bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of different amounts of modified talc on the mechanical, thermal, and crystallization properties of poly(butylene succinate)
Authors: Sun Bingxin , Chuai Chengzhi , Luo Si , Guo Ying , Han Chunyang 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) with different ratios of modified talc was prepared by twin-screw extruding. The effect of different loading amounts of talc on the mechanical, thermal, and crystallization properties of PBS was investigated. The mechanical test results indicate that the stiffness of the composites was increased linearly with increasing talc content, and the tensile strength and elongation stayed at relatively high levels when the talc amount is <15 phr. Thermal gravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of PBS composites was improved notably with a small amount (5–10 phr) of talc; however, high loading of talc did not help further improve the thermal stability. Differential scanning calorimetry data showed that the melting enthalpy (ΔHm), crystallization enthalpy (ΔHc), and crystallinity degree (Xc) decreased when the talc increased and crystallization temperature (Tc) was moving to relatively high values. The results of X-ray diffraction demonstrated that the incorporation of talc inhibited the PBS crystallization behavior significantly but did not change the crystal structure. Scanning electron microscopic studies indicated that the homogeneous dispersion and smoother fracture surfaces of the composite became inhomogeneous and coarse with higher talc loading.
LWA as Internal Curing Agent to Control Availability of Internal Curing Water in Concrete
Authors: Rendon Luis Emilio , Rendon Montserrat , Ramirez Norma 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe effectiveness of lightweight aggregate (LWA) as an internal curing agent (ICA) to reduce concrete shrinkage is evaluated for repair concrete used in cultural heritage works (RCCHW) using curing periods of 30 days. Normal weight aggregate is replaced by LWA at volume replacement levels ranging from 10 to 14%. The mixtures contain Portland cement maintaining the paste content at approximately 24.1% of concrete volume. Comparisons are made with mixtures containing low-absorption granite and high-absorption limestone normal weight coarse aggregates. At the replacement levels used in this study, LWA results in a small reduction in concrete density, no appreciable effect on concrete compressive strength, and a decrease in concrete shrinkage for drying periods up to 30 days. With a curing period of 14 days, all mixtures with LWA exhibited less shrinkage than the mixtures with either low- or high-absorption normal weight aggregates.
Evaluation of Corrosion Rate of Steel Rebars Embedded in Mortar Mixed with Triturated Tire Particles
Authors: Flores Valdez Claudia Berenice , Pérez-Gutiérrez Francisco G. , Álvarez Imelda Esparza , García Orlando Guarneros , Rodríguez Reyna Sandra Luz 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTDifferent materials, such as triturated waste tire (WT) particles, have been proposed as aggregate to improve mortar properties and reduce its cost in recent years. Using WT as aggregate implies material recycling, providing an environmental benefit. Previous studies show controversy on the chloride ion diffusion coefficient in mortar test specimens as a function of the WT content. The objective of this investigation is to evaluate the corrosion rate of steel reinforcement embedded in mortar specimens using WT as aggregate when exposed to chlorides. Electrochemical techniques, mercury intrusion porosimetry and scanning electron microscope were used to measure corrosion rate, porosity and microstructure of mortar matrix, respectively. Corrosion rate and porosimetry results were found to directly correlate for test pieces with 7.5% of WT compared with control samples and test pieces containing 5%, 10% of WT; such results are supported by visual inspection of steel reinforcements. Our results show that substituting 7.5% of sand with WT when preparing mortar provides the optimum protection.
Structural and Photoluminescence Studies of Ni-doped ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized by Solution Combustion Method
Authors: SILAMBARASAN Murugesan , SARAVANAN Shanmugam , OHTANI Naoki , SOGA Tetsuo 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the authors have reported the structural and photoluminescence (PL) studies of pure and nickel (Ni) doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles synthesized by the solution combustion method. The structural, morphological and optical studies are carried out by powder x-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and PL spectra, respectively. The XRD pattern indicates that the prepared particles are in hexagonal wurtzite structure with the average crystalline size is around 35-50nm. Room temperature PL shows the near band edge related emission and the results are related several intrinsic defects in the ZnO nanoparticles.
