bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly‐efficient preparation of anisotropic ZrB2–SiC powders and dense ceramics with outstanding mechanical properties
Authors: Zeng Yuan , Liu Jianghao , Liang Feng , Xu Haiyue , Zhang Haijun , Zhang Shaowei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHighly‐dense ZrB2–SiC ceramics with excellent mechanical properties including Vickers hardness of 24.5 GPa and fracture toughness of 4.8 MPa/m1/2 were successfully prepared, by spark plasma sintering of the raw powders synthesized by a novel molten‐salt and microwave co‐assisted boro/carbothermal reduction (MSM‐BCTR) method. Compared with the processing conditions required for synthesizing ZrB2–SiC by conventional reduction method, the present MSM‐BCTR method possessed a variety of significant merits including the smaller material cost, lower processing temperature (1200°C), and remarkably higher efficiency (soaking time as short as 20 minutes). More importantly, the ZrB2–SiC powders, resultant from MSM‐BCTR treatment, were verified to have single‐crystalline nature and uniform well‐grown anisotropic morphologies (rod‐like ZrB2 and sheet‐like SiC) as well as great potential in promoting the mechanical properties of their bulk counterparts. This great achievement was mainly ascribed to the specific MSM‐BCTR conditions characterized by microwave heating and molten‐salt medium.
Improved photocatalytic activity of Bi4TaO8Cl by Gd3+ doping
Authors: Feng Zaiqiang , Li Gang , Yuan Xianjie , Zhang Zhanzhe , Tang Mingqi , Zhang Ruizhu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBi4TaO8Cl and Bi4TaO8Cl:Gd3+ photocatalysts were synthesized by the solvothermal technique. The phase, microstructure, optical properties, and photocatalytic activities were investigated. Both Bi4TaO8Cl and Bi4TaO8Cl:Gd3+ have the singly orthorhombic phase and the flower‐like hierarchical structure. The Bi4TaO8Cl:Gd3+ has higher photocatalytic activity of MB than that of Bi4TaO8Cl under visible light irradiation. The higher photocatalytic activity of Bi4TaO8Cl:Gd3+ is induced by its lower band gap energy, the higher efficiency charge separation, and transfer process, as well as the photogenerated charge carriers with a longer time, which are confirmed by the longer absorption band edge, lower emission intensity, and higher photocurrent under visible light irradiation. The trapping experiments and electron spin resonance results suggest that ˙O2− is the predominant active species for the photocatalysis of MB by Bi4TaO8Cl and Bi4TaO8Cl:Gd3+ under visible light irradiation.
The role of co‐dopants on the luminescent properties of α‐Al2O3:Mn4+ and BaMgAl10O17:Mn4+
Authors: Xu Yudong , Wang Lei , Qu Bingyan , Li Di , Lu Jie , Zhou Rulong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMn4+ doped aluminate materials with efficient red emission are promising components for warmer white light‐emitting diodes. However, it still remains as a challenge on increasing its luminous efficiency. For Mn4+ doped aluminate phosphors, co‐dopants such as Li+, Mg2+, Na+, Si4+, or Ge4+ ions are often added to tailor the photoluminescence properties of phosphors during preparing process. However, the role of the ions is still in debate. In this work we took BaMgAl10O17:Mn (BMA:Mn) and α‐Al2O3:Mn as examples to study the effects of Li+, Mg2+, Na+, and Si4+ on their luminescent properties. The energy levels induced by the co‐dopants and some possible intrinsic defects of hosts (Al2O3) were calculated using the first‐principles method. It is found that the Mg2+ and Na+ ions, compared with Li+ and Si4+, can prefer to form hole‐type defects which enhance the valence stability of Mn4+ and thus enhance the emission intensity of the as‐prepared phosphors.
