bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tourism Competitiveness, Government and Tourism Area Life Cycle (TALC) Model: The Evaluation of Costa Rica, Guatemala and Honduras
Authors: Kubickova Marketa , Li Hengyun 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe objective is to investigate the role government plays in tourism competitiveness and understand the relationship based on the Tourism Area Life Cycle model. We argue that tourism competitiveness is influenced not only by the governments' decisions but also by the stage of tourism development of the country. Countries characterized as tourism‐dependent will demonstrate higher levels of government engagement than those less dependent on tourism. Case study was employed, utilizing time‐series analysis. The results indicate that the role government plays in tourism competitiveness may depend not only on the level of freedom provided (proxy for government) but also on the stage of destination development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Kinetics and Mechanism of the Reaction between Barbituric Acid and Glycidol, Part II: Glycidol Reacts with Imide and Methylene Groups
Authors: Lubczak Jacek , Kania Ewelina 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTTwo derivatives of barbituric acid, 5,5‐diethylbarbituric acid and 1,3‐dimethyl‐barbituric acid, were used to react with glycidol. The kinetics of reactions was studied by continuous determination of epoxide number and acidic number in the reaction mixture aliquots. Based upon the kinetic experiments, the rate equation was formulated, which was consistent with product spectral identification of the derivatives as well as with previously studied reaction of barbituric acid with glycidol. Reaction mechanisms of glycidol with methylene and imide groups of barbituric acid have been proposed.
Kinetics of Silicon Nitride Formation on SiO2‐Derived Rice Husk Ash Using the Chemical Vapor Infiltration Method
Authors: Soltani N. , Bahrami A. , Pech‐Canul M. I. , González L. A. , Gurlo A. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTSince silicon nitride coatings on silicon dioxide are attractive for the semiconductor and electronics industries, cognizance of their formation kinetics is crucial for optimization of production parameters. In this contribution, the deposition kinetics (rate constant and activation energy) of Si3N4 by the hybrid system chemical vapor infiltration route (HYSY‐CVI), starting from N2:NH3 and SiF4 (produced by the decomposition of Na2SiF6) has been studied. The deposition rate equation for Si3N4 was established from several possible gas‐phase or surface reaction steps involved in the growth of Si3N4 coatings onto silica‐derived rice husk ash (RHA). Based on a judicious analysis of four different models, it was found that Freundlich's adsorption model satisfactorily represents the rate of Si3N4 deposition process onto RHA.
Functional and Histological Effects of Chronic Neural Electrode Implantation
Authors: Sahyouni Ronald , Chang David T. , Moshtaghi Omid , Mahmoodi Amin , Djalilian Hamid R. , Lin Harrison W. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesPermanent injury to the cranial nerves can often result in a substantial reduction in quality of life. Novel and innovative interventions can help restore form and function in nerve paralysis, with bioelectric interfaces among the more promising of these approaches. The foreign body response is an important consideration for any bioelectric device as it influences the function and effectiveness of the implant. The purpose of this review is to describe tissue and functional effects of chronic neural implantation among the different categories of neural implants and highlight advances in peripheral and cranial nerve stimulation.Data Sources: PubMed, IEEE, and Web of Science literature search.Review Methods: A review of the current literature was conducted to examine functional and histologic effects of bioelectric interfaces for neural implants.ResultsBioelectric devices can be characterized as intraneural, epineural, perineural, intranuclear, or cortical depending on their placement relative to nerves and neuronal cell bodies. Such devices include nerve‐specific stimulators, neuroprosthetics, brainstem implants, and deep brain stimulators. Regardless of electrode location and interface type, acute and chronic histological, macroscopic and functional changes can occur as a result of both passive and active tissue responses to the bioelectric implant.ConclusionA variety of chronically implantable electrodes have been developed to treat disorders of the peripheral and cranial nerves, to varying degrees of efficacy. Consideration and mitigation of detrimental effects at the neural interface with further optimization of functional nerve stimulation will facilitate the development of these technologies and translation to the clinic.Level of Evidence3.
