bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of nonstoichiometry on mechanical properties of reactive hot‐pressed monolithic ZrCxCeramic
Authors: Kannan Rajaguru , Venkateswarlu Karodi , Rangaraj Lingappa 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe reactive hot pressing (RHP) of Zr:C powder mixture at various molar ratios (1:0.5, 1:0.6, and 1:0.67) at applied pressures of 4‐7 MPa and 1200°C resulted in dense ZrCxceramics. Nano‐hardness values of ZrCxare reported to be 21‐31 GPa as “x” was varied from 0.5 to 1.0. However, indentation modulus for all ZrCxcompositions remained at ~350 GPa. Microhardness of the ZrCxincreased from 13 to 15 GPa as the stoichiometry was increased from 0.5 to 1.0. The indentation fracture toughness for ZrC0.5was 4 MPa m1/2, and for ZrC0.67it was reduced to 3.6 MPa m1/2. The 3‐point flexural strength for ZrC0.5was determined to be 386 ± 26 MPa, which decreased to 316 ± 20 MPa as the carbon content (ZrC0.67) was increased. The dry sliding wear of ZrC0.5to ZrC0.6indicated that the coefficient of friction was increased from 0.73 to 0.86 at 5 N load and 500 m sliding distance. Further, ZrC0.67showed a reduction in friction coefficient of 0.81, and this was due to the increase of strong Zr–C covalent bond and unreacted graphite.
Age‐adjusted cut‐off using the IL D‐dimer HS assay to exclude pulmonary embolism in patients presenting to emergency
Authors: Lim Ming S. , Bennett Ashwini , Chunilal Sanjeev 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground/AimThe ADJUST‐PE study showed that an age‐adjusted D‐dimer (AADD) (age years × 10 ng/mL if >50 years) combined with an unlikely pre‐test probability (PTP) can increase the proportion of older patients in whom pulmonary embolism (PE) can be safely excluded, but the IL D‐dimer HS assay was not assessed. To assess the ability of the IL D‐dimer HS assay to exclude PE using the AADD.MethodsRetrospective analysis of consecutive patients presenting with symptoms of acute PE to one of three Monash Health Emergency Departments (January 2013–January 2014) who had computed tomography pulmonary angiography. In the group with D‐dimer, efficiency (proportion of PE excluded based on a combination of unlikely PTP and negative D‐dimer) was determined using (i) current laboratory (200 ng/mL), (ii) conventional (230 ng/mL) and (iii) modified (375 ng/mL if age ≥60 years) AADD cut‐offs.ResultsA total of 176 patients with D‐dimers was included (mean age = 58.5 years; 54.0% males; 71.0% age >50 years). Prevalence of PE in the overall, unlikely and likely PTP groups, was 17.0, 13.0 and 24.6% respectively. In the unlikely PTP group (115 patients), efficiency for the current, conventional, modified and AADD cut‐offs was 9.6, 24.3, 30.4 and 37.4% respectively.ConclusionThe absolute increase in efficiency of an AADD compared to conventional cut‐off using the IL D‐dimer HS assay is modest (~10%) and requires prospective validation. Modifying our cut‐off to 230 ng/mL and systematic implementation of a clinical algorithm, including D‐dimer testing and PTP, is likely a more important first step.
Preparation and characterization of Pb(Lu1/2Nb1/2)O3–Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–PbTiO3 ternary ferroelectric ceramics with high phase transition temperatures
Authors: Hu Duan , Wang Ke , Wang Linghang , Zhang Mao‐Hua , Thong HaoCheng , Liu YangBin , Xu Zhuo , Li Fei 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTo explore new relaxor‐PbTiO3 systems for high‐power and high‐temperature electromechanical applications, a ternary ferroelectric ceramic system of Pb(Lu1/2Nb1/2)O3–Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–PbTiO3 (PLN–PIN–PT) have been investigated. The phase structure, dielectric, piezoelectric, and ferroelectric properties of the as‐prepared PLN–PIN–PT ceramics near the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) were characterized. A high rhombohedral‐tetragonal phase transition temperature TR‐T of 165°C and a high Curie temperature TC of 345°C, together with a good piezoelectric coefficient d33 of 420 pC/N, were obtained in 0.38PLN–0.20PIN–0.42PT ceramics. Furthermore, for (0.8−x)PLN–0.2PIN–xPT ceramics, the temperature‐dependent piezoelectric coefficients, coercive fields and electric‐field‐induced strains were further studied. At 175°C, their coercive fields were found to be above 9.5 kV/cm, which is higher than that of PMN–PT and soft P5H ceramics at room temperature, indicating PLN–PIN–PT ceramics to be one of the promising candidates in piezoelectric applications under high‐driven fields. The results presented here could benefit the development of relaxor‐PbTiO3 with enhanced phase transition temperatures and coercive fields.
