bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Patterns of female nest attendance and male feeding throughout the incubation period in Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus
Authors: Bambini Giulia , Schlicht Emmi , Kempenaers Bart 
Published: May 2018

Most bird species exhibit biparental care, but the type of care provided by each sex may differ substantially. In particular, during the incubation phase in passerines, females perform most or all of the incubation, while the male cares for the brood indirectly by feeding the female. However, detailed descriptions of this male investment during the incubation period are missing. Here, we quantitatively describe female nest attendance and male incubation feeding throughout the ~ 14‐day incubation period in a population of Eurasian Blue Tits Cyanistes caeruleus breeding in nestboxes. Males and females progressively increased their daily activity at the nest over the incubation period. The amount of day‐time incubation, measured as the proportion of the active day (time interval between first nestbox exit in the morning and last entry in the evening) a female spent inside the nestbox, varied between 52 and 60% with an average of 55% per day. The frequency of male incubation feeding varied between 0 and 74 times per day with an average of 12 feeds per day. Both male feeding rate and female nest attendance were highest in the morning and declined rapidly throughout the day. Females were more likely to be off the nest during the warmest periods (15–21 °C), as expected based on thermal needs of the developing embryos, but also during the coldest periods (2–5 °C), presumably due to the energetic needs of the female. This was despite the fact that males fed their females more often at the nest when ambient temperatures were low. Females that received more feeds incubated more and their off‐nest bouts were shorter after a feed. The observed variation in female incubation and in male feeding rate was not linked to individual age or to variation in measures of reproductive success. However, direct observations showed that in some pairs a substantial amount of feeding by males occurred outside the nestbox. This suggests that the true male investment might have been underestimated, here and in previous studies.
Intrinsic and extrinsic regulation of human skin melanogenesis and pigmentation
Authors: Serre C. , Busuttil V. , Botto J.‐M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn human skin, melanogenesis is a tightly regulated process. Indeed, several extracellular signals are transduced via dedicated signalling pathways and mostly converge to MITF, a transcription factor integrating upstream signalling and regulating downstream genes involved in the various inherent mechanisms modulating melanogenesis. The synthesis of melanin pigments occurs in melanocytes inside melanosomes where melanogenic enzymes (tyrosinase and related proteins) are addressed with the help of specific protein complexes. The melanosomes loaded with melanin are then transferred to keratinocytes. A more elaborate level of melanogenesis regulation comes into play via the action of non‐coding RNAs (microRNAs, lncRNAs). Besides this canonical regulation, melanogenesis can also be modulated by other non‐specific intrinsic pathways (hormonal environment, inflammation) and by extrinsic factors (solar irradiation such as ultraviolet irradiation, environmental pollution). We developed a bioinformatic interaction network gathering the multiple aspects of melanogenesis and skin pigmentation as a resource to better understand and study skin pigmentation biology.
A retrospective study of dermatitis herpetiformis from an immunobullous disease clinic in north India
Authors: Handa Sanjeev , Dabas Garima , De Dipankar , Mahajan Rahul , Chatterjee Debajyoti , Saika Uma N. , Radotra Bishan D. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundIndian data on dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is not available. The aim of this study was to investigate the demographic and clinicopathological characteristics of patients with DH and to study its association with other autoimmune diseases.MethodsAll data were collected from case record forms of patients registered in immunobullous disease clinic of our institute. The diagnosis was based on characteristic clinical and immuno/histopathological features.ResultsA total of 65 patients were included, which constituted 9.47% of the registered patients in the immunobullous disease clinic over 3.5 years. The male to female ratio was 1.4 : 1; the average age was 44.35 ± 15.52 years. Direct immunofluorescence showed granular IgA deposits at the papillary tips in 83.07% and basement membrane zone in 12.3% patients. Sixteen (24.1%) patients had associated celiac disease, and 15 (23.07%) patients had other autoimmune comorbidities such as hypothyroidism. Forty percent of patients on strict gluten‐free diet achieved remission in 2 years, while 35.4% had frequent relapses as they continued gluten intake.ConclusionsDermatitis herpetiformis is not a rare disease in northern India as previously believed. The clinical, histological, and immunopathological characteristics of Indian DH patients are similar to those reported in Caucasian populations. The limitations of our study include an absence of genetic testing for HLA‐DQ2 or DQ8, nonavailability of kits for detecting IgA specific for epidermal transglutaminase (IgA eTG), and short follow‐up period.
