bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisited: The future of general systems research: Update on obstacles, potentials, case studies
Authors: Troncale Len 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThis paper updates observations made 25 years ago on more than 33 impediments, possibilities, and developments relative to the development of systems awareness. It briefly describes three new ‘generations’ of systems awareness that were only partly anticipated at that time, but spontaneously appeared since the original article. These three new ‘movements’ include “complex systems” research and tools from the hard sciences, systems science approaches in the descriptive sciences of geology and biology, and the computer simulation or systems engineering approaches of the new ‘system of systems’ (SOS) movement. Some trends in developments in systems education are cited. The article emphasizes the continuing need for stronger coupling of systems theories and systems applications as well as faster transfer from science to application. It ends with one sentence updates on each of the original 33 needs including information on how 4 have been substantially answered while 14 have shown only very limited progress, and 15 no progress at all. The paper also cites appearance of a significant new obstacle, namely incompatibility of systems modeling tools for hybrid system of systems problems. Overall, the conclusion is that this field devoted to synthesis and integration is actually becoming more fragmented and unintegrated while the information and tools for its eventual synthesis multiply in a healthy manner. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical analysis of 16th to 19th century Limoges School ‘painted enamel’ objects in three museums of the Low Countries
Authors: Van der Linden Veerle , Schalm Olivier , Houbraken Jos , Thomas Mienke , Meesdom Eva , Devos Annemie , Dooren Rita Van , Nieuwdorp Hans , Janssen Elsje , Janssens Koen 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this study, the results of analysing of a series of 16th–19th century painted enamel objects of the Limoges School currently in collections in three Dutch and Flemish museums by means of portable and micro x‐ray fluorescence analysis (PXRF and µ‐XRF) and electron probe micro analysis (EPMA) are presented. The aim of the investigation was the authentication of specific pieces. Therefore, the glass compositions as well as the (glass) colouring agents used by the Limoges' artists were studied as a function of the age of the objects. Due to the evolution of these properties, it is possible to approximately date these objects based on their chemical composition. The complete ‘émail peint’ collection of the Museum Boijmans‐Van Beuningen (Rotterdam, The Netherlands), consisting of 20 ‘émail peint’ plaques, was analysed with µ‐XRF. Quantitative information was obtained by EPMA analysis of 15 enamel fragments of objects from museum and private collections in the Low Countries. PXRF analyses were performed on the painted enamel collection of the Antwerp Vleeshuis Museum (13 objects) and the Mayer van den Bergh Museum (4 objects) and on a set of 18 plaques that were donated to the Boijmans‐Van Beuningen Museum by a private collector.The results obtained by means of EPMA, µ‐XRF and PXRF proved to be useful in the discrimination of 16th century painted enamel objects from those of the19th century. From a total of 70 objects examined, 2 objects (OM964A and OM993) featured a chemical signature that deviated from the published literature composition and pigment use consistent with its presumed period of manufacture. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Silica Gels by 29Si MAS NMR and IR Spectroscopic Measurements
Authors: Lutz Wolfgang , Täschner Dirk , Kurzhals Rolf , Heidemann Detlef , Hübert Cornelia 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe solubility of commercial and synthesized silica gels in a solution of Tetra‐Ethyl‐Ammonium‐Hydroxide (TEAOH) was investigated at room temperature. The state of parent silica frameworks was characterized by BET and SEM. The structural defects were identified both by the Qn group analysis in 29Si MAS NMR and IR spectroscopic investigation. It was found that the dissolution rate of the samples shows a tendency for growing up with an increasing BET surface. The increase of the internal surface was accompanied by formation of Si(OSi)3(OH) (Q3) and Si(OSi)2(OH)2 (Q2) structural units. The higher the number of Q3 and Q2 groups observed, the faster the samples were dissolved in TEAOH solution due to the attack of the hydroxide ions on the terminal OH groups of the framework. The asymmetrical TOT valence vibration of the IR spectra was systematically shifted to lower values with increase in the number of Q3 and Q2 structure groups.
Cancer and Obesity: Effect of Bariatric Surgery
Authors: Adams Ted D. , Hunt Steven C. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractRecent international cancer prevention guidelines recommend weight loss, where appropriate, for the purpose of cancer risk reduction. However, limited research associates voluntary weight loss to subsequent cancer incidence because of the difficulty of achieving long‐term weight loss maintenance among large participant groups. Bariatric surgery has demonstrated long‐term sustained weight loss, and as a result, patients after bariatric surgery represent an ideal population to explore the relationship between long‐term, voluntary weight loss and cancer incidence. This paper briefly reviews cancers that have shown to be associated with overweight and obesity and looks at studies that demonstrate reduced total mortality after bariatric surgery. Reduced cancer mortality and incidence as well as reduced cancer‐related physician visits after bariatric surgery are presented. Study limitations and future research questions related to cancer and bariatric surgery are briefly discussed.
