bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and implementation of a jet actuator for active structural control
Authors: Brambilla M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn active control applications to civil engineering structures, large control forces are required, but the generation of such forces may render the active control implementation impractical.To overcome this drawback, the actuator force can be supplied by the flow of compressed air: it applies a force to the jet supporting structure thanks to the principle of Momentum Preservation (Conservation). The air is stored in a tank and it flows towards a semi‐rigid pipe to the final actuator‐jets, simply realized as nozzles. The flow through each nozzle is controlled by an on‐off electro‐valve, and the system response is monitored by accelerometers.The main achievement is that the resulting control system is indipendent of external energy supply, enough energy having been stored, as compressed air, in a tank. In this way the reliability of the control system is not affected by the availability of external electric power, that in case of earthquake can easily be interrupted.While many studies have been made on pulse‐control methods, only a few have investigated the implementation of such nonlinear control schemes. The focus of this work is on the experimental investigation of some of the numerous practical issues one meets in the development of actuators based on mass‐ejection techniques.A single degree of freedom system, i.e. a simple vertical cantiliver with a lumped mass at the top, is tested on a shaking‐table under different excitation time‐histories, and the efficiency of the controller is evaluated.
An optical fibre sensor for dynamic structural response monitoring
Authors: Abbiati P. , Casciati F. , Merlo S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAn optical fibre sensor for bridge monitoring is presented. It pursues the sensing of heavy traffic loads, and in particular vibration monitoring.A simple intensity device is conceived; it is calibrated under laboratory static loading.The paper reports and discusses the results of dynamic tests aimed at measuring the oscillations of a steel bar whose bottom end is fixed to a shaking‐table. The table is driven by a hydraulic actuator capable of providing an assigned horizontal movement of different amplitude and frequency content.
Optimization of the adhesion of fiber‐optic strain sensors embedded in cement matrices; a study into long‐term fiber strength
Authors: Habel Wolfgang R. , Bismarck Alexander 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFiber‐optic strain sensors to be used in materials research and for long‐term monitoring the state of chemically stressed concrete, e. g. sewer pipes, cooling towers, have to be intimately embedded in cement matrices. They should be coated with very thin alkaline‐resistant coatings. This is necessary to achieve a reliable strain transfer from the matrix to the fiber sensor.In order to clarify possible ways to replace thick coatings, which are unstable in cement environment, optical fibers have been modified and investigated with regard to their chemical compatibility, their strength behavior after alkaline attacks and their adhesion behavior to the matrix. The surface state of differently treated optical fibers intended for embedding has been characterized; additional strength estimation of alkaline attacked fibers was carried out. All estimations have been compared with those of bare alkaline attacked fibers.The real adhesion behavior was determined using the fiber push‐in test technique (indentation). Recent results suggest that fibers coated with very thin organic layers have remarkable adhesion properties. However, the fiber strength after exposing to alkaline pore solution (pH = 13.9) is worse than that of bare fibers. Optimum fiber/cement bond strength showed fibers, which were coated with a crosslinked polymer, produced in gas plasma.
Application of true linearization in stochastic quasi‐optimal control problems
Authors: Socha L. A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe problem of quasi‐optimal linear feedback control laws for nonlinear systems with quadratic performance criteria under Gaussian white noise excitations is considered. To determine the quasi‐optimal control a modified version of standard iterative procedure is used, where three versions of statistical linearization methods and true linearization method were combined with the optimal control method for linear systems with the mean‐square criterion. The validity of this method is shown by analytical and numerical calculations for examples.
Modelling the response of an elastomeric base isolator
Authors: Faravelli L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA producer of base isolation devices made available low damping elastomeric bearings in a size consistent with the shaking table facilities available at the Department of Structural Mechanics of the University of Pavia in Italy. The mass the shaking table can bear is 400 kg. This means that one base isolator is enough as vertical support, but more isolators would provide an excessive horizontal stiffness. Two further supports were realised by a steel‐teflon contact. It showed good sliding capability under a mass of 100 kg, while for the mass of 400 kg a significant friction effect was emphasised. The laboratory tests were able to identify the device behaviour by collecting absolute inertial force/relative displacement couples. The constitutive law is inferred by a genetic algorithm. This aspect is deeply investigated.
