bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neural networks for variational problems in engineering
Authors: Lopez R. , Balsa‐Canto E. , Oñate E. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn this work a conceptual theory of neural networks (NNs) from the perspective of functional analysis and variational calculus is presented. Within this formulation, the learning problem for the multilayer perceptron lies in terms of finding a function, which is an extremal for some functional. Therefore, a variational formulation for NNs provides a direct method for the solution of variational problems.This proposed method is then applied to distinct types of engineering problems. In particular a shape design, an optimal control and an inverse problem are considered. The selected examples can be solved analytically, which enables a fair comparison with the NN results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Momentum advection on unstructured staggered quadrilateral meshes
Authors: Benson David J. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe finite element method, as applied to problems in solid mechanics, typically uses a mesh with the velocities at the nodes and the remaining solution variables, including the density, located at the integration points. The arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian formulations used in solid mechanics are therefore faced with the challenge of transporting momentum, which is defined in terms of variables located at separate points in space, in a conservative manner. Two types of momentum transport methods have been developed over the years. The first constructs a dual mesh with the nodes as the integration points, a difficult task on an unstructured finite element mesh. The second uses the original mesh and constructs auxiliary variables for transport from which the final velocity may be recovered. An analysis demonstrates how the two methods are related. Simplified implementations of each type—dual mesh and element centered—are developed in detail and their performance is compared to verify the analysis. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive tetrahedral mesh generation by constrained Delaunay refinement
Authors: Si H. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis paper presents a tetrahedral mesh generation method for numerically solving partial differential equations using finite element or finite volume methods in three‐dimensional space. The main issues are the mesh quality and mesh size, which directly affect the accuracy of the numerical solution and the computational cost. Two basic problems need to be resolved, namely boundary conformity and field points distribution. The proposed method utilizes a special three‐dimensional triangulation, so‐called constrained Delaunay tetrahedralization to conform the domain boundary and create field points simultaneously. Good quality tetrahedra and graded mesh size can be theoretically guaranteed for a large class of mesh domains. In addition, an isotropic size field associated with the numerical solution can be supplied; the field points will then be distributed according to it. Good mesh size conformity can be achieved for smooth sizing informations. The proposed method has been implemented. Various examples are provided to illustrate its theoretical aspects as well as practical performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Symptoms and physical activity behavior in individuals with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Motl Robert W. , Snook Erin M. , Schapiro Randall T. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe examined overall and specific symptoms as correlates of physical activity in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Participants (N = 133) completed questionnaires that measured overall symptoms; and specific symptoms of depression, pain, and fatigue; difficulty walking; and physical activity. Initial analyses indicated that higher levels of overall symptoms (r = −.50), fatigue (r = −.26), and difficulty walking (r = −.46) were associated with lower levels of physical activity. Path analysis demonstrated that higher levels of overall symptoms were directly and indirectly associated with lower levels of physical activity; the indirect pathway involved difficulty walking (γγββ = −.17). Such findings indicate that walking difficulty may partially explain the negative relationship between overall symptoms and physical activity behavior in MS. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 31:466–475, 2008
Obstipationsmanagement bei pädiatrisch‐onkologischen Patienten. Wenn krebskranke Kinder auch noch verstopft sind
Authors: Zimmermann Karin 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObstipation ist häufig bei Kindern und Jugendlichen unter Chemotherapie. Obstipation kann zu zusätzlichen – potentiell gefährlichen – Komplikationen führen, wie vermehrte Anorexie, Übelkeit und Erbrechen, gesteigertes Krankheitsgefühl, mehr Schmerzen, schlechtere Lebensqualität, Therapieverzögerungen, zusätzliche Hospitalisationen und notfallmäßige chirurgische Interventionen. Neben den primären Faktoren wird sie bei dieser Population vor allem auch durch iatrogene Faktoren wie Zytostatika, Opiate und Antiemetika verursacht. Der Einsatz von Laxanzien beruht hauptsächlich auf klinischer Erfahrung. Richtlinien zum Einsatz, Dosis und Langzeiteffekte der Laxanzien aus den verschiedenen Gruppen sind in vielen Spitälern nicht vorhanden. Randomisierte, kontrollierte klinische Studien zum Vergleich verschiedener Substanzen sind selten. Umso wichtiger ist das individuelle Assessement und die Patienten‐ und Angehörigenedukation bei jedem Patienten. Darin sollten alle beteiligten Berufsgruppen Verantwortung übernehmen.