Surgeons Without Borders: A Brief History of Surgery at Médecins Sans Frontières
Authors: Chu Kathryn , Rosseel Peter , Trelles Miguel , Gielis Pierre 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMédecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a humanitarian organization that performs emergency and elective surgical services in both conflict and non‐conflict settings in over 70 countries. In 2006 MSF surgeons departed on approximately 125 missions, and over 64,000 surgical interventions were carried out in some 20 countries worldwide. Historically, the majority of MSF surgical projects began in response to conflicts or natural disasters. During an emergency response, MSF has resources to set up major operating facilities within 48 h in remote areas. One of MSF strengths is its supply chain. Large pre‐packaged surgical kits, veritable “operating theatres to go,” can be readied in enormous crates and quickly loaded onto planes. In more stable contexts, MSF has also strengthened the delivery of surgical services within a country’s public health system. The MSF surgeon is the generalist in the broadest sense and performs vascular, obstetrical, orthopaedic, and other specialized surgical procedures. The organization aims to provide surgical services only temporarily. When there is a decrease in acute needs a program will be closed, or more importantly, turned over to the Ministry of Health or another non‐governmental organization. The long‐term solution to alleviating the global burden of surgical disease lies in building up a domestic surgical workforce capable of responding to the major causes of surgery‐related morbidity and mortality. However, given that even countries with the resources of the United States suffer from an insufficiency of surgeons, the need for international emergency organizations to provide surgical assistance during acute emergencies will remain for the foreseeable future.
Competitive RT-PCR Strategy for Quantitative Evaluation of the Expression of Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Growth Hormone Receptor Type I
Authors: Rodríguez-Mallon Alina , Cárdenas Yamilet , Lugo Juana María , Oliva Aymé , Morales Antonio , Estrada Mario Pablo 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Quantization of gene expression requires that an accurate measurement of a specific transcript is made. In this paper, a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) by competition for tilapia growth hormone receptor type I is designed and validated. This experimental procedure was used to determine the abundance of growth hormone receptor type I transcript in different tilapia tissues. The results obtained with this developed competitive RT-PCR were similar to real-time PCR results reported recently. This protocol provides a reliable alternative, but less expensive than real-time PCR to quantify specific genes.
Computational Biology Methods and Their Application to the Comparative Genomics of Endocellular Symbiotic Bacteria of Insects
Authors: Commins Jennifer , Toft Christina , Fares Mario A 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Comparative genomics has become a real tantalizing challenge in the postgenomic era. This fact has been mostly magnified by the plethora of new genomes becoming available in a daily bases. The overwhelming list of new genomes to compare has pushed the field of bioinformatics and computational biology forward toward the design and development of methods capable of identifying patterns in a sea of swamping data noise. Despite many advances made in such endeavor, the ever-lasting annoying exceptions to the general patterns remain to pose difficulties in generalizing methods for comparative genomics. In this review, we discuss the different tools devised to undertake the challenge of comparative genomics and some of the exceptions that compromise the generality of such methods. We focus on endosymbiotic bacteria of insects because of their genomic dynamics peculiarities when compared to free-living organisms.
In Vivo Imaging of Far-red Fluorescent Proteins after DNA Electrotransfer to Muscle Tissue
Authors: Hojman Pernille , Eriksen Jens , Gehl Julie 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
DNA electrotransfer to muscle tissue yields long-term, high levels of gene expression; showing great promise for future gene therapy. We want to characterize the novel far-red fluorescent protein Katushka as a marker for gene expression using time domain fluorescence in vivo imaging. Highly efficient transgenic expression was observed after DNA electrotransfer with 100-fold increase in fluorescent intensity. The fluorescent signal peaked 1 week after transfection and returned to background level within 4 weeks. Katushka expression was not as stable as GFP expression, which was detectable for 8 weeks. Depth and 3D analysis proved that the expression was located in the target muscle. In vivo bio-imaging using the novel Katushka fluorescent protein enables excellent evaluation of the transfection efficacy, and spatial distribution, but lacks long-term stability.
