bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Temporary Functional Deafferentation on the Brain, Sensation, and Behavior of Stroke Patients
Authors: Sens Elisabeth , Teschner Ulrike , Meissner Winfried , Preul Christoph , Huonker Ralph , Witte Otto W. , Miltner Wolfgang H. R. , Weiss Thomas 
Published: August 2012

Following stroke, many patients suffer from chronic motor impairment and reduced somatosensation in the stroke-affected body parts. Recent experimental studies suggest that temporary functional deafferentation (TFD) of parts of the stroke-affected upper limb or of the less-affected contralateral limb might improve the sensorimotor capacity of the stroke-affected hand. The present study sought evidence of cortical reorganization and related sensory and motor improvements following pharmacologically induced TFD of the stroke-affected forearm.Examination was performed during 2 d of Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy. Thirty-six human patients were deafferented on the stroke-affected forearm by an anesthetic cream (containing lidocaine and prilocaine) on one of the 2 d, and a placebo cream was applied on the other. The order of TFD and placebo treatment was counterbalanced across patients. Somatosensory and motor performance were assessed using a Grating orienting task and a Shape-sorter-drum task, and with somatosensory-evoked magnetic fields. Evoked magnetic fields showed significant pre- to postevaluation magnitude increases in response to tactile stimulation of the thumb of the stroke-affected hand during TFD but not following placebo treatment. We also observed a rapid extension of the distance between cortical representations of the stroke-affected thumb and little finger following TFD but not following placebo treatment. Moreover, somatosensory and motor performance of the stroke-affected hand was significantly enhanced during TFD but not during placebo treatment. Thus, pharmacologically induced TFD of a stroke-affected forearm might improve the somatosensory and motor functions of the stroke-affected upper limb, accompanied by cortical plasticity.
Old Beneventan Melodies in a Breviary at Naples: New Evidence of Old Beneventan Music for the Office
Authors: Peattie Matthew 
Published: August 2012

This article discusses previously undocumented examples of music for the old Beneventan divine office in a manuscript housed in the Archivio Storico Diocesano in Naples (Cod. Misc. 1, fasc. VII). The breviary, which was copied at the scriptorium of Santa Sofia, Benevento, in 1161, transmits two unica—canticle antiphons for the feast of St. Mercurius—in Beneventan style. It also preserves a Beneventan-style antiphon for the Holy Twelve Brothers of Benevento that is not transmitted in previously published sources of Beneventan chant. The discovery of music in Beneventan style for St. Mercurius is of importance to the history of the old Beneventan rite, as it attests to the continued production of the distinctive formulaic style of the Beneventan rite into the later eighth century. The relics of Mercurius, a military saint of Byzantium, were enshrined at the altar of Santa Sofia at Benevento in 768, and Mercurius was adopted as patron of the court, the church of Santa Sofia, and the city of Benevento. Despite the establishment of the cult of St. Mercurius in the second half of the eighth century, until now no musical record has indicated the presence of old Beneventan music for this feast (there is no extant Beneventan mass proper for Mercurius, and the documented sources for the divine office preserve only Romano-Beneventan or neo-Gregorian-style music).
I consider the St. Mercurius antiphons within the context of the musical style of the old Beneventan rite and argue that they should be included in the Beneventan canon on the basis of musical style. As pitch-specific exemplars of the distinctive formulaic style of the Beneventan chant, this source is of particular value to the study of Beneventan pitch and modality. Notated in fully heightened Beneventan neumes on a staff line, these antiphons are among the few surviving witnesses of the old Beneventan repertory that preserve the distinctive modal properties of the repertory in pitch-specific notation. I introduce the music of these antiphons and consider their importance as witnesses to the continued production and copying of Beneventan music from the late eighth to the twelfth centuries.
Intravenous Administration of Multi‐walled Carbon Nanotubes Affects the Formation of Atherosclerosis in Sprague‐Dawley Rats
Authors: Xu Yu‐Ying , Yang Jie , Shen Ting , Zhou Fan , Xia Yong , Fu Jian‐Yun , Meng Jia , Zhang June , Zheng Yi‐Fan , Yang June , Xu Li‐Hong , Zhu Xin‐Qiang 
Published: August 2012

