bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of Ionic Liquid Microemulsions: Ethylammonium Nitrate/TritonX-100/Cyclohexane
Authors: Liu Liping , Hao Jingcheng 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
In this study, ionic liquid (IL), specifically ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), was used instead of water to form nonaqueous microemulsions with cyclohexane and the nonionic surfactant Triton X-100 (TX-100). The phase behavior of the ternary system was investigated, and the microemulsions of ionic liquid-in-oil (IL/O) and oil-in-ionic liquid (O/IL) and the bicontinuous microregion were identified through traditional electrical conductivity measurement. The micropolarities of the IL/O microemulsions were determined via UV–Vis spectroscopy with methyl orange as an absorption probe. Results indicated that the polarity of the reverse micelles remained constant but that of the IL/O microemulsions increased when IL pools were formed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study the interaction mechanism between TX-100 and EAN molecules in IL/O microemulsions. We demonstrated that IL/O microemulsions may be promising for application due to the unique features of ILs and microemulsions.
Inhibition of Calcium Carbonate Scale Using an Environmental Friendly Scale Inhibitor
Authors: Wang Huchuan , Peng Chengjun , Jian Yujuan , Fang Chenchen , Wang Xianna , Li Xuewu , Li Chuanrun 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Calcium carbonate is considered as the most frequent scale commonly occurring in cooling water systems. To reduce calcium carbonate scale in an environment–friendly way, a copolymer consisting of acrylic acid (AA)-acrylamide (AM)-polypropylene glycol and maleic anhydride (PPGAZMA) was developed to inhibit this phenomenon. The structure of the AA-AM-PPGAZMA was characterized by FT-IR method. The performance of AA-AM-PPGAZMA inhibition process was evaluated from static experiment method. Results indicated that excellent ability to control inorganic minerals, with approximately 71.1% calcium carbonate inhibition under the optimum conditions. Also the effect of the copolymer addition on the crystals of calcium carbonate scales morphology was examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM illustrated that great changes in the size and morphology of the calcium carbonate scales took place under the influence of AA-AM-PPGAZMA. SEM and XRD results identify that not only the scales shape and size changed but also that the scales forms altered to an extent.
Hip extension strength measured using hand- held dynamometry in a rehabilitation setting
Authors: Cardin Grace , Bohannon Richard W. 
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe the reproducibility and validity of measurements of hip extension strength obtained by hand-held dynamometry from patients participating in inpatient rehabilitation. METHOD: Strength measurements were obtained bilaterally from 24 women and 42 men (33-92 years) patients on admission and again the following day. The patients' ability to independently stand from a 45 cm surface and to walk 30 meters was noted. RESULTS: The relative test-retest reproducibility of the measurements was supported by intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.703 to 0.835. However, absolute reliability as indicated by minimal detectable changes, was not so good. Known-groups validity was evinced by greater hip extension strength among those able to independently complete a sit-to-stand and to walk 30 meters. CONCLUSION: Hip extension strength measurements obtained as described herein in an inpatient rehabilitation setting demonstrate good relative reproducibility and known groups validity.
Factors Contributing to Perceived Walking Difficulties in People with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Kader Manzur , Ullén Susann , Iwarsson Susanne , Odin Per , Nilsson Maria H. 
Published: May 2017

Background: While walking difficulties are common in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD), little is known about factors that independently contribute to their perceived walking difficulties. Objective: To identify factors that independently contribute to perceived walking difficulties in people with PD. Methods: This study involved 243 (62% men) participants; their mean (min-max) age and PD duration were 70 (45–93) and 8 (1–43) years, respectively. A postal survey preceded a home visit that included observations, clinical tests, questions and questionnaires that were administered as a structured interview. Perceived walking difficulties (dependent variable) were assessed with the self-administered generic Walk-12 (Walk-12G, scored 0–42, higher = worse). Independent variables included personal (e.g., age and general self-efficacy) and social environmental factors (e.g., social support and living situation) as well as disease-related factors including motor (e.g., freezing of gait (FOG) and postural instability) and non-motor symptoms (e.g., fatigue and orthostatic hypotension). Linear multiple regression analysis was used to identify factors that independently contributed to perceived walking difficulties. Results: Eight significant independent variables explained 56.3% of the variance in perceived walking difficulties. FOG was the strongest significant contributing factor to perceived walking difficulties, followed by general self-efficacy, fatigue, PD duration, lower extremity function, orthostatic hypotension, bradykinesia and postural instability. Conclusion: Motor and non-motor symptoms as well as personal factors (i.e., general self-efficacy) seem to be of importance for perceived walking difficulties in PD. These findings might nurture future interventions that address modifiable factors in order to enhance walking ability in people with PD.
