bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concentration estimation of formaldehyde using metal oxide semiconductor gas sensor array-based e-noses
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tian Fengchun , Peng Xiongwei , Yin Xin , Li Guorui , Dang Lijun 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to present a novel concentration estimation model for improving the accuracy and robustness of low-cost electronic noses (e-noses) with metal oxide semiconductor sensors in indoor air contaminant monitoring and overcome the potential sensor drift.

Design/methodology/approach
– In the quantification model, a piecewise linearly weighted artificial neural network ensemble model (PLWE-ANN) with an embedded self-calibration module based on a threshold network is studied.

Findings
– The nonlinear estimation problem of sensor array-based e-noses can be effectively transformed into a piecewise linear estimation through linear weighted neural networks ensemble activated by a threshold network.

Originality/value
– In this paper, a number of experimental results have been presented, and it also demonstrates that the proposed model has very good accuracy and robustness in real-time indoor monitoring of formaldehyde.
Light-sensitive biosensors based on photoactive marine cultivated strains
Authors: Habibi Mehdi , Fanaei Maryam , Emtiazi Giti 
Published: July 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to construct imaging pixels using novel bioactive films. Despite the notable progress in electronic imaging devices, these sensors still cannot compete with biological vision counterparts such as the human eye. Light sensitive biolayers and pigments in living organisms show superior performance in terms of low noise operation and speed. Although photoactive biolayers have been used to construct electronic imaging devices, they are usually hard to develop, and the organisms that produce these active layers have low growth rates.

Design/methodology/approach
– Among 40 pigment producing prokaryotic marine bacteria, four strains which show faster growth rates in the presence of light are screened and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and visible absorption. Subsequently, they are used as active layers in light sensitive sensors. The performance of the obtained cells is eventually evaluated by time domain photoresponse measurements.

Findings
– It is shown that while the obtained strains have high growth rates and their mass volume reproduction is relatively simple, they provide many interesting characteristics such as high speed and low noise operation when incorporated as photosensitive layers.

Originality/value
– Because the mass reproduction of the obtained cultures is simple, they are an appropriate choice for use in planner and flexible document imaging devices and DNA microarray sensors.
Some clinical factors affecting quality of the response to ustekinumab for psoriasis
Authors: Umezawa Yoshinori , Saeki Hidehisa , Nakagawa Hidemi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractUstekinumab has demonstrated efficacy for psoriasis. However, it is known that approximately 30% of patients have shown insufficient response. The aim of the current study is to clarify the specific clinical factors that could be associated with response to ustekinumab treatment. We reviewed the medical records of all patients who were treated with ustekinumab. The Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score was calculated, and the efficacy was evaluated at week 0 and week 16. The relationship between clinical efficacy and the patients’ background was investigated. The patients, who showed a <74% reduction in the PASI score, were classified as insufficient‐responders. A total of 74 patients (average 60.3 years old, male to female ratio 54:20) were examined retrospectively. Eighteen patients were identified as insufficient‐responders. Each of the factors, body weight (BW) over 80 kg, body mass index (BMI) over 25, or smoking habit over 20 cigarettes/day showed a higher proportion of insufficient‐responders compared with responders, although the difference was not statistically significant. Patients with previous exposure to biologics showed a significantly lower response to the treatment. Furthermore, a statistical difference was identified between patients with none of these factors and patients with some of these factors. Our data suggest that some factors, such as high BW, high BMI, a smoking habit over 20 cigarettes/day, or exposure previous treatment with biologics are likely to affect the quality of the response to ustekinumab. Therefore, these factors need to be taken into account when ustekinumab is administrated.
Effect of increased initial ripening temperature on the sensory characteristics of Reggianito cheese
Authors: Ceruti Roberto J , Zorrilla Susana E , Sabbag Nora G , Costa Silvia C , Sihufe Guillermo A 
Published: July 2014

