bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determination of Retained B2O3 Content in ZrB2‐30 vol% SiC Oxide Scales
Authors: Shugart Kathleen , Liu Siying , Craven Forrest , Opila Elizabeth 
Published: October 2014

The composition of the borosilicate glass layer formed during oxidation of ZrB2‐30 vol% SiC was determined to elucidate the extent of B2O3 retention in the oxide during high‐temperature oxidation. Oxidation was conducted in stagnant air at 1300°C, 1400°C, and 1500°C for times between 100 and 221 min. Specimens were characterized using mass change and scanning electron microscopy. After oxidation, the borosilicate glass layer was dissolved from the specimens sequentially with deionized H2O and HF acid, to analyze the glass composition using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. It was found that the average B2O3 content in the glass scale ranged from 23 to 47 mol%. Retained B2O3 content in the bulk of the glass decreased with increasing temperature, confirming increased volatility with temperature. Boron depth profiles were also obtained in the near surface region using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The measured B concentrations were used to estimate the B2O3 concentration profile and B diffusion coefficients in the borosilicate glass. Implications for the ZrB2‐SiC oxidation process are discussed.
The Sintering Trajectory and Electrical Properties of Niobium‐Doped Titania Sputtering Targets
Authors: Wu Ming‐Wei , Chen Yan‐Chi 
Published: October 2014

Nb‐doped TiO2 (TNO) films, which are highly conductive and transparent, can be used as transparent conductive oxide (TCO) films. A predominant manufacturing method for TCO film is magnetron sputtering, and the material of the sputtering target affects the performance of the film. The objective of this study was to investigate the sintering densification, microstructure, and electrical properties of TNO and TiO2 sputtering targets. The results showed that the segregation of Nb at the grain boundary in TNO helps to facilitate densification and inhibit grain growth. After 1200°C sintering, the sintered density of TNO target achieves almost 100% of the theoretical density. Moreover, the Nb2O5 additive greatly improves the electrical properties, decreasing the resistivity of TiO2 from >108 Ωcm to 4.6 × 101 Ωcm. Correlations between TNO sputtering target investigated in this study and TNO sputtered film reported in the literature are also preliminarily established. The resistivity of TNO film with an anatase structure is obviously lower than that of TNO target with a rutile structure.
Photostimulated and Long Persistent Luminescence Properties from Different Crystallographic Sites of β‐Sr2SiO4: Eu2+, R3+ (R = Tm, Gd)
Authors: Zhang Buhao , Yu Xue , Wang Ting , Cheng Shuai , Qiu Jianbei , Xu Xuhui 
Published: October 2014

Sintered ceramics of β‐Sr2SiO4: Eu2+, R3+(R=Tm, Gd) were prepared and their spectroscopic properties were evaluated. A large enhancement of green photostimulated luminescence (PSL) was observed from β‐Sr2SiO4:Eu2+ codoping with Tm3+ at a recognizable intensity level, and the most efficient PSL was obtained when the codoping concentration of Tm3+ was 0.002. It was proved that the introduction of Tm3+ created a large number of oxygen vacancies which serve as traps for electrons excited by UV irradiation. In addition, a distinguishable difference between the photoluminescence (PL) and PSL spectra of β‐Sr2SiO4: Eu2+, Tm3+ was observed, namely the PSL spectrum exhibits only a symmetric emission band peaked at about 540 nm while both 470 and 540 nm peaks were detected in the PL spectrum. It is safe to say that PSL only derives from one emission center of Eu2 in the crystallographic Sr2 sites, which could be ascribed to the different distribution of trap centers for two crystallographic Sr sites.
Dielectric Properties of Lithium Molybdate Ceramic Fabricated at Room Temperature
Authors: Kähäri Hanna , Teirikangas Merja , Juuti Jari , Jantunen Heli 
Published: October 2014

Lithium molybdate disks were fabricated by moistening water‐soluble Li2MoO4 powder with deionized water and compressing it under a pressure of 130 MPa. Disks were postprocessed at room temperature, at 120°C, and at 540°C, which is a common sintering temperature for Li2MoO4. Regardless of the postprocessing temperature, densities as high as 87%–93% of the theoretical value were achieved. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of processed disks were all the same with no signs of hydrates or constitutional water. The samples also exhibited very similar microstructures and microwave dielectric properties with a relative permittivity of 4.6–5.2 and a Q × f value of 10 200–18 500 at 9.6 GHz, depending on the postprocessing temperature.
