bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of the influence of processing parameters on synthesis of Al2024-B4C composite powders in a planetary mill using an artificial neural network
Authors: Varol Temel , Canakci Aykut , Ozsahin Sukru 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this study, an artificial neural network approach was employed to predict the effect of B4C size, B4C content, and milling time on the particle size and particle hardness of Al2024-B4C composite powders. Al2024-B4C powder mixtures with various reinforcement weight percentages (5%, 10%, and 20% B4C), reinforcement size (49 and 5 μm), and milling times (0–10 h) were prepared by mechanical alloying process. The properties of the composite powders were analyzed using a laser particle size analyzer for the particle size and a microhardness tester for the powder microhardness. The three input parameters in the proposed artificial neural network (ANN) were the reinforcement size, reinforcement ratio, and milling time. Particle size and particle hardness of the composite powders were the outputs obtained from the proposed ANN. The mean absolute percentage error for the predicted values did not exceed 4.289% for the best prediction model. This model can be used for predicting properties of Al2024-B4C composite powders produced with different reinforcement size, reinforcement ratio, and milling times.
Incorporating Biodopants into PEDOT Conducting Polymers: Impact of Biodopant on polymer properties and biocompatibility
Authors: Molino Paul J. , Tibbens Anthony , Kapsa Robert M.I. , Wallace Gordon G. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPoly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was polymerized with the biological dopants dextran sulphate and chondroitin sulphate. Polymer physical and mechanical properties were investigated using quartz crystal microgravimetry with dissipation monitoring and atomic force microscopy, revealing polymer shear modulus and interfacial roughness to be significantly altered as a function of the dopant species. The adsorption of fibronectin, an important extracellular protein that is critical for a range of cellular functions and processes, was investigated using QCM-D, revealing protein adsorption to be increased on the DS doped PEDOT film relative to the CS doped film. PEDOT films have traditionally been doped with synthetic counterions such as polystyrene sulphonate (PSS), however the incorporation of biological molecules as the counterion, which has been shown to improve polymer biofunctionality, has received far less attention. In particular, there has been little detailed study on the impact of incorporating polyelectrolyte biomolecules into the PEDOT polymer matrix on fundamental polymer properties which are critical for biomedical applications. This investigation provides a detailed characterization of the interfacial and mechanical properties of biologically doped PEDOT films, as well as the efficacy of the composite films to bind and retain extracellular proteins of the type that are critical to the biocompatibility of the polymeric material.
Atomic simulations of GB sliding in pure and segregated bicrystals
Authors: Yuasa Motohiro , Chino Yasumasa , Mabuchi Mamoru 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTGrain boundary (GB) sliding is an important deformation mode in polycrystals, and it has been extensively investigated, for example, there are many studies on influences of the atomic geometry in the GB region. However, it is important to investigate GB sliding from the electronic structure of GB for deeper understandings of the sliding mechanisms. In the present work, we investigated the GBs sliding in pure and segregated bicrystals with classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and first-principles calculations. It is accepted that the sliding rate is affected by the GB energy. However, there was no correlation between the sliding rate and the GB energy in either the pure or the segregated bicrystals. First-principles calculations revealed that the sliding rate calculated by the MD simulations increases with decreasing minimum charge density at the bond critical point in the GB. This held in both the pure and segregated bicrystals. It seems that the sliding rate depends on atomic movement at the minimum charge density sites.
Direct Observation of Atomic Arrangement around 90° Domain Wall in Lead Titanate Thin Films.
Authors: Kiguchi Takanori , Konno Toyohiko J. , Ehara Yoshitaka , Yamada Tomoaki , Funakubo Hiroshi 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe growth mechanism of large-size domains in PbTiO3/SrTiO3 heteroepitaxial thin films was examined using annular bright field (ABF) – scanning transmission electron microscopy and geometric phase analysis (GPA). {101} domain walls surrounded 90° domains. The large 90° domain grows by the coalescence of the nano-size domains of less than 5 nm width. A strain map obtained from the GPA of ABF-STEM image showed that 90° domains interacted elastically and attractively with edge dislocations at PbTiO3/SrTiO3 interface through simple shear strain.
A Double-Blind, Randomized Phase II Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Acetyl-L-Carnitine in the Prevention of Sagopilone-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
Authors: Campone Mario , Berton-Rigaud Dominique , Joly-Lobbedez Florence , Baurain Jean-Francois , Rolland Frédéric , Stenzl Arnulf , Fabbro Michel , Dijk Marjan , Pinkert Jörg , Schmelter Thomas , Bont Natasja , Pautier Patricia 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background.
Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a recognized side effect of microtubule-targeting agents and the most clinically relevant toxicity observed with the epothilone sagopilone (SAG). Studies suggest that acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) may prevent chemotherapy-induced PN. We conducted a prospective, placebo (PBO)-controlled, double-blind, randomized trial to investigate the safety and efficacy of ALC for the prevention of SAG-induced PN.

