bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A revisit to the student learning problem
Authors: Chen Y. H. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA forgetful student wishes to accomplish a high knowledge level (ambitious) with a small effort (lazy). Two learning patterns are addressed. First, at low or intermediate knowledge level, the student improves faster as more knowledge is absorbed. Secondly, at high knowledge level, the more the student learns, the harder it is for an equal amount of improvement to be made. The study problem is cast into an optimal control setting. Study strategies are explored. One interesting finding in the second case is that the student may need to reduce the work intensity as the examination is approaching.
Optimal tracking and rejection of persistent bounded signals for mimo continuous systems
Authors: Kung Chung‐Chun , Lee Chin‐Cheng 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper introduces a design methodology for an optimal stabilizing compensator that not only minimizes the maximum tracking error but also minimizes the maximum amplitude of the undesired part of the output of a multivariable (MIMO) continuous‐time system due to any persistent bounded disturbances. For this purpose a two‐parameter compensator scheme is adopted in the design of the feedback system. This paper emphasizes that the optimal compensator design problem is equivalent to a constrained L1‐norm minimization problem and its solution can be obtained by standard non‐linear programming routines.
Comparison of methods for design sensitivity analysis for optimal control of thermal systems
Authors: House John M. , Arora Jasbir S. , Smith Theodore F. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe objective of this study is to examine two analytical methods for the design sensitivity analysis of optimal control problems and to develop the analyses necessary for the application of the methods to thermal systems. The two methods are the direct differentiation method and the adjoint variable method. Results for these methods are compared with those obtained using central finite difference approximations for design sensitivity analysis. The adjoint variable method has the potential to reduce significantly computational times for design sensitivity analysis while sacrificing only a small amount of accuracy. As the number of functional requiring design sensitivity analysis increases, however, the adjoint variable method becomes less attractive and the direct differentiation method becomes more attractive.
Decoupling control based on the modified root locus approach
Authors: Wang Feng‐Sheng 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTwo control strategies, unity‐feedback and modified Smith predictor configurations, are introduced to design non‐square decoupling control systems. The complete decoupler has the same function structure for both systems. The root locus approach is extended to design the multiloop controllers for both configurations. Pole–zero cancellation is not included in the design procedures for the respective control strategies, so the control laws can handle minimum or non‐minimum phase reachable decoupling processes. The tuning region of the appropriate decoupling control configuration is determined through internal stability analysis. From the analysis we observe that if the product of the tuning parameter and the pseudogain of the subsystem is much smaller than unity, the control effects for the two decoupling control systems are no different. Since both decoupling controllers are essentially based on the process model, the control strategies are implemented in adaptive control schemes in the simulation examples.
On the structure of a class of time‐optimal trajectories
Authors: Glizer V. Y. , Shinar J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractPlanar constant‐speed interception of an evader moving along a known trajectory is considered as a time‐optimal control problem. The condition which guarantees that the optimal trajectory of the pursuer consists of an initial turn at the maximum turning rate followed by a straight line segment is established. This condition is expressed as an inequality satisfied by the ratio of the minimum turning radius of the pursuer and the initial range, also called the geometrical singular perturbation parameter. The upper bound of this parameter is computed as a function of other non‐dimensional parameters of the interception.
Necessary optimality conditions for a generalized problem of production scheduling
Authors: Khmelnitsky Eugene , Kogan Konstantin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis communication concerns a derivation and study of necessary optimality conditions for production scheduling. The continuous‐time optimal control problem is stated for the analysis of extremal behaviour of a flexible flow shop. This is accomplished by means of the maximum principle, which is applied to the problem with irregular constraints and three typical forms of objective function.
