bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in Bleomycin Hydrolase Gene Is Associated With Reduced Survival After Chemotherapy for Testicular Germ Cell Cancer
Authors: de Haas Esther C. , Zwart Nynke , Meijer Coby , Nuver Janine , Boezen H. Marike , Suurmeijer Albert J.H. , Hoekstra Harald J. , van der Steege Gerrit , Sleijfer Dirk Th. , Gietema Jourik A. 
Published: April 2008

Purpose Response to chemotherapy may be determined by gene polymorphisms involved in metabolism of cytotoxic drugs. A plausible candidate is the gene for bleomycin hydrolase (BLMH), an enzyme that inactivates bleomycin, an essential component of chemotherapy regimens for disseminated testicular germ-cell cancer (TC). We investigated whether the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) A1450G of the BLMH gene (rs1050565) is associated with survival. Patients and Methods Data were collected on survival and BLMH genotype of 304 patients with TC treated with bleomycin-containing chemotherapy at the University Medical Center Groningen, the Netherlands, between 1977 and 2003. Survival according to genotype was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves with log-rank testing and Cox regression analysis with adjustment for confounders. Results BLMH gene SNP A1450G has a significant effect on TC-related survival (log-rank P = .001). The homozygous variant (G/G) genotype (n = 31) is associated with decreased TC related survival compared with the heterozygous variant (A/G; n = 133) and the wild-type (A/A; n = 140). With Cox regression the G/G genotype proves to be an unfavorable prognostic factor, in addition to the commonly used International Germ Cell Consensus Classification prognosis group, with a hazard ratio of 4.97 (95% CI, 2.17 to 11.39) for TC-related death. Furthermore, the G/G genotype shows a higher prevalence of early relapses. Conclusion The homozygous variant G/G of BLMH gene SNP A1450G is associated with reduced survival and higher prevalence of early relapses in TC patients treated with bleomycin-containing chemotherapy. This association is hypothesis generating and may eventually be of value for risk classification and selection for alternative treatment strategies in patients with disseminated TC.
Lack of Community Insurance and Mammography Screening Rates Among Insured and Uninsured Women
Authors: Pagán José A. , Asch David A. , Brown Cynthia J. , Guerra Carmen E. , Armstrong Katrina 
Published: April 2008

PurposeTo evaluate whether the proportion of the local population without health insurance coverage is related to whether women undergo mammography screening.MethodsSurvey data on 12,595 women 40 to 69 years of age from the 2000 to 2001 Community Tracking Study Household Survey were used to analyze the relation between community lack of insurance and whether the respondent had a mammogram within the past year.ResultsWomen age 40 to 69 were less likely to report that they had a mammogram within the last year if they resided in communities with a relatively high uninsurance rate, even after adjusting for other factors. After adjusting for individual insurance and other factors, a 10-percentage-point decrease in the proportion of the local insured population is associated with a 17% (95% CI, 13% to 21%) decrease in the odds that a woman age 40 to 69 years will undergo mammography screening within a year.ConclusionWomen living in communities with high uninsurance are substantially less likely to undergo mammography screening. These results are consistent with the view that the negative impact of uninsurance extends to everyone in the community regardless of individual health insurance status.
American Society of Clinical Oncology Statement on Minimum Standards and Exemplary Attributes of Clinical Trial Sites
Authors: Zon Robin , Meropol Neal J. , Catalano Robert B. , Schilsky Richard L. 
Published: April 2008

