bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case Report of Palatal Ulcer: First Sign of Occult Tuberculosis
Authors: Ghanta Soumi , Chattopadhyay Jayanta
Published: June 2024

Tuberculosis is a chronic granulomatous transmitting type of disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. It can affect any part of the body, including the oral cavity. Oral tuberculosis can be primary or secondary, In oral cavity, tongue, buccal mucosa, lip, and palate may involve. Here, the authors present a case of a 50-year-old male patient of tuberculosis of palate, manifesting as a non healing ulcer. The ulcer was present in the middle part of the palate, having undermined edge and a non indurated margin. Though it was tender on palpation, there was no evidence of palatal perforation or bony erosion on radiographic examination. A chest radiograph revealed consolidation in the apex and right upper zone, and Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) of sputum was positive, but biopsy of the lesion could not be performed because of problem in patient’s consent. The authors took a chance and started antitubercular drugs. They observed the changes of ulcer at regular intervals. No topical medication was given for the ulcer. After taking antitubercular drugs, the condition improved rapidly and The ulcer healed completely after completing the Intensive Phase (IP) only. Tuberculosis is a transmitting and fatal disease. Early diagnosis with proper treatment can prevent complications and the transmission of the disease to others.
Bilateral Spontaneous Rupture of the Achilles Tendon as an Initial Presentation of Alkaptonuria: A Case Report
Authors: Perumal Sundara Raja , Anand K Malathy
Published: June 2024

Rupture of the Achilles tendon is a common occurrence in the athletic population with a history of injury; however, a complete rupture of both Achilles tendons is uncommon. Spontaneous rupture of the bilateral Achilles tendons is an even rarer phenomenon, usually highlighting an underlying pathological condition. The authors present a 32-year-old healthy male patient with no previous known comorbidities and radiological evidence of a complete tear of both Achilles tendons. Histopathological examination of resected tendon tissue revealed dark-coloured deposits within, and further investigations established the diagnosis of alkaptonuria. Non traumatic bilateral rupture of the Achilles tendon should raise suspicion of underlying metabolic/genetic disorders like alkaptonuria.
Prevalence of Hepatitis B Co-infection in HIV Patients and their Demographic Parameters in Patients, attending Tertiary Care ART Centre, Jhalawar, Rajasthan, India: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Dhamija Sakshi , Hora Shilpi , Arora Ekal , Mehta Sonia
Published: June 2024

Introduction: The number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected patients has been progressively rising in India. The Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) shares a common route of transmission with HIV, leading to a high likelihood of co-infection. This association has been extensively studied in the Western world, revealing an increasing prevalence of HBV and HIV co-infection. While individual studies estimating the prevalence of HBV or HIV are abundant, studies specifically focusing on HBV and HIV co- infections are not as common, especially in Rajasthan, India. Aim: To analyse the prevalence of HBV in HIV-infected patients in a semiurban area, and also to compare their demographic variables among patients attending a tertiary care Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) centre. Materials and Methods: A retrospective hospital-based study was conducted in which the data of 153 patients who visited the ART centre in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, India from July 2022 to July 2023 was analysed. All HIV patients were tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using rapid detection methods and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Demographic variables such as age and sex were considered, and their impact was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed on various demographic variables and compared using the Chi-square test. Results: The study revealed that HBV infection was common among HIV patients residing in Jhalawar, an eastern part of Rajasthan, India with a prevalence of 7.8%, which was comparable to other districts in Rajasthan and India. Out of the 153 patients, a total of 12 were suffering from HBV and HIV co-infection, with seven males (58.33%) being predominantly affected compared to five females (41.67%). The age group of 18-30 years had the highest number of patients, with seven individuals (58.33%), of which 4 (57.14%) were males and 3 (42.86%) were females. However, statistical significance was not achieved when comparing age and sex parameters affecting HBV and HIV co-infected patients. Conclusion: All HIV patients, especially young males, need to be regularly screened for HBV co-infection, as the risk of acquiring both infections together is high due to common routes of transmission. Additionally, dual seropositivity increases mortality and morbidity. The high prevalence of HBV-HIV co-infections in this geographical area necessitates detailed study to further compare other prevailing risk factors in the community.
Coexistence of Gastric Hyperplastic Polyp and Polypoid Foveolar Hyperplasia: A Case Report
Authors: Nair Aishwarya Prasad , Johnson Thanka , Shanmugasundaram Rajendran
Published: June 2024

Benign gastric epithelial lesions, known as gastric hyperplastic polyps, include concomitant inflammatory alterations and elongated or convoluted foveolae and cystically dilated glands. It is believed that polypoid foveolar hyperplasia, a regenerative lesion associated with both acute and chronic mucosal damage, as well as, chronic gastritis, may serve as a precursor to gastric hyperplastic polyps. In the presented case, a 64-year-old female with a history of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-associated chronic gastritis complained of abdominal pain, heartburn and regurgitation for one year. During endoscopy, three polyps were identified: one at the gastroesophageal junction, another below the gastroesophageal junction, and a third at the distal body of the stomach. Gross inspection revealed that both soft-tissue masses were globular, with the cut-section of the polyp from the stomach’s distal body showing haemorrhagic areas. Under the microscope, the polyp from the stomach’s distal body revealed hyperplastic foveolar epithelium that was distorted, branching, elongated and dilated, situated in an oedematous, inflammatory stroma. The polyp just below the gastroesophageal junction displayed characteristics of polypoid foveolar hyperplasia, including elongated pits devoid of dilation features. The final diagnosis for the polyp from the distal body of the stomach was gastric hyperplastic polyp, and the polyp from just below the gastroesophageal junction was diagnosed as polypoid foveolar hyperplasia. Malignant transformation affects hyperplastic polyps, but foveolar polypoid hyperplasia remains unaffected, underscoring the importance of careful and diligent examination to distinguish between the two conditions.
CFD Analysis of Shall and Twisting Tube Heat Exchanger
Authors: Lafta Doaa Alaa
Published: June 2024

