bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ESTIMATING THE FALSE NEGATIVE FRACTION FOR A MULTIPLE SCREENING TEST FOR BOWEL CANCER WHEN NEGATIVES ARE NOT VERIFIED
Authors: Lloyd Chris J. , Frommer Donald 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThis paper aims to estimate the false negative fraction of a multiple screening test for bowel cancer, where those who give negative results for six consecutive tests do not have their true disease status verified. A subset of these same individuals is given a further screening test, for the sole purpose of evaluating the accuracy of the primary test. This paper proposes a beta heterogeneity model for the probability of a diseased individual ‘testing positive’ on any single test, and it examines the consequences of this model for inference on the false negative fraction. The method can be generalized to the case where selection for further testing is informative, though this did not appear to be the case for the bowel‐cancer data.
BAYESIAN DETECTION AND ANALYSIS OF CHANGING TRANSITION MATRICES OF STATIONARY MARKOV CHAINS
Authors: Groenewald P.C.N. , Schoeman A.C. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThis paper considers the detection of abrupt changes in the transition matrix of a Markov chain from a Bayesian viewpoint. It derives Bayes factors and posterior probabilities for unknown numbers of change‐points, as well as the positions of the change‐points, assuming non‐informative but proper priors on the parameters and fixed upper bound. The Markov chain Monte Carlo approach proposed by Chib in 1998 for estimating multiple change‐points models is adapted for the Markov chain model. It is especially useful when there are many possible change‐points. The method can be applied in a wide variety of disciplines and is particularly relevant in the social and behavioural sciences, for analysing the effects of events on the attitudes of people.
ROBUST NON‐PARAMETRIC ESTIMATION OF GENOTYPE–PHENOTYPE RELATIONSHIPS IN HUMAN PEDIGREES
Authors: Huggins Richard M. , Loesch Danuta Z. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryNon‐parametric estimation of functional relationships is an important part of data analysis, particularly in the exploratory stages. This paper considers non‐parametric estimation of the mean functions in family studies using weighted robust estimating equations while retaining a fully parametric model for the covariance structure. The proposed procedure allows an exploratory examination of complex pedigree data that is an invaluable aid in determining appropriate models. This is illustrated by an examination of the relationship between IQ and the level of a particular protein in individuals collected as part of a large family study.
SMALL SAMPLE BIAS CORRECTION FOR HUBER'S PROPOSAL‐2 SCALE M‐ESTIMATOR
Authors: Clarke Brenton R. , Milne Christopher J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe most popular and perhaps universal estimator of location and scale in robust estimation, where the population is normal with possible small departures, is Huber's Proposal‐2 M‐estimator. This paper gives the first‐order small sample bias correction for the scale estimator, verifying the calculation through theory and simulation. Other ways of reducing small sample bias, say by jackknifing or bootstrapping, can be computationally intensive, and would not be routinely used with this iteratively derived estimator. It is suggested that bias‐reduced estimates of scale are most useful when forming confidence intervals for location and/or scale based on the asymptotic distribution.
SHARP BOUNDS FOR EXPECTATIONS OF kTH RECORD INCREMENTS
Authors: Danielak Katarzyna , Raqab Mohammad Z. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThis paper presents sharp bounds for expectations of non‐adjacent increments of kth record statistics, measured in various scale units, for a sequence of independent identically distributed random variables with continuous cumulative distribution function. The results for kth record spacings are considered as special cases. The paper also characterizes probability distributions for which the bounds are attained.
INFERENCE IN DIRICHLET PROCESS MIXED GENERALIZED LINEAR MODELS BY USING MONTE CARLO EM
Authors: Naskar Malay , Das Kalyan 
Published: December 2004

SummaryGeneralized linear mixed models are widely used for describing overdispersed and correlated data. Such data arise frequently in studies involving clustered and hierarchical designs. A more flexible class of models has been developed here through the Dirichlet process mixture. An additional advantage of using such mixture models is that the observations can be grouped together on the basis of the overdispersion present in the data. This paper proposes a partial empirical Bayes method for estimating all the model parameters by adopting a version of the EM algorithm. An augmented model that helps to implement an efficient Gibbs sampling scheme, under the non‐conjugate Dirichlet process generalized linear model, generates observations from the conditional predictive distribution of unobserved random effects and provides an estimate of the average number of mixing components in the Dirichlet process mixture. A simulation study has been carried out to demonstrate the consistency of the proposed method. The approach is also applied to a study on outdoor bacteria concentration in the air and to data from 14 retrospective lung‐cancer studies.