Intravenous Administration of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes Affects the Formation of Atherosclerosis in Sprague‐Dawley Rats: Yu‐Ying XU, et al. Zhejiang University School of Medicine, China—BackgroundCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) have many potential applications, including as delivery systems for a variety of diagnostic or therapeutic agents. However, it has been suggested that exposure to carbon nano‐materials may be a risk for the development of vascular diseases due to its impact on the vascular endothelium.Materials and MethodsMale Sprague‐Dawley rats (180−200 g) were used to generate an atherosclerosis (AS) model, and the effect of intravenous administration of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on AS was studied. To further understand the underlying mechanisms, the effects of exposure of human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs) to MWCNTs were examined.ResultsExposure to 200 μg/kg MWCNTs aggravated AS in this model. In addition, exposure to 50, 100 and 200 μg/kg MWCNTs increased the calcification of the aorta in the model. Short‐term exposure also revealed that 200 μg/kg MWCNTs injured the endothelium in the aorta. MWCNTs disrupted the endothelial tight junction and induced endothelial cell death.ConclusionThe results demonstrated that MWCNTs could induce structural and functional changes in the endothelium, probably through vascular endotheliocyte injury, which eventually affected the development of AS in SD rats.
Electron Self-trapping in Ge2 Se3 and its Role in Ag and Sn Incorporation
Authors: Edwards Arthur H. , Campell Kristy A. , Pineda Andrew C. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTWe present a set of density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the electronic structure of Ag and Sn in Ge2 Se3 in a periodic model. We show that electron self-trapping is a persistent feature in the presence of many defects. Ag and Sn autoionize upon entering Ge2 Se3 becoming Ag+ and Sn2+ , respectively, and the freed electrons self trap at the lowest energy site. Both Ag and Sn can substitute for Ge, and we present formation energies as a function of Fermi level that show that Sn can substantially alter the incorporation of Ag into the Ge2Se3 network.
High Temperature Anatase TiO2 Stabilization in TiO2/Si Multilayer Structures
Authors: Karl Helmut , Schaedler Martina , Ruff Eugen , Stritzker Bernd 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn this work TiO2/Si multilayer structures have been grown by sputtering. After rapid thermal annealing in pure inert gas or inert gas with oxygen atmosphere the multilayers have been investigated by high resolution transmission electron microscopy, μ-Raman and dynamic secondary ion mass spectrometry for their structure and anatase/rutile phase composition. It has been found that the photocatalytically more active anatase TiO2 is stabilized and that interdiffusion and chemical reaction processes were strongly hindered up to 1100°C annealing temperature in oxygen containing atmosphere. These findings are of particular importance since only at this high temperature simultaneous formation of embedded Si nanocrystallites can be achieved.
Reactive sputtering: A method for controlling the stoichiometry and energy level structure of amorphous molybdenum oxide films.
Authors: Griffin Jonathan , Buckley Alastair R. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThin films of molybdenum oxide have been deposited by reactive magnetron sputtering and characterised by photoelectron spectroscopy. Such films of MoOx are increasingly being used as electrode interfaces in both organic light emitting diodes and bulk heterojunction polymer-fullerene solar cells. Control of the Mo to oxygen stoichiometry has been gained by two methods of R.F magnetron sputtering. The first method is by controlling the proportion of oxygen in the sputtering chamber and the second is by controlling the level of surface oxidation of the sputter target prior to deposition, both methods have been used to control average film stoichiometry. In general the transition from metallic like film to oxide like film occurs at an oxygen chamber partial pressure of 15 %. UPS measurements show that such a transition, and resulting increase in the average oxidation state, leads to a shift in the Fermi level from 4.5eV to 5.2eV with respect to vacuum. The presence of specific oxidation states below +6 give rise to electronic structures that lie between the valence band edge and the Fermi level. For reduced samples +2 and +5 oxidation states peaks appear at binding energies of 0.4eV and 2.1eV respectively while a third peak at 1eV could be attributed to either the presence of +3 or +4 oxidation states.
Band Gap Engineering in Bulk and Nano Semiconductors
Authors: John Rita 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThe changes are brought in the elemental semiconductors Si and Ge by replacing them with II-VI and III-V binary analogs or their ternary analogs I-III-VI2 chalcopyrides and II-IV-V2 pnictides respectively. Such compounds exhibit transitions from their parent compound in terms of nature of band gaps (Eg) as indirect to direct in addition to the changes in the values of the Eg. These changes have direct consequence in their optical properties with degenerate states being lifted leading to crystal field splitting and so on. The Eg in ternary bulk semiconducting materials is engineered as a function of certain structural parameters such as anion position parameter (u), tetragonal compression parameter (η) through effective alloying. The contributions to Eg due to these effects are studied as band gap anomalies. The present paper discusses the results of the band gap engineering in some of the bulk ABC2(A= Cd; B=Si,Ge,Sn; C= P,As) semiconductors using theoretical methods. The influence of each of A, B and C atom is also discussed. The dependence of morphology of nano semiconducting particles and the band gap on the chemical environment, temperature is reported by us. The confinement energy of a compound which is the difference in energy between the bulk and nano forms is investigated.
