bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
[Mis]Placing Race in Biomedical Clinical Context: Racial Categories, Medical Research, and the Reproduction of Health Disparities
Authors: Rondini Ashley C. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractNotions of racial categories as biologically significant remain persistently salient to oppressive hegemonic ideas about race, despite scientific evidence to the contrary. Biomedical and epidemiological researchers are both professionally socialized and institutionally mandated to utilize racial categories in their research design, implementation, and interpretation processes, under the premise that doing so can facilitate the development of measures to combat racial disparities in health outcomes and care. However, when aggregate data intended to illustrate racial disparities are inappropriately extrapolated to the individualized context of biomedical clinical practice, essentialist notions of racial difference are reified. This paper integrates interdisciplinary perspectives from the fields of sociology, medicine, public health, epidemiology, evolutionary biology, and biological anthropology to explore the ideological, historical, and structural contexts through which the conflation of racial categories as indicators of group‐level inequities in health outcomes and care experiences with essentialized notions of biological differences between racial groups may inform disparate care at the level of individual patient encounter in biomedical clinical practice.
Olfaction in the kidney: ‘smelling’ gut microbial metabolites
Authors: Natarajan Niranjana , Pluznick Jennifer L. 
Published: August 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?
This review covers recent findings highlighting roles for renal and vascular sensory receptors that modify blood pressure control in response to changes in gut microbial metabolites.

What advances does it highlight?
This review highlights the novel roles that G‐protein‐coupled receptor 41 and olfactory receptor 78 play in blood pressure regulation.

The gut microbiota have recently been recognized as an important component of host physiology and pathophysiology. Our recent studies have shown that a subset of gut microbial metabolites, known as short‐chain fatty acids, act as ligands for host G‐protein‐coupled receptors (G‐protein‐coupled receptor 41 and olfactory receptor 78). Short‐chain fatty acid‐mediated activation of G‐protein‐coupled receptor 41 and olfactory receptor 78 modulates blood pressure control, both by modulating renin secretion and by modulating vascular tone directly. Further studies are needed in order to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanism by which microbiota and microbial metabolites modulate host physiology and their potential implications in health and disease.
Bandgap modulation and hydrogen storage with Cr-doped BN sheets
Authors: Ma Shengqian 
Published: August 2015

The theoretical calculations indicate that the metal-doped boron nitride (BN) sheets are potential materials to store the hydrogen and tune the bandgap. It is all known that the BN sheet is a nonmagnetic wide-bandgap semiconductor. Using density function theory (DFT), the lattice parameters of Cr-doped BN sheets are optimized, which are still kept on two-dimensional (2D) planar geometry, and the bandgap and [Formula: see text] storage are studied. The simulation results show that the [Formula: see text] molecule can be easily absorbed by Cr-doped N in BN sheet. As the adsorption energy was greatly decreasing with the increasing number of Cr-doped N, B had an affinity for adsorption of [Formula: see text]. With the increase of Cr doping, the bandgap of Cr-doped BN sheet is decreasing. The bandgap decreases from 4.705 eV to 0.08 eV. So Cr-doped BN sheet is a promising material in storing [Formula: see text] and tuning the bandgap.
First-principles study on the band structure, magnetic and elastic properties of half-metallic Cr2MnAl
Authors: Qi Santao , Zhang Chuan-Hui , Chen Bao , Shen Jiang 
Published: August 2015

In this study, we have investigated the structural, electronic, magnetic and elastic properties of the full-Heusler [Formula: see text] alloy in the framework of density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation (GGA). The calculated results showed that [Formula: see text] was stable in ferrimagnetic configuration and crystallized in the [Formula: see text]-type structure. From the band structure and density of states calculation results, we concluded that [Formula: see text] belongs to a kind of half-metallic compound with an indirect band gap of 0.37 eV. Immediately thereafter, we have analyzed the origin of half-metallic band gap. The total magnetic moment of [Formula: see text] at the stable state is [Formula: see text] per formula unit, obeying the Slater–Pauling rule [Formula: see text]. In addition, various mechanical properties have been obtained and discussed based on the three principle elastic tensor elements [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for the first time in the present work. We expect that our calculated results may trigger the application of [Formula: see text] in future spintronics field.
Evaluation of the quality for sheet deep drawing using a magnetorheological fluid (MRF)
Authors: Li Feng , Xu Peng , Sui Xiaochong , Zhou Fujian 
Published: August 2015

