bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Bi2O3 Doping on the Sintering Temperature and Microwave Dielectric Properties of LiAlSiO4 Ceramics
Authors: Jeong Byoung‐Jik , Joung Mi‐Ri , Kweon Sang‐Hyo , Kim Jin‐Seong , Nahm Sahn , Choi Ji‐Won , Hwang Seong‐Ju 
Published: May 2012

When Bi2O3 was added to LiAlSiO4 ceramics, Bi12SiO20 secondary phase was formed. Since the melting temperature of Bi12SiO20 ceramics is 880°C, the liquid phase is expected to form during sintering and to assist the densification of LiAlSiO4 ceramics. When 15.0 mol% Bi2O3 was added, the LiAlSiO4 ceramics could be sintered at 900°C, and with 20.0 mol% Bi2O3 they could even be sintered at 875°C. The 15.0 mol% Bi2O3‐doped LiAlSiO4 ceramics sintered at 900°C exhibited good microwave dielectric properties, namely, a low εr of 4.3, a high Q × f of 62 430 GHz and a small τf of −16.21 ppm/oC.
The Art of Torture and the Place of Execution: A Forensic Narrative
Authors: Kane Stephanie C. 
Published: May 2012

In El Calafate, Argentina, a remote global nature tour destination where tourists lodge en route to experience the spectacular glacial beauty of Patagonia, a 17‐year‐old local boy was kidnapped and taken to an otherwise unremarkable waterscape on the edge of town, where he was tortured and executed. His death, however, was officially declared a suicide. The malevolence of his assailants and their protectors moved outward from the youth's body and the crime site into the homes of despairing and disbelieving family and friends, overflowing into private and public protest, all to no avail. The crime and its aftermath dramatically altered the lives of the victim's working‐class family and friends.While their faith in the local police and courts has nearly been destroyed, and faith in relevant human rights law barely ignited, continued communication about this crime as part of an ongoing community disaster seems to infer an unspecified promise, or at least, a stubborn desire, to continue seeking justice with words. In this article, I explore the layered attempts of family and friend's to narrate, counter, and untangle the causes and effects emanating from the youth's murder, the official evidence box, and the spatially situated terror that persists. Mediated through ethnographic writing, the forensic narration shows how violent crime distorts and divides human perception of everyday places with ominous and artful precision.
Laparoscopic management of interstitial pregnancy: the “purse‐string” technique
Authors: CUCINELLA GASPARE , ROTOLO STEFANO , CALAGNA GLORIA , GRANESE ROBERTA , AGRUSA ANTONINO , PERINO ANTONIO 
Published: May 2012

