bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ocean tides and the influence of sea‐level rise on floods in urban areas of the Mekong Delta
Authors: Takagi H. , Ty T.V. , Thao N.D. , Esteban M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe present paper investigates fluvial flood hazards in urban areas in the Mekong Delta to inundation due to seasonal flooding, a phenomenon which is likely to be exacerbated by future sea‐level rise. Unlike past researches which mainly focus on flooding due to river discharge from upstream or heavy precipitation, the present paper scrutinises the influence of ocean tides. The research reveals that ocean tides predominantly determine water elevation even in an upstream location such as Can Tho City, 80 km inland from the river mouth, and that the river flow causes tidal damping and effectively reduces the energy of the incoming tides. This tidal damping is especially pronounced during the rainy season. Analysis based on the water levels monitored by the Mekong River Commission revealed that the ground near the riverbank of Can Tho had experienced inundation for a total of 215 h between July 2009 and June 2010 (2.5% of the time over a 1‐year period). Assuming three scenarios of sea‐level rise of 20, 40, and 60 cm, all within the range of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) AR4's projections, it was found that the duration of inundation will be prolonged from the present percentage of 2.5% to 6%, 13%, and 24% of the year, respectively. Furthermore, the field survey carried out by the authors shows that inundation reached up to a height of 47 cm above the roads of Can Tho downtown.
A microscopic evaluation of collagen–bilirubin interactions: in vitro surface phenomenon
Authors: USHARANI N. , JAYAKUMAR G.C. , RAO J.R. , CHANDRASEKARAN B. , NAIR B.U. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryThis study is carried out to understand the morphology variations of collagen I matrices influenced by bilirubin. The characteristics of bilirubin interaction with collagen ascertained using various techniques like XRD, CLSM, fluorescence, SEM and AFM. These techniques are used to understand the distribution, expression and colocalization patterns of collagen–bilirubin complexes. The present investigation mimic the in vivo mechanisms created during the disorder condition like jaundice. Fluorescence technique elucidates the crucial role played by bilirubin deposition and interaction during collagen organization. Influence of bilirubin during collagen fibrillogenesis and banding patterns are clearly visualize using SEM. As a result, collagen–bilirubin complex provides different reconstructed patterns because of the influence of bilirubin concentration. Selectivity, specificity and spatial organization of collagen–bilirubin are determined through AFM imaging. Consequently, it is observed that the morphology and quantity of the bilirubin binding to collagen varied by the concentrations and the adsorption rate in protein solutions. Microscopic studies of collagen–bilirubin interaction confirms that bilirubin influence the fibrillogenesis and alter the rate of collagen organization depending on the bilirubin concentration. This knowledge helps to develop a novel drug to inhibit the interface point of interaction between collagen and bilirubin.
The Market Value of Corporate Votes: Theory and Evidence from Option Prices
Authors: KALAY AVNER , KARAKAŞ OǦUZHAN , PANT SHAGUN 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a new method using option prices to estimate the market value of the shareholder voting rights associated with a stock. The method consists of synthesizing a nonvoting share using put‐call parity, and comparing its price to that of the underlying stock. Empirically, we find this measure of the value of voting rights to be positive and increasing in the time to expiration of synthetic stocks. The measure also increases around special shareholder meetings, periods of hedge fund activism, and M&A events. The method is likely useful in studies of corporate control and also has asset pricing implications.
Refinancing Risk and Cash Holdings
Authors: HARFORD JARRAD , KLASA SANDY , MAXWELL WILLIAM F. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWe find that firms mitigate refinancing risk by increasing their cash holdings and saving cash from cash flows. The maturity of firms’ long‐term debt has shortened markedly, and this shortening explains a large fraction of the increase in cash holdings over time. Consistent with the inference that cash reserves are particularly valuable for firms with refinancing risk, we document that the value of these reserves is higher for such firms and that they mitigate underinvestment problems. Our findings imply that refinancing risk is a key determinant of cash holdings and highlight the interdependence of a firm's financial policy decisions.
