bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Object‐oriented software development antecedents that influence product bug density
Authors: Misra Subhas C. , Bhavsar Virendrakumar C. 
Published: February 2005

PurposePresents the results of a study aimed at investigating the antecedent software development factors that affect quality of final products. By monitoring those causal factors from the early phases of development, one can have a final product of enhanced quality and reduced costs.Design/methodology/approachThe study considered an unprecedentedly large number of 30 C++ object‐oriented systems of varied size and application domains, a comprehensive suite of large number of predictive software design or code measures in one study, and compared their results on a common platform.FindingsIt was found that many of the software design or code measures have a significant positive or negative relationship with quality.Originality/valueThe value of the paper lies in the fact that it addresses some of the major problems from which most of the studies conducted in this research domain suffer. The objective and justification of this paper are to address these deficiencies, in addition to validating some of the results obtained in earlier studies. Another important value of the paper lies in the fact that, based on the results of the study, the paper enlists useful lessons learned that can provide some practical insight for practitioners and quality managers.
Film and membrane properties of polybenzimidazole (PBI) and polyarylate alloys
Authors: Chung Tai‐Shung , Chen Paul N. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractBlends of a poly[2,2′‐(m‐phenylene)‐5,5′‐bibenzimidazole] (FBI) polymer with polyarylate (PA) yield films exhibiting synergistic mechanical properties. The break strength of the blended materials exceeded the strength of the stronger polymer in its 100% form. The molecular interaction and compatibility of PBI/PA have been investigated and confirmed by infrared, dynamic mechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. For example, interactions were typically found between the carbonyls and the imidazole in these systems, and there was a shift of the carbonyl band to lower frequency. DMA study of a (40/60) PBI/PA film blend revealed the existence of two Tg values (e.g., 245 and 362°C). The shift of the Tg from each individual component strongly suggested that FBI and PA interact on a molecular scale. Membranes made from a solution of a 60/40 (weight %) mixture of PBI and polyarylate exhibited excellent UF properties: a flux of 60–80 gfd at 50 psi and a rejection of 90–99% of cytochrome‐c (MW = 12,000). The HPLC results confirmed the red color species (Vitamin 12 and cytochrome‐c) were quantitatively removed. Further experiments indicated that the excellent UF properties were due to the novel combination of PBI and PA which offered a unique absorption and ionic‐exchange characteristics.
Inflammatory bowel disease related osteonecrosis: report of a large series with a review of the literature
Authors: Klingenstein G. , Levy R. N. , Kornbluth A. , Shah A. K. , Present D. H. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryBackground : Osteonecrosis is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease usually associated with steroid use. There are few large series available detailing the specifics of affected patients.Aim : To identify any specific characteristics of osteonecrosis in this cohort. A major focus was placed on steroid dose, the average time between diagnosis of IBD and appearance of osteonecrosis and the frequency of multiple joint involvement.Methods : Our study identified 23 patients in the practices of five gastroenterologists at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. We retrospectively reviewed their clinical history, as well as imaging studies. We classified osteonecrosis according to the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging system.Results : Although our prednisone dosing data could not be used as an accurate predictor of onset or joint distribution, there was a tendency for correlation between the average daily dosing and the ARCO score. The ARCO scoring system was consistent for patients with bilateral hip involvement. The distribution of affected joints in IBD is similar to other conditions associated with osteonecrosis, with hips being the most frequently involved joints. Data showed bilateral involvement in most hips, but usually unilateral disease in the shoulders and knees. Treatment options include core decompression for early stages, whereas joint replacement surgery is required for stages 3 and 4.Conclusion : IBD predisposes patients to corticosteroid induced osteonecrosis. An exact threshold dose has not been determined. The data suggests that either long term therapy or short term high dose treatment increases the risk of osteonecrosis. Even if symptoms are limited to one joint, multiple joints are often involved and comprehensive testing with MRI is indicated in all cases.
