bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of pay for performance on quality of chronic disease management by social class group in England
Authors: Crawley Danielle , Ng Anthea , Mainous Arch G , Majeed Azeem , Millett Christopher 
Published: March 2009

Summary Objective To examine associations between social class and achievement of selected national audit targets for coronary heart disease (CHD), diabetes and hypertension in England before and after the introduction of a major pay for performance programme in 2004. Design Secondary analysis of 2003 and 2006 national survey data for respondents with CHD and diabetes and hypertension. Setting England. Main outcome measure Achievement of national audit targets for blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol control. Results There were no significant differences in achievement of blood pressure targets in individuals from manual and non-manual occupational groups with diabetes (2003: 65.9% v 60.3%, 2006: 67.6% v 69.7%) or hypertension (2003: 66.2% v 66.2%, 2006: 72.8% v 71.9%) before or after the introduction of pay for performance. Achievement of the cholesterol target was also similar in individuals from manual and non-manual groups with diabetes (2003: 52.5% v 46.6%, 2006: 68.7% v 70.5%) or CHD (2003: 54.3% v 53.3%, 2006: 68.6% v 71.3%). Differences in achievement of the blood pressure target in CHD [75.8% v 84.5%; AOR 0.44 (0.21-0.90)] were evident between manual and non-manual occupational groups after the introduction of pay for performance. Conclusion The quality of chronic disease management in England was broadly equitable between socioeconomic groups before this major pay for performance programme and remained so after its introduction.
A comparison of low-molecular-weight heparin and combined therapy of low-molecular-weight heparin with an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis
Authors: Uncu H 
Published: March 2009

Objectives The optimal treatment of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) of the leg has not been determined yet. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) as compared with combined therapy of LMWH with an anti-inflammatory agent in treatment of SVT. Methods Fifty patients with SVT of the greater saphenous vein were randomly assigned to be treated with Ca-nadroparin 190 IUAxa/kg in a single dose or with same dose of Ca-nadroparin and 60 mg oral acemetacine twice daily for 10 days. The efficacy of the two treatments to relieve symptoms and signs was evaluated by using visual analogue scale. Results Significant improvements were achieved for both groups after the treatment in terms of all four symptoms ( P < 0.001). Treatment scores were in favour of LMWH with anti-inflammatory agent treatment group to relieve all four symptoms. The most significant and remarkable results obtained were for the reduction of pain and local tenderness ( P < 0.05). No patient experienced major complications or mortality in either group. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the combined therapy of LMWH with an anti-inflammatory agent is more effective than LMWH. It may be an important option in the standard treatment of SVT.
Local versus general anaesthesia for varicose veins surgery: a prospective non-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wall M L , Dealey C , Davies R S M , Simms M H 
Published: March 2009

Objective To compare the acceptability and outcome of primary varicose vein (VV) surgery (saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal ligation/excision) under local anaesthesia (LA) with that of general anaesthesia (GA). Methods A non-randomized controlled trial of consecutive patients treated between April 2004 and March 2006 was performed. After complete informed consent individual patients were asked to select their preferred form of anaesthesia (LA or GA). Preoperative disease status and co-morbidities were recorded. Outcomes were assessed perioperatively and at six weeks and six months postoperatively using patient scoring systems including the Aberdeen varicose veins severity score (AVVSS). Results Seventy-two (LA 46[62%] and GA 26[38%]) patients participated; median (range) age was 48 (21–74) years versus 36 (21–59) years ( P = 0.0164), respectively. All procedures were performed as day cases. Median postoperative pain scores for LA and GA did not differ at 12 hours (4 versus 4; P = 0.48) and four days (5 versus 6; P = 0.44). Median improvement in the AVVSS at six weeks and six months for LA and GA cohorts were 5.7 versus 6.1 ( P = 0.875) and 6.5 versus 8.3 ( P = 0.131), respectively. Overall patient satisfaction did not show any intergroup difference at six weeks. Conclusions Surgical treatment of VV under LA can be performed safely with comparable results to GA in self-selected patients.
Do patients in rural Malawi benefit from upper gastrointestinal endoscopy?