Si Surface Orientation Dependence on the Electrical Characteristics of HfN Gate Insulator with sub-0.5 nm EOT Formed by ECR Plasma Sputtering
Authors: Atthi Nithi , Han Dae-Hee , Ohmi Shun-ichiro 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper investigated the silicon substrate orientation dependence on the electrical properties of high-κ HfN gate insulator formed by electron-cyclotron-resonance (ECR) plasma sputtering. The effect of N2/4.9%H2 forming-gas annealing (FGA) was studied. By using N2/4.9%H2 FGA at 500°C for 20 min, the interfacial layer (IL) formation was not formed and led to the zero-interface layer (ZIL). The EOTs of 0.47 and 0.51 nm with leakage current of 1.1 and 1.4 A/cm2 (@VFB -1 V) were obtained on p-Si(100) and p-Si(110), respectively. The density of interface states (Dit) with the order of 1011 cm-2eV-1 was obtained on both p-Si(100) and p-Si(110). This suggests that the direct deposition of HfN film with ZIL prevented the degradation of electrical characteristics on the p-Si(100) and p-Si(110) substrate in comparison to the case of oxide-based hafnium gate insulator.
In situ determination of effective tip radius in dynamic atomic force microscopy
Authors: Maragliano C. , Glia A. , Stefancich M. , Chiesa M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAtomic force microscopy (AFM) suffers from an important limitation: it does not provide quantitative information about the scanned sample. This is because too many unknowns come into play in AFM measurements. The shape of the tip is probably the most important. A technique able to characterize in situ the shape of the tip apex would represent an important step ahead to turn the AFM into a quantitative tool.Standard methods can be destructive to the tip and are time consuming. Two main methods are currently used to characterize the tip radius in situ without affecting its shape. The first consists of characterizing the tip radius by monitoring the dynamics of the cantilever. The value of free amplitude, for which transitions from the attractive to repulsive force regimes are observed, strongly depends on the curvature of the tip. The second method to characterize the tip radius consists instead on fitting the capacitance curve of the tip-sample system with an analytical function.In this work we compare the two methods to characterize in situ the tip radius and results are verified with SEM images. The value of the free amplitude is correlated with the value of R while the capacitance curve is derived with a method we proposed. Tips with different tip radii are used. The investigation is conducted with the aim of determining the most reliable technique for characterizing the tip radius for both sharp and blunt tips.
Factors Influencing Maternal Mental Health after the Birth of a Child with a Cleft in Benin and in Switzerland
Authors: Habersaat Stephanie , Peter Camille , Hohlfeld Chloe , Hohlfeld Judith 
Published: February 2014

Objective The main objective of the study is to identify practical and cultural factors influencing the mental health of mothers of children with an orofacial cleft in Benin and to compare it with a sample of Swiss mothers in the same conditions. Method Thirty-six mothers of children with an orofacial cleft in Benin and 40 mothers of children with an orofacial cleft in Switzerland were interviewed about practical and emotional aspects concerning their child and their own lives. Then, they completed the Perinatal Postraumatic Stress Questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results Mothers in Benin had significantly higher posttraumatic stress and depression symptoms compared with mothers in Switzerland. Depression symptoms were higher in Beninese mothers coming from urban areas, in Beninese mothers with few or no other children, and in Beninese mothers whose child was operated on at a more advanced age. Discussion This study stressed the importance of cultural differences in perceptions of orofacial clefts in order to provide appropriate care to patients and their families. In particular, wide campaigns of information should help parents to understand the cleft origin and the medical staff in small dispensaries to provide adequate support and care. This may diminish anxiety concerning the child's short- and long-term prognosis. Creation of a Beninese parental support group for children with clefts and their families could be another way to provide information and support where multidisciplinary care is not available.
