bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Study on Cement Slurry Formulation and Its Strength Mechanism for Semi-Flexible Pavement
Authors: Fang Bowen , Xu Tao , Shi Shuang 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Semi-flexible pavement (SFP) combines the best features of both flexible asphalt and rigid cement concrete pavement. SFP consists of a porous asphalt mixture skeleton with 25 %–35 % voids, filled with selected cement slurry. To better balance the flexible and rigid characteristics between the asphalt mixture skeleton and hardened cement paste in SFP, a further understanding of its cement slurry formulation design is required. Results indicate that the penetrant has a significant effect on the fluidity of cement slurry, improving the flowability of cement slurry. Polycarboxylene-based superplasticizer is a desirable penetrant with the dosage of 1 % by mass of cement. Also, the optimum water–cement ratio of 0.6 for cement slurry is proposed, at which the fresh cement slurry can fully penetrate into asphalt mixture skeleton, and improve the engineering properties of SFP. Additionally, styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) latex is an effective flexible admixture for cement slurry, and its dosage of 2 % by mass of cement is proposed. SBR latex improves the stability of fresh cement slurry and enhances the flexibility of hardened cement paste to reduce the cracks in SFP. At the micro level, the fiber-like hydrated products between SBR latex and cement particles improve the flexibility of hardened cement paste. This reduces the cracks on the interface between asphalt mixture skeleton and hardened cement paste when the ambient temperature changes. It is concluded that chemical admixtures are essential requirements for the production of high performance cement slurry. They allow the fresh cement slurry to fully penetrate the asphalt mixture skeleton with a lower water–cement ratio, improving engineering properties of SFP. The proposed cement slurry formulation can better meet the requirements of mechanical properties and durability characteristics of SFP.
Influence of Composition and Prior Deformation on Phase Transformation Temperatures and Hardness in Direct Quenching Using Physical Simulation
Authors: Somani M. C. , Pyykkönen J. M. , Porter D. A. , Karjalainen L. P. , Kömi J. I. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
For conventional reheated and quenched (RQ) steels, the level of alloying necessary to achieve a given hardenability and hardness can be estimated from calculated Jominy curves or ideal critical diameters (DI) given in ASTM A255-10(2014). However, for thermomechanically rolled direct quenched (DQ) steels, little data are available. In this study, the accuracy of the ASTM approach was estimated by designing an experiment to study the main effects of seven alloying elements (C, Mn, Cr, Ni, Mo, Nb, and V) at two levels with eight boron steels based on an eight-run resolution III partial factorial designed experiment. Continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams covering cooling rates of 1.5°C/s–48°C/s were determined using Gleeble simulations with or without controlled deformation below Tnr. The effects of deformation below Tnr and the alloying elements were clearly revealed. In general, low temperature straining of the austenite led to higher levels of hardness than quenching from unstrained austenite. The start of the bainite transformation Ar3 (bainite) was modelled as a function of chemical composition and cooling rate. The data in the CCT diagrams were used to derive equivalent ideal critical diameters (DIB) for strained and unstrained prior austenite. The hardenability index DIB calculated from experimental Jominy curves generally agreed well with those of CCT data for unstrained austenite. In order to apply the ASTM A255 approach to the calculation of DIB, boron factors (BF) for steels with alloy factors (AFs) greater than 26 were estimated by extrapolating the ASTM data. However, this approach did not give satisfactory predictions for either strained or unstrained austenite. Preliminary analysis indicated that Cr, Mo, and V might be less effective at increasing hardenability than implied from their AFs. New formulae were given to allow estimations of the hardness to be expected in connection with direct quenching.
Interoperability of Materials Database Systems in Support of Nuclear Energy Development and Potential Applications for Fuel Cell Material Selection
Authors: Lin L. , Austin T. , Ren W. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Materials database interoperability has been of great interest in recent years for information exchange in support of research and development (R&D). In response to data and knowledge sharing needs of the Gen IV International Forum (GIF) for global collaboration in nuclear energy R&D, the European Commission JRC Institute for Energy and Transport (JRC-IET) and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) established a materials database interoperability project that developed techniques for automated materials data exchange between systems hosted at the two institutes—MatDB Online at JRC-IET and the Gen IV Materials Handbook at ORNL, respectively. The work to enable automated exchange of data between the two systems leveraged the XML data import and export functionalities of both systems in combination with recently developed standards for engineering materials data. The preliminary results of data communication between the two systems demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of materials database interoperability, which constructs an interoperation framework that can be seamlessly integrated into the high-throughput First Principles material databases and thus advance the discovery of novel materials in fuel cell applications.
Effect of Uniaxial Deformation on Structure and Transport in Hydrated Nafion 117: Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Abu-Hakmeh Khaldoon , Sood Parveen , Jae Chun Byeong , Choi Ji Il , Jang Seung Soon 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The deformation of hydrated Nafion 117 was implemented using full-atomistic molecular dynamics simulation method to elucidate how the mechanical deformation affects the structure and transport of hydrated Nafion membrane. First, Nafion 117 membrane was equilibrated with 20 wt. % water content through an annealing procedure. The simulated characteristic correlation length and the diffusion coefficient of water and hydronium ions were analyzed for comparison with those observed in experiments. Then, the equilibrated Nafion membrane was deformed uniaxially up to 300 % of strain with a constant strain rate. The change in nanophase-segregation of hydrated Nafion during the deformation process was characterized using a directional structure factor as well as the pair correlation function in order to achieve fundamental understanding of the relationship of such structural change as a function of strain with the proton transport. It was found from the pair correlation analysis that the sulfonate distribution and sulfonate-hydronium correlation became stronger through the deformation while the hydronium ion solvation and the internal structure of water phase were not dependent on the deformation. From the directional structure factor profile, it was found that the long range correlation was developed in the perpendicular direction to the extension. The diffusions of water and hydronium ions were enhanced by 30 and 2 %, respectively, after the deformation. From this study, we suggested that it is desirable to investigate the proton transport using simulation methods covering larger dimensions with a long time scale.
Pituitary hyperplasia: an uncommon presentation of a common disease
Authors: Neves C P , Massolt E T , Peeters R P , Neggers S J , de Herder W W 
Published: August 2015

