bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Ho and Ti Doping on Structural and Electrical Properties of BiFeO3 Thin Films
Authors: Raghavan Chinnambedu Murugesan , Kim Jin Won , Kim Sang Su 
Published: November 2013

Effects of Ho and Ti ions individual doping and co‐doping on the structural, electrical, and ferroelectric properties of the BiFeO3 thin films are reported. Pure BiFeO3, (Bi0.9Ho0.1)FeO3, Bi(Fe0.98Ti0.02)O3+δ, and (Bi0.9Ho0.1)(Fe0.98Ti0.02)O3+δ thin films were prepared on Pt(111)/Ti/SiO2/Si(100) substrates by using a chemical solution deposition method. All thin films were crystallized in distorted rhombohedral structure containing no secondary or impurity phases confirmed by using an X‐ray diffraction study. Changes in microstructural features, such as grain morphology and grain size distribution, for the doped samples were analyzed by a scanning electron microscopy. From the experimental results, a low electrical leakage (1.2 × 10−5 A/cm2 at 100 kV) and improved ferroelectric properties, such as a large remnant polarization (2Pr) of 52 μC/cm2 and a low coercive field (2Ec) of 886 kV/cm, were observed for the (Bi0.9Ho0.1)(Fe0.98Ti0.02)O3+δ thin film. Fast current relaxation and stabilization observed in the (Bi0.9Ho0.1)(Fe0.98Ti0.02)O3+δ imply effective reduction and neutralization of charged free carriers.
Geopolymer with Hydrogel Characteristics via Silane Coupling Agent Additives
Authors: Glad Brayden E. , Kriven Waltraud M. 
Published: November 2013

