bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pirfenidone gel in patients with localized scleroderma: a phase II study
Authors: Rodríguez-Castellanos Marco , Tlacuilo-Parra Alberto , Sánchez-Enríquez Sergio , Vélez-Gómez Ezequiel , Guevara-Gutiérrez Elizabeth 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Localized scleroderma is an inflammatory disease in its first stages and a fibrotic process in later stages, principally mediated by the transforming growth factor β. To date, there is no standard treatment. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of 8% pirfenidone gel in patients with localized scleroderma.

Methods
This was an open phase II clinical trial that included 12 patients. Treatment with pirfenidone was indicated, three times daily for 6 months. Patients were evaluated clinically with the modified Localized Scleroderma Skin Severity Index (mLoSSI), as well with a durometer and histologically using hematoxylin and eosin stain and Masson’s trichrome stain.

Results
The baseline mLoSSI average scores were 5.83 ± 4.80 vs. 0.83 ± 1.75 (P = 0.002) at 6 months. The initial durometer induration of the scleroderma plaques was 35.79 ± 9.10 vs. 32.47 ± 8.97 at 6 months (P = 0.05). We observed histopathological improvement with respect to epidermal atrophy, inflammation, dermal or adipose tissue fibrosis and annex atrophy from 12.25 ± 3.25 to 9.75 ± 4.35 (P = 0.032). The 8% pirfenidone gel application was well tolerated, and no side effects were detected.

Conclusions
This is the first study on the therapeutic use of pirfenidone gel in localized scleroderma. It acts on both the inflammatory and the fibrotic phases. Considering its effectiveness, good safety profile and the advantage of topical application, pirfenidone is a treatment option in this condition.
Taxonomy of Q
Authors: Morozov Igor , Baharvand Ahmadi Amin 
Published: December 2014

The seismic quality factors [Formula: see text] used in many applications of exploration seismology are not automatically equivalent. We identified three groups of usage of the concept of a [Formula: see text]: (1) a measure of internal mechanical friction within rocks, as implied in petrophysical interpretations, (2) several types of apparent [Formula: see text] arising from attenuation measurements, and (3) axiomatic [Formula: see text] defined in the viscoelastic theory. These groups differ by their roles in the interpretation, sensitivity to model assumptions, frequency dependences, and particularly by the temporal and spatial resolution. Among all types of [Formula: see text], those that are most robust and useful for characterizing the material are also strongly limited in resolution and accuracy. For example, from spectral coherency studies, it is known that to measure a [Formula: see text] of approximately 100 with modest accuracy of 30%, measurement time intervals of about 500 ms are required. Although several inversion techniques offer models of [Formula: see text] at much higher resolution, such detailed [Formula: see text] models are usually dominated by the effects of localized structures, such as “colored” transmission across boundaries, reflectivity, or scattering. Such types of [Formula: see text] can be called “structural,” and they differ from the [Formula: see text]-factor of the medium. Detailed [Formula: see text] images are also sensitive to theoretical models such as background geometric spreading and assumptions about the frequency dependence of the [Formula: see text]. Direct association of such [Formula: see text] with material properties may be inaccurate and unreliable. Measurement of geometric spreading and averaging of the structural [Formula: see text] produce estimates of “geometric” and scattering attenuation; however, these estimates are also strongly limited in accuracy and resolution. The viscoelastic [Formula: see text] (group 3 above) heavily relies on a specific mathematical model. Despite producing detailed images, the spatial resolution of viscoelastic [Formula: see text] is inherently limited by the nature of its relation to the frequency-dependent velocity. This resolution limit is difficult to assess quantitatively.
Residual β-Cell Function and the Insulin-Like Growth Factor System in Danish Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Sorensen Jesper S. , Birkebaek Niels H. , Bjerre Mette , Pociot Flemming , Kristensen Kurt , Hoejberg Anne Soee , Frystyk Jan ,   the Danish Society for Diabetes in Childhood and Adolescence
Published: December 2014

Context:
C-peptide-positive adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D) have higher circulating total and free IGF-1 and lower IGF binding protein 1 (IGFBP-1) than C-peptide-negative patients. Whether this is also the case in children remains unknown.

