bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Design of a quality control system for a radioactive aqueous waste treatment facility
Authors: Abdel Rahman R. O. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe R&D program supports the safe management of the low‐level and intermediate‐level radioactive waste in Egypt. This program has been started to address the challenges that affect the efficiency and reliability of the management practice. The Egyptian radioactive aqueous waste treatment facility was planned, designed, and implemented to prevent any release to the environment during operations. The existing quality control system for the facility depends on the confirmation of the quality of the treatment process through manual testing of the effluent during operation. In that system, the probabilities of worker exposure to radiation and incidental spill are very high. Within the R&D program, a new quality control system is designed to prevent and mitigate the exposure hazard and the incidental spill. This system is based on controlling the quality of the input waste, chemical processes and products rather than relying on manual testing. In this work, a brief description of the Egyptian low‐level radioactive aqueous treatment waste facility will be given and the current quality assurance program will be briefly presented. The elements of the proposed multilevel quality control system will be covered including the requirement for direct and indirect inspection. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Will India set the price for teleradiology?
Authors: McLean Thomas R. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundWith a lower cost for labour, Indian teleradiologists have an absolute price advantage in the global market. However, because trade is determined by comparative advantage rather than absolute price advantage, India's ability to export teleradiology services may be limited. The issue is, can the ‘India price’ for teleradiology set the price for these services in the USA?MethodsReview of the economic literature concerning the global teleradiology market.ResultsCurrently, minimal information exists concerning the economic of global teleradiology market. However, a Ricardian analysis of this market suggests that India's ability to export teleradiology may be limited by rising opportunity costs (i.e. social unrest). Similarly, Heckscher–Ohlin analysis suggests that a lack of English‐speaking physicians will limit India's ability to export teleradiology services to the USA.ConclusionIt appears unlikely that India will gain sufficient market share in the USA to determine the price of teleradiology services. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An autonomous rice transplanter guided by global positioning system and inertial measurement unit
Authors: Nagasaka Yoshisada , Saito Hidefumi , Tamaki Katsuhiko , Seki Masahiro , Kobayashi Kyo , Taniwaki Ken 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper reports the development of an automated rice transplanter guided by a global positioning system and an inertia measurement unit using the controller area network bus. The actuator control command and data communication protocols comply with the ISO 11783. The project aims to develop an autonomous agricultural system for operation in the paddy field. The automated rice transplanter presented in this paper is the first stage in achieving the project objective. This paper focuses on the development of sensor and main computer connections to the operating autonomous unit and the use of common control protocols for each of the automated machines. A simple steering control algorithm was used for straight traveling. The automated rice transplanter made a turn at the headland of the paddy field and moved to the next desired path. After 12 straight operations, the rms lateral deviation was observed to be less than 0.04 m and the rms heading angle error was less than 3.6 deg. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Can trend forecasting improve stability in supply chains? A response to Forrester's challenge in Appendix L of Industrial Dynamics
Authors: Saeed Khalid 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper revisits the use of trend forecasting in driving ordering policies in supply chains by comparing it with derivative control in classical control theory. While both processes involve use of trend to determine policies for achieving reliable performance, the former often worsens instability, while the latter can improve stability with certainty. The similarities and differences between the two processes are discussed and a framework suggested for improving the efficacy of trend forecasting in ordering policies. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A system dynamics‐based simulation experiment for testing mental model and performance effects of using the balanced scorecard
Authors: Capelo Carlos , Dias João Ferreira 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis study develops a theoretical model that explains the effectiveness of the balanced scorecard approach by means of a system dynamics and feedback learning perspective. Presumably, the balanced scorecard leads to a better understanding of context, allowing managers to externalize and improve their mental models. We present a set of hypotheses about the influence of the balanced scorecard approach on mental models and performance. A test based on a simulation experiment that uses a system dynamics model is performed. The experiment included three types of parameters: financial indicators; balanced scorecard indicators; and balanced scorecard indicators with the aid of a strategy map review. Two out of the three hypotheses were confirmed. It was concluded that a strategy map review positively influences mental model similarity, and mental model similarity positively influences performance. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk‐adjusted monitoring of survival times