Active flap control of long suspension bridges
Authors: Hansen H. I. , Thoft‐Christensen P. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis article is an extended summary of a Ph.D. Thesis, see (Hansen, 1998). In the thesis theoretical and experimental effects of flap control on a bridge section are compared. Dynamics of long suspension bridges is summarized with special attention on the flutter phenomenom. The aerodynamic derivatives for a flat plate with flaps are derived based on the Theodorsen theory. Estimation of the flutter wind velocity is shown when both the Theodorsen method and the Air Material Command method are used. Three control algorithms are described, namely Classical Linear Optimal closed‐loop control, Instantaneous Optimal closed‐loop control and control with constant phase angles between the motion of the bridge section and the flap motions. Wind tunnel experiments are described and the experimental data are analysed. Finally the results of the wind tunnel experiments are compared to the theory.
The performance of HDRB devices in base isolation: A stochastic sensitivity analysis
Authors: Greco R. , Marano G. C. , Mezzina M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn this paper the seismic response of base isolated structures with high damping laminated rubber bearings is evaluated. The analysis is based on a stochastic approach and the seismic acceleration is modelled through a Gaussian zero mean non stationary stochastic process. More precisely, the recent generalized Kanai‐Tajimi model proposed by Fan and Ahmadi for the El Centro 1940 N00W and Mexico City 1985 N90W earthquakes is used to preserve the non stationary amplitude and frequency characteristics of the seismic motion.The non linear constitutive behaviour of the base isolator is represented by the hysteretic differential Bouc‐Wen model. The stochastic linearization method in the time domain is used to evaluate the statistical moments of the system response in the state space. The non linear differential equation of the response covariance matrix is solved by using an iterative procedure which at each step updates the coefficients of the equivalent linear system and searches for the solution of the response covariance matrix equation. To assess the accuracy of the results, these are compared with the non linear response obtained by using seismic accelerations generated with Monte Carlo simulation. Finally, the peaks of the system response variance are estimated and a sensitivity analysis is performed.
Analytic criteria for the stability of linear control systems with time delay
Authors: Breitung K. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe influence of time delay in linear control systems is often modeled by approximations. Here analytic criteria for determining the stability of linear differential delay systems are described. The characteristic function of such a system is a quasipolynomial, i.e. a polynomial Q(z) multiplied by powers of the exponential function exp(‐τz) plus another polynomial P(z). Using concepts of the theory of functions it has been shown that by evaluating a sequence of path integrals or the integral over the derivative of the logarithm of the characteristic function along the positive part of the imaginary axis it can be determined if the system is stable. As new result it is derived that by estimating the maximal modulus of the zeros of the characteristic function this can be reduced to the calculation of a path integral of this function over a finite contour.
Risk‐sensitive control for nonlinear flexible structures
Authors: Kovaleva Agnessa 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe problem of controlling a noisy flexible system so as to prevent it from leaving a pregiven safe region covers a wide range of applications. This work proposes a new approach to the problem and extends risk‐sensitive control theory to nonlinear flexible systems. Risk‐sensitive control investigates the manner in which modification of the cost criteria in stochastic systems affects the associated optimal control and makes it more sensitive to undesirable outcomes. In the problem in question, the control goal is to counteract rare but large deviations from a prescribed mode of operation. The paper develops an approximate procedure allowing construction of near‐optimal control of a relatively simple structure. The leading order near‐optimal control is found as a stationary feedback with parameters dependent on the noise intensity in the small noise limit. Limiting control performance is estimated. Risk‐sensitive control against seismic excitations is considered as an application of the theory.
