bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low‐Temperature Sintering and Piezoelectric Properties of CuO‐Added KNbO3 Ceramics
Authors: Kim Dae‐Hyeon , Joung Mi‐Ri , Seo In‐Tae , Hur Joon , Kim Jong‐Hyun , Kim Bo‐Yun , Lee Hwack‐Joo , Nahm Sahn 
Published: September 2014

Dielectric and piezoelectric properties of CuO‐added KNbO3 (KN) ceramics were investigated. The CuO reacted with the Nb2O5, formed a CuO–Nb2O5‐related liquid phase during the sintering, and assisted the densification of the KN ceramics at low temperatures. Moreover, some of the Cu2+ ions replaced the Nb5+ ions in the matrix and behaved as a hardener. The dielectric and piezoelectric properties of the KN ceramics were considerably influenced by the relative density. The 1.0 mol% CuO‐added KN ceramic sintered at 960°C for 1.0 h, which showed a maximum relative density, exhibited a high phase angle of 86.9°, Pr of 14.8 μC/cm2, and Ec of 1.8 kV/mm. This specimen also exhibited good dielectric and piezoelectric properties: εT33/εo of 364, d33 of 122 pC/N, kp of 0.29, and Qm of 611.
Biogeography of the social wasp genus Brachygastra (Hymenoptera: Vespidade: Polistinae)
Authors: da Silva Marjorie , Noll Fernando Barbosa 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to understand the biogeography of Brachygastra. As the spatial component of evolution is of fundamental importance to understanding the processes shaping the evolution of taxa, the known geological history of the Neotropical region was used together with the current phylogeny and distribution of species to investigate questions concerning the biogeography of Brachygastra: the ancestral ranges of Brachygastra species; their areal relationships and their congruence with previously published hypotheses; the possible associated vicariance events and the influence of land bridges between North and South America, and the split between the Amazon and Atlantic forests.LocationNeotropical region, from Mexico to central Argentina and southern USA.MethodsStatistical dispersal–vicariance analysis (S‐DIVA) was used to reconstruct the possible ancestral ranges of Brachygastra species based on their phylogeny (divided into three groups, lecheguana, scuttelaris and smithii). A Brooks parsimony analysis (BPA) and component analysis were performed to reconstruct the areal relationships of these species within the Neotropics.ResultsS‐DIVA suggested a widespread, South American ancestral region for Brachygastra. The ancestral B. azteca probably reached the Nearctic before a posterior vicariance event separated it from the species groups ((lecheguana (scutellaris + smithii))), that stayed in the Atlantic forest. The ancestral (scutellaris + smithii groups) possibly reached the Amazon by dispersal, and the subsequent vicariance event splitting the Atlantic forest and Amazon separated the groups into scutellaris in the Atlantic forest and smithii in the Amazon. BPA and component analyses suggested that the Nearctic was a sister area to other regions, the Andes and Mesoamerica was a sister area to the Neotropical regions and the Amazon was closely related to the Atlantic forest.Main conclusionsThe phylogeny and distribution of Brachygastra suggest the influence of a land bridge between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres affecting the cladogenesis of B. azteca and the importance of the formation of the two blocks of forests in South America to the cladogenesis of the main groups of Brachygastra. Future comparisons between the distribution patterns of other taxa should enable a more precise identification of the possible events and outcomes, adding robustness to the hypothesized areal relationships.
Multivariate analyses of Ki‐67, cytokeratin 13 and cytokeratin 17 in diagnosis and prognosis of oral precancerous lesions
Authors: Yagyuu Takahiro , Obayashi Chiho , Ueyama Yoshihiro , Takano Masato , Tanaka Yuu , Kawaguchi Masahiko , Takeda Maiko , Kasai Takahiko , Kirita Tadaaki 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundKi‐67, cytokeratin 13, and/or cytokeratin 17 detection by immunohistochemistry has been reported to be useful for the diagnosis of oral precancerous lesions. However, the use of these markers remains controversial because of the lack of appropriately designed statistical studies. We assessed the hypothesis that Ki‐67, cytokeratin 13, or cytokeratin 17 immunohistochemistry could facilitate the diagnosis of oral precancerous lesions and/or predict prognosis.MethodsEpithelial dysplasia was classified as low grade (none or mild dysplasia) or high grade (moderate dysplasia, severe dysplasia, or carcinoma in situ). This study included 58 low‐grade and 36 high‐grade dysplasia cases. We used logistic regression to assess the diagnostic values of Ki‐67, cytokeratin 13, and cytokeratin 17 for high‐grade dysplasia. Correlations between these markers and the prognosis of oral atypical epithelium were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsKi‐67 overexpression and cytokeratin 13 loss were independent diagnostic markers for high‐grade dysplasia (odds ratios, 1.92 and 2.53; 95% confidence intervals, 1.03–3.58, and 1.19–5.38, respectively). The area under the curve of Ki‐67 was 0.73 and that of cytokeratin 13 was 0.72. However, the combination of Ki‐67 and cytokeratin 13 yielded the area under the curve of 0.78. Ki‐67 overexpression was significantly associated with recurrence and/or malignant transformation of oral atypical epithelium (hazard ratio, 7.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.07–48.92).ConclusionsKi‐67 overexpression and cytokeratin 13 loss may be useful for distinguishing oral precancerous lesions from reactive atypical epithelium. Moreover, Ki‐67 overexpression may be a risk factor for recurrence and/or malignant transformation of oral atypical epithelium.
