bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Exploratory Case‐Control Study on the Impact of IL‐1 Gene Polymorphisms on Early Implant Failure
Authors: Cosyn Jan , Christiaens Véronique , Koningsveld Vincent , Coucke Paul J. , De Coster Peter , De Paepe Anne , De Bruyn Hugo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe association between IL‐1 gene polymorphisms and peri‐implantitis has been well documented. However, data on the association with early implant failure are scarce.PurposeThe objective of this case‐control study was to explore the impact of IL‐1A (−889), IL‐1B (−511), and IL‐1B (+3,954) gene polymorphisms on early implant failure in Caucasians.Materials and MethodsBetween September 2004 and August 2007, 461 patients were treated with dental implants at the University Hospital in Ghent, Belgium. Fourteen subjects of this patient group who had experienced one or more early implant failures (within 6 months from implant installation) were recruited as “cases.” Fourteen “controls,” matched in terms of age, gender, and smoking habits, with only surviving implants, were selected from the same patient group. Allele and genotype analysis was performed on the basis of a blood sample by Sanger sequencing of polymerase chain reaction products containing the IL‐1A (−889), IL‐1B (−511), and IL‐1B (+3,954) gene polymorphisms.ResultsA significant impact of the IL‐1A (−889) T allele (p = .039) and the IL‐1B (+3,954) T allele (p = .003) on early implant failure was demonstrated (odds ratios = 3.9 and 15.0, respectively). In addition, the genotypic distribution differed significantly between cases and controls for IL‐1B (+3,954) (p = .015).ConclusionsThe IL‐1B (+3,954) gene polymorphism seems to affect osseointegration. Additional case‐control studies in larger patient groups are needed to confirm this observation.
The Role of Nicotine in the Corrosive Behavior of a Ti‐6Al‐4V Dental Implant
Authors: Royhman Dmitry , Dominguez‐Benetton Xochitl , Yuan Judy Chia‐Chun , Shokuhfar Tolou , Takoudis Christos , Mathew Mathew T. , Sukotjo Cortino 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundMetals react chemically/electrochemically in electrolytic solutions, such as that present in the oral cavity, which leads to corrosion of metal dental implants. Corrosion can increase the failure rate of dental implants.PurposeThis study evaluated the corrosion behavior of nicotine on Ti‐6Al‐4V under physiological conditions. It was hypothesized that nicotine in artificial saliva would have an adverse effect on the corrosion of Ti‐6Al‐4V.MethodsTi‐6Al‐4V discs were electrochemically analyzed using a three‐electrode electrochemical cell. The disks were immersed in an electrolytic artificial saliva with varying pH (3.0 and 6.5) and nicotine concentration (control, 1 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 20 mg/mL). Open circuit potential, cyclic polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests were conducted.ResultsElectrochemical parameters indicated that the presence of nicotine significantly reduced (p < .05) the corrosion rate. For example, there was a decrease in corrosion current density from 2.94 × 10−3 μA/cm2 to 1.43 × 10−3 μA/cm2 in control compared with 20 mg/mL nicotine at pH 6.5. EIS results exhibited an unexpected trend in that the presence of nicotine decreased polarization resistance. This suggested a decrease in passive film growth.ConclusionsAt certain concentrations, nicotine inhibits local corrosion; however, it also prevents the formation of a protective oxide film.
The Effect of Decortication for Periosteal Expansion Osteogenesis Using Shape Memory Alloy Mesh Device
Authors: Yamauchi Kensuke , Nogami Shinnosuke , Tanaka Kenko , Yokota Sou , Shimizu Yoshinaka , Kanetaka Hiroyasu , Takahashi Tetsu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn conventional bone grafting technique, decortication procedure enhances the healing process and bone regeneration to reach the grafted site more readily.PurposeThis study evaluates to improve periosteal expansion osteogenesis (PEO) using a shape memory alloy mesh (SMA) device with decortication in a rabbit model.Materials and MethodsThe SMA device was inserted under the periosteum at the forehead and pushed, bent, and attached to the bone surface and fixed with a titanium screw. Twelve rabbits were divided into two groups: PEO without decortication (P group) and with decortication (D group). After 2 weeks, the screw was removed, and the mesh was activated by its own elasticity. Rabbits were sacrificed 5 (P1/D1) and 8 (P2/D2) weeks after operation and histologically and radiographically evaluated.ResultsThe mean activation height was 2.9 ± 0.5 mm. The ratio of new bone volume in the elevated volume was 17.6% in P1, 59.8% in D1 33.4% in P2, and 65.1% in D2. D group had a statistically higher volume of new bone than P group during each period (p < .05).ConclusionPEO with decortication appears to be a promising clinical alternative for bone augmentation and introduces the new concept of “dynamic graft and guided bone regeneration (GBR).”
