bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fixed‐order robust H∞ control and control‐oriented uncertainty set shaping for systems with ellipsoidal parametric uncertainty
Authors: Sadeghzadeh Arash , Momeni Hamidreza 
Published: June 2010

AbstractIn 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. A polynomial method is employed to design a fixed‐order controller that assigns closed‐loop poles within a given region of the complex plane and that satisfies an H∞ performance specification. The main feature of the proposed method is that it can be extended easily for control‐oriented uncertainty set shaping using a standard input design approach. Consequently, the results can be extended to joint robust control/input design procedure whose controller structure and performance specifications are translated into the requirements on the input signal spectrum used in system identification. This way, model uncertainty set can be tuned for the robust control design procedure. The simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed method. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ecohydraulics needs to embrace ecology and sound science, and to avoid mathematical artefacts
Authors: Lancaster Jill , Downes Barbara J. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractWe respond to comments on our review of the role of ecology in much of the ecohydraulics literature. Unfortunately, the commentators have attempted largely to defend the status quo without addressing the identified ecological weaknesses, and they have fallen into some philosophical and logical traps that commonly occur when researchers carry out multiple statistical tests. We maintain that many researchers routinely make incorrect assumptions about abundance–environment relationships, with the consequence that many inferences, predictions, models and management tools based on these relationships are logically flawed. The commentators' attempts to dismiss suggestions of potentially fruitful areas of research in ecohydraulics are specious and out of step with the current literature. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of an environmental scanning electron microscope to micromechanical fabrication
Authors: Paul B. K. , Klimkiewicz M. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractCurrent advanced methods of micromechanical fabrication require expensive tooling or are restricted to the fabrication of lateral‐shaped microstructures. To overcome these limitations, recent efforts have usedmicroscale additive freeform fabrication (AFF) methods to prototype micromechanical structures. However, these laser‐based methods are limited in resolution. To improve the resolution of microscale AFF methods, an environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) was used to prototype several electron‐beam (EB)‐based microscale AFF processes. The results showed that the ESEM is capable of demonstrating process feasibility for EB‐based microscale AFF.
Antithrombotic treatment in protection against thrombogenic effects of 5‐fluorouracil on vascular endothelium: A scanning microscopy evaluation
Authors: Kinhult Sara , Albertsson Maria , Eskilsson Jan , Cwikiel Magdalena 
Published: June 2010

AbstractCardiotoxicity is a serious side effect of treatment of malignant diseases with 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). The underlying pathophysiologic mechanism remains unclear but clinical data suggest that the endothelium of coronary arteries may be involved. Experimental studies indicate that the endothelium is especially susceptible to 5‐FU and support the hypothesis that a thrombogenic effect of 5‐FU, secondary to its direct toxic effect on the endothelium, is one of the pathophysiologic mechanisms behind 5‐FU‐induced cardiotoxicity. In the present study we evaluate the role of antithrombotic treatment with dalteparin as protection against the thrombogenic effect of 5‐FU on the vascular endothelium in a rabbit model. The effects on the vascular endothelium of 5‐FU, dalteparin, and the combination of these two substances were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy 1, 3, 7, 14, and 30 days after treatment and compared with a control group. Very severe damage to the endothelium was seen in 5‐FU‐treated animals, often leading to intima disruption and denudation of underlying structures, with accompanying platelet accumulation and fibrin formation. The most extensive damage was observed on Day 3 after treatment. The cytotoxic effect of 5‐FU was partly reversible. The combination of 5‐FU and dalteparin gave lower scores on Day 3 because of less evidence of thrombotic events. However, the reversibility of the endothelial damage was poorer in this group, as well as in the group that received dalteparin alone. The findings support the hypothesis that antithrombotic treatment with dalteparin can protect against the thrombogenic effect of 5‐FU, secondary to its direct toxic effect on the vascular endothelium. However, the study indicates that dalteparin per se has a toxic effect on the endothelium that is different from that of 5‐FU.
