bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of the elastic modulus of SWCNT/epoxy composite based on the micromechanics
Authors: Hedia Hassan S. , Aldousari Saad M. , Abdellatif Ahmed K. , Abdelhafeez Gamal S. 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Due to their superior mechanical and physical properties, carbon nanotubes seem to hold a great promise as an ideal reinforcing material for composites of high strength and low density. In most of the experimental results up to date, however, only modest improvements in the strength and stiffness have been achieved by incorporating carbon nanotubes in polymers. In the present paper, the stiffening effect of carbon nanotubes is quantitatively investigated by micromechanics methods. The Mori-Tanaka effective field method has been adopted to calculate the effective elastic moduli of composites with aligned or randomly oriented straight nanotubes. The rule-of-mixtures is used to calculate the modulus of elasticity for nanocomposite. The results of micromechanics methods indicated that the CNTs are highly anisotropic, with Young's modulus in the tube direction two orders of magnitude higher than that normal to the tube. The results of micromechanics methods were compared by those obtained from the rule-of-mixtures and good agreement was also achieved when the efficiency parameter Φ = 1 and typical results were achieved with Φ = 0.25. To predict the mechanical properties of the composite materials, it is worth considering the conventional rule-of-mixtures using exact value of the efficiency parameter Φ. To predict the elastic modulus of nanocomposite reinforced by SWCNT using the conventional rule-of-mixtures, the exact value of the efficiency parameter Φ is equal to 0.25 when using nanotubes with chirality (8,3) for determination the elastic modulus of SWCNT. However, for zigzag orientation and chirality (8,0) the efficiency parameter Φ is equal to 1. The conventional rule-of-mixtures is a powerful tool and easy method compared to the micromechanics methods.
Influence of cutting parameters and TiBN coating material on the drilling of Al6061-T4 sheets
Authors: Aksakal Bünyamin , Karaca Faruk 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
In this study, the machinability of Al6061-T4 aluminum alloy sheets was experimentally investigated by drilling process using uncoated HSS and TiBN coated HSS drill bits. In experiments, the tool feed rate, cutting speed and drill diameter were varied to explore their effects on surface roughness of the machined holes, hole circularity, chip and burr formation, respectively. The hole qualities were determined by using an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a profilometer. The measured values were also analyzed statistically. It was demonstrated that the surface roughness increased with decreasing cutting speed and increased with feed rate of the tool. TiBN coated drill bits provided better hole surfaces compared to uncoated drill bits. The most significant factor on the surface roughness was found to be the cutting speed while the coating material was the second significant factor. In addition, the burst-type burr formations were observed only at a 4 mm drill diameter and high drill speeds with uncoated tools, while the TiBN coated tools gave burr-free surfaces.
Testing of pipe sections
Authors: Andreiev Anatolii , Golovko Oleksandr , Frolov Iaroslav , Nürnberger Florian , Wolf Lars Oliver , Schaper Mirko , Grydin Olexandr 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
A device and the basic technology has been developed for tensile testing pipe sections samples (tensile testing PSS) for quantitative estimating ultimate tensile and yield stresses in ring samples (PSS samples) cut from pipes. This tensile testing device provides the opportunity for compensating frictional forces during the tensile test, and using exchangeable bearings, the device can be adapted to a wide assortment of pipes. Research has been carried out regarding the shape and size of a stress concentrator introduced into the sample. Relationships have been derived between the shape of the tensile loading curves and the characteristic forces for different types of stress concentrators. It is proposed to use PSS with stress concentrators to prevent plastic deformation in one of the supporting sections (this also allows to correlate the applied forces to one section). The concentrator should be introduced into the tube wall of the sample as a drilled hole. This method is comparatively simple with respect to established testing methods.
Grey-based fuzzy algorithm for the optimization of the ball burnishing process
Authors: Esme Ugur , Kulekci Mustafa Kemal , Ustun Deniz , Kahraman Funda , Kazancoglu Yigit 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
In the present study, Grey based fuzzy algorithm was used for the optimization of complex multiple performance characteristics of the ball burnishing process. Experiments have been planned according to Taguchi's L16 orthogonal design matrix. Burnishing force, number of passes, feed rate and burnishing speed were selected as input parameters, whereas surface roughness and microhardness were selected as output responses. Using Grey relation analysis (GRA), Grey relational coefficient (GRC) and Grey relation grade (GRG) were obtained. Then, Grey-based fuzzy algorithm was applied to obtain Grey fuzzy reasoning grade (GFRG). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was carried out to find the significance and contribution of parameters on multiple performance characteristics. Finally, a confirmation test was applied at the optimum level of GFRG to validate the results. The results also show the feasibility of the Grey-based fuzzy algorithm for continuous improvement in product quality in complex manufacturing processes.
Influence of combined grain refinement and modification on the microstructure, tensile strength and wear properties of Al-15Si, Al-15Si-4.5Cu alloys
Authors: Channappagoudar Shivaprasad , Sannayallappa Narendranath , Desai Vijay , Karodi Venkateswarlu 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
Microstructure, tensile strength and dry sliding wear studies of Al-15Si, Al-15Si-4.5Cu alloys with and without grain refinement and modifications are presented. Experimental alloys such as Al-15Si and Al-15Si-4.5Cu were conventionally melted and gravity die cast. For grain refinement, 1 wt.% of Al-1Ti-3B and for modification, 0.17 wt.% of aluminum phosphide (AlP) and 0.4 wt.% of Al-10Sr were added to the alloy melt. The results reveal refined microstructure due to grain refinement, modification, improved hardness, higher tensile strength and better sliding wear. Moreover, Al-15Si-4.5Cu alloy (untreated and treated) showed improved mechanical properties as compared to conventional hypereutectic Al–Si alloy.
Application of a 980-nanometer diode laser in neuroendoscopy: a case series
Authors: Reis Rodolfo Casimiro , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Mancini Marilia Wellichan , Almeida-Lopes Luciana , de Oliveira Matheus Fernandes , Pinto Fernando Campos Gomes 
Published: July 2015

