bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Systemic and renal hemodynamic effects of intra-arterial radiocontrast
Authors: Calzavacca Paolo , Ishikawa Ken , Bailey Michael , May Clive N , Bellomo Rinaldo 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Background
Decreased renal blood flow (RBF) and vasoconstriction are considered major mechanisms of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI). To understand the severity and duration of such putative effects, we measured systemic and renal hemodynamics after intra-arterial radiocontrast administration. The subjects were six Merino ewes. The setting was a university-affiliated research institute. This is a randomized cross-over experimental study.

Methods
Transit-time flow probes were implanted on the pulmonary and left renal arteries 2 weeks before experimentation. We simulated percutaneous coronary intervention by administering five intra-arterial boluses of 0.5 mL/kg saline (control) or radiocontrast (iodixanol) to a total of 2.5 mL/kg over 1 h. Cardiac output (CO), heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP), RBF, renal vascular conductance (RVC), urine output (UO), creatinine clearance (CrCl), and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) were measured.

Results
In the first 8 h after intra-arterial administration of radiocontrast, CO, total peripheral conductance (TPC), and heart rate (HR) increased compared with those after normal saline administration. Thereafter, CO and TPC were similar between the two groups, but HR remained higher with radiocontrast (p < 0.001). After a short (30 min) period of renal vasoconstriction with preserved RBF secondary to an associated increase in MAP, RBF and RVC showed an earlier and greater increase (vasodilatation) with radiocontrast (p < 0.001) and remained higher during the first 2 days. Radiocontrast initially increased urine output (p < 0.001) and FENa (p = 0.003). However, the overall daily urine output decreased in the radiocontrast-treated animals at 2 days (p < 0.001) and 3 days (p = 0.006). Creatinine clearance was not affected.

Conclusions
In healthy animals, intra-arterial radiocontrast increased RBF, induced renal vasodilatation, and caused a delayed period of oliguria. Our findings suggest that sustained reduction in RBF and renal vasoconstriction may not occur in normal large mammals after intra-arterial radiocontrast administration.
Financing Investment: The Choice Between Bonds and Bank Loans
Authors: Morellec Erwan , Valta Philip , Zhdanov Alexei 
Published: December 2014

We build a model of investment and financing decisions to study the choice between bonds and bank loans in a firm’s marginal financing decision and its effects on corporate investment. We show that firms with more growth options, with higher bargaining power in default, operating in more competitive product markets, or facing lower credit supply are more likely to issue bonds. We also demonstrate that, by changing the cost of financing, these characteristics affect the timing of investment. We test these predictions using a sample of U.S. firms and present new evidence that supports our theory. Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2014.2005 . This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
Financial Performance of a Mobile Pyrolysis System Used to Produce Biochar from Sawmill Residues
Authors: Kim Dongyeob , Anderson Nathaniel McLean , Chung Woodam 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Primary wood products manufacturers generate significant amounts of woody biomass residues that can be used as feedstocks for distributed-scale thermochemical conversion systems that produce valuable bioenergy and bioproducts. However, private investment in these technologies is driven primarily by financial performance, which is often unknown for new technologies with limited industrial deployment. In this paper, we use shift-level production data collected during a 25-day field study to characterize the conversion rate and system productivity and costs for a commercially available pyrolysis system co-located at a sawmill, and then evaluate the net present value (NPV) of the operation in light of a cost structure that is realistic for the industry. Baseline costs on a feedstock throughput basis were estimated as $16.41 t−1 for feedstock preparation, $308.14 t−1 for conversion, and $65.99 t−1 for biochar bagging. The NPV estimated for the worst-case scenario of observed productivity and conversion rate was −$536,031 for a 10-year project period, while the best case scenario generated an NPV of $467,353. In general, NPV is highly sensitive to labor costs and biochar price, and less sensitive to fuel cost and interest rate. Results also show clear opportunities for technical and operational improvements that are expected to increase the financial viability of this system.
A Review and Qualitative Evaluation of Southern Yellow Pine in Japanese Housing and Decking Markets
Authors: Sasatani Daisuke , Zhang Daowei 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The current status of southern yellow pine (SYP) lumber use in the Japanese housing and construction markets is reviewed and compared with other Asian markets. We look into the lack of SYP lumber penetration in the Japanese construction markets, approaching the topic from the perspective of regulations, product quality, awareness, and marketing. Finally, the analyses suggest how SYP producers can penetrate the Japanese market and develop increased demand for SYP products.
Evaluation of Allele-Specific PCR and Immunohistochemistry for the Detection of BRAF V600E Mutations in Hairy Cell Leukemia
Authors: Brown Noah A. , Betz Bryan L. , Weigelin Helmut C. , Elenitoba-Johnson Kojo S. J. , Lim Megan S. , Bailey Nathanael G. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Objectives:
Detection of BRAF V600E mutations in hairy cell leukemia (HCL) has important diagnostic utility. In this study, we sought to compare immunohistochemistry with an antibody specific for this mutation to a sensitive molecular assay.

