bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of water activity and low molecular weight humectants on skin permeability and hydration dynamics – a double‐blind, randomized and controlled study
Authors: Albèr C. , Buraczewska‐Norin I. , Kocherbitov V. , Saleem S. , Lodén M. , Engblom J. 
Published: April 2014

SynopsisObjectivesThe mammalian skin is a barrier that effectively separates the water‐rich interior of the body from the normally dryer exterior. Changes in the external conditions, for example ambient humidity, have been shown to affect the skin barrier properties. The prime objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of water activity of a topical formulation on skin hydration and permeability. A second objective was to gain more understanding on how two commonly used humectants, urea and glycerol, affect skin barrier function in vivo.MethodsSimple aqueous formulations were applied under occlusion to the volar forearm of healthy volunteers. Following 4‐h exposure, skin water loss (by transepidermal water loss measurements), skin hydration (by Corneometry) and skin permeability (by time to vasodilation due to benzyl nicotinate exposure) were monitored.ResultsThe results demonstrate that a relatively small change in the water activity of a topical formulation is sufficient to induce considerable effects on stratum corneum hydration and permeability to exogenous substances. Exposing the skin to high water activity leads to increased skin hydration and also increased permeability. Furthermore, urea and glycerol promote skin hydration and permeability even at reduced water activity of the applied formulation.ConclusionThese results highlight the importance of considering the water activity in topically applied formulations and the potential benefit of using humectants. The results may impact formulation optimization in how to facilitate skin hydration and to modify skin permeability by temporarily open and close the skin barrier.
Measurement of total phenolic content in wine using an automatic Folin–Ciocalteu assay method
Authors: Lee Eun Jin , Nomura Noa , Patil Bhimanagouda S. , Yoo Kil Sun 
Published: April 2014

