bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photoluminescence Properties of Heavily Eu3+‐Doped BaCa2In6O12 Phosphor for White‐Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhang Jiao , Yang Yanmin , Liu Yanzhou , Mi Chao , Li Gang , Han Boning , Zhang Yi , Seo Hyo Jin 
Published: February 2015

Heavily Eu3+‐doped BaCa2In6O12 phosphors were prepared by conventional solid‐state reaction, and its structural properties were investigated by means of Rietveld refinement method using an X‐ray source. XRD patterns confirm the hexagonal phase of BaCa2In6O12: Eu3+ phosphors. The obtained spectrum data indicate that the emission spectra of Ba1−xEuxCa2In6O12 samples excited at 393 nm exhibit a series of shaped peaks assigned to the 5D0,1,2,3 →7FJ (J = 0,1,2,3,4) transitions. Luminescence from the higher excited states, such as 5D1, 5D2, and 5D3, were also observed even though the Eu3+ concentration was up to x = 0.4. More importantly, the Ba1−xEuxCa2In6O12 phosphor still emits white luminescence, when the Eu3+ ion concentration is up to x = 0.07 before concentration quenching is observed, which shows that the phosphor is a promising single‐phase phosphor for near ultraviolet (NUV) light‐emitting diodes (LED). Furthermore, the temperature's impact on white luminescent properties was studied. Finally, a white‐light‐emitting diodes (W‐LEDs) fabricated with the Ba0.95Eu0.05Ca2In6O12 phosphor incorporated with an encapsulant in ultraviolet LEDs (λmax = 395 nm) is discussed.
Nocebo and the potential harm of ‘high risk’ labelling: a scoping review
Authors: Symon Andrew , Williams Brian , Adelasoye Qadir A. , Cheyne Helen 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimsA discussion of the existence, prevalence and characteristics of the nocebo effect in health care.BackgroundThere is increasing but inconsistent evidence for nocebo effects (the opposite of placebo). Causal mechanisms are believed to be similar to placebo (negative effects result from suggestions of negative clinical outcomes). Risk screening in health care may produce this unintended effect through labelling some patients as high risk. Given health care's almost universal coverage this potentially affects many people.DesignDiscussion paper following a scoping review of the existence and frequency of nocebo.Data sourcesLiterature databases (PsycINFO, MEDLINE, CCTR, CINAHL and EMBASE) searched from inception dates to 2013.Implications for nursingSignificant empirical evidence indicates that negative beliefs may impact on health outcomes (incidence estimates range from 3–27%). The nocebo effect, rooted in the complex interplay between physiological functioning and social factors, appears significantly more common among women and where prior negative knowledge or expectations exist. Pre‐existing psychological characteristics (anxiety, neuroses, panic disorder or pessimism) exacerbate it.ConclusionWhile the placebo effect is well documented, there has been no systematic attempt to synthesize primary empirical research on the role of nocebo. It is possible that nocebo outcomes may be preventable through careful consideration of information provision and the prior identification of potentially high risk individuals. This paper summarizes the scale and importance of the nocebo effect, its distribution according to a range of social and clinical variables and its known relation to psychological precursors. It identifies important gaps in the research literature.
Association Between Low Education and Higher Global Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Di Chiara Tiziana , Scaglione Alessandra , Corrao Salvatore , Argano Christiano , Pinto Antonio , Scaglione Rosario 
Published: February 2015

This study was designed to evaluate the impact of educational status on global cardiovascular risk in a southern Italian urban population. The study population consisted of 488 consecutive outpatients aged 18 years and older. Educational status was categorized according to the number of years of formal education as follows: (1) low education group (<10 years) and (2) medium‐high education group (10–15 years). In both groups, cardiometabolic comorbidities (obesity, visceral obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, microalbuminuria, left ventricular hypertrophy) and global cardiovascular risk, according to international guidelines, were analyzed. Left ventricular mass index and ejection fraction by echocardiography and E/A ratio, by pulsed‐wave Doppler, were calculated. The low education group was characterized by a significantly higher prevalence of patients with visceral obesity (P=.021), hypertension (P=.010), metabolic syndrome (P=.000), and microalbuminuria (P=.000) and greater global cardiovascular risk (P=.000). Significantly increased levels of microalbuminuria (P=.000) and significantly decreased values of E/A ratio (P=.000) were also detected in the low education group. Global cardiovascular risk correlated directly with waist‐to‐hip ratio (P=.010), microalbuminuria (P=.015), and the metabolic syndrome (P>.012) and inversely with educational status (P=.000). Education was independently (P=.000) associated with global cardiovascular risk. These data indicate a strong association between low education and cardiometabolic comorbidities suitable to influence the evolution of chronic degenerative diseases. Preventive strategies need to be more efficient and more effective in this patient population.