Methods:
The performance of the BRAF V600E–specific VE1 antibody was compared with that of allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 22 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens with HCL involvement, along with nine splenic marginal zone lymphomas (SMZLs), 10 follicular lymphomas (FLs), 10 mantle cell lymphomas (MCLs), and 10 chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphomas (CLL/SLLs). An additional 11 SMZLs, 100 FLs, 20 MCLs, 83 CLL/SLL specimens, and 49 reactive tonsils within tissue microarrays were stained with VE1.

Results:
A BRAF V600E mutation was detected in 17 (77.3%) of 22 HCL cases by PCR. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated VE1 staining in 20 (90.9%) cases, identifying low-level (~1%) involvement in three HCL cases that were mutation negative by PCR. Evaluation of additional material from these patients confirmed the presence of BRAF V600E. Thirty-nine non-HCL cases were negative by both methods. Within tissue microarrays, weak false-positive staining was observed in two (0.8%) of 263 non-HCL cases.

Conclusions:
VE1 immunohistochemistry is more sensitive than allele-specific PCR in FFPE bone marrow specimens and can be applied to decalcified core biopsy specimens that are not appropriate for molecular techniques.
Measurement of Circulating Cell-Free DNA Levels by a Simple Fluorescent Test in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Agassi Ravit , Czeiger David , Shaked Gad , Avriel Avital , Sheynin Jony , Lavrenkov Konstantin , Ariad Samuel , Douvdevani Amos 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Objectives:
To evaluate circulating cell-free DNA (CFD) measured by a simple fluorescent assay as a biomarker of breast cancer.

Methods:
We enrolled 38 patients with breast cancer before surgery, two patients with noncancerous breast lesions, nine patients after surgery, 16 healthy participants, and 29 control women admitted to the hospital emergency ward and released without hospitalization. CFD levels were measured by a direct fluorescence assay.

Results:
Presurgery patients with cancer had elevated CFD levels (1,010 ± 642 ng/mL), which were higher than those measured in the healthy control group (395 ± 248 ng/mL, P &lt; .001), the noncancer breast lesion group (386 ± 40 ng/mL), the nonhospitalized control group (492 ± 193 ng/mL, P &lt; .001), and the postsurgery cancer group (398 ± 162 ng/mL, P &lt; .01). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the presurgery vs healthy patient group was 0.83. CFD levels correlated with tumor size (P = .03, ρ = 0.36), nodal involvement (P = .0003, ρ = 0.56), and TNM stage (P = .0002, ρ = 0.56). All patients with axillary node involvement had a CFD value greater than 600 ng/mL.