In Situ Surface Biodegradation of Restorative Materials
Authors: Padovani GC , Fúcio SBP , Ambrosano GMB , Sinhoreti MAC , Puppin-Rontani RM 
Published: February 2014

SUMMARY
This study aimed to evaluate the surface characteristics of restorative materials (roughness, hardness, chemical changes by energy-dispersive spectroscopy [EDX], and scanning electron microscopy [SEM]) submitted to in situ biodegradation. Fifteen discs of each material (IPS e.max [EM], Filtek Supreme [FS], Vitremer [VI], Ketac Molar Easymix [KM], and Amalgam GS-80 [AM]) were fabricated in a metallic mold (4.0 mm × 1.5 mm). Roughness, hardness, SEM, and EDX were then evaluated. Fifteen healthy volunteers used a palatal device containing one disc of each restorative material for seven days. After the biodegradation, the roughness, hardness, SEM, and EDX were once again evaluated. Data obtained from the roughness and hardness evaluations were submitted to Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Tukey-Kramer tests (p&lt;0.05). All esthetic restorative materials showed a significant increase in the roughness after biodegradation. Before biodegradation, significant differences in the hardness among the materials were seen: EM&gt;AM&gt;FS&gt;KM&gt;VI. After biodegradation, the hardness was significantly altered among the materials studied: EM&gt;AM&gt;FS=KM&gt;VI, along with a significant increase in the hardness for AM, KM, and VI. SEM images indicated degradation on the surface of all materials, showing porosities, cracks, and roughness. Furthermore, after biodegradation, FS showed the presence of Cl, K, and Ca on the surface, while F was not present on the VI and KM surfaces. EM and AM did not have alterations in their chemical composition after biodegradation. It was concluded that the dental biofilm accumulation in situ on different restorative materials is a material-dependent parameter. Overall, all materials changed after biodegradation: esthetic restorative materials showed increased roughness, confirmed by SEM, and the ionomer materials and silver amalgam showed a significantly higher hardness. Finally, the initial chemical composition of the composite resin and ionomer materials evaluated was significantly altered by the action of the biofilm in situ.
Development and validation of an intrinsic dissolution method for nimodipine polymorphs
Authors: Riekes Manoela , Kuminek Gislaine , Rauber Gabriela , Cuffini Silvia , Stulzer Hellen 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The polymorphs of nimodipine, Modification I (Mod I), the metastable racemate, and Modification II (Mod II), the stable conglomerate, were evaluated by means of the intrinsic dissolution procedure. For this purpose, a hydro alcoholic solution (ethanol:water, 50:50, v/v) was selected as the dissolution medium, maintained at 37±0.5°C. Different rotation speeds were tested (50, 75 and 100 rpm) and the lower one was chosen for the test validation. Although the sample initially characterized as polymorph Mod I presented higher intrinsic dissolution rates in all the conditions tested, no statistical differences were noticed between the two polymorphs. This result can be attributed to the partial solution-mediated phase transformation from Mod I to Mod II, detected through X-ray powder diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. Also, reliable intrinsic dissolution rate data were acquired for the polymorph Mod II. The dissolution method was validated, being considered stable, specific, linear, sensible, accurate and precise.
Culture Unbound Volume 6, Editorial
Authors: Fornäs Johan , Fredriksson Martin , Stead Naomi 
Published: February 2014

With this volume, Culture Unbound celebrates its five-year anniversary. This makes a good opportunity both to look back at what we have achieved and to gaze ahead to what we have planned for the future.
This new volume, which will be more extensive and ambitious than ever, thus marks a readiness and willingness to engage with some of the most acute problems and complex transformation that society faces. We hope and believe that this not only expresses the ambitions of Culture Unbound but also reflects a more general tendency within contemporary cultural research. In order to better accommodate the most recent developments within the field of cultural research, and facilitate intellectual discussion and critical analysis of contemporary issues we also plan to expand our repertoire of published material. In the coming year Culture Unbound will therefore introduce a section of texts we have chosen to call ‘Unbound Ideas’. Here we welcome academic essays and texts of a somewhat shorter format and freer approach to scholarly convention than our usual full-length research articles. These essays will take different – perhaps speculative or conjectural – positions, or give a new perspective on pressing topics or recently emerged concerns within cultural research.
L'Approche centrée sur la personne: que signifie être « centré sur la personne » ?