Sealing problems, subsequent cleaning processes and poor force transmission effect etc. series of problems which strongly restrict the development and application of traditional medium pressure-based sheet forming technology. To overcome these problems, the magnetorheological fluid (MRF) can be used as the alternative force transmission medium. In this study, the deep drawing process of a 304 stainless steel sheet using MRF was investigated. The die cavity was filled with MRF and electric current was used to quantitatively adjust the magnetic fields distribution, which then controls the deformation behavior of the forming sheet. As compared to the conventional deep drawing process, experimental results clearly show that significant improvement in the produced sample quality was obtained when using the MRF with the electric current of 2 A. These improvements include: the height of the boundary circle reduces by 20%, the wall thickness distribution is more uniform, the rebound ratio correspondingly reduces from 9.6% to 0.67%, and the degree of sticking mode and the size precision are significantly increased. The results of this study provide scientific guidance to solve the bottleneck in the traditional deep drawing forming technology. The potential applications of the MRF-based new deep drawing technology to improve the product quality were explored.
Contribution of Bodily and Gravitational Orientation Cues to Face and Letter Recognition
Authors: Barnett-Cowan Michael , Snow Jacqueline C. , Culham Jody C. 
Published: August 2015

Sensory information provided by the vestibular system is crucial in cognitive processes such as the ability to recognize objects. The orientation at which objects are most easily recognized — the perceptual upright (PU) — is influenced by body orientation with respect to gravity as detected from the somatosensory and vestibular systems. To date, the influence of these sensory cues on the PU has been measured using a letter recognition task. Here we assessed whether gravitational influences on letter recognition also extend to human face recognition. 13 right-handed observers were positioned in four body orientations (upright, left-side-down, right-side-down, supine) and visually discriminated ambiguous characters (‘p’-from-‘d’; ‘i’-from-‘!’) and ambiguous faces used in popular visual illusions (‘young woman’-from-‘old woman’; ‘grinning man’-from-‘frowning man’) in a forced-choice paradigm. The two transition points (e.g., ‘p-to-d’ and ‘d-to-p’; ‘young woman-to-old woman’ and ‘old woman-to-young woman’) were fit with a sigmoidal psychometric function and the average of these transitions was taken as the PU for each stimulus category. The results show that both faces and letters are more influenced by body orientation than gravity. However, faces are more optimally recognized when closer in alignment with body orientation than letters — which are more influenced by gravity. Our results indicate that the brain does not utilize a common representation of upright that governs recognition of all object categories. Distinct areas of ventro-temporal cortex that represent faces and letters may weight bodily and gravitational cues differently — possibly to facilitate the specific demands of face and letter recognition.
Making Sense of the Body: the Role of Vestibular Signals
Authors: Lopez Christophe 
Published: August 2015

The role of the vestibular system in posture and eye movement control has been extensively described. By contrast, how vestibular signals contribute to bodily perceptions is a more recent research area in the field of cognitive neuroscience. In the present review article, I will summarize recent findings showing that vestibular signals play a crucial role in making sense of the body. First, data will be presented showing that vestibular signals contribute to bodily perceptions ranging from low-level bodily perceptions, such as touch, pain, and the processing of the body’s metric properties, to higher level bodily perceptions, such as the sense of owning a body, the sense of being located within this body (embodiment), and the anchoring of the visuo-spatial perspective to this body. In the second part of the review article, I will show that vestibular information seems to be crucially involved in the visual perception of biological motion and in the visual perception of human body structure. Reciprocally, observing human bodies in motion influences vestibular self-motion perception, presumably due to sensorimotor resonance between the self and others. I will argue that recent advances in the mapping of the human vestibular cortex afford neuroscientific models of the vestibular contributions to human bodily self-consciousness.
Beyond the Non-Specific Attentional Effect of Caloric Vestibular Stimulation: Evidence from Healthy Subjects and Patients
Authors: Bottini Gabriella , Gandola Martina 
Published: August 2015

Caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) is a simple physiological manipulation that has been used for a long time in different clinical fields due to its rapid and relevant effects on behaviour. One of the most debated issues in this research field concerns the degree of specificity of such stimulation, namely whether the effects of CVS can be, and to what extent are, independent of the mere influence of non-specific factors such as general arousal, ocular movements or attentional shift towards the stimulated side. The hypothesis that CVS might cause a shift of attention towards the side of the stimulation has been largely supported; moreover, a large amount of evidence is available nowadays to corroborate the specific effect of CVS, providing behavioural and neurophysiological data in both patients and normal subjects. These data converge in indicating that the effects of CVS can be independent of eye deviation and general arousal, can modulate different symptoms in different directions, and do not merely depend on a general shift of attention. The present article is divided into three main sections. In the first section, we describe classical studies that investigate the effects of CVS on neglect and related symptoms. In the second and third parts, we provide an overview of the modulatory effects of CVS on somatosensory processes and body representation in both brain-damaged patients and healthy subjects. Finally, we conclude by discussing the relevance of these new findings for the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the modulatory effects of CVS.
The Components of Vestibular Cognition — Motion Versus Spatial Perception
Authors: Seemungal Barry M. 
Published: August 2015