Analysis of changes to lncRNAs and their target mRNAs in murine jejunum after radiation treatment
Authors: Lu Qianying , Gong Wei , Wang Jinhan , Ji Kaihua , Sun Xiaohui , Xu Chang , Du Liqing , Wang Yan , Liu Qiang 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLncRNAs have been reported to play an important role in various diseases. However, their role in the radiation‐induced intestinal injury is unknown. The goal of the present study was to analyse the potential mechanistic role of lncRNAs in the radiation‐induced intestinal injury. Mice were divided into two groups: Control (non‐irradiated) and irradiated. Irradiated mice were administered 14 Gy of abdominal irradiation (ABI) and were assessed 3.5 days after irradiation. Changes to the jejuna of ABI mice were analysed using RNA‐Seq for alterations to both lncRNA and mRNA. These results were validated using qRT‐PCR. LncRNAs targets were predicted based on analysis of lncRNAs‐miRNAs‐mRNAs interaction. 29 007 lncRNAs and 17 142 mRNAs were detected in the two groups. At 3.5 days post‐irradiation, 91 lncRNAs and 57 lncRNAs were significantly up‐ and downregulated respectively. Similarly, 752 mRNAs and 400 mRNAs were significantly up‐ and downregulated respectively. qRT‐PCR was used to verify the altered expression of four lncRNAs (ENSMUST00000173070, AK157361, AK083183, AK038898) and four mRNAs (Mboat1, Nek10, Ccl24, Cyp2c55). Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses indicated the predicted genes were mainly involved in the VEGF signalling pathway. This study reveals that the expression of lncRNAs was altered in the jejuna of mice post‐irradiation. Moreover, it provides a resource for the study of lncRNAs in the radiation‐induced intestinal injury.
Prioritizing topics in guideline development: results of a two‐phase online survey of dermatologist members of the EADV
Authors: Nast A. , Gaskins M. , Eisert L. , Werner R. N. , Borradori L. , Marinovic B. , Paul C. , Dressler C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundMost clinical guidelines in dermatology are encyclopaedic, covering a disease and its aetiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention in their entirety. The usability and uptake of guideline recommendations might be improved by guidelines that are more concise and address specific questions ranked by users according to their perceived importance.ObjectiveTo survey the largest association of dermatologists in Europe, identify which questions in their everyday practice they felt would benefit from short, evidence‐based guidance and rank these systematically.MethodsA two‐phase online survey using a structured ranking approach and the members directory of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV).ResultsThe first survey yielded 265 suggestions, indicating a response rate of 3.7%. We grouped all responses according to themes and subsequently combined these into a list of 35 broader topics. These were presented to all members of the EADV in the second survey (response rate: 9.7%), which yielded a list of the top 10 topics participants felt were most in need of guidance. The first three were ‘Systemic drug treatment in dermatology during pregnancy and for women wishing to have children in the near future’, ‘alopecia areata’ and ‘interpretation of laboratory results in connective tissue diseases’.ConclusionOur two‐phase survey of EADV members and a structured ranking process were practical to implement and yielded a list of the top 10 topics in dermatology and venereology for guideline development. Guideline dissemination needs to be improved, and practical, more concise guidelines may facilitate efforts to do so.
Initial results of ixekizumab efficacy and safety in real‐world plaque psoriasis patients: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Deza G. , Notario J. , Lopez‐Ferrer A. , Vilarrasa E. , Ferran M. , del Alcazar E. , Carrascosa J.M. , Corral M. , Salleras M. , Ribera M. , Puig L. , Pujol R. M. , Vidal D. , Gallardo F. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundIxekizumab (anti‐IL17A) is effective as treatment for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis, but real‐life data on effectiveness and safety are currently very limited.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab in a cohort of real‐life plaque psoriasis patients.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 100 patients with moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis treated with ixekizumab at seven Spanish dermatological centres.ResultsAccording to the as observed analysis, the percentage of patients achieving a 75% and 90% of reduction from the baseline score of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) was 87.5%–50.0% at week 12–16; 88.3%–58.4% at week 24 and 82.9%–58.5% at week 52, respectively. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) score of PASI at baseline was 12.9 ± 9.2, and it declined rapidly after ixekizumab administration to 1.9 ± 4.0 (P < 0.001) at week 12–16 and was maintained at 1.7 ± 4.1 and 1.8 ± 2.9 at week 24 and 52, respectively. Ixekizumab response was not affected by clinical variables like body mass index, disease duration or the presence of psoriatic arthritis. However, the bio‐naive group showed significantly higher PASI 75 response rate at week 12–16 compared to patients previously exposed to biologic agents (P = 0.037). Twenty‐six (26%) patients experienced adverse events (AEs) during the follow‐up period, being most of them of mild‐to‐moderate intensity. The most common AE was local reaction at the site of injection (14/26; 53.8%). At the end of the observational period, 15 (15%) patients discontinued ixekizumab treatment due to limited clinical improvement (n = 11), adverse events (n = 3) or lost to follow‐up (n = 1) within a mean ± SD time of 6.0 ± 3.9 months.ConclusionThe present study illustrates the initial experience with ixekizumab in real‐world clinical practice confirming its usefulness and safety in the management of plaque psoriasis patients.
