bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Micro‐/Mesoporous SiOC Bulk Ceramics
Authors: Li Jiake , Lu Kathy , Lin Tiesong , Shen Fengyu 
Published: March 2015

Micro‐/mesoporous SiOC bulk ceramics with high surface area and bimodal pore size distribution were prepared by pyrolysis of polysiloxane in argon atmosphere at 1100°C–1400°C followed by etching in hydrofluoric acid solution. Their thermal behaviors, phase compositions, and microstructures at different nano‐SiO2 filler contents and pyrolysis temperatures were investigated by XRD, SEM, DSC, and BET. The SiO2 fillers and SiO2‐rich clusters in the SiOC matrix act as pore‐forming sites and can be etched away by HF. At the same time, the SiO2 filler promotes SiOC phase separation during the pyrolysis. The filler content and pyrolysis temperature have important effects on phase compositions and microstructures of porous SiOC ceramics. The resulting porous SiOC bulk ceramic has a maximum specific surface area of 822.7 m2/g and an average pore size of 2.61 nm, and consists of free carbon, silicon carbide, and silicon oxycarbide phases.
Voting Procedures and Parliamentary Representation in the European Parliament
Authors: Trumm Siim 
Published: March 2015

AbstractParliamentary representation is a fluid concept. Yet, while the behaviour of elected representatives during roll call votes has been widely analyzed, we know little about how parliamentarians act when their individual voting choices are not made public. This paper explores the relationship between voting procedures and the likelihood that Members of the European Parliament prioritize the interests of their EP party group versus the interests of their national party. Using an original survey, I find that MEPs are more likely to prioritize the interests of their national party over those of their EP party group when voting by show of hands or electronically, as opposed to by roll call. Moreover, this voting procedure effect is particularly salient among MEPs elected from 2004/07 accession countries.
Changes in serum alpha fetoprotein in patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma following hepatectomy
Authors: Liu Guanghua , Wang Kui , Li Jun , Xia Yong , Lu Lihua , Wan Xuying , Yan Zhenlin , Shi Lehua , Lau Wan Yee , Wu Mengchao , Shen Feng 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground and AimTo study the change in serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP) of patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection and to analyze its effect on the survival.MethodsWe prospectively collected 981 consecutive patients with post‐resectional recurrent HCC between 2005 and 2010 at the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital. According to the change of AFP from the initial stage to recurrent stage, the patients were divided into stable‐L (20 ng/mL to 20 ng/mL, n = 296), stable‐M (20–400 ng/mL to 20–400 ng/mL, n = 102), stable‐H (400 ng/mL to 400 ng/mL, n = 212), decreasing (n = 287), and increasing (n = 84) groups. The overall survival (OS) and recurrence to death survival (RTDS) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed by Cox proportional hazards regression.ResultsThe stable‐H/increasing and stable‐L/decreasing groups had the lowest and highest 5‐year OS and RTDS rates (10.8%/18.8% vs 56.3%/55.0%; 3.4%/5.1% vs 37.7%/33.2%; both P < 0.001), while the stable‐M group had the lower rates, which were 29.8% and 23.6% (for OS and RTDS: vs stable‐L, P < 0.001 and 0.002; vs deceasing, P = 0.001 and 0.012; vs increasing, P = 0.113 and 0.011; vs stable‐H, both P < 0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that AFP inconsistency was an independent factor affecting RTDS (decreasing vs stable‐L, hazard ratio: 1.10, 95% confidence interval: 0.79–1.54, P = 0.575; increasing vs stable‐L, 2.93, 2.06–4.16, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe AFP inconsistency was an important prognostic factor for recurrent HCC.
