bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliable memory feedback design for a class of non‐linear time‐delay systems
Authors: Yue Dong , Lam James 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the robust controller design of uncertain time‐delay systems with unknown nonlinearity and actuators failures. New methods for designing stabilizing controllers and reliable controllers are proposed. The stability criteria of the closed‐loop system, which are dependent on the magnitudes of the delay and its derivative, are derived in the form of linear matrix inequalities. Numerical and simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed results, as well as the reduction of conservativeness when compared with existing ones. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absolute stability of nonlinear systems with disc and norm‐bounded perturbations
Authors: Impram Serkan T. , Munro Neil 
Published: December 2003

AbstractAbsolute stability of uncertain nonlinear systems is studied using the celebrated Popov and circle criteria. Uncertainty is assumed to exist in terms of disc and norm‐bounded perturbations in the linear plant. The use of circular arithmetic is proposed as an accurate but computationally more demanding alternative to the already existing approach based on strict positive realness conditions which is easier and faster to implement but gives, in general, conservative results. Numerical examples are given in order to illustrate the salient features of the mathematical developments. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐destructive analysis of ultrathin dielectric films
Authors: Champaneria R. , Mack P. , White R. , Wolstenholme J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractUsing angle‐resolved x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ARXPS) it is possible to determine thickness, composition and depth distribution information for ultrathin samples in the region of ∼5–10 nm. With ARXPS determining both quantitative elemental information and chemical state information, it provides chemical state profiles from surface and buried layers non‐destructively.This paper illustrates how ARXPS data can provide measurements of overlayer thickness and interface layer thickness for high‐k dielectric layers on silicon. Elemental and chemical state depth distribution information is also provided in the form of reconstructed concentration profiles. Further examples are provided where ARXPS has been used to study the influence of surface pretreatment of the silicon substrate prior to deposition of hafnium oxide. It will be shown that the pretreatment determines whether a silicon oxide or silicate is formed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adsorption behaviour of C2H5SCH3 on Ag(111) and Ag(UFP) surfaces
Authors: Sardar S. A. , Syed J. A. , Yagi S. , Tanaka K. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe adsorption behaviour of ethylmethylsulfide (C2H5SCH3) on Ag(111) and ultrafine particle Ag, Ag(UFP), surfaces has been studied by near‐edge x‐ray absorption fine structure and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. It is found that C2H5SCH3 adsorbs molecularly on the Ag(111) surface but dissociates on Ag(UFP). On the Ag(111) surface the molecule shows polarization dependence. The S–C2H5 and S–CH3 bonds are found to be tilted at angles of 31 ± 5° and 21 ± 5° from the surface, respectively. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fatty acid‐modified microgels: transmission electron microscopy study
Authors: Kraft Mary L. , Robinson Scott J. , Moore Jeffrey S. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractIn order to examine modified microgels with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we developed a sample preparation protocol that employs colloidal gold to label the sample/resin interface. This approach avoids the introduction of additional components to the prepolymer mixture, possibly altering the material properties of the resulting hydrogel. Examination of thinly sectioned hydrogels embedded in resin by TEM revealed that the gold particles clearly outlined the hydrogel/resin interface, facilitating characterization of a fatty acid coating on the hydrogel. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased regulatory activity of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway in human heart failure
