bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photoluminescence and Temperature Dependent Electrical Properties of Er‐Doped 0.94Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐0.06BaTiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Hu Bin , Pan Zhao , Dai Ming , Guo Fei‐Fei , Ning Huanpo , Gu Zheng‐Bin , Chen Jun , Lu Ming‐Hui , Zhang Shan‐Tao , Yang Bin , Cao Wenwu 
Published: September 2014

Er‐doped 0.94Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3‐0.06BaTiO3 (BNT‐6BT: xEr, x is the molar ratio of Er3+ doping) lead‐free piezoceramics with x = 0–0.02 were prepared and their multifunctional properties have been comprehensively investigated. Our results show that Er‐doping has significant effects on morphology of grain, photoluminescence, dielectric, and ferroelectric properties of the ceramics. At room temperature, the green (550 nm) and red (670 nm) emissions are enhanced by Er‐doping, reaching the strongest emission intensity when x = 0.0075. The complex and composition‐dependent effects of electric poling on photoluminescence also have been measured. As for electrical properties, on the one hand, Er‐doping tends to flatten the dielectric constant‐temperature (εr‐T) curves, leading to temperature‐insensitive dielectric constant in a wide temperature range (50°C–300°C). On the other hand, Er‐doping significantly decreases the ferroelectric‐relaxor transition temperature (TF–R) and depolarization temperature (Td), with the TF–R decreasing from 76°C to 42°C for x = 0–0.02. As a result, significant composition‐dependent electrical features were found in ferroelectric and piezoelectric properties at room temperature. In general, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties tend to become weaker, as confirmed by the composition‐dependent piezoelectric coefficient (d33), planar coupling factor (kp), and the shape of polarization‐electric field (P–E), current‐electric field (J–E), bipolar/unipolar strain‐electric field (S–E) curves. Furthermore, to understand the relationship between the TF–R/Td and the electrical properties, the composition of x = 0.0075 has been intensively studied. Our results indicate that the BNT‐6BT: xEr with appropriate Er‐doping may be a promising multifunctional material with integrated photoluminescence and electrical properties for practical applications.
A reaction norm model approach to estimate the genetic effect of temperature on sportive performance of trotter horses
Authors: Dolores Gómez M. , Menéndez‐Buxadera A. , Valera M. , Molina A. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe performance results of Spanish Trotter Horses were merged with the information from the nearest official weather stations, to estimate the effects of temperature (T) on speed during the day of the race. The resulting data set included: 104 125 individual results from 7653 races with 3772 participant horses and driven by 1402 jockeys. After a classical repeatability animal model in which the effects ofTwere assumed null, a total of five different random regression models (RRM) with the same fixed part were applied in a parsimonious nested process in which the (co)variance components for each random effect were estimated considering homo/heterogeneous responses across the trajectory ofTduring the race. The results demonstrate that performance is better whenTincreases from 4°C to 12°C, followed by a comfort zone (12–19°C) and a light but more stressful zone (>20°C). A significant change in theTduring 20 years (+4°C) was observed whilst the speed of the race improved by +2.1 m/s during the same period. The information criterion (LogL,AICandBIC) confirmed the existence of heterogeneity of (co)variance components along the trajectory of T scale. The model in whichTeffect was assumed non‐constant across the T scale for animal genetic effects; the individual environmental permanent effects and the jockey effects fit the data better. Heritability had higher values (0.19–0.20) whenTwas <12°C and slightly decreases within the comfort and stressful zones. Genetic correlations were high and, as was expected, it decreases when difference betweenTincreases. The best 150 animals for speed during the comfort zone were selected according to the Expected Breeding Value (EBV) estimated with the bestRRM, and important variations were detected in the evolution ofEBVacross the trajectory ofT. The presence of a genetic base related toTeffect during the race in this type of performance is demonstrated.
