bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced insulating and piezoelectric properties of BiFeO3‐BaTiO3‐Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 ceramics with high Curie temperature
Authors: Cheng Shuai , Zhang Bo‐Ping , Zhao Lei , Wang Kai‐Kun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBiFeO3‐BaTiO3 ceramics are promising lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics due to their high piezoelectric properties and high Curie temperature, but their high leakage current density makes the poling difficult. In this study, a decreased leakage current density by three orders of magnitude was obtained in Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) added 0.67BiFeO3‐0.33BaTiO3 (BF‐BT) ceramics. It was found that the largely improved insulating properties benefit from the reduced oxygen vacancies and weak reduction of Fe3+ to Fe2+ as confirmed by photoluminescence and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements, thereby contributing to high‐temperature and high‐field poling. In addition, the introduction of BNT leaded to increased grain size. Due to the grown grains as well as reduced oxygen vacancies and Fe2+, enhanced insulating and optimal piezoelectric properties with Pr = 24.2 µC/cm2, d33 = 183 pC/N, kp = 0.28, and TC = 467°C were achieved in BF‐BT‐0.05BNT ceramics.
Apprehending the Creative Process through Drawing in the Foundation Design Studio
Authors: Akoury Chahid 
Published: May 2019

AbstractOne of the main goals of design education is to enhance and enable creative thinking. Therefore, effectively teaching visual representational and interpretational skills is vital for the communication and articulation of such ideations. This article will explore examples from two specific introductory design studios where my personal pedagogical approach emphasises drawing as a creative language of reflection and critical conceptualisation. The aim of my approach accentuates the exploration any idea through drawing and thus allowing this graphic language to aid in the generation of creative thinking. Drawing, then, assumes the role of a research process concerned not only with the projection of thoughts, but with the study of correlations, and the consequent incorporation of perceptive and conceptual articulations.
To initiate the conversation – Public health nurses’ experiences of working with obesity in persons with mobility disability
Authors: Holmgren Marianne , Sandberg Magnus , Ahlström Gerd 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimDeveloping a theory explaining how public health nurses accomplish and adapt counselling in lifestyle habits to decrease obesity in people with mobility disability.DesignEmpirical research ‐ qualitative.MethodClassic grounded theory with face‐to‐face interviews, 2017–2018, using inductive approach to understand public health nurses' intervening experiences with obesity patients.ResultsTo initiate the conversation emerged as the main concern meaning having difficulties initiating conversations about obesity with patients. Public health nurses’ facilitators to communicate lifestyle changes emerged as the pattern generating the theory, which consists of the categories; person‐centeredness in the situation, experience and knowledge, strengthening conditions, access to other professionals and prioritization in everyday work.ConclusionsPublic health nurses hesitate to raise topics of obesity in patients with mobility disability. They advocate increased integration with lifestyle changes in everyday work including multi‐professional cooperation. The implication is testing the emerged theory at primary health care centres.ImpactObesity is more common in people with mobility disability than in those without. There is a need to understand how public health nurses adapt counselling in lifestyle habits. Public health nurses hesitate to talk about obesity with patients in fear of offending anyone. Public health nurses did not distinguish between patients with or without mobility disability. Several facilitators could be helpful initiating conversation with the patients. Public health nurses need more time and resources to facilitate conversation with patients with mobility disability to counsel lifestyle changes.
