bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface‐bound orientated Jagged‐1 enhances osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Osathanon Thanaphum , Ritprajak Patcharee , Nowwarote Nunthawan , Manokawinchoke Jeeranan , Giachelli Cecilia , Pavasant Prasit 
Published: July 2012

AbstractNotch signaling plays critical roles in various cell types by regulating cell fate determination and differentiation. Here, we investigated the ability to control differentiation of human periodontal ligament derived mesenchymal stem cells using modified surfaces containing the affinity immobilized Notch ligand, Jagged‐1. After seeding human periodontal ligament derived mesenchymal stem cells (HPDLs) on Jagged‐1 modified surfaces, expression of Notch signaling target genes, Hes‐1 and Hey‐1, was higher than those exposed to soluble Jagged‐1 or control surfaces. Upregulation of Notch signaling target genes was attenuated after treatment with the γ secretase inhibitor. Upon seeding the cells on Jagged‐1 immobilized surface and maintained in osteogenic medium, alkaline phosphatase enzymatic activity and mineralization as well as mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collagen type I (COL I) and osteopontin (OPN) were significantly increased compared to those of controls. However, osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA expression level was decreased when cells were exposed to Jagged‐1 modified surfaces. HPDLs on Jagged‐1 modified surfaces expressed lower TWIST2 mRNA levels than the control, suggesting that the mechanism whereby Jagged‐1 enhances osteogenic differentiation of HPDLs may occur through Notch signaling and TWIST regulation. In summary, an alteration of biomaterial interface using Notch ligands illustrates a promising system to control HPDLs differentiation toward osteogenic lineage. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Biomaterials immobilized with chitosan for rechargeable antimicrobial drug delivery
Authors: Lv Wei , Luo Jie , Deng Ying , Sun Yuyu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractMicrobial contamination on medical device material surfaces causes serious problems including device‐related infections. Here we report a new strategy to produce rechargeable antimicrobial biomaterial surfaces to address the issue. Methacrylic acid (MAA) was grafted onto the surfaces of polyurethane (PU), a widely used biomaterial with excellent biological and mechanical properties. Chitosan was covalently bonded onto the MAA‐grafted surfaces. The new chitosan‐containing PU strongly bound and then slowed release anionic antibiotics (e.g., rifampin) for weeks to months to kill microbes. The released drug could be recharged with the same or a different class of drugs to further extend antimicrobial duration. Also, the new surfaces demonstrated good biocompatibility against mammal cells, pointing to great potentials for a wide range of biomedical applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Purification and cytotoxicity of tag‐free bioengineered spider silk proteins
Authors: Dams‐Kozlowska Hanna , Majer Agnieszka , Tomasiewicz Paulina , Lozinska Jolanta , Kaplan David L. , Mackiewicz Andrzej 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBioengineered spider silk‐like proteins can serve as biomaterials for various biomedical applications. These proteins can be assembled in several morphological forms such as films, microcapsules, spheres, fibers, gels, and scaffolds. However, crucial points for recombinant spider silks for human use are toxicity and immunogenicity. To assess this issue, two bioengineered spider silk proteins composed of different numbers of repetitive motifs of the consensus repeats fromspidroin‐1fromNephila clavipes(15X and 6X) were cloned and expressed inEscherichia coli. The proteins were free of tag sequence and were purified using two methods based on (1) thermal and (2) organic acid resistance of the spider silks. The soluble spider silk proteins were not cytotoxic and did not activate macrophages over a wide range of concentrations, except when present at the highest concentration. Films made of the different silk variants supported the growth of the cells. Based on these data, and as the biodegradation rate of silk is very slow, the bioengineered spider silks are presumed safe biomaterials for biomedical applications. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
In vitro response of osteoarthritic chondrocytes and fibroblast‐like synoviocytes to a 500–730 kDa hyaluronan amide derivative