Examining Self‐Care Behaviors and Their Associated Factors Among Adolescent Girls With Dysmenorrhea: An Application of Orem's Self‐Care Deficit Nursing Theory
Authors: Wong Cho Lee , Ip Wan Yim , Choi Kai Chow , Lam Lai Wah 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPurposeTo test a hypothesized model that examines the relationship between selected basic conditioning factors, self‐care agency, and self‐care behaviors among adolescent girls with dysmenorrhea using Orem's self‐care deficit nursing theory as a framework.DesignThis was a predictive correlational study conducted with a total of 531 secondary school girls.MethodsSelf‐care agency, self‐care behaviors, and 11 variables that have been theoretically or empirically justified in previous studies as relevant to basic conditioning factors were selected and collected by means of structured questionnaires. Path analyses were performed to test the hypothesized linkages among variables.FindingsPath analysis revealed that age and received menstrual education had both direct and indirect effects through self‐care agency on self‐care behaviors. Mother's and father's educational level, pain intensity, and self‐medication used when experiencing dysmenorrhea only affected the self‐care behaviors directly.ConclusionsThis is the first study that provided information about the relationship between basic conditioning factors, self‐care agency, and self‐care behaviors among adolescent girls with dysmenorrhea. Knowledge of the factors influencing self‐care behaviors in these adolescent girls will assist healthcare professionals in developing effective interventions to promote self‐care and ameliorate the adverse impact of this condition.Clinical RelevanceInterventional strategies that aim at promoting self‐care behaviors among adolescent girls with dysmenorrhea should strengthen girls’ self‐care agency and should target those with a younger age, higher pain intensity, mother with a higher educational level, father with a lower educational level, and those who do not take self‐medication for dysmenorrhea.
Assessment of free light chains in HCV‐positive patients with mixed cryoglobulinaemia vasculitis undergoing rituximab treatment
Authors: Basile Umberto , Gragnani Laura , Piluso Alessia , Gulli Francesca , Urraro Teresa , Dell'Abate Maria T. , Torti Eleonora , Stasi Cristina , Monti Monica , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico , Zignego Anna Linda 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsMixed cryoglobulinaemia (MC) is an HCV‐related lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by the presence of circulating immune complexes called cryoglobulins. Treatment with anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab is proved to be very useful, especially in patients ineligible to interferon‐based antiviral therapy. Recently, free light chain (FLC) κ/λ ratio and FLC patterns were associated with MC. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in FLC‐κ, FCL‐λ, FLC ratio following rituximab treatment in patients with HCV‐related MC and to correlate FLC‐κ, FCL‐λ and FLC ratio values with therapy response.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 46 patients with HCV infection (26 females, 20 males), including 10 patients without signs/symptoms of MC‐related vasculitis, 36 with MC vasculitis. Clinical and biological data were recorded at baseline and 6 months after RTX treatment. Nephelometric measurement of serum FLCs was taken.ResultsThe mean serum FLC‐κ level and FLC ratio were significantly higher in patients with MC, compared to HCV patients without MC and to blood donors. An abnormal FLC ratio at baseline correlated with the presence of cryoglobulins, C4 consumption, higher RF level and higher vasculitis rate. To evaluate the predictive value of FLCs, patients with MC were divided into two groups according to RTX therapy outcome (responders and no/partial responders). Abnormal baseline FLC ratio was significantly associated with no/partial response.ConclusionsRTX treatment in HCV‐related MC induces a reduction in FLC‐κ and RF levels. Moreover, pretreatment FLC ratio, which can be easily assessed by a routine test, may be useful to predict response to this expensive treatment for patients with HCV‐related MC ineligible to IFN‐based therapy.
Reducing Health Risk Factors in Workplaces of Low and Middle‐Income Countries
Authors: Anthony Denis , Dyson Pamela A. , Lv Jun , Thankappan Kavumpurathu R. , Fernández Maria Teresa , Matthews David R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo reduce risk factors in workplace settings in low‐ and middle‐income countries.Design and SampleWorkplace interventions were utilized as part of the Community Interventions for Health program, a nonrandomized, controlled study undertaken in three communities in China, India, and Mexico. Exactly, 45 industrial, 82 health and 101 school workplace settings with a target population of 15,726. Two independent cross‐sectional surveys of workers were conducted at baseline and follow‐up, after 18–24 months of intervention activities.MeasuresCulturally appropriate interventions to reduce tobacco use, increase physical activity, and improve dietary intake were delivered in the intervention areas.ResultsExactly, 12,136 adults completed surveys at baseline, and 9,786 at follow‐up. In the intervention group, the prevalence of tobacco use reduced significantly in men (−6.0%, p < .001) and the proportion eating five portions of fruit and vegetables daily increased (+6.9%, p < .001) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups for changes in physical activity or prevalence of overweight.ConclusionsWorkplace interventions improved risk factors in China, India, and Mexico.
