bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant activities of chicken liver hydrolysates by pepsin treatment
Authors: Chou Chung‐Hsi , Wang Sheng‐Yao , Lin Yi‐Tsen , Chen Yi‐Chen 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThis study was divided into two parts: (i) an optimal hydrolysing procedure of chicken liver hydrolysates (CLHs) and (ii) the in vivo antioxidant properties of CLHs via a D‐galactose‐induced mouse model. A pepsin‐to‐raw chicken liver mass ratio (1:400, w:w) and 2‐h hydrolysing period were chosen to manufacture CLHs based on yield, peptide level and antioxidant effect. Molecular masses of CLHs were lower than 10 kDa. CLH was rich in aspartic acid and glutamic acid, and also contained both manganese and selenium, which are essential cofactors of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, respectively. The contents of cadmium, mercury, tin, and arsenic in CLHs were very low and even no detectible. Regarding the in vivo antioxidant activity of CLHs, a dosage of 1.2 g D‐galactose kg−1 body weight increased (P < 0.05) 2‐thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values and decreased (P < 0.05) glutathione and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity values, as well as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities in serum and organs of mice. However, the in vivo antioxidant capacities were improved (P < 0.05) by supplementing CLHs.
Intravenous Insulin Treatment in Acute Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Ntaios G. , Papavasileiou V. , Bargiota A. , Makaritsis K. , Michel P. 
Published: December 2013

Introduction Poststroke hyperglycemia has been associated with unfavorable outcome. Several trials investigated the use of intravenous insulin to control hyperglycemia in acute stroke. This meta-analysis summarizes all available evidence from randomized controlled trials in order to assess its efficacy and safety. Methods We searched PubMed until 15/02/2013 for randomized clinical trials using the following search items: ‘intravenous insulin’ or ‘hyperglycemia’, and ‘stroke’. Eligible studies had to be randomized controlled trials of intravenous insulin in hyperglycemic patients with acute stroke. Analysis was performed on intention-to-treat basis using the Peto fixed-effects method. The efficacy outcomes were mortality and favorable functional outcome. The safety outcomes were mortality, any hypoglycemia (symptomatic or asymptomatic), and symptomatic hypoglycemia. Results Among 462 potentially eligible articles, nine studies with 1491 patients were included in the meta-analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients who were treated with intravenous insulin and controls (odds ratio: 1·16, 95% confidence interval: 0·89–1·49). Similarly, the rate of favorable functional outcome was not statistically different (odds ratio: 1·01, 95% confidence interval: 0·81–1·26). The rates of any hypoglycemia (odds ratio: 8·19, 95% confidence interval: 5·60–11·98) and of symptomatic hypoglycemia (odds ratio: 6·15, 95% confidence interval: 1·88–20·15) were higher in patients treated with intravenous insulin. There was no heterogeneity across the included trials in any of the outcomes studied. Conclusions This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials does not support the use of intravenous insulin in hyperglycemic stroke patients to improve mortality or functional outcome. The risk of hypoglycemia is increased, however.
Belongingness in the workplace: a study of Malaysian nurses' experiences
Authors: Mohamed Z. , Newton J.M. , McKenna L. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThe need to belong has been proposed as the most basic need for human psychological well‐being. Lack of belongingness has been associated with stress, anxiety and lack of esteem. Social and psychological functioning in the workplace has been linked to nurses' interconnection with others and their perceptions of belongingness.AimTo explore factors contributing to Malaysian nurses' sense of belonging in the workplace.MethodsA descriptive questionnaire survey of registered nurses (n = 437) working in two Malaysian hospitals was conducted in 2011. Previously validated questionnaires translated into the Malay language were used. Data were analysed using SPSS 19.0.ResultsNurses enhanced their sense of belonging through acceptance, ‘fitting in’, respect and group harmony. There were no specific demographic factors contributing to the nurses' perceptions. The findings suggest that these priorities for belongingness were contextually influenced by factors such as elements of Malaysian culture, the nature of nurses' teamwork and stereotypical values on the nursing profession.LimitationsData were collected in only two hospitals. Experiences of nurses in other hospitals and areas of Malaysia may not be similar. The influence of Malaysian culture in this study raises issues about utilization of a measurement scale developed in Western cultures, which may not directly accord with cultural values of an Eastern ethnicity.ConclusionsAspects of belongingness in Malaysian nurses reflect those of nurses elsewhere. However, there are specific cultural influences at play. Therefore, development of a measurement scale based on Eastern culture would help in increasing understanding of workplace practices among these groups.Implications for nursing and health policyWorkplaces that perpetuate an environment that is not conducive to generating a sense of belonging may have an untoward impact on care delivery. Healthcare policies need to ensure patient care has a focus on engaging practitioners within multidisciplinary teams.
