bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stress intensity factors and fatigue growth of surface cracks in notched shells and round bars: two decades of research work
Authors: Carpinteri Andrea , Ronchei Camilla , Vantadori Sabrina 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIn the present paper, some research results determined by the authors during the last two decades are reviewed. The influence of notches (geometrical discontinuities) on the fatigue life of metallic structural components is analysed. In particular, notches with different shapes (therefore characterised by different values of the stress concentration factor) are examined in the case of both double‐curvature shells and round bars under mode I loading. An elliptical‐arc surface crack is assumed to exist at the notch root. The stress intensity factor (SIF) is numerically evaluated, and the crack propagation under cyclic loading is analysed through a numerical procedure, which takes into account the aforementioned SIF.
Oligodendrocyte‐microglia cross‐talk in the central nervous system
Authors: Peferoen Laura , Kipp Markus , van der Valk Paul , van Noort Johannes M. , Amor Sandra 
Published: August 2013

SummaryCommunication between the immune system and the central nervous system (CNS) is exemplified by cross‐talk between glia and neurons shown to be essential for maintaining homeostasis. While microglia are actively modulated by neurons in the healthy brain, little is known about the cross‐talk between oligodendrocytes and microglia. Oligodendrocytes, the myelin‐forming cells in the CNS, are essential for the propagation of action potentials along axons, and additionally serve to support neurons by producing neurotrophic factors. In demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, oligodendrocytes are thought to be the victims. Here, we review evidence that oligodendrocytes also have strong immune functions, express a wide variety of innate immune receptors, and produce and respond to chemokines and cytokines that modulate immune responses in the CNS. We also review evidence that during stress events in the brain, oligodendrocytes can trigger a cascade of protective and regenerative responses, in addition to responses that elicit progressive neurodegeneration. Knowledge of the cross‐talk between microglia and oligodendrocytes may continue to uncover novel pathways of immune regulation in the brain that could be further exploited to control neuroinflammation and degeneration.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection of human dendritic cells decreases integrin expression, adhesion and migration to chemokines
Authors: Roberts Lawton L. , Robinson Cory M. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryTuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health problem accounting for millions of deaths annually. Approximately one‐third of the world's population is infected with the causative agent Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The onset of an adaptive immune response to M. tuberculosis is delayed compared with other microbial infections. This delay permits bacterial growth and dissemination. The precise mechanism(s) responsible for this delay have remained obscure. T‐cell activation is preceded by dendritic cell (DC) migration from infected lungs to local lymph nodes and synapsis with T cells. We hypothesized that M. tuberculosis may impede the ability of DCs to reach lymph nodes and initiate an adaptive immune response. We used primary human DCs to determine the effect of M. tuberculosis on expression of heterodimeric integrins involved in cellular adhesion and migration. We also evaluated the ability of infected DCs to adhere to and migrate through lung endothelial cells, which is necessary to reach lymph nodes. We show by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy that M. tuberculosis‐infected DCs exhibit a significant reduction in surface expression of the β2 (CD18) integrin. Distribution of integrin β2 is also markedly altered in M. tuberculosis‐infected DCs. A corresponding reduction in the αL (CD11a) and αM (CD11b) subunits that associate with integrin β2 was also observed. Consistent with reduced integrin surface expression, we show a significant reduction in adherence to lung endothelial cell monolayers and migration towards lymphatic chemokines when DCs are infected with M. tuberculosis. These findings suggest that M. tuberculosis modulates DC adhesion and migration to increase the time required to initiate an adaptive immune response.
K0.5Na0.5NbO3‐Based Lead‐Free Transparent Electro‐Optic Ceramics Prepared by Pressureless Sintering
Authors: Li Faliang , Kwok Kin‐Wing 
Published: August 2013

Transparent lead‐free electro‐optic (EO) ceramics (K0.5Na0.5) 0.9Li0.1Nb0.9Bi0.1O3 have been fabricated by pressureless sintering. The ceramics have a fine‐grained structure and cubic‐like symmetry. The comodification with Li and Bi induces a diffuse phase transition, causing the ceramics become relaxor‐like and contain polar nanoregions. Our results reveal that excess Bi2O3 can further enhance the changes in the crystal structure and dielectric behavior of the ceramics, causing them become more cubic‐like and more relaxor‐like, respectively. These can reduce the light scattering arisen from birefringence and domain walls, and thus improving the optical properties. For the ceramics added with 4 and 6 mol% excess Bi2O3, the optical transmittance reaches a high value of 60%–70% in the near‐infrared region. The ceramics also exhibits a good linear EO response, giving an effective EO coefficient of 30–40 pm/V.
