bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fracture Behavior of Woven Silicon Carbide Fibers Exposed to High‐Temperature Nitrogen and Oxygen Plasmas
Authors: Owens Walten , Merkel Daniel , Sansoz Frederic , Fletcher Douglas 
Published: August 2015

High‐temperature aero‐thermal heating in a 30 kW inductively coupled plasma torch was used to replicate the effects of harsh oxidizing environments during hypersonic atmospheric entry on fracture behavior and microstructure of two‐dimensional woven SiC fibers. Hi‐Nicalon SiC woven cloths were exposed to surface temperatures over 1400°C with different high‐enthalpy dissociated oxygen and nitrogen plasma flows, and were subsequently deformed in pure tension at room temperature. Changes in fiber microstructure and surface chemistry after thermal exposure were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Pure nitrogen plasmas resulted in a 50% decrease of strength in woven SiC fibers with minimal effects on the fiber structure, except for highly localized surface pitting caused by partial decomposition of silicon oxycarbonitride phase at high temperature. In contrast, exposure to dissociated oxygen and air plasmas led to severe strength reduction and embrittlement over significantly short time scales, corresponding to degradation rates up to 200 times higher than those reported with static heating at equivalent temperatures. The origin of accelerated embrittlement at microscopic scale was found related to complex gas‐surface interactions and high‐temperature oxidizing processes involving the formation of SiO2 bubbles and microcracks on the surface. These findings are important for the development of outer fabric materials for new flexible thermal protection systems in space applications.
Management of Hypertensive Patients With Multiple Drug Intolerances: A Single‐Center Experience of a Novel Treatment Algorithm
Authors: Antoniou Sotiris , Saxena Manish , Hamedi Nadya , de Cates Catherine , Moghul Sakib , Lidder Satnam , Kapil Vikas , Lobo Melvin D. 
Published: August 2015

Multiple drug intolerance to antihypertensive medications (MDI‐HTN) is an overlooked cause of nonadherence. In this study, 55 patients with MDI‐HTN were managed with a novel treatment algorithm utilizing sequentially initiated monotherapies or combinations of maximally tolerated doses of fractional tablet doses, liquid formulations, transdermal preparations, and off‐label tablet medications. A total of 10% of referred patients had MDI‐HTN, resulting in insufficient pharmacotherapy and baseline office blood pressure (OBP) of 178±24/94±15 mm Hg. At baseline, patients were intolerant to 7.6±3.6 antihypertensives; they were receiving 1.4±1.1 medications. After 6 months on the novel MDI‐HTN treatment algorithm, both OBP and home blood pressure (HBP) were significantly reduced, with patients receiving 2.0±1.2 medications. At 12 months, OBP was reduced from baseline by 17±5/9±3 mm Hg (P<.01, P<.05) and HBP was reduced by 11±5/12±3 mm Hg (P<.01 for both) while patients were receiving 1.9±1.1 medications. Application of a stratified medicine approach allowed patients to tolerate increased numbers of medications and achieved significant long‐term lowering of blood pressure.