Methods.
Patients with ovarian cancer (OC) or castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) and no evidence of neuropathy received SAG (16 mg/m2 intravenously over 3 hours every 3 weeks) with ALC (1,000 mg every 3 days) or placebo (PBO). The primary endpoint was incidence of PN within six or fewer cycles in both treatment groups.

Results.
Overall, 150 patients enrolled (98 OC patients, 52 CRPC patients), with 75 per treatment arm. No significant difference in overall PN incidence was observed between treatment arms. The incidence of grade ≥3 PN was significantly lower in the ALC arm in OC patients. Median duration of neuropathy was similar between treatment arms. The best overall response (according to the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors), response according to tumor markers, time-to-event variables, and discontinuations because of adverse events (AEs) were comparable between treatment arms.

Conclusion.
Administration of ALC with SAG did not result in a significant difference in overall PN incidence compared with a PBO. OC patients in the SAG/ALC arm had a significantly lower incidence of grade 3 or 4 PN compared with OC patients in the SAG/PBO arm.
Management Credibility and Investment Risk: An Experimental Investigation of Lease Accounting Alternatives
Authors: Krische Susan D. , Sanders Paula R. , Smith Steven D. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT
This paper examines how users' understanding of the financial statement impact of accounting alternatives and the disclosure choices management has made jointly influence users' assessments of management credibility and investment risk. Specifically, in a lease obligation setting, management's reporting choice (i.e., recognition versus disclosure), the presence of a supplemental reconciliation from disclosure to recognition, and the source of that reconciliation (as company management or an independent analyst) are manipulated. As predicted, the findings indicate that users assess a management credibility deficiency only when they understand both the financial statement implications of an incentive-consistent reporting choice and that management has not been forthcoming about that choice. In contrast, users' understanding of the financial statement implications of the reporting choice is sufficient to influence their investment risk judgments. This research extends the literature on managerial reporting by documenting necessary knowledge conditions for users to make differential assessments of managers.
Severe Hypoglycemia and Cognitive Decline in Older People With Type 2 Diabetes: The Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study
Authors: Feinkohl Insa , Aung Phyu Phyu , Keller Marketa , Robertson Christine M. , Morling Joanne R. , McLachlan Stela , Deary Ian J. , Frier Brian M. , Strachan Mark W.J. , Price Jackie F. ,   on behalf of the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study (ET2DS) Investigators
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE
People with type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of age-related cognitive decline and dementia. Hypoglycemia is a candidate risk factor, but the direction of association between episodes of severe hypoglycemia and cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes remains uncertain.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In the Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study, cognitive function was assessed in 831 adults with type 2 diabetes (aged 60–75 years) at baseline and after 4 years. Scores on seven neuropsychological tests were combined into a standardized general ability factor g. Self-reported history of severe hypoglycemia at baseline (history of hypoglycemia) and at follow-up (incident hypoglycemia) was recorded.

