bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved initial value estimation for short echo time magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectral analysis using short T2 signal attenuation
Authors: Steinberg Jeffrey , Soher Brian J. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractRobust spectral analysis of magnetic resonance spectroscopy data frequently uses a spectral model with prior metabolite signal information within a nonlinear least squares optimization algorithm. Starting values for the spectral model greatly influence the final results. Short echo time magnetic resonance spectroscopy contains broad signals that overlap with metabolite signals, complicating the estimation of starting values. We describe a method for more robust initial value estimation using a filter to attenuate short T2 signal contributions (e.g., macromolecules or residual lipids). The method attenuates signals by truncating early points in the data set. Metabolite peak estimation is simplified by the removal of broad, short T2 signals, and corrections for metabolite signal truncation are described. Short echo time simulated Monte Carlo data and in vivo data were used to validate the method. Areas for metabolite signals in the Monte Carlo data with singlet (N‐acetylaspartate, creatine, choline) and singlet‐like (myo‐inositol) resonances were estimated within 10% of actual value for various metabolite line widths, signal‐to‐noise ratios, and underlying broad signal contributions. Initial value estimates of in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy data were within 14% of metabolite area ratios relative to the creatine peak fitted using established magnetic resonance spectroscopy spectral analysis software. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamics of unsaturated poroelastic solids at finite strain
Authors: Uzuoka Ryosuke , Borja Ronaldo I. 
Published: August 2011

SUMMARYWe derive the governing equations for the dynamic response of unsaturated poroelastic solids at finite strain. We obtain simplified governing equations from the complete coupled formulation by neglecting the material time derivative of the relative velocities and the advection terms of the pore fluids relative to the solid skeleton, leading to a so‐called us − pw − pa formulation. We impose the weak forms of the momentum and mass balance equations at the current configuration and implement the framework numerically using a mixed finite element formulation. We verify the proposed method through comparison with analytical solutions and experiments of quasi‐static processes. We use a neo‐Hookean hyperelastic constitutive model for the solid matrix and demonstrate, through numerical examples, the impact of large deformation on the dynamic response of unsaturated poroelastic solids under a variety of loading conditions. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Service Dogs and People with Physical Disabilities Partnerships: A Systematic Review
Authors: Winkle Melissa , Crowe Terry K. , Hendrix Ingrid 
Published: August 2011

AbstractOccupational therapists have recognized the benefits that service dogs can provide people with disabilities. There are many anecdotal publications extolling the benefits of working with service dogs, but few rigorous studies exist to provide the evidence of the usefulness of this type of assistive technology option. This systematic review evaluates the published research that supports the use of service dogs for people with mobility‐related physical disabilities.Articles were identified by computerized search of PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, OT Seeker, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, SportDiscus, Education Research Complete, Public Administration Abstracts, Web of Knowledge and Academic Search Premier databases with no date range specified. The keywords used in the search included disabled persons, assistance dogs or service dogs and mobility impairments. The reference lists of the research papers were checked as was the personal citation database of the lead author. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria and whereas the findings are promising, they are inconclusive and limited because of the level of evidence, which included one Level I, six Level III, four Level IV and one Level V. All of the studies reviewed had research design quality concerns including small participant sizes, poor descriptions of the interventions, outcome measures with minimal psychometrics and lack of power calculations. Findings indicated three major themes including social/participation, functional and psychological outcomes; all of which are areas in the occupational therapy scope of practice. Occupational therapists may play a critical role in referral, assessment, assisting clients and consulting with training organizations before, during and after the service dog placement process. In order for health care professionals to have confidence in recommending this type of assistive technology, the evidence to support such decisions must be strengthened. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pitfalls in meta‐analyses on adverse events reported from clinical trials
Authors: Huang Han‐Yao , Andrews Elizabeth , Jones Judith , Skovron Mary Lou , Tilson Hugh 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTIn recent years, comparative effectiveness research has been more aggressively pursued as a means to improve health care, including systematic reviews and meta‐analyses to inform health policy decision making. Because most clinical trials have pre‐specified approaches to collecting data on efficacy, the value of systematic reviews and meta‐analyses in assessing efficacy outcomes is generally accepted. In contrast, collection of data on adverse events is seldom well structured. Hence, the methodological considerations for comparing adverse events from such non‐aligned sources differ substantially from those for comparing efficacy endpoints.We address several important pitfalls in performing systematic reviews and meta‐analyses on adverse events in clinical trials, and we offer recommendations for remedies. Some pitfalls arise from the fact that adverse events often are not the primary endpoints in clinical trials, hence incomplete reporting, inconsistent event definitions, various level of effort in reporting unexpected adverse events, and inappropriate use of statistical testing. Others are posed by certain important characteristics of adverse events data. The very concept of “adverse events” may skew the ascertainment, attribution, and reporting of the events. In addition, problems for meta‐analysis methods arise in situations involving zero or rare events and withdrawal or loss to follow‐up because of adverse events. We highlight recent initiatives that may improve the assessment and cross‐study summary of adverse events. We anticipate that future guidance for conducting systematic reviews and meta‐analyses will evolve to address the important methodological pitfalls we highlight here, and the practice of assessing the totality of evidence on drug safety will be improved. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An alternative method for spectral response measurements of large‐area thin‐film photovoltaic modules
Authors: Pravettoni Mauro , Komlan Anika , Galleano Roberto , Müllejans Harald , Dunlop Ewan D. 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTA new method for the spectral response measurement of large‐area single and multi‐junction thin‐film photovoltaic modules is presented, making use of a chopped monochromatic beam produced from a continuous source with band pass filters and lock‐in technique. The beam is projected onto part of the test module and superimposed over continuous bias light of variable colour. The procedure for the determination of the absolute spectral response is presented, and the influence of the intrinsic non‐uniformity of the monochromatic beam is investigated. The results obtained are compared with those from two other methods of spectral response measurement, providing a validation of the proposed experimental setup. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coherent transmission in multiterminal molecular conductors
Authors: Malysheva Lyuba , Onipko Alexander 
Published: August 2011

