bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rationality in systems engineering: Beyond calculation or political action
Authors: Clausing Don P. , Katsikopoulos Konstantinos V. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThis paper is written in favor of rationality in systems engineering. Operational rationality is the foundation for the improvement of quality, cost, and delivery (QCD) that leads to continued success in the market place. On both sides of operational rationality lie pitfalls that plague most systems‐engineering decision making. On one side lies hand waving and political action. On the opposite side lies mathematical certainty, very enticing to the educated mind, but lacking in broad decision‐making capability. In this paper we set forth the principles of operational rationality in systems engineering. These principles guide the evaluation, improvement, and development of systems‐engineering practices and methods. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Eng
Interventions for twin–twin transfusion syndrome: a Cochrane review
Authors: Roberts D. , Gates S. , Kilby M. , Neilson J. P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractWe performed a Cochrane review to assess which of the treatments for twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) improves fetal, childhood and maternal outcomes. This article represents a version of the review which includes additional data to the published version.We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (April 2007) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, October 2007) for randomized and quasi‐randomized studies of amnioreduction, laser coagulation and septostomy and compared their outcomes. We also searched conference proceedings and contacted the authors of published trials for clarification and addtional data. No trials compared intervention with no intervention. Three studies (253 women) were included.Laser coagulation resulted in less overall death (48% vs. 59%; relative risk (RR), 0.81; 95% CI, 0.65–1.01 adjusted for clustering; two trials, 364 fetuses), perinatal death (26% vs. 44%; RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40–0.87 adjusted for clustering; one trial, 284 fetuses) and neonatal death (8% vs. 26%; RR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.14–0.61 adjusted for clustering; one trial, 284 fetuses) when compared with amnioreduction. There was no difference in perinatal outcome between amnioreduction and septostomy. More babies were alive without neurological abnormality at the age of 6 months in the laser group than in the amnioreduction group (52% vs. 31%; RR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.17–2.35 adjusted for clustering; one trial). There was no difference in the proportion of babies alive at 6 months that had undergone treatment for major neurological abnormality between the laser coagulation and the amnioreduction groups (4% vs. 7%; RR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.18–1.86 adjusted for clustering; one trial).The results suggest that endoscopic laser coagulation of anastomotic vessels should be considered in the treatment of all stages of TTTS to improve perinatal and neonatal outcome. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐influence of fetal gender on ductus venosus Doppler flow in the first trimester
Authors: Teixeira L. S. , Leite J. , Castro Viegas M. J. B. , Faria M. M. L. , Pires M. C. , Teixeira H. C. , Teixeira R. C. , Pettersen H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectivesRecent findings have suggested that ductus venosus blood flow may be influenced by fetal gender. The aim of this study was to investigate further the influence of fetal gender on ductus venosus Doppler flow in the first trimester.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional and retrospective study performed between January 1998 and January 2003. A total of 932 fetuses at between 10 and 14 weeks' gestation were included. The following inclusion criteria were used: singleton gestation; crown–rump length between 39 and 84 mm; and absence of fetal anomalies. The following variables of the ductus venosus were evaluated: peak velocity during ventricular systole (S‐wave) and diastole (D‐wave); nadir during atrial contraction in late diastole (A‐wave); pulsatility index for veins (PIV); peak velocity index for veins (PVIV); and time‐averaged maximum velocity (TAMXV).ResultsFour hundred and forty‐eight (48.1%) female and 484 (51.9%) male fetuses were included in the study. Comparing males and females at between 10 and 14 weeks' gestation, there was no statistically significant difference in S‐wave, D‐wave, A‐wave, PIV, PVIV or TAMXV.ConclusionsOur study suggests that fetal gender does not influence ductus venosus blood flow in the first trimester. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction and intermittent absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow (Type III): feasibility and perinatal outcome of fetoscopic placental laser coagulation
