bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of hepatoprotection in proestrus female rats following trauma-hemorrhage: heme oxygenase-1-derived normalization of hepatic inflammatory responses
Authors: Yang Shaolong , Hu Shunhua , Chen Jianguo , Choudhry Mashkoor A , Rue Loring W , Bland Kirby I , Chaudry Irshad H 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHepatic damage occurs in males and ovariectomized (OVX), not in proestrus (PE), females following trauma-hemorrhage (T-H). The mechanism responsible for hepatoprotection remains unknown. We hypothesized protection in PE is a result of enhanced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)-derived down-regulation of liver inflammatory responses. PE and OVX rats underwent T-H (midline laparotomy, 60% blood loss). PE rats received vehicle (Veh; saline), HO-1 inhibitor chromium mesoporphyrin IX chloride (CrMP; 2.5 mg/kg), zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP; 25 mg/kg), or Akt/PI-3K inhibitor Wortmannin (Wort; 1 mg/kg) 30 min prior to resuscitation or sham operation i.p. OVX rats received Veh or 17β-estradiol (E2; 1 mg/kg) 30 min before hemorrhage. Rats were killed 2 h thereafter. Following T-H, left ventricular performance was maintained in PE and E2 OVX rats but was depressed in OVX and CrMP-, ZnPP-, and Wort-treated PE rats; liver damage was not evident in PE rats, and CrMP, ZnPP, and Wort abrogated protection; liver HO-1, p38 MAPK, Akt/PI3K, and Bcl-2 expression increased in PE and E2 OVX rats, which was abrogated by CrMP, ZnPP, and Wort, and liver ICAM-1, caspase-3, phospho-IκB-α, and NF-κB expression increased in OVX and CrMP-, ZnPP-, and Wort-PE rats; liver myeloperoxidase, NF-κB DNA-binding activity, TNF-α, IL-6, plasma proinflammatory cytokines, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractants increased in OVX and CrMP-, ZnPP-, and Wort-PE rats; and plasma estradiol levels and hepatic estrogen receptor-α and -β expression decreased in OVX but were unaltered by CrMP, ZnPP, and Wort. Thus, enhanced HO-1 in PE and E2 OVX females modulates inflammatory responses and protects liver following T-H.
Safety and Effectiveness of a Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Equation-Based Potassium Replacement Protocol
Authors: Chapman Scott A , Kaufenberg Anthony J , Anderson Patty , Khokhar Anwar , Schrock Christian G 
Published: February 2009

Background: No data exist regarding the safety and effectiveness of a potassium replacement protocol for hospitalized patients when potassium replacement dosing regimens (KRDRs) are adjusted to Modification of Diet in Renal Disease estimation of glomerular filtration rate (MDRD GFR). Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a potassium replacement protocol in which KRDRs are prescribed based on MDRD GFR and serum potassium deficiency (Kdef). Methods: Patients prescribed the potassium replacement order set were identified in a retrospective fashion. Serum potassium, prescriber-defined goal serum potassium, and MDRD GFR data were collected for patients who received protocol KRDRs. The KRDR to be administered is selected based on Kdef (goal serum potassium minus measured serum potassium) of 0.1–0.2, 0.3–0.5, or more than 0.5 mEq/L and the patients’ MDRD GFR of greater than 70, 40–70, or less than 40 mL/min/1.73 m2 (any patient undergoing dialysis is included in the <40 mL/min/1.73 m2 group). Efficacy was evaluated by determining the change in serum potassium level (AK) following potassium replacement, the number of KRDRs needed to achieve goal serum potassium, and the milliequivalents of potassium needed to achieve goal serum potassium levels. Safety was assessed by the incidence of serum potassium values greater than 5.0 mEq/L following replacement. Results: One hundred forty-nine patients were evaluated. There were 184 protocol initiations and 257 KRDRs administered to achieve goal serum potassium levels. The AK was 0.50 ± 0.40 mEq/L (mean ± SD) following KRDR. The AK was similar between MDRD GFR groups. One hundred thirty six (73.9%) protocol initiations required 1 KRDR, and 168 (91.3%) protocol initiations required 1 or 2 KRDRs to achieve goal serum potassium. Patients whose MDRD GFR was 40–70 mL/min/1.73 m2 were less likely to achieve goal serum potassium value after 1 KRDR (58.2% vs 79.6% >70 group and 84.6% <40 group). This was true regardless of the patient's goal serum potassium. One (0.54%) serum potassium greater than 5.0 mEq/L occurred following a KRDR, Conclusions: Our potassium replacement protocol based on MDRD GFR and Kdef effectively corrects hypokalemia. Fewer protocol initiations achieved goal serum potassium levels in the group with MDRD GFR 40–70 mL/min/1.73 m2. Hyperkalemia rarely occurred following KRDR.
