bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental investigation of phase relations and thermodynamic properties in the ZrO2–TiO2 system
Authors: Saenko Ivan , Ilatovskaia Maria , Savinykh Galina , Fabrichnaya Olga 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPhase relations in the ZrO2–TiO2 system were studied experimentally using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy combined with dispersive X‐ray spectrometry (SEM/EDX) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The homogeneity ranges of ZrO2 and TiO2, as well as high temperature disordered β‐(ZrxTi1−x)2O4 compound were defined in the temperature range of 1700‐2040 K. Temperature and composition of eutectic reaction were measured. The standard enthalpy of formation of the β‐ZrTiO4 compound was obtained using high‐temperature oxide‐melt solution calorimetry. High temperature heat capacity measurement for the β‐ZrTiO4 compound was performed in the temperature range from 250 K to 1200 K. Thermodynamic description of ZrO2–TiO2 system has been derived based on obtained experimental results and data from literature.
Structure, electrical, and thermal expansion properties of PZnTe–PZT ternary system piezoelectric ceramics
Authors: Huang Xiang , Zeng Jiangtao , Ruan Xuezheng , Zheng Liaoying , Li Guorong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractxPb(Zn0.5Te0.5)O3–(1−x)Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3 (PZnTe–PZT) ceramics were prepared by the solid‐state reaction method. The phase structure, microstructure, ferroelectric and dielectric properties and thermal expansion properties were systematically investigated. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) existed at the composition of x = 0.08, which was the coexistence of the rhombohedral phase and the tetragonal phase. The grain size of ceramics decreased rapidly from 10‐20 μm to 1‐3 μm when the PZnTe was added in. The PZnTe–PZT ceramics at the MPB composition showed the largest high field effective piezoelectric coefficient and the lowest strain hysteresis H. The dielectric permittivity and phase transition temperature exhibited strongly compositional dependence. A good linear relation was shown in Tm temperature vs x content and a DPT behavior was found in xPZnTe–(1−x)PZT (x = 0.02‐0.08). The thermal expansion properties showed a low thermal expansion coefficient in the low temperature while a high thermal expansion coefficient in the high temperature. Besides, the thermal expansion curve also showed the characteristic of DPT in PZnTe–PZT ceramics.
The NbO6 octahedral distortion and phase structural transition of Eu3+‐doped K0.5Na0.5NbO3–xLiNbO3 ferroelectric ceramics
Authors: Wang Jia , Luo Laihui 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA small quantity of Eu3+ ions were doped in the lead‐free ferroelectric K0.5Na0.5NbO3–xLiNbO3 (KNN–xLN, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) ceramics to investigate the NbO6 octahedral distortion induced by the increasing LN content. In addition, the phase structure, ferroelectric, and photoluminescence properties of K0.5Na0.5NbO3–xLiNbO3:0.006Eu3+ (KNN–xLN:0.006Eu3+) lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics were characterized. All the X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectra, dielectric constant vs temperature measurements and the photoluminescence of Eu3+ ions demonstrated that the prepared ceramics undergo a polymorphic phase transition (PPT, from orthorhombic to tetragonal phase transformation) with the rising LN content, and the PPT region locates at 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.06. The ferroelectric properties, Raman intensity ratios and photoluminescence intensity ratios show similar variations with the increasing LN content, all with a maximum value achieved at the PPT region. We believe that the close relationship among the ferroelectric properties, Raman intensity ratios, and photoluminescence intensity ratios is caused by the NbO6 octahedral distortion. The photoluminescence of Eu3+ ion was discussed basing on the crystal‐symmetry principle and Judd‐Ofelt theory.
