bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A test of alternate models for increased tissue nitrogen isotope ratios during fasting in hibernating arctic ground squirrels
Authors: Lee Trixie N. , Buck C. Loren , Barnes Brian M. , O'Brien Diane M. 
Published: June 2012

Summary
We describe two models explaining the increase in tissue nitrogen isotope ratios (δ15N) that occurs during fasting in animals. The catabolic model posits that protein breakdown selectively removes the lighter isotope of nitrogen (14N) from catabolized tissues, causing an increase in the proportion of heavy nitrogen isotope (15N). The anabolic model posits that protein synthesis during fasting results in elevated δ15N values, as the unreplaced loss of 14N to urea results in a higher proportion of 15N in plasma amino acids used for protein synthesis. We effected a range of lean mass loss in arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii) fasting during hibernation before collecting organ and muscle tissues for analysis of δ15N values. The catabolic model predicts increased δ15N values in both liver and muscle, since these tissues undergo significant catabolism during hibernation. The anabolic model predicts no change in muscle, but an increase in δ15N values in liver, which has high levels of protein synthesis during euthermic phases of hibernation. We found a significant increase in liver δ15N values and no change in muscle δ15N values with lean mass loss, which supports the anabolic model. Heart, small intestine, and brown adipose tissue also increased in δ15N values, indicating protein synthesis in these organ tissues during hibernation. Urine was 3.8‰ lighter than plasma, and both urine and plasma increased in δ15N values with lean mass loss. This study helps clarify the mechanisms causing δ15N change during nutritional stress, thus increasing its utility for physiological research and reconciling previously contradictory results.
Visuo-motor transformations involved in the escape response to looming stimuli in the crab Neohelice (=Chasmagnathus) granulata
Authors: Oliva Damián , Tomsic Daniel 
Published: June 2012

Summary
Escape responses to directly approaching predators represent one instance of the animals' ability for collision avoidance. Usually, such responses can be easily evoked in the laboratory using two dimensional computer simulations of approaching objects, known as looming stimuli. Therefore, escape behaviors are considered useful models for the study of computations performed by the brain to efficiently transform visual information into organized motor patterns. The escape response of the crab Neohelice (previously Chasmagnathus) granulata offers an opportunity to investigate the processing of looming stimuli and its transformation into complex motor patterns. Here we studied the escape performance of this crab to a variety of different looming stimuli. The response always consisted of a vigorous run away from the stimulus. However, the moment at which it was initiated, as well as the developed speed, closely matched the expansion dynamics of each particular stimulus. Thus, we analyzed the response events as a function of several variables that could theoretically be used by the crab (angular size, angular velocity, etc.). Our main findings were: a) the decision to initiate the escape run is made when the stimulus angular size increases by 7°. b) The escape run is not a ballistic kind of response, as its speed is adjusted concurrently with changes in the optical stimulus variables. c) The speed of the escape run can be faithfully described by a phenomenological input-output relation based on the stimulus angular increment and angular velocity of the stimulus.
Septic arthritis of the knee: the use and effect of antibiotics prior to diagnostic aspiration
Authors: Hindle P , Davidson E , Biant LC 
Published: June 2012

Septic arthritis of the native knee joint and total knee arthroplasty both cause diagnostic and treatment issues. There is no gold standard test to diagnose a joint infection and the use of joint aspiration is commonly relied on. It is widely accepted by orthopaedic surgeons that antibiotics should be withheld until aspiration has been performed to increase the odds of identifying an organism. Patients often present to other specialties that may not be as familiar with these principles. Our study found that 25 (51%) of the 49 patients treated for septic arthritis of the native or prosthetic knee in our unit over a 3-year period had received antibiotics prior to discussion or review by the on-call orthopaedic service. Patients were significantly less likely to demonstrate an organism on initial microscopy (entire cohort: p=0.001, native knees: p=0.006, prosthetic knees: p=0.033) or on subsequent culture (entire cohort: p=0.001, native knees: p=0.017, prosthetic knees: p=0.012) of their aspirate if they had received antibiotics. The sensitivity of microscopy in all patients dropped from 58% to 12% when patients had received antibiotics (native knees: 46% to 0%, prosthetic knees: 72% to 27%). The sensitivity of the culture dropped from 79% to 28% in all patients when the patient had received antibiotics (native knees: 69% to 21%, prosthetic knees: 91% to 36%). This study demonstrated how the management of patients with suspected cases of septic arthritis of the knee may be compromised by empirical administration of antibiotics. These patients were significantly less likely to demonstrate an organism on microscopy and culture of their initial aspirate. There is a significant high false negative rate associated with knee aspiration with prior administration of antibiotic therapy.
Predicting postoperative urinary retention after lower limb arthroplasty
Authors: Kieffer WKM , Kane TPC 
Published: June 2012