Association between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and gout: a nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Hu S.C.‐S. , Lin C.‐L. , Tu H.‐P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a common skin disease that has been recently found to be associated with various systemic inflammatory disorders. However, the association between psoriasis and gout has not been well defined.ObjectiveWe investigated whether there is an association between psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and gout in a large population of patients in Taiwan.MethodsA nationwide population‐based cross‐sectional study was performed using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). A total of 114 623 patients with gout and 114 623 patients without gout (1 : 1 propensity score‐matched according to age, sex, income category and urbanization level) were identified. The prevalence of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and other comorbid diseases in these two groups of patients was compared. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) were calculated using conditional logistic regression.ResultsThere was an increased prevalence of psoriasis in patients with gout compared with patients without gout (1.6% vs. 1.1%, P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed an increased prevalence of psoriatic arthritis (0.3% vs. 0.1%, P < 0.0001) in patients with gout compared with patients without gout. In addition, multiple conditional logistic regression analysis showed that gout was significantly associated with psoriasis (adjusted OR 1.30, 95% CI 1.20–1.42) and psoriatic arthritis (adjusted OR 2.50, 95% CI 1.95–3.22). After stratification by age and sex, it was found that the strength of the association between gout and psoriasis was similar among males and females but varied according to age group, with patients aged 41–50 years having the strongest association.ConclusionGout is significantly associated with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in the Taiwanese population, and the strength of the association varies with the patient's age. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this association.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND DIVIDEND PAYOUT POLICY: BEYOND COUNTRY‐LEVEL GOVERNANCE
Authors: Chang Bin , Dutta Shantanu , Saadi Samir , Zhu PengCheng 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe address the mixed empirical findings on how corporate governance affects dividend payout policy by analyzing a large sample of firms from 30 countries. Our results indicate that firms with better firm‐level governance pay more dividends, even after controlling for country‐level governance. However, this relation is pronounced only in countries with low shareholder rights. In addition, we find that when the shareholder rights index is high, firm‐level governance is unrelated to dividend payout in the full sample period. Finally, we show that in high‐shareholder‐rights countries, firm‐level governance changes its role from before to after the 2008–2009 financial crisis.
Staffing and Service Availability in Assisted Living: The Importance of Nurse Delegation Policies
Authors: Beeber Anna Song , Zimmerman Sheryl , Madeline Mitchell C. , Reed David 
Published: October 2018

ObjectivesTo examine the health services provided in residential care and assisted living (RC/AL), the staff providing these services, and the degree to which the services relate to state‐level nurse delegation policies and other correlates of service provision.DesignThis cross‐sectional study descriptively examined the relationships among RC/AL characteristics, services, staffing, and nurse delegation regulations/policies.SettingRC/AL settings (N=245) in 8 U.S. states (CA, FL, IL, KS, NC, NH, NJ, OR).ParticipantsAdministrators and healthcare supervisors (individuals overseeing health care and services provided to residents).MeasurementsUsing a telephone survey, we examined how delegation policies related to staffing and the availability of 26 health services.ResultsSignificantly more services were available in RC/AL settings that permit delegation (delegation states) than states that do not permit delegation (nondelegation states) (19.7 vs 18.1, p < .001). Delegation states also had more medication technicians administering, assisting with, or observing self‐administration of prescribed and as‐needed medications (p < .001), whereas nondelegation states had staff with fewer qualifications handling medications (p < .001). In 2‐way comparisons of categories of nurse staffing (none, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) only, registered nurses (RNs) only, LPN/LVNs and RNs), RC/AL communities with no nurse staffing offered significantly fewer services than all other categories. Those with RNs only also offered a significantly fewer services than those with LPN/LVNs only.ConclusionThis study is a first step in identifying how staffing and availability of services in RC/AL are related to statewide nurse delegation practices, forming the basis for further exploration of how these characteristics may relate to quality of care. J Am Geriatr Soc 66:2158–2166, 2018.
