bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microwave Sintering of Ti3Si(Al)C2 Ceramic
Authors: Li Fangzhi , Zhang Haibin , Wang Qian , Qu Dong , Zhou Tianliang , Kim Byungnam , Sakka Yoshio , Hu Chunfeng , Huang Qing 
Published: June 2014

In this work, microwave sintering (MWS) method was successfully applied for fabrication of dense layered ternary Ti3Si(Al)C2 ceramic. Compared to conventional pressureless approaches, MWS could significantly decrease preparation temperature from 1600°C to 1400°C. The activation energy of the MWS process was estimated as 233 ± 18 kJ/mol, which was much lower than those in previous sintering techniques. The low sintering temperature likely originates from the low activation energy during MWS process. Such low temperature do not only make the as‐received Ti3Si(Al)C2 ceramic much smaller grain size and better mechanical properties, but also indicate higher energy converting efficiency during the sintering processes. Wide application of MWS techniques in MAX phases is expected to promote the practical applications of these materials and contribute to the energy saving during sintering process.
Microstructure, Mechanical, and Thermal Properties of (ZrB2 + ZrC)/Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6 Composite
Authors: Yu Lei , Yang Jian , Qiu Tai , Zhang Jingxian , Pan Limei 
Published: June 2014

The microstructure, mechanical, and thermal properties of in situ hot‐pressed 30 vol% (ZrB2+ZrC)/Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6 composite have been investigated and compared with monolithic Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6 ceramic. The composite is composed of ZrB2 and ZrC grains embedded in a Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6 matrix. The composite shows superior hardness (Vickers hardness of 16.4 GPa), stiffness (Young's modulus of 415 GPa), strength (bending strength of 621 MPa), and toughness (fracture toughness of 7.37 MPa·m1/2) compared with monolithic Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6. The composite retains high modulus of 357 GPa at 1430°C (86% of that at ambient temperature) due to clean grain boundaries with no glassy phase. In addition, the composite exhibits higher specific heat capacity and thermal conductivity but slightly lower coefficient of thermal expansion compared with monolithic Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6. The calculation of the thermal stress fracture resistance parameter (R) predicts a much improved thermal shock resistance of the composite. Based on these results, (ZrB2+ZrC)/Zr3[Al(Si)]4C6 composites show promising potential for high‐temperature and ultra high‐temperature applications.
Effects of Pleistocene climatic fluctuations on the phylogeography, demography and population structure of a high‐elevation snake species, Thermophis baileyi, on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Hofmann Sylvia , Kraus Sabine , Dorge Tsering , Nothnagel Michael , Fritzsche Peter , Miehe Georg 
Published: June 2014

AbstractAimOur aims were to investigate the geographical distribution, population history and demographics of the hot‐spring snake Thermophis baileyi, and to examine how the Pleistocene glacial stages and geomorphological configurations resulting from the uplift of the Tibetan–Himalayan orogen shaped the genetic diversity and evolutionary history of the species.LocationTibetan Plateau.MethodsWe surveyed potential habitat sites throughout Tibet. Sequence data were obtained for three mitochondrial markers (ND2, ND4 and cytb; 2185 bp) in 181 individuals from 18 populations across the species' distribution range. We conducted population‐genetic (samova; baps), phylogenetic (maximum likelihood; Bayesian), demographic (Tajima's D; Fu's FS; mismatch distribution) and ecological analyses (logistic regression for presence/absence data) to examine the recent distribution, evolutionary history and diversification of the species.ResultsThe geographical range of T. baileyi is a restricted area between the Transhimalaya and the Himalaya, along the central part of the Yarlung Tsangpo suture zone. The divergence times of sequences matched the Guxiang glaciation (300–130 ka) and the last glacial period (70–10 ka). We observed two genetically distinct lineages north of the Yarlung Tsangpo river. These lineages are known from previous work and are largely congruent with a division across the drainage divide of the Nyainqêntanglha rift. Haplotype grouping based on cluster analysis indicated the existence of riverine migration corridors between populations.Main conclusionsThe evolutionary history of T. baileyi is consistent with a model of range expansion from different refugia during interglacial and post‐glacial times. All lines of evidence suggest that Pleistocene glacial oscillations, triggered by tectonic activity during plateau uplift, have had the strongest influence on intraspecific differentiation. Physical barriers, such as high‐elevation mountains and the drainage system, however, also appear to have affected the population structure and distribution of this snake. Population clustering suggests that there has been long‐distance dispersal along riverine corridors.