Neue Cyanid‐Antidots
Authors: Zündorf Ilse , Dingermann Theo 
Published: February 2008

AbstractFür die Wissenschaftsrubrik von Spiegel Online war es eine Meldung wert: Oral bioverfügbare Prodrugs von 3‐Mercaptopyruvat wirken schneller, länger und prophylaktisch gegen Cyanidvergiftungen.
Defibrotide in the prevention and treatment of veno‐occlusive disease in autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation in children
Authors: Qureshi Amrana , Marshall Lynley , Lancaster Donna 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundHepatic veno‐occlusive disease (VOD) is a common (10–50%) and serious complication of haematological stem cell transplantation (HSCT), with up to 90% mortality rates. We carried out a study to assess whether the use of prophylactic defibrotide in paediatric patients undergoing HSCT results in a lower frequency or severity of hepatic VOD.ProcedureForty‐seven successive patients who underwent transplantation between April 2004 and December 2005 were given defibrotide prophylaxis and were compared with 56 historical controls transplanted between November 2001 and April 2004. No serious side effects were reported. High risk patients in the control group received ursodeoxycholic acid and tinzaparin as VOD prophylaxis. The groups were matched for sex, age, type of transplant and risk.ResultsIn the defibrotide group, four patients developed clinical VOD (Seattle criteria) although two had liver biopsies which showed graft versus host disease (GvHD). Defibrotide dose was increased and symptoms resolved within 14 days. Of the control group four patients had VOD. Two of these patients had reversed hepatic vein flow and died 30 days post‐transplant, partly due to VOD. VOD was associated with busulfan conditioning (P = 0.001) and not with age, sex, type of transplant, GvHD, abnormal liver function prior to transplant or type of antifungal prophylaxis.ConclusionsVOD incidence and severity was reduced in the defibrotide group which suggests that defibrotide might be effective in preventing and treating VOD. Sufficiently powered randomised trials are now required to definitively test the role of defibrotide in this setting. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:831–832. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful treatment for advanced small cell carcinoma of the ovary
Authors: Christin Anne , Lhomme Catherine , Valteau‐Couanet Dominique , Dubrel Marie , Hartmann Olivier 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSmall cell carcinoma of the ovary is a rare and aggressive malignant tumour with a poor prognosis. The authors describe two females, 12 and 13 years old, who presented with advanced stage disease. They were treated with surgical resection, multiagent chemotherapy and high‐dose chemotherapy followed by autologous bone marrow transplantation. They remain free of disease more than 9.5 and 14 years since the diagnosis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:1276–1277. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of molecular weight and molding conditions on the replication of injection moldings with micro‐scale v‐groove features
Authors: Murakami Osamu , Kotaki Masaya , Hamada Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2008

AbstractInjection molded optical plastic parts require accurate replication of micro‐scale features. The effects of melt viscosity and molding conditions on replication of microscopic v‐groove features in injection molded parts were examined for PC with different molecular weight. The micro‐scale feature size was a continuous v‐groove with 20 μm in depth and 50 μm in width. For injection molding conditions, melt temperature, mold temperature, injection velocity and holding pressure were varied in three levels. As the result, the mold temperature had significantly affected replication for all polymers with different molecular weight. Additionally, the molding conditions that lower melt viscosity led to improved replication. In the case of polymer with high molecular weight, the viscosity decreased with increasing melt temperature. It has been found that high replication of micro‐scale features could be achieved by higher mold temperature and higher melt temperature even with high viscosity PC. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Advanced injection molding mold and molding process for improvement of weld line strengths and isotropy of glass fiber filled aromatic polyester LCP
Authors: Koponen Matti , Enqvist Jouni , Nguyen‐Chung Tham , Mennig Günter 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAn advanced injection molding tool for measurement of mechanical strength and anisotropy of liquid crystal polymers (LCP)/mineral filler composites was developed. The mold produces thin‐walled LCP specimens that can be used by water cutting technique for production of an injection molded flow direction test bar, a transverse‐to‐injection molded flow direction test bar, a test bar for knit line strength measurement, and a test bar for butt weld line strength measurement. This tool and its use for molding experiments were optimized by experimental research and by computational calculations based on experimental parameters obtained by molding of several LCP test materials. Different pressure profiles and different injection speeds were tested as well as application of mold overflow phenomenon in production of test specimens. It was observed that a pressure controlled X‐melt technique and on the other hand fast injection speeds with overflow in conventional molding methods gave the best strength and isotropy properties for the test specimens. Results indicate that the mold developed is useful for determination of anisotropic and weld line strength properties of LCP composites. When developing “isotropic LCP” by different possibilities of nanotechnology this tool significantly reduces time of LCP material and process development. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Characterization of new formulations for the rotational molding based on ethylene–propylene copolymer/graphite nanocomposites
