bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wire Cutting Method to Assess Fracture Toughness of Gelatin Gels: Phenomenological Analysis and Limitations of Methodology
Authors: Czerner M. , Fasce L. A. , Frontini P. M. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In this work the performance of the wire cutting method for determining the fracture toughness, Gc, of gelatin hydrogels is assessed. In this method, wires of different diameters are pushed into a sample while the force and displacement are continuously recorded. The cutting action reaches a steady state, in which fracture propagation, deformation, and friction occur simultaneously. The method implies a linear relationship between the steady-state cutting force per unit sample width and the wire diameter, of which the y-intercept is Gc. Several gel samples differing in gelatin concentration, source (bovine or porcine), solvent (water or water–glycerol mixture), and crosslink type (physical or chemical induced by glutaraldehyde) were tested at different rates. Post-mortem fracture surfaces examined via optical microscopy displayed four different morphologies depending on the gel formulation, cutting rate, and wire diameter: I, striated; II, with one or two oblique straight lines; III, with rhombus-like figures; and IV, with material pull-out. A direct relationship between the developed fracture surface morphology and the method performance existed. One necessary condition for obtaining the linear relationship is a unique fracture surface morphology remaining for all of the wires utilized in the determination. The method is invalid if the fracture surface morphology changes with changing wire diameter, abnormal crack path deflection takes place, or material pull-out occurs as a result of adhesion effects. The applicability of the method seems to be not constrained to physical gels. An appropriate cutting rate and wire diameter have to be selected in order for a unique fracture surface morphology to be achieved. In such cases, reasonable Gc values were obtained from the y-intercept of the best linear fit of experimental data. Gc increased with increasing gelatin concentration, Bloom number, and solvent viscosity. Moreover, Gc was greater when a rhombus-like pattern was induced rather than other morphology due to greater crack path tortuosity.
Tuning Mechanical Properties of Chondroitin Sulfate-Based Hydrogels Using the Double-Network Strategy
Authors: Suekama Tiffany C , Khanlari Anahita , Gehrke Stevin H 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThe double-network (DN) hydrogel concept developed by J.P. Gong and Y. Osada builds upon interpenetrating networks by combining brittle and ductile components to have significantly enhanced fracture properties. The generality of the DN effect was tested by creating biopolymer-based hydrogels of methacrylated chondroitin sulfate (MCS) and polyacrylamide (PAAm) and extended upon creating DNs of MCS and poly(N,N dimethyl acrylamide) (PDMAAm), verifying that DNs were not limited to the original combination of poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) (PAMPS)/polyacrylamide (PAAm). Further, the mechanical properties were varied by changing the monomer concentrations, cross-linker concentrations and the addition of cross-linking groups through copolymerizations of MCS and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). Overall, this work demonstrates that a broad range of mechanical properties achievable through DN effect under tension and compression, generally independent of the swelling degree, which is fundamentally different behavior than possible with single networks.
Phase Separated Morphology of P3HT:PCBM Bulk Heterojunction from Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: To Tran Thinh , Yap Jing Han , Rao Rayavarapu Prasada , Adams Stefan 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTMorphology of the active layer in bulk heterojunction P3HT:PCBM organic solar cell was studied using Monte Carlo (MC) and coarse-grained dynamics simulations. While coarse-grained molecular dynamics allow us to quickly estimate the P3HT:PCBM interfacial energy of bilayer structure as a function of underlying layer thickness, bridging the dimension and time gap between dynamics simulations and experiment is computationally expensive and therefore not viable. Using MC technique with input from dynamics simulations allowed us to speed up the calculation and obtain final morphological information based on energetics and entropy, and at the same time retained the physics fidelity in-built in our validated coarse-grained model. The final structure gives phase separated domains with dimension of approximately 12 nm, on par with reported experimental result. The method can be applied to other organic photovoltaics systems to predict active layer morphology relevant for device performance or 3-dimensional device modelling at continuum level.