Motor cortex stimulation does not lead to functional recovery after experimental cortical injury in rats
Authors: Schönfeld Lisa-Maria , Jahanshahi Ali , Lemmens Evi , Bauwens Matthias , Hescham Sarah-Anna , Schipper Sandra , Lagiere Melanie , Hendrix Sven , Temel Yasin 
Published: May 2017

Background: Motor impairments are among the major complications that develop after cortical damage caused by either stroke or traumatic brain injury. Motor cortex stimulation (MCS) can improve motor functions in animal models of stroke by inducing neuroplasticity. Objective: In the current study, the therapeutic effect of chronic MCS was assessed in a rat model of severe cortical damage. Methods: A controlled cortical impact (CCI) was applied to the forelimb area of the motor cortex followed by implantation of a flat electrode covering the lesioned area. Forelimb function was assessed using the Montoya staircase test and the cylinder test before and after a period of chronic MCS. Furthermore, the effect of MCS on tissue metabolism and lesion size was measured using [18F]-fluorodesoxyglucose (FDG) μPET scanning. Results: CCI caused a considerable lesion at the level of the motor cortex and dorsal striatum together with a long-lasting behavioral phenotype of forelimb impairment. However, MCS applied to the CCI lesion did not lead to any improvement in limb functioning when compared to non-stimulated control rats. Also, MCS neither changed lesion size nor distribution of FDG. Conclusion: The use of MCS as a standalone treatment did not improve motor impairments in a rat model of severe cortical damage using our specific treatment modalities.
The effects of disease-related symptoms on daily function in Wolfram Syndrome
Authors: Doty Tasha , Foster Erin R. , Marshall Bess , Ranck Samantha , Hershey Tamara 
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE: To investigate daily function among individuals with Wolfram Syndrome (WFS) and examine whether any limitations are related to disease-related symptoms. METHODS: WFS ( n = 31), Type 1 diabetic (T1DM; n = 25), and healthy control (HC; n = 29) participants completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Questionnaire (PEDSQL) Self and Parent Report. PEDSQL domain scores were compared among these groups and between WFS patients with and without specific disease-related symptoms. Relationships between PEDSQL scores and symptom severity as assessed by the Wolfram Unified Rating Scale (WURS) Physical Scale were also examined. RESULTS: Across most domains, the WFS group had lower PEDSQL Self and Parent Report scores than the T1DM and HC groups. WFS participants with urinary, sleep, and temperature regulation problems had lower PEDSQL scores than those without. The WURS Physical Scale correlated with Self and Parent Report PEDSQL domains. WFS group Self and Parent Reports correlated with each other. CONCLUSIONS: The WFS group reported lower daily function compared to T1DM and HC groups. Within WFS, worse symptom severity and the specific symptoms of sleep, temperature regulation, and urinary problems were associated with poorer daily function. These findings provide rationale for an increased emphasis on identifying, treating and understanding these less well-known symptoms of WFS.
Optimization method of MRI scan parameters of a double inversion recovery sequence using a T1 map and a developed analysis algorithm
Authors: Hayashi Norio , Yarita Kazuma , Sakata Kozue , Motegi Shunichi , Nagase Hiroyuki , Ujita Kouichi , Ogura Akio , Ogura Toshihiro , Shimada Takehiro , Tsushima Yoshito 
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND: Optimizing scan parameters for double inversion recovery (DIR) sequences remains difficult. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a new method for optimizing DIR sequence scan parameters using T1 mapping and a newly developed analysis algorithm. METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers underwent T1 mapping and DIR magnetic resonance imaging. The following steps were used for image optimization including: 1) measurement of gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) T1 values to create a T1 map; 2) calculation of optimized scan parameters by using a developed analysis algorithm; 3) performance assessment of DIR magnetic resonance imaging by using the calculated optimized imaging parameters. Additionally, we used scan parameters from previous studies to obtain DIR images in order to evaluate our new method. The contrast between GM and suppressed tissues was compared between these images and those obtained using the optimized parameters. RESULTS: Using our optimization method, WM and CSF regions were suppressed uniformly for all scan conditions. The contrast was significantly higher in images obtained using this optimization method compared to those obtained using previously published parameters ( p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to obtain superior DIR images by using an optimization method that involves T1 mapping and a newly developed analysis algorithm.
