bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal tracking performance of MIMO discrete‐time systems with communication constraints
Authors: Guan Zhi‐Hong , Zhan Xi‐Sheng , Feng Gang 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYThe optimal tracking problem for multiple‐input multiple‐output linear‐time‐invariant discrete‐time systems with communication constraints in the feedback path is studied in this paper. The tracking performance is measured by the energy of the error signal between the output of the plant and the reference signal. The objective is to obtain an optimal tracking performance, attainable by all possible stabilizing compensators. It is shown that the optimal tracking performance consists of two parts, one depends on the nonminimum phase zeros and zero direction of the given plant, as well as the reference input signal direction, and the other depends on the nonminimum phase zeros, unstable poles, and pole direction of the given plant, as well as the bandwidth and additive white Gaussian noise of the communication channel. It is also shown that, if the constraint of the communication channel does not exist, the optimal tracking performance reduces to the existing tracking performance of the control system without communication constraints. A typical example is given to illustrate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Robust multi‐drug therapy design and application to insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Luni Camilla , Doyle III Francis J. 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYSingle‐drug therapies often fail in the treatment of complex diseases, such as diabetes, because they act on a specific target, and are often by‐passed by the redundant mechanisms that confer robustness to biological systems, both in health and in disease. On the other hand, multi‐drug therapies (MDTs) show greater efficacy, but efficient methodologies for their design are needed to handle the high number of combinatorial possibilities.In this paper, we describe a methodology for MDT design based on the structured singular value, a tool from the robust control theory. The procedure can be applied to a mathematical model of the biological system under consideration, and it includes medical performance robustness as a design requirement. This aspect is of primary importance because robustness has been recognized as an intrinsic property of biological systems that maintain performance despite a variety of environmental conditions and the subject‐to‐subject variability of response. Furthermore, the development of a mathematical model always includes a certain level of uncertainty, due to the inevitable assumptions involved in its development, and the often scarce availability of experimental data.The methodology is here applied to the insulin resistance condition, a primary impairment in the development of type 2 diabetes. Results from simulations confirm that the performance and robustness objectives are achieved under different input dynamics, and suggest potentially powerful therapeutic vector targets. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tube‐based robust nonlinear model predictive control
Authors: Mayne D. Q. , Kerrigan E. C. , van Wyk E. J. , Falugi P. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis paper extends tube‐based model predictive control of linear systems to achieve robust control of nonlinear systems subject to additive disturbances. A central or reference trajectory is determined by solving a nominal optimal control problem. The local linear controller, employed in tube‐based robust control of linear systems, is replaced by an ancillary model predictive controller that forces the trajectories of the disturbed system to lie in a tube whose center is the reference trajectory thereby enabling robust control of uncertain nonlinear systems to be achieved. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of restricted mean survival time to estimate the treatment effect in randomized clinical trials when the proportional hazards assumption is in doubt
Authors: Royston Patrick , Parmar Mahesh K. B. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn most randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with a right‐censored time‐to‐event outcome, the hazard ratio is taken as an appropriate measure of the effectiveness of a new treatment compared with a standard‐of‐care or control treatment. However, it has long been known that the hazard ratio is valid only under the proportional hazards (PH) assumption. This assumption is formally checked only rarely. Some recent trials, particularly the IPASS trial in lung cancer and the ICON7 trial in ovarian cancer, have alerted researchers to the possibility of gross non‐PH, raising the critical question of how such data should be analyzed. Here, we propose the use of the restricted mean survival time at a prespecified, fixed time point as a useful general measure to report the difference between two survival curves. We describe different methods of estimating it and we illustrate its application to three RCTs in cancer. The examples are graded from a trial in kidney cancer in which there is no evidence of non‐PH, to IPASS, where the opposite is clearly the case. We propose a simple, general scheme for the analysis of data from such RCTs. Key elements of our approach are Andersen's method of ‘pseudo‐observations,’ which is based on the Kaplan–Meier estimate of the survival function, and Royston and Parmar's class of flexible parametric survival models, which may be used for analyzing data in the presence or in the absence of PH of the treatment effect. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neural and BOLD responses across the brain