Review article: diagnosis and management of mesenteric ischaemia with an emphasis on pharmacotherapy
Authors: Kozuch P. L. , Brandt L. J. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryMesenteric ischaemia results from decreased blood flow to the bowel, causing cellular injury from lack of oxygen and nutrients. Acute mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is an uncommon disorder with high morbidity and mortality, but outcomes are improved with prompt recognition and aggressive treatment. Five subgroups of AMI have been identified, with superior mesenteric artery embolism (SMAE) the most common. Older age and cardiovascular disease are common risk factors for AMI, excepting acute mesenteric venous thrombosis (AMVT), which affects younger patients with hypercoaguable states. AMI is characterized by sudden onset of abdominal pain; a benign abdominal exam may be observed prior to bowel infarction. Conventional angiography and more recently, computed tomography angiography, are the cornerstones of diagnosis. Correction of predisposing conditions, volume resuscitation and antibiotic treatment are standard treatments for AMI, and surgery is mandated in the setting of peritoneal signs. Intra‐arterial vasodilators are used routinely in the treatment of non‐occlusive mesenteric ischaemia (NOMI) and also are advocated in the treatment of occlusive AMI to decrease associated vasospasm. Thrombolytics have been used on a limited basis to treat occlusive AMI. A variety of agents have been studied in animal models to treat reperfusion injury, which sometimes can be more harmful than ischaemic injury. Chronic mesenteric ischaemia (CMI) usually is caused by severe obstructive atherosclerotic disease of two or more splanchnic vessels, presents with post‐prandial pain and weight loss, and is treated by either surgical revascularization or percutaneous angioplasty and stenting.
Esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily in triple therapy and the efficacy of Helicobacter pylori eradication related to CYP2C19 metabolism
Authors: Sheu B.‐S. , Kao A.‐W. , Cheng H.‐C. , Hunag S.‐F. , Chen T.‐W. , Lu C.‐C. , Wu J.‐J. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryAim : To determine whether an increased dosage of esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily in triple therapy improved the Helicobacter pylori eradication rate for patients with different genotypes of S‐mephenytoin 4′‐hydroxylase (CYP2C19).Methods : Two hundred H. pylori‐infected dyspeptic patients were randomized to receive clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily and amoxicillin 1 g twice daily plus either omeprazole 20 mg or esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily for 1 week. Six weeks later, the success of H. pylori eradication was defined. The genotyping of CYP2C19 in each patient was defined as homologous, heterologous extensive metabolizer or poor metabolizer.Results : The age, gender, drug compliance and proportion of CYP2C19 genotypes were similar between the two groups. The H. pylori eradication rates were also similar between the omeprazole group and the esomeprazole group (intention‐to‐treat analysis: 79% vs. 86%, P > 0.05; per‐protocol analysis: 85% vs. 94%, P > 0.05). For patients classified as homologous extensive metabolizers, the per‐protocol H. pylori eradication rate was significantly higher in the esomeprazole group than in the omeprazole group (93% vs. 76%, P < 0.05).Conclusion : Esomeprazole 40 mg twice daily for triple therapy may improve the H. pylori eradication compared to omeprazole‐based therapy, but only for homologous extensive metabolizers of CYP2C19.
Mental distress in patients with functional or organic dyspepsia: a comparative study with a sample of the general population
Authors: Pajala M. , Heikkinen M. , Hintikka J. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryBackground : It has been argued that patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders have mental disorders more often than healthy controls and patients with organic disease. Most studies surveying psychological factors at the population level have relied on symptom questionnaires to diagnose functional dyspepsia. However, the symptom patterns alone are unable to adequately discriminate organic from functional dyspepsia.Aim : To evaluate the frequency of mental distress in primary care patients with organic or functional dyspepsia and compare the findings with a sample of the Finnish general population.Methods : Four‐hundred consecutive, unselected dyspeptic patients were referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and other diagnostic examinations. All patients compiled a self‐administered questionnaire including the 12‐item General Health Questionnaire to detect cases of recent mental disorders.Results : The prevalence of mental distress among patients with functional and organic dyspepsia was 38 and 36.4% respectively. The sex‐ and age‐adjusted risk of having mental distress was nearly fourfold higher among patients with dyspepsia than in the general population.Conclusion : Mental distress is common among patients with functional or organic dyspepsia. Nevertheless, there is no difference between patients with functional or organic dyspepsia in the prevalence or risk of mental distress.
