bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Scenarios for New Zealand Rainfall
Authors: Sansom John , Renwick James A. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
In terms of the effects of future climate change upon society, some of the most important parameters to estimate are associated with changing risks of extreme rainfall events, both floods and droughts. However, such aspects of the climate system are hard to estimate well using general circulation models (GCMs)—in particular, for a small mountainous landmass such as New Zealand. This paper describes a downscaling technique using broad-scale changes simulated by GCMs to select past analogs of future climate. The analog samples are assumed to represent an unbiased sample of future rainfall and are used to develop detailed descriptions of rainfall statistics using hidden semi-Markov models of rainfall breakpoint information. Such models are used to simulate long synthetic rainfall time series for comparison with the historical record. Results for three New Zealand sites show overall increases in rainfall with climate change, brought about largely by an increased frequency of rainfall events rather than an increase in rainfall intensity. There was little evidence for significant increases in high-intensity short-duration rainfalls at any site. Such results suggest that, although regional increases of rainfall are consistent with expected future climate changes, it may be that circulation changes, rather than temperature (and vapor pressure) changes, will be the more important determinant of future rainfall distributions, at least for the coming few decades.
Evaluating the evaluation: Understanding the utility and limitations of evaluation as a tool for organizational learning
Authors: Reeve Joanne , Peerbhoy Denise 
Published: May 2007

Objective Organizational learning, underpinned by evidence-based health care, and greater user involvement in planning and delivery were key objectives of the NHS Plan. Evaluation, and specifically participatory evaluation, offers the potential to address these elements of the NHS modernization agenda. We discuss the strengths and limitations of evaluation in delivering the modernization agenda through use of a case study — the evaluation of a Healthy Living Centre project, catchon2us! Setting A Healthy Living Centre project in Merseyside. Results There was evidence that collaborative research can promote opportunities which foster significant learning and change, thus making the effort and time involved worthwhile. However, the two-way flow of information necessary for development of shared goals and learning at strategic, as well as provider, levels is not easily achieved. Barriers include the rigidity of organizational structures within large agencies such as the NHS, with priorities imposed from national levels overriding local priorities. Conclusions The inherent contradictions in current strategic drivers in the NHS need to be addressed if services can ever deliver the goal of true organizational learning.
Barriers to positive mental health in a Young Offenders Institution: A qualitative study
Authors: Woodall James 
Published: May 2007

Objective To explore the barriers to positive mental health in a group of young offenders. Design A qualitative approach was used to provide insight into the ways in which mental health for young offenders is experienced and managed. Setting A Young Offenders Institute (YOI) accommodating males aged between 18 and 21 years. Method Participants were recruited voluntarily using posters. Twelve offenders participated in focus groups and an additional three interviews were carried out with individuals who felt uncomfortable in the focus group situation. Results Participants stressed that feelings in a YOI could not be shared due to the masculine ethos that had been created on the wings. Listener services were reported to be ineffective for support because using them would show weakness and vulnerability to other prisoners. Visiting time was the main highlight in the routine for most young offenders; however, leaving family and friends was difficult. In dealing with these emotions young offenders would use coping mechanisms, including acts of aggression to vent built-up frustrations. The issue of prison staff and their effect on mental health was raised by all offenders involved in the research. Unanimously, it was suggested that there are both excellent prison officers who engage with the prisoners, and staff who abuse their power and treat prisoners disrespectfully. Conclusion Promoting mental health is not the principle business of a YOI. However, this research has generated some issues for consideration for governors and those working within this setting.
Children's fitness testing: A feasibility study
Authors: Harris J. , Cale L. 
Published: May 2007

Objective This study aimed to determine whether it was necessary, cost effective and practical to investigate Welsh children's fitness levels in order to promote active, healthy lifestyles. Design A multi-method study comprising a comprehensive review of literature, a questionnaire survey and interviews. Setting This was a feasibility study commissioned by the National Assembly for Wales undertaken between October 2003 and March 2004. Method The methodology involved a world-wide literature search carried out using metalib and in consultation with UK experts and stakeholders in Wales via a questionnaire ( n = 35) and individual interviews ( n = 5). The response rate for the questionnaire survey was 36.4 per cent. Results The study indicated concern amongst experts and stakeholders about Welsh children's health, fitness and activity, but also revealed a number of misconceptions about children's fitness and fitness testing. The study highlighted that the measurement of children's fitness is fraught with difficulties, including methodological limitations, the possible negative impact on some children, and the relatively weak association between children's physical fitness and health. Additionally, utilising children's fitness test data to inform policy and practice was considered problematic by the experts and stakeholders, and there was limited evidence from the literature that previously conducted large scale surveys on children's fitness have positively impacted on children's health, activity and fitness. Conclusion It was concluded that a research project focusing solely on fitness testing Welsh children is neither necessary, cost effective nor practical. However, a`lifestyle oriented' project including the monitoring of physical activity was recommended as increasing activity levels is achievable for all and the process will lead to health gains.
Management of communication channels for health information in the community
Authors: Tanvatanakul Vasuton , Amado Joao , Saowakontha Sastri 
Published: May 2007