Authors: Goense Jozien , Whittingstall Kevin , Logothetis Nikos K. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractFunctional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has quickly grown into one of the most important tools for studying brain function, especially in humans. Despite its prevalence, we still do not have a clear picture of what exactly the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) signal represents or how it compares to the signals obtained with other methods (e.g., electrophysiology). We particularly refer to single neuron recordings and electroencephalography when we mention ‘electrophysiological methods’, given that these methods have been used for more than 50 years, and have formed the basis of much of our current understanding of brain function. Brain function involves the coordinated activity of many different areas and many different cell types that can participate in an enormous variety of processes (neural firing, inhibitory and excitatory synaptic activity, neuromodulation, oscillatory activity, etc.). Of these cells and processes, only a subset is sampled with electrophysiological techniques, and their contribution to the recorded signals is not exactly known. Functional imaging signals are driven by the metabolic needs of the active cells, and are most likely also biased toward certain cell types and certain neural processes, although we know even less about which processes actually drive the hemodynamic response. This article discusses the current status on the interpretation of the BOLD signal and how it relates to neural activity measured with electrophysiological techniques. WIREs Cogn Sci 2012, 3:75–86. doi: 10.1002/wcs.153This article is categorized under:

Neuroscience > Physiology
Unraveling DNA dynamics using atomic force microscopy
Authors: Suzuki Yuki , Yoshikawa Yuko , Yoshimura Shige H. , Yoshikawa Kenichi , Takeyasu Kunio 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe elucidation of structure–function relationships of biological samples has become important issue in post‐genomic researches. In order to unveil the molecular mechanisms controlling gene regulations, it is essential to understand the interplay between fundamental DNA properties and the dynamics of the entire molecule. The wide range of applicability of atomic force microscopy (AFM) has allowed us to extract physicochemical properties of DNA and DNA–protein complexes, as well as to determine their topographical information. Here, we review how AFM techniques have been utilized to study DNA and DNA–protein complexes and what types of analyses have accelerated the understanding of the DNA dynamics. We begin by illustrating the application of AFM to investigate the fundamental feature of DNA molecules; topological transition of DNA, length dependent properties of DNA molecules, flexibility of double‐stranded DNA, and capability of the formation of non‐Watson–Crick base pairing. These properties of DNA are critical for the DNA folding and enzymatic reactions. The technical advancement in the time‐resolution of AFM and sample preparation methods enabled visual analysis of DNA–protein interactions at sub‐second time region. DNA tension‐dependent enzymatic reaction and DNA looping dynamics by restriction enzymes were examined at a nanoscale in physiological environments. Contribution of physical properties of DNA to dynamics of nucleosomes and transition of the higher‐order structure of reconstituted chromatin are also reviewed. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2011 3 574–588 DOI: 10.1002/wnan.150This article is categorized under:

Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
A Systematic Review of Outcomes of Toe-to-Thumb Transfers for Isolated Traumatic Thumb Amputation
Authors: Lin Pao-Yuan , Sebastin Sandeep Jacob , Ono Shimpei , Bellfi Lillian T. , Chang Kate Wan-Chu , Chung Kevin C. 
Published: May 2011

Background Toe-to-thumb transfer is an established procedure for reconstruction of traumatic thumb amputations. The four types of toe-to-thumb transfers are the second toe, the great toe, the wrap-around great toe and the trimmed great toe transfers. The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature to compare outcomes amongst different methods of toe-to-thumb transfers. Methods A literature search using ‘toe-to-thumb transfer’ combined with ‘thumb injury’ and ‘thumb reconstruction’ as keywords and limited to humans and the English language identified 633 studies. Studies were included in the review if they: (1) present primary data, (2) report three or more toe-to-thumb transfers for isolated complete traumatic thumb amputation between the metacarpophalangeal joint and the interphalangeal joint (both excluded) and (3) present functional outcome data. Results Twenty-five studies representing 450 toe-to-thumb transfers met the inclusion criteria. They included 101 second toe transfers, 196 great toe transfers, 122 wrap-around transfers and 31 trimmed toe transfers. The mean survival rate was 96.4%. No statistically significant differences could be detected between the four transfers with regards to survival, arc of motion, total active motion, grip and pinch strength and static two-point discrimination. Conclusions All four types of toe transfer procedures have predictably high survival rates and good patient satisfaction scores. The current data are inadequate to make any comments with regards to donor site morbidity. Till such data are available, an evidence-based recommendation for the superiority of a specific type of toe-to-thumb transfer cannot be made.
The sources of basic magmatism in Western Transbaikalia in the Late Paleozoic (from geochemical and isotope data)
Authors: Badmatsyrenova R.A. , Badmatsyrenov M.V. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The studied massifs in Western Transbaikalia (Arsentyev and Orongoi) are composed of pyroxenites, high-Ti subalkalic gabbro, gabbro-diorites, monzodiorites, anorthosites, and syenites. The Orongoi massif also includes small olivinite and plagioperidotite bodies. The gabbroids have high contents of Sr, Ba, Nb, Ta, Zr, and Hf, which is typical of intraplate basites. The REE pattern shows the rock enrichment in LREE (La/YbN = 5.35–25.82). The 87Sr/86Sr values vary from 0.7050 to 0.7054, and εNd, from 1.44 to –1.18. The presence of radiogenic Nd in the gabbroids and their enrichment in 87Sr suggest their formation as a result of the melting of the EM-II-type lithospheric mantle.
