bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
White matter abnormalities differentiate severe from benign temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Labate Angelo , Cherubini Andrea , Tripepi Giovanni , Mumoli Laura , Ferlazzo Edoardo , Aguglia Umberto , Quattrone Aldo , Gambardella Antonio 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectiveTemporal and extratemporal white matter abnormalities have been identified frequently in patients with refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (rMTLE). However, the identification of potential water diffusion abnormalities in patients with drug‐responsive, benign MTLE (bMTLE) is still missing. The aim of this study was to identify markers of refractoriness in MTLE.MethodsThe study group included 48 patients with bMTLE (mean age 42.8 + 13.5 years), 38 with rMTLE (mean age 41.7 + 14.1 years) and 54 healthy volunteers. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed to measure mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) in a regions‐of‐interest analysis comprising hippocampi and temporal lobe gray and white matter regions. The presence of hippocampal sclerosis (Hs) was assessed using automated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluation. For statistics we used chi‐square test; two‐tailed, two‐sample t‐test; and stratified linear regression.ResultsThe significant demographic differences between the two patient groups were sex (p = 0.003), duration of epilepsy (p = 0.003) and complex febrile convulsions (p = 0.0001). In rMTLE, temporal white matter MD was higher and FA lower, as compared to bMTLE. The analysis of diagnostic accuracy (area under the receiver operator characteristic [ROC] curve [AUC]) showed that FA had an AUC for discriminating patients affected from those unaffected by refractory MTLE of 74.0% (p < 0.001), a value that was higher than that of temporal MD (64.0%), hippocampus volume (65.0%), and Hs (66.0%).SignificanceWe performed DTI measurements in MTLE and found a significant reduction of FA along the white matter of the temporal lobes in rMTLE, suggesting it as a valuable measure of refractoriness in MTLE.
Animal models to evaluate anti‐atherosclerotic drugs
Authors: Priyadharsini Raman P. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAtherosclerosis is a multifactorial condition characterized by endothelial injury, fatty streak deposition, and stiffening of the blood vessels. The pathogenesis is complex and mediated by adhesion molecules, inflammatory cells, and smooth muscle cells. Statins have been the major drugs in treating hypercholesterolemia for the past two decades despite little efficacy. There is an urgent need for new drugs that can replace statins or combined with statins. The preclinical studies evaluating atherosclerosis require an ideal animal model which resembles the disease condition, but there is no single animal model which mimics the disease. The animal models used are rabbits, rats, mice, hamsters, mini pigs, etc. Each animal model has its own advantages and disadvantages. The method of induction of atherosclerosis includes diet, chemical induction, mechanically induced injuries, and genetically manipulated animal models. This review mainly focuses on the various animal models, method of induction, the advantages, disadvantages, and the current perspectives with regard to preclinical studies on atherosclerosis.
Influence of shot peening parameters on high‐cycle fatigue strength of steel produced by powder metallurgy process
Authors: Akyıldız H. K. , Kulekci M. K. , Esme U. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn this study, the effect of shot peening parameters on fatigue strength of steel manufactured by powder metallurgy (PM) was investigated. Steel material obtained from Höganas ASC 100.29 in chemical composition of Fe–0.5% C–2% Cu was produced by using a single action press PM process. To determine the effect of shot peening parameters on fatigue performance, fatigue tests were performed on 20 unpeened and 80 shot‐peened samples, which were machined from sintered steel. Furthermore, shot‐peened samples were peened at different peening intensities, 100% and 200% saturation and full coverage conditions. Fatigue performance of steel, produced by PM process, was improved by surface peening process. For the studied PM steel, the best fatigue performance was obtained with the samples that were shot peened at 20 Almen intensity and 100% saturation. Fatigue strength and limit of the samples, however, were reduced after a certain cold work level. Higher intensity and saturation levels of peening process thus deteriorated the beneficial effect on fatigue strength and limit.
Bacterial degradability of white patches on primary feathers is associated with breeding date and parental effort in a migratory bird
Authors: Ruiz‐De‐Castañeda Rafael , Burtt Edward H. , González‐Braojos Sonia , Moreno Juan 
Published: June 2015

We compared thein vitrobacterial degradability of the white patch and melanized area of primary feathers of breeding male and female Pied FlycatchersFicedula hypo‐leucaand related this variation to laying date, brood size and brood mass. Bacterial degradability of male and female white feather patches, but not of melanized areas, was positively correlated with laying date. Male Pied Flycatchers showed a positive correlation between bacterial degradability of the white patch, though not of the melanized patch, and brood size and brood mass. Feather degradability appears to be negatively related to individual quality and positively related to reproductive effort.
Sensory factors affecting female consumers' acceptability of nail polish
Authors: Sun C. , Koppel K. , Adhikari K. 