Differential Behavior of Fibroblasts and Epithelial Cells on Structured Implant Abutment Materials: A Comparison of Materials and Surface Topographies
Authors: Nothdurft Frank P. , Fontana Dorothee , Ruppenthal Sandra , May Alexander , Aktas Cenk , Mehraein Yasmin , Lipp Peter , Kaestner Lars 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to compare the proliferation and attachment behavior of fibroblasts and epithelial cells on differently structured abutment materials.Materials and MethodsThree different surface topographies were prepared on zirconia and titanium alloy specimens and defined as follows: machined (as delivered without further surface modification), smooth (polished), and rough (sandblasted). Energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, topographical analysis, and water contact angle measurements were used to analyze the surface properties. Fibroblasts (HGF1) and epithelial cells (HNEpC) grown on the specimens were investigated 24 hours and 72 hours after seeding and counted using fluorescence imaging. To investigate adhesion, the abundance and arrangement of the focal adhesion protein vinculin were evaluated by immunocytochemistry.ResultsSimilar surface topographies were created on both materials. Fibroblasts exhibited significant higher proliferation rates on comparable surface topographies of zirconia compared with the titanium alloy. The proliferation of fibroblasts and epithelial cells was optimal on different substrate/topography combinations. Cell spreading was generally higher on polished and machined surfaces than on sandblasted surfaces. Rough surfaces provided favorable properties in terms of cellular adhesion of fibroblasts but not of epithelial cells.ConclusionsOur data support complex soft tissue cell‐substrate interactions: the fibroblast and epithelial cell response is influenced by both the material and surface topography.
Setting Practical Conservation Priorities for Birds in the Western Andes of Colombia
Authors: OCAMPO‐PEÑUELA NATALIA , PIMM STUART L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe aspired to set conservation priorities in ways that lead to direct conservation actions. Very large‐scale strategic mapping leads to familiar conservation priorities exemplified by biodiversity hotspots. In contrast, tactical conservation actions unfold on much smaller geographical extents and they need to reflect the habitat loss and fragmentation that have sharply restricted where species now live. Our aspirations for direct, practical actions were demanding. First, we identified the global, strategic conservation priorities and then downscaled to practical local actions within the selected priorities. In doing this, we recognized the limitations of incomplete information. We started such a process in Colombia and used the results presented here to implement reforestation of degraded land to prevent the isolation of a large area of cloud forest. We used existing range maps of 171 bird species to identify priority conservation areas that would conserve the greatest number of species at risk in Colombia. By at risk species, we mean those that are endemic and have small ranges. The Western Andes had the highest concentrations of such species—100 in total—but the lowest densities of national parks. We then adjusted the priorities for this region by refining these species ranges by selecting only areas of suitable elevation and remaining habitat. The estimated ranges of these species shrank by 18–100% after accounting for habitat and suitable elevation. Setting conservation priorities on the basis of currently available range maps excluded priority areas in the Western Andes and, by extension, likely elsewhere and for other taxa. By incorporating detailed maps of remaining natural habitats, we made practical recommendations for conservation actions. One recommendation was to restore forest connections to a patch of cloud forest about to become isolated from the main Andes.Establecimiento de Prioridades Prácticas para la Conservación de Aves en los Andes Occidentales de Colombia
Biogeographical and Taxonomic Biases in Tropical Forest Fragmentation Research
Authors: DEIKUMAH JUSTUS P. , MCALPINE CLIVE A. , MARON MARTINE 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDespite several decades of research on the effects of fragmentation and habitat change on biodiversity, there remain strong biases in the geographical regions and taxonomic species studied. The knowledge gaps resulting from these biases are of particular concern if the forests most threatened with modification are also those for which the effects of such change are most poorly understood. To quantify the nature and magnitude of such biases, we conducted a systematic review of the published literature on forest fragmentation in the tropics for the period 1980–2012. Studies included focused on any type of response of single species, communities, or assemblages of any