Utility of a depression score to predict candidacy for hepatitis C virus therapy in veterans: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Tavakoli‐Tabasi S. , Rowan P. , Abdul‐Latif M. , Kunik M. E. , El‐Serag H. B. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryBackground : The frequency and determinants of receipt of antiviral therapy once a diagnosis of a mood disorder is established in hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients remains unknown.Aim : To examine the incidence and determinants of receiving antiviral therapy in HCV‐infected veterans with abnormal scores of Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale (SDS).Methods : We systematically evaluated the presence of psychiatric disorders among HCV‐infected patients with initial referral between September 2000 and May 2002. We reviewed medical records, obtained history, and administered Zung SDS to evaluate for depressive symptoms. Patients with psychiatric disorders were referred for psychiatric evaluation. The primary outcome was the receipt of antiviral therapy during and after the initial evaluation up to December 1, 2003. The association between SDS scores and receipt of antiviral therapy was examined in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression.Results : A total of 424 patients completed a Zung SDS. The scores were normal in only 43% of all patients, and were impaired mildly in 25%, moderately in 23%, and severely in 9%. Zung SDS scores were significantly higher in patients who served during the Vietnam War era, participated in combat, or had lower albumin levels. At the end of the first visit, 180 (42%) had psychiatric disorders. An abnormal Zung score (>55) was the only reason for referral to psychiatry in 83 of 180 patients; and in those 78 (94%) a formal psychiatric evaluation confirmed depressive disorder. Psychiatric disorders were the sole contraindication to therapy in 145 (34%) patients in whom eligibility for antiviral therapy was achieved in 42 (29%) during a mean follow‐up duration of 27 months.Conclusions : Approximately one‐quarter of patients with psychiatric disorders may become eligible for antiviral therapy following subsequent management of these disorders. The Zung self‐screening test is an easy, valid method for detecting mood disorders in HCV‐infected veterans.
The safety of proton pump inhibitors in pregnancy: a multicentre prospective controlled study
Authors: Diav‐Citrin O. , Arnon J. , Shechtman S. , Schaefer C. , van Tonningen M. R. , Clementi M. , de Santis M. , Robert‐Gnansia E. , Valti E. , Malm H. , Ornoy A. 
Published: February 2005

SummaryBackground : Proton pump inhibitors are used to treat gastro‐oesophageal reflux and peptic ulcers. Gastro‐oesophageal reflux is a common condition in pregnancy. Human pregnancy experience with lansoprazole or pantoprazole is very limited. More data exist on the safety of omeprazole in pregnancy.Aim : To assess the safety of proton pump inhibitors in pregnancy.Methods : The rate of major anomalies was compared between pregnant women exposed to omeprazole, lanzoprazole, or pantoprazole and a control group counselled for non‐teratogens. The study design is a multicentre (n = 8), prospective, controlled study of the European Network of Teratology Information Services.Results : We followed up 295 pregnancies exposed to omeprazole [233 in the first trimester (T1)], 62 to lansoprazole (55 in T1) and 53 to pantoprazole (47 in T1), and compared pregnancy outcome to that of 868 European Network of Teratology Information Services controls. The rate of major congenital anomalies did not differ between the exposed and control groups [omeprazole nine of 249 (3.6%), lansoprazole two of 51 (3.9%) and pantoprazole one of 48 (2.1%) vs. controls 30 of 792 = 3.8%]. No differences were found when exposure was limited to the first trimester after exclusion of genetic, cytogenetic or infectious anomalies.Conclusions : This study suggests that proton pump inhibitors do not represent a major teratogenic risk in humans.