Authors: Diedrichs Holger , Chi Mei , Boelck Birgit , Mehlhorm Uwe , Schwinger Robert H.G. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractBackground:Cardiac hypertrophy may initiate progression to a compromised cardiac function. While the clinical consequences of hypertrophy are well understood, only little is known about the underlying molecular pathways. As reported from animal experiments, the Ca2+‐calmodulin activated phosphatase calcineurin and its downstream transcriptional effector NFAT have been implicated as transducers of the hypertrophic response.Methods and results:To study whether the calcineurin pathway is activated in human heart failure, we investigated samples of human left ventricular myocardium from patients with dilated (idiopathic) cardiomyopathy (DCM, NYHA IV, n=8) in comparison with non‐failing controls (NF, n=8). We not only analyzed the pathway by measuring the calcineurin activity, but also by determination of the protein expression of the calcineurin B subunit and additional key markers of the calcineurin signaling cascade (NFAT‐3, GATA‐4). Calcineurin enzymatic activity was increased by 80% in human dilated cardiomyopathy compared with non‐failing human hearts (135.424±11.69 and 83.484±1.81 nmol Pi/min per μl). This was in line with increased protein expression of calcineurin B in DCM (71.18+9.11 vs. 46.41±11.23 densitometric units (DU)/μg protein). In order to verify the activated calcineurin pathway as described in animal models, we compared the protein expression of NFAT‐3 in homogenates within nuclear extracts. In nuclear extracts the protein level of NFAT‐3 was increased in dilated cardiomyopathy compared with non‐failing myocardium (104.01±8.85 vs. 71.47±8.79 DU/μg protein). In contrast, in homogenates the expression of NFAT‐3 was higher in the non‐failing tissue indicating subcellular redistribution (19.56±3.36 vs. 25.84±3.16 DU/μg protein). The protein expression of GATA‐4 was increased in DCM (43.14±2.89 vs. 29.87±2.17 DU/μg protein).Conclusions:In human heart failure (DCM) the calcineurin signaling pathway is activated not only by an increased activity of calcineurin and expression of GATA‐4, but also by the shift from dephosphorylated NFAT‐3 to the nucleus indicating subcellular redistribution and regulatory activation.
Effect of tissue harmonic imaging and contrast upon between observer and test–retest reproducibility of left ventricular ejection fraction measurement in patients with heart failure
Authors: Whalley Gillian A. , Gamble Greg D. , Walsh Helen J. , Wright Susan P. , Agewall Stefan , Sharpe Norman , Doughty Robert N. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractAims:To investigate the effects of tissue harmonic imaging (THI) and contrast chamber opacification (LVO) upon measurement variability and reproducibility of echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) volume and ejection fraction (EF) measurements in patients with heart failure (HF).Background:Echocardiography is often used in HF patients to determine LV volumes and EF. However, current echo methods are variable and may not be applicable for repeat testing in individual patients. THI and LVO have both been shown to improve endocardial visualisation, but it remains to be determined whether this results in better measurement reproducibility.Methods:Thirty‐one HF patients and 30 control subjects underwent echocardiography on two separate days. LV volumes were measured under four different imaging conditions: fundamental, THI, LVO and LVO with ECG–triggered Power Doppler. Chamber opacification, pulmonary transit time (PTT), endocardial enhancement, reproducibility and bias were assessed.Results:Chamber opacification was inferior and the PTT longer in the HF patients. PTT was related to LV volumes, EF, jugular venous pressure and mitral filling pattern. THI improved endocardial visualisation, and although LVO improved endocardial visualisation in the controls, it offered no benefit over THI in the HF patients. LV volumes and EF were different for each method and THI was the least variable method for repeat measurements.Conclusions:THI improved endocardial visualisation and was the least variable of the techniques. LVO offered no further advantage in patients with HF and thus cannot be routinely advocated and since LV volumes and EF were different for each, these methods are neither comparable nor interchangeable for follow‐up assessments.
