bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of dysprosium ions on the physical and optical properties of lithium-borosulfophosphate glasses
Authors: Bulus Ibrahim , Dalhatu S. A. , Hussin R. , Wan Shamsuri W. N. , Yamusa Y. A. 
Published: March 2017

Achieving outstanding physical and optical properties of borosulfophosphate glasses via controlled doping of rare earth ions is the key issue in the fabrication of new and highly-efficient glass material for diverse optical applications. Thus, the effect of replacing P2O5 by Dy2O3 on the physical and optical properties of Dy[Formula: see text]-doped lithium-borosulfophosphate glasses with chemical composition of 15Li2O–30B2O3–15SO3–[Formula: see text]P2O5–[Formula: see text]Dy2O3 (where 0.0 mol.% [Formula: see text] mol.%) has been investigated. The glass samples were synthesized from high-purity raw materials via convectional melt-quenching technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), density and UV–vis–NIR absorption measurements. The amorphous nature of the prepared glass samples was confirmed by XRD patterns whereas the EDX spectrum depicts elemental traces of O, C, B, S, P and Dy. The physical parameters such as density, refractive index, molar volume, polaron radius and field strength were found to vary nonlinearly with increasing Dy2O3 concentration. UV–vis–NIR absorption spectra revealed seven absorption bands with most dominant peak at 1269 nm (6H[Formula: see text]F[Formula: see text]H[Formula: see text]). From the optical absorption spectra, the optical bandgap and Urbach’s energy have been determined and are related with the structural changes occurring in these glasses with increase in Dy2O3 content. Meanwhile, the bonding parameters ([Formula: see text]) evaluated from the optical absorption spectra were found to be ionic in nature. The superior features exhibited by the current glasses nominate them as potential candidate for nonlinear optical applications.
PD-L1 Is a Therapeutic Target of the Bromodomain Inhibitor JQ1 and, Combined with HLA Class I, a Promising Prognostic Biomarker in Neuroblastoma
Authors: Melaiu Ombretta , Mina Marco , Chierici Marco , Boldrini Renata , Jurman Giuseppe , Romania Paolo , D'Alicandro Valerio , Benedetti Maria C. , Castellano Aurora , Liu Tao , Furlanello Cesare , Locatelli Franco , Fruci Doriana 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPurpose: This study sought to evaluate the expression of programmed cell death-ligand-1 (PD-L1) and HLA class I on neuroblastoma cells and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) and lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG3) on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to better define patient risk stratification and understand whether this tumor may benefit from therapies targeting immune checkpoint molecules.Experimental Design: In situ IHC staining for PD-L1, HLA class I, PD-1, and LAG3 was assessed in 77 neuroblastoma specimens, previously characterized for tumor-infiltrating T-cell density and correlated with clinical outcome. Surface expression of PD-L1 was evaluated by flow cytometry and IHC in neuroblastoma cell lines and tumors genetically and/or pharmacologically inhibited for MYC and MYCN. A dataset of 477 human primary neuroblastomas from GEO and ArrayExpress databases was explored for PD-L1, MYC, and MYCN correlation.Results: Multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the combination of PD-L1 and HLA class I tumor cell density is a prognostic biomarker for predicting overall survival in neuroblastoma patients (P = 0.0448). MYC and MYCN control the expression of PD-L1 in neuroblastoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Consistently, abundance of PD-L1 transcript correlates with MYC expression in primary neuroblastoma.Conclusions: The combination of PD-L1 and HLA class I represents a novel prognostic biomarker for neuroblastoma. Pharmacologic inhibition of MYCN and MYC may be exploited to target PD-L1 and restore an efficient antitumor immunity in high-risk neuroblastoma. Clin Cancer Res; 23(15); 4462–72. ©2017 AACR.
Chinese species of Pediobius Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae)
Authors: CAO HUAN-XI , SALLE JOHN LA , ZHU CHAO-DONG 
Published: March 2017

