bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Welding of Plastics—Introduction into Heating by Radiation
Authors: Bonten C. , Tüchert C. 
Published: April 2004

For welding of plastics, various procedures of heat transfer are presently in use. Non-contact heating by radiation allows heating, e.g., without contamination of a heated tool and makes heating faster by volume-absorption of the material. Presently infra-red lamps and infra-red laser beams are in use for welding of plastics. This paper wants to give an introduction into the physical principles of heating by infra-red radiation, wants to divide between surface and volume absorption of different materials and wants to give a survey about the advantages and disadvantages of infra-red lamps and lasers.
Efficiency of Clearwelding Technology for Polyamides
Authors: Kagan Val A. , Woosman Nicole M. 
Published: April 2004

Many industrial applications require optically transparent thermoplastic components, and structural joints almost invisible to the human vision. Traditional transmission laser welding of plastics joining is limited by the process conditions when one thermoplastic is optically transparent and the second absorbing laser energy. Advanced Clearweld® (clearwelding)1 laser technology may satisfy these specific requirements in joining various similar and dissimilar optically transparent thermoplastics. These innovative design-joining technology considerations require the following conditions at the interface between the joined surfaces: (1) laser absorbing material; (2) optimized laser energy for heat generation between joined thermoplastics. The analysis of representative test results shows that Clearweld technology is highly efficient also for use with various transparent nylon grades. The tensile strength of the Clearweld butt joint is similar to the results achieved for nylon with other advanced plastics joining methods such as linear, orbital, hot plate and regular infrared (laser through-transmission) technologies. The developed comprehensive recommendations will help designers and technologists with welded parts design, material(s) and process selection and optimization for laser welding applications when the joined thermoplastic part requires optical transparency, as well as flash and particle free conditions.
The Effectiveness of Thermal Insulation in Different Types of Buildings in Hot Climates
Authors: Al-Homoud Mohammad S. 
Published: April 2004

Buildings are large consumers of energy in all countries. In harsh climatic conditions, a substantial share of energy goes to the air-conditioning of buildings. This air-conditioning load can be reduced through many means; notable among them is the proper design and selection of building envelope and its components. The use of thermal insulation in building walls and roof does not only contribute in reducing the required air-conditioning system size but also in reducing the annual energy cost. Additionally, it helps in extending the periods of thermal comfort without reliance on mechanical air-conditioning especially during interseasons periods. Therefore, proper use of thermal insulation in buildings enhances thermal comfort at less operating cost. However, the magnitude of energy savings as a result of using thermal insulation vary according to the building type, the climatic conditions at which the building is located as well as the type, thickness, and location of the insulating material used. The question now is no longer should insulation be used but rather which type and how much. The objective of this paper is to address the impact of building envelope thermal design on the effectiveness of thermal performance of buildings in hot climates. It emphasizes the role of proper material selection in achieving the desired objectives as a function of building type and climatic conditions.
Relationship between guideline treatment and health-related quality of life in asthma
Authors: Pont L.G. , van der Molen T. , Denig P. , van der Werf G.T. , Haaijer-Ruskamp F.M. 
Published: April 2004

The aim of this study was to compare the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of asthma patients treated according to the 1997 National Institute of Health (NIH) international asthma guideline and that of asthmatics receiving non-guideline treatment.The suitability of 146 asthmatics' medication regimes was determined according to the 1997 NIH asthma guideline. Quality of life was assessed on a seven-point scale using the Asthma Quality of Life questionnaire.Just over half of the patients were not currently using the treatment considered necessary for controlling their asthma. Patients treated according to the guideline (n=72) had a significantly higher overall HRQL than patients with non-guideline treatment (5.7versus5.3). The differences were also significant for the subscales measuring symptoms and environmental exposure, but not for activities or emotional function.An association between non-guideline treatment and a poorer health-related quality of life in asthma patients treated in general practice was observed. This study supports the role of evidence-based guidelines in daily practice. Further studies are needed to determine if guideline treatment is responsible for the increase in health-related quality of life observed in this work.
Pulmonary infiltrates in Costello Syndrome
Authors: Waldburg N. , Buehling F. , Evert M. , Burkhardt O. , Welte T. 
Published: April 2004

