bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resource utilization in primary repair of cleft palate
Authors: Owusu James A. , Liu Meixia , Sidman James D. , Scott Andrew R. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To estimate the current incidence of cleft palate in the United States and to determine national variations in resource utilization for primary repair of cleft palate.Study Design:Retrospective analysis of a national, pediatric database (2009 Kids Inpatient Database).Methods:Patients aged 3 and below admitted for cleft palate repair were selected, using ICD‐9 codes for cleft palate and procedure code for primary (initial) repair of cleft palate. A number of demographic variables were analyzed, and hospital charges were considered as a measure of resource utilization.Results:Primary repair of cleft palate was performed on 1,943 patients. The estimated incidence was 0.11% with male to female ratio of 1.2:1. Regional incidence ranged from 0.09% (Northeast) to 0.12% (Midwest). The mean age at surgery was 13.4 months. The average length of stay was 1.9 days. The average total charge nationwide was $22,982, ranging from $17,972 (South) to $25,671 (Northeast). Average charge in a teaching institution was $4,925 higher than for nonteaching institutions. The strongest predictor of charge was length of stay, increasing charge by $7,663 for every additional hospital day (P < 0.01).Conclusions:National variations exist in resource utilization for primary repair of cleft palate, with higher charges in Northeastern states and teaching hospitals. The strongest predictor of increased resource use was length of stay, which was significantly higher at teaching institutions. Laryngoscope, 2013
Growth kinetics of candida biofilm on medical polymers: A long‐term in vitro study
Authors: Leonhard Matthias , Tobudic Selma , Moser Doris , Zatorska Beata , Bigenzahn Wolfgang , Schneider‐Stickler Berit 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Recent in vitro models simulating biofilm formation on medical polymers are restricted to only short‐term observation periods of 2 hours to 12 days.Study Design:The goal of this study was to develop an in vitro model to generate a long‐term polymicrobial biofilm with Candida albicans (C albicans) and Streptococcus salivarius (S salivarius) on thermoplastic medical grade silicone (TPS) and polyurethane (TPU) and continuous documentation of growth kinetics.Methods:Test platelets of TPS and TPU were incubated in well plates in RPMI agar at 37°C. Both microbial specimen were isolated from explanted voice prostheses and added every second day for 28 days. Afterward, only the nutrition solution has been changed regularly. Biofilm kinetics were monitored using a specially designed image analysis software to calculate the percentual surface covering of each platelet. Biofilm architecture was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microbial infiltration was examined by crystal violet staining and thin section microscopy.Results:On both materials tested, a cover of living candida biofilm could be generated over 140 days. Colonization was permanent with at least 10% surface coverage. Initially, both materials showed coverage of up to 80% followed by biofilm detachment, which could be reduced by adding planktonic microbes. SEM confirmed three‐dimensional biofilm architecture with dimorphic candida growth. Microbial material infiltration of nonhypheal types was proved in 2 TPU platelets, but not in TPS.Conclusions:The in vitro model presented in this study mimics in vivo events of biofilm formation on medical polymers with continuous monitoring of living biofilm kinetics. Laryngoscope, 2013
Impact of fellowship training on research productivity in academic otolaryngology
Authors: Eloy Jean Anderson , Svider Peter F. , Mauro Kevin M. , Setzen Michael , Baredes Soly 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Assessment of scholarly productivity as measured by research output is a key component of decisions regarding appointment and advancement in academic otolaryngology. An increasing number of graduating residents are pursuing postresidency fellowships, and evaluation of research productivity among these subspecialists is important in determining their role in academic otolaryngology departments. The h‐index is a reliable indicator of research productivity, as it takes into account both quantity and relevance of research contributions. Our objective was to evaluate and compare trends in research productivity among the various otolaryngology subspecialties.Study Design:Analysis of research productivity trends among otolaryngology subspecialties using the h‐index.Methods:Faculty members from 92 academic otolaryngology