bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A quality improvement plan for hypertension control: the INCOTECA Project (INterventions for COntrol of hyperTEnsion in CAtalonia)
Authors: Vallès-Fernandez Roser , Rosell-Murphy Magdalena , Correcher-Aventin Olga , Mengual-Martínez Lucas , Aznar-Martínez Núria , Prieto-De Lamo Gemma , Franzi-Sisó Alícia , Puig-Manresa Jordi , Ma Bonet-Simó Josep ,   the INCOTECA research group
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Different studies have shown insufficient blood pressure (BP) control in hypertensive patients. Multiple factors influence hypertension management, and the quality of primary care is one of them. We decided therefore to evaluate the effectiveness of a quality improvement plan directed at professionals of Primary Health Care Teams (PHCT) with the aim to achieve a better control of hypertension. The hypothesis of the study is that the implementation of a quality improvement plan will improve the control of hypertension. The primary aim of this study will be to evaluate the effectiveness of this plan.

Methods and design

Design: multicentric study quasi-experimental before – after with control group. The non-randomised allocation of the intervention will be done at PHCT level.

Setting: 18 PHCT in the Barcelona province (Spain).

Sample: all patients with a diagnosis of hypertension (population based study). Exclusion criteria: patients with a diagnosis of hypertension made later than 01/01/2006 and patients younger than 18 years.

Intervention: a quality improvement plan, which targets primary health care professionals and includes educational sessions, feedback to health professionals, audit and implementation of recommended clinical practice guidelines for the management of hypertensive patients.

Measurements: age, sex, associated co-morbidity (diabetes mellitus type I and II, heart failure and renal failure). The following variables will be recorded: BP measurement, cardiovascular risk and antihypertensive drugs used. Results will be measured before the start of the intervention and twelve months after the start of the study.

Dependent variable: prevalence of hypertensive patients with poor BP control.

Analysis: Chi-square test and Student's t-test will be used to measure the association between independent qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively. Non-parametric tests will be used for the analysis of non-normally distributed variables. Significance level (α) will be set at < 0.05. Outcomes will be analysed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Discussion
The implementation of a quality improvement plan might benefit the coordination of different professionals of PHCTs and may also improve blood pressure control.

Trial Registration
This protocol has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov with the ID number MS: 1998275938244441.
A systematic review of US state environmental legislation and regulation with regards to the prevention of neurodevelopmental disabilities and asthma
Authors: Zajac Lauren , Sprecher Eli , Landrigan Philip J , Trasande Leonardo 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundWhile much attention is focused on national policies intended to protect human health from environmental hazards, states can also prevent environmentally mediated disease through legislation and regulation. However, relatively few analyses have examined the extent to which states protect children from chemical factors in the environment.MethodsUsing Lexis Nexis and other secondary sources, we systematically reviewed environmental regulation and legislation in the fifty states and the District of Columbia as of July 2007 intended to protect children against neurodevelopmental disabilities and asthma.ResultsStates rarely address children specifically in environmental regulation and legislation, though many state regulations go far to limit children's exposures to environmental hazards. Northeast and Midwest states have implemented model regulation of mercury emissions, and regulations in five states set exposure limits to volatile organic compound emissions that are more stringent than US Environmental Protection Agency standards.DiscussionDifferences in state environmental regulation and legislation are likely to lead to differences in exposure, and thus to impacts on children's health. The need for further study should not inhibit other states and the federal government from pursuing the model regulation and legislation we identified to prevent diseases of environmental origin in children.
Dramatic response of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor to neadjuvant imatinib therapy
Authors: Annaberdyev Shohrat , Gibbons Joseph , Hardacre Jeffrey M 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common sarcoma of the alimentary tract and are believed to derive from the interstitial Cell of Cajal. Imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®; Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) has revolutionized the treatment of GISTs and is generally used in the metastatic and adjuvant settings. We report the case of a 61-year old man who was treated with neoadjuvant imatinib for a massive gastric GIST with the hope of avoiding a potential multi-visceral resection.
Plasticity in Expression of the Glutamate Transporters GLT-1 and GLAST in Spinal Dorsal Horn Glial Cells following Partial Sciatic Nerve Ligation
Authors: Xin Wen-Jun , Weng Han-Rong , Dougherty Patrick M 
Published: March 2009

