bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Altered fasting and postprandial plasma ghrelin levels in patients with liver failure are normalized after liver transplantation
Authors: Diz-Lois Maria Teresa , Garcia-Buela Jesús , Suarez Francisco , Sangiao-Alvarellos Susana , Vidal Ovidio , Cordido Fernando 
Published: July 2010

ContextAnorexia is a problem of paramount importance in patients with advanced liver failure. Ghrelin has important actions on feeding and weight homeostasis. Experimental data exist, which suggest that ghrelin could protect hepatic tissue. Both fasting and post-oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) ghrelin concentrations are controversial in liver cirrhosis and are unknown after liver transplantation.ObjectiveOur aim was to study fasting ghrelin concentrations and their response to an OGTT in liver failure patients before and after liver transplantation.Design and methodsWe included 21 patients with severe liver failure studied before (pretransplantation, PreT) and 6 months after liver transplantation (posttransplantation, PostT), and 10 age- and body mass index-matched healthy or overweight subjects as the control group (Cont). After an overnight fast, 75 g of oral glucose were administered; glucose, insulin, and ghrelin were obtained at baseline and at times 30, 60, 90, and 120 min.ResultsFasting ghrelin (median and range, pg/ml) levels were lower in PreT: 539 (309–1262) than in Cont: 643 (523–2163),P=0.045. Fasting ghrelin levels increased after liver transplantation, 539 (309–1262) vs 910 (426–3305), for PreT and PostT respectively,P=0.001. The area under the curve (AUC) of ghrelin (pg/ml min) was lower in PreT: 63 900 (37 260–148 410) than in Cont: 76 560 (56 160–206 385),P=0.027. The AUC of ghrelin increased in PostT, 63 900 (37 260–148 410) vs 107 595 (59 535–357 465), for PreT and PostT respectively,P=0.001. Fasting levels and the AUC of ghrelin were similar in PosT and Cont.ConclusionsDecreased fasting and post-OGTT ghrelin levels in liver failure patients were normalized after liver transplantation.
p-adically closed fields with nonstandard analytic structure
Authors: Bleybel Ali 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe prove quantifier elimination for the field ℚp((tℚ)) (the completion of the field of Puiseux series over ℚp) in Macintyre's language together with symbols for functions in a class containing both t-adically and p-adically overconvergent functions. We also show that the theory of ℚp((tℚ)) is b-minimal in this language.
First order properties on nowhere dense structures
Authors: Nešetřil Jaroslav , de Mendez Patrice Ossona 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA set A of vertices of a graph G is called d-scattered in G if no two d-neighborhoods of (distinct) vertices of A intersect. In other words, A is d-scattered if no two distinct vertices of A have distance at most 2d. This notion was isolated in the context of finite model theory by Ajtai and Gurevich and recently it played a prominent role in the study of homomorphism preservation theorems for special classes of structures (such as minor closed classes). This in turn led to the notions of wide, almost wide and quasi-wide classes of graphs. It has been proved previously that minor closed classes and classes of graphs with locally forbidden minors are examples of such classes and thus (relativized) homomorphism preservation theorem holds for them. In this paper we show that (more general) classes with bounded expansion and (newly defined) classes with bounded local expansion and even (very general) nowhere dense classes are quasi wide. This not only strictly generalizes the previous results but it also provides new proofs and algorithms for some of the old results. It appears that bounded expansion and nowhere dense classes are perhaps a proper setting for investigation of wide-type classes as in several instances we obtain a structural characterization. This also puts classes of bounded expansion in the new context. Our motivation stems from finite dualities. As a corollary we obtain that any homomorphism closed first order definable property restricted to a bounded expansion class is a restricted duality.
Continuous isomorphisms fromRonto a complete abelian group
Authors: Bridges Douglas , Hendtlass Matthew 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis paper provides a Bishop-style constructive analysis of the contrapositive of the statement that a continuous homomorphism ofRonto a compact abelian group is periodic. It is shown that, subject to a weak locatedness hypothesis, ifGis a complete (metric) abelian group that is the range of a continuous isomorphism fromR, thenGis noncompact. A special case occurs whenGsatisfies a certain local path-connectedness condition at 0. A number of results about one-one and injective mappings are proved en route to the main theorem. A Brouwerian example shows that some of our results are the best possible in a constructive framework.
Universally measurable subgroups of countable index
Authors: Rosendal Christian 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIt is proved that any countable index, universally measurable subgroup of a Polish group is open. By consequence, any universally measurable homomorphism from a Polish group into the infinite symmetric group S∞ is continuous. It is also shown that a universally measurable homomorphism from a Polish group into a second countable, locally compact group is necessarily continuous.
Division rings whose vector spaces are pseudofinite
Authors: Dries Lou van den , Lopes Vinicius Cifú 
Published: July 2010