Molecular weight dependence of polystyrene segmental dynamics in dilute blends with poly(vinyl methyl ether)
Authors: Zhang Liang , Lutz T. R. , Zhao Junshu , Ediger M. D. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe segmental dynamics of backbone‐deuterated polystyrenes (d3PS) with varying molecular weights (1.7–67 kg/mol) have been measured in blends with poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME). 2H NMR T1 values at 15 and 77 MHz are reported for the pure d3PS and for the dilute d3PS component in PVME matrices. The temperature shift that is needed to superpose the NMR T1 data for the pure d3PS and the d3PS as a dilute component in the blend ranges from 45 to 70 K. In the framework of Lodge/McLeish model, the self‐concentration value for d3PS in these dilute blends with PVME is found to be independent of molecular weight. We thus establish for this system that the substantial influence of molecular weight on the blend segmental dynamics can be explained by homopolymer Tg differences. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2252–2262, 2007
Rheology of multi‐walled carbon nanotube/poly(butylene terephthalate) composites
Authors: Wu Defeng , Wu Liang , Zhang Ming 
Published: July 2007

AbstractMulti‐walled carbon nanotube/Poly(butylene terephthalate) nanocomposites (PCTs) were prepared by melt compounding. The microstructure of PCTs was investigated using transmission electron micrographs and Fourier transform infra‐red spectrometer. The linear and nonlinear as well as transient rheological properties of PCTs were characterized by the parallel plate rheometer. The results reveal that the surface modification can improve the dispersion state of nanotube in matrix. PCTs present a low percolation threshold of about 1–2 wt % in contrast to that of Poly‐(butylene terephthalate)/clay nanocomposites. The network structure is very sensitive to both the quiescent and large amplitude oscillatory shear deformation, and is also to the temperature, which makes the principle of time‐temperature superposition (TTS) be valid on PCTs only in a very restricted temperature range. The stress overshoots to the reverse flow are strongly dependent on both the rest time and shear rate but show a strain‐scaling response to the startup of steady shear, indicating that the broken network can reorganize even under quiescent condition. The nanotube may experience the long‐range, more or less order during annealing process. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2239–2251, 2007
Composition dependence of nanophase‐separated structures formed by star‐shaped terpolymers of the A1.0B1.0CX type
Authors: Takano A. , Kawashima W. , Wada S. , Hayashida K. , Sato S. , Kawahara S. , Isono Y. , Makihara M. , Tanaka N. , Kawaguchi D. , Matsushita Y. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSeveral hierarchical nanophase‐separated structures have been observed for a series of ABC star‐shaped terpolymers by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron computerized tomography (3D‐TEM). The seven terpolymers synthesized are composed of polyisoprene (I), polystyrene (S), and poly(2‐vinylpyridine) (P), their volume fraction ratios of I:S:P are 1:1:X, where X equals 0.2, 0.4, 0.7, 1.2, 1.9, 3.0, and 4.9, respectively, and additional four samples were prepared by blending each two parent terpolymers. From morphological observation by TEM and tomography, a terpolymer with X of 0.2 shows lamellar structure with spheres at the interface, those with X ranging from 0.4 to 1.9 show cylindrical structures with two‐dimensional tiling, while those with X of 3.0 and 4.9 show hierarchical cylinders‐in‐lamella structure. Two the other terpolymer samples with X of 7.9 and 10 were produced by blending a P homopolymer with the terpolymer I1.0S1.0P4.9, and they both exhibited columnar piled disk cylinders in P matrix. From the comparison of the present results with the predictions by the Monte–Carlo simulation, it was confirmed that the observed nanophase‐separated structures of the ISP star‐shaped terpolymers are mostly in good agreement with the prediction. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 45: 2277–2283, 2007
Basic characteristics of Ar/N2 atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium microwave discharge plasma jets