Enhanced visible to near-infrared quantum cutting in Tb and Yb co-doped oxyfluoride glass-ceramic
Authors: Pan Z. , Sekar G. , Akrobetu R. , Mu R. , Morgan S. H. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTTb and Yb co-doped oxyfluoride glasses were fabricated in a lithium-lanthanum-aluminosilicate matrix by a melt-quench technique. Glass-ceramics were obtained by appropriate heat treatment of the as-prepared glasses. Visible to near-infrared down-conversion quantum cutting was studied for samples with different thermal annealing temperatures and time. Laser light at 488 nm was used to excite Tb3+ ions while Yb3+ ions were excited by energy transfer from the excited Tb3+ ions. Near-infrared emission at 940 – 1020 nm was observed. It has been found that the emission at 940 – 1020 nm increased significantly from the glass-ceramic compared to that of the as-prepared glass. This result suggests that the energy-transfer efficiency increases in glass-ceramics compared to that in glass. A significant portion of rare-earth ions may be incorporated inside LaF3 nanoparticles (NPs) in the glass-ceramic. Because the Yb3+ emission at 940 – 1020 nm is matched well with the band gap of crystalline Si, the quantum cutting effect may have its potential application in silicon-based solar cells.
Polyoxometalate Clusters Supported on Functionalized Graphene Sheets as Nanohybrids for the Catalytic Combustion of Liquid Fuels
Authors: Tessonnier Jean-Philippe , Haas Francis M. , Dabbs Daniel M. , Dryer Frederick L. , Yetter Richard A. , Barteau Mark A. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTCatalyzing the combustion of liquid fuels offers interesting prospects for further improvement of the fuel economy and the performance of engines, in particular for jets and advanced propulsion systems. Polyoxometalates are well-known oxidation catalysts which are expected to also catalyze combustion reactions. However, their polarity makes their dispersion in fuels particularly challenging. Herein, functionalized graphene sheets were used as a support due to their high surface area as well as their compatibility with the target reaction. In order to further improve the dispersion of the catalyst in fuels, alkyl chains were grafted to the sheets’ surface. An innovative grafting technique was developed to attach alkyls at a variety of oxygen-containing functionalities already present on reduced graphene oxide, such as hydroxyl and epoxy groups. A phase transfer to the organic phase was observed when dispersing the dry powder in water:toluene mixtures. In addition, the dry alkyl chain-modified graphene sheets readily dispersed in common organic solvents without the assistance of sonication. Polyoxometalates (H3PMo12O40 and H4PMo11VO40) were dispersed on the modified sheets as discrete clusters even at a relatively high loading (20 wt.%). The catalytic activity of these nanostructured materials was demonstrated for the combustion of methylcylcohexane, tested here as a model fuel.
Implant-Supported Auricular Prosthesis - An Overview.
Authors: Sharma Ashu , Rahul G. R. , T.Poduval Soorya , shetty Karunakar 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Auricular defects can result from tumor resection, congenital malformations, and trauma. These defects lack hard or soft tissue undercuts, and prosthesis retention is obtained primarily by the use of skin adhesives. There are significant disadvantages to the use of skin adhesives.The margins of the facial prosthesis may be damaged by repeated application and removal of the adhesive, and occasionally a patient will have a toxic skin reaction. The retentive capacity of adhesives may be insufficient in mobile tissues or in moist environments. The presence of hair also complicates the use of skin adhesives. The use of craniofacial titanium implants for restoring auricular defects may provide many benefits. The quality of retention provided far exceeds that obtained with adhesives, and skin-penetrating osseointegrated implants have demonstrated an excellent level of predictability when placed in bone in the auricular area.The aim of this paper is to present concept and principles of maxillofacial implants, history, literature review , advantages and disadvantages, considerations in treatment planning, finally the treatment phases of an implant-supported auricular prosthesis in particular and prospective developments for ear prosthesis.
The effect of temperature on the mechanical behavior of nickel-titanium orthodontic initial archwires
Authors: Lombardo Luca , Toni Giorgia , Stefanoni Filippo , Mollica Francesco , Guarneri Maria Paola , Siciliani Giuseppe 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
To investigate and compare the characteristics of commonly used types of traditional and heat-activated initial archwires at different temperatures by plotting their load/deflection graphs and quantifying three parameters describing the discharge plateau phase.

