bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caloric testing in patients with heavy or light cupula of the lateral semicircular canal
Authors: Ichijo Hiroaki 
Published: November 2016

ObjectiveTo clarify whether the dysfunction of the lateral semicircular canal remain or not in patients with heavy or light cupula.Study DesignProspective case series.MethodsThe subjects were 19 patients with heavy cupula (3 males, 16 females; mean age, 62.8 years) and 14 patients with light cupula (5 males, 9 females; mean age, 63 years). Caloric testing (iced water) was carried out after complete disappearance of positional nystagmus. We measured maximum slow‐phase velocity and calculated asymmetry.ResultsIn heavy cupula group, no one revealed canal paresis (CP) and 4 patients (21%) showed inverse CP (affected ear response is greater than healthy ear response). In light cupula group, 3 patients (21%) revealed CP.ConclusionsDysfunction of the lateral semicircular canal does not always remain in either heavy cupula or light cupula. The caloric response increases in some cases with heavy cupula. We can explain this phenomenon based on the hydrostatic pressure theory involved in ossicles.Level of Evidence4.
Development of a voice disorder work productivity inventory utilizing cognitive interviewing technique
Authors: Giliberto John Paul , Zhu Qiubei , Meyer Tanya K. 
Published: November 2016

Objectives/HypothesisVoice disorders have been shown to impair workplace productivity primarily by reduced efficiency while at work (presenteeism) versus increased days missed (absenteeism). Work productivity measures such as the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) Questionnaire or the World Health Organization Health ‐ Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) can be customized to a specific disease but do not fully capture impaired work productivity associated with voice disorders. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel questionnaire to evaluate work productivity in patients with voice disorders.Study DesignDescriptiveMethodsAt a tertiary medical center, patients with gainful employment and with chronic voice disorders were given the WPAI, HPQ, and 20 voice‐related statements (VRS‐20). Cognitive interviews were conducted and recorded with all patients.ResultsTen patients (7 females, 3 males) completed the questionnaires and subsequent cognitive interviews. One patient had spasmodic dysphonia, 6 had benign vocal fold lesions, and 3 had vocal fold motion disorders. The median VHI‐10 was 18 (9‐40). Themes that emerged during interviews include: avoiding oral communication/telephone, use of voice associated with strain/fatigue, frustration and stress at work, and workplace integrity. Conclusions: In cognitive interviews, participants felt the VRS‐20 captured the impact of their voice disorder at work better than the WPAI and HPQ. Participants also felt some statements were more important than others.Level of Evidence5.
Eosinophilic fasciitis with subjacent myositis
Authors: Whitlock Julia B. , Dimberg Elliot L. , Selcen Duygu , Rubin Devon I. 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionEosinophilic fasciitis (EF) is a rare disorder that can present with muscle symptoms that mimic other neuromuscular diseases.MethodsWe report the case of a 43‐year‐old woman with chronic muscle aches, tightness, and stiffness with hypertrophied, well‐defined muscles despite physical inactivity, and thickened skin with reduced elasticity and discoloration.ResultsExcept for mild peripheral eosinophilia, laboratory studies, including blood count, electrolytes, paraneoplastic panel, muscle enzymes, thyroid function, and serum protein electrophoresis, were normal. Nerve conduction studies and needle electromyography were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging of the thighs demonstrated superficial and deep fascial thickening with T2 hyperintensity and post‐gadolinium enhancement. Fascial and muscle biopsy demonstrated an inflammatory exudate in the perimysium and endomysium with fragmented perimysial connective tissue and thickened, inflamed fascia. EF was diagnosed. The patient was treated with methotrexate and prednisone followed by improvement of muscle stiffness and tightness.ConclusionEF should be considered when patients present with muscle pain or enlarged muscles. Muscle Nerve 56: 525–529, 2017
Visceral leishmaniasis in two patients with IL‐12p40 and IL‐12Rβ1 deficiencies
Authors: Parvaneh Nima , Barlogis Vincent , Alborzi Abdolvahab , Deswarte Caroline , Boisson‐Dupuis Stéphanie , Migaud Mélanie , Farnaria Catherine , Markle Janet , Parvaneh Leila , Casanova Jean‐Laurent , Bustamante Jacinta 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMutations of the IL12B and IL12RB1 genes underlie the development of IL‐12 p40 and IL‐12Rβ1 deficiencies, respectively, both of which cause predisposition to infection with weakly virulent mycobacteria and Salmonella. Infections with other intramacrophagic organisms have only been rarely observed. We identified two patients with visceral leishmaniasis who had autosomal recessive IL‐12 p40 and IL‐12Rβ1 deficiencies, respectively. This finding demonstrates the importance of IFN‐γ immunity in the control of leishmaniasis. We also searched the literature for similar reports in patients with these and other primary immunodeficiencies.