AbstractVector spaces over fields are pseudofinite, and this remains true for vector spaces over division rings that are finite-dimensional over their center. We also construct a division ring such that the nontrivial vector spaces over it are not pseudofinite, using Richard Thompson's group F. The idea behind the construction comes from a first-order axiomatization of the class of division rings all whose nontrivial vector spaces are pseudofinite.
The Laczkovich-Komjáth property for coanalytic equivalence relations
Authors: Gao Su , Jackson Steve , Kieftenbeld Vincent 
Published: July 2010

AbstractLet E be a coanalytic equivalence relation on a Polish space X and (An)n∈ω a sequence of analytic subsets of X. We prove that if lim supn∈kAn meets uncountably many E-equivalence classes for every K ∈ [ω]ω, then there exists K ∈ [ω]ω such that ∩n∈kAn contains a perfect set of pairwise E-inequivalent elements.
Basic Properties of Metrizable Topological Spaces
Authors: Pąk Karol 
Published: July 2010

Basic Properties of Metrizable Topological Spaces
We continue Mizar formalization of general topology according to the book [11] by Engelking. In the article, we present the final theorem of Section 4.1. Namely, the paper includes the formalization of theorems on the correspondence between the cardinalities of the basis and of some open subcover, and a discreet (closed) subspaces, and the weight of that metrizable topological space. We also define Lindelöf spaces and state the above theorem in this special case. We also introduce the concept of separation among two subsets (see [12]).
Sarcopenia, Cardiopulmonary Fitness, and Physical Disability in Community-Dwelling Elderly People
Authors: Chien Meng-Yueh , Kuo Hsu-Ko , Wu Ying-Tai 
Published: July 2010

BackgroundSarcopenia refers to the loss of skeletal muscle mass with aging. It is believed to be associated with functional impairment and physical disability.ObjectiveThe purposes of this study were: (1) to compare the physical activity, muscle strength (force-generating capacity), cardiopulmonary fitness, and physical disability in community-dwelling elderly people with sarcopenia, borderline sarcopenia, and normal skeletal muscle mass in Taiwan and (2) to test the hypothesis that sarcopenia is associated with physical disability and examine whether the association is mediated by decreased muscle strength or cardiopulmonary fitness.DesignThis was a cross-sectional investigation.MethodsTwo hundred seventy-five community-dwelling elderly people (148 men, 127 women) aged ≥65 years participated in the study. The participants were recruited from communities in the district of Zhongzheng, Taipei. Predicted skeletal muscle mass was estimated using a bioelectrical impedance analysis equation. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was calculated by dividing skeletal muscle mass by height squared. Physical disability was assessed using the Groningen Activity Restriction Scale. Physical activity was assessed using a 7-day recall physical activity questionnaire. Cardiopulmonary fitness was assessed using a 3-minute step test, and grip strength was measured to represent muscle strength.ResultsCardiopulmonary fitness was significantly lower in elderly people with sarcopenia than in those with normal SMIs. Grip strength and daily energy expenditure (kcal/kg/day) were not significantly different between the participants with sarcopenia and those with normal SMIs. The odds ratio for physical disability between the participants with sarcopenia and those with normal SMIs was 3.03 (95% confidence interval=1.21–7.61). The odds ratio decreased and the significant difference diminished after controlling for cardiopulmonary fitness.LimitationsA causal relationship between sarcopenia and physical activity, cardiopulmonary fitness, and physical disability cannot be established because of the cross-sectional nature of study design.ConclusionsSarcopenia was associated with physical disability in elderly men. The association between sarcopenia and physical disability was mediated to a large extent by decreased cardiopulmonary fitness.
Clinical Interpretation of Outcome Measures Generated From a Lumbar Computerized Adaptive Test
Authors: Wang Ying-Chih , Hart Dennis L. , Werneke Mark , Stratford Paul W. , Mioduski Jerome E. 
Published: July 2010