Object To investigate channels for communication of health information to various groups in the community. Design An exploratory cross sectional design was used, followed by focus groups of selected participants to confirm and clarify the findings. Setting Five levels of sub-district administration organizations were selected from different districts of Chonburi Province, Thailand. Method A survey using a self-administered questionnaire was carried out. Survey data were collected, analyzed then verified by observation and focus groups conducted in each community. Results Most people (78.7 per cent) receive health information everyday. The internet was an information source used frequently by those respondents less than 35 years of age (45.5 per cent). Health information was received by mobile telephone message, wireless systems and satellite televisions mostly by people less than 35 or 35—44 years old (33.3 and 38.1 per cent respectively). Receipt of health information from television, newspaper and radio was most common in the 35—44 and 45—54 year age groups (29.9 and 30.1 per cent). Distributed or central loudspeaker systems were cited as a source most often by people in the 45—54 year age group (36.0 per cent). Conclusion Findings lead to recommend coordination of health communications, using the internet for health information, preparing for coordination of messages on wireless systems and other new technologies for people in rapidly developing countries. Common communication channels are still useful especially in rural areas. Various interest groups should participate in developing their own models of communication, management, and evaluation for strengthening health development.
Food projects in London: Lessons for policy and practice — A hidden sector and the need for `more unhealthy puddings … sometimes'
Authors: Caraher Martin , Dowler Elizabeth 
Published: May 2007

Background and Objective Successive governments have promoted local action to address food components of public health. This article presents findings from research commissioned by the (then) London NHS Office, scoping the range of food projects in the London area, and the potential challenges to public health practice. Methods Research followed four overlapping phases with a London focus: (1) a systemized review of the literature, (2) analysis of health authority Health Improvement Plans (HImPs) and Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) local implementation plans and Health Action Zone reports, (3) a scoping exercise of`food projects' and community-based participatory projects with a food focus using food databases and directories, and (4) 29 in-depth interviews with individuals responsible for commissioning and running projects. Results There were, in 2001/2, a variety of food projects in the London area, ranging from small-scale social enterprises to those whose turnover marked them out as small businesses. There was a significant human resource cost in maintaining and setting up such projects both from NHS staff and in terms of volunteer and paid labour. The lack of an overall or area-based approach to food policy development in London was apparent, and little thought seemed to have been given to creating a supportive policy environment. Food projects often existed as isolated entities in a borough or health authority area, with short-term funding and little systemic long-term support. The majority employed what might best be called health education approaches. This is now partially addressed by the draft London Food Strategy. Conclusions Food projects run by local professionals and/or volunteers operated within an isolated policy and suffered from a lack of support both from financial and human resources perspectives. The potential for long-term delivery of improved health was unrealized, as was their potential contribution to a London-wide food economy and to London food policy.
Arthroscopic Capsulolabral Reconstruction of the Type VIII Superior Labrum Anterior Posterior Lesion
Authors: Seroyer Shane , Tejwani Samir G. , Bradley James P. 
Published: May 2007

Background A type VIII superior labrum anterior posterior lesion represents pathologic posteroinferior extension of a type II superior labrum anterior posterior lesion with injury to the insertion of the posterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament. No reports in the literature describe arthroscopic treatment of a type VIII superior labrum anterior posterior lesion and its associated glenohumeral instability. Hypothesis Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is effective in alleviating pain and restoring stability and function in athletes with glenohumeral instability due to the type VIII superior labrum anterior posterior lesion. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods From 2003 to 2006, 23 shoulders in 23 athletes were diagnosed with a type VIII superior labrum anterior posterior lesion by physical examination, magnetic resonance arthrography, and arthroscopy. All were treated with an arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction. Ten patients were involved in rehabilitation less than 9 months after surgery and were not included in this study. Thirteen remaining shoulders in 13 athletes with a mean age of 27.8 ± 10.9 years were analyzed at a mean follow-up of 24 months. Shoulders were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scoring system and standard subjective scales for stability, strength, function, and range of motion. Results Athletes most commonly participated in sport at the recreational level (n = 8), followed by collegiate (n = 3) and high school (n = 2). The most common activity was weight lifting (n = 4). Eight athletes (62%) participated in contact sports, most commonly football and wrestling. Two patients (15%) had a partial-thickness articular-sided supraspinatus tendon tear that was debrided at the time of surgery. Mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score improved from 51.4 to 90.0 (P < .001). There were significant improvements in stability, pain, function, and range of motion based on standardized subjective scales (P < .001). No shoulder required revision surgery for recurrent instability. All patients were able to return to sports, with 9 (69%) able to return to their highest level before surgery. Conclusion Arthroscopic capsulolabral reconstruction is an effective and reliable treatment for glenohumeral instability due to a type VIII superior labrum anterior posterior lesion in the contact, noncontact, and throwing athlete. Successful postoperative return to sport is a reasonable expectation.
Gender Differences in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury vary with Activity
Authors: Mountcastle Sally B. , Posner Matthew , Kragh John F. , Taylor Dean C. 
Published: May 2007

