bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of TiO2 Seed Layer Thickness on the Nanostructure Evolution and Phase Transformation Behavior of Sputtered PZT Thin Films During Post‐Deposition Air‐Annealing
Authors: Bose Ankita , Sreemany Monjoy , Bysakh Sandip 
Published: June 2011

An optimum TiO2 seed layer is said to facilitate nucleation and subsequent growth of perovskite phase in Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT) films during annealing. The actual causes that prevent perovskite growth, particularly in sputtered PZT films on thick TiO2 seed layers are not yet understood clearly. Herein, based on the results of X‐ray diffractometry (XRD), field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and analytical scanning/transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) with semi‐quantitative elemental mapping using energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectrum imaging, the post‐annealing crystallization trend of r.f. magnetron sputter‐deposited amorphous PZT films has been scrutinized as a function of TiO2 seed layer thickness. Upon annealing, PZT films on thin TiO2 layers (~20–100 nm) partially crystallize into perovskite PZT via a transient pyrochlore/fluorite phase. However, no perovskite phase forms on thicker (~550 nm) TiO2 layer. Thickness of underlying TiO2 seed layer strongly influences the crystallization, phase formation, texture, and surface morphology of the PZT films. During crystallization, Pb diffuses away from the PZT film to form solid solution with TiO2 seed layer. Perovskite PZT phase transformation requires a minimum Pb‐concentration within the transient pyrochlore/fluorite phase. During the growth of perovskite grains, Zr gets segregated, resulting in Zr‐concentration build‐up within the surrounding disordered fcc fluorite phase.
Preparation and Piezoelectricity of NaNbO3 High‐Density Ceramics by Molten Salt Synthesis
Authors: Ge Haiyan , Hou Yudong , Xia Chuan , Zhu Mankang , Wang Hao , Yan Hui 
Published: June 2011

Nanostructures of crystalline orthorhombic sodium niobate (NaNbO3) were synthesized by a molten salt synthesis procedure. As a comparison, an auxiliary experiment via conventional solid state reaction process was carried out simultaneously. The microstructure and morphology evolution of the synthesized nano particles were investigated in detail, and on the basis of the experimental results, an in situ transformation mechanism has been proposed to elucidate the formation processes of NaNbO3 microstructures. It was found that both the initial shape of the Nb2O5 and the dissolution rate of the initial precursors critically determine the final shapes of the products. Furthermore, the determined electrical properties of the as‐obtained products indicated that NaNbO3 ceramic derived from nanostructures holds the real characteristic of ferroelectric and the polarization–electric field (P–E) hysteresis behavior is greatly influenced by the polarization treatment. The obtained NaNbO3 ceramic after the polarizing treatment exhibited piezoelectric property, d33 = 28 pC/N.
Radiation‐Induced Cavernous Malformations of the Cauda Equina Mimicking Carcinomatous or Infectious Meningitis. A Case Report
Authors: Farid Nikdokht , Zyroff Jack , Uchiyama Christopher M. , Thorson Phataraporn K. , Imbesi Steven G. 
Published: June 2011