RESULTS
A history of hypoglycemia was reported by 9.3% of subjects, and 10.2% reported incident hypoglycemia. Incident hypoglycemia was associated with poorer cognitive ability at baseline (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratio for lowest tertile of g 2.04 [95% CI 1.25–3.31], P = 0.004). Both history of hypoglycemia and incident hypoglycemia were also associated with greater cognitive decline during follow-up (mean follow-up g adjusted for age, sex, and baseline g −0.25 vs. 0.03 [P = 0.02] and −0.28 vs. 0.04 [P = 0.01], respectively), including after addition of vascular risk factors and cardiovascular and microvascular disease to the models (−0.23 vs. 0.03 [P = 0.04] and −0.21 vs. 0.05 [P = 0.03], respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between cognitive impairment and hypoglycemia appeared complex, with severe hypoglycemia associated with both poorer initial cognitive ability and accelerated cognitive decline.
Inferior Turbinate Hypertrophy: Review and Graduated Approach to Surgical Management
Authors: Brunworth Joseph , Holmes Janalee , Sindwani Raj 
Published: October 2013

Background Surgical techniques for managing inferior turbinate hypertrophy (ITH) vary widely and have evolved substantially in the past four decades as new technologies have emerged. Methods Literature review. Results Inferior turbinate (IT) procedures can be categorized as: simple turbinate outfracture; turbinoplasty techniques such as extramucosal destruction, and submucosal tissue removal; and extramural turbinate resection (partial or complete). Each of these approaches has advantages and drawbacks. Considerations for technique selection include clinical setting (in-office versus operating room), cost of the devices used, efficacy of the procedure to relieve nasal obstruction, and minimizing postoperative complications such as nuisance bleeding, adhesion formation, and crusting. Conclusion There are a variety of contemporary surgical techniques used for IT reduction. This article highlights the available literature and gaps in current knowledge. A graduated approach to the management of ITH will be presented.
Cystic Fibrosis Chronic Rhinosinusitis: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Chaaban Mohamad R. , Kejner Alexandra , Rowe Steven M. , Woodworth Bradford A. 
Published: October 2013

Background Advances in the care of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) have improved pulmonary outcomes and survival. In addition, rapid developments regarding the underlying genetic and molecular basis of the disease have led to numerous novel targets for treatment. However, clinical and basic scientific research focusing on therapeutic strategies for CF-associated chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) lags behind the evidence-based approaches currently used for pulmonary disease. Methods This review evaluates the available literature and provides an update concerning the pathophysiology, current treatment approaches, and future pharmaceutical tactics in the management of CRS in patients with CF. Results Optimal medical and surgical strategies for CF CRS are lacking because of a dearth of well-performed clinical trials. Medical and surgical interventions are supported primarily by level 2 or 3 evidence and are aimed at improving clearance of mucus, infection, and inflammation. A number of novel therapeutics that target the basic defect in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator channel are currently under investigation. Ivacaftor, a corrector of the G551D mutation, was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration. However, sinonasal outcomes using this and other novel drugs are pending. Conclusion CRS is a lifelong disease in CF patients that can lead to substantial morbidity and decreased quality of life. A multidisciplinary approach will be necessary to develop consistent and evidence-based treatment paradigms.
Systemic Effects and Safety of Triamcinolone-Impregnated Nasal Packing after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study
Authors: Hong Sang Duk , Kim Joon Ho , Dhong Hun-Jong , Kim Hyo Yeol , Chung Seung-Kyu , Chang Young Soo , Sohn Jung Heob 
Published: October 2013

Background Steroid-infused absorbable nasal dressings after endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) have been used to improve wound healing and to reduce the recurrence of polyps. However, their systemic effects are not well known. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the systemic effects and safety of steroid-impregnated absorbable nasal packing after ESS. Methods Patients who underwent bilateral ESS for chronic rhinosinusitis were recruited and randomized into two groups. Ten patients in the triamcinolone (TA) group received a TA (20 mg)-soaked bioabsorbable dressing in both nasal cavities while 10 patients in the control group took saline-impregnated dressing in both nasal cavities. Nasal dressings were not removed until postoperative day 10. Serum cortisol, 12-hour urine cortisol, serum adrenal-corticotropic hormone (ACTH), and serum osteocalcin were measured preoperatively and on postoperative days 2 and 10. Serum cortisol levels were checked 1 day after surgery additionally, while urine cortisol levels were not checked at postoperative day 10. Results All 20 patients completed this study. The serum cortisol levels were significantly suppressed at postoperative days 1 and 2 in the TA group. Serum ACTH and 12-hour urine cortisol levels were lower 2 days after surgery in the TA group, although these changes were not statistically significant. There were no differences in all other parameters between the TA and control groups on postoperative day 10. Conclusions TA-impregnated nasal dressings suppress serum cortisol levels during the early postoperative period. This systemic effect was recovered gradually and normalized 10 days after the operation.
Expanded Endonasal Approach using Vascularized Septal Flap Reconstruction for Skull Base Tumors has a Negative Impact on Sinonasal Symptoms and Quality of Life
Authors: Alobid Isam , Enseñat Joaquim , Mariño-Sánchez Franklin , Rioja Elena , de Notaris Matteo , Mullol Joaquim , Bernal-Sprekelsen Manuel 
Published: October 2013

