bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Newly Designed TDR Probe for Soils with High Electrical Conductivities
Authors: Chen Yunmin , Wang Hanlin , Chen Renpeng , Chen Yun 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Time domain reflectometry (TDR) is a fast, accurate, and safe technology for field monitoring of soil moisture. Commonly used information in TDR signals includes the apparent dielectric constant and electrical conductivity. Because general TDR principles are not available for apparent dielectric constant measurements by travel time methods in soils with high electrical conductivities caused by the significant signal attenuation, the conventional commercial probes lose their purposes. For this reason, a new probe has been designed for measuring dielectric constants in highly conductive soils on the basis of the surface reflection coefficients method. This new probe can make the reflection at the soil surface more distinct. Experiments were conducted to verify the accuracy of measuring dielectric constants in different soils using this new probe. Finally, the probe was used to measure water content and dry density in the field. The results show that the probe has good integrity and high strength. This probe is capable of obtaining the dielectric constant in soils with high electrical conductivities using surface reflection coefficients methods with reasonable accuracy. In addition, it indicates that the dielectric constant measured by this approach matches well with that determined by travel time methods in the relative error range of 10 % in lowly conductive soils. Compared to oven-dry methods, the relative errors of water content and dry density determined using this new probe are less than 10 % and 3 %, respectively.
Determination of Residual Concentration of Active Polymer in a Polymeric Support Fluid
Authors: Lam Carlos , Martin Peter J. , Jefferis Stephan A. , Goodhue K. Gifford 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
This paper is concerned with the properties of synthetic polymer fluids used for the temporary support of excavations, such as pile bores and diaphragm wall panels. These fluids can be used as alternatives to bentonite slurries and may influence the performance of the foundation elements formed under them. During the excavation process, polymers tend to be sorbed onto the soil and they may be degraded by the shearing in pumps, etc. It follows that a controlling parameter for these fluids is the residual concentration of active polymer in the fluid, and this paper considers test methods that may be used for its determination. Three different measuring principles, namely, total organic carbon, UV light absorption, and viscosity, were investigated for their suitability for site use. Their performance was compared in a series of polymer–clay sorption experiments—the clay sorbing the polymer, therefore reducing the residual concentration in solution. A method based on the measurement of viscosity of centrifuge supernates was found to have the best overall performance. A comparison with current assessment criteria based on Marsh funnel viscosity and density measurements confirmed the superiority of the proposed method for detecting polymer loss by sorption. Further evaluations showed that the proposed method is not limited to any specific combinations of polymers and soils. The proposed method will allow site engineers to have greater control over the properties of the fluids on site.
Photonic Doppler Velocimetry for Study of Rapid Penetration into Sand
Authors: Peden Robert , Omidvar Mehdi , Bless Stephan , Iskander Magued 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Quantitative description of the interaction of high-speed projectiles with soils is important for many engineering applications, and provides insights into high strain rate constitutive behavior. In this paper, a novel method known as photonic Doppler velocimetry (PDV), capable of producing time resolved velocity measurements, is adapted for the study of objects penetrating rapidly into sand. Fundamentals of PDV are described, and the applicability of the method is demonstrated by producing time-resolved velocity measurements of spherical projectiles penetrating Ottawa sand models at high velocities in the range of 300 m/s. Penetration tests demonstrate that PDV is capable of producing velocity measurements even after the penetrator has reached a depth well below the soil surface. Results of the tests confirmed that resistance to penetration increases as relative density of the sand deposit increases. Moreover, there appears to be a threshold penetration velocity in dense dry sand, below which resistance to penetration reduces considerably. A quantitative description of deceleration of penetrators in soils can be adequately provided for most of the penetration using a simple drag force model.
Reliability Implications in Wood Systems of a Bivariate Gaussian–Weibull Distribution and the Associated Univariate Pseudo-truncated Weibull
Authors: Verrill Steve P. , Evans James W. , Kretschmann David E. , Hatfield Cherilyn A. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
Two important wood properties are the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and the modulus of rupture (MOR). In the past, the statistical distribution of the MOE has often been modeled as Gaussian, and that of the MOR as lognormal or as a two- or three-parameter Weibull distribution. It is well known that MOE and MOR are positively correlated. To model the simultaneous behavior of MOE and MOR for the purposes of wood system reliability calculations, we introduce a bivariate Gaussian–Weibull distribution and the associated univariate pseudo-truncated Weibull (PTW). We note that theoretical arguments suggest that the strength distributions of grades of lumber are likely to be PTW rather than Weibull. We describe a Web-based program that fits bivariate Gaussian–Weibull data sets (and thus fits PTW distributions to MOR data). We present data that demonstrate that strength distributions of visual grades of lumber are not Weibull and do display at least some of the characteristics of PTW data. Finally, we demonstrate via simulation that if we fit a Weibull distribution to PTW data (as is often done), we can obtain very poor estimates of probabilities of failure.
A Residual Mass Ballistic Testing Method to Compare Armor Materials or Components (Residual Mass Ballistic Testing Method)
Authors: Langhorst Benjamin , Lillo Thomas M. , Chu Henry S. 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
A statistics based ballistic test method is presented for use when comparing multiple groups of test articles of unknown relative ballistic perforation resistance. The method is intended to be more efficient than many traditional methods for research and development testing. To establish the validity of the method, it is employed in this study to compare test groups of known relative ballistic performance. Multiple groups of test articles were perforated using consistent projectiles and impact conditions. Test groups were made of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA) plates and differed in thickness. After perforation, each residual projectile was captured behind the target and its mass was measured. The residual masses measured for each test group were analyzed to provide ballistic performance rankings with associated confidence levels. When compared to traditional V50 methods, the residual mass (RM) method was found to require fewer test events and be more tolerant of variations in impact conditions.
The Effect of Temperature on the Tear Behavior of Various Elastomers
Authors: Bafna Sudhir 
Published: November 2013