MicroRNA expression profiling in endometriosis-associated infertility and its relationship with endometrial receptivity evaluated by ultrasound
Authors: Xu Xianfeng , Li Zhenzhou , Liu Jin , Yu Sha , Wei Zhaolian 
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the microRNA expression profiling in endometriosis-associate infertility, and relationship between the microRNA expression and endometrial receptivity evaluated by ultrasound. METHODS: First, miRNA expression profiling difference of ectopic endometrium between 8 endometriosis patients and 6 endometriosis-free patients were compared. Bioinformatics analyses detected 61 differentially expressed (DE) known miRNAs and 57 DE novel miRNAs. Next, other 24 patients were selected for checking the microRNAs in differential expression by RT-PCR. Among them, case and control groups include 14 endometriosis and 10 endometriosis-free infertility patients, respectively. Last, endometrial receptivity of other 20 endometriosis patients was evaluated by ultrasound. In this group of patients, 12 had high endometrial receptivity, in which infertility is caused by fallopian tube occlusion, and 8 had low endometrial receptivity. The study compared endometrial miRNAs expression between two groups, and also evaluated the relationship between the endometrial miRNAs expression and the endometrial receptivity. RESULTS: First, study indicated that “proteinaceous extracellular matrix,” “laminin binding” and “extracellular matrix binding” were enriched in 6 up-regulated miRNA targets, while “cell proliferation” was enriched in the 4 down-regulated miRNA targets. Second, 10 miRNAs in different expression (miR-1304- 3p, miR-544b, miR-3684, miR-494-5p, miR-4683, miR-6747-3p; miR-3935, miR-4427, miR-652-5p, miR-205-5p) were detected by RT-PCR, and the results showed statistically significant differences between 2 groups in all 10 miRNAs. Third, the expression levels of miR-1304-3p, miR-494-5p, and miR-4427 were different between the two groups with different endometrial receptivity. But for the miR-544b, there was no statistically significant difference between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study provided a comprehensive understanding to the current knowledge in the field of miRNAs in endometriosis and the relationship between them and the endometrial receptivity. miRNAs could be used as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic agents for this disease. The combination of ultrasound and miRNAs detection could be a better choice for the diagnosis of infertility in the future.
GPs’ confidence in caring for their patients on the autism spectrum: an online self-report study
Authors: Unigwe Silvana , Buckley Carole , Crane Laura , Kenny Lorcan , Remington Anna , Pellicano Elizabeth 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundIn the UK, GPs play a key role in the identification and management of children, young people, and adults on the autism spectrum, but there is a paucity of research on GPs’ perceptions of working with these patients.AimTo understand GPs’ perceived self-efficacy in identifying and managing their patients on the autism spectrum, and the factors affecting this.Design and settingAn online self-report survey was developed for completion by GPs across the UK.MethodA total of 304 GPs in the UK took part. The survey collected responses on participants’ background, training, and experience, both as a GP and with regard to autism, and included a 22-item knowledge of autism questionnaire, a 14-item self-efficacy scale targeting GPs’ perceived confidence in identifying and managing their autistic patients, and an open question eliciting participants’ experiences of working with autistic people.ResultsIn total, 39.5% (n = 120) of GP participants reported never having received formal training in autism. Despite demonstrating good knowledge of its key features, participants reported limited confidence in their abilities to identify and manage autistic patients, with many citing a number of barriers that overwhelmingly focused on perceived failings of the current healthcare system (such as a lack of clarity around referral pathways).ConclusionThere is an urgent need for improved local specialist service provision alongside clearer referral pathways for diagnosis to improve both GPs’ confidence in caring for their autistic patients and the healthcare experiences of autistic patients and their families. Local clinical commissioning groups are best served to assist GPs in ensuring that they can reliably detect the condition and make appropriate provisions for support.
