bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A computational approach for genome-wide mapping of splicing factor binding sites
Authors: Akerman Martin , David-Eden Hilda , Pinter Ron Y , Mandel-Gutfreund Yael 
Published: March 2009

AbstractAlternative splicing is regulated by splicing factors that serve as positive or negative effectors, interacting with regulatory elements along exons and introns. Here we present a novel computational method for genome-wide mapping of splicing factor binding sites that considers both the genomic environment and the evolutionary conservation of the regulatory elements. The method was applied to study the regulation of different alternative splicing events, uncovering an interesting network of interactions among splicing factors.
Examining Telephone Calls in Ambulatory Oncology
Authors: Flannery Marie , Phillips Shannon M. , Lyons Catherine A. 
Published: March 2009

Purpose: A large component of ambulatory oncology practice is management of telephone calls placed to and from the practice between outpatient appointments. However, scant information is available in the literature concerning oncology practice telephone calls. The specific aims of this study were to define telephone call volume and distribution in an active ambulatory oncology practice, describe the callers and reasons for the telephone calls, and examine any differences in call volume by practice characteristics. Methods: A descriptive retrospective design was used to analyze medical oncology and hematology telephone calls in a 4-month period. Two investigator-developed tools were validated and used to collect data on telephone call content and patient demographics. Results: The sample included 5,283 telephone calls to or from 1,486 different individuals. Individuals making and/or receiving more than one telephone call in the study period represented 56% of the telephone calls. For every 10 scheduled clinic appointments, seven telephone calls were received or made. The volume of telephone calls was significantly higher on Mondays and in the mornings. The reasons for high-volume telephone calls by diagnosis and frequency were identified, with 30% of telephone calls involving multiple reasons. Conclusion: The data demonstrate the impact of telephone calls on ambulatory oncology practice and highlight the complex and highly variable actions required to manage the telephone calls. The findings confirm and document specific practice patterns and identify subgroups that target repeat telephone calls as an area for improvement.
Multicenter Contraceptive Efficacy Trial of Injectable Testosterone Undecanoate in Chinese Men
Authors: Gu Yiqun , Liang Xiaowei , Wu Weixiong , Liu Minli , Song Shuxiu , Cheng Lifa , Bo Liwei , Xiong Chengliang , Wang Xinghai , Liu Xiaozhang , Peng Lin , Yao Kangshou 
Published: March 2009

AbstractContext: Hormonal male contraceptive regimens effectively and reversibly suppress sperm production, but there are few large-scale efficacy studies.Objective: The safety, contraceptive efficacy, reversibility, and feasibility of injectable testosterone undecanoate (TU) in tea seed oil as a hormonal male contraceptive was assessed.Design: This was a multicenter, phase III, contraceptive efficacy clinical trial.Participants: A total of 1045 healthy fertile Chinese men were recruited throughout China into the study.Intervention(s): Injections of 500 mg TU were administered monthly for 30 months. A definition of severe oligozoospermia (≤1 × 106/ml) was used as a criterion of spermatogenic suppression and as the threshold for entering the contraceptive efficacy phase.Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary outcome was pregnancy rate in the partner. Other outcomes include: semen parameters, testis volumes, reproductive hormone levels, and safety laboratory tests.Results: Forty-three participants (4.8%) did not achieve azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia within the 6-month suppression phase. A total of 855 participants entered into the efficacy phase, and 733 participants completed monthly TU treatment and follow-up. There were nine pregnancies in 1554.1 person-years of exposure in the 24-month efficacy phase for a cumulative contraceptive failure rate of 1.1 per 100 men. The combined method failure rate was 6.1%, comprising 4.8% with inadequate suppression and 1.3% with postsuppression sperm rebound. No serious adverse events were reported. Spermatogenesis returned to the normal fertile reference range in all but two participants.Conclusions: Monthly injection of 500 mg TU provides safe, effective, reversible, and reliable contraception in a high proportion of healthy fertile Chinese men.
Fetal and Postnatal Growth and Body Composition at 6 Months of Age
Authors: Ay Lamise , Van Houten Vera A. A. , Steegers Eric A. P. , Hofman Albert , Witteman Jacqueline C. M. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Hokken-Koelega Anita C. S. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Objectives: The objectives of the study was to examine which parental, fetal, and postnatal characteristics are associated with fat and lean mass at the age of 6 months and examine the effect of growth (catch-down, catch-up) in fetal life and early infancy on fat and lean mass.
Design: This study was embedded in the Generation R Study, a prospective cohort study from early fetal life onward. Body composition was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 252 infants at 6 months. Parental, fetal, and postnatal data were collected by physical and fetal ultrasound examinations and questionnaires.
Results: Children with fetal catch-up in weight (gain in weight sd score &gt;0.67) in the second trimester tended to have a higher fat mass percentage [FM(%)] at 6 months of age, whereas children with fetal catch-down in weight had a lower FM(%) compared with nonchangers. In the third trimester, both catch-up and catch-down in weight were associated with an increase in FM(%) at 6 months. Children with catch-down in the third trimester had a greater risk for postnatal catch-up in weight greater than 0.67 sd score. Birth weight and weight at 6 wk were positively associated with fat mass at 6 months. Postnatal catch-up in weight within 6 wk after birth had the highest association with total and truncal FM(%) at 6 months. Total and truncal FM were higher in girls.
Conclusion: Catch-down in weight in the third trimester was strongly associated with postnatal catch-up within 6 wk after birth, and both were associated with an increase in fat mass at the age of 6 months. Our study shows that fetal as well as postnatal growth patterns are associated with body composition in early childhood.
An investigation into therapists' management of osteoarthritis of the carpometacarpal joint of the thumb in the UK
Authors: Davenport Barbara J 
Published: March 2009