Cointroductions of Australian acacias and their rhizobial mutualists in the Southern Hemisphere
Authors: Warrington Staci , Ellis Allan , Novoa Ana , Wandrag Elizabeth M. , Hulme Philip E. , Duncan Richard P. , Valentine Alex , Le Roux Johannes J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimMutualisms are often disrupted for plants introduced to new ranges, yet many of these plants have managed to obtain effective mutualistic associations in their new ranges. There are two potential pathways for non‐native plants to reassemble mutualisms: cointroduction (i.e. familiar associations with cointroduced mutualists) or ecological fitting (i.e. forming or adapting novel associations with resident native mutualists). We assessed the importance of each pathway for mutualist reassembly in four AustralianAcaciaspecies (A. baileyana,A. dealbata,A. decurrensandA. melanoxylon) and their associated nitrogen‐fixing rhizobial symbionts in two non‐native locations.LocationNative ranges of acacias in south‐eastern Australia and two non‐native ranges in New Zealand and South Africa.MethodsRhizobia associated with each acacia species in each country were isolated and identified based on DNA sequencing of the housekeepingrecAgene and the symbioticnodAgene. Separate phylogenies were reconstructed for each gene region to infer biogeographic histories of acacia‐associated rhizobia. Selected rhizobial strains for each acacia species by country combination were used as inocula in a glasshouse experiment and early growth kinetics and nitrogen fixation efficiency of acacia seedlings were compared between inoculum treatments to determine symbiotic effectiveness.ResultsAll isolated rhizobial strains belonged to the genusBradyrhizobium. Phylogenetic analyses revealed almost no country‐ or species‐specific clusters of these strains for either gene region and indicated that most acacia‐associated bradyrhizobia in New Zealand and South Africa were cointroduced from Australia. These results were supported by little variation in the growth performances of acacia seedlings, irrespective of inoculum treatment.Main conclusionsThis study revealed that cointroduction of Australian acacias and their rhizobia may be more prevalent than previously thought. Additionally, a single rhizobium cointroduction event may be sufficient to facilitate the establishment of effective mutualisms in numerousAcaciaspecies, potentially leading to an invasion meltdown.
How to deliver personalized cardiac resynchronization therapy through the precise measurement of the acute hemodynamic response: Insights from the iSpot trial
Authors: Shun‐Shin Matthew J. , Miyazawa Alejandra A. , Keene Daniel , Sterliński Maciej , Sokal Adam , Van Heuverswyn Frédéric , Rinaldi Christopher A. , Cornelussen Richard , Stegemann Berthold , Francis Darrel P. , Whinnett Zachary 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIntroductionNew pacing technologies offer a greater choice of left ventricular pacing sites and greater personalization of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The effects on cardiac function of novel pacing configurations are often compared using multi‐beat averages of acute hemodynamic measurements. In this analysis of the iSpot trial, we explore whether this is sufficient.Materials and MethodsThe iSpot trial was an international, prospective, acute hemodynamic trial that assessed seven CRT configurations: standard CRT, MultiSpot (posterolateral vein), and MultiVein (anterior and posterior vein) pacing. Invasive and noninvasive blood pressure, and left ventricular (LV) dP/dtmax were recorded. Eight beats were recorded before and after an alternation from AAI to the tested pacing configuration and vice‐versa. Eight alternations were performed for each configuration at each of the five atrioventricular delays.ResultsTwenty‐five patients underwent the full protocol of eight alternations. Only four (16%) patients had a statistically significant >3 mm Hg improvement over conventional CRT configuration (posterolateral vein, distal electrode). However, if only one alternation was analyzed (standard multi‐beat averaging protocol), 15 (60%) patients falsely appeared to have a superior nonconventional configuration. Responses to pacing were significantly correlated between the different hemodynamic measures: invasive systolic blood pressure (SBP) vs noninvasive SBP r = 0.82 (P < .001); invasive SBP vs LV dP/dt r = 0.57, r2 = 0.32 (P < .001).ConclusionsCurrent standard multibeat acquisition protocols are unfortunately unable to prevent false impressions of optimality arising in individual patients. Personalization processes need to include distinct repeated transitions to the tested pacing configuration in addition to averaging multiple beats. The need is not only during research stages but also during clinical implementation.
Gendering the Representative Work of the European Parliament: A Political Analysis of Women MEP's Perceptions of Gender Equality in Party Groups
Authors: Kantola Johanna , Rolandsen Agustín Lise 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEuropean Parliament's (EP) party groups are crucial to democratic representation in the EU. Much of the academic research about party groups has been gender‐blind. This article draws on qualitative methods to undertake a gender analysis of EP party groups. The article analyses the gendered experiences of women MEPs from two Nordic countries, Denmark and Finland, and draws on interview data with 18 women MEPs from these two member states to explore their perceptions of gender equality in the political groups. The findings illustrate that party groups exhibit some shared and some diversified gendered norms as well as concrete practices for advancing the position of women, including informal women's networks. We draw attention to the shortcomings in m/paternity leave rights in the EP and the lack of political will within the party groups to tackle this, which is further cementing exclusionary practices of the institution.