Background Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is currently the optimal treatment for skull base tumors. This study was designed to assess patient's sinonasal symptoms and quality of life (QoL) after resection of pituitary adenoma or skull base tumors using vascularized septal flap (VSF) reconstruction. Methods Patients with pituitary adenoma underwent the transnasal transsphenoidal endoscopic approach (TTEA; n = 38), and patients with other benign parasellar tumors underwent the expanded endonasal approach (EEA; n = 17) with VSF. Assessment of sinonasal symptoms and QoL by the 36-item Short-Form (SF-36) and the 31-item Rhinosinusitis Outcome Measure (RSOM-31) were performed before and 3 months after surgery. Results At baseline, the total seven-sinonasal symptom score (T7SSS) was similar between both groups. After surgery, T7SSS significantly increased in EEA but not in TTEA patients. EEA patients reported more smell loss (40.1 ± 26.2; p < 0.05) and posterior nasal discharge (49.3 ± 30.1; p < 0.05) than TTEA patients (21.6 ± 30.9 and 22.5 ± 27.5, respectively). At baseline, both groups had poorer SF-36 compared with the general population. TTEA patients had poorer QoL (on general health, vitality, and mental health) than EEA patients. After surgery, TTEA patients showed impaired physical role and bodily pain compared with baseline, and EEA patients showed impaired physical role and mental health. At baseline, RSOM scores were similar in TTEA and EEA groups. After surgery, EEA but not TTEA patients reported poorer nasal and general symptoms. Conclusion The EEA with VSF produces more sinonasal symptoms than pituitary surgery, surgery for skull base and pituitary tumors has negative impact on QoL, and functioning tumors have no further negative effect on sinonasal symptoms and QoL.
Prevalence of Ocular Symptoms in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis: Korean Multicenter Study
Authors: Lee Ji-Eun , Kim Kyong Rae , Rha Ki-Sang , Dhong Hun-Jong , Roh Hwan Jung , Rhee Chae-Seo , Kim Kyung-Su , Park Dong-Joon , Kim Sung Wan , Kim Yong-Dae , Lim Sang-Chul , Ahn Byung-Hoon , Kang Jun Myung , Lee Jae-Hoon , Kim Chang-Hoon , Kim Soo-Hwan , Kim Hyun Jun , Lee Kun-Hee , Cho Kyu-Sub , Jung Young-Ho , Lee Tae-Hoon , Shim Woo Sub , Kim Eun-Joong , Park Ji-Sang , Lee Yil-Seob , Kim Dong-Young 
Published: October 2013

Background Allergic rhinitis (AR) is often accompanied by multiple ocular symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of ocular symptoms and the impact of ocular symptoms on the quality of life in patients with AR. Methods One thousand one hundred seventy-four patients with AR were enrolled from 24 centers in Korea. They were classified into four groups according to the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) guideline and also classified into perennial AR (PAR) and seasonal AR groups. All patients were asked to complete the questionnaire regarding the presence of ocular symptoms, such as eye itching, watery eyes, and red eyes. The correlation between ocular symptoms and the rest of the quality-of-life areas in the Mini-Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (Mini-RQLQ) was also asked. Results Seven hundred nineteen (61.2%) of 1174 patients had ocular symptoms. In detail, the numbers of patients with eye itching, watery eyes, red eyes, and other ocular symptoms were 605 (51.5%), 313 (26.7%), 207 (17.6%), and 66 (5.6%), respectively. Female patients (72.5%) complained of ocular symptoms more commonly than male patients (55.1%). The patients with moderate–severe persistent AR showed the highest prevalence of ocular symptoms. The correlation coefficients between ocular symptoms and the rest of the quality-of-life areas in the Mini-RQLQ were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion Sixty-one percent of Korean AR patients experienced ocular symptoms. The patients who were women and had PAR and more severe AR showed higher prevalence of ocular symptoms. The ocular symptoms might have a significant impact on the quality of life in patients with AR.
Le protreptique en philosophie : essai de définition d'un genre
Authors: Van der Meeren Sophie 
Published: October 2013

