bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thickness of mouthguard sheets after vacuum–pressure formation: influence of mouthguard sheet material
Authors: Takahashi Mutsumi , Koide Kaoru , Iwasaki Shin‐ichi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the thickness of mouthguard sheet after vacuum–pressure formation based on the mouthguard sheet material. Three mouthguard sheet materials (4.0 mm thick) were compared: ethylene–vinyl acetate co‐polymer (EVA), olefin co‐polymer (OL), and polyolefin–polystyrene co‐polymer (OS). The working model was made by hard gypsum that was trimmed to the height of 20 mm at the cutting edge of the maxillary central incisor and 15 mm at the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar. Where the center of the softened sheet sagged 15 mm lower than the clamp, the sheet was pressed against the working model, followed by vacuum forming for 10 s and compression molding for 2 min. The thickness of mouthguard sheets after fabrication was determined for the incisal portion (incisal edge and labial surface) and molar portion (cusp and buccal surface), and dimensional measurements were obtained using a measuring device. Differences in the change in thickness due to sheet materials were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance (anova) followed by Bonferroni's multiple comparison tests. The OL sheet was thickest at all measurement points. At the incisal edge and cusp, thickness after formation was highest for OL, then EVA and finally OS. At the labial surface and buccal surface, the thickness after formation was highest for OL, then OS and finally EVA. This study suggested that post‐fabrication mouthguard thickness differed according to sheet material, with the olefin co‐polymer sheet having the smallest thickness reduction.
Human impacts and aridity differentially alter soilNavailability in drylands worldwide
Authors: Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Maestre Fernando T. , Gallardo Antonio , Eldridge David J. , Soliveres Santiago , Bowker Matthew A. , Prado‐Comesaña Ana , Gaitán Juan , Quero José L. , Ochoa Victoria , Gozalo Beatriz , García‐Gómez Miguel , García‐Palacios Pablo , Berdugo Miguel , Valencia Enrique , Escolar Cristina , Arredondo Tulio , Barraza‐Zepeda Claudia , Boeken Bertrand R. , Bran Donaldo , Cabrera Omar , Carreira José A. , Chaieb Mohamed , Conceição Abel A. , Derak Mchich , Ernst Ricardo , Espinosa Carlos I. , Florentino Adriana , Gatica Gabriel , Ghiloufi Wahida , Gómez‐González Susana , Gutiérrez Julio R. , Hernández Rosa M. , Huber‐Sannwald Elisabeth , Jankju Mohammad , Mau Rebecca L. , Miriti Maria , Monerris Jorge , Morici Ernesto , Muchane Muchai , Naseri Kamal , Pucheta Eduardo , Ramírez Elizabeth , Ramírez‐Collantes David A. , Romão Roberto L. , Tighe Matthew , Torres Duilio , Torres‐Díaz Cristian , Val James , Veiga José P. , Wang Deli , Yuan Xia , Zaady Eli 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimsClimate and human impacts are changing the nitrogen (N) inputs and losses in terrestrial ecosystems. However, it is largely unknown how these two major drivers of global change will simultaneously influence theNcycle in drylands, the largest terrestrial biome on the planet. We conducted a global observational study to evaluate how aridity and human impacts, together with biotic and abiotic factors, affect key soil variables of theNcycle.LocationTwo hundred and twenty‐four dryland sites from all continents exceptAntarctica widely differing in their environmental conditions and human influence.MethodsUsing a standardized field survey, we measured aridity, human impacts (i.e. proxies of land uses and air pollution), key biophysical variables (i.e. soilpHand texture and total plant cover) and six important variables related toNcycling in soils: totalN, organicN, ammonium, nitrate, dissolved organic:inorganicNandNmineralization rates. We used structural equation modelling to assess the direct and indirect effects of aridity, human impacts and key biophysical variables on theNcycle.ResultsHuman impacts increased the concentration of totalN, while aridity reduced it. The effects of aridity and human impacts on theNcycle were spatially disconnected, which may favour scarcity ofNin the most arid areas and promote its accumulation in the least arid areas.Main conclusionsWe found that increasing aridity and anthropogenic pressure are spatially disconnected in drylands. This implies that while places with low aridity and high human impact accumulateN, most arid sites with the lowest human impacts loseN. Our analyses also provide evidence that both increasing aridity and human impacts may enhance the relative dominance of inorganicNin dryland soils, having a negative impact on key functions and services provided by these ecosystems.
