein A (RPA), and these interactions dramatically enhance the unwinding activities of both helicases. Even though the interplay between these helicases and RPA is particularly important in the chemoresistance pathway of cancer cells, the precise binding regions, interfaces, and properties have not yet been characterized. Here we present systematic NMR analyses and fluorescence polarization anisotropy assays of both helicase-RPA interactions for defining core binding regions and binding affinities. Our results showed that two acidic repeats of human WRN bind to RPA70N and RPA70A. For FANCJ, the acidic-rich sequence in the C-terminal domain is the binding region for RPA70N. Our results suggest that each helicase interaction has unique features, although they both fit an acidic peptide into a basic cleft for RPA binding. Our findings shed light on the protein interactions involved in overcoming the DNA-damaging agents employed in the treatment of cancer and thus potentially provide insight into enhancing the efficacy of cancer therapy.
Universal versus Risk-Based Management of Unknown Group B Streptococcus Status at Term
Authors: Jones Danielle M. , Haikal Samantha O. , Whitham Megan D. , Howard David L. 
Published: September 2019

Objectives This article estimates and compares public health costs of universal versus risk-based intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) administration for women with unknown Group B streptococcus (GBS) status at term.
Study Design The annual number of women in the U.S. who are: unscreened for GBS, without risk factors, delivering vaginally, multiparous, and eligible for discharge within 24 hours was estimated. Under the risk-based strategy, women and neonates were assumed to stay another day for observation and incur the cost of an additional 24-hour stay. With universal IAP administration, women delivering without complications were assumed to be discharged within 24 hours, with an incurred cost of penicillin.
Results The estimated cost for the risk-based management of unscreened women at term without rupture of membranes (ROM) > 18 hours ranged from $468,886,831 to $850,556,179. Similarly, the cost of managing unscreened women without maternal intrapartum fever (MIF) ranged from $742,024,791 to $919,269,233. Alternatively, universal IAP administration costs ranged from $470,107,674 to $568,359,086.5. Cost comparisons yielded an equivalence or up to a 33.2% reduction in cost, and 36.6 to 38.2% reduction in cost for women without ROM > 18 hours and MIF, respectively.
Conclusions Universal IAP may be cost saving due to the reduction in extended hospitalizations for neonates and healthy mothers.
Osteochondroma of the Coronoid Process and Joint Formation with Zygomatic Arch (Jacob Disease): Report of a Case
Authors: Yesildag Ahmet , Yariktas Murat , Doner Fehmi , Aydin Gulsen , Munduz Mehmet , Topal Ummuhan 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTJacob disease is a rare condition consisting of pseudo joint formation between enlarged mandibular coronoid process and the inner surface of the zygoma. We report a 16-years-old male patient with Jacob disease who presented with restricted mouth opening and swelling of the right zygoma. In this report, clinical, radiological, and histopathological findings of the Jacob disease and its surgical approach are discussed. (Eur J Dent 2010;4:91-94)
Evaluation of Gaps or Voids Occurring in Roots Filled with Three Different Sealers
Authors: Akman Melek , Akman Serhan , Derinbay Oznur , Belli Sema 
Published: September 2019

Objectives: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate gaps or voids occurring in roots filled with three different sealers.Methods: Thirty extracted human single-rooted teeth were decoronated, instrumented using NiTi rotary instruments, divided into three groups (n=10 per group) and obturated with one of the following: Epiphany with Resilon, MetaSEAL with gutta-percha or AH Plus with gutta-percha using the match-taper single-cone technique. After storage for one week in 100% humidity at 37°C, the teeth were horizontally sectioned (n=10). Photographs were taken from the coronal, median and apical parts of the roots using a stereomicroscope at 10X magnification, and the images were then transferred to a computer. The mathematical method known as the ‘Affine Transformation’ was used for the transformation of pixel coordinates to ground coordinates in the Netcad Software program. The mean areas (μm2) of the gaps between the sealer and root dentin or gutta percha/resilon and the gaps between the sealer and/or voids inside the sealer mass were measured, scored on a 0-3 scale and statistically analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results: The mean total area of gaps or voids for each sealer was 4631.80 μm2 for the Epiphany- Resilon, 3826.80 μm2 for the MetaSEAL-gutta-percha and 31334 μm2 for the AH Plus-gutta-percha. The MetaSEAL-gutta-percha group showed more gap or void-free interfaces. No significant differences were found among the sealers in the scores for the gap areas (P<.05), and the MetaSEAL showed similar interfaces with Epiphany.Conclusions: No significant differences in the mean areas of gaps or voids were found among the tested resin-based sealers. (Eur J Dent 2010;4:101-109)
Effect of Different Bonding Strategies on Adhesion to Deep and Superficial Permanent Dentin
Authors: Fernandes Pegado Rafael Eduardo , Botelho do Amaral Flávia Lucisano , Flório Flávia Martão , Basting Roberta Tarkany 
Published: September 2019

