bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dissolution behavior of SiO2 in the molten blast furnace slags
Authors: Tian Tielei , Zhang Yuzhu , Zhang Haihui , Zhang Kaixuan , Li Jie , Wang Hui 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe kinetics of SiO2 dissolving in the molten blast furnace slags at 1743‐1803 K was studied using a High Temperature Confocal Scanning Laser Microscopy (HT‐CSLM), and then the effects of temperature, MgO and Al2O3 on the SiO2 dissolution were clarified in this study. The experiment results showed that the dissolution process is controlled by the solute diffusion in the slag. The SiO2 dissolution rate could be accelerated by increasing the temperature. Moreover, the SiO2 dissolution rate is the fastest in the slag with 11.0 pct MgO when the MgO varies between 7.0 and 13.0 pct. The SiO2 dissolution rate is the fastest in the slag with 18.0 pct Al2O3 when the Al2O3 varies between 14.0 and 20.0 pct. The effects of temperature, MgO and Al2O3 on the SiO2 dissolution rate could be indicated by a simple expression (csat−cb)/η that a larger of (csat−cb)/η is associated with the faster SiO2 dissolution rate, where (csat−cb) is the difference between the concentration of SiO2 in the saturated slag and in the bulk of slag, and η is the slag viscosity.
Highly efficient preparation of free all‐trans‐astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis extract by a rapid biocatalytic method based on crude extracellular enzyme extract
Authors: Gao Xinwei , Sun Jianan , Liu Zhen , Huang Wen‐Can , Secundo Francesco , Zhao Yuanhui , Xue Changhu , Mao Xiangzhao 
Published: September 2018

SummaryA highly efficient, rapid, green and safe procedure for the preparation of free all‐trans‐astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis algal extract, by a crude extracellular enzyme extract, was reported. The free all‐trans‐astaxanthin obtained by the biocatalysed method had fewer side products compared to the saponification procedure. Through single‐factor experiments and a Box–Behnken design, it was possible to find the optimal biocatalytic conditions for the hydrolysis of 2 mg of H. pluvialis oil with 14.7 mg (protein content) of lyophilised crude extracellular enzyme extract obtained from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The reaction was carried out in 30 min at pH 9.16 and 36 °C, in 5.5 mL total reaction volume, under nitrogen atmosphere and dark conditions. The hydrolysis ratio of the astaxanthin esters was 98.72%, and the production of free all‐trans‐astaxanthin was 82.83 μg per mg of H. pluvialis oil. The method herein reported was simpler than other enzymatic methods previously described and allowed saving of time and costs.
Estimation of Randomisation Mean Square Error in Small Area Estimation
Authors: Pfeffermann Danny , Ben‐Hur Dano 
Published: September 2018

SummaryIn this article, we propose a new method for estimating the randomisation (design‐based) mean squared error (DMSE) of model‐dependent small area predictors. Analogously to classical survey sampling theory, the DMSE considers the finite population values as fixed numbers and accounts for the MSE of small area predictors over all possible sample selections. The proposed method models the true DMSE as computed for synthetic populations and samples drawn from them, as a function of known statistics and then applies the model to the original sample. Several simulation studies for the linear area‐level model and the unit‐level mixed logistic model illustrate the performance of the proposed method and compare it with the performance of other DMSE estimators proposed in the literature.
Electrocaloric behavior and piezoelectric effect in relaxor NaNbO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Tao Hong , Yang Junlin , Lv Xiang , Hao Xihong , Wu Jiagang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe firstly reported the electrocaloric properties in relaxor (1−x−y)NaNbO3–yBaTiO3–xCaZrO3 ceramics, and high electrocaloric effect (∆T ~0.451 K and∣∆T/∆E∣~0.282 Km/MV) can be realized in the ceramics (x = 0.04 and y = 0.10) under low temperature and low electric field. Relaxor behavior of NaNbO3 ceramics can be found by doping both BaTiO3 and CaZrO3. In addition, optimized piezoelectric effects (d33 ~235 pC/N and d33* ~230 pm/V) can be observed in the ceramics (x = 0.04 and y = 0.10) due to the involved morphotropic phase boundary (MPB). Excellent piezoelectric effect (ie, d33~330 pm/V at 41°C, and d33*~332 pm/V at 60°C) can be found because of the characteristics of MPB. Good temperature reliability of piezoelectric effect can be shown because of both MPB and relaxor behavior. We believe that the ceramics with high electrocaloric effect and good piezoelectric effect can be considered as one of the most promising lead‐free materials for piezoelectric devices.
Polyhedral distortion control of unusual photoluminescence color tuning in garnet phosphors via cation substitution
Authors: Zheng Yaling , Zhuang Weidong , Xu Huibin , Chen Mingyue , Li Yanfeng , Xing Xianran , Liu Ronghui , Liu Yuanhong , Zhou Yunan , Gao Tongyu 
Published: September 2018