Simvastatin impairs the induction of pulmonary fibrosis caused by a western style diet: a preliminary study
Authors: Kruzliak Peter , Hare David L. , Zvonicek Vaclav , Klimas Jan , Zulli Anthony 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe role of an atherogenic diet in causing pulmonary fibrosis has received little attention and simvastatin has been shown to reduce pulmonary fibrosis in animal models. To determine if an atherogenic diet can induce pulmonary fibrosis and whether simvastatin treatment is beneficial by up‐regulating heat shock protein 70 and 90. New Zealand white rabbits (n = 15) were divided: Group 1 (control); Group 2 (MC) received a normal rabbit diet with 1% methionine plus 0.5% cholesterol (atherogenic diet). Group 3 received the same diet as the MC group plus 5 mg/kg/day simvastatin orally (MCS). After 4 weeks, the lungs were collected and analysed. Picrosirus red staining of lung interstitial collagen content showed that the atherogenic diet increased fibrosis 2.9‐fold (P < 0.05), bronchiole adventitial collagen was increased 2.3‐fold (P < 0.05) and bronchiole epithelium was increased 34‐fold (P < 0.05), and simvastatin treatment severely reduced this effect (P < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the atherogenic diet significantly reduced lung Hsp70 protein by 22% (P < 0.05) and Hsp90 protein by 18% (P < 0.05) and simvastatin treatment did not affect this result. However, aortic hyper‐responsiveness to vasoconstrictors (angiotensin II and phenylephrine) were markedly reduced by simvastatin treatment. We report that an atherogenic diet stimulates pulmonary fibrosis and reduces lung Hsp70/Hsp90 protein concentration. Simvastatin impairs this by mechanisms unrelated to Hsp70/Hsp90, but possibly a reduction in angiotensin II receptor or alpha adrenergic receptor pathways. These results could have implications in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Acute‐phase response following full‐mouth versus quadrant non‐surgical periodontal treatment: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Graziani Filippo , Cei Silvia , Orlandi Marco , Gennai Stefano , Gabriele Mario , Filice Natalia , Nisi Marco , D'Aiuto Francesco 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimA moderate acute‐phase response occurs 24‐h following full‐mouth non‐surgical treatment (FM‐SRP). The aim of this study was to compare acute‐phase (24‐h) and medium‐term (3 months) inflammation after quadrant scaling (Q‐SRP) versus FM‐SRP.Material & MethodsThirty‐eight periodontitis‐affected subjects were randomly allocated to FM‐SRP or Q‐SRP after a baseline visit. Periodontal and anthropometric parameters were collected at baseline and 3 months. Serum samples were drawn at baseline, 1, 7, and 90 days after treatment. High‐sensitivity assays of inflammation and endothelial assays were performed.ResultsFM‐SRP produced a greater acute‐phase response after 24 h [threefold increase in C‐reactive protein (CRP), twofold increase in interleukin (IL‐6), and a slight increase in tumour necrosis factor]. No differences in systemic biomarkers were noted between groups at any later follow‐ups. Both periodontal treatments produced a comparable improvement in clinical periodontal parameters with no between‐group differences. Treatment time was positively associated with the relative 24‐h increase in CRP (R = 0.5, p < 0.001) and IL‐6 (R = 0.5, p = 0.002), while the number of deeper (>6 mm) pockets predicted only the relative increase in IL‐6 (R = 0.4, p < 0.05).ConclusionsFM‐SRP triggers a moderate acute‐phase response of 24 h duration compared to Q‐SRP. Further research is needed to assess the eventual impact of such findings on the risk of vascular events is advocated. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01857804).
Dehydroepiandrosterone Attenuates Cocaine‐Seeking Behaviour Independently of Corticosterone Fluctuations
Authors: Maayan R. , Hirsh L. , Yadid G. , Weizman A. 
Published: August 2015

The neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is involved in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders, including cocaine addiction. We have previously shown that DHEA attenuates cocaine‐seeking behaviour, and also that DHEA decreases corticosterone (CORT) levels in plasma and the prefrontal cortex. Previous studies have found that rats demonstrate cocaine‐seeking behaviour only when the level of CORT reaches a minimum threshold. In the present study, we investigated whether the attenuating effect of DHEA on cocaine seeking is a result of it reducing CORT levels rather than a result of any unique neurosteroid properties. Rats received either daily DHEA injections (2 mg/kg, i.p.) alone, daily DHEA (2 mg/kg, i.p.) with CORT infusion (to maintain stable basal levels of CORT; 15 mg/kg, s.c.) or vehicle (i.p.) as control, throughout self‐administration training and extinction sessions. We found that both DHEA‐treated and DHEA + CORT‐treated groups showed a significantly lower number of active lever presses compared to controls throughout training and extinction sessions, as well as at cocaine‐primed reinstatement. DHEA‐treated rats showed lower CORT levels throughout the experimental phases compared to DHEA + CORT‐treated and control rats. Additionally, we show that DHEA administered to cocaine‐trained rats throughout extinction sessions, or immediately before reinstatement, attenuated cocaine seeking. These findings indicate that DHEA attenuates cocaine‐seeking behaviour independently of fluctuations in CORT levels.
