bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental study on damage evolution of rock under uniform and concentrated loading conditions using digital image correlation
Authors: Song H. , Zhang H. , Fu D. , Kang Y. , Huang G. , Qu C. , Cai Z. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTDamage evolution and crack propagation in sandstone specimens have been observed by digital image correlation method. To investigate deformation and failure process of rock under different loading conditions, uniaxial compression and indentation tests were performed. Through the experiment, displacement and strain fields are simultaneously obtained that can visually display the distribution, mode and evolution of deformation and cracking in rock. Experimental results show that the damage distributes diffusely in rock at early loading stage, and the measured apparent strain increasingly concentrates with loading because of the nucleation of crack; propagation of the crack leads to the eventual failure of the specimen. Damage factor is calculated on the basis of deviation of apparent strain, and localization factor is presented to describe the level of deformation localization. The combined use of two factors can well represent the damage evolution of rock under compression.
Landscape influences on climate‐related lake shrinkage at high latitudes
Authors: Roach Jennifer K. , Griffith Brad , Verbyla David 
Published: March 2013

AbstractClimate‐related declines in lake area have been identified across circumpolar regions and have been characterized by substantial spatial heterogeneity. An improved understanding of the mechanisms underlying lake area trends is necessary to predict where change is most likely to occur and to identify implications for high latitude reservoirs of carbon. Here, using a population of ca. 2300 lakes with statistically significant increasing and decreasing lake area trends spanning longitudinal and latitudinal gradients of ca. 1000 km in Alaska, we present evidence for a mechanism of lake area decline that involves the loss of surface water to groundwater systems. We show that lakes with significant declines in lake area were more likely to be located: (1) in burned areas; (2) on coarser, well‐drained soils; and (3) farther from rivers compared to lakes that were increasing. These results indicate that postfire processes such as permafrost degradation, which also results from a warming climate, may promote lake drainage, particularly in coarse‐textured soils and farther from rivers where overland flooding is less likely and downslope flow paths and negative hydraulic gradients between surface water and groundwater systems are more common. Movement of surface water to groundwater systems may lead to a deepening of subsurface flow paths and longer hydraulic residence time which has been linked to increased soil respiration and CO2 release to the atmosphere. By quantifying relationships between statewide coarse resolution maps of landscape characteristics and spatially heterogeneous responses of lakes to environmental change, we provide a means to identify at‐risk lakes and landscapes and plan for a changing climate.
Causality and Headache Triggers
Authors: Turner Dana P. , Smitherman Todd A. , Martin Vincent T. , Penzien Donald B. , Houle Timothy T. 
Published: March 2013

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to explore the conditions necessary to assign causal status to headache triggers.BackgroundThe term “headache trigger” is commonly used to label any stimulus that is assumed to cause headaches. However, the assumptions required for determining if a given stimulus in fact has a causal‐type relationship in eliciting headaches have not been explicated.MethodsA synthesis and application of Rubin's Causal Model is applied to the context of headache causes. From this application, the conditions necessary to infer that 1 event (trigger) causes another (headache) are outlined using basic assumptions and examples from relevant literature.ResultsAlthough many conditions must be satisfied for a causal attribution, 3 basic assumptions are identified for determining causality in headache triggers: (1) constancy of the sufferer, (2) constancy of the trigger effect, and (3) constancy of the trigger presentation. A valid evaluation of a potential trigger's effect can only be undertaken once these 3 basic assumptions are satisfied during formal or informal studies of headache triggers.ConclusionsEvaluating these assumptions is extremely difficult or infeasible in clinical practice, and satisfying them during natural experimentation is unlikely. Researchers, practitioners, and headache sufferers are encouraged to avoid natural experimentation to determine the causal effects of headache triggers. Instead, formal experimental designs or retrospective diary studies using advanced statistical modeling techniques provide the best approaches to satisfy the required assumptions and inform causal statements about headache triggers.
Diagnostic and prognostic implications of the PAX8–PPARγ translocation in thyroid carcinomas—a TMA‐based study of 226 cases
Authors: Boos Laura A , Dettmer Matthias , Schmitt Anja , Rudolph Thomas , Steinert Hans , Moch Holger , Sobrinho‐Simões Manuel , Komminoth Paul , Perren Aurel 
Published: March 2013

AimsFollicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) has been a diagnostic challenge for decades. The PAX8–PPARγ rearrangement has been detected in FTC and classic papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). The aims of this study were to assess the presence of PAX8–PPARγ by using tissue microarrays in a large cohort of different thyroid neoplasms, and to assess its diagnostic and prognostic implications.Methods and resultsFluorescence in‐situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for PAX8–PPARγ was performed on 226 thyroid tumours, comprising FTCs (n = 59), PTCs (n = 126), poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas (PDs; n = 34), follicular thyroid adenomas (FTAs; n = 5), and follicular tumours of unknown malignant potential (FTUMPs; n = 2). PAX8–PPARγ was detected in 12% of FTCs, 1% of PTCs, 7% of PDs, and in both cases of FTUMP. There was no correlation between the extent of capsular or vascular invasion and PAX8–PPARγ, or between lymph node or haematogenous metastasis and PAX8–PPARγ. Overall survival (OS), tumour‐specific survival (TSS) and relapse‐free‐survival (RFS) were not influenced by PAX8–PPARγ.ConclusionsIn this study, we demonstrate for the first time the presence of PAX8–PPARγ in PDs and FTUMPs, whereas in FTCs and PTCs the prevalence of PAX8–PPARγ is lower than previously reported. PAX8–PPARγ did not correlate with invasiveness or affect prognosis in any tumour type.
CD4 T cells in immunity and immunotherapy of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Monsonego Alon , Nemirovsky Anna , Harpaz Idan 
Published: March 2013

SummaryAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia, with prevalence progressively increasing with aging. Pathological hallmarks of the disease include accumulation of amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) peptides and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain associated with glial activation and synaptotoxicity. In addition, AD involves peripheral and brain endogenous inflammatory processes that appear to enhance disease progression. More than a decade ago a new therapeutic paradigm emerged for AD, namely the activation of the adaptive immune system directly against the self‐peptide Aβ, aimed at lowering its accumulation in the brain. This was the first time that a brain peptide was used to vaccinate human subjects in a manner similar to classic viral or bacterial vaccines. The vaccination approach has taken several forms, from initially active to passive and then back to modified active vaccines. As the first two approaches to date failed to show sufficient efficacy, the last is presently being evaluated in ongoing clinical trials. The present review summarizes the immunogenic characteristics of Aβ in humans and mice and discusses past, present and future Aβ‐based immunotherapeutic approaches for AD. We emphasize potential pathogenic and beneficial roles of CD4 T cells in light of the pathogenesis and the general decline in T‐cell responsiveness evident in the disease.
Labour provisions in preferential trade agreements: Current practice and outlook
Authors: SIROËN Jean‐Marc 
Published: March 2013

