bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid fabrication of micron‐sized CVD‐diamond structures by microfluidic contact printing
Authors: Vandenryt Thijs , Grieten Lars , Janssens Stoffel D. , van Grinsven Bart , Haenen Ken , Ruttens Bart , D'Haen Jan , Wagner Patrick , Thoelen Ronald , De Ceuninck Ward 
Published: May 2014

In this contribution we report on a novel method for the growth of laterally patterned synthetic diamond films with submicron feature sizes. The lateral patterning is induced by depositing a nanodiamond‐based seeding layer prior to the chemical vapor deposition of the diamond films. The seeding layer is prepared by a microfluidic approach, based on soft lithography with PDMS moulds, used in the microcontact printing. These moulds are prepared by electron‐beam lithography of photoresist on silicon substrates. The master moulds are reusable, allowing for cheap, high‐throughput manufacturing, and the resulting diamond microstructures exhibit an outstanding smoothness and structural reproducibility. Possible applications are expected in the fields of diamond electronics, micro‐electro‐mechanical systems (MEMS) as well as bio‐ and chemosensors. The abstract figure shows the SU‐8 master mould (left). The resulting diamond structure (right) is shown, after chemical vapor deposition. The purple color originates from the settings of the optical microscope, used to get a high‐contrast image.
Solvothermal synthesis of three‐dimensional CeO2 micropillows and their photocatalytic property
Authors: Arul Narayanasamy Sabari , Mangalaraj Devanesan , Han Jeong In 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThree‐dimensional (3D) CeO2 micropillows were synthesized by using solvothermal method. The pH of the precursor solution was adjusted to 10 by adding ammonium hydroxide. The structural, morphology and compositional characteristics of CeO2 micropillows were investigated by XRD, SEM, TEM and EDAX. XRD analysis showed the formation of CeO2 micropillows. BET analysis showed high specific surface area for the synthesized CeO2 micropillows (191 m2 g–1). Optical absorption of CeO2 micropillows showed enhanced photoabsorption ability with the estimated band gap energy of 2.8 eV. The photodegradation rate of the CeO2micropillows was found to be 87% and obeys pseudo‐first‐order equation. The photocatalytic results indicated that the CeO2 micropillows exhibit enhanced photocatalytic property towards azo dye acid orange 7 (AO7) under UV–Vis light illumination.magnified image(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Subassemblage test of buckling‐restrained braces with H‐shaped steel core
Authors: Kim Do‐Hyun , Lee Chang‐Hwan , Ju Young K. , Kim Sang‐Dae 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIn this study, a subassemblage test was performed using buckling‐restrained braces with an H‐shaped core element, which have been proven in a previous uniaxial component test to have good performance. The loading protocol prescribed the quasi‐static cyclic pattern with stepwise incremental displacement amplitude. Two different end connections (bolted connection and pin connection) and two different buckling‐restrained mechanisms (concrete‐filled tube and hollow steel tube) were examined as the test parameters. The performance of the specimen was evaluated by comparing the test results with the recommended provisions for buckling‐restrained braces. The test results showed that the compression strength capacity of buckling‐restrained brace (BRB) with in‐filled concrete increased by about 10% compared with BRB without in‐filled concrete. According to test result at same story drift of 2Dbm, structural performance of pin connection specimen without bolt slippage is superior to bolted connection specimen. Also, bolted connection specimens showed similar performance for total energy dissipation and cumulative plastic ductility, regardless of the connection types and the existence of concrete filling. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ethical Issues of Expert Witness Testimony
Authors: Ferreres Alberto R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBeing a surgical expert witness (EW) in professional liability claims implies ethical responsibilities, which are usually unknown to the parties who try to obtain such testimony as well as to the surgeons involved in providing the expert opinion required by the courts. Giving medical testimony can be included in the field of surgery since (1) being an expert medical witness and judge the performance of another surgeon means that the witness must have a medical license and preferably be board‐certified as a surgeon, and (2) the EW opinion sets the standard of care to be applied in each particular case. Thus, the role of the surgeon EW in the legal arena must have the same degree of integrity as the surgeon in his practice with direct patient care and it should be reviewed and subject to regulation.
