bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local deformation heterogeneity in cyclically deformed interstitial free steel
Authors: Sinha S. , De P. S. , Mukherjee S. , Kundu A. , Chakraborti P. C. , Bhattacharya B. , Shome M. , Bhattacharjee D. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractHeterogeneity of cyclic plastic deformation in interstitial‐free steel has been studied through a measurement of local average misorientation using electron back‐scattering diffraction technique. It is found that with increase of strain amplitude, the local average misorientation increases linearly within ±0.15 to ±0.40% and then decreases with further increase of strain amplitude. It is proposed that due to more homogeneous deformation vis‐à‐vis less generation of geometrically necessary dislocations, misorientation development per cycle becomes almost saturated in the predominantly low cycle fatigue regime. It is also found that the local average misorientation depends upon grain size in such a manner that in small grains, the misorientation is less as compared with large grains.
Impact of paleoclimate on the distribution of microbial communities in the subsurface sediment of the Dead Sea
Authors: Thomas C. , Ionescu D. , Ariztegui D. ,   the DSDDP Scientific Team
Published: July 2015

AbstractA long sedimentary core has been recently retrieved from the Dead Sea Basin (DSB) within the framework of the ICDP‐sponsored Dead Sea Deep Drilling Project. Contrasting climatic intervals were evident by distinctive lithological facies such as laminated aragonitic muds and evaporites. A geomicrobiological investigation was conducted in representative sediments of this core. To identify the microbial assemblages present in the sediments and their evolution with changing depositional environments through time, the diversity of the 16S rRNA gene was analyzed in gypsum, aragonitic laminae, and halite samples. The subsurface microbial community was largely dominated by the Euryarchaeota phylum (Archaea). Within the latter, Halobacteriaceae members were ubiquitous, probably favored by their ‘high salt‐in’ osmotic adaptation which also makes them one of the rare inhabitants of the modern Dead Sea. Bacterial community members were scarce, emphasizing that the ‘low salt‐in’ strategy is less suitable in this environment. Substantial differences in assemblages are observed between aragonitic sediments and gypsum–halite ones, independently of the depth and salinity. The aragonite sample, deposited during humid periods when the lake was stratified, consists mostly of the archaeal MSBL1 and bacterial KB1 Candidate Divisions. This consortium probably relies on compatible solutes supplied from the lake by halotolerant species present in these more favorable periods. In contrast, members of the Halobacteriaceae were the sole habitants of the gypsum–halite sediments which result from a holomictic lake. Although the biomass is low, these variations in the observed subsurface microbial populations appear to be controlled by biological conditions in the water column at the time of sedimentation, and subsequently by the presence or absence of stratification and dilution in the lake. As the latter are controlled by climatic changes, our data suggest a relationship between local lacustrine subsurface microbial assemblages and large‐scale climatic variations over the Dead Sea Basin.
Determinants of Firm Failure: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: He Canfei , Yang Rudai 
Published: July 2015

AbstractDuring the economic transition, Chinese industries are highly dynamic, with substantial firm entry and failure. This study investigates the driving forces of firm failure in China. Based on the annual survey of industrial firms during 1998–2007, this study first describes the patterns of firm failure. On average, less productive and older firms are more likely to fail, while firms with governmental supports are more likely to survive. Statistical results based on the linear probability model for panel data indicate that market competition crowds out less productive firms. Competition dominates learning effects and imposes challenges on the survival of older firms. There is an inverted U‐shaped relationship between firm age and firm failure. Local supportive policies such as subsidies and banking loans can reduce the chance of firm failure. Governmental policies also moderate the impact of productivity and firm age on firm failure. The findings from this study enrich the understanding of industrial dynamics in the transitional China.