Authors: Kirschenbaum Howard , Ducroux-Biass Françoise 
Published: February 2014

Une nuit, bien des années après sa mort, Carl Rogers apparut à Howard Kirschenbaum – dans un rêve ? Il s’ensuivit une conversation sur le développement de l’Approche centrée sur la personne avant et après la mort de Rogers. Rogers a-t-il suivi les développements de l’approche depuis 1987 ? Comment les ressent-il ? Que pense-t-il des variations sur l’Approche centrée sur la personne : thérapie par le jeu centrée sur l’enfant, thérapie expressive centrée sur la personne, psychothérapie orientée sur le focusing, thérapie expérientielle ou centrée sur les émotions, etc. ? Toutes ces thérapies sont-elles des « thérapies centrées sur la personne » ou l’Approche centrée sur la personne originelle est-elle seule digne de ce nom ? Comment Rogers définit-il vraiment l’« Approche centrée sur la personne » ? Comment voit-il le développement d’associations centrées sur la personne, en particulier l’ Association pour le Développement de l’Approche Centrée sur la Personne 1 ? Dans une de ces entrevues, peut-être la dernière, le biographe de Rogers pousse irrévérencieusement son vieil ami à définir ses propres termes et à prendre parti sur certaines des controverses concernant le mouvement centré sur la personne qui ont lieu actuellement.
L'engagement environnemental du secteur hôtelier : proposition d'un modèle conceptuel
Authors: François-Lecompte Agnès , Gentric Michel 
Published: February 2014

Pour étudier les ressorts de l’engagement environnemental des hôteliers, une étude qualitative a été effectuée sous forme d’entretiens semi-directifs auprès de 18 directeurs d’hôtels bénéficiant d’une certification écologique. En confrontant leur retour d’expérience au modèle conceptuel de « greening » de Mair et Jago (2010), et, aux travaux menés sur le management environnemental dans le secteur de l’hôtellerie, cette recherche propose une modélisation des leviers (contexte, moteurs, freins, catalyseurs) qui conduisent les hôtels à s’engager dans une démarche de management environnemental.
L'anticipation des conséquences comme vecteur de l'intention de tri des déchets : rôle des émotions, des croyances et de leur valence
Authors: Elgaaïed Leila 
Published: February 2014

Ce travail s’intéresse aux déterminants de l’intention de tri des déchets en prenant comme angle d’approche l’anticipation des conséquences par le consommateur. Deux routes parallèles sont mises en évidence ; l’une axée sur les répercussions positives associées au tri, l’autre sur les répercussions négatives associées à l’absence de tri. Les résultats montrent que les croyances en termes de conséquences perçues influencent significativement l’intention de tri. Cette influence se fait via l’effet médiateur des émotions anticipées. Néanmoins, les croyances et émotions anticipées négatives ont un impact plus fort. En outre, les répercussions sur la sphère privée semblent plus efficaces que les répercussions à un niveau plus global.
Cholesterol Crystals Induce Complement-Dependent Inflammasome Activation and Cytokine Release
Authors: Samstad Eivind O. , Niyonzima Nathalie , Nymo Stig , Aune Marie H. , Ryan Liv , Bakke Siril S. , Lappegård Knut T. , Brekke Ole-Lars , Lambris John D. , Damås Jan K. , Latz Eicke , Mollnes Tom E. , Espevik Terje 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Inflammation is associated with development of atherosclerosis, and cholesterol crystals (CC) have long been recognized as a hallmark of atherosclerotic lesions. CC appear early in the atheroma development and trigger inflammation by NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In this study we hypothesized whether CC employ the complement system to activate inflammasome/caspase-1, leading to release of mature IL-1β, and whether complement activation regulates CC-induced cytokine production. In this study we describe that CC activated both the classical and alternative complement pathways, and C1q was found to be crucial for the activation. CC employed C5a in the release of a number of cytokines in whole blood, including IL-1β and TNF. CC induced minimal amounts of cytokines in C5-deficient whole blood, until reconstituted with C5. Furthermore, C5a and TNF in combination acted as a potent primer for CC-induced IL-1β release by increasing IL-1β transcripts. CC-induced complement activation resulted in upregulation of complement receptor 3 (CD11b/CD18), leading to phagocytosis of CC. Also, CC mounted a complement-dependent production of reactive oxygen species and active caspase-1. We conclude that CC employ the complement system to induce cytokines and activate the inflammasome/caspase-1 by regulating several cellular responses in human monocytes. In light of this, complement inhibition might be an interesting therapeutic approach for treatment of atherosclerosis.
