bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflammatory conditions distinctively alter immunological functions of Langerhans‐like cells and dendritic cells in vitro
Authors: Said André , Bock Stephanie , Müller Gerrit , Weindl Günther 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe specific function of human skin‐resident dendritic cell (DC) subsets in the regulation of immunity or tolerance is still a matter of debate. Langerhans cells (LC) induce anti‐viral immune responses but, conversely to dermal DC, maintain tolerance to bacteria. However, the definite function of epidermal LC and cutaneous DC appears even more complex under inflammatory conditions. Here we investigated the immune responses of human immature monocyte‐derived DC (MoDC) and LC‐like cells (MoLC) upon stimulation with different Toll‐like receptor ligands in the presence or absence of pro‐inflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). In MoDC, bacterial antigens selectively up‐regulated CD83 and CD86 expression and induced the release of T helper type 1 (Th1) and Th17 cytokines and led to a higher CCR7‐dependent migratory capacity compared with a low responsiveness of MoLC. Importantly, MoLC activation with lipopolysaccharide under inflammatory conditions strongly enhanced a phenotypically mature state, increased IL‐12p70, IL‐23 and IL‐6 production and Th1 cytokine secretion by CD4+ T cells. Treatment with poly(I:C) specifically up‐regulated surface expression of co‐stimulatory molecules and increased release of IL‐12p70 in MoLC and co‐stimulation with TNF‐α and IL‐1β further elevated Th1 and Th17 cytokine production. Poly(I:C)‐induced up‐regulation of type I interferon mRNA levels in MoLC and MoDC was Toll‐like receptor 3‐dependent but not, or only weakly, modulated by pro‐inflammatory cytokines. Our results indicate that inflammatory conditions greatly facilitate recognition of bacteria by MoLC. Furthermore, we suggest a critical involvement of both subsets in innate defence against viruses, whereas inflammatory skin environments additionally favour MoLC as potent inducers of Th1 and Th17 cytokines.
Chinese community‐dwelling elders' needs: promoting ageing in place
Authors: Cao M.J. , Guo X.L. , Yu H. , Chen L.Y. , McDonald T.A. 
Published: July 2014

Background‘Ageing in place’ is widely promoted as a response to global ageing and increased demand for services, but little evidence is available about what older people think they need in terms of services and supports to remain at home.AimTo investigate older people's needs when ageing in place in order to provide evidence to inform policies and strategies promoting the option of ageing in place.MethodsA total of 568 elderly persons in Hangzhou, China, were surveyed in 2009–2011 using a modified questionnaire validated in the USA and China.ResultsOverall, 88.9% of older adults were satisfied with the community in which they live; 97.2% were satisfied with life quality. Health problems and healthcare access difficulty increased with age. House repairs and housework were the most troubling. Respondents identified high need for social and health promotion services and this varied across age groups.LimitationsCultural adaptation and validation of the questionnaire could have been influenced by differences in socioeconomic and cultural factors. The sample excluded older adults with disabilities, bed‐ridden and/or unable to communicate thus limiting the scope of relevance.ConclusionA majority of older adult respondents ageing at home lived a relatively healthy life; however, they required more comprehensive health insurance to cover costs of long‐term health problems and access to home care support.Implications for nursing and health policyThe needs of community‐dwelling older Chinese people in the Xiacheng District are not being fully met and much remains be done to increase community and regional capacity before ageing in place can be promoted as a policy strategy. More generally, nursing and health policies geared to enhance the self‐sufficiency of older people residing in their communities must draw upon evidence of assessed needs and client perspectives of their requirements before services can be designed and delivered.
Hazardous drinking and HIV‐risk‐related behavior among male clients of female sex workers in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Goodman‐Meza David , Pitpitan Eileen V. , Semple Shirley J. , Wagner Karla D. , Chavarin Claudia V. , Strathdee Steffanie A. , Patterson Thomas L. 
Published: July 2014