OBJECT
Ventricular neuroendoscopy represents an important advance in the treatment of hydrocephalus. High-power (surgical) Nd:YAG laser and low-level laser therapy (using 685-nm-wavelength diode laser) have been used in conjunction with neuroendoscopy with favorable results. This study evaluated the use of surgical 980-nm-wavelength diode laser for the neuroendoscopic treatment of ventricular diseases.

METHODS
Nine patients underwent a neuroendoscopic procedure with 980-nm diode laser. Complications and follow-up were recorded.

RESULTS
Three in-hospital postoperative complications were recorded (1 intraventricular hemorrhage and 2 meningitis cases). The remaining 6 patients had symptom improvement after endoscopic surgery and were discharged from the hospital within 24–48 hours after surgery. Patients were followed for an average of 14 months: 1 patient developed meningitis and another died suddenly at home. The other patients did well and were asymptomatic until the last follow-up consultation.

CONCLUSIONS
The 980-nm diode laser is considered an important therapeutic tool for endoscopic neurological surgeries. This study showed its application in different ventricular diseases.
Hospital volume and 1-year mortality after treatment of intracranial aneurysms: a study based on patient registries in Scandinavia
Authors: Lindekleiv Haakon , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Førde Olav H. , Wilsgaard Tom , Ingebrigtsen Tor 
Published: July 2015

OBJECT
The object of this study was to examine the relationship between hospital volume and long-term mortality after treatment of intracranial aneurysms.

METHODS
The authors identified patients treated for intracranial aneurysms between 2002 and 2010 from patient registries of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, and linked to data on 1-year mortality from the population registry of each country. Cox regression models were used to relate hospital volume to the risk of death and adjusted for potential confounders (age, sex, year of treatment, Charlson comorbidity index, country, and surgical treatment).

RESULTS
The authors identified 5773 patients with ruptured and 1756 patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms, treated at 15 hospitals. One-year mortality rates were 15.6% for patients with ruptured aneurysms and 2.7% for patients with unruptured aneurysms. No consistent relationship was found between hospital volume and 1-year mortality for ruptured aneurysms in the unadjusted analyses, but higher hospital volume was associated with increased mortality in the analyses adjusted for potential confounders (hazard ratio [HR] per 10-patient increase 1.04, 95% CI 1.00–1.07). There was a trend toward a lower mortality rate in higher-volume hospitals after treatment for unruptured intracranial aneurysms, but this was not statistically significant after adjustment for potential confounders (HR per 10-patient increase 0.69, 95% CI 0.42–1.10). There were large variations in mortality after treatment for both ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms across hospitals and between the Scandinavian countries (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS
The findings in this study did not confirm a relationship between higher hospital volume and reduced long-term mortality after treatment of ruptured intracranial aneurysms. Prospective registries for evaluating outcomes after aneurysm treatment are highly warranted.
Hormone-dependent shrinkage of a sphenoid wing meningioma after pregnancy: case report
Authors: Kerschbaumer Johannes , Freyschlag Christian F. , Stockhammer Günter , Taucher Susanne , Maier Hans , Thomé Claudius , Seiz-Rosenhagen Marcel 
Published: July 2015

