bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unqualified Directors in Insolvency: A Comparative Study on the Desirability of Civil Law Directors' Disqualification in the Netherlands
Authors: Reker Tom 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe current global economic, and therefore political, climate has given rise to legislative responses within insolvency law, aiming to increase the legal arsenal against fraudulent behaviour. A recent proposal of the Dutch government to introduce a civil law disqualification instrument is a quintessential example of this tendency. In this article, the usefulness of this proposal is questioned. The usefulness of the civil law instrument is tested by comparing it with its Dutch criminal law equivalent. Furthermore, several proposals for alteration, based on foreign counterparts, will be formulated in order to increase the effectiveness of the aforementioned arsenal as a whole. Comparisons are made with similar instruments in Australia, England, Germany and the USA. Throughout the article, it will be asserted that, in order for the proposal to optimally reflect the principles of effectiveness and its civil law nature, a reallocation of certain elements of the proposal to its criminal law equivalent is required. Copyright © 2014 INSOL International and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Antifouling coating with controllable and sustained silver release for long‐term inhibition of infection and encrustation in urinary catheters
Authors: Wang Rong , Neoh Koon Gee , Kang En‐Tang , Tambyah Paul Anantharajah , Chiong Edmund 
Published: June 2014

AbstractUrinary tract infections constitute a large proportion of nosocomial infections, and the urinary catheter is the most important predisposing factor. Encrustation induced by urease‐producing uropathogens like Proteus mirabilis causes further complications. In the present work, a strategy for controllable and sustained release of silver over several weeks has been developed for combating bacterial infection and encrustation in urinary devices. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were first immobilized on polydopamine (PDA) pre‐treated silicone catheter surface and this was followed by another PDA coating. The number of AgNP‐PDA bilayers could be manipulated to control the amount of silver loaded and its subsequent release. Poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate‐co‐acrylamide) was then grafted to provide an antifouling outer layer, and to ensure free diffusion of Ag from the surface. The micron‐scale combination of an antifouling coating with AgNP‐PDA bilayers reduced colonization of the urinary catheter by uropathogens by approximately two orders of magnitude. With one and two AgNP‐PDA bilayers, the coated catheter could resist encrustation for 12 and 45 days, respectively, compared with approximately 6 days with the Dover™ silver‐coated catheter. Such anti‐infective and anti‐encrustation catheters can potentially have a large impact on reducing patient morbidity and healthcare expenditure. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 519–528, 2015.
Iron in Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Schulte Eva C. , Kaffe Maria , Schormair Barbara , Winkelmann Juliane 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA link between restless legs syndrome (RLS) and iron has been recognized for several decades. Yet, the precise role that iron or other components of iron metabolism play in bringing aboutRLSis still a matter of debate. During the last few years, many new pieces of evidence from genetics, pathology, imaging, and clinical studies have surfaced. However, the way this evidence fits into the larger picture ofRLSas a disease is not always easily understood. To provide a better understanding of the complex interplay between iron metabolism andRLSand highlight areas that need further elucidation, we systematically and critically review the current literature on the role of iron inRLSpathophysiology and treatment with a special emphasis on genetics, neuropathology, cell and animal models, imaging studies, and therapy.
Treatment Options in Degenerative Cerebellar Ataxia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sarva Harini , Shanker Vicki Lynn 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe etiology of cerebellar ataxia (CA) is heterogeneous and includes easily identified and often reversible causes (i.e., drug toxicity and vitamin B12 deficiency) as well as irreversible degenerative conditions. It is the latter that poses a significant therapeutic challenge for practitioners treating this population of patients. To date, there are no U.S. Food and Drug Administration–approved medications for the treatment of CA. The literature, consisting mostly of case reports, case series, and small clinical trials, is sparse and scattered. These studies are difficult to translate clinically because they often describe diverse study populations with various identified and unidentified genetic etiologies. In addition, the reported treatment duration is often brief, and it is uncertain whether any of these options provide substantially lasting benefits. In this article, we review published reports and studies to aid the practitioner counseling patients with degenerative ataxias.
