bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simple algorithm for semi‐active seismic response control of cable‐stayed bridges
Authors: Iemura Hirokazu , Pradono Mulyo Harris 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe linear quadratic regulator (LQR) control algorithm is at the heart of many modern control design methods. There have been numerous publications dealing with LQR control and earthquake engineering. However, very few papers discuss the hysteretic loops produced by the LQR control force, although in the earthquake engineering field, hysteretic loops have been the key part of seismic designs. This paper shows the importance of investigating the hysteretic loops produced by the LQR control force for seismic response, and proposes a method to reproduce the hysteretic loops with a much simpler algorithm. The investigation was carried out on a cable‐stayed bridge model controlled either by the LQR algorithm, viscous damper, or the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is capable of reducing seismic response better than the viscous damper case and is similar to the LQR case. The practical applicability of the proposed method is also investigated by using a variable‐orifice oil damper as the controlling device. The proposed method needs only displacement response at the device location, and therefore fewer sensors are needed than for the LQR algorithm. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance‐based seismic analysis and design of suspension bridges
Authors: Arzoumanidis Serafim , Shama Ayman , Ostadan Farhang 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThis paper presents a performance‐based seismic analysis and design of a large suspension bridge, the new Tacoma Narrows Parallel Crossing in the State of Washington. The scope of the project included establishment of design criteria, extensive analysis and validation of the design. The analysis was performed using detailed three‐dimensional models that included geometric and material non‐linearity. The target post‐earthquake level of service was verified using stress, deformation and ductility criteria. In the absence of well‐established criteria, which relate the structural response of tower shafts to specific levels of performance, capacity analyses were performed to demonstrate that the design fulfills the performance objectives. The seismic analysis and design of this bridge was reviewed throughout the design process. An independent check team also performed separate analysis and validation of the design. Thus, this bridge constitutes an example of a large‐scale design project where the performance‐based seismic design procedures underwent rigorous assessment. This work demonstrated that the performance‐based approach for seismic design is an appropriate way for designing earthquake‐resistant structures. Further data that relate the structural response with the performance objectives are necessary. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental conditions leading to the formation of Holocene soil layers in the Northern Taklimakan Desert, Tarim Basin, Northwest China
Authors: Feng Q. , Liu W. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractRadiocarbon‐dated palaeontological remains and bedding features suggests that climatic changes in the northern Taklimakan Desert since the beginning of the Holocene can be divided into four stages: (i) 12 000–10 000 BP, a cool–to temperate–dry climate resulting in apparent alluvial–fluvial and weak aeolian activities; (ii) 10 000–8000 BP, a dry cold climate, resulting in large‐scale sand dune activity under regional desert expansion; (iii) 8000–3000 BP dry, warm climate, with a decreased area of shifting sand and the fixation of many sand dunes; (iv) 3000 BP to present, rising aeolian activity resulting in sandstorms, under the combined influence of climatic warming and excessive exploitation of land and water resources. Holocene deposits from profiles in the Northern Taklimakan Desert consist mainly of fine‐grained aeolian sand and silty clay. The fine aeolian sand was formed from re‐sorting of aeolian sand during the cold period of the Holocene, while the silty clay was formed by flood deposition in the Holocene warm period. The desert and desert steppe arboreal species and high CaCO3 content of the warm period strata suggest that the Holocene climate in the area, although generally dry, varied between warm/dry and cold/dry, and, especially in recent times, has become increasingly dry. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication and evaluation of nanoporous alumina membranes for osteoblast culture