This paper reports on a patient with diffuse pulmonary infiltrates directly related to Costello Syndrome.This congenital disorder is characterised by multiple congenital abnormalities, such as psychomotor retardation, short stature, redundant skin, papillomata, curly hair, relative macroencephaly, distinctive face and various defects of internal organs.This study is the first to document the histopathological findings in the lungs.Most conspicuous was the depositing of abnormal collagen and elastic fibres and the development of endogenous lipid pneumonia.
Functional residual capacity measurements in healthy infants: ultrasonic flow meterversusa mass spectrometer
Authors: Pillow J.J. , Ljungberg H. , Hülskamp G. , Stocks J. 
Published: April 2004

Accurate, reproducible and portable bedside monitoring of lung volume could potentially facilitate the early recognition of both under and overinflation of the lungs in ventilated and nonventilated subjects. This study asked whether a prototype portable ultrasonic flow meter provided valid and reliable measurements of functional residual capacity (FRCUS) when compared to those obtained using a mass spectrometer (FRCMS) in nonventilated healthy infants.Paired, randomised measurements of FRCMSand FRCUSwere obtained using the sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) multiple-breath washout technique in 23 healthy infants with a median (range) postnatal age of 34.6 (1.3–92.6) weeks and weight of 8.3 (3.9–11.7) kg.FRCUSwas on average 5.7% (95% CI: 1.0–10.4%) less than FRCMSequating to a difference of approximately 1 mL·kg−1. The 95% limits of agreement (LA) between the two techniques were relatively wide (95% LA: −17.5% to 29%), although in keeping with previously reported within-patient variability for lung volume measurements. There was no significant difference between the within subject coefficient of variation for FRCMS(3.7%) and FRCUS(5.2%).The ultrasonic flow meter used in this study provides repeatable measurements of functional residual capacity in spontaneously breathing healthy infants that approximate those obtained during mass spectrometry.
Peak or plateau maximal inspiratory mouth pressure: which is best?
Authors: Windisch W. , Hennings E. , Sorichter S. , Hamm H. , Criée C.P. 
Published: April 2004

There is no clear evidence as to how maximal inspiratory mouth pressure (PI,max) should be measured, although plateau pressures sustained for 1 s and measured at residual volume (RV) are usually recommended.Peak and plateauPI,maxwere measured at RV and at functional residual capacity (FRC) in 533 healthy subjects (aged 10–90 yrs) in order to comparably test allPI,maxmeasurements for their predictors, reproducibility and normal values.Plateau pressures accounted for 82.0–86.3% of peak pressures. Peak and plateau pressures measured at FRC accounted for 84.3–90.5% of pressures at RV, and were highly correlated. Age was negatively predictive and weight and body mass index positively predictive ofPI,max, but regression parameters were low. AllPI,maxmeasurements were comparable when calculating regression parameters, between-subject variability and reproducibility.In conclusion, peak and plateau maximal inspiratory mouth pressure are comparably useful for the assessment of inspiratory muscle strength and can be reliably measured at functional residual capacity and at residual volume. Regression equations are of low impact in predicting normal values due to the weak influence of demographic and anthropometric factors and to the high unexplained between-subject-variability. Age-related 5th percentiles can indicate the lower limit of the normal range.
A model for the generation and evaluation of integrated manufacturing solutions for powertrain components
Authors: Corcoran A , Roscher J , Byrne G 
Published: April 2004

