bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rifaximin in Combination with Metronidazole and Oral Vancomycin for the Treatment of an Initial Episode of Clostridium difficile–Associated Diarrhea: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Cribb Jennifer L. , O'Brien Karly , DeRemer Christina E. 
Published: March 2012

Purpose Example of successful use of rifaximin in the treatment of an apparent Clostridium difficile infection refractory to vancomycin and metronidazole with literature review. Case Summary A 69-year-old Caucasian female developed C. difficile infectious diarrhea, confirmed by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) test. Following diagnosis, the patient was initiated on a treatment regimen of intravenous (IV) metronidazole and oral vancomycin. The patient sought additional medical treatment 3 days after initiating this treatment regimen. She presented with continued symptoms of diarrhea, bloating, anorexia, weakness, and leukocytosis nonresponsive to metronidazole and vancomycin. After a total of 7 days of treatment with metronidazole and vancomycin, the patient remained symptomatic with loose stools occurring approximately every 2 hours. Oral rifaximin 400 mg 3 times a day was added to the regimen, after which the patient's symptoms improved rapidly. Conclusion A patient with presumed C. difficile–associated diarrhea refractory to metronidazole and vancomycin was successfully treated after the addition of oral rifaximin 400 mg 3 times a day. Based on current literature and this case, rifaximin should not replace metronidazole or vancomycin as primary therapy for presumed or diagnosed C. difficile but should be retained as a useful alternative, especially in light of limited alternatives.
Fetuin-A Is Inversely Associated with Coronary Artery Calcification in Community-Living Persons: The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis
Authors: Ix Joachim H , Katz Ronit , de Boer Ian H , Kestenbaum Bryan R , Peralta Carmen A , Jenny Nancy S , Budoff Matthew , Allison Matthew A , Criqui Michael H , Siscovick David , Shlipak Michael G 
Published: March 2012

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Fetuin-A is a hepatic secretory protein that inhibits arterial calcification in vitro. The association of fetuin-A with coronary arterial calcification (CAC) in the general population is uncertain.

METHODS
Among 2457 community-living individuals without cardiovascular disease (CVD), we measured serum fetuin-A concentrations by ELISA and evaluated the cross-sectional association of fetuin-A with CAC prevalence (any vs none) and severity; on follow-up 3.2 years (median) later, we evaluated the association of fetuin-A with CAC incidence and progression.

RESULTS
The mean age was 62 (SD 10) years, and the mean fetuin-A concentration was 0.48 (0.10) g/L. At baseline, 1200 individuals (49%) had CAC, and 272 individuals developed CAC during follow-up. At baseline, there was a threshold effect at the lowest fetuin-A quartile with CAC prevalence. In models adjusted for demographics, traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and kidney function, the lowest fetuin-A quartile had 7% (95% CI 1%–13%; P = 0.04) greater CAC prevalence compared with quartiles 2–4. Similar associations were observed with CAC severity at baseline, but the association was more linear. Each SD (0.10 g/L) lower fetuin-A was associated with a 12% (95% CI 3%–21%; P = 0.01) greater CAC severity in adjusted models. There was no significant association of fetuin-A with CAC incidence or progression.

