bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the dynamic behavior of a starch foam extrusion process
Authors: Nabar Yogaraj , Narayan Ramani 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe starch foam extrusion process was modeled as a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) process, and the dynamics of the process were studied as a response to step changes in the input variables such as starch feed rate, screw speed, moisture content (MC), and poly(hydroxy aminoether) (PHAE) feed rate. The responses were modeled as first‐order responses with a time delay. The linearity of the process was determined over a range around the set‐point, and the parameters defining the first‐order system such as gain “K,” time constant “τ,” and dead time “td” were determined in the linear range. The transfer function models can then be used in a predictive computer control system for on‐line fine‐tuning of the operating conditions. This could ensure a consistently high quality product even when low frequency disturbances are present in the system. It was observed that the time constants and the dead times recorded for both the pressure and torque responses did not exhibit significant variation within each manipulated or input variable tested, indicating a dynamic linearity with respect to each manipulated variable. It was also observed that for the same step‐input variations in the manipulated variables, the torque loading on the twin‐screw extruder exhibited a faster response (lower dead time), and also reached a steady state sooner (lower time constant). The MC and screw speed seem to be the most destabilizing variables, as they induce rapid responses in the process variables. The MC in the extruder was, hence, determined to be the most influential factor in the stability of the process, followed by screw speed and starch feed rate. PHAE feed rate was the least significant variable. Multiple step‐input tests were carried out to determine the validity of the principle of superposition. The validity of the principle of superposition implied the linearity of the process in the domain tested. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3983–3995, 2006
Thermoplastic modification of urea–formaldehyde wood adhesives to improve moisture resistance
Authors: Kim Jae‐Woo , Carlborn Karana , Matuana Laurent M. , Heiden Patricia A. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractUrea–formaldehyde (UF) resins are prone to hydrolytic degradation, which limits their use to indoor applications. This study examined the modification of UF resin with various thermoplastics as a means to increase the moisture resistance of the adhesive. UF adhesives were modified in situ with various hydrophobic and hydrophilic thermoplastic formulations, using either polar or nonpolar initiators. Unmodified and modified UF resins were characterized in terms of viscosity, pH, and gel time in their prepolymer suspension state. Cured solid UF resin plaques were prepared to isolate moisture sorption effects of the cured UF resin from that of the wood component in composites, which dominates their moisture uptake. Relative crosslink density and moisture sorption tests were run on cured UF resin plaques. Results indicated that viscosity increased after modification in most cases, with higher viscosities resulting from formulations using an acidic (polar) initiator. In all cases, activation energies of the curing reactions of thermoplastic‐modified UF suspensions were lower than the unmodified UF. High relative crosslink density compared to the unmodified UF was found for one sample, which correlated well with lower overall moisture sorption. Higher relative crosslink density of cured UF resin plaques appeared to be an indicator of lower moisture uptake. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 4222–4229, 2006
Effect of natural fibers on thermal and mechanical properties of natural fiber polypropylene composites studied by dynamic mechanical analysis
Authors: Tajvidi Mehdi , Falk Robert H. , Hermanson John C. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe present study deals with the effects of natural fibers on thermal and mechanical properties of natural fiber polypropylene composites using dynamic mechanical analysis. Composites of polypropylene and various natural fibers including kenaf fibers, wood flour, rice hulls, and newsprint fibers were prepared at 25 and 50% (by weight) fiber content levels. One and two percent maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene was also used as the compatibilizer for composites containing 25 and 50% fibers, respectively. Specimens for dynamic mechanical analysis tests were cut out of injection‐molded samples and were tested over a temperature range of −60 to +120°C. Frequency of the oscillations was fixed at 1 Hz and the strain amplitude was 0.1%, which was well within the linear viscoelastic region. The heating rate was 2°C/min for all temperature scan tests. Storage modulus (E′), loss modulus (E″), and mechanical loss factor (tan δ) were collected during the test and were plotted versus temperature. An increase in storage and loss moduli and a decrease in the mechanical loss factor were observed for all composites indicating more elastic behavior of the composites as compared with the pure PP. Changes in phase transition temperatures were monitored and possible causes were discussed. Results indicated that glass transition was slightly shifted to lower temperatures in composites. α transition temperature was higher in the case of composites and its intensity was higher as well. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 4341–4349, 2006
Improved outcome in the treatment of pediatric multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Morimoto Akira , Ikushima Satoshi , Kinugawa Naoko , Ishii Eiichi , Kohdera Urara , Sako Masahiro , Fujimoto Junichiro , Bessho Fumio , Horibe Keizo , Tsunematsu Yukiko , Imashuku Shinsaku ,   for the Japan Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Study Group