Authors: Mothes Henning , Chagaluka Georg , Chiwewe Denis , Malunga Martin , Mwatibu Biswick , Wilhelm Torsten , Settmacher Utz 
Published: March 2009

The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at central hospital level in Malawi and to draw conclusions from its use in the treatment of patients presenting with dysphagia and dyspepsia to health institutions in rural Africa. This retrospective study was carried out in order to investigate the endoscopic findings in 455 patients who presented to Zomba Central Hospital, Malawi, with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Fifty-six percent of patients presenting with dysphagia were found to have oesophageal carcinoma. In 50% of patients with epigastric pain and 44% with abdominal pain, an endoscopy did not reveal any pathological findings. The intended treatment was frequently altered as a result of performing the endoscopy. We were able to treat patients according to their specific diagnosis in a significantly higher number than before: 51% versus 18% of those presenting with dysphagia, 96% versus 24% of those with epigastric pain and 90% versus 39% of those with abdominal pain. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a feasible diagnostic tool in developing countries which improves the detection and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
Shear Strength Estimation of Sandy Soils Using Shear Wave Velocity
Authors: Cha Minsu , Cho Gye-Chun 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Typically, shear strength is associated with large strain phenomena, while shear wave propagation is associated with small strain phenomena. Yet, the effective stress and void ratio, both key determinants of sandy soil shear strength, are also the primary factors affecting shear wave velocity. This study presents a shear wave velocity-void ratio-shear strength correlation through experimental tests. Natural sands taken from various reclaimed or recently deposited sandy fields are used for reconstituting specimens at different void ratios in an oedometer cell. Shear wave velocities are measured while changing the state of the stress in the cell for each specimen prepared at a specific void ratio. The relationship between shear wave velocity and vertical effective stress is found at extreme values of void ratios (emin and emax). Direct shear tests are also performed on specimens with various void ratios. Experimental results show that the internal friction angle of each sand type increases with decreasing void ratio, rendering a unique relationship between friction angle and void ratio. Finally, a procedure is suggested to evaluate the in-situ shear strengths of a sandy soil based on in-situ shear wave velocities. Results show that the suggested method effectively estimates in-situ shear strength.
A Large Permeameter for Study of Internal Stability in Cohesionless Soils
Authors: Moffat RA , Fannin RJ 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Results are reported from the commissioning of a large rigid-walled permeameter that was designed to examine hydromechanical conditions prevailing at the onset of seepage-induced failure in soils with a potential for internal instability. A technique of slurry mixing and discrete deposition is used to reconstitute a homogeneous, saturated test specimen. The test specimen is consolidated and then subject to seepage flow, under head-control, in either a downward or upward direction. Two arrays of pressure transducers, located on opposite sides of the specimen, establish the variation of hydraulic gradient along the specimen. The device is configured with a top and bottom load cell, and frictionless loading ram, in order to assess the influence of side-wall friction and thereby establish the distribution of vertical effective stress along the length of the specimen. Observations of hydraulic gradient and effective stress enable a characterization of the onset of instability, which is localized within the specimen. Results of multi-stage tests on glass beads are reported that illustrate novel features of the permeameter and instrumentation, the utility of the specimen reconstitution technique and a novel approach for quantifying the onset of internal instability.
Comparison of Chilled-mirror Measurements and Filter Paper Estimates of Total Soil Suction
Authors: Patrick Pamela K. , Olsen Harold W. , Higgins Jerry D. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
A comparison of chilled-mirror total suction measurements with those estimated from filter paper total suction data show general agreement. However, there are significant discrepancies that are similar to those previously reported by others. The nature and magnitude of the discrepancies are consistent with: (a) possible errors in chilled-mirror total suction measurements due to incomplete equilibration in the sealed test chamber of the chilled-mirror device, and (b) possible errors in estimated filter paper total suction values due to natural variations of the zero-water-content intercept in the log total suction versus water content relationship. The possible errors in chilled-mirror measurements are easily avoided. The possible errors in estimated filter paper measurements can only be minimized by avoiding the need for an assumed zero-water-content intercept. This can be accomplished far more easily with the chilled-mirror device than with the filter paper method.
Large Dynamic Direct Shear Machine for Geosynthetic Clay Liners
Authors: Fox PJ , Nye CJ , Morrison TC , Hunter JG , Olsta JT 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
A large direct shear machina for static and dynamic shear strength testing of geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) and GCL liner systems is described. The machine tests rectangular GCL specimens measuring 305 × 1067 mm and has a maximum shear displacement of 254 mm, which is sufficiently large to allow for the measurement of residual or near-residual shear strengths in most cases. The basic design concept for the device is to shear a GCL specimen between a bidirectional pullout plate and a stationary reaction plate, each covered with an aggressive gripping surface. The pullout plate is driven by a computer-controlled hydraulic actuator. The maximum normal stress is 2000 kPa, the maximum shear stress is 750 kPa, and the shearing system is capable of imposing general stress-controlled or displacement-controlled dynamic loading to a test specimen. The actuator has a maximum frequency of 4 Hz for sinusoidal loading with a displacement amplitude of 25 mm. The maximum displacement rate for burst loading (i.e., single thrust) at zero force is 1 m/s. The paper describes four main components of the machine: (1) the shearing system; (2) the normal stress and vertical displacement measurement system; (3) the specimen hydration system; and (4) the process control and data acquisition system. The performance of the machine is illustrated using displacement-controlled test data for the static and cyclic internal shear strength of a hydrated needle-punched GCL.
