bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of multi-criteria decision analysis in regulatory alternatives analysis: A case study of lead free solder
Authors: Malloy Timothy F , Sinsheimer Peter J , Blake Ann , Linkov Igor 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Regulators are implementing new programs that require manufacturers of products containing certain chemicals of concern to identify, evaluate, and adopt viable, safer alternatives. Such programs raise the difficult question for policymakers and regulated businesses of which alternatives are “viable” and “safer.” To address that question, these programs use “alternatives analysis,” an emerging methodology that integrates issues of human health and environmental effects with technical feasibility and economic impact. Despite the central role that alternatives analysis plays in these programs, the methodology itself is neither well-developed nor tailored to application in regulatory settings. This study uses the case of Pb-based bar solder and its non-Pb-based alternatives to examine the application of 2 multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) methods to alternatives analysis: multi-attribute utility analysis and outranking. The article develops and evaluates an alternatives analysis methodology and supporting decision-analysis software for use in a regulatory context, using weighting of the relevant decision criteria generated from a stakeholder elicitation process. The analysis produced complete rankings of the alternatives, including identification of the relative contribution to the ranking of each of the highest level decision criteria such as human health impacts, technical feasibility, and economic feasibility. It also examined the effect of variation in data conventions, weighting, and decision frameworks on the outcome. The results indicate that MCDA can play a critical role in emerging prevention-based regulatory programs. Multi-criteria decision analysis methods offer a means for transparent, objective, and rigorous analysis of products and processes, providing regulators and stakeholders with a common baseline understanding of the relative performance of alternatives and the trade-offs they present. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2013;9:652–664. © 2013 SETAC
Osteogenesis of Heterotopically Transplanted Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Rat Models of Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Kramann Rafael , Kunter Uta , Brandenburg Vincent M , Leisten Isabelle , Ehling Josef , Klinkhammer Barbara M , Knüchel Ruth , Floege Jürgen , Schneider Rebekka K 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

The current study is based on the hypothesis of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) contributing to soft-tissue calcification and ectopic osteogenesis in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Rat MSCs were transplanted intraperitoneally in an established three-dimensional collagen-based model in healthy control animals and two rat models of CKD and vascular calcification: (1) 5/6 nephrectomy + high phosphorus diet; and (2) adenine nephropathy. As internal controls, collagen gels without MSCs were transplanted in the same animals. After 4 and 8 weeks, MSCs were still detectable and proliferating in the collagen gels (fluorescence-activated cell sorting [FACS] analysis and confocal microscopy after fluorescence labeling of the cells). Aortas and MSC-containing collagen gels in CKD animals showed distinct similarities in calcification (micro–computed tomography [µCT], energy-dispersive X-ray [EDX] analysis, calcium content), induction of osteogenic markers, (ie, bone morphogenic protein 2 [BMP-2], Runt related transcription factor 2 [Runx2], alkaline phosphatase [ALP]), upregulation of the osteocytic marker sclerostin and extracellular matrix remodeling with increased expression of osteopontin, collagen I/III/IV, fibronectin, and laminin. Calcification, osteogenesis, and matrix remodeling were never observed in healthy control animals and non-MSC–containing collagen gels in all groups. Paul Karl Horan 26 (PKH-26)-labeled, 3G5-positive MSCs expressed Runx2 and sclerostin in CKD animals whereas PKH-26-negative migrated cells did not express osteogenic markers. In conclusion, heterotopically implanted MSCs undergo osteogenic differentiation in rat models of CKD-induced vascular calcification, supporting our hypothesis of MSCs as possible players in heterotopic calcification processes of CKD patients. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Higher dose dobutamine stress MR imaging in repaired tetralogy of fallot: Observer variance of volumetric assessment compared with normal volunteers
Authors: Parish Victoria , Valverde Israel , Kutty Shelby , Head Catherine , Greil Gerald F. , Schaeffter Tobias , Razavi Reza , Beerbaum Philipp 
Published: May 2013

