bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Thermostability, Thermo‐Optics, and Thermomechanical Properties of Barium Gallo‐Germanium Oxyfluoride Glasses and Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Shaoqian , Xu Mingxiu , Chen Xi , Zhang Yuelong , Calvez Laurant , Zhang Xianghua , Xu Yinsheng , Huai Ying , Jin Yuqi 
Published: July 2013

Serial substitutions of BaF2 for BaO in BaO–Ga2O3–GeO2 glasses were performed, and the effects of the substitutions on the glass properties were investigated. The glass transition temperature, density, refractive index, thermo‐optics coefficient, and figure of merit for thermal shock decreased with the replacement of oxygen by fluorine. On the other hand, the glass‐forming ability increased. Fluorine substitution removed the absorption band of hydroxyl near 2.9 μm. Raman scattering spectroscopy was used to characterize the fluorogermanate glasses. The crystallization process of the glass‐ceramics under different heat‐treatment conditions was also investigated using differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The thermal and mechanical properties were improved by controlling the crystal size of the near‐ and middle‐infrared transparent glass‐ceramics.
Effects of Nb,Mn doping on the Structure, Piezoelectric, and Dielectric Properties of 0.8Pb(Sn0.46Ti0.54)O3–0.2Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Li Yong , Yuan Jie , Wang Dawei , Zhang Deqing , Jin Haibo , Cao Maosheng 
Published: July 2013

Nb and Mn were doped, respectively, to 0.8Pb(Sn0.46Ti0.54)O3–0.2Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PST–PMN) to improve electrical properties for meeting the requirement in various fields. The additions of Nb and Mn influence in a pronounced way the structure, and improve the densities of the ceramics. Nb‐doped PST–PMN increased the piezoelectric coefficient d33, planar electromechanical coupling kp, and relative dielectric constant ε, indicating “soft” piezoelectric behavior. Mn doping played a “hard” part, which significantly enhanced the mechanical quality factor Qm without deteriorating other piezoelectric properties. The most excellent properties of Nb‐doped PST–PMN were obtained with doping amount of 0.75 mol%, specifically d33, kp, being on the order of 455 pC/N, 57.5% and 3560, respectively. The addition of 0.75 mol% Mn for PST–PMN presented the optimum electrical properties, with Qm of 554, d33 of 430 pC/N, kp of 57.0%, ε of 2770. It was proposed that the addition of Nb, Mn generated different defect dipoles involved in the domain walls motion and intrinsic piezoelectric responses, leading to different effects on electrical properties.
Tunable Multicolor Emission and Energy Transfer of Sb3+/Mn2+ Codoped Phosphate Glasses by Design
Authors: Zeng Huidan , Yu Qing , Wang Zhaofeng , Sun Luyi , Ren Jing , Chen Guorong , Qiu Jianrong 
Published: July 2013

In this work, the luminescent properties of Sb3+/Mn2+ codoped 60P2O5–40MgO glass are presented. White light photoluminescence combining blue and orange‐red light was observed under ultraviolet light excitation. The emission spectra showed that the blue emission intensity of Sb3+ decreased significantly whereas the red emission intensity of Mn2+ increased with the increasing concentration of Mn2+ ions. Meanwhile, by maintaining the concentration of MnO (2.0 mol%) and increasing concentration of Sb2O3, both the blue emission and red emission were enhanced remarkably. The energy transfer from Sb3+ to Mn2+ ions via the dipole–quadrupole interaction was confirmed.
