bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Laser Drilling on the Microstructure and Luminescence of YAG:Ce,Si Phosphor Ceramics
Authors: Nien Yung‐Tang , Ma Chia‐Wei , Chen In‐Gann 
Published: November 2014

Y3Al5O12:Ce,Si (YAG:Ce,Si) phosphor ceramics prepared by a solid‐state reaction method were drilled with an array of holes in a diameter of 100 μm. The laser‐induced heat‐affected zone surrounding the laser‐drilled holes with a ring width of about 150 μm was analyzed to consist of Y4Al2O9, YAlO3, and Al2O3 phases, induced by the phase transformations from the YAG melt during laser drilling. Photoluminescence study of the YAG:Ce,Si phosphor ceramic indicated variable blue light transmission and yellow emission, suggesting the potential of tuning blue/yellow intensity ratio as well as precise color control of light‐emitting diodes.
OPERATIVE LIVER BIOPSY ABNORMALITIES IN PATIENTS WITH FUNCTIONAL DISORDERS OF THE BILIARY TRACT
Authors: Ham J. M. , Bolin T. D. , Stevenson D. , Jefferies S. , Liddelow A. 
Published: November 2014

The group of conditions variously termed biliary dyskinesia, acalculous cholecystitis, biliary pain without stones, or functional disorders of the biliary tract, is poorly defined clinically, and no consistent pathological abnormalities have been previously described in patients with this diagnosis. In this paper we report histological abnormalities encountered in operative liver biopsies in such patients.The criteria for the diagnosis of a functional biliary tract disorders were: pain typical of biliary pain, negative results of investigations for organic biliary tract or other gastrointestinal disease, and reproduction of the patient's symptoms by cholecystokinin, or morphine, or both. Twenty of 45 patients with a presumptive diagnosis satisfied these criteria, and had a wedge liver biopsy at the time of operation. The 20 liver biopsy specimens were compared in a blind fashion with similar ones taken from patients having diagnostic laparotomies: patients with stones confined to the gallbladder; patients with gallstone pancreatitis; and patients with proven common bile duct stones. The biopsy findings were found to be similar to those in the latter two groups. Thus the abnormalities were similar to those found in partial or intermittent biliary obstruction, and it is suggested that they may be due to intermittent increases in biliary pressure.
IMMUNE REACTIONS IN PATIENTS WITH BLADDER AND PROSTATIC CANCER1
Authors: Phillips T. M. , Lewis M. G. 
Published: November 2014

Although there are many reports of cellular immune reactions in bladder and prostatic carcinoma patients, few have demonstrated the presence of humoral reactivity.The use of microtechniques, especially the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), has made sequential studies possible on patients with early or small tumours. Using this assay, the presence of serum antibodies has been demonstrated in both bladder and prostate patients, the specificities of these reactions being checked against a battery of different tumours and normal tissues.In many of the patients, with low or transient antibody levels, the presence of circulating immune complexes was shown by the Raji cell assay and analysed by double counter‐current immunoelectrophoresis (DCIE). The content of these complexes appeared to be either antibody and tumour antigen or antibody and antiimmunoglobulin.In a small series of cryosurgically treated prostatic carcinoma patients, the course of these antibodies was monitored over several weeks, and the fluctuations in antibody levels were related to the presence of these different types of complexes.
Insulating and Other Physical Properties of CoO‐Doped Zinc Oxyfluoride‐Borate Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Naresh Padamati , Naga Raju Goli , Gandhi Yerramreddy , Piasecki Michal , Veeraiah Nalluri 
Published: November 2014

Zinc oxy fluoro borate glasses mixed with different concentrations of CoO (ranging from 0 to 2.0 mol%) are synthesized and subsequently crystallized. The scanning electron microscopy pictures have exhibited crystallinity. Differential scanning calorimetric studies have indicated that the prepared samples consist of multiple crystal phases. The X‐ray diffraction patterns have indicated that the glass‐ceramic samples are composed of αZn(BO2)2, (Zn)3(BO3)2, CoF2, CoF3, Co3FB7O13, ZnCo2O4, Co3O4 crystalline phases. The optical absorption and photoluminescence studies have indicated that there is a gradual increase of tetrahedral cobalt ion concentration with increase of CoO concentration in the glass network. IR spectroscopic studies have pointed out increased degree of polymerization of the zinc oxy fluoro borate glass network with increase of CoO content. The analysis of results of dielectric properties indicated increase of insulating strength of the glass‐ceramics with increase of CoO content. Finally, the dielectric breakdown strength of the samples is measured at room temperature in air medium and it is found to increase from 12.9 to 19.2 kV/cm with increase of CoO from 0.2 to 2.0 mol%. The reasons for such increase of breakdown strength are discussed quantitatively in terms of dielectric parameters with aid of data on spectroscopic properties.