Compliance with the Data Protection Acts in a psychiatric department: a complete audit cycle
Authors: Hassab Errasoul A. , Cannon M. , Cotter D. 
Published: May 2014

Aim1) to assess compliance with the Data Protection Acts (DPA) by a Department of Psychiatry in a general hospital, 2) to implement measures that are likely to maximize compliance with the hospital data protection policy, 3) to close the audit cycle by assessing the impact of such measures on departmental compliance with the DPA over five months period.MethodAn individual, anonymised staff questionnaire on data collection practices, procedure of disclosure of data to third parties and previous training on DPA was used to collect information from the department staff. The premises were inspected at different times over a week period using structured checklist. Default points were recorded during each inspection. Post-audit interventions included a mixture of educational interventions and practical solutions. A re-audited took place five months later using the same method.ResultsThe baseline audit demonstrated significant lack of compliance with the DPA among staff members and lack of staff training on the DPA. Following the interventions, staff awareness of the requirements of the act rose which in turn lead to better adherence to recommend practices in data handling and to mean default points dropped significantly. Management of manual files appears to constitute the biggest problem in this audit. Daytime breaks were found to pose higher risk to stored data compared with before and after working hours.ConclusionsA combination of educational and practical interventions including training of staff on the DPA results in overall improvement in compliance and reduction in default points. However, management of manual (physical) data proves to be more difficult and hence will need more input.
Vortices, dissipation and flow transition in volatile binary drops
Authors: Bennacer R. , Sefiane K. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDespite its fundamental and practical relevance, flow structure and evolution within volatile mixture drops remains largely unexplored. We study experimentally, using particle image velocimetry (PIV), the evolution of internal flow during the evaporation of ethanol–water mixture drops for different initial concentrations. The investigation revealed the existence of three stages in the evolving flow behaviour within these binary volatile drops. We propose an analysis of the nature of the flow and focus on understanding successive flow stages as well as transition from multiple vortices to a monotonic outward flow. We show that the existence of multiple vortices during the first stage is driven by local concentration gradients along the interface. When the more volatile component (in this case ethanol) is depleted, the intensity of this Marangoni flow abruptly declines. Towards the end of the first stage, ethanol is driven from the bulk of the drop to the interface to sustain weakening concentration gradients. Once these gradients are too weak, the solutal Marangoni number becomes sub-critical and the driving force for the flow switches off. The evolution of flow structure and transition between stages is found to be well correlated with the ratio of Marangoni and Reynolds numbers. Furthermore, we argue that whilst the observed vortices are driven by surface tension shear stress originating at the liquid/vapour interface, the transition in flow and its dynamics is entirely determined by viscous dissipation. The comparison between the analytical expression for vorticity decay based on viscous dissipation and the experimental data shows a very good agreement. The analysis also shows that regardless of the initial concentration, for same sized drops, the transition in flow follows exactly the same trend. This further supports the hypothesis of a viscous dissipation transition of the flow. The last stage is satisfactorily explained based on non-uniform evaporation and continuity-driven flow.
Evaporation of a sodium chloride solution from a saturated porous medium with efflorescence formation
Authors: Veran-Tissoires Stéphanie , Prat Marc 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPrecipitation of sodium chloride driven by evaporation at the surface of a porous medium is studied from a combination of experiments, continuum simulations, pore network simulations and a simple efflorescence growth model on a lattice. The distribution of ions concentration maxima at the porous medium surface, which are seen as the incipient precipitation spots, is shown to be strongly dependent on the factors affecting the velocity field within the porous medium owing to the significance of advection on ion transport. These factors include the evaporation flux distribution at the surface at Darcy’s scale as well as the scale of surface menisci and the internal disorder of the porous medium, which induce spatial fluctuations in the velocity field. The randomness of the velocity field within the porous medium and at its surface explains the discrete nature of incipient precipitation spots at the surface of a porous medium. Experiments varying the mean size of the beads forming the porous medium lead to the identification of two main types of efflorescence, referred to as crusty and patchy, and the impact of these two types on evaporation is completely different. The crusty efflorescence severely reduces the evaporation rate whereas the patchy efflorescence can enhance the evaporation rate compared with pure water. The crusty–patchy transition is analysed from a simple growth model on a lattice taking into account the porous nature of efflorescence structures.
