bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitridation behavior of silicon powder compacts of various thicknesses with Y2O3 and MgO as sintering additives
Authors: Matsunaga Chika , Zhou You , Kusano Dai , Hyuga Hideki , Hirao Kiyoshi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe effects of the nitriding temperature (1300 and 1350°C), holding time (0‐4 hours), and thickness of Si powder compacts on the nitridation behavior of silicon were investigated by examining the nitridation rates, analyzing phase compositions, and observing the microstructures of nitrided compacts. Si powder compacts doped with Y2O3 and MgO as sintering additives were prepared with thicknesses of 3, 6, and 9 mm. The phases of nitrided compacts were transformed from Si to α‐Si3N4 and β‐Si3N4 with an increase in the nitriding temperature and holding time. The degree of nitridation increased with the nitriding temperature and holding time. The β/(α+β) ratio increased with the nitriding temperature and holding time, and with a decrease in the thickness of the Si powder compacts. However, all compacts exhibited the same tendency for a higher β/(α+β) ratio at the compact surface than in the bulk of the compact. The variation in the β/(α+β) ratio for each compact decreased with an increase in the nitriding temperature and holding time.
Investigation on heating behavior during the preparation of SiC crystals by microwave sintering
Authors: Song Bozhen , Zhao Biao , Fan Lei , Fan Bingbing , Wang Hailong , Guo Xiaoqin , Zhang Rui 
Published: April 2017

Abstractβ‐SiC powders were synthesized by microwave sintering at 1400‐1850°C for 60 minutes with coal minerals. Raw materials were prepared with a sol‐gel method by coating SiO2 on coal mineral particles, and microwave sintering was conducted in a microwave chamber with TE666 resonant mode. Heating rates were controlled by input microwave power and heating behavior during the microwave sintering was also investigated. XRD, SEM, Raman, TEM techniques were carried out to characterize samples. It was found that different particle size of coal mineral particles gave rise to different heating effect, leading to different growth mechanisms of SiC crystals. This might be the unique features for microwave sintering. Particular SiC crystals dominated for small coal mineral particles, which attributed to microwave plasma effect. While SiC whiskers or fibers dominated for large coal mineral particles, which corresponded to microwave coupling effect. Microwave coupling effect prevailed for low heating rate which was apt to form particular SiC crystals. Whereas, higher heating rate enhanced microwave plasma and primarily resulted in SiC whiskers or fibers.
2D‐structuring of glasses via thermal poling: A short review
Authors: Lipovskii Andrey , Zhurikhina Valentina , Tagantsev Dmitry 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCurrent status of studies devoted to thermal poling of multicomponent glasses and related applications are briefly reviewed. Physical phenomena occurring in the course of the poling manifest themselves in second harmonic generation (SHG), linear electrooptical effect, formation of surface and refractive index relief and changes of chemical properties of poled glasses. All these effects can be used for structuring of the glass surface and glass‐metal nanocomposites in the terms of chemical reactivity, SHG, formation of diffraction gratings, and growth of ordered metal nanoparticles. Both literary data and results of own researches of the authors are presented.
The utility of peripheral blood smear review for identifying specimens for flow cytometric immunophenotyping
Authors: Craig F. E. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractLaboratory professionals are in an ideal situation to identify CBC and peripheral blood smear findings that raise the possibility of a hematolymphoid neoplasm, and based on this information make recommendations for additional studies, such as flow cytometric immunophenotyping. In some circumstances a definitive diagnosis can be established from the combined peripheral blood morphologic and immunophenotypic findings obviating the need for bone marrow evaluation, such as for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Occasionally flow cytometric studies are superior to morphologic assessment, such as in screening for hairy cell leukemia or identifying lymphocytic‐variant hypereosinophilia. However, there is increasing recognition of small immunophenotypically unusual or abnormal populations of peripheral blood cells, particularly in older patients, which are of uncertain clinical significance, such as monoclonal B lymphocytosis and T‐cell clonopathy. Therefore, it is important to integrate peripheral blood smear review findings with the clinical and other information before recommending flow cytometry. In addition, it is important to recognize situations where the results of peripheral blood smear review and flow cytometric immunophenotyping do not explain the clinical findings.
