bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clobazam for the Treatment of Intractable Epilepsy in Children
Authors: Perry M. Scott , Bailey Laurie , Malik Saleem , Gilson Courtney , Kotecha Amy , Hernandez Angel
Published: October 2012

We describe our experience using clobazam, examining efficacy for individual seizure types and analyzing for factors contributing to initial and sustained response. We retrospectively reviewed medical charts of children treated with clobazam. We collected patient and treatment characteristics and compared response to therapy at 6, 12, and >12 months’ duration. One hundred eight patients with a variety of seizure types and etiologies of epilepsy were treated. Response rates for >50% seizure reduction were 59%, 39%, and 30% of patients at 6, 12, and >12 months’ therapy, respectively. No seizure type responded more favorably and there were no patient predictors of favorable response. Patients tended to respond early and at low dosing, and half the patients maintained this response for 15 months or more. Clobazam has efficacy against a wide spectrum of seizure types and epilepsy etiologies. An early, low-dose response is a favorable indicator for sustained response.
Seizures as a Presentation of a Pelvic Neuroblastoma in a 5-Month-Old Infant
Authors: Martins Cristina L. , Monteiro José Paulo , Pereira Filomena , Calhau Paulo , Fonseca Maria José
Published: October 2012

Epilepsy is a very uncommon first manifestation of a neuroblastoma. A 5-month-old healthy infant presented with acute onset seizures and developmental regression. Extensive investigation was remarkable for urinary vanillylmandelic acid and homovanillic acid peaks. Abdominopelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) disclosed a presacral unresectable pelvic neuroblastoma. Chemotherapy and monthly dexamethasone pulses were administrated. Seizures stopped 3 days after the first pulse of dexamethasone. At 3-year follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic and has normal neurologic and developmental examinations. This case illustrates an impressive clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) improvement on corticosteroid therapy, raising several hypotheses, including the possibility of a nonclassic paraneoplastic neurologic syndrome.
Autonomic Dysfunction Manifesting With Asymmetric Face Flushing and Paroxysmal Nonconvulsive Episodes
Authors: Pavone Piero , Praticò Andrea Domenico , Micali Giuseppe , Greco Filippo , Ruggieri Martino , Pavone Lorenzo
Published: October 2012

Asymmetric face flushing, known as harlequin syndrome, is an autonomic disorder that occurs with other dysfunctions or in isolation. It may be secondary to organic causes or unknown in origin. The latter, which is uncommon in childhood, is considered benign. We report on a boy who first showed this anomaly at 4 years of age, followed up for 6 years. During this time, we saw an increase in the frequency and duration of the episodes of asymmetric face flushing. In the past months, the episodes were associated with a wider involvement of autonomic symptoms, consisting of severe localized headache, lack of coordination, asymmetric sweating, and a loss of strength that lasted about 30 minutes. A review list of young patients affected by this condition is reported.
Systemic Inflammation, Intraventricular Hemorrhage, and White Matter Injury
Authors: Leviton Alan , Allred Elizabeth N. , Dammann Olaf , Engelke Stephen , Fichorova Raina N. , Hirtz Deborah , Kuban Karl C. K. , Ment Laura R. , O’shea T. Michael , Paneth Nigel , Shah Bhavesh , Schreiber Michael D.
Published: October 2012

To see if the systemic inflammation profile of 123 infants born before the 28th week of gestation who had intraventricular hemorrhage without white matter injury differed from that of 68 peers who had both lesions, we compared both groups to 677 peers who had neither. Cranial ultrasound scans were read independently by multiple readers until concordance. The concentrations of 25 proteins were measured with multiplex arrays using an electrochemiluminescence system. Infants who had both hemorrhage and white matter injury were more likely than others to have elevated concentrations of C-reactive protein and interleukin 8 on days 1, 7, and 14, and elevated concentrations of serum amyloid A and tumor necrosis factor–α on 2 of these days. Intraventricular hemorrhage should probably be viewed as 2 entities: hemorrhage alone and hemorrhage with white matter injury. Each entity is associated with inflammation, but the combination has a stronger inflammatory signal than hemorrhage alone.
The Relationship Between Gross Motor Function and Manual Ability in Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Oskoui Maryam , Majnemer Annette , Dagenais Lynn , Shevell Michael I.
Published: October 2012

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to describe the relationship between gross motor function and manual ability in children with cerebral palsy and explore differences between cerebral palsy subtypes and associated comorbidities. Children with cerebral palsy born between 1999 and 2008 were included from the Registre de la Paralyse Cérébrale de Québec identifying 332 children. The overall agreement between Gross Motor Function Classification System and Manual Ability Classification Scale Levels was moderate (kappa 0.457, standard error 0.034) with a strong positive correlation (Spearman rho of 0.820, standard error 0.023). This agreement was moderate among children with spastic quadriparesis and dysketic cerebral palsy, fair in children with spastic diplegia, and poor in children with spastic hemiplegia. Children with cognitive impairment showed a higher correlation than those without cognitive impairment. The correlation between gross motor function and manual ability in children with CP varies based on neurologic subtype and cognitive level.
Clobazam
Authors: Wheless James W. , Phelps Stephanie J.
Published: October 2012

