bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute irritant threshold correlates with barrier function, skin hydration and contact hypersensitivity in atopic dermatitis and rosacea
Authors: Darlenski Razvigor , Kazandjieva Jana , Tsankov Nikolai , Fluhr Joachim W. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe aim of the study was to disclose interactions between epidermal barrier, skin irritation and sensitization in healthy and diseased skin. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) were assessed in adult patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), rosacea and healthy controls. A 4‐h patch test with seven concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate was performed to determine the irritant threshold (IT). Contact sensitization pattern was revealed by patch testing with European baseline series. Subjects with a lower IT had higher TEWL values and lower SCH. Subjects with positive allergic reactions had significantly lower IT. In AD, epidermal barrier deterioration was detected on both volar forearm and nasolabial fold, while in rosacea, impeded skin physiology parameters were observed on the facial skin only, suggesting that barrier impediment is restricted to the face in rosacea, in contrast with AD where the abnormal skin physiology is generalized.
Mutational and genetic determinants of λ6 light chain amyloidogenesis
Authors: González‐Andrade Martín , Becerril‐Luján Baltazar , Sánchez‐López Rosana , Ceceña‐Álvarez Héctor , Pérez‐Carreón Julio I. , Ortiz Ernesto , Fernández‐Velasco D. Alejandro , del Pozo‐Yauner Luis 
Published: October 2013

Approximately 25% of the λ6 light chains have glycine rather than arginine at position 25, which is an allelic variant of the IGLV6‐57 (6a) locus. The Gly25 variant has been shown to decrease the folding stability of the germline λ6 VL protein 6aJL2 by 1.7 kcal·mol−1. In this work, we compared the thermodynamic and fibrillogenic properties of the amyloidosis (AL) derived recombinant (r) VL protein AR, which contains the allelic variant Gly25, with those of germline rVL 6aJL2‐R25G and the λ6 disease‐associated VL proteins Wil (AL) and Jto (myeloma). Our experiments show that of the four proteins AR is the least stable; forms amyloid fibrils at physiological temperature, pH and ionic strength; has the shortest lag time; and elongates homologous seeds most efficiently. We conclude that the Gly25 allelic variant, together with the somatic mutations, contributes importantly to the extremely low stability and high amyloidogenicity of the AL‐derived protein AR.
The antibrowning agent sulfite inactivates Agaricus bisporus tyrosinase through covalent modification of the copper‐B site
Authors: Kuijpers Tomas F. M. , Gruppen Harry , Sforza Stefano , van Berkel Willem J. H. , Vincken Jean‐Paul 
Published: October 2013

Sulfite salts are widely used as antibrowning agents in food processing. Nevertheless, the exact mechanism by which sulfite prevents enzymatic browning has remained unknown. Here, we show that sodium hydrogen sulfite (NaHSO3) irreversibly blocks the active site of tyrosinase from the edible mushroom Agaricus bisporus, and that the competitive inhibitors tropolone and kojic acid protect the enzyme from NaHSO3 inactivation. LC‐MS analysis of pepsin digests of NaHSO3‐treated tyrosinase revealed two peptides showing a neutral loss corresponding to the mass of SO3 upon MS2 fragmentation. These peptides were found to be homologous peptides containing two of the three histidine residues that form the copper‐B‐binding site of mushroom tyrosinase isoform PPO3 and mushroom tyrosinase isoform PPO4, which were both present in the tyrosinase preparation used. Peptides showing this neutral loss behavior were not found in the untreated control. Comparison of the effects of NaHSO3 on apo‐tyrosinase and holo‐tyrosinase indicated that inactivation is facilitated by the active site copper ions. These data provide compelling evidence that inactivation of mushroom tyrosinase by NaHSO3 occurs through covalent modification of a single amino‐acid residue, probably via addition of HSO3− to one of the copper‐coordinating histidines in the copper‐B site of the enzyme.
