bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of titanium carbonitride (Ti(C,N)) decomposition on failure mechanisms in inconel 617 alloy
Authors: Krishna Ram , Hainsworth Sarah V. , Gill Simon P. A. , Atkinson Helen V. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTTitanium Carbonitride (Ti(C,N)) decomposition in Inconel 617 alloy creep‐exposed at 650°C for 574 hours is reported using analytical electron microscopy techniques. Cr‐enriched M23C6‐type carbides enveloped in fine gamma prime particles thought to be precipitated from the decomposition reaction are observed in the alloy. The morphology of the M23C6 carbides is irregular and blocky and the particle size up to 5μm, whereas the morphology of gamma prime particles is mostly spherical and up to 30 nm in size. Intergranular carbides are mostly secondary precipitates of the M23Cc type (M predominantly Cr) and these respond to solution heat treatment and precipitate on the grain boundaries as a result of ageing. The ability of intragranular MX to decompose is sensitive to the N content, high N resists decomposition. Decomposed intragranular MX provides an excess source of C which can react locally with Cr to form heat treatable intragranular fine Cr23C6 precipitates. M6C can segregate in interdendritic locations during melting which may be the reason for high content of Mo in M23C6. These precipitates are generally very small and contribute to an additional hardening effect and are the reason for the onset of voiding and cracking along the grain boundaries that ultimately lead to a reduced creep rupture life. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:336–342, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Neurocognitive Performance of Female Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Stricker Nikki H. , Keller Jenna E. , Castillo Diane T. , Haaland Kathleen Y. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractNeurocognitive problems are common with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are important to understand because of their association with the success of PTSD treatment and its potential neural correlates. To our knowledge, this is the first neurocognitive study in an all‐female U.S. veteran sample, some of whom had PTSD. We examined neurocognitive performance and assessed whether learning deficits, common in PTSD, were associated with executive functioning. Veterans with PTSD (n = 56) and without (n = 53) were evaluated for psychiatric and neurocognitive status. The PTSD group had a lower estimated IQ (d = 0.53) and performed more poorly on all neurocognitive domains (d range = 0.57–0.88), except verbal retention (d = 0.04). A subset of the 2 groups that were matched on IQ and demographics similarly demonstrated poorer performance for the PTSD group on all neurocognitive domains (d range = 0.52–0.79), except verbal retention (d = 0.15). Within the PTSD group, executive functioning accounted for significant variance in verbal learning over and above IQ and processing speed (ΔR2 = .06), as well as depression (ΔR2 = .07) and PTSD severity (ΔR2 = .06). This study demonstrated that female veterans with PTSD performed more poorly than females without PTSD on several neurocognitive domains, including verbal learning, processing speed, and executive functioning. Replication of these results using a control group of veterans with more similar trauma exposure, history of mild traumatic brain injury, and psychiatric comorbidities would solidify these findings.
