bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Creep Crack Growth Under Complex Loading
Authors: Ainsworth R. A. , Dean D. W. , Budden P. J. 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Fitness-for-service assessments of components operating at high temperature often require estimates of creep crack growth in service. Although methods for calculating creep crack growth are given in R5 and other codes, these methods are limited in terms of their range of application and can be over-conservative. This paper extends the current methods in a number of areas. First, a general expression is derived for relaxation of a reference stress for combined primary and secondary loading and significant in-service crack growth. Second, the reference stress history is used to develop an estimate of the transient creep crack tip parameter, C(t) , for elastic-plastic-creep material behaviour for combined loading. This both extends current methods to more complex loading and reduces some known conservatism in these current methods. The general expression for C(t) then enables creep crack growth in service to be estimated using data collected from standard tests under mechanical loading. Finally, the paper presents some finite element calculations for defects in cylinders with welding residual stresses as validation for the new approaches.
Microanalysis of Recycled Coarse Aggregate and Properties of No-Fines Pervious Recycled Concrete
Authors: Li Jiusu , Liu Zhaohui 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThree types of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) produced from old cement beams with designed compressive strengths of 40, 60, and 80 MPa, respectively, were employed for measurement by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared absorption spectroscopy (IR), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The XRD result indicated that the presence of Ca(OH)2 and anhydrates in the attached old cement mortar of the RCA may result in a new chemical reaction between the old cement mortar and the new cementitious binders when mixed to produce no-fines pervious recycled concrete (NPRC), which was contributable to the bonding condition. IR analysis was used to investigate the differences among the three types of RCA. The IR result indicated that RCA produced by crushing cement concrete with lower strength tended to absorb more water, which would probably weaken the strength and durability when utilized to manufacture NPRC. SEM was also employed to investigate the microstructure of RCA and the result demonstrated that RCA produced from low compressive strength cement concrete had a relatively loose old interfacial transition zone (ITZ), whereas RCA produced from high compressive strength cement concrete had a dense old ITZ. NPRC specimens were made with RCA, which was produced from old concrete beams with a designed compressive strength of 40 MPa. Factors influencing the compressive strength and flexural strength of NPRC were investigated and the results showed that a smaller size distribution of recycled aggregate, the appropriate thickness of freshly coated cement paste layer, and the water-cement ratio preferred to enhance both compressive strength and flexural strength. Moreover, the compressive and flexural strength of NPRC could achieve 26.37 and 3.37 MPa, respectively, by being blended with 4 % silica fume. The Cantabro test was extended to evaluate the abrasion and shock resistance of NPRC in this study. The Cantabro result suggested that RCA graded with a particle size distribution of 4.75–9.5 mm was favorable in terms of abrasion and shock resistance.
Mutations of calcium-sensing receptor gene: two novel mutations and overview of impact on calcium homeostasis
Authors: Livadariu Elena , Auriemma Renata S , Rydlewski Catherine , Vandeva Silvia , Hamoir Etienne , Burlacu Maria C , Maweja Sylvie , Thonnard Anne S , Betea Daniela , Vassart Gilbert , Daly Adrian F , Beckers Albert 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveGenetic disorders of calcium metabolism arise in a familial or sporadic setting. The calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) plays a key role in maintaining calcium homeostasis and study of theCASRgene can be clinically useful in determining etiology and appropriate therapeutic approaches. We report two cases of novelCASRgene mutations that illustrate the varying clinical presentations and discuss these in terms of the current understanding of CASR function.Patients and methodsA 16-year-old patient had mild hypercalcemia associated with low-normal urinary calcium excretion and normal-to-high parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels. Because of negative family history, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia was originally excluded. The second patient was a 54-year-old man with symptomatic hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, low PTH, and mild hypercalciuria. Familial investigation revealed the same phenotype in the patient's sister. The coding region of theCASRgene was sequenced in both probands and their available first-degree relatives.ResultsThe first patient had a novel heterozygous inactivatingCASRmutation in exon 4, which predicted a p.A423K change; genetic analysis was negative in the parents. The second patient had a novel heterozygous activatingCASRmutation in exon 6, which predicted a p.E556K change; the affected sister of the proband was also positive.ConclusionsWe reported two novel heterozygous mutations of theCASRgene, an inactivating mutation in exon 4 and the first activating mutation reported to date in exon 6. These cases illustrate the importance of genetic testing ofCASRgene to aid correct diagnosis and to assist in clinical management.
Analysis of the efficacy and toxicity of sorafenib in thyroid cancer: a phase II study in a UK based population
Authors: Ahmed Merina , Barbachano Yolanda , Riddell Angela , Hickey Jen , Newbold Katie L , Viros Amaya , Harrington Kevin J , Marais Richard , Nutting Christopher M 
Published: May 2011