Abstract.While the WTO and Doha Development Round do not deal with labour issues – they leave this to the ILO – the main countries that conclude free trade agreements incorporate labour provisions, which vary in terms of stringency. Sanctions are rarely used, and fears that “social clauses” would serve protectionist purposes have proved to be unfounded. Labour provisions are designed to meet a variety of sometimes conflicting goals, by means of different mechanisms aimed at improving labour practices and promoting Decent Work; the author makes a number of suggestions in this regard.
Case of acquired idiopathic cold‐induced hyperhidrosis
Authors: Tsuge Ayako , Kaneko Satoshi , Wate Reika , Yamazaki Fumikazu , Kusaka Hirofumi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractWe report the case of a 76‐year‐old man with a 10‐year history of cold‐induced sweating. He noticed excessive sweating in winter starting at the age of 66 years. The sweat appeared shortly after exposure to a cold environment, and was limited to his neck, chest and arms. Piloerection was also noticed in the sweating areas. The results from a heat‐induced sweating test and axon reflex sweating test, as well as the histology of his sweat glands, were normal. The heart/mediastinum ratio of 123I‐metaiodobenzylguanidine uptake was reduced, suggesting underlying pathomechanisms of incidental Lewy body disease. The cold‐induced sweating and elevation of plasma noradrenaline were inhibited by clonidine and amitriptyline. These results suggest the possibility of misconnection of afferent inputs under a cold environment to efferent pathways of heat‐induced sweating.
Consumer acceptability and understanding of front‐of‐pack nutrition labels
Authors: Mejean C. , Macouillard P. , Péneau S. , Hercberg S. , Castetbon K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundFront‐of‐pack (FOP) nutrition labelling has been proposed as a tool for helping consumers make healthy choices. Before determining its effects on consumer behaviour, factors involved in its use must be elucidated, i.e. understanding and acceptability on the part of the consumer. Among five FOP labels, we sought to determine which formats were most easily understood and accepted by a large sample of adults.MethodsAmong 39 370 adults who participated in the French Nutrinet‐Santé cohort study, understanding and indicators of acceptability (attitude, liking, visual attractiveness and perceived cognitive workload) were measured for five FOP labels: The currently used ‘multiple traffic lights’ (MTL) and ‘simple traffic lights’ (STL), and the ‘colour range’ logo (CR), the ‘green tick’ and the PNNS logo. We investigated the contribution of the different elements to consumer perception of FOP labels using multiple correspondence analyses.ResultsOver half of the sample population showed a high level of understanding and perceived no discomfort in terms of the different logos. Label formats were positioned along an acceptability gradient ranging from acceptance to rejection, consisting of ‘liking’, ‘attractiveness’ and indicators of perceived cognitive workload. MTL was significantly more often liked and was viewed as reliable and informative. MTL, STL and the green tick performed better than the CR and PNNS logos in terms of ease of identification and comprehension. CR was clearly the least appreciated and it had the most complex format.ConclusionsConsumers prefer FOP labels which give complete, reliable and simplified information on the nutrient quality of foods.
Comparing the effectiveness of a multi‐component weight loss intervention in adults with and without intellectual disabilities
Authors: Spanos D. , Hankey C. , Boyle S. , Melville C. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence of obesity in adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) is rising, although the evidence base for its treatment in this population group is minimal. Weight management interventions that are accessible to adults with ID will reduce the inequalities that they frequently experience in health services. This short report compared the effectiveness of weight management in those with and without ID who completed nine sessions of a multi‐component weight management programme.MethodsTAKE 5 is a 16‐week multi‐component weight management intervention for adults with ID and obesity [body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg m–2]. This intervention is an adaption of the weight management programme provided by the Glasgow & Clyde Weight Management Service (GCWMS) for adults without ID and obesity (National Health Service based). Fifty‐two participants of the TAKE 5 programme were individually matched by baseline characteristics (sex, age and BMI) with two participants without ID of the GCWMS programme. Comparisons in terms of weight and BMI change and rate of weight loss were made for those who attended all nine sessions.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups in the amount of weight loss (median: −3.6 versus −3.8 kg, respectively, P = 0.4), change in BMI (median: −1.5 versus −1.4 kg m–2, P = 0.9), success of achieving 5% weight loss (41.3% versus 36.8%, P = 0.9) and rate of weight loss across the 16‐week intervention.ConclusionsA multi‐component weight loss intervention can be equally effective for adults with and without ID and obesity.
Does the Production of an Airbag Injure more People than the Airbag Saves in Traffic?
Authors: Baumann Henrikke , Arvidsson Rickard , Tong Hui , Wang Ying 
Published: March 2013

