bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating cost‐offsets of new medications: Use of new antipsychotics and mental health costs for schizophrenia
Authors: O'Malley A. James , Frank R. G. , Normand S.‐L. T. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractEstimation of the effect of one treatment compared to another in the absence of randomization is a common problem in biostatistics. An increasingly popular approach involves instrumental variables—variables that are predictive of who received a treatment yet not directly predictive of the outcome. When treatment is binary, many estimators have been proposed: method‐of‐moments estimators using a two‐stage least‐squares procedure, generalized‐method‐of‐moments estimators using two‐stage predictor substitution or two‐stage residual inclusion procedures, and likelihood‐based latent variable approaches. The critical assumptions to the consistency of two‐stage procedures and of the likelihood‐based procedures differ. Because neither set of assumptions can be completely tested from the observed data alone, comparing the results from the different approaches is an important sensitivity analysis. We provide a general statistical framework for estimation of the casual effect of a binary treatment on a continuous outcome using simultaneous equations to specify models. A comparison of health care costs for adults with schizophrenia treated with newer atypical antipsychotics and those treated with conventional antipsychotic medications illustrates our methods. Surprisingly large differences in the results among the methods are investigated using a simulation study. Several new findings concerning the performance in terms of precision and robustness of each approach in different situations are obtained. We illustrate that in general supplemental information is needed to determine which analysis, if any, is trustworthy and reaffirm that comparing results from different approaches is a valuable sensitivity analysis. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intravital Imaging of Human Prostate Cancer Using Viral Nanoparticles Targeted to Gastrin‐Releasing Peptide Receptors
Authors: Steinmetz Nicole F. , Ablack Amber L. , Hickey Jennifer L. , Ablack Jailal , Manocha Bhavik , Mymryk Joe S. , Luyt Leonard G. , Lewis John D. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMultivalent nanoparticles have several key advantages in terms of solubility, binding avidity, and uptake, making them particularly well suited to molecular imaging applications. Herein is reported the stepwise synthesis and characterization of NIR viral nanoparticles targeted to gastrin‐releasing peptide receptors that are over‐expressed in human prostate cancers. The pan‐bombesin analogue, [β‐Ala11, Phe13, Nle14]bombesin‐(7–14), is conjugated to cowpea mosaic virus particles functionalized with an NIR dye (Alexa Fluor 647) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) using the copper(I)‐catalyzed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Targeting and uptake in human PC‐3 prostate cells is demonstrated in vitro. Tumor homing is observed using human prostate tumor xenografts on the chicken chorioallantoic membrane model using intravital imaging. Further development of this viral nanoparticle platform may open the door to potential clinical noninvasive molecular imaging strategies.
Patterning of Conjugated Polymers for Organic Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Xu Youyong , Zhang Fan , Feng Xinliang 
Published: April 2011

AbstractConjugated polymers have been attracting more and more attention because they possess various novel electrical, magnetical, and optical properties, which render them useful in modern organic optoelectronic devices. Due to their organic nature, conjugated polymers are light‐weight and can be fabricated into flexible appliances. Significant research efforts have been devoted to developing new organic materials to make them competitive with their conventional inorganic counterparts. It is foreseeable that when large‐scale industrial manufacture of the devices made from organic conjugated polymers is feasible, they would be much cheaper and have more functions. On one hand, in order to improve the performance of organic optoelectronic devices, it is essential to tune their surface morphologies by techniques such as patterning. On the other hand, patterning is the routine requirement for device processing. In this review, the recent progress in the patterning of conjugated polymers for high‐performance optoelectronic devices is summarized. Patterning based on the bottom‐up and top‐down methods are introduced. Emerging new patterning strategies and future trends for conventional patterning techniques are discussed.