Authors: Yuji Toshifumi , Fujioka Kazunari , Fujii Shuitsu , Akatsuka Hiroshi 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTo understand the mechanism of surface processing by atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium microwave discharge plasma jets of coaxial type without a resonator, we measured the vibrational and rotational temperatures in plasmas using optical emission spectroscopy. The plasma was excited by a microwave power supply, using a gas mixture of Ar and N2 as the plasma gas, and changing the flow rate of N2 gas. We also measured the change in the contact angle of a PET film before and after the plasma processing. It decreased as the plasma rotational temperature increased, indicating that the hydrophilicity of the PET surface was improved as the plasma rotational temperature became higher. © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Outcome of Boxer's Fractures Treated by a Soft Wrap and Buddy Taping: A Prospective Study
Authors: Aaken Jan van , Kämpfen Stephan , Berli Martin , Fritschy Daniel , Santa Dominique Della , Fusetti Cesare 
Published: July 2007

Introduction The ideal treatment for a boxer's fracture remains controversial, particularly the degree of volar dislocation considered acceptable for nonoperative treatment. Patients and Methods From December 2003 to December 2004, 25 patients who sustained a subcapital metacarpal fracture of the little finger with volar angulation between 30 to 75° were prospectively enrolled in the study. All patients were treated with a circular self-adherent wrap covering metacarpal bones II–Vand buddy taping of the ring and little fingers for a period of 3 weeks while allowing immediate free range of motion. Results Final evaluation at a mean of 5 months revealed all patients to be satisfied without subjective functional impairment. All fractures healed, and the angulation of the fracture remained unchanged, but moderate shortening was observed. Active flexion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint was significantly lower on the fracture side, but as the median degree of MCP flexion was the same, this statistical difference was without clinical relevance. There was no loss in grip strength. A subjective long-term evaluation was performed by phone; at a median of 3 years, a QuickDash score gave a median of 0 point. Conclusion Treating a boxer's fracture with angulation of up to 75° by soft wrap and buddy taping resulted in satisfied patients and good clinical results.
Arachidonic Acid but not Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Oleic Acid Activates NF‐κB and Elevates ICAM‐1 Expression in Caco‐2 Cells
Authors: Ramakers Julian D. , Mensink Ronald P. , Schaart Gert , Plat Jogchum 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), intestinal activation of the transcription factor NF‐κB as well as intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1 expression, which is involved in recruiting leukocytes to the side of inflammation is increased. Moreover, colonic arachidonic acid (ARA) proportions are increased and oleic acid (OA) proportions are decreased. Fish oils are protective in IBD patients however, a side‐by‐side comparison between effects of fish oils, ARA and OA has not been made. We therefore, compared effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) versus ARA and OA on ICAM‐1 expression in Caco‐2 enterocytes. To validate our model we showed that dexamethasone, sulfasalazine and PPARα (GW7647) or PPARγ (troglitazone) agonists significantly lowered ICAM‐1 expression. ICAM‐1 expression of non‐stimulated and cytokine stimulated Caco‐2 cells cultured for 22 days with ARA was significant higher as compared to EPA and OA. Furthermore, ARA increased NF‐κB activation in a reporter cell‐line as compared to EPA. Antibody array analysis of multiple inflammatory proteins particularly showed an increased monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐1 and angiogenin production and a decreased interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐10 production by ARA as compared to EPA. Our results showed that ARA but not EPA and OA activates NF‐κB and elevates ICAM‐1 expression in Caco‐2 enterocytes. It suggests that replacement of ARA by EPA or OA in the colon mucosa might have beneficial effects for IBD patients. Finally, we suggest that the pro‐inflammatory effects of ARA versus EPA and OA are not related to PPARγ activation and/or eicosanoid formation.
