bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nafamostat mesylate, a serine protease inhibitor, demonstrates novel antimicrobial properties and effectiveness in Chlamydia-induced arthritis
Authors: Inman Robert D , Chiu Basil 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Effective treatment of reactive arthritis would ideally achieve both control of inflammation and eradication of persisting arthritogenic pathogens. We use a model of experimental Chlamydia trachomatis-induced arthritis (CtIA) to evaluate the effectiveness of nafamostat mesilate (NM), a serine protease inhibitor with complement-modifying effects and anticoagulant properties. To date clinical use of NM has largely been in Asia and has been primarily confined to inflammatory states such as pancreatitis.

Methods
In vitro studies examined inhibition of Chlamydia proliferation using fibroblast cell lines as targets and phase contrast microscopy. In vivo studies used an established protocol, experimental CtIA, induced in Lewis rats by injection of synoviocyte-packaged C. trachomatis. NM was dissolved in water and administered by daily intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 10 mg/kg beginning the day prior to the administration of Chlamydia. Readouts in vivo included (i) joint swelling, (ii) histopathology scoring of severity of arthritis, (iii) host clearance of the pathogen (by ELISA, the IDEIA PCE Chlamydia).

Results
NM exerted a dose-dependent inhibition of chlamydial proliferation in vitro. Without NM, the mean number of inclusion bodies (IB) per well was 17,886 (± 1415). At 5 μg/mL NM, there were 8,490 (± 756) IB, at 25 μg/mL NM there were 35 IB and at 50 μg/mL NM no IB was observed. Chlamydial antigens in each well along the concentration gradient were assayed by ELISA, demonstrating that at 25 μg/mL NM inhibition of Chlamydia was almost complete. In the experimental arthritis model, joint swelling was significantly reduced with NM treatment: average joint width for the NM-treated animals was 8.55 mm (s.d. ± 0.6578, n = 10) versus 11.18 mm (s.d. ± 0.5672, n = 10) in controls (P < 0.001). Histopathology scoring indicated that NM resulted in a marked attenuation of the inflammatory infiltration and joint damage: mean pathology score in NM-treated animals was 10.9 (± 2.45, n = 11) versus 15.9 (± 1.45, n = 10) in controls (P < 0.0001). With respect to persistence of Chlamydia within the synovial tissues, NM treatment was accompanied by a reduction in the microbial load in the joint: mean optical density (O.D.) for ELISA with NM treatment was 0.05 (± 0.02, n = 4) versus 0.18 (± 0.05, n = 4) in controls (P < 0.001).

Conclusions
NM is a protease inhibitor not previously recognized to possess antimicrobial properties. The present study demonstrates for the first time that NM exerts significant impact on C. trachomatis-induced arthritis and suggests that such approaches may prove clinically useful in chronic reactive arthritis.
Normal modes in seismic data — Revisited
Authors: Landrø M. , Hatchell P. 
Published: June 2012

At long distances from a seismic shot, the recorded signal is dominated by reflections and refractions within the water layer. This guided wave signal is complex and often is referred to as normal or harmonic modes. From the period equation, we derive a new approximate expression for the local minima in group velocity versus frequency. We use two data sets as examples: one old experiment where the seismic signal is recorded at approximately 13 km offset and another example using life of field seismic data from the Valhall Field. We identify four and five normal modes for the two examples, respectively. A fair fit is observed between the estimated and modeled normal mode curves. Based on the period equation for normal modes, we derive a simple, approximate equation that relates the traveltime difference between various modes directly to the velocity of the second layer. Using this technique for offsets ranging from 6 to 10 km (in step of 1 km), we find consistent velocity values for the second layer. We think that this method can be extended to estimate shallow lateral velocity variations if the method is applied for the whole field. We find that the simple equations and approximations used here offer a nice tool for initial investigations and understanding of normal modes, although a multilayered method is needed for detailed analysis. A comparison of three vintages of estimated normal mode curves for the Valhall field example representing seabed locations shifted by 1 km indicates that minor shifts in group velocity minima for the various modes are detectable.
An Improvement on Noninteger n-Generalized Exponential Type Orbitals with Hyperbolic Cosine in Atomic Calculations
Authors: Erturk Murat 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
An improvement on the total energy results reported in Ref. 9 in atomic calculations based on a modified type hyperbolic cosine function cosh(βrμ + γ) is presented. It is shown that the noninteger n-generalized exponential type orbitals rn* - 1e- ζ rμ with modified type hyperbolic cosine as radial basis functions are a much better approximation to the Hartree–Fock orbitals than a double-zeta basis set of Slater type functions. The efficiency of the new basis function is tested by application to some closed and open shell neutral atoms and their ions. A substantial improvement in both the total and orbital energies is obtained within the minimal basis sets framework. The total energy values obtained in this work are significantly close to the numerical Hartree–Fock results. These results supersede all previous minimal basis function total energies achieved in the literature.
Closed suction drains, reinfusion drains or no drains in primary total knee replacement?
Authors: Al-Zahid S , Davies AP 
Published: June 2012