Background and ObjectivesMale clients of female sex workers (FSWs) are at high risk for HIV. Whereas the HIV risks of alcohol use are well understood, less is known about hazardous alcohol use among male clients of FSWs, particularly in Mexico. We sought to identify risk factors for hazardous alcohol use and test associations between hazardous alcohol use and HIV risk behavior among male clients in Tijuana.MethodMale clients of FSWs in Tijuana (n = 400) completed a quantitative interview in 2008. The AUDIT was used to characterize hazardous alcohol use. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent associations of demographic and HIV risk variables with hazardous alcohol use (vs. non‐hazardous).ResultsForty percent of our sample met criteria for hazardous alcohol use. Variables independently associated with hazardous drinking were reporting any sexually transmitted infection (STI), having sex with a FSW while under the influence of alcohol, being younger than 36 years of age, living in Tijuana, and ever having been jailed. Hazardous drinkers were less likely ever to have been deported or to have shared injection drugs.Discussion and ConclusionsHazardous alcohol use is associated with HIV risk, including engaging in sex with FSWs while intoxicated and having an STI among male clients of FSWs in Tijuana.Scientific SignificanceWe systematically described patterns and correlates of hazardous alcohol use among male clients of FSWs in Tijuana, Mexico. The results suggest that HIV/STI risk reduction interventions must target hazardous alcohol users, and be tailored to address alcohol use. (Am J Addict 2014;23:502–509)
Dynamic Response in Ba1−xSrxTiO3 and Anomalous Behavior at the Phase Boundary Composition
Authors: Iqbal Asad M. , Hassnain Jaffari Ghulam , Hasanain Syed K. 
Published: July 2014

The dynamic response of Barium Strontium Titanate (Ba1−xSrxTiO3, x = 0.6–0.9) is presented over a temperature range spanning various structural phase transitions and for compositions that extend from the ferroelectric (FE) phase to the FE‐Antiferrodistortive (AFD) phase boundary. We find that while the in‐phase part of the dielectric response is insensitive to applied frequencies over the range 400–500 kHz for all compositions, strong dispersive effects are observed in general for the out of phase part, for almost all compositions. The dielectric peaks corresponding to the lower temperature structural transitions (e.g. tetragonal to orthorhombic T–O etc.) exhibit frequency dependence, while the higher temperature cubic to tetragonal (C–T) transition does not show dispersive effects. The only exception to this is for the Ba0.1Sr0.9TiO3 composition, lying at the boundary of the FE and AFD phases. Detailed frequency dependence studies of this composition (x = 0.9) show that the (C–T) transition exhibits an abrupt change in the dispersive features for high frequencies f > 10 kHz. These features include the constancy of peak temperature, large drop in the magnitude of the losses and a noticeable broadening of the associated loss peak. The anomalous features in the behavior of x = 0.9 composition are attributed to slow relaxation processes in the AFD phase at the boundary separating the FE and AFD phases.
Structural Evolution and Properties of 0.3Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–0.38Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.32PbTiO3 Ferroelectric Ceramics with Different Sintering Times
Authors: Ji Wei , Tan Chee Kiang Ivan , Yao Kui , Al‐Mamun Abdullah , Bhatia Charanjit S. , Wong Ten It 
Published: July 2014

The structural evolution and properties of 0.3Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–0.38Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–0.32PbTiO3 (0.3PIN‐0.38PMN‐0.32PT) ferroelectric ceramics with different sintering times have been investigated. The content of the tetragonal phase is increased in samples sintered for more than 6 h, despite that the composition falls in the rhombohedral region of the previously established phase diagram. The results show that the metastable tetragonal phase at room temperature is induced and stabilized by the tensile residual stresses. Excessively long sintering time generally leads to grain coarsening, loss of lead, and deterioration of properties, while the increasing amount of the tetragonal phase, and the large residual tensile stress appear to improve the dielectric and electromechanical properties. This study offers new insights into the sintering of Pb‐based ferroelectric ceramics with complex compositions.
High Power Performance of Manganese‐Doped BNT‐Based Pb‐Free Piezoelectric Ceramics
Authors: Hejazi Mehdi , Taghaddos Elaheh , Gurdal Erkan , Uchino Kenji , Safari Ahmad 
Published: July 2014