Routine Ultrasound and Limited Computed Tomography for the Diagnosis of Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Toorenvliet Boudewijn R. , Wiersma Fraukje , Bakker Rutger F. R. , Merkus Jos W. S. , Breslau Paul J. , Hamming Jaap F. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackgroundAcute appendicitis continues to be a challenging diagnosis. Preoperative radiological imaging using ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) has gained popularity as it may offer a more accurate diagnosis than classic clinical evaluation. The optimal implementation of these diagnostic modalities has yet to be established. The aim of the present study was to investigate a diagnostic pathway that uses routine US, limited CT, and clinical re‐evaluation for patients with acute appendicitis.MethodsA prospective analysis was performed of all patients presenting with acute abdominal pain at the emergency department from June 2005 until July 2006 using a structured diagnosis and management flowchart. Daily practice was mimicked, while ensuring a valid assessment of clinical and radiological diagnostic accuracies and the effect they had on patient management.ResultsA total of 802 patients were included in this analysis. Additional radiological imaging was performed in 96.3% of patients with suspected appendicitis (n = 164). Use of CT was kept to a minimum (17.9%), with a US:CT ratio of approximately 6:1. Positive and negative predictive values for the clinical diagnosis of appendicitis were 63 and 98%, respectively; for US 94 and 97%, respectively; and for CT 100 and 100%, respectively. The negative appendicitis rate was 3.3%, the perforation rate was 23.5%, and the missed perforated appendicitis rate was 3.4%. No (diagnostic) laparoscopies were performed.ConclusionsA diagnostic pathway using routine US, limited CT, and clinical re‐evaluation for patients with acute abdominal pain can provide excellent results for the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis.
Diagnosis and high incidence of hyperornithinemia‐hyperammonemia‐homocitrullinemia (HHH) syndrome in northern Saskatchewan
Authors: Sokoro AbdulRazaq A. H. , Lepage Joyce , Antonishyn Nick , McDonald Ryan , Rockman‐Greenberg Cheryl , Irvine James , Lehotay Denis C. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractMutations in the SLC25A15 gene, encoding the human inner mitochondrial membrane ornithine transporter, are thought to be responsible for hyperornithinemia‐hyperammonemia‐homocitrullinemia (HHH) syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive condition. HHH syndrome has been detected in several small, isolated communities in northern Saskatchewan (SK). To determine the incidence of HHH syndrome in these communities, a PCR method was set up to detect F188Δ, the common French‐Canadian mutation. Neonatal blood spots collected from all newborns from the high risk area were genotyped for the F188Δ mutation for seven consecutive years. Using DNA analysis, we estimated that the heterozygote frequency for the mutant allele for HHH syndrome to be about 1 in 19 individuals, predicting one affected child with HHH syndrome for approximately every 1,500 individuals (1 in 1,550 live births; 1 child every 12 years) in this isolated population. The frequency for the mutant allele for HHH syndrome in this isolated community is probably the highest in the world for this rare disorder. We determined that ornithine levels, by tandem mass spectrometry, were not abnormal in newborns with F188Δ mutation, carriers and normals. Ornithine rises to abnormally high levels at some time after birth well past the time that the newborn screening blood spot is collected. The timing or the reasons for the delayed rise of ornithine in affected children with HHH syndrome have not been determined. Newborn screening for HHH Syndrome in this high risk population is only possible by detection of the mutant allele using DNA analysis.
