bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone in relation to plasma B-type natriuretic peptide: the Hoorn Study
Authors: van Ballegooijen Adriana J , Visser Marjolein , Snijder Marieke B , Dekker Jacqueline M , Nijpels Giel , Stehouwer Coen D A , Diamant Michaela , Brouwer Ingeborg A 
Published: July 2012

ObjectiveA disturbed vitamin D–parathyroid hormone (PTH)–calcium axis may play a role in the pathogenesis of heart failure. Therefore, we investigated whether lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and higher PTH are cross sectionally and after 8 years of follow-up associated with higher B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in older men and women.Design and methodsWe measured baseline 25(OH)D, PTH, and BNP in 502 subjects in 2000–2001 in the Hoorn Study, a population-based cohort. Follow-up BNP was available in 2007–2009 in 278 subjects. Subjects were categorized according to season- and sex-specific quartiles of 25(OH)D and PTH at baseline. We studied the association of 25(OH)D and PTH quartiles with BNP using linear regression analyses adjusting for confounders. Analyses were stratified by kidney function estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; ≤60 ml/min per 1.73 m2) because of significant interaction.ResultsAt baseline, subjects had a mean age of 69.9±6.6 years, mean 25(OH)D level was 52.2±19.5 nmol/l and mean PTH 6.1±2.4 pmol/l. Cross sectionally, 25(OH)D was associated with BNP in subjects with impaired kidney function (eGFR ≤60 ml/min) only. The association attenuated after adjustment for PTH. PTH was cross sectionally associated with BNP, also in subjects with impaired kidney function only: regression coefficient of highest quartile 9.9 pmol/l (95% confidence interval 2.5, 17.4) with a significant trend across quartiles. Neither 25(OH)D nor PTH was associated with BNP in longitudinal analyses.ConclusionThis study showed overall no strong association between 25(OH)D and BNP. However, PTH was associated with BNP in subjects with impaired kidney function and may point to a potential role in myocardial function.
Individualised vs fixed dose of oral 17β-oestradiol for induction of puberty in girls with Turner syndrome: an open-randomised parallel trial
Authors: Labarta José I , Moreno Maria L , López-Siguero Juan P , Luzuriaga Cristina , Rica Itxaso , Sánchez-del Pozo Jaime , Gracia-Bouthelier Ricardo 
Published: July 2012

ContextOestrogen induction of pubertal changes in Turner girls may reinforce their psychological well-being and may also optimise final height; however, oestrogen type, dose, and route are not well established.ObjectiveTo induce normal pubertal development in Turner girls and ovarian insufficiency with oral 17β-oestradiol (E2), either as individualised dose (ID) or as fixed dose (FD), and to determine whether growth is affected.DesignOpen-label randomised, parallel groups, multicentre clinical trial in 48 GH-treated Turner girls. Oral E2was given in tablets, either as an ID of 5–15 μg/kg per day during 2 years or as a FD of 0.2 mg daily during the first year followed by 0.5 mg daily during the second year. Main outcome measures were the event of attaining a Tanner breast staging ≥4 (primary), FSH, and auxological variables (secondary).ResultsShorter median time to Tanner staging ≥ B4 in the FD group (733 days) compared with the ID group (818 days) (P=0.046). Higher proportion of girls with Tanner staging ≥ B4 (65%) in the FD group compared with the ID group (42%) (P=0.068). Bone age did not show inadequate acceleration and adult height prediction was maintained in both groups. No oestrogen-related adverse events were reported.ConclusionsTwo-year treatment with oral E2can progressively induce normal pubertal development in Turner syndrome. Low-dose oral E2given as a FD produces a satisfactory pubertal development not inferior to ID. Treatment was well tolerated and did not interfere with the growth-promoting effect of GH.
Comparative Oncogenomics Implicates the Neurofibromin 1 Gene (NF1) as a Breast Cancer Driver
Authors: Wallace Marsha D , Pfefferle Adam D , Shen Lishuang , McNairn Adrian J , Cerami Ethan G , Fallon Barbara L , Rinaldi Vera D , Southard Teresa L , Perou Charles M , Schimenti John C 
Published: July 2012