Long‐term ceramic reliability analysis including the crack‐velocity threshold and the “bathtub” curve
Authors: Cook Robert F. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA thermally activated crack‐velocity formulation that includes a threshold at thermodynamic equilibrium is used in the prediction of long‐term time‐to‐failure for brittle materials. A new closed‐form time‐to‐failure solution is derived for straight cracks propagating under the influence of constant stress. Explicit connections are made between the macroscopic crack‐velocity parameters and the underlying bond‐rupture parameters. A feature of the solution is the divergence of time‐to‐failure for applied loading approaching the thermodynamic threshold. A new reliability framework is developed and long‐term reliability and hazard predictions made using the time‐to‐failure solution. A bathtub hazard curve is shown to be generated by a single crack‐velocity failure mechanism.
Fabrication of β‐tricalcium phosphate composite ceramic scaffolds based on spheres prepared by extrusion‐spheronization
Authors: He Fupo , Tian Ye , Fang Xibo , Lu Teliang , Li Jiyan , Shi Xuetao , Wu Shanghua , Zuo Fei , Ye Jiandong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this study, β‐tricalcium phosphate/phosphate‐based glass (β‐TCP/PG) composite spheres were prepared by an extrusion‐spheronization method featuring high production and fine control of sphere size. Subsequently, fully interconnected β‐TCP composite ceramic sphere‐based (TCCS) scaffolds were fabricated by sintering the randomly packed β‐TCP/PG composite spheres. The results manifested that at least 20% microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was required to obtain β‐TCP/PG composite spheres in good spherical shape. The prepared TCCS scaffolds showed hierarchical pore architecture, which consisted of interconnected macropores among the spheres, a hollow core in the sphere, plentiful medium‐sized pores in the sphere shell and micropores among the grains. The pore architecture and mechanical strength of the TCCS scaffolds could be tailored by adjusting the sintering temperature, sphere size, and amounts of PG and MCC in the β‐TCP/PG composite spheres. This work is believed to open up new paths for the design and fabrication of interconnected bioceramic scaffolds for application in bone regeneration.
Mindfulness‐based stress reduction training yields improvements in well‐being and rates of perceived nursing errors among hospital nurses
Authors: Daigle Stephanie , Talbot France , French Douglas J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroductionThis pilot study aims to further document mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR)'s effect on well‐being while exploring its impact on errors among hospital nurses.BackgroundThe concept of mindfulness has been found to be highly relevant to holistic nursing practices but remains understudied and underused. Preliminary evidence suggests that MBSR can reduce stress among nurses. As stress and mental processes such as inattention are potential sources of error, MBSR may also help to improve patient safety. Reducing errors is of significant relevance in healthcare settings.DesignA randomized controlled trial with a matched pair design was conducted.MethodsSeventy Registered Nurses and licensed practical nurses were randomized to MBSR (N = 37) or a waitlist control condition (N = 33).ResultsIntention‐to‐treat ANCOVAs revealed that MBSR produced significant improvements in distress. High levels of treatment satisfaction were reported by a majority of participants. Of the nurses who reported that errors had been a problem for them (28.6%), a perceived improvement was noticed by over a third (37.5%) at 3 months post‐treatment.ConclusionThese initial findings suggest that the benefits of MBSR may extend to nursing errors.