Vestibular cognition can be divided into two main functions — a primary vestibular sensation of self-motion and a derived sensation of spatial orientation. Although the vestibular system requires calibration from other senses for optimal functioning, both vestibular spatial and vestibular motion perception are typically employed when navigating without vision. A recent important finding is the cerebellar mediation of the uncoupling of reflex (i.e., the vestibular-ocular reflex) from vestibular motion perception (Perceptuo-Reflex Uncoupling). The brain regions that mediate vestibular motion and vestibular spatial perception is an area of on-going research activity. However, there is data to support the notion that vestibular motion perception is mediated by multiple brain regions. In contrast, vestibular spatial perception appears to be mediated by posterior brain areas although currently the exact locus is unclear. I will discuss the experimental evidence that support this functional dichotomy in vestibular cognition (i.e., motion processingvs.spatial orientation). Along the way I will highlight relevant practical technical tips in testing vestibular cognition.
Evaluation of the Warm Rain Formation Process in Global Models with Satellite Observations
Authors: Suzuki Kentaroh , Stephens Graeme , Bodas-Salcedo Alejandro , Wang Minghuai , Golaz Jean-Christophe , Yokohata Tokuta , Koshiro Tsuyoshi 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
This study examines the warm rain formation process over the global ocean in global climate models. Methodologies developed to analyze CloudSat and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite observations are employed to investigate the cloud-to-precipitation process of warm clouds and are applied to the model results to examine how the models represent the process for warm stratiform clouds. Despite a limitation of the present study that compares the statistics for stratiform clouds in climate models with those from satellite observations, including both stratiform and (shallow) convective clouds, the statistics constructed with the methodologies are compared between the models and satellite observations to expose their similarities and differences. A problem common to some models is that they tend to produce rain at a faster rate than is observed. These model characteristics are further examined in the context of cloud microphysics parameterizations using a simplified one-dimensional model of warm rain formation that isolates key microphysical processes from full interactions with other processes in global climate models. The one-dimensional model equivalent statistics reproduce key characteristics of the global model statistics when corresponding autoconversion schemes are assumed in the one-dimensional model. The global model characteristics depicted by the statistics are then interpreted as reflecting behaviors of the autoconversion parameterizations adopted in the models. Comparisons of the one-dimensional model with satellite observations hint at improvements to the formulation of the parameterization scheme, thus offering a novel way of constraining key parameters in autoconversion schemes of global models.
On the Remapping Procedure of Daily Precipitation Statistics and Indices Used in Regional Climate Model Evaluation
Authors: Diaconescu Emilia Paula , Gachon Philippe , Laprise René 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Gridded estimates of precipitation using both satellite and observational station data are regularly used as reference products in the evaluation of basic climate fields and derived indices as simulated by regional climate models (RCMs) over the current period. One of the issues encountered in RCM evaluation is the fact that RCMs and reference fields are usually on different grids and often at different horizontal resolutions. A proper RCM evaluation requires remapping on a common grid. For the climate indices or other derived fields, the remapping can be done in two ways: either as a first-step operation on the original field with the derived index computed on the final/common grid in a second step, or to compute first the climate index on the original grid before remapping or regridding it as a last-step operation on the final/common grid. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate how the two approaches affect the final field, thus contributing to one of the Coordinated Regional Climate Downscaling Experiment (CORDEX) in Africa (CORDEX-Africa) goals of providing a benchmark framework for RCM evaluation over the West Africa monsoon area, using several daily precipitation indices. The results indicate the advantage of using the last-step remapping procedure, regardless of the mathematical method chosen for the remapping, in order to minimize errors in the indices under evaluation.
Management Strategies for Vitamin K Antagonists Reversal in Patients With Major Bleeding
Authors: Bernardi Enrico , Imberti Davide , Ferrari Annamaria 
Published: August 2015