Conclusions:
CFD measured using a simple fluorometric assay has shown good correlation to stage and enhanced sensitivity to locally advanced disease. A large prospective study is warranted to evaluate if inclusion of this method as a decisive marker before mammography is advantageous.
Epidermal growth factor/epidermal growth factor receptor signaling axis is a significant regulator of the proteasome expression and activity in colon cancer cells
Authors: Ellina Maria-Ioanna , Bouris Panagiotis , Kletsas Dimitrios , Aletras Alexios J. , Karamanos Nikos K. 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer worldwide. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays a crucial role in the (patho)physiology of the disease. EGFR controls vital cellular processes, while this action is associated with poor prognosis. In addition, K-Ras mutations are associated with the promotion of the disease and the anti-EGFR resistance. The ubiquitin-proteasome system also plays a very important role in cancer, modulating the cell cycle and other cellular processes such as the growth and the survival of cancer cells. Proteasome inhibition affects, in several cases, the action and the protein levels of EGFR. Nevertheless, little is known whether the reversed option is possible. In this study, we therefore investigated the impact of EGF/EGFR signaling axis on gene expression and the proteolytic activity of the proteasome subunits, as well as whether nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), an activator of proteasome expression, plays a role in this process. Moreover, we evaluated whether EGF regulates the expression of its own receptor and the proliferation rate of DLD-1 (K-Ras-mutated) colon cancer cells. The obtained data showed that although EGF has no significant effect on the proliferation of DLD-1 colon cancer cells, it significantly upregulates the expression of EGFR as well as the expression and the activity of the proteasome, suggesting that the EGF-mediated proteasome activation could possibly lead to enhanced EGFR degradation, leading to auto-regulation of EGF-EGFR pathway. Nrf2 activation did not induce proteasome gene expression.
Intergenerational Income Mobility in Taiwan: Evidence from TS2SLS and Structural Quantile Regression
Authors: Kan Kamhon , Li I-Hsin , Wang Ruei-Hua 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
We estimate intergenerational income mobility in Taiwan, employing repeated cross-sectional data. We find that the father–son, father–daughter, mother–son and mother–daughter income elasticities-at-40 are around 0.18, 0.23, 0.50 and 0.54, respectively. Moreover, the mother–child income elasticity increases slightly over children’s birth year, while the father–child elasticity is stable, but we do not find any time trend in elasticities. Since mean-regression results may not be informative in fast growing economies, we estimate relative mobility via structural quantile regression models. The results indicate that parents’ income affects children’s income mainly through the propagation of children’s income shocks, rather than affecting the level directly.
An Analysis of a Standard Reactor Cascade and a Step-Feed Reactor Cascade for Biological Processes Described by Monod Kinetics
Authors: Sidhu Harvinder S. , Nelson Mark Ian , Balakrishnan Easwaran 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
We analyse the steady-state operation of two types of reactor cascade without recycle. The first is a standard reactor cascade in which the feed stream enters into the first reactor. The second is a step-feed reactor cascade in which an equal proportion of the feed stream enters each reactor in the cascade. The reaction is assumed to be a biological process governed by Monod growth kinetics with a decay coefficient for the microorganisms. The steady-states of both models are found for an arbitrary number of reactors and their stability determined as a function of the residence time. We show that in a step-feed reactor cascade the substrate and biomass concentrations leaving the reactor of the cascade are identical to those leaving the first reactor of the cascade. We further show that this result is true for a general specific growth rate of the form μ (S,X). Thus for such processes the non-standard cascade offers no advantage over that of a single reactor. This is surprising because the use of a non-standard cascade has been proposed as a mechanism to improve the biological treatment of wastewater.
Unexpected clinical features in a female patient with proopiomelanocortin (POMC) deficiency
Authors: Özen Samim , Özcan Nurhan , Uçar Sema Kalkan , Gökşen Damla , Darcan Şükran 
Published: December 2014