ABSTRACTThe authors present a case of multiple radiation‐induced cavernous malformations of the cauda equina in a patient with a remote history of testicular cancer and extended field radiation therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated multiple nodular areas of enhancement coating the nerve roots of the cauda equina, mimicking an aggressive leptomeningeal process such as carcinomatous or infectious meningitis. Biopsy of one of these lesions revealed ectatic vascular channels devoid of intervening neuroglial tissue consistent with cavernous malformation.
C‐peptide promotes lesion development in a mouse model of arteriosclerosis
Authors: Vasic Dusica , Marx Nikolaus , Sukhova Galina , Bach Helga , Durst Renate , Grüb Miriam , Hausauer Angelina , Hombach Vinzenz , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Walcher Daniel 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPatients with insulin resistance and early type 2 diabetes exhibit an increased propensity to develop a diffuse and extensive pattern of arteriosclerosis. Typically, these patients show elevated serum levels of the proinsulin cleavage product C‐peptide and immunohistochemical data from our group revealed C‐peptide deposition in early lesions of these individuals. Moreover, in vitro studies suggest that C‐peptide could promote atherogenesis. This study examined whether C‐peptide promotes vascular inflammation and lesion development in a mouse model of arteriosclerosis. ApoE‐deficient mice on a high fat diet were treated with C‐peptide or control injections for 12 weeks and the effect on lesion size and plaque composition was analysed. C‐peptide treatment significantly increased C‐peptide blood levels by 4.8‐fold without having an effect on glucose or insulin levels, nor on the lipid profile. In these mice, C‐peptide deposition in atherosclerotic plaques was significantly increased compared with controls. Moreover, lesions of C‐peptide–treated mice contained significantly more macrophages (1.6 ± 0.3% versus 0.7 ± 0.2% positive area; P < 0.01) and more vascular smooth muscle cells (4.8 ± 0.6% versus 2.4 ± 0.3% positive area; P < 0.01). Finally, lipid deposition measured by Oil‐red‐O staining in the aortic arch was significantly higher in the C‐peptide group compared with controls. Our results demonstrate that elevated C‐peptide levels promote inflammatory cell infiltration and lesion development in ApoE‐deficient mice without having metabolic effects. These data obtained in a mouse model of arteriosclerosis support the hypothesis that C‐peptide may have an active role in atherogenesis in patients with diabetes and insulin resistance.
Alterations in the contractile phenotype of the bladder: lessons for understanding physiological and pathological remodelling of smooth muscle
Authors: Zderic Stephen A. , Chacko Samuel 
Published: June 2011

Abstract
Introduction
Alterations in bladder contractility with normal development
Assessment of bladder function in genetically modified mice
A whole organ perspective on the bladder’s response to pBOO
Experimental observations

In vivo measures of pBOO in a rabbit model
Relating muscle strip studies to whole organ function
Myosin light chain phosphorylation
Regulation of myosin light chain de‐phosphorylation
Alterations in the thick contractile filaments
Regulatory light chain
Alterations in the thin contractile filaments
Alterations in tension transfer complex
The contractile properties of the urinary bladder are changed by the conditions of normal development and partial bladder outlet obstruction. This change in the contractile phenotype is accompanied by changes in the regulatory cascades and filaments that regulate contractility. This review focuses on such changes during the course of normal development and in response to obstruction. Our goal is to discuss the experimental evidence that has accumulated from work in animal models and correlate these findings with the human voiding phenotype.
Evaluation of the discrepancy between pH and lactate  in combined fetal scalp blood sampling
Authors: LILJESTRÖM LENA , WIKSTRÖM ANNA‐KARIN , HANSON ULF , ÅKERUD HELENA , JONSSON MARIA 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjective. To evaluate the rate of discrepancy between pH and lactate values in fetal blood sampling (FBS). To evaluate differences in obstetric management in response to combined tests (pH and lactate) and single tests (pH or lactate). Design. Descriptive study. Setting. Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden. Population. Labors monitored by FBS during one year (n=241). Methods. Discrepancy in the combined tests was defined as a test having one abnormal and one normal value. Abnormal pH was defined as 7.24 or lower and abnormal lactate as 4.2 or higher. The results were categorized according to whether the test was normal or abnormal and according to whether it was a combined or single analysis. Main outcome measures. Discrepancy between pH and lactate values in combined tests. Frequency of operative delivery for fetal distress (ODFD). Time interval from the last FBS to ODFD. Results. In the combined tests with abnormality, a discrepancy between pH and lactate values occurred in 55%. The mean time interval from the last FBS to ODFD was longer in combined tests with one abnormal compared with two abnormal test results, 75 vs. 37 minutes (p<0.05). Operative delivery for fetal distress was performed less often after combined tests than after single tests: 41/62 (66%) vs. 19/20 (95%) (p<0.05). Conclusion. In the combined test, discrepancies were common and occurred in half of the samples with an abnormality. Obstetric management was influenced by the discrepancy between test results with respect to ODFD rates and the time interval from the last FBS to delivery.
Skin organ culture as a model to study oxidative stress, inflammation and structural alterations associated with UVB‐induced photodamage
Authors: Portugal‐Cohen Meital , Soroka Yoram , Frušić‐Zlotkin Marina , Verkhovsky Lilian , Brégégère François Menahem , Neuman Rami , Kohen Ron , Milner Yoram 
Published: June 2011

