bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytokine levels in sites of chronic periodontitis of poorly controlled and well‐controlled type 2 diabetic subjects
Authors: Santos Vanessa Renata , Ribeiro Fernanda Vieira , Lima Jadson Almeida , Napimoga Marcelo Henrique , Bastos Marta Ferreira , Duarte Poliana Mendes 
Published: September 2010

Santos VR, Ribeiro FV, Lima JA, Napimoga MH, Bastos MF, Duarte PM: Cytokine levels in sites of chronic periodontitis of poorly controlled and well‐controlled type 2 diabetic subjects. J Clin Periodontol 2010; doi: 10.1111/j.1600‐051X.2010.01624.x.AbstractAim: This study compared the levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐4, IL‐17 and IL‐23 in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from well‐controlled and poorly controlled type 2 diabetic subjects with chronic periodontitis, before and after periodontal therapy.Material and Methods: Eighteen well‐controlled (glycated haemoglobin levels 8%) and 20 poorly controlled (glycated haemoglobin levels >8%) diabetic subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects were submitted to non‐surgical periodontal therapy. GCF sampling and clinical periodontal parameters were assessed before, 3 and 6 months post‐therapy. Total amounts and concentrations of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐4, IL‐17 and IL‐23 in the GCF were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: The levels of IL‐17 were higher in poorly than in well‐controlled subjects (p<0.05), whereas the levels of IFN‐γ were increased in well‐ compared with poorly controlled subjects at all experimental groups (p<0.05). In addition, IL‐4 levels were lower in well‐ than poorly controlled diabetic subjects at baseline (p<0.05). There were no differences between groups for TNF‐α and IL‐23 at any time points (p>0.05).Conclusion: These results indicate a predominance of pro‐inflammatory T‐helper type 1 (Th1)‐ or Th17‐cytokines in sites of chronic periodontitis from type 2 diabetic subjects, according to their glycaemic control.
Global Mapping of Ecosystem Disservices: The Unspoken Reality that Nature Sometimes Kills us
Authors: Dunn Robert R. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTIncreasingly, we view nature through a utilitarian lens that leads us to attempt to measure and manage the services that species, habitats and ecosystems provide. Surprisingly, we have tended to consider only the positive values of ecosystems, their ecosystem services. In addition to providing our food and water, Nature also kills us, primarily through disease. If we are to effectively manage the terrestrial Earth, we need to also manage species, habitats and ecosystems so as to minimize such ‘ecosystem disservices’. I consider what we know about the spatial pattern of one disservice, pathogen prevalence and how changes in habitat influence it. I consider the effects of habitat changes on pathogen prevalence and, consequently, ecosystem disservices. In the end, we need to weigh both the costs and the benefits of particular ecosystems, habitats and species – to consider the bad with the good. Doing so requires that we learn much more about the biota than we currently know.
Achieving Health Equity on a Global Scale through a Community-Based, Public Health Framework for Action
Authors: Anderko Laura 
Published: September 2010

As a worldwide economic crisis emerged at the end of 2008, international health agencies were quick to highlight its predictable impact on health in the poorest of communities. The World Health Organization (WHO) underscored the need for a multisectoral approach to the crisis, “seeking health gains through demonstrating the importance of health in all policies” and whether current investments in health addressed the broader social determinants of health. However, despite good intentions and decades of discussion addressing the need for transformative changes globally to reduce poverty and improve health equity, little progress has been made.A recent report on progress towards the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) indicates that many targeted goals have not been met, with some goals lagging many years behind schedule (“Four years after the target date, gender parity in education has yet to be achieved”). Although progress towards achieving the MDGs has been made for some specific conditions (e.g., malaria), where targeted interventions have had an immediate impact, limited progress is reported in more complex areas such as maternal child health. Such complex health issues require structural changes, strong political will, long-term funding, and consideration of other health determinants, such as education and exposure to environmental hazards.
