bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A deep tissue fluorescence imaging system with enhanced SHG detection capabilities
Authors: Crosignani Viera , Jahid Sohail , Dvornikov Alexander S. , Gratton Enrico 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTWe describe a novel two‐photon fluorescence microscopy system capable of producing high‐quality second harmonic generation (SHG) images in thick turbid media by using an innovative detection system. This novel detection system is capable of detecting photons from a very large surface area. This system has proven effective in providing images of thick turbid samples, both biological and artificial. Due to its transmission detection geometry, the system is particularly suitable for detecting SHG signals, which are generally forward directed. In this article, we present comparative data acquired simultaneously on the same sample with the forward and epidetection schemes. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:368–373, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prenatal examination and postmortem findings in fetuses with gastroschisis and omphalocele
Authors: Faugstad Tone Mæland , Brantberg Anne , Blaas Harm‐Gerd K. , Vogt Christina 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study compares prenatal ultrasound examination and autopsy findings in fetuses and infants with gastroschisis and omphalocele.MethodCriteria for inclusion in the study were an autopsy of fetuses/infants with gastroschisis or omphalocele performed between January 1985 and December 2009 and a prenatal ultrasound examination performed in a tertiary referral center. The results were organized into five categories depending on the degree of agreement.ResultsOf 11 cases with gastroschisis, only one was not detected at the prenatal ultrasound examination, and the rest had full agreement.Of 70 fetuses with omphalocele, two were not diagnosed at the prenatal ultrasound examination. Four (15%) had major autopsy findings not detected prenatally. The main diagnosis was correct in 64/70 (91%) and improved from 85% to 95% during this study period. The number of cases with major and minor autopsy findings not detected by ultrasound examination was reduced from 48% to 21%. Full agreement occurred in 46/70 (66%).ConclusionThis study shows that the correlation between prenatal ultrasound findings and postmortem examination is good and has improved over time. Comparing full agreement during the first 10 years with the last 15 years showed an improvement (p = 0.05) for fetuses with omphalocele. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microscopic chromosome Xp distal deletions – a challenging issue in prenatal genetic counseling
Authors: Sukenik‐Halevy Rivka , Reches Adi , Bar‐Shira Anat , Simchoni Sharon , Goldstein Myriam , Orr‐Ortreger Avi , Yaron Yuval , Ben‐Shachar Shay 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveA prenatal diagnosis of chromosome X short arm deletions may present a challenge in prenatal genetic counseling. We present clinical and molecular data of carriers of Xp distal deletions.MethodsWe assessed prenatal and postnatal phenotypes of individuals from three families with large Xp distal deletions and from a fourth family with a small Xp distal deletion. The work‐up included karyotyping, chromosomal microarray analysis, and assessment of the X inactivation pattern.ResultsFive out of eight women with large deletions had a short stature (<3rd percentile). Subjects from one family had developmental and emotional problems. All female carriers with small deletions had markedly short stature, whereas the men had mildly short stature. Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed 11.7‐19.3 Mb deletions in three families and a small ~1 Mb deletion in the fourth. The pseudoautosomal region 1 of the X chromosome was deleted in two families with large deletions. X inactivation was skewed in all tested cases with large deletions.ConclusionXp distal deletions are mainly associated with short stature. Skewing of the abnormal X chromosome may attenuate the phenotype in cases with large deletions. We suggest that prenatal evaluation in such cases should include sonographic follow‐up and assessment of the X inactivation pattern. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of nanogels as supports for enzyme immobilization
Authors: Chauhan Ghanshyam S 
Published: March 2014

AbstractNanogels are hydrophilic polymers made up of crosslinked nano‐sized particles. These nanogels have large surface area that offers several functional groups as reserves for binding drugs, generating biosensors and as supports for enzyme immobilization. This mini‐review is an attempt to evaluate the recent developments in the use of nanogels as supports in enzyme immobilization. Emphasis is laid on the effect of nanogel structure and immobilization protocol on the property profile of the immobilized enzymes as compared with their free counterparts. The prospective applications of the nanogel‐immobilized enzymes are also evaluated. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Nutrient Contributions from Alluvial Soils Associated with the Restoration of Shallow Water Habitat in the Lower Missouri River
