bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimisation of Measurement Circuit Based on Measured Uncertainties
Authors: Lipnik G. , Donlagic D. , Koprivnikar J. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractPresented are basics for defining of the model for the estimation of measured uncertainties. Addititional are presented ideas of optimisations, so that the model of the measurement can be constructed. Model and it's optimisation are than described. At the end optimisation is performed on complex measurement system.
Spinodal Decomposition in the Linear Cahn‐Hilliard Model
Authors: Maier‐Paape Stanislaus , Wanner Thomas 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThis short contribution comments on parts of a series of two papers [2] and [3] on spinodal decomposition for the Cahn‐Hilliard equationIn a small neighborhood of a homogeneous equilibrium uo = μ of (1), with μ ϵ ℛ. in the spinodal region, we find that a strongly unstable manifold of uo has dominating effects. Although this is demonstrated here for the linearized equation only, it will be essential for the nonlinear situation as well (cf. [3]). Furthermore we comment on the notion of a characteristic wavelength for the strongly unstable directions. These patterns indeed correspond to typically observed spinodally decomposed states which arise for instance in materials sciences where u corresponds to the concentration of one of the components of a binary alloy (cf. [1] or the references in [2]).

where Ω C ℛn, n ∈ {1,2,3}, is a bounded domain with sufficiently smooth boundary, 0 < ϵ <<1 is a small parameter, and f is cubic‐like, for example f (u) = u ‐ u3.
Wave Equation in Halfspace and in Two Adjacent Wedges
Authors: Mihalinčić K. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractConsider the two adjacent rectangular wedges K1, K2 with common edge in the upper halfspace of R3 and the operator A = ‐aj Δ in Kj, acting on a subspace of Π2j=1L2(Kj) satisfying prescribed transmission conditions and the Dirichlet boundary condition on the bottom of R3+. We interprete the corresponding wave equation with A defining its spatial part as a simple model for wave propagation in two adjacent media with different material constants. Showing that A is selfadjoint and using the Fourier (‐sine) transformations we reduce our problem with singularities along the z‐axis to the Klein‐Gordon equation in one space dimension with potential step. The spectral theorem for unbounded selfadjoint operators yields the solution of the time dependent wave equation via expansion in generalized eigenfunctions of A. In the case a1 = a2 we have a halfspace problem with reflection due to the Dirichlet boundary condition and no transmission effects. We recognize this special case as a part of our original problem and conclude the discussion by a derivation of L∞‐time decay results for this case.
Estimating Optimal Working Regime of Power Plants Cooling System Taking in Consideration Factor “Energetic System”
Authors: Panovski S. , Nedelkovski I. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA method for estimating the optimal work of the thermal power plants cooling system is presented. The main characteristic of this method is introducing factor “energetic system” in determining optimal vacuum in the turbine condenser, i. e., optimal working regime of cooling system.
Learning optimal control in deterministic systems
Authors: Pareigis Stephan 
Published: December 2010

AbstractLearning algorithms for optimal control problems have similarity with numerical treatment of the Bellman‐equation of dynamic programming. The main difference is, that in case of learning the value iteration depends on information from the system, which is not necessarily given in the nodes of a state‐space discretization. Two updating‐schemes are presented for evaluating the learned information and their applicability is demonstrated on a simple learning problem.