Materials and Methods:
Forty-eight archwires of cross-sectional diameters ranging from 0.010 inches to 0.016 inches were obtained from seven different manufacturers. A modified three-point wire-bending test was performed on three analogous samples of each type of archwire at 55°C and 5°C, simulating an inserted archwire that is subjected to cold or hot drinks during a meal. For each resulting load/deflection curve the plateau section was isolated and the mean value of each parameter for each type of wire was obtained.

Results:
Permanent strain was exhibited by all wires tested at 55°C. Statistically significant differences were found between almost all wires for the three considered parameters when tested at 55°C and 5°C. Loads were greater at 55°C than at 5°C. Differences were also found between traditional and heat-activated archwires, the latter of which generated longer plateaus at 55°C, shorter plateaus at 5°C, and lighter mean forces at both temperatures. The increase in average force seen with increasing diameter tended to be rather stable at both temperatures.

Conclusions:
All nickel-titanium wires tested showed a significant change related to temperature in terms of behavior and force for both traditional and heat-activated wires. Stress under high temperatures can induce permanent strain, whereas the residual strain detected at low temperatures can be recovered from as temperature increases.
Extraction of the lateral incisors to treat maxillary protrusion: Quantitative evaluation of the stomatognathic functions
Authors: Ishihara Yoshihito , Kuroda Shingo , Sumiyoshi Kumi , Takano-Yamamoto Teruko , Yamashiro Takashi 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT
To treat morphological abnormalities, impaction, and severe malposition of the teeth, the lateral incisors are sometimes extracted, followed by orthodontic space closure. This procedure often requires special consideration, not only with regard to esthetics but also for functional issues. However, thus far, few reports that have performed a functional evaluation in such cases. The purpose of this article is to report the successful treatment of an adult patient with a Class II division 1 malocclusion who was treated with extraction of the upper lateral incisors. The female patient, aged 23 years and 6 months, had a chief complaint of maxillary incisal protrusion and crooked teeth. In this patient, the upper lateral incisors were extracted to fulfill the patient's strong request, followed by orthodontic treatment using edgewise appliances. A high-pull J-hook headgear on the lower dental arch was used to prevent further labial inclination of the lower incisors. The total active treatment period was 37 months. The resulting occlusion and a satisfactory facial profile were maintained during a 4-year retention period. Additionally, this treatment did not affect the stomatognathic functions as assessed by the following criteria: range of the incisal path or condylar motion during maximal open-close movement, protrusive excursion, lateral excursion, and the chewing test. In conclusion, extraction of the upper lateral incisors can be an effective treatment choice when the upper lateral incisors are dwarfed, are nonvital, or demonstrate severe malposition.
Shear bond strength of orthodontic resins after caries infiltrant preconditioning
Authors: Naidu Ewelina , Stawarczyk Bogna , Tawakoli Pune Nina , Attin Rengin , Attin Thomas , Wiegand Annette 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To investigate the influence of caries infiltrant preconditioning on the shear bond strength of orthodontic resin cements on sound and demineralized enamel.