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of different bonding strategies on the microtensile bond strength to deep and superficial permanent dentin.Methods: Forty-eight teeth were randomly flattened according to the dentin depth: superficial dentin (SD) and deep dentin (DD). Subsequently, three adhesive systems were applied (n=8): an etchand- rinse (Adper Single Bond 2 - SB), a “mild” two-step self-etching (Clearfil SE Bond - SE) and a one-step self-etching adhesive system (Futurabond – FB). Each specimen was restored with a composite resin and sectioned into 1.0-mm2 thick slabs. After 24 hours, resin-dentin sticks were submitted to tensile stress in a universal testing machine (0.5 mm/min). Data were submitted to two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test at a level of 0.05%.Results: Superficial dentin showed the highest microtensile bond strength values, which differed statistically from those obtained in the deep dentin, irrespective of the adhesive system used. FB yielded the highest bond strength values, which were statistically similar to the bond strength values of SE, but statistically different from those obtained when the SB adhesive was used.Conclusions: Bond strength obtained in superficial dentin was significantly higher than in deep dentin, for all adhesive systems tested. Adhesion was affected by the different bonding strategies: the one-step, low pH, acetone-based self-etching adhesive promoted the higher bond strength values, which were statistically similar to those obtained with the two-step, water-based self-etching adhesive. (Eur J Dent 2010;4:110-117)
Evaluation of Demands and Needs For Dental Care in a Sample of the Turkish Population
Authors: Pekiner Filiz , Gumru Birsay , Borahan Mehmet Oguz , Aytugar Emre 
Published: September 2019

Objectives: To evaluate the demands and needs for dental care and to identify the level of dental and periodontal status in patients of different age groups visiting the Faculty of Dentistry, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey.Methods: A total of 1000 first-visit patients (517 female and 483 male) were examined and questioned. The main complaint of each patient was recorded and considered to be a measure of demand for dental care. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) basic methods were used to determine the tooth-based and orthodontic normative treatment needs. Periodontal status was determined by using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN). In addition, prosthetic normative needs were assessed.Results: This study showed that patients in different age groups required different treatments and had different main complaints. In total, 89.3, 74.1 and 57.7% of the patients named periodontal, restorative and prosthetic care as their main complaint, respectively. Approximately 21% of the total did not need restorations and extractions, and only 12% of the sample did not have a normative periodontal treatment need. About half of subjects needed fixed partial dentures.Conclusions: Normative treatment needs of patients were very high. Therefore, a new national strategy for oral health must be devised for Turkey. This study can assist in setting the baseline for that strategy. (Eur J Dent 2010;4:143-149)
Endogenous pH, Titratable Acidity and Total Soluble Solid Content of Mouthwashes Available in the Brazilian Market
Authors: Cavalcanti Alessandro Leite , Ramos Ianny Alves , Leite Rafaela Bastos , Oliveira Mariana da Costa , Menezes Karynna de Melo , Fernandes Lígia Virgínio , de Castro Ricardo Dias , Vieira Fernando Fernandes 
Published: September 2019

Objectives: To evaluate in vitro the endogenous pH, titratable acidity and total soluble solid content (TSSC) of mouthwashes available in the Brazilian market.Methods: The study sample was composed of 10 commercial brands of mouthwashes based on different active ingredients: Cepacol®, Clinerize®, Equate®, Listerine Cool Citrus®, Oral-B®, Periogard ®, Peroxyl®, Plax Overnight®, Prevident 220® and Sanifill®. The experiments were performed in triplicate. The endogenous pH was evaluated by potentiometry, titratable acidity was evaluated by the addition of 0.1N KOH increments to the mouthwashes, and TSSC readings were performed by Brix refractometry using the Abbé refractometer.Results: pH values ranged from 3.56 (Peroxyl®) to 7.43 (Cepacol®) and three mouthwashes presented pHs below 5.5. The titratable acidity values ranged from 0.007 (Periograd®) to 0.530 (Prevident ®). Oral B® and Clinerize® presented the lowest (4.7%) and the highest (23.70%) TSSC, respectively.Conclusions: Some of the mouthwashes evaluated in this study presented low endogenous pH, even below the critical value for enamel dissolution (pH<5.5), high titratable acidity and high TSSC, and may be potentially erosive to the dental tissues if not properly used. (Eur J Dent 2010;4:156-159)
Color Preferences of Patients Receiving Elastic Ligatures
Authors: Elekdag-Turk Selma , Ozkalayci Nurhat , Isci Devrim , Turk Tamer 
Published: September 2019

Objectives: To determine the color preferences for elastic ligatures among patients receiving fixed-appliance orthodontic therapy.Methods: Five hundred patients with metal brackets (336 female patients and 164 male patients) were included, and their color preferences for elastic ligatures were recorded using a color scale. Chi-square analysis was performed to evaluate the color preferences and to determine the influence of age and gender on color preferences (P<.05).Results: Two hundred and seventy-six patients (55.2%) preferred strikingly colorful elastic ligatures, while 224 patients (44.8%) preferred less noticeable elastic ligatures. No significant difference was observed between the color preferences of female and male patients (P>.05). However, significant differences were observed between the color preferences of adolescents and older patients (P<.001).Conclusions: Female patients preferred red–purple-colored tones, while male patients preferred blue–black-colored tones. Adolescents preferred colorful elastic ligatures, while older patients preferred ligatures with less-noticeable colors. A stock of 10–12 colorful and less-noticeable elastic ligatures seems to be adequate to ensure patient satisfaction. (Eur J Dent 2010;4:171-174)