bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Purification, structural data and biological properties of polysaccharide from Prunus amygdalus gum
Authors: Bouaziz Fatma , Koubaa Mohamed , Helbert Claire Boisset , Kallel Fatma , Driss Dorra , Kacem Imen , Ghorbel Raoudha , Chaabouni Semia Ellouz 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThis work demonstrates the efficiency of almond gum polysaccharides (AGPs) as bioactive compounds. AGPs were first extracted using H2O2, in the presence of NaOH, at different times and temperatures. The optimal extraction conditions were 4% H2O2 and 2 N NaOH, for 7 h at 50 °C, leading to an extraction yield of 58.2% (w/w). After a purification step, the retained AGPs were characterised using high‐performance liquid chromatography showing a molecular weight of 99.3 kDa. The monosaccharide composition of AGPs were assessed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. AGPs were found to be a complex heteropolysaccharide with a repeating unit mainly composed of galactose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, rhamnose, and glucuronic acid with the respective ratios: 45:26:7:10:1:11. The acidic nature of the polysaccharide is due to the presence of glucuronic acid. Total antioxidant activity, free radical‐scavenging activity and reducing power assay of AGPs were investigated. The obtained results showed high antioxidant activities of AGPs. Furthermore, beyond 60 mg mL−1, AGPs exhibited bacterial growth inhibition for five pathogenic strains: Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus feacalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella typhimurium.
Rationale and Design of Triple AXEL: Trial for Early Anticoagulation in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Hong Keun-Sik , Choi Yun Jung , Kwon Sun U. 
Published: October 2014

Rationale Patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) in the acute stage of ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) are at high risk of recurrent stroke, but the optimal anticoagulation strategy remains unclear due to the concern of intracranial bleeding. Novel oral anticoagulants compared to warfarin might be more safe and efficacious in patients suitable for early anticoagulation. Aims This trial is to evaluate the feasibility of early anticoagulation with rivaroxaban in acute ischemic stroke or TIA patients with nonvalvular AF. Design This is a randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint evaluation trial. Inclusion criteria are ( 1 ) nonvalvular AF, ( 2 ) presumed cardioembolic stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) confirmed by MRI within five-days from onset, and ( 3 ) mild to moderate stroke severity. We will randomize 196 patients to either rivaroxaban (10 mg once daily for five-days followed by 15 mg or 20 mg once daily) or dose-adjusted warfarin (coadministration of aspirin 100 mg per day until achieving international normalized ratio of 1·7). The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02042534). Study outcomes The primary endpoint is the composite of recurrent ischemic lesion and intracranial bleeding on MRI at four-weeks. Secondary endpoints are recurrent ischemic lesions, intracranial bleeding, major bleeding, major vascular events, four-week modified Rankin Scale score, and duration of hospitalization after randomization. Discussion The results of this proof-of-concept trial will guide go/no-go decision to a large phase 3 confirmatory trial.
Research and Development of the Coprecipitation Process for Lanthanum Germanate Oxyapatite
Authors: Kobayashi Kiyoshi , Kitajima Shouta , Igarashi Yukihito , Higuchi Tohru , Sakka Yoshio 
Published: October 2014

Although lanthanum germanate oxyapatite (La–Ge–O) has shown good potential for use as a solid electrolyte in energy storage applications, its synthesis has been challenging by either solid‐ or solution‐state methods. In this study, a new synthesis of La–Ge–O was developed through a coprecipitation technique, in which a highly concentrated homogeneous aqueous solution of La and Ge was prepared from aqueous ammonium germanate and lanthanum nitrate solutions with the addition of dilute nitric acid. Several precipitates were formed by pH manipulation, including an amorphous material obtained at pH > 3. Compared to the individual precipitation behaviors of the parent compounds, the amorphous precipitate was formed only from the aqueous two‐component mixture, and appeared to contain both metals. This material was transformed into crystalline mixtures upon heating at 1273 K. The crystalline phases were La2Ge3O9 and hexagonal‐type GeO2 when the precipitate was formed below pH 8, and the La–Ge–O and La2Ge2O7 phases when the precipitate was formed around pH 8. Product formation from the coprecipitate was discussed based on X‐ray diffraction and thermal analyses. The improved availability of La–Ge–O will allow more extensive investigations of its useful properties.