taxonomic group to tropical forest fragmentation and on fragmentation‐related changes to forests. Of the 853 studies we found in the SCOPUS database, 64% were conducted in the Neotropics, 13% in Asia, 10% in the Afrotropics, and 5% in Australasia. Thus, although the Afrotropics is subject to the highest rates of deforestation globally, it was the most disproportionately poorly studied biome. Significant taxonomic biases were identified. Of the taxonomic groups considered, herpetofauna was the least studied in the tropics, particularly in Africa. Research examining patterns of species distribution was by far the most common type (72%), and work focused on ecological processes (28%) was rare in all biomes, but particularly in the Afrotropics and for fauna. We suggest research efforts be directed toward less‐studied biogeographic regions, particularly where the threat of forest fragmentation continues to be high. Increased research investment in the Afrotropics will be important to build knowledge of threats and inform responses in a region where almost no efforts to restore its fragmented landscapes have yet begun and forest protection is arguably most tenuous.Sesgos Biogeográficos y Taxonómicos en la Investigación de la Fragmentación de Bosques Tropicales
Inferring the nature of anthropogenic threats from long‐term abundance records
Authors: Shoemaker Kevin T. , Akçakaya H. Resit 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDiagnosing the processes that threaten species persistence is critical for recovery planning and risk forecasting. Dominant threats are typically inferred by experts on the basis of a patchwork of informal methods. Transparent, quantitative diagnostic tools would contribute much‐needed consistency, objectivity, and rigor to the process of diagnosing anthropogenic threats. Long‐term census records, available for an increasingly large and diverse set of taxa, may exhibit characteristic signatures of specific threatening processes and thereby provide information for threat diagnosis. We developed a flexible Bayesian framework for diagnosing threats on the basis of long‐term census records and diverse ancillary sources of information. We tested this framework with simulated data from artificial populations subjected to varying degrees of exploitation and habitat loss and several real‐world abundance time series for which threatening processes are relatively well understood: bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) (exploitation) and Red Grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica) and Eurasian Skylark (Alauda arvensis) (habitat loss). Our method correctly identified the process driving population decline for over 90% of time series simulated under moderate to severe threat scenarios. Successful identification of threats approached 100% for severe exploitation and habitat loss scenarios. Our method identified threats less successfully when threatening processes were weak and when populations were simultaneously affected by multiple threats. Our method selected the presumed true threat model for all real‐world case studies, although results were somewhat ambiguous in the case of the Eurasian Skylark. In the latter case, incorporation of an ancillary source of information (records of land‐use change) increased the weight assigned to the presumed true model from 70% to 92%, illustrating the value of the proposed framework in bringing diverse sources of information into a common rigorous framework. Ultimately, our framework may greatly assist conservation organizations in documenting threatening processes and planning species recovery.Inferencia la Naturaleza de las Amenazas Antropogénicas para los Registros de Abundancia a Largo Plazo
Word Meanings Evolve to Selectively Preserve Distinctions on Salient Dimensions
Authors: Silvey Catriona , Kirby Simon , Smith Kenny 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWords refer to objects in the world, but this correspondence is not one‐to‐one: Each word has a range of referents that share features on some dimensions but differ on others. This property of language is called underspecification. Parts of the lexicon have characteristic patterns of underspecification; for example, artifact nouns tend to specify shape, but not color, whereas substance nouns specify material but not shape. These regularities in the lexicon enable learners to generalize new words appropriately. How does the lexicon come to have these helpful regularities? We test the hypothesis that systematic backgrounding of some dimensions during learning and use causes language to gradually change, over repeated episodes of transmission, to produce a lexicon with strong patterns of underspecification across these less salient dimensions. This offers a cultural evolutionary mechanism linking individual word learning and generalization to the origin of regularities in the lexicon that help learners generalize words appropriately.
