Brush Test Research Articles

Hydraulic and strength properties of unexposed and freeze–thaw exposed cement-stabilized soils

A total of 108 specimens were prepared to examine the hydraulic performance and strength performance of nine different cement-stabilized soils under unexposed and freeze–thaw exposed conditions. Specimens from each mix design were evaluated under two levels of curing conditions (i.e., immature versus mature). Hydraulic conductivity and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) measurements were performed to assess changes in the performance of specimens after 12 cycles of freezing at −10 ± 1 °C and thawing at 22 ± 1 °C. Measured mass losses of the specimens from a standard brushing test were also monitored at different freeze–thaw cycles, and results were compared with the changes in the hydraulic performance for each mix design. Hydraulic conductivity measurements on unexposed mature specimens showed that the lowest values likely occurred at water contents slightly wet of optimum water content (OWC). The UCS values showed a general decreasing trend with the increase in the water content for both immature and mature specimens under unexposed conditions. After freeze–thaw exposure, specimens showed minor reductions as well as increases of up to 5250 times in hydraulic conductivity values. Increases of up to 14% and reductions of up to 58% in compressive strength were also observed, compared with unexposed conditions. For most cases, mature specimens resulted in a higher degree of damage compared with immature specimens. Results from the brushing tests showed this test method is not a suitable indicator for predicting changes in the hydraulic performance of cement-stabilized soils. Hydraulic conductivity measurements after a period of post-exposure healing showed damaged specimens have some potential in recovering parts of the increased hydraulic conductivity value due to the healing process.

Extremely low Helicobacter pylori prevalence in North Sulawesi, Indonesia and identification of a Maori-tribe type strain: a cross sectional study.

BackgroundSulawesi in Indonesia has a unique geographical profile with assumed separation from Sundaland. Studies of Helicobacter pylori in this region are rare due to the region’s rural location and lack of endoscopy equipment. Indirect methods are, therefore, the most appropriate for measuring H. pylori infection in these areas; with the disposable gastric brush test, we can obtain gastric juice as well as small gastric tissue samples for H. pylori culture. We investigated the prevalence of H. pylori infection and evaluated human migration patterns in the remote areas of North Sulawesi.MethodsWe recruited a total of 251 consecutive adult volunteers and 131 elementary school children. H. pylori infection was determined by urine antibody test. A gastric brush test was used to culture H. pylori. We used next-generation and polymerase chain reaction based sequencing to determine virulence factors and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST).ResultsThe overall H. pylori prevalence was only 14.3% for adults and 3.8% for children, and 13.6% and 16.7% in Minahasanese and Mongondownese participants, respectively. We isolated a single H. pylori strain, termed -Manado-1. Manado-1 was East Asian type cagA (ABD type), vacA s1c-m1b, iceA1 positive/iceA2 negative, jhp0562-positive/β-(1,3) galT-negative, oipA “on”, and dupA-negative. Phylogenetic analyses showed the strain to be hspMaori type, a major type observed in native Taiwanese and Maori tribes.ConclusionsOur data support that very low H. pylori infection prevalence in Indonesia. Identification of hspMaori type H. pylori in North Sulawesi may support the hypothesis that North Sulawesi people migrated from north.

Are special feed and being brushed judged as positive by calves?

