bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of the burner for FAA fire test: NexGen burner
Authors: Kao Yi‐Huan , Tambe Samir B. , Ochs Robert , Summer Steve , Jeng San‐Mou 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe NexGen (Sonic) burner is the new burner developed by the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, to replace old oil burners used for the required fire certification tests on power plant‐related materials, as it provides the capability to control both air and fuel flow rates. During a fire test, the burner is supposed to simulate a certain fire condition, so the flame properties should be robust and repeatable. The NexGen burner can achieve this due to the precise fuel and air controls. However, the current calibration criterion (ISO2685:1998 and AC20‐135) may not be good enough to ensure consistent flame properties. In the presented work, the sensitivity of the burner performance to air and fuel flow rate, as measured by the temperature and heat flux for calibration purposes, was studied. Additionally, the influence of the turbulator and the thermocouple size used for flame calibration was also studied. The impact of varying fuel/air ratio and thermocouple sizes was studied by conducting fire tests on aluminum samples, to show the inadequacies in the current calibration standards.
Interlaboratory evaluation of methods to quantify skin sensitizing hydroperoxides potentially formed from linalool and limonene in perfumes
Authors: Natsch Andreas , Günthardt Barbara F. , Corbi Elise , Pérès Christophe , Düsterloh André , Leijs Hans , van Strien Michel , Nilsson Ulrika , Calandra Michael J. , Wang Ying 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe fragrant terpenes limonene and linalool can form skin sensitizing hydroperoxides upon prolonged exposure to air. Recently, high frequencies of positive patch tests to oxidized linalool and limonene were reported from multiple dermatological centres. However, there is a lack of data indicating potential sources of consumer exposure to sensitizing doses of terpene hydroperoxides which explains this frequent contact allergy. Within the IDEA project (International Dialogue for the Evaluation of Allergens; http://ideaproject.info/), a taskforce was formed to drive analytical method development and evaluation. In an inter‐laboratory study in five laboratories, a method based on hydroperoxide reduction combined with GC–MS was tested for reproducibility. Blinded samples of commercial fine fragrances were spiked with four different hydroperoxides. In samples spiked with 100–200 μg/ml, an average recovery of 86–105% with a relative standard deviation between laboratories of 7.4–22% was found. In samples spiked with 20–50 μg/ml, the recovery was 85–91%. The reduction approach offers a transferable and reproducible method to indirectly detect low levels of hydroperoxides, at least in fine fragrances. Ideally, one would prefer to directly detect the parent hydroperoxide. Therefore the same samples were further tested with three LC‐based methods directly detecting the parent hydroperoxide. LC coupled to chemiluminescence, LC‐Q‐TOF‐MS or LC‐orbitrap‐MS were used. Results indicate that with specific gradients a separation of the four analytes and quantification in the fragrance matrix can be achieved. Results of this method evaluation study present a toolbox of methods to detect terpene hydroperoxides to further investigate consumer exposure.
Exploring the predictive power of interaction terms in a sophisticated risk equalization model using regression trees
Authors: van Veen S. H. C. M. , van Kleef R. C. , van de Ven W. P. M. M. , van Vliet R. C. J. A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study explores the predictive power of interaction terms between the risk adjusters in the Dutch risk equalization (RE) model of 2014. Due to the sophistication of this RE‐model and the complexity of the associations in the dataset (N = ~16.7 million), there are theoretically more than a million interaction terms. We used regression tree modelling, which has been applied rarely within the field of RE, to identify interaction terms that statistically significantly explain variation in observed expenses that is not already explained by the risk adjusters in this RE‐model. The interaction terms identified were used as additional risk adjusters in the RE‐model. We found evidence that interaction terms can improve the prediction of expenses overall and for specific groups in the population. However, the prediction of expenses for some other selective groups may deteriorate. Thus, interactions can reduce financial incentives for risk selection for some groups but may increase them for others. Furthermore, because regression trees are not robust, additional criteria are needed to decide which interaction terms should be used in practice. These criteria could be the right incentive structure for risk selection and efficiency or the opinion of medical experts.
