bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dette publique et croissance économique : investigation empirique pour la zone euro, l’Union européenne et les pays avancés
Authors: Ben Ltaief Leila 
Published: January 2015

L’objet de cet article est d’étudier l’impact de la dette publique sur la croissance économique. Pour ce faire et afin d’éviter le problème d’hétérogénéité, un échantillon total de 35 pays (zone euro, Union européenne et pays avancés) est divisé en deux groupes, différenciés par leurs ratios d’endettement public en pourcentage du PIB. Nous testons cette problématique durant la période 2006-2013, marquée par la crise financière et celle de la dette souveraine. L’outil économétrique utilisé se base sur les estimations de la méthode des moments généralisés en panel dynamique, développée par Blundell et Bond (1998).
Les résultats obtenus au niveau de l’échantillon total et des pays très endettés plaident en faveur d’un effet négatif du fardeau élevé de la dette publique sur la croissance, au-delà des valeurs limites suggérées par le traité de Maastricht. Pour le groupe de pays qui maîtrise bien son ratio d’endettement, l’impact est au contraire positif, confirmant l’existence d’un effet d’incitation du déficit et de la dette publique à la croissance économique. La conclusion de ce travail est que la relation entre la dette publique et la croissance varie considérablement selon la période observée et le pays étudié. En plus, l’endettement public peut être considéré comme un outil légitime de politique économique qui permet de fabriquer la croissance, si elle est gérée avec prudence.
Applying the cold plasma dispersion relation to whistler mode chorus waves: EMFISIS wave measurements from the Van Allen Probes
Authors: Hartley D. P. , Chen Y. , Kletzing C. A. , Denton M. H. , Kurth W. S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMost theoretical wave models require the power in the wave magnetic field in order to determine the effect of chorus waves on radiation belt electrons. However, researchers typically use the cold plasma dispersion relation to approximate the magnetic wave power when only electric field data are available. In this study, the validity of using the cold plasma dispersion relation in this context is tested using Electric and Magnetic Field Instrument Suite and Integrated Science (EMFISIS) observations of both the electric and magnetic spectral intensities in the chorus wave band (0.1–0.9 fce). Results from this study indicate that the calculated wave intensity is least accurate during periods of enhanced wave activity. For observed wave intensities >10−3 nT2, using the cold plasma dispersion relation results in an underestimate of the wave intensity by a factor of 2 or greater 56% of the time over the full chorus wave band, 60% of the time for lower band chorus, and 59% of the time for upper band chorus. Hence, during active periods, empirical chorus wave models that are reliant on the cold plasma dispersion relation will underestimate chorus wave intensities to a significant degree, thus causing questionable calculation of wave‐particle resonance effects on MeV electrons.
Does Computed Tomography–Based Muscle Density Predict Muscle Function and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Patients With Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies?
Authors: Cleary Laura C. , Crofford Leslie J. , Long Douglas , Charnigo Richard , Clasey Jody , Beaman Francesca , Jenkins Kirk A. , Fraser Natasha , Srinivas Archana , Dhaon Nicole , Hanaoka Beatriz Y. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of low‐density (lipid‐rich) muscle measured by computed tomography (CT) with skeletal muscle function and health‐related quality of life in idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs).MethodsSeventeen patients and 10 healthy controls underwent CT of the midthigh to quantify high‐ (30–100 HU) and low‐density (0–29 HU) skeletal muscle areas. Anthropometric measures, body composition, physical activity level, health‐related quality of life, skeletal muscle strength, endurance, and fatigue were assessed. Patients were compared against controls. The relationship of anthropometric, body composition, and disease variables with measures of muscle function were examined using Spearman's test on the patient group. Linear regression was used to assess the age‐ and disease‐adjusted relationship of muscle quality to physical function and muscle strength.ResultsPatients had higher body fat percentage (P = 0.042), trunk fat mass (P = 0.042), android:gynoid fat (P = 0.033), and midthigh low‐density muscle/total muscle area (P < 0.001) compared to controls. Midthigh low‐density muscle/total muscle area was negatively correlated with self‐reported physical function, strength, and endurance (the Short Form 36 [SF‐36] health survey physical functioning [P = 0.004], manual muscle testing [P = 0.020], knee maximal voluntary isometric contraction/thigh mineral‐free lean mass [P < 0.001], and the endurance step test [P < 0.001]), suggesting that muscle quality impacts function in IIM. Using multiple linear regression adjusted for age, global disease damage, and total fat mass, poor muscle quality as measured by midthigh low‐density muscle/total muscle area was negatively associated with SF‐36 physical functioning (P = 0.009).ConclusionMidthigh low‐density muscle/total muscle area is a good predictor of muscle strength, endurance, and health‐related quality of life as it pertains to physical functioning in patients with IIMs.
