bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of reference gene panels for gene expression analysis in preclinical models of inflammatory skin diseases
Authors: Braun Anne , Sezin Tanya , Bezdek Siegfried , Doxastaki Iosifina , Zillikens Detlef , Busch Hauke S. , Sadik Christian D. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractReverse transcriptase qPCR is the most common method to determine and compare mRNA expression levels and relies on normalization using reference genes. The expression levels of the latter, however, are themselves often variable between experimental conditions, thus compromising the results. Using the geNorm algorithm, we have examined seven genes with respect to their suitability as reference genes for gene analysis in mouse models of skin inflammation, using the antibody transfer model of epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and in the Aldara™‐induced psoriasiform dermatitis. Our results indicate that the combination of at least 2‐3 reference genes is required for stable normalization. Notably, the expression of reference genes changed when comparing lesional skin of both models or when comparing lesional to non‐lesional skin within one model. This highlights the need for precise selection of reference genes dependent on the specific experimental setup.
Tetramer formation by the caspase‐activated fragment of the Par‐4 tumor suppressor
Authors: Clark Andrea M. , Ponniah Komala , Warden Meghan S. , Raitt Emily M. , Smith Benjamin G. , Pascal Steven M. 
Published: June 2019

The prostate apoptosis response‐4 (Par‐4) tumor suppressor can selectively kill cancer cells via apoptosis while leaving healthy cells unharmed. Full length Par‐4 has been shown to be predominantly intrinsically disordered in vitro under neutral conditions. As part of the apoptotic process, cellular Par‐4 is cleaved at D131 by caspase‐3, which generates a 24 kDa C‐terminal activated fragment (cl‐Par‐4) that enters the nucleus and inhibits pro‐survival genes, thereby preventing cancer cell proliferation. Here, the structure of cl‐Par‐4 was investigated using CD spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, intrinsic tyrosine fluorescence, and size exclusion chromatography with mutli‐angle light scattering. Biophysical characterization shows that cl‐Par‐4 aggregates and is disordered at low ionic strength. However, with increasing ionic strength, cl‐Par‐4 becomes progressively more helical and less aggregated, ultimately forming largely ordered tetramers at high NaCl concentration. These results, together with previous results showing induced folding at acidic pH, suggest that the in vivo structure and self‐association state of cl‐Par‐4 may be strongly dependent upon cellular environment.
Fatigue behaviors of laser hybrid welded AA7020 due to defects via synchrotron X‐ray microtomography
Authors: Wu Sheng‐Chuan , Hu Ya‐Nan , Song Zhe , Ding San‐San , Fu Ya‐Nan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractDefect or shrinkage is known to have a detrimental effect on the fatigue resistance of casting lightweight alloys and additively manufactured or 3D printed materials. However, very few works focus on the damage mechanism of fusion welded Al alloys due to gas pores or metallurgical defects. This paper performs an investigation on the effect of porosity on the damage evolution of laser hybrid welded 7020‐T651 alloys. The critical pore size comparable with average weld grain was assumed in terms of the population and dimension of micropores. To characterize the coupling effect between gas pores and cracks, an in situ fatigue testing rig was developed to well work at the synchrotron radiation tomography system. Combining synchrotron X‐ray microtomography and fatigue resistance testing, the pore size and location were correlated with the crack initiation and crack growth path but relatively less on the long crack propagation rate. Furthermore, the interaction between the porosity and stress concentration was elucidated by using finite element simulations, which shows that the gas pore appears to be a preferred cracking site especially near the surface.