Medium-range Order of Zr54Cu38Al8 Bulk Metallic Glass
Authors: Zhang Pei , Besser M. F. , Kramer M. J. , Voyles P. M. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTWe have previously reported, based on fluctuation electron microscopy (FEM) data, that Zr50Cu45Al5 bulk metallic glass (BMG) contains significant icosahedral and crystal-like medium-range order. Here, we report similar finding for Zr54Cu38Al8 BMG, which is a poorer glass former. Like Zr50Cu45Al5, Zr54Cu38Al8 contains icosahedral and crystal-like structures. In the as-cast state, the crystal-like peak in the FEM data is stronger than icosahedral-like peak. After annealing at 0.83Tg (573 K), the icosahedral-like peak increases, but, unlike Zr50Cu45Al5, the crystal-like peak does not decrease. This tendency toward stronger, more thermally stable crystal-like order may be associated with the poorer glass forming ability of Zr54Cu38Al8.
Self-tensioning Support Post Design to Control Residual Stress in MEMS Fixed-Fixed Beams
Authors: Pocratsky Ryan M. , de Boer Maarten P. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTFixed-fixed beams are ubiquitous MEMS structures that are integral components for sensors and actuation mechanisms. However, residual stress inherent in surface micromachining can affect the mechanical behavior of fixed-fixed structures, and even can cause buckling. A self-tensioning support post design that utilizes the compressive residual stress of trapped sacrificial oxide to control the stress state passively and locally in a fixed-fixed beam is proposed and detailed. The thickness and length of the trapped oxide affects the amount of stress in the beam. With this design, compression can be reduced or even converted into tension. An analytical model and a 3D finite element model are presented. The analytical model shows relatively good agreement with a 3D finite element model, indicating that it can be used for design purposes. A series of fixed-fixed beams were fabricated to demonstrate that the tensioning support post causes a reduction in buckling amplitude, even pulling the beam into tension. Phase shifting interferometry deflection measurements were used to confirm the trends observed from the models. Controlling residual stress allows longer fixed-fixed beams to be fabricated without buckling, which can improve the performance range of sensors. This technique can also enable local stress control, which is important for sensors.
Reputation Repair After a Serious Restatement
Authors: Chakravarthy Jivas , deHaan Ed , Rajgopal Shivaram 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT:
How do firms repair their reputations after a serious accounting restatement? To answer this question, we review firms' press releases and identify 1,765 reputation-building actions taken by: (1) 94 restating firms in the periods before and after their restatement; and (2) a set of matched control firms during contemporaneous periods. We posit that firms have incentives to target multiple stakeholders in a reputation repair strategy—including capital providers, customers, employees, and geographic communities—and that actions targeting each group generate positive market returns as reputation capital is repaired. Consistent with our predictions, the frequency of, and stock returns to, reputation-building actions are greater for restating firms in the period after their restatement than for the control groups. In addition, firm characteristics predict the types of stakeholders targeted by firms. Finally, actions targeted at both capital providers and other stakeholders are associated with improvements in the restating firm's financial reporting credibility.
Data Availability: The data used in this study are available from the sources indicated.
Reduced ethanol consumption by alcohol-preferring (P) rats following pharmacological silencing and deep brain stimulation of the nucleus accumbens shell
Authors: Wilden Jessica A. , Qing Kurt Y. , Hauser Sheketha R. , McBride William J. , Irazoqui Pedro P. , Rodd Zachary A. 
Published: January 2014