Background Clearance of synaptically released glutamate, and hence termination of glutamatergic neurotransmission, is carried out by glutamate transporters, most especially glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and the glutamate-aspartate transporter (GLAST) that are located in astrocytes. It is becoming increasingly well appreciated that changes in the function and expression of GLT-1 and GLAST occur under different physiological and pathological conditions. Here we investigated the plasticity in expression of GLT-1 and GLAST in the spinal dorsal horn using immunohistochemistry following partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) in rats. Results Animals were confirmed to develop hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation by 7 days following PSNL. Baseline expression of GLT-1 and GLAST in naive animals was only observed in astrocytes and not in either microglia or neurons. Microglia and astrocytes showed evidence of reactivity to the nerve injury when assessed at 7 and 14 days following PSNL evidenced by increased expression of OX-42 and GFAP, respectively. In contrast, the total level of GLT-1 and GLAST protein decreased at both 7 and 14 days after PSNL. Importantly, the cellular location of GLT-1 and GLAST was also altered in response to nerve injury. Whereas activated astrocytes showed a marked decrease in expression of GLT-1 and GLAST, activated microglia showed de novo expression of GLT-1 and GLAST at 7 days after PSNL and this was maintained through day 14. Neurons showed no expression of GLT-1 or GLAST at any time point. Conclusion These results indicate that the expression of glutamate transporters in astrocytes and microglia are differentially regulated following nerve injury.
Correlation of microRNA levels during hypoxia with predicted target mRNAs through genome-wide microarray analysis
Authors: Guimbellot Jennifer S , Erickson Stephen W , Mehta Tapan , Wen Hui , Page Grier P , Sorscher Eric J , Hong Jeong S 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundLow levels of oxygen in tissues, seen in situations such as chronic lung disease, necrotic tumors, and high altitude exposures, initiate a signaling pathway that results in active transcription of genes possessing a hypoxia response element (HRE). The aim of this study was to investigate whether a change in miRNA expression following hypoxia could account for changes in the cellular transcriptome based on currently available miRNA target prediction tools.MethodsTo identify changes induced by hypoxia, we conducted mRNA- and miRNA-array-based experiments in HT29 cells, and performed comparative analysis of the resulting data sets based on multiple target prediction algorithms. To date, few studies have investigated an environmental perturbation for effects on genome-wide miRNA levels, or their consequent influence on mRNA output.ResultsComparison of miRNAs with predicted mRNA targets indicated a lower level of concordance than expected. We did, however, find preliminary evidence of combinatorial regulation of mRNA expression by miRNA.ConclusionTarget prediction programs and expression profiling techniques do not yet adequately represent the complexity of miRNA-mediated gene repression, and new methods may be required to better elucidate these pathways. Our data suggest the physiologic impact of miRNAs on cellular transcription results from a multifaceted network of miRNA and mRNA relationships, working together in an interconnected system and in context of hundreds of RNA species. The methods described here for comparative analysis of cellular miRNA and mRNA will be useful for understanding genome wide regulatory responsiveness and refining miRNA predictive algorithms.
Patients' Perceptions of Information Received at the Start of Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitor Treatment: Implications for Community Pharmacy
Authors: Geffen Erica CG van , Kruijtbosch Martine , Egberts Antoine CG , Heerdink Eibert R , Hulten Rolf van 
Published: March 2009