Summary
A 21-year-old woman presented with amenorrhea, bilateral galactorrhea and fatigue. Visual acuity and visual fields were normal. Laboratory examination demonstrated hyperprolactinemia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pituitary showed a 19×17×12-mm sellar mass with supra- and parasellar extension, causing compression of the pituitary stalk and optic chiasm. Further examinations confirmed mild hyperprolactinemia, strongly elevated TSH (>500 mU/l), low free thyroxine (FT4), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and secondary adrenal insufficiency. Hydrocortisone and l-T4 replacement therapy was started. Three months later, the galactorrhea had disappeared, thyroid function was normalized and MRI revealed regression of the pituitary enlargement, confirming the diagnosis of pituitary hyperplasia (PH) due to primary hypothyroidism. Subsequently, the menstrual cycle returned and the hypocortisolism normalized. This case demonstrates that severe primary hypothyroidism may have an unusual presentation and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pituitary enlargement associated with moderate hyperprolactinemia.

Learning points

One should always try to find one etiology as the common cause of all the clinical findings in a pathologic process.

Amenorrhea, galactorrhea and fatigue may be the only presenting clinical manifestations of primary hypothyroidism.

Not every patient with galactorrhea, hyperprolactinemia and a pituitary mass has a prolactinoma.

Primary hypothyroidism should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of hyperprolactinemia associated with pituitary enlargement and pituitary hormone(s) deficiency(ies).

When PH due to primary hypothyroidism is suspected, thyroid hormone replacement should be started and only regression of pituitary enlargement on MRI follow-up can confirm the diagnosis.

