bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The null configuration model in limit load analysis of steel space frames
Authors: Trogrlić B. , Harapin A. , Mihanović A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis paper briefly presents a numerical model for the geometric and material nonlinear limit load analysis of steel space frames under large displacements. This approach favors a global discretization by 1D beam‐column finite elements over the one with 3D elements. The steel cross‐section is discretized with 2D elements so that the fiber decomposition procedure can be applied to solve the material and geometrical nonlinear behavior of the cross‐section under biaxial moments and axial forces. A local discretization of each beam element based on the comparative body model (i. e., a prismatic body discretized using brick elements, element by element, during the incremental‐iterative procedure) allows determining the torsional constant of the cross‐section under limited warping. The model implements bending, lateral and torsional stability effects. For the large displacement analysis, an originally developed Null Configuration Model (NCM) is applied as an incremental application of the Total Lagrange – small displacement theory. A step‐by‐step procedure for the incremental loading of a follower load is applied. The numerical model has been implemented in a computer program for the practical engineering computation of the limit load of steel space frames. Some of model's possibilities are illustrated in the presented practical example which also shows the efficiency and the accuracy of the developed algorithm.
Analysis of crack growth behavior in a double cantilever beam adhesive fracture test by different digital image processing techniques
Authors: Richter‐Trummer V. , Marques E.A. , Chaves F.J.P. , Tavares J.M.R.S. , da Silva L.F.M. , de Castro P.M.S.T. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDouble cantilever beam (DCB) tests are common experiments in the field of adhesive fracture mechanics. During such an experiment, both the load and the crack length have to be monitored. Digital image processing techniques offer interesting possibilities in various fields of science. Automated analyses may significantly reduce the necessary manpower for certain cumbersome tasks. The analysis of large series of images may be done in less time, since automated image processing techniques are able to work efficiently and with constant quality 24 h per day. In this work, a series of images obtained by a high‐speed camera is analyzed in order to determine the crack growth behavior during a DCB test. The present work represents a contribution to the effort of automating the crack growth measurement, by proposing and comparing different automated techniques.
Impacts of climate abnormality on remarkable dust storm increase of the Hunshdak Sandy Lands in northern China during 2001–2008
Authors: Gao Tao , Han Jingwei , Wang Yingshun , Pei Hao , Lu Shiqing 
Published: May 2011

AbstractFrom 1961 to 2008, the overall frequency of dust storms in northern China has shown an unquestionable reduction. However, the Hunshdak Sandy Lands of northern China display an increasing frequency in dust storm activities, especially during the period 2001 to 2008. In an attempt to explore the cause of this increase, a comprehensive investigation was conducted by examining the climate variables, the average normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the local inhabitant migrations. The climate variables include local precipitation, temperature, aridity, evaporation, relative humidity, soil moisture and wind speed. Moreover, by analyzing the 2001–2008 average anomaly charts (relative to the 30 year climatology of 1971–2000) of the upper air and surface conditions, an advantageous atmospheric circulation background for drought development over the Hunshdak was confirmed. Meanwhile, a multivariable step‐regression model was employed to distinguish the significant variables of the climate elements mentioned before. The model output suggests that aridity is the leading factor impacting the Hunshdak dust storm frequency. During 2001 to 2008, the lack of local precipitation, higher temperature and strong evaporation deteriorated the local surface condition to below that before 2000, which is verified by the reduction of vegetation cover (NDVI), soil moisture and relative humidity. Furthermore, compared to the 30 year climatology of the wind speed observed during dust storm occurrence time, the mean velocity of 2001–2008 was reduced by 3.0 m s−1, indicating that even with relatively weaker winds, dust storms still occurred primarily due to the degeneration of surface conditions around the Hunshdak. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Questionnaire tools for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome from the patient history
