bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors affecting non‐green consumer behaviour: an exploratory study among Chinese consumers
Authors: He Ai‐zhong , Cai Tom , Deng Tian‐xiang , Li Xue 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the factors that affect a typical non‐green consumption behaviour among Chinese consumers. A conceptual framework was developed and an empirical study was conducted using a geographically diverse sample of Chinese consumers. Based on the consumer choice theory, the conceptual framework in the current study included both economic and non‐economic factors. Ten research hypotheses were developed under the framework. A survey was conducted among 600 consumers in four cities in China in 2013. Confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical regression analysis were used for hypothesis testing. The empirical results showed that consumer preference, reference groups, and face perception have a significantly positive effect on the consumers’ non‐green consumption behaviour; whereas budget constraints and social responsibility consciousness have a significantly negative effect on the consumers’ non‐green consumption behaviour. Furthermore, the current research demonstrated that the relationships between consumer non‐green behaviour and its four antecedents – budget constraint, reference groups, social responsibility consciousness and face perception – are significantly moderated by extravagant atmosphere; whereas the relationship between consumer non‐green behaviour and consumer preference is not moderated by extravagant atmosphere.
Exploring the diary as a recovery‐oriented therapeutic tool
Authors: Alexander June , McAllister Margaret , Brien Donna Lee 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDiary writing is a centuries‐old method of recording events, experiences, thoughts, and feelings that might offer potential as a tool that consumers and nurses could utilize in recovery‐oriented practice. While the diary has been used within health disciplines to detail and communicate personal experiences to enable collaborative examination of progress, a diary can also provide a more complete picture of what life is like; not only within the confines of a health service environment, but also outside. In recent times, the diary appears to be experiencing a renewed interest in terms of health care. People experiencing a mental health challenge might use diary‐based forms of communication to promote understanding between themselves and mental health workers, and ultimately the use of this form of narrative therapy might facilitate person‐centred, recovery‐based actions. The present study paper, therefore, explores multiple perspectives on the use of diaries in the therapeutic context. Suggesting that diaries have not yet been utilized to their fullest potential by and with consumers and clinicians, this discussion raises issues and offers clarity about diary forms and their uses in the health context. It also discusses the barriers to their use and how to engage consumers and clinicians in recovery‐oriented work.
Prevalence and prognostic significance of hyperkalemia in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Maiwall Rakhi , Kumar Suman , Sharma Manoj Kumar , Wani Zeeshan , Ozukum Mulu , Sarin Shiv Kumar 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe prevalence and clinical significance of hyponatremia in cirrhotics have been well studied; however, there are limited data on hyperkalemia in cirrhotics.AimWe evaluated the prevalence and prognostic significance of hyperkalemia in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and developed a prognostic model incorporating potassium for prediction of liver‐related death in these patients.MethodsThe training derivative cohort of patients was used for development of prognostic scores (Group A, n = 1160), which were validated in a large prospective cohort of cirrhotic patients. (Group B, n = 2681) of cirrhosis.ResultsHyperkalemia was seen in 189 (14.1%) and 336 (12%) in Group A and Group B, respectively. Potassium showed a significant association that was direct with creatinine (P < 0.001) and urea (P < 0.001) and inverse with sodium (P < 0.001). Mortality was also significantly higher in patients with hyperkalemia (P = 0.0015, Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.3, 95% confidence interval 1.11–1.57). Combination of all these parameters into a single value predictor, that is, renal dysfunction index predicted mortality better than the individual components. Combining renal dysfunction index with other known prognostic markers (i.e. serum bilirubin, INR, albumin, hepatic encephalopathy, and ascites) in the “K” model predicted both short‐term and long‐term mortality with an excellent accuracy (Concordance‐index 0.78 and 0.80 in training and validation cohorts, respectively). This was also superior to Model for End‐stage Liver Disease, Model for End‐stage liver disease sodium (MELDNa), and Child‐Turcott‐Pugh scores.ConclusionsCirrhotics frequently have impaired potassium homeostasis, which has a prognostic significance. Serum potassium correlates directly with serum creatinine and urea and inversely with serum sodium. The model incorporating serum potassium developed from this study (“K”model) can predict death in advanced cirrhotics with an excellent accuracy.
