bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Hardest Superconducting Metal Nitride
Authors: Wang Shanmin , Antonio Daniel , Yu Xiaohui , Zhang Jianzhong , Cornelius Andrew L. , He Duanwei , Zhao Yusheng 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTransition–metal (TM) nitrides are a class of compounds with a wide range of properties and applications. Hard superconducting nitrides are of particular interest for electronic applications under working conditions such as coating and high stress (e.g., electromechanical systems). However, most of the known TM nitrides crystallize in the rock–salt structure, a structure that is unfavorable to resist shear strain and they exhibit relatively low indentation hardness, typically in the range of 10–20 GPa. Here, we report high–pressure synthesis of hexagonal δ–MoN and cubic γ–MoN through an ion–exchange reaction at 3.5 GPa. The final products are in the bulk form with crystallite sizes of 50 – 80 μm. Based on indentation testing on single crystals, hexagonal δ–MoN exhibits excellent hardness of ~30 GPa, which is 30% higher than cubic γ–MoN (~23 GPa) and is so far the hardest among the known metal nitrides. The hardness enhancement in hexagonal phase is attributed to extended covalently bonded Mo–N network than that in cubic phase. The measured superconducting transition temperatures for δ–MoN and cubic γ–MoN are 13.8 and 5.5 K, respectively, in good agreement with previous measurements.
High Risk of Herpes Zoster among Patients with Advance Acute Kidney Injury – A Population-Based Study
Authors: Yang Wei-Shun , Hu Fu-Chang , Chen Meng-Kan , Ko Wen-Je , Chen Likwang , Wu Kwan-Dun , Wu Vin-Cent 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe risk for herpes zoster (HZ) in acute kidney injury (AKI) survivors was never explored. We identified 2,387 adults in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database who recovered from dialysis-requiring AKI and matched them with non-recovery and non-AKI patients by propensity score. During a mean follow-up of 2.7 years, the incidences of HZ were 6.9, 8.2 and 4.8 episodes per 1,000 person-years in AKI-non-recovery, AKI-recovery and non-AKI group, respectively. The recovery group was more likely to develop herpes zoster than those without acute kidney injury [incidence-rate ratios 1.71, 95% confidence interval 1.16–2.52; p = 0.007]. Patients without acute kidney injury were less likely to develop herpes zoster than those AKI, recovered from dialysis or not (hazard ratio HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.46–0.95). Dialysis-requiring acute kidney injury poses a long-term risk of herpes zoster after hospital discharge. Even patients who have recovered from dialysis still carry a significantly higher risk of developing herpes zoster.
Dynamic response of polar nanoregions under an electric field in a paraelectric KTa0.61Nb0.39O3 single crystal near the para-ferroelectric phase boundary
Authors: Tian Hao , Yao Bo , Wang Lei , Tan Peng , Meng Xiangda , Shi Guang , Zhou Zhongxiang 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe dynamic response of polar nanoregions under an AC electric field was investigated by measuring the frequency dependence of the quadratic electro-optic (QEO) effect in a paraelectric KTa0.61Nb0.39O3 single crystal near the para-ferroelectric phase boundary (0 °C < T-Tc < 13 °C). The QEO coefficient R11 − R12 reached values as large as 5.96 × 10−15 m2/V2 at low frequency (500 Hz) and gradually decreased to a nearly stable value as the frequency increased to 300 kHz. Furthermore, a distortion of the QEO effect was observed at low frequency and gradually disappeared as R11 − R12 tended towards stability. The giant QEO effect in the KTa0.61Nb0.39O3 crystal was attributed to the dynamic rearrangement of polar nanoregions and its anomalous distortion can be explained by considering the asymmetric distribution of polar nanoregions.
Multigenerational effects of parental prenatal exposure to famine on adult offspring cognitive function
Authors: Li Jie , Na Lixin , Ma Hao , Zhang Zhe , Li Tianjiao , Lin Liqun , Li Qiang , Sun Changhao , Li Ying 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe effects of prenatal nutrition on adult cognitive function have been reported for one generation. However, human evidence for multigenerational effects is lacking. We examined whether prenatal exposure to the Chinese famine of 1959–61 affects adult cognitive function in two consecutive generations. In this retrospective family cohort study, we investigated 1062 families consisting of 2124 parents and 1215 offspring. We assessed parental and offspring cognitive performance by means of a comprehensive test battery. Generalized linear regression model analysis in the parental generation showed that prenatal exposure to famine was associated with a 8.1 (95% CI 5.8 to 10.4) second increase in trail making test part A, a 7.0 (1.5 to 12.5) second increase in trail making test part B and a 5.5 (−7.3 to −3.7) score decrease in the Stroop color-word test in adulthood, after adjustment for potential confounders. In the offspring generation, linear mixed model analysis found no significant association between parental prenatal exposure to famine and offspring cognitive function in adulthood after adjustment for potential confounders. In conclusion, prenatal exposure to severe malnutrition is negatively associated with visual- motor skill, mental flexibility and selective attention in adulthood. However, these associations are limited to only one generation.
Adversity in childhood and depression: linked through SIRT1
Authors: Lo Iacono L , Visco-Comandini F , Valzania A , Viscomi M T , Coviello M , Giampà A , Roscini L , Bisicchia E , Siracusano A , Troisi A , Puglisi-Allegra S , Carola V 
Published: September 2015