Materials and Methods:
Stainless-steel brackets were bonded to sound or artificially demineralized (14 d, acidic buffer, pH 5.0) bovine enamel specimens using a resin cement or a combination of caries infiltrant preconditioning (Icon, DMG) and the respective resin cement (light-curing composite: Heliosit Orthodontic, Transbond XT, using either Transbond XT Primer or Transbond Plus Self Etching Primer; light-curing resin-modified glass ionomer cement: Fuji Ortho; or self-curing composite: Concise Orthodontic Bonding System). Each group consisted of 15 specimens. Shear bond strength was evaluated after thermo-cycling (10,000×, 5°C to 55°C) at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min, and data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance, Mann-Whitney test, and Weibull statistics. Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) scores and enamel fractures were determined at 25× magnification and were statistically analyzed by regression analyses (P &lt; .05).

Results:
The caries infiltrant system significantly increased the shear bond strength of Transbond XT Primer, Transbond Plus Self Etching Primer, and Fuji Ortho in sound specimens, and of all resin cements except for the Concise Orthodontic Bonding System in demineralized enamel. Overall, caries infiltrant preconditioning decreased significantly the number of enamel fractures, but it did not affect ARI scores.

Conclusion:
Preconditioning of sound and demineralized enamel with the caries infiltrant system did not impair but rather increased the shear bond strength of most orthodontic resin cements while decreasing the risk of enamel fracture at debonding.
Pathogenetic Mechanisms and Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Bianchi Cristina , Miccoli Roberto , Bonadonna Riccardo C. , Giorgino Francesco , Frontoni Simona , Faloia Emanuela , Marchesini Giulio , Dolci Maria A. , Cavalot Franco , Cavallo Gisella M. , Leonetti Frida , Del Prato Stefano ,   on behalf of the GENFIEV Investigators
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE
To ascertain to which extent the use of HbA1c and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for diagnosis of glucose tolerance could identify individuals with different pathogenetic mechanisms and cardiovascular risk profile.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
A total of 844 subjects (44% men; age 49.5 ± 11 years; BMI 29 ± 5 kg/m2) participated in this study. Parameters of β-cell function were derived from deconvolution of the plasma C-peptide concentration after a 75-g OGTT and insulin sensitivity assessed by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (IR). Cardiovascular risk profile was based on determination of plasma lipids and measurements of body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Glucose regulation categories by OGTT and HbA1c were compared with respect to insulin action, insulin secretion, and cardiovascular risk profile.

RESULTS
OGTT results showed 42% of the subjects had prediabetes and 15% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), whereas the corresponding figures based on HbA1c were 38 and 11%, with a respective concordance rate of 54 and 44%. Subjects meeting both diagnostic criteria for prediabetes presented greater IR and impairment of insulin secretion and had a worse cardiovascular risk profile than those with normal glucose tolerance at both diagnostic methods. In a logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, and BMI, prediabetic subjects, and even more T2DM subjects by OGTT, had greater chance to have IR and impaired insulin secretion.

CONCLUSIONS
HbA1c identifies a smaller proportion of prediabetic individuals and even a smaller proportion of T2DM individuals than OGTT, with no difference in IR, insulin secretion, and cardiovascular risk profile. Subjects fulfilling both diagnostic methods for prediabetes or T2DM are characterized by a worse metabolic profile.