SummarySocial life cycle assessment (S‐LCA) has been discussed for some years in the LCA community. We raise two points of criticism against current S‐LCA approaches. First, the development of S‐LCA methodology has not, to date, been based on experience with actual case studies. Second, for social impacts to be meaningfully assessed in a life cycle perspective, social indicators need to be unambiguously interpreted in all social contexts along the life cycle. We here discuss an empirically based approach to S‐LCA, illustrated by a case study of an automobile airbag system. The aim of the case study is to compare the injuries and lives lost during the product life cycle of the airbag system (excluding waste handling impacts) with the injuries prevented and lives saved during its use. The indicator used for assessing social impacts in this study is disability‐adjusted life years (DALY). The results from this study indicate that the purpose of an airbag system, which is to save lives and prevent injuries, is justified also in a life cycle perspective.
WNT‐3A and WNT‐5A counteract lipopolysaccharide‐induced pro‐inflammatory changes in mouse primary microglia
Authors: Halleskog Carina , Schulte Gunnar 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSurveying microglia, the resident macrophage‐like cells in the central nervous system, continuously screen their surroundings to sense imbalance in tissue homeostasis. Their activity is tightly regulated in both a pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory manner. We have previously shown that the lipoglycoproteins WNT‐3A and WNT‐5A drive pro‐inflammatory transformation in primary mouse microglia cells, arguing that WNTs have a role in the modulation of the central nervous system immune response. In this study, we address the effects of recombinant WNT‐3A and WNT‐5A on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated mouse primary microglia to investigate the putative anti‐inflammatory modulation of microglia by WNTs. While both WNT‐3A and WNT‐5A alone induce an up‐regulation of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2), a generic pro‐inflammatory microglia marker, LPS exceeds these effects dramatically. However, combination of LPS and WNTs results in a dose‐dependent decrease in LPS‐induced cyclooxygenase 2 protein and mRNA expression. In conclusion, our data suggest that WNTs have a dual and context‐dependent effect on microglia acting in a homeostatic pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory manner.
Heat‐mediated enrichment of α‐synuclein from cells and tissue for assessing post‐translational modifications
Authors: Miranda Hugo Vicente , Xiang Wei , de Oliveira Rita M. , Simões Tânia , Pimentel José , Klucken Jochen , Penque Deborah , Outeiro Tiago F. 
Published: March 2013

Abstractα‐synuclein (α‐syn) is the major component of Lewy bodies, a pathological hallmark of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. The characterization of α‐syn post‐translational modifications (PTMs), thought to interfere with its aggregation propensity and cellular signaling, has been limited by the availability of extraction methods of endogenous protein from cells and tissues, and by the availability of antibodies toward α‐syn PTMs. Here, by taking advantage of α‐syn thermostability, we applied a method to achieve high enrichment of soluble α‐syn both from cultured cells and brain tissues followed by proteomics analysis. Using this approach, we obtained 98% α‐syn sequence coverage in a variety of model systems, including a transgenic mouse model of PD, and validated the strategy by identifying previously described PTMs such as phosphorylation and N‐terminal acetylation. Our findings demonstrate that this procedure overcomes existing technical limitations and can be used to facilitate the systematic study of α‐syn PTMs, thereby enabling the clarification of their role under physiological and pathological conditions. Ultimately, this approach may enable the development of novel biomarkers and strategies for therapeutic intervention in synucleinopathies.
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In this study, we describe a method for enriching alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) from a variety of biological samples, from cultured cells to brain tissues. Enrichment of α‐syn was achieved by heating samples, further facilitating the identification of specific post‐translational modifications by immunoblot, or mass spectrometry‐based techniques. This approach will contribute to the clarification of the role of α‐syn PTMs in Parkinson's disease.
Looking at the world through a frosted window: experiences of loneliness among persons with mental ill‐health
Authors: Lindgren B.‐M. , Sundbaum J. , Eriksson M. , Graneheim U. H. 
Published: March 2013

