bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Did Government Regulations Lead to Inflated Credit Ratings?
Authors: Behr Patrick , Kisgen Darren J. , Taillard Jérôme P. 
Published: December 2016

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations in 1975 gave select rating agencies increased market power by increasing both barriers to entry and the reliance on ratings for regulations. We test whether these regulations led to ratings inflation. We find that defaults and negative financial changes are more likely for firms given the same rating if the rating was assigned after the SEC action. Furthermore, firms initially rated Baa in the post-regulation period are 19% more likely to be negatively downgraded to speculative grade than firms rated Baa in the pre-regulation period. These results indicate that the market power derived from the SEC led to ratings inflation. This paper was accepted by Amit Seru, finance.
Structuring of bioactive glass surfaces at the micrometer scale by direct casting intended to influence cell response
Authors: Pföss Barbara , Höner Miriam , Wirth Monika , Bührig-Polaczek Andreas , Fischer Horst , Conradt Reinhard 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDefect-free bioactive glass surfaces with a grooved microstructure at the low micrometer scale were achieved by a mold casting process. The process was applied to the well-known glass compositions 45S5 and 13–93. Such microstructured surfaces may exhibit especially favorable conditions for bone cell orientation and growth. The aim of the study was to assess the parameter range for a successful casting process and thus to produce samples suitable to investigate the interaction between structured surfaces and relevant cells. Viscous flow in its temperature dependence and thermal analysis were analyzed to identify a suitable process window and to design a manageable time-temperature process scheme. Counteracting effects such as formation of chill ripples, mold sticking and build-up of permanent thermal stress in the glass had to be overcome. A platinum gold alloy was chosen as mold material with the mold surface bearing the mother shape of the microstructure to be imprinted on the glass surface. First experiments studying the behavior of osteoblast-like cells, seeded on these microstructured glass surfaces revealed excellent viability and an orientation of the cells along the microgrooves. The presented results show that direct casting is a suitable process to produce defined microstructures on bioactive glass surfaces.
Central Obesity, Inflammation and Angiogenesis in Adult Men
Authors: Sartika Cynthia R , Wijaya Andi , Lukito Widjaja , As’ad Suryani 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObesity is known to link with low-grade inflammation. Experimental studies revealed that inflammation was associated with angiogenesis process in adipose tissue. We investigate the correlation between inflammation and angiogenesis in Indonesian adult men with central obesity. A cross-sectional study was undertaken on 161 healthy Indonesian adult men (age: 23-53 y, waist circumference: 64-125 cm). Clinical parameters; biochemical markers; anthropometric parameters (weight, height and abdominal circumference); inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and its soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-2 (sTNFR-2), interleukin (IL)-1β); and biomarkers of angiogenesis (leptin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin (Ang)-1 and Ang-2 were measured. Obese II, Obese I subjects had higher concentrations of fasting blood glucose and triglycerides (P<0.005) than those Non-obese subjects. Obese II subjects had higher concentrations of hsCRP (P<0.05) than obese I subjects; and obese I subjects had higher concentration of hsCRP (P<0.05) than Non-obese subjects. sTNFR-2 correlated positively with leptin and Ang-2 (rs = 0.376, P< 0.001 and rs = 0.281, P = 0.003, respectively) and negatively with Ang-1 in obese subjects. High concentration of sTNFR-2 also correlated with increased concentrations of leptin, VEGF and Ang-2 in all subjects (P= 0.001, P= 0.033, and P= 0.005, respectively). In obese subjects, high concentration of sTNFR-2 had correlated with increased leptin and Ang-2, and decreased Ang-1 (7.4 %, 10.9% and 9.2%, respectively). This study was able to demonstrate the relations between inflammation and angiogenesis in Indonesian adult men with central obesity. Findings of this study suggest that inflammation and angiogenesis were mutually supportive processes contribute to systemic low grade inflammation in central obesity.