Authors: Bland Jeremy D.P. , Weller Peter , Rudolfer Stephan 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIntroduction: There remains no “gold standard” for the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Clinical diagnosis is often held to be paramount but depends on the skills of the individual practitioner. We describe two mathematical approaches to the analysis of a history obtained by questionnaire. Methods: We used two earlier instruments, a conventional logistic regression analysis, and an artificial neural network to analyze data from 5860 patients referred for diagnosis of hand symptoms. We evaluated their ability to predict whether nerve conduction studies would show evidence of CTS using receiver operating characteristic curves. Results: Both new instruments outperformed the existing tools, achieving sensitivity of 88% and specificity of 50% in predicting abnormal median nerve conduction. When combined, 96% sensitivity and 50% specificity were achieved. Conclusion: The combined instrument can be used as a preliminary screening tool for CTS, for self‐diagnosis, and as a supplement to diagnosis in primary care. Muscle Nerve, 2011
On a hierarchical error estimator combined with a stabilized method for the Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Araya Rodolfo , Poza Abner H. , Valentin Frédéric 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThis work combines two complementary strategies for solving the steady incompressible Navier–Stokes model with a zeroth‐order term, namely, a stabilized finite element method and a mesh–refinement approach based on an error estimator. First, equal order interpolation spaces are adopted to approximate both the velocity and the pressure while stability is recovered within the stabilization approach. Also designed to handle advection dominated flows under zeroth‐order term influence, the stabilized method incorporates a new parameter with a threefold asymptotic behavior. Mesh adaptivity driven by a new hierarchical error estimator and built on the stabilized method is the second ingredient. The estimator construction process circumvents the saturation assumption by using an enhancing space strategy which is shown to be equivalent to the error. Several numerical tests validate the methodology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2011
Oil‐absorbent beads containing β‐cyclodextrin moieties: preparation via suspension polymerization and high oil absorbency
Authors: He Jin , Ding Lei , Deng Jianping , Yang Wantai 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA novel type of polymeric beads with high oil absorbency was prepared via suspension polymerization technique. For this purpose, β‐cyclodextrin with vinyl groups (β‐CD‐MA) was first synthesized from β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and glycidyl methacrylate, and identified by FT‐IR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy analyses. Suspension polymerizations were carried out with styrene and stearyl acrylate as co‐monomers, β‐CD‐MA as cross‐linking agent, poly(vinylalcohol) as stabilizer and azoisobutyronitrile as initiator, providing polymeric beads in a quantitative yield. The oil‐absorbent beads had a porous structure and exhibited high oil absorbency: 55 times the dry weight in toluene, 52 times in xylene, 75 times in CHCl3 and 102 times in CCl4. The novel beads also showed high absorbency toward toluene from a toluene/water mixture, demonstrating the potential applications of such novel oil‐absorbent beads for cleaning organic contaminations from water. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moderators and long‐term effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy for fatigue during cancer treatment
