bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal control of linearly constrained linear systems via state parametrization
Authors: Yen V. , Nagurka M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper presents a general computational tool for determining the near‐optimal trajectories of linear, lumped parameter, dynamic systems subjected to linear constraints. In the proposed approach each state variable is approximated by the sum of a third‐order polynomial and a finite term Fourier‐type series. This enables a linearly constrained optimal control problem to be converted into a linearly constrained mathematical programming problem. Simulation results demonstrate that the approach accurately predicts the optimal performance index and the optimal state and control trajectories.
Combined schur/L2‐model reduction for non‐minimal systems
Authors: Bamani Ali H. , Aldhaheri Rabah W. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA new method for suboptimal model reduction of a non‐minimal MIMO linear system is proposed. This method minimizes the DC gain mismatch of the original and reduced‐order systems. The proposed method is based on finding the eigenspace associated with the large eigenvalues of the product of the controllability and observability Grammians. An example is given to illustrate the proposed method.
Electrorheological activity of suspensions of surface‐modified pyrolyzed polyacrylonitrile
Authors: Krztoń‐Maziopa Anna , Sobczak Janusz , Płocharski Janusz 
Published: July 2007

AbstractElectrorheological (ER) activity of a series of surface‐modified polyacrylonitrile‐based powders was investigated. The semiconducting powders were obtained by pyrolysis of commercially available polyacrylonitrile fibers in controlled conditions. Some samples were additionally chemically oxidized before thermal oxidation to get materials of different surface characteristics. Selected samples were treated with trimethylchlorosilane in order to modify their surface properties. All materials were carefully characterized by means of elemental analysis, FTIR and XPS (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy), optical, and scanning electron microscopy. Electrical properties of the powders were also determined. Then ER suspensions were prepared and their ER effect was studied in dynamic conditions. The results were correlated with material properties of the solid phase. It was found that ER effect in the studied suspensions was influenced by ionic polarization processes resulting from the presence of different polar functional groups in the solid material. XPS measurements indicated that materials with high ER effect contained more oxygenate moieties on the grain surface in comparison with materials of lower ER activity. Silane‐treated materials exhibited higher ER effect in comparison with their untreated counterparts. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1192–1197, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Adhesion of thermoplastic elastomer on surface treated aluminum by injection molding
Authors: Fabrin P.A. , Hoikkanen M.E. , Vuorinen J.E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractHybrid composites were prepared using insert injection molding without preheating. Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) was overmolded on etched aluminum sheets having porous surface to provide large contact area between insert and TPE. The resulting bond strength was studied using a 180° peel test. The effect of aluminum microstructure and various processing steps of the surface treatment procedures on adhesion were studied. Maximum peel strength obtained was 9.33 N/cm using P2 treatment with alkaline‐acid pretreatment. Lowest peel strength of 1.68 N/cm was achieved by alkaline–acid treatment. Increasing insert thickness lowers the peel strength since large heat capacity of thicker insert cools the melt and limits penetration of the melt to insert microcavities. At certain insert thickness microcavities are impregnated by the melt and no additional effect can be obtained by decreasing the insert thickness. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1187–1191, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Detection of hydrolysis of lipid post‐translational modifications during gel‐electrophoresis‐based proteomic protocol
Authors: Žídková Jitka , Řehulka Pavel , Chmelík Josef 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe influence of sample preparation on the identification of a lipid PTM was examined. Nonspecific lipid transfer protein 1 (LTP1) from barley is modified with a lipid‐like molecule of mass of 294 Da. This modification was detected in the MS analysis of intact protein samples but no lipid‐bound peptide was observed in the MS analysis of the in‐gel digested LTP1 after an SDS‐PAGE separation of the protein mixture. By using SEC instead of SDS‐PAGE, the lipid‐modified peptide was observed after in‐solution enzymatic digestion of the SEC fraction containing LTP1. Conditions of individual steps of the gel‐electrophoresis‐based protocol were tested to find their effect on the removal of the lipid PTM from LTP1. The influences of particular solutions used in the gel‐electrophoresis‐based protocol on the hydrolysis of lipids were investigated. It was found that denaturing conditions, in combination with alkaline pH, have a major influence on the hydrolysis of the ester bond. Especially, the electrophoretic buffer has a strong influence on the hydrolysis of the lipid PTM (in the intact molecule) of LTP1.