Moderate alteration to gut microbiota brought by colorectal adenoma resection
Authors: Yu Si‐Yi , Xie Yuan‐Hong , Qiu Yi‐Wen , Chen Ying‐Xuan , Fang Jing‐Yuan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and AimMicrobial dysbiosis is involved in the development of colorectal cancer and its most common precancerous lesion, colorectal adenoma. Endoscopic resection is one of the procedures for primary prevention of colorectal cancer, yet little is known about how the endoscopic therapy influences gut microbiota.MethodsWe conducted a prospective study of 20 patients who underwent endoscopic resection of colorectal adenoma and analyzed the fecal microbiota before and 3 months after adenoma resection. MiSeq sequencing of 16S rRNA genes was performed to determine the alterations in microbial diversity and structure. To discriminate the microbiota of the two groups, random forest and receiver operating characteristic analysis were applied, and a genus‐based microbiota signature was obtained.ResultsDespite few alterations in overall microbial structure after adenoma resection, the abundance of Parabacteroides revealed a significant increase postoperatively (3.8% vs 1.5%, 0.1160), and the microbiota signature of Parabacteroides, Streptococcus, and Ruminococcus showed an optimal discriminating performance of postoperative status with the area under the curve 0.788, P < 0.001.ConclusionFecal microbial alterations indicate the moderate influence of adenoma resection on gut microbiota and lay the groundwork for microbial prediction of adenoma recurrence. Larger sample studies are further required to validate the findings.
Short‐term and long‐term impacts of Helicobacter pylori eradication with reverse hybrid therapy on the gut microbiota
Authors: Hsu Ping‐I , Pan Chao‐Yu , Kao John Y , Tsay Feng‐Woei , Peng Nan‐Jing , Kao Sung‐Shuo , Chen Yan‐Hua , Tsai Tzung‐Jiun , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Tsai Kuo‐Wang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsAnti‐Helicobacter pylori therapy may lead to the growth of pathogenic or antibiotic‐resistant bacteria in the gut. The study aimed to investigate the short‐term and long‐term impacts of H. pylori eradication with reverse hybrid therapy on the components and macrolide resistance of the gut microbiota.MethodsHelicobacter pylori‐related gastritis patients were administered a 14‐day reverse hybrid therapy. Fecal samples were collected before treatment and at the end of week 2, week 8, and week 48. The V3–V4 region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene in fecal specimens was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and sequenced on Illumina MiSeq platform. Additionally, amplification of erm(B) gene (encoding erythromycin resistance methylase) was performed.ResultsReverse hybrid therapy resulted in decreased relative abundances of Firmicutes (from 62.0% to 30.7%; P < 0.001) and Actinobacteria (from 3.4% to 0.6%; 0.032) at the end of therapy. In contrast, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria increased from 10.2% to 49.1% (0.002). These microbiota alterations did not persist but returned to the initial levels at week 8 and week 48. The amount of erm(B) gene in fecal specimens was comparable with the pretreatment level at week 2 but increased at week 8 (0.025) and then returned to the pretreatment level by week 48.ConclusionsHelicobacter pylori eradication with reverse hybrid therapy can lead to short‐term gut dysbiosis. The amount of erm(B) gene in the stool increased transiently after treatment and returned to the pretreatment level at 1‐year post‐treatment.
Electroacupuncture plus on‐demand gastrocaine for refractory functional dyspepsia: Pragmatic randomized trial
Authors: Chung Vincent CH , Wong Charlene HL , Wu Irene XY , Ching Jessica YL , Cheung William KW , Yip Benjamin HK , Chan Kam Leung , Cheong Pui Kuan , Wu Justin CY 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and AimTreatment options for functional dyspepsia (FD) refractory to pharmacological treatments are limited but the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) is uncertain. We assessed the effectiveness of EA combined with on‐demand gastrocaine.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center, assessor‐blind, randomized parallel‐group 2‐arm trial on Helicobacter pylori negative FD patients of the postprandial distress syndrome subtype refractory to proton pump inhibitor, prokinetics, or H2 antagonists. Enrolled participants were block randomized in a 1:1 ratio, with concealed random sequence. The treatment and control groups both received on‐demand gastrocaine for 12 weeks, but only those in treatment group were offered 20 sessions of EA over 10 weeks. The primary endpoint was the between‐group difference in proportion of patients achieving adequate relief of symptoms at week 12.ResultsOf 132 participants randomly assigned to EA plus on‐demand gastrocaine (n = 66) or on‐demand gastrocaine alone (n = 66), 125 (94.7%) completed all follow‐up at 12 weeks. The EA group had a compliance rate 97.7%. They had a significantly higher likelihood in achieving adequate symptom relief at 12 weeks, with a clinically relevant number needed to treat (NNT) value of 2.36 (95% CI: 1.74, 3.64). Among secondary outcomes, statistically and clinically significant improvements were observed among global symptom (NNT = 3.85 [95% CI: 2.63, 7.69]); postprandial fullness and early satiation (NNT = 5.00 [95% CI: 2.86, 25.00]); as well as epigastric pain, epigastric burning, and postprandial nausea (NNT = 4.17 [95% CI: 2.56, 11.11]). Adverse events were minimal and nonsignificant.ConclusionFor refractory FD, EA provides significant, clinically relevant symptom relief when added to on‐demand gastrocaine (ChiCTR‐IPC‐15007109).
