bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Helicobacter pylori infection in psoriasis: results of a clinical study and review of the literature
Authors: Campanati Anna , Ganzetti Giulia , Martina Emanuela , Giannoni Melania , Gesuita Rosaria , Bendia Emanuele , Giuliodori Katia , Sandroni Lucia , Offidani Annamaria 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundData from the literature concerning the role of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in psoriasis are still conflicting. This study was carried out to evaluate prevalence of H. pylori in patients with mild to severe psoriasis, correlation between H. pylori infection and severity of psoriasis, and effect of H. pylori eradication on the clinical course of psoriasis.MethodsTwo hundred and ten patients with psoriasis and 150 healthy controls were screened for H. pylori through [13C] urea breath test at baseline (T0). All patients with psoriasis received standardized phototherapy treatment, and those infected by H. pylori were also treated with a 1‐week triple therapy, then they were all re‐evaluated four weeks later at the end of therapy (T5).ResultsThe prevalence of H. pylori was not higher in psoriasis than in the control group (20.27 vs. 22%; P > 0.05). Patients infected by H. pylori showed more severe psoriasis than uninfected patients (psoriasis area and severity index score 17.9 ± 7.1 vs. 13.7 ± 6.9; P = 0.04), and patients who received successful eradication of H. pylori infection showed a greater improvement of psoriasis than the others (psoriasis area and severity index score at T5 in patients infected by H. pylori was 8.36 ± 3.76, in uninfected patients was 10.85 ± 3.49; P = 0.006).ConclusionsPatients with mild to severe psoriasis do not show a greater prevalence of H. pylori infection; however, H. pylori seems able to affect the clinical severity of psoriasis.
Fiber Strength After Grain Growth in Nextel™ 610 Alumina Fiber
Authors: Hay Randall S. , Fair Geoff E. , Tidball Travis 
Published: March 2015

Nextel™ 610 alumina fiber tows were heat‐treated at 1100°C–1500°C for 1 to 100 h in air. Tensile strengths and Weibull moduli were measured for 30 filaments after each heat‐treatment. 3‐D grain size and orientation distributions were described using oblate ellipsoids. The number of grains in a 1 inch gauge length and grains with the largest major and minor ellipsoid‐axes were determined from these distributions. The grain with the largest KEFF for mixed‐mode fracture was also determined, using the maximum energy release rate criteria from grain‐size and orientation distributions. Grain‐size dependence of tensile strength and Weibull modulus was evaluated. Strength had no obvious dependence on grain size for fibers with average major‐axes smaller than 0.25 μm. For fibers with larger grains, grain‐size dependence may involve flaws originating from clumps of grains, rather than a single grain. Possible relationships between strength and grain‐size and other causes of strength degradation after heat‐treatment are discussed.
Electrical Properties of Lead‐Free Na1/2Bi1/2TiO3 Relaxor Ferroelectric Ceramics Doped with Hafnium or Zirconium
Authors: Kırsever Derya , Yılmaz Hüseyin 
Published: March 2015

Ferroelectric (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 and its various solid solutions have been drawing special attention as a new candidate for their lead‐based counterparts. In this study, therefore, hafnium‐ or zirconium‐doped grain‐oriented (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 ceramics with <001>pc orientation were fabricated by templated grain growth method using anisotropically shaped SrTiO3 template particles. These molten salt synthesized SrTiO3 platelets were tape cast with calcined (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 powders, and then sintered at 1200°C for 6 h. Texture fractions up to 70% have been obtained. Unipolar strains up to >0.25% were measured. Doped ceramics showed a “relaxor‐like” ferroelectric behavior. A broad dielectric peak with a slim hysteresis loop was present for hafnium‐ or zirconium‐doped samples. Electrostrictive coefficient of hafnium‐doped (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 ceramics were found to be 0.032 m4/C2, which is much larger than that of PMN‐based electrostrictive materials. Electromechanical properties of hafnium‐ and zirconium‐doped (Na1/2Bi1/2)TiO3 ceramics under electric bias were studied as well.