Impact of Obtaining Medications from Pharmaceutical Company Assistance Programs on Therapeutic Goals
Authors: Trompeter Jessica M , Havrda Dawn E 
Published: February 2009

Background: Limited data exist regarding whether improved access to medications for indigent persons through pharmaceutical company assistance programs (PCAPs) leads to attainment of therapeutic goals. Objective: To evaluate the impact of obtaining medications through PCAPs with pharmacist assistance versus prescription insurance on the likelihood of achieving therapeutic goals. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted in a private family practice clinic. Individuals prescribed one or more drugs for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, or dyslipidemia and receiving medication through a PCAP or prescription insurance were included. Eligible records were reviewed for pertinent laboratory and medication information and to assess achievement of hypertension, diabetic, and dyslipidemia goals. Results: A total of 458 persons were eligible for inclusion: 250 with prescription insurance and 208 using a PCAP. The PCAP group was older, with more females and multiple disease states. There was no significant difference between the groups in reaching hypertension goals; the goals were not predicted by PCAP, presence of diabetes, or class of drug. More PCAP individuals (67.1%) achieved hemoglobin A1C values less than 7% compared with patients in the prescription insurance group (39.6%; p = 0.002). The PCAP group had lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) values (95.8 ± 28.0 mg/dL; mean ± SD) and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) values (40.8 ± 12.1 mg/dL) compared with the prescription insurance group (111.8 ± 37.5 mg/dL; p < 0.001 and 33.7 ± 13.6 mg/dL; p = 0.011, respectively). Achieving LDL-C goals were significant only for a goal less than 130 mg/dL and less than 160 mg/dL (p = 0.007); diabetes patients were less likely to achieve LDL-C goals compared with those without diabetes in both groups. Enrollment in PCAP was a predictor in reaching diabetic and some dyslipidemia therapeutic goals. Conclusions: Individuals without prescription insurance and receiving pharmacist and PCAP assistance in obtaining medications were more likely to reach diabetic goals and have better cholesterol values compared with persons with prescription insurance. The presence of prescription insurance alone does not guarantee reaching therapeutic goals; pharmacist involvement with PCAP and obtaining drugs enhances the likelihood of persons achieving therapeutic goals.
Modern psychometrics for assessing achievement goal orientation: A Rasch analysis
Authors: Muis Krista R. , Winne Philip H. , Edwards Ordene V. 
Published: February 2009

Background A program of research is needed that assesses the psychometric properties of instruments designed to quantify students' achievement goal orientations to clarify inconsistencies across previous studies and to provide a stronger basis for future research.Aim We conducted traditional psychometric and modern Rasch‐model analyses of the Achievement Goals Questionnaire (AGQ, Elliot & McGregor, 2001) and the Patterns of Adaptive Learning Scale (PALS, Midgley et al., 2000) to provide an in‐depth analysis of the two most popular instruments in educational psychology.Samples and methods For Study 1, 217 undergraduate students enrolled in educational psychology courses participated. Thirty‐four were male and 181 were female (two did not respond). Participants completed the AGQ in the context of their educational psychology class. For Study 2, 126 undergraduate students enrolled in educational psychology courses participated. Thirty were male and 95 were female (one did not respond). Participants completed the PALS in the context of their educational psychology class.Results Traditional psychometric assessments of the AGQ and PALS replicated previous studies. For both, reliability estimates ranged from good to very good for raw subscale scores and fit for the models of goal orientations were good. Based on traditional psychometrics, the AGQ and PALS are valid and reliable indicators of achievement goals. Rasch analyses revealed that estimates of reliability for items were very good but respondent ability estimates varied from poor to good for both the AGQ and PALS. These findings indicate that items validly and reliably reflect a group's aggregate goal orientation, but using either instrument to characterize an individual's goal orientation is hazardous.