Aqueous Self‐Assembly of Y‐Shaped Amphiphilic Block Copolymers into Giant Vesicles
Authors: Li Hanping , Jin Yong , Fan Baozhu , Lai Shuangquan , Sun Xiaopeng , Qi Rui 
Published: February 2017

The preparation and aqueous self‐assembly of newly Y‐shaped amphiphilic block polyurethane (PUG) copolymers are reported here. These amphiphilic copolymers, designed to have two hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) tails and one hydrophobic alkyl tail via a two‐step coupling reaction, can self‐assemble into giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) (diameter ≥ 1000 nm) with a direct dissolution method in aqueous solution, depending on their Y‐shaped structures and initial concentrations. More interesting, the copolymers can self‐assemble into various distinct nano‐/microstructures, such as spherical micelles, small vesicles, and GUVs, with the increase of their concentrations. The traditional preparation methods of GUVs generally need conventional amphiphilic molecules and additional complicated conditions, such as alternating electrical field, buffer solution, or organic solvent. Therefore, the self‐assembly of Y‐shaped PUGs with a direct dissolution method in aqueous solution demonstrated in this study supplies a new clue to fabricate GUVs based on the geometric design of amphiphilic polymers.
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Sustained Drug Release by Thermoresponsive Sol–Gel Hybrid Hydrogels of Poly(N‐Isopropylacrylamide‐co‐3‐(Trimethoxysilyl)Propyl Methacrylate) Copolymers
Authors: Osváth Zsófia , Tóth Tamás , Iván Béla 
Published: February 2017

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate), P(NIPAAm‐co‐TMSPMA), copolymers with relatively high TMSPMA contents without insoluble fraction are successfully synthesized. Subsequent sol–gel reactions in both the absence and presence of tetraethyl orthosilicate lead to gels with high gel fractions. The resulting gels undergo gel collapse at 28.6–28.7 °C, i.e., below that of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) homopolymer of 34.3 °C. Unexpectedly, the theophylline‐loaded hybrid gels release the drug not only below but also above the gel collapse temperature (GCT) with considerable rates and released amounts of drug. Surprisingly, evaluation of the sustained release profiles by the Korsmeyer–Peppas equation indicates that the release occurs by Fickian diffusion above GCT, which can be attributed to the lack of significant drug–polymer interaction at such temperatures. These results can be widely applied for the design and utilization of TMSPMA‐based sol–gel polymer hybrids with desired release profiles of solutes below and above GCT for a variety of applications.
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Simultaneous determination of metabolite concentrations, T1 and T2 relaxation times
Authors: An Li , Li Shizhe , Shen Jun 
Published: February 2017

PurposeTo simultaneously measure concentration and T1 and T2 values of metabolites in the human brain in a single scan session.MethodsA new pulse sequence with multiple variable acquisition parameters was proposed to encode metabolite T1 and T2 information into the acquired data. A linear combination‐fitting algorithm was developed in‐house to simultaneously determine metabolite concentrations and relaxation times.ResultsConcentration, T1, and T2 values of N‐acetyl‐aspartate, total creatine, total choline, and glutamate were reliably measured in the frontal gray matter and white matter regions of nine healthy volunteers at 7 tesla in less than 10 minutes of scan time per voxel. T1 and T2 values of glutamine, as well as T1 of glutathione, were also measured in the frontal gray matter region with reasonable precision.ConclusionThe proposed technique allows multiparametric characterization of brain metabolites in a single scan session, making it possible to measure both levels and intracellular microenvironments of brain chemicals in clinical MR spectroscopy studies. Magn Reson Med 78:2072–2081, 2017. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
The quality of life in genetic neuromuscular disease questionnaire: Rasch validation of the French version
