bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Significant Improvement of Photovoltaic Performance of Dye-sensitized Solar Cells by Using 4-Trimethylsilylpyridine as Organic Additive to Electrolyte Solution
Authors: Kakiage Kenji , Tsukahara Takashi , Kyomen Toru , Unno Masafumi , Hanaya Minoru 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The applicability of 4-trimethylsilylpyridine (4TMSpy) was investigated as an organic additive to the electrolyte solution of dye-sensitized solar cells. The N3-sensitized solar cell with 4TMSpy showed higher light-to-electric energy conversion efficiencies than that with the ordinary organic additive of 4-tert-butylpyridine by a factor of ca. 1.1. This improvement of the photovoltaic performance was considered to be due to the bulkiness and peculiar electronic properties of the trimethylsilyl group.
Highly Efficient Circularly Polarized Light Emission in the Green Region from Chiral Polyfluorene–Thiophene Thin Films
Authors: Hirahara Takashi , Yoshizawa-Fujita Masahiro , Takeoka Yuko , Rikukawa Masahiro 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A chiral polyfluorene–thiophene derivative incorporating two different chiral side chains was synthesized via the Suzuki coupling reaction. Upon photoexcitation, thin films of the polymer exhibited efficient circularly polarized luminescence in the visible range, even without thermal annealing. The dissymmetry factor, glum, of films with thicknesses less than 100 nm reached 0.2 at 505 nm.
Host–Guest-bridge Induces Irreversible Helix Folding in a Short Peptide
Authors: Nakamura Yuki , Nakazawa Kazuya , Hamasaki Keita 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Short peptides with or without host–guest-bridges on their side chains were prepared and the helix content was examined in the absence or in the presence of the host–guest-bridge breaker. While a short peptide without host–guest-bridge had 14% helix content, a short peptide with host–guest-bridge had 40% helix. This helix content hardly changed after the host–guest-bridge was removed. Host–guest-bridge acts as an initiator for helix folding in the short peptide.
Facile Synthesis of Single-sized Colloidal CdTe Assemblies Exhibiting Bright Band Gap Photoemission
Authors: Wang Jidong , Zhai Jizu , Han Shumin 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A facile synthetic strategy to prepare single-sized colloidal CdTe assemblies with bright band gap emission is described in this letter. In contrast to traditional approaches, the preparation of trioctylphosphine telluride (TOPTe) was not required for this synthesis, and our approach follows a one-step reaction. The CdTe magic-sized quantum dot (MSQD) assemblies were sequentially grown in this approach, and the thermodynamic equilibrium of CdTe MSQDs sequential growth was proposed.
In Situ Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Zinc Sulfide Films on a Flexible Zinc Foil Substrate
Authors: Zhang Yidong , Mi Liwei 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A superhydrophobic ZnS film was successfully fabricated by a simple solvothermal method using Zn foil and S powder as raw materials in an absolute ethanol solution at 160 °C for 8 h. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and contact angle (CA) measurements. The results show that the obtained ZnS film was hexagonal phase, composed of many dense and uniform interconnected nanoflakes of average thickness ca. 120 nm. A possible reaction mechanism was proposed and discussed. It was found that the ZnS film exhibits superhydrophobicity owing to its special nanoflake structure.
Effects of the Transverse Reinforcement on the Shear Behaviour of High Strength Concrete Beams
Authors: Hamrat M , Boulekbache B , Chemrouk M , Amziane S 
Published: August 2012

