bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for benefit of transversus abdominis training alone or in combination with pelvic floor muscle training to treat female urinary incontinence: A systematic review
Authors: Bø Kari , Mørkved Siv , Frawley Helena , Sherburn Margaret 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAimsPelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) has Level A evidence to treat female urinary incontinence (UI). Recently, indirect training of the pelvic floor muscles (PFM) via the transversus abdominis muscle (TrA) has been suggested as a new method to treat UI. The aim of this article is to discuss whether there is evidence for a synergistic co‐contraction between TrA and PFM in women with UI, whether TrA contraction is as effective, or more effective than PFMT in treating UI and whether there is evidence to recommend TrA training as an intervention strategy.MethodsA computerized search on PubMed, and hand searching in proceedings from the meetings of the World Confederation of Physical Therapy (1993–2007), International Continence Society and International Urogynecology Association (1990–2007) were performed.ResultsWhile a co‐contraction of the TrA normally occurs with PFM contraction, there is evidence that a co‐contraction of the PFM with TrA contraction can be lost or altered in women with UI. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found comparing TrA training with untreated controls or sham. Two RCTs have shown no additional effect of adding TrA training to PFMT in the treatment of UI.ConclusionsTo date there is insufficient evidence for the use of TrA training instead of or in addition to PFMT for women with UI. Neurourol. Urodyn. 28:368–373, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Predicting behavioral problems in craniopharyngioma survivors after conformal radiation therapy
Authors: Dolson Eugenia P. , Conklin Heather M. , Li Chenghong , Xiong Xiaoping , Merchant Thomas E. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundAlthough radiation therapy is a primary treatment for craniopharyngioma, it can exacerbate existing problems related to the tumor and pre‐irradiation management. Survival is often marked by neurologic deficits, panhypopituitarism, diabetes insipidus, cognitive deficiencies, and behavioral and social problems.ProcedureThe Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to evaluate behavioral and social problems during the first 5 years of follow‐up in 27 patients with craniopharyngioma treated with conformal radiation therapy.ResultsAll group averages for the CBCL scales were within the age‐typical range at pre‐irradiation baseline. Extent of surgical resection was implicated in baseline differences for the internalizing, externalizing, behavior problem and social scores. Significant longitudinal changes were found in internalizing, externalizing, behavior problem and school scores that correlated with tumor and treatment‐related factors.ConclusionsThe most common variables implicated in post‐irradiation behavioral and social problems were CSF shunting, presence of an Ommaya reservoir, diabetes insipidus, and low pre‐irradiation growth hormone levels. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;52:860–864. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Studies on the development of biodegradable poly(HEMA)/Cloisite nanocomposites
Authors: Singhal Rahul , Datta Monika 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe structural arrangement of molecules, ions, and other molecular species in the confined spaces of nanoscale pores and mineral interlayer are a key factor in understanding transport and reactivity in many technological and biological systems. In this respect, considerable research efforts have been focused on the design of nanoscale oral sustained‐ and controlled‐release drug delivery systems. Biodegradable polymers have long been of interest in controlled release technology because of the ability of these polymers to be reabsorbed by the body. There are not very many polymers which intercalate Cloisite, forming a good nanocomposite. The present study highlights some preliminary investigations on the synthesis of Cloisite and biodegradeable poly hydyroxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA) nanocomposites. The nanocomposite were prepared by in situ intercalative polymerization of PHEMA within the Cloisite galleries and were characterized by spectral as well as morphological studies. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Monitoring local fiber volume fraction in preform lap joints using Hall‐effect sensors
Authors: Samadi Reza , Robitaille Francois 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis article describes the use of Hall‐effect sensors for monitoring local values of the fiber volume fraction in vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding. Nonintrusive sensors mounted on the vacuum bag enable monitoring at a large number of points, under molding inserts and around geometrical features. Magnets can be mounted on the outer face of nonmetallic moulds. Low‐cost sensors can be discarded if damaged and the signal is unaffected by ambient conditions. The technique is demonstrated for lap‐jointed preforms made from two different reinforcements. All results presented in the article are validated using linear variable differential transducers. Although preform thickness is higher at superimposed lap joints, the fiber volume fraction is significantly larger in the joints. Interlaid continuous plies lead to a more reproducible behavior. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effects of thermal cycling on static bearing strength of pin‐connected carbon/PPS composites
Authors: Yılmaz T. , Sınmazçelik T. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn this study, the effects of thermal cycling and water absorption on interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) and static bearing capacity of pin‐connected carbon fiber‐reinforced polyphenilenesulphide (PPS) matrix composites are investigated. Composite samples having [0o/90o]3s stacking sequence were used in the experiments and were exposed to 100 thermal cycles (one thermal cycle is composed of immersing and keeping samples in cold water and then immersing and keeping samples in hot water). ILSS and static bearing strength of pin connections were performed by using Instron 4411. According to the results, there are differences in ILSS values and pin‐connected static bearing capacities between the original samples and samples that are exposed to thermal cycling. Also the geometric parameters of end distance from the hole center (E), width of the plate (W), and pin diameter (D) remarkably affect the load bearing performance of the materials. In addition, according to the fractographic investigations using scanning electron microscope, it is observed that the fracture morphology of the samples is strongly affected by thermal cycling. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Organic functionalization of carbon nanofibers for composite applications