A comparative study of bone remodeling molecules expression in different types of jaw ameloblastoma
Authors: Iakovou Maria , Chrysomali Evanthia , Piperi Evangelia , Fanourakis Galinos , Sklavounou Alexandra , Vlachodimitropoulos Dimitrios , Tseleni‐Balafouta Sophia 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundSolid ameloblastoma demonstrates a more invasive behavior compared to unicystic. The follicular ameloblastoma is referred that may present a higher recurrence potential compared to the plexiform variant. In this study, the different ameloblastoma clinical types and histopathological variants were examined regarding the expression of bone remodeling‐related molecules OPG, RANKL, and TRAIL.MethodsImmunostained sections of 29 solid and 11 unicystic ameloblastoma cases were semi‐quantitatively evaluated and analyzed using Mann–Whitney or Kruskal–Wallis tests.ResultsSolid ameloblastoma showed a significantly increased OPG expression (P = 0.004) associated with the follicular (P < 0.05) than the plexiform or mixed pattern. Lack or low immunoreactivity for RANKL was noted in 79.3% of the solid tumors. A statistically significant result (P < 0.05) was found in the unicystic ameloblastoma for differences by the histopathological pattern (no RANKL expression when plexiform pattern was seen compared to follicular). Comparison between the clinical types showed differences regarding the ratio of OPG/RANKL and TRAIL/RANKL expression. Higher OPG expression over RANKL was observed in 86.2% of the solid compared to 36.4% of the unicystic type. There was no difference in the ratio of TRAIL/RANKL expression in the unicystic, whereas 55.2% of the solid ameloblastomas showed a greater TRAIL expression over RANKL.ConclusionsOur results suggest OPG overexpression and RANKL underexpression in solid ameloblastoma; this may reflect a possible prevalence of the OPG/TRAIL over the OPG/RANKL signaling pathway, resulting in inactivation of TRAIL‐induced apoptosis in ameloblastic cells. In unicystic ameloblastoma, the RANKL/OPG expression immunoprofile among histological variants is compatible with the reported biologic behavior.
p‐Akt and its relationship with clinicopathological features and survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Pontes Hélder Antônio Rebelo , Pontes Flávia Sirotheau Corrêa , de Jesus Adriana Souza , Soares Maiza Cristina Pereira , Gonçalves Fábio Luiz Neves , de Lucena Botelho Tessa , do Carmo Ribeiro Jaciane , dos Santos Pinto Décio 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate, through immunohistochemical reaction in samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma, the correlation between the expression status of protein kinase B (p‐Akt) and patient survival as well as histological grade and some clinicopathological features.MethodsSamples were collected from 46 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The immunohistochemical expression of p‐Akt was analysed, as were clinicopathological features including the use of tobacco, tumour stage, size and infiltration of metastatic lymph nodes. The association of immunostaining with histological grade was analysed in 40 patients. The associations were examined for statistical significance using a chi‐square test. Overall survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method and compared using a log rank test (P > 0.05).ResultsThe results indicated a statistically significant association with p‐Akt immunostaining for the variables lymph node metastasis (P = 0.006), tumour size (P = 0.044) and survival rate (P = 0.0298).ConclusionFrom these results, the present study suggests that high p‐Akt expression found in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients may contribute to tumour growth, metastasis to regional lymph nodes and shorter survival time.
FIRM HETEROGENEITY, MULTIPLANT CHOICE, AND AGGLOMERATION
Authors: Saito Hisamitsu 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTWe examine the organization and location choice of heterogeneous firms in a two‐region economy. When some high‐productivity firms engage in multiplant production, a reduction in transport costs causes two changes in a small region: the closure of plants by high‐productivity multiplant firms and the relocation of low‐productivity single‐plant firms to the region. In the presence of high‐productivity multiplant firms, therefore, a decline in transport costs reinforces the spatial sorting of firms by productivity, enlarging the productivity gap between large and small regions. Conversely, reducing investment costs weakens the spatial sorting effects on regional productivity disparities.
Microbiota in Wheat Roots, Rhizosphere and Soil in Crops Grown in Organic and Other Production Systems
Authors: Lenc Leszek , Kwaśna Hanna , Sadowski Czesław , Grabowski Andrzej 
Published: September 2014

