bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fs‐laser ablation of teeth is temperature limited and provides information about the ablated components
Authors: de Menezes Rebeca Ferraz , Harvey Catherine Malinda , de Martínez Gerbi Marleny Elizabeth Márquez , Smith Zachary J. , Smith Dan , Ivaldi Juan C. , Phillips Alton , Chan James W. , Wachsmann‐Hogiu Sebastian 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe goal of this work is to investigate the thermal effects of femtosecond laser (fs‐laser) ablation for the removal of carious dental tissue. Additional studies identify different tooth tissues through femtosecond laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (fsLIBS) for the development of a feedback loop that could be utilized during ablation in a clinical setting. Scanning Election Microscope (SEM) images reveal that minimal morphological damages are incurred at repetition rates below the carbonization threshold of each tooth tissue. Thermal studies measure the temperature distribution and temperature decay during laser ablation and after laser cessation, and demonstrate that repetition rates at or below 10kHz with a laser fluence of 40 J/cm2 would inflict minimal thermal damage on the surrounding nerve tissues and provide acceptable clinical removal rates. Spectral analysis of the different tooth tissues is also conducted and differences between the visible wavelength fsLIBS spectra are evident, though more robust classification studies are needed for clinical translation. These results have initiated a set of precautionary recommendations that would enable the clinician to utilize femtosecond laser ablation for the removal of carious lesions while ensuring that the solidity and utility of the tooth remain intact.
Reflectance spectroscopy: to shed new light on the capillary refill test
Authors: John Rani Toll , Henricson Joakim , Nilsson Gert E , Wilhelms Daniel , Anderson Chris D. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo use Bioengineering methodology is used to achieve, at five anatomical sites, a detailed, quantitative assessment of the return of blood content to the blanched area, during the Capillary Refill (CR) test. An observational, non‐randomized, experimental study on 23 healthy subjects (14 females) was performed in our climate controlled skin physiology laboratory. Our main outcome measures were based on the chronological assessment and quantification of red blood cell concentration (RBC) after the release of blanching pressure in the CR test, using Tissue Viability Imaging (TiVi), a digital photographic technique based on polarisation spectroscopy. TiVi enabled collection of detailed data on skin RBC concentration during the CR test. The results were shown as curves with skin blood concentration (TiVi‐value) on the y‐axis and the time on the x‐axis. Quantitative CR responses showed site and temperature variability. We also suggest possible objective endpoint values from the capillary refill curve. Detailed data on skin RBC concentration during the CR test is easily obtained and allows objective determination of end points not possible to achieve by naked eye assessment. These findings have the potential to place the utility of the CR test in a clinical setting in a new light. Picture: Regular photograph and TiVi Image showing CR test and corresponding graph for the CR response.magnified image
Growth process and anticancer properties of gold nanorods
Authors: Zhang Junyan , Wang Mian , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGold nanoparticles have been of great interest because of their unique optical properties, facile synthesis and conjugation. Among various shapes of gold nanoparticles, gold nanorods have been widely studied. They can be conjugated with different molecules for biomedical applications, such as tumor imaging and therapy. However, few researchers have studied the antitumor properties of bare gold nanorods. In this study, unfunctionalized gold nanorods were synthesized and tested on breast tumor cells. Results showed that the aspect ratio of gold nanorods could be easily influenced by both reaction time and the amount of silver nitrate in the growth solution. A new growth process is proposed here based on the UV‐Vis spectra and TEM images of gold nanorods at different reaction times. More importantly, cell studies showed that within a certain concentration range, the gold nanorods can selectively kill tumor cells while having limited or little influence on healthy mammalian (dermal fibroblast) cells. Thus, this study shows promise for the use of bare gold nanorods for further study alone or in combination with photothermal treatment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2616–2621, 2017.