A simulation‐based algorithm for optimal pricing policy under demand uncertainty
Authors: Chakravarty Saswata , Padakandla Sindhu , Bhatnagar Shalabh 
Published: December 2013

AbstractWe propose a simulation‐based algorithm for computing the optimal pricing policy for a product under uncertain demand dynamics. We consider a parameterized stochastic differential equation (SDE) model for the uncertain demand dynamics of the product over the planning horizon. In particular, we consider a dynamic model that is an extension of the Bass model. The performance of our algorithm is compared to that of a myopic pricing policy and is shown to give better results. Two significant advantages with our algorithm are as follows: (a) it does not require information on the system model parameters if the SDE system state is known via either a simulation device or real data, and (b) as it works efficiently even for high‐dimensional parameters, it uses the efficient smoothed functional gradient estimator.
Wireless micro current stimulation – an innovative electrical stimulation method for the treatment of patients with leg and diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Wirsing Peter G , Habrom Alexander D , Zehnder Thomas M , Friedli Sandra , Blatti Marlise 
Published: December 2013

AbstractClinical experience with a new electrical stimulation (ES) technique, the wireless micro current stimulation (WMCS), for the treatment of chronic wounds is described. WMCS transfers the current to any surface wound from a distance, by using oxygen's and nitrogen's ability to exchange electrons. We studied 47 patients with hard‐to‐heal wounds. Patients with venous, arterial and mixed leg ulcers were predominant; other aetiologies such as diabetic foot lesions, pressure ulcers, vasculitis and pyoderma were also included. WMCS treatment protocol specified treatment twice or thrice per week, for 45–60 minutes per session, with 1·5 μA current intensity. Standard wound care was applied to all patients, including compression bandages, if necessary. Clear progress of wound healing, even after 2 weeks, was observed in all cases. The mean reduction of the wound surface after WMCS treatment was 95% in 8 weeks. Complete healing was achieved within 3 months for the majority of the cases. No clinical side effects were observed. WMCS technology significantly accelerated wound healing for patients with hard‐to‐heal wounds of different aetiologies. This new therapy offers multiple advantages compared with the previous methods of ES, as it is contactless, free of pain and very easy to use.
Firm Debt Renegotiation, Reorganization Filing and Bank Relationships
Authors: Huang Jiang‐Chuan , Huang Chin‐Sheng , Lin Hueh‐Chen 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the determinants of the firm's decision between informal or formal debt restructuring using a sample of Taiwanese listed firms. Our main results are as follows. First, bank shareholders fare significantly better with successful debt renegotiation by borrower firms than with the filing of a reorganization petition. Second, the stock market differentiates between reorganizations filed for opportunistic purposes and those reflecting formal financial resolutions. Third, the initial choice between debt renegotiation and reorganization filing is closely associated with the firm's bank relationships. However, this varies according to the relative bargaining power of firms and their banks, with the likelihood of successful debt renegotiation increasing with the bargaining power of the distressed firm. This suggests that a debtor‐friendly bankruptcy system does not necessarily enhance the efficiency of the resolution of financial distress in a financial system where banks are the dominant providers of capital.