Synthesis and characterization of ferrocene containing block copolymers
Authors: Chernyy Sergey , Wang Zhongli , Kirkensgaard Jacob Judas Kain , Bakke Anders , Mortensen Kell , Ndoni Sokol , Almdal Kristoffer 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTNarrowly dispersed diblock copolymers containing poly(methyl methacrylate) [PMMA] or poly(nonafluorohexyl methacrylate) [PF9MA] as the first block and poly(ferrocenylmethyl methacrylate) [PFMMA] as the second block, were prepared by anionic polymerization for the first time. Disordered bulk morphologies in the case of PMMA‐b‐PFMMA were observed and explained in terms of low Flory–Huggins interaction parameter (χ ≤ 0.04). In the case of PF9MA‐b‐PFMMA hexagonally packed cylinder morphology (HEX) was substantiated from TEM and SAXS observations. Furthermore, high incompatibility between PF9MA and PFMMA blocks allowed for the formation of well‐ordered ferrocene containing cylinders on silica substrate upon exposure of the thin films to a saturated solvent vapor. It was shown that the cylinder orientation, parallel or perpendicular to the surface, could easily be controlled by appropriate choice of the solvent and without the need for preliminary surface modification, for example by means of grafted brush layer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 495–503
Dimensional instabilities of polyester and polyolefin films as origin of delamination in laminated multilayer
Authors: Dubelley Florence , Planes Emilie , Bas Corine , Pons Emmanuelle , Yrieix Bernard , Flandin Lionel 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTPolymer–metal multilayer films provide attractive barrier properties to air and water, provided by several films bonded together. Used in high temperature and humidity, the delamination is the most common degradation mechanism. This mode of failure is critical because it leads to premature loss of barrier properties. Therefore, delaminations limit the use of multilayer in these conditions. Delamination should result from interfacial shear stress, and plausibly from difference of shrinkage of the films, due to relaxation of internal stress. A method was developed for measuring the deformations of each individual film. The measurements indicate that the shrinkage is anisotropic and controls the decohesion in the multilayer. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2017, 55, 309–319
On the Mechanism of Efficiency of Lead Azide
Authors: Khasainov Boris , Comet Marc , Veyssiere Bernard , Spitzer Denis 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe mechanism of superior efficiency of lead azide (LA) in comparison with mercury fulminate (MF) is not understood. Indeed, both primary explosives have quite close detonation velocities and result in a large amount of condensed lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg), respectively. We explore an idea that the high efficiency of LA is due to the fact that the boiling point of lead markedly exceeds that of Hg. Then the products of LA in the detonation reaction zone could contain liquid Pb droplets, while MF products are gaseous. These lead droplets could violently impact the acceptor charge and favor its initiation. The plate dent studies of high explosives (HE) heavily loaded by metal particles provide an indirect support to the proposed mechanism. To check this hypothesis we numerically studied the donor/acceptor problem, where the donor is made of HE loaded with the inert metal particles. Pressure, velocity, and temperature relaxations of particles are taken into account. The model agrees with the experimental effect of metal addition on HE performance. However, the calculations show that the effect of particle penetration into the acceptor is late and weak in comparison with the effect of primary shock induced in the acceptor. Thus, the above hypothesis could not guide the development of green substitutes of LA. Hybrid mixtures of a nanothermite with a high explosive seem to be more promising for this purpose. A simple explanation is proposed for the superior triggering capacity of LA.