In this research, a heat exchanger was designed and analyzed using ANSYS software. Three heat exchangers were designed:1-shall and regular tube heat exchanger ,2- shall and square cross-section twisting tube heat exchanger and 3- shall and circular cross-section twisting tube heat exchanger. The metal used in manufacturing the shall and tube is copper. It was observed that the external surface of shall is no heat take place through its. Air was used as a fluid in heat exchanger, with cold air flowing inside the tube and hot air flowing inside the shall. The counter flow inside heat exchanger. Both fluids had 1m/s velocity at the inlet suction .It was result that the temperature of the air coming out of the circular tube is colder compared to a regular tube . Additionally, in the shall and square-cross section twisting tube heat exchanger, the pressure was higher at outlet compared to regular tube.
Facile Fabrication of SWCNT/SnO2 Nanowire Heterojunction Devices on Flexible Polyimide Substrate
Authors: Park Jaehyun , Kim Yoonchul , Kim Gyu‐Tae , Ha Jeong Sook
Published: September 2011

We report on the fabrication and electronic properties of single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/tin oxide nanowire (SnO2 NW) heterojunction device arrays on flexible polyimide (PI) substrates. Hetero‐NW junctions consisting of crossed SnO2 NWs and SWCNTs were fabricated by sliding transfer of SnO2 NWs onto the SWCNT channels on PI substrate. Individual SWCNTs and SnO2 NWs field effect transistors showed p‐ and n‐type transfer properties with current on/off ratios of 7.0 × 105 and 2.7 × 106, respectively. The heterojunction diode showed a rectifying behavior with a rectification ratio of higher than 103 at ±1 V and the analysis with an equivalent circuit model of serially connected diode and resistor estimated an ideality factor of 1.5 and the resistance of 20 MΩ. The rectification of AC input signal was clearly demonstrated by fabricating a full‐wave bridge circuit of heterojunctions. In addition, the heterojunctions showed a high UV photosensitivity of ∼104 under reverse bias, suggesting their implicit applications in UV sensors.
Novel Sol‐Gel Lipases by Designed Bioimprinting for Continuous‐Flow Kinetic Resolutions
Authors: Hellner Gabriella , Boros Zoltán , Tomin Anna , Poppe László
Published: September 2011

The bioimprinting effect in sol‐gel immobilization of lipases was studied to develop efficient novel immobilized biocatalysts with significantly improved properties for biotransformations in continuous‐flow systems. The bioimprinting candidates were selected systematically among the substrate mimics already found in the active site of experimental lipase structures. Four lipases (Lipase AK, Lipase PS, CaLB and CrL) were immobilized by a sol‐gel process with nine bioimprinting candidates using various combinations of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), phenyltriethoxysilane (PhTEOS), octyltriethoxysilane (OcTEOS) and dimethyldiethylsilane (DMDEOS) as silica precursors. The biocatalytic properties of the immobilized lipases were characterized by enantiomer selective acylation of various racemic secondary alcohols in two different multisubstrate systems (mixture A: a series of alkan‐2‐ols rac‐1a–e and mixture B: heptan‐2‐ol rac‐1f and 1‐phenylethanol rac‐1g). Except with Lipase AK, the most significant activity enhancement was found with the imprinting molecules already found as substrate mimics in X‐ray structures of various lipases. The synthetic usefulness of the best biocatalysts was demonstrated by the kinetic resolution of racemic 1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)ethanol (rac‐1h) in batch and continuous‐flow systems.
Miniaturizing Biocatalysis: Enzyme‐Catalyzed Reactions in an Aqueous/Organic Segmented Flow Capillary Microreactor
Authors: Karande Rohan , Schmid Andreas , Buehler Katja
Published: September 2011

A segmented flow capillary microreactor was used to perform the enzyme‐catalyzed conversion of 1‐heptaldehyde to 1‐heptanol in a two liquid‐liquid phase system. These reactor formats are established for chemical reactions but so far data describing the relevant system parameters for enzymatic catalysis are lacking. This work now addresses the impact of important parameters such as capillary diameter, flow velocity, phase ratio, and enzyme as well as substrate concentration on the performance of the enzymatic reaction under segmented flow conditions. All key parameters governing reaction performance have been correlated in a novel operational window for an easy assessment of the various system constraints. Such systems are characterized by high productivities and easy phase separation facilitating downstream processing. This work underscores the importance of segmented flow systems as a promising tool to perform multiphasic enzymatic catalysis. Abbreviations/Nomenclature: Da: Damköhler number; kcat: turnover number (s−1); eo: enzyme concentration (mM); φ: phase ratio; kL: mass transfer coefficient (m s−1); a: interfacial area per volume (m−1); CAe: equilibrium substrate concentration in the aqueous phase (mM); CAL: substrate concentration in the bulk aqueous phase (mM); rA: rate of reaction in the aqueous phase; mA: substrate mass transfer into the aqueous phase; STY: space time yield.
Enzyme‐Catalyzed Laurolactam Synthesis via Intramolecular Amide Bond Formation in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Ladkau Nadine , Hermann Inna , Bühler Bruno , Schmid Andreas
Published: September 2011