Authors: Heimann D. C. , Morris D. M. , Gemeinhardt T. R. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe Missouri River has been extensively altered as the result of channelization, bank stabilization, and the construction of six main stem reservoirs. In response to the resultant habitat loss, the US Army Corps of Engineers was tasked with restoring approximately 8100 ha of shallow water habitat (SWH), in part, for the benefit of the endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). Construction of off‐channel habitats involves the removal and disposal of excavated alluvium either by direct discharge into the river or by secondary erosion, which raised concerns regarding the introduction of sediment and associated nutrients into the Missouri River.Soils from nine side‐channel chutes were sampled to represent nutrient concentrations from habitat restoration activities. Soils from 12 historically undisturbed sites were also sampled to represent reference conditions in the Missouri River flood plain. The results of this study indicate that nutrient characteristics of soils from selected SWH locations generally are similar to those of historically undisturbed soils. The estimated mass of total phosphorus from chutes accounted for 1.9% of Missouri River and 0.5% of Mississippi River total phosphorus loads during the 1993–2012 analysis period. The mass of nitrate, the constituent most closely related to gulf hypoxia, was 0.01% or less of the Missouri and Mississippi River nitrate loads. Sediment volumes from the chutes accounted for 3.1 and 1.5% of total suspended loads from the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Overall, the introduced sediment from side‐channel chute construction associated with SWH restoration accounts for a small portion of total nutrient and sediment transport in the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. River Research and Applications published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification and characterization of a drug‐sensitive strain enables puromycin‐based translational assays in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Cary Gregory A. , Yoon Sung Hwan , Garmendia Torres Cecilia , Wang Kathie , Hays Michelle , Ludlow Catherine , Goodlett David R. , Dudley Aimée M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPuromycin is an aminonucleoside antibiotic with structural similarity to aminoacyl tRNA. This structure allows the drug to bind the ribosomal A site and incorporate into nascent polypeptides, causing chain termination, ribosomal subunit dissociation and widespread translational arrest at high concentrations. In contrast, at sufficiently low concentrations, puromycin incorporates primarily at the C‐terminus of proteins. While a number of techniques utilize puromycin incorporation as a tool for probing translational activity in vivo, these methods cannot be applied in yeasts that are insensitive to puromycin. Here, we describe a mutant strain of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that is sensitive to puromycin and characterize the cellular response to the drug. Puromycin inhibits the growth of yeast cells mutant for erg6∆, pdr1∆ and pdr3∆ (EPP) on both solid and liquid media. Puromycin also induces the aggregation of the cytoplasmic processing body component Edc3 in the mutant strain. We establish that puromycin is rapidly incorporated into yeast proteins and test the effects of puromycin on translation in vivo. This study establishes the EPP strain as a valuable tool for implementing puromycin‐based assays in yeast, which will enable new avenues of inquiry into protein production and maturation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic and SERS Activities of Tryptophan‐EDTA Capped Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Mondal Sudipta , Verma Sandeep 
Published: March 2014

Abstract This report describes the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by in situ reduction of silver nitrate with designed ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid‐tryptophan bioconjugates. Conjugation of EDTA was chosen to augment water solubility of resulting conjugate, which in turn facilitates synthesis of AgNPs in aqueous medium. Various spectroscopic and microscopy techniques were employed to characterize the EDTA‐tryptophan capped AgNPs. The nanoparticles show excellent catalytic activity towards reduction of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol with a rate constant of 16.43 × 10–2 min–1. In addition, as‐synthesized AgNPs show high SERS activity, which was used for low concentration detection of biomolecules.
