bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and genotypes of HEV in Wuhan
Authors: CHEN Yan , TIAN De Ying , XIA Ning Shao 
Published: October 2005

BACKGROUND:  Understanding the genotype and clinical features of the hepatitis E virus (HEV) are important for understanding its characteristics, for evaluating region‐specific diagnostic assays, and producing vaccines.OBJECTIVES:  To investigate the epidemiology and the genotypes of HEV among outpatients and inpatients in the Department of Infectious Diseases of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China.METHODS:  Clinical data were elicited from the hospital records of patients who were clinically diagnosed with acute hepatitis between January 2000 and August 2004 (4920 patients). Of these cases, 120 patients with anti‐HEV‐IgM, IgG‐positive were selected to analysis. Conserved genomic sequences of open reading frame 2 (345 bp) in the HEV gene were detected using polymerase chain reaction, 25 of which were cloned and sequenced. Clustal X and Mega software were used for phylogenetic analysis of genotypes strains.RESULTS:  The HEV infection rate is gradually increasing in Wuhan. The number of male patients was 3.3‐fold greater than the number of female patients found in clinical investigations. People aged 30–59 years are more susceptible to infection, and people are more susceptible in March–June. Twenty‐five isolates shared the same genotype, genotype IV, with 82.61–98.55% nucleotide identity. This genotype had 76.52–81.74%, 70.43–73.04%, 76.52–81.16%, and 84.35–88.70% homology with the nucleotide sequence of HEV genotypes I–IV, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that these 25 isolates represented at least three different subtypes, but there were no significant differences found in the epidemiological features or liver function of patients with the three subtypes.CONCLUSIONS:  HEV sequences isolated from patients in Wuhan belong to different subtypes of HEV genotype IV.
Flaking failure originating from a single surface crack in silicon nitride under rolling contact fatigue
Authors: KIDA K. , SAITO M. , KITAMURA K. 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTFlaking failure caused by surface cracks of silicon nitride ceramic bearings has been investigated from the viewpoint of the ring crack model. However, the relation between surface and subsurface cracks under rolling contact fatigue is not fully understood. In this investigation subsurface cracks branching from an initial surface crack were observed in detail, and the process of flaking failure was investigated. The specimens were observed prior to the separation of the surface layers and it was found that the initial surface cracks grew vertically to the surfaces and did not curve as predicted by the ring crack model. Subsurface cracks branched from the single surface cracks and grew in a direction parallel to the surface. They grew in both the same and the opposite directions to the ball movement, with small upward and downward branches. These subsurface cracks grew prior to the semi‐circular surface cracks. From these observations it was concluded that the flaking failures are not caused directly by the surface cracks, but by the subsurface cracks that branch from them.
A refined CLNA model in fretting fatigue using asymptotic characterization of the contact stress fields
Authors: CIAVARELLA M. , DINI D. 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTUsing the Atzori–Lazzarin criterion, the first author has recently proposed a unified model for fretting fatigue (FF), called the crack‐like notch analogue (CLNA) model. Two possible types of behaviour were suggested: either ‘crack‐like’ or ‘large blunt notch,’ and these are immediately studied in the typical condition of constant normal load and in phase oscillating tangential and bulk loads. The former condition (‘crack‐like’) was treated by approximating the geometry to the perfectly flat one of the crack analogue (CA), improved in some details, reducing all possible geometries to a single contact problem. The latter (‘large blunt notch’), with a simple peak stress condition i.e. a simple notch analogue model. In the present paper, the calculation of the ‘crack‐like’ behaviour is improved using the recent asymptotic characterisation developed by Dini, Hills and Sackfield, which extracts the asymptotic singular stress field of the fretting contact. A significant difference is found in the ‘equivalent’ geometric factor obtained for the Hertzian geometry, particularly near full sliding, where the new criterion is more conservative, but still not large enough to permit to find, for example in Nowell's FF experimental data, if the refinement is an improvement of predictive capabilities. In flatter geometries, the difference is expected to be even smaller than in the case of the Hertzian geometry, and in this case, the original CLNA model, for its simplicity, remains a very convenient simple closed form criterion.
