bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of coefficient of thermal expansion on positive temperature coefficient of resistivity behavior of HDPE–Cu composites
Authors: Kar Prativa , Khatua B. B. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPositive temperature coefficient of resistivity (PTCR) characteristics of (high density polyethylene) HDPE–Cu composites has been investigated with reference to the conventional HDPE–CB (carbon black) composites. Plot of resistivity against temperature of HDPE–CB composites showed a sudden rise in resistivity (PTC trip) at 127°C, close to the melting temperature of HDPE. However, the PTC trip temperature (98°C) for HDPE–Cu composites was appeared well below the melting temperature of HDPE. Addition of 1 phr nanoclay in the composites resulted in an increase in PTC trip temperature of HDPE–Cu composites, whereas no significant effect of nanoclay on PTC trip temperature was evident in case of HDPE–CB–clay composites. We proposed that the PTC trip temperature in HDPE–Cu composites was governed by the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of HDPE and Cu. The room temperature resistivity and PTC trip temperature of HDPE–Cu composites were very much stable upon thermal cycling. DMA results showed higher storage modulus of HDPE–Cu composites than the HDPE–CB composites. Thermal stability of HDPE–Cu composites was also improved compared to that of HDPE–CB composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Involvement of different risk factors in clinically severe large joint osteoarthritis according to the presence of hand interphalangeal nodes
Authors: Valdes Ana M. , McWilliams Daniel , Arden Nigel K. , Doherty Sally A. , Wheeler Margaret , Muir Kenneth R. , Zhang Weiya , Cooper Cyrus , Maciewicz Rose A. , Doherty Michael 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo quantify the differences in risk factors influencing total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) based on the presence versus absence of multiple interphalangeal nodes in 2 or more rays of the fingers of each hand in patients with large joint osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsA group of 3,800 patients with large joint OA who underwent total joint replacement (1,201 of whom had the nodal phenotype) and 1,906 control subjects from 2 case–control studies and a population‐based cohort in the UK were studied. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated for the risk of total joint replacement in association with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), height, and prevalence of the T allele in the GDF5 rs143383 polymorphism. ORs for total joint replacement were compared between cases of nodal OA and cases of non‐nodal OA and between patients who underwent TKR and those who underwent THR.ResultsAge, sex, and BMI had significantly higher ORs for an association with total joint replacement in nodal OA cases than in non‐nodal OA cases. The GDF5 polymorphism was significantly associated with THR in cases of nodal OA, but not in cases of non‐nodal OA, and increased height was a risk factor for THR in non‐nodal OA cases only. Female sex was a protective risk factor for TKR in non‐nodal OA cases (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.52–0.70) but was predisposing for TKR in the nodal form of OA (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.49–2.26). The nodal phenotype was associated with a significantly higher risk of undergoing both THR and TKR (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.09–1.94) and also a significantly higher risk of bilateral TKR (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.37–2.11), but, paradoxically, was associated with a lower risk of bilateral THR (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56–0.91).ConclusionNodal and non‐nodal forms of large joint OA have significantly different risk factors and outcomes, indicating a different etiology for the 2 forms of OA. With regard to the likelihood of undergoing THR, this appears to be, at least in part, genetically determined.
Structural design of composite nonlinear feedback control for linear systems with actuator constraint
Authors: Lan Weiyao , Wang Dan 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe performance of the composite nonlinear feedback (CNF) control law relies on the selection of the linear feedback gain and the nonlinear function. However, it is a tough task to select an appropriate linear feedback gain and appropriate parameters of the nonlinear function because the general design procedure of CNF control just gives some simple guidelines for the selections. This paper proposes an operational design procedure based on the structural decomposition of the linear systems with input saturation. The linear feedback gain is constructed by two linear gains which are designed independently to stabilize the unstable zero dynamics part and the pure integration part of the system respectively. By investigating the influence of these two linear gains on transient performance, it is flexible and efficient to design a satisfactory linear feedback gain for the CNF control law. Moreover, the parameters of the nonlinear function are tuned automatically by solving a minimization problem. The proposed design procedure is illustrated by applying it to design a tracking control law for the inverted pendulum on a cart system.Copyright © 2010 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
A robust method to determine global distribution of atmospheric boundary layer top from COSMIC GPS RO measurements
Authors: Ratnam M. V. , Basha S. G. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn this study, we introduce a robust method for precise determination of atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) top from COSMIC global positioning system radio occultation measurements. We apply a wavelet covariance transform to compute the convolution of COSMIC‐observed bending angle/refractivity profile with a Haar function and use the maximum covariance to identify the ABL top, making detection of even small transitions possible. Results obtained were compared with radiosonde N profiles for verification of the ABL top. This procedure developed was used to study the global distribution of ABL top with special reference to the inter‐tropical convergence zone. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Fitting non‐Gaussian persistent data
Authors: Palma Wilfredo , Zevallos Mauricio 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis paper discusses a new methodology for modeling non‐Gaussian time series with long‐range dependence. The class of models proposed admits continuous or discrete data and considers the conditional variance as a function of the conditional mean. These types of models are motivated by empirical properties exhibited by some time series. The proposed methodology is illustrated with the analysis of two real‐life persistent time series. The first application is concerned with the modeling of stock market daily trading volumes, whereas the second application consists of a study of mineral deposit measurements. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Periconceptional nutrient intakes and risks of neural tube defects in California
Authors: Carmichael Suzan L. , Yang Wei , Shaw Gary M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:This study investigated the association of neural tube defects (NTDs) with maternal periconceptional intake of folic acid–containing supplements and dietary nutrients, including folate, among deliveries that occurred after folic acid fortification in selected California counties.METHODS:The population‐based case–control study included fetuses and live born infants with spina bifida (189) or anencephaly (141) and 625 nonmalformed, live born controls delivered from 1999 to 2003. Mothers reported supplement use during telephone interviews, which included a 107‐item food frequency questionnaire. For dietary nutrients, intakes <25th, 25th to <75th (reference), and ≥75th percentile were compared, based on control distributions.RESULTS:After adjustment for potential confounders, any versus no supplement intake resulted in ORs of 0.8 (95% CI, 0.5–1.3) for anencephaly and 0.8 (95% CI, 0.6–1.2) for spina bifida. After stratification by maternal intake of vitamin supplements, most factors in the glycemic pathway were not associated with either NTD, with the exception of low levels of fructose and glucose that were significantly associated with anencephaly. Some nutrients that contribute to one‐carbon metabolism showed lowered risks (folate, riboflavin, vitamins B6 and B12); others did not (choline, methionine, zinc). Antioxidant nutrients tended to be associated with lowered risks (vitamins C, E, A, β‐carotene, lutein).CONCLUSIONS:Mothers' intake of vitamin supplements was modestly if at all associated with a lowered risk of NTDs. Dietary intake of several nutrients contributing to one‐carbon metabolism and oxidative stress were associated with reduced NTD risk. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Randomized clinical trial of prehabilitation in colorectal surgery
Authors: Carli F , Charlebois P , Stein B , Feldman L , Zavorsky G , Kim D J , Scott S , Mayo N E 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background
‘Prehabilitation’ is an intervention to enhance functional capacity in anticipation of a forthcoming physiological stressor. In patients scheduled for colorectal surgery, the extent to which a structured prehabilitation regimen of stationary cycling and strengthening optimized recovery of functional walking capacity after surgery was compared with a simpler regimen of walking and breathing exercises.