MicroRNA‐155‐5p is associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma metastasis and poor prognosis
Authors: Baba Osamu , Hasegawa Shogo , Nagai Hiroki , Uchida Fumihiko , Yamatoji Masanobu , Kanno Naomi I. , Yamagata Kenji , Sakai Satoshi , Yanagawa Toru , Bukawa Hiroki 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundAbnormal miRNA expression was recently implicated in the metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and with a poor prognosis. The initiation of the invasion‐metastasis cascade involves epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Our aim was to clarify how miRNA, especially miR‐155‐5p misexpression contributes to OSCC metastasis through EMT.MethodsWe collected tumor samples from 73 subjects with OSCC. The samples were analyzed by quantitative reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), and correlations between miR‐155‐5p levels and clinical characteristics were investigated. OSCC cell lines were analyzed by miRNA microarray and by transfection with a miR‐155‐5p mimic or inhibitor, followed by proliferation and wound‐healing migration assays. qRT‐PCR analyses of EMT makers in cells transfected with miR‐155‐5p inhibitor were performed.ResultsWe found high miR‐155‐5p expression in tissue samples from subjects with OSCC that had metastasized to cervical lymph nodes. HSC‐3 cells also strongly expressed miR‐155‐5p. The epithelial marker E‐cadherin was strongly expressed in HSC‐3 cells transfected with miR‐155‐5p inhibitor, and we observed elevated SOCS1 and decreased STAT3 expression in these cells.ConclusionsOur results suggest that miR‐155‐5p causes OSCC to metastasize, and could serve as a novel therapeutic target for OSCC.
Membrane receptor‐dependent Notch1/Hes1 activation by melatonin protects against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury: in vivo and in vitro studies
Authors: Yu Liming , Liang Hongliang , Lu Zhihong , Zhao Guolong , Zhai Mengen , Yang Yang , Yang Jian , Yi Dinghua , Chen Wensheng , Wang Xiaowu , Duan Weixun , Jin Zhenxiao , Yu Shiqiang 
Published: August 2015

AbstractMelatonin confers profound protective effect against myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MI/RI). Activation of Notch1/Hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes1) signaling also ameliorates MI/RI. We hypothesize that melatonin attenuates MI/RI‐induced oxidative damage by activating Notch1/Hes1 signaling pathway with phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (Pten)/Akt acting as the downstream signaling pathway in a melatonin membrane receptor‐dependent manner. Male Sprague Dawley rats were treated with melatonin (10 mg/kg/day) for 4 wk and then subjected to MI/R surgery. Melatonin significantly improved cardiac function and decreased myocardial apoptosis and oxidative damage. Furthermore, in cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes, melatonin (100 μmol/L) attenuated simulated ischemia–reperfusion (SIR)‐induced myocardial apoptosis and oxidative damage. Both in vivo and in vitro study demonstrated that melatonin treatment increased Notch1, Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD), Hes1, Bcl‐2 expressions, and p‐Akt/Akt ratio and decreased Pten, Bax, and caspase‐3 expressions. However, these protective effects conferred by melatonin were blocked by DAPT (the specific inhibitor of Notch1 signaling), luzindole (the antagonist of melatonin membrane receptors), Notch1 siRNA, or Hes1 siRNA administration. In summary, our study demonstrates that melatonin treatment protects against MI/RI by modulating Notch1/Hes1 signaling in a receptor‐dependent manner and Pten/Akt signaling pathways are key downstream mediators.
Managing preconceived expectations: mental health service users experiences of going home from hospital: a grounded theory study
Authors: Keogh B. , Callaghan P. , Higgins A. 
Published: August 2015

Accessible summary
What is known on the subject?
The time of discharge from a mental health hospital can be challenging for mental health service users, with high rates of readmission in the immediate months following discharge.
Although some research exists that explores service users' perspectives of being discharged, little evidence exists that explores the processes influencing or used by service users' to adapt to the transition from in‐patient acute mental health service.

What this papers adds to existing knowledge?
The findings of this grounded theory study demonstrates the strategies service users used to managed their own, as well as their social audiences, preconceived expectations arising from their new identity as ‘psychiatric patients’ following their discharge from hospital.
While there is a move to develop recovery‐orientated mental health services, key indicators of recovery‐oriented practices were often absent from service users' experiences of service provision.

What are the implications for practice?
Nurses and other mental health professionals need to recognize their contribution to the architecture of stigma that transcends the physical structures of hospital or ward and are entrenched within attitudes, interactions and practices.
The findings of this study can provide guidance to those working with service users and help them to understand the complexities of their experiences when using mental health services, which go far beyond the management of their symptoms.