Evaluation of attention in APP/PS1 mice shows impulsive and compulsive behaviours
Authors: Shepherd Amy , May Carlos , Churilov Leonid , Adlard Paul A. , Hannan Anthony J. , Burrows Emma L. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractWhile Alzheimer's disease (AD) is traditionally associated with deficits in episodic memory, early changes in other cognitive domains, such as attention, have been gaining interest. In line with clinical observations, some animal models of AD have been shown to develop attentional deficits, but this is not consistent across all models. The APPswe/PS1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) mouse is one of the most commonly used AD models and attention has not yet been scrutinised in this model. We set out to assess attention using the 5‐choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT) early in the progression of cognitive symptoms in APP/PS1 mice, using clinically translatable touchscreen chambers. APP/PS1 mice showed no attentional changes across 5CSRTT training or any probes from 9 to 11 months of age. Interestingly, APP/PS1 mice showed increased impulsive and compulsive responding when task difficulty was high. This suggests that while the APP/PS1 mouse model may not be a good model of attentional changes in AD, it may be useful to study the early changes in impulsive and compulsive behaviour that have been identified in patient studies. As these changes have not previously been reported without attentional deficits in the clinic, the APP/PS1 mouse model may provide a unique opportunity to study these specific behavioural changes seen in AD, including their mechanistic underpinnings and therapeutic implications.
Gleason grade patterns in nodal metastasis and corresponding prostatectomy specimens: impact on patient outcome
Authors: Downes Michelle R , Xu Bin , van der Kwast Theo H 
Published: June 2019

AimsLymph node metastases at the time of prostatectomy are an infrequent finding. The correlation of the pattern of nodal metastases with patient outcome has yet to be explored.Methods and resultsLymph node‐positive prostatectomies were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of cribriform carcinoma (CC), intraductal carcinoma (IDC) and ISUP grade (G) were documented. The largest nodal metastasis was assessed for the morphological patterns present. G was assigned to the metastasis based on percentage morphological patterns present. Statistical analysis used spss to assess disease‐specific survival (DSS), disease‐free survival (DFS) and distant metastasis‐free survival (DMFS). One hundred and ten cases were identified: G5 (n = 52), G4 (n = 8), G3 (n = 34), G2 (n = 10) and no G (n = 6; treatment effect). IDC or CC was present in 103 (94%) specimens. More than one positive node correlated with worse DFS [P = 0.012, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.951, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.142–3.331] and DMFS (P = 0.009, HR = 2.647, 95% CI = 1.239–5.651). G in the prostate and nodal metastasis were poorly correlated (kappa = 0.073, P = 0.195). The presence of pattern 5 was seen in 33 nodes (30%) and correlated with DFS (P = 0.020, HR = 1.903, 95% CI = 1.091–3.320), DSS (P = 0.021, HR = 5.937, 95% CI = 1.084–32.533) and DMFS (P = 0.007, HR = 2.695, 95% CI = 1.269–5.726). Nodal cribriform pattern showed no prognostic correlation and pattern 3 metastasis showed a significant trend towards better outcome (DMFS P = 0.033, HR = 0.431, 95% CI = 0.194–0.958).ConclusionsIDC or CC is identified in 94% of node‐positive prostate cancers. Although G in the largest nodal metastasis has prognostic significance, its G does not reflect that of the primary prostatic adenocarcinoma.
Ceramic membranes applied to membrane distillation: A comprehensive review
Authors: Ramlow Heloisa , Ferreira Roberta Karoline Morais , Marangoni Cintia , Machado Ricardo Antonio Francisco 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMembrane distillation (MD) has been increasingly studied in the past decade for its potential as a separation process of nonvolatile components. The present study demonstrates a comprehensive overview of the current progress and challenges in the application of ceramic membranes to MD based on the available state of the art. There are already published review papers about MD, but the present study focuses on ceramic membranes, which are still the few used in MD when compared to polymeric membranes. Significant issues such as membrane material, module, characteristics, and hydrophobic modification are discussed. The main operating conditions and their effects on the separation process are given. Current applications of ceramic membranes in MD are also presented. Likewise, challenges and future perspectives associated with MD performance using ceramic membranes are highlighted. A review focused on ceramic membranes applied specifically to MD will contribute for future research in order that this process achieves successful implementation in industry.
