bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Origin of Violet‐Blue Emission in Ti‐Doped Gahnite
Authors: Dereń Przemysław J. , Stefańska Dagmara , Ptak Maciej , Mączka Mirosław , Walerczyk Wiktoria , Banach Grzegorz 
Published: February 2014

ZnAl2O4 doped with Ti4+ (2%) was synthesized by the hydrothermal method at 220°C at pressure of 25 bars. An average grain size of the as‐prepared sample was 3 nm, the samples with biggest grain size were obtained after annealing at 300°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, and 900°C, diameter of the latter was about 33 nm. IR spectroscopy indicated that ZnAl2O4 was partially inverted. The degree of the inversion decreases with increase in the annealing temperature but increases with increasing Ti4+ content. Absorption and emission spectra as well as emission decay profiles were recorded at 300 and 77 K. The observed spectra are due to charge‐transfer O2−↔Ti4+ transitions. Color of the emission depends on the nanocrystal size and with increase in its diameter changes from violet to blue, accordingly the absorption bands exhibit redshift. The calculations based on Density Functional Theory confirmed the experimental results. 3d electrons of titanium ions form the bottom of the ZnAl2O4:Ti4+ conduction band, oxygen, aluminum or zinc vacancies create additional levels in the gahnite energy band gap. It was also found that in ZnAl2O4 aluminum or zinc vacancy induces magnetism with relatively high magnetic moment close to 1 μB per vacancy.
Insider Trading and Firm Performance Following Open Market Share Repurchase Announcements
Authors: Chen Hsuan‐Chi , Chen Sheng‐Syan , Huang Chia‐Wei , Schatzberg John D. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe long‐run performance of equity securities subsequent to announcements of open market repurchases (OMR) remains a contentious topic. In this paper we propose the “dichotomous expectations hypothesis” which posits that insider trading following share repurchase announcements reveals private information concerning the future operating performance of announcing firms. In particular, insider abnormal purchases (abnormal sales) should predict an improvement (decline) in operating performance that leads to higher (lower) long‐run stock returns. Our hypothesis offers a credible economic link between insider trading and subsequent long‐run stock performance through the intervening variable of operating performance. The empirical results show consistency with this linkage.
Phylogenetic and ecomorphological structure of assemblages of breeding leaf warblers (Phylloscopidae) along Himalayan elevational gradients
Authors: Ghosh‐Harihar Mousumi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimTo understand the relative importance of ecological and biogeographical processes structuring assemblages of Himalayan leaf warblers (family Phylloscopidae), through an evaluation of (1) the patterns of species richness and phylogenetic community structure, (2) their environmental determinants, and (3) dispersion of morphological traits within communities.LocationElevational gradients across the east and the west Himalayas, India.MethodsSpecies presences were assessed at 16 sites along eight elevational gradients. Phylogenetic conservatism was assessed in three functional morphological traits (body size, tarsus length, beak shape) and phylogenetic structure in terms of the net relatedness index (NRI) was quantified using a published phylogenetic tree. Site‐specific species richness and NRI were related to climatic variables and arthropod abundance. Morphological trait metrics were also calculated and the observed trait dispersion related to patterns of species richness and phylogenetic structure of the assemblages.ResultsThe 16 assemblages, composed of two to eight species, ran the entire spectrum of significance in terms of their phylogenetic structure, resulting in many clustered assemblages at low elevations and a few overdispersed assemblages at higher elevations. Phylogenetic structure was not significantly correlated with species richness, although variation in both was largely explained by maximum temperature and arthropod abundance. At the regional scale, both trait filtering (beak shape) and trait convergence (tarsus length) seem to influence the distribution of species along the elevational gradients. Dispersion of body size metrics suggested filtering and competition as predicted by phylogenetic structure, while beak shape metrics suggested competitive interactions even in phylogenetically clustered assemblages.Main conclusionsThe interaction of multiple assembly processes (competition, filtering and history) appears to structure the Himalayan leaf warbler assemblages. Phylogenetic community structure largely reflected the biogeographical history of species accumulation into the Himalayas, while processes structuring local assemblages were better explained by the dispersion of traits.