What's special about task in dystonia? A voxel‐based morphometry and diffusion weighted imaging study
Authors: Ramdhani Ritesh A. , Kumar Veena , Velickovic Miodrag , Frucht Steven J. , Tagliati Michele , Simonyan Kristina 
Published: June 2014

AbstractNumerous brain imaging studies have demonstrated structural changes in the basal ganglia, thalamus, sensorimotor cortex, and cerebellum across different forms of primary dystonia. However, our understanding of brain abnormalities contributing to the clinically well‐described phenomenon of task specificity in dystonia remained limited. We used high‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with voxel‐based morphometry and diffusion weighted imaging with tract‐based spatial statistics of fractional anisotropy to examine gray and white matter organization in two task‐specific dystonia forms, writer's cramp and laryngeal dystonia, and two non–task‐specific dystonia forms, cervical dystonia and blepharospasm. A direct comparison between both dystonia forms indicated that characteristic gray matter volumetric changes in task‐specific dystonia involve the brain regions responsible for sensorimotor control during writing and speaking, such as primary somatosensory cortex, middle frontal gyrus, superior/inferior temporal gyrus, middle/posterior cingulate cortex, and occipital cortex as well as the striatum and cerebellum (lobules VI‐VIIa). These gray matter changes were accompanied by white matter abnormalities in the premotor cortex, middle/inferior frontal gyrus, genu of the corpus callosum, anterior limb/genu of the internal capsule, and putamen. Conversely, gray matter volumetric changes in the non–task‐specific group were limited to the left cerebellum (lobule VIIa) only, whereas white matter alterations were found to underlie the primary sensorimotor cortex, inferior parietal lobule, and middle cingulate gyrus. Distinct microstructural patterns in task‐specific and non–task‐specific dystonias may represent neuroimaging markers and provide evidence that these two dystonia subclasses likely follow divergent pathophysiological mechanisms precipitated by different triggers. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Prescriber response to unsolicited prescription drug monitoring program reports in Massachusetts
Authors: Thomas Cindy Parks , Kim Meelee , Nikitin Ruslan V. , Kreiner Peter , Clark Thomas W. , Carrow Grant M. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTPurposeTo describe prescriber response to unsolicited patient reports from the Massachusetts prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP).MethodsPrescribers were surveyed upon receipt of unsolicited reports of their patients' prescription history and three months later. We assessed prescribers' awareness of other prescribers listed in the report, their clinical assessment of medical necessity of all prescribed medications, actions taken by prescribers after receiving the report, and usefulness of the report.ResultsOf the 333 respondents to the initial survey, only 28 (8.4%) were aware of most, all, or nearly all other prescribers. A total of 146 (43.8%) reported having sufficient knowledge to determine whether the prescriptions were medically necessary, of whom 102 (69.6%) felt the prescriptions were unwarranted. Of the 163 respondents to the follow‐up survey, 31.3% added the report to the patient's file, 22.7% discussed the report with other prescribers on the report, 21.5% took no action, and 6% discussed the report with the patient (representing two‐thirds of respondents who saw the patient after receiving the report). Most respondents felt that the report was useful for their practice and easy to understand.ConclusionsUnsolicited reporting of PDMP data has the potential to improve clinical practice by alerting providers about patients with multiple prescribers and potentially medically unnecessary prescriptions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of biopolymer blends on physical and Acoustical properties of biocomposite foams
Authors: Ghaffari Mosanenzadeh Shahrzad , Naguib Hani E. , Park Chul B. , Atalla Noureddine 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTBio‐based foams are the solution to environmental concerns raised by petrochemical‐based open cell foams used in various industries for sound absorption. While conventional petrochemical‐based polymers take centuries to degrade or may not degrade at all, bio‐based polymers decompose to biomass, water, and carbon dioxide in a matter of months when exposed to proper environment. To increase the potential of replacing current petrochemical foams, mechanical as well as acoustic characteristics of bio‐based foams need to be improved. This article studies the effect of blending two bio‐based polymers and physics of the blends on acoustic and mechanical properties of resulting polymer composite foams. Different blends of polylactide with three grades of polyhydroxyalkanoates were foamed and characterized based on acoustic and mechanical performance. Rheological properties of pure polymers as well as their blends were studied and effect of polymer blends on acoustic absorption of the resulting foams was investigated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1002–1013