The first terrace above the Ob’ floodplain near Kolpashevo: the age and formation conditions
Authors: Leshchinskiy S.V. , Blyakharchuk T.A. , Vvedenskaya I.A. , Orlova L.A. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
The subaqueous sediments of the first terrace above the Ob’ River floodplain near the town of Kolpashevo are referred to as the Sartan cryochron. New data show that they formed mainly in the Early and Middle Holocene. The key section is on the right bank of the Novoil’inskaya Staritsa—a branch of the Ob’ River 10 km south of Kolpashevo. Radiocarbon dating of the peat at the terrace base yielded an age of 10,200 ± 55 years, which is close to the Pleistocene–Holocene boundary. The studied sample from the middle section has a 14C age of 5870 ± 55 years corresponding to the Atlantic Holocene optimum. The palynological data confirm the geologic structure of the section: The recognized spore-pollen spectra distinctly mark the first half of the Holocene and reflect the landscape changes. The results obtained help to refine stratigraphic charts and maps of Quaternary deposits and reconstruct the landscapes (including geochemical ones) and lithologo-facies and neotectonic conditions.
A review of lessons learned from a Local Conservation Group approach in Indochina
Authors: Pilgrim John D. , Eberhardt Karin , Eames Jonathan C. , Vorsak Bou , Anh Pham Tuan 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBuilding local civil society constituencies for conservation is a particularly high priority in Indochina given the regional prevalence of weak and highly-centralized government institutions with an inability or lack of will to enforce protection on the ground. BirdLife International has developed and piloted a small-scale, community-based Local Conservation Group approach to site-based conservation globally. In Indochina a number of important lessons have been learned, particularly related to the need for participatory project and activity planning, increased attention to provision of tangible benefits that clearly meet both conservation and development objectives and are tailored to heterogeneous communities, increased support for awareness-raising activities, clear monitoring of activities and impacts, and truly committed partner support for implementation.
Comparison of emperor penguin declines between Pointe Géologie and Haswell Island over the past 50 years
Authors: Barbraud Christophe , Gavrilo Maria , Mizin Yuri , Weimerskirch Henri 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe emperor penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) is highly dependent on sea ice conditions, and future climate change may affect its distribution and numbers. Most studies on the demography and population dynamics of emperor penguins in relation to sea ice characteristics were conducted at a single colony (Pointe Géologie). Several non-exclusive hypotheses have been proposed to explain the dramatic decline of this colony, including changes in sea ice conditions, predation, flipper banding and human disturbance. Here, we report and analyse updated long-term trends in numbers of breeding pairs made at two colonies (Pointe Géologie and Haswell Island) where counts are comparable. Similar changes were observed for both colonies and paralleled changes in sea ice extent. At Pointe Géologie and Haswell Island, populations declined similarly and later growth rates were also similar since the early 1990s for Haswell and early 1980s for Pointe Géologie. The magnitude of the decline was similar between both colonies when numbers of breeding pairs were assessed. This study suggests that a common large-scale environmental factor has probably negatively affected both colonies.
Archaeal diversity revealed in Antarctic sea ice
Authors: Cowie Rebecca O.M. , Maas Elizabeth W. , Ryan Ken G. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractArchaea, once thought to be only extremophiles, are now known to be abundant in most environments. They can predominate in microbial communities and be significantly involved in many global biogeochemical cycles. However, Archaea have not been reported in Antarctic sea ice. Our understanding of the ecology of Antarctic sea ice prokaryotes is still in its infancy but this information is important if we are to understand their diversity, adaptations and biogeochemical roles in Antarctic systems. We detected Archaea in sea ice at two sampling sites taken from three subsequent years using conserved 16S rRNA gene archaeal primers and PCR. Archaeal abundance was measured using quantitative PCR and community diversity was investigated by sequencing cloned 16S rRNA gene PCR products. Archaea in Antarctic sea ice were found to be in low abundance consisting of ≤ 6.6% of the prokaryotic community. The majority, 90.8% of the sequences, clustered with the recently described phylumThaumarchaeota, one group closely clustered with the ammonia-oxidizing CandidatusNitrosopumilus maritimus. The remainder of the clones grouped with theEuryarchaeota.
