bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimum absorber parameters for minimizing vibration response
Authors: Warburton G. B. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractOptimum parameters are determined for absorbers, which, when attached to one mass of a main system with two degrees of freedom, minimize the harmonic response of that mass. Comparison is made with the absorber parameters that are determined by treating the main system as an equivalent one degree‐of‐freedom system and using classical results. Close agreement is obtained if the ratio of the two natural frequencies of the main system is reasonably large. This is in agreement with the author's recent work on optimum absorber parameters which minimize the response of elastic bodies. The extension of the method to multi degree‐of‐freedom main systems is outlined. The conditions for which different values of these parameters are predicted when the response is minimized over narrow and broad frequency bands are determined.
Response of a plate and elastic half‐space to harmonic waves
Authors: Whittaker W. L. , Christiano Paul 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAnalytical results are presented for the dynamic interaction of an elastic flexural plate and an elastic half‐space subjected to harmonic seismic waves. Displacements and contact stresses are presented for square, massless plates having a practical range of flexural stiffness and subjected to incident waves oriented parallel to either an edge or a diagonal of the plate. The behaviour of massive plates is also briefly discussed; such plates exhibit additional resonances higher than those normally associated with the motion of a rigid mass.
Resistance of a soil layer to horizontal vibration of a pile
Authors: Nielsen Mette Thiel 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe resistance of a soil to horizontal harmonic vibration of a vertical, end bearing pile with circular cross‐section is theoretically investigated. The soil is considered to be a continuum with material damping of the hysteretic type. The motions of the soil and pile are expressed as series, and a resistance coefficient on each term in the series of the pile motion is found. The resistance is found to depend on the excitation frequency, the pile slenderness and on the material properties of the soil. Finally a study of the influence of the parameters is carried out.
Pesticide use and colorectal cancer risk in the agricultural health study
Authors: Lee Won Jin , Sandler Dale P. , Blair Aaron , Samanic Claudine , Cross Amanda J. , Alavanja Michael C.R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between agricultural pesticides and colorectal cancer incidence in the Agricultural Health Study. A total of 56,813 pesticide applicators with no prior history of colorectal cancer were included in this analysis. Detailed pesticide exposure and other information were obtained from self‐administered questionnaires completed at the time of enrollment (1993–1997). Cancer incidence was determined through population‐based cancer registries from enrollment through December 31, 2002. A total of 305 incident colorectal cancers (212 colon, 93 rectum) were diagnosed during the study period, 1993–2002. Although most of the 50 pesticides studied were not associated with colorectal cancer risk, chlorpyrifos use showed significant exposure response trend (p for trend = 0.008) for rectal cancer, rising to a 2.7‐fold (95% confidence interval: 1.2–6.4) increased risk in the highest exposure category. Aldicarb was associated with a significantly increased risk of colon cancer (p for trend = 0.001), based on a small number of exposed cases, with the highest exposure category resulting in a 4.1‐fold increased risk (95% confidence interval: 1.3–12.8). In contrast, dichlorophenoxyacetic acid showed a significant inverse association with colon cancer but the association was not monotonic. Our findings should be interpreted cautiously since the literature suggesting that pesticides are related to colorectal cancer is limited. Nonetheless the possibility of an association between exposure to certain pesticides and incidence of colorectal cancer among pesticide applicators deserves further evaluation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Allergy and risk of childhood leukaemia: Results from the UKCCS
Authors: Hughes Ann M. , Lightfoot Tracy , Simpson Jill , Ansell Pat , McKinney Patricia A. , Kinsey Sally E. , Mitchell Christopher D. , Eden Tim O.B. , Greaves Mel , Roman Eve 
Published: March 2007