Predictive Risk Factors for Intra‐ and Postoperative Complications in 526 Laparoscopic Sigmoid Resections due to Recurrent Diverticulitis: A Multivariate Analysis
Authors: Kirchhoff Philipp , Matz Daniel , Dincler Selim , Buchmann Peter 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic sigmoid resection is a feasible and frequent operation for patients who suffer from recurrent diverticulitis. There is still an ongoing debate about the optimal timing for surgery in patients who suffer from recurrent diverticulitis episodes. In elective situations the complication rate for this procedure is moderate, but there are patients at high risk for perioperative complications. The few identified risk factors so far refer to open surgery. Data for the elective laparoscopic approach is rare. The objective of this study was to identify potential predictive risk factors for intra‐ and postoperative complications in patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoid resection due to diverticular disease.MethodsUni‐ and multivariate analyses of a prospectively gathered database (1993–2006) were performed on a consecutive series of 526 patients who underwent laparoscopic sigmoid resection due to recurrent diverticulitis in a single institution. Patients were assessed for demographic data, operative indications, and intra‐ and postoperative complications. Altogether, we analyzed 17 potential risk factors to identify significant influence on the intra‐ and postoperative outcome, including timing of surgery.ResultsStatistical analysis of specific medical and surgical complications revealed anemia, previous myocardial infarction, heart failure, experience of the surgeon, and male gender, as independent predictive risk factors for postoperative complications. Patients older than age 75 years was the only independent risk factor for intraoperative complications in a multiple logistic regression model. Early elective surgery led to increased conversion rate but did not influence the postoperative complication rate.ConclusionsThis large, single‐center study provides first evidence of the significance of specific predictive risk factors for intra‐ and postoperative complications in laparoscopic sigmoid resection for diverticular disease.
Curing Characteristics and Thermal Properties of Epoxidized Soybean Oil Based Thermosetting Resin
Authors: Tan S. G. , Chow W. S. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractEpoxidized soybean oil (ESO) was thermally cured using methylhexahydrophthalic anhydride (MHHPA) curing agent in the presence of 2‐ethyl‐4‐methylimidazole (EMI) catalyst. The curing characteristics of ESO/MHHPA/EMI systems were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). FTIR spectra showed that the polyesterification rate in ESO/MHHPA/EMI systems increased with increasing of the catalyst concentration. DSC thermograms indicated that EMI‐catalyzed ESO/MHHPA systems experienced enthalpy relaxation at low EMI concentration whereas the extent decreased with increasing of the EMI concentration. There is a direct relationship between the degree of conversion and crosslink density of the thermal cured ESO/MHHPA/EMI systems with EMI concentration. The curing characteristics of thermal curable ESO thermosetting resins were found to have influence on the thermal properties of the ESO systems. It was determined that the glass transition temperature (Tg) and storage modulus (E′) of cured ESO increased with increasing the EMI concentration whereas the damping properties of the ESO/MHHPA/EMI systems exhibited the reverse trend. It was found that the thermally curable ESO thermosetting resins experienced a two‐stage thermal decomposition process.
The anticonvulsant levetiracetam for the treatment of pain in polyneuropathy: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial
Authors: Holbechl Jakob V. , Ottol Marit , Bachl Flemming W. , Jensenl Troels S. , Sindrupl Søren H. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractLevetiracetam is an anticonvulsant which is assumed to act by modulating neurotransmitter release via binding to the vesicle protein SV2A. This could have an impact on signaling in the nociceptive system, and a pilot study indicated relief of neuropathic pain with levetiracetam.Objectives: The aim of this study was to test the analgesic effect of levetiracetam in painful polyneuropathy.Methods: This was a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial with levetiracetam 3000 mg/day versus placebo (6‐week treatment periods). Patients with diagnosed polyneuropathy and symptoms for more than 6 months, age between 20 and 80 years, pain intensity of more than 4 on a 0–10‐point numeric rating scale, and pain at least 4 days a week were included in the study. The primary outcome measure was pain relief at the end of each treatment period as measured on a 6‐point verbal scale.Results: Ninety‐three patients were screened for participation and 39 patients entered the study. Thirty‐five patients were included in the data analysis. There were no differences in the ratings of pain relief (levetiracetam 2.29 versus placebo 2.28, p =0.979), total pain intensity (levetiracetam 5.5 versus placebo 5.3, p =0.293) or any of the other outcome measures (p =0.147–1.00).Conclusion: This study indicates that the anticonvulsant levetiracetam has no clinically relevant effect on painful polyneuropathy.