Authors: Paiva Maria C. , Novais Rui M. , Araújo Rui F. , Pederson Kristian K. , Proença Maria F. , Silva Carlos J.R. , Costa Carlos M. , Lanceros‐Méndez Senentxu 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe present work reports the study of the effect of different chemical functionalization methods on the interfacial characteristics of the polymer composites formed. The chemically modified carbon nanofibers were blended with polypropylene (PP) and PP modified with maleic anhydride on a mini twin‐screw extruder. The functionalization methods were designed for minimum fiber damage and enhanced fiber/matrix interactions by chemical reaction of the functional groups introduced at the nanofibers surface with the maleic anhydride grafted at the PP. The degree of nanofiber functionalization was studied using thermogravimetric analysis. The composites were analyzed for nanofiber dispersion, mechanical properties, and electrical resistivity. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Interfacial strength in short glass fiber reinforced acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene/polyamide 6 blends
Authors: Isitman Nihat Ali , Aykol Muratahan , Ozkoc Guralp , Bayram Goknur , Kaynak Cevdet 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to derive the apparent interfacial shear strength of short glass fiber reinforced acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene/polyamide 6 (PA6) blends with different PA6 contents. Tensile stress‐strain curves and fiber length distributions are utilized within a continuum micromechanics approach which involves a unified parameter for fiber length distribution efficiency represented as a function of strain. The unique combination of predicted micromechanical parameters is capable of accurately reproducing the mechanical response of the composite to applied strain. In this way, the influence of PA6 on interfacial zone is revealed by outcomes of the predictive method and validated by scanning electron microscopy observations. Favored intermolecular interactions in presence of PA6 chains result in the formation of a PA6 sheathing layer on glass fiber surfaces which in turn causes a drop in the apparent interfacial shear strength. The reason behind is shown to be the shift of the fracture zone from fiber/matrix interface to sheathing layer/matrixinterphase. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of nanocomposite laminates fabricated from aqueous dispersion of nanoclay
Authors: Aktas Levent , Altan M. Cengiz 
Published: February 2009

AbstractPreparation of E‐glass/waterborne epoxy prepregs containing natural nanoclay and properties of their composites are presented. Prepregs were prepared by wetting randomly oriented, chopped glass fiber preforms with aqueous dispersion of EpiRez 3522‐W‐60 resin, dicyandiamide, 2‐methylimidazole and natural nanoclay (Cloisite® Na+). The nanoclay content of the aqueous dispersion was adjusted to yield final nanoclay contents of 0, 1, 2, and 4 wt%, whereas the glass fiber content is kept constant at 47 wt%. These prepregs were then used to fabricate disk‐shaped composite samples by APA2000 rheometer. Composite samples were tested for interlaminar shear strength, flexural stiffness, and glass transition temperature. The flexural stiffness was observed to increase by more than 26% over the range of nanoclay loading, despite a 13% decrease in interlaminar shear strength. Similarly, glass transition temperature increased from 89°C to above 94°C for the samples comprising 4 wt% nanoclay. X‐ray diffraction analyses indicated 48% increase in the gallery spacing suggesting strong intercalation of the nanoclay platelets by the epoxy matrix. Microstructural observations of the fracture surfaces and polished surfaces show significant differences in the matrix topology and fiber to matrix adhesion. The composites with higher nanoclay content depict uniform and submicron surface features implying homogenous dispersion of nanoclay. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mass production of nanofibre assemblies by electrostatic spinning
Authors: Zhou Feng‐Lei , Gong Rong‐Hua , Porat Isaac 
Published: February 2009

AbstractElectrospinning is a well‐established and intensively investigated methodology, and is currently the only known technique that can fabricate continuous nanofibres. The major challenge associated with electrospinning is its production rate, compared with that of conventional fibre spinning. However, the understanding of the scale‐up possibility of the electrospinning process is still in its infancy. Substantial up‐scaling of electrospinning may pave the way for applications of nanofibre assemblies (i.e.yarns) not accessible otherwise in conventional textile processes, such as weaving, knitting and braiding. Here we summarize recent advances regarding the enhancement of electrospinning throughput with special emphasis on multiple jets from multi‐needles and the free surface of polymer solutions. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of pressure relief valve proof test data
Authors: Bukowski Julia V. , Goble William M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis article reports on our statistical analysis of pressure relief valve (PRV) proof test data for the failure mode, fail‐to‐open, i.e., the PRV remains closed when actual pressure reaches or exceeds 150% of set pressure. Three data sets, from two Fortune 500 operating companies, which met the intent of the quality assurance of proof test data as documented by the Center for Chemical Process Safety Process Equipment Reliability Database (CCPS PERD)1 initiative, were analyzed. Although the original intent of our analysis focused solely on estimating the failure rate during the “useful life”2 of the equipment, it became apparent that the probability of failure on initial installation or reinstallation after proof test, and the need to address what constituted end of useful life were very significant. This article provides three important findings that are summarized as follows:
The statistical analysis of each data set predicted a 1–1.6% probability of initial failure where initial failure is understood to be at the time of initial installation or reinstallation after a proof test. This implies that most of the failures found during the useful life via proof test are pre‐existing failures from the time of installation or reinstallation rather than failures that occurred randomly after installation or reinstallation of the PRV.
