bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Use of Critical Reflective Inquiry With Nursing Students Participating in an International Service-Learning Experience
Authors: Curtin Alicia J. , Martins Diane C. , Schwartz-Barcott Donna , DiMaria Lisa Adorno , Ogando Béliga Milagros Soler 
Published: September 2015

Background:Increasing interest in providing international educational experiences for nursing students has led to a variety of short-term international service-learning experiences. However, the impact of these experiences has not been clearly articulated.Method:In this qualitative descriptive research study, Kim’s critical reflective inquiry model was used to help guide students in reflecting on and identifying the impact of an international service-learning program in the Dominican Republic.Results:The model was helpful in promoting in-depth description and reflection on the students’ underlying assumptions and values, as well as identifying beginning strategies for emancipation in specific patient care situations.Conclusion:Providing a group process for critical reflection may optimize the perspective transformations in meeting the goals and objectives of the experience. [J Nurs Educ.2015;54(9, Suppl.):S95–S98.]
Occupational Therapy: Meeting the Needs of Families of People With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Kuhaneck Heather Miller , Watling Renee 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Occupational therapy has much to offer to families of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, people outside the profession may be unaware of occupational therapy’s breadth and scope. It is our responsibility and our duty to express the full range of occupational therapy services through research, clinical practice, advocacy, and consumer education. This special issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, with its focus on autism, embarks on this endeavor by highlighting research and theoretical articles that address the various aspects of occupational therapy practice that can help to fully meet the needs of people with ASD and their families.
Giant pulsations on the afternoonside: Geostationary satellite and ground observations
Authors: Motoba Tetsuo , Takahashi Kazue , Rodriguez Juan V. , Russell Christopher T. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractGiant pulsations (Pgs) are a special class of oscillations recognized in ground magnetometer records as exhibiting highly regular sinusoidal waveforms in the east‐west component with periods around 100s. Previous statistical studies showed that Pgs occur almost exclusively on the morningside with peak occurrence in the postmidnight sector. In this paper, we present observations of Pgs extending to the afternoonside, using data from the GOES13 and 15 geostationary satellites and multiple ground magnetometers located in North America. For a long‐lasting event on 29 February 2012, which spanned ∼08–18h magnetic local time, we show that basic Pg properties did not change with the local time, although the period of the pulsations was longer at later local time due to increasing mass loading. There is evidence that the Pgs resulted from fundamental poloidal mode standing Alfvén waves, both on the morning and afternoonsides. Oscillations of energetic particles associated with the field oscillations exhibited an energy‐dependent phase, which has previously been reported and explained by drift resonance. A statistical analysis of the ground magnetic field data (L = 3.8–7.4) covering 2008–2013 confirms that afternoon Pgs are not unusual. We identified a total of 105 Pg events (about 70% (30%) of the events occurred during non‐storm (late storm recovery) periods), 31 of which occurred on the afternoonside. The afternoon Pgs occur under solar wind and geomagnetic conditions that are similar to the morning Pgs, but the afternoon Pgs tend to have short durations and occur frequently in winter instead of around spring and fall equinoxes that are favored by the morning Pgs.
