bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased valvulo‐arterial impedance differently impacts left ventricular longitudinal, circumferential, and radial function in patients with aortic stenosis: A speckle tracking echocardiography study
Authors: Galli Elena , Leguerrier Alain , Flecher Erwan , Leclercq Christophe , Donal Erwan 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundIn aortic stenosis (AS), the left ventricle (LV) should face an increased afterload that is due to both the stenotic aortic valve and the peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). Valvulo‐arterial impedance (ZVa) is a recently introduced parameter, which permits the evaluation of global LV afterload in AS. Aim of this study was to assess the influence of increasing ZVa on the longitudinal, circumferential, and radial components of LV mechanics.MethodsA total of 126 patients (mean age: 80.1±12.0 years, males: 47%) with severe AS (aortic surface <1 cm2 or <0.6 cm2/m2) underwent standard echocardiography to characterize aortic valve gradients, LV function, and ZVa. 2D speckle tracking echocardiography was used to estimate global longitudinal (GLS), circumferential (GCS), and radial (GRS) LV strain.ResultsThe population was divided into four groups according to ZVa quartiles: Q1 (ZVa≤3.43 mm Hg/mL/m2), Q2 (3.43<ZVa≤4.1 mm Hg/mL/m2), Q3 (4.1<ZVa≤5.1 mm Hg/mL/m2), ad Q4 (ZVa>5.1 mm Hg/mL/m2). ZVa increase from Q1 to Q4 was associated with a progressive reduction in GLS and GCS (ANOVA, both P<.0001). GRS was relatively insensitive to ZVa increase, a significant reduction of GRS appearing only in Q4 patients with respect to Q1 (29.7±16.4 vs 20.7±13.2%, P=.01).ConclusionsLeft ventricle myocardial fibers show a different response to afterload increase. Subendocardial fibers function is impaired earlier, whereas mid‐wall circumferential fibers remain substantially unaffected, providing interesting insights into the mechanisms of LV dysfunction in AS.
Fear of floating
Authors: Valev Neven 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis paper uses unique household survey data to investigate the expected effects of a switch from a fixed exchange rate regime to a floating exchange rate regime in Bulgaria during the global financial crisis. The data show that the public associated such a switch with a contraction of output, higher prices, a decline in exports, and an overall deterioration of economic welfare. These expectations fuelled a strong opposition to removing the fixed exchange rate. Thus, the survey data allow us to investigate why a switch from a fixed exchange rate to a floating exchange rate did not take place.
Quality of life development during initial hemodialysis therapy and association with loss of residual renal function
Authors: Poulsen Christina G. , Kjaergaard Krista D. , Peters Christian D. , Jespersen Bente , Jensen Jens D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntroduction: Health related quality of life (HRQOL) is markedly reduced in hemodialysis patients compared to the general population. We investigated the course of self‐reported HRQOL over time and the association with selected factors, focusing on changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR).Methods: Eighty‐two newly started hemodialysis patients from the SAFIR cohort filled out the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form Version 1.3 (KDQOL‐SFTM) questionnaire at baseline, 6 and 12 months. The SAFIR study was a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind intervention study, examining the effects of the angiotensin II receptor blocker irbesartan. HRQOL was a secondary outcome measure. Main inclusion criteria: Dialysis vintage <1 year, left ventricular ejection fraction >30% and urinary output >300 mL/day. GFR was measured with mean creatinine and urea clearance from 24‐hour urine collections at baseline, 6 and 12 months.Findings: Irbesartan treatment did not affect HRQOL. Patients were pooled into one group for further analyses. Decline in GFR correlated significantly with decreasing HRQOL over time. HRQOL was stable over time, with a slight nonsignificant tendency toward improved HRQOL. The largest HRQOL‐differences (positive values equal improved HRQOL) observed during the 12 month study period were (mean[95% confidence interval]): Burden of kidney disease:6.4[−2.2;15.0], Role limitations‐physical:12.7[−2.1;27.5], and Role limitations‐emotional:9.7[−5.2;24.6]. Comorbidity, especially diabetes, hospital admissions, female gender, and age were strongly associated with lower HRQOL in cross sectional analysis.Discussion: Preservation of residual renal function seems to be important for HRQOL. In newly started HD patients, HRQOL showed little change after 12 months. HRQOL was negatively affected by comorbidity, especially diabetes, hospital admissions, female gender, and age.