Proper Patient Selection Yields Significant and Sustained Reduction in Systolic Blood Pressure Following Renal Artery Stenting in Patients With Uncontrolled Hypertension: Long‐Term Results From the HERCULES Trial
Authors: Chrysant George S. , Bates Mark C. , Sullivan Timothy M. , Bachinsky William B. , Popma Jeffrey J. , Peng Lei , Omran Hend L. , Jaff Michael R. ,   the HERCULES Investigators
Published: June 2014

The Safety and Effectiveness Study of the Herculink Elite Renal Stent to Treat Renal Artery Stenosis (HERCULES) trial is a prospective, multicenter trial evaluating the safety, effectiveness, and durability of the RX Herculink Elite renal stent system (Abbott Vascular, Abbott Park, IL) in select patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis and uncontrolled hypertension. A total of 202 patients were enrolled between August 2007 and October 2009. The primary endpoint, 9‐month binary restenosis, was 10.5% determined by core laboratory adjudicated duplex ultrasound and/or angiography. Additional analyses included changes in blood pressure, antihypertensive medications, renal function (RF), major adverse events (MAEs) (death, ipsilateral nephrectomy, and embolic events resulting in kidney damage), and clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD‐TLR) between baseline and 36 months. Freedom from MAE was 98.5% at 30 days. At 36 months, freedom from death, nephrectomy, and CD‐TLR were 90.1%, 100%, and 91.8%, respectively. After 30 days there were no site‐reported embolic events resulting in kidney damage. The mean baseline systolic blood pressure of 162±18 mm Hg significantly decreased postprocedure and through 36 months (mean systolic blood pressure 141 mm Hg [P<.0001] and 146 mm Hg [P<.0001], respectively). No differences were noted in antihypertensive medications or RF compared with baseline. The HERCULES trial demonstrated sustained clinically and statistically significant reduction in SBP in patients with uncontrolled HTN. Coupled with the low core laboratory–adjudicated in‐stent restenosis, acceptable procedural complication rates (1.5%), and <10% CD‐TLR, the study suggests that there may be a role for renal artery stenting using contemporary stent technology.
Selective prevention of cardiometabolic diseases in general practice: attitudes and working methods of male and female general practitioners before and after the introduction of the Prevention Consultation guideline in the Netherlands
Authors: Vos Hedwig M.M. , Van Delft Diane H.W.J.M. , De Kleijn Miriam J.J. , Nielen Markus M.J. , Schellevis François G. , Lagro‐Janssen Antoine L.M. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesIn 2011 the module cardiometabolic risk of the Prevention Consultation guideline was introduced in the Netherlands in order to prevent cardiometabolic diseases. We aimed to compare attitudes and working methods of Dutch general practitioners (GPs) towards selective prevention of cardiometabolic diseases before and after the introduction of the guideline and to study the effect of GP gender on these attitudes and working methods.MethodsWe compared attitudes and working methods in prevention of cardiometabolic diseases in a cross‐sectional survey among Dutch GPs in 2013 to the results of a comparable study performed in 2008.ResultsBoth in 2008 and 2013 30% responded. In 2013, more GPs reported to actively invite patients for preventive measurements. Thirty per cent of the GPs implemented the module cardiometabolic risk. In 2013, less GPs reported that it is worthwhile to make an effort to detect patients at increased risk for cardiometabolic diseases, and more GPs suggested that prevention may be performed by other stakeholders compared with 2008. Financial support and evidence for prevention programmes were mentioned as main facilitators for prevention. In 2013, more male than female GPs actively invite patients for preventive measurements.ConclusionsMore GPs report active preventive working methods after the introduction of the Prevention Consultation guideline, but only 30% implemented the guideline. More male than female GPs actively invite patients for preventive measurements. Compared with 2008 less GPs think it is worthwhile to make an effort to detect patients at increased risk and more GPs are willing to delegate preventive actions to other health institutions in 2013. As financial support and evidence for prevention are important facilitators for prevention, further research of the effectiveness of the guideline in preventing cardiometabolic diseases is necessary, and political choices have to be made in order to financially facilitate selective prevention in general practice.
Pharmacovigilance in oncology: evaluation of current practice and future perspectives
Authors: Baldo Paolo , De Paoli Paolo 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesPharmacovigilance (PV), or drug safety monitoring, aims to improve patient safety through the detection and management of drug‐related adverse reactions. It is implemented both by spontaneous reporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and by careful detection of signals suggestive of drug toxicity. PV is an important clinical topic in clinical practice and pharmacotherapy, assuring the maintenance of a safe risk/benefit ratio throughout the commercial life cycle of a drug.MethodsWe conducted a structured literature search on PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl and the Cochrane Library. We also performed manual searches in international databases of ADR individual reports to outline a structured profile on the topic. Our goal was to review key elements that affect safety monitoring of cancer drugs and their appropriate use, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of PV in oncology.ResultsThis paper provides an understanding of the methodologies used by PV in current clinical practice and particularly in cancer drug therapy; a focus upon reporting of ADRs by health professionals and patients; and a focus upon methods used by PV to detect new signals of risk/harm related to medicines utilization.ConclusionTo our knowledge, few articles focus upon the importance of PV and post‐marketing surveillance of cancer drug therapies. Structured management of spontaneous reports of ADRs and data collection is essential to monitoring the safe use of drugs in this field in which pharmacotherapy is affected by high incidence of drug‐related complications and by a narrow benefit/risk ratio.