Differential binding of ppGpp and pppGpp to E. coliRNA polymerase: photo‐labeling and mass spectral studies
Authors: Syal Kirtimaan , Chatterji Dipankar 
Published: October 2015

(p)ppGpp, a secondary messenger, is induced under stress and shows pleiotropic response. It binds to RNA polymerase and regulates transcription in Escherichia coli. More than 25 years have passed since the first discovery was made on the direct interaction of ppGpp with E. coli RNA polymerase. Several lines of evidence suggest different modes of ppGpp binding to the enzyme. Earlier cross‐linking experiments suggested that the β‐subunit of RNA polymerase is the preferred site for ppGpp, whereas recent crystallographic studies pinpoint the interface of β’/ω‐subunits as the site of action. With an aim to validate the binding domain and to follow whether tetra‐ and pentaphosphate guanosines have different location on RNA polymerase, this work was initiated. RNA polymerase was photo‐labeled with 8‐azido‐ppGpp/8‐azido‐pppGpp, and the product was digested with trypsin and subjected to mass spectrometry analysis. We observed three new peptides in the trypsin digest of the RNA polymerase labeled with 8‐azido‐ppGpp, of which two peptides correspond to the same pocket on β’‐subunit as predicted by X‐ray structural analysis, whereas the third peptide was mapped on the β‐subunit. In the case of 8‐azido‐pppGpp‐labeled RNA polymerase, we have found only one cross‐linked peptide from the β’‐subunit. However, we were unable to identify any binding site of pppGpp on the β‐subunit. Interestingly, we observed that pppGpp at high concentration competes out ppGpp bound to RNA polymerase more efficiently, whereas ppGpp cannot titrate out pppGpp. The competition between tetraphosphate guanosine and pentaphosphate guanosine for E. coli RNA polymerase was followed by gel‐based assay as well as by a new method known as DRaCALA assay.
Institutional factors influencing regional differences in the 1‐year survival of dialysis patients
Authors: Ogata Satoshi , Nishi Shinichi , Wakai Kenji , Hanafusa Norio , Iseki Kunitoshi , Tsubakihara Yoshiharu , Masakane Ikuto 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThere are regional differences in the survival of incident dialysis patients, but few studies have investigated the reasons. We assessed the effect of institutional factors on factors on survival (by both cross‐sectional assessment and after a 1‐year investigation) in a cohort of the Japanese Society for Dialysis Therapy (JSDT). We investigated 20 institutional factors from 3958 dialysis institution data of the 47 prefectures in Japan in 2005 and the JSDT database of 102,011 patients who commenced dialysis during 2004–2006. Univariate regression analysis between 20 factors and 1‐year survival rate, Kaplan–Meier method, log‐rank test, and Cox's proportional hazard model between the upper 24 and the lower 23 prefectures of the significant factors were carried out. The age‐adjusted 1‐year survival rate was 0.832 ± 0.027. Deaths occurred in 15.0% in 24 upper survival prefectures and 18.7% in 23 lower survival prefectures (P < 0.0001, unadjusted hazard ratio [HR] of death in lower survival prefectures: 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–1.40). A total of five factors among males were significantly correlated with 1‐year survival according to the univariate regression analysis. Among them, three factors (night‐time center/total dialysis center ratio [males: P < 0.0001, age, genders, and presence of diabetes adjusted HR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.81–0.93], number of full‐time dialysis nurses [males: P = 0.0427, 0.94, 0.87–1.00], number of full‐time dialysis dietitians [males: P = 0.0084, 0.92, 0.85–0.98], respectively) were significant in Kaplan–Meier analysis, log‐rank test, and the Cox's model. Institutional factors were closely related to the survival of incident dialysis patients, and regional differences in the survival may be explained, at least partly, by these factors.