Ultra‐Low Temperature Sintering and Dielectric Properties of SiO2‐Filled Glass Composites
Authors: Ju Kui , Yu Hongtao , Ye Lin , Xu Guangliang 
Published: August 2013

Ultra low temperature co‐fired ceramics system based on zinc borate 3ZnO–2B2O3 (3Z2B) glass matrix and SiO2 filler was investigated with regard to the phase composition, the microstructure and the dielectric properties as functions of the filler content and sintering temperature. The softening temperature of 554°C and the crystallization temperature of around 650°C for the glass were confirmed by Differential Thermal Analysis result. The X‐ray diffraction results show that all SiO2‐filled samples were made up of SiO2, α‐Zn(BO2)2, Zn3B2O6 phases. And there was no chemical reaction between SiO2 and the glass during densification. And then the dielectric constant decreased with the increasing content of SiO2. At the level of 15 wt% SiO2 addition, the composites can be densified at a sintering temperature of 650°C for 30 min, and showed the optimal dielectric properties at 1 MHz with the dielectric constant of 6.1 and the dielectric loss of 1.3 × 10−3, which demonstrates a good potential for use in LTCC technology.
Factors Controlling Properties of Ca‐Mg, Ca‐Er, Ca‐Nd, or Ca‐Y‐Modified Aluminosilicate Glasses Containing Nitrogen and Fluorine
Authors: García‐Bellés Ángel R. , Monzó María , Barba Antonio , Clausell Carolina , Pomeroy Michael J. , Hanifi Amir R. , Hampshire Stuart 
Published: August 2013

Glasses with composition (in eq.%) (30 − x)Ca:xM:55Si:15Al:80O:15N:5F have been prepared with different levels of substitution of Ca2+ cations by Mg2+, Y3+, Er3+, or Nd3+. The properties of these glasses are examined in detail and changes observed in molar volume (MV), free volume, fractional glass compactness, Young's modulus, microhardness, glass transition temperature, and thermal expansion as a function of M content are presented. Using linear regression analysis, evidence is presented which clearly shows that these glass properties are either solely dependent on the effective cation field strength, if modifier cation valency is the same (e.g., Mg substitution for Ca), or dependent on the effective cation field strength and the number of (Si, Al) (O, N, F) tetrahedra associated with each modifier when Ca is replaced by the trivalent modifiers. Combining these correlations with those observed previously relating glass properties to N and F substitution for O, it becomes apparent that glass properties for Ca–M–Si–Al–O–N–F glasses can be described by correlations which involve independent, but additive contributions by N and F substitution levels, effective cation field strength, and the number of tetrahedra associated with each modifier ion.
Measurement equivalence of the autism symptom phenotype in children and youth
Authors: Duku Eric , Szatmari Peter , Vaillancourt Tracy , Georgiades Stelios , Thompson Ann , Liu Xiao‐Qing , Paterson Andrew D. , Bennett Terry 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundThe Autism Diagnostic Interview‐Revised (ADI‐R) is a gold standard assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms and behaviours. A key underlying assumption of studies using the ADI‐R is that it measures the same phenotypic constructs across different populations (i.e. males/females, younger/older, verbal/nonverbal). The objectives of this study were to evaluate alternative measurement models for the autism symptom phenotype based on the ADI‐R algorithm items and to examine the measurement equivalence of the most parsimonious and best fitting model across subgroups of interest.MethodsData came from the Autism Genome Project consortium and consisted of 3,628 children aged 4–18 years (84.2% boys and 75% verbal). Twenty‐eight algorithm items applicable to both verbal and nonverbal participants were used in the analysis. Measurement equivalence of the autism phenotype was examined using categorical confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsA second‐order model resembling the proposed DSM‐5 two‐factor structure of the phenotype showed good overall fit, but not for all the subgroups. The autism symptom phenotype was best indexed by the first‐order, six‐factor measurement model proposed by Liu et al. (2011). This model was well fitting and measurement equivalent across subgroups of participants (age, verbal ability and sex).ConclusionsThe autism symptom phenotype is adequately characterized by a six‐factor measurement model; this model appears to be measurement equivalent across subgroups of children and youth with ASD that differ in age, sex and verbal ability. The two‐factor model provides equally good fit for the sample as a whole, but comparison of these two dimensions between subgroups that might differ in terms of age, sex or verbal ability is challenged by lack of measurement equivalence.