Cigarette smoking is related to a decrease in semen volume in a population of fertile men
Authors: PASQUALOTTO FÁBIO F. , SOBREIRO BERNARDO P. , HALLAK JORGE , PASQUALOTTO ELEONORA B. , LUCON ANTÔNIO M. 
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the semen quality and hormonal levels in fertile men according to their level of cigarette smoking.SUBJECTS AND METHODSWe evaluated 889 fertile men who came for a vasectomy for sterilization purposes. The men included 522 non‐smokers, 143 mild smokers (<10 cigarettes/day), 154 moderate smokers (11–20/day), and 70 heavy smokers (>20/day). We evaluated sperm concentration, motility, motion variables and hormonal levels in these men.RESULTSThere were no significant differences among the groups in sperm concentration or motility, or in levels of follicle‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or serum total testosterone. Also, sperm motion characteristics did not differ across the groups. Semen volume was the only semen variable which tended to decrease according to the number of cigarettes smoked.CONCLUSIONSCigarette smoking had no apparent effect on sperm concentration, motility or reproductive hormonal levels, but tended to reduce semen volume.
L6‐S1 spinal nerve stimulation reduces micturition frequency in anaesthetized rats with cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis
Authors: GIULIANO FRANÇOIS A. , DENYS PIERRE , CHARTIER‐KASTLER EMMANUEL , ALEXANDRE LAURENT , BERNABE JACQUES 
Published: October 2005

OBJECTIVETo further investigate the rationale for using spinal nerve stimulation (SNS) for treating bladder overactivity associated with cystitis in a rat model of cyclophosphamide‐induced cystitis, as several studies suggested that symptoms associated with chronic cystitis could be treated using stimulation of sacral spinal nerves, but the mechanisms by which it works are unknown.MATERIALS AND METHODSCystitis was induced by i.p. injection of cyclophosphamide 48 h before the experiments in anaesthetized male rats. Neurograms were taken by placing a recording electrode onto the pelvic nerve and a stimulating electrode on either the L6 or S1 ipsilateral spinal nerves. Two selected intensities were then evaluated for SNS in control and cyclophosphamide‐treated rats during cystometry.RESULTSCyclophosphamide resulted in significant bladder overactivity. There was no apparent difference in the neurograms generated in response to SNS of the S1 and L6 spinal nerves, and between cyclophosphamide and control rats. Intensities of 200 µA (Aδ‐fibre‐specific) and 2 mA (Aδ+ C‐fibres) were chosen for SNS. Continuous SNS at 200 µA significantly reduced the frequency of voiding and non‐voiding contractions in cyclophosphamide‐treated rats. SNS at 2 mA resulted in the abolition of voiding contractions, accompanied by continuous leakage of urine.CONCLUSIONSNS recruiting only Aδ‐fibre produced fewer voiding contractions in cyclophosphamide‐treated rats, to a level similar to that from the control rats. These results support the ability of SNS to decrease bladder overactivity in a pathophysiological model of chemical irritation of the bladder.
Fast mapping between a phrasal form and meaning
Authors: Casenhiser Devin , Goldberg Adele E. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract This is the first study to investigate experimentally how children come to learn mappings between novel phrasal forms and novel meanings: a central task in learning a language. Two experiments are reported. In both studies 5‐ to 7‐year‐old children watched a short set of video clips depicting objects appearing in various ways. Each scene was described using a novel verb embedded in a novel construction. Children who watched the videos and heard the accompanying description were able to match new descriptions that used the novel construction with new scenes of appearance. Moreover, our results suggest a facilitative effect for the disproportionately high frequency of occurrence of a single verb in a particular construction (such as has been found to exist in naturalistic input to children). While the fast mapping might be taken as an indication of innate knowledge that is specific to language, analogous effects in non‐linguistic categorization tasks suggest that children are acquiring the new phrasal form with general cognitive skills.