Influence of Biomechanical Characteristics on Pain and Function Outcomes From Exercise in Medial Knee Osteoarthritis and Varus Malalignment: Exploratory Analyses From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bennell Kim L. , Dobson Fiona , Roos Ewa M. , Skou Søren T. , Hodges Paul , Wrigley Tim V. , Kyriakides Mary , Metcalf Ben , Hunt Michael A. , Hinman Rana S. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate whether selected biomechanical characteristics influence changes in pain and physical function with exercise in people with medial knee osteoarthritis (OA) and varus malalignment.MethodsWe conducted post hoc exploratory analyses from a randomized controlled trial involving 100 people with medial knee OA and varus malalignment who were randomly allocated to one of two 12‐week exercise programs (quadriceps strengthening [QS] or neuromuscular exercise [NEXA]). The outcome measures were change in overall average knee pain (visual analog scale) and self‐reported physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index). Candidate biomechanical characteristics measured at baseline were visually observed varus thrust during walking, obesity (determined by body mass index), static varus alignment, and isometric quadriceps strength. Data were analyzed with separate two‐way analyses of covariance using the interaction term of exercise group by biomechanical characteristic.ResultsNinety‐two participants were analyzed for each characteristic except varus thrust, for which 85 participants were included. For change in pain, there was a significant interaction effect between type of exercise and both varus thrust (P = 0.001) and obesity (P = 0.023). NEXA was more effective for nonobese participants (mean change 29.5 mm [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 20.5, 38.5]) and for those with varus thrust (mean change 28.7 mm [95% CI 19.4, 38.1]), whereas QS was more effective for obese people (mean change 24.7 mm [95% CI 14.9, 34.4]) and for those without varus thrust (mean change 29.4 mm [95% CI 21.2, 37.7]). Biomechanical characteristics did not influence the effect of exercise on physical function (P > 0.05).ConclusionThese preliminary findings suggest that varus thrust and obesity influence the pain‐relieving effects of 2 different types of exercise. Further research is needed to confirm whether or not exercise that is prescribed according to specific biomechanical characteristics optimizes knee OA outcomes.
Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Rongen‐van Dartel S. A. A. , Repping‐Wuts H. , Flendrie M. , Bleijenberg G. , Metsios G. S. , van den Hout W. B. , van den Ende C. H. M. , Neuberger G. , Reid A. , van Riel P. L. C. M. , Fransen J. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveRheumatoid arthritis (RA) fatigue is not being well‐managed currently, and evidence of effective interventions is limited. Aerobic exercise may provide benefit to treat fatigue in RA. Therefore, the purpose of this meta‐analysis is to analyze the effect of aerobic land‐based exercise on fatigue in RA.MethodsA literature search was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and trial registers to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with a supervised land‐based aerobic exercise program performed with an intensity between 50% and 90% of maximal heart rate, of at least 15 minutes' duration, performed at least 2 times a week, and lasting for a time period of at least 4 consecutive weeks. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. A meta‐analysis of fatigue outcomes was performed by calculating the standardized mean difference (SMD) using a random‐effects model.ResultsFive RCTs were included. None of the trials selected patients with RA for having fatigue. Risk of bias was low in 3 RCTs and unclear in 2. Land‐based aerobic exercise programs had a positive effect on fatigue in RA compared to no exercise at 12 weeks, SMD −0.31 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.55, −0.06). At 24 weeks, the effect of aerobic land‐based exercise was smaller and not statistically significant: SMD −0.15 (95% CI −0.33, 0.02).ConclusionThere is evidence with low risk of bias that an aerobic exercise program is effective in reducing fatigue among patients with RA, especially in the short term; however, effects are small. To substantiate the evidence, RCTs should be performed in patients with RA selected for having fatigue.
