bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glass–Ceramic Foams from Borosilicate Glass Waste
Authors: Taurino Rosa , Lancellotti Isabella , Barbieri Luisa , Leonelli Cristina 
Published: April 2014

In this study, we reported the studies on a glass–ceramic foam with wollastonite and cristobalite micrometric crystals prepared by sintering a borosilicate glass waste with organic binder as foaming agent. The waste glass, coming from the dismantling of washing machine, was characterized by high CaO content and low‐temperature sinterability. The effect of the temperature on the sinter‐crystallization ability of the borosilicate glass waste was followed with thermal analysis, heating microscopy, and electron scanning microscopy (ESEM) observations. Additionally, the effect of temperature on the evolution of crystalline phases and density variation was monitored with XRD and density measurements. The softening started at 800°C and crystallization at 845°C to be completed at 900°C with a linear expansion of 38–40% in the range 850–900°C. Wollastonite and cristobalite were identified as crystalline phases in variable proportions dependently upon temperature. No crack evidence was found at high ESEM magnification even though cristobalite crystals were present. The final products showed a total porosity around 78–79% and an apparent density of about 0.5 g/cm3, in line with common porous closed‐cell glass foams used for thermal insulation.
Self-care behaviour for minor symptoms: can Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use help us to understand it?
Authors: Porteous Terry , Wyke Sally , Hannaford Philip , Bond Christine 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Objective
To explore whether Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use can aid understanding of self-care behaviour and inform development of interventions to promote self-care for minor illness.

Method
Qualitative interviews were conducted with 24 Scottish participants about their experience and management of minor symptoms normally associated with analgesic use. Synthesised data from the interviews were mapped onto the Behavioral Model.

Key findings
All factors identified as influencing decisions about how to manage the symptoms discussed, mapped onto at least one domain of Andersen's model. Individual characteristics including beliefs, need factors and available resources were associated with health behaviour, including self-care. Outcomes such as perceived health status and consumer satisfaction from previous experience of managing symptoms also appeared to feed back into health behaviour.

Conclusions
The Behavioral Model seems relevant to self-care as well as formal health services. Additional work is needed to explore applicability of the Behavioral Model to different types of symptoms, different modalities of self-care and in countries with different health care systems. Future quantitative studies should establish the relative importance of factors influencing the actions people take to manage minor symptoms to inform future interventions aimed at optimising self-care behaviour.
Pressing the right buttons: Australian case studies in the protection of employee entitlements against corporate insolvency
Authors: ANDERSON Helen 
Published: April 2014

AbstractLooking at recent cases where employees in Australia managed to salvage their accrued entitlements when their company became insolvent, the author considers the factors which contributed to those successful outcomes. Comparing those examples with cases where workers in similar circumstances were not so fortunate, she shows that the successful protection of entitlements is often a matter of timing, strategic choices, innovative approaches, regulator intervention, union pressure, political expediency or a happy confluence of circumstances. Someone, somewhere, has been “pressing the right buttons”. Lessons will be drawn from the cases considered here, she argues.
AR and SRD5A2 gene mutations in a series of 51 Turkish 46,XY DSD children with a clinical diagnosis of androgen insensitivity
Authors: Akcay T. , Fernandez‐Cancio M. , Turan S. , Güran T. , Audi L. , Bereket A. 
Published: April 2014