Quantification of serotonin 5‐HT1A receptors in humans with [11C](R)‐(−)‐RWAY: Radiometabolite(s) likely confound brain measurements
Authors: Zhang Xiang‐Yang , Yasuno Fumihiko , Zoghbi Sami S. , Liow Jeih‐San , Hong Jinsoo , Mccarron Julie A. , Pike Victor W. , Innis Robert B. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract[11C](R)‐(−)‐RWAY has been shown to be a promising radioligand for imaging brain 5‐HT1A receptors with positron emission tomography in rodents and nonhuman primates. We now report the first use of [11C](R)‐(−)‐RWAY in six healthy human subjects, using kinetic brain imaging and serial arterial measurements of plasma parent radiotracer. At 80 min after radiotracer injection, activity ratios were about three for brain receptor‐rich regions compared with cerebellum. However, the washout from brain was unexpectedly slow relative to plasma clearance of the parent radiotracer. This disparity between brain and plasma activity was quantified with distribution volume calculated from increasingly truncated brain imaging data. In both receptor‐rich regions and cerebellum, distribution volumes were unstable and increased continuously from 90 to 150 min by about 30%. This increasing distribution volume was unlikely due to the variations or errors of plasma input at later time points, since a similar truncation of plasma time points from 150 to 90 min did not significantly affect the analysis of the brain data. When the metabolites of [11C](R)‐(−)‐RWAY in human and monkey were compared, a moderate lipophilic radiometabolite was present at a significantly higher percentage of total plasma radioactivity in human than in monkey. The relatively slow washout of activity from brain and the temporal instability of distribution volume likely reflect the accumulation of radiometabolite(s) in human brain. Although prior studies in rodents and nonhuman primates showed [11C](R)‐(−)‐RWAY to be a promising radiotracer, we suspect that a species difference in metabolism caused this serious deficiency in humans. Synapse 61:469–477, 2007. Published 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Escalating dose, multiple binge methamphetamine regimen does not impair recognition memory in rats
Authors: Clark Robert E. , Kuczenski Ronald , Segal David S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractRats exposed to methamphetamine (METH) in an acute high dose “binge” pattern have been reported to exhibit a persistent deficit in a novel object recognition (NOR) task, which may suggest a potential risk for human METH abusers. However, most high dose METH abusers initially use lower doses before progressively increasing the dose, only eventually engaging in multiple daily administrations. To simulate this pattern of METH exposure, we administered progressively increasing doses of METH to rats over a 14 day interval, then treated them with daily METH binges for 11 days. This treatment resulted in a persistent deficit in striatal dopamine (DA) levels of ∼20%. We then tested them in a NOR task under a variety of conditions. We could not detect a deficit in their performance in the NOR task under any of the testing conditions. These results suggest that mechanisms other than or additional to the decrement in striatal DA associated with an acute METH binge are responsible for the deficit in the NOR task, and that neuroadaptations consequential to prolonged escalating dose METH pretreatment mitigate against these mechanisms. Synapse 61:515–522, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patent and know‐how licensing: The U.S. and the European community in 1992
Authors: Tancer Robert S. , Nejdawi Bashar 
Published: April 2007

AbstractU.S. and EC firms transferring patented and know‐how technology in the nineties will not have major substantive adjustments due to the many similarities in the development of their respective laws and policies. Those differences that will require understanding will more likely originate from form, principally the extensive use of Commission Regulations in the EC that have no counterpart in the U.S.
Antitrust pitfalls for doing business in the post‐1992 EC
Authors: Scheibal William J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDespite the potential that the European Community holds for American companies, those seeking to do business in the EC should be aware of the potential difficulties that may be created by EC antitrust laws. A knowledge of the EC antitrust laws can keep companies from making costly mistakes when marketing, producing, or importing and exporting goods.
Present barriers to technology transfer: U.S. to Eastern Europe versus U.S. to Mexico
Authors: Dean Carol Carloson , Master Jane Le 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTechnological innovations offer much promise for widespread technology transfer on a global basis. Yet, without taking social, economic, or political considerations into account, companies cannot transfer technology as effectively. Of particular importance is understanding technology transfer vis‐à‐vis emerging markets such as Mexico and Eastern Europe.