Effect of occlusal rehabilitation on spatial memory and hippocampal neurons after long‐term loss of molars in rats
Authors: Sakamoto S. , Hara T. , Kurozumi A. , Oka M. , Kuroda‐Ishimine C. , Araki D. , Iida S. , Minagi S. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryExperimental loss of occlusal support caused by the extraction or grinding of molar teeth has been reported to foment the impairment of learning and memory in laboratory animals. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of occlusal reconstruction after long‐term loss of molars on spatial memory by using 8‐arm radial maze and by assessing histopathological changes of neuron density in the hippocampus. Experimental dentures were inserted into the oral cavities of molarless rats to recover the occlusal support. Age‐matched groups of control, molarless and denture‐wearing rats were trained to perform the maze tasks. The difference of the error incidence in the maze task was evaluated between three groups. The difference of neuron density between three groups was also evaluated at the end of the maze task. Serum corticosterone levels were also measured to estimate the chronic stress, which could be caused by extraction, insertion of the experimental denture or any experimental procedure. The error incidence in the denture‐wearing group was significantly higher than that of the control group, but significantly lower than that of the molarless group. Significant differences of neuron density were observed between three groups in each of the hippocampal CA1, CA3 and DG subfields. No significant difference of the serum corticosterone levels between three groups could be observed. From the results of this study, it was suggested that the recovery of occlusal support would bring amelioration of cognitive impairment concomitant with long period loss of molars in rats.
Dynamics of corticospinal changes during and after high‐intensity quadriceps exercise
Authors: Gruet Mathieu , Temesi John , Rupp Thomas , Levy Patrick , Verges Samuel , Millet Guillaume Y. 
Published: June 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Progressive development of the supraspinal component of central fatigue and increases in corticospinal excitability and inhibition have been demonstrated during fatiguing contractions of the elbow flexors. However, the kinetics of mechanical and EMG responses induced by transcranial magnetic stimulation during and after single‐joint fatiguing knee‐extensor exercise remains unknown.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Our results show that single‐joint knee‐extensor isometric exercise induces late supraspinal fatigue with increased intracortical inhibition, both of which recover quickly after task failure, and unchanged corticospinal excitability. This indicates that fatigue‐induced corticospinal changes are muscle and/or limb specific and reinforces the need to measure corticospinal changes within seconds after task failure to avoid their underestimation.
This study tested the hypothesis that during fatiguing quadriceps exercise, supraspinal fatigue develops late, is associated with both increased corticospinal excitability and inhibition and recovers quickly. Eight subjects performed 20 s contractions [15 s at 50% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) followed by 5 s MVC] separated by a 10 s rest period until task failure. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electrical femoral nerve stimulation (PNS) were delivered ∼2 s apart during 50% MVC, during MVC and after MVC in relaxed muscle. Voluntary activation was assessed by TMS (VATMS) immediately before and after exercise and then three times over a 6 min recovery period. During exercise, MVC and twitch force evoked by PNS in relaxed muscle decreased progressively to 48 ± 8 and 36 ± 16% of control values, respectively (both P < 0.01). Significant changes in voluntary activation assessed by PNS and twitch evoked by TMS during MVC were observed during the last quarter of exercise only (from 96.4 ± 1.7 to 86 ± 13%, P = 0.03 and from 0.76 ± 0.8 to 4.9 ± 4.7% MVC, P = 0.02, from baseline to task failure, respectively). The TMS‐induced silent period increased linearly during both MVC (by ∼79 ms) and 50% MVC (by ∼63 ms; both P < 0.01). Motor‐evoked potential amplitude did not change during the protocol at any force levels. Both silent period and VATMS recovered within 2 min postexercise, whereas MVC and twitch force evoked by PNS in relaxed muscle recovered to only 84 ± 9 and 73 ± 17% of control values 6 min after exercise, respectively. In conclusion, high‐intensity single‐joint quadriceps exercise induces supraspinal fatigue near task failure, with increased intracortical inhibition and, in contrast to previous upper‐limb results, unchanged corticospinal excitability. These changes recover rapidly after task failure, emphasizing the need to measure corticospinal adaptations immediately at task failure to avoid underestimation of exercise‐induced corticospinal changes.