Agile software product line engineering: enabling factors
Authors: Hanssen Geir K. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis paper reports on a study of a software product line organization that has adopted agile software development to address process rigidity and slowing performance. Experience has showed that despite some impediments, this has become a valuable change to both the organization and its development process. The aim of this study is to identify and understand enabling factors of a combined process, and to understand their subsequent effects. Qualitative data are summarized and analyzed, giving insight into the actions taken, their effects that have emerged over time, and the enabling and contextual factors. The study concludes that a combined process is feasible, that the simplified approach makes the organization more flexible and thus capable of serving a volatile market with fast‐changing technologies. This has also enabled the organization to collaborate better with external actors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive random testing through test profiles
Authors: Liu Huai , Xie Xiaodong , Yang Jing , Lu Yansheng , Chen Tsong Yueh 
Published: April 2011

SUMMARYRandom testing (RT), which simply selects test cases at random from the whole input domain, has been widely applied to test software and assess the software reliability. However, it is controversial whether RT is an effective method to detect software failures. Adaptive random testing (ART) is an enhancement of RT in terms of failure‐detection effectiveness. Its basic intuition is to evenly spread random test cases all over the input domain. There are various notions to achieve the goal of even spread, and each notion can be implemented by different algorithms. For example, ‘by exclusion’ and ‘by partitioning’ are two different notions to evenly spread test cases. Restricted random testing (RRT) is a typical algorithm for the notion of ‘by exclusion’, whereas the notion of ‘by partitioning’ can be implemented by either the technique of bisection (ART‐B) or the technique of random partitioning (ART‐RP). In this paper, we propose a generic approach that can be used to implement different notions. In the new approach, test cases are simply selected based on test profiles that are in turn designed according to certain notions. In this study, we design several test profiles for the notions of ‘by exclusion’ and ‘by partitioning’, and then use these profiles to illustrate our new approach. Our experimental results show that compared with the original RRT, ART‐B, and ART‐RP algorithms, our new approach normally brings at least a higher failure‐detection capability or a lower computational overhead. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antenatal ultrasound prediction of pulmonary hypoplasia in congenital diaphragmatic hernia: correlation with pathology
Authors: Jani J. C. , Cordier A.‐G. , Martinovic J. , Peralta C. F. , Senat M.‐V. , Segers V. , Benachi A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the relationship between observed to expected (o/e) lung to head circumference ratio (LHR) and lung‐to‐body weight ratio (LBWR) in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).MethodsAll consecutive fetuses with CDH and termination of pregnancy for which a postmortem examination was available, examined at three institutions between 2000 and 2010, were included in the study. Contralateral fetal lung area was measured by two‐dimensional ultrasonography using the longest axis method and the o/e‐LHR was calculated based on the appropriate normal mean for gestational age (GA). Regression analysis was used to determine the significance of association between the LBWR and the o/e‐LHR for left and right‐sided cases, and subsequently the predicted LBWR in left‐sided CDH was calculated using the regression equation. Regression analysis was used to investigate the effect on the proportional difference between the predicted and observed LBWR of GA at o/e‐LHR, time gap between o/e‐LHR and LBWR measurement, proportional weight of the ipsilateral compared with total lung weight, presence of associated anomalies and intrathoracic herniation of the liver.ResultsThere were 23 fetuses with left‐sided and seven fetuses with right‐sided CDH. In left‐sided CDH, the LBWR and the o/e‐LHR correlated significantly, following the linear equation: LBWR = 0.0043 + (0.0134 × o/e‐LHR) (r = 0.52, P = 0.012), but this was not the case for right‐sided CDH, for which LBWR followed the equation: LBWR = 0.0107 − (0.0014 × o/e‐LHR) (r = 0.08, P = 0.862), where o/e‐LHR is expressed as percentage. Regression analysis showed that the proportional difference between predicted and observed LBWR in left‐sided CDH was significantly and independently associated with GA at o/e‐LHR measurement and proportional weight of ipsilateral vs. total lung weight.ConclusionIn left‐sided CDH, o/e‐LHR correlates well with LBWR irrespective of the length of time between o/e‐LHR and LBWR measurement, presence of associated anomalies and intrathoracic herniation of the liver. Inconsistencies between the two measurements are mainly attributable to the contribution of the ipsilateral lung to the total lung weight. In right‐sided CDH, o/e‐LHR does not correlate with LBWR. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gestational sac fluid volume measurements in virtual reality