The free trade agreement between Mexico and the United States: Financing and investing considerations
Authors: Bergevin Peter M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEnactment of a free trade agreement between Mexico and the United States will probably increase trade between the two countries. Direct foreign investment and capital market transactions will play a critical role in financing the ever‐growing mutual economic interdependence of the two countries. The sustained growth of the Mexican economy is a critical factor in a successful long‐term trading relationship. To a certain extent, Mexico's economic health is dependent on U.S. investment in Mexico and in Mexican companies. This article examines certain investing and financing considerations regarding U.S. investment in Mexico. The intent of this study is to make individuals, on both sides of the border, aware of the financial environment in which they are operating. This, in turn, should enhance the opportunities for successful cross‐border business activities. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Understanding Chinese and Japanese negotiating styles
Authors: Chen Min 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to explain various aspects of Chinese and Japanese business negotiating styles. Both the Chinese and Japanese have a reputation for being tough negotiators, but their strategies and tactics are neither unpredictable nor insurmountable. Although they share similar cultural traditions, they do have some notable differences. This article begins with an analysis of general perceptions of the Chinese and Japanese on negotiations, and then goes through different stages of the formal negotiating process while focusing on some of the tactics used either commonly or respectively by the Chinese and Japanese. It ends with a discussion on conflict management. Throughout the article, similarities and differences between the Chinese and Japanese are highlighted. The article presents a conceptual framework for understanding and comparing Chinese and Japanese negotiating styles. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Abnormal expression of ENaC and SGK1 mRNA induced by dietary sodium in Dahl salt‐sensitively hypertensive rats
Authors: Aoi Wataru , Niisato Naomi , Sawabe Yukinori , Miyazaki Hiroaki , Tokuda Shinsaku , Nishio Kyosuke , Yoshikawa Toshikazu , Marunaka Yoshinori 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEpithelial sodium channel (ENaC) plays a crucial role in controlling sodium reabsorption in the kidney keeping the normal blood pressure. We previously reported that the expression of ENaC mRNA in the kidney of Dahl salt‐sensitive (DS) rats was abnormally regulated by aldosterone, however it is unknown if dietary sodium affects the expression of ENaC and serum and glucocorticoid‐regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), which plays an important role in ENaC activation, in DS rats. In the present study, we investigated whether dietary sodium abnormally affects the expression of ENaC and SGK1 mRNA in DS rats. DS and Dahl salt‐resistant (DR) rats (8 weeks old) were divided into three different groups, respectively: (1) low sodium diet (0.005% NaCl), (2) normal sodium diet (0.3% NaCl), and (3) high sodium diet (8% NaCl). The high sodium diet for 4 weeks in DS rats elevated the systolic blood pressure, but did not in any other groups. The expression of α‐ENaC mRNA in DS rats was abnormally increased by high sodium diet in contrast to DR rats, while it was normally increased by low sodium diet in DS rats similar to DR rats. The expression of β‐ and γ‐ENaC mRNA in DS rats was also abnormally increased by high sodium diet unlike DR rats. The expression of SGK1 mRNA was elevated by high sodium diet in DS rats, but it was decreased in DR rats. These observations indicate that the expression of ENaC and SGK1 mRNA is abnormally regulated by dietary sodium in salt‐sensitively hypertensive rats, and that this abnormal expression would be one of the factors causing salt‐sensitive hypertension.
Presence of bone marrow micrometastasis is associated with different recurrence risk within molecular subtypes of breast cancer
Authors: Naume Bjørn , Zhao Xi , Synnestvedt Marit , Borgen Elin , Russnes Hege Giercksky , Lingjærde Ole Christian , Strømberg Maria , Wiedswang Gro , Kvalheim Gunnar , Kåresen Rolf , Nesland Jahn M. , Børresen-Dale Anne-Lise , Sørlie Therese 
Published: April 2007

AbstractExpression profiles of primary breast tumors were investigated in relation to disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) in bone marrow (BM) in order to increase our understanding of the dissemination process. Tumors were classified into five pre‐defined molecular subtypes, and presence of DTC identified (at median 85 months follow‐up) a subgroup of luminal A patients with particular poor outcome (p=0.008). This was not apparent for other tumor subtypes. Gene expression profiles associated with DTC and with systemic relapse for luminal A patients were identified. This study suggests that DTC in BM differentially distinguishes clinical outcome in patients with luminal A type tumors and that DTC‐associated gene expression analysis may identify genes of potential importance in tumor dissemination.
