Band saw

After the microscopic analysis a 1 mm thick slice was cut off from each labeled and microscopically analyzed sample using a band saw (Exakt Apparatebau) under constant water cooling and micro push-out testing was performed (Universal testing machine Zwick; Roell, Ulm, Germany) at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. With regard to the tapered design of the post, three different sizes of punch pins, as well as three different openings, were used for the push-out testing [18] (link).
The maximum stress was calculated from the recorded peak load divided by the computed surface. In order to calculate the exact bonding surface, the tapered design of the posts with regard to the respective part of the post was considered. Therefore, each specimen was measured using a micrometerscrew (MitutoyoMessgeräte,Neuss,Germany) and analyzed using a stereomicroscope (DV 4; Zeiss, Jena, Germany) to determine the cross-section dimension. The bonding surface was calculated using the formula of a conical frustrum and bond strengths was evaluated accordingly as previously described [18] (link)–[20] (link). The roots of the unlabeled specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the long axis of the root into six slices (thickness 1 mm) and the push-out tests were performed as above described.

After obtaining MR images, all lumbar IVDs (T13L1–L5L6), including endplates were dissected from the spine and a 4 mm paramidsagittal slice was obtained using a band saw (Exakt, Norderstedt, Germany). Sections were fixed in 4% formaldehyde, decalcified in Kristensen's fluid, cut into 3 μm thin sections using a microtome, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Alcian Blue-Periodic Acid Schiff. Sections were analyzed using light microscopy, and degeneration grading was scored by two blinded independent researchers on different parameters optimized for goat IVD degeneration, as described and validated previously.^{33 (link)} Differences in scoring between the observers were resolved by consensus, resulting in a final histological score ranging between 0 (healthy) and 6 (severely degenerated disc).

For quantitative morphometric analysis, stented arterial segments were fixed overnight in 4 % formaldehyde after excision and stored in 70 % ethanol. The segments were dehydrated in a graded series of acetone and embedded in resin (methyl methacrylate and butyl methacrylate, 1:1). Sections (7 μm) were cut with a rotary microtome (Leica) from the middle of the stent, after sawing the segment with a band saw (Exakt). Sections were attached to glass slides and dried overnight.