bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Generalized predictive control for improving intersample performance
Authors: Sato Takao , MasudaMember Shiro 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis paper proposes a design method of the Generalized Predictive Control (GPC) strategy which can take account of intersample behavior as well as sampled behavior. To this end, a discrete‐time equivalent plant model and cost function for a continuous‐time plant incorporated with zero‐order hold and discrete‐time controller are derived, and the modified discrete‐time GPC is designed. To verify the effectiveness of our proposed method, the controller is applied to a benchmark problem of a hard‐disk drive. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Ubiquitous user authentication system with wireless battery‐powered fingerprint identification module
Authors: Shigematsu Satoshi , Hatano Takahiro , Morimura Hiroki , Machida Katsuyuki , Okazaki Yukio 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis paper describes a ubiquitous user authentication system consisting of a wireless fingerprint identification module and service‐providing equipment that offers services to the user. Users carry their own module and the user can activate the module only by identifying the fingerprint. The wireless communication between the activated module and the equipment enables continuous user authentication. This authentication certifies not only the presence but also the absence of the genuine user. The identification module was built with a fingerprint identification LSI (FIL) that senses and identifies fingerprints on a single‐chip. The LSI makes a small, light, battery‐powered tamper‐proof module possible. Two applications of the system were devised with the module. The experimental results demonstrate that the system authenticates the users continuously. The proposed system achieves ubiquitous user authentication which enables the authentication of the user anytime, anywhere. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A speed control method of small DC motor through IP network considering packet loss
Authors: Matsuo Kenshi , Miura Takeshi , Taniguchi Toshiyuki 
Published: October 2007

AbstractVarious network‐based control systems using an Internet protocol (IP) network have recently gained attention. Time delays, jitters and packet losses occuring in the network, however, cause the performance degradation of the system. This paper presents a method to decrease the negative influences of the packet losses. The method to repair lost packets is that a sender sends a receiver a packet containing data sampled at a current period in the addition to the several previous periods. Speed control experiments of a commercial small DC motor are done using the method, the jitter buffer and a proportional and integral (PI) controller with a Smith compensator for confirming the effectiveness. Consequently, the present method has been found to be effective. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Discharge characteristics to insulated material
Authors: Shindo Takatoshi , Asakawa Akira , Matsu‐ura Susumu , Miki Megumu 
Published: October 2007

AbstractLightning strikes not only metallic objects such as transmission towers and lightning rods but also insulated material such as blades of wind turbines. The discharge characteristics of insulated material are, however, not clarified till now. In this paper, discharge characterisitics of insulated material have been investigated experimentally using a 12‐MV impulse generator. The effects of polarities of the applied voltages and surface conditions of the insulation material are also studied and it is found that pollution on the surface decreases the sparkover voltage drastically. Copyright © 2007 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Comparison of fetal lung area to head circumference ratio with lung volume in the prediction of postnatal outcome in diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Jani J. C. , Peralta C. F. A. , Ruano R. , Benachi A. , Done E. , Nicolaides K. H. , Deprest J. A. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo compare prediction of postnatal survival in isolated diaphragmatic hernia by prenatal two‐dimensional (2D) versus three‐dimensional (3D) sonographic assessment of the contralateral lung.MethodsThe lung area to head circumference ratio (LHR) of the contralateral lung was measured and expressed as a percentage of the normal mean for gestation (O/E) in 47 fetuses with isolated diaphragmatic hernia at 26 (range, 21–36) weeks of gestation. The lung area was measured by tracing the limits of the lungs (LHR trace) and by multiplying the longest diameter by its perpendicular (LHR diameters). The contralateral lung volume was measured by the Virtual Organ Computer‐Aided anaLysis method and the O/E was calculated. Regression analysis was used to determine the significance of the LHRs and volume in the prediction of postnatal survival.ResultsThe survival rate was 59.6% (28 of 47). There were significant associations between O/E LHR trace and O/E LHR diameters, and between each O/E LHR and O/E volume, but multiple regression analysis demonstrated that significant prediction of survival was provided only by O/E LHR trace and intrathoracic herniation of the liver.ConclusionsIn diaphragmatic hernia prenatal prediction of postnatal outcome is better by 2D measurement of LHR trace than it is by 3D measurement of lung volume. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A functional formalization of on chip communications
Authors: Schmaltz Julien , Borrione Dominique 
Published: October 2007