AbstractIdentifying genomic alterations driving breast cancer is complicated by tumor diversity and genetic heterogeneity. Relevant mouse models are powerful for untangling this problem because such heterogeneity can be controlled. Inbred Chaos3 mice exhibit high levels of genomic instability leading to mammary tumors that have tumor gene expression profiles closely resembling mature human mammary luminal cell signatures. We genomically characterized mammary adenocarcinomas from these mice to identify cancer-causing genomic events that overlap common alterations in human breast cancer. Chaos3 tumors underwent recurrent copy number alterations (CNAs), particularly deletion of the RAS inhibitor Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) in nearly all cases. These overlap with human CNAs including NF1, which is deleted or mutated in 27.7% of all breast carcinomas. Chaos3 mammary tumor cells exhibit RAS hyperactivation and increased sensitivity to RAS pathway inhibitors. These results indicate that spontaneous NF1 loss can drive breast cancer. This should be informative for treatment of the significant fraction of patients whose tumors bear NF1 mutations.
Clonal Interference in the Evolution of Influenza
Authors: Strelkowa Natalja , Lässig Michael 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
The seasonal influenza A virus undergoes rapid evolution to escape human immune response. Adaptive changes occur primarily in antigenic epitopes, the antibody-binding domains of the viral hemagglutinin. This process involves recurrent selective sweeps, in which clusters of simultaneous nucleotide fixations in the hemagglutinin coding sequence are observed about every 4 years. Here, we show that influenza A (H3N2) evolves by strong clonal interference. This mode of evolution is a red queen race between viral strains with different beneficial mutations. Clonal interference explains and quantifies the observed sweep pattern: we find an average of at least one strongly beneficial amino acid substitution per year, and a given selective sweep has three to four driving mutations on average. The inference of selection and clonal interference is based on frequency time series of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, which are obtained from a sample of influenza genome sequences over 39 years. Our results imply that mode and speed of influenza evolution are governed not only by positive selection within, but also by background selection outside antigenic epitopes: immune adaptation and conservation of other viral functions interfere with each other. Hence, adapting viral proteins are predicted to be particularly brittle. We conclude that a quantitative understanding of influenza’s evolutionary and epidemiological dynamics must be based on all genomic domains and functions coupled by clonal interference.
Study on Synthesis of PVA Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles using Green Synthesis and Their Application for Catalysis
Authors: Cheon Ja Young , Park Won Ho 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThe parameters influencing the formation of silver nanoparticles are reported. We used poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), maltose and silver nitrate as stabilizer, reductant and silver nanoparticles precursor, respectively. The formation of nanoparticles depended upon reaction temperature and pH of solution. The pH of solution controlled by HCl and NaOH. The reaction rate and amount of nanoparticles increase with increasing the reaction temperature. Also, formation of nanoparticles are influenced by pH. The size distribution and dispersion of Ag nanoparticles formed in PVA solution were observed by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the reaction rate and amount of nanoparticles were characterized UV-vis spectrophotometer.
A two-step UV curing process for producing high tensile stressed silicon nitride layers
Authors: Fischer Tobias , Prager Lutz , Hohage Joerg , Ruelke Hartmut , Schulz Stefan E. , Richter Ralf , Gessner T. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThis experimental study presents a comparison of differently tensile stressed silicon nitride (SiN) layers and their response to irradiation in a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) curing system. Therefore, three types of silicon nitride with initial stress levels of 450 MPa, 700 MPa and 980 MPa were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). In contrast to industrial standard VUV curing with broadband lamps ≥ 220 nm radiation wavelengths, we analyzed the effects of curing with single wavelengths at 172 nm and 222 nm. The samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and wafer bow measurement. It could be shown that high energy photons are able to dehydrogenize SiN films more than lower energetic photons compared with lower Si-N-Si crosslinking effects. Furthermore, we could show that a dual combined 172 nm and 222 nm VUV curing procedure can produce films with very low hydrogen concentration and high percentage of structural units consisting of Si-N-Si bonds. In conclusion of this study, an up to +900 MPa stress increasing process could be established.
Anthropometric Analysis of the Maxillary Bone and the Alar Base in Unilateral Cleft Lip with Secondary Nasal Deformity: Classification of a Piriform Margin Bony Depression
Authors: Zhang Lei , Lu Li , Li Zeng-Jian , Liu Qiang , Yang Ming-Liang , Wang Xu-Kai , Bai Xiao-Feng 
Published: July 2012