The effects of increased initial ripening temperature on the sensory characteristics of Reggianito cheese were evaluated in relation to different temperature–time combinations. Control cheeses stored at 12 °C for 6 months and experimental cheeses stored at 20 °C for 2 or 4 weeks then at 12 °C up to 6 months were analysed at 61, 124, and 180 days of ripening by physicochemical, microbiological and quantitative descriptive analysis. The use of an initial increased ripening temperature results in controlled and limited changes on mesophilic lactobacilli growth and in a mild acceleration of the sensory characteristic development of Reggianito cheese.
Co‐movements in commodity prices: a note based on network analysis
Authors: Matesanz David , Torgler Benno , Dabat Germán , Ortega Guillermo J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis article analyses co‐movements in a wide group of commodity prices during the time period 1992–2010. Our methodological approach is based on the correlation matrix and the networks inside. Through this approach we are able to summarize global interaction and interdependence, capturing the existing heterogeneity in the degrees of synchronization between commodity prices. Our results produce two main findings: (a) we do not observe a persistent increase in the degree of co‐movement of the commodity prices in our time sample, however from mid‐2008 to the end of 2009 co‐movements almost doubled when compared with the average correlation; (b) we observe three groups of commodities which have exhibited similar price dynamics (metals, oil and grains, and oilseeds) and which have increased their degree of co‐movement during the sampled period.
DNA methylation and expression of KCNQ3 in bipolar disorder
Authors: Kaminsky Zachary , Jones Ilenna , Verma Ranjana , Saleh Lena , Trivedi Hersh , Guintivano Jerry , Akman Ryan , Zandi Peter , Lee Richard S , Potash James B 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesAccumulating evidence implicates the potassium voltage‐gated channel, KQT‐like subfamily, member 2 and 3 (KCNQ2 and KCNQ3) genes in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BPD). Reduced KCNQ2 or KCNQ3 gene expression might lead to a loss of inhibitory M‐current and an increase in neuronal hyperexcitability in disease. The goal of the present study was to evaluate epigenetic and gene expression associations of the KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 genes with BPD.MethodsDNA methylation and gene expression levels of alternative transcripts of KCNQ2 and KCNQ3 capable of binding the ankyrin G (ANK3) gene were evaluated using bisulfite pyrosequencing and the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of subjects with BPD and matched controls from the McLean Hospital. Replication analyses of DNA methylation findings were performed using prefrontal cortical DNA obtained from the Stanley Medical Research Institute.ResultsSignificantly lower expression was observed in KCNQ3, but not KCNQ2. DNA methylation analysis of CpGs within an alternative exonic region of KCNQ3 exon 11 demonstrated significantly lower methylation in BPD, and correlated significantly with KCNQ3 mRNA levels. Lower KCNQ3 exon 11 DNA methylation was observed in the Stanley Medical Research Institute replication cohort, although only after correcting for mood stabilizer status. Mood stabilizer treatment in rats resulted in a slight DNA methylation increase at the syntenic KCNQ3 exon 11 region, which subsequent analyses suggested could be the result of alterations in neuronal proportion.ConclusionThe results of the present study suggest that epigenetic alterations in the KCNQ3 gene may be important in the etiopathogenesis of BPD and highlight the importance of controlling for medication and cellular composition‐induced heterogeneity in psychiatric studies of the brain.
A multi‐centre, single‐arm, open‐label study evaluating the safety and efficacy of fixed dose rituximab in patients with refractory, relapsed or chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (R‐ITP1000 study)