Species richness and evolutionary speed: the influence of temperature, water and area
Authors: Gillman Len N. , Wright Shane D. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThere are a few patterns in nature that are striking even to casual observers. These include patterns of species richness associated with latitude, elevation, rainfall and area. Current thinking suggests that a number of primary mechanisms determine richness variation and that these differ depending on the type of pattern and the biome to which they apply. Prominent among the many hypotheses that attempt to explain the latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) are those based either on climate or on historical factors such as past biome area. Climate‐based and historically‐based hypotheses have been regarded as competing alternatives, but there is growing acknowledgement that both are important. The evolutionary speed hypothesis (ESH) is one of several climate‐based hypotheses. According to this hypothesis the LDG is generated by thermally mediated asymmetries in evolutionary speed and diversification. Here we identify five relationships predicted by the ESH and survey the literature for empirical evidence for and against these relationships. We find these five relationships are supported by a number of empirical studies. However, there are gaps in this evidence that require further work and, because the relationship between temperature and species richness is negative when water is limited, a modification to the ESH is necessary. Additionally, we suggest that diversity patterns associated with area, temperature and water availability might all be influenced by a common mechanism associated with biologically available energy and its influence on the tempo of evolution. Rates of genetic evolution might also be influenced by spatial heterogeneity and rates of biotic and abiotic environmental change, potentially introducing positive feedbacks between diversification and genetic evolution.
The design and efficacy of a robot‐mediated visual motor program for children learning disabilities
Authors: Krishnaswamy S. , Shriber L. , Srimathveeravalli G. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of a robot‐mediated visual motor program on improving the visual motor skills of children ages 5 to 11 years with learning disabilities and visual motor delays. It also compared the effects of a robotic program with traditional occupational therapy and tested the reliability of the computer‐generated scores. A randomized experimental design was used with 25 students assigned to either a robotic program group or traditional occupational therapy. The primary outcome measure was the Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration (VMI). Non‐parametric statistics evaluated the effects of intervention and compared the two methods. The correlation between the computer‐based scoring methods and the VMI was tested. The children who received the robotic program demonstrated significant gains in visual motor performance. The correlation between the computer‐based scoring and the VMI was moderate, but not significant.
Dynamic and differential regulation in the microRNA expression in the developing and mature cataractous rat lens
Authors: Kubo Eri , Hasanova Nailia , Sasaki Hiroshi , Singh Dhirendra P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRecent evidence supports a role for microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating gene expression, and alterations in gene expression are known to affect cells involved in the development of ageing disorders. Using developing rat lens epithelial cells (LECs), we profiled the expression of miRNAs by a microarray‐based approach. Few gene expression changes known to be involved in pathogenesis or cytoprotection were uniquely influenced by miRNA expression. Most miRNAs increased or decreased in abundance (let 7b, let 7c, miR29a, miR29c, miR126 and miR551b) in LECs/lenses during late embryonic and post‐natal development and in cataract. Among them, miR29a, miR29c and miR126 were dramatically decreased in cataractous LECs from Shumiya Cataract Rats (SCRs). Specifically, the cytoskeleton remodelling genes tropomyosin (Tm) 1α and 2β, which have been implicated in the initiation of pathophysiology, were targets of miR29c and were over‐stimulated as demonstrated by inhibitor experiments. In transfection experiments, increasing the level of miR29c caused a corresponding decrease in the expression of Tm1α and 2β, suggesting that miR29c may regulate the translation of Tm1α and 2β. 3′UTR luciferase activity of Tm1α, not 2β, was significantly decreased in miR29c‐transfected mouse LECs. These findings demonstrate changes in miRNAs expression, and target molecules have potential as diagnostic indicators of ageing and as a foundation of miR‐based therapeutics for age‐related diseases.
