bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploiting the noise: improving biomarkers with ensembles of data analysis methodologies
Authors: Starmans Maud HW , Pintilie Melania , John Thomas , Der Sandy D , Shepherd Frances A , Jurisica Igor , Lambin Philippe , Tsao Ming-Sound , Boutros Paul C 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Background
The advent of personalized medicine requires robust, reproducible biomarkers that indicate which treatment will maximize therapeutic benefit while minimizing side effects and costs. Numerous molecular signatures have been developed over the past decade to fill this need, but their validation and up-take into clinical settings has been poor. Here, we investigate the technical reasons underlying reported failures in biomarker validation for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods
We evaluated two published prognostic multi-gene biomarkers for NSCLC in an independent 442-patient dataset. We then systematically assessed how technical factors influenced validation success.

Results
Both biomarkers validated successfully (biomarker #1: hazard ratio (HR) 1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21 to 2.19, P = 0.001; biomarker #2: HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.96, P = 0.030). Further, despite being underpowered for stage-specific analyses, both biomarkers successfully stratified stage II patients and biomarker #1 also stratified stage IB patients. We then systematically evaluated reasons for reported validation failures and find they can be directly attributed to technical challenges in data analysis. By examining 24 separate pre-processing techniques we show that minor alterations in pre-processing can change a successful prognostic biomarker (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.50, P < 0.001) into one indistinguishable from random chance (HR 1.15, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.54, P = 0.348). Finally, we develop a new method, based on ensembles of analysis methodologies, to exploit this technical variability to improve biomarker robustness and to provide an independent confidence metric.

Conclusions
Biomarkers comprise a fundamental component of personalized medicine. We first validated two NSCLC prognostic biomarkers in an independent patient cohort. Power analyses demonstrate that even this large, 442-patient cohort is under-powered for stage-specific analyses. We then use these results to discover an unexpected sensitivity of validation to subtle data analysis decisions. Finally, we develop a novel algorithmic approach to exploit this sensitivity to improve biomarker robustness.
Effective Pre-school Management as the Foundation of Quality Education A Case Study of Bangladesh
Authors: Fatima Khandaker Ummul Khairun , Nik Abdul Rahman Nik Suryani 
Published: November 2012

Pre-school gives an orientation to a child before it goes to a formal school. Studies also suggest that enrolment in pre-school education can enhance children’s cognitive skills, literacy and social skills, necessary for success as well as promoting school achievement in the elementary grades retention and increase levels of school attainment (Schweinhart et. al., 1993; Campbell & Ramey, 1994; Reynolds et. al.,1996; Ou, 2003. There is scarcity of quality preschools in Bangladesh though there are a large number of preschools all over the country. In the absence of clear government policy and guidelines, these schools are conducted as private properties by individuals and groups who run these on a commercial basis and fail to provide quality education. This study aims at investigating the obstacles to effective management of preschools and the development of a model of establishing a large number of preschools at the initiative of the private sector under the patronage of the government. Data collection and the subsequent analyses were guided by qualitative research methods against the theoretical framework of Leaver’s (2011) “experiential education”. From this research 4 themes were derived, namely (1) Quality management (2) Quality teacher (3) Quality Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and (4 Quality leadership of the Principal. Keywords - Pre-school, quality education, cognitive skills, social skills, effective management, commercial basis.