Electromechanical properties and high power characteristics of Pb‐free hard piezoelectric ceramics in the (BiNa0.88K0.08Li0.04)0.5 (Ti1−xMnx)O3 (x = 0, 0.014, 0.015, and 0.016) system were studied. Mn doping resulted in a considerable enhancement of mechanical quality factor Qm and vibration velocity. The lowest mechanical and dielectric losses were achieved in 1.5 mol% Mn‐doped ceramics with a planar Qm of about 970 and tanδ of 0.89%. The heat dissipation and resonance frequency shift under high drive condition were remarkably suppressed upon Mn doping. The maximum vibration velocity was increased from 0.28 m/s in undoped ceramic to 0.6 m/s in 1.5 mol% Mn‐doped composition. The results of this study revealed that Mn‐doped BNT‐based piezoelectrics exhibited a superior high power performance compared to their lead‐based counterparts such as PZT4 and PZT8 ceramics.
Vapor‐Phase Transport Crystallization of Micro‐HZSM‐5 Zeolite Coatings
Authors: Liu Guozhu , Zhang Likang , You Zhiqiang , Wang Li , Zhang Xiangwen 
Published: July 2014

A novel structured catalyst of binderless micro‐HZSM‐5 zeolite coating was prepared on stainless‐steeled tubes (i.d. 2 mm) through wash coating and vapor‐phase transport (VPT) crystallization method. The subsequent crystallization of amorphous SiO2 binders improved the coatings adhesion tremendously by more than 10 times with the least amount of binders (<20% by weight), attributed to the remarkably enhanced interlock by the formed Mordenite Framework Inverted structure between zeolite particles. Catalytic cracking of supercritical n‐dodecane (500°C, 4 MPa) was used to examine the catalytic performance of the coatings as prepared, indicating that MZC‐V0.2 exhibited a catalytic activity improvement by 8% and a decreased deactivation rate by 48%. The improved catalytic performance may result from its high acid sites amount by incorporating extra‐framework Al into HZSM‐5 framework, and the possible depressing of pore‐mouth deactivation through partial modification of surface acid sites during VPT treatment. This work provides a potential technique to prepare mechanically stable zeolite coatings with high catalytic activity but less binder usage.
Novel Self‐Activated Zinc Gallogermanate Phosphor: The Origin of its Photoluminescence
Authors: Ren Jing , Xu Xiaoqing , Zeng Huidan , Chen Guorong , Kong Deshuang , Gu Changjun , Chen Chunming , Liu Zhibin , Kong Linren 
Published: July 2014

Since 2012, zinc gallogermanate has drawn interests as an excellent host phosphor for a variety of dopants (e.g., Cr3+, Bi3+ and Mn2+). However, the origin of its self‐activated luminescence has been largely unknown. Here, zinc gallogermanate of the composition Zn1+xGa2−2xGexO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) is prepared by solid‐state reaction, and the evolution of the crystal structure with the composition is studied. The phosphors show a broad white‐bluish emission upon excitation by ultraviolet (UV) light, and the luminescence intensity greatly increases as Ga3+ are substituted by Ge4+. A full spectrum of the defects and trap centers responsible for the luminescence is given by a multiple characterization methods, such as low temperature electron spin resonance, positron annihilation lifetime and thermoluminescence spectra. The results show that the zinc gallogermanate is a promising self‐activated phosphor for a variety of applications.
Spectral Conversion From Ultraviolet to Near Infrared in Yb3+‐Doped Pyrovanadate Zn2V2O7 Particles
Authors: Guan Ying , Cheng Yu , Huang Yanlin , Tsuboi Taiju , Huang Wei , Cai Peiqing , Seo Hyo Jin 
Published: July 2014