PurposeTo investigate changes in image quality and observer variance between rest and higher‐dose dobutamine stress MR imaging (DS‐MR) in tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patients and in a group of normal healthy volunteers using both axial and short axis orientation for cardiac volumetric assessment.Materials and MethodsEighteen adult patients (age 34 ± 13) with TOF and severe pulmonary regurgitation and 10 healthy volunteers underwent ventricular MR volumetry at baseline and during dobutamine infusion of 10 μg/kg/min and 20 μg/kg/min. Inter‐observer and intra‐observer agreement was calculated by coefficient of variance (COV).ResultsInter‐observer comparison showed good agreement for left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) end‐diastolic volumes at rest and both stress levels in TOF patients (axial geometry) and in normal volunteers (short axis). During dobutamine stress, the COV in TOF patients increased for LV end‐systolic volume (LV‐ESV) with each level, suggesting less agreement between observers. In contrast, RV‐ESV was much more comparable with a COV < 10 at each condition. All volumetric measurements in normal volunteers showed good inter‐observer agreement. Excellent intra‐observer agreement could be seen for all volumetric parameters with COV levels below 7.ConclusionVolumetric assessment during DS‐MR shows excellent inter‐observer agreement, except for LV‐ESV in the TOF patients at higher doses of dobutamine. The axial geometry appears to be reproducible for assessment of RV parameters, and could be considered superior to short axis imaging in patients with repaired TOF. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:1356–1361. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Taphonomic Analysis of Micromammal Remains from Striped Owl (Pseudoscops clamator) Pellets in Northeastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina: Implications for Archaeological Sites Formation
Authors: Rudzik S. M. , Fernández F. J. , Carrera J. D. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to determine the taxonomic and taphonomic characteristics of the micromammal remains recovered from pellets ofPseudoscops clamator(striped owl), collected at three localities in northeastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina (Punta Lara Natural Reserve, 34°49'02,6''S, 58°03'03,9''W; Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, 34°36'6,44" S, 58°21'33,22" W; Los Robles Park, 34°40'22,03''S, 58°52'18,88''W). The main taphonomic variables (e.g. evidence of digestive action, breakage patterns and relative abundance of skeletal elements) suggest that this owl mainly produces intermediate to moderate modification. On the other hand,P.clamatorpreyed mainly upon large‐sized (>150 g) micromammals (e.g.Lutreolina crassicaudata,Cavia aperea,Holochilus brasiliensisandRattussp.), and to a lesser degree on medium‐ (50–150 g) and small‐sized species (<50 g) (e.g.Scapteromys aquaticus,Calomyssp.,Oligoryzomys flavescens,Akodon azaraeandMus musculus). Fossil assemblages with a dominance of large‐sized micromammals are commonly associated with humans as agents of accumulation. However, this study demonstrates that this owl produces assemblages with abundant large‐sized micromammals, which introduces an equifinality problem. In that sense, digestive corrosion marks, breakage patterns and the relative abundance of skeletal remains are the main attributes to differentiateP.clamatorfrom humans, as agents of accumulation. Finally, our results might serve as an analytical model for the taphonomic interpretation of the fossil record of micromammals from paleontological and archaeological sites, which fall within the distributional range and habitat ofP.clamator. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pilot study of cisplatin, etoposide, bleomycin, and escalating dose cyclophosphamide therapy for children with high risk germ cell tumors: A report of the children's oncology group (COG)
Authors: Malogolowkin Marcio H. , Krailo Mark , Marina Neyssa , Olson Thomas , Frazier A. Lindsay 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and toxicity profile of cyclophosphamide with cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin (C‐PEB) in children with high‐risk malignant germ cell tumors (HR‐MGCT).ProcedureEligibility criteria included untreated patients ≤ 21 years of age with stage III/IV extragonadal, extra cranial MGCT. Patients received four cycles (repeated every 3 weeks) of cisplatin (20 mg/m2/day × 5 days), etoposide (100 mg/m2/day × 5 days), and bleomycin (15 mg/m2 on Day 1) with escalating doses of cyclophosphamide on Day 1, assigned at the time of enrollment (1.2, 1.8, or 2.4 g/m2). Patients with complete response had therapy discontinued. Patients with residual disease underwent second‐look surgery, those with pathologic evidence of residual MGCT or whose markers had not normalized received two more cycles. All other patients had protocol therapy stopped.ResultsNineteen patients were enrolled between July 2004 and August 2007. Three patients were non‐evaluable. Sixteen patients completed four cycles. Eleven had complete response, one had progressive disease and four had partial response. All four with partial response underwent second look surgery followed by two more cycles. Only one patient, on dose 1.8 g/m2, experienced dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) during the first cycle of therapy (grade 3 hyperglycemia). The 4‐year EFS and OS (± standard deviation) were 74 ± 7% and 89 ± 10%, respectively.ConclusionThe addition of cyclophosphamide to the standard PEB regimen (cisplatin, etoposide, and bleomycin) is feasible and well‐tolerated at all dose levels used on this study. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:1602–1605. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Routine clonal expansion of mesenchymal stem cells derived from amniotic fluid for perinatal applications