Detection and Processing Techniques of FECG Signal for Fetal Monitoring
Authors: Hasan MA , Reaz MBI , Ibrahimy MI , Hussain MS , Uddin J 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Fetal electrocardiogram (FECG) signal contains potentially precise information that could assist clinicians in making more appropriate and timely decisions during labor. The ultimate reason for the interest in FECG signal analysis is in clinical diagnosis and biomedical applications. The extraction and detection of the FECG signal from composite abdominal signals with powerful and advance methodologies are becoming very important requirements in fetal monitoring. The purpose of this review paper is to illustrate the various methodologies and developed algorithms on FECG signal detection and analysis to provide efficient and effective ways of understanding the FECG signal and its nature for fetal monitoring. A comparative study has been carried out to show the performance and accuracy of various methods of FECG signal analysis for fetal monitoring. Finally, this paper further focused some of the hardware implementations using electrical signals for monitoring the fetal heart rate. This paper opens up a passage for researchers, physicians, and end users to advocate an excellent understanding of FECG signal and its analysis procedures for fetal heart rate monitoring system.
A Method for Structure–Activity Analysis of Quorum-Sensing Signaling Peptides from Naturally Transformable Streptococci
Authors: Tian XiaoLin , Syvitski Raymond T , Liu TianLei , Livingstone Nadine , Jakeman David L , Li Yung-Hua 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Many species of streptococci secrete and use a competence-stimulating peptide (CSP) to initiate quorum sensing for induction of genetic competence, bacteriocin production, and other activities. These signaling molecules are small, unmodified peptides that induce powerful strain-specific activity at nano-molar concentrations. This feature has provided an excellent opportunity to explore their structure–function relationships. However, CSP variants have also been identified in many species, and each specifically activates its cognate receptor. How such minor changes dramatically affect the specificity of these peptides remains unclear. Structure–activity analysis of these peptides may provide clues for understanding the specificity of signaling peptide–receptor interactions. Here, we use the Streptococcus mutans CSP as an example to describe methods of analyzing its structure–activity relationship. The methods described here may provide a platform for studying quorum-sensing signaling peptides of other naturally transformable streptococci.
A Framework for White Blood Cell Segmentation in Microscopic Blood Images Using Digital Image Processing
Authors: Sadeghian Farnoosh , Seman Zainina , Ramli Abdul Rahman , Abdul Kahar Badrul Hisham , Saripan M-Iqbal 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Evaluation of blood smear is a commonly clinical test these days. Most of the time, the hematologists are interested on white blood cells (WBCs) only. Digital image processing techniques can help them in their analysis and diagnosis. For example, disease like acute leukemia is detected based on the amount and condition of the WBC. The main objective of this paper is to segment the WBC to its two dominant elements: nucleus and cytoplasm. The segmentation is conducted using a proposed segmentation framework that consists of an integration of several digital image processing algorithms. Twenty microscopic blood images were tested, and the proposed framework managed to obtain 92% accuracy for nucleus segmentation and 78% for cytoplasm segmentation. The results indicate that the proposed framework is able to extract the nucleus and cytoplasm region in a WBC image sample.
Lentiviral-Mediated Transgene Expression Can Potentiate Intestinal Mesenchymal-Epithelial Signaling
Authors: Dismuke Adria D , Kohn Aimee D , Moon Randall T , Wong Melissa H 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Mesenchymal-epithelial signaling is essential for the development of many organs and is often disrupted in disease. In this study, we demonstrate the use of lentiviral-mediated transgene delivery as an effective approach for ectopic transgene expression and an alternative to generation of transgenic animals. One benefit to this approach is that it can be used independently or in conjunction with established transgenic or knockout animals for studying modulation of mesenchymal-epithelial interactions. To display the power of this approach, we explored ectopic expression of a Wnt ligand in the mouse intestinal mesenchyme and demonstrate its functional influence on the adjacent epithelium. Our findings highlight the efficient use of lentiviral-mediated transgene expression for modulating mesenchymal-epithelial interactions in vivo.
Laparoscopic vaginal reconstruction using an ileal segment
Authors: Wu Ji‐Xiang , Li Bin , Li Wen‐Zhi , Jiang Yong‐Guang , Liang Jie‐Xiong , Zhong Chen‐Xi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic vaginal reconstruction using an ileal segment in patients with vaginal atresia, male‐female transsexual patients, or patients who had vaginal cancer.MethodsA retrospective review of the records of 80 patients who underwent laparoscopic vaginoplasty between 2004 and 2007 at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, China.ResultsNineteen (23.8%) patients underwent total laparoscopic vaginoplasty and 61 (76.3%) underwent laparoscope‐assisted vaginoplasty. There were 64 (80.0%) primary operations and 16 (20.0%) secondary operations. All of the surgeries were completed successfully and no intraoperative complications occurred. Mean follow‐up time was 14 months. Postoperatively, 5 women had vaginal stenosis, while 4 women had no sexual partner during the follow‐up period which meant that they could not be assessed completely. The remaining 71 patients were satisfied with their sexual lives after surgery.ConclusionVaginal reconstruction performed via total laparoscopic vaginoplasty or a laparoscope‐assisted technique using an ileal segment has a high success rate for a functional vagina and patient satisfaction.