Disclosure of research results: a randomized study on GENEPSO‐PS cohort participants
Authors: Mancini Julien , Le Cozannet Elodie , Bouhnik Anne‐Déborah , Resseguier Noémie , Lasset Christine , Mouret‐Fourme Emmanuelle , Noguès Catherine , Julian‐Reynier Claire 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere exist no recommendations as to how aggregate research results should best be disclosed to long‐term cohort participants.ObjectiveTo study the impact of cohort results disclosure documents of various kinds on participants’ satisfaction.DesignRandomized study with a 2x2 factorial design.Setting and participantsThe GENEPSO‐PS cohort is used to study the psychosocial characteristics and preventive behaviour of both BRCA1/2 carriers and non‐carriers; 235 participants wishing to receive ‘information about the survey results’ answered a self‐administered questionnaire.InterventionsThe impact of providing the following items in addition to a leaflet about aggregate psychosocial research results was investigated (i) an up‐to‐date medical information sheet about BRCA1/2 genetic topics, (ii) a photograph with the names of the researchers.Main outcome measuresSatisfaction profiles drawn up using cluster analysis methods.ResultsProviding additional medical and/or research team information had no significant effect on satisfaction. The patients attributed to the ‘poorly satisfied’ group (n = 60, 25.5%) differed significantly from those in the ‘highly satisfied’ group (n = 51, 21.7%): they were younger [odds ratio (OR) = 0.96, 95% confidence interval (0.92–0.99), P = 0.028], less often had a daughter [OR = 4.87 (1.80–13.20), P = 0.002], had reached a higher educational level [OR = 2.94 (1.24–6.95), P = 0.014] and more frequently carried a BRCA1/2 mutation [OR = 2.73 (1.20–6.23), P = 0.017].ConclusionsThis original approach to disclosing research results to cohort participants was welcomed by most of the participants, but less by the more educated and by BRCA1/2 carriers. Although an easily understandable document is necessary, it might also be worth providing some participants with more in‐depth information.
Antioxidative Response of Quinoa Exposed to Iso‐Osmotic, Ionic and Non‐Ionic Salt Stress
Authors: Amjad M. , Akhtar S. S. , Yang A. , Akhtar J. , Jacobsen S.‐E. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAntioxidants play an important role in adapting plants to abiotic stress by detoxifying reactive oxygen species (ROS). Involvement of antioxidant enzymes in abiotic stress tolerance of highly stress‐tolerant quinoa was studied in a climatic chamber at 6 mOsm (milliosmolar) ionic (300 mm NaCl) and non‐ionic (600 mm mannitol) salts combined with increasing levels of potassium K1 and K2 (6, 12 mm), respectively. Fifteen days of salt treatment (both ionic and non‐ionic) decreased plant growth (shoot and root fresh weight), stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content index. Furthermore, both forms of salt stress increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and peroxidase up to 2.33‐, 3.98‐, 4.78‐ and 5.55‐folds, respectively, compared to no salt treatment, whereas membrane stability index decreased corresponding to increase in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde), with salt treatments compared to non‐stressed plants. However, no significant effect of potassium and salt treatments has been noticed on the maximal photochemical efficiency of PSII. The results suggested that enhanced antioxidant enzymes activity under salt stress could be one of the factors responsible for abiotic stress tolerance in quinoa.