AbstractControllable luminescence properties for phosphors can be realized through optimum composition design and structural tuning. The local microstructural evolutions and luminescent properties of Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ via the substitution of the cations Ga3+/Sc3+ for Al3+ are investigated. The emission spectrum of Y3Al2−xGaxAl3O12:Ce3+ has a blueshift from 559 to 531 nm with the substitution Ga3+ for Al3+. This outcome can be attributed to a lengthened Ce–O bond, which leads to a smaller crystal splitting. In the above ending composition Y3Ga2Al3O12:Ce3+, an unusual redshift from 531 to 545 nm can be observed by further replacing Ga3+ with the larger Sc3+. Combining first‐principles calculations and the position of energy level analysis, introduced Sc3+ into Y3Al5O12 lattices can cause a sharp increase in (Ce–O8) polyhedron distortion, leading to a larger additional distorted crystal‐field splitting of eg, levels compared to that of Ga3+ dopant. Moreover, a relatively larger electronegativity of Sc3+ can enhance the nephelauxetic effect and further lower the lowest 5d level. These two factors are responsible for the unusual redshift. A formula was generalized to describe the polyhedral distortion that can explain the unusual redshift very well. This work gives a clear relationship between the composition, structure and photoluminescent properties in garnet‐type phosphors and provides a guide for targeted optimization of photoluminescent properties in other systems.
Silica foams with ultra‐large specific surface area structured by hollow mesoporous silica spheres
Authors: Huo Wen‐Long , Zhang Xiaoyan , Hu Zunlan , Chen Yugu , Wang Yali , Yang Jinlong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCeramic foams with multi‐scale pores and large specific surface area have received extensive attention due to their unique structure and superior properties. Considering that there are still challenges to synthesize porous ceramics with large specific surface area, a novel ceramic foam material with ultra‐large specific surface area has been prepared using hollow silica mesoporous spheres (HMSSs) as building block in this work. These building blocks were made weakly hydrophobic in order to produce HMSS particle stabilized foams. The foams exhibit a uniform primary macropore structure, which is composed of a three dimensional HMSS‐assembled network, via HMSS‐stabilized foams. The influence of sintering temperature on the microstructure and properties of HMSS foams is investigated. The HMSS foams exhibit highest specific surface area of 1733 m2/g, attributed to the radial mesopores in HMSS shell, when sintered at between 500°C and 800°C. This specific surface area is much higher than that of existing ceramic materials. The uniform pore structure and ultra‐large specific surface area make it a promising lightweight material in potential application fields, including catalyst, adsorption, fire‐resistant thermal insulation, and load and control release system.
Association between hypertension and cognitive function: A cross‐sectional study in people over 45 years old in China
Authors: Wei Jiate , Yin Xin , Liu Qi , Tan Libo , Jia Chongqi 
Published: September 2018

This cross‐sectional study aimed to evaluate the associations of characteristics of hypertension, including hypertension status, duration, blood pressure (BP), and pulse pressure (PP), with two cognitive functions—episodic memory and executive function, in people aged over 45 years. Using 2013 survey of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and weighted multiple linear regression, data from 6,732 participants were utilized. After fully adjusted in full sample, a significantly (P < 0.05) negative association was found between treated but uncontrolled hypertension and cognition. In people aged 45‐59 years, there was no significant association between hypertension and cognition. However, in people aged ≥60 years, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) and PP showed significantly adverse correlations to cognition. The negative association of untreated, treated but uncontrolled hypertension, and elevated PP with cognition increased with aging. In conclusion, this study shows the correlation between hypertension and cognition was age‐dependent with greater correlation in older people; uncontrolled hypertension and PP may be used as predictors of the cognitive decline in people ≥75 years.
Beta‐blocker subtypes and risk of low birth weight in newborns
Authors: Duan Lewei , Ng Angie , Chen Wansu , Spencer Hillard T. , Lee Ming‐Sum 
Published: September 2018

