bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Chewing Menthol Gum on the Alertness of Healthy Volunteers and Those with an Upper Respiratory Tract Illness
Authors: Smith Andrew P. , Boden Charlotte 
Published: June 2012

AbstractRecent research has shown that chewing gum increases subjective alertness. Upper respiratory tract illnesses (URTIs) lead to reduced alertness, and it has been shown that stimulants such as caffeine can reverse this effect. It is now important to determine whether menthol chewing gum can produce a similar effect. Young adults with an URTI (N = 16) and a healthy control group (N = 12) rated their mood and symptoms on two occasions (the first when those with a URTI were ill and the second when both groups were healthy). During each session, volunteers provided a rating while chewing gum and when they were not chewing. Those with a URTI reported reduced alertness, which persisted into convalescence. Chewing gum was associated with greater alertness in both those with URTIs and the healthy group. Chewing gum reduced the severity of nasal symptoms in those with a cold. The effects of the URTI and menthol gum may reflect changes in trigeminal stimulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extraordinary Physical Properties of Functionalized Graphene
Authors: Wei Weili , Qu Xiaogang 
Published: June 2012

AbstractGraphene has attracted much attention in recent years due to its extraordinary electronic, optical, magnetic, thermal, and mechanical properties. Despite continuing theoretical and experimental success, the unique physical properties of graphene remain underused and underappreciated. The key challenge in harnessing of the unique properties of graphene is the difficulty of reliable manipulation of well‐dispersed graphene. Chemical and physical functionalization of graphene has become a focus of especial interest, because they can not only stabilize, but also induce new properties of graphene. This review summarizes the intriguing physical properties of chemically oxidized and noncovalently modified graphene, and graphene‐based nanocomposites with polymer matrices or nanoparticles. Along with introducing the physical properties of functionalized graphene, their potential applications in diverse research areas are discussed.
Local Equilibrium and Nodule Formation on Al‐TRIP‐Aided Steel Surfaces During Intercritical Annealing
Authors: Norden Martin , Blumenau Marc , Zimmermann Eva , Peters Klaus‐Josef 
Published: June 2012

AbstractSeveral advanced high strength steels were intercritically annealed at a dew point of −5°C. Afterwards, surface morphology was investigated by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In Al alloyed TRIP‐aided steels, nodules of metallic Fe containing traces of Mn could be proven by TEM analysis. To clarify the mechanism of origin, several further annealing trails were done and finally a new component of the occurring heterogeneous gas/metal reaction during intercritical annealing was postulated. It is concluded that neither the diffusion mechanism of the alloying elements nor the stress gradient between stress‐free surface region of the internal oxidation front nor the oxygen partial pressure dominates alone the selective oxidation process. It is suggested that the reactivity of the considered surface, its local surface chemistry and the local thermodynamic equilibrium should be taken into account in greater detail. Preferred dissociation points of absorbed water vapor could lead to a local increased oxygen partial pressure. With this, a nanoscaled oxidation/reduction process could be initiated.
Optimization of Two‐Strand Industrial Tundish Work with Use of Turbulence Inhibitors: Physical and Numerical Modeling
Authors: Merder Tomasz , Pieprzyca Jacek 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe paper shows the results of the research obtained by physical and mathematical modeling of steel flow and mixing in the tundish. Two‐strand continuous casting tundish was under consideration. It has been working in one of polish steel plants. The change of concast slab assortment was caused by the changeable market terms. So, the tundish with the new system of steel flow controller was needed. Up to now baffles with the notch have played this role. Their placement cause the excessive consumption of the lining of the tundish front line. As a consequence the turbulence inhibitor (TI) was applied. Four different types of this inhibitor were designed. As a result of the experimental measurements and numerical simulations, the RTD curves of F‐type were obtained. Basing on these curves time constants for examined types were determined. Additionally, the research results were complemented by the E‐type curves. The percentage participations of dead volume flow, dispersed plug flow, and well‐mixed volume flow were calculated. The research gives possibility to estimate the designed TIs and their influence on the tundish work.