Sex differences in ADHD symptom severity
Authors: Arnett Anne B. , Pennington Bruce F. , Willcutt Erik G. , DeFries John C. , Olson Richard K. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundMales show higher rates of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) than do females. Potential explanations include genuine etiological differences or artifact.Methods2,332 twin and sibling youth participated in behavioral and cognitive testing. Partially competing models of symptom severity distribution differences, the mean difference, and variance difference models, were tested within a randomly selected subsample. The Delta method was used to test for mediation of sex differences in ADHD symptom severity by processing speed, inhibition and working memory.ResultsThe combined mean difference and variance difference models fully explained the sex difference in ADHD symptom severity. Cognitive endophenotypes mediated 14% of the sex difference effect.ConclusionsThe sex difference in ADHD symptom severity is valid and may be due to differing genetic and cognitive liabilities between the sexes.
Adalimumab retreatment successfully restores clinical response and health‐related quality of life in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis who undergo therapy interruption
Authors: Gordon K.B. , Gottlieb A.B. , Langely R.G. , van de Kerkhof P. , Belasco K.T. , Sundaram M. , Okun M. , Serra L. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundPublished evaluations of skin disease signs and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) upon therapy withdrawal and retreatment in psoriatic patients are limited to results of drug withdrawal after short‐term treatment. Analyses are lacking that evaluate patients' response to retreatment for patients treated successfully long‐term.ObjectiveTo study the efficacy and safety of adalimumab in patients with long‐term clinical responses to adalimumab who then discontinue therapy and are retreated with the same dosing regimen as the initial course. Skin disease signs and patients' HRQoL are evaluated.MethodsThis post hoc analysis of an open‐label study (NCT00195676) included patients who had responded favourably to adalimumab during initial treatment (≥75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index [PASI 75 response]) and had maintained good clinical response for an extended period (up to 252 weeks); patients had Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) 0 or 1 before treatment interruption. Following drug withdrawal (up to 40 weeks), all patients were retreated with adalimumab 80 mg initial dose, followed by 40 mg every‐other‐week for 16 weeks. PASI response and HRQoL were evaluated.ResultsOf the 133 patients in this analysis, 24 (18%) relapsed during therapy withdrawal. After 16 weeks of retreatment, 75% who relapsed and 89.9% who did not relapse, had a PASI 75 response; 89.5% achieved European Consensus Programme treatment goals after 16 weeks of retreatment. During drug withdrawal, HRQoL disproportionally worsened compared to skin disease signs; HROoL also considerably worsened for patients who did not relapse. Patients regained HRQoL upon retreatment with adalimumab. No new safety signals were identified in this study.ConclusionRetreatment with adalimumab was successful in improving psoriasis skin signs and HRQoL in this subgroup with initial and extended responses to therapy followed by relapse after treatment withdrawal. Patient's HRQoL should be considered, as it may substantially worsen during therapy interruption.