Toward Knowledge‐Based Grain‐Boundary Engineering of Transparent Alumina Combining Advanced TEM and Atomistic Modeling
Authors: Tewari Abhishek , Nabiei Farhang , Parker Stephen C , Cantoni Marco , Stuer Michael , Bowen Paul , Hébert Cécile 
Published: March 2015

Transition element dopants (e.g., Y, La) are commonly used as sintering aids in polycrystalline alumina ceramics, which segregate to the grain boundaries and control the grain‐boundary mobility. However, due to the extremely thin (<2 nm) layer of segregated dopants, the experimental characterization of the segregated alumina grain boundaries is a complex task. Computational studies have focused only on tilt grain boundaries, which are only a small fraction in a sintered alumina sample. In this study, a quantitative characterization of the segregation of Y and La at general high angle grain boundaries in transparent alumina is carried out using a unique combination of advanced TEM and near coincidence grain‐boundary atomistic simulations. The result show that high angle grain boundaries may lead to enhanced grain growth in comparison to symmetric tilt twin grain boundaries due to the reduced configuration entropy for dopant segregation and higher order grain‐boundary complexions. On the other hand, multidoping with different dopants was shown to be more beneficial than single doping due to its contribution in increasing the configurational entropy for segregation. The advanced TEM analysis showed Y and La distributions and concentrations on a series of general grain boundaries in very good agreement with the atomistic simulations. This validation of atomistic modeling technique used in this study means, as it a generic method, can be used as a predictive tool to design ceramic microstructure and properties.
Continental‐scale diversification patterns in a megadiverse genus: the biogeography of Neotropical Begonia
Authors: Moonlight Peter W. , Richardson James E. , Tebbitt Mark C. , Thomas Daniel C. , Hollands Ruth , Peng Ching‐I , Hughes Mark 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimThe origin of Neotropical hyperdiversity is one of the most intriguing questions in modern biogeography and is best answered through the investigation of large, pantropically distributed genera, allowing the comparison of closely related clades in different regions. We produced a dated phylogeny and reconstructed ancestral ranges of the megadiverse, Andean‐centred genus Begonia to discern its dispersal history throughout the Neotropics and correlates of range evolution. Neotropical and Palaeotropical diversification rates were estimated.LocationNeotropics: Central America, South America, West Indies and Mexico.MethodsPlastid DNA sequence data from species representing the full geographical range and majority of sections of Neotropical Begonia were analysed with a secondarily calibrated relaxed molecular clock in order to estimate the age of crown groups and divergence times within Neotropical Begonia. Ancestral areas were reconstructed with a Bayesian approach to dispersal–vicariance analysis, a likelihood framework under a dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model, and a Bayesian binary method. Diversification rates were estimated under a Bayesian framework.ResultsBiogeographical reconstruction indicated two independent trans‐Atlantic colonizations of the Neotropics from Africa. Early‐diverging lineages of both clades are reconstructed as having diversified in the mid‐Miocene, with multiple dispersal events between the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest and the Andes, and single radiations within the West Indies and Central America plus Mexico.Main conclusionsBegonia displays numerous radiations within regions, punctuated by long‐distance dispersal. Successful colonization and diversification is predicted by the presence of upland habitat. Recognizing the role of chance dispersal events between available habitats is vital for understanding the formation of current biogeographical patterns.
