bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sample size calculation for the weighted rank statistics with paired survival data
Authors: Jung Sin‐Ho 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThis paper introduces a sample size calculation method for the weighted rank test statistics with paired two‐sample survival data. Our sample size formula requires specification of joint survival and censoring distributions. For modelling the distribution of paired survival variables, we may use a paired exponential survival distribution that is specified by the marginal hazard rates and a measure of dependency. Also, in most trials randomizing paired subjects, the subjects of each pair are accrued and censored at the same time over an accrual period and an additional follow‐up period, so that the paired subjects have a common censoring time. Under these practical settings, the design parameters include type I and type II error probabilities, marginal hazard rates under the alternative hypothesis, correlation coefficient, accrual period (or accrual rate) and follow‐up period. If pilot data are available, we may estimate the survival distributions from them, but we specify the censoring distribution based on the specified accrual trend and the follow‐up period planned for the new study. Through simulations, the formula is shown to provide accurate sample sizes under practical settings. Real studies are taken to demonstrate the proposed method. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signatures of Clustering in Superparamagnetic Colloidal Nanocomposites of an Inorganic and Hybrid Nature
Authors: Rebolledo Aldo F. , Fuertes Antonio B. , Gonzalez‐Carreño Teresita , Sevilla Marta , Valdes‐Solis Teresa , Tartaj Pedro 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe individual and co‐operative properties of inorganic and hybrid superparamagnetic colloidal nanocomposites that satisfy all the requirements of magnetic carriers in the biosciences and/or catalysis fields are been studied. Essential to the success of this study is the selection of suitable synthetic routes (aerosol and nanocasting) that allow the preparation of materials with different matrix characteristics (carbon, silica, and polymers with controlled porosity). These materials present magnetic properties that depend on the average particle size and the degree of polydispersity. Finally, the analysis of the co‐operative behavior of samples allows for the detection of signatures of clustering, which are closely related to the textural characteristics of samples and the methodology used to produce the magnetic carriers.
Carbon Nanotubes with High Bone‐Tissue Compatibility and Bone‐Formation Acceleration Effects
Authors: Usui Yuki , Aoki Kaoru , Narita Nobuyo , Murakami Narumichi , Nakamura Isao , Nakamura Koichi , Ishigaki Norio , Yamazaki Hiroshi , Horiuchi Hiroshi , Kato Hiroyuki , Taruta Seiichi , Kim Yoong Ahm , Endo Morinobu , Saito Naoto 
Published: January 2008

AbstractCarbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been used in various fields as composites with other substances or alone to develop highly functional materials. CNTs hold great interest with respect to biomaterials, particularly those to be positioned in contact with bone such as prostheses for arthroplasty, plates or screws for fracture fixation, drug delivery systems, and scaffolding for bone regeneration. Accordingly, bone‐tissue compatibility of CNTs and CNT influence on bone formation are important issues, but the effects of CNTs on bone have not been delineated. Here, it is found that multi‐walled CNTs adjoining bone induce little local inflammatory reaction, show high bone‐tissue compatibility, permit bone repair, become integrated into new bone, and accelerate bone formation stimulated by recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2). This study provides an initial investigational basis for CNTs in biomaterials that are used adjacent to bone, including uses to promote bone regeneration. These findings should encourage development of clinical treatment modalities involving CNTs.
Linking Proteins with Anionic Nanoparticles via Protamine: Ultrasmall Protein‐Coupled Probes for Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Apoptosis
Authors: Schellenberger Eyk , Schnorr Jörg , Reutelingsperger Chris , Ungethüm Liset , Meyer Wolfdietrich , Taupitz Matthias , Hamm Bernd 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a target in vivo depends on the surface, size, and particle relaxivity of the target‐specific nanoparticles for MRI. Here a new method for decorating very small iron oxide particles (VSOPs) with target‐specific ligands is described. The method is based on the electrostatic attraction of the strongly positively charged peptide protamine to the anionic citrate shell of the electrostatically stabilized VSOPs. The protamine coat allows linkage chemistry and chimera technology to functionalize VSOPs or other negative charged surfaces with biologics. Annexin A5 (anxA5)–VSOP utilizing thiol chemistry was generated to couple biologically active anxA5 to VSOPs for in vivo MRI of apoptosis. Annexin A5–VSOP comprises five anxA5 molecules per iron oxide nanoparticle with a high R2 particle relaxivity of 180 000 mM−1 s−1 yet small hydrodynamic diameter of only 14.7±2.9 nm beneficial for in vivo MRI of extravascular targets.
Emergency Surgery of the Abdominal Aorta in a Porcine Model: Two Sequential Experiments
Authors: Lozano Francisco S. , Rodríguez José M. , García‐Criado Francisco J. , Gonzalez‐Porras Jose R. , Sanchez‐Guijo Fermin M. , Sanchez‐Conde Pilar , García‐Sanchez Jose E. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to design an aggressive nonlethal animal model that would simulate surgical treatment of the abdominal aorta with a view to studying the systemic inflammatory response. Fourteen pigs were subjected to two sequential experiments. Experiment A was performed to determine the response to two degrees of hemorrhage: (A1) 40% bleeding; and (A2) 60% bleeding over 15 minutes followed by midline laparotomy and aortic dissection. Experiment B included two methods of aortic repair: (B1) aortic resection and replacement with a prosthesis; and (B2) aortic bypass without aortic resection. In the latter two groups, suprarenal aortic cross‐clamping was placed for 30 minutes after a 40% hemorrhage. We analyzed various inflammatory markers and mortality. The 40% bleeding (vs. 60%) elicited a smaller decrease in mean arterial pressure (110 ± 6 vs. 89 ± 9 mmHg) but did not cause irreversible shock or mortality. After the 40% hemorrhage, the B1 aortic repair caused two cases of paraplegia. We have developed a model to study the combined effect of bleeding and aortic cross‐clamping.
Long‐term Outcome of Treatment of Early Carcinoma of the Lip with Nd:YAG Laser
Authors: Tewari Mallika , Rai Pramod , Kumar Mohan , Shukla Hari S. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the Nd:YAG laser for treating stage I squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip. The retrospective study was performed in a tertiary care referral hospital in northern India.MethodsIn January 2007 the records of patients treated by Nd:YAG laser ablation of the lip between January 1997 and January 2000 were reviewed. Patients with a minimum follow‐up of 5 years were included. The postoperative integrity of facial nerve, cosmetic and functional results, and disease (recurrence)‐free survival (DFS) were assessed.ResultsOf the 46 patients included, 42 were disease‐free at the end of the first year and 38 after 5 years. Six patients required repeat lasering for a residual or recurrent lesion. Two patients developed regional lymph node metastasis with no infield recurrence and underwent modified radical neck dissection. The 5‐year DFS rate was 82.6%. Site of lip involvement (upper or lower), history of tobacco use, or grade of the tumor had no influence on DFS. Cosmetic results were excellent and without any significant complication.ConclusionOur results support the use of the Nd:YAG laser for treatment of stage I SCC of the lip with minimal morbidity and good DFS.
Outcome of Planned Discharge from Case Management: A 3 Year Retrospective Study
Authors: Backus Linda , Weinkove John , Lucas Marilyn , Jespersen Sean 
Published: January 2008

Objective: To investigate the rates of relapse of mental illness in adults requiring acute intervention at a mental health service following a planned discharge process from community case management. Method: A planned approach to identifying and facilitating patient discharge was identified and incorporated into clinical team reviews. Data regarding service contacts of all discharged patients were collected at 1 year and then 3 years following planned discharge and reviewed in detail. Demographic factors and clinical variables were collected in anticipation that useful predictors for successful discharge might be identified. Results: Using a planned approach, a greater number of patients were discharged from case management to the care of a primary treating practitioner. Discharges increased from 11 in 2000 to 46 in 2001. Of the 46 patients discharged from case management, 22 patients (47.8%) had no contact with the service during the first 12 months. Twenty-four patients accessed the Service requiring no further action, but at some point nine (19.6%) required acute intervention. The remaining 15 patients (32.6%) were managed successfully either by the triage service or non-urgent referral for psychiatric consultation. During the 3 year period 10 patients (21.7%) continued to have no contact with the service. Nineteen patients (41.3%) required acute intervention; the remaining 17 (36.9%) were successfully managed through triage or via non-urgent psychiatric review requiring no further action by the Service. Of the seven patients who had been on a community treatment order during their treatment, only one had further contact with the Service. Conclusions: A planned approach to the discharge of patients from case management to the community resulted in an increased number of patient discharges. While most patients did not rapidly relapse, a number of patients did have contact with the Service and 19 (41.3%) required at least one acute intervention during the 3 year follow-up period. The findings reflect the importance of relapse prevention and management and service re-entry planning with triage services, patients, carers and other key workers. The frequency of service use and the variation of services required by patients highlight the importance of availability of a variety of adequately resourced levels of service response.
Follow up of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Australian Servicemen Hospitalized in 1942–1952
Authors: Watson Paddy Burges , Daniels Brett 
Published: January 2008

Objective: To follow up survivors of Australian services hospitalized in 1942–1952 and compare their reported symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with symptoms in their hospital files. Method: Twelve survivors were interviewed and combatants completed the revised Impact of Event Scale. Results: Eight survivors had symptoms satisfying a diagnosis of PTSD at the time of the study. There was underreporting of most relevant symptoms in their hospital files. Conclusions: PTSD symptoms were probably common during and after World War II. The findings have implications for the management of PTSD generally and the treatment of ageing WWII veterans in particular.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in the Files of Australian Servicemen Hospitalized in 1942–1952
Authors: Watson Paddy Burges , Daniels Brett 
Published: January 2008

