bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combinatorial development of antibacterial Zr-Cu-Al-Ag thin film metallic glasses
Authors: Liu Yanhui , Padmanabhan Jagannath , Cheung Bettina , Liu Jingbei , Chen Zheng , Scanley B. Ellen , Wesolowski Donna , Pressley Mariyah , Broadbridge Christine C. , Altman Sidney , Schwarz Udo D. , Kyriakides Themis R. , Schroers Jan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMetallic alloys are normally composed of multiple constituent elements in order to achieve integration of a plurality of properties required in technological applications. However, conventional alloy development paradigm, by sequential trial-and-error approach, requires completely unrelated strategies to optimize compositions out of a vast phase space, making alloy development time consuming and labor intensive. Here, we challenge the conventional paradigm by proposing a combinatorial strategy that enables parallel screening of a multitude of alloys. Utilizing a typical metallic glass forming alloy system Zr-Cu-Al-Ag as an example, we demonstrate how glass formation and antibacterial activity, two unrelated properties, can be simultaneously characterized and the optimal composition can be efficiently identified. We found that in the Zr-Cu-Al-Ag alloy system fully glassy phase can be obtained in a wide compositional range by co-sputtering and antibacterial activity is strongly dependent on alloy compositions. Our results indicate that antibacterial activity is sensitive to Cu and Ag while essentially remains unchanged within a wide range of Zr and Al. The proposed strategy not only facilitates development of high-performing alloys, but also provides a tool to unveil the composition dependence of properties in a highly parallel fashion, which helps the development of new materials by design.
Medial plantar nerve ligation as a novel model of neuropathic pain in mice: pharmacological and molecular characterization
Authors: Sant’Anna Morena B. , Kusuda Ricardo , Bozzo Tiago A. , Bassi Gabriel S. , Alves-Filho José C. , Cunha Fernando Q. , Ferreira Sergio H. , Souza Guilherme R. , Cunha Thiago M. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPeripheral neuropathic pain is a consequence of an injury/disease of the peripheral nerves. The mechanisms involved in its pathophysiology are not entirely understood. To better understand the mechanisms involved in the development of peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, more experimental models are required. Here, we developed a novel peripheral neuropathic pain model in mice by using a minimally invasive surgery and medial plantar nerve ligation (MPNL). After MPNL, mechanical allodynia was established and mice quickly recovered from the surgery without any significant motor impairment. MPNL causes an increased expression of ATF-3 in the sensory neurons. At 14 days after surgery, gabapentin was capable of reversing the mechanical allodynia, whereas anti-inflammatory drugs and opioids were ineffective. MPNL-induced neuropathic pain was mediated by glial cells activation and the production of TNF-α and IL-6 in the spinal cord. These results indicate MPNL as a reasonable animal model for the study of peripheral neuropathic pain, presenting analgesic pharmacological predictivity to clinically used drugs. The results also showed molecular phenotypic changes similar to other peripheral neuropathic pain models, with the advantage of a lack of motor impairment. These features indicate that MPNL might be more appropriate for the study of neuropathic pain than classical models.
Robotic-assisted surgery versus open surgery in the treatment of rectal cancer: the current evidence
Authors: Liao Guixiang , Li Yan-Bing , Zhao Zhihong , Li Xianming , Deng Haijun , Li Gang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe aim of this meta-analysis was to comprehensively compare the safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted rectal cancer surgery (RRCS) and open rectal cancer surgery (ORCS). Electronic database (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Knowledge and the Cochrane Library) searches were conducted for all relevant studies that compared the short-term and long-term outcomes between RRCS and ORCS. Odds ratios (ORs), mean differences and hazard ratios were calculated. Seven studies involving 1074 patients with rectal cancer were identified for this meta-analysis. Compared with ORCS, RRCS is associated with a lower estimated blood loss (mean difference [MD]: −139.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −159.11 to −120.86; P < 0.00001), shorter hospital stay length (MD: −2.10, 95% CI: −3.47 to −0.73; P = 0.003), lower intraoperative transfusion requirements (OR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.99, P = 0.05), shorter time to flatus passage (MD: −0.97, 95% CI = −1.06 to −0.88, P < 0.00001) and shorter time to resume a normal diet (MD: −1.71.95% CI = −3.31 to −0.12, P = 0.04). There were no significant differences in surgery-related complications, oncologic clearance, disease-free survival and overall survival between the two groups. However, RRCS was associated with a longer operative time. RRCS is safe and effective.
From aspirations to practice: curriculum challenges for a new ‘twenty‐first‐century’ secondary school