Evapotranspiration as a Criterion to Estimate Nitrogen Requirement of Maize Under Salt Stress
Authors: Lacerda C. F. , Ferreira J. F. S. , Liu X. , Suarez D. L. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractWe tested the hypothesis that by reducing the application of N, based on the decrease in evapotranspiration (ET) expected due to increase in soil salinity, it is possible to reduce N loss without causing N deficiency or further yield loss in salt‐stressed maize plants. We tested four levels of salinity of irrigation water (S1 = 0.5; S2 = 2.5; S3 = 5.0; and S4 = 7.5 dS m−1) and four N rates using outdoor soil columns with five replicates. The N rates were as follows: N1: N recommendation for maize (2.6 g per column); N2: 0.3 times the N recommendation (0.78 g per column); N3: reduction in N1 based on the decrease in ET caused by salinity; and N4: reduction in N2 based on the decrease in ET caused by salinity. The amounts of N for N3 and N4 were reduced (in relation to N1 and N2) by 7 %, 15 % and 30 % for 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 dS m−1, respectively. Salinity caused NO3− accumulation in the soil, plant growth inhibition and stomatal closure. The low rates of N (N2 and N4) did not meet the N demand of maize plants, especially for low levels of salinity (control and 2.5 dS m−1). On the other hand, based on the available growth data, physiological responses and nutritional status, one can conclude that plants under N1 and N3 had the same potential for final yield. For these N rates, reduction in N application according to ET (N3 rate) not only allowed plant growth and maize physiological responses, but also increased N‐use efficiency and greatly reduced soil nitrate accumulation compared to N1 rate, at the same levels of salinity. We conclude that reduction in N application, based on reductions in ET, is a good strategy to reduce both the risk of ground water contamination by NO3− leaching and fertilization costs, without causing additional damage to plant development under salt stress.
Development and Durability Testing of a Low‐Temperature Sintering Bi–Si–Zn Oxide Glass Composite Material (GCM) 129I Waste Form
Authors: Mowry Curtis D. , Brady Patrick V. , Garino Terry J. , Nenoff Tina M. 
Published: July 2015

The capture and safe storage of radiological iodine (129I) from nuclear fuel reprocessing is of concern due to its long half‐life and potential mobility in the environment. The development of durable waste forms in which to store captured iodine requires materials that are both compatible with the iodine capture phases and durable to repository environments. To that end, Sandia is developing a low‐temperature sintering Bi–Si–Zn oxide glass composite material (GCM) waste form and herein presents results of durability testing. Furthermore, durability studies were extended to both the occluded iodine capture material Ag‐Zeolite (Mordenite, MOR) as well as the GCM, synthesized with compositional variations including: amount of Ag flake added, AgI‐MOR particle size in the GCM, and mass loading of I within the AgI‐MOR. Product consistency test (PCT‐B), chemical durability (MCC‐1) tests, and single‐pass flow‐through (SPFT) tests, were performed on both the individual components of the GCM and the completed GCMs. Durability tests indicate low GCM dissolution rates (<10−3 g/m2·d) across wide variable ranges including: pH, AgI‐MOR loading, I loading, and AgI‐MOR particle size. Results indicate that the Bi–Si–Zn oxide glass matrix sharply limits the release of iodine from the otherwise relatively fast degrading AgI‐MOR getter material. Furthermore, the formation of an amorphous AgI phase during sintering of the GCM results in the limitation of iodine release during waste form degradation. Durability of GCM and release rates approximate those of established nuclear waste glasses, or analogues such as basaltic glass. This suggests that the Bi–Si–Zn GCM is a viable candidate as a repository iodine waste form.
Expanded and Enhanced Deep‐UV Excitations of Mn2+‐Doped Phosphate Glasses Sensitized by Gd3+ Ions
Authors: Xia Fanshu , Liu Yinyao , Wang Yiqun , Chen Guorong 
Published: July 2015

Mn2+‐doped phosphate glasses sensitized by Gd3+ ions are investigated. Enhanced photoluminescence (PL) properties of the samples are found with the excitations expanding toward the deep‐UV part of the spectrum. PL emission and excitation spectra correlated with the lifetime data consistently present evidences of the enhanced Mn2+ emission in association with the energy transfer from Gd3+ ions. In particular, the Gd3+ codoping benefits greatly the energy harvesting of Mn2+ ions, resulting in the enhanced and tunable excitations of Mn2+ ions which expand toward the deep‐UV part of the spectrum at 273 and 311 nm, respectively. Thus by Gd3+ sensitizing, the excitation source of the Mn2+ emission has covered the broad range of the spectrum from the original blue and near‐UVA to the deep‐UVB and UVC together with the enhanced emission in the green‐to‐red spectral region. The possible energy‐transfer mechanisms involved are discussed.
