bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of strain waveform on creep‐fatigue life for Sn–8Zn–3Bi solder
Authors: YAMAMOTO T. , IWATA M. , SAKANE M. , TSUKADA Y. , NISHIMURA H. 
Published: May 2007

ABSTRACTThis paper describes the creep‐fatigue life of Sn–8Zn–3Bi under push–pull loading. Creep‐fatigue tests were carried out using Sn–8Zn–3Bi specimens in fast–fast, fast–slow, slow–fast, slow–slow and hold–time strain waveforms. Creep‐fatigue lives in the slow–slow and hold‐time waveforms showed a small reduction from the fast–fast lives but those in the slow–fast and fast–slow waveforms showed a significant reduction from the fast–fast lives. Conventional creep‐fatigue life prediction methods were applied to the experimental data and the applicability of the methods was discussed. Creep‐fatigue characteristics of Sn–8Zn–3Bi were compared with those of Sn–3.5Ag and Sn–37Pb.
Retracted Geographical variation in cloacal microflora and bacterial antibiotic resistance in a threatened avian scavenger in relation to diet and livestock farming practices
Authors: Blanco Guillermo , Lemus Jesús A. , Grande Javier , Gangoso Laura , Grande Juan M. , Donázar José A. , Arroyo Bernardo , Frías Oscar , Hiraldo Fernando 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThe impact on wildlife health of the increase in the use of antimicrobial agents with the intensification of livestock production remains unknown. The composition, richness and prevalence of cloacal microflora as well as bacterial resistance to antibiotics in nestlings and full‐grown Egyptian vultures Neophron percnopterus were assessed in four areas of Spain in which the degree of farming intensification differs. Differences in diet composition, especially the role of stabled livestock carrion, appear to govern the similarities of bacterial flora composition among continental populations, while the insular vulture population (Fuerteventura, Canary Islands) showed differences attributed to isolation. Evidence of a positive relationship between the consumption of stabled livestock carrion and bacterial resistance to multiple antibiotics was found. Bacterial resistance was high for semisynthetic penicillins and enrofloxacin, especially in the area with the most intensive stabled livestock production. The pattern of antibiotic resistance was similar for the different bacterial species within each area. Bacterial resistance to antibiotics may be determined by resistance of bacteria present in the livestock meat remains that constituted the food of this species, as indicated by the fact that resistance to each antibiotic was correlated in Escherichia coli isolated from swine carrion and Egyptian vulture nestlings. In addition, resistance in normal faecal bacteria (present in the microflora of both livestock and vultures) was higher than in Staphylococcus epidermidis, a species indicator of the transient flora acquired presumably through the consumption of wild rabbits. Potential negative effects of the use of antimicrobials in livestock farming included the direct ingestion of these drug residues and the effects of bacterial antibiotic resistance on the health of scavengers.
A −243A→G polymorphism upstream of the gene encoding GAD65 associates with lower levels of body mass index and glycaemia in a population‐based sample of 5857 middle‐aged White subjects
Authors: Boesgaard T. W. , Castella S. I. , Andersen G. , Albrechtsen A. , Sparsø T. , Borch‐Johnsen K. , Jørgensen T. , Hansen T. , Pedersen O. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractAims  The glutamate decarboxylase gene (GAD2) encodes GAD65, an enzyme catalysing the production of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) which interacts with neuropeptide Y to stimulate food intake. It has been suggested that in pancreatic islets, GABA serves as a functional regulator of pancreatic hormone release. Conflicting results have been reported concerning the potential impact of GAD2 variation on estimates of energy metabolism. The aim of this study was to elucidate potential associations between the GAD2−243A→G polymorphism and levels of body mass index (BMI) and estimates of glycaemia.Methods  Using high‐throughput chip‐based matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, the GAD2−243A→G (rs2236418) polymorphism was genotyped in a population‐based sample (Inter99) of 5857 middle‐aged, unrelated Danish White subjects.Results  The G‐allele was associated with modestly lower BMI (P = 0.01). In a case–control study of obesity, the G‐allele frequency in 2582 participants with BMI < 25 kg/m2 was 19.5% (18.4–20.6) compared with 17.1% (15.5–18.8) in 968 participants having BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 (P = 0.03), odds ratio 0.9 (0.7–1.0). Of the 5857 subjects, GG carriers had lower fasting plasma glucose levels (mmol/l) [AA (n = 3859) 5.6 ± 0.8; AG (n = 1792) 5.5 ± 0.8; GG (n = 206) 5.5 ± 0.8, P = 0.008] and lower 30‐min oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)‐related plasma glucose levels (AA 8.7 ± 1.9; AG 8.6 ± 1.9; GG 8.6 ± 2.0, P = 0.04), adjusted for sex, age and BMI. Analysing subjects who were both normoglycaemic and glucose tolerant (n = 4431) GG carriers still had lower fasting plasma glucose concentrations: AA (n = 2895) 5.3 ± 0.4; AG (n = 1383) 5.3 ± 0.4; GG (n = 153) 5.2 ± 0.4 (P = 9.10−5).Conclusion  The present study suggests that the GAD2−243A→G polymorphism in a population of middle‐aged White people associates with a modest reduction in BMI and fasting and OGTT‐related plasma glucose levels.
International Comparisons of Levels of Capital Input and Multi-Factor Productivity
Authors: Schreyer Paul 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The paper uses a method by Christensen et al. to construct crosscountry comparisons of the levels of capital input, capital and labour productivity and multi-factor productivity. These results are used to decompose international differences in gross domestic product per capita into differences in labour utilization, information and communication technology (ICT) and non-ICT capital intensity and multi-factor productivity for seven Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries. We provide Monte Carlo estimates to examine the effects of measurement errors in the base data, and these simulations showed that boundaries for the resulting indicators can be important.
Mind the Gap! International Comparisons of Productivity in Services and Goods Production
Authors: Inklaar Robert , Timmer Marcel P. , Ark Bart van 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn this paper, we make a comparison of industry output, inputs and productivity growth and levels between seven advanced economies (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, United Kingdom and United States). Our industry-level growth accounts make use of input data on labour quantity (hours) and composition (schooling levels), and distinguish between six different types of capital assets (including three information and communication technology (ICT) assets). The comparisons of levels rely on industry-specific purchasing power parities (PPPs) for output and inputs, within a consistent input-output framework for the year 1997. Our results show that differences in productivity growth and levels can be mainly traced to market services, not to goods-producing industries. Part of the strong productivity growth in market services in Anglo-Saxon countries, such as in Australia and Canada, may be related to relatively low productivity levels compared with the United States. In contrast, services productivity levels in continental European countries were on par with the United States in 1997, but growth in Europe was much weaker since then. In terms of factor input use, the United States is very different from all other countries, mostly because of the more intensive use of ICT capital in the United States.
Cloning and functional expression of a new epithelial sodium channel δ subunit isoform differentially expressed in neurons of the human and monkey telencephalon
Authors: Giraldez Teresa , Afonso‐Oramas Domingo , Cruz‐Muros Ignacio , Garcia‐Marin Victor , Pagel Philipp , González‐Hernández Tomás , De La Rosa Diego Alvarez 
Published: May 2007

AbstractEpithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is a member of the ENaC/degenerin family of amiloride‐sensitive, non‐voltage gated sodium ion channels. ENaC α, β and γ subunits are abundantly expressed in epithelial tissues, where they have been well characterized. An ENaC δ subunit has also been described in the human nervous system, although its histological distribution pattern remains unexplored. We have now isolated a novel ENaC δ isoform (δ2) from human brain and studied the expression pattern of both the known (δ1) and the new (δ2) isoforms in the human and monkey telencephalon. ENaC δ2 is produced by a combination of alternative transcription start sites, a frame shift in exon 3 and alternative splicing of exon 4. It forms functional amiloride‐sensitive sodium channels when co‐expressed with ENaC β and γ accessory subunits. Comparison with the classical ENaC channel (αβγ) indicates that the interaction between δ2, β and γ is functionally inefficient. Both ENaC δ isoforms are widely expressed in pyramidal cells of the human and monkey cerebral cortex and in different neuronal populations of telencephalic subcortical nuclei, but double‐labelling experiments demonstrated a low level of co‐localization between isoforms (5–8%), suggesting specific functional roles for each of them.
Implementation and evaluation of an interprofessional education initiative for students in the health professions
Authors: Salvatori Penny S. , Berry Sue C. , Eva Kevin W. 
Published: May 2007

