bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High‐Temperature Dielectric Relaxations in LiF Single Crystals
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Chunchang , Li Qiuju , Yu Yi , Zhang Jian , Zheng Jun , Cheng Chao , Li Yide , Wang Hong 
Published: May 2015

By means of dielectric permittivity, electric modulus and impedance, the dielectric properties of LiF single crystals were investigated in the temperature range of 30°C–800°C and frequency range of 50 Hz–10 MHz. Two thermally activated relaxations, R1 and R2, were observed. The relaxation R1 showing activation energy around 0.8 eV was found to be related to the Li‐ion diffusion in the crystal. The relaxation R2 contains three Arrhenius segments, the low‐, mid‐, and high‐T segments, separated by boundary temperatures of 325°C and 425°C. These segments in the order of ascending temperature were found to be associated with F3, F3+ centers, F2 centers, and F centers, respectively.
Alternative health eating index and the Dietary Guidelines from American Diabetes Association both may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Wu Pei‐Yu , Huang Chen‐Ling , Lei Weng‐Seng , Yang Shwu‐Huey 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn the general population, a higher Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI)‐2010 score is related to decreased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Few studies have described the dietary patterns that reduce the risk of CVD or coronary heart disease (CHD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. In the present study, the association between the American Diabetes Association (ADA)‐recommended dietary pattern, AHEI‐2010 , and CVD risk factors and the CVD incidence over 52 months in T2DM patients was evaluated.MethodsThe ADA score was developed from the ADA dietary recommendations. In this prospective study, the 24‐h dietary recall of 124 adult T2DM patients without nephropathy or chronic kidney disease was collected. The CVD risk factors were collected at baseline and at 6‐month follow‐up.ResultsCompared with lower ADA and AHEI‐2010 score participants, the higher score participants exhibited a significantly lower waist circumference, serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level and 10‐year risk of CHD. Participants with higher ADA dietary scores had a significantly reduced risk of central obesity and systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg. Higher AHEI‐2010 scores were significantly related to a reduced risk of serum low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol > 100 mg dL‐1. Seven participants had their first‐ever CVD during the follow‐up period, although neither ADA score, nor AHEI‐2010 score could predict CVD incidence.ConclusionsThe ADA‐recommended dietary pattern and a higher AHEI‐2010 score might both exhibit reduced risk factors of CVD in T2DM patients.
Effects of high‐fidelity patient simulation led clinical reasoning course: Focused on nursing core competencies, problem solving, and academic self‐efficacy
Authors: Lee JuHee , Lee Yoonju , Lee Senah , Bae Juyeon 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo examine the effects of high‐fidelity patient simulation (HFPS) led clinical reasoning course among undergraduate nursing students.MethodsA quasi‐experimental study of non‐equivalent control group pretest–post test design was applied. A total of 49 senior nursing students participated in this study. The experimental group consisted of the students who took the “clinical reasoning” course (n = 23) while the control group consisted of students who did not (n = 26). Self‐administered scales including the nursing core competencies, problem solving, academic self‐efficacy, and Kolb learning style inventory were analyzed quantitatively using SPSS version 20.0. Data analysis was conducted using one‐way ancova due to a significant difference in nursing core competencies between the experimental group and control group.ResultsThere was a significant improvement in nursing core competencies in the experimental group (F = 7.747, P = 0.008). The scores of problem solving and academic self‐efficacy were higher in the experimental group after the HFPS led clinical reasoning course without statistical difference.ConclusionThere is a need for the development of effective instructional methods to improve learning outcomes in nursing education. Future research is needed related to simulation education as well as management strategies so that learning outcomes can be achieved within different students' learning style.