Authors: Sego Landon H. , Reynolds Marion R. , Woodall William H. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractWe consider the monitoring of surgical outcomes, where each patient has a different risk of post‐operative mortality due to risk factors that exist prior to the surgery. We propose a risk‐adjusted (RA) survival time CUSUM chart (RAST CUSUM) for monitoring a continuous, time‐to‐event variable that may be right‐censored. Risk adjustment is accomplished using accelerated failure time regression models. We compare the average run length performance of the RAST CUSUM chart with the RA Bernoulli CUSUM chart using data from cardiac surgeries to motivate the details of the comparison. The comparisons show that the RAST CUSUM chart is more efficient at detecting a sudden increase in the odds of mortality than the RA Bernoulli CUSUM chart, especially when the fraction of censored observations is relatively low or when a small increase in the odds of mortality occurs. We also discuss the impact of the amount of training data used to estimate chart parameters as well as the implementation of the RAST CUSUM chart during prospective monitoring. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal choice of the number of treatments to be included in a clinical trial
Authors: Stallard Nigel , Posch Martin , Friede Tim , Koenig Franz , Brannath Werner 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIt is common for a number of potentially effective treatments to be available for clinical evaluation. Limitations on resources mean that this inevitably leads to a decision as to how many, and which, treatments should be considered for inclusion in a clinical trial. This paper considers the problem of selection of possible treatments for inclusion in a phase III clinical trial. We assume that treatments will be compared using a standard frequentist hypothesis test, and propose a Bayesian decision‐theoretic approach that leads to minimization of the total sample size of the trial subject to controlling the familywise type I error rate and the expected probability of rejecting at least one null hypothesis. The method is illustrated in the simplest situation, in which two experimental treatments could be included in the clinical trial, exploring the levels of evidence that are required to lead to an optimal trial that includes one or both of these treatments. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test under scrutiny
Authors: Fagerland Morten W. , Sandvik Leiv 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney (WMW) test is often used to compare the means or medians of two independent, possibly nonnormal distributions. For this problem, the true significance level of the large sample approximate version of the WMW test is known to be sensitive to differences in the shapes of the distributions. Based on a wide ranging simulation study, our paper shows that the problem of lack of robustness of this test is more serious than is thought to be the case. In particular, small differences in variances and moderate degrees of skewness can produce large deviations from the nominal type I error rate. This is further exacerbated when the two distributions have different degrees of skewness. Other rank‐based methods like the Fligner–Policello (FP) test and the Brunner–Munzel (BM) test perform similarly, although the BM test is generally better. By considering the WMW test as a two‐sample T test on ranks, we explain the results by noting some undesirable properties of the rank transformation. In practice, the ranked samples should be examined and found to sufficiently satisfy reasonable symmetry and variance homogeneity before the test results are interpreted. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managing liquidity in research‐intensive firms: signaling and cash flow effects of patents and alliance activities
Authors: Levitas Edward , McFadyen M. Ann 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe effective holding and management of liquid assets is critical to success in research‐intensive industries. The primary output of invention is new knowledge. However, because of its ‘sticky’ characteristics, knowledge may not easily diffuse to external shareholders, leading to knowledge asymmetries between managers/employees and external suppliers of capital. Many valuable R&D projects may thus fail to attract external financing, limiting a firm's ability to invest in R&D. In this study, we examine how the cash flow and signaling properties of a firm's patents and certain aspects of its alliance strategy can attenuate such problems. Specifically, we suggest that a firm's R&D investments positively predict the level of its liquid asset holdings. This is due to the fact that invention‐induced knowledge asymmetries increase the firm's cost of accessing external liquid capital. However, holding cash entails opportunity costs. In this regard, we also find that patent production and certain alliance activities provide important signaling mechanisms, which reduce knowledge asymmetries between the firm and capital markets, and consequently lower the firm's need to hold liquid assets. Empirical tests were conducted using a sample of 108 U.S‐based biotechnology firms. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced materials for environmental catalysts
Authors: Imanaka Nobuhito , Masui Toshiyuki 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRecent advances in the synthesis and characterization of materials for environmental catalysts are reported in this paper. Highly advanced environmental catalysts for decomposition of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides were artificially designed based on a concept usually employed in the fields of solid‐state chemistry and solid‐state ionics. Catalytically active materials for complete ethylene oxidation were prepared by a citrate sol‐gel method as a key process to obtain CeO2ZrO2Bi2O3 solid solutions. On the other hand, direct NO decomposition catalysts were designed and prepared focusing on the open spaces and oxide anion vacancies in the crystal lattice. Evaluation of the materials as environmental catalysts demonstrated significant advantages over the conventional ones. The design strategy, synthetic method, and structural features of these concerto catalysts are addressed. © 2009 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 9: 40–50; 2009: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20167