Lactam formation from ω‐aminocarboxylic acids is thermodynamically unfavored in aqueous solution and therefore hard to achieve. In the present work ω‐laurolactam hydrolases from Acidovorax sp. T31 and Cupriavidus sp. U124 were investigated regarding their potential to catalyze lactam formation. Both enzymes are known to hydrolyze laurolactam to 12‐aminododecanoic acid. The ω‐laurolactam hydrolase genes were expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and the catalytic activity of the respective proteins was investigated. As expected from thermodynamics, only laurolactam hydrolysis but not 12‐aminododecanoic acid cyclization was observed in whole‐cell biotransformations and cell extract assays. The utilization of 12‐aminododecanoic acid methyl ester, as an activated form of 12‐aminododecanoic acid, resulted in intramolecular amide bond formation with the product laurolactam. Maximum laurolactam formation rates of 13.5 and 14.3 U gCDW−1 and molar yields of 11.5% and 13.0% were achieved in biotransformations at pH 10 with recombinant E. coli harboring the ω‐laurolactam hydrolase from Cupriavidus sp. U124 and Acidovorax sp. T31, respectively. Furthermore, it was shown that under the harsh reaction conditions applied, the utilization of whole‐cell biocatalysts enables 17.2‐fold higher laurolactam formation activity in comparison to free enzymes in solution. This study shows that hydrolase‐catalyzed laurolactam synthesis can be achieved in aqueous solution by selection of an appropriate substrate and reaction pH.
Conformational Changes of Lipases in Aqueous Media: A Comparative Computational Study and Experimental Implications
Authors: Ferrario Valerio , Ebert Cynthia , Knapic Lorena , Fattor Diana , Basso Alessandra , Spizzo Patrizia , Gardossi Lucia
Published: September 2011

Conformational changes occurring to the open form of five different lipases were studied by means of molecular dynamic simulations in explicit water. The conformational changes indicate remarkable differences among the lipases considered, not only in terms of accessibility of the active site but also of modification of the geometry of the catalytic machinery. Lipase B from Candida antarctica undergoes minor conformational change at either level, so that it appears to be the most suitable lipase for being applied and formulated in aqueous environments or other hydrophilic media. On the other side, lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia undergoes the most relevant conformational variations both at the level of the catalytic triad and the residues involved in the oxyanion stabilization, suggesting that its “interfacial activation” is not simply related to a variation of the accessibility of the active site. Indeed, preliminary experimental data here reported indicate that covalent immobilization of lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia performed in the presence of hydrophobic solvent allows one to achieve a more than 10‐fold increase in immobilization yield as compared to similar protocols performed in simple aqueous buffer. On the contrary, the benefit coming from immobilizing lipase B from Candida antarctica in hydrophobic solvent appears more limited (two‐fold higher immobilization yield).
Combination of Olefin Metathesis and Enzymatic Ester Hydrolysis in Aqueous Media in a One‐Pot Synthesis
Authors: Tenbrink Katharina , Seßler Miriam , Schatz Jürgen , Gröger Harald
Published: September 2011

A new synthetic method for the preparation of cyclic malonic acid monoesters in aqueous media was developed based on the combination of a metathesis reaction and subsequent biocatalytic hydrolysis with a pig liver esterase in a one‐pot synthesis. Both reaction steps proceed smoothly under optimized conditions in aqueous media requiring only a low amount of the metal catalyst for the metathesis reaction. Notably, the applied biocatalyst turned out to be highly compatible with the metal catalyst showing no significant influence on the enzyme activity.
Enabling Industrial Biocatalytic Processes by Application of Silicone‐Coated Enzyme Preparations
Authors: Nieguth R. , Eckstein M. , Wiemann L. O. , Thum O. , Ansorge‐Schumacher M. B.
Published: September 2011

Composite particles of the commercial lipase preparation NZ435 and silicone (silcoat‐NZ435) have recently been described as promising biocatalysts for synthetic use. In this study, their actual potential for enhanced performance in industrial applications was evaluated, focusing on scenarios where carrier disintegration and catalyst leaching constitute key limitations. All three investigated model reactions, the syntheses of myristyl myristate, poly(ethylene glycol) 400‐coconut fatty acid monoester and ethylene oxide and propylene oxide copolymer (EO/PO)‐oleic acid diester, were considerably improved in terms of the maximal number of reaction cycles performed with the same batch of catalyst, and consequently in terms of the obtainable product amount. The total turnover numbers (TTN) increased by a factor up to 50, making the realization of this type of reactions in an industrial process more feasible. The utility of silcoat‐NZ435 for stereoselective transformations was demonstrated with the enantioselective acylation of 1‐phenylethanol with vinyl butyrate, in which full retention of the excellent stereoselectivity of native NZ435 was observed. Moreover, it was demonstrated for the first time that the methodology by which silcoat‐catalysts are obtained can be successfully transferred to alternative carriers and enzymes (e.g., protease, esterase and laccase), opening a broad field for the implementation and advancement of biocatalysis in industrial processes.
Discovery and Protein Engineering of Biocatalysts for Organic Synthesis
Authors: Behrens Geoffrey A. , Hummel Anke , Padhi Santosh K. , Schätzle Sebastian , Bornscheuer Uwe T.
Published: September 2011