Image contrast enhancement of Ni/YSZ anode during the slice‐and‐view process in FIB‐SEM
Authors: LIU SHU‐SHENG , TAKAYAMA AKIKO , MATSUMURA SYO , KOYAMA MICHIHISA 
Published: November 2015

SummaryFocused ion beam‐scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) is a widely used and easily operational equipment for three‐dimensional reconstruction with flexible analysis volume. It has been using successfully and increasingly in the field of solid oxide fuel cell. However, the phase contrast of the SEM images is indistinct in many cases, which will bring difficulties to the image processing. Herein, the phase contrast of a conventional Ni/yttria stabilized zirconia anode is tuned in an FIB‐SEM with In‐Lens secondary electron (SE) and backscattered electron detectors. Two accessories, tungsten probe and carbon nozzle, are inserted during the observation. The former has no influence on the contrast. When the carbon nozzle is inserted, best and distinct contrast can be obtained by In‐Lens SE detector. This method is novel for contrast enhancement. Phase segmentation of the image can be automatically performed. The related mechanism for different images is discussed.
Unique expression of cytoskeletal proteins in human soft palate muscles
Authors: Shah Farhan , Berggren Diana , Holmlund Thorbjörn , Levring Jäghagen Eva , Stål Per 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe human oropharyngeal muscles have a unique anatomy with diverse and intricate functions. To investigate if this specialization is also reflected in the cytoarchitecture of muscle fibers, intermediate filament proteins and the dystrophin‐associated protein complex have been analyzed in two human palate muscles, musculus uvula (UV) and musculus palatopharyngeus (PP), with immunohistochenmical and morphological techniques. Human limb muscles were used as reference. The findings show that the soft palate muscle fibers have a cytoskeletal architecture that differs from the limb muscles. While all limb muscles showed immunoreaction for a panel of antibodies directed against different domains of cytoskeletal proteins desmin and dystrophin, a subpopulation of palate muscle fibers lacked or had a faint immunoreaction for desmin (UV 11.7% and PP 9.8%) and the C‐terminal of the dystrophin molecule (UV 4.2% and PP 6.4%). The vast majority of these fibers expressed slow contractile protein myosin heavy chain I. Furthermore, an unusual staining pattern was also observed in these fibers for β‐dystroglycan, caveolin‐3 and neuronal nitric oxide synthase nNOS, which are all membrane‐linking proteins associated with the dystrophin C‐terminus. While the immunoreaction for nNOS was generally weak or absent, β‐dystroglycan and caveolin‐3 showed a stronger immunostaining. The absence or a low expression of cytoskeletal proteins otherwise considered ubiquitous and important for integration and contraction of muscle cells indicate a unique cytoarchitecture designed to meet the intricate demands of the upper airway muscles. It can be concluded that a subgroup of muscle fibers in the human soft palate appears to have special biomechanical properties, and their unique cytoarchitecture must be taken into account while assessing function and pathology in oropharyngeal muscles.
A pilot study investigating the efficacy of botanical anti‐inflammatory agents in an OTC eczema therapy
Authors: Draelos Zoe Diana 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundEczema is a frequently encountered dermatologic condition characterized by inflammation resulting in erythema, scaling, induration, and lichenification.AimsThe objective of this research was to examine the roll of botanical anti‐inflammatories in alleviating the signs and symptoms of mild‐to‐moderate eczema.MethodA total of 25 subjects 18+ years of age with mild‐to‐moderate eczema were asked to leave all oral medications and cleansers unchanged substituting the botanical study moisturizer for all topical treatment three times daily for 2 weeks. Investigator, subject, and noninvasive assessments were obtained at baseline and week 2.ResultsThere was a highly statistically significant (P < 0.001) improvement in investigator‐assessed irritation, erythema, desquamation, roughness, dryness, lichenification, itching, and overall skin appearance after 2 weeks of botanical anti‐inflammatory moisturizer use. Overall, a 79% reduction in itching was noted. Skin hydration as measured by corneometry increased 44% increase (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe study moisturizer containing the occlusive ingredients of dimethicone and shea butter oil; the humectant ingredients of glycerin, vitamin B, sodium PCA, and sodium hyaluronate; the barrier repair ingredients of ceramide 3, cholesterol, phytosphingosine, ceramide 6 II, and ceramide 1; and the botanical anti‐inflammatories allantoin and bisabolol were helpful in reducing the signs and symptoms of mild‐to‐moderate eczema.
