bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formability and Microstructural Characterization of Sintered Powder Metallurgical Preforms of Dual-Phase Steel
Authors: Mahesh K. , Sankaran S. , Venugopal P. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
In an attempt to improve mechanical properties of powder metallurgical (P/M) preforms of ferrite–pearlite steel, a ferrite–martensite dual-phase P/M steel was produced through intercritical annealing. In the present paper, the densification characteristics and formability of sintered preforms of dual-phase P/M steel and its comparison with preforms of ferrite–pearlite P/M steel are presented. The elemental powders of required composition were thoroughly mixed and steel compacts with different preform densities were produced by applying recommended pressures. The sintered preform consisted of ferrite–pearlite microstructure whereas intercritically annealed preform contained fine martensite distributed in ferrite matrix. The variation in porosity for different preform densities was approximately in the range of 5 %–28 % for both the steels. Stage wise upsetting was performed to obtain the densification curves, and compression tests were carried out to estimate the apparent strength coefficient (Ka) and apparent strain-hardening exponent (na), to generate the forming limit diagram (FLD) for both the steels. With increasing mean preform density, the Ka values were increasing, whereas the na values were decreasing for both sintered and dual-phase steels. In FLD, the transition of Ka and na values was at critical transition density (CTD) of 6.43 g/cm3 and 6.15 g/cm3 for sintered and dual-phase steel, respectively. Thus, an increase of 4.5 % of safe zone limit in FLD was observed in dual-phase steel, which facilitates the selection of lower preform density for forming process. Interestingly, the contiguity ratio of the martensite phase was increasing with increase in the mean preform density, which changes significantly after CTD of 6.15 g/cm3 in dual-phase P/M steel.
Development and Characterization of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Heat-Treated Zr–2.5Nb Alloy for AHWR Pressure Tubes
Authors: Singh R. N. , Bind A. K. , Singh J. B. , Chakravartty J. K. , Thomas Paul V. , Madhusoodnan K. , Suwas Satyam , Saroja S. , Suri A. K. , Banerjee S. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Zr–2.5Nb Alloy is used in a cold-worked and stress-relieved (CWSR) condition as pressure tubes in Indian pressurized heavy water reactors (IPHWR). The life-limiting factor for pressure tubes is in-reactor dimensional changes caused by irradiation growth and creep resulting in diametral expansion and axial elongation. Recent work has indicated that heat-treated Zr–2.5Nb alloy may exhibit lower in-reactor dimensional changes vis-à-vis CWSR pressure tubes. The advanced heavy water reactor (AHWR) specification demands more stringent operating condition for the pressure tubes and it was decided to develop a new fabrication route for heat-treated Zr–2.5Nb alloy for possible application as pressure tubes in AHWR. In this work, the microstructural characterization and tensile properties evaluation was carried out using samples obtained from various stage of fabrication of water-quenched and aged Zr–2.5Nb alloy following a route similar to Fugen pressure tubes is discussed. The microstructure was characterized using optical and transmission electron microscopy. The chemical composition, morphology, and location of the precipitates formed during aging were studied using thin-foil electron microscopy and carbon extraction replica. Samples with its axes parallel to longitudinal (L) or transverse (T) direction of rolled plate were machined from quenched, cold-rolled, and aged material and were tested in tension at 25°C and 300°C. The microstructure and the tensile strength of the alloy processed in the present investigation were comparable to that of heat-treated pressure tubes used in Reaktor Bolshoy Moshchnosti Kanalniy (RBMK) and Fugen reactors.
Surface Modifications of Li-Ion Battery Electrodes with Ultrathin Amphoteric Oxide Coatings for Enhanced Elevated-Temperature Cycleability
Authors: Zhao Jianqing , Wang Ying 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTTo enhance cycleability of LiMn2O4 at elevated-temperature we use atomic layer deposition (ALD) method to deposit a variety of ultrathin and highly conformal amphoteric oxide (ZnO, ZrO2, Al2O3) coatings for surface modification of LiMn2O4 electrodes. High-resolution transmission electron microscopic (HRTEM) images of ZnO, ZrO2 and Al2O3 ALD coated LiMn2O4 particles demonstrate the high qualities of ALD coatings with respect to remarkable conformity, homogeneity and uniformity. Two types of ALD-modified LiMn2O4 electrodes are fabricated: one is ALD-coated LiMn2O4 composite electrode, the other is electrode composed of ALD-coated LiMn2O4 particles and uncoated carbon/poly-vinylidenefluoride (PVDF) network. All LiMn2O4 electrodes modified with 6 oxide ALD layers (as thin as ∼1 nm) reveal significantly enhanced electrochemical performances than bare electrodes at both 25°C and 55°C. After 100 electrochemical cycles at 1 C at 55°C, the electrode consisting of LiMn2O4 particles coated with 6 ZnO ALD layers remains the highest capacity of 56.1 mAh/g, higher than 51.1 mAh/g of ZrO2 coated LiMn2O4 particles, 45.8 mAh/g of Al2O3 coated LiMn2O4 particles and 27.0 mAh/g of the bare composite electrode as well as 44.5 mAh/g of the composite electrode coated with 6 ZnO ALD layers. These results indicate that ZnO ALD coating is the most effective protective film for improved cycling stability, followed by ZrO2 and Al2O3. It is also found that amphoteric oxide coating on LiMn2O4 particles is more effective to enhance the cycleability of LiMn2O4 than coating on composite electrode. Furthermore, for coating either on composite electrode or on LiMn2O4 particles, the effect of ALD coating on improving capacity retention and increasing specific capacity of LiMn2O4 is more phenomenal at elevated temperature than at room temperature.