AimTo evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of sorafenib in patients with thyroid carcinoma.MethodsPatients with progressive locally advanced/metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) with non-radioiodine-avid disease, were treated with sorafenib 400 mg twice daily until disease progression. The primary endpoint was the radiological response rate (RR) at 6 months. Secondary endpoints were RR at 3, 9 and 12 months, biochemical responses, toxicity, biomarker analyses and progression free and overall survival (OS).ResultsA total of 34 patients were recruited to the study (15 medullary and 19 differentiated). After 6 months, the RR rate was 15% and a further 74% of patients achieved stable disease in the first 6 months. After 12 months of treatment, the RR was 21%. In the MTC patients, the RR at 12 months was 25% and OS was 100%. In DTC patients corresponding rates were 18 and 79% respectively. Median overall and progression-free survival points were not reached at 19 months. Commonest adverse events included hand–foot syndrome, other skin toxicities, diarrhoea and alopecia. Dose reduction was required in 79% patients. Median time on treatment was 16.5 months.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that sorafenib is tolerable at reduced doses over prolonged periods of time in patients with thyroid cancer. Sorafenib leads to radiological and biochemical stabilisation of disease in the majority of these patients despite dose reductions.
A novel mutation in the calcium-sensing receptor in a French family with familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia
Authors: Al-Salameh Abdallah , Cetani Filomena , Pardi Elena , Vulpoi Carmen , Pierre Peggy , de Calan Loïc , Guyetant Serge , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Lecomte Pierre 
Published: May 2011

ObjectiveThe calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) has an important role in calcium homoeostasis by controlling PTH secretion and renal calcium handling. Inactivating mutations in the CASR gene (HGNC ID: 1514) cause familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia (FHH). We present a case of FHH patient to describe a novel mutation in the CASR.Subjects and methodsA 34-year-old patient was referred because of recurrent hypercalcaemia after resection of two hyperplastic parathyroids. Extensive evaluation found elevated PTH and low calcium/creatinine clearance ratio. One of her three children had high serum calcium concentrations. Genetic studies were performed by PCR amplification of CASR coding exons and direct sequencing of PCR products. Transient transfection of the wild-type (WT) CASR and the mutant CASR into COS-7 was performed to assess functional impact of the mutation and the capacity of either protein to mediate increases in cellular levels of inositol phosphates (IPs).ResultsCASR sequencing found a previously undescribed heterozygous base substitution, determining a change of threonine to isoleucine at codon 550 (p.T550I) in the sixth exon. In contrast to those transfected with WT CASR, which showed a five- to eightfold increase in total IPs at high levels of calcium, COS-7 cells transfected with the (p.T550I) mutant showed no increase confirming to the inactivating nature of the mutation. COS-7 cells co-transfected with the WT and the (p.T550I) mutant showed an intermediate response suggesting a possible dominant negative effect.ConclusionThis case report presents a not-yet-described mutation in the cysteine-rich region of the CASR extracellular domain, a mutation with a possible dominant negative effect.
Diabetes caused by insulin gene (INS) deletion: clinical characteristics of homozygous and heterozygous individuals
Authors: Raile Klemens , O'Connell Michele , Galler Angela , Werther George , Kühnen Peter , Krude Heiko , Blankenstein Oliver 
Published: May 2011

