bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of doctors', parents' and children's reports of health states and health‐related quality of life in children with chronic conditions
Authors: Morrow A. M. , Hayen A. , Quine S. , Scheinberg A. , Craig J. C. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractBackground  Health‐related quality of life is an important outcome. Self‐report is the gold standard, but in the paediatric setting we often rely on proxy reporting. Our understanding of the differences between self‐ and proxy reports and the factors that influence them is limited. These differences can impact on treatment choices and the patient–doctor relationship.Objective  To evaluate differences between children's, parents' and doctors' perceptions of health states and health‐related quality of life in children with chronic illness and explore factors which explain these differences.Methods  Consecutive families attending eligible clinics at a tertiary paediatric centre were invited to complete the Health Utilities Index (HUI) 23 questionnaire. Percentage agreement and kappas were calculated as a measure of the agreement between pairs. Chi‐squared tests or Fisher's exact test, if appropriate, were performed to determine if there was an association between level of agreement and participant variables.Results  Data were collected for 130 parent–doctor pairs, 59 child–parent pairs and 59 child–doctor pairs. Overall health‐related quality of life scores did not differ between responders, but there was poorer agreement for subjective domains. Doctor–child agreement was lower than parent–child agreement. Children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy or chronic neurological condition were more likely to have lower inter‐rater agreement for both subjective and objective domains. On the HUI2, agreement was lower for parent–child pairs when the father was the respondent. For child–doctor pairs, an increased frequency of patient–doctor visits and doctors' seniority were predictors of poorer agreement on the HUI3 and HUI2 respectively.Conclusions  We identified factors associated with level of agreement for self‐ and proxy reporting on the HUI23. Parent–child agreement was higher than doctor–child agreement. Patients with significant pain or emotional distress and patients with a diagnosis of severe cerebral palsy or chronic neurological conditions were more susceptible to under‐reporting of subjective aspects of well‐being by doctors and parents and may benefit from formal assessment of health‐related quality of life in the clinical setting.
Are consumer profiling techniques equivalent for some product categories? The case of orange‐flavoured powdered drinks
Authors: Ares Gastón , Varela Paula , Rado Germán , Giménez Ana 
Published: June 2011

SummaryTaking into account consumers’ perception in new product development has been regarded as a key strategy to developing more successful food products. In this context, consumer profiling techniques have increased their popularity in the last decade. The aim of the present work was to compare four consumer profiling techniques (sorting, projective mapping, intensity scales and check‐all‐that‐apply questions) in orange‐flavoured powdered juice drinks. A consumer study was carried out with 200 regular consumers of the category, which were divided into four groups. Each group used a different methodology to evaluate seven commercial powdered drinks. After completing the task consumers were asked to rate its difficulty on a nine‐point hedonic scale. Results showed that the four evaluated methodologies were able to identify differences in consumers’ perception of the sensory characteristics of the drinks, providing similar information. However, the application of CATA questions and intensity scales was regarded as easier for consumers. Advantages and disadvantages of the evaluated methodologies are discussed.
Close encounters: contact‐dependent interactions in bacteria
Authors: Konovalova Anna , Søgaard‐Andersen Lotte 
Published: June 2011

SummaryBacterial cells interact extensively within and between species. These interactions can be divided into those that rely on diffusible factors and those that depend on direct cell‐to‐cell contacts. An example of a contact‐dependent interaction is the transfer of lipoproteins between Myxococcus xanthus cells that leads to transient stimulation of motility in certain motility mutants. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Wei et al. (2011) provide mechanistic insights into this contact‐dependent transfer of lipoproteins. Briefly, a heterologous protein fused to a type II (lipoprotein) signal sequence that targets the protein to the outer membrane is required and sufficient for transfer. Moreover, evidence is provided that transfer may depend on specific contacts between donor and recipient cells. The data demonstrate that lipoprotein transfer in M. xanthus is not restricted to a few odd motility proteins but could be a wide‐spread phenomenon in M. xanthus and possibly other bacteria. Recent years have been fruitful in identifying contact‐dependent interactions between bacterial cells. These interactions can be grouped into those that involve delivery of cargo to a recipient and those that seem to be involved in cell‐to‐cell signalling. Several contact‐dependent interactions involve widely conserved proteins, suggesting that cell contact‐dependent processes may be widespread among bacteria.
SMC is recruited to oriC by ParB and promotes chromosome segregation in Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Minnen Anita , Attaiech Laetitia , Thon Maria , Gruber Stephan , Veening Jan‐Willem 
Published: June 2011

