bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the cost‐effectiveness of prenatal surgery for myelomeningocele: a decision analysis
Authors: Werner E. F. , Han C. S. , Burd I. , Lipkind H. S. , Copel J. A. , Bahtiyar M. O. , Thung S. F. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether prenatal myelomeningocele repair is a cost‐effective strategy compared to postnatal repair.MethodsDecision‐analysis modeling was used to calculate the cumulative costs, effects and incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio of prenatal myelomeningocele repair compared with postnatal repair in singleton gestations with a normal karyotype that were identified with myelomeningocele between T1 and S1. The model accounted for costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) in three populations: (1) myelomeningocele patients; (2) mothers carrying myelomeningocele patients; and (3) possible future siblings of these patients. Sensitivity analysis was performed using one‐way, two‐way and Monte Carlo simulations.ResultsPrenatal myelomeningocele repair saves $ 2 066 778 per 100 cases repaired. Additionally, prenatal surgery results in 98 QALYs gained per 100 repairs with 42 fewer neonates requiring shunts and 21 fewer neonates requiring long‐term medical care per 100 repairs. However, these benefits are coupled to 26 additional cases of uterine rupture or dehiscence and one additional case of neurologic deficits in future offspring per 100 repairs. Results were robust in sensitivity analysis.ConclusionPrenatal myelomeningocele repair is cost effective and frequently cost saving compared with postnatal myelomeningocele repair despite the increased likelihood of maternal and future pregnancy complications associated with prenatal surgery. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinically oriented three‐step strategy for assessment of adnexal pathology
Authors: Ameye L. , Timmerman D. , Valentin L. , Paladini D. , Zhang J. , Van Holsbeke C. , Lissoni A. A. , Savelli L. , Veldman J. , Testa A. C. , Amant F. , Van Huffel S. , Bourne T. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the diagnostic performance of ultrasound‐based simple rules, risk of malignancy index (RMI), two logistic regression models (LR1 and LR2) and real‐time subjective assessment by experienced ultrasound examiners following the exclusion of masses likely to be judged as easy and ‘instant’ to diagnose by an ultrasound examiner, and to develop a new strategy for the assessment of adnexal pathology based on this.Methods3511 patients with at least one persistent adnexal mass preoperatively underwent transvaginal ultrasonography to assess tumor morphology and vascularity. They were included in two consecutive prospective studies by the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) group: Phase 1 (1999–2005), development of the simple rules and logistic regression models LR1 and LR2, and Phase 2, a validation study (2005–2007).ResultsAlmost half of the cases (43%) were identified as ‘instant’ to diagnose on the basis of descriptors applied to the database. To assess diagnostic performance in the more difficult ‘non‐instant’ masses, we used only Phase 2 data (n = 1036). The sensitivity of LR2 was 88%, of RMI it was 41% and of subjective assessment it was 87%. The specificity of LR2 was 67%, of RMI it was 90% and of subjective assessment it was 86%. The simple rules yielded a conclusive result in almost 2/3 of the masses, where they resulted in sensitivity and specificity similar to those of real‐time subjective assessment by experienced ultrasound examiners: sensitivity 89 vs 89% (P = 0.76), specificity 91 vs 91% (P = 0.65). When a three‐step strategy was applied with easy ‘instant’ diagnoses as Step 1, simple rules where conclusive as Step 2 and subjective assessment by an experienced ultrasound examiner in the remaining masses as Step 3, we obtained a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 92% compared with sensitivity 90% (P = 0.03) and specificity 93% (P = 0.44) when using real‐time subjective assessment by experts in all tumors.ConclusionA diagnostic strategy using simple descriptors and ultrasound rules when applied to the variables contained in the IOTA database obtains results that are at least as good as those obtained by subjective assessment of a mass by an expert. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A refinement of everyday thinking: the energetic span model for kinetic assessment of catalytic cycles