Development of an Australian nursing critical thinking tool using a Delphi process
Authors: Jacob Elisabeth , Duffield Christine , Jacob Darren 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimTo develop a critical thinking assessment tool for Australian undergraduate nurses.BackgroundCritical thinking is an important skill but difficult to assess in nursing practice. There are often many responses a nurse can make to a clinical problem or situation. Some responses are more correct than others and these decisions have an impact on a patient's care and safety. Differences in a response can relate to the depth of knowledge, experience and critical thinking ability of the individual nurse.DesignThis study used a Delphi process to develop five clinical case studies together with the most appropriate clinical responses to 25 clinical questions.MethodThe Delphi technique was undertaken using the Qualtrics survey tool between October 2016–January 2017. A panel of 13 nursing experts from various geographical locations in Australia participated in the study to review the case scenarios and answers to questions posed. Four rounds of participation were required to achieve a minimum of 80% agreement between participants. Participants were asked to rank answers for 25 multi‐choice questions based on the correct nursing management of case scenarios provided and provide feedback as to the accuracy and relevance of the scenarios and answers.ResultsFour rounds of Delphi questions were required to reach consensus on the correct wording and answers for the scenarios. Five case studies have been developed with nursing responses to patient management in rank order from most correct to least correct.ConclusionUse of the tool should provide confidence that a nurse has met a certain level of critical thinking ability.
Accurate genomic predictions for BCWD resistance in rainbow trout are achieved using low‐density SNP panels: Evidence that long‐range LD is a major contributing factor
Authors: Vallejo Roger L. , Silva Rafael M. O. , Evenhuis Jason P. , Gao Guangtu , Liu Sixin , Parsons James E. , Martin Kyle E. , Wiens Gregory D. , Lourenco Daniela  A. L. , Leeds Timothy D. , Palti Yniv 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPreviously accurate genomic predictions for Bacterial cold water disease (BCWD) resistance in rainbow trout were obtained using a medium‐density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Here, the impact of lower‐density SNP panels on the accuracy of genomic predictions was investigated in a commercial rainbow trout breeding population. Using progeny performance data, the accuracy of genomic breeding values (GEBV) using 35K, 10K, 3K, 1K, 500, 300 and 200 SNP panels as well as a panel with 70 quantitative trait loci (QTL)‐flanking SNP was compared. The GEBVs were estimated using the Bayesian method BayesB, single‐step GBLUP (ssGBLUP) and weighted ssGBLUP (wssGBLUP). The accuracy of GEBVs remained high despite the sharp reductions in SNP density, and even with 500 SNP accuracy was higher than the pedigree‐based prediction (0.50–0.56 versus 0.36). Furthermore, the prediction accuracy with the 70 QTL‐flanking SNP (0.65–0.72) was similar to the panel with 35K SNP (0.65–0.71). Genomewide linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis revealed strong LD (r2 ≥ 0.25) spanning on average over 1 Mb across the rainbow trout genome. This long‐range LD likely contributed to the accurate genomic predictions with the low‐density SNP panels. Population structure analysis supported the hypothesis that long‐range LD in this population may be caused by admixture. Results suggest that lower‐cost, low‐density SNP panels can be used for implementing genomic selection for BCWD resistance in rainbow trout breeding programs.
The Messinian imprint on the evolution of freshwater fishes of the genus Luciobarbus Heckel, 1843 (Teleostei, Cyprinidae) in the western Mediterranean
Authors: Casal‐López Miriam , Doadrio Ignacio 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimThe current configuration of the Mediterranean Basin is the result of a complex geological history that promoted a drastic change of biological diversity, richness and distribution of freshwater organisms. Currently cyprinids of the genus Luciobarbus are the only representative of primary freshwater fishes widely distributed in the Mediterranean Basin, showing its highest diversity in the Western Mediterranean. Within this context, our objective was to explore the biogeographical patterns of the genus Luciobarbus in the context of the drastic geological changes during the Messinian.LocationWestern Mediterranean, including southern Iberia and North