Red cell membrane disorders
Authors: Narla J. , Mohandas N. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSignificant advances have been made in our understanding of the structural basis for altered cell function in various inherited red cell membrane disorders with reduced red cell survival and resulting hemolytic anemia. The current review summarizes these advances as they relate to defining the molecular and structural basis for disorders involving altered membrane structural organization (hereditary spherocytosis [HS] and hereditary elliptocytosis [HE]) and altered membrane transport function (hereditary overhydrated stomatocytosis and hereditary xerocytosis). Mutations in genes encoding membrane proteins that account for these distinct red cell phenotypes have been identified. These molecular insights have led to improved understanding of the structural basis for altered membrane function in these disorders. Weakening of vertical linkage between the lipid bilayer and spectrin‐based membrane skeleton leads to membrane loss in HS. In contrast, weakening of lateral linkages among different skeletal proteins leads to membrane fragmentation and decreased surface area in HE. The degrees of membrane loss and resultant increases in cell sphericity determine the severity of anemia in these two disorders. Splenectomy leads to amelioration of anemia by increasing the circulatory red cell life span of spherocytic red cells that are normally sequestered by the spleen. Disordered membrane cation permeability and resultant increase or decrease in red cell volume account for altered cellular deformability of hereditary overhydrated stomatocytosis and hereditary xerocytosis, respectively. Importantly, splenectomy is not beneficial in these two membrane transport disorders and in fact contraindicated due to severe postsplenectomy thrombotic complications.
Flow cytometry—Recognizing unusual populations in leukemia and lymphoma diagnosis
Authors: Keeney M. , Hedley B. D. , Chin‐Yee I. H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFlow cytometry is an invaluable technology in the examination of blood, bone marrow, tissue and body fluids for the presence or absence of hematological disease. It is used in both diagnostic and follow‐up testing, with an increasingly important role in the detection of very small residual disease populations (Minimal Residual Disease, MRD) However, flow cytometry immunophenotyping of leukemia and lymphoma is highly dependent on interpretation of results and with the increased complexity of 8‐10 color instruments routinely used in clinical laboratories, knowledge of disease‐defining populations is increasingly important as is recognizing normal and reactive patterns. This manuscript presents case studies with flow cytometric patterns encountered in routine screening of samples sent for leukemia and lymphoma immunophenotyping, focusing mainly on B‐cell disorders which may be missed or incorrectly interpreted by the laboratory (including a hematopathologist) performing the test. Case studies are used to illustrate our laboratory's standardized approach to the interpretation of flow cytometric data. In addition to a standardized approach, these cases emphasize the importance of interpretative skills of technologist and hematopathologists in recognizing abnormal patterns in detecting hematological malignancies.
Ten‐color 15‐antibody flow cytometry panel for immunophenotyping of lymphocyte population
Authors: Rajab A. , Axler O. , Leung J. , Wozniak M. , Porwit A. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryWe have developed a lymphoproliferative disorder screening tube (LPD‐ST) with the aim to provide comprehensive immunophenotyping of lymphocyte subsets with minimal need for additional testing. The LPD‐ST consists of CD4/kappa FITC, CD8/lambda PE, CD3/CD14ECD, CD38PC5.5, CD20/CD56PC7, CD10APC, CD19APC‐A700, CD5APC‐A750, CD57/CD23PB and CD45KO. The LPD‐ST was validated against previously used lymphocyte subset panels in Canada (n=60) and in Sweden (n=43) and against the OneFlow™ LST (n=60). The LPD‐ST panel was then implemented in clinical practice using dried monoclonal antibody reagents (Duraclone®) on 649 patient samples in Sweden. In 204 of 649 samples (31%), a monotypic B‐cell population was found. Of these cases, a final diagnosis could be rendered in 106 cases (52%), and in the remainder, additional B‐cell immunophenotyping was performed. In 20 (3%) samples, an aberrant T‐cell population was confirmed by additional testing. Of 425 samples diagnosed as normal/reactive lymphoid tissue, 50 (12%) required additional immunophenotyping, mostly due to an abnormal CD4/CD8 ratio. The LPD‐ST tube significantly minimizes the need for additional testing, improves the turn‐around time, and reduces the cost of LPD immunophenotyping. It is also suitable for investigating paucicellular samples such as cerebrospinal fluid or fine needle aspirates.
Next‐generation sequencing as a tool for breakpoint analysis in rearrangements of the globin gene clusters
Authors: Clark B. E. , Shooter C. , Smith F. , Brawand D. , Thein S. L. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroductionNext‐generation sequencing (NGS), now embedded within genomic laboratories, is well suited to the detection of small sequence changes but is less well adapt for detecting structural variants (SV), mainly due to the relatively short sequence reads. Of the available target enrichment methods, bait capture or whole‐genome sequencing appears better suited to detecting SV as there is less PCR amplification and is therefore more representative of the genome being sequenced.Material and methodsIn 2015, we described the first inversion/deletion causing εγδβ‐ thalassemia using an NGS approach, with base‐pair resolution. Bioinformatic processing of the sequencing data was manual and time‐consuming. The methodology relied on detecting the presence or absence of the SV by assessing sequence coverage and then mapping the deletion by capturing and sequencing breakpoint spanning reads (split reads). In the period between developing more automated analytical methods, we identified the first duplication of the entire beta globin cluster.ResultsDetecting the presence of the SV is reliable but capturing the breakpoint spanning reads is challenging. Confirmation by Sanger sequencing a breakpoint spanning amplicon has confirmed the NGS results in all cases.ConclusionsWe have now streamlined and automated the bioinformatic approach using Exome Depth to assess sequence coverage and Delly to detect split and discordant reads. The combined NGS and bioinformatic strategy has proven to be highly successful and applicable to routine diagnostics.