Constructing the Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey: Confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Tsubakita Takashi , Shimazaki Kazuyo 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTo examine the factorial validity of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey, using a sample of 2061 Japanese university students majoring in the medical and natural sciences (67.9% male, 31.8% female; Mage = 19.6 years, standard deviation = 1.5). The back‐translated scale used unreversed items to assess inefficacy.MethodsThe inventory's descriptive properties and Cronbach's alphas were calculated using SPSS software. The present authors compared fit indices of the null, one factor, and default three factor models via confirmatory factor analysis with maximum‐likelihood estimation using AMOS software, version 21.0.ResultsIntercorrelations between exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy were relatively higher than in prior studies. Cronbach's alphas were 0.76, 0.85, and 0.78, respectively. Although fit indices of the hypothesized three factor model did not meet the respective criteria, the model demonstrated better fit than did the null and one factor models. The present authors added four paths between error variables within items, but the modified model did not show satisfactory fit. Subsequent analysis revealed that a bi‐factor model fit the data better than did the hypothesized or modified three factor models.ConclusionThe Japanese version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey needs minor changes to improve the fit of its three factor model, but the scale as a whole can be used to adequately assess overall academic burnout in Japanese university students. Although the scale was back‐translated, two items measuring exhaustion whose expressions overlapped should be modified, and all items measuring inefficacy should be reversed in order to statistically clarify the factorial difference between the scale's three factors.
‘Rapid discharge’: issues for hospital‐based nurses in discharging cancer patients home to die
Authors: Tan Yung Ying , Blackford Jeanine 
Published: May 2015

Aims and objectivesTo explore issues for hospital‐based nurses in arranging rapid home discharge for imminently dying cancer patients in a Singapore acute hospital.BackgroundDying at home is an important measure of a ‘good death’. For hospitalised terminally ill patients, achieving home death can be of paramount importance to them and their family. Nurses experience many challenges in discharging imminently dying cancer patients home, due to time limitations and complex needs of patients and their families.DesignQualitative interpretive description.MethodUsing purposive sampling, 14 registered nurses from an oncology ward in a Singapore hospital were recruited to participate in individual, semi‐structured interviews.ResultsNursing issues in facilitating rapid discharge fell into three categories: time, discharge processes and family preparation. Decisions to die at home appeared solely family/patient driven, and were made when death appeared imminent. Discharge then became time‐critical, as nurses needed to complete multiple tasks within short timeframes. Stress was further exacerbated by nurses' inexperience and the infrequent occurrence of rapid discharge, as well as absence of standardised discharge framework for guidance. Together, the lack of time and discharge processes to enable smooth hospital‐to‐home transition potentially affected nurses' capacity to adequately prepare families, and may contribute to caregiver anxiety.ConclusionRapid discharge processes are needed as sudden patient/family decisions to die at home will continue. Earlier involvement of palliative care and implementation of a discharge pathway can potentially help nurses address their multiple responsibilities to ensure a successful transition from hospital to home.Relevance to clinical practiceRecognition of nursing issues and challenges during rapid discharge has implications for clinical improvements in supporting nurses during this challenging situation. Results of this study can be used to inform the conceptualisation of clinical interventions to facilitate urgent discharges of imminently dying patients.
Osmotic water permeability diversification in primary trophoblast cultures from aquaporin 1‐deficient pregnant mice
Authors: Sha Xiao‐Yan , Liu Hui‐Shu , Ma Tong‐Hui 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimAquaporins (AQP) are water channel proteins, and some play an important role in maternal–fetal fluid exchange. The present study aimed to measure the osmotic water permeability in primary cultures of trophoblast cells from AQP1‐deficient (AQP1–/–) pregnant mice and to define the quantitative role of AQP1 in water transport across the trophoblast plasma membrane.Material and MethodsTrophoblast cells were obtained from placental tissue cell culture of AQP1–/– pregnant mice and were characterized by cytokeratin 7 immunostaining. The expression of the AQP1 gene in trophoblast cells of wild‐type (AQP1+/+) mice was confirmed by immunofluorescence. The osmotic water permeability of trophoblast plasma membranes was measured by a calcein fluorescence quenching method in response to osmotic gradients.ResultsA primary cell culture system for trophoblasts was successfully established. Immunofluorescence showed the expression of AQP1 in the trophoblast cell membrane of AQP1+/+ mice. The osmotic water permeability of AQP1–/– trophoblast cells was significantly lower than that in AQP1+/+ trophoblast cells, in response to both hypotonic and hypertonic challenges.ConclusionThe results suggest an important role of AQP1‐mediated plasma membrane water permeability in maternal–fetal fluid balance and also provide a potential direction for the identification of therapeutic targets for the treatment of abnormalities in amniotic fluid volume.
