bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acicular Ferrite in Micro Welding Technologies
Authors: Węgrzyn T. , Piwnik J. , Hadryś D. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Laser is widely applied in micro welding. Apart from that method, welding with micro-jet cooling could be treated as another important method for thin structure welding. Until that moment micro-jet technology is not very popular. An article presents actual information about innovate welding technology with micro-jet cooling in comparison with standard laser welding. There were given information about influence of both micro welding method on metallographic structure of thin steel welds. Amount of AF was tested in two cases.
Effect of Rare-Earth Metals Addition on Microstructure and Properties of Selected Copper Alloys
Authors: Rdzawski Z. , Głuchowski W. , Stobrawa J. , Sobota J. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Effect of addition of rare earth metals on microstructure and properties of copper alloys after casting, after cold working and after heat treatment was studies in this paper. Methodology consisted of microstructure investigations by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, distribution of alloying elements and electron backscattered diffraction results (EBSD) were presented. The mechanical properties of a wire after tension test and after hardness measurements were described. Electrical conductivity test was performed using Foerster Sigmatest and Thomson bridge. Analysis of the microstructure and mechanical properties of investigated alloys after casting and after metal working showed possibility to produce materials with preferred set of functional properties.
Characteristic of Carbon Nanotubes Modified with Cobalt, Copper and Bromine
Authors: Zygoń P. , Peszke J. , Gwozdźik M. , Nitkiewicz Z. , Malik M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The paper presents results of studies on carbon nanotubes - as received, after cleaning and also after modification. Functional groups as well as metal nanoparticles have been attached, originating from cobalt sulphate, copper acetate and a mixture of hydrogen bromide and bromide. The surface studies on an atomic forces microscope (AFM), X-ray studies (phase composition analysis, crystallite sizes determination) as well as Raman spectroscopy studies were carried out on such nanotubes.
The surface topography studies have shown that after the modification the diameter and length of nanotubes change. Also the surface development changes, which has been determined through roughness parameter measurements.
The change of intensity, of crystallite size and of half-value width of main reflections originating from carbon for nanotubes modified in various ways have been determined using the X-ray analysis.
Influence of the Selected Factors on Thermal Fatigue of the ADI in an Aspect of its Suitability as the Material for Metal Moulds
Authors: Zych J. , Wróbel J. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The investigation results of the thermal fatigue resistance of two ADI grades (EN-GJS-1200-2 and EN-GJS-800-8) are presented in the paper. Tests were performed on the author’s research stand, by means of the resistance heating of samples acc. L.F. Coffin method. The thermal fatigue resistance is the basic criterion in assessing the material suitability for metal moulds. The maximal temperature (Tmax) of thermal cycles influence on their number, which the sample can withstand before cracking, were estimated. Structure transformations, hardness and strength changes of the austempered ductile iron (ADI) were analysed. It was found, that at cyclic heating to Tmax <500°C, the ADI retains its primary ausferritic structure, even after more than 10.000 thermal cycles. Such ADI behaviour predisposes it to be applied as a material for metal moulds used in the pressure die casting, it means mainly at casting Mg and Zn alloys as well as for small castings of Al alloys.
The Research of Properties of Experimental Ceramic Layers
Authors: Karwiński A. , Żółkiewicz Z. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
In the evaporative pattern casting process, the surface of a polystyrene pattern (Styrofoam) is coated with a ceramic layer. This ceramic layer, which coats the evaporative pattern, should have specific physiochemical properties including: resistance to thermal, chemical, and erosive activity of molten metal and proper permeability for gases which are produced by the evaporative polystyrene pattern. The article presents the research results of properties of experimentally selected ceramic layers applied on a polystyrene pattern in the evaporative pattern casting process.
Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Metal Matrix Composites Reinforced with Short Carbon Fibre
Authors: Łągiewka M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The paper constitutes the culmination of the foregoing investigations concerning the influence of short carbon fibre on the enhancement of AlMg10 alloy properties. The presented work brings forward the results of examinations of mechanical and tribological properties of metal matrix composites (MMCs) based on this alloy. Composites were produced by two methods: either by gravity casting or by squeeze casting in semi-solid state of a composite suspension previously obtained through mixing of its components. The volume fraction of the reinforcing phase varied and took the value of 5, or 10, or finally 15 vol. %. Specimens cut out of the experimental castings were examined with respect both to their mechanical properties, i.e. the tensile strength and unit elongation, and to their tribological behaviour. A series of examinations of the mechanical properties proved a slight increase in tensile strength and a minor decrease in unit elongation of the examined composite materials both for gravity cast and squeeze cast specimens, as compared with the properties of pure matrix alloy. The introduction of short carbon fibre into the matrix alloy resulted also in the increased abrasive wear resistance of the examined composites in comparison to the non-reinforced matrix.
Equiaxed and Oriented Microstructure in High Chromium Cast Iron
Authors: Kopyciński D. , Guzik E. , Szczęsny A. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
It has been proved that an addition of boron carbide and shredded steel scrap introduced as an inoculants to the chromium white cast iron changes the microstructure of castings. The operation increases the number of crystallization nuclei of M7C3 carbides. In this case the B4C carbides act as substrates for the nucleation of M7C3 (chromium carbides). Castings after B4C inoculation have fine grain fracture surface. Primary precipitates of chromium carbide also appeared, lowering the mechanical properties of as-cast parts. Additionally, in order to increase the mechanical properties of chromium cast iron, unidirectional solidification was used. In this case, 0.3 wt. % cerium was used as inoculant.
Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Pneumatic Powder Injection into Liquid Alloys with a Non-Submerged Lance
Authors: Jezierski J. , Janerka K. , Stawarz M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
The method of powder injection into molten metal has been widely known since tens of years and successfully utilized in various metallurgical processes. The most common is a solution with injection lance submerged under the liquid alloy surface, because it is easier apart from some of disadvantages of this approach. In this paper the authors’ complex experiments on the pneumatic injection process with non-submerged lance have been presented. The new approach on jet cone angle importance and its influence on the efficiency of the injection process has been shown. The issue of the effective jet radius that was proposed by former scientists as well as computer modelling and injection experiments recorded with high speed camera have been presented. The final comparison of the typical injection lance and developed by authors new lance with flange was presented, too. The benefits of use of a new one for the treatment of small liquid alloy volume (e.g. inoculation or alloys addition introduction) have been pointed.
A Study on Emissions from Afterburning Chambers Included in Metallurgical Thermal Equipment
Authors: Gil S. , Rozpondek M. , Bialik W. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Investigations on operational parameters of afterburning chambers included in metallurgical thermal equipment have been presented. The effects of temperature and modernization within the firing system on concentrations of nitrogen oxides and carbon oxide have been analysed. To ensure effective afterburning of gases generated during technological processes and minimisation of CO levels, the temperature in the afterburning chamber should be elevated to approximately 1053-1973 K with evenly distributed temperature within the flame. This may lead to slightly higher (by about 20 mg/m3n ) NOx concentrations.
Effect of Vetiver Grass Fiber on Soil Burial Degradation of Natural Rubber and Polylactic Acid Composites
Authors: Juntuek P. , Chumsamrong P. , Ruksakulpiwat Y. , Ruksakulpiwat C. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
In this study, vetiver grass fiber was used as a natural filler in natural rubber (NR) and polylactic acid (PLA) composite. Glycidyl methacrylate grafted natural rubber (NR-g-GMA) was used as a compatibilizer. The main objective of this research is to study the degradability of PLA and PLA composites under soil burial test. It was shown that vetiver grass fiber showed a significant role in the degradability of PLA composites under soil burial condition. Mechanical properties of PLA composites dramatically decreased after burial in soil compared to those of pure PLA. Moreover, addition of vetiver grass fiber at 20 and 30 % (w/w) content led to a significant increase in weight loss of the specimens with increasing burial time. From SEM micrographs, better interfacial adhesion between PLA, vetiver grass fiber, and NR particles was observed with the addition of NR-g-GMA. This indicated that the compatibility of PLA/vetiver/NR can be improved by using NR-g-GMA. Furthermore, mechanical properties of injection molded PLA and PLA composites were compared with those of compression molded samples. Injection molded specimens of neat PLA and PLA composites showed higher tensile strength than compression molded specimens. This may be due to the result of higher fiber orientation along flow direction in injection molding.