Examination of thyroid function in patients with a pituitary mass may avoid unnecessary surgery.
Neurofibromatosis-related phaeochromocytoma: two cases with large tumours and elevated plasma methoxytyramine
Authors: Teasdale Stephanie , Reda Elham 
Published: August 2015

Summary
We present two cases of adrenal phaeochromocytoma in patients with a previous diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). One had an adrenergic phenotype. The other had a more noradrenergic phenotype. Both had large primary tumours, which increases the likelihood of malignancy. Both also had elevated plasma-free methoxytyramine, which has been linked with malignancy even in non-SDHB phaeochromocytomas.

Learning points

Phaeochromocytoma can have varied clinical presentations.

Methoxytyramine can be useful in the biochemical work-up of both SDHB-positive and SDHB-negative phaeochromocytoma.

The utility of methoxytyramine as a marker of malignancy in NF1-related phaeochromocytoma is unclear, and cases with elevated titres warrant longer follow-up.
The modulation of corticosteroid metabolism by hydrocortisone therapy in patients with hypopituitarism increases tissue glucocorticoid exposure
Authors: Sherlock Mark , Behan Lucy Ann , Hannon Mark J , Alonso Aurora Aragon , Thompson Christopher J , Murray Robert D , Crabtree Nicola , Hughes Beverly A , Arlt Wiebke , Agha Amar , Toogood Andrew A , Stewart Paul M 
Published: August 2015

ContextPatients with hypopituitarism have increased morbidity and mortality. There is ongoing debate about the optimum glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy.ObjectiveTo assess the effect of GC replacement in hypopituitarism on corticosteroid metabolism and its impact on body composition.Design and patientsWe assessed the urinary corticosteroid metabolite profile (using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) and body composition (clinical parameters and full body DXA) of 53 patients (19 female, median age 46 years) with hypopituitarism (33 ACTH-deficient/20 ACTH-replete) (study A). The corticosteroid metabolite profile of ten patients with ACTH deficiency was then assessed prospectively in a cross over study using three hydrocortisone (HC) dosing regimens (20/10 mg, 10/10 mg and 10/5 mg) (study B) each for 6 weeks. 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) activity was assessed by urinary THF+5α-THF/THE.SettingEndocrine Centres within University Teaching Hospitals in the UK and Ireland.Main outcome measuresUrinary corticosteroid metabolite profile and body composition assessment.ResultsIn study A, when patients were divided into three groups – patients not receiving HC and patients receiving HC≤20 mg/day or HC>20 mg/day – patients in the group receiving the highest daily dose of HC had significantly higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) than the ACTH replete group. They also had significantly elevated THF+5α-THF/THE (P=0.0002) and total cortisol metabolites (P=0.015). In study B, patients on the highest HC dose had significantly elevated total cortisol metabolites and all patients on HC had elevated THF+5α-THF/THE ratios when compared to controls.ConclusionsIn ACTH-deficient patients daily HC doses of >20 mg/day have increased WHR, THF+5α-THF/THE ratios and total cortisol metabolites. GC metabolism and induction of 11β-HSD1 may play a pivitol role in the development of the metabolically adverse hypopituitary phenotype.
Self-reported hearing impairment among rural adult population of coastal Tamil Nadu
Authors: Chauhan Ramesh Chand , Mishra Amit Kumar , Kandan Mani , Singh Zile 
Published: August 2015