A Self-Boring Pressuremeter System
Authors: Fahey M , Jewell RJ , Brown TA 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The paper describes some of the development work on the Cambridge University version of the self-boring pressuremeter (the so-called “Camkometer”), which has been carried out at the University of Western Australia over a number of years. This work included improvement of the pore-pressure measuring system and development of a deairing system for the pore-pressure transducers, new supply-voltage regulation and signal amplification systems placed down-hole in the instrument itself, test control and data logging using a microcomputer, and a new membrane-protection system. Details of the improved instrumentation are provided. Some test results are included to show that the output from the pore-pressure transducers provides an indication of the “quality” of drilling, especially in clay.
Comparison of Freezing Cells Used in the Determination of Soil Frost Susceptibility
Authors: Hasson PFX , Irwin LH 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Because of the importance that side friction plays in the direct freezing tests of soils it was decided to compare four freezing cell geometries to determine which showed the least resistance to frost heaving. Two of the most common freezing cells, the tapered cylinder and the multi-ring cyclinder, were selected to be compared to the Cornell split cylinder freezing cell. A tapered wall multi-ring freezing cell was also compared to see if a combination geometry offered any advantages. Soils were compacted in the molds using the standard Proctor method. The specimens were frozen simultaneously using the Corp of Engineers twelve-day freeze test procedure. The results showed that the multi-ring cylinders were far superior to the tapered wall and split cylinder freezing cells. The tapered wall multi-ring freezing cell did not offer any advantages over the multi-ring cylinder freezing cell.
Measurement of the Pore Pressure ParameterCLess Than Unity in Saturated Sands
Authors: Veyera GE , Charlie WA , Doehring DO , Hubert ME 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTwo saturated sands, Monterey No. 0/30 and Enewetak coral, tested undrained under one-dimensional strain loading, were found to have values of the pore pressure parameter C, less than unity. The C parameter for Monterey No. 0/30 sand, determined to be unity at an effective consolidation stress of 86 kPa, decreased with increasing effective consolidation stress and increasing relative density. A similar behavior was observed for the Enewetak coral sand. These trends are similar to those reported by other researchers for the pore pressure parameter B. The decrease in C parameter values for saturated specimens appears to be a direct result of increasing skeleton stiffness due to increases in effective stress and density. A theoretical analysis of skeleton stiffness based on porosity and pore pressure response predicts similar trends.
Determination of Deformation Properties of Collapsible Soils
Authors: Reznik YM 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Mechanical properties of loessial soils are the functions of their in-situ physical conditions, geological history, as well as actual load distribution at the site of interest. It is well known that the bearing capacity of loesses and loessial soils decreases with an increase in their porosity and water content. Physical and mechanical properties of soils can be determined by different laboratory and field methods. Technical and economic advantages and/or disadvantages of utilizing these methods are discussed. Field and laboratory test results are presented in tabulated form and analyzed. The paper describes the technique of plate load tests performed at three construction sites located near the city of Odessa (Soviet Union). Information obtained during the field tests was compared with results of soil tests carried out in the laboratory on hand-carved (undisturbed!) specimens.
The Thermal Probe—Measurement of the Thermal Conductivity and Drying Rate of Soil in the Field
Authors: Ewen J , Thomas HR 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The thermal probe is a metal rod with an internal heating element and temperature sensor. In the field it is pushed into a predrilled hole in otherwise undisturbed soil, and the thermal properties of the soil are estimated from the temperatures recorded at intervals after a constant power is supplied to the heating element. The following are discussed in this paper: the theory behind the methods for identifying the thermal properties, the design of the probe and auxiliary equipment, the results of laboratory trials, the field testing procedures, and the results of field trials. The probe, the theory, and the testing procedures extend the application of thermal probes from their traditional use for thermal conductivity measurement beyond their more recent use for the study of the thermal stability of soil near underground power cables to the measurement of native thermal conductivity, dry thermal conductivity, and the rate at which drying fronts move within the soil.