Summary46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) are caused by disorders of gonadal development, androgen biosynthesis and receptor (AR) defects. Although, clinical/biochemical features help in distinguishing specific aetiologies, there are overlaps which necessitate molecular analyses for the definitive diagnosis. To test precision of our clinical diagnosis of androgen insensitivity (AIS) by analysing AR and then SRD5A2 genes, patients were recruited at Marmara University Hospital and molecular analyses were performed at Vall d'Hebron Research Institute. Among 101 46,XY DSD patients, 46 index and five siblings (nine complete, 42 partial) with clinical/biochemical data suggestive of AIS and stimulated T/DHT ratio <25 were selected. AR and then SRD5A2 genes were sequenced. We detected AR mutations in 11 patients [seven index and four siblings (22% of all and 15% of index patients)] and SRD5A2 mutations in six [five index and one sibling (12% of all and 11% of index)]. AR mutation detection rate was 6/9 in all CAIS and 4/7 in the index (67 and 57% respectively) and 5/42 in all PAIS and 3/40 in the index (12 and 7.5% respectively). The eight mutations detected in the AR gene were as follows: p.Q58L, p.P392S, p.R609K, p.R775H, p.R856H, p.A871A, p.V890M and p.F892L, with p.A871A and p.F892L being novel. Further six patients had SRD5A2 mutations which were as follows: p.L73WfsX59, p.Y91H, p.R171S and p.G196S, the first being novel. Hormonal data in those with AR mutations, SRD5A2 mutations and no mutations were not statistically different. In conclusion, a significant proportion of children with presumptive diagnosis of AIS has a normal AR gene. The less severe the phenotype, the less likely is the chance of demonstrating a mutation. Furthermore, a significant number of children with presumptive diagnosis of AIS have mutations in SRD5A2 gene and are clinically and biochemically indistinguishable from AIS.
The periodontal health component of the Renal Impairment In Secondary Care (RIISC) cohort study: a description of the rationale, methodology and initial baseline results
Authors: Sharma Praveen , Dietrich Thomas , Sidhu Amneet , Vithlani Viren , Rahman Mutahir , Stringer Stephanie , Jesky Mark , Kaur Okdeep , Ferro Charles , Cockwell Paul , Chapple Iain L. C. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIntroductionChronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. There is a need to identify novel and modifiable risk factors in such patients. The periodontal component of the Renal Impairment In Secondary Care (RIISC) study aims to evaluate the association between chronic periodontitis and CKD progression.MethodsThe RIISC study is a prospective, observational cohort study of patients with CKD from a renal clinic at a hospital in the West Midlands region of the UK. Patients undergo a periodontal examination and plaque and saliva sampling. To benchmark the oral health status of the RIISC cohort, we compared it to the Adult Dental Health Survey 2009 (ADHS), a representative survey of the oral health of community dwelling adults in the UK.ResultsOf the first 500 patients recruited into the RIISC study, 469 patients underwent a dental examination and 80 (17%) were edentulous. Among dentate subjects, patients within RIISC were significantly more likely to have any (OR 4.0 95% CI 2.7–5.9) or severe (OR 3.8 95% CI 2.5–5.6) periodontitis compared to the ADHS sample.ConclusionThe prevalence and severity of chronic periodontitis in this cohort of CKD patients is markedly higher than a geographically matched control population.
Development of Kinetic Model Structures for Glutinous Rice Saccharification by Different Enzymes
Authors: Liu Dengfeng , Zhang Hongtao , Xu Baoguo , Tan Jinglu 
Published: April 2014

AbstractGlutinous rice saccharification was performed with α‐amylase, glucoamylase, a two‐enzyme combination or wheat qu. Experiments were carried out at two locations, with rice from two sources and in different fermentation temperatures. The main products were first identified and then measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Low‐order kinetic model structures (constructs of model with adjustable reaction rates) were derived based on the major chemical reactions brought about by different enzymes. The model structures were then tested for their abilities to capture the main kinetic variations after optimization of reaction rates by a least square algorithm. The model structures were found useful in representing the measured kinetic variations with one exception. The estimated reactions rates correctly reflected the variations observed from the experiments and provided insights into the reaction processes in terms of reaction speeds, dominant variations and primary products. The actions of α‐amylase and wheat qu differed from findings in prior research. The proposed model structures show promise for describing the saccharification process of glutinous rice.Practical ApplicationsRice is routinely hydrolyzed as part of the processes to produce wines, alcohols, amino acids and other products. This research provides a set of model structures that are simple enough for practical use and still capture the main kinetic behaviors of the saccharification process with enzymes often used in industry. The model structures are needed by food process engineers in their efforts to analyze, optimize and develop controls for many industrial processes that involve rice saccharification.
Norfolk QOL‐DN: validation of a patient reported outcome measure in transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy
Authors: Vinik Etta J. , Vinik Aaron I. , Paulson James F. , Merkies Ingemar S. J. , Packman Jeff , Grogan Donna R. , Coelho Teresa 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe Norfolk Quality of Life‐Diabetic Neuropathy (QOL‐DN) questionnaire is an instrument to assess QOL in diabetic polyneuropathy. The objective of this observational, cross‐sectional study in 61 patients with V30M transthyretin familial amyloid polyneuropathy (TTR‐FAP) and 16 healthy volunteers was to validate the Norfolk QOL‐DN for assessment of QOL in TTR‐FAP. Comparisons were conducted to identify the best items to discriminate disease stages and assess which individual Norfolk domains (symptoms, large fiber, small fiber, autonomic, and activities of daily living) would be most affected by disease stage. Analysis of individual items revealed a significant pattern of discrimination among disease stages (p < 0.001). Total QOL scores increased (indicating worsening) with duration of symptoms, with a steeper increase observed earlier in the course of disease. Significant correlations were observed between each Norfolk domain and other measures of neurological function. Limitations include cross‐sectional study design, low patient numbers in this rare disease, and the ordinal‐based character of the metric used; future areas to explore include item response theory approaches such as Rasch analysis. These results suggest the Norfolk QOL‐DN is a reliable indicator of the impact of disease severity on QOL in patients with TTR‐FAP.
A Prospective Study on Association of Prostatic Calcifications with Sexual Dysfunction in Men with Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS)
Authors: Zhao Zhigang , Xuan Xujun , Zhang Jingwei , He Jun , Zeng Guohua 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common debilitating condition of unclear etiology. Sexual dysfunction is an important component of the clinical phenotype of CP/CPPS. Patients often have prostatic calcifications, but a link to sexual dysfunction is unknown.

Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of prostatic calcifications with sexual dysfunction in this condition.

Methods
A total of 358 males with CP/CPPS were consecutively enrolled, and a prospectively maintained database of these patients was analyzed. Calcifications were diagnosed using ultrasound imaging of the prostate. Symptom severity was measured using the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI). Sexual dysfunction was evaluated using the validated 15-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15) questionnaire and 5-item Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scales. The variables were compared between patients with prostatic calcifications and those without using the Student's t-test, Wilcoxon unpaired test, or chi-square test.

Main Outcome Measure
Logistic regression models were developed to explore a possible association between prostatic calcifications and sexual dysfunction.

Results
Measurable calcifications in the prostate were found in 175 (48.9%) of the 358 patients. Patients with calcifications were more likely to have higher white blood cell counts or positive bacteria cultures in their prostatic fluid, longer symptoms duration, and lower scores for the total IIEF-15, IIEF-erectile function, and IIEF-intercourse satisfaction domains (P &lt; 0.001 for each). However, the scores for CPSI, premature ejaculation, and IIEF-orgasmic function, IIEF-sexual desire, and IIEF-overall satisfaction domains were identical between men with and without calcifications (P &gt; 0.05 for each). Furthermore, logistic regression analyses revealed that intraprostatic calcification is significantly associated with self-assessed erectile dysfunction (ED) (odds ratio:3.632, 95% confidence interval: 2.405–5.822, P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Our results showed that prostatic calcifications are significantly associated with the presence of ED in CP/CPPS males.
Impact of Urinary Incontinence on Sexual Functioning in Community-Dwelling Older Women
Authors: Visser Els , de Bock Geertruida H. , Berger Marjolein Y. , Dekker Janny H. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Knowledge on the sexual health of patients with urinary incontinence in primary care is scarce; therefore, the impact of urinary incontinence on sexual functioning was examined in community-dwelling older women.

Aim
The aim of this study was to provide primary health care professionals with more information on the sexual health of older women with urinary incontinence, which can be used to discuss this sensitive topic during a consultation.

Method
A cross-sectional survey among the 350 women aged ≥55 years participating in a primary care trial on urinary incontinence was conducted.

Main Outcome Measures
Among patients with a partner, sexual problems of the sexually active patients were described as well as reasons for not being sexually active. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to identify factors that are predictors of sexual activity, and odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated.

Results
Of all participants with a partner, 68% (95% CI: 61–74) were sexually active. Of these, 25% (95% CI: 17–35) felt restricted in (or avoided) sexual activity because of their urinary incontinence. Urine leakage during sexual activity was present in 26% (95% CI: 19–34). The most frequent reason for not being sexually active was a physical problem of their partner (28%, 95% CI: 18–40); only 5% (95%-CI: 2–13) reported that urinary incontinence was a reason for not having sex. Increasing age was the only independent (negative) predictor of sexual activity (OR: 0.95, 95%-CI: 0.90–1.00).