Unusual forest growth decline in boreal North America covaries with the retreat of Arctic sea ice
Authors: Girardin Martin P. , Guo Xiao Jing , De Jong Rogier , Kinnard Christophe , Bernier Pierre , Raulier Frédéric 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe 20th century was a pivotal period at high northern latitudes as it marked the onset of rapid climatic warming brought on by major anthropogenic changes in global atmospheric composition. In parallel, Arctic sea ice extent has been decreasing over the period of available satellite data records. Here, we document how these changes influenced vegetation productivity in adjacent eastern boreal North America. To do this, we used normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) data, model simulations of net primary productivity (NPP) and tree‐ring width measurements covering the last 300 years. Climatic and proxy‐climatic data sets were used to explore the relationships between vegetation productivity and Arctic sea ice concentration and extent, and temperatures. Results indicate that an unusually large number of black spruce (Picea mariana) trees entered into a period of growth decline during the late‐20th century (62% of sampled trees; n = 724 cross sections of age >70 years). This finding is coherent with evidence encoded in NDVI and simulated NPP data. Analyses of climatic and vegetation productivity relationships indicate that the influence of recent climatic changes in the studied forests has been via the enhanced moisture stress (i.e. greater water demands) and autotrophic respiration amplified by the declining sea ice concentration in Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait. The recent decline strongly contrasts with other growth reduction events that occurred during the 19th century, which were associated with cooling and high sea ice severity. The recent decline of vegetation productivity is the first one to occur under circumstances related to excess heat in a 300‐year period, and further culminates with an intensifying wildfire regime in the region. Our results concur with observations from other forest ecosystems about intensifying temperature‐driven drought stress and tree mortality with ongoing climatic changes.
Disturbance legacies and climate jointly drive tree growth and mortality in an intensively studied boreal forest
Authors: Bond‐Lamberty Ben , Rocha Adrian V. , Calvin Katherine , Holmes Bruce , Wang Chuankuan , Goulden Michael L. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMost North American forests are at some stage of post‐disturbance regrowth, subject to a changing climate, and exhibit growth and mortality patterns that may not be closely coupled to annual environmental conditions. Distinguishing the possibly interacting effects of these processes is necessary to put short‐term studies in a longer term context, and particularly important for the carbon‐dense, fire‐prone boreal forest. The goals of this study were to combine dendrochronological sampling, inventory records, and machine‐learning algorithms to understand how tree growth and death have changed at one highly studied site (Northern Old Black Spruce, NOBS) in the central Canadian boreal forest. Over the 1999–2012 inventory period, mean tree diameter increased even as stand density and basal area declined significantly. Tree mortality averaged 1.4 ± 0.6% yr−1, with most mortality occurring in medium‐sized trees; new recruitment was minimal. There have been at least two, and probably three, significant influxes of new trees since stand initiation, but none in recent decades. A combined tree ring chronology constructed from sampling in 2001, 2004, and 2012 showed several periods of extreme growth depression, with increased mortality lagging depressed growth by ~5 years. Higher minimum and maximum air temperatures exerted a negative influence on tree growth, while precipitation and climate moisture index had a positive effect; both current‐ and previous‐year data exerted significant effects. Models based on these variables explained 23–44% of the ring‐width variability. We suggest that past climate extremes led to significant mortality still visible in the current forest structure, with decadal dynamics superimposed on slower patterns of fire and succession. These results have significant implications for our understanding of previous work at NOBS, the carbon sequestration capability of old‐growth stands in a disturbance‐prone landscape, and the sustainable management of regional forests in a changing climate.