Perceived and desired outcomes of suburban deer management methods
Authors: Urbanek Rachael E. , Nielsen Clayton K. , Davenport Mae A. , Woodson Brad D. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTDisparity among natural resource agencies and the public often arises when white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are managed in suburban areas. To resolve conflicts, managers require information as to why public constituents deem deer management methods acceptable. We surveyed 660 residents in a suburban Illinois county to evaluate attitudes toward 5 deer management methods: archery hunts, gun hunts, sharpshooting, fertility control, and no management. We used the expectancy‐value model to determine beliefs and desires regarding outcomes of deer management methods that drove respondent acceptance and rejection toward deer management regimes. We then used multinomial logistic regression models to determine which public beliefs and desires regarding outcomes of each deer management method predicted acceptance of each method. Attitudes of respondents who accepted and rejected each deer management method differed from respondents who were neutral toward the methods (F2,215 = 3.59–17.93; 0.001 ≥ P ≤ 0.029). The variables most influencing beliefs toward lethal methods regarded whether deer will suffer an inhumane or unnatural death due to the management method (Akaike relative weight ω ≥ 0.95). Beliefs that damage to personal property from deer will decrease drove the acceptance of archery hunts and professional sharpshooting (ω ≥ 0.95). Beliefs regarding the number of deer‐vehicle collisions decreasing and deer dying an unnatural death had the strongest support for predicting a person's acceptance or rejection of fertility control (ω = 0.98). The desire for a low‐cost management technique and deer numbers to remain the same or increase were the strongest predictors for accepting no deer management (ω = 0.96). Although the expectancy‐value model offers the framework to identify attitudinal disparities among citizens who accept and reject deer management methods, not all of the variables in each model set provided further information on why attitudes toward each deer management method differed among residents. Understanding respondent beliefs and desires regarding outcomes of deer management methods will ultimately allow managers to guide education, resolve some management disputes, and aid in future management decisions that may increase the effectiveness of a deer management regime. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Impact of experimental habitat manipulation on northern bobwhite survival
Authors: Peters David C. , Brooke Jarred M. , Tanner Evan P. , Unger Ashley M. , Keyser Patrick D. , Harper Craig A. , Clark Joseph D. , Morgan John J. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTHabitat management for northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) should affect vital rates, but direct linkages with survival are not well documented; therefore, we implemented an experiment to evaluate those responses. We conducted our experiment on a reclaimed surface mine, a novel landscape where conditions were considered sub‐optimal because of the dominance of non‐native vegetation, such as sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), which has been reported to provide marginal habitat for northern bobwhite and may negatively affect survival. Nonetheless, these areas have great potential for contributing to bobwhite conservation because of the amount of early successional cover they provide. Our study site, a 3,330‐ha reclaimed surface mine in western Kentucky, consisted of 2 tracts (Sinclair and Ken, 1,471 ha and 1,853 ha, respectively) that served as replicates with each randomly divided into a treatment (i.e., habitat manipulation through a combination of disking, burning, and herbicide application) and an undisturbed control (n = 4 experimental units). Habitat treatments were applied October 2009 to September 2013. We used radio telemetry to monitor northern bobwhite (n = 1,198) during summer (1 Apr–30 Sep) and winter (1 Oct–31 Mar), 2009–2013. We used the known‐fate model in Program MARK to evaluate treatment effects on seasonal survival rates. We included biological, home‐range, landscape, and microhabitat metrics as covariates to help improve model sensitivity and further elucidate experimental impacts. Survival varied annually, ranging from 0.139 (SE = 0.031) to 0.301 (SE = 0.032), and seasonally (summer, 0.148 [SE = 0.015]; winter, 0.281 [SE = 0.022]). We found a treatment effect (β = 0.256, 95% CI = 0.057–0.456) with a seasonal interaction (β = −0.598, 95% CI = −0.898 to −0.298) with survival being higher in summer (0.179 [SE = 0.022] vs. 0.109 [SE = 0.019]) and lower in winter (0.233 [SE = 0.025] vs. 0.355 [SE = 0.035]) on treatment than control units. Among habitat covariates, litter depth (β = −0.387, 95%CI = −0.5809 to −0.1930) was the most influential effect (negative) on survival. Additional experiments across a wider range of habitat conditions may be required to determine management intensity or duration thresholds required to elicit greater changes in survival for northern bobwhite populations. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Hearing function after intratympanic application of gadolinium‐based contrast agent: A long‐term evaluation