Object
There is increasing interest in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for the treatment of addiction. Initial testing must be conducted in animals, and the alcohol-preferring (P) rat meets the criteria for an animal model of alcoholism. This study is composed of 2 experiments designed to examine the effects of 1) pharmacological inactivation and 2) DBS of the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) on the consumption of alcohol by P rats.

Methods
In the first experiment, the effects of reversible inactivation of the AcbSh were investigated by administering intracranial injections of γ–aminobutyric acid (GABA) agonists. Bilateral microinjections of drug were administered to the AcbSh in P rats (8–10 rats/group), after which the animals were placed in operant chambers containing 2 levers—one used to administer water and the other to administer 15% EtOH—to examine the acquisition and maintenance of oral EtOH self-administration. In the second experiment, a DBS electrode was placed in each P rat's left AcbSh. The animals then received 100 or 200 μA (3–4 rats/group) of DBS to examine the effect on daily consumption of oral EtOH in a free-access paradigm.

Results
In the first experiment, pharmacological silencing of the AcbSh with GABA agonists did not decrease the acquisition of EtOH drinking behavior but did reduce EtOH consumption by 55% in chronically drinking rats. Similarly, in the second experiment, 200 μA of DBS consistently reduced EtOH intake by 47% in chronically drinking rats. The amount of EtOH consumption returned to baseline levels following termination of therapy in both experiments.

Conclusions
Pharmacological silencing and DBS of the AcbSh reduced EtOH intake after chronic EtOH use had been established in rodents. The AcbSh is a neuroanatomical substrate for the reinforcing effects of alcohol and may be a target for surgical intervention in cases of alcoholism.
Endovascular treatment of fusiform cerebral aneurysms with the Pipeline Embolization Device
Authors: Monteith Stephen J. , Tsimpas Asterios , Dumont Aaron S. , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula , Gonzalez L. Fernando , Rosenwasser Robert H. , Jabbour Pascal 
Published: January 2014

Object
Despite advances in surgical and endovascular techniques, fusiform aneurysms remain a therapeutic challenge. Introduction of flow-diverting stents has revolutionized the treatment of aneurysms with wide necks and of complex morphology. The authors report their experience with the endovascular treatment of fusiform aneurysms using the Pipeline Embolization Device.

Methods
A retrospective review of 146 patients with cerebral aneurysms treated with the Pipeline Embolization Device between June 2011 and January 2013 was performed. Twenty-four patients were identified as having fusiform aneurysms. Twenty-four aneurysms in these 24 patients were treated. The mean patient age was 59 years. There were 9 men and 15 women. Angiographic and clinical data (including the modified Rankin Scale [mRS] score) were recorded at the time of treatment and at follow-up. The aneurysms were located in the internal carotid artery in 8 patients (33.3%), middle cerebral artery in 8 patients (33.3%), anterior cerebral artery in 1 patient (4%), and vertebrobasilar circulation in 7 patients (29%). The aneurysms were smaller than 10 mm in 3 patients, 10–25 mm in 16 patients, and larger than 25 mm in 5 patients. The mean largest dimension diameter was 18 mm.

Results
Stent deployment was successful in all cases. The minor procedural morbidity was 4% (1 case). Morbidity and mortality related to aneurysm treatment were 4.2% and 4.2%, respectively. The mean mRS scores preoperatively and at clinical follow-up (median 6.0 months, mean 6.9 months) were 0.71 and 1.2, respectively (91.7% presented with an mRS score of 2 or better, and 79.2% had an mRS score of 2 or better at the 6.0-month follow-up). At clinical follow-up, 82.6% of patients were stable or had improved, 13.0% worsened, and 4.2% had died. Twenty-two (91.7%) of 24 patients had follow-up angiography available (mean follow-up time 6.3 months); 59% had excellent angiographic results (> 95% or complete occlusion), 31.8% had complete aneurysm occlusion, 27.3% had greater than 95% aneurysm occlusion, 18.2% had a moderate decrease in size (50%–95%), 4.5% had a minimal decrease in size (< 50%), 13.6% had not changed, and 4.5% had an increase in size.