Modern tools for enzyme discovery and protein engineering substantially broadened the number of enzymes applicable for biocatalysis and helped to alter their properties such as substrate range, enantioselectivity, and stability under process conditions. In addition, these methods also enabled one to explore reactions for organic synthesis for which no suitable enzymes were available until recently. This review provides a summary of the different concepts and technologies, which are exemplified for various enzymes.
Microstructure Study of Electrochemically Driven LixSi
Authors: Son Seoung‐Bum , Trevey James E. , Roh Hyunchul , Kim Sung‐Hwan , Kim Kee‐Bum , Cho Jong Soo , Moon Jeong‐Tak , DeLuca Christopher M. , Maute Kurt K. , Dunn Martin L. , Han Heung Nam , Oh Kyu Hwan , Lee Se‐Hee
Published: September 2011

We report the direct observation of microstructural changes of LixSi electrode with lithium insertion. HRTEM experiments confirm that lithiated amorphous silicon forms a shell around a core made up of the unlithiated silicon and that fully lithiated silicon contains a large number of pores of which concentration increases toward the center of the particle. Chemomechanical modeling is employed in order to explain this mechanical degradation resulting from stresses in the LixSi particles with lithium insertion. Because lithiation‐induced volume expansion and pulverization are the key mechanical effects that plague the performance and lifetime of high‐capacity Si anodes in lithium‐ion batteries, our observations and chemomechanical simulation provide important mechanistic insight for the design of advanced battery materials.
Modulares Design in natürlichen und biomimetischen elastischen Materialien
Authors: Kushner Aaron M. , Guan Zhibin
Published: September 2011

Unter Verwendung der zwanzig natürlichen Aminosäuren als Grundbausteine haben biologische Systeme während der Jahrmillionen unter evolutionärem und umweltbedingtem Druck stabile und leichte Peptid‐basierte Materialien entwickelt. Diese Materialien übertreffen ihre synthetischen Gegenstücke in mehrfacher Hinsicht: 1) Multifunktionalität/Abstimmbarkeit, 2) Anpassungsfähigkeit/Reizempfindlichkeit, 3) Synthese und Weiterverarbeitung bei Umgebungsbedingungen in wässrigem Medium und 4) Wiederverwertung und biologische Abbaubarkeit. Diese besonderen Eigenschaften können durch eine “Bottom‐up”‐Synthese und die hierarchische Organisation auf verschiedenen Längenskalen erreicht werden. Das Arbeitsgebiet der “Biomimikry” beschäftigt sich damit, die Gestaltungsprinzipien natürlicher Materialien und deren molekulare Bausteine aufzuklären und zu kopieren. Hier beschreiben wir, was bereits über Struktur und molekulare Mechanismen natürlicher polymerer Materialien erforscht wurde, sowie den Fortschritt in Richtung synthetischer “Nachbildungen” dieser bemerkenswerten Systeme.
Modular Design in Natural and Biomimetic Soft Materials
Authors: Kushner Aaron M. , Guan Zhibin
Published: September 2011

Under eons of evolutionary and environmental pressure, biological systems have developed strong and lightweight peptide‐based polymeric materials by using the 20 naturally occurring amino acids as principal monomeric units. These materials outperform their man‐made counterparts in the following ways: 1) multifunctionality/tunability, 2) adaptability/stimuli‐responsiveness, 3) synthesis and processing under ambient and aqueous conditions, and 4) recyclability and biodegradability. The universal design strategy that affords these advanced properties involves “bottom‐up” synthesis and modular, hierarchical organization both within and across multiple length‐scales. The field of “biomimicry”—elucidating and co‐opting nature’s basic material design principles and molecular building blocks—is rapidly evolving. This Review describes what has been discovered about the structure and molecular mechanisms of natural polymeric materials, as well as the progress towards synthetic “mimics” of these remarkable systems.
Effect of addition of glycolysis products of poly(ethyleneterephthalate) wastes to urea‐formaldehyde resin on its adhesion performance to wood substrates and formaldehyde emission
Authors: Essawy Hisham A. , Tawfik Magda E. , Elsayed Nadia H.
Published: September 2011

Recycling of poly(ethyleneterephthalate) waste was achieved through glycolysis using diethyleneglycol (DEG) and poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG 400), which yielded different fractions that exhibited hydroxyl numbers of 174.41 and 54.86 mg of KOH/g, respectively, whereas GPC profiles revealed bimodality in both cases corresponding to Mn values equivalent to 534 and 1648. The products of glycolysis from both cases were individually incorporated as modifiers during the synthesis of urea‐formaldehyde resins from both the basic as well as acidic stages, respectively. It was found that the free formaldehyde level was remarkably decreased for the modified resins while the gel time was slightly affected indicating some activation of the resins. In addition, the adhesion strength of wood joints bonded with the modified resins improved markedly in the dry state while the moisture resistance was significantly fortified with respect to the comparable joints formulated from unmodified resins where instant failure took place within few hours after immersion in water. The shelf life of the resins did not prolong and lasted maximum for about 2 months which was ascribed to the presence of reasonable amount of carboxyl terminal groups at the ends of a minor portion of the glycolyzed products that could actively act to self‐catalyze the polycondensation and crosslinking reactions during storage leading eventually to vitrification of the resin and shortening of shelf life. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Psychoanalysis, the Tyranny of Objectivism, and the Rebellion of the Subjective
Authors: Summers Frank
Published: September 2011