Clobazam, a 1,5-benzodiazepine, was introduced in the 1970s as an anxiolytic and antiepileptic drug. Despite worldwide usage, it was only recently approved in the United States (seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome). This article reviews historical and recent data to help practitioners better understand clobazam’s clinical properties and usage. In many clinical trials, open-label studies, and retrospective reviews, clobazam was generally associated with ≥50% seizure reduction for more than half of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome patients, with approximately 10% achieving freedom from drop attacks. Efficacy is persistent, with little evidence for development of tolerance. Clobazam’s safety profile appears to be similar to that of other benzodiazepines, but with substantially decreased sedation and increased psychomotor performance. Studies suggest clobazam acts through potentiation of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors in a manner similar to other benzodiazepines. However, clobazam appears to display greater selectivity for receptors responsible for anticonvulsant activity than for those involved in sedation.
Learning to Break Camouflage by Learning the Background
Authors: Chen Xin , Hegdé Jay
Published: October 2012

How does the visual system recognize a camouflaged object? Obviously, the brain cannot afford to learn all possible camouflaged scenes or target objects. However, it may learn the general statistical properties of backgrounds of interest, which would enable it to break camouflage by comparing the statistics of a background with a target versus the statistics of the same background without a target. To determine whether the brain uses this strategy, we digitally created novel camouflaged scenes that had only the general statistical properties of the background in common. When subjects learned to break camouflage, their ability to detect a camouflaged target improved significantly not only for previously unseen instances of a camouflaged scene, but also for scenes that contained novel targets. Moreover, performance improved even for scenes that did not contain an actual target but had the statistical properties of backgrounds with a target. These results reveal that learning backgrounds is a powerful, versatile strategy by which the brain can learn to break camouflage.
Assessment of genotoxicity risk in operation room personnel by the alkaline comet assay
Authors: El-Ebiary AA , Abuelfadl AA , Sarhan NI , Othman MM
Published: October 2012

This study was conducted to evaluate the possible genotoxic effects of waste anesthetic gases. Comet assay was performed on peripheral blood lymphocytes of 60 volunteers: 20 healthy unexposed office workers and 40 operation room (OR) personnel at Tanta University Hospital (Egypt). The exposed personnel were anesthetists (6 females and 7 males), surgeons (10 males), nurses (9 females), and technicians (8 males). The study revealed significantly increased comet parameters (mean comet tail length and mean percentage of DNA in the tail) in peripheral blood lymphocytes of OR personnel in comparison with control individuals. The maximum DNA damage was observed in anesthesia technicians, whereas the nurses showed the least DNA damage. Furthermore, significant difference was observed between smoker and nonsmokerOR personnel in relation to mean comet tail length. However, no significant difference was seen due to age, gender, or duration of exposure. Also, significant increase in mean percentage of tail DNA was observed in smoker individuals of both exposed and control groups. As a conclusion, this study points to the risk of DNA damage in personnel who are exposed to waste anesthetic gases.
The protective effect of recombinant human erythropoietin against cisplatin-induced renal and hepatic dysfunctions in Wistar rats
Authors: Rjiba-Touati K , Ayed-Boussema I , Belarbia A , Guedri Y , Zakhama A , Achour A , Bacha H
Published: October 2012

Cisplatin (Cisp) is one of the most effective chemotherapeutic drugs. However, the dose of Cisp is greatly limited by its toxicity. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO), a hormone that regulates hematopoiesis, has also been shown to exert tissue-protective effects. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of rhEPO against Cisp-induced renal and liver dysfunctions. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into six groups of six each: control, rhEPO-alone group, Cisp-alone group and rhEPO + Cisp group (pretreatment, cotreatment and posttreatment conditions). Our results showed that Cisp-induced a marked renal and liver failure characterized by a significant decrease in body weight, organ weight and organ ratio and a significant increase in creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, G-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin conjugated and bilirubin total levels in serum. Histological examination showed that Cisp caused kidney alterations. rhEPO treatments restored body weight, organ weight and organ ratio as well as serum biochemical parameters changed due to Cisp exposure.
Toxicity of cadmium and protective effect of bee honey, vitamins C and B complex
Authors: Abdelaziz I , Elhabiby MI , Ashour AA
Published: October 2012

