bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Health technology assessment in the Philippines
Authors: De Rosas-Valera Madeleine 
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to discuss the development of health technology assessment (HTA) in the Philippines.Methods: A new national health insurance program began to be implemented in the Philippines in 1995 after passage of the Health Insurance Act.Results: The program is known as the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). HTA was introduced to the Philippines in 1998. PhilHealth began to develop an HTA program subsequently.Conclusions: As a developing country struggling to provide comprehensive health care to all citizens, PhilHealth sees HTA as an essential part of assuring that only effective and cost-effective care is provided for the public sector.
The development of health technology assessment in Brazil
Authors: Banta David , Almeida Rosimary T. 
Published: June 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the developing health technology assessment (HTA) activities in Brazil, both historically and in the present day.Methods: This report is a descriptive analysis based on personal experiences of the authors and on selected literature.Results: Interest in HTA in Brazil began in the mid-1980s. Several seminars and consultations were held, often with invited foreign participants. A cadre of people with knowledge and expertise in HTA was gradually developed. In 2003, several policies were developed by the federal government of Brazil to encourage HTA and base clinical, management, and policy decisions on HTA. During the past 5 years, institutional development has been rapid in government, private companies (mainly prepaid health plans), academia, and research institutes. Further policy changes are needed to maximize the impact of these developments. Nevertheless, although the growing network of HTA programs will have a considerable impact on Brazilian health care, further institutional development could stimulate this change.Conclusions: It would be desirable if the Federal Ministry of Health of Brazil were to proceed to develop a national agency for HTA.
Episodic outbreaks bias estimates of age-specific force of infection: a corrected method using measles as an example
Authors: FERRARI M. J. , DJIBO A. , GRAIS R. F. , GRENFELL B. T. , BJØRNSTAD O. N. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYUnderstanding age-specific differences in infection rates can be important in predicting the magnitude of and mortality in outbreaks and targeting age groups for vaccination programmes. Standard methods to estimate age-specific rates assume that the age-specific force of infection is constant in time. However, this assumption may easily be violated in the face of a highly variable outbreak history, as recently observed for acute immunizing infections like measles, in strongly seasonal settings. Here we investigate the biases that result from ignoring such fluctuations in incidence and present a correction based on the epidemic history. We apply the method to data from a measles outbreak in Niamey, Niger and show that, despite a bimodal age distribution of cases, the estimated age-specific force of infection is unimodal and concentrated in young children (<5 years) consistent with previous analyses of age-specific rates in the region.
Relationship of cholera incidence to El Niño and solar activity elucidated by time-series analysis
Authors: OHTOMO K. , KOBAYASHI N. , SUMI A. , OHTOMO N. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYUsing time-series analysis, we investigated the monthly cholera incidence in Dhaka, Bangladesh during an 18-year period for its relationship to the sea surface temperature (SST) linked to El Niño, and to the sunspot number. Dominant periodic modes identified for cholera incidence were 11·0, 4·8, 3·5, 2·9, 1·6, 1·0 and 0·5 years. The majority of these modes, e.g. the 11·0-, 4·8-, 3·5-, 1·6- and 1·0-year modes, were essentially consistent with those obtained for the SST data (dominant modes: 5·1, 3·7, 2·5, 2·1, 1·5, 1·0 years) and the sunspot number data (dominant modes: 22·1, 11·1, 7·3, 4·8, 3·1 years). We confirmed that the variations of cholera incidence were synchronous with SSTs, and were inversely correlated to the sunspot numbers. These results suggest that the cholera incidence in Bangladesh may have been influenced by the occurrence of El Niño and also by the periodic change of solar activity.
Assessing the risk from emerging infections
Authors: MORGAN D. , KIRKBRIDE H. , HEWITT K. , SAID B. , WALSH A. L. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYEmerging infections pose a constant threat to society and can require a substantial response, thus systems to assess the threat level and inform prioritization of resources are essential. A systematic approach to assessing the risk from emerging infections to public health in the UK has been developed. This qualitative assessment of risk is performed using algorithms to consider the probability of an infection entering the UK population, and its potential impact, and to identify knowledge gaps. The risk assessments are carried out by a multidisciplinary, cross-governmental group of experts working in human and animal health. This approach has been piloted on a range of infectious threats identified by horizon scanning activities. A formal risk assessment of this nature should be considered for any new or emerging infection in humans or animals, unless there is good evidence that the infection is neither a recognized human disease nor a potential zoonosis.
Serotype and antibiotic resistance of isolates from patients with invasive pneumococcal disease in Japan
Authors: CHIBA N. , MOROZUMI M. , SUNAOSHI K. , TAKAHASHI S. , TAKANO M. , KOMORI T. , SUNAKAWA K. , UBUKATA K. 
Published: June 2009

SUMMARYInvasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) is of concern in Japan, where the heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) is unavailable. We determined serotypes, genotypes indicating β-lactam resistance, and antibiotic susceptibilities of 496 isolates from normally sterile sites in patients (193 children, 303 adults) from 186 institutions between August 2006 and July 2007. Disease presentations included sepsis (46·2%), pneumonia (31·5%), and meningitis (17·5%). Mortality was 1·4% in children and 22·1% in adults, many of whom had underlying diseases. In children, serotype 6B (22·5%) was followed by 19F (14·1%), and 14 (13·1%); potential coverages of PCV7 and PCV13 were 75·4% and 93·7%, respectively. In adults, serotype 12F (14·3%) was followed by 3 (11·3%), and 6B (10·3%); 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) coverage was 85·4%. Most serotype 12F strains were gPISP, withpbp2bgene alteration; carbapenem had an excellent MIC90.PCV7 is recommended for children and PPV23 for adults to increase prevention against IPD.
Common signatures for gene expression in postnatal patients with patent arterial ducts and stented arteries
Authors: Mueller Peter P. , Drynda Andreas , Goltz Diane , Hoehn René , Hauser Hansjörg , Peuster Matthias 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe detailed molecular processes associated with postnatal remodelling of blood vessels are presently not understood. To characterize the response of the patients undergoing stenting of the patent arterial duct, we harvested samples of vascular tissue during surgical repair. Histological analysis of explanted ducts confirmed the patency of the ducts immediately after birth. As expected, a previously unstented duct that was examined 7 months after birth had become closed and ligamentous. Whole genome expression profiling of these samples showed that a large fraction, over 10%, of the gene sequences examined were expressed differentially between the samples taken from patients with open as opposed to the ligamentous duct. Interestingly, in 2 patients in whom closure was prevented by insertion of stents, one showed an expression profile that was similar to that of the patient initially having an unstented open duct, whereas the other was more closely related to the profile of the patient with a duct that had become ligamentous. Moreover, in 2 specimens obtained from patients with stented pulmonary arteries, a large fraction of the genes that were differentially expressed were identical to the pattern seen in the samples from the patients with open ducts. The gene regulation appeared to be independent of the nature of the respective malformations, and the site of implantation of the stents. These findings suggest that a set of differentially expressed genes are indicative for a transcriptional programme in neonatal remodelling of the arterial duct, which may also take place in patients in whom ductal closure is prevented by stents, or in those with stented pulmonary arteries. The differentially expressed genes included a significant number of extracellular matrix synthetic genes, and could therefore be predictive for vascular remodelling and neointimal formation.
Theory and experimental validation of a Class E PA above theoretical maximum frequency
Authors: Cipriani Elisa , Colantonio Paolo , Giannini Franco , Giofré Rocco 
Published: June 2009