Purpose To describe both minimum requirements for a site conducting quality clinical trials and attributes of an exemplary site. Methods Minimum requirements and exemplary attributes were selected based on literature review, prevailing regulatory requirements, and consensus among a group of community and academic clinical researchers. Results To provide guidance to oncologists who wish to conduct patient-oriented research, recommendations are made to assist in the development and implementation of high-quality research programs with the priority of protecting the welfare and rights of trial participants. A quality research site complies with the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines, the accepted international ethical and scientific quality standards for designing, conducting, recording, and reporting trials involving human participants. Recognizing that many research sites conduct clinical trials in compliance with accepted GCP standards, supplemental attributes of an exemplary research site that exceed the GCP criteria are also described. These attributes include diversification of clinical trial mix, high accrual activity, participation in the trial development process, maintenance of high educational standards, quality assurance, multidisciplinary involvement in the clinical trial process, and promotion of clinical trial awareness programs. Conclusion Meeting the minimum criteria ensures conduct of quality clinical trials; however, some sites may wish to incorporate value-added attributes to exceed GCP compliance. These attributes are proposed as performance goals rather than requirements, recognizing that all sites conducting research will not necessarily meet each attribute but may still conduct high-quality clinical trials.
Finite element analysis of intramedullary devices: The effect of the gap between the implant and the bone
Authors: Simpson D J , Brown C J , Yettram A L , Procter P , Andrew G J 
Published: April 2008

This paper examines the interaction interface between the implant and the bone for an intramedullary femoral nailing system using a finite element (FE) model and specifically considers the hypothesis that the local geometry at the interface is significant to the resulting localized contact stress between the medial and lateral aspect of nail and endosteum. Contact mechanics algorithms are used in the FE modelling technique that can be developed to deal with any form of intramedullary device for which contact at the bone—implant interface is important. Global stiffness data from the FE model are compared with available data from an experiment carried out on a construct of the bone and the device that uses intramedullary femoral nails. Acceptable agreement is obtained. The results demonstrate that the mechanical interface between the implant and the bone is significantly affected by the gap geometry and magnitude. In particular, larger gaps lead to greater concentrations of stress on the medial side, while the distribution of stress is more uniform at the lateral contacts. Furthermore, the results show that the gap can have a marked effect on the stresses that occur on the fracture plane.
A mechanical comparison of high-flexion and conventional total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Barink M , De Waal Malefijt M , Celada P , Vena P , Van Kampen A , Verdonschot N 
Published: April 2008

The question addressed in this study was whether high-flexion total knee arthroplasty (TKA) designs improve the mechanical behaviour of TKAs in high flexion and whether they maintain the mechanical performance of conventional TKAs at normal flexion angles. A finite element study was performed in which the mechanical behaviour of the conventional Sigma RP and the new high-flexion Sigma RP-F were compared, during a dynamic simulation of a high-flexion squatting activity. Forces, stresses, and contact positions were calculated during different stages of the simulations. In general, higher stresses were found with larger flexion angles for both designs. Mechanical parameters were similar in normal flexion. In high flexion, lower stress and deformation values were found for the high-flexion Sigma RP-F, except for the contact stress at the post of the insert. This study confirms that a high-flexion design can improve mechanical behaviour at high-flexion without changing the performance in normal flexion. Hence, although a high-flexion TKA may show a similar or better performance in comparison with a conventional TKA, high-flexion activities still cause an increase in the implant stress levels. Therefore, the patient's demand for large flexion angles may reduce the longevity of TKA implants.
Can Cheap Generic Statins Achieve National Cholesterol Lowering Targets?
Authors: Petty Duncan , Lloyd David 
Published: April 2008