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation dealing with the effects of transverse reinforcement on the crack patterns, the ultimate carrying capacity and the ductility of beams made of high strength concrete and normal strength concrete for comparison purposes. The test results are analyzed and compared with the shear provisions in the four major universal codes (ACI-318; BS-8110; Eurocode 2; BAEL 99). Twenty six reinforced concrete beams with and without transverse reinforcement were constructed using different shear-span to depth ratios (a/d = 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0) and different compressive strengths of concrete (44 MPa, 65 MPa and 86 MPa). The test results indicate that the presence of transverse reinforcement had controlled efficiently the crack width by enhancing the aggregate interlocking on the crack surface, increased moderately the shear strengths of the beams by factors ranging from 1.14 to 1.86, and increased appreciably the ductility of beams at the ultimate state. It should be noted, however, that the beams failed at shear strength contributions of transverse reinforcement ( Vs) considerably lower than the values predicted by the models used in the four major universal codes. This translates that the existing universal design codes may not be rationally safe against shear design of high strength concrete beams containing transverse reinforcement.
International Environmental Cooperation under Fairness and Reciprocity
Authors: Hadjiyiannis Costas , İriş Doruk , Tabakis Chrysostomos 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This paper explores the implications of fairness and reciprocity for self-enforcing international environmental agreements on pollution abatement. Reciprocal countries reward fair behavior (positive reciprocity), but retaliate against countries behaving unfairly (negative reciprocity). We demonstrate that reciprocal countries that have moderate expectations from each other with respect to their national abatement strategies can support a greater degree of environmental cooperation than self-interested ones. However, when only very high abatement standards are deemed fair, then reciprocity could have a detrimental effect on international environmental cooperation. Our model therefore provides a novel perspective on the role of expectations in environmental negotiations.
Determinants of Corruption: Government Effectiveness vs. Cultural Norms
Authors: Kapoor Mudit , Ravi Shamika 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
This paper analyzes the parking behavior of United Nations diplomats in New York City and highlights the key limitation of an earlier work which claims cultural norms to be the significant determinant of corruption. We show that after controlling for Government Effectiveness index, which measures the quality of civil services and quality and quantity of public infrastructure in a country, the effect of culture on corruption becomes insignificant. However, the Country Corruption index and the Government Effectiveness index are strongly correlated which makes it difficult to identify the causal determinant of corruption. It is important to keep this correlation in mind before arriving at conclusions from empirical studies, because Country Corruption index could be proxying for other influences such as Government Effectiveness index, and ignoring this might lead us to falsely attribute the observed behavior to cultural or social norms alone. Understanding the relative importance of these potential causes of corruption is fundamental to policy recommendations.
Serum kallikrein-8 correlates with skin activity, but not psoriatic arthritis, in patients with psoriatic disease
Authors: Eissa Azza , Cretu Daniela , Soosaipillai Antoninus , Thavaneswaran Arane , Pellett Fawnda , Diamandis Anastasia , Cevikbas Ferda , Steinhoff Martin , Diamandis Eleftherios P. , Gladman Dafna , Chandran Vinod 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground:About 30% of cutaneous psoriasis (PsC) patients develop psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the joint, which is under-recognized by dermatologists. Biomarkers for PsA are needed so that early referral to a rheumatologist is made. Kallikreins (KLKs) are secreted serine proteases implicated in skin desquamation and inflammation. This study examined KLK potential as serum biomarkers of PsA in cutaneous psoriasis patients.Methods:KLKs were measured by ELISAs in synovial fluids of three PsA patients and three control early osteoarthritis (OA) patients, as well as in a cohort of 152 serum samples collected from age- and sex-matched PsC patients, with (n=76) or without PsA (n=76). KLK expression in psoriatic plaques was examined by immunohistochemistry. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to analyze the association between serum KLK levels and disease class (PsC, PsA). Serum KLKs that associated with PsA were correlated with clinical parameters of skin and joint activity.Results:Among the seven KLKs tested, KLK6 and KLK8 were elevated in both PsA synovial fluids and psoriatic plaques, but only serum KLK8 levels were associated with psoriatic disease (odds ratio=2.56, p=0.03). Although significantly elevated in PsC and PsA sera compared to healthy controls, KLK8 did not discriminate PsA from PsC patients. KLK8 correlated positively with the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) (r=0.43, p=0.001) independent of age, sex and psoriasis duration (β=1.153, p=0.0003) and exhibited no correlations with tender or swollen joint counts.Conclusions:Increased KLK8 serum level in PsA patients reflects disease activity in the skin but not in the joints. Serum KLK levels are not useful for screening psoriasis patients for PsA.
Circulating levels of gonadotropins before and after prostate ablation in cancer patients
Authors: Yu George , Mylander Charles , Traish Abdulmaged , Jarrett Thomas 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background: The prostate gland synthesizes a host of hormones, prostaglandins and growth factors. It is not clear if such biochemical factors modulate the hypothalamic/pituitary (H-P) gonadal axis.

