bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semi‐global stabilization of linear systems subject to non‐right invertible constraints
Authors: Saberi Ali , Stoorvogel Anton A. , Shi Guoyong , Sannuti Peddapullaiah 
Published: May 2004

AbstractMuch progress has been made for the stabilization of linear systems subject to constraints. This paper summarizes the results established along the line of constraints modeled by a constrained output. Stabilization results established earlier for right invertible constraints are reviewed. New results for non‐right invertible constraints are developed in this paper. Solvability conditions for the non‐right invertible constraints have completely different characteristics than those for right invertible constraints. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rate and magnitude‐bounded actuators: scheduled output feedback design
Authors: Jabbari Faryar , Köse İ. Emre 
Published: May 2004

AbstractWe study controller synthesis for systems subject to actuator magnitude and rate saturation constraints, where each actuator has a dynamic model of order at least one. The solvability conditions are expressed as finite‐dimensional linear matrix inequalities. Disturbance attenuation in terms of the energy‐to‐peak gain from the disturbance to the controlled output is considered, though other performance measures are also possible. The results apply to the more general case of systems under actuator and state constraints. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tailoring a New Sizing Agent via Structural Modification of Pregelled Starch Molecules Part 1: Carboxymethylation and Grafting
Authors: Mostafa Khaled M. , Morsy Mahmoud S. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractPregelled starch (PS) was subjected to acid hydrolysis using phosphoric acid to prepare pregelled starches having different molecular sizes. The degraded pregelled starches were carboxymethylated at different reaction times. The carboxymethyl derivatives were grafted with either methacrylamide (MAam) or methacrylonitrile (MAN) as vinyl monomers using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as initiator. Suitability of the new graft derivatives of pregelled starch as sizing agent of cotton yarns was studied. It is shown by the data that the extent of carboxymethylation, expressed as carboxyl content, increases by increasing the extent of hydrolysis and reaction time. Furthermore, the graft yield, expressed as mmol MAam or MAN monomer/100 g graft copolymer (grafted carboxymethylated pregelled starch or grafted carboxymethylated hydrolyzed pregelled starch) increases with increasing extent of carboxymethylation and degree of hydrolysis and follows the order: MAam > MAN. In addition cotton yarns sized with grafted carboxymethylated hydrolyzed pregelled starch – irrespective of the grafting monomer used – have better mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance) than hydrolyzed pregelled starches, carboxymethylated pregelled starch and carboxymethylated hydrolyzed pregelled starches.
Indigestible Starch of P. lunatus Obtained by Pyroconversion: Changes in Physicochemical Properties
Authors: Orozco‐Martínez Tonatiuh , Betancur‐Ancona David 
Published: May 2004

AbstractLima bean (Phaseolus lunatus) starch was modified using pyroconversion to produce non‐digestible starch and the functional properties of the pyrodextrinized starches were evaluated. Reaction conditions included: starch/2.2 M HCl ratio (80:1 and 160:1, w/v); temperature (90°C and 110°C) and reaction time (1 and 3 h). “In vitro” indigestible starch and color difference (ΔE) were determined and used as response variables. The optimum product was recovered from native starch treated with a 160:1 starch/HCl ratio, at 90°C for 1 h, which produced modified starches containing 49.5% indigestible starch and ΔE of 18.86. Starch pyrodextrinization decreased the amount of enzymatically available starch through formation of atypical glycosidic bonds that are not digested by the amylases and maltooligosaccharidases in the small intestine of humans. Compared to the P. lunatus native starch, the pyrodextrinized starch exhibited increased paste and gel clarity (52.7%T), solubility (88.7%), and swelling power (26 g water/g starch), a higher gelatinization temperature range (72.5–89.8°C) and lower viscosity. This process can be considered a promising treatment for production of resistant starch (RS) from P. lunatus.
