bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative evaluation of the displacement distribution and stress intensity factor of fatigue cracks healed by a controlled high‐density electric current field
Authors: Hosoi A. , Yano T. , Morita Y. , Ju Y. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTFatigue cracks were healed by controlling a high‐density electric current. The changes in the displacement distribution around the crack tip and the stress intensity factor before and after crack healing were evaluated quantitatively with a digital image collation method. According to the results, it was determined that the cracks were closed by approximately 2 to 7 µm in this study. On the other hand, the stress intensity factor decreased or increased depending on the conditions of the crack and the current applied. The physical restriction between the crack surfaces, such as bridging, is important with respect to lowering the stress intensity factor after healing.
Relationship between biomass energy and economic growth in transition countries: panel ARDL approach
Authors: Bildirici Melike E. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn this study, we have investigated the co‐integration and causality relationship between the biomass energy consumption and economic growth in the transition countries by the Panel Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) method and Pedroni co‐integration analysis for 1990–2011. Analysed countries are gathered under two groups. For Groups 1 and 2, Pedroni panel co‐integration test and ARDL bound test results show that biomass energy consumption and economic growth are co‐integrated. Fully modified ordinary least squares results suggested that biomass energy consumption has positive effect on the economic growth.
Modelling the carbon cycle ofMiscanthusplantations: existing models and the potential for their improvement
Authors: Robertson Andy D. , Davies Christian A. , Smith Pete , Dondini Marta , McNamara Niall P. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe lignocellulosic perennial grassMiscanthushas received considerable attention as a potential bioenergy crop over the last 25 years, but few commercial plantations exist globally. This is partly due to the uncertainty associated with claims that land‐use change (LUC) toMiscanthuswill result in both commercially viable yields and net increases in carbon (C) storage. To simulate what the effects may be afterLUCtoMiscanthus, six process‐based models have been parameterized forMiscanthusand here we review how these models operate. This review provides an overview of the keyMiscanthussoil organic matter models and then highlights what measurers can do to accelerate model development. Each model (WIMOVAC, BioCro, Agro‐IBIS,DAYCENT,DNDCandECOSSE) is capable of simulating biomass production and soil C dynamics based on specific site characteristics. Understanding the design of these models is important in model selection as well as being important for field researchers to collect the most relevant data to improve model performance. The rapid increase in models parameterized forMiscanthusis promising, but refinements and improvements are still required to ensure that model predictions are reliable and can be applied to spatial scales relevant for policy. Specific improvements, needed to ensure the models are applicable for a range of environmental conditions, come under two categories: (i) increased data generation and (ii) development of frameworks and databases to allow simulations of ranging scales. Research into nonfood bioenergy crops such asMiscanthusis relatively recent and this review highlights that there are still a number of knowledge gaps regardingMiscanthusspecifically. For example, the low input requirements ofMiscanthusmake it particularly attractive as a bioenergy crop, but it is essential that we increase our understanding of the crop's nutrient remobilization and ability to host N‐fixing organisms to derive the most accurate simulations.
ALLA TURCA VERSUS THE ROMANTIC EAST: E.T.A. HOFFMANN AND ORIENTAL‐STYLE MUSIC*
Authors: Neilly Joanna 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTIn the field of German Romantic Orientalism, E.T.A. Hoffmann represents a unique voice. He not only employs oriental imagery in his fiction, but also comments on the cultural production of the Orient within the German states. Following Friedrich Schlegel's assertion that the truly Romantic was to be sought in the East, Hoffmann questions the ways in which the Orient was constructed in German art, assessing its Romantic credentials. One example of this is found in his response to popular alla turca music. As the presentation of the Orient by composers such as Mozart and Gluck influenced literary depictions of the East, Hoffmann examines the means by which such music was produced and shows that attempts to mimic the Orient can be anti‐Romantic. His music reviews and his stories Ritter Gluck (1809) and Das Sanctus (1816) reveal an ambiguous response to alla turca music on the grounds that it did not always satisfy Romantic aesthetics. Looking East is therefore not always a Romantic undertaking. Hoffmann's critical reponse to alla turca is part of an aesthetic guide for modern artists wishing to profit from the Romantic potential of the Orient, and provides a new angle from which to consider Romantic Orientalism.