Authors: Swan Erin E. Leary , Popat Ketul C. , Grimes Craig A. , Desai Tejal A. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractAn understanding of osteoblast response to surface topography is essential for successful bone tissue engineering applications. Alumina has been extensively used as a substrate for bone tissue constructs. However, current techniques do not allow precise surface topography and orientation of the material. In this research, a two‐step anodization process was optimized for the fabrication of nanoporous alumina membranes with uniform pore dimension and distribution. The anodization voltage can be varied to create nanoporous alumina membranes with pore sizes ranging from 30 to 80 nm in diameter. The impact of the nanoscale pores on osteoblast response was studied by evaluating cell adhesion, morphology, and matrix production. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the nanoporous alumina membranes. Osteoblast adhesion and morphology were investigated using scanning electron microscopy images and matrix production was characterized using energy dispersive spectroscopy. This research combined the advantages of using alumina, a material with proven biocompatibility and current orthopedic clinical applications, and incorporated porous features on the nanoscale which have been reported to improve osteoblast response. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 288–295, 2005
Enhanced intrinsic biomechanical properties of osteoblastic mineralized tissue on roughened titanium surface
Authors: Takeuchi Kazuo , Saruwatari Lei , Nakamura Hiromi K. , Yang Jenn‐Ming , Ogawa Takahiro 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe biological mechanisms underlying bone‐titanium integration and biomechanical properties of the integrated bone are poorly understood. This study assesses intrinsic biomechanical properties of mineralized tissue cultured on titanium having different surface topographies. The osteoblastic phenotypes associated with mineral deposition and collagen synthesis underlying the biomechanical modulation are also reported. Rat bone marrow–derived osteoblastic cells were cultured either on the machined titanium disc or acid‐etched titanium disc. Nano‐indentation study of day 28 culture revealed that the mineralized tissue on the acid‐etched surface shows 3–3.5 times greater hardness than that on the machined surface (p < 0.01). Elastic modulus of the mineralized tissue was also 2.5–3 times greater on the acid‐etched surface than on the machined surface (p < 0.01). After 28 days of culture, mineralized nodule area was significantly lower on the acid‐etched surface than on the machined surface (p = 0.0105), while total calcium deposition did not differ between the two surfaces, indicating denser mineral deposition on the acid‐etched surface. Osteopontin and osteocalcin gene expressions assayed by the reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction were upregulated in the acid‐etched titanium culture. Collagen synthesis measured by Sirius red stain‐based colorimetry was 1.5–10 times higher on the acid‐etched surface than on the machined surface in the initial culture period of day 1 to day 14 (p < 0.0001). The amount of collagen synthesis corresponded with the enhanced gene expression of prolyl 4‐hydroxylase, a key enzyme for post‐translational modification of collagen chains. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed that tissue cultured on the acid‐etched titanium exhibited plate‐like, compact surface morphology, while the tissue on the machined titanium appeared porous and was covered by fibrous and punctate structures. We conclude that culturing osteoblasts on rougher titanium surfaces enhances hardness and elastic modulus of the mineralized tissue, associated with condensed mineralization, accelerated collagen synthesis, and upregulated expression of selected bone‐related genes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 296–305, 2005
Prevention of postsurgical tissue adhesion by anti‐inflammatory drug‐loaded pluronic mixtures with sol–gel transition behavior
Authors: Oh Se Heang , Kim Jin Kyeong , Song Kyu Sang , Noh Seung Moo , Ghil Sung Ho , Yuk Soon Hong , Lee Jin Ho 
Published: January 2005

AbstractSol–gel transition temperature‐controllable Pluronic F127/F68 mixtures including mildly crosslinked alginate and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (ibuprofen) were prepared to evaluate their potential as tissue adhesion barrier gels. The sol–gel transition temperatures of the Pluronic mixtures could be controlled by adjusting F127/F68 ratio and polymer concentration. The mildly crosslinked alginate with still flow property provided the residence stability of Pluronic mixture gels in the body. Ibuprofen was loaded in Pluronic mixtures to reduce inflammatory response in the body and, thus, to prevent tissue adhesion. The gelation temperatures of the Pluronic mixtures were not affected by the alginate but lowered by the addition of ibuprofen. The in vitro drug release behavior and in vivo peritoneal tissue adhesion of the Pluronic mixtures with the sol–gel transition just below body temperatures were