bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combustion behavior of upholstered furniture. Important findings, practical use, and implications
Authors: Sundström Björn 
Published: October 2020

SUMMARY“Combustion behavior of upholstered furniture (CBUF) ‐ Fire Safety of Upholstered Furniture ‐ EUR 16477 EN” was initiated by the European Commission (EC) since a major contributor to fire deaths in Europe was upholstered furniture. The EC and the participating research partners formulated this project to provide a scientifically sound basis for a European Union Directive. The aim of the directive was to improve fire safety in Europe as well as removing barriers to trade and creating a harmonized open market for upholstered furniture. The furniture directive never came through, but the project reached a significant understanding of how furniture burns, how furniture composition affects the heat release rate, and how well or poorly different models predict full‐scale test results and the developing hazard to people. The results were published as a book and presentations were made at several conferences. This article is a summary of some of the important findings in the CBUF project. It presents guidance for the design of low flammability upholstered furniture and the extent to which small‐scale test results can be used to predict room fire behavior. It presents test procedures and experimental data. However, much of the work that has been conducted is not presented in this article. In particular, background data and reasoning are omitted or reduced in favor of the results and conclusions.
Experimental study of time‐averaged upward fire propagation speed of expanded polystyrene external thermal insulation composite systems masonery façade
Authors: Zhou Biao , Yoshioka Hideki , Noguchi Takafumi , Wang Kai 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThermoplastic expanded polystyrene (EPS) external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) have caused serious results due to the ravages of frequent fire disasters in the world. Fire propagation of EPS ETICS was observed to be fast over exterior building wall, however, very few reports of time‐averaged fire propagation speed (FPS) is available currently. To have a quantitative understanding of FPS, a series of EPS ETICS façades were tested according to the intermediate‐scale Japanese JISA 1310 standard method. EPS thickness of ETICS varies from 100 mm to 300 mm and heat release rate (HRR) of window spilled flame differs from 600 kW to 1100 kW. It indicates that the time‐averaged FPS vs vertical distance is observed to be positive linear. The acceleration of FPS is found to be linear with a dimensionless item, which involves fire propagation index (FPI), HRR of window spilled flame and thickness of EPS. Finally, a calculation method for an upward fire spreading profile is proposed, which initially provides a theoretical basis for evaluation of the reaction‐to‐fire performance of EPS ETICS façade.
Experimental study and analysis of radiation heat fluxes received by a floor beneath an inclined ceiling
Authors: Tang Fei , Zhu Yuantao , Chen Lei , Sun Xiepeng , McNamee Margaret , Van Hees Patrick , Hu Longhua 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThis study experimentally investigates the radiation heat flux distribution received on the floor due to fire plume impinging upon an inclined ceiling, which has not been quantified previously. The radiation heat fluxes were measured on the floor for 160 experimental conditions, involving various fire source heat release rates, source‐ceiling heights, angles of ceiling inclination and dimensions (aspect ratios) of the rectangular sources. The main findings include that the declining rate of the radiation heat flux along with distance received by the downstream floor decreases, while that received by the upstream floor increases, with the increasing of ceiling inclination angle. The radiation heat flux received by the floor is higher as the ceiling inclination angle is smaller for the downstream side, while it is lower as the ceiling inclination angle is smaller for the upstream side. Both of these variations can be explained by change of the flow distribution as well as flame length due to combustion and heat released in the two directions beneath the inclined ceiling. Further, a model with various fire source heat release rates, source‐ceiling height, and ceiling inclination angles is proposed, to globally describe the radiation heat flux received by both the upstream and downstream floors.
Identification of a novel KMT2A/GIMAP8 gene fusion in a pediatric patient with acute undifferentiated leukemia
Authors: Berg Holly E. , Blackburn Patrick R. , Baughn Linda B. , Ketterling Rhett P. , Xu Xinjie , Greipp Patricia T. , Hoppman Nicole L. , Smadbeck James B. , Vasmatzis George , Shi Min , Reichard Kaaren K. , Viswanatha David S. , Jevremovic Dragan , Maher George M. , Peterson Jess F. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAcute undifferentiated leukemia (AUL) is a very rare hematologic neoplasm that expresses no markers specific for either myeloid or lymphoid lineages. While commonly observed in several acute leukemias, KMT2A rearrangements in AUL have been rarely reported in the literature. We report the third case to our knowledge of AUL harboring a KMT2A rearrangement. Furthermore, the KMT2A/GIMAP8 gene fusion identified in this case represents a novel KMT2A rearrangement.