Fabrication of silicon nanowires by ion beam irradiation
Authors: Song J. , Dang Z. Y. , Azimi S. , Breese M. B. H. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTSilicon nanowires are becoming more important because of increasing requirements of the small scale and dense integration of devices. We report a top-down fabrication method for silicon nanowires using high-energy ion beam irradiation of bulk p-type silicon followed by electrochemical etching. Silicon nanowires with a diameter of ∼50nm have been fabricated and densely patterned nanowire arrays fabricated in different resistivity silicon wafers. With a suitable support structure, free standing silicon nanowires are also achieved. We investigate results depending on silicon wafer resistivity and location within the irradiated area.
Recombination Lifetime in Microcrystalline Silicon Absorbers of Highly Efficient Thin-Film Solar Cells
Authors: Brammer Torsten , Stiebig Helmut 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAbsorber layers of microcrystalline silicon thin-film solar cells deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition are characterized regarding the recombination lifetime. The characterization is based on a comparison of experimentally determined solar cell characteristics with results from numerical device simulations. Evaluation of the dark reverse saturation current indicates a strong dependence of τ on the hydrogen dilution during the deposition. Close to the transition region to amorphous growth where the highest solar cell efficiencies are observed τ is maximum within the crystalline deposition regime and equals 30 ns.
Yield and Bread‐Making Potential of Spring Wheat Under Mineral and Organic Fertilization
Authors: Rieux Christine M. , Vanasse Anne , Chantigny Martin H. , Gélinas Pierre , Angers Denis A. , Rochette Philippe , Royer Isabelle 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTThe food industry is increasingly interested in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) produced under low‐input farming. However, the influence of soil management practices and N source type on wheat is unclear. Spring wheat (‘AC Brio’) was grown in 2009 and 2010 near Quebec City, QC, Canada, on a silty clay (SC) and a sandy loam (SL) soil under cool and wet climatic conditions. Nitrogen treatments comprised a control (mineral fertilizer containing P and K only [PK]), a complete mineral fertilizer (NPK), and three organic N sources (liquid swine manure [LSM], liquid dairy cattle manure [LCM], and solid poultry manure [SPM]) applied in the spring to moldboard plowed and minimum till plots. Even though some differences were found in crop N uptake between soil types and production years, the average amount of grains produced at harvest per unit of N applied was greater with NPK (8.5 kg grain kg−1 N applied) than with animal manures but was similar among LSM (6.4), SPM (5.8), and LCM (5.0). The use of LSM and SPM resulted in grain yields similar to those obtained with NPK. The grain protein and gluten content were generally greater with NPK (150 g protein kg−1 and 105 g gluten kg−1) than with the organic N sources (142 to 144 g protein kg−1 and 94 to 100 g gluten kg−1). However, these disparities had no effect on bread loaf volumes (average of 790 mL). The use of animal manures appears as an interesting alternative to mineral N fertilizers to produce good quality bread‐making wheat.
Inheritance of Resistance to the New Race of Powdery Mildew in Watermelon
Authors: Tetteh Antonia Y. , Wehner Todd C. , Davis Angela R. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTWatermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] production in the United States has, in the past few years, incurred significant losses to races 1W and 2WU.S. powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii) infection. We report the mode of inheritance, gene action, and heritability of race 2WU.S. resistance in two populations derived from a cross involving the resistant genotype PI 189225 and the susceptible ‘Charleston Gray’ and PI 269677. Parents, F1, F2, BC1P1, and BC1P2 plants were inoculated and evaluated for leaf and stem resistance in two replicated greenhouse experiments. Segregation patterns revealed that only leaf resistance rating in Charleston Gray × PI 189225 fit the model for single gene inheritance. Generation mean analysis established only additive gene action for leaf resistance while for stem resistance, additive, dominance, and epistatic effects were important. Narrow‐sense heritability estimates were higher for stem (0.81) than for leaf (0.58) resistance. Lack of dominance and epistatic effects combined with high heritability indicated high probability of success in selecting for leaf resistance in early generations. Stem resistance had a higher additive effect, lower dominance, and moderate heritability, but progress toward resistance should be possible. In population PI 269677 × PI 189225, epistatic effects combined with low heritability (0.20) and presence of duplicate epistasis may result in slower progress from selection.
Modifiable Patient Characteristics and Racial Disparities in Evaluation Completion and Living Donor Transplant
Authors: Waterman Amy D. , Peipert John D. , Hyland Shelley S. , McCabe Melanie S. , Schenk Emily A. , Liu Jingxia 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
To reduce racial disparities in transplant, modifiable patient characteristics associated with completion of transplant evaluation and receipt of living donor kidney transplant must be identified.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
From 2004 to 2007, 695 black and white patients were surveyed about 15 less-modifiable and 10 more-modifiable characteristics at evaluation onset; whether they had completed evaluation within 1 year and received living donor kidney transplants by 2010 was determined. Logistic regression and competing risks time-to-event analysis were conducted to determine the variables that predicted evaluation completion and living donor kidney transplant receipt.