The Current Use of Impella 2.5 in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock: Results from the USpella Registry
Authors: O'NEILL WILLIAM W. , SCHREIBER THEODORE , WOHNS DAVID H. W. , RIHAL CHARANJIT , NAIDU SRIHARI S. , CIVITELLO ANDREW B. , DIXON SIMON R. , MASSARO JOSEPH M. , MAINI BRIJESHWAR , OHMAN E. MAGNUS 
Published: December 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the periprocedural characteristics and outcomes of patients supported with Impella 2.5 prior to percutaneous coronary intervention (pre‐PCI) versus those who received it after PCI (post‐PCI) in the setting of cardiogenic shock (CS) complicating an acute myocardial infarction (AMI).BackgroundEarly mechanical circulatory support may improve outcome in the setting of CS complicating an AMI. However, the optimal timing to initiate hemodynamic support has not been well characterized.MethodsData from 154 consecutive patients who underwent PCI and Impella 2.5 support from 38 US hospitals participating in the USpella Registry were included in our study. The primary end‐point was survival to discharge. Secondary end‐points included assessment of patients' hemodynamics and in‐hospital complications. A multivariate regression model was used to identify independent predictors for mortality.ResultsBoth groups were comparable except for diabetes (P = 0.02), peripheral vascular disease (P = 0.008), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.05), and prior stroke (P = 0.04), all of which were more prevalent in the pre‐PCI group. Patients in the pre‐PCI group had more lesions (P = 0.006) and vessels (P = 0.01) treated. These patients had also significantly better survival to discharge compared to patients in the post‐PCI group (65.1% vs.40.7%, P = 0.003). Survival remained favorable for the pre‐PCI group after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Initiation of support prior to PCI with Impella 2.5 was an independent predictor of in‐hospital survival (Odds ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.79, P = 0.01) in multivariate analysis. The incidence of in‐hospital complications included in the secondary end‐point was similar between the 2 groups.ConclusionsThe results of our study suggest that early initiation of hemodynamic support prior to PCI with Impella 2.5 is associated with more complete revascularization and improved survival in the setting of refractory CS complicating an AMI. (J Interven Cardiol 2014;27:1–11)
Osteoarthritis of the hand I: aetiology and pathogenesis, risk factors, investigation and diagnosis
Authors: Leung Garvin J , Rainsford K D , Kean Walter F 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Objective
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hand can be a debilitating condition that hinders an individual's quality of life. With multiple joints within the hand that are commonly affected OA, an individual's ability to use their hand in everyday movements become more limited. The article aims to review literature on the aetiology and pathogenesis of OA, risk factors, characteristics of hand OA and the steps of diagnosis.

Key findings
The aetiology and pathogenesis of OA, in particular hand OA, is not fully understood. However, it is known that several factors play a role. Environmental factors, such as stress from mechanical loading, especially to vulnerable joints predispose individuals to developing OA. Extracellular matrix changes in protein levels have also been noted in individuals with OA. Linked to hand OA development are boney enlargements (Herbeden's and Bouchard's nodes). Several risk factors for OA include: age, obesity, gender, smoking, genetics, diet and occupation. Various diagnostic methods include a combination of using radiographic methods, clinical presentation, a number of developed measurements and scales.

Summary
With OA having several risk factors and various causes and contributing elements, it is important to elucidate the pathogenesis of OA and determine exactly how risk factors play a role in its development. Because of the contributions from several elements, diagnosis is best when it uses multiple methods. In turn, understanding OA and making better diagnoses could lead to improved management of the condition through both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
Effect of different selenium sources on production performance and biochemical parameters of broilers
Authors: Chen G. , Wu J. , Li C. 
Published: December 2013

SummarySelenium (Se) is an essential trace element for animal and human. Supplementation of Se usually in livestock diet has been proved as effective element. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different sources of selenium on growth performance, slaughter performance, immune trait, oxidation resistance, meat quality and selenium content in tissue of broilers to comprehensively evaluate the effect of selenium. A total of 324 1‐day‐old AA broilers were selected and randomly allocated to three treatments of six replicates with 18 broilers each. The trial period was 42 days and was divided into two periods. Our results showed that effect of different sources of selenium on growth performance, slaughter performance, the immune status, drip loss and flesh had not significant difference (p > 0.05); while the activities of serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px), total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD), the abilities to inhibit hydroxyl radical (OH˙) and total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) were significantly higher in selenium yeast than sodium selenite groups, and the contents of MDA of selenium yeast groups were significantly lower than that of sodium selenite. This study demonstrated that the different sources of selenium had no obvious effect on production performance of broilers, but significantly influenced the broiler oxidation resistance.