Published: June 2015

SynopsisObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to determine what sensory factors impact consumers' acceptability of nail polishes, to explore how these sensory factors impact consumers' acceptability of nail polishes, to investigate whether there are any consumer segments according to their overall acceptability on different nail polishes and to scrutinize how the consumer segments are related to the sensory factors.MethodsNinety‐eight females participated in a nail polish consumer study at Kansas State University. Eight commercial products belonging to four categories – regular (REG), gel (GEL), flake (FLK) and water‐based (WAT) – were evaluated. Each nail polish sample was evaluated twice by each participant in two different tasks – a task devoted to applying and evaluating the product and a task devoted to observing the appearance and evaluating the product. Pearson's correlation analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), external preference mapping, cluster analysis and internal preference mapping were applied for data analysis.ResultsParticipants' scores of overall liking of the nail polishes were similar in the application task and in the observation task. In general, participants liked the REG and GEL product samples more than the FLK and WAT samples. Among all the sensory attributes, appearance attributes were the major factors that affected participants' overall liking. Aroma seemed to be a minor factor to participants' overall liking. Some sensory attributes, such as runny, shininess, opacity, spreadability, smoothness, coverage and wet appearance, were found to drive participants' overall acceptability positively, whereas others such as pinhole, fatty‐edges, blister, brushlines, pearl‐like, flake‐protrusion, glittery and initial‐drag impacted participants' overall acceptability negatively. Four clusters of participants were identified according to their overall liking scores from both the application task and the observation task.ConclusionsParticipants' acceptability, based on different sensory attributes, could help a nail polish manufacturer modify or improve their nail polish formulas. Nail polish manufacturers could use the consumer cluster information to improve their marketing strategies for specific categories of their products and to target their advertising on particular consumer groups.
The effect of piezoelectric ultrasonic instrumentation on titanium discs: a microscopy and trace elemental analysis in vitro study
Authors: Tawse‐Smith A , Atieh MA , Tompkins G , Duncan WJ , Reid MR , Stirling CH 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate in vitro topographical and composition changes by piezoelectric ultrasonic instrumentation with metallic and plastic tips on machined and moderately roughened titanium surfaces.MethodsTwenty machined and moderately roughened laser‐marked titanium discs were ultrasonically instrumented with metallic and plastic tips. Surface instrumentation was carried out with controlled pressure for 20 and 30 seconds at two power settings. For each time and power setting, instrumentation was repeated four times with one instrumentation per disc quadrant. Surface topography analysis was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Surface roughness measurements were compared between instrumented and non‐instrumented surfaces. Surface element composition and rinsing solutions were evaluated using energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and trace elemental analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), respectively.ResultsSEM photomicrographs and CLSM 3D surface plot images of instrumented machined and moderately roughened surfaces demonstrated severe surface topographical alterations with metallic tips and mild to moderate changes for plastic tip instrumented sites. ICPMS analysis of the rinsing solutions identified titanium and other metal traces with the use of metallic tips, and mainly titanium and carbon when plastic tips were used. Surface EDS analysis showed elemental traces of the ultrasonic tips.ConclusionUltrasonic instrumentation with metallic or plastic tips created surface topographical and compositional changes. Different changes in surface topography were noted between the surfaces, as the roughness of the machined surfaces increased while the extent of roughness of the moderately roughened surfaces decreased. The clinical relevance of these changes is yet to be determined.
One‐session root canal treatment with antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT): an in vivo study
Authors: Borsatto M. C. , Correa‐Afonso A. M. , Lucisano M. P. , Bezerra da Silva R. A. , Paula‐Silva F. W. G. , Nelson‐Filho P. , Bezerra da Silva L. A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the response of the apical and periapical tissues of dog teeth with apical periodontitis after one‐session root canal treatment with and without antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) compared with the use of an intracanal dressing.MethodologySixty root canals with an induced periapical lesion were instrumented and assigned to three groups: I, two‐session root canal treatment using antibacterial dressing with calcium hydroxide‐based paste; II, one‐session root canal treatment using aPDT; and III, one‐session root canal treatment in which the root canals were filled immediately after biomechanical preparation. The animals were euthanized after a 90‐day experimental period. The maxillas and mandibles with teeth were submitted to histotechnical processing and haematoxylin–eosin staining. Descriptive microscopic analysis of the apical and periapical region characteristics was performed, as well as morphometric assessment of the periapical lesion areas in fluorescence microscopy. Quantitative data were analysed statistically by the nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis test and Dunn's post‐test (α = 0.05).ResultsGroup I was characterized by progressive repair, with the presence of fibres, cells and blood vessels. Group II had periodontal ligaments with the presence of collagen fibres and residual inflammatory cells. Group III had a dense inflammatory infiltrate with extensive oedematous areas and fibrillar dissociation, suggesting a persistent inflammatory and resorptive condition. Regarding periapical lesion size, group I had significantly smaller lesions (P < 0.05) than groups II and III, which did not differ significantly from each other.ConclusionTwo‐session root canal treatment using a calcium hydroxide‐based dressing was associated with significantly smaller periapical lesions at 90 days and characterized by progressive repair.