AbstractCulturable microbial communities and diseases were compared in organic, integrated and conventional systems of winter wheat production and monoculture. Particular emphasis was placed on the density and diversity of cereal pathogens and their potential antagonists, and on the association of the active microbial populations with the health and productivity of wheat. In roots, rhizoplane and rhizosphere, fungi tended to be most abundant in the integrated system or monoculture, and bacteria in the organic system. The dominant fungal groups (with individual frequency >5%) included root pathogens (Fusarium, Gibberella, Haematonectria and Ilyonectria) and known pathogen antagonists (Acremonium strictum, Clonostachys, Chaetomium, Gliocladium and Trichoderma spp.). The 50 subdominant species (with individual frequency 1–5%) included the pathogens Alternaria, Cladosporium (leaf spot), Gaeumannomyces graminis (take‐all), Glomerella graminicola (anthracnose), Oculimacula yallundae (eyespot), Phoma spp. (leaf spots), and Pythium and Rhizoctonia (root rot). The 40 subrecedent species (with individual frequency <1%) included minor pathogens (Botrytis, Coniothyrium, Leptosphaeria). Antagonists in roots, rhizoplane and rhizosphere were most frequent in the organic system and least frequent in monoculture, suggesting that these systems had the most and least disease‐suppressive habitats, respectively. The other two systems were intermediate, with microbial communities suggesting that the conventional system produced a slightly more suppressive environment than the integrated system. The highest grain yield, in the integrated system, was associated with high abundance of fungi, including fungal pathogens, lowest abundance of Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas and Streptomyces in roots, rhizoplane and soil, and relatively high stem‐base and leaf disease severity. The lowest grain yields, in the organic system and monoculture, were associated with less abundant fungi and more abundant Pseudomonas. There is no clear indication that yields were affected by diseases.
A review on phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology studies of Aconitum
Authors: Nyirimigabo Eric , Xu Yanyan , Li Yubo , Wang Yuming , Agyemang Kojo , Zhang Yanjun 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Objectives
A number of species belonging to herbal genus Aconitum are well-known and popular for their medicinal benefits in Indian, Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, Tibetan and Chinese systems of medicine. It is a valuable drug as well as an unpredictable toxic material. It is therefore imperative to understand and control the toxic potential of herbs from this genus. In this review, the ethnomedicinal, phytochemistry, pharmacology, structure activity relationship and toxicology studies of Aconitum were presented to add to knowledge for their safe application.

