bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimal control and design of a cold store using dynamic optimization
Authors: Lukasse Leo , Broeze Jan , van der Sluis Sietze 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe design of controlled processes is a combined optimal control and design problem (OCDP). Literature on solving large OCDPs is rare. This paper presents an algorithm for solving large OCDPs. For this algorithm system dynamics, objective function and their first‐order derivatives must be continuous in the state, control and design parameters. The algorithm is successfully applied to the combined control and design problem of a cold store with three possible refrigeration technologies: mechanical refrigeration, ventilation and evaporative cooling. As a result, insight into cost effectiveness of the refrigeration technologies is generated. It is concluded that for this cold store in the Netherlands evaporative cooling is too expensive. Ventilation is economically viable if the cold store is to be used in January only. In case the cold store is to be operated all year then it is most economical to rely on mechanical refrigeration only and use the overcapacity during most part of the year to shift refrigeration to low‐tariff hours. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Delay‐dependent H∞ control for singular Markovian jump systems with time delay
Authors: Wu Zhengguang , Su Hongye , Chu Jian 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe problem of delay‐dependent H∞ control is considered for singular Markovian jump systems with time delay. The aim of the problem is to design a state feedback controller, which guarantees that the resultant closed‐loop system is not only regular, impulse free and stochastically stable, but also satisfies a prescribed H∞ performance level for all delays no larger than a given upper bound in terms of linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach. A strict LMI condition is developed to guarantee the existence of the desired state feedback controller. An explicit expression for the desired controller is also given. Numerical examples show the effectiveness of the proposed methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphology, toughness mechanism, and thermal properties of hyperbranched epoxy modified diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) interpenetrating polymer networks
Authors: Fu Ji‐Fang , Shi Li‐Yi , Yuan Shuai , Zhong Qing‐Dong , Zhang Deng‐Song , Chen Yi , Wu Jun 
Published: August 2008

AbstractNew hyperbranched poly(trimellitic anhydride‐triethylene glycol) ester epoxy (HTTE) is synthesized and used to toughen diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) resin system. The effects of content and generation number of HTTE on the performance of the cured systems are studied in detail. The impact strength is improved 2–7 times for HTTE/DGEBA blends compared with that of the unmodified system. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of fracture surface shows cavitations at center and fibrous yielding phenomenon at edge which indicated that the particle cavitations, shear yield deformation, and in situ toughness mechanism are the main toughening mechanisms. The dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer (DMA) analyses suggest that phase separation occurred as interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) for the HTTE/DGEBA amine systems. The IPN maintains transparency and shows higher modulus than the neat epoxy. The glass transition temperature (Tg) decreases to some extent compared with the neat epoxy. The Tg increases with increase in the generation number from first to third of HTTE and the concentrations of hard segment. The HTTE leads to a small decrease in thermal stability with the increasing content from TGA analysis. The thermal stability increases with increase in the generation number from first to third. Moreover, HTTE promotes char formation in the HTTE/DGEBA blends. The increase in thermal properties from first to third generation number is attributed to the increase in the molar mass and intramolecular hydrogen bridges, the increasing interaction of the HTTE/DGEBA IPNs, and the increasing crosslinking density due to the availability of a greater number of end hydroxyl and end epoxide functions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of stretching on structure and properties of polyethylene hollow fiber membranes made by melt‐spinning and stretching process
