bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soft computing techniques in the design of a navigation, guidance and control system for an autonomous underwater vehicle
Authors: Loebis D. , Naeem W. , Sutton R. , Chudley J. , Tetlow S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis paper discusses the navigation, guidance and control (NGC) of theHammerheadautonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The navigation system is based on the integrated use of the global positioning system (GPS) and several inertial navigation system (INS) sensors. A simple Kalman filter (SKF) and an extended Kalman filter (EKF) are proposed to be used subsequently to fuse the data from the INS sensors and to integrate them with that of the GPS. This paper highlights the use of soft computing techniques, with an emphasis on fuzzy logic and genetic algorithms (GAs), both in single‐ and multiobjective modes to the adaptation of the initial statistical assumption of both the SKF and EKF caused by possible changes in sensor noise characteristics. It will be shown how the adaptation made by the proposed techniques is able to enhance the accuracy of the navigation system and hence it is considered as a major contribution of this particular study in relation to AUV technology.The guidance and control system is based on a model predictive controller (MPC). The conventional MPC assumes a quadratic cost function and an optimization method such as quadratic programming (QP) to determine the optimum input to the process. For vehicle implementation, two modifications are proposed to the standard MPC problem. The first involves the replacement of the conventional optimizer with a GA in single objective mode whilst the quadratic cost function is replaced by a fuzzy performance index. The advantages of both schemes are outlined and simulation results are presented to evaluate the performance of the proposed techniques. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The 5‐HTTLPR s/s genotype at the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) increases the risk for depression in a large cohort of primary care attendees: The PREDICT‐gene study
Authors: Cervilla Jorge A. , Rivera Margarita , Molina Esther , Torres‐González Francisco , Bellón Juan A. , Moreno Berta , de Dios Luna Juan , Lorente José A. , de Diego‐Otero Yolanda , King Michael , Nazareth Irwin , Gutiérrez Blanca ,   PREDICT Study Core Group
Published: October 2006

AbstractPrevious reports and meta‐analyses have yielded inconclusive results as to whether the s/s genotype at the 5‐HTTLPR serotonin transporter polymorphism confers increased risk for depression. We tested the association between s/s genotype and depression in a large cohort (n = 737) of Spanish primary care consecutive attendees participating in a European study on predictors for depression in primary care (PREDICT study). Participants were administered the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) depression subscale allowing diagnoses using ICD‐10 criteria for depressive episodes. Participants were genotyped to establish 5HTTLPR genotype. Both univariable and multivariable associations between the s/s genotype and depression were tested twice using two different depressive outcomes (ICD‐10 depressive episode and ICD‐10 severe depressive episode). We found an association between the s/s genotype and both depressive outcomes that was independent of age, sex, family history of psychological problems among first degree relatives and presence of comorbid generalized anxiety disorder. When comparing s/s homozygous versus the rest, the adjusted odds ratio for any ICD‐10 depressive episode and for severe ICD‐10 depressive episode were 1.50 (95% CI: 1.0–2.2; P = 0.045) and 1.79 (95% CI: 1.1–2.8; P = 0.016), respectively. The association was significantly stronger with increasing severity of depression (χ2 for linear association=6.1; P = 0.013) suggesting a dose‐dependent relationship. Our results are consistent with previous reports suggesting a small but independent effect by the s/s 5‐HTTLPR genotype increasing the risk for depression. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Histological development and dynamic expression of Bmp2–6 mRNAs in the embryonic and postnatal mousecranial base
Authors: Kettunen Päivi , Nie Xuguang , Kvinnsland Inger Hals , Luukko Keijo 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe cranial base is formed by endochondral ossification and is characterized by the presence of the synchondrosis growth centers. The aim of this study was to describe the histological development of the mouse midsagittal cranial base area from embryonic day 10 (E10) to the postnatal age of 2 months. The Bmp family of signaling molecules serves important functions in embryo and bone development and may therefore play a significant role in the early formation of the cranial base. To investigate this, we analyzed the mRNA pattern of expression of Bmp2–6 in the mouse cranial base from E10 to 5 days postnatally using radioactive in situ hybridization. We found that the formation of the mouse cranial base corresponds to that of rat and proceeds in a caudorostral sequence. Moreover, all Bmps studied showed distinct and overlapping developmentally