Anaesthetic digital block with epinephrine vs. tourniquet in ingrown toenail surgery: a clinical trial on efficacy
Authors: Córdoba‐Fernández A. , Rodríguez‐Delgado F.J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundCurrent evidence shows that anaesthetic digital block with epinephrine is safe in surgical selected patients. There are no controlled studies that have examined the efficacy of local anaesthesia with vasoconstrictor in chemical matricectomy without using tourniquet to control bleeding.ObjectivesA controlled, prospective and randomized study was conducted to examine primarily the rate of recurrence after segmental phenolization matricectomy with anaesthetic digital block with epinephrine vs. tourniquet. As secondary aims, duration of anaesthetic effect, post‐operative bleeding and pain were analysed in both groups.MethodsForty‐four healthy subjects with ingrown hallux nails (70 toes) were enrolled. A total of 34 toes were anaesthetized with a solution of 2% mepivacaine with (1 : 100 000) epinephrine and operated without tourniquet (experimental group) vs. 36 toes anesthetized with a solution of 2% mepivacaine without epinephrine and operated with tourniquet (control group).ResultsThere was no statistically significant difference in recurrence rates (P = 0.478). Post‐operative bleeding was significantly higher in the group with anaesthetic digital block without vasoconstrictor and with tourniquet (P = 0.001). Anaesthetic effect was higher in the group with anaesthetic digital block with vasoconstrictor and without tourniquet (P = 0.001). No post‐operative complications occurred in any of the treatment groups.ConclusionsThe use of local anaesthetic with vasoconstrictor to perform chemical matricectomy likely to be an effective procedure to reduce the disadvantages of using digital tourniquet (post‐operative bleeding and lower anaesthetic effect) without increasing the risk of recurrence. The addition of epinephrine may reduce the need for a tourniquet and produce better and longer perioperative pain control.
Do Gerontology Nurse Specialists Make a Difference in Hospitalization of Long‐Term Care Residents? Results of a Randomized Comparison Trial
Authors: Boyd Michal , Armstrong Delwyn , Parker Janet , Pilcher Carole , Zhou Lifeng , McKenzie‐Green Barbara , Connolly Martin J. 
Published: October 2014

Residents of long‐term care facilities have highly complex care needs and quality of care is of international concern. Maintaining resident wellness through proactive assessment and early intervention is key to decreasing the need for acute hospitalization. The Residential Aged Care Integration Program (RACIP) is a quality improvement intervention to support residential aged care staff and includes on‐site support, education, clinical coaching, and care coordination provided by gerontology nurse specialists (GNSs) employed by a large district health board. The effect of the outreach program was evaluated through a randomized comparison of hospitalization 1 year before and after program implementation. The sample included 29 intervention facilities (1,425 residents) and 25 comparison facilities (1,128 residents) receiving usual care. Acute hospitalization rate unexpectedly increased for both groups after program implementation, although the rate of increase was significantly less for the intervention facilities. The hospitalization rate after the intervention increased 59% for the comparison group and 16% for the intervention group (rate ratio (RR) = 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.61–0.86, P < .001). Subgroup analysis showed a significantly lower rate change for those admitted for medical reasons for the intervention group (13% increase) than the comparison group (69% increase) (RR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.56–0.82, P < .001). Conversely, there was no significant difference in the RR for surgical admissions between the intervention and comparison groups (RR = 1.0, 95% CI = 0.68–1.46, P = .99). The integration of GNS expertise through the RACIP intervention may be one approach to support staff to provide optimal care and potentially improve resident health.
Teaching Geriatrics Using an Innovative, Individual‐Centered Educational Game: Students and Educators Win. A Proof‐of‐Concept Study
Authors: van de Pol Marjolein H. J. , Lagro Joep , Fluit Lia R. M. G. , Lagro‐Janssen Toine L. M. , Olde Rikkert Marcel G. M. 
Published: October 2014

Given the increasingly aging population, nearly every doctor will encounter elderly adults who present with multiple complex comorbidities that can challenge even experienced physicians. This may explain why many medical students do not have a positive attitude toward elderly adults and find the complexity of their problems overwhelming. It was hypothesized that a recently developed medical school geriatrics course, based on the game GeriatriX and designed specifically to address the complexities associated with decision‐making in geriatrics, can have a positive effect on attitudes toward geriatrics and on perceived knowledge of geriatrics. The effects of this game‐based course were evaluated as a proof of concept. The assessment was based on the Aging Semantic Differential (ASD) and a validated self‐perceived knowledge scale of geriatric topics. The usability of (and satisfaction with) GeriatriX was also assessed using a 5‐point Likert scale. After completion of the course, the ASD changed significantly in the geriatrics course group (n = 29; P = .02) but not in a control group that took a neuroscience course (n = 24; P = .30). Moreover, the geriatrics course group had a significant increase in self‐perceived knowledge for 12 of the 18 topics (P = .002), whereas in the control group self‐perceived knowledge increased significantly for one topic only (sensory impairment) (P = .04). Finally, the geriatrics students reported enjoying GeriatriX. This proof‐of‐concept study clearly supports the hypothesis that a 4‐week course using a modern educational approach such as GeriatriX can improve students' self‐perceived knowledge of geriatrics and their attitudes toward elderly adults.