Les protreptiques — discours ou ouvrages d'exhortation — à la philosophie étaient très en vigueur dans l'Antiquité (le corpus s'étend des Socratiques à Thémistius) et représentaient un véritable genre autonome, ce qui est notre thèse principale. L'unité du genre repose sur des critères de forme et de contenu : ce sont des discours introductifs — soit à une pratique personnelle, soit à un cursus théorique — présentant la philosophie par sa finalité et centrés sur la personne de l'auditeur ou du lecteur, appelé à se convertir. Leur usage est de fait intimement lié aux formes de la philosophie ancienne entendue comme mode de vie qui est à embrasser dans son ampleur. Mais l'unité du genre tient aussi à une problématique commune aux protreptiques : ils donnent en effet de l'objet de la philosophie
— présenté fomellement comme le bonheur — une détermination qui est souvent problématique (au terme du protreptique on ne sait pas toujours quel est le contenu concret de cet objet ni comment l'atteindre). Pour préciser les particularités du protreptique philosophique nous le comparons enfin à deux genres de discours apparentés : le discours de propagande et l'épideixis.
Residual activity after radioembolization of liver tumours with 90Y resin microspheres
Authors: Haslerud T. , Reichmann K. , Meyer C. , Habibi E. , Fimmers R. , Muckle M. , Sabet A. , Biersack H.J. , Ezziddin S. , Ahmadzadehfar H. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe actual number of resin microspheres is approximately 30-60 times higher than glass microspheres per 3 GBq vial. Thus, radioembolization (RE) with resin microspheres exerts an embolization effect besides the radiation effect. This embolization effect can occasionally cause early back flow of the microspheres before application of the entire calculated dose. To avoid these adverse side effects, RE has to be terminated at an earlier time point. Measurement of the residual activity in the delivery box, which includes the v-vial, tube and catheter, to calculate the achieved target dose is often challenging. The aim of the current study was to establish a post-RE measurement method comparable to the glass microspheres method without unnecessary radiation exposure to the staff and risk of contamination. Methods: Two different measurements were performed. First, total radioactivity in the shipping vial was measured in an ion chamber and then it was put in the delivery box and the radiation was measured from a 30 cm distance from the centre of the box with a dosimeter. The required radioactivity was then transferred to the v-vial, and the shipping vial was measured again. After that, the v-vial was measured from the same distance from the centre of the box with dosimeter. Results: Altogether 62 times the shipping vial with different activities were measured with a significant positive correlation between the amount of the activity measured in the iron chamber and the radiation dose, measured with dosimeter (r2 = 0.98; p < 0.001). There was also a strong positive correlation between these measurements of the v-vial (r2 = 0.98; p < 0.001). Conclusion: With measurement of the residual activity in the delivery box using a dosimeter the percentage of the whole injected activity can be easily calculated. This facilitates the calculation of the actual, achieved target and non-target dose in those cases, where therapy had to be stopped because of eminent flow reversal or obstruction.
David Hume on Banking and Hoarding
Authors: Paganelli Maria Pia 
Published: October 2013

David Hume opposes banks and favors hoarding. The only bank he reluctantly approves of is a public, 100% reserve bank. Other banks increase money supply and prices, hindering exports and economic growth. For Hume, a 100% reserve public bank would lead to “the destruction of paper‐credit” ([1752] 1985, p. 285), fostering economic growth instead by preventing inflation. Additionally, a 100% reserve bank hoards a large quantity of gold and silver, which is available in case of national emergency.