Nurses as therapeutic agents in the extreme environment of the desert war, 1940–44
Authors: Brooks Jane 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsThe purpose of this article is to explore therapeutic nursing with combatants in the extreme environment of the desert in World WarII.BackgroundThe notion of nursing as therapy gained credence in the 1990s and is currently experiencing resurgence, as nurses seek to find meaning in their work and improve patient care in the post‐Francis environment.DesignThis discussion paper will use the hostile space of the desert war zone in World WarIIto explore nurses' therapeutic engagement with their combatant patients. It will examine how nurses provided care and comfort through the use of self, fundamental nursing skills, improvisation and innovation and the manipulation of the environment.Data sourcesThe data used are a combination of letters, diaries, memoirs and published archival material. Much of the personal testimony is part of an uncatalogued archive of correspondence between nurses and the Matron‐in‐Chief of the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service.Implications for nursingNurses sometimes struggle to identify the importance of their work, compared with other members of the multidisciplinary team. By understanding nursing as therapy, the profession can articulate how their work is fundamental to the healing, or support to a dignified death of their patients. This article illustrates how the therapeutic engagement with patients, even in the most difficult of environments, is possible and brings comfort.ConclusionDeserts are among the most hostile of any space inhabited by people. Yet, even in a place where survival is difficult, therapeutic nursing can support healing and recovery.
Selecting clinical diagnoses: logical strategies informed by experience
Authors: Stanley Donald Edward , Campos Daniel G. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis article describes reasoning strategies used by clinicians in different diagnostic circumstances and how these modes of inquiry may allow further insight into the evaluation and treatment of patients. Specifically, it aims to make explicit the implicit logical considerations that guide a variety of strategies in the diagnostic process, as exemplified in specific clinical cases. It focuses, in particular, in strategies that clinicians use to move from a large set of possible diagnoses initially suggested by abductive inferences – the process of hypothesis generation that creates a diagnostic space – to a narrower set or even to a single ‘best’ diagnosis, where the criteria to determine what is ‘best’ may differ according to different strategies. Experienced clinicians should have a diversified kit of strategies – for example, Bayesian probability or inference to a lovely explanation – to select from among previously generated hypotheses, rather than rely on any one approach every time.
Contribution of treatment acceptability to acceptance of randomization: an exploration
Authors: Sidani Souraya , Fox Mary , Epstein Dana R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesRandomization to treatment is viewed unfavourably by many trial participants. There is limited research that investigated factors contributing to acceptance of randomization. This study explored the influence of participants' socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics, and their perceived acceptability of the treatments on their acceptance of randomization (i.e. willingness to be randomized) in a clinical trial.MethodsPersons with insomnia (n = 383) were asked about their acceptance of randomization before and after they rated the acceptability of behavioural therapies for managing insomnia (sleep education and hygiene booklet, stimulus control therapy and sleep restriction therapy). Socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics, and treatment acceptability, were measured with established instruments. Logistic regression was applied to explore the association between participants' characteristics and treatment acceptability, and reported acceptance of randomization.ResultsPrior to rating treatments' acceptability, 54.6% of participants were willing to be randomized; socio‐demographic (age and ethnicity) and clinical (severity of insomnia's impact, state anxiety, depression, vitality and mental and social functions) contributed to acceptance of randomization. After rating the treatments' acceptability, 87.8% of participants were unwilling to be randomized; age, severity of insomnia's impact and acceptability of behavioural therapy were significantly associated with acceptance of randomization.ConclusionsThe study findings indicated that participants are likely to express unwillingness to be randomized once they receive treatment information and rate the acceptability of treatments. The reported non‐acceptance may influence participants' behaviour (e.g. withdrawal, non‐adherence) during the trial, suggesting the need to explore alternative designs for intervention evaluation.