SummarySegregation of replicated chromosomes is an essential process in all organisms. How bacteria, such as the oval‐shaped human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae, efficiently segregate their chromosomes is poorly understood. Here we show that the pneumococcal homologue of the DNA‐binding protein ParB recruits S. pneumoniae condensin (SMC) to centromere‐like DNA sequences (parS) that are located near the origin of replication, in a similar fashion as was shown for the rod‐shaped model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. In contrast to B. subtilis, smc is not essential in S. pneumoniae, and Δsmc cells do not show an increased sensitivity to gyrase inhibitors or high temperatures. However, deletion of smc and/or parB results in a mild chromosome segregation defect. Our results show that S. pneumoniae contains a functional chromosome segregation machine that promotes efficient chromosome segregation by recruitment of SMC via ParB. Intriguingly, the data indicate that other, as of yet unknown mechanisms, are at play to ensure proper chromosome segregation in this organism.
The N‐terminal amphipathic region of the Escherichia coli type III secretion system protein EspD is required for membrane insertion and function
Authors: Dasanayake Dayal , Richaud Manon , Cyr Normand , Caballero‐Franco Celia , Pittroff Sabrina , Finn Ron M. , Ausió Juan , Luo Wensheng , Donnenberg Michael S. , Jardim Armando 
Published: June 2011

SummaryEnterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli is a causative agent of gastrointestinal and diarrheal diseases. These pathogenic E. coli express a syringe‐like protein machine, known as the type III secretion system (T3SS), used for the injection of virulence factors into the cytosol of the host epithelial cell. Breaching the epithelial plasma membrane requires formation of a translocation pore that contains the secreted protein EspD. Here we demonstrate that the N‐terminal segment of EspD, encompassing residues 1–171, contains two amphipathic domains spanning residues 24–41 and 66–83, with the latter of these helices being critical for EspD function. Fluorescence and circular dichroism analysis revealed that, in solution, His6‐EspD1–171 adopts a native disordered structure; however, on binding anionic small unilamellar vesicles composed of phosphatidylserine, His6‐EspD1–171 undergoes a pH depended conformational change that increases the α‐helix content of this protein approximately sevenfold. This change coincides with insertion of the region circumscribing Trp47 into the hydrophobic core of the lipid bilayer. On the HeLa cell plasma membrane, His6‐EspD1–171 forms a homodimer that is postulated to promote EspD–EspD oligomerization and pore formation. Complementation of ΔespD null mutant bacteria with an espDΔ66–83 gene showed that this protein was secreted but non‐functional.
Bias of reduced‐effort community surveys for adult Odonata of lentic waters
Authors: BRIED JASON T. , HAGER BARBARA J. , HUNT PAMELA D. , FOX JENNETTE N. , JENSEN HEATHER J. , VOWELS KELLY M. 
Published: June 2011

Abstract. 1. Repeat surveys are needed to capture a representative spectrum of adult odonate richness at a site, but specifics on frequency and duration of surveys and associated inferential biases are poorly understood.2. Weekly 1 h surveys of mature male dragonflies and damselflies were repeated at least 15 times at 19 ponds, lakes and wetlands scattered throughout North America. For each site, we tallied the data remaining when the weekly frequency was reduced to 75% (every 1.5 weeks), 50% (biweekly), 33% (triweekly), and 25% (monthly) and the 1 h survey to 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10 min subsets.3. Reducing the original effort by half (i.e. to 30 min biweekly) retained about 80% of the species on average. The smallest effort (10 min monthly) retained about 49% of species. The greatest rate of information loss occurred between 20 and 10 min.4. Across‐site analysis found that data subsets correlated to the original data set (r > 0.81) despite up to 50% species loss. Strong correlations (r ≥ 0.98) remained with 10–15% species loss.5. Biweekly surveys lasting 20–40 min each may provide a representative and cost‐effective sample of adult odonate richness in lentic study sites. Losing a handful of species should not greatly undermine richness and compositional comparisons among sites.
1-Hexyl n-cyanoacrylate compound (Neucrylate™ AN), a new berry aneurysm treatment. II. Rabbit implant studies: technique and histology
Authors: Kerber Charles W , Pakbaz Ramin Sean , Hasteh Farnaz , Miskolczi Laszlo , Lieber Barry Baruch 
Published: June 2011