The Value of Negotiating Cost-Based Transfer Prices
Authors: Chwolka Anne , Martini Jan Thomas , Simons Dirk 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper analyzes the potential of one-step transfer prices based on either variable or full costs for coordinating decentralized production and quality-improving investment decisions. Transfer prices based on variable costs fail to induce investments on the upstream stage. In contrast, transfer prices based on full costs provide strong investment incentives for the upstream divisions. However, they fail to coordinate the investment decisions. We show that negotiations prevent such coordination failure. In particular, we find that the firm benefits from a higher degree of decentralization so that total profit increases in the number of parameters being subject to negotiations.
Economic Loan Loss Provision and Expected Loss
Authors: Hlawatsch Stefan , Ostrowski Sebastian 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe intention of a loan loss provision is the anticipation of the loan’s expected losses by adjusting the book value of the loan. Furthermore, this loan loss provision has to be compared to the expected loss according to Basel II and, in the case of a difference, liable equity has to be adjusted. This however assumes that the loan loss provision and the expected loss are based on a similar economic rationale, which is only valid conditionally in current loan loss provisioning methods according to IFRS. Therefore, differences between loan loss provisions and expected losses should only result from different approaches regarding the parameter estimation within each model and not due to different assumptions regarding the outcome of the model. The provisioning and accounting model developed in this paper overcomes the before-mentioned shortcomings and is consistent with an economic rationale of expected losses. Additionally, this model is based on a close-to-market valuation of the loan that is in favor of the basic idea of IFRS. Suggestions for changes in current accounting and capital requirement rules are provided.
GRASP with Hybrid Path Relinking for Bi-Objective Winner Determination in Combinatorial Transportation Auctions
Authors: Buer Tobias , Pankratz Giselher 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe procurement of transportation services via large-scale combinatorial auctions involves a couple of complex decisions whose outcome highly influences the performance of the tender process. This paper examines the shipper’s task of selecting a subset of the submitted bids which efficiently trades off total procurement cost against expected carrier performance. To solve this bi-objective winner determination problem, we propose a Pareto-based greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP). As a post-optimizer we use a path relinking procedure which is hybridized with branch-and-bound. Several variants of this algorithm are evaluated by means of artificial test instances which comply with important real-world characteristics. The two best variants prove superior to a previously published Pareto-based evolutionary algorithm.
Incorporating Latent Variables into Discrete Choice Models — A Simultaneous Estimation Approach Using SEM Software
Authors: Temme Dirk , Paulssen Marcel , Dannewald Till 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntegrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) models represent a promising new class of models which merge classic choice models with the structural equation approach (SEM) for latent variables. Despite their conceptual appeal, applications of ICLV models in marketing remain rare. We extend previous ICLV applications by first estimating a multinomial choice model and, second, by estimating hierarchical relations between latent variables. An empirical study on travel mode choice clearly demonstrates the value of ICLV models to enhance the understanding of choice processes. In addition to the usually studied directly observable variables such as travel time, we show how abstract motivations such as power and hedonism as well as attitudes such as a desire for flexibility impact on travel mode choice. Furthermore, we show that it is possible to estimate such a complex ICLV model with the widely available structural equation modeling package Mplus. This finding is likely to encourage more widespread application of this appealing model class in the marketing field.
THE COHERENCE OF THE DOCTRINE OF LEGITIMATE EXPECTATIONS
Authors: Ahmed Farrah , Perry Adam 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe doctrine of legitimate expectations is a developing area of administrative law, and many issues remain outstanding. Promises, practices, and policies generate legitimate expectations, but what is special about them? Why do they and only they generate legitimate expectations? The lack of an obvious answer has led some commentators to claim that the doctrine is ultimately incoherent and should be disaggregated. In this paper, we challenge this claim by arguing, first, that promises, practices, and policies each comprise or make applicable a certain type of rule, and second, that having a legitimate expectation is a matter of such a rule binding a public body to act in some way. This rule-based account gives the doctrine of legitimate expectations both coherence and distinctiveness.
