bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The feedforward minimal control synthesis algorithm and its application to the control of shaking-tables
Authors: Stoten D P , Shimizu N 
Published: May 2007

Since the early 1990s, research in Europe, the Far East, and America on the control of shaking-tables for seismic investigations has been made all the more urgent, following a series of catastrophic earthquakes across the globe. The fidelity of the results from shaking-table tests, on which many designs of earthquake-proof systems depend, is largely governed by the accuracy of the controlled motion of the table and the test structure. Coincident with these events has been the development of more advanced, adaptive, control systems that provide an opportunity for high-precision motion control in the face of dynamic interaction, non-linearity, and parameter variation within the test system. This paper discusses a new adaptive control algorithm, called the feedforward minimal control synthesis (FFMCS) algorithm, which offers improved shaking-table control, when used in conjunction with a more conventional fixed-gain controller. FFMCS has been developed as part of a joint Japan-UK initiative, motivated by prior testing of shaking-tables located in both Japan and Europe. This paper describes the dynamic modelling of a typical shaking-table, in order to emphasize the key features required of its controller. Also detailed are the three-variable control (TVC) strategy, a conventional algorithm that is widely used within shaking-table test facilities, together with the development and stability proof of the FFMCS algorithm. A motivating and comparative implementation study of FFMCS on the control of a simple single-axis servohydraulic rig is also included, as well as comparative simulation studies on the previously modelled shaking-table.
A wave-to-wire model of the SEAREV wave energy converter
Authors: Josset C , Babarit A , Clément A H 
Published: May 2007

This paper describes a numerical wave-to-wire model of the second-generation wave energy converter called SEAREV. Governing equations are given in the time domain for the motion of the masses involved in the device and for the hydraulic power take-off (PTO) used to convert the motion into electricity. The hydrodynamic forces are derived using the standard linear potential theory. The memory term in the radiation force is replaced by additional states using the Prony method in order to change the equation of motion into the ordinary differential equation form. The PTO is composed of hydraulic rams, an accumulator, and a hydraulic generator, which delivers electricity when there is enough energy stored in the accumulator. Using the MATLAB Simulink tool, the equation of motion is solved to simulate the full device (including the power take-off) from the incident wave to the electricity delivered to the grid. Simulation results are presented in the paper and comparisons are made with a simpler PTO: a linear damper. They show that the torque applied to the hydraulic PTO must exceed a threshold to start absorbing energy, unlike the linear damping model. They also show that the power production can be very discontinuous, depending on the level of the incident wave power. This is due to the fact that the generator considered can transform the energy stored in the accumulator faster than the energy transmitted by the rams into the accumulator. It could therefore be interesting to use several generators to adapt the electrical energy production to the level of incident wave power, or a generator that could work efficiently at part load in order to achieve continuous energy production.
Seasonality of month of birth of patients with Graves’ and Hashimoto’s diseases differ from that in the general population
Authors: Krassas Gerasimos E , Tziomalos Konstantinos , Pontikides Nikolaos , Lewy Hadas , Laron Zvi 
Published: May 2007

Objective: We aimed to test the viral hypothesis in the pathogenesis of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD).
Design: We determined the pattern of month of birth (MOB) distribution in patients with AITD and in the general population and searched for differences between them.
Methods: A total of 1023 patients were included in this study; 359 patients had Graves’ hyperthyroidism (GrH) and 664 had Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism (HH). We divided the patients with HH into three subgroups according to their thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody titers at diagnosis: low levels (<500 IU/ml), high levels (500–1000 IU/ml), and extremely high levels (>1000 IU/ml). We used cosinor analysis to analyze the data.
Results: Overall, patients with GrH and HH had a different pattern of MOB distribution when compared with the general population and between groups. Furthermore, among both patients with GrH and HH, both genders had a different pattern of MOB distribution when compared with the general population and this pattern was also different between genders. Finally, only women with extremely high titers of TPO antibodies at diagnosis and men with low or extremely high TPO antibody levels showed rhythmicity in MOB, with a pattern of MOB distribution different from that in controls.
Conclusions: The different MOB seasonality in both GrH and HH points towards a similar maybe even common etiology with type 1 diabetes mellitus and multiple sclerosis, namely a seasonal viral infection as the initial trigger in the perinatal period, the clinical disease resulting from further specific damage over time.
Effect of amiodarone and dronedarone administration in rats on thyroid hormone-dependent gene expression in different cardiac components
Authors: Stoykov I , van Beeren H C , Moorman A F M , Christoffels V M , Wiersinga W M , Bakker O 
Published: May 2007

