bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Should Asset Managers Hedge Their “Fees at Risk”?
Authors: Scherer Bernd 
Published: December 2010

Although the recent financial crisis afflicted all asset managers, the problem of general market exposure was in some respects worse for the long‐only funds that rely almost completely on asset‐based fees than for the “absolute return” and other kinds of hedge funds that also receive performance‐based fees. While the revenue generated by performance‐based fees is expected to be volatile, asset‐based fees tend to be viewed as an “annuity” stream that involves little or no earnings risk. But, especially in the case of long‐only funds, large shortfalls in asset fees were caused by the combination of significant redemptions and sharp reductions in assets under management that accompanied the plunge in asset prices.In this article, the author attempts to quantify the expected effect of market fluctuations on the asset fees and profitability of long‐only asset managers. Having done so, he then argues that traditional long‐only asset managers—managers whose only reason for being is their ability to generate above‐market returns (or “alpha”) on a fairly consistent basis—routinely retain too much beta risk in their primarily asset‐based fee structures.The author offers two main reasons for long‐only asset managers to hedge beta risk: (1) it would reduce the need for fund management firms to hold liquid capital to ensure solvency and fund important projects during market downturns; (2) it would provide the firm's current and prospective clients with a clearer signal of whether its managers are succeeding in the firm's mission of generating alpha, as well as the possibility of more equity‐like and cost‐effective incentive compensation systems for those managers.
The Riks-Stroke Story: Building a Sustainable National Register for Quality Assessment of Stroke Care
Authors: Asplund Kjell , Hulter Åsberg Kerstin , Appelros Peter , Bjarne Daniela , Eriksson Marie , Johansson Åsa , Jonsson Fredrik , Norrving Bo , Stegmayr Birgitta , Terént Andreas , Wallin Sari , Wester Per-Olov 
Published: December 2010

Background Riks-Stroke, the Swedish Stroke Register, is the world's longest-running national stroke quality register (established in 1994) and includes all 76 hospitals in Sweden admitting acute stroke patients. The development and maintenance of this sustainable national register is described. Methods Riks-Stroke includes information on the quality of care during the acute phase, rehabilitation and secondary prevention of stroke, as well as data on community support. Riks-Stroke is unique among stroke quality registers in that patients are followed during the first year after stroke. The data collected describe processes, and medical and patient-reported outcome measurements. The register embraces most of the dimensions of health-care quality (evidence-based, safe, provided in time, distributed fairly and patient oriented). Result Annually, approximately 25 000 patients are included. In 2009, approximately 320 000 patients had been accumulated (mean age 76-years). The register is estimated to cover 82% of all stroke patients treated in Swedish hospitals. Among critical issues when building a national stroke quality register, the delicate balance between simplicity and comprehensiveness is emphasised. Future developments include direct transfer of data from digital medical records to Riks-Stroke and comprehensive strategies to use the information collected to rapidly implement new evidence-based techniques and to eliminate outdated methods in stroke care. Conclusions It is possible to establish a sustainable quality register for stroke at the national level covering all hospitals admitting acute stroke patients. Riks-Stroke is fulfilling its main goals to support continuous quality improvement of Swedish stroke services and serve as an instrument for following up national stroke guidelines.
Reperfusion and Outcomes in Penumbra Vs. Systemic Tissue Plasminogen Activator Clinical Trials
Authors: Alexandrov Andrei V. , Schellinger Peter D. , Saqqur Maher , Barreto Andrew , Demchuk Andrew M. , Ribo Marc , Rubiera Marta , Sharma Vijay K. , Heliopoulos Ioannis , Alexandrov Anne W. , Molina Carlos A. , Tsivgoulis Georgios ,   for the CLOTBUST and TUCSON Investigators
Published: December 2010