A New Centrifugal Testing Method: Descending Gravity Test
Authors: Cinicioglu O , Znidarčić D , Ko H-Y 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This paper presents a new centrifugal testing method that has been developed to observe the effects of void ratio and overconsolidation ratio on the generation of undrained shear strength in cohesive soils. This new method provides soil profiles of constant overconsolidation ratio and varying void ratio throughout the sample profile. Combinations of this method with various in situ shear strength tests such as the cone penetration test and the vane shear test constitutes a new methodology which is named the “descending gravity test” (DGT). When DGT is repeated for different acceleration levels during centrifuge testing, it provides the void ratio-undrained shear strength relationship for various magnitudes of overconsolidation ratio. Therefore it renders the observation of the uncoupled effects of void ratio and overconsolidation ratio on the generation of shear strength feasible. Additionally the method requires the unloading of the clay cake, and since swelling of a sample is more rapid than its consolidation the test takes a relatively short time, hence the method is efficient.
An Innovative Laboratory Box for Testing Nail Pull-Out Resistance in Soil
Authors: Yin J-H , Su L-J 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This paper introduces a new soil nail pull-out box with full instrumentation for investigating the soil nail pull-out shear resistance under different controlled conditions. The new box has overcome some limitations of previous pull-out boxes developed by other researchers, the first author, and his co-workers. The box has the following new features: (a) comprehensive transducers are installed, (b) an extension chamber is provided to house an extension part of the soil nail to keep the nail length inside the box constant throughout the testing, (c) a waterproof front cap is placed to cover and seal the soil nail head so that back water pressure can be applied to accelerate the saturation of the soil, and (d) a pressure grouting apparatus is constructed to make it possible to investigate the influence of the cement grouting pressure. The pull-out box can be used to study influences of (a) hole drilling process and stress release, (b) degree of saturation of the soil, (c) cement pressure grouting, (d) overburden pressure, etc. Two copies of such a new soil nail pull-out box have been constructed to accelerate the testing program. A series of soil nail pull-out tests has been conducted using the two boxes. This paper presents details of the new pull-out box, from design, boundary effect analysis, and instrumentation to setup. Typical results from soil nail pull-out tests are presented and discussed.
Large-scale Apparatus for Monotonic and Cyclic Soil-Structure Interface Test
Authors: Zhang G , Zhang J-M 
Published: March 2009

AbstractA large-scale direct shear test apparatus was developed to investigate the monotonic and cyclic behavior of a soil-structure interface. The apparatus provides a constant sample size 50 cm in length and 36 cm in width. Three kinds of normal boundary conditions, namely, constant normal stress, constant normal stiffness, and constant normal displacement, can be directly applied on the interface with high accuracy. The apparatus is equipped with an automated loading system with capacity up to 200 kN in both directions. The stress and displacement of the interface can be automatically measured with the apparatus. In addition, the movement and crushing of soil particles near the structure can be observed and recorded. Therefore, this apparatus is suitable for monotonic and cyclic tests of the interface between structure and gravelly soil. The effectiveness of this apparatus was confirmed by tests of the interface between structure and gravel. The test results show that the steel-gravel interface exhibits significant change in the physical state and volumetric strain due to shear application.
Acoustic Compressional Wave Velocity as a Predictor of Glacio-marine Sediment Grain Size
Authors: Moran Kathryn , Altmann Veith , O’Regan Matthew , Ashmankas Cristin 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
We present relationships between the nondestructive measurement of acoustic compressional wave velocity and grain size and show that velocity can be used to assess some physical properties of glacio-marine sediments. For coarse-grained sediments, an increase in velocity is associated with an increase in the percentage of this size range. Within the fine-grained sediment size range, velocity is not an accurate predictor of grain-size. A median grain size of 4 μm and a sand content of 15 % are the limiting factors that distinguish this fine-grained behavior from coarse-grained behavior. However, in fine-grained glacio-marine sediment, the percent of sand (grain size &gt;63 μm), can be predicted by compressional wave velocity. Therefore, with further refinement, acoustic velocity shows some potential as a predictor of grain size for marine sediments.
Design, Fabrication, and Assembly of a Large Oedometer
Authors: Ng AMY , Yeung AT , Lee PKK , Tham LG 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
A typical Casagrande-type oedometer cell is 76 mm in diameter and 19 mm high. It may perform satisfactorily in the measurements of consolidation parameters of homogeneous fine-grained soil specimens up to a maximum applied vertical stress of approximately 3 MPa. However, when it is required to evaluate the load-deformation characteristics of soil specimens containing relative large-diameter grain particles and/or at a considerably higher stress level, the existing apparatus is evidently inadequate. Therefore, an oedometer of 425 mm in internal diameter was designed, fabricated, and assembled at The University of Hong Kong. The consolidation stress that can be applied is up to 13.5 MPa. Specimen preparation and measurement procedure have to be developed to cope with the new apparatus. The design, fabrication, and assembly of the large oedometer are documented and discussed in this paper. Moreover, experimental procedure developed and measurement data demonstrating the applicability of the new apparatus are presented.