A Cluster Randomized Trial of Tai Chi vs Health Education in Subsidized Housing: The MI‐WiSH Study
Authors: Lipsitz Lewis A. , Macklin Eric A. , Travison Thomas G. , Manor Brad , Gagnon Peggy , Tsai Timothy , Aizpurúa Ilean Isaza , Lo On‐Yee , Wayne Peter M. 
Published: May 2019

OBJECTIVESTai Chi (TC) may benefit older adults with a variety of diseases and disabilities. We tested the hypothesis that TC improves physical function in older adults living in low‐income housing facilities.DESIGNCluster randomized controlled trial.SETTINGSubsidized housing facilities in Boston, Massachusetts, and neighboring communities.PARTICIPANTSVolunteers were recruited from 15 facilities. The 180 randomized participants were 60 years of age or older, able to understand English and participate in TC, expected to remain in the facility for 1 year, and able to walk independently.INTERVENTIONTC classes were conducted in the housing facilities twice/week for 1 year and compared with monthly health promotion educational classes and social calls.MEASUREMENTSThe primary outcome was physical function measured by the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes included other aspects of physical and cognitive function, and falls.RESULTSAn interim analysis revealed less improvement over 12 months in SPPB scores among TC participants (+.20 units; 95% confidence interval [CI] = −.20 to +.60; P = .69) vs control participants (+.51 units; 95% CI = +.15 to +.87; P = .007), a difference of −.31 units (95% CI = −.66 to .04; P = .082). This met the criterion for futility, and the Data Safety Monitoring Board recommended trial termination. No differences were found in 6‐ or 12‐month changes favoring TC in any secondary outcomes or adverse events.CONCLUSIONIn older adults with multiple chronic conditions living in subsidized housing facilities, 6 and 12 months of twice/week TC classes were not associated with improvements in functional health. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1812–1819, 2019
Evaluation of the expression of the stromal cell‐derived factor‐1 alpha (CXCL 12) in psoriatic patients after treatment with Methotrexate
Authors: Abdelaal Nagwa H. , Elhefnawy Nadia G. , Abdulmonem Shymaa R. , Sayed Safenaz , Saleh Noha A. , Saleh Marwah A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundCXCL12 has an important role in skin homeostasis and inflammation.ObjectiveIn this work, the expression of CXCL12 was evaluated in psoriasis vulgaris, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients in relation to disease activity and methotrexate (MTX) therapy.MethodsSkin biopsies were obtained from 10 psoriasis vulgaris patients, 10 PsA patients, and 20 controls. The biopsies were repeated 6 weeks after MTX therapy. The biopsies were stained immunohistochemically by stromal dermal factor 1 alpha (CXCL 12) antibody.ResultsPsoriatic arthritis showed significantly more expression of CXCL 12 than psoriasis vulgaris patients before treatment but not after treatment. There was significant decrease in CXCL 12 expression in the keratinocytes of psoriasis vulgaris patients after MTX therapy than before treatment, P‐value was 0.009. There was no significant difference between pre‐ and post‐treatment in the CXCL 12 expression of keratinocytes of PsA patients, P‐value was 0.093. The percentage decrease of PASI score after treatment showed a moderate correlation with the percentage decrease of CXCL12 expression of the keratinocytes of the total psoriasis patients, r = 0.484, P‐value was 0.015.ConclusionCXCL12 might be involved in the progression of psoriasis vulgaris to PsA. MTX therapy downregulated the expression of CXCL12 of the keratinocytes of psoriasis patients. This downregulation was paralleled by decrease in the PASI score. CXCL12 can be used as a biological marker of disease severity of psoriasis patients.
