bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Toughening Micro-Mechanisms in Polypropylene/Ethylene-Propylene-Diene Rubber Blends at Crack and Notch Tips
Authors: Farhang L. , Bagheri R. 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Polypropylene (PP) has the highest growth rate among commodity thermoplastics and is widely used in many applications including packaging, auto, and pipe industries. The relatively low impact strength of this polymer has led to the production of rubber-modified polypropylene with higher impact strength. To promote the applications of these blends, it is necessary to establish the relationship between the mechanical performance and fracture micro-mechanism(s). Fracture behavior is different depending on the application where either crack or notch might be present. In this study, a systematic approach is taken with the aim of understanding the toughening micro-mechanisms of polypropylene/ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (PP/EPDM) blends at both crack and notch tip using different microscopy techniques. Rubber-modified blends were prepared using a twin screw extruder. The samples were exposed to different mechanical, physical, and microscopic examinations. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques were used to study the crystalline structure. Impact and fracture toughness (JIC) tests were conducted to evaluate toughness of blends. Morphology and fracture behavior of the blends were investigated via transmission optical microscopy (TOM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results indicate that both impact strength and fracture toughness (JIC) increase with increasing EPDM content. The two parameters, however, do not follow the same trend. The microscopic evaluations reveal that massive crazing coupled with particle cavitation is the dominant toughening mechanism in PP/EPDM blends under quasi-static and impact loading. Morphological features of the damage zone are different in these two loading conditions.
A Multiscale Framework for Predicting Fracture Toughness of Polycrystalline Metals
Authors: Li Yan , McDowell D. L. , Zhou Min 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
Microstructure has a strong influence on fracture toughness of materials through the activation of different fracture mechanisms. To tailor the fracture resistance through microstructure design, it is important to establish relations between microstructure and fracture toughness. A multiscale computational framework based on the Cohesive Finite Element Method (CFEM) is introduced to facilitate relations between microstructure and the fracture toughness of ductile polycrystalline materials. This material design framework includes 3D image based microstructure reconstruction, 3D meshing, and finite element implementation. It allows the material fracture toughness to be predicted through explicit simulation of fracture processes involving arbitrary crack paths, crack tip microcracking, and branching. Cohesive elements are embedded both within the grains and along the grain boundaries to resolve the different material separation processes. The calculations carried out concern Ti-6Al-4V alloy and focused on the two primary fracture mechanisms which are correlated with microstructure characteristics, constituent properties, and deformation behaviors. The methodology is potentially useful for both the selection of materials and tailoring of microstructure to improve fracture resistance.
Why Study Chinese Architecture?
Authors: Sicheng Liang 
Published: March 2014

Translator’s Note
The article that follows was first published in Zhongguo yingzao xueshe huikan (Bulletin of the Society for Research in Chinese Architecture), volume 7, number 1, in October 1944, when the journal resumed publishing after a seven-year hiatus. The Society for Research in Chinese Architecture had been founded by Zhu Qiqian (1872–1964) in 1930, and its leading members were Liang Sicheng (1901–72), Liu Dunzhen (1897–1968), and Lin Huiyin (1904–55). The war against Japan that officially broke out in 1937 wreaked havoc on ancient buildings in China, an issue that Liang discusses in the article, and also had a direct and drastic impact on the society, whose members were forced to flee Beijing. They went to southwestern inland China, settling first in Kunming, Yunnan province, in 1938, and then in the small village of Li Zhuang, Sichuan province, in the winter of 1940. Amid the severe material and financial hardships caused by the war, the society also had to endure the departure of its most important members and contributors to its research, including Liu Dunzhen in 1943. The handful of remaining scholars decided to resume publication of the bulletin in 1944, probably writing their journal articles by hand and reproducing the pages lithographically for distribution. The article followed a foreword and acknowledgment in the 1944 issue of the journal. During the society’s existence the journal was to publish only one more issue, in October 1945. Although Liang Sicheng was not named as the author of the article (which was signed only “the editor”) it is usually attributed, reasonably, to Liang Sicheng himself.1
Not All “Successful” Angiographic Reperfusion Patients Are an Equal Validation of a Modified TICI Scoring System
Authors: Almekhlafi Mohammed A , Mishra Sachin , Desai Jamsheed A , Nambiar Vivek , Volny Ondrej , Goel Ankur , Eesa Muneer , Demchuk Andrew M , Menon Bijoy K , Goyal Mayank 
Published: March 2014