Authors: Planes Emilie , Duchet Jannick , Maazouz Abdherrahim , Gerard Jean‐François 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn this article, ethylene–propylene copolymer/lamellar graphite nanocomposites were processed to be used in rotational molding. The addition of graphite aims at increasing the thermal conductivity of polyolefin and reducing processing cycle time. This article describes the different ways to get a well‐controlled dispersion of fillers in the matrix. For that, the control of the filler/matrix interactions is necessary. Graphite was treated with a concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid solution to lead to a graphite intercalation compound (GIC). By heating at high temperature, expanded lamellar graphite is so obtained. As the graphite surface energy is higher than polyolefin matrix one, the initial graphite and expanded graphite were treated with stearic acid, commonly used in the case of calcium carbonate, in order to match the surface energy of the hydrophobic matrix. In addition, as for clay‐polyolefin compounding, an interfacial modifier, i.e. a maleated ethylene–propylene copolymer (EP‐g‐MA) was added to improve the interactions between fillers and hydrophobic polyolefin matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers
Investigation of exchange reactions and rheological response of reactive blends of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) and phenoxy resin
Authors: Farmahini‐Farahani Madjid , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Böhme Frank , Komber Hartmut , Yavari Ahmad , Tarameshlou Mohammad 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Reactive melt blends of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) with a phenoxy resin (Ph) are some of the most interesting classes of reactive blends in which different kinds of exchange reactions can occur. This work is devoted to the study of these reactions and their effect on the rheological and morphological properties of the blends.RESULTS: The occurrence of transesterification reactions was confirmed by 1H NMR analysis. Scanning electron microscopy observations confirmed that all the blends, except PTT/Ph 90/10 (w/w), which exhibits a droplet‐in‐matrix morphology, are homogeneous. At the beginning of transesterification, the melt viscosity of the blends is more influenced by molar mass increasing reactions than by molar mass decreasing ones. After extension of the reaction time and increase in temperature the molar mass reducing reactions become predominant, which results in a reduction of the complex viscosities.CONCLUSION: This work provides new data on the transesterification reactions involving the secondary hydroxyl groups of phenoxy. The properties of PTT/Ph blends are strongly determined by the transesterification reactions, which on the one hand results in the formation of PTT‐grafted phenoxy chains and on the other hand a decrease in the molar mass of non‐bonded PTT. These reactions exert a distinct compatibilizing effect between the blend components. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
A longitudinal assessment of the effect of inhaled fluticasone propionate therapy on adrenal function and growth in young children with asthma
Authors: Iles R. , Williams R. W. , Deeb A. , Ross‐Russell R. , Acerini C.L. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractObjectiveFluticasone proprionate (FP) is increasingly used to treat very young children with asthma. Its safety in terms of effects on the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA) and growth in this age group is uncertain.Patients and methods:Eleven children (median (range) age 10 (5.6–24.3) months) presenting with recurrent wheeze and family history of asthma were studied prospectively for a period of 18 months. Children received daily‐inhaled FP 250 µg via a spacer device. No other corticosteroid therapy was administered prior to or during the study. A Short Standard Synacthen Test (SST) (125 µg) was performed pretreatment, and after 6 and 18 months. Weight (Wt), height (Ht), and body mass index (BMI) were measured at 3–6 monthly intervals.Results:Fasting early morning and peak cortisol levels remained within the normal reference range with therapy. There were no changes in Ht SDS, whereas both Wt SDS (baseline 0.05 (−2.17 to 0.52) vs. +18 months 0.68 (−0.5 to 1.36) P < 0.02) and BMI SDS (−0.22 (−1.73 to 0.75) vs. 0.86 (0.03 to 1.99) P < 0.005) increased after 18 months of treatment.Conclusion:Daily treatment with inhaled FP 250 µg in young children with asthma appears to have no adverse effects on the HPA or on linear growth, however, treatment is associated with increases in body Wt and BMI in young children. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:354–359. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
IL‐10 gene polymorphism at −1082 A/G is associated with severe rhinovirus bronchiolitis in infants