Risk of Burnout in Perioperative Clinicians
Authors: Hyman Steve A. , Michaels Damon R. , Berry James M. , Schildcrout Jonathan S. , Mercaldo Nathaniel D. , Weinger Matthew B. 
Published: December 2010

Background
Burnout can lead to health and psychologic problems and is apparently increasing in physicians and nurses. Previous studies have not evaluated all healthcare workers within a single work unit. This study evaluates the risk of burnout in all medical personnel in one perioperative unit.

Methods
We developed an online survey that included demographics, a modified version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, and the Social Support and Personal Coping Survey. Survey constructs (e.g., depersonalization and health) and a global score were calculated. Larger construct and global values were associated with higher risk of burnout. These were separately regressed on role, age, and sex. The global score was then regressed on each of the survey constructs.

Results
Of the 145 responses, 46.2% were physicians (22.8% residents), 43.4% were nurses or nurse anesthetists, and 10.3% were other personnel. After adjusting for sex and age, residents scored higher than other physicians on the following (expected change [95% confidence interval]): global score (1.12 [0.43-1.82]), emotional exhaustion (1.54 [0.44-2.60]), and depersonalization (1.09 [0.23-1.95]). Compared with nonphysicians, residents were 1 U or more higher on these items (P < 0.05 in all cases). Residents had higher health (1.49 [0.48-2.50]) and workload (1.23 [0.07-2.40]) values compared with physicians. Better health, personal support, and work satisfaction scores were related to decreased global scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Physicians (particularly residents) had the largest global burnout scores, implying increased risk of burnout. Improving overall health, increasing personal support, and improving work satisfaction may decrease burnout among perioperative team members.
Programming of the renin response to haemorrhage by mild maternal renal impairment in sheep
Authors: Brandon Amanda E , Boyce Amanda C , Lumbers Eugenie R , Kumarasamy Vasumathy , Gibson Karen J 
Published: December 2010

Summary1. The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the renin response to mechanisms activated by haemorrhage is programmed by exposure to maternal renal dysfunction.2. In 26–27‐day‐old lambs born to ewes that had reduced renal function (STNxL, n = 10) and lambs born to ewes with normal renal function (ConL, n = 6), 1.6 mL/kg per min of blood was removed over 10 min.3. Under basal conditions, the STNxL group had increased mean arterial pressure (P < 0.05). In response to haemorrhage, mean arterial pressure decreased in the STNxL group (P < 0.001), but there was no significant change in the ConL group.4. Although plasma renin level increased in both groups (P < 0.05), the peak response was reduced and delayed in the STNxL group. In contrast, the rise in arginine vasopressin (AVP) level was similar in both groups and occurred over the same time course. At 24 h, both plasma renin and AVP level were the same as those measured before haemorrhage in both groups. Kidney renin level was similar in the two groups.5. The attenuated renin response to haemorrhage in the STNxL group might explain the inability to maintain arterial pressure after haemorrhage. The results of the present study suggest that the renin response of the postnatal kidney to reductions in blood volume can be affected by the intrauterine environment. If these changes persist into adulthood, it suggests that permanent programming has occurred. Thus, the ability of an individual to respond to acute severe reductions in blood volume might be determined during intrauterine life.
Diagnosis and management of urinary tract infection in children
Authors: Williams Gabrielle J , Hodson Elisabeth H , Isaacs David , Craig Jonathan C 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA young child presents to their primary health provider with fever and irritability. How likely is a urinary tract infection? How should a urine sample be collected? How accurate are urinary dipsticks and microscopy compared with culture for the diagnosis? What route and type of antibiotics should be used? What imaging is indicated? Diagnosing and treating children with urinary tract infection presents many questions. This review summarises the most relevant recent primary studies, systematic reviews and guidelines.