Varicocele is associated with varicose veins: A population‐based case–control study
Authors: Lai Yu‐Wei , Hsueh Thomas Y , Hu Hsiao‐Yun , Chiu Yi‐Chun , Chen Saint Shiou‐Sheng , Chiu Allen W 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveTo analyze the association between patients with varicocele and varicose veins in Taiwan.MethodsBetween 2001 and 2010, comprehensive data were analyzed on the characteristics of patients with varicocele and varicose veins in Taiwan through a retrospective, nationwide, population‐based study. Data were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 2727 cases with varicose veins and 10 908 randomly selected controls were included in this study. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association between varicose veins and varicocele.ResultsThe prevalence of varicocele was 1.3% and 0.3% for cases (with varicose veins) and controls (without varicose vein), respectively (P < 0.001). Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio of being previously diagnosed with varicose veins for cases was 4.71 (95% confidence interval 2.87–7.89) when compared with controls after adjusting for age, diabetes, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver and kidney disease, and edema. Furthermore, the odds ratio was 5.96 (95% confidence interval 2.90–12.24), 4.76 (95% confidence interval 1.68–13.48) and 1.69 (95% confidence interval 0.30–9.55) in patients aged <50 years, 51–65 years and >65 years, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of male infertility was 15.1% for patients with varicocele and varicose veins, and 14.5% for patients with varicocele only, but no significant difference was observed.ConclusionOur findings suggest an association between both varicocele and varicose veins. In addition, this association is higher in patients aged younger than 50 years. Evaluation of male patients with varicose veins for varicocele should be recommended.
Abundance and specificity of influenza reactive circulating memory follicular helper and non‐follicular helper CD4 T cells in healthy adults
Authors: Leddon Scott A. , Richards Katherine A. , Treanor John J. , Sant Andrea J. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryCD4 T‐cell responses are functionally complex and regulate many aspects of innate and adaptive immunity. Follicular helper (Tfh) cells are CD4 T cells specialized to support B‐cell production of isotype‐switched, high‐affinity antibody. So far, studies of Tfh cells in humans have focused on their differentiation requirements, with little research devoted to their antigen specificity. Here, after separating circulating human memory CD4 T cells based on expression of CXCR5, a signature marker of Tfh, we have quantified and assayed the influenza protein antigen specificity of blood Tfh cells and CD4 T cells lacking this marker. Through the use of peptide pools derived from nucleoprotein (NP) or haemagglutinin (HA) and a panel of human donors, we have discovered that circulating Tfh cells preferentially recognize peptide epitopes from HA while cells lacking CXCR5 are enriched for specificity toward NP. These studies suggest that reactive CD4 T cells specific for distinct viral antigens may have generalized differences in their functional potential due to their previous stimulation history.
NKp30 isoforms in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Mantovani Stefania , Mele Dalila , Oliviero Barbara , Barbarini Giorgio , Varchetta Stefania , Mondelli Mario U. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryNatural killer (NK) cells play an important role in virus infection, their action being regulated by several activating and inhibitory receptors. The NKp30 activating receptor and its isoforms have recently emerged as important determinants of efficient NK cell responses. We determined the relative proportions of NKp30 isoforms in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and healthy donors (HD). NK cell function (degranulation and cytokine production) and correlations with clinical parameters were assessed following unsupervised hierarchical clustering of patients according to isoform expression. NKp30 receptor expression on NK cells and all isoforms were reduced in HCV‐infected patients. Patients were clustered into two groups: the HCV‐1 group had similar isoform expression to the HD group, whereas the HCV‐2 group had lower expression. The latter showed a better functional activity, and a higher proportion of the activating a isoform and of the NKp30 isoform a/c ratio compared with the HCV‐1 cluster. There was a positive correlation between the activating a isoform and liver stiffness and an inverse relationship between the immunosuppressive c isoform and the fibrosis 4 score, suggesting a potentially important role of NKp30 isoforms in influencing liver damage and ensuing fibrosis.