Right‐sided cardiac function in healthy volunteers measured by first‐pass radionuclide ventriculography and gated blood‐pool SPECT: comparison with cine MRI
Authors: Kjær Andreas , Lebech Anne‐Mette , Hesse Birger , Petersen Claus Leth 
Published: October 2005

SummaryBackground:  Right ventricular (RV) function is of interest in an array of cardiopulmonary diseases. First‐pass radionuclide ventriculography (FP), gated blood‐pool single photon emission tomography (GBPS) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are three currently used non‐invasive methods for evaluation of right‐sided cardiac function. The aim of our study was to compare the agreement between these methods when measuring right‐sided cardiac function.Methods:  Twenty‐four healthy volunteers were included. Mean age was 44 years (range: 25–60) and 29% were females. All participants had FP, GBPS and breath‐hold cine MRI performed according to standard protocols.Results:  Normal ranges for RV ejection fraction (RVEF) defined as mean ± 2SD were 0·49–0·72, 0·44–0·66 and 0·40–0·69 when measured by MRI, FP and GBPS respectively. Bland–Altman analysis showed a mean difference (bias) between MRI and FP of 0·05 (95% CI: 0·03–0·08) and of 0·06 (95% CI: 0·02–0·10) between MRI and GBPS. No systematic bias was found between FP and GBPS. Normal values for RV end‐diastolic volume index (RVEDVI) were 37–95 and 29–91 ml m−2 when measured by MRI and GBPS respectively. The mean difference between RVEDVI was 6 ml m−2 (95% CI: 0–11).Conclusions:  (i) Normal values of RVEF differ between MRI, FP and GBPS with wide limits of agreement, accordingly it is difficult to evaluate changes over time if measured by different methods, (ii) RV volumes are in the same range when measured by MRI or GBPS but with wide limits of agreement, and (iii) if MRI is considered gold standard then FP is more accurate than GBPS for RVEF measurements.
Modulation of the inflammatory response to histamine by terbutaline and sodium nitroprusside in guinea‐pig skin
Authors: Evilevitch Vladimir , Norrgren Kristina , Greiff Lennart , Wollmer Per 
Published: October 2005

SummaryWe measured the microvascular response (vasodilatation and plasma exudation) to skin prick provocations with histamine, terbutaline, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and the combinations of terbutaline and histamine as well as SNP and histamine in guinea‐pig skin. The response was measured by external detection of beta radiation from transferrin labelled with 113mIn. Histamine induced a moderate microvascular response. Terbutaline alone induced a smaller response, probably reflecting vasodilatation. When added to histamine, terbutaline significantly reduced the microvascular response to histamine. The response to histamine, SNP and the combination of histamine and SNP were all similar. We conclude that the anti‐inflammatory effect of terbutaline can be readily measured with this technique. We found no indication of a pro‐inflammatory effect of SNP when combined with histamine. Rather, the lack of additive effect may suggest an anti‐inflammatory effect of SNP on the response to histamine.
IS THE BOOK‐TO‐MARKET RATIO A MEASURE OF RISK?
Authors: Peterkort Robert F. , Nielsen James F. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractWe develop a leverage‐based alternative to traditional asset pricing models to investigate whether the book‐to‐market ratio acts as a proxy for risk. We argue that the book‐to‐market ratio should act as a proxy because of the expected relations between (1) financial risk and measures of capital structure based on the market value of equity and (2) asset risk and measures of capital structure based on the book value of equity. We find no relation between average stock returns and the book‐to‐market ratio in all‐equity firms after controlling for firm size, and an inverse relation between average stock returns and the book‐to‐market ratio in firms with a negative book value of equity.
DO FOREIGN INVESTORS PRICE FOREIGN EXCHANGE RISK DIFFERENTLY?