VA practice patterns and practice guidelines for treating posttraumatic stress disorder
Authors: Rosen Craig S. , Chow Helen C. , Finney John F. , Greenbaum Mark A. , Moos Rudolf H. , Sheikh Javaid I. , Yesavage Jerome A. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractLittle is known about how recent ISTSS practice guidelines (E. B. Foa, T. M. Keane, & M. J. Friedman, 2000) compare with prevailing PTSD treatment practices for veterans. Prior to guideline dissemination, clinicians in 6 VA medical centers were surveyed in 1999 (n = 321) and in 2001 (n = 271) regarding their use of various assessment and treatment procedures. Practices most consistent with guideline recommendations included psychoeducation, coping skills training, attention to trust issues, depression and substance use screening, and prescribing of SSRIs, anticonvulsants, and trazodone. PTSD and trauma assessment, anger management, and sleep hygiene practices were provided less consistently. Exposure therapy was rarely used. Additional research is needed on training, clinical resources, and organizational factors that may influence VA implementation of guideline recommendations.
Children with speech and language disability: caseload characteristics
Authors: Broomfield Jan , Dodd Barbara 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground: There has been no previous incidence survey of children referred to a speech and language therapy service in the UK. Previous studies of prevalence of specific communication difficulties provide contradictory data from which it is difficult to plan speech and language therapy service provision. Reliable data are needed concerning the nature and severity of impairments as well as the age and source of referral and the effects of cultural and socio‐economic profiles of the population served.Aims: To describe referrals received between January 1999 and April 2000 by the paediatric speech and language therapy service of Middlesborough Primary Care Trust, an area of social deprivation.Methods & Procedures: All referrals were offered an initial assessment appointment within 8 weeks of referral. Standardized tests and quantitative measures of communication difficulties, determined by age, were undertaken. Population and case history information was also gathered.Outcomes & Results: The incidence rate of referrals who attended for assessment in a single year was calculated as 16.3% for primary communication disability and 14.6% for speech/language disability. Of the 1100 referrals, 14.9% failed to attend and 9.8% had normal functioning. The distribution of disorder type was dysfluency 5.3%, voice or nasality disruption 2.0%; receptive language difficulties 20.4%, expressive language difficulties 16.9% and speech difficulties 29.1%. A further 0.7% had special educational needs and 0.9% had speech and language impairment but refused consent. The majority of referrals were between 2 and 6 years old, more boys than girls were referred, and socio‐economic status matched that of the local population. Both gender and socio‐economic status affected diagnosis.Conclusions: Based on the Middlesborough data, the estimated national incidence rate of referrals who attend for assessment and who have speech and language disability is 85 000–90 000 children per year (14.6% of births). While findings from only one Primary Care Trust must be treated cautiously, they provide paediatric speech and language therapy services managers with information that might guide service planning.
Using a parental checklist to identify diagnostic groups in children with communication impairment: a validation of the Children's Communication Checklist—2
Authors: Norbury Courtenay Frazier , Nash Marysia , Baird Gillian , Bishop Dorothy V. M. 
Published: May 2004

AbstractBackground: The Children's Communication Checklist (CCC 1998) was revised in 2003 (CCC‐2) to provide a general screen for communication disorder and to identify pragmatic/social interaction deficits. Two validation studies were conducted with different populations of children with language and communication impairments.Methods & Procedures: In Study 1, the questionnaire was given to families of 87 children attending full‐time special education for specific language impairment, pragmatic language impairments or autistic spectrum disorders. In addition, the teachers of half the sample completed CCC‐2 forms for the same children, providing evidence for interrater agreement. In Study 2, the sample was increased to include 24 children with similar diagnoses in educational contexts in Scotland and 27 children referred for clinical evaluation at a neurodevelopment centre.Outcomes & Results: The CCC‐2 distinguished children with communication impairments from non‐impaired peers. Furthermore, the social‐interaction deviance composite (SIDC) of the CCC‐2 identified children with disproportionate pragmatic and social difficulties in relation to their structural language impairments. This measure also had good interrater agreement (r=0.79).Conclusions: CCC‐2 provides a useful screening measure for communication impairment and can be helpful in identifying children who should be referred for more detailed assessment of possible autistic spectrum disorder. However, the present data highlight substantial overlap amongst groups with ‘distinct’ diagnoses. It is suggested that it is unrealistic to use the CCC‐2 to make categorical distinctions on this continuum of disorder.
