bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High temperature oxidation protection of Ti3Al-based alloys with different Nb-content by a combined Al-/F-treatment
Authors: Donchev A. , Galetz M. , Schütze M. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTOrthorhombic titanium-based Ti2AlNb alloys cannot be used above a temperature limit of about 800°C due to accelerated oxidation and environmental embrittlement. This embrittlement is caused by the high oxygen solubility which deteriorates the mechanical properties. Even if these materials possess an Al content up to ca. 25at.% no protective alumina layer is formed. Instead a non-protective fast growing mixed scale is found. Several attempts have been made to increase their operation temperature e.g. by coatings but none has proven sufficiently protective so far. One new way presented in this paper is to enrich Al in a narrow surface zone by using a powder pack process (aluminization) followed by a fluorination step. Exposure tests at elevated temperature have shown that the aluminized specimens form an alumina layer during exposure in oxidizing environments. Due to the gradient in the Al-concentration interdiffusion with the substrate and the Al-rich diffusion zone occurs which lowers the Al concentration in the diffusion zone. If the Al content drops below a critical value, Ti oxides will also form, which deteriorates the protection provided by the alumina scale. The subsequent fluorination triggers the fluorine effect which stabilizes the protective alumina layer. Untreated specimens are covered with a thick non protective scale and exhibit oxygen ingress in the subsurface zone while treated specimens reveal a thin protective alumina layer and no inward diffusion of oxygen. In this paper results of exposure tests of untreated and treated orthorhombic Ti2AlNb alloys will be presented and compared with the Nb-free α2-phase Ti3Al and Nb-containing Ti3Al-based alloys.
Psychological Well-Being During the Great Recession: Changes in Mental Health Care Utilization in an Occupational Cohort
Authors: Modrek Sepideh , Hamad Rita , Cullen Mark R. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We examined the mental health effects of the Great Recession of 2008 to 2009 on workers who remained continuously employed and insured. Methods. We examined utilization trends for mental health services and medications during 2007 to 2012 among a panel of workers in the 25 largest plants, located in 15 states, of a US manufacturing firm. We used piecewise regression to compare trends from 2007 to 2010 in service and medication use before and after 2009, the year of mass layoffs at the firm and the peak of the recession. Our models accounted for changes in county-level unemployment rates and individual-level fixed effects. Results. Mental health inpatient and outpatient visits and the yearly supply of mental health–related medications increased among all workers after 2009. The magnitude of the increase in medication usage was higher for workers at plants with more layoffs. Conclusions. The negative effects of the recession on mental health extend to employed individuals, a group considered at lower risk of psychological distress.
Recall of Anti-Tobacco Advertisements and Effects on Quitting Behavior: Results From the California Smokers Cohort
Authors: Leas Eric C. , Myers Mark G. , Strong David R. , Hofstetter C. Richard , Al-Delaimy Wael K. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We assessed whether an anti-tobacco television advertisement called “Stages,” which depicted a woman giving a brief emotional narrative of her experiences with tobacco use, would be recalled more often and have a greater effect on smoking cessation than 3 other advertisements with different intended themes.Methods. Our data were derived from a sample of 2596 California adult smokers. We used multivariable log-binomial and modified Poisson regression models to calculate respondents’ probability of quitting as a result of advertisement recall.Results. More respondents recalled the “Stages” ad (58.5%) than the 3 other ads (23.1%, 23.4%, and 25.6%; P < .001). Respondents who recalled “Stages” at baseline had a higher probability than those who did not recall the ad of making a quit attempt between baseline and follow-up (adjusted risk ratio [RR] = 1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03, 1.34) and a higher probability of being in a period of smoking abstinence for at least a month at follow-up (adjusted RR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.02, 2.37).Conclusions. Anti-tobacco television advertisements that depict visceral and personal messages may be recalled by a larger percentage of smokers and may have a greater impact on smoking cessation than other types of advertisements.
Diabetes and Hypertension Prevalence in Homeless Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bernstein Rebecca S. , Meurer Linda N. , Plumb Ellen J. , Jackson Jeffrey L. 
Published: December 2014