Tall shrub and tree expansion in Siberian tundra ecotones since the 1960s
Authors: Frost Gerald V. , Epstein Howard E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCircumpolar expansion of tall shrubs and trees into Arctic tundra is widely thought to be occurring as a result of recent climate warming, but little quantitative evidence exists for northern Siberia, which encompasses the world's largest forest‐tundra ecotonal belt. We quantified changes in tall shrub and tree canopy cover in 11, widely distributed Siberian ecotonal landscapes by comparing very high‐resolution photography from the Cold War‐era ‘Gambit’ and ‘Corona’ satellite surveillance systems (1965–1969) with modern imagery. We also analyzed within‐landscape patterns of vegetation change to evaluate the susceptibility of different landscape components to tall shrub and tree increase. The total cover of tall shrubs and trees increased in nine of 11 ecotones. In northwest Siberia, alder (Alnus) shrubland cover increased 5.3–25.9% in five ecotones. In Taymyr and Yakutia, larch (Larix) cover increased 3.0–6.7% within three ecotones, but declined 16.8% at a fourth ecotone due to thaw of ice‐rich permafrost. In Chukotka, the total cover of alder and dwarf pine (Pinus) increased 6.1% within one ecotone and was little changed at a second ecotone. Within most landscapes, shrub and tree increase was linked to specific geomorphic settings, especially those with active disturbance regimes such as permafrost patterned‐ground, floodplains, and colluvial hillslopes. Mean summer temperatures increased at most ecotones since the mid‐1960s, but rates of shrub and tree canopy cover expansion were not strongly correlated with temperature trends and were better correlated with mean annual precipitation. We conclude that shrub and tree cover is increasing in tundra ecotones across most of northern Siberia, but rates of increase vary widely regionally and at the landscape scale. Our results indicate that extensive changes can occur within decades in moist, shrub‐dominated ecotones, as in northwest Siberia, while changes are likely to occur much more slowly in the highly continental, larch‐dominated ecotones of central and eastern Siberia.
Optimizing rice yields while minimizing yield‐scaled global warming potential
Authors: Pittelkow Cameron M. , Adviento‐Borbe Maria A. , van Kessel Chris , Hill James E. , Linquist Bruce A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTo meet growing global food demand with limited land and reduced environmental impact, agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are increasingly evaluated with respect to crop productivity, i.e., on a yield‐scaled as opposed to area basis. Here, we compiled available field data on CH4 and N2O emissions from rice production systems to test the hypothesis that in response to fertilizer nitrogen (N) addition, yield‐scaled global warming potential (GWP) will be minimized at N rates that maximize yields. Within each study, yield N surplus was calculated to estimate deficit or excess N application rates with respect to the optimal N rate (defined as the N rate at which maximum yield was achieved). Relationships between yield N surplus and GHG emissions were assessed using linear and nonlinear mixed‐effects models. Results indicate that yields increased in response to increasing N surplus when moving from deficit to optimal N rates. At N rates contributing to a yield N surplus, N2O and yield‐scaled N2O emissions increased exponentially. In contrast, CH4 emissions were not impacted by N inputs. Accordingly, yield‐scaled CH4 emissions decreased with N addition. Overall, yield‐scaled GWP was minimized at optimal N rates, decreasing by 21% compared to treatments without N addition. These results are unique compared to aerobic cropping systems in which N2O emissions are the primary contributor to GWP, meaning yield‐scaled GWP may not necessarily decrease for aerobic crops when yields are optimized by N fertilizer addition. Balancing gains in agricultural productivity with climate change concerns, this work supports the concept that high rice yields can be achieved with minimal yield‐scaled GWP through optimal N application rates. Moreover, additional improvements in N use efficiency may further reduce yield‐scaled GWP, thereby strengthening the economic and environmental sustainability of rice systems.