Zr4+/Ti4+ Codiffusion Characteristics in Lithium Niobate
Authors: Zhang De‐Long , Qiu Cong‐Xian , Du Wen‐Jie , Wong Wing‐Han , Pun Edwin Yue‐Bun 
Published: November 2014

Zr4+/Ti4+‐codoped LiNbO3 plates were prepared by local codiffusion of stacked ZrO2 and Ti metal films coated onto Z‐cut congruent LiNbO3 substrates in wet O2 at 1060°C. The metal and oxide films have different thicknesses and coating sequences. After diffusion, the Zr4+ doping effect on the refractive index of LiNbO3 and the Li2O out‐diffusion issue were studied by the prism coupling technique. The codiffusion characteristics of Zr4+ and Ti4+ were studied by secondary ion mass spectrometry. The results show that the Zr4+ doping has little contribution to the refractive index of the crystal. Li2O out‐diffusion is not measurable. In the Zr4+‐only diffusion case, the diffusivity of Zr4+ is four times smaller than that of Ti4+. In the Zr4+/Ti4+ codiffusion case, the Ti4+ codiffusion assists the Zr4+ diffusion. The Zr4+ diffusivity increases linearly by two more times with the increase in initial Ti film thickness from 0 to 200 nm. On the other hand, the Zr4+ affects the Ti4+ diffusion little. Neither the ZrO2 film thickness nor the coating sequence of Ti metal and ZrO2 oxide films influences the diffusivity of the two ions. All the codiffusion characteristics are explained. A Zr4+/Ti4+ codiffusion model is suggested that consists of two independent diffusion equations with a Zr4+ diffusivity dependent of Ti4+ concentration and a constant Ti4+ diffusivity. In addition, the existence of a waveguide in the Zr4+/Ti4+‐codoped layer is verified experimentally, and the optical‐damage‐resistant feature of the waveguide is verified by two‐beam hologram recording experimental results.
Nursing casualization and communication: a critical ethnography
Authors: Batch Mary , Windsor Carol 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAimThe aim was to explore the relationship between nursing casualization and the culture of communication for nurses in a healthcare facility.BackgroundCasualization, or non‐standard work, is the use of temporary, contract, part‐time and casual labour. An increase in casual labour has been part of a global shift in work organization aimed at creating a more flexible and cheaper workforce. It has been argued that flexibility of labour has enabled nurses to manage both non‐work related needs and an increasingly complex work environment. Yet no research has explored casualization and how it impacts on the communication culture for nurses in a healthcare facility.DesignCritical ethnography.MethodsMethods included observation, field notes, formal interviews and focus groups. Data collection was undertaken over the 2 years 2008–2009.ResultsThe concepts of knowing and belonging were perceived as important to nursing teamwork and yet the traditional time/task work model, designed for a full‐time workforce, marginalized non‐standard workers. The combination of medical dominance and traditional stereotyping of the nurse and work as full‐time shaped the behaviours of nurses and situated casual workers on the periphery. The overall finding was that entrenched systemic structures and processes shaped the physical and cultural dimensions of a contemporary work environment and contributed to an ineffective communication culture.ConclusionFlexible work is an important feature of contemporary nursing. Traditional work models and nurse attitudes and practices have not progressed and are discordant with a contemporary approach to nursing labour management.