Background An uncontrolled clinical study of the Penumbra™ system showed high rates of recanalisation and relatively poor functional outcomes that were inadequately compared with historic controls. We aimed to compare the findings in Penumbra with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator trials that determined recanalisation (Combined Lysis Of Thrombus in Brain ischaemia using transcranial Ultrasound and Systemic tissue plasminogen activator and Transcranial Ultrasound in Clinical Sonothrombolysis). Methods Control patients treated with intravenous tissue plasminogen activator and intermittent ultrasound surveillance had National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores >7. The Penumbra trial definition of symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage was used. Revascularisation was defined using thrombolysis in brain ischaemia scores predictive of thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow grades and compared with thrombolysis in myocardial infarction data from Penumbra. Favourable functional outcomes was defined as a modified Rankin Scale of 0–2. Results Pretreatment stroke severity (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score) was 17·6 ± 5·2 points in Penumbra patients ( n=125) and 16·3 ± 5·3 in controls ( n=68; P=0·101). The control group was older compared with Penumbra (68·8 ± 13·4 vs. 63·5 ± 13·5-years; P=0·010). Time-to-treatment initiation was on average 2 h later (2·3 ± 0·6 vs. 4·3 ± 1·5 h; P<0·001) in Penumbra. The rate of any revascularisation after treatment with Penumbra was higher than that following intravenous thrombolysis: 82% (54% thrombolysis in myocardial infarction II and 27% thrombolysis in myocardial infarction III) vs. 40% (25% partial, 15% complete revascularisation), P<0·001. Symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage tended to be higher with Penumbra (11·2% vs. 4·4%; P=0·182, Fisher's exact test). At three-months, mortality with Penumbra was higher (32·8%) than controls (14·1%; P=0·006). Favourable functional outcomes were higher in historic controls (39% vs. 25%; P=0·046). Conclusions Despite lower revascularisation rates, patients treated with systemic thrombolysis achieved better functional outcomes likely due to earlier treatment initiation. These data indicate that it is unrealistic to expect primary intraarterial revascularisation to be any better than systemic plasminogen activator within the 3-h time window. Improvements in the speed of delivery and performance of intraarterial reperfusion are needed.
Photoreduction and Ketone‐sensitized Reduction of Alkaloids
Authors: Görner Helmut , Miskolczy Zsombor , Megyesi Mónika , Biczók László 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe photoprocesses of berberine, palmatine, coralyne, sanguinarine, flavopereirine and ellipticine were studied in several solvents. The quantum yields ΦΔ of singlet molecular oxygen formation of berberine, palmatine and sanguinarine are moderate in dichloromethane (0.2–0.6) and much smaller in acetonitrile or trifluoroethanol. For the other alkaloids examined, ΦΔ is rather independent of solvent polarity. The direct and ketone‐sensitized photolysis, using steady‐state irradiation at 313 nm or 248/308 nm laser pulses, was studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Thereby, radicals were observed yielding eventually dihydro derivatives as major products, which are thermally back‐converted on admission of oxygen. The quantum yield of conversion of alkaloids to dihydroalkaloids is enhanced in the presence of triethylamine. The reaction in the presence of ketones and electron or H‐atom donors has a quantum yield of close to unity.
Intranasal Phototherapy Is More Effective Than Fexofenadine Hydrochloride in the Treatment of Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis: Results of a Pilot Study
Authors: Garaczi Edina , Boros‐Gyevi Márta , Bella Zsolt , Csoma Zsanett , Kemény Lajos , Koreck Andrea 
Published: December 2010