Abstract:Background:  Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation is a major cause of skin damage, of long‐term alteration of skin metabolism, homoeostasis and physical structure. The analysis of UV‐induced pathogenic processes requires in vitro models allowing biochemical studies, and appropriate for the development of novel, accurate diagnosis methods based on non‐invasive procedures.Objectives:  This work was aimed to reproduce the effects of UVB on whole‐skin explants ex vivo and to study underlying biochemical mechanisms, especially in correlation with skin autofluorescence.Methods:  Human skin organ cultures were irradiated with UVB and subjected to enzyme assays, Western blots, solid‐phase ELISA, HPLC and fluorescence measurements.Results:  UVB irradiation was found to enhance ROS production, to deplete the pool of low‐molecular‐weight antioxidants and to decrease the overall antioxidant capacity in the epidermis, in a manner dependent on xanthine‐oxidase activity. Epidermal cell proliferation and mitochondrial activity were transiently stimulated. IκB‐α was degraded, and the secretion of inflammatory cytokines was drastically increased. Inducible nitric oxide synthase activity was increased in non‐irradiated controls, probably due to the mechanical stress of skin excision, and this phenomenon was suppressed by UVB. Autofluorescence measurements revealed alterations of dermal protein crosslinks following UVB irradiation.Conclusions:  Skin organ culture proved to be an integrated model appropriate for in vitro analysis of UVB biologic effects and their correlations, and for the study of non‐invasive diagnostic methods in cellular and molecular terms.
Elevated MMP‐7 levels in patients with systemic sclerosis: correlation with pulmonary involvement
Authors: Moinzadeh Pia , Krieg Thomas , Hellmich Martin , Brinckmann Jürgen , Neumann Elena , Müller‐Ladner Ulf , Kreuter Alexander , Dumitrescu Daniel , Rosenkranz Stephan , Hunzelmann Nicolas 
Published: June 2011

Abstract:Background:  Fibrosis is characterized by an excessive accumulation of connective tissue because of an imbalance between synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix proteins. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a prototypic chronic inflammatory disease leading to a severe fibrosis of the skin and many internal organs.Questions Addressed:  We investigated whether serum MMP‐7 levels reflect the activity of the fibrotic reaction in systemic sclerosis.Experimental Design:  Serum samples were obtained from 123 patients with systemic sclerosis. MMP‐serum levels of all patients with SSc were compared with age‐matched healthy controls.Results:  Significantly increased median serum MMP‐7 levels were found in patients with SSc when compared with controls. The median MMP‐7 serum level of patients with lung fibrosis (LF) was significantly higher compared with those without LF. Accordingly, patients with dyspnea and DLCO (diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide) levels below 60% showed significantly higher median MMP‐7 levels.Conclusions:  Elevated MMP‐7 levels are associated with an advanced stage of SSc and LF. These data suggest that in SSc MMP‐7 is involved in the process of fibrotic tissue remodelling.
Induction of bone formation by Escherichia coli‐expressed recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 using block‐type macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate in orthotopic and ectopic rat models
Authors: Park J‐C. , So S‐S. , Jung I‐H. , Yun J‐H. , Choi S‐H. , Cho K‐S. , Kim C‐S. 
Published: June 2011