departments were organized by subspecialty and academic rank, and their research productivity, as measured by the h‐index, was calculated using the Scopus database.Results:Fellowship‐trained otolaryngologists in academic programs had higher h‐indices than non–fellowship‐trained otolaryngologists. Head and neck surgeons and otologists had significantly higher research productivity than their peers in other otolaryngology subspecialties. Analysis of the subspecialties of chairpersons indicated that 62% were either head and neck surgeons or otologists.Conclusions:Fellowship‐trained otolaryngologists had higher h‐indices, and faculty members trained in the subspecialties with the highest research productivity were disproportionately represented in positions of leadership within academic otolaryngology, probably reflecting the importance of research contributions in the academic advancement process, although other factors, such as educational contributions and clinical performance, may also be important factors. Laryngoscope, 2012
Hybrid Scaffolds Built From PET and Collagen as a Model For Vascular Graft Architecture
Authors: Burrows Mariana C. , Zamarion Vitor M. , Filippin‐Monteiro Fabíola B. , Schuck Desirèe C. , Toma Henrique E. , Campa Ana , Garcia Célia R. S. , Catalani Luiz H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA hybrid material with excellent mechanical and biological properties is produced by electrospinning a co‐solution of PET and collagen. The fibers are mapped using SEM, confocal Raman microscopy and collagenase digestion assays. Fibers of different compositions and morphologies are intermingled within the same membrane, resulting in a heterogeneous scaffold. The collagen distribution and exposure are found to depend on the PET/collagen ratio. The materials are chemically and mechanically characterized and biologically tested with fibroblasts (3T3‐L1) and a HUVEC culture in vitro. All of the hybrid scaffolds show better cell attachment and proliferation than PET. These materials are potential candidates to be used as vascular grafts. magnified image
Patterned Silk Film Scaffolds for Aligned Lamellar Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Tien Lee W. , Gil Eun Seok , Park Sang‐Hyug , Mandal Biman B. , Kaplan David L. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe alignment and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs on patterned silk films (PF) is investigated as a bottom‐up approach toward engineering bone lamellae. Screening PF with various groove dimensions shows that cell alignment is mediated by both the pattern width and depth. MSCs are differentiated in osteogenic medium for four weeks on flat films and on the PF that produce the best alignment. The PF support osteogenic differentiation while also inducing lamellar alignment of cells and matrix deposition. A secondary alignment effect is noted on the PF where a new layer of aligned cells grows over the first layer, but rotated obliquely to the underlying pattern. This layering and rotation of the MSCs resembles the cellular organization observed in native lamellar bone. magnified image
Robust and Semi‐Interpenetrating Hydrogels from Poly(ethylene glycol) and Collagen for Elastomeric Tissue Scaffolds
Authors: Chan Burke K. , Wippich Caitlin C. , Wu Chia‐Jung , Sivasankar Preeti M. , Schmidt Gudrun 
Published: October 2012

AbstractHere we present an injectable PEG/collagen hydrogel system with robust networks for use as elastomeric tissue scaffolds. Covalently crosslinked PEG and physically crosslinked collagen form semi‐interpenetrating networks. The mechanical strength of the hydrogels depends predominantely on the PEG concentration but the incorporation of collagen into the PEG network enhances hydrogel viscoelasticity, elongation, and also cell adhesion properties. Experimental data show that this hydrogel system exhibits tunable mechanical properties that can be further developed. The hydrogels allow cell adhesion and proliferation in vitro. The results support the prospect of a robust and semi‐interpenetrating biomaterial for elastomeric tissue scaffolds applications. magnified image
Some identities of Green's function for the polyharmonic operator with the Navier boundary conditions and its applications
Authors: Takahashi Futoshi 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe prove several integral identities for Green's function of the polyharmonic operator \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$(-\Delta )^p, p \in \mathbb {N}$\end{document}, under the Navier boundary conditions. As an application, we prove the nondegeneracy of the critical point of the Robin function associated to the Green function on some symmetric domains.