Authors: Goedendorp Martine M. , Gielissen Marieke F.M. , Peters Marlies E.W.J. , Verhagen Constans A.H.H.V.M. , Bleijenberg Gijs 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveA randomised controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated that cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) for fatigue during curative cancer treatment was effective shortly after cancer treatment. This study aimed to identify which patient characteristics predict fatigue improvement after CBT. In addition, the long‐term effectiveness was investigated.MethodsPatients with various malignancies participated in the RCT (n = 210). Participants were assessed before cancer treatment (T1), postintervention (T2), which was at least 2 months after cancer treatment, and after 1‐year follow‐up (T3). Monthly fatigue assessments were completed between T2 and T3. A regression analysis with interactions was performed to determine if domains of quality of life (EORTC‐QLQ‐C30) functioning (Health Survey Short Form‐36) or psychological distress (Symptom Checklist‐90) moderated the effect of CBT on fatigue. Analyses of covariance were used to study the long‐term effectiveness of CBT.ResultsFatigue at T2 was predicted by a significant interaction between self‐reported cognitive functioning and CBT. No interactions were found between other domains of quality of life, functioning, psychological distress and CBT. At T3, no significant difference on fatigue was found between CBT and usual care. Exploratory analyses showed that the difference nearly reached significance until 7 months postintervention.ConclusionsPatients who experienced more concentration and memory problems at T1 benefited more from CBT for fatigue and are indicators. After a year of follow‐up, the effect of CBT for fatigue was no longer observed, and the effect on fatigue seemed to be diminished 7 months postintervention. The implication is that CBT for fatigue should be offered to patients with cancer with the highest chance to benefit. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pulsed Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Alumina Thin Films: Influence of the Duty Cycle on Structure and Elastic Properties
Authors: Konstantinidis Stephanos , Jiang Kaiyun , Roobroek Aline , Renaux Fabian , Schneider Jochen M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn this study, the duty cycle (Δ) has been systematically modified during the pulsed plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) of alumina (Al2O3) coatings. This deposition method is prone to chlorine incorporation during growth as AlCl3 is used as precursor. Here, we show that the incorporation of chlorine can be reduced from 2.4 ± 0.1 to 1.2 ± 0.1 at.‐% by increasing Δ from 62% to 91%. The film grown at Δ = 88% has a density of 3.85 ± 0.12 g cm−3 (96% of α‐alumina bulk density) and an elastic modulus of 365 ± 50 GPa (∼83% of the bulk α‐alumina value). Δ affects the normalized ion flux (NIF), which is the ratio between the flux of bombarding ions and the flux of deposited material. By increasing Δ, the formation of α‐rich alumina is promoted at 560 °C, the chlorine content is reduced, and the film is densified. An increased Δ and hence NIF results in enhanced ion bombardment of the film surface during growth, promoting chlorine desorption. Furthermore, it is reasonable to assume that the deposition rate decrease measured is a consequence of increasing Δ and hence NIF. Both the density as well as the elastic modulus increase measured is consistent with the increased NIF caused by increasing the duty cycle. magnified image
Influence of etching process parameters on the antireflection property of Si SWSs by thermally dewetted Ag and Ag/SiO2 nanopatterns
Authors: Leem Jung Woo , Yu Jae Su , Song Young Min , Lee Yong Tak 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe etching parameter dependent antireflection characteristics of disordered Si subwavelength structures (SWSs) by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching in a mixture gas of SiCl4/Ar using thermally dewetted Ag and Ag/SiO2 nanopatterns are investigated. The average size and period of Si SWSs are closely correlated with thermal dewetting conditions. For desirable Ag nanoparticle patterns, the profile of Si SWSs is optimized by changing the ICP etching process parameters to obtain the lowest reflectance spectrum. The most tapered SWS with the highest height leads to a relatively low reflectance. The Ag nanopatterns result in more tapered and rough surface SWSs compared to the Ag/SiO2 nanopatterns, indicating a slightly reduced reflectance. The Si SWS etched using Ag nanopatterns by SiCl4/Ar of 5 sccm/10 sccm at 50 W RF power, 200 W ICP power, and 10 mTorr process pressure exhibits a very low total reflectance of <∼2.4% in the wavelength range of 400–1000 nm, maintaining a specular reflectance of <16% at 350–1100 nm up to the incident angle of θi = 50°.
Can water vapour process data be used to estimate precipitation efficiency?