Snow process monitoring in montane forests with time‐lapse photography
Authors: Dong Chunyu , Menzel Lucas 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA camera network with hourly resolution was used to monitor the complex snow processes in montane forest environments. We developed a semi‐automatic procedure to interpret snow depths from the digital images, which exhibited high consistency with manual measurements and station‐based recordings. To extract snow interception dynamics, six binary classification methods were compared. The MaxEntropy classifier demonstrated better performance than the other methods under conditions of varying illumination and was therefore selected as the method used for quantifying snow in tree canopies. Snow accumulation and ablation on the ground, as well as snow loading and unloading in the forest canopies, were investigated using snow parameters derived from the time‐lapse photography monitoring. The influences of meteorologic conditions, forest cover, and elevation on the snow processes were also considered. Time‐lapse photography proved to be an effective and low‐cost approach for collecting useful information on snow processes and facilitating the set‐up of hydrological models.
How Farmers Deal with Water Scarcity in Community‐Managed Irrigation SYSTEMS: A Case Study in Northern Tunisia
Authors: Ferchichi Intissar , Marlet Serge , Zairi Abdelaziz 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOperating irrigation systems when water supplies are insecure is a critical challenge for both farmers and managers. The aim of this paper is to analyse how farmers adapt to water scarcity and to investigate to what extent individual farmers' practices affected the management of a community‐managed irrigation system in an area with perennial citrus orchards in northern Tunisia. Results revealed a wide range of farmers' strategies and practices aimed at maximizing their access to surface water and groundwater according to their ability. But this resulted in increasing inequity, because the biggest farmers managed to access groundwater or practised drip irrigation, while the vulnerability of small farmers increased. In this context the introduction of drip irrigation has not led to water saving. These findings should encourage the adoption of fair collective rules that account for water scarcity and farmers' diversity. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
miR‐31 Regulates Spermatogonial Stem Cells Meiosis via Targeting Stra8
Authors: Wang Yingjie , Zuo Qisheng , Bi Yulin , Zhang Wenhui , Jin Jing , Zhang Liangliang , Zhang Ya‐ni , Li Bichun 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTStra8 (stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8) is a specific gene that is expressed in mammalian germ cells during transition from mitosis to meiosis and plays a key role in the initiation of meiosis in mammals and birds. So, the evaluation of the Stra8 pathway in cSSCs may provide a deeper insight into mammalian spermatogenesis. miRNA was also an important regulating factor for meiosis of SSCs. However, there is currently no data indicating that miRNA regulate the meiosis of SSCs via Stra8. Here, we predicted the prospective miRNA targeting to Stra8 using the online Bioinformatics database‐Targetscan, and performed an analysis of the dual‐luciferase recombinant vector, pGL3‐CMV‐LUC‐MCS‐Stra8‐3′UTR. miR‐31 mimics (miR‐31m), miR‐31 inhibitors (miR‐31i), Control (NC, scrambled oligonucleotides transfection) were transfected into cSSCs; Stra8 and miRNA were analyzed by RT‐qPCR, immunofluorescence, and Western blot. The detection of haploid was conducted by flow cytometry. The results showed that miR‐31 regulates meiosis of cSSCs via targeting Stra8 in vitro and in vivo. Our study identifies a new regulatory pathway that miR‐31 targets Stra8 and inhibits spermatogenesis. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4844–4853, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Conserved Role for VEGF Signaling in Specification of Homologous Mesenchymal Cell Types Positioned at Spatially Distinct Developmental Addresses in Early Development of Sea Urchins
Authors: Erkenbrack Eric M. , Petsios Elizabeth 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTComparative studies of early development in echinoderms are revealing the tempo and mode of alterations to developmental gene regulatory networks and to the cell types they specify. In euechinoid sea urchins, skeletogenic mesenchyme (SM) ingresses prior to gastrulation at the vegetal pole and aligns into a ring‐like array with two bilateral pockets of cells, the sites where spiculogenesis will later occur. In cidaroid sea urchins, the anciently diverged sister clade to euechinoid sea urchins, a homologous SM cell type ingresses later in development, after gastrulation has commenced, and consequently at a distinct developmental address. Thus, a heterochronic shift of ingression of the SM cell type occurred in one of the echinoid lineages. In euechinoids, specification and migration of SM are facilitated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling. We describe spatiotemporal expression of vegf and vegfr and experimental manipulations targeting VEGF signaling in the cidaroid Eucidaris tribuloides. Spatially, vegf and vegfr mRNA localizes similarly as in euechinoids, suggesting conserved deployment in echinoids despite their spatially distinct development addresses of ingression. Inhibition of VEGF signaling in E. tribuloides suggests its role in SM specification is conserved in echinoids. Temporal discrepancies between the onset of vegf expression and SM ingression likely result in previous observations of SM “random wandering” behavior. Our results indicate that, although the SM cell type in echinoids ingresses into distinct developmental landscapes, it retains a signaling mechanism that restricts their spatial localization to a conserved developmental address where spiculogenesis later occurs.