Authors: Brun Paola , Zavan Barbara , Vindigni Vincenzo , Schiavinato Antonella , Pozzuoli Assunta , Iacobellis Claudio , Abatangelo Giovanni 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to compare the effects of native hyaluronan (HA) with that of its hexadecylamide derivative (HYADD) on proliferation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) and chondrocytes. The production of inflammatory and anti‐inflammatory cytokines was also analyzed in FLS cultures. The proliferation of osteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes was enhanced when cells were treated with 0.5–1.5 mg mL−1 of HA or HYADD®4‐G. This effect was completely suppressed by the anti‐CD44 antibody. At 0.5 to 1 mg mL−1, HA and HYADD®4‐G did not influence the proliferation of normal or pathological FLS; however, at the higher concentration (1.5 mg mL−1), HYADD®4‐G did significantly inhibit cell proliferation. As to effects on inflammation, a significant increase in the expression of the IL‐10 gene was observed when FLS were pretreated with tumor necrosis factor alpha and then cultured in the presence of 0.5 mg mL−1 HYADD® 4‐G or HA. The effects of HA derivatives on FLS proliferation and production of anti‐inflammatory cytokines indicate that they may be of therapeutic benefit in OA. The longer residence time in the joint cavity, the increased viscoelasticity, and the anti‐inflammatory potential of HYADD®4‐G make it a better candidate than native HA for OA therapy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Impaired bone microarchitecture at the distal radius in older men with low muscle mass and grip strength: The STRAMBO study
Authors: Szulc Pawel , Blaizot Stéphanie , Boutroy Stephanie , Vilayphiou Nicolas , Boonen Steven , Chapurlat Roland 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The aim was to study the association between bone microarchitecture and muscle mass and strength in older men. Volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microarchitecture were assessed in 810 men aged ≥60 years at the distal radius by high-resolution peripheral computed tomography (HR-pQCT). Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) and appendicular muscle mass (ASM) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Relative ASM of the upper limbs (RASM-u.l.) was calculated as ASM of the upper limbs/(height)2. Grip strength was measured by dynanometry. In multivariable models, men in the lowest RASM-u.l. quartile had lower cross-sectional area (CSA), cortical area (Ct.Ar), cortical thickness (Ct.Th), and trabecular area (Tb.Ar) at distal radius compared with men in the highest quartile. The trends remained significant after adjustment for grip strength. Men in the lowest quartile of the normalized grip strength (grip strength/[height]2) had lower aBMD, total vBMD, Ct.Ar, Ct.Th, Tb.vBMD, and Tb.N, and higher Tb.Sp and Tb.Sp.SD. The associations for Ct.Ar, total vBMD, Ct.Th, Tb.vBMD, and Tb.Sp remained significant after adjustment for RASM-u.l. In the models including RASM-u.l. and normalized grip strength, CSA and Tb.Ar were associated with RASM-u.l. but not with the strength. Lower Ct.Th, Tb.vBMD, and Tb.N were associated with lower grip strength but not with RASM-u.l. Lower Ct.Ar was associated with lower grip strength and with lower RASM-u.l. In conclusion, in older men, low RASM-u.l. and low grip strength are associated with poor cortical and trabecular microarchitecture partly independently of each other, after adjustment for confounders. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research
Optimal hydrodynamic design of tubular photobioreactors
Authors: Wongluang Pinyaporn , Chisti Yusuf , Srinophakun Thongchai 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND Tubular photobioreactors are being considered for growing microalgae to produce renewable fuel oils via photosynthesis. Such bioreactors need to be highly energy efficient, or the energy captured in the fuel oil through photosynthesis will barely compensate for the fossil energy required to operate the photobioreactor.RESULTSComputational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of the flow in a conventional tubular loop photobioreactor is used to reveal the existence of substantial dead zones in the typically used U‐bends and 90° elbows. Fluid circulation in these dead zones leads to increased energy consumption, formation of deposits, wall growth and potentially reduced productivity. Alternative designs of U‐bends and 90° elbows are evaluated by CFD modeling. Optimal design of a U‐bend and a 90° elbow are identified and shown to substantially reduce the development of dead zones. Use of the proposed new configurations of bends is shown to reduce the energy consumption for fluid circulation in the loop by up to 15% relative to a conventionally designed tubular loop photobioreactor, for turbulent flow of seawater.CONCLUSIONFor a typical tubular loop made of a tube of 0.1 m in diameter, the optimal configuration of a U‐bend had a radius of curvature of 0.35 m and an angle of the arc of 210°. The optimal configuration of a 90° elbow was found to have a radius of curvature of 0.3 m. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Microflora associated with primary endodontic infections: Correlations among sem evaluation, clinical features, and radiographic findings