In studies concerning animal welfare, especially on methods to enhance positive welfare, different stimuli are used to create positive situations or “rewards”. A positive judgement by the animals, however, cannot be assumed a priori. The aim of this study was to determine by means of preference tests whether special feed and being brushed are judged as positive by young cattle. Three female and five male calves were given the choice between special feed (concentrate and carrots) and their ordinary feed (corn silage and hay). After this feed test, the animals were allowed to choose between an empty compartment and a compartment with a person who brushed the animal (brushing test). Next, in a negative-contrast test, the animals were given the choice between a person and an empty compartment. However, in one third of the choices for the person, the animals were not brushed but the person left the compartment after the animal's choice. For every trial, the choice and the latency to making a choice were noted. In the brushing test and the negative-contrast test, behaviour and heart rate variables during the stay in the choice compartments were also recorded. Results from the feed preference test showed that six of the eight animals significantly preferred the special feed during the third of the three test sessions, while the remaining two animals tended to prefer this feed (binomial test). When choosing the special feed, all animals fed on the concentrate in all trials but only three animals fed on the carrots. During the brushing test, four animals chose the brushing person more often than expected by chance during at least one session, while the remaining three animals showed a tendency in this preference (binomial test). The behaviours “leaning against the brush” and “stretching the neck while being brushed” were seen in all animals, indicating some kind of perceived pleasure when being brushed. When choosing to be brushed, animals seldom showed turning, exploring, self-grooming, or vocalising. In the empty compartment, however, these behaviours occurred more often, probably indicating signs of frustration. Similarly, the animals showed exploring and self-grooming when in the empty compartment and when not being brushed although the person was chosen in the negative-contrast test. We conclude that special feed, specifically concentrate, and being brushed by a person are rated as positive by calves.

과산화수소가 배합된 제제의 치아미백효과에 관한 연구

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tooth whitening effect of 0.74% and 2.80% hydrogen peroxide toothpastes and safety on tooth and gingival tissue. Methods : Toothpastes containing 0.74% and 2.80% hydrogen peroxide were evaluated. In in-vitro test, some additives (sodium metaphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate and titanium dioxide) were added to the toothpastes. Hydroxyapatite specimens (HAPs) were made and stained using modified Stookey's methods. HAPs were treated for 1 hour at shaking incubator and brushed for 1,000 times as 250 gF with each diluted toothpaste. Before and after color was measured by colorimeter. Using double blind method, 99 Korean with natural maxillary anterior teeth were selected and the initial brightness (baseline) was measured by SHADEEYE-EX. Based on this measurement they were crossly distributed into control group (0% hydrogen peroxide), test 1 (0.74% hydrogen peroxide) and test 2 (2.80% hydrogen peroxide). After 2 weeks, people of each group were provided toothpaste and told to use 3 times a day right after every meal for 3 minutes. The brightness of teeth was measured 3 times for every one month. Results : <TEX>${\Delta}L$</TEX> was statistically significant among three groups in shaking test. <TEX>${\Delta}L$</TEX> of two test groups was statistically significant compared with control group but not between each test group in brushing test. After using toothpaste for 3 months, test 1 group and test 2 group were 15.89% and 31.23% more whitened compared with control group respectively (p<0.05). Rate of more whitened person of each test group was 24.2% and 40.5% more than control group respectively (p<0.05). There was no difference in the hypersensitivity during 3 months using toothpastes and no side effect on teeth or gums. Conclusions : Toothpastes containing 0.74% and 2.80% hydrogen peroxide showed tooth whitening effect and both were safe enough to use for tooth whitening.

Knee effusion affects knee mechanics and muscle activity during gait in individuals with knee osteoarthritis

To test the hypothesis that knee effusion presence in those with knee osteoarthritis (OA) alters knee joint muscle activation patterns and sagittal plane mechanics during gait. Thirty-five patients with medial compartment knee OA were assessed for the presence of effusion using a brush test. Based on the results, they were assigned to the knee effusion (n = 17) and no knee effusion (n = 18) groups. Electromyograms from seven lower extremity muscles (lateral and medial gastrocnemius, vastus lateralis and medialis, rectus femoris and the lateral and medial hamstrings), leg motion and ground reaction forces were recorded during self-selected walking. Isometric knee extensor, plantar flexor and knee flexor strength were measured. Discrete measures from angular knee motion and net external moment of force waveforms were identified. Principal component analysis extracted electromyographic waveform features. Analysis of variance models tested for main effects (group, muscle) and interactions (α = 0.05). Bonferroni post-hoc testing was employed. No differences in age, body mass index, knee pain, Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index scores, gait velocity and muscle strength were found between groups (P > 0.05). Individuals with effusion had a greater overall quadriceps activation and prolonged hamstring activation into mid-stance (P < 0.05). Knee joint flexion angles were higher (P < 0.05) and net external knee extension (KE) moments in mid to late stance lower in the effusion group. Quadriceps and hamstrings activation during walking were altered when effusions were present. Increased knee flexion (KF) angles and decreased KE moment in mid-late stance provide a mechanical explanation for the effect of joint effusion on muscle activation in those with knee OA.