Pleural and pericardial effusion: A manifestation of SVC syndrome in a child on chronic hemodialysis
Authors: Siddiqui Sahar , Mistry Kirtida , Moudgil Asha 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCentral venous catheter is commonly utilized as a hemodialysis access in the pediatric population. Long‐standing central venous catheters can be complicated by superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis and thrombosis that can rarely present as pleural effusions. We report a case of a 5‐year‐old boy on chronic hemodialysis who presented with combined pleural and pericardial effusions, which was secondary to catheter induced SVC stenosis. Both the pleural effusion and the pericardial effusion in this patient subsequently improved with the relief of SVC stenosis. This case report highlights the serious complications of SVC stenosis associated with long‐standing central venous catheters which is an under‐recognized problem in the pediatric population.
Electoral Competition as a Determinant of Fiscal Decentralisation*
Authors: Jametti Mario , Joanis Marcelin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper estimates the effect of government electoral strength on fiscal decentralisation. Using a panel of democracies, we find that greater government electoral strength at the central level, measured by the share of seats held by the governing party in the legislature, reduces expenditure centralisation. Revenue centralisation is less affected by electoral strength.
The Band Gap of BaPrO3 Studied by Optical and Electrical Methods
Authors: Schrade Matthias , Magrasó Anna , Galeckas Augustinas , Finstad Terje G. , Norby Truls 
Published: October 2015

We report on measurements of the electrical and optical properties of BaPrO3. The temperature dependences of the electrical conductivity σ and the Seebeck coefficient α of polycrystalline samples were studied over a wide temperature range (300°C–1050°C). At lower temperatures, the observed charge transport can be described as thermally activated hopping of electron‐based small polarons with an activation energy of 0.37 eV. An observed change in temperature dependence of both σ and α around 700°C was observed and interpreted as a transition from extrinsic to intrinsic carrier transport. The intrinsic conduction can be modeled with an apparent electrical band gap of ~2 eV. Optical absorption and emission spectroscopy in the UV–VIS–NIR range revealed a series of characteristic absorption thresholds and the type of optical transitions was identified by combining transmittance and diffuse‐reflectance spectroscopy methods. An absorption edge of indirect type with onset at 0.6 eV is attributed to small polaron effects. The higher lying absorption thresholds of direct origin positioned at around 1.8 and 3.8 eV are correlated with thermal activation parameters from electrical measurements and discussed in terms of the band gap of BaPrO3.
Dopant Site Environment and Spectrum Blue Shift of Yellow‐Emitting Solid Solution Phosphor Ba2−xSrxMg(PO4)2:Eu2+
Authors: Hu Qingsong , Pan Zaifa , Xu Yu , Wang Lili , Ning Lixin 
Published: October 2015

An unexpected spectrum blue shift of the yellow emission was observed for solid solution phosphors Ba2−xSrxMg(PO4)2:Eu2+ (x = 0–1.5), when bigger ions Ba2+ were substituted by smaller ions Sr2+ in Ba2Mg(PO4)2 lattices. The solid solution phosphors were prepared by a solid‐state reaction to clarify the local sites environment of activators Eu2+ and tune the anomalous long‐wavelength yellow emission. BaSrMg(PO4)2 phase was identified to be isostructural with Ba2Mg(PO4)2 by Rietveld refinements. DFT calculation and photoluminescence show that the activator ions Eu2+ in BaSrMg(PO4)2 occupy Sr2+ and Ba2+ sites at an equal probability and both generate an anomalous yellow emission. The yellow emission from Ba2−xSrxMg(PO4)2:Eu2+ was gradually blue shift with increasing Sr2+ substitution concentration x from 0.1 to 1. Such unusual blue shift is interpreted based on the evolution of crystal structure parameters due to Sr2+ substitution, and subsequently, a site environmental expansion mechanism is proposed. The proposed mechanism could serve as a general model to reveal the underlying factors for spectrum shift caused by cation substitution and contribute to design new solid solution phosphors.