The value of computed tomography scanning for the detection of coronary artery disease in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: NATHAN STEVEN D. , WEIR NARGUES , SHLOBIN OKSANA A. , URBAN BRUCE A. , CURRY CHARLENE A. , BASAVARAJ ASHWIN , AHMAD SHAHZAD , KIERNAN JOSEPH , SHERIDAN MICHAEL J. , EARLS JAMES P. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  Patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease and this could have an impact on their outcomes. We investigated the predictive ability of coronary artery calcification, assessed by routine CT, which may predict the presence of coronary artery disease.Methods:  The study cohort consisted of patients with IPF and with left heart catheterization data plus CT scans from July 2003 to July 2008. Grades of coronary calcification on CT were compared with left heart catheterization determination of coronary artery disease.Results:  There were 57 patients in whom left heart catheterization review demonstrated significant coronary artery disease in 28.1% (16/57), mild disease in 40.3% (23/57) and none in 31.6% (18/57). The median time interval between the catheterization and the reviewed CT scan was 39 days. The sensitivity of moderate to severe calcification for significant coronary artery disease was 81%, while the specificity was 85%, with an associated odds ratio of 25.2 (4.64–166, P < 0.005). There was excellent agreement among three radiologists in the grading of coronary calcification.Conclusions:  Coronary calcification, as assessed by routine CT of the chest, has very good performance characteristics in predicting underlying significant coronary artery disease in patients with IPF. The routine availability of this study enables the ready screening for coronary artery disease in IPF patients.
Factors associated with hypoxemia in children infected with pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza virus
Authors: Yeom Jung Sook , Park Ji Sook , Seo Ji‐Hyun , Park Eun Sil , Lim Jae‐Young , Park Chan‐Hoo , Woo Hyang‐Ok , Youn Hee‐Shang , Cho Jae Min 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackground:  Hypoxemia was found to be a major cause of death from pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza (pH1N1) infection. There are limited data on factors associated with hypoxemia in children infected with pH1N1 influenza virus.Methods:  Factors associated with hypoxemia were investigated using univariate and multivariate analysis in 76 hospitalized pediatric patients with laboratory‐confirmed H1N1 influenza virus infection at Gyeongsang National University Hospital in Jinju, South Korea, from August 2009 to January 2010 by retrospective chart review.Results:  Hypoxemia occurred in 17 children (22%), of whom three were admitted to an intensive care unit and one died. Hypoxemic patients were significantly more likely to have a higher respiratory rate, pulse rate, white blood cell count (WBC), and C‐reactive protein level, as well as a longer hospital stay. Respiratory rate and WBC count at admission were independently associated with hypoxemia as determined on multivariate analysis, and this association was found to be clinically significant.Conclusion:  Although a higher WBC count and respiratory rate may not be specific for pHINI but represent the degree of disease severity for any infectious respiratory disease in general, clinicians can use these parameters at admission as useful, early indicators of disease severity in pediatric pH1N1 infection.
Fixed dose (555 MBq; 15 mCi) radioiodine for the treatment of hyperthyroidism: outcome and its predictors
Authors: Gupta S. K. , McGrath S. , Rogers K. , Attia J. , Lewis G. , Viswanathan S. , Saul M. , Allen L. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractRadioiodine therapy (RIT) is an accepted treatment for hyperthyroidism and a 555‐MBq (15‐mCi) dose is frequently used. We aimed to assess treatment outcome with this dose, and to identify predictors of successful treatment. An analysis of 478 treated patients demonstrated an overall four‐month cure rate of 79.5%; success rate was higher in patients with toxic multinodular goitre, solitary toxic adenoma, a smaller thyroid or less severe disease. This information may be of further assistance if variation in the dose of RIT is considered.
The epidemiology and characteristics of type 2 diabetes in urban, community‐based young people
Authors: Sillars B. A. , Davis W. A. , Kamber N. , Davis T. M. E. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAs little is known about the impact of type 2 diabetes amongst Australian youth despite international increases in childhood obesity, we aimed to identify and characterize people aged <25 years with type 2 diabetes in an urban community with 60 000 people aged 10–24 years. The estimated maximum prevalence (59/100 000 persons) was lower than US estimates but higher than in Asia and Europe. In eight patients assessed in detail, obesity and related comorbidities were common, and quality of life was low.