Authors: McPhail Graham J. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on the initial stages of an empirical study of a new secondary school in New Zealand. The school vision and organisation reflect current international twenty‐first‐century learning discourse by confronting long‐established beliefs concerning the nature of education and knowledge and the roles of teachers and students. The school's focus is on developing the dispositions and competencies of students through thematic, intersubject, inquiry‐based learning. While these twenty‐first‐century ideas appear widely accepted worldwide, there is little research on the impact of these ideas on student learning. This study considers the challenges faced by the school in moving from aspirational vision to curriculum enactment during its first 18 months of operation. The focus of this paper is the curriculum design and development process. The issues faced by staff in this twenty‐first‐century school will be of interest to educationalists worldwide who are involved with the planning of new schools and curricular innovation within existing schools. Four key questions that arise from the study and that will form the focus of future research are identified.
W5″ Test: A simple method for measuring mean power output in the bench press exercise
Authors: Tous‐Fajardo Julio , Moras Gerard , Rodríguez‐Jiménez Sergio , Gonzalo‐Skok Oliver , Busquets Albert , Mujika Iñigo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe aims of the present study were to assess the validity and reliability of a novel simple test [Five Seconds Power Test (W5″ Test)] for estimating the mean power output during the bench press exercise at different loads, and its sensitivity to detect training‐induced changes. Thirty trained young men completed as many repetitions as possible in a time of ≈5 s at 25%, 45%, 65% and 85% of one‐repetition maximum (1RM) in two test sessions separated by four days. The number of repetitions, linear displacement of the bar and time needed to complete the test were recorded by two independent testers, and a linear encoder was used as the criterion measure. For each load, the mean power output was calculated in the W5″ Test as mechanical work per time unit and compared with that obtained from the linear encoder. Subsequently, 20 additional subjects (10 training group vs. 10 control group) were assessed before and after completing a seven‐week training programme designed to improve maximal power. Results showed that both assessment methods correlated highly in estimating mean power output at different loads (r range: 0.86–0.94; p < .01) and detecting training‐induced changes (R2: 0.78). Good to excellent intra‐tester (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) range: 0.81–0.97) and excellent inter‐tester (ICC range: 0.96–0.99; coefficient of variation range: 2.4–4.1%) reliability was found for all loads. The W5″ Test was shown to be a valid, reliable and sensitive method for measuring mean power output during the bench press exercise in subjects who have previous resistance training experience.
Effects of resistance training on expression of IGF‐I splice variants in younger and older men
Authors: Ahtiainen Juha P. , Hulmi Juha J. , Lehti Maarit , Kraemer William J. , Nyman Kai , Selänne Harri , Alen Markku , Komulainen Jyrki , Kovanen Vuokko , Mero Antti A. , Philippou Anastassios , Laakkonen Eija K. , Häkkinen Keijo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractInsulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and its splice variants Insulin‐like growth factor‐I isoform Ea (IGF‐IEa) and mechano growth factor (MGF) may play an important role in muscular adaptations to resistance training (RT) that may be modulated by ageing. It has been suggested that IGF‐I induces cellular responses via AKT8 virus oncogene cellular homolog (Akt) and Extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (Erk) signalling pathways. Therefore, resistance exercise‐induced changes in skeletal muscle IGF‐IEa and MGF messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), and MGF, Erk1/2, Akt and p70S6K protein expression were investigated before and after 21 weeks of RT in younger (YM, 20–34 yrs., n = 7) and older men (OM, 51–71 yrs., n = 10). Experimental resistance exercises (RE) of 5 × 10 repetition maximum leg presses were performed pre‐ and post‐RT. Muscle biopsies were obtained before and 48 h after REs, to study the late response to muscle loading. The muscle proteins or mRNAs of interest were not systematically influenced by the REs or RT, except for MGF mRNA expression which was increased (p < .01) following RE before RT in OM. No differences were observed between YM and OM in any variables. This study demonstrated that basal levels or RE‐induced responses in skeletal muscle MGF, Erk1/2, Akt and p70S6K protein levels or IGF‐IEa and MGF mRNA expression did not differ between YM and OM, nor change systematically due to RT. Thus, ageing appears not to effect expression of the present signalling molecules involved in skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
Does previous healthcare experience increase success in physician assistant training?
Authors: Hegmann Theresa , Iverson Katie 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Objective:
Healthcare experience is used by many physician assistant (PA) programs to rank applicants. Despite a large healthcare literature base evaluating admissions factors, little information is available on the relationship of healthcare experience and educational outcomes. We aimed to test whether previous healthcare experience is associated with increased success during the clinical portion of the PA educational process.