Authors: Dany Antoine , Rapin Amandine , Lavrard Brice , Saoût Virginie , Réveillère Christian , Bassez Guillaume , Tiffreau Vincent , Péréon Yann , Sacconi Sabrina , Eymard Bruno , Dramé Moustapha , Jolly Damien , Novella Jean‐Luc , Hardouin Jean‐Benoit , Boyer François C. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionSlowly progressive, genetic neuromuscular diseases (gNMDs) often lead to important motor deficiencies and functional limitations. The Quality of Life in Genetic Neuromuscular Disease Questionnaire (QoL‐gNMD) is a new health‐related quality‐of‐life questionnaire developed for these patients. The purpose of the present study was to validate the French version of the QoL‐gNMD and to calibrate its measurement system.MethodsBoth the QoL‐gNMD and a validated generic questionnaire (WHOQOL‐BREF) were administered to patients. Validation was performed using item response theory. The partial credit model (Rasch) was used to calibrate each domain.ResultsThree hundred fifteen adult patients were included. All 3 domains showed adequate psychometric properties (internal consistency: person separation index >0.77; repeatability: test–retest intraclass correlation coefficient >0.75, scalability coefficient >0.38) and fitted the partial credit model. The QoL‐gNMD also demonstrated adequate concurrent validity with the WHOQOL‐BREF.DiscussionThe QoL‐gNMD showed adequate psychometric properties and can be used in clinical settings. Although not anchor‐based, the minimum detectable change tables help in interpreting score change. Muscle Nerve 56: 1085–1091, 2017
Developmentally regulated alternative splicing is perturbed in type 1 diabetic skeletal muscle
Authors: Nutter Curtis A. , Jaworski Elizabeth , Verma Sunil K. , Perez‐Carrasco Yareli , Kuyumcu‐Martinez Muge N. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTIntroductionType 1 diabetic patients can develop skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy by molecular mechanisms that are not well understood. Alternative splicing (AS) is critical for gene expression in the skeletal muscle, and its dysregulation is implicated in muscle weakness and atrophy. Therefore, we investigated whether AS patterns are affected in type 1 diabetic skeletal muscle contributing to skeletal muscle defects.MethodsAS patterns were determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and levels of RNA binding proteins were assessed by Western blot in type 1 diabetic mouse skeletal muscle and during normal mouse skeletal muscle development.ResultsFive genes with critical functions in the skeletal muscle are misspliced in type 1 diabetic skeletal muscle, resembling their AS patterns at embryonic stages. AS of these genes undergoes dramatic transitions during skeletal muscle development, correlating with changes in specific RNA binding proteins.ConclusionEmbryonic spliced variants are inappropriately expressed in type 1 diabetic skeletal muscle. Muscle Nerve 56: 744–749, 2017
Two‐dimensional finite element method solution of a class of integro‐differential equations: Application to non‐Fickian transport in disordered media
Authors: Ben‐Zvi Rami , Scher Harvey , Berkowitz Brian 
Published: February 2017

SummaryA finite element method is developed to solve a class of integro‐differential equations and demonstrated for the important specific problem of non‐Fickian contaminant transport in disordered porous media. This transient transport equation, derived from a continuous time random walk approach, includes a memory function. An integral element is the incorporation of the well‐known sum‐of‐exponential approximation of the kernel function, which allows a simple recurrence relation rather than storage of the entire history. A two‐dimensional linear element is implemented, including a streamline upwind Petrov–Galerkin weighting scheme. The developed solver is compared with an analytical solution in the Laplace domain, transformed numerically to the time domain, followed by a concise convergence assessment. The analysis shows the power and potential of the method developed here. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
“One‐pot” synthesis of crosslinked silicone‐containing macromolecular charring agent and its synergistic flame retardant poly(l‐lactic acid) with ammonium polyphosphate
Authors: Guan Yanyan , Wen Xin , Yang Hongfan , Zhang Lipeng , Li Mingang , Shao Jing , Li Yunhui , Tang Tao 
Published: February 2017

A crosslinked silicone‐containing macromolecular charring agent (CSi‐MCA) was synthesized via “one‐pot” process, and it was combined with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to synergistically improve the flame retardancy of poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLA). The chemical structure of synthesized CSi‐MCA was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. The thermal gravimetric analyzer indicated that the CSi‐MCA displayed good thermal stability and high residue via the catalytic crosslinking. Furthermore, the flame retardant effect of CSi‐MCA and APP as intumescent flame retardants in PLA system was investigated by limited oxygen index, UL94, and cone calorimeter test. When the content of CSi‐MCA was 5 wt% and APP was 10 wt% (CSi‐MCA/APP = 1/2), the limited oxygen index value of composites was 33.6 and UL94 classed a V‐0 rating. The peak heat release rate and total heat release of PLA composites containing both APP and CSi‐MCA decreased significantly in comparison with those with APP or CSi‐MCA alone. The flame retardancy mechanism was investigated via analyzing residual chars by scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as the possible chemical reaction between APP and CSi‐MCA by thermal gravimetric analyzer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the enhanced flame retardancy was attributed mainly to synergistic effect of CSi‐MCA and APP, which could form a compact, continuous, and protective layer during combustion. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal right aortic arch: associated anomalies, genetic anomalies with chromosomal microarray analysis, and postnatal outcome