Pulmonary artery hypertension in methylmalonic acidemia
Authors: Kido Jun , Mitsubuchi Hiroshi , Sakanashi Mina , Matsubara Junichi , Matsumoto Shirou , Sakamoto Rieko , Endo Fumio , Nakamura Kimitoshi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMethylmalonic acidemia (MMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder that can be classified into two types: (1) vitamin B12‐responsive and (2) vitamin B12‐non‐responsive. In MMA cases with long‐term survival, renal failure is often a problem, and timing for kidney transplantation for MMA is controversial. We encountered a vitamin B12‐non‐responsive MMA case for which regular hemodialysis for renal failure was initiated; the patient was 16 years old when she first received regular hemodialysis and 35 years old when she developed pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH). PAH can complicate regular hemodialysis; however, PAH in this case was considered to be a complication of MMA because it was responsive to medical treatment and reversible. In this report, we discuss the role of regular hemodialysis in MMA and the causal relationship between MMA and regular hemodialysis for PAH.
Assessing the contact‐activation of coagulation during hemodialysis with three different polysulfone filters: A prospective randomized cross‐over trial
Authors: Salvadè Igor , Del Giorno Rosaria , Gaetano Donato , Gabutti Luca 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIntroduction: During hemodialysis (HD) the interaction of the blood with the dialyzer triggers both an inflammatory reaction and an activation of the coagulation cascade. An accepted parameter to quantify the extent of coagulation activation during HD is not available. This study aims to evaluate its amplitude, comparing dialyzers made of different polysulfone polymers, by measuring D‐dimers in the filter‐rinsing fluids (Frf) and to test whether Frf D‐dimers are suitable candidate markers to assess contact coagulation activation during HD.Methods: In a prospective, cross‐over study 41 hemodialysis patients were randomly allocated to nine HD sessions with three types of polysulfone membranes: Filter A: Poliflux®RevaclearMAX; Filter B: Helixone®Fx80, Filter C: Polyflux®H210.Findings: A total of 117 HD sessions were studied. The mean (SD) filter (Frf) D‐dimers were 0.19 µg/L (0.56) for Filter A; 0.66 µg/L (2.81) for Filter B; 0.33 µg/L (1.13) for Filter C. Significant differences were found: A vs. B (P < 0.01), A vs. C (P = 0.01); B vs. C not significant. A large between‐patient variability of D‐dimer filter levels was found. D‐Dimers in blood showed a similar trend but differences were not significant.Discussion: The contact activation of coagulation during HD may also vary among filters made up with similar polysulfones. D‐dimer in the filter rinsing fluid but not in the blood can be considered a candidate marker for the evaluation of thrombogenicity during HD. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism(s) and to confirm the usefulness of filter rinsing fluid D‐Dimers as a clotting activation marker during HD.
Synthesis of silica glasses doped with SiAlON phosphors by supercritical drying
Authors: Segawa Hiroyo , Samitsu Sadaki , Hirosaki Naoto 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSilica gels and glasses doped with SiAlON phosphors have been synthesized by the sol‐gel method. Only after half a day of supercritical drying, the dried gels with many mesopores and high surface‐specific area were obtained. The chromaticity of the gels can be controlled to vary widely from blue to yellow by changing the heating temperature, SiAlON concentration, and sample thickness. The thermal dependence of photoluminescence of the glass is similar to that of SiAlON powder.