AbstractWe recently showed that intranasal phototherapy represents an efficient therapeutic modality for the treatment of patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). The aim of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of intranasal phototherapy with that of the new generation antihistamine fexofenadine HCl in SAR. A randomized open study was conducted in patients with a history of moderate‐to‐severe ragweed‐induced SAR. Thirty‐one patients were randomly assigned to receive either intranasal irradiation three times a week for 2 weeks, or 180 mg fexofenadine HCl per day for 2 weeks. Each patient kept a diary of symptoms for nasal obstruction, nasal itching, rhinorrhea, sneezing and palate itching. Total nasal score (TNS), a sum of scores for nasal symptoms, was also calculated. In the rhinophototherapy group the individual scores significantly decreased compared with baseline for all of the parameters. In the fexofenadine HCl group none of the scores improved significantly at the end of the treatment except sneezing. TNS was significantly decreased in the rhinophototherapy group, but no significant change was observed in the fexofenadine HCl group after 2 weeks of treatment. In conclusion, we found that intranasal phototherapy is more efficient than fexofenadine HCl in reducing clinical symptoms for SAR.
Is Ciprofloxacin a Substrate of P‐glycoprotein?
Authors: Park Miki Susanto , Okochi Hideaki , Benet Leslie Z. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTIntroduction. Studies using MDCKII and LLC‐PK1 cells transfected with MDR1 cDNA indicate that ciprofloxacin is not a substrate of P‐glycoprotein. However, our data has shown that transport studies done using different P‐gp overexpressing cell lines (MDCKI‐MDR1, MDCKII‐MDR1 and L‐MDR1), could lead to contradictory conclusion on whether a compound is a substrate of P‐gp. The aim of our study was to determine if ciprofloxacin is indeed not a P‐glycoprotein substrate using MDCKI cells transfected with human MDR1 cDNA.Methods. Semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR was used to determine the mRNA level of MDR1 while Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression level of P‐gp, MRP1 and MRP2 in various cells. Ciprofloxacin bidirectional transport studies were performed in MDCKI, MDCKI‐MDR1, MDCKII, MDCKII‐MDR1, MDCKII‐MRP2, LLC‐PK1, L‐MRP1 and L‐MDR1 cells.Results. Ciprofloxacin showed net secretion in MDCKI‐MDR1 but net absorption in MDCKI cells. Various P‐gp inhibitors decreased the B to A and increased the A to B transport of ciprofloxacin in MDCKI‐MDR1 cells while having no effect in MDCKI cells. The B to A transport of ciprofloxacin in MDCKI‐MDR1 cells was not affected by non‐P‐gp inhibitors. In the presence of indomethacin, ciprofloxacin showed net secretion instead of net absorption in MDCKI cells while in the presence of probenecid and sulfinpyrazone, there was no net secretion and absorption. There was no difference in ciprofloxacin transport between MDCKII and MDCKII‐MDR1, LLC‐PK1 and L‐MDR1, LLC‐PK1 and L‐MRP1 and MDCKII and MDCKII‐MRP2.Conclusions. Transport data in MDCKI and MDCKI‐MDR1 cells indicate that ciprofloxacin is a substrate of P‐gp but data from MDCKII, MDCKII‐MDR1, LLC‐PK1 and L‐MDR1 cells indicate that ciprofloxacin is not a substrate of P‐gp. Vinblastine, a well‐known P‐gp substrate, also did not show differences between LLC‐PK1 and L‐MDR1 cells. Further studies need to be performed to characterize these P‐gp overexpressing cell lines and the transport of ciprofloxacin.
Clinicopathological features of severe forms of low gamma‐glutamyltranspeptidase familial intrahepatic cholestasis in Korean pediatric patients
Authors: Kwon Hyeong Ju , Go Heounjeong , Kim Soo Hee , Ko Jae Sung , Seo Jeong Kee , Kang Gyeong Hoon 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACT Background and aim: Low gamma‐glutamyltranspeptidase (γ‐GTP) familial intrahepatic cholestasis is a broad‐spectrum condition that ranges from mild to severe. Severe forms of low γ‐GTP familial intrahepatic cholestasis, including progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis type‐1 and ‐2 (PFIC‐1 and PFIC‐2), present with symptoms of cholestasis early in life and may progress to cirrhosis. Methods: We included five patients with low γ‐GTP, cholestasis and hyperbilirubinemia. We analyzed clinicopathological features of these five cases. Results: The age of the patients at diagnosis ranged from 1 month to 1 year old. All patients presented with jaundice, and one experienced pruritus. In contrast to hyperbilirubinemia, serum γ‐GTP levels were relatively low, or within normal range. Microscopically, intracanalicular cholestasis, bile duct loss or atrophy and varying degrees of fibrosis were found in all of the cases, whereas giant cell formation of hepatocytes was detected in three cases. Anti‐ABCB11 immunostaining revealed loss of expression in three cases with diffuse giant cell transformation of hepatocytes but retained expression in one case with no giant cell transformation. Conclusions: Low γ‐GTP familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC‐1 and PFIC‐2) should be considered a differential diagnosis when pediatric patients with cholestatic liver diseases associated with normal to low serum γ‐GTP levels relative to the extent of cholestasis.
Apoptosis status from rat heart submitted to foot shock stress
Authors: Spadari‐Bratfisch Regina Célia , de Menezes Cáceres Viviane , Ortolani Daniela , Carlin Viviane , Ribeiro Daniel Araki 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTBackground and aim:The goal of this study was to investigate whether physical stress is able to modulate apoptotic response in rat myocardial tissue. The effects of foot shock stress on the histopatological changes and immunohistochemistry for p53,bcl‐2andbaxwere evaluated.Methods:Male Wistar rats (n= 10) were distributed into two groups: group 1, control and group 2, stress. The stress protocol consisted of one daily foot‐shock session applied on three consecutive days.Results:The results pointed out no remarkable changes of myocardial tissue between groups. Also, the foot shock stress was not able to modulate p53,bcl‐2orbaxexpression, as depicted by no significant statistically differences (P> 0.05) between groups for all immunomarkers evaluated.Conclusions:Taken together, our results suggest that foot shock stress did not induce histopathological changes in rat myocardial tissue. It seems that physical stress is not able to modulate apoptotic response in rats. Certainly, this finding offers new insights into the mechanisms underlying the relation between apoptosis and cardiac injury after stress.
Application of the Analytic Hierarchy Process for Selecting and Modeling Stormwater Best Management Practices
Authors: Young Kevin D. , Younos Tamim , Dymond Randel L. , Kibler David F. , Lee David H. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract:Engineers are increasingly expected to consider several influential criteria when selecting a single best management practice (BMP) for stormwater management. These criteria include site physical characteristics; local, state, and federal pollution control ordinances; stakeholder input, and BMP implementation and long‐term maintenance costs. This paper discusses the development of a software‐aided approach based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) as a decision‐making tool for selecting stormwater management BMPs. Supported with input from a geographic information system, the AHP can provide an objective, mathematically‐based alternative to the existing, often subjective BMP selection approaches. In this study, the developed AHP decision support software was applied in a demonstration site in the Town of Blacksburg, Virginia. First, the AHP decision support algorithm was applied to evaluate and rank BMP options for the demonstration site. Second, the EPA Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) was used to effectively model the BMPs recommended by the AHP software. Results indicate potential advantages over traditional BMP selection methods.
Watershed Retrofit and Management Evaluation for Urban Stormwater Management Systems in North Carolina
Authors: DeBusk Kathy M. , Hunt William F. , Hatch Upton , Sydorovych Olha 
Published: December 2010