Authors: Zia Silvia , Toelen Jaan , Mori da Cunha Marina , DeKoninck Philip , de Coppi Paolo , Deprest Jan 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionStem cells (SCs) isolated from amniotic fluid (AF) are a promising source for autologous perinatal cell therapy. The aim of this study was to develop a routine isolation, selection, and expansion protocol of clonal SC lines from redundant clinical amniocentesis samples.Materials and methodsAmniotic fluids were collected between 15 and 22 weeks of gestation, and SCs were isolated by CD117‐based and mechanical selection protocols. SCs were characterized by mesenchymal SC marker expression and differentiation protocols. Cells were manipulated with a lentiviral vector system expressing the β‐galactosidase reporter gene and were injected into immunodeficient newborn mouse pups. Qualitative assessment was performed to detect the infused cells after 1 week.ResultsA total of 78 clonal AF SC populations were successfully isolated by mechanical selection from 21 consecutive amniocentesis samples. They were positive for mesenchymal SC cluster of differentiation markers and could be differentiated into the different lineages. SCs were stably labeled using β‐galactosidase and were detected in the lungs and hearts of the neonatal mice.ConclusionWe demonstrate that mesenchymal SCs can be routinely isolated and clonally expanded from mid‐gestation human AF using mechanical isolation. They can easily be transduced and be tested for perinatal treatment in animal models. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of echocardiographic findings in fetuses at less than 15 weeks' gestation with later cardiac evaluation
Authors: Zidere V. , Bellsham‐Revell H. , Persico N. , Allan L. D. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo compare the echocardiographic findings in fetuses at < 15 weeks' gestation with a later follow‐up scan, and determine both the accuracy of early diagnosis and the frequency of findings that change between scans.MethodsFor the period 2002 to the end of 2009, we searched our database for all patients who had had a detailed fetal echocardiogram at less than 15 completed weeks' gestation and a repeat scan at least 6 weeks later.ResultsOf 1200 patients fulfilling our selection criteria, the cardiac findings were normal at both scans in 1069. In 46 cases the same cardiac abnormality was seen at both scans. There was a false‐positive diagnosis at early scan in seven cases. In 50 cases, there were mildly abnormal functional findings early in pregnancy with no abnormality found later. In 29 fetuses, there was discordance between the early and later morphological diagnosis, 15/29 being considered significant differences, with 10/15 representing true progression of findings between the early and later scans, rather than missed or incorrect diagnoses.ConclusionsA high degree of accuracy in the identification of congenital heart disease can be achieved by early fetal echocardiography (sensitivity 84.8 (95% CI, 75.0–91.9)%, specificity 95.3 (95% CI, 93.9–96.4)%), although the identification of every case of tetralogy of Fallot and small atrioventricular septal defects presents particular diagnostic challenges at this gestational age. A small but significant group showed progression of findings during this stage of rapid fetal heart growth, particularly in obstructive lesions. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Migrant Networks and International Migration: Testing Weak Ties
Authors: Liu Mao-Mei 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
This article examines the role of migrant social networks in international migration and extends prior research by testing the strength of tie theory, decomposing networks by sources and resources, and disentangling network effects from complementary explanations. Nearly all previous empirical research has ignored friendship ties and has largely neglected extended-family ties. Using longitudinal data from the Migration between Africa and Europe project collected in Africa (Senegal) and Europe (France, Italy, and Spain), this article tests the robustness of network theory—and in particular, the role of weak ties—on first-time migration between Senegal and Europe. Discrete-time hazard model results confirm that weak ties are important and that network influences appear to be gendered, but they do not uphold the contention in previous literature that strong ties are more important than weak ties for male and female migration. Indeed, weak ties play an especially important role in male migration. In terms of network resources, having more resources as a result of strong ties appears to dampen overall migration, while having more resources as a result of weaker ties appears to stimulate male migration. Finally, the diversity of resources has varied effects for male and female migration.