Authors: Gratacós E. , Antolin E. , Lewi L. , Martínez J. M. , Hernandez‐Andrade E. , Acosta‐Rojas R. , Enríquez G. , Cabero L. , Deprest J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the feasibility and impact on perinatal outcome of fetoscopic laser coagulation of placental anastomoses in monochorionic twins with selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) and intermittent absent or reversed end‐diastolic flow (iAREDF) in the umbilical artery (Type III), in comparison with expectant management.MethodsThis is a descriptive study of the outcome of 18 cases of monochorionic twins with Type III sIUGR treated with laser, and 31 pregnancies managed expectantly over the same period. All newborns underwent neonatal brain ultrasound scans. Perinatal outcome and the incidence of neurological damage were compared between the two groups.ResultsLaser coagulation could be performed in only 88.9% (16/18) of cases owing to technical difficulties, and in 12.5% (2/16) a second procedure was required to achieve complete coagulation of the large artery‐to‐artery anastomosis. Mean gestational age at delivery was 31.0 (range, 26–33) weeks in the expectant management group and 32.6 (range, 23–38) weeks in the laser group (P = 0.32). Overall perinatal survival was 85.5% (53/62) and 63.9% (23/36), respectively (P = 0.02). Intrauterine demise of the smaller twin occurred in 19.4% (6/31) and 66.7% (12/18), respectively (P = 0.001), and was associated with death of the cotwin in 50% (3/6) and 0% (0/12) of these cases, respectively (P = 0.02). The prevalence of periventricular leukomalacia in the larger fetus was 4/28 (14.3%) in the expectant management group and 1/17 (5.9%) in the laser group (P = 0.63).ConclusionsLaser coagulation in sIUGR‐iAREDF pregnancies is technically difficult and not always feasible. Placental dichorionization significantly increases the proportion of fetuses with intrauterine death of the growth‐restricted twin, but it protects the normal twin from its cotwin's death in the event of demise of the growth‐restricted twin. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simple ultrasound‐based rules for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer
Authors: Timmerman D. , Testa A. C. , Bourne T. , Ameye L. , Jurkovic D. , Van Holsbeke C. , Paladini D. , Van Calster B. , Vergote I. , Van Huffel S. , Valentin L. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo derive simple and clinically useful ultrasound‐based rules for discriminating between benign and malignant adnexal masses.MethodsIn a multicenter study involving nine centers consecutive patients with persistent adnexal tumors underwent transvaginal gray‐scale and Doppler ultrasound examination using a standardized examination technique and standardized terms and definitions. Information on 42 gray‐scale ultrasound variables and six Doppler variables was collected and entered into a research protocol. When developing simple ultrasound‐based rules to predict malignancy (M‐rules) we chose the ultrasound variable or the combination of ultrasound variables that had the highest positive predictive value (PPV) with regard to malignancy; when developing simple rules to predict a benign tumor (B‐rules) we chose the ultrasound variable or the combination of ultrasound variables that had the lowest PPV with regard to malignancy. We selected ten rules that were in agreement with our clinical experience and were applicable to at least 30 tumors and then tested them prospectively on 507 tumors examined in three of the nine centers.Results1066 patients with 1233 adnexal tumors were included. There were 903 benign tumors (73%) and 330 malignant tumors (27%). In 167 patients the tumors were bilateral. We selected five simple rules to predict malignancy (M‐rules): (1) irregular solid tumor; (2) ascites; (3) at least four papillary structures; (4) irregular multilocular–solid tumor with a largest diameter of at least 100 mm; and (5) very high color content on color Doppler examination. We chose five simple rules to suggest a benign tumor (B‐rules): (1) unilocular cyst; (2) presence of solid components where the largest solid component is < 7 mm in largest diameter; (3) acoustic shadows; (4) smooth multilocular tumor less than 100 mm in largest diameter; and (5) no detectable blood flow on Doppler examination. These ten rules were applicable to 76% of all tumors, where they resulted in a sensitivity of 93%, specificity of 90%, positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 9.45 and negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.08. When prospectively tested the rules were applicable in 76% (386/507) of the tumors, where they had a sensitivity of 95% (106/112), a specificity of 91% (249/274), LR+ of 10.37, and LR− of 0.06.ConclusionMost adnexal tumors in an ordinary tumor population can be correctly classified as benign or malignant using simple ultrasound‐based rules. For tumors that cannot be classified using simple rules, ultrasound examination by an expert examiner might be useful. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detecting population decline of birds using long‐term monitoring data