Transparent cap improves patients' tolerance of colonoscopy and shortens examination time by inexperienced endoscopists
Authors: DAI Jun , FENG Nan , LU Hong , LI Xiao Bo , YANG Chuan Hua , GE Zhi Zheng 
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE:  Up to 10% of colonoscopy procedures cannot be completed and polyps may be missed because of patients' discomfort and the endoscopists' technique. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and safety of attaching a transparent cap to improve the outcome, especially for inexperienced endoscopists.METHODS:  A total of 250 patients were randomized to undergoing either a cap‐fitted colonoscopy (CCF) or a normal colonoscopy without a cap (NCCF). The procedures were performed by an experienced or inexperienced endoscopist, and the time to reach the cecum, the total colonoscopy time and the polyp detection rate were recorded. Visual analogue scales (VAS) assessing the severity of abdominal pain and distension were obtained.RESULTS:  For the experienced endoscopist there was no difference between CCF and NCCF on the time to reach the cecum and the time for the whole procedure. But for the inexperienced endoscopist, both times were significantly shorter in the CCF group than in the NCCF group (9.48 min vs. 12.45 min; 18.50 min vs. 21.89 min, respectively, P < 0.05). No complication was observed except some abdominal pain and distension. The VAS scores of abdominal pain and distension were significantly lower in CCF group than those in the NCCF group for the two endoscopists. There was no significant difference in the number of polyps found between the two groups.CONCLUSION:  A cap‐fitted colonoscopy can shorten the examination time for inexperienced endoscopists. It can also reduce the patients' discomfort during the procedure.
Mixed choristoma on the anterior dorsal tongue: a new case and review of the literature
Authors: AbdulMajeed A.A. , Farah C.S. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA choristoma is a benign tumour‐like growth consisting of normal tissue in an abnormal site. Seven cases of mixed osseous and cartilaginous choristoma of the tongue have been reported in the literature, only one on the anterior tongue. Here we review the literature regarding osseous and cartilaginous choristomas and report only the second case of mixed osseous choristoma to occur on the anterior dorsal tongue.
A multilocus, temperature stress‐related gene expression profile assay in Acropora millepora, a dominant reef‐building coral
Authors: SOUTER P. , BAY L. K. , ANDREAKIS N. , CSÁSZÁR N. , SENECA F. O. , Van OPPEN M. J. H. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractWe report an accurate multiplex reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT–qPCR) assay, capable of reproducing gene expression profiles from 16 target genes [12 genes of interest (GOIs) and four reference genes (RGs)] in Acropora millepora, a common reef‐building model coral species. The 12 GOIs have known or putative roles in the coral bleaching response, yet the method is not restricted to this particular assay and gene set. The procedure is based on the Beckman Coulter (Fullerton, CA, USA) GenomeLab™ GeXP Genetic Analysis System and bridges the gap between quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) expression analysis of a single or a small number of genes and microarray gene expression surveys of thousands of genes. Despite large variation among biological replicates, the majority of GOIs were up‐regulated (up to 4000%) in most colonies during a laboratory‐based thermal stress experiment. Two genes, Nf‐kβ2 and MnSod, were consistently up‐regulated in all colonies tested, and we therefore propose these as candidate markers useful for population‐level evaluations of thermal stress. Our assay provides an important new tool for coral bleaching studies; because of the lower cost, labour and amount of cDNA required compared with singleplex qPCR, population‐level studies with large biological replication are feasible.
Framing biodiversity conservation for decision makers: insights from four South African municipalities
Authors: Wilhelm‐Rechmann Angelika , Cowling Richard Mark 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPriority maps for biodiversity conservation are increasingly aimed at their implementation by local governments in their land use decision making. However, these biodiversity planning products usually rely on the implicit assumption that biodiversity and related concepts are the appropriate ones for communicating the need to safeguard nature. We investigated the level of understanding of the terms “biodiversity” and “sustainability” of decision makers in four South African coastal municipalities and identified the prevalent frames of interpretation they held regarding nature conservation in land use planning. We demonstrate that understanding of the term “biodiversity” is very limited; however, the term is well linked to the natural environment. Conversely, the concept of “sustainability” is clearly established—but only marginally connected to nature. The frame analysis showed that the preservation of nature is regarded as fundamentally in opposition to socio‐economic development. Conservation is frequently interpreted as being a socially unjust endeavor, disrespectful toward people and lacking realism. We use these insights to provide recommendations on how conservationists should proceed to reframe biodiversity issues in order to more effectively mainstream conservation plans into local land‐use decision making.