IntroductionFollowing satisfactory benchtop testing of a new liquid embolic agent, animal implant studies were performed.Materials and methodElastase aneurysms were created in the right common carotid artery of New Zealand rabbits under approved institutional guidelines. Using direct fluoroscopic control and commercially available microcatheters, the device was introduced into the aneurysms. At 2 months, 12 months and 24 months, follow-up angiography was performed and analyzed. The animals were sacrificed, the brachiocephalic arteries were explanted and fixed, and the histologic appearance of the treated aneurysms was evaluated.ResultsThe Neucrylate polymerized into an open pore elastic sponge. The open pores permitted fibrous tissue ingrowth. By 2 months, all of the aneurysm necks had been covered by fibrous tissue and a neointima. Two of the aneurysms originally inadequately filled allowed opportunity for retreatment. The reactive change within the aneurysms demonstrated fibroblastic proliferation, collagen and some giant cells but no vascular necrosis. Results at 2 months, 12 months and 24 months were for all practical purposes similar.ConclusionThe lack of necrosis, the mild inflammatory response and the permanence of the implant are interesting in a cyanoacrylate based embolic agent, especially in light of the experience with lower chain homologs and other liquid embolic agents.
The Cost of Equity Capital on Developing Equity Markets: Estimations for Selected Slovene Companies
Authors: Stubelj Igor 
Published: June 2011

The Cost of Equity Capital on Developing Equity Markets: Estimations for Selected Slovene CompaniesThe article sheds light on the estimation of the cost of equity capital on a developing equity market. The cost of equity is important; it is crucial in capital budgeting decisions and performance evaluation. It determines the minimum yield the investors require on the invested capital and we use it as a discount rate to calculate the present value of the expected free cash flows to equity. The aim of this paper is to tackle the estimation of the cost of equity capital on developing markets with the example of estimation for ten Slovene publicly traded companies. The estimated cost of capital for the selected Slovene companies is between 9,7% and 13,7%.
Prediction of Torque Pulsations in Brushless Permanent-Magnet Motors Using Improved Analytical Technique
Authors: Kiyoumarsi Arash 
Published: June 2011

Prediction of Torque Pulsations in Brushless Permanent-Magnet Motors Using Improved Analytical TechniqueTorque pulsations have prominent effects on the performance of brushless permanent- magnet (PM) machines. There are different sources of torque ripples in PM motors. These torque pulsations depend on the shape of the flux density distribution in the airgap region. For predicting the open-circuit airgap field distribution in brushless PM motors, a two dimensional (2-D) analytical method, in which the direction of magnetization, either radial or parallel and the effect of the stator slot-openings are taken into account, is used. The method uses an improved 2-D permeance model. In order to evaluate the accuracy of this method, a 2-D time-stepping FEM coupled with the two motion equations is used. A 3-phase, 36-slot, 4-pole, 5 HP, brushless PM motor is modeled by two methods. In this analysis both, the radial and parallel magnetization of the brushless motor are considered. The results obtained by the analytical method are compared with those obtained by FE analysis that shows the valuable accuracy of the analytical method for performance calculations in design and optimization processes.
Optimal Relays Coordination Efficient Method in Interconnected Power Systems
Authors: Mohammadi Reza , Abyaneh Hossein , Razavi Farzad , Al-Dabbagh Majid , Sadeghi Seyed 
Published: June 2011

Optimal Relays Coordination Efficient Method in Interconnected Power SystemsIn this paper an efficient method for optimal overcurrent relay coordination is proposed. In the proposed method using genetic algorithm, an objective function (OF) is developed to solve the problem of miscoordination for six pairs short circuit fault currents. The new OF is improved to be simple, optimal and efficient. This technique takes into account the changes in network configuration. The efficiency of the proposed technique is demonstrated by comparing the results of two different networks namely typical 8-bus & IEEE 30-bus systems with those obtained using the recently developed techniques.
Frequency Weighted Controller Order Reduction (Part I)
Authors: Sadeghian Roozbeh , Karimaghaee Paknosh , Khayatian Alireza 
Published: June 2011