Self‐Assembly of Nanostructured, Complex, Multication Films via Spontaneous Phase Separation and Strain‐Driven Ordering
Authors: Wee Sung Hun , Gao Yanfei , Zuev Yuri L. , More Karren L. , Meng Jianyong , Zhong Jianxin , Stocks George M. , Goyal Amit 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSpontaneous self‐assembly of a multication nanophase in another multication matrix phase is a promising bottom‐up approach to fabricate novel, nanocomposite structures for a range of applications. In an effort to understand the mechanisms for such self‐assembly, complimentary experimental and theoretical studies are reported to first understand and then control or guide the self‐assembly of insulating BaZrO3 (BZO) nanodots within REBa2Cu3O7–δ (RE = rare earth elements including Y, REBCO) superconducting films. The strain field developed around BZO nanodots embedded in the REBCO matrix is a key driving force dictating the self‐assembly of BZO nanodots along REBCO c‐axis. The size selection and spatial ordering of BZO self‐assembly are simulated using thermodynamic and kinetic models. The BZO self‐assembly is controllable by tuning the interphase strain field. REBCO superconducting films with BZO defect arrays self‐assembled to align in both vertical (REBCO c‐axis) and horizontal (REBCO ab‐planes) directions result in the maximized pinning and Jc performance for all field angles with smaller angular Jc anisotropy. The work has broad implications for the fabrication of controlled self‐assembled nanostructures for a range of applications via strain‐tuning.
Why Do Companies Not Produce Sustainability Reports?
Authors: Stubbs Wendy , Higgins Colin , Milne Markus 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTSustainability reporting emerged on the corporate scene nearly 30 years ago as a key mechanism through which business organisations would manage a transition to a new business landscape dominated by greater concern and consciousness about sustainability. While it has become something of a feature on the corporate agenda in some parts of the world, the majority of business organisations do not undertake this type of reporting. This paper explores why 23 of Australia's top 200 companies do not undertake sustainability reporting. The study is situated in the context of a considerable literature that promised numerous benefits to be derived from this type of reporting. The paper uncovers various social and organisational factors that raise some new questions about legitimacy theory, corporate accountability and the spread and uptake of this organisational practice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Automatic tracking of labeled red blood cells in microchannels
Authors: Pinho Diana , Lima Rui , Pereira Ana I. , Gayubo Fernando 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYThe current study proposes an automatic method for the segmentation and tracking of red blood cells flowing through a 100‐ μm glass capillary. The original images were obtained by means of a confocal system and then processed in MATLAB using the Image Processing Toolbox. The measurements obtained with the proposed automatic method were compared with the results determined by a manual tracking method. The comparison was performed by using both linear regressions and Bland–Altman analysis. The results have shown a good agreement between the two methods. Therefore, the proposed automatic method is a powerful way to provide rapid and accurate measurements for in vitro blood experiments in microchannels. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical simulation of particle dynamics in an orifice–electrode system. Application to counting and sizing by impedance measurement
Authors: Isèbe Damien , Nérin Philippe 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYThis paper describes how to numerically tackle the problem of counting and sizing particles by impedance measurement in an orifice–electrode system. The model allows to simulate the particle dynamics submitted to strong hydrodynamic stresses through a microorifice and to compute the voltage pulses generated by the modification of the inner dielectric medium. This approach gives important information about particles size distribution and allows to quantify the role of trajectory and orientation of particles on the size measurement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A tool for enhancing strategic health planning: a modeled use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Sinclair Lisa Bundara , Fox Michael H. , Betts Donald R. 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYThis article describes use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a tool for strategic planning. The ICF is the international classification system for factors that influence health, including Body Structures, Body Functions, Activities and Participation and Environmental Factors. An overview of strategic planning and the ICF are provided. Selected ICF concepts and nomenclature are used to demonstrate its utility in helping develop a classic planning framework, objectives, measures and actions. Some issues and resolutions for applying the ICF are described. Applying the ICF for strategic health planning is an innovative approach that fosters the inclusion of social ecological health determinants and broad populations. If employed from the onset of planning, the ICF can help public health organizations systematically conceptualize, organize and communicate a strategic health plan. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Influence of landscape evolution on the distribution of floristic patterns in northern Amazonia revealed by δ13C data
Authors: Zani H. , Rossetti D. F. , Cohen M. L. C. , Pessenda L. C. R. , Cremon E. H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe Amazonian lowlands include large patches of open vegetation which contrast sharply with the rainforest, and the origin of these patches has been debated. This study focuses on a large area of open vegetation in northern Brazil, where δ13C and, in some instances, C/N analyses of the organic matter preserved in late Quaternary sediments were used to achieve floristic reconstructions over time. The main goal was to determine when the modern open vegetation started to develop in this area. The variability in δ13C data derived from nine cores ranges from −32.2 to −19.6‰, but with nearly 60% of data above −26.5‰. The most enriched values were detected only in ecotone and open vegetated areas. The development of open vegetation communities was asynchronous, varying between estimated ages of 6400 and 3000 cal a BP. This suggests that the origin of the studied patches of open vegetation might be linked to sedimentary dynamics of a late Quaternary megafan system. As sedimentation ended, this vegetation type became established over the megafan surface. In addition, the data presented here show that the presence of C4 plants must be used carefully as a proxy to interpret dry paleoclimatic episodes in Amazonian areas. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How does a Brand Ally Affect Consumer Evaluations of a Focal Brand?