A simple scoring system that enables surgeons to make an estimation of the likelihood of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) in patients undergoing lower limb total joint replacement would be a useful one. This would enable selection of high risk patients who merit pre-operative catheterisation in a clean theatre environment rather than risking urinary retention and its associated complications late at night on the ward by junior, inexperienced staff. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is such a scoring system and we assessed its reliability in predicting those male patients likely to go into POUR. We selected all male patients undergoing lower limb total joint arthroplasty under spinal anaesthesia and calculated their IPSS. We found a statistically significant increase in the likelihood of POUR as IPSS rises (p=0.0002). We concluded that the IPSS is a quick and easy method of predicting those at risk of POUR, allowing them to be catheterised prophylactically, preventing possible complications.
Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator–Modifying Medications: The Future of Cystic Fibrosis Treatment
Authors: Pettit Rebecca S 
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE: To review and evaluate cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators for the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). DATA SOURCES: Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1977-January 2012), the Cochrane Library, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts(1977-March 2012). Search terms included ivacaftor, VX-770, VX-809, ataluren, PTC 124, CFTR modulator, and cystic fibrosis. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All English-language articles identified from the data sources were evaluated for inclusion. Clinical trials and relevant review articles were evaluated for each CFTR modulator. DATA SYNTHESIS: CF is caused by a mutation in the gene that encodes for the CFTR protein; mutations can be separated into 5 different classes. Ivacaftor is a new CFTR potentiator that helps the CFTR channel open properly in patients with the CFTR mutation, G551D. Patients in one study had significant decreases in sweat chloride values and increases in pulmonary function tests. Ivacaftor was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be taken orally at a dose of 150 mg twice a day in G551D CF patients older than 6 years. Additional studies are investigating the use of ivacaftor in other gating mutations and in younger patients. VX-809 is a CFTR corrector that modulates the folding and trafficking of CFTR. VX-809 was originally studied alone in patients with F508del mutation but is now being used in combination with ivacaftor in Phase 2 studies. Ataluren allows the read through of premature stop codons, and studies in patients with CF with nonsense mutations show an increase in chloride transportation. Ataluren requires 3 times a day dosing and is currently in a Phase 3 placebo-controlled study. CONCLUSIONS: Three new agents, ivacaftor, VX-809, and ataluren, target the basic defects in CFTR production. Ivacaftor was recently FDA approved, while the other 2 agents are still in clinical trials. Patients with CF will benefit from personalized medicine based on their specific genotype.
Detection of frequent ABCB1 polymorphisms by high-resolution melting curve analysis and their effect on breast carcinoma prognosis
Authors: Vaclavikova Radka , Ehrlichova Marie , Hlavata Ivona , Pecha Vaclav , Kozevnikovova Renata , Trnkova Marketa , Adamek Jan , Edvardsen Hege , Kristensen Vessela N. , Gut Ivan , Soucek Pavel 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background: The ABCB1 gene encodes P-glycoprotein implicated in the development of cellular drug resistance. The aim of this study was to develop high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis for determination of ABCB1 polymorphisms and evaluate their associations with clinical data of breast carcinoma patients.

Methods: HRM analysis was designed to assess five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ABCB1 (rs2214102, rs1128503, rs2032582, rs2032583 and rs1045642) in genomic DNA from 103 breast carcinoma patients. Results were confirmed by direct DNA sequencing.

Results: HRM analysis revealed distinct patterns of melting curves for the respective genotypes of all followed SNPs. Sensitivity of HRM analysis compared with direct DNA sequencing was superior (97.1% vs. 93.9%). The overall accuracy of HRM was 97.6%. The coefficients of variation in replicate experiments encompassed the range 0.002%–0.038%. On the basis of the examined SNPs, one strong haplotype block containing rs2032582 and rs1128503 SNPs was identified. Significant associations of rs2032582 SNP with tumor size, negative HER-2/neu status, and family history of breast carcinoma were found. Patients carrying the ancestral homozygous genotype (GG) in rs2214102 had significantly worse progression-free survival in comparison with carriers of the non-ancestral allele (A) in the adjuvant set (p=0.005).

