bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design and assessment of functional architecture for optimized spectrum and radio resource management in heterogeneous wireless networks
Authors: Galani Aristi , Tsagkaris Kostas , Koutsouris Nikos , Demestichas Panagiotis 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe emerging and future radio landscape will consist of heterogeneous wireless networks, operating in the framework of diverse cooperative associations of network operators, for accommodation of the demands of users with multimode and/or multihoming enabled terminals. In this context, the optimized spectrum and radio resource utilization will be key factors for the accomplishment of the goals of both users and operators, namely the satisfaction of users' needs and the augmentation of operators' profits. The IEEE P1900.4 standardization group is working towards specifying architectures and functions that will enable network‐terminal distributed decision making for optimized radio resource usage in such heterogeneous wireless access networks. In alignment with the recently standardized P1900.4 management architecture, in this paper we (a) propose a functional architecture for the management and optimization of spectrum and radio resource utilization in heterogeneous wireless environments, (b) give a thorough description of the information that needs to be conveyed on the external interfaces of the proposed architecture, and (c) set up an experimentation platform and conduct indicative scenarios for both the demonstration and performance assessment of the proposed architecture. The assessment results show satisfactory behavior in terms of induced management signaling loads and time delays, that is equivalent to minimal intervention into the real network operation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐resolution imaging and proteomics of peptide fragments by TOF‐SIMS
Authors: Nygren Håkan , Malmberg Per 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThyroglobulin is an iodinated glycoprotein (m.w. 660 kD) required for the storage and formation of thyroid hormone. Thyroglobulin was digested by trypsin in distilled water and the resulting peptides were identified by TOF‐secondary ion mass spectrometry, using TFA as a matrix to catalyze the ionization of the peptides. Cryostate sections of pig thyroid glands were incubated with trypsin in distilled water, followed by deposition of TFA. The sections were analyzed with TOF‐secondary ion mass spectrometry, and the peptides formed were identified through comparison with the peptides of the thyroglobulin reference sample. The thyroglobulin fragments were localized in the thyroid follicle cells with a spatial resolution of 3 microns, a mass resolution m/Δm of >6000 and a mass accuracy of <60 ppm. The thyroglobulin was found localized heterogeneously in the follicle cells. The heterogeneity may be due to thyroglobulin synthesis, uptake and degradation or globules representing insoluble polymers of thyroglobulin considered to be a mechanism for storing hormone at high concentrations.
Metasynthesis of qualitative inquiry research studies in physiotherapy
Authors: Richardson Barbara , Lindquist Ingrid 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackground. The current emphasis on evidence based physiotherapy focuses on building knowledge through systematic review of quantitative inquiry studies. Knowledge that provides a framework for practice can help practitioners to decide when and how to use this evidence in their practice contexts. Purpose. This paper argues for increased attention to metasynthesis of qualitative inquiry research studies to help identify an underpinning professional knowledge base of physiotherapy that is relevant to day to day practice and education, and to emphasize an epistemological dimension of physiotherapy practice as a socially embedded professional activity. Methods. An outline of knowledge development in physiotherapy is followed by an explanation and description of the process of metasynthesis and an evaluation of the value of metasynthesis to physiotherapy practice and education. Argument. Integration of substantive knowledge from metasynthesis of individual qualitative inquiry studies, can generate middle range theory to give a degree of abstraction which can provoke broader questions and insights to re‐conceptualize issues of practice. Conclusions. The methodological approach of metasynthesis can lead to broader and deeper conceptualization of the quality of professional activities which are fundamental to integrating research evidence in successful physiotherapy service delivery. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recommended management of female urinary incontinence
Authors: Pradhan Ashish , Slack Mark 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBladder retraining, pelvic floor exercises and pharmacotherapy are the mainstays of incontinence treatment in primary care. Our Drug review discusses the properties and efficacy of the available drug options, followed by sources of further information and a review of the prescription data. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
An alternative phase II/III design for continuous endpoints