Park J‐C, So S‐S, Jung I‐H, Yun J‐H, Choi S‐H, Cho K‐S, Kim C‐S. Induction of bone formation by Escherichia coli‐expressed recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 using block‐type macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate in orthotopic and ectopic rat models. J Periodont Res 2011; 46: 682–690. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/SBackground and Objective:  The potential of the Escherichia coli‐expressed recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (ErhBMP‐2) to support new bone formation/maturation using a block‐type of macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate (bMBCP) carrier was evaluated in an orthotopic and ectopic rat model.Material and Methods:  Critical‐size (Φ 8 mm) calvarial defects and subcutaneous pockets in 32 Sprague–Dawley rats received implants of rhBMP‐2 (2.5 μg) in a bMBCP carrier or bMBCP alone (control). Implant sites were evaluated using histological and histometric analysis following 2‐ and 8‐wk healing intervals (eight animals/group/interval).Results:  ErhBMP‐2/bMBCP supported significantly greater bone formation at 2 and 8 wk (10.8% and 25.4%, respectively) than the control at 2 and 8 wk (5.3% and 14.0%, respectively) in calvarial defects (p < 0.01). Bone formation was only observed for the ErhBMP‐2/bMBCP ectopic sites and was significantly greater at 8 wk (7.5%) than at 2 wk (4.5%) (p < 0.01). Appositional and endochondral bone formation was usually associated with a significant increase in fatty marrow at 8 wk. The bMBCP carrier showed no evidence of bioresorption.Conclusion:  ErhBMP‐2/bMBCP induced significant bone formation in both calvarial and ectopic sites. Further study appears to be required to evaluate the relevance of the bMBCP carrier.
Impact of neuropsychiatry screening in neurological in-patients: comparison with routine clinical practice
Authors: Earl Justin , Pop Olimpia , Jefferies Kate , Agrawal Niruj 
Published: June 2011

Earl J, Pop O, Jefferies K, Agrawal N. Impact of neuropsychiatry screening in neurological in-patients: comparison with routine clinical practiceBackground: It is now well recognised that the rate of psychiatric comorbidity is high in patients with neurological disorders. Psychiatric comorbidity has a significant impact on quality of life and often goes undetected in routine clinical practice.Objectives: To compare the rate of detection of psychiatric illness in routine clinical practice with the prevalence of mental illness established using a dedicated screening programme at a regional neuroscience centre and to assess if the screening programme had any enduring impact on routine clinical practice after its completion.Methods: Consecutive admissions to a neurology ward in the 3-month period before (n = 160) and after (n = 158) a dedicated neuropsychiatric screening programme was carried out were identified. Case notes were then reviewed to establish if symptoms of mental illness were identified by the treating neurologists and if patients were referred for neuropsychiatric assessment. Rates of detection of neuropsychiatric problems and rates of referral for treatment were compared with those identified during the screening programme.Results: In routine clinical practice, over two 3-month study periods, psychiatric symptoms were identified in 23.7% of patients and only 10.6% received neuropsychiatric interventions. This is much lower as compared with rates identified (51.3%) and treated (51.3%) during dedicated screening. Detection of mood symptoms decreased from 14.7% pre-screening to 3.8% in the post-screening period.Conclusion: Rate of detection and treatment of neuropsychiatric problems remain low in neurology in-patients in routine clinical practice. Neuropsychiatric screening is effective but does not have sustained effect once it stops. Hence we suggest that active ongoing screening should be incorporated into routine practice.
Administration of cannabidiol and imipramine induces antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming test and increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the rat amygdala
Authors: Réus Gislaine Z. , Stringari Roberto B. , Ribeiro Karine F. , Luft Tatiana , Abelaira Helena M. , Fries Gabriel R. , Aguiar Bianca W. , Kapczinski Flávio , Hallak Jaime E. , Zuardi Antônio W. , Crippa José A. , Quevedo João 
Published: June 2011

Réus GZ, Stringari RB, Ribeiro KF, Luft T, Abelaira HM, Fries GR, Aguiar BW, Kapczinski F, Hallak JE, Zuardi AW, Crippa JA, Quevedo J. Administration of cannabidiol and imipramine induces antidepressant-like effects in the forced swimming test and increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the rat amygdala.Objective:Cannabidiol is a chemical constituent fromCannabis sativaand it has multiple mechanisms of action, including antidepressant effects. The main objective of the present study was to evaluate behavioural and molecular effects induced by administration of cannabidiol and imipramine in rats.Methods:In the present study, rats were acutely or chronically treated for 14 days once a day with saline, cannabidiol (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg) or imipramine (30 mg/kg) and the animals behaviour was assessed in forced swimming and open-field tests. Afterwards, the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent sandwich assay.Results:We observed that both acute and chronic treatments with imipramine at the dose of 30 mg/kg and cannabidiol at the dose of 30 mg/kg reduced immobility time and increased swimming time; climbing time was increased only with imipramine at the dose of 30 mg/kg, without affecting locomotor activity. In addition, chronic treatment with cannabidiol at the dose of 15 mg/kg and imipramine at the dose of 30 mg/kg increased BDNF levels in the rat amygdala.Conclusion:In conclusion, our results indicate that cannabidiol has an antidepressant-like profile and could be a new pharmacological target for the treatment of major depression.
Immediate and delayed hypersensitivity to corticosteroids
Authors: Basedow Sarah , Eigelshoven Sibylle , Homey Bernhard 
Published: June 2011