A mobile gamification learning system for improving the learning motivation and achievements
Authors: Su C‐H. , Cheng C‐H. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper aims to investigate how a gamified learning approach influences science learning, achievement and motivation, through a context‐aware mobile learning environment, and explains the effects on motivation and student learning. A series of gamified learning activities, based on MGLS (Mobile Gamification Learning System), was developed and implemented in an elementary school science curriculum to improve student motivation and to help students engage more actively in their learning activities. The responses to our questionnaire indicate that students valued the outdoor learning activities made possible by the use of a smartphone and its functions. Pre‐ and post‐test results demonstrated that incorporating mobile and gamification technologies into a botanical learning process could achieve a better learning performance and a higher degree of motivation than either non‐gamified mobile learning or traditional instruction. Further, they revealed a positive relationship between learning achievement and motivation. The correlation coefficient for ARCS dimensions and post‐test shows that the ARCS‐A (attention) is greater than ARCS‐R, ARCS‐C and ARCS‐S. This means that the attention (ARCS‐A) of this system is an important dimension in this research. The results could provide parents, teachers and educational organizations with the necessary data to make more relevant educational decision.
Do reciprocal associations exist between social and language pathways in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders?
Authors: Bennett Teresa A. , Szatmari Peter , Georgiades Katholiki , Hanna Steven , Janus Magdelena , Georgiades Stelios , Duku Eric , Bryson Susan , Fombonne Eric , Smith Isabel M. , Mirenda Pat , Volden Joanne , Waddell Charlotte , Roberts Wendy , Vaillancourt Tracy , Zwaigenbaum Lonnie , Elsabbagh Mayada , Thompson Ann ,   The Pathways in ASD Study Team
Published: November 2014

BackgroundDifferences in how developmental pathways interact dynamically in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) likely contribute in important ways to phenotypic heterogeneity. This study aimed to model longitudinal reciprocal associations between social competence (SOC) and language (LANG) pathways in young children with ASD.MethodsData were obtained from 365 participants aged 2–4 years who had recently been diagnosed with an ASD and who were followed over three time points: baseline (time of diagnosis), 6‐ and 12 months later. Using structural equation modeling, a cross‐lagged reciprocal effects model was developed that incorporated auto‐regressive (stability) paths for SOC (using the Socialization subscale of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales‐2) and LANG (using the Preschool Language Scale‐4 Auditory Comprehension subscale). Cross‐domain associations included within‐time correlations and lagged associations.ResultsSOC and LANG were highly stable over 12 months. Small reciprocal cross‐lagged associations were found across most time points and within‐time correlations decreased over time. There were no differences in strength of cross‐lagged associations between SOC‐LANG and LANG‐SOC across time points. Few differences were found between subgroups of children with ASD with and without cognitive impairment.ConclusionsLongitudinal reciprocal cross‐domain associations between social competence and language were small in this sample of young children with ASD. Instead, a pattern emerged to suggest that the two domains were strongly associated around time of diagnosis in preschoolers with ASD, and then appeared to become more independent over the ensuing 12 months.