AbstractWe investigated the relationship between childhood leukaemia and preceding history of allergy. A nationwide case–control study of childhood cancers was conducted in the United Kingdom with population‐based sampling of cases (n = 839) and controls (n = 1,337), matched on age, sex and region of residence. Information about clinically diagnosed allergies was obtained from primary care records. More than a third of subjects had at least one allergy diagnosed prior to leukaemia diagnosis (cases) or pseudo‐diagnosis (controls). For both total acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and common‐ALL/precursor B‐cell ALL (c‐ALL), a history of eczema was associated with a 30% significant reduction in risk: the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were 0.70 (0.51–0.97) and 0.68 (0.48–0.98), respectively. Similar associations were observed for hayfever (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.26–0.85 and OR = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.33–1.16 for ALL and c‐ALL, respectively). No such patterns were seen either for asthma and ALL, or for any allergy and acute myeloid leukaemia. A comparative analysis of primary care records with parents recall of allergy revealed only moderate agreement with contemporaneous clinical diagnoses for both cases and controls—confirming the unreliability of parental report at interview. Our finding of a reciprocal relationship between allergy and ALL in children is compatible with the hypothesis that a dysregulated immune response is a critical determinant of childhood ALL. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Farm water and rural poverty reduction in developing Asia
Authors: Lipton Michael 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe study on “pro‐poor intervention strategies in irrigated agriculture in Asia” by Hussain 2005 shows that, in 26 major and medium‐size canal irrigation schemes in Asia, irrigated areas average 20% lower poverty than adjacent rainfed areas; gains are more with pro‐poor management of water for farming (PPMWF) and where distribution of farmland or farm water is more equal. These findings, and the measured endorsement of participatory irrigation management (PIM) of these schemes, look robust, though they need to allow for externalities (interaction with groundwater and micro‐irrigation; out‐of‐scheme downstream effects).This paper explores some implications. The diagnosed “inefficiency of gross inequality” in irrigation echoes similar wider‐scale findings on aggregate inequality and vulnerability. The choice among irrigation techniques, and science to develop new ones, need to adapt more to the needs of PPMWF. PPMWF planning must itself adapt – as must design of new schemes – to the needs for sustainable water resources, manageable health impacts, and proper treatment of displaced people. Technical and management design to reduce irrigation corruption – as it relates to poverty impact of irrigation, and to PIM – needs more review. The causal links from various types of irrigation to growth, distribution and poverty need more extensive modelling and testing. The important implications of this study (with the above contexts) for major irrigation in Africa – almost certainly essential for major progress against poverty there – need systematic assessment. Finally, some open issues are listed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance assessment, irrigation service delivery and poverty reduction: benefits of improved system management
Authors: Molden David , Burton Martin , Bos M. G. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractEffective irrigation service provides the environment for productive and sustainable agriculture vital for incomes and employment, economic growth and lifting people out of, and keeping them out of, poverty. Poorly managed irrigation can have the opposite effect. Irrigation performance assessment is an important management tool to aid in providing sound service. Performance assessment in irrigation and drainage is the systematic observation, documentation and interpretation of activities related to irrigated agriculture with the objective of continuous improvement. In this paper we provide basic concepts of performance assessment, then pay particular attention to aspects of performance assessment and service provision related to poverty alleviation. Particularly important are the management specifications for irrigation service, providing rules for access to water and payment for service. Inequitable access to water and poverty in irrigation are related to the degree to which specifications are met; who is included and excluded from the specifications; and whether specifications encompass the multiple uses and users of water. Primary focus for irrigation service has typically been given to irrigated crop farmers. For poverty alleviation, service provision and related performance assessment programmes need to give due attention to the many other people dependent on irrigation water including the landless, livestock keepers, fishermen and domestic water users. Advances in performance assessment techniques are needed in this area. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporation of basic fibroblast growth factor by a layer‐by‐layer assembly technique to produce bioactive substrates