NARRATING THE REVOLUTIONARY SELF IN GERMAN POST‐TERRORIST LIFE‐WRITING: GENDER, IDENTITY AND HISTORICAL AGENCY
Authors: Bielby Clare 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTOver the last two decades, a number of former members of the ‘Rote Armee Fraktion’ and ‘Bewegung 2. Juni’ have published accounts of their past. This article turns to four examples from that corpus of German post‐terrorist life‐writing, focusing on gendered differences in the narrative (re)construction of the revolutionary self. Through a close reading of texts by two former women terrorists, Margrit Schiller (1999) and Inge Viett (1996), and those by two former male terrorists, Karl‐Heinz Dellwo (2007) and Till Meyer (1996), I explore the representation of historical agency, gendered subjectivity, and of the trajectory of becoming a revolutionary. In a context in which, as has been argued, there is very little discursive space to imagine the revolutionary woman, certainly at the time these women were operating, I address the degree to which Viett and Schiller can be seen to articulate a distinctly female ‘Kämpferin’ identity and in how far that might be seen as making a feminist intervention.
Pregnancy complications inHIV‐positive women: 11‐year data from theFrankfurtHIV Cohort
Authors: Reitter A , Stücker AU , Linde R , Königs C , Knecht G , Herrmann E , Schlößer R , Louwen F , Haberl A 
Published: March 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess pregnancy complications inHIV‐positive women and changes in the rates of such complications over 11 years in theFrankfurtHIV Cohort.MethodsThere were 330 pregnancies inHIV‐positive women between 1January 2002 and 31December 2012. The rate of pregnancy‐related complications, such as gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), pre‐eclampsia and preterm delivery, the mode of delivery and obstetric history were analysed. Maternal and neonatal morbidity/mortality as well asHIVmother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) were evaluated.ResultsIn our cohort,GDMwas diagnosed in 38 of 330 women (11.4%). Five women (1.5%) developed pre‐eclamspia or hypertension. In 16 women (4.8%), premature rupture of membranes (PROM) occurred and 46 women (13.7%) were admitted with preterm contractions. The preterm delivery rate was 36.5% (n = 122), and 26.9% of deliveries (n = 90) were between 34+0 and 36+6 weeks of gestation. Over the observation period, the percentage of women with undetectableHIVviral load (VL) increased significantly (P < 0.001), from 26.1% to 75%, leading to obstetric changes, including an increase in the rate of vaginal deliveries (P < 0.001), from no vaginal births to 50%. The preterm delivery rate decreased significantly (P < 0.001), from 79.2% to 8.3%. There were no significant changes in the rate ofGDM, pre‐eclampsia,PROMor preterm contractions.ConclusionsIn the 11 years of our analysis, there was a significant reduction in the rate of preterm deliveries and an increase in the vaginal delivery rate, possibly reflecting changes in treatment policies in the same period and the availability of more effective antiretroviral therapy options. The rates of complications such asGDM, pre‐eclampsia, preterm contractions,PROMand postnatal complications were stable over the 11 years, but were still increased compared with the general population.
Genetic structure offers insights into the evolution of migration and the taxonomy of the Barred Long‐tailed CuckooCercococcyx montanusspecies complex
Authors: Engel Joshua I. , Byamana Kizungu , Kahindo Charles , Bates John M. , Fjeldså Jon 
Published: March 2014

Barred Long‐tailed Cuckoo (Cercococcyx montanus) currently comprises two morphologically distinct subspecies, one resident in the Albertine Rift (montanus) and one in east and southeast Africa (patulus) in which there are migrations that are poorly understood. Based on nuclear and mitochondrialDNAsequences, we find that two specimens collected in relatively low‐elevation forest in the Albertine Rift were correctly identified from plumage as the migratory subspecies whose closest known breeding area is > 800 km to the east. We discuss ways in which this unique migratory pattern could have evolved and argue that migration was gained and then lost in theC. montanuscomplex. Based on consistent morphological and genetic differences, we suggest that Barred Long‐tailed Cuckoo is best treated as two species, one of which (C. montanus) is a non‐migratory Albertine Rift endemic.