Questionable effect of lavage for treatment of painful jaw movements at disc displacement without reduction: a 3‐year randomised controlled follow‐up
Authors: Baker Z. , Eriksson L. , Englesson Sahlström L. , Ekberg EC. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe present randomised controlled study compared the 3‐year outcome of local anaesthetics with anaesthetics and lavage in patients suffering from painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) locking. The study included 45 patients referred for treatment of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) to the Department of Orofacial Pain and Jaw Function, Faculty of Odontology, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden. All patients received a history questionnaire and clinical examination according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD, panoramic radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging at baseline. Twenty‐five patients were randomised to anaesthetics alone and 20 patients to anaesthetics and lavage. Three years after treatment, we sent the 37 patients who were available for follow‐up a questionnaire that evaluated pain intensity, physical and emotional functioning, and global improvement. Thirty‐four patients responded. The primary outcome was defined as ≥ 30% pain relief. In an intention‐to‐treat analysis, 28 of 45 patients (62%) reported ≥ 30% pain relief at the follow‐up. At 3 years, improvement in pain relief, physical functioning, emotional functioning and global improvement differed non‐significantly between local anaesthetics and anaesthetics and lavage. Compared with baseline, significant improvements (P < 0·05) in pain intensity, physical functioning, emotional functioning and global changes had occurred in both groups after 3 years. Because outcome measurements in the local anaesthetics and lavage and the local anaesthetics groups differed non‐significantly 3 years after treatment of painful TMJ disc displacement without reduction, use of lavage (50 mL saline) has an equivalent effect as local anaesthetics.
Analgesia enhancement and prevention of tolerance to morphine: beneficial effects of combined therapy with omega-3 fatty acids
Authors: Escudero Graciela E , Romañuk Carolina B , Toledo María E , Olivera María E , Manzo Ruben H , Laino Carlos H 
Published: May 2015

Abstract

Objectives
Recent evidence associates omega-3 fatty acids (O3) with pain reduction. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of O3, either alone or in combination with morphine after acute and chronic administration in rats. As well, a new pharmaceutical mixture that allows the concomitant administration of O3 and morphine as an oral solution was developed.

Methods
Animals were fed on a control or an experimental diet supplemented with O3. They were subjected to the hot-plate test to assess analgesic effect and tolerance to the analgesic effect of morphine. The open-field test was carried out to determine if the differences in the response latency can be related to non-specific sedative effects.

Key findings
O3 dietary supplementation increased the response latency compared with the control group. Acute treatment with morphine in these groups resulted in an additive antinociceptive effect not related to locomotor activity. Chronic coadministration of morphine with O3 attenuated the development of tolerance. Oral administration of the new pharmaceutical mixture showed analgesic activity with a subtherapeutic dose of morphine.

Conclusion
This finding suggests a role for O3 as adjuncts to opioids in pain therapy and might contribute to the reduction of the occurrence of morphine side-effects.
Dispositions and tissue depletion of melamine in ducks
Authors: Suknikom P. , Jermnak U. , Poapolathep S. , Isariyodom S. , Giorgi M. , Kumagai S. , Poapolathep A. 
Published: May 2015

To evaluate the toxicokinetics and persistence of residues of melamine (MEL) in ducks, MEL was administered intravenously (i.v.) or orally (p.o.) to ducks at a dosage of 5.5 mg/kg body weight. The concentration of MEL in the plasma and various tissues was detected using HPLC equipped with an ultraviolet detector. The plasma concentration of MEL in ducks was determined up to 12 h after both i.v. and p.o. administrations. The average value of elimination half‐life (t1/2β) of MEL was 2.16 ± 0.37 and 2.01 ± 0.56 h after i.v. and p.o. administration, respectively. The absolute p.o. bioavailability was 90.79%. MEL was measurable in the liver and kidney after p.o. administration with maximum levels of 15.80 ± 1.81 and 15.49 ± 2.12 μg/g at 6 h, respectively. The results suggest that most of the administered MEL is efficiently absorbed from the gastro intestinal tract, and it has the ability to distribute into various tissues of the duck.