Role of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in head and neck infections
Authors: Brook I 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe prevalence of infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is increasing. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is also being recognised as an important pathogen in head and neck infections. This review summarises studies published over the past two decades which illustrate the growing prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and the current therapeutic approaches to head and neck infections caused by this bacterium. These infections include sinusitis, otitis, periorbital cellulitis, cervical lymphadenitis, tonsillitis, thyroiditis, retropharyngeal abscess, and abscesses and wounds of the neck. Treatment of head and neck infections associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus includes drainage and debridement, as well as administration of local and systemic antimicrobials that provide coverage against these organisms and against potential aerobic and anaerobic pathogens that may be present if the infection is polymicrobial.
Robust backstepping control of an underactuated one-legged hopping robot in stance phase
Authors: He Guangping , Geng Zhiyong 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYExponentially stabilizing a non-Spring Loaded Inverted Pendulum (SLIP) model-based one-legged hopping robot in stance phase is studied. Differing from the SLIP model systems, the hopping robot with non-SLIP model considered in this paper does not restrict the center of mass of the robot coinciding to the hip joint. A specific underactuated one-legged hopping robot with two actuated arms are selected to investigate the dynamics and control problem. It is shown that the system holds the essential nonlinear prosperities of general systems and belongs to a class of second-order nonholonomic mechanical systems, which cannot be stabilized by any smooth time-invariant state feedback. By using a coordinates transform based on the so-called normalized momentum, a robust backstepping control method is presented for the specific hopping robot system. Both theoretical analysis and numerical simulations show that the robust backstepping controller can stabilize the underactuated one-legged hopping robot to its balance configuration as well as a periodic motion trajectory near to the balance configuration. These results are significative for designing a new non-SLIP model based hopping robot systems with more biological characteristics.
Investigation of axial forces on dynamic properties of a flexible 3-PRR planar parallel manipulator moving with high speed
Authors: Zhang Xuping , Mills James K. , Cleghorn William L. 
Published: August 2009

SUMMARYThe effect of axial forces on the dynamic properties is formulated and investigated for a 3-PRR planar parallel manipulator with three flexible intermediate links. A dynamic model of the manipulator system is developed based on the assumed mode method with the consideration of the effect of longitudinal forces on lateral stiffness is included. The flexible intermediate links are modeled as Euler–Bernoulli beams with pinned-pinned boundary conditions, which are verified by experimental modal tests. Natural frequencies of bending vibration of the intermediate links are derived as the functions of axial force and rigid-body motion of the manipulator. Dynamic behavior including the effect of axial forces on lateral deformation is investigated, and configuration-dependant frequencies are analyzed. Numerical simulations of configuration-dependent frequency properties and axial forces are performed to illustrate the effect of axial forces on the dynamic behaviors of the flexible parallel manipulator. Simulation results of mode amplitudes, deformations, axial forces, inertial, and coupling forces are presented, and further validate the theoretical derivations. These analyses and results provide a new and valuable insight to the design and control of the parallel manipulators with flexible intermediate links.
Harmonic and equianharmonic equations in the Grothendieck–Teichmüller group. III
Authors: Nakamura Hiroaki , Tsunogai Hiroshi , Yasuda Seidai 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe study behaviours of the ‘equianharmonic’ parameter of the Grothendieck–Teichmüller group introduced by Lochak and Schneps. Using geometric construction of a certain one-parameter family of quartics, we realize the Galois action on the fundamental group of a punctured Mordell elliptic curve in the standard Galois action on a specific subgroup of the braid group $\smash{\hat{B}_4}$. A consequence is to represent a matrix specialization of the ‘equianharmonic’ parameter in terms of special values of the adelic beta function introduced and studied by Anderson and Ihara.
On the equations for universal torsors over del Pezzo surfaces
Authors: Serganova Vera V. , Skorobogatov Alexei. N. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe describe equations of the universal torsors over del Pezzo surfaces of degrees from 2 to 5 over an algebraically closed field in terms of the equations of the corresponding homogeneous space G/P. We also give a generalization for fields that are not algebraically closed.
Supersingular Kottwitz–Rapoport strata and Deligne–Lusztig varieties
Authors: Görtz Ulrich , Yu Chia-Fu 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe investigate the special fibres of Siegel modular varieties with Iwahori level structure. On these spaces, we have the Newton stratification, and the Kottwitz–Rapoport (KR) stratification; one would like to understand how these stratifications are related to each other. We give a simple description of all KR strata which are entirely contained in the supersingular locus as disjoint unions of Deligne–Lusztig varieties. We also give an explicit numerical description of the KR stratification in terms of abelian varieties.