Authors: Xi Zhen‐yu , Xu You‐Yi , Zhu Li‐Ping , Du Chun‐Hui , Zhu Bao‐ku 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMicroporous polyethylene (PE) hollow fiber membrane was prepared by the melt‐spinning and stretching (MS‐S) method. The effect of stretching on the structure and properties of the membrane was investigated by water contact angle measurement, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), mercury porosimetry, and N2 permeation. The tensile experiment was used to study the hard elasticity and the mechanical properties of annealed PE fibers. During the stretching process, the stretching temperature, rate, and ratio have great effects on the morphology, crystal structure, pore structure, and N2 permeation of the membrane. Experimental results showed that N2 permeation and porosity of the membrane increased with the increase in stretching temperature, rate, and ratio. The pore size decreased with increase in the stretching rate and increased with the stretching ratio. The pore size distribution was also affected by the stretching process, and was investigated in detail. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of imidazolium‐based ionic liquids on the synthesis of amphiphilic copolymers based on n‐butylmethacrylate and a zwitterionic methacrylate
Authors: Strehmel Veronika , Wetzel Hendrik , Laschewsky André , Moldenhauer Evelin , Klein Thorsten 
Published: August 2008

AbstractImidazolium‐based ionic liquids are used as new solvents for the synthesis of statistical copolymers from methacrylates of strongly differing polarities and solubilities, namely of n‐butylmethacrylate and 3‐(N‐2‐[methacryloyloxyethyl]‐N,N dimethyl‐3‐ammonio)propane sulfonate. Though difficult to prepare in classical solvents, true copolymers of these monomers can be obtained in ionic liquids, providing zwitterionic amphiphilic polymers. The relative reactivity of the monomers and thus the copolymer composition is influenced by the ionic liquid used. Analysis of the copolymers using 1H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and asymmetrical flow field‐flow fractionation (AF4) shows the influence of both the length of the alkyl chain bound at the nitrogen atom of the imidazolium ring and the anion of the ionic liquid on the structure of the copolymers. Furthermore, the highly polar methacrylate with a sulfobetaine moiety is only slightly preferred in copolymerization if ionic liquids are used as solvents for copolymerization. The ratio of monomer segments in the copolymer can be influenced by the selection of the ionic liquid used as a solvent for polymer synthesis and by the variation of the monomer ratio selected for copolymerization if it is carried out in an ionic liquid. This opens new possibilities for a broad variation of amphiphilic copolymer structures obtained through free radical copolymerization of differently polar monomers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PILs‐based Nafion membranes: a route to high‐temperature PEFMCs dedicated to electric and hybrid vehicles
Authors: Iojoiu Cristina , Martinez Mathieu , Hanna Maha , Molmeret Yannick , Cointeaux Laure , Leprêtre Jean‐Claude , Kissi Nadia El , Guindet Jacques , Judeinstein Patrick , Sanchez Jean‐Yves 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper deals with the performance of anhydrous proton‐conducting polymers obtained by blending modified Nafion® membranes with proton conducting ionic liquids (PILs). It has been shown that the conductivities depend more on the PIL uptake than on its intrinsic conductivity. Conductivities at 130°C approaching those of current Nafion membranes at 80°C and 98% relative humidity were obtained with the best blends. These data allow considering MEA operating at 120–130°C based on membrane and electrodes incorporating these blends. This is clearly a positive feature for an implementation in hybrid vehicles powered by proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) operating above 100°C. Lastly, preliminary results for a PIL based on a half‐neutralized diamine show an improvement in oxidation and, provided that the neutralization is optimized, a neat reinforcement of the Nafion membrane can be expected. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Relationship between responsiveness of cancer cells to Oncostatin M and/or IL‐6 and survival of stage III melanoma patients treated with tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes
Authors: Lacreusette A , Lartigue A , Nguyen J‐M , Barbieux I , Pandolfino M‐C , Paris F , Khammari A , Dréno B , Jacques Y , Blanchard F , Godard A 
Published: August 2008