Authors: Peng Ruan , Xie Hong‐Ning , Zheng Ju , Zhou Yi , Lin Mei‐Fang 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the associated prenatal findings, genetic anomalies with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and postnatal outcome of fetal right aortic arch (RAA).MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed 92 fetuses diagnosed with RAA and the findings of CMA using Affymetrix CytoScan HD array in our institution between 2013 and 2016.ResultsPostnatal data were not available for six cases, and genetic data were not available for 26 cases. Tetralogy of the Fallot was the most frequently associated anomaly. Among the 60 fetuses with known karyotype, one was 46, X, Yqh+, der(13)t(8;13)(q22.3;q33.2), one was 47, XYY and the remaining were normal. Our study showed that CMA could detect uncertain significant copy number variants in 5.2% of fetal RAA and pathogenic copy number variants in 5.2%, all of which were microdeletion in chromosome 22q11.21. The genetic anomalies, gestational age at delivery and postnatal death were not significantly different between RAA‐no intracardiac anomalies and RAA‐intracardiac anomalies group. One infant with aberrant left subclavian artery needed to perform a surgery for respiratory symptom.ConclusionsA right aortic arch is associated with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome in approximately 5% of cases, and, therefore, prenatal testing, preferably using CMA, should be offered. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A case of haemoglobinopathy and elevated HbA1c
Authors: Surchi Haval , Rea Rustam 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA 34‐year‐old woman was referred to the specialist diabetes service for investigation of fainting episodes. She was otherwise fit and well, spending 10 hours a week cycling, running and swimming. Multiple pathology investigations were undertaken prior to her appointment which were all within normal limits except her HbA1c result which was raised at 77 mmol/mol (9.2%). She had no symptoms of hyperglycaemia. Following a review in the diabetes clinic, a suspicion of a spurious HbA1c result arose. Her blood sample was reprocessed using a boronate affinity assay (Alere Afinion analyser) and the result came back as 32 mmol/mol (5.1%) compared with an HPLC (Bio‐Rad D100) method of 83 mmol/mol (9.7%). Further analysis of her haemoglobin (Hb) subtypes showed that she had Hb Wayne.Hb Wayne is a variant haemoglobin first described in 1976 as an elongated α‐chain frame shift variant. It does not produce clinical symptoms and exists as two isoforms: Hb Wayne I (Asn 139) and Hb Wayne II (Asp 139). The prevalence of Hb Wayne trait is unknown; 62 cases over a 16‐year period have been reported in a predominantly US population. The abnormal Hb Wayne haemoglobin acts like HbA1c (even though it is not attached to glucose), and this gives an overlapping peak when the separated species are detected and provides a falsely elevated HbA1c value. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons.
Preparation and optical properties of polyimide films linked with porphyrinato Pd (II) and Pt (II) complexes through a triazine ring and application toward oxygen sensors
Authors: Kimura Takeshi , Watanabe Shuichi , Sawada Shin-ichi , Shibasaki Yuji , Oishi Yoshiyuki 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT5‐(3‐Aminophenyl)‐10,15,20‐tri(4‐methylphenyl) porphyrinato Pd (II) and Pt (II) complexes (2a‐Pd) and (2a‐Pt), respectively, were prepared from 5‐(3‐nitrophenyl)‐10,15,20‐tri(4‐methyl‐phenyl)porphyrin via two‐step reactions, and reacted with cyanuric chloride to produce corresponding porphyrin derivatives (3a‐Pd) and (3a‐Pt) with a dichlorotriazine ring. Aromatic polyimides were prepared using diamine (4); triazine dichlorides having porphyrin units (3a‐Pd), (3a‐Pt), (3c‐Pd), and (3c‐Pt); fluoro‐functionality 6‐(p‐perfluorononenyl oxyanilino)triazine‐2,4‐dichloride (6); and tetracarboxylic dianhydride (5) in N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) at an elevated temperature up to 300 °C. The resulting viscous polymeric solution was cast on a glass plate, affording well‐proportioned reddish transparent films with number‐average molecular weights of 25,000–38,000. Glass transition temperatures of the polymers were ∼230 °C; the films were stable up to 400 °C in air. The film emission spectra showed a broad peak ∼670 nm, similar to those of porphyrins (2a‐Pd) and (2a‐Pt) dispersed in a polystyrene matrix. While the luminescence of these polymer films was quenched with oxygen, it rapidly recovered under a deoxygenated atmosphere. The polyimide film sensitivity to oxygen was higher under low oxygen concentrations than those of porphyrins (2a‐Pd) and (2a‐Pt) dispersed in polystyrene. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 1086–1094