Testing diversification models of endemic Philippine forest mice (Apomys) with nuclear phylogenies across elevational gradients reveals repeated colonization of isolated mountain ranges
Authors: Justiniano Rebecca , Schenk John J. , Balete Danilo S. , Rickart Eric A. , Esselstyn Jacob A. , Heaney Lawrence R. , Steppan Scott J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimOur aims were to document the extent of diversification in an endemic clade of small mammals (Apomys, subgenus Megapomys) on a large oceanic island and to test whether speciation occurred primarily (1) along isolated elevational gradients or (2) among montane areas, as would be expected if diversification were driven by glacial cycles.LocationThe Philippine archipelago, particularly Luzon Island and two smaller adjacent islands (Mindoro and Lubang).MethodsWe analysed newly generated nuclear DNA sequences from five unlinked genes and mitochondrial cytochrome b using concatenation (likelihood and Bayesian) and coalescent‐based methods to estimate the species tree for all 13 species. We tested a priori models of speciation using both topological constraints and reconstructed elevational ranges of ancestors.ResultsAll individual gene trees recovered at least four of the morphologically defined Megapomys species as monophyletic, while the concatenated approaches recovered all 13 species as monophyletic. Each species was confined to a single mountain range or off‐shore island. Most mountain ranges had two species, but these species pairs usually were not sisters. Megapomys originated at medium to high elevation followed by three transitions into lower elevations and possibly one to high elevation. Both a priori models of speciation (elevational gradient and glacial cycle) were rejected by topology tests. The speciation rate was approximately constant through time.Main conclusionsNuclear sequence data strongly corroborated the species status of recently described taxa. A well‐supported phylogeny showed that Megapomys diversified by splitting into a predominantly high‐elevation clade and an entirely low‐elevation clade. Neither adaptation along elevational gradients on single mountain ranges nor vicariance of high‐elevation species following glacial cycle‐induced dispersals fitted the data. Rather, the most likely process explaining species distributions is repeated colonization of isolated mountain ranges by distantly related species.
Infectious eczematoid dermatitis: a comprehensive review
Authors: Yamany T. , Schwartz R.A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractInfectious eczematoid dermatitis (IED) is characterized by an acute eczematous eruption triggered by purulent discharge from a primary infected site. Alcohol consumption, cigarette smoking and occupations with higher incidences of contact dermatitis portend increased risk for IED. Staphylococcus aureus is the most commonly cultured microbe from affected skin, with Streptococcus species the second most. Patients are first evident with peripherally spreading vesicles and pustules radiating from an infected site. Older areas of involvement become crusty, scaly and erythematous. Diagnosis is clinical. Other eczematous rashes, including autoeczemitization and contact dermatitis, should be on the differential diagnosis list. The treatment centres on topical antibiotics and soaks. Prognosis has improved since the advent of antibiotics. However, cases with multiple relapses and poor response to therapy are still observed.
The PKA RIα/A‐kinase anchoring proteins 10 signaling pathway and the prognosis of colorectal cancer
Authors: Wang Mojin , Li Yuan , Wang Rui , Wang Ziqiang , Chen Keling , Zhou Bin , Zhou Zongguang , Sun Xiaofeng 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground and AimPreviously study showed that the loss of the control of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A RIα (PKA RIα)/ A‐kinase anchoring proteins 10 (AKAP10) signaling pathway initiate dysregulation of cellular healthy physiology leading to tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of PKA RIα/AKAP10 signaling pathway in colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsThe AKAP10 expression at the mRNA and protein level have been analyzed in colon cancer cell lines, primary CRCs and matched normal mucosa samples, and compared in accordance with specific clinicopathological features of CRC. The correlation between expression of AKAP10 and PKA RIα were also analyzed.ResultsCompared with HCT116 and SW480 cells, the AKAP10 was significantly upregulated in the colon cell line KM12C and its metastatic counterparts, KM12SM and KM12L4A. Moreover, the KM12SM and KM12L4A having high metastatic potentials displayed the elevated levels of AKAP10 compared with KM12C having poor metastatic potential. A notably higher level of AKAP10 expression was found in CRC tissues at both mRNA and protein levels. Increased expression of AKAP10 in CRC patients was positively associated with the depth of invasion and the grade of differentiation. Univariate survival analysis showed that the increased expression of AKAP10 was related to poorer survival. Cox multivariate regression analysis confirmed that AKAP10 was an independent predictor of the overall survival of CRC patients. PKA RIα mRNA was also expressed at high levels in CRC. The correlation coefficient between mRNA expression of AKAP10 and PKA RIα in CRC was 0.417. AKAP10 mRNA overexpression was correlated significantly with PKA RIα.ConclusionsOur data indicated that PKA RIα/AKAP10 signaling pathway is associated with the progression and prognosis of CRC.