regulated expression domains. Bmp2, Bmp5, and Bmp6 were expressed in the early mesenchymal condensations. Later, Bmp2, Bmp3, Bmp4, and Bmp5 were detected in the perichondrium and in the adjacent mesenchyme. Subsequently, Bmp2 and Bmp6 expressions were confined to hypertrophic chondrocytes, while Bmp3, Bmp4, and Bmp5 were expressed in the osteoblasts of the trabecular bone and bone collar. Interestingly, Bmp3 was uniquely expressed postnatally in the resting zone of the synchondrosis growth center, suggesting a role in the regulation of cranial base growth. These results suggest that Bmp signaling may serve specific and synergistic functions at different key stages of cranial base development and growth. Anat Rec Part A, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Environmental awakening in the Swedish pulp and paper industry: pollution resistance and firm responses in the Early 20th century
Authors: Söderholm Kristina 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to analyse in what way a conflict in the early 20th century (1904–1911) over a Swedish pulp mill's emissions into air and water impacted on the technology choices and strategies of the mill. The article also analyses what characterized the company's other responses to the complaints, in the form of counter‐arguments, as well as engagement of experts. The access to information about the deliberations at the mill's board meetings is very rare in historical studies of company behaviour in relation to the environment, and provides us with a unique opportunity to comprehend in what way business strategies were developed during the course of the conflict. Technology choices are often characterized by the search for knowledge that enables a company to employ existing but not yet developed technical potentials, rather than choices between known technical solutions. We emphasize that this is particularly evident in a case where a company is forced to alter its technology in order to solve previously unknown environmental problems. In spite of a persistent search, the mill did not find any ready‐made technological solutions to the environmental problems faced and was therefore forced to engage scientific expertise and even initiate basic scientific research. In 1911, the Swedish Supreme Administrative Court ordered the mill to undertake a number of pollution abatement investments. Interestingly – and partly in line with the so‐called Porter hypothesis – the long‐run economics of these investments turned out to be more favourable than anticipated prior to the verdict. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Race as stigma: positioning the stigmatized as agents, not objects
Authors: Howarth Caroline 
Published: October 2006

AbstractUsing material from three qualitative studies into the social and psychological consequences of racism, this paper explores the insights gained from conceptualizing race as stigma. Not only does this shed light on the construction and contestation of racism in the lives of the research participants, the material presented raises important issues for a social psychology of stigma more generally. These include an assessment of the embodiment of stigma, the ideological construction of stigma within particular histories, the impact of stigma on identity and the ways in which we collectively contest and resist stigma. While acknowledging how stigma, particularly the stigma of race, acts to deny humanity, agency and liberty, I illustrate how stigma is collectively constructed, institutionalized and resisted in social and political relations. I conclude that a crucial part of the psychology of stigma must be a focus on the possibilities for communities to contest and transform representations and practices that stigmatize; that is, we need to explore the possibilities and conditions for stigmatized communities as agents and not (only) as objects or victims of stigma. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Haemolytic Activity and Adjuvant Effect of Notoginsenoside K from the Roots of Panax notoginseng
Authors: Qin Feng , Ye Yi‐Ping , Sun Hong‐Xiang 
Published: October 2006

AbstractNotoginsenoside K (1), a saponin isolated from the roots of Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen, was evaluated for its haemolytic activity and adjuvant potential on specific antibody and cellular response to ovalbumin (OVA) in mice. Compound 1 showed a slight haemolytic effect, its concentration inducing 50% of the maximum haemolysis (HD50 value) being 318±13 μg/ml, on a 0.5% suspension of red blood cells. Compound 1 significantly increased the concanavalin A (Con A)‐, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐, and OVA‐induced splenocyte proliferation in OVA‐immunized mice (P<0.05, P<0.01, or P<0.001). The OVA‐specific serum IgG, IgG1, and IgG2b antibody levels were also significantly enhanced by 1, especially at a dose of 25 μg compared to an OVA control group (P<0.001). Moreover, the enhancing effect of 1 on the OVA‐specific IgG2b antibody responses to OVA in mice was more significant than that of Alum (AlOH gel; P<0.01). These results suggest that 1 exhibits a slight haemolytic activity and a significant adjuvant effect on specific antibody and cellular response against OVA in mice.