We estimated hypertension and diabetes prevalence among US homeless adults compared with the general population, and investigated prevalence trends. We systematically searched 5 databases for published studies (1980–2014) that included hypertension or diabetes prevalence for US homeless adults, pooled disease prevalence, and explored heterogeneity sources. We used the National Health Interview Survey for comparison. We included data from 97 366 homeless adults. The pooled prevalence of self-reported hypertension was 27.0% (95% confidence interval = 23.8%, 29.9%; n = 43 studies) and of diabetes was 8.0% (95% confidence interval = 6.8%, 9.2%; n = 39 studies). We found no difference in hypertension or diabetes prevalence between the homeless and general population. Additional health care and housing resources are needed to meet the significant, growing burden of chronic disease in the homeless population.
Shape Up Somerville: Change in Parent Body Mass Indexes During a Child-Targeted, Community-Based Environmental Change Intervention
Authors: Coffield Edward , Nihiser Allison J. , Sherry Bettylou , Economos Christina D. 
Published: December 2014

Objectives. We investigated the body mass index (BMI; weight in pounds/[height in inches]2 × 703) of parents whose children participated in Shape Up Somerville (SUS), a community-based participatory research study that altered household, school, and community environments to prevent and reduce childhood obesity. Methods. SUS was a nonrandomized controlled trial with 30 participating elementary schools in 3 Massachusetts communities that occurred from 2002 to 2005. It included first-, second-, and third-grade children. We used an inverse probability weighting estimator adjusted for clustering effects to isolate the influence of SUS on parent (n = 478) BMI. The model’s dependent variable was the change in pre- and postintervention parent BMI. Results. SUS was significantly associated with decreases in parent BMIs. SUS decreased treatment parents’ BMIs by 0.411 points (95% confidence interval = −0.725, −0.097) relative to control parents. Conclusions. The benefits of a community-based environmental change childhood obesity intervention can spill over to parents, resulting in decreased parental BMI. Further research is warranted to examine the effects of this type of intervention on parental health behaviors and health outcomes.
Numerical Study of Borehole Radar for Cliff Imaging
Authors: Ma Chunguang , Zhao Qing , Ran Limin , Chang Xinghao 
Published: December 2014

Numerical simulation of borehole radar (BHR) is an efficient and economical method to verify its feasibility before applying it in subsurface imaging. We conducted a physical experiment by using a commercial BHR system in a borehole close to a limestone cliff and used the 2-D finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation to cross-check the observed features of reflection from the cliff wall. For a maximum distance between the borehole and cliff of about 10 m, the time delay of the cliff wall reflection appears at about 170 ns. The simulation agrees well with the experiment, and the accuracy can meet the need for imaging analysis.
Bleak Weather for Sun-Shine AG: A Case Study of Impairment of Assets
Authors: Detzen Dominic , Wersborg Tobias Stork genannt , Zülch Henning 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACT
This case originates from a real-life business situation and illustrates the application of impairment tests in accordance with IFRS and U.S. GAAP. In the first part of the case study, students examine conceptual questions of impairment tests under IFRS and U.S. GAAP with respect to applicable accounting standards, definitions, value concepts, and frequency of application. In addition, the case encourages students to discuss the impairment regime from an economic point of view. The second part of the instructional resource continues to provide instructors with the flexibility of applying U.S. GAAP and/or IFRS when students are asked to test a long-lived asset for impairment and, if necessary, allocate any potential impairment. This latter part demonstrates that impairment tests require professional judgment that students are to exercise in the case.
Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D: A Predictor of Macrovascular and Microvascular Complications in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Herrmann Markus , Sullivan David R. , Veillard Anne-Sophie , McCorquodale Thomas , Straub Isabella R. , Scott Russell , Laakso Markku , Topliss Duncan , Jenkins Alicia J. , Blankenberg Stefan , Burton Anthony , Keech Anthony C. 
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVE
People with diabetes frequently develop vascular disease. We investigated the relationship between blood 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OH-D) concentration and vascular disease risk in type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The relationships between blood 25OH-D concentration at baseline and the incidence of macrovascular (including myocardial infarction and stroke) and microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, and amputation) disease were analyzed with Cox proportional hazards models and logistic regression in an observational study of patients in the 5-year Fenofibrate Intervention and Event Lowering in Diabetes trial.

RESULTS
A total of 50% of the patients had low vitamin D concentrations, as indicated by median blood 25OH-D concentration of 49 nmol/L. These patients with a blood 25OH-D concentration &lt;50 nmol/L had a higher cumulative incidence of macrovascular and microvascular events than those with levels ≥50 nmol/L. Multivariate analysis, stratified by treatment and adjusted for relevant confounders, identified blood 25OH-D concentration as an independent predictor of macrovascular events. A 50 nmol/L difference in blood 25OH-D concentration was associated with a 23% (P = 0.007) change in risk of macrovascular complications during the study, and further adjustments for seasonality, hs-CRP, and physical activity level had little impact. The unadjusted risk of microvascular complications was 18% (P = 0.006) higher during the study, though the excess risk declined to 11–14% and lost significance with adjustment for HbA1c, seasonality, or physical activity.