Results
Not adjusting for covariates, blacks were less likely than whites to complete evaluation (26.2% versus 51.8%, P<0.001) and receive living donor kidney transplants (8.7% versus 21.9%, P<0.001). More-modifiable variables associated with completing evaluation included more willing to be on the waiting list (odds ratio=3.4, 95% confidence interval=2.1, 5.7), more willing to pursue living donor kidney transplant (odds ratio=2.7, 95% confidence interval=1.8, 4.0), having access to more transplant education resources (odds ratio=2.2, 95% confidence interval=1.5, 3.2), and having greater transplant knowledge (odds ratio=1.8, 95% confidence interval=1.2, 2.7). Patients who started evaluation more willing to pursue living donor kidney transplant (hazard ratio=4.3, 95% confidence interval=2.7, 6.8) and having greater transplant knowledge (hazard ratio=1.2, 95% confidence interval=1.1, 1.3) were more likely to receive living donor kidney transplants.

Conclusions
Because patients who began transplant evaluation with greater transplant knowledge and motivation were ultimately more successful at receiving transplants years later, behavioral and educational interventions may be very successful strategies to reduce or overcome racial disparities in transplant.
Sodium Thiosulfate Therapy for Calcific Uremic Arteriolopathy
Authors: Nigwekar Sagar U. , Brunelli Steven M. , Meade Debra , Wang Weiling , Hymes Jeffrey , Lacson Eduardo 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Background and objective
Calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA) is an often fatal condition with no effective treatment. Multiple case reports and case series have described intravenous sodium thiosulfate (STS) administration in CUA, but no studies have systematically evaluated this treatment.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study included 172 patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis who had CUA and were treated with STS between August 2006 and June 2009 at Fresenius Medical Care North America. Of these, 85% completed STS therapy. Clinical, laboratory, and mortality data were abstracted from clinical information systems. Responses to survey questionnaires sent to treating physicians regarding patient-level outcomes were available for 53 patients. Effect on CUA lesions and mortality were summarized as CUA outcomes. Relevant laboratory measures, weight (using pairwise comparisons of values before, during, and after STS), and adverse events were summarized as safety parameters.