Centralized Data Management in Materials Research Projects with Several Partners at Different Locations
Authors: Mentges Michael , Sieg Simone , Schröter Christian , Frantzen Andreas , Maier Wilhelm F. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA data warehouse system for use in a high‐throughput/combinatorial materials science environment is introduced. Developed in a research project for lead‐free piezo materials, it links the research activities of several partners from academia and industry, spread over a wide geographical area. The system goes beyond the pure accumulation of data in databases and the individual data extraction. It provides numerous tools necessary for knowledge discovery and data exploration, accessed over a common easy‐to‐use Graphical User Interface (GUI), providing centrally developed best practice statistical analysis pathways and allowing the single partners to discuss the results with colleagues at other locations.
Control of oenological products: discrimination between different botanical sources of L‐tartaric acid by isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Moreno Rojas Jose Manuel , Cosofret Sorin , Reniero Fabiano , Guillou Claude , Serra Francesca 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFollowing previous studies on counterfeit of wines with synthetic ingredients, the possibility of frauds by natural external L‐tartaric acid has also been investigated. The aim of this research was to map the stable isotope ratios of L‐tartaric acid coming from botanical species containing large amounts of this compound: grape and tamarind. Samples of L‐tartaric acid were extracted from the pulp of tamarind fruits originating from several countries and from grape must. δ13C and δ18O were measured for all samples. Additional δ2H measurements were performed as a complementary analysis to help discrimination of the botanical origin. Different isotopic patterns were observed for the different botanical origins. The multivariate statistical analysis of the data shows clear discrimination among the different botanical and synthetic sources. This approach could be a complementary tool for the control of L‐tartaric acid used in oenology. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid screening for bisbibenzyls in bryophyte crude extracts using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Xing Jie , Xie Chunfeng , Qu Jianbo , Guo Huaifang , Lv Beibei , Lou Hongxiang 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA simple and rapid qualitative liquid chromatography‐diode‐array detection/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐DAD/MS/MS) method was developed and validated for screening bisbibenzyl compounds in bryophyte crude extracts at sub‐ppm levels. After simple extraction with ethanol and analyte concentration with diethyl ether, the extracts were subjected to LC‐DAD/MS/MS analysis. The overall instrument turnaround time was 50 min to obtain baseline separation of bisbibenzyl isomers in bryophytes. MS full scan, MS/MS precursor ion scan and MS/MS product ion scan modes were used for the screening. The bisbibenzyl standards studied gave limits of detection (LODs) at or below 10 ng/mL. The results also indicated that the method had acceptable precision to be used on a day‐to‐day basis for qualitative identification. The bisbibenzyl types, i.e. one biphenyl ether bond (A‐type), two biphenyl ether bonds (B‐type), one biphenyl ether and one biphenyl bond (C‐type), or other biphenyl types can be differentiated by their ESI‐MS/MS product profiles, and the number of alkoxyl substituents can also be identified. The linkage sites of biphenyl and biphenyl ether bonds cannot be identified for an unknown bisbibenzyl solely from its mass spectra. This system was used to support three screening assays of bryophytes including Marchantia polymorpha L., Ptagiochasm intermedium L. and Asterella angusta, which were collected from different places in China. From them, 7/12, 8/5 and 8/9 confirmed/unconfirmed bisbibenzyls were identified, respectively, based on their MS/MS data, UV spectra and the retention behavior. The screening method considerably reduced the time and the cost for the qualitative analyses, and the structure‐fragmentation‐UV relationships will facilitate the high‐throughput screening (HTS) of bisbibenzyl compounds in bryophytes. It is also intended as a simple and convenient way for the determination of other structural families of natural products. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the neutral loss of a full amino acid mass during collision‐induced dissociation of the b ion derived from a model peptide containing a 4‐aminobutyric acid residue