The standard definition of psychology as the behavior of living organisms is subject to scrutiny and found to be untenable. Such a view is self‐contradictory, puts method before subject matter, and misconstrues the very nature of the psychic. The objectivist view is an index of a materialist culture that defines all value, and even all reality, in quantifiable terms. Some of the damaging consequences of this view are presented, and then the phenomenological alternative is proposed. The latter avoids reification of the psyche by identifying human being in Heideggerean terms as Being‐in‐the‐world, or Dasein, Being‐there. This conceptualization provides the basis for understanding human experience by an attitude of openness to the existing subject, precisely the stance of the psychoanalytic clinician. Psychoanalytic therapy, as one of the few bastions left for the study of human subjectivity, constitutes a rebellion against the hegemonic view of reality as quantitative. For that very reason analysis is in a unique position to lead a movement against the dominant ideology of quantification. It is argued that psychoanalysis matters because it is one of the few arenas left in which human subjectivity is appreciated and studied. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthetic beta‐K0.33V2O5 Nanorods: A Metal–Insulator Transition in Vanadium Oxide Bronze
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong , Yan Wensheng , Xie Yi
Published: September 2011

We found a linear relationship between the metal–insulator transition (MIT) temperature and the A+ ionic radius of the beta‐A0.33V2O5 bronze family, leading our attention to beta‐K0.33V2O5 which has been neglected for a long time. We have introduced a facile hydrothermal method to obtain the single‐crystalline beta‐K0.33V2O5 nanorods. As expected, both the temperature‐dependence of the resistivity and magnetization demonstrated MITs at about 72 K for beta‐K0.33V2O5, thus matching well with the linear relationship described above. The beta‐K0.33V2O5 was assigned as a new member of the beta‐A0.33V2O5 bronze family for their similar crystal and electronic structures and their MIT property; this addition enriches the beta‐A0.33V2O5 bronze family.
Convergence Properties of Iterative Learning Control Processes in the Sense of the Lebesgue‐P Norm
Authors: Ruan Xiaoe , Bien Z. Zenn , Wang Qi
Published: September 2011

This paper addresses the convergence issue of first‐order and second‐order PD‐type iterative learning control schemes for a type of partially known linear time‐invariant systems. By taking advantage of the generalized Young inequality of convolution integral, the convergence is analyzed in the sense of the Lebesgue‐p norm and the convergence speed is also discussed in terms of Qp factors. Specifically, we find that: (1) the sufficient condition on convergence is dominated not only by the derivative learning gains, along with the system input and output matrices, but also by the proportional learning gains and the system state matrix; (2) the strictly monotone convergence is guaranteed for the first‐order rule while, in the case of the second‐order scheme, the monotonicity is maintained after some finite number of iterations; and (3) the iterative learning process performed by the second‐order learning scheme can be Qp‐faster, Qp‐equivalent, or Qp‐slower than the iterative learning process manipulated by the first‐order rule if the learning gains are appropriately chosen. To manifest the validity and effectiveness of the results, several numerical simulations are conducted.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Thermal budget control for processes with spike‐shaped temperature profiles: Application to rapid thermal annealing
Authors: Jeng Jyh‐Cheng , Li Bo‐Chi
Published: September 2011

The spike‐shaped temperature profile in thermal treatments is widely used in the IC industry for providing precise thermal budgets. This thermal budget control issue becomes more crucial as the technology node progressively shrinks. Therefore, rapid thermal processing (RTP), such as spike annealing has the ability to yield ultra‐shallow junctions. With its exceptionally stringent performance requirements (for example, high temperature uniformity and high temperature ramp‐up/down rate), temperature control in RTP systems is a challenging task. In this study, a novel methodology for designing a control system to provide a precise thermal budget is presented. By tuning controller parameters and designing the set‐point profile, the method targets thermal budget indices instead of temperature servo control. Two types of controllers, PI and PI 2D, are considered. Practical issues, such as the feasibility range for temperature ramp‐up/down rate and the effect of model mismatch, are also discussed. The results show that the simple PI controller performs well in spike RTP systems.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Identification and robust control for systems with ellipsoidal parametric uncertainty by convex optimization
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Arash
Published: September 2011

In this paper, sufficient conditions for robust output feedback controller design for systems with ellipsoidal parametric uncertainty are given in terms of solutions to a set of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) Performance specifications are in terms of combined pole placement with sensitivity function shaping in the H2 or H∞ norm. Furthermore, an optimal input design technique for parameter estimation that is integrated into the robust control design is employed in this paper. This means that performance specifications on the closed‐loop transfer functions are translated into the requirements on the input signal spectrum. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Adaptive synchronization of master–slave systems with mixed neutral and discrete time‐delays and nonlinear perturbations
Authors: Karimi Hamid Reza , Zapateiro Mauricio , Luo Ningsu
Published: September 2011