The present work aimed to study the toxic effect of cadmium (Cd) on rabbits’ blood indices, as well as the therapeutic effect of the antioxidant agents, vitamins C and B complex and bee honey on Cd intoxicated rabbits. Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) was injected subcutaneously at a dose of 3 mg/kg of body weight. The results showed a significant increase in serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, urea and creatinine, compared to the control group. In addition, CdCl2 intoxication increased the levels of uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. Concerning haematological parameters, the more obvious changes were an increase in mean corpuscular volume and a decrease in white blood cells count, platelets, lymphocytes, heamatocrit, haemoglobin and red blood cells count. Treatment of CdCl2-intoxicated animals with vitamins C and B complex and bee honey showed a decrease in the harmful effects of Cd by restoring haematological and biochemical changes. Bee honey treatment was the most effective in providing recoveries in the altered blood parameters.
The role of adenosine receptors on amitriptyline-induced electrophysiological changes on rat atrium
Authors: Kalkan S , Oransay K , Bal IB , Ertunc M , Sara Y , Iskit AB
Published: October 2012

We investigated the role of adenosine receptors in amitriptyline-induced cardiac action potential (AP) changes in isolated rat atria. In the first group, APs were recorded after cumulative addition of amitriptyline (1 μM, 10 μM and 50 μM). In other groups, each atrium was incubated with selective adenosine A1 antagonist (8-cyclopentyl-1,3-dipropylxanthine (DPCPX), 10−4 M) or selective adenosine A2a receptor antagonist (8-(3-chlorostyryl) caffeine, 10−5 M) before amitriptyline administration. Resting membrane potential, AP amplitude (APA), AP duration at 50% and 80% of repolarization (APD50 and APD80, respectively), and the maximum rise and decay slopes of AP were recorded. Amitriptyline (50 μM) prolonged the APD50 and APD80 ( p < 0.001) and the maximum rise slope of AP was reduced by amitriptyline ( p < 0.0001). Amitriptyline reduced maximum decay slope of AP only at 50 μM ( p < 0.01). DPCPX significantly decreased the 50-μM amitriptyline-induced APD50 and APD80 prolongation ( p < 0.001). DPCPX significantly prevented the effects of amitriptyline (1 μM and 50 μM) on maximum rise slope of AP ( p < 0.05). DPCPX significantly prevented the amitriptyline-induced (50 μM) reduction in maximum decay slope of AP ( p < 0.001). The selective adenosine A1 receptor antagonist prevented the electrophysiological effects of amitriptyline on atrial AP. A1 receptor stimulation may be responsible for the cardiovascular toxic effects produced by amitriptyline.
Spectral analysis of thioacetamide-induced electroencephalographic changes in rats
Authors: Mladenović D , Hrnčić D , Rašić-Marković A , Puškaš N , Petrovich S , Stanojlović O
Published: October 2012

Thioacetamide (TAA) is widely used as a model of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of TAA on electroencephalographic (EEG) changes in rats and to compare them with human HE. Male Wistar rats were divided into groups: (1) saline-treated group and (2) TAA-treated groups: TAA300 (300 mg/kg), TAA600 (600 mg/kg), and TAA900 (900 mg/kg). Daily dose of TAA (300 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once (TAA300), twice (TAA600), or thrice (TAA900) in subsequent days. EEG changes were recorded about 24 h after the last dose of TAA. Absolute and relative power density in alpha bands were significantly higher in TAA300 versus control group. In TAA300, absolute beta power density was higher and relative beta power density was lower versus control group. Absolute alpha, theta, delta, and relative theta power were significantly lower, while relative power in delta band was significantly higher in TAA900 versus control group ( p < 0.01). In conclusion, decrease in EEG voltage with an increase in delta relative power, which correspond to the EEG manifestations of severe HE in humans, was observed in TAA900 group. Electrical activity in TAA300 group correlates with mild HE in humans.
Estimation of BDNF gene polymorphism and predisposition to dependence development for selected psychoactive compounds
Authors: Biskupska J , Borowiak KS , Karlin-Grażewicz K , Janus T , Waloszczyk P , Potocka-Banaś B , Machoy-Mokrzyńska A , Ossowski A , Ciechanowicz A
Published: October 2012

The etiology of drug addiction, a central nervous system (CNS) disease, is not fully known. This complex problem is believed to be connected with concurrently affecting genetic, psychological and environmental factors. The development of addiction is connected with CNS reinforcement system and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Molecular processes are postulated to be of universal character and allow to presume a similar mechanism of dependence for both ethanol and other substances. Therefore, elements of dopaminergic transmission become excellent candidates for the examination of genetic influence on the development of addiction. A relationship between alcoholic disease and the presence of TaqIA1 and DRD2 alleles permits to initiate another investigation of gene-coding DRD2 dopamine receptor. The latest results indicate the importance of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the regulation of dopaminergic route. The purpose of this research was to reveal the relationship between the Val66Met BDNF gene polymorphism and dependence of psychoactive agent. The examinations were performed with the Local Research Ethics Committee approval and patient’s consent. The study group consisted of 100 patients (88 men and 12 women) aged 18–52 years, qualified for research program according to the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) requirements, medical examination and detailed questionnaire.
Emergency do not consume/do not use concentrations for ferric chloride in drinking water
Authors: Willhite CC , Ball GL , Bhat VS
Published: October 2012