An innovative α‐calcium sulfate hemihydrate bioceramic as a potential bone graft substitute
Authors: Hsu Heng‐Jui , Waris Rahmat Abd , Ruslin Muhammad , Lin Yun‐Ho , Chen Chin‐Sung , Ou Keng‐Liang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe microstructural, in vitro and in vivo properties of the microwave‐synthesized samples were investigated using the optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter, contact angle goniometer, cell cytotoxicity assay, and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model in the study. When the calcium sulfate dihydrate (CSD) precursor underwent microwave irradiation treatment at temperatures between 100°C and 160°C, the crystal morphologies and crystalline structures were transformed from (tablet‐like CSD (monoclinic)) → (tablet‐like CSD (monoclinic) + long column α‐calcium sulfate hemihydrate (α‐CSH, hexagonal)) → (long column CSD (monoclinic) + short column α‐CSH (hexagonal)) → (uniform short column α‐CSH (hexagonal)). The high‐purity α‐CSH with uniform short column crystals around 10 μm in length can be synthesized at 160°C for 10 minutes and exhibits a higher hydrophilic feature in blood. Moreover, the cell cytotoxicity assay indicated that the microwave‐synthesized samples possessed well biocompatibility. In vivo results also demonstrated that the microwave‐synthesized α‐CSH not only induces angiogenesis formation but also facilitates osteogenesis. Therefore, the microwave‐synthesized α‐CSH is a promising bone graft substitute that can be applied in dental and orthopedic fields.
Temperature dependence of indentation size effect, dislocation pile‐ups, and lattice friction in (001) strontium titanate
Authors: Javaid Farhan , Johanns Kurt E. , Patterson Eric A. , Durst Karsten 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNanoindentations with a Berkovich type indenter were performed on (001) strontium titanate (STO) single crystal at 25°C and 350°C, analyzing the influence of temperature on the indentation size effect (ISE) and dislocation structure around the residual impression. It is found that the STO exhibits an ISE, which is strongly reduced at 350°C compared to 25°C. The dislocation structure around the residual impression has been resolved using an etch‐pit technique. At 25°C, the extension of the dislocation pile‐ups were found to be shorter as compared to 350°C. This also correlates with the smaller size effects at 350°C. Peach‐Koehler forces and the elastic‐plastic indentation stress field were used to model the influence of the lattice frictional stress on the dislocation pile‐ups. Based on an equilibrium position of the outermost dislocations, the average lattice frictional stresses were calculated to be 89 MPa and 46 MPa at 25°C and 350°C, respectively.
Enhanced electron collection efficiency of nanostructured dye‐sensitized solar cells by incorporating TiO2 cubes
Authors: Sarvari Najme , Mohammadi Mohammad Reza 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHerein, enhancement of dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSC) performance is reported by combining the merits of the dye loading of TiO2 nanoparticles and light scattering, straight carrier transport path, and efficient electron collection efficiency of TiO2 cubes. We fabricate DSC devices with various arrangement styles and compositions of the electrodes in the forms of monolayer and double layer films. For this purpose, the solvothermal synthesized TiO2 cubic particles (100‐600 nm) are employed as the scattering layer, whereas TiO2 nanoparticles (15‐30 nm) synthesized via a combination of solvothermal and sol‐gel routes are used as the active layer of devices. We improve the photovoltaic characteristics of DSCs by two mechanisms. First, the light harvesting of DSC devices made of nanoparticles is improved by controlling the thickness of monolayer films, reaching the highest efficiency of 7.0%. Second, the light scattering and electron collection efficiency are enhanced by controlling the composition of double layer films composed of mixtures of TiO2 nanoparticles and cubes, obtaining the maximum efficiency of 8.21%. The enhancements are attributed to balance between charge transfer resistance and charge recombination of photo‐generated electrons as well as dye loading and light scattering.
Trickle‐Down Social Inclusion: The EU Minorities Agenda in Times of Crisis
Authors: Cianetti Licia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article investigates the minority dimension of EU social policy and how the conceptualization of ethnic minorities' socio‐economic inclusion has evolved over time. Three findings are drawn from the close analysis of overlapping EU agendas on social inclusion and minority inclusion. First, although there are no comprehensive data on European minorities' socio‐economic condition, significant evidence has been collected at EU‐level that minorities are consistently at a disadvantage. Second, the growing recognition that minorities suffer disproportionately from socio‐economic exclusion has not been accompanied by an increasing willingness to consider structural policy approaches. Rather, a policy paradigm has emerged that prioritizes job creation, growth and employability as the one‐size‐fits‐all solution to social exclusion. I call this the ‘trickle‐down’ approach to minority social inclusion. Third, the economic crisis crystallized this mismatch between problem and EU policy approach but did not cause it.