This paper investigates the delay‐dependent adaptive synchronization problem of the master and slave structure of linear systems with both constant neutral and time‐varying discrete time‐delays and nonlinear perturbations based on the Barbalat lemma and matching conditions. An adaption law which includes the master‐slave parameters is obtained by using the Lyapunov functional method and inequality techniques to synchronize the master‐slave systems without the knowledge of upper bounds of perturbation terms. Particularly, it is shown that the synchronization speed can be controlled by adjusting the update gain of the synchronization signal. A numerical example has been given to show the effectiveness of the method.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
An adaptive output feedback dynamic surface control for a class of nonlinear systems with unknown backlash‐like hysteresis
Authors: Zhang Xu , Lin Yan
Published: September 2011

This paper is devoted to the output feedback control for a class of nonlinear systems with unknown backlash‐like hysteresis at the input. Based on a high‐gain observer, an adaptive dynamic surface control scheme is proposed which is able to mitigate the effect of the hysteresis, to eliminate the explosion of terms inherent in backstepping control, and in particular, by introducing an initialization technique, to guarantee the ∞ performance of the system's tracking error. Another advantage of the proposed scheme is that the adaptive law is needed only at the first design step, which greatly simplifies the design procedure and makes our control easy to implement.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Formation control of multiple elliptic agents with limited sensing ranges
Authors: Do K. D.
Published: September 2011

This paper presents a design of cooperative controllers that force a group of N mobile agents with an elliptic shape and limited sensing ranges to perform a desired formation and that guarantee no collisions between any agents in the group. The desired formation can be stabilized at feasible reference trajectories with bounded time derivatives. The formation control design is based on explicit algebraic separation conditions between ellipses, root conditions of cubic polynomials, the Lyapunov direct method, and smooth or p‐times differentiable step functions. These functions are incorporated into novel potential functions to solve the collision avoidance problem without the need for switchings despite the agents' limited sensing ranges.

Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
A longitudinal examination of sex offender recidivism prior to and following the implementation of SORN
Authors: Tewksbury Richard , Jennings Wesley G. , Zgoba Kristen M.
Published: September 2011

The goals of the present study were to examine the recidivism rates of two matched samples of sexual offenders, those released prior to and after sex offender registration and notification (SORN) in New Jersey. The pre‐SORN group (1990–1994) included 247 offenders, while the post‐SORN group (1996–2000) included 248 offenders. The longitudinal analysis demonstrated that for sex offenders released from prison both prior to and after implementation of SORN, there are clearly two distinguishable groups of sex offenders in relation to patterns of recidivism. More than three‐quarters of sex offenders were identified as at low risk of recidivism, with low rates of repeat criminal offenses. By contrast, the high‐risk group of offenders was not only more likely to commit future criminal offenses, including sex offenses, but they were also more likely to commit significantly more offenses and to do so fairly quickly following release. Analyses also include an examination of the influence of demographics, substance abuse and mental health issues, treatment history, sex offense incident characteristics, and criminal history on recidivism. Finally, SORN status was not a significant predictor of sex or general recidivism. The study limitations and policy implications are discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Redispersion Microreactor System for Phase Transfer‐Catalyzed Esterification
Authors: Jovanović J. , Hengeveld W. , Rebrov E. V. , Nijhuis T. A. , Hessel V. , Schouten J. C.
Published: September 2011

An interdigital mixer‐redispersion capillary assembly was applied to prevent the liquid‐liquid bubbly flow coalescence in microreactors. The redispersion capillary consisted of 1‐mm‐long 0.25 mm inner‐diameter constrictions, placed every 0.50 m along the channel length. The system was tested on the phase transfer‐catalyzed esterification to produce benzyl benzoate. The application of constrictions to prevent coalescence resulted in a better reproducibility and higher conversion compared to a capillary without constrictions. The bubbly flow generated by the interdigital mixer‐redispersion capillary assembly was found to be independent of the redispersion capillary inner diameters (0.50 and 0.75 mm) while being highly dependent on the flow rates. By controlling the total flow rate and the aqueous‐to‐organic ratio, the bubbly flow surface‐to‐volume ratio could be increased up to 230 700 m2m–3. Compared to the conventional phase transfer‐catalyzed esterification, the continuous operation in the interdigital mixer‐redispersion capillary assembly eliminated the use of solvents and bases, removing an energy‐intensive step of distillation while increasing process safety.
Boron/Nitrogen Substitution of the Central Carbon Atoms of the Biphenalenyl Diradical π Dimer: A Novel 2e–12c Bond and Large NLO Responses
Authors: Zhong Rong‐Lin , Zhang Ji , Muhammad Shabbir , Hu Yang‐Yang , Xu Hong‐Liang , Su Zhong‐Min
Published: September 2011