Profiling spontaneous speech decline in Alzheimer's disease: a longitudinal study
Authors: Forbes-McKay Katrina , Shanks Michael F , Venneri Annalena 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveThis study aims to document the nature and progression of spontaneous speech impairment suffered by patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) over a 12-month period, using both cross-sectional and prospective longitudinal design.MethodsThirty one mild–moderate AD patients and 30 controls matched for age and socio-cultural background completed a simple and complex oral description task at baseline. The AD patients then underwent follow-up assessments at 6 and 12 months.ResultsCross-sectional comparisons indicated that mild–moderate AD patients produced more word-finding delays (WFDs) and empty and indefinite phrases, while producing fewer pictorial themes, repairing fewer errors, responding to fewer WFDs, produce shorter and less complex phrases and produce speech with less intonational contour than controls. However, the two groups could not be distinguished on the basis of phonological paraphasias. Longitudinal follow-up, however, suggested that phonological processing deteriorates over time, where the prevalence of phonological errors increased over 12 months.DiscussionConsistent with findings from neuropsychological, neuropathological and neuroimaging studies, the language deterioration shown by the AD patients shows a pattern of impairment dominated by semantic errors, which is later joined by a disruption in the phonological aspects of speech.
On the Possibility of Habitable Moons in the System of HD 23079: Results from Orbital Stability Studies
Authors: Cuntz M. , Quarles B. , Eberle J. , Shukayr A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe aim of our study is to investigate the possibility of habitable moons orbiting the giant planet HD 23079b, a Jupiter-mass planet, which follows a low-eccentricity orbit in the outer region of HD 23079’s habitable zone. We show that HD 23079b is able to host habitable moons in prograde and retrograde orbits, as expected, noting that the outer stability limit for retrograde orbits is increased by nearly 90% compared with that of prograde orbits, a result consistent with previous generalised studies. For the targeted parameter space, it was found that the outer stability limit for habitable moons varies between 0.05236 and 0.06955 AU (prograde orbits) and between 0.1023 and 0.1190 AU (retrograde orbits), depending on the orbital parameters of the Jupiter-type planet if a minimum mass is assumed. These intervals correspond to 0.306 and 0.345 (prograde orbits) and 0.583 and 0.611 (retrograde orbits) of the planet's Hill radius. Larger stability limits are obtained if an increased value for the planetary mass mp is considered; they are consistent with the theoretically deduced relationship of m1/3p. Finally, we compare our results with the statistical formulae of Domingos, Winter, & Yokoyama, indicating both concurrence and limitations.