Aim: To determine the influence of the prostate gland on the hypothalamic-pituitary axis feedback system and changes in circulating hormone levels before and after cryoablation of the entire prostate.

Methods: In 37 consecutive patients with localized prostate cancer who underwent total cryoablation we investigated the circulating levels of testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), prolactin, insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1) and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) from 3 years prior to diagnosis to 3 years after initiating treatment.

Results: The levels of LH and FSH were significantly elevated in most patients up to 3 years after surgery. No significant changes were observed for the other hormones, with a decrease in PSA as expected.

Conclusion: LH and FSH levels rise after ablation of the prostate gland and the levels remain high for up to 3 years after surgery, which suggests that the prostate gland may influence the H-P feedback axis.
Mortality and socioeconomic status in adults with childhood onset GH deficiency (GHD) is highly dependent on the primary cause of GHD
Authors: Stochholm Kirstine , Juul Svend , Christiansen Jens Sandahl , Gravholt Claus Højbjerg 
Published: August 2012

Objective
Childhood onset GH deficiency (CO-GHD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality; however, the patients' socioeconomic profile as adults is not fully known.

Design
Register study using Danish nationwide registries. Two hundred and sixty GHD males and 156 GHD females and 25 358 male and 15 110 female controls were included.

Methods
Information was obtained concerning cohabitation, parenthood, education, income, retirement, convictions, and death. Income was analyzed using conditional logistic regression, and other outcomes were analyzed using Cox regression. Subgroups of GHD patients with malignant tumors, craniopharyngioma, idiopathic GHD, and others were investigated separately.

Results
Both male and female GHD patients had a significantly worse outcome on all studied socioeconomic parameters. Fewer GHD patients lived in partnerships and entered them later (male hazard ratio (HR): 0.31; female HR: 0.33), had fewer parenthoods (male HR: 0.26; female HR: 0.26), lower educational level (male HR: 0.58; female HR: 0.48), lower income, higher risk of retirement (male HR: 13.4; female HR: 24.2), and fewer convictions (male HR: 0.67; female HR: 0.49). Mortality was increased (male HR: 10.7; female HR: 21.4). Adjusted for marital and educational status, male HR of death was 5.2 and female HR 10.5. Patients with idiopathic GHD had a socioeconomic profile similar to controls.

Conclusion
The primary causes of CO-GHD and concomitant diseases severely impair socioeconomic conditions and impact mortality; only the subgroup of patients with idiopathic GHD conditions was similar to the background population.
Formation of Hyperspectral Near-Infrared Images from Artworks
Authors: Torres Juan , Vega Carmen , Antelo Tomás , Menéndez José Manuel , del Egido Marian , Bueso Miriam , Posse Alberto 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn this paper, a novel hyperspectral image acquisition system able to obtain a set of narrowband images (~2,25 nm of bandwidth) and the related composition of monochrome images in the near-infrared is described. The aim of this system is to discriminate the materials by their optical spectral response in the range of 900-1700 nm. This system has been developed in the framework of a collaborative project that includes the improvement of the automatic composition of reflectographic mosaics in order to study the underdrawing of large formats big artworks in real-time. The main features of this project are detailed in this paper. Furthermore, a few enlightening results of the hyperspectral system and new lines of research are shown.
Dialysis Search Filters for PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase Databases
Authors: Iansavichus Arthur V. , Haynes R. Brian , Lee Christopher W.C. , Wilczynski Nancy L. , McKibbon Ann , Shariff Salimah Z. , Blake Peter G. , Lindsay Robert M. , Garg Amit X. 
Published: August 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Physicians frequently search bibliographic databases, such as MEDLINE via PubMed, for best evidence for patient care. The objective of this study was to develop and test search filters to help physicians efficiently retrieve literature related to dialysis (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis) from all other articles indexed in PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A diagnostic test assessment framework was used to develop and test robust dialysis filters. The reference standard was a manual review of the full texts of 22,992 articles from 39 journals to determine whether each article contained dialysis information. Next, 1,623,728 unique search filters were developed, and their ability to retrieve relevant articles was evaluated.