A Conceptual Model to Promote the Retention of Women with Physical Disabilities in Research
Authors: Mood Laura , Hassouneh Dena , McNeff Elizabeth 
Published: March 2015

AbstractInadequate participant recruitment and retention practices can affect sample representativeness and thus the generalizability of research findings. Retention of research participants has been examined within the literature to some extent; however, there is no consensus on best practice in achieving acceptable results. Furthermore, there is a gap in understanding how to engage and retain women with physical disabilities (WPDs) in research. To address these oversights, we review (1) the significance of retention as a methodological concern, (2) factors that influence the involvement and retention of participants in research, including individual, population, and health‐illness considerations, and (3) particular circumstances impacting the inclusion and retention of WPDs in research. On the basis of a review of the literature and our experience with the Healing Pathways randomized controlled trial (RCT), we present a conceptual model to guide culturally sensitive health research implementation with WPDs, and promote the engagement and retention of this group in RCTs and other forms of interventional health research.
Irisin, a newly discovered myokine, is a novel biomarker associated with physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ijiri Naoki , Kanazawa Hiroshi , Asai Kazuhisa , Watanabe Tetsuya , Hirata Kazuto 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveIrisin is a recently identified hormone secreted by skeletal myocytes, which has been proposed to mediate the beneficial effects of exercise. Physical activity has been emphasized as one of the principal targets of the treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study was designed to evaluate the possibility of using serum irisin level as a novel biomarker associated with physical activity in patients with COPD.MethodsWe measured the serum irisin level in 72 COPD patients and 27 control subjects, and investigated its correlation to pulmonary function parameters, exercise capacity and physical activity level. In addition, we analysed the effects of acute and chronic exercise on serum irisin level.ResultsFat‐free mass index was not significantly different between the two study groups. However, lower serum irisin level was observed in COPD patients than in the control subjects (COPD patients: median (interquartile range) 31.6 (22.7–40.4) ng/mL; control subjects: 50.7 (39.3–65.8) ng/mL; P < 0.001). The serum irisin level did not significantly correlate with any pulmonary function parameters and 6‐min walk distance. However, serum irisin level was associated with the physical activity level in all subjects. In COPD patients, acute exercise did not affect serum irisin level, but an 8‐week exercise training was linked to the significant increase in its level.ConclusionsCirculating irisin could be used to evaluate physical activity in COPD patients and increased after an 8‐week exercise training. Serum irisin level may prove to be a valuable biomarker in clinical follow up of COPD.
Protective Profile Involving CD23/IgE‐mediated NO Release is a Hallmark of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Patients from the Xakriabá Indigenous Community in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Carvalho‐Gontijo R. , Peruhype‐Magalhães V. , Costa‐Silva M. F. , Martins‐Filho O. A. , Quaresma P. F. , Freire J. de Moura , Moreno E. de Castro , Teixeira‐Carvalho A. , Gontijo C. M. Ferreira 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this study, we described, for the first time, specific aspects of an anti‐Leishmania immune response in a Brazilian Xakriabá indigenous community. Induction of an intracellular NO pathway, triggered by the binding of IgE to CD23 receptor in IFN‐γ/IL‐4 cytokines environment, was evaluated in localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) carriers and positive Montenegro skin test (MST) individuals without skin lesion (MT+SL−). Our data demonstrated that the higher frequency of CD23+CD14+ monocytes and the increased serum levels of IgE observed in the LCL group were even higher in LCL carriers with late lesions (LCL≥60). Furthermore, patients with LCL presented increased NO production after Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis stimulation and this NO profile was independent of the time of the lesion (recent LCL<60 or late LCL≥60). We also showed that the increased frequency of IFN‐γ+ and IL‐4+CD4+ T cells is related to the MT+SL− group. The results of biomarker signature curves demonstrated that in the MT+SL− group, the index signature was characterized by DAF‐2T+CD14+/IL‐4+CD8+/IFN‐γ+CD4+/IL‐4+CD4+. On the other hand, the LCL group presented a higher index of DAF‐2T+CD14+/CD23+CD14+/IL‐4+ CD8+, associated with a lower index of IFN‐γ+CD8+. Considering the time of lesion, data analysis demonstrated that the main differences observed were highlighted in LCL<60 patients, with a higher index of CD23+CD14+, which was also present in LCL≥60 patients. In conclusion, our data suggest that the protective immune response involving CD23‐IgE‐mediated NO release is a hallmark of patients with LCL. However, in MT+SL− individuals, another different leishmanicidal mechanism seems to be involved.