Abstract:In response to water quality concerns in the Jordan Lake Reservoir and state and federal mandates, several cities in North Carolina are being required for the first time to reduce nutrient loads in stormwater from previously developed lands; that is, install retrofits. It is anticipated that similar requirements will become necessary for other urban areas in North Carolina. The goal of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of alternative approaches to stormwater management for existing developments within North Carolina cities. Geographic coverage of the study included a portion of the New Hope Creek watershed, located within the City of Durham in central North Carolina. The watershed was analyzed to identify potential retrofit opportunities that could be implemented to reduce pollutant loadings entering New Hope Creek and, ultimately, Jordan Lake. Current pollutant loadings generated by the watershed, as well as reductions in annual loadings of total suspended solids, total nitrogen and total phosphorus that could be achieved by implementing the identified retrofits, were estimated. Trends and relationships between land use type and the quantity and type of retrofit opportunities were identified and conclusions were drawn as to the most appropriate types of retrofits for certain land uses.
Stormwater Management for a Record Rainstorm at Chicago
Authors: Changnon Stanley A. 
Published: December 2010

Abstract:A record setting 24‐hour rainstorm hit Chicago in September 2008. It created an opportunity to assess its impacts and to compare the storm water management with that used in other recent rainstorms. Flooding impacted all forms of transportation and thousands of homes and businesses, 10,000 homes had to be evacuated. One lesson learned is that this storm's magnitude was enhanced by urban and lake influences on the atmosphere that extended over the large suburban areas west of the city. This helped intensify the rainfall over a large area. A second lesson learned is when 6‐hour and 24‐hour rainfall amounts exceed once‐in‐25‐years recurrence values, the water management facilities cannot handle the large volume of water. Hence, major diversions of flood waters were needed to be made into Lake Michigan and the Illinois River.
Comparison of Computed Tomography and Routine Radiography of the Tympanic Bullae in the Diagnosis of Otitis Media in the Calf
Authors: Finnen A. , Blond L. , Francoz D. , Parent J. 
Published: December 2010