Authors: Gao Shouting , Li Xiaofan 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe precipitation efficiencies (RMPE, CMPE, and LSPE) can be defined as the ratio of rain rate to rainfall sources in the rain microphysical budget, the cloud microphysical budget, and the surface rainfall budget, respectively. The estimate of RMPE from grid‐scale data serves as the true precipitation efficiency since the rain rate is a diagnostic term in the tropical rain microphysical budget. The accuracy of precipitation efficiency estimates with CMPE and LSPE is compared to that of RMPE by analyzing data from a 21‐day two‐dimensional cloud‐resolving model simulation with imposed large‐scale vertical velocity, zonal wind, and horizontal advection obtained from the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment. The results show CMPE is generally smaller than RMPE. The root‐mean‐squared difference between RMPE and LSPE is larger than the standard deviation of RMPE. Thus, water vapour process data cannot be used to estimate precipitation efficiency. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Exponential l2−l∞ output tracking control for discrete‐time switched system with time‐varying delay
Authors: Hou Linlin , Zong Guangdeng , Wu Yuqiang , Cao Yongcan 
Published: May 2011

SUMMARYThe problem of exponential l2−l∞ output tracking control is considered in this paper for discrete‐time switched systems with time‐varying delay. The exponential l2−l∞ performance index is first introduced to study this problem for discrete‐time switched systems. By resorting to the average dwell time approach and Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional technology, some new delay‐dependent criteria guaranteeing exponential stability are developed. In addition, the corresponding solvability conditions using cone complement linearization method for the desired exponential l2−l∞ output tracking controller is established. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Realizing service migration in industry—lessons learned
Authors: Nasr Khalid Adam , Gross Hans‐Gerhard , van Deursen Arie 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn this paper, we present two descriptive case studies covering the re‐engineering and further evolution of adopting service‐oriented architecture (SOA) in the industry. The first case was carried out for a company in the transport sector with an application portfolio of over 700 systems. The second case study was conducted for an organization in the public sector. The goal of both case studies is to identify the possible benefits and drawbacks of realizing SOA in large organizations in order to obtain a better perspective on the real, rather than the assumed, benefits of SOA in practice. We describe how the two cases were developed and carried out, and discuss the experiences gained and lessons learned from adopting SOA in the two organizations. Based on these findings, we propose several directions for further research. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Focal palatine erosion in captive and free‐living cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) and other felid Species
Authors: Zordan Martín , Deem Sharon L. , Sanchez Carlos R. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractWe examined 1,092 skulls of captive and free‐living individuals, representing 33 felid species, to determine the prevalence of focal palatine erosion (FPE). FPE was detected in 3.2% of cats evaluated, including cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and 14 other felid species. The prevalence of FPE between cheetah (9.4%; n = 64) and non‐cheetah species (2.8%; n = 1,028) (χ2 test; P = 0.004) and between captive (5.7%; n = 246) and free‐living (2.4%; n = 824) individuals (χ2 test; P = 0.010) were significantly different, with prevalence between captive (19%; n = 21) and free‐living (2.9%; n = 34) cheetahs approaching significance (Fisher's exact test; P = 0.064). FPE was diagnosed with equal prevalence in skulls from individuals in which the lower molars did not meet the palatine bone (60.6%) and individuals in which it did (39.4%; n = 33) (χ2 test; P = 0.139). In cheetahs with FPE, one was a captive animal in Germany, one a free‐living cheetah from Mali, one captive cheetah from Kenya, and three captive cheetahs of unknown origin. Additionally, we evaluated the medical records of 49 captive cheetahs in Namibia. Of these cheetahs, 48 (98.0%) had clinical signs consistent with FPE, although only 16 of these 48 (39.6%) had perforation of the palatine bone. Based on physical examinations, FPE was diagnosed in two caracals (Caracal caracal) and one fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) from a North American Zoo. Results from this study confirm FPE in cheetahs outside of Namibia, in a minimum of 15 felid species, and a higher FPE prevalence in captive individuals than free‐living ones. Clinical implications of these findings and recommendations for future studies are provided. Zoo Biol 31: 181–188, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Compression Anastomosis Revisited: Prospective Audit of Short‐ and Medium‐term Outcomes in 62 Rectal Anastomoses
Authors: Dauser Bernhard , Winkler Thomas , Loncsar Gerhard , Herbst Friedrich 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe ColonRing™ represents a further advancement in compression anastomosis by using superelastic materials. In contrast to other compression devices, its field of application is identical to circular staplers. Yet, limited data are available and there are no reports on the use of this compression device for anastomoses in the lower rectum and in diverted cases.MethodsBetween November 2008 and March 2010 a nonrandomized prospective study of patients undergoing colorectal resection was done.ResultsSixty‐two patients (30 female) with a median age of 67 years (range = 23‐87) underwent surgery for benign (35) and malignant (27) indications;the surgery was performed laparoscopically in 53 (85.5%) cases. There were no leaks or other major complications related to the compression anastomosis. One patient died from sepsis caused by a leak of a colonic J‐pouch. Three of 12 (25%) patients after (ultra‐)low anterior resection experienced pain caused by the presence of the ring. Of 53 undiverted patients, rings were passed spontaneously in 52 (98.1%). No spontaneous passage occurred in patients with a stoma. Their rings were removed transanally prior to stoma closure. After a median of 6 months, endoscopic follow‐up was performed in 60 patients (96.8%). Two anastomotic stenoses were detected (3.3%).ConclusionConstruction of rectal anastomosis using this novel compression device is feasible and safe and appears to cause only few anastomotic strictures in the medium term. Discomfort or pain from the presence of the ring at anastomosis following (ultra‐)low anterior resection can be observed in a relevant number of patients.
