bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lattice and Grain‐Boundary Diffusion of Al in Tetragonal Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Polycrystalline Ceramics (3Y‐TZP) Analyzed Using SIMS
Authors: Kowalski Kazimierz , Obal Katarzyna , Pedzich Zbigniew , Schneider Krystyna , Rekas Mieczyslaw 
Published: August 2014

Aluminum oxide was deposited on the surface of 3 mol% yttria‐stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y‐TZP). The samples were annealed at temperatures from 1523 to 1773 K. Diffusion profiles of Al in the form of mean concentration vs. depth in B‐type kinetic region were investigated by secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The experimental results for the lattice diffusion (DB) and grain boundary diffusion (DGB) are as follows: urn:x-wiley:00027820:media:jace13126:jace13126-math-0001 and urn:x-wiley:00027820:media:jace13126:jace13126-math-0002where δ is the grain‐boundary width and s is the segregation factor.
Shear Thinning Behavior of Calcium Silicate‐Based Mold Fluxes at 1623 K
Authors: Shin Seung‐Ho , Cho Jung‐Wook , Kim Seon‐Hyo 
Published: August 2014

There have been consistent efforts on understanding rheological behavior of molten mold flux, used in continuous casting of steels. It is prevalent view that molten mold flux shows non‐Newtonian behavior, meaning that the viscosity varies with shear rate history. Hence, the present study attempts to evaluate shear thinning, which is one of the characteristic non‐Newtonian behaviors, by measuring its viscosity with a rotating type viscometer at 1623 K. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy analysis is used to appreciate the structure of molten mold flux and shear thinning. Mold fluxes tested reveal definite shear thinning characteristic of decreasing viscosity with increasing shear rate. The degree of shear thinning has been well quantified by Oswald‐De Waele power law model. Lastly, the degree of polymerization, obtained from Raman spectroscopic data has proportional relationship with degree of shear thinning in the range of 1–5 s−1 shear rate. Also, it has a downward parabolic relationship with degree of shear thinning at entire shear rate ranges up to 100 s−1. This study also verifies possibility to use shear thinning behavior on actual continuous casting process.
Effect of High‐Energy Ball Milling and Silica Fume Addition inBaCO3–Al2O3. Part I: Formation of Cementing Phases
Authors: Kumar Pattem Hemanth , Srivastava Abhinav , Kumar Vijay , Kumar Pradeep , Singh Vinay Kumar 
Published: August 2014

The effects of high‐energy ball milling and subsequent calcination on the formation of barium aluminate cementing phases using mixtures ofAl2O3andBaCO3were investigated. Silica fume was further added in the raw mixtures to observe its role on the cementing phase formation. Results indicated that the decomposition temperature ofBaCO3lowered remarkably with the increase in milling time. Barium aluminate cements with grain size in nanometer range were obtained from high‐energy ball‐milled raw mixtures. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results confirmed several crystalline barium‐silicate and barium aluminate phases present. Formation of crystallineBaO·Al2O3phase was observed between 1000°C and 1100°C in the raw mixtures, which were obtained in amorphous state after milling for 5 h. This temperature is at least 300°C lower than that used in the traditional solid‐state method. FumeSiO2additions resulted inBaO·Al2O3·2SiO2(celsian) formation which acted as a retarder, provides more workability and mechanical strength.
Estimating Sympathetic Tone by Recording Subcutaneous Nerve Activity in Ambulatory Dogs
Authors: ROBINSON ERIC A. , RHEE KYOUNG‐SUK , DOYTCHINOVA ANISIIA , KUMAR MOHINEESH , SHELTON RICHARD , JIANG ZHAOLEI , KAMP NICHOLAS J. , ADAMS DAVID , WAGNER DAVID , SHEN CHANGYU , CHEN LAN S. , EVERETT THOMAS H. , FISHBEIN MICHAEL C. , LIN SHIEN‐FONG , CHEN PENG‐SHENG 
Published: August 2014

Subcutaneous Nerve ActivityIntroductionWe tested the hypothesis that subcutaneous nerve activity (SCNA) of the thorax correlates with the stellate ganglion nerve activity (SGNA) and can be used to estimate the sympathetic tone.Methods and ResultsWe implanted radio transmitters in 11 ambulatory dogs to record left SGNA, left thoracic vagal nerve activity (VNA), and left thoracic SCNA, including 3 with simultaneous video monitoring and nerve recording. Two additional dogs were studied under general anesthesia with apamin injected into the right stellate ganglion while the right SGNA and the right SCNA were recorded. There was a significant positive correlation between integrated SGNA (iSGNA) and integrated SCNA (iSCNA) in the first 7 ambulatory dogs, with correlation coefficient of 0.70 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–0.84, P < 0.05 for each dog). Tachycardia episodes (heart rate exceeding 150 bpm for ≥3 seconds) were invariably preceded by SGNA and SCNA. There was circadian variation of both SCNA and SGNA. Crosstalk was ruled out because SGNA, VNA, and SCNA bursts had different timing and activation patterns. In an eighth dog, closely spaced bipolar subcutaneous electrodes also recorded SCNA, but with reduced signal to noise ratio. Video monitoring in additional 3 dogs showed that movement was not a cause of high frequency SCNA. The right SGNA correlated strongly with right SCNA and heart rate in 2 anesthetized dogs after apamin injection into the right stellate ganglion.ConclusionsSCNA recorded by bipolar subcutaneous electrodes correlates with the SGNA and can be used to estimate the sympathetic tone.