Lung cancer in symptomatic patients presenting in primary care: a systematic review of risk prediction tools
Authors: Schmidt-Hansen Mia , Berendse Sabine , Hamilton Willie , Baldwin David R 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Around 70% of patients first presenting to specialist care have advanced disease, at which point current treatments have little effect on survival. The issue for primary care is how to recognise patients earlier and investigate appropriately. This requires an assessment of the risk of lung cancer.AimThe aim of this study was to systematically review the existing risk prediction tools for patients presenting in primary care with symptoms that may indicate lung cancerDesign and settingSystematic review of primary care data.MethodMedline, PreMedline, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and ISI Proceedings (1980 to March 2016) were searched. The final list of included studies was agreed between two of the authors, who also appraised and summarised them.ResultsSeven studies with between 1482 and 2 406 127 patients were included. The tools were all based on UK primary care data, but differed in complexity of development, number/type of variables examined/included, and outcome time frame. There were four multivariable tools with internal validation area under the curves between 0.88 and 0.92. The tools all had a number of limitations, and none have been externally validated, or had their clinical and cost impact examined.ConclusionThere is insufficient evidence for the recommendation of any one of the available risk prediction tools. However, some multivariable tools showed promising discrimination. What is needed to guide clinical practice is both external validation of the existing tools and a comparative study, so that the best tools can be incorporated into clinical decision tools used in primary care.
Identification of Near-infrared [Se iii] and [Kr vi] Emission Lines in Planetary Nebulae∗
Authors: Sterling N. C. , Madonna S. , Butler K. , García-Rojas J. , Mashburn A. L. , Morisset C. , Luridiana V. , Roederer I. U. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
We identify [Se iii] 1.0994 μm in the planetary nebula (PN) NGC 5315 and [Kr vi] 1.2330 μm in three PNe from spectra obtained with the Folded-Port InfraRed Echellette (FIRE) spectrometer on the 6.5 m Baade Telescope. Se and Kr are the two most widely detected neutron-capture elements in astrophysical nebulae, and can be enriched by s-process nucleosynthesis in PN progenitor stars. The detection of [Se iii] 1.0994 μm is particularly valuable when paired with observations of [Se iv] 2.2864 μm, as it can be used to improve the accuracy of nebular Se abundance determinations, and allows Se ionization correction factor (ICF) schemes to be empirically tested for the first time. We present new effective collision strength calculations for Se2+ and Kr5+, which we use to compute ionic abundances. In NGC 5315, we find that the Se abundance computed from Se3+/H+ is lower than that determined with ICFs that incorporate Se2+/H+. We compute new Kr ICFs that take Kr5+/H+ into account, by fitting correlations found in grids of Cloudy models between Kr ionic fractions and those of more abundant elements, and use these to derive Kr abundances in four PNe. Observations of [Se iii] and [Kr vi] in a larger sample of PNe, with a range of excitation levels, are needed to rigorously test the ICF prescriptions for Se and our new Kr ICFs.
New species records of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) for the state of Rondônia in Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Carvalho Luis Paulo , Farias Emanuelle , Gil Luiz Herman , Pessoa Felipe , Medeiros Jansen 
Published: May 2017

Culicoides biting midges are small insects that are proven vectors of pathogens that cause disease in animals and humans. There are 1,368 species of Culicoides in the world, including 149 species in Brazil and 122 species in the Brazilian Amazon Basin. This study documents specimens that were collected between 2013 and 2015 in the municipalities of Alvorada d’Oeste, Buritis, Cacoal, Costa Marques, Espigão d’Oeste, Guajará-Mirim, Pimenta Bueno, Porto Velho and São Francisco Guaporé. Collections were performed using HP light traps in forest, pasture and peridomicilie environments.
Species newly recorded in Rondônia State include Culicoides carpenteri Wirth & Blanton, 1953; C. dasyophrus Macfie, 1940; C. eublepharus Macfie, 1948; C. galindoi Wirth & Blanton, 1953; C. heliconiae Fox & Hoffman, 1944; and C. ignacioi Forattini, 1957. This is the first record in Brazil of C. darlingtonae Wirth & Blanton, 1971.