Mind Your Head
Authors: Cook Adrian 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Bicycle helmets are intended to reduce the risk of head injury to a cyclist. The modern style of helmet contains a thick layer of polystyrene designed to compress and absorb the energy of an impact; this is usually covered by a hard exterior. Helmets have been around for some 20 years but their effectiveness remains in question and, as Adrian Cook explains, is the subject of a heated debate.
Bioterrorism: The Statistical Issues
Authors: Halloran Elizabeth , Longini Ira 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Bioterrorism research has had an upsurge since the autumn of 2001. Elizabeth Halloran and Ira Longini describe particular contributions that statisticians and mathematical modellers can make to bioterrorism research related to infectious diseases. They argue that much can be learned from emerging infectious diseases that is applicable to potential bioterrorist threats.
Speciation study on complex formation of uranium(VI) with phosphate and fluoride at high temperatures and pressures by time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Kirishima Akira , Kimura Takaumi , Tochiyama Osamu , Yoshida Zenko 
Published: December 2004

Summary
The complex formation of U(VI) with phosphate and with fluoride has been studied at elevated temperatures (20–150 °C) and pressures (0.1–40 MPa) using time-resolved laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). Emission spectra and lifetimes of 5×10–5 M uranium(VI) in 0.5 M NaClO4 solutions in the presence and absence of ligand ions were measured as a function of the pH, ligand concentration, temperature and pressure. The emission intensities and lifetimes of uranium(VI) decreased rapidly with increasing temperature. In contrast, a pressure effect on the fluorescence properties was quite small. The fluorescence decay curves could be resolved into several fluorescent species. The temperature dependence of the lifetimes followed the Arrhenius law, and the activation energies were estimated for the phosphate and fluoride complexes. These results were compared with speciation calculations at several temperatures obtained by using the DQUANT equation and thermodynamic data in the literature. From these comparisons, each component of the fluorescence was identified as a complexed species or a free uranyl ion at several temperatures, indicating that the Arrhenius plot of fluorescence lifetime is an effective method for in-situ speciation of uranyl complexation at elevated temperatures.
Investigation of evaporation characteristics of polonium and its lighter homologues selenium and tellurium from liquid Pb-Bi-eutecticum
Authors: Neuhausen Jörg , Köster U. , Eichler B. 
Published: December 2004

Summary
The evaporation behaviour of polonium and its lighter homologues selenium and tellurium dissolved in liquid Pb-Bi-eutecticum (LBE) has been studied at various temperatures in the range from 482 K up to 1330 K under Ar/H2 and Ar/H2O-atmospheres using γ-ray spectroscopy. Polonium release in the temperature range of interest for technical applications is slow. Within short term (1 h) experiments measurable amounts of polonium are evaporated only at temperatures above 973 K. Long term experiments reveal that a slow evaporation of polonium occurs at temperatures around 873 K resulting in a fractional polonium loss of the melt around 1% per day. Evaporation rates of selenium and tellurium are smaller than those of polonium. The presence of H2O does not enhance the evaporation within the error limits of our experiments. The thermodynamics and possible reaction pathways involved in polonium release from LBE are discussed.
Synergistic extraction of Ce(III), Eu(III) and Tm(III) with a mixture of picrolonic acid and tributylphosphine oxide in chloroform
Authors: Ali Akbar 
Published: December 2004

SummarySynergistic extraction of Ce(III), Eu(III) and Tm(III) as a representative of lanthanides(III) with a mixture of picrolonic acid {1-p-nitrophenyl-3-methyl-4-nitro-5-pyrazolon (HPA)} acting as an acidic chelating agent and tributylphosphineoxide (TBPO) as a neutral ligand in chloroform from pH 2 buffer solution has been studied. The composition of the synergistic adduct has been determined to be M(PA)3·2TBPO (M=Ce(III), Eu(III), Tm(III)). The effect of various anions and cations on the extraction of these metal ions has also been studied. Among the anions, fluoride, oxalate, citrate and cyanide ions masked the extraction, whereas Fe(III) and Cu(II) reduced the extraction to ∼90%. The formation constant, and separation factor from various metal ions has also been determined and discussed.
Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Radiotherapy vs Chemoradiotherapy in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Dai Jinxuan , Zhang Bin , Su Yixin , Pan Yufei , Ye Zhenkai , Cai Rui , Qin Guanjie , Kong Xiangyun , Mo Yunyan , Zhang Rongjun , Liu Zhengchun , Xie Yuan , Ruan Xiaolan , Jiang Wei 
Published: February 2024

ImportanceInduction chemotherapy plus concurrent chemoradiotherapy is recommended for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma but is associated with higher rates of acute toxic effects and low compliance. Evidence on de-escalating treatment intensity after induction chemotherapy is limited.ObjectiveTo assess if radiotherapy was noninferior to chemoradiotherapy after induction chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsFrom April 2015 to March 2018, a multicenter, open-label, randomized, noninferiority, phase 3 trial was conducted at 5 Chinese hospitals. A total of 383 patients aged 18 to 70 years with an untreated histologically confirmed nonkeratinizing tumor, Karnofsky performance status score not worse than 70, proper organ function, and stage III to IVB nasopharyngeal cancer were enrolled. Data were analyzed from April 2023 to June 2023.InterventionsPatients were assigned randomly. Both groups received 3 cycles of induction chemotherapy consisting of intravenous administration (on day 1) of cisplatin at 60 mg/m2 and docetaxel at 60 mg/m2 and continuous intravenous infusion (from day 1 to day 5) of daily fluorouracil (600 mg/m2), repeated every 21 days. Subsequently, the patients received radiotherapy alone (induction chemotherapy in combination with radiotherapy [IC-RT] group) or concomitant cisplatin (30 mg/m2/week) with radiotherapy for 6 to 7 weeks (induction chemotherapy combined with chemoradiotherapy [IC-CCRT] group).Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary end point was 3-year progression-free survival (time from the initiation of therapy until the first indication of disease progression or death), with a noninferiority margin of 10%. The secondary end points included overall survival, locoregional failure-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, response rate, and toxic effects.ResultsA total of 383 patients (median [range] age, 48 [19-70] years; 100 women [26%]). Median follow-up time was 76 months (IQR, 70-89 months). The 3-year progression-free survival was 76.2% and 76.8% in the IC-RT (n = 193) and IC-CCRT groups (n = 190), respectively, in the intention-to-treat population, showing a difference of 0.6% (95% CI, –7.9% to 9.1%; P = .01 for noninferiority). Identical outcomes were reported in the per-protocol population. The incidence of grade 3 to 4 short-term toxic effects in the IC-RT group was less than the IC-CCRT group. No differences were observed in late toxic effects.Conclusions and RelevanceThe results of this randomized clinical trial suggest that after induction chemotherapy for locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma, radiotherapy alone was noninferior to chemoradiotherapy in terms of 3-year progression-free survival.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02434614
Sociodemographic and Clinical Predictors of Prolonged Length of Corneal Ulcer Hospitalizations
Authors: Akosman Sinan , Li Renxi , Kwon Bryan , West William , Asahi Masumi , Wroblewski Keith J. 