Health literacy interventions for immigrant populations: a systematic review
Authors: Fernández‐Gutiérrez M. , Bas‐Sarmiento P. , Albar‐Marín M.J. , Paloma‐Castro O. , Romero‐Sánchez J.M. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundHealth literacy is considered a social health determinant that influences improvement in health, patient empowerment and reduction in inequalities. There is a lack of health literacy interventions for vulnerable social groups (i.e. immigrants), and nurses have shown little familiarity with the concept.AimThis study aimed to identify and analyse whether interventions directed at immigrant populations improve the functional (basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills), interactive (social and cognitive skills) and critical (advanced cognitive and social skills in critically analyzing information and making informed decisions) dimensions of health literacy, taking into account the role played by nursing in these interventions.MethodsA systematic review of four databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library and ERIC was conducted to identify relevant articles published between 2000 and 2015. Thirty‐four articles met the inclusion criteria, and nine articles used a validated instrument.ResultsFew specific health literacy interventions for immigrant populations were found. The main findings of the studies showed positive changes in functional health literacy. However, the interventions were less effective in improving interactive and critical health literacy.LimitationsSeveral of the findings of this review were based on studies that had their own limitations. The assessment of the articles was not blinded, and the review was restricted to articles written in Spanish and English.ConclusionsThe interventions studied were reported as being effective in improving health literacy in immigrants, particularly the functional aspects. Regarding the role played by nursing, this review observed little involvement.Implications for Nursing and Health PolicyIt is important for educational strategies to include health literacy dimensions. The concept of health literacy should be included as a Nursing Outcomes Classification and in its subsequent validation taxonomy. To promote community health, health literacy must be a prioritized objective of health management and policies.
Survivors' pensions and their impact on the Brazilian labour market
Authors: Costanzi Rogerio Nagamine , Ansiliero Graziela , Da Silva Bichara Julimar 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn many countries the regulations governing survivors' pensions were established in periods when female labour market participation was lower than at present. However, the current trend in many Latin American countries is for growing levels of female labour participation. In Brazil, where there are no restrictions on the concurrent receipt of retirement and survivors' pensions, and where until recently lifelong pensions could be obtained without any conditionality, not only has the accumulation of such benefits grown, but there are indications that these rules have had a negative impact on women's labour market participation. Analysis of the case of Brazil shows the need for social security regulations to adapt to labour market changes, and underlines the need to acknowledge that social security regulations can actually have an impact on the labour market.
Grain size effect and microstructure influence on the energy storage properties of fine‐grained BaTiO3‐based ceramics
Authors: Liu Baibo , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Ruoxi , Li Longtu 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe dependence of energy storage properties on grain size was investigated in BaTiO3‐based ferroelectric ceramics. Modified BaTiO3 ceramics with different grain size were fabricated by two‐step sintering method from BaTiO3 powders doped with Al2O3 and SiO2 by aqueous chemical coating. For samples doped with ZnO sintering aid in addition to Al2O3‐SiO2, the density and breakdown strength increased significantly. In general, samples with smaller grains have lower polarization but higher energy storage efficiency. Al2O3‐SiO2‐ZnO‐doped samples with average grain size of 118±2 nm have an energy density of 0.83±0.04 J/cm3. Obvious segregation of doping elements in second phase and grain boundary was observed by TEM‐EDS. Impedance spectroscopy further explains the relationship between microstructure and properties. Compared to common energy storage ceramics, the grain size of this low‐cost ceramics sintered at relatively low temperature is small, and the pilot scale production has been well completed. All these features make the utilization in multilayer devices and industrial mass production possible. In addition, the obtained rules are helpful in further development of energy storage ceramics.
The Leadership Paradox in EU Foreign Policy
Authors: Aggestam Lisbeth , Johansson Markus 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis article examines a leadership paradox at the heart of EU foreign policy between the demand for effective European leadership, and leadership legitimacy embedded in state practices. This paradox is manifested in the Lisbon treaty that delegated significant formal leadership functions to the European level. We probe the question how and by whom leadership can and should be performed in EU foreign policy. To answer this question, we advance a new theoretical framework drawing on sociological institutionalism and role theory. We argue that leadership should be understood as a social role shaped in a process of interaction between leader and followers. We contribute with new empirical knowledge of leadership role relations based on an interview survey conducted in 2016. The empirical results point to role conflicts over the formal leadership functions in EU foreign policy and the emergence of new informal leadership practices by EU member states.