Fruit snacks from raspberries: influence of drying parameters on colour degradation and bioactive potential
Authors: Sette Paula , Franceschinis Lorena , Schebor Carolina , Salvatori Daniela 
Published: November 2016

AbstractRaspberries were dehydrated using air and freeze‐drying with wet and dry sugar infusion pretreatments. Product quality factors such as colour, bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and sensorial characteristics were analysed. Special emphasis was placed on the analysis of anthocyanin degradation and its relationship with colour deterioration and with polymeric compounds development and browning. Freeze‐dried raspberries presented a higher retention of bioactive compounds and a lower content of polymeric compounds than air‐dried ones. Dried samples without pretreatment (control) showed the highest retention of total phenolic content (freeze‐dried ≈82% and air‐dried ≈37% retention), but the lowest sensory acceptability. Although sugar infusion pretreatments caused an important loss of bioactive compounds (9–18% of TPC retention), a higher sensorial acceptability was obtained. Pretreatments with bisulphite and acid allowed obtaining the best quality attributes in terms of anthocyanin and polyphenol content, antiradical activity and colour retention. Polyphenol intake through pretreated dried raspberries (115–299 mg gallic ac./100 g intake) would be higher in some cases than that of usually consumed foods as vegetables, cereals and several fresh fruits.
Improved peptide generation from milk fermented by heat‐shocked Lactobacillus helveticus
Authors: Zhang Dong‐dong , Chen Li‐jun , Zhang Min , Zhang Yi , Fang Guo‐zhen , Jiang Tie‐min 
Published: November 2016

SummaryHigh macromolecular protein content in bovine milk produces a firm and dense coagulum in the stomach. To increase the number of easily digested peptides, we were the first to introduce heat‐shocked Lactobacillus helveticus to fermented milk. The results showed that acid production was inhibited significantly (P < 0.01) over 14 h of fermentation; the content of small peptides and nonapeptide increased 28.03% and 27.78%, respectively, including three specific and fifteen common bioactivity peptides. The identified type of peptides from α‐casein, β‐casein and κ‐casein increased by 12.05%, 30.73% and 19.30%, respectively, and the distribution of peptides was similar to intestinal digestion. Therefore, this attenuated strain could improve the generation of small molecular peptides and bioactive peptides to promote the degradation of proteins and accelerate milk protein digestion and absorption. This approach might be used to develop functional dairy products.
Descriptive analysis of pro re nata medication use at a Canadian psychiatric hospital
Authors: Martin Krystle , Arora Vinita , Fischler Ilan , Tremblay Renee 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPro re nata (PRN), a Latin phrase meaning ‘as needed’, is used to describe medications that might be used in specific situations, in addition to regularly‐scheduled medications, such as when a patient is particularly anxious, experiencing insomnia, or suffering pain. While helpful in some circumstances, PRN are associated with an increased risk of morbidity, overuse, dependence, and polypharmacy. There is also a dearth of medical literature describing current practices and trends of PRN administration in mental health facilities, especially in Canada, and the literature that does exist is limited by poor documentation practices. Therefore, the primary objective of the current study was to understand the reason (purpose), frequency, use, documentation practices, and outcome (i.e. effectiveness, side‐effects) of PRN medication use on inpatient units. Data were pulled to capture a snapshot of PRN administrations over a 3‐month period, and included information related to the administration of the PRN medication, such as time of administration, type and dose of PRN medication, and prescribed indication, as well as patient‐specific information. Results indicated that approximately 8200 psychotropic PRN medications were administered during the designated 3‐month time period, and over 90% of patients received at least one PRN. Most of these were benzodiazepines, followed by antipsychotics. Further analyses were conducted to determine other characteristics of PRN use patterns and to provide a baseline of understanding that will inform future research to investigate the practice of PRN administration to psychiatric inpatients.
Anterior regeneration in the polychaeteMarenzelleria viridis(Annelida: Spionidae)
Authors: Whitford Tracy A. , Williams Jason D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to examine the regeneration capacity of the spionid polychaeteMarenzelleria viridisfrom Long Island, New York. In the field, ~7% of the worms exhibited regeneration of the anterior end. In the laboratory, worms were ablated at the 10th–50th chaetiger and their regeneration documented. Anterior morphogenesis was similar to that previously reported for spionids, with wound healing, blastema formation, differentiation of segments, and formation of feeding and sensory structures (mouth, palps, nuchal organs) occurring within 14 d. Unlike in some spionids, the segments do not appear to all form simultaneously from the blastema; rather, external differentiation of segments was observed from posterior to anterior on the regenerate. The number of segments replaced was equal to the number ablated for up to 10 segments. A maximum of 17 segments were replaced when 20–30 chaetigers were ablated, and the number replaced decreased to 14 when 40–50 chaetigers were ablated. Survival and normal growth of the worms decreased with more chaetigers ablated; a significantly higher number of worms died or grew abnormally with ≥30 chaetigers ablated, compared to worms with ≤20 chaetigers ablated. Members ofM. viridiscould be valuable model organisms in the study of the cellular mechanisms involved in regeneration, and further research on regeneration in the field should be completed.