Published: February 2024

ImportanceThe length of stay (LOS) of hospitalizations may be a useful indicator of the burden of disease of corneal ulcers. Identifying variables associated with longer LOS may help to enhance delivery of care for high-risk patients.ObjectiveTo investigate the sociodemographic, social, and clinical factors associated with LOS in hospitalizations for corneal ulcers in the US.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis was a retrospective cross-sectional study of adult patients (aged &amp;gt;18 years) admitted with a primary diagnosis of corneal ulcer between quarter 4 of 2015 through 2020 and conducted using data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Patients were stratified into 2 even cohorts based on LOS: LOS of 4 days or less and LOS greater than 4 days. Individual-level sociodemographic, social risk factors, and medical comorbidities associated with longer LOS were examined by multivariable regression. Data were analyzed from October 2015 to December 2020.ExposurePotential sociodemographics or medical comorbidities at hospital admission.Main Outcome and MeasureThe primary outcome of interest was factors associated with extended length of stay. The hypothesis being tested was formulated during data collection.ResultsA total of 1187 patients (mean [SD] age, 53.5 [20.9] years; 602 female [50.7%]) were included for analysis. The cohort with LOS greater than 4 days had higher total charges than the cohort with LOS of 4 days or less (mean [SD] charges, $79 504 [$86 719] vs $26 474 [$20 743]; P &amp;lt; .001). Sociodemographic variables associated with LOS greater than 4 days were Black race (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.41; 95% CI, 1.03-1.92; P = .03), Medicare insurance (aOR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.09-1.85; P = .009), and housing insecurity (aOR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.29-3.06; P = .002). Medical comorbidities associated with LOS greater than 4 days were alcohol use (aOR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.00-2.26; P = .05), dementia (aOR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.36-4.07; P = .002), complicated diabetes (aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.21-2.53; P = .003), uncomplicated diabetes (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.02-2.42; P = .04), drug misuse (aOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.08-2.57; P = .02), and legal blindness (aOR, 3.42; 95% CI, 1.19-9.82; P = .02). Based on NIS national estimates, corneal ulcers were estimated to have a direct annual health care expenditure of $35 819 590 in the US.Conclusion and RelevanceCorneal ulcer hospitalizations represent a significant burden of disease for patients and health care systems. This study highlights sociodemographic and clinical factors that may help clinicians identify high-risk patients vulnerable to complications and morbidity due to corneal ulcers.
Chemotherapy Assessment in Advanced Multicellular 3D Models of Pancreatic Cancer: Unravelling the Importance of Spatiotemporal Mimicry of the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Gupta Priyanka , Bermejo‐Rodriguez Camino , Kocher Hemant , Pérez‐Mancera Pedro A. , Velliou Eirini G. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a challenge for global health with very low survival rate and high therapeutic resistance. Hence, advanced preclinical models for treatment screening are of paramount importance. Herein, chemotherapeutic (gemcitabine) assessment on novel (polyurethane) scaffold‐based spatially advanced 3D multicellular PDAC models is carried out. Through comprehensive image‐based analysis at the protein level, and expression analysis at the mRNA level, the importance of stromal cells is confirmed, primarily activated stellate cells in the chemoresistance of PDAC cells within the models. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that, in addition to the presence of activated stellate cells, the spatial architecture of the scaffolds, i.e., segregation/compartmentalization of the cancer and stromal zones, affect the cellular evolution and is necessary for the development of chemoresistance. These results highlight that, further to multicellularity, mapping the tumor structure/architecture and zonal complexity in 3D cancer models is important for better mimicry of the in vivo therapeutic response.
Highly‐Sensitive, Tri‐Modal Luminescent Manometer Utilizing Band‐Shift, Ratiometric and Lifetime‐Based Sensing Parameters
Authors: Szymczak Maja , Jaśkielewicz Julia , Runowski Marcin , Xue Junpeng , Mahlik Sebastian , Marciniak Lukasz 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn addressing the broad spectrum of applications for optical pressure sensors, their predominant drawback lies in their limited sensitivity to pressure fluctuations. To overcome these constraints, this study introduces a luminescent manometer harnessing the emission properties of Cr3+ ions in Li3Sc2(PO4)3, operational in three distinct reading modes: spectral shift, ratiometric, and lifetime‐based. Notably, the conducted research establishes this luminescent manometer as the most sensitive reported to date in both spectra shift (λ/dp = 23.9 nm/GPa) and lifetime‐based (SR = 93.56%/GPa) modes. A departure from conventional lifetime‐based luminescent pressure gauges, Li3Sc2(PO4)3:Cr3+ exhibits a prolongation of lifetime of the 4T2 state correlated with increasing pressure. The advantages extend beyond sensitivity, encompassing a three‐fold surge in emission intensity with pressure escalation from ambient to 3 GPa, coupled with minimal susceptibility to temperature‐induced fluctuations. Unquestionably, Li3Sc2(PO4)3:Cr3+ showcases remarkable manometric performance, validating its significant application potential in diverse scenarios within the realm of optical pressure sensors.