Abstract
The tear behavior of commercial butyl, EPDM, fluorosilicone, and two fluorocarbon elastomers, used for sealing applications, was studied at −40°C and +49°C. Measurements were made to study initiation and propagation behavior, using Die-C and Die-B, respectively, per ASTM D624. The behavior of tear strength, engineering strain, and energy per unit volume was studied. Tear strength for propagation was always higher than or equal to (within measurement error) that for initiation. Butyl showed the highest tear strength as well as elongation at break; hence, it also had the highest tear energy. The effect of post-cure on butyl is studied. Butyl which had not been post-cured showed unusually high elongation; this translates to the highest tear energy. Temperature is shown to have a major effect on the tear behavior but the magnitude of this effect is significantly different for different elastomers. The two fluorocarbons studied showed markedly different relative behavior at −40°C as compared to +49°C due to the difference in their glass transition temperatures. All torn surfaces of the test specimens after tear showed smooth and uniform surfaces, consistent with steady shearing; this was also consistent with the absence of “chatter” in the force signal. However, the tear direction (perpendicular to or at an angle to the displacement direction) did not show any simple correlation with other tear properties. The difference in behavior between EPDM and butyl rubbers (both with saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon backbones and both with carbon black filler) is elucidated.
Familial vs sporadic papillary thyroid carcinoma: a matched-case comparative study showing similar clinical/prognostic behaviour
Authors: Pinto António E , Silva Giovani L , Henrique Rui , Menezes Francisco D , Teixeira Manuel R , Leite Valeriano , Cavaco Branca M 
Published: November 2013