Lithological control on gas hydrate saturation as revealed by signal classification of NMR logging data
Authors: Bauer Klaus , Kulenkampff Johannes , Henninges Jan , Spangenberg Erik 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn this paper, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) downhole logging data are analyzed with a new strategy to study gas hydrate‐bearing sediments in the Mackenzie Delta (NW Canada). In NMR logging, transverse relaxation time (T2) distribution curves are usually used to determine single‐valued parameters such as apparent total porosity or hydrocarbon saturation. Our approach analyzes the entire T2 distribution curves as quasi‐continuous signals to characterize the rock formation. We apply self‐organizing maps, a neural network clustering technique, to subdivide the data set of NMR curves into classes with a similar and distinctive signal shape. The method includes (1) preparation of data vectors, (2) unsupervised learning, (3) cluster definition, and (4) classification and depth mapping of all NMR signals. Each signal class thus represents a specific pore size distribution which can be interpreted in terms of distinct lithologies and reservoir types. A key step in the interpretation strategy is to reconcile the NMR classes with other log data not considered in the clustering analysis, such as gamma ray, hydrate saturation, and other logs. Our results defined six main lithologies within the target zone. Gas hydrate layers were recognized by their low signal amplitudes for all relaxation times. Most importantly, two subtypes of hydrate‐bearing shaly sands were identified. They show distinct NMR signals and differ in hydrate saturation and gamma ray values. An inverse linear relationship between hydrate saturation and clay content was concluded. Finally, we infer that the gas hydrate is not grain coating, but rather, pore filling with matrix support is the preferred growth habit model for the studied formation.
Complex coastal oceanographic fields can be described by universal multifractals
Authors: Skákala Jozef , Smyth Timothy J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCharacterization of chlorophyll and sea surface temperature (SST) structural heterogeneity using their scaling properties can provide a useful tool to estimate the relative importance of key physical and biological drivers. Seasonal, annual, and also instantaneous spatial distributions of chlorophyll and SST, determined from satellite measurements, in seven different coastal and shelf‐sea regions around the UK have been studied. It is shown that multifractals provide a very good approximation to the scaling properties of the data: in fact, the multifractal scaling function is well approximated by universal multifractal theory. The consequence is that all of the statistical information about data structure can be reduced to being described by two parameters. It is further shown that also bathymetry scales in the studied regions as multifractal. The SST and chlorophyll multifractal structures are then explained as an effect of bathymetry and turbulence.
Assessment of asthma severity and control
Authors: McMains K. Christopher 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundAsthma is a disease of great variability. Untreated asthma can have lifelong implications in terms of lung growth as well as residual lung function throughout life. Close attention to establishing severity of the disease and level of control established in each patient through treatment are important to achieving the best results.MethodsAvailable English‐language literature was reviewed. Citations were included based on the quality of the original paper and relevance to the specific aims of this primer.ResultsAssessing intrinsic severity of the patient's disease at the first encounter using impairment measures of short‐acting beta agonist use, nighttime awakenings, interference of disease with normal activity, and pulmonary function testing, as well as measures of patient risk of acute exacerbations is vitally important. At subsequent patient encounters, adjusting therapy based on both impairment and risk components of control will improve long‐term outcomes.ConclusionAny practitioner undertaking to care for asthma patients should be conversant with the degrees of disease severity and levels of disease control on therapy. Application of these principles will maximize patient benefit from asthma care.
Pharmacotherapy for the treatment of asthma: current treatment options and future directions
Authors: Choby Garret W. , Lee Stella 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundAsthma is a prevalent disease characterized by chronic inflammatory changes of the airway and marked by airway hyperresponsiveness, edema, and excess mucus production. Management of the disease has focused upon reversing the early airway changes and limiting the late effects of airway remodeling. Several classes of medications are available for the effective treatment and long‐term control of asthma and novel therapeutic options are in development that hold promise in improving patient outcome.MethodsA review of updated guidelines and current literature was conducted to identify available pharmacologic treatments of asthma and determine future directions in development of novel therapeutic options.ResultsInhaled corticosteroids are the most effective medications in long‐term asthma control with adjunct medications such as β2‐agonists, which can provide symptomatic relief. Other classes of asthma control medications including anticholinergics, cromolyns, and leukotriene receptor modifiers can also be used to develop an effective management strategy based on asthma severity.ConclusionSeveral classes of medications are available for the effective management of asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids play a central role in control of inflammation and several other adjuncts are available to tailor therapy to the patient's symptoms. New therapeutic options that target downstream inflammatory mediators can provide increased efficacy while limiting side effects.