The Impact of UV Radiation on Paramecium Populations from Alpine Lakes
Authors: Kammerlander Barbara , Tartarotti Barbara , Sonntag Bettina 
Published: August 2017

AbstractParamecium populations from a clear and a glacier‐fed turbid alpine lake were exposed to solar simulated ultraviolet (UVR) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at 8 and 15 °C. The ciliates were tested for DNA damage (comet assay), behavioral changes, and mortality after UVR + PAR exposure. High DNA damage levels (~58% tail DNA) and abnormal swimming behavior were observed, although no significant changes in cell numbers were found irrespective of the lake origin (clear, turbid), and temperatures. We conclude that environmental stressors such as UVR and their effects may influence the adaptation of ciliates living in alpine lakes.
Trade credit financing and stock price crash risk
Authors: Cao Feng , Ye Kangtao , Zhang Ning , Li Sifei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study investigates the association between trade credit financing and stock price crash risk within China's context. We find that firms using more trade credit financing have significantly lower future stock price crash risk. This negative association is more pronounced for firms with greater information asymmetry and for firms located in less developed financial markets. This finding is robust to the endogeneity concern, alternative measures of stock price crash risk, and the inclusion of other factors identified in prior studies that might affect stock price crash risk. Further evidence suggests that both the monitoring mechanism and the disclosure mechanism drive the documented relation. Our study suggests that access to trade credit can significantly reduce the likelihood of crash risk in a country like China with less developed formal bank financing. Our study also suggests that investors can effectively avoid stock price crash risk by using the trade credit information disclosed in financial statements.
Incidence of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Elderly Edentulous Patients and the Possible Correlation of Serum Serotonin and Apnea‐Hypopnea Index
Authors: Tripathi Arvind , Bagchi Soumyojeet , Singh Juhi , Tripathi Suryakant , Gupta Narendra Kumar , Arora Varun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPurposeTo estimate the incidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in elderly edentulous patients (aged 60‐65 years) and investigate a correlation of serum serotonin levels with the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), respiratory effort‐related arousal (RERA), and respiratory disturbance index (RDI).Materials and Methods381 elderly completely edentulous patients (307 male, 74 female) aged 60 to 65 years with a history of edentulism of 12 to 15 months, seeking oral rehabilitation at the prosthodontic clinic at Saraswati Dental College & Hospital, Lucknow, India, between January 2014 and January 2016 were enrolled for the present study. After application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study, 183 patients (162 male, 21 female) who were found susceptible, were subjected to the BERLIN questionnaire and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) to assess sleep disordered breathing (SDB) and then put through all‐night polysomnography (PSG). On the basis of AHI, RERA, and RDI scores, 156 patients (143 male, 13 female) who tested positive for OSA were classified according to its intensity. All 156 patients underwent body‐mass index (BMI) estimation, cephalometry, and intraoral examination for skeletal and soft tissue profile record. Serum serotonin was estimated from whole blood samples for the 156 OSA and the 27 normal patients. The 156 (147 nonobese, 9 obese) OSA‐positive patients were provided with complete dentures and were trained to use the same as a modified mandibular advancement device (MAD) during sleep at night. These patients were kept on a quarterly follow‐up for 9 months. Data collected was subjected to statistical analysis, and inferences drawn.ResultsThe incidence of OSA in elderly edentulous subjects was found to be 32.03% in males and 8.91% in females. A mere 9 out of 156 (5.76%) elderly edentulous OSA patients were found to be obese (Class I) on the basis of BMI estimation. Cephalometry of the patients showed that they had a skeletal class I maxillomandibular relationship. AHI scores of nonobese patients revealed that most of the patients had moderate OSA, followed by mild OSA and severe OSA. Serum serotonin levels ranged from 53 to 83 ng/dL. AHI score of the 9 obese patients were in the moderate to severe range, and their serum serotonin levels were 60 to 70 ng/dL. A correlation between severity of OSA and serum serotonin level was validated in this study.ConclusionOSA was found to be prevalent in edentulous subjects due to pharyngeal collapse and decreased neuromuscular control. An inverse relationship of serum serotonin levels and AHI scores was established.