AbstractLoss of function mutations of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene results in adrenal insufficiency, early-onset hyperphagic obesity, and red hair. However, neuromotor retardation with POMC deficiency has not been reported before.We report a female patient whose initial diagnosis was neurometabolic disease because of motor mental retardation, ataxia, and bilateral hyperintense lesions in the basal ganglia in cranial magnetic resonance imaging, increased lactate-lipid peak in proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. She was consulted due to rapid weight gain, obesity, and episodes of hypoglycemia and homozygous mutation (c.64delA) inSevere motor mental retardation and cranial magnetic resonance imagingpathology in patients with POMC deficiency have not been reported previously in the literature. Bilateral hyperintense lesions in the basal ganglia and the increased lactate-lipid peak was thought to be the result of recurrent hypoglycemia.
Eating behavior, weight problems and eating disorders in 101 long-term survivors of childhood-onset craniopharyngioma
Authors: Hoffmann Anika , Postma Frank P. , Sterkenburg Anthe S. , Gebhardt Ursel , Müller Hermann L. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAs a result of hypothalamic involvement and/or treatment-related hypothalamic damage, up to 75% of childhood craniopharyngioma patients develop hypothalamic obesity.Eating behavior was analyzed in 101 survivors of childhood craniopharyngioma, recruited from 1980 to 2001 in the HIT-Endo multicenter study, and in 85 body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls using the Inventory for Eating Behavior and Weight Problems (IEG) and the Inventory for Eating Disorders (ESI).Severely obese patients (BMI>8 SD; n=9) presented with pathological eating behavior, more weight problems, and eating disorders, as compared to obese (BMI 3–8 SD; n=44) and normal or overweight patients (BMI<3 SD; n=48). Craniopharyngioma patients with different degrees of obesity showed similar or even less pathological findings as compared to BMI-matched normal controls.Severe obesity is associated with pathological eating behavior/disorders in craniopharyngioma patients. As these disorders are not disease-specific, risk factors for hypothalamic obesity should be the focus of further craniopharyngioma research.
Surgery for pediatric craniopharyngiomas: is less more?
Authors: Flitsch Jörg , Aberle Jens , Burkhardt Till 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSurgery for craniopharyngiomas, especially in childhood and adolescence, has evolved from an era of aggressive strategies – with the primary goal of gross total removal and accepting an impaired functional outcome – to a more individually tailored therapy that avoids immediate treatment-related and long-term morbidity. Modern imaging techniques and a wider understanding of hypothalamic risk factors have led to surgical strategies adapted to the localization of these inhomogenously grown pathologies. Whereas purely infradiaphragmatic as well as supradiaphragmatic/infrachiasmatic tumors have a favorably surgical outcome with higher gross total resection rates in experienced hands, lesions within the third ventricle extending beyond the mammillary bodies remain a problem. The same is valid for lesions beyond 3 cm in diameter, more or less independent of their localization. Aside from the traditional microscopic approach via the subfrontal or pterional craniotomy, transsphenoidal approaches and other minimal invasive surgical methods, e.g., catheter implantation into cystic formations of the tumor have become popular. Radiotherapy, with its risks and limitations, can effectively be added to avoid recurrences. Nowadays, surgery as part of an interdisciplinary treatment strategy is still the typical first choice. However, taking the patient’s long-term prognosis into considertaion, the surgical complication rates have to be minimized.
Fetal nasal bone length in the second trimester: comparison between population groups from different ethnic origins
Authors: Papasozomenou Panayiota , Athanasiadis Apostolos P. , Zafrakas Menelaos , Panteris Eleftherios , Loufopoulos Aristoteles , Assimakopoulos Efstratios , Tarlatzis Basil C. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTo compare normal ranges of ultrasonographically measured fetal nasal bone length in the second trimester between different ethnic groups.A prospective, non-interventional study in order to establish normal ranges of fetal nasal bone length in the second trimester in a Greek population was conducted in 1220 singleton fetuses between 18 completed weeks and 23 weeks and 6 days of gestation. A literature search followed in order to identify similar studies in different population groups. Fetal nasal bone length mean values and percentiles from different population groups were compared.Analysis of measurements in the Greek population showed a linear association, i.e., increasing nasal bone length with increasing gestational age from 5.73 mm at 18 weeks to 7.63 mm at 23 weeks. Eleven studies establishing normal ranges of fetal nasal bone length in the second trimester were identified. Comparison of fetal nasal bone length mean values between the 12 population groups showed statistically significant differences (P<0.0001).Normal ranges of fetal nasal bone length in the second trimester vary significantly between different ethnic groups. Hence, distinct ethnic nomograms of fetal nasal bone length in the second trimester should be used in a given population rather than an international model.
Cardiovascular profile score in 44 fetuses with cervicofacial tumors
Authors: Zielinski Rafal , Respondek-Liberska Maria 
Published: December 2014