Objective Osteoarthritis (OA) of the first carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is common and causes pain and loss of function. Conservative management is widely used to manage this condition and this study aimed to investigate the current conservative management employed by therapists in the UK. Methods A survey design was selected using a self-completed questionnaire as the data collection tool. The questionnaire was designed by the author and distributed to therapists by post to a range of therapy departments and to delegates attending a hand therapy course. Results A total of 115 out of 330 therapists (35%) responded with a completed questionnaire and the majority of the sample (97%) treated OA of the first CMC joint. Therapists used a variety of treatments for OA of the first CMC joint and the severity of the OA influenced the treatments used. Advice on activities of daily living, ergonomic advice, splints and exercise were the most commonly used treatment modalities. Therapists varied greatly in how effective they felt the different treatment modalities were in treating OA of the first CMC joint and how strong they felt the evidence base was to support their use. Most therapists used outcome measures, but many different ones were in use. Few therapists were aware of a classification system to grade the severity of OA of the first CMC joint. Conclusions There is a need for further research into the conservative management of this condition in order to establish the most effective treatments for each stage of the disease process.
The longitudinal validity of the quick and full version of the Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire in musculoskeletal hand outpatients
Authors: Whalley Kathy , Adams Jo 
Published: March 2009

Objective Longitudinal validity refers to the ability of an outcome measure to detect clinically meaningful change in status, also referred to as responsiveness. Most recently the Department of Health has been a proponent of increased use of patient-reported outcome measures in evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to improve health. The Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire is a comprehensive self-report measure that has been used well in rehabilitation. More recently a shortened version – the Quick DASH has been developed. Methods This study compared the longitudinal validity of the DASH and Quick DASH in a cohort of musculoskeletal outpatients with hand trauma and degenerative hand conditions attending an outpatient occupational therapy (OT) rehabilitation service. Responsiveness was calculated using effect sizes (ES) and standardized response mean (SRM) and paired t-tests to test for statistically significant differences. Results Twenty-two patients completed questionnaires. They received a mean of 12 weeks (SD = 7.5) of OT treatment. Mean baseline and discharge scores for DASH were 50.20 points (SD = 22.27) and 19.43 points (SD = 15.61), respectively and for the Quick DASH 50.43 (SD = 21.22) and 19.70 (SD = 16.01), respectively. Both the full DASH and Quick Dash yielded similar ES and SRM statistics (DASH: ES = 1.38; SRM = 1.93) (QDASH: ES = 1.51; SRM= 1.77) and t-tests showed statistically significant changes from baseline to discharge DASH ( t = 9.06; P < 0.01); Quick DASH ( t = 8.30, P < 0.01). Conclusions The Quick DASH and DASH demonstrated similarly high responsiveness in this patient population.
Impacts of case management for frail elderly people: A qualitative study
Authors: Sheaff Rod , Boaden Ruth , Sargent Penny , Pickard Susan , Gravelle Hugh , Parker Stuart , Roland Martin 
Published: March 2009

Objective: To assess the impacts of different forms of case management for people aged over 65 years at risk of unplanned hospital admission, in particular the impacts upon patients, carers and health service organization in English primary care; and, in these respects, compare the Evercare model with alternatives. Methods: Multiple qualitative case studies comparing case management in nine English Primary Care Trusts which piloted the Evercare model of case management and four sites which implemented alternative forms of case management between 2003 and 2005. Data were obtained from 231 interviews with patients, carers and other key informants, and from content analysis of documents and observation of meetings. Results: All the projects established functioning case management services, but none led to major service reorganization or savings elsewhere in the health care system. Many informants reported examples of admissions which case management had prevented, but overall hospital admissions did not significantly change, possibly due to increased case-finding. Patients and carers valued case management for improving access to health care, increasing psychosocial support and improving communication with health professionals. Conclusion: Case management was highly valued by patients and their carers, but there were few major differences in outcomes between Evercare and other models.
Tight budgetary control: A study of clinical department managers’ perceptions in Swedish hospitals
Authors: Nylinder Pia 
Published: March 2009