Organic Acid Resistance and Toxin Gene Profiles of B. cereus Isolated from Red Pepper Powder
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Baek Seung‐Youb , Lee Nari , Oh Se‐Wook 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe objectives of the study were to determine the diversity of organic acid resistance as well as the toxin gene profiles of Bacillus cereus isolated from red pepper powder and to analyze the inhibition kinetics of unstressed type culture and resistant food isolates against organic acids.Among 68 B. cereus isolated from red pepper and processing environmental samples (n = 180), 1.4–16.7% of the cells could survive at 0.5% of acetic, malic and tartaric acid. Parameter α of the Weibull model for type strain were up to threefold lower than for resistant food isolate at 0.2% or lower concentration of organic acid treatment. All the B. cereus isolates were positive for three genes in the nonhemolytic enterotoxin complex (nheA, nheB and nheC), entFM and bceT genes. The ces gene‐encoding emetic toxin was detected in nine (13.2%) of the 68 isolates tested.Practical ApplicationsBacillus cereus is an etiological agent of foodborne illness in Korea. The food products under risk for B. cereus food poisoning are pasteurized (dairy foods or cooked chilled foods) and dry foods. When B. cereus has been exposed to sublethal acid treatment conditions, adapted or resistant strains have developed. Acid resistance of the strain cause a food safety problem because it may result in enhanced protection for cells which are subsequently exposed to lethal heat or hydrogen peroxide stress. The rate of acid resistance and the kinetic parameters of wild type food isolates against organic acid treatment can be used to develop intervention strategies and in risk assessment to assure food safety. A diversity of toxin gene profiles which include diarrheal and emetic toxins also provide useful information in risk assessment of food poisoning caused by B. cereus.
Effect of cognitive behavioural interventions on the quality of life in Chinese heroin‐dependent individuals in detoxification: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhuang Shu‐Mei , An Shi‐Hui , Zhao Yue 
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectivesTo determine whether cognitive behavioural interventions would improve the quality of life in Chinese heroin addicts.BackgroundDrug dependence is one of the most serious health problems in the world, representing a real menace to mental and somatic health. However, effects of cognitive behavioural interventions on quality of life in Chinese heroin addicts are unclear.DesignThis randomised controlled study was conducted at a Drug‐withdrawal Rehabilitation Center in China.MethodsFollowing ethics approval and heroin addicts' consent, 240 heroin addicts were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group (n = 120) received a six‐month cognitive behavioural intervention comprising education intervention and behavioural intervention developed by the investigators. The control group (n = 120) received the hospital's routine care. The effects of the interventions on patients' quality of life were evaluated at baseline and six months and were compared. A Chinese version of Quality of Life in Drug Addiction Questionnaire was used in this study. Usefulness of the intervention and usual community services was evaluated at six months.ResultsThe quality of life of participants with heroin addiction with physical and psychological disorders is poor. The experimental group showed a significant improvement in quality of life after nurse‐managed cognitive behavioural intervention.ConclusionsThe quality of life and the health status of Chinese heroin addicts were improved after they received a nurse‐managed cognitive behavioural intervention.Relevance to clinical practiceAppropriate nurse‐managed cognitive behavioural intervention for heroin addicts can improve their quality of life and promote their health. It is important for clinical nurses to understand cognitive behavioural therapy, appraisal and coping to apply knowledge in practice when dealing with a client who has heroin addiction.
The effect of injection duration and injection site on pain and bruising of subcutaneous injection of heparin
Authors: Pourghaznein Tayebe , Azimi Amir Vahedian , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari 
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectivesTo determine and compare the effects of four methods of subcutaneous heparin injection on pain and bruising in abdomen and thighs.BackgroundSubcutaneous heparin injection is a common nursing clinical intervention. Nurses frequently inject heparin subcutaneously and this action often results in some complications such as bruising, haematoma, pain and induration in the injection site. There are also some other factors inducing complications associated with heparin injection, including the injection site and the injection duration.DesignA quasi‐experimental within‐subject design.MethodsThis study was conducted on 90 patients withCOPDhospitalised in twoICUwards at two teaching hospitals in urban areas of Iran. They were administered heparin subcutaneously, 4000 units every 12 hours. Each patient received four injections in their abdomen and thighs, using four different methods. The number and size of bruising at the injection site were measured through a flexible millimetre ruler, 48 hours after each injection. The severity of pain was measured through pain visual analogue scale immediately after each injection. Collected data were analysed by descriptive and analytical statistics usingspss11.5 software.ResultsIn the method 15 seconds injection duration and waiting for 5 seconds before withdrawing the needle, the number of bruising was significantly lower and size of bruising was significantly smaller, but no significant difference was found in the severity of pain. However, in other methods, the severity of pain in thighs was significantly higher than in abdomen, but no statistically significant difference was reported between the size and number of bruising in abdomen and thighs.ConclusionsThe method 15 seconds injection duration and waiting for 5 seconds before withdrawing the needle is recommended to be used for subcutaneous heparin injection by clinical nurses. As to the results, the severity of pain in abdomen was lower than in thighs.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study proposed a suitable method for subcutaneous heparin injection in order to reduce pain and bruising.