Validation of fatty acid intakes estimated by a food frequency questionnaire using erythrocyte fatty acid profiling in the Montreal Heart Institute Biobank
Authors: Turcot V. , Brunet J. , Daneault C. , Tardif J. C. , Des Rosiers C. , Lettre G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundTo improve the prevention, treatment and risk prediction of cardiovascular diseases, genetic markers and gene–diet interactions are currently being investigated. The Montreal Heart Institute (MHI) Biobank is suitable for such studies because of its large sample size (currently, n = 17 000), the availability of biospecimens, and the collection of data on dietary intakes of saturated (SFAs) and n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated (PUFAs) fatty acids estimated from a 14‐item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). We tested the validity of the FFQ by correlating dietary intakes of these fatty acids with their red blood cell (RBC) content in MHI Biobank participants.MethodsSeventy‐five men and 75 women were selected from the Biobank. We successfully obtained RBC fatty acids for 142 subjects using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to test whether SFA scores and daily intakes (g day−1) of n‐3 and n‐6 PUFAs correlate with their RBC content.ResultsBased on covariate‐adjusted analyses, intakes of n‐3 PUFAs from vegetable sources were significantly correlated with RBC α‐linolenic acid levels (ρ = 0.23, P = 0.007), whereas n‐3 PUFA intakes from marine sources correlated significantly with RBC eicosapentaenoic acid (ρ = 0.29, P = 0.0008) and docosahexaenoic acid (ρ = 0.41, P = 9.2 × 10–7) levels. Intakes of n‐6 PUFAs from vegetable sources correlated with RBC linoleic acid (ρ = 0.18, P = 0.04). SFA scores were not correlated with RBC total SFAs.ConclusionsThe MHI Biobank 14‐item FFQ can appropriately estimate daily intakes of n‐3 PUFAs from vegetable and marine sources, as well as vegetable n‐6 PUFAs, which enables the possibility of using these data in future studies.
Mothers with intellectual impairment and their 9‐month‐old infants
Authors: Hindmarsh G. , Llewellyn G. , Emerson E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have utilised population‐based data to examine the lives of families headed by parents with intellectual impairment. This study examined the health and social context of mothers with intellectual impairment compared with their peers without intellectual impairment, and the 9‐month developmental outcomes of their infants.MethodSecondary analysis of the first wave of the United Kingdom's Millennium Cohort Study (MCS). Wave 1 data were collected when the child was 9 months of age and recorded in‐depth information of maternal health, the social context in which the families live, and developmental outcomes of the infants.ResultsOf the 18 189 mothers, 74 (0.4%) were classified as mothers with intellectual impairment. The findings show evidence of widespread disadvantage in terms of social context and poorer self‐reported physical health for mothers with intellectual impairment compared with their peers without intellectual impairment. Maternal mental health and the developmental outcomes of their 9‐month infants were not markedly different between the two groups.ConclusionsThe cross‐sectional analyses used in this study shows the differences in the lives of mothers with intellectual impairment and their young infants compared with their peers. Longitudinal analyses across subsequent waves of the MCS will allow protective and risk factors in the early years that influence later developmental outcomes to be identified.