Merkel cell carcinoma: mitoses, expression of Ki‐67 and bcl‐2 correlate with disease progression
Authors: Vujic I. , Marker M. , Posch C. , Mühlehner D. , Monshi B. , Breier F. , Steiner A. , Ortiz‐Urda S. , Rappersberger K. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere are conflicting data on markers of disease progression and outcome of Merkel cell carcinoma.ObjectiveWe suggest to review histological and various immunohistochemical features of Merkel cell carcinoma specimens, in order to identify prognostic markers of clinical relevance.MethodsWe collected paraffin‐embedded blocks from primary tumours from 26 patients diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma and determined the following: type and size of the tumour, number of mitoses, proliferation rate (Ki‐67 antibody), (anti)‐apoptosis rate (bcl‐2, p53, p63 antibodies) and lymphatic vessel invasion (D2‐40 antibody for podoplanin). Two authors blinded to clinical outcome, independently assessed and scored all samples. The findings were correlated with tumour progression, which was determined by local recurrence, lymph node‐ or distant metastases.ResultsDuring the average follow‐up period of 63.4 months 12 (46%) patients had disease progression. Statistical analysis revealed Ki‐67‐staining (P = 0.005) as a marker of disease progression, high number of mitoses (P = 0.026) correlated with lymph node metastasis, while a tendency for increased Bcl‐2 expression (P = 0.064) was found in patients with local recurrence. A higher number of invaded lymphatic capillaries showed a tendency in correlation with metastases (P = 0.072).ConclusionThe findings indicate that high numbers of mitoses, proliferation and survival of tumour cells as marked by Ki‐67‐ and Bcl‐2‐staining, and infiltration of lymphatic vessels, might correlate with the biological behaviour of Merkel cell carcinoma.
Predictors of adalimumab drug survival in psoriasis differ by reason for discontinuation: long‐term results from the Bio‐CAPTURE registry
Authors: van den Reek J.M.P.A. , Tummers M. , Zweegers J. , Seyger M.M.B. , van Lümig P.P.M. , Driessen R.J.B. , van de Kerkhof P.C.M. , Kievit W. , de Jong E.M.G.J. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundDrug survival is an indicator for treatment success; insight in predictors associated with drug survival is important.Objectives (I)To analyse the long‐term drug survival for adalimumab in patients with psoriasis treated in daily practice and (II) to identify predictors of prolonged drug survival for adalimumab split for different reasons of discontinuation.MethodsData were extracted from a prospective psoriasis cohort and analysed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves split for reasons of discontinuation. Baseline predictors associated with longer drug survival were identified using multivariate Cox‐regression analysis.ResultsOne hundred and sixteen patients were included with a total of 208 patient‐years. Overall drug survival was 76% after 1 year and 52% after 4.5 years. In patients who stopped due to ineffectiveness, longer drug survival was associated with the absence of specific comorbidities (P = 0.03). In patients who stopped due to side‐effects, longer drug survival was associated with male gender (P = 0.02).ConclusionsPredictors of adalimumab drug survival in psoriasis differ by reason for discontinuation. Strong, specific predictors can lead to patient‐tailored treatment.