Amelioration of capillary regression and atrophy of the soleus muscle in hindlimb‐unloaded rats by astaxanthin supplementation and intermittent loading
Authors: Kanazashi Miho , Tanaka Masayuki , Murakami Shinichiro , Kondo Hiroyo , Nagatomo Fumiko , Ishihara Akihiko , Roy Roland R. , Fujino Hidemi 
Published: June 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
We asked whether the combination of astaxanthin supplementation and intermittent loading would attenuate both the muscle atrophy and the capillary regression associated with chronic unloading.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Intermittent loading alone attenuated atrophy of the soleus, while astaxanthin treatment alone maintained the capillary network in the soleus. The combination of these two interventions ameliorated both the muscle atrophy and the capillary regression induced by chronic unloading.
A chronic decrease in neuromuscular activity (activation and/or loading) results in muscle atrophy and capillary regression that are due, in part, to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. We have reported that antioxidant treatment with astaxanthin attenuates the overexpression of reactive oxygen species in atrophied muscles that, in turn, ameliorates capillary regression in hindlimb‐unloaded rats. Astaxanthin supplementation, however, had little effect on muscle mass and fibre cross‐sectional area. In contrast, intermittent loading of the hindlimbs of hindlimb‐unloaded rats ameliorates muscle atrophy. Therefore, we hypothesized that the combination of astaxanthin supplementation and intermittent loading would attenuate both muscle atrophy and capillary regression during hindlimb unloading. As expected, 2 weeks of hindlimb unloading resulted in atrophy, a decrease in capillary volume and a shift towards smaller‐diameter capillaries in the soleus muscle. Intermittent loading alone (1 h of cage ambulation per day) attenuated atrophy of the soleus, while astaxanthin treatment alone maintained the capillary network to near control levels. The combination of intermittent loading and astaxanthin treatment, however, ameliorated atrophy of the soleus and maintained the capillary volume and luminal diameters and the superoxide dismutase‐1 protein levels near control values. These results indicate that intermittent loading combined with astaxanthin supplementation could be an effective therapy for both the muscle atrophy and the capillary regression associated with a chronic decrease in neuromuscular activity.
Transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation and transcutaneous spinal cord direct current stimulation as innovative tools for neuroscientists
Authors: Priori Alberto , Ciocca Matteo , Parazzini Marta , Vergari Maurizio , Ferrucci Roberta 
Published: June 2014

AbstractTwo neuromodulatory techniques based on applying direct current (DC) non‐invasively through the skin, transcranial cerebellar direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous spinal DCS, can induce prolonged functional changes consistent with a direct influence on the human cerebellum and spinal cord. In this article we review the major experimental works on cerebellar tDCS and on spinal tDCS, and their preliminary clinical applications. Cerebellar tDCS modulates cerebellar motor cortical inhibition, gait adaptation, motor behaviour, and cognition (learning, language, memory, attention). Spinal tDCS influences the ascending and descending spinal pathways, and spinal reflex excitability. In the anaesthetised mouse, DC stimulation applied under the skin along the entire spinal cord may affect GABAergic and glutamatergic systems. Preliminary clinical studies in patients with cerebellar disorders, and in animals and patients with spinal cord injuries, have reported beneficial effects. Overall the available data show that cerebellar tDCS and spinal tDCS are two novel approaches for inducing prolonged functional changes and neuroplasticity in the human cerebellum and spinal cord, and both are new tools for experimental and clinical neuroscientists.
Diabetic kidney disease: from physiology to therapeutics
Authors: Mora‐Fernández Carmen , Domínguez‐Pimentel Virginia , de Fuentes Mercedes Muros , Górriz José L. , Martínez‐Castelao Alberto , Navarro‐González Juan F. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) defines the functional, structural and clinical abnormalities of the kidneys that are caused by diabetes. This complication has become the single most frequent cause of end‐stage renal disease. The pathophysiology of DKD comprises the interaction of both genetic and environmental determinants that trigger a complex network of pathophysiological events, which leads to the damage of the glomerular filtration barrier, a highly specialized structure formed by the fenestrated endothelium, the glomerular basement membrane and the epithelial podocytes, that permits a highly selective ultrafiltration of the blood plasma. DKD evolves gradually over years through five progressive stages. Briefly they are: reversible glomerular hyperfiltration, normal glomerular filtration and normoalbuminuria, normal glomerular filtration and microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria, and renal failure. Approximately 20–40% of diabetic patients develop microalbuminuria within 10–15 years of the diagnosis of diabetes, and about 80–90% of those with microalbuminuria progress to more advanced stages. Thus, after 15–20 years, macroalbuminuria occurs approximately in 20–40% of patients, and around half of them will present renal insufficiency within 5 years. The screening and early diagnosis of DKD is based on the measurement of urinary albumin excretion and the detection of microalbuminuria, the first clinical sign of DKD. The management of DKD is based on the general recommendations in the treatment of patients with diabetes, including optimal glycaemic and blood pressure control, adequate lipid management and abolishing smoking, in addition to the lowering of albuminuria.