Authors: Voss Kevin E. , Gammoh Bashar S. , Fang Xiang 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTPublished research has shown that an alliance with a well‐known, reputable brand can improve quality perceptions of a previously unknown focal brand. Much of this research is based on signaling theory's bonding hypothesis. However, customers face information search costs when evaluating brands with which they may be unfamiliar. The authors contend that, since consumers are self‐interested, they will prefer to realize cost savings for themselves relative to a future conditional opportunity to punish a false signal sender. Three studies show that the effect of brand ally information on quality perceptions of an unfamiliar brand is mediated by perceived risk reduction due to lower information search costs.
What is the Value of Luxury? A Cross‐Cultural Consumer Perspective
Authors: Hennigs Nadine , Wiedmann Klaus‐Peter , Klarmann Christiane , Strehlau Suzane , Godey Bruno , Pederzoli Daniele , Neulinger Agnes , Dave Kartik , Aiello Gaetano , Donvito Raffaele , Taro Koyama , Táborecká‐Petrovičová Janka , Santos Carmen Rodríguez , Jung Jaehee , Oh Hyunjoo 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTInternational luxury businesses are challenged by the identification and satisfaction of the common needs and desires of global market segments. Although luxury goods have become available to a wider range of consumers, the traditional conspicuous consumption model has been transformed into a new experiential luxury sensibility that is marked by a change in the way that consumers define luxury. Based on an empirical study in collaboration with American, European, and Asian researchers, the results provide evidence that consumers in various parts of the world purchase or wish to purchase luxury products for varied reasons but that such consumers generally possess similar values. Regardless of their countries of origin, the basic motivational drivers of luxury consumers are similar among the financial, functional, personal, and social dimensions of luxury value perceptions, although the relative importance of these dimensions varies.
Anti‐proliferative effects of physiological concentrations of enterolactone in models of prostate tumourigenesis
Authors: McCann Mark J. , Rowland Ian R. , Roy Nicole C. 
Published: November 2012

ScopeThere is evidence that a mammalian lignan, enterolactone (ENL), decreases the proliferation rate of prostate cancer cells, although previous studies have used concentrations difficult to achieve through dietary modification. We have therefore investigated the anti‐proliferative effects of ENL in an in vitro model of prostate tumourigenesis at concentrations reported to occur in a range of male populations.Methods and resultsThe effects of 0.1 and 1 μM ENL on three markers of viability and proliferation (metabolic activity, growth kinetics, and cell cycle progression) were assessed in the RWPE‐1, WPE1‐NA22, WPE1‐NB14, WPE1‐NB11, WPE1‐NB26, LNCaP, and PC‐3 cell lines over 72 h. Based on these data, we quantified the expression levels of 12 genes involved in the control of DNA replication initiation using TaqMan real‐time PCR in the WPE1‐NA22, WPE1‐NB14, WPE1‐NB11, and WPE1‐NB26 cell lines. ENL significantly inhibited the abnormal proliferation of the WPE1‐NB14 and WPE1‐NB11 cell lines and appears to be a consequence of decreased expression of abnormal chromatin licensing and DNA replication factor 1.ConclusionIn contrast to previous studies, concentrations of ENL that are reported after dietary intervention restrict the proliferation of early‐stage tumourigenic prostate cell lines by inhibiting the abnormal formation of complexes that initiate DNA replication.
