bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Convex Approach Solving Simultaneous Mechanical Structure and Control System Design Problems With Multiple Closed-loop Performance Specifications
Authors: Fu Ke , Mills James K. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
In this paper, a new integrated design method, referred to as the extended multiple simultaneous specification (EMSS) method, is proposed to solve simultaneous mechanical structure and control system design problems in which a set of n multiple closed-loop performance specifications must be simultaneously satisfied. To utilize this approach, all closed-loop performance specifications considered must have the property that they are convex with respect to the closed-loop system transfer matrix. With the proposed approach, a simply implemented two-stage design approach is used to determine a set of open-loop mechanical system design parameters and a closed-loop controller which simultaneously satisfies a set of n closed-loop performance specifications. In the first stage, for each closed-loop performance specification, one “sample system,” i.e., the closed-loop system with one set of mechanical design parameters with a closed-loop controller chosen from the set of all linear controllers, is determined by trial and error, such that the specification is satisfied. In the second stage, the transfer matrix of the final system, which satisfies all n performance specifications, is determined through the convex combination of the transfer matrices of n sample systems. A linear programming problem is solved to give the combination vector for this convex combination. With the closed-loop transfer matrix given, the mechanical design parameters, the closed-loop controller structure and its gains, are solved algebraically. In this paper, we establish conditions for the existence of a solution to this integrated design problem as well as prove that the EMSS approach retains the stability properties of the sample systems. Experimental results of the EMSS method, carried out on a linear positioning system are given, verifying the effectiveness of the proposed method. We note that the proposed EMSS method works well when the number of design parameters to be determined is small. Further, the proposed EMSS method also has some utility as a controller design method, to determine a closed-loop controller that satisfies a set of n multiple closed-loop performance specifications, given a fixed mechanical system structure.
Effects of Wall Roughness on Particle Velocities in a Turbulent Channel Flow
Authors: Benson Michael , Tanaka Tomohiko , Eaton John K. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Experimental measurements using a laser Doppler anemometer (LDA) system have been performed on 150μm dense glass particles in a fully developed downward channel flow in air. Tests were conducted in smooth, rough development, and fully rough wall conditions with a channel Reynolds number of 13,800, corresponding to a centerline gas phase velocity of 10.5m∕s with a dilute loading of particles of 15% by mass fraction. Velocities were measured and statistics compared to see the nature of the effects of the wall roughness in a rebuilt channel facility originally used for important works including Kulick, Fessler, and Eaton, (1994, “Particle Response and Turbulence Modification in Fully-Developed Channel flow,” J. Fluid Mech., 277, pp. 109–134) and Paris (2001, “Turbulence Attenuation in a Particle-Laden Channel Flow,” Ph.D. thesis, Stanford University, Stanford, CA). Wall roughness has a substantial impact on gas phase mean velocities across most of the channel width, except very near the wall. The turbulence intensity of the gas phase is enhanced across the entire channel in the presence of fully rough walls. The rough walls have an even greater impact on the particle phase. Streamwise particle velocities are reduced up to 40%, and become quite uniform across the channel. Particle fluctuating velocities are nearly doubled near the channel centerplane. Profiles appear uniform, due in large part to strong transverse mixing induced by particle-wall collisions. Much of the data of Kulick and Paris is shown here to be strongly influenced by wall conditions with poorly defined roughness in the development region, followed by rapid flow recovery in a relatively smooth test section.
Comparing the Effects of Estrogen and an Herbal Medicine on Peripheral Blood Flow in Post-menopausal Women with Hot Flashes: Hormone Replacement Therapy and Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan, a Kampo Medicine
Authors: Ushiroyama Takahisa , Ikeda Atsushi , Sakuma Kou , Ueki Minoru 
Published: May 2005