AbstractThis paper reports the results of a 2‐year pilot study that involved 136 students from various health professions in 13 interprofessional education projects in north‐western Ontario, Canada. The educational model was based on principles of problem‐based, self‐directed, small group learning and combined a clinical placement with a series of interprofessional tutorials and other shared learning experiences. Project evaluation entailed the use of both quantitative and qualitative outcome measures. Student ratings revealed a high level of learner satisfaction. There was no change in student perceptions of interprofessional collaboration between pre‐test and post‐test. A difference was observed between professions, with rehabilitation students having more positive perceptions than medical students. Qualitative analysis of student journals revealed four major themes: (i) new insights into interprofessional roles and the potential for collaboration; (ii) increased understanding of aboriginal culture, spirituality and health beliefs; (iii) new insights into healthcare system issues in rural and remote regions; and (iv) reflections on the benefits and challenges to interprofessional learning. Although barriers to implementing interprofessional education exist, the need to overcome them is critical in order to better prepare health professional students for collaborative practice within a changing healthcare system. Lessons learned and strategies for success are discussed.
Epilepsy Surgery in Tuberous Sclerosis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Jansen Floor E. , Van Huffelen Alexander. C. , Algra †§Ale , Van Nieuwenhuizen Onno 
Published: May 2007

Summary: Purpose:Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is often associated with intractable epilepsy. Although epilepsy surgery has gained interest in recent years uncertainties exist about which patients are good surgical candidates. A systematic review of the available literature has been undertaken to assess the overall outcome of epilepsy surgery and identify risk factors of seizure recurrence.Methods:We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and bibliographies of reviews and book chapters to identify articles published in English since 1960. Twenty‐five articles, describing postoperative seizure outcome and type of surgery in 177 TSC patients, were included in this study. Seizure outcome was analyzed both as seizure freedom and good outcome, including patients with >90% seizure reduction.Results:Seizure freedom was achieved in 101 patients (57%). Seizure frequency was improved by > 90% in 32 patients (18%). Moderate or severe intellectual disability (IQ < 70) (RR 1.8; 95% CI 1.2–2.8) and the presence of tonic seizures (RR 1.7; 95 % CI 1.2–2.4) were related to seizure recurrence.Conclusions:A relation between multiple seizures types with early onset, multiple cortical tubers and multifocal epileptogenicity, and poor outcome is not supported by this systematic analysis. Although there is considerable variation among studies reviewed here, the literature suggests that resective surgery may offer benefit in a selected population of TSC patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy.
Beating Heart Mitral Valve Replacement with a Bovine Pericardial Bioprosthesis for Treatment of Mitral Valve Dysplasia in a Bull Terrier
Authors: BEHR LUC , CHETBOUL VALÉRIE , SAMPEDRANO CAROLINA CARLOS , VASSILIKI GOUNI , POUCHELON JEAN‐LOUIS , LABORDE FRANÇOIS , BORENSTEIN NICOLAS 
Published: May 2007

Objectives—To describe an open, beating heart surgical technique and use of a bovine pericardial prosthetic valve for mitral valve replacement (MVR) in the dog.Study Design—Clinical case report.Animals—Male Bull Terrier (17‐month‐old, 26 kg) with mitral valve dysplasia and severe regurgitation.Methods—A bovine pericardial bioprosthesis was used to replace the mitral valve using an open beating heart surgical technique and cardiopulmonary bypass.Results—Successful MVR was achieved using a beating heart technique. Mitral regurgitation resolved and cardiac performances improved (left ventricular end‐diastolic diameter decreased from 57.6 to 48.7 mm, and left atrium/aorta ratio returned to almost normal, from 1.62 to 1.19). Cardiopulmonary by‐pass time and total surgical duration were decreased compared with standard cardioplegic techniques. Surgical recovery was uneventful and on echocardiography 6 months later valve function was excellent.Conclusion—Considering the technique advantages (no cardiac arrest, ischemic reperfusion injury, and hypothermia, or the need for aortic dissection and cannulation for administration of cardioplegic solution), short‐term mortality and morbidity may be reduced compared with standard cardioplegic techniques.Clinical Relevance—Based on experience in this dog, beating heart mitral valvular replacement is a seemingly safe and viable option for the dog and bovine pericardial prosthesis may provide better long‐term survival than mechanical prostheses.
Surgical and Interventional Radiographic Treatment of Dogs with Hepatic Arteriovenous Fistulae
Authors: CHANOIT GUILLAUME , KYLES ANDREW E. , WEISSE CHICK , HARDIE ELIZABETH M. 
Published: May 2007