Authors: Fujisaki Ikuko , Pearlstine Elise V. , Miller Mark 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAbrupt population change in birds may be caused by various factors. When such events occur, it is important to understand the population‐level impact on the species. We applied a change point analysis with Markov chain Monte Carlo using long‐term population count data to address this question. We first investigated the method with a simple Poisson model using synthetic data sets for different population decline scenarios and number of observations. Estimated change points were particularly accurate when a large decline in counts occurred. Accuracy and precision of posterior change magnitude tended to increase when actual change magnitude became larger. We applied the method to two cases using data from the North American Breeding Bird Survey: epidemic mortality of Florida scrub‐jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens) in central Florida and population decline of American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) in Maryland and Virginia after West Nile virus emergence. The Florida scrub‐jay case study indicated that the estimated change point was accurate compared with that reported by local monitoring. A Poisson‐log model that included observer and year variability resulted in better fit to the data than a simple Poisson model. The American crow case study showed that the method detected change points towards the end of observational data, but not all change point parameters converged, which may suggest that a population decline did not occur or was small for some survey routes we analyzed. Our study demonstrates the utility of change point analysis to examine abrupt population change. Data from systematic long‐term monitoring can be a basis of such an analysis.
Biomarkers, type II collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate in osteoarthritis follow-up: the “Magenta osteoarthritis study”
Authors: Scarpellini M. , Lurati A. , Vignati G. , Marrazza M. G. , Telese F. , Re K. , Bellistri A. 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Background
The purpose of the present study was to determine relationship between disease activity, systemic markers of cartilage degradation, urinary C-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type II collagen (uCTX-II), and bone degradation, urinary C-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of type I collagen (uCTX-I), structural progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and potential therapeutic efficacy of type II collagen (COLLII) in combination with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate (GC).

Materials and methods
An observational retrospective study, 1-year follow-up, on 104 patients with OA (nodular osteoarthritis of the hand, erosive osteoarthritis of the hand, EOA, osteoarthritis of the knee or hip) who were treated with GC or glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and collagen type II (GCC). The following information was collected at entry: demographics, BMI, characteristics of OA, patient global assessment (VAS), C-terminal cross-linking telopeptides of collagen types I (uCTX-I) and II (uCTX-II) and radiographs. After 6 months: VAS, uCTX-I and uCTX-II. After 1 year: VAS, uCTX-I, uCTX-II and radiographs.

Results
After 6 months and 1 year of treatment VAS, uCTX-I and uCTX-II mean values were significantly lower than the baseline. 57 were treated with GCC and 47 with GC. The group that received GCC showed a similar VAS mean value after 6 months and 1 year when compared with the group treated with GC. uCTX-I and uCTX-II mean level was lower in the group treated with GCC (P < 0.05). Radiological score (Kellgren and Lawrence summarized score for hands) after 1 year showed a reduced progression compared to the baseline in the hand osteoarthritis group, especially after GCC treatment (P < 0.05). Finally, uCTX-I has better correlation with radiological score and with GC in the EOA subgroup (Pearson index: R = 0.44).

Conclusions
(a) uCTX-I and uCTX-II proved to be useful biomarkers in OA monitoring; (b) uCTX-I is better correlated with hand EOA and could represent a potential further marker to assess the evolution of EOA bone damage; (c) GC slow down OA progression; (d) finally COLLII could represent a further protective factor in OA cartilage.