ObjectiveFamilial non-medullary thyroid cancer has been proposed as an aggressive clinical entity. Our aim in this study is to investigate potential distinguishing features as well as the biological and clinical aggressiveness of familial vs sporadic papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We assessed clinicopathological characteristics, outcome measures and DNA ploidy.DesignA matched-case comparative study.MethodsA series of patients with familial PTC (n=107) and two subgroups, one with three or more affected elements (n=32) and another including index cases only (n=61), were compared with patients with sporadic PTC (n=107), matched by age, gender, pTNM disease extension and approximate follow-up duration. Histological variant, extrathyroidal extension, vascular invasion, tumour multifocality and bilateral growth were evaluated. Ploidy pattern was analysed in available samples by DNA flow cytometry. The probabilities of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were estimated according to the Kaplan–Meier (K–M) method.ResultsNo patient with familial PTC died of disease during follow-up (median, 72 months), contrarily to five patients (4.7%) (P=0.06) with sporadic PTC (median, 90 months). There was a significantly higher tumour multifocality in familial PTC (index cases subgroup) vs sporadic PTC (P=0.035), and a trend, in the familial PTC cohort with three or more affected elements, to show extrathyroidal extension (P=0.054) more frequently. No difference was observed in DNA ploidy status. The K–M analyses showed no significant differences between both entities in relation to DFS or OS.ConclusionApart from multifocality, familial PTC appears to have similar clinical/prognostic behaviour when compared with sporadic forms of the disease.
Novel Use and Utility of Integrated Electronic Health Records to Assess Rates of Prediabetes Recognition and Treatment: Brief Report From an Integrated Electronic Health Records Pilot Study
Authors: Schmittdiel Julie A. , Adams Sara R. , Segal Jodi , Griffin Marie R. , Roumie Christianne L. , Ohnsorg Kris , Grant Richard W. , O’Connor Patrick J. 
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE
This study uses novel methods to examine the frequency of diagnosis and treatment of prediabetes in real-world clinical settings using electronic health record (EHR) data.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We identified a cohort of 358,120 adults with incident prediabetes (fasting plasma glucose [FPG] 100–125 mg/dL or glycated hemoglobin 5.7–6.4% [39–46 mmol/mol]) between 2006 and 2010 and examined rates of diagnosis and treatment in the 6 months after identification.

RESULTS
In the 6 months after identification of prediabetes, 18% of patients had their blood glucose levels retested; 13% received a physician diagnosis of prediabetes/hyperglycemia; 31.0% had prediabetes, diabetes, or lifestyle documented in the clinical notes; and &lt;0.1% initiated metformin. Among patients with FPG 120–125 mg/dL, 31% were retested; metformin initiation remained &lt;1%.

CONCLUSIONS
Documented rates of follow-up and treatment for prediabetes are low. EHR data may be a valuable tool to improve identification and treatment of prediabetes in the U.S.
Vibrationally resolved K-shell photoionization cross sections of methane
Authors: Plésiat Etienne , Decleva Piero , Martín Fernando 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe use an extension of the static-exchange density functional theory (DFT) method, previously reported in [E. Plésiat et al., Phys. Rev. A 2, 023409 (2012), E. Plésiat, P. Decleva, F. Martín, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 31, 10853 (2012)], to evaluate vibrationally resolved (total and angular) K-shell photoelectron cross sections of methane. The calculated cross sections are in very good agreement with the existing experimental measurements at low photoelectron energies. We show that, in contrast with the rich interference patterns previously observed in molecular frame C(1s) photoelectron angular distributions of methane at both low and high photoelectron energy, no interference effects are observed in the calculated β parameters, even at high photon energies.
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D Levels are Lower in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyposis and are Correlated with Disease Severity in Taiwanese Patients
Authors: Wang Ling-Feng , Lee Chih-Hung , Chien Chen-Yu , Chen Jeff Yi-Fu , Chiang Feng-Yu , Tai Chih-Feng 
Published: November 2013