Methods
Some 112 patients (mean(s.d.) age 60(16) years) were randomized to either the structured bike and strengthening regimen (bike/strengthening group, 58 patients) or the simpler walking and breathing regimen (walk/breathing group, 54 patients). Randomization was done at the surgical planning visit; the mean time to surgery available for prehabilitation was 52 days; follow-up was for approximately 10 weeks after surgery.

Results
There were no differences between the groups in mean functional walking capacity over the prehabilitation period or at postoperative follow-up. The proportion showing an improvement in walking capacity was greater in the walk/breathing group than in the bike/strengthening group at the end of the prehabilitation period (47 versus 22 per cent respectively; P = 0·051) and after surgery (41 versus 11 per cent; P = 0·019).

Conclusion
There was an unexpected benefit from the recommendation to increase walking and breathing, as designed for the control group. Adherence to recommendations was low. An examination of prehabilitation ‘responders’ would add valuable information. Registration number: NCT00227526 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Randomized clinical trial of laxatives and oral nutritional supplements within an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol following liver resection
Authors: Hendry P O , van Dam R M , Bukkems S F F W , McKeown D W , Parks R W , Preston T , Dejong C H C , Garden O J , Fearon K C H 
Published: May 2010

Abstract

Background
Routine laxatives may expedite gastrointestinal recovery and early tolerance of food within an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programme. Combined with carbohydrate loading and oral nutritional supplements (ONS), it may further enhance recovery of gastrointestinal function and promote earlier overall recovery.

Methods
Seventy-four patients undergoing liver resection were randomized in a two-by-two factorial design to receive either postoperative magnesium hydroxide as a laxative, preoperative carbohydrate loading and postoperative ONS, their combination or a control group. Patients were managed within an ERAS programme of care. The primary outcome measure was time to first passage of stool. Secondary outcome measures were gastric emptying, postoperative oral calorie intake, time to functional recovery and length of hospital stay.