Conclusions
This series demonstrates that endovascular treatment of fusiform cerebral aneurysms with flow diversion was a safe and effective treatment. Procedural complications were low. Long-term morbidity and mortality rates were acceptable given the complex nature of these lesions.
Effects of curcumin on acute spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits
Authors: Kurt Gokhan , Yildirim Zuhal , Cemil Berker , Celtikci Emrah , Kaplanoglu Gulnur Take 
Published: January 2014

ObjectThe object of this study was to conduct a prospective, randomized, laboratory investigation of the neuroprotective effects of curcumin functionally, biochemically, and histologically in an experimental acute spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury on rabbits.MethodsEighteen rabbits were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: the sham group, the ischemia-reperfusion group, or the curcumin group. Spinal cord ischemia was induced by applying an infrarenal aortic cross-clamp for 30 minutes. At 48 hours after ischemia, neurological function was evaluated with modified Tarlov criteria. Biochemical changes in the spinal cord and plasma were observed by measuring levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), nitrite/nitrate, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Histological changes were examined with H & E staining. Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against caspase-3 was performed to evaluate cell apoptosis after ischemia.ResultsIn the curcumin group, neurological outcome scores were statistically significantly better compared with the ischemia-reperfusion group. In the ischemia-reperfusion group, MDA, AOPP, and nitrite/nitrate levels were significantly elevated in the spinal cord tissue and the plasma by the induction of ischemia-reperfusion. The curcumin treatment significantly prevented the ischemia-reperfusion–induced elevation of nitrite/nitrate and TNF-α. In addition, the spinal cord tissue and the plasma SOD, GSH, and CAT levels were found to be preserved in the curcumin group and not statistically different from those of the sham group. Histological evaluation of the tissues also demonstrated a decrease in axonal damage, neuronal degeneration, and glial cell infiltration after curcumin administration.ConclusionsAlthough further studies including different dose regimens and time intervals are required, curcumin could attenuate a spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury in rabbits via reducing oxidative products and proinflammatory cytokines, as well as increasing activities of antioxidant enzymes and preventing apoptotic cell death.
Affaire relative à la Délimitation maritime en mer Noire (Roumanie c. Ukraine) : une clarification didactique de la règle de l’équidistance circonstances pertinentes
Authors: Touzé Sébastien 
Published: January 2014

Le 3 février 2009, la Cour internationale de Justice a rendu son arrêt dans l’affaire relative à la Délimitation maritime en mer noire (Roumanie c. Ukraine).
L’arrêt rendu à l’unanimité fixe une ligne de délimitation marquant la frontière maritime entre les deux États et tranche un différend territorial portant sur l’île des Serpents. À cette fi n, la CIJ a tracé une ligne de délimitation en appliquant la méthode de «l’équidistance – circonstances pertinentes » . Reposant sur la définition préalable, dans une zone maritime pertinente défi nie, d’une ligne d’équidistance/ médiane provisoire à partir des côtes pertinentes des deux États, cette méthodologie conduit par la suite la Cour à apprécier si des «circonstances pertinentes » appellent un ajustement ou un déplacement de cette ligne provisoire, afin de parvenir à un résultat «équitable » .
Urbanisation des campagnes
Authors: Juillard Etienne 
Published: January 2014

Urbanization of the Countryside.
The urbanization of the countryside or the integration of rural inhabitants into new economic and social relations with town-dwellers, can be interpreted either as the obliteration of the countryside by the technical progress of the town, or as the cooperation of rural and urban inhabitants, resulting in the disappearance of the town/country dichotomy. The essential problem is whether or not a new "urbanized" rural society can develop and create a new balance between natural conditions and technological possibilities. Urban/ rural relations can take three forms: the town, as a colonizer or parasite, lives off the rural populations to whom it rents land; the town, or industrial complex, develops independently of its surroundings, "sterilizing" instead of "fertilizing" them; the town and the countryside work together in view of a generalized and common expansion.
Vers une nouvelle fonction de l'agriculture périurbaine
Authors: Falque Max 
Published: January 2014