Modeling of tensile strength of rocks materials based on support vector machines approaches
Authors: Ceryan Nurcihan , Okkan Umut , Samui Pijush , Ceryan Sener 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYIn the predicting of geological variables, artificial neural networks (ANNs) have some drawbacks including possibility of getting trapped in local minima, over training, subjectivity in the determining of model parameters and the components of its complex structure. Recently, support vector machines (SVM) has been found to be popular in prediction studies due to its some advantages over ANNs. Because the least squares SVM (LS‐SVM) provides a computational advantage over SVM by converting quadratic optimization problem into a system of linear equations, LS‐SVM method is also tried in study. The main purpose of this study is to examine the capability of these two SVM algorithms for the prediction of tensile strength of rock materials and to compare its performance with ANN and linear regression (MLR) models. Total porosity, sonic velocity, slake durability index and aggregate impact value were used as input in modeling applications. Favorite performance evaluation measures were employed to assess developed models. The results determined in study indicate that the SVM, LS‐SVM and ANN methods are successful tools for prediction of tensile strength variable and can give good prediction performances than MLR model. Although these three methods are powerful artificial intelligence techniques, LS‐SVM makes the running time considerably faster with the higher accuracy. In terms of accuracy, the LS‐SVM model resulted in error reductions relative to that of the other models. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reference ranges of atrioventricular valve areas by means of four‐dimensional ultrasonography using spatiotemporal image correlation in the rendering mode
Authors: Rolo Liliam Cristine , Nardozza Luciano Marcondes Machado , Araujo Edward , Hatanaka Alan Roberto , Rocha Luciane Alves , Simioni Christiane , Moron Antonio Fernandes 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aims to determine reference curves for fetal atrioventricular valve areas by means of three‐dimensional ultrasound using the spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) software.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional prospective study on 328 normal fetuses between the 18th and the 33rd weeks of pregnancy. In order to obtain valve areas, the four heart chambers plane was used with the fetus in a dorsal posterior position. To construct reference ranges, a linear regression model was used, adjusted according to the coefficient of determination (R2). To calculate the reproducibility of the tricuspid valve area, the intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) was used.ResultsThe mean areas of the tricuspid and mitral valves ranged from 0.19 ± 0.08 and 0.20 ± 0.10 cm2 in the 18th week to 0.93 ± 0.31 and 1.06 ± 0.39 cm2 in the 33rd week, respectively. The intra‐observer and interobserver reproducibility was excellent with ICC = 0.997 and 0.933, respectively.ConclusionsReference curves for fetal atrioventricular valve areas were determined and presented good reproducibility. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman spectroscopy of core/shell silicon nanowires grown on different substrates
Authors: Khorasaninejad M. , Adachi M. M. , Walia J. , Karim K. S. , Saini S. S. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractCrystalline–amorphous core–shell silicon nanowires (SiNWs) grown separately on glass and stainless steel substrates were investigated by Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra confirmed the presence of crystalline and amorphous silicon phases in both samples. With respect to bulk silicon, the crystalline Raman peaks for the nanowires grown on a glass substrate showed much larger red shift and spectral broadening as compared to that of the nanowires grown on stainless steel. The Raman shift was attributed to local heating which was further confirmed by the reduction in red shift of the Raman spectrum at lower incident powers for both samples. For a low input power of 0.8 mW, the nanowires grown on stainless steel showed no shift in the first order Raman peak as compared to bulk silicon, however a small spectral broadening was still observed. magnified imageTEM images for the nanowires grown on steel substrate.