Results
Sixty-eight patients completed the trial. The laxative group had a significantly reduced time to passage of stool: median (interquartile range) 4 (3–5) versus 5 (4–6) days (P = 0·034). The ONS group showed a trend towards a shorter time to passage of stool (P = 0·076) but there was no evidence of interaction in patients randomized to the combination regimen. Median length of hospital stay was 6 (4–7) days. There were no differences in secondary outcomes between groups.

Conclusion
Within an ERAS protocol for patients undergoing liver resection, routine postoperative laxatives result in an earlier first passage of stool but the overall rate of recovery is unaltered. Registration number: NCT00538954 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Smooth force rendering on coarse polygonal meshes
Authors: Wu Jun , Leung Yuen‐Shan , Wang Charlie C.L. , Wang Dangxiao , Zhang Yuru 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPiecewise linear polygonal model has onlyG0continuity, thus users can easily feel the edges when using haptic device to touch a solid represented by coarse polygonal meshes. To produce an appealing haptic sensation for smooth solids, a large number of polygons are needed in conventional approaches. This, however, slows down computation and consumes much more memory. In this paper, we present a method to generate smooth feedback force in haptic interaction with coarse polygonal meshes. Our method calculates the interaction force based on Gregory patches, which are locally constructed fromn‐sided polygons and ensureG1continuity across boundaries of patches. During the real time haptic interaction, the contact point is continuously tracked on the locally constructed Gregory patches and thus generates smooth haptic forces to be rendered. Our method is validated on various models with comparison to conventional force rendering techniques. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlative joint definition for motion analysis and animation
Authors: Pronost Nicolas , Sandholm Anders , Thalmann Daniel 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn this paper we address the problem of creating accurate joint models from real motions while allowing scalability. We propose an automatic method to model, scale, and simulate non‐idealized joints from the external motion of markers. We demonstrate the method on the human knee joint modeling for musculoskeletal analysis and for character animation. The resulting joints, called correlative joints, are character and motion independent and rely on linear combinations of degrees of freedom calculated from multiple regression laws. We show that by using such models, inverse kinematics (IK) solvers find better solutions when tracking motions and solving constraints. Importing correlative joints into new models involves only minimal requirements on landmarks locations and no costly additional computations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shape manipulation using physically based wire deformations
Authors: You L. H. , Yang Xiaosong , You X. Y. , Jin Xiaogang , Zhang Jian J. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis paper develops an efficient, physically based shape manipulation technique. It defines a 3D model with profile curves, and uses spine curves generated from the profile curves to control the motion and global shape of 3D models. Profile and spine curves are changed into profile and spine wires by specifying proper material and geometric properties together with external forces. The underlying physics is introduced to deform profile and spine wires through the closed form solution to ordinary differential equations for axial and bending deformations. With the proposed approach, global shape changes are achieved through manipulating spine wires, and local surface details are created by deforming profile wires. A number of examples are presented to demonstrate the applications of our proposed approach in shape manipulation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A genetic‐fuzzy system for optimising agent steering
Authors: Gerdelan Anton , O'Sullivan Carol 
Published: May 2010

AbstractFuzzy controllers are a popular method for animated character perception and control. A drawback of fuzzy systems is that time intensive manual calibration of system parameters is required. We introduce a new Genetic‐Fuzzy System (GFS) that automates the tuning process of rules for animated character steering. An advantage of our GFS is that it is able to adapt the rules for steering behaviour during run time. We explore the parameter space of the new GFS, and discuss how the GFS can be implemented to run as a background process during normal execution of a simulation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ultrasound Irradiation Facilitated Adsorption of MTBE from Aqueous Solution using Exfoliated Graphite
Authors: Soltani B. , Moheb A. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWater pollution due to the fuel additive methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE), which is a suspected carcinogen, is often observed in surface and ground water. The removal of MTBE from aqueous solution at a concentration of 0.00143 g/mL by using exfoliated graphite (EG) as a novel adsorbent is reported. Experiments are carried out in batch mode and the effects of several factors on the removal of MTBE are evaluated. In addition, the influence of ultrasound irradiation on MTBE adsorption is investigated. The results show that an efficient removal of MTBE from aqueous solution could be achieved by implementing an ultrasound facilitated adsorption process using EG. A maximum removal efficiency of 97 % is achieved for MTBE in controlled conditions and it is found that applying ultrasound has a significant positive effect on the removal of MTBE from aqueous solutions.
Monitoring of pellet coating process with image analysis—a feasibility study
Authors: Kucheryavski Sergey , Esbensen Kim H. , Bogomolov Andrey 
Published: May 2010