Harnessing noncoding RNA‐based macrophage polarization: Emerging therapeutic opportunities for fibrosis
Authors: Zhou Dexi , Wu Yilai , Wang Sheng , Li Jun , Luan Jiajie 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimOrgan fibrosis is a common pathological outcome of persistent tissue injury correlated with organ failure and death. Although current antifibrotic therapies have led to unprecedented successes, only a minority of patients with fibrosis benefit from these treatments. There is an urgent need to identify new targets and biomarkers that could be exploited in the diagnosis and treatment of fibrosis.MethodsMacrophages play a dual role in the fibrogenesis across different organs either by promoting pro‐inflammatory or anti‐inflammatory responses. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) have been demonstrated to play key roles in macrophage functions by manipulating macrophage polarization. Therefore, understanding the mechanism of ncRNA‐associated macrophage polarization is important to move toward therapeutic interventions.ResultsIn this review, we provide an overview of recent insights into the role of ncRNAs in different fibrotic diseases by modulating macrophage phenotypic plasticity and functional heterogeneity. We also discuss the potential mechanisms of different ncRNAs integrate heterogeneous macrophages in fibrogenesis,including regulatory signatures, networks, and reciprocal interactions.ConclusionsA broader understanding of how ncRNA‐directed macrophage phenotype transition in immunity and fibrosis might promote the development of a novel strategy for antifibrotic treatment.
Explicating the impact of hierarchical CEO succession on small‐medium enterprises' performance and cash holdings
Authors: Sarfraz Muddassar , Shah Syed Ghulam Meran , Ivascu Larisa , Qureshi Muhammad Asim Ali 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe objective of the study is to demonstrate the impact of hierarchical CEO succession on small‐medium enterprises (SMEs) performance. A comparison between SOEs and Non‐SOEs have been analysed empirically. In this regard, the data of listed Chinese SMEs have been accumulated for the years 2012–2016. Conclusively, hierarchical CEO succession, hierarchical CEO succession intensity and its three types have been formulated while contemplating the SMEs' profile. Empirical underpinnings witness the positive impact of hierarchical CEO succession and hierarchical CEO succession intensity on state‐owned SMEs performance. Moreover, medium hierarchical CEO successor has been declared to be a promoter of SMEs performance. Hierarchical CEO successor, specifically, medium hierarchical CEO successor mitigate the SMEs cash holdings vehemently. However, earnings management as a moderator invigorates the state‐owned SMEs cash holdings. Remarkably, SME' performance is splendid if it is matured, designates a large percentage of independent directors and attains maximum earnings per share. Significantly, the execution of 2SLS regression indicates the truthfulness of our results.
Industry momentum and reversals in stock markets
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Plakandaras Vasilios , Pragidis Ioannis 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAlthough price trends such as momentum and reversal patterns of stock prices are well established in the literature, little is known whether price patterns still hold at the international level. Using data from over 24,000 stock prices, the analysis forms international within and across industries portfolios for the EU and the Asia/Pacific regions and studies the presence of momentum and reversal patterns, compared with the typical benchmark, which is the U.S. market. Interestingly, it finds that both patterns are related to low capitalized firms. Price reversals appearing only at the short‐run validating the liquidity constraint assumption, while momentum holds for a longer period and is related to investors' underreaction. Finally, it finds that only a few sectors can predict the market as an indirect result of momentum. A trading strategy that builds on industries' portfolios own predictive ability beats the market. Overall, matching returns patterns from the national to the international level supports the presence of unobserved risk factors and behavioural biases.