CONCLUSIONS
Low blood 25OH-D concentrations are associated with an increased risk of macrovascular and microvascular disease events in type 2 diabetes. However, a causal link remains to be demonstrated.
The Research into the Quality of Rock Surfaces Obtained by Abrasive Water Jet Cutting
Authors: Młynarczuk Mariusz , Skiba Marta , Sitek Libor , Hlaváček Petr , Kožušníková Alena 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
In recent years, water jet cutting technology has been being used more and more often, in various domains of human activity. Its numerous applications include cutting different materials - among them, rock materials. The present paper discusses the results of the research that aimed at determining - in a quantitative manner - the way in which the water jet cutting parameters (such as the traverse speed of the head, and the distance between the high-pressure inlet of the water jet and the cut material) influence the quality of the processed surface. Additionally, the impact of these parameters on the surface of various materials was investigated. The materials used were three granites differing with respect to the size of grains. In the course of the research, the standard parameters defined by the ISO norms were analyzed. It was also proposed that variograms be used to analyze the quality of the cut surface.
Key Factors in Shale Gas Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Klimkowski Łukasz , Nagy Stanisław 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Multi-stage hydraulic fracturing is the method for unlocking shale gas resources and maximizing horizontal well performance. Modeling the effects of stimulation and fluid flow in a medium with extremely low permeability is significantly different from modeling conventional deposits. Due to the complexity of the subject, a significant number of parameters can affect the production performance. For a better understanding of the specifics of unconventional resources it is necessary to determine the effect of various parameters on the gas production process and identification of parameters of major importance. As a result, it may help in designing more effective way to provide gas resources from shale rocks.
Within the framework of this study a sensitivity analysis of the numerical model of shale gas reservoir, built based on the latest solutions used in industrial reservoir simulators, was performed. The impact of different reservoir and hydraulic fractures parameters on a horizontal shale gas well production performance was assessed and key factors were determined.
Effect of the Continuous Traverse Trajectory and Dynamic Error of the Vane Anemometer on the Accuracy of Average Velocity Measurements at the Cross-Section of the Mine Heading – Model-Based Testing
Authors: Jamróz Paweł 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
This paper discusses the problem of measuring the average velocity at the cross-section of mine heading with the use of the continuous traverse method. Based on model testing, it has been shown that measurement signals, obtained along the traversing trajectory, belong to the group of non-stationary signals. The methodology of the traversing method measurements, with the aspect of capabilities of measuring instruments used for that purpose, has been analysed. Results of simulation tests concerning the dynamic response of a vane anemometer to the measurement signal for selected trajectories of the continuous traverse have been presented. For this purpose, a velocity profile presenting an expanded stream of undisturbed air flow in the excavation has been used. Attention has been paid to the problem of selecting an adequate trajectory of anemometer movement, as the value of the velocity measured at the cross-section depends on the trajectory
Efficient fidelity control by stepwise nucleotide selection in polymerase elongation Abstract: Polymerases select nucleotides
Authors: Yu Jin 
Published: December 2014