Effect of Nanoclay Addition on Morphology and Elastomeric Properties of Dynamically Vulcanized Natural Rubber/Polypropylene Nanocomposites
Authors: Lopattananon N. , Tanglakwaraskul S. , Kaesaman A. , Seadan M. , Sakai T. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) nanocomposites based on 60/40 (%wt) natural rubber (NR)/polypropylene (PP) blends were prepared by melt blending in an internal mixer. Sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) was first added in natural rubber latex to obtain natural rubber/clay masterbatch, which was subsequently dynamically crosslinked while mixing with molten PP. The effect of Na-MMT content were examined concerning elastomeric properties of NR/PP blends dynamically vulcanized using phenolic resin as a curing agent. Morphology characterization observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and 3D microfocus X-ray computerized tomography showed that the dynamic vulcanization with nanoclay addition changed the blend morphology from a co-continuous-like structure to droplet-like phase one, and the clay remained within NR phase in intercalated and aggregated forms. Furthermore, the presence of clay induced the decrease in crosslinking of NR, but promoted the mixing between NR and PP during dynamic vulcanization. This suggested that nanoclay worked as a kind of morphology modifier during dynamic vulcanization. The addition of clay marginally enhanced the 100 % modulus and tensile strength, but led to the decrease of the elongation at break. The optimal level of tensile strength improvement was obtained with loading of 5 phr clay. The permanent set of the NR/PP/Clay TPV nanocomposites was well maintained at the acceptable level as elastomer. The resistances to oil and heat were improved with incorporation of clay, proportional to clay loading. The experimental results indicated that the nanoclay had a positive effect on improving the 60/40 NR/PP blend morphology, which provided a little benefit to strength of the TPVs. However, the addition of nanoclay offered an improvement in oil and thermal resistances due to a combined effect of the clay dispersion and improved morphology of NR and PP blends.
Corticosteroids in oncology: An overview
Authors: Luigi Moretti 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Corticosteroids play an important role in clinical oncology, and they may be used alone or in combination with other treatments in the therapy of cancer patients. Commonly they may be used to decrease inflammations. In this overview, by discussions on the applications of corticosteroids that are mainly used in oncology, we suggest that careful use of Corticosteroids is required and the balance between risks and benefits should always be considered in clinical oncology.
Five-Year Medical and Pharmacy Costs after a Medically Supervised Intensive Treatment Program for Obesity
Authors: Myers Valerie H. , McVay Megan Apperson , Brashear Meghan M. , Johnson William D. , Gupta Alok K. , Brantley Phillip J. , Ryan Donna H. 
Published: June 2014

Purpose. The financial impact of intensive medical interventions for weight loss has not been fully studied. Design. A randomized pragmatic clinical trial. Setting. Seven primary care clinics and one research center in Louisiana. Subjects. Severely obese individuals (body mass index 40–60 kg/m2) randomized to usual care (n = 190) or intensive medical management (n = 200). Forty-seven percent of participants completed year 2 follow-up and were included in the analyses. Intervention. Physician-monitored intervention with recommendations for 12 weeks of liquid diet followed by 4 months of group behavioral therapy, structured diet, and option of pharmacotherapy, and an additional 16 months of maintenance strategies. Measures. Two-year preintervention and 5-year postintervention measures were computed from claims data and included (1) medical costs excluding pharmacy, (2) pharmacy costs only, (3) total medical and pharmacy costs, and (4) medical and pharmacy subcategory costs. Analysis. Differential categories for preintervention and postintervention were created using total sample 75th percentiles. Chi-square tests were employed to compare the intervention groups both preintervention and postintervention with respect to the proportion of subjects above the 75th percentile for each of the cost categories. Results. Medical costs excluding pharmacy did not differ between groups. The intensive medical intervention group had a significantly smaller percentage of subjects above the 75th percentile for pharmacy costs only (p = .0125), and for antidiabetic agents (p = .0464), antihypertensives (p = .0075), and dyslipidemic subcategories (p = .0197). Conclusion. An intensive medical intervention may reduce pharmaceutical expenditures in severely obese individuals. These results must be viewed with caution given the high attrition of study participants.