Comparison of In‐Person and Telephone Administration of the Mini‐Mental State Examination in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging
Authors: Kennedy Richard E. , Williams Courtney P. , Sawyer Patricia , Allman Richard M. , Crowe Michael 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo validate the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) Telephone (MMSET) against the MMSE.DesignCross‐sectional.SettingHomes of community‐dwelling older adults.ParticipantsAfrican‐American and non‐Hispanic white adults aged 75 and older participating in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Study of Aging II, a longitudinal epidemiological study across the state of Alabama (N = 419).MeasurementsCognition, measured using the MMSE, MMSET, and Six‐Item Screener (SIS), and function, based on self‐reported difficulty performing instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Correlation and agreement coefficients were used to examine concordance of the MMSE and MMSET; linear and logistic regressions were used to test associations with clinical outcomes of IADL difficulty and verified diagnoses of dementia.ResultsThe MMSET showed good internal consistency (Cronbach α = 0.845), similar to the full MMSE, and strong correlation with the latter (Spearman ρ = 0.694, P < .001). The MMSET explained a similar proportion of IADL difficulty as the full MMSE (coefficient of variation = 0.201 and 0.189, respectively). The MMSET was also associated with verified dementia diagnoses (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.73), which was similar to the full MMSE.ConclusionThe MMSET is a brief, valid measure of cognition in older adults with psychometric properties similar to that of the full MMSE. Because it can be administered over the telephone, further use in epidemiological studies is promising.
Multiple Anticholinergic Medication Use and Risk of Hospital Admission for Confusion or Dementia
Authors: Kalisch Ellett Lisa M. , Pratt Nicole L. , Ramsay Emmae N. , Barratt John D. , Roughead Elizabeth E. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo identify the association between use of multiple anticholinergic medications and risk of hospitalization for confusion or dementia.DesignRetrospective cohort study conducted over 2 years between July 2010 and June 2012, using administrative claims data from the Australian Department of Veterans' Affairs.SettingAustralia.ParticipantsAustralian veterans dispensed at least one moderately or highly anticholinergic medication in the year before study start.MeasurementsCumulative anticholinergic use on each day of the study period was determined. The association between hospitalization for confusion or dementia and number of anticholinergic medications used at the time of admission was compared against times during which participants were not taking anticholinergic medications. Sensitivity analyses were undertaken limiting the outcome to admissions for acute confusion and excluding individuals taking antipsychotics.ResultsAdjusted results showed a significantly greater risk of hospitalization for confusion or dementia when individuals were taking two or more anticholinergic medications. The adjusted incident rate ratios (IRRs) were 2.58 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.91–3.48) for those taking two anticholinergics and 3.87 (95% CI = 1.83–8.21) for those taking three or more. Sensitivity analyses in which participants taking antipsychotic medications were excluded and the outcome was limited to acute confusion also found similar risks for those taking two (IRR 1.82, 95% CI = 1.18–2.80) and three or more (IRR = 3.98 95% CI = 1.50–10.58) anticholinergic medications.ConclusionTaking more anticholinergic medications is associated with greater risk of hospitalization for confusion or dementia. Strategies to reduce anticholinergic medication burden are likely to translate into significant health benefits.