Sulindac has strong antifibrotic effects by suppressing STAT3‐related miR‐21
Authors: Zhou Xue , Li You‐Jie , Gao Shu‐Yan , Wang Xiao‐Zhi , Wang Ping‐Yu , Yan Yun‐Fei , Xie Shu‐Yang , Lv Chang‐Jun 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a disease with an unknown cause and a poor prognosis. In this study, we aimed to explore the pathogenesis of PF and the mechanism of sulindac in attenuating bleomycin (BLM)‐induced PF. The rat PF model was induced by BLM and verified through histological studies and hydroxyproline assay. The severity of BLM‐induced PF in rats and other effects, such as the extent of the wet lung to bw ratios, thickening of alveolar interval or collagen deposition, was obviously ameliorated in sulindac‐treated rat lungs compared with BLM‐induced lungs. Sulindac also reversed the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inhibited the PF process by restoring the levels of E‐cadherin and α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA) in A549 cells. Our results further demonstrated that the above effects of sulindac might be related to regulating of interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) expression, which further affects signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phosphorylated STAT3 (p‐STAT3) levels. Moreover, higher miR‐21 levels with the decreased E‐cadherin and increased α‐SMA expressions were found in transforming growth factor‐β1‐treated A549 cells, which can be reversed by sulindac. Collectively, our results demonstrate that by decreasing IFN‐γ‐induced STAT3/p‐STAT3 expression to down‐regulate miR‐21, sulindac could significantly reverse EMT in A549 cells and prevent BLM‐induced PF.
High glucose‐induced intestinal epithelial barrier damage is aggravated by syndecan‐1 destruction and heparanase overexpression
Authors: Qing Qing , Zhang Shaoheng , Chen Ye , Li Runhua , Mao Hua , Chen Qikui 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSyndecan‐1 (Sdc1) and its endo‐beta‐d‐glucuronidase heparanase (HPSE) are implicated in maintenance of intestinal epithelial barrier (IEB), but their alterations and roles in high‐glucose/hyperglycaemia (HG) conditions have not been fully investigated. This study aimed to determine the expression pattern, the possible regulation mechanism of Sdc1 and HPSE in HG conditions, and their potential effects on IEB. Therefore, diabetic mice/cell models were developed, and tissue/serum samples, cell lysate and culture supernatants were harvested. The expression of Sdc1 and HPSE in control, HG and designated interventions groups were detected. Phosphorylations of mitogen‐activated protein kinase signalling pathway (MAPK), the expressions of Occludin and ZO‐1, and the levels of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) were measured and monitored. The results showed that in HG conditions, intestinal tissue and cellular Sdc1 were significantly decreased, but the expression of HPSE, and soluble Sdc1 in serum and culture supernatants were remarkably increased. Such alterations of Sdc1 and HPSE were associated with solely p38 MAPK activation, and were correlated with the reductions of Occludin, ZO‐1 and TEER. Heparin (Sdc1 analogue) and SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor), instead of insulin, alleviated Sdc1 destruction and HPSE overexpression, and effectively prevented against the reductions of tight junctions and the abnormality of intestinal permeability in HG conditions. In conclusion, we confirm the unique alterations of Sdc1 and HPSE in HG conditions, and found their interactions with p38 MAPK activation and IEB. These indicate that Sdc1/HPSE modulation can be viewed as an important complementary treatment for relieving HG‐induced gastrointestinal damage.