AbstractImage analysis is an efficient technique used in many areas of science and industry. However, in process analytical applications it tends to be an ancillary tool, used mainly for visual monitoring or measuring some geometrical properties. At the same time, there are many other important aspects of the process samples appearance, besides measurable distances, that may be connected to the information of interest. In the present paper, the methods of image analysis were applied to at‐line monitoring of fluid bed pellet coating process. The quantitative description of images of pellet samples, taken from different process stages, has been obtained using two different approaches: wavelet decomposition and angle measure technique (AMT). Both methods revealed a strong correlation between image features and process parameters. However, the AMT results turned out to be more accurate and stable. It has been shown that pellet images, taken with a conventional digital camera, can be used for at‐line monitoring of the process course, specifically, the growth of pellets due to the coating. An algorithm for precise counting of pellets has been developed. Combined with the sample weighing, it enables an accurate determination of the mean added pellets' weight. The method can be used for the determination of the mean layer thickness, either by itself for at‐line analysis or as a reference technique, when modeling the process from in‐line spectroscopy data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blind source separation in diffuse reflectance NIR spectroscopy using independent component analysis
Authors: Toiviainen M. , Corona F. , Paaso J. , Teppola P. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractNear‐infrared (NIR) spectroscopy permits non‐contact analysis of solid samples in the diffuse reflectance (DR) measurement mode. However, uncontrolled physical variations between solid samples, such as changes in packing density and particle size distribution, have a complex nonlinearizing effect on the NIR spectra which complicates the extraction of chemical information from data.Blind source separation (BSS) methods attempt to blindly factorize the measured mixture spectra into the pure analyte spectra and their concentration profiles. The physical interferences, however, make the application of BSS methods difficult on the NIR spectra of solids. The application of independent component analysis (ICA) on NIR DR spectra is discussed, and a three‐phase preprocessing procedure of the measured spectral signals designed to improve the separation capability of ICA is proposed in this work. The method involves the removal of nonlinear effects from the measured spectra using scatter correction, denoising with rank reduction and alteration of the sample statistics of the signals via differentiation with respect to the wavelength. The procedure is tested and the explanatory power of BSS is demonstrated using a laboratory data set comprising ternary mixtures of pharmaceutical powders. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chirally Functionalized Hollow Nanospheres Containing L‐Prolinamide: Synthesis and Asymmetric Catalysis
Authors: Gao Jinsuo , Liu Jian , Tang Jianting , Jiang Dongmei , Li Bo , Yang Qihua 
Published: May 2010

AbstractChirally functionalized hollow nanospheres with different surface properties were successfully synthesized by co‐condensation of (2S,1′R,2′R)‐N‐tert‐butyloxycarbonylpyrrolidine‐2‐carboxylic acid [2′‐(4‐trimethoxysilylbenzylamide)cyclohexyl] amide with 1,2‐bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane or tetramethoxysilane using F127 (EO106PO70EO106) as surfactant in water. The TEM and N2 sorption characterizations show that the particle size of the hollow nanosphere is 15–21 nm with a core diameter of 10–16 nm. These L‐prolinamide‐functionalized hollow nanospheres are highly efficient solid catalysts for the direct asymmetric aldol reaction between cyclohexanone and aromatic aldehydes. It was found that the addition of water in the reaction system not only enhanced the catalytic activity but also increased the enantioselectivity, which is probably due to the enhanced hydrogen bond between the amide oxygen atom and the hydroxyl group of water. Moreover, the catalytic activity increases sharply as the surface hydrophobicity of the hollow nanospheres increases. These hollow nanospheres are quite stable and can be reused with almost the same enantioselectivity and only a slight decrease in catalytic activity.
Singly and Doubly Twisted [36]Annulenes: Synthesis and Calculations
Authors: Mohebbi Ali Reza , Mucke Eva‐Katrin , Schaller Gaston R. , Köhler Felix , Sönnichsen Frank D. , Ernst Ludger , Näther Christian , Herges Rainer 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA cyclophane with a [36]annulene periphery, including four anthrylene and two phenylene units, was synthesized in a four‐step sequence using a McMurry cyclization. Upon crystallization from different solvents, four different conformations were determined by X‐ray structure analysis. Two conformations exhibit a double twist (Hückel topology) and two structures include a single twist (Möbius topology). By using DFT calculations a conformation with a triple twist (Möbius) was located. However, our calculations and the NMR spectroscopy data do not provide evidence for aromaticity (for Möbius structures) or antiaromaticity (for Hückel structures).
ChemInform Abstract: Observation of All‐Metal Aromatic Molecules.
Authors: Li Xi , Kuznetsov Aleksey E. , Zhang Hai‐Feng , Boldyrev Alexander I. , Wang Lai‐Sheng 
Published: May 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure of U2Ni12As7.
Authors: Stepien‐Damm J. , Kaczorowski D. , Wochowski K. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.