CEO Risk‐taking Incentives and Bank Loan Syndicate Structure
Authors: Chen Liqiang 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates the effects of a borrowing firm's CEO risk‐taking incentives on the structure of the firm's syndicated loans. When CEO risk‐taking incentives are high, syndicates are structured to facilitate better due diligence and monitoring efforts. These syndicates have a smaller number of total lenders and are more concentrated, and lead arrangers will retain a greater portion of the loan. Moreover, CEO risk‐taking incentives have a lesser effect on the syndicate structure when lead arrangers have a good reputation and a prior lending relationship with a borrowing firm, while they have a greater effect on the syndicate structure when borrowing firms have low information transparency, are financially distressed or have low growth prospects.
Embedded blended learning within an Algebra classroom: a multimedia capture experiment
Authors: Smith J.G. , Suzuki S. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis two‐group, pretest‐posttest, quasi‐experimental study compared secondary students' learning of Algebra II materials over a 4‐week period when identical instruction by the same teacher was delivered through either embedded blended learning (treatment group; n = 32) or a live‐lecture classroom (control group; n = 24). For both groups, instruction was delivered in a normal classroom setting. A math test and a student survey were used to measure students' learning of Algebra II and satisfaction with the instruction. Students in the treatment group showed significantly greater gains in Algebra II test scores and evaluated their learning experiences significantly more positively than did the control group. The great majority (80%) of students in the treatment group preferred the embedded blended learning over traditional live lectures for future learning of math. Students' responses to open‐ended survey questions suggested that students in the treatment group appreciated the: (a) ability to control the pace of instruction; (b) new role of the classroom teacher; (c) lack of distraction in the blended learning environment; and (d) accessibility of the embedded multimedia lessons outside the classroom. This study suggests that screen‐capture instructional technology can be used towards establishing a teacher‐based, embedded blended learning environment within a secondary algebraic classroom.
Combined Actions of Ivabradine and Ranolazine Reduce Ventricular Rate During Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: VERRIER RICHARD L. , SILVA ANA F.G. , BONATTI RODOLFO , BATATINHA JULIO A.P. , NEARING BRUCE D. , LIU GONGXIN , RAJAMANI SRIDHARAN , ZENG DEWAN , BELARDINELLI LUIZ 
Published: October 2014

Drug Combination Reduces Ventricular Rate in AFIntroductionVentricular rate during atrial fibrillation (AF) can be reduced by slowing atrioventricular (AV) node conduction and/or by decreasing dominant frequency of AF. We investigated whether combined administration of ivabradine and ranolazine reduces ventricular rate during AF.Methods and ResultsIvabradine (maximum clinical dose, 0.25 mg/kg, and 0.10 mg/kg, i.v.) and ranolazine (2.4 mg/kg, i.v., bolus followed by 0.135 mg/kg/min) were studied in an anesthetized pig (N = 16) model of AF. Combined administration of 0.25 mg/kg ivabradine with ranolazine reduced ventricular rate during AF by 51.9 ± 9.7 beats/min (23%, P = 0.017) and dominant frequency of AF by 2.8 ± 0.5 Hz (32%, P = 0.005). It increased PR (P = 0.0002, P = 0.0007) and A‐H intervals (P = 0.047, P = 0.002) during pacing at 130 and 180 beats/min, respectively, to a greater degree than additive effects of single agents. Combined administration of 0.1 mg/kg ivabradine with ranolazine exceeded additive effects of single agents on A‐H intervals and dominant frequency of AF. Moreover, ranolazine potentiated low‐dose ivabradine's reduction in ventricular rate, as combined administration more than doubled effects of the higher ivabradine dose alone and was similar to the combination with the higher dose. Neither drug nor their combination affected contractility (left ventricular [LV] dP/dt), QT or His‐ventricular (H‐V) intervals, or mean arterial pressure during sinus rhythm or AF.ConclusionCombined administration of ivabradine and ranolazine at clinically safe levels decreases ventricular rate during AF by reducing AV node conduction and AF dominant frequency without QT prolongation or depression in contractility. Targeting these actions offers intrinsic advantages over conventional nodal agents, which can reduce contractility.