We investigated the association between blood flow in the extremities and hot flashes, and compared change in blood flow following hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and Gui-zhi-fu-ling-wan (Keishi-bukuryo-gan), a herbal therapy in post-menopausal women with hot flashes. Three hundred and fifty-two post-menopausal women aged 46–58 years (mean: 53.4±3.6 years) with climacteric complaints participated in the study. One hundred and thirty-one patients with hot flashes were treated with HRT (64 cases) or herbal therapy (67 cases). Blood flow was measured with laser doppler fluxmetry under the jaw, in the middle finger and in the third toe. Post-menopausal women with hot flashes (129 cases) showed significantly higher blood flow under the jaw (13.6±4.13) than women without hot flashes (166 cases) (5.48±0.84) ( p <0.0001). Blood flow at this site decreased significantly with either therapy ( p <0.0001). On the other hand, the administration of Gui-zhi-fu-ling-wan significantly increased ( p =0.002) the blood flow in the lower extremities, whereas HRT decreased the blood flow. Thus, we have demonstrated that Gui-zhi-fu-ling-wan did not affect the activity of vasodilator neuropeptides on sensory neurons of systemic peripheral vessels uniformly. Therefore, Gui-zhi-fu-ling-wan, rather than HRT, is suggested as an appropriate therapy for treatment of hot flashes in the face and upper body with concomitant coldness in the lower body, which is one of the symptoms of menopause.
The Anti-depressant Effect of Nelumbinis Semen on Rats Under Chronic Mild Stress Induced Depression-like Symptoms
Authors: Kang Moonkyu , Shin Dongwon , Oh Jung-Wan , Cho Chongwoon , Lee Hwa-Jin , Yoon Dong-Won , Lee Sang-Moon , Yun Jung-Hwan , Choi Hyun , Park Seongkyu , Shin Minkyu , Hong Moochang , Bae Hyunsu 
Published: May 2005

Nelumbinis Semen is a well-known traditional herbal medicine frequently used in treatment of depression in many Asian countries. In this study, its anti-depression effects in rats were investigated by comparing the test results of those treated with Nelumbinis Semen to those treated with other herbal anti-depressants, including Rehmanniae Radix Preparat, Corni Fructus, Lycii Fructus, Pinelliae Rhizoma and Hypericum Perforatum. In order to induce depression-like symptoms, the animals were placed under chronic mild stress in the form of overnight illumination for 2 consecutive days. They were treated with the respective herbal extract and forced swimming tests were conducted afterwards. The anti-depression effects of each extract were then evaluated based on a measured index, which consisted of struggling time, first latency and first rest duration. These test results show that Nelumbinis Semen provides greater anti-depression effects than the other herbal extracts. Specifically, only the rats treated with Nelumbinis Semen showed significant increases in struggling time (43.9%, p <0.005, p =0.0037) and in first latency time (90.2%, p <0.05, p =0.0116). However, the first rest duration for Nelumbinis Semen treated rats was not significantly different from the other rats. It appears that Nelumbinis Semen provides even greater anti-depression effects than Hypericum Perforatum (commonly referred to as St. John's Wort, perhaps the most widely used natural anti-depressant today). The anti-depression effects of Nelumbinis Semen might be due to the modulation of the amount of neurotransmitters involved in depression.
Immune Activation and Radioprotection byPropolis
Authors: Takagi Yasuyuki , Choi In-Sook , Yamashita Takenori , Nakamura Takashi , Suzuki Ikukatsu , Hasegawa Takeo , Oshima Masami , Gu Yeun-Hwa 
Published: May 2005