Geopolymers (GP) represent a fascinating alternative to typical structural ceramics, but all prior work has demonstrated substantial mesoporosity. This porosity is detrimental to mechanical properties as well as drying failure resistance. Here, mesoporosity in metakaolin Na‐based GP has been reduced by an order of magnitude through the addition of acrylate‐functional silane coupling agents, and the effect of this modification was extensively analyzed using a variety of characterization techniques. It was found that a critical concentration of approximately 0.06 mol methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane/mol GP was necessary for extensive property modification. Above this concentration, membranes and tubes of organic material could be observed, suggesting that only this surplus additive contributed to mesoporosity reduction. The source of this mesoporosity reduction is shown to be segregation of free water via hydrogel‐like interaction caused by the formation of sodium acrylate groups.
Clarifying misconceptions about compassionate care
Authors: Dewar Belinda , Adamson Elizabeth , Smith Stephen , Surfleet Joyce , King Linda 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo discuss the meaning of compassionate care as it applies to staff, patients and families in health and social care settings, its application to practice and how organizational infrastructures affect the delivery of care.BackgroundThe term compassion has assumed headline status and inclusion in current health and social care policy. Clarity of what the term means in practice is needed and may help to promote delivery of compassionate care consistently across health and social care settings.DesignDiscussion paper.Data SourcesThis article draws on data from an action research programme (Leadership in Compassionate Care Programme, 2007–2011) that focused on embedding compassionate care into practice and education and related literature focused on compassionate person‐centred care. A literature search was conducted and articles published in English relating to the terms compassionate, person‐centred care between 1999–2011 were included.DiscussionPerceptions of compassion, practising compassion and the infrastructure to support compassion are discussed.Implications for NursingIt is anticipated that this discussion will prompt further debate, raise awareness and help to clarify the meaning of compassion in everyday practice with patients, relatives and staff, so that it can be more clearly named, valued and defended.ConclusionThis article challenges some of the beliefs and values that underpin the meaning of compassionate care and its application to practice. It brings greater clarity to the meaning of compassion, which could be used to form the basis of shared visions of caring, both strategic and operational, across organizations.
Annual Research Review: Towards a developmental neuroscience of atypical social cognition
Authors: Happé Francesca , Frith Uta 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAs a starting point for our review we use a developmental timeline, starting from birth and divided into major developmental epochs defined by key milestones of social cognition in typical development. For each epoch, we highlight those developmental disorders that diverge from the normal developmental pattern, what is known about these key milestones in the major disorders affecting social cognition, and any available research on the neural basis of these differences. We relate behavioural observations to four major networks of the social brain, that is, Amygdala, Mentalizing, Emotion and Mirror networks. We focus on those developmental disorders that are characterized primarily by social atypicality, such as autism spectrum disorder, social anxiety and a variety of genetically defined syndromes. The processes and aspects of social cognition we highlight are sketched in a putative network diagram, and include: agent identification, emotion processing and empathy, mental state attribution, self‐processing and social hierarchy mapping involving social ‘policing’ and in‐group/out‐group categorization. Developmental disorders reveal some dissociable deficits in different components of this map of social cognition. This broad review across disorders, ages and aspects of social cognition leads us to some key questions: How can we best distinguish primary from secondary social disorders? Is social cognition especially vulnerable to developmental disorder, or surprisingly robust? Are cascading notions of social development, in which early functions are essential stepping stones or building bricks for later abilities, necessarily correct?
Randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind glycemic control trial of novel sodium‐dependent glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor ipragliflozin in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kashiwagi Atsunori , Kazuta Kenichi , Yoshida Satoshi , Nagase Itsuro 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAims/IntroductionIn the present dose–response study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of ipragliflozin (ASP1941), a novel and selective inhibitor of sodium‐dependent glucose cotransporter 2, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Materials and MethodsA total of 361 patients from 39 Japanese centers were randomized to receive either once‐daily oral ipragliflozin (12.5, 25, 50 or 100 mg) or a placebo for 12 weeks.ResultsAll ipragliflozin‐treated groups had clinically significant, dose‐dependent decreases in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose levels compared with placebo‐treated groups. The adjusted mean difference in HbA1c change from baseline to the end of treatment between the placebo and 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg ipragliflozin groups were −0.61%, −0.97%, −1.29%, and −1.31%, respectively (P < 0.001). Reductions in HbA1c levels were similar between obese and non‐obese patients, and were larger in patients with baseline HbA1c ≥8.4% than in those with HbA1c <8.4%. Furthermore, bodyweight significantly (P < 0.001) and dose‐dependently decreased among ipragliflozin‐treated groups compared with the placebo group. The incidence of adverse events was similar across all groups. However, mild increases in hematocrit and blood urea nitrogen were found in ipragliflozin treated groups.ConclusionsOnce‐daily administration of ipragliflozin was dose‐dependently effective in glycemic control without major adverse effects. Ipragliflozin was equally effective between obese and non‐obese patients, and led to weight loss in both groups. Ipragliflozin was safe and well‐tolerated in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT00621868).