The Chinese species of Pediobius Walker, 1846 are treated in this paper, resulting in 34 species, of which 5 are newly described: P. bisulcatus Cao & Zhu sp. n., P. elongatus Cao & Zhu sp. n., P.petiolapilus Cao & Zhu sp. n., P. prominentis Cao & Zhu, sp. n., and P. tortricida Cao & Zhu, sp. n. Nine species are also newly recorded from China: P. anomalus (Gahan, 1920), P. bethylicidus Kerrich, 1973, P. bruchicida (Rondani, 1872), P. cassidae Erdös, 1958, P. claviger (Thomson, 1878), P. erionotae Kerrich, 1973, P. phragmitis Bouček, 1965, P. saulius (Walker, 1839), and P. tetratomus (Thomson, 1878). Four new synonyms are proposed: P. illiberidis Liao, 1987 under P. pyrgo (Walker, 1839) syn. n., P. planiceps Sheng & Kamijo, 1992 under P. inexpectatus Kerrich, 1973 syn. n., P. sinensis Sheng & Wang, 1994 under P. facialis (Giraud, 1863) syn. n., and P. songshaominus Liao, 1987 under P. yunanensis Liao, 1987 syn. n. The species-group concept is used to compare similar species, of which eight are recognized in China including two newly recognized groups: the cassidae-group and the crassicornis-group. One species complex, the P. eubius complex, is also recognized. An updated checklist of the Chinese species of Pediobius is provided, with species-group placement. New host records for Pediobius species from China are summarized in a table and valid species possibly present in China but not included in this study in another table. A key to all known females and males of Chinese Pediobius is also provided.
Diurnal Variation of Summer Precipitation across the Central Tian Shan Mountains
Authors: Li Jian , Chen Tianru , Li Nina 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe climatic features of the diurnally varying summer precipitation over and around the central Tian Shan Mountains are investigated. Both the hourly rainfall data observed at eight stations along a transect across the mountains and the convective index derived from the satellite data show that there are three distinct regimes: the early morning peak at stations to the south of the mountains, the late afternoon peak at stations on the mountains, and the night peak at stations to the north of the mountains. The relation between regimes of diurnal variation is analyzed. By defining the regional rainfall event (RRE), the initial stations of each RRE are recorded. The early morning rainfall in the southern periphery of the mountains is triggered locally in the southern basin. Both the late afternoon peak over the mountains and the night peak in the northern periphery are influenced by mountain-originated rainfall events. These rainfall events appear over the mountains in the afternoon, and some of them move northward and lead to the nocturnal rainfall in the northern basin. The triggering of convection in the afternoon over the mountains and that in the early morning in the southern basin is related to the diurnally varying wind and thermodynamic conditions over and around the mountains. Low-level convergence with thermodynamic instability appears at noon (night) over the mountains (in the southern basin) just before the start of the convection.
Home-ownership as a social norm and positional good: Subjective wellbeing evidence from panel data
Authors: Foye Chris , Clapham David , Gabrieli Tommaso 
Published: March 2017

Much attention has been devoted to examining the absolute benefits of home-ownership (e.g. security and autonomy). This paper, by contrast, is concerned with conceptualising and testing the relative benefits of home-ownership; those benefits that depend on an individual’s status in society. Home-ownership has previously been analysed as a social norm, implying that the relative benefits (costs) associated with being an owner (renter) are positively related to relevant others’ home-ownership values. The theoretical contribution of this paper is to additionally conceptualise home-ownership as a positional good, implying that the status of both home-owners and renters is negatively related to relevant others’ home-ownership consumption. The empirical contribution of this paper is to quantitatively test for these relative benefits in terms of subjective wellbeing. We run fixed effects regressions on three waves of the British Household Panel Study. We find that (1) a strengthening of relevant others’ home-ownership values is associated with increases (decreases) in the subjective wellbeing of home-owners (renters), and (2) an increase in relevant others’ home-ownership consumption decreases the life satisfaction of owners but has no effect for renters. Overall our findings suggest that (1) the relative benefits of home-ownership are both statistically significant and of a meaningful magnitude, and (2) home-ownership is likely to be both a social norm and a positional good. Without explicitly recognising these relative benefits, policymakers risk overestimating the contribution of home-ownership to societal wellbeing.
Effects of isokinetic calf muscle exercise program on muscle strength and venous function in patients with chronic venous insufficiency
Authors: Ercan Sabriye , Çetin Cem , Yavuz Turhan , Demir Hilmi M , Atalay Yurdagül B 
Published: March 2017

