bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single‐phase three‐level PWM rectifier with power‐factor correction
Authors: Lin B.‐R. , Lu H.‐H. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA novel control strategy for single‐phase unidirectional switching‐mode rectifier (SMR) that draws a sinusoidal line current in phase with the supply voltage is proposed and discussed in this paper. In the adopted circuit topology, two AC power switches are placed between the AC side of the SMR and the center‐tapped terminal of the DC‐link capacitors. The control schemes are based on the hysteresis current control (HCC) technique and the simple look‐up table. The control schemes, stored in a programmable array logic (PAL), are implemented such that the line current is driven to follow the current command. There are three voltage levels (uDC, uDC/2, 0) on the AC side of the rectifier in each half cycle. The blocking voltage of each AC power switch is clamping to half of the DC‐link voltage. Software simulations and experimental circuits are implemented and measured to verify the proposed control strategy.
Calculation of harmonic currents in a three‐phase converter with AC filters under unbalanced conditions
Authors: Sun Z. , Liu H. , Amei K. , Sakui M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis paper proposes an analytical method for calculating the harmonic currents of a three‐phase bridge‐controlled rectifier with AC filters under unbalanced conditions. The proposed method considers the influence of overlap angles and commutation impedances by taking into account the AC filters, and the analytical equations for the harmonic currents on both the DC and AC sides are derived. The analysis is based on the frequency‐domain method and the rectifier switching functions. The validity of the proposed method is confirmed by comparing it with the results of simulations.
Game theory applications to electricity supply industry, part 1: Theory
Authors: Ekwue A. O. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWith the increasing international trend towards the liberalisation of the electricity supply industry, the main issues facing the utilities in the future are competitiveness of generation, commercial strategy for customers and cost reductions. In any competitive market, decision makers need some help during negotiations involving other parties. Game Theory has been defined by W. F. Lucas as “a collection of mathematical models formulated to study decision‐making situations involving conflict and cooperation”, hence the aim of this work. This paper is in two parts: Part 1 will present a critical appraisal of the theoretic developments of the subject of Game Theory as described in the literature. This will ensure the communication of potential practical applications of the existing theory, expressed in simpler terms, to a wider electrical power engineering audience. Part 2, will expose the current international applications of Game Theory; their possible benefits and relevance of applying the theory to the electricity supply industry.
Unterwegs mit dem Heiligen
Authors: Krull Lena 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn aller Öffentlichkeit: Wenn im Wilhelminischen Kaiserreich katholische Prozessionen mit Zehntausenden Gläubigen durch preußische Städte zogen, war das immer auch ein selbstbewusstes Bild gelebter Religion inmitten politisch‐gesellschaftlicher Spannungen.
Von klein auf maßgeschneidert
Authors: Emmerich Heike 
Published: July 2012

AbstractUm neue metallische Werkstoffe mit besseren Eigenschaften zu entwickeln, ist Strukturierung auf kleinster Skala notwendig. Material‐ und Naturwissenschaftler kombinieren dafür ihre Methoden — und bereiten so innovativen Anwendungen in der Mikrosystemtechnik den Weg.
A home‐based training program improves Taiwanese family caregivers' quality of life and decreases their risk for depression: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kuo Li‐Min , Huang Huei‐Ling , Huang Hsiu‐Li , Liang Jersey , Chiu Yi‐Chen , Chen Sien‐Tsong , Kwok Yam‐Ting , Hsu Wen‐Chuin , Shyu Yea‐Ing L. 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesLittle is known about the longitudinal effects of training programs on family caregivers' health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and depressive symptoms over time. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a home‐based caregiver training program on HRQoL and depressive symptoms for family caregivers of older persons with dementia.MethodsOutcomes (caregivers' HRQoL and depressive symptoms) were assessed before the training program (baseline), and at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months afterwards. HRQoL was measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form Survey, Taiwan version. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Chinese version Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.ResultsFamily caregivers who received the individualized home‐based training program had better health outcomes in bodily pain (b = 12.37,p < 0.013), role disability due to emotional problems (b = 17.74,p < 0.013), vitality (b = 12.40,p < 0.001), better mental summary score (b = 5.14,p < 0.003), and decreased risk for depression (odds ratio = 0.15, confidence interval = 0.04–0.65,p < 0.013) than those in the control group during the 6 months following the training program.ConclusionOur home‐based caregiver training program improved caregivers' HRQoL, especially role limitations due to emotional problems, and decreased their risk for depression. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Why differentiating between health system support and health system strengthening is needed