Titania–silica mixed oxides investigated with density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Seriani Nicola , Pinilla Carlos , Scandolo Sandro 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMixed phases of titania and silica have raised interest for their high activity as photocatalysts and for their optical properties, such as a high refractive index. To rationalize their properties, it is necessary to understand their atomic structure in crystalline and amorphous phases. We have investigated Ti–Si mixed oxide phases by density functional theory and molecular dynamics. A polarizable potential has been developed for and has been employed to sample the configuration space. Mixed phases are metastable with respect to separate and , but they are only slightly higher in energy, and therefore might form under technologically relevant conditions. All Ti–Si mixed oxides considered, regardless of cation coordination, display peaks in IR and Raman spectra in the region of frequencies 880–950, while Ti‐only phases do not, even if titanium is in a tetrahedral coordination. Our calculations thus confirm that these peaks are a signature of Ti–O–Si links, but they do not deliver information on the actual atomic structure of the material. Phases with titanium in a tetrahedral coordination display a higher electronic band gap than phases with titanium in octahedral coordination. This should have important consequences for the photocatalytic activity of mixed oxides of titania and silica.
Thermal conductivity measurement with a free floating molecule detector
Authors: Plöchinger Heinz 
Published: November 2016

Abstract“Zero‐pressure” elimination with Pirani principle for vacuum measurement and increase of the measurement range limit of thermal gas‐sensors and flow sensorsMeasurement of pressure in the medium vacuum range has been done via thermal conductivity. The literature on the Pirani principle has defined a lower range limit — the so‐called “zero pressure” until now [1]. The minimum power needed to hold a sensor up to operating temperature exceeds the useful signal, due to the conductivity of the sensor mounting and the resulting heat loss through the suspension.The author was able to eliminate the “zero pressure”, thereby expanding the measurement range of Pirani sensors significantly downwards.Measurement results confirmed an extension of the measurement range of two decades downwards with the coiled Pirani.Also with other sensors that use thermal conductivity and heatentrainment effects, e.g. gas sensors and sensors for flow measurement, the new principle can be applied and thus lower the lower range limit.
Helmut Landsberg and the evolution of 20th century American climatology: envisioning a climatological renaissance
Authors: Henderson Gabriel D. 
Published: November 2016

After World War II, German‐American climatologist Helmut Landsberg sought to realize his war‐time vision for an American ‘climatological renaissance.’ Given the dramatic degradation of European science during the war, he believed that the United States offered the best hope to strengthen and reformulate what he considered to be the stale tradition of conceiving climatology as a geographical discipline. Inhabiting high‐level positions within the American geophysical establishment after the war, his primary goal was to develop the tools and resources to analyze and interpret the overwhelming amounts of data that had been amassed over the centuries while, simultaneously, making climatology relevant to American life. However, there were limits. As someone who had invested his professional life in making climatology a useful discipline, Landsberg grew increasingly concerned that public debates about climate threatened his vision for a climatological renaissance. During the last two decades of his life, he became fixated on maintaining his ideal that climatology was not a glamorous discipline, and objected vehemently to those who sought to counter what he considered to be its true character. WIREs Clim Change 2017, 8:e442. doi: 10.1002/wcc.442This article is categorized under:

Climate, History, Society, Culture > Thought Leaders
Pectinase production by Aspergillus giganteus in solid-state fermentation: optimization, scale-up, biochemical characterization and its application in olive-oil extraction
Authors: Ortiz Gastón E , Ponce-Mora María C , Noseda Diego G , Cazabat Gabriela , Saravalli Celina , López María C , Gil Guillermo P , Blasco Martín , Albertó Edgardo O 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The application of pectinases in industrial olive-oil processes is restricted by its production cost. Consequently, new fungal strains able to produce higher pectinase titers are required. The aim of this work was to study the capability of Aspergillus giganteus NRRL10 to produce pectinolytic enzymes by SSF and evaluate the application of these in olive-oil extraction. A. giganteus was selected among 12 strains on the basis of high pectinolytic activity and stability. A mixture composed by wheat bran, orange, and lemon peels was selected as the best substrate for enzyme production. Statistical analyses of the experimental design indicated that pH, temperature, and CaCl2 are the main factors that affect the production. Subsequently, different aeration flows were tested in a tray reactor; the highest activity was achieved at 20 L min−1 per kilogram of dry substrate (kgds). Finally, the pectinolytic enzymes from A. giganteus improved the oil yield and rheological characteristics without affecting oil chemical properties.