investigated. The drug release behavior from the ibuprofen (1 wt%)‐loaded Pluronic mixture gels at 37°C was examined using a membrane‐less dissolution model. The drug in the mixture gels was released continuously up to about 45–65% of the total loading amount during the first 7 days. For in vivo evaluation of tissue anti‐adhesion potential, the Pluronic mixtures with/without drug were coated on the peritoneal wall defects of rats and their tissue adhesion extents and tissue reactions (inflammatory response, granulation tissue formation, and toxicity in organs) were compared. It was observed that ibuprofen has a positive effect for the peritoneal tissue anti‐adhesion. The Pluronic F127/F68/alginate/ibuprofen mixture gel (25 wt% of F127/F68 [7/3], 1 wt% ibuprofen) was highly effective for the prevention of peritoneal tissue adhesion and showed a relatively low inflammatory response and non‐toxicity, and thus can be a good candidate material as a coatable or injectable tissue adhesion barrier gel. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res 72A: 306–316, 2005
Sufficient conditions for graphs to be λ′‐optimal, super‐edge‐connected, and maximally edge‐connected
Authors: Hellwig Angelika , Volkmann Lutz 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThe restricted‐edge‐connectivity of a graph G, denoted by λ′(G), is defined as the minimum cardinality over all edge‐cuts S of G, where G‐S contains no isolated vertices. The graph G is called λ′‐optimal, if λ′(G) = ξ(G), where ξ(G) is the minimum edge‐degree in G. A graph is super‐edge‐connected, if every minimum edge‐cut consists of edges adjacent to a vertex of minimum degree. In this paper, we present sufficient conditions for arbitrary, triangle‐free, and bipartite graphs to be λ′‐optimal, as well as conditions depending on the clique number. These conditions imply super‐edge‐connectivity, if δ (G) ≥ 3, and the equality of edge‐connectivity and minimum degree. Different examples will show that these conditions are best possible and independent of other results in this area. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 48: 228–246, 2005
Evaluation of different temperatures in cold air cooling with pulsed‐dye laser treatment of facial telangiectasia
Authors: Hammes Stefan , Raulin Christian 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesCold air cooling is widely used in dermatological laser therapy. We investigated the influence of cold air cooling at different skin temperatures on therapeutic outcome and side effects of pulsed dye laser treatment of facial telangiectasia.Study Design/Materials and MethodsFrom September 2002 to February 2003, 17 patients with previously untreated facial telangiectasia underwent a single treatment session with flash‐lamp pulsed dye laser (3.5 J/cm2, 585 nm, 0.45 milliseconds pulse length, 10 mm beam diameter, Cynosure® V). The treatment area was divided into three sub‐areas: no cooling, cold air cooling to 20°C and to 17°C skin temperature. The skin temperature was monitored by a prototype infrared sensor system which controlled the temperature of the cold air stream (Cryo5®). In a prospective study, we collected data on purpura, pain, clearance, and patient satisfaction on numerical analog scales (NAS) from 0 (meaning “no”) to 3 (meaning “high”).ResultsWithout cooling, purpura (2.53), pain (2.41), and clearance (2.35) were rated medium to high. Cooling to 20°C reduced purpura (1.12) and pain (1.06), whereas the clearance (2.12) was only slightly affected. Cooling to 17°C reduced purpura (0.88) and pain (0.76) even more, the clearance (2.06) was lowered marginally. Most patients preferred cooling to 20°C skin temperature.ConclusionIn dermatological laser therapy of facial telangiectasia, the use of cold air cooling can significantly reduce side effects and increase patient satisfaction while only slightly affecting clearance. Cooling to 20°C skin temperature proved to be a well‐balanced middle course. For the practical use of cold air cooling, we thus recommend cooling to a level which the patient can tolerate without problems and to try to increase the energy densities. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical trial of a novel non‐thermal LED array for reversal of photoaging: Clinical, histologic, and surface profilometric results