Conclusions: A rapid, accurate, low-cost and time-effective method for screening ABCB1 SNPs was developed. Significant associations of ABCB1 rs2032582 and rs2214102 SNPs with prognostic factors and survival of patients were found.
A Note on Wet Paper Web Adhesion Strength
Authors: Edvardsson S. , Gradin P. A. , Isaksson P. , Gulliksson M. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
This work is concerned with the determination of the adhesion strength between a paper web and an adhesive surface. Edvardsson et al. [Edvardsson, S., Gradin, P., and Isaksson, P., “On Dissipative Effects of Paper Web Adhesion Strength,” Int. J. Solids Struct., Vol. 48(1), 2011, pp. 24–30] suggested recently a model that takes into account the energy dissipation caused by elastic–plastic deformation in the bent structure of a paper specimen. This model is further developed and investigated in the present work. A linear relation in plastic dissipation is discovered facilitating a novel analysis of the peeling tension and a more convenient determination of the proper adhesion strength. Industrial relevant examples are made with wet newsprint and kraft stock. A straightforward experimental procedure for determining the consistent adhesion strength is suggested. It is found that the agreement between the model and the experimental observations is good.
Measurement of Creep-induced Change of Dynamic Stiffness of Resilient Materials Used for Impact Sound Isolation in Floating Floors
Authors: Cho Tongjun 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The creep-induced change of the dynamic stiffness of resilient materials used in vibration isolation systems in floating floors is an important issue, especially with regard to the use of open cell resilient materials, because the change in the dynamic stiffness is a key factor in the performance of vibration isolators, and open cell materials are vulnerable to creep deformation. This study proposes a method for measuring the creep-induced change of the dynamic stiffness that employs quasi-static mechanical analysis under the assumption that the creep-induced change of the mechanical structure of the resilient material is independent of time and stress. The pre-creep dynamic properties of a sample resilient layer measured with a method very similar to the one recommended in ISO 9052–1 are compared with the data measured with the proposed method, and the results illustrate the consistency in the data measured with the two methods. A proposed creep test is performed for a sample resilient layer including open cell material used for a floating floor, and the change in the dynamic stiffness due to creep deformation is assessed by combining the proposed method and the creep test data. The study indicates that the proposed method is able to assess the creep-induced change of the dynamic stiffness and could be useful for the design of vibration isolation systems in long-term use.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Small Strain Viscoelastic Behavior of Asphalt Concrete
Authors: Underwood B. Shane , Kim Y. Richard 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Asphalt concrete (AC) is a heterogeneous material affected by viscoelastic and viscoplastic processes, as well as by damage and localized irregularities in the material fabric. However, under specific strain regimens, certain of these mechanisms are less active, and the constitutive relationships of the material can be modeled using simplified mechanistic principles. One simplifying assumption that is typically applied to AC for the purposes of response and performance modeling is that of linear viscoelasticity (LVE). In this paper, the behavior of AC at small strain levels, when LVE models can most accurately describe the constitutive relationship, is described. This work differs from the significant literature presented elsewhere because a more strict definition of the LVE strain regimen has been adhered to. This protocol limits the total peak-to-peak strain amplitude to 50 to 75 microstrains, the tensile strain amplitude to 37.5 microstrains, the total accumulated compressive strain to 1500 microstrains, and the total accumulated tensile strain to 150 microstrains. It is shown that when this stricter protocol is followed, AC exhibits the same fundamental characteristics whether loaded in compression, tension, or indirect tension. Evidence is also presented showing that AC, when compacted by gyratory compaction, does not show anisotropic tendencies at these strain levels. AC shows stress state and strain level dependencies that are inconsistent with rigorous LVE theory. Due to the inconsistencies between the material responses and the theory, the behavior of AC at even the small strain levels used in this research cannot be rigorously referred to as LVE. Further study is needed in order to fully assess the implications of this finding as it relates to day-to-day engineering practice and to the advanced mechanistic modeling of AC materials.
An Effective Powerful Test for Supplier Selection Evaluation with Multiple Characteristics
Authors: Pearn W. L. , Tai Y. T. , Wang C. Y. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Supplier selection in high-tech manufacturing industries has become more essential and has received considerable attention. In this paper, we consider a supplier selection problem with multiple characteristics in which we compare two-sided processes with multiple characteristics and select the better one with the higher capability. We first review an approach referred to as the division method. We then develop a new approach called the subtraction method. We compare the two methods in terms of their selection power. The results show that the proposed subtraction method is indeed more powerful than the division method. Two supplier-selection procedures are developed for practical applications. For practitioners’ convenience in applying our procedures, the various sample sizes required for designated selection powers are tabulated and discussed. For illustration purposes, a case is considered and solved for supplier selection evaluation.
Early Vaccinations Are Not Risk Factors for Celiac Disease
Authors: Myléus Anna , Stenlund Hans , Hernell Olle , Gothefors Leif , Hammarström Marie-Louise , Persson Lars-Åke , Ivarsson Anneli 
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVES:
To investigate if changes in the national Swedish vaccination program coincided with changes in the celiac disease (CD) incidence rate in infants (ie, the Swedish CD Epidemic), and to assess the potential association between these vaccinations and CD risk.