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong>Hearing impairment is the most frequent sensory deficit in human population and irrespective of the age of development, has devastating consequences. This study was done to assess the burden of hearing impairment among the rural adult population of a coastal area in Tamil Nadu. </p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods: </span></strong>This community-based descriptive study was conducted in a rural area of Tamil Nadu state in India. The study protocol was approved by the institute ethics committee of PIMS. Eligible participants from all the household in the study area were selected. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the information and hearing impairment was assessed by self-reporting by the participants. Proportions for categorical variables were calculated and Chi-square test was applied to find the associations.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results: </span></strong>Among a total of 5621 participants interviewed and examined, 232 (4.1%) participants reported to have hearing impairment. Among them, majority reported that they have hearing impairment due to advanced age or non-specific causes resulted in hard to hearing (77.6%) and 12.5% reported to have deafness. Ear discharge (4.3%), wax (3.0%) were other commonly reported cause of hearing impairment. The hearing impairment increased with age and was common among elderly. The reported hearing impairment ranges from 1.5% to 11.3% in different age groups. Age, sex, education and occupation were significantly associated with hearing impairment (p value &lt;0.05).</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions: </span></strong>A large number of people in rural communities were having hearing impairment. Improving access to health education and raising awareness about prevention and the needs of people with hearing loss in community is required.</p>
REMUNERAÇÃO VARIÁVEL BASEADA NO PAGAMENTO DE AÇÕES: UM ESTUDO DE EVIDENCIAÇÃO DAS INFORMAÇÕES REQUERIDAS PELO CPC 10 (R1) APLICADO EM EMPRESAS BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Schafer Joice Denise , Larini Amanda Mendieta , Da Rosa Priscila Alano , Ferreira Luiz Felipe 
Published: August 2015

<p>As entidades buscam formas de incentivo aos funcionários, aos gestores e aos administradores por meio do processo de remuneração estratégica com o intuito de retê-los em suas organizações. Este estudo teve por objetivo identificar na listagem das 150 melhores empresas para se trabalhar, segundo a Revista Você S/A, o cumprimento do Comitê de Pronunciamentos Contábeis (CPC) 10 (R1), no item 45, que discorre sobre os procedimentos para a divulgação das informações nas demonstrações financeiras das empresas de capital aberto optantes do plano de remuneração estratégica baseado em compra de ações. Referente às tipologias de delineamento, a pesquisa classifica-se como indutiva, quanto à lógica de pesquisa; descritiva, em relação ao objetivo; documental, quanto aos procedimentos; e, qualitativa, quanto à abordagem do problema. Os resultados apontam que as empresas estão em concordância com o pronunciamento técnico CPC 10 (R1) no que diz respeito à evidenciação das informações referentes à opção de ações.</p><p>Palavras-chave: Opção de compra de ações. <em>Employee stock option plans</em>. CPC 10 (R1). <em>Disclosure</em>.</p>
PRÁTICAS DE DISCLOSURE VOLUNTÁRIO DE INFORMAÇÕES ESTRATÉGICAS E DE ÍNDICES FINANCEIROS DE EMPRESAS DO NORDESTE BRASILEIRO: UMA ANÁLISE A PARTIR DO MODELO DE MURCIA
Authors: Forte Sérgio Henrique Arruda Cavalcante , Perez Murilo Antonio , Bessa Frederico R F , Oliveira Oderlene Vieira de 
Published: August 2015