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.The treatment outcome of multifocal childhood Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) has not been satisfactory and has resulted in poor therapeutic responses with high mortality and a high incidence of reactivation with late sequelae. To overcome these issues, the Japan LCH Study Group‐96 (JLSG‐96) protocol was conducted prospectively from 1996 to 2001 in Japan.METHODS.Newly diagnosed children with multifocal LCH were classified into 2 groups: a single‐system multisite (SS‐m) group and a multisystem (MS) group. All patients initially were treated on Protocol A, which consisted of 6 weeks of induction therapy with combined cytosine arabinoside, vincristine (VCR), and prednisolone (PSL) followed by 6 months of maintenance therapy. Patients who had a poor response to the induction of Protocol A were switched to a salvage regimen (Protocol B), which consisted of an intensive combination of doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, VCR, and PSL.RESULTS.In total, 91 patients were treated, including 32 patients in the SS‐m group and 59 patients in the MS group. At the median 5‐year follow‐up, 96.9% of patients in the SS‐m group and 78.0% of patients in the MS group had good response status. Diabetes insipidus developed in 3.1% of patients in the SS‐m group and in 8.9% of patients in the MS group. The overall survival rate at 5 years for the SS‐m and MS groups was 100% and 94.4% ± 3.2%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS.The JLSG‐96 protocol attained very low mortality for pediatric patients with multifocal LCH. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
Killer cell Ig‐like receptors ligand‐mismatched, alloreactive natural killer cells lyse primary solid tumors
Authors: Re Francesca , Staudacher Carlo , Zamai Loris , Vecchio Viviana , Bregni Marco 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.Donor alloreactive natural killer (NK) cells have a potent antileukemic effect in haploidentical stem cell transplantation. Whether alloreactive NK cells are able to specifically kill fresh tumor cells from primary solid tumors was analyzed.METHODS.NK cells were purified from healthy donors for the expression of inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin (Ig)‐like receptors (KIRs), ex vivo expanded, and used as effector cells. Their cytotoxic effect on tumor cells freshly obtained from surgical specimens was assessed by means of a single‐cell cytotoxic assay (SCCA).RESULTS.Tumor cells from 1 ovarian, 1 gastric, 3 colon, and 4 renal cell cancers were analyzed and found susceptible to alloreactive NK cell killing (>20% lysis at an effector cell to target cell [E:T] ratio of 10:1 for tumor cells not expressing at least 1 human lymphocyte antigen [HLA] class I KIR‐ligand group). Remarkably, NK cells that recognized specific HLA‐C group mismatches were able to kill HLA‐C KIR ligand‐mismatched tumor cells, whereas no lysis of target cells occurred with KIR ligand‐matched tumor targets.CONCLUSIONS.Alloreactive NK‐cell mediated antitumor effects might provide useful insights for designing new cell therapy approaches against solid tumors. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
The prognostic value of hemoglobin change after initiating androgen‐deprivation therapy for newly diagnosed metastatic prostate cancer
Authors: Beer Tomasz M. , Tangen Catherine M. , Bland Lisa B. , Hussain Maha , Goldman Bryan H. , DeLoughery Thomas G. , Crawford E. David 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBACKGROUND.The objective of this study was to characterize changes in hemoglobin (HGB) levels after the initiation of androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) in patients with previously untreated, metastatic prostate cancer who were enrolled in a large clinical trial.METHODS.The multivariate associations between 3‐month change in HGB and baseline characteristics were evaluated with a linear regression model. The associations between 3‐month change in HGB level and time‐to‐event outcomes, including overall survival and progression‐free survival, were evaluated by using proportional hazards regression models.RESULTS.Quartiles of baseline HGB levels were ≤12.0 g/dL, from 12.1 to 13.7 g/dL, from 13.8 to 14.7 g/dL, and >14.7 g/dL. Overall, 3 months after initiating ADT, the mean HGB level declined 0.54 g/dL (standard deviation [SD], 1.68 g/dL); however, the mean HGB level increased by 0.99 g/dL (SD, 1.83 g/dL) in patients who had baseline HGB levels <12 g/dL and decreased 1.04 g/dL (SD, 1.28 g/dL) in patients who had baseline HGB levels ≥12 g/dL. After adjusting for potential confounders, including baseline HGB level, a decline in HGB after 3 months of ADT was associated independently with shorter survival (hazards ratio [HR], 1.10 per 1 g/dL decline; P = .0035) and shorter progression‐free survival (HR, 1.08 per 1 g/dL decline; P = .013). An unexpected finding was that the effect of baseline HGB on overall and progression‐free survival varied significantly by race.CONCLUSIONS.In a sample of men with newly diagnosed, metastatic prostate cancer, a decline in HGB level after 3 months of ADT was associated with shorter survival and progression‐free survival after adjusting for disease status and other baseline covariates. Although race alone was not a strong predictor of death or disease progression, the effect of the baseline HGB level on overall and progression‐free survival varied significantly by race. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
A multi‐layered proximity coupled patch suitable for MMIC integration
Authors: Rowe W. S. T. , Waterhouse R. B. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this paper, the authors present a highly efficient, broadband patch based antenna that is compatible with integrating into Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits. The antenna configuration is a proximity coupled stacked patch structure where the layer between the Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit and the first patch is an inexpensive laminate. The impact of this layer on the performance of the antenna is investigated both theoretically and experimentally. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48:1899–1902, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com(. DOI 10.1002/mop.21775