Authors: Chee Grace , Pielemeier Nancy , Lion Ann , Connor Catherine 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYThere is increasing recognition that efforts to improve global health cannot be achieved without stronger health systems. Interpretation of health system strengthening (HSS) has varied widely however, with much of the focus to‐date on alleviating input constraints, whereas less attention has been given to other performance drivers. It is important to distinguish activities that support the health system, from ones that strengthen the health system. Supporting the health system can include any activity that improves services, from distributing mosquito nets to procuring medicines. These activities improve outcomes primarily by increasing inputs. Strengthening the health system is accomplished by more comprehensive changes to performance drivers such as policies and regulations, organizational structures, and relationships across the health system to motivate changes in behavior and/or allow more effective use of resources to improve multiple health services. Even organizations that have made significant investments in health systems have not provided guidance on what HSS entails. While both supporting and strengthening are important and necessary, it is nonetheless important to make a distinction. If activities fail to produce improvements in system performance because they were incorrectly labeled as system strengthening, the value of HSS investments could quickly be discredited. Not distinguishing supportive activities from strengthening ones will lead to unmet expectations of stronger health systems, as well as neglect of critical system strengthening activities. Distinguishing between these two types of activities will improve programming impact. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uncertainty in hydrologic modelling for estimating hydrologic response due to climate change (Santiam River, Oregon)
Authors: Surfleet Christopher G. , Tullos Desirée 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis paper explores the predicted hydrologic responses associated with the compounded error of cascading global circulation model (GCM) uncertainty through hydrologic model uncertainty due to climate change. A coupled groundwater and surface water flow model (GSFLOW) was used within the differential evolution adaptive metropolis (DREAM) uncertainty approach and combined with eight GCMs to investigate uncertainties in hydrologic predictions for three subbasins of varying hydrogeology within the Santiam River basin in Oregon, USA. Predictions of future hydrology in the Santiam River include increases in runoff in the fall and winter months and decreases in runoff for the spring and summer months. One‐year peak flows were predicted to increase whereas 100‐year peak flows were predicted to slightly decrease. The predicted 10‐year 7‐day low flow decreased in two subbasins with little groundwater influences but increased in another subbasin with substantial groundwater influences. Uncertainty in GCMs represented the majority of uncertainty in the analysis, accounting for an average deviation from the median of 66%. The uncertainty associated with use of GSFLOW produced only an 8% increase in the overall uncertainty of predicted responses compared to GCM uncertainty. This analysis demonstrates the value and limitations of cascading uncertainty from GCM use through uncertainty in the hydrologic model, offers insight into the interpretation and use of uncertainty estimates in water resources analysis, and illustrates the need for a fully nonstationary approach with respect to calibrating hydrologic models and transferring parameters across basins and time for climate change analyses. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Obesity and incidence of lung cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Yang , Dong Jiayi , Sun Kekang , Zhao Lin , Zhao Fei , Wang Lili , Jiao Yang 
Published: July 2012

AbstractTo date, the relationship between obesity and the incidence of lung cancer remains unclear and inconclusive. Thus, we conducted a meta‐analysis of published studies to provide a quantitative evaluation of this association. Relevant studies were identified through PubMed and EMBASE databases from 1966 to December 2011, as well as through the reference lists of retrieved articles. A total of 31 articles were included in this meta‐analysis. Overall, excess body weight (body mass index, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) was inversely associated with lung cancer incidence (relative risk, RR = 0.79; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.73–0.85) compared with normal weight (BMI = 18.5‐24.9 kg/m2). The association did not change with stratification by sex, study population, study design, and BMI measurement method. However, when stratified by smoking status, the inverse association between excess body weight and lung cancer incidence in current (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.57–0.70) and former (RR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.58–0.91) smokers was strengthened. In non‐smokers, the association was also statistically significant (RR = 0.83, 95% CI: 0.70–0.98), although the link was weakened to some extent. The stratified analyses also showed that excess body weight was inversely associated with squamous cell carcinoma (RR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.58–0.80) and adenocarcinoma (RR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.65–0.96). No statistically significant link was found between excess body weight and small cell carcinoma (RR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.66–1.48). The results of this meta‐analysis indicate that overweight and obesity are protective factors against lung cancer, especially in current and former smokers.