EXPRESS TERMINATION CLAUSES IN CONTRACTS
Authors: Randall John 
Published: March 2014

AbstractHaving set express termination clauses (ETCs) in their legal context, this article's first aim is briefly to explain three significant points concerning their operation which have now been clarified. Other important questions remain unresolved, and the second aim is to explore four of them: the judicial “reading down” of ETCs; whether termination need be immediate; the recoverability of expectation damages; and the avoidance of an unintended repudiation. Respects in which the English law of contract on each of them would benefit from development or change are identified, and it is argued that the Canadian approach to the award of expectation damages following termination pursuant to an ETC is preferable to the established Anglo-Australian position.
End user voltage regulation to ease urban low‐voltage distribution congestion
Authors: Connor Gordon , Jones Catherine E. , Finney Stephen J. 
Published: March 2014

Owing to the increasing demand in the urban areas for new technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles (EVs), greater power capacity in low voltage (LV) distribution networks is becoming increasingly important. This study will investigate how to improve the power capacity through the implementation of point of use voltage regulation (PUVR). PUVR relies on a power electronics converter at each end‐user. Most LV network cabling has a voltage limit of 1 kV, PUVR exploits this voltage rating to increase the network capacity. This study will describe and discuss the results from a viability study using data from a utility company, which shows that the capacity in the LV network could be increased by an additional 500 kVA. However, it was also found that PUVR using present off‐the‐shelf converters is not as cost‐effective as replacing the LV network cables. Two power electronics topologies have been investigated in the simulation studies to date: the AC chopper circuit and the back‐to‐back inverter circuit. These two topologies were compared and the AC chopper was found to be a cheaper, more efficient topology. Therefore the AC chopper is more suitable for this application and may increase the viability of the PUVR.
Oxidized Low‐Density Lipoprotein Alters the Effect of Matrix Stiffness on the Formation of Endothelial Networks and Capillary Lumens
Authors: Gundavaram Madhu S. , Shentu Tzu Pin , Kowalsky Gregory B. , Volkov Suncica , Schraufnagel Dean E. , Levitan Irena 
Published: March 2014

Formation of new blood vessels is essential for vascular repair and remodeling, and it is known that biomechanical properties of extracellular matrix play a major role in this process. Our earlier studies have also shown that exposing endothelial cells to oxidized modification of low‐density lipoproteins (oxLDL) increases endothelial stiffness and facilitates their ability to form cellular networks, suggesting that it facilitates endothelial angiogenic potential. The goal of this study, therefore, was to test the interrelationship between matrix stiffness and oxLDL in the regulation of angiogenesis. Our results show that, as expected, an increase in matrix stiffness inhibited endothelial network formation and that exposure to oxLDL significantly facilitated this process. We also show, however, that oxLDL‐induced facilitation of endothelial networks was observed only in stiff (3 mg/mL) but not in soft (1 mg/mL) collagen gels, resulting in blunting the effect of matrix stiffness. Also unexpectedly, we show that an increase in matrix stiffness results in a significant increase in the number of capillary lumens that are formed by single cells or pairs of cells, suggesting that while endothelial connectivity is impaired, formation of single‐cell lumens is facilitated. oxLDL facilitates lumen formation, but this effect is also matrix dependent and is observed only in soft gels and not in stiff gels. Finally, an increase in both matrix stiffness and oxLDL exposure results in changes in capillary morphology, with the formation of larger capillary lumens. Overall, our study suggests that oxLDL plays an important role in formation of new capillaries and their morphology and that this effect is critically dependent on the extracellular environment's compliance, thereby underlining the importance of the interdependence of these parameters.