This paper reports an investigation and a proposed solution to design Class E power amplifiers above the theoretical maximum frequency allowed by the adopted active device. Starting from the traditional time domain analysis, a numerical algorithm has been developed and presented in order to extend Class E feasibility through the optimization of the output voltage waveform. A hybrid Class E amplifier in laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) technology has been designed and measured. The final amplifier shows an output power of more than 10 W with an associated efficiency of 49% (power added efficiency (PAE) = 45%) over a 100-MHz bandwidth around 2.14 GHz.
Design considerations for the hot embossing of microstrip antennas on plastic foils
Authors: Kilian Andreas , Fuchs Michael , Schmidt Lorenz-Peter 
Published: June 2009

In this contribution, fundamental design considerations for a novel metallization technique to realize millimeter-wave microstrip structures are presented. This hot embossing technology is a fast and economic process originating from the production of three-dimensional molded interconnect devices. Conductive structures are coated onto plastic parts or plastic foils using a heated stamp. This approach shows high potential and therefore will be investigated for the fabrication of low-cost printed antennas at millimeter-wave frequencies. The focus of this contribution is on design guidelines considering process parameters and interactions with substrate and copper foil characteristics derived from the fabrication and measurement of single microstrip patch antenna prototypes for radar applications in the industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) band at 24 GHz. Far-reaching potential lies in the utilization of the three-dimensional manufacturing technology for the construction of conformal integrated antenna systems based on the thermoforming capabilities of polymer substrates.
Design and evaluation of 20-GHz power amplifiers in 130-nm CMOS
Authors: Ferndahl Mattias , Johansson Ted , Zirath Herbert 
Published: June 2009

The use of 130-nm CMOS for power amplifiers at 20 GHz is explored through a set of power amplifiers as well as transistor level measurements. The power amplifiers explore single versus cascode configuration, smaller versus larger transistor sizes, and the combination of two amplifiers using power splitters/combiners. A maximum output power of 63 mW at 20 GHz was achieved. Transistor-level characterization using load pull measurements on 1-mm gate width transistors yielded 148-mW/mm output power. Transistor modeling and layout for power amplifiers are also discussed. An estimate on the maximum achievable output at 20 GHz from 130-nm CMOS power amplifiers, based on findings in this paper and the literature, is finally presented.
The equal application of the laws of war: a principle under pressure
Authors: Roberts Adam 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe ‘equal application’ principle is that in international armed conflicts, the laws of war apply equally to all who are entitled to participate directly in hostilities, irrespective of the justice of their causes. The principle, which depends on maintaining separation betweenjus ad bellumandjus in bello, faces serious challenges in contemporary armed conflicts and discourses. Some variations of the principle may be inevitable. However, it has a firm basis in treaties and in historical experience. It is the strongest practical basis that exists, or is likely to exist, for maintaining certain elements of moderation in war. The rival proposition – that the rights and obligations of combatants under the laws of war should apply in a fundamentally unequal manner, depending on which side is deemed to be the more justified – is unsound in conception, impossible to implement effectively and dangerous in its effects.
Understanding How Students Learn: Preparing Students to Become Professionals
Authors: Stevens Lizbeth Curme 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
The intent of this article is to share my research endeavors in order to raise awareness of issues relative to what and how we teach as a means to spark interest in applying the scholarship of teaching and learning to what we do as faculty in communication sciences and disorders (CSD). My own interest in teaching and learning emerged rather abruptly after I introduced academic service-learning (AS-L) into one of my graduate courses (Stevens, 2002). To better prepare students to enter our profession, I have provided them with unique learning opportunities working with various community partners including both speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and teachers who supported persons with severe communication disorders.
Evaluation of Evidence in Evidence-Based Practice and How Library Science Can Help
Authors: Epstein Laura , Nazario Athena , Yu Betty 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
In this article, we describe how collaboration with our university librarian at San Francisco State University led to the integration of information literacy competency standards within our curriculum, as outlined by the American Library Association (ALA). The ALA standards are related to the evaluation of evidence, a key component of evidence-based practice and these were infused across four courses in the communicative disorders program focused on language development and disorders. In particular, ALA Standard 3 stipulates that the student who is information literate evaluates information and its sources critically and incorporates selected information into his or her knowledge base and value system. The integration of Standard 3 within language disorders courses is described in detail. We anticipate that the infusion of information literacy skills related to the evaluation of evidence during academic training will make such skills an integral part of the clinical process for future clinicians.
Reaching Millennials Through Innovations in Teaching
Authors: Shaughnessy Paige 
Published: June 2009