Complexities of medicines safety: communicating about managing medicines at transition points of care across emergency departments and medical wards
Authors: Manias Elizabeth , Gerdtz Marie , Williams Allison , Dooley Michael 
Published: September 2014

Aims and objectivesTo explore how health professionals, patients and family members communicate about managing medicines across transition points of care in two Australian public hospitals.BackgroundMedicines errors are common at transition points of care. Little qualitative work has targeted communicating about medicines management across patients' journeys from admission through to discharge.DesignA qualitative descriptive study was undertaken.MethodsIn‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with patients and family members, and focus groups and interviews were undertaken with doctors, nurses and pharmacists (n = 103). These individuals were situated in emergency departments and general medical wards. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsFour themes were identified: contextual environment of care, competing responsibilities of care, awareness of responsibility for safety, and interprofessional communication. Contextual environment of care was affected by time pressure and efficiency, and an overriding priority to move patients out of emergency departments. In competing responsibilities of care, a reactive focus was displayed in emergency departments while a proactive stance was demonstrated in medical wards. There was an awareness of responsibility for safety, whereby key stakeholders appreciated the chain of events involved, interpersonal communication affected patients and carers, and consequences existed for patient education related to lack of information. Interdisciplinary communication was associated with communication modalities used in encounters, compartmentalised thinking, and medicines changes relayed to external providers.ConclusionsMedicines management at transition points involved a complex interplay of dynamic features. This interplay infiltrated across diverse environments, affecting patient care within and outside hospitals.Relevance to clinical practiceHealth professionals require greater appreciation of each other's roles at transition points of care. Prioritisation of high‐risk patients is needed, such as those with cognitive impairment and multiple co‐morbidities. Establishing workable protocols of communication etiquette and a structured approach to medicines activities may assist in pre‐empting problems before they occur.
The Real Product Market Impact of Mergers
Authors: SHEEN ALBERT 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTI document sources of value creation in mergers by analyzing novel data on the quality and price of goods sold by merging firms. When two competitors in a product market merge, their products converge in quality, and prices fall relative to the competition. These effects take two to three years to be fully realized and are stronger in mature industries. Prices do not fall, however, when the acquirer is diversifying into a new product market. This direct evidence of real changes induced by merger activity is consistent with consolidation by related merging firms to achieve operational efficiencies and lower costs.
The effects of diallyl sulfide upon Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide stimulated proinflammatory cytokine expressions and nuclear factor‐kappa B activation in human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Fu E. , Tsai M.‐C. , Chin Y.‐T. , Tu H.‐P. , Fu M. M. , Chiang C.‐Y. , Chiu H.‐C. 
Published: September 2014

Background and ObjectiveDiallyl sulfide (DAS), a flavor compound from garlic, has varied potential therapeutic activities. Periodontitis is a disease that develops because of host‐mediated inflammation to periodontal pathogens. In this study, the effects of DAS on the common proinflammatory cytokines and nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) being stimulated with lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis, a potent periodontal pathogen, were evaluated.Material and MethodsCytotoxicities of DAS and lipopolysaccharide on HGFs were measured with MTS assay. The mRNA and protein expressions of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, from the HGFs treated with lipopolysaccharide with and without DAS were examined with reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunocytochemistry, respectively. In addition, the activation and nuclear translocation of NF‐κB with and without DAS were compared.ResultsDAS and lipopolysaccharide treatments within 3 mm and 10 μg/mL, respectively, did not affect the survival rate of HGFs. Lipopolysaccharide (1 μg/mL) significantly increased the mRNA expressions of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α; however, DAS (1 mm) inhibited these expressions. The protein expressions of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, as well as the NF‐κB nuclear translocation were increased after lipopolysaccharide treatment, but decreased when there was a DAS pretreatment.ConclusionDAS diminished P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated cytokine expression and NF‐κB activation in HGFs; we therefore suggest DAS may be beneficial on periodontal inflammation.