Addition of tumor multiplicity improves the prognostic performance of the hepatoma arterial‐embolization prognostic score
Authors: Park Yehyun , Kim Seung Up , Kim Beom Kyung , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Park Yong Eun , Park Ji Hye , Lee Yong Il , Yun Hae Ryong , Han Kwang‐Hyub 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsThe hepatoma arterial‐embolization prognostic (HAP) score predicts survival outcome in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with trans‐arterial chemoembolization (TACE). We validated the HAP score in Korean subjects with HCC and investigated whether its prognostic performance is improved with additional parameters.MethodsA total of 280 patients with HCC treated with TACE between 2003 and 2009 were included. Validation and modification of HAP score were performed based on multivariate Cox regression models.ResultsThe median age of the study population (211 men, 69 women) was 60 years. Viral etiology of HCC accounted for 80.4% (n = 181 for hepatitis B, 44 for hepatitis C). The median overall survival (OS) was 40.5 months. On multivariate analysis, together with the original components of the HAP score (serum albumin <3.6 g/dl, total bilirubin >0.9 mg/dl, alpha‐foetoprotein >400 ng/ml, and tumor size >7 cm), tumor number ≥2 was selected as an independent unfavorable prognostic factor for OS (hazard ratio 2.3; P < 0.001). Accordingly, a modified HAP‐II (mHAP‐II) score was established by adding tumor number ≥2. Although both HAP and mHAP‐II scores discriminated the four different risk groups (log‐rank test, all P < 0.001), the mHAP‐II score performed significantly better than the HAP score, as per the areas under receiver‐operating curves predicting OS at 3 years (0.717 vs. 0.658) and 5 years (0.728 vs. 0.645), respectively (all P < 0.05).ConclusionsAlthough the HAP score predicted OS for Korean subjects with HCC undergoing TACE, the addition of tumor number significantly improved the prognostic performance. The mHAP‐II score can be used for accurate prognostication and selection of optimal candidates for TACE.
Phylogeography and support vector machine classification of colour variation in panther chameleons
Authors: Grbic Djordje , Saenko Suzanne V. , Randriamoria Toky M. , Debry Adrien , Raselimanana Achille P. , Milinkovitch Michel C. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractLizards and snakes exhibit colour variation of adaptive value for thermoregulation, camouflage, predator avoidance, sexual selection and speciation. Furcifer pardalis, the panther chameleon, is one of the most spectacular reptilian endemic species in Madagascar, with pronounced sexual dimorphism and exceptionally large intraspecific variation in male coloration. We perform here an integrative analysis of molecular phylogeography and colour variation after collecting high‐resolution colour photographs and blood samples from 324 F. pardalis individuals in locations spanning the whole species distribution. First, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence analyses uncover strong genetic structure among geographically restricted haplogroups, revealing limited gene flow among populations. Bayesian coalescent modelling suggests that most of the mitochondrial haplogroups could be considered as separate species. Second, using a supervised multiclass support vector machine approach on five anatomical components, we identify patterns in 3D colour space that efficiently predict assignment of male individuals to mitochondrial haplogroups. We converted the results of this analysis into a simple visual classification key that can assist trade managers to avoid local population overharvesting.