Interaction between Bone Morphogenetic Protein Receptor Type 2 and Estrogenic Compounds in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Fessel Joshua P. , Chen Xinping , Frump Andrea , Gladson Santhi , Blackwell Tom , Kang Christie , Johnson Jennifer , Loyd James E. , Hemnes Anna , Austin Eric , West James 
Published: March 2014

The majority of heritable pulmonary arterial hypertension (HPAH) cases are associated with mutations in bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 2 (BMPR2). BMPR2 mutation carries about a 20% lifetime risk of PAH development, but penetrance is approximately three times higher in females. Previous studies have shown a correlation between estrogen metabolism and penetrance, with increased levels of the estrogen metabolite 16α‐hydroxyestrone (16αOHE) and reduced levels of the metabolite 2‐methoxyestrogen (2ME) associated with increased risk of disease. The goal of this study was to determine whether 16αOHE increased and 2ME decreased penetrance of disease in Bmpr2 mutant mice and, if so, by what mechanism. We found that 16αOHE:2ME ratio was high in male human HPAH patients. Bmpr2 mutant male mice receiving chronic 16αOHE had doubled disease penetrance, associated with reduced cardiac output. 2ME did not have a significant protective effect, either alone or in combination with 16αOHE. In control mice but not in Bmpr2 mutant mice, 16αOHE suppressed bone morphogenetic protein signaling, probably directly through suppression of Bmpr2 protein. Bmpr2 mutant pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells were insensitive to estrogen signaling through canonical pathways, associated with aberrant intracellular localization of estrogen receptor α. In both control and Bmpr2 mutant mice, 16αOHE was associated with suppression of cytokine expression but with increased alternate markers of injury, including alterations in genes related to thrombotic function, angiogenesis, planar polarity, and metabolism. These data support a causal relationship between increased 16αOHE and increased PAH penetrance, with the likely molecular mechanisms including suppression of BMPR2, alterations in estrogen receptor translocation, and induction of vascular injury and insulin resistance–related pathways.
Short‐Term Improvement in Pulmonary Hemodynamics is Strongly Predictive of Long‐Term Survival in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Tiede Henning , Sommer Natascha , Milger Katrin , Voswinckel Robert , Bandorski Dirk , Schermuly Ralph T. , Weissmann Norbert , Grimminger Friedrich , Seeger Werner , Ghofrani Hossein A. 
Published: March 2014

Hemodynamic measurements provide important parameters for determining prognosis and therapy in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Current guidelines do not incorporate the possible predictive value of individual changes in hemodynamic variables during the disease time course, and there is no consensus about the time point for hemodynamic reevaluation. We aimed to assess the long‐term prognostic value of short‐term changes in hemodynamic parameters. The study included 122 patients with PAH from the Giessen Pulmonary Hypertension Registry who underwent hemodynamic evaluation at baseline and at 16 weeks (±2.5 standard deviations [SDs]; range: 4–29 weeks) after initial assessment. At baseline, mean pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was 1,109 dyn s cm−5, and 82% of patients were in World Health Organization (WHO) functional class III or IV. Fifty patients died, and 2 underwent lung transplantation during long‐term observation (≤10 years; mean: 4.7 years). Kaplan‐Meier estimates for transplant‐free survival were 93.3%, 76.1%, 57.8%, and 53.1% at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years, respectively. When assigned to prognostic groups, improvements in cardiac output of >0.22 L min−1 (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.05; P = 0.015) and a decrease in PVR of >176 dyn s cm−5 (HR: 1.89; P = 0.044) at 4–29 weeks were associated with long‐term transplant‐free survival. Changes in mean pulmonary arterial pressure did not predict long‐term prognosis. Of 2 noninvasive parameters assessed in this selected patient group, change in WHO functional class, but not in 6‐minute walk distance, predicted long‐term prognosis. Short‐term assessment of changes in hemodynamic parameters at 16 weeks ± 2.5 SDs after initial invasive evaluation is useful to determine long‐term prognosis in patients with PAH.