Genetic marking with the ΔLNGFR‐gene for tracing goat cells in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Kruyt M. C. , Stijns M. M. C. , Fedorovich N. E. , de Bruijn J. D. , van Blitterswijk C. A. , Verbout A. J. , Rozemuller H. , Hagenbeek A. , Dhert W. J. A. , Martens A. C. M. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe use of bone marrow derived stromal cells (BMSC's) for bone tissue engineering has gained much attention as an alternative for autologous bone grafting. Little is known however, about the survival and differentiation of the cells, especially in the clinical application. The aim of this study was to develop a method to trace goat BMSC's in vivo. We investigated retroviral genetic marking, which allows stable expression of the label with cell division.Goat BMSC's were subjected to an amphotropic envelope containing a MoMuLV‐based vector expressing the human low affinity nerve growth factor receptor (ΔLNGFR). Labeling efficiency and effect on the cells were analyzed. Furthermore, transduced cells were seeded onto porous ceramic scaffolds, implanted subcutaneously in nude mice and examined after successive implantation periods.Flow cytometry indicated a transduction efficiency of 40–60%. Immunohistochemistry showed survival and subsequent bone formation of the gene‐marked cells in vivo. Besides, marked cells were also found in cartilage and fibrous tissue. These findings indicate the maintenance of the precursor phenotype following gene transfer as well as the ability of the gene to be expressed following differentiation. We conclude that retroviral gene marking with ΔLNGFR is applicable to trace goat BMSC's in bone tissue engineering research. © 2003 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Continuing dangers of disinformation in corporate accounting reports
Authors: Kane Edward J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractInsiders can artificially deflect the market prices of financial instruments from their full information or “inside” value by issuing deceptive accounting reports. Incentive support for disinformational activity comes through forms of compensation that allow corporate insiders to profit extravagantly from temporary boosts in a firm's accounting condition or performance. In principle, outside auditing firms and other watchdog institutions help outside investors to identify and ignore disinformation. In practice, accountants can and do earn substantial profits from credentialling loophole‐ridden measurement principles that conceal adverse developments from outside stakeholders. Although the Sarbanes–Oxley Act now requires top corporate officials to affirm the essential economic accuracy of any data their firms publish, officials of outside auditing firms are not obliged to express every reservation they may have about the fundamental accuracy of the reports they audit. This asymmetry in obligations permits auditing firms to continue to be compensated for knowingly and willfully employing valuation and itemization rules that generate misleading reports without fully exposing themselves to penalties their clients face for hiding adverse information. It is ironic that what are called accounting “ethics” fail to embrace the profession's common‐law duty of assuring the economic meaningfulness of the statements that clients pay it to endorse.
Quinacrine sterilization (QS): the ethical issues
Authors: Bhattacharyya S. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractQS has generated debates that are ultimately grounded in various principles, norms, and values. Through a careful analysis of opposing arguments, this paper focuses on two ethical principles claimed by both sides, namely: respect for life and beneficence. Though issues surrounding QS are complex, from the common ground of these two principles, this paper proposes a course of action that addresses many of the concerns from both points of view.
A comparison of quinacrine sterilization (QS) and surgical sterilization (TL) in 600 women in Guizhou Province, China
Authors: Lu W. , Zhu J. , Zhong C. , Zhao Y. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectives: Compare the safety and efficacy of quinacrine sterilization (QS) and surgical sterilization, also known as tubal ligation (TL). Methods: 300 women accepted QS in Guiyang, China during the period from July 1995 to September 1997. Each patient was scheduled for follow‐up at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months. In March 1998, a comparison group of 300 women electing TL during the same time period was systematically chosen. Researchers visited the village of every woman and conducted a structured interview. Each candidate was given a general health and pelvic exam at a clinic in her village. All interviews and exams were completed in August 1998. Results: Of the 289 QS patients interviewed (a follow‐up rate of 96.3%), 265 had had 2 insertions. There were 3 pregnancy failures for a cumulative life table failure rate of 1.2 per 100 women at 24 months. The 299 TL patients (a follow‐up rate of 99.7%) had a similar rate of 0.7. There were no life‐threatening side effects or deaths in either group. QS was less disruptive, more easily tolerated, required fewer resources and was viewed more favorably than TL by women and their spouses. Conclusions: Both methods were found safe and very effective. However, QS was considered to be more acceptable than TL.
Quinacrine sterilization (QS) among high‐risk women: a study of 134 cases
Authors: Sarin A.R. , Sarin R.K. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective: To determine if quinacrine sterilization (QS) is safe and effective in women at high risk for surgery. Methods: A trial was initiated at the Government Medical College in Patiala, India, in December 1993. Patient intake was terminated in July 1999 and the cut‐off date for this analysis was March 31, 2003. Using a modified IUD inserter, seven 252 mg quinacrine pellets with 50 mg of diclofenac were transcervically inserted into the uterus. DMPA 150 mg was administered IM at the time of the first insertion as a back‐up contraceptive. This same combination was inserted a month later. A total of 134 women underwent QS. Of these, 92 were considered to be at high risk for surgery, 27 were afraid of surgery or voluntarily opted for QS, and 15 had failed surgical sterilization or surgery was found not to be technically feasible. Follow‐up was scheduled for 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, and then annually after the second insertion or whenever side effects or complications were experienced. Results: Mean follow‐up was 7.2 years. No pregnancies or serious complications were experienced. Conclusions: QS is a safe and effective option for women at high risk of surgical complications.