Methotrexate for treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents
Authors: Deo Maneka , Yung Anthony , Hill Sarah , Rademaker Marius 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundLow‐dose methotrexate is becoming established as a second‐line treatment for atopic eczema in the adult population, but there has been a paucity of data to support its use for this indication in the pediatric population.MethodsA retrospective review was undertaken of patients aged 18 years and under started on methotrexate between January 2005 and April 2010, at a hospital‐based dermatology department in New Zealand.ResultsThirty‐one patients (17 females, mean age 10 years, range 3–18 years) were reviewed. Methotrexate was found to be effective or very effective in 75% and ineffective in 25%. The mean duration of treatment for those who responded to methotrexate was 14 months (range 2–38 months), 74% of patients were still on treatment at the time of last review. The most common adverse effect was minor nausea in four patients (14%) and non‐significant elevation of liver enzymes (four patients). No serious adverse effects were noted.ConclusionIn our experience, methotrexate has a good safety/tolerability profile when used in low dose for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in children and adolescents and appears to be effective. Formal comparative studies are needed.
Collagen remodeling and peripheral immune cell recruitment characterizes the cutaneous Langerhans cell histiocytosis microenvironment
Authors: Harikumar Parvathy E. , Selway Joanne L. , Chu Anthony , Langlands Kenneth 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare and potentially fatal disorder of unknown etiology arising from the accumulation of epidermal Langerhans‐like cells in bone, skin, or other tissues. Tissue damage and morbidity results from lesional cytokine release, and we sought to investigate the LCH microenvironment using a combination of histological stains and immunohistochemistry.MethodsCD1a immunoreactivity was used to identify lesional cells in archival paraffin‐embedded samples of cutaneous LCH. A combined Orcein and Giemsa stain identified immune cells in general (particularly granulocytes and mast cells) and extracellular matrix (particularly elastic fibers), while CD3 and CD68 staining identified T cells and macrophages, respectively. Collagen synthesis was investigated with Herovici staining, which discriminates newly synthesized from mature collagen, while cross‐polar microscopy of picrosirius‐stained sections identified changes in matrix organization.ResultsImmune cells were consistently identified at the periphery of cutaneous LCH lesions. We quantified an increased number of thickened and disorganized elastic fibers surrounding lesions and an absence of elastic fibers within lesions. Furthermore, lesions exhibited a decrease in mature collagen fibers and a loss of supporting collagen matrix within lesions and compromised collagen integrity in adjacent tissue.ConclusionsCutaneous LCH lesions are associated with the peripheral recruitment of a variety of immune cells and are consistently characterized by localized elastosis, collagen damage, and remodeling.
Treatment of facial lipoatrophy with polymethylmethacrylate among patients with human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS): impact on the quality of life
Authors: Quintas Rodrigo C. S. , de França Emmanuel R. , de Petribú Kátia C. L. , Ximenes Ricardo A. A. , Quintas Lóren F. F. M. , Cavalcanti Ernando L. F. , Kitamura Marco A. P. , Magalhães Kássia A. A. , Paiva Késsia C. F. , Filho Demócrito B. Miranda 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe lipodystrophy syndrome is characterized by selective loss of subcutaneous fat on the face and extremities (lipoatrophy) and/or accumulation of fat around the neck, abdomen, and thorax (lipohypertrophy). The aim of this study has been to assess the impact of polymethylmethacrylate facial treatment on quality of life, self‐perceived facial image, and the severity of depressive symptoms in patients living with HIV/AIDS.MethodsA non‐randomized before and after interventional study was developed. Fifty‐one patients underwent facial filling. The self‐perceived quality of life, facial image, and degree of depressive symptoms were measured by the Short‐Form 36 and HIV/AIDS – Targeted quality of life questionnaires, by a visual analogue scale and by the Beck depression inventory, respectively, before and three months after treatment.ResultsSix of the eight domains of Short‐Form 36 and eight of the nine dimensions of the HIV/AIDS – Targeted quality of life questionnaires, together with the visual analogue scale and by the Beck depression inventory scores, revealed a statistically significant improvement. The only adverse effects registered were edema and ecchymosis.ConclusionThe treatment of facial lipoatrophy improved the self‐perceived quality of life and facial image as well as any depressive symptoms among patients with HIV/AIDS.
