bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical care physician cognitive task analysis: an exploratory study
Authors: Fackler James C , Watts Charles , Grome Anna , Miller Thomas , Crandall Beth , Pronovost Peter 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Introduction
For better or worse, the imposition of work-hour limitations on house-staff has imperiled continuity and/or improved decision-making. Regardless, the workflow of every physician team in every academic medical centre has been irrevocably altered. We explored the use of cognitive task analysis (CTA) techniques, most commonly used in other high-stress and time-sensitive environments, to analyse key cognitive activities in critical care medicine. The study objective was to assess the usefulness of CTA as an analytical tool in order that physician cognitive tasks may be understood and redistributed within the work-hour limited medical decision-making teams.

Methods
After approval from each Institutional Review Board, two intensive care units (ICUs) within major university teaching hospitals served as data collection sites for CTA observations and interviews of critical care providers.

Results
Five broad categories of cognitive activities were identified: pattern recognition; uncertainty management; strategic vs. tactical thinking; team coordination and maintenance of common ground; and creation and transfer of meaning through stories.

Conclusions
CTA within the framework of Naturalistic Decision Making is a useful tool to understand the critical care process of decision-making and communication. The separation of strategic and tactical thinking has implications for workflow redesign. Given the global push for work-hour limitations, such workflow redesign is occurring. Further work with CTA techniques will provide important insights toward rational, rather than random, workflow changes.
Proteolytic generation of kinins in tissues infected byTrypanosoma cruzidepends on CXC chemokine secretion by macrophages activated via Toll-like 2 receptors
Authors: Schmitz Veronica , Svensjö Erik , Serra Rafaela Rangel , Teixeira Mauro M , Scharfstein Julio 
Published: March 2009

AbstractPrevious analysis of the endogenous innate signals that steer T cell-dependent immunity in mice acutely infected by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi revealed that bradykinin (BK) or lysyl-BK, i.e., the short-lived peptides excised from plasma-borne kininogens through the activity of cruzipain, induces dendritic cell maturation via BK B2 receptors (B2R). Here, we used the s.c. model of T. cruzi infection to study the functional interplay of TLR2, CXCR2, and B2R in edema development. Using intravital microscopy, we found that repertaxin (CXCR2 antagonist) blocked tissue-culture trypomastigotes (TCT)-induced plasma leakage and leukocyte accumulation in the hamster cheek pouch topically exposed to TCT. Furthermore, we found that TCT-evoked paw edema in BALB/c mice was blocked by repertaxin or HOE-140 (B2R antagonist), suggesting that CXCR2 propels the extravascular activation of the kinin/B2R pathway. We then asked if TLR2-mediated sensing of TCT by innate sentinel cells could induce secretion of CXC chemokines, which would then evoke neutrophil-dependent plasma leakage via the CXCR2/B2R pathway. Consistent with this notion, in vitro studies revealed that TCT induce robust secretion of CXC chemokines by resident macrophages in a TLR2-dependent manner. In contrast, TLR2+/+ macrophages stimulated with insect-derived metacyclic trypomastigotes or epimastigotes, which lack the developmentally regulated TLR2 agonist displayed by TCT, failed to secrete keratinocyte-derived chemokine/MIP-2. Collectively, these results suggest that secretion of CXC chemokines by innate sentinel cells links TLR2-dependent recognition of TCT to the kinin system, a proteolytic web that potently amplifies vascular inflammation and innate immunity through the extravascular release of BK.
Feasibility and cost of obtaining informed consent for essential review of medical records in large-scale health services research
Authors: Noble Sian , Donovan Jenny , Turner Emma , Metcalfe Chris , Lane Athene , Rowlands Mari-Anne , Neal David , Hamdy Freddie , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Martin Richard 
Published: March 2009