The U.S. Congress [PL 107-188] amended the Safe Drinking Water Act and required each community water system serving more than 3,000 people to conduct vulnerability assessments. These assessments address potential circumstances that could compromise the safety and reliability of municipal water. Ferric chloride is used in coagulation and flocculation, and it is used to treat raw water with high viral loads, elevated dissolved solids or high bromide. Iron is an essential nutrient, but elevated concentrations of FeCl3 are corrosive as a result of hydrolysis to HCl. Based on a no-observed-adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 0.5% FeCl3 • 6H2O administered in drinking water to male and female F344 rats for up to 2 years, a do not consume concentration of 200 mg FeCl3 /L can be derived. Since instillation of 0.3 M (48.7 g/L) FeCl3 in saline to rodent vagina failed to elicit damage, a topical do not use concentration of 2000 mg FeCl3/L (600 mg Fe/L) can be assigned. The only FeCl3 data available to quantify ocular toxicity involved a pH 1 solution in rabbit eyes, but HCl instillation (pH 2.5) to rabbit eyes found permanent corneal ulceration after 10 min. The pH of FeCl3 in water at the do not use limit (2.4–2.6) is near the pH (2.0) considered corrosive by regulatory agencies. As direct eye contact with water at pH 4.5 or below increases complaints of ocular discomfort, emergency response plans that address FeCl3 in drinking water must account for Fe levels and the pH of the affected water.
Intravascular infusion of PEGylated Au nanoparticles affects cardiovascular function in healthy mice
Authors: Iversen NK , Nielsen ARU , Wang T , Baatrup E
Published: October 2012

Recent advances of nanotechnology in clinical settings have spurred the development of various complex engineered nanoparticles (NPs). NPs share characteristics with ultrafine particles (UFPs; <1 μm) that can cross the pulmonary epithelium and disturb cardiovascular functions. Since these particles are injected directly into the blood stream, it is imperative to clarify whether NPs disrupt cardiovascular functions similar to UFPs. Therefore, we investigated whether engineered polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated aluminum NPs for biomedical uses disturb cardiovascular functions in healthy mice. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was measured in mice chronically instrumented with telemetric blood pressure transducers, and NPs were administered intravenously (10 mg kg−1). The NPs caused a prolonged lowering of MAP 7 days after injection (119.3 ± 3.3 vs. 97.4 ± 7.5 min−1), with no effect on the endothelial function as revealed by normal endothelial function of small vessels mounted in a myograph.
Sex, Crime and the City
Authors: Hubbard Phil , Colosi Rachela
Published: October 2012

Striptease venues have been the subject of considerable public debate following the emergence of highly visible ‘lap dancing’ clubs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Accused of promoting forms of criminality and nuisance, the state and the law has nonetheless stopped short of banning such venues in England and Wales, with Section 27 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 allowing for regulation through locally devolved systems of licensing. This article accordingly analyses the licensing of sexual entertainment venues (SEVs) enacted at the local level and demonstrates how the deployment of these local powers is capable of removing such businesses from select cities simply on the basis that they are ‘out of place’. Given this is a form of spatial regulation against which there is little legal recourse, the article highlights the particular role played by municipal law in the regulation of sexuality, stressing the growing importance of environmental, planning and licensing law – as opposed to criminal law – as a means of regulating sexual conduct.
Concerning Darwinism
Authors: Doomen Jasper
Published: October 2012

Darwinism has become an encompassing theory, leaving the confines of science and accounting for all aspects of life. Such an outlook entails important consequences for the evaluation of life. In particular, organisms are considered mere means for species’ preservation and development, while reason is no special faculty, but rather an outgrowth of functions that are rudimentarily present in animals. Darwinism cannot, for that reason, be said to be ‘true’, but if Darwinism is the correct view, the implications for man are grave, no purpose or meaning of life being discernable. Darwinists are accordingly faced with the question why they continue their inquiries.
A Study on Begging: A Social Stigma—An Indian Perspective
Authors: Malik Sonia , Roy Sanjoy
Published: October 2012

The economic growth in India is quite visible through infrastructural and industrial growth in metros but the same is overshadowed by the poor plight of beggars in these cities. This article addresses the living conditions of the beggars and their awareness about the various government policies. The study gives an insight into the economic status of beggars and answers why people go for begging. The solution calls for a comprehensive programme and reorientation of the existing programmes. We often read and hear of aids that are directed towards the upliftment of the beggars; and the article aims to check if these aids have in any way improved their plight. Many NGOs, non-profit private organizations and corporations are helping disadvantaged populace from various segments. But this segment has not received the requisite assistance and attention and this article examines the responsibility of corporations in this concern.
China’s Policy for Special Economic Zone
Authors: Tantri Malini L.
Published: October 2012