Key findings
A total of about 76 of all aconite species growing in China and surrounding far-east and Asian countries are used for various medical purposes. The main ingredients of aconite species are alkaloids, flavonoids, free fatty acids and polysaccharides. The tuberous roots of genus Aconitum are commonly applied for various diseases such as rheumatic fever, painful joints and some endocrinal disorders. It stimulates the tip of sensory nerve fibres. These tubers of Aconitum are used in the herbal medicines only after processing. There remain high toxicological risks of the improper medicinal applications of Aconitum. The cardio and neurotoxicities of this herb are potentially lethal. Many analytical methods have been reported for quantitatively and qualitatively characterization of Aconitum.

Summary
Aconitum is a plant of great importance both in traditional medicine in general and in TCM in particular. Much attention should be put on Aconitum because of its narrow therapeutic range. However, Aconitum's toxicity can be reduced using different techniques and then benefit from its pharmacological activities. New methods, approaches and techniques should be developed for chemical and toxicological analysis to improve its quality and safety.
Fatalism Moderates the Relationship Between Family History of Cardiovascular Disease and Engagement in Health‐Promoting Behaviors Among At‐Risk Rural Kentuckians
Authors: Mudd‐Martin Gia , Rayens Mary Kay , Lennie Terry A. , Chung Misook L. , Gokun Yevgeniya , Wiggins Amanda T. , Biddle Martha J. , Bailey Alison L. , Novak M. J. , Casey Baretta R. , Moser Debra K. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractPurposeIn rural communities that experience high rates of cardiovascular disease (CVD) morbidity and mortality, family history education may enhance risk awareness and support engagement in healthy behaviors but could also engender fatalism. This study was conducted to assess if the relationship between family history and adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors is moderated by fatalism.MethodsBaseline data were obtained from 1,027 adult participants in the HeartHealth in Rural Kentucky study. Multiple linear regression was used to determine whether fatalism moderated the relationship between high‐risk family history of CVD and adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors, controlling for sociodemographic variables and CVD risk factors. The relationship between family history and healthy behaviors was assessed for subgroups of participants divided according to the upper and lower quartiles of fatalism score.FindingsThe relationship between high‐risk family history of CVD and adherence to healthy behaviors was moderated by fatalism. Among those with the highest quartile of fatalism scores, high‐risk family history predicted greater adherence to healthy behaviors, while among those in the lowest quartile, and among those with the middle 50% of fatalism scores, there was no association between family history and healthy behavior scores.ConclusionsFamily history education can provide people at increased risk for CVD important information to guide health practices. This may be particularly relevant for those with a high degree of fatalistic thinking. In rural communities with limited health resources, family history education, combined with assessment of fatalism, may support better targeted interventions to enhance engagement in healthy behaviors.
Estrogen Mediates Metabolic Syndrome-Induced Erectile Dysfunction: A Study in the Rabbit
Authors: Vignozzi Linda , Filippi Sandra , Comeglio Paolo , Cellai Ilaria , Morelli Annamaria , Marchetta Matilde , Maggi Mario 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Estrogen receptor (ER) α is critical in mediating the harmful effects of hyperestrogenism in fetal or neonatal life on the developing penis. In contrast, little is known on the impact of an excess of estrogens on penile function in adulthood.

Aim
To investigate the effect of estrogens on metabolic syndrome (MetS)-associated erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods
We employed a recently established animal model of high fat diet (HFD)-induced MetS. Subgroups of MetS rabbits were dosed with either testosterone (T) or tamoxifen. We evaluated penile responsiveness to acetylcholine (Ach) as well as the expression of genes related to penile smooth muscle relaxation and contractility.

Main Outcome Measure
Associations between MetS-induced penile alterations and sex steroids were investigated in an animal model of HFD-induced MetS. To understand the role of either androgen deficiency or estrogen excess on ED, we treated subgroups of MetS rabbits with either T or tamoxifen, a classical ER antagonist.

Results
Feeding an HFD-induced MetS was associated to elevated estradiol (E2) and low T levels. E2, but not T, was independently and negatively associated with genes able to affect penile erection. Smooth muscle-related markers decreased as a function of E2 and were positively associated with all the variables investigated. Increasing concentrations of circulating E2 were negatively associated with Ach-induced relaxation. In HFD rabbits, in vivo T dosing significantly improved MetS and completely normalized circulating E2. Conversely, in vivo tamoxifen dosing reduced visceral adiposity and partially restored T level. Ach-induced relaxation was severely impaired by HFD and significantly restored, up to the control level, by both tamoxifen and T dosing. In rabbit smooth muscle cells cultures 17β-E2 (1 nM) significantly reduced the expression of α-smooth muscle actin, transgelin, and phosphodiesterase type 5. The effects of 17β-E2 were completely reverted by tamoxifen (100 nM).