Genetic pathways controlling inflorescence architecture and development in wheat and barley
Authors: Gauley Adam , Boden Scott A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractModifications of inflorescence architecture have been crucial for the successful domestication of wheat and barley, which are central members of the Triticeae tribe that provide essential grains for the human diet. Investigation of the genes and alleles that underpin domestication‐related traits has provided valuable insights into the molecular regulation of inflorescence development of the Triticeae, and further investigation of modified forms of architecture are proving to be equally fruitful. The identified genes are involved in diverse biological processes, including transcriptional regulation, hormone biosynthesis and metabolism, post‐transcriptional and post‐translational regulation, which alter inflorescence architecture by modifying the development and fertility of lateral organs, called spikelets and florets. Recent advances in sequencing capabilities and the generation of mutant populations are accelerating the identification of genes that influence inflorescence development, which is important given that genetic variation for this trait promises to be a valuable resource for optimizing grain production. This review assesses recent advances in our understanding of the genes controlling inflorescence development in wheat and barley, with the aim of highlighting the importance of improvements in developmental biology for optimizing the agronomic performance of staple crop plants.
Simulated driving: The added value of dynamic testing in the assessment of visuo‐spatial neglect after stroke
Authors: Spreij Lauriane A. , Ten Brink Antonia F. , Visser‐Meily Johanna M. A. , Nijboer Tanja C. W. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundVisuo‐spatial neglect (VSN) is generally assessed with neuropsychological paper‐and‐pencil tasks, which are often not sensitive enough to detect mild and/or well‐compensated VSN. It is of utmost importance to develop dynamic tasks, resembling the dynamics of daily living.ObjectiveA simulated driving task was used to assess (1) differences in performance (i.e., position on the road and magnitude of sway) between patients with left‐ and right‐sided VSN, recovered VSN, without VSN, and healthy participants; (2) the relation between average position and VSN severity; and (3) its diagnostic accuracy in relation to traditional tasks.MethodsStroke inpatients were tested with a cancellation task, the Catherine Bergego Scale and the simulated driving task.ResultsPatients with left‐sided VSN and recovered VSN deviated more regarding position on the road compared to patients without VSN. The deviation was larger in patients with more severe VSN. Regarding diagnostic accuracy, 29% of recovered VSN patients and 6% of patients without VSN did show abnormal performance on the simulated driving task. The sensitivity was 52% for left‐sided VSN. Right‐sided VSN was not well detected, probably due to the asymmetric layout.ConclusionsBased on these results, the simulated driving task should not be the only task to assess VSN, especially in its current form. Given the heterogenic nature of VSN, the assessment should always consist of several tasks varying in nature and complexity and include a dynamic task to detect mild and/or recovered VSN. A symmetric design should be used when designing novel tasks to assess right‐sided VSN.
Titanium release in peri‐implantitis
Authors: Pettersson Mattias , Pettersson Jean , Johansson Anders , Molin Thorén Margareta 
Published: October 2018

SummaryObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the titanium (Ti) content of biopsies from patients with severe peri‐implantitis or controls without Ti exposure.BackgroundPeri‐implantitis is considered to be an infectious disease, but recent studies have shown that Ti can aggravate inflammation in combination with bacterial products. The Ti content of peri‐implantitis and periodontitis (controls) tissue is unknown.MethodsThirteen patients referred for peri‐implantitis and eleven for periodontitis treatment were included in the study. Disease severity was obtained from dental records. Biopsies were taken from both groups and chemically analysed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for Ti content. Additionally, two patients with peri‐implantitis and two with periodontitis were recruited and their biopsies were analysed microscopically with light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with element analysis to investigate the presence of particulate Ti.ResultsAll patients lost one or more implants despite undergoing peri‐implant or treatment. Peri‐implantitis tissue contained significantly higher concentrations of Ti than control samples with a mean ± SD of 98.7 ± 85.6 and 1.2 ± 0.9 μg/g, respectively. Particulate metal was identified in peri‐implantitis and control biopsies, but element analyses could confirm only the presence of Ti in peri‐implantitis tissue.ConclusionWe showed that high contents of particulate and submicron Ti were present in peri‐implantitis tissue. These high Ti contents in peri‐implant mucosa can potentially aggravate inflammation, which might reduce the prognosis of treatment interventions.