Though India’s SEZ policy owes its conceptual base to the successful Chinese SEZs’ experience, hardly any attempt has been made to explain what made the latter so successful. In this article, we trace this phenomenal success to the well articulated and executed SEZ policy in China. Apart from this, the success of SEZs in China is also attributed to the various supporting mechanisms, both internal and external factors. On the basis of this analysis of different factors, we argue that SEZs cannot be expected to deliver optimum performance under ceteris paribus conditions; rather it requires careful identification and implementation of supportive factors, which may vary between countries, SEZs and/or between sectors within a given economy.
Revisiting the Politics of the Ganga Water Dispute between India and Bangladesh
Authors: Pandey Punam
Published: October 2012

India and Bangladesh have signed the Ganga/Ganges River Water treaty in December 1996. The Ganga Water treaty is cited as one of the important examples of peaceful negotiations between upstream and downstream neighbours in South Asia. The present article revisits the Indo-Bangladesh Ganga Water politics and understands the political dynamics which led to the signing of the treaty between the two countries. The reading of the negotiation process since beginning to the present time suggests that though the technical nature of the problem remains the same, a change in domestic politics facilitates or obstructs the negotiation process. Since India and Bangladesh share another 53 rivers, it is important to learn a successful mechanism from the negotiation of 1996 which can be applied to other river issues. The article is based on primary as well as secondary sources.
Islamic Fundamentalism in South Asia
Authors: Mishra Aliva
Published: October 2012

Islamic fundamentalism is a multifarious movement with diverse manifestations, components, and contextual historical and societal conditions. While the radical Islamists, for instance, seek to impose change from above through holy wars, others pursue a bottom-up approach to bring about the re-Islamisation of the society through extensive networks of social activity. Regardless of their particularistic properties, all Islamist groups, however, share a common goal of establishing an Islamic order ( nizam Islami) for the actualisation of Muslim life. The fundamentalists may not have registered considerable success in electoral terms, but they continue to dominate political discourse because their message is capable of attracting a broad spectrum of society. On the basis of a broad understanding of Islamic fundamentalism as a religio-political movement, this article attempts a comparative study of the phenomenon in Pakistan and Bangladesh, two leading Muslim states of South Asia. By examining the historical and social context, internal political developments including the role of state in promoting religious agenda and the varying impact of extraneous factors, the article argues that while Islamic fundamentalism in Bangladesh is containable, accomplishing it in Pakistan will be difficult because of the state appropriation of Islam in political discourse guaranteeing the movement’s staying power.
Relative age effect in lower categories of international basketball
Authors: García Miguel Saavedra , Aguilar Óscar Gutiérrez , Romero Juan J Fernández , Lastra David Fernández , Oliveira Gabriel Eiras
Published: October 2012

To be able to value the relative age effect in the male and female World Championships played between 2005 and 2010 in the U17 categories (athletes 17 years or younger), U19 (athletes 19 or younger) and U21 (athletes 21 years or younger) a sample of 954 players has been selected. The variables registered were their dates of birth, the category of the competition, gender, height and official statistics of each player obtained from the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). A clear relative age effect was found (in both male and female categories) fading with age, being higher in the U17 category, slightly less but also significant in the U19, and no significant effect found in U21. This effect persists when the different specific positions were analysed in the male categories, being clearer in the positions that require more physical strength. In female categories the results do not back the existence of the relative age effect. Also, differences were found in height in the male category with regard to the players’ year-quarter of birth, but its interpretation is not consistent with the relative age effect. In the female category no differences were found in height. Finally, the performance difference of the players in the male and female categories hardly varies with regard to the year-quarter of birth.
Attracting divergent segments to a destination:
Authors: So Siu-Ian (A) , Dioko Leonardo AN , Fong Hoc N
Published: October 2012

The success of Macao as an international gaming hub is ironic, considering that the government has rarely promoted it as a gambling destination. Rather, government marketing and promotional efforts promote Macao as a world heritage destination, which raises questions about marketing efficiency, the effectiveness of tourist segmentation, and the allocation of marketing resources. This in-depth investigation compares visitor types by probing whether gaming visitors participate in activities similar to those undertaken by cultural heritage visitors and vice versa. The goals of this article are twofold: to assess the degree of compatibility between divergent visitor segments in a destination based on their behavior and propensity to undertake different activities, and to gauge the implications for long-term sustainable and effective tourism marketing efforts. This is in contrast with previous studies, which in general consider only segment attractiveness and focus mostly on just one unique visitor segment. In addition to the activities sought, this article examines the level of involvement and social characteristics of both gaming and cultural heritage visitors.
Examining the guest experience in themed amusement parks
Authors: Milman Ady , Li Xu , Wang Youcheng , Yu Qiuyang
Published: October 2012