AbstractOn any given day, on college and university campuses across the United States, four generations bump up against each other. Some are shocked and outraged by the attitudes and demands of the newest generation; others are dazed, stunned, and even offended by the conventions and expectations of an earlier generation. Three generations of college professors are facing perceived irrelevance by the newest generation to hit the scene. This article addresses generational differences between today’s students and those who teach them. Research and recommended practice to build on the strengths and learning needs for students and future professionals in communication sciences and disorders are discussed.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Silver-Coated Endotracheal Tube to Reduce the Incidence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia
Authors: Shorr Andrew F. , Zilberberg Marya D. , Kollef Marin 
Published: June 2009

Objective.To conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis of the economic outcomes of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention associated with silver-coated endotracheal tubes versus uncoated endotracheal tubes.Design.We used a simple decision model based on a hypothetical 1,000-patient cohort intubated with silver-coated or uncoated endotracheal tubes. The primary end point was marginal hospital savings per case of VAP prevented (savings from using silver-coated endotracheal tubes minus acquisition cost divided by number of VAP cases prevented).Methods.We followed each branch of the decision model to VAP or no VAP and conducted Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analyses. Inputs for VAP incidence, relative risk reduction, and hospital costs were derived from publicly available sources. Relative risk reduction was derived from the pivotal study of the silver-coated endotracheal tube.Results.In the base-case analysis, we reduced the pivotal study relative risk in incidence of microbiologically confirmed VAP in patients intubated ≥24 hours from 35.9% to 24%. Thus, 23 of 97 expected cases of VAP could be prevented with silver-coated endotracheal tubes. The savings per case of VAP prevented was $12,840 in the base case, with assumed marginal VAP cost of $16,620 and costs of $90.00 for coated and $2.00 for uncoated endotracheal tubes. Estimates were most sensitive to assumptions regarding VAP cost and relative risk reduction with silver-coated endotracheal tubes. Nonetheless, in multivariate sensitivity analyses, the silver-coated endotracheal tubes yielded persistent savings (95% confidence interval, $9,630-$16,356) per case of VAP prevented. With other base-case inputs held constant, breakeven cost for silver-coated endotracheal tubes was $388.Conclusions.The silver-coated endotracheal tube represents a strategy for preventing VAP that may yield hospital savings.
Thermal Decomposition of Corn Starch with Different Amylose/Amylopectin Ratios in Open and Sealed Systems
Authors: Liu Xingxun , Yu Long , Liu Hongsheng , Chen Ling , Li Lin 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACTThermal decomposition of corn starches with different amylose to amylopectin ratios (0:100 waxy, 23:77 maize, 50:50 Gelose 50, 80:20 Gelose 80) were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in an open system and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in a sealed system using stainless steel high‐pressure pans with varying water content (9–75%). The initial water content did not affect the decomposition temperature in the open system because all water evaporated from samples before reaching the decomposition temperature. The sequence of decomposition temperature of different starches is waxy > maize > G50 > G80 in an open system. The moisture content in starch remains constant during the degradation process in a sealed system. Two decomposition temperatures were observed in the sealed system: the first at lower temperature represents long chain scission and the second at higher temperature involves decomposition of the glucose ring. The sequence of the first degradation is waxy > maize > G50 > G80. There is no observable difference of the second degradation for the samples containing different amylose to amylopectin ratios. The higher the moisture content, the lower the second decomposition temperature. Decomposition of glucose was used to confirm the mechanisms proposed for the starch degradation.
Parabolic category O, perverse sheaves on Grassmannians, Springer fibres and Khovanov homology
Authors: Stroppel Catharina 
Published: June 2009