Abstract We report five cases of interstitial pregnancy, treated between 2004 and 2010, to evaluate surgical and obstetric outcome of laparoscopic cornual resection with a “purse‐string” technique. A hemostatic suture was passed at the base of the mass in a purse‐string fashion prior to resection, to minimize intraoperative blood loss. Subsequent pregnancies were analysed, with a mean follow‐up time of 48 months. The mean operating time was 39 min and mean blood loss 47 mL. Three of four patients who desired children delivered at term uneventfully. Laparoscopic cornual resection with a “purse‐string” technique appears to be useful for treatment of early interstitial pregnancy. The technique ensures effective and safe treatment, with satisfactory obstetric outcome.
The preoperative assessment of deep myometrial invasion by three‐dimensional ultrasound versus MRI in endometrial carcinoma
Authors: SAARELAINEN SAMI K. , KÖÖBI LEA , JÄRVENPÄÄ RITVA , LAURILA MARITA , MÄENPÄÄ JOHANNA U. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract Objective. To evaluate the usefulness of three‐dimensional ultrasound (3D US), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and three‐dimensional power Doppler angiography (3D‐PDA) in the preoperative assessment of myometrial invasion in endometrial carcinoma. Design. A prospective observational study. Setting. University hospital. Population. Twenty consecutive patients diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma. Methods. Preoperative 3 T MRI and 3D US examinations were performed, and the depth of myometrial invasion was assessed. The vascularity indices, vascularization index, flow index and vascularization flow index, were calculated by 3D‐PDA. Main outcome measures. The results were compared with the final histopathology report after a surgical staging. Results. In detecting deep myometrial invasion, the sensitivity of 3D US, MRI and their combination was 50, 91.7 and 100%, respectively. The specificity was 87.5, 50 and 50%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the 3D‐PDA vascularity indices between the two groups. Conclusions. MRI appears to be more sensitive than 3D US in detecting deep invasion, while 3D US has a better specificity.
SERPINE1 expression discriminates site‐specific metastasis in human melanoma
Authors: Klein R. Matthew , Bernstein Daniel , Higgins Steven P. , Higgins Craig E. , Higgins Paul J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractDepth of invasion, a quantifier of vertical growth, is a major cutaneous melanoma staging factor. Stromal penetrance requires pericellular proteolysis regulated by the serine protease and matrix metalloproteinase cascades. The serine protease inhibitor SERPINE1, a poor prognosis biomarker in various cancers, promotes tumor progression likely by titrating the extent and local of plasmin‐initiated matrix remodelling. SERPINE1 in human melanoma was assessed using tissue arrays that included primary/metastatic tumors and normal skin. SERPINE1 was basal layer‐restricted in the normal epidermis. SERPINE1 immunoreactivity was evident in 27/28 primary (96%) and 24/26 metastatic tumors (92%); cutaneous metastases (80%) had significantly elevated SERPINE1 levels compared with low signals characteristic of lymph node lesions. Moderate SERPINE1 expression was a general finding in primary melanoma, whereas reduced or increased SERPINE1 immunolocalization typified metastatic deposits. The amplitude of SERPINE1 expression may impact melanoma site‐specific dissemination, with cutaneous metastases representing a high‐SERPINE1 tumor subtype.
Evaluation of the effect of disease duration in generalized vitiligo on its clinical response to narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy
Authors: Hallaji Zahra , Ghiasi Maryam , Eisazadeh Ayat , Rayati Damavandi Maede 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackground/PurposeNarrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) has been accepted as an effective therapy for generalized vitiligo. On the other hand, different factors seem to contribute to a good response. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of disease duration on its clinical response to NB‐UVB phototherapy.MethodsIn this open and uncontrolled study, vitiligo was considered ‘recent’ when the duration of disease was less than or equal to 4 years and ‘long standing’ when it was greater than 4 years. The patients received NB‐UVB thrice weekly with an initial dose of 200 mJ/cm2 and 10% increments at each subsequent treatment. After categorizing the clinical response to four groups (mild, moderate, good, and excellent), duration of disease and clinical response to NB‐UVB were correlated statistically using the t‐test.ResultsThere were 63 patients: 34 women and 29 men, aged 6–60 years. The mean of disease duration was 10.13 ± 9.1 years. Vitiligo was ‘recent’ in 26 and ‘long standing’ in 37 patients. The mean of overall response was 51.94 ± 18.48%. Higher grades of response were more prevalent in patients with recent vitiligo than those with long‐standing disease, and there was also statistically significant difference in overall response between these two groups of disease duration (P = 0.023).ConclusionThe early treatment of generalized vitiligo may enhance the chance of successful repigmentation.
Vitamin D deficiency in South Europe: effect of smoking and aging
Authors: Cutillas‐Marco Eugenia , Fuertes‐Prosper Amparo , Grant William B. , Morales‐Suárez‐Varela Maria 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe main source of vitamin D is synthesis in the skin during exposure to ultraviolet radiation. The existence of photoaggravated diseases and the increasing incidence of skin cancer have prompted recommendations to avoid the sun. Here, we study the status of vitamin D in a healthy population and its relation to their habits of sun exposure. To do so, we designed a cross‐sectional study that included 177 healthy people. We analyzed parameters about demographic data, sun exposure, and protection habits and estimated vitamin D dietary intake. We performed blood tests to measure serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone. Mean levels (± standard deviation) of 25(OH)D were 24.0 (± 8.5) ng/ml. Seventy‐six percent of the population did not reach recommended levels of vitamin D (30 ng/ml), including 4.5% who were vitamin D deficient (< 10 ng/ml). Levels were higher in young people (P = 0.04) and those with more sun exposure (P = 0.04). Smoking was associated with an increased risk of hypovitaminosis D (odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.00–3.35). On the basis of our findings, we should consider the risk of hypovitaminosis when we recommend sun avoidance, especially in some risk groups, because the sun is the most important source of this vitamin.
Accumulation of sunscreen in human skin after daily applications: a study of sunscreens with different ultraviolet radiation filters
Authors: Bodekær Mette , Åkerström Ulf , Wulf Hans Christian 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackground/PurposeSunscreen applied to the skin provides a considerable sun protection factor (SPF) even after 8 h. Sunscreen use for consecutive days may therefore result in an accumulation of the product. This study investigated the consequences of accumulation for SPF.MethodsTwo sunscreens, one containing organic and one containing particle ultraviolet radiation (UVR) filters (SPF 30) (2 mg/cm2), were used. Areas on the back of 22 volunteers were applied with sunscreen on 5 consecutive days, once daily (12 volunteers) and three times daily (10 volunteers), and phototested. The SPF was determined on Days 1, 3 and 5.ResultsOne daily application of sunscreen did not result in an accumulation in the skin that significantly affected the SPF. However, three daily applications provided a significantly higher SPF for both the organic (mean SPF 1.56) and particle (mean SPF 2.45) sunscreen at Day 5 compared to Day 1 (P = 0.023 for both sunscreens).ConclusionSunscreens accumulate in the skin when applied in the recommended amounts three times daily. In conjunction with other sun protection strategies, sunscreen application on consecutive days prior to UVR exposure can result in a basic skin protection, which may help to prevent severe sunburns on sun holidays.
In vitro ultraviolet A irradiation decreases both release ability and gene‐expression of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A from mast cells
Authors: Delfino Gabriele , Di Costanzo Luisa , de Paulis Amato , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Monfrecola Giuseppe 
Published: May 2012