Cross-sectional study of factors that influence the 25-hydroxyvitamin D status in pregnant women and in cord blood in Germany
Authors: Wuertz Catrin , Gilbert Peter , Baier Wolfgang , Kunz Clemens 
Published: May 2013

There is increasing evidence of an association between a low maternal vitamin D status and a high risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. In a cross-sectional study, we investigated the vitamin D status of pregnant women to determine potentially influencing factors. Between December 2010 and February 2012, 261 maternal blood samples and 328 cord blood samples were collected for the analysis of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), intact parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase and Ca concentrations. Demographical characteristics and clinical data were recorded by a questionnaire and from medical files. The overall median maternal and cord blood 25(OH)D levels were 25·0 (interquartile range 12·6–45·5) nmol/l and 34·1 (interquartile range 17·7–58·6) nmol/l, respectively. During the winter months, 98 % of the maternal blood samples and 94 % of the cord blood samples had 25(OH)D levels < 50 nmol/l. In the summer months, 49 % of the women and 35 % of the cord blood samples were vitamin D deficient. Using logistic regression models, significant risk factors for maternal vitamin D deficiency were found to be physical inactivity (adjusted OR (aOR) 2·67, 95 % CI 1·06, 6·69, P= 0·032) and a non-European country of origin (aOR 3·21, 95 % CI 1·0, 10·28, P= 0·047) after controlling for season and independent risk factors. These results are the first 25(OH)D data for pregnant women in Germany. They indicate the need for urgent implementation of strategies to prevent vitamin D deficiency by healthcare authorities that are in charge of preventing vitamin D deficiency, especially during these sensitive stages of life.
Ideas, Executive Federalism and Institutional Change: Explaining Territorial Inclusion in Canadian First Ministers' Conferences
Authors: Alcantara Christopher 
Published: May 2013

Abstract.Official participation in Canadian First Ministers' Conferences has long been exclusive to federal and provincial first ministers. In March 1992, however, the membership of this intergovernmental arena was expanded permanently to include territorial premiers. Using the tools of historical institutionalism and drawing upon relevant literature and eleven elite interviews with former first ministers and senior civil servants, this paper seeks to explain why this instance of incremental institutional change occurred. It finds that significant friction between the institutional and ideational layers of the Canadian federation during a period of mega-constitutional reform allowed federal, provincial and territorial actors to draw upon ideas about democracy and the political and constitutional maturation of the territorial North to expand permanently the membership of First Ministers' Conferences.Résumé.Pendant longtemps, seuls les premiers ministres fédéral et provinciaux étaient admis officiellement à la conférence des premiers ministres du Canada. Toutefois, en mars 1992, ce sommet intergouvernemental était élargi en permanence de façon à accueillir les premiers ministres des territoires. À l'aide des outils de l'institutionnalisme historique, et en tirant parti de la documentation pertinente ainsi que de 11 entrevues menées auprès d'un groupe sélect d'ex-premiers ministres et de hauts fonctionnaires, cet article tente d'expliquer pourquoi nous avons assisté à un tel degré de changement constitutionnel. Nous en concluons que d'importantes frictions entre les niveaux institutionnel et idéationnel de la fédération canadienne au cours d'une période de réforme mégaconstitutionnelle ont permis aux acteurs fédéraux, provinciaux et territoriaux de s'inspirer d'idées portant sur la démocratie et sur le processus de maturation politique et constitutionnel du Nord territorial afin d'accroître en permanence le nombre de participants aux conférences des premiers ministres.
Global distribution of root climbers is positively associated with precipitation and negatively associated with seasonality
Authors: Durigon Jaqueline , Durán Sandra Milena , Gianoli Ernesto 
Published: May 2013

Abstract:Root climbers constitute a distinctive group within climbing plants and some evidence suggests that they are associated with high precipitation and low light availability at local scales, which is in contrast with general patterns of liana distribution in the tropics. The influence of precipitation and seasonality on the occurrence of root climbers was evaluated both globally and in the tropics. The presence/absence of root climbers was recorded in 174 sites of Alwyn H. Gentry Forest Transect Data Set. The effects of mean annual precipitation and dry-season length (and temperature) on their occurrence were analysed using logistic regressions. Root climbers were significantly more frequent in sites with greater precipitation and reduced seasonality. Increasing temperature reduced root-climber occurrence in tropical sites, but this effect was marginally significant at a global scale. Dry and open habitats appear unsuitable for root climbers. This can be explained by the susceptibility to desiccation of adventitious roots and/or the low acclimation ability of these climbers to high irradiance.