Novel coupled folded waveguide resonator filter
Authors: Al‐otaibi Sultan , Hong Jia‐Sheng 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA novel four‐pole bandpass filter design based on a coupled folded‐waveguide (FWG) resonator structure is presented. A full‐wave simulator has been employed for designing the filter and extracting the related coupling coefficient of each resonator pair. The proposed filter circuit design has been implemented. It has been found that the experimental results of constructed filter are in close agreement with the simulation and theoretical results. This filter also provides a low insertion loss with a much compact size compared with the conventional cavity filters. The theoretical, simulation and experimental results of the coupled FWG filter are presented. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1846–1850, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21779
Design and implementation of multilayer coupled‐resonator bandpass filter with harmonics suppression
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Jian , Li Zheng‐Fan 
Published: June 2006

AbstractIn this article, a novel multilayer second‐order coupled‐resonator bandpass filter with harmonics suppression is proposed to improve the stopband characteristics. The proposed filter has been implemented in a five‐layer configuration using multilayer PCB technology. The measured results agree very well with the full‐wave EM simulation, showing more than 35 dB harmonics suppression. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1779–1781, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21784
Analysis of characteristics of a U‐slot patch antenna using finite‐difference time‐domain method
Authors: Chen Hsing‐Yi , Chen Shu‐Hsuan 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe finite‐difference time domain (FDTD) method is successfully used to analyze characteristics of a U‐slot patch antenna without using commercial software packages such as HFSS, IE3D, and CST. The method is proved to be an efficient tool for deep insight studies on complicated patch antennas. Numerical results of return loss, radiation pattern, current distribution, and antenna efficiency are presented. FDTD results are also compared with measurement data and shown to be in good agreement. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 48: 1687–1694, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.21804
Hurricane Katrina: an environmental perspective
Authors: McCallum Ewen , Heming Julian 
Published: June 2006

On 29 August 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the USA to become one of the worst natural disasters in the country's history.
The forecasts and official warnings of the event issued by the US National Hurricane Center up to 60 h ahead were excellent and largely based on an ‘ensemble’ of model and statistical guidance. The Met Office Global Model is highlighted as one of the best performers for Hurricane Katrina.
The active 2005 Atlantic hurricane season has fuelled the debate on the impact of climate change on tropical cyclones. Some recent publications have suggested that this impact is already apparent, while others are more cautious. Inconsistencies remain among many of the theoretical, modelling and observational studies.
Despite the excellent warnings, there was a tragic loss of life as a result of Hurricane Katrina which has led to political questions concerning complex socio-economic issues, the state of flood defences and how to coordinate the reaction to and mitigate the impact of such monumental natural hazards.
No effects of probiotics on atopic dermatitis in infancy: a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Brouwer M. L. , Wolt‐Plompen S. A. A. , Dubois A. E. J. , Van Der Heide S. , Jansen D. F. , Hoijer M. A. , Kauffman H. F. , Duiverman E. J. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryBackground
Studies have been performed suggesting that administration of probiotics may have therapeutic and/or preventive benefits in the development of sensitization and atopic disease, particularly in infants with atopic dermatitis (AD).Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological effects of supplementation of a hydrolysed formula with two probiotic strains of bacteria on symptoms of AD in infancy.Methods
We conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study. After 4–6 weeks of baseline and double‐blind, placebo‐controlled challenges for diagnosis of cow's milk allergy (CMA), infants less than 5 months old with AD received a hydrolysed whey‐based formula as placebo (n=17), or supplemented with either Lactobacillus rhamnosus (n=17) or Lactobacillus GG (n=16) for 3 months. Before, during and after intervention, the clinical severity of AD was evaluated using SCORing index Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD). Allergic sensitization was evaluated by measurement of total IgE and a panel of food‐specific IgEs as well as skin prick testing for cow's milk. Inflammatory parameters were blood eosinophils, eosinophil protein X in urine, fecal α‐1‐antitrypsin and production of IL‐4, IL‐5 and IFN‐γ by peripheral blood mononuclear cells after polyclonal stimulation.Results
No statistically significant effects of probiotic supplementation on SCORAD, sensitization, inflammatory parameters or cytokine production between groups were found. Only four infants were diagnosed with CMA.Conclusion
We found no clinical or immunological effect of the probiotic bacteria used in infants with AD. Our results indicate that oral supplementation with these probiotic bacterial strains will not have a significant impact on the symptoms of infantile AD.