Whole body composition analysis by the BodPod air‐displacement plethysmography method in children with phenylketonuria shows a higher body fat percentage
Authors: Albersen Monique , Bonthuis Marjolein , de Roos Nicole M. , den van Hurk Dorine A. M. , Carbasius Weber Ems , Hendriks Margriet M. W. B. , de Sain‐van der Velden Monique G. M. , de Koning Tom J. , Visser Gepke 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBackgroundPhenylketonuria (PKU) causes irreversible central nervous system damage unless a phenylalanine (PHE) restricted diet with amino acid supplementation is maintained. To prevent growth retardation, a protein/amino acid intake beyond the recommended dietary protein allowance is mandatory. However, data regarding disease and/or diet related changes in body composition are inconclusive and retarded growth and/or adiposity is still reported. The BodPod whole body air‐displacement plethysmography method is a fast, safe and accurate technique to measure body composition.AimTo gain more insight into the body composition of children with PKU.MethodsPatients diagnosed with PKU born between 1991 and 2001 were included. Patients were identified by neonatal screening and treated in our centre. Body composition was measured using the BodPod system (Life Measurement Incorporation©). Blood PHE values determined every 1–3 months in the year preceding BodPod analysis were collected. Patients were matched for gender and age with data of healthy control subjects. Independent samples t tests, Mann–Whitney and linear regression were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe mean body fat percentage in patients with PKU (n = 20) was significantly higher compared to healthy controls (n = 20) (25.2% vs 18.4%; p = 0.002), especially in girls above 11 years of age (30.1% vs 21.5%; p = 0.027). Body fat percentage increased with rising body weight in patients with PKU only (R = 0.693, p = 0.001), but did not correlate with mean blood PHE level (R = 0.079, p = 0.740).ConclusionOur data show a higher body fat percentage in patients with PKU, especially in girls above 11 years of age.
Effects of microclimate, litter type, and mesh size on leaf litter decomposition along an elevation gradient in the Wuyi Mountains, China
Authors: Wang Shaojun , Ruan Honghua , Han Yong 
Published: June 2010

AbstractLitter decomposition is an important ecosystem process regulated by both biotic factors (e.g., decomposers and litter types) and abiotic factors (e.g., temperature and moisture). This study examined the regulatory effects of soil fauna and microclimate on decomposition of two substrates (Castanopsis carlesiiandPinus taiwanensis) along an elevation gradient in four ecosystems of zonal vegetation types in southeastern China: evergreen broadleaf forest (EVB), coniferous forest (COF), dwarf forest (DWF), and alpine meadow (ALM). Our objective was to identify the mechanisms by which microclimate, substrate, and fauna control litter decomposition, especially where variations in ecosystem structure and environment are markedly shown across an elevation gradient. The hypotheses were as follows: (1) litter decomposition within the same litter type would decrease across the elevation gradient, (2) litter decomposition would be lower in poorer nutrient quality substrate across the four sites, and (3) litter dynamics, influenced by strong interactions among ecosystem type, litter type, and decomposers, would vary by elevation gradient due to microclimate effects (i.e., temperature and moisture). The decomposition rates ofC.carlesiiwere significantly higher than those ofP.taiwanensisat EVB, COF, and DWF sites; however, they were not significantly different at the ALM site. Low elevation forests possessed a microclimate (warm and humid) that favors decomposer activities and also appeared to possess a decomposer community adapted to consuming large amounts of leaf litter, as indicated by the rapid leaf litter loss. Litter decomposition in micro‐mesh bags proceeded more slowly compared to litter in meso‐mesh and macro‐mesh litterbags across the elevation gradient, indicating that restricting some detritivore access to litter reduced litter mass loss. We suggest that microclimate and faunal contributions to plant litter decomposition differ markedly across the ecosystems in the Wuyi Mountains.
Effect of Papaver rhoeas extract on in vitro maturation and developmental competence of immature mouse oocytes
Authors: Golkar‐Narenji Afsaneh , Eimani Hussein , Samadi Firooz , Hasani Saeed , Shahverdi Abdol‐Hossein , Eftekhari‐Yazdi Poopak , Kamalinejad Mohammad 
Published: June 2010

AbstractPurposeThis experiment examined the effect of Papaver rhoeas L. extract on in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and subsequent developmental competence of mouse oocytes.Materials and methodsCumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) at germinal vesicle stage were collected from female Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mouse ovaries. The COCs were transferred to maturation medium supplemented with different concentrations of P. rhoeas extract. Two trials were carried out to examine the effect of low concentrations (0, 10, 15, 20, 25 μg/ml) and high concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200 μg/ml) of the extract. The maturation rate was recorded. After IVF, embryos were cultured and their developmental process was monitored for 96 h.ResultsMaturation rate and blastocyst formation improved by using low concentrations of the extract; however, no significant increase was observed when compared to the control group. In addition no significant differences were observed in the fertilization rates of oocytes treated with both low and high concentrations compared to the control group. However, among higher concentrations, 100 μg/ml, P. rhoeas extract significantly increased both the in vitro maturation rate and in vitro developmental (IVD) competence when compared to the control group (P < 0.05).ConclusionsIt was concluded that natural extracts increase the IVD competence of oocytes. The improved effect on oocyte maturation was dependent on the addition of optimum concentrations of P. rhoeas extract to the maturation medium.