Authors: Louza Julia , Krause Eike , Gürkov Robert 
Published: March 2015

Objectives/HypothesisThe aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term influence of intratympanic gadolinium‐based contrast agent on hearing function in patients with possible Ménière's disease and normal auditory thresholds who were undergoing locally enhanced magnetic resonance imaging scans.Study DesignProspective observational cohort study in a tertiary referral university hospital ear, nose, and throat department.MethodsBetween 2009 and 2012, 17 patients with possible or probable Ménière's disease and a four‐tone pure‐tone average baseline of <25 dB were recruited for our study. Before undergoing intratympanic injection of gadolinium‐based contrast agent, all patients underwent a complete audiological evaluation. The study population was then invited back after at least 6 months postinjection for a follow‐up auditory evaluation. This consisted of comprehensive clinical and audiological tests on both sides and were evaluated according to the ototoxicity guidelines.ResultsA long‐term evaluation of our study group revealed no significant difference in the air‐conduction pure‐tone average. Furthermore, no statistical difference at individual frequencies compared to baseline was found. There was no evidence of ototoxicity in the injected ear.ConclusionsLong‐term hearing function assessment after intratympanic application of gadolinium‐based agent showed no evidence of ototoxicity. The use of intratympanic gadolinium‐based agent in the diagnosis of Ménièrés disease is currently a helpful tool, and seems to be a safe method, especially with regard to auditory function.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 125:2366–2370, 2015
Beam Shaping for Advanced Laser Materials Processing
Authors: Fuse Keiji 
Published: April 2015

AbstractFor recent industrial materials processing with advanced high power lasers, beam shaping optics are utilized as a key technology. Aspheric or diffractive beam shapers transform a Gaussian intensity profile of a single mode (TEM00) laser beam into a flattop one. While an aspheric beam shaper can make a circular flattop, a diffractive one can realize much flexibility in output beam shapes, like square, rectangular, linear, or other complex beam shapes. The beam shaping is often combined with a scanning optical system, consisting of galvanometric mirrors and an f‐theta lens. Those beam shapers are used for either pulsed or CW single mode laser applications, i. e. ablation, cutting, drilling, scribing, annealing, etc. of thin films or bulk materials. This article describes principles, design concepts and specification examples of those optical systems used in practical applications.
Welding with the Laser Beam in Vacuum
Authors: Reisgen Uwe , Olschok Simon , Jakobs Stefan , Mücke Michael 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn the vehicle industry, beam welding methods are successfully applied for the joining of high‐quality parts. Here, the focus is mainly put on drive section components. Especially in component manufacturing of couplings, toothed wheel — shaft joints and drive shafts, electron beam welding using small vacuum cycle chambers is applied. The application of powerful solid‐state lasers results, however, often in negative consequences, such as soiling by process emissions or increased tendency to spatter. The application of laser beam welding in vacuum allows for the reduction of these side effects and, at the same time, for the increase of penetration depth and weld quality. This article introduces first results gained from tests made with workpieces from the vehicle industry.
Single Molecule Studies of a Ladder Type Conjugated Polymer: Vibronic Spectra, Line Widths, and Energy Transfer
Authors: Zickler Martin F. , Feist Florian A. , Jacob Josemon , Müllen Klaus , Basché Thomas 
Published: March 2015

Confocal fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy are employed to investigate single poly(ladder‐type pentaphenylene) (LPPentP) molecules dispersed in thin poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films at 1.2 K. Emission spectra of single chains show single as well as multi­chromophore emission indicating variegated communication along the chains. The vibronic structure in the emission spectra resembles the one found for other ladder‐type polymers. Purely electronic zero‐phonon lines in emission are substantially broadened, most probably due to fast spectral diffusion. By surmounting the limitations of emission spectroscopy, nonemitting donor chromophores, which transfer their excitation energy in a radiationless manner to emitting chromophores, are accessed by excitation spectroscopy. Remarkably, by comparing the data of emitting and nonemitting chromophores a contribution to the zero‐phonon excitation line width has to be considered which places a lower limit on the estimated energy transfer time of several picoseconds between adjacent chromophores. Finally, the data indicate qualitatively a restricted flexibility of LPPentP compared to poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2′‐ethyl‐hexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] (MEH–PPV).