Rapid assignment of the swine major histocompatibility complex (SLA) class I and II genotypes in Clawn miniature swine using PCR‐SSP and PCR‐RFLP methods
Authors: Ando Asako , Ota Masao , Sada Masaharu , Katsuyama Yoshihiko , Goto Rieko , Shigenari Atsuko , Kawata Hisako , Anzai Tatsuya , Iwanaga Takahiro , Miyoshi Yukari , Fujimura Nobuyuki , Inoko Hidetoshi 
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Background:  Inbred miniature swine with defined novel SLA haplotypes will be useful in allo‐ and xeno‐transplantation studies, which can be carried out representing variable combinations of SLA haplotypes.Methods:  In Clawn miniature swine, two haplotypes (c1 and c2) and one crossover haplotype (c3) have been assigned by nucleotide sequence determination of RT‐PCR products of the three SLA classical class I genes and two SLA class II genes. To select SLA class I and II homozygotes in Clawn miniature swine individuals, we developed a rapid and simple SLA‐class I‐ and II‐DNA typing method by a combination of polymerase chain reaction‐sequence specific primer (PCR‐SSP) and polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) techniques.Results:  Seven allele specific primer pairs were designed for amplification of the second exons of three SLA class I genes, SLA‐1, SLA‐2, and SLA‐3, and one SLA class II gene, DRB1. Furthermore, based on PCR‐RFLP patterns in the SLA‐DQB1 gene, two allelic variants were recognized in the second exon in the Clawn miniature swine. Three haplotypes, c1, c2 and c3, were simply identified by the combination of PCR‐SSP and PCR‐RFLP methods in 22 samples from five families. A single allele at each of the class I and II genes was also observed in seven samples as SLA class I and II homozygotes with either the c1 or c2 haplotype.Conclusions:  The combination of PCR‐SSP and PCR‐RFLP methods facilitate the rapid identification of the three haplotypes and SLA class I and II homozygotes in individual Clawn miniature swine.
Transgenic pigs expressing human CD59, in combination with human membrane cofactor protein and human decay‐accelerating factor
Authors: Zhou Chun‐Yan , McInnes Elizabeth , Copeman Laura , Langford Gillian , Parsons Nicola , Lancaster Richard , Richards Andrew , Carrington Christine , Thompson Simon 
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Background:  The expression of human complement regulators has been proved as an effective strategy to overcome hyperacute rejection in discordant xenogeneic organ transplantation. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that expression of triple transgenes for human complement regulators and provide more effective protection to the transplanted pig tissues.Methods:  Pigs transgenic for human complement regulatory proteins, human CD59 (hCD59) and human membrane cofactor protein (hMCP), have been generated using large genomic constructs. Heterozygous human decay‐accelerating factor (hDAF) transgenic pigs, from a previously established line, were bred with hCD59 or hCD59 plus hMCP pigs to produce animals that expressed both hCD59 and hDAF, or expressed triple transgenes hCD59, hDAF and hMCP.Results:  All three transgenes were widely expressed in most of the tissues analyzed, but the expression of hMCP was at low levels. In cytotoxicity assays on porcine peripheral blood mononuclear cells, the expression of a single transgenic protein, hCD59, or hCD59 in combination with hMCP provided similar protection against human complement‐mediated damage as the single expression of hDAF. However, the expression of triple transgenic proteins or double hCD59 and hDAF transgenic proteins provided greater protection than either hCD59 or hDAF alone.Conclusions:  Thus, pigs transgenic for multiple transgenes provide a greater degree of human complement regulation and hence might be more suitable for xenotransplantation.