Objective: In view of their different actions on thyroid hormone receptor (TR) isoforms we set out to investigate whether amiodarone (AM) and dronedarone (Dron) have different and/or component-specific effects on cardiac gene expression.
Design: Rats were treated with AM or Dron and the expression of TRα 1, TRα 2, TRβ 1 and several tri-iodothyronine (T3)-regulated genes was studied in different parts of the heart, namely the right atrium (RA), left ventricular wall (LVW) and apex.
Methods: Rats were treated for 14 days with 100 mg/kg body weight AM or Dron. The expression of TRα 1, TRα 2, TRβ 1 and T3-regulated genes was studied using real-time PCR and non-radioactive in situ hybridisation.
Results: AM and Dron affected TR expression in the RA similarly by decreasing TRα 1 and β 1 expression by about 50%. In the LVW, AM and Dron decreased TRβ 1 and, interestingly, AM increased TRα 1. In the apex, AM also increased TRα 2. The changes seen in T3-dependent gene expression are reminiscent of foetal reprogramming.
Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate that AM and Dron have similar effects on the expression of TR isoforms in the RA, which could partly contribute to their ability to decrease heart rate. On the other hand, the more profound effect of AM appears on TR- and T3-dependent gene expression in the left ventricle suggests foetal reprogramming.
Regressive liver adenomatosis following androgenic progestin therapy withdrawal: a case report with a 10-year follow-up and a molecular analysis
Authors: Svrcek Magali , Jeannot Emmanuelle , Arrivé Lionel , Poupon Raoul , Fromont Gaëlle , Fléjou Jean-François , Zucman-Rossi Jessica , Bouchard Philippe , Wendum Dominique 
Published: May 2007

Objective: The relationship between sex hormones and hepatocellular adenoma development is well established. On the contrary, their contribution to liver adenomatosis (LA) development is still a debatable issue. Recently, inactivating mutations of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1α (HNF-1α) transcription factor gene or activating mutations of β-catenin have been demonstrated in some liver adenomas, and a possible link between HNF-1α gene mutations and oral contraceptives has been suggested. Only two cases of regressive LA after hormone withdrawal therapy have been described so far but without any information concerning the molecular characteristics of the tumours.
Case: We report the case of a 48-year-old woman with LA, who had been taking an androgenic progestin therapy (lynestrenol) for 10 years. A major regression in the number and size of the lesions was observed 6 months after complete withdrawal of this therapy.
Methods: Hepatocellular adenomas were studied by immunohistochemistry for oestrogen, progesterone and androgen receptors (ER, PR and AR respectively), and for β-catenin. Direct sequencing of the HNF-1α gene was also performed.
Results: For the first time, we demonstrate significant immunostaining of AR in the hepatocellular adenomas. This staining was negative in the partially regressive adenoma. Immunostainings for ER and PR were negative. HNF-1α and the β-catenin pathways were not involved in tumour pathogenesis.
Conclusions: Our case suggests a role of androgenic progestin therapy in some cases of LA. Hormone therapy withdrawal may induce a significant regression in lesions.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of GH: dependence on route and dosage of administration
Authors: Keller Alexandra , Wu Zida , Kratzsch Juergen , Keller Eberhard , Blum Werner F , Kniess Astrid , Preiss Rainer , Teichert Jens , Strasburger Christian J , Bidlingmaier Martin 
Published: May 2007

Objective: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data after recombinant human GH (rhGH) administration in adults are scarce, but necessary to optimize replacement therapy and to detect doping. We examined pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and 20 kDa GH after injection of rhGH at different doses and routes of administration.
Design: Open-label crossover study with single boluses of rhGH.
Methods: Healthy trained subjects (10 males, 10 females) received bolus injections of rhGH on three occasions: 0.033 mg/kg s.c., 0.083 mg/kg s.c., and 0.033 mg/kg i.m. Concentrations of 22 and 20 kDa GH, IGF-I, and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP)-3 were measured repeatedly before and up to 36 h after injection.
Results: Serum GH maximal concentration (Cmax) and area under the time-concentration curve (AUC) were higher after i.m. than s.c. administration of 0.033 mg/kg (Cmax 35.5 and 12.0 μ g/l; AUC 196.2 and 123.8). Cmax and AUC were higher in males than in females (P < 0.01) and pharmacodynamic changes were more pronounced. IGFBP-3 concentrations showed no dose dependency. In response to rhGH administration, 20 kDa GH decreased in females and remained suppressed for 14–18 h (low dose) and 30 h (high dose). In males, 20 kDa GH was undetectable at baseline and throughout the study.
Conclusions: After rhGH administration, pharmacokinetic parameters are mainly influenced by route of administration, whereas pharmacodynamic variables and 20 kDa GH concentrations are determined mainly by gender. These differences need to be considered for therapeutic use and for detection of rhGH doping.
Die Idee der Kontrollstichproben: ihre Entstehung und ihre Zukunft | The Swiss Continuous Forest Inventory: its genesis and its future
Authors: Schmid-Haas Paul 
Published: May 2007