Background
A computerized adaptive test (CAT) provides a way of efficiently estimating functional status in people with specific impairments.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to describe meaningful interpretations of functional status (FS) estimated using a lumbar CAT developed using items from the Back Pain Functional Scale (BPFS) and selected physical functioning items.

Design and Setting
This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study of 17,439 patients with lumbar spine impairments in 377 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 30 states.

Outcome Measures
Patient self-reports of functional status were assessed using a lumbar CAT (0–100 scale).

Methods
Outcome data were interpreted using 4 methods. First, the standard error of the estimate was used to construct a 95% confidence interval for each CAT estimated score. Second, percentile ranks of FS scores were presented. Third, 2 threshold approaches were used to define individual patient–level change: minimal detectable change (MDC) and clinically important change. Fourth, a functional staging model, the Back Pain Function Classification System (BPFCS), was developed and applied.

Results
On average, precision of a single score was estimated by FS score±4. Based on score distribution, 25th, 50th and 75th percentile ranks corresponded to intake FS scores of 44, 51, and 59, and discharge FS scores of 54, 62, and 74, respectively. An MDC95 value of 8 or more represented statistically reliable change. Receiver operating characteristic analyses supported that changes in FS scores of 5 or more represented minimal clinically important improvement. The BPFCS appeared clinically logical and provided insight for clinical interpretation of patient progress.

Limitations
The BPFCS should be assessed for validity using prospective designs.

Conclusions
Results may improve clinical interpretation of CAT-generated outcome measures and assist clinicians using patient-reported outcomes during physical therapist practice.
Preservation of the superior petrosal sinus during the petrosal approach
Authors: Hafez Ahmad , Nader Remi , Al-Mefty Ossama 
Published: July 2010

Object
The petrosal approach is based on sectioning the superior petrosal sinus (SPS) and the tentorium. However, the venous anatomy in certain situations forbids this maneuver. The authors have derived a technique that enables the SPS to be spared during the performance of the petrosal approach. They describe the anatomical basis of this technique and report on 2 cases in which the technique was applied.

Methods
Five alcohol-preserved cadaveric heads injected with colored silicone were used for bilateral dissection and demonstration of the technique. The described method was thoroughly investigated in these cadavers to assess its advantages, variabilities, and limitations. Subsequently, the technique was applied during the resection of petroclival tumors in 2 patients.

Results
The authors were able to demonstrate that the approach provides good access to the petroclival area through both the middle and posterior fossa in cadavers. By deriving a new technique of applying the combined petrosal approach without cutting the SPS, the senior author (O.A.M.) managed to achieve total resection of a dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannoma in a 19-year-old woman and of a petroclival meningioma in a 49-year-old man.