Platelet‐to‐white blood cell ratio: A novel and promising prognostic marker for HBV‐associated decompensated cirrhosis
Authors: Zhang JinFei , Qiu YingPo , He Xia , Mao WeiLin , Han Zhong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimThe present study aimed to investigate associations of the platelet‐to‐white blood cell ratio (PWR)—a novel hematological indicator of inflammatory responses—with 30‐day outcomes in patients with HBV‐associated decompensated cirrhosis (HBV‐DeCi).MethodsWe recruited 131 patients with HBV‐DeCi for this retrospective study and extracted baseline clinical data and laboratory characteristics from medical records. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine major factors influencing 30‐day mortality. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses was performed to compare the predictive values of prognostic markers.ResultsDuring the 30‐day follow‐up period, 15 patients died. The PWR was significantly different between nonsurvivors and survivors. Lower PWR was found to be associated with an increased risk of mortality, and PWR was found to be an independent predictor of mortality in patients with HBV‐DeCi.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate that low PWR may be a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with HBV‐DeCi, and this factor may be a useful supplement to standard approaches to enable effective management of these patients.
Tadpole of the Amazonia frog Edalorhina perezi (Anura: Leptodactylidae) with description of oral internal and chondrocranial morphology
Authors: do Nascimento Filipe A. C. , de Sá Rafael O. , de A. Garcia Paulo C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe genus Edalorhina consists of two species of small forest‐floor frogs inhabiting the Amazon basin. The tadpole of Edalorhina perezi, the most widely distributed species, was previously described based on a single and early stage (Gosner 25) individual. Herein, we provide a description of the tadpole in Gosner stages 35–36 including internal morphology data (i.e., buccopharyngeal cavity and larval skeleton) based on samples from two populations from Ecuador. Edalorhina shares a generalized morphology with most members of its closely related taxa; however, it is distinguished from the other species by having an almost terminal oral disc. The presence of a dextral vent tube is considered a synapomorphy for the clade consisting of Edalorhina, Engystomops, and Physalaemus. Within this clade, the combination of two lingual papillae, a filiform median ridge, and the lack of buccal roof papillae are diagnostic of E. perezi and putative autapomorphies of Edalorhina. Chondrocranial anatomy provides characteristics, that is, presence of and uniquely shaped processus pseudopterygoideus and cartilago suprarostralis with corpora and alae joined by dorsal and ventral connections that readily differentiates the genus from other Leiuperinae.
Single‐Center Experience with the Use of Teduglutide in Adult Patients with Short Bowel Syndrome
Authors: Lam Kwai , Schwartz Lauren , Batisti Jennifer , Iyer Kishore R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundTeduglutide is a glucagon‐like peptide 2 (GLP‐2) analog that has been approved for the treatment of adult short bowel syndrome (SBS)–associated intestinal failure (IF; SBS‐IF). Teduglutide increases villus height and crypt depth in the small bowel mucosa, promoting nutrition absorption and enteral independence from parenteral nutrition (PN). We aim to report our single‐center experience with teduglutide in adult patients with SBS to provide real‐world context to its use.MethodWe conducted a retrospective analysis on patients managed within our tertiary‐level intestinal rehabilitation program to identify patients with SBS‐IF treated with teduglutide from 2009–2015. The current report includes all patients at our center who had any exposure to teduglutide, including those who received commercial drug after approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and outside the scope of clinical trials.ResultsA total of 18 patients were treated with teduglutide. Eleven patients (61%) achieved complete enteral independence from PN and/or intravenous fluids (IV) at a median time of 10 months (range: 3–36 months). PN/IV volume requirement was reduced in all patients except two. Ten of the 11 patients (91%) who achieved enteral autonomy had colon. All patients off PN/IV required additional oral vitamins and electrolyte supplementations.ConclusionOur preliminary experience is consistent with prior reports of successful partial or complete weaning from PN/IV with teduglutide treatment in adult patients with SBS. The presence of colon appears to be favorable in obtaining enteral independence from PN/IV, regardless of residual small bowel length. Patients on teduglutide may remain at high risk of micronutrient deficiencies.
Urinary Excretion of 2/3‐Monochloropropanediol (2/3‐MCPD) and 2,3‐Dihydroxypropylmercapturic Acid (DHPMA) after a Single High dose of Fatty Acid Esters of 2/3‐MCPD and Glycidol: A Controlled Exposure Study in Humans
Authors: Abraham Klaus , Hielscher Jan , Kuhlmann Jan , Monien Bernhard H. 