Frequency Weighted Controller Order Reduction (Part I)
In this paper, a new method for controller reduction of linear time invariant systems is presented. The method is based on newly defined controllability and observability grammians which are calculated from input to state and state to output characteristics of the controller in a certain frequency domain. These grammians are defined for the closed loop system to keep the performance of original controller. The main idea of this method is based on Moores model reduction. The relation of this method with weighted frequency model reduction of Enns will be described by a commutative diagram. The stability property of the new method is investigated. It is shown that the stability for two sided weights can be preserved under certain conditions. The simulation results show the effectiveness of this novel technique.
Advanced Models and Algorithms for Self-Similar IP Network Traffic Simulation and Performance Analysis
Authors: Radev Dimitar , Lokshina Izabella 
Published: June 2011

Advanced Models and Algorithms for Self-Similar IP Network Traffic Simulation and Performance Analysis
The paper examines self-similar (or fractal) properties of real communication network traffic data over a wide range of time scales. These self-similar properties are very different from the properties of traditional models based on Poisson and Markov-modulated Poisson processes. Advanced fractal models of sequentional generators and fixed-length sequence generators, and efficient algorithms that are used to simulate self-similar behavior of IP network traffic data are developed and applied. Numerical examples are provided; and simulation results are obtained and analyzed.
Self-Tuning Predictive Control of Nonlinear Servo-Motor
Authors: Bobál Vladimír , Chalupa Petr , Kubalčík Marek , Dostál Petr 
Published: June 2011

Self-Tuning Predictive Control of Nonlinear Servo-MotorThe paper is focused on a design of a self-tuning predictive model control (STMPC) algorithm and its application to a control of a laboratory servo motor. The model predictive control algorithm considers constraints of a manipulated variable. An ARX model is used in the identification part of the self-tuning controller and its parameters are recursively estimated using the recursive least squares method with the directional forgetting. The control algorithm is based on the Generalised Predictive Control (GPC) method and the optimization was realized by minimization of a quadratic and absolute values objective functions. A recursive control algorithm was designed for computation of individual predictions by incorporating a receding horizon principle. Proposed predictive controllers were verified by a real-time control of highly nonlinear laboratory model — Amira DR300.
Indentation Load-Size Effect in Al2O3 — SIC Nanocomposites
Authors: CsehovAaA Erika , AndrejovskAaA Jana , Limpichaipanit Apichart , Dusza Ján , Todd Richard 
Published: June 2011

Indentation Load-Size Effect in Al2O3 — SIC Nanocomposites
The indentation load-size effect (ISE) in Vickers hardness of Al2O3 and Al2O3 + SiC nanocomposites has been investigated and analysed using Meyer law, proportional specimen resistance (PSR) model and modified proportional specimen resistance (MPSR) model. The strongest ISE was found for alumina. Both the PSR and MPSR models described the ISE well, but the MPSR model resulted in slightly lower true hardness values for all materials investigated. No evidence of the effect of machining stresses on the ISE has been found.
CFD Simulation of Capillary Condensation during Freeze Drying of Porous Material
Authors: Hassan Ghajar M. , Hashemabadi S. H. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe formation and distribution of condensed vapor during the freeze drying of porous polymer hydrogels are numerically evaluated. The sublimation‐condensation model is developed by CFD simulation to investigate phase change in the freeze drying process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the structure of cross‐linked gelatine and an idealized geometry model was applied to determine interconnected pore structure. The simulation explores the influence of various parameters on condensation and drying rate, including temperature, pressure, pore diameter, liquid volume fraction, and porosity. The optimum temperature is estimated to enhance drying rate and decrease condensation in the freeze drying process. The results show that condensation in porous materials depends on capillary forces and cause invasion percolation patterns.
Process Development and Design of Downstream Processes
Authors: Strube Jochen , Grote Florian , Josch Jan Pablo , Ditz Reinhard 
Published: June 2011