Our calculations, based on the three independent data sets, led to consistent estimates of PRV useful‐life failure rates between 10−8 and 10−7 failures/h. Additionally, we compared our estimates from data analysis to the prediction of useful‐life failure rate for a particular PRV model using the Failure Modes Effects and Diagnostics Analysis (FMEDA) method. The prediction was consistent with the data estimates.
The data further indicated that the low useful‐life failure rate was not supported beyond a 4–5 year proof test interval as the threshold of wear‐out seemed to be approached.
The importance of these finding cannot be overestimated. When taking credit for a PRV in a risk assessment and in calculating the probability of failure on demand, both the initial probability of failing to open, as well as the probability of PRV failure due to the useful‐life failure rate, must be taken into account (the article discusses how to do this). Even then, the results are only defensible when it can be demonstrated that the proof test occurs before wear‐out (i.e., end of useful life) begins. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009
Synthesis of 5‐(4′‐carboxyphenyl)‐10,15,20‐tris‐(4 pyridyl)‐porphyrin and its peptidyl phosphonate derivatives
Authors: Habdas Jan , Boduszek Bogdan 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of three new 4‐pyridyl porphyrin‐peptidyl‐phosphonate compounds, containing a diphenyl 3‐pyridylmethyl‐phosphonate moiety, is described in this article. Nitrogen atoms in the pyridine rings of the obtained compounds were alkylated using methyl iodide, to give additional three, water soluble derivatives of these peptidyl‐porphyrin conjugates. All the synthesized compounds could serve as potential photosensitizers for the photodynamic therapy (PDT) method of tumor therapy and displayed activity as inhibitors of aminopeptidase N. Copyright © 2009 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wavelength stabilized quantum dot lasers for high power applications
Authors: Pavelescu E. M. , Reithmaier J. P. , Kaiser W. , Weinmann P. , Kamp M. , Forchel A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractGaInAs/GaAs quantum dot lasers were developed with emission wavelengths of about 920 nm for high power high brightness applications. The laser structure and active dot layer was engineered in a way which allow a record‐low value of the temperature dependence of the emission wavelength with a temperature coefficient of 0.08 nm/K, i.e., about 4 times lower than quantum well lasers. Tapered lasers were fabricated with single lobe output in cw of more than 3 W. By additional distributed Bragg gratings, single mode output powers with >45 dB sidemode suppression and more than 1 W in cw could be obtained, which allow a stable single mode operation between 15–80 °C. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Formation of stacked linear InAs quantum dot arrays on InGaAsP/InP(100) by self‐organized anisotropic strain engineering
Authors: Sritirawisarn Nut , van Otten Frank W. M. , Eijkemans Tom J. , Nötzel Richard 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe have previously demonstrated the formation of linear InAs quantum dot (QD) arrays based on self‐organized anisotropic strain engineering of InAs/InGaAsP superlattice (SL) templates on InP(100) by chemical beam epitaxy (CBE). The important step forward is the vertical stacking of the QD arrays with identical emission wavelength, realizing a three‐dimensionally self‐ordered QD crystal. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A relationship between all Atlantic hurricanes and those that make landfall in the USA
Authors: Coughlin K. , Bellone E. , Laepple T. , Jewson S. , Nzerem K. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe interannual prediction of the number of hurricanes to strike the US coastline is of vital interest to those who live on the coast, those who insure property along the coast and policy makers who make decisions about infrastructure and mitigation measures. Here it is shown that these predictions can be made more accurate when information about the total number of Atlantic Basin hurricanes is considered. The proportion of Atlantic hurricanes that make landfall in the USA is a measure of the relationship between landfalling and basin hurricane numbers. In order to use basin numbers to help make predictions of landfalling numbers, we must first investigate the nature of this relationship. Here we run a number of statistical tests and find that there is a significant change in the relative proportion of Atlantic hurricanes that hit the US coastline between the first and second halves of the 20th century. This difference is ostensibly due to the lack of basin observations in the earlier period. However, after 1948, the proportion of Atlantic hurricanes that hit the US coast shows no evidence of change. By assuming that the proportion is constant, we are able to then use information about the total number of hurricanes in the Atlantic Basin and make more accurate estimates of landfalling hurricane activity. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Simultaneous estimation of covariance inflation and observation errors within an ensemble Kalman filter