DNA hypermethylation markers of poor outcome in laryngeal cancer
Authors: Stephen Josena K. , Chen Kang Mei , Shah Veena , Havard Shaleta , Kapke Alissa , Lu Mei , Benninger Michael S. , Worsham Maria J. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
This study examined molecular (DNA hypermethylation), clinical, histopathological, demographical, smoking, and alcohol variables to assess diagnosis (early versus late stage) and prognosis (survival) outcomes in a retrospective primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) cohort. The study cohort of 79 primary LSCC was drawn from a multi-ethnic (37% African American), primary care patient population, diagnosed by surgical biopsies in the Henry Ford Health System from 1991 to 2004 and followed from 5 to 18 years (through 2009). Of the 41 variables, univariate risk factors of p < 0.10 were tested in multivariate models (logistic regression (diagnosis) and Cox (survival) models (p < 0.05)). Aberrant methylation of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1; p = 0.01), race as African American (p = 0.04), and tumor necrosis (extensive; p = 0.02) were independent predictors of late stage LSCC. Independent predictors of poor survival included presence of vascular invasion (p = 0.0009), late stage disease (p = 0.03), and methylation of the hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1) gene (p = 0.0002). Aberrant methylation of ESR1 and HIC1 signified independent markers of poorer outcome. In this multi-ethnic, primary LSCC cohort, race remained a predictor of late stage disease supporting disparate diagnosis outcomes for African American patients with LSCC.
Long‐term vaginal administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus as a complementary approach to management of bacterial vaginosis
Authors: Marcone Valentina , Rocca Giuseppe , Lichtner Miriam , Calzolari Ettore 
Published: June 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the advantages of long‐term vaginal administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus after oral treatment with metronidazole to prevent the recurrence of bacterial vaginosis (BV).MethodsA total of 49 women with a diagnosis of BV were randomized into 2 groups. Group A was treated with a twice daily dose of 500 mg oral metronidazole for 7 days. Group B was treated with the same schedule followed by a once‐weekly vaginal application of 40 mg of Lactobacillus rhamnosus for 6 months. A non‐parametric analysis of variance for repeated measures was used to test whether there were significant changes in the vaginal ecosystems in the 2 groups.ResultsDuring the first 6 months of follow‐up, a constant percentage (96%) of patients in group B had a balanced vaginal ecosystem. Follow‐up over 12 months showed no statistically significant difference among vaginal ecosystems in patients in group B (P = 0.40), whereas in group A there was a significant increase in the number of women with abnormal flora over time (P = 0.01).ConclusionThe vaginal administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus allows stabilization of the vaginal ecosystem and reduces the recurrence of BV.
Whole grain intake, incident hip fracture and presumed frailty in the Iowa Women's Health Study
Authors: Jacobs David R. , Hohe Christina , Mursu Jaakko , Robien Kim , Folsom Aaron R. 