Fast homoclinic solutions for a class of damped vibration problems with subquadratic potentials
Authors: Chen Peng , Tang X. H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we deal with the existence and multiplicity of homoclinic solutions of the following damped vibration problems

where L(t) and W(t, x) are neither autonomous nor periodic in t. Our approach is variational and it is based on the critical point theory. We prove existence and multiplicity results of fast homoclinic solutions under general growth conditions on the potential function. Our theorems appear to be the first such result and our results extend some recent works.
Atomic representations in function spaces and applications to pointwise multipliers and diffeomorphisms, a new approach
Authors: Scharf Benjamin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn Chapter 4 of 28 Triebel proved two theorems concerning pointwise multipliers and diffeomorphisms in function spaces \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$B^s_{p,q}(\mathbb {R}^n)$\end{document} and \documentclass{article}\usepackage{amssymb}\begin{document}\pagestyle{empty}$F^{s}_{p,q}(\mathbb {R}^n)$\end{document}. In each case he presented two approaches, one via atoms and one via local means. While the approach via atoms was very satisfactory concerning the length and simplicity, only the rather technical approach via local means proved the theorems in full generality.In this paper we generalize two extensions of these atomic decompositions, one by Skrzypczak (see 25) and one by Triebel and Winkelvoss (see 33) so that we are able to give a short proof using atomic representations getting an even more general result than in the two theorems in 28.
Progress in Renewable Polymers from Natural Terpenes, Terpenoids, and Rosin
Authors: Wilbon Perry A. , Chu Fuxiang , Tang Chuanbing 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe development of sustainable renewable polymers from natural resources has increasingly gained attention from scientists, engineers as well as the general public and government agencies. This review covers recent progress in the field of renewable bio‐based monomers and polymers from natural resources: terpenes, terpenoids, and rosin, which are a class of hydrocarbon‐rich biomass with abundance and low cost, holding much potential for utilization as organic feedstocks for green plastics and composites. This review details polymerization and copolymerization of terpenes such as pinene, limonene, and myrcene and their derivatives, terpenoids including carvone and menthol, and rosin‐derived monomers. The future direction on the utilization of these natural resources is discussed.
Comparison between models with constant and variable diffusivity to describe water absorption by composite materials
Authors: da Silva W. P. , e Silva C. M.D.P.S. , da Silva L. D. , Lins M. A. A. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractAn important property of composite material is related with its water absorption characteristic. Several articles present studies about this property and, in general, in these articles an analytical solution of the diffusion equation is used to describe the process. In this case, the effective water diffusivity is considered with a constant value. However, the water penetration modifies the internal structure of the material and this can modify the effective mass diffusivity of the product. In this article, a one‐dimensional numerical solution of the diffusion equation in Cartesian coordinates is presented, enabling to consider a constant value or a variable expression for the effective water diffusivity. A comparison between the models with constant and variable diffusivity was performed and the results indicate that the model with variable diffusivity as a decreasing function of the local moisture content describes better the process than the model with constant diffusivity.
A low‐cost and reliable optical inspection system for rapid surface roughness measurements of polycrystalline thin films
Authors: Kuo C.‐C. , Huang P.‐J. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractExcimer laser crystallization is a well‐known industrially used technique to produce high‐performance polycrystalline silicon thin films on the commercially available inexpensive glass substrates for the development of high‐performance low temperature polycrystalline silicon thin‐film transistors in active matrix flat panel displays. A rapid optical measurement system for rapid surface roughness measurement of polycrystalline silicon thin films was developed in this study. Two kinds of thicknesses of polycrystalline silicon thin films were used to study rapid surface roughness measurements. Six different incident angles were employed for measuring surface roughness of polycrystalline silicon thin films. The results reveal that the incident angle of 20° was found to be a good candidate for measuring surface roughness of polycrystalline silicon thin films. Surface roughness (y) of polycrystalline silicon thin films can be determined rapidly from the average value of reflected direct current voltage (x) measured by the optical system developed using the trend equation of y = –8.9854x + 91.496. The maximum measurement error rate of the optical measurement system developed was less than 5.72%. The savings in measurement time was up to 83%.