Objectives The Department of Health in England recommend that simvastatin and pravastatin should be prescribed in at least 69% of statin prescriptions in primary care on the assumption that these drugs (and at doses prescribed) are as effective as alternatives. We aimed to identify whether primary care trusts (PCTs) that used a high proportion of simvastatin and pravastatin performed as well on the Quality and Outcome Framework (QOF) targets related to cholesterol as those PCTs that used less. Methods QOF data were obtained for all PCTs for 2005-2006. National prescribing data for statins was analysed for the same time period. The square of the Pearson correlation was used to assess the association between the two. Results The average PCT values for the three QOF indicators for CHD, stroke and diabetes were 78% (range 66-88%), 72% (58-82%) and 79% (67-88%), respectively. The percentage use of simvastatin and pravastatin by PCTs varied from 18-84%, with a mean of 57%. There was no evidence of any association between the use of simvastatin and pravastatin as a percentage of all statin items and success in achieving the QOF targets. Conclusions PCTs that had a high proportion of simvastatin and pravastatin use were just as successful achieving cholesterol targets for patients with coronary heart disease, diabetes and stroke as those that used more atorvastatin, rosuvastatin or fluvastatin. This supports the policy to use the less expensive generic statins.
Profiling of Heterogeneous Soil Using the Nuclear-Density Cone Penetrometer
Authors: Karthikeyan Muthusamy , Soon Tan Thiam 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This paper describes a series of experimental investigations conducted to investigate and interpret the density profiles obtained by a nuclear-density cone penetrometer (ND-CP) used in the characterization of a highly heterogeneous lumpy fill. The key features involved in the interpretation of these wet density profiles, termed “signatures” in this paper, were discussed. First, it was established that the maximum radius of the influence zone for the ND-CP used in the present study is about 23.6 cm radius, and this parameter decreases with increasing density of the material. It was also established that the ND-CP measurement provides the average wet density of the composite soil within the measuring volume. The signatures of wet density profiles for layered soil and lumpy fills were also investigated so as to improve the interpretation of the actual soil profile. Backscatter and linear mixture theoretical models were adapted and applied to the ND-CP to provide a framework for this interpretation of the signatures of wet density profiles. A back analysis of a set of lumpy fill results obtained from the actual field tests was also conducted and the results demonstrated that the signature of wet density profiles obtained from the ND-CP is useful for identifying the zones of the soil occupying the big clay lumps and initial inter-lump voids, something that is very difficult to establish without the use of ND-CP and the technique to carry out the interpretation.
A Miniature Cone for Measuring the Slump of Soil-Bentonite Cutoff Wall Backfill
Authors: Malusis Michael A. , Evans Jeffrey C. , McLane Michael H. , Woodward Nikki R. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Measurement of slump for soil-bentonite (SB) cutoff wall backfill using a standard ASTM C143-00 slump cone is widely employed to design SB backfill for workability and to evaluate field backfill quality during cutoff wall construction. The standard cone is particularly suitable for field testing, where large backfill quantities are available, but is less practical for laboratory testing of backfills during design. This paper describes the development and evaluation of a miniature slump cone that requires only ∼16 % of the backfill volume required for the standard cone. Results of slump tests performed on three model SB backfills with different solid compositions indicate that the miniature cone provides reproducibility similar to that given by the standard cone when the backfills are prepared to a standard slump of 100 mm to 200 mm. The empirical relationship between standard slump (SS) and miniature slump (SM) for all three model backfills is represented accurately by a single linear expression (i.e., SS=60+1.8SM, where SS and SM are in millimetres) that is nearly identical to the predicted correlation given by an analytical slump cone model (i.e., SS=64+1.8SM) for the range 100⩽SS⩽200 mm.
