Partially coherent Pearcey-Gauss source with hyperbolic sine correlation of the spatial spectrum.

By designing the intricate coherence structure, we are able to create a desired beam profile and trajectory. Our research focus lies on the Fourier plane, specifically emphasizing the coherence of spatial frequencies, and we find it can be seen as a constant system response. A theoretical framework is developed, and experimental studies are conducted to generate a light field of the spatial spectrum with a complex correlation using the pseudo-mode superposition method. We successfully produce partially coherent Pearcey-Gauss beams whose spatial spectrum is hyperbolic sine correlational. Interestingly, these beams maintain the distinctive propagation properties of the Pearcey pattern while exhibiting the remarkable ability to split the mainlobe into two separate lobes.

An Innovative Design to Enhance Osteoinductive Efficacy and Biomechanical Behavior of a Titanium Dental Implant.

The present study investigated the in vivo bone-forming efficacy of an innovative titanium (Ti) dental implant combined with a collagen sponge containing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in a pig model. Two different concentrations of BMP-2 (20 and 40 µg/mL) were incorporated into collagen sponges and placed at the bottom of Ti dental implants. The investigated implants were inserted into the edentulous ridge at the canine-premolar regions of Lanyu small-ear pigs, which were then euthanized at weeks 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 post-implantation. Specimens containing the implants and surrounding bone tissue were collected for histological evaluation of their bone-to-implant contact (BIC) ratios and calculation of maximum torques using removal torque measurement. Analytical results showed that the control and BMP-2-loaded implants presented good implant stability and bone healing for all testing durations. After 1 week of healing, the BMP-2-loaded implants with a concentration of 20 µg/mL exhibited the highest BIC ratios, ranging from 58% to 76%, among all groups (p = 0.034). Additionally, they also possessed the highest removal torque values (50.1 ± 1.3 N-cm) throughout the 8-week healing period. The BMP-2-loaded implants not only displayed excellent in vivo biocompatibility but also presented superior osteoinductive performance. Therefore, these findings demonstrate that BMP-2 delivered through a collagen sponge can potentially enhance the early-stage osseointegration of Ti dental implants.

In vitro study of optimal removable partial denture clasp design made from novel high-performance polyetherketoneketone.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the retentive force and deformation of double Akers' polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) clasps on removable partial dentures (RPDs) with varying designs and undercut depths. METHODS: Thirty double Akers' PEKK clasps with two different widths and heights (Groups I and II) were fabricated using computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Each design was further subdivided (n = 5) into three undercut depths (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 mm). The retentive force of the clasps was measured after 10 years of clinical use (15,000 insertion/removal cycles), and the deformation of the clasp tips was analyzed before and after cycling. RESULTS: Clasps with 0.50-mm and 0.75-mm undercut depths exhibited greater initial retentive forces (3.15-3.51 N) compared to those in the 0.25-mm undercut group (2.40-2.80 N). Group I maintained consistent retentive forces over the cycles (P = 0.345), whereas Group II showed declining forces after the initial use (P < 0.003). In both groups, the 0.50-mm undercut exhibited a greater retentive force than the 0.25-mm (P < 0.001 and P < 0.004, respectively), with no significant differences between the 0.50-mm and 0.75-mm undercut depths. Despite a lower initial retentive force, the 0.25-mm undercut showed less deformation and clasp tip wear. CONCLUSIONS: The PEKK clasps did not exhibit significantly reduced retentive forces or permanent deformations after 15,000 fatigue cycles. These results suggest that the PEKK polymer displays superior mechanical properties as an esthetic clasp material, and clasps with 0.50-mm and 0.75-mm undercut depths are recommended for long-term clinical use.