Long‐term safety and efficacy of the novel β3‐adrenoreceptor agonist vibegron in Japanese patients with overactive bladder: A phase III prospective study
Authors: Yoshida Masaki , Kakizaki Hidehiro , Takahashi Satoru , Nagai Shinji , Kurose Takafumi 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo evaluate the long‐term safety and efficacy of vibegron 50 mg and 100 mg, a novel β3‐adrenoreceptor agonist, in Japanese patients with overactive bladder.MethodsThis was a 1‐year, multicenter, open‐label, non‐controlled study. After a 1‐week observation phase, patients were treated with vibegron for 52 weeks. When the efficacy was insufficient after an 8‐week treatment with 50 mg, the dose was increased to 100 mg and maintained for an additional 44 weeks.ResultsAmong a total of 169 patients receiving one or more doses of vibegron, 118 (69.8%) received vibegron 50 mg for 52 weeks, and the dose was increased to 100 mg in 51 (30.2%) patients. The incidence of drug‐related adverse events was 18.1% (21/116) in the vibegron 50 mg group and 11.8% (6/51) in the vibegron 100 mg group. Most frequent drug‐related adverse events were dry mouth (3.0%), residual urine volume increased (3.0%), constipation (2.4%) and cystitis (1.8%). Statistically significant changes in overactive bladder symptom variables (daily means of micturitions, urgency episodes, urgency incontinence episodes, incontinence episodes and night‐time frequency) from baseline were observed at week 4 and maintained until week 52. The condition of patients who did not respond well to vibegron 50 mg was much improved by increasing the dose to 100 mg. Vibegron improved the quality of life, and the proportion of patients’ satisfaction after the treatment with vibegron was high.ConclusionsLong‐term (52‐week) treatment with vibegron is safe, well‐tolerated and effective in patients with overactive bladder.
Therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome among refractory germ cell tumor patients
Authors: Inoue Yuta , Nakamura Terukazu , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Oishi Masakatsu , Hongo Fumiya , Okihara Koji , Mizutani Shinsuke , Kuroda Junya , Ukimura Osamu 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo analyze cases of therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosed after chemotherapy for refractory testicular and extragonadal germ cell tumor in our experience.MethodsA total of 171 consecutive patients who were diagnosed and treated as refractory germ cell tumor and had records of detailed chemotherapy doses between April 1998 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsFour testicular tumor patients (4/171, 2.3%) developed therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. Three of them were affected after complete remission of the primary testicular tumor. A median time interval from a start of chemotherapy to a secondary tumor development was 6.8 years (range 3.7–11.5 years). The median total dose of etoposide, ifosfamide, cisplatin and nedaplatin were 3640 mg/m2 (range 2906–4000 mg/m2), 42.7 g (range 19.5–54.0 g), 1100 mg/m2 (range 600–1500 mg/m2) and 500 mg/m2 (range 300–1600 mg/m2), respectively. Etoposide had the only significant relationship between a cumulative dose and leukemogenesis in univariate analysis (P < 0.05). One patient had complete remission, but the other three patients died.ConclusionsThe present findings show that refractory germ cell tumor patients have an increased risk of therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. A cumulative dose of etoposide is a significant risk of leukemogenesis. As therapy‐related acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome has a poor prognosis, close follow up is required for refractory germ cell tumor patients.
Application of finitized power series distributions to accelerate variate generation. Part I: two useful algorithms
Authors: Levy Martin S. , Cochran James J. , Golnabi Saeed , Kirtland James Andrew 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNegative Taylor Series Finitization (NTSF) is a moment preserving method that transforms a power series distribution into another having smaller support of size n with moments coinciding with the first n moments of the parent distribution. We present algorithms for addressing two issues that arise when developing an NTSF. The first is based on the Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistic for choosing n. The second produces the maximum feasible parameter space (MFPS), or largest set of parameters yielding a proper distribution, which is necessary because the parameter space of an NTSF distribution is constrained. Both are essential for finitization applications such as fast variate generation. Under well‐defined conditions, (1) the MFPS is determined uniquely via the roots obtained by setting the (n−1)st finitized probability to 0, (2) the MFPS monotonically decreases as a function of increasing n except for the Poisson (where the MFPS is constant for all n), and (3) the Poisson is unique in this regard.