The vision to reduce secondary processing times dramatically has become a high priority in modern manufacturing enterprises. It is being realized that such improvements rely not only on the optimization of single processes but also on the layout optimization of the complete process chain. This is reflected in the increasing efforts by machine manufacturers to integrate multiple processing technologies into machining centres, thus shortening the process chains and reducing the overall lead-time. The purpose of the work described within is to develop a model that supports the user in identifying and evaluating potential integrated process chains. The model incorporates multicriteria analysis and net-present-value methodologies that enable assessment of the relative technological and economical advantages of the integrated manufacturing alternatives when compared to the conventional/ existing process chain. A case study undertaken that assessed whether laser hardening is a viable alternative for induction hardening for a particular powertrain component illustrates a particular instance in which the model was used.
Concomitant nasal procedures in endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Nussbaumer Michael , Schreiber Sebastian , Yung Matthew W. 
Published: April 2004

Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the preferred treatment for lacrimal duct blockage. Endoscopic DCR has been practised increasingly in recent years as it avoids a facial scar and can be performed as a day procedure. Recent improvements in endonasal surgical techniqueled to success rates of up to 90per cent. However, the endonasal approach often requires septalor turbinate surgery to optimze access to the lacrimal area.The incidence of concomitant procedures was investigated in 256 patients undergoing endonasal nonlaser DCR. In this study 55 out of 256 patients (21.5 per cent) required additional endonasal procedures to improve access to the lacrimal area.It is therefore advisable that otolaryngologists are involved in this procedure.
Upper airway surgery benefits patients with obstructive sleep apnoea who cannot tolerate nasal continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Souter Melanie A. , Stevenson Scott , Sparks Bryn , Drennan Chris 
Published: April 2004

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the mainstay of treatment for patients with moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). However, tolerance and compliance are poor.An audit using the Christchurch Hospital ORL surgery database identified patients who underwent upper airway surgery for OSA. Tracheostomy and bimaxillary advancement patients were excluded. Adults with moderate to severe OSA (Desaturation Index (DI) >10 n.h-1), who had failed atrial of nasal CPAP, and had pre-operative and post-operative sleep study data were identified. Objective (DI) and Subjective (Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS)) outcome measures were recorded.The database identified 69 patients who underwent surgery for snoring or OSA; of these, 25 patients formed the study group. Sixteen out of 25 improved (64 per cent) after surgery, seven out of 25 showed no change (28 per cent), two patients (eight per cent) showed deterioration in their DI. Forty-eight per cent of patients had >50 per cent post-operative improvement in DI. Fourteen out of 25 (56 per cent) had a post-operative DI <20 n.h-1. Seven out of 25 (28 per cent) had a post-operative DI <10 n.h-1. Upper airway surgery has a role in the managementof selected patients with OSA who cannot tolerate nasal CPAP.
High resolution X-ray diffraction of MOVPE-grown ZnO/GaN/sapphire layers
Authors: Deiter Steffi , Witek Helvi , Oleynik Nikolay , Bläsing Jürgen , Dadgar Armin , Krost Alois 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
High quality ZnO is an interesting material for electronic and optoelectronic applications. It belongs to the wide gap semiconductors (bandgap = 3.3 eV). In this paper we present ZnO layers grown by MOVPE (metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy). Several growth parameters like growth temperature and thickness of the layer were varied. For comprehensive investigations of the crystalline quality we employed different X-ray fine structure methods.
Imaging plates – a new life for electron diffraction structure analysis
Authors: Zhukhlistov Anatoliy P. , Nickolsky Maxim S. , Zvyagin Boris B. , Avilov Anatolij S. , Kulygin Alexey K. , Nicolopoulos Stavros , Ochs Rainer 
Published: April 2004

Abstract
The use of Imaging Plates (IP) signifies great progress for electron diffraction structure analysis (EDSA). This is evidenced and verified in case of brucite Mg(OH)2 studied earlier by means of electron diffractometry. Actual problems and real perspectives in the development of EDSA based on IP are outlined.
Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: J. Genco Robert 
Published: April 2004