Joining three car body steel sheets by clinching
method
Authors: Kaščák Ľuboš , Spišák Emil , Majerníková Jana 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The optimization of a car body in terms of cost
can be achieved by using different materials in various
positions of the car in order to utilize specific properties
of each different material. Resistance spot welding is the
most used method of joining in car body production, but it
is not always easy or even possible to join some combination
of materials by this method. Clinching is an alternative
method to spot welding, as a combination of drawing
and forming. The research is focused on the evaluation of
clinched joints’ properties using shearing test and metallographic
observation of material structure.
The Competitiveness of Business Groups and Their Affiliates in International Operations
Authors: Bugador Roderick Caballero 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The discourse on the competitiveness of emerging economy firms continues with globalization.
This paper joins the dialogue by providing a framework of the competitiveness of business groups
and their affiliates in international operations. The goal is to address the vast literature on emerging
economies that remains short in providing the theoretical background on the competitiveness of emerging
and transitioning economy firms. To do this, this study used a critical review and analysis of the literature.
It offers some propositions to illustrate the applicability of the framework in analyzing
the international expansion of business group affiliates across borders. Ultimately, the paper contributes
to the literature on managerial capabilities and competitiveness of firms to sustain their operations
as the new emerging economy multinationals.
Continuous renal replacement therapy allows higher colistin dosing without increasing toxicity
Authors: Honore Patrick M. , Jacobs Rita , Joannes-Boyau Olivier , Boer Willem , De Waele Elisabeth , Van Gorp Viola , Spapen Herbert D. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Polymyxins are ‘‘old’’ antimicrobials which were abandoned for almost 30 years because of significant renal and neurological toxicity. However, the alarming rise of multi-resistant Gramnegative bacterial infections worldwide has revived interest in these ‘‘forgotten’’ agents. Colistin (polymyxin E) is one of the main antibiotics of this class. It is most often administered as the pro-drug colistimethate sodium. Doses for treatment of systemic infections in adults range between 3 and 9 million IU per day. Colistin is increasingly used for treatment of pneumonia and bacteremia in critically ill patients. During their ICU stay, many of these subjects will need continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) because of acute kidney injury or an unstable hemodynamic condition. Based on recent pharmacological data and own experience, we postulate that patients undergoing CRRT may receive substantially higher doses of colistin (i.e., a high loading dose, followed by a maintenance dose up to 4.5 million IU tid). Treatment can be continued for a prolonged time period without increasing toxicity. CRRT counteracts colistin accumulation because the drug is continuously filtered and also significantly adsorbed in the bulk of the dialysis membrane. Implementing such ‘‘CRRT rescue’’ therapy does require the strict use of highly adsorptive dialysis membranes in association with citrate anticoagulation to increase membrane performance.
Podocyturia: What is in a name?
Authors: Trimarchi Hernán 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The podocyte is a highly differentiated cell located in the outer space of the glomerular basement
membrane that deals with many different functions. This phylogenetically preserved cell that is
responsible for the virtually absence of proteins in the urine lacks of the capacity to divide under
normal conditions. When podocytes receive molecular insults, which normally occur during stress
conditions as glomerulonephritis, hyperfiltration or metabolic disturbances, they adapt to the new
situation by contracting their actin fibers. This adaptive behavior puts at risk the quality of the
plasmatic filtration due to the denudation of the glomerular basement membrane, the potential
mesangial inflammation and the appearance of proteinuria; podocytes run the risk of detachment
from the basement membrane due to a decrease in the adherence to the surrounding matrix
after contraction, a process called foot processes effacement. Podocytes change their shape
and under constant mechanical stress they finally detach, rendering the glomerular basement
membrane unprotected unless other contiguous podocytes are capable of covering the surface.