CONCLUSIONS
Fetuin-A is inversely associated with CAC severity among community-living individuals without CVD. Whether fetuin-A concentrations are associated with incident CVD event in the general population requires future study.
On the flexoelectricity in Polyvinylidene fluoride films
Authors: He Xiangtong , Baskaran Sivapalan , Fu John Y. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIt is well known that there is a linear electro-mechanical coupling under equilibrium thermodynamics in certain crystalline materials with non-centrosymmetric structures. Since Kogan and Meyer published their seminal papers in 1960s[1, 2], people have gradually realized that an inhomogeneous electro-mechanical coupling also exists in insulating materials, which is often called flexoelectricity. The physical mechanism of flexoelectricity in solid crystalline dielectrics is well known and its phenomenological model can be derived from the electromechanical energy coupling under equilibrium thermodynamics, whereas flexoelectricity in liquid crystals is closely related to the geometrical asymmetry of mesogen molecules or the shape polarity but the relation between the flexoelectric coefficients and molecular structures is far from being understood. Theoretically, flexoelectricity in polymers is similar to that in liquid crystals, which is largely dependent on rotation of molecules; therefore, the flexoelectric responses of polymers are complicated and might be different under external perturbations, such as tensile stretching, bending, electric field poling, etc. In this report, we will discuss experimental observations of the giant direct flexoelectric effect in certain polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films under tensile stretching conditions. Our experimental studies indicate that the physical mechanism behind flexoelectricity in polymers might be more complicated than the one proposed for solid crystalline dielectrics.
Effect of Glutaraldehyde on Properties of Membranes Prepared from Fish Scale Collagen
Authors: Xu Zhefeng , Ikoma Toshiyuki , Yoshioka Tomohiko , Tagaya Motohiro , Motozuka Satoshi , Matsumoto Rena , Uemura Toshimasa , Tanaka Junzo 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTCollagen fibril membranes (CFMs) with a high mechanical property were fabricated with a lateral face evaporation method, in which type I atelocollagen extracted from tilapia scales was used. The density and thickness of the CFM obtained were 0.51 ± 0.04 mg/cm3 and 50 ± 5 μm. The collagen fibrils in the CFM had a similar periodic stripped pattern of 67 nm with native collagen fibrils. The CFM was crosslinked in gaseous glutaraldehyde for different duration in order to increase the mechanical property. The crosslinking degrees of the CFMs analyzed by free amino groups gradually increased to 70.3 % against the exposure duration until 6 hours, and reached a plateau. The denaturation temperatures of the CFMs with the crosslinking degrees at 20.4 % to 43% were linearly increased from 49°C to 75°C. The tensile strength of the CFMs was slightly improved until the crosslinking degree at 33.3 % and then the tensile strength rapidly increased to be 68 MPa. It was suggested that a percolation phenomenon took place in the CFMs by crosslinking of collagen fibrils with polymerized GA molecules.
Effects of Crystallographic Planes on Focused Ion Beam Milled Patterns of Single Crystal Diamonds
Authors: Golnabi Rustin , Lee Won I. , Kim Deok-Yang , Kowach Glen R. 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTFocused ion beam (FIB) milling of diamonds has been investigated in various ways to create desired structures on diamonds, but not much research has been reported on the effects of crystal orientation, i.e. {100}, {110} and {111} of diamonds on FIB milling. In our previous work, it was noted that focused ion beam milling may develop preferred etched directions related to the crystal orientation of crystalline diamonds. In order to further investigate the phenomenon, a focused beam of 30 kV Ga+ ions was utilized to generate various patterns on different crystallographic planes of single crystalline diamonds. The morphology of milled patterns has been monitored with various ion currents to find the relationship between crystal orientations of diamonds and their impacts on FIB milled patterns. The work showed significant differences in deformation among different crystal orientations of the single crystal diamond, and the largest area of milling in {111} crystallographic planes.
A Placebo‐Controlled Trial to Evaluate an Anesthetic Gel When Probing in Patients With Advanced Periodontitis
Authors: Winning Lewis , Polyzois Ioannis , Nylund Karin , Kelly Alan , Claffey Noel 
Published: March 2012

Background: The baseline periodontal examination is reported to be a painful dental procedure, but currently there are limited practical techniques to reduce this pain. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an intrapocket anesthetic gel in the reduction of pain on periodontal probing in a group of untreated patients with generalized chronic periodontitis (CP).Methods: This study is a randomized, double‐masked, split‐mouth, placebo‐controlled trial. Thirty consecutive patients meeting the inclusion criteria had full‐mouth periodontal probing performed in a split‐mouth (right side/left side) manner. Before probing, both quadrants on each side were isolated and had a randomized gel (either placebo or test gel) placed in the periodontal pockets for 30 seconds. Pain was measured using two ungraded 100‐mm horizontal visual analog scales (VAS) representing right and left sides of the mouth.Results: The mean ± SD VAS for the test gel was 23.5 ± 16.8 mm, and the mean ± SD VAS for the placebo gel was 23.5 ± 14.6 mm. The mean ± SD difference in VAS was 51.6 ± 28.11 mm in favor of the anesthetic gel, and only age was found to be a marginally significant predictor.Conclusions: The VAS pain scores showed favorable anesthetic efficacy of the test gel compared to a placebo gel in reducing patients’ pain on periodontal probing in a group of patients with generalized CP. It suggests that the gel may be used for patients who find the full‐mouth periodontal probing experience particularly painful in view of other tested alternatives.
The Association of Smoking and Diabetes With Periodontitis in a Korean Population
Authors: Han Dong‐Hun , Lim Sinye , Kim Jin‐Bom 
Published: March 2012