Profiling leucocyte subsets in tuberculosis–diabetes co‐morbidity
Authors: Kumar Nathella Pavan , Moideen Kadar , Dhakshinraj Sharmila D. , Banurekha Vaithilingam V. , Nair Dina , Dolla Chandrakumar , Kumaran Paul , Babu Subash 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe immune system plays an important role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary tuberculosis–type 2 diabetes mellitus (PTB‐DM) co‐morbidity. However, the phenotypic profile of leucocyte subsets at homeostasis in individuals with active or latent tuberculosis (LTB) with coincident diabetes is not known. To characterize the influence of diabetes on leucocyte phenotypes in PTB or LTB, we examined the frequency (Fo) of leucocyte subsets in individuals with TB with (PTB‐DM) or without (PTB) diabetes; individuals with latent TB with (LTB‐DM) or without (LTB) diabetes and non‐TB‐infected individuals with (NTB‐DM) or without (NTB) diabetes. Coincident DM is characterized by significantly lower Fo of effector memory CD4+ T cells in LTB individuals. In contrast, DM is characterized by significantly lower Fo of effector memory CD8+ T cells and significantly higher Fo of central memory CD8+ T cells in PTB individuals. Coincident DM resulted in significantly higher Fo of classical memory B cells in PTB and significantly higher Fo of activated memory and atypical B cells in LTB individuals. Coincident DM resulted in significantly lower Fo of classical and intermediate monocytes in PTB, LTB and NTB individuals. Finally, DM resulted in significantly lower Fo of myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells in PTB, LTB and NTB individuals. Our data reveal that coincident diabetes alters the cellular subset distribution of T cells, B cells, dendritic cells and monocytes in both individuals with active TB and those with latent TB, thus potentially impacting the pathogenesis of this co‐morbid condition.
User behaviours after critical mobile application incidents: the relationship with situational context
Authors: Salo Markus , Frank Lauri 
Published: June 2015

AbstractUsers occasionally have critical incidents with information systems (IS). A critical IS incident is an IS product or service experience that a user considers to be unusually positive or negative. Critical IS incidents are highly influential in terms of users' overall perceptions and customer relationships; thus, they are crucial for IS product and service providers. Therefore, it is important to study user behaviours after such incidents. Within IS, the relationships between the situational context and user behaviours after critical incidents have not been addressed at all. Prior studies on general mobile use as a related research area have recognized the influence of the situational context, but they have not covered the relationships between specific situational characteristics and different types of user behaviours. To address this gap, we examine 605 critical mobile incidents that were collected from actual mobile application users. Based on our results, we extend current theoretical knowledge by uncovering and explaining the relationships between specific situational characteristics (interaction state, place, sociality and application type) and user behaviours (use continuance, word‐of‐mouth and complaints). We have found, for example, that users are less likely to engage in negative behaviours after negative incidents that take place outdoors or in vehicles than after indoor incidents. This is because users often consider indoor environments to be familiar and treat them with established expectations and low uncertainty: users are accustomed to the notion that the applications function indoors just like before. Further, we present practical implications for mobile application providers by suggesting to them which positive critical incidents are the most beneficial to promote and which negative critical incidents are the most crucial to avoid.
Role of Fuel on Cation Disorder in Magnesium Aluminate (MgAl2O4) Spinel Prepared by Combustion Synthesis
Authors: Dwibedi Debasmita , Avdeev Maxim , Barpanda Prabeer 
Published: June 2015

Magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) forms an interesting system having tetrahedral and octahedral voids filled with near similar sized divalent Mg2+ and trivalent Al3+ cations. Structural disorder (e.g., Mg–Al antisite defects) can be tuned by synthetic conditions. This study reports the evolution of Mg/Al disorder in MgAl2O4 prepared by combustion synthesis using different types of fuels. The effect of nature of fuel and the final calcination temperature (600°C–900°C for 9 h) on degree of cation ordering has been investigated combining powder X‐ray (XRD) and neutron (NPD) diffraction. The results indicate very high degree of inversion in the samples crystallized at low annealing temperature, which on further annealing reduces toward the thermodynamically stable values. Raman spectroscopy, probing MgO4, and AlO4 tetrahedral bonds, confirmed the results at a local level.
Understanding Art: Preparing Generalist School Teachers to Teach Art with Artworks
Authors: Pavlou Victoria 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis article focuses on ways of building preservice primary teachers' confidence in teaching art with artworks and, in particular, on how to develop their pedagogical content knowing. It is suggested that through opportunities offered for engaging in observational and reflective practices with artworks an initial groundwork is set that can challenge pre‐service teachers' preconceptions about art and promote an aesthetic form of inquiry. A qualitative approach was followed which included in‐depth interviews with twenty pre‐service teachers regarding their attitudes and knowledge towards artworks. The findings indicate that enhancing teachers' abilities to practice factual inquiries and then move on to interpretive inquiries of artworks can help them learn how to learn about artworks and how to organise meaningful art viewing activities with children. Issues relating to the participants' level of aesthetic understanding are also discussed as participants were asked to engage with artworks and their aesthetic encounters were documented.