Long term outcome after surgical correction of mandibular brachygnathia with unilateral type 1 external skeletal fixation
Authors: Klaus Christoph S. , Hertsch Bodo W. , Höppner Stefanie , Lischer Christoph J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo describe complications and long‐term outcome after surgical correction of severe overbite in 7 horses using corrective osteotomy and a Type I external fixator.Study DesignCase series.AnimalsHorses (n = 7).MethodsSeven horses with severe mandibular brachygnathia were treated by corrective osteotomy and a Type I external fixator. Data on surgical technique, complications, long‐term outcome and owner satisfaction were recorded.ResultsSevere mandibular brachygnathia was corrected successfully in all horses. Short term follow‐up revealed a relatively high morbidity due to several complications such as surgical site infection, sequestrum formation and instability due to early pin loosening. Long‐term over all owner satisfaction was very high.ConclusionsCorrective osteotomy and fixation with an external fixator is an effective surgical technique for correction of severe mandibular brachygnathia and offers good results in a long‐term perspective.
Effect of Ba Content on the Stress Sensitivity of the Antiferroelectric to Ferroelectric Phase Transition in (Pb,La,Ba,)(Zr,Sn,Ti)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Xu Yonghao , Guo Hanzheng , Liu Xiaoming , Feng Yujun , Tan Xiaoli 
Published: October 2013

The effect of Ba content on the stress sensitivity of the antiferroelectric to ferroelectric phase transition in (Pb0.94−xLa0.04Bax)[(Zr0.60Sn0.40)0.84Ti0.16]O3 ceramics is investigated through monitoring electric field‐induced polarization and longitudinal strain under compressive prestresses. It is found that incorporation of Ba significantly suppresses the stress sensitivity of the phase transition, as manifested by slight decreases under prestresses up to 100 MPa in the maximum polarization (Pm) and longitudinal strain (xm). The energy storage density is even increased under the mechanical confinement in compositions x = 0.02 and 0.04. X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and dielectric measurements indicate that the suppressed stress sensitivity is associated with the disruption of micrometersized antiferroelectric domains into nanodomains and the transition from antiferroelectric to relaxor behavior.
Calcium ions and osteoclastogenesis initiate the induction of bone formation by coral‐derived macroporous constructs
Authors: Klar Roland M , Duarte Raquel , Dix‐Peek Therese , Dickens Caroline , Ferretti Carlo , Ripamonti Ugo 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCoral‐derived calcium carbonate/hydroxyapatite macroporous constructs of the genus Goniopora with limited hydrothermal conversion to hydroxyapatite (7% HA/CC) initiate the induction of bone formation. Which are the molecular signals that initiate pattern formation and the induction of bone formation? To evaluate the role of released calcium ions and osteoclastogenesis, 7% HA/CC was pre‐loaded with either 500 μg of the calcium channel blocker, verapamil hydrochloride, or 240 μg of the osteoclast inhibitor, biphosphonate zoledronate, and implanted in the rectus abdominis muscle of six adult Chacma baboons Papio ursinus. Generated tissues on days 15, 60 and 90 were analysed by histomorphometry and qRT‐PCR. On day 15, up‐regulation of type IV collagen characterized all the implanted constructs correlating with vascular invasion. Zoledronate‐treated specimens showed an important delay in tissue patterning and morphogenesis with limited bone formation. Osteoclastic inhibition yielded minimal, if any, bone formation by induction. 7% HA/CC pre‐loaded with the Ca++ channel blocker verapamil hydrochloride strongly inhibited the induction of bone formation. Down‐regulation of bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) together with up‐regulation of Noggin genes correlated with limited bone formation in 7% HA/CC pre‐loaded with either verapamil or zoledronate, indicating that the induction of bone formation by coral‐derived macroporous constructs is via the BMPs pathway. The spontaneous induction of bone formation is initiated by a local peak of Ca++ activating stem cell differentiation and the induction of bone formation.