Objective: The composition of clinical department managers in Swedish hospitals is changing; more nondoctors and women are entering managerial positions. In parallel, most hospitals face increased pressure to contain costs. This article presents a study of managers’ perceptions of tightness of budgetary control and how their views vary systematically with personal characteristics and organizational conditions. Method: Data were collected through a postal survey in 2005 to 173 clinical department managers (response rate of 70%). Statistical analysis was performed by factor analysis and logistic regression. Results: The data suggest that clinical department managers’ perceptions of tight budgetary control were related to how long they had been in their current position, their profession (whether they were doctors or non-doctors) and their sex. Further, their perceptions could be explained by how close the managers’ departments were to their budget targets. Conclusions: Perception of tight budgetary control by managers depends on both their personal characteristics and the financial situation of their departments. Differences between men and women, and doctors and nondoctors call for additional research about the possible impact of changes in the composition of clinical department managers on how budgetary responsibility is exercised.
Experience of continuity of care of patients with multiple long-term conditions in England
Authors: Cowie Luke , Morgan Myfanwy , White1 Patrick , Gulliford Martin 
Published: March 2009

Objectives: To examine patients’ experiences of continuity of care in the context of different long-term conditions and models of care, and to explore implications for the future organization care of long-term conditions. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were carried out with 33 patients recruited from seven general practices in South London. Patients were selected who had one or more of the following long-term conditions: arthritis, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Results: Multiple morbidity was frequent and experiences of continuity were framed within patients’ wider experiences of health care rather than the context of a particular diagnosis. Positive experiences of relational continuity were strongly associated with long-term GP-led or specialist-led care. Management continuity was experienced in the context of shared care in terms of transitions between professionals or organizations. Access and flexibility issues were identified as important barriers or facilitators of continuity. Conclusions: Across a range of long-term conditions, patients’ experiences of health care can be understood in terms of nuanced understandings of relational and management continuity. Continuity experiences, meanings and expectations, as well as barriers and facilitators, are influenced by the model of care rather than type of condition.
The relationship between the saphenopopliteal junction and the common peroneal nerve: a cada-veric study
Authors: Balasubramaniam R , Rai R , Berridge D C , Scott D J A , Soames R W 
Published: March 2009