Objective:
The objective of the study was to examine the IGF system in children/adolescents with and without residual β-cell function (RBF).

Design and Patients:
This was a cross-sectional study containing 136 prepubertal (hereof 15 RBF positive) and 206 pubertal (hereof 42 RBF positive) children/adolescents with T1D for 3–6 years as well as 40 prepubertal and 30 pubertal healthy controls. RBF was evaluated by meal-stimulated C-peptide.

Main Outcome Measures:
Fasting serum levels of bioactive IGF (ie, the ability of serum to activate the IGF-1 receptor in vitro), total IGF-1, total IGF-2, and IGFBP-1 and -3.

Results:
Irrespective of pubertal status, patients with T1D showed lower bioactive IGF and total IGF-1, but higher IGFBP-1 as compared with controls (P &lt; .05). When stratified according to RBF status, a positive RBF was associated with normalization of all IGF-related peptides but IGFBP-1 in prepubertal children (P &lt; .05), whereas none of the IGF components were normalized in prepubertal, RBF-negative children. In pubertal children, total IGF-1 and bioactive IGF remained subnormal and IGFBP-1 supranormal, irrespective of RBF status (P &lt; .05).

Conclusion:
Independent of pubertal status, T1D was associated with an abnormal IGF system. However, a positive RBF status appeared important but only in prepubertal children, in whom all IGF components but IGFBP-1 were normalized. We speculate that the pubertal GH surge induces insulin resistance, which overrides the stimulatory effect that an RBF may exert on the liver-derived IGF system.
Expression Pattern of 12-Lipoxygenase in Human Islets With Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Grzesik Wojciech J. , Nadler Joseph L. , Machida Yui , Nadler Jerry L. , Imai Yumi , Morris Margaret A. 
Published: December 2014

Context:
Inflammation in the pancreas can cause β-cell stress, leading to diabetes development. Access to human pancreas tissues via the Network for Pancreatic Organ Donors with Diabetes (nPOD) has allowed characterization of pathways leading to this inflammation.

Objective:
12-Lipoxygenase (12-LO) induces inflammation and has been implicated in diabetes development. Our goal was to determine expression of 12-LO in human islets from control, autoantibody-positive, type 1 diabetic, and type 2 diabetic nPOD pancreas donors.

Design:
Pancreas tissues from nPOD donors were examined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for islet expression of 12-LO in different subsets of islet cells.

Participants:
Donor pancreas samples were obtained from nPOD based on disease status (control, n = 7; autoantibody-positive, n = 8; type 1 diabetic, n = 17; or type 2 diabetic donors, n = 15).

Main Outcome Measure:
Determination of 12-LO expression within human islets served as the main outcome measure, including distinguishing which types of islet cells expressed 12-LO.

Results:
Islets from control participants (nondiabetic) lacked islet expression of 12-LO. Of donors in the other groups, 25% to 37% expressed islet 12-LO with a clear inverse relation between the numbers of β-cells and 12-LO+ cells within islets of 12-LO+ cases. 12-LO expression was not seen within macrophages, endothelial cells, α-cells, or β-cells, but only within cells expressing low levels of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and increased levels of vimentin.

Conclusions:
12-LO expression colocalizes within a specific type of islet PP+ cell under prediabetic and diabetic conditions. The costaining of PP and vimentin suggests that 12-LO participates in the process leading to β-cell dedifferentiation in the islet.
Teaching basic numeracy, predictive models and socioeconomics to marine ecologists through Bayesian belief networks
Authors: Stafford Richard , Williams Rachel 
Published: December 2014