Conclusions
This modification of the petrosal approach involving sparing of the SPS or cutting of the tentorium is an effective means for cases in which the venous anatomy mandates preservation of these structures.
Modernisation with Local Characteristics: Development Efforts and the Environment on the Zoige Grass and Wetlands, 1949-2005
Authors: Hayes Jack Patrick 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
The Zoige grasslands (Chinese, Ruo'er gai) on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau are a wetland and grassland region composed of marshes, bogs, wet meadows and shallow lakes interspersed with low hills and sub-alpine meadows. These grass and wetlands are recognised as an important grazing zone for western China, a globally significant biodiversity hotspot and major bird flyway. Since the late 1980s, research on the region has highlighted increasing regional environmental degradation. This study is an overview of the state-led development projects and local efforts to 'improve' local conditions on the grass and wetlands since 1949 and their impact on the regional ecological and social environment. It focuses mainly on historical state-led development projects to study and alter the wetlands, as well as more recent efforts to raise environmental awareness of the importance of Chinese wetlands. Development efforts by the Chinese state have led to both positive and negative outcomes for local Tibetan residents who had little or no say in modernisation efforts until the late 1980s, but who have received most of the blame for regional environmental problems. Despite recognised problems with water use and wetland degradation, as well as administrative emphasis on fencing, settlement and official land use management in nature reserves, the Chinese state continues to dominate discourse and management of the Zoige wetlands. However, local Tibetans have played an increasing role in regional wetland management. A historical assessment, in contrast to media portrayals and official discourses of the origins of grass and wetland degradation, explains more about the processes of degradation, and with increased local participation, points a new way forward to help in the formulation of more effective policies and mitigation measures.
PET surveillance of patients with Ewing sarcomas of the trunk
Authors: Dirksen U. , Weßling J. , Wenning C. , Stegger L. , Franzius C. , Juergens H. , Schober O. , Weckesser M. , Vrachimis A. 
Published: July 2010

Summary
Aim: FDG-PET(/CT) is frequently used in surveillance of Ewing sarcoma (ES) patients. Since ES and PNET (primitive neuroectodermal tumours) may cause peripheral metastases some centers routinely recommend whole body PET acquisition from head to toe what may necessitate repositioning of the patient and thus extending examination time. It is not clear yet whether inclusion of lower leg adds to the diagnostic accuracy of PET scanning, especially in primary tumors of the trunk. Patients, method: 40 patients with ES and PNET of the trunk who were referred for surveillance after primary therapy with complete remission, were evaluated retrospectively: 27 men, 13 women; mean age at diagnosis 16.3 (3–35) years. At the time of diagnosis 28 patients had localized and 12 metastatic disease. Almost all of the patients had undergone a combined chemotherapy with surgery or/and radiotherapy. 156 follow-up PET scans of the legs of these patients were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Only in three (1.9%) of 156 scans a pathologic FDG accumulation was attributed to metastatic disease of the lower extremities. In these cases the observation of metastatic disease in the legs did not alter therapy, since in all three cases a multifocal disease progression was observed. Conclusion: Scanning of the lower legs may be omitted during follow-up in patients in whom the primary tumor was located in the trunk and in whom no clinical signs pointing to metastases in the lower legs are present. This provides a sufficient diagnostic power and a shorter examination time, thus increasing patient comfort and scanner availability.
Outcomes in recent‐onset inflammatory polyarthritis differ according to initial titers, persistence over time, and specificity of the autoantibodies
Authors: Guzian Marie‐Caroline , Carrier Nathalie , Cossette Pierre , de Brum‐Fernandes Artur J. , Liang Patrick , Ménard Henri‐A. , Boire Gilles 
Published: July 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo prospectively evaluate the predictive value of initial titers and subsequent variations of 3 rheumatoid arthritis–associated antibodies for outcomes at 30 months in patients with recent‐onset polyarthritis.MethodsIgM rheumatoid factor (RF), anti‐Sa (citrullinated vimentin) antibodies, anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti–CCP‐2) antibodies, modified Health Assessment Questionnaire score, Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, and Sharp/van der Heijde radiologic scores were determined at baseline and at 18 and 30 months in a cohort of consecutive HLA–DR‐typed treated patients with recent‐onset polyarthritis aiming at remission.ResultsAt inclusion, 113 (44.7%), 58 (22.9%), and 97 (38.3%) of 253 recent‐onset polyarthritis patients were positive for RF, anti‐Sa, and anti–CCP‐2, respectively; at 30 months, 85 (33.6%), 31 (12.4%), and 100 (39.5%) patients were similarly positive. A low titer of any particular antibody was associated with higher risks for seroreversion. Similar to their persistent absence, reversion of RF and anti–CCP‐2 was associated with low risks for severity. Patients who acquired RF or anti–CCP‐2 after inclusion trended toward a poor prognosis. Relative to RF and anti–CCP‐2 antibodies, only the presence of anti‐Sa at inclusion, especially at higher titers and even when it subsequently disappeared, significantly predicted more rapid radiographic damage and lower remission rates at 30 months.ConclusionIn treated recent‐onset polyarthritis, anti–CCP‐2 prevalence is stable or increases slightly, whereas anti‐Sa and RF frequently disappear. Subsequent reversion and conversion of RF and anti–CCP‐2 blur the prognostic significance of initial RF and anti–CCP‐2 positivity. Of the 3 antibodies, only anti‐Sa, even if it disappears afterward, independently predicts severe outcomes.
On Design Engineering
Authors: Kara Hanif 
Published: July 2010