Yb3+‐doped Zn2V2O7 particles were synthesized via the Pechini method. The crystal structure and morphology of the polycrystalline samples were investigated by X‐ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy measurements, respectively. The reflectance spectrum, photoluminescence excitation, emission spectra, and the absolute quantum efficiency of the IR emission (900–1100) were measured. The intense near‐IR emission around 1000 nm attributed to the 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 transition of Yb3+ was observed under the excitation of ultraviolet light in the Yb3+‐doped pyrovanadate. The efficient energy transfer from VO4 groups into Yb3+ ions was confirmed by the optical spectra and fluorescent lifetime measurements. These results demonstrate that the Yb3+‐doped pyrovanadate particles are promising materials for spectral conversion from visible sunlight to near‐infrared emission and it may have potential application for spectral convertor to enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency of c‐Si solar cells.
Synthesis and Characterization of Magnetite/Polyvinyl Alcohol Core–Shell Composite Nanoparticles
Authors: Kurchania Rajnish , Sawant Sachin S. , Ball Richard J. 
Published: July 2014

Magnetite (Fe3O4)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) core–shell composite nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using a coprecipitation of ferrous and ferric chloride followed by coating with PVA. The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, X‐ray photo electron spectroscopy, Zeta potential measurements, UV–Vis spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM). The average particle size was 13 nm. The presence of characteristic functional groups of PVA around the core of magnetite nanoparticles was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy while the amount of PVA (%) bound to it was estimated by TGA analysis. Zeta potential measurements made by dispersing dilute sonicated samples in a Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS pH 7.4) confirmed that the particles were negatively charged. The stability and retention of the coating material PVA in PBS (pH7.4) over a period of time were substantiated by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Room‐temperature magnetic measurements were made with a VSM which demonstrated the superparamagnetic nature of the particles with higher saturation magnetization of 56.41 emu/g. Furthermore, in vitro cytocompatibility testing of Fe3O4/PVA core–shell composite nanoparticles was carried out on human cervix cancer cells. This confirmed a 97% cell viability with no significant cytotoxicity and thereby substantiated their biocompatibility.
Eu2+‐Doped Yellow‐Emitting CsBaB3O6 Glass‐Ceramic Prepared by Melt Quenching and Re‐Crystallization Method
Authors: Xie Hongde , Chen Luyang , Yuan Chen , Cai Peiqing , Kim Sun Il , Seo Hyo Jin 
Published: July 2014

Eu3+‐doped cesium barium borate glass with the composition of Cs2O·2BaO·3B2O3 was prepared by the conventional melt quenching method. The glass‐ceramic sample was obtained from the re‐crystallization of the as‐made glass to change the amorphous glass into a crystalline host. This reduces the Eu3+ in glass to Eu2+ ions resulting in a yellow‐emitting phosphor of Eu2+‐activated CsBaB3O6. The samples were investigated by the XRD patterns and SEM micrograph, the optical absorption, the photoluminescence spectra, and decay curves. The as‐made glass has only Eu3+ centers. Under the excitation of blue or near‐UV light, Eu2+‐doped CsBaB3O6 presents yellow‐emitting color from the allowed inter‐configurational 4f–5d transition in the Eu2+ ions. The maximum absolute luminescence quantum efficiencies of Eu2+‐doped CsBaB3O6 phosphor was measured to be 47% excited at 430 nm light at 300 K. By taking into account the efficient excitation in blue wavelength region, this new phosphor could be a potential yellow‐emitting phosphor for an application in white light‐emitting diodes fabricated with blue chips.
Toward Understanding the Effect of Low‐Activity Waste Glass Composition on Sulfur Solubility
Authors: Vienna John D. , Kim Dong‐Sang , Muller Isabelle S. , Piepel Greg F. , Kruger Albert A. 
Published: July 2014