Background: Pharmacists are increasingly acknowledging their responsibility to inform and counsel patients. However, it is unclear how these tasks are implemented and whether patients' needs are being fulfilled. Objective: To examine patients' perceptions of information received at the start of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) treatment, aiming to identify (1) information needs and (2) the potential role of the community pharmacist as information provider. Methods: A qualitative descriptive study comprising semi-structured telephone interviews was carried out with patients who had recently started a new course of SSRI treatment. Patients were recruited through 6 Dutch community pharmacies. The interviews were guided by the following topics: type of information obtained, unmet information needs, preferred information provider, and the role of the pharmacist. Results: Forty-one patients took part in an interview. Information needs varied widely among patients; overall, patients felt that they would benefit from information tailored to their needs. Many patients required more concrete and practical information on adverse effects and delayed onset of action than was provided. In addition, an explanation of the term dependency in the context of SSRI use and a discussion of the necessity for use and believed harms of long-term treatment were important to patients. Regardless of patients' needs, the role of the pharmacist was generally perceived as limited, and patients identified several pharmacy-related barriers to improved communication, including the timing of information (mainly restricted to first-time dispensing), lack of time and privacy, lack of empathy and a protocol-driven way of providing information, and inexperience of pharmacy technicians. Conclusions: Patients starting treatment with antidepressants may benefit from information tailored to their personal needs. Along with the prescribing physician, community pharmacists could have an important role in informing and counseling patients.
High-Throughput Analysis of Sphingosine 1-Phosphate, Sphinganine 1-Phosphate, and Lysophosphatidic Acid in Plasma Samples by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Scherer Max , Schmitz Gerd , Liebisch Gerhard 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Background: Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) are ubiquitous lipid messengers found in the blood and most cell types. Both lysophospholipids are ligands of G protein–coupled receptors and mediate important physiological processes. Moreover, lysophospholipids are potential biomarkers for various diseases, including atherosclerosis and cancer. Because existing methodologies are of limited value for systematic evaluations of S1P and LPA in clinical studies, we developed a fast and simple quantification method that uses liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
Methods: Sphingoid base 1-phosphates and LPA species were quantified in negative-ion mode with fragments of m/z 79 and 153, respectively. The internal standards LPA 17:0 and [13C2D2]S1P were added before butanol extraction. Application of hydrophilic-interaction chromatography allowed coelution of analytes and internal standards with a short analysis time of 2.5 min.
Results: Comparison of butanol extraction with a frequently used extraction method based on strong acidification of human plasma revealed artificial formation of LPA from lysophosphatidylcholine with the latter method. Validation according to US Food and Drug Administration guidelines showed an overall imprecision (CV) of &lt;12% and a limit of detection &lt;6 nmol/L for all lysophospholipid species. Concentrations of S1P and sphinganine 1-phosphate (SA1P) in EDTA-containing plasma were stable for 24 h at room temperature, whereas LPA concentrations increased substantially over this period.
Conclusions: Our validated LC-MS/MS methodology for quantifying LPA, S1P, and SA1P features simple sample preparation and short analysis times, therefore providing a valuable tool for diagnostic evaluation of these lysophospholipids as biomarkers.
Determination of Diffusion Characteristics of Intact Rock Mass: A Critical Evaluation
Authors: Hanumantha Rao B. , Singh D. N. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIntact rock mass is the most suitable geological formation for disposing of hazardous wastes. Hence, for safety assessment, establishment of contaminant transport mechanism(s) in/through the rock mass becomes essential. Conventional diffusion cells have been employed by earlier researchers for establishing diffusion characteristics of the intact rock mass. However, due to extremely low porosity of the intact rock mass, the time required for obtaining the “break-through curve” runs into a few months, during which maintaining the ambient conditions becomes extremely difficult. To overcome these limitations, researchers have resorted to accelerated diffusion tests, in the recent past. Several analytical models have been developed by the earlier researchers, which can be employed for determining diffusion characteristics of the intact rock mass. This calls for a comparative study of the diffusion characteristics obtained from these models so as to establish their suitability. With this in view, diffusion characteristics of the intact rock mass of different types were established by conducting accelerated diffusion tests and employing these models. In addition, diffusion characteristics of the intact rock mass were determined based on the concept of cumulative concentration accumulation of ionic species (CCAIS) in the measuring reservoir. It has been found that the models reported in the literature over-predict the diffusion coefficients for the intact rock mass. The superiority of CCAIS model, has been demonstrated by computing the hydraulic conductivity of the intact rock mass and comparing it with the centrifuge modeling results.
A New Derivation of the Perturbation Operator Used in MCNP
Authors: Keith Robert E. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
A new derivation of the perturbation operator used in the MCNP radiation transport code is presented, and equations are determined to evaluate the change in the response from a perturbation in macroscopic cross section due to the first, second, third, and fourth derivative terms, and the second-derivative cross term. The perturbation operator in MCNP currently can be used to determine the change in a response from the first and second order terms in Taylor expansion due to such a perturbation. The derivation presented here produces expressions that are equivalent to the expressions used in MCNP for the first and second derivative, but are simpler and are in a form that more readily reveals their physical significance. The perturbation operator is particularly useful for sensitivity and uncertainty analysis.
Moisture Buffer Value of Building Materials
Authors: Rode Carsten , Peuhkuri Ruut , Time Berit , Svennberg Kaisa , Ojanen Tuomo 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
When building materials are in contact with indoor air they have some capacity to moderate the variations of indoor humidity in occupied buildings. But, so far, there has been a lack of a standardized quantity to characterize the moisture buffering capability of materials. It has been the objective of a recent Nordic project to define such a quantity, and to declare it in the form of a NORDTEST method. The Moisture Buffer Value is the figure that has been developed in the project as a way to appraise the moisture buffer effect of materials, and the value is described in the paper. Also explained is a test protocol which expresses how materials should be tested for determination of their Moisture Buffer Value. Finally, the paper presents some of the results of a round robin test on various typical building materials that has been carried out in the project.