Spondylolysis is frequently missed by MRI in adolescents with back pain
Authors: Yamaguchi Kent T. , Skaggs David L. , Acevedo Daniel C. , Myung Karen S. , Choi Paul , Andras Lindsay 
Published: June 2012

Purpose Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is often used in the evaluation of lower back pain in adolescents. The purpose of our study is to report on the frequency of MRI missing spondylolysis in adolescents with back pain in a pediatric orthopaedic practice. Methods A retrospective review of all patients with a diagnosis of spondylolysis who presented from January 2000 to March 2010 was performed. All patients were evaluated at a single institution by the senior author. Inclusion criteria were patients with spondylolysis confirmed on computed tomography (CT) or plain film that also received an MRI. Results Eleven patients with spondylolysis had an MRI performed. The mean age of the study patients was 14.2 years (range 10–17). The diagnosis of spondylolysis was missed in the MRI radiology reading in 7 out of 11 (64 %) studies. Conclusions MRI missed a spondylolysis in over half of the adolescents in this consecutive series. In patients with a history or physical findings suggestive of spondylolysis, such as localized pain of the lumbar spine with back extension, further radiographic evaluation should be considered, even if an MRI is negative. Level of evidence III, retrospective review.
Evolution and Religion: Attitudes of Scottish Bioscience Students to the Teaching of Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Southcott Ronan , Downie J. Roger 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
In a questionnaire-based survey, the proportion of Glasgow University first year biology students who rejected evolution in 2009–2011 was about 7%, similar to the previously reported average figure for 1987–1999. However, by final year, evolution rejection was absent in students who studied evolution beyond first year and 4% among those who did not. Evolution rejection was closely related to accepting a religion-based alternative, whereas acceptance was related to finding the evidence convincing. Although many religious students accepted evolution, 50% of Islamic students were rejecters, compared to 25% of Christians. A question testing acceptance of several scientific propositions showed no evidence that evolution rejecters were generally more skeptical of science than accepters. Rejecters were overall less secure than accepters in their identification of the correct definition for terms related to evolution and creationism, but, surprisingly, more than 10% of final year students chose a Lamarckian definition for Darwinian evolution. Accepters and rejecters responded equally poorly to a question on Darwin’s history, but level 4 was much better. A breakdown of evolution into three components (human origins, macroevolution, and microevolution) found that some evolution rejecters accepted some components, with microevolution having the highest acceptance and human origins the lowest. These findings are discussed in terms of strategies for evolution education and the phenomenon of evolution rejection worldwide.
A Victorian extinction: Alfred Newton and the evolution of animal protection
Authors: COWLES HENRY M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe modern concept of extinction emerged in the Victorian period, though its chief proponent is seldom remembered today. Alfred Newton, for four decades the professor of zoology and comparative anatomy at Cambridge, was an expert on rare and extinct birds as well as on what he called ‘the exterminating process'. Combining traditional comparative morphology with Darwinian natural selection, Newton developed a particular sense of extinction that helped to shape contemporary, and subsequent, animal protection. Because he understood extinction as a process to be studied scientifically, and because he made that, rather than animal cruelty, the focus of animal protection, Newton provides an important window onto the relationship between science and sentiment in this period. Newton's efforts to bring the two into line around the issue of human-caused extinction reveal an important moment in which the boundaries between science and sentiment, and between those who did and those who did not have the authority to speak for nature, were up for grabs.
Validation of Default Probabilities
Authors: Blöchlinger Andreas 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWell-performing default predictions show good discrimination and calibration. Discrimination is the ability to separate defaulters from nondefaulters. Calibration is the ability to make unbiased forecasts. I derive novel discrimination and calibration statistics to verify forecasts expressed in terms of probability under dependent observations. The test statistics’ asymptotic distributions can be derived in analytic form. Not accounting for cross correlation can result in the rejection of actually well-performing predictions, as shown in an empirical application. I demonstrate that forecasting errors must be serially uncorrelated. As a consequence, my multiperiod tests are statistically consistent.