Authors: Kozuch Sebastian 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe energetic span model is a bridge connecting the kinetic outcome of experimental and theoretical catalysis. It proves the utility of working with Gibbs energies (E‐representation) instead of the rate constants (k‐representation), in line with the assertion saying that ‘there are no rate‐determining steps, but rate‐determining states’. With this model the turnover frequency (TOF), turnover number (TON) and the kinetic determining factors can be obtained from the reaction profile of a computed catalytic cycle. In this way, it is possible to examine, explain, and predict the efficiency of a catalyst. The effect of concentrations, different pathways, preactivation and deactivation, and the comparison of catalysts and reactants are analyzed with several examples from the literature. In addition, the AUTOF program (excel version) is presented, allowing the fast and simple analysis of theoretically calculated catalytic reactions. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

Computer and Information Science > Computer Algorithms and Programming
An overview of the use of neural networks for data mining tasks
Authors: Stahl Frederic , Jordanov Ivan 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn the recent years, the area of data mining has been experiencing considerable demand for technologies that extract knowledge from large and complex data sources. There has been substantial commercial interest as well as active research in the area that aim to develop new and improved approaches for extracting information, relationships, and patterns from large datasets. Artificial neural networks (NNs) are popular biologically‐inspired intelligent methodologies, whose classification, prediction, and pattern recognition capabilities have been utilized successfully in many areas, including science, engineering, medicine, business, banking, telecommunication, and many other fields. This paper highlights from a data mining perspective the implementation of NN, using supervised and unsupervised learning, for pattern recognition, classification, prediction, and cluster analysis, and focuses the discussion on their usage in bioinformatics and financial data analysis tasks. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Classification
Technologies > Computational Intelligence
Technologies > Prediction
Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering
Resampling methods
Authors: Chernick Michael R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractResampling methods are statistical procedures that reuse the sample data for the purpose of statistical inference. However, they do not require parametric assumptions that may be difficult to verify in practice. This focus article describes four resampling techniques, the bootstrap, the jackknife, cross‐validation, and permutation tests. Another method, subsampling, is mentioned with two references but is not covered in any detail. These resampling methods and the history of their development are outlined in this paper. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.This article is categorized under:Algorithmic Development > StatisticsTechnologies > Prediction
Does Evidence Permeate All Surgical Areas Equally? Publication Trends in Wound Care Compared to Breast Cancer Care: A Longitudinal Trend Analysis
Authors: Brölmann F. E. , Groenewold M. D. , Spijker R. , van der Hage J. A. , Ubbink D. T. , Vermeulen H. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundEvidence‐based decision making has permeated the daily practice of healthcare professionals. However, in wound care this seems more difficult than in other medical areas, such as breast cancer, which has a similar incidence, variety of etiologies, financial burden, and diversity of treatment options. This incongruence could be due to a lack in quantity and quality of available evidence. We therefore compared worldwide publication trends to answer whether research in wound care lags behind that in breast cancer.MethodsIn order to assess the trends in quantity and methodological quality of publications as to wound care and breast cancer treatments, we examined relevant publications over the last five decades. Publications in MEDLINE were classified into seven study design categories: (1) guidelines, (2) systematic reviews (SR), (3) randomized (RCT), and controlled clinical trials (CCT), (4) cohort studies, (5) case‐control studies, (6) case series and case reports, and (7) other publications.ResultsWe found a 30‐fold rise in publications on wound care, versus a 70‐fold increase in those on breast cancer. High‐quality study designs like SR, RCT, or CCT were less frequent in wound care (difference 1.9, 95 % CI 1.8–2.0 %) as were guidelines; 76 on wound care versus 231 for breast cancer.ConclusionsPublications on wound care fall behind in quantity and quality as compared to breast cancer. Nevertheless, SR, RCT, and CCT in wound care are becoming more numerous. These high‐quality study designs could motivate clinicians to make evidence‐based decisions and researchers to perform proper research in wound care.