Development and application of high‐performance affinity beads: Toward chemical biology and drug discovery
Authors: Sakamoto Satoshi , Kabe Yasuaki , Hatakeyama Mamoru , Yamaguchi Yuki , Handa Hiroshi 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn drug development research, the elucidation and understanding of the interactions between physiologically active substances and proteins that numerous genes produce is important. Currently, most commercially available drugs and physiologically active substances have been brought to market without knowledge of factors interacting with the drugs and the substances. Affinity purification is a useful and powerful technique employed to understand factors that are targeted by drugs and physiologically active substances. However, use of conventional matrices for affinity chromatography often causes a decrease in efficiency of affinity purification and, as a result, more practical matrices for affinity purification have been developed for application in drug discovery research. In this paper, we describe the development of high‐performance affinity beads (SG beads and FG beads) that enable one‐step affinity purification of drug targets and the elucidation of the mechanism of the action of the drugs. We also describe a chemical screening system using our affinity beads. We hope that utilization of the affinity beads will contribute to the progress of research in chemical biology. © 2009 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 9: 66–85; 2009: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20170
Comparison of inter‐ and intraobserver agreement between three types of fetal volume measurement technique (XI VOCAL™, VOCAL™ and multiplanar)
Authors: Cheong K. B. , Leung K. Y. , Chan H. Y. , Lee Y. P. , Yang F. , Tang M. H. Y. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the new XI VOCAL™ (eXtended Imaging Virtual Organ Computer‐aided Analysis) for three‐dimensional (3D) ultrasound measurement of fetal volume with the conventional multiplanar technique and a rotational method using VOCAL™.MethodsWe acquired 3D volume datasets from 30 fetuses at 11–14 weeks of gestation using a commercially available ultrasound system. Fetal volume was calculated using XI VOCAL (with 5, 10, 15 and 20 slices), multiplanar (1‐mm interval) and VOCAL (with 12°, 18° and 30° rotation) techniques. The level of agreement for interobserver and intraobserver variability was determined and evaluated for all methods and reliability was assessed.ResultsFetal volume measurements obtained using XI VOCAL (10 slices) showed good correlation with those obtained using VOCAL (18°) (r = 0.940, P = 0.076; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), 0.962 (95% CI, 0.920–0.982), P = 0.182), and XI VOCAL (15 slices) showed good correlation with VOCAL (12°) (r = 0.961, P = 0.092; ICC, 0.979 (95% CI, 0.957–0.990), P = 0.190). The mean difference between paired measurements by the XI VOCAL (10 slices) and VOCAL (18°) methods was 1.00 mL, while that by the XI VOCAL (15 slices) and VOCAL (12°) methods was 0.90 mL. 95% limits of agreement were − 2.80 to 4.80 between XI VOCAL (10 slices) and VOCAL (18°) and − 1.90 to 3.70 between XI VOCAL (15 slices) and VOCAL (12°). There was a small difference in the time required to complete the fetal volume measurement between XI VOCAL and VOCAL when a similar number of slices or rotational steps was used (P < 0.05), XI VOCAL taking less time.ConclusionXI VOCAL (with 10, 15 and 20 slices) can be used interchangeably with the multiplanar technique (1‐mm interval) for the measurement of fetal volume. XI VOCAL (10 slices) and VOCAL (18°) can be used interchangeably, as can XI VOCAL (15 slices) and VOCAL (12°), for the measurement of fetal volume. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomic relationship between the pubic symphysis and ischial spines and its clinical significance in the assessment of fetal head engagement and station during labor
Authors: Barbera A. F. , Imani F. , Becker T. , Lezotte D. C. , Hobbins J. C. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a geometric model from computed tomographic (CT) images in non‐pregnant women that would objectively reflect clinical head station in laboring patients, against which to test the accuracy of digital examinations.MethodCT scans were performed in 70 non‐pregnant women to determine, using a geometric model, which angle in a mid‐sagittal transperineal ultrasound (TPU) image best coincided with the mid‐point of a line drawn between the ischial spines (zero station). Using a geometric algorithm, TPU angles were then assigned for other clinical stations (−5 to + 5). Finally, clinical station was assessed by digital examination and simultaneous TPU assessments in 88 laboring patients to see how closely the clinical examination correlated with the station calculated from the above geometric model.ResultsThe mean angle between the long axis of the symphysis pubis and the mid‐point of the line connecting the two ischial spines for the 70 non‐pregnant subjects was 99°. The geometric model developed allowed us to build an algorithm to assign a specific set of theoretical angles to each computed station. Relationships between digitally assessed fetal head station, TPU angle for each station, and the geometrical model created with CT data, are reported. Clinical digital assessment of station correlated poorly with computed station, especially at stations below zero, where it could have greater clinical impact.ConclusionThe TPU angle of 99° correlated with zero station, and each station above or below this station could be assigned a specific corresponding angle for reference. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of isolated macrodactyly