Low serum albumin levels and liver metastasis are powerful prognostic markers for survival in patients with carcinomas of unknown primary site
Authors: Seve Pascal , Ray‐Coquard Isabelle , Trillet‐Lenoir Veronique , Sawyer Michael , Hanson John , Broussolle Christiane , Negrier Sylvie , Dumontet Charles , Mackey John R. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.The authors investigated how lymphopenia and low serum albumin levels correlate with the prognosis of patients with carcinoma of unknown primary (CUP).METHODS.Univariate and multivariate prognostic factor analyses were conducted in a population of 317 consecutive patients with CUP who were evaluated at the Cross Cancer Institute of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, from 1998 to 2004.RESULTS.The results from multivariate analysis showed that patients who had a performance status ≥2 (using the World Health Organization scale), a high overall comorbidity score (on the Adult Comorbidity Evaluation 27), liver metastasis, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, lymphopenia (defined as an absolute lymphocyte count ≥0.7 × 109/L), and low serum albumin levels had a worse prognosis. Based on the observation that the presence of liver metastasis and low serum albumin levels were the most powerful adverse prognostic factors, a classification scheme was delineated that took those 2 variables into account. A group of good‐risk patients (no liver metastasis and normal serum albumin levels) and a group of poor‐risk patients (liver metastasis and/or low serum albumin levels) were identified with median survivals of 371 days and 103 days, respectively (P < .0001). This classification was validated further in an independent data set of 124 patients who were evaluated at 2 French cancer centers: Among those patients, the median survival was 378 days in the good‐risk group and 90 days in the poor‐risk group (P < .0001). The new prognostic model substantially outperformed the previous standard prognostic model, which was based on performance status and serum LDH levels.CONCLUSIONS.Lymphopenia and low serum albumin levels were identified as 2 new independent markers of prognosis in patients with CUP. Although the authors confirmed the validity of the previous prognostic model, they developed and validated a more powerful, simple model based on the 2 most powerful adverse prognostic factors: liver metastasis and low serum albumin levels. These findings were confirmed in an independent cohort of patients with CUP, and consideration of the authors' improved prognostic model for survival of patients with CUP is warranted. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Function‐in‐layout: a demonstration with bio‐inspired hyperacuity chip
Authors: Mozsáry András , Chung Jen‐Feng , Roska Tamás 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBelow 100 nm a new scenario is emerging in VLSI design: floorplanning and function are inherently interrelated. Using mainly local connectivity, wire delay and crosstalk problems are eliminated. A new design methodology is proposed, called function‐in‐layout, that possesses: regular layout, mainly local connectivity, functional ‘parasitics’. A bio‐inspired demonstration is presented, a hyperacuity chip, with 30 ps time difference detection using 0.35 mm complementary metal‐oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fully nonlinear oscillator noise analysis: an oscillator with no asymptotic phase
Authors: Demir Alper 
Published: October 2006

AbstractOscillators exist in many systems. Detailed and correct characterization and comprehension of noise in autonomous systems such as oscillators is of utmost importance. Previous approaches to oscillator noise analysis are based on some kind of perturbation analysis, some linear and some nonlinear. However, the derivations of the equations for perturbation analysis are all based on information that is produced by a linearization of the oscillator equations around the periodic steady‐state solution, where it is assumed that the oscillator is orbitally stable and it has the so‐called asymptotic phase property. In this paper, we first discuss these notions from a qualitative perspective, and demonstrate that the asymptotic phase property is crucial in validating all of the previous approaches. We then present the case of a simple oscillator that is orbitally stable but without asymptotic phase, for which previous approaches fail. We then present a fully nonlinear noise analysis of this oscillator. We derive and compute nonlinear, non‐stationary and non‐Gaussian stochastic characterizations for both amplitude and phase noise. We arrive at results that are distinctly different when compared with the ones obtained previously for oscillators with asymptotic phase. We compare and verify our analytical results against extensive Monte Carlo simulations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photocatalytic oxidation of methanol using silica‐titania composites in a packed‐bed reactor