SummaryCorticosteroids are therapeutic agents used in cases of allergy and intolerance. Due to the antiinflammatory effects of the corticosteroids, hypersensitivity reactions often are considered to be a paradox. However, delayed‐type reaction to corticosteroids is a frequent phenomenon in the daily routine. Non‐responding eczema, development of subacute contact eczema, systemic contact dermatitis or maculopapular exanthemas can be a clinical symptom of a delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction to corticosteroids. Immediate‐type hypersensitivity reactions to corticosteroids remain uncommon. Nevertheless, they can take a severe clinical course. Patients react with anaphylaxis after systemic administration or with aggravation of an allergic reaction under therapy with corticosteroids. Allergologic testing is necessary for diagnosis and providing alternative corticosteroids in case of an emergency.
Perceptions and preferences on denture marking in an Indian sample
Authors: Acharya Ashith B. , Anehosur Gouri V. , Kanchi Pooja P. , Naik Medha G. , Nadiger Ramesh K. 
Published: June 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00499.xPerceptions and preferences on denture marking in an Indian sampleAim:  Denture marking is useful in institutional settings and post‐mortem identification. Numerous markers have been developed, and their advantages and limitations assessed previously; however, patient perception to denture marking is paramount. We evaluated this in an Indian sample and also gauged their preference for different markers.Materials and methods:  One‐hundred and one edentulous patients seeking prosthodontic treatment in our institution were shown four denture markers (stainless steel matrix band, paper strip with name inscribed on it, patient photograph and optically readable laminated bar code) and asked whether they wanted similar markers in their dentures; patients were also asked to rank the markers based on preference and indicate their satisfaction with it.Results:  Approximately two‐thirds of patients (65/101) were uninterested in getting their dentures marked; among the 36 who agreed, 10 preferred the stainless steel band followed by photographs (9), paper strip (6) and bar code (2); nine gave multiple responses and were excluded from analyses. Sixteen patients expressed dissatisfaction with the photographic marker and bar code, while this number reduced for the stainless steel band (13) and paper strip (10).Conclusions:  The results are in contrast to European studies wherein the majority of patients agreed to denture marking, indicating patient background (e.g. education level) may affect perception to denture marking; amongst those who agreed to marking, most preferred, or were satisfied with, the stainless steel and paper strip markers over photographic marker and a complex method such as bar‐coding, implying that simple methods harbouring basic patient information may suffice in the Indian context.
New method for determining surface roughness of tongue
Authors: Uemori Naoko , Kakinoki Yasuaki , Karaki Junichi , Kakigawa Hiroshi 
Published: June 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00509.xNew method for determining surface roughness of tongueObjective:  The degree of atrophy of the lingual papillae in elderly individuals was evaluated using a quantitative method.Subjects and methods:  One hundred and eighty‐two subjects living in nursing homes and 20 healthy adults as controls were studied. To express the degree of atrophy of the lingual papillae quantitatively, lingual surface roughness was determined by taking an impression with silicone dental material. Based on the impressions obtained from the elderly subjects, they were classified by three expert dentists into three groups: Normal, Smooth and Rough. The same determinations were also performed in the 20 healthy controls and compared with 38 of the elderly subjects who had agreement from all of the experts and without the presence of fissures (Normal, n = 6; Smooth, n = 12; Rough, n = 20).Results:  The roughness average value for the controls was 65.0 μm, while that for the elderly subjects in the Normal, Smooth and Rough groups was 73.9 μm, 42.2 μm and 94.1 μm, respectively, which were significantly different.Conclusion:  The present results indicate that the present technique of obtaining an impression of the tongue surface is simple and reliable for routine evaluation and quantification of the degree of atrophy as well as morphology of the lingual papillae.