AbstractIntroductionFollowing a period of hospitalization, the transition to home can result in increased vulnerability and a source of stress for mental health service users. Readmission rates have been suggested as one indicator of the success of the transition from hospital to community care. Despite knowledge of some of the factors that impact on service users following discharge, no coherent model or theoretical framework could be located in the literature, which explains or aides an in‐depth understanding of the transition from hospital to community for service users.AimThe aim of this study was to develop a grounded theory that explored service users' experiences of going home from hospital.MethodThis qualitative study used grounded theory, and a total of 35 interviews were conducted with 31 service users.ResultsThe core category was ‘Managing Preconceived Expectations’, which had seven subcategories, describes how the participants were negatively perceived by themselves and others following their admission and discharge from hospital.Implications for PracticeThis theory presents the strategies that the participants used to manage this new identity. This theory demonstrates that although there has been a move to adopt recovery‐orientated services, key indicators of recovery were often absent for service users being admitted and subsequently discharged.
First clues on the ecology of whale falls in the deep Atlantic Ocean: results from an experiment using cow carcasses
Authors: Hilario Ana , Cunha Marina R. , Génio Luciana , Marçal Ana Raquel , Ravara Ascensão , Rodrigues Clara F. , Wiklund Helena 
Published: August 2015

AbstractSunken whale carcasses, known as ‘whale falls’, deliver large pulses of organic material to the seafloor and serve as habitat islands for unique assemblages of deep‐sea fauna that include generalist scavenging species, chemosynthetic fauna related to those from hydrothermal vents and cold seeps, and bone‐specialist species. Despite the growing interest in this peculiar habitat in the last decade, all long‐term studies of deep‐sea whale‐falls have been restricted to the Pacific and the ecology of these habitats in the Atlantic Ocean has been overlooked. Here we report the first study on large mammal carcasses in the deep Atlantic Ocean. Cow carcasses amounting to 570 kg were deployed at 1000 m in the Setubal canyon, where cetaceans naturally occur. Eighteen months after deployment, all soft tissues had been consumed and the visible remains of the carcasses consisted solely of skeletal material that supported a diverse macrofaunal assemblage distinct from that of the background, including organic‐enrichment respondents, sulphophiles and bone‐specialists. The trophic structure of this assemblage denotes an overlap of successional stages previously described in whale falls. Our results provide important insights into the contribution of mammal falls to deep‐sea biodiversity in the NE Atlantic, species distribution and biogeography of bone specialists, and the potential role of these habitats as dispersal stepping‐stones for vent and seep species. Additionally we show that cow carcasses may serve as an accessible model system for the study of ecological processes at deep‐sea whale‐falls.
Refining the pH response in Aspergillus nidulans: a modulatory triad involving PacX, a novel zinc binuclear cluster protein
Authors: Bussink Henk‐Jan , Bignell Elaine M. , Múnera‐Huertas Tatiana , Lucena‐Agell Daniel , Scazzocchio Claudio , Espeso Eduardo A. , Bertuzzi Margherita , Rudnicka Joanna , Negrete‐Urtasun Susana , Peñas‐Parilla Maria M. , Rainbow Lynne , Peñalva Miguel Á. , Arst Herbert N. , Tilburn Joan 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe Aspergillus nidulans PacC transcription factor mediates gene regulation in response to alkaline ambient pH which, signalled by the Pal pathway, results in the processing of PacC72 to PacC27 via PacC53. Here we investigate two levels at which the pH regulatory system is transcriptionally moderated by pH and identify and characterise a new component of the pH regulatory machinery, PacX. Transcript level analysis and overexpression studies demonstrate that repression of acid‐expressed palF, specifying the Pal pathway arrestin, probably by PacC27 and/or PacC53, prevents an escalating alkaline pH response. Transcript analyses using a reporter and constitutively expressed pacC trans‐alleles show that pacC preferential alkaline‐expression results from derepression by depletion of the acid‐prevalent PacC72 form. We additionally show that pacC repression requires PacX. pacX mutations suppress PacC processing recalcitrant mutations, in part, through derepressed PacC levels resulting in traces of PacC27 formed by pH‐independent proteolysis. pacX was cloned by impala transposon mutagenesis. PacX, with homologues within the Leotiomyceta, has an unusual structure with an amino‐terminal coiled‐coil and a carboxy‐terminal zinc binuclear cluster. pacX mutations indicate the importance of these regions. One mutation, an unprecedented finding in A. nidulans genetics, resulted from an insertion of an endogenous Fot1‐like transposon.