Nonlinear Effects of Stand Age on Fire Severity
Authors: Taylor Chris , McCarthy Michael A. , Lindenmayer David B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe quantify the relationship between forest stand age and fire severity using a detailed case study of Mountain Ash (Eucalyptus regnans Muell) forest burned in south‐eastern Australia in 2009. We focused on two important areas of Mountain Ash forest that feature a range of growth stages and disturbance histories. Using probit regression analysis, we identified a strong relationship between the age of a Mountain Ash forest and the severity of damage that the forest sustained from the fires under extreme weather conditions. Stands of Mountain Ash trees between the ages of 7 to 36 years mostly sustained canopy consumption and scorching, which are impacts resulting from high‐severity fire. High‐severity fire leading to canopy consumption almost never occurred in young stands (<7 years) and also was infrequent in older (>40 years) stands of Mountain Ash. We discuss the significant forest conservation and management implications of these results for Mountain Ash forests as well as other similar biomes, where high‐severity fire is a common form of disturbance.
Obtaining the Patient's Voice from within Three Patient‐Centered Medical Homes
Authors: Kennedy Betty M. , Cerise Frederick , Horswell Ronald , Griffin Willene P. , Willis Kathleen H. , Moody‐Thomas Sarah , Besse Jay A. , Katzmarzyk Peter T. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this qualitative program was to determine if a trend exists across three LSU medical homes according to patient feedback concerning their experiences within the medical home for ongoing disease management and quality healthcare; and to obtain recommendations for the most effective way to involve patients in shaping system policies, procedures, and practices consistent with patient and family‐centered care principles. A total of 94 adult patients participated in either cognitive interviews (n = 45) or structured focus groups (n = 49) using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT). Exit surveys collected demographic information and feedback from patients about opportunities for their involvement in shaping medical homes. Cognitive interviews and NGT sessions both revealed some patient‐perceived gratifications (i.e., friendliness and helpfulness of the clinic staff), and deficiencies (i.e., improving scheduling of appointments and reducing wait time in the clinic) within these medical homes. However, the perceived gratifications far exceeded the deficiencies found within each of three LSU medical homes.
Characterization of Investigators' Approach to Translational Research: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Rubio Doris M. , Robinson Georgeanna F.W.B. , Gilliam Victoria A. , Primack Brian A. , Switzer Galen E. , Seltzer Deborah L. , Kapoor Wishwa N. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about how investigators approach their research programs along the translational research continuum. Many consider the translational continuum to be linear, with research beginning at the bench and concluding with research at the bedside or in the community. We aimed to understand if translational investigators approach and view their research in this fashion.MethodsWe conducted semistructured individual interviews with 16 graduates of the University of Pittsburgh's Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Scholars Program (KL2) in 2012.ResultsOur research revealed three characteristic models. The first model we called “linear” and represented the traditional approach. The second we called “holistic”; these investigators began with central research questions and sought to explore them in every direction of translation, not necessarily taking linear steps. The third model we called “technical”; in this model, investigators focused on a unique technology or methodology and applied it across multiple research contexts.ConclusionThis study found that there are multiple ways that translational investigators approach their research program. Better understanding of these models can help educators and mentors guide investigators so that they can be more productive in their clinical or translational research career.
Children use salience to solve coordination problems
Authors: Grueneisen Sebastian , Wyman Emily , Tomasello Michael 
Published: July 2014

AbstractHumans are routinely required to coordinate with others. When communication is not possible, adults often achieve this by using salient cues in the environment (e.g. going to the Eiffel Tower, as an obvious meeting point). To explore the development of this capacity, we presented dyads of 3‐, 5‐, and 8‐year‐olds (N = 144) with a coordination problem: Two balls had to be inserted into the same of four boxes to obtain a reward. Identical pictures were attached to three boxes whereas a unique – and thus salient – picture was attached to the fourth. Children either received one ball each, and so had to choose the same box (experimental condition), or they received both balls and could get the reward independently (control condition). In all cases, children could neither communicate nor see each other's choices. Children were significantly more likely to choose the salient option in the experimental condition than in the control condition. However, only the two older age groups chose the salient box above chance levels. This study is the first to show that children from at least age 5 can solve coordination problems by converging on a salient solution.