Hysteroscopic and hysterosalpingographic study after intrauterine insertion of quinacrine pellets for non‐surgical sterilization: results in 180 women
Authors: El Sahwi S. , Kamel M. , El Faham M. , El Makhzangy I. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectives: Document the effects on the tube and uterus of one, two and three doses of 252 mg of quinacrine. Method: The study included 180 fertile women seeking permanent contraception at the Shatby Family Planning Clinic in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1988. All cases received three applications of seven 36 mg quinacrine hydrochloride pellets during the proliferative phase of three consecutive menstrual cycles. The patients were randomly divided into groups A, B and C. Hysterosalpingography (HSG) was performed on the 6th day of menstruation and hysteroscopy on the 10th day of the same cycle after the first application in group A, the second, in group B and the third, in group C. The study was concluded in 1999. Results: HSG showed 52 cases of bilateral obstruction, four of bilateral patency, and four of unilateral patency in group A. All in groups B and C elicited bilateral tubal obstruction. Cornual obstruction was seen in 33%, 65% and 85% in group A, B and C, respectively. Intramural obstruction was found in 50%, 33% and 10% in the three groups. Isthmic tubal obstruction was detected in 8%, 2.5% and 5% in groups A, B and C, respectively. Four types of ostial appearances could be recognized hysteroscopically. Type 0 (patent tubes), Type I (distal tubal blockage), Type II (intramural obstruction) and Type III (cornual obstruction). In group A, Type 0 was evident in 10%, Type I in 8%, Type II in 50% and Type III in 33% of cases. The respective figures in group B were 0%, 2.5%, 33% and 65%, while in group C, they were 0%, 5%, 10% and 85%. Hysteroscopy showed no abnormal endometrial findings in group A, but 35% and 85% of cases in group B and C showed some changes. Conclusions: Two applications of quinacrine were 100% effective. The side effects of quinacrine pellet applications were minimal and well tolerated by all the users. The possibility of reversal of the procedure is outlined.
Female sterilization with quinacrine using hysterosalpingography (HSG) as an endpoint after a single‐insertion protocol in Caracas, Venezuela
Authors: Giugni Chalbaud A. , Plaza Mora G. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective: To evaluate the intrauterine insertion of quinacrine as an alternative nonsurgical female sterilization method by confirming bilateral occlusion of the fallopian tubes using HSG in a group of women who desire permanent sterilization. Methods: After doing hysterosalpingography to confirm patency of both fallopian tubes, 324 mg of quinacrine were introduced with a modified IUD inserter in 30 patients who came to Conceptión Palacios Maternity Hospital seeking permanent sterilization, between June 2000 and September 2001. Follow‐up with HSG was done 3 months later to verify occlusion of the fallopian tubes. Results: 26 of 30 patients (86%) had bilateral tubal occlusion as determined by HSG. There were minor side effects such as: pain (66.7%), yellow discharge (100%) and menstrual abnormalities (13.3%). One woman became pregnant after HSG showed bilateral occlusion. HSG may interfere with the action of the quinacrine. Conclusion: QS is a simple and safe alternative to surgical sterilization with few side effects.
Quinacrine sterilization in Libya: 200 cases
Authors: El Mahaishi M.S. , Azzidani A.M. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjective: Document the safety, effectiveness and acceptability of quinacrine sterilization (QS) as an alternative to surgical sterilization in Libyan women. Methods: This study was initiated 1 October 1998 at the Misurata Central Hospital and Lamis Clinic. Patient intake was completed 30 September 2002. The cut‐off date for this analysis was 31 December 2002. A total of 200 women were given 2 doses, each consisting of 252 mg of quinacrine hydrochloride in the form of 7 pellets inserted one month apart. They were placed at the uterine fundus during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle using a modified IUD inserter. Women were asked to report any unusual observations or side effects and instructed to use a barrier method or safe period for one month from the time of the first insertion. Follow‐up was scheduled at 3, 6 and 12 months after the date of the second insertion and every 6 months thereafter. Results: Sixty‐six women have been monitored for up to 3 years and follow‐up of all patients continues. There has been no loss to follow‐up. No side effects of any consequence have been reported. Thus far, no pregnancies have been reported for this protocol. Conclusions: Findings in this study are consistent with those seen in other countries. QS has been shown to be safe, effective and acceptable among Libyan women.