Authors: Weiss Robert A. , McDaniel David H. , Geronemus Roy G. , Weiss Margaret A. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPhotomodulation has been described as a process which modifies cell activity using light sources without thermal effect. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of a non‐thermal low dose light emitting diode (LED) array for improving the appearance of photoaged subjects.Study Design/Materials and MethodsThis prospective study investigated a random cohort of patients (N = 90) with a wide range of photoaged skin treated by LED photomodulation® using a full panel 590 nm non‐thermal full face LED array delivering 0.1 J/cm2 with a specific sequence of pulsing. Subjects were evaluated at 4, 8, 12, 18 weeks and 6 and 12 months after a series of 8 treatments delivered over 4 weeks. Data collected included stereotactic digital imaging, computerized optical digital profilometry, and peri‐ocular biopsy histologic evaluations for standard stains and well as collagen synthetic and degradative pathway immunofluorescent staining.ResultsDigital imaging data showed a reduction of signs of photoaging in 90% of subjects with smoother texture, reduction of peri‐orbital rhytids, and reduction of erythema and pigmentation. Optical profilometry showed a 10% improvement by surface topographical measurements. Histologic data showed markedly increased collagen in the papillary dermis of 100% of post‐treatment specimens (N = 10). Staining with anti‐collagen I antibodies demonstrated a 28% (range: 10%–70%) average increase in density while staining with anti‐matrixmetalloproteinase (MMP)‐1 showed an average reduction of 4% (range: 2%–40%). No side effects or pain were noted.ConclusionsPhotomodulation to reverse photoaging is possible with a specific array of LEDs with a specific fluence using a precise pulsing or “code” sequence. Skin textural improvement by digital imaging and surface profilometry is accompanied by increased collagen I deposition with reduced MMP‐1 (collagenase) activity in the papillary dermis. This technique is a safe and effective non‐painful non‐ablative modality for improvement of photoaging. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Meralgia paresthetica after strenuous exercise
Authors: Kho Kuan H. , Blijham Paul J. , Zwarts Machiel J. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractWe present three patients with signs and symptoms of meralgia paresthetica (MP) after long‐distance walking and cycling. No other possible causes of MP, such as trauma or exogenous compression, were present. A neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was confirmed in all patients with somatosensory evoked potentials. We propose that conduction block due to local ischemia during repetitive muscle stretching was the probable cause for the neuropathy. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Plasticity of dynamic muscle performance with strength training in elderly humans
Authors: Reeves Neil D. , Maganaris Constantinos N. , Narici Marco V. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractData are scarce relating to the plasticity with strength training of dynamic muscle performance in older humans. Hence, we investigated alterations in the torque–velocity relation with strength training in old age, and their origin. Knee extension and leg‐press exercises were performed three times per week for 14 weeks. Maximal isokinetic knee extension torque was assessed during concentric and eccentric muscle actions. Agonist–antagonist muscle activation was assessed using electromyography. Vastus lateralis muscle architecture was examined in vivo using ultrasonography. Training increased concentric torque by 22–37% (P < 0.01), but failed to alter eccentric torque (P > 0.05). Increased agonist muscle activation, increased muscle fascicle lengths, and greater elastic energy recovered from tendinous structures may explain the adaptations during concentric actions, whereas the failure of eccentric torque to increase might be explained by the preservation of eccentric force with aging and an underloading of the eccentric movement phase during training. These findings may have important implications for dynamic muscle performance in old age. Muscle Nerve, 2005
Organization of carbon black in laminates of cellulose and melamine‐formaldehyde
Authors: Voigt B. , Rouxel D. , McQueen D.H. , Rychwalski R.W. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractThin composite laminates based on melamine‐formaldehyde (MF) and cellulose are made electrostatically dissipative or conductive by addition of carbon black (CB). CB in an ethanol dispersion was applied to MF sheets containing α‐cellulose. Areas around cellulose fibers are favored sites for CB and during subsequent hot‐pressing further redistribution took place, enriching the CB content adjacent to fibers. Thus, the mobility of CB during processing provides a spontaneously formed network with the cellulose fibers as the backbone. Longitudinal and transverse DC resistivity measurements had nearly the same percolation threshold and only slightly different resistivities indicating that an important conduction mechanism takes place through connection points between laminas. The elastic modulus is greatly increased already at very small loadings of CB. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:144–151, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of hydroxyl functionalized hyperbranched polymers on the thermomechanical and morphological properties of epoxy resins