Expression analysis revealing destabilizing mutations in phosphomannomutase 2 deficiency (PMM2‐CDG)
Authors: Vega Ana Isabel , Pérez‐Cerdá Celia , Abia David , Gámez Alejandra , Briones Paz , Artuch Rafael , Desviat Lourdes R. , Ugarte Magdalena , Pérez Belén 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDeficiency of phosphomannomutase (PMM2, MIM#601785) is the most common congenital disorder of glycosylation. Herein we report the genetic analysis of 22 Spanish PMM2 deficient patients and the functional analysis of 14 nucleotide changes in a prokaryotic expression system in order to elucidate their molecular pathogenesis. PMM2 activity assay revealed the presence of six protein changes with no enzymatic activities (p.R123Q, p.R141H, p.F157S, p.P184T, p.F207S and p.D209G) and seven mild protein changes with residual activities ranging from 16 to 54% (p.L32R, p.V44A p.D65Y, p.P113L p.T118S, p.T237M and p.C241S) and also one variant change with normal activity (p.E197A). The results obtained from Western blot analysis, degradation time courses of 11 protein changes and structural analysis of the PMM2 protein, suggest that the loss‐of‐function of most mutant proteins is based on their increased susceptibility to degradation or aggregation compared to the wild type protein, considering PMM2 deficiency as a conformational disease. We have identified exclusively catalytic protein change (p.D209G), catalytic protein changes affecting protein stability (p.R123Q and p.R141H), two protein changes disrupting the dimer interface (p.P113L and p.T118S) and several misfolding changes (p.L32R, p.V44A, p.D65Y, p.F157S, p.P184T, p.F207S, p.T237M and p.C241S). Our current work opens a promising therapeutic option using pharmacological chaperones to revert the effect of the characterized misfolding mutations identified in a wide range of PMM2 deficient patients.
Clinical manifestations and treatment of mucopolysaccharidosis type I patients in Latin America as compared with the rest of the world
Authors: Muñoz‐Rojas María Verónica , Bay Luisa , Sanchez Luz , van Kuijck Marcel , Ospina Sandra , Cabello Juan Francisco , Martins Ana Maria 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundMucopolysaccharidosis I (MPS I) comprises a spectrum of clinical manifestations and is divided into three phenotypes reflecting clinical severity: Hurler, Hurler‐Scheie, and Scheie syndromes. There may be important variations in clinical manifestations of this genetic disease in patients residing in different regions of the world.MethodsUsing data from the MPS I Registry (as of September 2009), we evaluated patients from Latin America (n = 118) compared with patients from the rest of the world [ROW (n = 727)].ResultsPhenotype distribution differed among patients in Latin America compared to ROW (Hurler 31 vs. 62%, Hurler‐Scheie 36 vs. 21%, Scheie 10 vs. 11%, and unknown 22 vs. 6%). The frequency of certain symptoms, such as cardiac valve abnormalities, sleep impairment, and joint contractures, also differed between Latin America and ROW for some phenotypes. Median age at MPS I diagnosis was earlier in the ROW than Latin America for all phenotypes, and age at first treatment for Hurler and Hurler‐Scheie patients was also earlier in the ROW. Hurler patients in Latin America showed a gap of 3.1 years between median ages of diagnosis and first treatment compared to only 0.5 years in the ROW. Treatment allocation in Latin America compared to ROW was as follows: enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) only, 80 vs. 45%; hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) only, 0.9 vs. 27%; both ERT and HSCT, 0 vs. 16%; and neither treatment, 19 vs. 13%.ConclusionThese data highlight important differences in MPS I patients between Latin America and ROW in terms of phenotypic distribution, clinical manifestations, and treatment practices.