Background: Smoking and diabetes are well‐known risk factors for periodontitis. The aims of this study are to examine whether these factors are associated with periodontitis in representative samples of Koreans and to estimate the interaction impact of smoking and diabetes on periodontitis in this population.Methods: The Korean National Oral Health Survey (KNOHS) 2006 collected nationally representative samples of oral epidemiologic data. A community periodontal index (CPI) of 3 to 4 and a CPI value of 0 to 2 were classified as periodontitis and non‐periodontitis, respectively. A total of 4,118 participants from KNOHS 2006 were interviewed on smoking and diabetes. Periodontitis was the outcome variable. Smoking and diabetes were the major explanatory variables. The confounders consisted of age, sex, education, occupation, monthly income, and residential area. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations of smoking and diabetes with periodontitis after adjustment for confounders.Results: The overall prevalence of periodontitis, current smoking, and self‐reported diabetes in Korean adults was 10.1%, 25.9%, and 4.5%, respectively. Associations of smoking and diabetes with periodontitis were : current smokers, odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02 to 1.90; and diabetes, OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.82 to 1.77. The association between diabetes and periodontitis was not significant and there were no synergistic interactions of smoking and diabetes on periodontitis.Conclusions: The results suggest that smoking has a significant impact on the periodontal health of Korean adults, but the combined effect of smoking and diabetes had no significant impact.
Focused Approach to Solving Deepwater Reaming Problems
Authors: Dewey Charles , Paez Luis , Desai Praful 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Conventional approach to deepwater reaming solutions generally consist of selecting appropriate size reaming tools, running hydraulic analysis for the interval and relying on the expertise of tool operator for the tool performance. This approach works in situations where the drilling environment is usually friendly and the target is relatively straight forward. However in today’s drilling environment, an operator may be faced with challenges associated with deeper water depth, deeper wellbores, tortuous drilling trajectories, higher pressures/temperatures and a variety of formations. These challenges cannot be successfully met head-on with the conventional methodology.
This paper presents an innovative and focused approach to the deepwater reaming operations where all drilling and operational issues are analyzed and a comprehensive solution is developed that meets the challenges presented by the specific application. The analysis includes (1) selection and location of reaming tools based upon the dynamic simulation of the entire drill string (2) selection of cutting structure suitable for the interval and one that matches with the bit (3) selection of appropriate ream on demand control feature (4) hydraulic analysis of the reaming interval and (5) recommendations of operating parameters selected for mitigating vibrations during the reaming operation. This approach was made possible in recent times due to (a) advances in technologies, specifically the material technologies and the computing technologies which have been emerging at accelerated pace and (b) synergetic efforts between the drilling group, directional group and the analytical group within the organization.
The authors will provide an overview of the features and system functionality and each of its critical components. This will include details about specific hardware and discussion of software analysis. Examples of actual field applications, results, lesson learned and discussion of the way forward activities will also be presented.
Outcome Feedback, Incentives, and Performance: Evidence from a Relatively Complex Forecasting Task
Authors: Buchheit Steve , Dalton Derek , Downen Tom , Pippin Sonja 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT
This study extends prior research by examining a fairly common sequence of business events: numeric outcome information is produced and reviewed, decisions are influenced by this information, and the process repeats (i.e., a feedback loop occurs). We find that incentivized decision makers exhibit substantial decision improvement after only one iteration of summary outcome feedback. In contrast, other between-subjects groups fail to improve performance across iterations of Luft and Shields' (2001) forecasting task. Our results suggest that financial incentives and outcome feedback are both critical to performance improvement in relatively complex iterative tasks. When either incentives or feedback is absent, performance suffers. While prior research has found outcome feedback relatively ineffective at improving complex task performance, our results indicate that outcome feedback and incentives complement each other to improve performance. We believe exploring the interaction of incentives and feedback offers interesting avenues for future accounting research.
Data Availability: Study data are available from the authors upon request.
Evaluation of cystoscopic-guided laser ablation of intramural ectopic ureters in female dogs
Authors: Berent Allyson C. , Weisse Chick , Mayhew Philipp D. , Todd Kimberly , Wright Monika , Bagley Demetrius 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Objective—To describe and evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes in female dogs after cystoscopic-guided laser ablation of ectopic ureters (CLA-EU).
Design—Prospective case series.
Animals—32 incontinent female dogs with intramural ectopic ureters.
Procedures—A diagnosis of intramural ectopic ureters was made via cystoscopy and fluoroscopy in all patients. Transurethral CLA-EU (via diode laser [n = 27] or Holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet laser [3]) was performed to relocate the ectopic ureteral orifice cranially into the urinary bladder. All vaginal anomalies were treated with the laser concurrently. Follow-up evaluation was standardized and included urinary continence scoring, serial bacteriologic culture of urine samples, and a follow-up cystoscopy 6 to 8 weeks after CLA-EU.
Results—Ectopic ureteral orifices of all dogs were initially located in the urethra. Eighteen of 30 dogs had bilateral ectopic ureters, and 12 had unilateral ectopic ureters. All dogs had other concurrent urinary anomalies. At the time of last follow-up (median, 2.7 years after CLA-EU, [range, 12 to 62 months]), 14 of 30 (47%) dogs did not require any additional treatments following CLA-EU to maintain urinary continence. For the 16 residually incontinent dogs, the addition of medical management, transurethral bulking-agent injection, or placement of a hydraulic occluder was effective in 3, 2, and 4 dogs, respectively, improving the overall urinary continence rate to 77% (23/30 dogs). One dog had evidence of polypoid cystitis at the neoureteral orifice 6 weeks after CLA-EU that was resolved at 3 months.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—CLA-EU provided an effective, safe, and minimally invasive alternative to surgery for intramural ectopic ureters in female dogs.
Association of clinical signs with endoscopic findings in horses with nasopharyngeal cicatrix syndrome: 118 cases (2003–2008)
Authors: Norman Tracy E. , Chaffin M. Keith , Bisset Wesley T. , Thompson James A. 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Objective—To characterize the associations between clinical signs of nasopharyngeal cicatrix syndrome (NCS) and endoscopic findings in horses.
Design—Retrospective, case-control study.
Animals—239 horses (118 case horses and 121 control horses).
Procedures—Medical records of horses that had an endoscopic evaluation of the upper airway performed between January 2003 and December 2008 were reviewed. Clinical signs and the appearance and anatomic locations of lesions identified during endoscopic evaluation were reviewed and recorded for each horse. The associations between clinical signs and endoscopic findings were evaluated by the use of a prospective logistic model that used a Bayesian method for inference and was implemented by a Markov chain Monte Carlo method.
Results—Nasal discharge was associated with acute inflammation of the pharynx and larynx. Exercise intolerance was associated with circumferential pharyngeal lesions. Respiratory noise was associated with chronic scarring of the pharynx, a combination of pharyngeal and laryngeal scarring, and circumferential scarring of the pharynx. Respiratory distress was associated with acute inflammation of all portions of the airway, especially when there was preexisting scarring and narrowing of the airway by ≥ 50%. Cough did not have any significant association with NCS, compared with results in control horses.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Associations between the endoscopic appearance of NCS lesions and relevant clinical signs will help practitioners identify horses with NCS and allow them to select appropriate treatment.
Further Education for Trainers and Teachers - Findings of the Project "Eurocrafts 21 - Making Handicraft Sustainable"
Authors: Bliesner Anna , Manstein Christopher , Rohn Holger 
Published: March 2012