Africa.MethodsSampling covered the range of all known populations of Luciobarbus present in North Africa and southern Iberian Peninsula. Molecular data included mitochondrial and nuclear markers (mt‐cyb and actinII). Time‐calibrated phylogenies were inferred and a dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model was used to reconstruct the biogeographical history.ResultsOur results suggest that the two western lineages of Luciobarbus originated during the Messinian, one including most of the North African species from Morocco and western Algeria and another composed of Iberian, one Moroccan and one Algerian species.Main conclusionDuring the Messinian, we found that two main events shaped the distribution of the western lineages of Luciobarbus. The first is associated with the end of the Messinian, which has previously been claimed to explain the difference between sister groups of freshwater fish fauna from both sides of the Gibraltar Strait. The second older and previously undetected event is associated with the existence of the last gateways connecting the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
Outcomes of video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery for transvenous lead extraction
Authors: Dai Mingyan , Joyce David L. , Blackmon Shanda , Friedman M.P.H. Paul A. , Espinosa Raul , Osborn Michael J. , Huang Congxin , Cha Yong‐Mei 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroductionTo evaluate the outcomes of video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) during transvenous lead extractions (TLEs).Methods and resultsNinety‐one high‐risk patients who underwent TLE in the operating room from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2017, were included in the study. Of these, 9 patients underwent VATS during TLE. Their clinical characteristics, indications for lead extraction, and complications associated with TLE in the 9 patients who had VATS were compared with those for the 82 patients who did not have VATS. The mean (SD) age of the study patients was 61 (17) years (64.8% were male). The lead dwell time, number of leads extracted, and clinical comorbidities were similar between the 2 groups. Superior vena cava (SVC) tear occurred in 2 of the 9 patients in VATS group and in 1 of the 82 in the non‐VATS group (22.2% vs. 1.2%, P = 0.03). Of the 2 patients in the VATS group who had SVC tears, in 1 the tear was visualized immediately and there was no hemodynamic compromise. In the other patient, the SVC tear was within the pericardium; the blood pressure recovered quickly after sternotomy and repair. Both patients had complete lead extraction and survived hospitalization. The patient in the non‐VATS group who had an SVC tear had a successful repair but died of postoperative complications.ConclusionsUtilization of VATS to facilitate TLE is beneficial for early recognition of SVC tear and timely surgical repair in select high‐risk patients.
Predictors of hemoptysis in the setting of pulmonary vein isolation using the second‐generation cryoballoon
Authors: Wei Hui‐Qiang , Guo Xiao‐Gang , Zhou Gong‐Bu , Sun Qi , Yang Jian‐Du , Luo Bin , Ma Jian 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroductionTo assess the predictors of hemoptysis using second‐generation cryoballoon (CB).MethodsThirty patients with hemoptysis after second‐generation CB ablation and 60 age‐, gender‐, and body mass index‐matched controls were recruited. Anatomic parameters were obtained from preprocedural cardiac computed tomography (CT). Pulmonary vein isolation was performed with 28‐mm balloon using single 3‐minute freeze technique.ResultsClinical and procedural characteristics were similar between the groups. A shorter distance between left superior PV (LSPV) and left main bronchus (LMB) was associated with hemoptysis (7.8 ± 4.3 mm vs. 12.5 ± 3.5 mm, P < 0.001), whereas no significant difference in the distance between right superior PV (RSPV) and right main bronchus (RMB) was found between groups (11.9 ± 3.5 mm vs. 12.9 ± 4.6 mm, P = 0.089). Additionally, the mean thickness of the connective tissue interposed between RSPV and RMB was significantly thicker than that between LSPV and LMB in both groups (both P < 0.001). A stepwise logistic multivariate analysis identified only the LMB‐LSPV distance as an independent predictor of hemoptysis (odd ratio [OR] 2.676; 95% CI 1.121–4.843, P < 0.001). A cutoff value ≤ 9.5 mm predicted hemoptysis after CB ablation with 93.8% sensitivity and 75.0% specificity.ConclusionHemoptysis is a relatively rare event following second‐generation CB ablation. The bronchi location obtained from CT aids in identifying high‐risk population for the complication.