Influence of highly porous electrospun PLGA/PCL/nHA fibrous scaffolds on the differentiation of tooth bud cellsin vitro
Authors: Cai Xinjie , ten Hoopen Sofie , Zhang Weibo , Yi Charles , Yang Wanxun , Yang Fang , Jansen John A. , Walboomers X. Frank , Yelick Pamela C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the use of three‐dimensional electrospun poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PLGA/PCL) scaffolds seeded and cultured with postnatal dental cells, for improved dental tissue regeneration. Wet‐electrospinning combined with ultrasonic treatment was studied as a method to enhance scaffold porosity and to promote cell–cell interactions. We also investigated whether nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHA) incorporation could enhance dental cell differentiation. All scaffolds were seeded with human tooth pulp‐derived dental mesenchymal (hDM) cells, or a combination of hDM and pig dental epithelial (pDE) cells, cultured for up to 28 days. Developmentally staged samples were assessed using scanning electron microscopy, histological, immunohistochemical, DNA and alkaline phosphatase activity assays, and quantitative‐PCR for ameloblastic, odontoblastic, and osteogenic related gene expression. Results showed that electrospun scaffolds exhibited sufficient porosity to support robust cell ingrowth. Additional ultrasonic treatment led to a less homogeneous scaffold porosity, resulting in evident cell clustering and enhanced hDM‐pDE cell–cell interactions. Finally, nHA incorporation was found to enhance dental cell differentiation. However, it also resulted in smaller fiber diameter and reduced scaffold porosity, and inhibited cell ingrowth and proliferation. In conclusion, ultrasonically treated wet‐electrospun PLGA/PCL scaffolds are a suitable material for dental tissue engineering, and support futurein vivoevaluations of this model. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2597–2607, 2017.
Bone Formation Is Coupled to Resorption Via Suppression of Sclerostin Expression by Osteoclasts
Authors: Koide Masanori , Kobayashi Yasuhiro , Yamashita Teruhito , Uehara Shunsuke , Nakamura Midori , Hiraoka B. Yukihiro , Ozaki Yuki , Iimura Tadahiro , Yasuda Hisataka , Takahashi Naoyuki , Udagawa Nobuyuki 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Bone formation is coupled to bone resorption throughout life. However, the coupling mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Using Tnfrsf11b-deficient (OPG–/–) mice, in which bone formation is clearly coupled to bone resorption, we found here that osteoclasts suppress the expression of sclerostin, a Wnt antagonist, thereby promoting bone formation. Wnt/β-catenin signals were higher in OPG–/– and RANKL-transgenic mice with a low level of sclerostin. Conditioned medium from osteoclast cultures (Ocl-CM) suppressed sclerostin expression in UMR106 cells and osteocyte cultures. In vitro experiments revealed that osteoclasts secreted leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and inhibited sclerostin expression. Anti-RANKL antibodies, antiresorptive agents, suppressed LIF expression and increased sclerostin expression, thereby reducing bone formation in OPG–/– mice. Taken together, osteoclast-derived LIF regulates bone turnover through sclerostin expression. Thus, LIF represents a target for improving the prolonged suppression of bone turnover by antiresorptive agents. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research Published by Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Hypermineralization and High Osteocyte Lacunar Density in Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type V Bone Indicate Exuberant Primary Bone Formation
Authors: Blouin Stéphane , Fratzl-Zelman Nadja , Glorieux Francis H , Roschger Paul , Klaushofer Klaus , Marini Joan C , Rauch Frank 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

In contrast to “classical” forms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) types I to IV, caused by a mutation in COL1A1/A2, OI type V is due to a gain-of-function mutation in the IFITM5 gene, encoding the interferon-induced transmembrane protein 5, or bone-restricted interferon-inducible transmembrane (IFITM)-like protein (BRIL). Its phenotype distinctly differs from OI types I to IV by absence of blue sclerae and dentinogenesis imperfecta, by the occurrence of ossification disorders such as hyperplastic callus and forearm interosseous membrane ossification. Little is known about the impact of the mutation on bone tissue/material level in untreated and bisphosphonate-treated