SummaryMeasuring the total phenolic content in wine is important in estimating the taste and health benefits of wine. We developed an automatic Folin–Ciocalteu (F‐C) method to reduce processing times (3 min), human errors and waste volume as compared it to the manual method. The gallic acid standard responded linearly up to 5000 μg mL−1, and the wine dilution series responded linearly between four‐ and sixteenfold dilutions. Anthocyanins showed slower reaction rate compared with wine, gallic acid and quercetin, while ascorbic acid showed the fastest rate. Fructose and glucose at the 10% level showed approximately 8% interference in port wines, and the interference was thought to be negligible in most dry wines containing <1% sugar. Total phenolic contents ranged between 1600 and 3300 μg mL−1 by the automatic method and were approximately 20% less than those by the manual method, except in pink wines which was nearly identical. The regression analysis of the phenolic contents showed a very linear relationship between the methods (r2 = 0.97***). This automatic method was thought to be efficiently adopted in wine testing laboratories as a fast and reproducible assay.
Effect of edible coatings on fruit maturity and fungal growth on Berhi dates
Authors: Mehyar Ghadeer F. , El Assi Najib M. , Alsmairat Nihad G. , Holley Richard A. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryBerhi date palm fruits were harvested at the khalal stage, coated with different edible materials: pea starch (PS), zein protein (ZP), pea starch + carnauba wax (PS + CW) and zein protein + carnauba wax (ZP + CW) and stored at 3 or 25 °C for 21 days. Different fruit maturity indicators (colour, firmness, total soluble solids, moisture and tannins) and fungal numbers were monitored during storage. PS and ZP coatings at 3 °C were the most effective in retarding fruit maturation by extending the khalal stage from 7 to >14 days. They were less effective at 25 °C, where the khalal stage was extended only ≤7 days. PS + CW and ZP + CW coatings prevented sample moisture loss, but they accelerated degradation of simple sugars at 25 °C, and this indicated a shift to anaerobic fruit respiration. The PS + CW and ZP + CW coatings, particularly at 3 °C, were the most effective in preventing fungal growth, whereas the PS coating promoted fungal growth.
The lived experience of the wound care nurse in caring for patients with pressure ulcers
Authors: Varga Marlene A , Holloway Samantha L 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe aim of the study was to report the lived experience of the wound care nurse (WCN) in caring for patients with pressure ulcers (PU). WCN play an important role in caring for patients with PU, but the effect on caring for individuals with such wounds is poorly understood. A descriptive and interpretative study on the life worlds of spatiality, temporality, relationality and corporeality was carried out. Utilising the hermeneutic Heideggerian phenomenology, data were collected over a 3‐month period in 2012 using in‐depth interviews with five WCN. The interviews revealed eight themes: ‘challenge’, ‘making sense of it all’, ‘coping and self‐care’, ‘advocate of mine/making a difference’, ‘knowledge and technology’, ‘we have seen what can happen’, ‘holistic caring’ and ‘frustration’. Twenty‐five sub‐themes were also identified. WCN experienced a demanding and rewarding role of caring, influenced by the environment and the challenges with individuals living with PU. This study demonstrated an enriching yet challenging role. Recommendations for WCN, health care authorities and education providers include raising awareness of the importance of self‐care, greater recognition of the effect of this role on patients with PU and changing education to include reflective practice and resilience strategies.
Increased expression of TRPC4 channels associated with erectile dysfunction in diabetes
Authors: Sung H. H. , Choo S. H. , Ko M. , Kang S. J. , Chae M. R. , Kam S. C. , Han D. H. , So I. , Lee S. W. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryIn recent reports, an association between altered TRPC channel function and the development of various diabetic complications has drawn the attention of many investigators. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of TRPC4 channels of corpus smooth muscle (CSM) cells in diabetes, and to evaluate the association between erectile dysfunction (ED) and altered TRPC4 channel function. The expression of TRPC4 in the penile tissue of human, normal and diabetic rat was investigated using RT‐PCR, western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In vivo gene transfer of dominant negative (DN) TRPC4 into the CSM of rat was conducted. In vivo pelvic nerve stimulation was performed to measure erectile function. Expression of TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4 and TRPC6 in human and rat CSM tissues was confirmed by RT‐PCR, western blot and IHC. In the diabetic rat, the expression levels of mRNA and protein of the TRPC4, and TRPC6 were significantly increased compared to control rats (p < 0.05). The change in TRPC4 expression in the diabetic rats was higher than those of the other TRPC subunits (p < 0.05). The IHC showed that only TRPC4 expression had a higher intensity in the diabetes compared to normal rats (p < 0.05). Gene transfection with TRPC4DN into the diabetic rats restored erectile function to levels similar to that of normal controls. Gene expression of TRPC4DN in CSM tissue was confirmed by RT‐PCR 2 weeks after transfection. This study demonstrated that TRPC4 channel expression increased in the penile CSM cells of diabetic rats. The down‐regulation of TRPC4 with DN form restored erectile function in the diabetic rats. The alteration of TRPC4 channel is one of pathophysiology of ED and could be a target for drug development for ED.
Effects of the oestrogen receptor antagonist Fulvestrant on expression of genes that affect organization of the epididymal epithelium
Authors: Pereira M. F. N. , Fernandes S. A. F. , Nascimento A. R. , Siu E. R. , Hess R. A. , Oliveira C. A. , Porto C. S. , Lazari M. F. M. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThe role of oestrogens in epididymal function is still unclear. Knockout of the oestrogen receptor ESR1 (Esr1−/−) or treatment with the anti‐oestrogen Fulvestrant affect epididymal milieu and sperm motility. We investigated the effect of in vivo treatment of rats with Fulvestrant on: (i) expression of genes that may be important for the architecture and function of the epididymal epithelium: prominins 1 and 2, metalloproteinase 7, claudin 7, beta‐catenin and cadherin 13, and (ii) levels of oestradiol and testosterone, and expression of oestrogen and androgen receptors, in the initial segment (IS), caput, corpus and cauda epididymis. Fulvestrant (i) reduced gene expression of prominin 1 (variant 1) in the caput, reduced prominin 1 protein content in the caput epididymis and in the efferent ductules, and increased the localization of prominin 1 in microvilli of the caput and corpus; (ii) reduced gene expression of prominin 2 in the corpus and cauda epididymis; (iii) increased the metalloproteinase 7 content in the apical region of principal cells from IS/caput; (iv) reduced in the corpus epididymis, but increased in the efferent ductules, the cadherin 13 mRNA level; (v) reduced testosterone but increased oestradiol levels in the corpus and cauda; (vi) increased the androgen receptor protein content in all regions of the epididymis, and the oestrogen receptor GPER in the corpus and cauda epididymis. In conclusion, treatment with Fulvestrant induced regional‐specific changes in hormonal and steroid receptor content, and affected expression of proteins important for epithelial organization and absorption/secretion. The mechanisms of oestrogen action may differ among epididymal regions, which may contribute to determine region‐specific sperm functions.
Differentiated Electric Behaviors of La2/3Cu3Ti4O12 Ceramics Prepared by Different Methods
Authors: Liu Zhanqing , Chao Xiaolian , Liang Pengfei , Yang Zupei , Zhi Lei 
Published: April 2014

