bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative Comparison Method of Rolling Contact Fatigue Performance of Silicon Nitrides by Stepwise Loading Balls-on-Flat Test—Experimental Verification of Validity of Some Assumptions for the Method
Authors: Kanematsu Wataru 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
We have verified the validity of some assumptions in the method described in our prior paper entitled “Relative Comparison Method of Rolling Contact Fatigue Performance of Silicon Nitrides by Stepwise Loading Balls-on-Flat Test—A Candidate for Standard Practice for Comparison of RCF Performance,” (J. ASTM Int., Vol 5, No. 6, 2008). In this method, the mean effective mechanical input (Min)m is used as a criterion for the comparison. The balls-on-flat rolling contact fatigue (RCF) tests under constant loading were carried out at three stress levels for two bearing grade (BG) silicon nitrides and one general purpose (GP) nitride. The values of p, which is defined in the well-known Lundberg and Palmgren theory and is assumed to be constant for any silicon nitride in the calculation of (Min)m, are shown to be close to each other in these three different silicon nitrides, lending support to the assumption. To investigate the influence of loading history in stepwise loading, tests under three different stepwise loading conditions starting from minimum loads of 1, 2.5, and 4 kN were carried out. Generally, with an increase in minimum load, (Min)m decreased, but there was no significant influence of the minimum load on the results of distinguishing between BG and GP. One BG, which is manufactured by gas pressure sintering, however, seems to have a (Min)m higher than the true value when tested from the minimum load of 1 kN. It can be inferred that compressive residual stress causes a suppressing effect on peeling. This anomaly was circumvented by choosing a minimum loading condition higher than 2.5 kN for the test materials used in this research. The test results and the ratios of two surface failure categories, spall and peeling, in the constant loading tests lend support to the hypothesis that relative comparison of RCF performance under stepwise loading can substitute for that under constant load.
The role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging in cardiac resynchronisation therapy
Authors: Vágó H. , Takács P. , Tóth A. , Gellér L. , Szilágyi Sz. , Molnár L. , Kutyifa V. , Simor T. , Merkely Béla 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Cardiac electromechanical resynchronisation therapy (CRT) is an effective non-pharmacological treatment of patients suffering from drug refractory heart failure. However, approximately 20–30% of patients are non-responder. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) may play significant role in clarifying many questions in this patient population. Forty-five patients, suffering from severe drug refractory heart failure, underwent CMR before applying CRT. Left ventricular end-diastolic, end-systolic volumes, ejection fraction, myocardial mass, wall motion disturbances, localisation of non-viable myocardium were determined. Left ventricular dyssynchrony was determined by illustrating wall-time thickening in short-axis slices of left ventricle from basis to apex. CMR-proved underlying heart disease were postinfarction heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy and non-compaction cardiomyopathy in 62, 27 and in 11%, respectively. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 24.5±10%, intraventricular dyssynchrony was 200±78 ms. In four patients, requiring surgical revascularisation after unsuccessful coronary sinus electrode implantation, optimal position for epicardial screw-in electrode was selected. According to the results of CMR, biventricular device was not implanted in 7 patients. During the follow-up of the 38 patients, 5 patients (13.16%) were non-responders, despite the approximately 22% non-responder ratio in our whole patient population treated by CRT but without performing previous CMR examination. In this patient population CMR may have a significant role in the selection of responder patient population.
Transgastric small bowel resection by using hybrid technique — Experimental study
Authors: Shanava K. , Horváth Sz. , Karl-Hermann F. , Jávor Sz. , Takács I. , Balatonyi B. , Ferencz S. , Ferencz A. , Rőth E. , Wéber György 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Introduction:The Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) is an abdominal operation carried out with flexible endoscopic instruments and their advanced versions via natural orifices. The NOTES causes theoretically less pain, operative stress, shorter hospitalization, quicker recovery and it is scarless. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transgastric small bowel resection. Materials and methods: Seven domestic pigs were investigated and entered the study; body weight 25 kg in average. General anesthesia was performed. One trocar was used for laparoscopic observations during gastrotomy and transgastric penetration with the gastroscope, later for assistance with a grasper for manipulation of the bowel loops and for the application of the linear stapling device. Then the needle knife was used to complete a 1.5 cm long incision in the gastric wall. The gastroscope was advanced into the peritoneal cavity and a small bowel loop was identified and elevated with a flexible grasper. Through the second channel of the scope a coag grasper was used to dissect the mesentery. Then a linear stapler was inserted through the assisting trocar and the resection was performed. Afterwards the bowel ends were opened with the needle knife and the stapler was reinserted for a side-to-side anastomosis. The specimen was removed via the stomach. Gastric closure was completed by laparoscopic mini-instruments through the stapler-port. All special events and all problems were prospectively documented. Follow-up was performed over 2 weeks and body weight was recorded. Then a laparoscopy was performed to document adhesions or abscess formation. Finally the animals were sacrificed to evaluate further evidence of infection or adhesions. Results: The operations were carried without complications, there was no case of letal outcome. On the 12th day the abdominal laparoscopic revision was carried out, after the revision in one case adhesion could be detected, no other kinds of complications were noticed. Conclusion: According to our results, the transgastric small bowel resection is a safe procedure, but further special instruments are needed. These experimental procedures should be evaluated carefully and critically in clinical practice.
Unusual portal reconstructions after liver transplantation — Case report and review of literature
Authors: Nemes Balázs , Görög D. , Fehérvári I. , Mándli T. , Sárváry E. , Kóbori L. , Doros A. , Fazakas J. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Portal vein reconstruction might be a challenge in certain cases of liver transplantation. The problem usually arises due to small vessels in pediatric transplantation and/or living related donor and split liver transplantation, or as a result of extensive PVT in adult recipients. Authors report a case of a 60-year-old alcoholic cirrhotic patient with reverse portal flow. The standard end to end portal anastomosis did not work well, so a mesoportal shunt with a donor iliac vein conduit was performed first, followed by a cavoportal hemitransposition. After unsuccessful attempts of providing good portal flow, the donor umbilical vein and the iliac conduit was used for portal flow reconstruction as meso-Rex graft. The patient has been doing fine for eight months after her liver transplantation. Unusual types of portal reconstructions consist of meso-portal, umbilico-portal, renoportal anastomoses that are primarily used as rescue techniques. However, it is rare that one has to use them sequentially in the same patient.
Disturbance and landscape dynamics in a changing world
Authors: Turner Monica G. 
Published: October 2010