Methylprednisolone reduces airway microvascular permeability but not airway resistance induced by N‐formylmethionine leucyl‐phenylalanine in the rabbit
Authors: MATHESON Melissa , MCCLEAN Melissa , RYNELL Ann‐Christine , BEREND Norbert 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  The aim of this study was to determine the effect of corticosteroids on the increase in airway microvascular permeability (MVP) and airway resistance induced by N‐formylmethionine leucyl‐phenylalanine in the rabbit.Methodology:  After pretreatment with methylprednisolone (for 1 day or 1 week) rabbits were nebulized with N‐formylmethionine leucyl‐phenylalanine and MVP was assessed using the Evans blue dye technique (on the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles), while airway resistance was measured using a volume displacement plethysmograph.Results:  There were no significant differences in airway resistance between the steroid treated group and the control group for either steroid treatment regime. The degree of extravasation of Evans blue dye was significantly inhibited in the bronchioles after both the 1‐day and 1‐week treatment with methylprednisolone. There were no significant differences in MVP in the trachea or bronchi between the treated groups and the control groups.Conclusion:  These results show that methylprednisolone can significantly reduce N‐formylmethionine leucyl‐phenylalanine‐induced MVP without affecting airway resistance.
The effect of chest wall restriction on exercise capacity
Authors: COAST J. Richard , CLINE Camala C. 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  Subjects with restrictive pulmonary disease exhibit a decreased exercise capacity compared to non‐diseased subjects, as do subjects in certain workplace situations, for example when wearing bullet‐proof vests. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of varying degrees of chest wall restrictive loading on exercise performance. We have designed and validated a chest wall restrictor that mimics the elastic loading occurring in some disease states and some occupational situations.Methodology:  In this study, 18 subjects performed five graded maximal cycling tests while wearing the device at four different inflation pressures (0, 20, 40, and 60 mmHg).Results:  Maximal values of oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), minute ventilation (V̇Imax), tidal volume (VT at max) and breathing frequency (fB at max) were monitored, as was the time to maximal exercise (TTM). V̇O2, V̇I, VT, and fB were also measured at three submaximal loads. The results showed that V̇O2max, V̇Imax, TTM, and VT at max were significantly decreased, while fB at max was maintained. At submaximal loads, the ventilatory parameters VT, and fB were altered with load, but V̇I and V̇O2 were not affected by load.Conclusions:  These results indicate that the wearing of this device decreases variables associated with maximal exercise, and that the decreases are related to the degree of chest wall restriction. Furthermore, submaximal exercise ventilation was minimally altered, with an increase in fB and a decrease in VT associated with increasing restrictive loads. Submaximal oxygen uptake was not affected by breathing restriction.
Post‐hyperventilation hypoxaemia is due to alteration of ventilation and perfusion matching
Authors: NOLAN Stephen R. , SAXENA Manox , BURGESS Keith R. , SIMMEL Rein , BRAUDE Stanley 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanisms of post‐hyperventilation hypoxia.Methodology:  Seven healthy male volunteers, aged 29.1 ± 1.4 years, underwent two 10‐min periods of voluntary hyperventilation to pulmonary end tidal CO2 values of 20 mmHg (severe hyperventilation), or 30 mmHg (moderate hyperventilation). Post‐hyperventilation, the arterial oxygen saturation, VE and arterial blood gas values were measured. Sleep was excluded by EEG monitoring.Results:  Maximal hypoxaemia occurred in proportion to severity of hyperventilation; at approximately 5 min post‐hyperventilation Pao2 fell to 64 ± 7 mmHg (severe hyperventilation) and 72 ± 6 mmHg (moderate hyperventilation) from 97 ± 3 mmHg at baseline. Hypoxaemia persisted beyond the time of normalization of Paco2 and HCO3. On another occasion, a N2 washout test was performed after severe hyperventilation, which excluded bronchoconstriction.Conclusion:  Relative hypoventilation may partly explain post‐hyperventilation hypoxaemia, but by excluding bronchoconstriction and periodic breathing, we have demonstrated that most of the hypoxaemia must have been due to alteration of pulmonary blood flow distribution causing a fall in V/Q ratio.