Quinacrine sterilization (QS) in Costa Rica: 694 cases
Authors: Alpizar F. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractObjectives: To evaluate the safety, efficacy and acceptability of quinacrine sterilization (QS) in Costa Rica. Methods: From 1989 though August 1993, 694 women volunteered for QS in my private practice. All were referred by a family planning clinic or a local hospital obstetric service. The protocol used involved the transcervical insertion of 216 mg of quinacrine hydrochloride in the form of 6 pellets. A second dose was given 4 weeks later. All insertions were done in the first 14 days of the menstrual cycle. The procedure was similar to the CuT IUD placement. Temporary contraception was recommended for 3 months after the last insertion. The cut‐off date for this analysis was April 1994. Results: With 7 months to 5 years of follow‐up, the gross pregnancy rate was 2.5%. Side effects were relatively minor, none requiring hospitalization. Conclusion: QS was found to be safe, effective and acceptable.
Parthenogenetic reproduction in neotenics of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: HAYASHI Yoshinobu , KITADE Osamu , KOJIMA Jun‐ichi 
Published: December 2003

AbstractExperiments with artificial colonies consisting of only female workers and those of female nymphs and workers of a subterranean termite, Reticulitermes speratus, showed that neotenics (ergatoids and nymphoids) can reproduce parthenogenetically. The larvae hatched from the eggs produced partheno‐genetically by the neotenics were all female and did not have any aberrant external morphology. They had 42 chromosomes and were diploid. The analysis of genotypes at microsatellite loci revealed that the eggs produced parthenogenetically had only one of the two alleles that the mother neotenics possessed, indicating that the eggs were produced by automixis.
Japanese species of the genus Amphiareus Distant (Heteroptera: Anthocoridae), with descriptions of two new species
Authors: YAMADA Kazutaka , HIROWATARI Toshiya 
Published: December 2003

AbstractJapanese species of the genus Amphiareus Distant of the lyctocorine flower bug are revised. Two new species, A. ruficollaris and A. ochraceus, are described and illustrated, and descriptions of three known species, A. constrictus (Stål), A. morimotoi (Hiura) and A. obscuriceps (Poppius), are revised. A key is provided to distinguish the Japanese species.
Genus Tisis Walker from the Philippines, with descriptions of three new species (Lepidoptera: Lecithoceridae)
Authors: PARK Kyu‐Tek 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThree new species of the genus Tisis, T. xantholepidos sp. nov., T. sophistica sp. nov. and T. aurantiella sp. nov., are described from the Philippines, with pictures of the male and female genitalia. Keys to the species are given and descriptions of the male genitalia are provided.
The role of mitochondrial targeting in arsenic trioxide‐induced apoptosis in myeloid cell lines
Authors: Körper Sixten , Nolte Florian , Thiel Eckhard , Schrezenmeier Hubert , Rojewski Markus T. 
Published: December 2003

SummaryData regarding the role of mitochondria in arsenic trioxide (As2O3)‐induced apoptosis are controversial. We investigated the contribution of caspases and mitochondrial depolarization to As2O3‐induced apoptosis in the myeloid cell lines NB‐4, HL‐60 and U‐937. Caspase inhibition reduced the amount of cells with As2O3 (20 μmol/l)‐induced mitochondrial depolarization by about 50% in all cell lines. As2O3 also induced dose‐dependent phosphatidylserine exposure in cells without depolarized mitochondria. We conclude that caspase activation is of similar importance in As2O3‐induced apoptosis in myeloid cell lines as direct mitochondrial targeting and mitochondria are not necessary for caspase activation downstream of mitochondria.