Authors: Talaty Erach R. , Chueachavalit Chawalee , Osburn Sandra , Van Stipdonk Michael J. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn a previous study we found that a dominant fragmentation pathway observed for collision‐induced dissociation (CID) of b derived from peptides with sequence AXAG, where X is γ‐aminobutyric acid (γAbu) or ε‐aminocaproic acid (Cap), involved the loss of 89 mass units (u). A neutral loss of 89 u corresponded to the free acid mass of an alanine (A) residue. This specific pathway was studied in greater detail here using a series of A(γAbu)AG peptides with strategic positioning of 15N, 13C and 2H isotope labels. Based on the extensive labeling, several possible routes to the net elimination of 89 u are proposed. One is based on initial elimination of either aziridinone or imine and CO, followed by opening of an oxazolinone, tautomerization and elimination of H2O. Another involves formation of an aziridinone by cleavage of the N‐terminal amide bond, and transfer of O and H atoms to this fragment via an H‐bonded ion‐molecule complex to complete the loss of 89 u. Both types of pathway include the transfer/migration of H atoms from the α‐carbon position of γAbu or A residues. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relations Among Circulating Monocytes, Dendritic Cells, and Bacterial Translocation in Patients With Intestinal Obstruction
Authors: Shiomi Hisanori , Shimizu Tomoharu , Endo Yoshihiro , Murata Satoshi , Kurumi Yoshimasa , Uji Yoshitaka , Tani Tohru 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundLittle evidence is available regarding the relations among circulating monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and bacterial translocation (BT) in patients with intestinal obstruction.MethodsWe investigated alterations in DCs in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), circulating immune cells (white blood cell, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts), and BT to MLNs in 21 patients undergoing abdominal surgery because of intestinal obstruction. We also examined whether BT correlated with the development of perioperative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and postoperative septic complications.ResultsBT subsequent to intestinal obstruction was observed in 7 (33%) patients. Preoperative circulating immune cell counts were significantly lower in BT‐positive patients than those in BT‐negative patients. The presence of preoperative SIRS was also significantly related to BT‐positive status. A preoperative monocyte count <290/mm3 was the best predictive factor for BT in MLNs during intestinal obstruction: sensitivity 85.7%; specificity 92.3%; positive and negative predictive values 85.7% and 92.9%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.944. The expression of S‐100 protein‐positive DCs in MLNs significantly increased in BT‐positive patients.ConclusionsA significant inverse correlation was observed between the circulating monocyte count and the ratio of DCs among all cells in MLNs (r2= 0.259). Postoperative septic complications were 3.3 times more common in BT‐positive patients than in BT‐negative patients. A significant increase in the expression of DCs in MLNs was observed in patients with BT subsequent to intestinal obstruction. Our findings suggested that a low monocyte count (<290 /mm3) and the presence of preoperative SIRS might be useful factors for predicting BT in patients with intestinal obstruction.
Multidisciplinary Crisis Simulations: The Way Forward for Training Surgical Teams
Authors: Undre Shabnam , Koutantji Maria , Sevdalis Nick , Gautama Sanjay , Selvapatt Nowlan , Williams Samantha , Sains Parvinderpal , McCulloch Peter , Darzi Ara , Vincent Charles 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐reliability organizations have stressed the importance of nontechnical skills for safety and of regularly providing such training to their teams. Recently safety skills training has been applied in the practice of medicine. In this study, we developed and piloted a module using multidisciplinary crisis scenarios in a simulated operating theatre to train entire surgical teams.MethodsTwenty teams participated (n = 80); each consisted of a trainee surgeon, anesthetist, operating department practitioner (ODP), and scrub nurse. Crisis scenarios such as difficult intubation, hemorrhage, or cardiac arrest were simulated. Technical and nontechnical skills (leadership, communication, team skills, decision making, and vigilance), were assessed by clinical experts and by two psychologists using relevant technical and human factors rating scales. Participants received technical and nontechnical feedback, and the whole team received feedback on teamwork.ResultsTrainees assessed the training favorably. For technical skills there were no differences between surgical trainees’ assessment scores and the assessment scores of the trainers. However, nurses overrated their technical skill. Regarding nontechnical skills, leadership and decision making were scored lower than the other three nontechnical skills (communication, team skills, and vigilance). Surgeons scored lower than nurses on communication and teamwork skills. Surgeons and anesthetists scored lower than nurses on leadership.ConclusionsMultidisciplinary simulation‐based team training is feasible and well received by surgical teams. Nontechnical skills can be assessed alongside technical skills, and differences in performance indicate where there is a need for further training. Future work should focus on developing team performance measures for training and on the development and evaluation of systematic training for technical and nontechnical skills to enhance team performance and safety in surgery.