Hemodynamic Impact of Systolic Blood Pressure and Hematocrit Calculated by Computational Fluid Dynamics in Patients with Intracranial Atherosclerosis
Authors: Nam Hyo Suk , Scalzo Fabien , Leng Xinyi , Ip Hing Lung , Lee Hye Sun , Fan Florence , Chen Xiangyan , Soo Yannie , Miao Zhongrong , Liu Liping , Feldmann Edward , Leung Thomas , Wong Ka Sing , Liebeskind David S. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTOBJECTIVESuccess in clinical trials of intracranial atherosclerosis (ICAS) is related to accurate identification of high‐risk patients. Noninvasive computational fluid dynamics (CFD) of stenotic lesions may enhance therapeutic decision‐making. We determined whether physiologic parameters change downstream cerebral hemodynamics in patients with ICAS.METHODSConsecutive ICAS patients who underwent both CT angiography (CTA) and digital subtraction angiography were enrolled. CFD models were made using CTA source images. Inlet boundary conditions were defined using three ranges of systolic blood pressure (BP) (109.2, 158, and 225 mmHg) and hematocrit (27.3, 40.2, and 48.8). Ratios of pressure, shear strain rates (SSR), and flow velocity across the lesion were calculated using CFD simulations. A linear mixed model was used for the statistical analysis of repeated simulations.RESULTSAmong the 56 patients, 32 had moderate stenosis (50‐69%) and 24 had severe stenosis (70‐99%). A linear mixed model revealed that the ratio of pressure was predicted by systolic BP and stenosis group interaction (P = .036). These pressure decreases were associated with systolic BP (P < .001) and stenosis group (P < .001), but not with hematocrit (P = .337). Post‐hoc analysis revealed that pressure decreases were more profound in the severe stenosis than the moderate stenosis group when comparing high and low systolic BP (P = .0108). Ratios of SSR and velocity were only associated in the stenosis group.CONCLUSIONSOur study showed that systolic BP along with the degree of stenosis was associated with pressure decreases across stenotic lesions. Physiologic conditions may superimpose further changes in post‐stenotic or downstream blood flow.
Association between tooth loss and hypertension among a primarily rural middle aged and older Indian adult population
Authors: Singh Ankur , Gupta Adyya , Peres Marco A. , Watt Richard G. , Tsakos Georgios , Mathur Manu R. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundStudies in high‐income countries have reported associations between tooth loss and hypertension. There is however a lack of evidence on this association from South Asian countries especially India. The current study aimed to assess the association between self‐reported tooth loss and hypertension in a primarily rural middle‐aged and older Indian population.MethodsA secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study of India – pilot survey was conducted on 1,486 adults aged 45 years and above from four states of India. The primary outcome was self‐reported hypertension and the main explanatory variable was self‐reported tooth loss. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the association between hypertension and tooth loss after controlling for confounders including age, sex, marital status, area of residence, educational attainment, tobacco use, alcohol use, physical activity, and self‐reported diabetes.ResultsCompared to those without any tooth loss, individuals with partial tooth loss had 1.62 times (95% CI: 1.12‐2.35) higher odds of being hypertensive after adjustment of confounders including age, sex, marital status, area of residence, educational attainment, tobacco use, alcohol use, physical activity, and self‐reported diabetes. The crude significant association (OR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.50‐4.29) between edentulousness and hypertension became nonsignificant and attenuated after adjustment of potential confounders (fully adjusted model OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 0.72‐2.44).ConclusionPartial tooth loss was associated with a higher probability of hypertension among dentate middle‐aged and older adults in four states of India.