Further Education for Trainers and Teachers - Findings of the Project "Eurocrafts 21 - Making Handicraft Sustainable"
The purpose of the paper is to share the findings of a European innovation transfer project (2008-2010) for strengthening sustainability in European handicraft with the aim of transferring a German qualification and consulting concept. The focus of the paper is a train-the-trainer design, which was developed, tested and evaluated with regard to the specific qualification needs and the existing qualification concepts of five European countries. The paper provides content, didactic approach and methods of the train-the-trainer design and the key results of the related analysis of research data. Furthermore, the train-the-trainer design is embedded within the project approach, the methodology of realising an innovation transfer and the associated project products. The results of the train-the-trainer design evaluation are reflected upon with regard to starting points of a European qualification concept for sustainability in handicraft.
On early pseudo-learned orthographic forms: A contribution to the history of English spelling and pronunciation
Authors: Wełna Jerzy 
Published: March 2012

On early pseudo-learned orthographic forms: A contribution to the history of English spelling and pronunciation
The history of English contains numerous examples of "improved" spellings. English scribes frequently modified spelling to make English words and some popular borrowings look like words of Latin or Greek origin. The typical examples are Eng. island, containing mute 
 taken from Lat. insula or Eng. anchor ‘mooring device’ (< Fr. ancre), with non-etymological <h>. Although such "reformed spellings" became particularly fashionable during the Renaissance, when the influence of the classical languages was at its peak, "classicised" spellings are also found earlier, e.g. in texts from the 14th century. In the present contribution which concentrates on identifying such earliest influences on spellings in Middle English attention is focussed on the regional distribution of reformed spellings, with a sociolinguistic focus on the type of the text. The data for the study come from standard sources like the Middle English Dictionary (2001) and Oxford English Dictionary (2009).
Towards a pragmatic analysis of modals shall and will in Chaucer's language
Authors: Nakayasu Minako 
Published: March 2012

Towards a pragmatic analysis of modals shall and will in Chaucer's language
This paper attempts to provide the first systematic analysis of the modals SHALL and WILL in Chaucer's language from pragmatic viewpoints. In addition to speech acts and alternation in discourse, this study examined modality in detail, which has a close relationship to pragmatic factors.
Whereas SHALL is distributed across all kind of modalities, WILL has a limited variety, with a strong preference to dynamic modality. The inventory of speech acts suggests a strong connection to relevant modality, although some cases are not related to any particular modality. WILL again has a more limited variety than SHALL. Incorporating these results into analysis, the scope of examination is extended to the alternation in discourse, i.e., discourse markers, successive employments of the same modal, and alternative uses of both modals. The findings here which other studies would ascribe simply to a matter of variation are in fact well-motivated and controlled by various factors such as modality, speaker-based vs. hearer-based speech acts, and social role.
It is suggested that further analysis of discourse and modals in other periods will shed more light on the pragmatic development of the modal and temporal systems in English.