AbstractFor a fixed parabolic subalgebra 𝔭 of $\mathfrak {gl}(n,\mathbb {C})$ we prove that the centre of the principal block 𝒪0𝔭 of the parabolic category 𝒪 is naturally isomorphic to the cohomology ring H*(ℬ𝔭) of the corresponding Springer fibre. We give a diagrammatic description of 𝒪0𝔭 for maximal parabolic 𝔭 and give an explicit isomorphism to Braden’s description of the category PervB(G(k,n)) of Schubert-constructible perverse sheaves on Grassmannians. As a consequence Khovanov’s algebra ℋn is realised as the endomorphism ring of some object from PervB(G(n,n)) which corresponds under localisation and the Riemann–Hilbert correspondence to a full projective–injective module in the corresponding category 𝒪0𝔭. From there one can deduce that Khovanov’s tangle invariants are obtained from the more general functorial invariants in [C. Stroppel, Categorification of the Temperley Lieb category, tangles, and cobordisms via projective functors, Duke Math. J. 126(3) (2005), 547–596] by restriction.
Trisomy 7 and 17 mark papillary renal cell tumours irrespectively of variation of the phenotype
Authors: Balint I , Szponar A , Jauch A , Kovacs G 
Published: June 2009

Background:Papillary renal cell tumours (RCTs) have been described as a genetic entity. Recently, papillary RCTs have been divided into small (type 1) and large (type 2) cell tumours. Subsequent DNA analyses have resulted in controversial data regarding putative genetic changes marking type 1 and type 2 tumours.Aim:The aim of this study was to improve the original description that papillary RCT is a genetic entity regardless of the phenotypic variation.Methods:DNA from 163 papillary RCTs, including 82 multiplex tumours from eight hereditary cases, was analysed for copy number changes by chromosomal comparative genomic hybridisation (CGH) and/or for allelic changes at chromosomes 7 and 17 by microsatellite analysis. The results of the genetic analysis were compared with the cytological characteristics of the tumours.Results:The results showed alterations of chromosomes 7 and 17 at similar frequencies in papillary RCTs with characteristics ranging from small to large cell, nuclear grade 1 to 3, and 3 mm to 16 cm diameter.Conclusion:Trisomies of chromosomes 7 and 17 are specific genetic alterations in papillary RCTs irrespective of their size, grade and cellular differentiation.
Measured deformations and calculated stresses of high-density polyethylene pipes under very deep burial
Authors: Krushelnitzky R. P. , Brachman R. W.I. 
Published: June 2009

The physical response of 100 mm diameter high-density polyethylene, plane-wall pipes is examined when subjected to vertical pressures as large as 3000 kPa. These pressures greatly exceed typical pressures for conventional sewer and culvert applications, but may be encountered in special applications, such as very deep tailing dams, heap-leach mining pads, and landfills. Results are presented for two different thicknesses of pipe with a diameter to thickness ratio, DR, equal to 11 and 26. Four different backfill materials are investigated, including poorly graded sand, well-graded gravel, and two poorly graded gravels. The pipes were observed to deform into essentially stable elliptical shapes with no evidence of buckling. Maximum deflections of the DR 11 pipes ranged from 10% of the initial pipe diameter at 3000 kPa for compacted poorly graded sand backfill to 20% at 2400 kPa for uncompacted angular poorly graded gravel backfill. Results from numerical analyses are also presented to provide insights into the soil and pipe response at very large pressures. Geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis featuring a viscoplastic pipe model and linear elastic–plastic model for the backfill was able to capture the measured deflections. Pipe stresses calculated from the analyses showed tensile stresses below the allowable long-term limits, but there was short-term compressive yield.