Validation of a new imaging device for telemedical ulcer monitoring
Authors: Rasmussen B. S. B. , Froekjaer J. , Joergensen L. B. , Halekoh U. , Yderstraede K. B. 
Published: March 2015

PurposeTo clarify whether a new portable imaging device (PID) providing 3D images for telemedical use constitutes a more correct expression of the clinical situation compared to standard telemedical equipment in this case iPhone 4s.MethodWe investigated intra‐ and interindividual variability between the new portable camera and the iPhone images vs. clinical assessment as the ‘gold standard’. The study included 36 foot ulcers. Four specialists rated the ulcers and filled out a questionnaire, which formed the basis of the evaluation.ResultsWe found fair to very good intra‐rater agreement for the new PID and iPhone, respectively. The gold standard was evaluated by assessing the ulcer twice by two different specialists. Kappa values were moderate to very good with respect to inter‐rater agreement except for two variables. The agreement between standard and new equipment compared to the gold standard showed highest agreement with the new PID.ConclusionThe new PID is more in accordance with the clinical assessment compared to standard images. It opens for the possibility of using more advanced techniques in a telemedical approach to ulcer treatment and care, including volume measurements.
Facilitation of blood donation amongst haemochromatosis patients
Authors: Marrow B. , Clarkson J. , Chapman C. E. , Masson S. 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARYBackground/ObjectiveThe standard medical therapy for haemochromatosis is iron removal by regular phlebotomy. Current guidelines suggest that this blood should be made available through national blood services. Here, we describe a pilot facilitating the process of blood donation amongst uncomplicated haemochromatosis patients.Methods/MaterialsAt a dedicated clinic, patients with uncomplicated haemochromatosis interested in becoming blood donors were offered an information leaflet and self‐referral application. Upon receipt, members of the local Blood Service contacted them to confirm eligibility to donate. Data on demographics and clinical characteristics, including HFE (high Fe) genotype, co‐morbidities, alcohol consumption and body mass index, were collected.ResultsSince establishing the clinic, 140 patients have attended (93 male) with median age 57. Most (n = 125; 89%) had uncomplicated haemochromatosis. Of these, 55 were potentially eligible blood donors. Amongst those eligible, there are now 29 regular blood donors, including 23 new.ConclusionThere is an interest and willingness to donate blood through the Blood Service amongst uncomplicated haemochromatosis patients undergoing therapeutic phlebotomy. Since the introduction of this facilitation process, we have significantly increased the number of regular donors amongst this cohort. If this process was to be replicated more widely across the UK, this could have a significant impact on the blood donor pool.
Improving the ability to eliminate wounds and pressure ulcers
Authors: Kuffler Damien P. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTPressure ulcers can be initiated by as little as 2 hours of constant pressure on the ski, that blocks blood circulation causing the skin and underlying tissues to die, leading to an open wound that never heals, but continues to grow in diameter and depth, and frequently jeopardizes patients’ lives. Despite the application of many diverse techniques, pressure ulcers remain exceptionally difficult to heal because many ulcer elimination techniques have minimal effects, and although other techniques may appear to be effective, the evidence supporting their efficacy is weak. However, increasing evidence indicates that other techniques, such as the application of platelet‐rich plasma, vacuum assisted closure, electrical stimulation, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy are effective and should be substituted for the older techniques. This review describes different standard and novel techniques that have been tested for eliminating pressure ulcers and discusses the relative efficacy of these techniques.