Disturbance regimes are changing rapidly, and the consequences of such changes for ecosystems and linked social‐ecological systems will be profound. This paper synthesizes current understanding of disturbance with an emphasis on fundamental contributions to contemporary landscape and ecosystem ecology, then identifies future research priorities. Studies of disturbance led to insights about heterogeneity, scale, and thresholds in space and time and catalyzed new paradigms in ecology. Because they create vegetation patterns, disturbances also establish spatial patterns of many ecosystem processes on the landscape. Drivers of global change will produce new spatial patterns, altered disturbance regimes, novel trajectories of change, and surprises. Future disturbances will continue to provide valuable opportunities for studying pattern–process interactions. Changing disturbance regimes will produce acute changes in ecosystems and ecosystem services over the short (years to decades) and long term (centuries and beyond). Future research should address questions related to (1) disturbances as catalysts of rapid ecological change, (2) interactions among disturbances, (3) relationships between disturbance and society, especially the intersection of land use and disturbance, and (4) feedbacks from disturbance to other global drivers. Ecologists should make a renewed and concerted effort to understand and anticipate the causes and consequences of changing disturbance regimes.Monica G. Turner,MacArthur Award Recipient, 2008figure image
The characteristic sequence of a first-order formula
Authors: Malliaris M. E. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractFor a first-order formula φ(x; y) we introduce and study the characteristic sequence (Pn: n < ω) of hypergraphs defined by . We show that combinatorial and classification theoretic properties of the characteristic sequence reflect classification theoretic properties of φ and vice versa. The main results are a characterization of NIP and of simplicity in terms of persistence of configurations in the characteristic sequence. Specifically, we show that some tree properties are detected by the presence of certain combinatorial configurations in the characteristic sequence while other properties such as instability and the independence property manifest themselves in the persistence of complicated configurations under localization.
Associations of Sugar and Artificially Sweetened Soda with Albuminuria and Kidney Function Decline in Women
Authors: Lin Julie , Curhan Gary C. 
Published: October 2010