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Complex variable analysis for stress distribution of an underwater tunnel in an elastic half plane
Authors: Fang Qian , Song Haoran , Zhang Dingli 
Published: April 2015

SummaryWhen an underwater tunnel is excavated, the groundwater may flow into the tunnel. The seepage forces consequently induced can have important effects on the effective stresses around the tunnel. Moreover, the influences of the free surface of a shallow underwater tunnel should also be considered. In this research, an analytical solution is presented to calculate the seepage‐induced effective stresses around a shallow underwater tunnel in an elastic half plane. The solution uses the complex variable method and consists of conformally mapping the half plane with a hole onto a transformed circular ring. The coefficients of the various terms in the Laurent series expansions of the stress functions in the transformed region can be obtained from the boundary conditions. The total stress distribution around a shallow underwater tunnel can be calculated by the potentials in the half plane. The effective stress can be obtained by subtracting the pore pressure from the total stress. The analytical solution is validated by numerical simulations and can be used to perform both the short‐term and long‐term analyses. By using the proposed solution, it is found that the circumferential effective stresses around the tunnel increase greatly because of seepage, and they increase with the increase of water depth in both the undrained and drained conditions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Overcoming challenges to meaningful informed consent for whole genome sequencing in pediatric cancer research
Authors: Oberg Jennifer A. , Glade Bender Julia L. , Cohn Elizabeth G. , Morris Marilyn , Ruiz Jenny , Chung Wendy K. , Appelbaum Paul S. , Kung Andrew L. , Levine Jennifer M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundIntroducing whole genome sequencing (WGS) into pediatric cancer research at diagnosis poses unique challenges related to informed consent. WGS requires tissue obtained prior to initiating treatment, when families may be overwhelmed with uncertainty and fear. Motivation to participate may be high without fully understanding the range of possible results, including secondary findings. Little is known about parental knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about this type of research.ProcedureA qualitative study was conducted to investigate parental knowledge about genetic concepts and WGS, thoughts about the informed consent process, and preferences for secondary findings. Focus groups were conducted with parents/guardians of children with cancer and semi‐structured interviews were conducted in a control group without cancer. All transcripts were analyzed using content analysis.ResultsFour focus groups included 15 participants; eight semi‐structured interviews included 10 participants. Basic knowledge about genetics was limited to heredity. Some knowledge of genomic analysis was present in 3/15 focus group participants. Major factors related to participation in WGS research were: (i) hope for their child and future children; (ii) no additional procedures; (iii) and protection of privacy. All favored a two‐step consent process, first to store extra tissue from a diagnostic biopsy/resection, followed by consenting to WGS research, one‐to‐two months later. The desire to receive secondary findings was high among both groups, but there were individuals who did not want these results, fearing increased anxiety.ConclusionsParents/guardians of children with cancer have limited knowledge about WGS. A two‐step consent process may improve their ability to provide meaningful informed consent. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:1374–1380. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Successful Use of N‐Acetylcysteine to Treat Severe Hepatic Injury Caused by a Dietary Fitness Supplement
Authors: El Rahi Cynthia , Thompson‐Moore Nathaniel , Mejia Patricia , De Hoyos Patricio 
Published: March 2015

In the absence of adequate premarketing efficacy and safety evaluations, adverse events from over‐the‐counter supplements are emerging as a public health concern. Specifically, bodybuilding products are being identified as a frequent cause of drug‐induced liver injury. We present a case of a 20‐year‐old Hispanic male who presented with acute nausea and vomiting accompanied by severe right upper quadrant abdominal pain, shivering, and shortness of breath. Laboratory data pointed to mixed cholestatic and hepatocellular damage, and after exclusion of known alternate etiologies, the patient was diagnosed with acute drug‐induced liver injury secondary to the use of “Friction,” a bodybuilding supplement. Treatment with N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) 20% oral solution was initiated empirically at a dose of 400 mg (70 mg/kg) every 4 hours and was continued once the diagnosis was made. Within 48 hours of admission to our hospital, the patient began to show clinical resolution of right abdominal pain and tolerance to oral diet associated with a significant decline toward normal in his liver function tests and coagulopathy. The WHO‐UMC causality assessment system suggested a “certain causality” between exposure to the supplement and the acute liver injury. In the event of suspected drug‐induced liver injury, treatment with NAC should be considered given its favorable risk‐benefit profile.