Investigation of potential extreme load reduction for a two‐bladed upwind turbine with partial pitch
Authors: Kim Taeseong , Larsen Torben J. , Yde Anders 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis paper presents a wind turbine concept with an innovative design combining partial pitch with a two‐bladed (PP‐2B) turbine configuration. Special emphasis is on extreme load reduction during storm situations at standstill, but operational loads are also investigated. In order to compare the loads and dynamics of the PP‐2B turbine, a partial pitch three‐bladed (PP‐3B) turbine and a normal pitch regulated three‐bladed (3B) turbine are introduced on the basis of solidity similarity scaling. From the dynamic comparisons between two‐ and three‐bladed turbines, it has been observed that the blade vibrations are transferred differently from the rotor to the tower. For a three‐bladed turbine, blade vibrations seen in a fixed frame of reference are split with ±1P only. A two‐bladed turbine has a similar split of ±1P but also includes contributions on higher harmonics (±2P, ±3P, … etc.). Further on, frequency split is also seen for the tower vibrations, where an additional ±2P contribution has been observed for the two‐bladed turbine. Regarding load comparisons, the PP‐2B turbine produces larger tower load variations because of 2P excitation during the operational cases. However, extreme loads are reduced by approximately 20% for the PP‐2B and 18% for the PP‐3B compared with the 3B turbine for the parked condition in a storm situation. Moreover, a huge potential of 60% is observed for the reduction of the extreme tower bottom bending moment for the PP‐2B turbine, when the wind direction is from ±90° to the turbine, but this also requires that the turbine is parked in a T‐configuration. © 2014 The Authors. Wind Energy published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Airfoil wind tunnel correction for angles of attack from −180° to 180°
Authors: Wang Long , Jiao Yuqin , Gao Yongwei 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWind tunnel corrections are investigated for two‐dimensional low‐speed wind tunnel tests that are performed for three similar airfoils for angles of attack ranging from −180° to 180° at Re = 0.75 × 106. Aided by the Blasius theorem, wind tunnel corrections are deduced for the lift, drag and pitching moment of the airfoil at high angles of attack. The wall pressure signature method is applied to determine the strengths of the equivalent singularities. The tunnel wall‐induced force and pitching moment are obtained by calculating the force and moment exerted on the equivalent singularities. The maximum correction for drag is determined to be about 50%. The corrected forces and pitching moments for three similar airfoils are coincident with one another. A method to determine an optimum singularities distribution range is presented. The results indicate that the correction method in the paper is effective for airfoil testing at high angles of attack. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preclinical characterization of the CDK4/6 inhibitor LY2835219: in-vivo cell cycle-dependent/independent anti-tumor activities alone/in combination with gemcitabine
Authors: Gelbert Lawrence M. , Cai Shufen , Lin Xi , Sanchez-Martinez Concepcion , del Prado Miriam , Lallena Maria Jose , Torres Raquel , Ajamie Rose T. , Wishart Graham N. , Flack Robert Steven , Neubauer Blake Lee , Young Jamie , Chan Edward M. , Iversen Philip , Cronier Damien , Kreklau Emiko , de Dios Alfonso 
Published: June 2014

SummaryThe G1 restriction point is critical for regulating the cell cycle and is controlled by the Rb pathway (CDK4/6-cyclin D1-Rb-p16/ink4a). This pathway is important because of its inactivation in a majority of human tumors. Transition through the restriction point requires phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) by CDK4/6, which are highly validated cancer drug targets. We present the identification and characterization of a potent CDK4/6 inhibitor, LY2835219. LY2835219 inhibits CDK4 and CDK6 with low nanomolar potency, inhibits Rb phosphorylation resulting in a G1 arrest and inhibition of proliferation, and its activity is specific for Rb-proficient cells. In vivo target inhibition studies show LY2835219 is a potent inhibitor of Rb phosphorylation, induces a complete cell cycle arrest and suppresses expression of several Rb-E2F-regulated proteins 24 hours after a single dose. Oral administration of LY2835219 inhibits tumor growth in human tumor xenografts representing different histologies in tumor-bearing mice. LY2835219 is effective and well tolerated when administered up to 56 days in immunodeficient mice without significant loss of body weight or tumor outgrowth. In calu-6 xenografts, LY2835219 in combination with gemcitabine enhanced in vivo antitumor activity without a G1 cell cycle arrest, but was associated with a reduction of ribonucleotide reductase expression. These results suggest LY2835219 may be used alone or in combination with standard-of-care cytotoxic therapy. In summary, we have identified a potent, orally active small-molecule inhibitor of CDK4/6 that is active in xenograft tumors. LY2835219 is currently in clinical development.