Comparative analysis of the retention force and deformation of PEEK and PEKK removable partial denture clasps with different thicknesses and undercut depths.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The retentive force and deformation of milled polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks are not well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the retentive force and deformation of PEEK and PEKK Akers clasps with different designs and undercut depths. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A master model containing the first and second molar abutments was used to design Akers clasps of different cross-sectional dimensions, undercut depths (0.5 and 0.75 mm), and materials. The components of the removable partial denture framework also included an occlusal rest and were manufactured using a milling machine (n=5). The fatigue resistance of the Akers clasps was measured before and after deformation regarding the retentive forces. RESULTS: The PEEK2-U50 clasp had the largest retentive force with no significant difference among all groups before and after the insertion and removal cycle. In addition, the increased cross-sectional dimensions of the design resulted in significant differences in retentive forces between the PEEK1 and PEEK2 groups and between the PEEK and PEKK materials. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the clasp's cross-sectional dimensions significantly impacted retentive forces, especially between different PEEK groups and between PEEK and PEKK materials.

CX3CL1 induces cell migration and invasion through ICAM-1 expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma cells.

Human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) has been associated with a relatively low survival rate over the years and is characterized by a poor prognosis. C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) has been involved in advanced migratory cells. Overexpressed CX3CL1 promotes several cellular responses related to cancer metastasis, including cell movement, migration and invasion in tumour cells. However, CX3CL1 controls the migration ability, and its molecular mechanism in OSCC remains unknown. The present study confirmed that CX3CL1 increased cell movement, migration and invasion. The CX3CL1-induced cell motility is upregulated through intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression in OSCC cells. These effects were significantly suppressed when OSCC cells were pre-treated with CX3CR1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and small-interfering RNA (siRNA). The CX3CL1-CX3CR1 axis activates promoted PLCß/PKCα/c-Src phosphorylation. Furthermore, CX3CL1 enhanced activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity. The CX3CR1 mAb and PLCß, PKCα, c-Src inhibitors reduced CX3CL1-induced c-Jun phosphorylation, c-Jun translocation into the nucleus and c-Jun binding to the ICAM-1 promoter. The present results reveal that CX3CL1 induces the migration of OSCC cells by promoting ICAM-1 expression through the CX3CR1 and the PLCß/PKCα/c-Src signal pathway, suggesting that CX3CL1-CX3CR1-mediated signalling is correlated with tumour motility and appealed to be a precursor for prognosis in human OSCC.

Protein-Directed Au(0)-Rich Gold Nanoclusters as Ratiometric Luminescence Sensors for Auric Ions via Comproportionation-Induced Emission Enhancement.

Gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) are widely used as fluorescent probes in biomedical sensing and imaging due to their versatile optical properties and low cytotoxicity. Surface engineering of gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) aims to design a surface with versatile physicochemical performances, but previous investigations have primarily focused on the acquisition of the "brightest" species. This has resulted in other types of Au NC being neglected. In the present study, our group prepared a series of Au NCs that were rich in surface Au(0), using the "aged" form of bovine serum albumin (BSA) via controlling the pH during synthesis. We found that slight increases of alkalinity during synthesis over that which produced Au NCs with the most intensive photoluminescence generated the "darkest" Au NCs, which exhibited the strongest absorption. These Au NCs included more Au atoms and had a higher Au(0) content. Furthermore, the addition of Au3+ quenched the emission of the "brightest" Au NCs, but increased that of the "darkest" Au NCs. The increased Au(I) proportion observed in the Au3+-treated "darkest" Au NCs resulted in a novel comproportionation-induced emission enhancement effect, which we utilized to construct a "turn-on" ratiometric sensor for toxic Au3+. The addition of Au3+ generated simultaneous, opposite effects on blue-emissive diTyr BSA residues and red-emissive Au NCs. After optimization, we successfully constructed ratiometric sensors for Au3+ with high sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy. This study will inspire a new pathway to redesign the protein-framed Au NCs and analytical methodology via comproportionation chemistry.

Effect of thickness of externally characterized stains on optical properties of high-translucency zirconia.