Authors: Rousian M. , Koning A. H. J. , Hop W. C. , van der Spek P. J. , Exalto N. , Steegers E. A. P. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate a virtual reality (VR) application for gestational sac fluid volume (GSFV) measurements in first‐trimester pregnancies and to study the correlation between different embryonic growth parameters.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study analyzing 180 three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound scans of 42 healthy women, performed between 5 + 5 and 12 + 6 weeks' gestational age (GA). The 3D datasets were transferred to the I‐Space immersive VR system. The V‐Scope application was used to create a ‘hologram’ of the ultrasound image, allowing depth perception and interaction with the rendered objects. Volumes were measured semi‐automatically using a segmentation algorithm. In addition to the GSFV, the total gestational sac volume (GSV) and its diameter (GSD) were measured. The GSV was also calculated using the ellipsoid formula. Previously obtained measurements of embryonic volume and crown–rump length (CRL) were included in the study. The outcomes were analyzed using repeated‐measures analysis of variance.ResultsThe GSFV was measured in 78 scans, and varied from 434 to 81 491 mm3. A positive correlation between GSFV and GA, CRL and GSD was found. Comparison of the GSD formula constructed in our study in relation to GA with a formula that is commonly used clinically showed an increasing difference with increasing GA either side of 8 + 5 weeks. The GSFV/embryonic volume ratio showed a decrease with GA. The GSV calculated using the ellipsoid formula was on average 19.8% larger compared with the GSV measured in VR.ConclusionNew charts for first‐trimester GSFV were constructed using VR. These growth charts could be promising tools for studying normal and abnormal embryonic development. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structure of [K[18]crown‐6)]2[Sn2Bi2]
Authors: Lips Felicitas , Raupach Marc , Massa Werner , Dehnen Stefanie 
Published: April 2011

AbstractExtraction of an alloy of the nominal composition “KSnBi” by an [18]crown‐6 melt, and subsequent by 1,2‐diaminoethane (en) resulted in the formation of a new ternary Zintl salt [K([18]crown‐6)]2[Sn2Bi2] (1) comprising the known binary anion [Sn2Bi2]2–. Herein we report synthesis and structure of 1, along with a density functional (DFT) study of the anion. The crystal structure of 1 was solved and refined in the cubic space group F23 (no. 196). Unit cell dimensions at 100 K: a = 20.8776(15) Å, V = 9100.0(11) Å3 [R(int) = 0.0467], final R values R1 = 0.0521, [I > 2σ(I)], wR2 = 0.0915 (all data).
NaSc3[HPO3]2[HPO2(OH)]6: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Thermal Decomposition
Authors: Chen Shuang , Prots Yurii , Kniep Rüdiger , Hoffmann Stefan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNaSc3[HPO3]2[HPO2(OH)]6 was prepared by use of a phosphorus acid flux route. The crystal structure was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data: triclinic, space group P$\bar{1}$ (No. 2), a = 7.4507(11) Å, b = 9.6253(17) Å, c = 9.6141(16) Å, α = 115.798(4)°, β = 101.395(4)°, γ = 101.136(3)°, V = 577.29(16) Å3 and Z = 1. The crystal structure of NaSc3[HPO3]2[HPO2(OH)]6 contains two kinds of phosphate(III) groups: HPO32– and HPO2(OH)–. Phosphate(III)‐tetrahedra, NaO6 and ScO6 octahedra together form a (3,6)‐connected net. During heating hydrogen and water are released and Sc[PO3]3 is formed as the main crystalline decomposition product.
On large‐time energy concentration in solutions to the Navier‐Stokes equations in general domains
Authors: Skalák Z. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractLet Ω ⊆ ℝ3 be a uniformly regular domain of the class C3 or Ω = ℝ3. Let A denote the Stokes operator and {Eλ; λ > 0} be the resolution of identity of A. We show as the main result of the paper that if w is a nonzero global weak solution to the Navier‐Stokes equations in Ω satisfying the strong energy inequality, then there exists a nonnegative finite number a = a(w) such that for every ε > 0
\[lim_{t \rightarrow \infty} \frac {||(E_{a+\varepsilon}‐E_{a‐\varepsilon}) w(t)||} {||w(t)||} = 1, \]
where we put Ea‐ε = 0 if a‐ε < 0. Thus, every nonzero global weak solution satisfying the strong energy inequality exhibits large‐time energy concentration in a particular frequency. Moreover, the solutions with the exponentially decreasing energy are characterized by the positivity of a. In Appendix, we present some further results describing in detail the large‐time behavior of w.