On the basis of the famous staggered biphenalenyl diradical π dimer 1, the eclipsed biphenalenyl (1 a), with no centrosymmetry, was obtained by rotating a layer of 1 by 60° around its central axis. Furthermore, the central carbon atoms of 1 and 1 a were substituted by boron and nitrogen atoms to form 2 and 2 a with a novel 2e–12c bond. We found that the novel 2e–12c bond is formed by the electron pair of the occupied orbital of the phenalenyl monomer substituted by the nitrogen atom and the unoccupied orbital of the phenalenyl monomer substituted by the boron atom. As a result of the novel 2e–12c bond, 2 and 2 a exhibit a fascinating interlayer charge‐transfer transition character, which results in a significant difference in the dipole moments (Δμ) between the ground state and the crucial excited state. The values of Δμ for 2 and 2 a are 6.4315 and 6.9253 Debye, clearly larger than the values of 0 and 0.0015 Debye for 1 and 1 a. Significantly, the boron/nitrogen substitution effect can greatly enhance the first hyperpolarizabilities (β0) of 2 and 2 a with a novel 2e–12c bond compared with 1 and 1 a with a traditional 2e–12c bond: 0 and 19 a.u. for 1 and 1 a are much lower than 3516 and 12272 a.u. for 2 and 2 a. Furthermore, the interaction energies (Eint)of 2 and 2 a are larger than those of 1 and 1 a, which could be considered as a signature of reliability for the newly designed dimers. Our present work will be beneficial for further theoretical and experimental studies on the properties of molecules with the novel 2e–12c bond.
Persistent Hydrogen‐Bonded and Non‐Hydrogen‐Bonded Phenoxyl Radicals
Authors: Wanke Riccardo , Benisvy Laurent , Kuznetsov Maxim L. , Guedes da Silva M. Fátima C. , Pombeiro Armando J. L.
Published: September 2011

The production of stable phenoxyl radicals is undoubtedly a synthetic chemical challenge. Yet it is a useful way to gain information on the properties of the biological tyrosyl radicals. Recently, several persistent phenoxyl radicals have been reported, but only limited synthetic variations could be achieved. Herein, we show that the amide–o‐substituted phenoxyl radical (i.e. with a salicylamide backbone) can be synthesised in a stable manner, thereby permitting easy synthetic modifications to be made through the amide bond. To study the effect of H‐bonding on the properties of the phenolate/phenoxyl radical redox couple, simple H‐bonded and non‐H‐bonded o,p‐tBu‐protected salicylamidate compounds have been prepared. Their redox properties were examined by cyclic voltammetry and showed a fully reversible one‐electron oxidation process to the corresponding phenoxyl radical species. Remarkably, the redox potential appears to be correlated, at least partially, with H‐bond strength, as relatively large differences (ca. 300 mV) in the redox potential between H‐bonded and non‐H‐bonded phenolate salts are observed. The corresponding phenoxyl radicals produced electrochemically are persistent at room temperature for at least an hour; their UV/Vis and EPR characterisation is consistent with that of phenoxyl radicals, which makes them excellent models of biological tyrosyl radicals. The analyses of the experimental data coupled with theoretical calculations indicate that both the deviation from planarity of the amide function and intramolecular H‐bonding influence the oxidation potential of the phenolate. The latter H‐bonding effect appears to be predominantly exerted on the phenolate and not (or only a little) on the phenoxyl radical. Thus, in these systems the H‐bonding energy involved in the phenoxyl radical appears to be relatively small.
Surface Organobarium and Organomagnesium Chemistry on Periodic Mesoporous Silica MCM‐41: Convergent and Sequential Approaches Traced by Molecular Models
Authors: Michel Olaf , König Sonja , Törnroos Karl W. , Maichle‐Mössmer Cäcilia , Anwander Reiner
Published: September 2011

The alkaline earth metal alkyl complexes [Ba(AlEt4)2]n and Mg(AlMe4)2 were directly grafted onto periodic mesoporous silica MCM‐41, which had been dehydroxylated at 270 °C (specific surface area as: 1023 m2 g−1; pore volume Vp: 1.08 cm3 g−1; main pore diameter 3.4 nm). Alternatively, barium alkyl surface species were generated by sequential grafting of MCM‐41 with Ba[N(SiHMe2)2]2(thf)4 and AlEt3 to yield the hybrid material AlEt3@Ba[N(SiHMe2)2]2(thf)4@MCM‐41. For a better understanding of the surface chemistry, AlEt3@MCM‐41 was also accessed. All hybrid materials were analyzed by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, nitrogen physisorption, and solid‐state NMR spectroscopy; this clearly revealed distinct surface chemistry for the alkylaluminate‐treated materials [Ba(AlEt4)2]@MCM‐41 and Mg(AlMe4)2@MCM‐41. In an attempt to mimic the surface chemistry, the organometallic precursors were treated with HOSi(OtBu)3. The reaction of equimolar amounts of {Ba[N(SiHMe2)2]2}n and HOSi(OtBu)3 produced a mixed silylamido/siloxide cluster of Ba3[OSi(OtBu)3]3[N(SiHMe2)2]3 with bridging‐only siloxide ligands as well as one bridging and two terminal silylamido ligands. The Schlenk equilibrium was found to govern the [Ba(AlEt4)2]n–HOSi(OtBu)3 and Mg(AlMe4)2–HOSi(OtBu)3 reactions, leading to the isolation of complexes of [Ba(AlEt4)2(toluene)]2 and Mg[OSi(OtBu)3)]2(AlMe3)2, respectively. Allowing for a donor‐induced cleavage of Mg(AlMe4)2, the reaction of [MgMe2] with one or two equivalents of HOSi(OtBu)3 was studied. While putative Mg[OSi(OtBu)3](Me) and Mg[OSi(OtBu)3]2 could not be crystallized from the reaction mixtures, cluster complexes Mg5(O)[OSi(OtBu)3]5Me3 and Mg4(OH)2[OSi(OtBu)3]6 could be unambiguously identified by X‐ray crystallography.
Diabetes mellitus and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Ping , Kang Donghong , Cao Wei , Wang Yan , Liu Zhiwen
Published: September 2011