‘Promoting and preserving safety and a life‐oriented perspective’: A qualitative study of nurses’ interactions with patients experiencing suicidal ideation
Authors: Vandewalle Joeri , Beeckman Dimitri , Van Hecke Ann , Debyser Bart , Deproost Eddy , Verhaeghe Sofie 
Published: June 2019

AbstractSuicide prevention is an important imperative in psychiatric hospitals, where nurses have a crucial role in and make essential contributions to suicide prevention and promoting the recovery of patients experiencing suicidal ideation. The present qualitative grounded theory study aimed to uncover and understand the actions and aims of nurses in psychiatric hospitals during their interactions with patients experiencing suicidal ideation. Interviews were conducted with 26 nurses employed on 12 wards in four psychiatric hospitals. The data analysis was inspired by the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. The findings show that nurses’ actions and aims in their interactions with patients experiencing suicidal ideation are captured in the core element ‘promoting and preserving safety and a life‐oriented perspective’. This core element represents the three interconnected elements ‘managing the risk of suicide’, ‘guiding patients away from suicidal ideation’, and ‘searching for balance in the minefield’. The enhanced understanding of nurses’ actions and aims can inform concrete strategies for nursing practice and education. These strategies should aim to challenge overly controlling and directing nursing approaches and support nurses’ capacity and ability to connect and collaborate with patients experiencing suicidal ideation.
Self‐Assessment in Art Education through a Visual Rubric
Authors: Groenendijk Talita , Kárpáti Andrea , Haanstra Folkert 
Published: June 2019

AbstractA tool for self assessment in secondary art education was developed and tested. The tool includes rubrics for assessing production and reception activities in art education and consists of visual and text rubrics. The criteria in the rubrics are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Visual Literacy which was developed by The European Network of Visual Literacy (ENViL). The way teachers and students use the rubrics, whether they consider them helpful and to what extent students’ self‐assessments are in line with teacher assessments was studied. It was concluded that teachers work with the rubrics intensively and both students and teachers appreciate its visual form. However, it was found that the agreement between teachers and students about the students’ scores was moderate and needed to improve. The results show that it is untrue that students, or boys in particular, overestimate their own performance in art education. The current study contributes to the development of feasible and valid assessment criteria and instruments in secondary art education.
The Role of the New Goods Margin for New EU Countries Trade
Authors: del Rosal Ignacio 
Published: June 2019

AbstractRecent literature on international trade has devoted increased attention to the role played by the extensive margin of trade for economies engaged in liberalization and structural transformation processes, such as the new EU countries. This article documents the leading role of the new goods margin in trade growth for the new member states that have acceded the EU in 2004 and 2007. Product trade data is used to analyse the trade share of the new goods over the sample period 1999–2014. The results show that the extensive margin of trade grew from 10 to around 50 per cent for most bilateral trade flows of the new EU member states. Further decomposition of the new goods margin shows that the goods already traded though in small volumes at the beginning of the period play a leading role.
Strategies to reduce stigma related to visible chronic skin diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Topp J. , Andrees V. , Weinberger N. A. , Schäfer I. , Sommer R. , Mrowietz U. , Luck‐Sikorski C. , Augustin M. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMany patients with a visible chronic skin disease experience discrimination and stigmatization. This results in psychosocial impairments in addition to the burden of disease and emphasizes the urgency to implement effective stigma‐reduction strategies. To synthesize what is known globally about effective interventions to reduce stigma associated with visible chronic skin diseases, a systematic review was conducted. Four electronic databases were searched until May 2018. Studies evaluating interventions to reduce stigmatization in patients with visible chronic skin diseases and applying at least one stigma‐related outcome measure were included. Data were extracted on study design, country, study population, outcome measures and main findings. Results were subsequently synthesized in a narrative review. Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools were used to assess study quality. Nineteen studies were included in the review. Study design was very heterogeneous and study quality rather poor. Thirteen studies addresses patients with leprosy in low‐ and middle‐income countries, and one study each targeted patients with onychomycosis, leg ulcer, facial disfigurement, atopic dermatitis, vitiligo and alopecia. Evaluated interventions were mainly multi‐faceted incorporating more than one type of intervention. While 10 studies focused on the reduction in self‐stigma and 4 on the reduction in public stigma, another 5 studies aimed at reducing both. The present review revealed a lack of high‐quality studies on effective approaches to reduce stigmatization of patients with visible chronic skin diseases. Development and evaluation of intervention formats to adequately address stigma is essential to promote patients’ health and well‐being.