Diagnosis of asthma: diagnostic testing
Authors: Brigham Emily P. , West Natalie E. 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundAsthma is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing both atopic and non‐atopic phenotypes. Diagnosis of asthma is based on the combined presence of typical symptoms and objective tests of lung function. Objective diagnostic testing consists of 2 components: (1) demonstration of airway obstruction, and (2) documentation of variability in degree of obstruction.MethodsA review of current guidelines and literature was performed regarding diagnostic testing for asthma.ResultsSpirometry with bronchodilator reversibility testing remains the mainstay of asthma diagnostic testing for children and adults. Repetition of the test over several time points may be necessary to confirm airway obstruction and variability thereof. Repeated peak flow measurement is relatively simple to implement in a clinical and home setting. Bronchial challenge testing is reserved for patients in whom the aforementioned testing has been unrevealing but clinical suspicion remains, though is associated with low specificity. Demonstration of eosinophilic inflammation, via fractional exhaled nitric oxide measurement, or atopy, may be supportive of atopic asthma, though diagnostic utility is limited particularly in nonatopic asthma. All efforts should be made to confirm the diagnosis of asthma in those who are being presumptively treated but have not had objective measurements of variability in the degree of obstruction.ConclusionMultiple testing modalities are available for objective confirmation of airway obstruction and variability thereof, consistent with a diagnosis of asthma in the appropriate clinical context. Providers should be aware that both these characteristics may be present in other disease states, and may not be specific to a diagnosis of asthma.
ABCs of asthma inhaler and device training
Authors: Boise Elizabeth , Rotella Melissa 
Published: September 2015

BackgroundThe impact of poor adherence and medication administration is well documented, as are the difficulties with asthma inhaler and device usage. However, difficulties with these devices and inhalers continue to present significant challenges to many healthcare providers and patients.MethodsA systematic review of the published, peer‐reviewed international literature was performed to identify likely teaching needs as well as available and recommended resources to address same.ResultsAsthma inhaler and device use and educational needs vary as widely as do the types and severity of usage errors committed. Multiple interventions have been studied and found to be effective at improving both patient technique and overall asthma outcomes.ConclusionProviders must ensure that patient teaching is performed by suitably prepared staff members. Education should be device‐specific, patient‐centered, and repeated at frequent intervals. Providers must frequently reassess patient understanding and ability with regard to asthma inhalers and devices in order to maximize therapeutic outcomes.
Gas–liquid numerical simulation on micro‐bubble generator and optimization on the nozzle‐to‐throat spacing
Authors: Wang Lijun , Jia Yan , Yan Xiaokang , Zhou Changchun 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe Cyclonic‐Static Micro‐bubble Flotation Column (CSMFC) has been widely used in fine mineral separation. The micro‐bubble generator, as a key unit of this flotation column, is used to produce micro‐bubble which designed based on the principle of gas liquid jet pump. Unlike the other jet pump, the performance of micro‐bubble generator not only focuses on the air suction volume flow rate, but also includes the size and distribution of bubbles. In this paper, the performance of bubble generator is studied both experimentally and numerically. Three‐dimensional numerical simulations employing the Eulerian two‐phase flow model and S–N drag model by Fluent 14.0 software is carried out. The experimental and Computational Fluid Dynamics results, of air volume flow rate, match closely with each other. The maximum relative error between experiment and numerical simulation is smaller than 7.6%. Then these numerical models are utilized in simulating the 3D flow field of micro‐bubble generator with different nozzle‐to‐throat spacing. Thirteen sets of simulations were conducted to explore the influence of the dimensionless nozzle‐to‐throat spacing (0–3) on air volume flow rate, bubble diameter and distribution. The results demonstrate that the performance of bubble generator is optimal when the dimensionless nozzle‐to‐throat spacing is over 1.25–2.5 while the water volume flow rate is fixed to 50 m3/h. In this range, the bigger air suction volume flow rate, the smaller bubble diameter and higher bubble distribution uniformity index, which are beneficial for fine minerals flotation, were obtained. © 2015 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving hydrophobicity of polyurethane by PTFE incorporation
Authors: Koti Reddy Ch. , Shailaja D. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTA simple and facile method was established of incorporating polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) on to polyurethane (PU) to improve hydrophobicity of PU by incorporating low levels of fluorine at a molecular level. Nanocomposites were made by preparing PU in the presence of PTFE using seeded miniemulsion polymerization method. The resulting PTFE/PU nanocomposites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetric, and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR and TEM indicated changes observed in their structure, size and morphology. The water contact angle of PTFE/PU nanocomposite films increased with increasing amount of PTFE and more on blending with silica nanoparticles but a slight decrease in thermal stabilities of SiO2/PTFE/PU nanocomposites were noticed. The hydrophobicity imparted by PTFE to PU surface was found to be at its best for 1 : 2 PTFE/PU latex film. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42779.