However, these still anchored podocytes are generally also under the same stress situation and
follow the same pathway. Podocyturia refers to the presence of these differentiated cells in the
urinary sediment. Noteworthy, the podocytes that are encountered in the urine are viable despite
the glomerular hostile environment and the urinary acidity. Podocyturia can precede proteinuria
and can aggravate it. Therefore, in diseases that can threaten the glomerular normal environment,
the presence and the quantification of urinary podocytes can be of remarkable relevance, as
it can herald or accompany the appearance of proteinuria, and could offer another view to the
interpretation and clinical approach and outcome of proteinuria. However, its identification needs
a wide-spread training among biochemists and technicians, as well as commercially available kits.
Megaloblastic anemia: A common but
often neglected cause of pyrexia of
unknown origin
Authors: Siddiqui Bushra , Rabindranath Divya , Faridi Shahbaz Habib , Khan Azka Anees , Haiyat Sadaf , Eswaran Rabindranath 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Objective: The objective was to study megaloblastic anemia as a cause of pyrexia of unknown
origin (PUO). Materials and Methods: We conducted a study on 15 patients of megaloblastic
anemia associated with fever, attending our hospital clinics over a period of 6 months. Results:
While 11 patients had symptoms suggesting foci of infection and responded well to intravenous
antibiotics, 4 patients had neither any evidence of infection nor responded with empirical
broad spectrum antibiotic treatment. They were treated with vitamin B12/folate therapy which
led to marked improvement in fever within 48 h. Presenting complaints of the patients and
severity/duration of fever along with other epidemiological data were also studied in each case.
Conclusion: The present study led us to conclude that megaloblastic anemia forms an important
and reversible cause of fever and should be ruled out in all patients presenting with PUO. This
knowledge would help the physicians in adequate and timely management of these patients.
Ascorbic acid improves renal microcirculatory oxygenation in a rat model of renal I/R injury
Authors: Ergin Bulent , Zuurbier Coert J. , Bezemer Rick , Kandil Asli , Almac Emre , Demirci Cihan , Ince Can 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Background and objectives: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical condition associated with a degree of morbidity and mortality despite supportive care, and ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) is one of the main causes of AKI. The pathophysiology of I/R injury is a complex cascade of events including the release of free oxygen radicals followed by damage to proteins, lipids, mitochondria, and deranged tissue oxygenation. In this study, we investigated whether the antioxidant ascorbic acid would be able to largely prevent oxidative stress and consequently, reduce I/R-related injury to the kidneys in terms of oxygenation, inflammation, and renal failure. Materials and methods: Rats were divided into three groups (n = 6/group): (1) a time control group; (2) a group subjected to renal ischemia for 60 min by high aortic occlusion followed by 2 h of reperfusion (I/R); and (3) a group subjected to I/R and treated with an i.v. 100 mg/kg bolus ascorbic acid 15 min before ischemia and continuous infusion of 50 mg/kg/hour for 2 h during reperfusion (I/R + AA). We measured renal tissue oxidative stress, microvascular oxygenation, renal oxygen delivery and consumption, and renal expression of inflammatory and injury markers. Results: We demonstrated that aortic clamping and release resulted in increased oxidative stress and inflammation that was associated with a significant fall in systemic and renal hemodynamics and oxygenation parameters. The treatment of ascorbic acid completely abrogated oxidative stress and inflammatory parameters. However, it only partly improved microcirculatory oxygenation and was without any effect on anuria. Conclusion: The ascorbic acid treatment partly improves microcirculatory oxygenation and prevents oxidative stress without restoring urine output in a severe I/R model of AKI.
Clinical characteristics of tobacco smoke-induced versus biomass fuelinduced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Cheng Lin-ling , Liu Ya-ya , Su Zhu-quan , Liu Jun , Chen Rong-chang , Ran Pi-xin 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Objective: To investigate differences in clinical features between tobacco smoke-induced and biomass fuel-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 206 patients with COPD caused by exposure to tobacco smoke and 81 cases of COPD caused by exposure to biomass fuels who received treatment in our hospital between 2011 March and 2014 March. Difference in general health status, clinical symptoms, the dyspnea score, and comorbidities between the two groups were compared. In addition, pulmonary function, grading, and acute exacerbations were also compared.