Key diagnostic features of fever of unknown origin: Medical history and physical findings
Authors: Takeda Rinne , Mizooka Masafumi , Kobayashi Tomoki , Kishikawa Nobusuke , Yokobayashi Kenichi , Kanno Keishi , Tazuma Susumu 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundFever of unknown origin (FUO) has many possible causes, so detailed history taking and physical examination are required. We identified key diagnostic features of medical history and physical findings for an efficient diagnosis of FUO.MethodsA total of 42 consecutive patients (mean age: 50.6±20.3 years) with classic FUO were retrospectively recruited from January 2010 to March 2012. Key diagnostic features were identified from among diagnostic criteria for underlying diseases, indicators for diagnostic tests, and more useful factors for differential diagnosis.ResultsThe mean number of abnormal findings per patient was 5.8 from taking the history and 2.0 from performing physical examination. In addition, the mean number of key diagnostic features identified was 0.7 (14.0%) from history taking and 0.6 (35.0%) from physical examination. The most relevant key diagnostic feature was arthritis, followed by cervical lymphadenopathy, dyspnea (with hypoxia), and ocular symptoms.ConclusionThe usefulness of certain features of medical history and physical findings for diagnosing FUO was determined. Focusing on arthritis, cervical lymphadenopathy, dyspnea with hypoxia, and ocular symptoms might improve diagnostic efficiency in patients with FUO.
Understanding the relationship between push and pull motivational factors in cruise tourism: A canonical correlation analysis
Authors: Whyte Lincoln James 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMotivation is one of the greatest drivers of human behavior, yet travel motivation in the context of cruise tourism remains an understudied topic. Although a limited number of cruise specific studies focus on push (travel motives) and pull (destination attributes) factors, the push–pull relationship has not been directly measured. Furthermore, pull factors have not been examined in detail in terms of onboard (ship) and onshore (ports of call) attributes. Understanding this relationship can help inform the marketing and development of the cruise product. This study measures the importance of push and pull factors and the relationship between them in the decision‐making process of cruise travelers. Results identify the main motives driving the desire to travel and the cruise destination attributes that draw travelers to a specific cruise vacation. A number of potential “product bundles” or market segments are also identified on the basis of strongly related push and pull factors.
Endoscopic transcanal approach to the middle ear for management of pediatric cholesteatoma
Authors: Ghadersohi Saied , Carter John M. , Hoff Stephen R. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesTo describe outcomes for endoscopic ear surgery (EES) for pediatric cholesteatoma at a tertiary pediatric hospital.MethodsRetrospective case series of 65 pediatric cholesteatoma cases in 38 ears. Subgrouping based on cholesteatoma type and EES type. Surgical findings, outcomes, and demographic data were evaluated.ResultsEndoscopes were used in 65 pediatric cholesteatoma cases in 38 primary ears (34 patients), followed for an average of 2.6 years (9 months to 4.6 years). The endoscope was used as the primary visualization tool in 31 (81.6%) ears (EES 2 or 3), and as an adjunct to the microscope in seven ears (EES 1). Twenty‐two (57.9%) ears and 35 (53.4%) cases were transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (EES 3 or TEES). Overall, there was recurrence in five (13.2%) ears and residual in four (10.5%) ears. Cholesteatoma was acquired in 27 ears, with average age 10.9 years; and congenital in 11 ears, with average age 3.8 years. Surgical time was longer for acquired cases (226 vs. 154 minutes). Hearing outcomes were comparable for both cholesteatoma types. Residual disease was seen in three (11.1%) acquired ears and one (9.1%) congenital ear. Overall, the lowest rates of recurrent and residual disease were seen in EES 3 cases, and relatively low rates in EES 2 and 3 ears, including four (12.9%) recurrences and two (6.5%) ears with residual disease.ConclusionThe endoscopes are a viable tool for resection of pediatric cholesteatoma and provide excellent visualization of the middle ear and associated recesses.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:2653–2658, 2017
An adaptive vestibular rehabilitation technique
Authors: Crane Benjamin T. , Schubert Michael C. 