Biodegradation of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) by a novel P3/4HB depolymerase purified from Agrobacterium sp. DSGZ
Authors: Guo Ziqi , Li Fan , Liu Dongbo , Xia Hongmei , Yang Cheng , Chen Shan , Yang Yunfei 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTA poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P3/4HB)‐degrading strain, Agrobacterium sp. DSGZ, was isolated from sewage by poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) mineral agar plates. A novel P3/4HB depolymerase with a molecular weight of 34 kDa was purified through a novel single‐step affinity chromatography method from the culture supernatant of the strain by using P3/4HB powder as a substrate. The purified depolymerase showed optimum activity at pH 7.0 and 50°C, and was stable at the pH range of 6.0 to 9.0 and temperature below 50°C. Enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), hydrophobic reagents, and some metal ions. The depolymerase degraded poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), poly(hydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), P3/4HB, and polycaprolactone (PCL), instead of polylactic acid (PLA) or poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). Meanwhile, the depolymerase showed high hydrolytic activity against short‐chain length esters, such as butyrate acid ester and caprylic acid ester. The main degradation products of the depolymerase were identified as hydroxybutyrate monomers and dimers, and the monomers were identified as 3‐hydroxybutyrate (3HB) monomers and 4‐hydroxybutyrate (4HB) monomers. The preparation procedure, crystallinity, and 4HB composition of the P3/4HB copolymer showed evident effect on degradation behavior, and change in crystallinity was the main factor affecting degradation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42805.
Potential role of O‐GlcNAcylation and involvement of PI3K/Akt1 pathway in the expression of oncogenic phenotypes of gastric cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Zhang Nuobei , Chen Xin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractO‐GlcNAcylation is a monosaccharide modification by a residue of N‐acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) attached to serine or threonine moieties on nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. O‐GlcNAcylation is dynamically regulated by O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O‐GlcNAcase (OGA). Increasing evidence suggests that O‐GlcNAcylation is involved in a variety of human cancers. However, the exact role of O‐GlcNAcylation in tumor progression remains unclear. Here, we show that O‐GlcNAcylation accelerates oncogenic phenotypes of gastric cancer. First, cell models with increased or decreased O‐GlcNAcylation were constructed by OGT overexpression, downregulation of OGA activity with specific inhibitor Thiamet‐G, or silence of OGT. MTT assays indicated that O‐GlcNAcylation increased proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Soft agar assay and Transwell assays showed that O‐GlcNAcylation significantly enhanced cellular colony formation, migration, and invasion in vitro. Akt1 activity was stimulated by upregulation of phosphorylation at Ser473 mediated by elevated O‐GlcNAcylation. The enhanced cell invasion by Thiamet‐G treatment was suppressed by PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Although the cell invasion induced by Thiamet‐G was reduced by Akt1 shRNA, it was still higher in comparison with that to the control (cells with Akt1 shRNA alone). And Akt1 overexpression promoted Thiamet‐G‐induced cell invasion. These results suggested that O‐GlcNAcylation enhanced oncogenic phenotypes possibly partially involving PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
Synthesis, characterization and optical properties of polymer‐based ZnS nanocomposites