AbstractImmunotherapy by adoptive transfer of autologous tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) shows promising clinical results for stage III (lymph nodes metastasis) melanoma patients, but some of them remain unresponsive. Here we analysed retrospectively the impact of resistance of melanoma cells to anti‐proliferative cytokines on the clinical outcome of 24 TIL‐treated metastatic melanoma patients. Patient relapse‐free survival correlated significantly with Oncostatin M (OSM) and/or IL‐6 sensitivity of melanoma cells, but not with interferon (IFN) γ or tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α sensitivity. However, OSM/IL‐6 sensitivity did not correlate with other known prognostic factors. Moreover, OSM and IL‐6 were produced by TIL just before their injection to patients. In immunodeficient mice, OSM reduced human melanoma xenograft tumour growth, this effect being directly through inhibition of tumour cell proliferation rather than induction of apoptosis or necrosis. Thus, OSM/IL‐6 resistance of melanoma cells appears to be a new escape mechanism to TIL treatment that could be added to the existing prognostic factors for early stage melanoma patients. This mechanism of action could be also relevant in other immunotherapy protocols, and could lead to better prognosis and anti‐cancer treatments. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thymic Langerhans cell histiocytosis mimicking lymphoma
Authors: Yağcı Begül , Varan Ali , Üner Ayşegül , Akyüz Canan , Büyükpamukçu Münevver 
Published: August 2008

AbstractLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder characterized by clonal expansion of antigen presenting Langerhans cells. Different clinical features can be seen according to the involved organs and sytems. Multisystem disease with organ dysfunction is more common in infants, whereas single system disease is usually observed in older children. The disease can affect any system or organ throughout the body. Thymus is a rarely involvement site reported in LCH and usually is accompanied by skin, bone or lung disease. Here we report a 12‐year‐old male with thymic involvement by LCH clinically mimicking lymphoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:833–835. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treating Pediatric soft tissue sarcomas in a country with limited resources: The experience of the Unidad Nacional de Oncologia Pediatrica in Guatemala
Authors: Antillon Federico , Castellanos Mauricio , Valverde Patricia , Luna‐Fineman Sandra , Garrido Claudia , Serrato Tania , Rodriguez‐Galindo Carlos , Casanova Michela , Ferrari Andrea 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundAbout 250–300 children with newly diagnosed cancer are treated each year at the Unidad Nacional de Oncologia Pediatrica in Guatemala City; less than 5% of them have soft tissue sarcomas (STS). The aim of the article was to evaluate whether the therapeutic standards achieved in STS in developed countries could be reproduced in a low‐income country.Patients and MethodsWe reviewed the clinical data, treatment and outcome of 80 patients, 47 cases of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) and 33 of non‐rhabdomyosarcoma soft tissue sarcoma (NRSTS), treated between January 2000 and October 2007.ResultsMost of the RMS patients had advanced disease at diagnosis (87% groups III–IV). Their 3‐year event‐free survival rate (EFS) was 26.4% if abandoning the treatment was considered as an event, or 32.4% if it was censored (14 patients abandoned the treatment), and the 3‐year overall survival rate (OS) was 43.5%. Local progression/relapse was the main cause of treatment failure. Among the patients with NRSTS, the EFS at 3 years was 36.4% (when abandoning the treatment was considered as an event) or 43.3% (when it was censored), and the OS was 44.2%. Outcome was satisfactory for synovial sarcoma patients, those with tumors ≤5 cm, and those with localized disease.ConclusionsOverall results were unsatisfactory compared to results reported from developed countries. Late diagnosis and the consequently high proportion of cases of advanced disease at diagnosis, the large number of patients failing to complete the treatment, and the poor quality of local control (in RMS) adversely influence outcome. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:760–764. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defective in vitro growth of primitive hematopoietic cells from pediatric patients with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Dorantes‐Acosta Elisa , Chávez‐González Antonieta , Santos José Ignacio , Medina‐Sanson Aurora , Mayani Hector 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a neoplastic hematologic disorder that arises at the level of a primitive stem/progenitor cell. Most studies on the biology of the hematopoietic system in AML have focused on cells from adult patients; much less is known about hematopoietic cells from childhood AML.ProcedureBy using a negative immunoselection system, we have obtained a primitive cell population (enriched for CD34+ Lin− cells) from the bone marrow (BM) of 17 pediatric AML patients and characterized its proliferation, expansion, and differentiation potentials in liquid cultures supplemented with a mixture of 8 different recombinant stimulatory cytokines.ResultsThe proportion of CD34+ cells in AML patients was extremely heterogeneous, ranging from 0% to 74%. Regardless of their CD34+ cell content, and in contrast to normal cells, AML