Clearance of HBV DNA in immunized children born to HBsAg‐positive mothers, years after being diagnosed with occult HBV infection
Authors: Sadeghi A. , Yahyapour Y. , Poortahmasebi V. , Shahmoradi S. , Roggendorf M. , Karimzadeh H. , Alavian S. M. , Jazayeri S. M. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryIn a previous study, we observed immunoprophylaxis failure due to occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) despite the presence of adequate levels of anti‐HBs in 21 (28%) of 75 children born to HBsAg‐positive mothers. The aim of the study was to explore the maintenance of this cryptic condition in this population. Of 21 OBI‐positive children, 17 were enrolled. HBV serological profiles were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Highly sensitive real‐time and standard PCR followed by direct sequencing were applied in positive cases. The mean age (±SD) of studied patients was 6.57 ± 2.75 years. All children still were negative for HBsAg. All but one (94%) were negative for HBV DNA. Only two children were positive for anti‐HBc. The results of the most recent anti‐HBs titration showed that 4 (23.5%) and 13 (76.5%) had low (<10 IU/mL) and adequate (>10 IU/mL) levels of anti‐HBs, respectively. The only still OBI‐positive patient had an HBV DNA level of 50 copy/mL, carried the G145R mutation when tested in 2009 and again in 2013 in the ‘a’ determinant region of the surface protein. Further follow‐up showed that after 18 months, he was negative for HBV DNA. In high‐risk children, the initial HBV DNA positivity early in the life (vertical infection) does not necessarily indicate a prolonged persistence of HBV DNA (occult infection). Adequate levels of anti‐HBs after vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin immunoprophylaxis following birth could eventually clear the virus as time goes by. Periodic monitoring of these children at certain time intervals is highly recommended.
Selection for population‐specific adaptation shaped patterns of variation in the photoperiod pathway genes in Arabidopsis lyrata during post‐glacial colonization
Authors: Mattila Tiina M. , Aalto Esa A. , Toivainen Tuomas , Niittyvuopio Anne , Piltonen Susanna , Kuittinen Helmi , Savolainen Outi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSpatially varying selection can lead to population‐specific adaptation, which is often recognized at the phenotypic level; however, the genetic evidence is weaker in many groups of organisms. In plants, environmental shifts that occur due to colonization of a novel environment may require adaptive changes in the timing of growth and flowering, which are often governed by location‐specific environmental cues such as day length. We studied locally varying selection in 19 flowering time loci in nine populations of the perennial herb Arabidopsis lyrata, which has a wide but patchy distribution in temperate and boreal regions of the northern hemisphere. The populations differ in their recent population demographic and colonization histories and current environmental conditions, especially in the growing season length. We searched for population‐specific molecular signatures of directional selection by comparing a set of candidate flowering time loci with a genomic reference set within each population using multiple approaches and contrasted the patterns of different populations. The candidate loci possessed approximately 20% of the diversity of the reference loci. On average the flowering time loci had more rare alleles (a smaller Tajima's D) and an excess of highly differentiated sites relative to the reference, suggesting positive selection. The strongest signal of selection was detected in photoperiodic pathway loci in the colonizing populations of Northwestern Europe, whereas no evidence of positive selection was detected in the Central European populations. These findings emphasized the population‐specific nature of selection and suggested that photoperiodic adaptation was important during postglacial colonization of the species.