Background:Otitis media is difficult to diagnose antemortem. Case reports have described computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis, but not all cases were confirmed.Hypothesis:CT is a sensitive and specific imaging modality of the tympanic bullae and can be used as the gold standard for the diagnosis of otitis media.Animals:Sixteen Holstein calves 5–7 weeks of age were included.Methods:Prospective study. All calves were sedated with IV xylazine (0.05–0.15 mg/kg) for routine radiography (3 views) and CT of the tympanic bullae followed by necropsy.Results:Based upon necropsy findings, 10 of 16 calves were affected with otitis media, 4 unilaterally and 6 bilaterally. Imaging changes associated with otitis media included increased soft tissue opacity within the bulla, thickening of the bulla wall, enlarged bulla, and osteolysis of the bulla wall and trabeculations. The most frequent radiographic changes were lysis of trabeculations and increased soft tissue opacity, which were present in 56.3% of affected bullae. On CT, increased soft tissue opacity within the bulla was present in 93.8% of affected bullae. Sensitivity of radiography and CT was 68.8 and 93.8% and specificity was 50 and 100%, respectively. The κ value between radiography and CT with necropsy diagnosis was 0.19 for radiography, indicating poor agreement, and 0.94 for CT, indicating excellent agreement.Conclusion:CT is more specific, more sensitive, and easier to interpret than radiography and can be used as the gold standard in the diagnosis of otitis media in the calf.
A Microreactor System
for the Analysis of the Fast Pyrolysis of
Biomass
Authors: Williams Alexander , Mayor J.
Rhett 
Published: December 2010

Abstract
A novel fast pyrolysis microreactor was developed to facilitate control over feedstock dwell time, pyrolysis temperature, and the individual collection of pyrolysis liquid and solid products. The design process followed is presented including design requirements, functional decomposition, commissioning tests, and the final microreactor design. A vibratory assisted spreading study was performed as particle agglomeration was a key challenge within the reactor design. The study results and analysis of variance are presented identifying the most significant factor and a best operating point. Analytical and experimental heat transfer analyses are also presented to validate the reactor’s thermal performance. Through the pairing of the analyses, projections for thin biomass layer heating rates are made resulting in estimates on the order of 400°C/s. Finally, experimental pyrolysis results are given showing fast pyrolysis conversion as a function of time and the process by which kinetic descriptors could be derived using this system’s results. Yield results are compared with literature and are found to be in good agreement with published fast pyrolysis results.
Internalization of IgG-Coated Targets Results in Activation and Secretion of Soluble CD40 Ligand and RANTES by Human Platelets
Authors: Antczak Adam J. , Vieth Joshua A. , Singh Navinderjit , Worth Randall G. 
Published: December 2010

ABSTRACTPlatelets are crucial elements for maintenance of hemostasis. Other functions attributable to platelets are now being appreciated, such as their role in inflammatory reactions and host defense. Platelets have been reported to bind immunological stimuli like IgG complexes, and for nearly 50 years it has been speculated that platelets may participate in immunological reactions. Platelets have been reported to bind and internalize various substances, similar to other leukocytes, such as macrophages and dendritic cells. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that human platelets can bind and internalize IgG-coated particles, similar to leukocytes. To this end, we observed that interaction with IgG-coated beads resulted in platelet activation (as measured by CD62P expression), internalization of targets, and significant soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) and RANTES (regulated uponactivation,normalTcellexpresses andsecreted) secretion. Blocking FcγRIIA with monoclonal antibody (MAb) IV.3 or inhibiting actin remodeling with cytochalasin D inhibited platelet activation, internalization, and cytokine production. These data suggest that platelets are capable of mediating internalization of IgG-coated particles, resulting in platelet activation and release of both sCD40L and RANTES.