Shape‐memory effect in hyperbranched poly(ethyleneimine)‐modified epoxy thermosets
Authors: Santiago David , Fernández‐Francos Xavier , Ferrando Francesc , De la Flor Silvia 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTA series of shape‐memory epoxy thermosets were synthesized by crosslinking diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A with mixtures of commercially available hyperbranched poly(ethyleneimine) and polyetheramine. Thermal, mechanical and shape‐memory properties were studied and the effect on them of the content and structure of the hyperbranched polymer was discussed. Measurements showed that the glass transition temperature can be tailored from 60 °C to 117 °C depending on the hyperbranched polymer content, and all formulations showed an appropriate glassy/rubbery storage modulus ratio. Shape‐memory programming was carried out atTgE′ given the excellent mechanical properties of the materials, with maximum stress and failure strain up to 15 MPa and 60%, respectively. The resulting shape‐memory behavior was excellent, with maximum shape recovery and shape fixity of 98% as well as a fast shape‐recovery rate of 22%/min. The results show that hyperbranched poly(ethyleneimine) as a crosslinking agent can be used to enhance mechanical and shape‐memory properties with different effects depending on the crosslinking density. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys.2015,53, 924–933
Respiratory syncytial virus infection of airway cells: Role of microRNAs
Authors: Rossi Giovanni A. , Silvestri Michela , Colin Andrew A. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small single‐stranded RNA molecules involved in the regulation of gene expression at the post‐transcriptional level. In the airways, miRNAs are implicated in the modulation of antiviral defense, through modulation of both innate and adaptive immune response in inflammatory and immune effector cells but also in parenchymal cells. The first target of respiratory viruses are airway epithelial cells. Following infection, an altered expression of distinct miRNAs occurs in airway cells aimed at inhibiting viral replication and preserving the airway epithelial barrier, while at the same time viruses induce or repress the expression of other miRNAs that favor viral replication. Understanding the changes in miRNA expression profile, identification of miRNAs target genes and their contribution to the pathogenesis of the disease may help the intricate mechanisms of virus‐host interaction. Further understanding of these molecular mechanisms could lead to development of new antiviral treatments in common, high impact, respiratory disorders for which specific treatments are not available. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) airway infection is a common example of virus modifying miRNAs expression to favor immune evasion, and constitutes the salient feature of this review. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:727–732. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Autoantibodies targeting glomerular annexin A2 identify patients with proliferative lupus nephritis
Authors: Caster Dawn J. , Korte Erik A. , Merchant Michael L. , Klein Jon B. , Wilkey Daniel W. , Rovin Brad H. , Birmingham Dan J. , Harley John B. , Cobb Beth L. , Namjou Bahram , McLeish Kenneth R. , Powell David W. 
Published: March 2015

PurposePatients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently develop lupus nephritis (LN), a complication frequently leading to end stage kidney disease. Immune complex deposition in the glomerulus is central to the development of LN. Using a targeted proteomic approach, we tested the hypothesis that autoantibodies targeting glomerular antigens contribute to the development of LN.Experimental designHuman podocyte and glomerular proteins were separated by SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotted with sera from SLE patients with and without LN. The regions of those gels corresponding to reactive bands observed with sera from LN patients were analyzed using LC‐MS/MS.ResultsLN reactive bands were seen at approximately 50 kDa in podocyte extracts and between 36 and 50 kDa in glomerular extracts. Those bands were analyzed by LC‐MS/MS and 102 overlapping proteins were identified. Bioinformatic analysis determined that 36 of those proteins were membrane associated, including a protein previously suggested to contribute to glomerulonephritis and LN, annexin A2. By ELISA, patients with proliferative LN demonstrated significantly increased antibodies against annexin A2.Conclusion and clinical relevanceProteomic approaches identified multiple candidate antigens for autoantibodies in patients with LN. Serum antibodies against annexin A2 were significantly elevated in subjects with proliferative LN, validating those antibodies as potential biomarkers.