Results
Mean age of the cohort was 55 years, and 74% of patients were women. Median STS dose was 25 g, and median number of doses was 38. Among surveyed patients, CUA completely resolved in 26.4%, markedly improved in 18.9%, improved in 28.3%, and did not improve in 5.7%; in the remaining patients (20.8%), the response was unknown. One-year mortality in patients treated with STS was 35%. Adverse events, laboratory abnormalities, and weight-related changes were mild. Significant reductions in serum phosphorous (P=0.02) and parathyroid hormone (P=0.01) were noted during STS treatment in patients who completed the therapy.

Conclusions
Although conclusive evidence regarding its efficacy is lacking, a majority of patients who received STS demonstrated clinical improvement in this study.
Cadmium, mercury and lead in the blood of urban women in Croatia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, China, Ecuador and Morocco
Authors: Pawlas Natalia , Strömberg Ulf , Carlberg Bo , Cerna Milena , Harari Florencia , Harari Raúl , Horvat Milena , Hruba Frantiska , Koppova Kvetoslava , Krskova Andrea , Krsnik Mladen , Li Yu-Feng , Löfmark Lina , Lundh Thomas , Lundström Nils-Göran , Lyoussi Badiaâ , Markiewicz-Górka Iwona , Mazej Darja , Osredkar Josko , Pawlas Krystyna , Rentschler Gerda , Spevackova Vera , Spiric Zdravko , Sundkvist Anneli , Tratnik Janja , Vadla Draženka , Zizi Soumia , Skerfving Staffan , Bergdahl Ingvar 
Published: March 2013

Abstract
Reliability and Minimal Detectable Change of Physical Performance Measures in Individuals With Pre-manifest and Manifest Huntington Disease
Authors: Quinn Lori , Khalil Hanan , Dawes Helen , Fritz Nora E. , Kegelmeyer Deb , Kloos Anne D. , Gillard Jonathan W. , Busse Monica ,   for the Outcome Measures Subgroup of the European Huntington's Disease Network
Published: March 2013

BackgroundClinical intervention trials in people with Huntington disease (HD) have been limited by a lack of reliable and appropriate outcome measures.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and minimal detectable change (MDC) of various outcome measures that are potentially suitable for evaluating physical functioning in individuals with HD.DesignThis was a multicenter, prospective, observational study.MethodsParticipants with pre-manifest and manifest HD (early, middle, and late stages) were recruited from 8 international sites to complete a battery of physical performance and functional measures at 2 assessments, separated by 1 week. Test-retest reliability (using intraclass correlation coefficients) and MDC values were calculated for all measures.ResultsSeventy-five individuals with HD (mean age=52.12 years, SD=11.82) participated in the study. Test-retest reliability was very high (&gt;.90) for participants with manifest HD for the Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 10-Meter Walk Test, Timed “Up & Go” Test (TUG), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Physical Performance Test (PPT), Barthel Index, Rivermead Mobility Index, and Tinetti Mobility Test (TMT). Many MDC values suggested a relatively high degree of inherent variability, particularly in the middle stage of HD. Minimum detectable change values for participants with manifest HD that were relatively low across disease stages were found for the BBS (5), PPT (5), and TUG (2.98). For individuals with pre-manifest HD (n=11), the 6MWT and Four Square Step Test had high reliability and low MDC values.LimitationsThe sample size for the pre-manifest HD group was small.ConclusionsThe BBS, PPT, and TUG appear most appropriate for clinical trials aimed at improving physical functioning in people with manifest HD. Further research in people with pre-manifest HD is necessary.
Reliability of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring using motor evoked potentials during resection of metastases in motor-eloquent brain regions
Authors: Krieg Sandro M. , Schäffner Michael , Shiban Ehab , Droese Doris , Obermüller Thomas , Gempt Jens , Meyer Bernhard , Ringel Florian 
Published: March 2013

Object
Resection of gliomas in or adjacent to the motor system is widely performed using intraoperative neuromonitoring (IOM). For resection of cerebral metastases in motor-eloquent regions, however, data are sparse and IOM in such cases is not yet widely described. Since recent studies have shown that cerebral metastases infiltrate surrounding brain tissue, this study was undertaken to assess the value and influence of IOM during resection of supratentorial metastases in motor-eloquent regions.

Methods
Between 2006 and 2011, the authors resected 206 consecutive supratentorial metastases, including 56 in eloquent motor areas with monitoring of monopolar direct cortically stimulated motor evoked potentials (MEPs). The authors evaluated the relationship between the monitoring data and the course of surgery, clinical data, and postoperative imaging.