One‐year follow‐up of zoster‐associated pain in 764 immunocompetent patients with acute herpes zoster treated with famciclovir (FAMILIAR study)
Authors: Imafuku S. , Nakayama J. , Higa K. , Furue M. , Takahara M. , Katayama I. , Tani M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundHerpes zoster (HZ), a reactivation of varicella zoster virus manifested by skin blisters and neuralgia, can lead to postherpetic neuralgia in 10–20% of affected subjects.MethodIn this study, a cohort of 764 patients with HZ was treated with 1500 mg/day of famciclovir for 7 days, and zoster‐associated pain (ZAP) was monitored monthly thereafter for up to 12 months until pain resolution was achieved. Patients were questioned monthly by telephone, and pain was recorded using a numerical rating scale (NRS, 0–10).Key resultsA total of 751 of 764 (98.3%) patients completed follow‐up. The percentage of patients with ZAP was 12.4% at day 90, 7.1% at 6 months and 4.0% at 1 year. After the third month, the NRS were 3 or less in most of the remaining patients with ZAP. Stratified analysis revealed significant persistence of ZAP in patients aged ≥50 years and in those aged ≥65 years, and in patients with either moderate‐to‐severe skin symptoms or severe pain at the initial consultation. Stratified analyses unexpectedly showed patients who commenced famciclovir at 0–2 days after onset of the eruption had a higher prevalence of ZAP at day 90 than those treated at 3–5 days or ≥6 days after rash onset (P = 0.0164, log‐rank test). On further analysis, a higher proportion of patients (45.4%) treated at 0–2 days had moderate to severe symptoms compared with those treated at 3–5 days (40.5%) or ≥6 days (37.0%) (P = 0.0987, Cochran‐Armitage test).Conclusion & InferenceThis study, with an exceptionally high follow‐up rate, revealed several new findings, including the influence of disease severity on the delay between the onset of symptoms and seeking medical attention. Six adverse drug reactions were reported in five of 721 patients in the safety analysis, including two severe cases of vomiting and convulsions.
Effect of antihistamine as an adjuvant treatment of isotretinoin in acne: a randomized, controlled comparative study
Authors: Lee H.E. , Chang I.K. , Lee Y. , Kim C.D. , Seo Y.J. , Lee J.H. , Im M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundIsotretinoin has been frequently used for acne therapy. However, it has limitation in acceptance because of its adverse effects. Although antihistamine recently revealed to decrease the lipogenesis, evidence is lacking regarding the clinical relevance of antihistamine in the treatment of acne.ObjectivesTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of antihistamine as an adjuvant treatment of isotretinoin.MethodsForty patients with moderate acne were included in this randomized, controlled comparative study. Twenty patients were treated with isotretinoin and 20 patients were treated with additional antihistamine, desloratadine. Assessment was made at baseline, after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks of treatment.ResultsAt week 12, compared with isotretinoin only group, isotretinoin with additional antihistamine group showed more statistically significant decrease in acne lesion counts (non‐inflammatory lesions: 44.8% vs. 17.8%; inflammatory lesions: 55.8% vs. 22.9%; total lesions: 45.6% vs. 18.7%; all P < 0.05). Significant decrease was also observed in the score of global acne grading system and the measured value of sebum and erythema. Moreover, acne flare during the treatment occurred less frequently and adverse events of isotretinoin were more tolerable in additional antihistamine group.ConclusionsThis results provide early evidence that antihistamine has a synergic effect with minimizing the side‐effect of isotretinoin, and may be used as an adjuvant treatment of moderate acne.
Sex change in plants and animals: a unified perspective
Authors: Vega‐Frutis R. , Macías‐Ordóñez R. , Guevara R. , Fromhage L. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe capacity of organisms to change their sex has evolved independently in several plant and animal lineages. Sex change has been widely studied, but research approaches have differed for plants and animals, and conclusions have often been taxon‐specific. Although sex allocation theory provides a unifying framework for the study of sex change, this unity has not always been appreciated, especially in the botanical literature. Here, we review sex change with regard to its representation in relation to taxonomy and other sexual systems, with regard to its suggested adaptive benefits, and to the role of taxon‐specific body architecture, such as modularity and gonadal structure. We highlight differences and similarities between plants and animals and suggest promising lines of future research.