Conclusions
Most of these older women with urinary incontinence were sexually active, if they had a partner. The main reason for not being sexually active was a partner-related problem. Although for only 5% was urinary incontinence the main reason for not having sex, about 25% of the sexually active women reported a negative influence of urine loss on their sex life. This implies that assessing sexual function is relevant in older women with urinary incontinence.
Sociolinguistic Justice in the Schools: Student Researchers as Linguistic Experts
Authors: Bucholtz Mary , Lopez Audrey , Mojarro Allina , Skapoulli Elena , VanderStouwe Chris , Warner‐Garcia Shawn 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe commitment of sociocultural linguistics to the cause of social justice has been central to the discipline since its foundation. This commitment is nowhere more evident than in the educational domain and particularly in the development of sociolinguistically informed curricula and teacher preparation programs. Such programs help ensure that students who speak politically subordinated linguistic varieties have the same opportunities in classrooms, college, and careers as their standard English‐speaking peers. Informed by previous and current efforts to forge linguistic partnerships with communities, a set of potential goals for those who work toward sociolinguistic justice is proposed. The goals of sociolinguistic justice are then exemplified using a California‐based research and academic outreach program that guides youth of diverse linguistic, ethnoracial, and economic backgrounds to carry out original sociocultural linguistic research in their peer groups, families, and local communities.
Independent mobility of proteins and lipids in the plasma membrane of Escherichia coli
Authors: Nenninger Anja , Mastroianni Giulia , Robson Alexander , Lenn Tchern , Xue Quan , Leake Mark C. , Mullineaux Conrad W. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryFluidity is essential for many biological membrane functions. The basis for understanding membrane structure remains the classic Singer‐Nicolson model, in which proteins are embedded within a fluid lipid bilayer and able to diffuse laterally within a sea of lipid. Here we report lipid and protein diffusion in the plasma membrane of live cells of the bacterium Escherichia coli, using Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching (FRAP) and Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy to measure lateral diffusion coefficients. Lipid and protein mobility within the membrane were probed by visualizing an artificial fluorescent lipid and a simple model membrane protein consisting of a single membrane‐spanning alpha‐helix with a Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) tag on the cytoplasmic side. The effective viscosity of the lipid bilayer is strongly temperature‐dependent, as indicated by changes in the lipid diffusion coefficient. Surprisingly, the mobility of the model protein was unaffected by changes in the effective viscosity of the bulk lipid, and TIRF microscopy indicates that it clusters in segregated, mobile domains. We suggest that this segregation profoundly influences the physical behaviour of the protein in the membrane, with strong implications for bacterial membrane function and bacterial physiology.
An optimal defense strategy for phenolic glycoside production in Populus trichocarpa – isotope labeling demonstrates secondary metabolite production in growing leaves
Authors: Massad Tara Joy , Trumbore Susan E. , Ganbat Gantsetseg , Reichelt Michael , Unsicker Sybille , Boeckler Andreas , Gleixner Gerd , Gershenzon Jonathan , Ruehlow Steffen 
Published: April 2014

Summary

Large amounts of carbon are required for plant growth, but young, growing tissues often also have high concentrations of defensive secondary metabolites. Plants' capacity to allocate resources to growth and defense is addressed by the growth‐differentiation balance hypothesis and the optimal defense hypothesis, which make contrasting predictions. Isotope labeling can demonstrate whether defense compounds are synthesized from stored or newly fixed carbon, allowing a detailed examination of these hypotheses.

Populus trichocarpa saplings were pulse‐labeled with 13CO2 at the beginning and end of a growing season, and the 13C signatures of phenolic glycosides (salicinoids), sugars, bulk tissue, and respired CO2 were traced over time. Half of the saplings were also subjected to mechanical damage.

Populus trichocarpa followed an optimal defense strategy, investing 13C in salicinoids in expanding leaves directly after labeling. Salicinoids turned over quickly, and their production continued throughout the season. Salicin was induced by early‐season damage, further demonstrating optimal defense.

Salicinoids appear to be of great value to P. trichocarpa, as they command new C both early and late in the growing season, but their fitness benefits require further study. Export of salicinoids between tissues and biochemical pathways enabling induction also needs research. Nonetheless, the investigation of defense production afforded by isotope labeling lends new insights into plants' ability to grow and defend simultaneously.
Physiological characterization and genetic modifiers of aberrant root thigmomorphogenesis in mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana MILDEW LOCUS O genes
Authors: BIDZINSKI PRZEMYSLAW , NOIR SANDRA , SHAHI SHERMINEH , REINSTÄDLER ANJA , GRATKOWSKA DOMINIKA MARTA , PANSTRUGA RALPH 
Published: April 2014

AbstractRoot architecture and growth patterns are plant features that are still poorly understood. When grown under in vitro conditions, seedlings with mutations in Arabidopsis thaliana genes MLO4 or MLO11 exhibit aberrant root growth patterns upon contact with hard surfaces, exemplified as tight root spirals. We used a set of physiological assays and genetic tools to characterize this thigmomorphogenic defect in detail. We observed that the mlo4/mlo11‐associated root curling phenotype is not recapitulated in a set of mutants with altered root growth patterns or architecture. We further found that mlo4/mlo11‐conditioned root curling is not dependent upon light and endogenous flavonoids, but is pH‐sensitive and affected by exogenous calcium levels. Based upon the latter two characteristics, mlo4‐associated root coiling appears to be mechanistically different from the natural strong root curvature of the Arabidopsis ecotype Landsberg erecta. Gravistimulation reversibly overrides the aberrant thigmomorphogenesis of mlo4 seedlings. Mutants with dominant negative defects in α‐tubulin modulate the extent and directionality of mlo4/mlo11‐conditioned root coils, whereas mutants defective in polar auxin transport (axr4, aux1) or gravitropism (pgm1) completely suppress the mlo4 root curling phenotype. Our data implicate a joint contribution of calcium signalling, pH regulation, microtubular function, polar auxin transport and gravitropism in root thigmomorphogenesis.