Summary

Background and objectives
Sugar-sweetened soda is reported to be associated with increased risk for diabetes and albuminuria, but there are currently limited data on how sugar or artificially sweetened soda may be related to kidney function decline.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study identified 3318 women participating in the Nurses' Health Study with data on soda intake and albuminuria; of these, 3256 also had data on estimated GFR (eGFR) change between 1989 and 2000. Cumulative average beverage intake was derived from the 1984, 1986, 1990, 1994, and 1998 food frequency questionnaires. Serving categories included <1/mo (referent), 1 to 4/mo, 2 to 6/wk, 1 to 1.9/d, and ≥2/d. Microalbuminuria (MA) was considered a urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio of 25 to 355 μg/mg. For kidney function change, the primary outcome was a ≥30% decline in eGFR over 11 years; rapid eGFR decline defined as ≥3 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year was also examined.

Results
Consumption of ≥2 servings per day of artificially sweetened (diet) soda was independently associated with eGFR decline ≥30% (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.01) and ≥3 ml/min per 1.73 m2 per year (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.36 to 3.55). No increased risk for eGFR decline was observed for <2 servings per day of diet soda. No associations were noted between diet soda and MA or sugar soda and MA or eGFR decline.

Conclusions
Consumption of ≥2 servings per day of artificially sweetened soda is associated with a 2-fold increased odds for kidney function decline in women.
Evaluation of a milk-flow assessment technique in dairy cows with normal teat canals or stenotic teat canals
Authors: Condino Melrose P. , Suzuki Kazuyuki , Sato Kaoru , Hyakutake Koji , Taguchi Kiyoshi 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Objective—To assess the usefulness and reliability of a milk-flow measurement technique and the values obtained in unobstructed teats and teats with teat canal stenosis in dairy cows.
Animals—16 Holstein cows.
Procedures—Teats were assessed via hand milking and classified as unobstructed or partially obstructed. Partially obstructed teats were further categorized according to the anatomic location of the obstruction via ultrasonography into teat canal obstruction (TCO) and obstruction at the proximal portion of the teat canal (Fürstenberg rosette obstruction [FRO]) The milk-flow characteristics of the teat canal were assessed by measuring the intracisternal pressure at the start (PSL) and at cessation (PCL) of leakage of an infused solution.
Results—The PSL and PCL values among unobstructed teats were not significantly different between lactating and nonlactating cows nor among quarters. In assessment of test-retest intrarater reliability, a high degree of correlation was detected for PSL (correlation coefficient, 0.94; 95% confidence interval, 0.90 to 0.96) and PCL (correlation coefficient, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.86 to 0.95). Teats with TCO and FRO had higher PSL and PCL values, compared with unobstructed teats. Teats with FRO had significantly higher PSL but lower PCL than teats with TCO.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated the usefulness and reliability of the technique in assessing the milk-flow characteristics of the teat canal. The milk-flow pattern of teats with teat canal stenosis varies depending on the location of obstruction. This technique may be a valuable tool in evaluating the effectiveness of teat canal surgery. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1123-1126)
Analysis of the subchondral microarchitecture of the distopalmar aspect of the third metacarpal bone in racing Thoroughbreds
Authors: Rubio-Martínez Luis M. , M. Cruz Antonio , Inglis Dean , Hurtig Mark B. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Objective—To determine the anisotropic characteristics of the microarchitecture of the subchondral bone (SCB) plate and trabecular bone (TBB) of the distopalmar aspect of the metacarpal condyles in horses with different stages of SCB disease.
Sample Population—12 third metacarpal bone pairs from racing Thoroughbreds euthanized for diverse reasons.
Procedures—Both metacarpi were collected from horses with SCB changes that were mild (sclerosis and focal radiolucencies; n = 6) or severe (multifocal radiolucencies and articular surface defects; 6). Sample blocks of SCB plate and TBB were collected from the distopalmar aspect of both condyles and the sagittal ridge and examined via 3-D micro-computed tomography at 45-?m isotropic voxel resolution. For each sample, the angle between the principal orientation of trabeculae and the sagittal plane and the degree of anisotropy (DA) were calculated from mean intercept length measurements.
Results—Condylar samples had significantly lower angle (mean, 8.9°; range, 73° to 10.9°) than sagittal ridge samples (mean, 40.7°; range, 33.6° to 49.2°), TBB had significantly higher DA (mean ± SE, 1.75 ± 0.04) than SCB plate (1.29 ± 0.04), and mildly diseased TBB had higher DA (1.85 ± 0.06) than severely diseased TBB (1.65 ± 0.06).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The highly ordered appearance of trabeculae within the condyles supports the concept that joint loading is primarily transmitted through the condyles and not the sagittal ridge. The sharp changes in the trajectories of the SCB trabeculae at the condylar grooves may be indicative of hypothetical tensile forces at this location contributing to the pathogenesis of condylar fractures. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1148—1153)