Abstract Polymerases select nucleotides according to a template before incorporating them for chemical synthesis during gene replication or transcription. Efficient selection to achieve sufficiently high fidelity and speed is essential for polymerase function. Due to multiple kinetic steps detected in a polymerase elongation cycle, there exist multiple selection checkpoints to allow different strategies of fidelity control. In our current work, we examined step-by-step selections in an elongation cycle that have conformational transition rates tuned one at a time, with a controlled differentiation free energy between the right and wrong nucleotides at each checkpoint. The elongation is sustained at non-equilibrium steady state with constant free energy input and heat dissipation. It is found that a selection checkpoint in the later stage of a reaction path has less capability for error reduction. Hence, early selection is essential to achieve an efficient fidelity control. In particular, for an intermediate state, the selection through the forward transition inhibition has the same capacity for error reduction as the selection through the backward rejection. As with respect to the elongation speed, an initial screening is indispensible for maintaining high speed, as the wrong nucleotides can be removed quickly and replaced by the right ones at the entry. Overall, the elongation error rate can be repeatedly reduced through multiple selection checkpoints. This study provides a theoretical framework to guide more detailed structural dynamics studies, and to support rational redesign of related enzymes and devices.
Electrical and optical properties of spin-coated SnO2 nanofilms
Authors: Izydorczyk Weronika , Waczyński Krzysztof , Izydorczyk Jacek , Karasiński Paweł , Mazurkiewicz Janusz , Magnuski Mirosław , Uljanow Jerzy , WaczyńskaNiemiec Natalia , Filipowski Wojciech 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
SnO2 nanocrystalline thin films have been deposited on oxidized silicon substrates by spin-coating from a precursor solution, followed by slow thermal annealing in oxygen atmosphere at different temperatures (500 to 900 °C). The precursor solution consisted of 1.0 to 2.0 M SnCl4·5H2O in isopropanol. It was shown that the concentration of the precursor solution, annealing temperature and heating rate had a significant effect on the structural, optical and electrical properties of the studied thin films. The topography of SnO2 thin films was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, as-deposited films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis and impedance spectroscopy.
Predicting 6-Minute Walking Distance in Recipients of Lung Transplantation: Longitudinal Study of 108 Patients
Authors: van Adrichem Edwin J. , Reinsma Gerda D. , van den Berg Sanne , van der Bij Wim , Erasmus Michiel E. , Krijnen Wim P. , Dijkstra Pieter U. , van der Schans Cees P. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundExercise capacity, muscle function, and physical activity levels remain reduced in recipients of lung transplantation. Factors associated with this deficiency in functional exercise capacity have not been studied longitudinally.ObjectiveThe study aims were to analyze the longitudinal change in 6-minute walking distance and to identify factors contributing to this change.DesignThis was a longitudinal historical cohort study.MethodsData from patients who received a lung transplantation between March 2003 and March 2013 were analyzed for the change in 6-minute walking distance and contributing factors at screening, discharge, and 6 and 12 months after transplantation. Linear mixed-model and logistic regression analyses were performed with data on characteristics of patients, diagnosis, waiting list time, length of hospital stay, rejection, lung function, and peripheral muscle strength.ResultsData from 108 recipients were included. Factors predicting 6-minute walking distance were measurement moment, diagnosis, sex, quadriceps muscle and grip strength, forced expiratory volume in 1 second (percentage of predicted), and length of hospital stay. After transplantation, 6-minute walking distance increased considerably. This initial increase was not continued between 6 and 12 months. At 12 months after lung transplantation, 58.3% of recipients did not reach the cutoff point of 82% of the predicted 6-minute walking distance. Logistic regression demonstrated that discharge values for forced expiratory volume in 1 second and quadriceps or grip strength were predictive for reaching this criterion.LimitationsStudy limitations included lack of knowledge on the course of disease during the waiting list period, type and frequency of physical therapy after transplantation, and number of missing data points.ConclusionsPeripheral muscle strength predicted 6-minute walking distance; this finding suggests that quadriceps strength training should be included in physical training to increase functional exercise capacity. Attention should be paid to further increasing 6-minute walking distance between 6 and 12 months after transplantation.
Intraoperative somatosensory evoked potential recovery following opening of the fourth ventricle during posterior fossa decompression in Chiari malformation: case report
Authors: Grossauer Stefan , Koeck Katharina , Vince Giles H. 
Published: December 2014

The most appropriate surgical technique for posterior fossa decompression in Chiari malformation (CM) remains a matter of debate. Intraoperative electrophysiological studies during posterior fossa decompression of Type I CM (CM-I) aim to shed light on the entity's pathomechanism as well as on the ideal extent of decompression. The existing reports on this issue state that significant improvement in conduction occurs after craniotomy in all cases, but additional durotomy contributes a further improvement in only a minority of cases. This implies that craniotomy alone might suffice for clinical improvement without the need of duraplasty or even subarachnoid manipulation at the level of the craniocervical junction.
In contrast to published data, the authors describe the case of a 32-year-old woman who underwent surgery for CM associated with extensive cervicothoracic syringomyelia and whose intraoperative somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) did not notably improve after craniotomy or following durotomy; rather, they only improved after opening of the fourth ventricle and restoration of CSF flow through the foramen of Magendie. Postoperatively, the patient recovered completely from her preoperative neurological deficits. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of significant SSEP recovery after opening the fourth ventricle in the decompression of a CM-I. The electrophysiological and operative techniques are described in detail and the findings are discussed in the light of available literature. The authors conclude that there might be a subset of CM-I patients who require subarachnoid dissection at the level of the craniocervical junction to benefit clinically. Prospective studies with detailed electrophysiological analyses seem warranted to answer the question regarding the best surgical approach in CM-I decompression.