Strain-Controlled, Variable Frequency Cyclic Loading System for Soft Soils
Authors: Kramer SL , von Laun F-Y , Sivaneswaran N 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
A mechanical, strain-controlled, variable frequency loading system has been developed for cyclic testing for soft soils. The system consists of a variable speed driving system (variable speed electric motor) and a rotation/translation converter (crank and crank-shaft system). It is capable of producing a simple harmonic time history of axial strain at an infinite number of desired strain levels. The loading system is simple and can be easily fabricated at low cost. Performance of the system is verified by performing frequency sweep tests on a San Francisco Bay mud specimen.
Strength Changes in Sand Following Cyclic Shear
Authors: Turner JP , Kulhawy FH 
Published: February 2009

AbstractStatic torsional simple shear tests were performed on poorly graded sand, with and without prior cyclic loading, to evaluate changes in static shear strength. Specimens were prepared at three densities (loose, medium, and dense) and were subjected to one of three levels of cyclic loading corresponding to 0.25, 0.50, or 0.75 times the static stress level, causing failure with no prior cyclic loading. The test results indicate that post-cyclic shear strength increases in specimens that are contractive and decreases in specimens that are dilative during cyclic loading. Results showing the change in friction angle as a function of initial density and level of prior cyclic loading are presented. The observed behavior is consistent with a model that predicts strength changes following cyclic loading as a function of soil volume change characteristics and drainage conditions.
A Statistical Methodology to Analyze the Effect of Changes in Testing Technology on Measurement Results
Authors: Livneh M , Ben-Akiva M 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
In the field of soil mechanics and highway engineering, there is great interest in the comparison of two different instruments or two different measuring technologies that measure the same characteristics of given items (or samples). This interest holds also for comparison of semi-identical instruments having minor changes in a given testing technology. All such comparisons involve statistical methods which permit the researcher to estimate separately the natural variability of the characteristic and the variability caused by measurement errors. However, previous studies consider only two components of measurement error: (a) the random error of measurement and (b) the instrumental systematic additive bias, thus skipping over the important third component, i.e., the instrumental systematic multiplicative bias. This paper deals with the above-mentioned modifications for the two-instrument case of the randomized-pair comparison sets. It is shown that this case necessitates a preliminary assumption in order to identify the different errors in the statistical analysis. The appropriate assumption depends on the nature of the testing mechanisms as demonstrated in this paper by three examples involving testing with the dynamic cone penetrometer. Finally, it should be mentioned that the nonnormally distributed case is very frequent, especially when the pool of results includes tests performed on different types of soils, even when the results of each type are regarded as normally distributed with different means and variances. Thus, the paper suggests sensitivity tests for the calculated parameters which include the above-mentioned case. Also, in the paper's appendix, the known t and F tests are modified for the same purpose.
Simulation of Ground Loss in Centrifuge Model Tests
Authors: Stone KJL , Brown TA 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
This note presents a computer-controlled mechanical system developed to simulate ground loss in centrifuge model tests. The main application of the system to date had been in the field of mining subsidence prediction. This involves the replication of total extraction of thin mineral seams at depth. A brief overview of total extraction methods is presented, and the performance of the system to replicate these methods in centrifuge model tests is briefly illustrated. The versatility of the system to other applications involving ground loss or boundary displacement problems is also illustrated.