cells showed a deficient capacity to proliferate even in the presence of the stimulatory cytokines. AML progenitors were unable to generate new progenitor cells, indicating their inability to expand. Interestingly, AML cells were able to differentiate in culture, giving rise to morphologically recognizable precursors. A major difference, however, as compared to hematopoietic progenitors from normal subjects, was the fact that whereas in cultures of normal cells both myeloid and erythroid precursors were produced, in AML cultures the vast majority of the cells generated corresponded to myeloid cells, mostly mature macrophages.ConclusionAs compared to their normal counterparts, primitive hematopoietic cells from pediatric patients with AML possess impaired proliferation, expansion, and differentiation potentials in vitro. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:741–746. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intravascular hemolysis following low dose daily rifampin
Authors: Neunert Cindy E. , Paranjape Geeta S. , Cameron Scott , Rogers Zora R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe report two pediatric patients with rifampin‐induced hemolysis following treatment with low daily dose rifampin for methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). With the increased use of rifampin to treat MRSA, physicians should be aware that patients receiving rifampin therapy are at risk for hemolysis, even at low daily doses. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:821–823. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory syncytial virus infections in children with acute myeloid leukemia: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: Sung Lillian , Alonzo Todd A. , Gerbing Robert B. , Aplenc Richard , Lange Beverly J. , Woods William G. , Feusner James , Franklin Janet , Patterson Maria J. , Gamis Alan S. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundMorbidity and mortality related to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is not known.ProcedureWe combined data from three Children's Oncology Group AML studies and determined the prevalence of RSV infection and RSV‐related mortality in children treated for de novo AML.ResultsWe found that the prevalence of RSV infection ranged from 0% to 1% in induction and between 0.3 and 2.2% in consolidation. Four children died from RSV resulting in RSV‐specific mortality of 0.2% among all children. However, the risk of RSV‐related mortality among RSV infection episodes was high (4/40, 10%).ConclusionsRSV infections and deaths are rare in pediatric AML. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;51:784–786. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of nucleating duality on the formation of γ‐phase in a β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene copolymer
Authors: Na Bing , Lv Ruihua , Xu Wenfei , Chen Rong , Zhao Zunxin , Yi Yong 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: It is a challenge for polymer processing to promote the formation of γ‐phase under atmospheric conditions in isotactic polypropylene (iPP) copolymer containing chain errors. Incorporation of an α‐nucleator in iPP copolymer seems reasonable since it can enhance non‐isothermal crystallization. Up to now, however, the issue regarding a β‐nucleated iPP copolymer still remains unclear, which is the subject of this study.RESULTS: The results indicate that the γ‐phase indeed occurs in a β‐nucleated random iPP copolymer with ethylene co‐unit (PPR) sample and becomes predominant at slow cooling rates (e.g. 1 °C min−1) where the formation of the β‐form is suppressed to a large extent. With detailed morphological observations the formation of γ‐phase in the β‐nucleated PPR sample at slow cooling rate is unambiguously attributed to the nucleating duality of the β‐nucleator towards α‐ and β‐polymorphs. The α‐crystals, induced by the β‐nucleator, serve as seeds for the predominant growth of the γ‐phase. Moreover, the presence of the β‐nucleator, acting as heterogeneous nuclei, promotes the formation of γ‐phase in the nucleated PPR sample, at least to some extent.CONCLUSION: The findings in this study extend our insights into the formation of γ‐phase in β‐nucleated iPP copolymer and, most importantly, provide an alternative route to obtain iPP rich in γ‐phase. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Nasal versus face mask for multiple‐breath washout technique in preterm infants