The prevalence of onychomycosis in the global population – A literature study
Authors: Sigurgeirsson B. , Baran R. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundOnychomycosis is a common disorder, and high prevalence figures are commonly cited in the literature.ObjectivesEvaluate the prevalence of onychomycosis based on published studies.MethodsRelevant studies were identified in Medline by using specific search criteria.ResultsEleven population‐based and 21 hospital‐based studies were identified. The mean prevalence in Europe and North America was 4.3% [95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.9–6.8] in the population‐based studies, but it was 8.9% (95% CI: 4.3–13.6) for the hospital‐based studies. Both population‐based and hospital‐based studies showed that onychomycosis is more common in toenails and is seen more frequently in males. The main causative agent was a dermatophyte in 65.0% (95% CI: 51.9–78.1) of the cases. Trichophyton rubrum was the single most common fungus and was cultured on average in 44.9% of the cases (95% CI: 33.8–56.0). Moulds were found on average in 13.3% (95% CI: 4.6–22.1) and yeasts in 21.1% (95% CI: 11.0–31.3).LimitationsWe may not have been able to locate all studies.ConclusionsOnychomycosis is a common disorder, but it may not be as common as cited in the literature, because hospital‐based studies might overestimate the prevalence of onychomycosis. It is more frequent in males, and toenails are more commonly affected. Dermatophytes, particularly T. rubrum, are the main causative agents.
Detection and differentiation of causative organisms of onychomycosis in an ex vivo nail model by means of Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Smijs T. G. , Jachtenberg J. W. , Pavel S. , Bakker‐Schut T. C. , Willemse‐Erix D. , de Haas E. R. M. , Sterenborg H. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundOnychomycosis is worldwide the most prevalent infection of the nail. It is mainly caused by the dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes and to a lesser extent Trichophyton tonsurans. The yeast Candida albicans and the mould Scopulariopsis brevicaulis can also cause onychomycosis. Management of these nail conditions may require appropriate treatment methods and therefore the identification of the causative species can be of importance. However, the determination of agents causing onychomycosis is still not optimal.ObjectivesTo detect and differentiate causative organisms of onychomycosis in an ex vivo nail model by means of Raman spectroscopy. The work focusses is on the discriminative power of Raman spectroscopy for detection of differences between T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytus and T. tonsurans on human nail and distinguishing these dermatophytic from the non‐dermatophytic species S. brevicaulis and C. albicans.MethodsRaman spectra (200/sample) were taken from 50‐μm human nail slices infected with T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytus, T. tonsurans, S. brevicaulis or C. albicans using a 2500 High‐Performance Raman Module and 785‐nm diode laser. Processed spectra were analysed by sorting the correlation matrix and presented as dendrogram and heat map. Raman spectra from suspended dermatophytic microconidia were taken for mutual comparisons.ResultsSpectral differences between the dermatophytes T. rubrum, T. mentagrophytus and T. tonsurans (635–795, 840–894, 1018–1112, 1206–1372, 1566–1700/cm) and the non‐dermatophytes S. brevicaulis and C. albicans (442–610, 692–758, 866–914, 1020–1100, 1138–1380,1492–1602/cm) growing on nail were confirmed by clustering correlation showing two main clusters. Dissimilarities between tested dermatophytes were also found with T. rubrum being most different. Raman spectra of the dermatophytic microconidia varied over the whole tested 400–1800/cm range.ConclusionImportant dermatophytic and non‐dermatophytic agents of onychomycosis growing on ex vivo human nail can be distinguished specifically and non‐invasively by Raman spectroscopy.
Expression of human β‐defensin‐2 in psoriatic epidermis models treated with balneophototherapy
Authors: Gambichler T. , Skrygan M. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe molecular mechanisms of action of salt water soaks combined with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation – balneophototherapy (BPT) – are unknown.ObjectivesWe aimed to investigate the effect of BPT on the expression of human β‐defensin‐2 (hBD2) using a psoriatic epidermis model (PEM).MethodsUsing real‐time RT‐PCR and ELISA, we studied the expression patterns of hBD2 in PEM which were treated over three consecutive days with differently concentrated salt water solutions [(3% NaCl; 30% NaCl, 30% Dead Sea salt (DSS)] and consecutive narrowband UVB exposure.ResultsmRNA of hBD2 was significantly reduced in irradiated 3% NaCl, 30% NaCl and 30% DSS soaked PEM when compared with non‐irradiated PEM. ELISA for hBD2 revealed significantly reduced protein expression in irradiated 3% NaCl, 30% NaCl and 30% DSS soaked PEM when compared with non‐irradiated PEM. Compared with irradiated controls and 3% NaCl soaked and irradiated PEM, BPT using 30% NaCl and 30% DSS revealed significantly decreased hBD2 protein levels.ConclusionsBoth mono‐treatment with salt water soaks and BPT of PEM result in altered expression of hBD2, whereas the effects observed are most prominent after BPT. hBD2 gene and protein expression is predominantly down‐regulated following BPT indicating that this combined phototherapeutic regimen is superior to mono‐UVB or salt water soaks alone with respect to normalization of hBD2 expression in psoriatic epidermis.