Microstructure and electric behaviors of La2/3Cu3Ti4O12 (LCTO) ceramics prepared by the sol‐gel method (SG) and solid‐state method (SS) have been systemically investigated. The results indicated that LCTO‐SG ceramics sintered at 1105°C for 15 h showed larger grain size, higher density, and especially higher dielectric constant up to about 0.9–1.6 × 104 at 102~105 Hz compared to LCTO‐SS ceramics. The higher dielectric constant of the LCTO‐SG ceramics might be due to the stronger internal barrier layer capacitor (IBLC) effect. More notably, compared with LCTO‐SS ceramics, two kinds of dielectric anomalies, one conduction activation energy value and same activation energies for the conduction and relaxation process in LCTO‐SS ceramics, the LCTO‐SG ceramics showed three kinds of dielectric anomalies, two values of conduction activation energy, and decrease in conduction activation energy with increasing temperature. The activation energies for the conduction and relaxation process in LCTO‐SG ceramics showed great difference below about 210°C, suggesting that the mechanism of electrical conduction and dielectric relaxation seem to be different in LCTO‐SG ceramics. These remarkable differences in electric behaviors of LCTO ceramics prepared by sol‐gel and solid‐state methods were firstly found and analyzed.
Magnetic Properties of Iron Phosphate Glass and Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Pavić Luka , Graca Manuel P. F. , Skoko Željko , Moguš‐Milanković Andrea , Valente Manuel A. 
Published: April 2014

Magnetic properties of crystallized iron phosphate glasses and relationship between structural and magnetic properties modifications that occur during crystallization have been investigated. Iron phosphate glass exhibits the spin‐glass (SG) behavior and represents a prototype of solid with disordered spatially distributed magnetic moments. Glass of the composition 43Fe2O3–57P2O5 (wt%) was heat‐treated in air at 893, 923, and 1073 K for 24 h. The samples were studied using X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and dc magnetic measurements. The magnetic measurements show dominant antiferromagnetic (AF) interactions for all samples. The starting glass exhibits SG behavior, whereas magnetic behavior of samples heat‐treated at 893 and 923 K, which contain Fe3(P2O7)2 crystalline phase embedded in glass matrix, is ascribed to a mixture of superparamagnetism and SG behavior. In the sample heat‐treated at 1073 K, several peaks in the magnetization curves were observed which correspond to the various crystalline phases present in the sample: Fe3(P2O7)2, Fe4(P2O7)3 and Fe(PO3)3. Hysteresis loops show paramagnetic behavior at 300 K. Small curvature is present at low temperature (5 K) that can be ascribed to the AF ordering in the samples.
Large Electromechanical Response in Lead‐Free La‐Doped BNKT–BST Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Ullah Amir , Ullah Aman , Kim Ill Won , Lee Dae Su , Jeong Soon Jong , Ahn Chang Won 
Published: April 2014

Piezoceramics 0.99[(Bi0.5Na0.4K0.1)1−xLaxTiO3]−0.01[Ba0.7Sr0.3TiO3] (BNKT–BST–Lax, x = 0–0.030) were synthesized using a conventional solid‐state reaction method. X‐ray diffraction revealed a phase transition from a tetragonal to cubic phase at x ≥ 0.005. The maximum dielectric constant as well as the depolarization temperature (Td) decreased with increasing La content. La addition interrupted the polarization and strain hysteresis loops and demonstrates that the ferroelectric order of the BNKT–BST ceramics lead to a reduction in the remnant polarization and coercive field. However, the destabilization of the ferroelectric order is accompanied by a significant increase in the unipolar strain which is highest at x = 0.020 with a value of ~0.39% and corresponding normalized strain, d*33 (= Smax/Emax) of 650 pm/V. It was observed that the unipolar strain of x = 0.020 is very temperature insensitive up to 125°C, even at 125°C the d*33 is as high as ~431 pm/V. Moreover, an electric‐field‐dependent XRD was conducted to identify the main source of the high strain and a recoverable transformation from cubic to a rhombohedral–tetragonal mixed phase was observed. The recoverable field‐induced phase transformation is suggested to be the main cause for the obtained large strain at x = 0.020 in the BNKT–BST–Lax ceramics.
Optical Characterizations of Hot‐Pressed Erbium‐Doped Calcium Fluoride Transparent Ceramic
Authors: Liu Zuodong , Mei Bingchu , Song Jinghong , Li Weiwei 
Published: April 2014