AbstractLondon‐based Adams Kara Taylor (AKT) is one of the most innovative design‐led structural and civil engineering practices in the UK. Seeking out creative collaborations with leading architectural firms and schools of architecture and design internationally, it has, as Hanif Kara, Co‐Founder and Director at AKT, explains, developed a holistic approach in which architecture and engineering converge. Here Kara defines the emerging methods of ‘design engineering’, emphasising the importance of early input at the conceptualisation stage and research over even the contribution of digital technologies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Heinz Isler's Infinite Spectrum: Form‐Finding in Design
Authors: Chilton John 
Published: July 2010

AbstractHeinz Isler (1926‐2009), the Swiss designer renowned for his shell structures, was extraordinary for his innovative and exacting work. He directly produced physical models by hand in order to not only create design prototypes, but also to generate scaled‐up measurements for construction. John Chilton describes how Isler successfully applied the principle of the inverted catenary arch, which was first pioneered by Robert Hooke in Sir Christopher Wren's St Paul's Cathedral in the 17th century, to thin membrane structures in three dimensions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Return of the Future: A Second Go at Robotic Construction
Authors: Bechthold Martin 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe last few years have witnessed a robotic revival with a reinvigoration of interest in what the robot can offer the construction industry. Martin Bechthold looks back at the first robotic boom during the 1980s and 1990s when millions of Japanese yen were invested in developing robots that could address the shortage of construction labour. Bechthold further explores the similarities and dissimilarities of the current and previous periods of activity, as supported by his research at Harvard's Graduate School of Design (GSD). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and Memory Performance of a Nanoaggregated Dispersed Red 1‐Functionalized Poly (N‐vinylcarbazole) Film via Solution‐Phase Self‐Assembly
Authors: Zhuang Xiao‐Dong , Chen Yu , Liu Gang , Zhang Bin , Neoh Koon‐Gee , Kang En‐Tang , Zhu Chun‐Xiang , Li Yong‐Xi , Niu Li‐Juan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA nanoaggregated dispersed red 1‐grafted poly(N‐vinylcarbazole) (abbreviated PVDR) is self‐assembled via π–π stacking interactions of the carbazole groups in the polymer system after adding a solution of PVDR in N,N‐dimethylformamide to dichloromethane. Upon self‐assembly, the nanoaggregated PVDR film displays helical columnar stacks with large grain sizes, whereas a non‐aggregated PVDR film exhibits an amorphous morphology with smaller grain size. A write‐once read‐many‐times (WORM) memory device is shown whereby a pre‐assembled solution of PVDR is spin‐coated as the active layer and is sandwiched between an aluminum electrode and an indium‐tin‐oxide (ITO) electrode. This device shows very good memory performance, with an ON/OFF current ratio of more than 105 and a low misreading rate through the precise control of the ON and OFF states. The stability of the nanoaggregated PVDR device is much higher than that of the non‐nanoaggregated PVDR device. This difference in device stability under constant voltage stress can be mainly attributed to the difference in the film crystallinity and surface morphology. No degradation in current density was observed for the ON‐ and OFF‐states after more than one hundred million (108) continuous read cycles indicating that both states were insensitive to the read cycles. These results render the nanoaggregated PVDR polymer as promising components for high‐performance polymer memory devices.