Authors: Ma Lie , Zhou Jie , Gao Changyou , Shen Jiacong 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBasic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was immobilized onto quartz slides and collagen films by assembly with chondroitin sulfate (CS) in a layer‐by‐layer (LBL) manner. First, the LBL‐deposition process on the amino‐silanized quartz slides was monitored by UV–vis spectroscopy and water contact angle measurement. By substituting the normal bFGF with rhodamine‐labeled one (Rd‐bFGF), a linear increase of the absorbance versus bilayer number was recorded. The water contact angle oscillated between the odd CS and the even bFGF layers, demonstrating the alternating change of the surface chemistry. Scanning force microscopy (SFM) revealed that the surface topography was altered slightly after multilayer assembly. In vitro incubation of the CS/bFGF multilayers in PBS showed that ∼30% of the incorporated bFGF was released within 8 days. In vitro cell culture found that the fibroblasts showed star‐like morphology with plenty of pseudopods on the bFGF‐incorporated collagen film after cultured for 1 day, and the collagen films assembled with bFGF possess improved bioactivity than that of the virgin one and the bFGF control. Since the immobilized growth factors can maximally retain their bioactivity, the LBL assembly would be a potential approach to construct a bioactive substrate for biomedical applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Administration of pamidronate alters bone‐titanium attachment in the presence of endotoxin‐coated polyethylene particles
Authors: Xing Zhiqing , Hasty Karen A. , Smith Richard A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBisphosphonates are promising in the treatment of periprosthetic osteolysis induced by particulate wear debris. The in vivo effects of pamidronate with different doses and durations of administration on bone‐titanium attachment in the presence of endotoxin‐coated polyethylene particles were examined in a rat model in this study. Titanium pins and endotoxin‐coated polyethylene particles were introduced into rat femoral canals followed by intraperitoneal injection of pamidronate every other day. The treatment varied in the dose from 0 to 40 μg/kg and the duration of either 10 days or 6 weeks. Bilateral femurs were harvested after 6 weeks and examined by bone densitometer and MicroCT scan. Pamidronate increased the bone density of the left, unoperated femurs in a dose and duration dependent manner. Bone‐titanium attachment significantly increased in all treatment groups compared to the control group. When pamidronate was administered for 10 days, the increase of bone‐titanium attachment was significantly dose‐dependent. However, when pamidronate was given for 6 weeks at 4 μg/kg, the bone‐titanium attachment was significantly (p < 0.001) lower compared to the 10 day treatment of the same dose, although it was significantly higher than controls. Our results suggest that pamidronate effectively increase bone‐titanium attachment even in the presence of endotoxin‐coated polyethylene particles. However, long‐term administration may reduce its efficacy. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2007
Bayesian Modeling and Markov Chain Monte Carlo Simulations for a Kinetic Study of Homo‐ and Co‐ Polymerization Systems
Authors: Habibi Ali , Vasheghani‐Farahani Ebrahim 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA Bayesian modeling and Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation was developed for a kinetic study of homopolymerization and copolymerization systems at the molecular scale. Two copolymerization models – the terminal unit model and the penultimate unit model – were considered. Prior estimates of the kinetic parameters were obtained by L1‐norm robust statistics. Using the structure of experimental data through a likelihood function, Bayesian modeling was employed to update the prior estimates. The joint posterior probability regions and shimmer bands were calculated for updated reactivity ratios. A method for assessing the power of experimental data in discrimination between copolymerization models is presented. This method was validated for free radical polymerization in binary systems. The evolution of species and radical populations during the course of polymerization were determined. The computational time was considerably decreased by calculating the propagation step from lifetime of the polymer chain and local monomer concentration. To avoid inaccuracies in the results caused by poor choice or false computation of the time step, the time step between successive Monte Carlo events was adapted to the time scale of the fastest reaction. The simulation algorithm is exact, in the sense that it takes full account of the fluctuations and correlations.magnified image