Tribological investigations of high‐performance coatings for internal combustion engines used in motor vehicles
Authors: Radu S. , Gümpel P. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe goal of this study is to investigate the tribological properties of a high‐performance coating, intended to be used for internal combustion engine components, in comparison to conventional materials. By applying the performance material, the manufacturer's objective is to extend the lifetime of the specific component of the engine. In order to highlight the benefits of using performance coatings, a direct comparison between the conventional material used in the engine (named reference material) and the performance material, was necessary. The manufacturer provided four different types of performance material, and the reference material. The study was structured in several investigation phases. First, all investigated materials underwent an optical investigation of the surface, by using a scanning electron‐microscope (SEM). In the second phase, the mechanical properties were determined, by using a roughness‐meter and hardness tester. In the third phase, the friction properties of the materials were studied on a rotating tribometer, using two lubrication types. In the last phase, by replacing the rotating tribometer with an oscillating tribometer, the friction properties of the materials, in the case of boundary lubrication, were investigated. The final objective of this study was to determine the best performance material, among the four provided by the manufacturer and to quantify the benefits of using advanced materials in comparison to classic, conventional materials.
Secondary‐Emission signal for weld formation monitoring and control in eletron beam welding (EBW)
Authors: Trushnikov D. N. , Belenki'y V. Ya. , Mladenov G. M. , Portnov N. S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe process of emission of term electrons from the zone of effect of the electron beam are analyzed. During the experiments, the samples of stainless steel and titanium alloy were welded. Experiments were conducted to examine the spectrum of oscillations of the secondary current at various values of the specific power of the electron beam. The conducted research showed that the signal spectrum of the secondary current in electron beam welding contains a characteristic high‐frequency (15…︁25 kHz) component. It was established that the described frequency spectrum is not created by some control system in the electron beam machine and reflects the oscillations in the system – «keyhole‐plasma». Empirical density distribution of the high‐frequency signal was constructed in the amplitude range. It was shown that the parameters of the density distribution is closely linked with the nature of interaction between the beam with the metal and can be used for remote control of technology process.
An improvement of fatigue lifetime estimation by taking into account the life ratio of spectrum vs. constant amplitude loading
Authors: Hinkelmann K. , Esderts A. , Zenner H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBetriebsfestigkeitsnachweise von Bauteilen werden häufig nach dem Nennspannungskonzept geführt. Einen zentralen Punkt bildet dabei die lineare Schadensakkumulation nach Palmgren und Miner. Statistische Auswertungen zeigen, dass diese Lebensdauerabschätzung im Mittel auf der unsicheren Seite liegt und ihre Treffsicherheit gering ist. Eine höhere Treffsicherheit ist wünschenswert. Die bisherige Verwendung von effektiven Schadenssummen stellt nur eine Anpassung des Mittelwertes dar, ohne die Treffsicherheit zu verbessern. Verbesserungen von Palmgren‐Miner original, die sich in den vergangenen Jahrzehnten in der Praxis durchgesetzt haben, sind vor allem durch Modifikationen erzielt worden, die den Amplituden unterhalb der Dauerfestigkeit eine zusätzliche Schädigung beimessen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird ein anderer Weg beschritten. Der in statistischen Vergleichen von rechnerischer und experimenteller Lebensdauer erkennbare Einfluss der Kollektivform und Wöhlerlinienneigung auf den Verlauf der Gaßnerlinie soll durch eine Korrekturfunktion erfasst werden. Die Überprüfung der Verbesserung der Lebensdauerabschätzung kann anhand vorliegender Versuchsreihen mit Proben aus Stahl vorgenommen werden. Weiterhin wird mithilfe von Variationsrechnungen untersucht inwieweit die bei zwei Palmgren‐Miner‐Modifikationen verwendeten Festlegungen (Haibach, Liu/Zenner) optimale Anpassungen darstellen.