Towards a New Function of Periurban Agriculture.
The author maintains that, in the domain of periurban agriculture, ecological considerations must take priority over economic ones. To defend this argument, he describes the development of the American megalopolis; If France is to avoid similar disasters, we should restructure the town intra muros and thoughtfully divide suburban areas among urbanization, agriculture and parks. The urban planner must understand the spatial consequences of demographic and economic expansion and try to minimize the negative or parasitic consumption of space (urbanized surfaces are surrounded by wastelands where fields and forests have been destroyed but not yet replaced by urban constructions), while not neglecting the positive consumption (each urban inhabitant requires 300 to 400 square meters of land). After examining the inadequacies of contemporary economic policies concerning the localization of agricultural areas, the author explains the concept of "agricultural zones of ecological protection" (ZAPE). Using statistical information on the chemical and biological pollution produced by industrialized farming techniques, he determines the location of these zones in relation to urban centers and the nature of the agricultural activities that should be practiced. He then compares the different means by which a community can acquire the land necessary to create a ZAPE, considering also the cost of such a zone and the ways available to finance It. Ecological protection rather than economic profit should determine agricultural and urbanization policies, and the concept of "gross national product" should be replaced by that of "gross national happiness."
Urbanisation et structures agricoles de la région parisienne entre 1955 et 1966. Essai de méthode
Authors: Bryant C. R. 
Published: January 2014

Urbanization and Agricultural Structures in the Paris Region between 1955 and 1966.
In order to define a suitable program of rural planning, it is first necessary to analyze the transformations occurring in agricultural structures as a result of urbanization. This article explains how to prepare a "spatial diagnostic" or representation of situations in geographical space, the first step in such an analysis. After describing the principal characteristics (size of farms, mechanization, production, population) of the region to be examined (the departments of Seine-et-Marne, Val-d'Oise, Yvelines and Essonne), a region "where agriculture and urban development are in conflict, the author discusses his choice of variables that will permit the description of the main aspects of agricultural structure and change and the correlation of the decline, stability, or prosperity of farming with urbanization. The 57 variables selected are listed in Table 1. Next he explains the analytic techniques employed and the methodological framework to which they refer. Factor analysis (Varimax and Promax) is used to define groups of interdependent variables, and dissimilarity analysis, to determine type-situations. Various tables give the results of these analyses, which are then compared with those obtained by the MEAR (Mission d'Étude d'Aménagement Rural) in its study of rural development in the Paris region. The author feels that the method he proposes is more rapid than the traditional one used by the MEAR, and that its results are clearer and more objective. In conclusion, he recommends (to geographers) the use of information theory and its concepts.
Le renouveau villageois sur la rive gauche du Rhône entre Drôme et Durance
Authors: Grosso René 
Published: January 2014

Village Renewal on the Left Bank of the Rhone between Drome and Durance.
The author is concerned with the causes and forms of village renovation in the Rhone Valley. The population of this region, which since the middle of the last century, had diminished, is now beginning to increase, due to the creation of residential suburbs in the villages peripheral to urban centers and to the restoration of abandoned villages. The agglomeration composed of Avignon and its surrounding towns illustrates the classical procedure by which suburbs develop in relation to housing policies, and also shows the effects of urban expansion on village structure and dimension. New relations between the town and the surrounding countryside, and also between urban and rural residents of villages, are formed, and the resulting urbanization, considered in the light of Juillard's definitions, is either that produced by "urbanizing" towns whose influences penetrate the countryside and contribute to its evolution, or that of "insular" industrial centers who do not stimulate their surroundings. The population of the Rhone Valley has grown not only because of the expansion of urban agglomerations but also because of the renovation of abandoned farms and villages by part-time residents of urban origin, tourists, artists and anti-social non-conformists. By their example, the newcomers encourage the local inhabitants to preserve and exploit the natural and historical assets of their region. Four cases are described in detail to show the different ways in which abandoned villages have been revived. In conclusion, the author deplores the creation of villages without villagers, where residents of urban origin have completely replaced native inhabitants and have transformed the site to meet urban needs and desires; he feels that villages where occupants and visitors of diverse origins are associated promise a more durable form of rural renovation.