OBJECTIVES: There is insufficient information about the effects of the thickness of externally characterized stains or glazes on CIELAB color parameters and the translucency parameter (TP) of 5 mol% yttria partially stabilized zirconia (5Y-PSZ). The present study evaluated the effect of a thickness reduction of the externally characterized or glazed layer on its CIE2000 color parameters and TP00 of 5Y-PSZ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-eight specimens were sectioned from 5Y-PSZ blanks. Three brands of powdered stains (namely VI, SH, and IV) and a glaze (GL) were used to extrinsically stain the specimen surfaces (n = 7 per group). After measuring the final thickness and color, specimens of each group were carefully ground and finally polished. The reduced thickness was carefully controlled in decrements of 0.02 mm on the characterized stains or glazed layers at each reduction cycle until the surface of the un-stained zirconia was exposed. The CIELAB color parameters of specimens were measured using a spectrophotometer. Subsequently, differences in lightness (∆L'), chroma (∆C'), and hue (∆H'), and TP00 values and color differences (ΔE00) were calculated using the CIEDE2000 formula to determine differences between the specimen and the un-stained zirconia at each reduction cycle. A paired-samples t-test, two-way mixed-design analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used to analyze the data (α = 0.05). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in lightness, chroma, hue, or TP00 values before or after glazing or after each reduction cycle of the glazed layer. Mean ΔE00 values ranged between 20.94 and 33.55 after applying the externally characterized stains. With a decreased thickness of the characterized stain layer, there were observed that significant decreases in ∆L', ∆H', ∆C', and ΔE00, and significant increases in TP00. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the thickness of externally characterized stains decreased the lightness and caused the alternation of chroma and hue, whereas these phenomena were not observed in the glazed group. There was a slight change of CIE2000 color parameters and TP00 when the thickness of the characterized layer exceeded 0.06 mm. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The application and thickness of externally characterized stains can sensitively affect CIE2000 color parameters and translucency of 5Y-PSZ.

Effects of At-Home and In-Office Bleaching Agents on the Color Recovery of Esthetic CAD-CAM Restorations after Red Wine Immersion.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of at-home and in-office bleaching agents on esthetic CAD-CAM materials after red wine immersion by measuring their optical properties. Sixty specimens were prepared out of three esthetic CAD-CAM materials: Vita Enamic, Celtra Duo, and Ceresmart (n = 20). All specimens were immersed in a red wine solution, and color measurements were performed. Specimens were randomly divided (n = 10) according to the bleaching procedure (in office, at home), bleaching durations were set to 3 time points, and color measurements were performed. According to the Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) L* a* b* parameters, CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE00), translucency parameters (TP00), and whiteness index values (ΔWID) after wine staining and after bleaching were calculated. Data were analyzed using the Mann−Whitney U-test, the Kruskal−Wallis test, and a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α = 0.05). ΔE00, ΔTP00, and ΔWID decreased with an increase in bleaching treatment. ΔE00 after the final bleaching treatment of in-office bleaching ranged from 1.7 to 2.0, whereas those of in-office treatment ranged from 0.4 to 1.1. All ΔTP00 and ΔWID after the final treatment were below the 50:50% perceptibility thresholds (ΔTP00 < 0.6, and ΔWID < 0.7). Significant differences in ΔE00, ΔTP00, and ΔWID among esthetic CAD-CAM materials were found between CD and CE. In the present study, color recovery after at-home and in-office bleaching appeared to be material-dependent. In-office bleaching showed more effective recovery comparing to at-home bleaching.

Characterization and Antibacterial Properties of Polyetherketoneketone Coated with a Silver Nanoparticle-in-Epoxy Lining.

Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) is an alternative material for use in removable partial denture frameworks; these frameworks must exhibit antibacterial properties to reduce the risk of periodontal disease. In the present study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized via the reduction of silver nitrate with sodium borohydride in a solution containing polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP). Transmission electron microscope images and dynamic light scattering confirmed that metallic nanoparticles had been created with an average size of 32 nm. Furthermore, the coating of the PEKK polymeric substrate with 0.5% AgNPs was carried out using an epoxy resin lining at room temperature. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the successful transfer of the AgNP-in-resin lining onto the polymeric substrate. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy confirmed that the AgNPs had been uniformly deposited onto the PEKK specimens. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the specimens was tested against Porphyromonas gingivalis. An inhibition zone of 22.5 mm and an antibacterial rate of 83.47% were found for the PEKK coated with 0.5% AgNPs (0.5% Ag-PEKK) compared to an untreated polyetheretherketone (PEEK) substrate, evidencing that 0.5% Ag-PEKK has potential antibacterial properties for implant applications.

Rational Design of ZIF-8 for Constructing Luminescent Biosensors with Glucose Oxidase and AIE-Type Gold Nanoclusters.

The development of modern technologies has acclimatized biosensors to complicated applicable scenarios with integrated properties as a whole instead of the pursuit of a single-point breakthrough. Here, we targeted a few concerns in the development of enzyme-based biosensors, including stability, analyte enrichment, and signal transduction, and developed a general biosensing model utilizing enzymes, aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens, and stimuli-responsive framework materials as the units. We propose such proof-of-concept of glucose biosensors by coencapsulating glucose oxidase and AIE-type gold nanoclusters into acid-sensitive zeolite imidazolate framework (ZIF)-8 nanocrystals. The acid-activated degradation of ZIF-8 bridges the molecular signals produced by the enzyme-catalytic reaction of glucose and the photon signals generated by ZIF-8-induced AIE effects of gold nanoclusters, resulting in the "turn-off" model nanoprobes for glucose detection with high selectivity. After embedding the nanoprobes into hollow-out tapes, the formed paper biosensors can conveniently detect glucose with the help of a smartphone.

Effect of toothbrushing on the optical properties and surface roughness of extrinsically stained high-translucency zirconia.

OBJECTIVES: The effect of toothbrushing on the color, relative translucency, and surface roughness of extrinsically stained zirconia dental restorations is still unclear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the optical properties and surface textures of extrinsically stained or glazed partially stabilized zirconia with 5 mol% yttria (5Y-PSZ) after toothbrushing by determining changes in the color, translucency parameter (TP), and surface roughness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens (2 mm thick; n = 50) were sectioned from 5Y-PSZ blanks. Three brands of powdered stains (namely VI, SH, IV) and a glaze (GL) were used to extrinsically stain the specimen surfaces (n = 10 per group). The specimens were subjected to 10,000-50,000 simulated toothbrushing strokes using a toothpaste slurry (Ora2 PREMIUM Stain clear paste). The color parameters were measured before staining or glazing and before and after simulated brushing. The color changes and TP values can be calculated before and after simulated brushing. The surface roughness was also evaluated. RESULTS: Significant changes were found in the shade and TP values of 5Y-PSZ after extrinsic staining, but no significant changes were found after toothbrushing, irrespective of the staining brand (p > 0.05). The surface roughness of the characterized 5Y-PSZ specimens decreased after toothbrushing, whereas that of the non-characterized 5Y-PSZ group increased. CONCLUSIONS: Toothbrushing markedly affects the surface roughness of extrinsically stained or glazed 5Y-PSZ specimens, whereas no impacts on the color or translucency were observed. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For esthetic reasons, clinicians and dental technicians prefer to apply extrinsic stains to zirconia restorations, which profoundly affects its appearance. The limited influence of toothbrushing on color and translucency of 5Y-PSZ is promising for clinical applications.