AbstractWe consider coherent transport in an arbitrary molecular complex functioning as ${\cal N}$‐terminal conductor. The matrices that enter Datta's trace formula for the transmission function T(E) are represented in terms of free‐molecule Green's function matrix elements referring exclusively to molecular atoms perturbed by the lead–molecule interaction. Explicit expressions of transmission function are obtained for a commonly used model of multiterminal molecular devices, where the molecule is coupled with each lead via a single bond. In the particular cases of connection of molecular wires via a single atom and a benzene ring, this gives the analytical expressions of T(E). Physical implications of the derived formulas are briefly discussed.
Bibliometric analysis of fifty years of physica status solidi
Authors: Marx Werner , Hoffmann Dieter 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBibliometric methods are used to analyze quantitatively the journal physica status solidi (pss) 50 years after its inception. First, the coverage of the journal by the relevant citation indices accessible under the Web of Science (WoS) and the field‐specific INSPEC database is examined. The number of papers published per year by the journal as a whole and by the specific pss series is given. The time evolution of the pss output in terms of papers per year is compared with the output evolution of some major competing journals in the field of condensed‐matter physics. The top‐12 most frequently cited pss papers published within the complete time period 1961–2010 and within the two separate time periods 1974–1989 and 1990–2010 (before and after the German reunification) are listed. The citation time curves (citation history) of the three most frequently cited pss papers are presented. Furthermore, the Journal Impact Factors (JIFs) of the pss journal series (a) and (b) are discussed and their time evolution is shown. Moreover, the distribution of the pss papers over their document types and the authors is given. The countries of authors are ranked for the complete time period 1961–2010 as well as for the time periods 1973–1989 and 1990–2010. The complete ensemble of the citing papers of the pss papers is analyzed and discussed. The journals citing most often the pss papers published in the year 2000 are listed. Finally, the distribution of the pss papers over the various subject areas and classification terms based on the INSPEC database is tabled.
The Tensile Response and Fracture Behavior of Four High Strength Specialty Steels
Authors: Srivatsan T. S. , Manigandan K. , Quick Thomas 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIn this technical paper the role of alloy chemistry and secondary processing on tensile response and final fracture behavior of four high strength steels is presented and discussed. The conjoint influence of composition, secondary processing and intrinsic microstructural features in governing stress versus strain response and tensile properties is highlighted. The macroscopic mode and intrinsic microscopic features that result from final fracture of the four high strength steels is discussed. The intrinsic microscopic mechanisms governing tensile deformation and final fracture behavior of the high strength steels are outlined in light of the specific role played by composition, intrinsic microstructural effects and nature of loading.
Inclusion Characterization of Titanium Stabilized Ultra Low Carbon Steels: Impact of Oxygen Activity before Deoxidation
Authors: Lyons C. , Kaushik P. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractAt an ArcelorMittal steel‐producing plant, heats deoxidized with initial oxygen activity greater or equal to 750 ppm were automatically downgraded. After analyzing liquid steel samples using automated SEM and remelt button techniques, it was concluded that higher oxygen levels before killing do not necessarily correlate to an increase in inclusion content of the heats. Results from both automated scanning electron microscope (SEM) and remelt button technique showed that the frequency of inclusions decreases with increasing inclusion size regardless of oxygen levels. The cleanliness of the heats with temperature correction following deoxidation at the RH degasser was also determined. It was observed that the number density of inclusions significantly increased in the ladle samples and more than doubled in the tundish samples for the heats with late temperature correction at the degasser and, therefore, this practice should be controlled.
Gestational sac and embryonic growth are not useful as criteria to define miscarriage: a multicenter observational study