Authors: Helminen Merja , Nuolivirta Kirsi , Virta Miia , Halkosalo Anne , Korppi Matti , Vesikari Timo , Hurme Mikko 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe analyzed polymorphisms of IL‐10 −1082 G/A, IL‐18 −137 G/C, TLR4 +896 A/G, and IFNG +874 T/A in 139 infants under 6 months of age hospitalized with bronchiolitis and 400 unselected blood donors. Causative viruses were determined by PCR. Infants with bronchiolitis associated with a virus other than respiratory syncytial virus (N = 18), were more often IL‐10 −1082 allele G non‐carriers, that is, homozygous for allele A (AA) than controls (66.7% vs. 28.0%, P < 0.0001). Infants with RSV bronchiolitis did not differ from controls. This finding suggests a different pathogenic mechanism for RSV bronchiolitis as compared with wheezing associated with other viral infections, for example, rhinovirus in infants under 6 months of age. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:391–395. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an emerging concern for physical therapists: Discussion
Authors: Levenhagen Kim M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe Centers for Disease Control has identified community‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA‐MRSA) as an emerging worldwide public health risk. Healthcare professionals such as physical therapists can play an important role in the early detection, prevention and management of CA‐MRSA. This discussion paper is a narrative overview of CA‐MRSA's prevalence in at‐risk groups, the distinguishing characteristics of hospital‐acquired methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA‐MRSA) and CA‐MRSA infections, and treatments for HA‐MRSA and CA‐MRSA. Using the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice as a framework, this paper describes physical therapists' role in the detection, prevention and management of CA‐MRSA infections and their role in community education about CA‐MRSA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability and concurrent validity of the Expanded Timed Up‐and‐Go test in older people with impaired mobility
Authors: Botolfsen Pernille , Helbostad Jorunn L. , Moe‐nilssen Rolf , Wall James C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackground and Purpose. ‘Expanded Timed Up‐and‐Go’ (ETUG) was developed to assess each of the subtasks of the ‘Timed Up‐and‐Go’ (TUG). The aim of the study was to test the intrarater, interrater, test–retest reliability and internal consistency of the ETUG, and the concurrent validity with the TUG. Methods. The present study is a reliability and a validity study. Twenty‐eight subjects (80 ± 4.1 years) with balance and gait problems were included. Three raters timed the ETUG subtasks from a video, using a computer‐based scoring programme, and the total ETUG time was calculated. TUG was registered by a regular stopwatch. Results. The intrarater and interrater reliability (intraclass correlation [ICC][1,1]) ranged from 0.55 to 0.97. The test–retest reliability (ICC[1,1]) ranged from 0.54 to 0.85. The absolute measurement error of the total time (1.96 Sw) was 2.8 seconds. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.74. The correlation (Pearson's r) between ETUG total time and TUG after correcting for attenuation caused by restricted reliability in each of the measures was 0.85. Conclusion. The ETUG scored from a video shows a good reliability for experienced raters and acceptable internal consistency. The ETUG showed a higher reliability than TUG when tested on the same sample of older subjects with impaired mobility, and the high concurrent validity between ETUG and TUG suggests that the two tests may have similar properties. Since ETUG also adds new information compared with TUG, we suggest that ETUG is an interesting alternative to existing clinical tests of mobility. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CRW 2.0: A representative‐compound approach to functionality‐based prediction of reactive chemical hazards
Authors: Johnson Lewis E. , Farr James K. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe NOAA Chemical Reactivity Worksheet (CRW) has provided a user‐friendly, yet powerful method of qualitatively predicting reactive chemical hazards since its introduction in 1998, and has seen its use in spill response, storage management, and process safety for intentional chemistry. The CRW predicts reaction hazards based on a database of more than 6,000 common industrial chemicals, classified by major reactive groups, using 43 × 43 matrix of organic and inorganic reactive groups, modified from the earlier “EPA method for determining the compatibility of hazardous mixtures.” CRW output describes the hazards qualitatively; e.g., “spontaneous ignition of reactants or products due to reaction heat,” or “combination liberates nonflammable, nontoxic gas and may cause pressurization.” The CRW also provides summaries of properties and special hazards for many of the compounds in the database.CRW 2.0, a new, standalone version of the CRW, is due to be released later this year. Earlier versions of the CRW had a limited set of references and limited information about specific reactions, and this information could only be found in each compound's chemical profile, increasing search time for assessing reaction specifics, and providing little information that could be used to mitigate the chance of false‐positives—the CRW is designed to be conservative in its predictions, and will indicate an incompatibility even if only a few reactions are found between two functional groups. Version 2.0 improves the database based on an extensive literature survey of potentially hazardous reactions for representative members of all 43 listed functional groups, with primary literature references available for many of the hazards predicted, and many errors and omissions corrected. This article describes the methodology for the literature search, rationale for changes to the operation of the database, extent of the new documentation, and the remaining design limitations of the product. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 2008