Investigation of optical, structural, and chemical properties of indium sulfide thin films evaporated at low temperature by modulated flux deposition
Authors: Sanz C. , Guillén C. , Gutiérrez M. T. , Herrero J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIndium sulfide thin films were successfully deposited on soda lime glass substrates by modulated flux deposition (MFD) at significantly lower substrate temperatures than in previous experiments. The influence of both experimental parameters sulfur source temperature (TS) and substrate temperature (T) on the optical, structural, and chemical properties were studied. Amorphous indium sulfide layers were obtained at T = 100 °C and crystallized as β‐In2S3 for T ≥ 150 °C. Quite high values were required for the TS parameter in order to ensure the formation of transparent β‐In2S3 thin films. No other polycrystalline phases were detected. Direct optical bandgaps of 2.58 eV (amorphous In2S3) and 2.73 eV (β‐In2S3) were estimated for film thicknesses of around 100 nm.
Phase transitions in C60·C8H8 under hydrostatic pressure
Authors: Francis E. A. , Durkó G. , Jalsovszky I. , Klupp G. , Kamarás K. , Kováts É. , Pekker S. , Kuntscher C. A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHigh‐pressure infrared transmission measurements up to 9.5 GPa were carried out on the rotor–stator molecular cocrystal C60·C8H8. Helium served as pressure transmitting medium, which intercalates into the C60·C8H8 lattice. Thus, we investigated the pressure effects and effect of intercalation of helium into the C60·C8H8 lattice. The pressure‐induced shift of the vibrational modes of C60·C8H8 shows an anomaly around 3 GPa. This anomaly can be interpreted in terms of the orientational ordering transition of fullerene molecules accompanied by a change in the crystal symmetry, which causes the splitting of the vibrational modes. We compare the value of the critical pressure to that obtained earlier [Thirunavukkuarasu et al., J. Phys. Chem. C 112, 17525 (2008); Phys. Status Solidi B 244, 3857 (2007)].
Growth, dispersion, and electronic devices of nitrogen‐doped single‐wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Oikonomou Antonios , Susi Toma , Kauppinen Esko I. , Vijayaraghavan Aravind 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper describes the complete processes from growth to electronic devices of nitrogen‐doped single‐wall carbon nanotubes (N‐SWCNTs). The N‐SWCNTs were synthesized using a floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition method. The dry‐deposited N‐SWCNT films were dispersed in N‐methylpyrolidone followed by sonication and centrifugation steps to yield a stable dispersion of N‐SWCNTs in solution. The length and diameter distribution as well as concentration of N‐SWCNTs in solution were measured by atomic force microscopy and optical absorption spectroscopy, respectively. The N‐SWCNTs were then assembled into electronic devices using bottom–up dielectrophoresis and characterized as field‐effect transistors. Finally, the potential for application of N‐SWCNTs in sensors is discussed. magnified imageThe three stages of N‐doped SWCNT processing: (a) growth and collection on filter, (b) dispersion in NMP, and (c) dielectrophoretic assembly into transistor device.
Architecting methodology for spatially and temporally distributed resource extraction systems
Authors: Aliakbargolkar Alessandro , Crawley Edward F. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper presents a framework aimed at supporting the decision‐making process for the preliminary design of system architectures for the extraction of spatially and temporally distributed resources. The goal of the research is to provide a tool to identify “global best” architectures for resource extraction “systems of systems,” which usually differ from the sum of “local best” systems. The framework presented in this paper consists of an integrated model where both the architecture of the system of systems and the design of the individual systems are considered simultaneously. Using this approach, designers are able to gain insights by generating a selection of top‐performing concepts. Subsequently, they can analyze those concepts using more sophisticated, albeit more resource‐expensive design processes. The implementation of the proposed framework is a complementary tool to existing design practices. It features several advantages such as enabling the analysis of large‐scale problems, for which exhaustive enumeration of architectures of systems of systems is not a viable option. The paper first presents an application of the methodology to the architecture of offshore oil and gas production fields. It then shows how to use the methodology for the development of scenario analyses. ©2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng 16