506 The Transbronchial Brush Test Circumvents Sampling Limitation Associated with Transbronchial Biopsy and Has Superior Reproducibility for Assessment of Lymphocytic Bronchiolitis

by measuring access to LTx and survival (Kaplan Meier) post transplant. Methods and Materials: Structures have been established to ensure access and survival outcomes for remote patients equal those for local patients. These structures include outreach clinics, education and continued ongoing contact emphasising the importance of social support and address the practical, financial and educational needs of patients and carers. Results: In a review of all LTx patients since 2000 (n 556), mean 51 per year, waiting times were compared finding no significant difference. At I year 73% of local patients and 88% of remote patients were transplanted and by 5 years 99% of both groups were transplanted. Both local and distant patients had an 89% 1 year survival, at 5 years local patients had a 52% survival, remote patients 50% and at 10 years it was 39% and 35%. Support is provided through government, community and hospital services. Conclusions: With a careful and structured program patients living a significant distance from the primary hospital receive equal access to LTx procedures with almost identical outcomes.

The Application of SPC in the Motor Production Operation of the Air Conditioning Compressor

Motor is the key part of the air conditioner compressor. And the production process of the motor will often encounter some quality defects. One of the most common defects is machine winding paint film injury. In the past, salt pinhole test and brush test are common means for product quality control in many companies. Although in such trials, some quality problem can be found, it is a single method for site quality management and is a kind of method of remedying afterwards. It often cannot find or visualized find by chart the bad trend timely. Statistical process control (SPC) is a different method, which can implement real-time monitoring and evaluation in each stage of the production process. It is a kind of preventive method. It can carry out the paint damage monitoring and evaluation in the motor manufacturing process very well, using SPC control diagram method.

Study of the Brush Seal Design and Test Technology

Design and test technologies for brush seal are summarized in this paper. Test process under static and dynamic states for brush seal is introduced. The test results show that flow parameter of Φ2 for brush seal manufactured by ourselves meets the requirements for limits specified in related documents abroad.

Exploring the potential of telmisartan in chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats

The present study was designed to investigate the potential of telmisartan, an angiotensin AT 1 receptor, in chronic constriction injury-induced neuropathic pain in rats. Four loose ligatures were placed around the sciatic nerve to induce chronic constriction injury and neuropathic pain. Acetone drop, pin-prick, hot plate and paint brush tests were performed to assess cold allodynia; mechanical and heat hyperalgesia; and dynamic mechanical allodynia, respectively along with assessment of spontaneous pain and postural index in terms of foot deformity. The levels of TNF-α were measured in the sciatic nerve as an index of inflammation. Chronic constriction injury was associated with development of cold allodynia; mechanical and heat hyperalgesia; dynamic mechanical allodynia; and spontaneous pain and foot deformity along with rise in the levels of TNF-α. Telmisartan (1, 2, 5 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered for 14 days in chronic constriction injury subjected rats. Administration of telmisartan (2, 5 mg/kg) significantly attenuated chronic constriction injury-induced pain related behavior, foot deformity and rise in TNF-α level. It may be concluded that telmisartan has a potential in attenuating neuropathic pain behavior in chronic constriction injury model which may possibly be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Comparison of the Cytobrush®, dermatological curette and oral CDx® brush test as methods for obtaining samples of RNA for molecular analysis of oral cytology