Evaluation of dermoscopic algorithm for seborrhoeic keratosis: a prospective study in 412 patients
Authors: Lin J. , Han S. , Cui L. , Song Z. , Gao M. , Yang G. , Fu Y. , Liu X. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundAlthough most seborrhoeic keratoses can be easily diagnosed with dermoscopy, some lesions mimic a number of other diseases and lack typical dermoscopic criteria. Validation of the diagnostic algorithm and further understanding about dermoscopy of seborrhoeic keratosis is necessary.ObjectiveTo evaluate the dermoscopic criteria, define dermoscopic patterns and optimize the diagnostic algorithm of seborrhoeic keratosis in a large series of cases.Patients and methodsAn unselected consecutive series of 416 clinically suspected seborrhoeic keratoses from 412 patients were prospectively included. All the lesions were imaged with dermoscopy, analysed for dermoscopic patterns and features. An independent blinded histopathological diagnosis as well as dermoscopic diagnosis was made for each lesion.ResultsA total of 416 lesions were analysed. Using histopathological diagnoses as the gold standard, the two‐step algorithm achieved a sensitivity of 79.1, a specificity of 78.3% (P < 0.01) and a κ index of 0.223. An optimized algorithm that combined lack of blue–grey or blue–white colour, sharp demarcation, mica‐like structure and yellowish colour with the two‐step algorithm demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.7%, a specificity of 78.3% (P < 0.001) and a κ index of 0.594. Pattern analysis revealed 12 dermoscopic patterns. The elevated lesions mainly presented fissures/ridges pattern, exophytic papillary pattern, crypts pattern and mica‐like pattern; the flat lesions mainly presented structureless pattern and coral‐like pattern.ConclusionSeborrhoeic keratosis may present a variety of dermoscopic patterns and features. The combination of lack of blue–grey or blue–white colour, sharp demarcation, mica‐like structure and yellowish colour with the two‐step algorithm could improve its diagnostic accuracy.
Measurement of tanning dependence
Authors: Heckman C.J. , Darlow S. , Kloss J.D. , Cohen‐Filipic J. , Manne S.L. , Munshi T. , Yaroch A.L. , Perlis C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundIndoor tanning has been found to be addictive. However, the most commonly used tanning dependence measures have not been well validated.ObjectiveThe study's purpose was to explore the psychometric characteristics of and compare the modified Cut‐down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye‐opener Scale (mCAGE), modified Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fourth Edition – Text Revised (mDSM‐IV‐TR) and Tanning Pathology Scale (TAPS) measures of tanning dependence and provide recommendations for research and practice.MethodsThis study was a cross‐sectional online survey with 18‐ to 25‐year‐old female university students. The main outcome variable was tanning dependence measured by the mCAGE, mDSM‐IV‐TR and TAPS.ResultsInternal consistency of the TAPS subscales was good but was poor for the mCAGE and mDSM‐IV‐TR, except when their items were combined. Agreement between the mCAGE and mDSM‐IV‐TR was fair. Factor analysis of the TAPS confirmed the current four‐factor structure. All of the tanning dependence scales were significantly correlated with one another. Likewise, most of the tanning dependence scales were significantly correlated with other measures of tanning attitudes and behaviours. However, the tolerance to tanning TAPS subscale was not significantly correlated with any measure of tanning attitudes or behaviours and had the lowest subscale internal reliability and eigenvalues.ConclusionBased on the data and existing literature, we make recommendations for the continued use of tanning dependence measures. Intervention may be needed for the approximately 5% of college women who tend to be classified as tanning dependent across measures. Monitoring of individuals reporting tanning dependence symptoms is warranted.