Functional responses of cold brewed white tea to high pressure processing
Authors: Uzuner Sibel , Evrendilek Gulsun A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractChanges in functional characteristics of cold brewed white tea were quantified in response to high pressure processing (HPP). The multiple functional responses of total phenolic content (TPC), total antioxidant activity (TAA), and total caffeine content (TCC) were optimized using Box–Behnken design. Operational HPP conditions involved the ranges of pressure (300–500 MPa), solid (tea leaves)/liquid (water) ratio (SLR; 1–3%), and brewing time (120–600 s). Tea leaves/water ratio was determined as the most important factor with the highest rate of change per 1% increase in SLR for TPC (645.8 mg/L), TCC (11.48%), and TAA (5.09%). The optimum conditions were achieved using 300 MPa, 2.2% SLR, and 600 s brewing time and resulted in 91.9% TAA, 1949.2 mg/L TPC, and 17.5% TCC. APP appeared to be a promising alternative novel technique to minimize TCC and maximize TAA and TPC of cold brewed white tea simultaneously.Practical applicationsThe present study quantifies the multiple health‐related responses of cold brewed white tea to high pressure processing (HPP). The HPP approach adopted in the study provides cold brewed white tea with good quality and is cost‐effective in terms of small‐to‐large scale food industries. Joint optimization results can be used to improve the operational conditions of cold brewed white tea by related food processors.
Migmatites record multiple episodes of crustal anatexis and geochemical differentiation in the Sulu ultrahigh‐pressure metamorphic zone, eastern China
Authors: Zhou Kun , Chen Yi‐Xiang , Zheng Yong‐Fei , Xu Li‐Juan 
Published: June 2019

AbstractPartial melting of ultrahigh‐pressure (UHP) metamorphic rocks is common during collisional orogenesis and post‐collisional reworking, indicating that determining the timing and processes involved in this partial melting can provide insights into the tectonic evolution of collisional orogens. This study presents the results of a combined whole‐rock geochemical and zirconological study of migmatites from the Sulu orogen in eastern China. These data provide evidence of multiple episodes of crustal anatexis and geochemical differentiation within the UHP metamorphic rocks. The leucosomes contain higher concentrations of Ba and K and lower concentrations of the rare earth elements (REE), Th and Y, than associated melanosomes and granitic gneisses. The leucosomes also have homogenous Sr–Nd–O isotopic compositions that are similar to proximal (i.e. within the same outcrop) melanosomes, suggesting that the anatectic melts were generated by the partial melting of source rocks that are located within individual outcrops. The migmatites contain zircons with six different types of domains that can be categorized using differences in structures, trace element compositions, and U–Pb ages. Group I domains are relict magmatic zircons that yield middle Neoproterozoic U–Pb ages and contain high REE concentrations. Group II domains represent newly grown metamorphic zircons that formed at 230 ± 1 Ma during the collisional orogenesis. Groups III, IV, V, and VI zircons are newly grown anatectic zircons that formed at 222 ± 2 Ma, 215 ± 1 Ma, 177 ± 2 Ma, and 152 ± 2 Ma, respectively. The metamorphic zircons have higher Th/U and lower (Yb/Gd)N values, flat heavy REE (HREE) patterns with no significantly negative Eu anomalies relative to the anatectic zircons, which are characterized by low Th/U ratios, steep HREE patterns, and negative Eu anomalies. The first two episodes of crustal anatexis occurred during the Late Triassic at c. 222 Ma and c. 215 Ma as a result of phengite breakdown. The other two episodes of anatexis occurred during the Jurassic period at c. 177 Ma and c. 152 Ma and were associated with extensional collapse of the collision‐thickened orogen. The majority of Triassic anatectic zircons and all of the Jurassic zircons are located within the leucosomes, whereas the melanosomes are dominated by Triassic metamorphic zircons, suggesting that the leucosomes within the migmatites record more episodes of crustal anatexis. Both metamorphic and anatectic zircons have elevated εHf(t) values compared with relict magmatic zircon cores, suggesting that these zircons contain non‐zircon Hf derived from material with more radiogenic Hf isotope compositions. Therefore, the Sulu and Dabie orogens experienced different episodes of reworking during the exhumation and post‐collisional stages.