Nanoparticles of erbium‐doped calcium fluoride were synthesised by the coprecipitation method. Micromorphology of the obtained nanoparticles was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The nanoparticles were hot‐pressed in a vacuum environment to achieve Er:CaF2 transparent ceramic. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed the crystallization of a single fluorite phase after sintered. Transmittance spectrum of Er:CaF2 ceramic sample was measured, and the transmittance at 1200 nm reached about 87%. Microstructures were characterized using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. The luminescence spectrum of Er:CaF2 transparent ceramics under 488‐ and 978‐nm excitation was measured and discussed. It was evidenced that strong cross‐relaxation processes between Er3+ ions occur at high dopant concentration, and favoring the red emission at the expense of the green one.
Alkaline‐Earth Metal Ca and N Codoped TiO2 with Exposed {001} Facets for Enhancing Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Jun , Qian Lisha , Fu Wei , Xi Junhua , Ji Zhenguo 
Published: April 2014

Alkaline‐earth metal Ca and N codoped TiO2 sheets with exposed {001} facets were obtained through a one‐step hydrothermal process. The codoped TiO2 appears as microsheets with length of 1–2 μm and thickness of 100–200 nm. The X‐ray diffractometer and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results confirm that Ca and N codoped TiO2 has higher crystallinity than N‐doped TiO2, as well Ca, N atoms were successfully codoped into TiO2 as interstitial Ca and interstitial N or an O–Ti–N structure, respectively. Compared with N monodoped, further alkaline‐earth Ca codoped has little influence on the energy bands of TiO2 except slightly elevating the conduction band edge at a value of 0.02 eV. The hydroxyl radicals (•OH) producing and photocatalytic experiment shows that Ca and N codoped can effectively decrease the generation of recombination centers, and enhance separation efficiency of photo‐induced electrons and holes as well as the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. The codoped photocatalyst has the highest photocatalytic activity when Ca doped ratio reach 0.48%. Excess Ca doped will weaken the crystallization of anatase TiO2, form charge center, produce new recombination centers and finally reduce the photocatalytic activity of TiO2.
In Situ Domain Structure Observation and Giant Magnetoelectric Coupling for PMN‐PT/Terfenol‐D Multiferroic Composites
Authors: Fang Fei , Jing Wenqi , Zhou Yangyang , Yang Wei 
Published: April 2014

In situ observations of ferroelectric domain structure evolution, and magnetoelectric (ME) coupling are investigated for PMN‐28PT/Terfenol‐D (abbreviation of Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐28PbTiO3/Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe2) and PMN‐33PT/Terfenol‐D composites under the magnetic loadings. The composite of PMN‐33PT/Terfenol‐D shows stronger ME coupling than that in PMN‐28PT/Terfenol‐D. At a thickness of 0.10–0.12 mm for the single crystal plate, a giant magnetoelectric coefficient (αME) up to 2 V/cm·Oe is obtained for PMN‐33PT/Terfenol‐D at a static magnetic field of 200 Oe and 1 kHz of the alternating magnetic field. In situ domain structure observations reveal the domain morphology change during the applied magnetic loadings. In PMN‐28PT, the domains are of predominantly rhombohedral (R) phase and they change into monoclinic MA phase upon the magnetic loading via the strain transferred between Terfenol‐D plate and PMN‐PT single crystal. In PMN‐33PT, domains of orthorhombic (O), R, and monoclinic MC coexist and phase transitions from O to MC and further to R phase occur upon the magnetic loading. The undulation and diversity of the domain structure makes the domains more susceptible to the magnetic loading via strain transferred between Terfenol‐D plate and PMN‐PT single crystal, and consequently, a strong ME coupling in the composites.
New Antiferroelectric Solid Solution of Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3–Pb(Zn1/2W1/2)O3 as Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Ren Zihe , Zhang Nan , Long Xifa , Ye Zuo‐Guang 
Published: April 2014