The role of sex chromosomes in sexual dimorphism: discordance between molecular and phenotypic data
Authors: Dean R. , Mank J. E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn addition to initial sex determination, genes on the sex chromosomes are theorized to play a particularly important role in phenotypic differences between males and females. Sex chromosomes in many species display molecular signatures consistent with these theoretical predictions, particularly through sex‐specific gene expression. However, the phenotypic implications of this molecular signature are unresolved, and the role of the sex chromosomes in quantitative genetic studies of phenotypic sex differences is largely equivocal. In this article, we examine molecular and phenotypic data in the light of theoretical predictions about masculinization and feminization of the sex chromosomes. Additionally, we discuss the role of genetic and regulatory complexities in the genome–phenotype relationship, and ultimately how these affect the overall role of the sex chromosomes in sex differences.
Cryptic Sex in Symbiodinium (Alveolata, Dinoflagellata) is Supported by an Inventory of Meiotic Genes
Authors: Chi Jingyun , Parrow Matthew W. , Dunthorn Micah 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSymbiodinium encompasses a diverse clade of dinoflagellates that are ecologically important as symbionts of corals and other marine organisms. Despite decades of study, cytological evidence of sex (karyogamy and meiosis) has not been demonstrated in Symbiodinium, although molecular population genetic patterns support the occurrence of sexual recombination. Here, we provide additional support for sex in Symbiodinium by uncovering six meiosis‐specific and 25 meiosis‐related genes in three published genomes. Cryptic sex may be occurring in Symbiodinium's seldom‐seen free‐living state while being inactive in the symbiotic state.
Annualised risk analysis approach to recommend appropriate level of flood control: application to Swannanoa river watershed
Authors: Kalyanapu A.J. , Judi D.R. , McPherson T.N. , Burian S.J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis study presents an analysis approach using an existing Monte Carlo (MC) flood risk framework to compare annualised risk reductions from flood control alternatives targeting various recurrence interval events. The annualised risk approach is demonstrated by analysing the relative flood risk mitigation benefits of flood proofing in Swannanoa watershed, North Carolina. Using the MC framework, 54 design flows are sampled from the flow distribution and used to drive a graphics card based two‐dimensional flood model. The computed flood depths are used to create flood damage frequency and annualised risk curves. It was hypothesised that flood proofing for a higher probability event would result in a greater relative level of damage reduction for lower cost compared with the traditional use of a 1% annual exceedance flood event. The MC framework was used to test the hypothesis by producing a distribution of annualised risk over various return periods. Confirming the hypothesis, the 12% flood event was found to have the highest annualised risk for the case study in this paper. Simulations were executed to determine the relative costs and benefits of the 12% flood proofing (alternate case) and 1% flood proofing (base case) alternatives. The results showed that the base case reduced the expected annual damage (EAD) by 98.9% compared with the status quo. The alternate case reduced the EAD by 80.4% compared with the status quo. Comparing estimated annual implementation cost with flood damage reductions, annually, for every dollar spent on flood proofing, the 12% design resulted in twice the reduction in flood damages compared with the 1% design. This preliminary study thus confirms the potential of an alternative analysis approach that may be applied for identifying desired flood control level based on flood risk mitigation potential.