Objective The aim of this study was to observe the change of the ankle joint range of motion, the muscle strength values measured with an isokinetic dynamometer, pain scores, quality of life scale, and venous return time in chronic venous insufficiency diagnosed patients by prospective follow-up after 12-week exercise program including isokinetic exercises. Methods The patient group of this study comprised 27 patients (23 female, 4 male) who were diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency. An exercise program including isokinetic exercise for the calf muscle was given to patients three days per week for 12 weeks. At the end of 12 weeks, five of the patients left the study due to inadequate compliance with the exercise program. As a result, control data of 22 patients were included. Ankle joint range of active motion, isokinetic muscle strength, pain, quality of life, and photoplethysmography measurements were assessed before starting and after the exercise program. Results Evaluating changes of the starting and control data depending on time showed that all isokinetic muscle strength measurement parameters, range of motion, and overall quality of life values of patients improved. Venous return time values have also increased significantly ( p < 0.05). Conclusion In conclusion, increase in muscle strength has been provided with exercise therapy in patients with chronic venous insufficiency. It has been determined that the increase in muscle strength affected the venous pump and this ensured improvement in venous function and range of motion of the ankle. In addition, it has been detected that pain reduced and quality of life improved after the exercise program.
Northern European Leadership in Transition – a Survey of the Insurance Industry
Authors: Pöllänen Kari 
Published: March 2017

What kind of leadership is needed in the companies of the future in the deregulated Northern European countries? The main goal of the study is to find out what kind of leadership attributes will be required by effective North European managers in the future. The approach of Northern European leaders and the owners of companies could perhaps be summarised as a situation of “balanced countervailing powers”, where both owners and managers have strong relative power to debate and challenge each other. It is evident that the leadership qualities of typical US leaders cannot directly be transposed to the leadership style of Nordic managers. Nordic leaders would have scope to enhance monitoring, optimise all the resources of the company better and review work more efficiently, whilst preserving a reasonable level of social responsibility and the national/cultural norms of the country. Nordic managers could also do more to create a better climate of co-operation and mutual assistance around them. Previous cross-cultural studies (e.g. Hofstede, 1984 and the GLOBE study, 2004) support the findings of the present study. The study suggests that the social safety net of the welfare state ideology has so far shielded the culture-specific sense of social responsibility of Northern European managers from the hazards of free competition and globalisation.
Biceps Disorder Rehabilitation for the Athlete: A Continuum of Moderate- to High-Load Exercises
Authors: Borms Dorien , Ackerman Inge , Smets Pieter , Van den Berge Glen , Cools Ann M. 
Published: March 2017

Background: Progressive biceps loading is recommended in the nonoperative and operative rehabilitation of biceps-related disorders. Previous researchers have proposed a continuum of exercises with low to moderate biceps loads to be used in the early and intermediate phases of rehabilitation. A progression of exercises with moderate to high biceps loads to be used in the more advanced phases of rehabilitation is lacking. Purpose: To describe a progression of exercises with progressive moderate to high loads on the biceps brachii (BB) based on electromyographic (EMG) analysis. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: The EMG activity of BB and triceps brachii; upper trapezius, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius; and serratus anterior was determined with surface electromyography in 30 asymptomatic participants during 11 exercises. Results: Of the 11 exercises, 4 (arm shake with an Xco-trainer, lateral pull-down in pronation, chest shake with an Xco-trainer, lateral pull-down in supination) showed low (<20% maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]), 5 (pull-up in pronation with Redcord, air punch, forward flexion in supination, pull-up in supination with Redcord, inclined biceps curl) showed moderate (between 20%-50% MVIC), and 2 (throwing forward flexion, reverse punch) showed high (>50% MVIC) EMG activity in the BB. These exercises were ranked with an increasing level of activity in the BB. Conclusion: The continuum of exercises with moderate to high biceps activity may be applied in the more advanced phases of treatment for biceps disorders. In addition, biceps muscle activity may be targeted by (1) sagittal plane elevation; (2) elbow flexion with supination, without upper arm support; (3) biceps contraction from an elongated position; or (4) high-velocity, explosive exercises. Clinical Relevance: These findings may assist clinicians to select appropriate exercises to be used in the more advanced phases of nonoperative or postoperative rehabilitation of overhead athletes with biceps-related injuries.
A Technical and Policy Case Study of Large-Scale Rescue and Redistribution of Perishable Foods by the “Leket Israel” Food Bank
Authors: Philip Dana , Hod-Ovadia Smadar , Troen Aron M. 
Published: March 2017