Microbial community related to volatile organic compound (VOC) emission in household biowaste
Authors: Mayrhofer Sabine , Mikoviny Tomas , Waldhuber Sebastian , Wagner Andreas O. , Innerebner Gerd , Franke‐Whittle Ingrid H. , Märk Tilman D. , Hansel Armin , Insam Heribert 
Published: June 2006

SummaryMalodorous emissions and potentially pathogenic microorganisms which develop during domestic organic waste collection are not only a nuisance but may also pose health risks. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the presence of specific microorganisms in biowastes is directly related to the composition of the emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The succession of microbial communities during 16 days of storage in organic waste collection bins was studied by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of amplified 16S ribosomal DNA in parallel with a classical cultivation and isolation approach. Approximately 60 different bacterial species and 20 different fungal species were isolated. Additionally, some bacterial species were identified through sequencing of excised DGGE bands. Proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry (PTR‐MS) was used to detect VOCs over the sampling periods, and co‐inertia analyses of VOC concentrations with DGGE band intensities were conducted. Positive correlations, indicating production of the respective VOC or enhancement of microbial growth, and negative correlations, indicating the use of, or microbial inhibition by the respective compound, were found for the different VOCs. Measurement of the VOC emission pattern from a pure culture of Lactococcus lactis confirmed the positive correlations for the protonated masses 89 (tentatively identified as butyric acid), 63 (tentatively identified as dimethylsulfide), 69 (likely isoprene) and 73 (likely butanone).
Gender Inequality and Trade*
Authors: Busse Matthias , Spielmann Christian 
Published: June 2006

AbstractThe paper empirically explores the international linkages between gender inequality and trade flows of a sample of 92 developed and developing countries. The focus is on comparative advantage in labor‐intensive manufactured goods. The results indicate that gender wage inequality is positively associated with comparative advantage in labor‐intensive goods, i.e. countries with a larger gender wage gap have higher exports of these goods. Also, gender inequality in labor force activity rates and educational attainment rates are negatively linked with comparative advantage in labor‐intensive commodities.
Effect of fresh‐frozen plasma transfusion on prothrombin time and bleeding in patients with mild coagulation abnormalities
Authors: Abdel‐Wahab Omar I. , Healy Brian , Dzik Walter H. 
Published: June 2006

BACKGROUND: Fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) is frequently transfused to patients with mild prolongation of coagulation values under the assumption that FFP will correct the coagulopathy. There is little evidence to support this practice, however. To determine the effect of FFP on coagulation variables and correlation with bleeding in patients with mildly prolonged coagulation values, a prospective audit of all FFP transfusions at the Massachusetts General Hospital between September 2, 2004, and September 30, 2005, was performed.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: All patients transfused with FFP for a pretransfusion prothrombin time (PT) between 13.1 and 17 seconds (international normalized ratio [INR], 1.1‐1.85) and with a follow‐up PT‐INR within 8 hours of transfusion were included. Of 1091 units of FFP transfused, follow‐up coagulation values within 8 hours were available for 121 patients (324 units).RESULTS: Transfusion of FFP resulted in normalization of PT‐INR values in 0.8 percent of patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0020‐0.045) and decreased the PT‐INR value halfway to normalization in 15.0 percent of patients (95% CI, 0.097‐0.225). Median decrease in PT was 0.20 seconds (median decrease in INR, 0.07). Pretransfusion PT‐INR, partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, and creatinine values had no correlation with red blood cell loss.CONCLUSION: It is concluded that transfusion of FFP for mild abnormalities of coagulation values results in partial normalization of PT in a minority of patients and fails to correct the PT in 99 percent of patients.
MEAT QUALITY, BACTERIOLOGY AND RETAIL CASE LIFE OF BISON LONGISSIMUS LUMBORUM FOLLOWING SPRAY CHILLING
Authors: JANZ J.A.M. , AALHUS J.L. 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACT Spray chilling effectively controls shrink loss during cooling of beef and lamb carcasses. Because subcutaneous fat distribution in bison is nonuniform over the carcass surface, spray chilling may be beneficial for this species as well. We examined the effect of four 60‐s spray cycles/h for 8 h at 2C on bison carcass bacteriology and shrink loss. Longissimus muscles were removed 24 h postmortem and stored in vacuum packages for up to 6 weeks, with retail display for 0–9 days following each storage period. Spray chilling reduced (P < 0.01) cooler shrink loss from bison carcasses. Meat quality, bacteriology and odor acceptability were not substantially affected by chilling treatment; however, retail display of aerobically packaged bison steaks was severely limited by early discoloration, an effect exaggerated where the meat was subject to any period of storage. Further investigation of suitable alternatives for handling and merchandising bison meat should be investigated.