Abstract

This paper presents a formal model and a systematic approach to the validation of communication architectures at a high level of abstraction. This model is described mathematically by a function, named
GeNoC
. The correctness of
GeNoC
is expressed as a theorem, which states that messages emitted on the architecture reach their expected destination without any modification of their content. The model identifies the key constituents common to
all
on chip communication architectures, and their essential properties from which the correctness theorem is deduced. Each constituent is represented by a function that has no explicit definition but is constrained to satisfy the essential properties. Thus, the validation of a particular architecture is reduced to the proof that its concrete definition satisfies the essential properties. In practice, the model has been defined in the logic of the ACL2 theorem proving system. We illustrate our approach on several architectures that constitute concrete instances of the generic
GeNoC
model. Some of these applications come from industrial designs, such as the AMBA AHB bus or the Octagon network from ST Microelectronics.
Low Ejection Fraction Predicts Shortened Survival in Patients Undergoing Infrainguinal Arterial Reconstruction
Authors: Shrikhande Gautam V. , Hamdan Allen D. , Monahan Thomas S. , Pomposelli Frank B. , Scovell Sherry D. , Logerfo Frank W. , Schermerhorn Marc 
Published: October 2007

AbstractBackgroundWith the advent of endovascular therapy for lower extremity ischemia it is important to better determine what factors may affect the outcome. The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether ejection fraction (EF) is predictive of outcome in infrainguinal arterial reconstruction.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 736 patients undergoing 897 infrainguinal arterial reconstructions from July 1999 to February 2002. Patients were divided into two groups: group I contained 54 patients with an EF<35% and group II had 216 patients with an EF ≥35%. The outcome evaluated was major adverse clinical events (MACEs), defined as postoperative myocardial infarction (MI), arrhythmia, congestive heart failure (CHF), and perioperative mortality.ResultsMajor adverse clinical events occurred in 20.3% of patients (11/54) in group I and 10.6% patients (23/216) in group II (p = 0.068). Group I had a trend toward a greater incidence of MACEs compared to group II. Two‐year survival for group I was 61.7%, whereas survival for group II was 78.4% (p = 0.0085).ConclusionsLow EF predicts a significantly shortened 2‐year survival after infrainguinal arterial reconstruction and a trend toward increased perioperative complications. This is another factor to be considered in choosing open versus endovascular options.
Use of the Liver Tissue Oxygenation Index as a Noninvasive Parameter of Intestinal Ischemia in Rabbits
Authors: Vanderhaegen J. , Dehing L. , Naulaers G. , Devlieger H. , Al‐Olayet Y. , Penninckx F. , Miserez M. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe tissue oxygenation index (TOI), measured by spatially resolved spectroscopy (SRS), reflects the ratio between oxygenated and deoxygenated tissue hemoglobin. We investigated whether liver TOI is a noninvasive parameter for early detection of intestinal ischemia.MethodsIn seven adult New Zealand rabbits the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and vein were exposed by laparotomy. The SRS probe was attached at the skin above the liver to calculate the TOI. The bowel (SbO2) and peripheral (SpO2) oxygen saturation were continuously measured. The SMA was occluded, creating small bowel ischemia for 90 minutes. Then reperfusion was started for 1 hour. The median TOI and interquartile range (IQR) of the TOI were calculated. A paired Wilcoxon test was used to evaluate changes in the liver TOI and SpO2 during ischemia and reperfusion.ResultsThe median TOI was 54.3% (IQR 8) at the start of ischemia, 54.9% (IQR 9) after 30 minutes, 51% (IQR 11) after 60 minutes, and 50.3% (IQR 10) after 90 minutes. The median TOI values were 46.3% (IQR 5) after 30 minutes of reperfusion and 41.2% (IQR 5) after 60 minutes. The decrease in TOI became significant (p < 0.05) after 90 minutes of ischemia. The SpO2 was stable during the experiment.DiscussionA significant decrease in liver TOI was seen after 90 minutes of occlusion of the SMA and is likely to be the consequence of bowel ischemia. The further decrease after reperfusion might reflect reperfusion injury. Liver TOI may be a new tool for noninvasive early detection of intestinal ischemia and reperfusion. Further study is needed to confirm these findings.
Comparison of Locked Volar Plating Versus Pinning and External Fixation in the Treatment of Unstable Intraarticular Distal Radius Fractures
Authors: Rizzo Marco , Katt Brian A. , Carothers Joshua T. 
Published: October 2007