Authors: Tran Huyen , Brighton Tim , Grigg Andrew , McRae Simon , Dixon Joanna , Thurley Daniel , Gandhi Maher K. , Truman Matt , Marlton Paula , Catalano John 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe efficacy of a fixed‐dose rituximab schedule was prospectively explored in primary/acute refractory, relapsed or chronic (platelet count >10 × 109/l and ≤50 × 109/l) idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Patients received two doses of rituximab (1000 mg) on days 1 and 15 and were followed‐up on weeks 1–8, 12, 26, 39 and 52. A total of 122 patients were included in the safety population; efficacy was analysed in 108 patients. Overall response rate (ORR) at week 8, defined as the proportion of patients achieving complete response (CR; platelet count >150 × 109/l) or partial response (PR; platelet count >50 × 109/l) was 44%. Therapeutic response, defined as achieving a response at week 8, with at least a minor response (MR; platelet count >30 × 109/l), sustained up to weeks 26 and 52 and accompanied by a reduction in ITP medications, was achieved in 44% (week 26) and 35% (week 52) of patients, respectively. Treatment was well tolerated with no safety concerns. While this study failed to meet its primary endpoint of an ORR of 50%, the efficacy of two fixed doses of rituximab appear to provide similar efficacy to the standard 375 mg/m2 four‐dose schedule in relapsed/chronic ITP.
Relationship between radiological (X‐ray/HRCT), spirometric and clinical findings in dental technicians' pneumoconiosis
Authors: Berk Serdar , Dogan Derya Ozdemir , Gumus Cesur , Akkurt Ibrahim 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIntroductionPneumoconiosis in dental technicians' has rarely been evaluated.ObjectivesTo evaluate clinical, functional and radiological impacts of exposure to dust on respiratory functions via chest X‐ray (CXR), high‐resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and spirometry in dental technicians.MethodsDemographic data, respiratory symptoms, spirometry results, CXR and HRCT scans of 32 dental technicians were evaluated. The opacities on the radiological images were categorized based on their intensity. We investigated the relation of radiological scores with clinical, radiological and functional findings.ResultsThe mean age of the study population was 31 ± 9 years and mean employment duration was 14 ± 9 years. Twenty‐two (69%) technicians had a history of smoking. The most common symptom was phlegm, while dyspnea prevalence was higher in those with an elevated International Labour Office (ILO) profusion score (P < 0.01). Parenchymal opacities were determined in 10 (31%) technicians by CXR and in 22 (69%) technicians by HRCT (P < 0.01). There was a positive correlation between ILO profusion score and HRCT score (r = 0.765, P < 0.01). ILO profusion score and HRCT score showed positive correlation with employment duration (r = 0.599, P = 0.01; r = 0.514, P = 0.01, respectively), while exhibiting negative correlation with FVC (r = −0.509, P < 0.05; r = −0.627, P = 0.01 respectively), FVC% (r = −0.449, P < 0.05; r = −0.457, P < 0.05, respectively) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (r = −0.473, P < 0.05; r = −0.598, P = 0.01, respectively).ConclusionsWe believe that a combined approach including spirometry, CXR and HRCT modalities should be employed in demonstrating respiratory disorders associated with exposure to inorganic dusts in dental technicians.
Foreign body giant cell reaction to tarSys™ xenograft
Authors: Munday William R. , Klett Zachary , McNiff Jennifer M. , Ko Christine 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveA foreign body giant cell (FBGC) reaction may occur in response to implanted xenogenic biomaterials. Here we report a FBGC reaction to the recently introduced xenogenic biomaterial, tarSys™, used for correction of lower eyelid retraction.MethodA retrospective chart review of two patients with FBGC reaction to tarSys™ implantation was performed.ResultsTwo patients (aged 51, 58 year) with lower eyelid retraction underwent surgical implantation of tarSys™ spacer grafts for correction. Both patients subsequently experienced chronic swelling requiring graft removal. Examination of the specimens showed a palisading FBGC reaction around acellular pink fibrillar material.ConclusionA FBGC reaction may follow implantation of the tarSys™ xenograft.
On the Old Saw That Dialogue Is a Socratic But Not an Aristotelian Method of Moral Education
Authors: Kristjánsson Kristján 
Published: July 2014