Elucidation of kinetic mechanisms of human translesionDNApolymerase κ using tryptophan mutants
Authors: Zhao Linlin , Pence Matthew G. , Eoff Robert L. , Yuan Shuai , Fercu Catinca A. , Guengerich F. Peter 
Published: July 2014

To investigate the conformational dynamics of humanDNApolymerase κ (hpol κ), we generated two mutants, Y50W (N‐clasp region) and Y408W (linker between the thumb and little finger domains), using a Trp‐null mutant (W214Y/W392H) of the hpol κ catalytic core enzyme. These mutants retained catalytic activity and similar patterns of selectivity for bypassing the DNA adduct 7,8‐dihydro‐8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, as indicated by the results of steady‐state and pre‐steady‐state kinetic experiments. Stopped‐flow kinetic assays with hpol κ Y50W and T408W revealed a decrease in Trp fluorescence with the template G:dCTPpair but not for any mispairs. This decrease in fluorescence was not rate‐limiting and is considered to be related to a conformational change necessary for correct nucleotidyl transfer. When a free 3′‐hydroxyl was present on the primer, the Trp fluorescence returned to the baseline level at a rate similar to the observedkcat, suggesting that this change occurs during or after nucleotidyl transfer. However, polymerization rates (kpol) of extended‐product formation were fast, indicating that the slow fluorescence step follows phosphodiester bond formation and is rate‐limiting. Pyrophosphate formation and release were fast and are likely to precede the slower relaxation step. The available kinetic data were used to fit a simplified minimal model. The extracted rate constants confirmed that the conformational change after phosphodiester bond formation was rate‐limiting for hpol κ catalysis with the template G:dCTPpair.
Activation of T‐LAK‐cell‐originated protein kinase‐mediated antioxidation protects against focal cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Zhao Haiping , Wang Rongliang , Tao Zhen , Yan Feng , Gao Li , Liu Xiangrong , Wang Ningqun , Min Lianqiu , Jia Yujie , Zhao Yongmei , Ji Xunming , Luo Yumin 
Published: July 2014

T‐LAK‐cell‐originated protein kinase (TOPK), a MAPKK‐like kinase, is crucial for neural progenitor cell proliferation; however, the function of TOPK and the molecular mechanism underlying cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated the role of TOPK in experimental stroke. Sprague–Dawley rats underwent transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and reperfusion, and TOPK small interfering RNA (siRNA) was delivered by intracerebroventricular injection at the beginning of MCAO. After TOPK overexpression and H2O2 stimulation in PC12 neuronal cells, antioxidative proteins, apoptosis‐related proteins and signal pathways were detected by western blot analysis, the levels of the peroxidation products (malondialdehyde and 3–nitrotyrosine) were measured with ELISA. Phosphorylation of TOPK was increased in rat cortical neurons following tMCAO. TOPK overexpression in PC12 cells augmented levels of antioxidative proteins (peroxiredoxin 1 and 2, heme oxygenase 1 and manganese superoxide dismutase), as well as total superoxide dismutase activity, along with inhibition of malondialdehyde and 3–nitrotyrosine upon H2O2 stimulation. TOPK overexpression increased cell viability and reduced expression of caspase 3 and caspase 12 in PC12 cells in response to H2O2. The p–ERK level was increased by TOPK overexpression, and antioxidative protection afforded by TOPK was abolished by blocking the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway in PC12 cells. TOPK siRNA increased the infarct volume and reduced total superoxide dismutase activity in the cortex in vivo after MCAO. These data reveal that activating TOPK confers neuroprotection against focal cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury by antioxidative function, in part through activation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase pathway.