Meningiomas are known to be associated with female sex hormones. Worsening neurological symptoms or newly diagnosed meningiomas have been described in the context of elevated levels of sex hormones, for example, in pregnancy. To the authors’ knowledge, tumor shrinkage after the normalization of hormones has not been described, even if it is known that neurological deficits due to meningioma compression may improve after giving birth.
A 32-year-old female patient presented with severe headache and vision disturbances at the end of her second pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extended mass at the lateral left-sided sphenoid wing that was suspected to be a meningioma. After delivery, the patient’s symptoms improved, and MRI obtained 2 months postpartum showed significant shrinkage of the lesion.
Significant tumor shrinkage can occur after pregnancy. Thus, repeat imaging is indicated in these patients.
The Brain and Spinal Injury Center score: a novel, simple, and reproducible method for assessing the severity of acute cervical spinal cord injury with axial T2-weighted MRI findings
Authors: Talbott Jason F. , Whetstone William D. , Readdy William J. , Ferguson Adam R. , Bresnahan Jacqueline C. , Saigal Rajiv , Hawryluk Gregory W. J. , Beattie Michael S. , Mabray Marc C. , Pan Jonathan Z. , Manley Geoffrey T. , Dhall Sanjay S. 
Published: July 2015

OBJECT
Previous studies that have evaluated the prognostic value of abnormal changes in signals on T2-weighted MRI scans of an injured spinal cord have focused on the longitudinal extent of this signal abnormality in the sagittal plane. Although the transverse extent of injury and the degree of spared spinal cord white matter have been shown to be important for predicting outcomes in preclinical animal models of spinal cord injury (SCI), surprisingly little is known about the prognostic value of altered T2 relaxivity in humans in the axial plane.

METHODS
The authors undertook a retrospective chart review of 60 patients who met the inclusion criteria of this study and presented to the authors’ Level I trauma center with an acute blunt traumatic cervical SCI. Within 48 hours of admission, all patients underwent MRI examination, which included axial and sagittal T2 images. Neurological symptoms, evaluated with the grades according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS), at the time of admission and at hospital discharge were correlated with MRI findings. Five distinct patterns of intramedullary spinal cord T2 signal abnormality were defined in the axial plane at the injury epicenter. These patterns were assigned ordinal values ranging from 0 to 4, referred to as the Brain and Spinal Injury Center (BASIC) scores, which encompassed the spectrum of SCI severity.

RESULTS
The BASIC score strongly correlated with neurological symptoms at the time of both hospital admission and discharge. It also distinguished patients initially presenting with complete injury who improved by at least one AIS grade by the time of discharge from those whose injury did not improve. The authors’ proposed score was rapid to apply and showed excellent interrater reliability.

CONCLUSIONS
The authors describe a novel 5-point ordinal MRI score for classifying acute SCIs on the basis of axial T2-weighted imaging. The proposed BASIC score stratifies the SCIs according to the extent of transverse T2 signal abnormality during the acute phase of the injury. The new score improves on current MRI-based prognostic descriptions for SCI by reflecting functionally and anatomically significant patterns of intramedullary T2 signal abnormality in the axial plane.
Long-term effects of the Chêneau brace on coronal and sagittal alignment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Fang Ming-Qiao , Wang Chong , Xiang Guang-Heng , Lou Chao , Tian Nai-Feng , Xu Hua-Zi 
Published: July 2015

OBJECT
The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate progressive correction of coronal and sagittal alignment and pelvic parameters in patients treated with a Chêneau brace.

METHODS
Thirty-two patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) were assessed before initiation of bracing treatment and at the final follow-up. Each patient underwent radiological examinations, and coronal, sagittal, and pelvic parameters were measured.

RESULTS
No statistically significant modification of the Cobb angle was noted. The pelvic incidence remained unchanged in 59% of the cases and increased in 28% of the cases. The sacral slope decreased in 34% of the cases but remained unchanged in 50%. Thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were significantly decreased, whereas the sagittal vertical axis was significantly increased from a mean of -44.0 to -30.2 mm (p = 0.02). The mean pelvic tilt increased significantly from 4.5° to 8.3° (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS
The Chêneau brace can be useful for preventing curvature progression in patients with AIS. However, the results of this study reveal high variability in the effect of brace treatment on sagittal and pelvic alignment. Treatment with the Chêneau brace may also influence sagittal global balance.
Quantitative assessment of sustainable city logistics
Authors: Grosso-delaVega Rafael , Muñuzuri Jesus 
Published: July 2015

<p>The aim of this paper is to seek an answer to an specific question: how to make city logistics sustainable? This question in principle has no specific answer. By contrast, it could be answered in many and varied ways. Behind the search for some of these answers lies the development of a roadmap which this work aims to present. The research lines, the theoretical framework and methodology of the roadmap will be explained. Although the current status of the roadmap, its duration and timing still need to be completed, the main facts, as well as the results obtained to date and the expected results are here presented.</p>
Asielzoekers in Europa: de geopolitieke context
Authors: Jennissen R.P.W. 
Published: July 2015