Srn+1TinO3n+1 (n=1, 2) microwave dielectric ceramics with medium dielectric constant and ultra‐low dielectric loss
Authors: Liu Bing , Li Lei , Liu Xiao Qiang , Chen Xiang Ming 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSrn+1TinO3n+1 (n=1, 2) ceramics with tetragonal Ruddlesden–Popper structure were prepared via a standard solid‐state reaction process, and their microstructures and microwave dielectric properties were investigated systematically. The phase composition, grain morphology, and densification behavior were explored using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Outstanding microwave dielectric properties were achieved in the present ceramics: εr=42, Q × f=145 200 GHz, τf=130 ppm/°C for Sr2TiO4, and εr=63, Q × f=84 000 GHz, τf=293 ppm/°C for Sr3Ti2O7, respectively. The present ceramics might be expected as excellent candidates for next‐generation medium‐permittivity microwave dielectric ceramics after the further optimization of τf value.
Direct visualization of magnetic‐field‐induced magnetoelectric switching in multiferroic aurivillius phase thin films
Authors: Faraz Ahmad , Maity Tuhin , Schmidt Michael , Deepak Nitin , Roy Saibal , Pemble Martyn E. , Whatmore Roger W. , Keeney Lynette 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMultiferroic materials displaying coupled ferroelectric and ferromagnetic order parameters could provide a means for data storage whereby bits could be written electrically and read magnetically, or vice versa. Thin films of Aurivillius phase Bi6Ti2.8Fe1.52Mn0.68O18, previously prepared by a chemical solution deposition (CSD) technique, are multiferroics demonstrating magnetoelectric coupling at room temperature. Here, we demonstrate the growth of a similar composition, Bi6Ti2.99Fe1.46Mn0.55O18, via the liquid injection chemical vapor deposition technique. High‐resolution magnetic measurements reveal a considerably higher in‐plane ferromagnetic signature than CSD grown films (MS=24.25 emu/g (215 emu/cm3), MR=9.916 emu/g (81.5 emu/cm3), HC=170 Oe). A statistical analysis of the results from a thorough microstructural examination of the samples, allows us to conclude that the ferromagnetic signature can be attributed to the Aurivillius phase, with a confidence level of 99.95%. In addition, we report the direct piezoresponse force microscopy visualization of ferroelectric switching while going through a full in‐plane magnetic field cycle, where increased volumes (8.6% to 14% compared with 4% to 7% for the CSD‐grown films) of the film engage in magnetoelectric coupling and demonstrate both irreversible and reversible magnetoelectric domain switching.
La1−xCaxCo1−yMgyO3 nano‐perovskites as CO oxidation catalysts: Structural and catalytic properties
Authors: Gholizadeh Ahmad 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn this work, structural and catalytic properties of LaCo1−yMgyO3 and La1−xCaxCo0.50Mg0.50O3 nanocatalysts with x=0.00, 0.15, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60, 0.75 and y=0.00, 0.25, 0.50 prepared by citrate method are investigated. The structural characterization using X'Pert package and Fullprof program is an evidence for structural phase transition. The structural results suggest the presence of Co4+ and Co3+ ions that help to overall oxidation activity of these samples and this feature is higher for x=0.60. When substituting Mg and Ca in LaCoO3 the catalytic activity of CO oxidation shifts to lower temperature. La0.5Ca0.50Co0.5Mg0.5O3 nanocatalyst exhibits excellent CO conversion rate of 95% at 267°C. These results suggest that the lower temperature conversion of the sample x=0.60 in series of La1−xCaxCo1−yMgyO3 can be mainly attributed to the presence of (i) higher Co3+–O–Co4+ couples, (ii) a structure having the higher tolerance factor, and (iii) a lower crystallite size.