patients. Therefore, investigations of transiliac bone biopsy samples from a cohort of OI type V children (n = 15, 8.7 ± 4 years old) untreated at baseline and a subset (n = 8) after pamidronate treatment (2.6 years in average) were performed. Quantitative backscattered electron imaging (qBEI) was used to determine bone mineralization density distribution (BMDD) as well as osteocyte lacunar density. The BMDD of type V OI bone was distinctly shifted toward a higher degree of mineralization. The most frequently occurring calcium concentration (CaPeak) in cortical (Ct) and cancellous (Cn) bone was markedly increased (+11.5%, +10.4%, respectively, p &lt; 0.0001) compared to healthy reference values. Treatment with pamidronate resulted in only a slight enhancement of mineralization. The osteocyte lacunar density derived from sectioned bone area was elevated in OI type V Ct and Cn bone (+171%, p &lt; 0.0001; +183.3%, p &lt; 0.01; respectively) versus controls. The high osteocyte density was associated with an overall immature primary bone structure (“mesh-like”) as visualized by polarized light microscopy. In summary, the bone material from OI type V patients is hypermineralized, similar to other forms of OI. The elevated osteocyte lacunar density in connection with lack of regular bone lamellation points to an exuberant primary bone formation and an alteration of the bone remodeling process in OI type V. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Spotted Gar and the Evolution of Innate Immune Receptors
Authors: Wcisel Dustin J. , Ota Tatsuya , Litman Gary W. , Yoder Jeffrey A. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe resolution of the gar genome affords an opportunity to examine the diversification and functional specialization of immune effector molecules at a distant and potentially informative point in phylogenetic development. Although innate immunity is effected by a particularly large number of different families of molecules, the focus here is to provide detailed characterization of several families of innate receptors that are encoded in large multigene families, for which orthologous forms can be identified in other species of bony fish but not in other vertebrate groups as well as those for which orthologs are present in other vertebrate species. The results indicate that although teleost fish and the gar, as a holostean reference species, share gene families thought previously to be restricted to the teleost fish, the manner in which the members of the multigene families of innate immune receptors have undergone diversification is different in these two major phylogenetic radiations. It appears that both the total genome duplication and different patterns of genetic selection have influenced the derivation and stabilization of innate immune genes in a substantial manner during the course of vertebrate evolution.
Survival rates after liver transplantation using hypertensive donor grafts: an analysis of the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database
Authors: Hu Zhenhua , Mei Shengmin , Xiang Jie , Zhou Jie , Li Zhiwei , Zhou Lin , Yan Sheng , Wang Weilin , Zheng Shusen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe use of grafts from donors with hypertension (HTN) in liver transplantation has grown rapidly recently, but whether HTN donors affect post‐liver transplantation survival is unclear.MethodsWe used data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database (2004–2008), and evaluated differences in baseline characteristics and outcomes between recipients of grafts from HTN and non‐HTN donors. Kaplan–Meier and multivariate Cox regression models were used in assessing patient survival.ResultsWe identified 8,411 recipients of HTN donor grafts (33.2%) and 16,891 (66.8%) recipients of non‐HTN donor grafts. Graft and patient survival rates were significantly lower in recipients of HTN donor grafts versus non‐HTN donor grafts (1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year graft survival rates of 75%, 64%, 50% vs. 80%, 72%, 62% [P < 0.001], respectively, and patient survival rates of 79%, 69%, 56% vs. 83%, 75%, 65% [P < 0.001], respectively). A history of HTN >5 years was also associated with lower rates of graft and patient survival (P < 0.001). A HTN donor was independently associated with a higher risk of graft loss (hazard ratio 1.10, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.18).ConclusionThe present study shows that graft and patient survivals were lower in recipients of hypertensive donor grafts, and highlights the importance of appropriately screening donors for HTN.