Background Vitamin D deficiency is reported to be associated with increased incidence of allergic airway diseases and is correlated with the severity of asthma. This study was designed to determine if serum Vitamin D level is lower in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (CRSwNP) patients and if low serum Vitamin D level is correlated with the severity of CRSwNP. Methods New CRSwNP patients undergoing elective endoscopic sinus surgery were recruited. Patients with malignancies or asthma were excluded. Twenty chronic rhinosinusitis without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) patients were used as control. Demographic characteristic information was collected. The severity of CRSwNP was assessed with the Lund-Mackay (LM) score and polyp grading system. Vitamin D status was assessed by measuring circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) by using commercial chemiluminescence immunoassay. Data were stratified by factors known to affect serum 25OHD, including sex, race, and body mass index. Results Serum 25OHD levels (ng/mL ± SD) were significantly lower in patients with CRSwNP (21.4 ± 5.7) than in those with CRSsNP (28.8 ± 6.2; p < 0.001). The incidences of vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) in CRSwNP and CRSsNP patients were 45.5 and 6.3%; however, the incidences of vitamin D insufficiency (20–30 ng/mL) in these patients were 50.0 and 62.5%, respectively. A significantly negative relationship was found between serum 25OHD level and polyp grade (r = −0.63; p = 0.001), indicating lower serum 25OHD was associated with higher polyp grade. Serum 25OHD was inversely related to both LM score and total IgE level as well; however, statistical significance was not found. Conclusion A significantly lower vitamin D level was found in a group of Taiwanese CRSwNP patients, which revealed an association with greater nasal polyp size. Serum vitamin D levels could be added to the routine workup of patients suffering from CRS and these data could be used to potentially help determine the disease severity.
Intranasal Corticosteroids Topical Characteristics: Side Effects, Formulation, and Volume
Authors: Petty David A. , Blaiss Michael S. 
Published: November 2013

Background Guidelines from throughout the world recommend intranasal corticosteroids (INSs) as first-line treatment for most patients with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. In general, limited comparative studies between different INSs have not indicated that one particular steroid moiety is more effective than another in controlling symptoms of allergic rhinitis. However, there are numerous formulations available with different ingredients that may influence a patient's adherence to treatment. Methods This article looks at topical features with these agents, specifically, formulations, vehicles (aqueous vs aerosol), and side effects such as epistaxis and nasal septal perforation. Results Topical side effects are minimal with INSs with the exception of epistaxis. There are major differences in formulations, volumes, and vehicles between INSs, which could affect adherence. Conclusion Physicians need to be aware of the different INS attributes to try to match patients’ preferences in order to achieve better adherence and improve outcomes in sufferers of allergic rhinitis.
A Hospital-based Survey on the Prevalence of Bronchial Asthma in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis in Southern China
Authors: Hong Haiyu , Yang Qintai , Zuo Kejun , Chen Xinye , Xia Wentong , Lv Minhui , Li Xiaomin , Xu Geng , Li Huabin , Fan Yunping 
Published: November 2013

Background The prevalence of bronchial asthma (BA) and the underlying risk factors in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) in China are largely unknown. Thus, this study is designed to assess the BA comorbidity in AR patients in two cities (Guangzhou and Zhuhai) of southern China and to determine the risk factors of BA in these AR patients. Methods We performed a cross-sectional, hospital-based survey in two modernized cities in southern China. The BA prevalence was evaluated in 1931 AR patients. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire containing specific items for AR and BA. A logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors of BA comorbidity in AR patients. Results The prevalence of concomitant BA in AR patients is 5.33% (103/1931). Most of the participants (98.4%) were sensitized to more than one allergen, and the most common sensitization was to house-dust mites. The strongest risk factor of BA determined by a multiple logistic regression analysis was a duration of AR of >5 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 8.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.74–20.06), followed by smoking (adjusted OR, 7.21; 95% CI, 1.86–8.23) and self-medication with antibiotics (adjusted OR, 6.35; 95% CI, 3.43–11.78). Conclusion Our findings suggested the risk factors of concomitant BA in AR patients may be helpful to establish preventive strategies.
Chronic Rhinosinusitis Confers an Increased Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wang Pi-Chieh , Lin Herng-Ching , Kang Jiunn-Horng 
Published: November 2013