Objective—To report outcome after surgical and interventional radiographic treatment of hepatic arteriovenous fistulae (HAVF) in dogs.Study Design—Retrospective study.Animals—Dogs (n=20) with HAVF.Methods—Medical records of dogs with HAVF were reviewed. Referring veterinarians and owners were contacted by telephone. History, clinical signs, biochemical and hematologic variables, ultrasonographic and angiographic findings, surgical findings, techniques used to correct the HAVF, survival time, and clinical follow‐up were recorded.Results—Canine HAVF often appeared to be an arteriovenous malformation rather than a single fistula. Multiple extrahepatic portosystemic shunts were identified in 19 dogs. Surgery (lobectomy or ligation of the nutrient artery) and/or interventional radiology (glue embolization of the abnormal arterial vessels) was performed in 17 dogs. Thirteen dogs were treated by surgery alone, 4 dogs by glue embolization alone, and 1 dog by glue embolization and surgery. Three dogs treated by surgery alone died <1 month later, and 3 dogs were subsequently euthanatized or died because of persistent clinical signs. None of the dogs treated by glue embolization died <1month after the procedure and all were alive, without clinical signs, at follow‐up (9–17 months). Overall, 9 of 12 (75%) dogs with long‐term follow‐up required dietary or medical management of clinical signs.Conclusion—HAVF‐related death occurred less frequently after glue embolization than after surgery.Clinical Relevance—Glue embolization may be a good alternative to surgery for treatment of certain canine HAVF.
Structural basis for red cell phenotypic changes in newly identified, naturally occurring subgroup mutants of the human blood group B glycosyltransferase
Authors: Hosseini‐Maaf Bahram , Letts James A. , Persson Mattias , Smart Elizabeth , LePennec Pierre‐Yves , Hustinx Hein , Zhao Zhihon , Palcic Monica M. , Evans Stephen V. , Chester M. Alan , Olsson Martin L. 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: Four amino‐acid‐changing polymorphisms differentiate the blood group A and B alleles. Multiple missense mutations are associated with weak expression of A and B antigens but the structural changes causing subgroups have not been studied.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Individuals or families having serologically weak B antigen on their red cells were studied. Alleles were characterized by sequencing of exons 1 through 7 in the ABO gene. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction, three‐dimensional‐structure molecular modeling, and enzyme kinetics showed the effects of the B allele mutations on the glycosyltransferases.RESULTS: Seven unrelated individuals with weak B phenotypes possessed seven different B alleles, five of which are new and result in substitution of highly conserved amino acids: M189V, I192T, F216I, D262N, and A268T. One of these (F216I) was due to a hybrid allele resulting from recombination between B and O1v alleles. The two other alleles were recently described in other ethnic groups and result in V175M and L232P. The first crystal‐structure determination (A268T) of a subgroup glycosyltransferase and molecular modeling (F216I, D262N, L232P) indicated conformational changes in the enzyme that could explain the diminished enzyme activity. The effect of three mutations could not be visualized since they occur in a disordered loop.CONCLUSION: The genetic background for Bw phenotypes is very heterogeneous but usually arises through seemingly random missense mutations throughout the last ABO exon. The targeted amino acid residues, however, are well conserved during evolution. Based on analysis of the resulting structural changes in the glycosyltransferase, the mutations are likely to disrupt molecular bonds of importance for enzymatic function.
Management and outcome of 200 cases of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Ghevaert Cedric , Campbell Kate , Walton Jill , Smith Graham A. , Allen Dave , Williamson Lorna M. , Ouwehand Willem H. , Ranasinghe Edmund 
Published: May 2007