Patient safety education and baccalaureate nursing students' patient safety competency: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lee Nam‐Ju , Jang Haena , Park Su‐Yeon 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis cross‐sectional study examines baccalaureate nursing programs in South Korea to determine how and to what extent patient safety education was delivered, and to assess nursing students' patient safety competency. The Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) student evaluation survey and a Patient Safety Competency Self‐Evaluation tool were used. We distributed 234 surveys to senior students in four nursing schools; 206 (88%) students responded to the survey. The majority of students (81.6%) reported that they had received patient safety education during coursework. Patient safety education was delivered primarily by lecture rather than during laboratory or simulation sessions. The degree of coverage of QSEN competency and the students' self‐reported competency in total and attitude scores showed statistical differences among nursing schools. Students' attitude score was significantly higher than skill and knowledge. Our results confirm the need to revise the nursing curriculum and to use various teaching methods to deliver patient safety education more comprehensively and effectively. Furthermore, there is a need to develop an integrated approach to ensuring students' balanced competency.
Effect of 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 agonist mosapride on human gastric accommodation
Authors: Amano T. , Ariga H. , Kurematsu A. , Yamato S. , Morioka S. , Masaka A. , Kanazawa M. , Fukudo S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundImpaired gastric accommodation is one of the major features of functional dyspepsia. Mosapride citrate is a 5‐hydroxytryptamine receptor 4 (5‐HT4) agonist, which is shown to improve upper abdominal symptoms. However, effect of mosapride on gastric accommodation was not clear. We tested the hypothesis that mosapride enhances the gastric accommodation in normal individuals.MethodsFourteen male healthy volunteers completed this study. Single administration of mosapride or placebo was performed randomly with more than 1‐week interval. Subjects swallowed a triple‐lumen polyvinyl tube with a polyethylene bag. The bag was positioned in the proximal stomach and the minimal distending pressure (MDP) was determined. The ramp distension starting from the MDP was then performed and subjects were instructed to score their perception using ordinate scales. Next the intra‐bag pressure was set at MDP + 2 mmHg and a liquid meal was administered 30 min later, and the intra‐bag volume was recorded for 60 min. We compared the MDP, perception scores, and the intra‐bag volume changes by administering placebo and mosapride.Key ResultsMinimal distending pressure was not significantly different in subjects receiving mosapride or placebo. Treatment with mosapride had no effect on intra‐bag pressures or volumes inducing first sensation or discomfort. Gastric accommodation, expressed as the difference between pre‐ and postmeal intra‐bag volumes, and the percent change of the intra‐bag volumes by the meal was significantly enhanced by mosapride compared with placebo.Conclusions & InferencesThis is the first study clearly demonstrating that single administration of 5‐HT4 agonist can enhance gastric accommodation in humans. (Umin.ac.jp, number UMIN000014063)
A STRUCTURALLY BASED ANALYTIC MODEL OF GROWTH AND BIOMASS DYNAMICS IN SINGLE SPECIES STANDS OF CONIFERS
Authors: TAUSCH ROBIN J. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTA theoretically based analytic model of plant growth in single species conifer communities based on the species fully occupying a site and fully using the site resources is introduced. Model derivations result in a single equation simultaneously describes changes over both, different site conditions (or resources available), and over time for each variable for each species. Leaf area or biomass, or a related plant community measurement, such as site class, can be used as an indicator of available site resources. Relationships over time (years) are determined by the interaction between a stable foliage biomass in balance with site resources, and by the increase in the total heterotrophic biomass of the stand with increasing tree size. This structurally based, analytic model describes the relationships between plant growth and each species’ functional depth for foliage, its mature crown size, and stand dynamics, including the self‐thinning. Stand table data for seven conifer species are used for verification of the model. Results closely duplicate those data for each variable and species. Assumptions used provide a basis for interpreting variations within and between the species. Better understanding of the relationships between the MacArthur consumer resource model, the Chapman–Richards growth functions, the metabolic theory of ecology, and stand development resulted.