High impact mass drops from helicopter: A new active seismic source method applied in an active volcanic setting
Authors: Jolly A. D. , Chardot L. , Neuberg J. , Fournier N. , Scott B. J. , Sherburn S. 
Published: June 2012

We obtain estimates of the seismic velocity and attenuation for White Island volcano by use of high‐impact sand‐bag drops from helicopter. Three drops were attempted, two at either end of a 6‐station linear array within the crater floor, and the third in the volcano's crater lake. The bags were dropped from ∼310–380 m height and contained ∼700 kg of sand. The impact velocity was estimated at ∼60–70 m/s yielding a kinetic energy of about 106 Nm, giving P‐wave onsets to a distance of ∼1 km. We obtained a seismic velocity estimate ofVp = 1.2 km/s for the unconsolidated crater floor and Vp = 2.2 km/s for rays traversing through consolidated rock outside the crater. Attenuation was very strong (Q< 10) for both consolidated and unconsolidated parts of the volcano. This trial shows that low cost helicopter mass drops can be successfully applied to safely determine sub‐surface properties at hazardous volcanoes.
Enhanced Wnt/β‐catenin signalling during tooth morphogenesis impedes cell differentiation and leads to alterations in the structure and mineralisation of the adult tooth
Authors: Aurrekoetxea Maitane , Lopez Jon , García Patricia , Ibarretxe Gaskon , Unda Fernando 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackground informationPrevious studies have indicated that over‐activation of the wingless interaction site (Wnt)/β‐catenin signalling pathway has important implications for tooth development, at the level of cell differentiation and morphology, as well as for the production of supernumerary teeth. Here, we provide evidence for a crucial role of this signalling pathway during the stage of tooth morphogenesis. We have developed an in vitro model consisting of 14.5‐day‐old mouse embryo first molars, in which the Wnt pathway is overactivated by the glycogen synthase kinase‐3 inhibitor 6‐bromoindirubin‐3′‐oxime (BIO; 20 µM).ResultsWe found that over‐activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway delayed the differentiation and growth of the inner dental epithelium. In addition, in contrast to controls in which Nestin protein expression was restricted to differentiated odontoblasts, in BIO‐treated molars, Nestin expression spread through sub‐odontoblastic cellular layers. This alteration appears to be related to: (i) the over‐expression of Bmp4 in the same region, (ii) the delay in odontoblast precursor cell differentiation and (iii) increased proliferation of mesenchymal cells. Furthermore, treatments longer than 6 days induced the malformation of typical dental structures and led to a total lack of cell differentiation. Finally, over‐activation of the Wnt route during odontogenesis resulted in adult teeth which presented altered size, morphology and mineralisation.ConclusionsOur results indicate that Wnt/β‐catenin over‐activation during tooth morphogenesis is sufficient to cause dramatic alterations in the adult tooth, by delaying cellular differentiation and stimulating proliferation of the dental mesenchyme of developing teeth.
Columnar‐lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia: results from a cohort with a mean follow‐up of 7 years
Authors: Dias Pereira A. , Chaves P. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe definition of Barrett's oesophagus lacks consensus, particularly the requirement of intestinal metaplasia for diagnosis. Scarce information exists on the prevalence and natural history of columnar‐lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia.AimTo evaluate the demographics and natural history of columnar‐lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia ≥2 cm in length.MethodsPatients with columnar‐lined oesophagus ≥2 cm in length and no intestinal metaplasia in biopsy specimens from two consecutive endoscopies with at least a 1‐year interval were prospectively followed. A cohort of Barrett's oesophagus patients was used as a control.ResultsColumnar‐lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia (n = 15) had a similar gender distribution, reflux symptoms prevalence and length as those of Barrett's oesophagus (n = 205). Patients were significantly younger (28.6 vs. 60 years, P < 0.0001) and accounted for 48% of patients aged <40 years in the two cohorts, but only 1% of those aged >40 years (P < 0.001). Patient distribution in both cohorts in 5 age brackets (0–19, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49, and >50 years) was significantly different, except for patients aged 40–49 years. Intestinal metaplasia was documented in 60% of the cohort after a mean follow‐up of 7.1 years.ConclusionsColumnar‐lined oesophagus without intestinal metaplasia ≥2 cm is infrequent in the setting of a systematic biopsy protocol, is associated with a younger age in comparison with Barrett's oesophagus, and appears to be an intermediate step between squamous and intestinal lining of the oesophagus.