INTRODUCTION Controversy still surrounds the use of drains after total knee replacement (TKR). We compared closed suction drains, reinfusion drains and no drains by studying haemoglobin (Hb) levels, blood transfusion requirements and functional knee outcome scores in a single surgeon series. METHODS A total of 102 consecutive primary TKRs were performed by the senior author between September 2006 and July 2008. All were cemented fixed bearing devices with patellar resurfacing. Of the 102 patients, 30 had closed suction drainage, 33 had an unwashed reinfusion drainage system and 39 had no drains. Data regarding pre and post-operative Hb and units transfused were gathered retrospectively. Pre and post-operative American Knee Society scores (AKSS) and Oxford knee scores (OKS) were recorded prospectively. RESULTS The pre-operative Hb levels were comparable among the groups. There was no statistically significant difference in Hb level reduction or autologous transfusion rates among the groups. Pre-operative AKSS and OKS were statistically comparable in each group. There was no statistical difference between the improvement in AKSS knee and function scores in all three groups. There was a slightly smaller improvement in the OKS of the ‘no drain’ group. There were no complications of drain usage and no deep infections. No patient required manipulation under anaesthesia and range of movement outcomes were the same for each group. CONCLUSIONS Our study does not support the use of either closed suction drains or reinfusion drains in primary elective TKR.
Extended Validation of a Model of Segregating Fluidization of Homogeneous Two-Solid Beds
Authors: Formisani Brunello , Girimonte Rossella , Vivacqua Vincenzino 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
In the industrial processes that employ the fluidized bed technology (gasification of coal or biomasses, polymerization, etc.), solids of various kinds are simultaneously subjected to fluidization. Due to the fact that solids that differ in density and/or size differently react to the frictional force exerted by the gas stream, mixtures of two solids tend to form, when fluidized, segregated layers rich in either of their components. A peculiar case, in this frame, is that of homogeneous mixtures whose denser component is also the smaller one and achieves the fluidized state at the bottom of the column, while the other solid, bigger and lighter, forms a packed layer on top of it.With reference to this special type of binary systems, several series of experiments are presented that provide their initial and final fluidization velocities at varying composition. Following what done in a recent study on beds of two solids differing in density or size, it is shown that the theoretical equations for calculating uif and uff keep their validity even when applied to mixtures that exhibit an unusual fluidization pattern. Calculated values of the initial and final fluidization velocities are characterized by a low error level, fully comparable with that encountered with other types of binary beds.
Implementation of Evaluating Process Capability Index Cpk for Processes with Multiple Characteristics
Authors: Pearn W. L. , Wu C. H. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Process yield has been the most common criterion used in the manufacturing industry for measuring process performance. In many industrial applications, processes often have multiple characteristics with various specifications. The generated yield index CpkT establishes the relationship between the manufacturing specifications and the actual process performance, which provides a lower bound on process yield. In this paper, the explicated formula of the lower confidence bound is derived, and then the lower confidence bound for various values of α-risk, capability requirements, and sample sizes are calculated via the use of R programs. The lower confidence bound is essential to product reliability assurance and is important in the hypothesis testing of process capability. We not only provide some reliable lower confidence bound tables but also develop a simple and practical procedure for engineers. The practitioners can use the proposed procedure to determine whether their process meets the preset capability requirement and to make reliable decisions.
Nachrichten aus der Forschung
Authors: Lohmeier Jens , Rost Achim , Lätte Mart , Neumann Eva , Dornik Wolfram , Vaterodt Christian 
Published: June 2012