In this study, we focused on immune stimulation by Propolis, and examined changes in the effect of irradiation after Propolis administration. We also examined the radioprotective effect of Propolis by observing its effect on the immune system. The effect of immune activation by Propolis was investigated by measuring the total immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM. The radioprotective effect of immune activation by Propolis was investigated by measuring the T-lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood of mice following whole body irradiation.Compared with the control group, the IgG was significantly reduced in the Propolis group, indicating that Propolis suppressed IgG production. ELISA revealed that the amount of IgM in mouse serum was significantly higher in the Propolis group as compared with the control group, indicating that Propolis increased IgM production.The number of CD4-positive cells was increased only in the Propolis group. Likewise, the number of CD4-positive cells increased by 81% in the Propolis with irradiation group compared with the irradiation group alone. Compared with the control group, the Propolis group increased CD8-positive cells. Compared with the irradiation alone group, CD8-positive cells were decreased by Propolis with irradiation group.Propolis activated macrophages to stimulate interferon (IFN)-γ production in association with the secondary activation of T-lymphocytes, resulting in a decrease in IgG and IgM production. Cytokines released from macrophages in mouse peripheral blood after Propolis administration activated helper T-cells to proliferate. In addition, activated macrophages in association with the secondary T-lymphocyte activation increased IFN-γ production and stimulated proliferation of cytotoxic T-cells and suppressor T-cells, indicating the activation of cell-mediated immune responses.
Persistent expression of factor VIII in vivo following nonprimate lentiviral gene transfer
Authors: Kang Yubin , Xie Litao , Tran Diane Thi , Stein Colleen S. , Hickey Melissa , Davidson Beverly L. , McCray Paul B. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Hemophilia A is a clinically important coagulation disorder caused by the lack or abnormality of plasma coagulation factor VIII (FVIII). Gene transfer of the FVIII cDNA to hepatocytes using lentiviral vectors is a potential therapeutic approach. We investigated the efficacy of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)–based vectors in targeting hepatocytes and correcting FVIII deficiency in a hemophilia A mouse model. Several viral envelope glycoproteins were screened for efficient FIV vector pseudotyping and hepatocyte transduction. The GP64 glycoprotein from baculovirus Autographa californica multinuclear polyhedrosis virus pseudo-typed FIV efficiently and showed excellent hepatocyte tropism. The GP64-pseudotyped vector was stable in the presence of human or mouse complement. Inclusion of a hybrid liver-specific promoter (murine albumin enhancer/human α1-antitrypsin promoter) further enhanced transgene expression in hepatocytes. We generated a GP64-pseudotyped FIV vector encoding the B domain–deleted human FVIII coding region driven by the liver-specific promoter, with 2 beneficial point mutations in the A1 domain. Intravenous vector administration conferred sustained FVIII expression in hemophilia A mice for several months without the generation of anti–human FVIII antibodies and resulted in partial phenotypic correction. These findings demonstrate the utility of GP64-pseudotyped FIV lentiviral vectors for targeting hepatocytes to correct disorders associated with deficiencies of secreted proteins.
Fractal ventilation enhances respiratory sinus arrhythmia
Authors: Mutch W Alan C , Graham M Ruth , Girling Linda G , Brewster John F 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
Programming a mechanical ventilator with a biologically variable or fractal breathing pattern (an example of 1/f noise) improves gas exchange and respiratory mechanics. Here we show that fractal ventilation increases respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) – a mechanism known to improve ventilation/perfusion matching.

Methods
Pigs were anaesthetised with propofol/ketamine, paralysed with doxacurium, and ventilated in either control mode (CV) or in fractal mode (FV) at baseline and then following infusion of oleic acid to result in lung injury.

Results
Mean RSA and mean positive RSA were nearly double with FV, both at baseline and following oleic acid. At baseline, mean RSA = 18.6 msec with CV and 36.8 msec with FV (n = 10; p = 0.043); post oleic acid, mean RSA = 11.1 msec with CV and 21.8 msec with FV (n = 9, p = 0.028); at baseline, mean positive RSA = 20.8 msec with CV and 38.1 msec with FV (p = 0.047); post oleic acid, mean positive RSA = 13.2 msec with CV and 24.4 msec with FV (p = 0.026). Heart rate variability was also greater with FV. At baseline the coefficient of variation for heart rate was 2.2% during CV and 4.0% during FV. Following oleic acid the variation was 2.1 vs. 5.6% respectively.

Conclusion
These findings suggest FV enhances physiological entrainment between respiratory, brain stem and cardiac nonlinear oscillators, further supporting the concept that RSA itself reflects cardiorespiratory interaction. In addition, these results provide another mechanism whereby FV may be superior to conventional CV.
Common polymorphism in H19 associated with birthweight and cord blood IGF-II levels in humans
Authors: Petry Clive J , Ong Ken K , Barratt Bryan J , Wingate Diane , Cordell Heather J , Ring Susan M , Pembrey Marcus E ,   The ALSPAC Study Team, Reik Wolf , Todd John A , Dunger David B 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background
Common genetic variation at genes that are imprinted and exclusively maternally expressed could explain the apparent maternal-specific inheritance of low birthweight reported in large family pedigrees. We identified ten single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in H19, and we genotyped three of these SNPs in families from the contemporary ALSPAC UK birth cohort (1,696 children, 822 mothers and 661 fathers) in order to explore associations with size at birth and cord blood IGF-II levels.