The morphology and structure of crystals in Qing Dynasty purple‐gold glaze excavated from the Forbidden City
Authors: Liu Zhen , Jia Cui , Li Li , Li Xiaolong , Ji Luoyuan , Wang Lihua , Lei Yong , Wei Xiangjun 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAncient Chinese purple‐gold glaze (zijinyou) is popular for its beautiful figuration, unique allure and fine craftsmanship. To understand the crystalline nature in the purple‐gold glaze, the morphology and structure of crystals precipitated in the glaze layer of purple‐gold glaze porcelain fired during the Qing Dynasty were characterized by a variety of methods combining X‐ray and electron‐based techniques. A large quantity of single‐phase twinning ε‐Fe2O3 crystals with lengths of 1‐3 μm, widths of less than 1 μm, and thickness of approximately 150 nm are found dispersed across the glaze surface to a depth of approximately tens of micrometers. These crystals show stratification across the cross‐section of the purple glaze consisting of 4 sublayers according to the crystal size. The formation of ε‐Fe2O3 crystals primarily contributed to the reddish‐brown tones of the purple‐gold glaze. The presence of anorthite, a strong reducing atmosphere during the firing process and the vitreous nature of the glaze influenced the growth of ε‐Fe2O3 crystals. These results suggest the controllability of single‐phase ε‐Fe2O3 crystals by identifying and understanding the underlying chemical processes in ancient Chinese crystalline glaze porcelain, and the findings will provide insights for modern material scientists in preparing ε‐Fe2O3 crystals with large sizes and high purities.
Effect of rare‐earth ion size on elasticity and crack initiation in rare‐earth aluminate glasses
Authors: Rosales‐Sosa Gustavo A. , Masuno Atsunobu , Higo Yuji , Watanabe Yasuhiro , Inoue Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn oxide glasses, “hardness” and “damage‐tolerance” are usually competing attributes. The main reason for this is that hard glasses usually have closely packed structures compared to those of damage‐resistant glasses. Recent progress on the mechanical properties of alumina‐rich glasses has thrown some light on how to obtain hard and damage‐tolerant glasses. In this work, the elastic properties and indentation behavior of a glass system based on (R = La, Sm, Gd, Er, Tm, Y), prepared by an aerodynamic levitation technique, was investigated. It was found that the rare‐earth ions exhibited a strong size effect on the mechanical properties of the glasses. The elastic moduli and hardness increased with the packing density and as the ionic radii of the rare‐earth ions decreased. In addition, the resistance to surface damage by indentation increased with larger rare‐earth cations. Our results show that the elastic properties and damage tolerance of rare‐earth aluminate glasses can be tuned depending on the ionic radii of rare‐earth ions.
Optical properties of Cu ions‐doped ZnSe quantum dots in silicate glasses
Authors: Li Kai , Liu Chao , Zhao Zhiyong , Deng Zhao , Xia Mengling , Ye Ying 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn order to alleviate the effect of the surface defects on the emission properties of quantum dots, copper ions‐doped ZnSe quantum dots (QDs) in the glasses are prepared using melt‐quenching and subsequent thermal annealing methods. For glasses without copper doping, tunable band‐edge emission from ZnSe QDs is achieved. For glasses with copper doping, efficient energy transfer from ZnSe QDs to copper ions is observed, and efficient broad band emission from copper ions is realized at the expense of the band‐edge emission of ZnSe QDs. Absorption spectra, size‐dependent broad‐band emission spectra and electron spin resonance spectra show the cupric ions are doped into the ZnSe QDs. Results reported here shows that doping of transition‐metal ions into semiconductor QDs in glasses is promising for development of high efficient luminescent glasses.