Evaluation of a diet free of animal protein in germfree swine
Authors: Loynachan A. T. , Pettigrew J. E. , Wiseman B. S. , Kunkle R. A. , Harris D. L. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract:  Background:
Two experiments were conducted in which germfree pigs or pigs monoassociated with Lactobacillus paracasei subspecies paracasei were fed either a traditional milk‐based diet (Esbilac) or an experimental diet free of animal protein (DFAP).Methods:  Throughout the 16‐day study, animals’ clinical condition, total weight gain, feed conversion, and bacterial contamination were monitored. At the conclusion of the study the animals were killed, necropsied and tissues sampled for L. paracasei isolation.Results:  General pig disposition remained consistent between treatment groups and trials, except for two animals that developed mild diarrhoea during trial 1. All pigs remained viable during the study irrespective the diet fed or probiotic inoculation. Germfree pigs fed the Esbilac diet gained on average a total of 1034 ± 63.0 g, and had a feed conversion ratio of 0.17 ± 0.01 g of gain per 1 ml of diet. Germfree pigs fed the experimental diet gained on average a total of 599 ± 151 g, and had a feed conversion ratio of 0.10 ± 0.02 g of gain per 1 ml of diet. Monoassociated pigs fed the Esbilac diet gained on average a total of 862 ± 70.3 g, and had a feed conversion ratio 0.14 ± 0.01 g of gain per 1 ml of diet. Monoassociated pigs fed the experimental diet gained on average a total of 563 ± 96.8 g, and had a feed conversion ratio of 0.09 ± 0.02 g of gain per 1 ml of diet. Lactobacillus paracasei established extensively in pigs fed either the Esbilac or experimental diets. Lactobacillus paracasei had no effect (P > 0.05) on piglet growth and did not display any interactions based on the diet fed. Measured growth parameters were statistically different (P < 0.05) based on the diet fed and variance seen between trials.Conclusion:  In conclusion, a DFAP has been developed and has been shown to be capable of sustaining life in piglets up to 16 days of age.
Financing Public Investment through Foreign Aid: Consequences for Economic Growth and Welfare*
Authors: Chatterjee Santanu , Turnovsky Stephen J. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe paper develops a theoretical framework for understanding the mechanism through which foreign aid affects macroeconomic performance. The authors find that the long‐run impact of an aid program and the nature of the transitional dynamics it generates depend crucially on (i) the elasticity of substitution in production, (ii) whether the aid flow is tied to investment activity or not, (iii) how the recipient government chooses to react to the flow of external assistance, and (iv) whether the aid program is permanent or temporary. Structural characteristics of the recipient are important in determining the extent to which external assistance can aid growth and welfare.
The Intergenerational Overlap and Human Capital Formation*
Authors: Stark Oded , Wang Yong 
Published: February 2005

AbstractA new microeconomic explanation for the divergent experiences of economies in forming human capital is proposed. It is suggested that the positive effect of a longer life expectancy on human capital formation arises from two separate effects: a life‐expectancy effect and a prolonged intergenerational overlap effect. It is argued that the duration of the overlap between generations and the associated parental support can affect the marginal cost of human capital formation and hence its level: parental support is cheaper than market financing. The strong correlation between the formation of human capital and life expectancy is thus attributed not merely to a higher marginal benefit arising from a longer payback period but also to a lower marginal cost arising from a prolonged intergenerational overlap. Conditions are provided under which a longer overlap results in a higher level of per capita output.
Dynamic Structure, Exogeneity, Phase Portraits, Growth Paths, and Scale and Substitution Elasticities
Authors: Jensen Bjarne S. , Alsholm Preben K. , Larsen Morgens E. , Jensen Jens Martin 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe paper studies autonomous dynamic systems that allow for the existence of economic growth per capita without dynamically generating explosive solutions. The implications of any degree of homogeneity, including increasing returns to scale in production, must be carefully examined in two and higher dimensions. The necessity of introducing some exogenous state variables is demonstrated within homogeneous dynamic systems. The authors solve and demonstrate the dynamic implications of scale and the substitution elasticities in various basic (two‐factor) and augmented (multifactor) aggregate growth models.
A Schumpeterian North–South Growth Model of Trade and Wage Inequality*
Authors: Grieben Wolf‐Heimo 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe paper presents a dynamic general‐equilibrium model of interindustry North–South trade that is used to analyze the effects of trade liberalization on the Northern wage distribution. Both countries have a low‐tech sector where consumer goods of constant quality are produced by use of unskilled labor. The North also has a high‐tech sector that employs skilled labor and features a quality‐ladder model structure with endogenous growth. Both innovation and skill acquisition rates are endogenously determined. In a balanced trade equilibrium, it is found that Southern‐originated (Northern‐originated) trade liberalization leads to an increase (decrease) in Northern wage inequality both between skilled and unskilled workers and within the group of skilled workers. The endogenous change in the Southern terms of trade determines the direction of change in unskilled wages in both the North and the South.