Zusammenfassung
Jens Lohmeier und Achim Rost
“6th Fields of Conflict Conference”, 15. bis 18. April 2011 in Osnabrück und Kalkriese. Schlachtfeldarchäologie als neues Forschungsgebiet
Mart Lätte
“War and Society. Interactions between the Military and Civil Population”. International Military History Conference, 6./7. April 2011 in Viimsi (Estonia)
Eva Neumann
“German Intelligence History from Bismarck to the Present”. 17. Konferenz der International Intelligence History Association (IIHA) und des Arbeitskreises Geschichte der Nachrichtendienste (AGN), 17. bis 19. Juni 2011 in Marburg
Wolfram Dornik
“Die Ukraine und Osteuropa zwischen staatlicher Souveränität, Besatzung und internationaler Diplomatie, 1917 bis 1922”. Internationale Konferenz des Ludwig Boltzmann-Instituts für Kriegsfolgen-Forschung und des Instituts für Wirtschafts-, Sozial- und Unternehmensgeschichte der Universität Graz, 15. bis 17. Juni 2011
Christian Vaterodt
“Mauerbau, Grenze und Militarisierung der DDR”. Konferenz 24. bis 26. Juni 2011 in Magdeburg
Follow-up of Neonates With Total Serum Bilirubin Levels ≥25 mg/dL: A Danish Population-Based Study
Authors: Vandborg Pernille Kure , Hansen Bo Moelholm , Greisen Gorm , Jepsen Mia , Ebbesen Finn 
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE:To study if severe hyperbilirubinemia in infants with no or minor neurologic symptoms in the neonatal period affects children’s development at the age of 1 to 5 years.METHODS:Controlled descriptive follow-up study of a national cohort of Danish children. The exposed group consisted of all live-born infants in Denmark from 2004 to 2007 with a gestational age ≥35 weeks and severe hyperbilirubinemia in the neonatal period, defined as at least 1 measure of total serum bilirubin level ≥25 mg/dL during the first 3 weeks of life. The exposed group of 206 children was matched with a control group of 208 children. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), a method of evaluating the child’s development, was filled in by parents. Main outcome measure was effect size of ASQ total score. Statistical analyses comprised a matched analysis of 102 pairs and a nonmatched regression analysis of all participants.RESULTS:The response rate was 79% (n = 162 of 206) in the study group and 70% (n = 146 of 208) in the control group. Neither the matched nor the nonmatched analysis showed any statistically significant differences between the groups; the effect size of the total score was 0.04 (−0.24 to 0.32) and −0.04 (−0.26 to 0.19), respectively.CONCLUSIONS:Using the parent-completed ASQ, we found no evidence of developmental delay in children aged between 1 and 5 years with severe neonatal hyperbilirubinemia compared with a matched control group.
Tactile Sensory Capacity of the Preterm Infant: Manual Perception of Shape From 28 Gestational Weeks
Authors: Marcus Leïla , Lejeune Fleur , Berne-Audéoud Frédérique , Gentaz Edouard , Debillon Thierry 
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE:
Recent studies have shown that from the postconceptional age of 33 weeks, preterm infants are able to memorize tactile information about the shape of an object by using their hands, and can detect differences with another shape. This study aimed to investigate tactile abilities earlier on in development, in very preterm and mildly preterm human infants.