On an Exponential Functional Inequality and its Distributional Version
Authors: Chung Jaeyoung 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLet G be a group and 𝕂 = ℂ or ℝ. In this article, as a generalization of the result of Albert and Baker, we investigate the behavior of bounded and unbounded functions f : G → 𝕂 satisfying the inequalityWhere ϕ: Gn-1 → [0,∞]. Also as a a distributional version of the above inequality we consider the stability of the functional equationwhere u is a Schwartz distribution or Gelfand hyperfunction, o and ⊗ are the pullback and tensor product of distributions, respectively, and S(x1, ..., xn) = x1 + · · · + xn.
Carney Complex
Authors: Agarwal Surendra Kumar , Pande Shantanu , Chandra Bipin 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACT
The complex of myxomas, spotty skin pigmentation, and endocrine over activity or Carney complex (CNC) (MIM no. 160980) is an autosomal dominant disorder that was described in 1985 by Carney. The diagnosis of CNC is made if two of the main manifestations of the syndrome are present, these need to be confirmed by histology, biochemical testing, or imaging. Alternatively, the diagnosis is made when one of the criteria is present and the patient is a carrier of a known inactivating mutation of the PRKAR1A gene. Most cases of CNC are caused by inactivating mutations in the gene encoding one of the subunits of the protein kinase A (PKA) tetrameric enzyme, namely regulatory subunit type1 alpha (PRKAR1A), located at 17q22-24. Endocrine, dermatologic, and cardiac anomalies are the main manifestations of CNC. Skin abnormalities are present in almost 77% of the CNC patients. Variety of endocrine gland tumors are observed in CNC patients, namely growth hormone secreting pituitary adenoma (acromegaly), thyroid adenomas or carcinomas, testicular tumors (large cell calcifying sertoli cell tumors), and ovarian cyst. Cardiac myxoma is the most common primary tumor affecting the heart, accounting for nearly half of cardiac neoplasms. Approximately, 30-60% of CNC patients will develop cardiac myxoma, usually at much younger ages than the sporadic tumors. A high degree of suspicion, complete evaluation, genetic counseling is important aspect of management of Carney's disease. Once confirmed, surgical removal remains the mainstay of treatment.

How to cite this article
Majumdar G, Agarwal SK, Pande S, Chandra B. Carney Complex. World J Endoc Surg 2014;6(1):1-6.
The Surgical Landmark for Facial Foramen
Authors: Tungkeeratichai Jumroon , Bhongmakapat Thongchai , Saitongdee Porncharn , Orathai Pisamai 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo study the localization and relative of the supratrochlear, supraorbital, infraorbital and mental foramen in Thai cadavers to external landmarks for helps the surgeon to easily and practically identify these foramen.Materials and methodsThe localization of the supratrochlear, supraorbital, infraorbital and mental foramen in adult Thai cadavers were studied in 110 cadevers (220 sides) from 2008 until 2012. The analyses were also performed to compare differences between sexes and sides.ResultsMean length of supraorbital foramen from nasal midline on the right side was 2.76 cm, left side 2.75 cm, above supraorbital rim right side 0.23 cm, left side 0.23 cm. Mean length of supratrochlear foramen from nasal midline on the right side was 1.77 cm, left side 1.76 cm. Mean length of infraorbital foramen from maxillary midline on the right side was 3.06 cm, left side 3.07 cm, from infraorbital rim on the right side was 0.94 cm, left side 0.92 cm. Mean length of mental foramen measurement straight to symphysis menti on the right side was 3.19 cm, left side 3.18 cm. Measurement along curvature of the mandible on the right side was 3.49 cm, left side 3.49 cm.ConclusionThe knowledge gained from this study is quite important, since it helps the surgeon to easily and practically identify supraorbital notch/foramen, supratrochlea foramen, infraorbital foramen and mental foramen. This will help avoid injury of the neurovascular bundles passing though these sets of foramen.How to cite this articleTungkeeratichai J, Bhongmakapat T, Saitongdee P, Orathai P. The Surgical Landmark for Facial Foramen. Int J Otorhinolaryngol Clin 2013;5(3):121-124.