Asylum seekers in Europe: the geopolitical context
In recent years, the number of asylum seekers in Europe has increased again. According to the figures of Eurostat, more than 600.000 applications for asylum were submitted in the countries of the EU in 2014. This is more than double compared to 2010. This article seeks to provide explanations for this sudden increase. Furthermore, this article contains a detailed description of the long route which refugees who lodge an asylum application in a Northern or Western European country have to accomplish. Many considerations have to be made during this route. Other people than the refugees themselves (i.e. traffickers) make these considerations as well and they are often restricted by the circumstances.
Op zoek naar bescherming in een vrije wereld
Authors: Entzinger H.B. 
Published: July 2015

In search for protection in a free world. Asylum migration to Europe analyzed
The arrival of asylum seekers has become a major political and social issue in Europe recently, although not for the first time in history. This article describes and analyses the reasons why growing numbers of undocumented migrants come to Europe, many of them as asylum seekers. One important reason is growing political instability in a ring of countries that surround the EU. The article also describes the different routes undocumented migrants take to the EU, the rapid changes that occur in the choice of routes, and the backgrounds of these changes. Although most attention goes to the risky transit in the Central Mediterranean area, and the number of migrants taking this route is growing, a majority of asylum seekers has reached the EU via other routes. Finally, this article also indicates roads towards finding solutions to the issue; this can only be achieved in the context of the EU.
Een verblijfsvergunning, maar dan?
Authors: Klaver J.F.I. 
Published: July 2015

A residence permit, but what then? The socio-economic integration of refugees in the Netherlands
Integration is an essential element of refugee protection. This article presents data on the socio-economic integration of refugees in the Netherlands who have received a residence status between 2000 and 2010. Many refugees are unable to integrate successfully into the Dutch labor market, which results in high levels of welfare dependency and poverty. The article furthermore discusses developments in Dutch integration policies, with a specific focus on civic integration, family reunification and citizenship. These policies are increasingly characterized by imposing more stringent requirements on migrants as a precondition for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship. As such, these policy developments prove to be counterproductive to refugee integration in the Netherlands. A brief comparison between the Netherlands on the one hand and Denmark, the United Kingdom and Belgium/Flanders on the other, shows that the Netherlands pursue a particularly severe course with regard to imposing integration requirements on refugees.
Comparison of Different Cytokine Conditions Reveals Resveratrol as a New Molecule for Ex Vivo Cultivation of Cord Blood-Derived Hematopoietic Stem Cells
Authors: Heinz Niels , Ehrnström Birgitta , Schambach Axel , Schwarzer Adrian , Modlich Ute , Schiedlmeier Bernhard 
Published: July 2015

Abstract

Human cord blood (CB)-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are an interesting source for HSC transplantation. However, the number of collected CB-HSCs is often too low for one transplantation; therefore, ex vivo expansion of CB-HSCs is desirable. Current expansion protocols are based on the use of cytokine combinations, including insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 2 (IGFBP2) and angiopoietin-like proteins, or combinations with “small molecules” such as stemregenin-1. The aim of our project was to compare the potential of different CB-HSC expansion strategies side-by-side by phenotypical analysis in vitro and serial engraftment properties in NOD/SCID/IL2rg−/− (NSG) immunodeficient mice. We further identified resveratrol, a naturally occurring polyphenol, as a new, alternative small molecule combined with cytokines to facilitate serum-free ex vivo expansion of human CB-HSCs. The cultivation in resveratrol preserved the CB-HSC phenotype in vitro most efficiently and was ∼2 times more potent than commonly used cytokine conditions (including stem cell factor, thrombopoietin, Fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, interleukin-6) and the recently established serum-free culture, including IGFBP2 and angiopoietin-like 5. Serial transplantation studies further confirmed resveratrol to support robust multilineage engraftment in primary and secondary NSG recipients. Therefore, our work proposes resveratrol as a new small molecule for improved ex vivo culture and modification of human HSCs based on an efficient ex vivo propagation of the HSC fate.

Significance
Human cord blood (CB)-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are an important source for HSC transplantations but restricted in their usage because of their low numbers. In gene therapy, modifications of HSCs relies on their ex vivo modification without losing their stemness properties. Therefore, ex vivo cultivation and expansion of CB-HSCs is important for their effective application in HSC transplantation and gene therapy. Several promising protocols for serum-free cultivation of HSCs using different combinations of cytokines or so-called small molecules are described. A direct comparison was performed of three described serum-free cytokine conditions, demonstrating that the natural occurring polyphenol resveratrol is able to support ex vivo cultivation of CB-HSCs. The results show that resveratrol is an additional candidate for improving ex vivo cultures of HSCs for transplantation and gene therapeutic applications in the future.