Structural changes and allergenic properties of β‐lactoglobulin upon exposure to high‐intensity ultrasound
Authors: Stanic‐Vucinic Dragana , Stojadinovic Marija , Atanaskovic‐Markovic Marina , Ognjenovic Jana , Grönlund Hans , van Hage Marianne , Lantto Raija , Sancho Ana I. , Velickovic Tanja Cirkovic 
Published: October 2012

ScopeThe aim of this work was to investigate the effects of high‐intensity ultrasound (sonication), on the structure and allergenicity of the major cow's milk allergen, beta‐lactoglobulin (BLG).Methods and resultsStructural changes upon sonication of BLG were monitored by circular dichroism spectroscopy, tryptophan emission fluorescence, hydrophobic dye and retinol binding, as well as digestibility and phenol‐oxidase cross‐linking capacity. Allergenicity was monitored in individual patients’ sera, basophil activation test, and skin prick testing in 41 cow's milk allergy patients. Uncontrolled local temperature changes induced modifications in BLG secondary structure accompanied by formation of dimers, trimers, and oligomers of BLG that were more digestible by pepsin and had reduced retinol binding. Controlled temperature conditions induced changes in secondary structure of BLG without causing formation of oligomers, or changing protein's capacity to bind retinol. Both sonicated forms of BLG had more exposed hydrophobic surfaces than native BLG and underwent facilitated cross‐linking reaction with phenol‐oxidase. Sonication had a minor effect on IgE‐binding properties of BLG.ConclusionSonication‐induced structural changes in major whey allergen were not clinically significant in cow's milk allergy patients. Ultrasound can be a safe procedure for dairy processing as it maintains the nutritional value and does not increase allergenic potential of BLG.
Genome‐wide transcriptomic responses of a human isolate of Lactobacillus plantarum exposed to p‐coumaric acid stress
Authors: Reverón Inés , de las Rivas Blanca , Muñoz Rosario , López de Felipe Félix 
Published: October 2012

ScopeTo advance knowledge of the stress tolerance mechanisms of a probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum strain to dietary hydroxycinnamic acids and the role of gut commensal microorganisms in the bioactivation of polyphenols.Methods and resultsTo understand how gut commensal microorganisms tolerate toxicity of hydroxycinnamic acids and bioactivate these compounds, we used whole genome transcriptional profiling to characterize the response of a L. plantarum human isolate during challenge with p‐coumaric acid (p‐CA). The transcriptional profile reveals a massive induction of genes involved in stress resistance and detoxification‐related functions and a global shutdown of growth‐associated processes. A specific oxidative stress response, including a large reshape of nitrogen metabolism toward methionine production, was induced, probably to counteract a p‐CA‐induced oxidative protein stress. The transcriptional datasets revealed overlapping behaviors with the response of L. plantarum to the gut environment.ConclusionContact with p‐CA triggers responses that would be potentially beneficial for the intestinal function such as detoxification of dietary hydroxycinnamic acids and induction of a marked antioxidant response. Elicited responses indicated that contact with p‐CA could provide preparedness to L. plantarum for adaptation to the gut environment. This knowledge facilitates the way to design methods to improve probiotic cell survival in this habitat.
Deciphering the molecular basis of uterine receptivity
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Kong Shuangbo , Lu Jinhua , Wang Qiang , Chen Yongjie , Wang Weixiang , Wang Bingyan , Wang Haibin 
Published: October 2012

AbstractUterine receptivity is defined as a limited time period during which the uterus enters into an appropriately differentiated state that is ready for the initiation of implantation by competent blastocysts. Although various cellular aspects and molecular pathways involved in uterine receptivity have been identified by gene expression studies and genetically engineered mouse models, a comprehensive understanding of the window of uterine receptivity is still missing. This review focuses on the recent progress in this area, with particular focus on the molecular basis of stromal‐epithelial dialogue and crosstalk between the blastocyst and the uterus during implantation. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms governing the window of uterine receptivity is hoped to generate new strategies to correct implantation failure and to improve pregnancy rates in women. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 8–21, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.