Pediatric Hand Friction Burns from Treadmill Contact
Authors: Friedrich Jeffrey B. , Muzaffar Arshad R. , Hanel Douglas P. 
Published: July 2007

Background Treadmills have become relatively common in American homes. This machine can be dangerous for children because they can sustain friction burns to the hands when the moving treadmill is touched. With aggressive wound care and physical therapy, most of these burns will heal without surgery. However, some patients will require reconstructive surgery to release contractures. We report our experience with a series of patients who suffered friction burns to the hand from contact with a moving treadmill. The purpose of this study is to further understand the incidence and outcomes of this type of injury. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients referred between September 2002 and June 2005 to our hand surgery clinic for treadmill friction burns on the hand (s) was conducted. Pertinent data collected included sex, age, injury distribution, and surgeries performed. An analysis of data maintained by the Consumer Product Safety Commission was used to understand the incidence of exercise equipment-induced injuries. Results Thirteen pediatric patients were evaluated for friction burns on the hand. Their total injuries included 24 fingers, 1 hand, and 1 forearm. Three patients (23%) required surgery for release of flexion contractures. All wounds of the remaining 10 patients healed, and with the implementation of hand therapy programs did not require subsequent surgery. Conclusions Treadmill friction burns to the hands of children can lead to limitations of the motion of the hand. Because this problem is completely preventable, parents and treadmill manufacturers are encouraged to be proactive in preventing these injuries. In addition, prompt initiation of wound care and hand therapy is integral to a favorable outcome.
Supplemental Conjugated Linoleic Acid Consumption Does Not Influence Milk Macronutrient Contents in all Healthy Lactating Women
Authors: Mosley Samuel A. , Shahin Alam M. , Williams Janet , McGuire Mark A. , McGuire Michelle K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe term “conjugated linoleic acid” (CLA) refers to a group of positional and geometric isomers that are derived from linoleic acid and are found primarily in meat and milk products from ruminant animals. Due to the array of putative benefits associated with various forms of CLA, there has been recent interest in supplementing human diets with these fatty acids especially when weight loss is desired. However, in many animal models, CLA has been shown to decrease milk fat production. There is some concern, therefore, that maternal CLA supplementation during lactation might inadvertently decrease nutrient supply to the nursing infant. However, there is only limited research on the effect of CLA consumption on milk fat content in women. Based on previously published work from our laboratory, we hypothesized that CLA supplementation would reduce the milk fat percentage in lactating women in a dose‐dependent manner. Breastfeeding women (n = 12) were assigned randomly to treatments of 4 g/day safflower oil (SFO), 2 g/day CLA plus 2 g/day SFO, or 4 g/day CLA in a double blind, 3 × 3 Latin square design. Conjugated linoleic acid supplements contained approximately equal amounts of cis9,trans11–18:2 and trans10,cis12–18:2; the two most common isoforms of CLA. Milk was collected by complete breast expression on the last day (day 5) of each intervention period and analyzed for macronutrient and fatty acid composition. On day 4 of each intervention period, infant milk consumption was estimated by 24 h weighing of the infant. Washout periods were 9 days in length. We observed a dose‐dependent increase in the concentrations of cis9,trans11–18:2 and trans10,cis12–18:2 in the milk fat. However, we detected neither a change in overall macronutrient composition nor infant milk consumption. These data do not support those obtained from animal models or our previous human work suggesting that consumption of CLA mixtures necessarily reduces milk fat. It is possible that either (1) the interpretation of our previously published data should be reevaluated, and/or (2) there are important intra‐ and inter‐species differences in this regard.