For planning and control we need information on the actual condition of the forest, its changes, increment and drain. Information on the actual condition is most often gained in an optimal way by mixed samples of temporary and permanent plots. For information on changes in the condition permanent sample plots are more efficient, for information on increment and drain permanent sample plots are necessary anyway. Permanent plots must be relocatable. For visible permanent plots,however, nobody knows if they are treated in exactly the same way as the rest of the forest. In the long run it becomes more and more uncertain whether the permanent samples remain representative of the whole forest and whether the results still make sense. For this reason the forest inventory method using unmarked, permanent sample plots was invented forty years ago. The visible plot centre has been replaced by a piece of metal buried in the ground, which can be found by a metal detector. The trees in the plot can be recognized individually because their coordinates, distance and direction from the centre were registered on the occasion of the first inventory. Nowadays, this method is applied successfully world-wide.
The story of this invention shows how much has to fit so that new ideas can be born and be effective. Applied research is especially demanding because it implies very different skills and therefore only a well assembled team can be successful:Important unsolved (but possibly solvable) problems must be recognized, they must be solved in a creative and scientific way, the methods must be operational down to the last detail and, finally, they must be propagated effectively.
In a last chapter some open problems are discussed. Electronic measuring devices, geographic positioning by satellites, new computer program systems, geographic information systems,connections by internet and other new technical possibilities will be made use of and the combination of sampling and mapping might bring further advantages. The interpretation of the data and their application in practical monitoring as well as in research leave much to be desired. The importance of monitoring health and sustained development of the forest and its steering is still not recognized everywhere. Sometimes the coordination of the unsolved tasks is missing.
Weiterentwicklung der Kontrollstichproben am Beispiel des Kantons Glarus | Further development of permanent forest inventory; the example of Canton Glarus
Authors: Winzeler Klemens 
Published: May 2007

In accordance with the revision of the forest law, a planning concept and new regulations for forestry planning have been drawn up for Canton Glarus. Owing to the size of Canton Glarus forest inventory is established at a cantonal level so that it can be related to other planning issues. The cantonal forest inventory is drawn up on the basis of previous inventories. From 1975 to 1993 a total of 3500 permanent sample plots were set up over three acres. In the follow-up inventory at a cantonal level the goal was to gather and analyse 30 important characteristics (growing stock, increment) of a sufficient degree of exactitude. In this way it was possible to reduce the size of the inventory by two-thirds, namely to 1135 sample plots.
In addition, plots were rearranged in clusters with six sample plots in each because individual sample plots were too far apart. This makes it possible to change from one sample plot to another with shorter walking distances in between, an important consideration in sometimes difficult mountainous terrain. In smaller clusters, numerous individual sample plots still exist. Boundary conditions (10 500 ha of community forests),the measure of girth limit (16 cm) and sample plot size (3 ares)remained unchanged allowing the measurements to be used to calculate changes in increment, mortality and growing stock. The catalogue of inventoried criteria was supplemented with stability assessment and young forest surveys in order to be able to address new questions, such as the sustainability of the protective function of the forest. The work was put out to tender and awarded to qualified enterprises companies on the basis of fixed, net payment. In order to monitor and ensure quality control samplings were taken of 7% of the sample plots in the years 2001 and 2002. A changeover in the inventory system from the level of the enterprises to the level of the canton is indeed possible without having to invent a new system.
Matrimid®/MgO mixed matrix membranes for pervaporation
Authors: Jiang Lan Ying , Chung Tai‐Shung , Rajagopalan Raj 
Published: May 2007