Peculiarities of Geriatric Psychiatry: A Focus on Aging and Depression
Authors: Laks Jerson , Engelhardt Eliasz 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYThere is a debate on whether Geriatric Psychiatry stands for itself as a discrete specialty or whether it is an extension of clinical Geriatrics, Neurology, and Psychiatry. This review aims to outline some recent data and possible approaches to define peculiarities of Geriatric Psychiatry, focusing on certain characteristics that define the aging brain. Geriatric depression is discussed taking into consideration some data from translational research. The brain aging process is not uniform. Frontal areas show marked impairment in inhibiting irrelevant information in working memory as they age, and the recruitment of these areas occur differently than in young subjects. Executive functions also change in normal elderly. Geriatric depression is a general definition of a multidimensional disorder with multiple risk factors. Dysexecutive syndrome is considered as a key to the neuropsychology of geriatric depression, correlated with functional impairment in late life. Late‐onset depression has a higher load of comordibity, of cerebrovascular disease, and of some genetic factors that may be different from early onset depression. Also, there are at least four clusters of treatment outcomes that are common in geriatric depression, which mirror the neuropsychological and clinical profiles. Research and practice in Geriatric Psychiatry should focus on the interaction of various dimensions and risk factors rather than on attempting to find a single cause to the disorders. Some answers may be found in comorbidity issues, in white matter lesions, which are more common in the elderly, and in genetic factors that impact on the aging process.
The Influence of the Housing System on Salmonella Infections in Laying Hens: A Review
Authors: Van Hoorebeke S. , Van Immerseel F. , Haesebrouck F. , Ducatelle R. , Dewulf J. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryFrom 2012 onwards, housing of laying hens in conventional battery cages will be forbidden in the European Union and only enriched cages and non‐cage housing systems such as aviaries, floor‐raised, free‐range and organic systems will be allowed. Although this ban aims at improving the welfare of laying hens, it has also initiated the question whether there are any adverse consequences of this decision, especially with respect to the spread and/or persistence of zoonotic agents in a flock. A zoonotic agent that is traditionally associated with the consumption of eggs and egg products is Salmonella enteritidis. This paper provides a summary of the current knowledge regarding the direct and indirect effects of different housing systems on the occurrence and epidemiology of Salmonella in laying hen flocks.
Effect of an oral branched chain amino acid‐enriched snack in cirrhotic patients with sleep disturbance
Authors: Ichikawa Tatsuki , Naota Taura , Miyaaki Hisamitsu , Miuma Satoshi , Isomoto Hajime , Takeshima Fuminao , Nakao Kazuhiko 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  Sleep is closely related to physical and mental health. Sleep disturbance is reported in patients without encephalopathy. We examined the relationship among cirrhotic symptoms, laboratory data and sleep disturbances. Next, we examined the influence of a branched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplement on sleep disturbance in cirrhotic patients.Methods:  We investigated a total of 21 patients at Nagasaki University Hospital from January to June 2009. We constructed questionnaire items for the evaluation of cirrhotic symptoms. The items, as major symptoms of cirrhotic patients, were as follows: hand tremor, appetite loss, muscle cramp of foot, fatigue, decreased strength, anxiety, abdominal fullness, abdominal pain and a feeling of low energy. We used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) for the evaluation of daytime hypersomnolence. Energy supplementation with a BCAA snack was performed as a late evening snack (LES). All patients were assessed at the time of entry into the study, and at 4 and 8 weeks.Results:  It was found that BCAA snack, taken p.o. as an LES, improved the ESS for cirrhotic patients without encephalopathy. This beneficial result was recognized in the short term, 4 weeks after beginning of treatment. This study demonstrated the utility of BCAA supplementation for cirrhotic patients with sleep disturbance. However, the cirrhotic symptom‐related score was positively relation with the Child–Pugh score at the time of patient entry, and we were unable to identify the item that related to ESS.Conclusion:  A BCAA snack is a useful drug for cirrhotic patients who do not have any overt encephalopathy, but who suffered from sleep disturbance.
Efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation for elderly hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Takahashi Hirokazu , Mizuta Toshihiko , Kawazoe Seiji , Eguchi Yuichiro , Kawaguchi Yasunori , Otuka Taiga , Oeda Satoshi , Ario Keisuke , Iwane Shinji , Akiyama Takumi , Ozaki Iwata , Fujimoto Kazuma 
Published: September 2010

Aim:  This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy in elderly patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:  Four hundred and sixty‐one patients with naïve HCC, including 107 elderly (aged ≥75 years) patients, who were treated with RFA between 2000 and 2007, were enrolled. Baseline characteristics, survival/recurrence rates and complications after RFA were compared between elderly and non‐elderly patients.Results:  In the elderly group, the proportion of men, alcohol consumption, serum alanine aminotransferase and γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase levels were significantly lower compared with those in the non‐elderly group. There were no differences in Child–Pugh grade and tumor characteristics between the two groups. The cumulative survival rates in the elderly group were 82% at 3 years and 61% at 5 years, which was equivalent to the non‐elderly group. Similarly, no differences were observed in recurrence rates. In multivariate analysis, Child–Pugh grade and tumor‐related factors were significant factors associated with survival, but age was not. Although elderly patients had more extrahepatic comorbidities, their presence was not a factor associated with survival prognosis or complication after RFA.Conclusion:  RFA treatment might be safe and effective in elderly patients, as well as non‐elderly patients, with HCC.
A PASSIVITY PLUS FLATNESS CONTROLLER FOR THE PERMANENT MAGNET STEPPER MOTOR
Authors: Sira‐Ramírez Hebertt 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTA passivity based controller, in suitable combination with the flatness property of the system, is proposed for the effective feedback equilibrium to equilibrium regulation, via planned trajectory tracking, of the angular position in a permanent magnet (PM) stepper motor. The control scheme is shown to be easily modifiable as to include traditional proportional‐integral‐derivative (PID) feedback control actions which efficiently account for unmodeled load torque perturbations.
GLOBAL CONVERGENCE OF MINIMUM VARIANCE SELF‐TUNING SCHEME BASED UPON DAMPED LEAST SQUARES
Authors: Chen Zeng‐Qiang , Lin Mao‐Qiong , Yuan Zhu‐Zhi 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper presents an analysis of the stability and convergence of a damped least squares identification algorithm and establishes the global convergence of a minimum variance self‐tuning scheme based upon damped least squares. The results mathematically demonstrate that the damped least squares can generally be applied to achieve system identification and adaptive control.
BACKLASH COMPENSATION IN NONLINEAR SYSTEMS USING DYNAMIC INVERSION BY NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: Selmic Rastko R. , Lewis Frank L. 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTA dynamic inversion compensation scheme is presented for backlash. The compensator uses the backstepping technique with neural networks (NN) for inverting the backlash nonlinearity in the feedforward path. The technique provides a general procedure for using NN to determine the dynamic preinverse of an invertible dynamical system. A tuning algorithm is presented for the NN backlash compensator which yields a stable closed‐loop system.