Authors: Razera Baldasso Flávia Emi , Stürmer Caroline Patta , Luisi Simone Bonato , Rodrigues Petruzzi Maria Noel Marzano , SCARPARO Roberta Kochenborger , Figueiredo José Antônio Poli De 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to characterize, by means of SEM, primary endodontic infections and to correlate with clinical and radiographic findings. Twelve (12) human extracted teeth (19 roots) presenting primary endodontic infection were examined. SEM qualitative observations of bacterial and defense cells, their features and distribution within the root canal lumen and root dentine were recorded for association with clinical and radiographic tabled data. Although a direct correlation between biofilm composition and clinical/radiographic findings was not established, structural organization and distribution of the biofilm, as well as the characteristics of host response, could be easily related to those features. Bacterial biofilm was predominant at the apical third. Symptomatic apical periodontitis was related to presence of bacterial biofilm all thirds. Defense cells could be seen in the apical third of some samples. These cells were present in all thirds in some of the cases with open cavities. The correlations performed in this study allowed a better understanding of the picture of primary endodontic infection, host response and relevant clinical features. The combined use of scanning electron microscopy with clinical and radiographic evaluation has the potential to overcome some limits of the current knowledge related to pulpal and periapical diseases, providing important insights for improving treatment strategies. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fire Containment in Planar Graphs
Authors: Esperet Louis , van den Heuvel Jan , Maffray Frédéric , Sipma Félix 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn a graph G, a fire starts at some vertex. At every time step, firefighters can protect up to k vertices, and then the fire spreads to all unprotected neighbors. The k‐surviving rate of G is the expectation of the proportion of vertices that can be saved from the fire, if the starting vertex of the fire is chosen uniformly at random. For a given class of graphs , we are interested in the minimum value k such that for some constant and all , (i.e., such that linearly many vertices are expected to be saved in every graph from ). In this note, we prove that for planar graphs this minimum value is at most 4, and that it is precisely 2 for triangle‐free planar graphs.
On Serial Symmetric Exchanges of Matroid Bases
Authors: Kotlar Daniel , Ziv Ran 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe study some properties of a serial (i.e., one‐by‐one) symmetric exchange of elements of two disjoint bases of a matroid. We show that any two elements of one base have a serial symmetric exchange with some two elements of the other base. As a result, we obtain that any two disjoint bases in a matroid of rank 4 have a full serial symmetric exchange
Susceptibility phase imaging with improved image contrast using moving window phase gradient fitting and minimal filtering
Authors: Walsh Andrew J. , Eissa Amir , Blevins Gregg , Wilman Alan H. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose:To enhance image contrast in susceptibility phase imaging using a new method of background phase removal.Materials and Methods:A background phase removal method is proposed that uses the spatial gradient of the raw phase image to perform a moving window third‐order local polynomial estimation and correction of the raw phase image followed by minimal high pass filtering. The method is demonstrated in simulation, 10 healthy volunteers, and 5 multiple sclerosis patients in comparison to a standard phase filtering approach.Results:Compared to standard phase filtering, the new method increased phase contrast with local background tissue in subcortical gray matter, cortical gray matter, and multiple sclerosis lesions by 67% ± 33%, 13% ± 7%, and 48% ± 19%, respectively (95% confidence interval). In addition, the new method removed more phase wraps in areas of rapidly changing background phase.Conclusion:Local phase gradient fitting combined with minimal high pass filtering provides better tissue depiction and more accurate phase quantification than standard filtering. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2012; 36:1460–1469. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The chronostratigraphy of a quaternary sequence at the distal part of the nile littoral cell, Haifa Bay, Israel