The Relationship Between Cardiac Vulnerability and Restitution Properties of the Ventricular Activation Recovery Interval
Authors: YAMASHITA SOICHIRO , YOSHIDA AKIHIRO , FUKUZAWA KOJI , NAKANISHI TOMOYUKI , MATSUMOTO AKINORI , KONISHI HIROKI , ICHIBORI HIROTOSHI , HYOGO KIYOHIRO , IMADA HIROSHI , HIRATA KEN‐ICHI 
Published: March 2015

Upper Limit of Vulnerability and the APD DynamicsIntroductionThe restitution of the action potential duration (APD) is an important contributor to ventricular fibrillation (VF) initiation by a single critically timed ectopic beat. We hypothesized that a steep slope of the activation recovery interval restitution curve was related to the upper limit of vulnerability (ULV).Methods and ResultsFifty‐four consecutive patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) implanted between April 2012 and July 2013 were included. At the implantation, pacing from the right ventricular (RV) coil to an indifferent electrode inserted in the ICD pocket was performed, and the unipolar electrograms from the RV coil were simultaneously recorded. We assessed the standard restitution by introducing extra‐stimuli, while measuring the activation recovery interval (ARI). Our protocol for the vulnerability test consisted of delivering three 15 J shocks on the T‐peak and within ±20 milliseconds of it. If VF was not induced by that procedure, a ULV of ≤15 J was defined. The relationship between the ULV and maximum slope of the restitution curve was analyzed. A restitution curve could finally be obtained in a total of 40 patients. The background characteristics were similar between the two groups. The maximum slope of the restitution curve was steeper in the ULV > 15 J group than ULV ≤ 15 J group (1.55 ± 0.45 vs. 0.91 ± 0.64, P < 0.05). A maximum slope exceeding 1.0 was the optimal point for discriminating patients with a ULV > 15 J from a ULV ≤ 15 J (sensitivity 61.5% and specificity 96.3%).ConclusionThe maximum slope of the restitution curve was significantly related to the ULV. High defibrillation threshold patients could be detected by the ARI dynamics.
Standards for reporting chronic periodontitis prevalence and severity in epidemiologic studies
Authors: Holtfreter Birte , Albandar Jasim M. , Dietrich Thomas , Dye Bruce A. , Eaton Kenneth A. , Eke Paul I. , Papapanou Panos N. , Kocher Thomas 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPeriodontal diseases are common and their prevalence varies in different populations. However, prevalence estimates are influenced by the methodology used, including measurement techniques, case definitions, and periodontal examination protocols, as well as differences in oral health status. As a consequence, comparisons between populations are severely hampered and inferences regarding the global variation in prevalence can hardly be drawn. To overcome these limitations, the authors suggest standardized principles for the reporting of the prevalence and severity of periodontal diseases in future epidemiological studies. These principles include the comprehensive reporting of the study design, the recording protocol, and specific subject‐related and oral data. Further, a range of periodontal data should be reported in the total population and within specific age groups. Periodontal data include the prevalence and extent of clinical attachment loss (CAL) and probing depth (PD) on site and tooth level according to specific thresholds, mean CAL/PD, the CDC/AAP case definition, and bleeding on probing. Consistent implementation of these standards in future studies will ensure improved reporting quality, permit meaningful comparisons of the prevalence of periodontal diseases across populations, and provide better insights into the determinants of such variation.
Fruit set in perennial vetch (Vicia unijuga): reproductive system and insect role in pollination
Authors: Shen Z.‐W. , Matthew C. , Nan Z.‐B. , Wang Y.‐R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPerennial vetch (Vicia unijuga) is a wild plant found in parts of East Asia and potentially valuable as a forage species for more extreme environments. Information on its reproductive system and pollination biology is needed for progress in domestication of the species. We characterized the reproductive system of perennial vetch as facultative xenogamy (i.e. it is largely cross‐pollinated by insects but is also self‐compatible and can self‐pollinate). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the fruit set ratio between insect cross‐pollination and artificial cross‐pollination at the seed maturation stage, but natural self‐pollination was inefficient. In our study conducted on the Tibetan plateau, eight insect species (especially certain bumble bees) are identified as potential pollinators, and four other insect species belonging to the Lepidoptera and Diptera visited flowers but are unlikely to be pollinators. The flower visitation rate of wild bumble bees was 1.6–3.3 times higher than domestic honeybees, with Bombus lepidus having the highest visitation rate of 15.7 florets/min. The diurnal floret opening rhythm of perennial vetch was synchronized with diurnal activity of potential pollinators. Optimal pollination of perennial vetch would likely be achieved using wild bees, as they have behaviour characteristics and flower tripping ability necessary, and are present in sufficient numbers to be efficient pollinators of this crop. However, even with sufficiency of pollination, there remains a fundamental problem with low fruit set which requires further investigation from a plant biology perspective.