A Large Diameter Triaxial Apparatus to Measure Pore Pressure and Displacements on a Pre-existing Shear Zone/Plane
Authors: Su Xueqing , Tannant Dwayne D. , Martin C. Derek , Morgenstern Norbert R. , Cyre Gerry 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The development of an apparatus to measure pore pressure and displacements on a pre-existing shear zone/plane during triaxial testing is presented. The apparatus includes a newly developed 405-mm diameter triaxial cell, a miniature pore pressure transducer for monitoring shear-induced pore pressures, and a displacement transducer for measuring shear displacements. Tests were performed by mounting the pore pressure transducer onto the face of a pre-existing shear plane in the specimen and installing the displacement transducer inside the triaxial cell to monitor local deformations. The results reveal that pore pressures measured on the shear plane and the base of specimens of Athabasca clay, Highvale mudstone, and Fort McMurray highly weathered limestone are identical at a shear displacement rate equal or less than approximately 18 mm/day. This implies that when the shear displacement rate is less than about 18 mm/day for rocks/soils that have a permeability greater than 10−8∼10−9cm/s, the pore pressure obtained from in situinstrumentation, which may not be set exactly on the shear plane, can be used as the shear zone pore pressure.
Shear Wave Velocity of a Compacted Clayey Silt
Authors: Clariá Juan J. , Rinaldi Víctor A. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Loess deposit covers an extensive area in the central region of Argentina. Improvement of the stress-strain behavior of loess in the field usually includes compaction. In practice, in situ shear wave velocity is suggested as an alternative to control compaction density of loess. In this work, specimens of loess were compacted in the laboratory by means of the Standard Proctor Test at different moisture contents. After compaction, the moisture content of the specimens was varied by the wetting or drying processes. Matric suction was measured. The specimens were subjected to isotropic compression tests and shear wave velocity was measured by means of bender elements. The present study allows us to evaluate the influence of density, water content, confining pressure, and the different soil structures obtained during compaction, on the measured shear wave velocity of the compacted loess. It was observed that although shear wave velocity depends on compaction density, under certain circumstances, wave velocity may be mainly controlled by soil structure and suction forces. A simple relationship was proposed to approach the observed experimental trends.
A Short-circuit Electromagnetic Sensor for Measurement of Soil Complex Permittivity
Authors: Xu Yanqing , Shang Julie Q. , Yanful Ernest K. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
An electromagnetic sensor is developed for characterization and detection of contamination in geomaterials. The sensor can be used to detect changes in physical and chemical properties of soil and groundwater based on changes in the complex permittivity. The major advantage of the sensor design is the adaptation of short-circuit coaxial line configuration, which makes it readily employed for in situ implementation. A close-form algorithm is developed to convert the measured electromagnetic reflection coefficients S11* by the short-circuit sensor to the complex permittivity of the testing materials. This paper presents a description of the sensor as well as its algorithm developments and the results of complex permittivity measurement. The study indicates that the short-circuit sensor produces reliable measurement of complex permittivity of soil-water systems and can be further developed for in situ contamination detection of soil and groundwater.
Study of a Displacement Measurement Method Inside a Small-Sized Model Ground in Laboratory Test
Authors: Baek Wonjin , Moriwaki Takeo , Sasaki Yasushi 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
In order to understand the complex mechanism of the three-dimensional consolidation behavior of clayey ground improved by the vertical drain system, it is desired to observe the three-dimensional displacements inside the model ground in a series of laboratory tests. However, there is no available example to measure the internal displacement in a small-sized model ground in the laboratory tests because it is impossible to disregard the influence of burying the measuring equipment into the small-sized ground. Baek et al. (2002,2004) proposed a method for measuring the radial displacement in a specimen with vertical drain by measuring the intensity of the magnetic field induced by a very small magnet buried in the specimen by magnetometers set outside the specimen. This measuring method using calibration curves, which show relationships between the position of the magnet and the measured intensity of the magnetic field in the calibration test, was modified by using the theoretical solution of the magnetic field induced by a magnet (Baek et al. 2006). In this paper, combining these previous studies, the whole system for measuring the displacement inside a small-sized model ground improved by vertical drain is described. Then, the reliability of the internal displacements obtained by these methods is discussed in comparison with the numerical solutions obtained by the finite difference method based on the three-dimensional elasto-viscous consolidation theory.