AbstractKristján Kristjánsson's aim in this article is to bury the old saw that dialogue is exclusively a Socratic but not an Aristotelian method of education for moral character. Although the truncated discussion in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics of the character development of the young may indicate that it is merely the result of a mindless process of behavioral conditioning, Nancy Sherman has argued convincingly that such a process would never yield the end result that Aristotle deems all‐important — a precondition for the ascription of virtue — namely, reason‐infused phronesis. Rather than having to rely on impressionistic Aristotelian reconstructions here, Kristjánsson observes, considerable enlightenment can be gleaned by studying Aristotle's account of friendship, especially his account of how character friends reciprocally construct each other's selfhoods through sustained, dialectical engagement. It is clear from this description that ideal character building essentially involves dialogue. If that is correct, however, in the case of character friendship, new light can be shed on other Aristotelian staples of character education, such as role modeling and the use of literature and music, as those will then also, by parity of reasoning, involve sustained use of a dialogical method.
Effect of modulated photo‐activation on polymerization shrinkage behavior of dental restorative resin composites
Authors: Tauböck Tobias T. , Feilzer Albert J. , Buchalla Wolfgang , Kleverlaan Cornelis J. , Krejci Ivo , Attin Thomas 
Published: July 2014

This study investigated the influence of modulated photo‐activation on axial polymerization shrinkage, shrinkage force, and hardening of light‐ and dual‐curing resin‐based composites. Three light‐curing resin composites (SDR bulk‐fill, Esthet X flow, and Esthet X HD) and one dual‐curing material (Rebilda DC) were subjected to different irradiation protocols with identical energy density (27 J cm−2): high‐intensity continuous light (HIC), low‐intensity continuous light (LIC), soft‐start (SS), and pulse‐delay curing (PD). Axial shrinkage and shrinkage force of 1.5‐mm‐thick specimens were recorded in real time for 15 min using custom‐made devices. Knoop hardness was determined at the end of the observation period. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences among the curing protocols for both Knoop hardness and axial shrinkage, irrespective of the composite material. Pulse‐delay curing generated the significantly lowest shrinkage forces within the three light‐curing materials SDR bulk‐fill, Esthet X flow, and Esthet X HD. High‐intensity continuous light created the significantly highest shrinkage forces within Esthet X HD and Rebilda DC, and caused significantly higher forces than LIC within Esthet X flow. In conclusion, both the composite material and the applied curing protocol control shrinkage force formation. Pulse‐delay curing decreases shrinkage forces compared with high‐intensity continuous irradiation without affecting hardening and axial polymerization shrinkage.
Expression of Oct‐4, SOX‐2, and MYC in dental papilla cells and dental follicle cells during in‐vivo tooth development and in‐vitro co‐culture
Authors: Peng Zhengjun , Liu Lu , Wei Xi , Ling Junqi 
Published: July 2014