Design Space Exploration of Centimeter-Scale Wind Turbines using a Physics-Modified Optimization Formulation
Authors: Rancourt D. , Fréchette L. , Landry C. , Mavris D. N. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis paper explores the design space of centimeter-scale micro wind turbines to power wireless sensors through an experimentally validated modeling and simulation environment. A stochastic optimizer is used to obtain a functional relationship between the minimum wind velocity required to find a feasible design and multiple constraints relevant to turbine designers, such as the maximum turbine radius, electrical power required, minimum voltage required and available generators. This relationship is created from an optimization formulation that uses knowledge from the underlying physics and previous optimizations. It is shown that the design space of micro wind turbines is significantly different than large wind turbines due to the low Reynolds number regime. Also, a strong coupling exists between the choice of generator and optimal wind turbine geometry to minimize the wind required to meet the requirements. Smaller generators are more appropriate for micro wind turbines only if a constraint is applied on the maximum radius of the turbine and if no minimum voltage is required for a fixed power output.
Numerical Evaluation of Size Effect in Piezoelectric Micro-Beam with Linear Micromorphic Electroelastic Theory
Authors: Cao W.-Z. , Yang X.-H. , Tian X.-B. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe linear micromorphic electroelastic theory is proposed to solve bending problems of piezoelectric micro-beam in this paper. The basic governing equations with the boundary conditions are derived through the variational principle. Both the cantilever piezoelectric micro-beam subjected to a concentrated load at the free end and the simply supported micro-beam subjected to a distributed load are analyzed. It is found that the predictions from the micromorphic electroelastic theory are remarkably different from those from the classical theory when the micro-beam thickness is approximate or equal to the characteristic length scale parameter, but their difference is slight when the micro-beam thickness is much larger than the characteristic length scale parameter. As a result, it is concluded that the size effect is significant when the micro-beam thickness is comparable to the characteristic length scale parameter.
A Numerical Study of Impulsively Started External Convection at Microscale
Authors: Ramadan K. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTImpulsively started external convection at microscale level is studied numerically in both planar and axisymmetric geometries. Using similarity transformation, the resulting coupled partial and non-linear ordinary differential equations are simultaneously solved by finite differences together with a well established ordinary differential equation solver, over a range of problem parameters. Rarefaction effects within the slip flow regime on the thermal boundary layer response, heat transfer rate and transition time when system experiences sudden changes in surface temperature are analyzed, and a comparison between sudden surface cooling and heating is presented. The results show that the thermal boundary layer thickness, heat transfer rate and the transition time is considerably influenced by the degree of rarefaction. The transition time tends to be less sensitive with increasing rarefaction. The velocity slip and temperature jump factors are found to have opposite effects on the transition time and the heat transfer rate, with the velocity slip factor having the most profound influence on these parameters.