In Situ‐Sprayed Bioinspired Adhesive Conductive Hydrogels for Cavernous Nerve Repair
Authors: Wang Shuting , Wang Zhenqing , Yang Wei , Xu Zhen , Dai Hao , He Fupo , Yan Shengtao , Shi Xuetao 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCavernous nerve injury (CNI), resulting in erectile dysfunction (ED), poses a significant threat to the quality of life for men. Strategies utilizing conductive hydrogels have demonstrated promising results for the treatment of peripheral nerves with a large diameter (>2 mm). However, integrating convenient minimally invasive operation, antiswelling and immunomodulatory conductive hydrogels for treating small‐diameter injured cavernous nerves remains a great challenge. Here, a sprayable adhesive conductive hydrogel (GACM) composed of gelatin, adenine, carbon nanotubes, and mesaconate designed for cavernous nerve repair is developed. Multiple hydrogen bonds provide GACM with excellent adhesive and antiswelling properties, enabling it to establish a conformal electrical bridge with the damaged nerve and aiding in the regeneration process. Additionally, mesaconate‐loaded GACM suppresses the release of inflammatory factors by macrophages and promotes the migration and proliferation of Schwann cells. In vivo tests demonstrate that the GACM hydrogel repairs the cavernous nerve and restores erectile function and fertility. Furthermore, the feasibility of sprayable GACM in minimally invasive robotic surgery in beagles is validated. Given the benefits of therapeutic effectiveness and clinical convenience, the research suggests a promising future for sprayable GACM materials as advanced solutions for minimally invasive nerve repair.
PbS Quantum Dots Ink with Months‐Long Shelf‐Lifetime Enabling Scalable and Efficient Short‐Wavelength Infrared Photodetectors
Authors: Wang Han , Pinna Jacopo , Romero David Garcia , Di Mario Lorenzo , Koushki Razieh Mehrabi , Kot Mordechai , Portale Giuseppe , Loi Maria Antonietta 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe phase‐transfer ligand exchange of PbS quantum dots (QDs) has substantially simplified device fabrication giving hope for future industrial exploitation. However, this technique when applied to QDs of large size (>4 nm) gives rise to inks with poor colloidal stability, thus hindering the development of QDs photodetectors in short‐wavelength infrared range. Here, it is demonstrated that methylammonium lead iodide ligands can provide sufficient passivation of PbS QDs of size up to 6.7 nm, enabling inks with a minimum of ten‐week shelf‐life time, as proven by optical absorption and solution‐small angle X‐ray scattering. Furthermore, the maximum linear electron mobility of 4.7 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1 is measured in field‐effect transistors fabricated with fresh inks, while transistors fabricated with the same solution after ten‐week storage retain 74% of the average starting electron mobility, demonstrating the outstanding quality both of the fresh and aged inks. Finally, photodetectors fabricated via blade‐coating exhibit 76% external quantum efficiency at 1300 nm and 1.8 × 1012 Jones specific detectivity, values comparable with devices fabricated using ink with lower stability and wasteful methods such as spin‐coating.
Biomimetic Multimodal Receptors for Comprehensive Artificial Human Somatosensory System
Authors: Chen Cheng , Xu Jie‐Long , Wang Quan , Li Xin‐Lin , Xu Feng‐Qi , Gao Yu‐Cheng , Zhu Yin‐Bo , Wu Heng‐An , Liu Jian‐Wei 
Published: February 2024

AbstractElectronic skin (e‐skin) capable of acquiring environmental and physiological information has attracted interest for healthcare, robotics, and human–machine interaction. However, traditional 2D e‐skin only allows for in‐plane force sensing, which limits access to comprehensive stimulus feedback due to the lack of out‐of‐plane signal detection caused by its 3D structure. Here, a dimension‐switchable bioinspired receptor is reported to achieve multimodal perception by exploiting film kirigami. It offers the detection of in‐plane (pressure and bending) and out‐of‐plane (force and airflow) signals by dynamically inducing the opening and reclosing of sensing unit. The receptor's hygroscopic and thermoelectric properties enable the sensing of humidity and temperature. Meanwhile, the thermoelectric receptor can differentiate mechanical stimuli from temperature by the voltage. The development enables a wide range of sensory capabilities of traditional e‐skin and expands the applications in real life.