Teaching numeric disciplines to higher education students in many life sciences disciplines is highly challenging. In this study, we test whether an approach linking field observations with predictive models can be useful in allowing students to understand basic numeracy and probability, as well as developing skills in modelling, understanding species interactions and even community/ecosystem-service interactions. We presented a field-based lecture in a morning session (on rocky shore ecology), followed by an afternoon session parameterising a belief network using a simple, user-friendly interface. The study was conducted with students during their second week of a foundation degree, hence having little prior knowledge of these systems or models. All students could create realistic predictive models of competition, predation and grazing, although most initially failed to account for trophic cascade effects in parameterising their models of the rocky shore they had previously seen. The belief network was then modified to account for a marine ecosystem management approach, where fishing effort and economic benefit of fishing were linked to population abundance of different species, and management goals were included. Students had little difficultly in applying conceptual links between species and ecosystem services in the same manner as between species. Students evaluated their understanding of a range of variables from rocky shore knowledge to marine management as increasing over the session, but the role of the predictive modelling task was indicated as a major source of learning, even for topics we thought may be better learned in the field. The study adds evidence to the theories that students benefit from exposure to numeric topics, even very early in their degree programmes, but students grasp concepts better when applied to real world situations which they have experience of, or perceive as important.
Wrap around field plate technique for GaN Schottky barrier diodes
Authors: Kolli Sowmya , Hickman Robert , Alphenaar Bruce W 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a wrap around field termination technique for a vertical Schottky barrier diode fabricated on a free standing GaN substrate. Unlike conventional field plate designs, in the wrap around structure the field plate surrounds the active device area. This allows for better control of the electric field distribution, and reduces field-crowding. 2D finite element simulations using ATLAS show a uniform field distribution across the device. Calculations show that the Ron increases relative to the conventional field plate. A break down voltage of 1300V was predicted for a 5um thick epilayer.
Spatially resolved optical emission of cubic GaN/AlN multi-quantum well structures
Authors: As D.J. , Kemper R. , Mietze C. , Wecker T. , Lindner J.K.N. , Veit P. , Dempewolf A. , Bertram F. , Christen J. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIn this contribution we report on the optical properties of cubic AlN/GaN asymmetric multi quantum wells (MQW) structures on 3C-SiC/Si (001) substrates grown by radio-frequency plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and spatially resolved cathodoluminescence (CL) at room temperature and at low temperature are used to characterize the optical properties of the cubic AlN/GaN MQW structures. An increasing CL emission intensity with increasing film thickness due to the improved crystal quality was observed. This correlation can be directly connected to the reduction of the linewidth of x-ray rocking curves with increasing film thickness of the c-GaN films. Defects like stacking faults (SFs) on the {111} planes, which also can be considered as hexagonal inclusions in the cubic crystal matrix, lead to a decrease of the CL emission intensity. With low temperature CL line scans also monolayer fluctuations of the QWs have been detected and the observed transition energies agree well with solutions calculated using a one-dimensional (1D) Schrödinger-Poisson simulator.
Removal of Metal Ions and Organic Compounds from Aqueous Environments Using Versatile Carbon Nanotube/Graphene Hybrid Adsorbents
Authors: Dichiara Anthony B. , Webber Michael R. , Rogers Reginald E. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe contamination of water by a large variety of molecules is a major environmental issue that will require the use of efficient and versatile materials to purify hydrological systems from source to point-of-use. The present study describes the aqueous-phase adsorption of heavy metal ions and multiple organic compounds at environmentally relevant concentrations onto graphene-single-walled carbon nanotube free-standing hybrid papers. Optical absorption spectroscopy results clearly showed that the hybrid nanocomposites exhibit superior adsorption properties compared to activated carbon, the most widely used adsorbent to date.
Synthesis of SBA-16 Supported Catalyst for CNTs and Dispersion Study of CNTs in Polypyrrole Composite
Authors: Hussain Tajamal , Mujahid Adnan , Shehzad Khurram , Shah Asma Tufail , Kousar Rehana 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTIn last two decades, huge amount of research work has been contributed in the field of nanochemistry particularly for synthesis, characterization and applications of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). For synthesis of CNTs through chemical vapor deposition (CVD), supported metal catalyst is used preferentially. In view of that, SBA-16 supported nanoprticles of Iron, Fe/SBA-16, were prepared. To have Fe/SBA-16, adsorption of Fe nanoparticles on SBA-16 have been accomplished by reduction of ferrous ion on the surface of SBA-16. Afterwards, CNTs were synthesized by CVD using benzene as precursor over Fe/SBA-16 nanocatalyst. Synthesis of CNTs was carried out at 750°C with ambient pressure. Synthesized CNTs were functionalized by treating the them with a mixture of H2SO4/HNO3. As a result of this acidic treatment, carboxylic functional group was introduced on the surface of CNTs due to oxidation. As such prepared and functionalized CNTs were, further, used as filler in the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites of polypyrrol(PPY), matrix. These nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization. Thus, electrical conductivity is measured for both types of polymer composites. On their comparison, important information regarding dispersion of CNT in the matrix are extracted.
Zraniony strzałą piękna. Piękno i misja Kościoła według Josepha Ratzingera
Authors: Michalik Andrzej 
Published: December 2014