BackgroundMutations of the preproinsulin gene (INS) account for both permanent neonatal diabetes (PND) and adult-onset diabetes. The molecular mechanism of complete INS deletion has recently been published and we now add clinical data of homozygous and heterozygous subjects as well as the detailed mapping of the 646 bp deletion of the INS gene.MethodsLocation and size of the INS deletion was mapped in one case with PND and INS genotype of the whole family was further characterized by breakpoint-spanning PCR. The phenotype of monoallelic loss of INS was studied in 33 adult family members of a large consanguineous kindred with INS deletion.ResultsThe 646 bp deletion was found in two individuals with PND that included exons 1 and 2 of the INS gene (chr11: g.2138434_2139080del646) and results in loss of approximately half of the preproinsulin protein. The two boys with homozygous INS deletion (D/D) presented with reduced birth weight, PND within the first 24 h of life and complete absence of C-peptide. Adult family members with the N/D had diabetes onset with earliest 25 years, while the oldest subject without diabetes was 45 years. INS-deletion-diabetes was initially treated with oral antidiabetic drugs but then transferred to insulin within 5–16 years. Overall, N/D-subjects (n=11) had a higher risk to develop insulin-dependent diabetes up to the fifth decade, if compared with normal subjects (n=22).ConclusionComplete loss of the human INS gene results in neonatal diabetes, while heterozygous INS deletion is a strong risk factor for developing insulin-dependent diabetes at adult age.
(Bi,Sb)2Te3-PbTe chalcogenide alloys: Impact of the cooling rate and sintering parameters on the microstructures and thermoelectric performances
Authors: Jacquot Alexandre , Jürgen Thomas , Schumann Joachim , Jägle Martin , Böttner Harald , Gemming Thomas , Schmidt Jürgen , Ebling Dirk 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Periodontopathogen and Epstein‐Barr Virus Contamination Affects Transplanted Bone Volume in Sinus Augmentation
Authors: Verdugo Fernando , Castillo Ana , Simonian Krikor , Russo Peter , D'Addona Antonio , Raffaelli Luca , Moragues María D. , Quindós Guillermo , Pontón José 
Published: May 2011

Background: Bone microbial contamination can impair osteogenesis. Human herpesviruses‐associated vasculitis can cause vascular damage within the osseous graft and host. This study is conducted to substantiate specific contamination and assess the impact 6 months after sinus augmentation.Methods: Culture‐ and polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based identification were done on harvested bone particles and unstimulated whole saliva in a group of 30 patients undergoing maxillary sinus augmentation. Patients were divided into two groups: those with and those without a history of periodontitis. Radiographic evaluation was done to assess and compare bone healing and volume gain at baseline and 6 months post‐transplantation.Results: Seventeen patients had a history of periodontitis, and 13 did not. Ten showed culture‐ and PCR‐negative results and belonged to the periodontally healthy group. The 17 patients with periodontitis showed culture‐ or PCR‐positive results for the targeted periodontal pathogens. Patients with periodontitis were 2.3 times more likely to have positive salivary Epstein‐Barr virus type 1 (EBV‐1) than those with no history of periodontitis. The likelihood of having moderate to pronounced bone volume loss 6 months postaugmentation was 7.5 times greater in those patients presenting contamination with ≥3 specific pathogens (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia, or Prevotella intermedia) versus those with only one (P <0.05). The odds ratio (OR) of pronounced volume loss was 16.3 times higher in those contaminated with a combination of salivary EBV‐1 and ≥3 of the previously mentioned species versus only EBV‐1 (P <0.05). Individuals showing positive salivary EBV‐1 had bone bacterial contamination associated 57% of the time. The OR of having bone microbial contamination in patients with a history of periodontitis was 37.5 times higher than in individuals without periodontitis.Conclusions: This study confirms contamination of bone, harvested intraorally, with key periodontopathogens in individuals undergoing sinus augmentation. Specific microbial contamination can impair osteogenesis. Saliva may act as a vehicle to transport EBV and other pathogens into the sinus. Increased bone volume loss seems to be associated with the occurrence of specific periodontal anaerobic species, salivary EBV‐1, or the combination of both.
French Automobiles and the Chinese Boycotts of 2008: Politics Really Does Affect Commerce
Authors: Hong Canhui , Hu Wei-Min , Prieger James E. , Zhu Dongming 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
We explore the economic impact of boycotts of French automobiles in China during the time of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Conditions were favorable for a boycott, enabling Chinese consumers to overcome the collective action problems that can prevent boycott success and other voluntary contributions to public goods. We use brand and model level data in a difference-in-difference specification to investigate the boycotts’ effects on sales. A robust pattern of large impacts emerges: sales of French automobile brands fell 25-33 percent or more. Consumers substituted mostly toward Chinese and other Asian cars. The sales of the French models did not experience similar relative sales declines in countries other than China—triple-difference estimates point toward even larger relative loss of market share in China. Our results provide evidence that commerce can be used as an effective political weapon.
Association of Cognitive Function with Albuminuria and eGFR in the General Population
Authors: Joosten Hanneke , Izaks Gerbrand J. , Slaets Joris P.J. , de Jong Paul E. , Visser Sipke T. , Bilo Henk J.G. , Gansevoort Ron T. 
Published: May 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Recent studies found different associations of cognitive function with albuminuria or estimated GFR (eGFR). Most studies were limited to the elderly or did not take both renal variables into account. Therefore, this study analyzed the association of cognitive function with albuminuria and eGFR in community-dwelling persons aged 35 to 82 years.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This was a cross-sectional study comprising 4095 participants of the Prevention of Renal and Vascular End-Stage Disease (PREVEND) study. Cognitive function, measured with the Ruff Figural Fluency Test (RFFT), was treated as the dependent variable, and albuminuria and eGFR were treated as independent variables.