Conclusions
This study demonstrates, for the first time, that HFD-induced ED is more associated with a high E2, rather than to a low T, milieu. HFD-induced ED is partially restored by in vivo treatment not only with T but also with the nonsteroidal ER antagonist, tamoxifen.
Pelvic Examination Experiences in Women With and Without Chronic Pain During Intercourse
Authors: Boyer Stéphanie C. , Pukall Caroline F. 
Published: September 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Although pelvic examinations (PEs) are an important component of women's health, some women experience difficulty during PEs due to anxiety and pain. These difficulties may be heightened in women with chronic pain during sexual intercourse. Some evidence suggests that this population experiences pain and distress during PEs, but their experiences in this context have not been empirically investigated from a multidimensional perspective.

Aims
The aims of this study were to compare the PE experiences of women with and without pain during intercourse and to examine predictors of negative experiences in each group.

Method
Women with vulvovaginal pain (n = 90), pelvic pain (n = 89), and women without current intercourse pain (n = 207) completed an online survey including sections assessing demographics, gynecological and medical history, and PE experiences. Respondents completed questionnaires assessing vaginal penetration cognitions and body image.

Main Outcome Measures
Participants rated their most recent PE on numerical scales for pain, embarrassment, anxiety, and the overall quality of the experience.

Results
Women with pelvic and vulvovaginal pain during intercourse reported significantly more pain and anxiety during their most recent PE compared with the no pain group, and women with a higher number of lifetime gynecological diagnoses reported significantly more pain. Multiple regression analyses indicated that various predisposing, examination-related, and psychological factors predicted specific PE ratings in each group.

Conclusions
The results provide empirical support that PEs are more physically and emotionally difficult for women who experience chronic pain during intercourse. These findings have important clinical implications, as PEs are a critical part of complete reproductive care and play an essential role in the assessment/management of sexual pain, including Genito-Pelvic Pain/Penetration Disorder.
Primary succession, disturbance and productivity drive complex species richness patterns on land uplift beaches
Authors: Nylén Tua , Luoto Miska 
Published: September 2014

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the interactive effects of succession time, disturbance and productivity on the fine‐scale species richness of beach vegetation? How do these effects differ between functional groups that are known to represent different adaptive strategies?LocationBoreal beach and dune systems (ca. 60°–65° N) of the Baltic Sea coast in Finland, characterized by steep environmental gradients, post‐glacial land uplift and resulting primary succession.MethodsThe analysis was based on an extensive and systematic survey of vascular plant, bryophyte and lichen species and environmental factors. Total species richness and the species richness of seven functional groups were modelled as functions of succession time, disturbance, productivity and their statistical interactions. The effects of the local environmental variability were taken into account by applying generalized linear mixed models (GLMM).ResultsAll three environmental factors and their statistical interactions, including the three‐way interaction, were highly significant in explaining total species richness. The effect of disturbance on total species richness changed from negative to positive along succession time and productivity gradients. The response of beach specialist richness to succession time and disturbance was unimodal, while the responses of the generalist functional groups were monotonic. Beach specialist richness showed a strong positive response to productivity, whereas the richness of the generalist groups was not related to changes in productivity.ConclusionsThe patterns of species richness on uplifting beaches are determined by the interplay of primary succession, disturbance and productivity. When both succession time and productivity increase, competitive exclusion starts to limit total species richness. In these circumstances, disturbance favours diversity by creating gaps in the vegetation. A combination of long succession time, low disturbance and low productivity result in maximum species richness. The richness of functional groups, particularly the opportunistic and disturbance‐tolerant beach specialist group and the competitive but disturbance‐sensitive groups, reach their peak in divergent environmental conditions. Consequently, the complex richness patterns observed on uplifting beaches are created not only by strongly interacting environmental drivers but also by differences in species' adaptive strategies.