Background The link between chronic inflammatory disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is recognized. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases. However, whether CRS increases the risk for CVD is still unknown. This epidemiology study investigated the risk for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in patients with CRS using a large-scale population-based cohort study. Methods Data on all study cohorts were retrieved from the Longitudinal Health Insurance Database in Taiwan. In total, data on 7975 CRS subjects from 2001 to 2003 were extracted for the study cohort. We selected 39,875 comparison subjects whose demographic variables matched those of the study cohort. We individually tracked each subject for a 6-year period (from 2001 to 2009) to identify which subjects subsequently received a diagnosis of AMI. A stratified Cox proportional hazards regression was used to compare the 6-year risk of a subsequent AMI after a diagnosis of CRS. Results Among the 47,850 sampled subjects, the incidence rate of AMI during the 6-year follow-up period was 5.66/1000 person-years; rates were 8.49 and 5.09/1000 person-years for the study and comparison cohort, respectively. The hazard ratio (HR) for AMI during the 6-year follow-up period for subjects with CRS was 1.70 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52~1.91). In addition, after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors, the HR of AMI for subjects with CRS was 1.48 (95% CI, 1.32~1.67) compared with subjects without CRS. Conclusion Patients with CRS were at higher risk for AMI occurrence in the 6-year follow-up.
Increased Endothelin 1 Type B Receptors in Nasal Lesions of Patients with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Authors: Dimitrijevic Ivan , Edvinsson Lars 
Published: November 2013

Background Endothelin 1 (ET-1) is a locally produced vasoactive peptide with proinflammatory capabilities. Systemic levels of ET-1 seem elevated in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). The aim of this study was to examine the involvement of the endothelin system in patients with GPA using nasal mucosal biopsies. Methods Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded nasal mucous membranes from eight patients with GPA and eight controls were analyzed for ET-1 type A receptor (ETAR) and type B receptor (ETBR) expression using immunohistochemistry. Result ETAR immunostaining was localized only to a few inflammatory cells and to multinucleate giant cells (MGCs) in the nasal mucosa in GPA subjects. Intense ETBR immunostaining was localized to lymphocytes and MGC in the nasal granulomatous lesions in GPA. CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD68+ lymphocytes expressed ETBRs in GPA subjects. Conclusion This observation shows that ETBR+ lymphocyte expression predominates in nasal granulomatous lesions in GPA compared with ETAR. ETBR immunostaining is located to T cells, CD68+ cells, and MGCs. ETBR may play an active role in the progression of granulomatous lesions in GPA.
Effect of Intranasal Azelastine on Substance P Release in Perennial Nonallergic Rhinitis Patients
Authors: Gawlik Radoslaw , Jawor Barbara , Rogala Barbara , Parzynski Slawomir , DuBuske Lawrence 
Published: November 2013

Background Rhinitis symptoms can be produced or augmented by neural mechanisms. Azelastine, a pharmacologic agent with potent H1-receptor blocking activity can inhibit the release of various mediators implicated in the pathogenesis of nasal hyperresponsiveness. The therapeutic benefits of topical intranasal azelastine on symptoms of perennial nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) are in part because of an impact on neural mechanisms. Assessment of changes in the concentration of substance P (SP) in nasal lavage fluid before and after saline hypertonic challenge may be a means of assessing the effect of intranasal azelastine on neuropeptide release and severity of rhinitis symptoms. Methods Twenty-three patients with perennial NAR (negative skin-prick tests with inhalant allergens and concentration of total IgE in the normal range) were studied. Thirteen of 23 patients were treated with intranasal azelastine 0.15% spray at a dosage of 2 sprays (137 micrograms/spray) twice daily for 10 days. The control group consisted of 10 untreated patients with rhinitis. Nasal provocation using 4.5% saline solution was after 15 minutes by lavage before and after 10 days of treatment with intranasal azelastine. The concentration of SP in nasal lavage fluid was determined by enzyme immunoassay methods. Results Nasal lavage fluid baseline concentrations of SP were similar in both groups. After azelastine treatment, significantly greater concentrations of SP were seen in nasal lavage fluid 15 minutes after hypertonic saline challenge in the untreated patients (56.8 ± 13.8 pg/mL) in comparison with azelastine-treated patients (44.5 ± 16.5 pg/mL; p < 0.05). Total vasomotor rhinitis symptoms scores were substantially reduced in the azelastine-treated subjects compared with the control group. Conclusion Azelastine intranasal spray reduces SP release into nasal lavage fluid of NAR patients immediately after hypertonic nasal saline challenge. Reduction of neuropeptide release may be an important aspect of the clinical efficacy of topical azelastine in perennial NAR patients.