Introduction We retrospectively compared the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with volar locking plate versus standard external fixation and percutaneous pinning in treating similar unstable distal radius fractures with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Methods The ORIF group included 41 patients with an average follow-up of 29 months. The external fixation group comprised 14 patients with an average follow-up of 33 months. Average age at presentation was 45 years in the external fixation group and 48 years in the ORIF group. The male/female ratios were 16:25 among the ORIF group and 6:8 in the external fixation group. The two groups were compared for clinical and functional outcomes measured by the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score. Pain scores were similar. Radiographic measurements were also evaluated between groups. Results Final ranges of motion and grip strengths were similar between the two groups. The mean DASH score of the locked volar plate group was 9 compared to 23 for the external fixation group. Radiographically, volar tilt and radial length were significantly better in the patients treated with ORIF. The ORIF group required less therapy visits. No complications occurred in the locked volar plate group whereas two patients had pin tract infections and one had prolonged finger stiffness in the external fixation group. Conclusion Locked volar plating compares favorably to external fixation and pinning for amenable fracture patterns. Whereas grip and range-of-motion data were similar, DASH scores, frequency of rehabilitation, and some radiographic parameters were superior in patients treated with ORIF.
Enzymatic Production of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters by Hydrolysis of Acid Oil Followed by Esterification
Authors: Watanabe Yomi , Nagao Toshihiro , Nishida Yutaka , Takagi Yoshiaki , Shimada Yuji 
Published: October 2007

AbstractAcid oil, a by‐product of vegetable oil refining, was enzymatically converted to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Acid oil contained free fatty acids (FFA), acylglycerols, and lipophilic compounds. First, acylglycerols (11 wt%) were hydrolyzed at 30 °C by 20 units Candida rugosa lipase/g‐mixture with 40 wt% water. The resulting oil layer containing 92 wt% FFA was used for the next reaction, methyl esterification of FFA to FAME by immobilized Candida antarctica lipase. A mixture of 66 wt% oil layer and 34 wt% methanol (5 mol for FFA) were shaken at 30 °C with 1.0 wt% lipase. The degree of esterification reached 96% after 24 h. The resulting reaction mixture was then dehydrated and subjected to the second esterification that was conducted with 2.2 wt% methanol (5 mol for residual FFA) and 1.0 wt% immobilized lipase. The degree of esterification of residual FFA reached 44%. The degree increased successfully to 72% (total degree of esterification 99%) by conducting the reaction in the presence of 10 wt% glycerol, because water in the oil layer was attracted to the glycerol layer. Over 98% of total esterification was maintained, even though the first and the second esterification reactions were repeated every 24 h for 40 days. The enzymatic process comprising hydrolysis and methyl esterification produced an oil containing 91 wt% FAME, 1 wt% FFA, 1 wt% acylglycerols, and 7 wt% lipophilic compounds.
Characteristics of patients with congenital clasped thumb: A prospective study of 40 patients with the results of treatment
Authors: Hisham Abdel Ghani  , El-Naggar Ahmed , Hegazy Mohamad , Hanna Atef , Tarraf Yehia , Temtamy Samia 
Published: October 2007

Purpose Congenital clasped thumb is a deformity that is associated with heterogeneous congenital anomalies and it has been addressed in many congenital syndromes. The aim of this study was to diagnose and evaluate cases of clasped thumb as regards the associated congenital anomalies and syndromes, and evaluation of the results of treatment of such cases. Methods A prospective study on 40 patients with 73 clasped thumbs was done. All the patients’ data regarding their personal, family, pregnancy and developmental histories were recorded. All the patients were exposed to thorough clinical and radiological examination and genetic assessment. The cases were classified using the Tsuyuguchi et al. (J Hand Surg [Am] 10:613–618, 1985 ) classification into three types. Conservative treatment was adopted in ten hands, and surgical treatment was performed for 28 hands in 17 patients, with an average follow-up of 26 months. Results Positive consanguinity was recorded in 57.5% of cases. Associated anomalies were recorded in 77.5% of cases. Type I was the most common one, followed by type III and then type II. Conservative treatment is effective in type I cases when presented early, and all patients were satisfied with the results of surgical treatment. Conclusions We reported associated anomalies which are to our knowledge have not mentioned before in the literature which include; congenital blindness, radial deviation of the index finger and ventricular septal defect. We found that 68% of the patients had associated syndromes, and this has not been mentioned before. In this study, we found that there were no difference between type II and type III clasped thumb as regards the pathological findings, severity, the operative procedures, the treatment protocol and the operative results. Properly planned treatment gives satisfactory results.
The Standing is Slippery
Authors: Wreen Michael J. 
Published: October 2007

This paper is a critical examination of the so-called slippery slope argument for the conservative position on abortion. The argument was discussed in the philosophic literature some time back, but has since fallen into disfavor.The argument is first exposed and a general objection to it is advanced, then rebutted. Rosalind Hursthouse's more detailed and stronger objection is next aired, but also found less than convincing. In the course of discussing her objection, the correct form of the argument is identified, and it's noted that rejection of the argument requires finding fault with its inductive premise. That, in turn, requires either (a) identifying and defending a cutoff point other than conception, or (b) not identifying a cutoff point but directly attacking the argument's conclusion. As far as (a) is concerned, all except one alternative cutoff point have severe problems that have been well discussed in the literature. The one that doesn't, the appearance of the ‘primitive streak’, is examined in detailed, but ultimately rejected. As for (b), five different grounds for rejecting the conclusion are identified and discussed, but none is found plausible.Variations on the slippery slope argument, concerning different conclusions that it may have, are then distinguished, related to each other, and critically discussed, and the paper ends with some cautionary remarks about the defense of the argument tendered.
Assessment of medical devices: How to conduct comparative technology evaluations of product performance
Authors: Burns Lawton R. , Bradlow Eric T. , Lee J. Andrew , Antonacci Anthony C. 
Published: October 2007