Objective: To investigate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology in servicemen hospitalized 1942–1952. Method: Hospital files of servicemen (n = 590) were studied and PTSD symptoms in groups, based on service experience, were compared. Results: Based on their hospital files, 19% of servicemen were classified as having partial PTSD. No full cases of PTSD were identified, due primarily to the small number of recorded avoidance symptoms and the limited information in relation to the stressor criterion. Prisoners of war had the highest reported avoidance and lowest intrusive symptoms compared with other combatants. Conclusions: PTSD symptoms may have been common during and after World War II. At that time avoidance was not considered a symptom of disorder. Intrusive and arousal symptoms may be the core symptoms of PTSD and avoidance symptoms need to be reconsidered.
Addressing Mental Health Concerns in Schools: Does School-Link Achieve Its Aims?
Authors: Maloney Danielle , Jones Judith , Walter Garry , Davenport Rita 
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper was to evaluate the reach and impact of the New South Wales' School-Link initiative. Method: Postal surveys, focus groups and interviews were conducted. Results: School-Link has established a strong partnership between health and education, raised the awareness of child and adolescent mental health problems and contributed in the areas of prevention and early intervention. Conclusions: Building on the momentum and the foundations that have been established is the next challenge for this initiative.
Putting ‘Addiction’ Back Into Psychiatry: The RANZCP Section of Addiction Psychiatry
Authors: Lubman Dan , Jurd Stephen , Baigent Michael , Krabman Peter 
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the history and activities of the RANZCP Section of Addiction Psychiatry, as well as its current challenges and opportunities. Conclusions: From initial exclusion to an active and growing membership, the Section of Addiction Psychiatry continues to ensure that problematic substance use and gambling remain core issues within Australasian psychiatry. In addition to commenting and contributing to ongoing clinical and policy initiatives, the Section has recently introduced an advanced training curriculum and maintains a strong partnership with the relatively new Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine. Its active input into education, training, media and policy development within the College guarantees that psychiatry is represented within the addiction field, and that tomorrow's psychiatrists are competent to assess and treat comorbid addiction issues.
Developing the ‘Youth Model’ in Mental Health Services
Authors: Birleson Peter , Vance Alasdair 
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper was to review the basis of the ‘youth model’ and new ‘headspace’ service delivery structures, proposed as a solution to the problem of high rates of psychiatric disorder in the youth period of life. Several issues were examined through asking key questions and answering these from the perspective of two academically oriented child and adolescent psychiatrists. Conclusions: As half of all mental disorders appear during childhood and early adolescence, more research into the origin and emergence of these problems should focus on this early period of life. Prevention research should also focus largely on children and adolescents, with interventions targeted through sequential assessment at pivotal stages. The current problem of access to mental health care for youth in the adult mental health service system could be improved with additional funding and culture change – it is not necessary to create a new service system. Indeed, there are dangers in establishing new services for 12–25-year-olds, as the 12–17-year-old population has different needs from 18–25-year-olds. In particular, the younger group are at risk of ‘adultification’ by being grouped together with young adults, and this risk needs to be actively managed. Health service planning must pay attention to developmental differences. Several suggestions are proposed for addressing the mental health needs of young adults.
Patient Satisfaction with the Black Dog Institute Depression Clinic
Authors: Fletcher Kathryn , Parker Gordon , Tully Lucy 
Published: January 2008

Objective: The aim of this paper is to report on patient satisfaction with the Black Dog Institute Depression Clinic, a tertiary referral service providing assessment and treatment advice to patients with mood disorders. Method: Patients who attended the Depression Clinic over the period 2006–2007 received questionnaires in the mail assessing satisfaction with the services received. Of the 321 patients attending, 114 (35%) replied. Results from 110 patients were subsequently analysed. Results: Overall, patients were very satisfied with the services received. However, a number of priority areas were identified including provision of information about diagnosis, causal factors and treatment options; managing patient expectations about services offered; the need for improvement of communication between patient and psychiatrist; and the need for adequate de-briefing for those who receive an unexpected or differing diagnosis. Conclusions: Patient satisfaction is a central component in shaping clinical service development to ensure delivery of effective health care. Findings from this study have implications for the improved delivery of psychiatric services.
Impact of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome and the Perceived Avian Influenza Epidemic on the Increased Rate of Influenza Vaccination Among Nurses in Hong Kong
Authors: Tam Dennise K. P. , Lee Shui-Shan , Lee Sing 
Published: January 2008