Technological and Economic Factors Determining ICT Level: Evidence from Rural Micro‐Businesses in Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Perez‐Estebanez Raquel , Urquía‐Grande Elena , Rautiainen Antti 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the 11th largest country in the world although wars have devastated the economics of the country. In this vast but poor area, there are a lot of small businesses, particularly in agriculture. Therefore, focusing on small enterprises and their use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) can be a key issue in enhancing the nation's infrastructure, communications, social relations and economy. This research aims at increasing our understanding of these issues together by analysing the effects of ICT in micro‐level businesses in a developing country. The research focused on the rural neighbourhood of Ngandanjike in the area of Mbujimayi in south DRC. Two hundred agricultural micro‐entrepreneurs were randomly surveyed by a Non‐Profit Organisation (NPO) about their current situation regarding their ICT use, ICT access, mobile phone use, ICT education level and accounting information systems. Multivariate statistics models were used in the data analysis. After analysing the regression of the six ICT factors and additional financial data as total revenues and total assets, we found that micro‐entrepreneurial total assets are connected with management accounting with ICT, ICT education level and ICT adoption. We contribute to existing research by adding empirical evidence, at a microeconomic level of agricultural micro‐enterprises, on the effects of ICT access and use as an engine of local economic growth. Additionally, this research can impact policy decisions regarding micro‐entrepreneurs, seeking to reduce poverty by understanding what ICT factors are most valued and most needed by these micro‐entrepreneurs to help them with sustainable economic activity and to alleviate the poverty. Policy makers need to emphasise training and motivation for micro‐entrepreneurs in order to deepen their ICT knowledge and to help their business. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cross‐sectional correlation between hepatic R2* and proton density fat fraction (PDFF) in children with hepatic steatosis
Authors: Mamidipalli Adrija , Hamilton Gavin , Manning Paul , Hong Cheng William , Park Charlie C. , Wolfson Tanya , Hooker Jonathan , Heba Elhamy , Schlein Alexandra , Gamst Anthony , Durelle Janis , Paiz Melissa , Middleton Michael S. , Schwimmer Jeffrey B. , Sirlin Claude B. 
Published: May 2017

PurposeTo determine the relationship between hepatic proton density fat fraction (PDFF) and R2* in vivo.Materials and MethodsIn this Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)‐compliant, Institutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved, cross‐sectional study, we conducted a secondary analysis of 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams performed as part of prospective research studies in children in whom conditions associated with iron overload were excluded clinically. Each exam included low‐flip‐angle, multiecho magnitude (‐M) and complex (‐C) based chemical‐shift‐encoded MRI techniques with spectral modeling of fat to generate hepatic PDFF and R2* parametric maps. For each technique and each patient, regions of interest were placed on the maps in each of the nine Couinaud segments, and composite whole‐liver PDFF and R2* values were calculated. Pearson's correlation coefficients between PDFF and R2* were computed for each MRI technique. Correlations were compared using Steiger's test.ResultsIn all, 184 children (123 boys, 61 girls) were included in this analysis. PDFF estimated by MRI‐M and MRI‐C ranged from 1.1–35.4% (9.44 ± 8.76) and 2.1–38.1% (10.1 ± 8.7), respectively. R2* estimated by MRI‐M and MRI‐C ranged from 32.6–78.7 s−1 (48.4 ± 9.8) and 27.2–71.5 s−1 (42.2 ± 8.6), respectively. There were strong and significant correlations between hepatic PDFF and R2* values estimated by MRI‐M (r = 0.874; P < 0.0001) and MRI‐C (r = 0.853; P < 0.0001). The correlation coefficients (0.874 vs. 0.853) were not significantly different (P = 0.15).ConclusionHepatic PDFF and R2* are strongly correlated with each other in vivo. This relationship was observed using two different MRI techniques.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:418–424.