Objectives This study was conducted to measure the soft tissue of the alar base and the piriform aperture area of the maxillary bone of unilateral cleft lips with secondary nasal deformities when secondary operation are necessary to classify the alar base depression and to provide a clinical reference for the second surgery. Methods Twenty-six patients with unilateral cleft lip with secondary nasal deformity were treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medial University. Nose data were attained preoperatively and postoperatively. Correlations were made between the soft tissue and the bony depression and patient satisfaction with the nasi basis. Classifications were then made based on these data. Results When the distance discrepancy of the bilateral piriform aperture depression was less than 4.5 mm, we obtained a fine appearance for the nose by repairing only the soft tissues. When it was more than 5 mm, we had to combine repair of the soft tissue with a bone graft or the restitution of the alveolar cleft. When the distance was between 4.5 mm and 5 mm, the surgeon considered both the wishes of the patient and the clinic's standard procedure. Conclusions For patients with cleft lips and palates, the bony depression was not the only factor that resulted in postoperative alar depression. Anthropometry of the nose prior to surgery was important for choosing the methods that would yield satisfactory results.
Morphometric Evaluation of Craniofacial and Alveolar Arch Structures in Anencephalic Human Fetuses: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Esenlik Elçin , Şener Emine Hilal , Yılmaz Hasan Hüseyin , Uğuz Ceren , Malas Mehmet Ali 
Published: July 2012

Objective The aim of the present study was to compare the morphometrics of the craniofacial and alveolar arch structures of anencephalic fetuses with those of normal human fetuses without anencephaly or any other anomaly. Design Original article. Methods Standard lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs of 23 anencephalic and 33 normal human fetuses aged between 21 and 40 weeks of gestation were compared. These fetuses were divided into three periods based on gestational age, and vertical, sagittal, transverse, and angular measurements were taken in the cranial base and facial regions. Moreover, intraoral measurements from the maxillary and mandibular arches were also made to determine the width and depth. Results N-S and S-Ba lengths and the N-S-Ba angle, measured on lateral cephalometric radiographs, were statistically smaller in anencephalic fetuses ( p < .05). The S-N-ANS, S-N-Pg, and ANS-N-Pg angles and the Go-Me length were significantly greater in anencephalic fetuses ( p < .05). Maxillary length, ramus length, and anterior facial heights were similar in both groups. On posteroanterior radiographs, all parameters except bigonial distance were found to be smaller in the anencephalic fetuses ( p < .05). Maxillary alveolar width was small among anencephalic fetuses in all three periods; whereas, the mandibular alveolar width was narrow only in the third period. Conclusion Cranial and facial structures were affected morphometrically to various degrees in anencephalic cases. The most significant alterations in anencephalic cases were related to measurements in the transverse direction. This indicated that cephalic tissue influenced not only the cranial base but also all facial structures.
Postsurgical Alveolar Bone Graft Patients: Elaboration and Application of a Data-Gathering Instrument for Nutrition and Nursing
Authors: Beluci Marli Luiz , De Barros Suely Prieto , Borgo Hilton Coimbra , Fontes Cassiana Mendes Bertoncello , Arena Eliane Petean 
Published: July 2012