Authors: Abdallah Y. , Daemen A. , Guha S. , Syed S. , Naji O. , Pexsters A. , Kirk E. , Stalder C. , Gould D. , Ahmed S. , Bottomley C. , Timmerman D. , Bourne T. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractObjectivesWe studied changes in mean gestational sac diameter (MSD) and embryonic crown–rump length (CRL) in intrauterine pregnancies of uncertain viability (IPUVs). We aimed to establish cut‐off values for MSD and CRL growth that could be definitively associated with either viability or miscarriage, and to establish the relationship between growth in MSD and appearance of embryonic structures in the gestational sac.MethodsOne thousand and sixty consecutive IPUVs were recruited prospectively from four London University hospitals: 462 with no yolk sac or embryo, 419 with a yolk sac but no embryo, and 179 with an embryo but no heartbeat visible. IPUV was defined as an empty gestational sac with or without a yolk sac but no embryo seen with MSD < 20 or < 30 mm (depending on center) or an embryo with no heartbeat and CRL < 6 mm or < 8 mm (depending on center). Scans were repeated 7–14 days later. The endpoint was viability at first‐trimester screening ultrasonography between 11 and 14 weeks. Change in MSD and CRL between the first and second scans of each pregnancy was compared with respect to viability and appearance of embryonic structures using the two‐sample t‐test.ResultsThe study included 359 pregnancies in which a gestational sac with or without embryo was identified at the follow‐up scan 7–14 days later. Of these, 192 were viable and 167 non‐viable at the 11–14‐week scan. MSD growth was significantly higher in viable than non‐viable pregnancies (mean 1.003 vs. 0.503 mm/day; P < 0.001, 95% CI of difference 0.403–0.596). A difference in CRL growth was found between the two groups (mean 0.673 vs. 0.148 mm/day; P < 0.001, 95% CI of difference 0.345–0.703). MSD growth of 0.6 mm/day was associated with a specificity for diagnosing miscarriage of 90.1%, a sensitivity of 61.7% and 19 false‐positive test results. A cut‐off of CRL growth rate of 0.2 mm/day gave a sensitivity of 76.3% and there were no false‐positive test results for miscarriage. On repeat scan the failure of either a yolk sac or embryo to be visualized was always associated with miscarriage.ConclusionThere is an overlap in MSD growth rates between viable and non‐viable IPUV. No cut‐off exists for MSD growth below which a viable pregnancy could be safely excluded. A cut‐off value for CRL growth of 0.2 mm/day was always associated with miscarriage. These data suggest that criteria to diagnose miscarriage based on growth in MSD and CRL are potentially unsafe. However, finding an empty gestational sac on two scans more than 7 days apart is highly likely to indicate miscarriage, irrespective of growth. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Standardized approach for imaging and measuring Cesarean section scars using ultrasonography
Authors: Naji O. , Abdallah Y. , Bij De Vaate A. J. , Smith A. , Pexsters A. , Stalder C. , McIndoe A. , Ghaem‐Maghami S. , Lees C. , Brölmann H. A. M. , Huirne J. A. F. , Timmerman D. , Bourne T. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIncomplete healing of the scar is a recognized sequel of Cesarean section (CS) and may be associated with complications in later pregnancies. These complications can include scar pregnancy, a morbidly adherent placenta, scar dehiscence or rupture. To date there is uncertainty relating to the factors that lead to poor scar healing and how to recognize it. In recent years, there has been an increase in studies using ultrasound that describe scars as deficient, or poorly, incompletely or inadequately healed with few data to associate the morphology of the scar with the functional integrity of the lower segment of the uterus. There have been multiple attempts to describe CS scars using ultrasonography. Different terminology, methods and results have been reported, yet there is still no consensus regarding the prevalence, clinical significance or most appropriate method to describe the appearances of these scars. Developing a test that can predict the likelihood of women having problems associated with a CS scar is becoming increasingly important. On the other hand, understanding whether the ultrasound appearances of the scar can tell us anything about its integrity is not well supported by the research evidence. In this article we present an overview of ultrasound‐based definitions and methods used to describe CS scars. We also present information relating to the performance of alternative techniques used to evaluate CS scars. Having examined the current evidence we suggest a standardized approach to describe CS scars using ultrasound so that future studies can be meaningfully compared. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adaptive dual‐radio spectrum‐sensing scheme in cognitive radio networks
Authors: Wang Weiwei , Cai Jun , Alfa Attahiru S. , Soong Anthony C.K. , Li Simin 
Published: August 2011