Results
Motor evoked potential monitoring was successful in 53 cases (93%). Reduction of MEP amplitude correlated better with postoperative outcomes when the threshold for significant amplitude reduction was set at 80% (only > 80% reduction was considered significant decline) than when it was set at 50% (> 50% amplitude reduction was considered significant decline). Evidence of residual tumor was seen on MR images in 28% of the cases with significant MEP reduction. No residual tumor was seen in any case of stable MEP monitoring. Moreover, preoperative motor deficit, recursive partitioning analysis Class 3, and preoperative radiotherapy were independent risk factors for a new surgery-related motor weakness (occurring in 64% of patients with and 11% of patients without radiotherapy, p > 0.01).

Conclusions
Continuous MEP monitoring provides reliable monitoring of the motor system and also influences the course of operation in resection of cerebral metastases. However, in establishing warning criteria, only an amplitude decline > 80% of the baseline should be considered significant.
Hypertensive Retinopathy in Severely Hypertensive Children: Demographic, Clinical, and Ophthalmoscopic Findings From a 30-Year British Cohort
Authors: Williams Katie M. , Shah Anish N. , Morrison Danny , Sinha Manish D. 
Published: March 2013

Purpose:
There is scarce data regarding the incidence and clinical features of hypertensive retinopathy in children. The authors studied a large British cohort of severely hypertensive children to ascertain who developed hypertensive retinopathy, the severity, and the visual prognosis.

Methods:
A retrospective review was performed of children undergoing renal angiography for investigation of severe hypertension at a tertiary institution from 1980 to 2010. All relevant cardiovascular, radiologic, and ophthalmic information was collected from case notes of the children identified in the study period. The outcome measures were presenting blood pressure, presence/severity of hypertensive retinopathy, and visual outcome.

Results:

Fifty-three severely hypertensive children were identified; 30 with renovascular disease (RVD+) and 23 without (RVD−). The majority had ‘stage 2 hypertension.’ There were no significant differences in age, gender, or blood pressure between RVD+ and RVD− children. Seven (18%) of the 39 children receiving ophthalmic assessment had hypertensive retinopathy, of whom 6 had severe disease (retinal hemorrhages, exudates, and optic disc edema). There was a trend toward a higher prevalence of hypertensive retinopathy in the RVD+ group (n = 5) but this was not statistically significant. Children with hypertensive retinopathy had higher blood pressure than those without (median: 216/158 vs 150/98 mm Hg,
P
< .001).

Conclusions:
This is the first study examining the incidence and characteristics of hypertensive retinopathy in British children with severe hypertension. The authors found an 18% incidence of hypertensive retinopathy, in some cases with permanent visual reduction.

[J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus 2013;50(4):222–228.]
ECONOMIC FEASIBILITY AND BIOLOGICAL PRODUCTIVITY OF COCONUT-BASED AGROFORESTRY MODELS IN SRI LANKA
Authors: Peiris W. B. K. , Fernando M. T. N. , Hitinayake H. M. G. S. B. , Dassanayake K. B. , Gunathilake H. A. J. , Subasinghe S. D. J. N. 
Published: March 2013

This study evaluates the economic feasibility and biological productivity of coconut-based agroforestry models designed for coconut smallholders. Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka has developed and established twenty-six agroforestry models in farmers' fields. Of them, four models were selected for this study. They were: mixed farming for Wet Zone (model 1), mixed cropping for Wet Zone (model 2), mixed farming for Wet Intermediate Zone (model 3) and catch cropping in young replanted coconut for Wet Intermediate Zone (model 4), established at Gaspe, Hanchapola, Katuneriya and Thulawala, respectively. Input and output data for several years, for each model, were used in the evaluation. Annual Gross Margins (GM) payback period, Net Present Value (NPV) and Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) were employed for the economic analysis. Biological productivity of the models was. determined employing Land Equivalent Ratio (LER) and Relative Yield Total (RYT). NPVs of agroforestry models were higher than the monocrop, suggestingthe higher net worth of the agroforestry models in the long run. Othereconomic indicators also showed that agroforestry models were moreprofitable than coconut monoculture. In all models, LER exceeded unity,indicating the yield advantage with agroforestry over coconut monocultures.However, RYT values indicated that there were negative interactionsbetween component crops of certain models, which can be attributed to thecompetition that occurs between crops.