Academic Burnout Profiles and Motivation Styles Among Korean High School Students
Authors: Lee Min Young , Lee Mi Kyoung , Lee Min Joo , Lee Sang Min 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to identify academic burnout profiles and to examine how motivational styles distinguish burnout patterns using descriptive discriminant analysis. The data were collected from a total of 1,015 (95.8% response rate, 57.3% female) Korean high school students. The Distressed (entirely burned out) and Well‐Functioning (not burned out) groups were distinguished by amotivation, internal motivation, and identified regulation. The Struggling (burned out but do one's best to achieve) and Laissez‐Faire (not actively participating in their study and could not achieve) groups were classified according to introjected and external regulation. Practical implications are discussed in regards to the alleviation of academic burnout and the improvement of students’ self‐determination.
Two transcription factors cooperatively regulate DHN melanin biosynthesis and development in Pestalotiopsis fici
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhou Shuang , Wang Gang , An Zhiqiang , Liu Xingzhong , Li Kuan , Yin Wen‐Bing 
Published: May 2019

SummaryFungal 1,8‐dihydroxynaphthalene (DHN) melanin plays important roles in UV protection, oxidative stress and pathogenesis. However, knowledge of the regulatory mechanisms of its biosynthesis is limited. Previous studies showed two transcription factors, PfmaF and PfmaH, located in the DHN melanin biosynthetic gene cluster (Pfma) in Pestalotiopsis fici. In this study, deletion of PfmaH resulted in loss of melanin and affected conidia cell wall integrity. Specifically, PfmaH directly regulates the expression of scytalone dehydratase, which catalyzes the transition of scytalone to T3HN. However, PfmaF disruption using CRISPR/Cas9 system affected neither DHN melanin distribution nor conidia cell wall integrity in P. fici. Unexpectedly, overexpression of PfmaF leads to heavy pigment accumulation in P. fici hyphae. Transcriptome and qRT‐PCR analyses provide insight into the roles of PfmaF and PfmaH in DHN melanin regulation. PfmaH, as a pathway specific regulator, mainly regulates melanin biosynthesis that contributes to cell wall development. Furthermore, PfmaF functions as a broad regulator to stimulate PfmaH expression in melanin production, secondary metabolism as well as fungal development.
Radiographic dose‐dependency study of loperamide effects on gastrointestinal motor function in the rat. Temporal relationship with nausea‐like behavior
Authors: Vera Gema , Girón Rocío , Martín‐Fontelles María Isabel , Abalo Raquel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundLoperamide is a potent mu opioid receptor agonist available over the counter to treat diarrhea. Although at therapeutic doses loperamide is devoid of central effects, it may exert them if used at high doses or combined with drugs that increase its systemic and/or central bioavailability. Recently, public health and scientific interest on loperamide has increased due to a growing trend of misuse and abuse, and consequent reports on its toxicity. Our aim was to evaluate in the rat the effects of increasing loperamide doses, with increasing likelihood to induce central effects, on gastrointestinal motor function (including gastric dysmotility and nausea‐like behavior).MethodsMale Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal injection of vehicle or loperamide (0.1, 1, or 10 mg kg−1). Three sets of experiments were performed to evaluate: (a) central effects (somatic nociceptive thresholds, immobility time, core temperature, spontaneous locomotor activity); (b) general gastrointestinal motility (serial X‐rays were taken 0‐8 hours after intragastric barium administration and analyzed semiquantitatively, morphometrically, and densitometrically); and (c) bedding intake (a rodent indirect marker of nausea). Animals from sets 1 and 3 were used to evaluate gastric dysmotility ex vivo at 2 and 4 hours after administration, respectively.Key ResultsLoperamide significantly induced antinociception, hypothermia, and hypolocomotion (but not catalepsy) at high doses and dose‐dependently reduced gastrointestinal motor function, with the intestine exhibiting higher sensitivity than the stomach. Whereas bedding intake occurred early and transiently, gastric dysmotility was much more persistent.Conclusions and inferencesOur results suggest that loperamide‐induced nausea and gastric dysmotility might be temporally dissociated.