AbstractExperiencing an adverse childhood and parental neglect is a risk factor for depression in the adult population. Patients with a history of traumatic childhood develop a subtype of depression that is characterized by earlier onset, poor treatment response and more severe symptoms. The long-lasting molecular mechanisms that are engaged during early traumatic events and determine the risk for depression are poorly understood. In this study, we altered adult depression-like behavior in mice by applying juvenile isolation stress. We found that this behavioral phenotype was associated with a reduction in the levels of the deacetylase sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in the brain and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Notably, peripheral blood mRNA expression of SIRT1 predicted the extent of behavioral despair only when depression-like behavior was induced by juvenile—but not adult—stress, implicating SIRT1 in the regulation of adult behavior at early ages. Consistent with this hypothesis, pharmacological modulation of SIRT1 during juvenile age altered the depression-like behavior in naive mice. We also performed a pilot study in humans, in which the blood levels of SIRT1 correlated significantly with the severity of symptoms in major depression patients, especially in those who received less parental care during childhood. On the basis of these novel findings, we propose the involvement of SIRT1 in the long-term consequences of adverse childhood experiences.
EU Collaboration in Speech and Language Therapy Education: The NetQues Project
Authors: Patterson Aileen , Hansson Kristina , Lowit Anja , Stansfield Jois , Trinite Baiba 
Published: September 2015

As the number of countries joining the European Union (EU) has grown over recent decades, so also has the accompanying European legislation to encourage cross border mobility and recognition of professional qualifications. This has led to a need to be able to assess and compare professions and their education across the EU and beyond.
Historically, in response to the challenge of addressing the needs of persons with difficulties with communication, the profession has developed differently across European countries influenced by linguistic, cultural and socio-political diversity and a range of approaches to medicine, health and education. The NetQues project was set up to establish agreements on areas of commonality in speech and language therapy (pathology) education across the EU and also to look at any differences. The article looks briefly at the history and diversity of the profession in Europe and describes how 65 partners from 31 countries across Europe recruited into a multilateral academic and professional network achieved the project's goal to delineate the agreed common core competences which are both essential and desirable for a newly qualified speech-language practitioner to work safely and effectively. Employing ethnographic and survey research following EU Tuning principles seeking points of reference, convergence and common understanding, core elements of coherent professional education “fit for purpose” across Europe are identified and agreed EU Benchmark statements of core competences required are documented.
Notably while differences and diversity present challenges, all countries involved in the project aspire to develop competent and caring professionals, able to practice safely and effectively with relevant up-to-date knowledge and skills upon admission to a clearly identifiable unique profession.
p63 supports aerobic respiration through hexokinase II
Authors: Viticchiè Guiditta , Agostini Massimiliano , Lena Anna Maria , Mancini Mara , Zhou Huiqing , Zolla Lello , Dinsdale David , Saintigny Gaelle , Melino Gerry , Candi Eleonora 
Published: September 2015