Published: October 2020

Scope2‐ and 3‐monochloropropanediol (2/3‐MCPD) and glycidol are absorbed in the intestine after lipase‐catalyzed hydrolysis of their fatty acid esters.Methods and resultsIn an exposure study with 12 non‐smoking participants, the complete urinary excretion of the metabolite 2,3‐dihydroxypropylmercapturic acid (DHPMA) and of 2/3‐MCPD is measured on four consecutive days before and after consumption of 50 g glycidyl ester‐rich palm fat or 12 g 2/3‐MCPD ester‐rich hazelnut oil. After controlled exposure, urinary excretion rates of 2/3‐MCPD per hour strongly increase, followed by a decrease with average half‐lives of 5.8 h (2‐MCPD) and 3.6 h (3‐MCPD). After consumption of hazelnut oil, mean excretion rates are 14.3% (2‐MCPD) and 3.7% (3‐MCPD) of the study doses. The latter rate is significantly higher (4.6%) after consumption of palm fat, indicating partial conversion (about 5%) of glycidol to 3‐MCPD under the acidic conditions in the stomach. The average daily “background” exposure is estimated to be 0.12 and 0.32 µg per kg body weight (BW) for 2‐MCPD and 3‐MCPD, respectively. The relatively high and constant urinary excretion of DHPMA does not reflect the controlled exposure.ConclusionUrinary excretion of 2‐ and 3‐MCPD is suitable as biomarker for the external exposure to the respective fatty acid esters.
Utility of Mid‐Upper Arm Circumference in Diagnosing Malnutrition in Children With Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Phong Rachel Y. , Taylor Sandra L. , Robinson Brandt A. , Jhawar Sanjay , Nandalike Kiran 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundStandardized diagnostic indicators for malnutrition using growth percentile z‐scores (weight for length or body mass index [BMI]) and mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC) z‐scores are being used in clinical practice; however, their application to the pediatric cystic fibrosis (CF) population is not well described. In this study, we aim to compare growth percentile z‐scores and MUAC z‐scores in diagnosing and classifying malnutrition in children with CF and assess the relationship between their degree of malnourishment and corresponding pulmonary function tests (PFTs).MethodsIn this retrospective observational outpatient study of 49 pediatric CF patients, data were collected on baseline characteristics, anthropometrics, and PFTs over 12 months. Agreement in malnutrition diagnoses was quantified by Cohen κ statistics. Pearson test assessed the correlation between MUAC and BMI z‐scores as well as PFTs and anthropometrics. Serial anthropometrics and PFTs were obtained and compared for a subset of patients (n = 28).ResultsGrowth percentile and MUAC z‐scores were positively correlated in diagnosing malnutrition (Pearson correlation r = 0.87), but MUAC z‐scores identified more patients as malnourished compared with growth percentile z‐scores (49% vs 12%, Cohen κ of 0.22 [95% CI, 0.04–0.40]). There was no significant relationship between anthropometrics and PFTs. MUAC z‐scores increased significantly over time, but BMI z‐scores did not show this trend.ConclusionsOur small‐scale data suggest a promising role for MUAC z‐scores in classifying malnutrition and in measuring changes in nutrition status over time in pediatric CF.