Effect of different head–neck positions on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse
Authors: Zebisch A. , May A. , Reese S. , Gehlen H. 
Published: December 2013

SummaryDifferent head–neck positions (HNPs) are used in equestrian sports and are regarded as desirable for training and competition by riders, judges and trainers. Even though some studies have been indicative of hyperflexion having negative effects on horses, this unnatural position is frequently used. In the present study, the influence of different HNPs on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse was investigated. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood cortisol levels were measured in 18 horses. Low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) are power components in the frequency domain measurement of HRV which show the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Values were recorded at rest, while riding with a working HNP and while riding with hyperflexion of the horse's head, neck and poll. In addition, rideability and behaviour during the different investigation stages were evaluated by the rider and by an observer. Neither the HR nor the HRV showed a significant difference between working HNP (HR = 105 ± 22/min; LF/HF = 3.89 ± 5.68; LF = 37.28 ± 10.77%) and hyperflexion (HR = 110 ± 18; LF/HF = 1.94 ± 2.21; LF = 38.39 ± 13.01%). Blood cortisol levels revealed a significant increase comparing working HNP (158 ± 60 nm) and hyperflexion (176 ± 64 nm, p = 0.01). The evaluation of rider and observer resulted in clear changes of rideability and behavioural changes for the worse in all parameters collected between a working HNP and hyperflexion. In conclusion, changes of the cortisol blood level as a physical parameter led to the assumption that hyperflexion of head, neck and poll effects a stress reaction in the horse, and observation of the behaviour illustrates adverse effects on the well‐being of horses during hyperflexion.
Cytological and histological correlation in diagnosing feline and canine mediastinal masses
Authors: Pintore L. , Bertazzolo W. , Bonfanti U. , Gelain M. E. , Bottero E. 
Published: December 2013

OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between cytological and histological diagnosis of canine and feline mediastinal masses to assess the utility of cytological examination in accurately diagnosing and classifying mediastinal lesions.METHODSA retrospective review of 58 cases of mediastinal masses from 21 dogs and 37 cats were performed. Histopathology was used as the diagnostic reference standard. The agreement between cytological and histological diagnosis was calculated.RESULTSThe complete agreement between cytological and histological classification ranged from substantial (k = 0 · 72,CI: 0 · 64 to 0 · 80) to almost perfect (k = 0 · 89,CI: 0 · 82 to 0 · 96) depending on how the cytological diagnoses classified as suspicious were used for statistical calculations.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCECytological examination of canine and feline mediastinal masses is a relatively easy, low‐cost procedure, with good agreement with final histological diagnoses.
Phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis in Xanthomonas campestris via a yeast‐like acylation pathway
Authors: Moser Roman , Aktas Meriyem , Narberhaus Franz 
Published: December 2013

SummaryTwo principal phosphatidylcholine (PC) biosynthesis pathways are known in bacteria. S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM)‐dependent phospholipid N‐methyltransferases (Pmt) catalyse the threefold N‐methylation of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) to PC. In an alternative pathway, the PC synthase (Pcs) condenses CDP‐diacylglycerol and choline to produce PC. In this study, we investigated phospholipid biosynthesis in the plant pathogen Xanthomonas campestris that was found to contain significant amounts of monomethylated PE (MMPE) and small amounts of PC. We identified a Pmt enzyme that produces MMPE without methylating it further to PC. Surprisingly, PC production was independent of [14C]‐SAM and [14C]‐choline excluding canonical Pmt or Pcs pathways. Feeding experiments with various choline derivatives revealed a novel, yeast‐like PC synthesis route in Xanthomonas, in which two acyl side‐chains are added to a glycerophosphocholine (GPC) backbone. Two out of 12 tested acyltransferases from Xanthomonas were able to catalyse the second acylation step from lyso‐PC to PC. This first description of GPC‐dependent PC production in bacteria illustrates an unexpected diversity of PC biosynthesis pathways.