Results
The high-performance dialysis filters consisted of up to 65 search terms in combination. These terms included the words “dialy” (truncated), “uremic,” “catheters,” and “renal transplant wait list.” These filters reached peak sensitivities of 98.6% and specificities of 98.5%. The filters’ performance remained robust in an independent validation subset of articles.

Conclusions
These empirically derived and validated high-performance search filters should enable physicians to effectively retrieve dialysis information from PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Embase.
Parietal Epithelial Cell Activation Marker in Early Recurrence of FSGS in the Transplant
Authors: Fatima Huma , Moeller Marcus J. , Smeets Bart , Yang Hai-Chun , D’Agati Vivette D. , Alpers Charles E. , Fogo Agnes B. 
Published: August 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
Podocyte loss is key in glomerulosclerosis. Activated parietal epithelial cells are proposed to contribute to pathogenesis of glomerulosclerosis and may serve as stem cells that can transition to podocytes. CD44 is a marker for activated parietal epithelial cells. This study investigated whether activated parietal epithelial cells are increased in early recurrent FSGS in transplant compared with minimal change disease.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
CD44 staining in renal allograft biopsies from 12 patients with recurrent FSGS was performed and compared with native kidneys with minimal change disease or FSGS and normal control native and transplant kidneys without FSGS. CD44+ epithelial cells along Bowman’s capsule in the parietal epithelial cell location and over the glomerular tuft in the visceral epithelial cell location were assessed.

Results
Cases with early recurrent FSGS manifesting only foot process effacement showed significantly increased CD44+ visceral epithelial cells involving 29.0% versus 2.6% of glomeruli in minimal change disease and 0% in non-FSGS transplants. Parietal location CD44 positivity also was numerically increased in recurrent FSGS. In later transplant biopsies, glomeruli with segmental lesions had more CD44+ visceral epithelial cells than glomeruli without lesions.

Conclusions
Parietal epithelial cell activation marker is significantly increased in evolving FSGS versus minimal change disease, and this increase may distinguish early FSGS from minimal change disease. Whether parietal epithelial cell activation contributes to pathogenesis of sclerosis in idiopathic FSGS or is a regenerative/repair response to replace injured podocytes awaits additional study.
The Primary Care Perspective on Routine Urine Dipstick Screening to Identify Patients with Albuminuria
Authors: Samal Lipika , Linder Jeffrey A. 
Published: August 2012

Summary
Proponents of routine urine dipstick screening to identify patients at risk for ESRD in the primary care setting have argued that urine dipsticks are inexpensive, low risk, acceptable to patients, and now, more accurate. Proponents believe that urine dipstick screening has the potential to improve outcomes for people with early disease and increase awareness of CKD. Most primary care physicians agree that populations who are at high risk for CKD should be tested and appropriately treated to decrease complications of ESRD. However, proponents of mass screening may not appreciate the challenges, limitations, and potential harms of screening. Urine dipstick testing does not meet all of the criteria for a good screening test. Screening the general population with urine dipsticks will generate many false positives—between 50% and 90% of positive tests—that will require follow-up, increase costs, and cause patient anxiety. Routine screening with urine dipsticks is not cost-effective on the order of $200,000 per quality-adjusted life year. Most importantly, there is little evidence that early identification of microalbuminuria in unselected patients influences outcomes of CKD. Without proof of effectiveness, overdiagnosis, a problem for even well established screening tests, is risked. Finally, no specialty society or preventive services group currently recommends general screening. Instead of screening, primary care physicians and nephrologists should work together to identify patients at high risk for ESRD and optimize management to improve outcomes for patients with CKD.
The Association of Albumin/Creatinine Ratio with Postoperative AKI in Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Zappitelli Michael , Coca Steven G. , Garg Amit X. , Krawczeski Catherine D. , Thiessen Heather Philbrook , Sint Kyaw , Li Simon , Parikh Chirag R. , Devarajan Prasad 
Published: August 2012