Objective.To determine the rate of influenza vaccination and the factors associated with the vaccination's acceptance among nurses in Hong Kong.Design.Cross-sectional survey.Participants.Nurses practicing between 2003 and 2007.Methods.A questionnaire was sent to all nurses registered with any of the 3 nursing associations that participated in this study.Results.A total of 941 completed questionnaires were available for analysis, though not all nurses responded to every question (response rate, 33.5%-36.3%). Vaccination rates in 2006 and 2007 were 57.2% and 46.2%, respectively. Nurses who were vaccinated in 2006 were more likely to get vaccinated in 2007 (P<.01); 56% of the nurses perceived influenza vaccine as being effective against influenza. The perceived effectiveness of influenza vaccine was a consistent predictor of rates of vaccination in 2006 (odds ratio [OR], 8.47 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 6.13-11.70];P<.01) and 2007 (OR, 6.05 [95% CI, 3.79-9.67];P<.01). Concern about contracting avian influenza was a predictor of the vaccination rate in 2006 but not in 2007 (OR, 1.47 [95% CI, 1.03-2.09];P<.05), as was the perceived lack of control over avian influenza infection (OR, 1.52 [95% CI, 1.06-2.18];P<.05).Conclusions.The overall influenza vaccination rate for nurses in Hong Kong was about 50%. It was affected by the perceived threat of an impending outbreak. The attitudes of nurses toward the effectiveness of and rationale for vaccination were a major barrier to increasing the rate of vaccination.
QTLNetwork: mapping and visualizing genetic architecture of complex traits in experimental populations
Authors: Yang Jian , Hu Chengcheng , Hu Han , Yu Rongdong , Xia Zhen , Ye Xiuzi , Zhu Jun 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Summary: QTLNetwork is a software package for mapping and visualizing the genetic architecture underlying complex traits for experimental populations derived from a cross between two inbred lines. It can simultaneously map quantitative trait loci (QTL) with individual effects, epistasis and QTL–environment interaction. Currently, it is able to handle data from F2, backcross, recombinant inbred lines and double-haploid populations, as well as populations from specific mating designs (immortalized F2 and BCnFn populations). The Windows version of QTLNetwork was developed with a graphical user interface. Alternatively, the command-line versions have the facility to be run in other prevalent operating systems, such as Linux, Unix and MacOS.
Availability: http://ibi.zju.edu.cn/software/qtlnetwork
Contact: jzhu@zju.edu.cn
Figaro: a novel statistical method for vector sequence removal
Authors: White James Robert , Roberts Michael , Yorke James A. , Pop Mihai 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Motivation: Sequences produced by automated Sanger sequencing machines frequently contain fragments of the cloning vector on their ends. Software tools currently available for identifying and removing the vector sequence require knowledge of the vector sequence, specific splice sites and any adapter sequences used in the experiment—information often omitted from public databases. Furthermore, the clipping coordinates themselves are missing or incorrectly reported. As an example, within the ∼1.24 billion shotgun sequences deposited in the NCBI Trace Archive, as many as ∼735 million (∼60%) lack vector clipping information. Correct clipping information is essential to scientists attempting to validate, improve and even finish the increasingly large number of genomes released at a ‘draft’ quality level.
Results: We present here Figaro, a novel software tool for identifying and removing the vector from raw sequence data without prior knowledge of the vector sequence. The vector sequence is automatically inferred by analyzing the frequency of occurrence of short oligo-nucleotides using Poisson statistics. We show that Figaro achieves 99.98% sensitivity when tested on ∼1.5 million shotgun reads from Drosophila pseudoobscura. We further explore the impact of accurate vector trimming on the quality of whole-genome assemblies by re-assembling two bacterial genomes from shotgun sequences deposited in the Trace Archive. Designed as a module in large computational pipelines, Figaro is fast, lightweight and flexible.
Availability: Figaro is released under an open-source license through the AMOS package (http://amos.sourceforge.net/Figaro).
Contact: mpop@umiacs.umd.edu
Sensing of Viral Infection and Activation of Innate Immunity by Toll-Like Receptor 3
Authors: Vercammen Elisabeth , Staal Jens , Beyaert Rudi 
Published: January 2008

SUMMARY
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) form a major group of transmembrane receptors that are involved in the detection of invading pathogens. Double-stranded RNA is a marker for viral infection that is recognized by TLR3. TLR3 triggering activates specific signaling pathways that culminate in the activation of NF-κB and IRF3 transcription factors, as well as apoptosis, enabling the host to mount an effective innate immune response through the induction of cytokines, chemokines, and other proinflammatory mediators. In this review, we describe the paradoxical role of TLR3 in innate immunity against different viruses and in viral pathogenesis but also the evidence for TLR3 as a “danger” receptor in nonviral diseases. We also discuss the structure and cellular localization of TLR3, as well as the complex signaling and regulatory events that contribute to TLR3-mediated immune responses.