A randomized controlled trial of Pivotal Response Treatment Group for parents of children with autism
Authors: Hardan Antonio Y. , Gengoux Grace W. , Berquist Kari L. , Libove Robin A. , Ardel Christina M. , Phillips Jennifer , Frazier Thomas W. , Minjarez Mendy B. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundWith rates of autism diagnosis continuing to rise, there is an urgent need for effective and efficient service delivery models. Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) is considered an established treatment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, there have been few well‐controlled studies with adequate sample size. The aim of this study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial to evaluate PRT parent training group (PRTG) for targeting language deficits in young children with ASD.MethodsFifty‐three children with autism and significant language delay between 2 and 6 years old were randomized to PRTG (N = 27) or psychoeducation group (PEG; N = 26) for 12 weeks. The PRTG taught parents behavioral techniques to facilitate language development. The PEG taught general information about ASD (clinical trial NCT01881750; http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).ResultsAnalysis of child utterances during the structured laboratory observation (primary outcome) indicated that, compared with children in the PEG, children in the PRTG demonstrated greater improvement in frequency of utterances (F(2, 43) = 3.53, p = .038, d = 0.42). Results indicated that parents were able to learn PRT in a group format, as the majority of parents in the PRTG (84%) met fidelity of implementation criteria after 12 weeks. Children also demonstrated greater improvement in adaptive communication skills (Vineland‐II) following PRTG and baseline Mullen visual reception scores predicted treatment response to PRTG.ConclusionsThis is the first randomized controlled trial of group‐delivered PRT and one of the largest experimental investigations of the PRT model to date. The findings suggest that specific instruction in PRT results in greater skill acquisition for both parents and children, especially in functional and adaptive communication skills. Further research in PRT is warranted to replicate the observed results and address other core ASD symptoms.
Variation in two phases of post‐winter development of a butterfly
Authors: Stålhandske S. , Gotthard K. , Posledovich D. , Leimar O. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe temporal aspects of life cycle characteristics, such as diapause development, are under strong selection in seasonal environments. Fine‐tuning of the life cycle may be particularly important to match the phenology of potential mates and resources as well as for optimizing abiotic conditions at eclosion. Here, we experimentally study the spring phenology of the orange tip butterfly, Anthocharis cardamines, by analysing post‐winter pupal development in three populations along a latitudinal cline in each of Sweden and the United Kingdom. These countries differ substantially in their seasonal temperature profile. By repeatedly recording pupal weights, we established that post‐winter development has two separate phases, with a more rapid weight loss in the second phase than in the first, likely corresponding to a ramping up of the rate of development. Variation in the duration of the first phase contributed more strongly than the second phase to the differences in phenology between the localities and sexes. We found that insects from Sweden had a faster overall rate of development than those from the United Kingdom, which is consistent with countergradient variation, as Sweden is colder during the spring than the United Kingdom. Similar trends were not observed at the within‐country scale, however. A cogradient pattern was found within Sweden, with populations from the north developing more slowly, and there was no clear latitudinal trend within the United Kingdom. In all localities, males developed faster than females. Our results point to the importance of variation in the progression of post‐winter development for spring phenology.
Subprime Mortgage Defaults and Credit Default Swaps
Authors: ARENTSEN ERIC , MAUER DAVID C. , ROSENLUND BRIAN , ZHANG HAROLD H. , ZHAO FENG 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTWe offer the first empirical evidence on the adverse effect of credit default swap (CDS) coverage on subprime mortgage defaults. Using a large database of privately securitized mortgages, we find that higher defaults concentrate in mortgage pools with concurrent CDS coverage, and within these pools the loans originated after or shortly before the start of CDS coverage have an even higher delinquency rate. The results are robust across zip code and origination quarter cohorts. Overall, we show that CDS coverage helped drive higher mortgage defaults during the financial crisis.