Neurogenic concept of Bell's palsy
Authors: Misurya V. K. 
Published: July 2007

SummaryACCORDING to the author it is the ‘transmyringal’ portion of the chorda tympani nerve which in practice remains exposed to the cold atmospheric air and triggers the pathologic process involved in Bell's palsy, affecting the facial nerve secondarily, rather than a primary condition of the facial nerve. This theory was proved by creating a Bell's palsy (paralysisa frigore) with cold-air-stimuli to the tympanic membrane in experimental animals (two monkeys). On the basis of this observation the author recommends ‘medical decompression’ of the facial nerve by means of infra-red fomentation of the drum, and eustachian insufflation of hydrocortisone, in cases of Bell's palsy before retrograde extension of oedema from the chorda tympani to the facial nerve can cause irreversible damage. Subsequently, the author has successfully managed fourteen cases (93.4 per cent) of Bell's palsy with a definite history of exposure to cold (paralysisa frigore). It is suggested that the ear canal be plugged with cotton as a preventive measure; and that chorda tympani neurectomy be performed to eliminate the chances of recurrence of the disease in cases of recurrent Bell's palsy.
Hyperbaric oxygen in anaerobic infection of the mediastinum
Authors: Monies-Chass I. , Joachims H. Z. , Altman M. M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIN the last decade hyperbaric oxygen has been recognized as an important therapeutic tool in a variety of instances in which either destruction of anaerobic bacteria is urgent or an improvement in the oxygenation level is mandatory. We have usede it successfully in a case of mediastinal anaerobic infection (gas gangrene) after medical and surgical measures had failed to eradicate the disease.The causative organism of gas gangrene, Clostridium perfringens (Welchii), is widely distributed. It may be cultured from the soil, house dust, human skin and faeces, etc. For this reason infection with Clostridium is practically inevitable whenever suitable conditions arise. As an anaerobic bacterium Clostridium Welchii multiplies readily in damaged tissues without cantact with the air and devoid of a normal blood supply. This occurs especially in road accidents and war wounds in which broken bones and crushed muscles provide a suitable medium for the infection (Altmeier 1965). Sometimes this infection can occur too after abdominal or gynaecological operations (Hitchcock, 1965).We present here a case of mediastinal gas gangrene which was caused by perforation of the oesophagus by a swallowed foreign body.
Prevalence of mumps antibodies in the Israeli population in relation to mumps vaccination policy and incidence of disease
Authors: MUHSEN Kh. , ABOUDY Y. , MENDELSON E. , GREEN M. S. , COHEN D. 
Published: July 2007

SUMMARYWe examined the prevalence of mumps antibodies in the Israeli population in relation to mumps vaccination policy and past and subsequent incidence of disease. The levels of specific IgG antibodies against mumps were tested in 3330 residual sera collected during 1997–1998 from an age-stratified population sample. Against the background of a consistent MMR vaccination coverage of >90%, the age- and sex-adjusted seropositivity to mumps was 77·0%. No significant differences between genders were found. Seropositivity in the 10–13 years age group, born just before the introduction of the MMR vaccine, was the lowest (59%). These birth cohorts were the target of an outbreak of mumps in 2005 that occurred among high-school students and military recruits. A trend of waning immunity was observed between the first and second vaccine doses. The seroepidemiological data demonstrate that immunity levels below the herd immunity threshold, along with social mixing and crowded conditions facilitated the occurrence of mumps outbreaks. Periodical serosurveys are an essential component in the evaluation of the vaccination policy against mumps.