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and cost of obtaining consent for review of medical records within the passively observed non-intervention arm of a cluster randomized controlled trial, ‘Comparison Arm for ProtecT’. Methods: Two hundred and thirty men, who had been notified to the trial by cancer registries as having prostate cancer, were sent a consent form from their general practitioner or secondary care clinician. The consent rate of participants to the review of their medical records and the estimated costs of the process were evaluated. Results: One hundred and seventy-nine men (84%: 95% CI = 78%, 89%) consented to have their medical notes reviewed at an estimated cost of £123 (€172, $248) per person. Conclusions: A high consent rate for review of medical notes is achievable but at a cost. There needs to be renewed debate about the automatic need for consent to review medical records where the chance of personal harm is negligible and the purpose of the review is to provide robust evidence to save lives, prevent needless suffering, and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of health care delivery.
Trends in the epidemiology and prescribing of medication for eczema in England
Authors: Simpson Colin R , Newton John , Hippisley-Cox Julia , Sheikh Aziz 
Published: March 2009

Summary Background The prevalence of eczema, particularly in younger children, increased substantially over the second half of the 20th century. Analysis of primary healthcare data-sets offers the possibility to advance understanding about the changing epidemiology of eczema. Aim To investigate recent trends in the recorded incidence, lifetime prevalence, prescribing and consulting behaviour of patients with eczema in England. Methods QRESEARCH is one of the world’s largest national aggregated health databases containing the records of over nine million patients. We extracted data on all patients with a recorded diagnosis of eczema and calculated annual age–sex standardized incidence and lifetime period prevalence rates for each year from 2001–2005. We also analysed the consulting behaviour of these patients when compared with the rest of the QRESEARCH database population. The number of eczema prescriptions issued to people in England was also estimated. Results The age–sex standardized incidence of eczema was 9.58 per 1000 person-years in 2001 and increased to 13.58 per 1000 patients in 2005 (p<0.001). By 2005, eczema affected an estimated 5,773,700 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 5,754,100–5,793,400) individuals in England, who, on average, consulted a general practitioner 4.02 (95% CI 4.01–4.03) times a year. During the study period, the number of eczema related prescriptions increased by 56.6% (95% CI 56.6–56.7), so by 2005 an estimated 13,690,300 (95% CI 13,643,200–13,737,600) prescriptions were issued. Conclusions Recorded incidence and lifetime prevalence of eczema in England continue to increase. Similar increases have also been observed in the estimated number of eczema prescriptions issued to the English population.
Five-year results of incompetent perforator vein closure using TRans-Luminal Occlusion of Perforator
Authors: Bacon J L , Dinneen A J , Marsh P , Holdstock J M , Price B A , Whiteley M S 
Published: March 2009

In 2000, we developed a percutaneous method of treating incompetent perforator veins (IPV) using ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which we termed TRansluminal Occlusion of Perforator (TRLOP). Objective To audit the five-year outcome of the TRLOP technique as indicated by the rate of IPV closure on duplex ultrasound (DUS). Methods Patients underwent DUS five years post-TRLOP. Experienced vascular technologists documented the presence of IPVs using a two co-ordinate system, blinded to previous results. Results were then compared with preoperative scans. IPVs were classified as: closed; not closed/reopened; or de novo. Closed IPVs were defined as the absence of any IPV at or within 5 cm of a previous IPV in the vertical and horizontal plane. Any IPVs found outside the delineated area were defined as de novo IPVs. Results Of 67 patients invited, 37 attended DUS (55% participation rate; men to women ratio of 14:23, age 40–84; mean 64). Preoperative clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological classification: C2, 36.2%; C3, 27.6%; C4, 34.5%; C6, 1.7%. From 125 IPVs analysed, 101 were closed (81%), 24 were not closed/reopened (19%) and 14 de novo IPVs were found. Discussion Despite these results representing our learning curve for the procedure, we found TRLOP to be an effective treatment for IPVs. The closure rates described are comparable with the published clinical series data for subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery.
Diagnosis of malaria in children's outpatient departments in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Nomhwange Terna I , Whitty Christopher JM 
Published: March 2009