Rapid reperfusion of the entire territory distal to vascular occlusions is the aim of stroke interventions. Recent studies defined successful reperfusion as establishing some perfusion with distal branch filling of <50% of territory visualized (Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction “TICI” 2a) or more. We investigate the importance of the quality of final reperfusion and whether a revision of the successful reperfusion definition is warranted. We retrospectively evaluated a prospective database of anterior circulation strokes treated using stentrievers to assess the quality of final reperfusion using two scores: the traditional TICI score and a modified TICI score. The modified TICI score includes an additional category (TICI 2c): near complete perfusion except for slow flow or distal emboli in a few distal cortical vessels. We compared different cut-off definitions of reperfusion (TICI 2a–3 vs. TICI-2b–3 vs. TICI 2c–3) using the area under the curve to identify their correlation with a favorable 90-day outcome (mRS≤2). In our cohort of 110 patients, 90% achieved TICI 2a-3 reperfusion with 80% achieving TICI 2b-3 and 55.5% achieving TICI 2c-3. The proportion of patients with a favorable 90-day outcome was higher in the TICI 2c (62.5%) compared to TICI 2b (44.4%) or TICI 2a (45.5%) but similar to the TICI 3 group (75.9%). A TICI 2c-3 reperfusion had a better predictive value than TICI 2b-3 for 90-day mRS 0–1. Defining successful reperfusion as TICI 2c/3 has merits. In this cohort, there was evidence toward faster recovery and better outcomes in patients with the TICI 2c vs. the traditional TICI 2b grade.
Clinical and Angiographic Outcome of Endovascular and Conservative Treatment for Giant Cavernous Carotid Artery Aneurysms
Authors: Zhang Zhenhai , Lv Xianli , Wu Zhongxue , Li Youxiang , Yang Xinjian , Jiang Chuhan , Xu Ruxiang , Shen Chunsen 
Published: March 2014

This study evaluated the outcome of endovascular and conservative treatment for giant cavernous carotid artery aneurysms (CCAAs). We retrospectively reviewed a series of 35 consecutive giant CCAAs treated with endovascular and conservative treatment. All patients were evaluated by balloon occlusion test (BOT) before treatment. Patients who could tolerate BOT were treated by parent artery occlusion (PAO), those who could not tolerate BOT were treated by stent/coil or conservative methods. Eight patients were treated conservatively, symptoms were worsened in four patients (50%), unchanged in three, and improved in one at 33.6±19.9 months (6∼65 months) follow-up. In 27 aneurysms treated with endovascular methods, 17 aneurysms were treated by PAO, eight aneurysms were treated with stent-assisted coil embolization, and two aneurysms were embolized with coils. The initial post-procedure angiogram revealed complete occlusion, neck remnant, and incomplete occlusion in 81.5%, 11.1%, and 7.4%, respectively. Procedure-related mortality and morbidity were 0 and 7.4%, respectively. At 33.1±17.4 months (4∼71 months) follow-up, a good clinical outcome (mRS 0–1) was observed in 25 (92.6%) patients, symptoms were resolved or improved in 20 (74.1%). Statistical analysis showed that risk factors for poor clinical outcome included age of 60 years and older (P=0.006), and conservative treatments (P=0.038). Risk factors for poor clinical outcome of giant CCAAs included conservative treatment and age older than 60 years. A symptomatic giant cavernous carotid aneurysm should be treated. The outcome of endovascular treatment of giant CCAAs is promising.
Use of Hydrocoil in Small Aneurysms: Procedural Safety, Treatment Efficacy and Factors Predicting Complete Occlusion
Authors: Williams Amanda , Millar John , Ditchfield Adam , Vundavalli Sriram , Barker Simon 
Published: March 2014