Moving Forward with Systems of Care: Needs and New Directions
Authors: Kilmer Ryan P. , Cook James R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe articles in this Special Issue on system change within systems of care (SOCs) provide guidance regarding strategies for modifying SOCs to address the needs of different populations, and ways for changing systems to support more positive child and family outcomes. This paper frames central needs, unanswered questions, and issues that remain for those working to implement SOCs. Specific needs and new directions considered include: (1) rigorous implementation‐focused research to identify the necessary and sufficient elements of SOCs and the primary practice approach currently used in SOCs, wraparound; (2) applied research to assess SOCs and document their effectiveness in non‐standard or non‐traditional settings (i.e., non‐mental health settings, including child welfare, juvenile justice, local housing authorities); (3) controlled outcome studies for school‐based wraparound initiatives; (4) research to document the effectiveness of the family support efforts that are part of most SOCs; and (5) attention to context, for families, service providers, and collaborative implementation efforts, by researchers and providers alike. Progress in these areas can inform well‐targeted system change efforts in the context of SOCs, a critical need given changes in federal funding for these initiatives.
A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathologic characteristics of uterine cellular leiomyomas in China
Authors: Guan Rui , Zheng Weiqiang , Xu Mingjuan 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the clinicopathologic features of uterine cellular leiomyomas (CLs) by comparing them with those of uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMSs).MethodsA case–control study comparing 78 cases of CL with 10 cases of LMS was conducted. The patients’ records were reviewed to abstract information on tumors features and treatment, immunohistochemical findings, and disease prognosis.ResultsThe mean age at diagnosis was 45.3 ± 8.41 years in the CL group. The main clinical CL manifestations were menstrual abnormalities (56.4%), abdominal pain or distension (14.1%), and pelvic pressure (8.9%). Abdominal pain or distension was significantly more common in the LMS than in the CL group (P < 0.05). Generally, CL tumors were smaller in diameter than LMS tumors (P < 0.05). Moreover, lower levels of Ki‐67 and PCNA expression were measured in CL than in LMS tumors (P < 0.05). There were no cases of malignant transformation or metastasis in 41 patients with CL who adhered to long‐tern follow‐up.ConclusionNo symptoms were found to be specifically associated with CL, and management of CL does not need to differ from that of ordinary leiomyoma. In contrast to malignant disease, CL has a favorable long‐term prognosis. However, given its “borderline” pathologic nature, patients with CL require clinical surveillance.
Instability of secondary vortices generated by a vortex pair in ground effect
Authors: Harris D. M. , Williamson C. H. K. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn this work, we investigate the approach of a descending vortex pair to a horizontal ground plane. As in previous studies, the primary vortices exhibit a ‘rebound’, due to the separation of secondary opposite-sign vortices underneath each primary vortex. On each side of the flow, the weaker secondary vortex can become three-dimensionally unstable, as it advects around the stronger primary vortex. It has been suggested in several recent numerical simulations that elliptic instability is the origin of such waviness in the secondary vortices. In the present research, we employ a technique whereby the primary vortices are visualized separately from the secondary vortices; in fact, we are able to mark the secondary vortex separation, often leaving the primary vortices invisible. We find that the vortices are bent as a whole in a Crow-type ‘displacement’ mode, and, by keeping the primary vortices invisible, we are able to see both sides of the flow simultaneously, showing that the instability perturbations on the secondary vortices are antisymmetric. Triggered by previous research on four-vortex aircraft wake flows, we analyse one half of the flow as an unequal-strength counter-rotating pair, noting that it is essential to take into account the angular velocity of the weak vortex around the stronger primary vortex in the analysis. In contrast with previous results for the vortex–ground interaction, we find that the measured secondary vortex wavelength corresponds well with the displacement bending mode, similar to the Crow-type instability. We have analysed the elliptic instability modes, by employing the approximate dispersion relation of Le Dizés & Laporte (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 471, 2002, p. 169) in our problem, finding that the experimental wavelength is distinctly longer than predicted for the higher-order elliptic modes. Finally, we observe that the secondary vortices deform into a distinct waviness along their lengths, and this places two rows of highly stretched vertical segments of the vortices in between the horizontal primary vortices. The two rows of alternating-sign vortices translate towards each other and ultimately merge into a single vortex row. A simple point vortex row model is able to predict trajectories of such vortex rows, and the net result of the model’s ‘orbital’ or ‘passing’ modes is to bring like-sign vortices, from each secondary vortex row, close to each other, such that merging may ensue in the experiments.