Rural/Urban Residence, Access, and Perceived Need for Treatment Among African American Cocaine Users
Authors: Borders Tyrone F. , Booth Brenda M. , Stewart Katharine E. , Cheney Ann M. , Curran Geoffrey M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo examine how rural/urban residence, perceived access, and other factors impede or facilitate perceived need for drug use treatment, a concept closely linked to treatment utilization.Study DesignTwo hundred rural and 200 urban African American cocaine users who were not receiving treatment were recruited via Respondent‐Driven Sampling and completed a structured in‐person interview. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to test the associations between perceived need and rural/urban residence, perceived access, and other predisposing (eg, demographics), enabling (eg, insurance), and health factors (eg, psychiatric distress).Principal FindingsIn bivariate analyses, rural relative to urban cocaine users reported lower perceived treatment need (37% vs 48%), availability, affordability, overall ease of access, and effectiveness, as well as lower perceived acceptability of residential, outpatient, self‐help, and hospital‐based services. In multivariate analyses, there was a significant interaction between rural/urban residence and the acceptability of religious counseling. At the highest level of acceptability, rural users had lower odds of perceived need (OR = 0.21); at the lowest level, rural users had higher odds of perceived need (OR = 3.97) than urban users. Among rural users, the acceptability of religious counseling was negatively associated with perceived need (OR = 0.65). Ease of access was negatively associated (OR = 0.71) whereas local treatment effectiveness (OR = 1.47) and the acceptability of hospital‐based treatment (OR = 1.29) were positively associated with perceived need among all users.ConclusionsOur findings suggest rural/urban disparities in perceived need and access to drug use treatment. Among rural and urban cocaine users, improving perceptions of treatment effectiveness and expanding hospital‐based services could promote treatment seeking.
K+‐channel inhibition reduces portal perfusion pressure in fibrotic rats and fibrosis associated characteristics of hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Freise Christian , Heldwein Silke , Erben Ulrike , Hoyer Joachim , Köhler Ralf , Jöhrens Korinna , Patsenker Eleonora , Ruehl Martin , Seehofer Daniel , Stickel Felix , Somasundaram Rajan 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsIn liver fibrosis, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC) secrete excess extracellular matrix, thus, represent key targets for antifibrotic treatment strategies. Intermediate‐conductance Ca2 + ‐activated K+‐channels (KCa3.1) are expressed in non‐excitable tissues affecting proliferation, migration and vascular resistance rendering KCa3.1 potential targets in liver fibrosis. So far, no information about KCa3.1 expression and their role in HSC exists. Aim was to quantify the KCa3.1 expression in HSC depending on HSC activation and investigation of antifibrotic properties of the specific KCa3.1 inhibitor TRAM‐34 in vitro and in vivo.MethodsKCa3.1 expression and functionality were studied in TGF‐β1–activated HSC by quantitative real time PCR, western‐blot and patch‐clamp analysis respectively. Effects of TRAM‐34 on HSC proliferation, cell cycle and fibrosis‐related gene expression were assessed by [3H]‐thymidine incorporation, FACS‐analysis and RT‐PCR respectively. In vivo, vascular resistance and KCa3.1 gene and protein expression were determined in bile duct ligated rats by in situ liver perfusion, Taqman PCR and immunohistochemistry respectively.ResultsFibrotic tissues and TGF‐β1‐activated HSC exhibited higher KCa3.1‐expressions than normal tissue and untreated cells. KCa3.1 inhibition with TRAM‐34 reduced HSC proliferation by induction of cell cycle arrest and reduced TGF‐β1‐induced gene expression of collagen I, alpha‐smooth muscle actin and TGF‐β1 itself. Furthermore, TRAM‐34 blocked TGF‐β1‐induced activation of TGF‐β signalling in HSC. In vivo, TRAM‐34 reduced the thromboxane agonist‐induced portal perfusion pressure.ConclusionInhibition of KCa3.1 with TRAM‐34 downregulates fibrosis‐associated gene expression in vitro, and reduces portal perfusion pressure in vivo. Thus, KCa3.1 may represent novel targets for the treatment of liver fibrosis.