This study aims to identify the perceived important attributes of themed amusement parks in China and to assess any gaps between the levels of importance and satisfaction with regard to guests’ experiences. The theme park attributes, developed by the previous research, were adapted as a theoretical basis for this study. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed in six major Chinese theme parks to domestic visitors who ranked the levels of importance and satisfaction of Chinese theme park attributes during their visit. The results indicated that the most important attributes impacting visitors’ satisfaction were staff’s knowledge of the theme park, safety of roller coasters, security of the park, and ticket price. An importance–satisfaction analysis divided all the attributes into four categories proposed by Martilla and James. The majority of the attributes fell into the category of “Concentrate Here.” Managerial and marketing implications regarding the results were discussed.
An advanced framework for food trail performance
Authors: Anderson Allison , Law Lisa
Published: October 2012

The development of food trails is regularly touted as a key economic diversification strategy for struggling areas in rural Australia. Academics and consultants alike offer many strategies for their successful development; however, none present a comprehensive consideration of food trail quality. This article reports on a study exploring two food trails in regional Australia, based on a framework developed from success factors identified in the literature. While one trail was considered ‘successful’ and the other ‘unsuccessful’, the longevity of both trails was in jeopardy, raising questions of whether the success factors identified in the literature adequately address the real issues facing food trails. Drawing on the experiences of the case studies, a more critical and user-friendly framework for food trail performance is proposed with the aim of providing a tool for enquiry for rural areas considering diversification into food tourism through trails.
Tourist destination brand equity and internal stakeholders
Authors: Sartori Andrea , Mottironi Cristina , Corigliano Magda Antonioli
Published: October 2012

Successful destination branding strategies require the commitment and mobilization of internal stakeholders in order to reinforce the communication of the brand message to the tourist market. To this purpose, the literature suggests that adopting an inclusive and participative approach to the branding process can increase and maintain the stakeholders’ willingness to share the brand mission. However, the results of such sharing and involvement strategies in terms of internal brand equity creation are still under research. In order to fill such a gap, the article proposes to build on the established consumer-based brand equity model for assessing the internal stakeholder-based brand equity of tourist destinations. The model, comprising four dimensions – brand awareness, image, commitment, and satisfaction/loyalty – is then applied to the analysis of South Tyrol’s (Italy) regional branding strategy, through a survey of internal brand users. Findings confirm the importance of a participative approach to the branding process in order to enhance its overall internal equity. Findings also show a relevant information gap regarding brand performance that impacts the stakeholders’ commitment. This confirms the link between the internal and external performance of destination brands. Moreover, significant differences in the levels of brand awareness, commitment, and satisfaction among different categories of stakeholders suggest that the brand authorities should enact targeted internal communication efforts.
Connecting Oenological and gastronomical tourisms at the Wine Roads, Veneto, Italy, for the promotion and development of agrotourism
Authors: Bitsani Evgenia , Kavoura Androniki
Published: October 2012

This article examines the motivations for attending wine festivals in the region of Veneto, Italy, and the connection of such visitation with the gastronomical presence at wineries in an attempt to relate gastronomical and wine tourism and specify tourists’ typology. A total of 1330 respondents filled in a questionnaire at the festival called the ‘Veneto Wine Festival’ at Wine Roads, Veneto, which is the most active wine-producing region in Italy, to examine the significance that the combination of wine with gastronomical activities may play for visiting the region. This article makes a theoretical and practical contribution adding to the literature on segmentation of wine tourists and whether there is a differentiation among them, since there is little research on the segmentation of wine tourists for the area of Veneto. Results showed four categories for gastro-oenological visitors: the wine-friendly, the beginner, the occasional visitor and the tourist. Suggestions are also made for the supply side of wine tourism in order to adopt marketing strategies about products and prices on offer. Each wine festival is unique. Veneto does not have balanced tourism development; close urban centres such as Venice and Padova in Italy attract the majority of visitors. Therefore, the implementation of an advertising communication programme may promote information about the area and its wineries for the development of agrotourism.
Recognising new market opportunities and selecting appropriate segments
Authors: Prideaux Bruce , Cave Jenny , Thompson Michelle , Sibtain Jonathan
Published: October 2012

Many destinations encounter problems when attempting to adopt a strategic approach to planning. If destinations misread target markets and fail to provide the experiences desired by tourists, they face the danger of falling revenue, adverse impacts on their image and a disenchanted travel trade sector that may make recommendations to its clients to travel elsewhere. This article examines how destinations are able to use a tourism-specific version of the strategic window of opportunity model to identify opportunities for participating in new, rapidly growing markets. The utility of the model is demonstrated by examining how the steps suggested in the model were used in Cairns, Australia, to develop its Chinese market sector. This article contributes to a gap in the literature regarding strategies that may be used by destinations searching for new markets.
Australian multicultural policy: Social cohesion through a political conception of autonomy
Authors: Keddie Amanda
Published: October 2012