METHODS:
Infants were assigned to 2 groups according to postconceptional age: very preterm (before 32 weeks) and mildly preterm (from 32 to 33+6 weeks). The test consisted of the repeated presentation of an object (prism or cylinder) in the left hand. The experiment was conducted in 3 phases: habituation (repeated presentation of the same object), discrimination (presentation of a novel object), followed by recognition (presentation of the familiar object).

RESULTS:
Forty-eight newborns were recruited (24 very preterm; 24 mildly preterm). During habituation, each infant showed a decrease in the holding time of the object. Then, when a novel shape was put into the preterm newborn’s hand, holding time increased. Finally, when the familiar shape was presented again, the holding time decreased. Preterm infants can memorize by touch specific features that differentiate prism and cylinder shapes, discriminate between them, and recognize them after interference.

CONCLUSIONS:
From 28 weeks, and from the first days of life, the preterm newborn is endowed with tactile sensory capacities. The tactile stimulations that are presented to preterm infants during their hospitalization should be adapted while respecting their sleep-wake rhythms.
Rates of anagenetic evolution and selection intensity in Middle and Upper Ordovician species of the bryozoan genusPeronopora
Authors: Pachut Joseph F. , Anstey Robert L. 
Published: June 2012

Evolutionary rates and selection intensities in eight cladistically defined species-level evolutionary sequences of the Middle and Upper Ordovician bryozoan genusPeronoporawere calculated for comparison with values published for fossil and living taxa. Calculations were restricted to statistically significant unidirectional segments of anagenetic series to minimize the mixing of different modes, directions, and rates of evolutionary change.Rates and selection intensities ranged from 10−7to 10−6darwins and from 10−6to 10−5haldanes. Across characters, the weighted mean evolutionary rate equaled 5.86 × 10−7darwins and the mean selection intensity was 6.44 × 10−7. Mean rates of 2.15 × 10−6, 4.31 × 10−6, and 8.61 × 10−6haldanes, and corresponding mean selection intensities equaling 2.39 × 10−6, 4.78 × 10−6, and 9.56 × 10−6, were calculated for generation lengths of 0.5, 1, and 2 years, respectively.The magnitudes of positive and negative evolutionary rates and selection intensities do not differ statistically, individual characters display no consistent pattern of positive or negative values, and no character complexes were detectable. A mosaic pattern of change occurs across characters in evolutionary sequences.Eighty percent of analyzed evolutionary series were multispecies lineages. Both individual and mean values provide direct estimates of the rates of evolution within those lineages at the moment of speciation.Rates of anagenetic evolution inPeronoporawere low and similar to published rates for a variety of fossil protists, invertebrates, and vertebrates. However, earlier rate calculations did not isolate the effect of unidirectional anagenesis from that of stasis, random walks, trend reversals, or rate variations. Eight percent of characters inPeronoporaproduced anagenetic series that were statistically significant, a percentage similar to the 5% calculated in a study of 251 sequences of evolving traits in 53 fossil lineages (Hunt 2007). Stasis and mutation-drift are the most common patterns detectable in the fossil record, although anagenesis remains a potentially important force in shaping the course of both micro- and macroevolution.
Prevalence and types of tooth resorption in dogs with oral tumors
Authors: Nemec Ana , Arzi Boaz , Murphy Brian , Kass Philip H. , Verstraete Frank J. M. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Objective—To determine the prevalence and types of tooth resorption in dogs with oral tumors and to compare findings with those for control dogs.
Animals—101 dogs with oral tumors and 128 control dogs that did not have oral tumors and for which dental radiographs were available.
Procedures—Exclusion criteria for dogs included systemic disease, long-term administration of anti-inflammatory drugs, traumatic occlusion, severe semigeneralized or generalized periodontitis, and endodontic disease. For each dog with an oral tumor, histologic sections of biopsy specimens of tumors were examined. Dental radiographic images of dogs were examined, and the presence and type of tooth resorption were determined for each tooth. Statistical analyses were performed to compare data regarding prevalence of tooth resorption.