Background Previous studies have shown that women involved in similar activities as men are at increased risk for anterior cruciate ligament injuries. Hypothesis The incidence rate of complete anterior cruciate ligament tears for men and women in our athletic, college-aged population is similar. Study Design Descriptive epidemiology study. Methods Students graduating in class years 1994 to 2003 at our institution who sustained complete anterior cruciate ligament tears were assessed for mechanism of injury and type of sport played at time of injury. We calculated the incidence proportion, an estimation of risk, by gender and class year, and the incidence proportion ratio comparing men and women by class year. We also calculated incidence rates by gender and type of sport played and incidence rate ratios comparing men and women. Results There were 353 anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the 10 classes studied. We found an overall, 4-year incidence proportion of 3.24 per 100 (95% confidence interval, 2.89-3.63) for men and 3.51 (95% confidence interval, 2.65-4.65) for women (incidence proportion ratio, 1.09 [95% confidence interval, 0.80-1.47]). The overall anterior cruciate ligament injury rate, excluding male-only sports, was significantly greater in women (incidence rate ratio, 1.51 [95% confidence interval, 1.03-2.21]). We found significantly greater injury rates among women in a gymnastics course (incidence rate ratio, 5.67 [95% confidence interval, 1.99-16.16]), indoor obstacle course test (incidence rate ratio, 3.72 [95% confidence interval, 1.25-11.10]), and basketball (incidence rate ratio, 2.42 [95% confidence interval, 1.05-5.59]). Conclusion We found little gender difference in the overall risk of an anterior cruciate ligament tear; however, there were gender differences in injury rates when specific sports and activities were compared and when male-only sports were removed from the overall rate assessment.
View and discomfort glare from windows
Authors: Tuaycharoen N. , Tregenza P.R. 
Published: May 2007

There is less discomfort glare from a window with an interesting view than from either a neutral screen or a window with a poor view having the same daylight glare index. A view with patches of high luminance is more glaring than a more uniform view with the same mean luminance. In two experiments carried out during May and June 2005, subjects assessed glare from windows in a 20-storey building in Sheffield, UK. The rooms used were identical except that at different levels and orientations the prospects varied from close views of other buildings to extensive urban and natural scenes. In the first experiment, with 72 university students as subjects, the reported discomfort glare from a diffusing screen covering the window was compared with that from a view onto a nearby obstructing wall and from a view with trees and distant landscape. The weather was changeable so each scene was observed over a range of different luminances. In the second experiment, with 96 subjects, the glare from an urban view that included nearby elements, the middle distance and the far distance was compared with a restricted urban view, with an extensive natural view and with a restricted natural view. Independent groups of subjects rated the interest of all the views. It was found that subjects' reported discomfort from glare varied significantly between all three cases in the first experiment and all four cases of the second experiment: glare discomfort decreased as interest increased. The luminance range within a view also affected the experience of glare. The results are consistent with those of an earlier study of glare from small screens.
Splenic CD19−CD35+B220+ cells function as an inducer of follicular dendritic cell network formation
Authors: Murakami Takaya , Chen Xin , Hase Koji , Sakamoto Ayako , Nishigaki Chie , Ohno Hiroshi 
Published: May 2007