Cathodoluminescence Properties of Blue Emitting Eu2+‐Doped AlN‐Polytypoids for Field‐Emission Displays
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Jun , Dierre Benjamin , Xie Rong‐Jun , Takeda Takashi , Hirosaki Naoto , Sekiguchi Takashi , Li Huili , Sun Zhuo 
Published: December 2013

Eu2+‐doped AlN‐polytypoids (8H, 15R, 12H, and 21R) were successfully synthesized by nitrogen‐gas‐pressure sintering. The phosphors show intense blue emissions under the electron beam excitation. All the polytypoid phosphors exhibit relatively a smaller degradation in luminance and a higher thermal stability in comparison to the oxide counterparts. Among the polytypoids, 12H has no luminance saturation, and shows a brightness of 40 cd/m2 at 3 kV and 100 μA. These results indicate that Eu2+‐doped AlN‐polytypoids could also be used as blue phosphors for FEDs.
Direct Evidence for the Modulation Caused by Ti Substitution of Ta in a (Ta2O5)0.92(TiO2)0.08 Ceramic by Analytical Electron Microscopy
Authors: Wang Xiaodong , Zuo Jian‐Min , Hu Hefei , Rong Yonghua 
Published: December 2013

The high‐temperature tetragonal structure of Ta2O5 was observed in a Ta2O5 ceramic sample doped with 8 at.% TiO2. Direct evidences for the modulation along [] direction caused by Ti replacing Ta are obtained based on atomic‐resolution high‐angle annular dark‐field lattice imaging and electron energy loss spectroscopy analysis. The atomic mechanism of Ti substitution of Ta is explicitly described based on the structure model along [110] direction projection.
Remote sensing data can improve predictions of species richness by stacked species distribution models: a case study for Mexican pines
Authors: Cord Anna F. , Klein Doris , Gernandt David S. , de la Rosa Jorge A. Pérez , Dech Stefan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimRemote sensing data have been used in a growing number of studies to directly predict species richness or to improve the performance of species distribution models (SDMs), but their suitability for stacked species distribution models (S‐SDMs) remains unclear. In this case study, we evaluated the potential and limitations of remotely sensed data in S‐SDMs and addressed the commonly observed overestimation of species richness by S‐SDMs.LocationMexico.MethodsPhenological and statistical metrics were derived from remotely sensed time series data (2001–2009) of the Terra‐MODIS enhanced vegetation index and land surface temperature products. In a series of climatic and remote sensing‐based SDMs, the distribution ranges of 40 species of the genus Pinus (Pinaceae) were modelled based on presence‐only herbarium and field data using the maximum entropy algorithm and summed to estimate species richness. Three different species‐specific thresholds were applied to convert continuous model predictions into binary maps. Modelled species richness was compared to independent data from the Mexican National Forest Inventory.ResultsThe inclusion of remote sensing data led to significantly better predictions of species richness in comparison to the climate‐based models for the summed suitabilities and all thresholds considered. Both climatic and remote sensing‐based models allowed us to identify the areas with the highest pine species richness based on presence‐only data. Remote sensing‐based models compare closely with climate‐derived patterns, but provide better spatial resolution and more detailed information on local habitat availability.Main conclusionsThe results of this case study provide general guidance for the potential and limitations of using remote sensing data in S‐SDMs. Our results confirmed that remote sensing data may not only have the capability for improving individual SDMs, but also can be a potential tool for reducing the overestimation of species richness by S‐SDMs. This approach opens up new possibilities for species richness predictions in areas where biological survey data are scarce and where no species richness inventory data exist.
Parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) revisited
Authors: Morrone Juan J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractSeveral methods have been proposed for use in identifying and classifying areas of endemism. Parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) is the most widely used. It constructs cladograms based on the cladistic analysis of presence–absence data matrices of species and supraspecific taxa. Several authors have criticizedPAE, usually because they have misunderstood its theoretical basis. A summary of the procedure is presented here, along with a discussion of the interpretation ofPAEcladograms. Some critics deny any place in evolutionary biogeography for non‐phylogenetic approaches, but I believe evolutionary biogeography is a pluralistic discipline, wherePAEhas a place despite lacking a strictly phylogenetic perspective, and thus can be applied as the first step in an analysis. Other authors criticize the use ofPAEas a cladistic biogeographical method, although their arguments may be circular because they refer to biogeographical analyses based on phylogenetic hypotheses. Finally, the use ofPAEfor identifying areas of endemism has been criticized because an optimality criterion is used a posteriori to select areas of endemism found by what have been considered as less appropriate means, and endemicity analysis (EA) has proved to be more efficient thanPAEfor identifying areas of endemism. Over the last few decadesPAEhas been used extensively to identify areas of endemism and to determine their relationships, playing a relevant role in evolutionary biogeography.
Homage to Hutchinson, and the role of ecology in lineage divergence and speciation
Authors: Zink Robert M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimA fundamental goal of biogeography is to explain why sister taxa are allopatric. Potential explanations include insufficient time for range expansion, adaptation to allopatrically distributed environments, or ecological similarity that prevents coexistence. Many sister species have been isolated for hundreds of thousands of years, providing ample time to attain sympatry. This focuses attention on the role of ecology. Allopatric phylogroups and phylogenetic sister species often exhibit morphological differences that are apparent responses to differing ecological conditions, revealing a role for ecology in lineage divergence and speciation. However, as Hutchinson proposed five decades ago, a certain level of morphological divergence is typically required before two taxa can partition resources and coexist. This paper uses ecological niche modelling and phylogeography to explore the role of niche divergence in shaping the ranges of sister taxa and in the speciation process.LocationAridlands of North America including the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts and Baja California.MethodsEcological niche models were constructed for avian sister phylogroups on either side of two biogeographical barriers: the Vizcaino Desert in Baja California (c. 28°–30° N), and the Cochise Filter Barrier, which divides the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Each phylogroup pair was tested for differences in niche identity and niche divergence (using the background test).ResultsNiche identity can be rejected for each phylogroup, although tests of niche divergence were insignificant.Main conclusionsAllopatric sister phylogroups exist in and respond to aspects of different environments, as shown by significant niche identity tests, leading to geographical variation that is often recognized taxonomically, supporting a role for ecology in lineage divergence. However, sister phylogroups also use shared ancestral components of the climatic niche more often than expected by chance, which might prevent selection from yielding divergence in traits related to resource use. Climatic niche divergence does not explain allopatric ranges of phylogroups. Allopatry is maintained because the phylogroups are too similar morphologically, lacking the necessary Hutchinsonian ratios for coexistence. The role of ecology in speciation differs between lineage and biological species concepts owing to their different ranking criteria.
Motives for adherence to a gluten‐free diet: a qualitative investigation involving adults with coeliac disease
Authors: Dowd A. J. , Tamminen K. A. , Jung M. E. , Case S. , McEwan D. , Beauchamp M. R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundCurrently, the only treatment for coeliac disease is lifelong adherence to a strict gluten‐free diet. Strict adherence to a gluten‐free diet is challenging, with recent reports suggesting that adherence rates range from 42% to 91%. The present study aimed to: (i) identify motives for adhering to a gluten‐free diet and (ii) explore factors implicated in adherence and non‐adherence behaviour in terms of accidental and purposeful gluten consumption among adults with coeliac disease.MethodsTwo hundred and three adults with coeliac disease completed an online questionnaire. Using a qualitative design, relationships were examined between reported adherence and motivation to follow a gluten‐free diet, as well as the onset, duration and severity of symptoms.ResultsFeelings of desperation (‘hitting rock bottom’) and needing to gain or lose weight were associated with the strictest adherence to a gluten‐free diet. Participants who accidentally consumed gluten over the past week developed symptoms the most quickly and reported the most pain over the past 6 months. Participants who consumed gluten on purpose over the past week reported a shorter duration of symptoms and less pain over the past 6 months.ConclusionsHitting rock bottom and needing to gain or lose weight were factors associated with the strictest adherence, when considered in the context of both accidental and purposeful gluten consumption. Future research is warranted to develop resources to help people with coeliac disease follow a strict gluten‐free diet.