Angles and geometric shapes, but not lines, in melanocytic lesions may be helpful in the clinical diagnosis of melanoma
Authors: Betti R. , Cerri A. , Vergani R. , Agape E. , Menni S. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundGeometric shapes have been suggested to be found in malignant melanomas. We have observed a number of melanomas presenting with linear and incomplete angulated figures.ObjectiveTo verify the assumption that geometric shapes, a linear border and/or incomplete angulated figures may indicate a potential melanoma.MethodsPatients with surgically removed melanocytic lesions were admitted to the study. We evaluated the presence of a sharp linear demarcation, the presence of contiguous lines resulting in the formation of angle/s and the presence of complete geometric figure. We distinguished the obtained results into melanoma and benign melanocytic naevi.ResultsA total of 471 melanomas and 1979 melanocytic naevi were collected. Linear borders, angles and geometric figures were observed in 42 melanomas and in 75 benign melanocytic naevi. Angles with incomplete geometric configuration were observed in 21 melanomas and in 37 benign naevi (21/471 vs. 37/1979, 4.24% vs. 1.87%; P < 0.0016); complete even if irregular geometrical figures in 12 melanomas and 17 naevi (12/471 vs. 17/1979, 2.54% vs. 0.85%; P < 0.005). The presence of line(s) did not significantly differed in the two considered groups.ConclusionsMelanocytic lesions with angulated shapes and complete geometrical configurations might indicate a suspect melanoma. Only sharp linear demarcation of the lesion do not seem to be significantly associated with melanoma suspicion.
Accuracy of a smartphone application using fractal image analysis of pigmented moles compared to clinical diagnosis and histological result
Authors: Maier T. , Kulichova D. , Schotten K. , Astrid R. , Ruzicka T. , Berking C. , Udrea A. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundLately, various smartphone applications have been introduced as diagnostic self‐monitoring tools in the evaluation of pigmented moles, but most of these techniques have not been evaluated systematically.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to evaluate prospectively the sensitivity and specificity of a recently developed smartphone application using fractal image analysis for the risk evaluation algorithm in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma compared to clinical diagnosis and histopathological result.MethodsConsecutive patients with melanocytic lesions were recruited and clinical and dermoscopical diagnosis was documented by two dermatologists independently. Imaging and analysis with the smartphone application was performed prior to excision of lesions. The findings were compared to the histological results as gold standard.ResultsOf 195 included lesions histopathological analysis revealed 40 melanomas, 42 dysplastic nevi and 113 benign nevi. The sensitivity of the diagnosis melanoma by fractal image analysis using smartphone images was 73%, the specificity was 83% compared to a sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 97% regarding the clinical diagnosis by the dermatologists.ConclusionThe smartphone application using fractal analysis might be a promising tool in the pre‐evaluation of pigmented moles by laypersons, while it is to date inferior to the diagnostic evaluation by a dermatologist.
Genetic characteristics of Streptococcus dysgalactiae isolated from cage cultured cobia, Rachycentron canadum (L.)
Authors: Tsai M‐A , Wang P‐C , Yoshida T , Chen S‐C 
Published: August 2014

AbstractDisease outbreaks occurred during 2007–2013 in Taiwan with 2.5–10% mortality among the cage cultured cobia, Rachycentron canadum (L.), characterized by the presence of polyserositis, pericarditis and peritonitis. The micro‐organisms isolated from internal organs were Gram‐positive cocci. The isolates were confirmed as Streptococcus dysgalactiae by a polymerase chain reaction assay that yielded the expected specific 259 bp amplicon. Additionally, partial sequence of the 16S–23S rDNA intergenic spacer region of the GCS strain isolates from fish was also compared and produced 100% sequence identity with S. dysgalactiae (GenBank accession number AB252398). The genetic characterization was then determined by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis. Based on PFGE, the Apa I or Sma I digestion patterns of chromosomal DNA of these isolates were grouped into three main clusters. Taiwanese strains were divided into two clusters, and the tet(M) gene was detected in cluster 1 (pulsotypes: A1–A2 and S1–S3), but not in cluster 2 strains (pulsotypes: A3–A4 and S4–S5). Three Japanese strains from amberjack, Seriola dumerili (Risso), were grouped into cluster 3 (pulsotypes: A5–A7 and S6–S8) and displayed no mortality to cobia in the challenge experiment. Conversely, Taiwanese strains from cobia and snubnose pompano, Trachinotus blochii (L.), displayed a mortality rate of 50–87.5% in cobia.