LONG-TERM EFFECT OF PULSES AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT ON SOIL ORGANIC CARBON DYNAMICS AND SUSTAINABILITY ON AN INCEPTISOL OF INDO-GANGETIC PLAINS OF INDIA
Authors: GHOSH P. K. , VENKATESH M. S. , HAZRA K. K. , KUMAR NARENDRA 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYContinuous cultivation of rice–wheat cropping system in the Indo-Gangetic plains is under threat with decline in soil organic carbon (SOC), total factor productivity and overall sustainability. Pulses, an important component of crop diversification, are known to improve soil quality through their unique ability of biological N2 fixation, leaf litter fall and deep root system. Therefore, the effect of inclusion of pulses in the puddled rice system under organic and inorganic amendments on SOC pool and its management indices were evaluated in a long-term experiment after seven cropping cycles. The results indicated that inclusion of pulses in the rice-based system improved the SOC content, being greater in surface soil (0–20 cm) and declining with soil depth. Among the four carbon fractions determined, less labile carbon fraction (Cfrac3) was the dominant fraction in the puddled rice system, particularly under organic treatments, indicating that it is possible to maintain organic carbon for longer time in this system. The rice–wheat–mung bean system resulted in 6% increase in SOC and 85% increase in soil microbial biomass carbon as compared with the conventional rice–wheat system. Application of crop residues, farm yard manure (5 t ha−1) and biofertilisers had greater amount of carbon fractions and carbon management index (CMI) over control and the recommended inorganic (NPKSZnB) treatment in the soil surface, particularly in the system where pulses are included. Interestingly, in the puddled rice system, passive carbon pool is more in surface soil than deeper layers. The relative proportion of active carbon pool in surface layer (0–20 cm) to subsurface layer (20–40 cm) was highest in rice–wheat–rice–chickpea (1.14:1) followed by rice–wheat–mung bean (1.07:1) and lowest in the rice–wheat system (0.69:1). Replacing wheat with chickpea either completely or during alternate year in the conventional rice–wheat system also had positive impact on SOC restoration and CMI. Therefore, inclusion of pulses in the rice-based cropping system and organic nutrient management practices had significant impact on maintaining SOC in an Inceptisol of the Indo-Gangetic plains of India.
NORMS FOR MULTIVARIATE DIAGNOSIS OF NUTRIENT IMBALANCE IN ARABICA AND ROBUSTA COFFEE IN THE EAST AFRICAN HIGHLANDS
Authors: WAIREGI L. W. I. , VAN ASTEN P. J. A. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYPoor soil fertility is a constraint to coffee production. Targeting fertiliser recommendations to nutrient deficiencies can contribute to improved crop response to fertiliser. This study aimed to derive and compare the Compositional Nutrient Diagnosis (CND) and Diagnosis and Recommendation Integrated System (DRIS) norms for Arabica and Robusta, and to investigate nutrient interactions using data derived from 164 plots. The high-yield sub-populations of Arabica had significantly (p < 0.01) higher P (0.23 vs. 0.14) and K (2.87 vs. 2.04), and lower N (2.96 vs. 3.61), Ca (0.99 vs. 1.50) and Mg (0.40 vs. 0.23) than those of Robusta. With respect to the CND norms, Arabica had significantly (p < 0.001) higher P and K, and lower N, Ca and Mg means of row-centered log ratios than Robusta. The relationship between the CND and DRIS indices had coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.75–0.99 for both coffee types. The relationship between nutrient imbalance indices for CND and DRIS had R2 of 0.95 (Arabica) and 0.76 (Robusta). Both coffee types had negative N–Ca, P–Mg and K–Mg interactions. Arabica had positive N–Mg and K–Ca interactions and Robusta had positive N–K, P–K and Ca–Mg interactions and negative N–P, N–Mg, P–Ca and K–Ca interactions. The study concludes, there is a need for cultivar-specific norms, but such norms developed under one set of conditions may not be applicable under different conditions. The study also concludes that both CND and DRIS can be used to determine nutrient imbalances, and fertiliser requirements could be cultivar-specific.