Creeping flow past a porous approximate sphere – Stress jump boundary condition
Authors: Srinivasacharya D. , Krishna Prasad M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe problem of flow past and through a porous approximate sphere in a uniform flow at small Reynolds number is considered. It is assumed that the Stokes equation holds outside the sphere and Brinkman's law holds inside the sphere. The stream function and the pressure distribution, both for the flow inside and outside are obtained in terms of Bessel and Gegenbauer functions of the first kind. The drag force experienced by the particle is determined and its variation with respect to permeability parameter for different values of stress jump coefficient is studied numerically. The special cases of flow past a porous sphere and spheroid are obtained from the present analysis.
The Road to Reduced Port Surgery: From Single Big Incisions to Single Small Incisions, and Beyond
Authors: Curcillo Paul G. , Podolsky Erica R. , King Stephanie A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractSingle‐port surgery has seen almost as rapid an application as multiport laparoscopy during the early 1990s. Hopefully, we will learn from our predecessors to apply the dictums of safety and science as we move forward with this new technique to ensure adequate adoption and successful outcomes with limited errors and concerns along the way.
Outcome after Open Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Patients >80 Years Old: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Biancari Fausto , Mazziotti Maria Alessandra , Paone Rosalba , Laukontaus Sani , Venermo Maarit , Lepäntalo Mauri 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe role of open repair in the management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) in patients >80 years old is questioned by the perceived high operative risk of these patients. This issue has been investigated in the present meta‐analysis of observational studies.MethodsStudies on open repair of RAAA in patients >80 years old were identified in July 2010. The immediate and intermediate results were expressed as pooled proportions with 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Linear regression and meta‐regression were performed to evaluate the impact of variables on the immediate postoperative mortality.ResultsPooled analysis of 29 studies showed that the risk of immediate postoperative mortality in patients >80 years old was significantly higher than in younger patients (risk ratio 1.440, 95%CI 1.365–1.519, I2 36.8%, P = 0.002; risk difference 19.4%, 95% CI 16.4–22.4%, I2 38.8%, P = 0.019). Pooled analysis of 36 studies showed an immediate postoperative mortality rate of 59.2% (95% CI 55.7–62.5, I2 35.62). Immediate postoperative mortality in patients <80 years old positively correlated with that of patients >80 years old (rho: 0.686, P < 0.0001). Intermediate survival data of 111 operative survivors were available from six studies, and their pooled survival rates at 1‐, 2‐, and 3‐year were 82.4, 75.6, and 68.7%, respectively.ConclusionsImmediate and intermediate survival rates of patients >80 years old after open repair of RAAA are acceptable. These findings suggest a more confident approach toward emergency repair of RAAA in the very elderly.
A Collaborative Transdisciplinary “Geriatric Surgery Service” Ensures Consistent Successful Outcomes in Elderly Colorectal Surgery Patients
Authors: Tan Kok‐Yang , Tan Phyllis , Tan Lawrence 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundWe hypothesized that a dedicated collaborative transdisciplinary Geriatric Surgery Service (GSS) will improve care for elderly colorectal surgery patients.MethodsPatients older than 75 years of age who underwent major colorectal surgery were included in this study. The Geriatric Surgery Service employed a transdisciplinary, collaborative model of care. There were frequent quality reviews and a patient‐centered culture was ensured. Treatment protocols and checklists were instituted. Perioperative outcome data were collected prospectively between 2007 and 2009. These data were compared to those from similar patients not managed by the service. Success and failure of surgical treatment of the two groups were analyzed using CUSUM methodology. Failure was defined as mortality, prolonged hospital stay for any reason, including morbidity, and failure to regain preoperative function by 6 weeks.ResultsTwenty‐nine patients managed by the GSS were compared to 52 patients who underwent standard treatment. The median age of the patients managed by the GSS was higher but there was no difference in the ASA score and predicted morbidity scores based on the POSSUM model. The GSS achieved lower mortality and major complication rates. A large majority (84.6%) of the patients managed by the GSS returned to preoperative functional status by 6 weeks. The GSS was able to produce a trend of successively desired outcomes consistently leading to the CUSUM curve exhibiting a sustained downward slope. This was in contrast to patients not managed by the GSS.ConclusionThe Geriatric Surgery Service, through its transdisciplinary, collaborative care processes, was able to achieve sustained superior outcomes compared to standard management.