Respiratory function testing: The impact of respiratory scientists on the training and support of primary health care providers
Authors: BURTON Mark A. , BURTON Deborah L. , SIMPSON Maree D. , GISSING Peter M. , BOWMAN Scott L. 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  In rural Australia access to doctors is limited, access to respiratory physicians even more so and these are the traditional sources of lung function testing.The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of training and supporting existing rural primary healthcare providers in lung function testing as a screening and monitoring mechanism due to the shortage of healthcare professionals capable of providing such a service.Methodology:  As pharmacists are readily accessible healthcare professionals, they were trained in spirometry measurement and supported with ongoing quality assurance by respiratory scientists. Spirometers were provided to the pharmacists. People purchasing respiratory medications or responding to advertising about the service were tested after giving informed consent. Spirometic assessments were assessed for accuracy and reproducibility. Participants’ spirometry results were reviewed and those with abnormal test results were referred to their doctor.Results:  Pharmacists were able to competently develop the skills necessary for providing spirometry measurement as a screening and monitoring technique. The level of competence exceeded that reported in previously published studies. Pharmacists were able to successfully identify spirometry results within the normal range.Conclusions:  Training and supporting accessible healthcare professionals to provide lung function testing increases access in areas of need and has implications for respiratory morbidity and mortality in such settings.
The relative survival of COPD patients on long‐term oxygen therapy in Australia: A comparative study
Authors: CRANSTON Josephine M. , NGUYEN Anh‐Minh , CROCKETT Alan J. 
Published: May 2004

Objective: The survival of patients with COPD on long‐term oxygen therapy (LTOT) has been studied using both univariate and multivariate procedures. There has been only one previous report of relative survival. Relative survival takes into account the risk of death due to increasing age. The objective of this study was to determine the relative survival of a group of South Australian patients prescribed home oxygen therapy for COPD.Methodology: A method proposed by Hakulinen was used to determine relative survival. The results were compared with the relative survival of a similar group of French COPD patients.Results: A total of 505 COPD patients (249 males, 256 females) were included in the survival analysis. Relative survival corrected for life expectancy was 78.1%, 56.7%, 23.1% and 1.1% at 1, 2, 5 and 10 years, respectively, which was less than that reported in a recent French study of comparable patients. Our patients were similar with respect to age, severity of hypoxaemia and oxygen usage to those in the French study.Conclusions: Using relative survival analysis, Australian LTOT patients with COPD have worse outcomes than some European patients. Factors contributing to the excess mortality in South Australian COPD patients need to be investigated.
Occult pneumomediastinum in a SARS patient presenting as recurrent chest pain and acute ECG changes mimicking acute coronary syndrome
Authors: TSE Tak‐Sun , TSUI Kin‐Lam , YAM Loretta Y‐C. , SO Loletta K‐Y. , LAU Arthur C‐W. , CHAN Kwok‐Keung , LI Shu‐Kin 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a newly emergent disease due to a novel coronavirus, which caused outbreaks worldwide.Methodology:  We report a SARS patient who had developed recurrent chest pain and acute T‐wave inversion over the precordial leads on electrocardiography (ECG).Results:  She developed progressive subcutaneous emphysema a few days later. Her CXR showed features suggestive of pneumomediastinum, which was confirmed by high‐resolution CT scan of the thorax.Conclusion:  Pneumomediastinum should be considered in SARS patients as a possible cause of chest pain and ECG changes that mimic acute coronary syndrome.