Effects of synbiotic supplementation on insulin resistance in subjects with the metabolic syndrome: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study
Authors: Eslamparast Tannaz , Zamani Farhad , Hekmatdoost Azita , Sharafkhah Maryam , Eghtesad Sareh , Malekzadeh Reza , Poustchi Hossein 
Published: May 2014

To evaluate the effects of synbiotic supplementation on insulin resistance and lipid profile in individuals with the metabolic syndrome, we conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study on thirty-eight subjects with the metabolic syndrome; they were supplemented with either synbiotic capsules containing 200 million of seven strains of friendly bacteria plus fructo-oligosaccharide or placebo capsules twice a day for 28 weeks. Both the synbiotic (G1) and the placebo (G2) groups were advised to follow an energy-balanced diet and physical activity recommendations. Parameters related to the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance were measured every 7 weeks during the course of the study. After 28 weeks of treatment, the levels of fasting blood sugar and insulin resistance improved significantly in the G1 group (P< 0·001). Both the G1 and G2 groups exhibited significant reductions in TAG levels ( − 71·22 v. − 10·47 mg/dl ( − 0·80 v. − 0·12 mmol/l) respectively; P< 0·001) and total cholesterol levels ( − 21·93 v. − 14·2 mg/dl ( − 0·57 v. − 0·37 mmol/l) respectively; P= 0·01), as well as increases in HDL levels (+7·7 v. +0·05 mg/dl (+0·20 v. +>0·01 mmol/l) respectively; P< 0·001). The mean differences observed were greater in the G1 group. No significant changes were observed in LDL levels, waist circumference, BMI, metabolic equivalent of task and energy intake between the groups. The present results indicate that synbiotic supplementation increases the efficacy of diet therapy in the management of the metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
Breakfast replacement with a low-glycaemic response liquid formula in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Stenvers Dirk J. , Schouten Lydia J. , Jurgens Jordy , Endert Erik , Kalsbeek Andries , Fliers Eric , Bisschop Peter H. 
Published: May 2014

Low-glycaemic index diets reduce glycated Hb (HbA1c) in patients with type 2 diabetes, but require intensive dietary support. Using a liquid meal replacement with a low glycaemic response (GR) may be an alternative dietary approach. In the present study, we investigated whether breakfast replacement with a low-GR liquid meal would reduce postprandial glycaemia and/or improve long-term glycaemia. In the present randomised, controlled, cross-over design, twenty patients with type 2 diabetes consumed either a breakfast replacement consisting of an isoenergetic amount of Glucerna SR or a free-choice breakfast for 3 months. Postprandial AUC levels were measured using continuous glucose measurement at home. After the 3-month dietary period, meal profiles and oral glucose tolerance were assessed in the clinical setting. The low-GR liquid meal replacement reduced the AUC of postprandial glucose excursions at home compared with a free-choice control breakfast (estimated marginal mean 141 (95 % CI 114, 174) v. estimated marginal mean 259 (95 % CI 211, 318) mmol × min/l; P= 0·0002). The low-GR liquid meal replacement also reduced glucose AUC levels in the clinical setting compared with an isoenergetic control breakfast (low GR: median 97 (interquartile range (IQR) 60–188) mmol × min/l; control: median 253 (IQR 162–386) mmol × min/l; P< 0·001). However, the 3-month low-GR liquid meal replacement did not affect fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c or lipid levels, and even slightly reduced oral glucose tolerance. In conclusion, the low-GR liquid meal replacement is a potential dietary approach to reduce postprandial glycaemia in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, clinical trials into the effects of replacing multiple meals on long-term glycaemia in poorly controlled patients are required before a low-GR liquid meal replacement can be adopted as a dietary approach to the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
ANALYSIS OF A CULTURAL CONSENSUS MODEL OF TWO GOOD-LIFE SUB-DOMAINS – HEALTH & WELL-BEING AND MIGRATION & SOCIOECONOMIC MILIEU – IN THREE POPULATION GROUPS IN CROATIA
Authors: PETERNEL LANA , MALNAR ANA , KLARIĆ IRENA MARTINOVIĆ 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIn this study the construct of a ‘good life’ was explored among upper secondary school senior pupils and their parents and teachers by applying cultural consensus model analysis. A total of 469 students, 474 parents and 158 teachers from four Croatian cities participated in the study, which was conducted in 2011/2012. The information collected through interviewing and free-listing during the first phase of the study was used to create a set of structured questionnaire questions as a part of the survey in the second phase of data collection. The results are reported on two good-life sub-domains: ‘health & well-being’ and ‘migration & socioeconomic milieu’. The results indicate heterogeneity of the sample groups, incomplete inter-generational transmission of cultural values and examples of two sub-groups that resist cultural norms and do not comply with the dominant ‘competence-as-sharing’ paradigm. The value of testing the cultural consensus model based on the emic approach and locally significant phenomena is demonstrated for planning and conducting holistic anthropological research.