Interest in oral exfoliative cytology has increased with the availability of molecular markers that may lead to the earlier diagnosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma. This research aims to compare the efficacy of three different instruments (Cytobrush, curette and Oral CDx brush) in providing adequate material for molecular analysis. One hundred and four cytological samples obtained from volunteer healthy subjects were analysed using all three instruments. The clinical and demographical variables under study were age, sex and smoking habits. The three instruments were compared for their ability to obtain adequate samples and for the amount of RNA obtained using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR-qRT) analysis of the Abelson (ABL) housekeeping gene. RNA of the ABL gene has been quantified by number of copies. Adequate samples were more likely to be obtained with a curette (90.6%) or Oral CDx (80.0%) than a Cytobrush (48.6%); P < 0.001. Similarly, the RNA quantification was 17.64 ± 21.10 with a curette, 16.04 ± 15.81 with Oral CDx and 6.82 ± 6.71 with a Cytobrush. There were statistically significant differences between the Cytobrush and curette (P = 0.008) and between the Cytobrush and OralCDx (P = 0.034). There was no difference according to the demographical variables. Oral exfoliative cytology is a simple, non-invasive technique that provides sufficient RNA to perform studies on gene expression. Although material was obtained with all three instruments, adequate samples were more likely to be obtained with the curette or Oral CDx than with a Cytobrush. The Oral CDx is a less aggressive instrument than the curette, so could be a useful tool in a clinical setting.

Weight loss and changes in surface roughness of denture base and reline materials after simulated toothbrushing in vitro

To evaluate the weight loss and the surface roughness of acrylic resins after simulated brushing tests. Ten specimens of each material (Tokuyama Rebase II-TR, New Truliner-NT, Ufi Gel Hard-UH and Lucitone 550-L) were made. The wear loss (mg) by weight and the surface roughness (Ra μm) of each specimen was determined before and after brushing. The specimens were placed on the brushing machine and a total of 20,000 brushing cycles was performed. The results of weight loss and roughness values were submitted to the anova followed by the Tukey's test (p = 0.05). The mean weight loss of material L was statistically higher (p < 0.001) than that of the relines TR, UH and NT. No significant differences were found among the roughness values of resins TR, UH and L (p > 0.05). Only for L, toothbrushing increased the surface roughness. After toothbrushing, there was no significant difference between the roughness values of materials L and NT. The highest mean weight loss during the simulated toothbrushing tests was observed for L. Before the toothbrushing tests, the NT exhibited the highest mean roughness. Brushing resulted in increase in roughness only for resin L.

Experimental determination of optimum gutter brush parameters and road sweeping criteria for different types of waste

The removal ability of gutter brushes for road sweeping for various debris types and different sweeping parameters is studied through experimental tests. The brushing test rig used comprises two commercial gutter brushes, a concrete test bed, and an asphalt test road with a gutter of 0.25 cm width and 10° slope. The brush-surface contact area is determined by sweeping sand on the concrete test bed. Sweeping problems are identified and discussed, and sweeping criteria for the different debris types are suggested. Also, optimum sweeping parameters are proposed for each debris type. In addition, debris removal mechanisms are discussed and analysed. The results indicate that for large heavy debris such as stones and gravel, it is not difficult to achieve large removal forces, because the steel bristles are relatively stiff. Conversely, high removal forces are not needed for particles of millimetre or micron sizes, but bristle curvature has to be appropriate to remove particles from road concavities. Finally, it is found that mud, especially dry mud on a rough surface, is the hardest debris to sweep, requiring a brush with a large tilt angle and a very large penetration to produce large removal forces.

Differential effect of spironolactone in chronic constriction injury and vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in rats

The present study was designed to investigate the ameliorative potential of spironolactone in chronic constriction injury and vincristine-induced neuropathic pain in rats. The chronic constriction injury was induced by placing four loose ligatures around the sciatic nerve, while vincristine (50 μg/kg) was administered for 10 days to induce chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain. Acetone drop, pin-prick, hot plate and paint brush tests were performed to assess cold allodynia; mechanical and heat hyperalgesia; dynamic mechanical allodynia, respectively. The spontaneous pain and postural index in terms of foot deformity was also assessed. The levels of TNF-α were measured in the sciatic nerve as an index of inflammation. Chronic constriction injury led to significant development of cold allodynia; mechanical and heat hyperalgesia; dynamic mechanical allodynia; spontaneous pain and foot deformity along with rise in the levels of TNF-α. Administration of vincristine was associated with the development of allodynia and hyperalgesia without spontaneous pain, foot deformity and elevation in the levels of TNF-α. Administration of spironolactone (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly attenuated chronic constriction injury-induced pain related behaviour and foot deformity along with attenuation of TNF-α levels, without modulating vincristine-induced neuropathic pain. The attenuating effect of spironolactone in chronic constriction injury may be due to its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines, while involvement of non-inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of vincristine-induced pain may probably explain its lack of beneficial effect in chemotherapy associated pain.