AbstractFor the first time, porous Magnesium oxide (MgO) particles have been applied to generate mixed matrix membranes (MMM) for the dehydration of iso‐propanol by pervaporation. A modified membrane fabrication procedure has been developed to prepare membranes with higher separation efficiency. FESEM and DSC characterizations confirm that the MMMs produced have intimate polymer/particle interface; the nanosize crystallites on MgO surface may interfere with the polymer chain packing and induce chains rigidification upon the particle surface. It is observed that Matrimid®/MgO MMMs generally have higher selectivity, but lower permeability relative to the neat Matrimid® dense membrane. The highest selectivity is obtained with MMM containing 15 wt. % MgO. The selective sorption and diffusion of water in the MgO particles, and the polymer/particle interface properties combine to lead to the earlier phenomena. The investigation on the effect of feed water composition on the pervaporation performance reveals that the addition of MgO can show the selectivity‐enhancing effects if the feed water concentration is lower than 30 wt. %. In the dehydration of isopropanol aqueous solution with 10 wt. % water, the selectivity of the MMMs is around 2,000, which is more than twice of 900 of neat polymeric membrane. This makes MMMs extremely suitable for breaking the azeotrops of water/iso‐propanol. Gas permeation tests are also conducted using O2 and N2 to determine the microscopic structure of the MMMs, and to investigate the relationship between pervaporation and gas separation performance. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Diagnostic value of micro‐CT in comparison with histology in the qualitative assessment of historical human skull bone pathologies
Authors: Rühli F.J. , Kuhn G. , Evison R. , Müller R. , Schultz M. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractCases of pathologically changed bone might constitute a diagnostic pitfall and frequently need histological methods to be etiologically properly evaluated. With micro‐computed tomography (μCT), a new epoch of 2D and 3D imaging has been launched. We evaluated the diagnostic investigation of this analytical method versus well established histological investigations of historical human bone. Pathological changes due to various etiologies (infectious, traumatic, endocrinological, neoplasia) observed in autopsy‐based macerated human skulls (Galler Collection, Natural History Museum Basel, Switzerland) were investigated by μCT and compared with histological thin ground sections using polarized light. Micro‐CT images visualize the architecture of the bone with high spatial resolution without preparation or destruction of the sample in the area to be sectioned. Changes in the bone surfaces as well as alterations of the diploë can be assessed. However, morphological patterns caused by reactive response, such as typical arrangements of collagen fibers, can only be visualized by the microscopic investigation of thin ground sections using polarized light. A great advantage of μCT is the high number of slices obtained so that spatial differences within the areas of the specimen become visible. Micro‐CT is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of vestiges of skull bone diseases. Its advantages over histology are the fast, automated image acquisition and the fact that the specimen is not completely destroyed. Only excision of the area to be scanned is necessary, if the specimen is too large to be scanned as a whole. Further, the 3D visualization of the micro‐architecture allows an easy orientation within the sample, for example, for the choice of the location of the histological slices. However, the need to differentiate woven from lamellar bone still makes histology an indispensable method. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Morphological differentiation of aboriginal human populations from Tierra del Fuego (Patagonia): Implications for South American peopling
Authors: Perez S. Ivan , Bernal Valeria , Gonzalez Paula N. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis study aims to integrate the craniofacial morphological variation of southern South American populations with the results of mtDNA haplogroup variation, to discuss the South America peopling. Because the causes of morphological differentiation of Fueguian populations are still a controversial subject, the comparison with neutral variation could contribute to elucidate them. Samples of human remains from South America regions were used to analyze the evolutionary relationships. Several craniofacial traits observed in frontal and lateral view were analyzed by means of geometric morphometrics techniques, and the evolutionary relationships based on morphological and molecular data were established in base to ordination analyses. The results from the facial skeleton agree with those obtained from mtDNA haplogroup frequencies, with La Pampa/Chaco samples detached from the Patagonian samples. Hence, the same mechanism that accounts for the pattern of frequency of haplogroups could explain the variation found in facial skeleton among the samples. It is suggested that such geographic pattern of craniofacial and molecular diversity may reflect the effect of genetic drift that occurred in the small founding populations isolated by distance or geographic barriers. Conversely, the results obtained using the traits from the lateral view slightly differ from the molecular results, showing differences between southernmost Patagonian and the other samples. Therefore, mechanisms other than genetic drift (e.g., natural selection) could have acted to shape the pattern observed in some craniofacial structures present in the lateral view, characterized by the fact that the southernmost Patagonian samples display the most robust and dolichocephalic crania. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Human colonization of the central territory of Argentina: Design matrix models and craniometric evidence
Authors: Fabra Mariana , Laguens Andrés G. , Demarchi Darío A. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this study we test several hypotheses about the peopling of the central territory of Argentina, archaeologically known as Sierras Centrales, by testing the association between four alternative models of the peopling of the area and cranial morphological variation through distance and matrix correlation analyses. Our results show that the ancient inhabitants of Sierras Centrales demonstrated close morphological similarities with the Patagonian and Tierra del Fuego populations. Moreover, the correlation and partial correlation analyses suggest that the peopling of the Sierras Centrales most likely took place as a migratory wave proceeding from the present area of Northeastern Argentina, and continued southward to Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.