Accessible summaryExperiences of loneliness among people with mental ill‐health can be metaphorically described as looking at the world through a frosted window.The experiences are multifaceted and developing as well as emotionally and socially excluding.People suffering from mental ill‐health and loneliness carry a twofolded stigma. They feel socially undesirable, and the social perceptions of lonely people are generally unfavourable.AbstractMental ill‐health is reported to be of major concern in public health. Persons suffering from mental ill‐health are a vulnerable group, and loneliness influences the perception of physical, social, and emotional well‐being. However, there are few studies exploring lived experiences of loneliness among people with mental ill‐health. This qualitative study aimed to illuminate experiences of loneliness among people with mental ill‐health. Five individual, informal conversational interviews were performed and subjected to qualitative content analysis. The main findings showed that experiences of loneliness could be metaphorically described as looking at the world through a frosted window. The experiences of loneliness were multifaceted and altering as well as emotionally and socially excluding. The findings are discussed in relation to Tillich dimensions of loneliness: loneliness as a painful dimension of being alone, and solitude as the enriching dimension of being alone. People suffering from mental ill‐health carry a twofolded stigma. They feel socially undesirable because of their mental ill‐health, and the social perceptions of lonely people are generally unfavourable. We believe that mental health nurses can support the developing and creative dimension of loneliness through a confirming approach, where people with mental ill‐health feel seen, heard, and respected as human beings.
Long-Term Evaluation of Donor-Site Morbidity After Radial Forearm Flap Phalloplasty for Transsexual Men
Authors: Van Caenegem Eva , Verhaeghe Evelien , Taes Youri , Wierckx Katrien , Toye Kaatje , Goemaere Stefan , Zmierczak Hans-Georg , Hoebeke Piet , Monstrey Stan , T'Sjoen Guy 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Phalloplasty using the radial forearm flap is currently the most frequently used technique to create the neophallus in transsexual men (formerly described as female-to-male transsexual persons). Although it is considered the gold standard, its main disadvantage is the eventual donor-site morbidity in a young, healthy patient population.

Aim
The study aims to examine the long-term effects of radial forearm flap phalloplasty in transsexual men and to evaluate aesthetic outcome, scar acceptance, bone health, and daily functioning.

Main Outcome Measures
Scars were evaluated with the patient and observer scar assessment scale, the Vancouver Scar Scale, and self-reported satisfaction. Bone health was assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography, and daily functioning using a physical activity questionnaire (Baecke). These measurements were compared with 44 age-matched control women.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study of 44 transsexual, a median of 7 years after radial forearm flap phalloplasty, recruited from the Center for Sexology and Gender Problems at the Ghent University Hospital, Belgium.

Results
We observed no functional limitations on daily life activities, a pain-free and rather aesthetic scar, and unaffected bone health a median of 7 years after radial foreram flap phalloplasty. Over 75% of transsexual men were either satisfied or neutral with the appearance of the scar.

Conclusions
Transsexual men, despite scarring the forearm, consider the radial forearm flap phalloplasty as worthwhile.
Sexual Functioning in Women with Mild and Severe Symptoms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease
Authors: Gargiulo Paola , Vinci Paola , Navarro-Cremades Felipe , Rellini Alessandra H. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is one of the most frequently inherited neurological disorders, and while it is known that individuals suffering from this condition have low quality of life, little is known about their sexual function and satisfaction.

Aim
To describe the functioning on different domains of sexuality in a relatively large sample of women with CMT, provide comparisons between mildly and severely affected patients and between women with the two different types of CMT (demyelinating vs. axonal), and assess the relationship between sexual function and age of onset.

Methods
Fifty-seven women (age: 18–60 years) were approached in a CMT rehabilitation clinic by a psychologist and administered the Italian version of the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ). Data from 40 patients who had had sexual intercourse in the previous 4 weeks were analyzed.

Main Outcome Measure
The main outcome measures are the factors MFSQ-SEX and MFSQ-PARTNER, which describe sexual functioning and sexual satisfaction with a partner, respectively.

Results
Almost 30% of women did not engage in sexual intercourse with a partner. Overall sexual problems were more prominent in younger women and tended to be lower as age increased: this pattern was different from what was reported in previous studies in comparable samples of healthy Italian women. Severity of CMT was associated with better sexual functioning in the areas of desire, arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction, with women with more severe symptoms reporting greater functioning. Women with more severe CMT symptoms reported more pain during intercourse. Age of CMT onset and type of CMT (demyelinating vs. axonal) were not associated with differences in sexual functioning.

Conclusions
Findings point to the importance of including assessment of sexual dysfunction in young women with mild CMT symptoms and the importance of providing sex therapy or counseling to these patients.