Track Detector Measurements in RPV of WWER-1000 Mock-Up in the LR-0 Reactor
Authors: Ošmera B. , Pošta S. , Karpunin N. I. , Lomakin S. S. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
The fission rates measurements were carried out with track detectors in the WWER-1000 mock-up assembled in the experimental reactor LR-0.
The 238U and 236U isotopes with the fission energy thresholds approximately 1.5 MeV and 0.8 MeV, respectively, were used. The tracks were counted by means of a photomicroscope with a digital camera controlled by a PC with corresponding software. The fission rate ratio of 236U and 238U has been evaluated in different measuring points as well as the fast neutron fluxes attenuation factors. The correction for photo fission has been included. The results obtained with different techniques were compared: the fast flux above 0.5 MeV was measured absolutely with a stilbene detector.
An Evaluation of Perceptual Experience of Skiers Using Quantitative Image Processing
Authors: Krauss David A. , Lieberman Daniel H. , Grossman Helene , Ray Rose , Scher Irving 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
We applied the principles of visual perception, light, and optics to quantify the influence of ambient sunlight on the ability of skiers and snowboarders to perceive ground contours on a ski slope. To this end, we systematically measured the visibility of the terrain on ski runs under a variety of lighting conditions at Mammoth Mountain in California. Recreational skiers, snowboarders, and ski patrol members were surveyed to determine their subjective ratings of visibility. These subjective visibility ratings for various weather/lighting conditions were compared to quantified on-slope visibility measurements that were obtained using quantitative contrast and luminance measurements. The preliminary results support the objective measure as a tool to objectively quantify on-slope visibility and suggest additional cues skiers/snowboarders may be using to assess visibility. The methodology presented in this paper provides a first step in using software-based image analysis as a tool to predict conditions under which the likelihood of injuries may increase. Ultimately, resorts could use these data to develop methods of enhancing visibility on poorly lit runs before injuries occur.
Determination of Price Reduction Factors for Density-Deficient Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Kim Y. Richard , Lee S. Joon , Seo Youngguk , El-Haggan Omar 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
This paper presents the research undertaken for the development of price reduction factors for density-deficient asphalt pavements. Performance characteristics included in this study are fatigue cracking and rutting. The following laboratory tests were performed on two North Carolina Superpave mixtures with varying air void contents: (1) axial compression dynamic modulus tests for modulus determination; (2) indirect tension tests for fatigue performance evaluation; (3) triaxial repeated load permanent deformation tests for rutting evaluation; and (4) accelerated pavement tests on laboratory pavement slabs for fatigue and rutting evaluation using the third-scale Model Mobile Loading Simulator (MMLS3). Air void models for the dynamic modulus, fatigue cracking, and rutting were developed using the laboratory test data. These models and the results from the MMLS3 testing were used to develop the price reduction factors for density-deficient asphalt mixtures. In order to determine the effect of deficient density of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) on the performance of asphalt pavement as a system, a computer program called AP4 (Asphalt Pavement Performance Prediction Program) was developed. The algorithm adopted in AP4 for the damage calculation is based on the incremental damage concept and is very similar to that used in the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 1-37A Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide. This program allows the determination of the service life for fatigue cracking and rutting based on the inputs of air void contents in all the HMA layers. Case studies of five density-deficient pavements were conducted, and the price reduction factors were determined.
An Introduction to Service Choreographies (Servicechoreographien – eine Einführung)
Authors: Decker Gero , Kopp Oliver , Barros Alistair 
Published: April 2008