Racial and Ethnic Differences in Mortality and Cardiovascular Events Among Patients With End‐Stage Renal Disease Due to Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Gómez‐Puerta Jose A. , Feldman Candace H. , Alarcón Graciela S. , Guan Hongshu , Winkelmayer Wolfgang C. , Costenbader Karen H. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo identify racial and ethnic differences in mortality and cardiovascular (CV) risk among patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) due to lupus nephritis (LN).MethodsWithin the US ESRD registry (1995–2008), we identified individuals ages >17 years with incident ESRD due to systemic lupus erythematosus. We ascertained demographics, clinical factors, and deaths from registry patient files and CV events (myocardial infarction, heart failure, and hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes) from inpatient Medicare claims. We calculated incidence rates (95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) per 1,000 person‐years for study events, stratified by race and ethnicity. We compared probabilities of the events among racial and ethnic groups using cumulative incidence function curves and multivariable‐adjusted subdistribution proportional hazard ratios (HRsd), taking into account the competing events of kidney transplantation and death (for nonfatal CV events).ResultsOf 12,533 patients with LN‐associated ESRD, the mean ± SD age was 40.7 ± 14.9 years, 82% were women, and 49% were African American. The overall mortality rate was 98.1/1,000 person‐years (95% CI 95.3–100.9). In multivariable models, Asian and Hispanic LN‐associated ESRD patients had lower mortality than whites (HRsd 0.70 [95% CI 0.58–0.84] and 0.79 [95% CI 0.71–0.88], respectively), whereas African Americans had higher mortality (HRsd 1.27 [95% CI 1.18–1.36]). African American patients >40 years old had higher mortality than their white counterparts (HRsd 1.67 [95% CI 1.44–1.93]). African Americans were more likely to be admitted for heart failure or hemorrhagic stroke.ConclusionAmong patients with LN‐associated ESRD, Asians and Hispanics experienced lower mortality and CV event risks than whites, and African Americans had higher mortality and CV event risks than whites.
Perforation of a nasoseptal flap does not increase the rate of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak
Authors: Huntley Colin , Iloreta Alfred Marc Calo , Nyquist Gurston G. , Otten Marc , Garcia Hermes , Farrell Christopher , Rosen Marc R. , Evans James J. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundThe nasoseptal flap (NSF) has been shown to be a valuable addition to the reconstructive armamentarium of the endoscopic skull‐base surgeon. We aimed to evaluate the rate of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak after use of a NSF that had a small tear during harvest.MethodsAfter Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, we analyzed our database of patients undergoing skull‐base resection. We included all patients who had a NSF reconstruction, septoplasty, and/or spur on preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging. We then evaluated video of each procedure to determine if a tear occurred in the NSF during harvest. Patient records were reviewed to determine if a postoperative CSF leak occurred.ResultsWe evaluated video of 21 patients who underwent a skull‐base resection, were reconstructed with a NSF, and had either a septoplasty or evidence of a septal spur on CT imaging. Of these 21 cases, 11 small tears occurred during harvest of the NSF flap and none of the patients with a torn NSF had a postoperative CSF leak.ConclusionOur series shows a 0% postoperative CSF leak rate in patients undergoing skull‐base reconstruction with a NSF that was torn during harvest. Small tears in the NSF do not seem to affect postoperative CSF leak rates.
The impact of sinus surgery on sleep outcomes
Authors: Rotenberg Brian W. , Pang Kenny P. 