BACKGROUND: Fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT) is the commonest cause of severe thrombocytopenia in term neonates but its management remains controversial.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 7‐year prospective observational study of 200 cases of FMAIT evaluated the relationship between human platelet antigen (HPA) antibody specificity, clinical presentation, morbidity, mortality, and therapeutic interventions in the antenatal and postnatal period, with long‐term follow‐up of neonates with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).RESULTS: In 1148 referrals for FMAIT, HPA antibodies were confirmed in 200 (17%). The commonest specificities were anti‐HPA‐1a, 150 (75%); anti‐HPA‐5b, 31 (15.5%); and anti‐HPA‐15b, 8 (4%). Of 123 (62%) cases (two sets of twins) with no previous history of FMAIT, intrauterine deaths occurred in 5: anti‐HPA‐1a alone, 3; in combination with anti‐HPA‐5b, 1; and anti‐HPA‐15b, 1. Of the 120 live neonates, 103 had severe thrombocytopenia and 17 (14%) developed ICH (anti‐HPA‐1a, 13; anti‐HPA‐5b, 3; anti‐HPA‐15b, 1). Postnatal care varied widely with 37 percent of neonates receiving random rather than HPA‐1a and ‐5b–negative platelets. Of the remaining 77 cases with a history of FMAIT, 40 received intrauterine transfusions. Six (15%) of these fetuses died in utero and an additional 2 developed ICH postnatally. Of the 19 children with ICH, 1 (anti‐HPA‐15b) died on Day +1, and neurologic sequelae persist in 13 (mean follow‐up, 2.5 years).CONCLUSION: HPA‐1a antibodies are most commonly implicated in severe thrombocytopenia but HPA‐5b and HPA‐15b antibodies can also result in poor outcome. Postnatal transfusion management is extremely variable, and fetal transfusions are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
The Results of Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Supraventricular Tachycardia in Children
Authors: LEE PI‐CHANG , HWANG BETAU , CHEN SHIH‐ANN , TAI CHIN G‐TAI , CHEN YI‐JEN , CHIANG CHERN‐EN , MENG C.C. LAURA 
Published: May 2007

Backgrounds:

Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation represents a major advance in the management of children with cardiac arrhythmias and has rapidly become the standard of care for the first‐ling therapy of supraventricular tachycardias (SVTs). The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of the RF catheter ablation of SVTs in pediatric patients.
Methods:

From December 1989 to August 2005, a total of 228 pediatric patients (age: 9 ± 7 years, range: 5–18 years; male:female = 117:111) with clinically documented SVT underwent an electrophysiologic study and RF catheter ablation at our institution.
Results:

The arrhythmias included atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT; n = 140, 61%), atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT; n = 66, 29%), atrial tachycardia (AT; n = 11, 5%), and atrial flutter (AFL; n = 11, 5%). The success rate of the RF catheter ablation was 92% for AVRT, 97% for AVNRT, 82% for AT, and 91% for AFL, respectively. Procedure‐related complications were infrequent (8.7%; major complications: high grade AV block (2/231, 0.9%); minor complications: first degree AV block (6/231, 2.6%), reversible brachial plexus injury (2/231, 0.9%), and local hematomas or bruises (10/231, 4.3%)). The recurrence rate was 4.7% (10/212) during a follow‐up period of 86 ± 38 months (0.5–185 months).
Conclusions:

The RF catheter ablation was a safe and effective method to manage children with paroxysmal and incessant tachycardia. The substrates of the arrhythmias differed between the pediatric and adult patients. However, the success rate of the ablation, complications, and recurrence during childhood were similar to those of adults.
Acute Myocardial Infarction Without Disrupted Yellow Plaque in Young Patients Below 50 Years Old
Authors: UEDA YASUNORI , OKADA KATSUKI , OGASAWARA NOBUYUKI , OYABU JOTA , HIRAYAMA ATSUSHI , KODAMA KAZUHISA 
Published: May 2007

Objective: Thrombosis caused by disrupted yellow plaque is regarded as a cause of acute myocardial infarction (MI). However, it has not been clarified if young patients have the same pathophysiology as older ones. Therefore, we elucidated clinical and angioscopic characteristics of young patients.
Methods: Among a series of patients (n = 893) who received catheterization for acute MI, clinical characteristics were compared between patients <50 years (n = 66) and the rest of patients. Angioscopic appearance of culprit lesions was evaluated in 20 young patients in whom angioscopic examination was successfully performed. It was determined if culprit lesions had disrupted yellow plaque with thrombus (DYP&T).
Results: Patients <50 years had higher prevalence of smoking (68% vs. 48%, P = 0.001), obesity (42% vs. 15%, P < 0.0001), and hypercholesterolemia (56% vs. 35%, P = 0.0005) than those ≥50 years. DYP&T was detected at culprit lesions in 14 (70%) patients. Prevalence of DYP&T was lower in patients <40 years (44% vs. 91%, P = 0.02) than those between 40 and 50 years. Patients <40 years had a trend for higher prevalence of smoking (88% vs. 62%, P = 0.05) than those between 40 and 50 years.
Conclusions: Patients with acute MI < 50 years, especially <40 years, had lower prevalence of DYP&T but higher prevalence of smoking, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia. Smoking may play an important role for thrombotic occlusion at lesions with relatively low thrombogenic potential.