Beta‐blockers are one of the most commonly prescribed classes of antihypertensive medications during pregnancy. Previous studies reported an association between beta‐blocker exposure and intrauterine growth restriction. Whether some beta‐blocker subtypes may be associated with higher risk is not known. This is a retrospective cohort study of pregnant women exposed to beta‐blockers in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Region between 2003 and 2014. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate association between exposure to different beta‐blocker agents and risk of low fetal birth weights. In a cohort of 379 238 singleton pregnancies, 4847 (1.3%) were exposed to beta‐blockers. The four most commonly prescribed beta‐blockers were labetalol (n = 3357), atenolol (n = 638), propranolol (n = 489), and metoprolol (n = 324). Mean birth weight and % low birth weight (<2500 g) were 2926 ± 841 g and 24.4% for labetalol, 3058 ± 748 g and 18.0% for atenolol, 3163 ± 702 g and 13.3% for metoprolol, 3286 ± 651 g and 7.6% for propranolol, and 3353 ± 554 g and 5.2% for non‐exposed controls. Exposure to atenolol and labetalol were associated with increased risks of infant born small for gestational age (SGA) (atenolol: adjusted OR 2.4, 95% CI: 1.7‐3.3; labetalol: adjusted OR 2.9, 95% CI: 2.6‐3.2). Risk of SGA associated with metoprolol or propranolol exposure was not significantly different from the non‐exposed group (metoprolol: adjusted OR 1.5, 95% CI: 0.9‐2.3; propranolol: adjusted OR 1.3, 95% CI: 0.9‐1.9). Association between beta‐blocker exposure and SGA does not appear to be a class effect. Variations in pharmacodynamics and confounding by indication may explain these findings.
Physiotherapy: How to work with evidence in daily practice
Authors: Snöljung Åsa , Gustafsson Lena‐Karin 
Published: September 2018

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesThe concept of evidence‐based health care has gained increasing currency over the past decades; however, questions persist regarding how to overcome the gap between research and health care practice. The question arises whether this gap derives from a true knowledge deficit or from physiotherapists' perception of working with evidence. The aim of the current study was to illuminate changes to the meaning of working with evidence experienced by a cohort of physiotherapists following an education program.MethodsA phenomenological hermeneutic design with open‐ended group interviews was carried out with physiotherapists who had participated in an education program about evidence and how to implement evidence‐based practice (EBP) in day‐to‐day practice.FindingsThe interviews provided descriptions of working with evidence according to three major themes: “Confidence with the concept of evidence in relation to a way of working”; “Experience of EBP as a duty to seek evidence for individual patients”; and “EBP experienced as an integrated and patient‐oriented activity”.ConclusionsThe physiotherapists' lived experiences demonstrated that the participants' perception of the concept of evidence mainly concerned a broadening of the definition of evidence, and this altered perception of evidence could interpreted as the physiotherapists viewing EBP as a more integrated and patient‐oriented activity than before.
A low cost minimally invasive adhesive alternative for maxillary central incisor replacement
Authors: Vasques Wesley F , Martins Felipe V , Magalhães José Carlos , Fonseca Edgard M. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe beneficial mechanical properties of zirconia, together with the adhesive techniques, provide a wide range of clinical applications, including the construction of thin structures and minimally invasive adhesive restorations.Clinical ConsiderationsA periodontal disease‐related missing maxillary central incisor, in a pregnant patient with chronic periodontal disease in the first trimester of pregnancy, and with type II diabetes treated with resin‐bonded fixed partial denture using the missing tooth cemented to a zirconia framework and then bonded to the abutment teeth.ConclusionsAccording to the systemic conditions presented in this case report, using a low‐cost technology and the missing tooth it was possible to obtain an easier and satisfactory esthetic and functional result.Clinical SignificanceThe mechanical properties of zirconia made it possible to treat a pregnant patient with chronic periodontal disease in the first trimester of pregnancy, and with type II diabetes with a thin zirconia framework and minimally invasive adhesive restorations.
GC‐MS‐based metabolomics analysis reveals L‐aspartate enhances the antibiotic sensitivity of neomycin sulfate‐resistant Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Zhao Xianliang , Chen He , Jin Zhaohui , Li Li , Zhang Jie , Kong Xianghui 
Published: September 2018