Authors: Tiwari A. , Khan S. A. , Kher R. S. , Dhoble S. J. , Chandel A. L. S. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractNanostructured polymer–semiconductor hybrid materials such as ZnS–poly(vinyl alcohol) (ZnS–PVA), ZnS–starch and ZnS–hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose (Zns–HPMC) are synthesized by a facile aqueous route. The obtained nanocomposites are characterized using various techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV/vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). XRD studies confirm the zinc blende phase of the nanocomposites and indicate the high purity of the samples. SEM studies indicate small nanoparticles clinging to the surface of a bigger particle. The Energy Dispersive Analysis by X‐rays (EDAX) spectrum reveals that the elemental composition of the nanocomposites consists primarily of Zn:S. FTIR studies indicate that the polymer matrix is closely associated with ZnS nanoparticles. The large number of hydroxyl groups in the polymer matrix facilitates the complexation of metal ions. The absorption spectra of the specimens show a blue shift in the absorption edge. The spectrum reveals an absorption edge at 320, 310 and 325 nm, respectively. PL of nanocomposites shows broad peaks in the violet–blue region (420–450 nm). The emission intensity changes with the nature of capping agent. The PL intensity of ZnS–HPMC nanocomposites is found to be highest among the studied nanocomposites. The results clearly indicate that hydroxyl‐functionalized HPMC is much more effective at nucleating and stabilizing colloidal ZnS nanoparticles in aqueous suspensions compared with PVA and starch. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple Chalcone‐based ratiometric chemosensor for silver ion
Authors: Velmurugan K. , Suresh S. , Santhoshkumar S. , Saranya M. , Nandhakumar R. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractHerein, we report the selective binding of Ag+ ion by the anthracene‐based chalcone receptor 1. Receptor 1 behaves as a selective and sensitive chemosensor for the recognition of Ag+ over other heavy and transition metal ions without any interference and is capable of detecting the metal ion down to 0.15 × 10−6 M. Receptor 1 on binding with Ag+ ions exhibits a ratiometric fluorescence enhancement, which is due to the inhibition of photoinduced electron transfer along with the intramolecular charge transfer mechanism. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photoluminescence and thermoluminescence properties of Li2O‐Na2O‐B2O3 glass
Authors: Razak N. A. , Hashim S. , Mhareb M. H. A. , Tamchek N. 
Published: September 2015

Influence of Nd3+ concentration on the optical and thermoluminescence (TL) properties of melt‐annealed synthesized 10 Na2O: 20 Li2O: (70‐x) B2O3: xNd2O3, where 0.1≤ x ≤0.7 (LNB) glasses are determined. The absence of sharp peaks in X‐ray diffraction patterns confirms the amorphous nature of the prepared glasses. The photoluminescence spectra under 800 nm laser excitations at room temperature exhibit three prominent peaks centred at 538, 603 and 675 nm corresponding to the transitions of 4G7/2 → 4I9/2, [4G7/2 → 4I11/2, 4G5/2 → 4I9/2] and [4G7/2→ 4I13/2, 4G5/2 → 4I11/2], respectively. The TL glow curve exhibits a prominent peak (Tm) at 180°C. The best performance of the prepared glass was found at 0.5 mol% of Nd2O3. We achieved a good linearity of TL response against dose between 0.5 to 4.0 Gy. The calculated value of the effective atomic number, Zeff, is 7.55 which is nearly tissue equivalent (Zeff = 7.42). These promising features demonstrate the capability of the aforementioned glass to be used as a radiation dosimeter. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.HighlightsThe thermoluminescence and optical properties of new compositions of lithium sodium borate glasses doped with Nd3+ ions were reported.Attractive features were obtained from the TL, PL and UV–Vis light analysis.Three upconversion luminescences permitting green, orange and red emissions were observed.