Methods:
Hours of direct healthcare experience reported on Central Application Service for Physician Assistants applications for 124 students in the classes of 2009 through 2013 were associated with a calculated average preceptor evaluation score for each student and with average standardized-patient examination scores for a subset of students.

Results:
Average student age was 28.7 years and median healthcare experience was 2,257 hours (range 390-16,400). Previous healthcare experience was not significantly correlated with preceptor evaluations or standardized-patient examination scores.

Conclusions:
This 5-year single institution pilot study did not support the hypothesis that healthcare experience is associated with improved clinical year outcomes.
Riociguat for pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Pitonzo David , Archambault Mark E. 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
Riociguat is newly approved by the FDA for treatment of patients with groups 1 or 4 pulmonary hypertension. Although several vasodilators are on the market for the treatment of pulmonary hypertension group 1, none have been shown to be invariably effective in the treatment of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension.
Head Elevation and Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma
Authors: Park Ji-Hye , Nam Ki Tae , Yoo Chungkwon , Kim Yong Yeon 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT

Purpose
To investigate the effect of different methods of head elevation on intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

Methods
Seventy-one patients of OAG were included in this prospective observational study. We measured IOP in the sitting position and in the supine positions with head flat and 30-degree up using two different methods: (1) bed head elevation (BHE) and (2) using multiple pillows (MP). We measured IOP using Tonopen AVIA in both eyes 10 minutes after assuming each position in a randomized sequence. By comparing the mean deviation (MD) of visual field between both eyes of a patient, we classified the eyes into either the better-MD eye or worse-MD eye.

Results
Compared with that measured in the supine position with head flat, the mean IOP was significantly lower when measured in the supine position with the head 30 degrees up by BHE, with an average drop of 2.0 mmHg (p < 0.001), whereas the mean IOP did not differ significantly when measured in the supine position with head 30 degrees up using MP (p = 0.081). Twenty-five (35.2%) patients showed IOP elevation when the head was kept up by MP. Compared between the better-MD and worse-MD eye, the IOPs did not differ in all positions. The mean IOP of the better-MD eye was lower in the 30-degree head-up (−1.9 mmHg, BHE; −0.8 mmHg, MP) positions compared with that in the flat-lying position, whereas the mean IOP of the worse-MD eye did not differ between the lying flat position and the head-up position with MP.

Conclusions
Different head-elevating methods had different influences on IOPs of glaucoma patients in the supine position. Although raising the bed head by 30 degrees significantly lowers IOP compared to the supine position, resting on multiple pillows does not appear to offer the same IOP reduction in glaucoma patients.
Distribution law of corrosion pits on steel suspension wires for a tied arch bridge
Authors: Miao Changqing , Yu Jie , Mei Mingxing 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to research steel wire corrosion pitting distribution characteristics and evolution, the shape, number and size of corrosion pits from one tied arch bridge were tested, analyzed and researched.

Design/methodology/approach
The probability distribution model of corrosion pits of different shapes was established, and the law of corrosion pit growth and evolution was researched. The relationship between the steel wire local corrosion parameters and the average degree of corrosion was explored.

Findings
The results revealed that the pits of steel wires can be divided into four categories of shapes: a deep ellipsoidal shape, a shallow ellipsoidal shape, a groove shape and a saddle shape. When developing to a certain degree, the small dark narrow type corrosion pit will turn into a large open pit of either a shallow ellipsoidal shape, a groove shape or a saddle shape.

Originality/value
The maximum depth of the corrosion pits was close to the Weibull distribution, and the maximum width and length of the wire corrosion pits were close to the logarithmic normal distribution, causing a large error when using a uniform corrosion model of steel wire mechanics.
Supply chain integration opportunities for the offshore wind industry
Authors: Martinez Neri Ivan Francisco 
Published: May 2016