Thoughts about beauty appear in various places of incredibly rich writings of Joseph Ratzinger. Accordingly with his method, he undertakes this topic in a historical context reaching as far as to the Ancient Times, and develops its theological basis, in order to finally present its ecclesiastic context and a practical development. As always though, the point of origin is the existential problem and the answer of the Revelation as well as diagnosis of modernity. Beauty – according to Joseph Ratzinger – today, is rarely a product of inspiration, but it became a subject of commerce. Beauty seems to suffice by itself, which leads to an art crisis. However, because beauty in its deepest essence points towards a different Reality, that is why we discover all over again its special role in the fulfillment of the Church’s mission. The first task of the Church is to oppose the wicked beauty, which diminishes human, and the second one is to breathe new one in the apostolate thanks to discovering anew the purpose and the meaning of beauty in the human life, in experiencing God and in the Church’s liturgy. Against the crisis of apostolate we need to see the pedagogical aspect of beauty. Human wounded by an arrow of beauty – according to a personal experience of Joseph Ratzinger – is lifted up, above himself. For it is the protection of true beauty and seeing its role in the Church’s mission that are the tasks and a chance for the Church.
Historia organów w kościele Najświętszego Serca Pana Jezusa w Tarnowie
Authors: Szczerba Wojciech 
Published: December 2014

The purpose of this article is to enunciate the history of the organs in the church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Tarnów – Grabówka. This church, which was being built from 1935 till 1939 and from 1945 till 1952, despite of its short history, had been a place for two instruments and now the third one is being built. The author of this article, basing on the available archives and oral reports, wrote the short history of all three instruments, showing their specification: disposition, technical information, etc.
Dyspozycje prawne regulujące muzykę i śpiew liturgiczny po Soborze Watykańskim II (kontekst polski)
Authors: Kantor Robert 
Published: December 2014

The article addresses the issue if legal requirements regulating liturgical music and singing. There is no mention of it in The Code of Canon Law of 1983. However, the last one hundred and fifty years were characterised in this respect by two great reforms. The first one of 1903 was conducted by Pope Pius X, and the second one was done by means of the Second Vatican Council. The main subject of the first reform was the recovery of the „purity” of music in response to numerous instances of abuse which polluted liturgical music. The second reform was aimed at active and conscious participation of the faithful during a liturgical assembly. This paper presents the most important documents regarding this subject after the Second Vatican Council, including the Constitution of the Sacred Liturgy (Sacrosanctum concilium), Musicam sacram instruction and – with regard to the Polish background – Polish Episcopate instruction of 8 February 1979 on liturgical music.
Uniwersytecka „melodia”. Tarnowski przyczynek do współpracy międzynarodowej Uniwersytetu Papieskiego Jana Pawła II w Krakowie
Authors: Stala Józef 
Published: December 2014

The Erasmus exchange programme is one of the greatest culture and education programs, which helps students, teachers and administrative staff to explore and to grow their potential. Programme offers a chance to gain professional development through studying, teaching or training in a partner Higher Education Institution in Europe. Nine students and ten academic teachers from the Faculty of Theology, Section in Tarnow of the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow have participated in programme since 2007. The author of this article presents contribution of the Faculty of Theology, Section in Tarnow to the international cooperation and development of the Pontifical University of John Paul II in Krakow.
Pamięć a czas – od Arystotelesa do św. Tomasza
Authors: Łabno Kamila 
Published: December 2014