Probiotic Properties of Enterococcus Strains Isolated from the Silage
Authors: Li Beibei , Zhen Hong , Zhang Xiaoyan , Wang Song , Zhang Yifei , Fang Zhijia , Huang Zhiwei , Shi Ping 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis study aimed to identify and evaluate the probiotic properties of five Enterococcus strains isolated from the silage using in vitro screening assays. Their metabolites, antibiotic susceptibility, antimicrobial activity, as well as their survival in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and adhesive ability to human intestinal cells were investigated. Among eight selected antibiotics, all the isolates showed sensitive traits to six particular antibiotics including tetracycline and vancomycin. L2–L5 showed inhibition zones against Escherichia coli and Salmonella except that L6 only inhibited the growth of E. coli. The GIT proved that all the strains were able to survive in low pH and bile salt conditions and they all can adhere to LS‐174T intestinal cells. L2 and L5 were then chosen to examine their competition activity toward E. coli and inflammatory response. The results showed that both strains exhibited strong competition activities toward E. coli. The displacement ratios were 98.4 and 97.7%, respectively. Compared with E. coli, L2 showed lower stimulation of interleukin (IL)‐8 and IL‐1β, while L5 induced higher levels of cytokines to provoke an inflammatory response. Finally, the in vivo effect of L2 was investigated. The data showed that L2 was harmless. The results obtained suggest that L2 is potentially probiotic.Practical ApplicationEnterococci are lactic acid bacteria that occur frequently in large numbers in various foods including vegetable, meat and dairy products. However, some of these bacteria are also recognized as nosocomial pathogens. Several properties may be evaluated to prove the potential of the bacteria before using them as probiotics. Results of this study indicated that five Enterococcus strains isolated from the mixed grass and corn stalk silage exhibited different capacties of antibiotic susceptibility, antimicrobial activity, tolerance to gastrointestinal conditions, adhesion to intestinal cells, and competitive exclusion of E. coli adhesion to epithelial cells and stimulation of immunity. Among these strains, L2 shows above‐average results in all probiotic criteria observed in vitro. Additionally, L2 was evaluated to be safe in mice feeding. The findings of our study suggest that L2 isolated from the silage may be potentially used as probiotic in humans.
Complementary roles of the neuron‐enriched endosomal proteins NEEP21 and calcyon in neuronal vesicle trafficking
Authors: Muthusamy Nagendran , Chen Yong‐Jun , Yin Dong‐Min , Mei Lin , Bergson Clare 
Published: November 2014

AbstractUnderstanding mechanisms governing the trafficking of transmembrane (TM) cargoes to synapses and other specialized membranes in neurons represents a long‐standing challenge in cell biology. Investigation of the neuron‐enriched endosomal protein of 21 kDa (NEEP21, or NSG1or P21) and Calcyon (Caly, or NSG3) indicates that the emergence of the NEEP21/Caly/P19 gene family could play a vital role in the success of these mechanisms in vertebrates. The upshot of a sizeable body of work is that the NEEP21 and Caly perform distinct endocytic and recycling functions, which impact (i) α amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid‐type glutamate receptor trafficking at excitatory synapses; (ii) transport to/in neuronal axons; as well as (iii) proteolytic processing of amyloid precursor protein and neuregulin 1, suggesting roles in neuron development, synaptic function, and neurodegeneration. We argue that their distinct effects on cargo endocytosis and recycling depend on interactions with vesicle trafficking and synaptic scaffolding proteins. As they play complementary, but opposing roles in cargo endocytosis, recycling, and degradation, balancing NEEP21 and Caly expression levels or activity could be important for homeostasis in a variety of signaling pathways, and also lead to a novel therapeutic strategy for disorders like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.
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This review focuses on two closely related, neuron‐enriched endosomal proteins: NEEP21 and Calcyon which perform distinct roles in regulating receptor endocytosis, recycling, and degradation. Based on an in‐depth examination of the literature, we argue that these two proteins carry out complementary yet sometimes opposing vesicle trafficking functions that impact excitatory transmission, transcytosis, axonal transport, and also proteolytic processing by beta‐secretase I (BACE1). Finally, we propose that balancing NEEP21 and Calcyon expression and/or activity could be important for homeostasis in a variety of signaling pathways, and also lead to a novel therapeutic strategy for disorders like Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia. AMPA = α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor; NMDA = N‐Methyl‐D‐aspartate.