AbstractNeomycin sulfate, a kind of drug known as aminoglycoside antibiotic, can be used to treat external or internal bacterial infections. However, there are increasing signs that antibiotics use in aquaculture may have a long‐term and permanent potential to select for antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in the aquatic environment. In the present study, we aimed to identify key metabolic biomarker whose abundance is correlated with neomycin sulfate resistance in A. hydrophila by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Through bioinformatics analysis, L‐aspartate was identified as the most crucial biomarker in neomycin sulfate‐resistant A. hydrophila and a potential modulator of neomycin sulfate resistance. It was validated as a synergist that incubation of neomycin sulfate‐susceptible or ‐resistant A. hydrophila with exogenous L‐aspartate sensitized the bacteria to neomycin sulfate in vitro assay. Moreover, L‐aspartate also significantly improved the bactericidal efficacy of neomycin sulfate in Carassius auratus, and increased the survival rate of fish after A. hydrophila challenge. This study presents a novel approach in fighting against antibiotic‐resistant pathogens through exploration of antibiotic‐resistant biomarkers.
Differences in Perception of Extended Producer Responsibility and Product Stewardship among Stakeholders: An International Questionnaire Survey and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Tasaki Tomohiro , Tojo Naoko , Lindhqvist Thomas 
Published: September 2018

SummaryDifferent perceptions of the concept of extended producer responsibility and product stewardship (EPR/PS) have tended to lead to prolonged policy disputes and have likely affected the design of EPR/PS policies. We therefore surveyed stakeholders’ perceptions of the concept of EPR/PS, including its aims, application, and rationales, and analyzed 376 responses with regression analysis and cluster analysis. The results clearly demonstrated the diversity in stakeholders’ perceptions and identified/confirmed several patterns between stakeholders’ perceptions and attributes. Concerning aims, our analysis showed that stakeholders from middle‐/low‐income countries placed more importance on proper treatment and waste reduction in EPR/PS policy, while those from Europe, North America, Japan, and the rest of Asia had different perceptions on seven aims of EPR/PS, especially for increasing collection and shifting responsibility to producers, and paid varying attention to upstream and downstream improvement (e.g., better product design and recycling, respectively). Our analysis also confirmed that respondents perceiving lack of capability of local governments regarding waste management advocated EPR/PS more and respondents positive about information acquisition put more importance on physical responsibility. The largest contributing variables to the perception of EPR/PS were 14 specific EPR/PS mechanisms/issues, suggesting that discussion about specific mechanisms of EPR/PS policy is a key if common and better understandings of the EPR/PS concept are to develop. The dominant rationale of EPR/PS agreed upon by the respondents was producers’ capability, but the concept of beneficiary bears was also supported by 58% of respondents, especially by national governments and North Americans. Finally, implications of the results for EPR/PS policy development were discussed.
The role of change in self‐criticism across young adulthood in explaining developmental outcomes and psychological wellbeing
Authors: Michaeli Yossi , Kalfon Hakhmigari Maor , Dickson Daniel J. , Scharf Miri , Shulman Shmuel 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectivePast research has confirmed the role of self‐criticism in numerous forms of psychopathology and negative interpersonal outcomes. However, the majority of these studies were cross‐sectional and have not addressed the role of possible changes in self‐criticism across time for future outcomes. The current study investigated the degree to which changes in self‐criticism during young adulthood precede better psychological outcomes beyond the contribution of their baseline levels.MethodA total of 168 Israeli emerging adults were followed for 12 years. Participants completed assessments of self‐criticism at age 23, 24, 26.5, and 29, and of developmental tasks and psychological adaptation at age 35. Analyses assessed the extent to which the intercept and linear slope of self‐criticism were associated with assessments of coping with age‐related tasks and psychological well‐being at age 35.ResultsFindings indicated that decreases in self‐criticism between the ages of 23 and 29 were associated with better coping with age‐related task outcomes and psychological health at age 35.ConclusionsThese findings are among the first to show that decreases in self‐criticism serve as important precursors of coping with age‐related tasks and psychological outcomes and point to the positive contributions of changes in personality attributes for future development.
Sterol methyltransferase is required for optimal mitochondrial function and virulence in Leishmania major
Authors: Mukherjee Sumit , Xu Wei , Hsu Fong‐Fu , Patel Jigesh , Huang Juyang , Zhang Kai 
Published: September 2018