Results
Both offspring's and mother's H19 2992C>T SNP genotypes showed associations with offspring birthweight (P = 0.03 to P = 0.003) and mother's genotype was also associated with cord blood IGF-II levels (P = 0.0003 to P = 0.0001). The offspring genotype association with birthweight was independent of mother's genotype (P = 0.01 to P = 0.007). However, mother's untransmitted H19 2992T allele was also associated with larger birthweight (P = 0.04) and higher cord blood IGF-II levels (P = 0.002), suggesting a direct effect of mother's genotype on placental IGF-II expression and fetal growth. The association between mother's untransmitted allele and cord blood IGF-II levels was more apparent in offspring of first pregnancies than subsequent pregnancies (P-interaction = 0.03). Study of the independent Cambridge birth cohort with available DNA in mothers (N = 646) provided additional support for mother's H19 2992 genotype associations with birthweight (P = 0.04) and with mother's glucose levels (P = 0.01) in first pregnancies.

Conclusion
The common H19 2992T allele, in the mother or offspring or both, may confer reduced fetal growth restraint, as indicated by associations with larger offspring birth size, higher cord blood IGF-II levels, and lower compensatory early postnatal catch-up weight gain, that are more evident among mother's smaller first-born infants.
Comparison of array-based comparative genomic hybridization with gene expression-based regional expression biases to identify genetic abnormalities in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Furge Kyle A , Dykema Karl J , Ho Coral , Chen Xin 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
Regional expression biases (REBs) are genetic intervals where gene expression is coordinately changed. For example, if a region of the genome is amplified, often the majority of genes that map within the amplified region show increased expression when compared to genes located in cytogenetically normal regions. As such, REBs have the potential to act as surrogates for cytogenetic data traditionally obtained using molecular technologies such as comparative genomic hybridization. However as REBs are identified using transcriptional information, detection of REBs may also identify local transcriptional abnormalities produced by both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms.

Results
REBs were identified from a set of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) gene expression profiles using a multiple span moving binomial test and compared to genetic abnormalities identified using array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH). In the majority of cases, REBs overlapped genetic abnormalities as determined by aCGH. For example, both methods identified narrow regions of frequent amplification on chromosome 1p and narrow regions of frequent deletion on 17q. In a minority of cases, REBs were identified in regions not determined to be abnormal via other cytogenetic technologies. Specifically, expression biases reflective of cell proliferation were frequently identified on chromosome 6p21-23.

Conclusion
Identification of REBs using a multiple span moving binomial test produced reasonable approximations of underlying cytogenetic abnormalities. However, caution should be used when attributing REBs identified on chromosome 6p to cytogenetic events in rapidly proliferating cells.
Predictive screening for regulators of conserved functional gene modules (gene batteries) in mammals
Authors: Nelander Sven , Larsson Erik , Kristiansson Erik , Månsson Robert , Nerman Olle , Sigvardsson Mikael , Mostad Petter , Lindahl Per 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background
The expression of gene batteries, genomic units of functionally linked genes which are activated by similar sets of cis- and trans-acting regulators, has been proposed as a major determinant of cell specialization in metazoans. We developed a predictive procedure to screen the mouse and human genomes and transcriptomes for cases of gene-battery-like regulation.

Results
In a screen that covered ~40 per cent of all annotated protein-coding genes, we identified 21 co-expressed gene clusters with statistically supported sharing of cis-regulatory sequence elements. 66 predicted cases of over-represented transcription factor binding motifs were validated against the literature and fell into three categories: (i) previously described cases of gene battery-like regulation, (ii) previously unreported cases of gene battery-like regulation with some support in a limited number of genes, and (iii) predicted cases that currently lack experimental support. The novel predictions include for example Sox 17 and RFX transcription factor binding sites that were detected in ~10% of all testis specific genes, and HNF-1 and 4 binding sites that were detected in ~30% of all kidney specific genes respectively. The results are publicly available at http://www.wlab.gu.se/lindahl/genebatteries.