Trichoscopy in Paediatric Patients with Tinea Capitis: A Useful Method to Differentiate from Alopecia Areata
Authors: Ekiz Ö. , Şen B.B. , Rifaioğlu E.N. , Balta İ. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectivesTrichoscopy (hair and scalp dermatoscopy) facilitates the diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders. The aim of our study was to identify the trichoscopic features in diagnosis of tinea capitis (TC) and to compare these findings with alopecia areata (AA).Materials and MethodsOur study included 15 children with TC and 10 children with AA as a control group. Affected areas of the scalp on all the cases were analysed under a magnification of 20X and 40X by a digital dermatoscope (MoleMax II).ResultsBroken and dystrophic hairs were found in dermatological examination of all the patients with TC. In addition, corkscrew hairs, comma hairs and black dots were observed respectively. Yellow dots, exclamation mark hairs and vellus hair were observed in patients with AA.ConclusionsBroken and dystrophic hairs, corkscrew hairs, comma hairs and black dots were observed only in patients with TC; yellow dots, exclamation mark hairs and vellus hairs were observed only in patients with alopesi areata. Further studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to determine specific trichoscopic findings of TC and to access differential diagnosis.
Impact of systemic treatment of psoriasis on inflammatory parameters and markers of comorbidities and cardiovascular risk: results of a prospective longitudinal observational study
Authors: Montaudié H. , Albert‐Sabonnadière C. , Acquacalda E. , Fontas E. , Danré A. , Roux C. , Ortonne J.P. , Lacour J.P. , Euller‐Ziegler L. , Passeron T. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundSeveral markers of comorbidities and cardiovascular (CV) risk are disturbed in moderate to severe psoriasis (PsO). The effect of systemic treatments of psoriasis on these markers remains poorly understood.ObjectivesTo study the frequency of disturbance of inflammatory parameters and markers of comorbidities and CV risk associated with moderate to severe PsO and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and to assess their evolution under systemic treatments.MethodsMonocentric prospective study on patients with PsO and PsA starting a systemic treatment for their psoriasis. The following markers were evaluated at baseline (M0), 3 months (M3) and 6 months (M6); weight, fasting blood glucose, blood pressure, uric acid, hepatic steatosis, smoking, lipid, metabolic and inflammatory parameters.ResultsForty‐three patients, 31 PsO and 12 PsA, were included. Forty completed the study. Response to treatment was good, with 71% of the population obtaining a Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) of 75. All patients had at least one comorbidity, and 45% had two or more. A statistically significant decrease was observed only for inflammatory parameters (C‐reactive protein [CRP], P = 0.004) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, P = 0.002). We did not observe any correlation between the PASI and CRP (correlation coefficient 0.128, P = 0.438) or ESR (correlation coefficient 0.294, P = 0.069) for responding patients.ConclusionsWe observed a high frequency of disturbance of inflammatory parameters and markers of comorbidities and CV risk in a population with moderate to severe PsO and PsA, most of which were not detected before. A significant decrease in inflammatory parameters was noted after the introduction of systemic therapy, while other parameters remained unaffected by the treatment, except the weight that increased under biologics therapies.