AbstractCervicofacial tumors are rarely detected by prenatal ultrasound, and prenatal counseling is very difficult as not much information is available about this problem in the literature, other than cases reports.The aim of this study was to know if fetal echocardiography examination is helpful in those cases.Forty-four fetuses with cervicofacial tumors detectedCVPS<8 was diagnosed in 10 fetuses (23%). Structural or functional cardiovascular anomalies were present in 17 fetuses (39%). The statistically significant correlation between the CVPS<8 and the poor outcome was confirmed (P<0.05).We recommend fetal echocardiography and CVPS evaluation before counseling in fetuses with cervicofacial tumors as cardiovascular dysfunction diagnosed prenatally may seriously affect survival of the fetus as well as prenatal counseling and need for cardiac treatment.
Effect of early-age freeze-thaw exposure on the mechanical performance of self-compacting repair mortars
Authors: Yalçınkaya Çağlar , Yazıcı Halit 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Self-compacting repair mortar (SCRM) is a functional material for repair or retrofit applications. Industrial byproducts, such as fly ash (FA) or ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS), can be used to reduce cement dosage and to obtain an eco-friendly material. However, these waste materials may cause durability problems at early ages as a result of curing sensitivity. In this study, the effects of high-volume FA and GGBFS replacement on early-age freeze-thaw (F-T) resistance of SCRM with and without steel microfibers were investigated. The mechanical properties, including fracture energy, were determined after F-T cycles. The fresh state properties and volume stability of the hardened specimens were studied. The results demonstrated that prolonged curing is essential to avoid the loss in mechanical properties due to F-T exposure. SCRM containing high-volume byproducts seem vulnerable to the effect of F-T at early ages, and this negative effect cannot be overcome with steel microfibers.
Exome Sequencing Identifies a Rare HSPG2 Variant Associated with Familial Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Baschal Erin E , Wethey Cambria I , Swindle Kandice , Baschal Robin M , Gowan Katherine , Tang Nelson L S , Alvarado David M , Haller Gabe E , Dobbs Matthew B , Taylor Matthew R G , Gurnett Christina A , Jones Kenneth L , Miller Nancy H 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Idiopathic scoliosis occurs in 3% of individuals and has an unknown etiology. The objective of this study was to identify rare variants that contribute to the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis by using exome sequencing in a multigenerational family with idiopathic scoliosis. Exome sequencing was completed for three members of this multigenerational family with idiopathic scoliosis, resulting in the identification of a variant in the HSPG2 gene as a potential contributor to the phenotype. The HSPG2 gene was sequenced in a separate cohort of 100 unrelated individuals affected with idiopathic scoliosis and also was examined in an independent idiopathic scoliosis population. The exome sequencing and subsequent bioinformatics filtering resulted in 16 potentially damaging and rare coding variants. One of these variants, p.Asn786Ser, is located in the HSPG2 gene. The variant p.Asn786Ser also is overrepresented in a larger cohort of idiopathic scoliosis cases compared with a control population (P = 0.024). Furthermore, we identified additional rare HSPG2 variants that are predicted to be damaging in two independent cohorts of individuals with idiopathic scoliosis. The HSPG2 gene encodes for a ubiquitous multifunctional protein within the extracellular matrix in which loss of function mutation are known to result in a musculoskeletal phenotype in both mouse and humans. Based on these results, we conclude that rare variants in the HSPG2 gene potentially contribute to the idiopathic scoliosis phenotype in a subset of patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Further studies must be completed to confirm the effect of the HSPG2 gene on the idiopathic scoliosis phenotype.