AbstractState‐of‐the‐art of process development, scale‐up and design for downstream processes is described for complex mixtures in biotechnology. The focus is on fermentation broth and plant‐based extracts to derive methodological arguments. Academic and industrial approaches are discussed with an assessment based on some process relevant criteria. Examples of monoclonal antibody, insulin and penicillin production processes are chosen to develop a sound argumentative basis. Demands of total process integration, accuracy and sensitivity of phenomena, resulting e.g. in miniaturization of laboratory experiments and linked with necessary in‐depth modeling are developed and implemented. Specific tasks of unit operation are displayed and their integration into an efficient process sequence is demonstrated. Based on that, further research needs are pointed out and corresponding activities are identified. For instance, the transfer of well established methods in chemical engineering like process modeling in combination with laboratory scale experiments and final miniplant validation should be followed consequently also in biotechnology applications. Some drawbacks in academic education and industrial training as well as organizational structures are discussed to help address this issue.
Transformation of a CuII Thiazolo‐1,2,4‐triazine Derivative from a Metastable Coordination Network to a Monomer in Solution and Vapor Conditions
Authors: Hori Akiko , Kikuchi Takahiro , Miyamoto Kumiko , Okano Takashi , Kachi‐Terajima Chihiro , Sakaguchi Hiroshi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractAlthough mononuclear complexes were mainly obtained from Cu2+ ion and phenyl‐, ethyl‐ or benzyl‐substituted thiazolo‐1,2,4‐triazine derivatives, unique metastable orange–yellow crystals [CuCl2(3a)]n (5a; Cu/3a = 1:1) with the phenyl‐substituted derivative 3a were obtained as a 1D coordination polymer through bis(μ‐chloro) linkages in a 2‐propanol solution. The crystals show dynamic and irreversible structural transformation into blue crystals of [CuCl2(3a)2] (6a; Cu/3a = 1:2) not only in solution but also in vapor conditions. As 5a and 6a are ferromagnetic and paramagnetic, respectively, the transformation of 5a was monitored by magnetic susceptibility measurements in the solid state, and χT of 5a decreased according to the color change. The XRD pattern of 5a also changed to a new aggregation state, ascribed to the disproportionation of the 1D network to form a mononuclear complex and a solvated metal ion in the crystalline state. This unusual 1D network is stabilized by intermolecular π‐π stacking between the phenyl and the triazine moieties, and comparative studies of the ethyl and benzyl‐substituted complexes show no polymeric structures. The coordination site of all the thiazolo‐1,2,4‐triazine derivatives in this work was found to be the imino nitrogen as a monodentate coordination site by X‐ray crystallographic studies and DFT calculations.
“Click” Assembly of Carborane‐Appended Polymers and Stabilization of Gold and Palladium Nanoparticles
Authors: Liang Liyuan , Rapakousiou Amalia , Salmon Lionel , Ruiz Jaime , Astruc Didier , Dash Barada Prasanna , Satapathy Rashmirekha , Sawicki James W. , Hosmane Narayan S. 
Published: June 2011

Abstracto‐Carborane was covalently linked to the side chain of a polystyrene polymer by the “click” reaction to provide acarborane‐appended polystyrene polymer. The initial step involved the radical polymerization of p‐chloromethylstyrene with AIBN followed by replacement of the chloro units by azido groups; the final step employed the CuI‐catalyzedHuisgen‐type “click” reaction between the azidomethyl‐appended polystyrene polymer and the ethynyl‐terminated carborane unit yielding the desired carborane‐appended polystyrene. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) of this carborane‐appended polymer showed a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.52. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) in dichloromethane provided a diameter value of 4.5 nm. The MALDI TOF mass spectrum exhibited a series of single peaks culminating from 16 carborane‐appended styrenyl units. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the polymer to have good thermal robustness. Polymer‐stabilized gold and palladium nanoparticles (AuNPs and PdNPs) were synthesized with sizes determined by TEM to be 2.6 ± 0.4 and 1.7 ± 0.3 nm, respectively. The Miyaura–Suzuki cross‐coupling of phenyl iodide with phenylboronoic acid at 22 °C was catalyzed by the polymer‐stabilized PdNPs.