PurposeThis paper surveys the literature on supply chain integration (SCI) to identify the state of research in the various types of studied industries and manufacturing environments. The purpose of this paper is to identify academic discoveries that could provide offshore wind projects with means to overcome their current supply chain challenges.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was conducted involving 162 articles published in 29 peer-reviewed journals. The papers were analyzed in terms of the dimensions of SCI, research methodology, unit of analysis, level of analysis, type of industry and manufacturing environment being studied, integrative practices, integrative barriers and the link between SCI and performance.FindingsWhile SCI has been evolving to become an influential topic in the field of supply chain management, scholars have overlooked industrial contingencies by ignoring the differences between the studied industrial contexts, especially project-based manufacturing environments. The present review also reveals that no study of SCI has been conducted on the construction of renewable energy projects. Another finding is that case studies and research articles using networks as a unit of analysis are underrepresented.Originality/valueThis is the first work to advocate for an industrial contingency approach in the analysis of SCI. Thus, it proposes the offshore wind farm-construction industry as a potential study subject to broaden the knowledge in SCI in project manufacturing environments.
Using design thinking to engage autistic students in participatory design of an online toolkit to help with transition into higher education
Authors: Fabri Marc , Andrews Phoenix C.S. , Pukki Heta K. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to reflect on engaging young autistic people in the participatory design of the Autism
&
Uni online toolkit. The purpose of the toolkit is to provide autistic students with information and strategies for dealing with the challenges they may encounter when entering higher education. The study adds to existing research on participatory design by considering the specific needs and contributions of autistic people who are of average or higher intelligence, academically competent and generally articulate, a group that has received limited attention hitherto.

Design/methodology/approach
– The research used a five-step design thinking approach and engaged multiple stakeholders at different points. The paper covers the whole process, paying particular attention to the final two steps of prototyping and testing. During three participatory design workshops, autistic people acted as co-designers and co-creators.

Findings
– The workshops were effective in engaging participants in various design activities and rich discussions. Several assumptions about capabilities and preferences of autistic people were challenged. Design thinking proved a suitable framework for involving this group in the creation of solutions that serve their needs.

Research limitations/implications
– Because of the low number of workshop participants (11), research results may lack generalisability. Also, the workshop format with its focus on group activities may discourage some autistic people to take part. Further work is needed to explore this and to confirm the reported findings.

Practical implications
– The paper offers practical advice regarding how to involve autistic people in co-design activities.

Social implications
– The research contributes to a strength-based view of autism, rather than one that focuses on deficits.

Originality/value
– The paper provides new perspectives on the strengths of autistic people in participatory design settings, with a focus on those autistic people who are of average or higher intelligence and able to communicate effectively.
Stock acquisitions, investor recognition, and announcement returns
Authors: Lei Adam Y.C. , Li Huihua 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis that relative to a cash acquisition, a stock acquisition would increase the bidder’s investor base and lower Merton’s (1987) shadow cost, which in turn contributes positively to the bidder announcement return.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using the number of registered shareholders and measures of institutional ownership as the proxies for investor base and investor recognition, this paper compares their changes and the changes in shadow cost between bidders using different methods of payment. The authors examine the relation between the shadow cost reduction and bidder announcement return in a multivariate framework.

Findings
– This paper finds that given the target type, bidders using stocks experience significantly larger increases in their investor bases and investor recognition than bidders using cash. Additionally, only bidders using stocks experience significant decreases in their shadow costs. In a multivariate framework, the change in the shadow cost has a negative and significant effect on the bidder announcement return in the sample of stock acquisitions and the subsample of bidders using stocks to acquire private targets. These findings support the authors’ hypothesis and suggest that the less established bidders acquiring private targets in particular benefit from the shadow cost reduction.

Originality/value
– This paper provides the direct evidence that investor recognition matters in mergers and acquisitions. The findings also provide a complementary explanation for the documented positive bidder returns when bidders use stocks to acquire private targets.
Testing for changes in option-implied risk aversion
Authors: Gagnon Marie-Hélène , Power Gabriel J. 
Published: May 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate and test for changes in investor risk aversion and the stochastic discount factor (SDF) using options data on the West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures contract during the 2007-2011 period.

Design/methodology/approach
– Risk aversion functions and SDFs are estimated using parametric approaches before and after four specific dates of interest. The dates are: the summer 2008 end of the bull market regime; the late 2008 credit freeze trough; the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion; and the Libyan uprising.

Findings
– Absolute risk aversion functions and SDFs are significantly flatter (less decreasing in wealth) after the end of the bull market and the credit freeze trough. After these two market reversals, oil market participants were less risk-averse for low levels of wealth but more risk-averse for high wealth levels. Oil market investors also increased their valuation of anticipated future wealth in average states of nature relative to very high or very low-asset return states after reversals. The BP explosion and the Libyan uprising led to steeper risk aversion functions (decreasing more rapidly in wealth) and SDF. Oil market investors were more risk-averse for lower future wealth, but less risk-averse for higher future wealth. Oil market investors increased their valuation of anticipated future wealth in extreme states of nature relative to average states of nature after both dates.

Originality/value
– Documenting statistically and economically significant changes in oil market investors’ attitude toward risk and inter-temporal appetite for risk in relation to changes in financial and political conditions.