Urinary tract infections in febrile children: Changing spectra of pathogenic bacteria and antibiotic susceptibilities?
Authors: Rakhra Jus , Williams Gabrielle , Marais Ben J , Craig Jonathan C , Gunasekera Hasantha 
Published: October 2018

AimTo compare the spectra of pathogens causing febrile urinary tract infections (UTI) in children, treatment and antimicrobial susceptibility between 2004–2006 and 2007–2009.MethodsUTI were identified from a cohort study of febrile children younger than 5 years presenting to a large tertiary children's hospital's emergency department with febrile illnesses. We compared pathogenic profiles, antibiotic choices and susceptibilities between 2004–2006 and 2007–2009 and tested for differences using χ2 and Fisher's exact tests. Antibiotic choice was compared with national therapeutic guideline recommendations for UTI in children (oral cotrimoxazole, cephalexin or amoxycillin‐clavulanate or intravenous gentamicin plus ampicillin).ResultsThere were 539 (2.71%) confirmed UTI from 19 889 febrile illnesses in 2004–2006 and 654 (2.99%) confirmed UTI from 21 846 febrile illnesses in 2007–2009. There was no difference in the frequency of the isolated pathogens by period: Escherichia coli (69.2 vs. 69.7%, P = 0.85), Proteus mirabilis (7.9 vs. 7.2%, P = 0.66) and Klebsiella species (6.2 vs. 4.7%, P = 0.25). National therapeutic guideline recommendations were followed in 277 of 539 (51.4%) versus 318 of 654 (48.6%) (P = 0.34). Oral antibiotics were given in 20.6 versus 18.9%. There was no difference in extended spectrum beta lactamase (1.5 vs. 1.7%, P = 0.82) or other antibiotic susceptibilities (e.g. E. coli: cotrimoxazole = 75.9 vs. 75.2%, P = 0.8).ConclusionsOverall, approximately 3% of febrile illnesses were due to UTI, but we found no change in the spectrum of pathogens or antibiotic susceptibility patterns, including extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase, with time. In both time periods, treatment followed therapeutic guidelines approximately half the time, and most pathogens were susceptible to oral antibiotics, but they were infrequently used.
Cytotoxic activity and molecular targets of atractylodin in cholangiocarcinoma cells
Authors: Mathema Vivek B , Chaijaroenkul Wanna , Na-Bangchang Kesara 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To evaluate the cytotoxic activity of atractylodin and its potential effects on heme oxygenase (HO)-1 production, STAT1/3 phosporylation and major NF-κB protein expression in the cholangiocarcinoma-associated cell line CL-6.

Methods
Standard MTT assay was used for accessing antiproliferative activity on CL-6 cells. Normal human embryonic fibroblast (OUMS) cell was taken as control cell line. Colony formation and wound healing assay were conducted to access the effects of atractylodin on cell proliferation and directional migration activity of CL-6 cells. Western blot was used for evaluating levels of protein expression and phosphorylation.

Key findings
Atractylodin exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards CL-6 as compared with OUMS with IC50 of 216.8 (212.4-233.8) and 351.2 (345.7-359.5) μm [median (range)], respectively. Exposure to the compound dose-dependently inhibited colony formation ability and decreased wound closure potential of CL-6 cells. Atractylodin treatment suppressed HO-1 production in CL-6 cells. It dose-dependently inhibited STAT1/3 protein phosphorylation and moderately inhibited NF-κB (p50), NF-κB (p52), and NF-κB (p65) protein expression in both dose- and time-dependent manner.

Conclusions
Atractylodin exerts significant cytotoxic activity against CL-6 cells which may be linked to its suppressive effect on HO-1 production, STAT1/3 phosphorylation and expression of key NF-κB proteins.