Asymptomatic anterior shoulder dislocation of 24-year duration
Authors: Mancini F. , Postacchini R. , Caterini R. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractA 73-year-old woman presented with a very long-standing anterior dislocation of her right shoulder. She had no pain, mild impairment of active shoulder motion and clinical features suggesting no tear of the rotator cuff. CT 3D reconstructions showed a newly formed glenoid cavity below the coracoid process. This case indicates that an anterior shoulder dislocation lasting even decades may be compatible with an almost normal shoulder function.
Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy in Quantum Dot Characterization
Authors: Engström O , Kaniewska M 
Published: May 2008

Abstract
Deep level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) for investigating electronic properties of self-assembled InAs/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) is described in an approach, where experimental and theoretical DLTS data are compared in a temperature-voltage representation. From such comparative studies, the main mechanisms of electron escape from QD-related levels in tunneling and more complex thermal processes are discovered. Measurement conditions for proper characterization of the levels by identifying thermal and tunneling processes are discussed in terms of the complexity resulting from the features of self-assembled QDs and multiple paths for electron escape.
Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS)-Based Glycoproteomics Technologies for Cancer Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Kaji Hiroyuki , Isobe Toshiaki 
Published: May 2008

Abstract

Introduction
Biomarker discovery is a major objective of clinical proteomics; molecular biomarkers allow for detection of early-stage human diseases, especially cancer, and for monitoring their progression and/or regression after treatment. Biomarkers also help to elucidate the pathology of disease and its diagnosis, drug discovery, and toxicology. Glycans are ideal candidates for biomarkers because (1) glycoconjugates are localized on the cell surface and in the secretions such as plasma, (2) their structures are frequently and drastically changed during normal and aberrant cell differentiation, and (3) different cell types express different glycan signatures. Certain serodiagnostic glycoconjugate markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), are currently available; however, comprehensive glycome analysis has yet to be performed, mainly because of the difficulties of isolating and structurally analyzing complex glycans. Large-scale glycoprotein analysis, termed glycoproteomics, has the potential to effectively trace cellular glycoproteins and therefore to search for new serodiagnostic biomarkers.

Conclusions
In this review, we describe current mass spectrometry-based glycoproteomics technologies. Quantitative “shotgun” proteomics analyses of glycopeptides captured from complex biological mixtures such as plasma, coupled with advanced glycome technologies, enhance our knowledge of protein glycosylation and facilitate discovery of new biomarkers for human diseases.
Micronutrient deficiency status among women of desert areas of western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Singh Madhu B , Fotedar Ranjana , Lakshminarayana J 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the magnitude of three micronutrient deficiency disorders (iron, vitamin A and iodine), nutritional deficiencies and their association with related factors.Material and MethodsUsing the three-stage sampling technique, a study was conducted in twenty-eight villages of Jodhpur district. A total of 1193 women, 384 pregnant, 400 lactating and 409 non-pregnant non-lactating controls (15 years and above, women who have not attained their family status) were examined for three micronutrient deficiency disorders, nutritional deficiencies, dietary and associated factors.ResultsMajority of the women were anaemic. Anaemia was higher among pregnant and lactating women (80·7 %). Severe anaemia was three-fold higher among pregnant and lactating women in comparison to controls (4·1 %). Vitamin A deficiency was observed to be higher among pregnant women (8·8 %). A high proportion of women (80·8 %) consumed salt, having inadequate iodine content. Median urinary iodine values were less in pregnant and lactating women than the WHO cut-off points. Consumption of pulses and legumes was low besides leafy vegetables. Average intake of nutrients showed deficiency of protein and energy, iron and folic acid and vitamin A deficiency. Anaemia and iodine deficiency disorder were found to be inversely proportional to education and income.ConclusionsThe proportion of anaemia in this study was higher in comparison to national-level studies besides the low consumption of normal iodised salt. Only 19 % of salt samples had adequate iodine content, which calls for caution. In addition to iodisation of salt, the study suggests the development of nutritional packages utilising local dietary aspects.