Trueness of removable partial denture frameworks additively manufactured with selective laser melting.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although studies have reported on selective laser melting (SLM)-fabricated removable partial dentures (RPDs), research addressing the trueness of SLM-fabricated RPD metal frameworks is sparse. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the trueness of powdered cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) or titanium-6 aluminum-4 vanadium (Ti-6Al-4V) alloy frameworks for RPDs fabricated by SLM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A digital scan of a Kennedy class II mandible typodont was obtained to design an RPD framework by using a computer-aided design (CAD) software program (denoted as CRF). Two experimental groups of frameworks were fabricated from the CRF by using SLM in alloys of Co-Cr (SLM-Co-Cr, n=6) and in Ti-6Al-4V (SLM-Ti-6Al-4V, n=6) while a control group was fabricated by using traditional lost-wax casting following stereolithography (CA-Co-Cr, n=6). In total, 18 RPD frameworks were digitally scanned (denoted as CRF), with each scan then superimposed on the CRF and evaluated for discrepancies by using a 3D analysis software program. A nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to determine differences in trueness among groups (α=.05). RESULTS: The CA-Co-Cr group showed the highest discrepancy between CEF and CRF. Statistically significant differences were found between the CA-Co-Cr and SLM-fabricated groups (P=.03 for Co-Cr, and P=.016 for Ti-6Al-4V). However, no significant difference was found between the SLM-Co-Cr and SLM-Ti-6Al-4V groups (P=.787). CONCLUSIONS: SLM-fabricated RPD frameworks exhibited higher trueness than CA-Co-Cr fabricated ones, indicating the potential of selective laser melting to produce the geometric shapes required for accurate dental restorations.

Microstructure, mechanical properties, and retentive forces of cobalt-chromium removable partial denture frameworks fabricated by selective laser melting followed by heat treatment.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of cobalt-chromium (Co-Cr) removable partial denture (RPD) frameworks fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) is not well understood. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the suitability of SLM-fabricated Co-Cr alloys followed by heat treatment as a framework for RPDs by determining the microstructure and mechanical properties. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Dumbbell specimens and RPD frameworks were fabricated by using SLM followed by heat treatment. The effects of the heat treatment on the microstructure were studied by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Tensile and insertion and removal tests were performed to study the mechanical responses of selective laser melting followed by heat treatment specimens, including the ultimate tensile strength (UTS), 0.2% yield strength (0.2% YS), elongation (E), and retentive forces. Specimens fabricated by using the traditional lost-wax process were used as a control (casting) group. RESULTS: X-ray diffraction indicated that the γ-face-centered cubic phase dominated SLM and selective laser melting followed by heat treatment specimens. Results from optical microscopy and SEM showed microstructural changes under different fabrication and postprocessing heat treatments; it was difficult to observe the grain boundary in the SLM group, whereas submicrometer-scale grains had formed in the selective laser melting followed by heat treatment group. The selective laser melting followed by heat treatment group exhibited the highest elongation and retentive forces compared with the casting and SLM groups. CONCLUSIONS: SLM increased the mechanical properties of Co-Cr alloys. Postprocessing heat treatment further enhanced the tensile ductility. It is suggested that SLM followed by heat treatment is an efficient strategy for fabricating RPD frameworks.

Biomimetic Ceramic Composite: Characterization, Cell Response, and In Vivo Biocompatibility.

The present study aimed to synthesize biphasic calcium phosphate ceramics (CaPs) composed of ß-tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HAp) from the propagated Scleractinian coral and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous using a solid-state reaction followed by heat treatment at a temperature of 1100 °C for 1 h to 7 days. The as-prepared coral and coral-derived biphasic CaPs samples were characterized through scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The cell response of the biphasic CaPs was evaluated by in vitro cytotoxicity assessment using mouse fibroblast (L929) cells. The bilateral femoral defect rabbit model was used to assess the early local reaction of the coral-derived biphasic CaPs bone graft on tissue. The results confirmed that the co-existence of ß-TCP and HAp was formed at 1100 °C for 1 h. The ratio of HA/ß-TCP increased as the heat-treatment time increased. The coral-derived biphasic CaPs comprising 61% HAp and 39% ß-TCP (defined as HT-3) were not cytotoxic. Furthermore, no significant differences in local tissue reaction were observed between the HT-3 sample and autogenous bone. Therefore, the synthesized coral-derived biphasic CaPs is a candidate for bone grafting due to its good biocompatibility.