Carbon dioxide washout during high flow nasal cannula versus nasal CPAP support: An in vitro study
Authors: Sivieri Emidio M. , Foglia Elizabeth E. , Abbasi Soraya 
Published: February 2017

SummaryObjective: To compare CO2 washout time at different levels of HFNC versus NCPAP in a premature infant lung model with simulated mouth‐closed and mouth‐open conditions using two sizes of nasal cannula and full‐ and half‐prong HFNC insertion depths. Design/Methods: A piston‐cylinder lung simulator, having a fixed volume of 30 ml and a 4.8 ml dead space, simulated spontaneous breathing (6.5 ml tidal volume, 50 br/min, Ti = 0.5 sec). Two Fisher & Paykel™ cannulas (Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand) (2.8 and 3.2 mm O.D.) and two Infant‐Flow™ (CareFusion, Yorba Linda, CA) NCPAP cannulas (3.4 and 4.1 mm O.D.) were applied to simulated airways having either 3.5 or 4.5 mm I.D. nares. Simulated mouth opening was a 5 mm I.D. side tap below the nasal interface. The lung was primed with 5% CO2. Washout times were determined at HFNC settings of 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 L/min and NCPAP at 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 cm H2O with simulated open and closed‐mouth conditions and full‐ and half‐inserted HFNC prongs. Results: Overall combined mean washout times for NCPAP with mouth‐closed were significantly longer than HFNC over all five pressure and flow device settings by 16.2% (P < 0.001). CO2 washout times decreased as flow or pressure device settings were increased. There were negligible differences in washout times between NCPAP and HFNC with mouth‐open. Mouth‐open washout times were significantly less than mouth‐closed for all conditions. Overall closed‐mouth washout times for HFNC half‐prong insertion were longer than for full‐prong insertion by 5.3% (P < 0.022). Conclusions: Significantly improved CO2 elimination using HFNC versus NCPAP should be a particularly important consideration in premature infants having very high dead space‐to‐tidal volume ratio compared to larger infants. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:792–798. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rare cause for hemoptysis in an adolescent: Bronchial capillary hemangioma
Authors: Hämmerling Susanne , Becker Sebastian , Mall Marcus A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHemoptysis is rare in children and adolescents. We describe an 11‐year‐old girl who presented with hemoptysis, cough, and exertional dyspnea. Radiologic and bronchoscopic assessment revealed a pedunculated mass in the right main stem bronchus with a ball valve effect. Carcinoid or hemangioma was suspected as cause of the mass. The tumor could be excised bronchoscopically, and histologic examination showed a capillary hemangioma. In the literature, bronchial hemangiomas are described in infants and adults. This case demonstrates that bronchial hemangioma should also be taken into consideration as a cause of hemoptysis in adolescents.
Development of GaN substrate with a large diameter and small orientation deviation
Authors: Yoshida Takehiro , Imanishi Masayuki , Kitamura Toshio , Otaka Kenji , Imade Mamoru , Shibata Masatomo , Mori Yusuke 
Published: February 2017

In this study, we demonstrated a very large freestanding GaN crystal with a diameter of 175 mm developed by the “tiling technique”. The technique merges small multiple seed wafers with a thick GaN layer grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy. To the best of our knowledge, it is the largest GaN crystal ever reported. Its orientation deviation could be the same as those of applied individual seeds by using the starting substrate, which was prepared by binding all the seeds on a base plate with a high temperature adhesive. Scrupulous attention was required to select the materials. Furthermore, we were able to grow GaN with hydride vapor phase epitaxy on a high‐quality GaN substrate, which was prepared by an Na‐flux method, with no crystal deteriorations. Through the fusion of the above results, the ideal GaN substrates can be realized.Example of a freestanding GaN crystal with a diameter of 175 mm developed by the “tiling technique”.