Increased angiogenesis and VEGF expression correlates with disease severity in prurigo patients
Authors: Krull C. , Schoepke N. , Ohanyan T. , Brachaczek M. , Maurer M. , Lange‐Asschenfeldt B. , Metz M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundVascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A) is known as the major skin angiogenesis factor and can be produced by various resident skin cells including keratinocytes.ObjectivesTo identify and characterize the role of VEGF‐A in the pathogenesis of prurigo.MethodsExpression of VEGF, VEGFR2, CD‐31, and D2‐40 was analyzed in the skin of eleven prurigo patients and seven healthy controls by immunohistochemistry.ResultsVEGF immunoreactivity (IR) was markedly increased in the epidermis, dermis and subcutis of prurigo patients, whereas expression of the main receptor for VEGF‐A in the skin, VEGFR2, was comparable to that of healthy controls. The increased VEGF expression in the skin was associated with a marked increase in the number (12.8 ± 2.1 vs 5.6 ± 0.5, P < 0.05) but not in the size of blood vessels, as assessed by staining of the endothelial cell marker CD31. This increase in small blood vessels correlated closely with increases in the epidermal thickness in prurigo lesions. The number of lymphatic vessels as assessed by D2‐40 staining was found to be similar in prurigo patients and healthy controls.ConclusionsBased on these findings, we speculate that the observed profound vascular remodelling in prurigo might contribute to the pathogenesis of prurigo and the corresponding clinical symptoms and that targeting of VEGF may present a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of prurigo patients.
Individual scoring and mapping of hard and soft tissues of the anterior hard palate for orthodontic miniscrew insertion
Authors: Poorsattar‐Bejeh Mir Arash , Haghanifar Sina , Poorsattar‐Bejeh Mir Morvarid , Rahmati‐Kamel Manoucher 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to introduce a scoring system to select optimal sites to insert a miniscrew in a hard palate.MethodsThe present study consisted of 37 adult patients (21 females and 16 males) aged between 20 and 50 years, with a mean age of 34.81 (±9.52) years. Hard and soft tissues of the anterior hard palate were assessed using cone‐beam computed tomography. The scoring system was as follows: mucosal thickness: 0–2 mm (2 points), 2–4 mm (1 point), and 4–6 mm (0 points); total bone vertical height: ≥5 mm (1 point) and <5 mm (0 points); and palatal cortical thickness: ≥1 mm (1 point) and <1 mm (0 points).ResultsSignificant variability was found between the individuals. Total vertical bone height decreased posteriorly and laterally. Mucosal thickness decreased posteriorly, but increased laterally. Palatal cortical thicknesses were higher than the nasal cortical thicknesses. The most balanced sites (highest point) were the midpalatal suture, followed by paramedian points located 3 mm lateral to the midline and 4 mm posterior to the incisive canal.ConclusionsConsidering that both hard and soft tissue parameters are crucial to obtain the best possible success rates, careful investigation is recommended prior to clinical decisions being made.
Nursing Science: Claiming the Future
Authors: Grady Patricia A. , Gough Lisa Lucio 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeThe National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR) is dedicated to improving health and health care through the funding of nursing science and research training. With a focus on guiding the nation's nursing science research agenda and improving quality of life, the NINR is ideally positioned to meet current healthcare challenges and anticipate future challenges and priorities. In this article, coinciding with the NINR's 30th anniversary, examples of NINR‐supported research are described, along with its training activities designed to develop a strong cadre of 21st century nurse scientists. In addition, we discuss priorities and future directions for advancing cutting‐edge nursing science to “claim the future” and improve the health of the nation over the next 30 years and beyond.Clinical RelevanceThe evidence base developed by nurse scientists informs clinical practice, promotes health, and improves the lives of individuals across the lifespan. NINR‐supported research has had a profound impact on health over the past 30 years and is ideally positioned to continue to address the most important health challenges now and in the coming decades.
Salivary metabolomics in the diagnosis of oral cancer and periodontal diseases
Authors: Mikkonen J. J. W. , Singh S. P. , Herrala M. , Lappalainen R. , Myllymaa S. , Kullaa A. M. 
Published: October 2015

Metabolomics is a systemic study of metabolites, which are small molecules generated by the process of metabolism. The metabolic profile of saliva can provide an early outlook of the changes associated with a wide range of diseases, including oral cancer and periodontal diseases. It is possible to measure levels of disease‐specific metabolites using different methods as presented in this study. However, many challenges exist including incomplete understanding of the complicated metabolic pathways of different oral diseases. The review concludes with the discussion on future perspectives of salivary metabolomics from a clinician point of view. Salivary metabolomics may afford a new research avenue to identify local and systemic disorders but also to aid in the design and modification of therapies. A MEDLINE search using keywords “salivary metabolomics” returned 23 results in total, of which seven were omitted for being reviews or letters to the editor. The rest of the articles were used for preparation of the review, 13 of these were published in the last 5 years.