This article provides an account of the governance discourses informing Australia’s multicultural policy history. The article problematises the liberal ideologies informing these discourses – as essentialising the cultural identity of minority groups within exclusionary values about what constitutes the common good. Highlighting the ongoing imperative of questioning current frames for understanding and approaching multiculturalism, the article strengthens existing research that calls for alternative models that support a political conception of autonomy. The key argument is that social cohesion, unity and solidarity can be engendered through this conception where a situationally defined, rather than essentialised, view of culture enables recognition and legitimising of a proliferation of voices and versions of national identity and the common good.
Attenuating effect of lisinopril and telmisartan in intracerebroventricular streptozotocin induced experimental dementia of Alzheimer’s disease type: possible involvement of PPAR-γ agonistic property
Authors: Singh Birdavinder , Sharma Bhupesh , Jaggi Amteshwar S , Singh Nirmal
Published: October 2012

This study investigates the beneficial role of lisinopril, an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) and telmisartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), in intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) streptozotocin (STZ) induced dementia of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) type in mice. This study also aimed to explore the role of PPAR-γ in lisinopril and telmisartan mediated effects in i.c.v. STZ mice. Donepezil served as the positive control in the study. Mice underwent i.c.v. injection of STZ. The Morris water maze (MWM) test was employed for assessment of learning and memory. Various biochemical estimations, namely brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, nitrite/nitrate and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) levels and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, were also performed. The study showed that i.c.v. STZ significantly impaired learning and memory of the animals along with a significant enhancement in brain AChE, MPO, TBARS, nitrite/nitrate levels and reduction in brain GSH levels. Treatments of lisinopril/telmisartan/donepezil significantly attenuated STZ induced behavioral and biochemical changes. Pre-treatment with bisphenol-A-diglycidyl ether (BADGE), a selective PPAR-γ antagonist, significantly abolished the beneficial effect of lisinopril/telmisartan in i.c.v. STZ treated animals. The results of this investigation document a potential role of PPAR-γ in the beneficial effects of lisinopril and telmisartan in i.c.v. STZ dementia of AD type.
Cultural determinants of email communication styles
Authors: Holtbrügge Dirk , Weldon Abigail , Rogers Helen
Published: October 2012

Based on a sample of 234 IT consulting and services professionals from various cultural backgrounds, this study investigates whether Edward T. Hall’s concept of culture can explain cultural differences in email communication. Although a vast array of intercultural research employs Hall’s concept in various communication settings, few take into account the computer-mediated communication technologies that now play an integral role in the operations of international companies. Our results show that cultural differences in email are present and can be explained by Hall’s dimensions of context, time, and space orientation. In particular, cultural background has a significant impact on the preference for formalness, promptness, preciseness, task-relatedness, and relationship-relatedness in email communication. Implications for managers as well as future studies are derived.
Marking America’s Progress in the West
Authors: Lewis Tiffany
Published: October 2012

This article examines the everyday memory practices Westerners employed to shape the meaning of Wyoming in the early twentieth century. Resisting the “Wild West” image of the cowboy that was popularized by Western mythmakers from the East, like Owen Wister and Frederic Remington, Grace Raymond Hebard led an effort to mark Wyoming as settled, “civilized,” and equal to the East. Hebard worked with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Wyoming Oregon Trail Commission (WOTC) to mark the path of the Oregon Trail across the state of Wyoming. Hebard’s commemorative discourse domesticated Wyoming’s image as she celebrated signifiers of Wyoming’s domesticity and drew on the agrarian myth to elevate the settler—who tamed the Wyoming land and built a permanent home—as the Western hero. By commemorating and marking local sites throughout Wyoming, Hebard constructed each marker as a material manifestation of Wyoming’s progress, civilization, and mythic significance.
Sexually dimorphic stress and pro-inflammatory cytokine responses to an intravenous corticotropin-releasing hormone challenge of Brahman cattle following transportation
Authors: Hulbert Lindsey E , Carroll Jeffery A , Ballou Michael A , Burdick Nicole C , Dailey Jeffery W , Caldwell Lisa C , Loyd Andrea N , Vann Rhonda C , Welsh Thomas H , Randel Ronald D
Published: October 2012

This study was designed to characterize potential sexually dimorphic stress and immunological responses following a corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) challenge in beef cattle. Six female (heifers) and six male (bulls) Brahman calves (264 ± 12 d of age) were administered CRH intravenously (0.5 µg of CRH/kg body mass) after which serum concentrations of cortisol increased from 0.5 h to 4 h. From 1 h to 4 h after CRH administration, serum cortisol concentrations were greater in heifers than in bulls. In all cattle, increased serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6 and IFN-γ were observed from 2.5 h to 3 h after CRH, with greater concentrations of IFN-γ and IL-6 in heifers than bulls. Heifer total leukocyte counts decreased 1 h after CRH administration, while bull leukocyte counts and percent neutrophils decreased 2 h after CRH administration. Heifers had greater rectal temperatures than bulls, yet rectal temperatures did not change following administration of CRH. There was no effect of CRH administration on heart rate. However, bulls tended to have increased heart rate 2 h after CRH administration than before CRH. Heifer heart rate was greater than bulls throughout the study. These data demonstrate that acute CRH administration can elicit a pro-inflammatory response, and cattle exhibit a sexually dimorphic pro-inflammatory cytokine and cortisol response to acute CRH administration.
Fluid dynamics of cricket ball swing
Authors: Scobie James A , Pickering Simon G , Almond Darryl P , Lock Gary D
Published: October 2012