AbstractFollicular dendritic cells (FDCs) form a reticular FDC network in the lymphoid follicle that is essential for the retention and presentation of native antigens in the form of antigen-antibody immune complexes (ICs) to B cells during secondary immune response. Although the presence of migrating precursors of FDCs has been hypothesized, their entity has not been elucidated. Here we report the identification of murine splenic CD19−CD11c−CD35+B220+ cells as an inducer of FDC network formation. We demonstrated that CD19−CD11c−CD35+B220+ cells, together with stromal cells, had the remarkable ability to form lymphoid-follicle–like structures that contained B220+FDC-M1+ reticular cells originally derived from CD19−CD11c−CD35+B220+ cells in the CD35+ reticulum. Our results indicate that CD19−CD11c−CD35+B220+ cells function as an inducer of FDC network formation and that the interaction between CD19−CD11c−CD35+B220+ cells and stromal cells is required to initiate lymphoid follicle formation.
SVM-Fold: a tool for discriminative multi-class protein fold and superfamily recognition
Authors: Melvin Iain , Ie Eugene , Kuang Rui , Weston Jason , Noble William Stafford , Leslie Christina 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Predicting a protein's structural class from its amino acid sequence is a fundamental problem in computational biology. Much recent work has focused on developing new representations for protein sequences, called string kernels, for use with support vector machine (SVM) classifiers. However, while some of these approaches exhibit state-of-the-art performance at the binary protein classification problem, i.e. discriminating between a particular protein class and all other classes, few of these studies have addressed the real problem of multi-class superfamily or fold recognition. Moreover, there are only limited software tools and systems for SVM-based protein classification available to the bioinformatics community.

Results
We present a new multi-class SVM-based protein fold and superfamily recognition system and web server called SVM-Fold, which can be found at http://svm-fold.c2b2.columbia.edu. Our system uses an efficient implementation of a state-of-the-art string kernel for sequence profiles, called the profile kernel, where the underlying feature representation is a histogram of inexact matching k-mer frequencies. We also employ a novel machine learning approach to solve the difficult multi-class problem of classifying a sequence of amino acids into one of many known protein structural classes. Binary one-vs-the-rest SVM classifiers that are trained to recognize individual structural classes yield prediction scores that are not comparable, so that standard "one-vs-all" classification fails to perform well. Moreover, SVMs for classes at different levels of the protein structural hierarchy may make useful predictions, but one-vs-all does not try to combine these multiple predictions. To deal with these problems, our method learns relative weights between one-vs-the-rest classifiers and encodes information about the protein structural hierarchy for multi-class prediction. In large-scale benchmark results based on the SCOP database, our code weighting approach significantly improves on the standard one-vs-all method for both the superfamily and fold prediction in the remote homology setting and on the fold recognition problem. Moreover, our code weight learning algorithm strongly outperforms nearest-neighbor methods based on PSI-BLAST in terms of prediction accuracy on every structure classification problem we consider.

Conclusion
By combining state-of-the-art SVM kernel methods with a novel multi-class algorithm, the SVM-Fold system delivers efficient and accurate protein fold and superfamily recognition.
An improved method for identifying functionally linked proteins using phylogenetic profiles
Authors: Cokus Shawn , Mizutani Sayaka , Pellegrini Matteo 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
Phylogenetic profiles record the occurrence of homologs of genes across fully sequenced organisms. Proteins with similar profiles are typically components of protein complexes or metabolic pathways. Various existing methods measure similarity between two profiles and, hence, the likelihood that the two proteins co-evolve. Some methods ignore phylogenetic relationships between organisms while others account for such with metrics that explicitly model the likelihood of two proteins co-evolving on a tree. The latter methods more sensitively detect co-evolving proteins, but at a significant computational cost. Here we propose a novel heuristic to improve phylogenetic profile analysis that accounts for phylogenetic relationships between genomes in a computationally efficient fashion. We first order the genomes within profiles and then enumerate runs of consecutive matches and accurately compute the probability of observing these. We hypothesize that profiles with many runs are more likely to involve functionally related proteins than profiles in which all the matches are concentrated in one interval of the tree.

Results
We compared our approach to various previously published methods that both ignore and incorporate the underlying phylogeny between organisms. To evaluate performance, we compare the functional similarity of rank-ordered lists of protein pairs that share similar phylogenetic profiles by assessing significance of overlap in their Gene Ontology annotations. Accounting for runs in phylogenetic profile matches improves our ability to identify functionally related pairs of proteins. Furthermore, the networks that result from our approach tend to have smaller clusters of co-evolving proteins than networks computed using previous approaches and are thus more useful for inferring functional relationships. Finally, we report that our approach is orders of magnitude more computationally efficient than full tree-based methods.

Conclusion
We have developed an improved method for analyzing phylogenetic profiles. The method allows us to more accurately and efficiently infer functional relationships between proteins based on these profiles than other published approaches. As the number of fully sequenced genomes increases, it becomes more important to account for evolutionary relationships among organisms in comparative analyses. Our approach, therefore, serves as an important example of how these relationships may be accounted for in an efficient manner.