HLA DRB1* and DQB1* alleles are associated with disease severity in patients with pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Svecova Danka , Parnicka Zuzana , Pastyrikova Lucia , Urbancek Slavomir , Luha Jan , Buc Milan 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundPemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a rare autoimmune disease that involves the skin and mucosa. The etiology of PV is multifactorial and includes genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immunological factors.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II alleles associated with PV and variations in the disease phenotype.MethodsForty‐four PV patients were diagnosed and analyzed at the Bullous Disorders Unit in cooperation with the Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia. HLA class II alleles previously found to be associated with PV (DRB1*04:02, DRB1*04:04, DRB1*14:54, DRB1*14:04, DRB1*14:05, DQB1*03:02 and DQB1*05:03) were analyzed according to disease severity, PV type, and gender distribution.ResultsCorrelations emerged between PV severity scores and HLA alleles. The DRB1*04:02 and DQB1*03:02 alleles were associated with severe PV (P = 0.001); DRB1*04:02 was associated with the mucocutaneous type (P = 0.024), and DQB1*03:02 was found more frequently in female than in male patients (P = 0.016). Analyses of the other alleles did not reveal significant associations with the clinical parameters evaluated.ConclusionsThe HLA DRB1* and DQB1* alleles influence susceptibility to PV and may contribute to PV severity and type. These results suggest that genetic background may contribute to disease outcome by affecting the disease course and efficacy of treatment because some of the alleles were found significantly more frequently in patients with severe disease.
Tungiasis in Haiti: a case series of 383 patients
Authors: Louis Shesly J. , Bronsnick Tara , Louis Frantz J. , Rao Babar 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundTungiasis is endemic in poverty‐stricken communities of South and Central America, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. This ectoparasitosis, caused by the female sand flea Tunga penetrans, is associated with considerable longterm morbidity in severely affected patients, including toe deformation and limited mobility. In Haiti, tungiasis is poorly documented but is known to occur. This study is the first formal investigation of tungiasis in Haiti.MethodsA total of 383 patients in four regions (Belle Fontaine, Vallue, Savanette, Cerca Carvajal) were examined and interviewed to determine disease prevalence, demographics and clinical presentation, and tungiasis‐related behaviors.ResultsPrevalences of tungiasis ranged from 10.6 to 81.8% across the four regions. The overall prevalence of tungiasis in the patients examined was 31.1%. Of the affected patients, 63% were male and 37% were female, 37% were aged 0–10 years, and 100% reported pain and pruritus. Lesions occurred on the feet in 93.3% and on the hands in 22.7% of affected patients. The most common complications observed were chronic inflammation (54.2%) and hyperkeratosis (48.2%).ConclusionsThis study establishes tungiasis as endemic in four regions of Haiti and reveals disease characteristics similar to those reported previously, suggesting that there are common factors underlying this disease in various regions, which are likely to be poverty‐related. These findings emphasize the need to acknowledge tungiasis as a clinically relevant public health issue in order to decrease the frequency of tungiasis‐related morbidity in endemic areas.