Color Stability and Staining Susceptibility of Direct Resin-Based Composites after Light-Activated In-Office Bleaching.

This study evaluated color stability and staining susceptibility of five direct resin-based composites (RBCs) subjected to light-activated in-office bleaching with 40% hydrogen peroxide (HP). The test materials included 5 RBCs, which consisted of one nano-filled, one sub-micron, one bulk-filled, and two nano-hybrid RBC types. Ten disc-shaped specimens of each RBC were fabricated and divided into bleaching (BLE) and non-bleaching (CON) groups (n = 5 for each group). Specimens were then immersed in red wine solution over 4 h. A spectrophotometer was used to obtain Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (CIE) L*a*b* parameters for each of the following periods tested: before bleaching (TBA), after bleaching (TBL), and after staining (TST). Color stability and staining susceptibility were evaluated using two metrics, CIEDE2000 color differences (ΔE00) and whiteness variations using the whiteness index (ΔWID). Data were analyzed using repeated measures two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (α = 0.05). Statistically significant and clinically unaccepted ΔE00 and ΔWID were observed for all tested specimens between TBA and TBL. The nano-hybrid type RBCs showed the highest discoloration among materials after bleaching treatment. The BLE group exhibited significantly higher ΔE00 and ΔWID than the CON group for all the tested RBCs between TBA and TST. The sub-micron type RBC showed the highest discoloration among materials after immersion in the red wine. Conclusion. The light-activated in-office bleaching with 40% HP's influences on color and whiteness index were material-dependent. The use of bleaching treatment also increased the susceptibility to red wine for all RBCs.

Luminescent wearable biosensors based on gold nanocluster networks for "turn-on" detection of Uric acid, glucose and alcohol in sweat.

From the difficulty of awareness of abnormal concentrations of biochemical indexes in people's daily life come wearable sensing technologies. Recently, luminescent wearable biosensors are emerging with simple fabrication, easy use, cost-effectivity and reliability. But several challenges should be taken up, such as availability of varied analytes, high sensitivity, stability of enzymes, photostability, low signal noises and recyclability of sensors. Here, the Luminescent Wearable Sweat Tape (LWST) biosensor is developed via embedding multi-component nanoprobes onto microwell-patterned paper substrates of hollowed-out double-side tapes. The nanoprobes consist of responsive luminophores, enzyme-loaded gold nanocluster (AuNCs) nano-networks, which are wrapped by the switch, MnO2 nanosheets. The responsive luminophores are constructed by 3 substitutable components: enzymes (uricase, GOx and alcohol dehydrogenase) for molecular target recognition, glutathione-protected AuNCs (yellow, red and green) for luminescent signal output and polycations PAH for integration. MnO2 NSs as the switch can quench the emission of the AuNCs but degraded by the reductive product of incorporated enzymes. Thus, targeting analysts (uric acid, glucose and alcohol) can be dose-dependently detected through "turn-on" luminescence approach. After incorporating the nanoprobes into hollow-out tapes, the formed LWST biosensors can detect uric acid, glucose and alcohol in sweat with the help of a smartphone. Subsequently, we primarily apply them into human daily life scenario, sampling from dine parties, and the positive relationships of analyte intakes and the increase of analytes in sweat are significant with individual difference.

Formation of G-quadruplex structure in supercoiled DNA under molecularly crowded conditions.

G-quadruplex is a secondary structure of nucleic acids that plays crucial roles in many significant biological processes. Potential G-quadruplex-forming sequences exist widely in various regions of the genome such as telomeres and gene promoters. In spite of the fact that G-quadruplex can be readily assembled from a single-stranded segment of DNA, its formation from duplex DNA is very difficult under physiological conditions because Watson-Crick interactions in guanine rich segments need to be weakened first. It is demonstrated in our studies that intrastrand G-quadruplex generated from a perfectly matched guanine-rich duplex in a circular DNA as a result of significant quadruplex stabilization and duplex destabilization created by the combined actions of negative DNA supercoiling and molecular crowding conditions.