Prospective comparison of single port versus conventional laparoscopic surgery for ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Kim Min Kyung , Kim Jeong Jin , Choi Joong Sub , Eom Jeong Min , Lee Jung Hun 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimTo investigate the feasibility and safety of single port laparoscopic surgery (SP‐LS) for ectopic pregnancy, irrespective of type of ectopic pregnancy and hemodynamic stability.MethodsA prospective case–control study of 106 women who underwent SP‐LS or conventional LS for a suspected ectopic pregnancy was performed at a university teaching hospital from January 2009 to March 2012. Twenty‐six women underwent SP‐LS (SP‐LS group) and 80 women underwent conventional LS (conventional LS group).ResultsThere were no statistical differences between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics, operating time, hemoglobin change, return of bowel activity, hospital stay or complication rate. There were no cases of additional trocar use or conversion to laparotomy. Of five women with heterotopic pregnancy, one underwent SP‐LS, and three underwent conventional LS for tubal pregnancy, which all resulted in vaginal delivery without obstetric complication; one woman received SP‐LS for cornual pregnancy and had an ongoing pregnancy.ConclusionSP‐LS for ectopic pregnancy is feasible and safe regardless of the type of ectopic pregnancy and hemodynamic stability. However, further work is needed to confirm this conclusion and to demonstrate any advantage of SP‐LS for ectopic pregnancy.
Extraversion and Agreeableness: Divergent Routes to Daily Satisfaction With Social Relationships
Authors: Tov William , Nai Ze Ling , Lee Huey Woon 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe examined the unique effects of extraversion and agreeableness (and honesty‐humility) on everyday satisfaction with family, friends, romantic life, and acquaintances, and explored potential mediators of these effects. Three diary studies (Ns = 206, 139, 185) were conducted on Singaporean university students. In Studies 1 and 2, participants rated their satisfaction with different relationship categories. In Study 3, participants rated their satisfaction and social interactions with 10 target individuals each day for a 1‐week period. Both extraversion and agreeableness predicted relationship satisfaction. However, the effect of extraversion was mediated by greater levels of trust in others, whereas the effect of agreeableness was mediated by less frequent negative exchanges (e.g., criticism, perceived anger, and perceived neglect). The effect of honesty‐humility on negative exchanges was similar to agreeableness. When both were entered as predictors, only the effect of honesty‐humility was significant. We discuss how the processes by which personality affect relationship satisfaction vary depending on the trait as well as the particular measure that is used (IPIP NEO PI‐R, California Q‐Set, and IPIP‐HEXACO).
Age-Related Prevalence Rates of Sexual Difficulties, Sexual Dysfunctions, and Sexual Distress in Heterosexual Women: Results from an Online Survey in Flanders
Authors: Hendrickx Lies , Gijs Luk , Enzlin Paul 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Although age-related prevalence rates of female sexual difficulties, i.e., difficulties with sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain have occasionally been studied—with mostly inconsistent results—the age-related prevalence rates of female sexual dysfunctions, i.e., sexual difficulties that are associated with sexual distress, have not. Moreover, the association of age with sexual distress, i.e., distress due to sexual difficulties, has almost completely been neglected in epidemiological research.

Aims
The aims of the present study were to provide age-related prevalence estimates of sexual difficulties and sexual dysfunctions and to provide proportions of participants reporting sexual distress in heterosexual women.

Methods
An online survey comprising on sexual difficulties (i.e., low sexual desire, lack of responsive sexual desire, difficulties with lubrication, lack of subjective sexual arousal, absent or delayed orgasm, and dyspareunia) and associated sexual distress that enables us to classify respondents with sexual dysfunctions.

Main Outcome Measure
Sexual Functioning Scale.

