5,108 research outputs found
Deriving preference-based single indices from non-preference based condition-specific instruments: Converting AQLQ into EQ5D indices
Suppose that one has a clinical dataset with only non-preference-based QOL data, and that one nevertheless would like to perform a cost/QALY analysis. This study reports on some efforts to establish a "mapping" relationship between AQLQ (a non-preference-based QOL instrument for asthma) and EQ5D (a preference-based generic instrument). Various methods are described in terms of associated assumptions regarding the measurement properties of the instruments. This is followed by empirical mapping, based on regressing EQ5D on AQLQ. Six main regression models and two supplementary models are identified, and the regressions carried out. Performance of each model is explored in terms of goodness of fit between observed and predicted values, and of robustness of predictions on external data. The results show that it is possible to predict mean EQ5D indices given AQLQ data. The general implications for methods of mapping non-preference-based instruments onto preference-based measures are discussed
Deriving preference-based single indices from non-preference based condition-specific instruments: converting AQLQ into EQ5D indices
Suppose that one has a clinical dataset with only non-preference-based QOL data, and that one nevertheless would like to perform a cost/QALY analysis. This study reports on some efforts to establish a “mapping” relationship between AQLQ (a non-preference-based QOL instrument for asthma) and EQ5D (a preference-based generic instrument). Various methods are described in terms of associated assumptions regarding the measurement properties of the instruments. This is followed by empirical mapping, based on regressing EQ5D on AQLQ. Six main regression models and two supplementary models are identified, and the regressions carried out. Performance of each model is explored in terms of goodness of fit between observed and predicted values, and of robustness of predictions on external data. The results show that it is possible to predict mean EQ5D indices given AQLQ data. The general implications for methods of mapping non-preference-based instruments onto preference-based measures are discussed.EQ5D; AQLQ; mapping
On the origin of \gamma-ray emission in \eta\ Carina
\eta\ Car is the only colliding-wind binary for which high-energy \gamma\
rays are detected. Although the physical conditions in the shock region change
on timescales of hours to days, the variability seen at GeV energies is weak
and on significantly longer timescales. The \gamma-ray spectrum exhibits two
features that can be interpreted as emission from the shocks on either side of
the contact discontinuity. Here we report on the first time-dependent modelling
of the non-thermal emission in \eta\ Car. We find that emission from primary
electrons is likely not responsible for the \gamma-ray emission, but
accelerated protons interacting with the dense wind material can explain the
observations. In our model, efficient acceleration is required at both shocks,
with the primary side acting as a hadron calorimeter, whilst on the companion
side acceleration is limited by the flow time out of the system, resulting in
changing acceleration conditions. The system therefore represents a unique
laboratory for the exploration of hadronic particle acceleration in
non-relativistic shocks.Comment: 5 pages, 4 figures, 1 table, accepted for publication in MNRAS
Letter
Conduction Band Symmetry in Ta Chalcogenides from Ta L Edge X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS)
Urea block supplements for stubble
THERE was a great deal of controversy throughout the summer of Western Australia\u27s 1969-70 drought over the feeding of supplements other than grain to grazing sheep.
This report summarises some of the experiments carried out by this Department to investigate various artificial means of supplementing sheep grazing stubbles and dry summer pastures.
Further details of the experiments can be obtained by contacting the authors.
The results failed to demonstrate economic responses to urea supplements for grazing sheep
Filling the Void: Hizbullah's State Building in Lebanon
Abstract Hizbullah is a militarised sub-state group that challenges Lebanon's authority by establishing a parallel power-structure within the state. This thesis argues that the failure of the Lebanese government to provide for its citizens, particularly the disenfranchised Shiite population, has allowed Hizbullah to fill the void of Lebanon's absent government by creating a parallel state-like structure. Hizbullah’s state building is driven by domestic politics, as it strives to “democratically” restructure the political system in its favour rather than take the state by force. Hizbullah occupies a political, social and military position within Lebanon that extends far beyond any traditional definition of a sub-state group. In analysing Hizbullah as a state-building movement, this thesis will shed light on the organisation’s autonomy, strength and objectives in Lebanon and also provide a holistic approach to further study of militarised sub-state groups. iiiN/ADepartment of Government and International Relation
Estimates of genetic parameters of distal limb fracture and superficial digital flexor tendon injury in UK Thoroughbred racehorses
A retrospective cohort study of distal limb fracture and superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) injury in Thoroughbred racehorses was conducted using health records generated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) between 2000 and 2010. After excluding records of horses that had both flat and jump racing starts, repeated records were reduced to a single binary record per horse (<i>n</i> = 66,507, 2982 sires), and the heritability of each condition was estimated using residual maximum likelihood (REML) with animal logistic regression models. Similarly, the heritability of each condition was estimated for the flat racing and jump racing populations separately. Bivariate mixed models were used to generate estimates of genetic correlations between SDFT injury and distal limb fracture.
The heritability of distal limb fracture ranged from 0.21 to 0.37. The heritability of SDFT injury ranged from 0.31 to 0.34. SDFT injury and distal limb fracture were positively genetically correlated. These findings suggest that reductions in the risk of the conditions studied could be attempted using targeted breeding strategies
Photo-response of the conductivity in functionalized pentacene compounds
We report the first investigation of the photo-response of the conductivity
of a new class of organic semiconductors based on functionalized pentacene.
These materials form high quality single crystals that exhibit a thermally
activated resistivity. Unlike pure pentacene, the functionalized derivatives
are readily soluble in acetone, and can be evaporated or spin-cast as thin
films for potential device applications. The electrical conductivity of the
single crystal materials is noticeably sensitive to ambient light changes. The
purpose, therefore, of the present study, is to determine the nature of the
photo-response in terms of carrier activation vs. heating effects, and also to
measure the dependence of the photo-response on photon energy. We describe a
new method, involving the temperature dependent photo-response, which allows an
unambiguous identification of the signature of heating effects in materials
with a thermally activated conductivity. We find strong evidence that the
photo-response in the materials investigated is predominantly a highly
localized heating mechanism. Wavelength dependent studies of the photo-response
reveal resonant features and cut-offs that indicate the photon energy
absorption is related to the electronic structure of the material.Comment: Preprint: 18 pages total,7 figure
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