The Effect of Air Flow on Measured Heat Transport through Wall Cavity Insulation
Authors: Yarbrough David W. , Graves Ronald S. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The methods commonly used for determining the thermal resistance of insulations in wall cavities do not include the effect of air movement through the insulation. Contributions to the total building heating or cooling load include the change in enthalpy of air moving through an insulation and the heat flux through the insulation due to the imposed thermal gradient. The two effects are not independent since the air movement affects the temperature distribution in the insulation. A heat-flow-meter apparatus meeting the requirements of the Standard Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus ASTM C 518 has been configured to allow uniform air flow across thermal test specimens. The air flow is parallel to the heat flow direction. Air is introduced into the specimen chamber of the heat-flow-meter apparatus from an external source. The heat-flow-meter with controlled air flow has been used to determine total heat-flow rates as a function of air-flow rate, air-flow direction, and temperature for commonly used wall cavity insulation.
Formulating with Rosendale Natural Cement
Authors: Edison MP 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Understanding the guiding formulation principles behind the use of natural cement in the 19th and early 20th centuries allows better interpretation of the results of laboratory analyses and more accurate reproduction of historic masonry and concrete materials. This paper reviews traditional formulation practices for natural cement mortars, grouts, stuccos, concretes, and lime-washes, including ingredient selection, technical and economic criteria affecting formulation, and how the materials and formulations changed over time. Effects on performance of typical formula variations are reviewed, and potential effects on performance of modern admixtures are considered.
Managing Aldicarb Application with GPS/GIS Systems
Authors: Salyani Masoud , Miller William M. , Buchanon Sherrie , Sweeb Roy D. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Aldicarb is a soil-applied pesticide that is widely used to control certain insects, mites, and nematodes of citrus and other crops. However, due to its high toxicity and leaching potential into groundwater, many states regulate its application. In Florida, aldicarb applications require a 91.4-m buffer zone around all drinking water wells and 304.8 m around wells located in certain sandy soils. To positively control and monitor the discharge of aldicarb in field conditions, the feasibility of using several electronic control systems on the granular applicator was investigated. The project involved fabricating a prototype machine that featured both ground- and motor-driven mechanisms commonly used in commercial aldicarb applications. A ground-driven power train operated one-half of the metering wheel through an electric clutch and a pulse-width modulation (PWM) motor powered the other half. The machine was equipped with various controllers and electronic circuits. Three DGPS-based approaches were considered. The first level consisted of a DGPS antenna and a low-cost data logger. It could provide records including position information (latitude and longitude) and status of the PWM controller and electric clutch (ON/OFF of the discharge system) for monitoring purposes. The second system (mid-range cost) utilized a hand-held computer and variable-rate-application (VRA) software to input prescription maps and provide an operator real-time screen interface. With this system, it was possible to provide ON/OFF control of both discharge drives and generate as-applied maps. The third level (highest-cost) involved the use of a more sophisticated VRA controller comprising modular components and CAN bus system. It allowed detailed operator-machine interface and could input variable rate maps and output information on application rate, acreage, and total material usage. The paper elaborates on the above technology solutions and provides test results of their evaluation under simulated field conditions. Each system had certain merits and limitations but all were capable of providing useful temporal and spatial information for aldicarb application.
Mesh Tally Radiation Damage Calculations and Application to the SNS Target System
Authors: Ferguson P. D. , Gallmeier F. X. , Mansur L. K. , Wechsler M. S. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
A new method for the calculation of radiation damage parameters in large geometries encompassing multiple materials using the MCNPX mesh tally has been developed. The method has been tested against previously published calculations of the displacement rate for protons and neutrons at the center of the SNS 316LN stainless steel target vessel nose. Displacement rates for neutrons, protons, and the total using the mesh tally method are shown to agree with previous work. The mesh tally method is also applied to the SNS aluminum moderator vessels and to the SNS inner reflector plug composed of aluminum, beryllium, and stainless steel. Results are given for displacement, helium, and silicon production rates.
Time-Dependent Reliability of Thermally Shocked SiC Tubes
Authors: Jadaan OM , Nemeth NN , Segall AE 
Published: March 2009

AbstractIn real world structural applications, applied thermal and mechanical loads vary with time such as in thermal shock, startup, shut down, and dynamic and vibrational settings. In addition, when a given component is subjected to transient environmental and or thermal conditions, the material properties also vary with time. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate an analytical methodology capable of predicting the transient reliability of components subjected to time-dependent thermomechanical loads taking into account the change in material response with time. Weibull parameters, slow crack growth parameters, as well as the thermal and elastic material properties are allowed to vary with time. In this approach, progressive damage due to slow crack growth is accounted for. This transient reliability capability was added to the NASA CARES/Life (ceramic analysis and reliability evaluation of structures/Life) code, which was also updated to interface with commercially available finite element analysis programs executed for transient load histories. The methodology was then used to predict the transient failure probability of thermally shocked sintered alpha silicon carbide SiC tubes quenched down from 1000°C in order to demonstrate the viability of this approach and the CARES/Life code. The failure probability was computed to be 92 % while the measured failure probability was found to be up to 35 %. Sensitivity analysis showed that the computed failure probability is very sensitive to the magnitude of the axial and hoop thermoelastic stress distributions, with 10 % reduction in the stress magnitudes yielding a computed failure probability of 55 % matching the experimentally measured value.