Intrinsic Fluorescence Excitation–Emission Matrix Spectral Features of Cottonseed Protein Fractions and the Effects of Denaturants
Authors: He Zhongqi , Uchimiya Minori , Cao Heping 
Published: June 2014

AbstractTo better understand the functional and physicochemical properties of cottonseed protein, we investigated the intrinsic fluorescence excitation–emission matrix (EEM) spectral features of cottonseed protein isolate (CSPI) and sequentially extracted water (CSPw) and alkali (CSPa) protein fractions, and the effects of denaturants urea, guanidine hydrochloride, and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The EEM showed two contour peaks at the excitation wavelengths of 226 nm (Peak 1) and 277 nm (Peak 2). Addition of denaturants gradually shifted the emission maxima of both peaks from 335 nm to around 353 nm for CSPI and CSPa. The emission maximum (353 nm) of CSPw was unchanged by denaturation. These observations indicated that the tryptophan residues (fluorescence source) in the native CSPI and CSPa were protected within the micro hydrophobic environment, and gradually become water accessible with progressing denaturation. On the other hand, the tryptophan residues in native CSPw were already in contact with water. However, the fluorescence intensity of Peak 1 of all three protein samples decreased with increasing denaturant concentrations, suggesting similarity in some conformational changes in the three samples. Further exploration of the fluorescence mechanism of Peak 1 is needed to understand such similar conformational changes.
Outcome of repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries after three years
Authors: Reid Annette J. , Beggs Andrew D. , Sultan Abdul H. , Roos Anne‐Marie , Thakar Ranee 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo prospectively assess change in bowel symptoms and quality of life (QoL) approximately 3 years after primary repair of obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS).MethodsBetween July 2002 and December 2007 women who attended the perineal clinic at Croydon University Hospital, UK, 9 weeks following primary repair of OASIS were asked to complete the Manchester Health Questionnaire and a questionnaire to obtain a St Mark incontinence score. All women had endoanal scans at this visit. In June 2008 all women were asked to complete the questionnaires again.ResultsOf 344 patients who responded to the questionnaires and were included in the analysis, long‐term symptoms of fecal urgency, flatus incontinence, and fecal incontinence occurred in 62 (18.0%), 52 (15.1%), and 36 (10.5%), respectively. Overall, there was a significant improvement in fecal urgency (P < 0.001) and flatus incontinence (P < 0.001) from 9 weeks to 3 years. Of 31 women with fecal incontinence symptoms at early follow‐up, 28 were asymptomatic at 3 years. However, 33 women developed de novo symptoms. The only predictors of fecal incontinence at 3 years were fecal urgency at 9 weeks (OR 4.65; 95% CI, 1.38–15.70) and a higher St Mark score (OR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.09–1.80).ConclusionFollowing primary repair of OASIS, the majority of symptoms and QoL significantly improve, unless there is a persistent anal sphincter defect. This highlights the importance of adequate repair.