Over-diagnosis of malaria has previously been described, especially in East Africa. Abuja is the capital of the most populous country in Africa. Over-prescription of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) antimalarials in Nigeria on the scale reported from other countries will result in substantial unnecessary use of this class of drug. In a study of 1000 children seen in the outpatient paediatric clinics of four district hospitals in Abuja, 669 had history of fever, of whom 616 (92%) were diagnosed with malaria. Only 24 (3.8%) where confirmed by positive malaria slides. Of 82 malaria tests requested, 32 (40%) were not available when clinicians wrote their prescriptions. Of 256 children prescribed an ACT, 11 (4.4%) were test negative, eight (3.1%) test positive, in 11 (4.3%) the test was not available and the test was not requested for 219 (86%). The proportion of available negative slides for patients treated with an antimalarial was 23/26 (88%), which was similar to the 22/24 (91%) treated with an antimalarial who were test positive. Testing for malaria made almost no impact on ACT prescription or on all other antimalarials and antibiotics. Based on these findings there is high possibility of massive over prescription of antimalarials.
Use of a Downhole Block Sampler for Very Soft Organic Soils
Authors: Long M 
Published: March 2009

AbstractTechniques required to successfully obtain downhole block samples of typical very soft high plasticity organic clay from Ireland are described. The vane shear strength of the material is as low as 4 kPa. These included using a sampler penetration rate three times faster than normally adopted. Comparisons are made between the results of laboratory tests on Sherbrooke block samples, on two fixed piston tube samplers, and on a continuous sampler. In addition idealized tube sampling strains were imposed on block sample specimens prior to shearing (ideal sampling approach). Both approaches confirmed that the material studied could not survive tube sampling undamaged, unlike the findings of a recent study in the Netherlands on Dutch organic soil. Tube sampling was found to have a more significant effect on triaxial test parameters that on those from the one-dimensional compression testing, where the behavior of the block sample specimens and those from one of the two tube samplers were similar to in situ response. Increasing levels of disturbance were associated with progressively more dilatant behavior.
Sample Preparation of Silts for Liquefaction Testing
Authors: Bradshaw A. S. , Baxter C. D. P. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
One of the most important aspects of cyclic testing in the laboratory is using samples that are representative of their in-situ conditions. Since undisturbed samples of cohesionless soils are typically too difficult or costly to obtain, reconstituted samples need to be prepared using a method that most closely replicates the in-situ stress, density, and fabric. Research has clearly shown the effect of sample preparation methods on the liquefaction resistance of sands, and it is believed that wet pluviation methods most closely approximate the in-situ fabric of fluvial soils. For pure silts, however, these methods are limited because only very loose samples can be made. This paper introduces a new modified moist tamping method that can be used to reconstitute denser specimens of silt. It was found that samples tamped at an initial saturation level of about 55 % gave comparable cyclic strengths to samples prepared from a slurry and to specimens trimmed from an in-situ block sample. The method can be considered a cost-effective alternative for the liquefaction testing of silts.
Evaluation of Quasi-Elastic Properties of Gravel Using a Large-Scale True Triaxial Apparatus
Authors: AnhDan LQ , Koseki J , Sato T 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
In order to investigate the anisotropy in the deformation characteristics of gravel, a large-scale true triaxial apparatus that can control three principal stresses independently has been newly developed. One of the two horizontal stresses is applied by means of rigid vertical platens that confine the specimen, to induce a uniform horizontal strain over the height of the specimen in that one direction. A set of local deformation transducers and proximity transducers are used to measure strains to minimize the effects of specimen corners, bedding error, and system compliance. Specimens have a prismatic rectangular shape with dimensions of 50 cm high and 25 cm × 22 cm in cross section. Using this apparatus, a couple of tests were conducted on gravel specimens prepared by manual compaction at a water content of 5.5% to reach dry densities of 2.0 and 2.2 g/cm3. At several stress states, during isotropic compression and subsequent triaxial loading, vertical and horizontal loading cycles of a very small stress amplitude were applied to evaluate the quasi-elastic deformation properties. The test results show that the small-strain quasi-elastic Young's modulus in a given direction is essentially a unique function of the normal stress in the same direction, regardless of the density of the specimen. Although this is contrary to some of the well-established models used in practice, it is consistent with results of relevant laboratory tests by others. Small-strain quasi-elastic vertical and horizontal Young's moduli exhibited effects of inherent and stress state-induced anisotropies. Performing cyclic loading tests of successively increased the stress amplitude, strain-level dependency of the equivalent Young's modulus and hysteretic damping ratio in both the vertical and horizontal directions was obtained.