Petrology of metapelites in the Bugaboo aureole, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Pattison D. R. M. , DeBuhr C. L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractContact metamorphism of greenschist facies Neoproterozoic turbidites by the Cretaceous Bugaboo Batholith in southeastern British Columbia has resulted in a well‐developed contact aureole. The aureole is about 1 km wide and can be divided into three main zones: (i) spotted phyllite zone, extending from the first appearance of spots of cordierite or andalusite to the last occurrence of primary chlorite; (ii) cordierite + andalusite + biotite zone, comprising hornfelses or schists with abundant porphyroblasts of cordierite and andalusite and, at higher grades, fibrolitic sillimanite; and (iii) K‐feldspar zone, characterized by hornfelses and schists that, in the inner part of this zone, are variably migmatitic. Four parts of the aureole were examined, three of which are characterized by schists, and one of which (Cobalt Lake area) is characterized by hornfelses and has exceptional exposure and comparatively unaltered rocks. Petrographic, modal, mineral‐compositional and whole rock‐compositional data were collected from the Cobalt Lake transect, allowing the prograde reaction sequence to be inferred. Notable features of the aureole at Cobalt Lake include: initial development of andalusite and plagioclase at the expense of paragonite‐rich white mica; a narrow interval across which cordierite, andalusite and biotite increase markedly at the expense of chlorite; gradual development of andalusite and biotite at the expense of cordierite and muscovite upgrade of chlorite consumption; and near‐simultaneous development of andalusite + K‐feldspar and sillimanite, the latter indicating a pressure of contact metamorphism of ~3 kbar. In other parts of the aureole, the development of sillimanite downgrade of the initial development of K‐feldspar suggests slightly higher pressures of contact metamorphism. Lack of correspondence between the observed sequence of reactions in the aureole and those predicted thermodynamically suggests that modifications to some of the thermodynamic data or activity–composition models may be required. Textural features in the aureole suggest the influence of kinetic factors on metamorphic recrystallization, including: (i) deformation‐catalysed reaction in the schists compared to the hornfelses, as indicated by different mineral‐growth sequences inferred from microstructures, and (ii) heating rate‐controlled recrystallization, as indicated by the decrease in grain size of hornfelses with increasing metamorphic grade.
G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor‐mediated effects on cytosolic calcium and nanomechanics in brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Altmann Joseph B. , Yan Guang , Meeks Jeffrey F. , Abood Mary E. , Brailoiu Eugen , Brailoiu G. Cristina 
Published: February 2015

AbstractG protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) is a relatively recently identified non‐nuclear estrogen receptor, expressed in several tissues, including brain and blood vessels. The mechanisms elicited by GPER activation in brain microvascular endothelial cells are incompletely understood. The purpose of this work was to assess the effects of GPER activation on cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, nitric oxide production, membrane potential and cell nanomechanics in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMVEC). Extracellular but not intracellular administration of G‐1, a selective GPER agonist, or extracellular administration of 17‐β‐estradiol and tamoxifen, increased [Ca2+]i in RBMVEC. The effect of G‐1 on [Ca2+]i was abolished in Ca2+‐free saline or in the presence of a L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker. G‐1 increased nitric oxide production in RBMVEC; the effect was prevented by NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester. G‐1 elicited membrane hyperpolarization that was abolished by the antagonists of small and intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channels, apamin, and charibdotoxin. GPER‐mediated responses were sensitive to G‐36, a GPER antagonist. In addition, atomic force microscopy studies revealed that G‐1 increased the modulus of elasticity, indicative of cytoskeletal changes and increase in RBMVEC stiffness. Our results unravel the mechanisms underlying GPER‐mediated effects in RBMVEC with implications for the effect of estrogen on cerebral microvasculature.