Authors: Kwon Taek Ho , Bae Sung C. , Chung Jay M. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractWe test whether foreign investors price foreign exchange risk differently from local investors. Drawing from the closed‐end country fund literature, we argue that both differential access to information by foreign versus local investors and different sources of exchange risk that investors face (economic or translation exposure) will lead to different pricing of the exchange risk associated with American Depositary Receipt (ADR) investments. We apply a two‐step method to country portfolios of ADRs of Australia, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Our results show that foreign investors generally price exchange risk differently from local investors, and that the source and magnitude of differences in exchange risk pricing vary significantly across countries. Although significant differences in pricing exchange risk between foreign and local investors are observed for Australia, France, and Japan, no such pricing difference is noticed for the United Kingdom. Furthermore, the pricing differences observed for Australian and French ADRs are mainly attributed to the exchange risk of underlying share returns (economic exposure), whereas the pricing differences for Japanese ADRs are mainly attributed to the exchange risk associated with currency translation (translation exposure). We offer some explanations for our findings.
B‐Type Natriuretic Peptide Is Associated with Mortality in Older Functionally Impaired Patients
Authors: Witham Miles D. , Gillespie Neil D. , Hutcheon Stuart D. , Struthers Allan D. , McMurdo Marion E. T. 
Published: October 2005

Objectives: To determine the predictive power of B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) regarding death in older, functionally impaired patients with multiple comorbidity.Design: Prospective cohort study.Setting: Specialist geriatric assessment clinic and day hospital.Participants: Two hundred ninety‐nine older, functionally impaired patients, mean age 79 at enrollment.Measurements: Full clinical history and examination, baseline BNP, and echocardiography. Date and cause of death were ascertained from Scottish death records. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were constructed for quartiles of log (BNP), and the contribution of BNP to prediction of death was investigated.Results: The follow‐up period ranged from 3.9 to 5.2 years (mean 4.4 years). BNP was a powerful independent predictor of all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality. BNP was a more powerful predictor than blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, smoking, echocardiographic left ventricular hypertrophy, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or age. BNP predicted death in those with and without a previous cardiovascular event at baseline.Conclusion: BNP has significant predictive power for death in older, functionally impaired patients.
Prognostic Factors in Treating Antebrachial Growth Deformities with a Lengthening Procedure Using a Circular External Skeletal Fixation System in Dogs
Authors: Theyse Lars F.H. , Voorhout George , Hazewinkel Herman A.W. 
Published: October 2005

Objective—To evaluate treatment of antebrachial growth deformities (AGD) with a lengthening procedure using a circular external skeletal fixation (CESF) system and to determine prognostic factors.Study Design—Prospective clinical study.Animals—Thirty‐four dogs with unilateral AGD.Methods—Length deficits, angular and rotational deformities, elbow incongruity (EI), osteoarthritis (OA) of the elbow and carpal joint, function, and cosmesis were determined before and after a CESF lengthening procedure.Results—On admission, EI (21 dogs; 62%), OA of the elbow joint (17 dogs; 50%), carpal OA (12 dogs; 35%), and concomitant elbow and carpal OA (5 dogs; 7%) were common findings. Treatment significantly improved function (normal, 20 dogs; 60%) and cosmesis (normal, 22 dogs; 65%). Angular and rotational deformities were almost completely corrected with small remaining length deficits. Elbow and carpal OA increased significantly during the follow‐up period. Significant correlations were demonstrated between initial elbow OA and final function (R=0.42,P=.02), initial function and final function (R=0.41,P=.02), and initial ulnar and radial deficit and final cosmesis (R=0.58,P=.0001 and R=0.45,P=.008).Conclusions—Treatment of AGD by a CESF lengthening procedure was successful despite small remaining length deficits. Initial elbow OA, function, and ulnar and radial length deficits are prognostic factors in the treatment of AGD.Clinical Relevance—Initial elbow OA and initial function are prognostic factors in predicting the functional outcome of treatment of AGD with a CESF lengthening procedure in the dog.
A Modified Lateral Approach to the Canine Cervical Spine: Procedural Description and Clinical Application in 16 Dogs with Lateralized Compressive Myelopathy or Radiculopathy
Authors: Rossmeisl John H. , Lanz Otto I. , Inzana Karen D. , Bergman Robert L. 