The Potential of Double K‐Means Clustering for Banana Image Segmentation
Authors: Hu Meng‐han , Dong Qing‐li , Liu Bao‐lin , Malakar Pradeep K. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractA two‐step k‐means clustering technique was used to segment banana images in this study. The first k‐means clustering image segmentation procedure could segment the contours of a banana finger and a banana hand from the background image. Adding the second k‐means clustering could quantify the damage lesions and senescent spots on the banana surface. The result of the validation test showed that the algorithm was suitable for the flaw extraction of banana finger, and the human visual evaluation of comparison among the original, manual separated and automatic segmented images of banana hand demonstrated the potential of this algorithm for banana hand segmentation. Furthermore, the influences of the other special factors, i.e., the specular reflection and the blurry phenomenon, on the segmentation of various banana images were also discussed in this study.Practical ApplicationsThe algorithm based on the double k‐means clustering has a potential for image segmentation of banana fingers and hand under nearly all postharvest situations. This automatic image segmentation algorithm will be beneficial for achieving a comprehensive automation of banana industry.
Effect of ear acupressure on acute postpartum perineal pain: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Kwan Winny SC , Li William WH 
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore the effect of ear acupressure in relieving perineal pain in women during the first 48 hours after delivery.BackgroundPerineal pain is a common problem during postpartum, and different treatment modalities have been used for relief. Ear acupressure has been reported to have possible benefit on relieving acute postpartum perineal pain.DesignThis study was designed as a prospective, randomised controlled trial.MethodsChinese women with a singleton vertex foetus at the gestation of 37 weeks or above were recruited. One hundred and twenty six and 130 women were randomised into the intervention and control groups, respectively. Women in the intervention group received application of tapes and seeds on four designated acupressure points on both ears, while women in the control group received tapes on four irrelevant points. Both groups were instructed to stimulate the points in a similar fashion. Pain perception was assessed by the Verbal Descriptive Pain Scale and the Visual Analogue Scale, and the consumption of analgesics was also reviewed.ResultsNo significant difference in perineal pain perception between the groups was observed in Verbal Descriptive Pain Scale. Although the mean Visual Analogue Scale and the accumulative mean consumption of paracetamol were generally lower in the intervention group, statistical significance was not reached.ConclusionsThere is no evidence so far to conclude that ear acupressure can effectively relieve perineal pain based on the statistical results. Further research is suggested to explore whether the effectiveness of pain relief is affected by the frequency and duration of acupressure point stimulation.Relevance to clinical practiceTraining of midwives to perform this intervention is easy to achieve, but further evidence is required to prove its effectiveness.
Workforce Downsizing and Firm Performance: An Organizational Routine Perspective
Authors: Brauer Matthias , Laamanen Tomi 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWhile there is an extensive body of work on how organizational routines emerge and evolve over time, there is a scarcity of research on what happens when routines are disrupted or disbanded through the elimination of key individuals involved in them. This study is the first to theorize and empirically examine the relationship between the magnitude of workforce downsizing and firm performance applying an organizational routine perspective. Consistent with prior research on organizational routines, we posit that small‐scale downsizing leads to efficiency improvements without disrupting the existing routines. While larger routine disruptions occur in both medium‐ and large‐scale downsizing, we further argue and find that large‐scale downsizing tends to be more beneficial than medium‐scale downsizing. Building on prior research on routines, we reason that in medium‐scale downsizing employees try to salvage the impaired, partially functioning routines, while large‐scale downsizing requires a more fundamental rethinking and re‐creation of routines leading to more positive outcomes. Our study contributes to downsizing research through the application of the organizational routine perspective to explain the financial outcomes of downsizing. In doing so, we depart from the widely held assumption in the downsizing literature that the relationship between the magnitude of downsizing and firm performance is linear. Our study also extends prior research on organizational routines by highlighting the usefulness of conceiving routines as mindful accomplishments where the pressure to engage in path‐breaking cognitive effort may lead to better results than path‐dependent repairing of routines.
Testosterone 2% Gel Can Normalize Testosterone Concentrations in Men with Low Testosterone Regardless of Body Mass Index
Authors: Dobs Adrian , Norwood Paul , Potts Susan , Gould Errol , Chitra Surya 
Published: November 2013