Significance
The importance of ΔNp63 in controlling metabolism has not been investigated so far. We identified a regulatory pathway involving ΔNp63 and the glycolytic enzyme hexokinase 2 (HK2). ΔNp63 direct-dependent regulation of HK2 expression contributes to the coupling between glucose metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, providing the energy necessary to sustain cell proliferation and protecting cells from oxidative stress. The ΔNp63–HK2axis is also present in epithelial cancer cells, suggesting that ΔNp63 could participate in cancer metabolic reprogramming.
RASER: reads aligner for SNPs and editing sites of RNA
Authors: Ahn Jaegyoon , Xiao Xinshu 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Motivation: Accurate identification of genetic variants such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or RNA editing sites from RNA-Seq reads is important, yet challenging, because it necessitates a very low false-positive rate in read mapping. Although many read aligners are available, no single aligner was specifically developed or tested as an effective tool for SNP and RNA editing prediction.
Results: We present RASER, an accurate read aligner with novel mapping schemes and index tree structure that aims to reduce false-positive mappings due to existence of highly similar regions. We demonstrate that RASER shows the best mapping accuracy compared with other popular algorithms and highest sensitivity in identifying multiply mapped reads. As a result, RASER displays superb efficacy in unbiased mapping of the alternative alleles of SNPs and in identification of RNA editing sites.
Availability and implementation: RASER is written in C++ and freely available for download at https://github.com/jaegyoonahn/RASER.
Contact: gxxiao@ucla.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Refilling medications through an online patient portal: consistent improvements in adherence across racial/ethnic groups
Authors: Lyles Courtney R. , Sarkar Urmimala , Schillinger Dean , Ralston James D. , Allen Jill Y. , Nguyen Robert , Karter Andrew J. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjective Online patient portals are being widely implemented; however, no studies have examined whether portals influence health behaviors or outcomes similarly across patient racial/ethnic subgroups. We evaluated longitudinal changes in statin adherence to determine whether racial/ethnic minorities initiating use of the online refill function in patient portals had similar changes over time compared with Whites.Methods We examined a retrospective cohort of diabetes patients who were existing patient portal users. The primary exposure was initiating online refill use (either exclusively for all statin refills or occasionally for some refills), compared with using the portal for other tasks (eg, exchanging secure messages with providers). The primary outcome was change in statin adherence, measured as the percentage of time a patient was without a supply of statins. Adjusted generalized estimating equation models controlled for race/ethnicity as a primary interaction term.Results Fifty-eight percent of patient portal users were white, and all racial/ethnic minority groups had poorer baseline statin adherence compared with Whites. In adjusted difference-in-difference models, statin adherence improved significantly over time among patients who exclusively refilled prescriptions online, even after comparing changes over time with other portal users (4% absolute decrease in percentage of time without medication). This improvement was statistically similar across all racial/ethnic groups.Discussion Patient portals may encourage or improve key health behaviors, such as medication adherence, for engaged patients, but further research will likely be required to reduce underlying racial/ethnic differences in adherence.Conclusion In a well-controlled examination of diabetes patients’ behavior when using a new online feature for their healthcare management, patient portals were linked to better medication adherence across all racial/ethnic groups.
The spatially-resolved star formation history of the M31 outer disc
Authors: Bernard Edouard J. , Ferguson Annette M. N. , Chapman Scott C. , Ibata Rodrigo A. , Irwin Mike J. , Lewis Geraint F. , McConnachie Alan W. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
We present deep Hubble Space Telescope Advanced Camera for Surveys observations of the stellar populations in two fields lying at 20 and 23 kpc from the centre of M31 along the south-west semimajor axis. These data enable the construction of colour–magnitude diagrams reaching the oldest main-sequence turn-offs (∼13 Gyr) which, when combined with another field at 25 kpc from our previous work, we use to derive the first precision constraints on the spatially-resolved star formation history of the M31 disc. The star formation rates exhibit temporal as well as field-to-field variations, but are generally always within a factor of 2 of their time average. There is no evidence of inside-out growth over the radial range probed. We find a median age of ∼7.5 Gyr, indicating that roughly half of the stellar mass in the M31 outer disc was formed before z ∼ 1. We also find that the age–metallicity relations (AMRs) are smoothly increasing from [Fe/H] ≃ −0.4 to solar metallicity between 10 and 3 Gyr ago, contrary to the flat AMR of the Milky Way disc at a similar number of scalelengths. Our findings provide insight on the roles of stellar feedback and radial migration in the formation and evolution of large disc galaxies.
The High Risk of Infection With Delayed Treatment of Open Seymour Fractures: Salter-Harris I/II or Juxta-epiphyseal Fractures of the Distal Phalanx With Associated Nailbed Laceration
Authors: Reyes Bryan A. , Ho Christine A. 
Published: September 2015