Evaluation of the pathogenicity and virulence of three strains of Salmonella organisms in calves and pigs
Authors: Xiong Nalee , Brewer Matt T. , Day Tim A. , Kimber Michael J. , Barnhill Alison E. , Carlson Steve A. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Objective—To assess in pigs the pathogenicity and virulence of 3 strains of Salmonella spp capable of causing atypical salmonellosis in cattle.
Animals—36 Holstein calves and 72 pigs experimentally infected with Salmonella spp
Procedures—Representative Salmonella strains associated with 3 new disease phenotypes (protozoa-mediated hypervirulence, multisystemic cytopathicity, and encephalopathy) that have been characterized in cattle during the past 10 years were orally inoculated into pigs. Clinical manifestations were compared with those observed in cattle. Samples were collected from various tissues, and the presence of Salmonella organisms was assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by use of Salmonella-selective media
Results—Of the 3 unique Salmonella disease phenotypes observed in cattle, only protozoa-mediated hypervirulence was observed in pigs. Hypervirulence was related to a more rapid onset of disease and higher pathogen burden in pigs than in cattle. This phenotype was observed in pigs inoculated with multiresistant Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhimurium or Choleraesuis bearing the Salmonella genomic island 1 (SGI1) integron.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Salmonella hypervirulence was identified in pigs noculated with SGI1-bearing strains exposed to free-living protozoa. Additionally, an SGI1-bearing strain of Salmonella Choleraesuis was detected that resulted in augmented virulence in pigs. Therefore, it appeared that protozoa-associated salmonellosis was analogous in pigs and cattle. Salmonella-mediated encephalopathy and multisystemic cytopathicity did not appear to be relevant diseases in pigs. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1170-1177)
Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and association with toxin genes in Clostridium difficile in commercial swine
Authors: Thakur Siddhartha , Putnam Michelle , Fry Pamela R. , Abley Melanie , Gebreyes Wondwossen A. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Objective—To estimate prevalence and determine association between antimicrobia resistance and toxin gene profile of Clostridium difficile in commercial pigs at the preharvest food-safety level.
Animals—68 sows and 251 young pigs from 5 farms in North Carolina and 3 in Ohio.
Procedures—Fecal samples were collected from sows (8/farm) and matched young pigs (32/farm) at farrowing and again at the nursery and finishing stages. Clostridium difficile isolates were tested for susceptibility to 6 antimicrobials. A PCR assay was used to detect genes coding for enterotoxin A (tcdA), cytotoxin B (tcdB), and binary toxin (cdtB).
Results—C difficile prevalence in young pigs at farrowing was 73% (n = 183) with significantly higher prevalence in Ohio (87.5%) than in North Carolina (64%). Clostridium difficile was isolated from 32 (47%) sows with no significant difference between the 2 regions. A single pig had a positive test result at the nursery, and no isolate was recovered at the finishing farms. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was predominant in young pigs (91.3% of isolates) and sows (94%). The antimicrobial resistance profile ciprofloxacin-erythromycin-tetracycline was detected in 21.4% and 11.7% of isolates from young pigs and sows, respectively. Most isolates had positive results for tcdA (65%), tcdB (84%), and the binary toxin cdtB (77%) genes. Erythromycin resistance and tetracycline resistance were significantly associated with toxin gene profiles.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The common occurrence of antimicrobial-resistant C difficile and the significant association of toxigenic strains with antimicrobial resistance could contribute to high morbidity in farms with farrowing pigs. (Am J Vet Res 2010;71:1189—1194)
A generalization of Mathieu subspaces to modules of associative algebras
Authors: Zhao Wenhua 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
We first propose a generalization of the notion of Mathieu subspaces of associative algebras $$
\mathcal{A}
$$, which was introduced recently in [Zhao W., Generalizations of the image conjecture and the Mathieu conjecture, J. Pure Appl. Algebra, 2010, 214(7), 1200–1216] and [Zhao W., Mathieu subspaces of associative algebras], to $$
\mathcal{A}
$$-modules $$
\mathcal{M}
$$. The newly introduced notion in a certain sense also generalizes the notion of submodules. Related with this new notion, we also introduce the sets σ(N) and τ(N) of stable elements and quasi-stable elements, respectively, for all R-subspaces N of $$
\mathcal{A}
$$-modules $$
\mathcal{M}
$$, where R is the base ring of $$
\mathcal{A}
$$. We then prove some general properties of the sets σ(N) and τ(N). Furthermore, examples from certain modules of the quasi-stable algebras [Zhao W., Mathieu subspaces of associative algebras], matrix algebras over fields and polynomial algebras are also studied.
Outcomes after a purely endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of growth hormone–secreting pituitary adenomas
Authors: Campbell Peter G. , Kenning Erin , Andrews David W. , Yadla Sanjay , Rosen Marc , Evans James J. 
Published: October 2010