Consolidation Characteristics and Undrained Strength of Saturated Soft Clay under Repeated Impact Loading
Authors: Bai B 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe consolidation characteristics of saturated soft clay under repeated impact loading are studied by laboratory tests. Particularly, the influence of drainage conditions on consolidation and reconsolidation of soft clay are analyzed in detail. The uniqueness of the relationship between pore water pressure and reconsolidation volumetric strain is described, and the methods for determining the coefficient of reconsolidation volume compressibility and the reconsolidation compression index are given. It is demonstrated that the samples undergoing several stages of impact and reconsolidation show an apparent quasi-overconsolidation state, and have an increased shear strength. Models for predicting the deformation and the undrained strength of soft clay foundation from impact loading are also suggested. In the models, the conditions of partial drainage and stages of impact are taken into account. Calculated results by the present models are in good agreement with the test data.
Design of a Miniature Piezoprobe for High Resolution Stratigraphic Profiling
Authors: DeJong Jason T. , Yafrate Nicholas J. , DeGroot Don J. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The stratigraphic features present in all natural deposits, which reflect their deposition environment, can significantly influence the response of these deposits to engineered construction. This paper presents the development of a miniature piezoprobe optimized for the continuous detection of stratigraphic features within a varved soil deposit where individual layers are less than one centimetre in thickness. The study uses previous research to identify parameters in the design of a field-deployable miniature piezoprobe and to present a framework that enables stratigraphic detection from pore pressure measurements. Laboratory experiments on the ability of fluids to saturate the filter and the influence of the fluid-filter system on piezoprobe sensitivity reveal that low to moderate viscosity immiscible fluids (e.g., 100 cS silicone oil) provide optimal performance considering practical implementation aspects. Laboratory and field studies that examine the soil deformation characteristics within the vicinity of such probes indicate that an apex filter location is preferable for stratigraphic detection and that soil deformations around the probe are primarily limited to less than one probe radii. Proof of concept results from an in situ profile obtained with the miniature piezoprobe compares well with measurements from a continuous core sample from a Connecticut Valley varved clay deposit.
An In-situ Device for Rapid Determination of Permeability for Granular Bases
Authors: White David J. , Vennapusa Pavana K. R. , Suleiman Muhannad T. , Jahren Charles T. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This paper describes a new in-situ Air Permeameter Test (APT) device developed for estimating the hydraulic conductivity of drainable granular base materials. The device is assembled from commonly available components including air flow meters and differential pressure gages. Using prescribed air flow and pressure measurements from the APT, a theoretical relationship is derived to calculate the saturated hydraulic conductivity. The geometric factors for the device, sample boundary conditions, partial saturation, compressibility and viscosity of the permeant fluid (i.e. air), and the Brooks-Corey pore size distribution index are considered in the derivation. Attempts at correlating in-situ APT calculated hydraulic conductivity values for compacted granular base materials to hydraulic conductivity values from reconstituted laboratory compaction mold permeability tests show that the in-situ values are generally higher and more variable. The in-situ variability is attributed to segregation and is shown to be spatially correlated to the fines content (passing No. 200 sieve).
Interpretation of Pressuremeter Results for Design of a Diaphragm Wall