<p>Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar o nível de <em>disclosure</em> voluntário referente à divulgação das informações estratégicas e dos índices financeiros de empresas situadas no Nordeste do Brasil com ações negociadas na BM&amp;FBOVESPA nos níveis de Novo Mercado (NM), Nível 1 (N1) e Nível (N2). A pesquisa foi efetuada a partir das Demonstrações Contábeis do exercício de 2013, baseando-se na métrica do Modelo de Murcia (2009), a qual identifica quais práticas de <em>disclosure</em> voluntário são efetuadas por empresas no Brasil. Os resultados indicam que as empresas estudadas apresentam um baixo índice de <em>disclosure</em> voluntário, as informações internas são mais divulgadas do que as externas, e não há relação entre <em>disclosure</em> voluntário com níveis diferenciados, porte e retorno sobre o investimento.</p><p><strong>Palavras-chave</strong>: <em>Disclosure</em> voluntário. BM&amp;FBOVESPA. Modelo de Murcia. Nordeste brasileiro. </p>
Applied evolutionary biology could aid management of invaded ecosystems
Authors: Oduor Ayub M. O. , Yu Xiubo , Liu Jian 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Invasive plant species subvert essential ecosystem services through a reduction in the abundance and genetic diversity of native plant species. A major challenge now facing land managers and policy makers is how to ensure persistence of native plants while limiting harmful impacts of invasions. Results from recent empirical studies suggest that native plants may evolve adaptations to invasive plants and that adaptive evolution in invasive plants could lessen the negative impacts of invasions. Here, we suggest ways in which knowledge of adaptive evolution in invasive and native plants could be utilized to more effectively manage invaded ecosystems.
Preparation for Cost Effective Decommissioning and Abandonment of Subsea Pipelines
Authors: Burke Julie , Stokes Alan 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Decommissioning activity will increase in the next nine years with a predicted £1.3 billion spent on decommissioning of subsea pipelines and associated subsea infrastructure in the North Sea from 2014-2023 [REF 1]. Detailed preparation prior to the Cessation of Production (CoP) may significantly reduce this cost. Savings can be made during late in life operations on the platform and preliminary decommissioning planning. A Comparative Assessment tool assists the project team in selecting the most preferred decommissioning and abandonment option for subsea pipelines by using criteria such as safety, environmental factors, technical feasibility, economics and societal issues. These are then ranked by priority through matrix algebra.
The introduction of new technology and advanced planning for decommissioning campaigns are the solutions for cost reduction, such as: Several applicable technologies and research areas are recommended as topics for further development, such as laser cutting, subsea lift claws and cutters and long-term effects of pipelines on fish habitats.A thorough checklist to incorporate decommissioning during the design phase would ensure decommissioning is given as much emphasis as input from the operations and maintenance teams during this important phase.Primary cost drivers are identified and include long term liability, cleanliness standards and national requirements for making the pipelines safe for potential re-use.Pipeline preservation for future use and/or leaving pipelines in place are the most cost effective solutions for pipeline decommissioning and if regulatory requirements change where pipelines must be removed, decommissioning costs could skyrocket.
Walk-to-Work: Helping to Enhance Safety, Reduce Costs and Extend the Economic Life of Offshore Infrastructure
Authors: Holt H. , Walker C. , Simms M. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Gangway equipped: offshore support vessels, intervention vessels, construction vessels, and other mono-hull vessels, capable of providing gangway access to offshore facilities in exposed sea areas has great potential. It is playing an evolving important role in making new marginal yield field development economical, reducing exposure to risk, and extending the life of the existing oil and gas infrastructure.
Otherwise known as Walk to Work (W2W), this marine manning approach for offshore facilities can be used on a regular, fixed term, ad-hoc or exceptional circumstance basis. It is capable of providing significant benefits over existing provisions including: improved safety, increased workforce productivity, greater manning flexibility, and reduced lifecycle costs.
The W2W vessel can range from relatively small, fast workboats, to large semi-submersible ‘flotels’ stationed alongside fixed platforms. Within this range, it is the mono-hull vessel where there is the greatest opportunity for the oil and gas industry to realise significant (currently unexploited) gain. Depending on the capability of the chosen vessel, a W2W solution may offer: gangway transfers, hotel, hospital, helicopter, rescue and recovery, subsea and splash zone inspection, cargo, crane, fabrication and other facilities.
Offshore facility operators looking to improve performance by use of W2W; firstly need to fully understand their requirements; secondly, be open minded and innovative when looking for solutions; and thirdly, realise that to fully exploit W2W there are many aspects that need consideration to strike an optimal balanced solution.
This paper presents the potential significant opportunities offered by W2W, and discusses the main areas that require consideration during the requirement definition and subsequent development of a W2W solution. The paper references a recently released guidance document covering W2W which was developed within a joint industry project with fifteen industrial partners (DNV GL W2W JIP 2015).