Soft Oedometer—A New Testing Device and Its Application for the Calibration of Hypoplastic Constitutive Laws
Authors: Kolymbas D , Bauer E 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The problem addressed is how to obtain the material parameters of soils and other granular materials by means of a simple and fast laboratory test which fulfills the requirement of homogeneous specimen deformation. A new laboratory testing device called “soft oedometer,” characterized by an extensible lateral supporting ring, makes it possible to measure not only the vertical but also the lateral stress and strain of the specimen. The construction principles are presented as well as test results. The suggested evaluation of the latter makes it possible to determine the friction angle and all parameters entering hypoplastic constitutive equations without the need to achieve the limit state.
In the present paper, the new apparatus is shown to make possible a particular test (oedometric test) which serves to fit a mathematical model called “hypoplastic constitutive law.” Using this model, other test types can be simulated realistically.
Swelling Pressure Behavior Under Controlled Suction
Authors: Habib SA , Karube D 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
An experimental study has been conducted to study the swelling pressure behavior of expansive soil in both vertical and lateral directions simultaneously under controlled suction. A series of one-dimensional consolidation tests was carried out on compacted soil specimen using a newly developed oedometer with devices for controlling suction and measuring lateral pressure. The test results show that while both vertical swelling pressure and lateral pressure are path dependent, there are lower and upper values of mean effective pressure depending on initial soil conditions. Based on this approach, the safe swelling pressure can be determined. The results of this method were compared with other results and found to be in agreement with the proposed one.
Evaluation of Fill Compaction
Authors: Sikh TS 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
Compaction was evaluated of existing fills at seven sites. The field densities were evaluated with three different techniques. These techniques included: (1) the sand-cone method, ASTM D 1556; (2) the drive-cylinder method, ASTM D 2937; and (3) a smaller version of drive cylinder that was driven manually into the ground. Two comparisons were made: between sand cone and drive cylinder (ASTM D 2937), and between sand cone and smaller (manual) drive cylinder. The results indicate excellent agreement. A linear regression analysis of all the data points indicates a correlation coefficient of 0.972.
Effects of Strain Rate on Instability of Granular Soils
Authors: Yamamuro JA , Lade PV 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
An experimental study of the effect of strain rate on the stability of granular soils at high pressures has shown that there is no apparent effect on the location of the instability line. However, during undrained triaxial compression tests the deviator stress, effective stress path, effective stress friction angle, and pore pressures are significantly affected by changes in strain rate. Strain rate effects during drained triaxial compression tests are also presented, but do not appear to be as significant as in undrained tests.
Preparation of Large-Size Cohesive Specimens for Calibration Chamber Testing
Authors: Voyiadjis GZ , Kurup PU , Tumay MT 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper describes the design of an automated slurry consolidometer and calibration chamber system used to prepare largesize cohesive soil specimens for testing in-situ devices, model foundations, and ground anchors. A two-stage technique for the preparattion of homogeneous cohesive specimens subjected to a known stress history is described. Briefly summarized are the data acquisition/control system and the instrumentation details for monitoring the spatial pore pressure distributions in the specimen, the vertical and lateral stresses on the specimen, and specimen settlement during slurry consolidation and subsequent reconsolidation in the chamber. The specimens prepared were reproducible and of uniform quality as indicated by the settlement and pore pressure dissipation histories and by the water content results obtained from samples taken from chamber specimens. The homogeneity of the specimens is confirmed by the cone penetration test results.
Evaluation of the Drop Bar Test for Concrete and Rock Quality
Authors: Charlie WA , Ross CA , Skinner MM , Burleigh JB 
Published: February 2009

Abstract
The bearing capacity of rock foundations is being determined by the sound produced by impacting the foundations with a steel bar. This paper evaluates the sound and stress produced. Instrumenting the steel drop bar extends the capabilities of the test and makes the test less subjective. The steel bar produced a characteristic ringing sound when the specimen's unconfined compressive strength was greater than 5000 kPa or the compressional wave velocity was greater than 2400 m/s. The research suggests that the peak stress and sound frequency produced by dropping a steel bar can be used to evaluate in situ dynamic properties and, indirectly, in situ static properties of concrete and rock. A potential limitation of the noninstrumented bar is that the frequency of ringing (1770 to 10 070 Hz) is in the same frequency range that sensorineural hearing losses are known to occur with advancing age or noise exposure.