Authors: Monnet J , Allagnat D 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The usual way to use a pressuremeter device is to measure a pressuremeter modulus, which is correlated with the elastic modulus, and a limit pressure, which is used to find the bearing capacity of the foundation. We present a new interpretation of the pressuremeter test, which allows the measurement of the elastic shear modulus by the application of an unload-reload sequence in the experimental pressuremeter process and the determination of the angle of internal friction for granular soil by the application of an elasto-plastic theory. This new method is accurate and validates the use of the pressuremeter tests for the mechanical characteristics determination, for slope stability analysis, retaining wall and tunnel design. It is used in this paper for the design of a diaphragm wall of Lyon underground.
Determination of Maximum and Minimum Densities of Poorly Graded Sands Using a Simplified Method
Authors: Muszynski MR 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Evaluation of maximum and minimum (limit) density values of sands is important in geotechnical engineering. Limit density values are important physical properties needed to provide a more complete description of sands, and they are required when evaluating relative density of soils. The conventional methods for determination of limit densities are generally costly, require relatively large sample volumes, and are time consuming. A simplified method for determining limit densities of clean poorly graded fine to medium sands was developed. The simplified method is easy to perform, requires less sample volume, and is faster than the conventional methods for determining these properties. Results of this study indicate that the simplified method gives limit density values comparable to those obtained using conventional methods for clean poorly graded fine to medium sands. Limitations of the simplified method are discussed.
Evaluation of Ultrasonic Testing in Rock Material Characterization
Authors: Basu A , Aydin A 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Although ultrasonic testing is simple and nondestructive, its potential has not yet been fully utilized in rock material characterization because the experimental setup and the methodology adopted strongly influence the characteristics of the ultrasonic beam, and hence the resultant ultrasonic velocity of the specimen under investigation. This paper focuses on the importance of the selection and use of ultrasonic wave transducers in rock material characterization. It illustrates both theoretically and experimentally how different transducer parameters control the efficiency of ultrasonic velocity as an indicator of microfabric changes. The study reveals that the existing standards do not provide sufficient and/or practical guidelines on a number of issues, and calls for consideration of the proposed modifications.
A New Laboratory Apparatus for Grout Injection Studies
Authors: Alfred Au SK , Soga K , Yeung AT 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The design, fabrication, and assembly of a new laboratory apparatus for the investigation of fundamental behavior of compaction grouting and fracture grouting are presented in this paper. Clayey soil specimens of different overconsolidation ratios can be prepared to study the grout deformation pattern, fracture pattern, and consolidation behavior of soil induced by grout injection as a function of operating parameters. Ideal compacting grouting is replicated by expanding a latex balloon placed within the soil specimen and fracture grouting by injecting epoxy resin or high water content cement bentonite grout into the soil specimen. Moreover, the apparatus can accommodate multiple-point grout injection experiments to examine the behavior of grout interactions. Illustrative results are also presented in the paper.
Centrifuge Seismic Modeling of Pile-Supported Wharves
Authors: McCullough Nason J. , Dickenson Stephen E. , Schlechter Scott M. , Boland Jonathan C. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Five pile-supported wharf models were dynamically tested in a large-scale geotechnical centrifuge at UC Davis, California. Models representing pile-supported wharf configurations common in the United States were subjected to recorded acceleration time histories. Model variations included single-lift, multi-lift, and cut-slope rock dike configurations with foundation layers of loose liquefiable sand, marine clay, or dense sand, or a combination thereof. In addition, zones of soil were placed to model soil improvement. Structural elements representing pile-supported wharf geometries were placed within the models; some models included all vertical piles, while two of the models included batter piles. In addition, single piles were placed in two of the models and subjected to static cyclic lateral load tests. All models were extensively instrumented with nearly 100 instruments recording accelerations, pore pressures, linear deformations, and pile strains. This paper summarizes the design, construction, and testing of these complex models, and includes a brief summary of the results and recommendations for future modeling.