SummaryLimited knowledge on the exact functions of ergostane‐based sterols has hampered the application of sterol synthesis inhibitors against trypanosomatid parasites. Sterol methyltransferase (SMT) is directly involved in the synthesis of parasite‐specific C24‐methylated sterols, including ergosterol and 5‐dehydroepisterol. While pharmacological studies hint at its potential as a drug target against trypanosomatids, direct evidence for the cellular function and essentiality of SMT is lacking. Here, we characterized the SMT knockout mutants and their complemented strains in Leishmania major, the causative agent for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Deletion of SMT alleles led to a complete loss of C24‐methylated sterols, which were replaced by cholestane‐based sterols. SMT‐null mutants were fully viable and replicative in culture but showed increased sensitivity to sphingolipid synthesis inhibition. They were not particularly vulnerable to heat, acidic pH, nitrosative or oxidative stress, yet exhibited high mitochondrial membrane potential and increased superoxide generation indicating altered physiology of the mitochondria. Despite possessing high levels of GPI‐anchored glycoconjugates, SMT‐null mutants showed significantly attenuated virulence in mice. In total, our study reveals that the biosynthesis of ergostane‐based sterols is crucial for the proper function of mitochondria and the proliferation of Leishmania parasites in mammals.
Multiple Regression in L2 Research: A Methodological Synthesis and Guide to Interpreting R2 Values
Authors: PLONSKY LUKE , GHANBAR HESSAMEDDIN 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMultiple regression is a family of statistics used to investigate the relationship between a set of predictors and a criterion (dependent) variable. This procedure is applicable in a variety of research contexts and data structures. Consequently, and similar to quantitative traditions in sister‐disciplines such as education and psychology (see Skidmore & Thompson, 2010), second language researchers have turned increasingly to multiple regression. The present study employs research synthetic techniques to describe and evaluate the use of this procedure in the field. Five hundred and forty‐one regression analyses (K = 171) were coded for different models, variables, procedures, reporting practices, and overall variance explained (R2). Summary results reveal a number of inconsistencies (e.g., model types) as well as a lack of transparency (e.g., missing/unreported reliability estimates; see Larson–Hall & Plonsky, 2015). The distribution of R2 values (median = .32) is described to facilitate utilization and interpretation of regressions models. We also provide specific, empirically grounded recommendations for future research.
Plant responses underlying nonhost resistance of Citrus limon against Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris
Authors: Chiesa María A. , Roeschlin Roxana A. , Favaro María A. , Uviedo Facundo , Campos‐Beneyto Laura , D’Andrea Rodrigo , Gadea José , Marano María R. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryCitrus is an economically important fruit crop that is severely afflicted by citrus canker, a disease caused by Xanthomonas citri ssp. citri (X. citri); thus, new sustainable strategies to manage this disease are needed. Although all Citrus spp. are susceptible to this pathogen, they are resistant to other Xanthomonas species, exhibiting non‐host resistance (NHR), for example, to the brassica pathogen X. campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) and a gene‐for‐gene host defence response (HDR) to the canker‐causing X. fuscans ssp. aurantifolii (Xfa) strain C. Here, we examine the plant factors associated with the NHR of C. limon to Xcc. We show that Xcc induced asymptomatic type I NHR, allowing the bacterium to survive in a stationary phase in the non‐host tissue. In C. limon, this NHR shared some similarities with HDR; both defence responses interfered with biofilm formation, and were associated with callose deposition, induction of the salicylic acid (SA) signalling pathway and the repression of abscisic acid (ABA) signalling. However, greater stomatal closure was seen during NHR than during HDR, together with different patterns of accumulation of reactive oxygen species and phenolic compounds and the expression of secondary metabolites. Overall, these differences, independent of Xcc type III effector proteins, could contribute to the higher protection elicited against canker development. We propose that Xcc may have the potential to steadily activate inducible defence responses. An understanding of these plant responses (and their triggers) may allow the development of a sustained and sustainable resistance to citrus canker.