Bilateral periorbital ecchymoses
Authors: Alberio L. , Biasiutti F. , Lämmle B. , Colucci G. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryImmunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a systemic disease caused by a plasma cell clone synthesizing an unstable light chain, which forms amyloid fibrils. Deposition of amyloid fibrils affects primarily kidney, heart, nervous system, spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract and the skin. Skin bleeding in these patients is called amyloid purpura. Classically, it occurs spontaneously and bilaterally in the periorbital region. Vessel wall fragility and damage by amyloid are the principal causes of periorbital and gastrointestinal bleeding. Additionally, coagulation factor inhibitory circulating paraprotein, hyperfibrinolysis, platelet dysfunction or isolated acquired factor X deficiency may contribute to even more severe, diffuse bleedings.Early diagnosis remains essential for improvsis. Although pictures of amyloid purpura have been often reported in the literature, the clinical diagnosis may be delayed. We report a case of cutaneous manifestation of AL amyloi-dosis diagnosed not until one year after the appearance of the first symptoms. Diagnostic work-up revealed that the patient suffered from multiple myeloma with secondary AL amyloidosis. Atraumatic ecchymoses at the face, particularly the eyelids as well as in the neck should raise the suspicion of AL amyloi-dosis.
Medicina i religió a la Baixa Edat Mitjana: la justificació mèdica de les pràctiques penitencials en els sermons de sant Vicent Ferrer
Authors: Ferragud Domingo Carmel 
Published: June 2014

Resum: És ben conegut que Vicent Ferrer va ser un fervorós partidari de pràctiques penitencials rigoroses, com ara els dejunis, la vigília i, sobretot, la disciplina fins l’efusió de sang. La companyia que el seguia practicava totes aquestes penitències, seguint les instruccions del predicador. Especialment significativa i polèmica era la seua adhesió a les virtuts espirituals del cilici i el flagell, utilitzats per ell mateix i pels seus seguidors. Enfront de les demandes i protestes, especialment de clergues, pel dany per a la salut que aquestes pràctiques suposaven, Ferrer va utilitzar tot un seguit d’arguments mèdics i filosòfics inspirats en el galenisme i l’aristotelisme, per tal de justificar la penitència com a un element que, lluny de perjudicar, beneficiava la salut espiritual i corporal del cristià. Paraules clau: sermons, Vicent Ferrer, galenisme, aliments, penitència Abstract: It is well known that Vincent Ferrer was a fervent supporter of rigorous penitential practices such as fasting, vigil, and especially the discipline to bloodshed. The company that followed him practiced all these penances, with the instructions of the preacher. It was particularly significant and controversial his adherence to spiritual virtues of the scourge and sackcloth, used by himself and his followers. Faced with demands and protests, especially by clerics, about the damage to health of these practices, Ferrer used a series of medical and philosophical arguments inspired in Galenism and Aristotelism, to justify penance as an element that, far from harm, produced physical and spiritual health benefits for the Christian. Keywords: sermons, Vincent Ferrer, galenism, foods, penance
Ressenya a Emiilio Callado Estela, Mujeres en clausura. El convento de Santa María Magdalena de Valencia. València, Publicacions de la Universitat de València, 2014
Authors: Esponera Cerdán Alfonso 
Published: June 2014

Ressenya a Emilio Callado Estela, Mujeres en clausura. El convento de Santa María Magdalena de Valencia,Valencia, Universitat de València, 2014, 330 pp. ISBN: 978-84-370-9167-9
Decrease in sexual risk behaviours after early initiation of antiretroviral therapy: a 24‐month prospective study in Côte d'Ivoire