A critical phenomenon of phase transition in hydroxyapatite investigated by thermally stimulated depolarization currents
Authors: Horiuchi Naohiro , Iwasaki Yuki , Nozaki Kosuke , Nakamura Miho , Hashimoto Kazuaki , Nagai Akiko , Yamashita Kimihiro 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe observed a critical phenomenon of ferroelectric transition in hydroxyapatite (HAp) through measuring the thermally stimulated depolarization current of polycrystalline monoclinic HAp. Two peaks attributable to hydroxide (OH−) ion dipole reorientations were observed. The one was very sharp, the other displayed a broad peak ranging from 350 to 550 K. While the broad peak can be attributed to the diffusive reorientation motions of OH− ion dipoles, the sharp peak, related to the ferroelectric phase transition, implies the presence of ferroelectricity in HAp. The sharp peak was found near 380 K, the phase‐transition temperature from the monoclinic to hexagonal is ascribed to a critical phenomenon caused by the ferroelectric behavior of OH− ion dipole reorientations.
Au nanoparticles embedded inverse opal photonic crystals as substrates for upconversion emission enhancement
Authors: Shao Bo , Yang Zhengwen , Li Jun , Yang Jianzhi , Wang Yida , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPhotonic crystals (PCs) with periodic dielectric structures are capable to control the propagation of photons when photon energy is in the region of photonic band gap. The upconversion luminescence (UCL) of nanocrystals coated on the PCs surface can be enhanced by the PCs effects. While surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) is being extensively applied to enhance the UCL properties of nanocrystals. However, the PCs or SPR effect are developed separately for the UCL enhancement. In this work, we present a facile preparation method of the Au NPs embedded inverse opals, which was used as substrates to improve the UCL properties of NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ NPs. The significant luminescence enhancement of NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ upconverting NPs was obtained by the coupling between the SPR of Au NPs and PCs effects from Au NPs embedded inverse opals substrates. The finding demonstrated that the Au NPs embedded inverse opals as substrates may be useful for the enhanced UCL of other phosphors, producing novel photonic devices.
Demographic structure and genetic variability throughout the distribution of Platte thistle (Cirsium canescens Asteraceae)
Authors: McMinn Robby L. , Russell F. Leland , Beck James B. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimUnderstanding spatial variation in the demographic and genetic structure of populations is central to explaining causes of species range limits and to species conservation. The Abundant Centre Hypothesis (ACH) predicts that as one moves away from the centre of a species’ biogeographical range, populations become less frequent and more isolated, as well as exhibiting decreasing within‐population density. This increased isolation may lead to reduced genetic variability in peripheral populations by limiting gene flow. In this study, we asked whether the frequency, within‐population density and genetic diversity of Cirsium canescens (Platte thistle) populations decreased from the range centre to the edge, as predicted by the ACH.LocationCentral United States, including portions of the Great Plains and Rocky Mountains.MethodsFrequency of population occurrence at regional and landscape scales, within‐population density, and within‐population genetic variation were evaluated along eight centre‐edge transects within the species’ distribution. Leaf tissue samples were collected from each population to establish genetic variability using six simple sequence repeat loci.ResultsConsistent with the ACH, peripheral regions of C. canescens’ range were less likely to contain populations than central regions. In regions where C. canescens did occur, however, frequency of populations at a landscape scale peaked at intermediate distances from centre and within‐population density was unrelated to distance. Populations exhibited reduced genetic variability towards range edges.Main conclusionsThe ACH underestimates the complexity of the relationship between variation in abundance and genetic diversity with distance from C. canescens’ range centre. Decreases in Platte thistle population frequency combined with no decreases in within‐population density near range edges suggest that quality habitat exists in the peripheral range, but these patches are rarer. Although genetic variability was reduced at the distribution edges, this decline was stronger towards the western edge, associated with increased topographic complexity.