Objectives: U.S. expenditures on medical devices ($70 billion in 2003) are one of the fastest growing components of hospital costs. Physicians’ selection of medical devices lacks an evidence base on the comparative clinical effectiveness of these products. Comparative studies (e.g., vendor 1 versus vendor 2, technology A versus technology B) are increasingly promoted in the public sector as a means of cost containment, value-based purchasing, and quality improvement. This study illustrates how hospitals and physicians can conduct comparative technology assessments of product performance.Methods: Surgeons evaluated comparable medical devices manufactured by eight different vendors in standardized surgical procedures. Devices included sutures and endomechanical products, which account for $2.5 billion of total device spending. Evaluations covered multiple performance dimensions, including ergonomics, functionality, clinical acceptability, and vendor preference.Results: One vendor's products garnered consistently high ratings from surgeons, while two other vendors garnered consistently low ratings. Differences in ratings were statistically significant and persist when controlling for physician background characteristics and prior experience. Study results were used by a large hospital group purchasing organization to select which vendors to contract with for these products.Conclusions: Comparative technology evaluations assist physicians and hospitals in making cost-effective purchases of devices. These evaluations provide robust information on the performance of products routinely used by clinicians. Such evaluations can be carefully designed to have scientific rigor and clinical credibility.
Economic evaluation of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: de Verteuil Robyn M. , Hernández Rodolfo A. , Vale Luke ,   On behalf of the Aberdeen Health Technology Assessment Group
Published: October 2007

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic surgery compared with open surgery for the treatment of colorectal cancer.Methods: A Markov model was developed to model cost-effectiveness over 25 years. Data on the clinical effectiveness of laparoscopic and open surgery for colorectal cancer were obtained from a systematic review of the literature. Data on costs came from a systematic review of economic evaluations and from published sources. The outcomes of the model were presented as the incremental cost per life-year gained and using cost-effectiveness acceptability curves to illustrate the likelihood that a treatment was cost-effective at various threshold values for society's willingness to pay for an additional life-year.Results: Laparoscopic surgery was on average £300 more costly and slightly less effective than open surgery and had a 30 percent chance of being cost-effective if society is willing to pay £30,000 for a life-year. One interpretation of the available data suggests equal survival and disease-free survival. Making this assumption, laparoscopic surgery had a greater chance of being considered cost-effective. Presenting the results as incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) made no difference to the results, as utility data were poor. Evidence suggests short-term benefits after laparoscopic repair. This benefit would have to be at least 0.01 of a QALY for laparoscopic surgery to be considered cost-effective.Conclusions: Laparoscopic surgery is likely to be associated with short-term quality of life benefits, similar long-term outcomes, and an additional £300 per patient. A judgment is required as to whether the short-term benefits are worth this extra cost.
Cost-effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy for elderly primary care patients with major depression
Authors: Bosmans Judith E. , van Schaik Digna J. F. , Heymans Martijn W. , van Marwijk Harm W. J. , van Hout Hein P. J. , de Bruijne Martine C. 
Published: October 2007

Objectives:Major depression is common in elderly patients. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a potentially effective treatment for depressed elderly patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of IPT delivered by mental health workers in primary care practices, for depressed patients 55 years of age and older identified by screening, in comparison with care as usual (CAU).Methods:We conducted a full economic evaluation alongside a randomized controlled trial comparing IPT with CAU. Outcome measures were depressive symptoms, presence of major depression, and quality of life. Resource use was measured from a societal perspective over a 12-month period by cost diaries. Multiple imputation and bootstrapping were used to analyze the data.Results:At 6 and 12 months, the differences in clinical outcomes between IPT and CAU were small and nonsignificant. Total costs at 12 months were €5,753 in the IPT group and €4,984 in the CAU group (mean difference, €769; 95 percent confidence interval, −2,459 – 3,433). Cost-effectiveness planes indicated that there was much uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness ratios.Conclusions:Based on these results, provision of IPT in primary care to elderly depressed patients was not cost-effective in comparison to CAU. Future research should focus on improvement of patient selection and treatments that have more robust effects in the acute and maintenance phase of treatment.