Can you be too old for oral implants? An update on ageing and plasticity in the oro‐facial sensorimotor system
Authors: Sessle Barry J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis review focuses on the capacity of the brain for plasticity and the utility and efficacy of oral implants in helping to restore oro‐facial sensorimotor functions, especially in elderly patients. The review first outlines the components of the oro‐facial sensorimotor system which encompasses both oro‐facial tissues and a number of brain regions. One such region is the sensorimotor cortex that controls the activity of the numerous oro‐facial skeletal muscles. These muscles are involved in a number of functions including reflexes and the more complex sensorimotor functions of mastication, swallowing and speech. The review outlines the use by the brain of sensory inputs from oro‐facial receptors in order to provide for exquisite sensorimotor control of the activity of the oro‐facial muscles. It highlights the role in this sensorimotor control played by periodontal mechanoreceptors and their sensory inputs to the brain, and how oral implants in concert with the plastic capacity of the brain may, at least in part, compensate for reduced sensorimotor functioning when teeth are lost. It outlines findings of ageing‐related decrements in oro‐facial sensorimotor functions and control. The changes in oro‐facial tissues and the brain that underlie these ageing‐related functional alterations are also considered, along with adaptive and compensatory processes that utilise the brain's capacity for plasticity. The review also notes the evidence that rehabilitation that incorporates adjunctive approaches such as sensorimotor training paradigms in addition to oral prostheses such as implants may enhance these processes and help maintain or facilitate recovery of sensorimotor functioning in the elderly.
SEDIMENTOLOGY, GEOCHEMISTRY AND RESERVOIR POTENTIAL OF SANDSTONES IN THE SILURIAN AKKAS FORMATION, WESTERN IRAQ
Authors: Al‐Juboury A. I. , Howard J. P. , Nichols G. , Vincent S. J. , Manning C. , Vautravers B. P. 
Published: June 2019

The source rock potential of “hot shales” in the Silurian Akkas Formation in Iraq has been investigated by numerous studies, but the reservoir potential of sandstone intervals in the formation has received less attention. This study investigates the sedimentology and geochemistry of sandstones from the Akkas Formation in the Akkas‐1, Akkas‐3 and KH5/6 wells in western Iraq. The composition of sandstone samples from the Akkas wells is similar; in general they are classified as sub‐litharenites, quartz‐arenites and sub‐arkoses. Scanning electron microscopic analysis identified extensive microporosity and good pore connectivity, suggesting that these sandstones have the potential to form hydrocarbon reservoirs. The sandstones from the KH5/6 well are more lithic‐rich than those from the Akkas wells and are classified as sub‐litharenites. They have larger, more connected pores and better reservoir potential. Low permeability shale intervals within the Akkas Formation and the conformably‐underlying Ordovician Khabour Formation form barriers to hydrocarbon migration into the Akkas and Khabour sandstones. Hydrocarbon migration from the Akkas “hot shales” in the Akkas field is therefore controlled by faulting and fracturing.Petrographic and whole rock geochemical analyses showed that the composition of sandstones in the Akkas Formation is different from that of sandstones in the Khabour Formation. The chemical alteration index ranges from 77.39 to 87.06%, indicating intense weathering of the provenance area before sandstone deposition. The studied samples are texturally mature which indicates good potential for fluid storage capacity. A decrease in feldspar content in the Akkas Formation is attributed to possible recycling of sediments from the Khabour Formation into the Akkas Formation following the Hirnantian glaciation, or to longer distance transportation from the source area.