Diagnosis and management of haematological malignancies in older people
Authors: Marr Helen , Jones Gail L , Jackson Graham H , Osborne Wendy 
Published: May 2011

SummaryThe incidence of most haematological malignancies increases with age. Given that those aged >65 years represent the fastest growing segment of Western populations, these cancers may commonly present to medical teams with an interest in older patients. Over the last 20 years there have been dramatic improvements in the outlook for patients diagnosed with haematological cancers, but there is evidence that many of these improvements have been restricted to younger patients. It is therefore important that older patients with haematological malignancies are rapidly diagnosed and promptly treated with the best available therapies. Clinical trials that specifically encompass older patients are clearly important. In this review, the presentation and management of common haematological malignancies will be discussed, including myelodysplasia, acute leukaemia, lymphoproliferative disorders and myeloma.
Is targeting beta-amyloid pathology, with immunotherapy, an effective treatment option for Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: O'Donovan James 
Published: May 2011

SummaryAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the commonest form of dementia, estimated to affect 37 million people worldwide. Currently there is nothing to halt the progression of AD – treatment focuses largely on slowing the development of symptoms. More recently disease-modifying interventions, such as immunotherapy, have been investigated as their aim is to halt or even reverse symptoms by removing β-amyloid (Aβ) pathology. This paper assesses the developments made in this particular field, offers critical appraisal of important papers and assesses the viability of this potential form of treatment.
(A2) Strategies to Recover the Health Care Capacity Post Earthquake in Chile
Authors: Bambaren C. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundThe earthquake that struck Chile on February 27th, 2010 produced profound damage of hospital services with 4249 bed lost especially in the regions of Maule and Bio. The capacity of the health was critically reduced in ability to assure health access to affected people by the disaster.Discussion of InterventionsThe first strategy to maintain health services was the deployment of 18 field hospitals from Chilean organizations (Army and Air Force), international organizations and foreign governments. This measure allowed for 533 beds and 16 surgical blocks in the first weeks. There were 14 field hospitals until November. Taking into account the beginning of the winter season, the national government set up another sort of strategy to increase the capacity of the health care facilities: § Strengthening of hospitals without damage that were close to the disaster area. These hospitals were used as referral centers. § Purchasing of 708 beds from the private health sector. § Habilitation of free spaces to be used for inpatients. § Increasing the capacity of home care health programs to release beds. § Construction of some small temporary units to admit patients. § Small-scale interventions to repair damages in hospitals. § Extending the work time until 16 hours in the primary health care facilities. § Improving of the efficient of the using of human and physical resources. § Restructuration of the hospital network that allowed adding 300 new beds.ResultsThe ministry of health recovered more than 94% of loss beds and 92% of surgical blocks through July. However, it is necessary to identify US$ 2720 million for reconstruction program and to establish a national strategy of safe hospitals in order to reduce the future costs of the recovery of damaged health care facilities. *Based on information from PAHO – Chile.
(A9) Search and Rescue Underestimated
Authors: Gruskin M.A. 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundSearch and rescue plays a major role in today's society. Whether lost at sea, stranded in a remote area, or trapped in a confined space, countless rescuers and volunteers will attempt to find you and get you to safety.Discussion and ObservationsRescue teams consist of highly trained professionals including firefighters, EMT's, paramedics and other local volunteers who are willing to risk their lives to help others. Special teams and robotics were sent into ground zero after 9/11, locating and providing immediate extrication to those who were injured. The U.S Coast Guard's search and rescue efforts during Katrina were crucial saving countless lives in New Orleans.
(A18) The Influence of Status and the Patterns of Driving License Ownership Toward the Gradation of Open Fractures According to Sardjito Scoring System Suffered by Motorcycles Accident Patients in Emergency Department of Saiful Anwar General Hospital from April to June 2010
Authors: Maharani T. , Haedar A. 
Published: May 2011

Introduction3880 fracture patients are admitted in the Emergency Department of Saiful Anwar General Hospital from January to August 2009. It signifies to the second place of the cause of patients' admission. Most cases are motorcyclist victims from road traffic accident. Driving license is encouraged by the government to reduce the number of road traffic accident victims.MethodsThis study utilizes observational with cross sectional study and purposive sampling to correlate the relationship between status of motorcycle driving license ownership and the obedience of traffic law, the relationship between the patterns of motorcycle driving license ownership and the obedience of traffic law, and the relationship between the obedience towards traffic law and the gradation of open fractures among motorcyclist victims in accordance with Sardjito Scoring system.ResultsMost patients have no driving license. And those who has driving license, mostly have never undergone driving license test. Patients with open fractures of cruris come with severe Sardjito scoring system, open fractures of antebrachii with moderate Sardjito scoring system, and open fractures of femur with moderate Sardjito scoring system.DiscussionIt is strongly related between the ownership of driving license and road traffic accidents. The most road traffic accidents cases of are open fractures of cruris, open fractures of antebrachii, and open fractures of femur respectively. High obedience and strict use of personal protective equipment (safety helmet, glove, and jacket) would be effective in mitigating road traffic accident injuries.