Published: October 2005

Objective— To describe a modified lateral surgical approach to the cervical spine in dogs and evaluate clinical outcomes of dogs with neurologic disorders treated with this technique.Study Design— Retrospective study.Sample Population— Sixteen dogs with lesions involving the cervical spine.Methods— Medical records (1998–2002) of dogs that had a modified lateral approach to the cervical spine were reviewed. To reduce procedural morbidity, the surgical approach was modified from original descriptions of the technique by minimizing disruption of epaxial and extrinsic thoracic limb musculature and limiting the size of the operative field to the affected vertebral segment. Signalment, neurologic status on admission; onset, progression, and duration of clinical signs; diagnostic testing, etiologic diagnosis, surgical site(s), intra‐ and postoperative complications, hospitalization, time to optimum recovery, neurologic status at discharge, final neurologic status, and outcome were recorded. Neurologic status (0–5) was scored preoperatively, 1 day postoperatively, at discharge, and at recheck examination (8 dogs). Telephone interviews were used to obtain additional follow‐up information.Results— None of the dogs had postoperative deterioration in neurologic status. Outcomes were good or excellent in dogs with intervertebral disc disease, 3/4 dogs with caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, 1/2 dogs with spinal neoplasia, and in 1 dog with the vascular anomaly; long‐term outcomes were unknown in 2 dogs. Intraoperative complications occurred in 3 dogs and included controllable venous plexus hemorrhage (2) and incorrect lesion localization (1). One dog was euthanatized because of postoperative complications. Hospitalization, time to optimal recovery, and overall outcome were not different from previously reported results using other surgical approaches to treat analogous neurologic conditions.Conclusions— A modified lateral approach to the cervical spine is viable for surgical treatment of cervical myelopathic or radiculopathic lesions when exposure to foraminal and lateralized lesions of the vertebral canal involving the C2–C7 vertebral articulations is desirable.Clinical Relevance— A modified lateral approach to the cervical spine can be successfully used in dogs of all sizes to treat caudal cervical spondylomyelopathy, other anomalous conditions of the cervical spine, intervertebral disc disease, and spinal neoplasms. Although long‐term follow‐up was not available for all patients, outcomes were generally favorable.
Measurement of Angles of Abduction for Diagnosis of Shoulder Instability in Dogs Using Goniometry and Digital Image Analysis
Authors: Cook James L. , Renfro Daniel C. , Tomlinson James L. , Sorensen Jill E. 
Published: October 2005

Objective— To compare abduction angles of shoulders with medial instability and unaffected shoulders in the same dogs and in age‐ and breed‐matched dogs.Study Design— Case–control study.Animals— Dogs with medial instability of the shoulder (n=33) and 26 control dogs.Methods— Dogs were sedated and positioned in lateral recumbency with both scapulas parallel to the table. With the elbow and shoulder in extension, the non‐recumbent limb was maximally abducted and the angle between the scapular spine and lateral aspect of the brachium measured with a goniometer; a digital image was taken from the cranial aspect. Both techniques were performed in triplicate by 2 examiners. Mean abduction angles for each shoulder were determined from goniometric measurements and image analysis. Data were analyzed for significant differences between affected and unaffected shoulders, measurement techniques, and examiners. Strength of correlation between measurement techniques was determined.Results— Mean abduction angles for shoulders with instability (53.7±4.7° goniometric, 51.2±4.9° image) were significantly (P<.001) larger than for all unaffected shoulders (32.6±2.0° goniometric, 30.9±2.3° image). In dogs diagnosed with instability, affected shoulders had significantly (P<.001) larger abduction angles than the contralateral (unaffected) shoulders. No significant differences were identified between right and left shoulders for control dogs, measurement techniques, or examiners. A strong (r=0.90) significant (P<.001) positive correlation between measurement techniques was noted.Conclusions— Shoulder abduction angles measured under sedation provide objective data for diagnosis of shoulder instability in dogs. Shoulders with clinical and arthroscopic evidence of medial instability have significantly higher abduction angles than shoulders that are considered normal.Clinical Relevance— Determination of shoulder abduction angles should be included in the diagnostic protocol for forelimb lameness assessment in dogs.