Trends in the prevalence of anaemia in Japanese adult women, 1989–2003
Authors: Hayashi Fumi , Yoshiike Nobuo , Yoshita Katsushi , Kawahara Kazuo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveThere is an increasing concern of anaemia in Japanese women, but no national trend data has existed to date. We analysed long-term national trends of anaemia in adult women.DesignSecondary analyses of 15 consecutive cross-sectional nationwide surveys conducted during the period 1989–2003. Analyses were based on 5-year intervals (1989–1993, 1994–1998, 1999–2003).SettingJapan.SubjectsThe subjects included the National Health and Nutrition Survey of Japan (NHNS-J) population. Analyses were based on 50 967 non-pregnant/non-lactating women aged 20 years and over, with complete data sets. We stratified subjects into six age groups (20–29 years, 30–39 years, 40–49 years, 50–59 years, 60–69 years and 70+ years), and three age groups (20–49 years, 50–69 years, 70+ years) for analyses on residential areas (metropolitan, cities and towns).ResultsDecreases in trends of mean haemoglobin values (intravenous) were significant in all age groups. Changes in the prevalence of anaemia were significant only in women aged 30–39 and 40–49 years. Anaemia (haemoglobin < 12.0 g dl−1) increased from 16.8% to 20.6% in women aged 30–39 years, and from 20.2% to 26.9% in women aged 40–49 years, respectively. Prevalence was highest in women aged 70 years and older in all times, but no significant change was observed.ConclusionsHaemoglobin values have declined significantly in all ages in the last 15 years. Anaemia was especially significant in women aged 30–39 years and 40–49 years. Our findings suggest that a large number of young women in Japan are at risk of anaemia, so continuous monitoring and controlling efforts of this trend are needed.
A ginseng‐derived oestrogen receptor β (ERβ) agonist, Rb1 ginsenoside, attenuates capillary morphogenesis
Authors: Papapetropoulos A 
Published: July 2007

Ginseng extracts contain a variety of active ingredients and have been shown to promote or inhibit angiogenesis, depending on the presence of different ginsenosides that exert opposing effects on blood vessel growth. Leung et al. in this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology report that Rb1, a ginsenoside that constitutes only 0.37–0.5% of ginseng extracts (depending on manufacturing and processing methods), blocks tube‐like network formation by endothelial cells in vitro. At the molecular level, Rb1 binds to the oestrogen receptors and stimulates the transcription of pigment epithelium‐derived factor that, in turn, inhibits matrix‐driven capillary morphogenesis.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 152, 172–174; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707360
Harmony: a concept analysis
Authors: Easley Robin 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTitle.  Harmony: a concept analysis Aim.  This paper is a report of a concept analysis of harmony.Background.  Historically, harmony has been poorly defined in nursing research. Harmony has been typically associated with music, but this concept also has a place in nursing. The term is used in current literature in various contexts, including the environment, and relating to mind, body, and spirit. Use of the term harmony is also evident in describing physical characteristics and connections between subjects or ideas, and as an adjective.Methods  A literature search was conducted using the CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and OVID data bases from 1998 to 2003 with the keyword ‘harmony’. The reference lists of the identified papers were then searched for further sources and 29 papers were identified for inclusion into the paper. Wilson's process was used to conduct the concept analysis.Findings.  Harmony is a major aspect of personal relationships, working relationships, and nurse–patient relationships. Both patient–clinician and clinician–clinician relationships are affected by the three attributes of harmony: balance, peace and rhythm. This balance is also an important factor in the incidence of disease and for optimal health. Five consequences of the concept are identified as pleasant environment, sense of satisfaction, positive self‐concept, beautiful sound, or effective programme.Conclusion.  Harmony is potentially relevant to many aspects of nursing. In order for a nurse to have a positive relationship with a patient, harmony must be present in terms of a pleasant environment, feelings of satisfaction, positive self‐concepts, and effective nursing intervention programmes.