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Activation of the G protein‐coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (RBMVEC) increases [Ca2+]i by promoting Ca2+ influx. The increase in [Ca2+]i leads to membrane hyperpolarization, nitric oxide (NO) production, and to cytoskeletal changes and increased cell stiffness. Our results unravel the mechanisms underlying GPER‐mediated effects in RBMVEC with implications for the effect of estrogen on cerebral microvasculature.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Neural Flow Coupling: A New Concept
Authors: Nakada Tsutomu 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTThe phenomenon known as neural flow coupling (NFC) occurs at the capillary level where there are no known pressure controlling structures. Recent developments in advanced magnetic resonance imaging technologies have made possible in vivo direct investigations of water physiology that have shed new insight on the water dynamics of the cortical pericapillary space and their complex functionality in relation to NFC. Neural activities initiate a chain of events that ultimately affect NFC. First, neural activities generate extracellular acidification. Extracellular acidosis in turn produces inhibition of aquaporin‐4 (AQP‐4) located at the end feet of pericapillary astrocytes, the water channel which regulates water influx into the pericapillary space and, hence, interstitial flow. Reduction of pericapillary water pressure results in a negative balance between pericapillary and intraluminal capillary pressure, allowing for capillary caliber expansion. Proton permeability through the tight junctions of the blood brain barrier is significantly high owing to the Grotthuss proton “tunneling” mechanism and, therefore, carbonic anhydrase (CA) type IV (CA‐IV) anchored to the luminal surface of brain capillaries functions as scavenger of extracellular protons. CA‐IV inhibition by acetazolamide or carbon dioxide results in the accumulation of extracellular protons, causing AQP‐4 inhibition and a secondary increase in rCBF.
Dural Arteriovenous Fistula Mimicking a Brainstem Glioma
Authors: Le Guennec Loïc , Leclercq Delphine , Szatmary Zoltan , Idbaih Ahmed , Reyes‐Botero German , Delattre Jean‐Yves , Psimaras Dimitri 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDBrainstem intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas are extremely rare and can mimic a glioma at the time of presentation.CASEWe report a patient with an infiltrating brainstem lesion that finally revealed an intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula, with full neurological improvement after embolization.CONCLUSIONA careful radiological study looking for dilated vessels around the brainstem is necessary in the workup of an infiltrating brainstem lesion, in order to rule out intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula.
Single‐ or multiple‐session viscosupplementation protocols for temporomandibular joint degenerative disorders: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Guarda‐Nardini L. , Rossi A. , Arboretti R. , Bonnini S. , Stellini E. , Manfredini D. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of two single‐session protocols, either adopting high‐ (protocol A) or medium‐molecular weight hyaluronic acid (protocol B), with the reference five‐session protocol of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) lavage plus viscosupplementation (protocol C) in the management of chronic TMJ degenerative disorders. A randomized clinical trial (RCT) with ten participants per treatment group was designed, with multiple observation points, ending at 6 months after treatment. Pain levels on a 10‐point VAS scale were selected as the primary outcome variable to rate treatment effectiveness, along with a number of secondary outcome parameters. Findings showed that Group C patients had the highest decrease in pain levels. Nonparametric permutation analyses revealed that the global effect of treatment was significantly different between the three protocols (P = 0·024). Pairwise comparisons showed that the differences of treatment effect between the two single‐session interventions were negligible (global P‐value = 0·93). On the contrary, the five‐session protocol was significantly superior to both single‐session protocols (global P‐values ranging from 0·003 to 0·012). In conclusion, in a population of age‐, sex‐, and psychosocial aspects‐matched study groups, the standard of reference five‐session protocol proved to be superior at 6 months as far as the decrease in pain levels was concerned, whilst there were no differences between the two single‐session interventions. The absence of differences in treatment effect as for some other secondary clinical outcome variables may suggest that there is further space for future investigations attempting to reduce the number of multiple interventions for TMJ viscosupplementation.
Homeostasis of the temperature sensitivity of respiration over a range of growth temperatures indicated by a modified Arrhenius model
Authors: Noguchi Ko , Yamori Wataru , Hikosaka Kouki , Terashima Ichiro 
Published: February 2015

Summary

The temperature dependence of plant respiratory rate (R) changes in response to growth temperature. Here, we used a modified Arrhenius model incorporating the temperature dependence of activation energy (Eo), and compared the temperature dependence of R between cold‐sensitive and cold‐tolerant species.

We analyzed the temperature dependences of leaf CO2 efflux rate of plants cultivated at low (LT) or high temperature (HT).

In plants grown at HT (HT plants), Eo at low measurement temperature varied among species, but Eo at growth temperature in HT plants did not vary and was comparable to that in plants grown at LT (LT plants), suggesting that the limiting process was similar at the respective growth temperatures. In LT plants, the integrated value of loge R, a measure of respiratory capacity, in cold‐sensitive species was lower than that in cold‐tolerant species. When plants were transferred from HT to LT, the respiratory capacity changed promptly after the transfer compared with the other parameters.