Coil technology has been directed to reduce recurrence rates and we have seen the introduction of trials comparing the efficacy of surface modified versus bare platinum coils (BPC). This article reports on one treatment strategy in the treatment of small aneurysms by the placement of Hydrocoil across the neck of the aneurysm. Procedural safety, treatment efficacy and factors which predict complete occlusion are evaluated. We retrospectively identified a subgroup of small aneurysms treated over a four-year period. Analysis comparing aneurysms treated with Hydrocoil and BPC versus Hydrocoil alone was undertaken. Eighty-five aneurysms were coiled; 62% with Hydrocoil alone, 38% in combination with BPC. At six-month follow-up, overall 50% were completely occluded, 39.5% had a neck remnant and 10.5% had a residual aneurysm. Complete occlusion was identified in 39% in the Hydrocoil and BPC group compared to 56% in the Hydrocoil alone group. In 56/76 (74%) cases analysed, Hydrocoil loop successfully bridged the neck of the aneurysm in which 38/76 (68%) of these were completely occluded at six-month follow-up. Thirteen procedure-related complications occurred. Aneurysms treated with Hydrocoil alone resulted in fewer recurrences compared with a combination of Hydrocoil and BPC. These data suggest that the technique of positioning Hydrocoil at the neck of the aneurysm increases the probability of complete occlusion and is therefore a strong predictor of aneurysm occlusion. In our experience, this technique did not demonstrate an increased risk of intra-procedural rupture or thrombo-embolic complications compared to conventional embolization with BPC.
Re-Growth of a Posterior Inferior Cerebellar Artery Aneurysm after Resection of the Associated Posterior Fossa Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Al-Jehani Hosam , Tampieri Donatella , Cortes Maria , Melançon Denis 
Published: March 2014

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)-related aneurysms have been described in the literature. Their behavior varies based on their location in relation to and the activity of the shunting through the index AVM. The intuitive expectation supported by numerous reports is that these aneurysms should regress if the AVM is excluded from the circulation. We describe a case of 46-year-old man who presented with a posterior fossa AVM with an aneurysm on the posterior inferior cerebellar artery feeding the AVM. The nidus of the AVM was successfully excluded by glue embolization, with initial regression of the PICA aneurysm on serial imaging. Five years after the endovascular treatment, the aneurysm showed significant re-growth necessitating endovascular coiling. This case presents the re-growth of an AVM-related aneurysm and emphasizes the importance of long-term follow-up of such aneurysms even if the AVM is completely excluded.
The Donut Sign: A New Angiographic Sign for Partially Thrombosed Aneurysms with Flow-Induced Intraluminal Thrombus
Authors: Van Rooij Sanne B , Bechan Ratna S , Markenstein Jeroen E , Sluzewski Menno , Van Rooij Willem Jan 
Published: March 2014

Three patients are described with unruptured large partially thrombosed aneurysms with a peculiar donut-shaped remaining lumen. Observations suggest that the flow geometry of the aneurysm and parent vessels induces a preferential circular laminar flow inside the aneurysm followed by partial intraluminal thrombosis leaving a donut-shaped lumen to accommodate the circular flow. This flow mechanism of thrombus formation inside aneurysms is different from the more common repeated intramural dissections and hemorrhages that cause growth in most large and giant partially thrombosed aneurysms.
Predictors of Hemorrhagic Complications from Endovascular Treatment of Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Jordan José A , Llibre Juan Carlos , Vázquez Frank , Rodríguez Raúl , Prince José A. , Ugarte José Carlos 
Published: March 2014

Post-embolization hemorrhage is the most severe, dramatic and morbidity-mortality-related complication in the treatment of endovascular arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The objective of this study was to determine predictive factors of post-embolization hemorrhage. This is a retrospective study in 71 patients with cerebral AVMs having undergone 147 embolization sessions with n-butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA), carried out between 2006 and 2011. Clinical-demographic, morphological and treatment data as well as results were recorded. The relationship of post-procedure hemorrhage with demographic and morphological factors, percentage devascularization per session, venous drainage and whether or not post-procedure hypotension had been induced was investigated. Six post-embolization hemorrhages occurred, all in sessions characterized by extensive devascularization without the induction of post-procedure hypotension; which disappeared after a limit to the extent of devascularization per session and post-procedure hypotension were introduced. In the multivariate analysis, hemorrhage predictors were: nidus diameter < 3 cm (OR= 45.02; CI=95%:1.17–203.79; P=0.005); devascularization > 40% (OR=32.4; CI=95%: 3.142–518.6; P=0.009) per session; intranidal aneurysms (OR=7.5; CI=95%:1.19–341.3; P=0.041) and lack of post-procedure hypotension (OR=16.51; CI=95%:1.81–324.4; P=0.049) and the association of sessions with devascularization exceeding 40% with lack of post-procedure hypotension, showed an increase in the risk of hemorrhage (OR=36.4; CI=95%:3.67–362.4; P=0.002). Extensive devascularization and the absence of post-procedure hypotension increase the risk of hemorrhage. We suggest partial, 25–30%, devascularization per session and the induction of post-procedure hypotension, which produces a 20% decrease of the basal mean arterial pressure (MAP).
Transarterial Coil-Augmented Onyx Embolization for Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Technique and Experience in 22 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Gao Xu , Liang Guobiao , Li Zhiqing , Wang Xiaogang , Yu Chunyong , Cao Peng , Chen Jun , Li Jingyuan 
Published: March 2014