AbstractDiabetes mellitus, type 1 and 2, are well established as increasing the risk for severe periodontal disease. Periodontal disease has an earlier onset and is more severe in diabetic patients, especially those who are poorly controlled metabolically. The mechanisms are unclear; however, possibilities include a generalized hyperinflammatory response associated with advanced glycation endproducts, triggering inflammatory cells. Other mechanisms include altered vascular physiology, reduced immune response (particularly protective immune responses by neutrophils), and reduced ability for tissues to heal. The clinical consequences of the increased susceptibility of diabetic patients are that periodontal disease will be better managed in diabetic patients who are well‐controlled diabetically. Intense monitoring, prevention, and early treatment are often necessary for those suffering from diabetes, to prevent the ravaging effects of periodontal disease. Periodontal infections also worsen glycemic control in diabetic patients. It appears that aggressive periodontal therapy, especially using adjunctive systemic antibiotics, is effective in treating periodontal disease in diabetic patients, and results in reduced glycated hemoglobin. Further studies are needed to determine the extent to which this reduction in glycated hemoglobin can be maintained and the subsequent effects, if any, on other diabetic complications.
Polysaccharides
Authors: Rinaudo M. , Auzely R. , Mazeau K. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn this article the basis of mono‐ and polysaccharide nomenclature is presented before introducing the general methods for polysaccharide structural analysis. The use of NMR as experimental technique for structure elucidation and that of SEC multidetection for macromolecular characteristics are pointed out. The molecular modeling bases for mono‐, oligo‐, and polysaccharides behavior prediction are developed and few examples are mentioned. Then, the different natural polysaccharides are briefly discussed with plant polysaccharides (cellulose, starch, hemicelluloses, galactomannans, pectins), seaweed polysaccharides (alginates, carrageenans), mammalian polysaccharides (glycogen, chitin, and proteoglycans), glycoconjugates, and glycopolymers, and synthetic polysaccharides. Concerning cellulose and starch, their more important derivatives are also briefly described owing to their economic importance. The importance of glycopolymers, resulting from the synthesis of perfectly controlled chemical structures adapted to specific recognition, is introduced as it becomes a very important topic for specialists of carbohydrate chemistry. Evolution of knowledge in specific modifications of saccharides and enzyme control has allowed the proposal of new routes to obtain synthetic polysaccharides or analogues which will be of great help for medical applications.
Impact of personnel allocation on deterministic planning and scheduling
Authors: Majozi T. , Zhu (Frank) X. X. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe effect of personnel or operator allocation on batch plant scheduling is presented. The main challenge in dealing with operator allocation is the fact that operators tend to be more qualitative than quantitative, which renders traditional mathematical techniques inadequate. The scheduling model presented in this article takes into consideration the competency of selected and allocated operators. Also presented in this article is a new planning model to determine optimal scheduling time horizons on normal and penalized (holiday or weekend) days, concomitant with the corresponding shift patterns. The difference in basic and overtime payment is taken into account to determine the length of working time of each operator on a given day. Associated with the length of working time is the appropriate shift pattern, given that very long hours may justify more than one shift. The resultant integrated planning and scheduling model is decomposed by exploiting its block angular structure. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 999–1016, 2004
Kinetic modeling of the photocatalytic degradation of air‐borne pollutants
Authors: Ibrahim H. , de Lasa H. 
Published: April 2004

AbstractThe photocatalytic conversion of organic model pollutants (acetone, acetaldehyde, and isopropanol) in a novel Photo‐CREC‐Air unit is considered. This photocatalytic unit features: (1) external near‐UV lamps placed in parabolic reflectors, (2) a basket supporting the irradiated glass mesh holding TiO2 loadings to achieve high photoconversion rates, and (3) a fluid flow pattern securing high gas velocities in the near‐mesh region. Given the high quantum efficiencies observed in Photo‐CREC‐Air and, as a result, the high prospects for this novel design, rate equations and associated mechanistic formulations are investigated. With this goal, a Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, involving a one‐site model pollutant mechanism, is considered. The associated kinetic parameters with the related statistical indicators are established, using least‐square nonlinear regression. It is found that this model is adequate for describing the photodegradation of acetone on both Degussa P25 and Hombikat UV‐100. It is also observed that the same type of reaction rate model is less adequate for the photodegradation of acetaldehyde and isopropanol, in particular, for predicting the formation of carbon dioxide. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J 50: 1017–1027, 2004
Prospective study comparing HR‐CGH and subtelomeric FISH for investigation of individuals with mental retardation and dysmorphic features and an update of a study using only HR‐CGH
Authors: Kirchhoff Maria , Pedersen Søren , Kjeldsen Eigil , Rose Hanne , Dunø Morten , Kølvraa Steen , Lundsteen Claes 
Published: April 2004