Assessment of gestational age using birth certificate data compared with medical record data
Authors: Stanley Emery E. , Eaton Abby , Grether Judith K. , Nelson Karin B. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryWe assessed the extent to which use of medical record data might improve gestational age estimates compared with reliance on the birth certificate alone. Using population‐based data from four northern Californian counties, we constructed an algorithm to select the best gestational age estimate from antenatal assessments recorded in medical records. A total of 172 singletons with moderate or severe congenital cerebral palsy from the California Cerebral Palsy Project were compared with 472 randomly selected controls with regard to discrepancies between the algorithmderived estimated gestational age (bestgest) and an estimate based solely on the last menstrual period as recorded on birth certificates. Agreement between bestgest and birth certificate estimated gestational age was exact or within one week for at least 60% of both cases and controls in each of the three birth weight strata. In general, the greater the birth weight of the babies, the better the agreement. The mean number of weeks of overestimation by the birth certificate was 0.7 weeks for cases and 1.1 weeks for controls in the lowest birthweight group (< 1500 g). When compared with bestgest, clinical examination of the infant also tended to overestimate gestational age. In the < 1500 g birthweight group, cases were twice as likely as controls to have a bestgest of ‘low certainty’, but antenatal estimates of ‘high certainty’ were obtained for at least a third of very low birthweight babies born during the mid‐1980s. More widespread use of early ultrasound in more recent birth cohorts may result in a greater proportion of accurate antenatal estimates. When a distinction between immaturity and intrauterine growth retardation is important to the understanding of the aetiology of the outcome under investigation, the use of antenatal estimates from medical records may substantially improve the certainty of the data.
Towards a better understanding of time‐dependent geological processes: kinetics of structural transformations in mineraIs
Authors: Salje Ekhard 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTRecent advances in the theoretical understanding of kinetic processes in minerals are outlined. It is shown that relevant temperature‐pressure‐time information on the geological history of rocks can be extracted from a detailed knowledge of the structural states of some of the constituent mineral phases. Kinetic rate laws for the transformation between these structural states have been derived from order parameter theories (Salje; Salje and Wruck); some of the underlying ideas are reviewed in this paper. Recent progress in the experimental determination of the relevant thermodynamic potentials now makes it possible to treat non‐equilibrium features in a similar way to equilibrium states. The conceptual framework of such investigations is explained.
Palaeoseismic (?) liquefaction event in late Quaternary lake sediment at Glen Roy, Scotland
Authors: Ringrose P.S. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTLate Quaternary lake sediment deposits from a former ice‐dammed lake at Glen Roy, Scotland, contain deformation structures indicative of liquefaction. The distribution of deformation styles reflects a concentric pattern of the degree of liquefaction. A possible fault rupture and several landslides are also observed in the central area. The liquefaction structures, the zonation of the sediment deformation and the association of deformation with landsliding can most simply be interpreted in terms of ground shaking during a major earthquake occurring at the end of the last glacial episode in Scotland (c. 10,000 bp).
The Catak landslide disaster, Trabzon Province, Turkey
Authors: Jones D.K.C. , Lee E.M. , Hearn G.J. , Genc S. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTThe Catak landslide (Trabzon Province, Turkey) developed retrogressively upslope through a series of small slips, culminating with the catastrophic rock avalanche of 23rd June, 1988 when at least 66 people were killed. The landslide was caused by prolonged heavy rainfall triggering a failure in a partially supported 25‐m high road cutting in colluvium, which progressively removed support for the higher parts of the slope and resulted in the catastrophic slide. Such high‐magnitude events are not uncommon in the Black Sea Mountains but the recent disaster highlights the need for systematic landslide hazard assessments in the region.
Non‐Gaussian data expansion in the Earth Sciences
Authors: Journal A.G. , Alabert F. 
Published: July 2007

ABSTRACTA formalism is proposed to generate alternative equiprobable images of an underlying population spatial distribution. The resulting images honour data values at their locations and reflect important characteristics of the data such as patterns of spatial connectivity of extreme‐values. The formalism capitalizes on a coding of all information available into bits (0‐l), which are then processed all together accounting for their patterns of correlation in space. Such common coding allows accounting for qualitative information, possibly of an interpretative nature, to complement the usually sparse hard data available in Earth Sciences applications. The approach proposed, although of a probabilistic nature, does not call for any Gaussian‐type modelling or hypothesis.