Functions and action mechanisms of flavonoids genistein and icariin in regulating bone remodeling
Authors: Ming Lei‐Guo , Chen Ke‐Ming , Xian Cory J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIncreasingly natural products particularly flavonoids are being explored for their therapeutic potentials in reducing bone loss and maintaining bone health. This study has reviewed previous studies on the two better known flavonoids, genistein and icariin, their structures, functions, action mechanisms, relative potency, and potential application in regulating bone remodeling and preventing bone loss. Genistein, an isoflavone abundant in soy, has dual functions on bone cells, able to inhibit bone resorption activity of osteoclasts and stimulate osteogenic differentiation and maturation of bone marrow stromal progenitor cells (BMSCs) and osteoblasts. Genistein is an estrogen receptor (ER)‐selective binding phytoestrogen, with a greater affinity to ERβ. Genistein inhibits tyrosine kinases and inhibits DNA topoisomerases I and II, and may act as an antioxidant. Genistein enhances osteoblastic differentiation and maturation by activation of ER, p38MAPK‐Runx2, and NO/cGMP pathways, and it inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption through inducing osteoclastogenic inhibitor osteoprotegerin (OPG) and blocking NF‐κB signaling. Icariin, a prenylated flavonol glycoside isolated from Epimedium herb, stimulates osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs and inhibits bone resorption activity of osteoclasts. Icariin, whose metabolites include icariside I, icariside II, icaritin, and desmethylicaritin, has no estrogenic activity. However, icariin is more potent than genistein in promoting osteogenic differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts. The existence of a prenyl group on C‐8 of icariin molecular structure has been suggested to be the reason why icariin is more potent than genistein in osteogenic activity. Thus, the prenylflavonoids may represent a class of flavonoids with a higher osteogenic activity. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 513–521, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facial nerve hemangioma: A rare case involving the vertical segment
Authors: Ahmadi Neda , Newkirk Kenneth , Kim H. Jeffrey 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis case report and literature review reports on a rare case of facial nerve hemangioma (FNH) involving the vertical facial nerve (FN) segment, and discusses the clinical presentation, imaging, pathogenesis, and management of these rare lesions. A 53‐year‐old male presented with a 10‐year history of right hemifacial twitching and progressive facial paresis (House‐Brackmann grading score V/VI). The computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies confirmed an expansile lesion along the vertical FN segment. Excision and histopathologic examination demonstrated FNH. FNHs involving the vertical FN segment are extremely rare. Despite being rare lesions, we believe that familiarity with the presentation and management of FNHs are imperative. Laryngoscope, 2012
Drilling speaking valves to promote phonation in tracheostomy‐dependent children
Authors: Buckland Alison , Jackson Lara , Ilich Toni , Lipscombe Jodi , Jones Graeme , Vijayasekaran Shyan 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Placement of a Passy‐Muir speaking valve is considered best practice for infants and children with a tracheostomy. The Passy‐Muir valve enables phonation by redirecting exhaled air via the glottis. Poor tolerance of the Passy‐Muir valve is associated with excessive transtracheal pressures on exhalation due to upper airway obstruction. Drilling a small hole in the side of the Passy‐Muir valve creates a pressure relief port to allow partial exhalation through the tracheostomy tube while enabling phonation.Study Design:A retrospective case series is presented of 10 aphonic pediatric patients with a tracheostomy trialed with a drilled Passy‐Muir valve.Methods:Valve tolerance was assessed clinically and objectively. Handheld manometry was used to determine transtracheal pressures on passive exhalation. All patients had a diagnosis of upper airway obstruction and demonstrated excessive pressures wearing a standard Passy‐Muir valve. Patients were assessed wearing a Passy‐Muir valve with up to two 1.6‐mm holes drilled in the side of the valve. Patients progressed to trials if clinically stable and if transtracheal pressure did not exceed 10 cm H2O when wearing the valve.Results:Eight patients progressed to trial, with five of eight patients able to phonate within 1 week and six of eight able to tolerate wearing the valve for ≥2‐hour periods within 2 weeks of introduction. All eight patients were able to phonate within 6 months of valve introduction.Conclusions:These findings support drilling Passy‐Muir speaking valves as a promising option to facilitate phonation in pediatric patients with a tracheostomy for upper airway obstruction. Laryngoscope, 2012
Endolymphatic sac tumor and angiomatous lesions of the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa as a first manifestation of von Hippel‐Lindau disease
Authors: Honeder Clemens , Gstoettner Wolfgang , Matula Christian , Czerny Christian , Gruber Andreas , Ramsebner Reinhard , Arnoldner Christoph 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIn the present article we report an endolymphatic sac tumor in a 15‐year‐old male who had additional angiomatous lesions in the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa and was diagnosed with von Hippel‐Lindau disease postoperatively. Preoperative imaging excluded cholesteatoma, but did not provide sufficient information to distinguish between jugular paraganglioma and endolymphatic sac tumor. To the authors' knowledge this is the first description of angiomatous lesions in the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract in a von Hippel‐Lindau disease patient, a potentially useful finding for future radiological differential diagnosis in cases presenting with endolymphatic sac tumor. Laryngoscope, 2012