The EU's Peace and Security Narrative: Views from EU Strategic Partners in Asia
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Miskimmon Alister , O'Loughlin Ben 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe EU has consistently struggled to forge a foreign policy narrative which promotes internal cohesion and supports the EU's efforts to exert international influence. The 2016 EU Global Strategy is the latest iteration of collective efforts to tie strategy and purpose to the EU's coherent identity in the world. This study compares the EU's strategic partners of peace and security with narratives about the EU held in the EU's strategic partners in Asia. Whilst we find reasonable coherence in the EU's projection of the international system and its role in it, its identity as an actor, and its response to policy issues on the ground, views from Asia largely contest these claims. This article employs a strategic narrative approach to conceptualize and empirically trace how the formation, projection and reception of EU narratives are part of broader circuits of communication through which EU might be recognized, legitimized and achieve influence.
Informant discrepancy defines discrete, clinically useful autism spectrum disorder subgroups
Authors: Lerner Matthew D. , De Los Reyes Andres , Drabick Deborah A.G. , Gerber Alan H. , Gadow Kenneth D. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundDiscrepancy between informants (parents and teachers) in severity ratings of core symptoms commonly arise when assessing autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Whether such discrepancy yields unique information about the ASD phenotype and its clinical correlates has not been examined. We examined whether degree of discrepancy between parent and teacher ASD symptom ratings defines discrete, clinically meaningful subgroups of youth with ASD using an efficient, cost‐effective procedure.MethodsChildren with ASD (N = 283; 82% boys; Mage = 10.5 years) were drawn from a specialty ASD clinic. Parents and teachers provided ratings of the three core DSM‐IV‐TR domains of ASD symptoms (communication, social, and perseverative behavior) with the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory‐4R (CASI‐4R). External validators included child psychotropic medication status, frequency of ASD‐relevant school‐based services, and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS‐2).ResultsFour distinct subgroups emerged that ranged from large between‐informant discrepancy (informant‐specific) to relative lack of discrepancy (i.e. informant agreement; cross‐situational): Moderate Parent/Low Teacher or Low Parent/Moderate Teacher Severity (Discrepancy), and Moderate or High Symptom Severity (Agreement). Subgroups were highly distinct (mean probability of group assignment = 94%). Relative to Discrepancy subgroups, Agreement subgroups were more likely to receive psychotropic medication, school‐based special education services, and an ADOS‐2 diagnosis. These differential associations would not have been identified based solely on CASI‐4R scores from one informant.ConclusionsThe degree of parent–teacher discrepancy about ASD symptom severity appears to provide more clinically useful information than reliance on a specific symptom domain or informant, and thus yields an innovative, cost‐effective approach to assessing functional impairment. This conclusion stands in contrast to existing symptom clustering approaches in ASD, which treat within‐informant patterns of symptom severity as generalizable across settings. Within‐child variability in symptom expression across settings may yield uniquely useful information for characterizing the ASD phenotype.
Public perception of dermatology and dermatologists in Italy: results from a population‐based national survey
Authors: Gisondi P. , De Angelis G. , Venturelli G. , Girolomoni G. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe public perception of dermatology and dermatologists may be very relevant in guiding strategies for improving dermatologic care but it has been poorly investigated in Europe.ObjectiveTo investigate the public's perception of dermatology and dermatologists in Italy.MethodsA representative sampling of Italian adults (n = 1500, aged 18–70 years), residing throughout the national territory was interviewed through a population‐based telephone survey using a structured questionnaire.ResultsThe majority of interviewed aged between 35 and 54 years (45%) and had an intermediate educational level (57%), were employed (56%), and had at least one child in the family (68%). 70% of the interviewed knew at least one skin disease, particularly psoriasis, dermatitis, urticaria, skin tumours and nevi. The general practitioner resulted to be the first healthcare provider to consult in the case of skin problems for 73% of surveyed, with only 27% referring directly the private dermatologist. The dermatologist was the main referral specialist for psoriasis, pruritus and skin tumours by 66%, 54% and 53% of the sample, respectively. The most common reason for dermatological consultation was the control of nevi. In the case of childhood dermatitis, 52% indicated the paediatrician and 38% the dermatologist as the reference specialist. Almost half of the surveyed turned out to have a trusted dermatologist to consult in the case of skin problems. Finally, among those visited at least one time by a dermatologist, 46% were promoters, that is, they would recommend their dermatologist to a friend (net promoter score, 27).ConclusionsThe general population has a wide‐ranging understanding of skin diseases and the central role of dermatologists in skin care. Patients are looking for technical competence and loyalty, because this lead to more trusted and satisfactory physician–patient relationship. Public campaigns may be relevant in increasing awareness on curability of common skin diseases.