Published: May 2017

Objectives/HypothesisThere is a large variation in vestibular rehabilitation (VR) results depending on type of therapy, adherence, and the appropriateness for the patient's level of function. A novel adaptive vestibular rehabilitation (AVR) program was developed and evaluated.Study DesignTechnology and procedure development, and prospective multicenter trial.MethodsThose with complete unilateral vestibular hypofunction and symptomatic at least 3 months with a Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) >30 were eligible. Patients were given a device to use with their own computer. They were instructed to use the program daily, with each session lasting about 10 minutes. The task consisted of reporting orientation of the letter C, which appeared when their angular head velocity exceeded a threshold. The letter size and head velocity required were adjusted based on prior performance. Performance on the task was remotely collected by the investigator as well as a weekly DHI score.ResultsFour patients aged 31 to 74 years (mean = 51 years) were enrolled in this feasibility study to demonstrate efficacy. Two had treated vestibular schwannomas and two had vestibular neuritis. Starting DHI was 32 to 56 (mean = 42), which was reduced to 0 to 16 (mean = 11.5) after a month of therapy, a clinically and statistically significant (P < .05) improvement. The three who continued therapy an additional month improved to a DHI of 4.ConclusionsThis AVR method has advantages over traditional VR in terms of cost and customization for patient ability and obtained a major improvement in symptoms. This study demonstrated a clinically and statistically significant decrease in symptoms after 4 weeks of therapy.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 128:713–718, 2018
Interstitial fluid pressure: A novel biomarker to monitor photo‐induced drug uptake in tumor and normal tissues
Authors: Cavin Sabrina , Wang Xingyu , Zellweger Matthieu , Gonzalez Michel , Bensimon Michaël , Wagnières Georges , Krueger Thorsten , Ris Hans‐Beat , Gronchi Fabrizio , Perentes Jean Y. 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundLow‐dose photodynamic therapy PDT (photoinduction) can modulate tumor vessels and enhance the uptake of liposomal cisplatin (Lipoplatin®) in pleural malignancies. However, the photo‐induction conditions must be tightly controlled as overtreatment shuts down tumor vessels and enhances normal tissue drug uptake.Material and MethodsIn a pleural sarcoma and adenocarcinoma rat model (n = 12/group), we applied photoinduction (0.0625 mg/kg Visudyne®, 10 J/cm2) followed by intravenous Lipoplatin® (5 mg/kg) administration. Tumor and normal tissue IFP were assessed before and up to 1 hour following photoinduction. Lipoplatin® uptake was determined 60 minutes following photoinduction. We then treated the pleura of tumor‐free minipigs with high dose photodynamic therapy (PDT) (0.0625 mg/kg Visudyne®, 30 J/cm2, n = 5) followed by Lipoplatin (5 mg/kg) administration.ResultsIn rodents, photoinduction resulted in a significant decrease of IFP (P < 0.05) in both tumor types but not in the surrounding normal lung, equally exposed to light. Also, photoinduction resulted in a significant increase of Lipoplatin® uptake in both tumor types (P < 0.05) but not in normal lung. Tumor IFP variation and Lipoplatin® uptake fitted an inverted parabola. In minipigs, high dose photodynamic treatment resulted in pleural IFP increase of some animals which predicted higher Lipoplatin® uptake levels.ConclusionNormal and tumor vasculatures react differently to PDT. Continuous IFP monitoring in normal and tumor tissues is a promising biomarker of vessel photoinduction. Moderate drop in tumor with no change in normal tissue IFP are predictive of specific Lipoplatin® uptake by cancer following PDT. Lasers Surg. Med. 49:773–780, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Dual‐Sensitive Core Cross‐Linked Mixed Micelles through Thiol–Ene Addition and Subsequent Drug Release Behavior
Authors: Hespel Louise , Asmar Arlette El , Morandi Gaëlle , Lecamp Laurence , Picton Luc , Burel Fabrice 
Published: May 2017

Herein the synthesis of core cross‐linked (CCL) mixed micelles through a UV‐promoted thiol–ene addition onto lipid core unsaturations and the subsequent release of an encapsulated drug depending on the external conditions (pH/temperature) are reported. The thiol–ene addition proceeds even in the absence of a photoinitiator to reach a complete conversion in a few minutes in bulk. The cross‐linking reaction is applied in aqueous media onto lipid‐b‐poly(acrylic acid) (lipid‐b‐PAA) only and then a mixture of pH‐sensitive lipid‐b‐PAA and thermo‐sensitive lipid‐block‐poly(2‐isopropyl‐2‐oxazoline) copolymers. Structurally CCL micelles, preserved in any conditions, with a stimuli‐sensitive corona whose swelling depends on the external pH or/and temperature, are successfully prepared. The release of vitamin K1 (VK1) is then investigated from all the previous systems and demonstrates a strong dependency to the external conditions. Indeed, the dual‐sensitive CCL micelles release VK1 only when two triggers (pH 10 and T = 38 °C) are simultaneously activated.