ObjectivesThe variable anatomy of the short saphenous vein (SSV) and the potential failure to identify the saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) contribute to an increased risk of damage to the common peroneal nerve (CPN) during surgical exploration. The aim of the present study was to determine the variation of the SPJ, its relationship to the CPN, and the relationship of both SPJ and CPN to defined anatomical landmarks.MethodsMeasurements of the distance between the SPJ and CPN, and the defined anatomical landmarks (fibula head, lateral joint space, lateral femoral epicondyle), were undertaken on 30 cadaveric limbs following careful dissection of the popliteal fossa.ResultsThe level of SPJ termination was classified as low (below), normal (within 100 mm above) and high (more than 100 mm above), the lateral femoral epicondyle. Of the 30 limbs dissected, 70% of SPJs were normal, 23% low and 7% high. Direct measurement from the SPJ to anatomical landmarks showed a higher interquartile range (IQR) in low compared with normal terminations; however, the vertical distance from the SPJ to the fibula head showed an increase in IQR from low to normal terminations (7.1–14.2). The mean distances between the SPJ and CPN in low and normal terminations were 23.3 and 16.7 mm, respectively. Comparison of the IQR showed values very similar to low terminations having a slightly higher IQR compared with normal terminations (7.15–6.0).ConclusionSignificant anatomic variation was observed in the termination of the SSV, with 67% located within 66 mm above the lateral femoral epicondyle. The risk of damaging the CPN during saphenopopliteal ligation may be higher for SPJs located above the lateral femoral epicondyle because of the proximity of the two structures and variability of SPJ.
Rapid Estimation of Compaction Parameters for Field Control
Authors: Nagaraj TS , Lutenegger AJ , Pandian NS , Manoj M 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Compaction as a practical means of achieving the desired strength, compressibility, and permeability characteristics of fine-grained soils has been appreciated since the time early earth structures were built. In this paper, simple phenomenological relationships are proposed for estimating compaction characteristics, based on the analysis of compaction curves of fine-grained soils for different compactive efforts. A simple stepwise procedure is presented for adoption, the validity of which has been demonstrated from laboratory test data for this purpose.
Image Processing Technique for Determining the Concentration of a Chemical in a Fluid-Saturated Porous Medium
Authors: Dong W , Selvadurai APS 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This paper presents a color visualization-based image processing technique for the quantitative determination of a chemical dye concentration in a fluid-saturated porous column composed of glass beads. In this image processing technique, an image filter is designed by taking into account the porous structure of the medium and color characteristics of both the fluid and the solid particles to extract the color representation of the dye solution in pore space, which enables the image quantification. A comparison of experimental results with analytical and numerical simulations illustrates the efficiency and accuracy of the image processing method for determining the chemical concentrations in the porous medium.
Measurement of Rock Joint Roughness by 3D Scanner
Authors: Hong E-S , Lee I-M , Lee J-S 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Many methods have been used to measure rock joint surface roughness more accurately. However, true roughness has been distorted and underestimated by differences in the sampling interval of the measurement methods. Thus, current measurement methods produce a dead zone and distorted roughness profiles. This study proposes a new rock joint surface roughness measurement method by use of a camera-type three-dimensional (3D) scanner as an alternative to current methods. For this study, the underestimation of artificial roughness is analyzed by using the current measurement method of laser profilometry. We then replicate eight specimens from two rock joint surfaces, and digitize them by 3D scanners. Finally, the roughness coefficient values obtained from eight numbers of the 3D surface data sets and from 320 numbers of two-dimensional profiles data sets are analyzed by using the current measurement methods and our proposed measurement method. The artificial simulation confirms that the sampling interval is one of main factors for the distortion of roughness and shows that current methods may not consider the inclination of waviness. The experimental results showed that the camera-type 3D scanner produced 10 % larger roughness values than those of the current methods. The proposed new method is a faster, more precise and more accurate method than the current methods for the measurement of rock joint roughness, so that it can be promising technique in this area of study.
Centrifuge Testing of Offshore Filters
Authors: Gaudin C , Watson PG , Randolph MR 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This paper presents original centrifuge tests performed to study the interaction between clay soils and various filter types proposed for use in the under-base pumping system on the Yolla A Platform foundations. The experimental device described allows a “suction” to be applied behind the face of the filter, and to study potential for (a) penetration of clay through the filter, and (b) blockage of the filter. Results have shown that tapered wire mesh filters may (at least partially) block during penetration into the clay, but that these could be unblocked by application of moderate pressures inside the filter.
A Device to Cyclic Lateral Loaded Model Piles
Authors: Peng JR , Clarke BG , Rouainia M 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Model tests on small scale piles subject to cyclic lateral loading have been carried out with the purpose of simulating the pile soil behavior and its lateral resistance under environmental loads. An efficient mechanical loading system has been developed. This system is able to provide both one-way and two-way cyclic lateral loads. Frequencies and load levels in both directions can be varied in order to simulate different load conditions. There is no limitation on the number of cycles. A series of lateral cyclic loading tests for a monopile in dry sand have been carried out to demonstrate the efficiency and effectiveness of this loading system. The benefits of this innovative loading system are presented.
A Micropenetrometer for Detecting Structural Strength Inside Soft Soils
Authors: Liu Z , Shi B , Sheng D 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
A micropenetrometer is developed to measure structural strength inside soft soils. Different from the traditional detective technology for soil structure, the micropenetrometer is an intrusion technology to estimate the characteristics of soft soils. The work principle and main configuration of the micropenetrometer are introduced, followed by its calibration and some operation techniques. Finally, two application tests are carried out. Different soil textures such as sandy soil or clayey soil have different types of penetration curves. Through the end resistance variation, detailed description of the structural strength along penetration depth can be obtained. In addition, three-dimensional strength distribution on the vertical or transverse sections can be achieved from the penetration data evenly arranged on the grid nodes of the same surface through interpolation method. Such a technique is of significance for checking the effectiveness of soil improvement or monitoring the moisture movement in soil.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of Injected Sand with Latex—Superplasticized Grouts
Authors: Anagnostopoulos CA 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Grouting is the most common technical method with many applications; e.g., it is used for soil stabilization and strengthening, for reduction of water ingress to underground facilities or of water loss through a dam foundation, etc. Grouts comprise several constituents, that are combined in many ways depending on the in situ conditions and the outcome desired each time. Superplasticizers, accelerators, antifreezers, airentraining agents and many others are generally used to improve the quality of cement grouts and, consequently, their effectiveness on strength (especially bond strength), durability, impermeability, and resistance to chemical erosion of the grouted soil or rock mass.
A comprehensive laboratory work was carried out in order to study the rheological properties of acrylic resin (latex)—superplasticized grouts and their influence, when injected, on the physical (water permeability, porosity) and mechanical characteristics (compressive strength, elastic modulus, durability) of a granular soil.