Towards eradication of inappropriate therapies for ICD lead failure by combining comprehensive remote monitoring and lead noise alerts
Authors: Ploux Sylvain , Swerdlow Charles D. , Strik Marc , Welte Nicolas , Klotz Nicolas , Ritter Philippe , Haïssaguerre Michel , Bordachar Pierre 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIntroductionRecognition of implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) lead malfunction before occurrence of life threatening complications is crucial. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of remote monitoring associated or not with a lead noise alert for early detection of ICD lead failure.MethodsFrom October 2013 to April 2017, a median of 1,224 (578–1,958) ICD patients were remotely monitored with comprehensive analysis of all transmitted materials. ICD lead failure and subsequent device interventions were prospectively collected in patients with (RMLN) and without (RM) a lead noise alert (Abbott Secure Sense™ or Medtronic Lead Integrity Alert™) in their remote monitoring system.ResultsDuring a follow‐up of 4,457 patient years, 64 lead failures were diagnosed. Sixty‐one (95%) of the diagnoses were made before any clinical complication occurred. Inappropriate shocks were delivered in only one patient of each group (3%), with an annual rate of 0.04%. All high voltage conductor failures were identified remotely by a dedicated impedance alert in 10 patients. Pace‐sense component failures were correctly identified by a dedicated alert in 77% (17 of 22) of the RMLN group versus 25% (8 of 32) of the RM group (P = 0.002). The absence of a lead noise alert was associated with a 16‐fold increase in the likelihood of initiating either a shock or ATP (OR: 16.0, 95% CI 1.8–143.3; P = 0.01).ConclusionICD remote monitoring with systematic review of all transmitted data is associated with a very low rate of inappropriate shocks related to lead failure. Dedicated noise alerts further reduce inappropriate detection of ventricular arrhythmias.
Imaging technique for the diagnosis of onychomatricoma
Authors: Cinotti E. , Veronesi G. , Labeille B. , Cambazard F. , Piraccini B.M. , Dika E. , Perrot J.L. , Rubegni P. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOnychomatricoma is a rare tumour that derives from the nail matrix and grows within the nail plate. The clinical presentation can mimic many other tumours and conditions, and surgical biopsy and histopathological examination are necessary to confirm the diagnosis. As nail surgery is a painful experience for the patient and sometimes can leave permanent onychodistrophy, more precise preoperative diagnosis is needed to distinguish onychomatricoma from other nail diseases more accurately and to limit surgical interventions. The objective of this study was to evaluate current literature on imaging techniques for the diagnosis of onychomatricoma in order to understand how this technology can help the presurgical diagnosis of this tumour. We searched in the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised library, Medline, Embase and LILACS databases all studies evaluating imaging technique for the diagnosis of onychomatricoma up to February 2018. We found that not only nail dermoscopy, but also reflectance confocal microscopy, optical coherence tomography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance can be useful in this field.
Hippocampal nuclear factor kappa B accounts for stress‐induced anxiety behaviors via enhancing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS)‐carboxy‐terminal PDZ ligand of nNOS‐Dexras1 coupling
Authors: Zhu Li‐Juan , Ni Huan‐Yu , Chen Rong , Chang Lei , Shi Hu‐Jiang , Qiu Dan , Zhang Zhan , Wu Dan‐Lian , Jiang Zhao‐Chun , Xin Hong‐Liang , Zhou Qi‐Gang , Zhu Dong‐Ya 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAnxiety disorders are associated with a high social burden worldwide. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) has significant implications for psychiatric diseases, including anxiety and depressive disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of NF‐κB in stress‐induced anxiety behaviors are poorly understood. In this study, we show that chronic mild stress (CMS) and glucocorticoids dramatically increased the expression of NF‐κB subunits p50 and p65, phosphorylation and acetylation of p65, and the level of nuclear p65 in vivo and in vitro, implicating activation of NF‐κB signaling in chronic stress‐induced pathological processes. Using the novelty‐suppressed feeding (NSF) and elevated‐plus maze (EPM) tests, we found that treatment with pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC; intra‐hippocampal infusion), an inhibitor of NF‐κB, rescued the CMS‐ or glucocorticoid‐induced anxiogenic behaviors in mice. Microinjection of PDTC into the hippocampus reversed CMS‐induced up‐regulation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), carboxy‐terminal PDZ ligand of nNOS (CAPON), and dexamethasone‐induced ras protein 1 (Dexras1) and dendritic spine loss of dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. Moreover, over‐expression of CAPON by infusing LV‐CAPON‐L‐GFP into the hippocampus induced nNOS‐Dexras1 interaction and anxiety‐like behaviors, and inhibition of NF‐κB by PDTC reduced the LV‐CAPON‐L‐GFP‐induced increases in nNOS‐Dexras1 complex and anxiogenic‐like effects in mice. These findings indicate that hippocampal NF‐κB mediates anxiogenic behaviors, probably via regulating the association of nNOS‐CAPON‐Dexras1, and uncover a novel approach to the treatment of anxiety disorders.
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