Origin of low dielectric loss and giant dielectric response in (Nb+Al) co‐doped strontium titanate
Authors: He Zichen , Cao Minghe , Zhou Liang , Zhang Lin , Xie Juan , Zhang Shujun , Qi Junlei , Hao Hua , Yao Zhonghua , Yu Zhiyong , Liu Hanxing 
Published: May 2018

Abstract(Nb+Al) co‐doped SrTiO3 ceramics with a nominal composition of Sr(Nb0.5Al0.5)xTi1‐xO3 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) were fabricated using the conventional solid‐state reaction method; giant permittivity (10500) and low dielectric loss (0.03) were obtained at x = 0.06. Dielectric and impedance spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, were employed to study why the dielectric property improved. The results indicate that the giant dielectric response occurs because of the combined effects of the off‐center Ti3+ reorientation and conduction of electrons with the polar ordering structure Ti3+/Ti4+. In contrast, the low dielectric loss can be attributed to electron localization that occurs because of the defect dipole . These fundamental understandings will benefit the design of doped SrTiO3 ceramics with desired performance.
Passive oxidation kinetics for glass and cristobalite formation on Hi‐Nicalon™‐S SiC fibers in steam
Authors: Hay Randall S. , Corns Randall 
Published: May 2018

AbstractParabolic rate constants for SiO2 glass (BG) and cristobalite (BC) scale formation during passive oxidation of SiC in steam were determined. Cristobalite scale that originally formed as glass and as scale that formed afterward, directly as cristobalite, was distinguished by TEM. A method to determine BG and BC from many thickness measurements of the 2 different scale layers was developed. The method was applied to Hi‐Nicalon™‐S SiC fiber oxidation in Si(OH)4 saturated steam between 500 and 1600°C. At 1500°C and lower temperatures, glass scale formed more rapidly than cristobalite scale. BG and BC had activation energies of 80 ± 5 kJ/mol and 95 ± 5 kJ/mol, respectively. At 1600°C, cristobalite scales formed much faster than glass scales. Many scales spheroidized after oxidation at temperatures beneath 1000°C, and continuous scales that did form had wide variation in thickness. This made kinetics analysis after low temperature steam oxidation problematic.
Assessment of conversion efficiency of Cr4+ ions by aliovalent cation additives in Cr:YAG ceramic for edge cladding
Authors: Chen Xingtao , Wu Yiquan , Lu Zhongwen , Wei Nian , Qi Jianqi , Shi Yanli , Hua Tengfei , Zeng Qiang , Guo Wang , Lu Tiecheng 
Published: May 2018

Abstract0.25at.% Cr:YAG ceramics were successfully fabricated as the edge cladding of Yb:YAG transparent ceramic slabs through vacuum sintering of co‐precipitated powders, using oxide additives to introduce different cations. The effects of various cation additives (Si4+, Ca2+, and Si4+ + Ca2+) on the conversion efficiency of Cr4+ ions and optical characteristics of the Cr:YAG edge cladding were investigated. Measurements of the absorption spectra of the Cr:YAG ceramics without any additives revealed 2 absorption bands centered at 430 nm and 600 nm, which imparted the sample with a green color. The introduction of only Si4+‐bearing additive did not promote the transition of Cr ions from the 3+ to 4+ state. Theoretical analysis and experimentation revealed that the addition of CaO not only enhanced the microstructure and improved the transmittance of the Cr:YAG ceramic, but also introduced vacancies that assisted in the formation of Cr4+ ions. It was determined that CaO has the same effect on the conversion efficiency of Cr4+ ions whether it is added as a single additive or in combination with SiO2. The underlying mechanisms by which these aliovalent cation additives influence the formation of Cr4+ ions and affect optical properties are discussed in detail. High quality composite ceramics with Yb:YAG transparent ceramic slabs and dark brown‐colored Cr4+: YAG ceramic edge cladding were achieved through the addition of 0.05 wt.% CaO to the edge cladding, with no interfacial effects between the 2 regions being observed.