One‐step transfistula large versus conventional balloon dilation following precut fistulotomy in difficult biliary cannulation for the removal of biliary stones: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Jun Baek Gyu , Lee Tae Hoon , Jeong Seok , Hwang Jae Chul , Yang Min Jae , Song Tae Jun , Choi Hyun Jong , Moon Jong Ho , Park Sang‐Heum 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground and AimAfter selective biliary access following precut fistulotomy in difficult biliary cannulations (DBC), there are several methods of completely opening the remaining papillary roof for the removal of biliary stones. We evaluated the efficacy of one‐step transfistula balloon dilation following fistulotomy in DBC for the removal of biliary stones.MethodsThis retrospective multicenter study was performed in four tertiary referral centers. Patients who underwent fistulotomy due to DBC were enrolled. Precut fistulotomy followed by conventional (≤ 10 mm) or large balloon (≥ 12 mm) dilation through the fistulotomy tract was performed to remove biliary stones. The main outcome measures were technical success and transfistula balloon dilation‐related complications.ResultsA total of 154 patients were enrolled. Large balloon and conventional balloon dilation were performed in 57 and 97 patients, respectively. The primary technical success of stone removal was 100% (57/57) for large balloon dilation and 96.9% (94/97) for conventional balloon dilation (P = 0.296). The mean procedure time from biliary access to removal of stones was 29.3 min in large balloon and 22.2 min in conventional balloon dilation (P = 0.042), and the mean numbers of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography sessions were 1.4 and 1.3, respectively (P = 0.175). Transfistula balloon dilation‐related complications were not different between the two groups (10.5% in large balloon dilation vs 16.5% in conventional balloon dilation, P = 0.307).ConclusionsOne‐step transfistula balloon dilation following precut fistulotomy in DBC may be safe and effective for the removal of biliary stones. There were no differences in therapeutic outcomes and complications between large and conventional balloon dilation.
Entecavir plus adefovir versus adefovir plus lamivudine in hepatitis B virus e antigen‐positive, lamivudine‐resistant chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Heo Jeong , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kweon Young‐Oh , Kim Byung‐Ho , Chan Henry L Y , Horban Andrzej , Wongcharatrawee Suchat , Llamoso Cyril , Lee Kwan Sik 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackground and AimIn areas of the world where tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is not marketed, adefovir (ADV) + lamivudine (LAM) is recommended and widely used for LAM‐resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study hypothesizes that entecavir (ETV) + ADV, where both components are active against LAM‐resistant hepatitis B virus (HBV), will provide greater antiviral potency than ADV + LAM where only ADV is active.MethodsOpen‐label, randomized trial in hepatitis B virus e antigen‐positive LAM‐experienced CHB patients with LAM resistance treated with ETV 1 mg + ADV 10 mg (n = 138), ADV + LAM 100 mg (n = 137), or ETV (n = 140).ResultsAt week 48, there was no significant difference in the primary endpoint of HBV‐DNA < 50 IU/mL between the treatment groups (25.4% [ETV + ADV] vs 19.7% [ADV + LAM], P = 0.2619; vs 16.4% [ETV], P = 0.1336). However, at week 96, rates of HBV‐DNA < 50 IU/mL were significantly greater with ETV + ADV than with ADV + LAM (43.5% vs 28.5%; P = 0.0095). Rates of virologic breakthrough and resistance to ETV or ADV were low through week 96 with both combinations. The delayed benefit of ETV + ADV is likely related to the high baseline viremia in this cohort relating to continued LAM exposure after treatment failure. All three therapies had favorable safety profiles.ConclusionsIn patients with LAM‐resistant HBV, ETV + ADV demonstrated greater antiviral efficacy than ADV + LAM and comparable safety over 2 years, and may therefore be a preferable treatment option for LAM‐resistant CHB, especially in regions where alternative rescue therapies are not available. In highly viremic patients, the benefit of ETV + ADV became apparent after a longer treatment duration.
Evolutionary dynamics of leucine‐rich repeat receptor‐like kinases and related genes in plants: A phylogenomic approach
Authors: Shi Tao , Huang Hongwen , Sanderson Michael J. , Tax Frans E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLeucine‐rich repeat (LRR) receptor‐like kinases (RLKs), evolutionarily related LRR receptor‐like proteins (RLPs) and receptor‐like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) have important roles in plant signaling, and their gene subfamilies are large with a complicated history of gene duplication and loss. In three pairs of closely related lineages, including Arabidopsis thaliana and A. lyrata (Arabidopsis), Lotus japonicus, and Medicago truncatula (Legumes), Oryza sativa ssp. japonica, and O. sativa ssp. indica (Rice), we find that LRR RLKs comprise the largest group of these LRR‐related subfamilies, while the related RLCKs represent the smallest group. In addition, comparison of orthologs indicates a high frequency of reciprocal gene loss of the LRR RLK/LRR RLP/RLCK subfamilies. Furthermore, pairwise comparisons show that reciprocal gene loss is often associated with lineage‐specific duplication(s) in the alternative lineage. Last, analysis of genes in A. thaliana involved in development revealed that most are highly conserved orthologs without species‐specific duplication in the two Arabidopsis species and originated from older Arabidopsis‐specific or rosid‐specific duplications. We discuss potential pitfalls related to functional prediction for genes that have undergone frequent turnover (duplications, losses, and domain architecture changes), and conclude that prediction based on phylogenetic relationships will likely outperform that based on sequence similarity alone.