Is the Mediterranean lifestyle still a reality? Evaluation of food consumption and energy expenditure in Italian and Spanish university students
Authors: Baldini Marta , Pasqui Francesca , Bordoni Alessandra , Maranesi Magda 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the correspondence of diet and lifestyle to the Mediterranean model in two groups of Italian and Spanish university students.DesignA cross-sectional nutritional survey to determine BMI, dietary habits (FFQ), energy daily expenditure and lifestyle (SenseWear® Armband; BodyMedia Inc.), and to define the Mediterranean diet quality index (MDQI) in the different student groups.SettingBologna (Italy) and León (Spain).SubjectsThe survey was carried out on 210 (105 Italian; 105 Spanish) university students (mean age 27·0 (sd 3·8) years) of two different Mediterranean areas, Bologna (Italy) and León (Spain).ResultsThe frequency of consumption of some food groups showed differences related to nationality and gender. Some classic Mediterranean foods such as cereals and vegetables were generally consumed more frequently by Italian students; others such as fish and pulses by Spanish students. Percentage of overweight was higher among Spanish students in spite of their higher physical activity level.ConclusionYoung generations seem to give up the traditional Mediterranean dietary pattern, adopting new dietary trends. Overweight appears to be related not only to physical activity level, but also to the poor MDQI.
LOCAL PROPERTIES OF THE HOCHSCHILD COHOMOLOGY OF C*-ALGEBRAS
Authors: SAMEI EBRAHIM 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLet A be a C*-algebra, and let X be a Banach A-bimodule. Johnson [B. E. Johnson, ‘Local derivations on C*-algebras are derivations’, Trans. Amer. Math. Soc. 353 (2000), 313–325] showed that local derivations from A into X are derivations. We extend this concept of locality to the higher cohomology of a C*-algebra and show that, for every $n\in \mathbb {N}$, bounded local n-cocycles from A(n) into X are n-cocycles.
FINITELY DOMINATED COVERING SPACES OF 3- AND 4-MANIFOLDS
Authors: HILLMAN JONATHAN A. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIf P is a closed 3-manifold the covering space associated to a finitely presentable subgroup ν of infinite index in π1(P) is finitely dominated if and only if P is aspherical or $\raisebox {11pt}{}\widetilde {P}\simeq {S^2}$. There is a corresponding result in dimension 4, under further hypotheses on π and ν. In particular, if M is a closed 4-manifold, ν is an ascendant, FP3, finitely-ended subgroup of infinite index in π1(M), π is virtually torsion free and the associated covering space is finitely dominated then either M is aspherical or $\widetilde {M}\simeq {S^2}$ or S3. In the aspherical case such an ascendant subgroup is usually Z, a surface group or a PD3-group.
Re-nnd SOLUTIONS OF THE MATRIX EQUATION AXB=C
Authors: CVETKOVIĆ-ILIĆ DRAGANA S. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this article we consider Re-nnd solutions of the equation AXB=C with respect to X, where A,B,C are given matrices. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of Re-nnd solutions and present a general form of such solutions. As a special case when A=I we obtain the results from a paper of Groß (‘Explicit solutions to the matrix inverse problem AX=B’, Linear Algebra Appl.289 (1999), 131–134).
THEK-THEORY OF SOME HIGHER RANK EXEL–LACA ALGEBRAS
Authors: BURGSTALLER BERNHARD 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLet$\mathcal {O}$be a higher rank Exel–Laca algebra generated by an alphabet$\mathcal {A}$. If$\mathcal {A}$containsdcommuting isometries corresponding to rankdand the transition matrices do not have finite rows, then$K_1(\mathcal {O})$is trivial and$K_0(\mathcal {O})$is isomorphic toK0of the abelian subalgebra of$\mathcal {O}$generated by the source projections of$\mathcal {A}$.