Summary

Background and objectives
This study determined if preoperative and postoperative urine albumin/creatinine ratios (ACRs) predict postoperative AKI in children undergoing cardiac surgery (CS).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This was a three-center, prospective study (2007–2009) of 294 children undergoing CS (n=145 aged <2 years). Urine ACR was measured preoperatively and 0–6 hours after intensive care unit arrival. AKI outcomes were based on the Acute Kidney Injury Network serum creatinine (SCr) criteria (stage 1 AKI, ≥50% or 0.3 mg/dl SCr rise from baseline; and stage 2 or worse AKI, ≥SCr doubling or dialysis). AKI was predicted using preoperative and postoperative ACRs and postoperative ACR performance was compared with other AKI biomarkers.

Results
Preoperative ACR did not predict AKI in younger or older children. In children aged <2 years, first postoperative ACR ≥908 mg/g (103 mg/mmol) predicted stage 2 AKI development (adjusted relative risk, 3.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.2–9.4). In children aged ≥2 years, postoperative ACR ≥169 mg/g (19.1 mg/mmol) predicted stage 1 AKI (adjusted relative risk, 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–4.1). In children aged ≥2 years, first postoperative ACR improved AKI prediction from other biomarker and clinical prediction models, estimated by net reclassification improvement (P≤0.03), but only when serum cystatin C was also included in the model.

Conclusions
Postoperative ACR is a readily available early diagnostic test for AKI after pediatric CS that performs similarly to other AKI biomarkers; however, its use is enhanced in children aged ≥2 years and in combination with serum cystatin C.
Market Reactions to Departures of Audit Committee Directors
Authors: Singhvi Meghna , Rama Dasaratha V. , Barua Abhijit 
Published: August 2012

SYNOPSIS:
The composition and functioning of audit committees have come under increasing scrutiny from legislators and regulators in recent years. We examine the market reaction to 107 audit committee director departures that occur (without any concurrent appointment to the board or other contemporaneous news) during 2005 to 2008. We find that there is a significant negative market reaction to the departure of accounting experts, but not for the departures of other types of experts or non-expert directors. Considering a subsample of expert director departures, we find that the market reaction is significantly negative for the departure of short-tenured directors, but not for the departure of long-tenured directors.
Decompressive hemicraniectomy for malignant middle cerebral artery territory infarction: is life worth living?
Authors: Rahme Ralph , Zuccarello Mario , Kleindorfer Dawn , Adeoye Opeolu M. , Ringer Andrew J. 
Published: August 2012

Object
Although decompressive hemicraniectomy has been shown to reduce death and improve functional outcome following malignant middle cerebral artery territory infarction, there is ongoing debate as to whether surgery should be routinely performed, considering the very high rates of disability and functional dependence in survivors. Through a systematic review of the literature, the authors sought to determine the outcome from a patient's perspective.

Methods
In September 2010, a MEDLINE search of the English-language literature was performed using various combinations of 12 key words. A total of 16 papers were reviewed and individual study data were extracted.

Results
There was significant variability in study design, patient eligibility criteria, timing of surgery, and methods of outcome assessment. There were 382 patients (59% male, 41% female) with a mean age of 50 years, 25% with dominant-hemisphere infarction. The mortality rate was 24% and the mean follow-up in survivors was 19 months (range 3–114 months). Of 156 survivors with available modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores, 41% had favorable functional outcome (mRS Score ≤ 3), whereas 47% had moderately severe disability (mRS Score 4). Among 157 survivors with quality of life assessment, the mean overall reduction was 45%: 67% for physical aspect and 37% for psychosocial aspect. Of 114 screened survivors, depression affected 56% and was moderate or severe in 25%. Most patients and/or caregivers (77% of the 209 interviewed) were satisfied and would give consent again for the procedure.

Conclusions
Despite high rates of physical disability and depression, the vast majority of patients are satisfied with life and do not regret having undergone surgery.