During tooth development, the special structure of dental follicle and dental papilla enables dental papilla cells (DPCs) and dental follicle cells (DFCs) to make contact with each other. Octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (Oct‐4), sex determining region Y box‐2 (SOX‐2), and cellular homologue of avian myelocytomatosis virus oncogene (MYC) (OSM) are associated with reprogramming and pluripotency. However, whether the expression of OSM could be activated through cell–cell communication is not known. In this study, the distribution of OSM in rat tooth germ was investigated by immunohistochemical staining. An in‐vitro co‐culture system of DPCs and DFCs was established. Cell proliferation, cell apoptosis, cell cycle stages, and expression of OSM were investigated by Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK8) analysis, flow cytometry, real‐time PCR, and immunohistochemical staining. We found that Oct‐4 and SOX‐2 were strongly expressed in tooth germ on days 7 and 9 after birth, whereas MYC was expressed only on day 9. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were inhibited, the cell cycle was arrested in the G0/G1 phase, and the propidium iodide (PI) value was downregulated. Expression of Oct‐4 and SOX‐2 was significantly elevated in both cell types after 3 d of co‐culture, whereas expression of MYC was not significantly elevated until day 5. These results indicate that the optimized microenvironment with cell–cell communication enhanced the expression of reprogramming markers associated with reprogramming capacity in DPCs and DFCs, both in vivo and in vitro.
Does source population size affect performance in new environments?
Authors: Yates Matthew C. , Fraser Dylan J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSmall populations are predicted to perform poorly relative to large populations when experiencing environmental change. To explore this prediction in nature, data from reciprocal transplant, common garden, and translocation studies were compared meta‐analytically. We contrasted changes in performance resulting from transplantation to new environments among individuals originating from different sized source populations from plants and salmonids. We then evaluated the effect of source population size on performance in natural common garden environments and the relationship between population size and habitat quality. In ‘home‐away’ contrasts, large populations exhibited reduced performance in new environments. In common gardens, the effect of source population size on performance was inconsistent across life‐history stages (LHS) and environments. When transplanted to the same set of new environments, small populations either performed equally well or better than large populations, depending on life stage. Conversely, large populations outperformed small populations within native environments, but only at later life stages. Population size was not associated with habitat quality. Several factors might explain the negative association between source population size and performance in new environments: (i) stronger local adaptation in large populations and antagonistic pleiotropy, (ii) the maintenance of genetic variation in small populations, and (iii) potential environmental differences between large and small populations.
Cellular sources of IL‐17 in psoriasis: a paradigm shift?
Authors: Keijsers Romy R. M. C. , Joosten Irma , van Erp Piet E. J , Koenen Hans J. P. M. , van de Kerkhof Peter. C. M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPsoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that results from interplay between the immune system and the epithelium. In the light of very successful anticytokine therapies for psoriasis, the focus has been directed towards the adaptive immune system. Expression studies, genetic studies and treatments specifically targeting players of the IL‐23/IL‐17 pathway, point at an important role for IL‐17 in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. IL‐17 stimulates the keratinocytes to produce psoriasis‐associated molecules, eventually leading to chronic skin inflammation. The current opinion is that IL‐17 is mainly produced by T cells, so‐called T‐helper 17 (Th17) cells, in psoriasis. However, evidence is accumulating that cells of the innate immune system, like neutrophils, mast cells, γδ T cells and innate lymphoid cells are the main source of IL‐17 in psoriasis, rather than T cells. The paradigm in this field of research is shifting. With this viewpoint article, we will address this novel concept by critically summarizing the current literature on this subject. In psoriatic arthritis and atherosclerosis, important conditions related to psoriasis, it was also found that the majority of IL‐17 is associated with cells of the innate immune system. This new concept changes our view of IL‐17. Blocking IL‐17 with targeted treatments might be more far‐reaching than previously thought; not only IL‐17 production by T cells but also by innate immune cells is blocked. Furthermore, therapies specifically targeting IL‐17 may not only improve psoriasis, but also comorbidity that is associated with the IL‐17 pathway, hereby preventing serious complications on the long term.
The role of cytokines and chemokines in the T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune process in alopecia areata
Authors: Ito Taisuke , Tokura Yoshiki 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe aetiology of alopecia areata (AA) is still not fully understood. However, recent clinical and experimental studies have provided insights into the pathomechanisms of AA and revealed that it is an organ‐specific and cell‐mediated autoimmune disease. Some triggers, such as viral infections, trauma, hormones and emotional/physical stressors, may cause activation of autoreactive T cells that target hair follicle (HF) autoantigens. In these immunological responses, cytokines and chemokines are regarded as key players that mediate the autoimmune inflammation. This results in the collapse of HF immune privilege, which is central to the pathogenesis of AA. This essay will focus on how cytokines and chemokines contribute to the immunological aspects of AA. The management of AA often remains difficult in a number of cases. Our review suggests that novel therapies for AA may involve targeting cytokines and chemokines.