Authors: Cicala G. , Recca A. , Restuccia C. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractRheological, thermomechanical, and morphological properties of blends of two different epoxy resins with hydroxyl functionalized hyperbranched polymers have been studied. The hydroxyl functionalized hyperbranched polymers used in this work had different generation number and different number of terminal groups. The difunctional epoxy resin has been also mixed with a linear aromatic thermoplastic in order to compare its effects with that of the hyperbranched polymers. All the blends have been characterized by linear elastic fracture mechanics (LEFM) testing to evaluate the efficiency of the two types of toughening modifiers. In addition, the water uptake has been evaluated for all the formulations. POLYM. ENG. SCI. 45:225–237, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers
In vivo imaging of retinoic acid receptor β2 transcriptional activation by the histone deacetylase inhibitor MS‐275 in retinoid‐resistant prostate cancer cells
Authors: Qian David Z. , Ren Mingqiang , Wei Yongfeng , Wang Xiaofei , van de Geijn Fleur , Rasmussen Camilla , Nakanishi Osamu , Sacchi Nicoletta , Pili Roberto 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn retinoid resistant epithelial tumors, the lack of retinoic acid receptor β2 (RARβ2) expression due to epigenetic silencing impairs the activation of retinoid target genes including RARβ2, and has been associated with the development of cancer. In this study we developed a strategy to monitor the re‐activation of RARβ2 by chromatin remodeling agents combined with retinoids in real time, and to correlate the RARβ2 re‐activation with anti‐tumor activity.METHODSWe selected the RARβ2‐negative retinoid resistant human prostate carcinoma cell line PC3 and stably transfected it with a luciferase expression vector under the control of a functional segment of RARβ2 promoter (pGL2‐RARβ2‐PC3). Then, we used the bioluminescence technology to monitor the reporter gene expression in real time both in vitro and in vivo following combination treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor MS‐275 and 13‐cis retinoic acid (CRA). Based on the effective dose for the RARβ2 re‐activation, we tested the anti‐tumor activity of this drug combination.RESULTSFollowing combination treatment with MS‐275 and CRA, we observed endogenous RARβ2 re‐expression, acetylation at the RARβ2 promoter level, and synergistic activation of the luciferase reporter gene by real time imaging both in vitro and in vivo. Combination treatment with MS‐275 and CRA restored retinoid sensitivity in human prostate carcinoma cell lines, and had a greater inhibitory effect on tumor cell growth than single agents in vitro and in vivo.CONCLUSIONSThis study provides evidence that HDAC inhibitors restore retinoid sensitivity in prostate cancer cells, and in vivo real time imaging of RARβ2 activation may represent a useful tool to study the pharmacodynamics of combination therapy with HDAC inhibitors and retinoids. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins in 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3‐induced growth inhibition of human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Stewart LaMonica V. , Weigel Nancy L. 
Published: January 2005

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe mechanisms underlying 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D)‐induced growth inhibition of human prostate cancer cells have not been fully elucidated. To determine whether alterations in the insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signaling axis are associated with 1,25D‐induced growth inhibition, we examined the ability of 1,25D to regulate expression of IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs) in human prostate cancer cell lines.METHODSNorthern and Western blot analyses were used to detect 1,25D‐induced alterations in IGFBP expression. Additional in vitro studies were performed to determine the role of IGFBP‐3 in 1,25D‐induced growth inhibition.RESULTS1,25D decreased mRNA levels of the growth stimulatory IGFBP‐2 and induced IGFBP‐3 mRNA in LNCaP and C4‐2 cells. 1,25D treatment also increased secreted IGFBP‐3 protein levels in prostate cancer cell lines sensitive to 1,25D growth inhibition but had little effect on IGFBP‐3 expression in 1,25D‐resistant DU145 cells. However, recombinant IGFBP‐3 had only a minor effect on LNCaP cell growth in the presence of serum. Furthermore, siRNA duplexes that reduced IGFBP‐3 expression did not alter 1,25D growth inhibition in either LNCaP or PC‐3 cell lines grown in serum‐containing media.CONCLUSIONSOur studies indicate 1,25D‐induced up‐regulation of IGFBP‐3 is not required for the growth inhibitory effects of 1,25D in prostate cancer cells grown in serum‐containing media. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.