Authors: M. Stokke Jennifer , Mazyck David W. , Wu C.Y. , Sheahan Rick 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe processing of forest products into pulp, paper, paperboard, and other wood products results in the generation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). This work focused on the development of a photocatalytic packed‐bed reactor for the oxidation of methanol, which is the primary constituent in high volume low concentration gases emitted from pulp and paper mills. Bench‐scale studies using an annular reactor packed with silica‐titania composite (STC) pellets were conducted to maximize methanol removal and minimize the formation of byproducts, such as formaldehyde. Parameters such as STC pore size (ca. 40, 120, and 260 Å) and UV wavelength (UVA and UVC) were varied. In the dark, the STC pellets removed methanol via adsorption and had a finite adsorption capacity dependent on the surface area of the composite. When irradiated with UV light, the STC pellets adsorbed and oxidized methanol simultaneously. At the bench‐scale, 40 Å STC pellets irradiated with UVC light achieved the greatest methanol removal (ca. 90%) with minimal byproduct formation (i.e., effluent formaldehyde concentration was <1 ppmv). Based on these results, a 40 acfm pilot reactor was fabricated and achieved methanol removal rates up to 66% ± 7% with <1 ppmv formaldehyde production at steady state. © 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2006
Family physicians' perceptions and predictors regarding the competence of a person with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Werner Perla 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to assess family physicians' perceptions about the competence of a person with AD.MethodsTelephone interviews were conducted with a representative sample of 395 family physicians using an experimental vignette methodology, varying in the severity of the disease. Participants were requested to rate the competence of the person described in the vignette in the areas of driving, health‐decision making, financial decisions, and the performance of instrumental activities of daily living.ResultsResults of the study showed that family physicians perceived the person described in the vignette to be highly incompetent in items involving safety issues. Only a small variety of factors were associated with these perceptions. The main factors were the severity of the disease as reflected in the vignette, participants' perceptions regarding the dangerousness and responsibility of the person with AD, and the percentage of patients aged 65 + with cognitive deterioration in the physician's practice.ConclusionThe assessment of competence in persons with AD is a subtle and complex process. Future research is urgently needed to further explore the factors affecting the process, such as stigmatic views. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ESR Approach to the Estimation of the Rate Constants of the Addition and Fragmentation Processes Involved in the RAFT Polymerization of Styrene
Authors: Alberti Angelo , Benaglia Massimo , Fischer Hanns , Guerra Maurizio , Laus Michele , Macciantelli Dante , Postma Almar , Sparnacci Katia 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe reversible‐addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) controlled radical polymerization of such vinylic monomers as styrene (= ethenylbenzene) has gained increasing popularity in current years. While there is a general agreement on the mechanism of RAFT polymerization, there is an ongoing debate about the values of the rate constants of its key steps, i.e., the addition of the propagating radicals to the mediator and the fragmentation of the resulting spin adducts. By carrying out an ESR spectroscopic investigation of the AIBN‐initiated polymerization of styrene (AIBN = 2,2′‐azobis[2‐methylpropanenitrile]), mediated by benzyl (diethoxyphosphoryl)dithioformate (5) as RAFT agent, we were able to detect and characterize four different radical species involved in the process. By reproducing their concentration–time profiles through a kinetic model, the addition and fragmentation rate constants at 90° of the propagating radicals to and from the mediator were estimated to be ca.107 M−1 s−1 and ca. 103 s−1, respectively. The validity of the kinetic model was supported by hybrid meta DFT calculations with the BB1K functional that predicted addition‐ and fragmentation‐rate‐constant values in good agreement with those estimated from the ESR experiments.