Onyx has been widely adopted for the treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). However, its control demands operators accumulate a considerable learning curve. We describe our initial experience using a novel injection method for the embolization of AVMs. We retrospectively reviewed the data of all 22 patients with brain AVMs (12 men, 10 women; age range, 12–68 years; mean age, 43.2 years) treated by the transarterial coil-augmented Onyx injection technique. The size of the AVMs ranged from 25 mm to 70 mm (average 35.6 mm). The technical feasibility of the procedure, procedure-related complications, angiographic results, and clinical outcome were evaluated. In every case, endovascular treatment (EVT) was completed. A total of 31 sessions were performed, with a mean injection volume of 6.1 mL (range, 1.5–16.0 mL). An average of 96.7% (range 85%-100%) estimated size reduction was achieved, and 18 AVMs could be completely excluded by EVT alone. The results remained stable on follow-up angiograms. A procedural complication occurred in one patient, with permanent mild neurologic deficit. Our preliminary series demonstrated that the coil-augmented Onyx injection technique is a valuable adjunct achieving excellent nidal penetration and improving the safety of the procedure.
Pseudohypoaldosteronism in a neonate presenting as life-threatening arrhythmia
Authors: Rajpoot Sudeep K , Maggi Carlos , Bhangoo Amrit 
Published: March 2014

Summary
Neonatal hyperkalemia and hyponatremia are medical conditions that require an emergent diagnosis and treatment to avoid morbidity and mortality. Here, we describe the case of a 10-day-old female baby presenting with life-threatening hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, and metabolic acidosis diagnosed as autosomal dominant pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1). This report aims to recognize that PHA1 may present with a life-threatening arrhythmia due to severe hyperkalemia and describes the management of such cases in neonates.

Learning points

PHA1 may present with a life-threatening arrhythmia.

Presentation of PHA can be confused with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Timing and appropriate medical management in the critical care unit prevented fatality from severe neonatal PHA.
Randomized Phase II Trial Comparing Carboplatin Plus Weekly Paclitaxel and Docetaxel Alone in Elderly Patients With Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: North Japan Lung Cancer Group Trial 0801
Authors: Maemondo Makoto , Inoue Akira , Sugawara Shunichi , Harada Toshiyuki , Minegishi Yuji , Usui Kazuhiro , Miwa Koji , Morikawa Naoto , Kambe Mariko , Ube Kenji , Watanabe Kana , Ishimoto Osamu , Sakakibara Tomohiro , Gemma Akihiko , Nukiwa Toshihiro 
Published: March 2014

Abstract

Author Summary

Background.
Standard first-line chemotherapy for elderly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients has been monotherapy with vinorelbine or gemcitabine. Docetaxel has also been considered as an alternative option for the elderly population in Japan. We have previously demonstrated the high efficacy of carboplatin plus weekly paclitaxel for elderly NSCLC patients. Consequently, we conducted a randomized phase II study to select the proper regimen for a future phase III trial.

Methods.
Eligible patients were aged 70 years or older with newly diagnosed advanced NSCLC. Patients were randomly assigned either to a combination of carboplatin (area under the curve: 6 mg/mL per minute) with weekly paclitaxel (70 mg/m2) (CP regimen) or to single-agent docetaxel (60 mg/m2). The primary endpoint of this study was objective response rate. Secondary endpoints were progression-free survival, overall survival, and toxicity profile.