Authors: Huang Wong‐Shian , Liu Jen‐pei , Hsiao Chin‐Fu 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe success rate of drug development has been declined dramatically in recent years and the current paradigm of drug development is no longer functioning. It requires a major undertaking on breakthrough strategies and methodology for designs to minimize sample sizes and to shorten duration of the development. We propose an alternative phase II/III design based on continuous efficacy endpoints, which consists of two stages: a selection stage and a confirmation stage. For the selection stage, a randomized parallel design with several doses with a placebo group is employed for selection of doses. After the best dose is chosen, the patients of the selected dose group and placebo group continue to enter the confirmation stage. New patients will also be recruited and randomized to receive the selected dose or placebo group. The final analysis is performed with the cumulative data of patients from both stages. With the pre‐specified probabilities of rejecting the drug at each stage, sample sizes and critical values for both stages can be determined. As it is a single trial with controlling overall type I and II error rates, the proposed phase II/III adaptive design may not only reduce the sample size but also improve the success rate. An example illustrates the applications of the proposed phase II/III adaptive design. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developing a sampling plan based on Cpk—unknown variance
Authors: Negrin Itay , Parmet Yisrael , Schechtman Edna 
Published: February 2010

AbstractCommon acceptance sampling plans for variables do not take into account the process performance while determining the sample size needed. An attempt to overcome this gap was suggested by Negrin et al. (Quality Eng. 2009; 21: 306–318), where a sampling plan based on the Cpk index was developed. The plan is a multistage acceptance sampling plan based on Cpk for variables taken as a random sample from a lot of size N having (approximately) normal distribution with a known variance. In the current research, we relax the assumption of a known variance and develop a Cpk sampling plan based on unknown variance. We develop a sample size model and update the acceptance/rejection criteria of the previous sampling plan to the new, more realistic model with unknown variance. In addition we develop the operational characteristic curve (OCC). The sampling plan is compared with the commonly used plan MIL‐STD‐414 (Sampling Procedures and Tables for Inspection by Variables for Percent Defective. Department of Defense: Washington, DC, 1957) and it is found (via simulations) that the Cpk sampling plan has a smaller probability of accepting defective lots and the required sample size needed is found to be smaller for large lots. In addition, a comparison is made between the two OCCs and it is found that the OCC developed for the Cpk sampling plan shows a higher accuracy (in an order of magnitude) in classifying lots correctly. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Economic statistical design of a T2 control chart with double warning lines
Authors: Faraz Alireza , Saniga Erwin 
Published: February 2010

AbstractRecent studies have shown that enhancing the common T2 control chart by using variable sample sizes (VSS) and variable sample intervals (VSI) sampling policies with a double warning line scheme (DWL) yields improvements in shift detection times over either pure VSI or VSS schemes in detecting almost all shifts in the process mean. In this paper, we look at this problem from an economical perspective, certainly at least as an important criterion as shift detection time if one considers what occurs in the industry today. Our method is to first construct a cost model to find the economic statistical design (ESD) of the DWL T2 control chart using the general model of Lorenzen and Vance (Technometrics 1986; 28:3–11). Subsequently, we find the values of the chart parameters which minimize the cost model using a genetic algorithm optimization method. Cost comparisons of Fixed ratio sampling, VSI, VSS, VSIVSS with DWL, and multivariate exponentially weighted moving average (MEWMA) charts are made, which indicate the economic efficacy of using either VSIVSS with DWL or MEWMA charts in practice if cost minimization is of interest to the control chart user. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Value of liver herniation in prediction of outcome in fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mullassery D. , Ba'ath M. E. , Jesudason E. C. , Losty P. D. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectivesIntrathoracic liver herniation (ILH) is being used to estimate prognosis and hence guide antenatal interventions in fetal congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). However, the literature regarding its utility in this role is conflicting. This review systematically examines the currently available evidence of ILH use in fetal CDH.MethodsMEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for the terms ((congenital diaphragmatic hernia) OR CDH) AND liver. Inclusion criteria were human case series of fetuses diagnosed with CDH using either ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Included studies were required to have reported the antenatal liver position and the outcome (survival or not). Case reports, reviews and eventration series were excluded. Studies reporting similar cases from the same center over an overlapping time period were considered duplicates; only the larger of the studies were therefore included. Absolute totals were extracted and sums calculated. Fisher's exact test (FET) was used to compare survival rates in different groups.ResultsThe original search retrieved 338 studies. Applying inclusion/exclusion criteria and removing duplicates left 21 case series in 20 studies. Retrieved studies differed in the definitions of liver herniation, survival and treatment modality. In total, there were 407 fetuses in the liver‐up (herniated) and 303 in the liver‐down (not herniated) groups. Survival rates were 45.4% and 73.9%, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (FET = 56.4, P < 0.005). Sensitivity analysis for cases that had only conventional postnatal treatment was still significant (FET = 52.8, P < 0.005).ConclusionsLiver herniation is associated with poorer prognosis in fetal CDH. Grading liver herniation or using it as part of a panel of markers may enhance the value of liver herniation as a prognostic test in fetal CDH. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Maternal renal interlobar vein impedance index is higher in early‐ than in late‐onset pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Gyselaers W. , Mesens T. , Tomsin K. , Molenberghs G. , Peeters L. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo test the hypothesis that Doppler characteristics of maternal renal interlobar veins (RIV) are different between pregnancies affected by early‐onset pre‐eclampsia (EP) and those affected by late‐onset pre‐eclampsia (LP).MethodsA gestational age of 34 weeks was considered to differentiate EP from LP. All women had a renal duplex scan according to a standard protocol, with known intraobserver correlation coefficient (0.88). Maximum (Vmax) and minimum (Vmin) RIV velocities were measured on two occasions (between 28 and 32 and between 34 and 37 weeks) in 18 women with uncomplicated pregnancy (UP). In women with EP (n = 32) or LP (n = 41), these variables were measured once, within 3 days following hospital admission. Delta velocity (DeltaV) was calculated as Vmax − Vmin and the RIV impedance index (RIVI) was calculated as DeltaV/Vmax. Data on neonatal outcome and maternal renal function were obtained for UP and those with EP and LP, and group‐specific means ± SD were calculated and compared.ResultsCompared with UP, the RIVI of both left and right kidneys was higher in those with EP (0.49 ± 0.13 vs. 0.36 ± 0.04, P = 0.0001, and 0.46 ± 0.15 vs. 0.33 ± 0.04, P = 0.0008) and in those with LP (0.41 ± 0.07 vs. 0.37 ± 0.06, P = 0.04, and 0.38 ± 0.12 vs. 0.30 ± 0.05, P = 0.009). RIVI was higher in pregnancies with EP than in those with LP (P ≤ 0.01), and this difference was associated with lower median birth‐weight percentiles (22.5 (interquartile range (IQR), 15–35) vs. 40.0 (IQR, 12–55), P = 0.01), higher maternal serum uric acid concentrations (419 ± 84 vs. 374 ± 85 µmol/L, P = 0.03) and higher proteinuria (4131 ± 3885 vs. 1190 ± 1133 mg/24 h, P < 0.0001).ConclusionMaternal vascular maladaption in pre‐eclampsia is associated with abnormal Doppler findings in the venous compartment. RIVI is higher in EP than in LP pregnancies and this is associated with lower birth‐weight percentiles and higher proteinuria. Copyright © 2010 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary specialization and Eucalyptus species preferences in Queensland koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Authors: Higgins Alexis L. , Bercovitch Fred B. , Tobey Jennifer R. , Andrus Chris Hamlin 
Published: February 2010

AbstractKoalas specialize on Eucalyptus leaves, but also feed selectively. Food choice is not random, but depends on various factors that are not well understood, although most research has focused on the role of secondary plant compounds. We studied the feeding choices of four adult male koalas housed at the San Diego Zoo. All subjects had a choice of nine types of Eucalyptus leaves over the eight‐week study. The most preferred species was E. camuldulensis, but individual males exhibited different feeding preferences. We conclude that food selectivity among koalas is probably due to multiple factors, rather than only a consequence of secondary plant chemicals. A combination of intrinsic factors, such as developmental trajectory and reproductive state, as well as extrinsic factors, such as leaf chemical fingerprint and moisture, probably interact to shape koala foraging preferences. Koalas forage almost exclusively on Eucalyptus species, but have evolved an adaptive flexibility, enabling them to exploit various Eucalyptus species. Zoo Biol 30:52–58, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Flexible Thoracoscopy may Facilitate Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Lobectomy
Authors: Licht Peter B. , Ladegaard Lars 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundVideo‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy was introduced in the early 1990s but has not yet gained widespread acceptance. The VATS approach is still controversial although several studies suggest less postoperative morbidity compared with open thoracotomy. Nevertheless, some patients report long‐lasting chest wall pain following VATS procedures, and, in theory, such pain may be related to intercostal nerve injury. The present study presents our experience with a commercially available flexible thoracoscope.MethodsThe study was designed as a case‐control series of prospectively collected data to determine if performing VATS with a flexible thorascope could have benefits for both the patient and the surgeon.ResultsDuring the last 24 months 128 of 274 consecutive lobectomies (47%) were scheduled as VATS procedures with a new flexible high‐definition thoracoscope. Six operations (4.6%) were converted to open surgery but only one case was converted during the last 12 months. There was no hospital mortality. The median duration of the operation was 105 min (range: 50–289 min), and the median postoperative hospital stay was 4 days (range: 2–27 days). At routine follow‐up 2 weeks postoperatively all but three patients (2%) were considered pain free, which was significantly less than in 15 consecutive VATS lobectomies with rigid thoracoscopy performed prior to the introduction of flexible VATS (p= 0.02).ConclusionsVideo‐assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy by flexible thoracoscopy is feasible and in our opinion easier and safer compared with rigid thoracoscopy. In our experience all parts of the operation are better visualized and many surgical pitfalls may be avoided. Even during early phases of setting up the VATS lobectomy program, the duration of the operation is comparable with open surgery, and postoperative pain is low, possibly because porthole angulation is minimized.
Deep Venous Thrombosis After Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Is Standard Dose Low Molecular Weight Heparin Prophylaxis Enough?