Authors: Schulzke S.M. , Deeptha K. , Sinhal S. , Baldwin D.N. , Pillow J.J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe large dead space associated with face masks might impede the accuracy and feasibility of multiple‐breath washout (MBW) measurements in small infants. We asked if a low dead space nasal mask would provide measurements of resting lung volume and ventilation inhomogeneity comparable to those obtained with a face mask, when using the MBW technique. Unsedated preterm infants breathing without mechanical assistance and weighing between 1.50 and 2.49 kg were studied. Paired MBW tests with nasal and face masks were obtained using sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) as the tracer gas. The order of mask application was quasi‐randomized. Bland–Altman method and intraclass correlation coefficient were used to analyze outcomes. Measurements were obtained in 20 infants with a mean (SD) postmenstrual age of 36 (1.4) w and a test weight of 2.0 (0.3) kg. The mean difference (95% CI) for nasal vs. face mask was −3.2 breaths/min (−6.2, −0.1 breaths/min) for respiratory rate, −1.0 ml/kg (−2.3, 0.3 ml/kg) for lung volume, 0.6 (0.1, 1.1) for lung clearance index, 0.2 (0.1, 0.3) for first to zeroeth moment ratio and 1.33 (0.6, 2.4) for second to zeroeth moment ratio. Paired measurements of lung volume showed acceptable agreement and good correlation, but there was poor agreement and poor correlation between indices of ventilation inhomogeneity obtained with the two masks. Functional dead space of the nasal mask was similar to that of the face mask despite its smaller water displacement volume. During MBW in infants below 2.5 kg body weight, a nasal mask results in comparable lung volume measurements. Indices of ventilation inhomogeneity may not be directly comparable using masks with different dead space. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2008; 43:858–865. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of fenugreek 4‐hydroxyisoleucine on liver function biomarkers and glucose in diabetic and fructose‐fed rats
Authors: Haeri Mohammad Reza , Izaddoost Mohammad , Ardekani Mohammad Reza Shams , Nobar Mohammad Rahbani , White Kenneth N. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractFenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum L) is a plant traditionally used for the treatment of diabetes. It contains an unusual amino acid, 4‐hydroxyisoleucine, demonstrated to have insulinotropic and antidiabetic properties in animal models. Here we examine the effect of 4‐hydroxyisoleucine on liver function and blood glucose in two rat models of insulin resistance, fructose‐fed rats and streptozotocin‐induced diabetes type 2. In fructose‐fed rats, levels of glucose and liver damage marker aspartate transaminase were markedly (84% and 93%, respectively) and significantly elevated compared with controls (p < 0.001 for both). Alanine transaminase was elevated slightly (18%), and all markers were restored to near control values after treatment with 4‐hydroxyisoleucine at 50 mg/kg per day for 8 weeks, the effect being significant (p < 0.01) for all markers. This prolonged exposure to 4‐hydroxyisoleucine was well tolerated in control animals and did not alter levels of glucose or liver damage markers significantly. In diabetic rats, treatment with 4‐hydroxyisoleucine did not affect glucose or liver damage markers, but did improve HDL‐cholesterol levels (31% increase, p < 0.05). These findings indicate 4‐hydroxyisoleucine as a useful and well‐tolerated treatment for insulin resistance, both directly as a hypoglycaemic and also as a protective agent for the liver. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using the Rosetta algorithm and selected inter‐residue distances to predict protein structure
Authors: Crecca Christina , Roitberg Adrian E. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe Rosetta algorithm has had much success in protein structure prediction as demonstrated in the recent Critical Assessment of Protein Structure Prediction (CASP) experiments. For many proteins, Rosetta generates several low root mean square deviation (RMSD) decoy structures but finding the best structure among the decoys can be difficult. Experimental data can be used to aid in the discrimination process. Our protein structure prediction method involves three steps: using the Rosetta algorithm to generate decoys, measuring inter‐residue distances, and comparing the measured distances with those calculated in each decoy. Decoys with similar three‐dimensional structure will also have several similar inter‐residue distances. To develop our search protocol, we determined the optimal number of decoys to generate as well as the minimum number of distance constraints needed to distinguish between the low and high RMSD structures. To test our method, we simulate experimental data by measuring α‐carbon distances from the experimentally determined structures of our target proteins. We have employed the Rosetta algorithm to generate decoy sets of different sizes for four target proteins. Our predicted structures ranged in Cα RMSD from 2.4 to 4.6 Å compared with the experimental structures. Using only twenty‐five distance constraints, reliable predictions were made. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008