A new solid solution of (1−x)Pb(Mg1/2W1/2)O3–xPb(Zn1/2W1/2)O3 has been prepared in the form of ceramics by solid‐state reaction with composition x up to 30%. It is found that with the substitution of Zn2+ for Mg2+ on the B site of the of complex perovskite structure the antiferroelectric (AFE) Curie temperature TC of PMW increases from 40°C (x = 0) to 67°C (x = 30%), indicating an enhancement of antiferroelectric order, whereas, at the same time, the phase transition becomes more diffuse due to a higher degree of chemical inhomogeneity. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates that the crystal structure adopts an orthorhombic space group (Pmcn) with a decrease in lattice parameter a, but an increase in b and c as the Zn2+ concentration increases. The low dielectric constant (~ 102), low dielectric loss (tanδ ≈ 10−3), linear‐field‐induced polarization, and significantly high breakdown field (~ 125 kV/cm) at room temperature make this family of dielectric materials a promising candidate for ceramic insulators.
GIS‐Based Stream Classification in a Mountain Watershed for Jurisdictional Evaluation
Authors: Caruso Brian S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis study analyzed stream characteristics in a mountain watershed in southwestern Colorado and developed a three‐level hierarchical classification scheme using national datasets to demonstrate jurisdictional evaluation as “waters of the United States (U.S.)” under U.S. Clean Water Act Section 404 at the watershed scale. The National Hydrography Dataset and USGS StreamStats were used with field observations to classify streams in the 53 km2 Cement Creek Watershed based on flow duration (Level 1), stream order (Level 2), and other biophysical metrics (Level 3). Kruskal‐Wallis tests and discriminant analysis showed significant differences among Level 2 classes. Level 3 classification used cluster analysis for stream length, distance to the downstream traditional navigable water (TNW), and the ratio of mean annual flow from the source stream to the TNW. Results showed all perennial and intermittent streams are jurisdictional relatively permanent waters (RPWs), which include over a third of all streams, 64% are intermittent or ephemeral, and almost half are ephemeral first order. All ephemeral reaches are non‐RPWs requiring significant nexus evaluation to determine jurisdiction. These ephemeral first‐order streams can contribute 5% of the annual flow to the TNW at the confluence, while the Cement Creek main stem contributes 21% of the TNW flow. The study demonstrated that the classification provides key biophysical and regulatory information to aid jurisdictional evaluations in mountain watersheds.
Transpulmonary Atrial Pacing: An Approach to Transvenous Pacemaker Implantation After Extracardiac Conduit Fontan Surgery
Authors: MOORE JEREMY P. , SHANNON KEVIN M. 
Published: April 2014

Transpulmonary Atrial PacingIntroductionPatients with prior extracardiac (EC) conduit Fontan surgery are considered ineligible for transvenous atrial pacemaker implantation due to lack of venous access to the atrial myocardium. A new technique for atrial lead placement in the setting of this surgical anatomy is proposed.Methods and ResultsA 30‐year‐old female with prior EC Fontan surgery, incessant supraventricular tachycardia, sinus node dysfunction, and multi‐organ failure was admitted to our hospital. After placement of a transvenous lead in the left pulmonary artery (LPA) for temporary pacing with ensuing clinical improvement, the patient was taken back to the catheterization laboratory for definitive treatment. After ablation of the supraventricular tachycardia and 3D mapping of the common atrium, a puncture through the LPA and into the left‐sided atrium was performed. A transvenous lead was then attached to the base of the left‐sided appendage where excellent pacing and sensing characteristics were observed. Follow‐up transesophageal echocardiography revealed stable lead placement and absence of pericardial effusion. The patient was discharged to home several days later on warfarin therapy.ConclusionsTranspulmonary access to the left‐sided atrium for patients with prior EC Fontan surgery is a feasible strategy for transvenous atrial pacing. Lead placement in this location is associated with excellent pacing characteristics and involves a limited segment of lead within the pulmonary venous atrium. The approach is technically straightforward and avoids the need for surgical pacemaker placement.