Results
The prevalence of albuminuria <10, 10 to 29, and ≥30 mg/24 h was 54%, 31%, and 15%, respectively. Mean eGFR (± SD) was 79 ± 15 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Because of interaction between albuminuria and age, analyses were performed per age tertile. After multivariate adjustment, albuminuria ≥ 30 mg/24 h, but not eGFR, was associated with lower RFFT score in the youngest tertile (B −5.3; 95% CI, −0.6 to −9.2; P = 0.05), but not in older tertiles. Moreover, subjects in the youngest tertile with increasing albuminuria (5–15 and >15 mg/24 h) before RFFT measurement had lower mean RFFT scores than subjects with stable albuminuria: mean difference −4.9 (P = 0.3) and −6.7 (P = 0.03), respectively.

Conclusions
In this community-based cohort, elevated albuminuria was associated with worse cognitive function in young but not in old persons. There was no association of eGFR with cognitive function.
Pediatric GFR Estimating Equations Applied to Adolescents in the General Population
Authors: Fadrowski Jeffrey J. , Neu Alicia M. , Schwartz George J. , Furth Susan L. 
Published: May 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
We examined the distribution of estimated GFR (eGFR) in a healthy cohort of adolescents to inform clinical and research use.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Various creatinine-based (n = 3256) and/or cystatin C–based (n = 811) equations, including the recently developed complete and bedside equations from the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children (CKiD) study, were applied to U.S. adolescents 12 to 17 years of age participating in the 1999–2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Results
The median serum creatinine and cystatin C were 0.7 mg/dl and 0.83 mg/L, respectively. The distribution of eGFR varied widely, with the median GFR ranging from a low of 96.6 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (CKiD) to a high of 140.0 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (original Schwartz). The proportions of participants with eGFRs <75 ml/min per 1.73 m2 are as follows: bedside CKiD 8.9%, Counahan 6.3%, Leger 0.4%, original Schwartz 0%, Filler 1.3%, Grubb 3.1%, Bouvet 2.5%, CKiD 1.8%, and Zappitelli 5.6%. By any equation examined, no group of participants with eGFR ≤10th percentile had an increased prevalence of comorbid conditions consistent with a low measured GFR.