Vibration inhibits deterioration in rat deep‐tissue injury through HIF1–MMP axis
Authors: Sari Yunita , Sanada Hiromi , Minematsu Takeo , Nakagami Gojiro , Nagase Takashi , Huang Lijuan , Noguchi Hiroshi , Mori Taketoshi , Yoshimura Kotaro , Sugama Junko 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTDeep‐tissue injury (DTI) is a unique type of pressure ulcer (PU) in which deep‐tissue damage expands outwards to the superficial skin. DTI progresses rapidly into a severe PU, despite initially appearing as only a bruise or darkened tissue in the superficial skin. Although some DTI detection methods are available, there is currently no strategy for treating deteriorating DTI. This study investigated the efficacy of vibration therapy for preventing DTI deterioration through down‐regulation of the hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) axis in rats. We prepared a conventional PU rat model (PU group) and a DTI deterioration rat model (DTI group). The DTI group was further divided into two groups subjected to vibration and control treatments, respectively. Macroscopic and histological features, hypoxia, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and MMP2 and MMP9 activities in compressed skin were analyzed. Hypoxia, oxidative stress, and MMP activity were enhanced in the DTI group compared with the PU group. Vibration remarkably inhibited DTI deterioration, hypoxia, and the expression/activities of MMP2 and MMP9. These results suggest that vibration therapy can effectively attenuate deterioration of DTI. This report provides the first evidence for a therapeutic treatment for deteriorating DTI.
The Effect of Alternative Turbine Cooling Schemes on the Performance of Utility Gas Turbine Powerplants
Authors: Cohn Arthur , Waters Mark 
Published: March 2015

It is important that the requirements and cycle penalties related to the cooling of high temperature turbines be thoroughly understood and accurately factored into cycle analyses and power plant systems studies.
Various methods used for the cooling of high temperature gas turbines are considered and cooling effectiveness curves established for each. These methods include convection, film and transpiration cooling using compressor bleed and/or discharge air. In addition, the effects of chilling the compressor discharge cooling gas are considered.
Performance is developed to demonstrate the impact of the turbine cooling schemes on the heat rate and specific power of Combined–Cycle power plants.
Unsteady Flow at the Outlet of the High Specific Speed Centrifugal Compressor Impeller
Authors: Kano Fumikata , Shirakami Takafumi 
Published: March 2015

The unsteady flow at the outlet of the high specific speed mixed flow Impeller was studied. The specific speed is 500 (m3/min)1/2 · rpm · m−3/4. The flow is strongly influenced by the impeller blading. The other hand, the flow influences the performance of the stationary vanes downstream of the impeller. The flow path at the outlet of the mixed flow impeller is inclined to the axial direction and is curved in the meridional plane.
The study was carried out to develop the 30 MW centrifugal compressor. This compressor is used in the field of the coal gasification, the geothermal power generation, etc. The distributions of flow velocity, pressure and temperature of three dimensional flow were measured using a high sensitive pressure transducer and a total temperature probe. The flow was surveyed across the entire passage at about ten axial locations including endwall boundary layer. A theoretical analysis was also carried out using the linearized Navier-Stokes equation.
Utility Combustion Turbine Evaluation of Coal Liquid Fuels
Authors: Ambrose Michael J. , Costello Rocco F. , Schreiber Henry 
Published: March 2015

A comprehensive field test was performed to evaluate the suitability of H-Coal middle distillate and full-range Exxon Donor Solvent (EDS) coal derived liquids (CDLs) as utility combustion turbine fuels. A Westinghouse W251AA 26 MW combustion turbine operated by the Philadelphia Electric Company was the test engine. No. 2 petroleum distillate fuel was also fired to establish baseline data. This program was sponsored by the Electric Power Research Institute.
Site modifications included a temporary CDL storage and fuel transfer system, water storage and injection equipment, an instrumented combustor, engine and emissions instrumentation and data acquisition systems, and industrial hygiene facilities required for the proper handling of the CDLs.
The overall results of testing were positive for using such CDL fuels in combustion turbines for power generation. With the exception of higher combustor metal temperatures with the CDLs, and persistent fuel filter plugging with the EDS fuel, (which occurred even with increased fuel temperature and filter size), the engine operated satisfactorily during approximately 80 hours of total running over the standard range of load and water injection conditions.