Authors: Jean Kévin , Gabillard Delphine , Moh Raoul , Danel Christine , Desgrées‐du‐Loû Annabel , N'takpe Jean‐Baptiste , Le Carrou Jérôme , Badjé Anani , Eholié Serge , Lert France , Anglaret Xavier , Dray‐Spira Rosemary 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionWhether early antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation could impact sexual risk behaviours remains to be documented. We aimed to investigate changes in sexual behaviours within the 24 months following an early versus standard ART initiation in HIV‐positive adults with high CD4 counts.MethodsWe used data from a prospective behavioural study nested in a randomized controlled trial of early ART (Temprano‐ANRS12136). Time trends in sexual behaviours from enrolment in the trial (M0) to 12‐month (M12) and 24‐month (M24) visits were measured and compared, using Generalized Estimating Equations models, between participants randomly assigned either to initiate ART immediately (early ART) or to defer ART initiation until on‐going WHO starting criteria are met (standard ART). Indicators of sexual behaviours included 1) sexual activity in the past year, 2) multiple partnership in the past year, 3) unprotected sex at last intercourse and 4) risky sex (i.e. unprotected sex with a partner of HIV negative/unknown status) at last intercourse.ResultsAnalyses included 1952 participants (975 with early ART and 977 with standard ART; overall median baseline CD4 count: 469/mm3). Among participants with early ART, significant decreases were found between M0 and M24 in sexual activity (Odds Ratio [OR] 0.72, 95% Confidence Interval [95% CI] 0.57–0.92), multiple partnership (OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.41–0.79), unprotected sex (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.47–0.75) and risky sex (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.45–0.76). Among participants with standard ART, sexual behaviours showed similar trends over time. These decreases mostly occurred within the 12 months following enrolment in the trial in both groups and prior to ART initiation in participants with standard ART. For unprotected sex and risky sex, decreases were or tended to be more pronounced among patients reporting that their last sexual partner was non‐cohabiting.ConclusionsIn these sub‐Saharan adults with high CD4 counts, entry into HIV care, rather than ART initiation, resulted in decreased sexual activity and risky sexual behaviours. We did not observe any evidence of a risk compensation phenomenon associated with early ART initiation. These results illustrate the potential behavioural preventive effect of early entry into care, which goes hand in hand with early ART initiation.
How will increases in rainfall intensity affect semiarid ecosystems?
Authors: Siteur Koen , Eppinga Maarten B. , Karssenberg Derek , Baudena Mara , Bierkens Marc F.P. , Rietkerk Max 
Published: June 2014

AbstractModel studies suggest that semiarid ecosystems with patterned vegetation can respond in a nonlinear way to climate change. This means that gradual changes can result in a rapid transition to a desertified state. Previous model studies focused on the response of patterned semiarid ecosystems to changes in mean annual rainfall. The intensity of rain events, however, is projected to change as well in the coming decades. In this paper, we study the effect of changes in rainfall intensity on the functioning of patterned semiarid ecosystems with a spatially explicit model that captures rainwater partitioning and runoff‐runon processes with simple event‐based process descriptions. Analytical and numerical analyses of the model revealed that rainfall intensity is a key parameter in explaining patterning of vegetation in semiarid ecosystems as low mean rainfall intensities do not allow for vegetation patterning to occur. Surprisingly, we found that, for a constant annual rainfall rate, both an increase and a decrease in mean rainfall intensity can trigger desertification. An increase negatively affects productivity as a greater fraction of the rainwater is lost as runoff. This can result in a shift to a bare desert state only if the mean rainfall intensity exceeds the infiltration capacity of bare soil. On the other hand, a decrease in mean rainfall intensity leads to an increased fraction of rainwater infiltrating in bare soils, remaining unavailable to plants. Our findings suggest that considering rainfall intensity as a variable may help in assessing the proximity to regime shifts in patterned semiarid ecosystems and that monitoring losses of resource through runoff and bare soil infiltration could be used to determine ecosystem resilience.