Studies of diabetes and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) yielded inconsistent findings. This meta‐analysis was conducted to examine the association between diabetes and risk of HCC. Studies were identified by searching PUBMED and MEDLINE database up to February 2011. Pooled risk estimates were calculated using the random‐effects model. Potential sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analyses. A total of 17 case‐control studies and 32 cohort studies were included in the meta‐analysis. The combined risk estimate of all studies showed a statistically significant increased risk of HCC prevalence among diabetic individuals (RR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.87–2.84). The pooled risk estimate of 17 case‐control studies (OR = 2.40, 95% CI: 1.85–3.11) was slightly higher than that from 25 cohort studies (RR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.68–2.96). Metformin treatment was potentially protective. On the contrary, long duration of diabetes and sulfonylureas or insulin treatment possibly increase HCC risk. Also meta‐analysis of 7 cohort studies found a statistically significant increased risk of HCC mortality (RR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.66–3.55) for individuals with (versus without) diabetes. This meta‐analysis shows that diabetes is associated with moderately increased risk of HCC prevalence, as well as HCC mortality. Considering the rapidly increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, the study underlines the need for cancer prevention in diabetic individuals. Further investigation is needed to focus on the potential mechanism for the pathogenesis of HCC and the link between HCC and different types, severity, treatment and duration of diabetes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of a combination of oral anti‐diabetes drugs with basal insulin therapy on β‐cell function and glycaemic control in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mu Pan‐wei , Chen Yan‐ming , Lu Hong‐yun , Wen Xing‐qiao , Zhang Yan‐hua , Xie Ru‐ying , Shu Jiong , Wang Man‐man , Zeng Long‐yi
Published: September 2011

Background

Oral anti‐diabetes drugs plus basal insulin (OAD + insulin) therapy in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes might improve β‐cell function and result in extended glycaemic remission. This randomised trial compared the effect on β‐cell function and diabetes remission rate between oral drug alone or with addition of basal insulin.

Methods

One hundred and twenty‐nine patients, aged 35–50 years, were enrolled between June 2005 and June 2009. For initial correction of hyperglycaemia, patients with fasting plasma glucose ≥9.0 mmol/L and HbA1c ≥ 9.0%, were randomly assigned to therapy with oral drugs + insulin or oral drugs alone. Treatment was stopped after normoglycaemia was maintained for 3 months. Patients were then followed‐up with diet and physical exercise. Blood glucose, HbA1c and insulin were measured prior to treatment and at 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

More patients achieved target glycaemic control in the oral drugs + insulin group [98.3% (58 of 59)] in less time [(10.4 ± 2.5) days] than those in the oral drug group [95.7% (67 of 70) and (12.4 ± 3.4) days]. At 1‐year follow‐up, more patients maintained target glycaemia without any drugs in the oral drug + insulin group than in the oral drug group [37.9% (22 of 58) vs 20.9% (14 of 67)]. Both treatments improved homeostasis model assessment‐β (HOMA‐β) and homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) significantly. They had similar effects on insulin resistance [lg(HOMA‐IR): (0.50 ± 0.09) vs (0.48 ± 0.09), p = 0.23]. However, oral drugs + insulin could recover β‐cell function much more than OAD alone could [lg(HOMA‐β): (2.17 ± 0.14) vs (2.11 ± 0.13), p = 0.03].

Conclusion

In newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes, therapy with oral drugs + insulin has had favourable outcomes on recovery and maintenance of β‐cell function and protracted glycaemic remission compared with treatment with oral drugs alone. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discontinuation of statins among patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lamberts E. J. F. , Nijpels G. , Welschen L. M. C. , Hugtenburg J. G. , Dekker J. M. , Souverein P. C. , Bouvy M. L.
Published: September 2011

Background

Statins play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes. Several studies have reported low adherence with statins among patients with type 2 diabetes. Studies comparing discontinuation of statins compared with discontinuation of oral anti‐diabetics within the same individuals before and after initiation of oral anti‐diabetic drugs are not available. The aim of this study was to describe discontinuation among patients with type 2 diabetes prescribed statins prior to and after initiation of oral anti‐diabetics and to compare statin discontinuation with discontinuation of oral anti‐diabetics.

Methods

We report an observational cohort study among patients initiating treatment with statins prior to or after initiation of oral anti‐diabetics between 1999 and 2007. Patients were classified as starting statins prior to initiation (Prior users) or after initiation (After users) of anti‐diabetics. Discontinuation was defined as an interval of 180 days or more between the theoretical end date of a statin/anti‐diabetic prescription and the dispensing date of the next statin/anti‐diabetic prescription.

Results and Conclusions

We included 3323 starters with oral anti‐diabetic drugs in our study; 2072 patients initiated statins in the period of observation. Discontinuation rates for statins were higher compared with oral anti‐diabetics (52.1 vs 15.0%). After users discontinued statin therapy more frequently compared to prior users (62.8 vs 48.2%). Discontinuation of statins is higher compared with anti‐diabetic discontinuation. Patients starting statins after the initiation of oral anti‐diabetic treatment are more likely to discontinue treatment than patients who initiate statins before the start of oral anti‐diabetics. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.