SummaryUltraviolet A (UVA) rays penetrate the dermis, influencing the function of different cells, including mast cells, able to produce angiogenic factors. We investigated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release and gene‐expression from mast cells (MCs), after UVA irradiation in vitro. The release of VEGF‐A by Human MCs‐1 (HMC‐1) was induced by calcium ionophore A23187 and phorbol 12 myristate 13 acetate (PMA). Half of the cells received increasing doses of UVA (5, 25 and 50 J/cm2), the unirradiated HMC‐1 served as controls. VEGF release and VEGF‘s messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) were detected respectively by enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis. Results showed a UVA dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on VEGF‐A release from HMC‐1. In particular, the release ability was reduced by 71.2% with 5 J/cm2; 85% with 25 J/cm2 and 86.3% with 50 J/cm2.The VEGF‐A RNA expression was reduced after UVA irradiation with 5 J/cm2. We speculated that, at least in vitro and at our experimental conditions, UVA irradiation decreases mast cells‐VEGF release and gene‐expression.
Tomesa balneophototherapy in mild to severe psoriasis: a retrospective clinical trial in 174 patients
Authors: Cattaneo Angelo , Alberti Violetti Silvia , Tavecchio Simona , Bruni Elena , Carrera Carlo , Crosti Carlo 
Published: May 2012

SummaryPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with a high social and psychological impact on the quality of life of patients. Tomesa balneophototherapy is based on bathing in a magnesium‐rich salt solution combined with exposure to narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy. We conducted a retrospective clinical trial on 174 patients affected by mild to severe psoriasis undergoing Tomesa balneophototherapy. The basal course consisted of three to five sessions per week for a total of 30 sessions. Subsequently, patients could continue with a maintenance course of one session per week for a total of 30 sessions. We recorded a significant reduction of the mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) index with an achievement of at least PASI 75 in 52.1% of the 119 patients who completed the basal course and an improvement of the ‘quality of life’ of patients. The good efficacy obtained by this treatment, and the psychological impact on the quality of life of patients, demonstrated that Tomesa balneophototherapy could be a good option for the treatment of a chronic disease associated with psychological distress, like psoriasis.
Differentiation of HaCaT cell and melanocyte from their malignant counterparts using micro‐Raman spectroscopy guided by confocal imaging
Authors: Wang Hequn , Tsai Tsung‐Hua , Zhao Jianhua , Lee Anthony M. D. , Lo Blanche Ka Ki , Yu Mei , Lui Harvey , McLean David I. , Zeng Haishan 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundSkin cancer is the most common type of cancer in humans. Current techniques for identifying normal and neoplastic tissues are either destructive or not sensitive and specific enough. Raman spectroscopy and confocal imaging may obviate many limitations of existing methods by providing noninvasive, high‐resolution, and real‐time morphological and biochemical analysis of living tissues and cells.MethodsWe conducted micro‐Raman spectroscopy studies on HaCaT cells, melanocytes (MC) and their malignant counterparts squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma (MM) cells, respectively. Reflectance confocal imaging is used as guidance for the spectral measurements.ResultsSignificant differences were found between the spectra of HaCaT cells and SCC cells, MC cells and MM cells, as well as all normal cells (HaCaT and MC) and all tumor cells (SCC and MM). Approximately 90% sensitivity and specificity was achieved for all the separations that we performed.ConclusionOur results demonstrated the robust capability of confocal Raman spectroscopy in separating different cell lines. The acquired Raman spectra of major types of skin cells and their malignant counterparts will be useful for the interpretation of Raman spectra from in vivo skin. We believe it will eventually help diagnosis of skin cancer and other skin disease in clinical dermatology.
Healing at Implants Placed in an Alveolar Ridge with a Sloped Configuration: An Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Abrahamsson Ingemar , Welander Maria , Linder Elena , Berglundh Tord 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTPurpose: To study healing around implants placed in an alveolar ridge with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration.Materials and Methods: Six Labrador dogs were used. Buccal bone defects were prepared in the mandible after extraction of premolars. Three months later, two test implants with a sloped marginal design and two control implants were placed in the chronic defect area with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration of each premolar region. The test implants were placed in such a way that the buccal margin of the implant coincided with the buccal bone crest. The lingual margin of the control implants was placed to a similar depth as the lingual margin of the test implants. Abutments were connected to the implants in the right mandibular premolar region and flaps were sutured around the neck of the abutments. In the left side of the mandible, cover screws were placed and the flaps were sutured to cover the implants. Biopsies were obtained 4 months later and prepared for histological examination.Results: It was demonstrated that healing around implants placed in an alveolar ridge with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration resulted in the preservation of a vertical discrepancy between the lingual and buccal marginal bone levels around implants with either a regular cylindrical outline or a modified marginal portion that matched the slope of the alveolar ridge.Conclusion: As the marginal buccal portion of the control implants with a regular design had no bone support, it is suggested that implants with a modified marginal portion may be considered in recipient sites with a sloped lingual‐buccal configuration.
Human MUS81 complexes stimulate flap endonuclease 1
Authors: Shin Yong‐Keol , Amangyeld Tamir , Nguyen Tuan A. , Munashingha Palinda R. , Seo Yeon‐Soo 
Published: May 2012