Choline‐mediated modulation of hippocampal sharp wave–ripple complexes in vitro
Authors: Fischer Viktoria , Both Martin , Draguhn Andreas , Egorov Alexei V. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe cholinergic system is critically involved in the modulation of cognitive functions, including learning and memory. Acetylcholine acts through muscarinic (mAChRs) and nicotinic receptors (nAChRs), which are both abundantly expressed in the hippocampus. Previous evidence indicates that choline, the precursor and degradation product of Acetylcholine, can itself activate nAChRs and thereby affects intrinsic and synaptic neuronal functions. Here, we asked whether the cellular actions of choline directly affect hippocampal network activity. Using mouse hippocampal slices we found that choline efficiently suppresses spontaneously occurring sharp wave–ripple complexes (SPW‐R) and can induce gamma oscillations. In addition, choline reduces synaptic transmission between hippocampal subfields CA3 and CA1. Surprisingly, these effects are mediated by activation of both mAChRs and α7‐containing nAChRs. Most nicotinic effects became only apparent after local, fast application of choline, indicating rapid desensitization kinetics of nAChRs. Effects were still present following block of choline uptake and are, therefore, likely because of direct actions of choline at the respective receptors. Together, choline turns out to be a potent regulator of patterned network activity within the hippocampus. These actions may be of importance for understanding state transitions in normal and pathologically altered neuronal networks.
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In this study we asked whether choline, the precursor and degradation product of acetylcholine, directly affects hippocampal network activity. Using mouse hippocampal slices we found that choline efficiently suppresses spontaneously occurring sharp wave–ripple complexes (SPW‐R). In addition, choline reduces synaptic transmission between hippocampal subfields. These effects are mediated by direct activation of muscarinic as well as nicotinic cholinergic pathways. Together, choline turns out to be a potent regulator of patterned activity within hippocampal networks.
Coping, subjective burden and anxiety among family caregivers of older dependents
Authors: del‐Pino‐Casado Rafael , Pérez‐Cruz Margarita , Frías‐Osuna Antonio 
Published: February 2014

Aims and objectivesTo investigate relationships between anxiety and stressors, coping and subjective burden and to contribute to defining factors related to anxiety among family caregivers of older dependents.BackgroundDespite the studies analysing factors related to anxiety in caregivers, there is not enough evidence about this issue.DesignCross‐sectional design.MethodsData from 140 family caregivers (convenience sample) were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients and path analysis. Socio‐demographic data and several scales (Barthel Index, Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire, Cummings Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Brief COPE, Caregiver Strain Index and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale) were used to collect data.ResultsStressors (psychiatric and psychological symptoms and number of assisted activities of daily living), emotion‐focused coping, dysfunctional coping and subjective burden were related to greater anxiety. Subjective burden mediated the effects of psychiatric and psychological symptoms on anxiety and partially mediated the effects of dysfunctional coping on anxiety.ConclusionsStressors, dysfunctional coping and subjective burden were identified as factors related to anxiety. The mediating role of subjective burden in the relationship between dysfunctional coping and anxiety was supported. The effect of dysfunctional coping on anxiety was independent of the stressors.Relevance to clinical practiceThese conclusions justify several recommendations regarding nursing interventions for family caregivers of older dependents: (1) stressors, dysfunctional coping and subjective burden can be used in clinical practice for early detection of and early intervention for anxiety; (2) to prevent subjective burden and anxiety, approach‐coping skills should be promoted through interventions such as problem‐solving, positive reappraisal, assertiveness and control of negative thoughts; (3) these interventions for dysfunctional coping should be systematically developed for individuals with dysfunctional coping regardless of the level of stressors and/or the possibility of respite.