Authors: Li Hong , Kalnay Eugenia , Miyoshi Takemasa 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCovariance inflation plays an important role within the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) in preventing filter divergence and handling model errors. However the inflation factor needs to be tuned and tuning a parameter in the EnKF is expensive. Previous studies have adaptively estimated the inflation factor from the innovation statistics. Although the results were satisfactory, this inflation factor estimation method relies on the accuracy of the specification of observation error statistics, which in practice is not perfectly known. In this study we propose to estimate the inflation factor and observational errors simultaneously within the EnKF. Our method is first investigated with a low‐order model, the Lorenz‐96 model. The results show that the simultaneous approach works very well in the perfect model scenario and in the presence of random model errors or a small systematic model bias. For an imperfect model with large model bias, our algorithm may require the application of an additional method to remove the bias. We then apply our approach to a more realistic high‐dimension model, assimilating observations that have errors of different size and units. The SPEEDY model experiments show that the estimation of multiple observation error parameters is successful in retrieving the true error variance for different types of instruments separately. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Sequential detection of change points for maintained systems using segmented point process models
Authors: Syamsundar A. , Naikan V. N. A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTraditionally a change point model has been used for detection of change points and estimation of parameters, as an off line change detection procedure. A segmented point process model has been used to identify the changes off‐line in the failure process of a maintained system, with the process domain divided into segments at the points of change in the failure process, the individual segments being modelled by any of the usual point process models with unknown parameters. This paper proposes the use of the segmented point process model for sequentially identifying a change in the failure process of a maintained system due to a change in it's operating/maintenance environment. This method is demonstrated with field data from an industrial setting and its implications for the maintenance of the systems is brought out. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of inositol and inositol phosphates in complex biological matrices: quantitative ion‐exchange chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Liu Xiaodan , Villalta Peter W. , Sturla Shana J. 
Published: February 2009

Abstractmyo‐Inositol (Ins) and myo‐inositol phosphates (InsPs) are widely distributed in plants and animals. The evaluation of the distribution of Ins and InsPs in cells and plant sources can impact the understanding of their role in nutrition, cellular processes and diseases, and how they may be modulated by diet. We developed an anion‐exchange chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI‐MS/MS) method for the separation and simultaneous quantitation of Ins and different naturally occurring phosphorylated inositol compounds. Chromatographic separation was achieved in 30 min on a commercial anion‐exchange column (0.5 × 150 mm) using a gradient of 200 mM ammonium carbonate buffer (pH 9.0) and 5% methanol in H2O. Analytes were identified by selective reaction monitoring using a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in negative ion electrospray ionization mode. Adenosine 5′‐monophosphate was used as a general internal standard for quantitation. Detection is linear in the range of 0.25–400 pmol for Ins, InsP1, InsP4, and InsP5, 40–400 pmol for InsP2 and InsP3, and 60–400 pmol for InsP6, with a minimum r2 > 0.994. The limit of detection is 0.25 pmol with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 10:1 for all analytes. The intra‐day and inter‐day variations were within 17% at three concentration levels. Recovery values for the seven analytes spiked into extraction solution or different matrices were between 63 and 121%. Using this approach, Ins and InsPs were measured in three different plant samples and in cultured cells, illustrating significant differences in the distribution of inositol compounds in food samples compared to cells and between cell types. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
User Interface Migration of Microsoft Windows Applications
Authors: Gerdes John 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWhen migrating a legacy application to a new platform, it is often necessary to recreate the application due to the unavailability of the source code. While there is extensive research addressing the migration of the program logic and modeling of user interface (UI) dynamics, there is limited research dealing with the recreation of the physical graphical user interface. This work investigates to what extent low‐level application programming interface calls and graphical comparison techniques can detect and identify objects in the executable version of the legacy application, and then recreate that UI in a new application. Results are reported from an empirical test of 20 applications from multiple software vendors. Findings indicate that the ability to identify objects is dependent on the development platform originally used to create the legacy application. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.