Progesterone and allopregnanolone improves stroke outcome in male mice via distinct mechanisms but neither promotes neurogenesis
Authors: Lee Rona J , Kim Joon Kyung , Chao Diana , Kuo Lisa , Mally Adheip , McClean Megan E. , Pemberton Heather E. , Wilmington Andrew R. , Wong Jennifer , Murphy Sean P. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBased on the outcome of a number of experimental studies, progesterone (PROG) holds promise as a new therapy for stroke. To understand more about the mechanisms involved, we administered PROG (or the major metabolite, allopregnanolone, ALLO), intra‐peritoneally, for a period of 24 h after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion to male mice variably expressing intracellular progesterone receptors (iPR) A/B. Effects on infarct volume and neurogenesis were then assessed up to 1 month later. Predictably, infarct volume in wild‐type mice receiving either drug was significantly smaller. However, mice heterozygous for iPRs A/B showed protection by ALLO but not by PROG. There was robust amplification of cell division in the wall of the lateral ventricle on the injured side of the brain, these cells migrated into the striatum and lateral cortex, and a significant number survived for at least 3 weeks. However, very few doublecortin‐positive cells emerged from the subventricular zone and subsequent expression of NeuN in these newborn neurons was extremely rare. Neither PROG nor ALLO amplified the rate of neurogenesis, suggesting that the long‐term benefits of acute drug administration results from tissue preservation.imageMale mice derive long‐lasting benefit from progesterone and allopregnanolone after ischemic stroke. In mice heterozygous for iPRs, only allopregnanolone proved effective, suggesting distinct mechanisms. Abundant newborn cells were found in the wall of the lateral ventricle on the injured side (many doublecortin‐positive), some migrated into the striatum and lateral cortex, but very few survived as mature neurons. Neurosteroid administration did not amplify this process.
Yesterday's Heroes: Compensation and Risk at Financial Firms
Authors: CHENG ING‐HAW , HONG HARRISON , SCHEINKMAN JOSÉ A. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTMany believe that compensation, misaligned from shareholders’ value due to managerial entrenchment, caused financial firms to take risks before the financial crisis of 2008. We argue that, even in a classical principal‐agent setting without entrenchment and with exogenous firm risk, riskier firms may offer higher total pay as compensation for the extra risk in equity stakes borne by risk‐averse managers. Using long lags of stock price risk to capture exogenous firm risk, we confirm our conjecture and show that riskier firms are also more productive and more likely to be held by institutional investors, who are most able to influence compensation.
Paediatric short case examination
Authors: Isaacs David 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe short case is a highly artificial scenario, in which the examination candidate is given little or no history and instructed to examine one system or one aspect of a patient and draw conclusions. Despite their artificiality, short cases test clinical skills which senior paediatricians value and consider essential qualities of a competent physician. This article presents some general suggestions on an approach to doing short case examinations.
Metabolic syndrome in mental health and addiction treatment: a quantitative study
Authors: Flynn M. , Houtjes W. , Merks A. , van Mierlo A. , van de Wetering B. 
Published: November 2014

Accessible summary
Patients with mental illnesses have been found to shorter life expectancy due to an increased risk of heart disease.
Some medication used to treat mental illnesses have been linked to weight gain and other physical change that make patients susceptible to heart disease.
In order to reduce this risk it is important that health professionals regularly measure and monitor signs of these physical changes.
This research has found that measuring both waist circumference and blood pressure of patients is a safe and reliable way to way to monitor patients.
AbstractTo identify if combined blood pressure and waist circumference measurements are reliable predictor of metabolic syndrome, a descriptive correlational design was used to examine the sensitivity and specificity of screening techniques used to detect metabolic syndrome. Data were collected regarding waist circumference, body mass index, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides and high‐density lipoproteins. Blood pressure and waist circumference measurements demonstrated high significance, sensitivity and specificity as screening instruments for metabolic syndrome. Combined waist circumference and blood pressure measurements may be clinically useful for a quick and reliable detection of metabolic syndrome in patients with addiction and comorbid mental health problems.
Development of a measure for maternal confidence in knowledge and understanding and examination of psychosocial influences at the time of a child's heart surgery
Authors: Tallon Mary M. , Kendall Garth E. , Snider Paul D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPurposeThe purpose was to develop a maternal confidence in knowledge and understanding scale (Maternal Knowledge and Understanding Scale [MKUS]) and examine the effect of psychosocial factors at the time of a child's heart surgery.Design and MethodsUsing cross‐sectional design, the MKUS was developed and tested. Validated instruments were used to examine the impact of psychosocial factors.ResultsThe MKUS showed acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha .78). Higher levels of maternal anxiety and lower levels of social support were associated with lower MKUS scores (p < .05).Practice ImplicationsA measure of maternal confidence in knowledge and understanding could draw attention to psychosocial factors and opportunities to enhance nursing support.