Broadband series‐fed printed dipole arrays with mutual coupling
Authors: Mao Shau‐Gang , Chen Shiou‐Li , Yeh Jen‐Chun 
Published: March 2007

AbstractA uniplanar printed antenna consisting of the series‐fed dipole elements and the conductor‐backed coplanar waveguide‐to‐coplanar stripline (CBCPW‐to‐CPS) transition with broad impedance bandwidth and end‐fire radiation is presented. The measured results of the antenna indicate the operating bandwidth of 100% under the 10 dB return loss criterion and the end‐fire radiation patterns with 4.5–9.1 dBi peak gain. Mutual couplings between two series‐fed dipole antennas placed in face‐to‐face as well as side‐by‐side configurations with different separations are measured. The diversity of the array system is characterized by the correlation coefficient based on mutual coupling between antennas. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1044–1047, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22331
Compact CPW‐fed stacked‐circle monopole antenna with very wide bandwidth
Authors: Wu Qi , Jin Ronghong , Geng Junping , Ding Min 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThis paper presents a new CPW‐fed monopole antenna, which is composed of two stacked circles with different radii. This novel structure reduces the dimension and improves the impedance bandwidth dramatically. The measured bandwidth defined by VSWR <2.5 is from 3.15 GHz to 27.5 GHz, i.e., a ratio of about 8.7:1. This proposed monopole exhibits a nearly omni‐directional radiation pattern with very compact size and simple structure, which is suitable for various military and commercial wideband applications. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49:1192–1194, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.22377
CPW‐fed dual‐mode double‐ring resonators with Butterworth approximations for band‐pass filter applications
Authors: Liu Ji‐Chyun , Wu Tai‐Yi , Kuei Ching‐Pin 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe CPW‐fed configurations of dual‐mode ring resonator (DMRR) are introduced to improve the performance of the dual‐mode double ring resonator (DMDRR). To obtain low insertion loss (1.65 dB at TM110 mode and 0.91 dB at TM210 mode) and high out‐of‐band rejection level (−51.95 dB) and wider band (BW 13.09% at TM110 and 16.14% at TM210 mode) filters, using voltage‐couples and dual‐mode perturbations are proposed here. Simulation results including surface current distributions and frequency responses are presented and discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 49: 1217–1221, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI.10.1002/mop.22397
High‐resolution longitudinal MRI of the transition to heart failure
Authors: Costandi Peter N. , McCulloch Andrew D. , Omens Jeffrey H. , Frank Lawrence R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe development of heart failure (HF) is an evolving process that entails both structural and functional changes through time. While the physiological state of cardiac pathologies has been well characterized, less is known about the transition from a normal to a maladaptive state. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a noninvasive technique that facilitates longitudinal experiments to follow the progression of cardiac structural and physiological disorders over time. Transgenic murine models of cardiac disease, such as the muscle LIM protein‐deficient strain used in this study, offer populations of a reproducible phenotype that readily lend themselves to serial studies. In this longitudinal study, high spatial and temporal resolution time‐course MR images revealed an abrupt and brief phase of major anatomical restructuring during which the ventricular chamber dilated and the wall thinned. The ability of MRI to acquire spatially and temporally resolved images enabled the 3D estimation of cavity volume and wall mass changes with time. It was concluded that, using an imaging protocol of high temporal resolution, MRI has the adequate spatial and temporal imaging resolution to allow for the detection and quantification of rapidly occurring transitional phases in a single mouse heart as it progresses toward failure. Magn Reson Med 57:714–720, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual gradient‐echo MRI of post‐contraction changes in skeletal muscle blood volume and oxygenation