Published: January 2015

BackgroundFunctional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is standard for patients who fail medical management of chronic sinusitis (CRS). The beneficial impact of surgery on CRS is well known. However, patients often note that their sleep is improved after FESS even without simultaneous correction of nasal obstruction. Sleep outcomes after FESS are significantly understudied. Hence in the current study we look to characterize patient sleep quality following sinus surgery.MethodsData was gathered from 2 sites (Western University [Canada] and the Asia Sleep Center [Singapore]). Patients meeting diagnostic criteria for CRS without nasal polyposis (CRSsNP) were included. Cases with polyposis and those who needed a septoplasty were excluded so as to purely analyze the impact of the sinus surgery on sleep. Sleep outcomes recorded at baseline just prior to surgery and 6 months after surgery were the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (EpSS) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). We also recorded 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) scores and Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) scores. Comparisons were made with paired t tests.ResultsFifty‐three patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria. Sleep outcomes showed a clinically and statistically significant improvement (EpSS before FESS = 14.7 ± 3.1, EpSS after FESS = 9.1 ± 1.1, p < 0.01; PSQI before FESS = 10.9 ± 2.8, PSQI after FESS = 5.3 ± 2.2, p < 0.01). CRS‐specific outcomes were improved as well. Nasal obstruction scores did not change significantly.ConclusionFESS improved sleep outcomes for the patients in our study. This was independent of correction of nasal obstruction. Sinus surgery for CRSsNP has a beneficial impact on sleep; this novel information can be used during patient counseling and for justification to third‐party payers.
The Somatosensory Link in Fibromyalgia: Functional Connectivity of the Primary Somatosensory Cortex Is Altered by Sustained Pain and Is Associated With Clinical/Autonomic Dysfunction
Authors: Kim Jieun , Loggia Marco L. , Cahalan Christine M. , Harris Richard E. , Beissner Florian , Garcia Ronald G. , Kim Hyungjun , Barbieri Riccardo , Wasan Ajay D. , Edwards Robert R. , Napadow Vitaly 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveFibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic functional pain syndrome characterized by widespread pain, significant pain catastrophizing, sympathovagal dysfunction, and amplified temporal summation for evoked pain. While several studies have demonstrated altered resting brain connectivity in FM, studies have not specifically probed the somatosensory system and its role in both somatic and nonsomatic FM symptoms. Our objective was to evaluate resting primary somatosensory cortex (S1) connectivity and to explore how sustained, evoked deep tissue pain modulates this connectivity.MethodsWe acquired functional magnetic resonance imaging and electrocardiography data on FM patients and healthy controls during rest (the rest phase) and during sustained mechanical pressure–induced pain over the lower leg (the pain phase). Functional connectivity associated with different S1 subregions was calculated, while S1leg connectivity (representation of the leg in the primary somatosensory cortex) was contrasted between the rest phase and the pain phase and was correlated with clinically relevant measures in FM.ResultsDuring the rest phase, FM patients showed decreased connectivity between multiple ipsilateral and cross‐hemispheric S1 subregions, which was correlated with clinical pain severity. Compared to the rest phase, the pain phase produced increased S1leg connectivity to the bilateral anterior insula in FM patients, but not in healthy controls. Moreover, in FM patients, sustained pain–altered S1leg connectivity to the anterior insula was correlated with clinical/behavioral pain measures and autonomic responses.ConclusionOur study demonstrates that both somatic and nonsomatic dysfunction in FM, including clinical pain, pain catastrophizing, autonomic dysfunction, and amplified temporal summation, are closely linked with the degree to which evoked deep tissue pain alters S1 connectivity to salience/affective pain‐processing regions. Additionally, diminished connectivity between S1 subregions during the rest phase in FM may result from ongoing widespread clinical pain.
Predominant Glandular Cholinergic Dysautonomia in Patients With Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Imrich Richard , Alevizos Ilias , Bebris Lolita , Goldstein David S. , Holmes Courtney S. , Illei Gabor G. , Nikolov Nikolay P. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveThe autonomic nervous system (ANS) modulates exocrine gland function. Available data show poor correlation between the degree of function and destruction of the exocrine glands in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), suggesting that other mechanisms, such as autonomic dysfunction, may be important in these patients. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive analysis of sympathoneural and sympathetic cholinergic function in well‐characterized patients with primary SS.MethodsTwenty‐one patients with primary SS (mean ± SEM age 44.2 ± 2.8 years) and 13 healthy control subjects (mean ± SEM age 50.8 ± 1.9 years) were assessed during orthostasis and intravenous injection of edrophonium (10 mg). The postganglionic sympathetic cholinergic system was evaluated by assessing sweat production by means of the Quantitative Sudomotor Axon Reflex Test (QSART). Tests of gastric emptying were used to assess the gastrointestinal ANS in primary SS patients.ResultsThe velocity index and the acceleration index were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in patients with primary SS as compared to controls, both before and during the orthostatic and edrophonium tests. Findings of other hemodynamic and neurochemical parameters did not differ between primary SS patients and controls during the orthostasis and edrophonium test; however, the edrophonium‐induced saliva increment was lower in primary SS patients (P = 0.002). Abnormally low sweat production was found in 4 primary SS patients but in none of the controls, as determined by the QSART. Gastric emptying was delayed in 53% of primary SS patients.ConclusionWe observed subtle differences in several ANS domains, including the gastrointestinal and sympathocholinergic systems, suggesting the presence of a complex ANS dysfunction in primary SS. The impact was greatest on the exocrine glands, with subtle differences in the cardiac parasympathetic function that were independent of glandular inflammation and atrophy, suggesting an alternative mechanism of disease pathogenesis in primary SS.