Direct observation of uterotonic drug use at public health facility‐based deliveries in four districts in India
Authors: Stanton Cynthia K. , Deepak Nitya N. , Mallapur Ashalata A. , Katageri Geetanjali M. , Mullany Luke C. , Koski Alissa , Mirzabagi Ellie 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo describe intrapartum uterotonic drug use and related behaviors in public health facility‐based deliveries and to describe drug storage conditions in associated pharmacies.MethodsA descriptive study was conducted between August and November 2011 to document practices related to uterotonic administration and storage based on direct observation of deliveries at public health facilities in four Indian districts (n = 97, n = 89, n = 91, and n = 89) with contrasting maternal health and socioeconomic indicators.ResultsUterotonic drug use before and after delivery was common among the 366 study participants. Labor augmentation rates ranged from 53.5%–93.0% of deliveries across districts, with many receiving multiple uterotonics and administration via intramuscular injection or intravenous push. Uterotonic use following delivery ranged from 78.6%–99.1% across districts, with correct use of uterotonics for postpartum hemorrhage prevention varying from 6.0%–8.8% in Uttar Pradesh and 41.2%–76.4% in Karnataka. Active management of the third stage of labor following Indian guidelines was less than 10% in all districts. Storage of uterotonics at room temperature was common.ConclusionGiven that labor augmentation is nearly routine and at odds with Indian guideline recommendations, rigorous research is needed to assess maternal and fetal outcomes of current versus guidelines‐based practice. Active management of the third stage of labor as per Indian guidelines was minimal.
Evaluation of confounding factors interfering with sexual function in women with minimal pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Karabulut Aysun , Ozkan Sevgi , Koçak Nilüfer , Alan Tülay 
Published: June 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of confounding factors on sexual function in women with minimal pelvic organ prolapse (POP).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted at a cervical cancer screening center in Turkey between December 1, 2012, and March 31, 2013. Symptom‐free women with stage I or II POP were enrolled to evaluate the association between sexual function and sociodemographic variables, POP, POP‐related quality of life, stress incontinence, and overactive bladder.ResultsOf 243 volunteers (mean age 46.0 ± 9.1 years), 188 (77.4%) had a low Female Sexual Function Index score. Women with better sexual function tended to be younger, have a higher salary, not be in the menopause, and have no chronic illness (P < 0.05 for all). There was no difference between the groups in terms of POP Quantification measurements (P > 0.05), apart from transvaginal length (P = 0.011). Overactive bladder was more common (P = 0.005) and more severe (P = 0.002) in women with sexual dysfunction, and their POP‐related quality of life was worse (P < 0.05). In a linear regression analysis, high salary had a positive effect and overactive bladder had a negative effect on sexual function.ConclusionSexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in women with minimal POP. Overactive bladder and low income are the major factors adversely affecting sexual function.
Ventriculoventricular delay optimization of a cardiac resynchronization device
Authors: Sagara Koichi 
Published: June 2014

AbstractCardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) has become a standard option for patients with severe low cardiac function and mild to severe heart failure. However, its potential has not been maximized to date, as the optimal atrioventricular delay, ventriculoventricular (VV) delay, and tachy therapy settings remain unknown. Here, data from various studies have been used to estimate several CRT settings.Three search words—interventricular interval, VV delay, and interventricular delay with cardiac resynchronization therapy—were entered into PubMed. The methods used to optimize VV delay included ultrasonography, radioisotope diagnosis, scintigraphy, electrocardiography, Swan–Ganz catheterization, and thoracic impedance. Their populations and results were analyzed to identify convincing rules. Methods for VV delay optimization in the literature can be categorized into four patterns. Time and cost were high in several categories. Most studies concluded that their method was effective but no small amount of papers denied individual detailed optimization. There were some population biases in most papers. Individual optimization had a major impact in patients with ischemic heart disease but no significant impact in patients with non‐ischemic heart diseases.In summary, CRT is an established therapy, but a well‐controlled study is required to find conclusive methods for VV delay optimization.