Background: Food banks seeking to rescue and redistribute highly nutritious perishable foods to simultaneously alleviate food insecurity and reduce food waste often encounter practical, ethical, and political dilemmas. Objectives: We present a case study of “Leket Israel,” an Israeli food bank that uses an effective large-scale logistical model for the rescue and redistribution of perishable food and discuss the challenges and solutions it offers. Results: The organization operates in a rich country plagued with poverty and inequality, where the government passively encourages nongovernmental organizations to respond to the serious and growing problem of food insecurity. Operating under a business-to-business model, Leket Israel distributes food via intermediary nonprofit organizations (NPOs), enriching the food they provide with fresh produce. Food is obtained through an Agricultural Gleaning project, Self-Growing Farm project, and Meal Rescue project. The partnering NPOs then distribute the food to people in need. Although the rescue and redistribution of highly perishable food is more costly and complex than acquiring, storing, and distributing dried and staple foods and it requires specialized knowledge and infrastructure in order to maintain rigorous safety standards, it improves the nutritional quality of the aid. In 2015, Leket Israel distributed 15 217 389 kg of food, 90% of which was fruit and vegetables, to 180 partnering NPOs nationwide, reaching an estimated 175 000 recipients. Conclusion: “Leket Israel” offers a valuable model that can be studied and emulated by international nutrition scientists, practitioners, and policy makers who are seeking to reduce food insecurity and food waste in other countries.
Interprofessional Survey of Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Early Mobilization of Critically Ill Patients in Montreal, Canada
Authors: Anekwe David E. , Koo Karen Kin-Yue , de Marchie Michel , Goldberg Peter , Jayaraman Dev , Spahija Jadranka 
Published: March 2017

Objective: Early mobilization is safe, feasible, and associated with better outcomes in patients with critical illness. However, barriers to mobilization in clinical practice still exist. The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice patterns of intensive care unit (ICU) clinicians, as well as the barriers and facilitators to early mobilization. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Setting: Intensive care units of 3 university-affiliated hospitals in Montreal, Canada. Participants: One hundred and thirty-eight ICU clinicians, including nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, and physiotherapists. Interventions: None. Measurements: Perceived barriers, facilitators, knowledge, and practice patterns of early mobilization were assessed using a previously validated mobility survey tool. Main Results: The overall response rate was 50.0% (138 of 274). Early mobilization was not perceived as a top priority in 49% of respondents. Results showed that clinicians were not fully aware of the benefits of early mobilization as per the current literature. About 58% of clinicians did not feel well trained and informed to mobilize mechanically ventilated patients. Perceptions on patient-level barriers varied with clinicians’ professional training, but there was a high degree of interprofessional and intraprofessional disagreement on the permissible maximal level activity in different scenarios of critically ill patients. Conclusions: Our survey shows limited awareness, among our respondents, of the clinical benefits of early mobilization and high level of disagreement on the permissible maximal level of activity in the critically ill patients. Future studies should evaluate the role of knowledge translation in modifying these barriers and improving early mobilization.
Impact of a Weight Management Intervention on Eating Competence: Importance of Measurement Interval in Protocol Design
Authors: Lohse Barbara , Krall Jodi Stotts , Psota Tricia , Kris-Etherton Penny 
Published: March 2017