Neck Sonography and Suppressed Thyroglobulin Have High Sensitivity for Identifying Recurrent/Persistent Disease in Patients With Low‐risk Thyroid Cancer Treated With Total Thyroidectomy and Radioactive Iodine Ablation, Making Stimulated Thyroglobulin Unnecessary
Authors: Domínguez José M. , Nilo Flavia , Contreras Tania , Carmona Rocío , Droppelmann Nicolás , González Hernán , Iturrieta Virginia , Tuttle R. Michael 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesFollow‐up of patients with low‐risk differentiated thyroid cancer treated with total thyroidectomy and radioiodine requires neck sonography and thyroglobulin (Tg). The need to stimulate Tg is controversial. The goal of this study was to compare the diagnostic performances of sonography plus suppressed or stimulated Tg in low‐risk thyroid cancer.MethodsAfter total thyroidectomy and radioiodine, patients with low‐risk thyroid cancer were retrospectively identified as having structural or biochemical persistence/recurrence. We compared the diagnostic performance of suppressed and stimulated Tg to detect persistence/recurrence.ResultsWe included 148 patients with low‐risk thyroid cancer who were followed for a median of 3.7 years. Persistence/recurrence was found in 8 patients (5.4%; 5 structural disease and 3 biochemical disease). Thyroglobulin was not stimulated in 72 patients (group 1) and stimulated in 76 (group 2). In group 1, 5 patients (6.9%) had structural neck persistence/recurrence (3 with suppressed Tg ≥ 1 ng/mL and 2 with suppressed Tg < 1 ng/mL). Four patients underwent surgery, and 1 was surveilled. All 5 patients had suppressed Tg lower than 1 ng/mL at the end of follow‐up. In group 2, stimulated Tg did not identify additional cases of structural persistence/recurrence but classified 3 patients (3.9%) as having biochemical persistence/recurrence. One patient received a second dose of radioiodine, and the other 2 were surveilled; all were without disease at the end of follow‐up. Suppressed and stimulated Tg had negative predictive values for persistence/recurrence of 97% and 100%, respectively.ConclusionsIn low‐risk thyroid cancer treated with total thyroidectomy and radioiodine, sonography and suppressed or stimulated Tg have similar negative predictive values for persistence/recurrence. Importantly, the coexistence of negative sonographic findings and suppressed Tg lower than 1 ng/mL makes the addition of stimulated Tg unlikely to identify clinically important disease.
Composite Membrane Formation by Combination of Reaction‐Induced and Nonsolvent‐Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Aburabie Jamaliah , Villalobos Luis Francisco , Peinemann Klaus‐Viktor 
Published: May 2017

A novel method of preparing skinned asymmetric membranes with two distinctive layers is described: a top layer composed of chemically cross‐linked polymer chains (dense layer) and a bottom layer of non‐cross‐linked polymer chains (porous substructure). The method consists of two simple steps that are compatible with industrial membrane fabrication facilities. Unlike conventional processes to prepare asymmetric membranes, with this approach it is possible to finely control the structure and functionalities of the final membrane. The thickness of the dense layer can be easily controlled over several orders of magnitude and targeted functional groups can be readily incorporated in it.
image
An experimental study of the fracture behavior of particulate reinforced composites using digital image correlation
Authors: Na S.H. , Lee J. W. , Kim J.H. , Park J.B. , Jung G.D. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the fracture behavior of particulate reinforced composites to determine resistance properties. It is important to evaluate the crack propagation characteristics of the materials under various temperatures and strain rates. The tests using a wedge splitting specimen are conducted under temperatures ranging from 60 °C to −60 °C and strain rates of 5 and 50 mm/min. KI is calculated using an equation suggested by ASTM (American society for testing and materials) E399. The splitting loads and crack resistance for crack extension at various temperatures are estimated. Also, the crack tip opening angle is calculated from the crack tip opening displacement and crack extension measured via the optical method. The crack tip opening angle consists of an unstable and stable region by which the critical crack tip opening angle can be determined. In addition, digital image correlation is used to calculate the strain fields around the crack tip as well as the whole specimen.
Stirrups effect on the behavior of concrete columns during an earthquake
Authors: Grgić N. , Radnić J. , Matešan D. , Banović I. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe paper presents the testing results of a small scale model of cantilever concrete columns on a shake table, with varying stirrup spacing. During the test, earthquake accelerations were gradually increased. Displacements and accelerations at the top of the earthquake‐like columns, as well as the strains in the concrete, vertical bars and stirrups in characteristic points, were measured during each shake table excitation. It was concluded that the distance between stirrups in the concrete column has a significant effect on the size of the cracking zone in the concrete, as well as on the number, location, spacing and width of cracks. By reducing the distance between the stirrups, columns becomes stiffer. That leads to smaller displacements and slightly larger inertial forces under excitation with low accelerations. Maximum displacements at the top of the column with denser stirrups are slightly smaller and the crack zone and crack width in concrete is therefore significantly reduced.