Epithelial Nr5a2 heterozygosity cooperates with mutant Kras in the development of pancreatic cystic lesions
Authors: Cobo Isidoro , Iglesias Mar , Flández Marta , Verbeke Caroline , del Pozo Natalia , Llorente Miriam , Lawlor Rita , Luchini Claudio , Rusev Borislav , Scarpa Aldo , Real Francisco X 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCystic neoplasms of the pancreas are an increasingly important public health problem. The majority of these lesions are benign but some progress to invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). There is a dearth of mouse models of these conditions. The orphan nuclear receptor NR5A2 regulates development, differentiation, and inflammation. Germline Nr5a2 heterozygosity sensitizes mice to the oncogenic effects of mutant Kras in the pancreas. Here, we show that – unlike constitutive Nr5a2+/− mice – conditional Nr5a2 heterozygosity in pancreatic epithelial cells, combined with mutant Kras (KPN+/−), leads to a dramatic replacement of the pancreatic parenchyma with cystic structures and an accelerated development of high‐grade PanINs and PDAC. Timed histopathological analyses indicated that in KPN+/− mice PanINs precede the formation of cystic lesions and the latter precede PDAC. A single episode of acute caerulein pancreatitis is sufficient to accelerate the development of cystic lesions in KPN+/− mice. Epithelial cells of cystic lesions of KPN+/− mice express MUC1, MUC5AC, and MUC6, but lack expression of MUC2, CDX2, and acinar markers, indicative of a pancreato‐biliary/gastric phenotype. In accordance with this, in human samples we found a non‐significantly decreased expression of NR5A2 in mucinous tumours, compared with conventional PDAC. These results highlight that the effects of loss of one Nr5a2 allele are time‐ and cell context‐dependent. KPN+/− mice represent a new model to study the formation of cystic pancreatic lesions and their relationship with PanINs and classical PDAC. Our findings suggest that pancreatitis could also contribute to acceleration of cystic tumour progression in patients. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of temperature and fiber orientation on the tensile behavior of short carbon fiber reinforced PEEK composites
Authors: Chang Baoning , Gu Junfeng , Long Zhiqiang , Li Zheng , Ruan Shilun , Shen Changyu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractShort carbon fiber reinforced poly‐ether‐ether‐ketone (SCF/PEEK) composites have attracted great attention in automobile and aerospace industries for their excellent thermal and mechanical properties. To investigate the anisotropy and temperature effects on mechanical properties of SCF/PEEK composites, tensile tests were conducted in various mold flow directions at 23, 80, 140, and 200°C. Results show that the tensile behavior of SCF/PEEK is highly influenced by temperature and fiber orientation. Both tensile strength and elastic modulus decrease with the increasing of temperature, and fracture strain increases with the increasing of temperature. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to investigate the effects of anisotropy and temperature on fracture mechanism by scanning the tensile fracture surfaces. A shell‐core‐shell structure across the sample thickness was observed. Fibers are mainly aligned in mold flow direction in shell layers and perpendicular to the mold flow direction in core layers. The anisotropy of SCF/PEEK composites is fiber orientation dominated, and the temperature‐dependence of SCF/PEEK is matrix‐dominated. The variations of elastic modulus and tensile strength with temperature were mathematically represented. Constitutive model was established to predict the stress‐strain curves over a wide range of temperatures. Overall, the constitutive model could predict the temperature dependent stress‐strain relationships well.
Diagnosis in children with exercise‐induced respiratory symptoms: A multi‐center study
Authors: Pedersen Eva S. L. , Ardura‐Garcia Cristina , de Jong Carmen C. M. , Jochmann Anja , Moeller Alexander , Mueller‐Suter Dominik , Regamey Nicolas , Singer Florian , Goutaki Myrofora , Kuehni Claudia E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectiveExercise‐induced respiratory symptoms (EIS) are common in childhood and reflect different diseases that can be difficult to diagnose. In children referred to respiratory outpatient clinics for EIS, we compared the diagnosis proposed by the primary care physician with the final diagnosis from the outpatient clinic and described diagnostic tests and treatments.DesignAn observational study of respiratory outpatients aged 0–16 years nested in the Swiss Paediatric Airway Cohort (SPAC).PatientsWe included children with EIS as the main reason for referral. Information about diagnostic investigations, final diagnosis, and treatment prescribed came from outpatient records. We included 214 children (mean age 12 years, range 2–17, 54% males) referred for EIS.ResultsThe final diagnosis was asthma in 115 (54%), extrathoracic dysfunctional breathing (DB) in 35 (16%), thoracic DB in 22 (10%), asthma plus DB in 23 (11%), insufficient fitness in 10 (5%), chronic cough in 6 (3%), and other diagnoses in 3 (1%). Final diagnosis differed from referral diagnosis in 115 (54%, 95%‐CI 46%–60%). Spirometry, body plethysmography, and exhaled nitric oxide were performed in almost all, exercise‐challenge tests in a third, and laryngoscopy in none. 91% of the children with a final diagnosis of asthma were prescribed inhaled medication and 50% of children with DB were referred to physiotherapy.ConclusionsDiagnosis given at the outpatient clinic often differed from the diagnosis proposed by the referring physician. Diagnostic evaluations, management, and follow‐up differed between clinics and diagnostic groups highlighting the need for evidence‐based diagnostic guidelines and harmonized procedures for children seen for EIS.