Objectives To relate nutritional status with food acceptance by patients undergoing alveolar bone grafting and to elaborate an interdisciplinary instrument for data collection, involving nutrition and nursing teams. Design/Intervention A prospective, longitudinal, and comparative study with a quantitative approach was conducted in a tertiary institutional hospital. The nutritional anthropometric evaluation was performed one day before surgery (M1) and at hospital discharge (M2), by measuring body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness (TST), subscapular skinfold thickness (SST), and arm muscle circumference (AMC). The interdisciplinary instrument for data collection was used. Patients The sample comprised 150 patients, aged 10 to 20 years, of both genders, who agreed to participate in this study. Results Most of patients were well-nourished during the study. There was correlation between BMI and ∑ TST + SST at M1 and M2 ( P < .0001) and between BMI and AMC ( P < .0001). Concerning food acceptance, 145 patients had adequate intake and 5 did not. Comparisons between the groups of patients revealed decreases in values for BMI, ∑ TST + SST, and AMC from −0.37, 0.0, and 0.3, respectively, at M1 to −0.71, −3.0, and 0.0, respectively, at M2. BMI and AMC showed similar decreases in both groups. Conclusions The interdisciplinary instrument was useful and appropriate for associating nutritional status with food acceptance, adding value for teamwork.
Correction of the Bilateral Question Mark Ear Deformity Using Double-Opposing Z-Plasty and a Chondrocutaneous Flap
Authors: Bastidas Nicholas , Taylor Jesse A. 
Published: July 2012

Objective To describe an alternative technique for correcting a rare and complex ear deformity. Introduction The question mark ear deformity has been described as a congenital cleft between the helix and the lobule in addition to a prominent ear. Here we describe a novel technique using double-opposing Z-plasty and a chondrocutaneous flap to correct the deformity without significant reduction in auricle height or creation of a donor-site defect. Methods An anterior/posterior double-opposing Z-plasty and a superiorly based chondrocutaneous flap were designed at the level of the cleft. Flaps were raised full thickness, and Mustarde and Furnas sutures were placed to reduce the prominence. The flaps were then transposed and reapproximated. Of note, all anterior and posterior skin flaps were used in the repair to minimize diminution of ear height. Pre- and postoperative measurements and photographs of the ears were taken. Results Postoperatively, all flaps were viable, and there was no evidence of skin necrosis. The total length of the left ear was reduced by only 3 mm (53 to 50 mm), and the right ear was reduced by 1 mm (52 to 51 mm). The patient's pain was successfully managed as an outpatient, and there were no infectious complications. The resultant scars healed aesthetically and are minimally visible. The patient and her parents are satisfied with the results. Conclusion Our technique addresses all components of the question mark ear deformity and does not create a visible donor-site deformity.
Classification of Congenital Midline Upper Lip Sinuses: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Aoki Marie , Sakamoto Yoshiaki , Nagasao Tomohisa , Miyamoto Junpei , Kishi Kazuo 
Published: July 2012

Background We recently encountered a case of a midline upper lip sinus, one of the rarest congenital lip sinuses. Several embryological hypotheses have been proposed regarding the etiology of this rare disease, but it remains obscure. Methods We reviewed all cases of upper lip sinus reported in the English language through 2011, and classified them into three types according to accompanying anomalies and the site of the fistula. Results Twenty-eight studies involving 31 cases were reviewed and classified. A type I sinus was a midline sinus without accompanying anomalies. There were 13 such cases, with a female predilection. Type II sinuses were midline sinuses with accompanying anomalies, and there were nine such cases. Type III sinuses were lateral sinuses with or without accompanying anomalies; there were nine cases. Conclusions Our classification scheme is not only convenient for clinical application, but also reflects the embryological process responsible for congenital lip sinuses.
Can a Code of Ethics Improve Manager Behavior and Investor Confidence? An Experimental Study
Authors: Davidson Bruce I. , Stevens Douglas E. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT:
Policy makers and corporations have recently emphasized a code of ethics as an effective aspect of corporate governance. The corporate governance literature in accounting, however, provides little empirical or theoretical support for this emphasis. We address this gap between public policy and the literature by studying the effectiveness of a code of ethics in an experimental setting. Using Bicchieri's (2006) model of social norm activation, we predict that a code of ethics will improve manager return behavior and investor confidence to the extent that it activates social norms that control opportunistic behavior. Further, we predict that adding a certification choice whereby the manager can publicly certify that he will adhere to the code will enhance the potential for the code of ethics to activate such norms. We find that a code of ethics only improves manager return behavior and investor confidence when the code incorporates a public certification choice by the manager. When the code is present but there is no certification choice, manager return behavior does not improve and investor confidence erodes over time because of increased expectations that are not met by managers. An analysis of individual return decisions and exit questionnaire responses supports the activation of social norms as the underlying mechanism behind our results.
Data Availability: Experimental data are available from the authors upon request.
Should PCAOB Disciplinary Proceedings Be Made Public? Evidence from Sanctions against a Big 4 Auditor
Authors: Dee Carol Callaway , Lulseged Ayalew , Zhang Tianming 
Published: July 2012