Authors: Yüksel A. , Yaǧmur H. , Kural B. S. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCongenital enlargement of one or several digits of the hands or feet, known as macrodactyly, is a rare malformation. True macrodactyly, characterized by overgrowth of all mesenchymal elements, must be differentiated from that due to tumorous enlargement of a single element, as in hemangioma, lymphangioma or enchondroma. Furthermore, macrodactyly may be isolated, but it can also be associated with several syndromes. Here we present a case of prenatally diagnosed isolated true macrodactyly of the second toe of the left foot at 24 weeks of gestation, and discuss the key points in its differential diagnosis and management. Copyright © 2009 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A dynamic stall model for airfoils with deformable trailing edges
Authors: Andersen Peter Bjørn , Gaunaa Mac , Bak Christian , Hansen Morten Hartvig 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe present work contains an extension of the Beddoes–Leishman‐type dynamic stall model. In this work, a deformable trailing‐edge flap has been added to the dynamic stall model. The model predicts the unsteady aerodynamic forces and moments on an airfoil section undergoing arbitrary motion in heave, lead‐lag, pitch, trailing‐edge flapping. In the linear region, the model reduces to the inviscid model, which includes the aerodynamic effect of a thin airfoil with a deformable camberline in inviscid flow. Therefore, the proposed model can be considered a crossover between the work of Gaunaa for the attached flow region and Hansen et al. The model is compared qualitatively to wind tunnel measurements of a Riso/ B1‐18 blade section equipped with deformable trailing‐edge flap devices in the form of piezoelectric devices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surgical and Medical Treatment of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Patients on Continuous Dialysis
Authors: Tominaga Yoshihiro , Matsuoka Susumu , Uno Nobuaki 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackgroundSecondary hyperparathyroidsm (2HPT) is a common complication in hemodialysis patients associated with morbidity and sometimes mortality. The majority of patients with 2HPT can be managed by medical treatment. However, medical treatment does not always provied control of parathyroid disorder. Some patients require surgical treatment, parathyroidetomy (PTx). Successful surgical treatment often results in dramatic drop of the parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, relieves the patients from clinical symptoms, and reduces mortality. However, at present we do not have reliable evidences showing that PTx.MethodsThe published papers about medical and surgical treatment for 2HPT within the last 10 years were evaluated to acquire the evidence for the adequate surgical treatments for 2HPT.ResultsMany retrospective, observation studies have confirmed that successful PTx can achieve a dramatic drop of PTH levels, relieve symptoms of 2HPT and reduce mortality. However, we do not have reliable evidence that PTx compared with placebo or active drugs, improves mortality or outcome with respect to cardiovascular symptoms, bone disease, or biochemical parameter. The indications for surgery may be strongly influenced by medical therapy, including treatment with calcimimetics, as well as by composition of the patients material and medical insurance system. There are many treatment of modalities in addition to PTx for dialysis patients with 2HPT. Moreover, we do not have clear evidence telling us which operative procedures is most appropriate for 2HPT, with respect to clinical effectiveness, mortality or risk for recurrence.ConclusionTo acquire the evidence for the adequate medical and surgical treatment for 2HPT including operative procedures, randomized controlled prospective studies are requires.
Epitaxial Catalyst-Free Growth of InN Nanorods onc-Plane Sapphire
Authors: Shalish I , Seryogin G , Yi W , Bao JM , Zimmler MA , Likovich E , Bell DC , Capasso F , Narayanamurti V 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
We report observation of catalyst-free hydride vapor phase epitaxy growth of InN nanorods. Characterization of the nanorods with transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction show that the nanorods are stoichiometric 2H–InN single crystals growing in the [0001] orientation. The InN rods are uniform, showing very little variation in both diameter and length. Surprisingly, the rods show clear epitaxial relations with thec-plane sapphire substrate, despite about 29% of lattice mismatch. Comparing catalyst-free with Ni-catalyzed growth, the only difference observed is in the density of nucleation sites, suggesting that Ni does not work like the typical vapor–liquid–solid catalyst, but rather functions as a nucleation promoter by catalyzing the decomposition of ammonia. No conclusive photoluminescence was observed from single nanorods, while integrating over a large area showed weak wide emissions centered at 0.78 and at 1.9 eV.
Multi-Stable Conductance States in Metallic Double-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Tang Dongsheng , Wang Yong , Yuan Huajun , Ci Lijie , Zhou Weiya , Xie Sishen 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Electrical transport properties of individual metallic double-walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) were measured down to liquid helium temperature, and multi-stable conductance states were found in DWCNTs. At a certain temperature, DWCNTs can switch continuously between two or more electronic states, but below certain temperature, DWCNTs are stable only at one of them. The temperature for switching is always different from tube to tube, and even different from thermal cycle to cycle for the same tube. In addition to thermal activation, gate voltage scanning can also realize such switching among different electronic states. The multi-stable conductance states in metallic DWCNTs can be attributed to different Fermi level or occasional scattering centers induced by different configurations between their inner and outer tubes.