A Defence of the Essay of Human Understanding (1702) par Catharine Trotter, ou comment la théorie lockienne de l’identité personnelle sied aux femmes
Authors: Parageau Sandrine 
Published: May 2017

À partir d’une analyse de la défense de l’Essai sur l’entendement humain de Locke publiée de manière anonyme par Catharine Trotter en 1702, l’article s’attache à évaluer le rôle de la théorie lockienne de l’identité personnelle dans la légitimation de la participation des femmes aux débats philosophiques. L’hypothèse examinée ici est la suivante : la définition de l’identité personnelle par la conscience, et non plus par la relation entre l’âme et le corps, a-t-elle pu être interprétée par les femmes de l’époque moderne comme un encouragement à philosopher ? Plus généralement, la philosophie de Locke a-t-elle été perçue comme favorable à l’activité intellectuelle des femmes dans un contexte patriarcal ? Afin d’apporter des éléments de réponse à ces questions, l’article propose également une comparaison de quelques aspects de la philosophie de Locke et de celle de Descartes.
Éditorial
Authors: Giblin Béatrice 
Published: May 2017

Jamais les menaces sur l’Union européenne (UE) n’ont été aussi nombreuses. Depuis 2005, année de la non-ratification de la « Constitution » de l’UE par les Français, les Irlandais et les Néerlandais, la méfiance envers l’UE n’a fait que croître. Le Brexit en a été le signe le plus évident : jamais le scénario de la sortie d’un État membre n’avait été sérieusement envisagé. Deux facteurs majeurs alimentent la méfiance envers l’UE : une situation économique atone depuis la crise de 2008, contrecoup de la crise américaine des subprimes qui a provoqué en Europe une récession brutale aux conséquences désastreuses pour les pays économiquement les plus fragiles – et rendue encore plus difficilement supportable par la rigueur économique imposée principalement par l’Allemagne ; un sentiment d’insécurité né d’une crise des migrants et réfugiés à l’ampleur imprévue et qu’ont encore aggravé les attentats terroristes, la liberté de circulation dans l’espace Schengen apparaissant comme un risque supplémentaire. Le projet audacieux de l’UE ne fait plus rêver mais inquiète.
La stratégie d’influence informationnelle et numérique de la Russie en Europe
Authors: Audinet Maxime , Limonier Kévin 
Published: May 2017

Le présent article s’intéresse à la stratégie informationnelle et numérique mise en place par la Russie à l’égard de l’Europe. Il étudie son contenu, ses instruments, ses infrastructures et ses techniques. Cette stratégie se divise en deux catégories complémentaires. D’une part, la diplomatie publique médiatique déployée par le gouvernement est représentée par deux réseaux multimédias internationaux, RT et Sputnik. Mobilisant anciens et nouveaux médias, ces organismes se conçoivent comme des sources « alternatives » visant à influencer les populations européennes à partir d’un discours souverainiste, illibéral et anti-atlantiste favorable aux intérêts de Moscou. D’autre part, la Russie s’appuie désormais fortement sur les réseaux numériques pour peser dans les jeux politiques européens. À l’heure où les États-Unis s’interrogent sur le rôle joué par Moscou dans l’élection présidentielle de 2016, il sera ici question des instruments économiques, politiques et techniques que la Russie possède pour exercer en Europe une véritable « cyberinfluence ».
La dérégulation bancaire et financière et ses conséquences, ou les contradictions de l’héritage reaganien en matière économique
Authors: Péréon Yves-Marie 
Published: May 2017

Pilier de la « Reaganomics », la dérégulation illustre la volonté de rupture avec une tradition remontant au New Deal. S’inscrivant dans la puissante rhétorique reaganienne du « moins d’État », elle a inspiré les politiques publiques mises en œuvre par les successeurs immédiats du 40 e président. Mais la crise financière de 2007-2008, causée en partie par l’absence de surveillance des acteurs du marché, a contraint l’État fédéral à intervenir massivement pour éviter une crise systémique. Les leaders du GOP ont combattu le Dodd Frank Act de 2010, qui paraissait renouer avec la tradition rooseveltienne. Ils continuent à proclamer leur fidélité inconditionnelle à la politique de dérégulation, tout en dénonçant le coût des plans de sauvetage mis en œuvre par l’État-Léviathan de Washington.