Salutogenic service user involvement in nursing research: A case study
Authors: Mjøsund Nina Helen , Vinje Hege Forbech , Eriksson Monica , Haaland‐Øverby Mette , Jensen Sven Liang , Kjus Solveig , Norheim Irene , Portaasen Inger‐Lill , Espnes Geir Arild 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimThe aim was to explore the process of involving mental healthcare service users in a mental health promotion research project as research advisors and to articulate features of the collaboration which encouraged and empowered the advisors to make significant contributions to the research process and outcome.BackgroundThere is an increasing interest in evaluating aspects of service user involvement in nursing research. Few descriptions exist of features that enable meaningful service user involvement. We draw on experiences from conducting research which used the methodology interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore how persons with mental disorders perceived mental health. Apart from the participants in the project, five research advisors with service user experience were involved in the entire research process.DesignWe applied a case study design to explore the ongoing processes of service user involvement.MethodsDocuments and texts produced while conducting the project (2012–2016), as well as transcripts from multistage focus group discussions with the research advisors, were analysed.ResultsThe level of involvement was dynamic and varied throughout the different stages of the research process. Six features: leadership, meeting structure, role clarification, being members of a team, a focus on possibilities and being seen and treated as holistic individuals, were guiding principles for a salutogenic service user involvement. These features strengthened the advisors’ perception of themselves as valuable and competent contributors.ConclusionSignificant contributions from research advisors were promoted by facilitating the process of involvement. A supporting structure and atmosphere were consistent with a salutogenic service user involvement.
Training informal caregivers to care for older people after stroke: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Araújo Odete , Lage Isabel , Cabrita José , Teixeira Laetitia 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAimsThis study aimed at evaluating whether training on practical skills involved in providing care reduces the burden experienced by informal caregivers and improves their general health condition.BackgroundA substantial number of informal caregivers lack skills to deliver poststroke assistance to older people after hospital discharge, which leads to burden situations as well as mental and physical health deterioration of the former.DesignA quasi‐experimental design.MethodsThis study involved 174 informal caregivers of older people who overcame a stroke. The control group (N = 89) received the usual type of care delivered in healthcare units. The experimental group (N = 85) adopted the InCARE programme for 1 week (T0), 1 month (T1) and 3 (T2) months and received telephone support by counselling caregivers on the subsequent 3rd, 6th, 8th and 10th weeks to hospital discharge. It aimed at facilitating the caregiver's adjustment to the demands of a poststroke stage and at increasing knowledge and practical skills to support the decision‐making. Data collection occurred between February–December 2014 at the Community Home Care Services in northern Portugal.ResultsThe experimental group obtained significantly better results regarding practical skills as well as lower burden levels and a better general mental health condition when compared with the control group 1 (T1) and 3 (T2) months after intervention.ConclusionFindings suggest that our programme improved practical skills, helped reduce burden levels with better scores and improvement regarding general mental health condition of informal caregivers.
Mesenchymal stem cells promote lymphangiogenic properties of lymphatic endothelial cells
Authors: Robering Jan W. , Weigand Annika , Pfuhlmann Romy , Horch Raymund E. , Beier Justus P. , Boos Anja M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLymphatic metastasis is one of the main prognostic factors concerning long‐term survival of cancer patients. In this regard, the molecular mechanisms of lymphangiogenesis are still rarely explored. Also, the interactions between stem cells and lymphatic endothelial cells (LEC) in humans have not been well examined. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the interactions between mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and LEC using in vitro angiogenesis assays. Juvenile LEC were stimulated with VEGF‐C, bFGF, MSC‐conditioned medium (MSC‐CM) or by co‐culture with MSC. LEC proliferation was assessed using a MTT assay. Migration of the cells was determined with a wound healing assay and a transmigration assay. To measure the formation of lymphatic sprouts, LEC spheroids were embedded in collagen or fibrin gels. The LEC's capacity to form capillary‐like structures was assessed by a tube formation assay on Matrigel®. The proliferation, migration and tube formation of LEC could be significantly enhanced by MSC‐CM and by co‐culture with MSC. The effect of stimulation with MSC‐CM was stronger compared to stimulation with the growth factors VEGF‐C and bFGF in proliferation and transmigration assays. Sprouting was stimulated by VEGF‐C, bFGF and by MSC‐CM. With this study, we demonstrate the potent stimulating effect of the MSC secretome on proliferation, migration and tube formation of LEC. This indicates an important role of MSC in lymphangiogenesis in pathological as well as physiological processes.