Nutrient displacement associated with walnut supplementation in men
Authors: Kranz S. , Hill A. M. , Fleming J. A. , Hartman T. J. , West S. G. , Kris‐Etherton P. M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundDietary guidance issued by various global government agencies recommends nut consumption within the context of a healthy‐eating pattern. Nuts are nutrient dense and may promote nutrient adequacy. As an energy‐dense food, nuts must replace other foods in the diet to prevent an excess of calories.MethodsWe evaluated how recommending the inclusion of walnuts (75 g day−1) in the diet affected energy and nutrient intake in men (45–75 years; mean body mass index = 27.6 kg m–2; n = 19) at risk for developing prostate cancer. Guidance was provided about incorporating walnuts isocalorically in a healthy diet. Three‐day food records and body weight were collected at baseline and after two 8‐week diet periods (usual versus walnut supplement diets).ResultsEnergy intake on the walnut supplement diet exceeded the usual diet, although body weight was maintained. Energy intake was lower on the actual walnut supplement diet than the calculated walnut diet [10 865 kJ (2595 kcal) versus 11 325 kJ (2705 kcal) per day, respectively] and contributed 23% less energy than 75 g of walnuts. Approximately, 86% and 85% of the total fat and saturated fatty acids from walnuts were not displaced, whereas the increase in fibre from the usual diet to the actual walnut supplement diet represented less than one‐half (39%) of the fibre provided by 75 g of walnuts. Walnuts were substituted, in part, for other foods, and the nutrient profile of the diet was improved, however, the beneficial effect of walnuts on the diet quality was not optimized.ConclusionsIndividuals do not optimally implement food‐based guidance. Consequently, nutrition professionals play a key role in teaching the implementation of food‐based recommendations.
Relationship between vitamin D knowledge and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels amongst pregnant women
Authors: Toher C. , Lindsay K. , McKenna M. , Kilbane M. , Curran S. , Harrington L. , Uduma O. , McAuliffe F. M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundPregnant women living at northerly latitudes are at risk of suboptimal vitamin D status. There is a paucity of studies correlating knowledge, attitudes and practices of vitamin D with serum levels amongst pregnant women. We aimed to determine the prevalence of suboptimal vitamin D status in pregnant women of various ethnicities attending two Dublin maternity hospitals and to assess levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning vitamin D.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of 116 pregnant women of Irish, Asian, Sub‐Saharan African and Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) origin. Vitamin D status was determined by measurement of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD). We examined knowledge, attitudes and practices concerning vitamin D using an interview‐assisted questionnaire.ResultsThe median (interquartile range) 25OHD level was 25.9 (16.5–44.7) nmol L–1. Using a cut‐off point of <30 nmol L–1, the proportion at risk of deficiency was significantly higher among MENA (88%; P < 0.001) and Sub‐Saharan African women (68%; P = 0.019) than Irish women (36%). Eighty‐two women (71%) reported they had insufficient knowledge about vitamin D and its sources. Vitamin D containing supplement usage was the strongest predictor of 25OHD levels ≥30 nmol L–1 (odds ratio = 18.03, 95% confidence interval = 5.7256.8, P < 0.001).ConclusionsSuboptimal vitamin D status is common in this cohort of pregnant women, especially among those of Sub‐Saharan African and MENA origin. Awareness of vitamin D dietary sources is poor among all subgroups. Recommending vitamin D containing supplements may be the best strategy at present for improving vitamin D status with a need for increased vitamin D education.
Attitudes towards and knowledge of nutrition support amongst health care professionals on London intensive care units
Authors: Lane C. , Wedlake L. J. , Dougherty L. , Shaw C. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundNutrition support on intensive care units (ICUs) has gained a higher profile ever since the development of published guidelines (Clin. Nutr. 2006, 25, 210; J. Parenter. Enteral Nutr. 2009, 33, 277; http://www.nice.org.uk/Guidance/CG32; Clin. Nutr. 2009, 28, 387). However, there are limited data available on knowledge and attitudes towards nutrition support specific to ICU.MethodsAn online survey was sent to all healthcare professionals working on ICUs across London via an e‐mail link. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge base of and attitudes of staff towards nutrition support, within an ICU setting, and to understand their educational needs. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics.ResultsAttitudes were in line with the evidence in current nutrition guidelines. The proportion of healthcare professionals who were regarded as demonstrating sufficient understanding of the evidence set out in the nutrition support guidelines were 44% of clinicians, 26% of nurses, 76% of dietitians and 67% of other staff. In total, 59% of staff wanted more education on a number of aspects related to nutrition support on ICU.ConclusionsThe present study highlights the need for more prominent dissemination of the current guidelines and illustrates the preferred mode. Specific gaps in knowledge regarding energy intake and the use of parenteral feeding are highlighted. It is hoped that the present survey will help to guide education in this area.