Effectiveness of mass trapping in the reduction of Monochamus galloprovincialis Olivier (Col.: Cerambycidae) populations
Authors: Sanchez‐Husillos E. , Etxebeste I. , Pajares J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMonochamus galloprovincialis Olivier beetles vector the causal agent of pine wilt disease (PWD), nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Bührer) Nickle, in Europe. Traps and attractants have been optimized for the capture of M. galloprovincialis, increasing the possibility of developing methods of lowering its population in PWD‐affected areas with the aim of either eradicating the disease or containing the spread of it. To evaluate the effectiveness of such mass‐trapping campaigns, two sets of experiments were carried out in 2010 and 2013. The release of 353 laboratory‐reared beetles in the experimental area of 2010 facilitated the evaluation of capture–mark–recapture (CMR) procedures in the calculation of population abundance estimates using the POPAN formulation of the Jolly–Seber model, a prerequisite for the assessment of mass trapping. Abundance estimates derived from best‐fitting parameters fell within one standard error of the real figures, proving the method appropriate. In 2013, four trap densities were tested in six 36 ha plots. To evaluate the removed proportions, the local beetle population was estimated in a contiguous 260 ha study area. A superpopulation of 21 319 individuals could be calculated from the CMR data, corresponding to a rough density of 82 individuals per hectare. Evaluated trapping densities removed 4.66%, 20.50%, 33.33% and 59.80% of M. galloprovincialis population at 0.02, 0.11, 0.25 and 0.44 traps/ha, respectively, thus the estimated 95% removal would occur at 0.82 traps/ha. These results suggest that substantial reduction of M. galloprovincialis abundances might be achieved via mass trapping and that this represents a very promising management method for the containment or eventual eradication of B. xylophilus at the areas affected by the PWD.
Antidepressant use in pregnancy: knowledge transfer and translation of research findings
Authors: Einarson Adrienne , Egberts Toine C. , Heerdink E. Rob 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRationaleKnowledge transfer and translation (KT) has become an important component in health care systems worldwide. Antidepressant use in pregnancy has become a controversial subject for a number of reasons, including differing interpretations of study results.MethodsSelected key articles were indentified and retrieved from the literature. Relevant information was extracted and synthesized into themes, addressing each of the stated objectives.Objectives(1) To determine how knowledge regarding the safety/risk of antidepressant use in pregnancy is created; (2) to describe different research models and statistical analyses that have been used, so as to critically evaluate the results; and (3) to identify how this information is currently disseminated.ResultsAll of the methods used for examining the safety of antidepressants in pregnancy have some deficiencies in study design and analysis, thus reinforcing the need for accurate interpretations when discussing results. In addition, dissemination in both the scientific and lay press has been selective and therefore potentially biased.ConclusionIt is critical, starting with the creators of knowledge, through to the recipients that discrepancies are resolved, as lack of clarity may impede the transfer of unambiguous evidence‐based information from health care providers to patients, thus impacting decision making. For example, by implementing improved (KT) strategies, a pregnant, depressed woman, will be empowered to make a rational evidence‐based decision regarding whether or not she should take an antidepressant during pregnancy.
FUNDING STATUS OF DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS AND IDIOSYNCRATIC RETURN VOLATILITY
Authors: Chen Yangyang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this article, I explore how the funding status of a sponsoring firm's defined benefit pension plans affects its idiosyncratic volatility. Using a large sample of U.S. firms from 1980 to 2010, I document a positive and significant relation between pension deficits and idiosyncratic volatility. The relation is stronger for firms that are financially constrained and that have a worse information environment. The findings are consistent with the argument that large pension deficits generate greater risk for the firm's future operations and financing, and deteriorate its financial disclosure quality, which raises firm idiosyncratic volatility.
STOCK LIQUIDITY AND CORPORATE BOND YIELD SPREADS: THEORY AND EVIDENCE
Authors: Huang Henry H. , Huang Hung‐Yi , Oxman Jeffrey J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe examine the impact of individual stock liquidity on corporate bond yield spreads in the U.S. market. By extending the endogenous‐default model to include stock liquidity in the calculation of bond value we show that a drop in stock liquidity will increase the firm's credit risk by increasing the firm's default boundary, leading to an increase of the credit spread. Our model is consistent with the sharp increase in credit risk premiums and the “yield spread spike” phenomenon in corporate bond markets during the financial crisis. We present empirical evidence supportive of our model.