AbstractIn a prospective study 94 individuals with mental retardation (MR) and dysmorphic features with normal conventional karyotypes were investigated by both subtelomeric FISH and high resolution CGH (HR‐CGH) in order to compare the potential of the two techniques in this application. A total of 9.6% abnormalities were found with HR‐CGH and subtelomeric FISH, with HR‐CGH detecting 8.5% (95% CI: 4.4–15.9) and FISH 3.2% (95% CI: 1.2–9.0). Thus, the techniques complemented each other, however, the diagnostic yield appeared higher of HR‐CGH than of subtelomeric FISH, as most aberrations were interstitial. Another 330 individuals with MR and dysmorphic features with normal conventional karyotypes were investigated by HR‐CGH on a routine basis. When added to the analyses of the prospective study a total of 51/424 (12%; 95% CI: 9.3–15.5) abnormalities were found, of which the majority were interstitial. We conclude that HR‐CGH is well suited for routine screening for cryptic chromosomal imbalances in patients with MR and dysmorphic features. It is likely that the use of the technique in this application will reinforce the effort of defining new syndromes. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trisomy 14pter → q21: A case with associated ovarian germ cell tumor and review of the literature
Authors: Lee‐Jones Lisa , Williams Tom , Little Elizabeth , Sampson Julian 
Published: April 2004

AbstractWe report a patient with trisomy X and a supernumerary marker chromosome. The marker chromosome was characterized by comparative genomic hybridization and shown to be derived from chromosome 14, resulting in trisomy for 14pter → q21. The karyotype was thus redefined as 48,XXX,+mar.rev ish enh(14pterq21). The patient presented with facial dysmorphism and a high‐pitched cry, exhibited severe developmental delay, and developed an aggressive ovarian immature teratoma. In this paper, we also review reports of 11 other patients with constitutional trisomy of the same chromosomal region. Previous studies have identified somatic gains of chromosome 14 in ovarian germ cell tumors. We propose that the constitutional gain of chromosomal 14 material may have predisposed to the development of this tumor. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular cytogenetic characterization of two small chromosome 8 derived supernumerary mosaic markers
Authors: Herry A. , Morel F. , Le Bris M.‐J. , Bellec V. , Lallaoui H. , Parent P. , De Braekeleer Marc 
Published: April 2004

AbstractTwo small supernumerary mosaic marker chromosomes (SMC) were identified by conventional cytogenetics, one prenatally, the other postnatally. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques, including 24‐color FISH, were applied to identify both SMCs and better characterize their constitution. Patient 1: a 29 year‐old man, whose wife had a spontaneous abortion, was found to have a small ring of the pericentromeric region of chromosome 8 (47,XY,+r(8)(p11q11)/46,XY). Patient 2: a 37 year‐old woman had amniocentesis. The fetus was found to have a SMC; its presence was confirmed postnatally. Several FISH techniques (24‐color, whole chromosome paints, centromeres, telomeres, band 8p22) led to the identification of a small analphoid marker. The marker was an inversion–duplication for part of the short arm of chromosome 8 (47,XY,+inv dup (8)(p23pter)/46,XY). The 24‐color FISH allowed us to conclude that both markers originated exclusively from chromosome 8. However, the structure and content of the markers were elucidated using other molecular cytogenetic techniques, showing their complementarity. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.