Object
Using strict biochemical remission criteria, the authors assessed surgical outcomes after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of growth hormone (GH)–secreting pituitary adenomas and identified preoperative factors that significantly influence the rate of remission.

Methods
A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. The authors reviewed cases in which an endoscopic resection of GH-secreting pituitary adenomas was performed. The cohort consisted of 26 patients who had been followed for 3–60 months (mean 24.5 months). The thresholds of an age-appropriate, normalized insulin-like growth factor–I concentration, a nadir GH level after oral glucose load of less than 1.0 μg/l, and a random GH value of less than 2.5 μg/l were required to establish biochemical cure postoperatively.

Results
Overall, in 57.7% of patients undergoing a purely endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenectomy for acromegaly, an endocrinological cure was achieved. The mean clinical follow-up duration was 24.5 months. In patients with microadenomas (4 cases) the cure rate was 75%, whereas in patients harboring macroadenomas (22 cases) the cure rate was 54.5%. Cavernous sinus invasion (Knosp Grades 3 and 4) was associated with a significantly lower remission rate (p = 0.0068). Hardy Grade 3 and 4 tumors were also less likely to achieve biochemical cure (p = 0.013). The overall complication rate was 11.5% including 2 incidents of transient diabetes insipidus and 1 postoperative CSF leak, which were treated nonoperatively.

Conclusions
A purely endoscopic transsphenoidal approach to GH-secreting pituitary adenomas leads to similar outcome for noninvasive macroadenomas compared with traditional microsurgical techniques. Furthermore, this approach may often provide maximal visualization of the tumor, the pituitary gland, and the surrounding neurovascular structures.