METHODS:
All studies were based on the National Swedish Childhood Celiac Disease Register. Using an ecological approach, we plotted changes over time in the national vaccination program in the graph displaying CD incidence rate. A population-based incident case-referent study of invited infants was performed. Exposure information was received through a questionnaire and child health clinic records. Vaccines explored were diphtheria/tetanus, pertussis (acellular), polio (inactivated), Haemophilus influenzae type b (conjugated), measles/mumps/rubella, and live attenuated bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) in children with increased tuberculosis risk. Findings were subjected to a birth cohort analysis.

RESULTS:
Introduction of pertussis vaccine coincided in time with decreasing CD incidence rates. In the infant case-referent study, however, neither vaccination against pertussis (odds ratio 0.91; 95% confidence interval 0.60–1.4), nor against Haemophilus influenzae type b or measles/mumps/rubella was associated with CD. Coverage for the diphtheria/tetanus and polio vaccines was 99%. BCG was associated with reduced risk for CD (adjusted odds ratio 0.54; 95% confidence interval 0.31–0.94). Discontinuation of general BCG vaccination did not affect the cumulative incidence of CD at age 15 years.

CONCLUSIONS:
Early vaccinations within the national Swedish program were not associated with CD risk, nor could changes in the program explain the Swedish epidemic. A protective effect by BCG was suggested, which could be subject to further studies.
Socioeconomic Outcomes in Adults Malnourished in the First Year of Life: A 40-Year Study
Authors: Galler Janina R. , Bryce Cyralene , Waber Deborah P. , Zichlin Miriam L. , Fitzmaurice Garret M. , Eaglesfield David 
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE:Lifelong functional, adaptive, and economic outcomes of moderate to severe infantile malnutrition are not well known. We assessed social status and income at midlife in a cohort of Barbadian adults, hospitalized for protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) during the first year of life, with good nutrition and health thereafter, in the context of a 40-year longitudinal case-control study. We also examined to what extent childhood IQ mediated any group differences.METHODS:Educational achievement, occupational status, and standard of living were assessed by the Hollingshead scales and a site-specific Ecology Questionnaire in Barbadian adults (aged 37–43 years) with a history of malnutrition (n = 80) and a matched healthy control group (n = 63), classmates of the index cases. Malnutrition effects, adjusted for childhood standard of living, were estimated by longitudinal multiple regression analyses, with and without childhood IQ, in the models.RESULTS:PEM predicted poorer socioeconomic outcomes with medium to large effect sizes (0.50–0.94), but childhood IQ substantially attenuated the magnitude of these effects (adjusted effect sizes: 0.17–0.34). The gap in weekly household income between the PEM and control groups increased substantially over the life span (P &lt; .001).CONCLUSIONS:Moderate to severe PEM during the first year of life with adequate nutrition and health care thereafter is associated with significant depression of socioeconomic outcomes in adulthood, mediated in part by cognitive compromise in affected individuals. This finding underscores the potential long-term economic burden of infant malnutrition, which is of major concern given the continued high prevalence of malnutrition worldwide.
Pasteurellaceae isolated from bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) from Idaho, Oregon, and Wyoming
Authors: Miller David S. , Weiser Glen C. , Ward Alton C. S. , Drew Mark L. , Chapman Phillip L. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Objective—To elucidate the species and biovariants of Pasteurellaceae isolated from clinically normal bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) or bighorn sheep with evidence of respiratory disease.
Sample—675 Pasteurellaceae isolates from 290 free-ranging bighorn sheep in Idaho, Oregon and Wyoming.
Procedures—Nasal and oropharyngeal swab specimens were inoculated onto selective and nonselective blood agar media. Representatives of each colony type were classified via a biovariant scheme. The association of respective β-hemolytic isolates with respiratory disease was evaluated via χ2 analyses.
Results—Bacterial isolates belonged to 4 species: Histophilus somni, Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, and Bibersteinia (Pasteurella) trehalosi. Within the latter 3 species, 112 subspecies, biotypes, and biovariants were identified. Bibersteinia trehalosi 2 and B trehalosi 2B constituted 345 of 675 (51%) isolates. Most (597/618 [97%]) isolates from adult sheep were from clinically normal animals, whereas most (47/57 [82%]) isolates from lambs were from animals with evidence of respiratory disease. Twenty-two Pasteurellaceae biovariants were isolated from sheep with respiratory disease; 17 of these biovariants were also isolated from clinically normal sheep. The ability of isolates to cause β-hemolysis on blood agar was associated with respiratory disease in adult bighorn sheep (OR, 2.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.10 to 6.07).
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Bighorn lambs appeared more susceptible to respiratory disease caused by Pasteurellaceae than did adult sheep. β-Hemolytic Pasteurellaceae isolates were more likely to be associated with respiratory disease than were non–β-hemolytic isolates in adult sheep. Identification of Pasteurellaceae with the greatest pathogenic potential will require studies to estimate the risk of disease from specific biovariants.