Authors: Avnaim‐Katav Simona , Almogi‐Labin Ahuva , Sandler Amir , Sivan Dorit , Porat Naomi , Matmon Ari 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe current detailed chronostratigraphic framework of the last 1 Ma of an eastern Mediterranean sequence (Haifa Bay, Israel) aims to examine the relative roles of sea‐level changes, climate and tectonics. Seven continuous marine cores, up to ∼120 m long, were recovered from shallow water depths. The cores were dated by optically stimulated luminescence, 14C, magnetostratigraphy, 230Th/234U, 26Al/10Be, occurrence of index fossils and correlated to the global sea‐level curve and Marine Isotope Stages (MIS). The sedimentary sequence accumulated during the last ca. 1.0 Ma consists of 21 transgression–regression units with hiatuses between them. Five marine/terrestrial cycles, which occur in the lower part of the sequence, are attributed to the Jaramillo subchron and the Brunhes–Matuyama boundary, and correspond to MIS 29–21. The top ∼50 m includes three sedimentary cycles deposited in the last ca. 400 ka. The regressive phases during this interval correspond to Glacial MIS 8, 6 and 2, while the transgressions correspond to Interglacial MIS 11, 7, 5 and 1. Thus, for the first time, this study documents the longest Quaternary succession dated so far in a key area of the Levant, sensitive to global history of sea‐level changes and glacial/interglacial fluctuations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensory, yield and quality differences between organically and conventionally grown winter wheat
Authors: Arncken Christine M , Mäder Paul , Mayer Jochen , Weibel Franco P 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Consumers expect organic produce to have higher environmental, health and sensory related qualities than conventional produce. In order to test sensory differences between bio‐dynamically, bio‐organically and conventionally grown winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L., cv. Runal), we performed double‐blinded triangle tests with two panels on dry wholemeal flour from the harvest years 2006, 2007 and 2009 and from two field replicates of the ‘DOK’ long‐term farming system comparison field trial near Basel, Switzerland. Yield and quality parameters were also assessed.RESULTS: Significant farming system effects were found for yield (up to 42% reduction in the organic system), thousand kernel weight, hectolitre weight and crude protein content across the three years. In the triangle tests one out of 12 pair‐wise farming system comparisons (PFSCs) on wholemeal flour made from the different wheat samples showed significant sensory differentiation (between bio‐dynamically and conventionally grown wheat). When all data from the three harvest years and two panels were aggregated, a statistically significant effect (P = 0.045) of PFSCs on the number of correct answers became evident.CONCLUSIONS: Although testing of dry wholemeal flour was very challenging for panellists, we were able to show that sensory differences between farming systems can occur. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Disturbance factors influencing greater sage‐grouse lek abandonment in north‐central Wyoming
Authors: Hess Jennifer E. , Beck Jeffrey L. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDetecting the disappearance of active leks is the most efficient way to determine large declines in greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) populations; thus, understanding factors that influence lek abandonment is critical. We evaluated factors that may have influenced the probability of sage‐grouse lek abandonment in the Bighorn Basin (BHB) of north‐central Wyoming from 1980 to 2009. Our objective was to examine lek abandonment based on landscape characteristics that explain differences between occupied and unoccupied leks. We evaluated lek abandonment from 144 occupied and 39 unoccupied leks from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department lek database with sufficient data for our 30‐year analysis. We conducted our analysis with binary logistic regression using landscape predictor variables obtained from geographic coverages at 5 scales (1.0‐, 3.2‐, 4.0‐, 5.0‐, and 6.4‐km radii around leks) to evaluate how these disturbances have influenced lek abandonment. Coverages included anthropogenic characteristics such as agricultural development, oil and gas development, prescribed burned treatments, and roads; and environmental characteristics such as vegetation attributes and wildfire. Our combined model included the number of oil and gas wells in a 1.0‐km radius, percent area of wildfire in a 1.0‐km radius, and variability in shrub height in a 1.0‐km radius around sage‐grouse leks. Abandoned (unoccupied) leks had 1.1‐times the variability of shrub height in a 1.0‐km radius, 3.1‐times the percentage of wildfire in a 1.0‐km radius, and 10.3‐times the number of oil and gas wells in a 1.0‐km radius compared to occupied leks. The model‐averaged odds of lek persistence with every 1 unit increase in oil and gas wells within a 1.0‐km radius was 0.66 (90% CI: 0.37–0.94), odds with every 1% increase in wildfire in a 1.0‐km radius was 0.99 (90% CI: 0.85–1.12), and odds with every 1 unit increase in the standard deviation of shrub height within a 1.0‐km radius around a lek was 0.77 (90% CI: 0.45–1.08). Because the 90% confidence intervals around the odds ratios of wells did not overlap 1.0, we suggest this predictor variable was most influential in our model‐averaged estimates. The BHB has lower developed reserves of oil and gas than many other regions; however, our study supports findings from other studies that demonstrate energy development increases lek abandonment. Our findings indicate conservation efforts should be focused on minimizing well development and implementing wildfire suppression tactics near active sage‐grouse leks. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Safety analysis of vagal nerve stimulation for continuous nerve monitoring during thyroid surgery
Authors: Friedrich Colin , Ulmer Christoph , Rieber Fabian , Kern Eva , Kohler Andrea , Schymik Karolina , Thon Klaus‐Peter , Lamadé Wolfram 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) facilitates recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) identification, but various studies affirm virtually unchanged postoperative RLN palsy rates. Several authors meanwhile suggest continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (CIONM) via vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) to improve RLN protection. However, knowledge of side effects of electrical VNS derives mainly from its therapeutic applications in the fields of neurology and psychiatry. The presented study was conducted to further evaluate the safety of CIONM and identify possible VNS related side effects.Study Design:Prospective nonrandomized controlled trail.Methods:Forty patients scheduled for thyroid or parathyroid surgery were enrolled in the trail. The intervention group consisted of 22 patients receiving VNS for CIONM. Eighteen patients were operated on with routine IONM. To assess VNS‐induced effects on the autonomic nervous system (ANS), heart rate variability analysis (HRVA) was applied. Serum cytokine levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α were monitored to evaluate immunomodulatory effects of VNS.Results:HRVA revealed significantly increased vagal activity during CIONM. This parasympathetic predominance was not countered by the sympathetic nervous system. Despite a significant increase of vagal tone, no hemodynamic events occurred; in fact, no significant changes in median heart rate or in median arterial blood pressure were detected. Even though anti‐inflammatory effects of VNS have been reported, no attenuation of cytokine release of TNF‐α was measured.Conclusions:VNS for CIONM resulted in increased vagal activity assessable via HRVA. The increased parasympathetic tone affected neither hemodynamics nor levels of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α. VNS for CIONM appears safe with the applied settings. Laryngoscope, 2012
Endoscopic total arytenoidectomy for bilateral abductor vocal fold paralysis: A new flap technique and personal experience with 50 cases
Authors: Yılmaz Taner 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Bilateral vocal fold paralysis is a very serious complication of thyroid surgery, with resulting airway obstruction, aspiration, swallowing disturbance, and voice change. When treated with endoscopic total arytenoidectomy, airway obstruction may be relieved; however, there are concerns that voice may be seriously and irreversibly damaged and aspiration may become a permanent problem.Study Design:Prospective, cohort study.Methods:Fifty patients with bilateral vocal fold paralysis underwent endoscopic total arytenoidectomy, medially based mucosal advancement flap, and vocal fold lateralization with endoscopic microsuture. Pre‐ and postoperative evaluations included Voice Handicap Index (VHI‐30), aerodynamic and acoustic analysis, subjective comparison of pre‐ and postoperative voice by phoniatrician, speech intensity measurement, breathing ability evaluation, and functional outcome swallowing scale.Results:All VHI‐30 results, all aerodynamic analysis results, and all acoustic results (except F0) worsened significantly after surgery (P < .05). Subjective comparison of pre‐ and postoperative voice by phoniatrician revealed somewhat worse voice (94%). Mean speech intensity decreased from 65 dB to 60 dB postoperatively (P < .05). Postoperative breathing ability was significantly better (90%). The pre‐ and postoperative functional outcome swallowing scales were not significantly different (P > .05).Conclusions:Endoscopic total arytenoidectomy is still a very successful static surgical option for bilateral vocal fold paralysis. It is performed without a tracheotomy, but may be required in some patients postoperatively. Laser is not a requirement for it, and it can easily be done with cold instruments. It attains comfortable airway with acceptable voice. Postoperatively, it does not increase aspiration significantly. It has good long‐term results. Laryngoscope, 2012