Results: (1) Difference in general health status: Male and female patients with COPD caused by exposure to tobacco smoke were 83.5 and 16.5%, respectively. Male and female patients with COPD caused by exposure to smoke from biomass fuels were 14.8 and 85.2% (χ2 = 27.2, P < 0.05), respectively. Tobacco smoke-induced COPD was more prevalent in men, and COPD caused by exposure to smoke from biomass fuels was more prevalent in women. After gender adjustment, body mass index (BMI) was lower in women with COPD caused by exposure to smoke from biomass fuels than those by tobacco smoke. There was no statistically significant difference in other indicators, such as age. (2): Difference in clinical symptoms: No statistically significant difference in the modified British Medical Research Counsel (mMRC) Questionnaire, a measure of breathlessness, was observed between the two groups. Dyspnea was more common in COPD patients that was caused by exposure to biomass fuels (38.3%) than by tobacco smoke (11.1%) (χ2 = 17.9, P < 0.05). The comorbidities of allergic diseases (such as allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma) were more prevalent in COPD patients that was caused by exposure to smoke from biomass fuels (43.2%) than by tobacco smoke (18%) (χ2= 16.1, P < 0.05). However, COPD comorbid with lung cancer was more prevalent in those cases that were caused by exposure to tobacco smoke (7.77%) than in cases caused by exposure to smoke from biomass fuels (3.7%) (χ2 = 9.7, P < 0.05). (3) Differences in grading of pulmonary function: After gender adjustment, patients with COPD caused by exposure to biomass fuels were mostly in grade B or D. (4) Exacerbations: No significant difference in exacerbations per year was noted between the two groups.
Conclusions: Marked differences exist between patients with COPD caused by exposure to tobacco smoke and smoke from biomass fuels. Patients with COPD caused by exposure to biofuels are mostly females with lower BMI and often with many clinical symptoms and complications, such as allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Such patients are often in stage B or D. Tobacco smoke-induced COPD is more prevalent in male patients, often with complications in the form of lung cancer.
Clinical significance of airway mucus hypersecretion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Tian Pan-wen , Wen Fu-qiang 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Airway mucus hypersecretion is one of the most important features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Airway mucus hypersecretion in COPD patients results in outcomes such as rapid decline of lung function, poor quality of life, and high rate of acute exacerbation, hospitalization and mortality. Nonpharmacologic treatments for airway mucus hypersecretion in COPD include smoking cessation and physical rehabilitation. Pharmacologic therapies include expectorants, mucolytics, methylxanthines, beta-adrenergic receptor agonists, anticholinergics, glucocorticoids, phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors, antioxidants, and antibiotics. Novel drugs with promising prospects are currently under clinical trials.
Seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus infection among tuberculosis patients at tertiary care combined hospital
Authors: Basavareddy Rakesh , Basavareddy Asha , Ravi Shimoga Laxman , Kiran Bilagumba Ramu , Srikant Gadwalkar R. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Background and Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have reached epidemic proportions in our country. This study was undertaken to know the seroprevalence of HIV infection among TB patients and to evaluate the various clinical features of TB in seropositive and seronegative patients. This study was undertaken in Vijayanagara Institute of Medical Sciences, Bellary. It was cross-sectional comparative observational study conducted from December 2010 to May 2012. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 consecutive patients diagnosed with TB satisfying inclusion criteria were selected for the study. All patients went through a detailed evaluation along with testing for HIV seroprevalence. Chi-square and Student’s t-tests used to find the significance between two groups. Results: The overall HIV seroprevalence among TB patients was 8%. Seroprevalence was highest in the age group between 31 and 40 years at 29.41% (odds ratio [OR] = 11.11, P = 0.003). It was found that seropositive TB patients were more likely to present with significant weight loss (OR = 19.25, P= 0.000), and have lymphadenopathy OR = 13.24, P = 0.002) and oral candidiasis (OR = 49.44, P = 0.000) on examination. Bilateral chest radiographic involvement (OR = 57.40, P = 0.000) and the disseminated variety of the disease (OR = 29.67, P = 0.001) are also more probable. Conclusions: Human immunodeficiency virus seroprevalence is quite high among TB patients in Bellary. During the evaluation of TB patients, the possibility of HIV co-infection should be kept in mind, and thus adequate knowledge of the likely clinical features is absolutely necessary.