Authors: Damon Bruce M. , Hornberger Jennifer L. , Wadington Megan C. , Lansdown Drew A. , Kent‐Braun Jane A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAnalysis of post‐contraction MRI signal intensity (SI) transients may allow noninvasive studies of microvascular reactivity and blood oxygenation recovery. The purpose of this study was to determine the physiological basis for post‐contraction changes in short‐echo (6 ms) and long‐echo (46 ms) gradient‐echo (GRE) MRI signals (S6 and S46, respectively). Six healthy subjects were studied with the use of dual GRE MRI and near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). S6, S46, total hemoglobin concentration ([THb]), and oxyhemoglobin saturation (%HbO2) were measured before, during, and after 2 and 8 s dorsiflexion maximal voluntary contractions, and 5 min of proximal arterial occlusion. The changes in S6 and [THb] after the 2‐s contractions were similar to those following 8‐s contractions, but changes in %HbO2 and S46 were greater following 8‐s contractions than after the 2‐s contractions. [THb] and S6 did not change during and following 5 min of arterial occlusion, but %HbO2 and S46 were both significantly depressed at similar occlusion durations. Also, distance measures indicated similarity between S6 and [THb] and between S46 and %HbO2. We conclude that following brief human skeletal muscle contractions, changes in S6 primarily reflect changes in blood volume and changes in S46 primarily reflect changes in blood oxygenation. Magn Reson Med 57:670–679, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
31P‐{1H} echo‐planar spectroscopic imaging of the human brain in vivo
Authors: Ulrich M. , Wokrina T. , Ende G. , Lang M. , Bachert P. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractEcho‐planar spectroscopic imaging (EPSI) is one of the fastest spectroscopic imaging (SI) methods. It has been applied to 1H MR spectroscopy (MRS) studies of the human brain in vivo. However, to our knowledge, EPSI with detection of the 31P nucleus to monitor phosphorus‐containing neurometabolites has not yet been considered. In this work, eight different 31P‐{1H} EPSI sequence versions with spectral widths ranging from 313 Hz to 2.27 kHz were implemented on a clinical 1.5T whole‐body MR tomograph. The sequence versions utilized the heteronuclear nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) for 31P signal enhancement. The sensitivity observed in experiments with model solutions was in good agreement with theoretical predictions. In vivo measurements performed on healthy volunteers (N = 16) demonstrated the feasibility of performing two‐dimensional (2D) 31P‐{1H} EPSI in the human brain, and the technique enabled fast acquisition of well‐resolved localized spectra. Magn Reson Med 57:784–790, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhanced expression of mast cell growth factor and mast cell activation in the bladder following the resolution of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis in female rats
Authors: Liang Ruomei , Ustinova Elena E. , Patnam Radhika , Fraser Matthew O. , Gutkin Dmitriy W. , Pezzone Michael A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractAimsChronic pelvic pain disorders often overlap. We have shown that acute colonic irritation can produce acute irritative micturition patterns and acutely sensitize bladder afferent responses to mechanical and chemical stimuli. We hypothesize that with time, colonic irritation can lead to neurogenic changes in the bladder and the development of chronic bladder sensitization.MethodsMicturition patterns were measured in rats 60–90 days after the induction of trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) colitis in the resolution phase of this model. Total and activated mast cells (MCs) were quantified in the bladder, while mRNA levels of stem cell factor (SCF; a.k.a. MC growth factor) and nerve growth factor (NGF; a MC and nociceptive C‐fiber stimulator) were quantified in the bladder and L6‐S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG).ResultsFollowing intra‐rectal TNBS, voiding volume was reduced (P < 0.005), while voiding frequency was increased (P < 0.05), both by ∼50%. Furthermore, both the percentage and density of activated bladder MCs were significantly elevated (P < 0.05), although total MC counts were not statistically increased. At the molecular level, urinary bladder SCF expression increased twofold (P < 0.005), as did NGF (P < 0.01), while L6‐S1 DRG levels were not significantly elevated.ConclusionsChronic cystitis in the rat as evidenced by changes in micturition patterns and the recruitment of activated MCs can occur during the resolution phase of TNBS colitis. These changes, of which MCs may play an important role, appear to be maintained over time and may occur via stimulation of convergent pelvic afferent input resulting in the upregulation of neurotrophic factors in the target organ. Neurourol. Urodynam. 26:887–893, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.