Vertebral heart size in chinchillas (Chinchilla lanigera) using radiography and CT
Authors: Doss G. A. , Mans C. , Hoey S. , Di Girolamo N. , Stepien R. L. , Waller K. R. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the vertebral heart size in chinchillas using right and left lateral radiographic views and CT images. To evaluate the agreement between radiographic and CT modalities.MethodsTwenty‐one clinically healthy chinchillas and seven chinchillas with cardiovascular abnormalities underwent cardiovascular examination before thoracic radiographs and thoracic CT obtained under dexmedetomidine‐ketamine anaesthesia. Two observers calculated vertebral heart size for radiographic and CT studies. Reference intervals were calculated with the robust method. Agreement between radiographic and CT‐derived vertebral heart size was evaluated with Bland–Altman plots and Deming regression.ResultsMean ±sd vertebral heart size for lateral radiographs was 8·9 ±0·62 (reference interval: 7·5 to 10·2) and for CT‐derived vertebral heart size was 8·2 ±0·55 (reference interval: 7·1 to 9·4). CT significantly underestimated the radiographic vertebral heart size by 0·66 vertebrae. There was no significant difference between vertebral heart size for right and left lateral radiographic views, or between female and male chinchillas.Clinical SignificanceRadiographic vertebral heart size for chinchillas is larger than that reported for similar rodents. Vertebral heart size can be calculated using radiography or CT in chinchillas, but these techniques are not interchangeable.
Development of a Multivariate Predictive Model to Estimate Ionized Calcium Concentration from Serum Biochemical Profile Results in Dogs
Authors: Danner J. , Ridgway M.D. , Rubin S.I. , Le Boedec K. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundIonized calcium concentration is the gold standard to assess calcium status in dogs, but measurement is not always available.Objectives(1) To predict ionized calcium concentration from biochemical results and compare the diagnostic performance of predicted ionized calcium concentration (piCa) to those of total calcium concentration (tCa) and 2 corrected tCa formulas; and (2) to study the relationship between biochemical results and variation of measured ionized calcium concentration (miCa).AnimalsA total of 1,719 dogs with both miCa and biochemical profile results available.MethodsCross‐sectional study. Using 1,200 dogs, piCa was determined using a multivariate adaptive regression splines model. Its accuracy and performance were tested on the remaining 519 dogs.ResultsThe final model included creatinine, albumin, tCa, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, alkaline phosphatase, triglycerides, and age, with tCa, albumin, and chloride having the highest impact on miCa variation. Measured ionized calcium concentration was better correlated with piCa than with tCa and corrected tCa and had higher overall diagnostic accuracy to diagnose hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia, but not significantly for hypercalcemia. For hypercalcemia, piCa was as sensitive (64%) but more specific (99.6%) than tCa and corrected tCa. For hypocalcemia, piCa was more sensitive (21.8%) and as specific (98.4%) as tCa. Positive and negative predictive values of piCa were high for both hypercalcemia (90% and 98%, respectively) and hypocalcemia (70.8% and 87.7%, respectively).Conclusions and clinical importancePredicted ionized calcium concentration can be obtained from readily available biochemical and patient results and seems more useful than tCa and corrected tCa to assess calcium disorders in dogs when miCa is unavailable. Validation on external data, however, is warranted.
Cell‐Free DNA and DNase Activity in Dogs with Immune‐Mediated Hemolytic Anemia
Authors: Jeffery U. , Ruterbories L. , Hanel R. , LeVine D.N. 
Published: August 2017

BackgroundImmune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) in dogs has a high risk of thrombosis and is associated with marked neutrophilia and necrosis. Cell death and release of neutrophil extracellular traps contribute to increased serum concentrations of cell‐free DNA, and in human autoimmune disease reduced DNase activity further increases cell‐free DNA. Free DNA in blood has prothrombotic properties and could contribute to hypercoagulability in IMHA.HypothesisCell‐free DNA is elevated and DNase activity reduced in dogs with IMHA compared to healthy dogs.AnimalsDogs presenting to two referral hospitals with IMHA (n = 28) and healthy controls (n = 20).MethodsProspective observational study. Blood was collected and death and thrombotic events occurring in the first 14 days after hospitalization recorded. DNA was extracted from plasma with a commercial kit and quantified by PicoGreen fluorescence. DNase activity of serum was measured by radial diffusion assay.ResultsCell‐free DNA was significantly higher in cases (median: 45 ng/mL, range: 10–2334 ng/mL) than controls (26 ng/mL, range 1–151 ng/mL, P = 0.0084). DNase activity was not different between cases and controls (P = 0.36). Four cases died and there were five suspected or confirmed thrombotic events. Cell‐free DNA concentration was associated with death (odds ratio for upper quartile versus lower 3 quartiles: 15; 95% confidence interval 1.62–201; P = 0.03) but not thrombosis (P = 0.57).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceCell‐free DNA is elevated in dogs with IMHA and likely reflects increased release rather than impaired degradation of DNA. Cell‐free DNA concentration is potentially associated with death and might be a prognostic indicator, but this requires confirmation in a larger population.