Summary
Service oriented architecture (SOA) is an architectural style for building software systems based on services. Especially in those scenarios where services implement business processes, complex conversations between the services occur. Service choreographies are a means to capture all interaction obligations and constraints from a global perspective. This article introduces choreographies as an important artifact for SOA, compares them to service orchestrations and surveys existing languages for modeling them.
Die Rolle von Features und Aspekten in der Softwareentwicklung (The Role of Features and Aspects in Software Development)
Authors: Apel Sven 
Published: April 2008

Zusammenfassung
Feature-orientierte Programmierung (FOP) und Aspekt-orientierte Programmierung (AOP) sind komplementäre Technologien. Obwohl beide auf die Modularität von so genannten querschneidenden Belangen abzielen, so tun sie dies auf unterschiedliche Art und Weise. Im Rahmen der Arbeit wurde beobachtet, dass FOP und AOP kombiniert werden können, um ihre individuellen Schwächen zu überwinden. Die Arbeit schlägt mit Aspekt-basierten Featuremodulen und Aspektverfeinerung zwei Techniken zur Symbiose von FOP und AOP vor. Beide Techniken werden in einer Fallstudie evaluiert und entsprechende Programmierrichtlinien zum Einsatz von FOP und AOP werden abgeleitet. Schlussendlich wird mittels der Analyse von acht AspectJ-Programmen unterschiedlicher Größe die Frage beantwortet, wie Implementierungsmechanismen der FOP und der AOP heutzutage Verwendung finden.
Concurrent Gas-cap and Oil-rim Production: The Swing Gas Option
Authors: Uwaga - Anthony O. , Lawal Kazeem A. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Thin oil columns overlain by free gas and underlain by water pose serious challenges for completion and production. For such columns sandwiched between a sizeable gas cap and weak aquifer, gas coning usually limits oil production below commercial rates. For reservoirs with developable oil rim, the strategies of simultaneous oil and gas production as well as gas-cap blowdown after oil recovery, have been studied and implemented. Where a gas market is available, the choice of strategy is usually dictated by optimisation of reservoir energy and earlyrevenue from gas monetisation.
This paper investigates feasibility of intermittent production of the gascap with continuous oil production. A three-dimensional simulation study was performed for a gas-cap driven oil-rim reservoir having the primary objective of producing oil and a secondary objective of making up occasional gas supply shortfalls, the swing gas option. Key factors such as gas offtake rate, offtake frequency and the period to sustain each offtake cycle were examined. Impacts of these factors on oil recovery, total hydrocarbon recovery and project economics were evaluated. While the study indicates feasibility of swing gas production, reservoir and fluid uncertainties are important issues that must be properly managed. For these, adequate reservoir management and production practices are recommended.
The Singer or the Song? Developments in Performers' Rights from the Perspective of a Cultural Economist
Authors: Towse Ruth 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Over the last century, performers gradually acquired statutory protection of their economic and moral rights. These rights are not copyright in the legal sense but neighboring rights and until recently, they were mainly remuneration rights that are collectively administered. With the WPPT (WIPO Performers and Phonograms Treaty), performers now have individual exclusive rights for digital performances; this leads to the question: what has motivated this change – is it a change in the perception of the value of performer or a change brought about by the changing technology of copying or, indeed, a change that reflects different economic costs and benefits? The paper discusses the role of copyright law as an incentive to performers and asks if the economic role of the performer is so different from that of the author. The conclusion is that a complex interaction of the legal regulations, economic conditions and institutional arrangements for administering these new rights will determine the outcome.
Incompatibility, Product Attributes and Consumer Welfare: Evidence from ATMs
Authors: Knittel Christopher R. , Stango Victor 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Incompatibility in markets with network effects reduces consumers' ability to "mix and match" components offered by different sellers, but can also spur changes in product attributes that might benefit consumers. In this paper, we estimate the effects of incompatibility on consumers in a classic hardware/software market: ATM cards and machines. We find that ATM fees ceteris paribus reduce the network benefit from other banks' ATMs. However, a surge in ATM deployment accompanies the shift to surcharging. Even under conservative assumptions regarding how much of the surge is directly attributable to surcharging, greater deployment often completely offsets the harm from higher fees. The results suggest that policy discussions of incompatibility must consider not only its direct effect on consumers, but also its effect on product attributes.
Children of the Post-Communist Transition: Age at the Time of the Parents' Job Loss and Dropping Out of Secondary School
Authors: Kertesi Gabor , Kezdi Gabor 
Published: April 2008

Abstract
Using data on children whose parents lost their jobs during the post-communist transition of Hungary, we address the causal effect of unexpected long-term unemployment of parents on their children's educational achievement. We estimate the effect of the children's age at the time of their parents' job loss on their probability of dropping out of secondary school (an event that follows the parents' job loss by many years). The treatment is an additional year reared in a family with regularly employed parents, which can be interpreted as additional human capital investment. We provide bounding estimates to the causal effect. The estimated bounds are tight, they show a substantial effect, and the effect is significantly stronger for preschool age children than for older ones.