Transcriptome analyses suggest a disturbance of iron homeostasis in soybean leaves during white mould disease establishment
Authors: Calla Bernarda , Blahut‐Beatty Laureen , Koziol Lisa , Simmonds Daina H. , Clough Steven J. 
Published: December 2013

SummarySclerotinia sclerotiorum is a serious pathogen of numerous crops around the world. The major virulence factor of this pathogen is oxalic acid (OA). Mutants that cannot produce OA do not cause disease, and plants that express enzymes that degrade OA, such as oxalate oxidase (OxO), are very resistant to S. sclerotiorum. To examine the effect of OA on plants, we infiltrated soybean leaves with 5 mm OA and examined the gene expression changes at 2 h post‐infiltration. By comparing the gene expression levels between leaves of a transgenic soybean carrying an OxO gene (OxO) and its parent AC Colibri (AC) infiltrated with OA (pH 2.4) or water (pH 2.4 or 5.5), we were able to compare the effects of OA dependent or independent of its pH. Gene expression by microarray analysis identified 2390 genes that showed changes in expression, as determined using an overall F‐test P‐value cut‐off of 0.001. The additional requirement that at least one pairwise t‐test false discovery rate (FDR)‐corrected P value should be less than 0.001 reduced the list of the most highly significant differentially expressed genes to 1054. Independent of pH, OA altered the expression levels of 78 genes, with ferritin showing the strongest induction by OA. The combination of OA plus its low pH caused 1045 genes (99% of all significant genes) to be differentially expressed, with many of the up‐regulated genes being related to basal defence, such as genes of the phenylpropanoid pathway and various cytochrome P450s. RNA‐seq was also conducted on four samples: OxO and AC genotypes infiltrated with either OA pH 2.4 or water pH 2.4. The RNA‐seq analysis also identified ferritin paralogues as being strongly induced by OA. As the expression of ferritin, a gene that encodes for an iron storage protein, is induced by free iron, these results suggest that S. sclerotiorum benefits from the ability of OA to free iron from plant proteins, as this induces host cell death, and also allows the uptake and assimilation of the iron for its own metabolic needs.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome subtypes: constipation, diarrhea…and mixed bowel pattern: Tertium datur
Authors: Cremonini F. , Lembo A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe study by Su et al. published in this issue of NGM provides helpful insight into a relatively large, yet understudied, subgroup of IBS known as IBS with mixed bowel pattern (IBS‐M). These investigators found among their 289 IBS subjects who underwent detailed assessment the IBS‐M subtype to be particularly common. Interestingly, prior use of laxatives or antidiarrheal agents was found to potentially explain the mixed bowel pattern in approximately 30% of patients. These IBS‐M patients tended to report more severe IBS symptoms. IBS‐M patients had bowel symptoms more similar to IBS‐D than IBS‐C, particularly with regard to the rectal urgency. Hopefully many more studies will be forthcoming to further our understanding of IBS‐M.
Retracted:IL‐1β‐induced matrix metalloproteinase‐3 regulates cell proliferation in rat dental pulp cells
Authors: Ozeki N , Yamaguchi H , Hiyama T , Kawai R , Nakata K , Mogi M , Nakamura H 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveWe previously reported that matrix metalloproteinase‐3(MMP‐3) accelerates wound healing following dental pulp injury. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that induction of MMP‐3 activity by interleukin‐1β would promote proliferation and apoptosis of dental pulp cells.Materials and MethodsDental pulp cells were isolated from rat incisors and subjected to interleukin‐1β. Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 mRNA and protein expression were assessed using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Matrix metalloproteinase‐3 activity was measured using fluorescence. Dental pulp cell proliferation and apoptosis were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for BrdU and DNA fragmentation, respectively. siRNA was used to reduce MMP‐3 transcripts in these cells.ResultsTreatment with interleukin‐1β increased MMP‐3 mRNA and protein levels as well as its activity in dental pulp cells. Cell proliferation was also markedly increased, with no changes in apoptosis observed. Treatment with siRNA against MMP‐3 potently suppressed this interleukin‐1β‐induced increase in MMP‐3 expression and activity, and also suppressed cell proliferation but unexpectedly increased apoptosis in these cells (P < 0.05). This siRNA‐mediated increase in apoptosis could be reversed with exogenous MMP‐3 stimulation (P < 0.05).ConclusionsInterleukin‐1β induces MMP‐3‐regulated cell proliferation and suppresses apoptosis in dental pulp cells.