Usage of four‐phase high‐resolution rhinomanometry and measurement of nasal resistance in sleep‐disordered breathing
Authors: Toh Song‐Tar , Lin Cheng‐Hui , Guilleminault Christian 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:To investigate the ease of use of four‐phase high‐resolution rhinomanometry (HRR), a new way of measuring nasal resistance, in measuring change in nasal resistance from supine to inclined position in a clinical sleep laboratory setting, and to correlate findings with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) tolerance.Study Design:Retrospective review of clinical charts.Methods:Forty successively seen Caucasian subjects diagnosed with sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) with complete charts were analyzed. Using four‐phase HRR and acoustic rhinometry, nasal resistance and minimal cross‐sectional area of the nasal cavity were objectively measured with the patient in the supine position and repeated in the inclined position (30° from the horizontal plane), respectively.Results:From the supine to inclined position, reduction in total nasal resistance was observed in 87.5% (35 out of 40). There was a mean reduction of nasal resistance by 37.1 ± 21.6%. Five (12.5%) out of 40 subjects showed no change or mild increase in nasal resistance. Subjects with nasal resistance unresponsive to the inclined position change tended to have difficulty using nasal CPAP based on downloaded compliance card data.Conclusions:Four‐phase HRR and acoustic rhinometry are tests that can be easily performed by sleep specialists to characterize nasal resistance in SDB patients and determine changes in resistance with positional changes. In this study, we found that patients who did not demonstrate a decrease in nasal resistance with inclined position were more likely to be noncompliant with nasal CPAP. These measurements may help us objectively identify patients who might have trouble tolerating nasal CPAP. Laryngoscope, 2012
Contribution of postero‐anterior cephalometry in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Poirrier Anne‐Lise , Pire Sylvie , Raskin Sylviane , Limme Michel , Poirrier Robert 
Published: July 2012

AbstractObjectives/Hypothesis:Lateral cephalometry has been widely used to characterize facial and maxillary morphology in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients. It is a useful tool to assess orthodontic and maxillofacial procedures, but transverse dimensions of the airway (e.g., nasal framework) have not been well described yet by cephalometry. We explored whether postero‐anterior cephalometry could refine the analysis of the facial morphology, with a special attention paid to nasal morphology. We validated cephalometric measurements relevant to the diagnosis of OSA.Study Design:Controlled study.Methods:We explored postero‐anterior and lateral cephalometric bony structures in OSA patients and in control subjects to determine which were predictive of an association with OSA. Healthy volunteers paired for age and sex to OSA patients underwent polysomnography and cephalometry. Data were analyzed by Shapiro‐Wilk, Fisher, Wilcoxon, and paired t tests where appropriate.Results:Nasal fossae and maxillary bone proportions were positively and independently associated with the absence of OSA. Measurements of maxillary width, nasal fossae angle, and anterior skull base contributed to the characterization of OSA patients.Conclusions:Postero‐anterior cephalometry is an easy, rapid, informative, and reliable technique, which is complementary to the lateral cephalometry in the assessment of OSA patients. Our study may also suggest the negative impact of the nasal resistance on the upper airway resistance in sleep disorders. Laryngoscope, 2012
A Jacobi–Davidson method for two‐real‐parameter nonlinear eigenvalue problems arising from delay‐differential equations
Authors: Meerbergen Karl , Schröder Christian , Voss Heinrich 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARYThe critical delays of a delay‐differential equation can be computed by solving a nonlinear two‐parameter eigenvalue problem. The solution of this two‐parameter problem can be translated to solving a quadratic eigenvalue problem of squared dimension. We present a structure preserving QR‐type method for solving such quadratic eigenvalue problem that only computes real‐valued critical delays; that is, complex critical delays, which have no physical meaning, are discarded. For large‐scale problems, we propose new correction equations for a Newton‐type or Jacobi–Davidson style method, which also forces real‐valued critical delays. We present three different equations: one real‐valued equation using a direct linear system solver, one complex valued equation using a direct linear system solver, and one Jacobi–Davidson style correction equation that is suitable for an iterative linear system solver. We show numerical examples for large‐scale problems arising from PDEs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Computational View of PATO and its Tautomers
Authors: Türker Lemi , Çelik Bayar Çağlar 
Published: July 2012

Abstract1, 2, 4‐Triazole and 3‐amino‐1, 2, 4‐triazole are useful starting materials for the synthesis of many 1, 2, 4‐triazole‐based explosives. Electronic properties and Kamlet–Jacobs detonation performances of PATO (3‐picrylamino‐1, 2, 4‐triazole) (a relatively inexpensive, insensitive, and thermally stable explosive) and its 1, 3‐ and 1, 5‐ tautomers are investigated computationally using PM3, HF/6‐31G(d, p), and B3LYP/6‐31G(d, p) methods. The relationships between the thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities and the aromaticities are examined for all structures and their relative sensitivities are compared in terms of bond dissociation energies. The use of both PM3 and isodesmic methods in the calculation of heat of formation of PATO is discussed.