Viral hepatitis in hemodialysis: An update
Authors: Bernieh Bassam 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Hepatitis outbreaks in hemodialysis (HD) patients and staff were reported in the late 1960s, and a number of hepatotropic viruses transmitted by blood and other body fluids have been identified. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was the first significant hepatotropic virus to be identified in HD centers. HBV infection has been effectively controlled by active vaccination, screening of blood donors, the use of erythropoietin and segregation of HBV carriers. Hepatitis delta virus is a defective virus that can only infect HBV-positive individuals. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most significant cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis and is mainly transmitted by blood transfusion. The introduction in 1990 of routine screening of blood donors for HCV contributed significantly to the control of HCV transmission. An effective HCV vaccine remains an unsolved challenge; however, pegylation of interferon-alfa has made it possible to treat HCV-positive dialysis patients. Unexplained sporadic outbreaks of hepatitis by the mid-1990s prompted the discovery of hepatitis G virus, hepatitis GB virus C and the TT virus. The vigilant observation of guidelines on universal precaution and regular virologic testing are the cornerstones of the effective control of chronic hepatitis in the setting of HD. Major recent advances in the viral diagnosis technology and the development of new oral, direct-acting antiviral agents allow early diagnosis and better therapeutic response. The current update will review the recent developments, controversies and new treatment of viral hepatitis in HD patients.
Increased breathing resistance compromises the time course of rhythmical forearm movements—a pilot study
Authors: Tabary Ariane , Rassler Beate 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a major problem among the co-morbidities associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, muscle weakness and increased fatigability are not the only limitations of skeletal muscle function. Motor–respiratory coordination (MRC) may occur even during movements at lowest workloads. MRC modifies the temporal pattern of motor actions, thus probably impairing motor performance and movement precision. Little attention has been paid to the question of whether motor functions may be compromised in COPD patients independent of workload and required muscle strength and endurance. The present pilot study was designed to investigate the effects of a simulated obstruction (SO) in healthy subjects on their breathing pattern and the timing of a rhythmical forearm movement.

Methods: Twenty-one subjects performed flexion–extension movements with their right forearm at a self-chosen rate within a range between 0.2 and 0.4 Hz. After a control experiment with normal breathing, a plug with a narrow hole was inserted between face mask and pneumotachograph to simulate obstruction. Subjects were required to repeat the rhythmical forearm movement at the same rate as in the control experiment.

Results: The condition of SO significantly prolonged breath duration but reduced tidal volume and ventilation. In addition, period duration of the forearm movement increased significantly under this condition while the movement-to-breathing frequency ratio remained almost constant. Increased breathing resistance was considered to cause prolonged breath duration accompanied by an increase in movement period duration. The constant near-integer ratio between movement and breathing rates indicates that the change in movement period duration resulted from MRC.

Conclusions: The findings of this pilot study demonstrate that increased breathing resistance may compromise motor performance even at lower workloads. This means that in COPD patients, not only muscle strength and endurance are reduced but, moreover, fine motor skills may be impaired. This aspect has particular importance for many everyday activities as reduced fine motor performance substantially contributes to a progressive inability of the patients to manage their daily life.
Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: History and progress
Authors: Hou Gang 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Emphysema is one of the pathological manifestations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which leads to lung hyperinflation, decreased activity of the diaphragm, decreased compliance of the lung, and difficulties in gas exchange. The clinical effect of pharmacological treatment for patients with severe emphysema is limited. In recent years, the emergence of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction (BLVR) has opened up the possibility for the management of COPD with severe emphysema. The article aims to summarize the development, procedure, and methodology of BLVR as well as its clinical efficacy.