Background:
To describe treatment methods and complication rates of all open Seymour fractures (Salter-Harris I/II or juxta-epiphyseal fractures of the distal phalanx of the hand with associated nailbed laceration) treated at or referred to a pediatric level 1 trauma center over a 10-year time period. We hypothesized that delayed treatment of Seymour fractures results in higher infectious complication rates.

Methods:
We identified all patients treated for open Seymour fractures at the orthopaedic hand clinic at our level 1 pediatric trauma center between August 2002 and December 2012. All charts were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into groups based on timing and completeness of treatment. “Appropriate” treatment was defined as irrigation and debridement, fracture reduction, and antibiotic administration. “Partial” treatment was defined as any type of incomplete treatment; “Acute” treatment was defined as management within 24 hours of the injury; and “Delayed” as having received treatment after 24 hours from the time of injury. Statistical comparisons were performed using the Fisher exact test.

Results:
A total of 34 patients treated for 35 Seymour fractures met the inclusion criteria. In total, 31% (11/35) received acute, appropriate treatment, 37% (13/35) received acute, partial treatment, and 31% (11/35) received delayed treatment. There were 7 infectious complications: 2 superficial and 5 osteomyelitis. No infections occurred in the acutely, appropriately treated group (infection rate 0%, 0/11), 2 occurred in the acutely, partially treated group (15%, 2/13), and 5 occurred in the delayed treatment group (45%, 5/11).

Conclusions:
The timing and quality of treatment of open Seymour fractures significantly influences infection rates. This study highlights the importance of timely and appropriate treatment of this seemingly innocuous fracture.

Level of Evidence:
Level III—retrospective study, therapeutic.
How to enhance the impact of training on service quality?
Authors: Zumrah Abdul Rahim 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– The purpose of this study is to highlight the importance role of transfer of training as a mediator in the relationship between training and service quality.Design/methodology/approach– The data of this study were collected from three sources: the employees of public sector organizations in Malaysia who participated in a Basic Financial Management training program, their supervisors and their colleagues through surveys. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling.Findings– The findings reveal that transfer of training mediated the relationship between training and service quality.Research limitations/implications– The finding illustrate that management in public sector need to ensure that their employees apply the new learned knowledge and skills at the workplace following the training to maximize the return of training investment.Originality/value– This study extends the literature by providing empirical evidence that transfer of training has a mediating effects on the relationship between training and employee service quality in the context of public sector organizations in Malaysia, a non-Western context that located in Southeast Asia.
Employees’ perceptions of barriers to participation in training and development in small engineering businesses
Authors: Susomrith Pattanee , Coetzer Alan 
Published: September 2015