Oxygen-implanted induced formation of oxide layer enhances blood compatibility on titanium for biomedical applications.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) layers were prepared on a Ti substrate by using oxygen plasma immersion ion implantation (oxygen PIII). The surface chemical states, structure, and morphology of the layers were studied using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman microscopy, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscope. The mechanical properties, such as the Young's modulus and hardness, of the layers were investigated using nanoindentation testing. The Ti(4+) chemical state was determined to be present on oxygen-PIII-treated surfaces, which consisted of nanocrystalline TiO2 with a rutile structure. Compared with Ti substrates, the oxygen-PIII-treated surfaces exhibited decreased Young's moduli and hardness. Parameters indicating the blood compatibility of the oxygen-PIII-treated surfaces, including the clotting time and platelet adhesion and activation, were studied in vitro. Clotting time assays indicated that the clotting time of oxygen-PIII-treated surfaces was longer than that of the Ti substrate, which was associated with decreased fibrinogen adsorption. In conclusion, the surface characteristics and the blood compatibility of Ti implants can be modified and improved using oxygen PIII.

Disinfection effects of undoped and silver-doped ceria powders of nanometer crystallite size.

Being endowed with an ability of capturing and releasing oxygen, the ceria surface conventionally assumes the role of catalyzing redox reactions in chemistry. This catalytic effect also makes possible its cytotoxicity toward microorganisms at room temperature. To study this cytotoxicity, we synthesized the doped and undoped ceria particles of 8-9 nm in size using an inexpensive precipitation method and evaluated their disinfecting aptitudes with the turbidimetric and plate count methods. Among the samples being analyzed, the silver-doped ceria exhibits the highest sterilization ability, yet the undoped ceria is the most intriguing. The disinfection effect of undoped ceria is moderate in magnitude, demanding a physical contact between the ceria surface and bacteria cell wall, or the redox catalysis that can damage the cell wall and result in the cell killing. Evidently, this effect is short-range and depends strongly on dispersion of the nanoparticles. In contrast, the disinfection effects of silver-doped ceria reach out several millimeters since it releases silver ions to poison the surrounding microorganisms. Additionally, the aliovalent silver substitution creates more ceria defects. The synergetic combination, silver poisoning and heterogeneous redox catalysis, lifts and extends the disinfecting capability of silver-doped ceria to a superior level.

Effects of two surface finishes on the color of cemented and colored anatomic-contour zirconia crowns.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The esthetic appearance of anatomic-contour zirconia restorations is influenced by the shade of the coloring liquid and the optical properties of the luting cements. However, few studies are available on the effects of surface-finishing methods and luting cements on colored anatomic-contour zirconia restorations. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the effects of surface finishing methods on the color distribution of colored anatomic-contour zirconia crowns before and after being cemented onto abutments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Implant-supported anatomic-contour zirconia premolar crowns were fabricated and immersed in A3-coloring liquid for 30 seconds. The colored zirconia crowns were separated into 3 groups according to the method of surface treatment: no treatment (N), polishing (P), and glazing (G). The zirconia crowns without coloring liquid application served as the control group. CIELab color coordinates were obtained, and color differences (ΔE) between shaded crowns were calculated with a spectrophotometer. The color stability of the crown before and after cement application was also investigated. RESULTS: Before cement application, the mean color difference between groups N and P was 2.85 ΔE units, whereas the mean ΔE value between groups N and G was 3.27. Mean ΔE values with and without cement application among groups ranged from 2.75 to 3.45 ΔE units. CONCLUSIONS: The color appearance of the colored zirconia crowns was strongly influenced by the surface-finishing methods and luting cement application.