Durability of the adhesion between bituminous coatings and self-protection mineral granules of waterproofing membranes

Flat roofs in current buildings include a waterproofing system, often made of bituminous membranes with a self-protection constituted by mineral granules. These granules constitute the barrier against the fundamental environmental agent of degradation, the UV radiation. Therefore it is of paramount importance to understand the long-term performance of the self-protection layer, namely its adhesion to the coatings of bituminous membranes. This paper presents an experimental study on the behaviour of the self-protection granule of bituminous membranes when subjected to environmental agents of degradation. Different types of atactic polypropylene (APP) and styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) modified bituminous membranes, comprising different finishing systems, were exposed to the effects of elevated temperature and water for up to 24 weeks and 4 weeks, respectively. Following accelerated ageing, specimens of the different types of membranes were subjected to brushing tests, carried out according to EN 12039, in order to evaluate the adhesion of the self-protection granules. The results obtained in this study, which are compared with performance limits recommended by UEAtc directives, show that the higher loss of self-protection granule of bituminous membranes occurs in membranes modified by APP polymers. In addition, it was concluded that the effect of water is much more severe than that of elevated temperature.

Effectiveness of gutter brushes in removing street sweeping waste

Litter on roadways has to be removed for hygiene and to reduce pollution, amongst other reasons. Therefore, the effective operation of street sweepers is important in the collection of solid waste. In this article, the effectiveness of gutter brushes of street sweepers in removing different debris types, namely medium-size gravel, small and fine particles, and wet thin debris is studied by means of sweeping tests using a brushing test rig. Two types of gutter brushes, cutting and F128, are tested under a variety of operating conditions. The experimental tests provide a means of identifying suitable ranges of brush penetration for the different debris types under defined operating parameters such as brush angle of attack, brush rotational speed, and sweeper velocity. These ranges may provide sufficiently high removal forces and avoid the occurrence of sweeping problems such as backward sweeping and inappropriate bristle-surface contact. Optimum operating parameters for the three debris types studied, as well as a mixture of all of them, are determined. Lastly, the results indicate that, as far as the sweeping effectiveness is concerned, the F128 brush is the preferred one for the cases studied.

O166. Lab-on-a-chip sensor for analysis of cellular biomarkers in oral exfoliative cytology: A new diagnostic tool for early detection of oral cancer

Introduction: Analysis of cytological samples from potentially malignant oral lesions (PMOLs) can be of diagnostic and possibly prognostic value to the clinician. Objective: To compare the performance, on cytological samples procured from subjects with known SCCA or PMOLs, of quantitative cytology (Perceptronix, Canada) versus the Oral CDX Brush Test (CDX, USA) against matched histopathology (‘‘gold standard”). Methods: Subjects with known SCCA or PMOLs (categorized into low or high risk of clinical suspicion) underwent an oral brush biopsy, whereupon a cytological sample was plated and fixed. Instead of discarding the brushes, the tips with residual cells were retained and fixed. Unless a known SCCA, a scalpel biopsy was immediately performed at the brush site and tissue sent for histopathology. Glass slides were sent to CDX for modified Papanicolaou staining and automated cytological analysis, and reported by a cytopathologist as normal (CDX negative) or abnormal (CDX positive or atypical). Leftover brushes were sent to Perceptronix, cytospun, underwent Feulgen-Thionin staining, and DNA ploidy analysis using the ClearCyte automated image cytometry system. Galleries containing nuclei with non-diploid DNA content were reviewed by a cytopathologist, and reported as normal or abnormal. Results: A total of 86 cytological samples were of sufficient yield to undergo both tests. Of these samples, 57 (66%) had a diagnosis of dysplasia or SCCA. Compared with the ‘‘gold standard”, the sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV of quantitative cytology versus the Brush Test in detecting dysplasia (any grade) or SCCA were 61/100/100/ 57% versus 77/83/90/65%, respectively. Overall performance increased on high risk suspicion PMOLs and when detecting higher grade dysplasias or SCCA. Quantitative cytology had additional value in resolving CDX atypical results. Conclusion: Each test offers an advantage and disadvantage over the other. Longitudinal studies are needed to assess the utility of such tests in low risk PMOLs or low grade dysplasias. Funded by NYUCD Dean’s Student Research Award & NIDCR/NIH Grant # U54-DE14257.