Tailored therapy for the refractory GERD patients by combined multichannel intraluminal impedance–pH monitoring
Authors: Xiao Yinglian , Liang Mengya , Peng Sui , Zhang Ning , Chen Minhu 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and AimsAbout 30% of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are refractory to proton pump inhibitor (PPI). The reason for the PPI failure in Asian GERD patients has rarely been studied, and the therapy remained unclear. The aims were to explore the possible reasons for PPI failure and to treat these patients with the guidance of 24‐h multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH (MII‐pH) monitoring.MethodsThirty‐nine consecutive patients with refractory GERD were enrolled; 24‐h MII‐pH monitoring was performed on PPI. The refractory GERD patients were grouped into acid overexposure, non‐acid reflux, and functional heartburn after the MII‐pH monitoring. Double dose of either PPI or paroxetine was administered to refractory GERD patients within different groups.ResultsThe number of patients in groups of acid overexposure, non‐acid reflux, and functional heartburn was 6, 12, and 21, respectively. The acid overexposure group had the most acid reflux events. Among the acid overexposure group, five (5/6) patients accomplish symptom relief with double dose of esomeprazole. For the patients in non‐acid reflux group, double dose of esomeprazole made half (6/12) of the patients obtain symptom relief. For the patients in functional heartburn group, the paroxetine had relieved the symptoms in 14 patients among all the 21 patients. In total, with the guidance of MII‐pH monitoring, 64.1% (25/39) of refractory GERD patients accomplished symptom relief.ConclusionsAcid overexposure, non‐acid reflux, and functional heartburn were the common reasons for persistent reflux symptoms despite PPI. With the guidance of MII‐pH, a tailored therapy could resolve the persistent reflux symptoms among two‐third of patients.
Pancreatic cystic lesions with atypical steroid response should be carefully managed in cases of autoimmune pancreatitis
Authors: Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Iwai Tomohiro , Matsui Toru , Wada Takuya , Kawata Noboru , Ito Hiroaki , Sasaki Keiko , Uesaka Katsuhiko , Ono Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBackground and Aim:Pancreatic cysts have been reported in cases with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) and are often treated by corticosteroid; however, their response to steroid has not been determined fully. We aimed to see the incidence and steroid response of pancreatic cysts and the features of cysts without proper response in cases with AIP.Methods:Fifty‐eight AIP cases were analyzed for the incidence and associated factors of pancreatic cystic lesions (≥10 mm). Of these, 47 cases, determined for steroid response, were retrospectively investigated for the factors associated with cyst change by corticosteroid therapy.Results:At initial diagnosis, 17 pancreatic cystic lesions were recognized in 13 cases (22.4%) of AIP, with an average size of 30 mm (range: 11–130 mm), associated with higher incidence of elevated serum amylase (38.5% vs 11.1%, P = 0.02). Of these 13 cases, nine cases with 10 cystic lesions underwent steroid therapy in our hospital. All of seven unilocular cysts were dramatically shrunken or vanished in a few months; meanwhile, three cases with multilocular cysts showed scarcely any steroid response (P = 0.008). Of these three cases, two cases were revealed to accompany pancreatic ductal carcinoma, in contrast to null of seven unilocular cysts (P = 0.07).Conclusions:Pancreatic cystic lesions are sometimes recognized in cases with AIP, and most unilocular cysts can be minimized by corticosteroids. However, clinicians must be alert for atypical pancreatic cysts, such as multilocular cysts or cysts without obvious steroid response.
Alzheimer's disease and modern lifestyle: what is the role of stress?
Authors: Marcello Elena , Gardoni Fabrizio , Di Luca Monica 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
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This Editorial highlights a study by Baglietto‐Vargas et al. 2015 published in this issue of J. Neurochem. Stress is one of the environmental factors that can contribute to Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. However, the role of modern‐life stress has not been investigated yet. The authors reveal that modern‐life stress reduces the number of dendritic spines in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease transgenic mice. The mechanism underlying such effect involves an increase in corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) release that stimulates the amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and fosters the generation of Amyloid‐β, which negatively affects dendritic spines.