Effect of low‐dose theophylline on airway inflammation in COPD
Authors: KOBAYASHI Motoko , NASUHARA Yasuyuki , BETSUYAKU Tomoko , SHIBUYA Eiji , TANINO Yoshinori , TANINO Mishie , TAKAMURA Kei , NAGAI Katsura , HOSOKAWA Takeshi , NISHIMURA Masaharu 
Published: May 2004

Objective:  Recent studies have shown that theophylline may exert anti‐inflammatory effects on neutrophils. We undertook to assess the effect of theophylline on airway inflammation in COPD.Methodology:  We performed a 4‐week randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study in 11 theophylline‐naive patients with mild to moderate COPD. After a 1‐week run‐in period, six subjects were administered 400 mg/day theophylline (Theodur; Nikken Chemicals Co. Ltd, Tokyo, Japan) for 4 weeks, while five subjects were administered a placebo. Induced sputum was obtained before and after the run‐in period and then after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment. Cell differential count and levels of interleukin‐8, matrix metalloproteinase‐9, neutrophil elastase (NE), myeloperoxidase (MPO), α1‐antitrypsin (α1‐AT), leukotriene B4 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 (TIMP‐1) were assessed.Results:  No variable was significantly different during the run‐in period or with placebo treatment. In contrast, theophylline treatment significantly decreased NE and MPO levels at 4 weeks, although the cell differential count did not change appreciably as a result of treatment.Conclusion:  These results suggest that 4 weeks of theophylline treatment attenuates neutrophil‐associated inflammation in the airways of mild to moderate COPD patients. However, the clinical benefits remain to be determined.
Laparoscopic live‐donor nephrectomy: modifications for developing nations
Authors: Kumar A. , Chaudhary H. , Srivastava A. , Raghavendran M. 
Published: May 2004

Authors from Lucknow describe their experience with laparoscopic live‐donor nephrectomy, and describe modifications they have used to make the procedure cost‐effective for developing nations. As the urological world is increasingly realising, this approach to renal transplantation is increasing the number of live‐donor kidneys being offered for the many patients with end‐stage renal failure. In this considerable series, the authors are strongly of the opinion that this is the best approach to live donor nephrectomy, and that their modifications are helpful in its use in developing nations.OBJECTIVETo describe modifications to laparoscopic live‐donor nephrectomy (LLDN) to make it more cost‐effective for developing countries; LLDN was developed as a better alternative to conventional donor nephrectomy, with advantages of an earlier return to normal activities and smaller scars, but is not popular in developing countries because of high cost of disposable items.PATIENTS AND METHODSFrom January 2000 to January 2002, 148 LLDNs were performed, of which two used a hand‐assisted technique, 17 the standard technique, 79 a modified laparoscopically assisted cost‐saving approach and 50 by the modified technique. In the latter approach the kidney was delivered through a 6–8 cm anterior subcostal flank incision. In last 50 patients we further modified the technique, clipping the hilum using endoclips and delivering the kidney by holding the lateral pararenal fat through a 5 cm iliac fossa incision.RESULTSThe mean age, operative duration, warm ischaemia time, blood loss, analgesic requirements, pain score and hospital stay were comparable among the various techniques used. Re‐exploration was required in four patients (bleeding in two, trocar‐induced bowel injury in two). Immediate complications after surgery occurred in 20% of patients. Using endoclips, the cost was considerably reduced, from $400 to $290. The iliac fossa incision was aesthetically pleasing and more acceptable to patients.CONCLUSIONThese modifications are relevant in the context of a developing nation, as they provide all the benefits of LLDN at reduced cost and with better cosmetic results.
Bupivacaine provides rapid, effective periprostatic anaesthesia for transrectal prostate biopsy
Authors: Rabets J.C. , Jones J.S. , Patel A.R. , Zippe C.D. 
Published: May 2004

OBJECTIVETo examine the effectiveness of the longer acting agent bupivacaine in providing periprostatic anaesthesia during transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS)‐guided biopsy, as the periprostatic injection of lidocaine has been shown to significantly alleviate the pain of this procedure.PATIENTS AND METHODSSeventy‐five patients were randomized to receive a periprostatic injection with either bupivacaine, a lidocaine/bupivacaine (1/1) combination, or no local anaesthesia. Immediately before biopsy 5 mL of the anaesthetic was injected under TRUS guidance into the periprostatic nerves bilaterally. After taking a 10‐core biopsy the patients were given a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0–10) to assess their pain during the procedure.RESULTSThe mean VAS scores were 2.04 in the bupivacaine group and 4.46 in the control (no local anaesthetic) group (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSBupivicaine provides significant, immediate periprostatic anaesthesia for TRUS biopsy.