O165. Comparing the performance of quantitative cytology versus the oral CDX Brush Test ®

O165. Comparing the performance of quantitative cytology versus the oral CDX Brush Test ®

The effect of brush spring pressure on the wear behaviour of copper–graphite brushes with electrical current

Electrical brushes are used to conduct current between stationary part and moving part of a motor or a generator. To ensure proper current transfer and continuous contact, brushes must be loaded against the sliding contact surface with a sufficient force. High loads increase frictional losses and wear of the brushes and/or sliding surface. While relatively low contact pressure causes arcing and higher voltage drop. In this study, a novel pin-on-slip ring-type friction and wear test machine was designed and manufactured for the purpose of brush testing. Copper–graphite-based electrical brush containing 90 wt% copper and 10 wt% graphite was manufactured by powder metallurgy and the tribological behaviour and voltage drop were investigated at different brush spring pressures at 10–200 kPa with current. It was found that the specific wear curve showed three distinct wear rate regimes, such as low, mild, and severe. Severe wear was observed below 30 kPa and above 120 kPa brush spring pressures (BSP) (3 and 12 N loads, respectively). Arc erosion was the main wear mechanism below 30 kPa brush spring pressure while abrasion was dominant above 120 kPa BSP. Low and mild regimes were observed between 30–50 and 50–120 kPa BSP, respectively. SEM observations showed that a continuous surface layer was formed at the sliding surfaces of the wear samples in low and mild wear regimes. The wear debris was examined by SEM and X-ray diffractometer.

Prediction of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy of Barrett's carcinomas by quantitative gene expression analysis

The potential of gene expression profiles to predict the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus was analyzed. Paraffin-embedded endoscopic esophageal tumor biopsies of 38 patients with advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma (Barrett's adenocarcinoma) were included. All patients underwent two cycles of cisplatin and fluorouracil (5-FU) therapy with or without additional paclitaxel (taxol) followed by abdominothoracal esophagectomy. RNA expression levels of 5-FU-metabolism associated genes thymidylate synthase (TS), thymidine phosphorylase (TP), dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), MAP7, ELF3, as well as of platinum and taxane associated related genes caldesmon, excision cross-complementing genes (ERCC1 and ERCC4) HER2-neu, DNA damage-inducible gene 45 (GADD45) and multidrug resistance genes (MDR1, MRP1) were determined using real-time RT-PCR. Expression levels were correlated with the histopathological response to chemotherapy assessed in surgically resected specimens. Responding patients showed significantly higher pretherapeutic expression levels of MTHFR (p = 0.012), Caldesmon (p = 0.016), MRP1 (p = 0.007) and MDR1 (p = 0.025). In addition, patients with high pretherapeutic MTHFR and MRP1 levels had a survival benefit after surgery (p = 0.013 and p = 0.015, respectively). Additionally, intratumoral heterogeneity of gene expression of selected genes (TP, DPD, MTHFR, HER2-neu, Caldesmon, ERCC4, MRP1) was additionally verified in 9 untreated Barrett's adenocarcinoma by examination of 5 distinct tumor areas and was observed in 12.7% (5.6%-23.5%, CI 95%) of all cases analyzed. Our results indicate that determination of mRNA levels of a few genes may be useful for the prediction of the success of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in individual cancer patients with advanced adenocarcinoma of the esophagus.

Testing, measurements and controls of metal-graphite brushes in sliding contact systems: J.C.P. Beck. (PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.)

Testing, measurements and controls of metal-graphite brushes in sliding contact systems: J.C.P. Beck. (PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.)