Being an outpatient with rheumatoid arthritis – a focus group study on patients’ self‐efficacy and experiences from participation in a short course and one of three different outpatient settings
Authors: Primdahl Jette , Wagner Lis , Hørslev‐Petersen Kim 
Published: December 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 394–403

Being an outpatient with rheumatoid arthritis – a focus group study on patients’ self‐efficacy and experiences from participation in a short course and one of three different outpatient settings Background:  A Danish study compared three different outpatient settings for persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). All participants completed a short course before random allocation to one of three groups. A third of the patients continued with planned medical consultations. A third was allocated to a shared care setting with no planned consultations. The final third was allocated for planned nursing consultations every 3 months. Little knowledge exists of patients’ experiences at different outpatient settings.Aims:  (1) To explore the patients’ experiences of participation in the course and one of the three different outpatient settings and (2) to explore whether some of these experiences can explain possible changes in self‐efficacy beliefs.Method:  In total six focus group interviews were carried out with 33 participants from the three settings. The interviews and the analysis were inspired by phenomenological philosophy.Results:  On the short course the participants felt understood, gained new insights and some changed behaviours after attendance. Important themes in experiences from the three outpatient settings were: (1) continuity and relationships with health professionals, (2) a need for others to take control, and (3) contact with health professionals.Specific findings:  The nursing consultations were experienced as less factual and less authoritarian than the medical consultations. The participants in the shared care setting had a lack of confidence in the GP’s competence to manage their RA. However, they felt responsible for taking action in case of a flare up. The study provided opportunities to enhance the participants’ self‐efficacy beliefs.Conclusion:  When planning follow‐up care, the focus needs to be on continuity, the interpersonal relationship and easy access to health professionals with thorough knowledge of RA. A short course and consultations with nurses and hospital doctors can enhance patients’ self‐efficacy and thereby strengthen their confidence to assess and manage their own disease.
Kalopanaxsaponin A ameliorates experimental colitis in mice by inhibiting IRAK‐1 activation in the NF‐κB and MAPK pathways
Authors: Joh Eun‐Ha , Kim Dong‐Hyun 
Published: December 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Kalopanaxsaponin A, a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Kalopanax pictus (family Araliaceae), potently inhibited nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated peritoneal macrophages during a screening programme for anti‐colitis agents from natural products. Its anti‐inflammatory mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, we investigated its anti‐inflammatory effects in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐ or peptidoglycan‐stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages and trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS)‐induced colitic mice.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Peritoneal macrophages from male ICR mice were stimulated with LPS or peptidoglycan in vitro and treated with kalopanaxsaponin A. Colitis was induced in vivo by intrarectal administration of TNBS in male ICR mice. Mice were treated daily with kalopanaxsaponin A, sulphasalazine or phosphate‐buffered saline. Inflammatory markers, cytokines, enzymes and transcription factors were measured by ELISA, immunoblot, flow cytometry and immunofluorescent confocal microscopy.KEY RESULTS Kalopanaxsaponin A potently inhibited the expression of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and IL‐6, induced by LPS, but not that induced by TNF‐α, in peritoneal macrophages. However, it potently increased the expression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10. Kalopanaxsaponin A inhibited activation of the IL‐1 receptor‐associated kinase (IRAK)‐1, inhibitor of κB kinase‐β, NF‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase, p‐38), but LPS/Toll‐like receptor‐4 interaction and IRAK‐4 activation were not affected. Oral administration of kalopanaxsaponin A (10 and 20 mg·kg−1) improved the clinical parameters and histology in vivo. Kalopanaxsaponin A inhibited NF‐κB and mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation induced by TNBS by suppressing IRAK‐1 activation.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Kalopanaxsaponin A may improve inflammatory diseases, such as colitis, by inhibiting IRAK‐1 activation.