High prevalence of exon 8 G533C mutation in apparently sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma in Greece
Authors: Sarika H. L. , Papathoma A. , Garofalaki M. , Vasileiou V. , Vlassopoulou B. , Anastasiou E. , Alevizaki M. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryObjectiveGenetic screening for ret mutation has become routine practice in the evaluation of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Approximately 25% of these tumours are familial, and they occur as components of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndromes (MEN 2A and 2B) or familial MTC. In familial cases, the majority of mutations are found in exons 10, 11, 13, 14 or 15 of the ret gene. A rare mutation involving exon 8 (G533C) has recently been reported in familial cases of MTC in Brazil and Greece; some of these cases were originally thought to be sporadic. The aim of this study was to re‐evaluate a series of sporadic cases of MTC, with negative family history, and screen them for germline mutations in exon 8.Design and patientsGenomic DNA was extracted from peripheral lymphocytes in 129 unrelated individuals who had previously been characterized as ‘sporadic’ based on the negative family history and negative screening for ret gene mutations. Samples were analysed in Applied Biosystems 7500 real‐time PCR and confirmed by sequencing.Measurements and resultsThe G533C exon 8 mutation was identified in 10 of 129 patients with sporadic MTC. Asymptomatic gene carriers were subsequently identified in other family members.ConclusionIn our study, we found that 7·75% patients with apparently sporadic MTC do carry G533C mutation involving exon 8 of ret. We feel that there is now a need to include exon 8 mutation screening in all patients diagnosed as sporadic MTC, in Greece.
Candida albicans survival and biofilm formation under starvation conditions
Authors: Ning Y. , Hu X. , Ling J. , Du Y. , Liu J. , Liu H. , Peng Z. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate the survival and biofilm formation capacity of Candida albicans in starvation and under anaerobic conditions.Methodology
Candida albicans growth and survival were monitored in vitro for up to 8 months. Fungal suspensions from late exponential, stationary and starvation phases were incubated on human dentine, polystyrene and glass slides. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe the process of biofilm formation. 2,3‐bis(2‐Methoxy‐4‐nitro‐5‐sulfophenyl)‐2H‐tetrazolium‐5‐carboxyanilide inner salt (XTT) reduction assay was performed to quantify the biofilm formation capability, and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to study and make semi‐quantitative comparisons of the ultrastructure of biofilms formed on human dentine. ‘XTT bioactivity’ and ‘COMSTAT results’ were analysed by two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and one‐way ANOVA, respectively.Results
Candida albicans survived for over six months. SEM demonstrated that starving C. albicans produced mature biofilms on different substrata. C. albicans of the same growth phase incubated on human dentine displayed significantly higher biofilm formation capability than on polystyrene or glass slides (P < 0.05). Biofilm formation capability by starving cells was significantly lower than that in exponential or stationary phases (P < 0.05). CLSM revealed that biofilms formed by starvation‐phase cells were less complex, had a higher roughness coefficient and surface/volume ratio (P < 0.05).Conclusions
Candida albicans cells can survive and form biofilms in anaerobic and nutrient‐limited conditions and may pose a treatment challenge.