Uncoupling the Impact of Fracture Properties and Composition on Sensory Perception of Emulsion‐Filled Gels
Authors: Devezeaux de Lavergne Marine , Strijbosch Veerle M.G. , Van den Broek Annemiek W.M. , Van de Velde Fred , Stieger Markus 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe aim of the study is to investigate the effect of fracture properties and composition of emulsion‐filled gels on dynamic texture perception. Twelve emulsion‐filled gels varying in fracture stress (High/Low) and strain (High/Low) were prepared from three binary gel mixtures. Mechanical properties, syneresis, friction properties, microstructure, melting behavior, oral breakdown and texture perception of the gels were determined. Gels varying in composition but exhibiting similar fracture properties were obtained. Serum release, melting in mouth and friction varied between gels differing in composition. Fracture properties and melting of gels impacted oral breakdown. Fracture properties impacted perception of texture attributes at first bite and during chew down. Melting and syneresis impacted chew down perception of gels. We conclude that fracture stress mainly impacted texture perception at first bite, whereas fracture strain impacted perception of chew down texture attributes with high fracture strain gels being perceived creamy. The composition of gels impacted properties such as melting and serum release, which accounted for high variations in perception of moistness and creaminess between samples.Practical ApplicationsFracture properties of food are known to impact the perception of first bite texture attributes. Moreover, they are known to control breakdown of food during oral processing. However, little is known about the impact of fracture properties on perception of chew down texture attributes. The current study highlights the impact of fracture properties on chew down texture perception. It identifies other gel properties depending on gels composition that account for variation in perception between gels. The use of emulsion‐filled gels enabled the investigation of sensory attributes related to fat perception. Such knowledge can be used for food reformulation, for instance formulation of low fat soft solid foods. This study indicates which mechanical properties should be controlled to obtain a desired texture profile of soft solid foods.
A Distributional Analysis of Public–Private Wage Differential in India
Authors: Azam Mehtabul , Prakash Nishith 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we examine public–private wage differential among men in India across the entire wage distribution. We find that the raw wage gap between public and private sector is positive across the entire wage distribution in both urban and rural areas. A quantile regression‐based decomposition reveals that that the public sector workers enjoy a positive wage premium across the entire wage distribution in both urban and rural areas, although the magnitude of wage premium is smaller at the top quantiles.
Cutaneous Mucinosis of Infancy: A Rare Congenital Case with Coexisting Progressive, Eruptive, and Spontaneously Involuting Lesions
Authors: Mir‐Bonafé José M. , Vicente‐Villa Asunción , Suñol Mariona , Soria Xavier , González‐Enseñat María Antonia 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCutaneous mucinosis in infancy is rare. We report an infant with multiple congenital papules distributed over the trunk, neck, and extremities. These papules were mainly dispersed, but they also coalesced into plaques. Histopathologic findings showed features of cutaneous mucinosis of infancy (CMI). Over 2 years of follow‐up, we observed that the preexisting lesions on the lower back and left trunk progressively increased in size, and a few new scattered papules continued to appear, mainly on the trunk; several lesions spontaneously resolved with no further complications. CMI is considered to be a persistent cutaneous disorder, even though spontaneously regressing cases have rarely been reported. This case demonstrates the broad clinical spectrum of CMI, with progressive, eruptive, and spontaneously involuting lesions all present in the same patient. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of congenital or infantile‐onset papules and plaques, especially those yellowish in color.
Febrile Ulceronecrotic Mucha–Habermann Disease: Two Cases with Excellent Response to Methotrexate
Authors: Griffith‐Bauer Kelly , Leitenberger Sabra L. , Krol Alfons 
Published: October 2015

AbstractFebrile ulceronecrotic Mucha–Habermann disease (FUMHD), a severe form of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA), featuring large, ulcerative, necrotic skin plaques, high fever, and other systemic symptoms, is a rare disorder of unknown etiology. No randomized controlled trials have established treatment guidelines and multiple modalities are often employed, making it difficult to assess the efficacy of any single agent. We report two cases of this condition in which treatment with methotrexate plus antibiotic treatment for superinfection led to rapid improvement.