Conclusions
Most pediatric-specific GFR estimating equations resulted in 25% to 50% of the participants having an eGFR <100 ml/min per 1.73 m2. However, participants with eGFR in the lower ranges did not have an increased prevalence of morbidities associated with chronic kidney disease. Clinical validation of creatinine- or cystatin C–based estimated GFRs in healthy children is needed before it is possible to screen the general population for chronic kidney disease.
Impact of Pre-Existing Hepatitis B Infection on the Outcomes of Kidney Transplant Recipients in the United States
Authors: Reddy Pavani Naini , Sampaio Marcelo Santos , Kuo Hung-Tien , Martin Paul , Bunnapradist Suphamai 
Published: May 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Pre-existing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been associated in inferior renal transplant outcomes. We examined outcomes of HBV+ renal recipients in a more recent era with availability of oral anti-viral agents.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Using the Organ Procurement Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing database, we selected adult primary kidney recipients transplanted in the United States (2001 to 2007). The cohort was divided into HBV+ (surface antigen positive, n = 1346) and HBV− patients (surface antigen negative; n = 74,335). Five-year graft survival, patient survival, hepatic failure incidence, and associated adjusted risks were compared.

Results
HBV+ recipients were more frequently Asian, had a lower body mass index, and glomerulonephritis was more prevalent as the etiology of ESRD. HBV+ recipients had less pretransplant diabetes and cardiovascular disease, were less likely a living donor recipient, and were less likely to receive steroids at discharge. Five-year patient survival was 85.3% and 85.6% and graft survival was 74.9% and 75.1% for HBV+ and HBV−, respectively. HBV infection was not a risk factor for death or kidney failure, although 5-year cumulative incidence of hepatic failure was higher in HBV+ recipients (1.3% versus 0.2%; P < 0.001), and HBV+ was associated with 5.5- and 5.2-fold increased risk for hepatic failure in living and deceased donors, respectively, compared with HBV−.

Conclusions
In a recent era (2001 to 2007), HBV-infected renal recipients were not at higher risk for kidney failure or death; however, they remain at higher risk of liver failure compared with HBV− recipients.
Short-Term Effects of Rituximab in Children with Steroid- and Calcineurin-Dependent Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Ravani Pietro , Magnasco Alberto , Edefonti Alberto , Murer Luisa , Rossi Rossella , Ghio Luciana , Benetti Elisa , Scozzola Floriana , Pasini Andrea , Dallera Nadia , Sica Felice , Belingheri Mirco , Scolari Francesco , Ghiggeri Gian Marco 
Published: May 2011

Summary

Background and objectives
Prednisone and calcineurin inhibitors are the mainstay therapy of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children. However, drug dependence and toxicity associated with protracted use are common. Case series suggest that the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (RTX) may maintain disease remission.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This open-label randomized controlled trial was powered to show that a strategy based on RTX and lower doses of prednisone and calcineurin inhibitors was noninferior to standard doses of these agents in maintaining 3-month proteinuria as low as baseline or up to 1 g/d greater (noninferiority margin). Participants were stratified by the presence of toxicity to prednisone/calcineurin inhibitors and centrally assigned to add RTX (Mabthera, 375 mg/m2 intravenously) to lower doses of standard agents or to continue with current therapy alone. The risk of relapse was a secondary outcome.

Results
Fifty-four children (mean age 11 ± 4 years) with INS dependent on prednisone and calcineurin inhibitors for >12 months were randomized. Three-month proteinuria was 70% lower in the RTX arm (95% confidence interval 35% to 86%) as compared with standard therapy arm (intention-to-treat); relapse rates were 18.5% (intervention) and 48.1% (standard arm) (P = 0.029). Probabilities of being drug-free at 3 months were 62.9% and 3.7%, respectively (P < 0.001); 50% of RTX cases were in stable remission without drugs after 9 months.

Conclusions
Rituximab and lower doses of prednisone and calcineurin inhibitors are noninferior to standard therapy in maintaining short-term remission in children with INS dependent on both drugs and allow their temporary withdrawal.