Sexually antagonistic epigenetic marks that canalize sexually dimorphic development
Authors: Rice William R. , Friberg Urban , Gavrilets Sergey 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe sexes share the same autosomal genomes, yet sexual dimorphism is common due to sex‐specific gene expression. When present, XX and XY karyotypes trigger alternate regulatory cascades that determine sex‐specific gene expression profiles. In mammals, secretion of testosterone (T) by the testes during foetal development is the master switch influencing the gene expression pathways (male vs. female) that will be followed, but many genes have sex‐specific expression prior to T secretion. Environmental factors, like endocrine disruptors and mimics, can interfere with sexual development. However, sex‐specific ontogeny can be canalized by the production of epigenetic marks (epimarks) generated during early ontogeny that increase sensitivity of XY embryos to T and decrease sensitivity of XX embryos. Here, we integrate and synthesize the evidence indicating that canalizing epimarks are produced during early ontogeny. We will also describe the evidence that such epimarks sometimes carry over across generations and produce mosaicism in which some traits are discordant with the gonad. Such carryover epimarks are sexually antagonistic because they benefit the individual in which they were formed (via canalization) but harm opposite‐sex offspring when they fail to erase across generations and produce gonad‐trait discordances. SA‐epimarks have the potential to: i) magnify phenotypic variation for many sexually selected traits, ii) generate overlap along many dimensions of the masculinity/femininity spectrum, and iii) influence medically important gonad‐trait discordances like cryptorchidism, hypospadias and idiopathic hirsutism.
Obesity and discrimination – a systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Spahlholz J. , Baer N. , König H.‐H. , Riedel‐Heller S. G , Luck‐Sikorski C. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundResearch on obesity has shown that stigma often accompanies obesity and impacts many life domains. No previous research has systematically reviewed published literature about the prevalence and the nature of perceived weight discrimination in individuals with obesity. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to fill that gap.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted without time limits using the databases Medline, ISI Web of Knowledge and the Cochrane Library. Meta‐analyses were performed using random effect models. Observational studies pertaining to (i) prevalence estimates and (ii) forms of perceived weight discrimination among individuals with obesity were included.ResultsOf 4393 citations retrieved, nine citations retrieved, nine studies met inclusion criteria. Pooled prevalence was 19.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 11.7 to 29.8%) for individuals with class I obesity (Body mass index [BMI] = 30–35 kg m−2) and 41.8% (95% CI 36.9 to 46.9%) for individuals with more extreme obesity (BMI > 35 kg m−2). Findings from nationally representative US samples revealed higher prevalence estimates in individuals with higher BMI values (BMI > 35 kg m−2) and in women.ConclusionsThe results provide evidence that perceptions of weight discrimination by individuals with obesity were common, and its negative consequences are highly relevant issues within society and need to be the focus of potential interventions. © 2015 World Obesity
Resting state connectivity of the medial prefrontal cortex covaries with individual differences in high‐frequency heart rate variability
Authors: Jennings J. Richard , Sheu Lei K. , Kuan Dora C‐H. , Manuck Stephen B. , Gianaros Peter J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractResting high‐frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV) relates to cardiac vagal control and predicts individual differences in health and longevity, but its functional neural correlates are not well defined. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) encompasses visceral control regions that are components of intrinsic networks of the brain, particularly the default mode network (DMN) and the salience network (SN). Might individual differences in resting HF‐HRV covary with resting state neural activity in the DMN and SN, particularly within the mPFC? This question was addressed using fMRI data from an eyes‐open, 5‐min rest period during which echoplanar brain imaging yielded BOLD time series. Independent component analysis yielded functional connectivity estimates defining the DMN and SN. HF‐HRV was measured in a rest period outside of the scanner. Midlife (52% female) adults were assessed in two studies (Study 1, N = 107; Study 2, N = 112). Neither overall DMN nor SN connectivity strength was related to HF‐HRV. However, HF‐HRV related to connectivity of one region within mPFC shared by the DMN and SN, namely, the perigenual anterior cingulate cortex, an area with connectivity to other regions involved in autonomic control. In sum, HF‐HRV does not seem directly related to global resting state activity of intrinsic brain networks, but rather to more localized connectivity. A mPFC region was of particular interest as connectivity related to HF‐HRV was shared by the DMN and SN. These findings may indicate a functional basis for the coordination of autonomic cardiac control with engagement and disengagement from the environment.