Cognitive–Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double‐Blind, Active Placebo–Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Smith Michael T. , Finan Patrick H. , Buenaver Luis F. , Robinson Mercedes , Haque Uzma , Quain Angela , McInrue Erin , Han Dingfen , Leoutsakis Jeannie , Haythornthwaite Jennifer A. 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveInsomnia is prevalent among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Research indicates that sleep disruption may amplify clinical pain by altering central pain modulation, suggesting that treatment of insomnia may improve pain. The aims of this study were to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive–behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) in patients with knee OA, to determine whether improvements in sleep predict reduced pain, and to determine whether alterations in pain modulation mediate improvements in clinical pain.MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double‐blind, active placebo–controlled clinical trial of CBT‐I in 100 patients with knee OA and insomnia (mean ± SD age 59.4 ± 9.5 years). Patients were randomized (1:1) to receive either 8 sessions of CBT‐I or behavioral desensitization (placebo). We conducted in‐home polysomnography (PSG), diary assessment, and sensory tests of pain modulation at baseline, posttreatment, 3 months, and 6 months.ResultsIntent‐to‐treat analyses demonstrated substantial improvement in sleep in both groups of patients. Patients in the CBT‐I group had significantly greater reductions in wake after sleep onset (WASO), as measured by patient diary and PSG. Patients in both groups reported significant and comparable reductions in pain over 6 months, with one‐third reporting a 30% reduction in pain severity. Baseline‐to‐posttreatment reductions in WASO as measured by diary and PSG predicted subsequent decreases in clinical pain. This effect was significantly greater for CBT‐I compared with behavioral desensitization. No significant changes in laboratory measures of pain modulation were observed.ConclusionCompared with active placebo, CBT‐I was efficacious in reducing sleep maintenance insomnia. CBT‐I decreased clinical pain, but not pain modulation, suggesting that it has the potential to augment pain management in knee OA. Future work is needed to identify the mechanisms by which improved sleep reduces clinical pain.
Adaptive Tracking Control for Nonlinear Systems with a Class of Input Nonlinearities
Authors: Liu Zongcheng , Dong Xinmin , Xue Jianping , Zhang Lipeng 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAn adaptive tracking control approach is presented for nonlinear systems with a class of input nonlinearities. A generalized model has been developed for a class of non‐smooth nonlinearities that include dead‐zone, backlash and ‘backlash‐like’ hysteresis. By using the developed model and Nussbaum‐gain technique, the problem of input nonlinearity is solved perfectly. The proposed method is available even when the designer is uncertain about the type of input nonlinearities mentioned above, and the knowledge on the bounds of these nonlinearity parameters is not required. Furthermore, it is proved that all closed‐loop signals are bounded and the tracking error converges to a small residual set asymptotically. Two simulation examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Control of Discrete‐Time Systems Composed of Linear Blocks in Series with Saturation Components
Authors: Ghani D. , Giri F. , Chater E. , Chaoui F. Z. , Haloua M. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe consider the problem of controlling cascade systems consisting of two linear dynamic blocks and two saturation elements arranged according to the N‐L‐N‐L series configuration. A cascade controller is considered and its performances are formally analyzed using input–output stability tools. In addition to global boundedness of all signals of the closed‐loop system, the controller is formally shown to enjoy a l2 ‐tracking performance in presence of arbitrary‐shape inputs (i.e. reference signal, disturbance).