Authors: Scarpa Marco , Pilon Fabio , Pengo Vittorio , Romanato Giovanna , Ruffolo Cesare , Erroi Francesca , Elisa Bison , Frego Mauro , Ossi Elena , Manzato Enzo , Angriman Imerio 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBackgroundInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal surgery are risk factors for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of standardized prophylactic low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) therapy in patients who underwent surgery for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).Patients and methodsSince 1999 all patients operated on for colorectal diseases in our institute have received 4,000 IU/day LMWH from the day of operation to discharge. The complete series of patients who had major colorectal surgery from 1999 until 2006 were reviewed for overt DVT episodes. Furthermore, 60 consecutive patients who were admitted for surgery for IBD were prospectively enrolled in the 2004–2006 period. Each patient underwent venous color Doppler ultrasound scan at admission and at discharge. Demographic data, disease activity, and clotting parameters were collected. Data were analyzed with Spearman’s correlation test, multiple regression, and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves analysis.ResultsThe rate of DVT in UC patients was significantly higher than in colorectal cancer patients (p = 0.009), and the odds ratio (OR) for postoperative DVT in UC patients was 7.4 (95% CI 1.4–44.4; p = 0.017). Female gender, UC diagnosis, active rectal bleeding, aPTT value, aCL IgM, aβ2 IgM, and pANCA levels significantly correlated with postoperative DVT. At multivariate analysis only aCL IgM levels were found to be independently associated with postoperative DVT (p = 0.05).ConclusionsIn conclusion, our study showed that prophylactic therapy with 4,000 IU/day LMWH was not completely effective for the prevention of postoperative DVT in patients with CD, and even less so in those with UC. In these patients, a more tailored prophylactic therapy should be considered, and further randomized controlled trials testing the effectiveness of different prophylactic protocols would be advisable. Furthermore, aCL IgM serum levels might be helpful in identifying IBD patients who are at higher risk of postoperative DVT.
Adenylosuccinate lyase deficiency in a Malaysian patient, with novel adenylosuccinate lyase gene mutations
Authors: Chen Bee Chin , McGown Ivan N. , Thong Meow Keong , Pitt James , Yunus Zabedah M. , Khoo Teck Beng , Ngu Lock Hock , Duley John A. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractMost cases of adenylosuccinate lyase (ADSL OMIM 103050) deficiency reported to date are confined to the various European ethnic groups. We report on the first Malaysian case of ADSL deficiency, which appears also to be the first reported Asian case. The case was diagnosed among a cohort of 450 patients with clinical features of psychomotor retardation, global developmental delay, seizures, microcephaly and/or autistic behaviour. The patient presented with frequent convulsions and severe myoclonic jerk within the first few days of life and severe psychomotor retardation. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) profile of the urine revealed the characteristic biochemical markers of succinyladenosine (S‐Ado) and succinyl‐aminoimidazole carboximide riboside (SAICAr). The urinary S‐Ado/SAICAr ratio was found to be 1.02 (type I ADSL deficiency). The patient was compound heterozygous for two novel mutations, c.445C > G (p.R149G) and c.774_778insG (p.A260GfsX24).
Comparison of leaf decomposition and macroinvertebrate colonization between exotic and native trees in a freshwater ecosystem
Authors: Alonso A. , González‐Muñoz N. , Castro‐Díez P. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractOne of the most important sources of energy in aquatic ecosystems is the allochthonous input of detritus. Replacement of native tree species by exotic ones affects the quality of detritus entering freshwater ecosystems. This replacement can alter nutrient cycles and community structure in aquatic ecosystems. The aims of our study were (1) to compare leaf litter decomposition of two widely distributed exotic species (Ailanthus altissima and Robinia pseudoacacia) with the native species they coexist with (Ulmus minor and Fraxinus angustifolia), and (2) to compare macroinvertebrate colonization among litters of the invasive and native species. Litter bags of the four tree species were placed in the water and collected every 2, 25, 39, 71, and 95 days in a lentic ecosystem. Additionally, the macroinvertebrate community on litter bags was monitored after 25, 39, and 95 days. Several leaf chemistry traits were measured at the beginning (% lignin; lignin:N, C:N, LMA) and during the study (leaf total nitrogen). We detected variable rates of decomposition among species (k values of 0.009, 0.008, 0.008, and 0.005 for F. angustifolia, U. minor, A. altissima and R. pseudoacacia, respectively), but we did not detect an effect of litter source (from native/exotic). In spite of its low decay, the highest leaf nitrogen was found in R. pseudoacacia litter. Macroinvertebrate communities colonizing litter bags were similar across species. Most of them were collectors (i.e., they feed on fine particulate organic matter), suggesting that leaf material of either invasive or native trees was used as substrate both for the animals and for the organic matter they feed on. Our results suggest that the replacement of the native Fraxinus by Robinia would imply a reduction in the rate of leaf processing and also a slower release of leaf nitrogen to water.