Przedmiotem refleksji w niniejszym artykule jest relacja, jaka zachodzi między pamięcią i czasem. Przytaczając rozważania takich myślicieli jak Arystoteles, św. Augustyn czy św. Tomasz z Akwinu, autorka próbuje odpowiedzieć na pytanie, czy pamięć znajduje się w umyśle, oraz uchwycić różnorodność w ujmowaniu problematyki pamięci i związanego z nią czasu, jego odczuwania i doświadczania.
Z nieznanej korespondencji Romana Brandstaettera
Authors: Witek Jolanta A. 
Published: December 2014

Artykuł dotyczy nieznanej dotąd korespondencji pisarza, zgromadzonej w Bibliotece w Kórniku, Ossolineum czy zbiorach prywatnych. Listy kierowane do żony, osób duchownych, niewidomych dzieci z Lasek, literatów z kraju i zza granicy dostarczają interesujących wiadomości dotyczących życia i twórczości pisarza. Materiały nadesłane z Jerozolimy na prośbę autorki artykułu stanowią cenne uzupełnienie całości. Teksty potwierdzają ogromną fascynację pisarza tematyką religijną, a zwłaszcza umiłowaniem Biblii, która jest „księgą życia”.
Teologia wobec wymogu pastoralności
Authors: Królikowski Janusz 
Published: December 2014

Pod adresem współczesnej teologii stawia się wiele postulatów. Najważniejszymi z nich są naukowość i pastoralność. Z jednej więc strony postuluje się, by teologia była staranna, systematyczna i uporządkowana pod względem naukowości. Chodzi w tym przypadku o jasne określenie jej natury i metody, które konstytuują każdą dziedzinę badawczą jako naukę, a potem konsekwentne kierowanie się wypracowaną metodą. Postulat uzupełniający dotyczy takiego naukowego uprawiania teologii, które pozwoli określić jej miejsce w stosunku do innych nauk. Z drugiej strony formułuje się postulat większej pastoralności teologii. Pojawia się on niemal powszechnie w kręgach związanych z formacją kapłańską. Jest to zrozumiałe, ponieważ studia teologii mają przygotować do pełnienia posługi duszpasterskiej. W kręgach świeckich studentów teologii mówi się raczej o „praktyczności” teologii, chociaż w gruncie rzeczy chodzi o to samo. W niniejszym artykule zostają omówione wspomniane tutaj postulaty na gruncie refleksji nad przedmiotem teologii, jej naturą i metodą, nad niektórymi treściami wykładu teologicznego oraz nad jakością duchową tego wykładu. Szczególna uwaga zostaje zwrócona na możliwości pastoralne teologii, ale formułowane w świetle wyraźnego przyjmowania kryterium jej naukowości.
Nasopharyngeal Airway Volume for Different GOSLON Scores in Patients with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Gurlen S. Olmez , Aras I. , Dogan S. 
Published: December 2014

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the nasopharyngeal airway volumes of patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) with different GOSLON scores. Methods The study sample consisted of 34 patients with UCLP and 20 controls with no cleft history. In the UCLP group, three experienced examiners used the GOSLON Yardstick to rate dental arch relationships, and the sample was divided into three groups as GOSLON 2 (G2) (n = 13), GOSLON 3 (G3) (n = 10), and GOSLON 4 (G4) (n = 11). Airway volumes were constructed using three-dimensional computed tomography data and divided into four compartments named the nasal airway, and superior, middle, and inferior pharyngeal airways. Results No statistically significant difference was detected among G2, G3, and G4 between the constitutive airway departments of the nasopharyngeal region. However, nasal airway volumes were significantly higher in the control group when compared with the UCLP group. Discussion Although there was no correlation among the investigated parameters, it is also a fact that airway capacities display a great variability among patients when investigated three dimensionally. Conclusion Although the severity of GOSLON scores might predetermine the extent of which the airways are affected from the cleft, a larger sample size is needed in future studies.