The yeast heterodimeric Mus81–Mms4 complex possesses a structure‐specific endonuclease activity that is critical for the restart of stalled replication forks and removal of toxic recombination intermediates. Previously, we reported that Mus81–Mms4 and Rad27 (yeast FEN1, another structure‐specific endonuclease) showed mutual stimulation of nuclease activity. In this study, we investigated the interactions between human FEN1 and MUS81–EME1 or MUS81–EME2, the human homologs of the yeast Mus81–Mms4 complex. We found that both MUS81–EME1 and MUS81–EME2 increased the activity of FEN1, but FEN1 did not stimulate the activity of MUS81–EME1/EME2. The MUS81 subunit alone and its N‐terminal half were able to bind to FEN1 and stimulate its endonuclease activity. A truncated FEN1 fragment lacking the C‐terminal region that retained catalytic activity was not stimulated by MUS81. Michaelis–Menten kinetic analysis revealed that MUS81 increased the interaction between FEN1 and its substrates, resulting in increased turnover. We also showed that, after DNA damage in human cells, FEN1 co‐localizes with MUS81. These findings indicate that the human proteins and yeast homologs act similarly, except that the human FEN1 does not stimulate the nuclease activities of MUS81–EME1 or MUS81–EME2. Thus, the mammalian MUS81 complexes and FEN1 collaborate to remove the various flap structures that arise during many DNA transactions, including Okazaki fragment processing.Structured digital abstract FEN1physically interactswithMUS81andEME2byanti tag coimmunoprecipitation(View interaction) FEN1physically interactswithMUS81andEME1byanti tag coimmunoprecipitation(View interaction) MUS81physically interactswithFEN1bypull down(View interaction) FEN1andMUS81colocalizebyfluorescence microscopy(View interaction) FEN1physically interactswithMUS81byanti tag coimmunoprecipitation(View interaction)
Psychosexual Development in Adolescents and Adults with Disorders of Sex Development—Results from the German Clinical Evaluation Study
Authors: Jürgensen Martina , Kleinemeier Eva , Lux Anke , Steensma Thomas D. , Cohen-Kettenis Peggy T. , Hiort Olaf , Thyen Ute , Köhler Birgit 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Both biological and psychosocial factors influence psychosexual development. High levels of pre- and postnatal androgens lead to more male-typical behavior. So far, the influence of androgens on gender identity and sexual orientation is unclear. Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are heterogeneous genetic conditions with different levels of prenatal androgens resulting in variations of genital development. Through DSD, the role of the different factors, especially androgen exposure, on psychosexual development can be evaluated.

Aim
The purpose of the study was to assess psychosexual development in adolescents and adults with different forms of DSD.

Methods
For the examination of psychosexual development of 66 adolescents and 110 adults with DSD, the authors used the Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale for adolescents, the Questionnaire of Gender Identity for adults, and a condition-specific DSD study questionnaire. Individuals were analyzed in four subgroups reflecting the karyotype, absence/presence of androgen effects, and gender of rearing.

Main Outcome Measures
Main outcome measures used were gender identity, friendships, love and sexual relationships, and sexual orientation in adolescents and adults with DSD.

Results
Individuals with DSD did not show increased gender dysphoria. However, partnership and sexuality were identified to be difficult areas of life. Both adolescents and adults with DSD reported fewer experiences regarding love or sexual relationships compared with unaffected individuals. Especially men with DSD and undervirilization and women with DSD and androgen effects less often had a love relationship. Adult women with DSD and androgen effects more frequently engaged in love and sexual relationships with individuals of the same gender compared with women without DSD.

Conclusion
Individuals with DSD experience atypical hormonal influences (higher levels of androgens in girls/women and lower levels in androgens in boys/men); however, they did not show increased gender dysphoria in this study. However, partnership and sexual relationships are difficult areas of life for adolescents and adults with DSD. We recommend that individuals with DSD should get support from a multiprofessional team with competency in assessing and counseling issues regarding relationships and sexuality. Contact to other individuals with DSD can be helpful for nonprofessional support and exchange of experiences.
Wave-driven mass loss in the last year of stellar evolution: setting the stage for the most luminous core-collapse supernovae
Authors: Quataert E. , Shiode J. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACT
During the late stages of stellar evolution in massive stars (C fusion and later), the fusion luminosity in the core of the star exceeds the star's Eddington luminosity. This can drive vigorous convective motions which in turn excite internal gravity waves. The local wave energy flux excited by convection is itself well above Eddington during the last few years in the life of the star. We suggest that an interesting fraction of the energy in gravity waves can, in some cases, convert into sound waves as the gravity waves propagate (tunnel) towards the stellar surface. The subsequent dissipation of the sound waves can unbind up to several M⊙ of the stellar envelope. This wave-driven mass loss can explain the existence of extremely large stellar mass-loss rates just prior to core collapse, which are inferred via circumstellar interaction in some core-collapse supernovae (e.g. SNe 2006gy and PTF 09uj, and even Type IIn supernovae more generally). An outstanding question is understanding what stellar parameters (mass, rotation, metallicity and age) are the most susceptible to wave-driven mass loss. This depends on the precise internal structure of massive stars and the power spectrum of internal gravity waves excited by stellar convection.