SUMMARY:
In our paper “Client Stock Market Reaction to PCAOB Sanctions against a Big 4 Auditor” (Dee et al. 2011), we examine stock price effects for clients of a Big 4 audit firm when news of sanctions imposed by the PCAOB against the audit firm was made public. These PCAOB penalties were the first against a Big 4 auditor, and they revealed information about quality-control problems at the audit firm that were not publicly known until the sanctions were announced. Our analysis of stock prices suggests that investors in clients of the penalized Big 4 firm reevaluated their perceptions of the quality of the firm's audit work after learning of the sanctions. The negative stock price effects for the firm's clients were consistent with investors inferring that the financial statements were of lower quality. In the paper, we conclude that investors find information about PCAOB sanctions against audit firms to be relevant in assessing audit quality and use that information in setting stock prices for audit firms' clients. This finding has relevance for the debate on the proposed legislation in Congress (H.R. 3503), which would allow the PCAOB to disclose proceedings against auditors before the investigations are concluded. Our results suggest that, although investors may find early disclosure of this information useful, public disclosure of Board disciplinary proceedings before they are completed could unfairly harm an audit firm's reputation if the firm is ultimately vindicated of wrongdoing.
Serum Concentration of Cystatin C and Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease in Diabetes
Authors: Krolewski Andrzej S. , Warram James H. , Forsblom Carol , Smiles Adam M. , Thorn Lena , Skupien Jan , Harjutsalo Valma , Stanton Robert , Eckfeldt John H. , Inker Lesley A. , Groop Per-Henrik 
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE
Patients with diabetes have a high risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We examined whether prediction of this outcome, according to chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging by creatinine-based estimates of the glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcreat), is improved by further staging with serum cystatin C–based estimates (eGFRcyst).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Patients with diabetes in CKD stages 1–3 were selected from three cohorts: two from Joslin Diabetes Center, one with type 1 diabetes (N = 364) and one with type 2 diabetes (N = 402), and the third from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study of type 1 (N = 399). Baseline serum concentrations of creatinine and cystatin C were measured in all patients. Follow-up averaged 8–10 years and onsets of ESRD (n = 246) and death unrelated to ESRD (n = 159) were ascertained.

RESULTS
Although CKD staging by eGFRcyst was concordant with that by eGFRcreat for 62% of Joslin patients and 73% of FinnDiane patients, those given a higher stage by eGFRcyst than eGFRcreat had a significantly higher risk of ESRD than those with concordant staging in all three cohorts (hazard ratio 2.3 [95% CI 1.8–3.1]). Similarly, patients at a lower stage by eGFRcyst than by eGFRcreat had a lower risk than those with concordant staging (0.30 [0.13–0.68]). Deaths unrelated to ESRD followed the same pattern, but differences were not as large.

CONCLUSIONS
In patients with diabetes, CKD staging based on eGFRcyst significantly improves ESRD risk stratification based on eGFRcreat. This conclusion can be generalized to patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and to diabetic patients in the U.S. and Finland.