Diagnostic evaluation of hypersensitivity reactions to beta‐lactam antibiotics in a large population of children
Authors: Zambonino Maria A. , Corzo Jose Luis , Muñoz Candelaria , Requena Gloria , Ariza Adriana , Mayorga Cristobalina , Urda Antonio , Blanca Miguel , Torres M. J. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionHypersensitivity reactions to beta‐lactams (BLs) are often reported in children, with amoxicillin and, to a lesser extent, cephalosporins being the most frequent drugs involved. Although many of these children are considered to be allergic, a careful evaluation only confirms a low percentage.ObjectivesTo analyse the clinical data, sensitization profile and diagnostic methods used in a large group of children with a clinical history of hypersensitivity reactions to BLs.MethodsThe study included children aged 1–14 yr with symptoms suggestive of hypersensitivity to BLs from January 2006–December 2012. Diagnosis was confirmed from a clinical history, specific IgE determination, skin testing and, if necessary, a drug provocation test (DPT).ResultsOf a total of 783 patients studied, only 62 (7.92%) were confirmed as being allergic, 9 (14.52%) with immediate and 53 (85.48%) with non‐immediate reactions. In those with immediate reactions, 2 (22.22%) were diagnosed by in vitro test, 2 (22.22%) by skin testing and 5 (55.56%) by DPT; in those with non‐immediate reactions, 2 (3.77%) were diagnosed by skin testing and 51 (96.23%) by DPT. In all cases, DPT was positive to the culprit drug (29 AX‐CLV, 26 AX, 1 cefixime and 1 cefaclor), and the most usual symptoms were exanthema in 43 cases, urticaria in 12, urticaria–angio‐oedema in 1 and erythema in 1 case.ConclusionAfter an allergological work‐up, over 90% of the children evaluated were finally confirmed as tolerant to BLs. Most reactions were of the non‐immediate type, and DPT was an essential tool for diagnosis.
Respiratory viral infections in pregnant women with asthma are associated with wheezing in the first 12 months of life
Authors: Murphy Vanessa E. , Mattes Joerg , Powell Heather , Baines Katherine J. , Gibson Peter G. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere are few studies investigating the relationship between respiratory viral infection in pregnancy and asthma in the offspring, and none among mothers with asthma. Infants of mothers with asthma are more likely to wheeze and have a higher risk of developing asthma than infants of non‐asthmatic mothers.MethodsA prospective cohort study of viral infection in pregnancy was conducted between 2007 and 2009, and a subgroup of infants of mothers with asthma was followed up at 6 and 12 months of age. During common colds, nasal and throat swabs were collected from mothers and respiratory viruses detected by polymerase chain reaction. Respiratory health of infants was assessed by parent‐completed questionnaire.ResultsTwelve‐month‐old infants whose mothers had confirmed viral infections in pregnancy (n = 26) reported more frequent wheeze (40% had 4–12 wheeze attacks compared with 0%), sleep disturbed by wheeze (1 night per week or more in 60% vs. 11%), beta agonist treatment for wheeze (27% vs. 0%), prolonged colds (2 wk or longer 31% vs. 0%), more eczema (40% vs. 6.3%), and parent‐perceived asthma (32% vs. 0%), compared with infants whose mothers had common colds without laboratory‐confirmed viral infection (n = 16).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates a relationship between maternal respiratory viral infection in pregnancy and wheezing illness in infants of mothers with asthma. Viral infections are the most common cause of asthma exacerbations in pregnancy, and infants of asthmatic mothers are at increased risk of asthma themselves. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms involved.