Minilaparoscopic Varicocelectomy with Preservation of Testicular Artery and Lymphatic Vessels by Using Intracorporeal Knot‐tying Technique: Five‐year Experience
Authors: Chung Shiu‐Dong , Wu Chia‐Chang , Lin Victor Chia‐Hsiang , Ho Chen‐Hsun , Yang Stephen Shei Dei , Tsai Yao‐Chou 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundIn this study we present our experience using minilaparoscopic intracorporeal knot tying to ligate internal spermatic veins (ISV) while sparing the spermatic artery and lymphatics.MethodsMinilaparoscopic varicocelectomies were performed in 87 patients between January 2004 and January 2009. All varicoceles were detected clinically according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification and confirmed by scrotal color Doppler ultrasonography. The surgical indications were scrotal symptoms in 71, infertility in 16, and both conditions in 2. Three 3.5 mm minilaparoscopic ports were used for the operation. The ISVs were dissected and then ligated with intracorporeal knot‐tying. The testicular artery and lymphatic vessels were carefully preserved to minimize procedure‐related complications.ResultsUnilateral laparoscopic varicocelectomy was performed in 21 (24.2%) patients and bilateral in 66 (75.8%). Mean operative time was 71.1 ± 29.2 and 46.8 ± 12.6 min for bilateral and unilateral varicocelectomies, respectively. All patients were discharged within 24 h after surgery. Neither immediate major nor late procedure‐related complications were noted. Of the 71 patients with scrotal symptoms, the symptoms completely subsided in 55 (77.5%) and partially subsided in 10 (14.1%). Only one (1.2%) recurrent varicocele was detected within a mean follow‐up of 21 months (range = 3–42). Neither hydrocele formation nor testicular atrophy was found during the follow‐up period.ConclusionOur 5‐year experience revealed that minilaparoscopic varicocelectomy with sparing of artery and lymphatic vessels could safely and effectively ligate all spermatic veins and preserve spermatic arteries and lymphatic channels without leading to a high varicocele persistence or recurrence.
Transition to Parenthood: The Role of Social Interaction and Endogenous Networks
Authors: Diaz Belinda Aparicio , Fent Thomas , Prskawetz Alexia , Bernardi Laura 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Empirical studies indicate that the transition to parenthood is influenced by an individual’s peer group. To study the mechanisms creating interdependencies across individuals’ transition to parenthood and its timing, we apply an agent-based simulation model. We build a one-sex model and provide agents with three different characteristics: age, intended education, and parity. Agents endogenously form their network based on social closeness. Network members may then influence the agents’ transition to higher parity levels. Our numerical simulations indicate that accounting for social interactions can explain the shift of first-birth probabilities in Austria during the period 1984 to 2004. Moreover, we apply our model to forecast age-specific fertility rates up to 2016.
‘Watching the watcher’: an evaluation of local election observers in Tanzania
Authors: Makulilo Alexander Boniface 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe unfolding of the Third Wave of democracy cast a mounting weight on election observation in transition countries, partly due to the inability of regimes in power to conduct free and fair elections. However, observation is not always neutral. Sometimes observers distance themselves from the data they collect, leading to controversial certification of elections. In this case stakeholders may view them as partial, hence downsizing their credibility and trust. Yet observers' reports have rarely been reviewed. This article evaluates three reports by the leading election observer in Tanzania, the Tanzania Election Monitoring Committee (TEMCO) for the 1995, 2000 and 2005 general elections. It notes that despite the prevalence of the same factors that TEMCO considered as irregularities in the 1995 and 2000 general elections when it certified those elections as ‘free but not fair’, it issued a ‘clean, free and fair’ verdict on the 2005 general elections. This conclusion, at variance from the data, reveals problems in assuring observer neutrality.