Objective: Emergency physicians frequently deal with patients on vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) suffering major bleeding events, and rapid reversal of anticoagulation in this setting is of paramount importance. In Italy, given the absence of specific national guidelines, local policies are likely to differ, possibly impacting on clinical outcomes. We decided to perform a telephone survey among Italian emergency physicians to evaluate management strategies for VKAs reversal in patients with major bleeding. Methods: We conducted a computer-assisted, 10-minute telephone survey of 15 questions, focusing on the local prevalence, assessment, and management strategies of major and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) occurring in patients on VKAs. We planned to interview a sample of 320 Italian emergency physicians. Institutions from all geographic areas of Italy were to participate in the survey. Results: Of the 320 physicians contacted, 150 (47%) completed the survey, 95% being employed in public hospitals. Focusing on ICH, only 29% of the responders stated they would reverse anticoagulation irrespective of the international normalized ratio value, and only 27% would use prothrombin-complex concentrate as first-line agent. In patients needing urgent neurosurgical operation, less than 50% would administer prothrombin-complex concentrate before surgery. Conclusion: The average knowledge of management strategies for reversal of anticoagulation displayed by Italian emergency physicians appears to be unsatisfactory. The need for an extensive educational program and for the implementation of specific guidelines, possibly endorsed by Scientific Societies, cannot be underemphasized.
An Innovative Model of a Home-Like Environment for People in Vegetative and Minimally Conscious States
Authors: Zylberman Rachele , Carolei Antonio , Sacco Simona , Mallia Pierre , Pistoia Francesca 
Published: August 2015

Background and Purpose: Many forms of assisted living have been proposed for people who have a loss of autonomy in activities of daily living. Despite the increasing prevalence of vegetative and minimally conscious states, no dedicated residential accommodation has been implemented for patients with chronic disorders of consciousness (DOCs). Methods: This is a descriptive study addressing an innovative model of in-house assistance, named Casa Iride, which has recently been implemented in the attempt to ensure health, safety, and well-being for people with DOCs and their families. Results: Our findings show that Casa Iride enables severely disabled individuals to live with dignity within a customized domestic environment. At the same time, it provides support for caregivers from both a practical and a psychological point of view. Conclusions: The results so far indicate a virtuous cycle that brings health, social, psychological, ethical, and economic advantages: the individuals receive all the assistance needed; the families share a place with other people with similar challenges, become more aware of their situation, and learn to cope with it and to maintain their productivity at work; and the care flow of patients through intensive care units and intensive rehabilitation wards is not delayed by a lack of post discharge services.
Copper-Assisted Direct Growth of Vertical Graphene Nanosheets on Glass Substrates by Low-Temperature Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapour Deposition Process
Authors: Ma Yifei , Jang Haegyu , Kim Sun Jung , Pang Changhyun , Chae Heeyeop 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Vertical graphene (VG) nanosheets are directly grown below 500 °C on glass substrates by a one-step copper-assisted plasma-enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) process. A piece of copper foil is located around a glass substrate as a catalyst in the process. The effect of the copper catalyst on the vertical graphene is evaluated in terms of film morphology, growth rate, carbon density in the plasma and film resistance. The growth rate of the vertical graphene is enhanced by a factor of 5.6 with the copper catalyst with denser vertical graphene. The analysis of optical emission spectra suggests that the carbon radical density is increased with the copper catalyst. Highly conductive VG films having 800 Ω/□ are grown on glass substrates with Cu catalyst at a relatively low temperature.
Is suvorexant a better choice than alternative hypnotics?
Authors: Kripke Daniel F. 
Published: August 2015

Suvorexant is a novel dual orexin receptor antagonist (DORA) newly introduced in the U.S. as a hypnotic, but no claim of superiority over other hypnotics has been offered. The manufacturer argued that the 5 and 10 mg starting doses recommended by the FDA might be ineffective. The manufacturer's main Phase III trials had not even included the 10 mg dosage, and the 5 mg dosage had not been tested at all in registered clinical trials at the time of approval. Popular alternative hypnotics may be similarly ineffective, since the FDA has also reduced the recommended doses for zolpidem and eszopiclone. The "not to exceed" suvorexant dosage of 20 mg does slightly increase sleep. Because of slow absorption, suvorexant has little effect on latency to sleep onset but some small effect in suppressing wakening after sleep onset and in improving sleep efficiency. The FDA would not approve the manufacturer's preferred 40 mg suvorexant dosage, because of concern with daytime somnolence, driving impairment, and possible narcolepsy-like symptoms. In its immediate benefits-to-risks ratio, suvorexant is unlikely to prove superior to currently available hypnotics—possibly worse—so there is little reason to prefer over the alternatives this likely more expensive hypnotic less-tested in practice. Associations are being increasingly documented relating hypnotic usage with incident cancer, with dementia risks, and with premature death. There is some basis to speculate that suvorexant might be safer than alternative hypnotics in terms of cancer, dementia, infections, and mortality. These safety considerations will remain unproven speculations unless adequate long-term trials can be done that demonstrate suvorexant advantages.