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3D Printing of Polymer Nanocomposites via Stereolithography
Authors: Manapat Jill Z. , Chen Qiyi , Ye Piaoran , Advincula Rigoberto C. 
Published: May 2017

Additive manufacturing (AM) is still underutilized as an industrial process, but is quickly gaining momentum with the development of innovative techniques and materials for various applications. In particular, stereolithography (SLA) is now shifting from rapid prototyping to rapid manufacturing, but is facing challenges in parts performance and printing speed, among others. This review discusses the application of SLA for polymer nanocomposites fabrication to show the technology's potential in increasing the applicability of current SLA‐printed parts. Photopolymerization chemistry, nanocomposite preparation, and applications in various industries are also explained to provide a comprehensive picture of the current and future capabilities of the technique and materials involved.
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Porous Poly(Ionic Liquid) Membranes as Efficient and Recyclable Absorbents for Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Ren Yongyuan , Zhang Jiandong , Guo Jiangna , Chen Fei , Yan Feng 
Published: May 2017

Heavy metal ion pollution has become a serious environmental problem. Herein, this study reports the synthesis of poly(ionic liquid) (PIL) membranes via in situ photo‐crosslinking of vinyl imidazole with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic ionic liquid monomers. The resultant amphiphilic polymer membranes are porous and exhibit high absorption capacity of metal ions (including Hg2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+) in both high (1000 mg L−1) and low (10 mg L−1) concentration metal ion solutions. These metal ionic absorption membranes are easily regenerated in acid solution and can be reused without significant decreases of absorption capacity after many cycles. These PIL membranes may have potential applications as eco‐friendly and safe heavy metal ion removal materials.
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Haploinsufficiency of BCL11A associated with cerebellar abnormalities in 2p15p16.1 deletion syndrome
Authors: Shimbo Hiroko , Yokoi Takayuki , Aida Noriko , Mizuno Seiji , Suzumura Hiroshi , Nagai Junichi , Ida Kazumi , Enomoto Yumi , Hatano Chihiro , Kurosawa Kenji 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundChromosome 2p15p16.1 deletion syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability (ID), neurodevelopmental delay, language delay, growth retardation, microcephaly, structural brain abnormalities, and dysmorphic features. More than 30 patients with 2p15p16.1 microdeletion syndrome have been reported in the literature.MethodsMolecular analysis was performed using microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). Clinical characteristics and brain magnetic resonance imaging features of these patients were also reviewed.ResultsWe identified four patients with ID, neurodevelopmental delay, brain malformations, and dysmorphic features; two patients with 2p15p16.1 deletions (3.24 Mb, 5.04 Mb), one patient with 2p16.1 deletion (1.12 Mb), and one patient with 2p14p16.1 deletion (5.12 Mb). Three patients with 2p15p16.1 deletions or 2p16.1 deletions encompassing BCL11A, PAPOLG, and REL showed hypoplasia of the pons and cerebellum. The patient with 2p14p16.1 deletion, which did not include three genes showed normal size and shape of the cerebellar hemispheres and pons.ConclusionThe zinc finger transcription factor BCL11A associated with the BAF chromatin remodeling complex has been identified to be critical for neural development and BCL11A haploinsufficiency is closely related to cerebellar abnormalities.