Morphometric characteristics of the metacestode Echinococcus vogeli Rausch & Bernstein, 1972 in human infections from the northern region of Brazil
Authors: Almeida F. , Oliveira F. , Neves R. , Siqueira N. , Rodrigues-Silva R. , Daipert-Garcia D. , Machado-Silva J.R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPolycystic echinococcosis, caused by the larval stage (metacestode) of the small-sized tapeworm, Echinococcus vogeli, is an emerging parasitic zoonosis of great public health concern in the humid tropical rainforests of South and Central America. Because morphological and morphometric characteristics of the metacestode are not well known, hydatid cysts from the liver and the mesentery were examined from patients following surgical procedures. Whole mounts of protoscoleces with rostellar hooks were examined under light and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Measurements were made of both large and small hooks, including the total area, total length, total width, blade area, blade length, blade width, handle area, handle length and handle width. The results confirmed the 1:1 arrangement of hooks in the rostellar pad and indicated, for the first time, that the morphometry of large and small rostellar hooks varies depending upon the site of infection. Light and confocal microscopy images displayed clusters of calcareous corpuscles in the protoscoleces. In conclusion, morphological features of large and small rostellar hooks of E. vogeli are adapted to a varied environment within the vertebrate host and such morphological changes in calcareous corpuscles occur at different stages in the maturation of metacestodes.
Characteristic travelling patterns of non-recurrent laryngeal nerves
Authors: Hong K H , Park H T , Yang Y S 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground:The non-recurrent laryngeal nerve is subject to potential injury during thyroid surgery. Intra-operative identification and preservation of this nerve can be challenging. Its presence is associated with an aberrant subclavian artery and the developmental absence of the brachiocephalic trunk. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of non-recurrent laryngeal nerves and present a new classification system for the course of these nerves.Methods:Non-recurrent laryngeal nerves were identified on the right side in 15 patients who underwent thyroidectomy. The incidence of non-recurrent laryngeal nerves (during thyroidectomy) and aberrant subclavian arteries (using neck computed tomography) was evaluated, and the course of the nerves was classified according to their travelling patterns.Results:The overall incidence of non-recurrent laryngeal nerves was 0.68 per cent. The travelling patterns of the nerves could be classified as: descending (33 per cent), vertical (27 per cent), ascending (20 per cent) or V-shaped (20 per cent).Conclusion:Clinicians need to be aware of these variations to avoid non-recurrent laryngeal nerve damage. A retroesophageal subclavian artery (on neck computed tomography) virtually assures a non-recurrent laryngeal nerve. This information is important for preventing vocal fold paralysis. Following a review of non-recurrent laryngeal nerve travelling patterns, a new classification was devised.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting as hearing loss
Authors: Ashraf N , Thevasagayam M S 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjective:To review the diagnosis of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a factitious disorder, in which symptoms are induced or feigned, usually in a child, by the caregiver. The involved caregiver seeks to gain attention or sympathy and often has a psychological need to maintain the sick role. We highlight the diagnostic difficulties and factors that may help with diagnosis in an otolaryngology setting.Method:We present the case of Munchausen syndrome by proxy presenting with hearing loss in a five-year old boy, who was diagnosed eight years after his initial presentation. A literature review of Munchausen syndrome by proxy cases presenting with ENT symptoms is provided.Conclusion:Munchausen syndrome by proxy is a diagnosis that otolaryngologists should be aware of, particularly where recurrent or persistent illnesses in children, especially those involving otological symptoms, are refractory to the usual treatments.