Published: June 2010

Whole cereal grain foods are rich in phytate, a Ca chelator, and could increase the risk of hip fracture. The objective of the present study was to investigate the association between baseline whole grain intake and incident hip fracture. In the present study, 29 192 women who at baseline in 1986 were aged 55–69 years, free of diabetes, and reported a plausible energy intake of 2508–20 900 kJ/d and reported no fracture since the age of 35 years were followed. Hip fracture (n746) was self-reported in five questionnaires through 2004. Of 1451 hip fractures identified passively by Medicare linkage through 31 December 2004 (Medicare hip fracture), 507 had also been self-reported. Whole grain intake was inversely related to Medicare hip fracture (Ptrend = 0·02), but it was unrelated to self-reported hip fracture (Ptrend = 0·27). The hazard ratio in the highest to lowest quintile of whole grain intake for incident Medicare-only hip fracture (n944) was 0·66 (95 % CI 0·53, 0·82) after adjustment for age, energy intake, education, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, farm residence, physical activity, oestrogen use, smoking, alcohol use, history of cancer and other dietary variables. Medicare-only cases may have failed to self-report due to severe illness; hazard ratio for total mortality after hip fracture was 2·92 (2·37, 3·59) for Medicare-only casesv.Medicare-confirmed self-reported cases. In conclusion, in this cohort, the inverse association between whole grain intake and hip fracture was explained by ascertainment bias. Whole grain intake may increase the ability to respond to a questionnaire and self-report hip fracture, and could reflect less undocumented frailty.
The risk of exotic and native plants as hosts for four pest thrips (Thysanoptera: Thripinae)
Authors: Schellhorn N.A. , Glatz R.V. , Wood G.M. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractInteractions among insect pests, crops and weeds are well recognised. In fact, the elimination of weed hosts outside of the crop is a common practice to control many insect-vectored viruses. However, little is known about interactions among insect pests, crops and native vegetation, and whether native plants may be used to revegetate areas where weed hosts have been eliminated as part of horticultural management regimes. We used the Northern Adelaide Plains horticultural region (South Australia, Australia) as a model system to study the potential of various plant taxa in hosting four pest thrips (three exotic, one native; Frankliniella occidentalis, F. schultzei, Thrips tabaci and T. imaginis) when located adjacent to, and distant from, horticultural crops. Flower funnels were used for standardised sampling of thrips on flowers from 19 exotic weed and 12 native plant species, representing 13 and three families, respectively. Flowers were sampled monthly over a year, and statistical analyses were performed to identify significant determinants of probability of thrips occurrence and density. Plant family was found to significantly influence both measures for each thrips species. In addition, crop proximity influenced the probability of occurrence for the two Frankliniella species (but only influenced density of the key pest F. occidentalis), and season influenced density of all four pest thrips. All native plant species tested had a low likelihood of hosting the three exotic thrips species. Overall, results suggest that judicious choice of surrounding vegetation has potential to be an important component of integrated pest management (IPM) while increasing biodiversity conservation.
Life tables for sunn pest,Eurygaster integriceps(Heteroptera: Scutelleridae) in northern Iran
Authors: Iranipour S. , Pakdel A. Kharrazi , Radjabi G. , Michaud J.P. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractLife table studies of sunn pest were carried out in Varamin, Iran, from 1998–2001 in order to determine stage-specific mortalities and the impact of specific natural enemies on population dynamics. Populations were sampled 2–3 times weekly in agricultural fields during the growing season and monthly during the period of dormancy at resting sites in nearby mountains some 30 km away from cereal fields. Adults spend a period of 9–10 months in diapause and suffered overcompensatory, density-dependent mortality during this period. Variation in adult overwintering survival was inferred to be largely a function of the physiological condition of bugs that is reduced in a density-dependent manner by intraspecific competition for food among newly molted adults prior to migration to resting sites. Adult mortality emerged as the primary factor in key factor analysis, contributing 73% of the total variance in mortality. Other important factors were egg parasitism byTrissolcus vassilieviMayr and adult parasitism by several species of Tachinidae. AlthoughT. vassilievimade only a minor contribution to overall variance in total mortality, it had a significant effect on the number of newly molted adults, the life stage that is most damaging to cereal crops. The equilibrium level of the pest population in wheat fields was inferred to beca. 72.6 adults m−2, a number that substantially exceeds the economic threshold that ranges from 3–5 adults m−2.