Quality of life and psychosocial functioning of children with cardiac arrhythmias
Authors: Pulgaron Elizabeth R. , Wile Diana , Schneider Kerri , Young Ming-Lon , Delamater Alan M. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractChildhood cardiac arrhythmias may have a long-lasting impact on a family and typically require long-term medical follow-up. Whereas some arrhythmias are benign, others can be life threatening and require significant medical care. As with many chronic illnesses, it is important to study the potential psychosocial effects of childhood arrhythmias and how they may impact a child's quality of life. The purpose of this study was to create a quality of life measure specific to childhood arrhythmias and to describe the current psychosocial functioning of this population. A total of 46 families participated in a one-time paper and pencil assessment during their regularly scheduled clinic visits. Results indicated promise for the validity and reliability of this new measure. Children in the current sample also demonstrated a high degree of resiliency. Additional analyses with larger samples will be needed to verify the psychometric properties of this measure. Overall, the high functioning of many of these children despite medical trauma is promising. Future studies should consider using some screening measures to decide which children may be most in need of intervention.
Older People with Dementia in the Perioperative Care Environment: Key Issues for Perioperative Nursing
Authors: Coffey Alice 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAgeing is a normal process and much diversity exists in the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of older individuals. While many older people remain independent active and well, there is a rise in the prevalence of dementia. Developments in surgical techniques and improved patient outcomes have resulted in larger numbers of older people now undergoing surgery. However, age-related risks and complexities persist including the existence of cognitive impairment and dementia. Perioperative care of older patients with dementia provides additional challenges for nurses and other healthcare professionals. This paper discusses the unique care needs of older people with dementia and the role of perioperative nurses in meeting these needs.
Mass fluxes and isofluxes of methane (CH4) at a New Hampshire fen measured by a continuous wave quantum cascade laser spectrometer
Authors: Santoni Gregory W. , Lee Ben H. , Goodrich Jordan P. , Varner Ruth K. , Crill Patrick M. , McManus J. Barry , Nelson David D. , Zahniser Mark S. , Wofsy Steven C. 
Published: April 2012

We have developed a mid‐infrared continuous‐wave quantum cascade laser direct‐absorption spectrometer (QCLS) capable of high frequency (≥1 Hz) measurements of 12CH4 and 13CH4 isotopologues of methane (CH4) with in situ 1‐s RMS precision of 1.5 ‰ and Allan‐minimum precision of 0.2 ‰. We deployed this QCLS in a well‐studied New Hampshire fen to compare measurements of CH4 isoflux by eddy covariance (EC) to Keeling regressions of data from automated flux chamber sampling. Mean CH4 fluxes of 6.5 ± 0.7 mg CH4 m−2 hr−1 over two days of EC sampling in July, 2009 were indistinguishable from mean autochamber CH4 fluxes (6.6 ± 0.8 mgCH4 m−2 hr−1) over the same period. Mean composition of emitted CH4 calculated using EC isoflux methods was −71 ± 8 ‰ (95% C.I.) while Keeling regressions of 332 chamber closing events over 8 days yielded a corresponding value of −64.5 ± 0.8 ‰. Ebullitive fluxes, representing ∼10% of total CH4 fluxes at this site, were on average 1.2 ‰ enriched in 13C compared to diffusive fluxes. CH4 isoflux time series have the potential to improve process‐based understanding of methanogenesis, fully characterize source isotopic distributions, and serve as additional constraints for both regional and global CH4 modeling analysis.