Diagnostic features of sessile serrated adenoma/polyps on magnifying narrow band imaging: A prospective study of diagnostic accuracy
Authors: Yamashina Takeshi , Takeuchi Yoji , Uedo Noriya , Aoi Kenji , Matsuura Noriko , Nagai Kengo , Matsui Fumi , Ito Takashi , Fujii Mototsugu , Yamamoto Sachiko , Hanaoka Noboru , Higashino Koji , Ishihara Ryu , Tomita Yasuhiko , Iishi Hiroyasu 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsThe narrow band imaging classification system (NBI International Colorectal Endoscopic [NICE] classification) classifies colorectal polyps very accurately. However, sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps) pathologically resembles hyperplastic polyp and has a possibility to be left in situ on NICE classification. The aim of this study was to establish and evaluate new simple diagnostic features for SSA/Ps using magnifying narrow band imaging (M‐NBI).MethodsWe performed a single‐arm observational study of diagnostic accuracy in two stages, as follows: seeking stage, development of simple diagnostic features for SSA/P and definition of diagnostic criteria based on retrospective assessments of M‐NBI; and validation stage, prospective validation and evaluation of the new diagnostic criteria.ResultsIn the seeking stage, we identified brownish, oval, expanded crypt openings and thick‐branched vessels on the surfaces of SSA/Ps. We named these “expanded crypt openings” (ECOs) and “thick and branched vessels” (TBVs), respectively. In the validation stage, we enrolled 796 polyps in 261 patients, and classified 126 polyps as NICE type 1; all these lesions were endoscopically removed and assessed histopathologically. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of ECOs for SSA/Ps were 84.3%, 81.1%, and 82.4%, whereas those of TBVs were 45.1%, 68.9%, and 59.2%, respectively. M‐NBI provided a sensitivity of 98% and specificity of 59.5% for discrimination of SSA/Ps from other lesions classified as NICE type 1.ConclusionsIdentification of ECOs, supplemented with TBVs, has high sensitivity for the diagnosis of SSA/P. These findings may facilitate the use of endoscopic optical diagnosis in clinical practice.
Sophocarpine attenuates toll‐like receptor 4 in steatotic hepatocytes to suppress pro‐inflammatory cytokines synthesis
Authors: Song Chun‐Yan , Zeng Xin , Wang Yang , Shi Jian , Qian Hui , Zhang Yi , Fang Jia‐Qing , Sheng Xia , Zheng Jian‐Ming , Chen Yue‐Xiang 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground and AimSophocarpine, a tetracyclic quinolizidine alkaloid derived from Sophora alopecuroides L., has been documented that it can suppress pro‐inflammatory cytokines synthesis in alleviating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in vivo. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a pattern recognition receptor whose activation results in the production of several pro‐inflammatory cytokines. It has been reported that TLR4 is upregulated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of NASH. This study aimed to examine the changes of TLR4 and its signaling pathways in sophocarpine's anti‐inflammatory process on experimental NASH in vitro.MethodsPrimary hepatocytes were isolated, and oleic acid‐induced steatosis model was established. Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay was used to detect the number of metabolically active mitochondria and viable cells. Immunocytochemistry analysis was applied to evaluating pro‐inflammatory cytokines synthesis. Total RNA and protein were extracted for real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot detection.ResultsEnhanced expression of TLR4 was observed in oleic acid‐induced steatotic hepatocytes. Sophocarpine suppressed pro‐inflammatory cytokines synthesis and reduced the expression of TLR4 in steatotic hepatocytes. Expression of TLR4 and pro‐inflammatory cytokines recovered after sophocarpine was removed. Moreover, sophocarpine restrained the activation of nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB), c‐Jun‐N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and Extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) signaling pathways in the anti‐inflammatory process.ConclusionSophocarpine could decrease the expression of TLR4 in steatotic hepatocytes and suppress pro‐inflammatory cytokines synthesis. NF‐κB, JNK, and ERK signaling pathways were important workable downstream pathways.