Impact of the 2008 U.S. Preventative Services Task Force Recommendation on Frequency of Prostate‐Specific Antigen Screening in Older Men
Authors: Lee Shin Yin , Friderici Jennifer , Stefan Mihaela S. , Rothberg Michael B. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of the 2008 U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recommendation against prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening in men aged 75 and older on frequency of PSA screening in elderly men.DesignRetrospective, cross‐sectional analysis.SettingFifteen community primary care practices in western Massachusetts.ParticipantsMen aged 65 and older with one or more annual physicals between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2010.MeasurementsPSA testing was determined from the electronic health record. Mixed‐effects logistic regression was used to model the rate of PSA testing over time for two age groups: 65 to 74, and 75 and older.ResultsOf the 7,833 men in this study, 60% were younger than 75. PSA screening rates were consistently lower in men aged 75 and older. Annual rates, adjusted for number of clinic visits, ranged from 12% to 28% in men aged 75 and older, and 37% to 49% in men aged 65 to 74. In the 2 years before the guideline was released, there was already a slow decline in screening rate in men aged 75 and older, whereas the screening rate in men aged 65 to 74 was rising. Compared to 2008, there was a 36% relative reduction in screening rate in 2009 and a 51% relative reduction in 2010 for men aged 75 and older, and a 12% relative reduction in screening rate in 2009 and a 24% relative reduction in 2010 for men aged 65 to 74.ConclusionThe 2008 recommendation appeared to reduce PSA screening rates in older men in 2009 and 2010; there was a substantial reduction in men aged 75 and older and a more modest reduction in men aged 65 to 74.
Association Between Frailty and Carotid Central Structure Changes: The Three‐City Study
Authors: Avila‐Funes José Alberto , Meillon Céline , González‐Colaço Harmand Magali , Tzourio Christophe , Dartigues Jean‐François , Amieva Hélène 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo demonstrate the association between carotid central structure changes and frailty.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingThe Three‐City Study, a French prospective cohort designed to evaluate the risk of cognitive decline attributable to vascular risk factors.ParticipantsCommunity‐dwelling individuals aged 65 to 95 (N = 4,257).MeasurementsFrailty was defined as proposed by Fried and colleagues. Carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT), diameter of the common carotid arteries, and the presence of plaques in both carotid arteries were determined using carotid Doppler ultrasonography. Multinomial logistic regression models, including adjustment for traditional cardiovascular and dementia risk factors, were used to evaluate the independent association between the central arterial structure and frailty.Results6.8% of participants were classified as frail. Multivariate regression models showed an independent association between carotid IMT and frailty and between carotid diameter and frailty after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, cardiovascular risk factors, disability, and apolipoprotein E ε4 genotype. A 1–standard deviation (SD) increase in IMT (odds ratio (OR) = 1.15; P = .04) and a 1‐SD increase in carotid diameter (OR = 1.23; P = .006) were associated with greater probability of being frail.ConclusionThe association between carotid structure changes and frailty suggests that frail elderly adults have vascular damage, which may explain, at least partly, why several adverse health‐related outcomes are frequently observed in frail elderly adults.
A Postal Screener for Pain and Need for Treatment in Older Persons in Primary Care
Authors: de Waal Margot W. M. , den Elzen Wendy P. J. , Achterberg Wilco P. , Gussekloo Jacobijn , Blom Jeanet W. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesTo test the Pain intensity, Enjoyment in life, General activity questionnaire (PEG) as a postal screener for pain in older persons.DesignPopulation‐based survey. Postal screening questionnaires followed by an interview of a sample of participants.SettingFamily practices.ParticipantsPersons aged 75 and older (N = 243; 95 interviewed).MeasurementsScreening included the PEG, a three‐item abbreviated version of the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), plus an additional question on treatment need. Pain severity and related interference was assessed (BPI) during the interview, as was the current (need for) pain treatment.ResultsThe median PEG score of the 243 persons participating in the screening (response 76%) was 2.0 (interquartile range 0–4.7). Seventy‐nine (35%) had moderate to severe pain (PEG score ≥4), of whom 56% reported current pain treatment and 15% stated that they might ask for help. For a PEG score cutoff of 4 or greater, sensitivity was 0.81 and specificity was 0.78 to find scores of 4 or greater on one or both BPI subscales during the interview. For the question on need for treatment, replies on the screener and the interview were not always consistent. Of the 43 interviewed participants with a PEG score of 4 or greater, 60% received treatment. Of the 17 without current pain treatment, 10 still reported pain, three of whom said that they might ask for help.ConclusionThe PEG can be used as a postal screener to detect the presence of pain in older persons, but treatment needs cannot be established using the PEG alone or in combination with a simple additional question.