Swing describes the lateral deviation of a cricket ball in its trajectory towards the batsman. Conventional swing is effective with a new, or well-preserved, ball, and the fluid dynamics governing this phenomenon was first explained in 1957. In 2012, many test-match fast bowlers are able to swing, at high speed, an older ball in the reverse direction. This reverse swing of a ball aged under match conditions has never been explained fully. A cricket ball is asymmetric with six seams of 80–90 encircling stitches, protruding approximately 1 mm proud of the surface. Both conventional and reverse swings are a consequence of asymmetrical flow separation leading to a skewed wake and a net pressure force on the ball perpendicular to the flight trajectory. Here, experimental evidence is presented for the first time showing that the formation of a laminar separation bubble is the prominent flow feature creating the flow asymmetry for reverse swing. A new flow visualisation technique to capture the fluid dynamics of boundary-layer separation using an infrared camera is also introduced here.
Experience with degarelix in the treatment of prostate cancer
Authors: Shore Neal D.
Published: October 2012

Degarelix is a gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist for the first-line treatment of androgen-dependent advanced prostate cancer. It has a direct mechanism of action that blocks the action of GnRH on the pituitary with no initial surge in gonadotrophin or testosterone levels. Degarelix is the most extensively studied and widely available GnRH antagonist worldwide. Clinical studies have demonstrated similar efficacy to the GnRH agonist leuprolide in achieving testosterone suppression in patients with prostate cancer. However, degarelix produces a faster suppression of testosterone and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), with no testosterone surge or microsurges, thus preventing the risk of clinical flare in advanced disease. Clinical trials have demonstrated that degarelix can offer improved disease control when compared with a GnRH agonist in terms of superior PSA progression-free survival (suggesting that degarelix likely delays progression to castration-resistant disease), and a more significant impact on bone serum alkaline phosphatase and follicle-stimulating hormone. Degarelix is generally well tolerated, with no reports of systemic allergic reactions in any clinical studies. In conclusion, degarelix offers clinicians a rational first-line hormonal monotherapy option for the management of advanced prostate cancer.
The Complex Matter of Online Hotel Choice
Authors: Pan Bing , Zhang Lixuan , Law Rob
Published: October 2012

Hotels that appear near the top of the list of search results or an online travel agency page usually get more attention and hits than those showing up lower on the page, but other factors create exceptions to this rule. This study demonstrates that the complexities of the consumer decision process extend beyond mere page position. Other factors that influence consumers’ attention to options in a list of hotels include the number of options and the presence of images. The study underlines the principle that the position of a hotel in a list and on a web page fold helps determine subjects’ attention. Beyond that, presenting test subjects with a lengthy set of hotel options (twenty hotels in this case) seemed to overwhelm the subjects, who tended to reduce their consideration set using different strategies, notably by focusing on price. In addition to creating a more favorable consideration of a hotel, presenting images of the hotels meant that the subjects evaluated more hotels, and reviewed each option more carefully by paying more attention to both the images and the accompanying text. The presence of images not only helped to alleviate the perceived information overload problem but also induced more hedonic elements in decision making, including encouraging guests to consider a hotel that did not otherwise shine in the text description. As a result, we recommend reducing the number of options on one page, understanding web visitors’ conversion rates through a nonlinear formula of attention, and providing appealing and interesting images when a hotel is inferior in terms of other criteria.
Using biologic predictive factors to direct therapy of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Dunleavy Kieron , Grant Cliona , Wilson Wyndham H.
Published: October 2012

While diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) was once considered to be a single disease entity, recent biological insights have demonstrated that it can be divided up into at least three molecular subtypes. Gene expression profiling has revealed that DLBCL consists of a germinal center B-cell like subtype (GCB), an activated B-cell like subtype (ABC) and a primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma subtype (PMBL). These three entities arise from different stages of B-cell differentiation and are characterized by distinct mechanisms of oncogenic activation. In GCB DLBCL, the BCL6 transcription factor may play an important role in tumor survival and treatment resistance and strategies that target this are under investigation. ABC DLBCL is characterized by high expression of target genes of the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/Rel family of transcription factors and strategies that target NF-κB are in clinical trials. PMBL is a distinct clinicopathologic entity that shares many molecular features with nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and may benefit from dose intensity approaches and inhibition of the Janus kinases. Other biologic predictive factors such as MYC and BCL2 may be overexpressed in both the GCB and ABC subtypes and strategies that target these complexes are also being tested.