Results
A total of 15,048 heterosexual women aged 16–74 years living in Flanders (the Nothern, Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) completed the online survey. This study revealed that all sexual difficulties and all sexual dysfunctions are significantly associated with age in women. Although most sexual difficulties and sexual dysfunctions increase with age, some display a U-shaped association with age. Furthermore, it was found that—except for lubrication difficulties—sexual distress was also significantly associated with age and that sexual distress is more common in younger women.

Conclusion
The association between age and sexual difficulties, sexual dysfunctions, and sexual distress in women is complex and deserves more attention from scholars.
Positive, Proactive, and Committed: The Surprising Connection Between Good Citizens and Expressed (vs. Suppressed) Anger at Work
Authors: Stickney Lisa T. , Geddes Deanna 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn two studies, we examine the relationship of positive and negative trait affectivity (PA/NA), organizational commitment, and emotional exhaustion with organizational member anger. Utilizing the dual threshold model (DTM) constructs of expressed and suppressed anger (Geddes & Callister, 2007), we find employees with high organizational commitment express anger to relevant others, that is, to management or to those responsible for the anger‐provoking situation. In contrast, emotionally exhausted employees and those with high NA tend to suppress their anger, venting only to uninvolved parties or remaining silent. Findings also indicate a positive relationship with PA and anger expression—a connection rarely considered or examined in anger research. Further, expressed anger was predictive of perceived improvement with problematic situations, while suppressed anger forms led to perceptions that the situation at work deteriorated.
When Should We Disagree? The Effect of Relationship Conflict on Team Identity in East Asian and North American Teams
Authors: Liang Lindie H. , Adair Wendi L. , Hideg Ivona 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAlong with recent research uncovering distinctly Asian approaches to conflict management, we examine the experience and effect of relationship conflict on team identity in culturally homogeneous North American versus East Asian teams. In a longitudinal field experiment with student teams, we found that East Asian teams, compared to North American teams, experienced more relationship conflict at later stages of team tenure. We further found that, while relationship conflict undermined team identity in North American teams, relationship conflict did not influence team identity in East Asian teams. Our study counterintuitively finds that East Asian teams may be less influenced by relationship conflict than North American teams, despite their relationship maintenance orientation. We present several possible future avenues to unpack the psychological mechanisms underlying the distinct temporal patterns and outcome effects of relationship conflict in East Asian teams and implications for cross‐cultural East Asian and North American teams.
Effect of ultra‐low dose and standard heparin locks on early tunnelled dialysis catheter outcomes in low‐risk dialysis patients
Authors: Renaud Claude J , Lim Eng Kuang , Tho Samuel J , Yeoh Lee Ying 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAimInitial heparin locks instilled after tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC) insertion can leak causing systemic anticoagulation and also promote staphyloccocal biofilm formation, predisposing to catheter‐related infection (CRI). The 1000 U/mL concentration is thus advocated as the optimal dose for preventing catheter bleeding and malfunction. The effect of lower heparin concentrations on further lowering these complications is not known. We compared early TDC outcomes between a non‐standard ultra‐low (500 U/mL) and standard initial heparin locks (1000 and 5000 U/mL).MethodsThis was a retrospective study on prospectively collected data on 238 de novo internal jugular TDCs placed by nephrologists. Cases were categorized into groups 1, 2 and 3, according to initial heparin lock: 500 [n = 30], 1000 [n = 180] and 5000 U/mL [n = 28] respectively. Bleeding and malfunction within 24 h of TDC insertion, 30 days CRI‐free catheter survival and the effects of clinical and laboratory factors on bleeding were evaluated.ResultsBleeding events were similar in groups 1, 2 and 3 (7 vs 14 vs 13%, respectively, P = 0.61). Malfunction was only seen in group 2 (3.3%). Thirty‐day CRI‐free catheter survival was comparable (96 vs 98 vs 97%, respectively, P = 0.22), giving a cumulative CRI rate of 0.76/1000 catheter days. All CRIs were staphylococcal. Univariate analysis did not reveal any significant predictors of catheter bleeding.ConclusionImmediate TDC bleeding, malfunction and CRI rate are not influenced by heparin lock concentrations ≤5000 U/mL in this low‐risk cohort. However this needs to be corroborated in higher risk patients.