Local lithological drivers of post‐fire vegetation recovery and implications for fire‐prone regions
Authors: Torres João , Marques Joana , Alves Paulo , Costa Hermenegildo , Honrado João 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLocal ecosystem resilience to fire disturbance can be influenced by multiple factors, from topography and climate, to fire history and pre‐fire structure of biotic communities. Here we investigated the factors affecting post‐fire recovery of scrub vegetation in areas under Mediterranean climate affected by frequent fires. We hypothesized that, under comparable climatic and topographic conditions, geological factors (with bedrock type as a proxy) would be at least as important as fire history in explaining patterns of post‐fire recovery. We surveyed scrub vegetation in a mountain study area in Portugal, using a stratified random sampling scheme, with fire frequency, time since last fire, and bedrock type (granite vs. schist) as stratifying layers. Based on vegetation and plant community data from 40 plots, we analyzed total species richness and composition, and the relative abundance of functional groups defined on the basis of general (non fire‐specific) life‐history traits. We found that, at a local scale, lithology can override fire history in determining post‐fire recovery. Vegetation plots on granite exhibited a considerable development of tall scrubs and higher values of total species richness. They also hosted higher numbers of animal‐dispersed woody species, of trees and tall scrubs, of woody deciduous species, and of forest, edge and tall scrub species. Differences in the post‐fire development of scrub vegetation and in the functional profile of plant communities highlight the need to consider local geological diversity when establishing priorities for post‐fire active restoration under scenarios of limited resources.
Novel Phospholium‐Type Cationic Surfactants: Synthesis, Aggregation Properties and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Lukáč Miloš , Devínsky Ferdinand , Pisárčik Martin , Papapetropoulou Aspasia , Bukovský Marián , Horváth Branislav 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA series of novel phospholium amphiphilic compounds with straight alkyl chains with different numbers of carbon atoms (12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) were synthesized. The quaternary phosphorus, phosphonium cation, is incorporated into a five‐membered heterocyclic ring. Their physicochemical properties were investigated by measurements of surface tension, conductivity and dynamic light scattering. The critical micelle concentration (cM), the surface tension value at the cM (γcmc), the surface area at the surface saturation per head group (Acmc), the ionization degree of micelle (α), the free energy of micellization (ΔG°mic), and hydrodynamic diameter (dh) were determined. Antimicrobial activity was tested against bacteria and yeast. The structure–activity relationship was determined.
Prevalence of Extracranial venous Narrowing on Magnetic Resonance Venography is Similar in People with Multiple Sclerosis, Their Siblings, and Unrelated Healthy Controls: A Blinded, Case-Control Study
Authors: Martin Nancy , Traboulsee Anthony L. , Machan Lindsay , Klass Darren , Ellchuk Tasha , Zhao Yinshan , Knox Katherine B. , Kopriva David , Lala Shantilal , Nickel Darren , Otani Robert , Perera Warren R. , Rauscher Alexander , Sadovnick A. Dessa , Szkup Peter , Li David K. 