Results.
Among 83 eligible patients (41 to CP, 42 to docetaxel), the objective response rates were 54% (95% confidence interval: 39%–69%) and 24% (95% confidence interval: 11%–37%) and median progression-free survival was 6.6 months and 3.5 months in the CP arm and the docetaxel arm, respectively. Severe neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, and nausea were significantly frequent in the docetaxel arm, whereas toxicities in the CP arm were generally moderate. One treatment-related death was observed in the docetaxel arm.

Conclusion.
The CP regimen achieved higher activity with less toxicity than single-agent docetaxel. Considering the results of this phase II trial and the IFCT-0501 trial, we have selected the CP regimen for a future phase III trial in elderly patients with advanced NSCLC.
Conspecific negative density‐dependent mortality and the structure of temperate forests
Authors: Johnson Daniel J. , Bourg Norman A. , Howe Robert , McShea William J. , Wolf Amy , Clay Keith 
Published: March 2014

Factors that control tree seedling dynamics are critical determinants of forest diversity. We examined the role of density‐dependent mortality and abiotic factors in the differential establishment and survival of tree seedlings at three, large, mapped forest plots in Indiana, Virginia, and Wisconsin, USA. We tested whether seedling densities and seedling survival are related to local biotic and abiotic factors with generalized linear mixed models. Spatial point pattern analyses were utilized to determine if the distribution patterns of seedlings and saplings are consistent with a pattern generated by negative density‐dependent mortality with respect to conspecific trees.Initial sampled seedling density for nearly a third of species showed a positive correlation with increasing conspecific basal area, indicating dispersal limitation, but few had any association with abiotic variables. By contrast, survival of seedlings over one year significantly declined with increasing conspecific basal area. Point pattern analyses indicated that nearly one‐third of tree species had significantly over‐dispersed point patterns of conspecific seedlings and saplings relative to adult densities; the majority of other species exhibited random spatial arrangements. Our results demonstrate that negative conspecific density‐dependent mortality of seedlings could generate the spatial patterns observed at later life stages. By differentially favoring seedlings of other species, this process may contribute to the maintenance of tree diversity in temperate forests, just as others have demonstrated for tropical forests.
Pitavastatin-attenuated cardiac dysfunction in mice with dilated cardiomyopathy via regulation of myocardial calcium handling proteins
Authors: Hu Wei , Jiang Wen-Bing 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
C57BL/6 mice with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) were randomly divided to receive placebo or pitavastatin at a dose of 1 or 3 mg kg-1d-1. After 8 weeks treatment, mice with dilated cardiomyopathy developed serious cardiac dysfunction characterized by significantly enhanced left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVIDd), decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as well as left ventricular short axis fractional shortening (LVFS), accompanied with enlarged cardiomyocytes, and increased plasma levels of N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and plasma angiotensin II (AngII) concentration. Moreover, myocardium sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump (SERCA-2) activity was decreased. The ratio of phosphorylated phospholamban (PLB) to total PLB decreased significantly with the down-regulation of SERCA- -2a and ryanodine receptor (RyR2) expression. Pitavastatin was found to ameliorate the cardiac dysfunction in mice with dilated cardiomyopathy by reversing the changes in the ratios of phosphorylated PLB to total PLB, SERCA-2a and RyR2 via reducing the plasma AngII concentration and the expressions of myocardium angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) and protein kinase C (PKC)b2. The possible underlying mechanism might be the regulation of myocardial AT1R-PKCb2-Ca2+ handling proteins.
The impact of the january effect on the IPO underpricing in Poland
Authors: Wołoszyn Adrian , Zarzecki Dariusz 
Published: March 2014

Abstract
We examine the initial public offering (IPO) underpricing phenomenon in Poland using data from the Warsaw Stock Exchange (the main market). In the article we survey historical average IPO underpricing in Europe and outside Europe. We discuss the determinants of the IPO underpricing which is based on asymmetry of information, ownership and control, institutional explanations and behavioural explanations. We discuss the calendar effect and we examine the influence of the January effect on the IPO underpricing. On the Warsaw Stock Exchange in 2005-2011, the IPO underpricing was bigger for companies that debuted in January than for companies that debuted in other months. The empirical results are not statistically significant.