Trophic skin ulceration in leprosy: evaluation of the efficacy of topical phenytoin sodium zinc oxide paste
Authors: Sehgal Virendra N. , Prasad Pullabatla V. S. , Kaviarasan Pichai K. , Rajan Deepak 
Published: March 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe trophic or chronic plantar ulcer of leprosy is one of the principle causes of disability and deformity in the disease and has been given due importance in the evolution of its classification. In view of the diversity of its clinical implications, the World Health Organization was obliged to bring this entity under its remit in order to develop uniform guidelines to be applied around the globe. Despite relentless endeavor, its management continues to represent a dilemma.ObjectivesThe role of topical phenytoin sodium in wound healing led this group to evaluate its efficacy in the healing of trophic or chronic plantar ulcers. The success of the therapy was assessed according to the extent of regression in the size of the ulcer(s) following the formation of granulation tissue.MethodsForty patients released from leprosy control were recruited. A retrospective diagnosis was made in each case, and patients were grouped accordingly. Demographic data were recorded after the provision of informed consent. Bacterial cultures before and after treatment, and radiography were performed in each case. A phenytoin sodium fine powder zinc oxide paste dressing was applied every day for four weeks. Granulation was graded according to its appearance in order to evaluate the success of the topical therapy.ResultsOf the 40 patients, 26 (65.0%) borderline lepromatous leprosy patients had trophic ulcers, with the ball of the great toe being the most common site. Twelve (30.0%) patients had bone involvement. A total of 22 (55.0%) patients achieved complete resolution of the ulcer, and evidence of granulation formation was seen in 33 (82.5%) patients. The clearance of bacterial load after treatment was a significant finding. Zinc oxide paste per se was not effective, but its role as a vehicle was an asset.ConclusionsPhenytoin sodium zinc oxide paste was found to be an efficacious, cost‐effective, and well‐tolerated alternative therapy. Patient compliance was good. Bone involvement contributed to poor wound healing, but the clearance of bacterial load was significant.
Expression of IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐17 in cutaneous schistosomal granuloma
Authors: Attia Sameh K. , Moftah Noha H. , Abdel‐Azim Eman S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesCutaneous schistosomal granuloma (CSG) is a rare dermatological disease, the clinical and histopathological features of which are well defined. Although a panoramic picture of its immunopathogenesis in humans is not yet available, it is believed to be induced by T helper 1 (Th1), Th2, or Th17 cytokines in animals. This study evaluated the expression of different types of Th cytokines, including Th1 cytokine interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), Th2 cytokine interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), and Th17 cytokine IL‐17, in human CSG.MethodsThis study included nine patients with CSG. Dermatological examinations were conducted in all subjects. Skin biopsy specimens were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Immunohistochemical examination was performed using three monoclonal anti‐human antibodies against IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐17 to evaluate Th1, Th2, and Th17 cytokines, respectively.ResultsThe most common site of CSG manifestation was the paraumbilical area, which was affected in 66.7% of patients. All lesional skin biopsy specimens revealed multiple dermal granulomas surrounding schistosomal eggs. Positive immunoreactivity for IFN‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐17 was present in dermal inflammatory infiltrate in 88.9, 11.1, and 88.9% of subjects, respectively. There were statistically significant negative correlations between the duration of disease and both IFN‐γ and IL‐17 (P ≤ 0.05), and a statistically significant positive correlation between IFN‐γ and IL‐17 (P ≤ 0.05).ConclusionsThis study suggests that CSG is formed by the action of both Th1 (IFN‐γ) and Th17 (IL‐17) cytokines, which have been shown to be directed against the schistosomal egg to induce a cell‐mediated immune response.
Effect of the time of cold maceration on the evolution of phenolic compounds and colour of Syrah wines elaborated in warm climate
Authors: Cejudo‐Bastante María Jesús , Gordillo Belén , Hernanz Dolores , Escudero‐Gilete María Luisa , González‐Miret Maria Lourdes , Heredia Francisco J. 
Published: March 2014

SummaryThe effect of different cold maceration times on Syrah red wines from warm climate has been evaluated. Differential colorimetry and tristimulus colorimetry were applied to colour data at different points of the vinification stage. Virtually, all the phenolic compounds showed significantly higher content in cold macerated wines, even more when longer contact time was used. Long cold macerated (LCM) wines had the significantly (P < 0.05) highest chroma values (C*ab) and lowest of lightness (L*) and hue (hab). Unexpectedly, wines submitted to short‐time cold maceration (SCM) presented the lowest chroma values, even significantly inferior to that observed in traditional macerated (TM) wines. Moreover, colour changes (ΔE*ab) between TM and SCM were mainly quantitative (%Δ2L and %Δ2C), whereas they were also qualitative when compared TM with LCM (%Δ2C and %Δ2H). Cold maceration in warm climates characterised by common colour losses must be carefully employed because undesirable consequences on colour may occur.