ITERATIVE LEARNING CONTROL IN FEEDBACK SYSTEMS BASED ON AN OBJECTIVE FUNCTION
Authors: Choi Chong‐Ho , Jang Tae‐Jeong 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTAn objective function is proposed and an iterative learning control algorithm is derived based on this. The objective function is a quadratic form consisting of the output error and the input. By adjusting the weights in the objective function, the control objective of good command following at smaller input energy can be realized. The weight on the input energy in the objective function is shown to be directly related to the forgetting factor for robust iterative learning control. The convergence of the control algorithm has been proven and its characteristics are shown in the simulation examples.
ACHIEVING MINIMUM PHASE TRANSFER FUNCTION FOR A NONCOLLOCATED SINGLE‐LINK FLEXIBLE MANIPULATOR
Authors: Yuan King , Liu Liang‐Yih 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTA noncollocated system has the potential of providing more precise tracking, improved disturbance rejection and increased bandwidth at the sensor location, but is considerably more difficult to stabilize than a collocated system due to its nonminimum phase nature. For a flexible manipulator, the problem becomes even more complicated because the system is inherently infinite dimensional. In this paper, a single‐link flexible manipulator having a tip payload and a noncollocated actuator and sensor is investigated using a linear distributed parameter model. With the joint torque as the input and the joint angle plus a weighted value of tip deflection as the measured output, an exact transfer function involving transcendental functions is derived. Using the methods of infinite product expansion, the root locus, and the asymptotic property of the roots of the transcendental equation, a necessary and sufficient condition in terms of the weighting factor of tip deflection is obtained such that the transfer function does not have any open right‐half plane zeros. This condition depends neither on the physical properties of the link nor on the mass properties of the tip payload. In order to correct the misinterpretation which has occurred in some closely‐related works concerning the stability of the infinite‐dimensional zero‐dynamics, the equivalence of the zeros of the transfer function and the eigenvalues of zero‐dynamics is also verified. Numerical results for the closed‐loop performance of a single‐link flexible arm using collocated and noncollocated PD controllers are given to show the efficacy of the proposed minimum phase transfer function approach.
APPLICATION OF MULTIVARIABLE CONTROL DESIGN TO DUAL‐MODE DIGITAL VERSATILE DISC DRIVE
Authors: Park Myoung Soo , Lee Hee Soo , Kim Seung‐Ho , Roh Il‐Yeong , Chait Yossi 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTWith the ever increasing demand for on storage media with more memory and faster speeds, Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) appears to eclipse Compact Discs (CD). Its denser track pitch and shorter minimum pit length allows for at least eight time more storage memory in the same area. However, smaller tracks increase the performance demands placed on control algorithms. Moreover, to achieve shorter read times, higher disc rotation speed is required, further increasing the demands on the controller. Classical single‐loop control design techniques, the usual approach used in such applications, become less effective for DVDs and may even fail to yield a design for higher disc speeds and with increased coupling in the mechanism's dynamics. For this purpose, we employ the Quantitative Feedback Theory (QFT) and specialized graphical user interface to experimentally demonstrate that new design tools can accomplish the task. Specifically, we show that our multivariable design approach can cope with performance robustness issues and achieve back‐compatibility for dual use (i.e. play both CD and DVD discs) in a single drive. Moreover, since QFT can be used with direct frequency response measurements to represent the dynamics, our control tuning procedure facilitates fast and efficient use in an industrial setting so as to minimize the time it takes to bring new products to market.
Best Linear Unbiased Fir Filters For Continuous‐Time State Space Models
Authors: Kwon Wook Hyun , Kim Pyung Soo , Han Soo Hee 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a new linear finite impulse response (FIR) filter called the best linear unbiased FIR (BLUF) filter for the state estimation in continuous‐time state space models. The proposed BLUF filter for continuous‐time state space models is obtained by a formal limiting procedure of discretized systems. The BLUF filter is represented in an iterative form and then in a standard FIR form. It is shown that the proposed BLUF filter has deadbeat and unbiasedness properties. It is also shown that the BLUF filter is equivalent to the existing receding horizon Kalman FIR (RHKF) filter whose optimality is not clear to understand. The former is more systematic and logical while the latter is heuristic due to handling of infinite covariance of the initial state.