REDUCTION IN INFORMATION ASYMMETRY AND CREDIT ACCESS FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM‐SIZED ENTERPRISES
Authors: Moro Andrea , Fink Matthias , Maresch Daniela 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe examine the relation between the quality, quantity, completeness, and timeliness of the information loan managers obtain from small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) and the amount of short‐term credit provided to them by looking at 828 loan–manager–SME relationships in Italy. The result suggests that a reduction in information asymmetry is associated with a greater amount of credit. Moreover, the reduction in information asymmetry has a relevant economic impact on the amount of short‐term credit obtained: the amount of credit provided increases by 12% when asymmetry reduces by one notch. Our results are robust to alternative specifications and to endogeneity.
Oxidative Susceptibility and Thermal Properties of Moringa Oliefera Seed Oil Obtained by Pilot‐Scale Subcritical and Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Extraction
Authors: Ruttarattanamongkol K. , Petrasch A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOxidative stability, antioxidant activity and thermal properties of Moringa oleifera (MO) seed oil obtained by supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) extraction were studied in comparison with Soxhlet extraction. CO2 was used to extract the oil in the pressure ranges from 15 to 40 MPa and the temperature ranges from 25 to 35C at 20 kg/h flow rate. SC‐CO2 extraction at 35 MPa and moderate temperature of 30C resulted in the maximum relative oil yield of 75.27% (dry basis). Susceptibility to oxidation of MO seed oil was expressed as the oxidative stability index (OSI). The results indicated that MO seed oil extracted at higher pressure was less susceptible to oxidation. The oil obtained by Soxhlet extraction was significantly (P < 0.05) more stable against oxidation compared with SC‐CO2 extracted oils as shown by its stronger DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazy) scavenging ability and higher OSI. The thermal properties of oil samples from SC‐CO2 extraction were not substantially different from those of oils extracted using Soxhlet extraction.Practical ApplicationsMoringa oleifera (MO) seed has gained importance over the years due to its ultimate source of high quality oil that can be used in high value food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. However, MO seed oil has never been successfully produced on the industrial basis. This research proposed an alternative oil extraction from MO seeds using a pilot‐scale supercritical fluid extraction (SFE). SFE is considered as a green technology that is nontoxic and allows the elimination of polluting organic solvents. Only few scientific studies on the pilot‐scale SC‐CO2 extraction of MO seed oil and its stability against oxidation and thermal properties for uses as the new source of edible, healthy oil have been reported. Therefore, it is the objective of this study to know the oxidative susceptibility of MO seed oils extracted using SC‐CO2 in comparison with Soxhlet extraction.
Resilience and Complexity: A Bibliometric Review and Prospects for Industrial Ecology
Authors: Meerow Sara , Newell Joshua P. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryResilience is an increasingly popular concept in academic research and public discourse and is closely connected to complex systems theory. This article reviews research on resilience and complexity in industrial ecology and the broader academy by conducting a bibliometric analysis of the academic literature over a 40‐year period (1973–2014). The review revealed a large body of scholarship composed of five clearly identifiable intellectual communities, with resilience theory from ecology especially influential. Based on the study of ecosystems, these scholars conceptualize resilience as a dynamic and adaptive property of systems with multiple stable states that evolve over time. In comparison, resilience research in industrial ecology is limited and underdeveloped. Bibliometric analysis of this literature yielded just 37 publications and a scholarly network with no well‐formulated research communities. This contrasts with industrial ecology scholarship on sustainability; a similar search yielded 1,581 publications. Given the emerging importance of the resilience concept and its relevance for sustainability issues, industrial ecology should expand research efforts in this area. The growing body of industrial ecology scholarship on complex systems provides a foundation to do so, as does the field's long‐standing practice of using ecological principles to inform the study and design of industrial ecosystems. The article concludes by discussing how industrial ecology would benefit from incorporating principles of dynamic resilience and, conversely, how industrial ecology approaches could advance broader resilience scholarship.