Kidney transplant ureteroneocystostomy: comparison of full‐thickness vs. Lich–Gregoir techniques
Authors: Kayler Liise , Zendejas Ivan , Molmenti Ernesto , Chordia Poorvi , Schain Denise , Magliocca Joseph 
Published: June 2012

AbstractDespite a variety of urinary tract reconstructive techniques, urinary complications are the most frequent technical adverse event following kidney transplantation. We examined outcomes of two ureteroneocystostomy techniques, the full‐thickness (FT) technique and the Lich–Gregoir (LG) technique in 634 consecutive kidney‐alone transplants (327 FT and 307 LG) between December 2006 and December 2010. Urological complications at one yr post‐transplantation occurred in 27 cases (4.3%) including 16 ureteral strictures (2.5%), four ureteral obstructions (0.6%) owing to donor‐derived stones or intrinsic hematoma, and seven urine leaks (1.1%). Compared with LG, the FT technique was associated with similar proportions of ureteral complications overall (3.9% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.70), ureteral strictures (3.7% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.08), urinary stones/hematoma (1.0% vs. 0.3%, p = 0.36), and overall urinary leaks (1.6% vs. 0.6%, p = 0.22); however, the FT technique was associated with somewhat fewer urine leaks at the ureterovesical junction (0% vs. 1.3%, p = 0.05). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of length of stay, delayed graft function, urinary tract infection with the first post‐transplant year, estimated glomerular filtration rate, and overall graft and patient survival. The FT technique of ureteroneocystostomy is technically simple to perform and has a similar incidence of urinary complications compared with the LG technique.
A CD3+ count‐based thymoglobulin induction regimen permits delayed introduction of calcineurin inhibitors in kidney transplantation
Authors: Wang Connie J. , Tuffaha Ahmad , Zhang Da , Diederich Dennis A. , Wetmore James B. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBackgroundWithholding calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) can be considered when graft function is inadequate following kidney transplantation (KT). Thymoglobulin (rATG) can be used to prevent acute rejection while CNIs are being withheld. Here, we report our results of a novel CNI‐sparing induction protocol, which utilizes a CD3+ cell count‐based rATG treatment regimen when delayed graft function (DGF) develops in the immediate postoperative period.MethodsIn a cohort of 153 consecutive deceased‐donor KT recipients, all received a single intraoperative dose of basiliximab; 84 subsequently developed DGF and therefore received rATG (rATG+ group), while 69 demonstrated immediate graft function and received CNIs (rATG− group).ResultsIn the rATG+ group, mean duration of therapy was 8.5 ± 6.0 d, permitting CNI initiation to be delayed until postoperative day 10.3 ± 6.2. Cumulative dose of rATG was only 5.1 ± 4.5 mg/kg while targeting CD3+ counts of ≤30 cells/mm3. CD3+ counts were reduced to a mean of 16.7 ± 17.0 cells/mm3 during therapy. At one yr, patient and graft survival rates were 97.6% and 92.9%, respectively, while the frequency of infections and malignancies were not significantly increased compared to the rATG− group.ConclusionA unique induction regimen successfully delayed CNI initiation by using modest doses of rATG to deplete CD3+ cells, while yielding excellent long‐term graft outcome without increased risk of infection or malignancy.
An unusual presentation of alveolar echinococcosis in a 12‐yr‐old immunocompetent child
Authors: Oral Akgun , Ozturk Gurkan , Aydinli Bülent , Kantarci Mecit , Bedii Salman Ahmet 
Published: June 2012

Oral A, Ozturk G, Aydinli B, Kantarci M, Salman AB. An unusual presentation of alveolar echinococcosis in a 12‐yr‐old immunocompetent child.Abstract:  AE is a parasitic disease caused by Echinococcus multilocularis (E.m.). AE is a rare form of echinococcosis and mostly seen in 50‐ to 70‐yr‐old patients. Its asymptomatic invasive tumor‐like lesion development period, which lasts as much as 20 yr, is too long. Hence, this disease is very rare in children. Herein, we report an AE in a 12‐yr‐old girl who was not eligible for surgical treatment because of a radiological evaluation of non‐resectable lesion and was scheduled for a LT.