Purpose– This paper aims to investigate barriers to employee participation in voluntary formal training and development opportunities from the perspective of employees in small engineering businesses.Design/methodology/approach– An exploratory qualitative methodology involving data collection via site visits and in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 employees in five small engineering businesses was used. Interviews explored the role of developmental proactivity and employees’ perceptions of conditions in the immediate work environment and industry sector that represent barriers to their participation in formal training and development. Interview transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis.Findings– Three key findings are as follows. First, proactive behaviour regarding access to external training and development is muted in small business settings because of strong resource allocation norms. Second, factors in the internal work environment rather than the industry sector constitute the major barriers to training and development. Third, owner-managers and employees appear to have significantly differing perspectives of barriers to training and development.Research limitations/implications– The findings suggest avenues for future research. These include examining how workplace norms influence employee behaviour with regard to accessing formal training and development and investigating the learning strategies that employees use to compensate for a lack of access to training and development.Originality/value– Research into relatively low levels of employee participation in formal training and development in small businesses is deficient because it predominantly involves surveys of owner-managers’ opinions. This study is novel because it seeks to generate new insights not previously articulated by employees. The study yielded four propositions that have practical and research implications.
A new golden age for libraries
Authors: Massis Bruce 
Published: September 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to describe and provide several examples of evidence to support the estimation that libraries have entered a new “golden age”.

Design/methodology/approach
– Literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Findings
– Flexibility in the face of change has always been a hallmark of an exceptional service-minded organization and the library is no different. To maintain its reputation as a forward-looking service that appeals to an expansive and diverse audience, libraries must always be forward-thinking and forward-seeking in their ability to satisfy. Such a continual evolution can result in the conviction that the library is recognized as an institution whose golden age will not reside in the past, but fully in the present, and that its growth into the future remains persistent, evident and fully embraced by its customers and supporters.

Originality/value
– The value in addressing this issue is to demonstrate that there are ready examples of libraries leading the way in supporting the opinion that we are in a “golden age” for libraries.
Insulin promotes vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and apoptosis via differential regulation of tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand
Authors: Harith Hanis H. , Di Bartolo Belinda A. , Cartland Siân P. , Genner Scott , Kavurma Mary M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundInsulin regulates glucose homeostasis but can also promote vascular smooth muscle (VSMC) proliferation, important in atherogenesis. Recently, we showed that tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) stimulates intimal thickening via accelerated growth of VSMCs. The aim of the present study was to determine whether insulin‐induced effects on VSMCs occur via TRAIL.MethodsExpression of TRAIL and TRAIL receptor in response to insulin and glucose was determined by polymerase chain reaction. Transcriptional activity was assessed using wild‐type and site‐specific mutations of the TRAIL promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation studies were performed. VSMC proliferation and apoptosis was measured.ResultsInsulin and glucose exposure to VSMC for 24 h stimulated TRAIL mRNA expression. This was also evident at the transcriptional level. Both insulin‐ and glucose‐inducible TRAIL transcriptional activity was blocked by dominant‐negative specificity protein‐1 (Sp1) overexpression. There are five functional Sp1‐binding elements (Sp1‐1, Sp1‐2, Sp‐5/6 and Sp1‐7) on the TRAIL promoter. Insulin required the Sp1‐1 and Sp1‐2 sites, but glucose needed all Sp1‐binding sites to induce transcription. Furthermore, insulin (but not glucose) was able to promote VSMC proliferation over time, associated with increased decoy receptor‐2 (DcR2) expression. In contrast, chronic 5‐day exposure of VSMC to 1 µg/mL insulin repressed TRAIL and DcR2 expression, and reduced Sp1 enrichment on the TRAIL promoter. This was associated with increased cell death.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study provide a new mechanistic insight into how TRAIL is regulated by insulin. This may have significant implications at different stages of diabetes‐associated cardiovascular disease. Thus, TRAIL may offer a novel therapeutic solution to combat insulin‐induced vascular pathologies.