Urinary incontinence among adult women with diabetes in Jordan: epidemiology, correlates and perceived impact on emotional and social well‐being
Authors: Bani‐Issa Wegdan , Almomani Fidaa , Eldeirawi Kamal 
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectivesTo assess the epidemiology and correlates of urinary incontinence and its perceived impact on the emotional and social well‐being of Jordanian women.BackgroundDiabetes is a chronic disease with rising prevalence in women worldwide. Although urinary incontinence is a complication of diabetes, it is not commonly assessed with limited nurses’ knowledge available on its prevalence, correlates and its perceived impact on lives of women.DesignA cross‐sectional survey design using probability sampling approach was used to collect information on incontinence.MethodsA total of 1011 adult women, 20–65 years old, attending primary healthcare centres in Jordan were interviewed using a standardised incontinence questionnaire. Questionnaire included items to assess the perceived impact of incontinence on social and emotional well‐being of women. The study outcome included weekly or more any, stress and urge incontinence.ResultsOf 435 (43%) diabetic and 576 (57%) nondiabetic women, a total of 676 (66·8%) women reported incontinence. The prevalence of weekly or more any, urge and stress incontinence was significantly higher in diabetic than in nondiabetic women, 31·5, 13·8 and 20% versus 18·2, 5·9 and 14·2%, respectively. After adjusting for age, body mass index, parity and history of urinary tract infections, in multiple logistic regression analyses, diabetes was significantly associated with any (OR: 1·99; 95% CI: 1·44–2·74) urge (OR: 2·23; 95% CI: 1·38–3·61) and stress incontinence (OR: 1·54; CI: 1·07–2·22). Obesity and age were found to be significant correlates for urge incontinence in diabetics. Women with incontinence perceived incontinence as bothersome condition with negative impact on social well‐being.ConclusionsIncontinence is a common and distressing problem in diabetic women, especially for those who are older and obese. Prospective cohort studies are needed to assess how nurse‐led interventions may impact the negative consequences of incontinence on women well‐being.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses are in the right position to assess urinary incontinence in diabetic women. Proper communications, culturally sensitive screening and tailored interventions may assist nurses in providing care and support to alleviate the impact of incontinence on women well‐being.
Mergers and Acquisitions Accounting and the Diversification Discount
Authors: CUSTÓDIO CLÁUDIA 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTq‐based measures of the diversification discount are biased upward by mergers and acquisitions and its accounting implications. Under purchase accounting, acquired assets are reported at their transaction value, which typically exceeds the target's pre‐merger book value. Thus, measured q tends to be lower for the merged firm than for the portfolio of pre‐merger entities. Because conglomerates are more acquisitive than focused firms, their q tends to be lower. To mitigate this bias, I subtract goodwill from the book value of assets and a substantial part of the diversification discount is eliminated. Market‐to‐sales‐based measures do not have this bias.
Correlation between self‐reported and clinically based diagnoses of bruxism in temporomandibular disorders patients
Authors: Paesani D. A. , Lobbezoo F. , Gelos C. , Guarda‐Nardini L. , Ahlberg J. , Manfredini D. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe present investigation was performed in a population of patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and it was designed to assess the correlation between self‐reported questionnaire‐based bruxism diagnosis and a diagnosis based on history taking plus clinical examination. One‐hundred‐fifty‐nine patients with TMD underwent an assessment including a questionnaire investigating five bruxism‐related items (i.e. sleep grinding, sleep grinding referral by bed partner, sleep clenching, awake clenching, awake grinding) and an interview (i.e. oral history taking with specific focus on bruxism habits) plus a clinical examination to evaluate bruxism signs and symptoms. The correlation between findings of the questionnaire, viz., patients' report, and findings of the interview/oral history taking plus clinical examination, viz., clinicians' diagnosis, was assessed by means of φ coefficient. The highest correlations were achieved for the sleep grinding referral item (φ = 0·932) and for the awake clenching item (φ = 0·811), whilst lower correlation values were found for the other items (φ values ranging from 0·363 to 0·641). The percentage of disagreement between the two diagnostic approaches ranged between 1·8% and 18·2%. Within the limits of the present investigation, it can be suggested that a strong positive correlation between a self‐reported and a clinically based approach to bruxism diagnosis can be achieved as for awake clenching, whilst lower levels of correlation were detected for sleep‐time activities.