Discharge planning in mental health care: an integrative review of the literature
Authors: Nurjannah Intansari , Mills Jane , Usher Kim , Park Tanya 
Published: July 2013

Aims and objectivesTo identify the evidence base related to discharge planning in the context of acute and community mental healthcare service provision to ascertain the need for future research.BackgroundDischarge planning is an important activity when preparing consumers to transition from hospital to home. The efficiency of discharge planning for consumers living with a mental health issue can influence both the number of future readmissions to acute‐care facilities and their quality of life at home.DesignAn integrative review of the peer‐reviewed literature.MethodThis review uses specific search terms and a 21‐year time frame to search two key nursing databases CINAHL (Cinahl Information Systems, Glendale, CA, USA) and PSYCHINFO (American Psychological Association, Washington, DC, USA) for research reports investigating the substantive area of enquiry. Hand searches of reference lists and author searches were also conducted. Nineteen peer‐reviewed journal articles met the inclusion criteria for this review.ResultsResearch findings about discharge planning for people living with a mental health issue identify the importance of communication between health professionals, consumers and their families to maximise the effectiveness of this process. The complexity of consumer's healthcare needs influences the discharge planning process and impacts on aftercare compliance and readmission rates. There is a limited amount of research findings relating to differences between health professionals and families' perceptions of the level of information required for effective discharge planning, and the appropriate level of involvement of individuals living with a mental health issue in their own discharge planning. Results from this integrative review will inform future research related to this topic.ConclusionDischarge planning for consumers living with a mental health issue involves many stakeholders who have different expectations regarding the type of information required and the necessary level of involvement of people living with a mental health issue in this process.Relevance to clinical practiceComprehensive discharge planning can result in reduced readmissions to both acute and community mental health services. Understanding the impact of effective communication on the outcomes of discharge planning is an important step in promoting success.
Short‐term Effect of Upstream Administration in Comparison to Deferred Injection of Tirofiban on Patients with Acute ST‐Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: JIA ZHI , GUO MU , ZHANG YUN‐QIANG , LIANG HAI‐QING , SONG YU 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundHigh bolus dose tirofiban has been demonstrated to provide greater inhibition of platelet aggregation, but the most appropriate timing of its administration remains unknown.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of upstream vs. deferred administration of tirofiban in patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on clinical outcomes.MethodsThe 660 patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention were divided into upstream (n = 330, administration of tirofiban to all patients in emergency room) and deferred groups (n = 330, treatment of patients with large thrombus burden or no‐reflow phenomenon in cardiac catheterization laboratory during PCI). The primary end‐points were death, nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI), stent thrombosis (ST), revascularization of targeted vessels (TVR) or major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 1 month and 6 months following PCI, with safety end‐point at 7 days.ResultsCompared with that of the deferred group, there was a significant increase of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in the upstream group within 7 days (55.5 ± 6.6% vs. 54.6 ± 7.9%, P = 0.011). The rates of 7‐day and 1‐month MACE in the upstream group were lower than those in the deferred group (1.5% vs. 4.2%, 3.3% vs. 7.0%, P = 0.037 and 0.034, respectively). However, there were higher tendencies for major and minor bleedings in the upstream group (1.8% vs. 0.9%, 2.7% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.315 and 0.280, respectively).ConclusionTo the Chinese patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing primary PCI, upstream administration of tirofiban was slightly superior to deferred injection for short‐term clinical outcomes.