Sky island diversification meets the multispecies coalescent – divergence in the spruce‐fir moss spider (Microhexura montivaga, Araneae, Mygalomorphae) on the highest peaks of southern Appalachia
Authors: Hedin Marshal , Carlson Dave , Coyle Fred 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMicrohexura montivaga is a miniature tarantula‐like spider endemic to the highest peaks of the southern Appalachian mountains and is known only from six allopatric, highly disjunct montane populations. Because of severe declines in spruce‐fir forest in the late 20th century, M. montivaga was formally listed as a US federally endangered species in 1995. Using DNA sequence data from one mitochondrial and seven nuclear genes, patterns of multigenic genetic divergence were assessed for six montane populations. Independent mitochondrial and nuclear discovery analyses reveal obvious genetic fragmentation both within and among montane populations, with five to seven primary genetic lineages recovered. Multispecies coalescent validation analyses [guide tree and unguided Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP), Bayes factor delimitation (BFD)] using nuclear‐only data congruently recover six or seven distinct lineages; BFD analyses using combined nuclear plus mitochondrial data favour seven or eight lineages. In stark contrast to this clear genetic fragmentation, a survey of secondary sexual features for available males indicates morphological conservatism across montane populations. While it is certainly possible that morphologically cryptic speciation has occurred in this taxon, this system may alternatively represent a case where extreme population genetic structuring (but not speciation) leads to an oversplitting of lineage diversity by multispecies coalescent methods. Our results have clear conservation implications for this federally endangered taxon and illustrate a methodological issue expected to become more common as genomic‐scale data sets are gathered for taxa found in naturally fragmented habitats.
Intermedin is upregulated and attenuates renal fibrosis by inhibition of oxidative stress in rats with unilateral ureteral obstruction
Authors: Qiao Xi , Wang Lihua , Wang Yanhong , Zhao Ning , Zhang Ruijing , Han Weixia , Peng Zhiqiang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimTransforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) plays a pivotal role in the progression of renal fibrosis. Reactive oxygen species mediate profibrotic action of TGF‐β1. Intermedin (IMD) has been shown to inhibit oxidative stress, but its role in renal fibrosis remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of IMD on renal fibrosis in a rat model of unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO).MethodsThe expression of IMD and its receptors, calcitonin receptor‐like receptor (CRLR) and receptor activity‐modifying proteins (RAMP1/2/3), in the obstructed kidney was detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), western blotting and immunohistochemistry. To evaluate the effects of IMD on renal fibrosis, we locally overexpressed exogenous IMD in the obstructed kidney using an ultrasound‐microbubble‐mediated delivery system. Renal fibrosis was determined by Masson trichrome staining. The expression of TGF‐β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and fibronectin was measured. Smad2/3 activation and macrophage infiltration were evaluated. We also studied oxidative stress by measuring superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content.ResultsmRNA and protein expression of IMD increased after UUO. CRLR, RAMP1, RAMP2 and RAMP3 were also induced by ureteral obstruction. IMD overexpression remarkably attenuated UUO‐induced tubular injury and blunted fibrotic response as shown by decreased interstitial collagen deposition and downregulation of fibronectin. Macrophage infiltration, α‐SMA and CTGF upregulation caused by UUO were all relieved by IMD, whereas TGF‐β1 upregulation and Smad2/3 activation were not affected. Meanwhile, we noted increased oxidative stress in obstruction, which was also attenuated by IMD gene delivery.ConclusionsOur results indicate that IMD is upregulated after UUO. IMD plays a protective role in renal fibrosis via its antioxidant effects.
Epigenetic regulation in the acute kidney injury to chronic kidney disease transition
Authors: Rodríguez‐Romo Roxana , Berman Nathan , Gómez Arturo , Bobadilla Norma A 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEpigenetic modifications have emerged as a new, important contributor to gene expression regulation in both normal and pathophysiological conditions. Epigenetics have been studied in many diseases and conditions such as acute kidney injury (AKI), a syndrome with a high prevalence that carries a poor prognosis with increased morbidity and mortality. In addition, it has recently been shown that AKI increases the risk for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The specific molecular mechanisms by which AKI increases the risk of CKD and end stage renal disease (ESRD) remain unknown, although there is new evidence supporting a role of epigenetic changes. The most studied epigenetic regulations in AKI are chromatin compaction, DNA methylation, and histone acetylation/deacetylation. These modifications predominantly increase the production of pro‐inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines such as: monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1), complement protein 3 (C3), transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) that have been shown for perpetuating inflammation, promoting epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and ultimately causing renal fibrosis. A review of epigenetic mechanisms, the pathophysiology of AKI and recent studies that implicate epigenetic modifications in AKI and in the transition to CKD are discussed below.