Conclusion
21 co-expressed gene clusters were enriched for a total of 66 shared cis-regulatory sequence elements. A majority of these predictions represent novel cases of potential co-regulation of functionally coupled proteins. Critical technical parameters were evaluated, and the results and the methods provide a valuable resource for future experimental design.
BMP-6 inhibits growth of mature human B cells; induction of Smad phosphorylation and upregulation of Id1
Authors: Kersten Christian , Sivertsen Einar A , Hystad Marit E , Forfang Lise , Smeland Erlend B , Myklebust June H 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) belong to the TGF-β superfamily and are secreted proteins with pleiotropic roles in many different cell types. A potential role of BMP-6 in the immune system has been implied by various studies of malignant and rheumatoid diseases. In the present study, we explored the role of BMP-6 in normal human peripheral blood B cells.

Results
The B cells were found to express BMP type I and type II receptors and BMP-6 rapidly induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8. Furthermore, Smad-phosphorylation was followed by upregulation of Id1 mRNA and Id1 protein, whereas Id2 and Id3 expression was not affected. Furthermore, we found that BMP-6 had an antiproliferative effect both in naïve (CD19+CD27-) and memory B cells (CD19+CD27+) stimulated with anti-IgM alone or the combined action of anti-IgM and CD40L. Additionally, BMP-6 induced cell death in activated memory B cells. Importantly, the antiproliferative effect of BMP-6 in B-cells was completely neutralized by the natural antagonist, noggin. Furthermore, B cells were demonstrated to upregulate BMP-6 mRNA upon stimulation with anti-IgM.

Conclusion
In mature human B cells, BMP-6 inhibited cell growth, and rapidly induced phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 followed by an upregulation of Id1.
Serotypes, intimin variants and other virulence factors of eae positive Escherichia coli strains isolated from healthy cattle in Switzerland. Identification of a new intimin variant gene (eae-η2)
Authors: Blanco Miguel , Schumacher Sandra , Tasara Taurai , Zweifel Claudio , Blanco Jesús E , Dahbi Ghizlane , Blanco Jorge , Stephan Roger 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) share the ability to introduce attaching-and-effacing (A/E) lesions on intestinal cells. The genetic determinants for the production of A/E lesions are located on the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE), a pathogenicity island that also contains the genes encoding intimin (eae). This study reports information on the occurrence of eae positive E. coli carried by healthy cattle at the point of slaughter, and on serotypes, intimin variants, and further virulence factors of isolated EPEC and STEC strains.

Results
Of 51 eae positive bovine E. coli strains, 59% were classified as EPEC and 41% as STEC. EPEC strains belonged to 18 O:H serotypes, six strains to typical EPEC serogroups. EPEC strains harbored a variety of intimin variants with eae-β1 being most frequently found. Moreover, nine EPEC strains harbored ast A (EAST1), seven bfpA (bundlin), and only one strain was positive for the EAF plasmid. We have identified a new intimin gene (η2) in three bovine bfpA and astA-positive EPEC strains of serotype ONT:H45. STEC strains belonged to seven O:H serotypes with one serotype (O103:H2) accounting for 48% of the strains. The majority of bovine STEC strains (90%) belonged to five serotypes previously reported in association with hemolytic uremic syndrom (HUS), including one O157:H7 STEC strain. STEC strains harbored four intimin variants with eae-ε1 and eae-γ1 being most frequently found. Moreover, the majority of STEC strains carried only stx 1 genes (13 strains), and was positive for ehxA (18 strains) encoding for Enterohemolysin. Four STEC strains showed a virulence pattern characteristic of highly virulent human strains (stx 2 and eae positive).

Conclusion
Our data confirm that ruminants are an important source of serologically and genetically diverse intimin-harboring E. coli strains. Moreover, cattle have not only to be considered as important asymptomatic carriers of O157 STEC but can also be a reservoir of EPEC and eae positive non-O157 STEC, which are described in association with human diseases.