Purpose: To examine changes in eating competence (EC) in 12-month weight loss intervention. Design: Randomized, parallel-arm with weight loss phase (baseline to month 4) and weight-maintenance phase (months 4-12). Setting: Face-to-face in University classrooms, supervised and self-directed fitness sessions at University fitness center, and home. Participants: Premenopausal, mostly college-educated Pennsylvania women, body mass index >25 (n = 101). Intervention: Twenty-eight, 1-hour classes tailored for extremes of the Dietary Guidelines’ fat recommendations, based on social cognitive theory, problem-based learning delivery over 12 months. Exercise component included supervised and self-directed stretching, aerobics, and strength training. Measures: Anthropometrics, lipid profile, blood pressure, 24-hour dietary recalls, cognitive behavioral measures, Satter Eating Competence Inventory (ecSI). Analysis: General linear model repeated measures analysis of variance for outcome variables. Results: A total of 40% (n = 40) completed the ecSI. Overall, education and supervised exercise session attendance were 77% and 88%, respectively. Similar weight loss for lower and moderate fat groups (6.7 kg and 5.4 kg). The EC was unchanged baseline to month 4 but increased significantly from months 4 to 12, baseline to month 12 for both groups. The EC change baseline to month 12 was inversely associated with weight change from baseline to months 4 and 12. Conclusion: Weight management interventions, likely to introduce concerns with eating attitudes, behaviors, and foods, can reduce EC. Short-term measurement of EC change captures these consequent adjustments without opportunity to regain self-efficacy. Extending the measurement interval better reflects intervention impact on EC.
Ticagrelor for Neuroendovascular Procedures: A Case Series
Authors: Davis Kyle , Morrison Christopher 
Published: March 2017

Background: The development of thromboembolism is one of the most common complications of neuroendovascular procedures. Although several small studies have deemed clopidogrel safe and effective in the prevention of intracranial stent thrombosis, ticagrelor has yet to be assessed in this setting. Objective: The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of ticagrelor in patients undergoing neuroendovascular procedures. Methods: A retrospective review of patients receiving ticagrelor following neuroendovascular aneurysm repair. Results: A total of 5 patients undergoing neuroendovascular aneurysm repair received ticagrelor for a median of 5 days while hospitalized. Three patients were treated with stent-assisted coiling, while 2 received pipeline embolization devices. All patients received additional low-dose aspirin therapy. One patient received ticagrelor after experiencing a thrombotic event on clopidogrel, while a second patient was treated with ticagrelor after developing a dermatologic reaction to clopidogrel. Three (60%) patients were successfully treated and discharged on ticagrelor therapy. Two patients experienced cerebrovascular accidents following aneurysm repair while receiving ticagrelor, one of which was potentially due to medication omission. One (20%) patient receiving ticagrelor experienced a small retroperitoneal hematoma; however, ticagrelor therapy was continued without further complication. Conclusion: Therapy with ticagrelor may be a safe and effective treatment option for patients undergoing neuroendovascular aneurysm repair. However, future studies are warranted to substantiate these findings.
Prevalence, characteristics and management of headache experienced by people with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder: a cross sectional cohort study
Authors: Connaughton Joanne , Wand Benedict 
Published: March 2017

Objectives: Headache is the most common type of pain reported by people with schizophrenia. This study aimed to establish prevalence, characteristics and management of these headaches. Methods: One hundred participants with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder completed a reliable and valid headache questionnaire. Two clinicians independently classified each headache as migraine, tension-type, cervicogenic or other. Results: The 12-month prevalence of headache (57%) was higher than the general population (46%) with no evidence of a relationship between psychiatric clinical characteristics and presence of headache. Prevalence of cervicogenic (5%) and migraine (18%) was comparable to the general population. Tension-type (16%) had a lower prevalence and 19% of participants experienced other headache. No one with migraine was prescribed migraine specific medication; no one with cervicogenic and tension-type received best-practice treatment. Conclusions: Headache is a common complaint in people with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder with most fitting recognised diagnostic criteria for which effective interventions are available. No one in this sample was receiving best-practice care for their headache.