Estimation of mass thickness response of embedded aggregated silica nanospheres from high angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron micrographs
Authors: NORDIN M. , ABRAHAMSSON C. , HAMNGREN BLOMQVIST C. , HÄBEL H. , RÖDING M. , OLSSON E. , NYDÉN M. , RUDEMO M. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryIn this study, we investigate the functional behaviour of the intensity in high‐angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron micrograph images. The model material is a silica particle (20 nm) gel at 5 wt%. By assuming that the intensity response is monotonically increasing with increasing mass thickness of silica, an estimate of the functional form is calculated using a maximum likelihood approach. We conclude that a linear functional form of the intensity provides a fair estimate but that a power function is significantly better for estimating the amount of silica in the z‐direction.The work adds to the development of quantifying material properties from electron micrographs, especially in the field of tomography methods and three‐dimensional quantitative structural characterization from a scanning transmission electron micrograph. It also provides means for direct three‐dimensional quantitative structural characterization from a scanning transmission electron micrograph.
High‐Fat Diet Induces Leptin Resistance in Leptin‐Deficient Mice
Authors: Koch C. E. , Lowe C. , Pretz D. , Steger J. , Williams L. M. , Tups A. 
Published: December 2013

The occurrence of type II diabetes is highly correlated with obesity, although the mechanisms linking the two conditions are incompletely understood. Leptin is a potent insulin sensitiser and, in leptin‐deficient, insulin insensitive, Lepob/ob mice, leptin improves glucose tolerance, indicating that leptin resistance may link obesity to insulin insensitivity. Leptin resistance occurs in response to a high‐fat diet (HFD) and both hyperleptinaemia and inflammation have been proposed as causative mechanisms. Scrutinising the role of hyperleptinaemia in this process, central hyperleptinaemia in Lepob/ob mice was induced by chronic i.c.v. infusion of leptin (4.2 μg/day) over 10 days. This treatment led to a dramatic decline in body weight and food intake, as well as an improvement in glucose tolerance. Transfer to HFD for 4 days markedly arrested the beneficial effects of leptin on these parameters. Because Lepob/ob mice are exquisitely sensitive to leptin, the possibility that leptin could reverse HFD‐induced glucose intolerance in these animals was investigated. HFD led to increased body weight and glucose intolerance compared to a low‐fat diet (LFD). Older and heavier Lepob/ob mice were used as body weight‐matched controls. Mice in each group received either i.p. leptin (1.25 mg/kg) or vehicle, and glucose tolerance, food intake and the number of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription (pSTAT)3 immunoreactive cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) were analysed. Leptin improved glucose tolerance (P = 0. 019) and reduced food intake in Lepob/ob mice on LFD (P ≤ 0.001) but was ineffective in mice on HFD. Furthermore, when leptin was administered centrally, the glucose tolerance of Lepob/ob mice on HFD was significantly impaired (P = 0.007). Although leptin induced the number of pSTAT3 immunoreactive cells in the ARC and VMH of Lepob/ob mice on LFD, HFD was associated with elevated pSTAT3 immunoreactivity in vehicle‐treated Lepob/ob mice that was unaffected by leptin treatment, suggesting central leptin resistance. Negating central inflammation by co‐administering a c‐Jun n‐terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor reinstated the glucose‐lowering effects of leptin. These findings demonstrate that Lepob/ob mice develop leptin resistance on a HFD independent of hyperleptinaemia and also indicate that the JNK inflammatory pathway plays a key role in the induction of diet‐induced glucose intolerance.