Results—Teeth at tumor sites in dogs with nonodontogenic tumors were significantly more frequently affected with external inflammatory resorption, compared with teeth at tumor sites in dogs with odontogenic tumors. Teeth at sites distant from tumors in dogs with oral tumors were 3.2 times as likely to have external surface resorption (OR, 3.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 7.9) and 83.4 times as likely to have external inflammatory resorption (OR, 83.4; 95% confidence interval, 9.7 to 719.6) as teeth in control dogs.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Resorption of teeth at tumor sites and at sites distant from tumors was common in dogs with oral tumors. Results of the present study will contribute to an understanding of the complex effects of oral tumors on local and distant hard tissues.
Evaluation of long-term glucose homeostasis in lean and obese cats by use of continuous glucose monitoring
Authors: Hoenig Margarethe , Pach Nicole , Thomaseth Karl , DeVries Frerich , Ferguson Duncan C. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate intraday and interday variations in glucose concentrations in cats and to test the utility of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS).
Animals—6 lean and 8 long-term (> 5 years) obese cats.
Procedures—Blood glucose concentrations were measured during the course of 156 hours by use of a laboratory hexokinase-based reference method and a handheld glucometer. Interstitial glucose concentrations were evaluated with a CGMS.
Results—Paired measures of glucose concentrations obtained with the CGMS typically were marginally higher than concentrations for the reference method and less biased than concentrations obtained with the glucometer. This was partially confirmed by the concordance correlation coefficients of the concentration for the CGMS or glucometer versus the concentration for the reference method, although the correlation coefficients were not significantly different. Mean ± SD area under the curve for the glucose concentration (AUCG) did not differ significantly between lean (14.0 ± 0.5 g/dL•h) and obese (15.2 + 0.5 g/dL•h) cats during the 156-hour period, but one of the obese cats had a much higher AUCG. Within-day glucose variability was small in both lean and obese cats.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Glucose homeostasis was maintained, even in long-term obese cats, and intraday glucose fluctuations were small. One obese cat might have been classified as prediabetic on the basis of the AUCG, which was approximately 25% higher than that of the other obese and lean cats. The CGMS can be useful in the evaluation of long-term effects of drugs or diet on glucose homeostasis in cats.
Effects of a single dose of enrofloxacin on body temperature and tracheobronchial neutrophil count in healthy Thoroughbreds premedicated with interferon-α and undergoing long-distance transportation
Authors: Tsuchiya Takeru , Hobo Seiji , Endo Yoshiro , Narita Shoichi , Sakamoto Koji 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Objective—To evaluate effects of a single dose of enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg, IV) on body temperature and tracheobronchial neutrophil count in healthy Thoroughbreds premedicated with interferon-α and undergoing long-distance transportation.
Animals—32 healthy Thoroughbreds.
Procedures—All horses received interferon-α (0.5 U/kg, sublingually, q 24 h) as an immunologic stimulant for 2 days before transportation and on the day of transportation. Horses were randomly assigned to receive enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg, IV, once; enrofloxacin group) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (50 mL, IV, once; control group) ≤ 1 hour before being transported 1,210 km via commercial vans (duration, approx 26 hours). Before and after transportation, clinical examination, measurement of temperature per rectum, and hematologic analysis were performed for all horses; a tracheobronchial aspirate was collected for neutrophil quantification in 12 horses (6/group). Horses received antimicrobial treatment after transportation if deemed necessary by the attending clinician.
Results—No adverse effects were associated with treatment. After transportation, WBC count and serum amyloid A concentration in peripheral blood samples and neutrophil counts in tracheobronchial aspirates were significantly lower in horses of the enrofloxacin group than in untreated control horses. Fever (rectal temperature, ≥ 38.5°C) after transportation was detected in 3 of 16 enrofloxacin group horses and 9 of 16 control horses; additional antimicrobial treatment was required in 2 horses in the enrofloxacin group and 7 horses in the control group.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In horses premedicated with interferon-α, enrofloxacin appeared to provide better protection against fever and lower respiratory tract inflammation than did saline solution.