Association between specific mucosa‐associated microbiota in Crohn's disease at the time of resection and subsequent disease recurrence: A pilot study
Authors: De Cruz Peter , Kang Seungha , Wagner Josef , Buckley Michael , Sim Winnie H , Prideaux Lani , Lockett Trevor , McSweeney Chris , Morrison Mark , Kirkwood Carl D , Kamm Michael A 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground and AimCrohn's disease pathogenesis involves alterations in the gut microbiota. We characterized the mucosa‐associated microbiota at the time of surgical resection and 6 months later to identify bacterial profiles associated with recurrence and remission.MethodsTissue samples were collected from surgical resection specimens in 12 Crohn's disease patients, and at 6 months postoperative colonoscopy from the neoterminal ileum and anastomosis. Endoscopic recurrence was assessed using the Rutgeerts score. Microbiota was characterized using microarray and 454 pyrosequencing. Longitudinal comparisons were made within patients, and cross‐sectional comparisons made with colonoscopic biopsies from the terminal ileum and cecum of 10 healthy subjects.ResultsMicrobiota of healthy subjects had high diversity and was dominated by the Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria phyla. Biodiversity was lower in Crohn's disease patients at the time of surgery, increased after surgery, but still differed from healthy subjects. Crohn's disease patients with recurrent disease retained a microbiota favoring proteolytic‐fueled fermentation and lactic acid‐producing bacteria, including Enterococcus and Veillonella spp., while those maintaining remission demonstrated predominant saccharolytic Bacteroides, Prevotella, and Parabacteroides spp., and saccharolytic, butyrate‐producing Firmicutes.ConclusionIn Crohn's disease, the mucosa‐associated microbiota diversity is reduced at the time of surgery, but also differs between patients with different clinical outcomes at 6 months. These findings may provide prognostic information at the time of surgery, allowing identification of patients at increased risk of recurrence, and provide basis for a more targeted approach for therapeutic interventions after surgery.
High‐resolution anorectal manometry and dynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging are complementary technologies
Authors: Jodorkovsky Daniela , Macura Katarzyna J , Gearhart Susan L , Dunbar Kerry B , Stein Ellen M , Clarke John O 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground and AimDynamic pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (DP‐MRI) offers a comprehensive evaluation of pelvic organ structure in addition to functional information regarding evacuation. Opportunity to apply this technology can be limited due to regional lack of availability. Ideally, clues from standard anorectal testing could predict abnormalities on DP‐MRI, leading to its efficient use. The aim of this study is to determine whether high‐resolution anorectal manometry (HR‐ARM) correlates with findings on DP‐MRI.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of HR‐ARM performed on patients with constipation who also underwent DP‐MRI. Studies were reviewed for significant findings including posterior pelvic organ prolapse, rectocele > 3 cm, rectal intussusception, and anorectal angle. Statistical analysis was performed using Pearson's correlation coefficient, Student's t‐test, and Fisher's exact test.ResultsTwenty‐three patients undergoing HR‐ARM (age range 25–78) also underwent DP‐MRI. All were female; 76% were Caucasian. Twenty had significant structural findings: small pelvic prolapse (n = 2), moderate pelvic prolapse (n = 10), large pelvic prolapse (n = 9), rectocele (n = 8), or rectal intussusception (n = 3). Only intrarectal pressure on HR‐ARM weakly correlated with size of rectocele (r = 0.46; P = 0.03) and degree of pelvic organ prolapse (r = 0.48; P = 0.02). The remainder of the HR‐ARM parameters did not significantly correlate with DP‐MRI findings. Patients with dyssynergy were not more likely to have rectoceles > 3 cm (44.4% versus 35.7%; P = 0.5) or large prolapses (44.4% versus 50%, P = 1.0), compared with those without dyssynergy, on HR‐ARM.ConclusionWe were unable to find a correlation between HR‐ARM findings and structural pelvic defects on DP‐MRI. Therefore, these two technologies provide complementary information in the evaluation of defecatory dysfunction.
Soft X‐ray spectromicroscopy for speciation, quantitation and nano‐eco‐toxicology of nanomaterials
Authors: LAWRENCE J.R. , SWERHONE G.D.W. , DYNES J.J. , KORBER D.R. , HITCHCOCK A.P. 
Published: August 2014

SummaryThere is a critical need for methods that provide simultaneous detection, identification, quantitation and visualization of nanomaterials at their interface with biological and environmental systems. The approach should allow speciation as well as elemental analysis. Using the intrinsic X‐ray absorption properties, soft X‐ray scanning transmission X‐ray spectromicroscopy (STXM) allows characterization and imaging of a broad range of nanomaterials, including metals, oxides and organic materials, and at the same time is able to provide detailed mapping of biological components. Thus, STXM offers considerable potential for application to research on nanomaterials in biology and the environment. The potential and limitations of STXM in this context are discussed using a range of examples, focusing on the interaction of nanomaterials with microbial cells, biofilms and extracellular polymers. The studies outlined include speciation and mapping of metal‐containing nanomaterials (Ti, Ni, Cu) and carbon‐based nanomaterials (multiwalled carbon nanotubes, C60 fullerene). The benefits of X‐ray fluorescence detection in soft X‐ray STXM are illustrated with a study of low levels of Ni in a natural river biofilm.