The concentration of sulfur in Hanford low‐activity waste (LAW) glass melter feed will be maintained below the point where the salt accumulates on the melt surface. The allowable concentrations may range from near zero to over 2.05 wt% (of SO3 on a calcined oxide basis) depending on the composition of the melter feed and processing conditions. If the amount of sulfur exceeds the melt tolerance level, a molten salt will accumulate which may upset melter operations and potentially shorten the useful life of the melter. At the Hanford site, relatively conservative limits have traditionally been placed on sulfur loading in melter feed, which in turn significantly increases the amount of LAW glass that will be produced. Crucible‐scale sulfur solubility data and scaled melter sulfur tolerance data have been collected on simulated Hanford waste glasses over the last 15 years. These data were compiled and analyzed. An empirical model was developed to predict the solubility of SO3 in glass based on 253 simulated Hanford LAW glass compositions. This model represents the data well, accounting for over 85% of the variation in data, and was well validated. The model was also found to accurately predict the maximum amount of sulfur in melter feed that did not form a salt layer in 13 scaled melter tests of simulated LAW glasses. The model can be used to help estimate glass volumes and make informed decisions on process options (e.g., scale of supplemental LAW treatment facility, and pretreatment facility performance requirements). The model also gives quantitative estimates of component concentration effects on sulfur solubility. The components that increase sulfur solubility most are Li2O > V2O5 > CaO ≈ P2O5 > Na2O ≈ B2O3 > K2O. The components that decrease sulfur solubility most are Cl > Cr2O3 > Al2O3 > ZrO2 ≈ SnO2 > Others (i.e., the sum of minor components) ≈SiO2. The order of component effects is similar to previous literature data, in most cases.
Factors Associated With Components of Arterial Pressure Among Older Individuals (the Multinational MEDIS Study): The Role of the Mediterranean Diet and Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Tyrovolas Stefanos , Haro Josep Maria , Polychronopoulos Evangelos , Mariolis Anargiros , Piscopo Suzanne , Valacchi Giuseppe , Makri Kornilia , Zeimbekis Akis , Tyrovola Dimitra , Bountziouka Vassiliki , Gotsis Efthimios , Metallinos George , Katsoulis Yannis , Tur Josep‐Antoni , Matalas Antonia , Lionis Christos , Panagiotakos Demosthenes 
Published: July 2014

The aim of this work was to evaluate factors associated with arterial blood pressure in a sample of older Mediterranean people without known cardiovascular disease. During 2005 to 2011, 2813 older (aged 65–100 years) individuals from 22 Mediterranean islands and the rural Mani region (Peloponnesus) voluntarily enrolled. Standard procedures were used to determine arterial BP and pulse pressure and for the evaluation of dietary habits (including tea and alcoholic beverages consumption), lifestyle, and anthropometric and clinical characteristics of the participants. Participants who reported low alcohol consumption (ie, 0–1 glasses per day) were less likely to have hypertension (odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.84) as compared with those who reported high alcohol consumption (ie, 5+ glasses per day). Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was inversely associated with mean arterial pressure (β coefficient, −0.18; 95% confidence interval, −0.33 to −0.16). Alcohol drinking remains an important modifiable risk factor for hypertension. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with decreased arterial peripheral resistance.
Male facial attractiveness and masculinity may provide sex‐ and culture‐independent cues to semen quality
Authors: Soler C. , Kekäläinen J. , Núñez M. , Sancho M. , Álvarez J. G. , Núñez J. , Yaber I. , Gutiérrez R. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPhenotype‐linked fertility hypothesis (PLFH) predicts that male secondary sexual traits reveal honest information about male fertilization ability. However, PLFH has rarely been studied in humans. The aim of the present study was to test PLFH in humans and to investigate whether potential ability to select fertile partners is independent of sex or cultural background. We found that on the contrary to the hypothesis, facial masculinity was negatively associated with semen quality. As increased levels of testosterone have been demonstrated to impair sperm production, this finding may indicate a trade‐off between investments in secondary sexual signalling (i.e. facial masculinity) and fertility or status‐dependent differences in investments in semen quality. In both sexes and nationalities (Spanish and Colombian), ranked male facial attractiveness predicted male semen quality. However, Spanish males and females estimated facial images generally more attractive (gave higher ranks) than Colombian raters, and in both nationalities, males gave higher ranks than females. This suggests that male facial cues may provide culture‐ and sex‐independent information about male fertility. However, our results also indicate that humans may be more sensitive to facial attractiveness cues within their own populations and also that males may generally overestimate the attractiveness of other men to females.