Anatomic and spiral computed tomographic study of the genial tubercles for genioglossus advancement
Authors: Kai Yin Shan , Liang Yi Hong , Ying Lu Wen , Guan Jian , Min Wu Hong , Yu Cao Zhen , Zhen Yu Dong , Yan Huang Yan , Wu Chun Gen 
Published: April 2007

ObjectiveTo measure and compare Chinese mandibulaö genial tubercles measured anatomically and with computed tomography (CT).Study Design And SettingSpiral CT scans were taken of 40 adult human skulls; the superior genial spines were measured using anatomic and CT methods.ResultsThe height and width of the superior genial spines, mandible thickness, and distance from the menton to the inferior and superior margins of the superior genial spines were 5.82 ± 0.71, 6.98 ± 1.35, 11.95 ± 1.59, 11.08 ± 2.05, and 16.91 ± 2.30 mm from anatomic measurements and 6.17 ± 0.71, 7.01 ± 1.13, 12.19 ± 1.64, 10.41 ± 1.55, and 15.73 ± 2.12 mm using spiral CT, respectively. The anatomic and CT measurements were correlated.ConclusionSpiral CT of the genial tubercles can help locate the osteotomy in genioglossus advancement.SignificanceThis study acquired reference data on Chinese genial tubercles demonstrating that CT measurements of the genial tubercles reflect their anatomy, which should allow accurately locate the osteotomy.
Biofilm formation in cochlear implants with cochlear drug delivery channels in an in vitro model
Authors: Johnson Trey A. , Loeffler Kimberly A. , Burne Robert A. , Jolly Claude N. , Antonelli Patrick J. 
Published: April 2007

BackgroundCochlear implant (CI) drug delivery (DD) may improve electrophysiological outcomes, but it may also increase the risk of suppurative complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the development of bacterial biofilms on DD ports when subjected to varying types of penetration.MethodsSilastic models were constructed to represent CIs with a DD channel, with an intact port, a widely opened port, a noncoring needle penetrating the port, and a noncoring needle removed from the port. CIs were exposed to a culture of a biofilm‐forming strain of Staphylococcus aureus for 5 days. Biofilm formation was assessed with quantitative bacterial counts (after eliminating planktonic bacteria) and scanning electron microscopy.ResultsBacterial counts were significantly higher in CIs with widely fenestrated ports than all other port conditions (P = 0.0003).ConclusionsBiofilm formation may be minimized on CIs with DD by using fine, noncoring needles and limiting the duration of port penetration.
The clinical behavior of isolated sphenoid sinusitis
Authors: Gilony Dror , Talmi Yoav P. , Bedrin Lev , Ben‐Shosan Yosef , Kronenberg Jona 
Published: April 2007

ObjectiveWe sought to study the clinical behavior and treatment outcome of isolated sphenoid sinusitis (ISS).Study Design and SettingWe conducted a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with ISS in a tertiary medical center over 20 years.ResultsOf 72 patients with ISS, 79 percent had acute symptoms, 15 percent had chronic symptoms, and 6 percent had incidental radiological findings. Fifteen percent were children. Most patients were diagnosed between January and April (P < 0.01), and increasing incidence was noted over the years (P < 0.001). Headache was the most common presenting symptom (85%). Chronic patients complained also of nasal symptoms (82%). Six patients had a major complication of sinusitis (none of them were children), and two patients died. Immunocompromised patients had more major complications (P ≤ 0.001) and increased mortality (P ≤ 0.01).ConclusionMost patients need conservative treatment alone. However, life‐threatening complications are not infrequent. Close observation and early surgical intervention, if needed, provide the mainstay of treatment.SignificanceThis is the first large series that focuses on the clinical behavior, complications, and treatment of ISS.