Abstract

Introduction
Little is known about the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the efficacy and safety of testosterone therapy in hypogonadal men. A prior noncomparative trial demonstrated that testosterone 2% gel restored testosterone levels in hypogonadal men and was generally well tolerated.

Aim
This post hoc analysis evaluated the influence of BMI on the pharmacokinetics of testosterone therapy in men with low testosterone.

Methods
Men (N = 149) aged 18–75 applied testosterone 2% gel to the front and inner thigh once daily for 90 days. Starting dose was 40 mg/day, which could be adjusted at days 14, 35, and 60. Patients were split into categories depending on baseline BMI: Tertile 1 (≤29.1 kg/m2), Tertile 2 (29.2–32.4 kg/m2), and Tertile 3 (&gt;32.4 kg/m2).

Main Outcome Measures
Efficacy end points were average serum total testosterone concentrations over 24 hours and maximum serum testosterone concentrations at day 90. Adverse events were recorded.

Results
The efficacy analysis included 129 men with low testosterone (mean age 52.9, 54.0, and 54.2 years for Tertiles 1, 2, and 3, respectively) defined as serum testosterone &lt;250–300 ng/dL. Baseline testosterone levels were comparable across BMI tertiles. After 90 days of treatment with testosterone 2% gel (≥40 mg/day), 79.1%, 79.5%, and 73.8% of patients in Tertiles 1, 2, and 3, respectively, achieved serum testosterone concentrations in the physiologic range (i.e., ≥ 300 to ≤ 1,140 ng/dL). The mean average daily dose at day 90 was higher in participants in Tertiles 3 vs. 2 (P = 0.039) and Tertiles 3 vs. 1 (P = 0.010). The gel was generally well tolerated, with skin reactions the most commonly reported adverse event (16.1%; n = 24).

Conclusions
In this study, daily application of testosterone 2% gel was effective at returning serum testosterone to physiologic levels in men with low testosterone and high BMI, although required dose was affected by BMI.
Interconnectivity of sympathetic and sleep networks is mediated through reduction of gamma aminobutyric acidergic inhibition in the paraventricular nucleus
Authors: Perry Juliana C. , Bergamaschi Cássia T. , Campos Ruy R. , Silva Adilson M. , Tufik Sergio 
Published: November 2013

SummaryChronic short sleep duration has been linked to sympathoexcitation and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The central nervous system plays an important role in the regulation of sympathetic activity. Thus, the present study evaluates the pre‐autonomic neurones in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and rostral ventrolateral medulla after sleep restriction using various protein expression measurements and electrophysiological approaches. Wistar male rats were assigned randomly to two experimental groups: control or sleep restriction for 14 days. Sleep restriction was defined as 20 h of paradoxical sleep deprivation followed by a 4 h sleep permission period using the modified multiple platform method. Micropunches of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and rostral ventrolateral medulla were dissected to evaluate the protein expression of angiotensin II receptor, type 1 (AT1), AT2, gamma aminobutyric acidA) (N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor1) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase neuronal nitric oxide synthase isoform through immunoblotting. Sleep restriction induced a down‐regulation of the gamma aminobutyric acidA receptor in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. Microinjection of bicuculline, a gamma aminobutyric acid receptor blocker, into the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus increased renal sympathetic activity renal sympathetic nerve activity, mean arterial pressure and heart rate in anaesthetized control rats. However, the amplitude and frequency of renal sympathetic nerve activity was higher in the sleep restriction group. These findings suggest that gamma aminobutyric acidergic inhibition within the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus is involved in sympathoexcitation induced by sleep restriction.