These results suggest that a similar process limits R at different growth temperatures, and that the lower capacity of the respiratory system in cold‐sensitive species may explain their low growth rate at LT.
Labour Demand Adjustment: Does Foreign Ownership Matter?
Authors: Dhyne Emmanuel , Fuss Catherine , Mathieu Claude 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis paper examines whether multinationals differ in their employment adjustment from domestic companies, using a panel of 5,544 Belgian firms observed between 1998 and 2005. More precisely, we estimate labour adjustment costs by worker and firm types. We propose a new flexible specification that takes into account the role of firm size in adjustment costs. Our results indicate that adjusting white‐collar employment is around half as costly for multinational firms (MNFs) as for domestic firms of the same size. The remaining differential in adjustment costs between MNFs and domestic firms might result, among other things, from multinationals' stronger bargaining power.
Design and validation of pictograms in a pediatric anaphylaxis action plan
Authors: Mok Garrick , Vaillancourt Régis , Irwin Danica , Wong Alexandre , Zemek Roger , Alqurashi Waleed 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundCurrent anaphylaxis action plans (AAPs) are based on written instructions without inclusion of pictograms.ObjectivesTo develop an AAP with pictorial aids and to prospectively validate the pictogram components of this plan.MethodsParticipants recruited from the emergency department and allergy clinic participated in a questionnaire to validate pictograms depicting key counseling points of an anaphylactic reaction. Children ≥10 years of age and caregivers of children <10 years with acute anaphylaxis or who carried epinephrine auto‐injector for confirmed allergy were eligible. Guessability, translucency, and recall were assessed for 11 pictogram designs. Pictograms identified as correct or partially correct by at least 85% of participants were considered valid. Three independent reviewers assessed these outcome measures.ResultsOf the 115 total participants, 73 (63%) were female, 76 (66%) were parents/guardians, and 39 (34%) were children aged 10–17. Overall, 10 pictograms (91%) reached ≥85% for correct guessability, translucency, and recall. Four pictograms were redesigned to reach the preset validation target. One pictogram depicting symptom management (5‐min wait time after first epinephrine treatment) reached 82% translucency after redesign. However, it reached 98% and 100% of correct guessability and recall, respectively.ConclusionsWe prospectively designed and validated a set of pictograms to be included in an AAP. The incorporation of validated pictograms into an AAP may potentially increase comprehension of the triggers, signs and symptoms, and management of an anaphylactic reaction.
Are CEOs Replaced For Poor Performance? Effects of Takeovers and Governance on CEO Turnover
Authors: HomRoy Swarnodeep 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis article analyzes the risk of CEO turnover in US firms over the period 1993–2011. There is an increase in the CEO turnover rate and a 41% decline in median tenure. Where firm performance is poor, CEOs are increasingly replaced, either by the board or in the process of the firm being taken over. US corporate governance regulations had some success in mitigating the agency problem. In the wake of those reforms, CEO turnover outcomes are more strongly associated with firm performance. The declining CEO tenure may have structural impacts on CEO pay.
Initiation of crustal shortening in the Himalaya
Authors: Larson Kyle P. , Cottle John M. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractNew monazite U/Th‐Pb petrochronological data from the Annapurna region of central Nepal outline a protracted thermal history spanning ~ 30 Ma from the early Eocene (c. 48 Ma) to the early Miocene (c. 18 Ma). Rare earth element data collected concomitant with the isotopic analyses are consistent with prograde metamorphism and crustal thickening between ~ 48 and 30 Ma and anatexis between ~ 28 and 18 Ma. The timing of metamorphism recorded in these rocks is consistent with records of crustal shortening derived from ultrahigh‐pressure rocks in the western Himalaya and exhumed metamorphic rocks in southern Tibet. Although previous records of early shortening/metamorphism related to the initial collision of India with Asia are spatially associated with the northern margin of the Indian plate, the ages presented in this study extend that early record south into the main Himalayan range. These new data provide important geological constraints on this early, poorly documented history.