Pregnancy outcomes in women with Budd Chiari Syndrome before onset of symptoms and after treatment
Authors: Shukla Akash , Sadalage Abhishek , Gupta Deepak , Gupte Amit , Mahapatra Anupam , Mazumder Dipendu , Shah Chirag , Modi Tejas , Meshram Megha , Dhore Prashant , Bhatia Shobna 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsPregnancy is known to have poor outcomes in women with Budd Chiari syndrome. There are no data on fertility and pregnancy outcomes prior to onset of symptoms or the effect of therapy on these parameters. We therefore evaluated reproductive profile of women with Budd Chiari Syndrome before the onset of symptoms and after therapy.Patients and MethodsEighty women with Budd Chiari Syndrome (29 years [20‐45]) were enrolled over 8 years. Baseline demographic characteristics, disease severity, thrombophilic disorders and treatment were reviewed. Their obstetric history before symptoms and after therapy was noted and compared.ResultsSixty women conceived at least once (150 pregnancies) before symptom onset and 20 had primary infertility. Eighty‐one pregnancies resulted in live births and remaining 69 pregnancies had adverse pregnancy outcomes. Post‐intervention, 28 women (15 with primary infertility) attempted conception. Thirteen patients conceived 15 times. More women had live births after successful therapy as compared to presymptomatic period (0/28 vs 5/28 P = .000, Odds ratio5.6; 95% CI: 2.16‐14.5). In women with primary infertility, conception (0/15 vs 3/15 P = .007, Odds ratio 5, 95% CI: 1.44‐17.27) and proportion of live births (0/15 vs 2/15 P = .002, Odds ratio 7.5, 95% CI: 1.71‐32.79) was higher as compared to presymptomatic period.ConclusionPrimary infertility is common and pregnancy outcomes are poor before the onset of symptoms in women with Budd‐Chiari syndrome. Effective therapy of Budd‐Chiari syndrome may improve fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
Automated Pixel‐Level Pavement Crack Detection on 3D Asphalt Surfaces Using a Deep‐Learning Network
Authors: Zhang Allen , Wang Kelvin C. P. , Li Baoxian , Yang Enhui , Dai Xianxing , Peng Yi , Fei Yue , Liu Yang , Li Joshua Q. , Chen Cheng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe CrackNet, an efficient architecture based on the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), is proposed in this article for automated pavement crack detection on 3D asphalt surfaces with explicit objective of pixel‐perfect accuracy. Unlike the commonly used CNN, CrackNet does not have any pooling layers which downsize the outputs of previous layers. CrackNet fundamentally ensures pixel‐perfect accuracy using the newly developed technique of invariant image width and height through all layers. CrackNet consists of five layers and includes more than one million parameters that are trained in the learning process. The input data of the CrackNet are feature maps generated by the feature extractor using the proposed line filters with various orientations, widths, and lengths. The output of CrackNet is the set of predicted class scores for all pixels. The hidden layers of CrackNet are convolutional layers and fully connected layers. CrackNet is trained with 1,800 3D pavement images and is then demonstrated to be successful in detecting cracks under various conditions using another set of 200 3D pavement images. The experiment using the 200 testing 3D images showed that CrackNet can achieve high Precision (90.13%), Recall (87.63%) and F‐measure (88.86%) simultaneously. Compared with recently developed crack detection methods based on traditional machine learning and imaging algorithms, the CrackNet significantly outperforms the traditional approaches in terms of F‐measure. Using parallel computing techniques, CrackNet is programmed to be efficiently used in conjunction with the data collection software.