Published: November 2016

Purpose The study sought to assess and compare the prevalence of narrowing of the major extracranial veins in subjects with multiple sclerosis and controls, and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of magnetic resonance venography (MRV) for describing extracranial venous narrowing as it applies to the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency theory, using catheter venography (CV) as the gold standard. Methods The jugular and azygos veins were assessed with time-of-flight MRV in this assessor-blinded, case-control study of subjects with multiple sclerosis, their unaffected siblings, and unrelated controls. The veins were evaluated by diameter and area, and compared with CV. Collateral vessels were also analyzed for maximal diameter, as a potential indicator of compensatory flow. Results A high prevalence of extracranial venous narrowing was demonstrated in all study groups, collectively up to 84% by diameter criteria and 90% by area, with no significant difference between the groups when assessed independently ( P = .34 and .63, respectively). There was high interobserver variability in the reporting of vessel narrowing (kappa = 0.32), and poor vessel per vessel correlation between narrowing on MRV and CV (kappa = 0.064). Collateral neck veins demonstrated no convincing difference in maximum size or correlation with jugular narrowing. Conclusion There is a high prevalence of narrowing of the major extracranial veins on MRV in all 3 study groups, with no significant difference between them. These findings do not support the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency theory. Although MRV has shown a high sensitivity for identifying venous narrowing, time-of-flight imaging demonstrates poor interobserver agreement and poor specificity when compared with the gold standard CV.
The forgotten Calonectria collection: Pouring old wine into new bags
Authors: Lombard L. , Wingfield M.J. , Alfenas A.C. , Crous P.W. 
Published: November 2016

The genus Calonectria with its Cylindrocladium asexual morphs has been subject to several taxonomic revisions in the past. These have resulted in the recognition of 116 species, of which all but two species (C. hederae and C. pyrochroa) are supported
by ex-type cultures and supplemented with DNA barcodes. The present study is based on a large collection of unidentified Calonectria isolates that have been collected over a period of 20 years from various substrates worldwide, which has remained unstudied in the basement of the CBS-KNAW
Fungal Biodiversity Centre. Employing a polyphasic approach, the identities of these isolates were resolved and shown to represent many new phylogenetic species. Of these, 24 are newly described, while C. uniseptata is reinstated at species level. We now recognise 141 species that
include some of the most important plant pathogens globally.
The efficiency analysis of high-altitude propeller based on vortex lattice lifting line theory
Authors: Zheng Xue-ke , Wang Xiao-liang , Cheng Zhen-jin , Han Ding 
Published: November 2016

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we proposed a simple approach to analyse the efficiency and propulsive characteristics of the high-altitude propeller in accordance to the Vortex Lattice Lifting line Method (VLM) theory, which is commonly used in preliminary design and parametric studies of propeller propulsion. The Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) method was used to obtain aerofoil aerodynamic data. The optimal pitch angle and propeller blade chord length (along the radial direction) can be calculated using the information from the database. The propeller wake model sees helical slipstreams applied to both lightly and moderately loaded propellers. The proposed method is capable of identifying the optimal efficiency through varying the number of propeller blades, radius and the rotational speed. The relationship between the optimal efficiency and design parameters is then established. This method was verified using CFD calculations.
FOLK ATTRIBUTIONS OF UNDERSTANDING: IS THERE A ROLE FOR EPISTEMIC LUCK?
Authors: Wilkenfeld Daniel A. , Plunkett Dillon , Lombrozo Tania 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAs a strategy for exploring the relationship between understanding and knowledge, we consider whether epistemic luck – which is typically thought to undermine knowledge – undermines understanding. Questions about the etiology of understanding have also been at the heart of recent theoretical debates within epistemology. Kvanvig (2003) put forward the argument that there could be lucky understanding and produced an example that he deemed persuasive. Grimm (2006) responded with a case that, he argued, demonstrated that there could not be lucky understanding. In this paper, we empirically examine how participants' patterns of understanding attributions line up with the predictions of Kvanvig and Grimm. We argue that the data challenge Kvanvig's position. People do not differentiate between knowing-why and understanding-why on the basis of proper etiology: attributions of knowledge and understanding involve comparable (and minimal) roles for epistemic luck. We thus posit that folk knowledge and understanding are etiologically symmetrical.