Epoxidation of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Double Bonds by Dioxirane Reagent: Regioselectivity and Lipid Supramolecular Organization
Authors: Grabovskiy Stanislav A. , Kabal'nova Natalia N. , Chatgilialoglu Chryssostomos , Ferreri Carla 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe use of dimethyldioxirane (DMD) as the epoxidizing agent for polyunsaturated fatty acids was investigated. With fatty acid methyl esters, this is a convenient method for avoiding acidic conditions, using different solvents, and simplifying the isolation procedures, with less contamination due to by‐products. The reagent was also tested with free fatty acids in water. In this case, the supramolecular organization of fatty acids influenced the reaction outcome, and the epoxidation showed interesting regioselective features. The CC bonds closest to the aqueous‐micelle interface is the most favored for the interaction with dimethyldioxirane. The preferential epoxidation of linoleic acid (= (9Z,12Z)‐octadeca‐9,12‐dienoic acid) to the 9,10‐monoepoxy derivative was achieved, with a high yield and 65% regioselectivity. In case of arachidonic acid (= (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z)‐eicosa‐5,8,11,14‐tetraenoic acid) micelles, the regioselective outcome with formation of the four possible monoepoxy isomers was studied under different conditions. It resulted to be a convenient synthesis of ‘cis‐5,6‐epoxyeicosatrienoic acid’ (= 3‐[(2Z,5Z,8Z)‐tetradeca‐2,5,8‐trienyl]oxiran‐2‐butanoic acid), whereas in reverse micelles, epoxidation mostly gave ‘cis‐14,15‐epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (= (5Z,8Z,11Z)‐13‐(3‐pentyloxiran‐2‐yl)trideca‐5,8,11‐trienoic acid).
Quenching of Singlet Oxygen by Tertiary Aliphatic Amines. Structural Effects on Rates and Products
Authors: Baciocchi Enrico , Del Giacco Tiziana , Lapi Andrea 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA kinetic and product study of the reaction of a series of α‐methyl‐substituted N‐methylpiperidines with thermally generated 1O2 in MeCN was carried out. It was found that as the number of α‐methyl groups (Me in α‐position relative to the N‐atom) increases, the rate of 1O2 quenching (physical plus chemical) slightly decreases. This finding shows that, with respect to the reaction rate, steric effects are much more important than electronic effects as the latter should have produced the opposite result. The opposite outcome was instead found for the chemical quenching that leads to the N‐demethylation products and N‐formyl derivatives. The same trend was observed for the ratio between N‐demethylation and formation of the N‐formyl derivatives (NH/NCHO ratio). All these results are consistent with the mechanism reported in Scheme 1 where an exciplex is first formed that by a H‐atom transfer process produces an α‐amino‐substituted C‐radical. The latter forms the product of N‐demethylation by one electron oxidation, or affords the N‐formyl derivative by radical coupling (Scheme 1). Similar results were obtained with N,N‐dimethylcyclohexanamine. However, this ‘acyclic’ amine exhibited behaviors quite distinct from those of the N‐methylpiperidines series, with respect to reaction rate, extent of chemical quenching, and NH/NCHO ratio.
Synthesis and Properties of a pH‐Insensitive Fluorescent Nitric Oxide Cheletropic Trap (FNOCT)
Authors: Hornig Frank Stefan , Korth Hans‐Gert , Rauen Ursula , de Groot Herbert , Sustmann Reiner 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe synthesis and properties of the new fluorescent nitric oxide cheletropic trap (FNOCT) 14, designed for the trapping and quantification of nitric oxide (NO) production in chemical and biological systems, is described (Scheme 3). The dicarboxylic acid 14 and the corresponding bis[(acetyloxy)methyl] ester derivative 15 of the FNOCT contain a 2‐methoxy‐substituted phenanthrene group as fluorophoric unit. The fluorescence of the reduced NO adduct of this FNOCT (λexc 320 nm, λem 380 nm) is pH‐independent. Trapping experiments were carried out in aqueous buffer solution at pH 7.4 with nitric oxide being added as a bolus as well as being released from the NO donor compound MAHMA NONOate (= (1Z)‐1‐{methyl[6‐(methylammonio)hexyl]amino}diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate), indicating a trapping efficiency of ca. 50%. In a biological application, nitric oxide was scavenged from a culture of lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated rat alveolar macrophages. Under the applied conditions, a production of 11.1 ± 1.5 nmol of NO per hour and per 105 cells was estimated.