Comparison of 3‐Year Clinical Outcomes Between Resolute™ Zotarolimus‐ and Sirolimus‐Eluting Stents for Long Coronary Artery Stenosis
Authors: IM EUI , KIM BYEONG‐KEUK , KO YOUNG‐GUK , HER AE‐YOUNG , CHOI HYUN HEE , SHIN DONG‐HO , KIM JUNG‐SUN , CHOI DONGHOON , JANG YANGSOO , HONG MYEONG‐KI 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectivesLong‐term clinical outcomes were evaluated in long coronary artery stenosis treated with different types of drug‐eluting stents.BackgroundLong‐term follow‐up data to compare clinical outcomes between Resolute™ zotarolimus‐eluting stent (R‐ZES) versus sirolimus‐eluting stent (SES) implantation for long coronary artery stenosis is insufficient.MethodsA total of 254 patients (307 lesions) treated with R‐ZES and 265 patients (303 lesions) treated with SES for long coronary lesions (total stent length ≥30 mm) were enrolled, and long‐term (3 years) clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. Efficacy (target lesion revascularization [TLR]) and safety (the composite occurrence of cardiovascular death, target lesion–related myocardial infarction, or target lesion–related definite stent thrombosis) were assessed.ResultsThe 2 groups had similar baseline characteristics except for the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy (23.4 ± 11.2 months in R‐ZES‐treated patients vs. 27.4 ± 13.9 months in SES‐treated patients, P < 0.001). Total stent length was similar in R‐ZES‐treated patients (45.0 ± 19.0 mm) and SES‐treated patients (45.4 ± 18.6 mm) (P = 0.464). The cumulative TLR rate was 4.6% in R‐ZES‐treated patients versus 4.6% in SES‐treated patients (P = 0.911). For safety parameters, R‐ZES‐treated patients showed a significantly lower rate of the composite occurrence of cardiovascular death, target lesion–related myocardial infarction, or target lesion–related definite stent thrombosis than SES‐treated patients (0.4% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.042). Particularly, the occurrence of target lesion–related definite stent thrombosis was significantly lower in R‐ZES‐treated patients than in SES‐treated patients (0.0% vs. 2.0%, P = 0.028).ConclusionsR‐ZES stents showed superior long‐term safety than SES for treating long coronary lesions, while maintaining a similar clinical efficacy.
Circulating tumour cells: insights into tumour heterogeneity
Authors: Hayes D. F. , Paoletti C. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTumour heterogeneity is a major barrier to cure breast cancer. It can exist between patients with different intrinsic subtypes of breast cancer or within an individual patient with breast cancer. In the latter case, heterogeneity has been observed between different metastatic sites, between metastatic sites and the original primary tumour, and even within a single tumour at either a metastatic or a primary site. Tumour heterogeneity is a function of two separate, although linked, processes. First, genetic instability is a hallmark of malignancy, and results in ‘fixed’ genetic changes that are almost certainly carried forward through progression of the cancer over time, with increasingly complex additional genetic changes in new metastases as they arise. The second type of heterogeneity is due to differential but ‘plastic’ expression of various genes important in the biology and response to various therapies. Together, these processes result in highly variable cancers with differential response, and resistance, to both targeted (e.g. endocrine or anti‐human epithelial growth receptor type 2 (HER2) agents) and nontargeted therapies (e.g. chemotherapy). Ideally, tumour heterogeneity would be monitored over time, especially in relation to therapeutic strategies. However, biopsies of metastases require invasive and costly procedures, and biopsies of multiple metastases, or serially over time, are impractical. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) represent a potential surrogate for tissue‐based cancer and therefore might provide the opportunity to monitor serial changes in tumour biology. Recent advances have enabled accurate and reliable quantification and molecular characterization of CTCs with regard to a number of important biomarkers including oestrogen receptor alpha and HER2. Preliminary data have demonstrated that expression of these markers between CTCs in individual patients with metastatic breast cancer reflects the heterogeneity of the underlying tumours. Future studies are designed to determine the clinical utility of these novel technologies in either research or routine clinical settings.