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a novel spectrum‐sensing scheme, called adaptive dual‐radio spectrum‐sensing scheme (ADRSS), is proposed for cognitive radio networks. In ADRSS, each secondary user (SU) is equipped with a dual radio. During the data transmission, with the received signal‐to‐noise ratio of primary user (PU) signal, the SU transmitter (SUT) and the SU receiver (SUR) are selected adaptively to sense one channel by one radio while communicating with each other by the other one. The sensing results of the SUR are sent to the SUT through feedback channels (e.g., ACK). After that, with the sensing results from the SUT or the SUR, the SUT can decide whether the channel switching should be carried out. The theoretical analysis and simulation results indicate that the normalized channel efficiency, defined as the expected ratio of time duration without interference to PUs in data transmission to the whole frame length, can be improved while satisfying the interference constraint to PUs. After that, an enhanced ADRSS is designed by integrating ADRSS with cooperative spectrum sensing, and the performance of ADRSS under imperfect feedback channel is also discussed. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Verifying compiled file system code
Authors: Mühlberg Jan Tobias , Lüttgen Gerald 
Published: August 2011

Abstract
This article presents a case study on retrospective verification of the Linux Virtual File System (VFS), which is aimed at checking violations of API usage rules and memory properties. Since VFS maintains dynamic data structures and is written in a mixture of C and inlined assembly, modern software model checkers cannot be applied. Our case study centres around our novel automated software verification tool, the SOCA Verifier, which symbolically executes and analyses compiled code. We describe how this verifier deals with complex features such as memory access, pointer aliasing and computed jumps in the VFS implementation, while reducing manual modelling to a minimum. Our results show that the SOCA Verifier is capable of analysing the complex Linux VFS implementation reliably and efficiently, thereby going beyond traditional testing tools and into niches that current software model checkers do not reach. This testifies to the SOCA Verifier’s suitability as an effective and efficient bug-finding tool during the development of operating system components.
Transabdominal Preperitoneal Repair for Obturator Hernia
Authors: Yokoyama Takahide , Kobayashi Akira , Kikuchi Toshiki , Hayashi Ken , Miyagawa Shinichi 
Published: August 2011

AbstractBackgroundA laparoscopic surgical approach for obturator hernia (OH) repair is uncommon. The aim of the present study was to assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) repair for OH.MethodsFrom 2001 to May 2010, 659 patients with inguinal hernia underwent TAPP repair at in our institutes. Among these, the eight patients with OH were the subjects of this study.ResultsThree of the eight patients were diagnosed as having occult OH, and the other five were diagnosed preoperatively, by ultrasonography and/or computed tomography, as having strangulated OH. Bilateral OH was found in five patients (63%), and combined groin hernias, either unilaterally or bilaterally, were observed in seven patients (88%), all of whom had femoral hernia. Of the five patients with bowel obstruction at presentation, four were determined not to require resection after assessment of the intestinal viability by laparoscopy. There was one case of conversion to a two‐stage hernia repair performed to avoid mesh contamination: addition of mini‐laparotomy, followed by extraction of the gangrenous intestine for resection and anastomosis with simple peritoneal closure of the hernia defect in the first stage, and a Kugel hernia repair in the second stage. There was no incidence of postoperative morbidity, mortality, or recurrence.ConclusionsBecause TAPP allows assessment of not only the entire groin area bilaterally but also simultaneous assessment of the viability of the incarcerated intestine with a minimum abdominal wall defect, we believe that it is an adequate approach to the treatment of both occult and acutely incarcerated OH. Two‐stage hernia repair is technically feasible in patients requiring resection of the incarcerated intestine.
Small Wins Matter in Advocacy Movements: Giving Voice to Patients
Authors: Jason Leonard A. 
Published: August 2011

AbstractIn this article, the various players are delineated in a story of a contested illness and patient advocacy, played out within the corridors of federal power. It is suggested that the mistreatment and negative attitudes that health care providers and others have towards those with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is possibly due to the social construction of this illness as being a “Yuppie flu” disease. Institutional factors are identified that created these norms and attributions, as well as the multiple stakeholders and constituent groups invested in exerting pressure on policy makers to effect systemic change. This article also provides examples of how the field of Community Psychology, which is fundamentally committed to/based on listening to and giving voice to patients, is broadly relevant to patient activism communities. This approach focused, over time, on epidemiological studies, the name, the case definition, and ultimately the change in CFS leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Keys to this “small wins” approach were coalition building, use of “oppositional experts” (professionals in the scientific community who support patient advocacy goals) to challenge federal research, and taking advantage of developing events/shifts in power. Ultimately, this approach can result in significant scientific and policy gains, and changes in medical and public perception of an illness.